Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or make a profit from this. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto and Shonen Jump.

Here is chapter 12.

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Sasuke Uchiha walked through the castle hallways with his squad following behind him. He and his squad had just made it back to Konoha and were on their way to report everything from their latest mission, although the mission wasn't the thing on his mind right now, no he was thinking of the inevitable talk with the Queen about her daughter and how he let her go off with Naruto. He was sure that if she found out it was him who let her go than he would be punished for disobeying the order to bring her back and he was ready to accept any punishment.

"Captain…" Karin said with concern in her voice, "are you sure you want to speak to the Queen alone?"

Sasuke looked back at her and could see the worry in her eyes, "Don't worry Karin; I'm sure I can handle whatever punishment she throws at me."

"Hehe maybe he will be demoted, and then make me the new Captain, I bet—" Karin kicked Suigetsu in the shin before he could finish.

Suigetsu and Karin continued to argue up until they reached the throne room. Sasuke bid farewell to his team telling them they were free for the rest of the day, they all nodded and Sasuke walked into the throne ready to talk to Tsunade.

Sasuke approached the queen and kneeled before her, "Knight Captain Sasuke Uchiha reporting in my Queen."

Tsunade rose from her chair and approached the young captain, "Rise Sasuke Uchiha," Sasuke did so and stood in front of the Queen. "What do you have to report?" she asked.

"My Queen, it seems our theories were correct, the Akatsuki is indeed behind the stolen chakra from the outer towns and cities," Sasuke reached into the pouch on his waist and pulled out a report, "It seems they are targeting many towns as they are in need for a large amount of chakra, whatever it is they are planning it can't be good."

Tsunade took the report from Sasuke's hands and overlooked it, it was troubling to her to find out that their suspicions were correct but what truly troubled her was the note at the bottom of the report.

"Sasuke," Tsunade said while still looking at the report, "this part that the bottom…"

Sasuke sighed, "I'm afraid it's true, they seem to be after your daughter as well although we don't know the reason as of yet."

"It also says here that they left in the middle of the night," Tsunade looked at him with angry eyes. "Is that really what happened?" Sasuke was about to respond until she spoke once more, "and don't lie to me Uchiha!"

Sasuke flinched unsure of whether or not he had been found out, deciding it best to just come out and say the truth Sasuke told her about what really happened that night.

"So you're saying you willingly allowed them to continue traveling, even knowing the dangers of the Akatsuki!?" Tsunade yelled. "What were you thinking!?"

"Queen Tsunade there is another reason as to why I allowed her to go."

He had Tsunade's full attention.

Sasuke continued, "You remember how some of Danzo's knights were awaiting to capture Lady Sakura? Well I think that they may be connected to the Akatsuki being after her as well."

"And you think that she would be even less safe here with all of Danzo's knights that walk through the castle, am I right?"

Sasuke nodded, "While we don't have any proof of this, Danzo's actions as of late have been suspicious."

"I see… well if this is true and Danzo really does have a connection with the Akatsuki than perhaps it is better for her to stay on the move."

Sasuke sighed a breath of relief; Tsunade had seemed to finally calm down.

"But Sasuke Uchiha," Tsunade began, "if anything happens to her, not only will Naruto feel my wrath," Tsunade cracked her knuckles and sent a death glare at Sasuke, "but you will too, understand!?"

Sasuke flinched again before nodding, normally the great Uchiha Captain wouldn't show fear to anyone, but the Queen herself was a different story. Sure her threats would be of the lawful kind but they could also be physical threats as Queen Tsunade is renowned for her ability to fight as well.

"W—Well if that's all my Queen then I would like to take my leave," Sasuke said as he made his way to the exit.

"Oh and Uchiha,"

Sasuke stopped still looking away from the Queen.

"Be careful, with these latest events Danzo himself may not be happy with your actions."

With that Knight Captain Sasuke Uchiha left the throne room hoping to get a good night's rest.


"The Great Sage? You mentioned him before, who is he?" Naruto asked.

Since the retreat of the Akatsuki from the ISC ship Valen had been answering nonstop questions from Naruto. While they were busy talking Sakura had finished treating the leaders of the InoShikaCho market guild and with them feeling better they had once again started the ISC up and were on their way to Suna at this very moment.

"Seriously? You have never heard of the Great Sage?" Valen asked surprised.

"No, should I have?"

"If you knew anything about the world outside of Konoha you would."

Naruto grew annoyed, "Well sorry for not being all knowing!" he huffed.

"Haha calm down I'll tell you about the Great Sage, he is the seen as a leader figure for all of the guilds in Suna and is an extremely powerful man."

"Oh! He sound awesome doesn't he Sakura-Chan!?"

"Yeah he sou—"

"But he can also be a huge pervert sometimes Hahaha!" Valen laughed.

Sakura's expression instantly did a 180, "Never mind I take back what I was about to say!"

"But in all seriousness he is someone that I respect, and he has been teaching me things for years," Valen looked at Naruto. "If you really want to learn the ability I used than he is the one you want to see, the Great Sage Jiraiya!"

