SKT: Sorry I haven;t updated in like forever,

Pein: But SKT is now a Junior so he;s very busy. It amazing he's able to update...

SKT: Hehe..

konan: SKT: Own only the shirt on his back...

Chapter 10: We're off!

By morning all of the teams were ready to head out, and were currently waiting atop off the Hokage's tower waiting for further instruction, and Jiraiya who was late for one reason or another.

"This is unbelievable!" exclaimed Kiba as he leaned lazily against Akamaru. "How can Jiraiya-sama be so damn late?!" He said more so to himself then anyone else.

"Yeah!" exclaimed Suigetsu, pumping a fist into the air. "We've been waiting for the past half hour!" He yelled before taking a swig of his canteen.

"Here they go again." Groaned Shikamaru as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Wishing he had a cigarette but was saving them for the trip. "Troublesome idiots…"

"Why is it Ero-sennin's got to act like Kakashi-sensei and be so damn late?!" Naruto put in, adding fuel to the ever growing fire. ""He's always so unreliable!"

Kai bent down a little so that his mouth was next to Hinata's ear. "Do they always act like this Hinata-chan?" Kai whispered to Hinata with a chuckle. Naruto truly was an interesting person to watch. In the short time that he got to know him, he learned that his dream was to be the Hokage, and that he always keeps is promise. Yet Despite it all he still had the feeling Naruto had some sort of resentment towards him especially when they were both around Hinata.

Hinata turned to him with a confused look. "What do you mean Kai-kun?" she asked furrowing her eyebrows.

"I mean do they always get this passionate, those three?"

"Oh, you should have seen them the time they got into Tsunade-sama's secret stash of rice sake. They were found dancing half dressed on the monument" she said gesturing to the stone faces behind them, her face glowing red at the memory of seeing Naruto in his boxers.

""Ah," He said as he processed this bit of information trying not to burst out in laughter. "I'll keep that in mind" Kai mused. "Kinda makes me wish I lived here."

"You know something else?" Naruto yelled out ignoring the groans and curses of his comrades who wanted him o just shut up. "This is just like the time he left me to pay for the Hotel bill after he left with those Hook-"

"NARUTO!" Two voices bellowed simultaneously. Everyone present looked in he direction of the voices to see an annoyed Tsunade and an enraged Jiraiya arrive on the scene.

"I swear," Jiraiya started through gritted teeth." If you say another word about what happened kid. I will tell the girls about your 'bath house adventures during the last trip we took" All the girls gave Naruto an amused or angry look while Hinata merely blushed.

Naruto immediately went pale and shut his mouth after mumbling a "Yes sir, sorry sir…" Suigetsu merely made a whipping sound with his mouth, while Kiba said something about being whipped like a dog. To say the lease Naruto threw the two of them hateful glares.

"Traitors…" He mumbled

"Now then," Tsunade broke in glaring at the other two misfits. "If your all done playing around it's time we got started." She said walking to the front next to Jiraiya. As I'm sure some of you are aware, we sent away two ANBU teams nearly a month ago." Tsuande paused for a moment and looked at the group in front of her. "Given the 'circumstances' they should have at least reported or returned by now. I don't need to tell you all how important it is for you to find the two teams and complete their mission. " An earlier team has been sent to help bring them back. If necessary Jiraiya may have some of you dispatched. "Am, I understood!?" she yelled so everyone could hear.

"YES HOKAGE-SAMA!" Everyone said in unison even Naruto.

"MOVE OUT!" Tsunade yelled waving her hand in a slicing pattern.

The group of Shinobi sped through the trees heading towards where the ANBU were last spotted.

"Yo Ero-sennin!" Naruto Called directly from behind said man. Jiraiya let out an annoyed groan.

"Kid Calls Tsunade 'Hokage-sama' but what do I get? Ero-sennin that's what! I train the brat too!" "What is it kid?" Jiraiya asked from over his shoulder.

"Where Exactly were Kakashi-sensei, Captain Yamato and the other ANBU sent?" Questioned Naruto as he jumped closer to his side. "And what exactly is the mission Baachan was talking about.

"They were heading somewhere towards the West last when Tsunade gave the order," Jiraiya said nonchalantly., "And as to where were going afterwards that's a surprise Kid." He finished speeding up to put a bit of distance between himself and Naruto. "Not yet," The toad sage told himself. "He can't find out the truth until we find her."

"Surprise my ass..." hissed Naruto. As he slowed down so he was near the rest ofteam seven plus one "That damn Ero-sennin is hiding something!"

"Why make such a deal out of it Naruto?" Asked Sakura as she gave him a look before swinging of a branch and jumping to the next one. It's not like he's leading us to danger. She reasoned thoughtfully "Is he?" she mentally asked herself. "The old shit better not! Screamed inner Sakura.

"Yeah well that may be the case but I still don't like it!" Exclaimed Naruto.

"Don't you usually get a briefing before the mission?" Kai called from behind. "Back home my Bro has our shinobi informed of what to expect." He said referring to the Raikage.

