The Crisis in Konoha

Kiyomi slumped to the ground.

"I'm exhausted."

Just then, an Anbu ninja appeared.

"Lord Sasuke," the Anbu said.

"What is it?" Sasuke asked.

"Lord Hokage wants to see you," the Anbu said.

Sasuke nodded.

"I understand."

He turned to Kiyomi.

"Keep practicing," he said.

"Okay," Kiyomi said.

Sasuke left with the Anbu.

Kiyomi got to her feet.

"Back to training."

She began practicing Lightning Armor.

But she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"Lord Hokage called for Master Sasuke again..." she murmured. "Did something happen?"

She shook her head.

"Don't overthink it."

She continued practicing.

But her unease only grew stronger.

Finally, she stopped.

"This won't do," she said. "I need to go see what's happening."

She ran toward the Hokage Building.

When she arrived, Naruto, Sasuke, and Shikamaru were in the office.

There was also an unfamiliar ninja.

"Kiyomi?" Naruto said. "What are you doing here?"

"I..." Kiyomi said. "I wanted to know what was going on."

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances.

"Come in," Naruto said.

Kiyomi entered the office.

"What happened?" she asked.

"We got word from Sunagakure," Shikamaru said. "Kara has appeared there."

Kiyomi's eyes widened.

"Sunagakure?"

"That's right," Shikamaru said. "Their target is the One-Tail."

Kiyomi clenched her fists.

"Kara again."

"Gaara is already handling it," Naruto said. "But he wants us to send support."

"I'll go," Sasuke said.

"No," Naruto said. "I'm going this time."

"Why?" Sasuke asked.

"Because Gaara is my friend," Naruto said. "I can't let him face this alone."

Sasuke fell silent.

"Then I'll go with you."

"No," Naruto said. "You're staying in the village."

"Same as always," Sasuke said.

"The village needs you," Naruto said. "What if Kara attacks Konoha...?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth.

"I understand."

Naruto turned to the unfamiliar ninja.

"Go back and tell Gaara," he said.