A/N: Thank you for your patience. I worked hard on this chapter, though you may notice some scenes feel rushed.

This story's conclusion is coming soon. Probably another 1-2 chapters before I officially declare Blackened Petal as completed.

Enjoy the chapter!


Chapter 49: Blood, Sweat and Fear

Yūgao's day had started off nicely.

She had woken up in the arms of her lover after they had spent the night satisfying their long awaited desire.

She felt deliciously sore as the couple made their way to the bathroom and showered together. Hayate was especially frisky, and the woman loved him even more.

The day wasn't even halfway done when her good mood swirled down the imaginary drain.

Everyone felt the same disbelief and borderline paranoia after listening to Sakura's reveal. Now that Yūgao thought hard about it, she realized that there was a barely noticeable buzz in the deepest parts of her mind that steadily decreased the further from Konoha she was.

Mind control: it was the only seemingly logical explanation of why both sexes agreed to be separated. Yūgao couldn't believe that she willingly stayed behind in what was left of the village, all the while mourning the loss of Hayate's constant company.

Why hadn't she fought for him? Why hadn't she gone after him?

Anger boiled her blood, and her knuckles turned white from the fists they formed.

During the meeting, Yūgao studied Sakura intensely.

The younger kunoichi looked exhausted: her eyes were reddened and filled with barely contained fear, dark circles formed seemingly permanent bags underneath, her shoulders were slightly slooped as if baring a heavy weight and her skin was awfully pale.

Sasuke was by her side, silently passing on his strength to the rosette. He too looked worse for wear, and his dark eyes constantly slid back to the rosette, as if reassuring himself that she wouldn't disappear.

Once Minato's orders were given, everyone burst into action, and quickly left the tent.

Yūgao immediately looked for Shizune, and spotted the brunette walking off towards a street.

Sensing eyes on her, the woman turned around and met Yūgao's intense stare.

The purple-haired kunoichi gestured her head towards Sakura who was leaning against a wall, rubbing her temples. The younger Uchiha was further up discussing lowly with a rather sober-looking Naruto. Both men often glanced back at Sakura, before they continued whispering to each other.

Eyes lighting up in understanding, Shizune made her way over to Yūgao, who in turn led the way to the rosette.

Dulled emerald eyes glanced up to meet melted chocolate ones, and a half-hearted smile curled her lips. "Hello Yūgao-san, Shizune-san."

Both women nodded in greeting.

"Sakura-san, there's something that Shizune-san needs to tell you," Yūgao explained. She glanced over at the young men. "Alone."

Sakura's eyes hardened, before she met her teammates' concerned glances, and nodded reassuringly.

The rosette led the two older women away from the excitement, and to an area which Yūgao recognized was where Sakura lived.

Once inside the apartment, the three women sat down on the couches, and Sakura stared expectantly at Shizune.

The Phoenix queen's assistant took a deep breath. "I'll get straight to the point: Tsunade-sama is also a host."

Sakura's expression didn't change. "I know."

The older women blinked in surprise.

"How?" Shizune asked.

A bitter smile appeared on the rosette's face. "My embryo told me, though she did so to mock me rather than inform me willingly."

Yūgao coughed uncomfortably, while the brunette continued.

"You probably don't know Tsunade-sama's full story. You have the right to know."

Interest gleamed in Sakura's eyes as Shizune recounted the same story she told Yūgao.

By the time Shizune finished, Sakura's eyes narrowed as a calculative intelligence glowed behind her eyes. "The real mystery is where Tsunade was kept for those four years. Danzo was a former advisor to the Third Hokage, as well as the founder and leader of ANBU root. My embryo told me that some of the eggs recovered from the crash site all of those years ago were taken to Konoha, and yet you found Tsunade along the coast. That means that at some point she was either transferred to another location, or she was never in Konoha to begin with."

Yūgao's eyes widened as the pulleys and coils in her mind started to accelerate. "Kirigakure," she breathed out.

The other two women stared at her questioningly.

"What about it?" Sakura asked.

Yūgao blinked quickly, and stared at her companions. "I believe Tsunade-sama was held in Kirigakure. It explains her location when Shizune-san found her. After the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, Kirigakure was oddly silent. Tsunade-sama told me that they were merely giving us the cold shoulder, and I believed it since at the time the entire country was still suffering from the effects of the previous Great Shinobi War." She focused hard to mentally visualize the map in the slug sannin's office. "When we were still tracking Akuma attacks, I noticed a pattern: all of the attacks were in countries with coastlines."

Shizune nodded slowly in understanding as her own dark eyes lit up. "Perhaps the Akuma were looking for a way to cross the ocean."

Yūgao still appeared confused. "I don't understand why the Akuma couldn't cross over. They have chakra."

The brunette shook her head. "They may have chakra, but they don't have the capability nor the intelligence to properly control it. Water-walking requires delicate control. As for the Akuma's usage of basic ninjutsu, I'm prone to believe it's more out of a lucky shot rather than a natural ability inherited from their hosts."

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Maybe the reason the entire Water Country has been unusually quiet is because there's no one left to make a voice."

Silence grasped the room in a suffocating embrace as the room's occupants stared at each other gravely.

Yūgao let out a shaky breath. "That's another matter to worry about later. Right now, we've got to stop the Akuma attack on this continent."

The other women nodded, and after sipping a cup of tea that Sakura prepared for them afterwards, Shizune excused herself and left the apartment.

Both Phoenix kunoichi sat in silence as they were deep in thought.

Sakura spoke after some time. "I feel like my whole world's gone upside down."

The older woman glanced at her questioningly.

"I don't know who to trust anymore. We loyally followed Tsunade-sama's orders, and pledged to serve her. Look where that led us," Sakura said bitterly. Her eyes narrowed as she studied the older woman. "Why did you send the Uchiha brothers to Oto? You placed a lot of trust upon Kabuto."

Yūgao forced herself to not be offended by the rosette's scrutiny. "Kabuto was originally placed in Konoha to act as the Lightening nation's spy. However, he grew to become loyal to our village after experiencing Lord Third's kindness. Only the top officials knew about his true allegiance, and when it was discovered that he was a spy, he was forced to leave the village. I saved his life by faking his death as Anbu hunter teams were sent after him."

Surprise softened Sakura's harsh gaze. "You placed your trust in a spy?" She asked incredulously.

Yūgao watched her with patient eyes. "He saved my life; I at least had to give him the benefit of doubt. Besides, Lord Third trusted him too, and I held completely faith in his judgment."

Doubt still clouded Sakura's eyes, though she let the matter go.

Yūgao decided that it was time to go, telling the younger woman to take care of herself, before leaving the apartment.

She wasn't surprised to see Sasuke standing expectantly outside of the door.

The woman gestured her head behind her. "Go in there. Sakura needs you now more than ever."

Nodding, the young Uchiha passed by Yūgao, and shut the door quietly behind him.

Pleased that Sakura wouldn't have to suffer alone, Yūgao left the building in search of her lover.


Sakura was once again in front of her embryo's cell.

The Akuma was restlessly moving about, not paying attention to her observing host.

Sakura cleared her throat. "Nefetari."

Immediately, the Akuma whipped her head towards the rosette. "What do you want, human?"

Sakura stared at the embryo unimpressed. "Save your attitude for the real fight. Tell me more about the Queen Mother."

The Akuma cocked her head. "I've already told you what you need to know, but very well, I'll satisfy your worthless curiosity. What do you wish to know?"

"How many Queen Mothers were there in existence?"

The Akuma pondered carefully upon the question. "As far as I've seen from the memories, four. One of them was kidnapped by the human you've made contact with. She was killed during the war on the human homeworld." She shook her head. "Chaos plagued my kind, and war broke out among my kin and the abominable red hive. Human warriors eventually arrived and destroyed the red hive, though they killed my kind's mother as well."

"What happened to the fourth one?" Sakura asked, intrigued.

Nefetari stretched her claws. "She was referred to as "The Great Mother" due to her old age; she couldn't even lay eggs anymore. It's said that all of my kind came from her. She was the last of her hive after it was hunted down by both humans and hunters. She died taking out the abominable king."

