It was a beautiful day, Aceso was heading to the ramen shop to meet Naruto when suddenly he fell out of the sky and into her arms.

"Naruto?" Aceso asked as he climbed out of her arms.

"How could they?" Naruto cried as he took her hand, he bolted up a rooftop. "Hooking up behind our backs."

"Who?" Aceso asked as they reached the top, sitting together was Sakura and Shikamaru.

"Hold it right there!" Naruto demanded. "What do you think you're doing, sneaking off for a secret rendezvous like this? Did you think I wouldn't find out about it?

"Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Huh?" Shikamaru asked.

"How? How could you do this!" Naruto demanded. "Sakura, after all the times I've asked you out!

"What are you talking about?" Sakura growled. " Have you completely lost your mind!" She grabbed his head shaking it. After getting shaken, it got explained.

"You mean, it's just an errand?" Naruto asked. m

"Yeah, a new poison was just discovered so Lady Tsunade sent me with this list of ingredients to give to Shikamaru's dad so he can analyze them in his lab," Sakura explained.

"Oh, man!" Naruto laughed grabbing his head.

"You really shouldn't jump to conclusions," Aceso said.

"Guess you're right," Naruto laughed more.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you guys about that Lady Tsunade just receive a status report from Temari in the Hidden Sand Village," Sakura brought up.

"What kind of status report?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yeah, what' up?" Naruto asked.

"The Hidden Sand Village just recently started a ninja training program, and they've adopted the same curriculum as the Leaf," Aceso explained.

"How do you know about it?" Sakura asked.

"Kankuro told me all about it in his letter last week," Aceso answered.

"So what about this training program?" Shikamaru asked.

"Well, the only thing is, Temari and her two brothers are gonna be instructors," Sakura answered. 

"They're what?" Shikamaru and Naruto asked sweating. 

"How did someone as mean and nasty as her get to be an instructor?" Shikamaru asked.

"Really? So Gaara's there, too, huh?" Naruto asked.

"Well, they are siblings, so I would hope so," Aceso said.  After getting ramen with Naruto, Aceso was summoned to the Hokage's office with Shikamaru.

"Gaara? Why?" Aceso asked.

"We're not sure yet," Tsunade answered. "The Four challenged Gaara, then took off. The hostage is a girl he'd taken on as a student. They grabbed the girl, the took off from the Land of Rivers, heading toward the Land of Fire. As of now, only Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro have been assigned to pursue them. I'm afraid that's all the information we have at this point."

"So based on that, I'm supposed to set up an operation to track down these arrogant idiots who want Gaara?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yes," Tsunade answered. "It's important we maintain our relationship with the Sand Village.

"But they've given nothing to go on!" Shikamaru argued.

"They had even less information to go on when we asked for their assistance during the Sasuke incident," Aceso brought up.

"You can't compare this situation with that," Shikamaru argued. "It would be a different story if we knew where they were going. We could set up an ambush!"

"None of the other Jonin or Chunin are available," Tsunade said. "They're investigating the Artisan Village. Shizune."

"Right!" Shizune said as she handed Aceso the list of available genin.

"You may select any of the Genin who are on that list," Tsunade allowed. Shikamaru looked over as Aceso flipped through the pages. "Time is of the essence, so you need to gather them together and be on the road within 30 minutes."

"What about Sakura?" Aceso asked. 

"I don't see her name anywhere on the list," Shikamaru pointed out.

"No, she's involved with her medical ninjutsu training, now," Tsunade said.

" I'll accept the mission, however, I have one condition," Aceso said. This was going to be her last mission, before her big one. 

"What?" Tsunade asked.

"Let us borrow Sakura for this one," Aceso repeated. 

"Why Sakura?" Tsunade asked.

"For her medical skills, we are going to need another medic," Aceso answered. 30 minutes later, Aceso was at the main gates with Lee, Kiba, Akamaru, Ino, and Choji. They were waiting for the last one. Lee glanced at Aceso a couple of times, after this mission, she would be leaving.

"I thought I was always the late one," Choji pointed out. "What're we waiting for? Let's get going!" 

