Wrong Shade of Green

by Van the Key of Lain

Expect the Unexpected. As Sakura resigned herself to death, she was saved. It's funny what a near death experience can do to a person how it can change them. Sometimes its for the better, and sometimes it makes things worse. Sakura centric

4. Pain

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and this is making me no profit.

NOTE: Hey, most of you have figured out this is a GaiSaku. What's amazing is that most of you are still here! X3

Warning

Language, Implied Sex, Violence

The Wrong Shade of Green

She had been fighting. Fighting countless enemy nin left and right. At times she'd been knocked down, but she would always get right back up. For a while the whole thing seemed unending. On and on it went, until she could visibly count the number of enemies left, and made sure to count as she took down each last one. Finally she was victorious.

The scene shifted a bit, as if the following events were happening in a blurred speeded motion. She could briefly make out faces of fellow shinobi, and some faces from people she'd met before on missions. Other events occurred that had no rightful explanation, but seemed perfectly logical.

At last, she arrived back in Konoha. She was tired, exhausted, physically and, strangely enough, emotionally drained. As she passed by the ramen stand, she thought nothing odd about the way Naruto was wrestling with Sasuke over a bowl of ramen, or that her residence was an actual house instead of an apartment.

Walking inside, things seemed normal enough; but she felt empty and dirty. Walking into the kitchen, she downed the cup of perfectly warm soup that just happened to be there. Then without a second thought, she wandered her way to her bathroom. As she went, she easily and efficiently shed one article of clothing, dropping each piece behind her. She didn't even have to bother getting a towel, as one was already on the sink for her.

Slipping into the already running water, which was the perfect warmth, she let herself purr in happiness. The water soaked into her hair and trickled down her body making that dirty feeling slowly disappear. The heat from the water, and steam was soon filling up her senses and starting to replenish her strength. The only thing that would make this better would be-

Two arms slipped and crossed her waist from behind; hands resting on her hips. Her back rested against the body pressing up against her. She gave a little 'myu' as the nape of her neck was assaulted by gentle nipping, slowly moving up to her ear. One hand pulled away from her hip and moved up slowly, only to rest on her abdomen. She hummed lightly as she reached up and adjusted the shower head. Once that was finished, she turned herself around, and pulled the other with her; so that now her back was resting against the tiled wall.

The hand on her hip trailed down her thigh; while the hand on her abdomen trailed up to her breasts. Kisses followed her jaw line until lips met with lips, and further to that, tongue danced with tongue in a ploy to see who would pull away first for breath. She won with the quick employing use of teeth to catch her prey, and received a deep throated growl as her reward. Letting go, she leaned in a little to nibble at lips that should by no right belong to any man.

The hand on her thigh gripped and pulled up, and she instinctively moved with it, only to hook her leg across the other's waist and back. Her arms raised and she wrapped them behind the neck of her companion, pulling him even closer. One hand was now steady on the small of her back, while the other fondled her breasts. Her breath was labored and short, and as he pressed even closer, she gritted her teeth against the sharp sting of penetration. Hot breath mixed with the still warm trickling waters and she leant her head against the wall, were that hot breath was now playing on her ear.

"Sakura…"

It was like silver silk; the way he said it. Deep and heavy, but with richness; a quality unfound in many. She could hear the lust and practically feel the passion from just that reply alone. From just that alone she was riveted; dragging her nails across a toned and muscular back. From just that she was gripping tight with her legs, employing strength she usually only reserved for fighting. From one simple statement she was reeling, and it only heightened with the almost forgotten ministrations upon her body. She was reaching that euphoric state, and losing any and all control she had over every thing; though with one last thought her own, she willed her self to capture his gaze and not let him or herself lose it.

"Gai…"

- - - - - -

Emerald eyes snapped open and flashed in the darkness. Heavy breathing and tangled sheets indicated something of an unknown predicament. Cold sweat trickled down pale skin of the woman who remained frozen in place, staring up at the ceiling. Eyes dilated to darkness and shock, she looked ever like a person who'd just been caught doing something illegal.

Leaning up and wiping her brow, Sakura threw the sheets away from her body; which was flaring hot from the outbreak of cold sweat. She slowly got out of bed and staggered over to her bathroom, grabbing up a small washcloth and running cool water on it. Wiping the damp cloth across her heated skin, Sakura's breath began to even out and she moved to sit back down on her mattress.

Having this kind of dream wasn't exactly new to the kunoichi. True, she'd have dreams of the nature long ago, and every now and then. However, the major difference usually steamed from her emotional core, rather than her subconscious, and would be someone whom she had taken a fancy to.

