Certainly didn't feel like two days rest. Here I was, back out in the open again. Sarutobi told us we had to take some random hill, Hill # 367. The brass says it's a great outlook on the overlying town about a few miles away from the peak that we'll have to take just as soon as this God-forsaken patch of Earth was grabbed from the Soundies. Much to Temari's relief there were reports of Sand fighters in that aforementioned town, so right after we trounce the enemy with our tanks it'll be a quick linkup. The Soundies still don't know of our armored presence here and from what Shino told me the Air Corps elicited a fighter scramble and a shift of forces in the wrong direction. Leave it to the flyboys to fool the enemy into thinking we're coming from somewhere else, well at least it gave us a slight element of surprise. We walked in tactical formation behind Able Company's tanks, waiting for the first bullet to fly.

"Leaf 7, this is Leaf 34, still no sign of contact, proceeded to Objective three-niner, over." The radio hissed.

"Roger that 34. Proceed with caution. Stay close to Able's cover."

"You heard the chatter guys, stay with the tanks. It's our best bet for survival." Sarutobi barked.

We were packed in tight groups behind the two Shermans Whirlwind and Dynamic Entry rolling towards the hill. Temari, Choji, Ino, Toyama, and I stayed behind the Whirlwind while the others bunched with Sarutobi.

We could hear Able's radio chatter even outside the tanks. Captain Umino led with the Shinobi's Pride in the front. I could see Naruto closely behind. Figures the pee-wee would stick close to his claimed mentor.

"Still no sight of the Soundies sir, this is gettin' boring, over." The Whirlwind's radio sputtered.

"Yeah yeah Genma quit yer bitchin'." They'll be comin'. We're approaching Objective three-niner in about one click, get that Calliope ready. We're gonna have to blanket the fuckers in a sea of ordnance."

"So that's what that thing is." Ino whispered to me, pointing to the monstrous collection of tubes on top the Whirlwind.

"Jesus…I don't wanna be on the receiving end of that!" said Toyama.

"Yeah no shit."

"Leaf 1, this is Leaf 7, we're approaching the hill, awaiting instructions over." The LT's voice came over the radio.

"Copy that Leaf 7, let the tanks commence support by fire and await the order to charge. Keep medical and mortars in the rear, expect resistance. Leaf 1 out."

"Almost there." I said. The hill was in plain sight and from the looks of it a labyrinth of dragon's teeth, barbed wire, and concrete.

"Shit they've got dragon's teeth!" One of the voices said from the tank radio.

"Calm down Ebisu. We don't need to get that close, let the ground-pounders of Fox take care of that." The Able captain answered.

"Well I'm flattered he's leaving the job to us to get up close and personal," muttered Choji. "Just when I thought the tanks would have all the fun."

"Yeah Choji…real fun huh?" I responded.

Suddenly a faint boom emerged from the hill quickly followed by a dust cloud. They spotted us with the anti-tank guns…shit. The dirt right in front of the Sound Smasher kicked up, spewing rock and ground everywhere.

"Contact! Contact! From the hill! Genma, lay the Calliope on 'em!"

"No problem!"

"Shit guys, get the fuck back now!" Sarutobi yelled as we made tracks to get behind him and the Dynamic Entry. In an instant loud roars and sparks emerged from the Whirlwind's launcher, spewing dozens of rockets at the bunkered hill. Massive eruptions of dirt and whatever else those rockets hit flew into the air about a hundred feet up. Like Toyama said, I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that!

"Ha ha ha…this is fun! Let's see how the Soundies like that! Yeehaaaaaa!" The Whirlwind commander screamed, only to be answered by another two rounds landing close by. A piece of shrapnel scraped Ino's arm, but it only caused a minor laceration.

"INO!" Choji yelled.

"I'm fine Choji, don't worry. Come on you tankers! Kill those fuckers!" She yelled to Able Company, hoping her scream would get through amidst the explosions.

"Hey sir did ya hear the lady? She's got a request!" The Dynamic Entry said.

"Well let's not disappoint! Able Company, target bunkers and all AT positions, get it softened up for the Fox boys!"

With that order, the Shermans, Wolverines, and Pershings of Able let loose their rounds, pounding small craters in the earth. Some dust was kicking up along the road due west of the hill. Seems like they had a welcoming party.

"Looks like we've got company! Raido, Hayate, link up with the Rock of Konoha and the Gentle Fist and head them off. We've still got a hill to take!" Captain Umino ordered.

