Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Warning: Some dialogue is from the anime/manga and might contain spoilers...just a heads up guys!

Sasuke woke up startled. He didn't remember coming home or getting in his bed. He must have been exhausted. He looked at the clock and jumped. It was nearly three in the afternoon. He basically slept the whole morning away and now he was behind in finishing this stupid quest.

He jumped out of bed and quickly threw on some clothes and was out the door, tomato in hand. He would have to eat on the way. He wasted too much time anyways. He needed to see Sakura now plus he could never live it down if the dobe finished before him. He had standards.

In the car, he basically sped and prayed that he didn't get caught. He usually was very level headed but he needed to know what Sakura had to say about that memory. It was ringing through his head. "Where I begged and confessed everything I had, and it still didn't matter to you." He knew exactly what she was talking about and he regretted that moment.

It was three in the morning as eighth grader Sasuke walked tiredly through the streets of Konoha. He was done. Nothing was left for him there. His parents were dead and had been for a few years. His brother, his idol at one point, was insane and locked behind bars. No one understood him and just treated him as if he were made of glass.

He hated being treated like that. He hated the looks adults gave him. He hated how everyone thought he was damaged. It wasn't any of their concern. He took care of himself and that was enough.

But not anymore. It was too much. He was done with Konoha and all its inhabitants. He was just fucking down with everything. He would live on his own, far away from Konoha, far away from here. He would go to a place where no one knew the Uchiha name and its curse. Far away where no one knew how damaged he was on the inside. Yes, he would just live out his days alone and average. No one would know of his past. These were the sweet dreams of his but deep down he knew that none of this would bring him true happiness.

These thoughts were interrupted by footsteps. He looked up from his feet to see her, of course. She was a fan girl after all. He wouldn't put stalking past her. Even though she dialed it down after her last note a year ago, he still didn't trust her. She wasn't the same girl he traded sandwiches in elementary school, even though he wished she was. She was far less annoying that way.

"Sasuke, what are you doing here?" She asked in a small, fearful voice. She knew what he was doing. It was fairly obvious with his bag pack filled with his belongings. Not that there was much.

Sasuke didn't answer her and continued walking. He was about to pass her when she side stepped in front of him. "You're leaving." She stated.

"Hn." He agreed. It was no use lying to her. She already knew.

"Don't go." She whispered shaking her head slightly. "Please don't."

"Go home, Sakura." He ordered.

"In order to leave Konoha, you have to take this rode." She said, ignoring his request. "Please don't."

"Go home." He ordered again but it went to deaf ears.

"Why? Why are you leaving? You can tell me. You can tell me anything." Sakura begged. "Why won't you tell me anything?" She asked sadly.

"Why should I tell you anything?" Sasuke hissed at the girl in front of him. "All you do is meddle and bother me."

"I know." She smiled sadly to herself. "That's all I am to you, a bother. But what about Naruto, or Shikamaru, Kiba, Shino, Hinata, Choji, Ino, even Neji and Tenten and Lee? Don't they matter to you? They all…we all care about you."

"I know." Sasuke muttered to himself. "But it's not enough. You don't understand."

"You told me it's painful to be lonely! So why would you purposely do that to yourself! If you leave, I'll know that pain."

"You have a family. You don't know what you're talking about." Sasuke snarled. Such a stupid little girl.

Sakura nodded her head. "You right." She looked at him with tear filled eyes. "But if you leave, I will feel alone. You mean everything to me because…because I love you! Even with everyone around me, I'll still feel lonely without you because I love you! Don't go Sasuke, please don't. I promise to make the pain go away! We will do something fun and be together every day! I won't let the pain hurt you!" She sobbed.

Sasuke looked down at the ground for a moment before looking back up at her. "You're still annoying."

Sakura wiped her eyes with the back of her hand as he walked passed her. "I know." She quickly turned around to look at his back walking away. "Don't go! If you do, I'll scream. Someone will come and find you! I won't let you go!"

Sasuke stopped in mid step and Sakura held her breath. He was quickly in front of her with a small smirk on his face. He leaned down and she kept holding her breath, fighting off the lightheaded feeling. "Thank you." He whispered against her cheek.

Sakura's vision blackened and she pitched forward. Sasuke caught her and held her for a moment. He couldn't stay, even though he wanted to. He would be back though. He just needed time alone.

Sasuke remembered that moment and sighed. He never should have left Konoha, even if it had only been for the summer break. He regretted leaving her there, but he couldn't stay in Konoha, he couldn't take it anymore. He needed the break.

