Tobi: Deidara sempai! Where's Story-teller666 chan?

Deidara: How the hell should I know, un? *stalks off with a pissed look on his face*

Tobi: STORY-TELLER CHAN! WHERE ARE YOU? * runs around in circles screaming for all he's worth*

Author: *pops up from behind a huge boulder* Psst! Tobi!

Tobi: *crouching and also whispering* Why are you hiding here? Are you playing a game? *gets shiny round eyes*

Author: *sweatdrop* Uh...no. I'm hiding from angry readers...

Tobi: Why?

Author: 'Cause I took too long updating the last chapter...

Mob: *rounds the corner* WE CAN SMELL YOU! *death aura flies around*

Author: Meep! *ducks behind the rock*

Tobi: OH! YOU'RE PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK? I WANNA PLAY TOO, STORY-TELLER666 CHAN! *jumps onto the rock, whilst pointing a finger at the author*

Mob: GOTCHA! *runs towards the boulder*

Author: AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH! *runs for her life*

Tobi: *runs after the crowd* WAIT FOR ME!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto...

Chapter 11

The Sandaime's funeral was a somber event. Every villager was dressed in black, their faces expressing their heartfelt sadness at the loss of their beloved leader. Next to me, Sasuke and Sakura stood quietly, while in front of us Naruto moved towards the headstone with his head bowed. Standing a little way off, Konohamaru was sobbing hard, while Iruka tried to console the little boy.

The sky was dark as the heavens cried their tears. Rain poured down on us, soaking the cloth that was on the table. The scrolls displayed, however, remained dry, as though someone had made them impervious to the wet.

The shinobi gathered stood still and erect, silently paying their respects to the late Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. I looked around at the stern, but sad, faces. No Kakashi, I noted the absence of the gravity-defying silver hair.

"…Iruka sensei?" Naruto's quiet question broke the silence.

"Hmm…"

"What are humans?" the blonde looked up at the cracked face of the Sandaime on the Hokage monument. "Is life just that simple?"

Iruka was silent as he contemplated the answer. I felt my eyes being drawn back to the small photo perched above the scrolls on the tabletop.

"When a person dies…doesn't matter if it's the past, present of future…" Iruka paused, taking a breath. "They will lose everything. He died fighting in a mission – death caught him unawares because life is just that simple." By now, the remaining members of the Rookie Nine and Team Gai were also listening to their ex-sensei.

"It's like a dream, it's all the same even if you haven't reached your goal…" the scared nin looked down at the crying eight year old he held in his arms. "But the most important thing is…to die for a cause."

Naruto and Iruka locked eyes; one teaching, the other listening and understanding.

"Family, friends, lovers and all the villagers…to me, those are very important – the most important people…we trust and help each other…from the moment we're born, till the day we die, we start to feel that love is the most important. And that kind of relationship takes time to develop…and trust…anyone with a headband on knows, because it's very important…"

A gentle movement in the corner of my eye made me turn to look at Kakashi as the Jounin made his way to stand beside a distraught Asuma. He placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Yeah, I know that" Naruto looked back at the headstone. "But…death is till painful."

"The Hokage wouldn't think it's painful" Kakashi continued the lesson. "Because we both agree that people should not be hurt for no reason." His mask lifted slightly. "It's no use if you do understand."

A small grin grew on the blonde's face. The bandage on his cheek crinkled slightly. "Right…" Naruto's old determination started to shine in his eyes "but not knowing is better than knowing."

I turned back to the grave, a new feeling arising inside me. There was still the sadness over the loss of the Sandaime's life, and the anger and disappointment at my lack of ability still burned. But there was now something else; a small flame of determination, stubbornness and unprecedented willpower.

As I gazed on the old man's photo, my mind flashed with snap shots of our first meeting; his grandfatherly love towards all the Genins, his gentle but stern counsel when we talked before I left for the Wave country and his faith in the present and future generations of Leaf shinobi.

The rain eased up, finally stopping. The sun shone through in small rays, flinging its light and warmth at us between the dispersing clouds. A stray beam hit the glass on the photo, reflecting a white light straight into my eyes.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and looking back, I smiled at Sakura. The pinkette grinned at me, and beyond her, I saw Sasuke and Kakashi waiting for the rest of Team Seven. Near them, the Rookie Nine and Team Gai grouped together.