Sakura's brain nearly couldn't comprehend the stories her embryo told her. "What was she like?"

The Akuma's eyes glistened with emotion. "I'll show you."

-X-

Sakura's eyes caught sight of a magnificent creature that towered over even the Akuma Queen she had seen in a previous vision.

The Queen Mother resided in a central orb surrounded by six orbs. Stationed around each of then were large Akuma with long horn-like tines and long pointed craniums. They guarded the hive deligently from all threats, while the smaller drones tended to their mother's needs.

The Queen Mother's mind reached out to all of her children across the stars. Love and comfort echoed through the connection, and the homeworld reveled in the peace and order their mother brought.

She hissed softly as she listened to her children's thoughts, and guided those she deemed necessary to help. Their success was her success; their pain and fear hers as well.

As long as she lived, her children would have nothing to fear.

-X-

Sakura blinked rapidly as her vision returned to normal. She shook off the artificial warmth and fondness she felt, and focused on her embryo. "Is what Ripley told me true; is your homeworld truly gone?"

Sadness and longing filled Nefetari's normally blank face. "As much as it pains me, yes. Why do you think Nubiti's anxiously created her hive? It's in our nature to ensure our kind's survival."

The rosette's eyes narrowed. "Another continent across the ocean has gone silent. Can you sense another one of your kind over there?

Nefetari shook her head. "I purposely blocked our minds from the hive link, so I can't sense anything."

Sakura felt disappointed, but she continued. "I now know that you've been inside of me for seven years. Not once in that time, not even when I first learnt of your existence, did you worry about your presence being known. Why did you keep yourself hidden all of this years?"

Nefetari wrapped her arms around her in an apparent hug. "Even before merging with her Akuma offspring, your mentor was paranoid about the emergence of a new queen. If she had known about my existence then, she would have killed me as soon as she rescued you from the bandaged human."

Sakura raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "You were able to hide yourself from her?"

A sharp smile cut through the Akuma's face. "We're very good at hiding."

Sakura shook her head, and let out a sigh.

She nearly startled when she saw the Akuma pressed against the bars.

Her black eyes stared intensely into her own. "Since our interests align for the moment, I'll give you some advice. Never take on the Queen Mother by yourself. Ignore the buzzing at the back of your head, or whatever false promises you're told. Kill every single one of Nubiti's children. If even one survives, she'll mold into a new Queen Mother."

Sakura searched her embryo's eyes for any malice or deceit. "What about that male Akuma? You've expressed sexual interest in him."

The embryo closed her eyes as if she couldn't bare to look at Sakura. "It would be an act of mercy to spare Amenaru from a life of enslavement to an imposter of a Queen Mother."

Sakura was startled by the freely expressed emotion in her embryos eyes once they opened. She was also stunned at the fact that Akuma could even feel emotions.

As if reading her thoughts, (or perhaps she had), Nefetari scowled. "Believe it or not, my kind can yearn and grieve for each other. It's a trait we notably inherited from you humans."

The rosette refused to acknowledge that.

The Akuma's scowl faded away. "Use whatever free time you have to spend with the Uchiha. This war could kill you both."

Warmth and fondness filled Sakura at the thought of the young Uchiha, though it was quickly replaced by ice-cold fear.

She swallowed it down, and called upon her determination. "I'll do everything in my power to protect him."

Surprisingly, a fond smile graced the Akuma's face. "It seems that you feel the same for the Uchiha as I do for Amenaru."

The rosette's heart slightly accelerated at the remark, though she had no chance to reply as she found herself being sucked out of the dark space.


Sakura's eyes opened and the familiar sight of her bedroom came into view. She immediately felt a comforting warmth surround her as strong arms held her.

Memories of the afternoon came back to her.

After Yūgao had left, Sasuke came in and with one look at her disheveled form, he immediately pressed the rosette to his chest.

It was all that it took for Sakura to break down in tears as the reality of an incoming war hit her hard.

They spent the rest of the day enjoying each other's company, and once the sun set, laid together on the bed memorizing each other's features. Both of them feared losing the other.

Sakura glanced behind her, and smiled softly at the sleeping Uchiha. He looked far more relaxed and seemingly at peace.

She carefully turned around, and gently stroked the man's cheek.

In response, his eye opened lazily, and he murmured. "What's wrong, Sakura?"

"Ssh," the rosette whispered, before she pressed her lips against Sasuke's smooth ones.

His eye widened slightly, before they closed in enjoyment at the sensation.

Slowly, Sakura leaned her weight forward and gently pushed the Uchiha onto his back. She straddled his waist, and lifted his white t-shirt to reveal his muscular chest.

Her lips left a hot trail of kisses, drawing a low groan from its recipient.

In response, the Uchiha pulled off the rosette's spaghetti strap and gently squeezed the soft glands.

Sakura moaned in pleasure, but nearly yelped in surprise when the Uchiha flipped them over.

She blinked dumbly at the Uchiha who regarded her with a serious expression.

"Something's bothering you. What is it?"

Sakura shook her head, and looked off to the side. "It's nothing, Sasuke. Can't I be intimate with you?" A blush painted her cheeks.

"Hmm." The Uchiha leaned down, and starting kissing the rosette's sensitive neck.

She bit her lip to prevent a moan from escaping, though she knew that she couldn't keep it at bay for long.

Sasuke pressed his lips against her ear. "Why won't you tell me what's bothering you?" He nibbled the organ.

Sakura gasped lightly, before she bit her lip hard.

Sasuke let go of her ear, and sucked on the rosette's creamy neck. "Tell me, Sakura," he whispered gently.

The rosette's resistence deflated, and she confessed her worries about the war, about the Queen Mother, about the possibility of another infestation in Water Country, and overall, about her status as a host.

When she finished, Sakura hid her face against the pillow, grateful that her long hair shielded her from the Uchiha's gaze.

A calloused hand gently swiped away the strands of hair from her face, and tilted Sakura's head towards the Uchiha.

His dark eyes shined brightly as he cupped her cheek. "You're strong, Sakura, and you won't be alone in this fight. As as long your embryo keeps her promise to not escape, you have a chance to survive this war."

Sakura's eyes began to glisten with unshed tears. "What about you? The others? I can't lose you."

Sasuke's eyes softened. "You won't."

Sakura grabbed the back of his head, and brought it down to slam her lips against his.

He responded eagerly, and pulled off the rosette's pants, before removing his as well.

He slid his length inside of her warmth, earning a pleasured groan from both of them.

The couple's hands were always in physical contact with each other as they took advantage of what could be one of their last nights together.

Their joining was not based on pleasure or dominance, but on mutual respect and tenderness.

Their shared organism coursed through their bodies, and for the moment, prevented their minds from being plagued by dark, worrisome thoughts.


Obeying Minato's orders, the evacuation of the villagers began the day after the meeting.

As expected, there were outcries and many villagers refused to leave their homes.

Rather unorthodox, Itachi placed the stubborn villagers under a realistic genjutsu filled with gore, screams and teeth.

Needless to say, the evacuation process went much smoother afterwards.

Using the information disclosed from some of Orochimaru's loyal shinobi, the villagers were moved to Oto's designated safehouse southwest of the village. It was hidden behind a waterfall, masking their scent from the bloodhound-like creatures, and was built deep into the rock. Thankfully, it was far from the cave systems on the opposite side of the village, and was completely cut off.

Jiraiya personally placed a seal around the area, preventing any outside force from getting in.

Satisfied that the villagers were safe, Minato and his advisors, along with the Phoenix clan leaders, organized a strategy.

An attack squad would venture into the known hive entrances, and litter it with explosive tags. The detonation would hopefully lure the Akuma out of their nest, and being incredibly angered, follow the shinobi towards Oto's training grounds.

Thanks again to gained information, aside from being an open space and lacking hiding spots for the Akuma, several traps were in place and only needed to be activated by a small burst of chakra from one of Orochimaru's followers. Guren volunteered to activate it.

