Yeah, another chappie! Unfortunately school will start back up soon, but I will still try to update every week! Love ya and I know always forget but I don't own Naruto...yet...

Chapter 11

Sakura tensed up as she attempted to move out of the way of Deidara's attack, yet she knew she couldn't dodge the kunai as she jumped back away from the deadly weapons racing towards the vital areas of her head, neck and heart.

Sakura performed several hand signs in rapid succession, creating nearly a blur as Deidara watched on in amazement.

She's faster than I thought! Right now, she seems to have a whole new mind set. Is this really the same Sakura that fought Kisame the other day? She was hardly taking him serious compared to now, her whole demeanor is different.

Deidara watched the knives hit their respective target as the kunoichi disappeared into a puff of smoke and a large bed pillow took her place. The small weapons went through the pillow, ripping three large jagged wholes in it and embedding themselves into the far wall.

Now I know where you are! Sakura thought as her substitution jutsu saved her from the daggers.

Sakura appeared by the far wall and ripped the three kunai out of the wall in one swift easy motion before disappearing again within the second.

"Shit." Deidara muttered as he dodged two kunai by jumping over them, landing towards the center of the room.

"You're awake now yeah?" Deidara asked sarcastically as his eyes swept the room for the pink haired girl.

"Yes."

Deidara looked above him from where he heard the sound of her voice. He saw the blank expression ever present in her distant eyes as she released the chakra holding her to the ceiling and pushed off, hurtling herself towards him.

"You forgot my friend yeah." Deidara stated, referring to the clay bird she found earlier, as he jumped out of the way of her fist.

"No." She answered simply as a small silver letter opener hit the bird. The clay figure exploded on the minature knife's impact.

Deidara's attention faltered for a second as he watched his creation blow up.

I hadn't anticipated her being this advanced. I underestimated her and it is going to cost me.

Deidara felt a small pain erupt in his right shoulder. He looked down to see the last of the three kunai's he had thrown at her embedded deeply in his flesh. When he looked up, Sakura stood before him, but before he could react, Sakura had ripped the weapon out of his shoulder with her right hand. He didn't even see Sakura's left hand become engulfed in chakra and hit him square in the stomach, sending him into the wall. Deidara finally realized that she him pinned against the wall, with the steel held dangerously close to his neck.

The blond let out a strained laugh as he stared unwavingly into the kunoichi's hardened eyes. Sakura stared back, never once losing the hardened barrier as she pressed the tip of the sharpened weapon to his neck, drawing a small bead of blood. The red liquid slowly ran down his neck, mixing with sweat and disappearing into his black fishnet shirt.

"Come on Sakura-san. Calm down, yeah, I don't want to have to hurt you." Deidara bluffed.

Sakura smirked coldly.

"If you could have changed the situation Deidara-san, you would have. Since you haven't you are acknowledging that I could have killed you and that I have therefore won. Since I won," Sakura withdrew he kunai and took a step back, "I now ask you to leave. I was sleeping before you interrupted me, now I would prefer to continue my previous task."

Deidara was relieved that she had backed off, she had the perfect opportunity to kill him, yet she withdrew.

I wonder why she didn't take that opportunity? She will end up only regretting that decision, however, she is too smart according to Sasori-sama to not have strong reasoning behind keeping me alive. But, she doesn't realize that I really could have turned the tables if I had wanted to, only the results would have been devastating since it would have killed her and that would definitely piss Itachi-san off. Yet, the fact that she decided not to try to kill me is intriguing.

"Hm, I see Sakura-san. In that case, I'll come get you for dinner yeah."

Deidara kept a steady gaze on Sakura, noticing that hr demeanor remained the same strange, cold one he had suddenly met during their recent encounter.

So this is the side of Sakura that made Sasori-sama so hesitant to watch her. He was right, I underestimated her and lost. I hope the others don't find out yeah. Deidara thought as he walked out of Sakura's room, locking the door behind him to keep her in.

Sakura fell to her knees seconds after she felt his chakra leave.

Damn, that took way too much energy. I wasn't ready for such an exertion. How annoying. Now I'm back to square one, with only a little but of chakra. And I thought I'd be escaping soon too.

Hmph, at least we showed that bastard not to mess with us! Did you see the look on his face?!

He's Akatsuki, there was no look, they betray no emotion.

Yeah, but if he did show emotions imagine what he would have looked like! CHA!

Sakura sighed as she slowly stood up and ambled over to hr bed. She collapsed on top of the disheveled covers as soon as she reached the bed and exhaled slowly in content at the thought of sleeping.

At least I have proved my strength, but still that fight seemed too easy. On the bright side, now I have him thinking. He doesn't know why I let him live, and I doubt he'll ever figure it out. How amusing, I wonder if I should tell him, maybe, one day... and slowly Sakura drifted off to sleep.