Another side note led her to the train of thought that her dreams usually always included most of her shinobi companions and friends. Aside from that, there would also be at least one or two aspects of being a shinobi. Other than that, it was usually something random and strange; but dreams seldom ever made much sense, and a dream's logic was unfoundedly true.

Biting her lip lightly, Sakura let herself mull over the dream. Every now and then she had dreams that were vivid enough that she could actually remember feeling them. This was one such dream. It was slightly unnerving. If she closed her eyes long enough, she could easily recall feeling the way his hands rested on her hips, and slowly break to move across-

Sakura pulled her legs up and rested her forehead against her knees. She didn't need this; not today, not at all. She tried to calm herself and will away the phantom touch. For the moment, it seemed to work, and Sakura fell back onto her bed. She did not stir, and just stared at the ceiling for a while, keeping her mind blank. Slowly her eyes grew heavy, and she slipped back into darkness for only a brief period of time.

Fingers laced, skin met skin, and a heavy panting-

Sakura jerked back up, once again sitting on the edge of her bed. She gripped the mattress for a moment before letting it go, and letting escape a sigh. Now she was too awake to go back to sleep, and too nerved to even try. Glancing at her alarm clock on the side of the bed; preparing for the worst, Sakura gave a sigh of relief. It was only an hour and a half before her alarm would go off anyway. Reaching over to turn off the alarm, Sakura groaned and padded over to the bathroom. It wasn't too early, but she needed to wake herself up. She needed a distraction.

'It's about the right time. I'll just grab a shower before I go over.'

- - - - - - - -

The early morning was quiet with the few exceptions of the normal hustle and bustle of opening a business or two. Such was this the same fate of one Yamanaki Ino, who was currently setting out the Yamanaki flower shop sign out front. Stepping back a moment and checking over the window display from a customers point of view, Ino nodded in satisfaction. Waving to another shop owner across the street, Ino paused a moment upon seeing her best friend and rival walking her way.

"Sakura? You're up awful early."

The kunoichi yawned on cue and stretched.

"Early Mission, but I still have an hour."

"Ah, so what brings you here?"

"I knew you'd be setting up, and I just felt like someone to talk with."

Ino eyed her friend curiously and frown slightly.

"Is something wrong?"

Sakura's gaze drifted to the ground, and she sighed. At this, Ino huffed and grabbed the other woman's hand and lead her inside. Walking them both into the back room of the little store, she only uttered for the woman to sit at the table before going over to the tea she had already prepared earlier that morning. Fixing up two cups of the brewed liquid, she returned to the table and set them down, sitting herself down across from the pink haired female.

"Out with it. What's got you tweaked?"

"I'm not tweaked."

"Sakura, I've known you for how many years? I know what gets to you and how you get. You're tweaked. Something's bothering you. Now what is it? Is it this mission?"

Sakura sipped her tea and shook her head.

"No no…nothing like that."

"So then…what?"

For a moment, Sakura hesitated.

"No, it's stupid. I don't even know why I let it get to me."

"Sakura." Ino gave a warning tone, to which Sakura sighed.

"Just a dream."

"Just a dream?" Ino raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.

Sakura paused once again. Maybe talking it over with Ino would help; maybe not. The topic wasn't anything new to either woman, but sometimes it was still a little hard to come out and say it.

"One of those dreams."

It only took the blond a second to realize her friend's meaning. Upon this realization, Ino's disposition made a complete 180, as she leaned over the table a little and seemed to have a glint in her eye.

"Oh ho ho! Finally! How long has it been, like what, forever, since you told me one of these? I was starting to sweat you know. The last time I told you mine, was well a while back and I was beginning to think you were going to blackmail me any second."

"Oh please, that wouldn't have even been worth the hassle." Sakura felt half the weight on her shoulders melt away.

"Alright, alright, whatever. Now that we've established you're human once again, let's start from the top: Who, What, When, Where and How?"

Sakura almost snorted her tea as Ino launched into what use to be their routine of such fun little conversations. She could still remember all the times Ino confided in her over such silly and embarrassing storied, and she had no doubt Ino could do likewise. In a way, years ago, they had seen this a sort of womanly way to keep tabs on the other woman – a kind of blackmail that was completely true.

"Shower; Night; Everywhere and Everything."

"Sakura…"

"Hm?" Sakura sipped her tea, hiding half her face with the cup.

"You didn't say 'Who'."

Sakura looked at the coy smirk on her friend and gave a sheepish smile in return.

"You'll forgive me if I leave that out?"

Ino snorted and leaned back.

"Uh, no! That's like, the best part! Ok, well, the best part is really the 'How', but the 'Who' emphasizes it all. Wait; is it this that's gotten you all worked up?"

The woman in question nodded.

"Why? It never bothered you so bad before."

