"Jesus

"Jesus." I thought to myself as I stood there watching the lifeless corpse of Itachi Uchiha, Sound collaborator and spy, completely still on the ground. "What the fuck is happening?" Almost everyone in the crowd had cleared, the wounded were being treated, Sergeant Yamato's body was being carried away, and the man who had just killed the very person in front of me, Sasuke Uchiha, went off to vent with Sakura. I just stood there like an idiot, staring at the aftermath of such an unexpected surprise.

"The fuck you doin' just standin' there Nara? Fuck that traitor! Let the bastard rot where he lies!" Sergeant Mitarashi yelled from the side as I could hear her approach me. "Ya hear me corporal?"

"Hey Anko, leave him be…" To the rescue came Sarutobi's surprisingly calm voice. "He's my corporal and I'll talk to him." She grumbled something as she walked off. "Nara...what's going on?"

I couldn't speak. To the right of me Shino was just as speechless as he looked right at me. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was somewhat upset not only at the situation, but at the fact that I did not give Sasuke the papers when his own brother was admitting the truth to him. What have I done?

"Nara! You with us? And what about you Aburame?"

I snapped out of it. "Um, yes sergeant...I'm here." He walked up to me, like he did when the tank battle was over, and put his hand on my shoulder. For some odd reason, I always felt more at ease with Sarutobi around. I still felt like the novice greenie and him the grizzled veteran. I always felt like he knew more than me about pretty much everything. I felt slightly better knowing Temari wasn't around to see this, but what was I going to tell Sarutobi?

"Fucked up shit ain't it Nara? Snakes in the grass…"

"Yeah…real fucked up."

"S'matter Nara? Something's gotten you all shook up?" He heard my hand grip the crumpled papers a little tighter. "What're those?"

I could've told him they were nothing. I could've told him they were just useless journal notes that I felt like casting into the fire. I could've buried the whole issue then and there, but I didn't. I gave them to him. He opened them up and next to the fire he read them as he became very disturbed, as Shino and I were when we first read them.

"Holy shit…"

"Now you know sergeant."

"I mean, oh my God…he just killed…oh fuck…" I sighed. For some odd reason the guilt was pounding into me. Itachi was a traitor and would've been killed anyway for what happened, but to have his own brother do it, and for Sasuke to just consider him an impostor and not know the real truth was even more disturbing. "His brother…his own brother he just killed…and he didn't even know it?"

"Sergeant," Shino approached us, "we tried to get to the command tent with this intel before…this…"

"So you two went snooping around on these two huh?"

"Yes sergeant. I know it was underhanded but we were suspicious." Shino replied almost apologetically.

Sarutobi grunted and then took a drag from his cigarette. "Relax, I'm not mad at you. But, we have to give these to the captain. I guess I know now what you were talking about with those two Nara. Fuck…"

"So what're we gonna do?"

"I can tell you what were not gonna do guys, and that's let Uchiha know about this."

"But sergeant," Shino protested, "we can't keep this a secret from him!"

"Wow, for an academy student you sure are an idiot Aburame. Are you crazy? We just lost our platoon sergeant, we just lost half of our tank strength, our captain and first sergeant were almost killed, and we were just duped by a couple of Sound spies, one of whom was the brother of Sergeant Uchiha whom he so ironically just executed! Sometimes the truth needs to take a back seat, and I'm gonna make damn sure the other NCOs don't say a fucking peep to Uchiha about this. I would also request that you two keep your traps shut about this ordeal as well. I'm off. Like I said you two…not a fucking peep!"

"Yes sergeant." We replied as we walked off. I huffed again as Shino just stared at the ground.

"You couldn't give Sasuke the papers. You just froze there like a child."

"Excuse me?"

"Why didn't you show Sasuke the truth?"

"What in…the fuck does it matter to you Shino? Did you maybe stop to think that ignorance is bliss?"

"Look at you Mr. Moral Relativism!"

"How would you feel knowing you just executed your own long-lost brother Shino?"

"Well maybe he could've been saved! Maybe Sasuke would've shown some compassion and there'd be one less piece of savagery tonight, but no. We did nothing and watched a public execution as the mob cried for blood. We're no better than the Soundies are…"

"Shino…they killed Yamato! They were traitors! They set us up to die on multiple occasions, including that fucking Panzer group!" I was furious at the gall of this smartass to get on that moral pedestal of his. "It was by the grace of God, whom you so lovingly fixate your life off of, that we're not all dead!"

His face trembled with a mix of anger and remorse. I think there was part of him that didn't want to accept the fact that Sasuke should never know what he did and a part that wished for a more civilized manner in dealing with the Sound spies. My true guess was that he was also rattled that his suspicions led to the startling truth, our inability to deliver the message in time, and the death of our platoon sergeant amongst others. It was a conflict of his brain against his heart against his gut and against his faith. Seeing Sasuke kill his brother, unknowingly even with Itachi's confession, rattled Shino to no end. "I'm, I'm sorry...you, you are right, Shikamaru." His voice was shaky and broken from its usually sophisticated and scholarly tone. "I don't know why I seemed to be so insistent on having Sasuke learn the truth. Perhaps...perhaps it is better to let sleeping dogs lie, even if it is forever. Today...has been too much for me. There has been too much carnage, bloodshed, and tears. Too much..." For the first time, in my life, I have now witnessed our platoon scholar, the most stoic and level-headed creature on the planet, in a rare moment of vulnerability. He had mentioned his fatigue before but not at this level of frustration. As a fellow man of intelligence, it would be downright uncivilized to point out such things in these moments of perceived weakness. I nodded respectfully and huffed. Ain't no man ever going to say that grief has overcome them once in their lives. The grief just so happened to have finally caught up to Shino. Here was a man who had shown reserve in front of the emotional Naruto, the once-timid Hinata, the wily Kiba, and the cocky Sakura, now caught up in his own emotion. For all his quips, for all his dialogue of faith and intelligence, and for all of his counsel for the others, here was a moment where it seemed he needed some guidance not just from his faith.

