Disclaimer : All characters and places belong to Masashi Kishimoto. Any characters and/or locations not recognized in the Naruto Shippuden universe belong to Jennifer Nicole Siciliano, a/k/a Grand Phoenix.

A/N: Here is the full version of Chapter IX. Before we start, let's review some things I've mentioned in the preview:

One; while I know I'm not the fastest writer out there, do understand I have a life outside it, including other stories and distractions that need to get out of the way.

Two; I post my chapters WHEN I'M DONE. Either you get a chapter polished and proofread to the best of its ability, or you get absolute crap.

Three; THERE ARE NO PAIRINGS. No Sakura/Sasuke, no Sakura/Madara, no Sakura/Pein. THERE ARE NONE. The closest you'll get to pairings are Sakura/Naruto, Sakura/OC, and Sakura/Itachi CAMARADERIE.

And Four; Sakura, Madara, and Pein are MAIN CHARACTERS. Refer to Three for details.

On a different note, I've experimented and played around somewhat with the point of view, somewhere along the lines of (if I'm correct) third-person subjective, third-person objective, and third-person limited. I also have plans to write an anthology within the Spardaverse that will answer and raise questions about events outside the main story. And the C2 I mentioned . . . yeah, I still want to do it; I'm just being lazy, LOL. But I'd like to write a ONE-SHOT on it before I get around to hunting and managing the archive.

That said, I apologize for the long note. I guess I had a lot more to say than I wanted to, LOL.

"Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth
Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep."
---- John Miltion, "Paradise Lost"

Chapter IX

LOST WORLD

"SO-SOJOBO-SAMA," ITACHI CROAKED, GREY EYES HEAVY AS HE LOOKED UPON HIS Servant. "I-Is . . . is the t-tome . . . safe? D-did it . . . sur-survive the . . . atta-ack?" The young man winced at the feel of cracked ribs brushing up against his insides. "I . . . I mu-must know . . . ."

They were making leeway abroad the countryside. Once they had reappeared outside and far from the Estate, Sojobo-sama took to the trees right away, hopping from branch to branch in great giant leaps. He held his Master close, the Saint's silky mane and the Uchiha's tattered Akatsuki cloak shielding the male from the coolness of the wind.

Itachi hadn't a notion as to where they were heading. Floating to and fro among oblivion's gates, he could only guess the Tengu King was delivering them to the Sanctum. It was . . . somewhere away from Hi no Kuni, that he could affirm; perhaps a mile from its border . . . but the pain was excruciating. He could not think properly, for its siren song throbbed in the deepest recesses of his ears.

Most of all, his eyes ached. The Mangekyou Sharingan had long since receded, and the world – dappled in moonshine and night song and flitting shadow – returned to an uncomfortable haze. A veil of gloom settled over him, and, for but a fleeting iota, he feared. Feared he had finally succumbed to blindness.

If it had been any other Uchiha, one who did not know the secrets of the Sharingan, it would be disgraceful. Not only that, but his name would be branded with shame. It would be an unspoken exile that could not be avoided. But this . . . this was his fate. This was his road to tread and not look back. This was a journey to the point of no return. This was . . .

This was . . .

(Itachi scrounged his brow, partly in thought, partly in excruciating effort.)

This was--

'—a Trial to the Innermost.'

Sojobo hummed, conjuring stray thoughts and not-so subtle possibilities. Round marbles never averted from the whirlwind of the land; leathered hands worn from a lifetime of battles did not loosen.

"Sojobo-sama," the wounded one coughed.

"The tome is safe," the King began. "This I believe to be so. A Door opens, and many close. Fate decrees it shall be found."

"B-B-By whom? And wh-when? Gods help me . . . if Sasuke should come across it . . . ."

"Sasuke does not know of the tome. He is too preoccupied staring into the abyss of his memories. As for the tome itself, it shall be found by the Haruno heiress. However, I cannot exactly say when she will come across it; she seems to be in a pinch at the moment. I should hope she shall uncover it as soon as possible. We all need her to pull through."

