Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to these characters.
The Call
Tsunade sat in her office with Sakura waiting for word on Naruto and Sasuke or from Shizune about Jiraya's clues. Both sat in silence niether knowing what to say. Soon the two heard a lot of commotion from the halls before Tayuya burst in screaming. "Where is Kiba? You sent him off two weeks ago and I haven't heard from him. He is the only one who makes this s-hole fun."
"He is on an important mission and what have I said about your mouth!" Tsunade snapped.
"We wouldn't be having this conversation if you would issue me a bounty lincense!"
"I told you that can't be done. Your history with Orochimaru makes people very uneasy, so instead of whining about what you can't do trying being proactive."
Tayuya was about to counter when Gennai entered the room interrupting the arguement, "Lady Tsunade Danzo is coming up with five ANBU. He looks serious."
"Go distract them. Buy us as much time as you can." Tsunade ordered. As soon as Gennai left the hokage turned to Sakura, "Disappear and take loud mouth with you." Sakura grabbed Tayuya and went against the wall before disappearing.
Danzo soon entered followed with his soldiers and announced, "Lady Tsunade you are being arrested."
"Arrested for what?" Tsunade demanded.
"Failure as the hokage. Two elders are dead and their has been an increase of MIA's. You are being removed." Danzo answered.
"You do not have the authority to do this." Tsunade countered.
"Wrong. The village elders have the power to remove you if we feel you are unfit. Since I am the last elder the decision falls to me."
"And you think the village will accept that?"
Danzo smiled before replying, "Those most loyal to you are away on missions or have just been detained. No one will save you."
Tsunade glared at the elder and said, "I will be avenged."
"Take her and search the room." Danzo ordered. After searching two minutes the ANBU left the office.
Sakura and Tayuya appeared. "Can they just arrest her like that?" Tayuya asked astouned.
"They just did." Sakura said searching a wall. "And now she needs our help."
"What are you doing?" Tayuya asked until Sakura pushed open a part of the wall opening a door way.
"I'm getting help. Are you coming?" Sakura asked as Tayuya nodded. As soon as the two walked through They found themselves in an old house. "Shikamaru!" The pink haired ninja shouted.
"Where are we?" Tayuya said looking around.
"Shikamaru!" Sakura called again running into another room the musician going after her.
"Where the hell are we and who the hell is Shikamaru?"
"You are in the Sanctum Sanctorium." A voice answered scaring Tayuya.
"Are you Shikamaru?" Tayuya asked looking the man over.
"You've met Shikamaru." Sakura said. "He does the shadow jutsu."
"The guy who is always sleeping?"
"Wong do you know where Shikamaru is? We have an emergency in the village." The ninja asked ignoring her companion.
"Yes. He is in the study. I shall inform him of your arrival."
Tayuya looked around seeing all sorts of unusual objects. A crystal with a man inside caught her attention. The musician gets closer to look at the man.
"What are you looking at?" The figure shouted taking his scythe and started to beat on the crystal causing Tayuya to fall to floor in surprise.
"I see you've met Hidan." Shikamaru called from the balcony. The sorceror floated down and placed his hand on the crystal he reinforced it.
"This ain't gonna hold me forever. I'll get out of here and when I do I'm gonna kill you." Hidan squeaked.
"What can I do for you?" Shikamaru asked ignoring his captive's threats.
"Lady Tsunade has been arrested by Danzo. He has seen to it that their would be no resistance from the village. She wants the Avengers to stop him." Sakura replied.
"Who are the Avengers?" The musician asked.
"I see." The sorceror replied before pulling out a sheet of paper. "Here is a list of people I want on our team."
"Stop ignoring me! Who are the Avengers and what team?"
Sakura looked it over realising it was the Konoha twelve. On the list was the faint erasing of Choji's and Ino's name. Sakura sighed knowing Shikamaru missed his friends as she missed hers. "Kay. However Lee, Tenten, and Kiba were on a mission to observe Danzo. We haven't back from them in two days. Naruto has gone after Sasuke. I have no idea where either could be found."
"Leave that to me. Go get Hinata, Shino, and Neji ready."
"We'll get right on it." Sakura finally said.
"Uh no. Leave the loud mouth." Shikamaru said.
"Who are you calling a loud mouth?" Tayuya shouted.