"Oh do you think he'll teach me!?"

Valen smiled, "Not a chance."

Naruto hung his head low in disappointment. Would he really not teach him?

Sakura came to his defense, "Wait just a minute, why wouldn't he teach Naruto!? He may seem like a huge baka but he really is a strong person!"

'Thanks Sakura-Chan' Naruto thought with a smile.

"Strength isn't the only thing you need in order to be trained by Jiraiya, and if you can't figure that out than you will never get him to teach you, let alone be able to use nature chakra," Valen replied.

Kakashi stepped into the conversation, "Valen I think you should know that Naruto did in fact use an ability that resembled the nature chakra you used."

Valen seemed interested in that news as he asked Naruto all about it, Naruto proceeded to explain their fight with Sasori and Deidara and how he woke with the strange chakra around him. He explained the increase in speed and power and also his surge of chakra around his blades.

"Hmm that does sound a lot like nature chakra, but there is something else that is on my mind. The chakra around your blades, it sounds an awful lot like another ability Jiraiya knows," Valen said.

Naruto was about to respond but Valen continued first.

"But that is something that can be discussed with the Great Sage himself."

"Wait… you mean…"

Valen laughed, "Yeah, I'll take you to see him, but getting him to train you will be your task and not mine."

Naruto jumped for joy and ran over to Sakura and gave her a huge hug, she blushed furiously before whacking him in head.

"Baka! I know you're excited but that doesn't mean you can just hug me like that!" She said with the blush still on her face.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, "Hehe sorry Sakura-Chan, I'm just happy that I have a chance to finally get the power I need to take on the Akatsuki."

'And you're doing it for me,' Sakura thought with a smile.

Valen stood up, "Well it's getting late; I think we should all get some sleep we should be arriving in Suna by tomorrow."

"He is right, after everything that's happened we should all get some rest," Kakashi said as he stood to leave as well.

Sakura and Naruto both started to leave as well, they walked together till they got to the hall with their rooms in it. Sakura was about to enter her room after saying good night until Naruto spoke up.

"Sakura-Chan," Naruto started, "I promise you, I will get this Sage Jiraiya to train me and then I will personally take care of the Akatsuki for you."

Sakura smiled, "Naruto I know you want to do this for me, but I am going to help you, we will do it together."

Naruto gave her a genuine smile that made her heart skip a beat, "Ok Sakura-Chan, together we will get stronger and stop them. Good night Sakura-Chan."

"Good night Naruto."


Karin had been spending the last hour trying to sleep, but to no avail she just could not find herself to do so. Her mind was on none other than her Captain, Sasuke Uchiha. Ever since returning to the Capital, she had been worried about him because of some of the decisions that he made, she was sure Danzo was not pleased with his meddling and when Danzo wasn't pleased with something he usually took care of the problem. She hoped that Queen Tsunade was aware of this as well and would watch out for him, but she wasn't so sure.

"Ahh I can't sleep with all this stuff on my mind!" Karin yelled to herself as she grabbed the sides of her head. She got up deciding that maybe a walk would put her restless mind at ease.

After grabbing her sword, for protection of course, she walked around outside. The cold air and the silence of the night seemed to be doing wonders for her thoughts. She was coming up to the bridge on the outskirts of Konoha where she had first found out that she would be on the squad led by Sasuke Uchiha, she remembered how happy she was at that time.

"And I'm still happy to be on his squad," She said to herself with a smile.

A few more minutes had passed before she decided that she had been out for long enough and started heading back to her home. As she was approaching her door she started getting an uneasy feeling, she looked back toward the way she came and felt it even more, deciding not to ignore it she made her way back toward the bridge.


The raven haired male walked toward the bridge during the silent night in Konoha, it was here that he first met his squad. He remembered Suigetsu introducing himself in a cocky manner; Sasuke had found it amusing but kept it to himself. Juugo introduced himself and told them about his love for nature and animals, Suigetsu of course laughed but Juugo didn't seem to mind. Then there was Karin, she had a hot temper, but he could tell she cared in her own way. Normally Sasuke wouldn't stare at someone but he had to admit, he found Karin attractive, although Sasuke would never admit it out loud.

Sasuke allowed a small smirk to come across his face at the thought of his team; they were certainly one of a kind. His thoughts however were interrupted as he felt a presence approach him from behind.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Sasuke demanded not even looking behind him.

"Kukuku, it seems the rumors are true," the snake like voice laughed, "your sense of perception is truly gifted."

"I asked you a question," Sasuke said as he readied his sword and great shield.

"Straight to the point, you're no fun," he chuckled as he revealed himself to Sasuke.

Sasuke studied the person before him, 'pale skin, yellow eyes, snake like and has an Akatsuki cloak around his neck, yes this must be…'

"Orochimaru," Sasuke said not once changing his tone.

"Oh so you know who I am, well I'm flattered, really I am."

"I'll only ask once more, what is it that you want?"

"Why I just want to talk with you is all," Orochimaru grinned as he held his two fingers out towards Sasuke and them pointed them down.

