The title for this chapter is 'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback. Remember, I am still doing polls for the next chapter titles. Please don't hesitate to tell me what song you think will be best now for Minako in the next chapter. You don't' have to know what happens, just guess what you think

Thank you all for reading so far and I realized that a lot of you think that if Minako left Konoha then she shouldn't be able to go back but we'll see.

Also, I've received a review that someone thinks that Minako is too weak acting and pathetic in my last chapter but I disagree. She is trying all she can to escape Orochimaru and Kabuto's clutches, even with the restrictions that they placed on her such as the Celestial Prison jutsu. Just so that reader knows, she does not have the curse mark, it is the Celestial Prison Jutsu and there is no way Minako will allow herself to be taken over completely. Minako Uzumaki never gives up.

FYI- the Celestial Prison Jutsu, if no one knows, is in the Naruto Shippuden movie Blood Prison, if you are interested to learn more about it ahead of time.

Thanks again everyone and I hope you all enjoy this next chapter

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

(Flashbacks)

"Demon"

-88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888-

The boy wandered through Konoha as he always did, feeling the coldness from the night air breeze past him softly.

He was walking through Konoha's market a night, not feeling very sleepy. He felt restless and annoyed. He knew Jiraiya was hiding something from him and he was going to find out what eventually.

'He better not be going out again to find Mina without me. That perverted old toad master swore he'd allow me to with him next time.'

It was now a whole month since Minako was taken and the Chunin Exams were starting next week in Suna. He found out that Sakura, Neji, Lee, Tenten, the rest of the rookie nine, and a few other Genin were going to try out for the Chunin Exams again.

'Perhaps there will be even more powerful opponents this time. Maybe I'll be able to go against Gaara again'

He smirked.

While Sasuke was lost in his thoughts, Teuchi, the Ichiraku's ramen bar owner saw him and waved him over, "Sasuke!"

Ayame peeked out of the small kitchen at the mention of the Uchiha's name. She may be older but even she couldn't deny the boy was attractive. Sasuke glanced over at the ramen bar and sighed, changing his course unwillingly.

"Yeah?"

Teuchi pat the counter as a signal for the boy to take a seat on one of the high stools, "You look like you could use some ramen. You hungry?"

Sasuke wrinkled his nose a little, "Not really."

"Oh come on, kid" Teuchi smiled at him, "It's on the house." The owner didn't take no as an answer as he began making Sasuke's favorite tomato based ramen with pork.

'Well I guess I can't argue with him. He's already making it. And it's free'.

"Why are you making me ramen for free?" he decided to ask and Ayame came out.

"Why not, Sasuke? You are Minako's best friend after all. She talked about you all the time"

This was news to Sasuke, "What?"

Teuchi smiled, "Oh yeah. I mean most of the time, she'd be griping about how much of a jerk you were and all but when she was finished ranting, there was always a big smile on her face. You're her best friend. Plus, I know she'd want to pay you back somehow for that day you paid for her meal. So, that is why it's on the house, kid"

Sasuke was at a loss for words which seemed to be happening a lot lately.

When the food was done, Teuchi placed the ramen in front of him, "Dig in"

The raven-haired boy snapped apart some chopsticks, "Thanks." He started eating, "But how do you remember that day?"

The owner laughed, "You kidding?! Minako is my best customer! I've known her almost all her life but that day was the first that I've ever seen her look so grateful and shocked. She was truly surprised and grateful that day to you, I can tell."

"Hn" Sasuke hummed and Ayame giggled.

"So the Chunin exams are coming up again right?" Ayame asked, "Are you going to participate again?"

Sasuke hesitated before nodded, "Yeah"

"Good for you" Teuchi laughed, "You'll make it this time for sure. You are an Uchiha after all. Greatness is in your blood."

Sasuke froze but let it go this time. The old man didn't know what he was talking about. He was half-way done with the ramen.

"Ya know" Teuchi sighed, "I miss that little brat. I don't know how she ate that much ramen. Her record was six bowls!"

This almost made Sasuke barf but Teuchi continued, "No one could eat ramen like her. Of course I knew what she was but there was no way I was going to turn down someone like her like so many other vendors did. She was so adorable when she was little but so poor. I just couldn't resist her cute little face"

The man sighed, "You know. I miss her just as much as and you and your team do. I've known her all her life and just about everything about her the way she rambled on. I almost felt like her grandfather" he laughed but Sasuke had stopped eating and looked up at him.

"A lot of people in this village don't know nor care but I know why she left."

