Revised:

ENJOY!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO!

000

Forest

6:42 A.M

Morning

Wednesday

Train

The train was silent as everyone's minds ran wild at what occurred hours ago. Just the sight of innocent people being mauled by deranged creatures can take a toll on a person's mindscape quite badly, causing them to be locked away in their own thoughts. The notion of death is very detrimental to the human mind. It can leave a person wondering if their own death is soon to come. This was happening now to the passengers due to the fact that they thought their lives were put at risk. The train was filled within a void of muteness. However, our young friends were doing a pleasant job on keeping their emotions in check. So unlike other people who were becoming detached to the world our group was plotting on their survival.

"So, what do you guys think we should do?" Kiba asked, among the silence.

It was the first time that anyone has spoken since the breakout.

"First we need to find shelter." Shikamaru stated, wrapping an arm around Ino's shoulders.

She was asleep. During their venture from Konoha city Ino let her subconscious take over. She was extremely tired.

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea since we'll need a place to eat, sleep, and rest." Kiba said, relaxing on the bench they were sitting on.

"Do you have any idea on where we can stay?" He asked.

"Not a place we'll stay for long, but a temporary shelter where we can stay at before leaving." Shikamaru said.

His friends looked at him. They were confused by his statement.

"Before leaving? What are you talking about?" Kiba asked, confused.

"Yea, wouldn't it be wise for us to stay put in the Tea Country?" Hinata questioned.

"I would agree with you Hinata, but something tells me that this won't be our last confrontation with the infected." Shikamaru said, steadying Ino's sleeping body as the train started to jerk.

"Why would you say that?" Naruto asked.

"Just think about it. An infection breaks out across the entire city turning people into these zombified looking beings. What would you think?" Shikamaru said, looking at Naruto.

"Even if the Army, Navy, or Marines intervene I bet they will take their sweet time on doing anything about this, which in terms will make the infection spread." Shikamaru said.

He looked outside the window.

"In the past I would've laughed at the thought of zombies, but now that I see them with my own eyes everything we do now has to be cautioned." Shikamaru said, watching a few trees pass by.

"Shikamaru is right you guys." Neji spoke up, causing his friends to redirect their stares to him.

"If this infection does spread we'll be like seating ducks in the Tea Country." He stated.

"Not that I'm basing our survival on some game or movie, but the people who are least prepared always die." Neji said.

This basic information was all that was needed for everyone know that their situation was serious. They grasped the concept very quickly.

"You do have a point there, but where are we going to stay?" Kiba asked again, causing everyone to think.

"We could stay at my family's summer home." Sakura spoke up.

"Your family has a house in the Tea Country?" Naruto asked, surprised.

"Yea, but we only use it on vacations and I haven't been there in years." She said, sheepishly.

"How far away is it from the train station?" Hinata asked.

"About 10 to 15 minutes and its located right next to the Hiroshi River." Sakura replied.

Relief washed over everyone's face at this news. They were happy to hear that they had a place to go to as the train moved towards Hiroshi Town. However, there was one person who seemed to be trapped in his own thoughts.

"I never knew you had a summer home in the Tea Country." Naruto muttered, causing Sakura to stare at him.

"Well, I haven't been there since I was 6 years old." Sakura stated, quirking an eyebrow.

She was caught off guard by his unexpected mood swing.

"And you were around the same age when I started going on my vacations with your family Naruto." Sakura stated, causing him to blink.

"Huh?" Naruto said, surprised.

As if the gears had finally connected in his head a blush appeared on his cheeks.

"Oooh yea" Naruto said, slowly.

He scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Baka" Sakura muttered, shaking her head.

"Okay, so we stay at your family's summer house. Then what?" Kiba asked.

"Then we'll need supplies." Shikamaru said, drawing his attention away from the window.

"What kind of supplies?" Hinata asked.

"Just the essentials" He stated.

"Like clothes and food?" Hinata questioned, making Shikamaru nod.

"Yea and we're going to need flashlights." He stated.

This caused him to be targeted by stares once again.

"Ok I understand why we need clothes and stuff, but what's up with the flashlights?" Kiba asked.