As I turned towards my new friends, I gave the picture one last look. The wind rustled the leaves, carrying one right into my waiting hand. As my fingers closed around it, the air seemed to whisper the old man's last words to me, as though reminding me that hope is never lost.

"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns."

" 'kashi sensei" I waved, so enthusiastically, I almost hit Ryuu's face. My sensei scowled, leaning back at just the right moment to avoid my fist.

"Yo" the Team Seven leader raised his hand in greeting, slouching comfortably against the wall of a small dango shop. The smell and the sound of the frying food made my mouth water.

"Hey sempai" Ryuu smacked the back of my head, jerking me from my daydream of me scoffing down dango to no end.

"So…what'cha doing here?" I rubbed the back of my head.

Kakashi shrugged. "Just meeting up with Sasuke" he nodded towards the approaching Kurenai and Asuma.

"Strange to see you waiting for someone, sensei" I teased.

"You want to join us?" Asuma asked, as soon as the couple was within hearing distance.

"If that's alright" Ryuu looked at the kunoichi and the wind user.

"Sure, why not?" Kurenai gestured to two available tables.

I grinned at Ryuu as we followed the older shinobi. "You're shouting me" I informed the disgruntled sensei. He reluctantly nodded.

"Very different to see you here first, Kakashi" Sasuke's voice sounded from behind. I turned to smile at the boy.

"Hey" I waved. He gave his usual grunt of recognition. "Eh, guess that's the best I'll get for today" I shrugged. Beside me, I felt Ryuu stiffen slightly. As I turned to look at him, I saw that the other Jounins also had a guarded expression.

"I was planning on buying sweets" Sasuke narrowed his eyes at their strange behaviour.

"…yes…" Kakashi's laziness seemed too casual for it to be natural. He searched his vest pockets, withdrawing a scroll. "Here's a training schedule for now. I just wanted to give you this" he handed it over to the Uchiha.

"Fine" the avenger spun on his heels and walked off towards the training grounds.

"Uchiha Itachi" I could only see Asuma's profile, but even from that I could tell that he was startled to see the ex-Konoha ANBU leader. Beside him, Kurenai tensed at the name.

"So, you already know Itachi, huh?" the second cloaked figure drawled, reaching up to take his bamboo hat off with a blue hand. "Then, I'll introduce myself" yellow eyes lit up, and sharp teeth flashed in a predator-ish smile "Hoshigaki Kisame."

I bit my lip. Wow, things are moving waaaay too fast for me, I mentally whined. I ducked back behind the tree trunk, listening to the four converse (well, Kisame talked trash about the village, Itachi responded to his partner's sarcastic questions in a monotone voice and attitude, and the two Konoha nins angrily retorted to the other two's slander).

"Does he want to die?" this was followed by a loud splash, pulling me from my mental complaints. I peered around the wood, wincing slightly at the sight of the ready-to-swing-and-shred Samehade.

"Just make sure they don't get back to the village" Itachi ordered his partner. "But don't do too much. Your work can be…excessive."

"It's decided then" Kisame all but howled in happiness.

What happened next was a blur. The speed of the nins was insane; my eyes could just make out dark shapes that flashed here and there. Finally, Kisame and Asuma stopped moving, standing next to their respective partner.

Itachi remained where he was, having not moved once – just like Kuranai. The two genjutsu experts stared at each other, eyes unblinking. Asuma was hunched over, his right hand grasping the wound of his left arm. The wrappings around Samehade were gone, and a few of the scales were red.

"You're late, Kurenai" the Sarutobi grunted. At the same time, Kisame stiffened and looked behind. Itachi stood stock still, not at all fazed by the genjutsu.

"That level of genjutsu won't work on me" he informed the kunoichi, as she struggled against invisible bonds. Taking advantage of her immobility, the blue skinned shinobi kicked the female into the waters of the pond.

"Kurenai!" Asuma just managed to yell, before his attention was focused back on Kisame as the missing nin swung at him with his huge sword.

"Kioko. What's going on?" Zabuza and Haku landed in front of me. I yelped in surprise, falling back against the trunk in relief as I recognized their faces.