The shinobi knew that there were too many Akuma to be killed merely by the trap, hence why their first wave would trap the rest of the creatures within a large fire ring.

Should any Akuma manage to escape the fire, the second wave of shinobi would wipe them out.

On paper, it seemed like a sound strategy. In reality, however, nothing could ever go according to plan when dealing with the demons.

One of Minato's adviser disproved of having the battlefield so close to Oto. "The war would decimate the village. Have we stooped so low as to leave an entire population homeless?"

The former hokage's eyes narrowed in determination. "None of that will matter if we die. If we do emerge as victorious, I say it's time that we retake our home."

Approving murmurs echoed after his statement.

Currently Team 7, along with Sakura's Phoenix friends and Lee, were spending their last free day at the village's park.

They all sat on the benches, each lost in their own thoughts.

Tenten and Lee held onto each other, quietly praying to Kami-sama for their safety and their son's. It was with a heavy heart that they left him with the rest of the villagers.

Ino, Hinata and Naruto shared a bench, and held onto each other's hands in comfort.

Sakura rested against Sasuke's side, enjoying the warmth and comfort his proximity brought.

It was Ino who broke the nearly sacred silence. "This is really it, huh? Tomorrow could be our last day alive."

Naruto scowled. "Don't talk like that. We're all going to kick some demon ass and come out of it in one piece."

Lee held out a fist in agreement. "Yosh! We shall honor these great serpents by giving them the best of our capabilities. Guy-sensei's death will not have been in vain."

Ino wasn't convinced. "You guys may have impressive attacks, but my clan and I specialize in mind techniques. We're not meant for one-on-one combat." She glanced over at Sakura. "Plus there's still a risk that not all of us will come out to see another day."

Said person in question frowned, while the arm wrapped around her tightened its hold.

"I don't plan on dying anytime soon," the rosette replied. "I expect the same out of all of you."

Naruto gave her a thumbs up. "For sure, Sakura-chan! I can't become hokage if I die now."

The blonde kunoichi gave him a skeptical glance. "There hasn't been a hokage in Konoha for over twenty years. You can't just force a system onto one that's already in place, even if hokages existed in the past."

Surprisingly, it was Hinata who countered her remark. "It seems you fail to realize that if we survive this war, Konoha will change. Minato and his forces will return, and with Tsunade-sama's condition, naturally the position of authority will fall onto his shoulders. As such, the hokage system will return to the village."

Tenten beamed at the news. "It will be nice to return home with my family." She pecked Lee's cheek, earning a blush and a bashful smile from the man.

Naruto grinned. "Hell yeah! Get ready Konoha, the hokages are coming back!"

Hinata smiled at him. "You'll have plenty of work ahead of you as future hokage," she commented, earning a blush from the hyperactive ninja.

Sakura smiled at her friends' enthusiasm, and further leaned into the Uchiha's embrace.

Yes, it would be nice to return to Konoha with the men, with Sasuke. Perhaps, they could even start a family…

Heat colored Sakura's cheeks and neck, but she couldn't bring herself to wipe off the smile from her face.

They would put a stop to the Akuma infestation once and for all, and they'd all come out of it alive, Sakura vowed to herself.


"How happy, spring has come over the Sumida.

Rowing up, rowing down in the warm sunbeams.

Dropping from the boatmen's oars look like cherry blossoms.

How can I describe for you the view o'er the streams?"

A woman's voice sang in the distance, a combination of comforting yet also eery.

"Lo, see the cherry trees that stand in the morning mist.

I hear them speak to me in a tender tone.

In the eve I love to see the waving willows.

They stretch their hands to me as I stroll alone."

A soft hand gently massaged an infant's scalp, her hair the same shade as the cherry blossoms depicted in the lullaby.

"Oh, see the hazy moon rising o'er the banks.

Rows of cherry trees standing o'er the stream.

How I love the cherry blossoms in the moonlight!

How can I describe for you the night like in a dream?"[1]

The melody ended, and a foreboding silence made the dark abyss even more unbearable.

The once comforting hand roughly pulled on the infant's hair, earning a cry.

"Up in the sky, so very high!

You fly away to new lands.

Looking for adventures, full of danger!

You refuse to obey my commands!"

The upbeat song ended with a growl, and another distressed scream from the child. That's not how the song goes! She thought.

The growl turned animalistic. "You'll suffer for your disobedience, insolent child!"

"Enough!"

The growling was silenced, and the child was left alone.

She curled into a fetal position, and sobbed quietly.

She winced when a heavy hand was placed on her shoulder. She hesitantly looked up.

A bizarre-looking woman regarded her with a serious expression, but at least it was free of hostility. "Get up, Sakura. Nubiti's testing your mind's weaknesses, and you need to snap out of it."

The child sniffled. "Who's Nubiti?"

The woman barely managed to keep herself from rolling her eyes. "The demon that was torturing you. Snap out of it, Sakura. You're a grown woman, not a child."

Sakura's eyes widened as understanding replaced the childish glow. "What?"

Nefetari growled. "Wake up, Sakura! She's here!"


Sakura woke up screaming as she struggled violently in a strong hold.

"Sakura, calm down!" A voice shouted.

The rosette sobbed uncontrollably as she desperately tried to calm her distressed soul and body.

Eventually, the strength left her, and she deflated against the Uchiha's embrace.

The rosette could feel his slightly accelerated heartbeat steadily return to normal.

"What happened, Sakura?" Sasuke asked.

The woman in question let out a shaky breath. "Tsunade and her spawn were in my head. They were torturing me." She winced and held her head in her hands. "Nefetari says that she's here."

The rosette didn't see Sasuke's eyes widen in fear as he glanced out the window.

The sun had nearly completely risen out of the horizon.

The Uchiha carefully placed Sakura back on the bed, and crawled out of the sheets putting on his outdoor clothing.

The woman glanced at him in confusion. "Where are you going?"

"I have to check on my brother, as well as inform Minato-sama. You'll stay here to recuperate." His eyes softened. "Will you be alright?"

Sakura would have smiled at his concern, but she didn't have to energy for it. "I'm awake now; there shouldn't be other mental attacks."

Sasuke nodded hesitantly. "Be safe, Sakura. I can't lose you either."

The rosette's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, the two of them held each other's sight. A brief, but powerful connection passed through them. Worry, determination, affection, and something… deeper.

Sasuke walked towards the door, and opened it, before glancing back. "I'll be back soon." With that, he left the bedroom.

Sakura let out a choked breath, and laid her head back on the pillow.

She couldn't believe that her mentor, someone she held in such high regard, would willingly hurt her.

If it weren't for Nefetari shielding her mind, Sakura was certain she would have gone mad.

An idea formed in Sakura's mind, and as crazy as it sounded, she was willing to try it out. The end result seemed to outweigh the potential consequences.

Sakura took a few deep breathes to calm her nerves, before she meditated. Nefetari, she called.

A moment of silence passed by. What is it, human?

Sakura strengthened her resolve. I have a proposition.


"Homebase, this is attack squad. Group A is approaching designated hive entrance."

"Group B as well."

"Group C checking in. We've made it to our destination."

Minato hummed in satisfaction as he listened in on the radio transmission. "Proceed to step 2."

"Roger."

Minato and the other shinobi were either camouflaged by a genjutsu set up by the Uchiha members, or stationed at various posts around the village just in case.

Kakashi was distraught at his wife's decision to stay and fight. "Kai needs you," he pleaded.

The Uchiha woman huffed, before she kissed her husband. "Kai will be fine in the safehouse. I've made arrangements for a civilian woman to take care of him until we return." Her eyes softened. "It's you who needs me now."

Currently, Sakura was waiting among the second ranks. The shinobi and kunoichi around her each had grim faces as they waited for death to come to them. Whether or not they'd manage to evade it would be a testament to their skill and luck.

The Yamanaka clan members, as well as hand-picked sensors and strategists, were in a secured location at the center of the village, holding up the mental barrier and having an overview of the battlefield.

