Chapter 24

05:02

Pale hand hung in front of tired eyes that mirrored the numbers of the ticking watch. Not much sleep had come to Shikamaru during the night, even now he couldn't force himself to go back to sleep. Unlike his blond cellmate, who appeared to be sleeping like a log, he had only caught 3 hours of sleep, which was very unlike him. Throwing the covers aside, Shikamaru outstretched his aching limbs and went to wash himself, all the while listening in on the small snores from Naruto's part. He just didn't get it, how could he be sleeping so calmly and soundly on such a day.

…

10:20

As soon as the signal rang, all cell doors were unlocked and automatically opened. Taking last night's… circumstances into consideration, the guards rewarded prisoners with an extra few hours of sleep before scattering them out to their individual activities.

Dry toweling his hands, Naruto shifted his attention from the sink and towards the unmoved Nara. Standing up on the side of his bed, Naruto hoisted himself high enough to peek at his slacking cellmate. "You look terrible." was the first thing that Naruto could say upon the sight of Shikamaru. The man had small beads of sweat on his forehead, bangs under his narrowed eyes and a grim expression on his face.

"And I feel no different." hissed Shikamaru in a 'morning greeting'.

"Yes, and a good morning to you too." Smiling cheekily at the received glare, Naruto lightly petted his friend on the head. "Come on, darling. Don't tell me you're getting sick on a wonderful day like today."

"I could say something similar to you. It surprises me that instead of showing the least bit of sweat, you have a behavior of a seven year old boy who's about to receive a present on Christmas Eve. Are you even human, Naruto? Do you know what 'stress' is?"

"Humph! Well excuse me for feeling a bit overexcited. Not all of us share your depressing cloud atop our heads, you know, you gloomy bastard."

Sighing exasperated, Shikamaru pulled the covers over his head and promptly turned Naruto his back. "I didn't sleep. At all. So sorry if I'm feeling like hanging that damn cloud atop my head."

"Not on my watch." Naruto pulled the covers off of the sleepy man and jabbed him on the shoulder. "Come on. Get up already before…"

"What possibly do you want from me? We don't make our move until the dark anyway. And it's just morning. I think I can afford an hour or two."

"I'm not talking abo-…"

"Morning salutations, Mr. Uzumaki. And Mr. Nara!" screamed Gai, entering the cell. "How many times do I have to-…"

The rest was silenced by Shikamaru's loud groan.

…

10:50

Out in the yard, Madara leaned against the payphone, his eyes showing clear malice as he spoke in a gruff voice. "That's right. I expect you all to be there." He smirked as he spotted Naruto coming his way. "Aa, I'm breaking out of this joint. Tonight."

Naruto glanced in Madara's direction, not really paying much attention why that man was looking so smug. 'Probably talking to his insurer. The lecherous leech.' The man winked at him teasingly. Huffing, Naruto walked over to the furthest phone from the man and inserted a coin.

…

10:53

"Back it further up!" a short red haired man with round dark eyes and fiery red hair matching his beard and thick eyebrows shouted orders to a rumbling truck as it slowly backed itself through the gates and under the hanging mass of a tall trailer held by crane. "Halt it! That's enough!"

Not but a short distance from him, another trailer was hooked up to a second truck. On his right, three more empty trailers were getting loaded with large boxes.

Sealing a wooden box with a nail gun, Kyuubi marked the side of it with the number of its content and ticked a mark under the name 'arms' sector 'G' on the check list.

"Yo, Kyuubi!" A skinny man with long braided bleached yellow hair entered the redhead's occupied office, a phone in hand. His outlined green eyes matched the twinkle of his seven green earrings in his left ear. "I got a lucky call from your sweet little brother. Wanna talk?"

"I hope that question's rhetorical, Choumei." Handing him the item list, Kyuubi ordered him to proceed while he talked to Naruto.

"You do know that once you're out, we're going to have to change all the numbers you've been calling to since your stay in prison. It's likely to be one of the many things the badges are going to check after they find out of your little escape." Kyuubi lectured Naruto wisely.