"Not much. Except for the fact that you two almost gave me a cardiac arrest" I growled sarcastically. Ignoring me, the older nin looked at the four fighting on the water. His eyes narrowed as they focused on a particular person.

"Hoshigaki Kisame" the masked ninja growled under his breath. I could start to feel a death aura filling the air around him.

"W-what are you doing here?" I stuttered, intimidated.

"Kakashi san told us that there were some suspicious people in the village" Haku looked at me in concern. "He knew that you were tailing Asuma san and Kurenai san, so he asked us to get you out of the fighting zone."

A huge roar made the two of us flinch and turn towards the battle. Two massive bodies of water collided, both canceling the other out. Droplets flew, making the air around the shinobi glitter. A familiar tower of spiky grey hair was visible from two points: one from behind Itachi, the other in front of Asuma.

"Haku, take her back to safety" Zabuza ordered his loyal companion, before sprinting off to support the Konoha nins. Haku took hold of my arm and tugged me in the opposite direction.

"Let's go, Kioko chan" he said softly.

"Wait, Haku, stop" I pulled back. "We…" I paused, then amended my statement. "I can't leave just yet." This made the boy search my face, looking for answers to his unspoken questions. I sighed and pleaded with my eyes.

"We'll stay here" he reluctantly agreed. But even as we stood there watching, he kept his a hold of me.

"KURENAI! GET DOWN" Kakashi lunged at his colleague, pulling her down just as Itachi's clone exploded. Asuma gave a startled yell and ran forwards. He skidded to a stop, on the water, beside an uninjured Kurenai. Kakashi winced as he straightened and glared with both eyes at Itachi, the back of his vest now charred. A little way off, Zabuza and Kisame watched their comrades.

"Keep your guard up" Kakashi warned Asuma. "This man, remember…he became the leader of ANBU at 13 years."

"You do not have the blood of the Uchiha in you, although your body is suited for the Sharingan" Itachi didn't even blink an eye during the exchange. "Do you know why the Uchiha is the most feared and powerful clan of all? I will show you the true powers of the Sharingan."

"ALL OF YOU, CLOSE YOUR EYES NOW!" there was true panic in Kakashi's voice.

"What is he doing?" Haku hissed, his beautiful face twisted with worry and anger. I restrained him, locking my arms around his torso and heaving backwards with all my strength.

"If you run out there now, you'll die" I panted with the effort. "He's using Tsukiyomi." We both jerked as Kakashi let out a shout of pain. The Copy Nin fell on one knee, shoulders heaving. Behind him, Asuma fired concerned questions to his friend.

"WHAT HAPPENED? KAKASHI! JUST NOW…WHILE OUR EYES WERE CLOSE?"

My eyes wandered to Itachi. The Uchiha prodigy was panting slightly. Obviously the last jutsu was taxing on his entire body, not just his eyes. Well, he isn't in the best of condition, I reminded myself.

"Y-you…you're looking for Sasuke, aren't you?" Kakashi demanded between breaths.

"No" Itachi replied. "We're looking for the Forth Hokage's legacy."

"…why do you want him?" Kakashi's tone was extra guarded. I'd noticed Asuma's and Kurenai's flinches when Itachi described his objective. There was a pause during which the two Sharingan users stared at each other.

"So, you've begun to move…you think we didn't know?" the Copy Nin asked. "The name of your organization…its 'Akatsuki', isn't it?"

Kisame jerked his head slightly towards Kakashi, the information surprising the missing nin. Opposite him, Zabuza raised an eyebrow at the move.

"Akatsuki?" Asuma directed his question at his comrades.

"Kisame…!" the monotone had changed somewhat. There was a slight authoritative edge to his voice. "Take Kakashi out. It's time for these people to disappear."

Instantly the blue-skinned nin surged forwards, only too eager to carry out the order. He was no more than five meters from the immobile, and mostly blind, Konoha shinobi, when a huge green body flew out of nowhere and kicked at him. There was a trail of foaming water in his wake as Kisame skidded back, eventually stopping meters behind his partner.

"Who the hell is that?" yellow eyes glared at the spandex clad newcomer.