Itachi rested his cheek upon the Saint's breast. His lids grew heavy. "You're right. If there's anyone out there that can help us, it's Sakura Haruno." He chuckled softly. "Yes. Sakura Haruno. Who would have thought . . . ?"

His words lingered on the scent of pine needles and Fuujin-sama's shallow, raspy breaths.

Sojobo nodded. Indeed, who would have thought the Haruno heiress would be the key to their cause?

EARLIER . . . .

Sakura's head snapped up and forward, jade shards wide and alarmed. She stopped and looked behind her, into the forest. "What was that . . . ?" she whispered, mostly to herself. "It felt like . . . white chakra."

Sparda, in His masked human form, regarded His charge with sharp wolf eyes, then to the shrouded greenery. "So it is. It's very strong, very clear. A Saint has appeared on the mortal plane."

"A Saint?" she exclaimed, whirling around to face the God of Springs. "Where? Which one is it?"

"It's northwest of here; about a few miles from where your camp is set. As to whom this new arrival is, I would have to say it's . . . hmmmm, the Tenth Saint."

Sakura scowled, a tic throbbing on her temple. 'Stupid Sparda! I was asking for the name, not the number! Grr . . . !'

"All in good time, Sakura," the man laughed. "All in good time. You know I can't tell you everything just yet."

"I know, I know!" she admitted, pouting slightly. "If you tell me now, I won't understand a thing. I get the point. You don't need to remind me."

Behind the false face, Sparda smirked. Although she was being serious, he found her words and actions to be quite amusing.

"Ah, wait!" Haruno exclaimed, as she jogged to catch up. "Can you at least tell me who the Saint's Master is? You said there was a way to stop that guy from Akatsuki before we left. Maybe we can find and convince this person to join us. He can't be that far from us, right?"

He did not answer. His gaze was still fixated in the direction where the chakra signature spiked.

Sakura blinked, confused. "Sparda?" She sensed an odd, heavy weight in the air, something she could not place her finger on. Was it something she said?

The man sprang back to life and shuddered, almost as if He were startled awake. "Oh! Ah, sorry about that," He said while turning around. "Yes, he is not far, this Saint Master—" A pause. "—but he is . . . preoccupied at this time. We won't be able to contact him." He started walking.

The Slug Sannin's apprentice watched Him pass by with a curious eye. "B-But what about the Saint Master? Do you know who he is? What he looks like?" She followed close behind Him.

Sparda nodded. "Yes. I know everything there is to know about him. I have also met with him many times in the past. And you know what?"

"What?"

"So have you."

Sakura gasped. "I have? When?"

"Months ago on one of your missions."

"Which one?"

"I'm not obligated to say."

"What?!"

"It's true. I need his consent if I am to tell you. Even if I wasn't bound I still wouldn't say a word, because at this moment of time you are not yet ready to hear the full truth."

"Will I ever see him again? Please don't tell me that's prohibited, too!"

"No. You'll see him," Sparda raised his gaze to the star-studded sky. "The Fates shall decree it so under the light of the new moon, when the Pillars are directly in the East."

Any thoughts Sakura had of the mysterious Saint Master deflated at that. Of course, the Pillars in the East! The crisp, thick aromas of ash, smoke, melting steel, salt-laced winds, and lingering rain had been absent in both her dreams and wakefulness. She had not seen, or heard, of them in what she felt was a long, long while; not since . . . since her battle against Sasuke.

But what did Sparda mean by 'when the Pillars are directly in the East'? And what would happen on the night of the new moon? It was up until just now Sakura realized she had not paid much attention concerning the direction she was facing whenever she caught sight of the Pillars. Perhaps, she pondered, it would be wise to focus on that inspect; it may play a vital role in piecing together Sparda's cryptic words in the future.

Yes, she would do that.

