I know. I know. You don't have to say it.

But here you go! Let me know what you think. I there are a few sections I am not sure of, but my brain died it hated me...

Though that could have been Microsoft Word program that decided that it no longer wanted to spell check this story for me. Too 'misspellings'. LOL. These names man.

Chapter 14:

Take it off!

The last time Naruto saw Tsunami, Inari, and Tazuna, he thought it would be for the last time. Feeling like he has set that bridge ablaze, he thought he would never see those people again, and that hurt more than he expects it to. After Aimi's death, he was-is careful, cutting out anyone who could hurt him in any form. However, this family of 3 cut through his shields and found a home in his heart. They became his family, people he would and will die for in a heartbeat.

Nonetheless, he was and is ready to walk away from them for their and Minato's safety. He refuses to let anyone get hurt because of him, and due to his Lifestyle, that can be at any time. Yes, some might say that he has his foot out the door, not fully committing to anything, but that's what Itachi taught him, training him that everything is disposable. And for most part, Naruto has followed that, lived that; granted, having a kid threw that all through a loop. Having a kid, breaks all the rules. It creates weaknesses. For people in his line of 'Work', that's dangerous and a big no and no, and Naruto is beginning to understand why—not that he doesn't already. It is all his nightmares consist of.

Back to the matter at hand, he has placed Tsunami, Inari, and Tazuna in his past never to see them again. And he is prepared to do that, even though they had been there for him for years. However, the kidnapping of the Kages have brought him back to one of the only places that he has ever thought as home. The idea both fills his heart with fear and hope. He wishes he could come back, though he knows can't. However, if he's going to leave Minato, he is going to leave the boy with the people that he trusts.

"I thought I made myself clear," Inari says, his voice cold. His eyes drilling into him.

Naruto doesn't blame him for this, considering the shit show that happened when Tobi sent rogues after him. Though he doesn't know the official death count, he knows several villagers were killed because of him. He understands that he has put Inari and everyone in danger by him being here, but he has no other choice. Letting the Kages be killed for sport or whatever the faker has planned would be just as dangerous if not more. "You have," Naruto says slowly, as he glances back at Tsunami who's watching Minato in the garden. The boy's eyes are large, inspecting the large carrot Tsunami has just pulled out the ground. "And I'll leave after I save the Kages. I just need someone to watch the little one." He pauses. "I don't want to leave him alone."

Inari, his expression hard, narrows his eyes at Naruto, burying into him. God, it is like he stepped onto the sun and being burned alive. There's something on the tip of his tongue, itching to get out; however, he doesn't get a chance. Tazuna beats them to the punch as he steps into the room. His expression is warmer than his grandson. It's off putting.

Naruto hasn't talk to this man since before the attack on the village. He left before the old man had a chance to rip into him, so he has no idea of what the man is thinking. That smile is giving him false hope.

"Minato is always welcome here." Tazuna, surprising both Naruto and Inari.

"Grandfather," Inari utters, clearly shocked. His eyes are large and his mouth's open.

With smile, Tazuna shakes his head at the young man and puts his hand up, toward Naruto. "I don't agree with all that you do, Naruto, but I shall never take it out on the boy." He pauses for second as he glances at Minato. His smile disappears, as a longing look forms on his face. "He's innocent in all of this." The man looks tired, like he hasn't had a good sleep in ages. "However, I'll say you're doing the right thing this time." He lets out a heavy sigh, looking like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. "The Kages must be brought back alive or all hell will break out. There will be no peace."

There are times Naruto wishes he was heartless. He and others may fool themselves into thinking that he was, but there is a heart under all that the anger and hatred. And seeing Tazuna so worn down is bring it out. He wishes he could turn back time and stop it all from happening. However, he can't do that. There's no turning back time. He chose this path and he has to live. He just wishes that Tazuna and this village didn't suffer because of him. However, this is his curse.

