I apologise for giving the world the mental image of Sai dancing. Speaking of the guy he won't have a seal on his tongue since that would, excuse my English accent… cock it up! Ok Monday release, so I'm becoming a Monday author…opps but hey weekly release and a very good chapter if I do say so myself…

As Sasori had instructed the Konoha Team lie in wait for his spy to show up what they didn't expect was for Team Kitsune to show up as well. Are things going to run smoothly? Will this compromise the Konoha team? What can possibly happen?

Disclaimer: Does not own Naruto but does have self-ownage going on….don't ask

Clothing note reminder: Naruto, Sai, Kimimaro and Hinata are wearing the same thing since chapter 20, just read that bit if you forgot. Everyone else Shippuden clothing.

Chapter 26: Destined meetings at Tenchi Bridge

It had been six days since the Gaara rescue mission, the Kitsune squad had restocked and repaired or replaced any damaged clothing while in Suna. Things had been rather calm for all of them since they took their leave for Grass country, aside from the occasional serious planning for the future that is. Although not showing it Naruto was tense, after all it'd been a while since any of them cam into contact with Oto shinobi. Added to the fact that this spy could lead them all to a certain Sharingan user. Currently it was midday, they were travelling through long grass discussing a suggestion made by the Kazekage; Gaara before they had set off for the Tenchi Bridge.

Hinata put her hand on her sides "You know we could've…well though about it"

Kimimaro spoke rationally "Aside from it being bad for diplomacy we'd be limited in what we can do"

Sai tilted his head "Using our current situation to our advantage huh?"

Hinata "But we wouldn't be rouge or MIA anymore"

Sai "True the offer was very gracious of him, what do you think Naruto?

Naruto's head lifted with a confused look "Huh? Oh… well right now its better to do it this way I think"

Sai looked at him "You've been lost in though since we left Suna"

Naruto "Just thinking about what's goanna happen"

Kimimaro "Try to relax, things will run smoothly. On the Kazekage offer side, when this is all over maybe we could consider it more"

Hinata "Yeah d don't worry. Lets be calm."

Naruto grinned "Ok ok I'll relax more, there's no rush anyway"

Two days later Grass Country

In the spirit of taking it easy they'd taken it slowly and were only about a day away from Tenchi bridge. The late Sasori had given them ten days of which they had used eight in preparation and travel, there was anticipation amongst all of the Kitsune squad. Who was this spy and how did he evade detection? Kimimaro was aware of how tight security was in Oto and spies were almost unheard of. It was the evening now and they were keeping to the heavily wooded route for safety. However, they all came to an abrupt stop when they noticed a lone shinobi was approaching. They all mentally were ready for conflict, the shinobi was very close Naruto threw a kunai and heard nothing. The shinobi walked in front of them holding the kunai that had been thrown he was dressed like any normal Jonein of Konoha but his face had a very unique protection, it ran down the sides of his face that ended at his cheeks.

Kimimaro was considering to strike at this unknown man but first asked "Who are you? State your business or else"

Yamato dropped the kunai he had caught "I'm not here to fight you besides its not part of my mission, its more about tomorrow"

Sai saw the insignia of the leaf on his unique face armour "Your of Konoha, you must want us to stay out of it then."

Yamato nodded "Indeed we have other plans and we don't need interference."

Naruto was still cautious "How can we trust ya?"

Yamato didn't physically react but answered sharply "I wouldn't of approached you if I was going to be deceitful."

Sai wanted to avoid combat at this point and responded "A valid point, we'll think about"

The Konoha shinobi left with due haste, once he was out of sensor range the four comrades dropped their lose battle stances.

Sai then added "Although I doubt they'll share key information if they apprehend the spy."

Kimimaro "True but I'm not sure about that shinobi, do you two know him?"

Naruto "I've never seen him before."

Hinata "Me neither"

Sai "That's troubling then, it could prove dangerous"

Kimimaro "That man is probably of the ANBU black ops…if things turn sour we should plan an escape as a precaution."

Naruto "Man…what a headache, we'll give him a chance"

Kimimaro "Sometimes you can be too trusting but the way you do things does have its perks"

Hinata "Y yeah!"

The reaction to that last statement received a raised eyebrow from the Kaguya, in reaction to this Hinata blinked several times and blushed. Naruto had a blush starting to appear on his face as he narrowed his eyes at Kimimaro because he was still holding the raised eyebrow to which the reply was a shrugging of shoulders. Sai shook his head at the spectacle, they had a long night ahead of them if this kept up.