Further into the woods they trekked. The night continued to wane, minutes proceeding into hours. Wild life prevailed, as sounds of chirping crickets and croaking frogs grew to a loud, resonant decibel.

When the trees began to appear few and far, Sparda spoke. "Sakura, do you remember when I opened the entrance that blocked the Crest of Starshine with the white chakra?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Do you also remember what I told you about the Juuyon Seijin?"

"I do."

"Then you know by now that in order to summon a Saint, one must agree to the contract bestowed upon them. That is, the person is to be given a portion of the Saint's chakra."

"Is that we're going to do?" asked Sakura, surprised. "Are we going to summon a Saint?"

"That we are. However, unlike those bygone days, the situation is different. As far as I know, more than half the Juuyon Seijin is active, whether they are aligned with a mortal or not. The rest, obviously, are still slumbering; they may or may not be aware of what is happening in the world. Normally one would go before a Saint to request its strength, but such is not the case this time around. What you'll have to do is forcefully awake the Saint, and the only way to accomplish it is with your white chakra."

"Forcefully awake?" the Chuunin intoned. "How do I that? And wouldn't it be wrong of me to wake it up without any knowledge as to what's occurring right now?"

"On the contrary, no," the white-clad man told her. "The Saints have a subconscious, innate ability that allows them minute glances beyond the void of slumber. Even if they are only somewhat aware, they have an idea about the events playing out.

"As to how you'll awaken the Saint, you have to know the three main properties of white chakra. One is to enhance one's senses based on how the inner chakra is formed and controlled. The second is to empower the mind and tap into the brain, most specifically the temporal and occipital lobes. Lastly, it is to manipulate the very fabric of nature around oneself, but this is only when the previous two properties are working in synch. With these you will be able to draw forth natural energy from the earth, the air, the trees, the leaves, whatever is capable of forming chakra, and call the Saint to the mortal realm."

"But Sparda, I don't have the formal training to fully utilize white chakra," Sakura admitted, soberly. "What if I can't do it?"

"You can do it, and you will. Trust me when I say you do not need it to perform this task. When the time is right, I will teach you all there is to know about white chakra. For now, please believe in me. Your objective will become clear when you are ready to awaken the Saint."

"What about that man with the spiral mask, Tobi? What does he have to do with us finding the Saints?"

"That's a very good question, Sakura. Even I am not completely sure what his intentions are, but I feel that he too may be targeting them for his own gains."

"For power, right?" Sakura posed to the god. "It has to be. Whatever Tobi's Challenge is, he'll do whatever it takes to stop us from fulfilling our Mission."

"The Challenge?" Spardia inquired alarmingly, glancing at her over stiffened shoulders. "He told you that?"

The girl bowed her chin, appearing to be in deep thought. "He didn't say much. He just said he had every right to protest it, and that I'll regret ever being the Bearer of Truths."

Sparda hummed, digesting this tidbit of information.

Sakura grimaced. "But that's what I don't understand. I want to know why he is bent on destroying me; what it is about me that he hates so much. It bothers me, but there's not much I can do at this point except speculate and make inconclusive guesses."

'Yet I saw it for myself,' she mused. 'I saw the Sharingan, but who am I to say Tobi is an Uchiha and not someone who was given a transplant?' She sighed. 'Sparda needs to know. He may not tell me everything, but it would be in my best interest if I told Him. Whatever He impart, I'll use to better perceive the situation, especially that of the Uchiha-Haruno alliance.'

"Sparda," she spoke suddenly, looking up from her hands, "when this is all over, I want to talk to you about Tobi. About what I saw. Will you listen?"

The God of Springs stopped in front of a line of bushes, where the dirt path rose steeply off the ground into a throng of weeping willows looming out of the dark. Sakura waited, standing behind Him some steps away. She caught a glimpse of an unruly mop of midnight blue hair before He addressed her, the wolf mask seemingly staring at and past her at the same time.