"You do realize that if the infection does spread we'll have to keep moving even through the night." Shikamaru replied, making everyone perk up at this.

"Man, I didn't think it was going to be that serious." Kiba stated, in disbelief.

"There is one thing we haven't taken into consideration yet." Neji said, gaining his friends attention.

"What?" Naruto asked.

"If we do come across an infected how are we going to defend ourselves?" Neji questioned.

This shocked the group greatly. What were they going to do against an infected? They clearly couldn't have a fist fight with one of them due to the infecteds improve strength. This was evident when they almost tipped the train over back at the train station. Not knowing if the infection was transmittable or not there stood a pretty big chance that they could get infected as well. This caused everyone to be on edge. They knew what this implied. Shikamaru sighed and looked outside the window again.

"We'll talk about it once we get off the train." He said, watching the clouds drift off in the sky.

000

Iron City

12:00 A.M

Morning

Friday

UNPA Base

"Welcome back to the UNPA Minato san." Said a woman with glossy, brown hair.

Quickly adjusting to his new environment Minato smiled and straightened his posture.

"It's great to be back, Ramona." He said, causing the brunette to smirk.

"So what's going on here?" Minato asked.

He began to follow her when she started to walk.

"At around 5:20 p.m the other day a serious epidemic appeared across the world." Ramona said.

Her black high heel boots made a clicking sound as they walked.

"What type of epidemic?" Minato asked.

"A viral one." Ramona replied.

"Virus?" He questioned.

"Yes and so far our doctors haven't found one clue that indicates that this virus is curable." Ramona said.

She took a turn down a corridor away from the main lobby.

"You guys already have infected individuals?" Minato asked, still following.

"Yes, but the people we do have in custody are only at the beginning stages of the infection." Ramona said, as they passed other UNPA officers.

"Just what kind of infection are we dealing with?" Minato asked, causing Ramona to stop in front of him.

"I never thought that I would live to see the day when such a thing would occur, but since this is reality and I'm not dreaming I'm quite surprise." She said, turning towards him.

"The infection we're dealing with turn humans into zombified beings." Ramona stated.

"Zombies?" Minato questioned, not convinced.

It was hard for him to believe that such a thing would occur.

"Yes zombies and if you were to see it with your own eyes that will be your best way to describe them." Ramona said, placing a hand on her hip.

"I thought we only had people at the beginning stages of the infection." Minato said, remembering this fact.

"That is true, but there is one person we have that has transformed the most." Ramona stated, taking a deep breath.

"How bad is it?" Minato asked.

He noticed that she was having trouble formulating words.

"It's horrible Minato san. The man's flesh is starting to decompose and his eyes are becoming blood shot." Ramona said, after finding her voice again.

"All the man was experiencing last night when he was brought in was a high fever, sweating, and vomiting." She stated.

"I never thought that this would happen to him." Ramona continued, in disbelief.

"It sounds pretty lethal." Minato said, causing Ramona to nod.

"Yes, that's why we need a pure sample of the virus to create a cure." Ramona said.

"That's going to be a tough job since viruses are quite hard to cure, but couldn't we just get it from the people we already have?" Minato asked.

"Like in their blood?" He questioned.

"It's true that the virus is present in bodily fluids, but since they're only at the beginning stages of the infection their blood won't be very useful." Ramona stated.

"So we're like at a dead end now, racing to find a cure." Minato said.

"That's right." Ramona replied.

"That means until this man fully turns. . ." Minato started, but didn't finish.

"Sadly yes, but more will be explained to you later." Ramona said, beginning to walk again.

"How far has this infection spread?" Minato asked, following her.

"It's only hit the Fire and Wind countries so far, but something tells us that it will appear elsewhere." Ramona stated.

"So what are our plans to prevent this infection's advance towards other places?" Minato asked.

They finally reached an elevator.

"There's nothing much we can do now, but some of our agents are sweeping across the Iron Country as we speak looking for infected personals." Ramona said.

"And how's that going?" Minato asked, as the elevator doors opened.

"Pretty good since only a handful of people were found infected, but all of them are in our care." Ramona said.

Nodding his head Minato stepped inside the elevator. His brain was still processing the information he just heard.

