OK! Ninth Chapter is out! But be warned! Cliffy is inside! Now before you begin, a couple shout outs!

To count-zechs00 : Mmm yup! Naruto lost his fast healing ability! But Naruto has learned healing techniques from Rin with his Rinnegan skills…

To Rose Tiger: You might just get your wish to see them reunite soon!! ^^

To Lord Anubis Judge of the dead: Hmm... Naruto has Sage Mode on at that time, so he knew that she was alive, just badly injured… Hope this answered your question.

RIght! Sorry about the slow posting... Somehow FanFiction couldnt submit my chapter out... So had a bit of delay.. =P

Alright! Shout outs over! Time to carry on with the story!

Last Chapter:

It was almost time for Naruto to go home... And Kakashi and Hinata are on the search for Naruto… Sasuke is going to Amegakure…

Chapter 9 – Crossed Paths

-Back in Konoha-

It was a cloudy day as the clouds drifted over, covering the Sun's rays, occasionally showing a bit of its bright light. Water roared high up in the mountains as they rushed down the mountaintop, a waterfall. Birds fluttered above, singing their songs to the unknown listeners. Down below, in the carefully cleared forests, a village stood there, hard at work. Konoha was still in the midst of their rebuilding.

Still, it has gone pretty well after Tsunade had the brilliant idea to enlist Yamato into the rebuilding of Konoha. His ability with the Wood Release techniques made him capable of creating whole houses in just a few seconds. Parts of Konoha were being rebuilt within days instead what would be months. Tsunade estimated that within the month, Konoha would finally be rebuilt, without its finishing touches yet though. Still, it was great progress nevertheless. Without the help from Sunagakure and with her own people, it would be hard to rebuild one of the Great Ninja Villages without it losing its reputation. Already, many other Hidden Villages were claiming the position of taking over Konoha.

Tsunade was busy doing her paperwork instead of drinking her sake or wandering around, a surprising change. Shizune stepped in the office, delivering yet again more paperwork for Tsunade, who just sighed in resignation. Tsunade glanced at the tall stack of paperwork that was on her desk, and the pile of paperwork that was on the floor beside the desk as well. Sighing, she subconsciously reached into the compartment of her desk, only to receive a loud cough from Shizune behind her. Turning around, Tsunade saw a fuming Shizune, staring at Tsunade, her eyes as if saying 'if you do not finish your work, you will get it'.

Sighing loudly again, Tsunade grudging turned her head back to her work that was littered around her. I have to get out of this place! Tsunade screamed inwardly. Turning around again to face Shizune, Tsunade opened her mouth to try to make a bet with Shizune, only to be interrupted by Shizune.

"Shizune- "Tsunade started.

"Not one word Tsunade-sama. You haven't been doing your work lately, which is why the paperwork keeps piling up." Shizune sternly spoke to Tsunade, whose mouth immediately closed in indignation. "Blame yourself for not completing your work on time. Don't you dare start about taking a short break or drinking a little sip of your sake. Finish your work first, Tsunade-sama, and then you can go and do your stuff." Tonton oinked in agreement, standing next to a fierce Shizune.

"But there is so much work to be done, Shizune!" Tsunade whined, gesturing to the stacks of paperwork. Facing Shizune with pouting eyes and a soft whine, "Can't I just take a little break? Please?" Tsunade tried to milk out all the cuteness in her for what was worth.

"No, Tsunade-sama. I will not let you use that on me. IT won't work." Shizune huffily said as she crossed her arms, looking at the now slightly angry Hokage.

Tsunade, in mock anger, stood up and crossed her arms as well, looking at Shizune in the eye. "I'm the Hokage! I can do anything I want, so it doesn't matter. And I say I want to take a break." Tsunade tried to use her trump card to intimidate Shizune.

For all that it was worth, it might have been an enraged bull running headlong into a thick wall of bricks: Tsunade the enraged bull, Shizune the steadfast wall. Shizune immediately assumed a cold and stoic expression, looking at Tsunade coldly. "Since you used your authority as Hokage, I cannot do anything to stop you Tsunade-sama." Tsunade smirked at Shizune, knowing that she has won the battle of wills. "However," Shizune continued without missing a beat, "if you dare to step out of the office, I can assure you that you will not be seeing sake for the rest of your life. You have loads of uncompleted work to be done here and yet you still try to delay them further."

