Chapter 20

The decisions we all must take:

Naruto is back!

-Two days before-

~ Soul Society, Capitan's Meeting, 1st Squad ~

"What I can't understand is: why we just find out about this?" It was a valid question, after all, according to the Twelfth Division the strange happenings in the Shinobi World have been going on for almost a year.

"This is a primitive world." Kurotsuchi had a tone of arrogance and exasperation, his eyes glaring heatedly at Aizen who had posted the question. "They fight for whatever reasons they come up with. Finding a sudden change in the readings sometimes means they're in another war."

"What made you believe this was different?" This time it was Kyouraku, the whole room had their attention direct to Mayuri who was making a face of self-importance.

"There were some strange patterns to the readings, when I started looking into it I realized there weren't only strange but a sign that souls had been disappearing." Mayuri shrugged shaking his head.

"Frankly, you should be grateful I noticed it." Mayuri lifted a single finger while explaining, "I don't usually pay attention to this world. While the vital energy that make this world work it's interesting in its own, the people in it it's just plain. Predictable. Like some brutes present in this room."

Mayuri directed a short stare to Zaraki before continuing. "However, there is something I find out pretty interesting."

"And, what it was?" Asked Hitsugaya, he was already getting annoyed by the man's insufferable way to explaining things.

"There was something strange about the readings I did, the more I watched it the more intrigue and familiar the case result to me." Mayuri half smirked, knowing his words had the desirable effect in all the presents.

Ukitake, Kyouraku, Unohana, Aizen and Yamamoto all sent warning glares to Mayuri but the damage had been done already and the rest of the room was posting the questions. Hitsugaya observed with curiosity the reactions of the oldest members of the Gotei 13 Captains. Not only that, but as he tried to return his attention back to Mayuri his eyes caught the gleeful expression on Gin's face, an expression that disappeared as soon as the man noticed Aizen's eyes on him.

'Strange…' Hitsugaya frowned returning with some reluctance his attention to the meeting.

"Familiar? What do you mean by that?" Asked Komamura.

"It isn't the first time souls disappear like this." Explained Mayuri raising an eyebrow at the disapproving look coming from Yamamoto. "However, this time around we're talking about humans. Human souls, human bodies…they either disappear together or the physical body receives a nasty damage."

"Is there anything else you found familiar about it?" Mayuri cracked a smile at Yamamoto shaking his head.

"If you're asking about any…left-over reiatsu or something like that, the answer is no." Mayuri lifted his head scratching his chin. "However, I have to say there is something…familiar about other left-overs on the bodies we could recover."

"And, what is it?"

"It's like nothing I have seen or studied before, there aren't any records of it in our archives." Mayuri's eyes gleamed with a meaning only a few understood. "Nevertheless, it is something some of you are familiar with."

"Enough of this nonsense, Kurotsuchi. Speak up!"

"Humph, what a lack of humor. Very well," Mayuri let his eyes focus on each and every Captain present in the meeting, well-aware of the impact his words were about to have. "The readings had the same pattern as those we got three years ago. That's it, the moment Uzumaki Naruto woke up between the walls of Seireitei."

"It is pretty curious, don't you think Gin?" Ichimaru Gin stopped turning his head to the side to indicate to Aizen he was listening to him.

Toshiro halted his walk the moment he registered the voices. The Captain's meeting had been over for a few minutes but Toshiro found himself unable to leave until Yamamoto had settled some business with him. Now Toshiro was very grateful for the conversation because it gave him the opportunity to hear what he was hearing.

"Aaa, whatever you mean by that, Aizen-taichou?" The brown-haired man shook his head with a frown, eyes gleaming dangerously.

"You were on a mission on this world when this…strange happenings started, weren't you?" Gin lifted his head thoughtfully moving his lips from one side to the other.

"I can't remember correctly." The man chuckled while giving his back to Aizen. "More importantly, don't you find it strange this is happening again? Don't you think its strange Naruto-kun seems to be involved indirectly?"

Aizen grabbed Gin's arm, for a moment the tension was pretty evident to Toshiro who was ready to intervene if necessary.

"What I really find strange is that you don't remember where you were the last time something like this happen."

With that said Aizen left leaving behind him a pretty confused and interested Toshiro and a ver pleased Gin.

Naruto was counting the number of regulatory katana they had in store, beside him Tamaki was doing the same with the uniforms. It was the time of the month when they would make inventory of all the supplies each division was given and to write down how many of those had been used and how many were resting inside the storage room.

There was a huge wall of wood that didn't fit in with the rest of the decoration, with a slightly frown Naruto moved it carefully. It took him a moment but once his eyes had gotten used to the light he discovered a secret stash of…

"Sake? I guess this is Matsumoto-fukutaichou's other secret stash." Tamaki giggled shaking her head while Naruto sighed placing the wooden wall in place.

"Uzumaki," Naruto raised his head to see Fujimaru at the door. "Taichou wants to see you in his office right away."

"Oh, okay then…I'll be right back, Tamaki."

"Okay, just…don't go around telling taichou you found fukutaichou's secret stash." Naruto smirked shaking his head.

"Don't worry; her secret is safe with me."

Hitsugaya Toshiro was sitting behind his desk, his teal eyes were taking in the figure in front of him. A young man with dark hair, serious expression, broad stiff shoulders; a zanpakutou was stationary to his left side while he carried with him, on his left arm, a symbol of his alliance to one of the Four Noble clans.

If Toshiro was to be honest, and Matsumoto was the only one who had heard him speak about it, he didn't like the idea of this man on his division. He disliked it even more when he found out the man's real duty. Toshiro lowered his eyes to see the scroll with the seal from the Central 46 on it. Even if he wanted to say something, to complain, the order had been given.

There was a soft knock at the door making Toshiro lifted his head and nod towards Matsumoto. As soon as the door was opened a pretty curious Naruto entered the office.

"You called, Taichou?" The man in front of Toshiro turned around Naruto's casual expression transformed to one of surprise. "Ichinose?"

"Naruto-sama." The man kneeled in front of Naruto, both hands on the floor; head lowered as he started speaking again. "I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, Sir."

"Huh, what do you …?" Started Naruto but the man merely lifted his eyes.

"Please, sir. I am very sorry about what happen back in your world." Ichinose lowered his face again, Naruto kept his eyes on the young man while Toshiro and Rangiku glanced back at each other then back at the scene unfolding in their office.

"You don't have to…" Started Naruto but the pleading in the man's eyes silence him.

"Yes, I do. It was because I was incapable of protecting you that you almost…that everything happened…"

"You don't have to apologize, Ichinose." Naruto's voice was firm, unwavering, with just the right pitch of authority in it. "Now, stand up."

Toshiro raised an eyebrow, impressed by Naruto's change. The blond stared at Ichinose as he stood up bowing lightly to his young master.

"Look, even if you had tried to stop me I would have gone that day." Naruto said. "There was nothing you could have done. So, no need to apologize or anything. I'm happy I got to see you again."

Ichinose couldn't hide the fact he was shocked, overwhelmed by his master's words. The man bowed again, "You are very kind, Naruto-sama. I hope this time around I can serve you at the best of my capabilities."

"Uh? What do you mean?"

"We have a mission," Toshiro stood up moving closer to Naruto and Ichinose. "There has been an incident in the Shinobi World, and the Tenth Division along with the Twelfth were given the task to go there and find out what is going on."

"Okay, then why…" Naruto trailed off his blue eyes drifting from Ichinose to Toshiro and Rangiku before his lips twitched upwards. "No way! Really? You…I mean, you want me to go back? You want me on this mission?"

Rangiku giggled at the childish giddiness in Naruto's behavior, Toshiro could only roll his eyes while nodding his head.

"Of course, we do need people who had been there recently and know how to move in this world. How to socialize with its people."

"Yes! I've been waiting forever to have a chance to go back!"

"Well, you're not the only one." Naruto turned around to see Haku at the door smiling at him.

"Haku? You too?"

Toshiro sat on his sofa signaling the rest of the shinigami to do the same. "Now that you're here, let's discuss what the mission is about and what exactly I need you to do."

- Present day -

~ Shinobi World, Road to Iron Country ~

"It's really you, right? Naruto…"

Naruto straightened himself up, staring deeply into those lavender eyes. It didn't go unnoticed to Naruto the tension and uncomfortable silence following Neji's declaration.

"Of course it's me." Replied the blond smiling hugely at the young man in front of him. "But you…damn, Neji, if it wasn't because you spoke first I would've swear you were a girl."

"Humph, at least he has Naruto's sense of humor." Naruto turned startle by the newcomers voice. His blue eyes opened wide when he took in the form of Inuzuka Kiba, Akamaru and finally…

"Shikamaru!" There was some emotion in Naruto's tone and the blond couldn't deny the stir of conflictive feelings in his mind and heart. Right now he was seeing, once again, friends he thought he would never had the chance to see again.

"Kiba." The command behind Shikamaru's voice amazed Naruto who had never seen that side of his friend before. The young Inuzuka nodded briefly before moving forward approaching Naruto.

The blond followed the young man and dog with curiosity, "You guys…I never thought I would see…Whoa! What the hell are you doing?"

"Ugh, stay still, I can't smell you if you move too much." Growled out Kiba who was leaning dangerously close to Naruto sniffing at the blond along with Akamaru.

"And why would you smell me?"

"Charming" Naruto turned to Toshiro who merely rolled his eyes before nodding towards Kiba and Akamaru. "Are they friends of yours, Uzumaki?"

"You could say that. Kiba! Stop doing that! It's creeping me out!" Toshiro nodded returning his teal eyes to the black-haired guy, the one holding his hand in a strange hand-sign. Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes when the guy's black ones meet his.

"Shut up!" Kiba stood up glaring at the blond and Naruto could identify in his eyes the anger accompanied by a coldness Naruto never thought he would see in Kiba's eyes. It was all it took for the blond to shut his mouth.

"You don't have a right to say or do anything." This time it was Neji the one who spoke. "If you are who we think you are and you claim you are, then there won't be any trouble."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, Neji kept his blank façade unperturbed with his byakugan activate. "However, if you are impersonating him…you are in a big trouble. We don't take it lightly to people taking in the appearances of our friends."

"You wouldn't be so bold to say that if it wasn't for whatever this is!" Replied Ikkaku pointing his sword to Neji. "You just wait until I can free myself, then…I'll teach you a lesson!" Ikkaku struggled briefly against the invisible hold before lifting his annoyed expression to the newcomers. "By the way, what the hell is this?"

"This is a shadow technique." Replied Naruto rolling his eyes. "Stop struggling! You're not going to be freed unless that guy over there release the jutsu."

Then, Naruto cocked his head nodding briefly to Shikamaru, a playful smirk on, "See? I know about your shadow technique, Shikamaru. I'm really me."

"Those are well-known facts." Naruto turned to the side to see Shino and Ino, the last one eying Naruto strangely. "Like Neji said, if you're really Naruto then…we'll know."

"How? How can you tell if he is really Naruto-kun?" Questioned a curious Matsumoto who, just like Ikkaku, was struggling against the invisible hold on them.

No one seemed too eager to answer Matsumoto's question and the woman pouted crossing her arms under her breast making them bounced forward. This made Kiba distracted for a moment while Neji tried to hide away a growing blush. While big breasts weren't a foreign terrain for them (They did noticed Hinata, Ino and Tsunade-sam, after all) they had yet to meet a woman who would use clothes so revealing. It also helped matters that said woman was a beautiful one.

The one who seemed unperturbed was Shikamaru. They young Nara hadn't said anything yet; his black eyes had been too focused on the blond and the white-haired guy in front of him to pay too much attention to the others.