"Here, use my I.D to get to the sub levels of the base and there you'll meet Hiruzen Sama." Ramona said, giving him her I.D card.

"Alright" Minato said, grabbing the blue printed card.

As soon as she gave him the I.D card the elevator doors closed. This blocked off any form of communication between the two. Left alone inside the elevator Minato started to reminisce. A small smile broke out across his face.

"This sure does bring back some old memories." He muttered, before inserting the I.D card inside a slot below the control panel.

The elevator made a shuttering sound before it started to descend. As the elevator descended Minato's mind began to wonder. He never thought he would be faced with this kind of situation after him and his wife's vacation. Once they left the Vapor Islands on a private jet Kushina bombarded him with questions. After answering them to the best of his ability she was quite shocked to learn that he was reinstated back into the UNPA. Worry started to settle deeply in her subconscious. She knew full well what the organization did for a living.

During their flight both parents were quite nervous since neither of them could get into contact with their son. Due to being in a different region of the world they could do so little to call. However, knowing how Naruto acts sometimes they wouldn't be surprised if he didn't answer his phone. In fact they'll probably be sent straight to voice mail, knowing that he will be still fuming over their departure. As time flew by they decided not to worry about it, believing that he was doing alright. However, with the new information Minato gained he started to worry. He didn't like the many case scenarios that began to run through his head.

'I hope you're ok out there Naruto.' Minato said mentally, as the elevator continued to descend.

000

Unknown

2:24 P.M

Noon

Saturday

Unknown

"How did it go?" Orochimaru asked, upon Kabuto's arrival to the hideout.

"It went on without a hitch. They don't expect a thing." Kabuto said.

"Excellent!" Orochimaru exclaimed, chuckling to himself.

"Is the next phase of the operation ready?" Kabuto asked, adjusting his glasses.

"Yes and it can be executed at any given time however, it seems like a bug is trying to interfere." Orochimaru said, causing Kabuto to quirk an eyebrow.

"The UNPA"

A wave of recognition crossed Kabuto's face at the simple statement.

"I see" Kabuto said, in a measured voice.

"Yes, and while they're snooping around we have to be cautious of our actions." Orochimaru said, sighing.

"So, how are we going to go about this?" Kabuto questioned.

"I was attempting to launch the virus in every major country in the world, but since the UNPA is moving faster than I expected I guess we'll just settle for attacking the smaller ones first." Orochimaru replied.

"That will be a smart play, seeing that all the organization's focus will be on bigger countries." Kabuto stated.

He knew that the UNPA's elite force will be scouring all over the Fire and Wind Countries.

"But what about the Iron Country?" Kabuto asked.

"Since the UNPA is stationed there I wouldn't be surprise if that whole country goes into an immediate lockdown." Orochimaru said.

"So it's unreachable now." Kabuto stated.

"Perhaps, but in due time both of them will fall." Orochimaru said, laughing.

000

Hiroshi Town

6:38 P.M

Night

Wednesday

Haruno Household

The soft pitter platter of rain outside the Haruno house echoed throughout Sakura's bedroom. This was only a welcome reprieve to Sakura as she laid down on her bed, tired and worn out by the day's events. Once the group reached Hiroshi Town a lot of stressful things occurred. It seems that news of the breakout had reached other places. So to make sure that the infection didn't spread every personal coming from Konoha City had to be checked.

After being stuck by doctors and escorted by police our young friends were sore and exhausted, which only grew worse on their vigorous cab drive to Sakura's house. Once there the group was able to rest up and formulate a plan. Knowing that the infection could soon spread they had to set a lot of things to mind. Finding a new destination, provisions, defense and movement were their top priorities. Lucky for them Naruto mentioned his family's own summer home near Kiri City. By the brief description he gave it was a private estate covered by an evergreen forest.

Flash Back

"It's a perfect place for us to go, since not too many people know we own the land." Naruto said, during him and his friend's brief planning period in the living room.

"And even if the infection does hit there I bet no one will try to escape through the forest, not knowing what lies ahead." Naruto stated, assuredly.

He saw that everyone was showing some form of doubt.

"If they were desperate on surviving they will, but what about the infected?" Neji questioned, from his spot in the living room.

"What about them?" Naruto said, in confusion.