"Before, I was another hormonal little teen like everyone else, and that before, these types of dreams usually involved, oh I don't know; someone I actually saw that way?"

Ino rolled her eyes.

"Ok, so what? You think I've never had fantasies about guys I didn't see in that way?"

Sakura looked at the woman curiously.

"Wait, what? Who was that?"

"Shino, for example."

"What?! Really? Oh, wow, I had thought you'd liked him at the time."

Ino laughed at this, and sipped at her tea.

"No way. I mean, friend-shippy yeah, but, nothing more so. Maybe I said I did to fool you or something. Hell it's been so long…"

Sakura turned her empty cup in slow circles, debating with herself over the matter. Glancing up, she could see Ino fixing her with a stare; prodding the other one to go on. Without looking up, Sakura gave into a light mumble to which the other huffed.

"Spit it out."

". . . Green Beast of Konoha. . . "

Ino frowned a moment and tilted her head.

"So what's so wrong about a fantasy with L…"

When Sakura didn't meet her gaze, Ino's eyes widened tenfold. Shock melted into a coy chuckle.

"OH….Oh…Ooo hoo hoo. This is priceless."

Sakura folded her arms together on the table and hide her face under her lightly damp hair. She was beginning to regret even bringing the whole damn conversation up in the first place; but for the love of Kami, she needed to get this out of her system.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later."

Pulling her head up only slightly, Sakura regarded the other woman with narrowed eyes.

"What?"

"My little girl…got tired of playing with the boys, so she decided to play with the men."

"INO!"

"In all seriousness, though, I knew you'd fantasize about him sooner or later." Ino's light tones and small shrug completed the factual sounding statement.

Sakura, who's face was a now a bit shaded with red, and expressed morbid confusion, could only gape at her friend; luckily willing herself to utter at least one question.

"Why?!"

Ino set down her empty cup, and held out her hands.

"You've got Naruto's spirit and passion, and his whole 'never-give-up' thing…combined with Lee's determination, work ethic and 'youth.' Add in one hell of a body, toned from years of physical training, and the ability to bring down buildings – without the need for chakra. Face it; your two boys equal out to one hell of a man."

Sakura was stunned into speechlessness by Ino's examination of Konoha's original Green Beast. What was even scarier was that the argument held eerily well. Though, the man did have his own personal quirks. Sakura was still a little floored.

"Of course, you being around him more so than usual, helps too."

"I guess…" Sakura mumbled lightly.

Ino picked her tea up and shrugged lightly.

"Then again, it could be you just really want to fuck him." She spoke casually as she sipped the sweet liquid.

Sakura nearly fell out of her chair at her friend's light toned remark. Calming herself down, and trying to cool her burning face, Sakura got up and opened the fridge, staring generally at nothing, but making the attempt of doing something.

"No, that's not it. That is just not it; no, it isn't and can't be. Ino; I don't even look at the man in that light…not, consciously anyway. I mean, maybe somewhere, somehow, my brain registered that he's physically…physically fit and all, but I've never, you know, stopped and thought on it; on him."

"Then maybe it's not physical at all. Maybe it's all mental."

"You're mental."

"I'm serious, Forehead. Listen; sometimes when you spend access time with people you've never really spent time with, outside of normality, you tend to pick up on things that make up the person; aside from the obvious."

Thinking a moment on the other's words, Sakura mulled the thought over. So far, this seemed to be proven itself; for had Gai not just told her what was apparently a very unshared story? He'd mentioned only a select few new of his…unbalanced nature.

"Look, it's probably a combination of a lot of things with you right now, what with your body and mind still dealing with sub-conscience stresses and your current mindset. So you're worked up, and you wanted relaxation. So you're human and wanted humanistic needs. Your mind just happened to pick him, to fill someone in that would basically mean 'safe.' It's alright. Just try and let it go. The more you dwell on it, the more you'll make out of it. Then it'll get problematic."

Closing the fridge, Sakura turned back to her blond friend, and nodded; giving her a half grin.

"Yeah…the last thing I need right now is to make more stress for myself."

"Right. Now, get out. I still need to finish putting up shop and you need to get going for your mission." Ino smiled and led her friend back out to the front, arm draped across the other woman's shoulders.

"Thank you Ino. I would have driven myself crazy today without this. How is it you know all this stuff?"

Ino smiled and patted the pink haired kunoichi's back.

"I'm your best friend and rival. It's my job to know all this stuff; so I can help you with your problems, or cause them.

- - - - - - - -

Ino's words and her own thoughts over her morning's events played out in her mind as she prepared for her mission and even on the way to the gate entrance where the group was assembling. It wasn't all that uncommon for split team missions to be assigned, but Sakura did feel a little like an intruder on a family picnic.