"Sarutobi always told me," I replied as I approached Shino, "that there will be days where it feels like too much. What matters though, is how you get through it, lest that 'too much' destroys your will. Lesser men would cry and want to go home, but it takes a real man to stand up, dust themselves off, and keep slogging through. You said you wanted to be that 'dirt-caked, hard-charging, gritty infantryman that would slog through hell for victory.' Well, looks like this comes with the territory."

He smirked. "Never thought I'd see the day you, the lazy and cynical Shikamaru Nara, would be consoling me. So much for my perfect streak..."

"No one's perfect Shino. No matter how hard of a shell you create around yourself, there's always an opening. This war's changing everyone, Sarutobi keeps tellin' me. It changed Naruto, changed Hinata, changed Kiba, changed Choji, and that's only a few..."

"Aye, and let's not forget you and that fetching Sand woman of yours."

"Of course..."

"Shikamaru! I got here as soon as I heard the shots..." she looked around and frowned, "but I see I was too late for anything. What happened? Wait...lemme guess...Corporal Aburame was correct huh?"

"Sad but true Temari." I replied with a stone face. "They killed our platoon sergeant amongst several others. We got 'em though."

"Fuck...any idea who they were?"

"You really wanna know?" She nodded with anxiety. "Well, they were both Sound spies and that is the obvious bit, but their true identities were a little more disturbing. Ya know how Sasuke was noting how similar Tobi and Itachi looked to him?" She nodded again. "Tobi was someone called Madara Uchiha and Itachi, he was Sasuke's brother."

"His brother?! You sure about that?"

"I wish I wasn't. His name was Itachi Uchiha, the long-thought dead brother of Sasuke. How this Madara Uchiha was related to Sasuke we don't know, but the worst part is this. When we discovered what they did, Sasuke dragged Itachi out as his brother pleaded to him. He executed him thinking he was nothing but an impostor. He killed his older brother and didn't even know it." I didn't tell her that I failed to let Sasuke know or that Shino and I were previously quarreling over that very action.

"Wow. What a head trip."

"Apparently Itachi thought the same thing Shikamaru."

"Whaddaya mean?"

"Well you gave most of the intel to Sergeant Sarutobi, but I managed to get myself a couple journal scribblings from the two of them. I only scanned through them, but they kind of give us a little more insight as to what was going on. Here, take a look at them."

Temari and I huddled around Shino as we found a slightly more secluded spot. Security was tighter than a fish's ass in the Leaf Army's attempt to form some sort of defensive perimeter but nevertheless the three of us found a secluded spot and with flashlights in hand, we rummaged through the notes. The first excerpt read:

Day 4: Got assignment from Field Marshal Yakushi for the Grass Nation campaign. Told us we were to pose as Grass Nation partisans and disrupt those accursed Leaf armies. Of course Kabuto doesn't know a thing about what we do or how we do it since all he sees are results. I'd be better off communicating with Major Hoshigake that freak. The grunts spotted a Water armor group moving west near one of the small towns we recently occupied. Tobi says we need to stay on course, but I think there's nothing wrong with lending a hand. Water forces won't mobilize for another week or so, so we can bide our time."

Day 10: We managed to occupy a small town inhabited by Grass partisans. How ironic eh? Their fight was pathetic as they surrendered quicker than we expected. They're certainly not the stubborn bastards of the Sand Resistance. I've run afoul of those rebels and it wasn't pretty. Itachi nearly lost an arm from one of those accursed Sand booby traps. Heard rumors that they've linked up with the Leaf Army they're so desperate and even better one of those brats of the late Kazekage was killed in Takigakure fighting with the Leafers. One down, two to go huh?" Temari had a twinge of anger build inside her."They caved in thinking we'd show some mercy and run them off. We had other plans."

"Holy shit this Tobi guy or Madara should I say, was more sinister than I originally thought."

"Keep reading."

"As the orders said we're now 'Grass partisans' so I guess Itachi and I have to act the part. These Grass bumpkins don't look too hard to impersonate and are not nearly as tightly bound as some of the other resistance movements. Too easy. These Leaf and Water idiots won't know what hit them."

"Day 12: Worked like a damn charm! Those gullible Water tanks rolled right into the abattoir thinking there were nothing but Grass partisans in here. The funniest part is that they bought into us being Grass fighters and all. Stupid, gullible island morons! Though he personally scares the hell out of me, I must give my thanks to Major Hoshigake for his assistance in their utter annihilation. A pity we had to execute four of those Grass towners, but all's fair in war eh? Managed to get Itachi to crack a smile from that one."

"Oh shit...you mean those ruined Water tanks were...?"

"Yes. They were the same ones in that village we were ambushed in. Let's see another one."

"Day 15: This whole baiting and trapping game is getting a little tiresome. Haven't run into any significant Leaf units, though I did hear from intelligence that their ANBU Rangers were already in along with the establishment of a forward HQ. I wonder what those gung-ho goons are doing creeping around in places they don't belong. Wouldn't be smart to try and go stalk them since they'd probably waste me and Tobi without batting an eye. Intel is gonna have to keep their eye on them. Also got word of the Luftwaffe building some makeshift airfields. Turns out higher command had even bigger ideas on how to deal with our naive little Leaf friends. Poor saps, they seem to think they can just run over anything with sheer numbers. It proved to be our downfall over in Takigakure and Kumogakure. Well it seems Orochimaru has finally learned from those debacles. Always a pleasure to help in his schemes."

