Hi! Tis me! Sorry I took so long to update! We get more into Ryu and his gang this chapter. Do you think I should do a couple of stories just with him and his previouse adventures? I dunno.

Thanx: Jay(yourmaster) and my beautiful reviewers!

Disclaimer: Standard...Yep.

Last time:

Sasuke turned, he was almost out of the side street when Ryu spoke again, stopping him in his tracks.

"Thank you."

He clenched his fists, smirking. "I'm not doing for you. I'm doing it for her."

Ryu smiled wistfully. "Yes. We all do things to keep Sakura's friendship, don't we?"

Sasuke glanced behind him, then turned, walking away.

"Is this wise?" Leban stepped from the shadows, where he had been standing. Unnoticed by all.

Cale looked at Ryu.

"I hope."

Ryu stared into the distance.

For her sake.

This time:

Chapter 10:­­­­­­ I Suggest You Run

Three silent figures stole down the street. The front one was tall, his strong silouet clad in navy blue. Behind him, a masked, silver-haired form shrouded in black followed. Next came a swaggering man, his hair and clothes standing in sharp contrast to the shadows enfolding his companions. With Sakura safely sleeping in the Uchiha mansion, Sasuke, Naruto, and Kakshi had set out to the determined meeting place.

Turning into the alley, the three were mildly surprised to see the door in the wall ajar, only darkness beyond. Sucking in a deep breath, Sasuke slipped inside, taking comfort in knowing Sakura had walkied this hall before him. Kakashi darted ahead of the silent boy. Moving swiftly down the narrow corridor of stone. Ahead, voices were murmering. A deep, lyrical voice was most prodominant. Not as much a sound as a vibration. A feminine voice followed. A sharp command was ushered, then...silence. Chills ran up Sasuke's spine. What the hell...

The three emerged in a large chamber, ocuppied by Ryu, the large blonde known to Sasuke as Cale, a large black man, a cloaked woman with red and gold hair, a tall willowy woman with bright green eyes, and a casket. Sitting against the casket was a young woman, her hair was tightly braided and her face was tearstained.

Ryu smiled slightly, stepping forward.

"Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke." He said, gesturing to each as he said their names.

"Allow me to introduce my companions. Cale, one of the last sons of the Norse tribe Talec. Skilled sword fighter and battle tactition."

Cale smiled, inclining his head to the newcomers.

"The Lady Rose. Wave senser and aura reader. Also a mind walker and seer."

The Lady turned galzed eyes to the three. Face unsmiling.

"Rishka and her husband Leban. Rishka is a master marksman, deadly with evry style of bow known to man."

The green eyed woman smiled at the group.

"Leban is a blacksmith, and very handy in a skirmish."

The massive black man nodded solemly.

Ryu leant in, glancing to the wouned girl and the buirial box behind her Ryu spoke quietly.

"And there sits the last of the Reniley bloodline. Xeni Reniley and her brother. Barlos were the ambushed on their way here."

Ryu's voice was strained, his eyes unbearably sad, unshed tears gleaming.

"Her brother was was the first to fall in this struggle."

The trio turned pitiying eyes to the girl. Sasuke knew the pain of losing family. But his brother wasn't dead, no matter how Sasuke wished he was. Xeni looked up at them, and, seeing the pity in their gazes, turned away angrily.

Kakashi cleared his throat.

"Now that we all know each other, may I ask what the hell is going on in our little village?"

Cale grinned, "A war."

Ryu turned a disapproving eye on the large man.

"Not yet."

Leban spoke, his voice rolling in deep waves. "But it will not be soon until it is. All one has to do is venture into the past to see that most of what Ryu is invoved in becomes a war."

The violet eyed man smiled ruefully. "Very true Leban. But it is not by choice."

"All I want to know is how Sakura is involved."

Sasuke's voice was low and soft, but dangerouse all the same. Cale's smile faultered, then faded completely. Lady Rose looked at the boy, a slight smile beggining to tug her lips.

Ryu sighed heavily.

"Sakura and I met a few years ago. I was in outnumbered in a spat and she gave me a hand. It was a surprise to me to find her here. She knew all about me. She pestered me to tell her what was going on, why was in Kohona."

Ryu smiled roughishly and Sasuke's blood boiled.

"There is little anyone can deny Sakura when she sets her mind to it. Once I told her that the forest surrounding Kohona was beggining to attract a bad kind of attention, she insisted on helping. I was walking into a trap, and I knew it. Whatever was in the forest wanted me in Kohona, I shouldn't have let her get involved. But I did. She had an idea."

Ryu heaved a sigh, then continued.

"She pointed out that someone was targeting me. She suggested that we see if it was out for revenge or death. If it wanted revenge, it would hurt me emotionaly. If it wanted death it wouldn't bother. Her idea: Make it think we were closer then friends, then see if she got picked off or not. I hate to say that I agreed, but it was a good idea. I thought she could protect herself."

"Still, I sent for old friends, preparing for a full front battle. Only Cale and Lady Rose had arrived when we were attacked. It was in this very room, Sakura got hurt giving me a hand. She had lost alot of blood during the continuing fight. She healed herself, but I didn't think she would still show up training before she was full restored. I was stupid and I apologize."

Naruto's fists were balled and Kaksahi's eye was staring cooly at the young man. Sasuke's bangs were hiding his eyes, his fingernails were digging into his palms as he fought the urge to hit Ryu again.

At least they aren't really together! His happy-go-licky other voice chipped in.

Shut Up!

Hmph.

Lady Rose's voice was unemotional, unsettelingly calm.

"Sasuke Uchiha. Where is the Uchiha estate?"

Sasuke looked up, surprised.

"A 15 minute walk from here." Something twisted inside him. Sakura was at the his families mansion.

Rose's eyes met his.

"I suggest you run, then."

Quick! Lassie! Sakura's in the mansion!

Ahem. Review!

Wolfy101