Feeling angry and annoyed at himself, Naruto keeps his mumbles to himself. He really is a horrible rogue—and person, though he doesn't have any illusions to that-, isn't he? At this point, could he really consider himself rogue ninja? That's debatably. He can't seem to be able to keep his nose out of crap. Things that no rogues should care about. Between going after a Toya, saving an entire village and now going after the Kages, he has been the opposite of what a cold blooded Assassin should be. What the hell is he thinking? Doing? "Glad someone can see it."

Tazuna really does look like he has aged considerably in the last week or so. Stress. Fear. Everything is just coming down on him, like a bat out of hell. "Just make sure you save Lady Hokage. I don't want anything to happen to her. I like that Lady." There is a smile on his face.

It stuns Naruto for a few seconds, not expecting that from the man. It's been awhile since he has looked at him like that. It almost reminds Naruto of a proud father—not that he had a father to judge. So, this whole thing is just odd, especially when he never expects him to look like that at him again. "I got it." With that, he disappeared.

*O*O*

Tracking has never been Naruto's strong suit. Maybe, his impatience is getting the better of him, though he has gotten better over the years. In the past, he couldn't find a person right in front of him to save his life. Heck, he couldn't stand still for more than two seconds at a time. Granted, he also wore an orange jumpsuit and yelled "Believe It" at the top of his tongue like an idiot. How was he not killed? Seriously, he doesn't know, but he's a different person. He's a different man now, learned from his failures. However, all of that seems to have gone at the door—or rather, it feels like it has. He has breaking all his rules, allowing his emotions to get the better of him. It's frustrating.

Why in the hell does he care? Why in the hell is he sticking his neck out? Okay, he knows he can't let Gaara down, considering everything that man has done for him. Besides that, Gaara is his closest friend, one of the few people who he can talk to. He loves that man more than he can explain. He is his brother. Now, he isn't sure about anyone else. Sure, he tells himself he's saving the other Kages because of what could happen. But is that true? Would killing the kages send the world into darkness? Naruto isn't completely sure, but he can't find it in him to walk away from this.

"Get it together," he yells at himself. Having been trained by Itachi for years (Upon other things), he knows the Akatsuki's secrets. Itachi had trained him to take down that curse group, showing him all their weaknesses. Because of this, he knows their hiding spaces, their every movement. Granted, it has been years and it's basically a new team; however, Tobi is still there, still in charge. And there is one place that pops to mind to where the faker and the rest of his gang might be hiding. Naruto has saved that place for last, hoping he would have some luck. This place is a nightmare to say the least.

Like really. Why does it have to be this place?

An annoyed Naruto stands high in a brushy tree, staring down at Tobi's new compound. Saying it's huge in an understatement, as it's massive, stretching across land like the morning sun on a summer day. It almost looks like an enormous fighting arena, though that's probably fitting for what Tobi is planning for the Kages. However, it isn't the size of the compound/Arena that worries Naruto, though it would be a bitch to search. It's the Parasite Clones of the White Zetsu that are scattered across the fields. Most are hidden in the trees and bushes that surround the compound, waiting to ambush anyone who comes by. Again, that isn't what worries the Assassin.

It's the forcefield that surrounds it that worries the blond. Having seen a few in his life, he knows the power needed to fuel it. The amount could kill an army or a small village alone: however, most of those force shield wouldn't last for long, killing those fueling them in less than a day. Yet, this appears to have been up and stable for a while, which means the power source has to be massive…. God, imagine if something that powerful gets turned into a weapon. Crap. Naruto curses. It'll be easier said than done to break into that compound. He won't be able to transport into the compound and will most likely have to be invited in… But then that brings up a few new issues. Crap.

He can get an invite without issue, considering the faker has already hunted him down to join this little boy band. So, getting an invite won't be hard, but everything, that won't be easy. If Tobi knows who he is, Naruto will be walking into a trap. If he doesn't already know, he could make him unmasked to get in. A henge would not work, not with that eye of his. With everything that he gave up and everything that Itachi did to keep him safe, he couldn't allow his identity to be revealed. Minato and he are safer if 'Naruto' is dead.