There was something in this whole scenario that was making the young Nara wary. For all intents and purposes, Naruto hadn't changed one bit. However, there was something off about Naruto; something Shikamaru couldn't pin-point yet.

Physically Uzumaki Naruto was just like Shikamaru remembered; if with some minimal changes. He was still blond; his hair was slightly longer than before, falling carelessly on his eyes, just above his shoulders. It actually looked good on him, made him look serious. His face still held traces of baby fat in it, but the obvious signs of maturity were starting to appear hardening the lines of his jaw. He was taller than he was three years ago; Naruto was just around the same height as Shikamaru.

"You haven't changed, Naruto." There was something ageless in the blond, the only noticeable change, the one Shikamaru didn't have a doubt about it was his personality. Somehow, Naruto seemed calmer, more collect and calculating.

Naruto took in a surprise expression before he dropped his head chuckling softly. Shikamaru continued as he caught the blond's attention. "But, is it really you?"

"Of course it's me! Who else could I be?"

"That's what we're going to find out." Replied Shikamaru turning his attention to Kiba. "Well? Is it him or not?"

This time Naruto narrowed his eyes; there was something strange about all of this. Neji hadn't taken away his eyes from the blond since they broke the Genjutsu and Shikamaru was doing a good job keeping his kagemane on.

The young Inuzuka scratched his nose lightly to which Shikamaru responded with a short nod. Then, turning to Shino, Shikamaru noticed the brief nod coming from the Aburame.

"I see…" Shikamaru watched the blond for a moment. "Kiba, you can ask away."

Kiba crossed his arms eying Naruto up and down, "We used to hang out in a pretty secret place. Only Chouji, Shikamaru, Naruto and I knew where it was. So, do you know what am I talking about?"

The question caught Naruto by surprise but realization reached his eyes as he understood why Shikamaru and the others had taken these measures. They didn't believe he was…well, he. But, why would they think that?

It's been three years, brat! They're ninja! Of course they would think you're not you.

You know? Furball does have a point… Naruto snorted softly while crossing his arms, his blue eyes searching Kiba's and Shikamaru's ones.

"It was to the north side of the village, near the training grounds number 54." Naruto answered slowly, almost boringly; out of the corner of his eye he could see Ichinose, Haku and Ikkaku all with their hands on their swords. "There was a waterfall nearby; usually Chouji hide some food there."

Kiba turned to Shikamaru who nod curtly then the Inuzuka returned his attention to Naruto.

"We did something just before we graduated. What it was?"

This time Naruto actually smiled a genuine smiled, he lifted his hand with his thumb up. "A promise of a life time, right? Friends through and through."

"Naruto-kun…" A female voiced whisper to his left; however, Naruto couldn't see who it was.

It happened so fast the blond couldn't predict or stop what happen next. First there was a hard colliding of bone against bone; he felt the full effect of the punch on his face before another one came colliding straight to his cheek. In the end, the blond ended up on the ground, bleeding just as Hitsugaya and the others were freed from the Nara's ninjutsu.

Naruto looked up to see Kiba and Shikamaru hovering above him, both of their right fists were closed. As Naruto looked into their eyes he noticed a wounded look gleaming there. The sudden attack on Naruto and the lack of restrains allowed Ichinose to go back into action. Which he promptly did to attack the two shinobi who had dared to lay both hands on Naruto.

"No! Wait, Ichinose!" Ichinose's sword was stopped by Neji who had a kunai out pressing with force the opposing blade, stopping any attack from the shinigami.

But Ichinose hadn't been the only one to spring into action. As soon as Ichinose moved, Matsumoto had her sword out pointing it directly to Hyuuga Hinata who sent a soft glare to the woman. Haku had his senbon at the ready while positioning himself in front of the blond-haired girl. Ikkaku had stood just right behind Shino while Yumichika stood to the side with Nemu.

Ichinose and Neji glared at each other, a battle of wills as they pressed the other harder. Naruto stood up well aware the others were engaged in some kind of struggle with the newcomers.

"Matsumoto, Madarame, Haku, stop it right now." The command came from Hitsugaya who had crossed his arms and had his undivided attention to the group surrounding Naruto. The others glanced at each other and reluctantly lowered their swords.

"Ichinose." This time it was Naruto who spoke. The other man drifted his eyes to his young master before glancing back at his opponent. "Ichinose, back off. Now."

The man hesitated diminishing the strength behind his actions.

"But, Naruto-sama…" Neji's eyebrows lifted in surprise while Shikamaru scowled lightly.

Naruto stared back at Ichinose, it was all it took for the young man to put his sword away and kneeled beside Naruto. "I'm terribly sorry, Naruto-sama."

A moment of silence followed the short fight, just like before there was tension in the air. Kiba and Shikamaru were looking at Naruto rather strangely. Hitsugaya noticed as, once again, he and the rest of the shinigami seemed to be at the center of a pretty tight semi-circle done by the Konoha shinobi.

"So, just like you thought, he is really our Naruto." Kiba proclaimed with a half smirk direct to the blond.

Then suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped themselves around the blond startling him at the tenderness behind the gesture. When he lowered his eyes the surprised was even bigger when he recognized the woman holding him tightly.

"Hinata?" The girl wept a little backing away with a full blush on her face, looking down shyly as the blond blinked several times startled. Suddenly, Naruto chuckled scratching the back of his head.

"Well, it's nice to know someone miss me enough to hug me instead of hitting me straight in the face."

"Yes, well…Hinata has always had a soft spot for you, Naruto." Naruto turned to Ino who was the only one glaring openly at him. "And, we don't usually hug deserters after we find them. We usually take them to jail to pay for the treason."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence following Ino's words. Ichinose growled softly, his mouth twisting into a scowl as his hand moved to the hilt of his sword. Naruto merely shook his head thinking over and over what Ino meant exactly by the last declaration.

It was Shikamaru the first one to break the uncomfortable silence that had formed between them. Shikamaru's voice was filled with emotion; his words made the rest of the group halt their actions and directed their attention to Naruto and the others.

"Three years, Naruto." Shikamaru's tone was devoid of any real emotion, the only indicator of his feeling were his eyes who had locked with Naruto's ones. "We've been looking for you for three years. There hasn't been a sign…"

Guilty crawled up inside Naruto as he realized, for the first time, how hurt the people who had called themselves his friends were. He always thought it would be only Yugao-chan the one to miss him, maybe even Sakura and Kakashi-sensei…He never thought Shikamaru and the others would be that affected. But now, seeing at them, seeing the pain reflected in their eyes…

"I'm sorry." It was all he could say lowering his head when the stares became too much. "I never…"

"You…didn't even say good bye, Naruto-kun." Naruto turned to Hinata who looked just as hurt as the others.

"You left. Vanished, actually, and we looked for you, tried to find out what had happened. Why you, of all people, would leave the village." Continued Kiba before sighing exasperatedly. "And then, just when we have a nice, good lead on your whereabouts..."

"…You're back. We find you wandering carelessly in this place, walking around as if nothing had happened. " Finished Shikamaru placing his hands on his pockets. "Why? What happened to you, Naruto? Why you decided, after three years of silence, to appear here of all places?"

"You definitely haven't gotten smart if you're walking around near a shinobi village or neutral ground. Much less if you're wearing that." Ino pointed to the Hitai-ate Naruto had on his sash.

Those questions left Naruto frozen on the spot; he didn't dare to open his mouth just yet. Instead he shifted slightly his position so his eyes could look directly into Hitsugaya's ones. There was a brief moment in which the young taichou's eyes gleam with understanding and warning but, as soon as it appeared, it was gone. This, however, didn't go lost on Neji and Shikamaru.

"It's…it's a long story." Naruto chuckled sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "But, well, why wouldn't I go around with this?" Said Naruto pointing at his Hitai-ate. "Konoha is still my home…right? Even if I left, I never stop…"

It didn't go unnoticed to Naruto the strange looks he was getting from the others, all of them seemed to wonder if the blond was serious. Shikamaru's lips twitched upwards but the young Chuunin didn't allow himself the smile that was threatening to break on his face.

"You really like to do things your way." Shikamaru grabbed his head sighing tiredly. "Troublesome but, I thought you would be more careful to go around in public. Half the shinobi in the village wants you for the reward."

"The other part just wants you before you snap and set the Kyuubi free." Continued Kiba. It was the last part what had Naruto gasping in shock.

"Wh-what…what did you say?"

"You know? The Kyuubi and the whole Jinchuuriki thing. I still don't get it." Ino snorted looking at the Inuzuka out of the corner of her eye.

"I'm not surprise. You were always pretty slow." Ino brushed her hair to the side, settling on a bored expression.

"You…you know…?" Shikamaru stared at Naruto strangely while Neji tilted his head. Behind Naruto Hitsugaya couldn't hide the stern expression on his face.

"What's a Jinchuuriki?" Ikkaku asked suddenly.

"And why would Naruto set free this Kyuubi guy?"

Another uncomfortable silence settled between the group, Naruto took a step forward locking his eyes with Shikamaru's ones.

"You know about it?" Naruto asked his face paler than usual, a slightly gleam of fear in his blue eyes. For the first time since Shikamaru heard about Naruto's status as a Jinchuuriki he noticed the burden on his friend's expression.

All this time, the moments in which Naruto would just kept silent instead of answering some of Shikamaru's and the others questions, it was out of fear. Naruto didn't want the only people he had made some bonds with to leave him the moment his secret was out in the open. Right now, it was just the same…he was scared. Shikamaru's eyes moved to the white-haired guy and then to the rest of Naruto's companions. The only one who seemed aware of Narutto's status ws the youngest one, the white-haired boy.

"Kyuubi guy? Are you serious?" Replied Kiba snorting. "Really? Where did you meet these guys, Naruto?"

"Or, have you've been hiding the true about you the way you did with us?" Replied Ino. "Seriously, I can let go the fact you don't know the word Jinchuuriki…I didn't even know that word existed until three years ago…but the Kyuubi? Seriously, where have you been, under a rock?"

"Yes, Naruto, we know." Answered Shikamaru sending a warning glare to Ino. Naruto lowered his face, his expression turning serious for a moment.

"How?"

Neji looked out of the corner of his eyes to Shikamaru before answering Naruto's question, "The Bingo Book. It was necessary to put that information once you were label as a Missing-Nin."

Naruto's eyes went wide open in shock; he then turned to Shikamaru and the others. "Wait, what? What do you mean 'Missing-Nin'?"

- Killer Bee's private training grounds. Kumogakure no Sato. -

Nii Yugito rested her back against the rock wall, breathing slowly she opened her eyes. The sky was covered with clouds, a silent threat of the oncoming storm. She cocked her head to the side where her eyes focused on the small opening where she could see Killer Bee. The man was distracted with Omoi and Karui, he had long ago forgotten about his other students who had excused themselves earlier with some (lame) excuses.

Yugito smirked as her hand went directly to the rucksack hanging at her side. No one would know or suspect until it was too late. Not using a single ooze of chakra, human or demonic, Yugito started moving.

Two hours later, after a long, slow stroll down the hills, and crossing the small rivers she finally got to her destination. With reluctance she turned around, a sorrowful look in her eyes.

'I'm not betraying my village. This is far more important than Raikage-sama's orders. I'll be back…I just…I need to…'

Who are you trying to convince, Yugito?

The young woman shook her head, she wasn't even sure. With determination gleaming in her eyes she turned around ready to start her personal mission.

"Going somewhere, Yugito?"

"AAAHHH." Gaara tilted his head, a playful smirk on his lips while his sand shielded him away from the shuriken Yugito had thrown his way.