"Had I been contacting you from a personal cellphone then maybe; yet I'm calling from a payphone that has like what… three callers every ten minutes of the day?" Naruto smirked. "They'll need to break a major sweat if they're gonna try and find any leads from here. But in case you're worried, so far the only ones I contacted directly are you, Choumei and Sasuke. I'm sure you two can handle changing your numbers," Naruto silently mumbled something that sounded like 'seeing that you do it almost constantly, you phone terminator', "but Sasuke will probably be pissed. Something to do with contacting his clients anew or something…"

"I'm no phone terminator! It's just hard to keep a tight hold on them is all."

"Yeah right…"

Kyuubi glared at the phone that clearly transferred Naruto's loud chuckles, "I heard that! Can we change the subject now? I need to know if you acquired that-…"

"I got the potion. Don't worry, everything's set." Naruto smiled hearing his brother sigh.

"Then I guess we can scratch out 'invading and destroying' off our 'to do list'."

"Yeah, well there's a shame, huh… What's the situation on your end? Where are you right now?"

"Fukuoka." Slugging a bag over his shoulder filled with papers and personal belongings, Kyuubi stepped out of the office and down the railing. "We're cleaning house."

A loud commotion could be heard through the phone as Kyuubi exited the silent room and entered the open sector. Men were clearing out the premises of their 'rented' base – the Ramen factory. Guns, explosives, equipment, documents and money was all packed in boxes and cases that were sealed away and taken to the truck loads.

"AH! Careful with that you horse's ass!" an enraged firy haired man shouted at Kokuou, who accidentally dropped a box on the floor. "You trying to blow us all to hell?!"

"Shut the fuck up, Son! Nothing happened! And in case ya can't read, these are manual explosives, you ape!"

Naruto sniggered, recognizing a few voices in the background. He already missed them all.

Passing the bickering duo with a small 'don't force me to shoot you two in the legs' threat, Kyuubi continued with the briefing, "As soon as we have the goods, we're heading out. It'll take some time to get the plane fully loaded though. You probably haven't heard, but other gangs are evacuating from the rest of the islands as we speak. We're all gathering at four o'clock."

"They're leaving with us?"

"Aa. You can imagine the turmoil."

Naruto nodded wordlessly, 'Two gangs from Honshu Island, three from Hokkaido Island, mine and Kyuubi's two cousins from Kyushu with twelve of their people, Sasuke, plus me and my group.' sigh "This will be like mayhem. I guess if we're disappearing, then we're disappearing with style, huh?"

"I don't know about style. But the flight's gonna be real tight."

"What of the diversion?"

"Depends on you. When do you start?"

Naruto understood that he meant the start of his escape. "At 9pm."

Holding the phone with his shoulder, Kyuubi set the time on his watch. "Ok. Then I'm setting time exactly 10 hours from now. Although I can't guarantee the fruition of this plane, I'll still try and buy you as much time as I can manage. Remember, you will need to run at least 10minutes to the northeast side from the infirmary wing. As already cleared, B will be awaiting you with a car next to an abandoned market. And Naruto, try not to change course. You'll be running through woods. Don't get yourself lost."

"Yes-yes, I know all that already."

"I'm serious. I know that you're not too good with directions."

"My direction skills are fine, you ass!"

Placing a heavy wooden box atop another, Hachibi and Choumei exited the filled trailer and closed the doors behind a secure lock. "Alright! That's the last of it! Get ready to move out!"

"Right. We're ready to go. Naruto, I'll see you soon?"

"Sooner than you think, nii-san."

"Be safe." Ending the call, Kyuubi hopped into a passenger seat and nodded for Hachibi to drive.

Turning on the ignition, Hachibi pulled the horn as a sign for the rest to follow. One after another, five trucks pulled out of the factory gates and headed for the Shikoku Island.

…

12:51

Sated prisoners were leaving the dining sector. Between them a few men were seen chatting while shooting unsure glances towards the benches, where a lone figure sat.

