Disclaimer: don't own Naruto.

The plan for this is to be a series focused around team ten with no specific time line. It will predominantly focus on team ten and their interactions with others either as a group or individual bases.

This one I'll say is post Naruto Shippuden


It all happens rather quickly.

A flurry of moment, attacks from every direction and numbers they simply aren't prepared for.

Inos' body slumps just as the ninja raises their kunai preparing to strike at Chōjis back. She takes over, easily slipping into the other ninjas body and redirecting the attack back at the stunned enemy. She pays no mind as her own body begins to fall, focused solely on the defense of their overwhelmed teammate.

Shikamaru stays back, attempting to assess their situation and tend to her abandoned body; shadow darting across the ground, catching her lifeless form before she falls, linking them together instantly. The kunai comes up in defense of their shared position as Shikamaru knocks back his own attacker, cursing at how quickly they've come overrun.

He doesn't have the time to settle and think.

''Dammit'' he curses under his breath, jumping back in an attempt to put some distance between him and the enemy. He glances over as he moves, watching where Ino lands, trying not to move her into the path of danger while he avoids his own. With his attention split and multiple targets it's inevitable that one slips through the cracks while he's busy with someone else. He senses the impending attack of the blade before it happens. He knows he doesn't have the time to defend against the kunai just as he turns taking Inos safety over his own, knowing if they stay connected she'll be stabbed too. He severs the connection just as the blade bites into his shoulder letting Inos body roll safely away in a cloud of dust. Searing pain shoots from the wound as blood begins to pool, gritting his teeth against the pain the shadows spring to life at his command, killing the enemy.

Instantly it's the wrong move as a cloud of smoke engulfs him, cutting off his vision.

''Shikamaru look out!" He hears Ino cry out, her voice rattling around his head through a mental link, the second he loses sight of the world.

A shapeless form appears, a mental picture curtsey of Ino, a blinding light in a sea of darkness behind closed eyes as he jumps back narrowly dodging the blade meant for his throat. Then metal scarps against metal as he forces his eyes open rapidly blinking against the tears that collect he catches sight of blonde hair and purple clothes.

''Thanks'' he breathes out coughing as the smoke begins to settle. His eyes burn and vision blurred as the world struggles to comes back into view.

'"Shikamaru!" Chōji shouts with deep concern while Ino spins the blade in her hand neatly severing the artery of his attacker.

His movements are slow as he glances up in Chōjis direction, clouded thoughts not fully clear yet due to the smoke. Luckily years of training take hold though as he registers the other ninja ahead of Chōji charging directly at him and Ino. Pulling the chakra blade he throws it with perfect precision, surprise coloring his face when the other ninja screams his name and Chōjis arm reaches out blocking the blade just in time to sink into his own arm.

Blinking in confusion his mind swims, trying to process everything when a voice chuckles behind him ''did you just try to kill your own teammate?''

Turning back the world spins as Kankuro hazily comes into view sounding further away than he is. Eyes travel down the outstretched hand of the sand ninja moving slowly along the chakra threads, connected to Inos' body, it takes far longer to register than he'd like to admit that it's Kankuro controlling her.

Pushing himself up from the ground he cringes with a cough, his chest aching in protest as he struggles to fight off the effects of the smoke. ''Give her to me,'' he crocks out horsey, swaying slightly on unsteady feet.

''Are you alright?'' Kankuro asks in concern, eyes widening in shock when Shikamaru sways again then his eyes roll to the back of his head and he begins to drop.

He doesn't hear the question or see Kankuro start forward to grab him as the world turns black.


A/N: The original plan was for this to be a one shot but it got away from me so now it's a two shot. if anyone is interested in seeing more let me know I have several ideas in various stages of completion and suggestions are welcome.