KazeKage...Kidnapped?! The Fruits of our efforts

"Lady Hokage, a report from the Hidden Sand." Shisui said as he came back into Natsuko's

office, she'd been overlooking more job requests, as well as requests from the different clans. The leaf police force now had a base of operations near the hokage's office, as well as a small plot of land, mostly houses, within the village. Since the masked man's attack 16 years ago, the Uchiha's numbers had dwindled down considerably, now only Fugaku, Izumi, Mikoto, Yashiro, Atsushi, Shisui, Itachi, and Sasuke being the surviving members. Natsuko looked up from her desk,

"What is it?" She asked setting the papers down, giving Shisui who full attention as she turned her violet eyes towards his onyx.

"The mission was successful and they should be back in three days. The Kazekage's abduction has failed. However, that means they may use more powerful means to capture the one tail next time." Shisui said and Natsuko hummed, nodding

"Yes, that very well may be true, however, we've removed two key powerful pieces from the Akatsuki's board. Deidara Kamiruzu, and Sasori. We only have Kisame, Hidan, Kakuzu, Pain, and that masked ninja, to worry about now." Natsuko said looking at the table that sat off to the side, holding a chess board. Natsuko could play chess like no tomorrow, but Shogi… Shogi she was still learning, with Shikamaru's help.

"What's our next move?" Shisui asked and Natsuko hummed, moving a few pieces around the chessboard,

"We wait, for the teams to get back, while also increasing the patrols around the weak points of the village, just in case the akatsuki plan to launch an unforeseen surprise attack. You know, like I said three years ago, if we try to take on the Akatsuki all at once, we will loose, there is no doubt about that. But taking them in their groupings, with the information gained from Itachi. Will asure our victory" Natsuko said, as she stood,

"Understood. So you get any farther with Shogi?" He asked and NAtsuko hummed,

"Chess is easier for me to understand but Shogi's an interesting challenge. How's your clan doing, by the way, are the new recruits for the police force doing well?" Natsuko asked and Shisui nodded,

"They are. The clans doing better than we were sixteen years ago. When you were chosen as Hokage, none of us thought very highly of you, but, I'm happy to say we were wrong." Shisui continued

Kakashi and Gai made it to the Leaf just before Lee did with the backpacks on his back, Kakashi looking like something akin to a ragdoll as he sat on Gai's back, as he groaned, before Gai suddenly straightened, knocking his head into Kakashi's chin, knocking the grown man backwards, so he now hung upside down on Gai's back, his white hair dragging on the ground as Gai walked. Lee showing up a moment later, the two dragging the attention of Kotetsu and Izumo who were guarding the gate, the two beginning to converse about their arrival.

"So, those two again, huh?" Kotetsu said and Izumo nodded,

"Yeep." he replied, as they watched Gai and Lee hug. Before Gai walked Kakashi, with the help of Sasuke, to the hospital, Sasuke, Sai, Sakura, Naruto, Neji, and TenTen arriving a moment after Lee had. All more or less dejected with the ordeal.

"Alright you've taken yourself out of ninja work for at least the next few days. You need to rest." Tsunade said, looking Kakashi over as he lay in the hospital bed. Natsuko, Jiraiya, Shisui, and Tsunade gathered around for his report,

"The good news is that Naruto's ninetail cloak, didn't make an appearance. And you're sure Deidara was stopped?" Natsuko said her hands behind her head, Kakashi nodded,

"Man, so how'd you end up like this?" She asked and Kakashi looked over

"I had to use Kamui" He said and Natsuko looked over

"Man, that's so lame. If your own jutsu is gonna knock you on your ass like this you might need to invest in some more training, you know." Natsuko said, Kakashi groaning from the bed

"She's not wrong, Kakashi." Tsunade said and Kakashi groaned,

"I'm glad everyone came back. Seriously, you need to train that jutsu before using it again, if it

takes you out like this you'll be more of a liability in the field Kakashi." Natsuko said, she was known for being… blunt,

"Your bedside manner sucks, Lady Natsuko." Jiraiya said and Natsuko looked over

"What's that?" Natsuko said, glancing over,

"Bedside… nevermind" Jiraiya said waving his hand,

"Naruto didn't loose control while on the mission. Which is good, but pervy sage, what happened last time?" Natsuko said and Jiraiya hummed,

"Only twice have I come close to death, the first, broke both arms, six ribs, and ruptured a handful of internal organs. *Tsunade turned her head awa, having been the reason behind his first near death expirence, since he'd been trying to peep on her.* The second. Was when I loosened the seal on Naruto and four tails appeared instantly." Jiraiya said and Natsuko's eyes widened,

"But, what surprised me, was his ability to almost completely supress the ninetails afterwards." Jiraiya said

"Nasty scar, that's from the kitsune?" Natsuko said and Jiraiya nodded, the room going silent a moment,

"It's imperative you both remain in control of your emotions, if you don't, I worry the Kitsune could overtake your bodies once more." Jiraiya said and Natsuko nodded

"No fooling. Maintaining control of emotions is easier for me than it is for Naruto, he's always been more expressive, but if he could handle himself on this mission. So let's hope that streak continues." Natsuko said and the group nodded, the meeting continuing for another thirty minutes before dispersing. Natsuko heading back to the hokage office with Sakura and Sai meeting her outside.

"You look ready for a funeral, what's happened?" Natsuko said taking in Sai and Sakura's conflicted looks, before it turned serious,

"We need to talk to you about our last fight, and the information we learned." Sakura said and Natsuko nodded, motioned for them to follow her, as Shisui made his way out of the hospital as well, catching up with the group,

"I see.. Is Kakashi sensei or anyone else on your team aware?" Natsuko said looking back as the two shook their heads,

"Right, let's go discuss." She said as they walked out of the courtyard heading towards the Hokage mansion.