"Gaara!" The girl took her hand to her chest glaring at the red-head who was looking impassively at her. "What the hell are you doing here? I thought you say you have something to do?"

"I did." Replied the red-head eying Yugito for a moment before nodding backwards. "I was waiting for you. Took you long enough."

The blond-haired woman blinked confusedly, "What do you mean?"

"We both feel it." Replied Gaara looking behind him to the growing undergrowth leading to a land they were forbidden to cross due to the growing tension between the Jinchuuriki, Akatsuki and the shinobi disappearances.

"That presence…It was the Kyuubi and wherever the Kyuubi is…"

"Naruto-kun must be." Gaara nodded looking directly into Yugito's eyes.

"Killer Bee-sensei isn't stupid, Yugito. Even if sometimes he seems to reflect otherwise." Commented Gaara dryly. "He sensed it too. Just like when we sensed the Five-tails…"

"Don't." Yugito glared at Gaara raising her hand while taking a step forward. "Naruto-kun is back. Whatever happens, whatever makes him come out of wherever he was…we need to get to him before Konoha or Akatsuki do."

Yugito moved past Gaara stopping just a few centimeters away, "I'm going. Whether Raikage-sama approves or not. And…I won't let anyone stop me."

Gaara felt his lips quirked upwards, his body turned slowly to face Yugito. "I wouldn't dream of stopping you, Yugito. Let's go. The sooner we leave the harder would be for Omoi and the others to come after us."

"Wait, what?" Gaara placed his hand on Yugito's shoulder, enjoying the astonished expression on the woman's face.

"You're right. It's been three years, if what we sense is in fact Naruto then…he is in danger." This time Gaara's expression turned serious. "We need to get to him before someone less friendly does."

"Thank you." Was all Yugito could whisper before the both of them left in a swirl of leaves and sand.

They had prepared for this moment.

Of course, what they had in mind when they prepared themselves was another Jinchuuriki. They were thinking about the mysterious Nii Yugito no Naruto; trying to do what they had in mind could be more dangerous with the blond than with other people. Shikamaru knew Naruto's unpredictable behavior was always a factor they needed to take into account when dealing with him.

Shikamaru watched with some interest the different reactions the blond in front of him could hardly hide away. It was clear by the way his eyes narrowed with suspicion, the way his blue eyes would gleam in disbelief as he read the whole contents of the Bingo Book. Naruto really didn't know he was a missing-nin, that he was a wanted man. Dead or Alive, it didn't make any difference to the hunter nins of any village, the payment was still the same.

"Where the hell have you been living, Naruto?" It was Ino's voice the only one breaking through the silence. "Under a rock? You were put in there a month after you vanished. I think you've been lucky no one has found you yet."

Ino huffed exasperatedly when her eyes met Shikamaru's ones. In that single glance Ino understood what Shikamaru wanted to do the moment this seemingly pacific conversation was over. As Ino took in the full scenery, she realized the Konoha shinobi had the advantageous position. They were outside the little circle Naruto's companions had made. Naruto's companions only had swords, and the guy with the long hair had some senbon on him. Ino wasn't sure what those guys could do but, if she did her part just right; they would have Naruto under their possession without any fighting from their part.

"You really didn't know." It was Neji this time, Naruto was reading through the page where his picture was on display along with some biography.

"I…I didn't." Mumbled Naruto turning the pages until his eyes meet those black ones belonging to Sasuke.

"No way!" Naruto exclaimed loudly while still eying the Bingo Book. "Look! The price on my head is higher than Sasuke-teme's one!"

Naruto waved the book enthusiastically to a slightly amused Hitsugaya who could only roll his eyes while take the book away from Naruto. Matsumoto leant closer to her taichou making her chest hit the back of his head while eying curiously at the pictures.

"Actually, that book hasn't been updated." Shikamaru pointed out, Naruto's expression changed little by little from an enthusiastic one to one of disappointment. "The price on his head is just the same as yours."

"Now, that's not fair." Mumbled Naruto crossing his arms. "I'm the Jinchuuriki here!"

"Are you serious?" Toshiro eyed the blond with certain exasperation and skepticism. "This book talks about you as a criminal, someone who should be dealt with at first sight and you think you should have a higher price than this Sasuke?"

"Easy for you to say," Naruto's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You didn't meet Sasuke-teme. If he saw this he would be angry and all brooding because his super Uchiha ass isn't as expensive as mine."

"And it was a pretty good ass." All eyes turned to Ino who merely shrugged. Shikamaru shook his head not wanting his mind to place some unwanted images in his head.

All conversation was interrupted by a very annoyed and restless Ikkaku; the man huffed while raising a non-existent eyebrow. "No one has answered my question. Who the hell is a Jinchuuriki? Is he strong?"

Shikamaru turned to Naruto who seemed pretty reluctant to even acknowledge the bald man.

"The power of human sacrifice." Naruto lifted his head as Haku furrowed his brows, looking intently to the ground while trying to collect his memories. "Why does it sound familiar?"

"It should be. Have you ever heard about the Kyuubi no Kitsune?" Asked Shikamaru to a still confused Haku; the young man shrugged a perplexed look on his face.

Naruto dropped his shoulders while cocking his head to the side, "Jinchuuriki is a…a word to refer to those who had a Bijuu, a tailed-beast inside them."

"Seriously? Where did you find these guys?" Asked Kiba just for Naruto to hear, Kiba had seen the blank looks crossing Naruto's companions faces. They really looked as if they didn't have any idea what they were talking about. "No wonder you didn't even know you were on the Bingo Book."

Haku remained silent, his mind working overtime trying to pin point as to why the term was so familiar. Why there was something important, urgent, lurking inside his head but he didn't have the ability to grasp it.

"I guess…I guess if you guys know…" Started Naruto hesitating for a few seconds until…

"We don't care." Kiba punched Naruto hard pushing him backwards a little.

"It didn't affect the way we see you, if that's what you're worried about." Continued Shikamaru.

"You're still Naruto-kun." Said Hinata shyly, Ino snorted but lowered the level of her glare as she stared at Naruto.

"I guess, seeing as you could have turned like that maniac from Suna…you're all right."

Naruto grinned widely feeling a warm spreading out on his chest, "Thank you guys. I really…I never thought you would find out like this. I did plan to tell you, eventually."

"We know." Was all Shino could say.

"So, you gonna explain it or what?" Naruto took a deep breath before letting his eyes wandered from Hitsugaya to the rest of the group.

"A Jinchuuriki had a sort of demon sealed inside them. It's…just that."

"So, what does it do?" Asked Ikkaku with the same impatience. "I've fought with you before, you haven't done anything out of the ordinary…"

The bald man narrowed his eyes lifting his head to stare at Naruto, "Have you been holding up on me so Taichou doesn't find out?"

"What? No! Of course not!" Replied Naruto. "Using the chakra from the fox is not easy and certainly not advisable! And of course I wasn't going to say anything! I didn't want him running like a maniac after me!"

"God, are you sure that's Naruto?" Whispered Ino to Shino, the young man turned an inquisitive expression to the blond.

"Yes, why?"

"Since when does Naruto uses words like 'advisable' and 'certainly'?" Shino remained silent but his lips quirked upwards.

"While you do have a point, I'm still curious as to why this is so important." Yumichika spoke for the first time.

"Is this guy for real?" Kiba stood up eying Yumichika while shaking his head. "Naruto left the village at the worst moment with something inside of him that could destroy a whole village in a second. If he had access to the Kyuubi's chakra, or worse, if he takes the seal off it would be a catastrophe!"

Ikkaku raised an eyebrow with interested, "Okay, you have my whole attention now. How do you go about taking off this seal or make Naruto use this chakra thing?"

"I don't think that was a pretty smart thing to say, Ikkaku." The bald man shrugged while Yumichika rolled his eyes, the man having noticed the astonished looks some of the shinobi directed to Ikkaku.

"I vanished at the worst time? What the hell happened after I left? I left for three years and this place looks like a circus..." Shikamaru dropped his shoulders eying Naruto carefully; Naruto was pretty careful to direct his eyes to the one who could probably give him the answers he needed.

"Just after you left rumors about the criminal group, Akatsuki, started emerging."

Naruto tensed up evading Shikamaru's glance but it was Neji the one who spoke next. "So, you did hear about Akatsuki."

"Yes, I…I had a close encounter with two of his finest members."

Shikamaru waved his hand dismissively, "Yes, Jiraiya-sama told me about it. The problem came when a second Jinchuuriki was capture."

"A second?" Naruto asked with some hint of worry on his voice. "When was the first one captured?"

"Well, that's the thing." Shikamaru stood aside giving control over the discussion to Neji. "We found out that a Jinchuuriki before the five-tails was capture. However, we haven't been able to pin-point who it was. Mainly because after the show the Five-tails gave when he was captured most of the Jinchuuriki went into hiding."

"So, Uzumaki has to be labeled and look thoroughly because he is one of these Jinchuuriki?" Asked Toshiro suddenly understanding the situation a little more, Shikamaru frowned while Neji just nodded.

"If this Five-tails is gone and there is another one missing then, the logical thing to do was to try and capture the others, or at least having them under heavy surveillance since you don't seem to know what this Akatsuki group does with the…Jinchuuriki."

Neji narrowed his eyes at Toshiro whose teal eyes were on Shikamaru, "Impressive deductive skills. That is correct."

"And, I bet, with his luck…Uzumaki has the powerful one." Commented Toshiro dryly directing his eyes to Naruto.

"You will win the bet." Replied Naruto smiling to Hitsugaya. "There are only nine Bijuu, nine Jinchuuriki and I hold the Nine tails."

"It wasn't the only thing that triggered the more 'thoroughly' search for Naruto."

"What do you mean?" By now Naruto was just trying to get as much information as he could about what had happened this last years. So far, he didn't like what he was hearing.

"Well, the re-appearance of Uzu no Kuni has Konoha on a real turmoil." Neji shook his head while eying Naruto and Hitsugaya suspiciously. "The Hokage and some of the elders thought that, as soon as they were back, they would try to look for Konoha but, apparently they didn't."

"Yep, rumor has it they formed an alliance with Kumogakure. There seems to be more about Uzu no Kuni and its leader but so far the higher-ups have had everything under a tight control." Kiba scratched his chin distractedly while closing his eyes a little. "Tsunade-sama really thought you may be hiding there, Naruto. She even sent Kakashi-sensei and later on Jiraiya-sama but…you weren't anywhere to be found."

Naruto lowered his head in a thoughtful gesture, his mind working for an answer as to why Baachan would think he would go to this Uzu no Kuni. Kiba didn't stop there and he continued speaking. To their side Shikamaru put one of his hands out of his pockets a sign directed only to Ino.

"And then, there is the rumor that has more than a little bit nervous to those who are from Suna and Konoha."

"And, what is it?" Asked Naruto who was well-aware of Neji, Shikamaru and Ino were looking at him intently.

"That you and that Gaara guy disappeared after the Chuunin exams because you plan to reunite all the other Jinchuuriki to attack the ninja villages and take revenge."

"Wait a minute? What do you mean by that?" Naruto rubbed his forehead tiredly.

"By what?"

"Gaara, what do you mean he disappeared?" Naruto lifted his head looking sharply at Shikamaru then at Neji.

"This is getting ridiculous." Exclaimed Neji suddenly taking a few steps towards Naruto. "We've been playing this game far too long. Now, I want answers and a very good reason to not kick your ass and take you to Konoha with us."

