Bright Eyes: The Unsung Ninja:Wrath of the Phoenix

by GeneralWildfire

Following the story of Sara Uchiha, a young kunoichi in the Hidden Leaf Village, after three years Naruto has finally returned from training. What new challenges await?

1. Part 1

DISCLAIMER: Some of the text and characters are from Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto, which I do not own. Only the characters & text that were not in the original manga/anime series are mine.

Recap: While Naruto & Sakura have been training with two of the legendary Sanin, Sara has risen through the ranks, attaining the rank of Head Anbu but eventually settling into the rank of jônin. It has been two, almost three, years since Naruto left the village and now the young ninja are ready for action.

Homecoming!

Kakashi walked down the stairs, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Sara ready to head out the door. "You're up early," he commented, sinking into one of the kitchen chairs, "Do you have plans for today?"

"I promised Kenshin and Ryo that we'd hang out today," she said casually.

He nodded, "That's fine, I'll probably find a quiet place to read."

"Again?" Sara questioned, "You've read those books at least a thousand times!"

Kakashi gave her a stern look, "Like you haven't read them that much."

"I skip the parts you read though," she responded as she opened the door, "I'll see you later, Master Kakashi."

He sighed as the door closed, I'll never get tired of how my life is, even when Naruto returns; Sara and I have grown closer since he's been gone and I know that won't change… His mind drifted to the teamwork the young pair of ninja had once had, she and I have an even stronger teamwork then that now, after all we've been through. Even she, Kenshin, and Ryo have begun to show exemplary teamwork skills, even if they can't be on missions together anymore… She's certainly not the same shinobi, now she's more sarcastic; hot headed, but also thoughtful and wary…strange combination of traits!

Kakashi pulled himself out of his thoughts and said aloud, "I'm thinking like Naruto's going to come back this very day!" He shook his head back and forth before he ate a quick breakfast and headed out towards the village to find a quiet spot to read.

Meanwhile, Sara stood outside of Tiégra's, waiting for Kenshin and Ryo to arrive. A couple of chûnin passed her and said a polite hello, but quickly moved on. She sighed, not much has changed…they acknowledge my rank but that's it. They're still fearful of Phoenix.

Phoenix added, "Perhaps they're more afraid of you now then me, after all, you're considered to be at the same level as Kakashi."

She nodded thoughtfully as a couple more ninja passed; she caught some of their muffled conversation:

"That's Sara Uchiha," one of the guy's whispered to the guy next to him, "They say she can teleport even faster then the legendary Yellow Flash!"

The other scoffed, "I heard that she can teleport just as fast, but with more stealth, get your ears checked!"

The third chimed in, "Either way, she's a deadly ninja, I'm glad she's on our side."

"So we think," the first said, casting a quick glance at her. She pretended to be occupied with something down the street.

The second added, "Rumor has it she's a half-breed." Sara flinched slightly at those words, but they didn't notice. "It's said she's Uchiha AND Hatake."

"Is she Kakashi's…" the first started to say but the third interrupted him.

"No!" He rolled his eyes, "It's just a rumor anyway, there's no fact in it…"

The three shinobi continued to argue as they walked further down the street, casting glances back at her every few seconds.

A soft voice made Sara turn, "How are you taking the newest rumors of the village?" Tiégra stepped out of her restaurant and watched the shinobi's receding forms.

"The rumors come and go," she said shrugging, "I'm more concerned with where Kenshin and Ryo are."

Tiégra smiled, "I'm sure they're around here somewhere, if anything, Kenshin's trying to get Ryo out of bed."

"Probably," Sara said smiling.

At the entrance to the village, two figures strode in; one with long, white hair tied into a massive ponytail and the other with spiky blond hair, the blond being much younger then the white haired man.

The white haired man said to the blond, "It's been more then two years…"

"So it has…" the blond replied as they made their way through the Hidden Leaf Village, their home.

After taking several more steps the blond set his pack down and proceeded to leap onto a pole.

The white haired man, Jiraiya, chuckled softly, "Always rambunctious…"

"Hey!" The blond haired youth, Naruto, shouted, "Hellooo Hidden Leaf Village! You haven't changed at all!"

Back at Tiégra's, Sara's head snapped towards a shout that echoed throughout the village faintly. A smile crossed her face, "Tiégra, give my apologizes to Kenshin and Ryo, but something's come up that I need to deal with."

"Go ahead," Tiégra said smiling, recognizing the voice of Naruto Uzamaki, "I'm sure they'll understand."

Sara nodded before disappearing in the blink of an eye, not even a puff of smoke to indicate that she had been standing next to her only milliseconds before. Tiégra glanced up at the sky, you'd be so proud of her, Enaki…

Meanwhile, Naruto surveyed the village from atop the pole and stared in shock and amazement at the Stone Faces laughing, "Granny Tsunade's up there now!"

A voice behind him said, "All grown up, eh, Naruto?" Naruto turned to see who had spoken; while Jiraiya watched the shinobi from the ground.

"Hi there," Kakashi said, waving, Make-Out Violence in one hand.

A huge grin spread across Naruto's face, "Kakashi-sensei!" He leaped onto the rooftop that Kakashi was sitting on, "You haven't changed at all!" As he landed he added, "Oh yeah I almost forgot…! I have something for you!" Kakashi looked wary.

In the Hokage's Mansion, Tsunade called out, "Sakura."

"Yes, Milady?" Sakura answered from her position near the window that looked out upon the village.

Tsunade smiled, "That brat, Naruto, has returned."

Back on the rooftop Kakashi exclaimed, "What? Naruto? Naruto…you…"

Naruto held in his hands Make-Out Tactics. He said, "It's the latest in the Make-Out series, y'know. The first in three years! Figured you'd like it, even though it's probably totally boring…"

Jiraiya glared up at Naruto, Fool…it's 'cuz you're still young. Plus that is an ultra rare advance copy…

Kakashi eagerly took the book from Naruto and hopped down from the roof, he was already reading the latest book in his favorite series. Naruto jumped down and led the way as they all began heading further into the village.

Naruto asked after a few minutes of walking, "Show of hands, who wants Ichiraku Ramen?" His left hand shot into the air. Without looking back he jogged ahead, heading towards Ichiraku.

Jiraiya said quietly to Kakashi, "As promised, Kakashi, he's all yours." Kakashi glanced at him. "I suspect the Akatsuki will make their next move soon so I'm going back to gathering intelligence." They both jumped in surprise as Naruto stopped.

"Whoa!" Naruto exclaimed staring at a familiar face. He stuttered, "S-Sakura?"

"Huh? Naruto?" Sakura was just as surprised to see him. She blushed slightly after a few seconds of an awkward silence, "Wow! Almost didn't recognize you, we've both really grown, huh?"

"If you say so! You haven't changed at all, Sakura," Naruto said laughing.

Sakura glared at him, idiot! Naruto was confused by her glare.

Jiraiya sighed, smooth kid, could you be any more oblivious.

He still needs to mature in certain ways, Tsunade thought from where she was standing a little behind Sakura.

"Well, maybe you're just taller than I remember," Sakura commented.

Naruto tried to figure out if he was taller as she thought, taller…and…well… A puff of smoke distracted her.

"Naruto, big bro! Check it out!" Konohamaru made a hand sign and transformed into a naked woman, "Ninja Centerfold!" He winked.

Jiraiya's eyes nearly popped out of his head, "WHOA!"

Konohamaru released the jutsu and asked, "What do you think? I got the boing-fwhht-boing part down, eh?"

Naruto smirked as he laughed softly. Konohamaru looked at him in confusion. Naruto looked Konohamaru straight in the eyes, "Konohamaru, I'm not a kid anymore. You gotta work on other jutsu too, y'know." Konohamaru looked crestfallen.

Sakura blushed and put a hand over her chest, So much more mature? Who is this guy and what as he done with Naruto? Wonder what else is up his sleeve? Some incredible new jutsu?

Naruto got an intense look on his face, "That jutsu is totally boring, Konohamaru! Now watch this! My new pervy ninjutsu invention! Here it goes!"

"New…pervy…ninjutsu?" Sakura questioned a strained smile appearing on her face. She slugged Naruto with all her might, "Are you KIDDING ME?" Naruto landed with a thud, making Kakashi turn away from his book to see what was going on.

Sakura grabbed Naruto by his shirt collar, "What is your problem? We haven't seen each other for two years and you pull a stunt like that? Do you have any idea how that makes me feel? Huh? Do you? And I was thinking you were so grown up!"

"Now, now, Sakura, calm down," Kakashi said with a terrified Konohamaru hiding behind him, "you're scaring Konohamaru."

Sakura released Naruto, and Naruto quickly changed the subject, "Hey! Where's Bright Eyes? I wanted to ask her a couple of things…"

"She was with Kenshin and Ryo last I knew," Kakashi answered, "Anything I can answer?"

Naruto nodded, "Pervy Sage said that she was related to you and that other guy, Enaki…is that true?"

Kakashi nodded, "Yes, it's true. She's half Hatake. But don't mention Enaki in front of her." Naruto was about to ask why but Kakashi said sternly, "It's not my place to tell you what happened, you'll have to get up the nerve to ask Sara when you see her!"

Tsunade drew their attention to her as she said, "All right en-!" A net appeared around her and everybody else apart from Naruto and they all rose into the air.

"What the-!" Naruto shouted looking around.

Sakura tried to cut the net apart, but the string refused to cut, "Chakra's being run through these nets!"

"Hang on I'll get you guys out," Naruto said as he dashed forward to help everyone. A kunai landed right in front of him and he turned around to see who had thrown it.

A boy with silver hair and an Anbu mask over his face said in a voice similar to Kakashi's, "I've been waiting for you to return, little fox. You'll make a nice addition to my collection."

"Just who the hell are you?" Naruto demanded.

The boy laughed, "That's of no importance…now…fight me!" The boy lunged forward, barely giving Naruto any time to block his attack.

The boy leapt away from Naruto and said, "Not bad, I see you did learn something from the Toad Sage."

Tsunade asked Kakashi silently, it would seem your ward wanted to test Naruto's strength.

Yes…I just wish she wouldn't mimic my voice from my youth! Kakashi answered. Tsunade laughed quietly to herself.

Naruto shouted, "I don't care who you are, but I'm going to make you wish you had never entered this village!"

"Oh really?" The boy taunted, pulling out a kunai, "and what is the little fox going to do about it?"

"This!" Naruto made a Shadow Clone and began to perform the Rasengan. He temporarily allowed his gaze to leave his opponent before he charged shouting, "Rasengan!"

"Rasengan!" The boy shouted, meeting Naruto's head on. The two Rasengans cancelled each other out. The boy kicked Naruto and sent him flying onto the ground.

Naruto lay still, winded as the boy placed a kunai against his throat and lowered his head to whisper in Naruto's ear. Naruto closed his eyes ready for the death blow to be dealt.

The boy whispered, his voice more familiar, more feminine, "If I were really an enemy…you'd be dead." The boy pulled the kunai away from Naruto's throat and stepped away from him. Naruto opened his eyes and watched as the boy pulled on a wire and the nets fell to the ground and everyone landed on their feet.

Naruto stood up and watched as the cloud of smoke surrounded the boy; when it cleared a girl with light brown hair and ice blue eyes stood before him. A scar over her left eye looked familiar to him but that was it.

The girl was an inch taller then he was, and she had a lanky build, Naruto glanced at Kakashi, her build is similar to Kakashi-sensei's… She wore black jeans and a black shirt that had the Uchiha clan's fan on the back, and her Leaf Village headband hung around her neck, while tape covered her left shoulder. Her hair was tied into a ponytail but some of it hung slightly lower then her bangs, framing her intense ice blue eyes. She stood casually, almost lazy looking, waiting for him to say something.

Sakura was dumbfounded to as she gazed at the kunoichi in front of her, who is she? She looks familiar…her face looks Uchiha…no way!

Naruto asked, "Just who are you?"

Sara fell backwards completely thrown off by Naruto's stupidity. She stood up again and said, "Of all the people you remember, I would have hoped that you would remember me!"

"Sorry, I don't," Naruto stated, eyeing her suspiciously.

Sara's pupils narrowed into slits, "Looking familiar yet? Or else I can clobber you again to see if that jogs your memory, you moron."

Naruto's eyes suddenly showed recognition and he said astonished, "Bright Eyes?" She nodded. "Wow! You've really changed! You really are half Hatake aren't you?"

Sara rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I'm half Hatake, but don't blab it to everyone, all right? I don't want people to think I'm related to him," she gestured to Kakashi.

Kakashi pretended to give her a stern look, but failed, "I was wondering what happened with Kenshin and Ryo."

"They took to long in getting to Tiégra's, and I heard this idiot's voice, so I thought that I would give him something to think about."

