Racing to Sunagakure, Three Doses of Antidote

Not long after Naruto returned to Konoha from Yukigakure with Hinata, Tsunade summoned him.

Kakashi and Shizune were also waiting in the Hokage's Office.

They were the only three suitable ninja Konoha could spare.

"Sunagakure was attacked by Akatsuki last night. Gaara was abducted."

Tsunade got straight to the point. "They've asked for our help. They want us to send ninja to bring Gaara back."

Kakashi looked startled. "How many people did Akatsuki send? Sunagakure couldn't hold them off?"

Naruto put on an appropriately shocked expression and looked at Tsunade.

Shizune, who was always at Tsunade's side, had learned about it before either of them.

"Four. Two used explosive attacks. One was Sasori of the Red Sands, a former Sunagakure rogue ninja. The last wore a mask, and we don't know what they can do. The details are still unclear. Find out more when you reach Sunagakure."

Tsunade then gave them their orders.

"Kakashi will lead. The three of you are to leave for Sunagakure immediately and decide your next move once you arrive. I'll send further support afterward."

"Yes!"

Kakashi nodded, and he, Naruto, and Shizune vanished.

While Naruto himself headed for Sunagakure, the Female Avatar flew a White Clay Bird to a designated spot in the northern Land of Rivers, with Tobi in tow.

The Sealing of the One-Tail would begin soon.

Whenever they sealed a Tailed Beast, everyone had to find somewhere secluded to avoid interruptions or ambushes.

So the Female Avatar kicked Tobi straight off the bird. She didn't trust him one bit.

Only then did she steer the bird higher, into the clouds.

Would Tobi fall to his death?

Ha. Wouldn't that be better?

Naruto, Kakashi, and Shizune traveled in formation without speaking, pushing hard toward Sunagakure.

Along the way, they ran into