Tsunade eyes widened as she gaped like a fish after hearing Shizune's threat. Wordlessly, she plopped down into her seat, sighing at her dismal fate. Why did I ever become Hokage again? Tsunade miserably thought to herself. I can't even do anything that I like now. Sighing, she went back to her work, only to be this time interrupted by a snort from her pet, Tonton. Tonton had walked towards her office doors, snorting. Tonton used to be in a hunting squad as she excelled in tracking, so Tsunade assumed Tonton could tell that someone was coming. "Open the doors, Shizune. We have a visitor." Tsunade gestured towards the door.

Shizune walked towards the door, opening it to reveal… nothing. Shizune looked around confused for the source of panting that was coming from the corridors. "Down here." Shizune looked down and was shocked to see Pakkun panting furiously like, well, like a dog.

"Come in, Pakkun. I shall go get some water for you. Rest up first" Shizune said as she left, heading towards the kitchens to get some water. It wasn't often that Pakkun would run so fast to pass information to Tsunade.

Pakkun stood, panting in the office heavily as he struggled to get his breath. "Hey, Tonton. How are ya?" he growled between breaths. Tonton just snorted in reply. "Yeah… I just came from Snow Country… Got a bit of important news to share with you guys… Just gimme some water eh?" Pakkun said as he looked at both Tsunade and Tonton.

Tsunade kept silent as she contemplated on Pakkun's arrival. Is something wrong? Why would Kakashi send his ninken back when he could have returned himself? And furthermore, it's Pakkun, his fastest one! I'm beginning to think this might be a bad idea to send him out… Tsunade silently thought to herself as she stared at the ninken in front of her.

Finally, Shizune returned with a bowl of water for Pakkun and tea for Tsunade who took it and drank from it grudgingly. Pakkun drank hungrily from it, clearly showing the fatigue in him. Greedily finishing the whole bowl, Pakkun licked his lips, "Ahh… Water taste so much better when you are in need of it…" Feeling more refreshed, Pakkun turned to regard the three pair of eyes that were now boring at him.

"Why did Kakashi send you back to Konoha instead of coming back himself, Pakkun? Is there anything wrong?" Tsunade asked the question everybody wanted to know. Everybody's attention was riveted on the little brown pug now as they leaned forward in anticipation.

"Well… I just came from Snow Country, where the book publisher lived. Turns out that the publisher has never seen Jiraya before, because Jiraya always sent his scripts via courier mail. However, Kakashi ran into a courier ninja who was the one that received the scripts from the writer. The courier ninja said it wasn't Jiraya. It was Naruto." Pakkun could see the shocked expressions on both Tsunade's and Shizune's faces, just like the one he wore when Kakashi told him of Naruto being alive. Tsunade dropped her tea cup in surprise when she heard Pakkun say Naruto's name.

"WHAT?! Naruto's alive!? He's alive!?" Tsunade shouted in shock, staring at the slightly flinched Pakkun when she shouted loudly. He's alive! He's not dead! Alive! Tsunade thought jibberishly. Wait… If he is alive… Why didn't he come back to Konoha, that little brat? Didn't he know how much he made all of us upset? Tsunade started to think rationally. Of course, joy still filled her as news of Naruto being alive was something that would brighten Konoha up. But still, as a Hokage, sometimes she must see beneath the underneath. She sat back on her chair which had fallen when she stood up in surprise, pondering on this piece of information.

Shizune couldn't believe her ears when she heard that Naruto was alive. During those few months, Shizune has gotten closer to Sakura as well, to comfort her during those moments when Sakura felt empty and alone. They have bonded well with each other as both were assistants to Tsunade. During that emotional period, Sakura had told Shizune how Naruto was and how he grew up to become. Shizune had slowly begun to look at Naruto with something of great compassion and respect. True, during the time when Naruto had brought Tsunade to be Hokage, Shizune was already impressed by the determination and courage the boy had shown. But the stories Sakura told, show that Naruto was special to everyone whenever he met someone new.

