The pain was sharp. Almost unbearable. Even so, he refused to wince and kept standing there. He lifted his chin and faced him. Orochimaru. The cold eyes, a few moments ago still dancing with joy, started to change.

Naruto?

Lee and Kiba were both at the point of attacking Sasuke. Shikamaru took a swift look but before he could do something about it they jumped over the rooftop to the stadium…

And cried in anger when they were pulled back.

Lee: Let GO!!!

He was angry. That's for sure, but Gaara's sand wouldn't let go of them till they were back on the roof. They didn't go unnoticed though.

Both Sasuke and Orochimaru suddenly stopped staring at eachother. Sasuke finally gave in to the pain and grabbed the place where his cursed seal had been. While he fell to his knees he suddenly noticed sand creeping up to him.

Orochimaru: Kill the trash please…

While the sound nins started to run at the six genin a small smile invaded the face of Shikamaru.

Shika: Time for a change in plans… GAARA!!!

Sasuke couldn't do anything about it. The sand bound every part of him (except for his face) And pulled him along to the rooftop. Next to him was Naruto was gently lifted by the sand. Sasuke turned his face and looked at the six genin. He could see Gaara shaking and could tell he was only moments away from closing his hand while crushing him. But a voice coming from near Naruto held the sand-nin back.

Kimari: Stop it Gaara.

Looked at his sister without saying anything.

Kimari: He isn't dead, just knocked out. His clothes are torn but it doesn't seem he is injured.

(Remember Naruto's power heeling him)

Sasuke looks up. He doesn't get much time for being surprised thoug. The stand starts getting tight. Very tight.

Sasuke: AAAAAaaah!!!…

Shika: Geez, but you're right. He's less troublesome when he's unconscious.

While Temari uses her wind-attack to keep the enemy nins distant, Gaara starts building sand.

A giant wave of sand appears. The leaf nins all jump on it and the wave disappears with a huge speed in the direction of the forrest.

Kabuto appears next to Orochimaru.

Kabuto: It seems we have a problem. Will you kill him now?

Oro: Sigh, Sasuke-kun. It seems I am not going to have any use for you.

Then he disappears.

The little group of genin has stopped their tracks for a momen. Sasuke's shoulder has a bandage and his hands are bound together with a rope. His sleep isn't a deep one and he keeps making noises. Naruto wasn't much better. The screams he uttered in his sleep could be heard miles away so Kiba got some water and trew it in his face.

Kiba: Wake up you idiot!!!

Naruto was roaming in the darkness. But bit by bit the darkness changed to his village. He was glad. The mission was over and Sasuke must be back. A smile spread at his face and he went to see Sakura chan. Look! There she is!!!

Naruto: Saaaaaaaaakura- chan!!!

Sakura turns around. Her eyes are cold.

Sakura: Stay away from me!!! You MONSTER!!!

Suddenly a lot of people are coming towards him. From alleys, out of houses, you name it. Lots of them Naruto recognises. They are all screaming at him.

Hinata: ….. Monster..!

Kiba: You should be death!!!

Neji: Dropout!!!

Shikamaru: Get away from here!!!

Naruto winces. He tries to walk backwards but all of a sudden Sasuke is there. Behind him once again. Holding a kunai against his throat.

Naruto closes his eyes but he hears Sasuke sai just one thing. Sasuke: Wake up you idiot!!!

Slowly Naruto opens his eyes.

Naruto: Uche uche, WHO TREW WATER IN MY FACE!!!

The group looks a little amazed but then starts laughing.

Shika: Hmpf… idiot!!!

Naruto looks around, a little starteled. Then he points to the three sand siblings.

Naruto: What are they doing here?

Shikamaru: It's far too troublesome for me to explain.

Naruto: (thinking) But how… Last thing I remember was Sasuke going to kill me and..

(talking) WHERE IS SASUKE.

Kiba hits him on his head.

Kiba: Quiet you moron he's right there!!!.

Naruto was quiet immediately and ran over to Sasuke. He was still unconscious and Naruto looked at him a long time without making any sound (strange in his case).

Naruto: Why is he tied up? And what's that wound?

Lee: Looks like he stabbed himself there.

Orochimaru: But it's not like it will do him much good…

A shock went through the group and they immediately turned to the enemy. Including Sasuke (as much as he could, being tight up and all).

Naruto: Sasuke!!! You're awake!!! Shikamaru: (thinking) Damn, It's a curse beeing always right!!!

Orochimaru didn't so much as look at anyone in the group except for Sasuke.

Oro: That was foolish Sasuke-kun. Destroying your first fase seal. Hihihi… It wont do you any good thoug. You didn't think you could get rid of me that easy now did you ?

Sasuke: Grrr…

Oro: It's too bad you won't be of any more use to me Sasuke-kun. But when the first fase cursed seal disappears the second fase becomes unstable. I guess you still have about one day left among the living!