"Roger."

The tanks supporting 1st and 2nd squads veered left to greet our new adversaries. I looked through my scope to find a couple of Panzers and some StuGs. Judging by the confidence in the Able captain I figured they were small time. 1st and 2nd squads got into the wood line. I figured they were gonna try and take out those tanks as best they could. Knowing Tenten was with 'em I reckon she might get her first Panzer kill, though not likely seeing how Able looked like a bunch of glory hogs. A couple plumes of smoke from the distance to my left gave sign that the Sound armor was getting torn to pieces.

"Fox Company! Advance! Keep behind the tanks!" The captain ordered as the tanks rolled forward full steam ahead. The machine guns from the hill roared as the impacts of their rounds spattered all around us. No one got hit thanks to Able's armor. The tanks continued to pound the hill into submission. We saw a PAK 38 gun go up in an eruption of scrap and a sandbag MG position explode. We cheered watching the carnage, as if it was watching fireworks as children.

"Keep moving 3rd keep moving! We have to take this hill!" Sarutobi screamed at the top of his lungs. Our pace increased to near double time as the tanks picked up the rate of movement. It was almost like the charge at the church again.

"Enemy armor 3 o'clock! Panzer!" Naruto yelled from behind his Sherman, the Falling Leaves. The tank offering support for him immediately turned his gun and fired, hitting the Panzer with only a glancing blow. The Panzer fired in return and hit the Sound Smasher's front, the round luckily bouncing off.

"Damn it I just nicked the sum'bitch!" The tank commander moaned from the radio. Our section halted to try to get a bead on the approaching enemy tank.

"Here buddy let me help!" answered Kankuro, though I doubt the tank commander heard it. Ignoring the incoming fire, he swerved himself to the side of the tank. "All clear! Firing!" With the acrid smell of gunpowder and carbon, the rocket screamed from his launcher towards the Panzer, striking it right at the head. The round nearly knocked the turret clean off as the beast lurched to a halt, smoke bellowing from every slit in its armor. That hit was so on the mark even Tenten woulda been jealous.

"Fuck yeah! Great job Kankuro!" Temari cheered.

"One in a million buddy! I knew he'd fit well with 4th!" added Ayako. A big smile went from ear to ear on Kankuro's face, as MG fire forced him to take cover again and reload.

"Good job whoever that was from Fox. We'll be sure to get ya some drinks for that bullseye!" the voice that we believed was Captain Umino said through the static.

"Ok guys, the tanks are movin' again so gotta keep with 'em, otherwise we're all dead!" Mitarashi said breaking up the celebration.

The chaos got louder as we got closer and closer to the hill. The incline began to rise sharply, until the even the tanks had a hard time getting up. Looking to my left I saw 1st Platoon, then our 1st and 2nd squads rejoining us. I knew the inevitable was about to happen.

"Ok infantry, we'll offer what support we can, but you gotta clear out that hill! Good luck!" the Shinobi's Pride said as we stuck close behind the tanks while they located and pounded whatever anti-tank weaponry they could find. I felt sorry for the Sound bastards. This was one of the most one-sided fights I've even seen.

"You heard the tanks 2nd Platoon!" shouted 2LT Lee. "They'll fire some more rounds then prepare for the charge! Fix bayonets!"

"Fix bayonets!" the squad leaders and Sergeant Yamato echoed. The second they did half of us clipped our combat knifes on our rifles. I wasn't as fortunate to have a clip for mine, but I like wielding mine in my hand anyway. The tanks let loose two more salvos before the dust settled, and the pounding in my heart grew. The church attack was about to happen all over again.

"Get ready Temari." I said.

"Don't worry about me Leaf boy, I'm always ready."

"CHARGE!"

And like we were back in the Cloud Village, cheers, screams, and threats poured out of our mouths at the battered Sound enemy, but they were ready. Some MG42 emplacements that survived the barrage laid down what fire they could, cutting a few from 1st Platoon down. The Gentle Fist and one of Tenten's rockets tore two into pieces. Naruto blasted wildly with his B.A.R. at two oncoming defenders, mowing them down with frightening speed. He rushed towards where he saw Hinata and Shino advancing, his protégé Konohamaru in tow, firing away with his Garand. Ya figured for a guy that was comatose a half a week ago, he certainly heals fast. I spotted a rifleman aiming at Ino and nailed him before I could do any damage. Thinking I was ok hiding behind one of the tank traps, I took another pot shot at a soldier shooting at the sergeant content to see him fall so quickly. A sudden rush of pain went to my head as unbeknownst to me a Soundie got the drop on me and nailed me with his entrenching spade. Slightly stunned but still able, I caught his knife lunge at me, holding his blade back with whatever strength I could muster. He laid another blow to my face with his fist and attempted another stab, but I was still able to hold him, but not for long. The blade crept closer and closer to my throat, almost piercing the skin. This couldn't be the way I was going out…not like this. Suddenly he froze stiff and slowly lurched over to my side, blood pouring from his mouth. My eyes still semi-blurred, a hand came within my line of sight. The voice was deep and slurred that called to me.