Sasuke finished his ramen but waited as the ramen bar owner continued, "Many people hated her because of what she had inside of her. I'm talking about this with you because I know that you know now. About the fox. Right?"

Sasuke nodded, "Yeah"

"Poor thing's been through a lot" Ayame muttered and walked back in to the kitchen with a sigh.

Teuchi stared at Sasuke, "She left because she thought people hated her and she'd never be accepted by the village. I know you've probably heard this a lot lately, Mr. Uchiha, but please. . . Do your best in bringing her back. Or else my business will go under!" he laughed jokingly but serious at the same time.

Sasuke nodded, "Yes Sir. You're right. I have heard that a lot lately."

Without another word, Sasuke brought out a little money and put his tip on the counter before leaving the stand.

Teuchi was surprised, "Hey kid! I said the ramen was on the house!"

But Sasuke just kept walking along.

'I wonder how the exams will work in Suna' he thought, 'I bet Mina would love it.'

He stopped without realizing it and just stared at the ground, 'I wonder even if she's in real danger or not. Does she even want to come back to Konoha now? It's been over a month since she escaped.'

Sasuke didn't realize that someone was watching him in the shadows. The girl stared sadly at the Uchiha, feeling his pain. But suddenly she accidently stepped in gravel in the road, making noise. Sasuke was immediately in fight mode and took out a kunai, "Who's there?!"

He activated his Sharingan and glared in the dark, "Come out now and I might not kill you. I'm not in a very good mood, stalker."

The girl shyly walked out of the shadows, "S-sasuke"

Sasuke dropped the kunai to his thigh and stared at the girl, "Hinata. What are you doing here following me?"

Hinata poked two of her fingers together in her nervousness, "I-I was just walking home when I s-saw you walking alone, too. W-where are you going? You realize this road l-leads outside of Konoha, r-right?"

Sasuke looked startled and looked around for the first time at his surroundings. She was right. This is where Minako knocked out Sakura before leaving Konoha over a month ago.

He sighed, "I . . . I didn't even realize."

Hinata smiled at him gently, "You miss her. It's okay. We all miss her."

"Not everyone."

Hinata looked confused, "Huh?"

Sasuke shook his head, "A lot of the villagers hated her. That's why she left."

Hinata smiled sadly, "N-no. She left because she was confused. She has a lot of p-people who love and care about her. Those villagers who don't like her are just j-jealous"

Sasuke stared at the ground again, "She was confused. You're right about that."

They stared at each other for a while before Sasuke finally spoke again, "I'll walk you home, Hinata."

The girl blushed beet red, "Oh! S-sasuke! You don't need to do t-that! I'm a kunoichi, I can get home by m-myself"

"I know. But you know what? You're one of the very few girls in the village that doesn't annoy me. I'll walk you home. Neji and your father are probably worried, anyway. Don't want to keep them waiting."

Hinata followed the raven-haired boy towards her house, "O-okay"

On their way, they just walked in silence, neither really wanting to speak. This was the first time, after all, they had actually been around each other alone. They didn't really know each other.

Finally after a few more minutes, they reached the Hyuga Compound and Sasuke was about to leave her when Hinata stopped him, "Sasuke?"

"Hn?"

"I'm s-sure you'll find her and everything will back to the way it was b-before. Minako is a good person and a great friend. There's no way she'd succumb to d-darkness like so many people are saying. It just can't be true. So don't listen to them . . . O-okay? You'll bring her back. I'm sure."

Sasuke nodded, acknowledging Hinata's words before leaving back to his own apartment.

'Why does everyone believe in me so much? They would never have trusted me if Sakura went missing. Then again, I'm not sure myself if I would even try to go after her. Minako would have. But that's right isn't it? This is Minako we're talking about. The number one unpredictable knucklehead kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf Village. Of course if I had left, if the roles had been switched, then she'd do the same for me. Right?'

He entered his apartment and collapsed on the bed, 'They shouldn't believe in me so much. I was so close in choosing to go to Orochimaru, it's pathetic. Why was I so close though? Oh yeah, that's right. Revenge.'

Sasuke closed his eyes as he started to get undressed and go into the shower to clean up, 'Itachi' he snarled, 'One day you will pay. One day I will get revenge for the clan in killing you but not yet. I have to make things right first then I'll make you beg for mercy'

He got out of the shower and dressed in boxers to go to bed. He laid down and glared at the ceiling, 'So now I really have two ninja I need to kill. Itachi and Orochimaru.'