"Day 17: Managed to approach the Leaf HQ with little fuss. No one here seems to be suspicious one bit. Tobi was dumbfounded. I laughed on the inside. Poor fools, they have no idea. We spoke with a Major Shizune just recently. A bit of a fetching woman I must say, but now is the time for business and besides she's the enemy. She kinda reminds me of Field Marshal Pein's lover Konan, his chief intelligence officer and second in command propaganda officer. Hell I wish she was the main prop officer. She's so much better-spoken and she's a damn pretty woman. Figures the Akatsuki Field Marshal gets the good one. That crazy blowhard Hidan just will not shut up. Good thing he's in Amekagure right now because the last thing I wanted was to be anywhere near him. Getting ahead of myself. Well Tobi's skills with people managed to garner this major's trust. Nothing like 'crucial intelligence' to make some officer's mouth water! She said they got a whole mess of troops coming to help 'poor, struggling resistance fighters like me and Tobi.' HA! Talk about naiveté!"

"Wow, so much for superior intelligence."

"Well you cannot hold it against Major Shizune one hundred percent. It was a tactic we were unfamiliar with, but I must warn you it gets worse."

"Wonderful..." Temari muttered.

"Day 18: Turns out those Rangers got themselves in a bit of a pickle judging by whom we saw barreling down the hill in some shot-up Jeeps. Some Leaf soldiers and a Ranger LT nearly crashed into the HQ trying to outrun our forces. God bless 'em for their fortitude I'll give 'em that. Apparently they were told to meet up with us and chit-chat, something I'm very proficient in as compared to my sullen companion Itachi. They looked like the typical idiots, save for a couple like the Sand fighter and the sniper with the black hair she was palling around with."

"Should I be flattered?"

"Hush Shikamaru...let's keep reading." She replied back to me.

"Did a little dog and pony show for them to show them I was good people. Hell I even busted out the old magic trick on this one kid. Kinda feel sorry about them needing to be disposed of for victory but I guess that's life. About an hour after 'entertaining,' the rest of their ilk showed up. Seemed like the normal batch of soldiers, except one who seemed rather cold in his reception of us. His comrades called the shades-wearing corporal 'Shino.' Methinks we'd have to keep an eye on him. However, something rather strange occurred. We met a sergeant, going by the name of Sasuke, and I swore he was the spitting image of Itachi and me. I hope that Major Hoshigake has room for seconds today after what he's about to do to one of their companies, George Company I believe. Poor suckers...and we led them right to the trap too. How delicious."

"Those dirty motherfuckers." Temari muttered.

"They were responsible for George Company?! Jesus! What haven't they done?" I pondered almost loud enough for the sentries to hear.

"Shikamaru be quiet! You'll alert everyone! Hey, check this out."

"Unbelievable! Leading George Company into a massacre was a cinch, but how did we screw up such an easy attack? How did those damnable Air Corps fighters show up so quickly? What made matters worse was that Major Hoshigake and that Panzer Lehr of his was off somewhere else entirely while we nearly had Fox Company by the throat! That accursed Kakashi Hatake…he's just like that son of a bitch Namikaze from back in the day! If it wasn't for some of those damn soldiers with a little too much intelligence in them we would've had them! Worse still, Itachi has become slightly troubled by the failure of the ambush and also that Sasuke we ran into."

"Namikaze…LT Namikaze…I heard the captain talking about him! The captain served under this LT during the Great War."

"How on Earth does Tobi know of your soldiers Shikamaru?" Temari inquired.

"I have no idea. This is just plain creepy."

The next excerpt looked rushed and sloppy in penmanship. The tone and direction of the writing was all over the place, either addressing the situation, or Sasuke, or how the writer felt.

"Had I known it was him I would've had my reservations about unleashing the Panzer Lehr on them. I guess that doesn't matter now that Kisame is dead and our plans have failed. They survived both attacks and that damn Captain Hatake just wouldn't be suckered. Stupid, stubborn Leaf commanders! Never did I think I'd see him again. Good Lord how he's grown. This is not good…not good at all. I cannot believe this, of all the Leaf Army units, fate has delivered me to Sasuke of all people. He nearly died in the town and nearly died from the Panzer Lehr. Yes it is my assignment to ensure their demise but my own little brother? It's most fortunate that he has no idea who I am. He cannot know. I'm afraid those two in 2nd Platoon will uncover something that will unravel our plans even further."

"There's more on the next page."

"This is it. It seems that with our initial failure everything else has been falling to pieces. Tobi is trying to keep a level head and so far with their commanders still trusting of us, including Sasuke, we're still in the clear. We'll have to try and get as many of them together and take them out, even if that means our deaths. God…how long has it been since I left Konoha Sasuke? You think I'm dead don't you? No matter, that would make the job Tobi and I have to do that much easier. Whether you die or not will no longer be of any concern to me. Tobi tells me there a commanders meeting relatively soon. I figured now would be our time to strike. Even if we die at least we'll disrupt these damned Leaf soldiers. Tobi was right to lead me away from them just as he did the same around the Great War. These sheep lead themselves right into the slaughter for that crotchety old man the Hokage. They know nothing of power and they know nothing of ambition and ability. The Sound and the Akatsuki that I was blessed to enter into gave me all that. For years I served them and grew more than I ever would have had I stayed in Konoha. Should I die tonight, I will have no regrets. A pity you couldn't join me Sasuke. I'll see you on the other side.

Itachi Uchiha"

"And that's that…" Shino concluded.

