Hey, everyone. Really sorry for the long delay, but I've done re-doing chapter 7 and this new one at the same time. I've also been studying for school and tests. Man, Last year is both exciting and busy. Lots of fun, but get huge chunks of work. I've also been studying literature a lot and varies ways to improve my story telling. I've been braining storming tons of ideas, and have a butt load worth that I could seriously add into this story so far. We have finished moving into another apartment. How ever the apartment we've moved into has no Internet, so I have to periodically come over to the last one to get the Internet.

Now I'd really appreciate if people would let me know what their toughts of the story are so far. If everyone is liking it so far; I'll try my best to dedicate more time into typing up this story. Don't worry if no one does I'll still continue typing up the story. How ever it may be at a much slower pace with my busy life style as of this moment. Still need to get ready for homecoming and all that stuff. As I have said, I've re-done chapter 7, so please go take a re-read of the chapter and let me know if everyone approves of the new wording to the chapter. Hope you all enjoy this chapter. Lets get this story on the roll again.

( Konoha Hospital )

Thrusting her arms forward Tsunade forces the emergency operation doors open. With a slam resulting from the doors banging into the wall. Tsunade strives forward. Shikamaru and Ino jump onto their feet from the echoing slam. Both teens spy Tsunade pacing toward them from the emergency operation room. A small bead of sweat drips from her forehead onto the ground sounding a drip. Tsunade raises her arm wiping off stray drips of sweat.

Shikamaru and Ino soon realize they are able to move their legs toward Tsunade. Before reaching the busty Hokage their eyes already ask their question. Their eyes filled with worry, for their comrade in arms from his injury. Reaching the Hokage they are met with a small smile from their leader. Lifting up their hopes for their mentor.

Placing her hands on her hips Tsunade straightens out her back. "No need to be all down and gloomy. Chouji's injuries were not to severe. He needs roughly two weeks of rest due to chakra exhaustion, but for caution another week or two. Just to be sure his fractures heal and his injuries do not become more severe." Immediently after he statement about Chouji she is questioned about Asuma's condition from Ino. Tsunade wipes of an invisible spec from her bottom lip. An egoistic grin forming on her face before placing her hand back on her hip. "Who do you think I am? Asuma will be fine. I personally over-saw his wound treatments. How ever he was extremely lucky. If that gash was any deeper he may of punctured a vital organ. How ever he will be bedridden for a month or two. All-in-all he has a few lacerations, fractured and very few broken bones, and stitches in his side."

Ino lets out a deep sigh as she smiles brightly at the good news. Shikamaru squeezes out a slight grin while shoving his hands into his pockets. "Troublesome, so the two of us were worried for no reason is what you're trying to tell us?" Casting her gaze from Shikamaru. Ino shifts her line of vision toward her village leader asking if they could visit their comrades.

Tsunade loved being a medical ninja. Being able to save people is an extreme honor to her. How ever the down fall is the people who always take her wording too simple. "No, I don't mean you weren't worried for no reason. If you had got Asuma here about eight to fifteen minutes later. We may of not be able to save his life. How ever, I'm not Tsunade the Legendary Medical Ninja for nothing!" Shikamaru sighs as he hunches his back mumbling something about 'Legendary Sucker.'

Tsunade's eyebrow twitches in anguish of that title. How she loathes her losing streak. How she longs for the blond idiot's lucky streak. If only she knew his luck has vanished mysteriously in his time of need. "Shikamaru," Stiffening he raises his head at an angle to get a glimpse of his leader out the corner of his eye. "Since we are in the hospital. I'll pretend I did not hear that. Understand?"

Confirming her warning he allows Ino to interject into his conversation with the Hokage as he retreats from the Hokage. Mumbling about troublesome women and their dangerous mood swings. "Are visiting hours open, so we may visit Asuma and Chouji, Lord Hokage?" Ino questioned with her left hand clinched near her heart. Sakura, her best friend and rival, had accepted her aid in teaching her medical ninjutsu, yet the feeling of being a burden to her team looms over her heart. Tearing away at her piece by piece. Her eyes lower sadly as Tsunade denies them to visit.