"That you're still better then me?" Naruto questioned darkly.

Sara sighed, "Naruto, there is a serious difference in our ranks now."

"Aw, who cares! I'm just happy we're still friends!" Naruto announced, missing the "difference in ranks" part of Sara's statement.

"All right," Tsunade said, still slightly annoyed from being in a net, "Enough with the emotional reunion. Kakashi."

Kakashi clamped his book shut and said, "Wow, it sure has been a while." Naruto and Sakura stared at him in confusion while Sara moved to stand beside him. "From here on out, you two are going to be apart of my team again." Sara stared at him dumbfounded.

Tsunade rolled her eyes, sometimes Kakashi assumes too much. Sara doesn't realize that she's apart of the team too.

Kakashi continued missing everyone's looks of confusion, "Not as sensei and students but as equals. Fellow Leaf shinobi." He pulled out two bells, "Now, I want to see how much you've both grown. The rules are the same as when we first met. Attack as though you mean to kill or you'll never stand a chance!"

Naruto blurted out, "What about Bright Eyes?"

"Yeah," Sakura said, "Our team wouldn't be the same without her!"

Kakashi looked confused, "Of course Sara is apart of our team." Sara sighed in relief and Kakashi smiled under his mask, "That's the only difference this time around…" Naruto, Sakura, and Sara stared at him, waiting for him to explain, "Sara will be helping me to keep you two from getting the bells."

How They've Grown!

"What?" Naruto shouted, "That's not fair! We need Bright Eyes to help us!"

Kakashi chuckled, "It would be an unfair advantage to you two. Sara and I know each other's moves too well; I wouldn't stand a chance against the three of you."

"But how is it fair that you two get to work together?" Sakura questioned.

Kakashi smiled, "This way, you get the chance to test how strong we've gotten while you two have been training."

Sakura and Naruto exchanged a resigned look before they nodded, accepting this change in the exercise.

When they arrived at their usual training field (the one with the Memorial Stone) Kakashi turned to face Naruto and Sakura, "As I said before, the rules are the same as when we first met. You may use whatever tactics you wish to try and take the bells from me. However, this time Sara will be helping me to keep the bells away from you. You have until sunrise tomorrow."

Naruto and Sakura were looking around at the training field. Naruto said, "Sure brings back memories…this place."

"Yeah," Sakura answered.

Kakashi had gone to reading his book, but he glanced up, "Oh, right. This was the site of your very first exercise."

"Squad Seven," Sakura said lost in her own memories.

Naruto finished, "The only four-man cell."

"Back then we had Sasuke too, didn't we…" Kakashi said. Sara elbowed him and he looked up again. Naruto was on the ground on his hands and knees while Sakura was sitting, her knees close to her chest, both of them were muttering.

Kakashi said silently, "I guess Sasuke's name is taboo…"

"You think?" Sara thought back.

Kakashi closed his book and said, "Anyway, let's begin."

Naruto laughed as he tightened his headband, "Not gonna read this time, sensei?"

"Or have you finished it already?" Sakura questioned as she pulled her gloves down further.

Kakashi answered, "Nope, just saving it for later." He began to move his headband up, "Besides, I get the feeling that this time I'm going to have to make more of a serious effort." He revealed his Sharingan.

Naruto watched Sara as her pupils narrowed into slits, and he looked between Kakashi and Sara, Bright Eyes is sure a lot like Kakashi-sensei, she even has that lazy look about her…but there's something else that's almost scary about Bright Eyes. Kakashi-sensei doesn't really scare me with his casual stance but Bright Eyes…

Sakura was also comparing the pair as well, Kakashi-sensei looks as lazy as ever, but I know now that that's merely a ploy to throw off the enemy. Sara has a similar look but it's more…tensed…it reminds me of a predator ready to strike…

Naruto had had it with waiting and he threw five shuriken at Kakashi and Sara. Kakashi ducked underneath the shuriken and threw three back while Sara jumped to the side.

Naruto leapt above the shuriken, and Kakashi threw three more to hit Naruto while he was in the air. Naruto made the hand-sign for his signature Shadow Clone Jutsu, and summoned a clone to pull him out of the shuriken's path.

Sara hadn't moved after her first jump to avoid the shuriken, classic Naruto…

Nice! He used a Shadow Clone to help maneuver in midair! Sakura thought.

Naruto landed on the ground and began to whip around as his clone transformed into a giant shuriken. Kakashi grabbed the shuriken and held it to the back of Naruto's neck; a clone appeared behind Kakashi and held a kunai inches away from his back, while Sara held a kunai knife to the clone's throat.

Sakura stared in wonder at Sara, how did she get there so fast? That couldn't have been a teleportation because there was no smoke…she must have sprinted there but that also is unlikely so…how…?

Kakashi glanced at his predicament and thought, his use of Shadow Clones and his timing have both improved. He said aloud, "Still the impatient one, eh…" Naruto laughed softly. Kakashi thought back to when they had all first met and how easily it had been to outmaneuver Naruto. He smiled, you really have matured, Naruto… "All right, GO!"

Kakashi and Sara disappeared, leaving Naruto and his clone baffled.

Sakura began looking for the two ninja, right…above…left…behind… No sign of them anywhere so… "Below!" She reared back and slammed her fist against the ground, forcing Naruto to jump back and startling Sara and Kakashi.

What? Naruto was now terrified of Sakura.

Sara was also a bit worried, and I thought Lady Tsunade was scary!

What raw power! Kakashi thought his eyes wide, looks like Lady Hokage didn't just teach you medical ninjutsu, Sakura!

Sakura smirked, "Peek-a-boo!"

"I see you!" Sakura whipped around, startled to see Sara right behind her, Sakura leapt out of the way of Sara's punch. The ground shattered once again. Sara stood facing Sakura, putting that much chakra into a punch isn't my forte but, it is something I can do and it's best that she knows that so she knows to watch her back.

Sakura's mind was racing, that wasn't a substitution next to Kakashi-sensei, that was her! She couldn't have run or jumped out of there so easily so…she teleports… How can her teleportation be that fast?

Naruto made a mental note to himself, note: do not upset Sakura or Bright Eyes or they'll kill you.

Kakashi stood atop one of the chunks of the ground that had managed to keep a fairly large shape, surveying the two kunoichi. To rapidly manipulate maximum chakra and instantly concentrate it into one's fist is no small feat. It takes an incredible amount of control…even Sara has trouble doing it with all she's learned… Then again, Sakura was always adept at Genjutsu, but if this of skill is any indication…she may just end up greater then even Lady Fifth. He nodded once and Sara teleported to his side, he couldn't help smiling at Sakura and Naruto's dumbfounded expressions, one of the many things Sara chose to master was teleportation, she's refined it to a point that even succeeds the Fourth Hokage's teleportation technique, but she has a lot more up her sleeve. "You've had your shot, kids, my turn now." Sakura and Naruto instantly took off into the trees. Kakashi laughed and glanced at Sara, "Should we go after them right away?"

"I have a better idea," Sara said before motioning for Kakashi to lean down so she could whisper her idea to him.

The sun was setting as Kakashi dashed through the trees, keeping an eye out for Sakura or Naruto. With practiced ease he leapt up into a tree and moved through several branches, before landing behind a bush, where he began to scour the area for any signs of Naruto or Sakura. It didn't take long for him to spot them, Naruto's over there…behind that tree slightly to my right…while Sakura's behind me, slightly to the left…This is very different from that first time… He remembered how Sakura, Sasuke, and Sara had all remained well hidden while Naruto had wanted to fight him one on one, forcing Sara to come out and help her idiotic friend.

The sound of kunai whistling towards him made him come back to the present, as he leapt out of the way landing on a tree. Pushing himself off of the tree, he drew a kunai and met Naruto head on, their kunai sparking as they scraped against each other. Kakashi threw several shuriken at Naruto, who nimbly dodged them and landed on the ground next to Sakura.

Kakashi couldn't resist saying, "Why don't I teach you a little about the shinobi battle arts? The first lesson…Taijutsu." He rushed forward and kicked at Naruto who ducked underneath it. He punched downwards and Naruto barely managed to dart into a tree.

Sakura smirked as Kakashi turned his back, "You're wide open!"

"Think again!" Sara shouted as she appeared behind Kakashi. Kakashi moved to the side as Sara began backing up dodging Sakura's punches by mere hairbreadths. Sakura thought, one good punch is all I need to get her out of the way!

If she can't hit me this is all wasted energy on her part… Sara's eyes widened as she felt tree bark against her back, shit! She moved to the side, just before Sakura's punch would have hit her. The poor tree didn't stand a chance. Sara sighed, that was too close!

Kakashi nodded his head slightly; both of them have matured well. His attention was diverted as Naruto shouted above him, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Naruto and several clones dove at Kakashi who easily punched or kicked them, making them disappear. Leaping in desperation Naruto said, "Those bells are mine!"

Kakashi grabbed Naruto's wrist and flung him against a tree. The clone disappeared and Kakashi leapt away from the three remaining clones.

Meanwhile, Sakura continued to try and hit Sara with one punch, as Sara kept weaving around her punches, her eyes calculating.

Sakura was getting desperate, the longer this goes on, the more likely she'll make a counter strike. She changed her punch into a grab, grabbing Sara's headband to hold her in place. Sara's eyes widened in shock. Sakura swung with all her might, striking her in the face. Sakura released Sara aghast, I didn't actually think I had her! I would have held back! Sara slumped to the ground, her face a bloody mess. Sakura fell to her knees and checked Sara's pulse. As her fingers rested against Sara's neck, a small cloud of smoke enveloped her, making her cough. When it finally cleared, Sakura shouted angrily, "Sara! You pain in the butt!" A busted log sat in front of Sakura, a fake headband tied around it that read, "Sucker!"

Naruto and his clones leapt after Kakashi, who was still in the air, Kakashi disappeared ahead of them and appeared behind them. One of the clones asked in disbelief, "Dancing Leaf Shadow? Bushy Brow's jutsu!"

Bands of cloth shot out from Kakashi's sleeves and wrapped around the three, Kakashi spun them around and leapt away just before the impact. As the dust from the attack cleared Kakashi wondered, "Now where is the real one?"

"Right here!" Naruto leapt out of the bushes and charged forward, Kakashi's back was to him, and he turned slightly to face Naruto. "Leaf Village Secret Finger Jutsu!" Kakashi's eyes widened in shock and horror. "Thousand Years of Death!" Naruto shouted, revealing the hand sign he had been making.

Kakashi made a strange noise along the lines of, "Argh!" With all his might he leapt into the air.

Naruto muttered, "Damn it! I missed!"

"That was almost the end of me…in more ways then one!" Kakashi said.

Naruto glanced around, "All right! Where's Bright Eyes?"

"Back here," Sara said stepping out of the bushes behind Naruto. Before Naruto could say anything, Sakura leapt down from a tree and aimed a kick at Kakashi. Kakashi moved to the side as another poor tree fell to Sakura's brute strength.

Kakashi slid to a stop and Sara teleported to stand beside him as Naruto walked over to stand next to Sakura.

This used to be so easy, Kakashi thought, I don't even want to think about how this would go if I had placed Sara with them! But Naruto and Sakura are working well together even though they've been apart for two years… He glanced at Sara, and she's reading them easily, like barely any time has passed. She was right in trying to split them up, but obviously that hasn't helped much. We'll have to work together from now on.

Sara nodded slightly, and Kakashi couldn't help smiling, she knows me so well…

Kakashi thought of the new Make-Out volume sitting in his pouch, have to resist the temptation…but I really want to know what happens!

Naruto shouted, "Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Sara and Kakashi were surrounded by hundreds of clones.

"The sheer number of his clones always amazes me," Kakashi commented.

Sara shrugged, "We've faced worse."

Another smiled crossed his features, it's a rarity that anything fazes her anymore; she's truly developed into a fine shinobi.

Naruto was baffled, all right, I know Bright Eyes has never seen this many clones, I was hoping this would at least make her freeze up for even a second!

"Let's go!" Naruto shouted as his clones charged.

Kakashi and Sara put there backs together, literally, and faced the onslaught. But they were soon split apart as more maneuverability became needed. The pair twisted around constantly getting the direct hits on the clones, making them disappear. The clones were just no match for them, puffs of smoke appeared every second.

Sakura finally became frustrated in watching the scene and she slammed her fist into the ground, hoping to upset the pair's balance. More of Naruto's clones disappeared while Sara and Kakashi leapt into the air and landed away from the damaged earth. They finished off the rest of the clones and stood next to each other, breathing heavily.

"What next?" Sara questioned.

Kakashi said, "Let's fall back."

