"Sunagakure has sent an emergency request for aid of the highest priority! The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara... has been captured by a mysterious organization wearing black cloaks with red clouds!"
Shizune's trembling voice echoed through the Training Ground like a massive bomb, instantly shattering the deathly silence left by Shengu Xuan's display of terrifying strength.
"Black cloaks with red clouds... it's the Akatsuki!" The casual expression vanished from Jiraiya's face, replaced by an extremely grave look. He had tracked this mysterious organization for years and knew full well how terrifying these S-rank rogue ninja were.
"Gaara was captured?!" Naruto scrambled up from the ground, no longer sparing a thought for the red swelling on his forehead. Blazing fury ignited in his blue eyes. Gaara was a Jinchūriki just like him, and someone he considered a friend. He would never allow his friend to fall into those villains' hands!
Tsunade snatched the scroll from Shizune's hands, scanned it quickly, and immediately issued her orders. "This is an emergency! Sunagakure is our ally. With the Kazekage abducted, Konoha cannot stand idly by. Kakashi, take Naruto and Sakura, form Team Kakashi, and head to Sunagakure at once to provide aid!"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Fighting through the numbness from the lightning backlash inside his body, Kakashi barely managed to straighten up. Sakura and Naruto immediately acknowledged the order at the top of their voices as well.
Just as Team Kakashi was about to leave, a lazy voice suddenly cut in.
"Count me in. I'm bored out of my mind staying in the village anyway. This is a good chance to see just what this so-called Akatsuki can do. Hopefully, they can put up more of a fight than you."
Everyone turned to see Shengu Xuan strolling over with both hands in his pockets and a