Author's Note: Hey what's up guys, CannonBaller here with another chapter for all you wonderful readers out there. A couple people asked me why Pein wasn't in the story yet, so I went ahead and drew up this intro for him. Hope you guys enjoy it, and Happy Reading!

Chapter 28: Pein

"The extraction of the Two Tails is complete."

A voice sounded through the cave. Yugito Nii's body fell to the ground with a muffled thump and all the Akatsuki members straightened up, stretching their backs, and groaning in various voices. Deidara said grumpily, "We really need to find some new members to fill up Sasori, Hidan and Kakuzu's positions. Extracting the tailed beasts is too tough for just the six of us."

Kisame nodded and said, "What about upgrading some of our members to ring status, Pein? Or at least your Acolytes?"

A man with purple eyes, with concentric rings around them looked at him. He shook his head and his holographic projection replied, "I cannot do that. To be able to extract the tailed beasts, it not only requires extreme focus, but also a large amount of chakra. And fine chakra control as well. None of our lower ranked members are able to do that as of now. And my Acolytes are not meant for use in this manner. They are my bodyguards, and specially focus on assassinations."

Kisame opened his mouth to retort, but Itachi cut across him smoothly, "However, the time to increase our strength is of essence. Between Sasori, Hidan and Kakuzu all dead, I would conclude that we are at our worst strength ever." Pein nodded and said, "Well deduced, Itachi. But of course, you were always the most intelligent of all of us. However, we need not worry. Once we have captured the Four Tails, I myself will find some new talent for us. Meanwhile, I have someone to introduce you to."

Everyone looked at him in apparent surprise or interest, and a new projection suddenly started appearing on top of one of the fingers of the Gedo Mazo. Everyone looked at the new appearance, and as the projection cleared, they all observed the new member carefully.

The newcomer wore an orange mask, and the standard Akatsuki robes. The person had short cropped hair, black in color. The mask had only one hole in it. A spiral design covered the mask, which looked as though it had belonged to an ANBU before it had been painted. The new arrival looked around and announced flippantly, "Hello, everyone!"

Everyone stared at him. Deidara said, annoyed, "Who is this joker?" The new guy announced, "My name is Tobi. I am the newest member of the Akatsuki! Woohoo!" Deidara stared at him as though Tobi was mad, and Pein said, "Tobi is Sasori's replacement, Deidara. He will be partnered with you."

Deidara's mouth fell open as Kisame sniggered. The clay artist said, "You've gotta be kidding me! I just met him a couple of seconds ago and I already want to kill him!" Pein smiled slightly and said, "That is why I assigned him to you. He doesn't die easily."

Deidara turned to look at Tobi with slightly more respect, and a little suspicion, and then asked Pein, "So, what's the plan of action, then?"

Pein replied, "I wish for the Three and Four Tails to be captured next. The Four Tails should not be a problem, considering we know where he is situated. However, he does have partial control over his Bijuu, so he might be tough to capture. But the real problem is the Three Tails. We have no location of the monster, nor does it have a Jinchuuriki. I will need to investigate further before we are able to capture it. I want Tobi and you to be on the lookout for the Three Tails. Itachi and Kisame, you will bring me the Four Tails."

The duo nodded, and their projections vanished. Deidara said, "So, where are you right now, Tobi?" Tobi said, "Tell me where you are. I can reach to you instantly." Deidara stared at him again. He thought, 'There must be more to this Tobi guy than I thought. I guess I should play along until I find out his true powers.' He finally replied, "I'm at the border of the Hidden Stone village, outside our hideout there."

Tobi nodded and said, "I'll be there in a few minutes." His projection disappeared as well. Pein said, "I know that he is a little immature, Deidara. However, he is an extremely capable ninja, and is of use to us. I would put his strength higher than Kakuzu and Hidan combined."

Deidara and the rest of the members stared at Pein, who said, "I must go now. I have important matters to attend to. You have your orders, everyone. Zetsu, come to my hideout. I wish to discuss something with you." Zetsu nodded, and disappeared. Konan also disappeared, and Deidara took a second to look around, before disappearing.

As Deidara came back to his own body, he opened his eyes to find Tobi standing right in front of him, almost nose to nose with him. He yelled in surprise and punched Tobi straight in the face.

"OWWW! What did you do that for?"