Coming into view, Sakura's pulse quickened a bit upon seeing the familiar green jumpsuit, but let out a breath upon noticing it was Lee. Thank Kami for little miracles. Though, it was odd to see Lee by himself when a mission with his team came along. Shrugging to herself, Sakura closed the distance between them, and greeted the other happily.

"Good Morning, Lee-Kun. Up bright and early as usual, I see."

Lee looked up from where he was crouched, having been securing his weights in place. A smile spread across his face upon seeing the kunoichi, and he scrambled up immediately, greeting her with much enthusiasm.

"Sakura-San! Yes, Good Morning to you as well. To see you here…do you have an early mission as well?"

"You could say that…"

Lee was about to question her further until he was interrupted by another.

"Morning, Lee, Sakura. You're up rather early. I've only seen you awake at this hour when you're working over at the hospital."

"Morning, Tenten. Yeah, you're right. I don't really get up early when I don't have to but…sometimes it can't be helped. Morning, Neji."

Neji, who'd accompanied Tenten up into the group gather, simply nodded back to the other woman.

"I dunno about you, but I think it's a little ridiculous having such a large group for a C-Rank mission." Tenten huffed.

"C-Rank?"

"Yeah, and to think we're actually getting a fifth person to go with us. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me."

Sakura mental sighed.

"Maybe they suspect a large amount of enemies?"

"That, or perhaps there is something to be cautious of when dealing with our enemies. It could be they may have something dangerous that wasn't indicated in the scouting reports; but was suspected at having." Neji folded his arms, contemplating.

"True…but still, a fifth person? Don't they believe we can handle it ourselves?"

Sakura was really starting to feel left out in the cold now; least until it seemed Lee came to her unknown rescue.

"I do not think they doubt our skill, Tenten, but merely wish to make sure we accomplish the mission, and further, do it in a manner that will prevent major injury. Perhaps they are merely wishing us safety and good luck."

"I suppose."

"It will depend on who it is." Neji looked over at his friend and 'rival'.

Sakura glanced at the Hyuuga and raised an eyebrow. What did he mean by this?

"If it is someone like Shino, who could use his insects to scout or take down sentry guards, then this could be a quick and tactical operation. However, if it's someone like Uzumaki…"

Sakura fought back the urge to chuckle at the mental image that statement painted. Though she knew deep down Neji respected Naruto deeply, it still didn't mean the Hyuuga would be overly enthusiastic to work with another hyperactive ninja.

"I believe Naruto-kun would be an excellent choice, Neji! He's improved greatly over the years just as we have, and his talents-" Lee was cut off by his female team member.

"His talents are running into a situation head on; and blowing everything up with his Rasengan! If we need tactile strategy, Naruto is the last person we want on this trip! Yes, he's strong and no questioning bravery…but you're missing the point Lee."

"What about…me?"

The three members turned towards the soft voice; Sakura for the moment felt like a dear caught in the gaze of some ferocious predator. Had they forgotten she was standing right here?

"Medical." Neji quipped after a minute.

Sakura felt herself sink.

"OK, yes, I am a Medic-Nin, but…that's not all I've got you know."

"I do know. However, to add you onto this Team would be unnecessary for anything else."

Sakura felt like the man had just dropped a boulder on her.

"Look at statistics. We already have three physical fighters; two of which are masters of Taijutsu, and myself, in the art of the Hyuuga fighting style. Lastly, we have Tenten who can fight at long ranges and with a vast numerous amounts of weapons. The only ideal candidate would be either someone to counter balance Tenten's long ranged scheme, or someone strictly as a Medic-Nin."

At this point, Sakura heaved a sigh. Lee, who looked more offended at Neji's calculations than Sakura herself opened his mouth in protest, but was cut off once again.

"Sorry to keep you waiting everyone!"

The sudden appearance of the 'youthful' jounin had no effect upon the group as it did back in years previous; though it did cause Sakura to tense up a little. It could be your grandmother, but for all intent and purposes; when someone pops up out of nowhere without your knowledge – it's going freak you out.

"Gai-Sensei!" Lee chirped happily, but a second later, a tiny squeak passed Lee's lips. Tenten gasped lightly and Neji, though remaining rather stoic, did seem to raise an eyebrow in interest.

"Gai-Sensei! Wha-What happen to your eye?!" Lee asked in concern.

Gai himself just laughed it off, having known his precious protégé would have asked the older man about the rather obvious shiner decorating his left eye.

"Nothing you need to worry about Lee; I'm perfectly alright."

"But Gai-Sensei.."

"Trust me, the color will fade by the evening."

"But-"

"He said drop it Lee." Sakura poked the younger Green Beast in the side, causing him to squirm.

Grinning lightly, Gai glanced over to the pink-hair kunoichi, then back over his own students.