They disappeared into the trees just as the sun set behind the horizon completely, bathing the forest in darkness.

Naruto grumbled after several minutes of walking through the trees, "I know I heard bells this way!"

"He probably rang them on purpose," Sakura commented. "We need to be careful.

"I know," Naruto muttered, "It's Kakashi-sensei…and Bright Eyes."

"Yeah," Sakura said remembering several pranks that had gotten both Naruto and Sara in trouble back at the Academy, most of which Sara had come up with.

They both paused as Sasuke appeared in front of them, bloody with several weapons sticking out of him.

"Sasuke!" They both gasped.

"N-Naruto…S-Sakura…help me!" Sasuke gasped, staggering towards them, "I-I managed to g-get away from O-Orochimaru. Sakura…Naruto…please!"

"It's a shame…I really would like to talk with Sasuke but… Release!" Sakura said, making the proper hand sign. Sasuke disappeared.

Sara silently shouted at Kakashi, who she could glare at as well, since their trees were across from the other's, "That was your great Genjutsu idea? That was a move a ripe genin would fall for not seasoned ninja! Get your head out of the past and focus on the two ninja in front of you!"

Before Kakashi could make a sharp reply back, Sakura said, "I'm not interested in illusions." She pointed to the tree Kakashi was hiding behind, "Naruto, he's over there."

"Oh, no!" Kakashi said quietly.

"Right, Shadow Clone Jutsu," Naruto shouted as he summoned a clone, which began to perform the Rasengan. He rushed forward, "Rasengan!" The tree ripped apart as the Rasengan plowed through it. Kakashi barely managed to get out of the way.

Sakura stepped forward, "Kakashi-sensei…don't you have something to say? I believe I missed it before."

"You deserve that one," Sara said silently from her new position up in her tree.

"Shinobi battle skills number two…Genjutsu," Kakashi said with no enthusiasm. It was so much easier back then…

Sakura said, "Talk about lack of pizzazz. There's no way we'll fall for the same tricks over and over again."

Sara made a quick hand sign, my turn now!

"That's right!" Naruto said smiling.

"Somehow I doubt that," Kakashi said, looking pointedly at the bells on the ground.

"All right, he dropped the bells!" Naruto walked eagerly forward to pick them up.

Sakura shouted, "Naruto, don't!"

"They're mine," Naruto said as he bent down to pick them up. "Hey!" A rope tightened around his ankle and yanked him up into the air.

"See?" Kakashi said, grinning, "You still fall for the old tricks." Naruto disappeared from the trap, "Huh?"

"There's no way I would fall for such a stupid trap!" Naruto shouted punching Kakashi…or so he thought. He sailed right through Kakashi.

"What? More Genjutsu? Release!" Sakura said quickly, Kakashi disappeared.

"Well done," Kakashi thought looking at Sara, "They didn't see that coming."

"Too bad you can't think straight," Sara glared at him, "There would have been no need for that!"

"This is just a friendly spar amongst friends," Kakashi smiled, "Even you can't keep up the routine of a hardened shinobi, or else you wouldn't have implemented the Genjutsu the way you did."

"Fine," Sara blushed, "Let's just find a better place to fight besides these trees!" The dashed out of the trees, but Sakura and Naruto followed them, having heard their footsteps.

After a few minutes, Kakashi whipped around and threw several kunai at Naruto. Naruto dodged them and moved to make a hand sign, but Sara appeared behind him and kicked his side, he disappeared in a puff of smoke. Damn! Shadow Clone! Annoying things!

Sakura tried to punch Kakashi, but Kakashi easily caught her arm, Wait! This isn't her! Her threw Sakura away from him and kicked her side, a puff of smoke showed that she had been a Shadow Clone, Naruto…you've gotten better with the transformation jutsu as well… He looked up as a shadow fell across him. Sakura was sailing down towards him, ready to strike; if that even grazes me I'm finished! He moved to the side and leapt up, just as Sakura punched the ground.

Sara and Kakashi darted towards the small stream within the training area and slid to a halt near it. Naruto and Sakura paused as well, waiting for them to make the first move.

Kakashi said, as Sara grinned mischievously, "Shinobi battle skills number three…Ninjutsu." Sara's grin suddenly didn't look so mischievous to Naruto and Sakura anymore. They stood tense, ready to dodge whatever Kakashi or Sara would throw at them.

Sara began to weave hand signs and neither Naruto or Sakura could follow them.

The speed of her hand signs! Sakura was in awe.

Naruto was panicked, her hand signs are way to fast to follow!

Sara made a small circle with her index finger over her other knuckles, Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu! A massive fireball plowed its way towards Sakura and Naruto who dodged to either side of it at the last minute.

When they had finally stopped sliding, they saw that the fireball had gouged a path in the earth leading to where Kakashi and Sara should have been standing.

"Where did they go?" Naruto wondered. Something grabbed his ankle, and he stared at a hand, aghast.

A voice underground said, "Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu!" Naruto was dragged up to his chin into the earth, and Kakashi leapt out, turning to face him. Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke. Another Shadow Clone, huh?

Sara appeared at his side, "Behind you."

He turned around to see Sakura and Naruto running full out at him. Kakashi and Sara leapt back. Sara's hands flew as did Kakashi's as they both weaved hand signs.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Missile!" Kakashi said at the exact same moment as Sara. Two water dragons rose up behind them before flying at Naruto and Sakura, washing them away.

The moon was high in the sky, as Sakura and Naruto sat, drenched, underneath a tree. Sakura said, "I knew this would be tough, but that Sharingan sure is something as is the Devil's Eyes. Plus their sign weaving speed…it's just so fast that we can't keep up. We've at least got to disable one of them somehow!"

"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei is smarter then Shikamaru, keener sense of smell then Kiba, more adept at Sharingan then Sasuke, and his Taijutsu's better then Bushy Brows…not to mention Bright Eyes who moves like lightning and strikes with the same amount of force," Naruto said thoughtfully.

"But one of them has to have a weakness," Sakura encouraged, "come on think!" Naruto looked thoughtful as he tried to come up with one weakness for either Sara or Kakashi.

Kakashi and Sara sat underneath a tree, drenched in sweat. He commented, "They're certainly giving us a run for our money."

"Yeah, I can't believe how good they've gotten," Sara said, smiling, "You wouldn't stand a chance if I was fighting with them."

"Indeed I wouldn't," Kakashi said smiling. "How are you holding up?"

"Good, you?" Sara questioned.

"My Sharingan is beginning to take its toll, but I think I can hold them off until sunrise," he answered.

Meanwhile, Naruto finally had an epiphany, "There is one weakness that Kakashi-sensei has."

"What?" Sakura questioned.

He sniggered, "Oh, come on! It's so obvious!"

"Would you just tell me already?" Sakura asked.

"All right," Naruto said, leaning in to whisper Kakashi's weakness in her ear.

Meanwhile, Kakashi said, just to pass some time, "They really do make a formidable team…I can't wait to see what they come at us with next."

"I can…" Sara squeaked.

Kakashi turned to her, and stared in dismay at how tense her muscles were, "Not now! Anytime but now!"

"I can't exactly control it!" Sara snapped.

Kakashi said, "I'll throw a Genjutsu so they won't see you. That's about all I can do."

Sakura exclaimed after Naruto had told her his idea, "Why didn't I think of that! If we strike just right, not only will his arms be disabled, but his Sharingan as well! Naruto, you are still the number one hyperactive, knucklehead ninja!" Naruto beamed at Sakura's praise.

"Well, let's go!" Naruto said, leading the way.

Kakashi sniffed the air and said softly, "Here they come!" He was bewildered to see them coming straight at him, a frontal assault? They've got to be kidding me!

"Now, Naruto!" Sakura shouted.

Naruto nodded, "Here I go! Kakashi-sensei!" Kakashi looked up at Naruto warily, "Make-Out Tactics final plot twist. The main character is really…"

Kakashi's eyes widened in horror, w-what! N-no! He covered his ears so he couldn't hear what Naruto was saying. His eyes widened even more as his Sharingan continued to read Naruto's lips, gah! Because of the Sharingan I can still read his lips! He closed his eyes.

Sara watched from her position on the ground, damn it! They're clever! Come on, let me move! She felt her muscles relax and she bolted forward and knocked Naruto's hand away from the bells and kicked Sakura in her side, sending her flying, before she threw Naruto against a tree. She tugged angrily on the bells at Kakashi's waist.

He opened his eyes and uncovered his ears, "Oh!"

"Yeah, oh! He doesn't know the ending to Make-Out Tactics...why didn't you tell me about it by the way?" Sara said angrily.

Kakashi looked embarrassed, "I was going to tell you."

Sara rolled her eyes, "Yeah, after you read it several times…let's finish this."

As the sun rose above the horizon several hours later, Naruto and Sakura moaned while Kakashi and Sara sighed in relief.

Naruto complained, "That wasn't fair! We would have had them if Bright Eyes hadn't been helping you!"

Sakura nodded in agreement, "Next time you guys won't win."

Sara grinned, "Don't be so sure!"

Kakashi smiled, "You all have grown up quite a bit."

Back to the Way They Were…

As Kakashi, Sakura, Naruto, and Sara entered the village after their assessment, Kakashi commented, "My, my, how you guys have grown! You would have had the bells if Sara hadn't been helping me."

Sakura grumbled, "Quit reminding us..." She turned to Sara, "How did you learn all of those jutsu?"

"Master Kakashi, mainly," Sara answered, "But to keep up with you guys he made sure that I had several other teachers, including Lady Tsunade for one day."

"Really?" Sakura questioned.

Sara nodded, "I still have the bump on my head to prove it."

Naruto glanced at Kakashi, "So, do you think I've surpassed you?" He was grinning fiendishly.

"Not a chance, Naruto," Sakura stated.

Kakashi was more gracious, "Someday maybe, but not today. This old dog still has some new tricks…in fact, just the other day I came up with this amazing new jutsu…"

Just as he finished speaking, Naruto's stomach growled, "Hey! I still haven't had my Ichiraku ramen."

Sakura added, "Now that you mention it, I'm starving after last night's challenge.

Sara was waiting for Kakashi to say what his new jutsu was, while Kakashi was thinking, I miss the cute little newbies who used to react with wonder at everything I said and did… He finally noticed Sara watching him, "I was somewhat bluffing…" He wouldn't meet her gaze.

"Liar," she grumbled as she shoved him slightly, "But that's fine, you have your secrets and I have mine."

"What secrets?" Kakashi wondered.

Meanwhile, Naruto whispered to Sakura, "Hey, I know, Kakashi-sensei can treat us!"

"Good idea!" Sakura said.

Kakashi heard them, "Sorry, I've got to go draw up and submit the platoon list with the new teams. Later, 'gators!" He disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Sara moaned, "How can he say such corny things!"

"He's blowing us off!" Naruto exclaimed.

Sakura added, "Probably to finish the rest of his new book most likely."

"What new book?" Sara asked.

Naruto answered, "I gave him the next book in the Make-Out series."

Sara moaned inwardly, I'll have to sneak it from his room tonight! I really want to know what happens next in the series!

Naruto turned his attention back to Sakura, "Well, we can still go to Ichiraku, kind of like a date."

"Does that mean you're buying?" Sakura said testily.

Naruto glanced dejectedly into his froggie. Sakura's attention was drawn to two chûnin walking through the crowd. Sakura shouted, "Shikamaru! Temari! Hey! Look who's here!" She pointed at Naruto.

Shikamaru's face broke into a huge smile, "Hey! Naruto!"

"Shikamaru!" Naruto said as he turned around.

Temari was shocked, wait…that shorty…?

Shikamaru smiled at Sara before asking Naruto, "Did you just get back?"

"Nah, yesterday," Naruto answered.

"Something's different about you," Shikamaru commented, "You seem smarter…more serious."

Sakura quickly stated, "Errnt! Wrong answer, please try again!"

"Oh, really?" Shikamaru questioned.

Naruto moaned, "Sakura!" He recovered quickly though, and he said slyly, "So are you two on a date too?" He was referring to Shikamaru and Temari.

"Are you crazy?" Shikamaru shouted, "I'm not a two-timer!"

Temari added, "Like I would ever? It's almost Chûnin Selection Exam time again. And while I've been acting as liaison between the Sand and Leaf…"

"I'm being forced to act as Exam proctor so…I was ordered to escort the Sand ambassador that's all."

Naruto turned around when he felt danger behind him, Sara's gaze was livid as she walked forward to whisper in his ear, "Ask a question like that again, and I'll kill you!" Naruto nodded vigorously.

"What are you going to do, Naruto?" Shikamaru questioned, missing the exchange between Sara and Naruto.

"Eh?" Naruto looked curiously at Shikamaru.

