Kumiko held her breath. She couldn't move a single inch. She hasn't seen Itatchi in years, and his looks were quite different now. Much taller. Much darker. Naruto was in the same state of shock as her, seeing as how he hasn't moved any at all either.

"Ha, hard to believe that such a child carries the Kyuubi." A person came out from behind Itatchi and stood in the doorway as well. Kumiko's eyes widened, seeing that the person, was actually, a shark?

"Naruto," Itatchi started, staring him down. Kumiko finally was capable of moving her body, and slew her arm across Naruto, ready to push him down. "You're coming with us." Kumiko gritted her teeth.

"Over my dead body." She spoke in a dead serious voice. The shark chuckled.

"That can be arranged." He said. Kumiko snarled, feeling her hand twitch towards the kunai she kept by her side. Itatchi's eyes never moved from Naruto, and Naruto's never moved from him.

"Why don't we take a walk?" Itatchi offered, but Kumiko knew it wasn't really an option. Naruto seemed extremely shaken, but moved Kumiko's arm out of his way, and walked out into the hall. Kumiko immediately moved into the hall as well and grabbed Naruto's arm, snatching him towards her.

"Naruto stop." She snapped. "Do you even know who this guy is?"

"Hey, Itatchi," The shark started, "It'll be a pain in the neck if this kid runs for it. Maybe I ought to chop off a leg just in case." He grabbed the handle of whatever weapon was on his back. Kumiko glared at him.

"You'll do no such thing!" She snapped. His eyes moved to her and he gave a cold glare back.

"Actually, it seems like you'll be the pain in the neck here." He said, and began pulling his weapon out. "Right." He started moving towards them. Kumiko's eyes widened, grasping at the kunai's handle now. The shark guy pulled his sword all the way out, and Kumiko felt her heart pause from how large the weapon was.

"It's been a long time." Itatchi randomly stated. Everyone paused, and looked at him. Kumiko saw someone behind him, and glanced there. Her eyes widened even more. "Sasuke." Indeed, he was there, standing a few feet behind them all. He seemed extremely angry.

"Uchiha Itatchi." Sasuke's cold voice spoke.

"Uchiha Itatchi?" Naruto questioned, just now understanding who this guy was.

"Well, the Sharingan, and he looks an awful lot like you. Itatchi, who is this kid?" Sharky asked. Itatchi had yet to turn around.

"He's my younger brother." Itatchi answered, seeming to shrug it off.

"That's strange because the way I heard it, the whole Uchiha clan was wiped out…by you." Sharky remembered.

"Uchiha Itatchi. I hope you're ready to die." Sasuke said. Finally, Itatchi turned to look at his younger sibling, both their Sharingan's were activated. "It's just as you said brother. I've holstered my hatred of you all this time, I live my life for one single purpose. To see you die! It ends here!"

Sasuke had begun gathering lightning in his hands, readying Chidori.

"Sasuke!" Naruto called out, worrying for his friend.

"Enough! You're dead!" And with that, Sasuke ran towards them, blood lust in his eyes. He went to make a move towards Itatchi, but, missed. The lightning was sent into the wall, creating a gaping hole. Kumiko's eyes widened when she saw the move missed, because Itatchi had caught Sasuke's hand.

He then tightened his grip on Sasuke's wrist, making the boy cry out in pain. Naruto, feeling as if he needed to do something, began building up his chakra. Sasuke was going to strike Itatchi with his free hand, but Itatchi had had enough, and snapped Sasuke's wrist.

He let out a scream. "Sasuke!" Both Kumiko and Naruto cried out. "Alright that's it!" Naruto had enough, and began doing hand signs. "Ninja Art: Summoining-"

"Too slow!" Sharky said, and swiped his sword down in front of Naruto, messing his chakra flow up. Naruto seemed to be worrying even more.

"I can't feel my chakra!" He said.

"Sorry kid, my blade's sharkskin cuts through chakra, and devours it." Sharky told him. "We don't need the hassle of this kid whipping out anymore jutsu. Forget the legs, maybe I ought to start out with the arms of his." Kumiko, seeing how sticky a situation Naruto got himself in, decided it was time to take action.

"Kumiko kick!" She cried out, throwing herself, well, mainly her leg, towards Sharky. He ducked though, making her foot hit the wall. Pulling it out, she saw how big a hole it left in the wall. Oops. Hopefully Creepy Perv will pay for it.