Kabuto, Shizune and other medical shinobi were stationed at the village's hospital, ready to heal any injured shinobi that entered.

So far, no one else had complained of unusual nightmares or thoughts. Even Itachi claimed that his mind was clear.

Sakura tried, but failed to spot Sasuke among the tens of dozens fire ninjutsu users at the front.

Despite not being a religious person, she prayed hard to whatever deity or force that would listen to her to keep her friends safe.

Beside her, Naruto, donning the armor Sakura had arranged to be delivered to him and Sasuke, was rolling his weight between his feet as he impatiently waited. "What's taking them so damn long?"

Sakura allowed herself to chuckle at the blond ninja's child-like behavior. "You want meet the very essence of hell that quickly, huh?"

Her companion scowled. "More like I want to send them back to where they belong."

On the rosette's other side, Tenten hummed in agreement. "Definitely. Plus, Tsunade is going to have to answer for her actions."

Sakura's fist involuntarily tightened into fists at the mention of her former master, before she relaxed it. "We'll worry about her when the time comes. For now, we've got to take out her army."

Meanwhile, the radio conversation was still going.

"Homebase, the explosives are in place."

Minato nodded sharply, even though the attack squad leader couldn't see it. "Get to a safe distance, and set them off."

"Roger that."

The former hokage sent a look back at the awaiting army, and those who could see him tensed in anticipation.

Through the radio, slightly muted explosions went off.

"The detonations have gone off. Awaiting sightings of the Akuma before returning to homebase."

"Be careful." Minato warned.

Several tense minutes of silence went by until the squad leader finally reported in.

"The Akuma are in pursuit of us. I repeat: the Akuma are in pursuit."

Minato's eyes narrowed, and he whipped his head to his advisors. "Get ready. The battle's about to begin."

"The mental shield is fully operational, Minato-sama." The Yamanaka patriarch stated.

His message offered the army some sense of reassurance, though that didn't stop their bodies from tensing, and readying their weapons. The front ranks channeled their chakra in their chests as they waited to release their jutsus.

Half an hour passed before the first signs of the attack squad were seen entering the village. Another five minutes went by before they arrived at the training grounds.

Minato looked at them expectantly. "Where are they?"

The squad leader glanced back at where they came from. "I lost visual when we left the forested area, though Kyoto could still sense their chakra behind us even when we hit open terrain."

Minato frowned as he too glanced over in the direction of the village.

Kakashi stepped beside him. "Sensei, something's not right about this. In all of our encounters with the Akuma, they mindlessly chased down their enemies, regardless of the danger."

"I agree with Kakashi-san," Shikaku's voice resonated over the radio. "I urge you all to use caution. The Akuma could be potentially setting up a trap."

Sakura decided to add in her two-cents. "Keep in mind that the Akuma have a Queen again. They should be more coordinated and able to plan out their attacks."

Minato's frown deepened at the alarming news. "The plan still stays the same. Don't lose focus."

The tenseness continued to spread its choke-hold on the shinobi.

Many of the inexperienced fighters trembled as their imagination ran wild, while the older shinobi paced restlessly.

Sakura was also getting impatient, but she kept her temper in check, though the same couldn't be said for her knuckle-head companion.

"Large chakra signature detected approaching the eastern entrance!" Nara Midori explained.

Adrenalin began to coarse through Minato's body. "Hisashi, can you confirm a visual?"

"Negative, Minato-sama. All's clear on this… wait a minute."

Everyone listening in waited with held breaths.

"There's a group of women approaching the gate."

Confusion filled the former hokage. "Civilians or kunoichi?"

"They appear to be civilians. Perhaps some of the villagers who got separated during the evacuation?"

"That's impossible. We counted and confirmed that the one hundred and fifty seven villagers made it to the safe houses." Minato replied.

"I don't have an explanation, Minato-sama. You there, come no further and state your purpose." Hisashi called out to the group.

"Unidentified chakra signature detected approaching our complex," Midori stated.

The former hokage's gut curled in dread. "Michio, have anyone from your team wandered off?"

"Negative, Minato-sama. My men and I are still stationed at the northern entrance."

Sakura's gut feeling told her that something terrible was about to happen. It's them, isn't it?

Most likely, the embryo replied. Tell the sensor to check the chakra's nature.

Sakura did as told. "Midori-san, can you identify the chakra nature?"

The kunoichi hesitated. "It… it's nothing that I've ev..."

She was interrupted by yelling coming through the radio.

Minato's eyes narrowed in slits. "Defense squad, status report!"

"It's them! It's the Akuma!" A man shouted, before he let out a toe-curling scream that was abruptly cut off by the sound of cracking bones.

"They're attempting to break through the northern gates, Minato-sama!" Michio informed.

"Minato-sama, we've got our own problem here," Shikaku stated. "The Akuma are trying to break into HQ."

Alarmed exclamations passed through the army.

"We're so fucked." "I didn't sign up for this!" "How did the Akuma manage to get to HQ?"

Minato's eyes widened in realization. "The river."

Sakura felt an intense pressure start to build up in her skull, and she gritted her teeth to prevent herself from screaming.

It's Nubiti. She's trying to make contact with you.

The rosette snarled quietly. Keep her out!

The former hokage turned to face his army. "The Akuma's have proven to be cunning. I believe it's safe to say that the fight won't be held here. We've got to…"

The man was interrupted by the sound of slightly muffled screaming that still managed to send shivers down the backs of the shinobi.

"Who the hell's down there?" A Phoenix kunoichi asked.

Shikamaru's eyes narrowed as sweat beaded down his face. "It's the prisoners. The Akuma found a way into the fortress."

Sakura and Naruto exchanged alarmed glances.

"They came through the sewage system, dad. We've got to go down there and stop them!" The blonde ninja exclaimed.

"Choose wisely, Minato-sama. The Akuma are attacking from all sides." Shikamaru warned.

Sweat beaded down the leader's face as he thought hard on what to do.

"Don't lose your focus. We can't afford to let the shield break," Inoichi stated tensely to his clan.

Minato made his choice. "The fire users will head over to the village; their jutsus will be more of a hazard than an advantage in the tight spaces of the fortress. They'll be accompanied by a quarter of the taijutsu specialists, but the rest will stay here."

"And you, Minato-sama?"

"I'll defend the village. The jutsus I plan to use need open space."

Sakura swallowed hard. Where exactly is Nubiti?

I'd reckon that it's safe to say that she's right here, deep underground. If the pounding in your head gets worse, than my assumption would be correct.

The rosette nodded, and fiercely kept at bay her instinct to run.

She finally spotted Sasuke standing beside his mother and brother. He stared back at her, worry and reluctance evident in his expressive eyes.

Her heart panged at their separation, but she knew it had to be this way. "I'll be fine," she mouthed.

The Uchiha's stare hardened, and he nodded.

Out of her new friends and acquaintances, only Hinata, Lee and Shikamaru choose to stay behind.

She noticed the shared glance between the Hyuga and her father, the latter who nodded in acceptance, though she could have sworn she saw worry in the man's eyes.

Naruto gave her and Hinata a tight hug. "Be careful, you guys." He said, his blue eyes shining with a variety of emotion.

Sakura bit her lip. "You too."

"Stay safe," Minato said to everyone, before the army split off.

Shikamaru took the lead. "Any Byakugan users, please step forward and scan the fortress.

Hinata and several of her clans people did as told, and focused chakra to their eyes.

"It's just as we guessed: the Akuma are attacking the prisoners, though the prisoners seem to be holding them back." A man stated.

Shikamaru sighed loudly. "Troublesome. Now we have to deal with two enemies."

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend?" Lee offered unsurely.

The young Nara snorted. "More like the enemy who needs a shorter knife to stab us in the back with."

Cautiously, the shinobi entered the compound.

Just like all those months ago when the Akuma first attacked, the army entered the dining hall. It was still in a disarray, the once fresh pools of blood dried to leave brown stains and melted holes on the once impeccable tiles.

The screams went on once more, accompanied by animalistic shrieking.