"You're the only one in our year," Shikamaru explained, "who isn't a chûnin."

It took a couple of seconds for that to sink in, "WHAT?" He turned to face Sakura, "You mean…you're a chûnin too, Sakura?"

She smiled victoriously, "Yup!"

Shikamaru gestured to Sara and Temari, "And just so you know, Neji, Kankuro, and these two ladies here are already jônin."

"No way!" Naruto shouted, "You're a jônin Bright Eyes?"

"I told you earlier that there was a difference in our ranks now," Sara muttered.

Naruto suddenly thought of something, "Gaara! What about Gaara?"

Temari answered, "Gaara is the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village."

Meanwhile, instead of writing up the platoon list, Kakashi was chatting with Jiraiya.

Jiraiya said to him, "The Sand agreed to immediately enter a state of emergency. They've already posted Black Ops at key points around the village. At this point, even I wouldn't be able to ride into the Sand undetected."

"So why has the Akatsuki started moving about so overtly? What do they seek?" Kakashi questioned.

"I still don't know…" Jiraiya answered, "Which is why I'm heading out again."

After Shikamaru, Temari, and Sakura had gone there separate ways, Sara said to Naruto, "Come on, I'll introduce you to some people."

"Can we please eat at Ichiraku first?" Naruto begged.

A mischievous glint flashed in Sara's eyes for an instant, but Naruto missed it, "Ichiraku closed a couple of years ago, apparently you were most of their business."

"NO!" Naruto cried, tears flowing down his face, "They had the best ramen in the world!"

Sara shrugged, "Yeah, sorry, I don't think you really want to eat anything but ramen." Naruto sniffled. "I'll introduce you to some of the people I've become friends with…and my two uncles."

"Okay," Naruto wiped his eyes.

Sara led the way to the Anbu Area first; she glared at the guard at the gate, who was sound asleep, "That explains so much…" She slipped her foot through the bars and yanked the Anbu's leg back.

"Wha?" the Anbu hauled himself off the ground and whipped around to face Sara, "Sara? I should have known…" He pulled off his mask, "So this is the famous Naruto," Ryo commented.

Sara nodded, "Naruto, this is Ryo. Ryo, Naruto."

"Nice to meet you…did you have to do that?" Ryo asked.

"Yes!" Sara whispered to Naruto, "The laziest ninja in the Hidden Leaf Village next to Shikamaru."

"I heard that," Ryo grumbled.

A column of smoke appeared next to him to reveal Kai, who said sternly, "Didn't I wake you up fifteen minutes ago? And you were asleep when the previous He-!" Sara kicked him in a touchy spot, causing him to squeak.

Naruto questioned, "What's a previous He-?"

Ryo said quickly, "A previous He- is a ninja that has…"

Kenshin walked out of the building just then, he saw Sara and said, "Hey! You missed us at Tiégra's!"

"No, you two were late," Sara practically growled.

"Who would have thought that you'd actually be early?" Kenshin questioned, his gaze drifting to Naruto for a brief second, "You're usually three hours late as of recently."

"Bright Eyes? Who's this guy?" Naruto questioned.

Kenshin answered, "I'm Kenshin Nara, Head of the Anbu Black Ops." He gestured to Ryo, "And that's Ryo Morino, my second in command."

"Nara? Morino? Wow! Never thought I'd see a lazy Morino and a motivated Nara," he commented.

Kenshin muttered, "I see you know my cousin, Shikamaru."

"Yup, I'm Naruto Uzamaki!" Naruto introduced himself.

Kai said, having recovered, "I'm Kai Hatake, Sara's uncle."

"Wow! You like a lot like Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said. Kai rolled his eyes.

"Come on, Naruto, let's go see my other uncle, Yusuke," Sara dragged Naruto away, before someone else let it slip that she had been the previous Head Anbu.

After several minutes of walking, they arrived at Practice Field Five, Naruto was about to ask Sara something, when a young voice said, "Yusuke-sensei, two people just entered our training area."

Naruto whispered, as who he assumed was Yusuke, approached them, "Bright Eyes are these kids-?"

"Handicapped?" Yusuke finished. "Yes, but they can still be great ninja."

Naruto looked embarrassed, but he soon noticed Yusuke's eyes, "Wow! You're blind! Ow!" Sara had smacked him in the back of the head.

"You must be Naruto," Yusuke said, smiling slightly, "Sara, as much as I would love to chat, I have a lesson going on."

"When has that ever stopped you?" One of his student's commented.

Yusuke sighed, "They know me so well…"

"We won't bother you any further, I just wanted you to meet, Naruto," she said.

Yusuke nodded, "Come around some other time, that way you can see just how good these kids really are." His eyes gleamed.

"Cool, I'd love to help!" Naruto said, trying to make up for his brashness.

Once they were far away from the training area, "You have no idea what you just signed up for," Sara commented.

"Oh well," Naruto sighed, "I still think it will be fun."

They walked in silence for several minutes. Naruto finally asked, "Bright Eyes…do you ever wish things could go back to how they were before Sasuke left?"

"Honestly? No," Sara said. "I mean, I wish Sasuke was back and all, but I've come a long way from being a ripe genin…and I really wouldn't want to go back to being that."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Naruto muttered.

Just then, Iruka spotted the pair and he shouted, "Naruto! Want to go to Ichiraku?"

"What?" Naruto was confused for a brief second before he whirled to face Sara angrily, "Bright Eyes!" Sara wasn't next to him anymore. "BRRIIIIIGGGHTT EEEYYYEEESSS!" Naruto shouted in a voice that made Iruka proud.

New Squad, First Mission

The next morning, Naruto had gotten over his anger from Sara playing a trick on him, now he was wondering where she and Kakashi were. "Where the heck are they?"

"Who knows," Sakura grumbled.

"Who knows what?" Sara questioned from her new position in between Naruto and Sakura. They both jumped.

"Don't do that!" They yelled in perfect unison.

"Sorry!" Sara held up her hands to ward them off, "And I'm sorry I'm late, you wouldn't believe the traffic!" They both gave her a deadly glare.

"You're starting to sound like Kakashi-sensei," Naruto muttered darkly.

Sara said, "Well I do live with him, so something was bound to rub off."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "So where is he?"

"I don't know," Sara said shrugging, "I left the house before he was up."

Neither Naruto nor Sakura bothered to ask why she had been so late if she woke up so early. They turned their attention to Kakashi, who was walking towards them. Naruto and Sakura shouted in unison, "You're late!"

Kakashi said, rubbing the back of his neck in discomfort, "Sorry, I was procrastinating on the new team's paperwork…"

"Today is the first day as a new team, you know," Naruto said angrily, "And you're not excited? Kakashi-sensei, you haven't changed at all!"

Sakura snapped, "Like you're one to talk, Naruto! So what if he's a little lackadaisical? That's just who he is."

Kakashi said silently to Sara, "I'm not sure that was a compliment…" He glanced up at the sky as a hawk flew past overhead.

Sara had looked up as well and was wondering, why is that hawk moving so fast?

Several minutes later found them Team Kakashi standing in front of the Missions desk, and a PO'ed Tsunade as Naruto said, "Uh-uh! No way! We are NOT going on that mission!"

Tsunade had a look that said Naruto had better watch out, "You man…you do realize WHO you're speaking to like that…?"

Kakashi was nervous, calm down, Naruto… I'm the one who will have to take the heat later if you don't…

Iruka sighed from where he sat next to Tsunade, "Naruto…mentally, you haven't matured at all."

"S-so sorry, milady!" Sakura stuttered as she put Naruto into a head lock and whopped him in the head, "I'll speak to him later!" I-Idiot! You have no idea how ferocious Lady Tsunade can be!

Sara was watching Tsunade closely, I've pushed her further then this…granted I wouldn't want her pushed past the point she's already at…

As if in answer to Sara's thoughts, Naruto grumbled, "Old Man Third…he really knew his stuff."

That did it… Sara thought as she sighed.

"Excuse me…?" Tsunade demanded, "What did you just say?"

"Will you quit it!" Sakura shouted at Naruto, trying to strangle him.

A voice sounded from outside the Missions room door, "Lady Fifth! T-terrible news!"

"Now what?" Tsunade demanded.

A black haired kunoichi said, "We've just received word that the Sand's Kazekage has been kidnapped by a member of the Akatsuki!" Everyone stared at her in shock.

Naruto recovered the quickest, Gaara!...Those losers again huh?

So they're making their move, Kakashi thought, as he was the next to recover from his shock.

Which member of the Akatsuki? Sara wondered, having recovered as well, was it one of the ones we've met…or someone we've never even seen before?

Tsunade sighed and pulled away the paper she would have handed to Kakashi, "Team Kakashi…I hereby amend you mission. You will leave immediately for the Sand and assess the situation and then report back immediately! Afterward, you will follow Sand's orders and provide them whatever assistance they require!"

Within minutes, Team Kakashi were standing just outside the gates, ready to leave.

Naruto said, "Well then, we're off!"

"I'll return, Lady Tsunade," Sakura said as saluted the Hokage.

"I hope so," Tsunade said.

"Good luck," Iruka said, mainly to Naruto.

"Thank you!" Naruto said turning around.

Tsunade added as an afterthought, "Kakashi. Sara. Watch out for both of them."

"Yes, ma'am," they both said, nodding.

"We're not little kids," Naruto objected.

Sakura snapped, "But they are the higher ranking ninja so zip it!"

"Bah!" Naruto turned around to leave, but stopped mid-turn.

"Hey!" Jiraiya said, as he dropped out of nowhere, "Naruto, you heading out on a mission?"

"Yup!" Naruto said grinning.

"Oh, but before that…" Jiraiya said, turning to Tsunade, "Bad news…the Kazekage's been…"

"I know," Tsunade said, interrupting him. "I'm about to send Team Kakashi to the Sand."

Jiraiya walked up to Tsunade and whispered, "Is that wise? Knowing Naruto's relationship with the Akatsuki?" He didn't wait for Tsunade to answer, instead he gestured to Naruto, "Naruto, c'mere!" Once Naruto was close enough he said, "Don't push it if it comes to a fight against the Akatsuki, you hear me?"

"Hey, they're the ones who've got business with me," Naruto said, "So I'm gonna meet them on my terms!" Kakashi listened to the conversation intently.

Sara's pupils narrowed, one foot out of line and I'll pin you to a tree! Teamwork is still the main thing here, and listening to Master Kakashi's orders…I'm not going to lose anybody close to me on this mission, not after we've just gotten together after two years…

She had missed a lot of what Jiraiya had said as he finished, "…Your quick temper's still your Achilles heel." Naruto gnashed his teeth, trying to control his temper, "Naruto, look…I think you know this already but, just don't use that jutsu…"

"I know…" Naruto muttered.

Jiraiya turned to Kakashi, "Keep an eye on him. Don't let him go too crazy. I'm counting on you."

"Don't worry," he pulled Sara against his side, "Between the two of us, I'm sure we'll be able to handle him."

Jiraiya laughed, "A Chûnin won't be able to handle him."

"I'm a Jônin you fat toad," Sara practically growled.

"Well then I've got nothing to worry about," Jiraiya quickly said.

Naruto had already begun to head out, "Master Kakashi, Sakura, Bright Eyes! Let's go!

"H-hey! Wait up!" Sakura said as she jogged to catch up.

Sara rolled her eyes before she set off after her two teammates.

Kakashi looked slightly embarrassed as he waved, "Well, then."

"Hoo boy…" Jiraiya muttered.

Team Kakashi leapt through the trees, heading as quickly as they could towards the Sand Village, when Sakura called out to a figure ahead of them, "Temari!"

Temari stopped and waited for the Leaf Village ninja to catch up with her.

To the Sand!

"What? Gaara?" Temari exclaimed after the Team Kakashi had explained where they were going and why. She glanced to the side, lost in her own memories for a brief second, "I knew something felt wrong."

Kakashi said, "It's going to take three days to get to the Sand…we'd better hurry."

"Right," Temari said, turning around, "Let's go!"

Naruto was lost in his memories of Itachi and Kisame along with why the Akatsuki were after him. Focusing his chakra, he propelled himself forward putting several feet between himself and the others.

Sara sped up to catch up with him as Kakashi shouted after Naruto, "Naruto! No matter how much of a hurry we're in, we can't break formation. Calm down! Didn't Lord Jiraiya just lecture you on controlling your temper?"

"I hate this," Naruto growled, apparently unaware of Sara, though he kept several feet between himself and her, "I know why those guys want Gaara and me…! Bright Eyes, you already know… Sakura…now you know too, don't you…?"

"I don't like it," Naruto said, never looking back at the rest of the squad, "The Nine-Tailed Fox spirit sealed inside me… Bright Eyes, Gaara, and me…we're carrying monsters inside of us, but they only want Gaara's and mine…"

"I'd trade places with you any day," Sara said quietly, finally having caught up with Naruto.