"Worrying that other people will occupy your family's house is one thing, but what will we do if the whole place is crawling with infected?" Neji asked.

Nobody said a word. Silence was the only thing that answered Neji's question. It was mind boggling.

"I wouldn't be surprised if those things started wandering around in order to find fresh new things to chow down on." Neji stated.

"I just pray that we make it there before the infection hits and if it does, hopefully the estate will be vacant as a graveyard." Shikamaru said.

Silence filled the air once again as everyone's minds drifted off. The only noise that was being made was the thundering outside the house. This only indicated that a storm was fast approaching. The silence dragged on for quite some time until another question was asked and this question was needling everyone's subconscious.

"I wonder where our parents are." Kiba said, causing Ino to burst into tears.

"What?" Kiba asked, bewildered.

He watched as Shikamaru comforted his girlfriend.

"It was during the chaos in Konoha that. . .I don't know, but I think that Mr. and Mrs. Yamanaka san are dead." Shikamaru said.

A wave of shock appeared across his friend's faces.

"Dead? What do you mean dead!?" Naruto exclaimed.

"I mean dead! Gone! Never to return Naruto!" Shikamaru yelled, when Ino started crying harder.

"Hey! Calm down you two before you do something you'll regret!" Sakura said.

She was trying to calm the tension between both friends. Once both their tempers were calmed down and Ino was less sniveling everyone got the full story. It was after the broadcast in Konoha that both Ino and her parents along with Shikamaru decided to head out. They were among the many people who saw the disorientated figure in the background.

While in the commotion of the city, on their way to the train station, a high pitched shriek filled the air. It didn't take long to identify what caused it and for a stampede to occur throughout the city. It was during this time that Mrs. Yamanaka fell, due to the harshness of the crowd and was almost left behind by her companions. Pushing through the influx of people to get to his wife Inoichi noticed something in his direct vision. It was a living horror to him when he realized that many infected were approaching and fast! Knowing that he was the only one who could reach his wife in time he directed Ino and Shikamaru to go on, promising that they will catch up later. However, they never did.

"Ino san" Hinata said, softly.

She placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"There's no telling what's happen to them." Shikamaru said, still comforting Ino.

"Did you try calling them on their cell phones?" Naruto asked.

"No, we don't have our phones with us and I bet they don't either since we pretty much up and left the house after the broadcast." Shikamaru replied, gloomily.

He knew that if Ino's parents were really are dead then what will be the point of it.

"Same here, me and Hinata don't have our phones either." Kiba said.

"Well it doesn't really matter since from the looks of it we can't get a signal here." Neji said, looking at his phone.

This caused Naruto and Sakura to check their phones as well. They came out empty handed.

"Damn! Now we'll never get in contact with anyone." Naruto said, rummaging through his phone.

"It shouldn't be surprising since this is a different country." Neji stated, putting his phone away.

"Isn't there a house phone here?" Hinata asked.

A clap of thunder echoed throughout the house.

"Yes there is, but since we don't get much satellite service here and only have dial-up the phone will be really. . ." Sakura said, not finishing.

"Slow" Kiba said, finishing her sentence.

"Yea, and even with that it takes forever just to get through." Sakura said, sighing.

"Well this sucks." Kiba said, huffing over their predicament.

"It's not like we're staying here forever." Shikamaru said, now that Ino stopped crying.

"So how far is your family's estate from here?" Shikamaru asked, causing Naruto to think.

"I'll say about. . .a week and a halves journey." Naruto stated.

"Why?" He asked.

"Because the sooner we leave here the better." Shikamaru stated, standing up.

"Wait, you want us to leave now?" Kiba asked, in disbelief.

"No, but sometime early in the morning." Shikamaru said, looking outside the window.

It was completely dark. The street lamps were the only source of light that he could see. Even with this the neighborhood was still pitch black. Shikamaru watched as a lightning bolt was shot out in the distance. It lit the night sky with its emitted heat.

"Look you guys, Hiroshi Town isn't that far away from Konoha City and if what Neji says is true then we need to get as far away from here as possible." Shikamaru said, looking away from the window.

"And I know that neither one of us wants to see each other get eaten by one of those things." Shikamaru continued, causing his companions to look at him.