He closed his eyes and fell asleep, dreaming of the day Minako would be back home, he had his revenge on Itachi and Orochimaru's head was detached from his body.

-888888888888888888888888888888-

"Hey Sasuke! Are you ready to go?!" Sakura was yelling from the other side of the door.

Sasuke sighed, put his backpack on and opened the door, "Yeah. Let's go and meet Kakashi."

Sakura smiled and walked beside him, "I can't wait to see what the Chunin Exams are going to be like this time! What about you, Sasuke?"

"Hn. I really don't care."

Sakura pouted a little before smiling sadly, "I know."

When they reached their destination point, Team seven, or what was left of it, noticed the other rookie nine and Team ten were waiting there as well for their mentors.

Ino burst out of the group, "Sasuke! How are you sweety?!" she tried to hug him but Sasuke expertly dodged the attack.

Ino sulked but turned to Sakura instead, "Hey Bill-board brow, you ready for the exams?"

Sakura laughed, "You bet, Ino-pig. But how is your team going to compete when you don't have Shikamaru anymore? He's already a Chunin."

Ino hummed, "I guess we'll just have to find out. I'm not the proctor, you know. How am I supposed to know how these things work?"

Sakura shrugged but smiled when the other girls, Tenten and Hinata came over. Sasuke nearly groaned inside and walked over to the other boys instead.

Kiba shouted, "Well if it isn't the all Mighty Sasuke Uchiha!"

Sasuke shrugged and Kiba and Akamaru growled, "What's up your ass?"

The Uchiha glared at him, "Mina should be here"

The group suddenly quieted and stared awkwardly around each other.

Kiba laughed nervously, "Dude, chill, man. Geez, it's not like I want to catch your emo."

Neji whacked him upside the head, "Shut up, dog-boy. This is hard for everyone"

Lee sighed but smiled, "She was so fun to be around! So full of youth!"

Sakura smiled, "She was a little ball of sunshine"

"She always had good snacks in the academy" Choji reminisced and Hinata giggled a little.

"She was more than sunshine. She was . . ."

"Light itself" Neji finished for his cousin and Hinata nodded.

Tenten beamed, "Hey! Why does this have to be so sad guys? I mean yeah she's gone but it's not like we know for sure that she died! Geez, you guys all sound like you went to her funeral already or something. How about we all make a pact, huh?"

"A pact?" Choji asked.

"Yeah." Tenten smiled, "We all become Chunin for Minako. What do you say? We all work together and do it for her! I think she'd want us all to try our best!"

The group was silent for a while before Lee jumped up in excitement, "Yeah! That sounds awesome! Neji?"

The Hyuga nodded, "Hinata? What about you?"

The shy girl nodded, "K-kiba? Shino?"

Shino nodded immediately and Akamaru barked but Kiba looked a bit skeptical, "Alright. Whatever. I'll still beat all you guys in the end, though."

Sasuke watched in fascination. The Konoha eleven group was actually going to all work together for Minako's sake.

'It's like some sort of charity or something' he raised an eyebrow at them as Choji grinned, "You bet guys! Let's do it! Ino?"

The blonde girl lightly punched Sakura in the arm, "Of course we're in. Right Sakura? She was your teammate after all"

Sakura smirked and flicked Ino's arm, causing the girl the flinch violently, "Of course, Ino-pig. Let's do it. Sasuke?"

The whole group now turned to Sasuke Uchiha in expectance but the boy didn't really know what to do. What was he supposed to do? He blinked before Sakura poked his shoulder, bringing him back to reality, "Y-yeah. For Mina."

The Konoha eleven smiled, grinned and smirked all around, laughing together in excitement.

This was going to be good.

-888888888-

In the background, the sensei were all watching in satisfaction.

"I wouldn't expect anything better from those teams" Guy smiled approvingly.

Kurenai and Asuma smiled softly and Asuma pat Kakashi's shoulder, "We got a good generation, eh, Kakashi?"

The copy-cat ninja crossed his arms and smiled, "Yeah. They're a good bunch. You've guys trained your Genin well."

Guy dramatically clapped his hand over Kakashi's back, "Ya got that right, Kakashi! But not only us. You don't give yourself enough credit!"

Kakashi sighed, "What do you mean? Minako left the village, Sasuke was very close to leaving first and Sakura really didn't improve under my teachings. Tsunade seems to be teaching her better than I did."

Kurenai huffed, "Don't talk like that Kakashi. You taught Sasuke the Chidori and Minako only improved under your teachings."

