Chap 7

A/N: I'm sorry. Feel free to yell at me for not updating in so long. My only excuses are writer's block and school. Please forgive me and I hope I didn't lose any of my readers/ reviewers.

Well the good stuff is beginning now but my writer's block isn't completely gone so hopefully it will turn out okay.

READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS!!!!

Ages:

Sasuke-17

Sakura-17

Naruto-17

Minake-14

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Recap: Sasuke's been having seizure like episodes where he gets trapped in own his mind by Itachi. But how can that be when Itachi's dead? They are on a ship, on their way to the Mist Village where they finally meet the elite spy, Minake. And Sasuke's fighting an internal battle with himself about how he feels about Sakura.

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"Hiya cutey!!" she said in a high pitched voice, "Are you Uchiha Sasuke? And you must be Haruno Sakura!!" she gasped, "Wow its cool to finally meet you guys. Hi! My name is Kaeru Minake!!"

The girl was tall and had long brown hair that fell to her elbows. She wore a hot pink tank top and brown capris. Sakura and Sasuke couldn't help but stare at her; despite her height, the girl looked like she was only ten!

"Here, look!" she said handing them a badge. Minake had produced an ID badge that confirmed her identity as a Konoha ANBU, elite spy.

Sasuke looked at Sakura, who nodded. The badge was no fake; this little girl was really an elite spy.

Sakura looked at Minake with a scrutinizing eye and then glanced at Sasuke. Sasuke seemed unfazed by her very first comment, but Sakura had become slightly annoyed. How dare you call him cute!? If you weren't the elite spy we were waiting for I'd rip you to shreds!

"Kakashi-sensei told us not to be surprised but I wasn't expecting this." Sakura muttered.

"Hey!! Aren't there supposed to be three of you?" Minake asked, looking around wildly, "Where's the other one?"

As if he was right on cue, Naruto walked up to them yawning, "Who's the brat making all this noise? I can't sleep in this racket!"

"Naruto this is Minake-san. The person we were sent to meet," Sakura explained.

"What? This ten-year-old is an elite?" asked a bewildered Naruto.

"Eh!? I'm not ten! I'm fourteen!" Minake screeched at him.

"Well you could have fooled me!" Naruto shot back.

"You guys should keep your voices down, we're attracting attention," Sakura hissed at them.

"She started it!" "He started it!" both Naruto and Minake said at the same time and then glared at each other.

Sakura looked at the two not knowing how she and Sasuke would survive the rest of the trip.

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The Mist Village's beautiful marshes and gardens attracted many tourists. The streets of the Mist Village were lined with souvenir vendors calling out the prices of various items that could be purchased.

"Here we are!!" Minake said enthusiastically as they approached a large hotel. "I got here yesterday morning so I rented two rooms for all of us."

The interior of the hotel was very luxurious. The floors were lined with a velvety, crimson carpet and the walls were tall and white with large scenic paintings of various gardens and flowering trees. In the center of the main lobby there was a large beautiful fountain. The water flowing from it was crystal clear and glowed different colors.

"Oh. It's so beautiful!" Sakura exclaimed.

"The Mist Village is known for its beauty. There are more fountains all around. That's why I love it here so much," Minake explained excitedly, "There's a swimming pool, games, gardens and tons of other stuff. There's also a really good diner in here. They have the best food ever!"

"Do they have ramen?" asked Naruto suspiciously.

"Mm-hmm," said Minake, "It's really good. You guys should have some tonight! My treat!"

After everyone agreed to eat at the diner that night Minake showed them to their rooms.

"This here, is my room and the other room is right next door, so if we need anything from each other all we have to do is knock! As for who is going to stay where...," Minake grinned, "Sasuke-kun you're staying with me in my room! Sakura-chan and Naruto-kun can have the other room." Minake latched on to Sasuke's arm.

"Huh?" said Sasuke and pulled away from Minake. What the hell is wrong with this girl? "Don't touch me," he said rather coldly.

"Aww, don't be so mean," Minake pouted, "You are my roommate after all. You're so cute!!"

Before Sasuke could even say one word of protest Sakura yelled, "He's not going to be you roommate. I am. There's no way I'm letting him stay with you!"

"Huh? And why not," Minake looked at Sakura and pouted even more and then eyes lit up in realization, "Oh I get it. You're Sasuke-kun's girlfriend aren't you?" Minake turned to Sasuke and said, "Really Sasuke-kun you could do so much better! Like me!"

