Shattered Dreams and Landscapes

by NarutoHokage324

It's been four years after the ending of "What Dreams May Come." Sasuke Uchiha & Naruto Uzumaki have been through a lot. No longer together but still seeking each other. Will love overcome all? Or will their dream remain shattered? Rated M for multiple reasons. Boy/Boy action from time to time, language, violence, etcetera. So if you're not into this, don't read and flame please

10. Struggles

Chapter Rating: M for language, violence, self pleasure & overall drama

Chapter Summary: Tsunade struggles while Shikamaru and his group try to close in the gap. Sasuke and Naruto's group run into yet another bump on the road to Gaara. Temari discovers her brother's hidden desires and a daughter struggles between duty and friendship

Author's Note: Well, here we are at chapter 10. I didn't even think that the story would even get this far, actually; especially seeing as how the prequel to this particular story was only 4 chapters long. Well, I think that I should take a moment to send out a 'thank you' or three:

Jinto22: I appreciate your input, and I promise I will try to not let drama get in the way and update more regularly.

Lover: Thank you for your kind words and compliments. Your support of me and this particular work is greatly appreciated.

Kzdatgurl: Last, but definitely not least. My BIGGEST fan and supporter (Just like I am for you)! We bounce ideas off of each other, support each other, beta each other… honestly, I really doubt that this story would've even progressed this far if it wasn't for your texts, phone calls and FB messages! LOL! You are definitely the best of the best of the best and I know that my life as a fanfiction writer wouldn't exist without you! I love you to pieces!

Now, I don't know really, but I think that things are going to come to an end soon. I just have to let this flow out of me and see where it goes. It does seem like it's moving towards that end though. So, I hope you guys are enjoying the ride as much as I am enjoying conducting it. Like I say with every chapter; whether it is negative or positive, please R&R. If you have any ideas for me to throw into this story, it would be greatly appreciated. I love input of all kinds. Again, please leave reviews. They are my #1 motivation to update and put my time into these.

Also, I'd like to take a moment to discuss spoilers, manga references, etc. Giving the fact that this story was started before the fourth shinobi world war arc in Naruto wasn't anywhere near finished, there will be some characters that are alive in my story that shouldn't be. I apologize for not keeping things as canon as possible, but that's what happens when you write fanfiction on an ongoing story.

Since it is Chapter 10, I figured I should repost this:

Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto series or their characters in any way, shape, form or fashion. That privilege goes to the honorable Masashi Kishimoto sensei

Now, without further ado, I present to you chapter 10 of Shattered Dreams and Landscapes

Tsunade glared at Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. While they did say that they were going to put more trust in her decisions as Hokage, it seemed as though they were going to stay around her office to see the fruits of her labor first hand.

Tsunade cleared her throat and casually picked up a scroll and unrolled it.

"Is there any reason in particular as to why you two geezers are still in my office? I find your presence here to be very distracting."

Koharu glared at Tsunade, "We're here to make sure that putting our trust in you completely won't come back to make us regret it."

Tsunade rolled her eyes, "I am just so grateful for your unbiased support of me."

Koharu opened her mouth to retort, but there came an urgent knock on the door and Shizune came inside.

"Hokage-sama, a messenger hawk came!"

Tsunade resisted the urge to put her palm over her face.

"That's what they do, Shizune. They bring messages. What's so important about this one?"

"It's from Neji-kun."

******SasuxNaru******

The sun climbed high into the sky as the four shinobi made their way to Sunagakure. Naruto babbled on happily while Sasuke merely listened and made sounds of interest at the right intervals.

"Teme, you're not even listening to me."

"Hn..."

"See? I knew it! You're ignoring me!"

"I'm not, dobe. I'm paying attention to both you as well as my surroundings."

"Then what was it I said then?"

"You said that you were going to shove sand down Gaara's throat for being so stupid."

"... I hate you."

"You only hate me when I'm right."

"You're always trying to make me look bad!"

"Naruto, that's not true."

"Yes it is. Your precious 'Uchiha Pride' won't let anyone ever be right!"