Besides the fact that he's sure a certain raven would hunt him down, Naruto hates to see the madness that would grow from his unmasking. He can assume how bad it would be for Minato, who's innocent in all of this. He could be hunted like a dog, and that idea does not sit well with him. All he wants to do is keep his son safe. That is all he wants to do.

Not now, he yelled at himself. He doesn't have the time to go through this mental crap. He has to figure how to break into the compound and stop those countless shinobi… Okay, he needs a plan for that as well. He's awesome and he knows that, but he's not unstoppable. He can't take over a hundred Shinobi at once (not that he doesn't want to see if he can. Now is not the time)—granted, he has no idea how many are hidden within those walls. He knows a few dangerous ones has already joined and aren't push overs. Sure, there'll be a few who he can take out with a flick of his hand, whiles others will be a nightmare.

However, there isn't anyone he can really turn to for help. Rogues are out of the question. He's the odd ball in this community, sticking his neck out for those in need. Even if he could trust another rogue (they turn. That's what they do), they don't care about anything besides themselves. They are loners. They won't stick their necks out for crap. And don't get him started on Village Shinobi. There's no way in hell that any of them would help. Again, he's a S ranked Assassin who has been on a killing spree. They see him as just rogue who needs to be stopped.

At first, he thought he laid or implanted an idea in Temari and Shikamaru, but he has heard nothing from the Kunai he gave to the Lazy Ninja. He knows the seal is still active and has not been destroyed, which just leaves two things. One: Nara and the rest of the village are studying it. They aren't sure what to make of it. Two, Konoha is laying a trap for him… Okay, there could be a third. They could use it and agree to work with him. However, would they have used it already if that is the case?

Naruto isn't sure, but he does know he needs a plan. He can't be a stupid about this.

*O*O*

Shikamaru has just come back from a fact-finding mission with nothing. Okay, it isn't completely nothing, but it feels like nothing. What he learned doesn't point to a specific location, which was what they were hoping for. Instead, it's just the same stuff they already know. Tobi is collecting an army, pulling in any rogues who would listen. Any rogue. Soon, Tobi's gang will arrive a small village if he keeps recruiting. However, this isn't something they don't know… or rather, it isn't unexpected. They already know that Tobi is gaining followers. It is just another thing to know it.

And with each day that passes, it just feels worse. Shikamaru can feel it under his skin, as his doubt warms its way up his chest, eating him whole. Being a genius, he knows the danger of letting your mind wander, stressing yourself over something that may not happen. However, he isn't stupid either. With each day that passes, the chances of finding the Kages lowers. Tobi won't keep them alive for ever. They were taken for a reason. Sure, Kakashi is leading the village the best that he can, but it won't do anyone any good if the Hokage dies. Nara doesn't have to be a genius to know the panic that will follow.

Taking a long, deep breath, he slowly makes his way to his family compound. With the Hokage missing, no one wants to sleep, even though they all know that they are useless without it. But it is hard to think, when your leader is missing. You just want to keep on going. Besides the worry, it is guilt and overwhelming shame that keep them up. Questions fill their minds. Is there something more they can do? Did they miss something? Are they going about this wrong? So many questions, running through their minds, keeping them up.

Shikamaru has been up for… God, he doesn't know how he has been up… Shit, how long has he been up for? He doesn't even know. It has to be at least be a few days. He knows it has been over 24 hours. Like most shinobi, he has been pushing himself until he is about to drop. Like with Naruto, this is personal. He lost the Hokage on his watch. He should've protected her. He should've done better. He swore he wouldn't lose another person on his watch. However, he failed. Both his father and Kakashi keep telling him that he did all that he could do, but it doesn't feel like that. He feels like a disappointment. Tsunade trusts him and he let her down. Naruto trusted him and he let him down. It feels-

"Shikamaru."