"The Leaf's prideful green beast, Maito Gai." I winced at the introduction.

"So…that kid that's on the same team as Neji san is his clone, huh?" Haku snorted, eyes bulging out.

"…no comment…"

"What the…" obviously Kisame was thrown off more by Gai's style than his dynamic arrival. "Better yet…never mind" the blue giant mumbled.

"Don't underestimate him" Itachi didn't seem too perturbed by the Green Beast's appearance. I'll him credit for not scratching his eyes out, I cringed as I remembered the power of the Sharingan. The prodigy still had his bloodlimit activated.

All heads swung towards Kakashi as he gave a grunt, before falling face first into the water. Gai swooped down and hauled his rival easily over his shoulder, his eyes never leaving Itachi.

"Gai, don't look into Itachi's eyes" Asuma urged.

"Don't worry. I know how to counter the Sharingan. All of you, open your eyes" he ordered. The three tentatively peeked at their adversaries.

"You're eye to eye when you're fighting the Sharingan. It's fine as long as you don't look him straight in the eye. Use the reflection" in the manga, the counter seemed a lot more complicated. Hearing him say it in person, I felt a bit stupid – a little demoralized at how easy it was to avoid being caught by the bloodline.

"That's pretty smart. And I only know one person who can pull that off – you" Asuma, amazingly, still hadn't dropped his cigarette.

The taijutsu expert gave a modest shrug of the shoulders. "There is a method to it, but we don't have time for that. Just get used to it."

"So, what're you gonna do?"

Gai handed his burden to the kunoichi. "Kurenai, take him to the medical center. Asuma can be my support. I've already arranged for reinforcements. For now, we'll take them on."

"Well, aren't you brave –" Kisame began in a taunting tone.

"Kisame…stop it."

"Huh?"

"We're not here to start a war" Itachi continued. "Regrettably, this is nothing more than nonsense. Let's leave."

His partner gave an aggravated growl, before conceding. The infiltrators disappeared, leaving only the four ninjas and their exhausted comrade staring out towards the outer walls of the village.

Haku and I were silent as we walked through the busy streets. There was nothing to say as we headed to the hospital, hoping that Kakashi would be alert enough to have a chat. As far as I could tell, the encounter had gone according to the original storyline. But the appearance of Haku and Zabuza may have some effect in future events, something that's got me in mental gymnastics.

I'll just have to take it as it comes, I guess, I sighed in resignation.

"Oof" I grunted, hitting the dirt, having walked into someone. The other person also made a similar noise.

"Hey, what're you –" I broke off, my fist raised towards the floored Sasuke. My team mate scowled, dusting himself off as he regained his feet. I grabbed onto Haku's offered hand and hauled myself back up.

"Where're you going?"

"To see Kakashi" Sasuke crossed his arms.

"We're going to see Kakashi san, too" Haku smiled at him. "We can go together."

"Hn."

The avenger looked somewhat questioningly at his bedridden mentor. Onyx orbs snapped to focus on each of the gathered Jounins' faces.

"Why are the Jounins here?" he demanded of no one in particular. There was the sound of running footsteps. Instantly I felt my stomach drop a few notches. Oh, shit!

"IS IT TRUE? ITACHI'S RETURNED AND HE'S CHASING AFTER NARUTO?" a random, babbling ninja burst in, looking frantically around the room. He froze as he took in Sasuke and the boy's darkening face.

"You idiot" I snarled at him, latching onto Sasuke's arm. "Snap out of it, Sasuke!"

Anger radiated off the avenger, and he practically shoved me out the window. With no one restraining him, Sasuke sprinted out the door.

"HEY! Where are you going?" Gai shouted after him.

I growled. "Where do you think?" I snapped at the Jounin. "Damn it, why is always more work for me?" I yelled to ceiling as I followed the furious boy out.

"Sasuke, stop" I panted, chasing after him. The dark haired idiot kept running, seemingly pushing his speed up a few notches. I groaned and steeped a little more chakra into my legs. "STOP! DAMN IT!"

I stared wearily at the figure, swearing at him with every foul word and phrase I knew. I also cursed my 'just enough' physical condition. I so need to work out more!