Sakura's going to be very happy when she hears Naruto's alive… I think even the whole of Konoha would be glad to see him back… Shizune thought to herself. She noticed that Tsunade had loudly exclaimed that Naruto was alive before sitting down on her chair and thinking deeply. Something is wrong… Shizune asked Tsunade, a worried look on her face. "Tsunade-sama, is something the matter? Aren't you glad that Naruto's alive?"

Tsunade's face was set in a frown as she heard Shizune's question. This can't be good… Tsunade looked at Pakkun again, before slowly speaking. "I assume that both Kakashi and Hinata are on their way to find Naruto now, right?" She paused to look at Pakkun who just nodded in agreement. "Still, for Naruto not to come back to Konoha for the past few months… It must mean that there is something going on… Pakkun, what does Kakashi say about this?"

Pakkun cleared his throat before growling in a gruff tone. "Kakashi says that Konoha must be on their guard now. He sent me back to tell you that we should prepare Konoha in case of any emergencies that might occur. He said, since Konoha is still undergoing rebuilding, it is vulnerable to many attacks that may happen. That is all he told me to tell u guys, so if u don't mind, I'll take my leave now." Pakkun bowed before disappearing into a cloud of white smoke, back into his alternate reality.

An air of silence hung around, the uneasiness bothering Tsunade. She had never expected Naruto to be alive, and had thought things were finally at a closure. However, the fact that Naruto was alive but did not return to Konoha spoke volumes. It was something that could not be hidden. Time was of utmost importance now. Kakashi had warned them to prepare themselves whilst he went on ahead for the search.

Tsunade slowly pushed herself up from her desk, her eyes piercing through the air ahead, her mind focused on the plans that were slowly unraveling. Shizune patiently waited behind her, feeling the need to be silent and observant behind her. Tsunade slowly paced towards the glass windows, where she saw the northern sector of Konoha being rebuilt by a very tired and wrinkled Yamato. Behind him was Konoha villagers, cheering him on in the process.

"Shizune…" Tsunade calmly spoke, her hands placed firmly on her hips. "I want you to inform all the clan leaders, no… make that all the council members, that there will be a meeting tomorrow during midday." Tsunade pointedly looked at her apprentice who nodded in reply. Tsunade continued, "Gather all Jounins to meet me as well tomorrow morning. We need to prepare Konoha for any possible threat that might be approaching us. Send a messenger bird over to Suna as well. Tell Gaara about Naruto's existence and about Kakashi's warning as well. Our allies must be warned." Tsunade turned away from Shizune. Muttering under her breath, "Come back soon, Naruto. We need you now."

"Hai, Tsunade-sama!" Shizune said as she accepted her orders. Without hesitation, she left to the doors, Tonton hot at their heels. Sakura's news on Naruto would have to wait till later before she can disseminate it to her. Right now, Shizune had a job to accomplish, and she was going to do it without a hitch.

As Tsunade saw Shizune leave the office, she waited till she saw her distant figure walking out the Hokage doors before she made her next move. "ANBU! To me!" She shouted out with great authority. Immediately, several shadow figures appeared in front of her, each one seemingly to appear without a trace from nowhere. Each ANBU soldier had a different mask on their faces, to identify each other easily. They sported identical clothing and katana's on their back, and an ANBU tattoo on their shoulders, right for females, left for males. All of them radiated power and intelligence beyond compare to the regular ninjas in Konoha. Yet at the sight of Tsunade, each of them fervently paid their respect and obedience to her.

"Yes, Hokage-sama?" an ANBU member wearing a Dog mask spoke out. An acting leader… Tsunade thought, since Yamato was the one that was in charge of the ANBU squad. The ANBU acting captain was slightly taller than Tsunade, and was well built. Like an athlete, his muscles were not very defined but yet taut and firm. He did not seem much outwardly, but seemed to ooze intelligence from the very pores of his body.