Sasuke parked his car and walked toward the bench where it had all gone down. With a sigh, he sat down on the bench and closed his eyes. She confessed her love for him and he brushed it off. She had begged him to stay and make the pain go away and Sasuke left after she had been knocked out. He felt the bench he had laid her on and sighed. He just left her here without a care and walked away.

Had it been worth it? He felt the same as he had when he left. Nothing had changed. The two months he had been in Sora-ku been worth it? He didn't know anymore. He felt terrible.

Sasuke sighed and looked around for the envelope with his name. He patted beneath the bench and found it. He picked it up and opened it.

Sasuke,

I can't believe it. You made it to the last clue. I must be dreaming. Well you are one to surprise. Well, let's finish this up, shall we?

I begged and told you I loved you. I tried to get you to stay but you couldn't. All those feelings and things I said…they were real. It didn't mean anything to you then but, does it mean anything to you now?

Come find me now but I only want you to if you mean it. If anything I said to you on that day meant anything to you. Only if you can reciprocate anything of my feelings more than friendship because I can't get my heart broken all the time Sasuke.

MASTERMIND lives at 74466 Kirifuda Lane. Go there if you mean it.

Sakura

Sasuke had his phone out in an instant and was walking toward his car.

To: MASTERMIND

From: Sasuke

Sakura,

See you soon.

Sasuke

To: Sasuke

From: MASTERMIND

Sasuke,

I hope so.

Sakura

Naruto surprisingly had gotten up rather early. Today was the day. He was going to see Hinata and make things right. First, he had to stop there.

Naruto was on his bike and out the door by ten o'clock in the morning. It was an exhausting thirty minute ride at full speed but he got there and ran the rest of the way.

He found himself in the middle of Konoha's Stadium. Most of the sport's games where hosted there but it was empty today. Naruto walked in the middle and looked around.

"Why the hell do you keep trying? You are nothing." He sneered.

Naruto snarled. "Shut up! You don't know anything!"

"Oh I know. You have only that Uchiha, who will cling to anything after his parents got slaughtered, the pink haired girl, who could careless around you, and just a bunch of other losers. Give it up, you aren't anything with them." The man barked.

Naruto ran at him but was harshly knocked onto the ground. He was then kicked, then again, and again, repeatedly in the stomach. Naruto tried to yell but nothing came out.

"Stop!" A voice came from behind Naruto.

The man stopped and smirked. "Oh, did I forget one of your pathetic friends?"

"I won't let you lay another finger on Naruto." Hinata growled fiercely. Naruto's eyes widened and he tried to call out to her to stop her.

"You're no match for me." The man shook his head at the foolish child.

She stood up straight and regal. "I know. I'm just being selfish." Hinata stared the man viciously in the eyes. "I used to always cry and give up. I nearly went the wrong way on multiple occasions. But you, Naruto, you showed me the right path. I was always chasing you, wanting to overtake you. I just wanted to walk with you. I just wanted to be with you." Hinata cast a glance to Naruto before back to the man in front of her. "You changed me. Your smiled saved me. So I'm not afraid to stand up for you, protect you. Because I…I love you."

The man eyes widened and clapped slowly. "That was heartfelt, but love breeds sacrifice which in turn breeds hatred, then you know pain." The man smiled darkly. "I'll show you pain, starting with her."

"That would be fine and all, you know if there weren't other people around." A voice said behind the man. He whipped around but before he could get a clear view of the man he was socked in the face, knocked out.

Sasuke looked over at Hinata. "Good distraction."

Naruto blinked and slowly sat up and looked between Hinata and Sasuke. "Wha-"

"You never showed up to my house dobe. I called to see if you were at Neji's but she picked up and we went locking for you. You're a mess."

"A-Are you okay?" Hinata asked as she kneeled beside him.

Naruto looked up at her. "Y-Yeah, thanks. You were amazing."

Hinata looked at him like she was expecting more but quickly nodded her head. "T-Thanks. I-I should get going. I-I'm glad y-you're safe." She quickly stood up and walked away.

Sasuke shook his head at his friend as he helped him up. "You are an idiot."

Naruto pulled at his hair. He never knew she meant what she had said. He thought what she had said had been part of the distraction. Naruto felt terrible, like shit. No wonder Sakura was pissed off at him. Everyone knew but him because he was…a dobe, baka, any name in the book. He fucked up.

Naruto walked around the field until he got to the entrance to the bleachers. Sitting on the first seat was his envelope. He picked it up eagerly and read it.

Naruto,

WAY TO GO BAKA! You did it! I'm (we're) proud of you.

So, let's chat! Do you understand? Hinata has loved and cared for you since elementary school. She isn't some fling you can have. She is someone who genuinely likes (maybe loves?) you and wants to stay with you, make you happy, and take care of you.