"No, you two may not visit as of this moment. Asuma and Chouji still need to be transferred to their designated rooms. As for you two. I need a report of exactly what the hell happened. I distinctly recall the mission information clearly stating; do not engage enemy if report is confirmed. It was labeled an S-class mission for a reason." Before Ino interjects. Tsunade raises her hand silencing the mentally and physically fatigued woman from interrupting. "Do not give me an excuse as of this moment. You have one hour to freshen up and meet me in my office. I want a full report and detailed summary in person. Is that clear?"

As her head lowers her ears distinctly hear Shikamaru's foot steps fainting away from them. She can't be entirely to sure if she heard him mumbling about losing an hour of sleep. Dejected she faintly senses Tsunade walking past her. Swirling around her pony tail twirls in the air with her motion calling out her Hokage.

Upon hearing her title called. Tsunade turns her upper body back toward Ino with her hand resting on her hip. "Yes, what is it?" As she questions the young woman she raises an eyebrow. All she wants to do is rest and not have to waste time talking to her subordinates. Is it so hard to just want to sit in her comfortable chair while drinking some sake with out having to do paper work, or hide it from Shizune?

Gazing into her leader's eyes her courage dwindles into nothingness. That agitated stare from the woman. Clearly exhausted not wanting to be disturbed, but she has to ask. "Lord Hokage, after the report. May I have a word with you?" Gazing at Tsunade her sky blue eyes dwindle as a candle blown by an unseen wind. Nearly doused into nothingness.

Looking at a clock on the hospital wall. Tsunade looks back toward Ino. "Tell you what. If you want to talk to me, I'll give you twenty minutes to get freshen up and come to my office. Shizune's shift started when you two made it here. I'll be free for a while till I've have restored my chakra. We'll talk till Shikamaru shows up for your team's report. Understand?" Receiving a nod in confirmation she turns back around as her pigtails sway at her momentum.

Ino's eyes flicker with some hope for her. She bows deeper at her Hokage. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I'll quickly be ready." Tsunade continues her way out the hospital waving her hand dismissively at her. Ino decides to gain as much time as she possibly can for their conversation. Opening a nearby window she leaps out toward her home to freshen up.

( Roughly fifteen minutes later in Tsunade's Office )

Within her decent sized office dread rules supreme. Filling the atmosphere in anguish. Why oh why did she have to agree to have a meeting with Ino Yamanaka. She had to agree, for unknown reasons picking at her mind. She was her second apprentice after all. Although she did not spend that much time with the girl. She was at least effective in the healing arts. With a deep sign she picks her head off the desk as the door clicks open exposing Ino.

As Ino slowly creaks the door closed Tsunade lazily opens a low drawer in her desk. With a loud thud she places a large sake bottle on her desk with a sigh. 'Thankfully Ino isn't like Sakura or Shizune. Why can't either of my other pupils be like Ino? Letting me drink sake when I want!' Irritated from her thoughts she quickly drowns them in sake. Looking away from her bottle she spots Ino standing in front of her desk. 'Might as well see what she needs.' Leaning back in her chair. Tsunade's left hand remains holding the sake bottle. "Well, what did you want to talk about? You're interrupting my nap time. This better be good."

Ino clenches her hand near her heart. Leaving Tsunade with an arched eyebrow. 'What the hell is the matter with her? Sheesh she's acting like Hinata does. Something must be wrong with her. She's usually full of energy yelling at who ever she wants. Except me of course.' Tsunade grins mentally at her power over people. No one would dare disrespect her, right? Well perhaps Naruto and Jiraiya. They both idiots after all.

'Am I really this nervous to ask this question? It's nothing personal or anything, yet why am I so nervous?' Looking down Ino's hand slightly lowers down to her mid chest. 'Am I afraid she'll reject me in favor of Sakura. I know I'm not that skilled in Medical Techniques, but...'

Tired and filled with annoyance Tsunade takes another swing of her sake slamming the bottle back onto the desk. Receiving the girls attention in return. "If you have nothing to say then get out! I could really use a nap. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a nap without Shizune on my ass? It's hard enough without Sakura here!" Pouting Tsunade takes another gulp of the alcoholic beverage.