Sakura turned red and a vein popped in her heads. It took all her self-control to stop herself from sending Minake flying, "I'm NOT his girlfriend!" Sakura yelled I'm going to kill this brat! Does she really think she has a better chance with Sasuke? Not even in her dreams. NOT even over my dead body. This brat is going to die!

"It's unseemly for a girl to room with a guy. The two of us will room together and the two of them will room together. You got that?" said Sakura decisively.

"mm...Fine," Minake said dejectedly. Just a fast as her frown had appeared it went away and was replaced by a smile, "Come on! Come on! Hurry up you guys! Get settled in! I have so much to tell you all. And I want to hear your story too! See y'all in twenty minutes!"

Minake turned and happily bounced into her room. Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto stared after her, surprised at how Minake's attitude could change so quickly.

"She's even more energetic than me," said Naruto in disbelief.

Sakura stalked off into her room, grumbling and dumped her stuff on the floor, while Sasuke and Naruto went into their own room.

The rooms were simple, with a TV, two beds, a mini fridge, bathroom and sink. Naruto threw his stuff into a corner and flopped down on his bed. He propped himself up on his elbow and grinned at Sasuke. Sasuke put his stuff down in the corner and looked at his teammate.

"What?" Sasuke asked annoyed with Naruto's goofy grin.

"She likes you," Naruto stated.

"Who? Minake?"

"Yea she like you too but that's not who I'm talking about. I'm talking about Sakura-chan. Didn't you see how jealous she was?"

"No." Sasuke replied. 'When did he become so intelligent?' Sasuke thought sarcastially, 'This idiot can barely tell left from right and already he's dictating who likes who. What a moron. Why would Sakura be jealous?'

"Well, she was," Naruto replied, lying back down on his bed.

"Hn. Whatever."

"The entire time you were gone, all she did was think about you. When you came back you told her 'If you'd use half the time you're hovering around me maybe you wouldn't be such a weak ninja. Go be useful for a change,' and that's exactly what she did. She's a lot stronger now, but that doesn't mean she doesn't like you anymore. She just doesn't want to show it," explained Naruto.

"Hn," Sasuke frowned and lay down on his bed. Did I really say that to her? I sound like such a jerk. But I wouldn't put it past myself, I probably did say that. I would never say something like that again though. How is it that Naruto suddenly gained so much knowledge on Sakura's feelings? It really doesn't sound like him.

"Who told you to say something like that?" Sasuke asked.

"Huh? Say what? No one told me to say anything about anyone. I don't know what you're talking about," Naruto panicked.

Sasuke smirked, "Don't lie. I can see right through it. Who was it?"

Naruto laughed nervously knowing he was caught in the lie, "It was Hinata-chan. She told me that Sakura-chan still loves you and as your friend, I should help you see that."

Sasuke didn't reply. Unlike Naruto, Hinata's information was more reliable. He was slightly pleased that Sakura still had feelings for him.

"Hey, Sasuke?"

"What."

"Do you like Sakura-chan?"

Sasuke didn't have an answer to that. It was the one question he had been avoiding ever since he had seen her training in the hidden training field. Do I like her? She's pretty. I'll give her that. She has a big forehead but I guess I've gotten used to it. She isn't as annoying anymore either; in fact she's better company than most people. And she's very determined. I'll admit I've treated her very badly in the past, yet she always seems to see past that side of me. But I still don't know...do I care for her?

"Well...?" asked Naruto impatiently, "do you or do you not like her?"

"uh...I-," Sasuke was saved from further explanation by a knock at the door.

"Hey you guys ready yet? I have something to tell you, remember?" called a bubbly voice that could be no other than Minake's, "Come on hurry up already!!"

"Alright, we're coming," said Naruto grumbling, "You have to be so loud about it?"

A few minutes later everyone was gathered around a small table in Minake and Sakura's room. Minake locked the door to the room and closed the window shutters. Then she placed her hands on the walls of the room. A faint red glow emanated from her hands and flowed over the surface of the walls. The strange light flowed over the ceiling and the floor. Then it pooled around the window and door, becoming a darker shade of red in those areas. When the light had covered every corner of the room Minake took her hands away from the walls and went back to the table and sat down.

"W-what was that?" asked Naruto, unnerved, "What did you just do?"

"Oh that?" asked Minake, "Standard procedures. I forgot you all don't normally work with the ANBU do you?" When they all shook their heads she continued, "That jutsu that I just performed prevents anyone from the outside from eavesdropping. It also creates a small barrier so it harder for others to get inside. It's a technique many spies use. Now, on to business."