Naruto smirked at the Hyuuga raising a single eyebrow at him, "Oh, if you say 'kick your ass' again in that angry tone of yours, I'll answer all your questions."

Kiba and Naruto started laughing much to Neji's annoyance; the member of the Hyuuga clan sighed exasperatedly while Shikamaru merely shrugged. Naruto stopped laughing and took on a more serious stance.

Ino fidgeted lightly she positioned herself just at the right spot. Her blue eyes followed the clear path in front of her, making her stand up just to Naruto's side. She made sure the white-haired guy and the one who had jumped to protect Naruto were out of the way for what she was about to do to work. Beside her, impassive as always, was Shino ready to catch her if necessary.

"So, Gaara disappeared as well, eh?" The blond took the Bingo Book and started looking for the picture of the red-head, he wasn't that far ahead when he finally found it. "Hey! Why is the price on his head higher than mine?"

"Naruto…"

Silence.

Tension was once again in the air; so far the shinigami had remained in the shadows, listening instead of participating actively in the conversation. Toshiro was the one interested in what these ninja were saying. To him it was obvious the affection they felt for Naruto. It was the first time he saw Naruto as relaxed and happy as he was with them.

"Don't worry, Taichou. I'm sure you're still his favorite friend." Whispered Matsumoto teasingly to Toshiro who turned to glare menacingly at his giggling fukutaichou. The young man grabbed the Bingo Book Naruto had been holding carelessly, his teal eyes twinkled with interested when he started reading the page dedicated to Naruto.

"A little after Kakashi-sensei announced we were going to enter the Chuunin exams I met with someone." Started Naruto, fully aware the attention of all presents was on him. "He…he is my uncle."

"Your uncle? And you believe him?" Naruto smiled softly at Shikamaru's tone.

"He had some solid and pretty valid proof that what he was saying was the truth." Naruto shrugged, eying Shikamaru and Kiba. "Believe me, I wouldn't have gone with him if I wasn't convinced it was for the best."

"Let me get this straight." Kiba started pacing around. "You left the village because some unknown guy appeared out of nowhere telling you he was your uncle?"

"If you said it like that…" Started Naruto only to be interrupted by Ino.

"No, there is no other way to say it for that to sound pretty or convincing." Ino stood closer to Naruto poking his chest while making him back down. "That guy could had been some Akatsuki guy in disguise or some other guy from an enemy village…even one of those psychos from the village that wanted you dead."

"Wow, Ino, I didn't know you care." To say Naruto was speechless would be an understatement; he was more than a little shock at the emotion behind Ino's tirade.

Ino huffed straighten herself up while lowering her head allowing the hair fang covered the blush forming on her cheeks. She huffed returning to her spot beside Shino. Shikamaru actually smirked along with Neji and Kiba.

"You don't understand. These guys had been moping as if someone killed their only puppy." Declared Ino making the guys drop their smiles, Akamaru barked indignant. "No offense Akamaru. And it was all because of you."

"I'm sorry. I never thought …" Naruto sighed dropping his shoulders while directing his blue eyes to Toshiro, Matsumoto, Haku, Ichinose, Ikkaku and Yumichika; then his head turned to look at the Konoha shinobi. "I never thought you would be worried, at least not enough to go searching for me."

"You'd have done the same for us." Replied Kiba, "If any one of us have vanished, I know you do the same."

"But, what had me really curious is: where have you been all this time? How did you remain hidden until now?" Naruto turned to Neji who was looking intently at him. "Why not try to contact any of us or even…even Yugao-san?"

"And, how is it you really did not know nothing about your status as a Missing-nin or the fact that Gaara is missing as well?" This time it was Shikamaru posing the questions.

"Well, like Ino said, I've been living under a rock…" Naruto smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head while evading the others eyes.

"Naruto…" Mumbled warningly Neji only to be interrupted by Hitsugaya.

"He can't say anything about it." Toshiro stared boringly at Neji before returning his teal eyes to the Bingo Book. "None of us can. We're here on a…mission, as you ninjas call it, but we're in no liberty to discuss some aspects of it."

"What kind of mission?" Asked Shikamaru interested in the answer, the young man then lifted his eyes to Toshiro and the rest of the shinigami. "And who are you?"

Naruto glanced at Toshiro and then at Matsumoto, Haku and Ichinose looked at each other before turning their attention to the blond. Ikkaku was pacing around restlessly while Yumichika had sharp, cunning eyes focused on some spot in the middle of the group.

"We're here as Naruto-sama's friends and comrades." Naruto could hug Ichinose for cutting in, saving Naruto for having to do the explanations and proper introductions. "I'm Ichinose, personal guard of Naruto-sama. The young man over there is the…squad leader, Hitsugaya Toshiro, over there is his second in command Matsumoto Rangiku, then there is Madarame Ikkaku, Ayagesawa Yumichika, Kurotsuchi Nemu and…Haku."

"You have a personal guard?" Inquired Kiba with a gleam of interest and wonderment in his eyes; Naruto nodded his head crossing his arms.

"Yeah, it's kinda weird if you ask me."

Shikamaru bowed his head lightly before stepping forward; he had already thought the situation over. His eyes had been examining each of Naruto's so-called companions. The one who had him anxious was the short one, the white-haired guy who seemed to be moving in command. That's why Shikamaru's stare focused on him when he started making introductions of his own.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you." Naruto noticed Shikamaru spoke with reluctance those words before he continued. "I'm Nara Shikamaru, Captain of this platoon. Over there is my second in command and a Konoha Jounin, Hyuuga Neji. Over there is Hyuuga Hinata, Yamanaka Ino, Aburame Shino and Inuzuka Kiba."

Akamaru barked once again, determined to make his presence known. Shikamaru rolled his eyes dropping his head. "And, of course, that's Akamaru."

There was nothing else to say after the introductions were over with, the only thing Naruto could do was observed as Toshiro and Shikamaru seemed engaged in a staring contests while Neji kept his stared focused on Ichinose. The shinigami hadn't moved too far away from where Naruto was standing, always hovering like a shadow near the blond.

"So, Naruto," Started Ino eying the blond with suspicion. "What kind of mission make you come out from the rock you were living in?"

Naruto chuckled lightly while looking out of the corner of his eyes to Matsumoto, the woman was looking down to her nails but Naruto didn't miss the brief, cut nod from her.

"Look, it's kind of hard to explain." Started Naruto choosing his words carefully, well-aware Konoha's group was returning their attention to him. "We…we were sent to investigate some strange disappearances."

Neji and Shikamaru turned to one another before turning back to Naruto. "Disappearances?"

"What kind?" Naruto blinked confusedly but it was Haku the one to answer.

"The shinobi kind. We've heard there was a huge case near here. In Hidden Dragon"

Toshiro lift his eyes while his head remained lowered, the teal stare went from Shikamaru to the Neji guy and then to the one wearing the sunglasses. Shino. The young Captain of the Tenth Division didn't miss the recognition sparkling in those guy's eyes. He didn't miss either the peculiar behavior from the platoon leader; holding back his smirk Toshiro returned his attention to the Bingo Book. Following Uzumaki and those ninja friends of his wasn't a waste of time after all. They knew something about the disappearances. Now, all Toshiro had to do was to get the information.

With a slightly jerk of his arm Toshiro let some of his reiatsu wandered around, traveling to alert each and every single of the shinigami to be ready. Naruto closed his fist tightly, he really didn't want to do anything to harm his friends as he turned to Toshiro he realized the young man had other things in mind.

Just as Toshiro was about to spring into action Shikamaru gave Ino the last signal. The young woman nodded curtly looking at Naruto's head while making the hand-sign.

"This book is quite informative." Hitsugaya pursed his lips while his teal eyes moved from one picture to the next. Speaking loudly enough to call the attention of the presents. "And, all of these individuals are criminals?"

"Oh, Naruto-kun looks so cute in here." Matsumoto took the book away from Hitsugaya who glared at the woman while directing his attention to Neji. To the other side, Hinata seemed to be directing a pretty curios glance to the cheerful woman holding the Bingo Book.

"Yes, they all are criminals to some extent." Replied Neji.

"And, if that it's true then…you're here to capture Uzumaki." It was more a statement than a question. Toshiro raised an eyebrow when all eyes turned to the guy standing closer to Naruto.

Shikamaru sighed placing a hand on his head, scratching it out of habit, "Troublesome as it may be, we have to. We're still Konoha shinobi and Naruto it's wanted."

Ino held her smirk as she completed the jutsu but, at that moment, several things happened. She had counted with Shikamaru to at least make sure no one would interfere with the mind transferring jutsu but the shadow user had been distracted by the draw of a sword and the sudden heavy atmosphere around him. Hitsugaya Toshiro stood just in the line of vision of Ino making the jutsu hit an unexpected target.

The only one who noticed something was amiss was Shino who grabbed Ino as the white-haired Captain tensed up. Toshiro grabbed his head turning sharp, gleaming eyes towards Ino and Shino. Ichinose from his part had taken a step forward, Ikkaku and Haku just behind him.

"Dead. They want him dead. I won't let Naruto-sama place a single hair inside that forsaken village of yours." Declared Ichinose standing to his full height; Kiba scowled growling loudly.

"I want to see how you try to stop us." Akamaru growled menacingly, Kiba took a step forward with a feral look in his eyes.

"Whoa, wait a second," Naruto raised his arms placing himself between the shinigami and the Konoha group, his head tilted to the side a perfect serious expression on his face as he addressed Shikamaru.

"You really need to capture me?" Shikamaru placed a hand inside his pocket, dropping his head to the side while lifting his black eyes to meet Naruto's ones.

"It would be for the best." Shikamaru lifted his head while taking a step closer to Naruto. Behind the blond, Ichinose's hand had moved to the hilt of his sword, clenching tightly.

"Tsunade-sama had assembled a special group made of Hunter-nin and ANBU to look for you, Naruto." The blond raised his eyebrows as Shikamaru took another step forward, the young captain of the Konoha platoon didn't need to turn to know the others were getting ready. They all knew, if Naruto had left the village on his own will trying to get him back would be difficult.

"They and us are the only friendly ones you're going to find out there. And still, I think we're the only ones who don't want to fight you to bring you back."

"Then don't. Don't try to do this, Shikamaru. I know I owed you guys a hell of a better explanation but…" Naruto straightened up shaking his head. "But I can't give you one right now. I'm glad I got to see you. I really am, but I can't go back to Konoha."

"Naruto, you don't understand! If you go with us now there is a probability Tsunade-sama can get you out of trouble." Replied Kiba. "Your only crime was to leave the village! You haven't done anything against it. But, if Akatsuki is after you then some would try to kill you to at least take the Kyuubi out of the picture."

"Or worse, this Akatsuki guys may get a hold of you." Neji nodded towards the shinigami not hiding his skeptical expression as he mentioned them. "They may look like good fighters, but I don't think they have what it's needed to fight against Akatsuki."

"All its members are S-rank missing-nin, after all."

"Do you doubt our abilities?" Ikakku step forward growling lowly, his eyes glaring heatedly to Neji. "You shouldn't say anything, Pretty Boy, until you have seen us in action."

"I wouldn't let anyone touch Naruto-sama ever again." Declared Ichinose and Naruto saw with growing apprehension as the tension grew between both groups. "I know what that forsaken village of yours did …specially what they did to Naruto-sama, I won't let it happen again."

"Not all of them were bad!" This came from a very enthusiastic Hinata who was scowling lightly, her lavender eyes drifting to Naruto and then to Ichinose. "We're here because we lo…because all of us…love Naruto-kun!"

"Hinata!" Exclaimed a pretty surprised but impressed Kiba. Hinata's face was totally red as she said this; however embarrassed she may be her face still showed determination.