"You're making this bigger than what it really is."

"No, I'm not. It's all relative. Don't think that I've gotten things misconstrued."

"... hm…"

"What is it, Sasuke? You have nothing to say now?"

"... Since when did you knew words like 'misconstrued,' Naruto?"

Naruto stared at his lover in shocked silence; his cerulean eyes wide with shock, "You bastard!"

Sakura smiled as the two young men bickered. They're constant back and forth reminded her of when they were Team 7 and competed with each other constantly. She chuckled lightly as she realized that their rivalry didn't decrease when they became involved. He glance shifted from the two lovers to Neji, who clearly did not seem happy at all.

Neji was using his byakugan, so he could clearly see the three people flanking him. He noticed that Naruto and Sasuke were very in tune with each other. With every movement, it was as though the two shared a single mind. It might have just been from all their training together, but at the same time, it felt as though it involved more than that. Why couldn't Naruto have such a rapport with him? Neji rolled his eyes at the two and ground his teeth. It was an ordeal not to let his personal feelings flow into the message he quickly sent to Tsunade about the current change of events. As he heard Naruto curse his lover again, he let out a soft sigh of frustration.

Why does that treacherous Uchiha scum get everything that he wants? He never received any type of punishment for his selfish actions. On top of it, Naruto is his willingly. He just couldn't understand it at all. What was it about that guy?

Why did Naruto choose Sasuke and not him? He's not even all that attractive when you get right down to it. Nor was he that nice of a person. His morals were questionable as well. After all, didn't he play a very large part in the 4th Shinobi World War? What was it? Neji fumed as his raging thoughts tossed and thrust about like a toy boat on a stormy ocean. He narrowed his eyes and tried to block out the couple's squabble.

"Naru-chan, don't get bent out of shape, it was a just an observation," Sasuke said to calm down the riled Fox. "I'm actually happy that you're vocabulary has grown."

"Yeah, it's whatever, Sasuke. You take every chance to put me down. If I didn't love you, I would beat you into submission."

"Hn. Now you sound like Kiba."

"Well, he is one of my closest friends. I was bound to pick up one or two of his colloquialisms."

"Wow, that's two, Naru-chan. I'm proud of you."

Naruto glared at Sasuke as they jumped down from the trees. They were reaching Sunagakure soon, and the terrain was starting to show it. The trees were becoming sparse and the air drier.

"You can be a real ass sometimes, Sasuke. You can make it up to my hurt feelings by buying me some lunch when we reach Suna. It's about that time and my stomach is screaming at me."

Sasuke looked over at Naruto, ready to apologize. He saw something glint in the light of the sun and his eyes opened wide, "NARUTO, LOOK OUT," Sasuke yelled as he launched himself towards his lover and pushed him out the way. A naginata (A/N: a samurai weapon consisting of a wooden shaft with a curved blade on the end.) suddenly occupied the spot that Naruto had just been in.

Sasuke turned in the direction that the projectile came from, his sharingan blazing in his anger as Neji & Sakura took formation around the two, "Make your presence known, now!" He demanded.

A tall man came forward from his concealment. He wore the armor of the samurai. He had an emerald green dragon emblazoned on his dou (A/N: dou is chest armor made up of iron and/or leather plates). His sode were wrought to symbolize the wings of a dragon (A/N: Sode are large rectangular shoulder protection made from iron and/or leather plates). His kote ended in sharp points, not only making his strikes more deadly, but resembled a dragon's talons. (A/N: Kote are armored glove-like sleeves which extended to the shoulder). The kabuto was an elaborate affair. Each metal plate was shaped like a scale and gilded horns extended from it menacingly. (A/N: Kabuto is a helmet made from iron or leather plates riveted together).

Takahashi Ryuu grinned at his prey evilly as he casually picked up the naginata. He adjusted the position of his katana and wakizashi with his free hand. In a cold and calm voice, he spoke to them.

"I am the Samurai Takahashi, and I am your end."