"We're still waiting for one more," Shikamaru said.

" Oh, no don't tell me it's--" Ino began. They looked back to see Naruto running up finally.

"Sorry!" Naruto apologized. "Couldn't leave on a mission with an empty stomach, so I stopped at Ichiraku for a bite to eat."

" Hh, that's no fair, how come you get to eat?" Choji questioned. "What about--"

"All right," Aceso cut him off. "Now that everyone has finally arrived, let's get moving along."

"Huh? What?" Naruto asked as he looked around. " You gotta be kidding! I heard this was some big mission and all the genin in the village had been assigned to it!"

"Everyone is here who's supposed to be here," Shikamaru said.

"Oh, that's messed up!" Naruto argued. " I mean, I know Sakura has training and all, but what about Shino, Neji, and Hinata? Shouldn't they be here?"

"That's true," Kiba agreed. " I noticed that Akamaru and I are the only ninja here with any scouting abilities."

" So what you two have organized is a no-nonsense, take action group of ninja," Lee gathered.

"That's right," Shikamaru confirmed. " In fact, this Team Return the Favor."

"Huh?" Kiba and Lee asked in alarm.

"Whoa, that's so lame," Naruto groaned.

"You guys, remember when the Sasuke incident went down?" Aceso asked. "The Sand Village was right there to help us out. So now, we're returning the favor."

"You got a problem with that?" Shikamaru asked.

" Come, on guys!" Naruto cheered. "Let's go return us a favor from a long time ago!"

"In case you've forgotten, you're not in charge," Kiba pointed out. Akamaru barked in agreement.

"We'll take our orders from Aceso, the squad, leader," Choji said. Naruto hung his head groaning.

"Whatever," Naruto said facing them. "But we gotta hurry up and decide on a plan so we can get going. What do you think? Should we use the same strategy as from when Sasuke left?" Shikamaru cleared his throat,

"There are definitely similarities to the Sasuke incident," Shikamaru agreed. "However, we believe this pursuit and ambush will require different tactics.  The trail's cold, so Byakugan and Akamaru's nose won't be as much help this time."

" I hadn't thought about that," Ino admitted.

"I know it's unconventional, but it's our only choice," Shikamaru said. 

"We'll break up into squads of two or three, and you'll work together in a single unit," Aceso explained. "You don't leave your partner under any circumstances."

" We'll pay back our debt to the Sand Village," Shikamaru said. "But I don't intend to pay it with our lives. You all need to watch yourselves out there."

"Right, I wouldn't have it any other way," Naruto said. With that, they took off to go pay back their debt.

"Ino, you'll be with me," Shikamaru said.

"You got it!" Ino said.

" Choji, you go with Kiba," Aceso instructed.

 " I'm counting on you, Choji, let's go!" Kiba said.

" All right!" Choji exclaimed Akamaru barked happily.

" Aceso and Lee, you're with Naruto," Shikamaru instructed. "Aceso, if needed you are the only one who can leave their team if it is in terms of medical assistance."

"Got it," Aceso nodded.

"Right!" Lee said, he looked back at Naruto. " Please refrain from any independent actions."

"You don't have to talk to me like I'm a little kid," Naruto said.

"The four people Naruto mentioned earlier have already gone ahead," Aceso said.

"Four people?" Naruto asked. "You mean Shino, Neji, Hinata, and Sakura?" They all came to a stop.

"Yeah, they've been sent on a different route and won't be participating in the battle," Aceso answered.

"Why the heck not?" Naruto asked.

" Isn't that sacrificing a lot of our firepower?" Kiba asked.

" We'll conserve our strength while they search for the enemy," Shikamaru answered. "And once the battle begins, they can focus their energy on healing the wounded, so that we can keep fighting. Sakura isn't at the same medic level as Aceso yet. We had to think long and hard about this strategy. And your lives depend on it." They took back off to return the favor. All of them that went to go get Sasuke were all thinking of the Sand siblings. Gaara was the main one on Aceso's mind. He came when she needed him, and she will gladly do the same for him.

" We owe you for that one," Naruto said. "It's time we paid you back!" They soon came to a stop by Shikamaru.