After what seemed like ages, he skidded to a stop. I caught up to him, and hunched over, trying to keep my lungs from exploding.

"Shit! I can't just search every building" Sasuke muttered to himself, before running to the nearest hotel.

"If…you…just wait…I…could…probably help…" I wheezed to the empty space. Ah! What's the use? I flung my hands up in exasperation.

The sudden stiffening of the back and the body's instinctive hunter's 'ready to pounce' crouch told me that we had reached the right building. Walking slowly around Sasuke, I stood next to him, looking at an impassive Itachi, annoyed Kisame and a very confused and scared Naruto. I smiled at the blonde, hoping that would ease him up a bit. Next to me, Sasuke literally shook with rage and fury.

"Yare, yare…today's a special day" Kisame grinned. "This is the second Sharingan I've seen."

"I'll kill you" the avenger's eyes were blood red, the black colons of the bloodline spinning wildly. There was nothing but cold anger in his body language and voice. The two brothers stared at each other, clearly remembering that fateful night years ago.

"I've been wanting to say this…I've lived hating you…" the air around Sasuke cackled, white flashing as his left hand gradually charged up with lightning. I leapt away from him, landing close to Naruto.

"I've also just lived to kill you…" the bandages covering his left forearm and hand ripped into shreds. "I'VE LIVED FOR THIS!"

"…Chidori…" Itachi quietly noted.

"UUUUUUUUUUOOOOOOOOOOO!" Sasuke's bloodthirsty scream did little to drown out the chirping in his hand. Bits of the wall flew out as the ninjutsu passed it. The energy of the technique could be felt meters away: my hair stood on end and my skin felt as though it had a small voltage coursing through it.

"Sasuke…" Naruto whispered, his cerulean orbs wide in shock.

"Naruto! Move" I shoved the blonde out of the way. A cry of pain forced its way past my lips as Samehade shredded a little of my skin at the shoulder. Blood ran in a warm trickle as I felt my chakra drain dramatically at the casual scrape.

"Doesn't he ever stop eating?" I ground out without thinking. The Swordsman looked at instantly suspicious.

"What did you just say?" he said softly, sounding very much like Itachi. But a growth in a foreign chakra distracted him. Yellow eyes looked at the blonde who was gathering the energy to perform a ninjutsu. "I don't think so" the blue nin said, swinging his weapon carelessly at the boy.

"Crap! CRAP! WHAT'S GOING ON?" Naruto yelled.

"My Samehade…eats chakra" Kisame grinned, showing off his bandaged blade. "Now that your jutsu is gone, you shouldn't be trouble any more" he looked thoughtfully down. "Should I chop off a leg or arm? Hmm…"

I gasped, not having the energy to make my legs move. The wall barely kept me sitting upright. The sword started its descend; Naruto closed his eyes, his hands desperately forming the handseal for Kagebunshin no Jutsu.

"No!" I yelled.

I gave a small laugh at Jiraya's introduction. Epitome of manliness? Won't fall for female wiles? Who's he trying to kid?

"OH YEAH? THAT GIRL JUST WINKED AT YA AND YOU WENT SCAMPERING AFTER HER! AND NOW YOU'RE JUST TRYING TO LOOK ALL CLASSY AND COOL, ERO SENNIN!" Naruto blew his top. I snuck a glance at the others, stifling my snort of amusement at their deadpan expressions.

"I TOLD YOU TO STOP CALLING ME THAT IN FRONT OF OTHERS, GAKI!"

"SCREW THAT! IT'S THOSE GUYS OVER THERE THAT WE SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT, ERO SENNIN!"

Jiraya gently put the woman, in his arms, down next to me. He glanced at my shoulder and shot me a reassuring smile. I poked my tongue back at him, positioning myself so that I was between the unconscious lady and the fighters.

"Hehe…so, it's one of the Legendary Sannins, Jiraya, eh?" Kisame chuckled evilly. In a random flash of inspiration, I was reminded of the stereotypical laugh the TV villains as their plans look like succeeding. Snap out of it! I shook my head, then considered smacking my cheeks. Nah, that'll make me look crazy…

"You guys know Ero sennin's real identity?" this seemed, by far, the most shocking news Naruto had heard for a while. I sniggered into my hand.