******SasuxNaru******

Kiba skidded to a sudden stop. Shikamaru, while avoiding the collision with his friends back; called a order to the rest of the team to stop while Kiba & Akamaru sniffed around. Kiba got down on all fours with Akamaru and studied the different scents intently.

"What did your nose pick up, Kiba?" Shikamaru asked while trying not to look into Kiba's behind. There are just some things that he doesn't really care to see.

"I caught Naruto's scent. He eats so much ramen, I swear he sweats miso. I'm also picking up Neji's and Sakura's. They went southwest."

Shikamaru covered his face with his hand, "Maybe because of the fact that Sunagakure is Southwest of Konoha."

"Oh, yeah. You're right. Sorry about that, bro."

"Think you can give us something that we could actually use?" Sai asked sarcastically as he sauntered up behind the two.

Kiba growled at the pale artist

"Leave me alone, Butt Pirate. I'm trying to concentrate."

"Haha! 'Butt Pirate?' You use really colorful phrases. If I didn't know any better, I would think that you were flirting with me."

"Yeah, and then you woke up. I am 100% not into dudes. Even if I were, it wouldn't be you, Poop Chute Chaser. Now back up, before I beat you into submission."

"That actually sounds like something I'd enjoy. Why don't we-"

"I have an idea; how about you stop antagonizing Kiba, please." Shikamaru interrupted the two, "He's not interested, nor am I. This is troublesome as it is without you adding your particular brand of anarchy."

"Yes, Captain," Sai replied with a smirk. He walked over to speak with Hinata, leaving Kiba and Shikamaru to talk.

"Kiba, what else is your nose picking up?"

"Only thing I'm getting is just their scent heading in the direction of Suna. I think they're about half a day ahead of us. If we pick up the speed, we should catch up."

"Alright, fine. Mendokusai," Shikamaru said with a sigh. He turned to the group and signaled for them to continue on, "Alright, people, break time is over. We're moving out double ti-."

In the distance to the Southwest, a large plume of fire rose high into the sky and trees fell. The group looked at each other & then to Shikamaru.

"Forget that, we're moving triple time. GO!"

******SasuxNaru******

Tsunade opened the scroll as the elders watched intently. Her eyes looked quickly over the well-written note and after a few moments, she closed the scroll and looked over at the elders.

"It seems that I was right & Sasuke sought out Naruto to make amends before he conceded to his sentencing. Neji found it wise to keep Sasuke with Naruto whilst they completed their mission."

Koharu breathed in air through her teeth. Clearly this "trust in Tsunade" issue was going to end fairly quickly. Tsunade squared her shoulders and looked over at her; preparing herself for the verbal attack at her leadership capabilities. "Is there something on your mind, Koharu?" She asked with faux sweetness, purposely dropping the honorific.

"This tactic is-" Koharo was halted mid-sentence by Homura who gave her another of his withering looks. Koharu took a breath and then started again, "I'm not questioning your judgment, but why do you feel that Neji's choice to allow Sasuke to accompany the cell on their mission was sound? It seems more like a hinderance."

Tsunade held back a groan of frustration as she gathered her thoughts. In even, measured tones to keep her slowly rising anger in check, she spoke to the konoha elder.

"Well, I already told you I had arranged for a team of shinobi to track and assist Neji in case it is needed. Also, second to Shikamaru; Neji is exceptionally intelligent, and I'm more than sure he thought out everything and has a plan in case things go awry – which I seriously doubt, by the way. Sasuke is in love with Naruto and he feels the same way. Sasuke is not going to do anything to jeopardize the love that he stove to rekindle. Naruto is willing to lay his own life aside for his village, and despite his love for Sasuke, he will not hesitate to kill him if he betrays the village again. So in short, everything is covered. Now, do me a favor and go do old people things while I work. Play Mahjong, drink tea, go pick moyashi (A/N: Bean sprouts grown from Mung beans) or something!"

The elders begrudgingly got up from their seats and left the Hokage's office. As soon as the door closed, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, letting out a loud sigh.

"Naruto, you better come home safe and sound and with that Uchiha boy, baka!"