OoO

"Can't we do something more productive?"

Kiba was quickly becoming more and more agitated.

"Quit your whining Kiba, it is giving me a headache. I already sent a messenger hawk to Tsunade-sama, what more do you want? She told us to gather information, then report back. We have to follow orders, we should be receiving work from her with our orders either today or tomorrow. Until then, be quiet."

Shikamaru's patience with his team ran out a while ago, an incredibly rare event, however, these two managed to do it with their incessant arguing. All of them wished to chase after Neji's team. Hell, Shikamaru himself thought about disobeying orders to aid in the search for their friend.

Sasuke stared scowling, annoyed that his trust hinged on obeying orders while Sakura's life hinged on what mood his sadistic brother happened to be in at the moment.

That sorry bastard is going to kill Sakura and I'm the only one hat can save her. Nobody, not even Neji, can stand to look into Itachi's eyes but me. I have to get there, she never fully forgave me for leaving in the first place, but maybe, just maybe if I saver her she will. How funny, I never thought that I would wish for something as trivial as forgiveness. Besides, not only would I get my Sakura back, I would get the chance to avenge my clan.

Kiba is now keeping Shikamaru's attention, I could probably escape and go after Sakura. These two can't match my speed or strength, and Kiba is just about as dense as Naruto. The only thing I would have to do is avoid Shikamaru's shadow possession jutsu. If I go on the tree tops, he would have to get within two yards to catch me. I could make it…I can make it…I will-

"Sasuke, don't even try. You're thinking too much, that makes it obvious that you're planning on going after the others. Trust me; the shadows aren't the only thing you will need to avoid if you take off. Am I clear enough?" Shikamaru looked over to Sasuke with a completely blank and bored expression. "I'm warning you Sasuke, don't test me. You haven't been back long enough to analyze and see the strength everyone has gained. In fact, Sakura is probably one of the strongest shinobi in Konoha now." Shikamaru smirked as he saw Sasuke's eyes widen slightly in surprise.

Sakura! One of the strongest?! She was the weakest when I left!

"Kind of funny actually." Kiba mused, turning to face the Uchiha. "She trained so hard, in hopes of simply getting you to return, and to bring Naruto back when he went to get you as well. She is definitely one of the most flexible kunoichi's. She has trained with any shinobi that was willing to help teach her, which consisted mostly of the old rookie nine along with Lee and his team. She practiced for months with Lee to develop her taijutsu; with her chakra control Naruto helped her to learn the Rasengan; even Neji taught her some chakra points to hit to cut off an opponents chakra, which works well for Sakura with her memory and medical background she can use it pretty efficiently for not being a Hyuuga. Hell, she even surpassed my speed when she asked for my help, but that is nothing compared to the speed she gained from training with Lee."

"I also taught her some of my shadow techniques, and she learned how to be incredibly precise and deadly with long range attacks from Tenten. To think of the lengths that she went to, all because of you. It is rather ironic." Shikamaru continued.

"Hmph, I don't see why. You were never there for her, but we were." Kiba snarled at Sasuke.

"Gradually, I think she began realizing this and quit caring-not just about you, but about everything. She grew to only have two goals in life: become stronger and protect her friends. I believe that Naruto thought that bringing you back would return Sakura to her former happy, loving self. But it didn't, our Sakura is gone, replaced by a stronger one, a less compassionate one. But you know what, I think the old Sakura is still in there somewhere…"

"If she is one of the strongest shinobi and has become so accomplished, then why was she caught? A true shinobi would have recognized the trap, Sakura didn't. You two keep going on and on about her, yet I don't see why she's so great. Furthermore-" Sasuke iterated before Kiba's interruption.

"Shut the hell up!" Both Kiba and Akamaru were standing up, anger pulsing through their veins as Sasuke's slander fueled their tempers. "You don't know anything about her! She ain't the same twelve-year-old girl that you abandoned on that damn bench! You have seen her once since you returned and you're already calling her unworthy and weak!"

"I never said unworthy. Rumors of her as a medic-nin have spread throughout the five great shinobi nations. However, I know she is still weak. She continues to need the protection of others. She has always needed the protection of others, even as genin, Naruto and I always had to save her." His knee was propped up on the low tree branch while his other leg hung limply. His fingers were loosely entwined on top of his knee, making a comfortable place where Sasuke rested his chin casually while looking over to Kiba with a bored expression.

"Knock it off already. " Shikamaru's eyes were shut as hit forehead rested in his palm. "Your bickering is giving me a headache. This is a pointless argument Kiba. Let Sakura kick his ass, that is the strongest argument, besides, that will be more amusing to see then you yelling back and forth with him."

"Che." Kiba sat down on a large rock with a growl as Akamaru sat down beside him, exposing his teeth to the young Uchiha.