"Yes," He said, coolly. "After all, you have every right to know."

Then they moved on.

Meanwhile, the Konoha reconnaissance squad rested. The night was deathly silent, absent of cool, sighing winds save the haunting chorus of passing owls.

Naruto Uzumaki leaned against an ancient redwood, scanning the unmoving surrounding with crystalline blues. Now and then he would look upon the camp, his fellow ninja in the throes of dreams and incoherent ramblings, before turning to resume his post. Sometimes his gaze would fall upon his pink-haired teammate, and he would think that she was lucky to not have been born in a prominent clan.

Why fight for revenge, for power, for a life without purpose, when there was a circle of friends who cared for his well-being? Why go through all the trouble to kill the remaining Uchiha, his elder brother, when there was another brother yearning to find and knock some sense into him so he could return home? These questions only served to plague him with painful memories both old and new, from the Valley of the End to the Heaven and Earth Bridge to the cliff side where Sakura had been feared lost and dead.

Naruto sighed. He was grateful for Sakura's safety, grateful for her astounding healing abilities and incredible power, but he was afraid. He could not imagine losing Sakura again; not after what Sasuke did to her. If he could stay a little bit closer to her, be a lot quicker on his feet until the mission was complete, then he could guarantee her survival to be his utmost priority.

Under a curtain of stars he vowed to protect Sakura with his very life. He swore to not let anyone, be they friend or foe, stand in his way from ensuring her welfare.

Not even Yamato-taichou.

Unbeknownst to him the ANBU Captain was awake, eyes cracked open to mere slits, feigning the tell-tale signs of sleep without rousing suspicion. The Jinchuuriki's back was turned to him, and as luck would have it he was positioned right across the makeshift camp fire on the other side of the circle—

Right across from Sakura Haruno.

Except it wasn't her; it was a Bunshin unlike any clone he had ever seen. It looked so much like the real person, so much like a Kage Bunshin. He had almost been fooled.

Almost.

There was just one minor detail Yamato couldn't ignore.

As he stared deep into the aura of the girl's chakra, a lone, stray thought sprang unbidden to his lips. "How familiar . . . ."

Sakura and Sparda soon arrived at a cliff face overlooking a land submersed in water meadows, a village empty and coated in moss. There were beds of pond water crowfoot and swamp buttercups nestled in the niches of stone houses and shocks of lesser spearwort crawling down the incline leading to the leveled ground. Above the town were massive rock steps poking here and there out from beneath the bedrock, suggesting there was once a series of waterfalls. Pine trees lorded the rough terrain, while the weeping willows encircled the floor, including the hill where the ninja and her guide were perched.

Sakura was crouched at the cliff's edge, appraising the area. It seemed to be a small place, a hamlet tucked away from the sights of ninja and civilian alike. There was a square patch of what appeared to be brick or cobblestone, and a church bell situated on a stone platform in the center of the patch. Around this were ruined buildings, possibly shops that had made up a crossroads market to buy and trade. The rest of the area was congested with overgrown vegetation.

"Where are we?" she asked, her voice matching the hushed quiet settled over the village.

"This is Rockfall . . . or what used to be," began Sparda. "What's below us is what's left of the town square. This was once a thriving village, a sort of hub for merchants and passers-by, dating back thousands of years before there was a Hidden Village. It was much bigger than this, and for a long time, too. But one day, a monsoon formed off the south coast and journeyed north into the country. Rockfall was severely ravaged by its storms; most, if not all, of the citizens did not survive. They exist as ghosts now, anchored to the village.

"However, there's a problem. Rockfall has been ransacked by bandits many times. The spirits have grown intolerant of their mortal counterparts, and want nothing more than to be left in peace."

"So what should I do, then?" the Leaf ninja questioned. "If I can't get past the villagers, then there's absolutely no way for me to get inside and find the Saint."

"There is only one way to go past this point."

"What is that?"