******SasuxNaru******

Atsuko looked on from her perch hidden in the trees as her father revealed himself to the group of ninja and the battle ensued. Her eyes widened as she recognized the group and she tied on her menpo mengu (A/N: Samurai facial armor which covers the face from the nose down to the chin) tighter, hoping that when she finally joined in the battle, she wouldn't be revealed her to her saviors. Slightly behind her to her right, she heard a subordinate chuckle under his somen mengu (A/N: Samurai facial armor which covers the entire face.)

"Looks like Oyabun (A/N: Boss) won't be needing us now, will he? That manuke (A/N: Loser) Goza hired us to take out a bunch of kids," he lifted up his somen mengu to casually spit. "It seems like ol Hachirou won't get to have any fun now. That pink haired one seems like she would be a great playmate, ne?" Atskuo held back a shudder of revulsion. She couldn't stand this disgusting man, and the fact that he was oogling that young lady as if she were a bento turned her stomach. She retained her focus on her father and her new friends as the battle escalated and the tree fell from the force of Sakura's punch that Ryuu barely dodged.

"We'll see," Atsuko said absently, "We'll see."

******SasuxNaru******

The only thing Shikamaru liked about this particular tense situation was that fact that Kiba and Sai stopped their bickering. Honestly, the way Kiba kept feeding into Sai's taunts made Shikamaru think that maybe Kiba was trying to hide something. However, this wasn't his problem and he wasn't going to dwell on it. He had way bigger things to ponder on at the moment. Like how to reach Naruto, Neji and everybody and not have to carry back any bodies back to Konoha. He didn't really know if that tree fell because of Naruto's group, but the coincidence was way too close for his comfort; especially knowing of Naruto's uncanny ability to find trouble in the most mundane of situations. Shikamaru armed some sweat from his brow and pushed off the tree limb to the next one. He had a mission to fulfill and he will do so. Asuma sensei didn't die for him to be a failure.

"We're coming, Naruto." Shikamaru muttered under his breath.

******SasuxNaru******

Gaara fidgeted at his desk. For once, he didn't have much to do for the day. Goza had made sure that the Kazekage wouldn't be disturbed since he had to "prepare." So now, Gaara just sat as his desk. Alone. He wasn't used to this type of activity, or lack thereof. He was always doing something. When one doesn't sleep, one learns of ways to cope. Besides, not being used to just sitting still, there were quite a few things that he wasn't quite used to actually. Sleep was one of those things as well. Since having the One Tail extracted, he was able to sleep. He found that sleep was something that he would miss once he reclaimed his Jinchuriki status. Hopefully, if he was to be with Naruto, things would balance out. He settled into his chair and watched the sun slowly move towards the west.

The small kazekage turned as he heard his door open and close softly. The day had been rather a long and tiring one; it seemed as though when a person doesn't do anything, they're more tired than a person who had a full day. The teen just wanted to get some rest. He turned in his chair and fixed his face to give the 'why are you here?' expression, but it turned from that to one of utter shock.

"Oi, Gaara, have you lost your flippin mind-attebayo!?" The Leaf shinobi looked at the Kazekage in anger. Naruto took a deep breath to straighten himself out. "I've been sent here from Konoha to deliver some important information."

Gaara, still trying to recover from the shock, looked at the leaf shinobi for a moment; giving a perfect, uncharacteristic impersonation of a fish that's been pulled out the water. Gaara regained his composure and looked at the blonde. Making sure to look him in the eyes and not at the muscles lying underneath the form-fitting black shirt and ignore the light sheen of perspiration across his forehead.

"Well, what is it?" Gaara replied as he stood up from behind his desk.

It took Naruto a moment to realize he was talking about the information. "O-oh, right! Those! I… I kind of forgot." He said as a slight blush came across his face

Gaara found this slightly amusing. "Well, if you've forgotten the information, why did you come and look for me?" He leaned on the corner of his desk with his arms crossed over his chest.

They both stared at each other in silence for a minute, maybe two. Naruto's fists were squeezed shut and his eyes seemed to be a bit glossy.