"Er…I wouldn't say real identity…"

"In any case, looks like you've undone the genjutsu on the woman."

"To draw me away, you used the Sharingan to cast a genjutsu on a woman?" Jiraya snorted. "Not very manly of you."

"Why is everyone a sexist?" I muttered to myself, annoyed by the last sentence.

"…so you really are after Naruto" there was none of the previous easy going manner in the Sannin. The Toad Sage glared at the two, but I couldn't help noticing that his eyes held the Sharingan longer than they did Kisame's yellow orbs.

"No wonder Kakashi knew about us" Itachi stated. "You were his source of information." The prodigy gazed at the indifferent Sage. " 'Abduct Naruto'…was the orders given to us from the higher echelons of the Akatsuki."

The tension in the air was thick enough to be cut by a blunt butter knife. It was like watching a fighting arena, the two members of each team facing each other, daring the other to make the first move. I jumped and gave an involuntary yelp as the toad summon, who was blocking Samehade, dissipated into smoke.

"You won't get Naruto" Jiraya intoned softly.

"And why not?" Itachi's reply was just as soft.

"Because right here, right now…you two will die by hands."

"No!"

All started at the new voice. I looked down to where Sasuke, forgotten, staggered to his feet. His head was bowed, but there was a furious determination in his beaten stance.

"This guy…is mine" he hissed, his voice venomous.

I bit my lip, denying myself the cry of worry that was about to leap out of my mouth. Sasuke's head banged into the wall, his body held up against the wall. A dribble of blood rolled down his chin, and his toes barely brushed the floor. Itachi kept a steady hold onto his brother's neck, fingers tightened around his windpipe.

The avenger's black orbs locked onto his aniki's Sharingan. Sasuke's body jerked. The next moment, his lips parted and a scream of pure agony poured out. I snarled and struggled to my feet. I can't stand this, I felt for my chakra reserves, finding it almost empty.

"LET HIM GO" I roared, surprising Kisame. The shark nin wasn't able to react fast enough; I ran towards Itachi, my hands glowing with my remaining chakra. My fist pulled back, ready to punch.

But it never made it. A blow to my middle made me double over, gasping for air. A hand backhanded my jaw, snapping my head to the right. My teeth clicked together, a small part of my lip tearing as it got caught in between them. Hitting the wall on my already injured shoulder, I laid still, panting.

"KIOKO CHAN!"

Ignoring Naruto's cry, I sat up. Staring directly at Sasuke.

"Oi, Emo head" I called to him. His glazed eyes slid towards me. "Don't be giving up on us now" I managed to wag a mock finger of admonishment. At first it was as though he didn't hear me. A second later a small smirk tilted up his blood covered lips.

"ASSHOLES" Naruto obviously hadn't heard the little exchange between me and Sasuke. The blonde charged forwards, Kisame almost lazily dogging his footsteps. Beyond them, I could just make out Jiraya, his hands clasped together.

Suddenly everyone stopped in their tracks, casting bewildered looks at the walls…which were now squishy. I made a face, feeling the slimy walls of the giant toad's stomach under my hands. Ewwww…

"Ninpou Gama Guichi Shibari" Jiraya intoned calmly, as if to answer the unspoken question.

"This is so disgusting" I whined at the old man.

"Too bad, Itachi…Kisame" the Sage glared at the Akatsuki members. "You're already inside my stomach."

I gave a silent sigh of relief. Sasuke was outside, out of harm's way…although he isn't entirely unharmed, either. I winced, thinking of the amount of mental pain he must be in at the moment.

"Hope you don't mind being food for Iwagama."

Itachi looked at his hand – the one that was, moments before, clasped around Sasuke's throat. Deciding to cut their loss, he turned to his partner. "Kisame, come!"

The two sped off, heading further away from us. Jiraya frowned, snapping at Naruto as the boy let out yells of confusion and frustration. "No one sneaks away without me knowing" he pressed his hands firmly onto the ground.

"That won't work, Jiraya san" I yelled at him, using chakra to stand.

"Wha-?" Naruto's question stopped mid way as his mentor shot up, running after the fleeing nins. "HEY! WHY'S THIS HAPPENING?"