"So he knew all along while Sasuke never knew they were defectors. Now they're dead and with them go their secrets."

"But the question remains," I mused, "do we ever tell Sasuke the truth?"

"Something I was questioning myself Shikamaru, before you ever so bluntly convinced me not to."

"Well upon reading this, I begin to wonder. Of course it would outright devastate his morale and perhaps the morale of others."

"Whoever said 'Truth is beauty, beauty truth,' obviously needed a lesson in realism." Temari eruditely added.

"We're going to have to keep our mouths shut, like Sarutobi said. I'm pretty sure the other leaders are going to do the same knowing full well the consequences that we discussed."

"Agreed. It pains me to hold onto a lie, but if it's necessary for the greater good, then I'll begrudgingly do so." Shino huffed.

"Welcome to the real world academy boy."

"Hmph! To think you're more attuned to the world than I am. Now who's the arrogant one?"

"Feh...whatever. Shit, does anyone know what time it is?" They both shook their heads. "Damn it, the guys are probably looking for us. C'mon let's get going."

"Shikamaru! Temari! Jesus where the hell have you two been?! Do you have any idea what's been going on?" Toyama blurted out as we approached our squad, huddled around each other talking away.

"Yeah...sadly we do know."

"Those bastards...they killed Yamato! I can't believe that!" Choji exclaimed.

"Yeah from right under our noses..." Ino added. "What a fucking day huh?"

"You're not alone Ino. Even Shino's started to feel the strain, and he's usually the strongest willed of us."

"Hey have any of you seen Naruto at all? Choji?"

"Nope. I haven't seen him anywhere since we talked to him that while ago. Given what transpired I figured he's back with 4th squad, though this shit's just gonna add to the grief."

"Hey 3rd! We got a platoon meeting in five minutes! Get your rears in gear!" Sarutobi announced from the campfire where the majority of the platoon was sitting. We hurried over and got a seat near the front where Lee was pacing around back and forth rather nervously. His normal stone face lacked the grit and determination it had from the get-go. I don't blame him considering our recent losses. The platoon was alive with the murmurs and whispers of the day, the fights, and the traitors. We caught Naruto from the corner of our eyes meandering towards the fire with Hinata in tow. He was looking a little better after he must've let what was left in him out. After a quick kiss the two parted ways back to their respective squads. Mitarashi was there eyeballing Naruto but didn't do anything as I figured Lee or Sarutobi talked to her about his need to grieve. Sasuke was there with a fresh cigarette and this time Sakura was not going to complain about it. The look of hate and revulsion was still fresh in his eyes after killing his own brother, albeit unknowingly, in cold blood. It chilled me to the bone that look of his, like a man bereft of humanity, cold and calculating.

"At ease 2nd!" The LT's voice was stern and resolute. I caught a slight façade in his demeanor, a sort of game face if you will. The loss of Yamato had him shaken up something fierce and his uniform was stained with the dried blood of the first sergeant who managed to get back in stable condition. He paced back and forth nervously, the effect spreading through some in our platoon. He stopped and scanned the area with those beady eyes and thick brows of his, letting out a big exhale, he spoke again. "2nd, I know I cannot begin to describe the terrible loss of Sergeant Yamato. He has been our platoon sergeant since this war began and he helped carry us through so much as a platoon and as a family. He was an incredible asset to me and our NCO corps. He was our shield where the platoon was the sword. We will miss him terribly. Today is a day that will go down in the history books and we have suffered tremendous blows today 2nd Platoon, but we survive. Yes, through our will of fire and through our resolute refusal to back down, to surrender, and to admit defeat, we have survived what very few would. Though the battle has cost us many dear friends, George Company, the honorable Captain Umino and our very own platoon sergeant, their deaths were not in vain." He was trying his hardest to get the platoon back in spirit when Yamato had done it so well in the past. Without him, it was like a man trying to push the plow without the help of his ox. "But..." he struggled for a second, "but we have a job here. We cannot accept anything less than total victory over the Sound. They thought they had us on the ropes but they failed. We still have their capital city of Kusagakure to take. Though the Leaf Army's losses have been less than acceptable, there's still a job to be done. The Air Corps will be making a sweep for the next few days before starting a massive bombardment of the city." The platoon was awash with murmurs and sounds of shock. We had never seen the Air Corps conduct an aerial bombardment of a city, or the aftermath of such for that matter. Many times like with Kumo, the city was already banged up from the Sound invasions. I would hate to see what our Liberators and Flying Fortresses would do to such a place. Lee raised his hand to silence the crowd. "Now I know what you're all thinking. It seems rather overkill to send our B-24 Liberators but seeing the treachery and desperation of the Sound first hand leads me to believe that it might be our best course of action. They nearly tried to obliterate us entering just a town so we've decided to strike back hard and pummel them into the ground! After our devastating attack we will strike with artillery followed by an armor push and then King and Dog Companies will lead the way inside. Fox Company will play support role this time. There is a sizeable river along the edge of the city that flows from the Rain Nation so if we cannot get through the bridges then we will have to ford it through other means. Higher command has given the captain four days to recuperate and reorganize. Some of us are wounded, some of us are in serious pain, both mentally and physically," I turned to Naruto who sunk his head down, "but we cannot give up and will not give up! We did not give up when we were cornered by the Akatsuki Panzer Lehr and we will not give up now. The enemy thinks they have demoralized us but in truth they have just given us our reason for vengeance. They have given us the fuel needed to make our fire burn even stronger and brighter than ever before!" His face burst with rage and emotion. "When the time comes and we are called to the frontlines again...we will show them how bright we burn! We will show them how much it will cost them to cross the likes of us! We will make them pay for Yamato and all our comrades they took away from us!"