"Well, I was-" he took another deep breath; he realized he had been holding it in tightly. "Frankly I was, worried about you." At this statement the young teen was a little surprised. This boy from another village that he had known for years but never really got friendly with (in fact he had once almost killed) was now saying that he was worrying about him? Gaara cocked his head to one side as to question the Fox's words.

Naruto started up again rather nervously, "Whenever I come across you, you always seem so unhappy, or, discontented maybe, and I was… well, worried. I don't really know how to put it… I mean, I've never seen you with a, like, girlfriend of anything, and I wanted to make sure you were, well, alright. With this jinchuriki situation starting up again, I wanted to make sure you were good."

Gaara took a step or two forward so he was about three yards away from Hero of Konoha, and looked deeply into his deep blue eyes, searching for the reason he could possibly worry about someone as distant as he was. "Well…I …" This was weird, did he really want to talk to Naruto about this? "I never really…wanted a girlfriend."

Naruto was drawn aback. "You mean, you've never been, in love, you've never even felt lust for someone?"

The conversation was turning slightly uncomfortable for the two. Once again though, Gaara cocked his head to one side and said, "What if I said that I never wanted a girlfriend because all I wanted was you?"

The Leaf's Hero was stunned as Gaara closed in the remaining space and pulled Naruto into his arms. Gaara wasn't normally so bold a person, but the opportunity had presented itself and he was going to go with it, "Well, what would you say?" Gaara repeated the question.

Naruto's breath hitched as he responded, "I'd say… let me show you… what you've been missing." He leaned forward, breath already starting to become unsteady, as he moved towards the Kage's face. With a heavy lust in his heart, Naruto curved his soft lips around the moist warm mouth of the Kazekage, holding him tightly, embracing him in their kiss. Gaara felt almost as if his heart were to burst, what was this strange feeling? Everything was going so fast…

Gaara moaned lightly in his sleep as his hand subconsciously moved down to the tightening crotch area in his trousers. In his half-sleep state, he didn't want to lose this dream; but he was so filled with need, that he had to do something about it. He removed the engorged member from his trousers and began to stroke himself slowly. As his length began to stiffen further due to his ministrations; a small whimper of pleasure escaped his lips as his mind continued to play the scenario:

Naruto, I don't know what love is. I didn't think I'd ever know, but maybe… you can show me."

Driven by his own lust and the need in Gaara's words, he brought his hands down to the kazekage's hips, slowly releasing his member from his trouser and caressing his pale flesh with his thumbs. Gaara let out a muffled whimper as Naruto slowly moved his face down to the kazekage's pulsing and anticipatory member, and rubbed his soft cheek gently against the warm shaft. Breathing lightly onto it, and letting it tickle the sensitive skin, Naruto shifted his head up slightly, and kissed the tip.

"Gaah!" Gaara gasped out suddenly. He could feel an intensely warm pressure build up in his stomach. This felt… so good.

He bucked his hips up impulsively wanting to fully imbed himself in the warm cavern, but Naruto's hand pushed them back down, and continued to only suckle the tip.

"Naruto, please. Aaah…" Naruto didn't want to finish him off so quickly though. He stuck out his tongue to caress the slit, and then trickle a wet trail down his shaft and back up again. Gaara was flushed and gasping for air.

He was also gasping for air in his chair. He writhed against the material of the chair and arched his back slightly as he continued to fondle his hardened member; the head of it slick and shiny with his precum. Gaara licked his lips and gave a husky, throaty moan as the fire in his core began to grow and spread. He tilted his head back in his chair and his mouth opened in an 'O' of pleasure as his mind went on to continue his fantasy.

"AAHHH!" He cried out suddenly as Naruto fully sheathed Gaara's entire member into his mouth, making a slight gagging noise. He began to bob his head slowly up and down, extracting exited groans and mewls from the aroused teen's lips. He began to taste some salty pre-cum, and gently pulled his head back, trails of sticky saliva still hanging from his lips. Gaara's whimpers of protest followed. "Naruto, no…"

"Gaara, I want to give all of myself to you."Naruto cooed after licking his lips seductively. Gaara was quite sure he knew he wanted all of Naruto too.