Deidara roared, "WHY WERE YOU STANDING IN MY FACE, THEN?"

Tobi rubbed his mask, pretending as though he were hurt, and said, "Geez, you're really mean, aren't you? I don't know how your previous partner put up with you." A vein twitched in Deidara's forehead and he said, "You better stop talking, or I'm gonna have to kill you."

Tobi laughed flippantly, and that was all that needed to set Deidara off. He threw a kunai at Tobi, who didn't even move. At the last moment, the kunai flew straight through Tobi's chest and hit the stone boulder behind him. Deidara stared in astonishment. Then he said, "That's why Pein said you couldn't die easily, huh?" Tobi nodded dryly and said, "Then we should get going, huh, Deidara?"

The artist retorted, "You're a hundred years too young to be giving me orders." Then he said, "We'll need to ask around for information regarding the Three Tails. Pein has his sources already. We will need to work with them in order to find the Three Tails." Tobi nodded enthusiastically and said, "Alright! Let's go!"

Itachi and Kisame walked towards the Hidden Stone village. Itachi said, "Now, how should we go about this, Kisame?" Kisame grinned and said, "Why are you asking me? I always follow you, after all." Itachi replied, "You know that I am getting weaker. I need to stop using my eyes so much. To be honest, I shouldn't have tested Sasuke as much as I did. It cost me far too much. I think you should take the Four Tails."

Kisame said, "You know, I've heard stories about this Four Tails Jinchuuriki. His name is Roshi, and he's said to use Lava Style. That is going to be tough to beat. And I heard that he left the Stone Village so that he could learn how to control the beast."

Itachi nodded grimly and said, "I will no doubt step in, if you need help. However, I think that your pride will not allow it, anyway. You'll just need to win somehow or the other. I guess Samehada will be of utmost use to you now." Kisame grinned and said, "Of course. My Samehada loves strong chakra. The Four Tails' chakra will be like a dessert for it." Itachi said, "Let's move quickly. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can reach back." Kisame said, "Any problem?"

Itachi said, "You know what I mean." Kisame understood and nodded. The two of them increased their pace.

Pein sat in his chair and the glow of his eyes died down. He fell asleep and sat still in his chair. Konan walked up to him and placed his arms comfortably so that he wouldn't fall. Then she walked up to the wall and pressed a button. The wall opened up and she went in. The wall closed behind her. Nagato looked at her and she said softly, "You've grown so weak, Nagato."

He smiled weakly at her and said, "This is just temporary. After we have accomplished our goal, I will be able to heal properly." She said sadly, "Why do you have to push yourself so much? Surely you can go ahead with your plan without using more than two of your bodies?"

Nagato coughed and shook his head. He said, "You know that I need to keep Yahiko's body as Pein. My Human and Naraka Paths are busy infiltrating the Hidden villages. I cannot afford to lose the Human Path right now, so the Naraka Path has to be with him to restore him."

Konan said, "Why didn't you send Zetsu to protect him?" Nagato coughed again, this time more violently. He said, "You know as well as I do, that Zetsu is not a fighter. He is of more use to us for information gathering. However, he cannot mingle with the crowds of a village like my Human Path can." She said with disappointment, "I had hoped that we would have at least some time together after capturing the Two Tails."

He reached over and squeezed her hand. She shuddered at how cold his hands were, but smiled at his determination. He said, "A few more months. That's all it will take and then we shall have no more interference."

Just then, Zetsu showed up in front of Pein's body. He said, "You called me?" Nagato focused his chakra, and Pein woke up. He said, "I wish for you to find Sasuke Uchiha." Zetsu looked at Pein in surprise and then nodded, saying, "May I know the reason?"

Pein said, "Sasuke's mind is still fragile. He still wants revenge against Itachi. However, the boy is a prodigy. It would be a waste if he died before we could use him in some way or the other." Zetsu nodded and said, "Is there anything else?"

Pein said, "No. You may go now. Contact Itachi before you leave, find out if he knows anything about Sasuke's current whereabouts." Zetsu nodded and left.

Nagato eased back again and said, "That was close." Konan nodded and suddenly, the air in front of them was sucked in, and Tobi appeared in front of them. Konan was startled, but Nagato didn't betray any emotions. Tobi said, "The other members are suspicious, Nagato. We must allay their suspicions quickly, or my disguise will be rendered useless."

