Day Two Continued

On the way to the ANBU hideout, Sasuke and Kakashi were chatting. Sasuke was catching up on everything that had happened.

"Wait, what? Kakashi, how could something huge happen? I was only gone for a day or two," Sasuke said.

Kakashi looked puzzled. "…Sasuke, you were gone for over three years."

"What? How is that possible? I remember Orochimaru taking me over, me leaving my body… and then a huge gap of stuff I don't remember," Sasuke admited.

"It's a possibility you went into a Death Hibernation. Sarutobi mentioned it to me before. When someone dies and they stay on Earth, they sleep for 3 years before waking up. He said no one ever remembers sleeping," Kakashi explained.

Sasuke was dumbfounded. How could he have slept for 3 years without even realizing it?

"And," Kakashi continued. "It supposedly accustoms your brain to death on Earth."

Sasuke sighed. He then remembered that blond haired knuckle-headed friend he once had. "Kakashi, what happened to Naruto?"

"After he heard Orochimaru had stolen your body, he… he turned to the Akatsuki," Kakashi said. "He said life wasn't worth living without you alive."

Sasuke's eyes went wide (not that anybody could see him). "Does he really care about me that much?"

"Apparently so. He went through Extraction, but he somehow survived it," Kakashi said.

"Extraction...?" Sasuke questioned.

"Its the process of the removal of the Tailed Beast from the Jinchuriki. Most don't survive."

"Is he still able to fight?" Sasuke asked.

"Correct. What's worse is that he developed an extremely powerful and deadly Jutsu. We don't know whether to call him an ally or an enemy yet. He hasn't made contact with Konoha in almost three years," Kakashi said. "Thought others have invented Jutsu as well, not just Naruto," he added.

"Who and what?" Sasuke asked. He was almost afraid to know.

"Sakura, now a medical ninja, not only made a new Jutsu, but she infused it into her own DNA. It's now an official kekke genkai, although I can't think of anyone that would want to have children with her…" Kakashi mumbled the last part. "It's the Space style."

"You mean… like Fire style, but with Space instead?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes. She can manipulate time and dimensions," Kakashi answered.

"That sounds dangerous. Speaking of which, where is she?"

"She was in one of the parallel universes, the last time I checked. She'll be there for a while, since such a Jutsu sucks out her chakra," Kakashi explained.

"Are you afraid she'll get hurt?"

"Not at all. We've all matured a bit since you last saw us. She can hold her own now," Kakashi said. "Oh! I almost forgot. I was working on a Jutsu that let's us all hear you. It should be quite convenient," Kakashi added.

He took out a scroll and unraveled it, biting his thumb in the process.

"HYA!" He yelled.

A ring of energy seemed to form around the group, but then dissipated.

"…Did it work?" Sasuke asked.

"Indeed!" Lee said.

"Yeah…" Gaara added.

"AWW HELL YEAH!" Tenten said enthusiastically.

"This should make our lives a bit easier…" Akkei said.

"I agree. Let's go!" Neji chimed in.

They all ran forward with spirits full of energy.


Later, Team Ukiyo was ready to take a rest. They all spread out their sleeping bags and lay down.

"I'll take first watch," Gaara said.

"Okay. Wake me when you want a rest," Lee responded.

"I'll go after Lee," Tenten said.

With the watch schedule in place, they tried to finally relax.

Team Ukiyo was fast asleep in minutes, with the exception of Gaara.


Day Three

Sasuke woke up bright and early. Everyone was still asleep except Tenten, Akkei, and Kakashi. The Copy Ninja was packing while the other two were chatting in a tree. Sasuke made his way up there.

"Good morning guys. Whatcha talking about?" Sasuke asked.

Tenten jumped, obviously startled. Akkei kept his cool and collected facial expression.

'Damn, this guy is better than me.' Sasuke thought.

"We were just talking about our Jutsu. Akkei here can use a special type of technique! It's his kekke genkai, the Cloud Style. It's a mix between wind and lightning," Tenten explained.

"I learned Tenten developed a new Ninja Tool as well," Akkei said. "She can add elements to her weapons."

"Cool. I feel so underdeveloped since I don't have any new skills…" Sasuke said sadly.

Akkei stood up suddenly. "Sasuke, is it even possible for you to use Jutsu in your current state?"

"Um… I don't know, I haven't had a chance to try," Sasuke said.

"Let's try now! See if you can make this cloud evaporate with your fire style," Akkei said. "Kuro!'

A small cloud formed in front of the shinobi. Sasuke weaved signs and said, "Fire style: Fire ball Jutsu!" It was aimed right at the cloud.

Nothing happened.

"Shoot," Tenten said.

"I agree," Sasuke ranted.

"Oh, well. Let's wake everyone else up. We need to leave soon," Akkei said.

They nodded in agreement.


"We have arrived!" Lee whispered excitedly.

"Alright, everybody, we need to make a plan," Akkei began. Lee was already running towards the base. Gaara grabbed him with his sand and brought him back.

"Do you want us to get caught?" Gaara yelled quietly.

"Everybody calm down. We'll just sneak in the top rafter, find Karuyaka, get what we need, and head out. Neji and Hinata, keep your Byakugan activated and warn us at any sign of attack," Kakashi said.

"Hai!" They both said.

"Sasuke, watch our back. Since the enemy can't hear you, scream if something is coming or you see someone. It will give us a warning," Kakashi continued.

"Okay," Sasuke said.

"Furthermore," Kakashi continued, "we can't run the risk of getting caught. Be as stealthy as possible."

"Aren't these fellow Leaf Ninja?" Tenten asked, questioning the point of being sneaky.

"If they find us in here, we will all be thrown out," Kakashi answered.

"Oh..."

Team Ukiyo jumped onto the roof of the ANBU hideout building.

"So," said Akkei, "Who wants to go first?"