"You will have to ask them yourself." Sparda indicated to the town proper. "Go down to the plaza and push some chakra into the bell, for it no longer has the tools to be moved. This will call the ghosts out from hiding."

"And then what?"

"We negotiate." The man took a step forward, tiptoes hovering over the edge. "Come, Sakura. The ghosts only stay out until dawn. Let's not waste time."

They jumped down the rock shelves situated below them and crossed the flower-strewn hills into the square. It was much larger and, upon closer inspection, more weather-torn than it appeared to be: liana vines, tangled and knotted spilled from broken windows; large tree roots creeping through the cracks of foundations; water droplets on the tips of willow branches falling and disturbing the surface of mossy meadows. The cobblestones cracked and slid about beneath the pair's feet, a sound that echoed loudly in the dead of night.

Once there, Sakura approached the large bell. It was completely rusted, leaving little to no room to show its metal, which, from what she could glean, was silver.

She glanced at Sparda, who nodded approvingly. Turning back to the bell, Haruno set her hand upon the rough surface, applied chakra, and pressed against it.

The effect was immediate.

DING . . . .

DONG . . . .

DING . . . .

DONG . . . .

DING . . . .

DONG . . . .

It was almost deafening. Sparda seemed to appear unfazed; Sakura, however, mused it could have woken the whole of Fire Country. She had the powerful urge to stem the ringing in her ears.

"Who's there?!" a gruff, masculine voice yelled above the din. "Who dares trespass Mandalus's Den?!"

"Mandalus?" Sakura parroted.

"The Sixth Saint," Sparda answered. "She is Rockfall's guardian patron."

"I said, who goes there?!" the voice repeated. "Get off our land, human! We don't treat to your people!"

Sakura snorted. "How ironic."

"Come on out, Raso," the God of Springs called forth. " 'Tis but I, Sparda of the One and Many. I wish to spare a word with you about the Lady of the Scale."

For a moment, there was no answer.

Then, "The One and Many? What do You need? What's goin' on?" And then Sakura saw him, this Raso character, literally phase in to existence; a pale, glowing, middle-aged specter transparent to the solidity of nature and reality. His tattered tunic and cropped hair stirred on a soundless breeze as he flickered through the shrubbery, in and out of the walls of a dilapidated cottage, and toward the platform. "And what's she doin' here?" His narrow, hardened eyes did not leave Sakura even as he came to a stop. Sakura frowned, but wisely kept her own opinions on the man to herself. She needed to keep an open mind.

Sparda gestured to Haruno. "This girl happens to be the Haruno heiress and my charge, Sakura. She has come here to propose a favor."

Raso arched a brow, his expression tense. "A favor? For her? Don't tell me there's another blasted war going on."

"As a matter of fact, no, but there will be if we don't plan ahead. Our top priority is to gather the resting Saints and ally with the acting Masters as soon as Time allows us. I believe the Lady Mandalus still has the Relic, does she not?"

"I would like to think so. It's been so long since she was last awake."

"Then could you please take me to where Mandalus is?" Sakura asked, interceding into the conversation. At Raso's scrutinizing gaze, she added, "You don't have to trust or believe in me, if that's what you're thinking. All I have to do is make the pact with the Lady, and then I'll be on my way."

Raso's soul made a thoughtful noise. "Is that so? Then answer this one question: If you were Mandalus's Master, what would you have her do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, what would you tell her? What would be her first order? Each Saint has to have an affidavit they need to fulfill before moving on to their next objective, whether it's finding another Master or going back to sleep. It has to be in their absolutely best interest in order for the contract between mortal and entity can be established. Plus, you can't misuse their power beyond their code of conduct, which is to protect those who are weaker than them and fight for the good-hearted."

"I'm aware of that."

"So what is your answer, heiress?"