"What teachings? I barely taught them both anything. Sasuke is an Uchiha genius and Minako was always used to training on her own or with Jiraiya. It was only because she was around others at her level and competing against Sasuke that she got stronger."

Asuma resisted the urge to roll his eyes, "Geez, you're starting to get more emo than your student"

Kurenai breathed out, "It'll be okay Kakashi. Besides shouldn't you be paying more attention to your other two remaining students?"

Kakashi looked away, "That's what messed everything up. Because I wasn't paying enough attention to all of my students."

"Kakashi" Guy frowned at his rival, "This is not the you I know. Snap out of it before your grieving gets the best of you"

Kakashi could only stare at his friends in astonishment and inner turmoil.

But that moment was short-lived when Anko appeared out of nowhere, "Hey guys, did I miss anything?"

"Anko. What are you doing here?" Kakashi asked the busty woman.

The purple haired kunoichi laughed, eating a piece of dango, "Why do you think I'm here?! To keep your little brat in line, of course!"

"Sasuke, you mean?" Kakashi questioned.

Anko snorted, finishing the sweet treat, "Of course. Who else? The degenerate little fox is gone and the other is a prissy little know it all goody-goody so who else would I be talking about?"

Kakashi got angry really quick, "Don't talk about my students that way!"

Guy had to hold him back, "Calm down, Kakashi"

Anko chuckled, "Whatever, scarecrow. Shizune, Shikamaru, Ebisu and Danzou are coming as well to observe for Konoha. Lady Hokage wants me to tag along to make sure the curse mark on Sasuke's neck doesn't flare up in the exams. We don't want anyone dying this time, especially since Konoha just settled a new alliance with the sand. It would be a shame if Sasuke had to be sent to prison. Then you'd have lost two students."

With that, the cold-hearted bitch walked away to greet the Genin.

Kakashi glared after her, "No wonder Orochimaru took her as a student long ago. Like master like student"

But then Kakashi realized something, his eyes widening in horror, "Danzou's coming?!"

-888888888888888888888888888-

The three day journey to Suna was long and annoying but somehow, Sasuke managed not to kill anyone, especially Ino.

When they all arrived at the gate wall of Suna, the three Sand siblings were waiting for them expectantly. The higher operatives of Konoha stepped forward and greeted the siblings but Danzou was more dominant in showing it than the others, as if he were the boss.

Kakashi glared at the man's back in distaste along with a few others that thought the same.

"Good to see you guys arrived safely" Kankuro chuckled, "Have any troubles?"

Danzou was about to speak when Kakashi spoke up, "Oh not at all. The journey was just fine. Right guys?"

Sasuke glanced at his sensei, 'What's his deal? Is he actually mad or something?'

Sakura could feel it too, 'What's got him so worked up?'

Shikamaru spoke up this time, feeling the edge to Kakashi's voice and being the smart man he was, decided to smooth out that edge with him, "Hey, it was alright but listen, let's just get this over with. This is such a drag"

Temari crossed her arms at him, "Still a lazy bum I see"

Ino and some of the other girls laughed softly until Gaara finally spoke up, "Follow us."

Danzou took the lead, not looking very happy as Shizune regretfully walked by him with Tonton in her arms and Ebisu walked on the other side.

Behind them were Anko, Shikamaru, Kurenai, Asuma, Guy and Kakashi and then Team ten and the rookie nine excluding Minako took up the rear along with a few other non-important Genin.

As Temari and Kankuro took up the lead, Gaara fell back to Sasuke and Sakura's group.

"Oh hey Gaara!" Sakura smiled at him, "How's it been? Haven't seen ya since that joint mission we all had together."

The red-haired Jinchuriki held no emotions on his features but spoke softly, "Everything's fine here. But tell me. Has there been any word of-"

"No" Sasuke interrupted, already knowing what Gaara was going to ask, "We haven't found her yet"

Gaara looked disappointed but Sakura piped up, "But that doesn't mean we've given up"

"No" Sasuke agreed and Gaara nodded.

But there wasn't a second of pause before Lee joined in the conversation, "Hey Gaara! It's great to see you! We should have a rematch later! What do you think?!"

Gaara stared surprised at the youthful boy before Tenten came up and smacked Lee on the head, "Cut it out, will you?! We won't have time to have fun. The Chunin exams are tomorrow!"

"Besides" Neji spoke up, "We'll need to find a hotel or somewhere to stay that will fit everyone."

"That won't be necessary" Gaara stopped them and now the sensei and the rest of the Konoha eleven and Genin looked at him questioningly as he continued, "You'll all be staying at the Kazekage mansion with me and my siblings."