"I know you would, Bright Eyes…" Naruto's gaze softened for a brief second, "But it's still awful! They only see us as monsters! I don't like the way they look at us."

Sakura, Naruto, and Sara became brooding each thinking of how demon hosts were treated.

Coming out of his thoughts, "Gaara, Bright Eyes, and I had the same kind of lonely life, but it was worse for him, because he didn't have a friend to help him, and he was alone much longer.

Naruto thought of how he had met so many people while Gaara had been alone.

Sara looked at Naruto, "But Gaara did manage to come out of the darkness of his loneliness, I went on several missions with him, and now he's Kazekage, he's not alone anymore."

"It's not fair!" Naruto shouted, "The Akatsuki have now targeted him just like they targeted me! Why should his life be so full of misery? Why is it always him?" He glared at Kakashi, "You wanna know why I can't calm down? That's why! Whatever happens when we get to the Sand…I can't just stand back and do nothing! I have to be there for him! I have to save him!"

Temari's eyes widened in shock, but then became sad, Naruto Uzamaki…thank you…

Sara said, "That may be Naruto, but exhausting yourself isn't going to help Gaara, nor is putting the rest of the squad in danger, so slow down…"

With reluctance, Naruto slowed down gradually, eventually being back in his original spot in the squad's formation.

On the third day, as they got nearer and nearer to the Sand Village, Sakura asked out of the blue, "You met him once didn't you…?" Both Naruto and Sara looked back at her, utterly perplexed. "Itachi Uchiha…and he's after you, Naruto." Kakashi was slightly startled that Sakura knew about Itachi Uchiha and his role in the Akatsuki, but he kept quiet. "You know I haven't been just training these past two and a half years. I secretly read Lady Tsunade's reports and snuck outside the village to snoop around as much as I could." Her mind drifted to memories of Sasuke and how hell bent he had been on killing his older brother. "The person Sasuke keeps saying he wants to kill is his older brother, Itachi, right? The one that's a member of the Akatsuki? That's why Sasuke is with Orochimaru right now, trying to gain more power… But Orochimaru wants Sasuke's body right? And we only have about half a year left until he can transfer again."

Sakura's been busy, Sara thought glancing at Kakashi.

Naruto was beyond surprised now, so Sakura knows about that too?

Sakura continued, not noticing the looks of her companions, "And Orochimaru was once a member of the Akatsuki as well… What I'm trying to say is this." Everyone stared at her, wondering what else she could possibly say, "The closer we get to information about Orochimaru. And from there closer to Sasuke. Time is running out, we've only got half a year left to find Sasuke…"

"Yup!" Naruto said, looking ahead once again.

Sara nodded in agreement, "You pretty much summed it up."

As Sakura continued to follow behind them her thoughts mainly on her teammates, After that we can go after Itachi Uchiha, Naruto's worst enemy…the one who gave Sara her scar over her left eye…and the one who's tormented Sasuke all these years. Her fist clenched, and this time…I'll protect them all!

Within the hour they arrived at the Sand Village; Naruto, Sakura, & Temari were breathing heavily, while Sara and Kakashi didn't seem to be fazed.

A Sand Village shinobi said to them, "So you see, first Lord Kazekage was taken, then Lord Kankuro chased after them but was gravely wounded."

This was news to them; Temari exclaimed, "What? Kankuro too?"

The Sand shinobi nodded, "Yes, and furthermore, he was poisoned…but we can't identify it for an antidote…they say he only has half a day left…"

"Hurry, Temari," Sakura said, stepping forward, her gaze hardening, "I'll examine him!"

Temari led the way through the Sand Village to the hospital. Dashing through the doorway, Sakura and Temari rushed in while Kakashi, Naruto, and Sara followed at a slightly slower pace.

Several people stood around Kankuro's bed, including an old man and woman. The old woman turned to see who had entered the room, her expression became one of shock, "The White Fang of Konoha!" She lunged at Kakashi.

Kakashi looked at the woman at the sound of his name, but he wasn't prepared for her attack.

Sara and Naruto, however, were ready, Sara moved towards Naruto, ducking low so he could block the old woman's attack better. Naruto slid over Sara's back and blocked the two punches that the old woman had attempted.

The old woman slid away from Naruto, while Sara demanded, straightening up, "Why the blazes are you attacking, Master Kakashi?"

"Yeah! You shriveled up prune!" Naruto couldn't resist adding. The old one…she's good! But she's not good enough to beat our teamwork! It's as if Bright Eyes and I were never apart, it was so effortless…!

The old woman stared at Kakashi with extreme hatred, "That day, how dare you! Despicable, White Fang! Finally, today I shall collect vengeance for my son!"

Now that he knew what was going on, Kakashi tried to defend himself, "Oh! Wait! I'm not…!"

"Silence!" The old woman screeched, cutting him off mid sentence.

Before she could try to attack Kakashi again, the old man stepped in front of her, "Look closely, sis… He looks just like him but that's not White Fang."

"Eh?" The old woman looked bewildered and she squinted at Kakashi for several seconds. Without warning she laughed, "Oh, well! Never mind!"

Kakashi sighed in relief while Sara silently said, "'I wear this mask so no will recognize me as the White Fang's son.' Didn't you think your hair would be a giveaway?"

"Honestly? No." Kakashi answered, smiling under his mask.

Sakura turned around to face everyone, missing the silent exchange, "Now, can we just focus on Kankuro?"

"Please!" Temari said, sounding a tad bit angry.

Kakashi put a hand on Naruto's right shoulder and Sara's left, "Let's get out of the way; we're not needed in here right now." Naruto and Sara nodded as they followed him out into the hallway, leaving Sakura to her work.

Not knowing that the rest of her teammates had left the room, Sakura pressed one hand to Kankuro's right side, her left hand was placed on his chest, but she soon drew it away slowly, withdrawing some of the poison from Kankuro's system and placing it in a solution before repeating the process again.

Out in the hallway, Naruto asked, looking at Kakashi, "Who was it that that old hag confused you with…the White Fang of Konoha she said…who was he?"

Kakashi was silent for several seconds, but he finally answered, "A very powerful shinobi of his team…and he was also my father."

"Whoa! Really?" Naruto asked, hoping for a story to pass the time.

Kakashi wasn't about to tell Naruto anything more, he turned to Sara and said, "So, what do you think of the situation?"

"Unless something unexpected turns up it will be hard for our dogs to track the scent of Gaara's kidnappers, and it will be even harder to track Gaara's scent," she answered truthfully.

Naruto stared at her in shock, "We can't give up!"

"Who said anything about giving up?" Sara demanded, "I certainly didn't! I'm just saying that it will be hard…but that's what makes a mission interesting!"

Naruto sighed in relief as the door to Kankuro's hospital room opened and Sakura said, "He's no longer in any immediate danger." Kakashi, Naruto, and Sara followed her back into the room, "But he's not completely out of the woods yet. I still need to neutralize the minute traces of toxins that remain in his system. So someone's going to have to run and fetch me some medical supplies."

Naruto was amazed, Sakura…you're awesome!

Training with Lady Tsunade has definitely made her a better ninja, Sara thought, admiring her teammate's newfound authority.

The old woman commented, "You remind me of that slug lass…I never imagined a girl like you would come."

Feeling flattered, "Yes, well, Lady Tsunade was the one who ordered me here. She is my mentor, you know!"

The old woman looked reminiscent for a minute, and the old man commented, "Sis…time flows by…"

Naruto was all keyed up now, "All right! But we can't rest too long! We gotta go after the Akatsuki NOW!"

Biju & Elementals

While Sakura was up in the greenhouse, getting herbs to help Kankuro, Naruto was stretching, "As soon as Sakura finishes we move out!"

"Rein it in a bit, Naruto," Kakashi said. He turned to Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari's teacher, Baki, "What's happening with the pursuit of the Akatsuki?"

"Kankuro went solo…" He glanced at Kankuro, "and ended up like this. That's it."

"So they're long gone?" Kakashi questioned.

He lowered his gaze, "Well…yeah."

Kakashi said silently to Sara, glancing her way, "I think I'll have my dogs track their scent, they've had more experience."

"That's fine," Sara answered, "My dogs get the next one though!"

"Take me to where Kankuro fought," Kakashi said, focusing on the Sand shinobi again, "I must track them, if even a trace of their scent remains…"

"No need for that…" A weak voice said from the hospital bed. Everyone turned to see Kankuro sitting up in bed, "There were two of them… One has Gaara. All you have to do is follow Gaara's scent… Even if they split up, the Crow tore a piece of the other one's clothes off."

Smirking under his mask, "Turning things to his advantage…like a true Sand ninja."

Temari rushed to her brother's side, "Kankuro, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I feel a little better," Kankuro answered. His gaze rested on Naruto for a few seconds before going to Sara.

Sara and Naruto said in almost perfect unison, "Hey…"

"Kankuro," The old woman questioned, "are you sure one of them was Sasori?"

"Granny Chiyo and Grampa Ebizo?" He sounded a tad confused and surprised.

The old man, Grampa Ebizo, pressed, "Is it true, Kankuro?"

"Yeah," Kankuro answered, "he called himself Sasori of the Red Sand."

"Sasori of the Red Sand?" Kakashi questioned, "You know more about the Akatsuki. Tell me…"

"I chased after them," Kankuro began, "when they turned to confront me, one of them took off with Gaara, so I summoned my three puppets, just when Crow was about to catch the guy who had Gaara, Sasori caught him with a puppet-like tail…his moves were like lightning, and he easily destroyed my puppets, and he hit me with that tail, which I now know, was covered in poison. That's about the time he informed me that he was Sasori of the Red Sand… When he was about to finish me off I managed to get a piece of cloth from his clothes, just in case… He left after that, figuring the poison would finish me off."

Sakura returned with a medicine for Kankuro, just as he finished talking. She walked up to him and helped him to drink the medicine. When Kankuro choked a bit on the medicine, Sakura said, "Drink it all." When he had finished drinking she said, "That should do it. All he needs now is to keep still until the numbness goes away. Lie down and take it easy."

Naruto shouldered his pack, "C'mon! Let's get out of here!"

Kankuro said suddenly, "Naruto Uzamaki…please save my brother."

"Of course," Naruto grinned, "I'm going to be Hokage! For now, the Kazekage can just owe me one!"

As the Leaf shinobi were starting to leave the Sand Village, Baki said, "Wait for us. We'll be your backup…"

"You will…?" Kakashi questioned.

Temari asserted, "We'll go!"

"Temari, you stay to aid border security," a voice said from the roof of the hospital. Everyone looked up to see the old woman, Granny Chiyo.

"But…Granny Chiyo!" Temari tried to argue.

Baki finished for Temari, "It seems inappropriate for…"

"Don't treat me like a fossil!" Granny Chiyo said as she leaped off the roof.

Naruto exclaimed, "She jumped!"

Naruto and Sakura flinched away from Granny Chiyo, while Sara looked annoyed, and Kakashi was at a loss for words.

Granny Chiyo cackled, "It's been so long since I've taken care of my adorable grandchild."

"I guess if you insist," Kakashi finally said, slicing his thumb, "Summoning Jutsu!" Pakkun appeared and looked questioningly at Kakashi, "Lady Hokage would have sent us backup by now so I want you to find them. I'm assuming she would have sent Guy's team since they were due back soon after we left."

"Right," Pakkun said, leaping away in a streak of brown fur.

Sara commented, "Now whenever we want to leave, otherwise Naruto might wear a hole in the ground from his pacing."

Sure enough, Naruto was pacing, raring to go. He demanded, "Can we go already? We're wasting time!"

"Let's go," Kakashi said, slightly exasperated.

After several minutes of leaping through the trees, Sakura said, "Hey, Naruto! Can I ask you something?" Naruto was baffled. "How long have you been a target of the Akatsuki?"

Naruto's expression darkened as he thought of Kisame and Itachi, "How should I know?"

"Two Akatsuki members came to the Leaf Village looking for Naruto," Kakashi started, "about three years ago… Now they're back. But I'm still not sure what they want exactly."

"I want to know why they waited three years," Sara said, joining the conversation.

Kakashi landed on a boulder, and leapt forward again before answering, "They probably couldn't do anything, not that they just didn't… After all, Naruto was with Lord Jiraiya..."

"No," Granny Chiyo said, joining in, "According to my information it seems there were other reasons. Extracting Biju sealed in a human body requires some preparation. They needed time."

"What's a Biju?" Sakura asked.

"What?" Granny Chiyo exclaimed, "You're a pupil of Tsunade's but don't know that?"