Shikamaru's eyes narrowed. "We'll split up to cover each hallway. Remember to avoid spilling the Akuma's blood.

Sakura and her companions choose the hallway that led down to the lower levels.

The sounds of a fight became louder the further they travelled.

"Watch out!" Hinata shouted, and grabbed a hold of Lee's jacket and pulled him back.

A second later, a warrior Akuma crashed through the wall right in front of the shinobi.

It shook its elongated head, and began to get up before an orange-haired man with strange markings on his skin and a large weight ball chained to his right leg, leapt on top of the Akuma, and punched it repeatedly.

Even more shocking, the man was laughing hysterically and seemed to enjoy beating up the demon.

Even though the Akuma was visibly dead, the man still kept on punching it, until a roar caught his attention.

A miniature-looking Queen Akuma stepped out of the darkness at the other end of the hallway, and bared its teeth at the oranged-haired man.

Said person stood up, and his right arm transformed into a grotesque version of a rocket launcher. "You want a piece of me, you ugly freak? I'LL KILL YOU ALL!"

In response, the Akuma roared and charged at the man.

The prisoner focused chakra to the arm, and he literally flew at the Akuma. They both crashed down the hallway, and disappeared from sight.

The shinobi stared in amazement, though they were weary of the lunatic prisoner.

"Well that was fucked up."

The shinobi tensed at the new voice.

A prisoner stood on the other side of the newly formed hole. He had a lean-built, shoulder-length white hair, and exotic eyes the color of amethyst.

Shikamaru stepped forward. "Hōzuki Suigetsu. I shouldn't be surprised that you managed to escape from your cell."

The prisoner's slouched posture remained the same, though his eyes narrowed dangerously. "You're part of the Yellow Flash's forces, and what's this: Phoenix kunoichi? I never thought I'd get to see any in person."

Hinata visibly became impatient. "Shikamaru-san, give the order and I'll kill this man."

Suigetsu held up his hands in surrender. "Hey now, take it easy. I'm not the enemy here. In fact, we're more likely to get killed by these monsters than by each other."

"That's not what I would say about the other prisoner," Shikamaru retorted.

The prisoner lowered his arms. "Jūgo's an exception. He can't help it; he just loves killing."

"Something you two have in common," the Nara leader said.

Suigetsu gave a toothy smile, revealing their shark-like appearance. "Unlike Jūgo, I'm able to control my bloodlust. He, however, becomes consumed by it until he kills every single living creature in sight."

"He's quite a force to reckon with. It's either he gets killed by an Akuma, or we take him out after the threat has been neutralized." Sakura reasoned.

The prisoner stared at her curiously. "That sounds like something Karin would say."

The rosette didn't appreciate the comparison. "Karin's dead."

Surprise filled the prisoner's eyes. "The bitch is dead?" He then snorted. "Good riddance."

A loud roar echoed in the cramped hallway.

"We've got to get going," Shikamaru stated.

Suigetsu stepped out of the hole. "I'm coming with you."

"No. We have no guarantee that you wouldn't betray us and leave us to the Akuma as easy pickings." Hinata added.

The prisoner smiled. "As tempting as that sounds, I'm not stupid. I'd most likely be killed before I'd manage to make it to the surface. Besides, if I'm with you, you can keep an eye on me."

Shikamaru looked back at his group. "Unfortunately, he has a point." He pointedly stared at Lee. "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."

Suddenly, he appeared behind Suigetsu, and held a kunai to his throat. "If I or my comrades suspect any ill intention coming from you, the Akuma will be the least of your worry."

Suigetsu had the gall to laugh. "Whatever you say."

The group continued down the hall, going against their instincts to flee away from the roar.

At some time, Shikamaru's father went on the radio again. "Reinforce that door! Back-up is on its way."

His son gritted his teeth, prompting a concerned look from Sakura.

Shortly afterwards, they noticed Suigetsu slow down.

The group reluctantly stopped.

Shikamaru stepped towards him. "Stop fooling around. Get moving."

In response, the prisoner collapsed to the floor, prompting the Nara to rush over and kneel beside him.

Suigetsu smiled blankly at the ceiling as blood dripped down his nose.

Shikamaru glanced up at Sakura. "What's happening to him?"

Sakura knelt on the prisoner's other side, and scanned him with her medical chakra. "He's suffering from a ruptured aneurysm." She frowned. "All of his facial blood vessels are rupturing." The evidence was shown when more blood started to leak out of Suigetsu's eyes and ears.

Shortly afterwards, the prisoner started to convulse, alarming the rosette.

Her eyes widened in realization. "He's not under the protection of the mental shield. He, along with every prisoner, is vulnerable to attack."

Her point was proven when high-pitched screams resonated like an orchestra.

One by one, they were silenced as the Akuma moved in for the kill.

Suigetsu also began to scream. "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" His screams became increasingly louder, that the shinobi winced due to their sensitive hearing.

Sakura hit the pressure point at the back of his head, and he instantly went quiet.

The group waited with held breaths, the only noise coming from the Akuma and the other prisoners.

"Kami-sama, they're coming through the doors!"

Everyone tensed as they heard panicked shouts through the radio.

"Don't lose your focus!" Inoichi shouted.

Shikamaru gritted his teeth again. "We're running on limited time. We've got to take out as many of the Akuma as we can, before…" He couldn't finish voicing his thoughts.

Wordlessly, the group sped down the hall, and once they made it to the staircase leading down, they came into contact with a trio of Akuma warriors.

Without a second thought, Sakura punched the first one hard on the chest, causing it to roll down the stairs into its siblings.

The trio crashed onto the floor below, and were swiftly decapitated by the shinobi.

They continued on their way, carefully jumping over bodies of both the inmates and Akuma, until they reached another intersection.

A group of Akuma shrieked at them, forcing the group to stop, and quickly head back the way they came, only to be cut off by more Akuma.

Even more showed up from the other two hallways.

"Dammit, we're trapped." Shikamaru cursed.

"Don't despair, my friend." Lee replied. "We shall defeat these demons and prevent them from reaking havoc elsewhere!"

With that, he jumped into the air, threw a kunai at one Akuma, who deflected it with its tail, and spun rapidly towards the demons in front. "Dynamic entry!"

The Akuma screeched in surprise and pain as they were barreled out of the way.

Chaos insued, and another fight commenced.

Shikamaru used his clan's technique to immobilize another trio of Akuma, preventing them from attacking his occupied comrades.

He manipulated their shadows, and forced them to attack their siblings.

This took the rest of the Akuma by surprise, and soon their forces were down to just the trio under Shikamaru's jutsu.

Swiftly, Sakura and Hinata decapitated them, allow Shikamaru to release his hold.

The shinobi allowed themselves to share a relieved smile, but their feeling of victory was quickly blown away.

"Oh my god, Yamanaka-sama!"

"Tou-san!" Ino cried out. "Get away from him you disgusting monsters!"

Sakura's heart beat faster as she worried for her dearest friend.

"Ino, don't do it!"

"Mind Body Switch!"

Sakura's eyes widened in shock.

"Dammit. Protect her body!"

"I… I can't keep this up."

"Don't draw back!"

Suddenly, the sensation of a curtain opening passed through the shinobi, before they all collapsed onto the ground, withering in pain.

I know that you've come for me. I'm waiting for you. The voice whispered.

Sakura gritted her teeth as the pounding in her head intensified, even though Nefetari was hastily pushing back the invader.

"The mental shield is down. I repeat: the mental shield is… ARGHHH!"

Eventually, the pain became bearable, and Sakura stiffly managed to adopt a sitting position.

Her comrades were still withering on the ground, groaning, and at times yelling in pain.

Sakura was distressed at their condition.

Leave them, Sakura. The only way to help them is to defeat your mentor.

The rosette was reluctant to leave her friends completely vulnerable, but she knew that she was currently unable to help them.

Leaning a hand against the wall, Sakura slowly stood up, and nearly lost her balance when a bout of nausea hit her.

Once the sensation disappeared, the rosette took one last look at her friends, before she carefully walked down the hall, still keeping one hand on the wall.