Nara let out a harsh sigh, hearing his name. All he wants to do is sleep, even though he knows he probably won't sleep well. "Sasuke," he utters, turning to the Raven. Kakashi has been keeping a short leash of the Uchiha, knowing the young man very well. Also, Kakashi has mentioned to both of them that he needs the Raven close as they may locate Tsunade at any time and may need to move quickly. They would need their strongest Shinobi if they have to go up against a growing army. However, Shikamaru also knew that the Acting Hokage wants to keep an eye on the man. Sure, he has calmed down, but he can still be a loose cannon at times.

"Any news?"

Shikamaru lets out another harsh sigh. It isn't that he's tired of the questions, though they are annoying—especially when he doesn't have the answers to them. He also doesn't have the patience for them at the moment. His brain isn't functioning at a hundred percent right now. He feels like death and probably looks like it too. "No," he says, his voice strained. He doesn't mean to sound so…Urge. He can't even begin to explain what going through his head

Sasuke's eyes wander up and down Shikamaru, scanning every inch of him. "When the last time you slept?"

Okay, no. Sasuke Uchiha does not get to lecture him about sleeping. That man doesn't get to lecture him about anything. That man only has one button… Wait, he has 2. Attack and Overact. There's no in between for him, so he can't play this caring card. Right now, for example, the man is itching for fight, itching to get out of the village. Sure, that can be said about every shinobi in the village, but Shikamaru isn't sure if that is due to the Hokage missing or the fact that he wants to fight the Demonic flash….

A certain Kunai is heavy in his pocket, a secret he has yet to tell anyone. He knows he probably should tell Kakashi or, at least, tell his father (to get his opinion on this shit show), but every time he opens his mouth, he feels a weight drop down on him. Maybe, he should just use it and see what happens. What the worst thing that could happen? The Demonic Flash says no? No! he yelled at himself. The worst thing is that he calls a psychopath, and the assassin kills them all. Now, that would be the worst thing. "Where do you think I am heading to now?"

Sasuke stares at him for a few more seconds, almost like he is putting his face to memory. "Good," he said, nodding his head. It's almost comical. "And you shouldn't blame yourself."

He really doesn't have the patience for this. Sure, everyone has been telling him that, but why does it sound so much worse coming from Sasuke? Why does he want to punch him right now? He knows he should accept Sasuke's kind—does that man even know kindness-words as they are. He knows the man does try, but when all he sees is Naruto's dead body, it is a lot harder to do. It has been years and Sasuke has been welcome back into the village, but god, it is so hard to see pass that. Being the worst in their class (though Shikamaru could've done better), Naruto and he had this special bond. "Whatever you say, Uchiha."

His face changes slightly, as he huffs. There is something on the tip of his tongue, but he doesn't say it. "I am going to check with Kakashi." With that the man is gone.

"Troublesome," Shikamaru utters, staring at the now empty spot. He doesn't know why Kakashi would tell Sasuke anything if something new came up. Sure, Kakashi keeps a watchful eye on him and tells him things, but the Acting Hokage thinks the Raven is a handful just like he does. However, he forces himself away from those thoughts for now. Right now, he needs to sleep. In a few hours when his mind is clear, he will decide what he wants to do.

*O*O*

Utakata is staring at him. His eyes, cold. "What is it that you want?" he asks. His tone monotone.

Naruto, trying to be the less threatening that he can be, sits on a tree branch, as his legs dangles beneath him. He's tempted to swing them, channeling as much of Minato as he can; however, he stops himself. Utakata might think that is creepy and attack. "I assume you heard of the Kages," he says, leaning forward slightly. His hands are at his side, visible. He doesn't want Utakata to think he's going for a weapon of some kind. Granted, they each hold one of the nine tail beasts and are deadly without any weapon.

He turns to him slightly, eyeing. "And why should I care?" His dark eyes are drilling into him.