Now that you know all of that, do you want to pursue a relationship (a serious one) with her? It is completely up to you and there will be no hard feelings. This is something you need to decide.

If the answer is yes, go to MASTERMIND's house at 74466 Kirifuda Lane. Only go there if you completely understand how deeply she cares for you and that you can give her that back. If not, well don't tell Neji or you're dead. Simple.

Good luck and I hope you've understood our little Hyuga a little better.

Sakura

Naruto's heart beat quickened and he tucked the note in his pocket. He ran to his bike and hopped on. His only thought was if Hinata was comfortable riding on the handle bar back to his place. He was making ramen today and she was going to be there. She had to be there or…the ramen would mean nothing to him anymore. He needed her. He understood now. She was what made everything better and without her…what would be the point?

Here I come Hinata!

Shikamaru woke up at noon. It was typical for him. He got up, had breakfast (lunch), and left the house before his mother could hound him about Ino.

He walked out back. The woods by his house were a place him, Choji, and Ino would play as children. Sometimes he went back there to think, especially on cloudless days.

Shikamaru sat on a log in the forest and watched the deer frolic and graze. It wouldn't be so bad to be a deer. He could do what he wanted and be free to relax. There wouldn't be any boring work or troublesome drama. He would be free to just do as he pleased. Shikamaru really just wanted that.

"Oi Nara!" A loud voice boomed in the distance. "You in here?"

Shikamaru sighed. Ino was great but sometimes she was just too loud. "Yes!" He called halfheartedly.

He could hear her approach and made room for her to sit. She eagerly sat down next to him and the two just watched in silent. Shikamaru's curiosity got the better of him and he cast a glance to her. She was never this quiet.

She was sitting there, as beautiful as ever, watching the deer with a somber expression.

"Are you okay?" Shikamaru asked.

Ino snapped out of her dazed and flashed him a bright smile. "Of course!" He could see through it though.

"Ino."

She let out a long sigh. "Do you think I'm pretty?"

Shikamaru held back the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes."

"Okay." Ino nodded her head. Her mood was still the same. "Do you think I'm smart?"

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. "Yes."

"What about talented?" Ino pressed, her eyes looking for something.

"Yes."

"Dedicated?"

"Yes."

"Funny?"

"Yes."

"Mature?"

"Yes."

"Caring?"

"Yes. Ino what are you getting at?" Shikamaru asked.

Ino remained silent for a full minute before she spoke quietly. "I like you Shikamaru."

"And I like you-"

"No Shikamaru, I like you." Ino cut him off.

"Like…like?" Shikamaru asked with furrowed brows.

"Yeah." Ino sighed. "And you don't like me and I want to know why? I try so hard to be something for you. I make myself pretty for you. I study all the time for you. I try to impress you with dancing, sing, and acting competitions. I have a job. I try to make you and Choji laugh all the time. I already care for you. Why don't you like me?"

Shikamaru sighed and turned his attention to the deer. "You have it all figure out Ino. Why do you think I don't like you?"

Ino blinked, noticeably holding tears back. "Because I'm just Ino. I'm nothing more than that to you." She whimpered.

"I see." Shikamaru scratched his head. "Then if I see you like that, why are you still trying?"

"I don't know." Ino sniffled as tears rolled down her cheeks. Ino abruptly got up. "I'll just go." She mumbled and walked away.

Shikamaru watched her go. She was right. She was just Ino, but that's all he wanted.

Shikamaru came to a stop at the log they would sit at and found the ever present envelope. He picked it up and sat on the log. He paused before opening it. He wasn't sure if he was ready to meet Sakura's harsh words because he knew she had them ready for him.

Shikamaru,

Our little genius made it to clue ten! I'm proud of you Nara.

So some points I won't to make. First a question: Do you care about Ino more than a sister or friend? She sees you more then all that but it doesn't mean much if you don't. She has tried hard for you, and deep down that probably means something to you but does it mean anything where it counts. You need to think, do you want to date Ino?

If you have an affirmative response, come here to 74466 Kirifuda Lane. That's MASTERMIND's humble abode. Tell Ino the answer.

Good luck and let's see how much you care.

Sakura

Shikamaru crumbled up the paper and slowly sat up. 74466 Kirifuda Lane wasn't that far from his place. It was a bit of a walk but Shikamaru could manage.

That way he would have time to think of what he was going to say to Ino and figure out who MASTERMIND is.

Neji parked his car outside the park. He climbed out and slowly walked toward the destination.