Sitting on the benches middle rows, Naruto couldn't help the slight feel of unease coming up. His tightly clasped hands not helping him relax with all those eyes staring at him. It was becoming painfully obvious that he had suddenly become the center of attention.

Rumors were like a bad disease. Ever since Itachi, Madara and Shikamaru had joined him in on his little 'gig', trouble just kept on coming. Gossips and rumors were spreading rapidly throughout the entire gang population – in particular, Itachi and Shikamaru's. Those goons were the epitome of trouble, thinking of the wickedest plots that might be happening behind their backs involving three of the leaders. And of course it was only a matter of time until they shifted their attention from the leaders and towards the very source of this 'quandary'.

'Why did my escape partners have to be such crude 'celebrities'?' Naruto could almost feel those men itch for a chance to grab him and beat the information out of him. Luckily, such a thing went out of their hands the moment Itachi emerged from the sector and joined him.

"Relax," kissing Naruto on the forehead, Itachi sat behind him and pulled the troubled man to rest against him. "They won't touch you." saying that Itachi's eyes spoke of warning as they looked at Kisame and Neji, both who turned away and proceeded with whatever conversation they had with the rest of their pack.

Naruto tried to smile and say that it was not bothering him, but it was harder than he thought. Since morning, both those gangs had started watching him more than they did anything else. If this were to continue, then how could he possibly be expected to make a clean and silent escape without any notice? Not to mention two other prisoners whom he has to get inside his cell as well. 'You know what… forget about the escape, I better start worrying about my life.'

"I'm fine." Closing his eyes, Naruto rested his head against Itachi's chest, a silent whisper passing his lips, "This is torture."

"There's no need to beat yourself over nothing." Itachi tried to be assuring. "Stop worrying, little fish."

"It would mean very little to 'nothing' if they found out what we're planning."

"They won't."

"How confident of you to say that."

"What's with this attitude?" said a rusty voice of grumpy and very pale Shikamaru, walking over to the two men like a sleepless zombie. "Not but a few hours ago you were blinding my eyes with that stupid smile of yours."

Naruto stuck his tongue out at him. "Shut up, Mr. Sarcasm. It's not like you have anyone after your behind right now."

"Oh of course not. My behind has long since gone out of sale… unlike yours," teased Shikamaru, inclining his head to eye Naruto's ass.

Itachi couldn't help but laugh at Naruto's flushed expression.

"That's not what I meant you moron! Stop laughing bastard!" Naruto yelled at them both.

"I'm not." defensively, Itachi pulled his hands up, a grin on his face.

"Yeah well whatever. Move over, Susanoo. You're hugging the entire space." Shikamaru made himself comfortable by resting his head on Naruto's lap. Sleep trying to take him. "Don't worry, Naruto. We got your back."

Naruto snorted at that but sure did feel a bit better. Placing his hand on Shikamaru's head, Naruto murmured a small 'thanks'. 'But still… if we disappear even for five minutes, that'll surely pique more than just their curiosity. Yet what can I do? What options can I take? It'll be disastrous if they find out our plan.'

…

15:27

Having secretly checked the corroded hole of the pipe through the drainage grate underneath the sink, Naruto was on his way out of the infirmary room when he bumped into a passing person. "Sorry," he apologies before looking up. 'Kakuzu?'

The scarred big guy grunted under his breath as he entered the med room next. He was paying no mind to the short blond staring after him as if he held all the answers in the world, and slammed the doors shut.

'Wait, of course.' Naruto almost knocked down the guards in his haste as he hurried out of the sector.

…

15:42

Medical checks were a pain. The man was seriously starting to get annoyed with all their fuss. What the fuck did they know? Half of his life he had lived without the doctors' help, he could do just fine without them for the rest of his life as well… Kakuzu stopped in the middle of his rant as he suddenly came face to face with Itachi.

"Kakuzu. I have a favor to ask."