Naruto isn't too sure what Utakata knows about him, though he's sure he senses the fox much like he senses the demon inside of Utakata. Now he isn't sure if he knows his name, considering how hard Konoha worked to hide him. "We may be rogue ninjas, but can we let the kages die?"

"Why should it be any interest to me? I just want to be left alone." He pauses for a second, narrowing his eyes at Naruto. "And why should two rogues get involved, especially two rogues that contain two of the nine tailed beasts." At this point, he's staring at Naruto, his eyes piercing through him. "He already has two with the Kazekage and Killer B, and you want to hand him two more?"

Utakata has a point, but he isn't going to let Tobi kill the kages, even if he can't really explain why. "And you think he won't come after us?" Naruto replies, his tone changing. "We will be next."

"You may have a point, but he'll have to chase me." He folds his arm against his chase. "And he won't be happy with what he finds."

"Utakata. List-"

"Now, leave. I'm not interested in a fight, but I will give you one if you don't leave me alone." His expression is stiff and cold, and there is no doubt he means that.

Naruto sneers, fighting back Kurama who is just as annoyed as he is. "Very well but hear me this. You're making a mistake." With that, Naruto disappears.

*O*O*

Shikamaru mindlessly plays with a toothpick, wiggling it with his tongue between his teeth. Tsunade had and will always yell/tease him about this habit, digging into him with those eyes of hers. He always teased her back with a smile on his face, even if he's itching for smoke- like he is now. However, he cannot bring himself to put one on his mouth. It feels wrong as Kakashi sits in the chair. "Sasuke is ready to burst."

Jiraiya lets out a snort. "When isn't that man about to burst? I don't think there is ever a time that that kid isn't ready to blow a top," he replies, folding his arms against his chest. The man looks like he hasn't slept in days, though it has probably been longer than that. Caring for Tsunade deeply, he has been driving himself into the ground, as he tries to find some kind of lead on her whereabouts. He has been keeping an ear to the ground for any kind of information.

Kakashi, who has been glued to the papers on his desk, doesn't even look up. He's shifting through countess scrolls and papers, barely reading them. It isn't clear to what he's doing or currently working on. Some pertain to the village and its daily function, which he has to complete in addition to the mission logs on the missing Hokage. With a look that screams 'are you kidding me,' the Acting Hokage is ready to pull out his hair. Not all disputes come to him, depending on how large the issue is, but he's already up to his ears in them. And he really doesn't care if someone's fence is on someone else's property. Like, really? But he knows he has to keep up appearances, has to deal with it. Yes, they won't be able to keep Tsunade's disappearance—Kidnapping—under wraps for long, but for now, it is what they are doing. "You should give the kid more credit," Kakashi states without looking up. "He isn't that same kid."

Jiraiya snorts as he folds his arms. "He is. You just can't see it, because you have a soft spot for man."

Kakashi glances up from his desk, giving Jiraiya a glare. "And you're blinded by anger, Old Man. Maybe, you should look forward instead of backward."

Shikamaru looks between the two, tempting take a few steps back from them. He has no interest in being in this fight. Most of the time, Jiraiya, the legendary toad Sage, acts like a 5-year-old at best, and there is no telling how he will react. Normally, he explodes much like a certain Raven—unless the situation calls for a more mature reaction. So, the lazy genius knows the man can control himself, but he is a child more times than not. And it doesn't mean he will keep his cool here. Yes, situation is dire, but the man is working on very little sleep—like most of the shinobi in the village. Shikamaru himself had to force himself to sleep.

Jiraiya's expressions darkens a bit, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Somethings are unforgivable."

As much as Shikamaru believes that, he can understand how deadly that belief can be. They're shinobi, trained killers after all. They shed blood without hesitation- well besides Naruto, who believed the best of everyone. Though, that is a thought for another time. There's always going to be someone out there that they wronged in some way. So even if they don't want to forgive, they have to. Without that, they're alone in the world with no one. Shikamaru may not want to forgive, struggling with it himself. He will. "Troublesome," he utters. "Maybe, now is not the time for this."