Sakura walked through the portal hearing Shikamaru call her bothersome causing Tayuya to start screaming and cursing again. As the young ninja reentered the Hokage's office, she relieved no one was inside. Sakura remained invisible as she made her way to the Hyuga compound. Walking throughout the village she saw many ANBU were stationed. It gave the ninja a feeling she was in a prison camp and judging by the looks on the citizen's faces they felt the same. When she made it to the compound Sakura began looking around for Hinata and Neji. Around the area was intense with ANBU and Hyuga's glaring at each other. Sakura saw Neji standing guard and approached carefully.
"Neji." She said softly. The ninja turned seeing a strange aura through his byakugan.
"Who is there?" The ninja said defensively.
"It's me Sakura. I need to speak to you and Hinata in private."
"Sakura. How?"
"There is no time. I'm on a mission from the hokage."
Neji paused then replied, "She is up in her room. I'll join you shortly."
Sakura carefully walked through the mansion until she reached Hinata's room. The invisible ninja opened the door to to see her friend staring out the window longingly. Sakura closed the door revealing herself.
Hinata turned surprised to see her visitor. "Sakura, what are you doing here? How did you get here? ANBU are looking for you."
"I'm on a mission from the hokage. I'll explain more when Neji shows up." Sakura replied. "What is with the stand off outside?"
"Our clan leaders are discussing how to proceed with the situation. Our elders are divided on who they should support. Father wants to side with Lady Tsunade but a few others support Danzo and his militistic ways."
"So how have you been?"
Hinata looked out the window. "Worried like you I'm sure. Sasuke is a dear friend and Naruto is my boyfriend."
"It's been a confusing experiance. Why is Sasuke doing this? Where has he been all this time?"
"I'm sure Sasuke has a good reason for what he is doing. He loves you and would never do anything to hurt you."
Sakura smiled and replied, "Thank you."
Neji entered the room getting the meeting started. Sakura began by telling them about the team Shikamaru offered to create. "He called it the Avengers program. Sasuke gave him the idea for the name. When Lady Tsunade gave the code word I went to see him. He gave me a list of names. You two are there. Will you join team, become an Avenger?"
"To free the village yes." Neji replied. Hinata nodded determinely.
"Thank you. I need to go see Shino. Once I hear from Shikamaru I'll let you know what the plan is." Sakura said before disappearing.
"Wait!" Neji called making her reappear. "We should find a place to meet up at."
"Uh how about Naruto's?" Hinata spoke up. Both eyes turned her confused. "Well no one there and I doubt anyone would look there."
"She makes a good point." Neji said.
"Alright, we will set up base at Naruto's tonight." Sakura said before disappearing.
As she appeared at the Aburame clan she saw ANBU all over the place. This didn't surprise her since the Aburame's clan was powerful placing the area under house arrest would be a smart move. Sakura moved to Shino's house with three ANBU guarding it. With how quickly the village was taken and how many ANBU were around it was clear that this was planned for a long time. Sakura started searching for a way in and found an open window at the top. As soon as she entered insects swarmed her. Sakura put up a shield to stave off the onslaught.
"Who is there?" Shino demanded.
"It's Sakura! I'm here on a mission from the hokage!"
The bugs pulled back, "Sakura? How did you get in here?" Shino demanded.
"I climbed through the window."
"With ANBU everywhere?"
Sakura disappeared, "Can't see me even if they are looking." Sakura reappeared, "I need you to meet me, Neji, and Hinata at Naruto's."
"It is unlikely I'll be able to leave. The ANBU have done their research. Three of my clan were taken down quickly including my uncle." Shino replied.
Sakura thought for a moment then moved to a mirror said, "I can probably take you out of here just wrap your arms around me and hold on tight."
Sakura disappeared taking Shino with her. The young woman grabbed her teammate piggy back style and leaped out the window without warning. Shino bit down hard to stifle his scream as they landed hard. Sakura started running without letting Shino speak until they were away from the ANBU.
As soon as they were away Sakura put Shino down who was wearing a foul look. "Next time you decide to jump out of a window a little warning would be nice."
"Sorry. Just didn't want to risk getting caught. We should get to Naruto's house until nightfall." Shino nodded in reply.
Valley of the End
Sasuke began his tale, "When the labyrinth sank Kakashi and I were in hell...literally. Mephesto sent hunters and criminals after us. We fought hard looking for way out. During our run around I met with the last person I expected to see there, my father. He told me he was attempting a coup against Konoha. The night the nine tails attack was the night the village lost trust with my clan. My father grew bitter and wanted revenge. He sent Itachi to join as a spy but he turned traitor. My father begged me to escape and honor the clan by destroying Konoha."
"That's why you're doing this? Why you're attacking the village elders? To honor your clan?" Naruto said outraged.