Nagato and Konan bowed, saying, "Of course, Madara-sama."

Tsunade smiled and said, "Ah, Naruto and Lord Fukasaku. I see you've finished your training, Naruto. And how are you, Lord Fukasaku?" Fukasaku smiled and said, "I am well, Princess Tsunade. Although old age has finally started to catch up with me." Tsunade nodded and said, "I presume the training was a success?"

Fukasaku frowned and said, "Well, it depends on what you define success. Naruto certainly managed to enter Sage Mode. In fact, he's even surpassed Jiraiya. But…" Tsunade frowned at his tone and asked, "But what?"

Fukasaku said, "Naruto cannot fuse with me, because of his…furry little problem." The Nine Tails growled, and Naruto smirked. He said, "However, I've found a solution to that. In fact, I won't even need to summon Lord Fukasaku to fuse with me for entering Sage Mode." Tsunade leaned forward in interest and said, "Explain."

After they were done talking, Fukasaku said, "Well, I guess it's time for me to be leaving. Good luck, Naruto-boy." Tsunade and Naruto wished him farewell, and the old toad vanished. Tsunade suddenly said, "Naruto, I wanted to tell you something." Naruto looked at her in mild confusion and then said, "Oh, yeah. Pervy Sage had told me that you wanted to talk to me. What is it?"

Tsunade said, "According to my sources, and Jiraiya himself, Sasuke tried to kill Itachi Uchiha in an old Uchiha stronghold at the border of the Land of Fire. My sources reported that he nearly died, and that Itachi was able to escape, although he was hurt as well. He was being supported by Kisame Hoshigaki." Naruto clenched his fists in anger. He said, "I've had just about enough of this, Grandma Tsunade! I want to go and bring Sasuke back right now!"

Tsunade said, "Unfortunately, we cannot do that. Not only did Sasuke nearly die, he vanished from the scene a few hours later, obliterating his trail by blowing up the entire fort. We have no location of his whereabouts anymore."

Naruto thought in anger, 'If only Itachi would hurry up and die, I could bring Sasuke back.' He said, "Grandma, I want permission to hunt down Itachi Uchiha." Tsunade stared at him in confusion and then said, "No way. Itachi is the main reason I had you go away from the Leaf Village. I can't let you anywhere near him. Now, I want you to do something for me. Will you?"

Naruto said, "But I'm much stronger than Itachi by this point, Grandma. You know that as well as I do." Tsunade started getting annoyed and said, "You will never be stronger than Itachi. He possesses the Sharingan, which is the sole reason that he was able to help the Akatsuki out so much, in information gathering and in capturing the Tailed Beasts as well. You are no match for the Sharingan and I don't think you ever will be. Now shut up and listen to me."

Naruto grumbled but stayed quiet. Tsunade continued, "This absence of yours for three weeks did not go unnoticed by the village Elders. They have asked me to inform you that they wish to meet you personally, and talk to you." Naruto said, "What? But why?"

Tsunade frowned and said, "I don't know that either. I have tried my hardest to find out, but the geezers just don't budge. Anyway, this request is more of an indirect order. However, Naruto, I must ask you to remain on your best behavior while you are there. Please don't argue with them. And remain careful of Danzo. He will no doubt try something. Any hint of trouble and I want you out of there as soon as possible. Consider this as an A-Rank mission."

Naruto looked at her seriously and then said, "I see. I guess I'll have to comply, then. Where am I to meet the Elders?"

Tsunade said, "In interrogation room no. 7. They will be expecting you tomorrow morning at 10AM. Be careful, Naruto." Naruto nodded and then said, "Is that all, then? Coz I'm itching to have some ramen now." Tsunade face palmed and said, "Don't you feel you should meet Ino before that?"

Naruto grinned and said, "Oh, you don't need to worry about that. Ino won't be mad at me. Besides, once I meet her, I won't have any time for ramen." He winked and she blushed slightly at the implications of that statement. She said, "Get lost, you pervert."

He vanished, and she thought, 'Geez, he's becoming as bad as Jiraiya. Thinking of which, where is that old fool?" Just then, an ANBU member reported in, and saluted. She said, "What is it?"

