Here's chapter two of Naruto: Bonds! Hopefully I get more reviews...For the time being, I'll be releasing two chapters a week, every other week!...Well, if the rest of my life permits, of course.

Don't worry folks, I still don't own Naruto.

All canon characters = Kishimoto-sensei's

Midori (my first OC) = mine


Chapter 2- Reunion!

Right at that very moment, Team 8 was trudging home. Kiba had been injured on their last mission, though it wasn't so bad as to elicit immediate medical attention, Hinata, who had used Byakugan to check him, had advised not to move. He had taken several slashes and a few stabs, but all to non-vital regions. Hinata, being the closest thing to a Medical-nin they had, did her best to patch him up but was only able to staunch the bleeding and bandage him up. With Shino's help, Kiba was hoisted onto Akamaru. All these tasks were made all the more difficult by the fact that she had sprained her ankle and placed it in a makeshift splint.

"Huh, who would've thought that going after a buncha bandits would be so tough?" said Kiba as Hinata helped him adjust his sitting position.

"Those were no ordinary bandits. You're lucky to be alive, Kiba," retorted Shino. "If it wasn't for Hinata here, you charging in recklessly like that could've gotten you killed."

"What was that, bug-boy?"

Hinata began to feel uncomfortable. "Guys, please. Cut it out, alright?" she pleaded.

Both boys immediately stopped squabbling upon seeing her expression- she didn't show it intentionally, but she was clearly highly uncomfortable with the situation.

"Feh, whatever! It wouldn't do me any good to fight with you right now anyway, Shino!"

"For once, I suppose we agree on something, Kiba."

Hinata sighed. "I suppose that's the best I can hope for out of them," she thought to herself as she limped along next to Akamaru.

"Hey Hinata," said Kiba, his momentary anger gone. "How come you're walking? You need to rest that leg. Come on up here, Akamaru doesn't mind, do ya boy?" At this, the large dog woofed loudly, but seemed happy at the prospect of a new passenger. "There, ya see? Now come on. I mean it's not like you're all that heavy or anything."

"Th-Thanks Kiba, but I don't think my ankle will permit me to do anything more than walk right now. We're close to the village anyway, so it doesn't really matter, does it?

While his teammates were conversing, Shino heard a rustle in the bushes just off the path. "You two go on ahead," he told his comrades. "I need to go check something."

"But Shino," protested Hinata. "You're hurt, too!"

It was true. Shino had also sustained several injuries during the battle, as had Hinata, though neither as bad as Kiba's. They were misinformed by their client, and barely prepared for what they fought. It was almost like fighting a group of Zetsu clones again.

"So are you," he replied. "You and Kiba need to get back to the village as soon as possible. Any one of his wounds could open up at any time, and you need to rest yourself. As for me, I heard a noise and I'm still uneasy, so I'll check it out to make sure we weren't followed or something like that."

"Can't you just send bugs or something?" Kiba asked his friend.

"No. If I send my beetles and they're discovered, that would blow the whole recon operation," the bug-user replied. "I have to go myself for this one. And don't bother reminding me about your Byakugan, Hinata," he finished, preempting the forthcoming protests of his white-eyed teammate as he used his beetles to lift her gently onto Akamaru. "Your chakra is running low. All three of us know that. You used up most of it to protect Kiba and take those thugs out. You need what little you have to hang on until you get back home. I'll cover us….Now go!" Shino said the last bit while giving Akamaru a firm slap to the flank. Akamaru yelped, and galloped off like a horse.

Shino didn't want to hurt Akamaru, but he felt he had no choice. He was beginning to sense a high level of danger, but he wanted to make sure not to lead it to the village. He knew that his friends would have stayed to back him up if given the choice, even to the death. However, he also knew that right at that moment, he was the one with the highest survival rate of the squad in a combat situation. So, based on these assessments, he refused them the choice. He forced them to go home ahead of him…..And it turned out to be the choice that saved their lives.

WHOOOOSH!

Black flames erupted around Shino. Instantly, he knew who his assailant was. "Uchiha…..Sasuke. Been awhile."

The young Uchiha materialized out of the smoke as the Amanterasu's flames died down. He already had his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan activated.

Shino was not Naruto. He knew that. However, Sasuke having his ultimate dojutsu activated meant that every possible escape route was already blocked.