"Well then, since everyone is here and ready, let's not waste a minute! We'll go at double the pace!"

"Wait, wait…our fifth person…" Tenten inquired.

"Is none other than Sakura-san herself. Tsunade-sama was kind enough to lend us her top Medic-Nin for this mission. I had to agree, it was a wise choice."

Sakura felt her face heat lightly, before it went completely cool as she glanced over to Neji, who gave her the tiniest of smiles. It was one of those 'I-told-you-so-but-glad-you're-with-us' smiles. Before she had the chance to return her own smile of meanings, she was scoped up in a half hug by the weapons mistress.

"It's about time we had another woman on this team! You've no idea how it gets having three to four boys to baby-sit all the time."

"Oh yes… being surrounded by men all day is so horrible. Their chiseled features; getting all hot and sweaty, asking you for a towel or some water. How can you stand it?" Sakura teased back, though the smile on her face was proof of this.

The two women laughed to themselves as they walked towards the gate. The guys just followed on, wondering what could have been so funny to the two kunoichi. It wasn't long after their shared stories that the girl opted to save the rest of their talking for later. The Team was now getting underway towards their destination for the mission about to take place.

- - - - - - - -

"Alright…let's go over this one last time." Gai spoke softly to the group.

"Tenten, you will be using your Souryuu Tensasai technique as the main distraction. Once it finishes out, that's the signal for the rest of us. Lee; you will be handling the eastern side of the wall. Once you see the signal, take it down. I'll be stationed at the entrance to the south with Neji. Sakura, you will need to take out the western wall. I doubt you should have a problem with that?"

"No problem at all." She gave a grin and her glance shifted towards Neji for just a few moments. He seemed to have caught her hidden message of 'More than just here for Medic-nin reasons.'

"Alright, let's go!" With that, the group split.

Taking up their positions, Tenten let lose with her attack. The sentry guards atop the wall stop and watched it in amazement. A few of them alerted others of what was appearing before them. However, as quickly as the display came, it suddenly became violent, and the rain of weapons came down upon those inside the small fortress. Scrambling every which way from the sudden attack, the enemy nin didn't get very far in their fortification as the Eastern wall suddenly rumbled and a large hold broke open in it. Just as quickly, the Western wall followed the same fate. Finally, the entrance gave way. The all out attack began.

As Lee had made his way through, he'd began by taking out anyone off guard, and closest to his location. Sakura had done the very same. Gai and Neji had started making a bee line path for a central location – a small chamber which held the very thing they were after in this mission. Tenten came up from the rear, picking off straggling Nins with were precise weapons expertise.

"Midana! Midana! Our forces are under attack! They've come for it!"

"Hmm…I was wondering when those Konoha rats would show up." The man snickered and snapped his fingers.

Four figures emerged from the shades of the dark room. Each one of them looked dangerous and imposing. At least, to the lackey. He scurried out of the room quickly.

"Give our guests some entertainment."

They all nodded and made their way outside.

"This is almost a bit too easy. Why did they need me anyway, just to break down a wall?" Sakura muttered under her breath, watching the enemy that had been in front of her falling down. Scanning the area, she could see no one was really having any overt trouble. So why did-?

"Ooh, what a unique color. Maybe I should keep you as a pet instead of kill you."

Dropping low and dodging to the left, Sakura avoided the collision of something rather hard and heavy; which instead hit solid ground. Looking at her new opponent she grit her teeth. This guy was a bit bigger and much more different than the other nins she'd been fighting. He lifted his weapon back up over his shoulder and smirked. Sakura herself just narrowed her eyes. It looked like an extremely large boat oar; but had an edge that held a blade.

"It's about time I finally had some fun!" A female voice alerted Tenten she was not alone. She yanked a scroll from her pouch and brought out her chain sickle. As she spun and threw it, it clashed with another and the two ends tangled.

"Weapon user, hu? We'll see just how skilled you are." The other woman narrowed her eyes, and jumped airborne.

Lee dipped low as a Kunai bearing nin came upon him, and took him out just as quickly with an upper-cut punch. The weak nin fell to the ground with a thud. Though all the ninja that had been on him were now dispatched, Lee's instincts alerted him to the presence of one other bearing down upon him at that moment. With swift grace, Lee dodged out of the way just a large arm and fist pounded upon the ground.

"Mehehehe…" The large brutish looking shinobi cackled as he looked over to his new prey. Lee was not fazed, but he readied himself for this new target. He looked much more skilled than the others he'd faced.

Neji and Gai were clear cutting a path through their own opponents, and at first had been making smooth and quick progress. Their objective lay behind the gated doors to the small central room they were rapidly approaching. However, this progress was halted by the sudden appearance of two new ninja, whom the two jounin knew were above the skill of any they had come across so far.