"I believe our young friend here is correct," Kakashi replies, putting down his papers. With a heavy sigh, he rests his chin on the back of his hands. "Still nothing on the Hokage's whereabouts?"

"No, just the same things we've been hearing," Toad Sage replies, his eyes narrows. "However, I'm getting closer at nailing down a location. Granted, eliminating half the continent since leaves half a continent." His frustration is heavy on his face. "And it only a matter of time before Tobi enacts his plan."

Kakashi's face changes slightly. "Which is? As much I want to save Tsunade, I don't see what her death will do. Yes, the death of all 5 Kages won't be pretty, but each village has a shinobi really to take it up. Unless, he just wants to start a war; however, why would he want all 5 villages to go after him?"

"I assume the main goal has not changed," Jiraiya says.

Wiggling the toothpick, Shikamaru looks between the two. "The tailed beasts," he utters with a deep sigh. It would make sense that he be after them again. However, that creates more questions than it answers, considering one of the 9 beasts is supposedly dead. Now, no one really knows what happens to one when their host dies, especially with that seal Yondaime put on Naruto. If his studies are correct, not even death could break it. However, he can only assume that at this point, considering there has been nothing on the nine tailed fox. "If that's the case, we know for sure that he has 2."

Jiraiya lets out a soft growl, shaking his head. "I don't like this."

Kakashi lets out a sigh. "I think that goes unsaid."

A certain kunai plays pops into Shikamaru's head again, and he's itching to reach for it. Maybe, the Demonic Flash knows. Sure, he has no idea if he can trust the man, but they're striking out. "What about the Demonic Flash's offer?" Both Kakashi and Jiraiya turn to him, giving him a 'oh no, you didn't' look. Yes, he understands that it's risky, but in his mind, it is a risk that they have to take. He tries to explain this to them, but they are completely unconvinced.

"Did you forget what he has done? How many nobles and people he has killed? He is a level S rogue, who kills because he wants to. We can't trust someone like that." Jiraiya shots back.

Shikamaru knows this, but they're running out of time. "At this point, what can we lose?"

Kakashi shakes his head. "I don't like it. There're too many things that can go wrong. I know he did it for the kids, and I know he could have killed us and didn't, which is something that I have to give him. However, he's still a wildcard. What is his end game? Why hasn't he joined Tobi like everyone."

Again, Nara knows this, knows the risks, but his gut doesn't agree with this. For some reason, his gut is yelling at him. "Understood," he replies. The kunai is heavy on his mind, and he is failing to stop it.

*O*O*

The red katana cuts through the nameless rogue ninja like butter, almost cutting the man in half in one go. Ignoring the blood cry, Naruto doesn't even blink as he rips the blade from the man effortlessly. The man annoyed Naruto, though he isn't sure exactly why. What did he ever want from the man? It wasn't like he was going to be any help to the Demonic Flash. Like what did he expect? That he would know something? The only thing that rogue helped is the blood lust that Kurama has been pumping through him. Then again, it could be his own blood lust that he's feeling, not the fox for.

Not the time, he yells at himself. He doesn't have time for a pity party. He needs to focus on the matter at hand. He supposes he can just go to Tobi and say, 'take me.' That would get him in the front door, pass all the 'guards,' but that seems risky for reasons stated before. Also, considering what happened at their last encounter, there's no way that Tobi will believe him. Naruto made it clear that he's not joining Tobi's secret boy band… But without help, there doesn't seem to be any other way. He can fight his way into compound, and considering his abilities, he will get in even with the pain in the ass force field. The issue is with the countless named rogues inside, after he wears himself down with that force field.

