Disclaimer: I own nothing that isn't mine.

~For Emily. Once again, I apologize for the delay. School will be ending in a few weeks and that will hopefully allow me to spend more time writing this story. Please, please remember to review. If you see a typo, flaw in my way of thinking, grammar mistake or if you just want to leave an instructional comment, feel free. Just don't.. ya know, cuss me out or something. Thanks for reading! Enjoy!

Thing's Happen
Chapter 14

Iruka stood staring at his coat stunned. He realized immediately that this was a symbol of the Akatsuki's acceptance. He was shocked, honored and speechless. Iruka took the coat in his hands and bowed to Pein. "I am so very honored.."

"Speak no more of it. You have helped Tobi in more ways than one. Even though it doesn't seem like it, Tobi has learned a lot. As a matter of fact.. doesn't he have a history test?"

"Oh. No. Well, yes. He asked that I postpone until Deidara's birthday had passed. He wished to do something special for him."

Deidara stared at Iruka. "He wanted to do something for me?"

A voice echoed around them, "Yes, I did. I made you a cake, sempai. It isn't anything compared to what you cold make, but I hope it pleases you just the same."

Tobi laid several plates and forks on the table. Everyone took their fill, talking idly amongst themselves.. In truth, everyone was preparing mentally for what was to come. Konan came and sat by Iruka. "Um, I wanted to talk to you about last night. We didn't finish our conversation."

"Conversation? I told you that I enjoyed it. Words can't describe how much I enjoyed it. I hope it isn't the last ti-."

"No. No. Defiantly not. I mean, I enjoyed it too. I was talking about Naruto. You didn't answer my question about missing him."

Iruka smiled to himself. Every time he heard that name, he felt a pang of guilt shoot through him. Then again, memories of buying 6 bowls of ramen 3 times a day flood into his mind. Iruka loved that little boy. For Danzou to trap him, keep him in jail was an accomplishment beyond measure. Naruto was, after all, the nine tailed fox. Within him was a power that only the most powerful, experienced ninjas could even attempt to contain. That little boy.. he'd went through so much. Iruka had just left him there. He left him with out any warning, with out a good bye. Not only that, but he seeked out the people that had caused Naruto, not to mention himself, so much trouble. The people who sucked Gaara's demon out.. the enemies of all villages.

"Yes. I miss him. Very, very much."

Konan smiled a sad smile. "I'm sorry, Iruka. I know it pains you to talk about this. I just was wondering why you left.. I mea-"

"I want a better life for Naruto," Iruka said flatly. Sighing, he continued speaking. "As you know, Naruto is like a bother to me.. no, even a son. I love him more than a regular student. You know that the nine tails inside him killed my parents, right? Well, even though I wanted to hate him like the other villagers. I couldn't. And because I couldn't hate, I began to love."

Konan kissed him softly. "I understand."

At the moment, Kabuto rushed into the room. "Friends! I just receive some crucial information. Shikamaru and a team of 3 ANBU black ops are about 15 miles from here. Apparently, they're planning an attack on some refugees that have escaped into the forest. It seems Danzou wants everyone where he can keep on eye on him. Not only that! Instead of coming out and inspecting things for himself, he daughter is which Shikamaru and the other scouts. I do believe this is our chance to strike."

Kakuzu stood up slowly, "My friends, this is no time to joke and fool around. It is time to act, as Kabuto said. I motion we send out team out tomorrow at noon. The sooner we get this done, the sooner Sasuke, Pedo and Kabuto can leave. The sooner Tobi can return to his lessons. The soon Iruka can go home and the sooner I can get back to my bounty hunting."

Pein glanced around the room casually. "Yes..." sighing he summoned Zetzu, "would you please prepare the teams packs. Quickly. Deidara, I need you to have your weapons ready in case something goes wrong and you need to head in for back up. You need double the supplies. Kakuzu, make sure Hidans head is mended on properly and securely. Kisame, make sure your sword is ready for battle. The rest of you.. do what you think you should. If back up is needed, Zetzu, Deidara, Hidan and Kisame will go in."

Konan was mending one of Iruka's shirts, she took a double take as she heard the names of the teams. "Why on earth are you splitting the teams like that?"

"I have my reasons."

Konan sighed as Pein continued. "There is other news; most of you have been wondering how the nine tailed could be tamed. I just received word that Sakura and Hinata are being held as a hostage. If Naruto does anything that displeases Danzou, then those girls will die. Apparently, this is how he is getting his prisoners to obey him.

Iruka laugh coldly, startling everyone in the room. "Then I suppose we shall give him a taste of his own medicine."

He waved as he walked towards his bed chamber. Tomorrow would be an intense day. Rest was needed.