…

16:00

They were gathered in the kitchen – Kakuzu, Itachi, Naruto, Shikamaru and Madara. The area was vacant as chef Choji generously allowed them forty minutes of undisturbed privacy. Kakuzu listened carefully as Naruto explained the situation to him. All about the planned escape, the gangs' interposition, risks and finally – reason for Kakuzu's needed help in the situation.

"We won't be able to make a move with them watching us all the time. It'll take more than half an hour to get through the infirmary and then the walls. And during that time, we'll be placing ourselves under a great risk, because the guards will no longer be our only worry, it'll be them as well. Our sudden absence might even be enough to give them a clue of what's going on. Which is why… we need your help."

"…"

Naruto swallowed lightly, Kakuzu's hard stare and silence made time slow down. 'Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea.' Naruto turned to Itachi for some assistance when finally the man spoke.

"I didn't think you'd actually manage to get this far, fish. How interesting."

"Hai?"

"At what time do you need them distracted?"

Naruto barely missed the question, his surprise leading him a bit astray. "Um… 9pm."

Saving the information in his head, Kakuzu straightened up and said, "I'll give you 30minutes. After that, you'll have to deal with everything on your own. Those guys might be fools, but they have more than enough sense to know when someone is messing them about. You two already know that." he emphasized, glancing pointedly at Itachi and Shikamaru.

Naruto was a bit stunned that Kakuzu went so easily with all of this. He was actually not against the idea of helping them. "Thank you, Kakuzu."

Grunting out a silent 'hn', Kakuzu then turned to Itachi who gave a silent approval of his own. "I'll have the money transferred to you within the next few hours. I'm leaving everything in your hands."

'Ah, so that's what it is then.' Of course, what else could he expect? Naruto felt stupid. From what he could see on Shikamaru and Madara, he appeared to be the only one oblivious to such news.

…

16:26

Shikoku Island

The once secluded airdrome was now brimming with life as more than fifty people were gathered in a single location. From one side it would seem like a gathering for festivity, had it not included a streaming line of fancy cars, heavily armed men and groups of people that were separated by the heads of the gangs:

Ay – a tall dark-skinned man with a large muscular build, with combed white hair and strong features – is known as the leader of one of the cruelest groups of professional mercenaries. The impressive number of his gang was just a shadow to the intimidating aura Ay showed himself in strength and power.

Next to him stood the leader of skilled assassins, some of whom preferred to be referred to as the Swordsmen. Zabuza – a dark haired male, hiding the bottom half of his face behind a tied bandana, showing off only those cold brown eyes – was closely accompanied by a young man named Haku. Like the very contradiction to the image of Zabuza and his men, Haku held an androgynous appearance with his large kind eyes and long black hair.

Besides Haku, dressed in dark blue silk hugging her slender figure up till the cut on her long dress, was a beautiful woman with piercing green eyes and long auburn hair. Mei – a cunning thief and mercenary – leading a selected group of professionals specializing in hacking, infiltration and theft.

Standing a bit further from the others and keeping his distance warily was the fourth leader. Hanzou – an average height man with long blond hair, a prominent scar on his right cheek and yellow amber eyes. Unlike his brethren, Hanzou's specialty rose by his pursuit of substances – explosives, gas, toxics and poison.

The last, a man shorter than most yet much older in experience, standing out with his bulky structure, bald head, a pipe in his mouth and an orange pet toad sitting on his head, is best known to the presented as the head leader of one of the most proficient fighters, who professionalize in combat and weaponry. But to his family, he is simply known as Gamabunta; or to Naruto specifically as the Boss. Although an afar relative to Naruto and Kyuubi's uncle Jiraiya, Gamabunta had taken it on himself to self proclaim Naruto and Kyuubi as part of his family. He knew those brats when they were just knee-high, always annoyed the hell out of him whenever he came over for a short visit. Naruto specifically was the most annoying. The man chuckled to himself. He sure missed him.

Approaching the five bosses, Kyuubi inclined his head respectfully. "Gentlemen. Milady."

The only woman in between the gang leaders smiled kindly at the gesture. "My, have you grown into a fine man, Kyuubi-chan. Last I've seen you you could barely reach your father's kneecaps, which back in the days you usually tended to cling so cutely to. And even now, you're still adorable. Aw… Minato would've been proud."