Kakashi said casually, "In the Leaf, information about the Kyubi, the Nine-Tailed Fox, is absolutely top secret."

"Well…that's not surprising," Granny Chiyo conceded. She answered Sakura's question, "Biju are tailed beast spirits. From long ago, there was Ichibi, the one-tailed spirit of the Sand. Then Shukaku, which was sealed in Gaara."

"Ichibi…?" Sakura verified, "So there are other demonic beasts other then Phoenix and the Kyubi?"

"Yes, nine total, but Phoenix is not amongst them," Granny Chiyo said.

Sara came to a dead stop, "What? But then what is Phoenix?"

"I'll get to that," Granny Chiyo said, staring at Sara oddly. "First the Biju…" Sara started leaping from branch to branch again with Kakashi keeping pace with her, his gaze anxious. "Biju are distinct in character, each of them has a different number of tails… Ichibi means one tail, Nibi is two…up to Kyubi, the Nine-Tailed Fox. Their names represent the number of tails they have." She paused for a brief second, "Biju are huge concentrations of chakra. During the era of Great War, every nation's hidden village competed for control of them for military purposes. But their power is beyond human understanding and no one could control them…I don't know the Akatsuki's intentions…but that kind of power is far too dangerous for them to get ahold of. Well…in peace times, things have changed. I heard that Biju have spread and exist all over the world now…"

"So what is Phoenix?" Sara questioned after a few seconds of silence from Granny Chiyo.

Granny Chiyo looked at her and asked, "Why are you so curious?"

Sara swallowed past the lump in her throat, anticipating Granny Chiyo's reaction, as she was about to speak, Kakashi said quietly, "Phoenix was sealed inside her body when she was a baby…what seal was used is still unknown."

Nodding, Granny Chiyo said, "Phoenix is one of the five Elementals, among them the water dragon, the wind horse, the earth wolf, and the lightning tiger; Phoenix, the fire bird, along with the water dragon and lightning tiger, they are the three that are most commonly seen. The wind horse and earth wolf are more elusive… Granted, I've never heard of any other cases of an Elemental being sealed inside a human…they are very powerful creatures."

"Are they as strong as the tailed-beasts?" Naruto questioned out of sheer curiosity.

Granny Chiyo answered, "They are stronger then eight of the tailed-beasts, however, due to being vain and the excessive use of their chakras, by surrounding themselves within their own element, they fall short of being as strong as the Nine-Tailed Fox… That being said, if one were ever to face the Fox, if push came to shove, the Elemental would win out by ridding itself of it's cloak of fire, earth, water, wind, or lightning, depending on the Elemental, and would take down the Fox with ease."

Naruto and Sara's eyes were wide with wonder at what they had heard. Sara thought, you here that Phoenix? If you weren't so vain you could beat the Nine-Tailed Fox! Phoenix screeched angrily in response.

Whoa! Bright Eyes has just as strong a creature sealed inside of her as I do! Naruto thought, That means we're kind of in the same league!

Sakura gazed at her teammates in wonder, they both harbor such powerful creatures and yet…they manage to contain them.

I need to do more research on these Elementals, Kakashi thought, gazing at Sara. He turned his gaze back to the front and shouted, "Stop everyone!"

Naruto and Sara's eyes widened in shock; standing before them was a familiar member of the Akatsuki…Itachi Uchiha.

The Power of Itachi!

Sakura looked between the Akatsuki member and Kakashi, Sara, and Naruto, "Who?"

"So soon…?" Kakashi was still incredulous at meeting opposition so early in their rescue mission.

Granny Chiyo did not know who the Akatsuki member was, but she recognized the eyes, "He's…those eyes…"

Naruto started to answer Sakura's question, "He's Itachi…"

"Uchiha," Sara finished, her pupils now slits, having activated her Devil's Eyes

He's Itachi Uchiha? Sakura was utterly bewildered.

"Itachi," Granny Chiyo commented, "yes, he's the one that annihilated his entire clan."

Itachi said, "Long time no see, Kakashi…Sara…Naruto."

Sakura was still recovering from learning that the Akatsuki member was Itachi, he has the Sharingan…same as Sasuke…! This guy…he's caused Sasuke, Naruto, and Sara so much pain…

"Who do you think you are?" Naruto demanded, "You come for me, injure Bright Eyes, and kidnap Gaara…I'm gonna take you out!"

Itachi moved his hand slightly and Kakashi swung out his arm, blocking Naruto's path, "Nobody look directly into his eyes…it's dangerous!"

Sakura asked, "Then what are we supposed to do?"

"You'll read his movements," Sara stated, remembering her training sessions with Guy, "by simply watching his body and footwork."

Sakura stared at her in surprise. Kakashi added, "Itachi's genjutsu is an ocular jutsu. Basically, he seizes his target with his vision."

"You'll be all right so long as your eyes don't meet his," Sara said, trying to ease the tension of her teammates.

Sakura looked at Itachi, avoiding his eyes, but her gaze steadily rose until she had to look away, "This is NOT going to be easy."

Sara joked, "All else fails, you can always watch my back along with Master Kakashi's." Sakura wasn't sure if she should feel insulted or relieved.

Granny Chiyo murmured, "The Uchiha Clan…I haven't faced the Sharingan in years." She said in a louder voice, "But you needn't be afraid. Several other tactics can handle ocular jutsu."

"Well," Naruto demanded, "What do we do?"

"If it's one on one, you run," Granny Chiyo stated in a matter of fact tone, "If it's tow on one, get his back."

"What do you mean?" Naruto questioned as he scratched his head, confused.

Granny Chiyo elaborated, "If it's two on one…even if one falls under the genjutsu…they can be released if the other gets behind the enemy and lands a hit. If that doesn't work, you can free your comrade by giving them a whack too. In other words, when you are two or more, one acts as a decoy…then the others attack continuously from the Sharingan's blind spot."

"I get it!" Sakura said.

Naruto grinned, "There's some old age wisdom for you!"

Kakashi and Sara weren't so thrilled. Kakashi said, "If it's a regular genjutsu, those tactics would work fine…in this guy's case, it's a little more troublesome."

"What?" Granny Chiyo exclaimed.

"He uses Mangekyo Sharingan," Kakashi explained, "it's more powerful than the original Sharingan. If you're caught by his ocular jutsu, he has you instantly. It has nothing to do with whether you can defeat genjutsu or not."

"What a nuisance," Granny Chiyo grumbled, "Who is he…?"

Itachi said, "Well done, Kakashi. You've learned from experiencing Tsukuyomi, the Nightmare Realm, only once."

Kakashi was on a roll, "That's not all…After using that ocular jutsu, you were spent and tried to wrap things up and leave." He remembered back to his fight with Itachi three years ago, recalling every detail perfectly, "That jutsu requires a considerable amount of chakra. And, it seems there's quite a risk to your eyes too, Itachi."

Itachi congratulated Kakashi, "After only one fight…that's a pretty good analysis."

"Itachi," Kakashi pushed his headband up, exposing his own Sharingan, "how much of your eyesight have you lost?"

Itachi's eyes widened in surprise for a brief second, but he quickly recovered his composure, "Kakashi, are you…?"

Kakashi gazed steadily at Itachi, "Anyway! I dropped my guard last time." This statement surprised not only Naruto and Sakura, but Sara as well. "But I learn quickly. I don't make the same mistakes twice."

This statement brought grins to Naruto and Sara's faces. Naruto gestured to himself and Sara, "And if you think we're the same as before, you're making a big mistake!"

Kakashi said, "I'll take care of him, Naruto."

Naruto and Sara both gave Kakashi a sour expression, Sara said, sarcastically, "Is this more of that non-fighting teamwork again? Because that worked so well last time!"

"No," Kakashi answered, "Naruto, this time I'll need you for backup, and Sara…I'll need you to help me out a bit." He smiled under his mask, "I'd like to send you all on ahead but…I don't think I can take him alone." Naruto and Sara grinned mischievously after he said that.

For several seconds, the rescue squad stood facing Itachi, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Finally, Itachi moved his right hand, and pointed at Naruto, "It's about time for you to come with me…Naruto."

Naruto gritted his teeth in anger, but before he could react, Kakashi shot forward, Sara on his heels, "Sara and I will go, you stay back!"

Kakashi aimed a punch at Itachi's face, but another Itachi dashed towards Naruto.

Sara skidded to a halt and kicked Itachi, who disappeared in a puff of smoke, but another clone had managed to get around her. Fuck! She thought angrily, whipping around.

Naruto came rushing at the on coming clone with his Rasengan, Rasengan! The jutsu hit Itachi dead on, and the clone disappeared. When the smoke from the clone dissipated, Naruto found his teammates all lying unconscious around him. What? His teammates started to stir, "Sa-Sakura…?" Sakura stood along with Granny Chiyo, but their forms changed into Itachi. Naruto turned hopefully to Sara and Kakashi who had begun to rise, but they too changed into Itachi.

Meanwhile, Sara turned to look at Naruto, wondering why he had randomly shot off his Rasengan. She exchanged a quick glance with Sakura before focusing on Itachi again, as Kakashi and he were eye to eye.

Naruto meanwhile, was still stuck in the genjutsu; he threw two kunai at two of the Itachi's, and fired off two more at the remaining two. As soon as the kunai struck the Itachi clones, they dispersed into ravens. Naruto stared, horror stricken at the flying birds in front of him. Some of the ravens soon converged into the upper part of Itachi.

"Why?" Naruto wondered, "I didn't even look at his eyes! Argh! How'd he get me?"

The genjutsu Itachi said, "My eyes aren't my only way of releasing genjutsu. I can do it with just this finger." He moved his index finger on his right hand, just like he had done earlier. Naruto gritted his teeth in frustration. "Don't worry," Itachi continued, "I won't use Mangekyo Sharingan…or to be more precise, I can't use it right now…" Naruto looked worried. "Never mind, it's time to put you to sleep."

Naruto braced himself and desperately tried to remember what Jiraiya had told him about releasing genjutsu, Think! What did Pervy Sage say? Something with chakra…I got it! I have to stop my chakra flow as much as possible, or make it more intense…otherwise Sakura or Bright Eyes had better touch me and send a bit of their own chakra into my system to help me out! He clapped his hands together and began to intensify how much chakra was flowing through his system, "Haaaaaaaaaaaahhh!"

"Not enough," Itachi said as the ravens flew at him, condensing into shuriken that cut his and imbedded themselves in his body.

He gritted his teeth, it's just genjutsu…I'll break it! He looked in horror at his cheek as it started to peel away to reveal gray skin, and slowly half of his face turned into Sasuke.

His right hand moved of its own volition and began to strangle him, Sasuke said to him, I failed to kill you before."

Naruto thought of how Sasuke had indeed tried to kill him only three years ago. He glanced down at his stomach nervously as something began to push through his jacket, a something with pink hair.

Sakura's angry face stared up at him, "Why didn't you stop Sasuke? I believed you…"

Naruto was starting to panic, he started as his left shoulder started to move and twist into Kakashi's face. Kakashi stared at from his shoulder, "You couldn't protect your comrades. I expected a lot from you…what a disappointment."

Gaara's eye appeared on his hand, "It's always you that comes ahead…only you achieve happiness…"

Gasping for breath as these things were said to him, all of the worries in the back of his mind about what the others were thinking, thrown right in his face, he was afraid of what Sara would say if she appeared. Tears filled in his eyes, and he closed them, trying to block out everything. He opened them wide in shock as he felt two different chakras flow into him.

Kakashi leapt away from Itachi and slid to a stop where Sara was standing, ready, "You okay, Naruto?"

Naruto stared blankly ahead, Sakura reassured him, "It was genjutsu…you're okay now."

"It seems ocular jutsu isn't all he has," Granny Chiyo commented.

Naruto's gaze hardened towards Itachi. Kakashi said, "It's time. Get ready, Naruto."

Sakura smacked his cheek as he was still staring off into space, "Hey! Pull yourself together!" Naruto glanced at her, still in shock from his genjutsu experience.

Kakashi said, "Naruto. Sara and I will show you how to handle him." Naruto's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly readied himself.

Itachi started making hand signs, and Sara recognized it instantly. She leapt in front of Kakashi, already starting to weave the same exact signs as Itachi, Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu! A huge blast of flame erupted from her mouth the same time as Itachi finished his jutsu. Sara wasn't surprised when Itachi's fireball overpowered hers but as she used an Earth Style to slip underground she thought, there was something wrong with his Fireball Jutsu just now…

Naruto grinned when he saw two holes in the ground where Kakashi and Sara had been standing.