"Naruto, I want to make you feel good too."

Naruto was now very aware of his throbbing member aching to breathe, in need of release. "You will soon." Naruto began to pull his pants down, along with his boxers, revealing a fully aroused length.

Gaara's eyes widened with shock as well as curiosity. "Naruto, you're, so big! No, wait… I don't know, if I can…"

Gaara continued to stroke himself, his pace increasing. By this time, he had shrugged off his dark trousers to pool around his ankles on the floor and his long sleeved crimson coat was now open, showing his lithe, lean and toned form, the muscles tense and bulging from his frame as he arched his back seductively, his need bringing a dark tint of red to his features.

He closed his eyes tightly as he moaned, "Mmmm… Naruto!" Gaara gasped and panted as his pleasure and his daydream continued.

"Come now, Gaara. I need to make you feel good. I need you to make me feel good, also." Naruto said to him huskily, the lust practically dripping from his words. Gaara, still shaking from his earlier encounter, looked at the Fox's now bare figure with conflicted with fear and desire, his heart pounding heavily. What should he do?

"O-okay…" Gaara was beginning to feel anxious. He wanted Naruto in his entirety, wanting to feel him, to touch him, to love him. He also felt his pulsing manhood and yearned for release. Naruto began to kiss Gaara with passionate force. Their tongues interlocking once again, Naruto began to grind his hips in to the Kazekage, rubbing their members together, drawing shakes and quivers out of the Kage. Naruto's soft, yet calloused hand began to stroke the creamy thighs and the other began to grope at the sand ninjas firm ass. "AHH! Naruto… wait… so good… no, not yet. KAMI!"

Gaara's eyes opened wide as he gasped forcefully and his pelvis bucked slightly, the pleasurable sensation catching him off guard as he achieved orgasm. The force of it hit him like a wall, his seed spilling over his hand and onto his thighs. He continued to thrust, milking out all of his seed into his hand. He exhaled loudly as he reached with his other hand to get some tissues from his desk drawer to clean up.

Outside the Kazekage's office door, Temari stood speechless. She was going to make an attempt to appeal to him one more time before the evening's events took place, when she heard his voice in the office. She merely thought that he was speaking with another person, but then realized that the sounds issuing from the other side of the door were of a more… personal nature. She blushed deeply when she realized that her baby brother was in the middle of a whack off session. She turned around to walk away and leave him in peace until she heard him say the name Naruto fairly loudly. She gasped as she put two and two together.

"So it's Naruto that Gaara is going to go through all this for. I should've known as soon as he mentioned about being equal to the person that he admires and cares about most." She thought to herself as Gaara's noises of pleasure escalated. For a person who rarely spoke, he sure could be loud. Silently, she walked away from the office door, letting Gaara have his moment. She needed to think about a situation concerning a certain blonde and see if she could kill two birds with one stone.

******SasuxNaru******

Sasuke narrowly dodged the samurai's attack. They had only been fighting for a manner of minutes, but it felt more like hours. These samurai were not like their usual foes. If the circumstances were different, Sasuke would probably respect and maybe even admire them. However, with Naruto lying unconscious on the floor a few meters away from him, the only thing he was thinking of was revenge.

Ryuu grunted in exertion as well as frustration as his hit missed Sasuke by mere centimeters and hit the tree he was just standing in front of; the force of the hit taking a large chunk of the tree's trunk off and causing it to fall. The boy was quick and skilled. Ryuu hated to admit it. He took out the blonde boy quite easily, which worked out to his favor. It seems that he had a tendency to charge in without thinking. Like a true tank. Ryuu knew from Goza's intelligence, that he was one threat that needed to be neutralized quickly. As Naruto rushed him, he narrowly dodged and placed a well-aimed blow to his solar plexus, knocking Naruto out completely. Sasuke went to retrieve Naruto and was quickly repelled by the Samurai.