"SHIKAMARU!" The voice yelled as a slap came across my face. My senses came back to me as I saw Temari with her hand out to help me up. Just my luck, I almost die and a troublesome woman saves my ass. Why couldn't it have been Choji or Sarutobi? I grabbed her hand as she helped me up and led me to some dragon's teeth that we shared for cover.

"You're welcome."

"Thanks." It was all I could say, apparently still shaken up by the near death experience.

"Don't mention it. Wouldn't want our lazy crybaby to die prematurely right?"

"Just get to shootin'. Highest count gets $20." I replied unemotionally.

"I thought you said kill count meant nothing to you!"

"I lied…"

"Glad to know that. Well in that case you're on!"

With that we took aim and took down whoever or whatever we could. All around us bedlam ensued. The .50 cal gunners on the tanks had their fun in tearing the enemy to pieces, trying to steal whatever kills Choji could rack up as he positioned himself next to me. I saw Ino in the charge, smashing a soldier's face with her carbine like it was made of glass. This wasn't a fight…it was a massacre. We dropped on the Soundies like a hawk on a fledgling chick. The fight they put wasn't nearly what I'd thought it would be and knowing my intuition that meant it spelled trouble up ahead. Sakura and Sai were busy placing charges on the concrete bunker emplacements while Sasuke led a charge on an enemy trench alongside 4th squad. Temari's brother Gaara took extreme pleasure mowing down any defenders that crossed his path, smashing ones that got too close. Naruto was right there alongside Hinata. Despite the bloodshed all around me, I smiled for a second seeing how quickly the two of them came to defend and rely on one another, even in the midst of a battle. Kankuro took aim at a mortar position and blew it to pieces. I spotted a machine gunner rushing towards him but one crack of my rifle covered his ass. I'd have to remind myself to tell Temari that I just saved her brother…figures it'd make us even.

"Shikamaru, Temari, Choji, cover us. I'm takin' 3rd into the command bunker!" Sarutobi ordered.

"On it! Ok guys, pick your targets and watch your aim!" I yelled to the two. After Sarutobi threw a smoke grenade, spewing its smoky contents, we immediately fixed our sights on the bunker straight ahead. Choji began laying down what fire he could in the MG slats to keep their heads down. I nailed two soldiers trying to shoot at my comrades while Temari got an officer trying to maintain the rank and file of the disoriented Soundies. I smirked. "I'm still higher than you are Temari."

Closer and closer my squadmates got to the command bunker. The battle was getting more intense, but all the intensity came from us. Able Company swerved to the other side of the hill to block off reinforcements and any possible means of escape, leaving Fox Company to clean up the mess. Behind us were 3rd and 4th Platoons as security and flanking forces. They were the lucky ones. We laid down what fire we could into whatever orifice the command bunker had or was given courtesy of our ordnance. When Sarutobi led the charge inside, we stopped.

"Jesus I hope they'll be all right." I said.

"Are you kiddin' Sure Shot? That's the sergeant leadin' 'em! I bet we won't see a scratch on any one of them."

"Damn it Choji I told you to lay off that name!" I yelled as a stray bullet clipped the top of the concrete I sat behind, shaving a few of my hairs off my head. The enemy wasn't done with us. "Ah shit! Choji take care of 'em while Temari and I advance!"

"No problem! Covering fire!" He screamed as he sporadically sprayed bullets down the trenchlines.

"Temari, stay close to me and follow my lead. We're clearing one of the trenches."

"WHAT?!?"

"You heard me. No sense doin' nothing but waiting for the sergeant. Grab your pistol and c'mon!"

"You're insane."

"That's just another word for brilliant." I replied as I ran off to a small trench and hopped in, Temari following suit. We were lucky to be unexpectedly accompanied by Sakura and Sai who I guess got lost in the chaos. We huddled close to the trench wall looking for any approaching enemies.