Ino tenses up at the tone of her voice. 'Damn it! Just say it girl! I know I'm never like this. Only Hinata acts like this!' Tensing her body. Ino pressures her eyes closed together her arms at her sides. "Would you please spend more time with me in training, Lady Tsunade!" Rejection rupturing inside her mind. Ino shivers in fear of rejection. She may be stubborn, but she knows Sakura is more gifted in Medical ninjutsu.

Tsunade blinks looking toward the shivering woman. 'That's what she wanted to ask? Here I thought it was going to be someone pouring out some kind of drama on me. I have enough drama with the villagers as it is.' Leaning back forward in her chair she places her chin on both of her fingers. "Are you unsatisifed with your training regiment?"

Startled Ino rockets her head back up to her Superior. "N-No Lady Hokage. It's just...I want to be stronger. I don't want to be useless to my teammates." Raising her arm she places it near her heart again. "I'm not stupid. I know out of all of us rookie nine. I grew the least. I want to be more of an assistance to them. I don't want to be standing on the sidelines." Ino squeezes her eyes shut as she makes her hand into a fist at her chest. Trembling in mixed emotions of rejection and helplessness.

"You're a medic. You're not supposed to be on the front lines." Reaching for her bottle she draws it to quench her thirst for alcoholic beverage. Wanting to drawn her fatigue in sake.

"I don't want to be useless when someones dying in front of me!" As Ino bursts out her comment. Tsunade stops the bottle nearing her mouth. Sake shimmering inside the bottle. Patiently waiting to be drunk. "I know you're older and more experienced than I am. I don't know if you know what it's like to have someone dying in front of you that you care about." Tightening her arms around her body. Ino's body trembles as a quake rocking her soul. "I couldn't do anything when Asuma was dying in front of me! I tried everything I knew. I used all my strength. Nothing was helping. I've never felt so helpless in my life! If we were not within the Fire Country's boarders. I'm certain he wouldn't of made it. Please, Lady Hokage. I don't want to be useless anymore!"

Tsunade's sake bottle frozen in her hand. Long forgotten to the Sake loving Hokage. Her eyelids lower as she looks into the shimmering liquid. 'You're right. I'm older and more experienced. I do know what it's like. Having someone in front of you dying. While you're a medial ninja to heal injuries, and among one of the most inspiring medical ninja. Yet unable to do a damn thing to save the life one who you cherish the most. Such a useless feeling never leaves your soul. Always haunting. Always picking at your soul. Never leaving peace." Slowly lowering her sake bottle on the desk she turns her gaze toward the trembling woman. 'At least you're willing to do what I was not. Willing to stand and improve instead of running away.'

"I know. I'm not talented as Sakura. She's gifted in Medical ninjutsu. She will be the one who takes up your title of being the greatest Medical Ninja, but please. I just never wish to have such a useless feeling bearing down on me. I want to be stronger!"

"You are right. Sakura is most talented in Medical Ninjutsu. She will most likely be the one to take up my title." Focusing on a lone tear glistening down the young woman's cheek she softens. "However, your talent lies in another part of Medical Ninjutsu." Tsunade's gaze meets the trembling woman's hopeful eyes. "Sakura is more talented in using medical skills. I will not deny this. However you are more talented in ninjutsu. Out of the two of you. You, Ino have more chakra than she does. As well as have more ninjutsu techniques. You may not be the better medic when it comes to being in the Emergency room." Only those who know Tsunade well know would notice the small tug on her lips into a smile. "You could possibly be the best Battle Medic possible. Sakura relies on her Super Strength and limited Genjutsu she has. You how ever could possibly learn more Ninjutsu. You're also very creative when you want to be. I'm sure Genjutsu could be done easily with you as well. Let's not forget to mention your figure makes you more agile and flexible."

"Do you..do you really mean that?" Ino's hopeful eyes shimmer holding back salty tears. Her very eyes appearing as glass willing to break at any moments notice. 'Am I really able to surpass Sakura in something? I won't have to look at her back anymore or be on the sidelines on any of our missions with my team?'