Neji cursed under his breath and gave Sakura a silent command. He rushed towards Ryuu and began to engage him in combat. His assault came hard and heavy. Neji's attacks were fast and fluid, striking in rapid succession to leave very little time for his opponent to find an opening to counter. As Neji distracted the Samurai, Sakura swooped in, grabbed Naruto and took him away from the scene. Placing his still unconscious body against a tree trunk; she wiped a smudge of dirt from his cheek and returned to the battle.

Sasuke noticed Sakura's action in his peripheral and joined the attack in earnest, deploying a large column of fire, sending Ryuu further off balance as Neji rained punches upon Ryuu. Sakura punched into the ground, releasing her chakra at the precise moment that her fist contacted the ground, sending a shockwave towards Ryuu. It ripped up the ground as it traveled towards its intended target; bringing a shower of debris and rubble along with it. As Ryuu made an attempt to jump back from Sakura's attack, Neji promptly kicked Ryuu into the chin, sending him flying high into the air. As he ascended; Sasuke appeared behind him, turned Ryuu upside down, held him by his ankles, wraps his legs around Ryuu's waist, and drove him head first into the ground with a sickening sounding crack.

Neji smirked bitterly as Sasuke walked away from Ryuu. He genuinely hated Uchiha, but he couldn't dispute that he was very skilled.

"I could've finished it, Uchiha."

"No doubt about that. I wanted to do it though. He hurt my Naruto. So he had to pay."

"So it was personal."

"Wasn't it personal for you as well? I saw the look on your face when this Ryuu person hit him."

"…"

"Fact of the matter remains that he may have had reinforcements and we should scout around before we're ambushed again," Sakura interjected before the two young men would end up fighting each other, "I'll see what I can do with Naruto while you two do that."

"There's nothing you can 'do with Naruto.' I'm fine." Naruto moaned as he approached the trio. He rubbed his midsection gingerly.

"Look who's awake. I thought that you were only pretending to be unconscious just so I could carry you bridal style." Sasuke teased lovingly

Naruto blushed, "You would be so lucky."

******SasuxNaru******

Hachirou and Atsuko watched the ninja as they spoke. Atsuko smirked under her mask as Hachirou stared with his mouth wide open at the shinobi.

"They actually managed to get a hit off of the old Boss, huh?" He gave a very low whistle , "They're going to be looking for us soon, I bet. Maybe we should get lost?"

Atsuko narrowed her eyes and gave the subordinate a dark look under her mask. "No, you idiot, we will not 'get lost.' Despite how it looks, Father is not finished yet. Now, shut up and wait."

Something in Atsuko's voice told him that Ryuu's progeny was just as crazy as he was. So, Hachirou decided to do exactly what she said before he would be dead. "Hai, Lady Atsuko."

******SasuxNaru******

"I'll take left and you'll take right, Uchiha," Neji ordered, "Sakura and Naruto will take the middle. We find anything, send out the alarm and we'll come running."

"There's no need. Since the danger is actually right behind you," the four shinobi jumped in different directions as Ryuu's landed in the space that that had just vacated; a small cloud of dust rising up from the force of the impact. Ryuu popped the joints in his neck and massaged his jaw. "I'll admit, you brats caught me off guard, but that won't happen again."

From their vantage point, Hachirou smiled smugly under his mask. Atsuko looked worried. She wanted to protect her new found friends, but could she really betray her father?