Spinning to his left, the Demonic Flash whips his katana round and drives it into the closest rogue in a quick smooth motion. The Rogue doesn't have the time or the strength to stop the blade as it chops his head off. He observes the head for a second, watching it roll. Sensing a few more heading his way, he picks up his head and flashes away, though he does not go far. He hovers in the trees, waiting until the men are in striking distance. Once they are, it doesn't take long for him to take each out. They're like flies, and he takes them out as such with one hit. It helps his anger slightly, but he is still itching to spill blood. And no matter how much he wants to give into those urges, he does not.

It's a battle in and of itself to control himself. It's boiling just under his skin, waiting to come out, and if he allows himself to cave, there's no telling what he might do. It doesn't take a genius to see what would happen. He can see it in his mind eyes: a bloody field with nothing but bodies parts. Kurama tells him that he's being stupid, that all he needs to do is unleash his power. Kurama is telling him that his power will destroy everything that stands in his way, and to be honest, that's what worries the Assassin. Yes, he can probably take out a mountain, but what would there be left? What would that leave Minato?

After his last kill and a deep breath, he returns his katana to his back. He's just about to flash away when he feels one of his special Kunai pull at his chakra. It's like he's being yanked. His first thought is and will always be Minato as that kid never likes it when his father's away, but this is not him. This call is coming from Konoha, which means one thing. Shikamaru is calling or it is a trap. He knows it's a risk to pop over there, but with no help, he's willing to take the risk. Plus, he's intrigued as to why the man is calling. He has been dead set against accepting his help, thinking him as a bloody thirsty rogue. So, what has changed?

*O*O*

Shikamaru knows this will probably get his title stripped or him arrested or something. "What a drag," he mutters to himself. He can already see his father's disappointing face, but he doesn't have any choice. The Demonic flash may be his only lead and his only hope. He just hopes that this doesn't blow up in his face.

This is why he finds himself in one of the training field that surrounds Konoha, as he waits for the Famous Demonic Flash to show up—if he shows up. With his luck, he could be standing in this training field for hours, waiting for this assassin. Some random Shinobi (not that anyone is training at this time) would probably find him first and wonder why he's standing in the middle of a train field looking like an idiot. To avoid that, he picked a training field the farthest from the center of the village and the hardest to get to. The purpose is to scare off the lower level shinobi, leaving it for the more advance shinobi. Granted, the higher ranked shinobi train elsewhere, hiding their secret moves.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Shikamaru finds a random tree and leans against it. Even after several hours of sleep, he still feels like death. Exhausted, he closes his eyes, though only for a second. He can't risk falling asleep while waiting for an assassin. After—yes, after—they find the Hokage, he's going to take a long nap. Though, why would the assassin help him? He's a rogue. He can probably take a nap, considering the Demonic Flash will probably not show up. It's probably for the best anyhow; at least, his rank won't be stripped. However, if the assassin does not show, it just means that Kakashi is right… which doesn't help. It just means—

"Taking a nap, Nara?"

Crap, Shikamaru curses, his eyes snapping open. He was only supposed to close his eyes for a second! How the hell did he not sense the man? Is he slipping? "Took you long enough," he utters. Huffing, he pushes off the tree and stares down the assassin with the strongest look he can muster. It may not match Sasuke's deadly glare, but it is good enough.

Demonic Flash took a good look around. "I had to make sure this isn't a trap. Don't know who to trust these days. What the world coming to?" he says, a chuckle in his tone. It's quite off putting when he is covered in blood. It's surprising that isn't dripping off him with the amount covering him.

Who the hell is this guy? He's joking at a time like?! Covered head to toe in blood?! Did Nara make a big mistake? Now is not the time to doubt yourself, he curses in his head. However, it makes him wonder who is under the mask. Why even wear a mask? Most rogues don't wear masks, because they don't care if anyone knows who they are. They want to be feared. But if you're wearing a mask, it's for a reason. Usually, you're hiding something. Anbu, for example, wear masks to protect themselves and everyone around them. Is that why the Demonic Flash wears a mask? Well, he does supposedly have a son. Then again, he could just be hiding his face, but Shikamaru knows it's more than that. "I second that. What's the world coming to that I'm trusting a rogue ninja?"