"We won't let the council or other villagers intervene. Not this time. Naruto-kun is a ninja of Konoha and we…we don't abandon our comrades."

Even after those words, Ikkaku was holding the hilt of his sword firmly, impatient to have some sort of action. Ichinose snorted shaking his head in disbelief following Ikkaku's action. Once again, each and every shinigami felt the shove made by Hitsugaya's reiatsu the signal to be ready. Naruto felt indecision in his mind, making him fidgeted from one foot to the other.

Master…Ryuujin's voice reached his master's thoughts but the young man didn't know what to say. Whatever you do I'm pretty sure they won't hold it against you.

"You have a funny way to demonstrate it." Replied Ichinose who took another, threatening step forward. He only stopped the moment Naruto sent a warning glare to him. "I was there when that guy…the Uchiha one hurt Naruto-sama. I was there when the pink-haiered woman intervine so my Young Master couldn't react on time. Always undermining him.."

"Ichinose, that's enough." Naruto narrowed his eyes while shaking his head. "This isn't about what some people in the village did to me but what my friends are trying to do."

"We only want you back, Naruto." Kiba patted Akamaru's head as he said it. "No tricks, no hidden intentions. This isn't about the village is about our friendship. "

And yet, Naruto noticed it…there was something Kiba, Neji and Shikamaru weren't saying. It was in their eyes, in their body language, the subtly shifting of muscles, the jerk of fingers closer to kunai holsters. Naruto knew their intentions where good but, Byakuya-nii told him one that the path to hell was paved with good intentions. If Naruto were to go with them he knew things wouldn't turn the way his friends want it.

Well, since when did you turn into such a heavy thinker? I'm glad to see that your stupid days are over and you're actually thinking about the consecuences your decisions have.

'Shut up! I'm just trying to do what Byakuya-nii and Hitsugaya-taichou taught me. To think before doing anything stupid.'

"I know that, Kiba. And you don't know how much this means to me." The resolved behind Naruto's tone was an indicator to all the presents that Naruto had taken a decision.

Ino looked around the mindscape; she thought as soon as she made contact it would be a matter of just taking over Naruto's mind. She was half expecting the Kyuubi to appear before her but what found her was something different. It was a cold presence, a cold curious presence that was surrounding her little by little.

Ino tried to take a step forward but couldn't move looking down to her feet she saw ice crawling upwards from her feet to her ankle.

"What the hell…?"

You don't belong here, girl. Ino's head shoot up at the deep, growling voice addressing her. There in front of her was man, beside him there was a kid, a pretty familiar kid.

"You…you're one of Naruto's companions."

The young man tilted his head while the grown one nodded his head curtly, it was so suddenly Ino couldn't even breathe. The guy was gleaming brightly and suddenly he took a form of an icy dragon. Ino's eyes went wide open as the dragon launched himself at a full speed against her.

Their sudden discussion was interrupted by a sudden scream, everyone turned around to see Shino and Ino being thrown backwards colliding against the closest tree.

"What the hell were you trying to do?" Naruto saw as the sudden pacific conversation between his friends had crumbled before him. Hitsugaya Toshiro turned cold eyes to the now unconscious Ino, Shino stood up protectively, his bugs at the ready for an imminent attack.

"What did you do to her?" Shino's question was uttered with a silent anger Naruto didn't know the young man possess.

Kiba decided to take part of the action by trying to tackle the white-haired guy as Shikamaru, once again, made use of his Kagemane trying to capture Naruto but the blond had already jumped up in the air grinning amusedly to Shikamaru. Toshiro side-stepped Kiba elbowing the Inuzuka on his back while dealing with a very angry Akamaru. Haku extracted his senbon while Ikkaku grinned wildly going after the same guy Ichinose was fighting.

Naruto was still half suspended in the air, opening his mouth to talk when a sudden surprised attack came from an unexpected newcomer.

"Dynamic Entry!" The blond positioned his open hands one over the other to stop the strike from a pretty determined foot.

There was a slightly widening of Lee's eyes, not only his Dynamic Entry had been stopped but the person who had done it was…

"Naruto-kun!"

"Bushy-eyebrows!"

The surprise didn't last too long as a strange lean-like creature made of white and black went directly into attack. Naruto side-stepped it at fast speed putting out of his pocket a kunai that collided against the sharp blade of a tantou making sparks fly in front of Naruto's face and the newcomers one.

"Who the hell are you?" Asked Naruto while feeling the full impact of the guy's knee colliding against his abdomen.

The black-haired guy titled his head, a strange emotionless smiled drawing slowly on his face, "Hello there, Naruto-kun. I'm Sai and I'm yours and Sasuke-kun's replacement."

"My what?" Naruto took in a fighting stance frowning lightly while he flash-stepped forward catching Sai by surprised while engaging himself in a hand-to-hand combat with him.

"You replacement." Replied the guy with his emotionless smile in place. "I am the new member of Team 7."

Lee watched as Naruto evaded skillfully the attacks of Sai, his own eyes couldn't believe the fact that Naruto was moving with such ability. All around them the ninja and shinigami seemed pretty much engaged in an all-out fight. With Ino being taken care of by Sakura and Tenten before the pink-haired girl focused her eyes on the boy she had known since they were kids.

Her eyes followed the form of the blond with disbelief, anger and longing, such conflictive feelings as she left Ino behind her and went directly to Naruto. Haku who had been fighting to try and undermine the attacks made by the Hyuuga girl saw out of the corner of his eyes the people ready to surround and capture Naruto. Even if the blond hadn't noticed it yet, the shadow user, the horrible dress guy with thick eyebrows, the pink-haired girl and the guy Naruto was fighting in were closing on him.

Naruto's fist collided heavily against Sai's face sending the guy staggering backwards, a slip lip pouring fresh blood. "So, you're attacking me because you want a permanent position?"

Sai shook his head cleaning up the blood while eying Naruto curiously, "You're a criminal. It does not make difference to me if I catch you alive or dead."

"Oi! But it does make a difference for us, Sai." Shikamaru steppped in his hand grabbing tightly a weapon Naruto had never seen on his friend's hand. "So you better no try anything harsh against him."

"So, is it really Naruto-kun?" Asked Lee standing beside Shikamaru.

"Yes, he is."

"It's been quite some time, isn't Lee?" Naruto grinned to the young man who returned the smile with the same amount of honesty and happiness Naruto did.

Sai watched the interaction with interest, his mind working the whys and the possibilities that his information about Uzumaki Naruto had been wrong. His black eyes swift to Sakura who was approaching slowly, readying herself then he returned them to Naruto. The blond seemed distracted trying to reason with Shikamaru and Lee, the others trying to overcome the mysterious group Sai assumed were all with Naruto.

"Three years…Naruto…" Naruto's eyes opened slightly at the familiar voice, he turned slowly taking a step back as he saw an approaching Sakura. The girl had tears in her eyes, anger and sorrow etched on her face as she put her right arm back before bringing in with full-forced.

The apparition of a obviously emotional wreck Sakura caught Naruto by surprised leaving him open to the attack. It didn't take Haku any time to react. He was there in a flash-step holding easily the attack while smiling amusedly to the girl.

"Y-y…you!"

"Well, what's with the face, Sakura-san? It looks as if you just saw a ghost." Suddenly, Haku's eyes went cold and the young man clenched tightly around Sakura's making the shoked girl wince in pain. "It's a relief you're just as weak as I remember."

"Haku!" Screamed Naruto trying to stop the hard kick Haku directed to Sakura. The young woman was sent flying away her back hitting hard a tree before falling to the ground.

"You didn't need to be so rough!" Exclaimed Naruto to which Haku shrugged.

"After what you told me about her…I think I was pretty gentle." Haku turned around sending his senbon directly to Lee who was running to aid Sakura. "Now focus!"

"Shikamaru…"

"Save it." Replied Shikamaru shaking his head, a sad smile appearing on his face. "They won't let you come with us and you won't come willingly. I guess this is the only way."

"It doesn't need to be." Replied Naruto. "Just let me go."

Sai narrowed his eyes putting his scroll and paint brush to the ground, Haku threw his senbon at him while shaking his head. "One wrong move…and I make you explode in a blinding red light."

Sai raised an eyebrow as his lips twitched upwards, his hands resting lightly against his sides while observing the situation.

"You know I can't…" Naruto lowered his head sighing before placing his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Very well. Then, at least, let's make my escape an accident."

On the other side of the fight, Hitsugaya had been playing with Kiba all along, his eyes had read into some of the sloppy movements the young man made. It wasn't as if he didn't have technique or an actual chance to hurt Toshiro, it was just he was so emotional in his attacks, so easy to read Toshiro didn't have to do much.

But, as the time passed and he felt the flickering of reiatsu coming from all the members of his team he realized time was of importance and his mind had already work the solution for this situation.

"Ichinose!"

"Yes, sir?" Replied Ichinose who was happily fighting against the Hyuuga guy, engaging himself against the young man who was using a pretty strange eye technique.

"Let's use it." Shouted Toshiro finally kneeling Kiba on his abdomen.

Ichinose shoot his head up, turning to see the affirmative gesture from Hitsugaya. He returned the small nod before jumping up, taking Neji by surprised as he floated in the air. Ichinose put his hands in a sealing hand sign while Toshiro followed him up in the air. Neji narrowed his eyes, awakening his byakugan he tried to read any chakra pattern without any success. Toshiro place his hands on his own kunai holster before putting them out throwing to several places several kunai.

While Neji never saw any actual reiatsu he did saw a red pattern, a pattern made of some kind of strange energy. Then, eyes widened as he tried to shout to the rest of his team. But it was too late…

"Release!" Ichinose mumbled while his left hand was placed on top of the three point kunai Toshiro was holding in his hand.

Naruto felt a hand grabbed his shoulder dragging him away as the kidou spell took full effect. In less than a few seconds all the Konoha shinobi were unconscious. Naruto freed himself running towards Shikamaru first, the young man was lying there as if fast asleep.

"What the hell happened?" Haku stood beside Naruto turning his head to Toshiro, Matsumoto, Ikkaku and Yumichika who were putting the other's at the roads edge.

"Seems like a pretty powerful kidou spell, to put them all to sleep." Replied Haku kneeling beside Naruto. "They were really determined to capture you."

"I know." Naruto turned his head to Haku. "But, they didn't mean anything wrong by it."

Haku smiled softly at Naruto, "I know. They really seem to love you very much, Naruto. You have good friends here."

Naruto grinned lightly while standing up, "Well, I guess I can't go around in my gigai form anymore."

"On the contrary," Replied Toshiro nearing Naruto, his eyes concentrated on Shikamaru. "You can be used as bait."

Naruto blinked in disbelief until Toshiro turned his teal eyes, gleaming with amusement, to Naruto.

"You got me scare there for a moment, Taichou." Naruto ruffled his hair while sighing. "It is enough you guys do it to attract hollows back in Rukongai."

Ichinose bowed holding himself down as he spoke, "The rest of the ninja were put aside, Hitsugaya-taichou."

"Are they gonna be okay?" Naruto's tone was filled with worry, Ichinose lifted his head to assure his master with his eyes as much as he was doing so with words.

"Yes, sir. The spell will put them into a heavy sleep for a few minutes. But I also place some protective barriers around them that would be effective as soon as we leave this place.

"Thank you, Ichinose." Naruto turned to Toshiro who had a hand on his chin. "Now what, Taichou?"

"This guy…the one with the dog…" Naruto moved to the side to see Akamaru and Kiba before turning back to Toshiro.