"Nice try doll face." Sharky spoke. Kumiko turned back towards him with a cold look in her eyes.

"Don't touch him." She sneered. Sharky laughed.

"You're lucky I'm not here for you. Get in my way again, and I'll slice you up into multiple pieces." He said, and turned back towards Naruto. "Now, where were we?" He held up his sword, and began bringing it down on Naruto.

"Naruto, no!" Kumiko cried out. Suddenly though, a pop noise was heard, and smoke appeared in front of Naruto, making everyone pause.

It was a toad.

Another poof of smoke happened this time behind Naruto.

"You two don't know me at all, huh?" Kumiko felt immediate relief hearing Creepy Perv's voice. "You should have done your homework. Jiraiya the Toad Sage falls victim to no woman's charm! Rare beauties drop for me like blossoms in a storm! It isn't in my nature, to be duped by the wiles of women. When you reach the stature that I have, the ladies kneel and worship at your awesomeness!"

Kumiko didn't know what to expect from him. She and Naruto both turned to look at him with agitated looks. Kumiko couldn't help but roll her eyes as she noticed there was a woman slung over Jiraiya's shoulder. What the hell, man?

"Don't give me that! One wink from a pretty girl and you turned into a mountain of mush!" Naruto screamed at the old man. "You fell for it like a ton of bricks, Pervy Sage!" Jiraiya seemed to only care about one thing Naruto had said. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his head.

"I really wish you wouldn't call me that in front of other people."

"Are you kidding me?! We've got worse things to worry about than what these guys think of you, you Pervy Sage!" Naruto snapped pointing towards Itatchi and the shark guy.

"What the heck, I just asked you not to call me that!" Jiraiya cried out. Kumiko finally had enough.

"Will the both of you just shut up? This is serious!" She snapped, her nostrils flaring at how light they were making this. The shark made a comment about how lecherous and disbelievable it was that Jiraiya was a legendary Sannin. Kumiko couldn't help but shrug her shoulder in agreement. "True that."

"What?! You already know who he is?!" Naruto cried out.

The shark didn't seem phased. "So, you managed to release the genjutsu, ey?" He spoke. Kumiko watched as Jiraiya set the lady down against the wall. She couldn't help but feel sick that those two had used this woman as a pawn in their setup.

Jiraiya gave the shark and Itatchi serious looks, "I know you're after Naruto." Gasp could be heard coming from the children. Kumiko's eyes hardened. She knew, but she didn't want to believe it. There's no way she was going to let them take Naruto. Nor would the Creepy Perv.

"Hm, that explains how Kakashi knew." Itatchi mused. "Now I understand. He learned it, from you." He looked at them. "You're right. Naruto is the prize the Akatsuki are after, and we will have him." Kumiko shuddered, hearing the serious tone in Itatchi's voice. Jiraiya's toad disappeared.

Jiraiya seemed slightly angered upon hearing those words. "No way are you getting Naruto." He spoke.

"We'll see about that." Itatchi stated. Jiraiya stood up straight.

"Actually, this is all very convenient. I can eliminate you both at the same time." He said, staring the two Akatsuki members down.

"Stay out of this." Sasuke's voice could be heard. Kumiko made a slight face, having totally forgotten that he was there with them. He'd been so quiet. Maybe it was because of the shock of seeing Itatchi after all this time, had finally gotten to him. Sasuke stood up, with difficulty. "The only one, who's going to eliminate him, is me!" Kumiko took a hard breath, knowing he was talking about taking Itatchi down.

Itatchi didn't seem to care much for Sasuke, even going as far as to tell him to go away, because he wasn't interesting him. It seemed to upset Sasuke, as he threw a punch towards his big brother, who quite simply, kicked the poor kid down into the other end of the hall.

"Sasuke!" Naruto and Kumiko cried out. Naruto took off in a run towards the two enemies. Sasuke told him to butt out, making Naruto stop dead in his tracks. Sasuke got up off the ground, and Kumiko could see that his Sharingan had activated. It sent chills down her spine.

She wanted to intervene in all of this, but she couldn't. Itatchi and his friend, only seemed interested in Naruto, but Sasuke was the one butting in with everything. Jiraiya could easily take Itatchi down, but Sasuke would just not stop. Honestly, it was rather irritating for her.