Reading the young woman's fragile eyes. Tsunade nods, "I do. However your training will be harsh. If you think I've been tough with the time we've trained with Sakura. This will be a whole new level of pain. I'll drill you into the ground teaching you medical ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and ninjutsu. There will be no time for breaks. Missions will be scarce. We don't have much time to fully bloom you into a Battle Medic. You'll only have time to learn the basics."

"I don't care about how harsh the training will be. I'll plow through it. I'll do what it takes to become stronger for my friends!" Once fragile glass eyes harden into an impregnable diamonds.

With a slight smirk Tsunade nods, "That's good to hear. You better keep that look in your eyes. If it even dwindles for a second. Your resolve will be crushed. I'll increase your training by folds. However I shall be there to supervise on most occasions." Ino solidifies her stance as she gives Tsunade a determined nod to go through with this. "Good. That's the Ino I've known." Looking toward a clock on the wall Tsunade lets out a loud sigh. "Well we have about fifteen minutes to spare before Shikamaru shows up for the report. I'll have to devise up a fresh training schedule for you later. So have a seat." Chugging down her sake she bellows out a slight belch. "Ah! That hit the spot! Why can't my other two apprentices be more like you? Letting me appreciate the finer things in life, such as sake, without having to get an ear full!"

Smiling faintly, Ino chuckles softly barely heard by Tsunade. "I suppose Shizune and Sakura are to neck deep into their work. It's not like a little fun doesn't hurt anyone. Right?" Ino's voice soft and frail from her moment of weakness. Tenderly works toward her normal tone. Healing her wounds little at a time. Piece by piece.

Slamming her palm onto the desk. Tsunade follows her action by leaning back in her chair with her elbow resting on the chair's armrest. Pouting she looks out the corner of her eye out the window. "That's right! Is it so hard to ask for a little break? All I do is paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork!" Standing up her palms echo as they meet her wooden desk. "I'm the Hokage for crying out loud! Here I am being forced into slavery by my two apprentices!" A spec of a smile fades onto Tsunade's face at the sound of Ino's gentle voice. Not always gentle. Mostly loud, rude and vulgar, but gentle none the less. 'At least she isn't withdrawing from the experience.'

Upon a knock on the door. Tsunade takes her seat as she motions the guest to enter. As both the blond women turn their gaze toward the opening door. They are met with a pineapple head walking into the room. Shutting the door behind him. Shikamaru's face wears a mask of weariness. His friends are safe. They've arrived from a mission and have to report not even two hours in their arrival. Can't he just go home and sleep? He'll bring a written report in tomorrow morning or something. "Shikamaru, Rank Chuunin. Reporting in from assignment." 'Reporting in person is always a drag.'

Tsunade narrows her eyes toward the Chuunin. "You're early for the report. You do know you're cutting into my sake time, don't you? Do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to get time like this? Quoting your famous quote, I have two 'Troublesome women' on me at all times. Now lets get this report done. Now tell me everything that happened." Narrowing her eyes slight she shifts into her business tone.

Straightening his spine a bit. Shikamaru's lazy expression slips off as becomes seriously involved into the report. "Jounin-Captain, Asuma Sarutobi; Chuunin-Lieutenant, Shikamaru Nara, Chuunins- Chouji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka reporting mission complete in confirming if rumors of Akatsuki members within Fire country is true or false. Mission confirming intelligence is confirmed true. Two Akatsuki members have been verified."

Tsunade nods at the information, 'Even if he's a lazy person. I can always count on Shikamaru in getting detailed information.' Leaning forward slightly she speaks toward the pineapple headed Chuunin. "Can you identify the Akatsuki members? Their objective within the Fire Country?"

"Yes, from what information I was able to gather they are named Hidan and Kakuzu. As for their objective with the Fire Country. We can not confirm what their objectives were. However we have a slight hunch they were merely passing by or they had stopped to turn in a bounty. We first spotted the members near a bounty office. As I've stated we are unable to confirm their objectives. Only stating my personal opinion."

