Time That Passes By

Chapter 21 - Saving Gaara

Mai's POV

After the test and Tsuna-chan finally form Team Kakashi, they were given a mission. But before that, we receive a report that the Kazekage has been abducted.

Gaara...

I can already feel Naruto's rage. They were of course given this mission and depart soon after. Of course I followed them, I can't risk anything with Naruto and Gaara in danger...

Rin had to stay with Hiruzen, Konohamaru will be playing with her while we go on a mission.

Jiraiya said that the Akatsuki, where Itachi's in now.... Their aim's to collect all of the Bijuus. But I'm not so sure what for.

This past two and a half years, I've been regaining my strength and as well as learn the jutsu that Hashi used to control the Kyuubi... but unlike Hashi and Madara, I don't have Mokuton or even Sharingan to control them...

Also, although Rin's only three years old... I had to leave her already for missions and so on. Kakashi and I are ninjas. It's to be expected.

And this is my first time going to Sunagakure. I don't know if words about me has spread around, but there's definitely people who already know about me. So, this mission, it's not only about Gaara and Naruto... it concerns my safety as well, I'm very well aware of the risk, but I can't let this kids to suffer...

We met Temari on the way to Sunagakure.

"Naruto! Don't go so fast!!" Sakura said.

I look in front of me to see Naruto far ahead of us.

"Naruto! calm down! No matter how fast we go, it'll still take some time to reach!" Kakashi said.

"How the hell am I supposed to calm down?! It's always Gaara! Why does he always have to suffer?! He finally become Kazekage... and now he's being hunted down like this!! He's the one who's always suffering... way more than me!! So I can't just leave him like this knowing he needs my help!!" Naruto said.

"Naruto..." Sakura look at him sadly.

I jump ahead and reach Naruto. I grab his hand.

I can see the Kyuubi starting to take control a little.

We all stop.

"Naruto... calm yourself. If you're not calm, you won't be able to save Gaara. Gaara's important to us as well, he's a precious child to me. So you must calm down, okay?" I said.

His expression became calm; his eyes turn normal.

He nods at me.

"Good. Now let's go guys, we don't have much time" I said and we ran full speed.

When we reach the desert, the storm starts.

'of all time... why does it have to storm right now?!' I thought, getting a bit worried of Gaara.

"You should calm down too, Mai" Kakashi held my hand.

I look at him and took a deep breath. I then nod.

After about an hour or so, the storm subsides and we finally reach the village. We immediately went to the hospital, hearing the others talk about Kankuro getting poison.

"Kankuro of all people get poison?" I said, as I saw him sleeping on the bed, he has a pain expression on him.

The two elders who's by Kankuro's side, turn around and look at us. Temari ran to Kankuro's side. Sakura start helping the medication.