The ANBU member replied, "Master Jiraiya has sent a message. Here it is." He handed over the piece of paper to her and saluted again, before vanishing. Tsunade read the scrawl of writing and thought, 'What business could Jiraiya have at Tanzaku Town? Oh well. I guess I just have to wait for him to come back."

Naruto finished his nineteenth bowl of ramen and sighed in satisfaction. Teuchi smiled at him and said, "You've not eaten this much ramen in a long time, Naruto. Everything alright?" Naruto winked at him and said, "I'm not gonna be able to eat this much ramen for some time now. So I figured I should eat as much as I can right now." Teuchi nodded and said, "So, do you want another bowl?" Naruto shook his head, yawning, "No, I guess this is all I can eat right now. Thanks a lot, old man. Here's the money."

Naruto left Ichiraku's and headed home. He decided to walk, to help digest all the ramen he had eaten. He reached home and saw Kurumi, the receptionist, writing something. She looked up and smiled, blushing a little. She said, "Welcome back, Naruto-kun! I haven't seen you for a while now! Where were you?" He scratched his head and replied, "Oh, I was off training." She nodded and said, "Ino-san isn't at home right now. She's off training with her team." Naruto said, "Thanks for the tip. I was hoping to meet her now, but I guess I can wait for a while."

He left, and walked up the stairs. Suddenly, a door burst open on the sixth floor and a cat came running out of it. A man followed, brandishing a knife in his hand. He shouted, "You better stay away from this house, or you're gonna be sorry!" Then he noticed Naruto and said, "Sorry about that. That cat keeps coming to my house and stealing my food." Naruto said, "Do you want me to get rid of it?" The man said, "But how would you do that? And anyway, I can't ask a stranger to do things for me." Naruto said, "It's alright. I'm a ninja. And it is my Ninja Way to help out people however I can." The man smiled and said, "Thanks a lot. However, the cat has gone." Naruto looked around and then said, "I see. I'll find it and put it away somewhere, maybe in a pet shop or something." The man replied, "Really, there's no need to…"

Naruto said, "Don't worry. It will be like training for me. So it's really not a problem." The man thanked him again and went into his house. Naruto sat down in the corridor and started meditating. A few minutes later, he opened his eyes, sensing the displacement of nature energy where the cat had just travelled from. It was a block away, curling up in an alley. He shunshined outside the building, and entered the alley. Faster than the human eye could see, he caught the cat by the neck. It froze in his hand and he thought, "Where should I put this cat now?" Then he remembered that he had seen a pet store, a couple of blocks away from Iguromo's shop. He headed there and gave the cat to the owner of that shop, who thanked him profusely for bringing in such a fine looking specimen.

Naruto decided to restock his kunai and shurikens from Iguromo. He entered the shop and bumped his chin straight into someone's head. The person in question rubbed their head and said, "Watch it, will you!"

Naruto's temper flew and he began to shout, "YOU'RE THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE…" Just then, he saw the person who he was busy shouting at, and his mouth fell open. He said, "Sasame? Is that you?" Sasame looked up to see Naruto's face and she smiled happily. "Naruto!" She hugged him. He just stood there, confused, and she finally broke apart from him, saying, "It's been so long! You've changed so much!"

He looked at her and said, "I could say the same. You used to look like a boy. You even pretended to be a boy. What happened to you?" He checked her out, recording her figure instantly, '30C – 24 – 32.' Sasame had changed a lot from the last time he had seen her. Gone was the mask and the boyish outfit. She now wore a short style pale pink shozoku which ended at her waist, and bicycle shorts underneath. She had become quite a bit taller as well, although still on the short side. She said, "You've become quite handsome, Naruto!"

He smiled sheepishly and said, "Thanks. What are you doing here, Sasame?" She said, "Don't you know? My clan was asked to join the Land of Snow, to increase its defence. But I asked to be transferred here, and Lady Tsunade allowed me to join. They put me to the test just two days ago, and according to them, I passed with flying colors. So, I'm a Leaf shinobi now!"

Naruto suddenly noticed the headband on her left arm's sleeve and nodded. He said, "So, whose team are you in?" Sasame said, "I don't know yet. I haven't been assigned any team right now." Naruto said, "Well, best of luck for whichever team you get!" She smiled and said, "Thanks a lot, Naruto. Well, I gotta get going, Lady Tsunade has called me in today. Maybe we'll meet again for some dinner or something?" He nodded and she practically bounced off towards Ninja Ops. He thought, 'What's up with her?' He turned to Iguromo, who was smiling, and said, "Give me a dozen kunai and shuriken, please, Iguromo-san."