Tsunade's eye shift down, 'Merely passing by? That is possibly one of the most logical explanations. If it had been Itachi or Kisame then no doubt they would of not heard about Naruto. However since it wasn't then this possibly confirms they know of his predicament.' Unconsciously Tsunade takes a small bite out of thumb's nail in irritation. 'Damn brat isn't even here, yet he causes so much problems.' Casting her sight back to Shikamaru she continues the questioning. "From the condition your team has returned. I'm confirming there was confrontation?"

A loud sigh escapes Shikamaru's mouth. "Yes, we were ambushed on our return back to Konohakagure to complete our assignment. We've escaped, as you know, with no deaths." Receiving a nod to continue he lets out a sigh. "I'll start after we had visual contact of the targets. After sighting our targets Jounin-Captain, Asuma decided we should quickly report back to you. However that's when we were ambushed."

Hunching over ever so slightly he continues his report. "As we were rushing through the force back toward Konoha. Both Akatsuki members that we had confirmed ambushed us midway to Konoha." Shikamaru grits his teeth slightly as he suppresses the memory. "Thankfully Asuma was able to detect them before they delt the deceive blows against us. They used no jutsus in their ambush. One who we confirmed as Hidan used a form of Soljutsu. Although I wouldn't necessarily call it spear fighting. More of a scythe with three blades at the end of the staff. His partner we confirmed as Kakuzu provided no support to his partner. Leaving us with no firm statements about his abilities.

I can state their power is immense. We threw everything we had at them. They didn't dodge or block. They would take it and keep going. Hell Asuma chopped of one of their heads and they just sewed it back on!" Slamming his hand on the desk his eyes gaze pass the wood.

Tsunade's eyebrow twitches at his action. Yes, she shouldn't be angry at the fact he slammed his hand on her desk with the attention at hand. But hell this is her desk! Only she can slam her hands on it. Calming herself down she orders Shikamaru to continue as Ino sits at a chair against the wall.

Mumbling an apology he straightens himself out before his leader. "Within minutes of the fight Hidan had done some sort of forbidden jutsu on Asuma. I do however have it's abilities and weaknesses memorized. It appears if he is able to fetch your blood into him as well as stand in a seal he makes with his own blood. Any wound he receives you receive as well. That is how he got Asuma.

By this time within the battle Ino was in the rear for support. Asuma was dealing with Hidan as his partner, Kakuzu didn't interfer to much. Mostly just watched the battle. This allowed Asuma, Chouji and I to gang up on Hidan. Even then we weren't able to match up to his power. The wounds you found on Asuma were inflicted when Hidan had damaged himself. That bastard taunted us! We couldn't do anything! However, we had the devils luck that day. You could say we were saved, or that it was just us being in the way."

Tsunade narrows her eyes slightly toward Shikamaru. This much information on not one, but two Akatsuki members is golden. Jiraiya may know at least some, but they've witness them first hand. Even if they don't necessarily know the abilities of the other. Atleast they are able to give detailed reports in their behavior and description. However what's really bugging her is how they had escaped if their power overwhelmed them. No doubt if they ran they would be overtaken. "Who was it that saved you?"

Shikamaru shifts his head to the side as he looks at an angle toward the ground. Gritting out a 'tch' from his lips. Never would he have expected to see the bastard so soon while on a mission. He should be following around the snake bastard as a lost puppy or off hiding in some hole else where.

Ino tenses slightly as a chill runs up her spine. Never did she expect to see him in the blue. Her hands grasp her knees as her head lowers slightly. "Sasuke."

( Mi'hean Highroads )

"Gah! I'm so hungry!" Hanging his body over his arms sway with each footsteps. With a grumble to his side he wearily shifts his head to look to his right. "At least I'm not alone in my suffering." With his world travels with the pervert he was the one who starved. Never had he heard the perverts stomach growl in hunger. How he had to suffer with the so called 'training' he went through. Sure he got stronger, but that was only since he had to survive on his own.