The platoon roared with motivation as Lee's face became even more intense with his speech. I was still reserved as was Shino and a couple others, including Naruto which was a surprise since I figured he wanted revenge for the death of his mentor. Lee stopped the cheering. "However, our will of fire burns brightly, but that cannot allow us to become savages. We are the deadly blade of Konoha but we are also its benevolent peacekeepers. We must be deadly but merciful at the same time. We cannot allow ourselves to stoop to the levels of the Akatsuki and slaughter all in our sights. They do these things to try and prove that we are just as bad as them, that we will destroy like them, pillage like them, murder in cold blood like them." Sasuke froze. He bowed his head as he must've recalled his execution of the Sound spy. Was this a slight sense of regret crawling into his psyche? A stern glare towards the LT and to the men and woman around him denied such suspicions. "That's right 2nd we need the fire to still burn inside us. If it were to go out, we'd be finished. It has been a rough day and we need our rest, but we still have to remain vigilant. Now you're probably wondering who will be our next platoon sergeant and I have already made my decision. Staff Sergeant Morino!"

"Yes sir?" He asked as he stood up.

"You've been with us since the beginning of this fight and your prowess is exemplary on and off the frontlines. Though I wish it could've come another way, but I have selected you to become the new platoon sergeant. I can imagine it will be hard parting with your squad but now is the time to take on the bigger responsibility for the good of our platoon, which I am sure you are up to the task of doing."

"Sir!" Sergeant Morino nodded firmly as he accepted his new position. We held our chatter for later.

"Corporal Igawa will be the new squad leader for 1st squad. Guard shifts will run by platoon and we have it first, followed by 3rd Platoon and so on. Keep watch on anything suspicious! Sergeant Morino I'll give you some time to take care of your business with the squad but afterwards I need to you accompany me to where the captain and first sergeant are. Our shift begins at nine sharp and will carry on for two hours. Squad leaders I want a layout of your soldiers and their positions fifteen minutes prior to the shift starting. Does anyone have any questions for me?" He looked around but no one raised their hands. "In case you're wondering, the captain and first sergeant are ok and their wounds have been treated. I'll reiterate it'll be some time before we're all fit and ready to go hence the four-day respite. Get your kits ready and be ready to go on duty in one hour. Dismissed."

"C'mon Temari, let's go set our shit up before we get pulled into the perimeter."

"Right."

Power-walking ahead of the rest of the squad, Temari and I quickly rolled out our beds underneath one of the tall trees that had provided us some adequate shelter during the tank battle. Much to my lack of caring about self-consciousness, I laid mine out right next to Temari's. Since her involvement in our platoon she was given a completely new set of bedding. It wasn't a luxury item but it was better than her ratty sheets and worn bedrolls that she and the other Sand fighters had. Hell some of them didn't have anything at all and it was probably a Godsend our forces or the Water Army had given them some of their provisions. The faint glow of the fire shone on her soft, light skin. Had this been another scenario I would've asked her to sit down and watch the stars and the clouds together.

"God you look beautiful Temari…" I whispered softly, part of me hoping she didn't hear me and part of me hoping she did.

"What'd you say?"

"Um, nothing…just muttering something to myself."

She sighed. "C'mon. I see them waving to us to get in the perimeter."

"Ya know Temari, you're technically not in the Leaf Army so you can probably get outta this troublesome task if you want."

"Oh please," she rolled her eyes and gave me a half-smile, "you think I'd pass up working with you and potentially annoying you even more?"

"I forgot you like that."

"Amongst other things…"

"Tch." I sneered. "Sergeant, what's the layout like? What do you have for us?"

"Good news for you Nara. You and Temari are breaking off for your guard duties."

"Nice." I smiled.

"Damn." She muttered disappointingly.

"Sorry little lady, I figured a change of pace would be good. Nara you're with Akimichi. Temari, you're going to patrol with Ino and Sugiyama."

"Three women…together…patrolling? Is that really a good idea sergeant? Figured they might do more gabbing than watching aren't I right?" A sharp pain hit the back of my head as Temari struck me with an open palm. "OW!" Sarutobi just chuckled.

"Smartass crybaby…"

"Troublesome broad…"

"Ok that's enough children. We've got about ten minutes until it's show time so could you at least act like you're ready to go?" He pleaded to the two of us. We nodded back. "Good. Now all we do is wait for the rest to show up, and speak of the devil here's Sugiyama and Yamanaka right now!"

"Sergeant! Yamanaka and I are ready to go. Anyone else that'll be joining us?" She asked rather enthusiastically. Sugiyama had already come off as one of the more lively members of the squad which impressed Sarutobi and gave a breath of fresh air to our merry bunch.

"Ah private! Good to see you're in decent spirits. As a matter of fact I'm having Temari here join your duo to make it a trio."

"Ooooooh! Very nice sergeant!" She praised as Temari sauntered over and the three of them started laughing and gabbing away. I looked at Sarutobi who bore an uneasy grimace.

"Shit…you might be right on this one Nara. Reminds me of my woman sometimes..." He muttered quietly to me as I agreed with him silently.

"Well you made it that way sergeant. I say stick to your guns." He sighed and nodded in unenthusiastic agreement. That was at least one bond Sarutobi and I shared, we found women to be strange creatures. We both realized they'd probably be practicing their gift of gab about all sorts of troublesome shit, like me and Temari or Toyama's attraction to Sugiyama or some other trivial crap that I wouldn't give two shits about.

"Choji! Just in time to come through in the clutch!" I announced his arrival.

"Huh?"

