Months back, Naruto returned to the village leaving me to train. I sent him using my Kamui near the village. Naruto made his way to the village entrance and greeted izumo & kotetsu. Knowing it's Naruto, they sent a message to the Hokage. The Hokage asked Naruto to meet her immediately. Naruto went to the Hokage's office and spoke "hi granny, its been a long time. I've finished my training and I'm strong now". Tsunade said "It's good that you are back Naruto, by the way, where's sasuke?"
Naruto replied "He sent me to the village because I've finished my training and said that he has to take care of some things so he'll return later". Tsunade sighed and said "Fine. He can take care of himself. I hope he comes back soon". Naruto nodded and left the Hokage's office and went around the village as it has been a long time he's been here. He went to Ichiraku ramen and greeted Teuchi and Ayame and ordered some ramen. Teuchi brought his ren and said "It's good to see you again Naruto the remen is on the house for the celebration of your return." Naruto smiled and started to eat his ramen. After he finished his ramen, he thanked them and left.
While he was walking in the village streets, an anbu suddenly came to him and said "The Hokage wants to see you immediately". Naruto nodded and made his way to the Hokage's office. Inside the office, there were Kakashi, Karin and Sakura. Sakura seeind Naruto asked "NARUTO!! when did you come back? Where's Sasuke?" Naruto replied "It's good to see you again Sakura. I just came back in the morning. Sasuke said he needs to do sone things and sent me back ahead". Sakura gloated and Kakashi spoke "Its good to see you are back Naruto. You look strong as well". Naruto nodded and said "Nice ro see you as well Kakashi sensei. And you too Karin". Karin smiled and said "It's good to see you too Naruto".
Tsunade left them to have their greetings and said "Ahem! We have a situation. The Kazekage Gaara has been Kidnapped by the Akatsuki. We have received a help request from the sand village". Naruto shocked asked "Granny, what do you mean the Kazekage Gaara?" Hearing him, Kakashi said " Naruto, Gaara became the new Kazekage of the sand while we were outside the village". Naruto was genuinely happy for Gaara and smiled while nodding. Tsunade then spoke "Kakashi, I'm giving you an important mission to help the sand and redcue the Kazekage. I know you just came back Naruto, but this mission is important and....". Naruto interrupted her saying "No worries granny. I would have gone anyway to save Gaara. Besides, I haven't had a good fight since a long time".
Tsunade smiled and said "You four are to leave the village as soon as possible and head towards the sand village. Danzo recommended that you take one of his root agents along as Sasuke isn't back yet, but I shrugged him off and added Karin to your team. So get ready and go". The four of them nodded and they left the office. After they left, Tsunade contemplated 'I hope you will be able to rescue the Kazekage. Good luck'. After getting out of the office, Kakashi said "Get all the necessary stuffs and meet me at the village entrance in half an hour". The three of them nodded and they went their own ways.
After half an hour, All four of them met at the entrance of the village and they left in the direction of the sand village. After traveling a while, Naruto sensed a person ahead and told everyone. They went innthe direction Naruto pointed and met up with Temari. Temari was on her way back to the sand village from the leaf as well. Kakashi explained the situation to Temari and the five of them continued together to the sand village. After travelling the whole day, they set up tents to rest for the night in a clearing. Naruto said, It would have been good if Sasuke was here. He would have made a house for us to rest. Kakashi nodded and everyone went to sleep.
Morning all five of them woke up and continued their journey. Nearing the sand village, there was a sandstorm and Temari said "It's too difficult to get past the sandstorm. We have to wait till it dies down". Naruto shook his and said "If we delay, Gaara's life will be in danger. We need to hurry". Kakashi said "I know what you are feeling Naruto. But we have to wait till the sandstorm ends". Naruto smiled and said "No problem Kakashi sensei, I can get us through the storm. Its no problem". Then he joined his hands and muttered "Kurama, lets do it." Kurama hissed and said "Fine kid be grateful." and released his chakra.
Suddenly, Naruto was covered in yellow cloak and the cloak grew and covered all five of them, then it transformed into a huge Ninetailed fox. Kakashi smiled seeing this. The other three was surprised at the power displayed by Naruto. Naruto then said "let's go" and the fox started running fast in the sandstorm. After a few hours, they saw the entrance of the sand villlage and Naruto undid his transformation, letting all of them land on the ground. Then they made their way into the sand village.
Inside the sand village, Baki was having a hard day. The village was attacked by the Akatsuki and the Kazekage was kidnapped by them. Kankuro, who went after them was poisoned by Sasori, a nukenin of the sand village and the doctors were not able to find a cure. Baki then sent someone to go and get the retired granny chiyo of the puppet division to look at the poison and possibly help find a cure. But before Granny chiyo came, an anbu arrived to Baki and said "Baki sama, The leaf village Ninjas have come to help and they are at the entrance of the village. Baki was elated hearing this and said "So fast. What are you waiting for? Escort them here immediately". The anbu nodded and went.