Sasuke leaned back against the tree's main trunk and stared up through the branches at the small random patches of light that the sun radiated, but what the tree's foliage failed to cover.

Can Sakura truly have grown strong?

"Huh? What's up Akamaru?" Kiba was looking toward his canine companion curiously as the dog jumped up and yipped excitedly.

"What? Really? Hey, you guys! Akamaru said our hawk is coming!" Kiba exclaimed.

Shikamaru stood up, "Finally, I want to finish this troublesome mission."

Sasuke looked at the dog with interest. "He can actually pick up the scent of a flying bird?"

"Well, not exactly. The hawk we used has a small bag attached around one of its legs with a strong smelling aroma. Akamaru's nose is much more sensitive then mine, I can only pick up a faint whiff of it now, so I'd say the bird it ¼ mile out."

"Good, I'm tired of sitting around here." Shikamaru walked over to where Kiba and Akamaru were standing. "Great job Akamaru." Shikamaru reached down and patted the dog on his head softly while looking towards the sky.

Sasuke dropped to the ground from his perch with a light thud before walking over to his teammates.

No matter how they look at it, I'm still stronger then them. But Shikamaru was right about one thing, I don't know any of them well enough to actually know strong they are. However, they don't know how strong I am either. But if Kiba has honed his senses to be that sharp, then there is no telling what Neji or Lee, hell even Shikamaru are capable of. I already know Naruto, he's the one that kicked my ass and brought me back. I didn't put up a full-fledged struggle since I did wish to return, however Naruto's strength still surprised me.

Akamaru let out another excited bark as the messenger hawk flew into view. The shinobi watched it close the distance. The bird dipped his wings as he circled above them before folding his wings and landing on Shikamaru's outstretched arm.

The hawk's brown feather's gleamed in the sunlight. He cocked his head, as if examining the shinobi and finally rested his gaze on Akamaru. It tilted it's head back and released a loud screech before clamping its beak a couple of times. Finally, it focused on the owner of its perch and extended its leg to Shikamaru.

Shikamaru began mumbling something about troublesome birds as he unfastened the message. As soon as the small piece of parchment was in his fingers he began unrolling it to reveal its contents.

"We are to travel and meet up with Hyuuga Neji's team and assist them however possible," Shikamaru finally stated. "Go home hawk."

The large bird once again looked all the shinobi over before releasing a shrill screech and taking flight.

Sasuke watched the bird rise in the sky, drifting on the air currents while surveying the landscape below him.

It would be nice to be a bird. To be able to go as I please, where and when I please without fears of gates or doors stopping me. Simply flying to whatever destination I felt like. Yes, it would be very nice to be a bird.

And the three shinobi took off toward the Village in Stone.

OoO

Sakura awoke to a firm rap on her door.

It's not Deidara. She realized immediately.

Sakura sat up quickly and threw her legs over the side of the bed, waiting for her visitor to say something.

I'm sure as hell not going to say anything. I wouldn't even know what to say! 'Hang on Akatsuki, I'll get the door!' What kind of bullshit idea is that. If they want to say something then they can say it, but I'm not about to start a conversation with someone I don't even want to talk to.

"Haruno-san, I'm coming in."

Ah, alas, the puppet master Sasori. How amusing, he has sufficiently combined demand and politeness.

The door opened to reveal the scarlet haired shinobi. Sakura was on her feet by this time as she gave the ninja a level stare. He stood in the doorframe with a lazy posture, reminding Sakura much of Shikamaru.

And their both brillant if our information on Sasori was accurate.

"Dinner is ready if you are hungry Haruno-san." He looked at her through half-lidded eyes. The dim light reflected off his blue eyes, making the cold blooded murderer look just as threatening as Sakura had heard rumors about.

"Hai." Sakura crossed the room towards her escort. When she got within arms reach, Sasori turned and began walking away, expecting Sakura to follow, which she did.

I thought for sure Deidara wold be the one to come and get me.

We must have scared the shit out of him if he sent his partner! CHA!

That's just it. Deidara should want to make a point that he doesn't fear me, however, sending his partner creates an opposite message.

Maybe he is just trying to confuse you and really does fear you!

No, he isn't afraid. He underestimated me, which led to him being an easy adversary. It was a mistake that he won't make again. Besides, I've thought about it for a while now, Deidara could have snaked out of my hold on him. He decided to test me, he wanted to see what I would do if given the chance. The only thing is, I don't know what he was expecting or hoping I would do. But he left himself an opening that could have probably sent me flying into the other wall if I had decided to push the kunai any farther into his neck.

"Haruno-san, did something happen this afternoon?"

"Hm?" Sakura was surprised at the question, but decided to play the role of ignorance.

"You had more chakra last night then you do now." Sasori explained.

"Hn." Sakura grunted.