Once again Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura found themselves staring at the young girl in front of them. In a split second she had gone from an excited lollipop to a commanding officer.

"Is something the matter?" she asked, noticing the stares she was getting.

"How can you be so hyper one second and so focused the next?" asked Naruto pointing an accusing finger at her.

"I'm a spy," Minake replied, "It's my duty to go unnoticed, and to meld into my surroundings. In the Mist Villagethere are many tourists so I act like an excited little girl, which, might I remind you, I am. Whoever said it was a crime to be your self if it helps out a mission? However, when it comes to business I'm no slacker. Now then, anymore objections?"

The three jounin were amazed at the girl's abilities. She was only fourteen and she was a master spy. Any doubt any of them had was wiped away by that single last comment.

"Good, now you all are here because we are to spy and gather information on a man called Otonashi, that and to stop his plans by any means necessary," Minake looked at them and continued, "From the information I have gathered yesterday I have learned that, Otonashi is recruiting members to join his organization. Most of the members come from groups of gangs that reside all over the country. The gangs have been gathering every other night at local taverns. The next meeting will be tomorrow night at a place called the Ram's Head. Why they are gathering is still unknown. The location of Otonashi's base also seems to be unknown. Unfortunately this was all the information I was able to gather. Now I would like to hear your side of the story. Who exactly is Otonashi?"

"You figured all that out in less than one day?" asked Sakura wide-eyed, "That's impressive!"

Minake grinned at her, "It's m'job to do it! But seriously, Kakashi-san told me Otonashi has a personal grudge against you all. I would like to know, who exactly is this guy and what connection does he have with you?"

"It's more of a personal grudge against me," said Sasuke, "I killed his partner, Uchiha Itachi, who was also my brother. Otonashi was left without anything. No doubt he wants some sort of revenge against me. Other than that, all we know is that Otonashi was Itachi's right hand man. While working with the Akatsuki, Itachi was able to go around the Blood Bind Oath's requirements through him. It seems like they may have had some plans that I might have foiled."

"I see," said Minake, "So they might either be carrying out Itachi's plan or trying to gather more power. I personally think it might be a combination of both. Is there anything else to be said?"

When everyone shook their heads Minake continued, "Alright, I'm going to be sending a report to the Hokage later today informing her of your arrival. You all should do the same for Kakashi-san. Also, for the rest of today until tomorrow morning you all are free to do as you please. Keep your ears and eyes open and make sure not to attract too much attention to yourselves. Also remember tonight's dinner is on me at the diner! So don't be late 'kay?"

All four ninja's looked at each other and nodded in understanding. They got up to leave when Minake cried, "Oh! Sasuke-kun! I hope you know that I was telling the truth before! You really are very cute! And you could do a lot better than girls with such big foreheads. Would you like to go swimming with me? There's this really big pool downstairs. It'll be lots of fun!"

Sakura's eyes were throwing daggers at Minake. Her face was red with anger and humiliation. No one had ever insulted her in front of her friends so forwardly. Not even Ino would humiliate her like that. Sakura stood up and stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

"I don't care who you are but you can't go around insulting Sakura-chan like that!" yelled a very angry Naruto, "Why I-"

"Naruto," Sasuke cut Naruto off and turned to Minake, "First of all, stop calling me cute. It's annoying. Second, stop insulting my teammates. It's rude. And third I'm not going to go swimming with you or anywhere else unless it has to do with the mission so stop asking."

"Aww, Sasuke-kun you're so mean!" Minake whined then her eyes widened, "Was I really being mean to Sakura-chan?"

Sasuke looked at her. Was she serious? She really didn't seem to realize that what she had said was hurtful. Sasuke glared at her.

"Hmm...I guess I'll just have to apologize to her later then!" she smiled happily, "Well, I guess I'll see you all in two hours for dinner 'kay?" and with that she bounced out of the room as well.

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Naruto and Sasuke had been searching for Sakura all evening but they couldn't find her anywhere. They had looked through all the gaming areas, the pool, the diner, and even the streets. They finally started searching the garden but quickly realized that it would be near impossible finding her there. The garden was a maze of many different gardens all connected, a person could easily get lost for hours. Sasuke looked around and finally found a large pole labeled 'Visitor Information'. He walked over to the pole and picked up a map of the maze and continued on with the search.

Sasuke finally found Sakura sitting on a bench in front of the fountain in the center of the maze. He and Naruto walked up to her. If either of them noticed that her eyes were slightly puffy from crying neither showed it.