Sasuke sensed the blade coming from behind and slammed it away with his shield. Orochimaru pulled the blade back towards himself.

"Sneak attacks?"

"Hm seems these amateur tactics won't work on you," Orochimaru charged at Sasuke with his sword and did a quick slash only to have it blocked by Sasuke's shield.

Sasuke used the chance to swing his broadsword at Orochimaru with great speed but the snake managed to dodge the attack before it could land.

"My my you certainly seem to have even better reaction times than Naruto," Orochimaru laughed.

"I have always been ahead of Naruto," Sasuke replied as he charged at Orochimaru. He attacked with a combination of his sword and shield, keeping them in great sync right after a sword attack his shield would come in and try to bash Orochimaru. Sasuke was trying to give him as little of a chance to counter attack as he could.

Orochimaru managed to back off and sent a wave of chakra at Sasuke with his sword, and then another and two more following quickly after, Sasuke merely formed chakra around his shield and blocked the waves with ease.

Orochimaru seeing that his chakra waves weren't working decided to try some magic.

"Earth Spears!" Orochimaru yelled out as the ground near Sasuke started to turn, soon spears of rock and dirt we flying toward him.

Sasuke blocked a couple and managed to slash away the rest, soon some more spears came out from behind him. Sasuke wasn't able to move much as he continued to dodge, block and parry all of the oncoming attacks.

"Kukuku having trouble Sasuke-Kun?" Orochimaru chuckled as he continued to send waves of earth magic upon the knight captain.

Orochimaru was about to gloat some more until he saw some red chakra forming.

"Great Fireball!"

A barrage of fireballs were sent flying toward Orochimaru causing him to jump out of the way, he continued to dodge the fire until he noticed Sasuke approach him from the side.

Sasuke swung his sword down upon Orochimaru but once again the snake managed to dodge the attack, Sasuke though anticipated it and bashed his shield straight into Orochimaru sending him flying back and into the river beneath the bridge.

Sasuke jumped forward looking for Orochimaru, what he was blades of water flying at him, Sasuke spent little time thinking what to do and slashed each water blade in half before it reached him.

Orochimaru stood up in the river, still drenched from being thrown into it. He let out another one of his laughs as he started to charge up some chakra into his legs and he sprung forward at Sasuke.

Orochimaru started to swing faster and stronger than he had been before, he and Sasuke continued trading blows against each other's weapons back and forth.

"Kukuku Sasuke-Kun I haven't had this much fun in a long time!" Orochimaru laughed.

"Hn," was all Sasuke responded with as he continued to trade blows with Orochimaru. Soon though he had enough as he charged more chakra into his shield and deflected Orochimaru's next attack sending him back.

Sasuke thought he would have a second of calm but Orochimaru seemed to bounce back up from the deflection and appeared next to Sasuke in a matter of seconds.

'So fast…' Sasuke thought as he managed to parry the attack.

"Having trouble keeping up with my speed?"

Sasuke responded with a new attack, he charged red chakra into his shield and the front of it burst into flames.

"Vermilion Wall!"

Sasuke shot forth a wall of flames at Orochimaru; he wasn't able to completely dodge this one as it managed to burn his whole arm.

"Seems you won't be able to use your right arm anymore, not with those burns," Sasuke said confidently.

"You would think so wouldn't you?" Orochimaru chuckled as he held his arm out, the burned skin turned into mud and dirt as it fell off of his arm.

"Mud armor, kukuku you didn't even touch my skin with that last attack."

Sasuke was a little bit pissed, but he wasn't going to let it get to him. If he missed this time then he would just have to try harder the next time. He prepared some more fire magic and sent some more fireballs toward Orochimaru causing the snake to jump to the side.

Orochimaru dodged the attacks and came face to face with another vermilion wall blocking his path. He smirked at how he managed to fall for the attack and noticed fireballs closing in on his direction.

The fireballs crashed into Orochimaru, Sasuke smirked thinking he had finally gotten a good hit off on Orochimaru until he felt pain in his right leg. Orochimaru's kusanagi blade had impaled him from behind in his right leg. Sasuke dropped onto one knee as he pulled the blade out of his leg and threw it aside.

He watched as steam formed from where Orochimaru was and saw a ball of water encircling Orochimaru.

"Seems I managed to get a good hit off on you Sasuke-Kun," Orochimaru laughed, Sasuke sent him a glare.

"Oh don't be like that, I didn't manage to get the water barrier up in time and you managed to get me real good on my shoulder."

Sasuke looked and indeed he saw blood and some bad burns on Orochimaru's left shoulder, he felt joy that he managed to hurt him, but he needed to do more if he wanted to win.

"Seems I will have to try harder if I want to end your life," Sasuke said as chirping sounds could be heard from his direction.

"Chidori!" Sasuke yelled as his sword was covered in a strong electrical current.

"It's time I end this Orochimaru!"


Hopefully no one hates me for this chapter focusing on Sasuke haha, get used to it he will play a bigger part in this story as well. He is one of the main characters after all!

Review if you can, i'd appreciate it! I kind of hope I have been getting better at writing.