"Fancy meeting you here Shikamaru." Sai said.

"Likewise…"

"Hey fellas I hate to break up the reunion but we've got a trench to clear!" Sakura yelled.

"Right. You two take left! Temari and I will take right!"

"Got it. Good luck." She said as she and Sai ran off while we split right to face the enemy. Two Soundies with MP40s ran to meet us but Temari and I stopped 'em. A stray bullet scraped Temari in the shoulder, a small spot of blood getting into her clothing.

"Damn it! Ahhhh!" She complained.

"You ok Temari?" I asked.

"Yeah I'm fine, just really pissed now."

"Oh shit," I thought. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

I was abruptly shoved by Temari who ran like a jackrabbit through the trench line. Trying to catch up she charged another cluster of the enemy, shooting two dead and knocking another senseless with her rifle. "This woman is scary…and violent…perhaps more than my own mother."

After reloading, she screamed and charged even further into the trench. Her fury didn't catch the soldier behind her as he knocked her to the ground with his rifle. Quickly I managed to pop a shot off, felling the would-be assailant. I helped her off her back as she gave me a look that I knew needn't be followed with thanks. Now we were even.

Stopping to catch a small breath, I couldn't help but to observe the intensity she displayed.

"I'm sure glad I'm not one of the Soundies right now fighting you." I mused.

"Consider it a blessing Shikamaru."

"Indeed I will. Shall we?"

"Let's…"

We continued our assault through, running towards the end where a small group of Soundies covered themselves in a ruined anti-tank position. Before they had the chance to perforate us, we jumped behind what cover we could.

"Damn!" I yelled. "Can't get a shot off."

"Yeah I know! Our pistols have no range and we can't aim with our rifles. Shit…" Temari agreed.

To our luck I noticed a box with Stielhandgrenaten and cracked it opened. My eyes lit up like Choji's did at an all-you-can-eat pork rib barbeque.

"Fortune smiles upon us today Temari!" I yelled, grabbing a few and tossing one to her as the bullets continued flying around us. "How long these things got?"

"5 seconds!"

"Ok we pull and throw on three!" We pull the detonation cord and lined up our throw. "One…two…THREE!" We quickly chucked our grenades as best we could into the huddle of Soundies. Their panicked yelling silenced a few seconds afterwards. Taking advantage of their confusion, we rushed in. Two of them raised their hands in surrender.

"Don't you move! Don't you fucking move! Weapons down now!" I screamed with my rifle aimed straight at one's face. Temari handled the other one. Suddenly some loud reports a shout of pain emerged and at the corner of my eye a Soundie slumped to the ground. Temari and I almost got shot…again.

"Jesus Shikamaru…must I always be covering your ass?" The little blonde smartass Naruto sneered to me. The kid Konohamaru was right next to him, grinning like an idiot. "Ya see Konohamaru…that's how it's done!"

"Right boss! Stay low, aim high, and never hesitate to nail the bastards!" I was glad to see the little guy was enjoying the one-sided battle so much. Resting next to Temari in the trench, we kept a close eye on the situation along with Naruto and Konohamaru, making sure our newly surrendering friends didn't try anything funny. The battle sounded like it was winding down anyway…good.

I looked off to where the command bunker was. Smoke and dust were still bellowing from it. I was upset I couldn't help but I figured Temari and I did enough anyway. I just felt shitty about leaving Choji behind like that, but he had support. Within a few minutes, no more sounds came from the bunker as we witnessed with joy the Sound flag being taken down and the flag of the Leaf Village being raised. In an instant a massive roar of celebration erupted from throughout the battleground. A look of shock and utter defeat covered the faces of our prisoners. They did it. Sarutobi and my 3rd squad did it.

"Ah nuts…I wanted to be the one doin' that!" Naruto moaned. Konohamaru just laughed.

"Remember last time you tried something like that numbnuts?"

"Ummmm…no I don't." We knew he was full of shit, but for the rookie's sake I'd keep my trap shut.

"Konohamaru! We did it! We won!" screamed Moegi from about twenty meters away. She ran to the boy and embraced him in a huge hug. All around the surviving Soundies raised their arms in surrender, some more coerced to do so than others. I saw 2LT Lee pumping his fist in joy, knowing this near flawless operation won him a shitload of brownie points with the captain and first sergeant.

I looked at Temari, who was still breathing deep, overcome by the rush of battle but exhilarated from the victory. I stuck my hand out towards her.