"You have a point Sparky" commented Suigetsu. "This whole things a bit fish-"

"Can it." Said Sasuke suddenly. "I don't want to hear another fish or water joke from you this entire trip." He growled.

"yes your Highness…"

"Tsuande-hime."

Tsunade looked up from her work, unhappy to find Danzou standing at her office door way. What is it. Danzou? She asked keeping her wits about her. "As you can see I'm quite busy. Being Hokage and all But you wouldn't know would you?" she asked folding her arms and leaning back in her chair.

"No I suppose not." Danzou mused ignoring the snide remark that was thrown his way. "I came her to discuss with you your choice of shinobi for this mission."

Tsunade swiftly came from across her desk so that she was in front of it. "what the hell do you want? Sai is already apart of their group. He's been apart of team 7 as a fifth member for several years since-"

"Since Uchiha Sasuke came back to the village. Yet we, or rather you allow the traitor to still go on missions after nearly a year!" Dazou exclaimed hitting his cane against the floor for emphasis. Not to mention the Kuu-

"His-name-is Naruto." Tsunade snarled clenching her fist. If she struck the old bastard she was sure to be in trouble with the council. "what about him."

"Not only have you allowed him on a long term mission but with people who don't know what he is. "

"The only ones who don't know he's a Jinchuriki are the ones not from Konoha excluding Temari. If they find out Jiraiya will deal with it."

"And Hyuuga heiress Hinata-sama." Danzou said as a matter of fact as he turned to leave. "I must say I'm surprised she's the only one in his group of comrades who doesn't know."

Tsunade went back to her desk opening a drawer. "She's a special girl who has always looked up to him. If she finds out I know nothing will change about how she feels."

"Your sensei should have let me take him under ROOT when he was young…" Danzou whispered as he left the room.

"Why, so you could use him against the village?" She thought bitterly as she pulled out a container of Sake.

As the group made their way they failed to notice the two shapes that were watching them.

"They seem to be quite a cheerful bunch don't you think Zetsu-san?! Tobi asked gleefully.

"Yeah," The black half said. "Just like you and Deidara used to… opps" Zetsu turned to see Tobi start to sniffle and shake.

"Nice one moron make the kid cry.." The White half said slaping a heand to his head in frustration.

"S-S-S-SEMPAI!!" Tobi wailed as he put his hand on the tree trunk for support while his knees came crashing down to the branch. "Y-you were the best Sempai in the whole world, and then you just had to leave me Sempai why!!" He moaned! " I should have respected you more! I shouldn't have talked back but I did and now your gone!"

"Let's get out of here and finish our job you fool!" The black portion of Zetsu hissed as he sunk into the tree, while Tobi disappeared but not before one final sob and blaming him self for what happened to the bomber nin.

"Did you hear that?" Lee asked as he looked around puzzled. "I could have sworn I head the un-youthful moans of a person mourning his lost."

"It was probably just some unfortunate traveler that was robbed." Inquired Chouji.

"Or," started Shikamaru, "It's probably Akatsuki."

"What makes you think that?" asked Temari.

Shikamaru turned to face the older woman. "Think about it Temari. As troublesome as it seems they've been to quite the past few years. They haven't been this inactive since Naruto went on his trip with Jiraiya-Sama." Everyone mused over Shikamaru's words none wanting to admit he was right.

"Exactly what does Akatsuki haveto do with Naruto-kun?" Takami asked innocently turning to face Lee.

Lee and the other immediately paled, Shikamaru was cursing his big mouth. "Umm you see…" For once Lee had nothing to say. "Naruto-kun has-"

"Oi look alive kiddies!" Jiraiya called all the way from the front as the group made their way to the Forest clearing thankful for the distraction.

The group stopped at the edge of the forest coming face to face with ruin.

"The hell happened here?" Naruto questioned. "I thought this was the village before the temple. Where is everyone Ero-sennin?"

"It seems as if every things been destroyed days ago but it's still burning." Sai said thoughtfully noticing the smoke.

"We can see that moron," Naruto snapped "but what the hell could still be burning?!" He demanded waving a finger at the damage

Jiraiya ignored the question and walked towards one of the burned down store. Bending down he let out a low hiss. This building like all the rest was burning black flames. "Ameratsu." He said loud enough for everyone to hear him. "Sasuke just how long do you suppose the flames of Ameratsu lasts?" The sannin asked standing up and taking out a scroll to seal the fire.

"I'd say it's been about eight or nine days. Itachi must be far gone by now."

Jiraiya nodded and turned to Naruto and Sasuke. "You two stay here. The rest of you scout the village for survivors. Everyone get together with your teams and search for survivors. Meet at that tower in an hour." Jiraiya said pointing to the large watch tower which seemed to be coming from the other side of the village. As Everyone left, Jiraiya turned back to Naruto and Sasuke.

"Yo Ero-sennin what is this all about?" Naruto demanded. "First you tell us that Kakashi-Sensei, Captain Yamato and the others needed our help. Now Akatsuki attacks. What the hell aren't you telling us?" Both Naruto and Sasuuke eyed the older man carefully.

