He slammed his hands into the side of the building, frustrated tears rolling down his face in waves.

"I could've saved him. I could've done something!"

"It's not your fault, Shikamaru..." Ino said consolingly as she rubbed his back, Chouji standing behind her and nodding sadly.

"Yes it is! I was there! I could've..."

"Shikamaru, stop that! It's not your fault! Asuma-sensei..." Ino choked up slightly, "He wouldn't want you to do this to yourself. It's not healthy!"

Chouji burst into tears and sobs, and Ino looked back at him horrified.

Shikamaru's scowl deepened as his best friends cries reached his ears.

'I could've saved him!'


Really, there hadn't been any need for such theatrics. But Kabuto insisted, saying it would be easier for him to remember if he read the information rather than have it spoken aloud to him.

Kane stared at the ninja info cards on the members of the Akatsuki that Kabuto had information on. Some of the ninja on here looked troubling.

Itachi Uchiha was his biggest concern. The guy was serious bad news, and Kane realized just how lucky he'd gotten off back when he was twelve.

At the same time, Itachi was a huge question mark for Kane. Why had he come to the village to warn him about the Akatsuki? What was his end game in all of this?

'I'm going to find Itachi, and bring him home.'

It felt like a lifetime ago when Sasuke spoke those words to him. Those were simpler times. Life was... Less complicated.

Kane held no regrets about leaving.

'What will I do when I find Itachi? Will I kill him, just like I killed Sasori?'

He wasn't sure. How would Sasuke react to the knews that he'd murdered his brother? Would he be angry? Would he hate him?

Did it matter?

His partner, Kisame Hoshigaki, put a smile to Kane's lips. A Water Ninjutsu machine, with the Chakra storages comparable to that of a Jinchuriki. The guy seemed like by far the easiest target for Kane. Fighting this guy would feel like he was in Water Country all over again. His only concern was that apparently the guy also used a legendary sword, but so had that other ninja he fought and it hadn't mattered. What was his name again? Zabuza?

Deidara, the blonde that Kane saw partnered with Sasori. Kabuto didn't have any information at all on the guy. Apparently, he was new, because he hadn't been in the organization when Orochimaru left. That was fine, he attacked the Kazekage, word would spread about him in no time at all.

The leader of Akatsuki and his partner. Orochimaru may or may not have divulged information on them to Kabuto, but the guy kept quiet. Apparently, he said Orochimaru wished to speak about the leader to him when they met face to face.

Kane snorted at the thought. He had no desire to meet the snake Sannin. He had half a mind to tell Kabuto to take a hike, too. The only reason he'd allowed him to come along was because he promised information, which he'd now presented before him.

But they weren't stupid. Kane wanted to know about the leader more than anyone else, and they hadn't told him. They kept it hidden from him, specifically to prevent him from backing out of the deal, if he had to guess. It was annoying, but smart.

Besides, Kane would admit the Sannin was clever. Maybe he could help him in other ways, too...

There was apparently a single solo Akatsuki member, named Zetsu. He looked like a plant, and was mostly just there for reconnaissance. There wasn't any real information on him.

Then, there were the last two. Aside from Itachi and the unknown leader, these two concerned Kane the most. Orochimaru hadn't given any information on them, other than what they looked like. Apparently, he knew plenty about them, too. Kabuto told him that Orochimaru had been present at Hidan's recruitment, in fact.

The only thing he'd deemed to tell Kane was 'They're Immortal'.

What the hell did that mean?!

These two were his biggest concern. He knew next to nothing about them, and Kane had seen first hand from Naibu, Jiraiya, Sasori, and his many battles in Water Country how important information was. Going into a battle without knowing exactly what you were dealing with could mean suicide.

He glared at the ninja info cards on the two members. Nothing aside from their names and the status 'Immortal'. Nothing useful whatsoever.

'Whatever. At least I know their names and what they look like. It's better than nothing.'

"Kane-kun."

Kane turned to face Kabuto, Karin standing behind him and looking nervous.

"There's word of two Akatsuki members. Apparently, they murdered a Jounin from the Hidden Leaf Village.

Kane's eyes narrowed, "Which members?"

Kabuto smirked.


Minato understood. He'd lost many friends and loved ones in the last Great Shinobi War, so he could empathize with the boy in front of him.

"It's not wise. The three of you should stay within the village, and let somebody else take care of this. You're attached emotionally, and that's going to interfere with your judgement on the mission." Minato spoke in all seriousness.

Shikamaru growled, "If you don't let me do this, let us do this, then we're never going to be able to move past this. We have to go."

Minato closed his eyes and sighed.

He understood. Truly, he did.

"Alright. Team Ten, I am officially assigning the mission to you."

The three members faces lit up, and Minato just hoped he was making the right choice.

"Kakashi Hatake will accompany you as team leader."

Shikamaru nodded, and the three began making their way out.

"Shikamaru." Minato's voice spoke of power, and the Nara boy tensed as he turned back to face the Hokage, his two teammates shivering as they did the same.