I can use Sasuke's signature answer for everything. I use to hate it because it could be interpreted several ways, but its my safest answer in this situation. I don't know what Deidara told the others, but if he hasn't mentioned our fight, I'm not going to clue them in that I beat one of them.

Sasori turned his head a little to look at Sakura, but didn't say anything else.

He is clueless about out fight, but I think he suspects it. But for all he knows the depletion is from healing myself. Thank god they know nothing about medical shinobi or they would have realized how little chakra my injuries would take. But I wonder, do they even know who I am or any of my abilities? That would be a huge advantage on my side, that's for sure.

Sasori and Sakura continued on in silence, but the missing nin was very deep in thought.

As the Hokage's apprentice she was entitled to all of the information that Konohagure had. She should then know the basics of all of our fighting techniques but I wonder how far that knowledge extends. I've heard rumors on how this kunoichi fights, but they don't make sense. Some say she's capable of the Gentle Fist technique of the Hyuuga clan, others say her strength is genjutsu and there are several more propositions of other skills as well. But the basic theme is that she uses her target's weakness against them. After her fight with Kisame, I'd say that she is a taijutsu fighter with excellent judgement in battle. But wouldn't Kisame's weakness have been if she put him in a genjutsu? And at one point she set herself up for some sort of jutsu, but then realized that she didn't want us to see it. Is she trying to get us to underestimate her?

Sasori glanced at her again as they walked through the winding corridors.

But she is still unsure how much we know about her. I need to speak with Deidara, something transpired between these two today, and it may help us learn more about her strengths and weaknesses.

Finally they walked through a door leading to a dimly lit kitchen where all of the other members were sitting, but Sakura's eyes locked with red eyes sitting at the end of the table.

OoO

"So, all in all, what have we concluded?" Tenten asked. Her right hand currently supported her head as she tried to steady the pounding headache she gained trying to interpret, analyze and cross-reference all the information the group had gathered.

"Basically, nothing of true value or importance." Shino stated.

"D-Don't say that!" Hinata argued.

Her high pitched voice held strong conviction as she met Shino's gaze. She held her stare for a few seconds before her shy side took over and forced her gaze to the ground.

"I-I mean..." Hinata looked at her hands as she began figeting with her fingers. "...we have found out something important. W-We know that Sakura-chan is still alive. T-That's important."

"Lady Hinata is right. That is an invaluable piece of information. Now we are sure that we are looking for a comrade and not a corpse." Neji agreed.

Hinata's head snaped up as she looked over at her cousin appreciatively.

"Furthermore, we can assume that if Akatsuki hasn't killed her yet, then they aren't going to until she serves some purpose of being there." Neji continued explaining.

"But for what purpose would they want Sakura-san?" Lee asked.

"That's just it. Sakura has several skills. It could be for her healing abilities." Tenten suggested.

"Perhaps, but I don't think it is something as simple as that." Shino commented.

Neji's eyes narrowed considerably as he glared at Shino.

"Is there something that you want to say Shino?" Neji prompted.

"Going through the trouble of kidnapping a famed shinobi like Sakura is too extreme or something such as healing." Shino replied.

"But what if one of them were seriously hurt and no ordinary medic could fix it? That would make Sakura-san nd the Hokage the best choice. The Hokage is too far out of reach, so her apprentice, Sakura-san, would then me the next logical decision." Tenten added.

"If you keep looking at the situation as a simple kidnapping then you're never going to dicover the real reason."

Neji's team turned around startled and faced none other then the genius strategist Shikamaru and his team.

"And from what prospective are you suggesting that we look at the situation?" Neji asked unfazed be their arrival.

"Well, for one, Akatsuki didn't infiltrate Konoha and kidnap Sakura. They simply had conflicting missions." Shikamaru began.

"Conflicting missions?" Lee repeated questioningly.

"Weren't you listening to the Hokage Lee? Akatsuki was sent to kill the same man that Sakura and Naruto were sent to protect. Of course the two fought. What's your point Shikamaru?" Neji pressed on.

"Any shinobi could have been sent from Konoha to protect that man. I don't think Akatsuki wanted Sakura, I think they wanted a Konoha shinobi and she simply sacrificed herself on Naruto's behalf." Shikamaru explained.

"That loser. I should have figured that this was all his fault." Sasuke commented annoyed.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean!"

All of the group turned to see none other than Naruto standing above them with a raher annoyed look on his face.

"Damnit, how could this get anymore troublesome?" Shikamaru complained.

Hey everybody, here is the next chapter. At first, I wasn't going to have the two groups meet up just yet, but I started getting annoyed having to write separate sections for each team. Besides, it only makes sense that Shikamaru figures out the whole scheme. I mean Neji technically could, but I'm not a huge Neji fan, I think his ego is too big sometimes and that he focuses on little details too often. Sorry Neji fans! Anyway, review when you can, I always love to read them!!

Kia