yo! Guess what? pleading for review worked! cheers I also got a review from someone anonymous... At least, i think it was anonymous. My only anonymous review ever! I'm glad to know that you find this story interesting, Mr. Anonymous. that's very comforting.

Okay. here it is, the chappie you have all been waiting for. And I will spell check, those of you who corrected my spelling mistakes previously (heh heh, my bad). I hope you like the chappie! REVIEW! YOUR REVIEWS KEEP US WRITING!

Disclaimer: No, I don't own naruto. Would I be writing this if I did? No. (sorry, I just thought it would be safer to add one)

Chapter 4- Murder

The Fourth Hokage sat at his desk, shuffling through the papers strewn about. Sighing, he glanced out his window, enjoying the broad view of his country. Scratching his beard, he slowly unfolded himself from his chair, his bones creaking. He wasn't so young anymore. He smiled at a picture from his youth, when he was training Jirayia, Tsunade and Orochimaru. All three were amazing agents now. His brow creased with thought. He never did understand why Tsunade had let Orochimaru become second in command instead of her, when they all knew he was probably a rogue agent. He went back to looking through the papers. All the more reason to make sure that Tsunade became Hokage instead of Orochimaru.

He smiled slightly when he found the paper he had been searching for: a letter of order to Tsunade to become Hokage when he was gone. He whipped out his pen, took off the top and signed on the dotted line. He examined his handiwork, and was about to shut it away when Orochimaru burst in. The grey haired man eyed him, noticing the menacing glint in his former students amber eyes.

"Good morning, Orochimaru. What's wr-"

"Cut the crap." He interrupted rudely. "What's all this about Tsunade becoming Hokage?"

The Hokage sat down at his desk. "I think Tsunade's ready to become Hokage when I'm gone." He pointed to the paper. "I've just signed the order." He took the paper and slid it out through a slit to his secretary who immediately got up and scampered away.

Orochimaru stood dumbfounded for a few moments, before becoming red with fury. "And I'm not?"

"No."

His eyes squinted angrily at the Hokage, and he pulled out his gun. "Take it back."

"No."

"Take it back!"

"You'll never become Hokage, Orochimaru. Not while I'm alive!"

"Then die!" He screeched and pulled back the trigger of his gun. the bang echoed throughout the room as the older man slumped onto his desk, blood gurgling from the small hole in his temple. Orochimaru set to work, peeling off his gloves and tossing them in the trash. Studding the gun in his jacket, he gazed in distaste at the prone form ahead of him. A slow smile dawned across his face when he saw the picture of his older team, with Tsunade, Jiraiya and himself looking out of the picture frame. He picked it up, traced out Tsunade, and then gingerly set to work setting up the crime scene.

Sakura sighed and fiddled with her pencil,staring outside her window. It was beautiful outside, a clear May day, and she felt the urge to go outside and challenge Ino and the others to a game of soccer. Her gaze shifted to watch her teammates. Her gaze flicked over Naruto, fidgeting as usual, then to Sasuke and his brother, itachi, who had been assigned to them as their forensic representative. They still glared at each other when they were forced to communicate, their distaste for each other obvious. 'Even the famous Uchiha stone faces are starting to crack...' She thought when she noticed that Itachi was drumming his fingers irritably and Sasuke's foot tapping incessantly. Shoving hair from her face, Sakura's eyes landed on the final member of their team: Kakashi. Her eyes flicked over his clothes, the same that he always wore, up to his concealed face. Why did he always wear his mask? As a fashion statement? Because he was a criminal? She giggled. Maybe his face was horribly deformed... She glanced up, and onyx clashed with emerald as he caught and held her gaze.

Heat speared through her when she remembered the night at the range nearly a month ago, and her cheeks stained red. Looking away,she reminisced on that month. Nothing had happened at all. Nothing whatsoever, other than that night. At first, there had been paperwork, gallons of it. But after two weeks, the only thing left for the three amateur agents to do was to do coffee runs for Kakashi and Itachi. Sakura had run down the hall so many times, clutching their mugs to her chest, filled with hot coffee, only to have it spill, or it not be perfect.

"Sakura?"

She glanced up and glared irritably at the grey-haired man who had spoken. "Yes Kakashi-sensei?" If he asked her to get his coffee for him one more time...

He smiled. "I need you to run this to the Hokage." She brightened visibly and grabbed the piece of paper, only to have Kakashi not let go. "And then I need you to top off my mug for me." Jerking the paper from his grasp, she violently grabbed the mug. Biting her lower lip, she contemplated throwing the mug at his stubborn head, but in the favor of her job, stormed out of the office instead.