"You mean, Kiba?"

"Yes, it's him some kind of tracker or something?"

Naruto nodded his hand pointing at Kiba then to Shino, "Kiba and Shino are trackers. Kiba uses his nose while Shino uses his bugs."

"Bugs?" Asked Yumichika scrunching his nose up. "He uses bugs?"

"Uh, yeah, he has some kind of contract or something." Naruto put a finger on his chin while looking up thoughtfully. "He follows chakra patterns so I think we're save. But Kiba uses his nose and he is pretty good at it. He uses to be the best at Hide and Seek."

Toshiro rolled his eyes but decided against commenting that, if the guy uses his sense of smell, of course he was good at hide and seek. Turning his attention to Shikamaru Toshiro crossed his arms looking up to the grey sky.

"It's going to rain soon." He mumbled. "And we still have five days to get the information we came looking for."

"What do you propose, Taichou?" This time it was Matsumoto the one asking. Toshiro pointed to Naruto.

"How many clones can you do again?" Naruto narrowed his eyes before smiling with understanding gleaming in his eyes.

"A thousand at least." Naruto place his hands in a cross-like hand-sign. "How are we gonna leave the place then? And where to?"

Toshiro tilted his head looking towards Nemu who put the map from under her kimono, "There are some well-protected caves around fifty kilometers to the south."

"But, that's the other direction from Iron Country." Replied Haku.

"Yes, but as soon as they wake up they're going to go hunting for us. Naruto, specially." Replied Toshiro. "We need to rest and make a solid plan. These caves can help us a little. So, Uzumaki, make your clones, we're going by air."

"Taijuu Kage Bushin No Jutsu!" It wasn't a thousand but it was pretty damn close to it. The Narutos broke up everywhere as Naruto joined the others up in the sky, he turned around only to frown.

"Why are you carrying Shikamaru?" Haku turned to Toshiro who had his back to the blond. "Taichou? Why are we taking Shikamaru with us?"

"Let's go!" Toshiro took off rather quickly, Naruto growled lowly as he flash-stepped to the place where her taichou was. Moving along with the white-haired man who lowered his head shaking it lightly.

"He is a Captain." Naruto's scowl only deepened, his eyes urging his Captain to explain.

Toshiro took another flash-step in mid-air moving rapidly through the scenery until the forest was just a blur under them. It took the young man a moment to answer but, when he did, his voice was firm, unwavering.

"He said he was the Captain of the platoon." Naruto glanced at Haku who was carrying an unconscious Shikamaru. "They know something about the disappearances, more than they let on. He could be a good source of information about it."

Another silence, then "Besides, Captains usually had two set of orders. The ones that you make public to the rest of your subordinates and those who are meant only for you."

Naruto frowned speeding up to run along the white-haired Captain, "I won't let you hurt Shikamaru, Taichou."

Toshiro almost lost his cool, his feet staggering slightly before he continued as if nothing had happened. Behind them the others were looking at Naruto and Toshiro with concern. Toshiro snorted looking out of the corner of his eyes to Naruto.

"I know. Don't worry, your friend won't be harmed."

"Thank you, Sir." It took a moment for Naruto but, as soon as he remembered his head shoot up. His eyes trying to look into Toshiro's face. "Ne, Taichou, you say Captains have two set of orders…What are you secret orders then?"

Toshiro blinked taken aback by the question, then an amused half smirk formed on his face; he shook his head moving ahead of Naruto. Not answering the question and leaving behind a pretty curious Naruto.

"It wasn't a rhetorical question, Taichou!" Screamed out Naruto huffing at the lack of response from his taichou. "Hey! Wait!"

Sakura grabbed her head, the images of a smiling and pretty much alive Haku kept playing in her head. She was sitting with her back against a tree, Ino babbling about some cold Dragon that attacked her. Something about not having seen or felt anything like it before. Sakura dropped her arms, feeling someone standing in front of her. She didn't need to lift her head to know who it was.

"They took Shikamaru with them." This time Sakura did lift her head her eyes locking with those of Neji. "Lee and Sai told me you recognized one of Naruto's companions. Who it was?"

Sakura shook her head, evading Neji's eyes while pursing her lips. Her heart was beating fast, her hands felt numb and she still felt the stingy pain from the kick the man had given her.

"Sakura! They not only have Shikamaru they also have Naruto! If you know something…"

"He is dead."

"Shikamaru? No, he isn't…" Sakura growled loudly while clenching her fists. Her green eyes gleaming with fury as she sent an annoyed glance to Neji.

"No, no Shikamaru…That guy! That…whatshisname…"Sakura grabbed her head again before mumbling loud enough for Neji to hear. "He was supposed to be dead…."

"Who, Sakura? Who was supposed to be dead?" Neji kneeled down grabbing Sakura's hand between his and putting them away from the girls face. Sakura was forced to look into Neji's eyes as she started speaking again.

"He…I think…Haku…He is dead…he shouldn't be alive…" Sakura grimaced whole closing her eyes. "I saw it…Kakashi-sensei pierced his heart with Chidori. He was dead when we buried him!"

"Yeah, or else you guys make a huge mistake." Whispered Kiba to Sai who turned a blank stare to the young man.

"I don't get it." Kiba rolled his eyes returning his attention to Neji and Sakura; by now Sakura's voice was loud enough for everyone to hear her.

"So, this guy, the one who hit you…he was…dead?" Asked Neji trying to make sense of the situation. Sakura nodded her head her hand moving to her abdomen.

"Yes, I'm certain of it but…here he was, as solid as…as…as something not a ghost can be."

Silence filled the small group, all of them with particular thoughts about the situation at hand. Neji stood up, thinking over his fight, the others fight but…shaking his head he turned to Kiba.

"Can you track Naruto or Shikamaru?"

Kiba shook his head annoyed, "No, Naruto made several clones."

"And? What of it?" Asked Tenten exasperate. "We just tried to follow the best lead."

"He made a lot of clones, I can smell him all around the place, and I can't even point to a certain point."

"Well, they are smart. And they…they probably work for Orochimaru." Commented Neji frowning as those words left his mouth.

"How did you come to that conclusion, Hyuuga-san?" Neji turned to Sai who was looking at him with curiosity.

"If what Sakura says it's true then…there is only one way to bring the dead back to life." Neji closed his fist as the worst case scenery went through his head.

"And, what is that?" Neji turned to the group whispering softly.

"Edo Tensei. "

Night had fallen already.

The dark sky threatening with storm had given way to the dark night bringing with it cold rain and loud thunder. The lightning would illuminate the opening of the small cave, flashing its light on Naruto's face making phantasmagorical figures on it.

Naruto didn't have to turn around to know Hitsugaya Toshiro was standing a few centimeters away from him. The cave had a small entrance before turning abruptly to the right; it was perfect to cover the burning fire they had set for the night.

"Are you okay?" The question was unexpected but not unwelcomed; Naruto merely shrugged resting his back against the wall his face turned towards the growing storm.

Toshiro sat beside Naruto facing the other side of the entrance resting both hands behind his head while closing his eyes. While the others may think the weather was horrible, too cold and moist for their tastes, Toshiro thought it was the perfect climate. His eyelids flickered slightly before closing completely.

"I just thought once I was back everything was going to be okay." Naruto's voice was soft and contemplative, Toshiro didn't move or said anything he just waited for Naruto to continue. "But, having to face them in battle and realizing what had happened this last years I just realized that…maybe…if I return..."

"Don't say it." Naruto turned sharply to see Toshiro with his eyes still close. "Don't say it because, even though a part of me is your friend and understand what you're feeling, I'm still a Captain of the Gotei 13."

Naruto remained silent for a moment before cracking a smile, shaking his head amusedly. "Right. Sorry, Sir. I didn't say anything."

"And, I didn't hear." Naruto stood up to go back inside the cave and catch some sleep when Toshiro's voice reached him. "I won't harm your friend but, you better find a way to make him talk. We can't stay here forever."

He didn't say it but Naruto understood the order behind the white-haired guy's voice. Naruto flinched lowering his eyes in a tired gesture taking a step forward and leaving Hitsugaya alone.

For Shikamaru it was the heaviness behind the stare what woke him up. It felt as if something was on him. As he fluttered his eyes he found himself looking directly into a pair of grey eyes. There was a sharp intake of breath from Shikamaru as he realized the owner of said eyes was a woman. A beautiful woman wearing a dangerous smile.

"Who are you?" Shikamaru almost, almost, sighed in relief when his voice sound natural, collect and firm. It didn't reflect the sudden feeling of nervousness at being watch under such an intense stare.

Women could be pretty scary when they want to.

"Ne, Ran-chan, stop scaring Shikamaru. He has this strange fear of women who look powerful than him." Shikamaru frowned turning his sharp eyes to the approaching Naruto; the blond had a hand on his pocket a casual smile on.

For a moment both friends stared at one another until Shikamaru shook his head raising an eyebrow while resting his back to the wall. Rangiku straightened up to walk away, she placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and a silent conversation went on between the both of them. Then, suddenly, Naruto and Shikamaru where alone.

"So, you're just a traitor like Sasuke?" Cold, hurt, angry eyes glared at Naruto.

"I'm not a traitor." Shikamaru glanced at the rope holding his hands and legs tightly.

"This kind of tells me otherwise." Shikamaru stared defiantly at Naruto who seemed impassive, standing there looking down on Shikamaru. "The Naruto I know, my friend, wouldn't do anything like this. What did you do to the others?"

"The Naruto you know…Three years, Shikamaru. I've changed." Naruto kneeled down putting out his three-point kunai, Shikamaru tensed up and for a moment he could see a gleam of regret in the blond's eyes. With a quick, confident slash he cut off the rope freeing Shikamaru without a hint of a doubt.

"But I'm still your friend. As for the others, they are okay; they're probably looking for you by now." Naruto sat down staring at a suspicious Shikamaru. "I'm here and I'm ready to tell you the whole truth."

Shikamaru glanced out of the corner of his eyes, while they were considerably far from the group, the young Nara could see the others gather around an improvised fire. The only one no present was the white-haired boy.

"If you're thinking about running away, go ahead." Naruto couldn't hide the smug smile as Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at him. "Come on! Just hear me out and then…then you can decide if you wanna help me or punch me again."

Punching Naruto, again, was pretty tempting. Shikamaru eyed the blond in front of him noticing the casualness on his gestures. The easy smile, the complete relaxation the blond obviously feel; Shikamaru let his eyes wandered around taking in every detail of the cave, the people inside it, the sharp bifurcation he guessed lead to the main entrance. What did he have to lose? If he stay long enough he could get the information he needed about Naruto. But, could he trust him?

"Naruto never breaks a promise." Said Shikamaru his voice was carried to the shinigami around the fire. Neither of them moved but Shikamaru noticed they were paying close attention. That meant, whatever Naruto and Shikamaru said would be hear by all of them.

"No, I never break them." Naruto placed Shikamaru's stuff on his lap earning a surprise glance from Shikamaru. "So, I promise you I'm gonna tell you the truth, the whole truth about me and them. But, you have to promise me you will never repeat what I'm about to say to you."

Shikamaru snorted shaking his head while taking his kunai holsters, his chakra blades and the rest of his stuff. This was Naruto. Kiba, Neji and Shino had confirmed it. And yet, there was something so different about the blond.

"Okay, I promise you I won't say anything unless I consider that what you tell can put in danger the village."

"Fair enough." Naruto glanced back at his friends before turning to Shikamaru. "You're not gonna believe what I'm about to tell you."

"You know? Starting a conversation like that isn't giving you any points for me to actually believe you." Naruto smiled sheepishly.