Facing the slightly muscular ANBU acting captain, Tsunade paused to take a glance at him before speaking. "I want you to assign some of your team to patrol Konoha at some of its weaker points. It seems that Kakashi has been alerted that Konoha might be in danger." Tsunade saw the slight twitches on each of the ANBU's reaction to Kakashi's name. Kakashi had used to be an ANBU captain and he was respected throughout his team. His words could be trusted and acted on. Tsunade continued issuing of orders.

"Not wanting to take this risk, I want you to take the remaining members and scout out Fire Country for any possible threats. Do not act on them, instead, inform me. I will then decide whether to take action on those plausible threats. I expect reports from you every few days. Do not disappoint me. Go!" Tsunade watched as the ANBU captain and his members nodded their heads silently before disappearing into thin air, all traces of them gone. Probably gone to somewhere to meet and discuss tactics… Tsunade thought to herself.

Letting out a sigh, Tsunade felt tired after all the events that just arrived. I'm too old for this… She thought to herself. She wanted to sit back and retire from her Hokage position, but somehow, could not find the opportunity to do so. Now that Naruto was here, maybe he could take over when she's done. I need a rest… Maybe a little sake would help… Tsunade gave a small smile as she glanced around her and outside her office, trying to catch a hint of Shizune trying to return. The coast was clear. Nothing was within a few miles from the Hokage Tower. Tsunade was finally alone.

Her smile grew even wider as she opened her secret compartment, removing from inside her sake bottle and cups she kept in there. Smiling, she poured the crystal clear liquid into the tiny porcelain cup, filling it to the brim. Holding the delicate cup in her hand, she brought it towards her mouth, and without smelling the fragrance of it, with a quick motion, downed the whole cup of sake quickly… only to spit it out into the air.

"What the!? WATER!?" Tsunade spluttered as she tried to wipe her mouth and the damp spots on her clothes. Picking up the sake bottle, she peered at it carefully. Its sake… Tsunade saw the 'sake' word on the bottle. Bringing the tip to her nose, she took a whiff. Smells like sake… The smell was pungent and heavy as Tsunade took a whiff of it. Bringing the opening to her lips, she took a drag from it, spitting the liquid out again. But… It's WATER! Who switched my sake with water?! Tsunade angrily thought for a moment before an image came into her mind. The vein on her forehead throbbed heavily.

"SHIZUNE!!!" Tsunade screamed loudly at the top of her lungs. The messenger birds that were roosting on the top of the tower squawked and flew around in fright. A loud crash sounded as Tsunade threw the 'sake' bottle out of the window in anger. Many distance away from the Hokage Tower, Shizune heard a loud scream from where she was. She found out… Shizune allowed herself a small smile as she continued walking. That was payback for last sake incident. Shizune smirked.

-Unknown Village-

Naruto pranced around ahead, eager to reach his final destination: Konoha. Turning back to face the entrance of the village, Naruto waved eagerly, like a kid that has been told he could have some candy. Walking far behind him, two figures slowly made their way out of the village.

"Neh, Hurry up, Rin-neesan, Hanzo-ojiisan!" He called out to the two figures. He was eager to go back home and he couldn't wait to see his friends again. During the morning when Naruto woke up, he found that Rin and Hanzo had already packed their belongings to prepare for the long and arduous trip to Konoha. He was practically jumping around in the air when Hanzo said that today was the day that they would make their journey to Konoha. Nothing could make him calm down during the morning. He was annoying both of them with his crazy antics, rushing them needlessly.

"Slow down, you stupid brat!" Rin shouted out before walking faster to join Naruto, leaving Hanzo slowly trudging alone. Secretly, Rin wanted to follow Naruto quickly. The thought of going back to Konoha although sounded scary to her, but she was excited to be able to see Kakashi once again. She was surprised when she had asked Naruto about Kakashi and he told her that Kakashi was his Jounin teacher. Naruto had told her a lot of things about Kakashi; more importantly was that he was still single. Wonder how would he react when I come back? After all, all of Konoha had thought that I was dead… Rin pictured the looks of shock and surprise she will be receiving when she returns. Truly, her time spent with Naruto had made her more energetic and a bit childish. Trying to keep a calm and stoic face in front of Naruto's infectious grin, she finally reached him and stood beside him, looking at Hanzo in return.