Kyuubi barely contained himself from blushing up to his ears. Hachibi and Shukaku showed no remorse to the guy's shame as they burst laughing. "If you two don't shut up now, I will throw you out of the plane as soon as we'll be crossing the ocean." He hissed at the two sniggering bastards.

"Just as hotheaded as usual, huh? No surprise there," a new voice joined their circle, "That fact just doesn't change… just like your fiery hair."

"How ya been, cousin?"

Kyuubi smirked at his two cousins. The inherited whisker-marks on their faces and those long elevated manes were a dead giveaway. "Ginkaku, Kinkaku."

The two wiry men shared similar sinister grins. "It's been awhile, cuz. Where's your sunny twin?" Ginkaku slowly examined the crowd.

"No worries. He'll be on his way soon." Kyuubi's eyes then turned to Ay's gang or more precisely – one man standing behind Ay and literally 'standing out'. Head bobbing under whatever music he was listening on his phone.

Hachibi glanced at his humming cousin and knocked him upside the head. "Oi! Listen up when we're talking!"

Pulling his earphones down, the confused man finally looked up. "Yo! Hach, Kyuu! A' had not seen you since forever, ya fools!" he shouted enthusiastically after having realized where he was.

B was fairly similar to his brother Ay, the only difference that separated them was his character, the dark shaded sunglasses covering his eyes and a bull's horn tattoo on his left cheek.

"What the hell are you talking about? You've already met us yesterday." digging out a key from his pocket, Hachibi handed it to the airheaded man, "Here. You should go and prepare yourself. You'll be leaving shortly with Shukaku."

"Oh yeah." B pushed his fist up, knocking it against Hachibi's. "I'll have the car purrin' and ready for movin'. Shukaku, be ready to receive us coming in for crashin'. Yo!"

"That crap's messing your head, bad." Hachibi grumbled at a poor excuse for a rap.

"Hah! Sorry B-man, but the only one who's going to be doing some crashing is m-GAK!"

Kyuubi kicked Shukaku heartlessly into the back with his foot. "You'll do no fucking crashing with my brother on that plane, you dick!"

"Boys these days are so sweet," giggled Mei, a dreamy look in her eyes, "Ah… if only I was a few years younger."

A man with styled blue hair glanced at his boss with a critical eye, "Only a few?" which earned him a good slap.

Zabuza rolled his narrow eyes, "If by sweet you mean fatally idiotic, I could not agree more."

"You never did learn how to properly express your feelings, Zabuza." Haku sniggered.

The man shot the teasing younker a halfhearted glare before focusing back on the redheaded Namikaze. "Kyuubi, does your bratty brother have everything under control there?"

Haku smile secretly, Zabuza was always acting so formal, even when he was worried. And by no means was he the only one. Haku was also worried for Naruto. They had befriended each other pretty strongly during the days when Pain and Zabuza had their little 'rivalry dispute' back in the UK. Those times were a load of fun. And it was ever since that time – when that boy (that reckless, stupid boy who dared barge inside Zabuza's 'stronghold') had, in some messed up way, gotten them together – Zabuza couldn't help but became a bit attached to the hyper young fool.

"Yes, he does." Kyuubi informed shortly. "If nothing goes wrong, we'll be departing a little before midnight. I believe Pain has already informed you of the situation. Though I am surprised to see you agreeing with this flight… considering its preparations. I thought you were going to stay in Japan longer."

"Things change." said Ay, as if that explained everything. "Furthermore, there are a few odds and ends we and your father have to deal with. This flight just comes to our convenience."

Gamabunta rolled his eyes at the man and blew out a straight line of smoke, "Speak for yourself, bouya." 'I personally have some family bonding to do with my wee younkers.'

"Very well. Then I suggest you not to waste time. Our time is limited. Have your men gather all the necessary belongings into the plane and be sure to be ready by eleven o'clock. We have roughly seven hours. Shukaku." Kyuubi then turned to the dirty-blond-haired, "Escort Ginkaku and Kinkaku to the plane." By Pain's order, the two hot-blooded 'machos' were appointed as the pilots of the Boeing 747-8.