"No dummy. Let me finish!" Sasuke snapped back. "After hearing this Kakashi tried to convince me dad was lying but I couldn't let it go. We attempted to find a way out but crossed paths Kisami Itachi's former partner. I asked if he knew anything about the Uchiha massacre. Kisami laughed answering he did. When Itachi arrived he told him everything. My clan was going to start a coup that could start the next great shinobi war. Sarutobi tried his hardest to keep peace but the other elders disagreed. Itachi under Danzo's orders murdered the Uchiha clan to keep peace in exchange I would be spared. After his mission my brother returned to Konoha for two reasons, one to remind Danzo of his promise and two to get Sarutobi's word he would protect me. After that he left to infiltrait the Akatsuki. He remained loyal to Konoha until the end."
"So why are you attacking Konoha?" Naruto asked.
"I'm not." Sasuke replied with steel in his voice. "I am going after the elders. They were the ones who ostracized my clan despite the Hokage's protest. They ordered the deaths of my entire clan, men, women, and children. I later learned from a different source Danzo is currently forming his private army and planning a hostile take over with Koharu and Homura. That is what I've been trying to accomplish. Avenging my clan, my brother, and protecting the village in one mission. After I took down the elders I was going to turn myself in. That's why I'm going it alone so no one else will face punishment. This is my mission and I will take responsibility alone."
"What happened to Kakashi?" Naruto asked afraid of the answer.
"We were ambushed when we found an exit." Sasuke answered before looking away. "Kakashi didn't make it."
After a moment of silence Naruto asked, "So what now?"
A large roar echoed through the area as a man clad in black and grey landed infront of them. Three claws grew from each hand as he glared wildly at Sasuke. With a vicious snarl the new comer charged claws raised at the Uchiha. Naruto impulsively charged into the attacker knocking him to the side. "So have any ideas who this is and what we do."
"No clue and run!" Sasuke take before bolting followed by Naruto.
"Why are running?" Naruto asked.
"After the fight we just had no way are we up for another battle." Sasuke spotted a hole and yanked Naruto in.
"What the..." Naruto started before Sasuke grabbed his mouth.
"Ssh. We should be safe here as long as you keep quiet."
The two remained silent as the attacker sailed over the two. After a few seconds the duo breathed a sigh of relief until a clawed fist shot out nearly milimeters from Naruto's face. The warrior tore through the branches until both warriors leaped forward tackling their assailant. The warrior dropped his elbows into their backs dropping the ninjas. The assassin kicked Naruto to the side before getting ready to stab Sasuke. The Uchiha rolled back tossing a shiruken cutting his opponent on the cheek. To his surprise the wound healed. The assassin got ready to charge again before being grabbed from behind by Naruto. The blond lifted his attacker as Sasuke took the opportunity to land a kick on the face.
"Apparently hiding isn't an option." Naruto said.
"Fighting him isn't either. He can heal." Sasuke commented.
"Great. We're powered down, fighting a wild assassin who can heal. So what do we do?" Naruto asked with fustration.
"Go down in a blaze." Sasuke replied charging as Naruto followed. The assassin copied the movement claws raised. Just as the three were about to collide a whirl wind struck in the middle blasting the ninja back. As soon as the dust settled Shikamaru appeared looking at the duo.
"Where have you two been?" The sorceror asked. The assassin roared leaping at Shikamaru. The sorceror raised a hand stopping his attacker in mid air. "And who is this?"
"Where we've been is a long story and we no idea who that is." Sasuke answer.
"Let's find out shall we." Shikamaru walked over to his captive who was struggling violently. With a quick swipe the helmet to reveil Kiba who calmed down looking confused.
"Where am I?" Kiba asked confused looking around. "Sasuke? Is that you? What happened to Lee and Tenten?"
Shikamaru turned to the Uchiha, "What's he taking about?"
"I had a run in with the two. For their own safety I detained them." Sasuke answered with embarrassment.
"Where?"
"A hotel in the next town."
"Now that that mystery is solved." Shikamaru said turning to Kiba,"Why were you trying kill these two?"
Kiba looked stunned at the question starting to ask what he was talking about until memories flooded in causing him to scream in agony. "Akamaru...They killed Akamaru." He said tears streaming down his face as Shikamaru lowered him.
"Who did?" Naruto asked shocked at the statement.
"Danzo." Kiba said through his clentched teeth. "Danzo and one of his ANBU. We were guarding him until we saw him hire three rogue assassins. Tenten and Lee followed them to find Sasuke. Akamaru and I were going to give Lady Tsunade an update except we were attacked. I was captured an experimented on while Akumaru was murdered."