Tenchi Bridge Day of the Meeting, Noon

On the western side of the bridge a hunched figure could be seen approaching along the dirt path. At bridge was a hooded what seemed to be male wearing grey cloth to cover his person. A distance away near the edge of the gorge lay team Kitsune obscured by the bushes. While rather far away enough to avoid being spotted by either party, visibility wise they could see the bridge and thanks to Hinata they'd know what is going on even if none of them could hear exactly what was going on. Upon closer inspection, one of them was the late Sasori which must be one of the Konoha squad members. As the fake Sasori got closer, the spy lowered his hood showing whom he really was. From what Hinata's Byakugan saw caused shock and confusion to riddle her face.

Naruto asked "What's the matter who is it?"

Hinata eye's were still wide "It's…it's that Kabuto guy."

Kimimaro eyebrows raised in surprise "He's the spy?! Now that is unexpected…"

There was continued observation the two one the bridge were in chat about something, when suddenly Orochimaru appeared out of nowhere behind Kabuto. In response the silver haired youth immediately discarded his travelling robes and leapt next to the fake Sasori's side. Things were escalating, it got worse when Kabuto turned on his 'master' chopping into it with his chakra scalpels. Where the Kitsune squad were hiding there was shock once more, this was no simple spy meeting it was an assassination attempt. Out of the clone leapt Yamato holding his arm where he had been hit, obviously taken by surprise. There was more exchange of words. Closer you could hear what Orochimaru was saying he had a dark smile on his face as did Kabuto.

Orochimaru stated "You may as well call out the rats"

The ANBU leader Yamato showed obvious frustration as he motioned with his right hand to call out his squad in support. Out of hiding Sakura, Shino, Kiba and a very large Akamaru leapt onto the bridge. All of them very tense fully expecting combat.

Orochimaru seemed to be disappointed "Wrong term, I was expecting foxes."

Yamato went into a full battle stance "I see, so you knew all along."

Where the Kitsune squad were there was whispered panicky discussion, there was no way that they expected Orochimaru to appear. Added to the fact that the remains of Naruto and Hinata's team had shown up worried them both.

Hinata "I don't like this…our old team our friends are in danger."

Kimimaro "Going out there and most likely engaging one of the legendary Sannin carries too much risk.

Sai "We don't know the entire situation either"

Naruto "Obviously not good, we can't leave our friends but maybe it'll work out"

Hinata voiced raised "Incoming!"

It couldn't be identified but something flew towards them, in response they all bounded backwards to avoid it. Just where they had been a moment ago exploded kicking up dust and smoke. This confirmed two things; firstly Orochimaru knew where they had been hiding and secondly he was calling them out to fight or at least show themselves. Kabuto was the one that had thrown a kunai with a higher strength explosive tag at them, mainly to get their attention. Obviously they had but there was no sign of them yet. The rouge squad had gotten closer though and were now in hearing distance of those on the bridge if they shouted.

Orochimaru folded his arms and looked at Kabuto "Pick one to flush them out"

Kabuto raised his voice "If the foxes won't come to us then…let see, the pink haired one dies first."

In the hiding spot the 'foxes' had chosen a mound of grass obscured them all from sight, Naruto had twitched when the death threat had been made. Kimimaro shook his head telling them all it'd be best to wait, the blonds' mouth opened in disbelief from this, which then turned to anger as he held himself back from going out there.

Kabuto again raised his voice "I see so comrades mean nothing eh Naruto? Just like Sasuke hehehe…"

This was the trigger as Naruto clenched his fist until he drew blood, his eye changed to the crimson one of the Kyuubi. His friends felt the sudden surge in chakra as did the Sannin and his subordinate. Orochimaru smirked, he had read the boys emotions perfectly it was a two birds one stone situation for him. Naruto started walking towards the bridge, Hinata tried to stop him but froze when she felt the amount of intent to kill coming from him. The other two males stood in his way, there was uncertainty whether the Kyuubi was gaining control. The young blond had stopped managing to regain rational thinking. But too late as they had revealed themselves.

Orochimaru "So Sasori couldn't make it, pity but what an interesting replacement."

Naruto walked forwards more "You know why I'm here, so give Sasuke back or else"

Kimimaro waved his left arm at him "Are you insane making demands and threats like that. Remember who he is."

Naruto stopped to reply "On the other hand if he dies then I do the world a favour and more"

Sai "In the end he's a Sannin and despite how strong we may be it's not clever to engage."

Orochimaru "So the demon has more brains. I wonder which is stronger you or Sasuke?"

This situation was going from bad to worse by the minute. Naruto darted past everyone and landed a blow on the snake Sannin sending him flying through the woods. Kiba tried to take a step forwards but was stopped by Shino arm while shaking his head. This was not the kind of reunion they had hoped for, Sakura had frozen to the spot she tried to speak but nothing could come. The wind blew as a no reaction by anyone, until Orochimaru reappeared and stood on the bridge again. Naruto's eyes showed controlled rage yet insatiable desire to kill him for what he had done to Sasuke. The reason thing were like they are now was because of this one man.