Sakura breathed deeply, allowing a moment's pause. Then, in a clear, concise tone of voice, she said, "I would call upon the Lady Mandalus to assist in the One and Many's Mission: to reveal the One Truth to the Elemental Nations of the East when the appointed hour is at hand. I would also speak with the Lady about training me in molding and manipulating white chakra, as well as how to incorporate her skills into any combat intensive situations, most concernedly my squad's active quest to find and bring back a missing ninja to the Hidden Leaf Village. Also, since Sparda is not always around, the Lady Mandalus can accede his role as my eyes and ears to observe and gather information beyond my location. That way when Sparda returns the Lady can use the time to rest until she is needed to relieve Him of His post. Overall, in the case she is unable to defend herself, I would perform at my utmost to ensure her safety. I promise you that much, Mister Raso."

"What do you think?" Sparda suggested to the ghost. "Does it not sit well with you?"

Raso of Rockfall folded his arms across his chest and appraised the Kunoichi from Konoha. "She certainly doesn't come off as a raider . . . or a liar. Furthermore, no one has ever so reasonably requested to seek the Lady Mandalus, lest he be plottin' to usurp her precious valuable, the Relic, without Lazarus's consent." He huffed strongly through his nostrils. "Methinks, Miss Haruno, I can take you to see the Lady."

"R-Really?" the Chuunin exclaimed, taken aback.

"Aye, but the Father Coriander (that be Lord Sparda to you, kid) has to stay here."

"What? Why?"

"A Saint cannot enter another's Den without permission," said Sparda to Sakura. "It would be wrong of me to violate such a law. But you needn't worry about me, Sakura. Whatever trials you may face, I am most positive you can surpass them."

Not far from their location, somewhere set deep in a body of rock, something stirred.

"Then that settles it," said Raso with finality. He clapped his hands and gestured to Sakura. "Come along, Miss Haruno. Time is of the essence. The folks here will show us the way, so don't fret about gettin' lost."

Sakura nodded, acquiesced. "Alright." With a backwards glance at Sparda, she turned and accompanied Raso through the plaza.

The ghosts of Rockfall were now present, when and how long was a question Haruno could guess to answer. Nevertheless the men and women and children directed them to the desired location, forming a transparent corridor round the bedrock and into the drooping willows.

And as the chakra signature drew near, she smiled.

The air pulsed, a pretentious heartbeat.

SHING!

Sakura back-flipped, barely avoiding the projectile. Upon rising, she noticed an L-shaped blade jutting from the soil.

"We've been expecting you, human," said a stolid, bass voice. Sakura followed the weapon's trajectory up to the cylindrical roof of the sandstone shrine, hazel eyes falling on a man clad in a robe of gold and black. The apparel clothed his gaunt frame, scrawny hands peeking from tattered sleeves, reaching for steel blades clipped to a couple leather belts secured crisscrossed on his hips. "The Lady of the Scale has heard many a word pass thy lips. She is most . . . intrigued."

"Who are you?" asked Sakura, her own hand straying toward the buried sword. "And how do you know Mandalus?"

"I am the Lady's Spriggan(1), her acting advisor and confidante. My name is Lazarus of the Steel Fang, and I have been relayed to assess your worth."

"My worth?" It hovered just above the sharp, pointed edge.

The man bobbed his chin. "Aye. If you are to command the Lady at your whim, you must best me in combat, be it by concession or defeat. It matters to me not, but to her it is tantamount. She wishes to be entertained. No; she wants to be impressed. Your performance hinges on her final decision." He rolled up his sleeves to reveal vambraces, and with gold chains attached to them he wrapped his blades around the sharp, pointed edges.

Lazarus gripped them. He leaped off the roof—

Sakura snatched the weapon—

"Prove to me thou art worthy of her power!" he roared.

The girl raced forward, determination stamped on her brow and Sparda's words repeating softly: 'Whatever trials you may face, I am most positive you can surpass them.'

"I WILL!"

They met with a resounding CLANG!

(1) The Celtic word for 'sprite'.