As he walked out of Iguromo's shop, Naruto saw Ino heading home. He smiled and thought, 'Time to surprise Ino.' He watched her carefully as she walked, and waited for the opportune moment. As she passed by an alley, a hand pulled her in. She squealed in surprise and another hand covered her mouth. She looked up to see Naruto smiling at her. She smiled back and said, "Where are you, Naruto?" He looked at her in confusion and said, "What do you mean, Ino-chan?"

Ino smiled sweetly and said, "I know that you are a Shadow Clone. Where is the real you?" Naruto grumbled, "How did you know?" She replied, "I can sense the tension in your body, the way you were high on adrenaline while going along with Naruto's plan. And you don't have the authentic Naruto feel. Where is he?"

The clone said, "I don't know. He summoned me at Iguromo's and then gave me my orders. Then he vanished." Ino said, "Well, then. Let him know that he's missing this if he doesn't show up right away." She suddenly kissed the clone straight on the mouth, before breaking apart and punching him in the gut, hard. The surprised clone exploded and a voice echoed from a block away, "HEY!"

Ino smiled, "Got him."

A second later, Naruto and Ino were in the alley, kissing furiously. Ino said, "How did you like my method of finding you?" Naruto said fiercely, "You are mine. Don't ever kiss my clones again!" Ino smiled and said, "But I thought that your clones are you, aren't they?" He shook his head and said, "Every clone of mine has a different personality. They are part of me, but not really me. They are like different people who look like me and possess my abilities."

Ino wondered about this and Naruto said, "Wanna head home to continue?" She nodded and a second later, they were at their home. Their antics continued until evening.

Jiraiya said, "I thought you weren't due here until tomorrow."

A voice said, "I have news." Jiraiya looked at him in surprise and with a little interest. He said, "Is something wrong?"

The man in the black cloak looked back at him and said, "Pein just inducted a person named Tobi into the Akatsuki, without taking the test. I wonder who this person is. He must have been strong if he was inducted so easily. He behaves like an immature person, but he didn't fool my eyes. I could make out that Pein himself was talking rather carefully about him, like as though he didn't want to insult the person even by mistake."

Jiraiya pondered over that and said, "Who could this mysterious man be?" The Akatsuki informant said, "I have absolutely no idea as of now. But I sure intend to find out." The sage asked, "How long are you planning to remain undercover? I think it's high time you came back. We will need you soon."

The man shook his head and said, "I am of more use undercover, Master Jiraiya. I can help taking out the Akatsuki from the inside. Also, I am working on finding something. I won't say what it is now, but it is worth remaining undercover for." Jiraiya said, "Well, I guess you know what you're doing. Anyway, if that's all, I better get going. There are some lovely ladies around just waiting to become my subjects for research." The informant gave him a small smile and then said, "I see you haven't changed."

Jiraiya laughed and said, "Me? Never." They parted ways and Jiraiya started heading back to town. Just then, the man turned and said, "Jiraiya san. I just remembered. I've just been tasked to hunt one of the Jinchuurikis. I'll try to delay it as much as I can of course. But I expect that Naruto will be the next target after this. Make sure you keep him as far away from me as you can." Jiraiya turned back and said, "Thanks for the information. I'll see what I can do."

Once Jiraiya reached town, he took out his cellular and hit number one on his speed dial. The phone rang twice before connecting. "What is it, Jiraiya? And mind explaining why you've been to Tanzaku Town?"

Jiraiya smiled, and said, "Always so angry, Tsunade. You might just succumb to it one day." She said angrily, "I don't plan on dying soon. And why did you call?" Jiraiya said seriously, "I met him just now." Tsunade's voice sounded through the phone and said, "What? But I thought you weren't supposed to meet him until next month!"

Jiraiya said, "I know. But he scheduled it. It was urgent. And I've got some news." She said, "What news?" The pervert sage said, "It's too confidential to say on the phone. I'll be back tomorrow morning. We'll talk then. Is everything alright in the village?"