She quickly noticed that there was a lack of Akuma.

The Queen Mother must have called them back. Perhaps she wishes to see you alone, Nefetari guessed.

That doesn't make me feel any better, Sakura thought bitterly, but continued on.

By the time she arrived in front of the storage room, the kunoichi discomfort had gotten worse, despite Nefetari's efforts.

To her surprise, she saw the orange-haired prisoner panting heavily as he laid on the floor. His right arm, which was normal again, was pressed against his side.

Sakura wobbled over to him.

The man's head shot up, though he showed no signs of hostility.

Sakura leaned on the wall beside him. "Hello Jūgo." She greeted.

The man's eyes widened. "You know me?" He asked hoarsely.

"Only by name. Suigetsu told us about you."

The orange-haired prisoner looked down at his wound. "My name's the only thing I could keep."

The rosette knelt down, and focused medical chakra to her hand. "If you'll allow me, I can heal you." She offered.

Jūgo looked back at her hesitantly, searching her eyes for any sign of ill intent. When he found none, he removed his hand from the gaping wound, and Sakura got to work.

The rosette was surprised to see how well-behaved Jūgo was when he wasn't consumed by bloodlust. In fact, the man appeared to hate blood if the way he pointedly avoided looking at his wound was any indication.

Once the wound was healed, Sakura leaned back and fought down another wave of nausea.

The prisoner glanced at her with understanding. "You can hear her too," he stated.

The rosette met his gaze. "I'm trying to keep her out." Confusion filled her. "How come you're not paralysed?"

Jūgo gave a half-hearted shrug. "My mind's messed up as it is. I don't think there's much the voice can control."

Feeling incredibly sympathetic towards the man, Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder in comfort. "If we survive this, I'll personally make sure that you'll be taken care of."

The prisoner stared up at her blankly. "That's exactly what Orochimaru said to me, just before he experimented on my abilities for his gain."

Sakura placed her free hand over her heart. "I swear that I'm nothing like Orochimaru. Sasuke killed him months ago, so you'll no longer have to fear him. Minato-sama's men and my Phoenix comrades are not power-hungry psychopaths. We'll find a way to help you."

Jūgo must have sensed the sincerity, for a small smile appeared on his aged face. "For now, I'll believe you."

Sakura smiled back, and slowly got up.

She glanced down the hall. Instinctively, she knew that Tsunade was waiting down in the sewage.

Sakura activated her radio. "To anyone still listening, this is Sakura of the Phoenix kunoichi. My comrades are incapacitated, and I'm in pursuit of the Queen Mother. I'll need backup if possible. I'll keep my channel on."

With that final message, the rosette mustered her courage, and made her way to where the hole caused by Naruto's rasengan still stood.

"Good luck," Jūgo called out behind her.

When she arrived, the rosette wrinkled her nose in disgust at the pungent smell, but resumed focusing on observing the surroundings.

Her enhanced senses detected Akuma stench, but it was spread out all over the space that she couldn't pinpoint its source.

The platforms made eery creaking noises, while the sewage system continued to drain out the filth.

Even after spending a good five minutes studying, Sakura found no sight of Akuma.

Gulping hard, Sakura jumped down onto the top platform, and landed noiselessly.

She adopted a defensive position as she once more observed her surroundings.

"You've finally made it."

Sakura's eyes narrowed, though her heart started to accelerated in fear.

She spun around, confused as to where Tsunade was.

Above you!

Sakura whipped her head up, and saw a gold/black mass coming towards her.

Nefetari's warning prompted the rosette to flip backwards, effectively evading the Slug Sannin's heel.

Sakura landed wobbly, but she quickly took out her sword before holding it in a ready stance.

She finally got a good look at her former mentor.

Tsunade's entire body was covered by the same dark carapace that the Akuma had.

The older woman regarded her blankly. "It's good to see that you've remembered your training."

The rosette mutely stared back.

Tsunade cocked her head as if confused. "Why won't you open your mind to me, child?"

Sakura gritted her teeth. "The last time that happened, you viciously assaulted me."

The blonde woman's face remained unchanged. "I was merely disciplining you. You and your embryo have defied my actions for months, and I will no longer tolerate that."

Sakura's soul withered in disappointment. "What happened to you?"

For the first time, a sparkle of emotion flashed in Tsunade's eyes, before it was wiped away quickly. "You have no idea what suffering I've been through. This whole world is a living hell because of the violent and greedy nature of men."

The rosette shook her head in disagreement. "Not every man is like that. I've made friends with some of the most compassionate, intelligent and loyal men during my stay in Oto." Her eyes softened. "I know about the torture that you've suffered. How you were forced to become a host, just like me. Not even considering the nightmare you've gone through at Danzo and Orochimaru's hands, you've already lost your brother and lover at a young age."

Tsunade's face began to twist, before it regained its neutral look. "You're naïve. You've barely been out in the real world to experience first-hand the ugly nature of men. I will restore the peace in this damned planet."

Sakura's patience ran thin. "Your idea of peace is by killing every single man, and enslaving the women? That sounds like the work of a maniac!"

Tsunade's eyes narrowed into slits. "Watch your tongue, child. You're too naive to understand what's going on."

"I understand perfectly, Tsunade. You lied to us and had us do things against our will. You want to kill me just to ensure that no other queen will oppose you! How could you do that to your own student? I looked up to you like the mother I've never had. I obediently followed your commands and excelled in your tutelage, and this is how things end between us?"

Tsunade's face remained the same, though her hands twitched. "Times have changed, Sakura. The unfortunate circumstance of you becoming a host changed all of my plans. Had it been one of Nubiti's daughters, I would have offered you a place at my side. However, the outsider that you carry must die, and unfortunately, so do you."

Crazy bitch, Nefetari remarked angrily.

In turn, Sakura snarled rather animalistically, and charged at the blonde woman.

Said person jumped out of the way, and crossed her arms in front of her face to block the blow from Sakura's sword.

The rosette continued to attack in an attempt to prevent Tsunade from going on the offensive.

Growling, the Slug Sannin grabbed Sakura's arm, and twisted it, forcing the kunoichi to let go of the sword.

She then tried to claw at Sakura, forcing the younger woman to move back.

Sakura yelped in pain as her former mentor managed to leave a nasty scratch along her forearm, before she kicked her onto the platform below.

The rosette quickly rolled onto her feet, and sent healing chakra to her wound to stop the bleeding.

Tsunade landed on the platform quietly.

Her eyes turned black. "You'll be the first to witness my capabilities."

The carapace on her head extended to cover her face, and her entire body began to transform and grow.

Soon, Sakura found herself staring wide-eyed at a thirty-five feet tall Queen Mother.

She greatly resembled an Akuma queen, but she lacked the secondary pair of arms, and her head crest was not as decorated, though it was still impressive.

At the back of her mind, Sakura could sense Nefetari observing the Queen Mother with a combination of awe and terror.

Nubiti opened her massive jaw to reveal rows upon rows of razor sharp teeth, before letting out a glass-shattering roar.

Sakura covered her ears, and quickly jumped onto a ledge on the wall just as the Akuma charged.

Nubiti growled loudly, and aimed her barbed tail at the kunoichi.

Sakura jumped into the air, and unholstered her rope before she swung it at the tail.

It latched onto the appendage, and once the rosette landed safely, she tugged hard on the rope, causing the Akuma to fall onto her back.

Using all of her strength, Sakura struggled to keep the massive Akuma at bay.

Baring her teeth, Nubiti yanked her tail in, pulling Sakura towards her.

Once in range, the Akuma punched the rosette, causing her to crash onto the opposite wall with an off.

Sakura groaned as she felt several ribs crack.

The platform that contained the Queen Mother creaked under the increase and weight, and collapsed.

Nubiti shrieked at the sudden pull from gravity, and fell to the water below.

Using the free time to her advantage, Sakura quickly healed her ribs, before she set off to find her missing sword.

She jumped onto the top platform, and was relieved to find her weapon still laying where it was dropped.

