Resonance (Kakashi x OC, Gaara x OC) -- Book 2

Chapter 19: Summoning the Guard

Several ANBU black ops members appeared where Gaara stood moments after he was released from Itachi's jutsu. Four of them took off into the woods to try and pick up the Akatsuki trail. The rest stood motionless guarding the perimeter of the clearing. Several other shinobi were making their way towards Gaara, led by Naruto. They had recognized Gaara's signature moves and thought he may be in trouble.

"Gaara!" Naruto shouted. 

"What happened?" asked Sakura. "Is Keiko with you?"

"They took her," he replied, his voice unsteady. A veil of shock still covered his face as he swayed slightly.

"You mean you came alone, after that speech Keiko gave to me about not taking risks and getting backup!?!?!" he yelled.

Sakura shut her eyes and turned away. This was the first Naruto hadn't called Keiko "sister" in a long time. There was going to be hell to pay if he lost control. They weren't related by blood and Keiko had no family there, but she supposed that Naruto felt a kinship with Keiko because they both shared a demon spirit.

Sakura looked back to Naruto, "Even if it was reckless, those two had each other and they are pretty powerful together."

"Still," said Shikamaru, "we have teams to back each other up in case there's trouble beyond what we are prepared for."

"You guys aren't helping," growled Sakura, giving Gaara a sideways glance. She couldn't read his current expression, but she was sure inside he must be feeling terrible.

"Don't worry Gaara, we'll get Nee-san back," said Naruto, softening. "You're my brother now. I won't let you down."

"Thank you, Naruto."

The ANBU that had gone searching appeared back in the clearing. 

"They can't risk going too far from the village without being prepared," said Shikamaru. "I wonder if they found anything."

Tsunade herself came down having heard the news that the Akatsuki attacked the Kazekage at their own borders.

"I think we better resume this discussion back in the village. I know it's difficult Kazekage-sama, but if you would please join me in my office, we can discuss what to do next."

Naruto looked back at the memorial stone and he noticed the flowers carpeting the ground. Nee-san. I wonder if Kakashi-sensei were here if he would have been able to protect you. Gaara is really strong, but Kakashi-sensei was on a whole different level, from all of us. But Itachi still beat him. We're going to make you proud sensei. We will take him down, together.

Back in Tsunade's office, she offered Gaara a seat. "Ibiki, what's the report. Did your operatives pick up a trail?"

"No my lady," he said gruffly. "It seems they have someone with them that excels in concealment. We didn't find a trace and it seems they've masked their scent. We have some members of the Inuzuka clan continuing to try and pick up anything that's been missed."

"This situation with the Akatsuki is beginning to get out of hand. They've taken out one of our best shinobi, they've managed to capture the Kazekage once, and now they've captured Keiko. I was concerned that Naruto's presence alone may put the Leaf in danger. We can't have them marching into the Hidden villages and doing as they please. We need to find a way to stop them. Soon," Tsunade said, biting the tip of her thumb.

"Tsunade-sama," said Shizune, "this just came for you from the Raikage."

"The Land of Iron?" said Tsunade in surprise. She read through it in silence as the others watched. "This might be just what we needed. It sounds like the other villages are having trouble with the Akatsuki as well. They wish to hold a Kage Summit."

"They haven't held one in years," said Shizune in surprise.

Tsunade looked at Gaara as he looked down at his hands in his lap thoughtfully. "Maybe it's time. Regardless of our strength, the Akatsuki continue to be a problem. I was only saved because our villages worked together. Perhaps the only way we can save Keiko and the other Jinchūriki is by joining forces with the others as well."

"Meaning no disrespect Kazekage-sama," began Ibiki, "You are young yet. The depth of the mistrust and war between the villages is what drove them into hiding in the first place. Saving a bunch of demons is not going to persuade them."

Gaara flashed at him dangerously. Another man having seen what Gaara used to be might have flinched, but Ibiki stood unconcerned.

"That's enough Ibiki," snapped Tsunade. "Perhaps the other villages have not come to appreciate the Jinchūriki as we have, but they can hardly ignore the fact that the power of the Akatsuki and Orochimaru is spreading, and if we don't do something soon, everyone is going to be left to fight a war alone that they cannot win."

Tsunade turned, "Shizune, please reply to the Raikage that the Leaf accepts the invitation."

Gaara rose, "The Sand accepts as well. I will need to return and inform the council."

"Ibiki, please inform me immediately if the ANBU find anything," said Tsunade.

After Shizune and Ibiki left, Gaara turned to Tsunade. "Please Hokage-sama. If you hear anything..."

"I will let you know immediately," she smiled kindly. "She is well loved here too. If there's a chance we can save her, we are not going to leave her to die. Not so long as I am Hokage."

"The world is changing. There was a time not so long ago, no one cared about monsters. If we can change their minds, maybe we can change the minds at the Kage Summit," he said.

"I'm going to arrange an escort for you back to your village," Tsunade said. "I can't spare many at the moment until we have more information, but I think a small detail should stay there with you a while to help investigate any leads from your end, and they can back you up if for some reason there is more trouble. I want it clear to the people we stand together. I don't know what this summit will bring, but I'm sure it's not going to go smoothly."