"I'd call you an idiot, but I'm to hungry too." Hoping to diminish the hunger in her stomach she gently rubs her belly as a growl rumbles through. Shifting her eyes toward a grinning blond she looks away. "Idiot. Stop grinning like an idiot and lets hurry and get toward Mushroom Rock. They won't be allowing travelers through tomorrow. We need to get through today." Straightening her back she stances as if she's more knowledge and Superior. Only to be ruined with a stomach growl.

"Idiot trying to act all high and mighty. Only to be shot down with hunger." Grinning the blond looks ahead while his eyes glance toward the red head. "I'm sure we'll get there in time, so don't worry! There has to be a place to eat near there right?" Marching down his grin lightens up the mood as they pace down the dirt filled road.

As the red head marches along the blond with a grin she crushes all hope. "Nope, there's no food around there till we pass Mushroom Rock toward Djose Temple. That's why we should of ate breakfast before rushing off into the Mi'hean Highroads. You idiot Naruto!" She attempts to wack him on his arm only to feel a cloud of dust brush against her legs as he sprints off forcing her to give chase.

Running off with the red head behind. Naruto looks back with a large smile on his face. "You'll have to catch me Idiot, Amber!" Upon hearing a war cry from Amber. Naruto yelps as he accelerates to an increased speed. Looking back he notices a smile on Amber's face. Naruto returns her smile as they continue to play chance down the Mi'hean Highroad.

( Luca )

Slowly pacing off the boat the white haired man looks back waving with a smile. Upon the boat a woman waves toward him with a smile. "Thank you for helping me with the Chocobos! I really appreciated the attention you had given them!" She winks slyly toward the white haired man.

Cupping his chin he looks toward the woman at an angle giving off an aura of a charm. "I need no thanks fair maiden. I was only doing my job to tend and lift such a heavy burden on a young woman such as yourself. Shall we meet again I'll lift such a burden from your shoulders once more." Slowly spiraling around he paces off at a slow pace giving a dramatic exit.

She leans over the boat rails as she shouts out toward the white haired man. "Could you at least tell me your name?!"

Slightly the white haired man turns his head toward the side toward the woman. Only able to see her through the corner of his eyes. "Fear not. For my name shall be known through out this world in due time! I shall tell you my name fair maiden." To his right he spots a pile of boxes with the top boxes connecting. Leaping onto the boxes he readies himself.

Thrusting out his palm he holds onto a bizarre stance. "The title 'Frog Hermit' is merely a disguise." Thrusting out his left foot he slams it onto the box with his left palm out. "I shall tell you my true identity..." Swirling his pony tail in a circular motion he continues. "I am the man who has no enemies in the North, South, East and West..." Tossing a scroll into the air his right hand forms a hand sign in front of his face. "Not even in the heavens! I am one of the Sannin..." As the scroll descends he leaps into the air as a large cloud of white smoke bursts into existence. "White haired frog tamer..." With the white smoke clearing he stands on a fairly human sized orange toad. Leaping off the toad as it puffs out of existence he lands on a pile of shorter boxes. Slowly spinning around. "Even a baby would stare in awe..The Great Jiraiya!" Slamming down his left foot out with his left he continues to bellow out. "That is me!"

Finishing his dance he stares at an empty dock. The woman he had met on the boat long gone along with the crew. Letting out a depressing sign he sobs to himself. "No one understands me now days." His sobs die out as he looks up thinking. 'Though I am in another dimension. Of course! I forgot they have never heard of sannin or anything!' Slapping his forehead he lets out a deep sigh. "I'm gonna have to start from scratch again if I want to get all the babes with just a dance again."

Leaping off the boxes he continues on his way to find his long lost pupil. Who he could let run wild with out him for a while. Three years of having a loud idiotic blond can drive anyone nuts. Even a sannin. Halting upon finding a bridge leading out of the docking area he decides to ask a local for directions. "Pardon me, but could I happen to have a moment of your time?"

An elderly man timidly turns around. His features wrinkly with a long white beard, reading glasses loosely attached to his face, and a pointy green hat on his head. "Yes, how might I be of service?" His voice decaying with his age, yet wields a sound of wisdom and knowledge.