"Looking for a hole to crawl into, eh, Shino? Once a bug, always a bug," Sasuke taunted. In an instant, Shino had a gash on his right side, with Sasuke standing in back of him. "I want you to get a message to Naruto…But let's make sure you're paying attention first," he said, sadistically kicking Shino away. Flipping Shino onto his back as he tried to rise, Sasuke put a hand on the Aburame's chest. "Here's something I recently invented," hissed Sasuke darkly, "Let's see how you like my latest jutsu, the Chidori Pulse!" At those words, a painful shock ran through Shino's body. "Heh. Guess that's what happens to a bug when he touches a bug zapper," Sasuke quipped. He bent over, ripped off his opponent's goggles, and forced his eyes open. "Tsukuyomi," he said, invoking the technique. "You will remember this. Tell Naruto to meet me at the Valley of the End. Even if you don't know where that is, he does. Now go."

A Sharingan glyph appeared over Shino's glazed eyes. Trudging along like a zombie, he picked up his goggles from where they'd fallen and walked off with them in his hand. Finally, deep into the forest, his injuries overtook him, and he collapsed. Before blacking out, however, he heard a door open, and a blade being drawn. "Heh. I guess this is it…" Shino mused as the darkness of unconsciousness overtook him. On and off, he would reawaken, but only to find some stranger standing over him, apparently trying to either remove his clothing or bandage his wounds. He would resist, but would always get a facefull of some kind of powder that rendered him unconscious again. He wasn't coherent enough to check whether it was a man or woman, but he found out soon enough.

"Hey," said an unfamiliar voice. "Hey! Are you awake?"

Shino slowly opened his eyes. "Wh-Wha…?" he managed. All of a sudden, he saw another face staring down at his. It was a girl's face, with kind, calm features, emerald-green eyes and slightly tanned skin. He noticed her hair next. Black and tied in a bun, with a flower pinned in it. Her hairstyle reminded him of that of Konan of the former Akatsuki, only this was a real flower as opposed to a paper one. He tried to get up, but she held a hand close to his chest.

"Oh no you don't. You'll reopen your wounds!" the girl admonished him as her expression changed to one of concern.

"Who are you…?" Shino asked. She didn't look at all familiar. She had no headband, and from what he could see, she wore a thigh-length green tunic with black bike pants underneath.

"Hey, are you checking me out or something?" she asked, obviously amused at the thought. "Anyway, Mr. Ninja, I suggest you tell me your name first. After all, you're the one who collapsed on my doorstep, and I don't even live in your village!" As she said this, she kept her warm smile, but her hand touched the broadsword she wore on her back.

"Aburame Shino," he managed. "Of Konoha."

"So this is a leaf, then?" she mused, holding up his headband. It was gleaming, which means she must have repaired and polished it. But to do that, she would've had to remove his hood and take it from him. There was no way that would've happened if he was conscious.

"Wait," he said. "Just how long was I out?"

"A few days, actually." she responded. "You were almost a goner, you know. You're lucky this forest has so many medicinal herbs. Your village is still a good distance away. Oh! Before I forget, my name's Midori. No fancy surname like yours," she said, grinning. "Now then, 'Aburame Shino….of Konoha'," she mimicked, complete with the pause. "Let's get you some food, ok?"

"No," he said, struggling once again to rise.

Midori sighed. "Didin't I tell you that you would—"

"Reopen my wounds? Yes. However, I have an important message to deliver to someone in my village! I have to go back, right now!"

Midori took a step back. "Hey, no need to get all upset. Tell ya what. If it really means that much to you, I'll take you. But you have to do everything the I say, and in the exact way I say to do it, if you want to be in one piece when we get there, ok?"

Shino simply nodded as she quickly went to the door.

Putting on a pair of plain straw sandals, she turned back to him. "Just stay put for a bit, alright? There's just one thing I have to do before we get ready to go."

Shino nodded again, but he had no intention of actually obeying her command. For all he knew, she worked for Sasuke, or even worse, Tobi! He decided to follow her. Struggling to his feet, he staggered to the door. Eventually, he followed her a through several gardens a short distance away from the cottage to a point where it seemed as if she were talking to a stone. Then Shino realized what the stone was- it was a grave.

"Grandpa, please watch over me and my new friend Shino on our way to Konoha," she said, bowing to her grandfather's grave. She nearly jumped as she turned and found Shino standing there. "Oh Kami, you scared me! Hey wait, I thought I told you to stay put!" At the last sentence, she began to look irate. "You really will reopen those wounds, Shino. Do you want that?"