"I was waiting for another guy to get here outside of the sergeant. All this estrogen was making me tense." I coulda sworn I saw the three of them glaring at me but my mind was convincing me they weren't as I spoke my mind to my dear friend Choji. Of course I wasn't afraid of Ino or the newbie Sugiyama, but Temari on the other hand...

"Hey you didn't have to deal with two of them for a protracted period of time Shikamaru, so don't complain too much."

"Nara's up to his usual bitching huh?" Toyama rudely suggested.

"And you're up to your usual douchebaggery huh Toyama?"

"Wouldn't be Kazuo Toyama if I wasn't doing such things right guys?" He smugly replied.

"Why don't ya go tell that to Sugiyama eh Kaz? She's right over there." I pointed to her as her back was turned while talking to Ino and Temari. I could catch a slight blush on his face with the light from the fires. Busted...

"Yeah...well...don't be an asshole Shikamaru."

"You started it big guy."

"Ok kids, it looks like we're all here," Sarutobi spoke over our chatter as the rest of our squad showed up, "let's get to it. It's Nara and Akimichi, Temari, Yamanaka, and Sugiyama, Toyama and Nazuka, Nakamura, Asano, and I. Those are the four groups that'll be patrolling from the six o'clock to the nine o'clock. Synch your watches and watch all the sides. Soundie fucks like to attack from everywhere so we'll watch everywhere. Any gripes, complaints, bitches, etc.?" We said nothing. "Good. 3rd squad doesn't bitch and moan...except for maybe Nara."

"Sergeant!" I replied which got some laughs out of the squad.

"Oh relax Nara. I'm just yanking your chain. Anyway 3rd, let's go. It's time."

Getting the wave goodbye from 1st Platoon as they set out to get some sleep, the lot of 2nd Platoon was quickly establishing their positions and patrol routes. We were pretty sure after a failed aerial attack, Panzer group offensive, and attempted infiltration and assassination, the Soundies were going to try and lick their wounds just like we were doing. Nevertheless, it was still the time to be on guard since they were quite the unpredictable bunch by what we've seen in the past twenty-four hours...not even. Choji was walking casually with me, his .30 cal slung over his shoulder as we walked over to the dug-in position where one of 1st Platoon's MG teams had been. That was the beauty behind taking the second shift...you rarely if ever had to set shit up yourself. Someone already took care of that for you! Now that's what I call convenient!

"Kinda nice having our spot already dug up and ready eh buddy?"

"Lazy 'til the bitter end Shikamaru..."

"Work is always troublesome Choji. You should know that."

"Great words oh wise sage."

"Cute. Anyway, let's make the rounds shall we?"

As the rest of Fox Company was dozing off or making preparations for the next few days, Choji and I walked back and forth a small curve we had set out as our route. To our left were Nakamura, Asano, and Sarutobi and to our right were Toyama and Nazuka. To my personal comfort the women were on the far right and away from being any bit of a nuisance.

"Ah this is so much better without those troublesome wenches wouldn't ya say Choji?"

"Well I'll admit it feels slightly more relaxed to be a guy, but they're not so bad are they Shikamaru?." I had to give it to Choji. I was outright in my admittance of finding women absolutely irritating. Choji on the other hand was a bit more of a softy so he'd try and play it off like they weren't completely irksome. It was chivalrous and naive at the same time, my guess for the sake of Ino.

We parked ourselves in the MG position as I scanned the horizon the best I could. Occasionally an Air Corps fighter would pass overhead which made my job near meaningless. Nevertheless, I felt the keen, watchful eye of Sarutobi somewhere so I kept looking around for the slightest hint of movement.

"Hey Shikamaru…"

"Yeah?"

"So tell me. Whaddaya think about that whole Naruto bit? Did you have any idea that those things really happened to him."

"Well I knew he was an orphan but Jesus God…that was just tear-jerking."

"Poor guy."

"Yeah. Hey man, did he ever tell you what his plans were after the war?"

"No…he didn't utter a word to me."

"Well…" I hesitated for a moment before giving him the scoop on what Naruto told me in confidence at the field hospital in Konoha. Naruto wanted me to keep it a secret but I opened my mouth a little too soon. Now Choji was going to get all curious.

"Well what Shikamaru? You said 'Well…' and I expected something to come out."

"Nah forget it. It's too troublesome."

"C'mon man, you can't say something like that and expect me to ignore it afterwards. I won't tell anyone. Remember, you and Naruto are my best friends. You have my word." He smiled as he raised his right hand like he was doing an oath of honor.

"Ok fine. Naruto showed me this ring he pilfered from Takigakure in a pile of rubble. It's actually a real beauty this ring is, straight silver with a nice cut diamond right inside and he, well he…"

"Are you telling me what I think you are? He's gonna ask isn't he?"

"Very little gets by you Choji. Yepper, he's gonna ask Hinata to marry him."

"You mean immediately afterwards?" He was rather surprised. He and I heard Naruto talking about marrying Hinata but only I knew how early he wanted to do it. Hell Choji could've just thought Naruto was being passionate and not serious when talking about the late Captain Umino. I nodded my head. "Wow, man…that's kinda heavy. Ya think he's a little too young for that?"

"Yeah, I think twenty-three is a little premature for such a mature commitment. Besides, look at the kid. I mean he's our pal and all but he can barely tie his boots right sometimes. How's he gonna make that last I wonder, especially given the fact he probably has little to no money."

"Makes me also wonder how the family's gonna react."

I sighed. "Yeah, if Mr. Hyuga's as big a dick as what I've been told by Naruto and Hinata, then they're in for a world of hurt when Naruto drops the bombshell. There's a big pain in the ass. Naruto must be totally oblivious to these factors. Methinks maybe he's putting all his eggs in one basket."