"Experimented?" Naruto asked stunned.
Kiba reveal his claws before saying, "They gave me these. I can heal quickly because of seals written in my muscle."
"In your muscle. That had to have been painful." Shikamaru commented.
"You have no idea."
"Alright here's the plan." Shikamaru said openning a portal. "Kiba, Naruto, and Sasuke, go to my mansion and wait there. I'll pick up Tenten and Lee."
"You have a mansion?" Naruto asked.
"Just go."
As the three walked through they were greeted by Tayuya who immidiately kissed Kiba. "Where the hell have you been?" Tayuya snapped before looking around. "Where is that giant furball of yours?"
Kiba's face turned dark as he snapped, "His name was Akumaru. Not like you ever cared."
The warrior left in anger as the musician turned to the others and asked, "What am I missing?"
"Akumaru was murdered." Naruto said causing Tayuya's face to change to sympathy.
"I better go comfort him." The musician said going after him. Tayuya didn't have to go far when she found him collapsed on the floor crying. Normally she would think that was pathetic. However after she began to date him she knew how close they were. In some ways she envyed their bond. "I heard what happened. I'm sorry."
Kiba didn't move but replied, "Why should you be you never liked him."
"Remember the time was invited to your house and he wanted me to take him for a walk." Tayuya said sitting down.
"Yeah he wanted to get to know you better." Kiba said softly.
"While we were out it started to rain. Your dog dragged me around and I hit a mud patch. I came back completely soaked."
"Yeah mom insisted you say the night while your clothes dry." Kiba said with a light laugh.
"Remember what happened that night?" Tayuya asked.
Kiba's face turned red. "Yeah. To be honest that hat never looked good on you."
"What about a week later with my flute?"
Kiba's face went redder as her replied, "I got you a new one."
"Yeah you did." Tayuya said pulling her flute looking at it. "Akamaru and I never got along but I respected the bond you two had. I never had a bond like that. I never had friends when I was with Orochimaru until team seven. Never felt a connection to anyone until I met you. I guess in some ways we were competing for your attention. In some cases I felt like a third wheel no doubt he did too at times. At least he never bit me."
After Kiba hears that he started laughing causing Tayuya to to follow. After they had calmed down Kiba said, "I'm sorry I snapped."
Tayuya lightly punched her boyfriend, "You better be."
The two kissed before heading back to the group.
Village hotel
Tenten and Lee were up getting ready to take down Danzo. It had been two days since Sasuke left them. Any longer could be considered dangerous since he hadn't left any food or water for them. They concluded Sasuke was either captured or worse. Now it was up to them to stop the traitor no matter the consequences.
"You ready to do this?" Tenten asked looking at Lee.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Lee said grimly.
"C'mon Lee. Give me that youthful spirit." The woman said with concern. Usually Lee was full of life but now he showed signs of anxiety. It was unnerving to see him like this. Then again they were going on a mission that could be considered treason to stop a tactical mad man.
"You're right. If we are to succeed then we need the full power of youth!" Lee said with fire in his eyes.
"You're going to need more than that to stop Danzo." A voice said. The two turned to see Shikamaru. "I know you have a lot of questions and I will explain everything as soon as we meet with the others." Shikamaru openned a portal and stepped through followed by the puzzeled Lee and Tenten. On the other side was a large table where Naruto, Sasuke, Tayuyua, and Kiba sat.
"Please be seated." The sorceror asked. Lee and Tenten as he asked. "When I formed the Konoha twelve to stop Genno I knew we had a special team. I met with a man who taught me many things Including being able to see glimpses of the future. There are dark times a head for the world. I decided to put a team together and the Hokage agreed. I am calling this team the Avengers. The Avengers are needed now. Lady Tsunade has been arrested by Danzo. Sakura and the rest of the team are there monitoring the situation. I'll be checking with them hourly while we make a plan to free her and end Danzo's treachery."
Konoha prison
Tsunade sat in a cell being watched by three ANBU. Danzo came down smiling at his captive. "Good evening Lady Tsunade. How do you like your accomodations?"
"Just fine it's perfect." Tsunade said sarcastically. "Why are you down here?"
"I've come to give you the courtesy to make peace with your end. Tomorrow morning you shall be publicaly executed."
Tsunade stood up shouting, "You can't do this!"
"I can and will causing any resistance left in Konoha to crumble." Danzo countered. "Enjoy what little life you have left."