Composing himself for mannerism Jiraiya questions the man. "Pardon, but would you happen to know how I could get to Mi'hean Highroads? I'm searching for my student. We were separated a while back and I was told he would be heading in the direction of Mi'hean Highroads."

"Mi'hean Highroads? Oh yes I know of such a place." Slowly taking his time. The old man points down the bridge toward the main city with a old hand. "Head down this bridge. It shall bring you to the market plaza. It is not to packed at this time of day, so worry not about the crowds. Near the opposite side is a set of large stairs. Head up those stairs and then cross the small walk path." Taking small steps to face Jiraiya he continues with directions. "After you cross the walk way you should find the City exit off to your right. As soon as you exit Luca you shall be within Mi'hean Highroads. Follow the road and you shall reach the Mi'hean Highroads Inn."

Bowing Jiraiya pays his gratitude to the elder man. "Thank you kind sir. You've been a great assistence to me. I'll heed your directions and be on my way to find my pupil. I do hope he's not to far from this place."

Elders voice chuckles with old age. "No need to thank me. Old such as I only wish to share my wisdom with the young. Be well and I hope you swiftly find your pupil. May Yevon light your path."

Once again Jiraiya bows to the elder. "Again I express my gratitude to you. I must be on my way if I wish to catch my pupil. Thank you once again for your assistance." With his skill he forms a henge of himself unnoticed as he leaps off toward the other side of the bridge unseen. 'I'll need to be quick. I don't know if that brat walked or traveled the way ninja do. Only one way to find out.' Reaching the exit quickly. Jiraiya kicks off on the dusty trail vanishing into the air.

( Mi'hean Highroads )

"Gotcha!" Amber tackles Naruto to the ground as both teens laugh while landing on the ground. Amber smirks playfully. "Hah! So much for you being such a great ninja if I caught you! You must be the lowest rank of your rank tree!" Laying next to him as they look up into the sky she quickly glances over. Only to find a blush on his face with a slight irritated expression. "No way! You are the lowest rank aren't you?!"

"Shut up! Idiot it's only because I wasn't there to take the exams to get promoted for three years! I'm totally ready to promoted to Chuunin rank! I could totally pass as a Jounin!" Amber's laughter over-powering his defense. Naruto quickly sits up in annoyance. "Idiot." Standing up he brushes the dirt off his clothing.

Amber quickly jumps to her feet. Her right hand pointing toward Naruto accusingly. "You're the idiot. Only idiots call other people idiots, idiot!" Playfully swapping Naruto on his arm. Amber paces off as Naruto grumbles to himself. "On the other side of this hill is the entrance to Mushroom Rock. We got here a lot sooner with all that running we did." Stretching slightly she turns her head back toward Naruto. Her hands resting on her hips. "You coming?"

Soothing his arm he nods, 'Sheesh she hits harder than I thought. I think I lost most of my feeling in my arm.' Catching up to her he looks toward her. "What do we do once we reach this Mushroom Rock place?" Questioned the blond loosening his arm in a lazy fashion.

Both teens begin to pace along the dirt trail with about a foot in between the two. "As I've repeated many times before, for you idiot. Mushroom Rock is only available today to travelers. After today the trail will be closed denying travelers through for a few days. Most likely a week tops. About what I don't know, so don't ask." Amber cuts Naruto off before he begins to ask her why. "We'll be able to cut through Mushroom rock rather quickly. It's not to wide in area. More of small zone to pass by. After that we could head to Djose Temple and ask if we could spend the night in a room they have."

"That's it?" Slumping slightly the blond lets out a slight sigh. "Here I was hoping we'd be able to do or see something cool, but no all we do is walk, walk, and more walking. My feet are starting to hurt." Whine and complained the hyper-active teen. How he loathes just walking. Thankfully he's been able to use a few shadow clones to keep his chakra control training on the roll. Al though he does need to start training physically again. A few days without training the body can do much dexterity loss. "Well at least how much longer till we arrive to Mushroom Rock?"

"Sheesh, if I knew you'd whine this much I wouldn't of grouped up with you!" Groans the fiery red head, as she gently massages her temples. Looking back up she points forward. "We've arrived. Happy now? No more walky walky in Mi'hean Highroads. Now we get to walky walky in Mushroom Rock!" Sarcasms the annoyed teen.