The two mirror copies; twin in looks, yet by way of a mirrored image both began a head on attack, at the last minute shifting and pulling out two large and deadly looking sickle blades.

"Try not to…"

"…die so quickly."

As so it was that each member became locked into their own personal battles.

Sakura swerved out of the way time after time as this crazy ninja with a deadly boating oar came at her. Swing after swing he missed. It wasn't until Sakura finally found an opening did she take the initiative. Dropping low and with swift grace she unsheathed a kunai and threw it at the other's arm, all in one flowing movement. The kunai connected and sliced through the man's hand; sending both it and the boat oar flying.

"Heaahaha… clever little trick."

The man seemed unfazed he'd just lost a hand and was rapidly losing blood. She narrowed her eyes and watched him for some kind of sign of what he would do next. For what seemed like the longest time, they just circled around, him cackling away and she fixing him with a hard stare. She contemplated risking a quick glance at her teammates.

She took the chance as they made another circle.

Lee was weaving back and forth between a large brute looking nin and his Doton jutsus. Tenten was tangling with what appeared to be another weapons dealer. Neji and Gai were facing two identical looking foes.

One last quick look told her that everyone by now had made at least one major hit to their opponents, which cause them all to still. It was a strange and disturbingly sick sound that caught Sakura's attention, and she no more than moved a fraction of a foot when a sick and ungodly like appendage reached out and stuck her in the chest. Falling back, Sakura regained enough of herself to tuck and roll as she skidded along the ground.

Pushing herself right back up, she now had a lot more time to check the other enemy ninjas. It seemed they too all had something unnatural about them, and her team mates were also struggling a little. Lee was holding up well enough until he was knocked down, and hard. Tenten was executing an attack, but was lightly plucked from the air like a drifting leaf and thrown down. Neji was starting his rotations; knocking away the four sick monstrosities trying to get at him….

'Wait.'

A quick scan of the battle field indicated they were short one team member. Though at the moment, Sakura had little to no time as her own opponent was now bearing down upon her. Dodging back, the kunoichi calculated quickly. Though these guys were tougher than the other nins they first fought, they sure as hell weren't all that impressive, except for this sick jutsu. As she landed, she swept low and rolled along the ground of to the side, avoiding the 'hand' like claw that stabbed into the ground. Taking aim, she withdrew an exploding kunai. Pushing up and off, away from her enemy, she threw the kunai straight and true. It landed in the man's side, and exploded.

Sakura landed and kneeled, waiting for what would happen next. As the dust settled, her target was lying motionless on the ground; part of his body looked ripped. When nothing moved for at least a full five minutes, Sakura turned and made haste towards Lee.

Lee for the most part was a little banged up, but yet alarmed. He knew he'd hit this man with so many bone shattering techniques, yet he was just not going down. As if on cue, a kunai whizzed past the green one and into the large brute. Lee had taken one quick glance at the kunai and pushed off, back and away, just as the explosive tag went off. The blast threw him back further than he'd planned to go. He tumbled as he landed, but as he came to a stop, quickly pulled himself up.

"Lee-kun!"

"Sakura-san, are you alright?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing, but yeah, I'm alright."

The kunoichi was about to go on further but was cut off by the sound of three more large explosions. As Lee and Sakura stood back to back, they finally noticed things were in the clear. Tenten huffed lightly from her spot, but grinning like a cat who'd just caught her mouse. Neji stood tall, though his hair was out of place and his breathing a little faster passed. Even after a tough battle he would try to retain so much poise.

The four members collected themselves.

"Our targets have been neutralized, but we aren't through just yet." Neji spoke, as he led them towards the small building of his previous destination.

"Where's Gai-Sensei?" Lee asked as he trotted alongside him.

"We had an opening, so he went ahead. I held back to take care of those two nin. With any luck, Gai-Sensei will not have had any problems retrieving the stolen items."

As if confirming Neji's words, the team leader emerged from the building with the items in hand. As he approached the others, he handed off the items to Neji.

"Everyone get back! After this, we're out of here!"

The group shifted and started a departure, with Neji in the lead and Tenten close behind. Lee nodded and he too turned to go, while Sakura followed behind him. Perhaps it was because the others were to far ahead, or perhaps it was because she was currently the furthest behind, but whatever the reason, something caused a shiver down her spine. She stopped. The others didn't seem to take notice, until Lee turned back a moment.

Lee stopped and retreated back to her, stopping as he reached her.

"Did you feel that?"

"No. What was it?"

Sakura didn't have time to reply as they both heard the incantation of a jutsu being stated. Both the younger shinobi's eyes widened as the little building seemed to collapse upon itself, from what seemed like a small self contained earthquake. Those two younger ninja were snapped out of their trances when a laugh emanated next to them.