"You guys, we've been friends ever since elementary school, stuck up for each other, even did things that normal friends wouldn't do for one another." Shikamaru said, causing a pang of recognition to cross everyone's face.

"Even though none of us has said it out loud and this will be a first, but I know that we all consider each other to be close like a family." Shikamaru said.

"Please you guys! I don't want to see anyone dear to me die right before my eyes!" Shikamaru exclaimed in desperation.

This caused all his friends to gasp. Since Shikamaru rarely show too much emotion it came as a shock to them at how vulnerable he sounded. He looked like a lost kid. Seeming to regain her mantle and resolve Ino stood up beside him and grasped his hand.

"Don't worry Shikamaru. You won't lose anybody you love, I'm sure of it." Ino said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Yea man as long as we got each other's backs nothing can possibly go wrong!" Naruto exclaimed, standing up along with Sakura.

"Naruto's right Shikamaru. As long as we got each other we can survive this thing." Kiba said, standing up with Hinata as well.

Everyone smiled at one another. They knew that even through these crises they will always be there for each other. However, there was one person who wasn't standing or smiling. In fact this person seemed to be in deep thought.

"Neji?" Naruto questioned, wondering why he wasn't joining in.

"So many things can go wrong, over looked, not checked and us surviving this epidemic is slim at most." Neji said, with his eyes closed.

It only took five seconds before his eyes opened up, but with a new resolve set in them.

"However, if we do cover each other and play it safe we might just be able to make it through this." He said, smirking.

This caused everyone to smile. They were happy that he wasn't deserting them during these tough times.

"So, what's the plan?" Neji asked, standing up with the rest of his friends.

"He's right. What are our plans Mr. Brains?" Ino said, causing everyone to laugh.

"Well, this is what I had in mind. . ." Shikamaru began.

End of Flash Back

Sakura smiled at the memory. It was the first time that everyone admitted that they were a family. However, due to the situation that is present this family needs a whole lot of protection. It's a good thing they all know that they'll have to cover each other's backs to survive this epidemic. Sakura was brought out of her musing when there was a rapid knock at the door.

"Come in" She said, sitting up.

"Hey Sakura chan. What you doing?" Naruto asked, entering her bedroom.

"Nothing much, just thinking about stuff." Sakura replied, combing her fingers through her hair.

This caused Naruto to chuckle before closing the room door.

"Are Ino, Shikamaru, and Kiba back from the store yet?" Sakura asked, remembering them taking off in her dad's truck.

They found the keys in the kitchen drawers.

"No, but Hinata is still in the bathroom taking her shower." Naruto said, sitting beside Sakura.

"Oh? So what's Neji doing?" Sakura asked, folding her legs underneath her.

"Nothing, just watching T.V." Naruto said, ruffling his hair.

There was brief silence between the two as they sat in each other's company. However, the silence that lingered wasn't the weird kind. It was more of a subtle one that could only be achieved by two people who trusted each other for a long time. The soft pitter platter of rain outside the house was quite relaxing to both companions.

"Sakura chan" Naruto said, softly.

He gained her attention.

"Yes, Naruto?" Sakura said, looking at him.

"I wanted to say that. . ." He began, before stopping.

Naruto took a deep breath. He seemed to contemplate the words he was going to say. Sakura had her eyes fixed on him. She wondered what he was going to say.

"I want to say that. . .I'm sorry for kissing you the other day before the broadcast. I don't know what came over me." Naruto blurted out.

He looked away in shame. Sakura was shocked from hearing him say this. Of course he did it out of the blue and surprised her, but she would be lying to herself if she said that she didn't enjoy it.

"Naruto" Sakura said, softly.

She tried to get his attention.

"I know you don't feel the same way that I do Sakura chan. So you don't have to say anything." Naruto said, still looking away from her.

"Naruto" Sakura said again.

She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm really am sorry Sakura chan. It won't happen again I promise." Naruto said, desperately.

He was trying to save the relationship between him and his best friend, which he thought was in jeopardy. Seeing that Naruto wasn't going to pay attention she forcibly turned him around. Giving him no time to speak she planted a kiss right on his lips. Shocked at what was happening Naruto tried to object. He slowly however succumbed to his own desires. After a good minute or so passed both teens broke apart. They breathed heavily from the kiss they shared.

