Chapter 3 is here!

In the forest

Shikamaru, Ino, Chouji, Neji and a 4 man ANBU squad were running through the forest.

"This is so troublesome." Shikamaru sighed.

Flashback

"Who do you choose as your backup team?" Tsunade asked Kakashi.

"A 4 man ANBU squad, Ino, Chouji, Neji and the spy outside the window." Kakashi said glancing at the glass behind the hokage.

"Damn, I've been spotted… troublesome…" Shikamaru sighed. He opened the window and jumped in.

"So why do you need backup?" Shikamaru said yawning.

"Can't believe a lazy ass like you would be eavesdropping, Shikamaru." Tsunade said with a laugh.

"Its troublesome, but I had nothing better to do." Shikamaru simply said.

"Ok, I want you to gather the people I just named. Naruto and I will leave in a little bit. You guys will leave an hour later taking a different route. I don't want Madara to get suspicious, got it?" Kakashi explained.

"That would be the wisest, even if it's troublesome." Shikamaru sighed.

"You never change do you, Shikamaru?" Kakashi said with a smile.

"Alright, enough chitchat! Shikamaru, I'll put you in charge of the back-up team." Tsunade said.

The sixteen year old nodded. Kakashi turned to leave.

"Wait, Kakashi-sensei!" Shikamaru yelled after him.

"Hmm…" Kakashi mumbled.

"Don't…die…." Shikamaru said in a low voice.

Kakashi turned around and stared at the boy. Then he smiled as a sign of thank you and walked away.

Flashback End

Shikamaru smiled at that memory.

"Shikamaru, look!" Ino called out.

Shikamaru looked up, there was smoke coming up from further ahead.

"So it has begun." Shikamaru thought with a frown.

"Okay folks, it's troublesome, but we have to pick up our speed.

"Hai!" The 2 squads said.

"Hope nothing troublesome has happened." Shikamaru prayed with concern.

Kakashi opened his eyes slowly. Madara was nowhere in sight.

"Naruto!" Kakashi thought as his eyes flashed toward where Naruto was. He was still there.

"Thank goodness…" Kakashi sighed in relief. The boy was leaning against a boulder, barely standing. Kakashi suddenly saw a flash of black run past his.

"Madara!" Kakashi realized. Madara had a spear in his hand. He was charging at Naruto.

"Naruto, move!" Kakashi yelled frantically.

Naruto looked up as Madara charged at him. He tried to move, but his body refused. He was already at his limit. He stared wide- eyed as Madara was face to face with him.

A scream echoed through the mountains.