"What's up Shikamaru? What's the matter?" Naruto asked as Aceso landed next to Shikamaru.

"We're gonna wait here for now," Shikamaru answered.

"Wait here?" Naruto exclaimed. " You out of your mind, or what? It's not time to be taking a break."

"Put a lid on it, Naruto," Kiba said. Akamaru barked.

"That's right. Shikamaru is also leading this mission, not you knucklehead," Ino said.

"Yeah, come on. Get with it!" Choji exclaimed. "You have to obey your leader, Naruto." Naruto scoffed looking away from them.

"Fine, whatever," Naruto scoffed.

"We will get moving as soon as it's the right moment," Aceso Naruto. "I want to get to the others as much as you do, please, just wait it out a little longer." They were waiting on a signal from Shino.

"Sure thing," Naruto happily agreed. He was glad to have Aceso around, she was always nice to him, she seemed to know what he was thinking most of the time. Time passed, mostly everyone has sat down at this point. "Hey, Little Sister, Shikamaru. How long are we supposed to wait?

 "Use your head," Shikamaru said. "You can't just throw an ambush together, you gotta set it up. And it means doing reconnaissance, which is what Neji, Shino, and Hinata are doing for us right now."

"They're doing what?" Naruto asked.

"Reconnaissance," Aceso answered. Moments later they saw a large swarm of bugs coming their way with a message. The bugs went to the female scented sack, it hung from Shikamaru's belt.

"That's it," Shikamaru said. "The news I was waiting for."

"Good, I was starting to cramp up," Naruto cheered.

"Okay, what's the word?" Shikamaru asked. The bugs swarmed around, giving the message. "Well, that's a drag. Things have already gotten started."

"All right, Kiba, Akamaru, and Choji take to the west forest, Ino and Shikamaru take the hills to the northeast," Aceso instructed as she looked back at them pointing out the directions. "Naruto, Lee, and I will take the northwest forest."

"We'll operate on backup squads of two or three," Shikamaru said, they turned to face the others. "Ready? Let's begin Operation: Return the Favor."

"Right!" they all agreed. Akamaru barked in agreement.

"Finally, some action!" Naruto cheered.

"Move out!" Aceso ordered. They all took off, going to their designated destinations.

"We are allies of the Sand. We are shinobi of the Leaf Village!" they all said.

"So you better watch out!" Naruto warned. They stopped at a tree branch. "They are not here."

"Just up ahead," Aceso said.

"Right," Naruto breathed as they took off again. "Hang on, we're coming Gaara. We owe you now, and we haven't forgotten." As they traveled towards Gaara, they saw Gaara on top of a giant sand tower, spinning a guy around.

  "Gaara!" Naruto called out.

" Look at that!" Aceso pointed out. " He's got him on the ropes all ready!

" I only wish we could help," Lee said. They watched Gaara release the man, there was a long enormous rumble following the fall. They saw green-bluish light appear, it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Behold the craftsmanship of our village and shudder with fear!" a man announced for all to hear, seconds later the ground rumbled again. Three lines of light struck the sand tower Gaara was standing on. A big water dragon appeared, throwing him off of his tower, Aceso saw Gaara's body turning a different shade. Kind of like the wet cold sand on the beach.

"Gaara," Aceso breathed as she started to take the lead. They arrived just as the man threw a spikey ball at Gaara, it was on a chain.

"Not today!" Aceso exclaimed as she interfered with the attack with a kick.

"The hero always saves the day at the last moment!" Lee said as he appeared under the man kicking him up. He looked back at Gaara with a sparkly smile.

"Damn right he does!" Naruto agreed as he appeared out of the trees, kicking the man into the ground.

"Aah!" Suiko slammed into the ground.

"Sorry to keep you waitin', Gaara!" Naruto apologized.

" Naruto!" Gaara exclaimed. 

" You were there to save our skin when we chasin' after Sasuke, right?" Aceso asked kneeling next to him.

"Well this is our chance to return the favor for ya," Naruto added. "Now go on, get moving, we'll take care of this guy! You've got a pupil who needs saving, don't ya!" Gaara struggled to stand up, Lee caught him as he fell to his knees.