Ino perked, "But are you sure there will enough room for all of us? I mean there's over twenty of us!"

Kankuro fell back with them, overhearing the conversation, "Nah, don't read too much into it. The Kazekage mansion is huge and can fit up to fifty people."

"You have no need to worry about space" Gaara nodded.

Ino fluttered her eyelashes at Kankuro, "Oh you're so welcoming" making the puppet master blush red and Choji and Shikamaru to snort.

Sakura rolled her eyes and bumped Sasuke lightly on the shoulder with her elbow, "I thought you liked Sasuke, Ino-pig" causing the Uchiha to throw up a bit in his mouth and grimace.

Ino gasped, "What? I can't flirt with other hot guys I like besides Sasuke, Bill-board brow? A girl's got to be open with her options. Not that you would know"

"Guys" Hinata intervened as they neared the mansion, "P-please don't fight."

Kiba rolled his eyes, "Ugh! Why don't girls flirt with me like that?"

Shino muttered loud enough to hear, "It's because you're arrogant."

"What?!"

"Hey you maggots, pipe down will ya?! We're here!" Anko shouted from the front making everyone stop.

Ebisu scoffed, "Do you have to be so loud?! You're a woman! Act like it!"

"Ah shut it ya pansy!"

"Why I never!"

Everyone else mentally rolled their eyes.

"Hey! Let's just all get inside already!" Temari shouted, earning her a few looks and a smirk from Shikamaru. As they all traveled inside, Kankuro led the Chunin/Jounin and Danzou to the first floor, Temari led the female Genin to the second floor and Gaara led the male Genin to the third floor. Everyone had to pair up in a room to ensure space, however so generally they paired in teams such as Kiba, Akamaru and Shino, Neji and Lee and since Shikamaru was already a Chunin, Sasuke and Choji shared a room.

The girls, however got to each have their own room since there were less of them. Although Ino was disappointed to be separated from Sasuke.

Sasuke, on the other hand, was delighted he wasn't surrounded by the girls anymore and he didn't mind Choji, you was presently stuffing his face watching TV in the bedroom. Sure he ate a lot but the kid was strong, Sasuke learned, from Minako's retrieval mission.

Currently, Sasuke was looking out the balcony into Suna's village, 'It's so . . . bland'

The Uchiha wrinkled his nose, 'Why am I even here again? What's the point? I should be either training to go against Itachi one day or looking for Minako. That's it. There's no point in taking these stupid exams! They're just titles!'

(Flashback)

"I don't give a damn about the Chunin Exams! I need to find her!"

Kakashi blinked sadly, "Well to find Minako, you must get stronger and to get stronger, you will participate in the Chunin Exams. You have no other choice but to do this"

Sasuke looked away, grunted and muttered, "Fine. But next time, I'm going no matter what."

His sensei nodded.

-8888888888888888888888888-

The black-haired boy finished his ramen, "Finding Minako is more important."

Shikamaru sighed, "You know Sasuke, if you became a Chunin, then you'd be more qualified to go out on your own to search for Minako via Lady Hokage's permission. I know you want to find Minako but it's going to take some time. We all want her back, you know."

Sasuke glared at his empty bowl, "Finding Minako is my main priority right now. It's my goal and I won't stop until she's back in Konoha . . . . But I can see your point Shikamaru. I'll think about it."

Shikamaru nodded, "Right. But just remember Sasuke. We all miss Minako and are trying to find her. It's not just you."

(End of Flashback)

Sasuke sighed heavily, not caring if he alerted his roommate.

A whirl of sand suddenly blew on the balcony, "Uchiha"

Sasuke was tense at first but when he realized who it was, he put his kunai back in his weapons holder, "Gaara. You couldn't bother knocking on the door?"

The red-haired boy stared emotionlessly at him, "I did. Your friend wouldn't answer."

Sasuke grunted and positioned himself with his elbows resting on the balcony again, "So what do you want?"

Gaara crossed his arms and looked out onto his village with the Uchiha, "You've changed since that day."

Sasuke didn't even bother to glance at the guy, "Since when?"

"The Chunin Exams. Your eyes. They are no long filled with hate."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at nothing, lost in his thoughts before he finally turned to him.

Gaara stared back into his eyes, "Yes. No longer full of hate but with something far stronger. I recognize it from her."

"What?" Sasuke almost felt stupid to ask.

"Determination. Resolve. . . Love. The hate has disappeared and left behind the sheer determination to bring back your friend? Am I right? You love her?"