As the shinobi gathered again to counter; Sasuke stood in front of Naruto protectively. Naruto opened his mouth to protest, but Sasuke looked at him, revealing that he had activated his Mangekyo Sharingan. Understanding dawned on him, and he took a step back. Sasuke spoke in a low voice so that only his comrades could hear him. "After I activate this jutsu, I'm going to need you three to hit him with everything you got. I'm going to give him the fight he's looking for." "Sasu-chan, I-" "Naruto, I'm not trying to sacrifice myself and be a hero," Sasuke interrupted, "I'm merely doing what needs to be done. I'll come back to you. I promise." Naruto nodded as he stood still behind Sasuke and began to gather nature energy. Sasuke looked over at Ryuu and smirked arrogantly. "Bring it, old man." Ryuu grinned and then laughed maniacally as he began to rush towards the Raven. As he started to close in the gap, black flames erupted from the ground in front of him as Sasuke utilized the Enton: Kagutsuchi (Blaze Release: Added Tool Earth Lord) to use Amaterasu to create a barrier. Ryuu laughed as he jumped back from the wall of black flames. "You think your ninja 'magic tricks' can stop me? You have another think coming!" Ryuu raged as he started to advance again, only he was stopped mid-stride as his left shoulder was pierced through from Sasuke's real attack. "Chidori Eiso (One Thousand Birds Sharp Spear)" Sasuke smirked as he released his chidori, forming it into a spear which mobilized The Dragon long enough for Sakura to launch her attack. However, Ryuu was expecting that tactic and as she approached to land her blow; Ryuu flicked his right wrist and a Kusari-fundo (A/N: a hand held weapon used in feudal Japan consisting of a length of chain [kusari] with a weight [fundo] connected to each end of the chain.) fell from its hidden space within his armor and he let fly. It was promptly deflected as at that exact moment, Neji jumped in front of her and spun around, activating the Hyuuga move: Hakkesho Kaiten (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven). Releasing chakra from every tenketsu (A/N: Chakra point) in his body, Neji parried the attack, both creating a rotating shield of chakra around himself and Sakura and tossing aside the kusari-fundo. Sakura continued her progress and sent a devastating uppercut punch to Ryuu just as Sasuke released his Chidori Eiso allowing Ryuu to be launched into the air. Naruto stood stock still during all the action. He had to in order to be able to draw the energy of nature inside of himself blending it with his own chakra, adding a new dimension of power resulting in the creation of "senjutsu chakra." He entered into Sage Mode; the only hint of his transformation being the yellow irides, horizontal bar-like pupils, and reddish-orange pigmentation around the eyes. With a smirk, he looked at the quickly rising Ryuu. He ran and spring boarded off of Sasuke's back, forming a Rasenshuriken (A/N: Do I really need to explain what this one is?) as he launched himself into the air. With lightning-quick speed, he launched the rasenshuriken towards the samurai.

Atsuko gasped at the shinobi's raw power and skill as Naruto launched his attack towards her father. She knew that if that attack connected, he will surely die. She hesitated for a split second as she weighed her options. Hachirou get her a sidelong glance and made a slight sneer in disgust at her indecisiveness. He knew they had a job to do, and if Ryuu died, he wouldn't be paid. So, he made his move. In a flurry of leaves, Hachirou deployed the body flicker technique; much to a stunned Atsuko's surprise. Appearing in front of Ryuu, Hachirou puled out his katana which started to glow as he channeled his chakra into it. With a loud roar of rage, he swung his sword and cut through the rasenshuriken. He grabbed his boss with a free arm and disappeared from sight momentarily as he body flickered again; this time, appearing on the ground. Ryuu popped his jaw back into place and he shook his head to clear it.

"It seems I'm getting old, Hachi. A couple of kids caught me by surprise – twice."

"It seems that way, boss. Well, we can handle them together. I was growing bored waiting in the wings."

"Alright, Hachi. This time, no more games. They die."

"No need to tell me that, boss. I'm in the mood to drink some blood."

"Lady Dragon?"

"Hesitating in the bushes."

"Ah. Disappointing."

"More for us."

"So right."

"We've talked amongst ourselves for too long. Shall we commence with their demise, Boss?"

"Yes, let us begin."

Sasuke disposed of the black flames as the two made their advance. Neji, Sakura and Naruto made a line with Sasuke. They were determined to take these two Samurai down to continue with their mission. Gaara's life was at stake.

Suddenly, Ryuu and Hachirou stopped in mid-stride; looks of utter confusion on their faces. Naruto smiled as his eyes followed the two Samurai's shadows which were rather distorted. Thanks to Shikamaru's timely arrival with his ever reliable Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique).

Shikamaru surveyed the area with a deadpan expression. "It seems like I joined the party right when it was starting to pick up. I was hoping you guys would have everything wrapped up by the time I got here so I wouldn't have to fight. How bothersome."