Sasuke ran towards Itatchi again, and as he went to throw a punch, Itatchi simply blocked it, and punched Sasuke, sending him down the hallway. Again. Kumiko frowned.

"Sasuke just stop!" She cried out. "You're not strong enough to take him on right now!"

"Butt out Kumiko!" Sasuke sneered. "I'm not finished. This fight, is mine."

Jiraiya was going to finally intervene, but the shark stopped him. "You heard him old man. This fight is none of our business. Let's let the two sort it out." He said in a kinda joking but also serious tone. Kumiko couldn't help but stare at him, feeling shivers, while the bloodlust radiated off the shark guy.

Just who is this guy?

Itatchi started walking towards Sasuke. Kumiko didn't bother to watch as he beat the snot out of his little brother. She warned him to stop, but he wouldn't, and now, Sasuke just has to face the consequences. Some people have to learn the hard way.

Itatchi had Sasuke up to the wall, and suddenly, Sasuke started screaming. Kumiko flinched hearing the poor kid. Then, he stopped moving. Kumiko felt her heart drop. What happened?

Naruto seemed to get quite angry. "That's it! I'm through just standing around!" And with that, he took off running down the hallway, the shark guy right after him.

"Naruto no!" Kumiko cried out, following pursuit. They were getting closer, when Kumiko noticed the room starting to change. She stopped dead in her tracks. It seemed as if this pink gunk was forming around all the walls, and even the floor. She turned to look behind her and saw Jiraiya with his hands on the ground. He must have performed some jutsu.

Jiraiya began talking, explaining that they were actually inside of a toad, calling Itatchi and the shark guy, toad bait.

"What is this?" Naruto questioned, wondering what Jiraiya was planning. Jiraiya told him and Kumiko to remain calm, and trust him. Kumiko bit her lip.

"Kisame, come." Itatchi spoke. Kumiko's ears perked up at that. Kisame, must have been the other guy's name. Kisame attempted to move towards Itatchi, but it appeared that his sword was stuck to the floor.

"Easier said than done." Kisame stated rather bitterly, attempting to pull his sword up. He yanked it just enough that he was able to free it, and ran towards Itatchi. They both were running towards the open area, in hopes of escape, but Jiraiya had another plan. He put more chakra into the jutsu he was using, and it appeared as if a wall of flesh was heading towards the two bad guys.

Kumiko suddenly felt the ground quake. She gasped as Jiraiya ran past her, and chased after him, Naruto tailing her.

"Hey! Pervy Sage!"

"What's happening?"

They all stopped once they saw that there was an opening on the wall of the fleshy body they were currently standing in.

"They both got away." Kumiko said, anger flaring up inside of her. She stared at the gaping hole, and noticed it appeared as if there were black flames surrounding it. "Just what did he do?" Was it Itatchi's Sharingan that did that? It made her question just how powerful the Uchiha really can be.

Naurto walked up to the hole and studied the flames as well. He made an observation the same as Kumiko.

"Stay away from it!" Jiraiya yelled, making Naruto jump, and Kumiko flinch. They both turned to look at him. Jiraiya had spread out a scroll and was writing on it. He began weaving hand signs. "Sealing Jutsu: Fire Sealed Now!"

Kumiko watched in awe as the scroll basically absorbed the black fire. She tilted her head. It's amazing how powerful scrolls can be. Jiraiya wrapped the scroll up and stuck it inside his jacket.

"Alright, that takes care of that for the time being," He softly spoke. "Now for Sasuke." They all turned to watch as Sasuke reappeared from being inside the flesh. Naruto ran towards him, Kumiko not far behind. She helped Naruto catch him, and gently set him on the floor.

"He looks to be unconscious…but…" Kumiko mumbled. She was right. He did seem to not be conscious, but his eyes were wide open.

Jiraiya stomped on the floor, and the genjutsu faded.

They all crowded around Sasuke, when suddenly, a kunai was thrown down the hall. Kumiko turned sharply, and was extremely surprised at who was running towards them. It was a huge flash of green.

"Dynamic ENTRY!" Shouted a very familiar voice, as that persons leg connected with Jiraiya's face.

"Se...Sensei!" Kumiko shouted out of shock.