Sasuke suddenly stood up from the balcony and glared at Gaara, "No. She's like my sister if anything."

"Well yes." Gaara raised a nonexistent eyebrow, "How did you think I meant?"

A very light tinted pink shadowed Sasuke's cheeks out of embarrassment. He should have known Gaara wouldn't understand 'those' sort of relationships quite yet. He only knew sibling and friendship love. Not 'that' love.

"Nothing" Sasuke shook his head and they were silent for a few moments before Gaara finally spoke up again, not sensing the awkwardness.

"Now Minako and your eyes are the same. She held the same eyes when she and I fought. The determination to save her friends. The resolve that she could have died and Love for everyone in her village. Now you hold the same eyes for her."

Sasuke said nothing as the wind blew particularly hard passed them. Seconds rolled by until Gaara finally relented.

"I will see you tomorrow, then, Uchiha. I wish you luck on the exams tomorrow."

Sasuke nodded as Gaara swirled away in a flurry of sand, most likely back to his own room.

The Uchiha didn't know how long he stood out on that balcony just thinking but when the sun finally set, Sasuke called it a night and went back to the bedroom to find Choji already in his own twin sized bed. Sasuke settled himself in his own bed, ignoring the other boy's snores as he fell into a blissful sleep.

-8888888888888888888888888-

Meanwhile Danzou was in his own room, pacing the space with his cane in hand. Things were not going according to his plan. His Anbu soldier had told him two weeks ago that Tsunade was going to send out secret and covert squads out for Minako's search and this angered the elder man.

'How dare she go against my orders?! She has no right!'

And what made matters worse for him was the amount of followers that Minako had. It seemed that a lot of people actually cared about her and this disgusted the man. He honestly wasn't expecting so many, especially out of her generation, to forgive her so easily and want her back.

'Stupid fox child. Everyone just thinks you've been captured against your will but soon, one day, they will know the truth! You are nothing but the fox itself and I will prove it. Even if I must kill you myself when and if you ever come back to the Leaf Village'

-88888888888888888888888888888-

Ebisu had been called to Kakashi's room only to find that Shizune, Asuma, Kurenai and Might Guy were already there as well, "Um, yes? What is it Kakashi?"

The masked Jounin looked to the special operative, "Ebisu. Come take a seat. We need to talk."

The usual strict man gulped, knowing the people in front of him were stronger and more deadly, 'To take on Itachi and Kisame of the Akatsuki. I'll never berate them in any way'

Ebisu took a seat on the edge of the bed by Kakashi who had his perverted book flipped out. Ebisu tried to calm his angered and own perverted nerves, 'How dare he read such things in public!'

"What is it?" he asked again and Asuma lit a cigarette.

Kakashi started, "What do you feel about Minako, Ebisu?"

In fact the man was totally shocked. Why would the said girl's sensei ask him such a question? But he answered anyway, "She was a hard working kunoichi. When you asked me to teach her during the last Chunin Exams that first day I tutored her she was stubborn and wouldn't back down. She kept trying to do her best even after every time she failed."

Asuma took a drag from his cigarette, "Yeah we know about her stubbornness, alright."

Guy nodded, "She's full of youth!"

Kurenai said nothing but nodded with a smirk as Shizune held Tonton in her arms with a knowing smiling on her face.

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, "I'll ask again. What do you think of her, Ebisu?"

Ebisu fixed his dark tinted glasses that were tipping off his nose, "Hmm. . . That's difficult to say, Kakashi. It is true she's a fast learner to have learned the Fourth Hokage's Rasengan and a skilled Shinobi to have fought against Neji Hyuga, Kabuto Yakushi and Sasuke Uchiha and won but she still holds the demon fox within her."

Kakashi growled out, "That doesn't matter. She is merely a jailer for the fox and you know that, Ebisu. Everything else is just Minako Uzumaki."

Ebisu smirked, "Yes. Indeed. I agree."

The silver-haired Jounin relaxed, as did the others, "So then how do you feel about her leaving the leaf village?"

Now the man was just confused, "I don't see how this has to do with anything. Why are you asking me about her?"

Kakashi sighed, "Just answer the question."

Ebisu scoffed, "I honestly don't know, Kakashi. I, myself, do not know the full story so I couldn't possibly have an opinion now could I?"

Asuma puffed out some smoke, "Minako was tricked by Orochimaru to go to him, we're sure."

"Tricked? How are you so sure she didn't go willingly?"