Kakashi chuckled, eyeing the sway of her hips as she stormed away. Then he flipped his familiar orange book open and began to read, content to keep his thoughts and fantasies to himself.

Sakura stomped down the hallway to the Hokage's office, her breath coming in fast and hard. Of course he'd pick her to do his coffee run. Any way to prove she was inferior! She shut her eyes as she reached the large doors blocking her entry to the office. She knocked.

"Hokage-sama? It's Sakura. Haruno Sakura. I have something from Hatake Kakashi for you." She glanced at the note in her hand. She frowned at the door when no answer was given, and tried again. "Hokage-sama? Excuse me?" Frustrated, she opened the door.

The first thing she saw was the blood. It coated everything on the big desk and the Hokage's slumped form. As if in a trance, she slowly neared the body, the stench of death and blood almost overwhelming. "Hokage-sama?" She whispered as she noticed the small round hole in his temple. Her body sprang to life, the mug shattered on the floor, and Sakura let out a bloodcurdling scream.

Two Hours Later-

Sakura sat, huddled, in a chair, her face round, pale and vulnerable. Her green eyes were wide and glassy as the stared into the cup of coffee in her hands, Kakashi watched her worriedly as Sasuke leaned against the wall, cold as usual.

Even Naruto, usually the loud mouthed idiot was quiet and worried, his face solemn. He took her hand, worried at his icy feel. "Sakura-chan?" He asked tentatively.

Her head slowly turned towards him, and her eyes focused on his face. "Naruto-kun?" She whispered, and they all leaned in to hear her.

Naruto felt her forehead, and, casting a worried glance at Kakashi said "Sakura, we're right here. Don't worry." Turning to Kakashi he muttered "Get Tsunade. She's freezing."

He stared at his former student. "You get her."

"You should! You never do anything!"

"that's because I have you to do it for me."

"Why you little-"

Sasuke growled and grabbed a hunk of Naruto's blonde hair, causing him to yelp. "Come on, baka, Let's go." He dragged a cursing Naruto from the room, and Kakashi shook his head, rolling his eye.

"Sakura?"

"Hn? Oh, yes Kakashi-sensei?"

he gently rubbed her hand. "I hate to do this, but I need you to tell me what happened..."

She sighed, and closed her eyes as her head fell back in her chair. "I... I was going to the Hokages first, and then I was gonna get your coffee. He didn't answer the door, so I walked in, thinking I'd leave it on his desk, and he was just lying there..." tears rolled down her cheeks,and breathing became ragged. "There... there was so much blood, Kakashi-sensei. So much..." She began to shiver just as Tsunade burst in.

"Move it, Kakashi!" He quickly obliged, moving to a corner of the room and whipping out his book. But instead of reading, he watched the pink haired girl intently, his eyes fierce.

Tsunade placed her fingers on Sakura's temples. and gently let chakra pulse through. "She'll be fine." Running a hand over her hair, she got up an left, with Naruto scampering behind her until she slammed the door in his face.

"What did she mean 'she'll be fine'? Sakura-chan is obviously not doing well."

Kakashi sighed. "Shut it, Naruto."

"I mean, she's so cold, and paler than usual and-"

"Shut up dammit! Do you think you're the only one worried about her? Huh?" He glared at him as Naruto gaped with shock, and Sasuke cocked an eyebrow.

A weak cough startled them. "Please don't fight." They all rushed to Sakura's side, apologizing when the second in command swept into the room, his scorn obvious that he had to address such amateurs in his department. Kakashi Sasuke and Naruto formed a protective half circle around Sakura, and Orochimaru sneered. "How quaint. Protecting her are you?" His face went smooth and he said "I need to speak to Kakashi. Alone."

He shook his head. "Whatever you say to me, my team can hear."

"Fine. I need your team to investigate the old man's murder."

Sakura groaned as Naruto jumped up, yelling out "Why!?"

The snake like man smirked. Oh yes, they'd do perfectly. "Because Sakura found the body, and because everyone else is busy. And also because I said so. I expect you to start tomorrow." With that, he left the room, his hair swinging behind him.

Kakashi took a deep breath, and then said "Okay, guys. Meet here tomorrow at nine."

And so the hokage has died. moment of silence for those of you who are wondering about the whole, knowing the murderer is, has anyone watched the show 'Columbo'? Watch it. best show in the world.

Any who, you basically see the murder, and know who the murderer is, and the whole show is about watching Columbo (the detective) solve the murder, finding clues, etc. Course, this one'll have some Kaka/Saku shtuff too... starting next chapter... hee hee... REVIEW! PLEASE! I'M DESPERATE! btw, I just HAD to add itachi in there. :) he's not amain charrie, but he... never mind. he's not evil. and he's mine! hugs Itachi doll protectivly