"That sounds kinda harsh Shikamaru."

"Well I'm just saying Naruto doesn't really seem to see the situation. First, we're still in a war and I frankly have no idea when it'll possibly end. Could end tomorrow, could end in a year, but it makes me worried to see such early commitment when surety is lacking."

"What're you implying?"

"Well look at LT Uzuki. She was showing off her engagement ring to me, Temari, and Kiba before you guys showed up. She was talking about her love for that Hayate Gekko guy and then look what happens. He dies and she's a wreck. I mean I pray and knock on wood," I found the closest log and wrapped it three times which was surprising because I usually found superstition to be childish, "that such tragedy does not befall our dear friends Naruto and Hinata."

"That's a little fatalistic don't you think? I mean, give the guy some vote of confidence."

"Oh I do. I really do, but I'm just…worried."

Choji nodded in agreement. "I'm with ya buddy. Hell I think we all are. I get worried about Ino constantly even if my own body gets shot up from time to time. Hell you should take a look in the mirror. I've seen that look in your eyes when Temari's in danger. Naruto really cares for Hinata and he went on about how he never had the love that she gives him as a child, so I can totally understand his intent with popping the question."

"Still…"

"Well he should be so lucky he's got a bit of a plan for the future. Knowing him he'll find a way to make it work. It might not be the prettiest or the quickest method, but tried and true he'll make it happen with her. We could actually learn something from him."

"Says the guy who still can't stop striking out with Ino."

"Right through the heart Shikamaru…that went right through. Hey speaking about women, what do you think you're gonna be doing with Temari?"

"Say what?"

"Well you seem to like giving Naruto shit for putting his eggs in one basket as you'd put it, what about you and Temari?"

"I dunno. Never thought about it…too troublesome."

"Strange reaction coming from you." He rolled his eyes at me. "Seriously buddy…I can't think about things like that because I'm not quite there, but you, you need to seriously think about what the future might hold for you and that Sand woman."

"I really, really don't want to right now."

"I mean you two are like birds of a feather and it's only been less than a year. Hell you two are already knockin' boots…"

"Choji…"

"You know there's something also more troublesome that you might need to take into account."

"Oh and what's that?"

"She's a foreigner. The Sand Nation's already looked at with suspicion from many in Konoha so a relationship with one of them is already fodder for critics. Also, unlike Naruto and Hinata, she can't stay with you."

"Shit…you're right. She couldn't stay unless…unless…"

"That's right."

"No. I can't do that. Besides, I'm too young and too much is going on right now. She'd probably wanna go back home and rebuild when the war's over anyway. She is their late leader's daughter and they'd probably need someone like her to take the reins."

"Yeah," I let out a forced chuckle, "yeah of course they'd need her. It'd be silly for her not to go back home. Maybe later in the future something might happen."

"Maybe Shikamaru, but it would help to have some sort of a plan."

"Once again coming from the person whose sole sights are on Ino."

"Well I just have that confident feeling that she'll warm up to me."

"I'll admit she has been a lot nicer to you nowadays and quite concerned with your well-being."

"Ya think it's more than the whole friends bit?"

"Hell it might be. Always a possibility…" I knew it'd get Choji's hopes up by saying something like that even if I knew it wasn't completely fibbing. Ino had become slightly warmer towards my large colleague since the Waterfall Nation campaign. Maybe his repeated attempts finally found a chink in her armor. I certainly hoped so since she seemed to be less bitchy with him acting as the buffer. With him around Ino's also less likely to be a genuine bitch to me so once again, that's a good thing.

It was funny how time flew with Choji and I just scanning the area, priming our weapons, and shooting the shit on whatever crossed our minds. It started out serious but of course we reminisced about the good old times back in school and pulling pranks on Ino, Choji and Naruto trying to sneak into the girls locker room once and getting quite the thrashing from Sakura, Tenten, and Ino from it, the Ichiraku Ramen Bar lunches, and of course our drinking and eating contests with Naruto and Kiba. Yep those were the good old days, but I always wondered if Sarutobi or the captain thought the good old days were when they were kids. Choji was still asking for advice on how to approach Ino and I gave him my usual cynical outlook on her but still told him to go for it being my best friend and all. I could never shatter his spirits because he's always been so loyal to me. We've always worked well as a team. He's the brawn and I'm the brains, the arm and the mind, the strength and the strategy. I never told him, though I should one day, that I was glad that he was my best friend out of everyone I knew.

"Hey Shikamaru, what time is it anyway?"

I tried to read my watch as best as I could, pulling out my flashlight and getting low as to not attract anyone. "It's almost eleven, got about ten minutes left. Good…our shift's almost over!"

"Nice. I could use some beauty sleep."

"Of course Choji. We need you looking prim and pretty for the pageant tomorrow night."

"Hey whaddaya think is my best side huh?" He turned his head from side to side while flexing his muscles mockingly.

"Neither."

"Says Mr. Casanova."

"Ho ho…swing and a miss Choji." I joked. He hit me in the shoulder with enough strength to make me almost fall over. He thought it was just a tap.

"Did I miss there Shikamaru?" He laughed.

"Hey Nara, Akimichi, I hate to break up the fraternity cuddle but your replacements are coming so get ready to bed down for the night." Sarutobi said as he approached us.

"Roger that sergeant. Our shit is already set up."

"Not surprising Nara seeing how you and Temari trampled over the rest to get your kits ready. Planning something special tonight?" He and Choji both snickered like little school kids.

"Meh…"

"The typical Nara response, always a classic. Anyway, I'm going to go get the rest of the squad so stay here until your replacements show up and then get right back to the squad area understood?"