The Assassin cocks his head to the side. His expression—if he has one – is hidden under his mask. Maybe, that's the purpose of the mask, harder to read you. "I'm here for the Kazakage, not because I like you. I just can't save him alone." He replies, his voice changing slightly.

"And the Tsunade?" Nara askes, trying to see if he can see anything under that 'mask'. This man is from Konoha. He's a son of a Hokage. That has to mean something. He has to care in some way for the village. Why would he turn his back on them? Is it because of what happened to his Father? Could this be because of Naruto? If the assassin is the Son of the Fourth, that means he is Naruto's brother.

The Demonic Flash shrugs. "Well, she'll be there, so we might as well."

Really? Really? This man is driving Nara crazy. Who says crap like this? "So, tell me something. Why did you show up? Can't storm the castle on your own?" It's impossible to get a read on this man. What the hell is his game? Yes, he says it's to save the Kazakage, but it's more than that. Shikamaru isn't exactly sure what. What is his goal? Why would a rogue stick his neck out?

The nameless man turns from Shikamaru, looking forward the village. It isn't visible through all the trees, but the man stares as if he can see. "I can ask the same of you. You called me, remember?"

"And you came."

Shaking his head, the Demonic Flash replies, "I suppose you have a point." He pauses for a second. "I know where they are, and though I can take out a good number of them, it would be foolish to do it alone. This is why I came."

Now, Shikamaru didn't expect the assassin to admit that, but holy crap, does the Demonic Flash really know where the Kages are at? Or is this a lie? What would the purpose be in him lying? Just to kill him? Sure, Nara is smart, but he isn't sure this is worth it just to kill him. Unless, he wants to hate him that much? What's he missing? This is going to bug the crap out of him. Like really bug the crap out of him. "Why is Gaara so special to you?"

Demonic Flash turns his head ever so slowly and stares at Shikamaru. "Why does it matter?" he asks, his voice changes slightly. "I'm offering my help. Anyone else would jump at the chance."

That is doubtful, because Kakashi is correct. This man is a crazy, and anyone would be insane to team up with this man, but here he is. Or maybe, Shikamaru is the crazy one. "I think your ego is too big for your head."

"Well, you called me."

"And you came," Nara replies with a heavy breath. They're never going anywhere if they keep playing this game. Though he does not like it, he may have to accept the fact that he may never know the man's reasons. That does not mean he can't accept his help. "And you are willing to help us get the Kages back?"

"Yes."

"And how can I trust you?" Does that even matter?

"There isn't anything that I can say that can make you trust me. You either do or you don't."

Shikamaru knows the man has a point, but he needs something to work on. And there is only one thing he can think of. "You can show me your face." The Demonic Flash turns completely to the him, his shoulders stiff. Shikamaru can't see his face, but he can imagine the expression that that he's getting under that mask. "That would get me to trust you."

"No." It is a strong no. It is almost a threat.

The issue is that the Assassin already played his hand, and the Lazy Genius is going to use it. "Then I won't help." He replies, calmly. There is one thing that Shikamaru does better than anyone. He can keep his cool like a boss and he can pretty much bluff anyone. He just hopes he can do it now. "Show me your face or just go."

The Demonic Flash takes a step forward, looking double in size. "And why would my face get you to trust me?" He replies, dryly. "Trust me, my face isn't that pretty."

Shikamaru shrugs, putting on a small smile. "There's a reason why you're hiding that face. So, show me or leave. Remember, you need my help more than I need yours." He's as calm as calm can be. There is no other option. "What is it?"

The Demonic Flash steps forward, closing the distance. His hands are twitching at his side. "And that would do it?"

"Yes. Now take it off."

Author Note:

You know he will take it off? In my head, my mind goes to the gutter. Him just waving all of his cloths in the air like he just doesn't care.

Unit next time.