Kakashi glared at Ebisu, "Because Minako would never do such a thing. The day that Minako agreed to go with the sound ninja was one of the days she doubted herself. She felt that no one cared about her, thus she fell into a sort of depression. Hell, even Sasuke, her own teammate told her no one cared and she believed him. From then on I believe that she was already planning to leave Konoha but she didn't know how. That's when Orochimaru's sound ninja arrived, at first to recruit Sasuke. But as we all know now, he refused."

"So they found Minako instead." Ebisu guessed, "But what would Orochimaru want with the Jinchuriki? Doesn't he realize that the Akatsuki will be after him as well?"

The copy-cat ninja nodded, "Yes but we are all assuming that Orochimaru has multiple hideouts and travels in secret numerous times either weekly or monthly. It would be impossible to say where they are even right now. Also, we have reason to believe that the Akatsuki have decided instead to go after the other Jinchuriki, possibly or they are waiting for the right moment. We don't' know for sure. That's why it is imperative to find her."

So now Ebisu wanted to get straight to the point, "Why are you telling me all of this?"

Kakashi stared intently into Ebisu's black eyes, "Are you working for Danzou?"

The operative scoffed, "Ah! How dare you associate myself with that mad man! He's absolutely foul and too cagey if you ask me. He's dangerous and not to be trusted, in my opinion of course."

The group relaxed even further now and Kakashi smiled at Ebisu, "Well that's good to hear, Ebisu. The reason I'm asking all of these questions is to collect as many Shinobi against the man as possible. I have a feeling he's planning something horrible for Minako if she ever comes back. He never did like Minako, though. He didn't even want her to become a ninja in the first place let alone join the academy when she was five."

Ebisu listened intently and nodded, "You have my support, Kakashi. Even if Minako is feared for harboring the nine-tailed fox, she is still a loyal and fierce kunoichi of the leaf village, no matter if her judgment faltered, I'm sure she's trying her best to escape Orochimaru's clutches. She's stubborn and unswayable, that one"

Kakashi nodded and smiled, "Indeed she is. Well we already know that the Rookie Genin, Guy's team and Shikamaru are with us. But I'm not too sure about Anko."

Ebisu sneered, "Oh don't even bother! That's woman is just aggravating!"

'Yeah' Kakashi thought, 'I'm not too sure about her either'

-888888888888888888888888888888888-

The next day, the Konoha group all met at Suna's main combat building to start off the Exams along with the Sand siblings and a few other Suna Genin and their sensei.

In the front of the main room stood Baki, Danzou, Ebisu, Anko, Shizune, Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, Guy, Shikamaru and a few other Suna Jounin and Chunin while before them stood the Sand Siblings, Neji, Lee, Tenten, Ino, Choji, Kiba and Akamaru, Hinata, Shino, Sasuke, Sakura and a few other Konoha Genin.

Baki stepped forward and shouted, "All of you here are here to participate in the Chunin Selection Exams as hosted by Suna, the village hidden in the sand! Since this is only an alliance exam between Suna and Konoha, the numbers of participating Genin are not as high as the last Chunin Exams hosted by Konoha. There are twenty of you and not all of you are in full teams. However, that will not matter and there will still be three parts to the exam, the first being a test of endurance. All twenty of you will pair up in twos, for starters. Go ahead and do it now."

Sasuke nodded to Sakura and she smiled, happy that he chose her. After all, they knew each other's abilities quite well. To pair with someone else wouldn't be so smart. The others had the same idea as Ino paired with Choji, Kiba and Akamaru with Shino and Gaara with Temari but others didn't have that kind of luck.

Lee paired with Kankuro, Tenten with a weapon's kunoichi from Suna and Neji paired with Hinata.

"Alright then now that you all have your partners. . . You will fight each other until the bell for one hour goes off."

'What?!' Sasuke thought, 'I have to fight Sakura?! They have to be joking? Don't they think some of us will just go easy on each other?'

But Baki continued, "And I expect each of you to fight each other as if you are enemies. Do not think about whether or not you are teammates but that you are each competitors in a fight meant for one winner. By the end of one hour, if you all are still standing and conscious, we'll commence to the second part of the exam."

Everyone's hearts were racing all out of both fear and excitement. But meanwhile Sasuke was thinking, 'Well the fight between Sakura and I will be quick, that's for sure'

Baki motioned for the electronic board similar to Konoha's that would spout out the first team to fight each other first.

The board reeled random teams before finally settling on one.

Sasuke almost groaned inside, 'Why am I always the first to fight?!'