Tsunade said, "Well, the village is normal as usual. Naruto's returned from Mount Myoboku." Jiraiya said, "Oh, good. I'm looking forward to sparring with him to test out his strength. I'm pretty sure he's surpassed me already." Tsunade said, "There is some odd news. The village Elders summoned Naruto to speak to him."

Jiraiya frowned, "Why? What do they want with him? They've always ignored him until now." Tsunade said, "I know, but I would wager it is something about him becoming an adult." Jiraiya said, "Oh, right. It's only a week to his birthday. Well, I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow then. I've gotta go now, there are some really lovely ladies waiting for me." Tsunade sighed and said, "Good grief. I don't want to hear about this. Bye." She hung up and Jiraiya went back to his research.

The next day, Naruto woke up early, remembering his meeting with the Elders. He looked to his right to see Ino sleeping soundly and smiled. He got out of bed and went to get freshened up. Just then a knock on the door diverted his attention and he went to take the door. He opened the door and was surprised to see…

"Sakura?"

Sakura smiled and said, "Hi. I hope I didn't wake you up too early, Naruto." He said, "Not really, I woke up a few minutes ago. What are you doing here, anyway?" Sakura said, "I was told to tell you that I will be escorting you to the Interrogation Chamber 11 today, at 10AM." Naruto frowned and said, "I thought it was Interrogation Chamber 7." Sakura nodded and said, "They've changed it. I thought you should know, because Interrogation Chamber 11 is highly sound proof and has various seals over it. So anyone entering the chamber is highly restricted while they are inside." Naruto stared at her stunned, and said, "Why would they do something like this? Are they taking my trial or something?"

Sakura also frowned slightly and said, "I don't know. But even Lady Tsunade is not allowed to oversee the meeting. I think something serious is up, Naruto. You will have to be extremely careful. Come on, get dressed, I need to link you up with some wireless comms. I'll wait in the hall."

Naruto got dressed and Ino woke up. She came out of the bedroom into the hall wearing nothing at all, and yawned. "What's with all the ruckus, Naruto?" Naruto turned red as he realized that Sakura could see Ino right now. If he was red right now, then it was nothing compared to the color on Sakura's face. Ino suddenly realized that Sakura was standing in the hall, staring at the two blondes, and came to her senses with a jolt. She quickly shunshined back into her room, and came back out wearing one of Naruto's night-shirts.

"Hey Sakura, what are you doing here so early?"

Sakura just stared at her. Ino suddenly became self - conscious and said, "What? Why are you just staring at me like this?"

Naruto went to his own room to get his kunai pouches and Sakura closed in on Ino. She whispered, "So you and Naruto…"

Ino laughed and said, "Grow up, Sakura. We aren't children anymore. We're fully fledged ninjas now. And I gotta tell you, it's well worth it. Naruto is amazing. He's so bi…" Sakura blushed deeply again and said, "Stop it. I don't wanna know, alright!"

Ino laughed again, and Naruto came back, strapping his kunai pouches to his legs. He said, "What time do we leave, Sakura? If it isn't too late, I wanna get some ramen before I get there." Sakura looked at her watch and said, "Well, there's still some time before we leave. So I guess you can have your ramen. Maybe I'll have some diet ramen too."

Ino said, "You still haven't told me what you're doing here, forehead." Sakura frowned slightly at the old nickname, but replied, "Well, to put it bluntly, I'm Naruto's bodyguard today." Ino stared at her and she continued, "Lady Tsunade is not allowed to oversee Naruto's meeting with the Elders. So she's sent me as a stand - in for her. That reminds me, Naruto. Take this mic and attach it to the inside of your uniform coat." Naruto took the mic and attached it to his jumpsuit vest, hiding it behind his coat. Ino looked at him and said, "Naruto, be careful. And don't go shouting at the Elders now." Naruto grinned and said, "Don't worry, Ino, I got this." Ino sighed and thought, 'That's what I'm worried about.'

The two team-mates left the house and Ino started getting dressed up. Naruto and Sakura headed to Ichiraku's and she said, "So, how's things? We haven't met for a while, Naruto." He looked at her in confusion before remembering that he had been gone for a whole month. He nodded and said, "I had gone to Mount Myoboku for training in Sage Mode."

Sakura frowned and asked, "What is Sage Mode?" He began explaining the concept to her and by the time he was done, they had reached Ichiraku's. Naruto's eyes suddenly bulged and Sakura looked in the direction he was facing, only to find…

"WHY IS IT CLOSED?" Naruto bawled hysterically.