"I know but…Look…"Naruto took a deep breath, his jovial relaxed expression changed to one of pure seriousness and stress. "The reason I've been gone for three years, that none knew anything about me it's because…All this time I've been dead."

"Wait! What?"

Ikkaku glanced back at Naruto and Shikamaru; the man crossed his arms while resting back on the hard ground. Matsumoto was looking at her nails while listening to everything Naruto had said while Yumichika and Haku seemed pretty entertained with fixing their clothes.

"So, you know the guy talking to Naruto?" Haku lifted his eyes to discover Ikkaku was watching him with only one eye open.

"No, I don't." Haku fixed the straps on his armored sleeves trying to not be self-conscious about the stares he was receiving.

"But I thought you were a shinobi as well." Ikkaku sat up narrowing his eyes.

"I was, yes." Haku kept his attention on his task instead of turning to Ikkaku. "But, I wasn't Naruto's friend. I was his enemy. We were on different sides."

"And yet, you seem pretty fond of Naruto." The melodic voice, the slightly amusement in it was what made Haku turned to stare into Rangiku's amused eyes.

The young man couldn't help the slightly blush raising on his cheeks at the sudden awareness he felt. Matsumoto raised an eyebrow the moment Haku decided it was safe for him to turn back his attention to Ikkaku.

"It's hard not to, don't you think?" He asked looking at Ikkaku then back to Matsumoto. "I did meet, however, some of his other friends. The pink-haired girl that I hit was Sakura. I don't think she changed a lot since I last saw her. The other one was a black-haired guy…I…I don't remember his name…"

Haku blinked looking slightly puzzled at this fact before he resumed his talking, "I remembered he was an Uchiha. His eyes were red with black tomoe…"

Silence filled Haku's last comment, the only sound came from the conversation Naruto was still having with the shinobi and the sound coming from the fire flames.

Shikamaru could hardly believe everything Naruto had told him. His eyes showed that much to the blond who was thinking on a way to convince the shadow user. But nothing came to mind and, as time kept on passing, Naruto realized he needed to get Shikamaru to talk about the disappearances.

"It's unbelievable."

"I know."

"I don't think I can believe what you just told me."

"I know."

"And yet…a part of me, the stupid part of me, wants to believe you." Naruto chuckled shrugging as he looked up to the cave's ceiling. "You need to give me some kind of proof, Naruto."

"What kind of proof do you want? My gigai? My zanpakutou? Maybe to show you the Senkaimon?" Replied Naruto rolling his eyes.

"Well, you can't pretend I'm gonna believe you just like that." Shikamaru leant forward his hands on his knees. "How do I know that what you just told me isn't kind of stupid and a really bad lie?"

"Tell you what." Replied Naruto with a certainty that Shikamaru couldn't help but narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "There is someone who can tell you if I'm lying or not."

"And, who is it?"

"Yugao-chan." Shikamaru was taken aback by Naruto's words. His disbelief was changing slowly to doubt.

"Yugao?" Naruto nodded smiling lightly.

"Ask her, ask her as soon as you leave this place and go back to Konoha. Tell her I sent you."

"She knows about this? She knows where have you been all this time?" Shikamaru was obviously upset by this revelation; Naruto lifted his arms trying to calm Shikamaru down.

"Of course she knows! She is…She is like a mother to me." Naruto looked directly into Shikamaru's eyes as he spoke. "You guys are my friends and you know I'll do anything for you but…but Yugao-chan is like a mother to me. She was the first one to take care of me and she did it while I was growing up. I could…I could live with hiding the true from all of you but not Yugao-chan."

Shikamaru snorted nodding his head, "I see. I guess it shouldn't surprise me. I did suspect she was the only one who had some kind of info or clue about your whereabouts."

"Well, then, you have you proof there. Ask her and she would tell you what I told you it's the true."

"Really? How so? She could be covering for you." This time it was Naruto the one to snort.

"Do you really think she would have let me go without knowing exactly what I was getting into?

"Good point."

"So, how about if you answer my questions now." Shikamaru blinked a couple of times, he thought about Naruto's words. About the whole situation. It was crazy. It was impossible.

Five days…they're going to be here for five days. I still have one of those chakra trackers…If what Naruto said it's true then I need to act quickly.

"Well, what you wanna know?" Naruto grinned widely feeling as Toshiro approached them.

"How about if you start by telling us what do you know about the disappearances."

"Why is it so important?" Asked Shikamaru with curiosity.

"Because whatever it's the reason behind this disappearances it's not …it's not a job for you guys to deal with." Replied Naruto glancing back at Toshiro. "This is our duty, Shikamaru. This is something I come here to protect Konoha from. "

"How do you know? How are you so sure we can't defend ourselves?"

This time Toshiro was the one to speak, "Because it's our duty to do so. Whoever or whatever is causing this is not only taking people alive but also their souls. Their abilities go beyond what a normal human or shinobi can do."

Shikamaru frowned rubbing the back of his neck as he lifted his chin. "It started about a year ago. Rumors, actually. People disappearing, shinobi from different villages. No one paid attention mainly because it wasn't strange. Some people where just waiting for the bodies of the missing people to appear."

Toshiro took a few steps forward standing beside Naruto as they heard Shikamaru's narration.

"Then Hidden Dragon happened." Shikamaru turned to look at Naruto. "The whole village, Naruto. All of them gone. Some were wound, some others where dead, their bodies were a mess. Then, there were the ones who disappeared."

"How many?" Shikamaru shrugged.

"No one knows, the problem resides in the fact they were at least a hundred shinobi and all of them had been hurt, wound or gone one way or another." Shikamaru tilted his head before continuing. "There was something that made us look for you with more…desperation."

"What do you mean?" Asked Naruto tensing up, feeling wary as to what Shikamaru may say.

"Anko went to Hidden Dragon by accident, she was near and need a rest but when she got there…well, she saw the devastation." Shikamaru shook his head, sharp black eyes drifting from Toshiro to Naruto. "She was the only survivor and what she felt just before losing consciousness was a presence…something that made her think about you, Naruto."

"Me? You mean…she felt like…another Jinchuuriki." Shikamaru shrugged thoughtfully.

"That's what I'm still wondering. She was pretty convinced it felt like yours…but not yours at all." Silence fell between them; Naruto lowered his gazed while thinking over the possibilities.

But while this was happening, Shikamaru saw, out of the corner of his eyes the sudden reaction coming from Toshiro. Since Naruto seemed deep in thought Shikamaru stared openly at the young man in front of him. Teal eyes met black ones, Shikamaru saw what the young man wasn't saying. It wasn't the first time Toshiro had heard about the 'presence' and, apparently, it wasn't the first time someone associate Naruto to it.

Master, is it possible another Jinchuuriki did it? Naruto could hear the concern behind Ryuujin's voice.

'I don't know it could be…'

But, what kind of Jinchuuriki would do something like that? I didn't know you could make souls disappear.

Kyuubi listened with amusement as Naruto and his zanpakutou discussed the problem. He rested his head on top of his paws, smiling widely as he absorbed all the information his host was feeding him unknowingly. So, one of his sibling had gone stray and was causing some mischief in the shinobi land. Who could it be and how could he possible break the boundaries of the seal holding him up? Kyuubi would certainly need to find out all of these answers.

Well, who would have thought that this trip would end up so productive?

Toshiro neared Shikamaru crossing his arms, "What else can you tell us about it?"

"That Konoha isn't the only village trying to find out about this." Replied Shikamaru turning to Naruto. "Some think this may be Akatsuki's doing, some others think that maybe is Orochimaru. Tsunade-sama has Jiraiya-sama working overtime trying to find out about it."

"Ero-sennin? Why?"

"Well, he has the best intel in the whole Elemental Countries. I thought you knew about this, you trained with him for a while." Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, well, he would show me something I would try to do it next thing I know he is peeping on some unsuspecting women."

"Peeping?" Toshiro scowled while Naruto merely shrugged.

"He says it's for research purposes."

"What kind of research can he make while spying on women?" Toshiro sound genuinely confused and curious, Naruto raised an eyebrow at him, turning to see the same expression on Shikamaru.

"He is…a writer." Replied Shikamaru carefully. "A pretty specific kind of writer and… well…"

"What Shikamaru wants to say is that he is a complete pervert and writes pervy books." Naruto shook his head while Toshiro finally understood what they both mean. He fidgeted nervously a small blush forming on his cheeks.

"Oh, I…see." Then as an afterthought. "And, this man has the best Intel in your world?"

"Incredible to believe, uh? But yes, he does." Shikamaru looked inside his kunai holster under the heavy stare of Hitsugaya before handing the young man a small scroll.

"What is this?" Asked Toshiro eying the scroll with suspicion, Shikamaru turned to Naruto then back to Hitsugaya.

"This is just a report. Something Jiraiya-sama gave Tsunade-sama and she sent to all platoon Captains." Explained Shikamaru as Toshiro opened the scroll reading the contests carefully.

"In it they explained what Jiraiya-sama found out about the recent happenings. Some facts and places where he thinks there are some connections between the…the Jinchuuriki and the disappearances."

"Why are you giving us this? What's the trick?"

Shikamaru actually smirked at the question, he straightened up standing his full height in front of Toshiro. "You're their leader, aren't you?"

Toshiro narrowed his eyes while Naruto eyed his friend curiously.

"And, what if I am?" replied Toshiro with a cold voice. Shikamaru lifted his arms in surrender before taking a step closer to Naruto.

"I won't say anything about you or Naruto, but I won't stop chasing after him until he is back where he belongs." Replied Shikamaru. "But, for now, I can give you the scroll. Most people in my platoon or other shinobi don't know half the things you can read there. If what you say it's true then this may be helpful."

Toshiro eyed the scroll once again before placing it inside his vest; he tilted his head the suspicion never leaving his eyes. Shikamaru then turned to Naruto eying the blond for a moment before placing his hands inside his pockets.

"You said if I answer your questions you will let me go." Said Shikamaru slowly. "Did I answer them all?"

"You did. Thank you, Shikamaru." The black-haired guy titled his head nodding towards the entrance of the cave.

"You sure you don't wanna come back with me? It would be easier if you do so."

Naruto smiled bitterly shaking his head, "I'll be gone before any of you can find me. I don't…I really don't belong here anymore, Shikamaru. But I'm glad that you guys really…well, really remember me. Try to find me."

"What? You thought Sasuke was the only friend you have? The only one you seemed to have 'real bonds' with?" Naruto winced at the sudden cold tone in Shikamaru's voice, he put on a light smile chuckling lightly.

"Nah, Sasuke was my friend out of necessity. I knew about his family, I knew what had happened so we start hanging out sometimes. Training here and there or just…being." Naruto shook his head. "But, you guys? You were my friends out of choice. That…meant…means a lot to me."

"Ugh, one more word and you may as well kiss each other."

"And the moment is broken. Seriously, Ikkaku, hasn't anyone told you man bounding can be emotional and not just a bloody fight?" Replied Yumichika glaring at his friend.

"Yeah, well I prefer my man-bonding with blood."

Shikamaru lifted an eyebrow while Toshiro twitched with annoyance as the discussion escalate with Matsumoto and Haku joining in, each one of them with their own opinion about the matter. Toshiro turned his back to the group while facing Shikamaru.

"As a Captain I'll make sure to use the information you gave us in the best possible way." Shikamaru felt the corner of his lips twitched lightly. "And, as Naruto's friend I promise I'm going to try to prevent him from doing a lot of stupid things."

"Good luck with that."

"Hey! I'm right here, you know?" Replied Naruto glaring at both of them, Shikamaru gave a half smirk shrugging.