"Yes sergeant." Choji replied. Soon enough, about five minutes later, three soldiers, a guy and two women showed up to replace us.

"Have fun you three. We kept it nice and warm for ya." I said to them with a wave as I got up with Choji and walked off.

"Yep, fun times to be had there corporal." The woman gave me the sarcastic tone which I could respect.

Temari and I had set our things up slightly distant from the rest of the squad where Sarutobi was right in the middle. Choji placed himself near Nazuka and Asano while Ino was next to Sugiyama who tried to place herself tactically close to Toyama. Whether he'd pick up on that or not I was too tired to ponder. I quickly took my boots off and let my feet get some well-deserved air and rest. Taking my uniform blouse off also felt rather liberating as the cool night air flowed down my shirt. "Ah, finally some well-deserved rest!" I nuzzled myself underneath my blanket and let the warmth gradually take me in.

"Comfy enough there big guy?" The familiar voice of "Number One Troublesome Woman" rang as I quickly opened my eyes to see her getting ready for bed.

"Meh…need sleep, not talk."

"Oh ok fine. Wasn't gonna bore you anyway with the girl talk we had during patrol."

"Like I'd even wanna know."

"Oh cynical Shikamaru…what are we gonna do with you?"

"Let me enjoy the warmth of my blankets and eventual sleep?"

"Perhaps it'd be better to share the wealth right?" She suggested as she opened up her blanket and laid it out on the both of us. She slid her bedroll right next to mine and laid herself down as she took her own uniform blouse off. Her back was turned to me and I felt the delicate touch of her skin with only that tank-top on. My mental reserves were doing their best to resist the temptation to remark about the mental comfort I felt with her right next to me. "That feels really warm. Ahh…sometimes I wish moments like this with the calm wind, the quiet night, and the two of us holding each other could last longer."

"Agreed." Fuck. It was all I could say. I couldn't come up with anything better. I tried rolling with it though, "It does feel rather nice even if it is slightly troublesome if you catch my drift."

"Lazy crybaby attitude…" She gently poked me with her elbow as she yawned. "Good night Shikamaru."

"Good night Temari."

A few minutes had passed as I let the sound of footsteps, the rustling of 3rd squad trying to get comfortable, and the gentle breeze of the wind on the tree limbs encompass my senses, all except for feeling of course. What I felt was a lot more heavier in description. Right in front of me was the beautiful foreign fighter that Choji and I had just talked about. In front of me was a woman who had brought out feelings that I didn't think I was capable of feeling. Her soft skin was intoxicating to the touch as my arm rested itself gently on her arm and shoulder, my left hand stroking her neck. She would move around a little bit but it wasn't that she was waking up, but instead the natural response to my touches. I bet she had a slight smile on her face as she dreamed about something. My right hand stroked through her soft, blonde hair, her four hair ties undone letting her hair flow gently to the ground. The warmth our bodies produced next to each other gave my heartbeat a little jolt even if it was meant to soothe me.

"Look at her, calm as a cucumber. She really is something else she is. A pity Konoha doesn't produce many women like this." I sighed gently. "Damn it Choji, why do you have to bring that up? Why does she have to be a foreigner? As if life wasn't difficult enough…what are we gonna do when this war is over? Could I go with her to Suna? Maybe the Leaf Army will send a unit there and I could see her during the reconstruction. Nah, they'd never let me do that and besides, I don't see myself ever getting assigned there if the Leaf Army even sets foot in there. Maybe she could stay with me in Konoha? Fuck, Konoha's laws don't allow non-citizens to live here for too long without trying to become a citizen, and that could take years! Shit, why am I even thinking about the future right now! We still need to live through this war and with Kusagakure coming up the shit's gonna hit the fan again. Temari, don't you worry, we'll find a way to get through this. If that numbskull Naruto manages to get through his hardships then it's possible for us as well. I don't care if you're a foreigner or if anyone I know looks down upon our relationship. Things happen for reasons and I'll be damned if life wants to sucker-punch me without me looking. We gotta be strong Temari…we gotta be strong. Ain't no battle going to rob me of you or you of me. There ain't no law or circumstance that's gonna deprive us of our right to love each other and be together. I'll figure out what to do someday. I'm not Shikamaru Nara the Konoha strategist for nothing. You're too God damn beautiful and special to just let the powers that be go and separate us. Ok, that's enough inner monologue Shikamaru. You obviously need some sleep seeing how you're thinking way too much which is unlike you. Damn it! I'm doing it again! Ok that's it, I'm stopping this right now."

I gently moved my head to her exposed ear as I watched her body rise and fall with each breath she took. She didn't notice my movement at all which was good. I whispered softly into her ear, "Temari, I know you're asleep but hear me on this. No matter what happens we'll get through it together. Remember that. Good night Temari, I love you." I brought my head down on the bedroll, staring at her delicate blonde hair again. I felt something move across my lower legs. Her foot broke through between my legs and she wrapped her left leg over my right one. I then felt her hand glide itself slowly down my left leg, her soft touch bringing a couple shivers down my spine. I carefully checked to see if she was asleep and wouldn't you know it? She still was. It was as if her subconscious heard me and replied in a similar, affectionate manner. My mind's cloudiness had cleared just a little bit, but it was enough to make me stop feeling so worrisome, even for a little bit. I took my hand and rested it on her hip before reaching into her shirt and gliding my fingers on her belly. It would be four days until we went into the fire again but we'd be ready to weather the storm. I intended to prove the fates wrong and live through this fight as well, not only for myself and my friends, but for her as well. I had finally come to that realization. If I truly wanted things to work, all my efforts and my struggles would be for her. For Temari…