Hanzo smiled as he saw the back of Rin walking away from him. She tries too hard to hide her emotions… Hanzo thought to himself as he saw the quick shuffling steps of Rin. Rin's legs were crossed between feelings of impatience and trying to be a grown-up, resulted in quick jerky movements that were almost comical. Stopping to face the village one last time, Hanzo looked at the place where he had stayed for the majority of his peaceful years. It's time to step up from these feelings of peace once more… Hanzo sighed inwardly. Earlier that week, Hanzo and Rin had passed through all the familiar faces of the villagers, telling them that the three of them will be leaving this village. Although Rin and Hanzo were not the family type, they still got along well with the villagers. It was sad to leave them.

Facing his back to the village, Hanzo made his way to the two of his companions that were impatiently waiting for him. Hanzo wondered how Konoha would cope with his presence when he was to reveal himself. He, after all, had been the one of the main instigators in the Shinobi War. His very presence would most probably be met with hate and anger. Many families have lost their dear ones because of him. I have to face this reality sooner or later… Hanzo worriedly thought to himself. Taking a leaf out of Naruto, he grasped the courage within him and walked towards the waiting pair.

That day, the trio left the village, never to return again. Like the passing of age, the villagers soon forgot their presence and there was nothing left that showed their absence. The sun beat down upon them, shining the way that Naruto would follow to lead back to Konoha. Birds sang their cheerful song, reflecting the feelings that were in both Rin and Naruto, and even lighting the gray mood of Hanzo, who was lost in thought.

-North of Fire Country-

Wind rushed past their faces as they jumped through trees at breakneck speeds. Dodging the occasional stray branches and jumping higher to find suitable branches with great agility, never sacrificing speed. They had been running for days now ever since they reached ashore, stopping only for short periods of rest or to sleep at night. Time was of the essence if they were to ever catch up to their quarry.

Even then, at the fastest speeds they could muster, it might be enough to meet up with their target. The information they received was weeks old and by then, Naruto might have left the village that they were currently rushing to. Still, every bit of information counted and they had to hurry before Naruto decided to move to another place.

Kakashi brushed past the trees, lost deep in thought. I hope we can make it in time… Naruto, wait for us! There was no time to waste for Kakashi. Subconsciously, he started to push himself more, increasing his speed. I hope Hinata can keep up… Glancing back at the lavender girl, he saw the sweat starting to form on her as she tried her best to keep up. However, fierce determination reflected in her pupiless white eyes, showing that she would be willing to go great lengths to find Naruto. A smile formed inside Kakashi's mask. She's a great girl… Hope Naruto notices her soon…

Hinata noticed the slight change of speed in Kakashi's movements. Already she felt the strain in her muscles starting to ache. The increase in speed pushed her beyond her limits. Naruto-kun… No! I can't give up! Naruto-kun might leave if we are too slow! If I am too slow! She felt the aches in her body started to slowly fade away as her determination gave her a rush of adrenalin that pushed away the pain. Renewed full of energy, she started to keep up with Kakashi, determination the key to driving her forward.

Passing the trees of Fire Country, they soon reached a clearing, marking the end of Fire Country. Wind blew against the tall grasses, age-old boulders standing firm against the furious wind. A sense of foreboding was in the air as the duo rushed through the clearing, focused on the objective ahead of them.

Kakashi saw two figures in front of them, walking leisurely, heading towards the direction where Kakashi and Hinata were going as well. The sight of them caused Kakashi to stop in mid-run and prepare himself. The familiar black cloak with red cloaks gave their identities away. Akatsuki! Kakashi thought quickly for a moment. What are they doing here? What could Akatsuki be looking for? Kakashi stared at the two Akatsuki members that had noticed both of them as well and stopped to look at them.