Orochimaru was indifferent "So that is your try for power. You lack his brutality, his heartlessness. How can you beat someone who has become so like me? "

Naruto's demonic chakra flared "Don't you dare talk about him like that"

Kabuto "I give you points for bravery. Facing off against us like this however, you can go now if you like."

Naruto "You've made this my business now. Besides your not going to have you way."

Kabuto "Then you can die"

The silver haired youth's hands emitted chakra as he rushed forwards to get his heart but was very surprised when visible red chakra swerved round his intended target knocking him backwards. The first tail had made its appearance making the surrounding air heavy, Naruto's eyes were becoming more malicious. Orochimaru remained passive unimpressed as he could see just behind the Konoha team two of the males of squad Kitsune came into closer sight. They stopped just behind everyone.

Kimimaro walked next to Shino then stopped, there was worry in his voice "Damn that temper of his…the one weakness"

Sakura was very frightened "Wha…what's going on?"

Sai remained where he was and replied "The Kyuubi spirit is influencing him more than usual. Its fury and malice is taking affect over him, nearly worse than that time."

Kimimaro clenched his fists "I'm going in. Sai go back and snap her out of it."

Sai replied before he darted into the woods "Got it watch yourself."

The albino made his approach but was met by a gust of wind from the sudden increase in chakra; the second tail. Something more had been said enraging Naruto, Kimimaro cursed his luck that this was happening. He'd heard that last time this'd happened it was stopped in time but he doubted that outside influence could stop this now. Kiba and Sakura took a step forward but were met by a commanding tone from their cell leader

Yamato shouted "Wait, stay back"

Kiba angrily shouted back "Are you serious!"

Yamato nodded "We can't predict what going to happen!"

Shino smoothly stated "Can you not feel it? That chakra is foul."

The snake Sannin tapped his foot when he looked into the crimson eyes of Naruto, with a dark smirk upon his face. He had figured out that the blond must've had a hand in Sasori not appearing. But in a creepy way he wanted to test them in combat to prove whether they had killed Sasori, he licked his lips.

Orochimaru spoke in a taunting manner "If you desire my death then come and get me"

In response to this Naruto darted towards the darkly smiling antagonist whom jumped into the forest. This was not good as Hinata and Sai showed up in confusion of where those two had gone.

Kimimaro swung round and motioned his arm to follow him now, he nearly shouted "Crap! What took you two! Lets go!"

The three of them took of in pursuit leaving the Konoha squad and Kabuto in a standoff.

Yakushi Kabuto shrugged as he looked at the remaining 'enemies', he poked his glasses while anticipating combat. Silence followed there was shock, confusion and worry about what was happening. Kabuto was only mildly surprised though his previous encounters with the four 'rouges' had shown Naruto's hyped up emotional side which, he knew could easily be triggered. He proceeded to break the silence in a sarcastic yet playful way by saying.

"While he's having fun with the foxes, why don't we play?"

Kiba retorted "You scum what have you done to him!"

Kabuto sadistically grinned "Naruto? Nothing really, he simply torments himself."

A distance away from the bridge the battle had begun several trees had been felled from a swipe of Naruto's hand, Orochimaru landed on a nearby tree's branch minus his left arm. There was very little recognition from the Sannin, he could see that the beast was attempting to take over by the twitching and gritting of the blond.

Orochimaru "So this all you can do, you are nothing then"

His mouth opened widely and out came a new intact with all natural body parts. This wound up Naruto but he clutched his head something was up. The rest of the Kitsune squad had showed and saw him clutching his head in pain. What was going on? Kimimaro tried to stop this going further and grabbed Naruto's shoulder but quickly retracted his hand when it got burned by the crimson chakra. He jumped far back as possible when the demonic energy increased. The blond twitched violently as he fell on one knee, it appeared like he was resisting it but that failed as he let out a roar that was none like any human could make. Another tailed former which, froze his friends in their tracks fear was amongst them.

Hinata shouted in a distressed way as she tried to get to him "N n no! Please stop!"

Kimimaro darted in front of her and stopped making sure she didn't get any closer, he realised the risk and focused then stated "The worst time for the third to show, how much control does he have?"

The three of them slowly approached their pained friend but then had to retreat backwards as he took a swing at them all leaving a gash in the ground where they had just been standing. It dawned on the team that Naruto was in a state where he couldn't recognise friend from foe, meaning that they couldn't team up with him because of the risk of being struck. The power of the Kyuubi no Kitsune was a liability at this point. The last time he'd lost control like that was in Kumo but that's another story that neither of the Kitsune squad would wish to recall.