"Uh...Sakura-chan?" Naruto sat down next to her, "Are you alright?"

Sakura turned her head away from him and said, "I'm fine. Just leave me alone."

"If you're fine, why are you so upset?" Naruto pressed.

"I'm fine," she said gritting her teeth.

"Heehee...," Naruto grinned, "Could it be...Sakura-chan's jealous of Minake-san?"

Sakura's face heated up and she could feel the blush on her face, "Jealous? I'm NOT jealous! Why should I be jealous?" she spluttered.

Sasuke smirked. He could see that Sakura was lying, she was jealous. For some reason he was slightly satisfied that Sakura was annoyed with Minake, it proved that she still cared. But Sasuke was also irritated. Sakura was upset because of what Minake had said; he would make sure that she apologized to Sakura.

"Sakura-chan's jealous! Sakura-chan's jealous," Naruto teased in a sing-song voice. By this time Sakura's face had turned so red, it was a wonder she wasn't breathing fire. Sasuke decided to act before things started to get out of hand.

"Naruto. Go back to the diner and tell Minake-san we're on our way. It's already been two hours and she's expecting us," said Sasuke, cutting off Naruto's infernal singing.

"Oh. That's right," said Naruto, "But what about you and Sakura-chan? Aren't you coming?"

"Naruto just go," said Sasuke, really irritated now, "We'll meet you there."

"Got it," Naruto said and leapt off.

"I'm not going," said Sakura as soon as Naruto was out of earshot.

"Not even if I ask you to?" asked Sasuke.

Sakura's head whipped up and she met Sasuke's eyes. She was surprised to find that they were almost warm and caring and not the stone cold orbs she was used to seeing. Sakura looked back down trying to hide the blush creeping up her face.

Sasuke smirked again, liking her reaction, "For once I agree with Naruto. You are jealous."

"...I'm not jealous. I..." Sakura fiddled with her words, "I just don't like her...I don't trust her. She may be the leader but there's something wrong with her. I just can't put my finger on it."

"I agree. Minake can't be trusted. But that doesn't stop you from being jealous of her," Sasuke said, not letting Sakura change the subject.

"What makes you say that?" Sakura tried to mask another blush by feigning anger and failing miserably. Sasuke's sharingan helped his normal vision to be very sharp. His eyes could pick up little details that normal eyes would probably miss. Therefore he could see right through Sakura's facade.

"You were pretty quick to defend me back there. You said you wouldn't allow me to room with Minake. You could have said you didn't want to room with Naruto, but that wasn't what was bothering you, was it?" Sasuke took pleasure in watching her squirm uncomfortably, he had caught her in her own lie and she couldn't find a way out.

"You really shouldn't let her cloud your judgment. You're better than that," he continued, "Besides after all these years, you're still the only girl I put up with, did you really think Minake would change that?"

Sakura's eyes widened and her face heated again. She didn't look up. She couldn't. Not only had Sasuke seen right through her lie, he had also complimented her. Sakura wasn't used to this side of Sasuke and couldn't do anything but remain in a shocked silence.

When she didn't respond Sasuke said, "Now let's go before Naruto gets even more lost than he probably already is."

Sakura gave a small laugh and slowly stood up. She looked at Sasuke and gave him a small smile and in a small voice, said, "Thank you."

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"Hey!! For a minute I thought you guys weren't going to show. What took you all so long?" Minake asked as Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke entered the diner.

"Gomen, Minake-san," said Naruto, laughing nervously, "I kinda got lost in the maze garden."

"Oh that's ok. I'm glad you're having fun!" she smiled at him. She looked over to Sasuke who glared at her and then to Sakura who avoided eye contact all together. Minake frowned, confused and then said, "Eh!! I almost forgot!"

Minake walked over to Sakura and bowed, "Gomenosai Sakura-chan. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings before. I promise I won't do it again. I really am very sorry." Minake looked up at her with large puppy dog eyes.

Sakura wasn't all too happy about it but decided to accept the apology anyways, "It's alright, I guess. Just, don't do it again."

"Never. I promise," Minake grinned, "Now what would everyone like to order?"

"Ramen! I want ramen!" replied Naruto enthusiastically.

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Sakura woke up early the next morning only to find that Minake had already left, leaving a note on the mirror saying 'See ya at the Ram's Head tonight at seven!!'

Sakura plucked the note from the mirror and placed it in her pocked. Next she sat down and wrote the report for Kakashi that she should have written last night.