"I understand your desire to get revenge. Truly, I do. However, no matter what happens, just remember these words... Revenge is a slow and insidious killer. It's twisted, corrupt, and it will consume you if you let it. Don't fall prey to that hatred, Shikamaru. That goes for you two as well." Minato said as he quickly glared at Ino and Chouji.

"Hai, Hokage-sama!" Ino and Chouji yelled in unison as they saluted.

Minato turned his eyes back to Shikamaru, and the boy nodded slowly.

"Hai, Hokage-sama."


"I think, perhaps, it'll be better if I simply show you when we fight the Akatsuki." Kabuto smiled at Kane.

"In what world is it better for you to show me during battle, rather than tell me what your skills are?" Kane scowled at the glasses wearing medic ninja. He was playing games, and Kane was quickly growing irritated.

He laughed, and Kane's eyes narrowed further.

"You take life too seriously, Kane-kun."

"That's because I enjoy living, Kabuto."

Kabuto smirked. When had the guy gotten so sassy, Kane wondered. He seemed so polite, submissive even, at first. Now, he was witty and snappy, quick to say something to easily ignite Kane's temper. Or Karin's temper. Or both.

It was like he got some sort of sick enjoyment out of it.

"Fine. Whatever. So long as you aren't a burden, you can do whatever you like."

Kabuto nodded almost sagely, "Wise words, Kane-kun."

Kane scowled again.

Karin was unusually quiet as the three made their way through Fire Country, and Kane took notice.

"Karin." The redhead snapped to attention, "Something wrong?" Kane continued.

"No. Just... Thinking about how we're going to be fighting two Akatsuki members..."

The thought terrified her.

Kane nodded, "You'll do fine. I wouldn't have chosen you for a partner if I didn't have faith in your skills as a Kunoichi."

Karin beamed at that, and Kane knew he'd chosen the right words.

"Hey, Kane?" Karin asked.

"Yeah?"

"Is this your first time back in Fire Country since you left the Leaf?"

Kane paused, before nodding slowly, "Yeah. I guess it is. I hadn't really thought about it."

"Do you miss it?"

"Not one bit."

Karin frowned at that.


"You can't just send our sensei off with another team without telling us!" Naruko scowled at her dad, her arms crossed and Sasuke and Sai standing behind her.

"Naru, it was a last second decision." Minato attempted to placate the girl.

"Send us out too!"

Minato narrowed his eyes, "Naru, I don't think that's the best idea."

She scowled at him, knowing exactly where his train of thought had taken him.

'Because I'm a Jinchuriki...'

She glanced behind her at Sai for a moment, and wisely kept quiet about that sensitive subject.

"You need to send them reinforecements! This is Akatsuki we're talking about!"

Minato frowned, knowing the girl was right.

"Send us after them! We can back Team Ten up and take down those Akatsuki!" Naruko demanded with a fire in her eyes.

Minato glanced behind his daughter towards the Uchiha, and the boy gave him a stern nod, clearly agreeing with the girl.

He glanced at Sai, who was of course no help at all, simply giving the Hokage that same fake smile.

Minato sighed loudly.

"You're going to need a team leader."


"Kakuzuuuu! I'm bored!" Hidan moaned as the two were walking steadily through Fire Country.

"Be quiet. We have to make up for lost income since you let them escape with the Sarutobi's body." Kakuzu drawled in a bored tone of voice.

Hidan scowled, "Hey you bastard! You let them get away too, don't pin all the blame on me!"

Kakuzu ignored him as the two continued their pace.

Hidan moaned once again, "Man, but I hope something interesting happens. I need to give more sacrifices to Jashin-sama! It's been too long!"

"It's been a day."

"A day too long!"

"You'll get plenty of chances. There are still several Jinchuriki left to catch." Kakuzu placated his fellow immortal.

"Ehhh, I don't care about them... It sucks that we can't even kill them. I don't need some stupid Jinchuriki, I just need blood! Blood and destruction for Jashin-sama!" The man ranted as he flexed a fist at the sky.

"Find us a good bounty, and I'll let you perform your stupid ritual on them."

"Hey! It's not stupid! It shows respect to Jashin-sama! You'd do well to remember that!"

"I couldn't care less about your stupid deity."

Hidan looked aghast at that, "Atheist! Blasphemer! Heretic!" Hidan continued spitting out what he believed to be vile names at Kakuzu, and the immortal merely sighed in response.

'If only I could kill him...'


"You didn't even tell Naruko and Sasuke you were leaving with us?!" Ino asked in shock as Team Ten and Kakashi continued tree hopping through Fire Country.

"I didn't exactly have the time. I figured you three would want to hit the road as soon as possible." Kakashi said, and Shikamaru nodded in response.

"Thanks for coming with us, Kakashi-sensei." Shikamaru spoke gratefully, and the man eye-smiled in response.

"No need to thank me. I'm happy to be here, especially if it means we can avenge Asuma-san."