Often, Neji would come to the park. It was peaceful, quiet, away from the main house, and his alone. No one disturbed him there because no one knew about it. Except Tenten, she knew everything about him.

After another terrible morning at the Hyuga house, Neji just had to get out. He had been sitting there for a few hours mediating when he felt a figure sit beside him. He opened one eye to see Tenten then closed it.

"Hi Neji." She greeted quietly.

"Tenten." He greeted back.

"Can you talk for a moment?" She asked shyly.

Neji opened his eyes and looked at her. "What?"

She visibly shrank back. "Never mind I should just-"

"What is it Tenten?" He asked softer.

"Neji," She picked at the grass. "What are we?"

"What do you mean?" Neji frowned.

She looked up and sighed. "Are we friends, teammates, or more then friends?"

"…I don't follow." Neji frowned.

"Well, we are friends. I mean we hang out sometimes and talk occasionally so I would consider us friends. But you're also my personal trainer and coach and sometimes I don't know if it is ever more than that. Then you kiss me and all this stuff…Neji just tell me what we are and let's be done with this." Tenten sighed tired.

Neji shook his head. "We are friends."

"Then why do we kiss?" Tenten asked exasperated. "Lee and I are friends but we don't kiss. I'm just laying it all out here. I'm tired of being confused if we are heading toward a relationship like thing or we are just fooling around as friends."

Neji closed his eyes, promptly ending the discussion. "Does it matter?"

Tenten stood up. "I suppose not."

Neji sat down in his spot and stared at the envelope in front of him. He better just get it over with.

Neji,

Wow, can't believe we are done. Now all that is left is for you to choose your fate...you know if you're still into that stuff

Well, what is it Hyuga? Are you a friend, teammate, or boyfriend? Give Tenten your answer at the following address: 74466 Kirifuda Lane.

Hope to see you soon!

Sakura

P.S. Notice my lack of witty and amazing puns? I know you're sad because I am too, but we were on a time crunch…worst comes to worst I can text you more fish puns another day! How does that sound?

Neji stood up and walked to his card. He had to give his answer to Tenten. Also, he had to beat the Uchiha. He had dignity.

The four girls and MASTERMIND sat in the living room watching television.

"So who do you think is going to make it first?" Sakura asked conversationally during the commercial.

"Shikamaru." Tenten yawned. "He is the genius."

"Oh it's so Neji." Ino shot back. "I mean, he hasn't kissed you every two hours and now he has to make up time! Plus if those puns are as bad as MASTERMIND told us, he is racing over here just to kill Sakura."

"I still think Sasuke will." Hinata nodded her head firmly.

"And you are delusional." Sakura tapped Hinata's head lightly. "I want to say Naruto but he is such an idiot. If he actually got here first, the others might kill themselves from embarrassment."

"And you want that?" MASTERMIND asked confused.

"I don't know. It kind of depends on their answers." Sakura shrugged.

There was a knock at the door and they all stared at Sakura.

"Well?" Ino prompted. "Aren't you going to answer it?"

"It's not my house!" Sakura yelped hiding behind a pillow. "I don't want to die!"

"It's your challenge." MASTERMIND urged.

Sakura looked cautiously at the door and slowly stood up. "If it is Hyuga and he kills me, I want a white funeral. I don't want any depressing shit. If Uchiha comes, make him where green or something. No black or blues."

"Right on!" Tenten saluted at Sakura reached the door handle.

Sakura reached for the door then quickly turned around. "If it is Naruto and he tries to go for my hair, you'll pull him off right? I know he is the kind to cat fight and he might win."

"Just answer the door Sakura!" Ino ordered.

Sakura turned back to the door before turning around again. "Wait! If it's Shikamaru he might strangle me! I always thought he was one of those silent killer types."

"Go on, Sakura." Hinata pointed.

Sakura sighed as touched the knob. "MASTERMIND."

"Yes?"

"If it is Sasuke…you remember our deal right?"

"If he becomes overly aggressive, I have the baseball bat." MASTERMIND reassured as he reached behind the couch. He pulled out a baseball bat and rested it on his lap securely.

Tenten looked over confused. "You are going to hit them with a bat if they try to hurt us?"

"More like me." MASTERMIND muttered.

"Or me." Sakura gulped as she turned the knob.

And that was the final clue-challenge-part of the quest! All that is left is to see how the boys will react and need to say to their 'sweeties'. Last guesses to MASTERMIND? Which boy will get there first? What will they say? Will MASTERMIND die? Is Naruto going to pull out Sakura's hair? So many questions and more soooooo ask/answer them in the form of a review ;)

Thanks for reading and all of you that have review or will review! You people are amazing!

See yeah next chapter :D