"You can gawk latter, for now let's just get out of here!"

"Hai, Gai-Sensei!" Lee nodded vigorously.

Sakura nodded and began to follow the two men back to the rest of the team.

- - - - -

The bodies from before, those of the strange group of enemy shinobi that had supposedly been neutralize, still and seemingly lifeless suddenly darkened in color. Their skin darkened to a deep blue black like hue. The backs of each one began to rip open, as if something were trying to escape.

And indeed something did.

Bursting open out of each of the five ninja's bodies, came large gruesome and sickly looking clawed hands. Dripping in blood and some other kind of substance, these hands swung around and arched, and soon found their targets. The fleeing ninja. Striking out, the claws all converged and headed towards the tail end of the group, aiming down onto one target.

And they caught their prey.

It was like someone had stabbed her from behind multiple times. First came the stabbing in the back of the neck; next came one on each arm. Finally, her legs were seized. The impact of each hit was so quick, the shock and sting of each collided into one large wave of pain that ripped through her body like fire. She clenched her fists, her legs tightened; feet digging into the ground. As she flared her chakra to move herself, the claws tightened more and she let out a shout.

Lee turned around upon the sound of the cry and swerved.

"SAKURA!"

Lee was already closing the distance between himself and the captured kunoichi until he was blind sighted. Something somewhere had grabbed onto his leg and tripped him up. Looking up, he could see that smaller arms were growing out from the one's currently holding onto Sakura. A quick look down and the one on him was still grasping tightly at his ankle – least what it could hold onto with the large ankle weight there.

Lee didn't have time to get up before he was more or less tossed like a rag doll away from the captured team member.

Tenten muttered under her breath and proceeded to send a wave of sharp and lethal weapons at the claws. This proved ineffective as once again, more arms came out – some grabbing up the weapons, and others taking them like shields, cutting off limbs that didn't matter. It was at this point that Sakura was hoisted off the ground, and pulled into the air. It looked as if the claws were going to try and rip her apart.

Sakura herself was fighting against the strength of the claws. She flared her chakra again, but it burned to do so. Her vision was also getting fuzzy, and she was losing her strength.

'Shit… this is…an effect of poison.'

She watched her teammates down below scrambling with the smaller arms that were being used to keep their attentions away; but not working really well. She knew they were all trying to figure something out. Yet she had her own idea too; though it would be greatly risky. She let herself grin.

'Poison…exploding kunai…this brings…back memories.'

So she once again opted with her old trick. With just enough strength, she reached her pouch; fighting all the way to do so, and snagged two of her exploding kunai. Triggering the fuses, Sakura braced herself and let one kunai go before the other; yet still at the last possible minutes.

The double explosion went off, and worked the first half of her plan. The rest would be up to them, as her vision went black.

- - - - - -

The rest of the team, dealing with both Sakura being caught, and the lesser claws trying to distract them, all turned at the sound of the explosions, though only one of them had seen what had caused it.

The first explosion triggered the claws release of the kunoichi and stunned them, while the second had blow three of the five claw hands apart, causing them to whither and spirt like a snake with its head chopped off. The second explosion had also thrown Sakura's unconscious form a bit away from the claws, but still within the vicinity of the two remaining ones.

The pink haired kunoichi landed back first onto a patch of upturned earth and rubble, with a none too pleasing sound. Neji and Tenten looked on in horror as Lee was stumbling to get back up. It was clear Sakura was not going to get up any time soon.

The two claws that remained came out of their stricken states and seemed to look upon the field for their prey. They found her all too quickly, and like vultures dove in for a killing crush. Prone was their victim, and in the state she was now in, no resistance meant an easy death. One aimed for her throat and the other her chest.

Both claws connected.

One claw gripped tightly into the victim's neck.

The other claw pierced flesh easily, regardless what fabric lay in the way.

The poison seeped again, spreading quickly. It burned its way throughout the body and caused such intense pain. Disregarding this pain, pushing past it and fighting against the power in these claws, did a harsh command issue.

"TENTEN! NOW!"

Tenten didn't have to be told what she needed to do; she knew exactly what she was expected to do, and so it was with a great effort that she fought back any hesitation, and whipped out her scroll; producing as many small explosive kunai as she could, and aimed them all along the two claws.

Two claws that were currently trying to rip their way into her Sensei and teammate.

This time, even through smaller arms came out and caught the offending weapons; they all still did the trick, and tore up the claw arms in no time. The blasts did send both Gai and Sakura flying. Not knowing exactly where they'd land, Gai; who had been holding onto the kunoichi and using his own body as a shield, pulled her closer and tucked his head as they hit the ground; tumbling much in the same fashion Lee had done previously.