Shino shook his head. "So…'Grandpa,' huh?"

"What? Oh, er…Yeah. Truth be told, I was adopted," she said, briefly betraying a look of sadness on her face. Just as suddenly, she began to look determined. "But enough about that, we need to get you home!"

And so the two re-entered Midori's house, got ready, and set off for Konoha. It took them half a day to reach it, a fact made evident by the high position of the sun beating down on them.

"Ugh," groaned Midori. "Looks like I'm a plant who only likes moderate sunshine."

Shino chuckled at his newfound companion's comment.

"Hey, what're you laughing at?" she said, smiling.

Suddenly, Izumo and Kotetsu appeared before them.

"Hey, who are y—"

"It's alright, guys, she's with me," Shino cut them off. "We need to see Uzumaki Naruto. Now. Is he awake yet?"

"Well, y-yeah," stammered Kotetsu. "We'll take ya to him. However, your friend will have to leave her sword here."

Midori glared defiantly at the two gatekeeper Chunin. "Hell no! This blade was passed to me by my grandpa! I'm not letting some random strangers take it!"

Izumo stepped forward. "Then would you mind waiting here with me while my friend here takes Shino to Naruto? It's either that or the blade."

"Well at least I get to keep it this way," grunted Midori. "Take care of him, alright? And watch it- He's got a ways to go before he's fully healed."

"Don't worry about it, I got this," said Kotetsu reassuringly. He then lifted Shino onto his back and ran off to the Konoha Ninja Hospital.

Although he expected to see Naruto first, Shino was surprised and moderately annoyed to see Sakura coming into the room where he had been told to wait.

"I told them, I have to speak to Naruto!" Shino demanded.

"Yeah, I know, but he's in therapy right now, and I need to check your injuries," Sakura responded.

Shino was forced to comply.

Removing his bandages, Sakura marveled at the workmanship. "Wow. Whoever did this really knows their way around herbs. You're saying a non-ninja did this?"

"I'll tell you all about it later. Just get me Naruto already, will you? It's urgent."

Sakura gave an exasperated sigh. "What could be so important that you're suddenly so pushy? This isn't like you at all."

"It's about Sasuke," Shino said. "He's issued a challenge."

Staring back at him in shock, Sakura dropped the roll of bandages she was about to use on Shino.

Konoha's finest soon gathered to hear the news.

Shino explained to them what had occurred.

"It's simple," Gai-sensei offered, "Take him in or take him down."

"Huh, that's unusually succinct coming from you, Gai," Kakashi-sensei replied, "But for once, I completely agree."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Oh really, Kakashi? And what would you have us do right now?"

"I believe everyone knows the answer to that, Lady Hokage."

Anko spoke up, looking concerned."Naruto? We all know the kid is strong, but Kakashi-sempai, aren't you putting a little too much pressure on the poor kid's shoulders?"

"Well, thanks for sticking up for me, Anko-sensei….But I'm fine!" A blast of smoke erupted from the center of the circular meeting area. When the smoke cleared, Naruto was standing there, geared up for combat. "I'm going to fight him. You know that. You may as well pick out my backup right now."

"Watch it, buster," Gai-sensei warned. "Much as I'm into displays of youthful passion, you may want to tone it down. After all, you're talking to the Hokage."

Tsunade looked long and hard at Naruto. "Very well. Shikamaru! Gai! Take your teams and go with Naruto. Kakashi, you'll go with them as backup."

Naruto grinned. "Thanks, Grandma."

Tsunade kept her hard expression, but Naruto could tell tears were welling up in her eyes. She was great at hiding it, but she was genuinely worried for him. "Naruto….You…..You just better come home safe, you hear? Even if it means running away…."

"Heh, you know I'm not that kinda guy, Grandma! I mean come on!"

Tsunade could've sworn she was seeing double again, but she thought she saw both Nawaki and Dan in Naruto again.

Shino broke her reverie. "Wait. What about my squad?"

Tsunade quickly returned to her stern façade. "You three still haven't recovered from your previous mission," she replied. "None of you are in any shape to fight."

Naruto walked up to his friend. "Actually Shino, I do have a request for you. If you want, call it a mission. I need you and Kiba to keep an eye on Hinata," he said, as flashes of her failed attempt to protect him against Pein flashed through his mind, "Make sure she doesn't do anything dumb, like follow me onto the battlefield or something. I don't think she'll be so lucky this time if she does." At the last line, his expression changed to one of concern. "Got it?"