Once she was done she sealed it in an envelope and stepped out of her room. She walked down the hall and down the stairs of the hotel and was about to leave when someone called out to her. She stopped and turned surprised to see that it was Sasuke who had called her.

"Good morning Sasuke-kun!" she greeted him, her mood a lot better than it had been yesterday.

"Where are you going?" he asked, eyeing the envelope in her hand.

"It's for Kakashi-sensei," explained Sakura following his line of sight, "I'm just going to go and drop it off at the mailing station we passed by yesterday. Do you want to come?"

Sasuke merely nodded. Sakura smiled and started out of the door.

They walked to the mailing station in silence, neither wanting to start a conversation. It was early and there were hardly any people out.

Sakura's thoughts wandered to the events before dinner the day before. Sasuke had been acting very strange. It wasn't like him to care about anyone but himself. So why does he care now? Why did he go to the trouble to cheer me up yesterday and then walk with me this morning?

They entered the mailing station and Sakura gave her envelope to a courier and paid the money for a speedy delivery.

"Where was Naruto when we left?" asked Sakura, solely to break the silence.

"Asleep." Sasuke answered.

Sakura frowned and fell silent. One word answers didn't help much in a conversation.

"Sasuke-kun? Are you okay," asked Sakura, "I mean, how are you feeling? I didn't really get to check up on you after that night.

Sasuke didn't answer right away. Sakura thought she had made him angry, but she had been worried about him, plus she didn't want to ask him in front of anyone else either.

"I'm fine. It hasn't happened again and I was able to sleep well for once," Sasuke finally answered, "If it happens again, I'll let you know, so you can stop worrying."

It was a bit rough but Sakura could tell he was trying to be nice so she asked, "For once? Does that mean it's happened before? Does it always happen at night?"

"Yes, and no. It's happened during the day before but it's usually during the night. Can we not talk about this right now?" said Sasuke.

"Oh. Sorry..." Sakura trailed off and fell silent.

Sasuke sighed, "Don't be sorry. You were just worried. I just don't like talking about it."

Sakura was taken aback. "If I didn't know any better I'd wonder where the real Sasuke was. When'd you get to be so nice?"

Sasuke shot her an annoyed glare, "Hn. Don't get used to it."

Sakura couldn't help but let out a small laugh and continued walking back to the hotel.

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Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto arrived at the tavern a little before seven o'clock. The entrance to the tavern was hidden in a dark shabby alley. The only indication that the tavern existed at all was pale yellow light that spilled through the broken windows.

"Well where is she?" asked Naruto impatiently, "She said she'd be here right?"

"Calm down Naruto. She'll be here," Sakura hushed Naruto. They waited in front of the tavern in the shadows, trying to escape the attention of any passer-bys.

"Hey! You all waiting for me?" Minake bounced up to them, "Well let's go then!"

"Wait! Will they allow you in there?" asked Sakura concerned.

"Just watch," winked Minake. She performed a series of hand signs and right before their eyes Minake's features grew shaper and more mature. The illusion added at least ten years to her original appearance.

"And now for you guys," she repeated the same hand symbols and placed the illusions on the other three jounin. They looked at each other. All three of them had aged but not as much as Minake had. They looked at her with astonishment.

"Now, let's go!" Minake grinned and lead them inside the tavern.

They went in and found an empty booth to sit down at. Minake motioned for Sakura and Naruto to sit on one side while she and Sasuke sat next to each other on the other side. Sakura's eyes flashed with anger and annoyance but she stayed calm. Minake ordered everyone sake, warning them all not to even take a sip.

"You don't want loose tongues tonight," she explained in a barely audible tone, "Keep your eyes and ears sharp and unless absolutely necessary, let me do all the talking. Remember a spy's strength is based off his words and his wit, if you have both the game is in the bag. Now, there's a large group of people just a couple tables behind us. Sasuke-kun and I have the sharpest eyes; therefore we will be watching them for anything suspicious. That's why I had us sit the way we did. Sakura-chan and Naruto-kun, keep your ears sharp and commit everything you hear to memory. And under no circumstance make any eye contact with anyone. If we do get into any trouble keep your faces completely emotionless. Don't convey the slightest bit of fear or surprise. Got it?"

When they all nodded in agreement Minake continued, "Ok, now pay attention to that conversation."

-- (if this part is hard to read replace the "d's" with "t's" and read it out loud)

"...the bones."

"I says we find 'em all and joins his organization. 'Tis what smart mens would do. Otonashi-sama is gonna lead us to a better future," said a large man in his thirties.