"Well, if it isn't Kakashi? What a surprise meeting you here like this. Out for a walk? And who is this lovely Hyuga beauty next to you Kakashi? Your latest squeeze?" Kisame drawled in mocked tones. A shark grin appeared on his face as he stared at the two delicacies that appeared in front of him. Beady little shark eyes squinted at both of them.

"I don't think that is any of your concern, Kisame. We are here on official business. If you would please, we would like to get along with it." Kakashi replied in a nonchantly manner, despite his tensed muscles. He wanted to avoid this confrontation at all cost. He knew Hinata was unable to fight because of the stress that she had placed on herself just now. Furthermore, Kisame was a strong force to be reckoned with. And it would take a lot out of him to try and hold Kisame at bay. He looked at the other Akatsuki member, Zetsu. I have fought with him before, and he seemed to be able to travel underground without notice. Kakashi felt that Hinata wouldn't be able to match up to him when she's not up to her best.

"Aww, don't say that Kakashi." Kisame mocked. "We haven't met for such a long time, and we haven't settled our last fight. You know the one where Itachi was my partner?" Kisame grasped the handle of his sword, Samehada, on his back, itching for a fight.

"I have noticed that you have a new partner, Kisame. What happened to Itachi anyway? You guys got into a fight or something?" Kakashi casually replied, as he slowly inched his hands towards his weapons pouch.

"Oh, Itachi? He's gone." Kisame casually replied to the surprised eyes of Kakashi and Hinata. "Oh, I haven't introduced to you my new partner. Meet Zetsu." He indicated the Venus Akatsuki member. "I think you have met him before, though I don't think the beautiful lady there met him yet."

"We have met." Hinata replied with a steely voice. She activated her Byakugan, prepared for any tricks that the Akatsuki members might pull out. Her posture slowly took on her Hyuga stance.

"Hello, guys!" White Zetsu grinned in reply.

"Quiet." Black Zetsu growled. He turned to face Kisame. "We are not here to spend endless time on idle chit-chat. We still have a mission to complete. Let's hurry and get this over and done with. You know what to do." Zetsu then turned to face Hinata, an evil smile plastered on his face.

"Yeah, yeah… Fine." Kisame likewise faced Kakashi, smiling to reveal his shark-like teeth. "We have a score to settle, Kakashi. Let us end this once and for all." Removing his bandaged sword from his back, he lifted it to face Kakashi. "Samehada needs to shave some skin if not it will be frustrated. Why not use your skin?" He unwrapped his sword, revealing the sword's many razor scaled edges. It looked like a shark's skin, capable of tearing skin instead of cutting it.

The atmosphere around the four of them took on a serious level. Killing intent was high on the Akatsukis' side, whilst on Konohas' side seemed to be running on pure determination. They were running low on fatigue and having to fight with two powerful ninjas was a very treacherous thing.

It seems that there is no other way… We have to end this fight as fast as we can… We won't be able to last for long… We need to take them down by surprise… Kakashi thought. Slowly he removed his Konoha hitai-ge covering his left eye, to reveal his three black tomoe Sharingan. I need to use Mangekyo Sharingan in order to win this fast.

The wind that was blowing suddenly changed direction, the winds billowing around the Akatsuki's cloaks. Kakashi slowly raised his hands into a familiar hand sign, placing in front of his Sharingan eye. He slowly concentrated and focused his chakra on his left eye, to form his Mangekyo Sharingan.

There was no time for him to concentrate his chakra fully as Kisame has already rushed towards him, swinging his sword in a huge arc. Oh no! There is no time to cast Mangekyo! Kakashi panicked as he saw the rushing Kisame towards him. There is no time to avoid that swing!

"Oh no you don't, Kakashi! Zetsu has seen through all your moves and I won't let you do your Mangekyo Sharingan at all!" Kisame swung his sword down at the shocked Kakashi!

END!

Alright… Lets end today's story in a cliff hanger shall we? Actually to be truthful, this chapter aint very interesting… Just like some Naruto episodes are just talking… Hmmz... Still the ending of this chapter brings about something that might be even more interesting in the next ^^…

Pls review after reading!! You readers are the ones that keep me going on this first story! ^^