At this point Orochimaru showed no signs of concern, it was easy to assume he won't have to con front them all at the same time, he could pick them off more easily if he wanted to. Naruto sent a shockwave by swinging his arm, everyone scattered as the demonically possessed let out another monstrous roar. He pounced towards the Sannin but the Jinchuriki received a punch to the face and hit the ground. Orochimaru looked at his fist and could see it was burnt, he smirked when he saw the other three coming towards him he unleashed a snake from his arm the three of them dodged. The snakes divided into two and one was instantly killed by Kimimaro firing bones into its face. The other was batted away by Hinata, while Sai unleashed several ink lions towards the Sannin but were destroyed by an extended crimson arm of chakra. It swung towards everyone, Sai tried to avoid contact from the outstretched arm of this crimson chakra, he was just fast enough to dodge. Orochimaru smirked as he took advantage and kicked Sai in the stomach making him hit the ground. Kimimaro grabbed Sai and got out of the way as he saw a giant claw made of crimson energy head for them again. It grabbed a tree splintering it and pulled him forwards towards the snake Sannin. The serpent like man countered this by transforming his arm into a snake which coiled round his attacker. But to his surprise the snake began to burn off and fall off, Naruto used his left arm and pinned his quarrel to a tree, which exploded from the sheer force. The Sannin smirked as his mouth opened widely and out popped a unscratched Orochimaru whom landed onto a nearby tree that had yet to be mulled or obliterated from the fight.

As his friends had feared the Kyuubi had full control over his actions now, the demonic side had completely surfaced any further and the possibility of a forth tail could be realised. Orochimaru was aware that rather than the power of the boy decreasing it was in fact growing. The Sannin decided to end it and regurgitated a white katana blade with unique insignia running down the blade coated in some kind of transparent poison. Holding both blades he darted upwards as the possessed Naruto leapt into the air but the Sannin was met by Kimimaro and Hinata. A snake the width of his arm came out of his back and wrapped itself round Hinata's legs bringer her down to earth then disappeared into the ground. Kimimaro's right arm spiked into a mass of bones preparing to punch the Sannin with a devastating blow but what shocked him was that he landed the blow but out of his targets mouth jumped out Orochimaru he had shed his skin. He grabbed the two sword and down slashed Kimimaro a few inches to the right and he'd of split the albino's skull. The Sannin then proceeded higher towards Naruto whom was coming down to earth then launched a wave of demonic chakra towards the Sannin. He used his tongue to pull him onto a tree that was falling. As it landed Orochimaru was nowhere to be seen. The possessed Naruto landed onto the ground leaving a crater under him, looking around there was no idea where his quarrel had gone then his eyes fixated creepily on his injured friends whom were barely standing. His focus on them would cost him as he felt the poisoned blade go through and the pointed side of the blade was in the centre of his chest Orochimaru was standing behind him smirking, the demonic chakra was receding as the tails of the fox vanished.

Orochimaru "This has been very intriguing but this sword of sealing means the end has come. Kukuku Namikaze Naruto I thank you for killing Sasori but…"

As the demonic chakra continued to dissipate Naruto regained mental awareness and was about to collapse from the strain that had been put on his body. But Orochimaru pulled out his sword then stabbed him again in the same place making the young blonds' eyes widen in horror, was he about to die? A chillingly content smile appeared upon the face of the Sannin as he pulled the blade out and kicked the blond away into Hinata's arms whom lain her injured comrade onto the ground and sat him up. The focus remained but things weren't looking good, the snake Sannin raised the sealing sword upwards, which surprisingly disintegrated that irritated him but he didn't show it after throwing the remains of that sword to one side he looked at the floored team that he had obviously defeated.

Kimimaro clutched his shoulder "You avoided a fatal strike. Not just on me, why?"

Orochimaru "You have prove useful in killing Sasori my pawn and so for now you can live"

Naruto coughed up blood "And why spare me I must've done something wrong to end up like this."

Orochimaru "You have proved that you indeed removed one grievance of mine… your lives have some value, in return for my mercy I expect you to kill one more Akatsuki at least…Kukuku"

The snake Sannin then vanished from their sight, his destination unknown to them.

That concludes this chapter of epic proportion, so let me know what you think . Like to also know who the guy is that said "my previous comment was long overdue", mainly out of curiosity. Chapter 2 and 3 are receiving upgrades but I feel that they won't fully be re-released just yet. Since I'm focusing on my latest up and coming chapters, which I'm finding maybe way to much enjoyment from it might be two weeks until the upgrades show up. In the next chapter the pursuit begins and old friends are reunited but will it be in the way first thought?