Casting a glare Naruto humphs as he passes by Amber. Looking ahead he notices an arch path formed of rocks. Pointing he looks back toward Amber. "Is this the entrance." Receiving a nod in return he lowers his hand with a grin. "Well let us be on our way then!" Grasping her gloved hand he drags her along grinning.

Groaning she lowers her head as she's being dragged. 'One minute he's whining. Next, he's excited and dragging me along. Sheesh talk about unpredictable.' Pulling her hand away she glares at the back of his head as they both continue along the new trail.

Within a few minutes in Mushroom Rock they are met with a surrounding of military people moving equipment of the sort around. Toward their right. Both Amber and Naruto notice a large cliff with a beach at the bottom. Far off in the distance the teens notice a large tower facing toward the ocean water. Arching their eyebrows they continue along their path side by side.

Naruto gazes along the rocky cliff mesmerized by the view. He's seen many beaches before in his travels with Jiraiya, yet this beach was different. He could only gaze out into the ocean blue water as the waves crashing into the beach could barely be heard in his ears. Coming to a stop as he notices a familiar patch of gray and white hair he stares at the patch of hair sitting on a rock.

Amber waves her hand in front of Naruto's eye making strange coo sounds. Following his gaze she notices him staring at a woman with gray and white hair on her head. Gazing out toward the ocean without a sound. With her bizarre black clothes crashing in color with the surrounding rocks. Grinning she pinches Naruto's cheek stretching it out. "You know staring could be considered stalking when you watch her every move like that!"

"Ouch!" Naruto moves his head causing Amber to let go of his cheek. He gently caresses his now sore red cheek. Looking back toward the patch of gray and white hair he assumes a thinking pose. "It is not that, but that hair seems familiar. I only know two people with that type of hair. One who's not a part of this dimension and the other I met in Luca. I suppose this is her. I'm going to go say hi." Looking back he grins cheekily, "Be good now! Don't go off and get lost with out me!"

Dodging a strike from Amber he leaps away from her toward the woman he remembers. Ignoring the fiery redhead's shout of 'Idiot' he continues on toward the woman. 'If I remember right...I believe she said her name was Paine...I really should pay attention to people's names more often.' Sheepishly laughing at himself he now finds himself a few feet away from the girl he believes to be Paine.

Scratching his cheek unsure what the say he stutters out, "Um..excuse me, but are you Paine by chance?" He notices her remaining motionless gazing into the ocean. Erie silence between the two as the sound of the waves brush against the white sand could be heard. After a moment of pause the silence is broken by the woman.

"Who's..asking?"

The blond notices her voice void of any life. Her back remaining facing toward him. Naruto shivers slightly at her voice. With a slight pause he returns to answer her question. "It's me..Naruto. We met in Luca. Maybe you don't remember, but you treated me to lunch when I was starving." Sheepishly laughing he attempts to lighten up the mood. Noticing her shifting he lowers his hand gazing toward her.

"Naruto...is that you?"

As Paine shifts around toward Naruto. His eyes widen as his body feels heavy. Gazing into her red eye he notices those familiar eyes. The same eyes he had when he was a child gazing into a mirror or water. Those eyes void of life. Those eyes that held life when they met now void and empty. Never wanting to see them again. Even though he has not known Paine to long. He doesn't want those eyes attached to her. He had never wanted to see anyone with those eyes. No one should have those void eyes. "Yes..it's me Naruto." Deciding there with his response. He decides to spend some time with Paine to comfort her. Hoping he will be able to bring some form of life back into her eyes. As they continue to stare at each other the waves could be heard crashing into the white sand down below the cliff.

Ah, there we go. Finished with a new chapter. Sorry for the long delay, but I got a lot of things happening in my life. So they may be a bit slow in releasing. Review to let me know if you people like this chapter and the way it's written. Trying out new things. Also just reminding you guys to re-read chapter seven if you have time. I had re-done the whole chapter. It's the same layout. Just way better in wording it all out. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you all think.