Chouji looked disheartened at the reminder of his lost sensei, and Shikamaru punched him on the shoulder, "Cheer up Chouji, we're going to make things right! We're going to avenge Asuma-sensei!"

Chouji brightened, "Thanks, Shikamaru!"

The Nara nodded in response, and Ino sighed, "I hope it goes as smoothly as you think it will, Shikamaru..."

"Me too Ino." Shikamaru replied.

The thought of losing another precious person to them sent a bubble of white hot fury coursing through him. Fury, and fear.

"Me too."


"Kane, someone's approaching!" Karin said, and Kane nodded in response. Karin was definitely a good choice for a companion.

The three continued walking until a ninja appeared before them, taking a knee and bowing his head.

Kane raised an eyebrow as Karin looked confused.

Kabuto smiled.

"Kabuto-sama! I bring news!"

Kabuto stuck his hand out, and the Sound Shinobi pulled out and quickly handed a small piece of paper over to the medic.

Kabuto scanned the contents of the missive, and his eyebrows raised to his hairline.

"Interesting..." Kabuto mumbled before turning his attention back to the Sound Shinobi.

"What else?" Kabuto asked.

"Orochimaru-sama has had several of us waiting for this situation for quite some time. He has been watching the situation involving the two Akatsuki members carefully, and has deemed this the perfect opportunity to move forward with his plans."

Kabuto raised an eyebrow, "You sure found me quick. I'm nowhere near Konoha."

Kane raised an eyebrow, attempting to follow the strange conversation.

"Yes, Kabuto-sama. It is fortunate that you are between Konoha and Oto, where we received word of your arrival before you even entered the Country."

"Well, lead the way then."

"Hai, Kabuto-sama!" The man saluted, but paused when Kabuto held a hand up, halting him.

The medic turned to face Kane and Karin, "My apologies, Kane-kun. It seems something has come up that demands my immediate attention. You understand."

Kane scowled, "Not helping us fight the Akatsuki?"

Kabuto smirked, "Think of it as, I'm staying out of your way like you asked."

Kane glared, not appreciating having his words twisted like that.

"Besides," Kabuto continued, "I told you I'm not much of a fighter. I gave you the information on the Akatsuki. Isn't that what you really wanted? I'll find you as soon as I'm done with this little errand."

Kane scowled and Karin glared as Kabuto turned and gestured to the Sound Shinobi. Then, the two were gone.

"Looks like it's just us, then..." Karin spoke, and for the first time wished the medic ninja hadn't left them.

'That means I'm going to have to fight with Kane in a two on two versus S-Ranked Missing Ninja... Oh Kami!' Karin thought while pulling at her hair.

"It's fine. Let's go." Kane said, and began marching once more.

'Why do I have a bad feeling about all of this?' Karin asked herself.


"Are you ready?" Sasuke asked, and the blonde nodded fiercely as Sai smiled in response.

Sasuke turned to their 'Sensei'.

"YOOOOOOOOOOOSH! LET US SUPPORT OUR COMRADES AND SHOW THEM THE FIRES OF OUR YOUTH!" Might Gai screamed at the top of his lungs, and Naruko and Sasuke both cringed and clamped their hands over their ears in response.

Sai merely smiled.

"Let's go then." Sasuke commanded, and the four took off.


As Kabuto arrived with the Sound Shinobi, he smirked.

"Didn't expect to find you here in Fire Country." Kabuto spoke formally, however mirth could be detected in his voice.

"Yes, well, I can't miss an opportunity like this now can I?"

"I'm surprised you wanted me here for this. You could've done this alone, and now I've abandoned Kane-kun to deal with the Akatsuki by himself."

The man chuckled, "Kane-kun can do just fine on his own I'm sure. If not... Well, perhaps it wasn't meant to be."

Kabuto frowned, "Not meant to be? Then who would-"

"He will survive. I'm sure of it." The man interrupted.

Kabuto nodded, "I will differ to your judgement. You always have had an amazing intuition."

A Sound Shinobi approached and bowed, before quickly announcing, "Naruko Namikaze, Sasuke Uchiha and two others have left Konoha on a mission! They're heading exactly where we expected them to!"

Kabuto smirked, "An amazing intuition indeed, Orochimaru-sama."


"Hidan." Kakuzu spoke.

"Yeah yeah, I know." Hidan sighed, and the two came to a halt and turned.

They waited, and before long two figures approached.

"Hmm?" Kakuzu's eyes widened as he took in the new comers.

"What? You know these guys, Kakuzu?"

"Know them? Not personally, no. I know of them." Kakuzu clarified.

Hidan gave him an annoyed and exasperated look, "Ehhh? What the hell does that mean, you bastard?"

"You're looking at the Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails."

"Another Jinchuriki?! Aww come on! We can't kill the Jinchuriki! What about the girl?!" Hidan asked as he eyed the red headed companion with malicious delight.

"Do as you will with her."

Karin shivered, and Kane narrowed his eyes.

'Things are about to get ugly.'


End of Chapter 52