"Sakura chan?" Naruto questioned, through half lidded eyes.

"It's okay Naruto. Would it be a surprise if I told you that I like you too?" Sakura said, causing him to blink.

"What?" Naruto said, shocked.

"I said I like you too. I just didn't know how to go about telling you." Sakura said, turning away from him now.

Naruto was in a state of shock. He couldn't believe his ears. The girl he's been crushing on for as long as he could remember was confessing to him. He thought he'd never see the day. However, now that he has Naruto couldn't stop himself from asking.

"How long?" He asked, softly.

"W What?" Sakura stuttered, looking at him.

"How long have you felt the same way that I do for you?" Naruto asked, looking directly at her now.

Entranced by his ocean blue eyes she could only answer truthfully.

"Ever since you and Shion dated each other." Sakura said, surprising him.

Shion was a girl that Naruto had dated for a while back in middle school. It was also during this time that he actually thought he'd never be enough for his pink haired friend. For a while it was great to finally be in a relationship. However, Naruto always felt a pang of guilt whenever he set his eyes on a certain someone.

"I mean for a while I didn't feel anything, but as time flew by and seeing you 2 always smiling at each other I just. . ." Sakura said, before stopping.

"Felt sad and alone." Naruto finished for her.

He knew the feeling from seeing her date Sasuke.

"Yea, and even after you 2 broke up I still couldn't talk to you about my feelings." Sakura said, turning away from him again.

Another brief silence fell between both friends. They didn't know what to say to one another.

"So, now what?" Naruto asked.

"I don't know? I want us to be together but. . ." Sakura trailed off.

"You're afraid" Naruto finished for her again.

"Yea, with this infection going on I don't know what lies in the future." Sakura said, starting to rub her arms.

"Well, we'll just have to find out together now won't we?" Naruto said, confidently.

He grasped her hand.

"Are you sure?" Sakura questioned, with some doubt.

"Of course I'm sure. Like we said before as long as we got each other's backs we can get through anything." Naruto said, looking her directly in the eyes.

"Besides, just because there's a major epidemic going on that's not going to stop me from claiming the most beautiful girl in the world." Naruto said, causing Sakura to blush.

Seeing her blush he couldn't help but lean in and kiss her again. What they felt was completely different from the last two kisses they shared. This one caused a spark to go off in each of their chest, spreading and warming their bodies until they could feel each other's heartbeat. Sakura gasped as she felt the wet muscle of Naruto's tongue touch the brim of her lips. She shivered once it found its way inside her mouth. Naruto smirked against her lips. He was happy to finally be able to do things with her that he only fantasized on doing.

Gently placing her on his lap Naruto deepened the kiss. He snuck an arm around her waist while his other hand cradled her neck. Sakura could only whimper as the kiss became more passionate. Bringing her arms around his neck she weaved her fingers through Naruto's blond hair. Her eyes closed tightly once Naruto began to kiss his way down her neck. Continuing to descend he eventually stopped to suck on a focal point. Sakura clung onto Naruto desperately as an unknown pressure continued to build within her core. Naruto groaned deeply when she gripped his hair tightly. However, just when the unknown pressure was about to overflow someone knocked on the door startling the both of them. (Damn! We were getting to the good part!)

"Naruto! Sakura! Everyone's back from the store!" Neji exclaimed from the door.

"Alright! We'll be out in a minute!" Naruto yelled.

"Ok" Neji replied, before leaving.

Once the sound of his footsteps faded away Naruto sighed. Both of them began to relax.

"Phew! I thought we got caught there for a second." Naruto said, chuckling.

He unwrapped his arm from around her waist.

"Yea" Sakura said.

She got off his lap. Once they got themselves looking presentable again they decided to leave the room. However, Naruto grasped Sakura's hand before reaching the door.

"I promise Sakura chan. Everything is going to be ok." Naruto said, smiling at her.

"I know Naruto and I believe you." Sakura said, causing him to kiss her on the forehead.

And when Naruto promises something it's bound to be true.

000

Thanks for reading. Please review.

~N4S~