He glanced at Sakura who looked a bit nervous but as Baki shouted for everyone to move up to the top rails, Sakura looked back at Sasuke and smirked, "Ready, partner?"

Sasuke smirked, 'At least she's not fawning over me like a love-struck puppy anymore like Yamanaka is'

They faced each other in the middle of the room but Sasuke didn't bother to activate his Sharingan or put up a stance. He knew he'd win this quick and he almost felt bad for his pink-haired teammate.

Baki stood before them, "Are there any questions before the battle?"

The both shook their heads and Baki stepped back, "Alright then, when you're ready. . . . Fight!"

Sasuke didn't even see the blow coming as Sakura bolted towards him and punched him hard across the face, sending him flying a few yards backwards.

Everyone gasped, Sasuke choked and gasped, trying to stand up while Sakura smirked, "What? Did you think it'd be that easy? I'm not so weak anymore Sasuke, am I?"

Sasuke smirked and chuckled lightly to himself so no one would hear, "I'm impressed." He activated his Sharingan, wiped off the blood on his lips and smirked at her, "The Hokage really is teaching you a lot isn't she?"

Sakura smiled, "It's finally tie you get serious fighting me, Sasuke. I could have easily killed you with you underestimating me so much."

Ino screamed from the railings, "What are you doing, Billboard brow?! Don't hurt Sasuke like that!"

For once Sakura ignored her and focused on her opponent, 'This time I'll prove I'm not worthless. That I'm worthy of your respect, Sasuke!'

'Not bad Sakura.' Sasuke smirked and stanced, 'I wonder what else she's learned? She's a worthy competitor after all'

Sakura rushed at Sasuke again but this time, the boy dodged easily seeing with his Sharingan, her movements. Of course, that didn't make the pink kunoichi punches any less dangerous so Sasuke made sure to dodge them with care.

Meanwhile, Anko watched and waited for the curse mark activate itself, 'Come on. Give me some excitement.'

About fifty minutes passed and both opponents were gasping and huffing for air, exhausted but still willing to go on. They only had ten more minutes to go.

'Damn, she's gotten good. And all this progress in just a month?'

But not once did Sasuke use his Chidori. That was only strictly for enemies he intended to kill and he wasn't going to push that onto Sakura so he just kept dodging her punches and kicks and they focused mostly on taijutsu.

'I'm wearing him down but I'm also wearing myself down. At this rate, I'm run out of chakra too soon. I've never used this much at once before. I have to end this quick'

But Sasuke was thinking the same thing, 'I got no choice. They wanted a fight, I'll give it to them. I never thought Sakura would push me this far but she's definitely stronger than I ever gave her credit for. Not that I'd ever say that out loud. It's time for Lions Barrage.'

They stanced together once more, ready to attack.

'This will finish it!' They both thought.

They raced towards each other but before they could land a blow, a ringing caught their attention and they stilled just when they were about to hit each other, Sakura's fist just a few centimeters from Sasuke's face glowing bright green with her mighty chakra.

"Alright! That's it for match one! You two did well and you'll both move on to the second part of the exams. You may each take yourselves up to the rails and watch the second team fight or go seek medical attention."

Without a word, Sasuke and Sakura both walked up the stairs tiredly to be met with their friends. Ino was angry though, "Sakura! I can't believe you! You hurt poor Sasuke!"

Sakura rolled her eyes, "He's fine. I'll treat his wounds myself, even, Ino so back off."

The blonde almost looked offended when Hinata smiled at them, "G-good fight you two."

Neji nodded, "Yes. It was rather entertaining."

"It was awesome!" Lee boasted.

Kiba snorted, "He almost got beat by a girl."

Tenten glared at Kiba, "What was that?! You think girls are weaker than boys?!"

Kiba backed off and the group all laughed and congratulated the two for a fight well done as Sakura treated Sasuke's wounds and her own with her medical Ninjutsu.

Kakashi smiled up at them, 'They've both grown in more than one way. I'm so proud.'

Anko pouted, 'I'm almost put out that I didn't have to intervene. Dammit.'

Baki interrupted everyone's thoughts, "Now onto the next group!"

The electronic board reeled over random teams before finally spouting off the next team.

The next team was Kiba and Akamaru vs Shino.

-888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888-

R&R

So the first part of the exams will take about ten hours or so. Great fun for them, huh? Endurance is part of youth!

Or so Lee would say lol

Let me know what you guys think but the next chapter will be in Minako's POV remember.

What do you guys want the title to be? The poll will be up with song choices on my profile page.