Before anything else could be done or said Ichinose placed himself behind Shikamaru surprising both, Naruto and Shikamaru, there was a brief nod coming from Toshiro before the shinigami place the palm of his hand a mere centimeters away from Shikamaru's eyes. In a matter of seconds Shikamaru was falling unconscious on Ichinose's arms.

"Taichou! You said you weren't gonna hurt him!"

"Technically I didn't hurt him." Replied Toshiro glancing back at an indignant Naruto. "It was Ichinose. And, he didn't hurt your friend, merely put him to sleep."

"Why?"

Toshiro rolled his eyes massing his temple as he felt an approaching migraine; behind them he could still hear the sounds of the foolish discussion between his fukutaichou and the rest of the group.

"You don't really thought we were gonna let him leave this place first, did you?" Naruto opened his mouth before closing it again; he actually looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, I just …"

"He may be your friend but as soon as he left here he would have tried to contact the rest of his team." Toshiro indicated the now lying Shikamaru before turning around. "I couldn't risk it. Don't worry, in about an hour or two he is going to wake up and in this place there aren't any chances of something bad happening to him."

Toshiro turned to see Ikkaku barely moving and a pretty amused Haku hovering above him, Matsumoto seemed delighted while Yumichika's eyes were gleaming with a wave of respect and amusement.

"What the hell happen here?" Asked Toshiro glaring at the group, Haku lifted his eyes to stare at Toshiro, his smile never wavering.

"Sorry, Sir. I was teaching Ikkaku-san to never mock the Fourth Division." Toshiro lifted an eyebrow, his eyes lowering to see Ikkaku twitching while glaring heatedly at Haku. The bald man couldn't move, he was on his stomach, his arms were in a pretty strange position while his back was covered with several senbon.

"Can you take those without killing him?" Asked Toshiro massaging his temple again. "I would hate to fill in the paperwork if Madarame were to die."

Ikkaku's eyes opened really wide while Matsumoto giggled softly, Naruto kneeled beside Ikkaku poking the man with a single finger.

"Yes, Sir. I can."

"Good, then do it. We're leaving." Toshiro moved past the group then, "Uzumaki, come here, I need to ask you something."

The blond followed Toshiro to the cave's opening, behind him Matsumoto and Ichinose tagged along watching with curiosity at both young men.

"Your friend gave me this." Toshiro threw the scroll to Naruto who opened reading carefully the report. "It says something about the connection between the disappearances and the presence of a Jinchuuriki. This is the second person that mentions you noticing the similarities between your presence and the one of the perpetrators."

"I don't understand why. I mean, Ero-sennin mentions that there weren't any other indicators." Naruto re-read the document before handling it over to Toshiro, the white-haired Taichou placed it, once again, inside his vest.

"Do you know why there are some similarities?" Naruto shook his head, frowning in concentration.

"I can't think of anything, Taichou."

Toshiro tilted his head, thinking carefully on his next words. "Are you…capable of doing something like this?"

"Sir?" Suddenly Naruto's heart was beating really fast, he felt cold sweat on his hands. Naruto understood the implications behind the question; it didn't lessen the hurt he felt or the sudden suspicion growing in his mind.

"What I mean is…you have a Bijuu sealed inside you." Toshiro locked eyes with Naruto aware of the rest of the people in the cave hearing their conversation. "I know what it's capable of. Now, what I want to know is if you're capable of doing something like this. If the demon inside you can do it."

Naruto gulped blinking several times while thinking over his answer, there was a twitched of his mouth before the blond directed a pretty big grin to Toshiro.

"No, Sir. For that to happen I need a sort of connection with the Kyuubi that I don't possess."

Rangiku was scowling darkly, her eyes directing a warning glare to her taichou, the young man could ignore it but Rangiku could tell Toshiro's comment had hurt Naruto. How could her Taichou doubt Naruto? How could he even ask something like that? Rangiku wasn't the only one concern, glaring at the young Captain. Beside the woman Ichinose had his jaw clenched tightly; his eyes glowing with bad contain anger.

"So, do you know of anyone who would be capable of doing this? Someone that may have this ability to connect with their Bijuu?"

Naruto's eyes open in realization, Toshiro noticed this and he urged the young Kazama to speak. Naruto hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering quickly to the white-haired man in front of him.

"I…I know of someone but I don't think they're the ones doing this."

"Who are they?" Asked Toshiro with little patience.

"She is my friend, Taichou. Promise me you won't do anything to her until we have spoken to her first."

"Naruto, I don't think you are in any position to demand anything from me." Replied Toshiro standing his full height. Naruto noticed the slightly raised on his reiatsu as he spoke. "I can't make deals with you only because you're sentimentally involved with everyone we want to talk to."

"I…I'm not sentimentally involve with Yugito-chan!" He exclaimed rather quickly, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. His sudden outburst brought a couple of raised eyebrows and a mischievous stare from Matsumoto.

"You seem awfully uncomfortable, Naruto-kun. Was she your girlfriend?" Matsumoto wrapped her arms around Naruto's chest smiling at the young man who was stuttering his response. Toshiro rolled his eyes as Matsumoto started teasing the blond. "Now I'm jealous."

"N-no she is a friend!"

"Ummm, that means you're still available?"

"Matsumoto! Stop bothering Uzumaki!" Exclaimed Toshiro glaring at his fukutaichou, he turned his teal eyes to Naruto. "Uzumaki! We will let your girl…I mean your friend talk before I make a decision, happy?"

Naruto nodded while glaring at a still laughing Matsumoto, behind him Haku was glaring at Naruto while crossing his arms petulantly.

"You better stop that." Haku turned to Yumichika who was eying the young man knowingly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, If it isn't Ichimaru-taichou the one Rangiku-san is in love with," Started Yumichika making Haku shifted uncomfortably. "It seems to me that she enjoys teasing Naruto-kun way too much."

"Lucky bastard." Mumbled Haku lowly making Yumichika chuckled but nod in agreement.

"Okay then, we're near Kumogakure no Sato." Replied Naruto looking to the morning sky. "I'm not exactly sure how is my position with Cloud but, last time they extended an invitation to me to join their village. So, I guess they can be friendly once we're there."

"And your guess is the best we have?" Naruto shrugged while Toshiro merely sighed. "I guess we better tried this lead. However, Kurotsuchi, Ayagesawa."

"Yes, sir?" Yumichika eyed Toshiro warily as the young man grabbed his chin in a calculating gesture. "We can't keep moving around like this. So, you two are going to go back to this Hidden Dragon. Find out everything you can about what happen there."

"Why only send Yumichika and Nemu, Taichou?" Asked Matsumoto.

"Because they're the most subtle ones for this kind of mission." Replied Toshiro dryly. "Besides, Kurotsuchi is the one who knows how to gather the data Kurotsuchi-taichou needs."

Toshiro looked around his group before nodding curtly, "Very well, you have your orders. If there is any trouble an extreme raise of your reiatsu would be enough to inform us of it. Now, let's go!"

Gaara sat peacefully under the tree, his eyes focused on the bread he had been eating from the last ten minutes. Yugito huffed crossing her arms while glaring at the darkened sky.

"Ugh, when is this stupid rain going to stop?" The young woman started pacing around again; Gaara ignored her as he took another bite from his food.

Two hours later found Yugito purring contently sleeping peacefully, her head resting on top of Gaara's shoulder making the young man wonder just what the hell was she dreaming. The rain had stopped an hour ago, but now the cold of the early morning hours were making them shiver.

Gaara lifted his head to the clearing sky, lowering his eyes while his hand shook Yugito gently.

"Yugito! Hey, Yugito! We gotta go."

"Uh, ah…mmm, whattimeisit?" Gaara smirked as the young woman fluttered her eyes open, her voice filled with sleep as she tried to wake up.

"It's just after dawn, we should get moving now that the rain has stopped." Yugito nodded standing up, she stretched up caressing her neck before picking up her stuff. Beside her Gaara was ready waiting for her.

"I think it would be better if we go from above the forest." Commented Gaara looking up to the tree they had been resting on all night. "It would give us a better look of the area and we can try to sense Naruto and the Kyuubi out there."

"You just want to feel the breeze on your face after being trap in this damp place." Replied Yugito with a smirk of her own when Gaara avoided her eyes. "But, I guess it's a good idea. Let's go."

As the sky kept on getting clearer, and the sun started showing the first rays of light over the land Yugito concentrated her senses into finding Naruto. As her eyes drifted to watch Gaara she realized that the both of them have two different reasons for their search. While Gaara was looking for Naruto as a thank you, as a way to try and return the favor he did to the red-head all those years ago; Yugito was looking for Naruto because, for some inexplicable reason he had been a constant in Yugito's heart and mind.

I think it was the smile. Nibi purred contently sending memories of Naruto's smile to Yugito. Or maybe it was that fine ass and powerful chest he had where you can rub your...

'NIBI! WHAT THE HELL?' Exclaimed Yugito without letting her Bijuu end the sentence. The images were bad enough.

Gaara frowned with concern as Yugito step on the wrong branch and almost fell. The girl had a suspicious tone of red on her cheeks and she was trying to concentrate on the path ahead.

"Are you okay?" Yugito's blush increased when she remembered she wasn't alone.

"Y-yes, yes I'm fine I…"

There was a loud explosion from their right. Both, Yugito and Gaara stopped turning their heads to the source of the noise. Yugito sensed it too late as something heavy hit her to the side; Gaara's sand went into protective mode helping the red-head to escape the surprised attack.

"Well, well, well…Look what we have here." The mocking voice was coming from somewhere to Yugito's right, she was lying on the ground with a foot on top of her chest pinning her hard to the dirty and wet grass. Her eyes took in the form on top of her and she couldn't help but gasp.

Black cloaks, red clouds a Hitai-ate with a slash in the middle.

Akatsuki.

"It seems we got ourselves two Jinchuuriki for the price of one." Hoshigaki Kisame smirked readying his sword as he glanced at Gaara.

"I think for that you need to have the both of us." Gaara lifted his arms the sand revolving around him as the red-head's eyes started gleaming slowly. "And, you don't have any idea as to what you got yourself into."

Kisame laughed out loud, excitement dripping from his voice as he replied to Gaara's comment. Yugito from her part was trying to struggle against the hold the man on top of her had.

"You should give up already." The voice was devoid of any emotion that wasn't indifference and boredom. "I already have you trapped and I don't have any trouble into incapacitate you if the need arise. However, Pain would prefer if you weren't that badly injure."

"Ne, Itachi-nii," Itachi and Yugito turned to the source of the voice, both of them showing the surprised they felt at the sudden appearance of Uzumaki Naruto. The blond was grinning widely before dropping the smile and grabbing the hilt of his sword. "Now, would you be kind enough to let Yugito-chan go so I can rip you to pieces for daring to hurt her?"

AN: Hello there dear readers. I want to thank you all for reading the story, for commenting and for following the story. This is a new chapter, it was pretty long and hard to write. I have to make three different versions of this chapter and this one was the one I liked the most. I really hope you enjoy it. Remember this hasn't been beta-ed yet, I apologize for grammar, spelling or other funny mistake you may find here.

On another note, I'm looking for a Beta. Can any of you guys help me out? I would really appreciate the help.

Let's see...I need your help to decide some things I have planned for the next chapter. Would you like Shikamaru to run into Kakashi and Yugao and the rest of the ANBU team? Or should the Konoha Eleven came across Kakashi and the others first?

What about Kushina? Would you like her to finally meet face to face her son?

Well, this is it.

Please don't forget to comment and tell me what you think.