Itachi pulled back as Kakashi erupted out of the ground in front of him, barely missing Itachi's chin. Itachi grabbed his arm, just as Sara erupted out of the ground, trying to kick Itachi. Itachi ducked, and went to slug Kakashi, who ducked, Fireball technique…but something's not right… Itachi grabbed the back of Kakashi's head and forced Kakashi to look at him.

Kakashi found himself on a plateau, but he was paper thin…literally, he looked down in shock as his legs began to burn. He looked up and glared at Itachi as the flames reached his torso.

Itachi commended him, "Well done…you're skilled in jutsu. When you hid yourself with Earth Style…it took me a while to tell." Back in reality, Itachi said, "My genjutsu doesn't affect you… This is a shadow clone…"

Kakashi hauled himself out of the ground and shouted, "Naruto! Attack him and my shadow clone!"

Sara leapt from behind Itachi so she wouldn't be caught in any jutsu of Naruto charged forward with a clone, "I'm on it!"

Itachi turned to Naruto, looking shocked as Naruto hit him with a giant Rasengan, Odama Rasengan! Giant Spiral Sphere! A crater formed in the ground as the jutsu hit Itachi.

"W-wow!" Sakura stuttered.

Oh! This kid, Granny Chiyo was amazed at the strength of the Rasengan.

Naruto was bewildered as Itachi smiled as he was blown backward. Sara was the first to investigate Itachi's body when the jutsu finally stopped. She glanced back at the others and said, "You guys are not going to believe this…"

Naruto practically growled in frustration as he gazed down at the body, while Granny Chiyo said, sounding shocked, "Th-this is…"

"Their jutsu or something…" Sakura said in disgust."

Sara stated, "There was something wrong with his Fireball Jutsu, I guess that should have tipped me off right away that this guy wasn't the real Itachi."

"I noticed the same thing," Kakashi said, proud that Sara had caught that detail.

"What's going on?" Naruto finally asked.

"He's…" Granny Chiyo seemed unable to finish a sentence.

"You know him?" Kakashi asked.

"Yes," she answered, "Yura…he's a jônin from our village."

"Hidden Sand?" Kakashi mused, "How can that be?"

"I don't know either," Granny Chiyo said, sounding tired.

Sakura suggested, "Maybe he was an Akatsuki spy…"

"Can't be," Granny Chiyo said immediately, "He served four years at the highest levels."

"Impersonating Itachi with the Art of Transformation?" Naruto guessed.

"No," Sara said, "This jutsu is way stronger then that. The Fireball Jutsu he used was definitely real, just not as powerful."

Kakashi nodded, once again feeling proud of Sara, "Exactly, the real Itachi is at the Akatsuki lair…This replica was to slow us down and gather intelligence on us… They're good."

Jinchûriki

They were bewildered at the strength of Itachi, and Sakura glanced at Naruto, Naruto…since we've been apart…you…you took on guys like this?

Granny Chiyo said, "Yes…it's clear they were trying to buy time. There's no doubt they've already started extracting the Biju!" Sakura, Naruto, and Sara all stared at her in confusion, "Presumably, they're trying to create a new Jinchûriki with the one-tailed Shukaku."

"Then there's no time to lose," Kakashi said, looking worried, "We have to hurry to rescue Gaara."

"Yes," Granny Chiyo nodded in agreement.

"Jinchûriki?" Sakura questioned." Kakashi looked at his students, worry in his eyes, but he didn't try to stop Granny Chiyo from explaining.

"As I explained," Granny Chiyo said slowly, "Biju have super human powers, and each country tried to use them for military purposes… If you can control the Jinchûriki, you can control the Biju he is hosting."

Sakura argued, "But you said no one could control such power…"

"No one could in the end," she answered, "But at one time people did try to control them…by sealing Biju in humans." Sakura, Naruto, and Sara's eyes widened in shock, "In that way people tried to control the Biju's extreme powers." Naruto looked down at his stomach, and placed his left hand over the place where the seal was. "And people in whom Biju were sealed, like Gaara, are called… Jinchûriki… A Jinchûriki is capable of incredible power by resonating with their Biju. Including Gaara, there have been three Jinchûriki in the Sand's history."

Sakura asked, after a few seconds of silence, "Using those Jinchûriki…people have waged war over and over again right?"

"Yes."

"But then…!" Sakura demanded, "What about the people that were made into Jinchûriki…" She glanced at her teammates, though mainly Naruto, "What can be done to pull the Biju out?"

Naruto stared at her in shock, as Granny Chiyo answered, "Removing a Biju requires a sealing jutsu with power that is momentarily equal to that of the Biju…and quite a bit of time too. But once the Biju is removed the Jinchûriki…"

Sakura remembered their earlier conversation about Biju and she whispered, "Oh, no…!"

"Yes…when the Biju is removed the Jinchûriki…dies… Both of the Sand's other Jinchûriki I just mentioned died because Shukaku was removed." Sakura's eyes filled with tears.

Kakashi asked quietly, thinking of Sara, "Do you think the same would happen to someone who had an Elemental removed from them?"

"Not much is known about the Elementals, and as I said earlier, I've never heard of another case of an Elemental being sealed within a human," Granny Chiyo said, "But I can imagine the result would be the same." She saw Kakashi glance at Sara, and she could tell he cared for her so she added, "But…perhaps things are different with Elementals, perhaps the host would live…we'll probably never know."

Sakura choked back a sob as she looked between Naruto and Sara, I could lose both of them if…if their monsters were removed from them!

Naruto said, his back to Sakura, "Always quick to cry, Sakura. Don't worry," he turned to face her, a grin on his face, "I'm gonna save Gaara!"

Sakura was shocked, "I…! Naruto…it's you and Sara I'm…"

"We'd better hurry!" Naruto said, cutting her off. He moved his shoulder strap and walked away.

Naruto… Sakura thought, staring after him. A hand touched her shoulder, and she turned to see Sara standing next to her.

"Naruto and I have accepted what we are, who we are, and what we carry within us…it's just hitting him hard that neither of us will ever be 'normal'," Sara said, walking after Naruto.

"But, Sara, if someone ever tried to remove the Nine-Tailed Fox or Phoenix you'd…" Sakura said.

Sara cut her off, "Naruto's right, we'd better hurry."

Sakura stared after the pair, and watched as Sara caught up with Naruto. Neither one of them turned to look at the other, but the tenseness in both of their shoulders slowly relaxed. Naruto…Sara…

Kakashi said, walking past her, Granny Chiyo following him, "They're stronger then they look, but it's still hard for them to think about dying when they're so young, and still have much to give." Granny Chiyo nodded in agreement. Sakura sighed, adjusting her pack before following.

That night, after they had traveled further and found a clearing to rest for a few minutes; Naruto and Sakura were asleep, blankets spread over them, while Kakashi sat at the base of a tree, absentmindedly stroking Sara's shoulder, Sara's head was in his lap.

Granny Chiyo gazed at the squad, first at Sakura, who so reminded her of herself, then at Naruto, who brought back memories of a young Sasori. She then turned her attention to Kakashi and Sara, she watched them for several seconds before stating, "You care about her don't you."

"Yes," Kakashi confirmed, knowing that Granny Chiyo would not be a threat.

Granny Chiyo nodded sagely, "It's obvious that she admires you very much…you're both alike in many ways."

"And different in many others," Kakashi said smiling.

Granny Chiyo laughed, "Yes, but that is probably for the better."

Kakashi nodded in agreement, and allowed several minutes of silence to span between them. Finally he said, shaking Sara's shoulder, "That's enough break time. We have to get going."

"Yes," Granny Chiyo agreed standing up.

Sara sat up groggily, while Kakashi stood and began to wake Sakura and Naruto, who were as groggy as Sara.

Kakashi said, "Let's get going you three."

Sara quickly got her pack while Naruto and Sakura hurriedly packed their blankets and pillows. When everyone was ready they set out again.

Arrival

Flinging themselves from branch to branch, they moved as fast as possible towards the Akatsuki's lair. Naruto began to think of the differences in his life's and Gaara's and he gritted his teeth, I've had people who have trusted me and believed in me while he had nobody! His anger rose as he thought of how unfair it was that Gaara should be the one to suffer yet again, he felt the fox's chakra and he propelled himself forward using the extra chakra.

Th-this kid! Granny Chiyo was bewildered at how adamant Naruto was in saving Gaara.

"Naruto! Wait!" Kakashi shouted.

Sara shot forward, saying over her shoulder, "I'll get him!" She easily outpaced Sakura, and started gaining on Naruto slowly.

Granny Chiyo asked Kakashi, who was keeping pace with her, "Why are they trying so hard to save Gaara? They're not even from the same village…" Kakashi looked at her as she continued, "And who in the world are they?"

Kakashi chose his words carefully, "Sara carries Phoenix within her and she has experienced the same kind of lonely life as any Jinchûriki, and she has been on missions with Gaara, and grown close to him…but unlike Naruto, she has the discipline to keep her emotions in check and do what is best for the team… Naruto, on the other hand, has the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him." Granny Chiyo's eyes widened in shock, "Naruto probably doesn't have any special feelings for the Sand Village…but Gaara is a Jinchûriki too. Naruto understands Gaara, as does Sara, better then anyone in the Sand Village ever could. Naruto is not as disciplined though when it comes to keeping his emotions in check…"

He glanced up ahead as he heard a shout from Naruto, he shook his head in disbelief as he saw that Sara had pinned him to the trunk of a tree and was shouting, "Would you slow down? I know you want to save Gaara, so do I! But rushing into danger isn't going to help anybody, especially Gaara!" Naruto stopped struggling, and Sara relaxed her grip, "We'll still keep ahead of everyone else, but let's not be so far ahead." She glanced back at Kakashi who smiled.

Kakashi continued, now that Naruto would be going slower, "But since they've experienced the same pain, that's why they have to save Gaara. Whether it's Sand or Leaf means nothing to them…to them, Gaara is a comrade who shares their pain. But Naruto probably relates the best to Gaara, especially since his dream is to become Hokage." He smiled, "You can imagine how hearing that Gaara had become the Kazekage might have irked him but he was genuinely happy for him at the same time…" He was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Naruto has a special power." Granny Chiyo glanced at him, "Without exchanging many words…he can strike up a friendship with anyone."

As they came within several feet of the two young ninja, Sara and Naruto leapt forward, Sakura was only a few feet behind the pair now, versus earlier when Sara had passed her leaving her in the dust.

Granny Chiyo said quietly, "I've lived long… I've seen many things. And I've learned the ways of the world accordingly. And because I've found that alliances with other countries are mere formalities…we needed resources to protect the Sand Village." Kakashi had a feeling that he knew where Granny Chiyo was going with the conversation, "The jutsu that sealed Shukaku inside Gaara… I did it." Kakashi remained silent, "I did it to protect the village…and the villagers have suffered for it. And now the village I avoided and didn't make an alliance with is trying to save us… All the things that I have done…may have very well been mistakes… Even worse, I've become decrepit and started giving up on things easily… Kakashi…" He turned towards her in surprise; Granny Chiyo gazed at the three young ninja as they leapt from branch to branch, "The young have so much potential within…I envy them."

"No, no. Your life's only just begun," Kakashi said, trying to lift up Granny Chiyo's mood. "You're still quite young."

Granny Chiyo burst out laughing and Kakashi smiled, glad that she seemed more upbeat. She continued to smile, "That's true…there may still be something I can do…" Still something I can do… she thought, wondering what she could do to help the young ninja.

Sara suddenly shouted from up ahead, "I see Guy and his team up ahead, Master Kakashi, you're guess was right!"

Lee asked Guy as Kakashi's team approached, "What are we gonna do?" They were standing in front of a large boulder with a seal on it.

"First we have to break this barrier!" Guy announced.

"But how?" Tenten questioned.

"It's a Five-Seal Barrier," Kakashi said as they all landed on the water.

Lee, Tenten, and Neji turned around wondering who had spoken. Guy grinned, "You're late, Kakashi."

"Well you see…" Kakashi said as he straightened up, "We ran into a little trouble along the way."

Lee's face broke into a smile, "Naruto! Sara! Sakura!"

"Hey!" Naruto said greeting Lee, while Sara merely nodded, acknowledging that she had heard Lee.

Granny Chiyo looked slightly affronted, "You don't mean me, do you, Kakashi?"

"Naruto…" Neji said, surprised to see him.

"Everyone's here," Sakura commented, "So you arrived ahead of us?"

"Who's that old lady," Tenten asked as she and the rest of Team Guy approached.

"She's an advisor from the Sand," Sara answered.

Guy glanced at all of them, "Okay! Let's do this, Kakashi!"

"Yeah!" Kakashi said, nodding.

Entering the Lair

The two combined teams of Guy & Kakashi stood facing the boulder that blocked their way into the Akatsuki's lair. Pakkun said, looking up at Kakashi, "I guess it's time I go. I'll be no more use here. No sense in me getting in your way."