Shukaku of course felt bitter over the idea. "What?! But what about me?"

"You should count your lucky stars! Knowing your crazy flying style, you should be thankful enough that dad allowed you to bring my brother here."

"Measly cheapskates." With a rebellious pout Shukaku led the sniggering duo to the hanger. The inside of the hanger was buzzing, men shouting and machinery working in all directions, loading cargo into the opened plane's outlet.

Kinkaku whistled, "Damn. She's a beaut'. Look at that fine ass." Shukaku knew what he meant, also staring longingly at the Boeing. Damnit, how he envied them, because he wasn't going to be the one cras-… flying the heavy craft.

"Speaking of your so-called father…" Hanzou looked around cynically, "When will he show up? He better not make us wait for his last minute's 'big entrance', that showoff."

Kyuubi chuckled lightly at the comment, having a ridiculous image of Pain arriving in light silver Aston Martin and stepping out of it in slow-motion – slow enough to deserve the label of an eye-candy. Not to forget the swish of his bright hair that would wave around in the air like some pristine playboy starring in a perfume commercial. 'Oh god, that's just so wrong.' Shaking his head, Kyuubi suddenly felt the phone in his pocket vibrate. "I assure you, old man," Kyuubi smiled cheekily at the glare he received, "He'll be here on time. After all, he wouldn't want to disappoint your expectations."

The redhead's eyes widened as he looked at the caller. 'Oh my… Don't tell me he's psychic and knows all that I just thought about him.' excusing himself from the leaders, he nodded to Hachibi to tend to them while he talked.

"Yes?"

"What's with this petite voice, Kyuubi?" Pain spoke knowingly, "Usually you never answer the phone with such a meek squeak. What on earth have you done now?"

Kyuubi scratched his neck awkwardly, "Err…nothing? So anyway, why did you call?"

"To inform. Kobe's National bank has changed schedule. Its closing time has moved from nine to ten."

"Ten? Damn. That's too late. But then again, a few casualties usually bring more attention, right?"

"No. You need to vacate the area before you detonate it. There's no need for victims."

"Noted." Kyuubi's brows narrowed in annoyance as he heard more than saw a familiar rumbling of Lamborghini pass behind him with an intentional roar from the engine. Sasuke had arrived. Kyuubi's eyes quickly searched the ground for a big rock.

"Have the others arrived?"

"Yes. Hanzou personally can't wait to see your 'big ass entrance'." Kyuubi sniggered, having another image forming in his head.

"I'll remember to charge him with a bigger price for that remark."

"Ouch. You'll make them pay for this flight? And here I thought you were doing this favor because you're such a nice friend."

"Speak for yourself, boy."

"Aw… you flatter me so. But in my defense, I only learn what I get from the best."

Pain sighed, "Then I guess that's why the saying goes – like father; like son."

Kyuubi closed his mouth for a moment. 'Like father like son, huh…' He was well aware that by father, Pain meant himself. He knew that Pain wasn't known as the most sentimental or compassionate of people, but it was still… nice to hear him say such… 'piteously' heartwarming words.

"Kyuubi? Are you there?"

"Dad, I…"

"Kyuubi, if you're being distracted by that stupid magazine you keep hidden in your car again, I will personally see to it that that piece of crap is burned down along with your precious Challenger!"

Forgetting all the warmth that gathered in his stomach, Kyuubi's smile turned upside-down, "Urgh! You old crab! Why do you always do that?!"

"Do what?"

"And just when I was about to say… Argh! You know what – Forget it! God! You're so oblivious it's annoying! And FY-fucking-I, I'm nowhere near my car!"

A silent snigger cut Kyuubi short. "Are you laughing now?!"

"I honestly wonder, who's oblivious here, my dear boy."

"What are you…"

"I love you too, Kyuubi."