Sakura cautiously peered down, searching for signs of her opponent.

Nubiti's large frame disappeared, prompting Sakura to believe that she had shrunk down to her human form.

Her sense of smell was a liability due to the overpowering scent of human feces.

Tsunade moved to quietly for the rosette to hear her, and she couldn't detect her presence since Nefetari cut off their mental link from the rest of the hive.

Sakura's heart beat quickly as she searched all around.

Stay calm, Sakura. You're the predator, not the helpless prey. Nefetari consoled.

The rosette appreciate Nefetari's comment, and willed herself to calm down.

She carefully walked down the platform, glancing down at the water for any sign of the missing host.

Sakura reached the edge, and stared down.

Seeing nothing, she was about to go back when a hand reached out from underneath, and grabbed her ankle before yanking her off of the platform.

Sakura screamed in surprise as she flew through the air, and groaned as she collided against the half-destroyed platform, before she fell off that, and landed on the hard surface that surrounded the sewage system.

She groaned once more, and struggled to get up.

On your feet, Sakura. She's coming!

Sakura was pulled up, and thrown against the wall.

She winced when she felt her freshly healed ribs crack again, though she ignored the pain, and ducked just before Tsunade's fist met her face.

Focusing chakra on her hands and feet, Sakura exchanged blows with her former teacher, even managing to push the older woman back a few feet.

Her satisfaction was short-lived when Tsunade took out the rope, and latched it onto Sakura's stretched hands.

She tugged hand, earning a yelp from the rosette, and forcing her to her knees.

Sakura immediately felt her chakra drain away, and she cursed Tsunade for stealing her rope.

Her anger was replaced by trepidation as Tsunade slowly stalked towards her.

Desperately, Sakura kicked various rocks at the approaching host, though the women merely swatted them away like pestering flies.

When Sakura tried to crawl backwards, Tsunade tugged on the rope, causing Sakura to exclaim in surprise, and fall on her stomach.

The blonde woman pulled Sakura up by her hair painfully, and slammed her against the wall.

In retaliation, Sakura tried to knee the older kunoichi in the groin, but she yelped in pain due to the hard carpace.

Tsunade punched her hard in the face, instantly causing a nose bleed, and distorting Sakura's vision.

The Slug Sannin tied Sakura's hands to the pipe above her, and ran her hands through the rosette's thick locks.

She bared her teeth. "You've taken more care of your hair rather than honing your skills. You've gotten sloppier since the last time we've had a match."

The host extended her claws, and sliced off Sakura's hair. She felt deeply satisfied at seeing the once luscious locks fall down like snow flakes.

Tsunade quickly removed Sakura's top armor. She roughly grabbed her student's breasts, causing said person to squirm in discomfort.

Having an idea what her mentor wanted to do, Sakura desperately pooled the last of her chakra to her second reserve. Come on, I'm almost there!

Tsunade stared at her former apprentice with a seemingly sad look. "I once saw you as a daughter. I'd like to keep you in my memories as the daughter that I couldn't save." A lone tear slid down her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Sakura."

Through her fog-filled mind, the rosette stared at her mentor in confusion, before abruptly she felt an excruciating pain in her chest.

She let out a blood-curling scream that all skilled hunters would associate with a dying animal.


Minato shot off towards Oto, followed by half of the army.

Adrenalin rushed through Yūgao's body; her heart beat accelerated, her muscles tensed in anticipation, and the woman was just ready to kill.

Minato ordered the army to split yet again. One group would support the troops at the gates, the other group would defend HQ.

Yūgao followed the former hokage to the eastern gate where the first attack took place.

Bodies of humans and Akuma littered the ground, and it was evident that nothing more could be done: the Akuma had gotten through.

The former hokage gritted his teeth. "Michio, come in. What's your situation?"

The only response he got were the panicked shouts of HQ and the hospital staff as they tended to patients.

Minato called for Michio once more, but with no answer.

Mikoto spoke. "It's too late for them, Minato-sama. Right now, we have to defend the Yamanaka clan."

The former hokage nodded in agreement, even though his heart panged at the loss of his men.

The army shot off towards HQ as fast as their chakra-enhanced legs could take them.

"Enemies straight ahead!" Someone shouted.

Sure enough, a huge pack of Akuma of varying sizes were running towards HQ.

Without second thought, the fire users jumped further ahead, and released a massive fireball towards the pack.

The Akuma only had time to look back, before they were hit by the intense heat.

The air was filled with their high-pitched screeches as they were burnt alive, but the shinobi barely paid them a passing glance as they continued on their way.

"Kami-sama, they're coming through the doors!"

"Don't lose your focus!" Inoichi shouted.

"Pick up the pace!" Minato yelled.

They arrived at HQ just as they saw the survivors of the other half of the army battling the Akuma.

Seeing another pack of Akuma isolated from the rest, Naruto focused chakra to his hand. "Wind style: Rasen Shuriken!"

The jutsu blew the Akuma away, whilst the fire users got to work again.

The shinobi quickly entered the building, and rushed to where the Yamanaka clan and others were staying.

The sounds of struggling and roaring grew deafingly loud.

"Oh my god, Yamanaka-sama!" Someone screamed.

"Tou-san!" His daughter cried out. "Get away from him you disgusting monsters!"

Minato and his forces arrived to see the Akuma barely being held back by Shikaku and his men.

Unfortunately, Inoichi was struck down by the huge Akuma who barreled its way past the defense.

Inoichi's daughter held her hands in familiar signs as she glared at the massive Akuma towering over her father.

"Ino, don't do it!" A clan member shouted.

"Mind Body Switch!"

Immediately, Ino's real body collapsed to the floor, while the large Akuma froze.

"Dammit. Protect her body!"

Minato and his forces engaged with the rest of the Akuma who put up a hell of a fight.

They were even cunning as to use their tails to trip many of the shinobi, before delivering the fatal blow.

"I… I can't keep this up." A young Pheonix kunoichi whimpered.

"Don't draw back!" Shikaku shouted.

The large Akuma became mobile again, and shook its head fiercely, stumbling as it tried to regain its balance.

It let out a loud roar, and expanded its chest.

At the same time, Ino screamed as her mind was ejected back into her body.

Sensing her vulnerability, Itachi jumped over a trio of Akuma that were quickly taken down by his mother and brother, before he gathered Ino in his arms, and jumped out of the way of the large Akuma.

Angry, the Akuma barreled past its siblings and the shinobi, crushing those who didn't get out of the way in time, and stormed out of HQ.

The Yamanaka clan members panicked as they were overrun, and lost their focus.

"The mental shield is down. I repeat: the mental shield is… ARGHHH!" A Yamanaka woman was pounched on by an Akuma who mauled her viciously.

Minato and his forces managed to take down the last of the Akuma, before they clenched their heads in agony.

Itachi gritted his teeth as he held his head in his hands, his Sharingan eyes violently swirling. "You must set up the shield again, at least on us."

The surviving Yamanaka members stiffly went through the hand-signs before they flared their chakra.

The pain was swept away, and the overwhelming buzzing noise and growling muted.

Minato got up slowly. "That was too close of a call. I believe it's safe to assume that everyone else is incapacitated."

Naruto's eyes bulged out. "That's really bad! Sakura-chan and the others are in danger!"

Itachi nodded in agreement. "I managed to dechiper part of the buzzing's message. The Queen Mother is here, and she's after Sakura."

Sasuke's face went pale, dread and worry pooling in his gut, though it only got worse.

"To anyone still listening, this is Sakura of the Phoenix kunoichi. My comrades are incapacitated, and I'm in pursuit of the Queen Mother. I'll need backup if possible. I'll keep my channel on."

Yūgao's soul was filled with fear. Sakura needed help. Fast.

"Sakura-san, this is Minato. Do not purse the Queen Mother. I repeat: do not pursue the Queen Mother."

Apparently, the kunoichi couldn't hear them, though they perfectly heard her heavy breathing as she walked.

Sasuke turned to Minato. "I've got to go back. Sakura can't face that monster off on her own."