"Good job partner."

She grasped my hand, with a slight smile on her face and a trickle blood running down her face. "Likewise partner." I gotta admit…she was a firebrand of a woman. Charging the Soundies like that when even I wouldn't put her up a couple notches on my respect meter.

"Hold on just a second. Naruto watch our guests."

"Ok."

I reached into one of my pouches and grabbed some gauze I swiped from the medic tent a while ago. "You got a pretty bad cut from something Temari." I reached over and wiped the blood from her face, then applied it on the small laceration it was flowing from. She didn't quite know what to say, though the grimace on her face meant something stung.

"There we go. All better now. That blood was messin' up your hair."

She blushed, not knowing what to say. I was quite surprised by my gesture as well. Normally a troublesome woman like her I'd leave to her own devices. I dunno…something about seeing her bleeding like that, even slightly, gave me some need to help. I saw her blue eyes look at me with a notion that she was grateful nonetheless.

"Figures I'd see you lying on your ass by the time this battle ended. Typical Nara…" Sarutobi bitched to me as he and the rest of 3rd walked to my position. He lit himself another cigarette and handed one to Hanzo. It seems that they were all alive and healthy, barring Isshiki. "Hanzo, Toyama, escort the prisoners to the rear. Let 3rd and 4th Platoon take care of them."

"What happened to Isshiki?" Choji asked.

"He's ok. Soundie sliced his arm with a bayonet but that was all he got away with. Ino patched him up good. What happened to you two?" He asked observed the bumps, scratches, and cuts all over us.

"A fight sergeant. Soundies came lookin' for a fight and Temari and I provided." I answered confidently as I patted Temari on the shoulder. She blushed again which got me to thinking about that.

"I'll say. That was a good job 3rd. Shit that's the best I've seen in a while."

"Well Able Company's armor certainly helped us out." Ino added.

"When you're right you're right. Hell I heard our platoon didn't suffer a single loss. We got some wounded but they should be all right. Hey Private Uzumaki, shouldn't you be with 4th now?"

"Oh yeah…sorry sergeant." Naruto chuckled and then took off to find his squad, Konohamaru and Moegi close behind.

"I'm proud of you guys. We took that bunker like it was no one's business. They didn't even see us coming! One thing's for sure…with Able surrounding us there won't be any attacks comin' anytime soon."

The sergeant couldn't have been more right. This was more a rout than a victory. The silence accompanied by the Leaf Village flag raised high at the peak. No deaths in our platoon, Naruto back in full swing, I'm alive, and the realization that Temari and I might actually make a good team…yep things were definitely on the upswing today.

"Who's up for takin' five?" Choji asked. He was answered by a squad cheer.

"I'm game." I said.

"So am I." added Temari. I could tell she was relieved to hear about our lack of losses, knowing she wasn't with Gaara or Kankuro but them being ok was all she needed to hear.

As the dust settled, Temari and I looked one more time at our flag, raised high in the air. At that very moment, I saw it as the symbol of freedom and liberation from the Soundies. It was a symbol of hope.

"Hey I got an idea." I said.

"What?" Temari asked. "What's your pl…hey!"

"Nara where're ya goin'? Sarutobi yelled.

Leaving Temari behind, I ran off, trying to find a piece of cloth or some clothing material. To my luck I found a medical box with some sterile sheets. I made my way into the command bunker, prying boxes and shuffling around for something to write with. I found some writing ink unscathed by the assault. Using my art skills comparable to that of an elementary student, I drew a large symbol on the sheet, then took the Leaf flag down. I was greeted with protest from many, wondering why the fuck the flag was going down.

"Shikamaru what in the hell are you doing? Did that brain of yours suddenly go…" Temari stopped, seeing what I had drawn. Hey eyes widened, almost shocked by what I did. "Shikamaru…"

"I knew it'd be troublesome, but I thought it'd be something nice to display, for unity's sake."

Tying the sheet as best I could to the section of rope below the Leaf flag, I hoisted it up again atop the bunker, Temari following me. The men and women all around looked as the flag went higher and higher, all the way to the top. Right below it was my makeshift flag, the "I" symbol of the Sand. Though crude, it was a display of our unity against the Sound.

"Looks nice don't it Temari?" I asked, watching the two flags flutter in the wind.

"Yeah…yeah it most certainly does. Thank you." She said, smiling at me, her arm nuzzled right up against mine.

Things were getting rather interesting...