"Thanks, Pakkun," Kakashi said as he nodded, signaling that Pakkun could go. Pakkun disappeared in a poof of smoke.

Guy said, seemingly unfazed by the task ahead of them, "All right! Kakashi, our first order of business is this barrier. How do we get past it?"

Kakashi couldn't believe Guy was a jônin and yet he didn't know how to remove a Five-Seal Barrier, "A Five-Seal Barrier is established by placing five talismans in the nearby area. A single character, forbidden, is inscribed on each." He pointed at the paper seal above them, "One of these is right in front of us. There are four others. Until we peel them off, we can't do a thing about the barrier."

"Well, where are they?" Naruto asked, looking around, "I mean, the other four."

"Neji," Kakashi said.

"Got it," Neji said making a hand sign, Byakugan! It was only a few seconds before Neji said, "I see them… One's on a rock five hundred meters to the northeast…another on a tree by a river about three hundred and fifty meters south-southeast…then there's a cliff wall about six hundred and fifty meters to the northwest…and the last is in a wood about eight hundred meters southwest from here."

"All right!" Guy said cheerily, pulling out wireless headpieces, "They're all within wireless range. Take these, Neji will guide us straight to the talismans." He glanced at Kakashi and winked as his team put on the wireless headpieces, "My team is faster then yours, we'll handle it! The frequencies at one-seventy-four. Hang tight until I touch base." He glanced at his team.

"All set," Tenten said as she finished adjusting her mike.

"We're counting on you," Kakashi said, adjusting his frequency on his mike to match what Guy had said.

Guy shouted as he got ready to spring away, "Team guy! Let's go forth with the power of youth! Scatter!"

Team Guy leapt away, each heading to different areas.

Gaara… Naruto thought impatiently, eager to enter the Akatsuki's lair.

Within a few minutes, Sara was positioned above the seal on the boulder, ready to peel it away once Kakashi gave her the signal. Sakura stood several meters away, waiting for Kakashi to give her the signal to charge in and shatter the boulder to pieces.

Kakashi said, "So to break in, I'm thinking we'll need a Switch Hook Entry, as Sara peels away the seal, Sakura, you'll charge in to break the boulder." Sara and Sakura nodded. Kakashi sighed silently, I'd be on the boulder, but Sara is nimbler then I, especially with my back…plus she's faster…I hate getting old! He heard Guy's voice over the mike and said, "Now!"

Sara peeled away the seal and flipped to get off the boulder just as Sakura shattered the boulder with her fist.

As the entryway was revealed, Kakashi signaled for everyone to move in. Like lethal shadows, the shinobi slipped into the Akatsuki's lair. Everyone's eyes widened as they were greeted by two Akatsuki: one that was virtually hidden beneath his cloak apart from a brief glimpse of his face, and a mechanical tail, while the other had long blond hair, some of it tied into a pony tail, the rest covering his left eye.

Kakashi thought sadly, we're too late…

Sasori… Granny Chiyo thought, focusing on the one with the tail.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sara focused on the motionless figure of the Kazekage, lying on the ground.

The blond haired one said, "Now, let's see which one is the Jinchûriki host? Hmmm?"

That's going to get on my nerves, REAL fast! Sara thought.

Naruto's face slowly went from surprise to rage, "You! You're dead meat!"

"That would be him, then," the one with the tail muttered.

The blond nodded, "Looks like it…"

Naruto glared at the Akatsuki members, but his gaze drifted to Gaara. He shouted, "Gaara! Why are you just lying there? GET UP!" Sakura and Sara glanced worriedly at their comrade as he continued to shout, "Hey, Gaara! What are you, deaf?"

"Naruto, stop," Kakashi said, raising his voice slightly so Naruto would hear him. His tone softened, "You know full well…"

"Indeed, I should think you'd know that he's already dead. Hmmm?" The blond said.

Officially annoyed, Sara thought, her pupils narrowing as she activated her Devil's Eyes.

Kakashi had been reading her mind and he said silently, "Keep your hot head under control!"

"But it's annoying!" Sara protested. Kakashi gave her a steely look and she amended, "I'll keep my temper in control, you know I'm not so stupid as to rush in without a plan!" Kakashi nodded, but didn't comment again.

Naruto's eyes filled with tears as he snarled, "Give him back." He charged forward, "Give me Gaara! You stinking…"

Kakashi slid in front of Naruto, blocking his path, "Cool it. Charge in without thinking and you'll get us all killed." Naruto growled in response

The Akatsuki member with the tail glanced at Gaara's body, "I'll hold on to the body. Since it appears the Jinchûriki host is burning for it." Kakashi didn't like the analysis that had been made.

"Sasori," the blond haired one said to his cohort, "I know this isn't what you want to hear, but…I'll handle the Jinchûriki host. Hmmm?"

Still annoyed… Sara thought, tensing, ready to move at a second's notice.

The one called Sasori growled, "Listen, our quota is one apiece… If I were you, Deidara, I wouldn't push my luck."

"An artist must always seek ever greater stimulation. Lest his senses turn dull," the blond, Deidara, said, "This Jinchûriki host of the Nine-Tailed Fox…from what I hear, he is fairly strong. Hmmm?"

One more "hmmm?" and I'm going to kill him! Sara thought, thoroughly irritated.

"What?" Sasori growled, "Those pyrotechnics of yours…ART? Art is a work of beauty, captured and left for posterity…it is the beauty of all eternity."

"Quite so, Sasori," Deidara said, "as a fellow artist, I certainly…respect your perspective. But, in my opinion, art is transient beauty that fades after just a moment. Hmm."

Kakashi grabbed Sara's headband as she stalked forward, and he said silently, "And you said you'd control your temper?"

"It's annoying!" Sara tried to argue.

"Did you ever think that perhaps he does that just to annoy the enemy," Kakashi questioned silently. Sara remained silent, "You still have a lot to learn."

"Yeah, yeah," Sara admitted grudgingly.

Sakura questioned as she and Granny Chiyo stepped forward, "What's with them?"

"Enough of this!" Naruto snapped, pulling out a scroll and placing his palm on one of the many summoning symbols. A giant shuriken appeared out of the scroll and Naruto flung it towards the two bickering Akatsuki members.

Neither Sasori or Deidara turned as the shuriken came at them. Sasori flicked his puppet-tail, not even glancing at the fallen shuriken, "Deidara, you fool. Are you trying to make me angry?"

"You see there?" Deidara said, "I did say you wouldn't like it, did I not? Hmm?"

Kakashi kept a firm hold on Sara's headband, but Sara made no move towards Deidara, which relieved Kakashi, she does have a foul temper, but once she has it in control…the enemy had better not underestimate her!

Deidara moved towards a clay bird that had been still for so long that none of the Leaf ninja had looked at it until it scooped up Gaara's body in its beak, "My art is the explosion itself. Compared to your grotesque puppet show…well, it's not even in the same league."

Sasori glared at Deidara and tried to impale the other Akatsuki member with his puppet-tail, but Deidara leapt into the air just as his clay bird took flight. "Sheesh," Sasori grumbled.

"See ya," Deidara called as his clay bird swallowed Gaara's body.

"Hey, wait up!" Naruto shouted, chasing after Deidara. Sara teleported out of the lair.

Grrr…As always Naruto just can't help himself, He shouted to the others, "Naruto and I will handle the guy outside. Sakura, Sara, and Granny Chiyo, you deal with this creep. Just don't do anything rash. Wait 'til Team Guy returns."

"Understood!" Sakura shouted, wondering, Does Kakashi-sensei realize that Sara teleported out of here, probably to follow Naruto?

Kakashi caught up to Naruto on rock formation that formed a ledge, Deidara hovered above them. He pressed his mike and asked, "Guy, come in… Can you return immediately?"

Guy's reply wasn't the answer he had been hoping for, "We would if we could…but we're a bit stuck. It'll take awhile."

Kakashi moved his headband up, revealing his Sharingan; There's no time for delays…I just hope those three can handle that guy…

Ready to Fight

Back in the lair, Sasori sighed before glaring at the two kunoichi in front of him.

Sakura froze, just facing him like this, I can sense the huge difference in our experience…and in…our death tolls.

"Sakura, be brave," Granny Chiyo said, sensing the young kunoichi's fear, "Stay behind me and watch." She reached into her sleeves and whipped out two sets of kunai knives and kept them hovering in the air using chakra strings. With a flick of her wrist she sent the knives flying at Sasori.

Sasori merely moved his tail to act as a shield, meanwhile he ripped apart his cloak, and bent forward so he could be on all fours. He stood poised like a scorpion, an ugly face covering his back, the tail coming out of the mouth, "If you're going to play like that, I suppose you leave me no choice. So, Granny Chiyo…you want to join my collection, then? Along with the brat behind you?"

What on earth? Sakura was looking at the contraption on Sasori's left hand.

Sasori continued, "First I pull out the entrails. Then I skin the body clean…then I drain the blood, down to the last drop…"

"Sakura…that's not Sasori's body," Granny Chiyo reassured her, "That's just a puppet."

Sasori at first, didn't acknowledge Granny Chiyo's comment to Sakura, "Add in a few preservatives…then just string up what's left, and we have a brand new marionette. The hag is right. This form you see is just one piece from my collection. The two of you should bump up my oeuvre to three hundred exactly…That's my art!"

Sakura said, "I can kind of tell that's not his body. But then…where is he? Puppet masters work from offstage, right? So where are the strings?"

"His body is inside the puppet," Granny Chiyo stated. Sakura's eyes widened, "Puppet masters aren't so good with close combat…since fussing with their marionettes leaves them wide open to attack. To overcome that weakness, he created this puppet. It serves as his armor…and his weapon. It's Sasori's favorite puppet. I'm familiar with it. It's called Hiruko."

"Okay," Sakura said, "So…how do we fight him?"

"Well…until we drag Sasori out of Hiruko, there's no point," Granny Chiyo stated bluntly. "What makes this puppet formidable is its mechanism. We don't know how or from where it may launch its attack."

Sakura tried to argue, "But, Granny Chiyo, you know how Hiruko works inside out. We have the advantage."

Granny Chiyo shook her head back and forth, "That's what I thought at first, but it seems that will not be the case."

"What do you mean?" Sakura demanded, worried.

Granny Chiyo said, "Hiruko has changed somewhat…since I saw it last. For one, the shell didn't look like that. He must have heightened its defenses. And the left arm…it's new to me. So…if he's changed that much, there's a chance he also changed its crucial hidden mechanisms."

"So how do we fight it?" Sakura questioned.

"Before we tackle Sasori," Granny Chiyo stated, "We must break Hiruko. I can't destroy it alone. I'm nowhere near strong enough. However…Sakura…you are. With your training, you wield the brute force of Lady Tsunade herself." Sakura's eyes widened, but then hardened, as understanding flashed in her eyes. "Now listen carefully. The first step is to get close and shatter the puppet. The catch is, you must dodge every attack it puts forth."

Sakura clenched her fist, "The poison you mean."

"That's right," Granny Chiyo said, nodding, "Even a scratch will prove fatal. To evade the attack you must understand the puppet master's style. You must anticipate his moves instantly."

"Understand the puppet master? Make snap judgments?" Sakura questioned. "I can't really do either…Sara would be better at that…"

"True, your teammate would be good, but she is helping the one's who need her most," Granny Chiyo smiled at Sakura's bewildered expression, "These things take years of experience, or many hard missions to master."

"Then how?" Sakura asked.

Granny Chiyo began to take off her hat, "I wonder what you see when you look at me. A helpless old woman perhaps? Or…" She untied her hair and let it fall down around her face, "Just count on me…that's why I'm here. His experience doesn't even compare to mine. Besides… I've already made my first move." Sakura was stunned, "Sakura, lean closer, together we shall finish him."

Meanwhile, outside the cave, hovering above the two Leaf Village shinobi, Deidara said, "Kakashi of the Sharingan eye, you wanna come after me? Hmm? I'm sure I shouldn't say this but… Sasori is stronger that I…probably…yeah."

Kakashi refused to be goaded into turning around to check on Sakura and Granny Chiyo, I left Sara with them, plus Granny Chiyo's experience should even the odds…

Naruto said suddenly, sounding a bit calmer, "Sensei, please go help Sakura and Bright Eyes. I'll rescue Gaara."

"Hmph!" Deidara snorted.

Up above Deidara, waiting for the right moment to start making her move was Sara, shuriken in hand, making sure the weapons were not in the sun so they wouldn't reflect the sun's light, appearing as a glint to the enemy. She had learned from how she had gotten her nickname, it was now said that the Shadow Wolf was so good, that you were lucky to get a chance to see any weapons.