Behind his extremely high collar, Shino smirked. "Ok then. We'll make sure your girlfriend doesn't miss you too much."

Naruto looked flustered. "H-Hey! It's not like that…..! Gah, why'd ya have to bring this kinda stuff up now, of all times?"

Just then, Sakura appeared. "I'm ready to go as well, Milady," she said.

"No, Sakura," responded Tsunade. "You're much too emotionally attached to this. You can't—"

"But Naruto's going!" the young kunoichi shouted at her mentor.

Naruto just stood silent, unsure what to say or do in this situation.

"That may be, young lady, but he also happens to be the one with the best chance of actually coming back from this alive. You'll most likely be needed here, to treat the wounded as they come in."

"But—" Sakura started.

"Hey Sakura," Naruto called. "Don't worry. I'll bring him back, no matter what! You'll see!" With that, he raced off.

By the time Naruto arrived at the gates to rendezvous with the rest of his team, they were all assembled.

"Hey Naruto," Choji said. "You want a bag of chips? You shouldn't go into battle on an empty stomach!"

Ino slapped her teammate's stomach. "Ugh, you always think about food! Listen, Naruto, give it everything you've got, okay? Don't think about how Sakura or me or anyone will react…..Even if….Even if you have to kill Sasuke to stop him."

Naruto held up a hand. "Thanks for the offer, Choji, but I've eaten. And Ino, thanks. But don't worry, I'm bringing him back alive, as long as I have a choice!"

Kakashi stepped in. "Alright you guys. If we're all ready, let's head out!"

Finally, Naruto arrived at the location Shino had described. He had told his backup to wait a distance away so they wouldn't interfere and risk being hurt in the ensuing battle.

Though he didn't expect the specific place, he knew from Shino's account, even before being told, who had summoned him. However, when he arrived at the Valley of the End as Shino had relayed to him, Naruto was still not prepared for what he found.

What he saw there, standing atop the statue of Uchiha Madara, was his old friend and mortal enemy, Sasuke Uchiha. Still wrapped in the tattered remains of his Akatsuki cloak, he turned to face his old rival.

"So, you finally came. About time, too. I was about to come looking," he said with a cruel sneer, and with a slightly mocking tone in his voice. "Anyway, good. I want to tell you something," he said, drawing his blade. "I'm sick and tired of you chasing me wherever the hell I go. I'm sick of your caring, sick of your...friendship." He said the last word as if it were a foreign word he was still learning to pronounce. "So let's fight. Either I beat you, KILL you, then raze your precious village to achieve my revenge, or you beat me, and..."

"And?" Naruto demanded.

"...And I'll let you take me back," he said. "Willingly." Oddly enough, Sasuke's features seemed to soften slightly at the last bit. Then, just as suddenly, they hardened again.

Naruto understood exactly what was going to happen. Either he or Sasuke could die here, but either way, it would be his final opportunity to save his friend. He couldn't afford to fail again.

"...So if I win, you'll just come back? Just like that?" Naruto asked.

"Just like that," said the raven-haired youth nonchalantly. "I'll even hand over my sword and let you have some Hyuga block off my chakra points or whatever."

"Fine then," Naruto said. "If we have to fight, let's fight. I told you, Sasuke...I'll bring you back to the Leaf, even if I have to break every bone in your body!" the Nine-Tails jinchuriki bellowed, eyes blazing crimson.

"Heh," chuckled Sasuke, activating his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. "So we're just jumping to our highest power levels, eh? No wonder you had your backup stay back; you haven't changed one bit."

In a flash, they both charged at the other, going so fast as to disappear from view as they ran.

As the first few explosions and flashes erupted from Naruto and Sasuke's battle, a nervous Tenten looked on. "Kakashi-sensei, will Naruto be alright? I'm getting a bad feeling about this..."

"Hm," mused Kakashi. "He should be able to handle himself. Neji, how's it look?"

The young Hyuga winced, deactivating his Byakugan in a hurry. "Agh," he moaned. "There's...Too much chakra. It's interfering with my vision; I can barely see anything or perceive anything except that, by a very rough estimate, they seem to be evenly matched, blow for blow. Sorry."

"No, that's alright, Neji," responded the ashen-haired jonin. "Let's wait this out, and put our faith in Naruto to win...Like everyone else is doubtlessly doing right now."