Naruto stood by his side. "He's right, dad. We need you to take us there quickly!"

"I understand, but you can't just risk your lives going in blind. We need a plan."

His son's face turned red in frustration. "The plan's to kill that demon. We can't waste any more time!"

"Surprisingly, I agree with Naruto-san. Sakura-san is walking into a death-trap." Shikaku commented.

Just as Minato was about to resort, they heard the conversation between Sakura and Tsunade.

Sasuke went right up to his face. "Take. Me. To. Her." He growled.

Snapping to action, Minato took out his Flying Thunder God Kunai. "I can only take three people at a time. Obviously Sasuke and Naruto will be coming. Who will be the third?"

Without hesitation, Yūgao stepped forward. "I'll go. I promised Sakura-san that I'd protect her, and I intend to keep it."

Hayate's hands curled into fists, though he knew that nothing he'd say would change the woman's mind.

Minato nodded, and gestured the three to approach him.

Just before summoning his chakra, he looked over at the survivors. "Meet us at the fortress as soon as you can."

Kakashi nodded. "We'll eliminate any remaining Akuma in the village, and send the injured to the hospital."

A Yamanaka member spoke. "We'll continue on expanding the mental shield once more."

Shikaku spoke on the radio. "Kabuto, Shizune, we'll need one of you to hurry to the fortress."

"I'll go," Kabuto replied. "If Sakura's attacked, it could jeopardize her seal."

Nodding, Minato activated his kunai, and after a blink, the four arrived in front of the fortress.

The sound of Sakura's scream had Sasuke bolt down the hallway, forcing the others to hurry behind him.

Yūgao's worry deepened as she heard Sakura's efforts and cries of pain through the radio.

They nearly tripped over Shikamaru and the others who remained paralysed on the floor.

The Nara man groaned at them. "Go after her," he said hoarsely.

Not needing to be told twice, the shinobi continued on their way.

Sakura's shouts echoed in the hallways, along with the growls.

Just as the group went down the last staircase, Sakura let out a blood-curling scream before everything went eery quiet.

The group came to a halt.

Yūgao's body began to tremble and fear gripped her heart tightly.

One look at the Uchiha told Yūgao that he was close to panicking.

Naruto's eyes were widened almost comically, while Minato had a grim look.

The shinobi resumed their run, and came across Jūgo who was curled in on himself as he trembled.

For the moment, the shinobi ignored him as they desperately searched for Sakura.

They arrived at the hole that led to the sewers, and were shocked at the devastation.

Sensing no sign of the enemy, the small group jumped down carefully until they reached the bottom.

It took about five minutes before Sakura's body was discovered. Sasuke's heart-breaking scream informed the others.

Yūgao froze at the gory sight, and she fought off the sensation to vomit.

Sakura's entire body was covered in blood, her beautiful hair was cut, and there was a large hole in her chest.

Yūgao dropped to her knees in defeat as tears spilled down her cheeks. She had failed.

With shaking hands, Sasuke freed Sakura's body from the rope, and gently lowered her to cradle in his lap.

He openly allowed his tears to shed as he mourned over the rosette's mutilated corpse.

Naruto sobbed loudly, while his father held his shoulders in comfort, though his eyes glistened with tears.

"I don't understand."

The shinobi tensed, and they whipped their heads to see Tsunade seemingly morph out of the darkness.

She appeared furious, yet also puzzled as she held the lifeless embryo in her blood-stained hands. "I wanted the satisfaction to kill her embryo, yet I feel absolutely nothing."

"YOU MURDERER!" Naruto yelled as he glared at the woman in hatred.

Tsunade sneered. "You killed my children, and you call me a murderer?"

Yūgao stood. "How could you kill your own student? You were like a mother to her!"

Sasuke's Sharingan swirled violently as he stared at the woman with murderous intent.

Minato stepped forward. "Senju Tsunade, it's time that you've paid for your crimes."

The Slug Sannin screeched in outrage. "The only ones paying for their crimes will be you and the rest of your disgusting species!"

The shinobi were alarmed when her carapace started to expand, but the transformation process was interrupted with a sharp crack.

Tsunade's eyes widened in shock as she coughed out blood.

A large barbed tail was sticking out of her chest.

From the shadows came the large form of Amenaru. A snarl was plastered on his face as he further stabbed the woman in front of him.

Tsunade grimaced in pain, and the loathing in her eyes was replaced with horror as she stared at the group. "I…" she coughed violently.

It took a moment for her to recover. "I've… done horrible things."

Tears formed in her eyes as she stared at her former student. "I never meant to do this." She sobbed.

Amenaru growled lowly, before he opened his jaw and pierced Tsunade's skull, instantly killing her.

He withdraw his tail, greatly pleased at seeing her lifeless corpse collapse.

The shinobi held out their weapons ready for a fight.

The Akuma hissed lowly, though there was no aggression indicated in its posture. His focus was on the rosette.

Something told Yūgao that the Akuma meant them no harm, though it was with great difficulty that she lowered her weapon.

The others stared at her in confusion.

She stared at the Akuma. "I don't think it wants to kill us."

Amenaru nodded, taking the shinobi by surprise.

"Holy shit, it can understand us!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Why are you staring at Sakura-san?" Yūgao asked. "Do you wish to harm her?"

Sasuke's glare strengthened at the possibility.

Amenaru snorted, before shaking its head.

The purple-haired kunoichi felt dumbfounded. "Do you… want to help her?"

She felt even more so when the Akuma nodded.

The shinobi shared uneasy glances.

This was incredibly crazy, not to mention outright stupid. How could an Akuma save Sakura when she was already dead? Assuming she could be saved, why would it want to help her? What guarantee did they have that the Akuma wasn't purposely trying to get them to lower their guards to make an attack easier?

The answer: they had none.

Naruto spoke shakily. "If i-it can help Sakura-chan, I s-say we let it. With supervision!" He added quickly at the incredulous looks he received.

Everyone glanced at Sasuke who fixed an unreadable gaze at the Akuma.

He let out a sharp breath. "Let it approach." He finally said. His eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'll kill you if you trick us."

Amenaru snorted, but nodded in understanding.

Going against their instincts, the shinobi stood aside as the Akuma crawled towards the rosette.

Sasuke continued to support her body in his lap, his blood-red eyes observed the Akuma's every movement.

With surprising gentleness, Amenaru clasped a hand over Sakura's forehead.

"What's he doing, teme?" Naruto asked.

Sasuke stared in disbelief. "It's… giving Sakura its chakra."

Yūgao's eyes widened in realization.

"Chakra? What for?" The blond ninja asked.

"For the Byakugō no In. It's Sakura's only chance for survival." The woman replied.

Several minutes wait by with held breaths before a small purple diamond appeared on the rosette's forehead.

Yūgao felt excitement and hope course through her. "She unlocked it!"

Relief spread through the group, though they kept quiet as they watched the procedure.

As the Akuma transferred more chakra, the bigger the diamond got.

Shortly afterwards, the diamond glowed and expanded to long lines that stretched across Sakura's skin.

The shinobi were amazed at the sight of Sakura's body slowly healing itself. They saw Sakura's heart begin to beat, slowly at first, but steadily increasing.

The tissue began to knit itself together layer by layer.

At some, Kabuto arrived, and he was clearly dumbfounded at the bizarre sight Yūgao was sure they made.

An Akuma hunched over a human while other humans stood by and did nothing: strange was a mild term.

After Minato explained to the medic what was happening, fascination and curiosity filled him.

Cautiously, he approached the creature, though it was completely disconnected from the world.

Kabuto knelt beside Sasuke who looked like he would lash out at anyone who dared to interrumpt the procedure.

The medic decided to speed up the process and placed his healing hands over the wound.

"Is she going to make it?" Naruto asked hesitantly, though filled with hope.

Nobody answered him as the painstaking process of healing continued.

Naruto repeated his question, and it left Yūgao wondering the same thing.

Is she going to make it?


[1] Cherry Blossom- Japanese children's song