As they came to a stop, the others quickly aided him up.

"Gai-Sensei, are you alright?"

"Is Sakura...?"

"She's unconscious, slightly unstable and her breathing is too shallow. We don't have time to stand around. Let's go!"

The team didn't need to be told twice, and within a matter of minutes, they were out of the wreckage of the run down hideout and taking to the trees. They flew through the trees for a good while, and didn't stop for a single minute. The severity of the events were the reasons behind their increased speed; though one could only go so fast when carrying another person's full weight.

It had only been ten minutes, but already something was going wrong.

Every step off from the branch to the next took more effort. Every breath taken was getting deeper. Colors were fading and vision was distorting.

'Shit…'

"Those claws…"

Neji and Tenten looked towards their Sensei as they moved along side him.

"They had some…kind of poison."

Tenten gaped a little while Neji's eyes widened in realization.

The severity had just tripled, and was made that much more pronounced when the Byakugan user noticed the shape his Sensei was in, let alone the unconscious kunoichi. This news was both a help and hindrance. A help to boost their speed and need to reach Konoha, but a hindrance at what the cost would be if they didn't make it in time.

Ten minutes more passed and they were closing in on their home. They were making record time, but even then, this knowledge still didn't prevent the sudden surge of pain, and loss of breath. It caused Gai to miss his footing and slip; and he began to fall. His fall was short lived however as Neji and Tenten were quick to reach him and each hooked an arm around his own. They both noticed his breathing was way too heavy.

"Lee, go…..ahead to the…hospital. Get Tsunade. Just go…fast as you can."

Lee nodded as he called out to his mentor, and indeed took off faster than anyone had seen him go. Neji and Tenten also tried to increase their already heavy pace, and even if it proved difficult, they made the effort. Neji took another look at the other man and his expression was grim. His skin had lost most of its color, his breathing sounded horrible, and he was hardly using his feet to kick off anymore. The only thing Neji could tell that Gai was still fighting to maintain was his hold on the unconscious kunoichi.

- - - - -

"HOKAGE-SAMA!" Came the exasperated shout from the young man in green.

All the nurses looked in shock towards the youth who looked like the world was coming to an end. Tsunade, who had been preparing to leave, came over to the boy, who was frantic beyond belief, and it made the older woman's stomach lurch. Lee would only be like this if something horrible had happened.

"Lee, what's wrong?" Tsunade tried to calm to boy down. She took a quick note of the trickle of blood from his nose.

"Gai-Sensei and Sakura. You need to help them! Some kind of poison! Sakura is unconscious! Gai-Sen-"

Tsunade stilled the boy in his spot, holding onto his arms.

"Lee! Calm down! I need you to tell me exactly what happened, and what poisoned them."

Lee regained his composure as much as he could manage, and began to recount the entire mission. As it got down to the nitty gritty, Tsunade had paled a few times. The recount of their mission, and what they had faced was a gruesome reiteration, but Tsunade's medical mind was already burning away at what would be needed for this emergency treatment. As Lee finished with his story, Tsunade was already barking orders to the nurses for supplies and stretchers.

By the time Tsunade had about half her supply ready, Neji and TenTen came bursting in through the doors. Lee had to scramble over to help his teammates carry in their Sensei, who at this point was passed out. They brought both him and Sakura over to the waiting stretchers. As quickly as the patience had been brought in, they were being hauled off to the emergency room.

The only thing now the others could do was wait. Neji and Tenten took two seats outside the room. Lee however, chose to remain standing. He didn't speak, and he barely moved. Tenten watched him quietly. She took note of the trickle of drying blood from his nose; no doubt from him breaking a new speed during his way here. She bit her lip lightly, and closed her eyes. She was worried, of course. She knew Neji was too. Though deep down, both her and Neji's concerns were probably nothing near their fellow team mates silent staring.

Then again, how could she even make that comparison? True, a very good friend of hers, as well as her Sensei were literally hanging onto life by a thread. Indeed, anyone would be in anguish. Anyone would have frazzled nerves and be on the verge of breaking down.

Yet he stood there, so still and quiet, staring at the door beyond which lay his two most precious people in his entire world.

Together they would wait. Together they would pray. It would be well into the next morning before anyone would be told what their comrade's conditions were.

x-Ch4-x

Sorry about the long delay there. I had a lot to put in this chapter; most of which changed at the ending. I'll probably be adding that into the next chapter. Anywho, I'm glad a lot of you have been enjoying this, and what's more, enjoying this pairing. XD To address some concerns, Sakura will mellow shortly, and there will be more funny, more shenanigans and of course, there will be some much needed fluff. And of course, more action, and fu fu fu… action.