Taking a deep breath Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck as he looked the two in the eyes. Naruto first then Sasuke. "We got a report a couple of weeks before the exchange that Itachi and Kisame were heading this way."

"DON'T YOU THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!" Nauto yelled furiously wide eyed.

"Keep it down!" Jiraiya hissed putting a finger to his mouth for emphasis. "I'm not supposed to tell you and the other's until after we've found the missing ANBU."

"Then why tell us." Sasuke asked annoyance apparent on his face. "Why go through the trouble of not informing the rest of the group?"

"Because," Jiraiya said. " remember the Akatsuki is after Kyuubi and your brother is after your eyes..."

"Why do you think Jiraiya-sama wanted to talk to those two alone?" Sakura wondered out loud as she lifted a boulder over her head, but finding nothing. She and Sai had decided to join team eight in their search for survivors. "I mean what does he have to say that we don't need to know?"

"Maybe he has a secret task for them?" Suggested Sai as he and Shino lifted a pillar.

Kiba turned to face the other's an idea at hand "Or maybe it has to deal the Sharingan and Ky-" Kiba never got the chance to finish his sentence as Akamaru bit his hand and Sakura mashed her foot into his. "Sonofamotherfucking…"

"Kiba," Sakura said all too sweetly. "You know Naruto hates us talking about that behind his back." She said grinding her foot harder to make a point.

"S-sorry!" whimpered Kiba as he sat to nurse his wounded hand and battered foot.

Kai, Hinata, Keiko, Kisha, and Maiko all turned to face Sakura. "What do you mean by that? Sakura- san?" Hinata asked timidly. "Naruto-kun is usually so healthy."

"Shit…" Was what Sakura was thinking. "Naruto will be pissed with me if I tell her and then I'll never be able to get those two together!" Sakura was quickly thinking of what to say when inner Sakura came to the rescue. "Lie! One white lie won't hurt. It'll bring them together!" "Umm you see Hinata-chan the thing is Naruto has a health condition and it usually wears him out if he over exerts himself so please guys promise you won't tell him I told you because he'll be really pissed!!" She practically screamed breathless.

"But what did Kiba-kun mean by Ky-"

"Umm he meabtto say Kioryosis." Sakura lied.

"That would make sense. Keiko said as Kisha mewed in agreement.

"We better head for the tower." Shino said as everyone followed behind. Sighing in relief that her lie actually worked Sakura started to walk until a hand grabbed her shoulder from behind.

"Sakura-san" Turning Sakura looked to see it was Kai who had grabbed her. She turned to fully face him.

"Yes kai-kun?" Sakura asked smiling.

"It's no good to lie." He said walking past her. "Even heard of Karma??"

"What do you mean by that!?" She demanded insulted a being called a liar. Personally she felt it was one of her best lies.

"How can someone special like him have a health condition? People like Naruto-san aren't normal Sakura-san." He said in a deathly serious voice that dared him to challenge him.

"He just does o.k." Sakura said defensively. "You forget Kai-kun I'm a medic-nin. I make it my job to know these things." She finished before walking away.

"Cute…"

An hour latter everyone met under the tower ready to discuss what they had discovered and what to do next in terms of the mission.

"Well," Jiraiya started. "I think it's safe to say that Akatsuki is long gone by now. This is both good and bad…"

Everyone looked at Jiraiya with confusion as to what he meant by the bad of their current situation. After a moment or two of silence. It was Naruto who decided to voice is concerns, or rather shout them out. "Eh, Ero-sennin what exactly do you mean by bad?"

Sighing Jiraiya rubbed his temples wit his left hand before continuing. "I mean," He said pausing so as to get everyone's attention, while at the same time regretting what he was about to say. "There is the high possibility that the others may be dead." Everyone was silent especially Team Seven.

"I wouldn't say so." A voice called startling everyone. Pulling out their weapons and getting into defensive positions, they looked for the voice. ""Oh, Believe me," the voice said again. "Your precious ANBU are alive and well. Though I can't say the same for you!" it mocked crackling in delight.

"Who's there?!" Demanded Naruto as he applied wind to his Kunai.

"Ah Uzumaki it's been a while. How's the old fox?"

Everyone looked to Naruto who wore a hard look despite the chill in his gut.

"Wait I know that voice…" Kyuubi murmured from Naruto's mind.

"We won't ask again!" Sasuke yelled his Katana at hand charged with chidori. "who are you!?" As if at his words a figure of Sand seemed to materialize before them. A man with a staff and the gown of a monk wearing a straw traveling hat appeared less than 100 feet in front of them.

The man lifted his had to show yellow eyes, Sasuke, Naruto, Sasuke, and Temari knew all to well. "A Nightmare comeback" He said throwing his hat aside and swinging his staff releasing from it a gust of wind blades.

SKT: If you know who the mystery man is please don;t say anything. Just e-mail me and I'll tell you if your right.

Suigetsu: I KNOW IT'S-!

SKT: NOOO! Bashes in Suigetsu's head BAD KAPPA!

Juugo: Read and Review...