"Naw, a smart man would stays out of dis here conflic'. Dis Otonashi characta' jus trouble like all them others. He'll use ya 'til ya broken an' den hes a gonna throws ya out," said another man.

"Alls I wanna know is, whats he want wiv dem charred bones. Cain't any ol' bones do de trick. Whys he gotta go to all that trouble to fine some dead guys bones in de Ryukon River," asked a younger man.

"Doncha know?" asked the first man.

"Naw dis 'ere lads still green. Don't know much of nuffin,'" laughed a fourth man.

The younger man turned red and said, "Wells one y'all gonna tells me o what?"

"De Ryukon River's de grave fo de mos' darkes' and eviles' of beings. Theys bodies are cremated and den theys ashes are thrown intos dat dere river. Las' I heard da man whose ashes were thrown intos de river killed his entire clan, sparin naught but his poor brother. Turns out 'twas his brother who killed 'em," explained an older man.

"It ain't smart messin wiv folk like dem," said the second.

"Well I'm a gonna joins dat group," said the first, "Whose wiv me?"

Half of the men at the table cheered their agreement.

"Yous a dead man Slick," muttered the second man to the first.

Slick frowned and said, "When I gets power from Otonashi-sama doncha come crawlin' back ta me."

--

Minake motioned to the others that they were going to leave. They got up quietly and were about to leave when one of the men at the table stopped them.

" 'ey yous dere! Who are ye?" he asked while the others turned their heads to get better looks at the disguised Konoha jounin, "I ain't seens you here before"

Minake stepped forward and said, "We's a travlin bunch. We follows de tide of power. Eva heard of de Roamin Wolves?" Minake raised an eyebrow at them. The men at the table stiffened and she continued, "Wes a branch of dem."

"Oh yea. Ya punks is bluffin. Ya cain't be in de Wolves. Ain't gots the strength," said a man from the back.

"Does dis here mark proves it to ya?" Minake raised her right sleeve and showed off a black wolf tattoo.

The crowd quieted in shock and fear. One man ran up to them and fell to his knees at Minake's feet.

"If y'all needs anyfin jus let us know and wes gonna git it for ya," he said. Others behind him nodded their agreement.

"Any y'all know of some character who calls 'imself Otonashi," Minake asked. A couple of the men nodded while the rest just stood, frozen in fear. Minake continued, "Y'all know where we's can find 'im?"

"Uh...uh wells ya see. We's know..." one man started, still scared stiff, "we's know that he's in de marshes somes wheres. Its dem marshes called de Hidden Marsh Valley but we don' know wheres exactly he be. Dey's some scary folk, dey is."

Minake nodded at them and said, "We's gonna take our leave now." She turned on her heel and walked out the door, the others following her lead.

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"Minake-san that was amazing. What did you do to them back there?" asked Naruto, "Why did they get all scared when you mentioned the 'Roamin Wolves'?"

Minake giggled, "The 'Roamin Wolves' is actually the ANBU network of spies. We gave a branch of the ANBU this special name and reputation as the toughest of all gangs. Whenever the spies of the ANBU are caught in a situation like we just had all we have to do is mention the name 'Roamin Wolves' and they're usually scared silly. In fact I think it was Kakashi-san that started the gang when he got into some trouble one time. After that the Third decided it would help to have a secret network like that."

"Th-That's amazing!" exclaimed Naruto, "Isn't it Sasuke? Huh? Sasuke?"

Sasuke's fists were clenched tightly and thrust into his pockets. His face was hard and his face grim.

"Sasuke-kun? What's wrong?" asked Sakura. She had noticed that Sasuke had stiffened while listening to the conversation in the tavern but it was so slight that she barely noticed. But out here it was more apparent.

"Those bones..." he trailed off, "Those bones are Itachi's."

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A/N: AAHHHH!!! Forgive me!!!! I was already very late in updating and now I missed my deadline by an hour and twenty minutes. IM SOO SORRY!!!!! ;.;

Actually I'm pretty happy with how this chapter turned out. As my apology I made this chapter extra long. TEN PAGES!! WHOOO!!!!

Forgive me if there are typos. I did review it a million times but sometimes I just miss some.

Was Sasuke too OOC? I know he was a little but I didn't know what else to do. Let me know if you don't like him 'kay?

I PROMISE I WILL UPDATE FASTER NEXT TIME. If I don't feel free to send me death threats.

Thank you tragic-outcast, Shadow Lunis, and Amaya-chan for your very kind reviews on the last chapter!!! ARIGATO!!! bows