"Oh uh, I guess I was a little over-enthusiastic," Gai-sensei said bashfully as he rubbed the back of his head. "See, I couldn't see very clearly, ha ha ha!" Gai explained how he used his headband's reflection to see two 'sinister figures' near his precious dear Kumiko, and decided to put an end to it.

Jiraiya, who now had tissue in one of his nostrils to stop the bleeding, did not seem amused. "If this is your way of saying sorry, it stinks!"

"I'm sorry, but it was a simple misunderstanding! I had to make sure my darling student was safe." Gai said.

"Simple minded is more like it." Jiraiya said bitterly, then changed the subject. "But never mind that now. We've got to get Sasuke to the Medical Corp at once. He's badly beaten up. His arm is broken, and he's been knocked out but whatever jutsu it was that Itatchi used on him."

"Right."

"Pervy Sage," Naruto cut in, "Sasuke is going to be okay though, right?"

Jiraiya seemed a little hesitant to answer.

"Physically yes, but I'm afraid he may have done something to his mind." Naruto seemed angered by Jiraiya's words. Kumiko couldn't help but shake her head. Itatchi. How could you do that to your little brother?

Naurto clenched his hands. "Okay Pervy Sage, it's time for a new game plan. Starting right now. I admit, I let those goons scare me a little, but that's over. No more running. After all, it's me they're after, right? Well, it's time I give them what they want!" Jiraiya didn't seem as moved by Naruto's words as he had hoped.

"Hmph. Nice speech kid but I'm afraid you don't stand a chance against them. You're not in the same league." He told him. Kumiko turned to her Senesei as Naruto and Jiraiya continued.

"Sensei, how did you know where we were?" She questioned. As far as she knew, no one back home knew of their whereabouts considering they had left quite the amount of time. Gai looked down at his female pupil and smirked.

"Well you are my student and I always watch over you to make sure nothing bad comes to you." He gave her a thumbs up, and his teeth sparkled. Kumiko gave him a deadpanned look, and waited. Finally, after a few seconds, Gai dropped the façade. "Itatchi was in Konoha looking for Sasuke. He attacked a few jonin, including Kakashi, and when they were escaping, I followed."

Kumiko pursed her lips. "Kakashi? Is he okay?" Gai frowned and looked away. Kumiko's face hardened. It was probably safe to assume that Itatchi had done a number on Kakashi. She felt her body tense at the thought of how powerful just this one person could be.

"I'm sorry Gai," Jiraiya spoke, catching their attention. "I wanted to let Sasuke fight his own fight. I see now I should have intervened sooner."

"This is obviously the same sort of jutsu that Kakashi was hit with," Gai stated. "We don't know when he'll come out of it."

"What?!" Naruto shouted in disbelief.. "Kakashi-sensei?"

"Naruto." Kumiko said softly as she gently put an arm around the young boy, trying to console him. "I'm sure he'll be okay."

Gai frowned. "There's nothing worse than seeing your students fall in battle. It's like, losing little pieces of your soul." Kumiko felt a pang in her heart. She knew Gai-sensei must have been thinking about Lee, and the injuries he was still fighting against. Despite him having been able to walk a bit during the Chunin Exams, he was nowhere near his old self. "What we need, is a supreme medical specialist. A master of healing arts, and soon."

Everyone was silent for a few seconds.

"You're right," Jiraiya started. "And the woman you're talking about is the one we've come to find."

Everyones ears perked up. A special healing woman? Who? Kumiko had no idea that's who they were in search of. She honestly thought Jiraiya was just on a fun road trip to find an old drinking buddy, or pervy buddy.

"Huh?" Gai said. "The woman?" His eyes then widened, flickering towards Kumiko, then back to Jiraiya. "You don't mean…?!"

Jiraiya chuckled.

"Yes that's exactly who I mean. Another of the Legendary Sannin. The Queen of Slugs and Elixers. The Gambling Fool and Mistress of the Healing Arts-!"

Kumiko cut him off with a gasp and a twinkle in her eye.

"Lady Tsunade!"

And I am back! After like...a year. Whoops. Sorry folks. I had lost some inspiration for this story, but I think I have gained some of it back. I think it was just this chapter that I didn't really want to write. But now, we're getting to the real good stuff. Also, I apologize that this chapter didn't really have much Kumiko interaction in it, but the next few chapters most certainly will!

I'll try and update soon!