"You wha-… Wait, can you repeat that? Dad? Dad? Pain?" looking at his phone, Kyuubi growled, "What the hell!? He hung up?! Damnit, but I didn't hear what he said!"

…

20:45

'Fifteen more minutes.' Shikamaru repeated the words in his head repeatedly, feeling nervousness creeping up with every ticking second. 'Fifteen more… God I haven't felt this nervous for years.' Standing before the bars and shielding Naruto away from view while he worked on unscrewing the sink, Shikamaru secretly looked over the other inmates. A few eyes were caught staring here and there, but otherwise they spoke of no great threat so far. On the first floor and from the tier across, Madara and Itachi were standing calmly next to their own groups, lying low and keeping things calm. Glancing down on his watch, Shikamaru sighed, 'Fourteen minutes.'

…

Brushing his heads clean of sweat, Naruto walked over to Shikamaru and patted him on his stiff back. "Everything's set."

"The suspense is killing me." Shikamaru hissed through his teeth nervously.

"Relax. It'll soon be all over. …I mean in a good way of course," Naruto whispered back hurriedly to the paled man.

"I think I'm gonna be sick."

The amused blond elbowed him lightly to the side, "Don't tell me you're going to passing out on me now."

"I just might."

"Save it for later, it's too late now." Below the tier Naruto spotted Kakuzu.

…

20:57

Showing no emotion or any indicative expression whatsoever, Kakuzu casually walked up to his group and stood next to Zetsu. His eyes speaking of boredom as he then whispered to the green-haired man. Interested, Tobi leant in to listen. "What?" he asked suddenly, looking at Kakuzu in shock. "No way! Really?!" he yelled, drawing the attention of Deidara, Kisame and Hidan in seconds.

"What's going on?" Hidan questioned his cellmate.

"Havoc is happening in the kitchen." Tobi answered in Kakuzu's place, "Guards discovered that after the serving of today's supper, a severed person's hand has been found inside the boiling pot."

Kakuzu shrugged indifferently, "So much I heard."

"What?" Deidara grabbed onto his throat, disgust write on his entire faces as well as every other inmate who heard them. "You mean we just ate somebody?"

"Fuck man, I gotta see this!" excited, Hidan was already running down the stars, Tobi, Deidara, Kisame and dubious Sasori and Zetsu following him.

Shikamaru and Naruto noticed that thanks to Hidan and Tobi's loud commotion some of the other inmates were also taking interest and following, including Shikamaru's own gang. Exchanging glances with Kakuzu, Naruto was given a confirmed nod.

"This is it."

Acting quick, Shikamaru grabbed the sheet and covered the bars right after Itachi and Madara entered their cell.

Pushing the sink aside, Naruto quickly ushered them to move. Madara eagerly went in ahead while Itachi lingered long enough steal a kiss from Naruto. The last ones to go were Naruto and Shikamaru. "You ready?"

"No, but do I have any choice in the matter?" Shikamaru hesitated a bit as he knelt in front of the sink. "This is it right?"

"There's no going back now." Naruto said calmly, noting his cellmate's unease. "We'll be fine. I promise."

With an uncertain nod, Shikamaru climbed through the hole.

Grabbing the back of the sink, Naruto looked over the cell one final time and entered the hole, where Madara, Itachi and Shikamaru were already waiting. The sink was pulled back into position, covering their tracks.

… … …

A/N

Firstly, I'm so sorry for the long gaps between updates;

Secondly, a great thank you to: EmeraldEyed, TigrezzTail, NaturalSam14, Nemesia23, xdevil-childx, ShEiLdEd-WiNgS, claudea, krazylittlekat, AkitaIce, Guests, ougley, Ardent Bronze, Kurokage Kitsune, Manga Ren, kiki2222, AnjoRemix, Tachi Kagahara, FoxxyWeasel, Narutopokefan, Arfa, Smile Like a Kat, Sayomi-hime, violetkisses, Conflicted Soul, Paty S, gjoyce95, Infernal Rose & baka36411! XD

& thirdly, the next chp will be uploaded soon :))