Sakura shushed him quickly and said, "Surely there must be a problem. Let's check it out." He nodded and they went around to the back of the shop. They saw the windows of the shop as well as the back door closed. Naruto said, "Something is definitely not right. Old man Teuchi has never closed his windows before."

Sakura said, "Maybe he went off somewhere." Naruto was beginning to think the same, but just then, a sound came from inside the shop. Naruto's ears picked up the sound immediately. He said, "Sakura, there's someone inside."

Sakura immediately signed quickly and said quietly, "Ninja Arts: Five Sense Augmentation!" The minor GenJutsu she activated caused all of her senses to become extremely sensitive and she said, "Naruto, please don't speak in more than a whisper. My ears are highly sensitive right now, so any normal voice will sound like extreme shouting to me." Naruto nodded and whispered, "How do we go about this? I don't want to damage the shop in the slightest."

Sakura said, "I'll pick the lock of the back door." Naruto stared at her and she said "What?" He whispered, "You can pick locks?"

Sakura nearly fell through the ground at the mundane question. Then she suddenly realized that he was not there when the extra training for the Leaf ninjas had been taken. She said, "Almost every ninja of Chunin or higher rank can pick locks, Naruto. We had some special training a couple of years ago, after you had left the village." Naruto nodded and looked down, whispering, "So, one more thing I'm behind on than the rest of my class." Sakura said, "No, Shino and Lee didn't learn too. Shino uses his bugs to open locks and Lee wasn't able to learn, because he was on a mission at that time."

Naruto whispered, "Okay okay, let's get on with this. I have to go for the meeting, remember?" She nodded and quickly picked the lock on the backdoor. Once they were in, she quickly put her hands to her ears. Then she signed to indicate that there were footsteps going around the shop. Naruto put up his fingers in the Shadow Clone Jutsu hand sign and shrugged. She correctly interpreted his action and nodded. A single shadow clone spawned next to Naruto silently. He transformed into a rat and went into the kitchen.

Suddenly, the clone dispelled and Naruto received his memories. He stood with a laugh and whispered, "Release your GenJutsu, Sakura." Sakura signed and the GenJutsu was released. Then she said, "What is it, Naruto? What did your clone tell you?"

Naruto said, "Old man Teuchi is sick. He's walking around inside, trying to do all his stuff, but he's coughing all the time and not as fast as usual. Ayame isn't around anywhere." Sakura nodded and the two of them entered the kitchen. Naruto said, "Hey old man, why didn't you open up the shop?"

Teuchi looked back in surprise and croaked, "Naruto? How did you get in?"

Naruto replied, "We saw the shop closed and got suspicious, so Sakura picked the lock of the backdoor. I sent a shadow clone to investigate and his memories showed me that you were sick."

Teuchi nodded and wheezed, "I'm not feeling up to making ramen today. I'm pretty bad right now. Ayame even worse. She wasn't even able to get out of bed today." Sakura quickly went over to him and put her hands on his shoulder. A green glow emitted out of her hands, and Teuchi suddenly straightened up. He said, "Wow, I feel much better now. Thank you, Sakura!" She smiled cheerfully at him and then looked at the clock on the wall. She gasped and said, "Naruto, it's nearly time! We need to be there in a couple of minutes!" Naruto looked at the clock too and face palmed. He caught her hand and said, "Hold on!" She slightly blushed at the sudden contact but held on to his hand. The two of them suddenly vanished and Teuchi thought, 'Where the hell does Naruto vanish off to all the time? I wanted to ask Sakura to heal Ayame too. Oh well. Maybe later."

Naruto and Sakura suddenly appeared on the roof of Ninja Ops and Naruto raced down the stairs. Sakura blinked at the sudden change in the surrounding and thought, 'How the hell did we get here? Never mind, I gotta get going.' She raced after Naruto. They reached the bottom of the Ops building and descended down the secret route below the building at top speed. They reached the interrogation room 11 just a minute before the scheduled meeting time. Sakura said, "Good luck Naruto." He said, "You're not coming in?"

She replied, "No, I can't. I'll be waiting outside, listening in through this receiver. Go, quick." He entered the room and looked in with surprise.