"Naruto" I caught hold of an orange sleeve. I sighed, knowing that I wouldn't be able to control the kid. "C'mon" together we followed the Sannin. Rounding the corner, both of us stood still, gaping at the doorway visible at the end of another corridor formed by the flesh walls. Small black flames still licked the edges, evidence of how the walls were broken.

"Hey! What's with this fire? I'd say it's black…" Naruto scratched his head, bending down to examine the phenomenon closely.

"Don't stupidly move closer to it!" Jiraya yanked the boy back by the back of his jacket. Ignoring his pupil's indignant cries, he knelt, pulling out a scroll, ink and brush. A few deft strokes later, a seal was ready. Quickly forming hand seals, Jiraya sealed away the remaining flames.

"I quite liked your dynamic entry" I snickered. A disgruntled Jiraya shot me a look brimming with the promise of a very painful comeback. I gave an internal flinch. Might as well enjoy the moment.

"Eh hehe" Gai rubbed the back of his neck "Sorry about that. I was using my hitai as a mirror…it didn't give a clear enough picture…"

"So…it wasn't on purpose?" Jiraya said slowly, carefully enunciating each word.

"Uh no…"

"I'd have taken the opportunity" I whispered to Naruto, who feverently nodded his head in agreement.

"Hmph" the Sannin snorted, then turning to serious business. "Sasuke needs to be taken to hospital. He's got a fractured rib and some Sharingan jutsu's made him lose his senses" he looked down at the unmoving boy. After the slight reaction from my comment, the avenger hadn't made the smallest action.

"Ero sennin…is Sasuke going to be ok?"

"…he took a tolerable amount of mental damage…"

Orange clad shoulders shook as hands clenched with rage. Cerulean orbs narrowed and the whiskers scrunched together. "…DAMN IT! What the hell! What did that guy do to Sasuke?"

"Naruto, that guy was Uchiha Itachi" I reminded.

"Whoever the hell he is….! Some time ago, it wouldn't mean anything…but not this time! Time to track down those 'black mantle' men!" the blonde idiot was already stepping towards the opening as he finished his rant. "I'll take of business with that guy…and since that's the case, I'm going after him!"

"Well, since you're going to that much trouble, why don't you hand yourself over to his gang on a sliver platter?" I drawled, leaning against the wall and crossing my arms.

"N-nani?"

"You don't listen, do you?" I asked rhetorically. "He said that you were their main objective today. Naruto, stop and think for a second. Use that brain of yours. If you go running after them, it's the same as you waltzing up to them and saying 'Here you go. Free of charge.'"

"Besides, if you go after him now, you'll get killed" Jiraya peered down at him. "He's on a whole new level to you. His distance is the only thing stopping him from-"

"WELL! WHAT KIND OF A GUY ESCAPES ALL THE TIME? EVERYDAY, BEING FEARFUL, LIVING IN A NIGHTMARE-"

"SHUT UP A MINUTE!" Jiraya roared, effectively shocking Naruto into silence. "You…are weak."

There was an awkward pause during which Gai and I exchanged glances.

"Excuse me...Gai. We need to move quickly to rescue Sasuke" there was crisp and business like tone in the Sage's voice.

"…Kakashi's also bedridden. He got hit with the same jutsu" I wasn't sure whether Gai said this to inform Jiraya or to show Naruto the weight behind Jiraya's reasoning. Either way, the point hit home.

"Kakashi sensei's-!"

"He got Kakashi, too, huh?"

But that wasn't all. "When students are injured…medical specialists should be around. In case this should keep occurring, don't you think?" Gai looked directly into the Toad Sage's eyes.

"Are you talking about…" I trailed off, feeling nervous under the intense scrutiny.

"Huh? Who?" Naruto looked between the three of us, demanding an explanation.

"Heh…so you know, huh?" Jiraya looked me up and down appraisingly. "Well…looks like you're joining us in the search for her…"

Sorry this chapter's a lot shorter than the others. But I wanted to make it up to my reviewers for the ridiculous amount of time I took updating the last chapter…so yeah! So enjoy and review. TILL NEXT TIME, MY FRIENDS! Heigh ho, Silver! Up, up and away *points into the distance*