"To think he could press you this far..." Lee began. 

"Let me handle it, you help, Naruto," Aceso said as Lee laid sat Gaara up. She did the hand signs and began to perform medical Jutsu on Gaara.

"Aceso! Lee!" Sakura chimed running up to them. "Leave Gaara in our hands, you should be helping Naruto."

"Hey, Sakura!" Naruto cheered jumping up and down.

"Lee grabbed the chakra medicine out of my pack really fast and give it to Sakura," Aceso requested as Suiko got to his feet.

"Absolutely, " Lee said. In a flash, the container was in Sakura's hands. "All right then. Allow me to get the ball rolling!" He charged forward.

"Be careful," Gaara warned as Sakura unscrewed the container. "His armor can absorb your Chakra!"

"He's right kid," Suiko laughed. "I'll suck up every bit of it." Lee swung a fist, then kick the center of the man's chest, landing on the lion plate.

"I see," Lee breathed as he backed up. " So we cannot rely on our usual abilities, can we?"

"Aw, who cares?" Naruto asked as he attacked the man. "If you're out of chakra, there's always guts!"

"Right!" Lee exclaimed as he continued attacking. "If there is a will, there is a way!" Aceso looked at Gaara as she looked at him.

"You seem a bit watered down, " Aceso said.

"Thanks," Gaara said with a small smile.

"What do I do with this again?" Sakura asked.

"Wipe some on Gaara's forehead, this won't replenish all his chakra, but it should give him more than what he currently has," Aceso explained. Gaara's body turned back to normal, he was now laying on his back.

"Update," Sakura requested.

"I've finished treating the contusion," Aceso answered as they heard the sound of bugs swarming. They looked up at the sky to see Shino's bugs spelling out a message.

"Contact from your friends?" Gaara asked.

"Ino's hurt," Aceso read. "Sakura you go patch her up." Gaara stood up.

"But your condition," Sakura began to protest as the two girls stood up.

"I'll be perfectly fine," Gaara said. "My cousin is here. Now get going. She needs you."

"Try not to overdo it," Sakura advised.

"Got it," Gaara nodded. She took off towards Ino. Gaara walked over to the two fighting Suiko.

"Hold on Gaara," Aceso frowned.

"Yeah, what are you waiting around for?" Naruto asked. "Your comrades are in trouble!"

"I have some time," Gaara said. "This'll be quick.

" But your student," Aceso said as she walked over to them. The mace hit Lee.

"Ah!" Lee cried out as he flew back a bit.

"Bushy Brow!" Naruto exclaimed appearing next to him.

"Lee!" Aceso exclaimed as she appeared on the other side. Gaara looked at the opponent groaning. 

"Gaara," Naruto breathed as Gaara stepped forward toward the opponent.

"Heh! All your sand's gone, what are you going to do?" Suiko asked as Gaara held up his arm. The sand around Gaara's face broke off.

"What is he?" Naruto began.

"He is getting sand from his armor!" Lee noted.

" No way!" Suiko exclaimed. "His--His sand should be water-logged now! If I absorb his chakra!

"Not all of it, my cousin replenished some of it," Gaara as said the sand formed a spear. "This is all the weapon I need!"

"Wha?" Suiko stammered. Gaara launched the spear, it pierced right through the guy's heart. He and Gaara both fell forward.

"Ahh! Are you okay, Gaara?" Naruto asked running over to him. "Now, to end it."

" Ahh!" a girl screamed. "Gaara-sensei!"

"Get going! You can leave the rest to us, okay?" Aceso said. Gaara took off to save his student. Shino's bugs display another message. The last one was heading towards the Valley, carrying Matsuri on his back, Gaara was chasing after him.

"Are you okay, Bushy Brow?" Naruto asked.

"I will be fine," Lee said. "Red Rose, please look at my leg."

"You got it," Aceso nodded.

"Then, I'm going after Gaara!" Naruto said.

"Good luck to you," Lee and Aceso wished Naruto.

 "We will catch up as soon as possible," Lee said.