Disclaimer: Naruto is a Japanese manga created by Masashi Kishimoto. All characters in this story are copyrights of Masashi Kishimoto, Shonen Jump, Studio Pierrot and Viz Entertainment.

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The Lazy Uchiha

By Bud

Chapter 43: Dancing with the Stars

"Oh man... are we there yet?"

"Would you shut up already, idiot."

"Answer me! Are we there yet?!"

"For the last time, NO!"

"Naruto-kun, if you do not refrain from talking I am going to make you run the remaining distance to our objective on your hands."

"... hai, Sensei."

What was four is now three. Weeks after Sakura's departure from Team Seven to study under Tsunade and their eventual release from the hospital with a clean bill of health, both Naruto and Sasuke jumped right into the thick of missions as if they were a pair of possessed worker bees. Starting with a few D-rank missions to test their abilities, they were now assigned by Tsunade to a special B-rank guard mission for one of the smaller ninja villages, Hoshigakure, the Hidden Star. Details and other specifics about the mission were not handed down by their Hokage, only that they are to follow the orders of the current Hoshikage, a self-proclaimed Kage whom was not fully accepted in his position by other ninja nations, villages and Kages.

"Aniki, how did you bribe the Hokage into giving us this mission over Gai's team?" Sasuke glanced back at his brother briefly. "And why are you still wearing that damn hat?"

"To answer your latter question, foolish little one, every man must have a cool hat. It is not only good protection from the sun, but it makes you look more mysterious and attracts all the hot babes," said the straw hat wearing Uchiha. "For your first question, you should ask Naruto."

"Well?"

The Jinchuuriki allowed an embarrassed grin to form on his visage, one hand running through his long spiky hair. "Remember that sweets shop we ate at yesterday? Well, I bought a whole lot of that Youkan with Amaguriya and asked her to switch missions." He started snickering. "Those guys of Super-Brows are probably cleaning septic tanks by now."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Naruto, you're a sneaky little bastard, but I'm glad you're on our team. I'd rather take a mission where I might die than run around swimming in other people's crap... literally."

"You are a genius in your own way, Naruto."

"Wow, thanks Itachi-sensei!" He sped up matching pace with the older Uchiha. "Say... can I have a cool hat, too?"

"No, you're not cool enough."

"Awww, man! How could say I'm a genius but I'm not cool? I can show you some really cool things that I do that will really impress you! Like my clothes. No one can be cool as me wearing clothes like these! I'm the only one that does it because everyone is scared to wear something so bright, believe it! Aren't I cool or what?"

"No."

"Aww, come on! You think I'm cool, right, Sasuke?"

"Hell no!"

"You guys suck!"

-----

The hills and valleys of Bear Country, one of the more mountainous countries on the eastern board of the continent. The country was appropriately named for it's abundance of grizzly bears - huge muscular and furry creatures with sharp claws that could kill even the strongest ninja and if standing on their hind legs could tower at an incredible nine feet tall. As intimidating as they sound, the grizzlies of the Bear Country were very peaceful, adorable looking creatures that normally eat fish, various nuts and berries and rarely any other wild game. Only when provoked would these timid creatures show their nastier side. Leave them alone, they'll leave you alone.

Just don't bring a picnic basket.

Team Seven arrived in a secluded section of the Bear country almost complete devoid of the animal mascot. Their exit of the forest lead way to a seven meter wide strip of land that ran along side a wide ravine filled with an ominous looking gas cloud. Itachi had never traveled this section of the Bear Country, deciding upon himself to observe the land around him for later reference. The desolate land they stood upon was mirror across the ravine, stretching until it reached the adjacent tree line as did their side. His curiosity of the green cloud was put to rest when a bird flew over the ravine just skimming the cloud, then decided to go limp and free fall, swallowed up by the ominous occurrence.

Sasuke grumbled. "How the hell are we suppose to get across this ravine with that gas cloud blocking our way?"

"Why don't we just jump over it?" Naruto said, adding his input.

"Sure, you idiot. We'll jump over the cliff to the other side and die from breathing gas that is worse than yours." Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Are you crazy?"

"Uhh... yes?"

Sasuke rubbed his forehead.

THUNK!

"It seems that we have company," Itachi commented after watching a grappling bolt fly across the ravine to pierce and hook against one of the few trees living upon the desolate ground. He silently observed the male figure running along the attached rope toward their position. "Nice balance." His brother snickered.

"Checking the guys out, Aniki?"

"Of course," he said, quickly continuing before Sasuke added his own retort. "Always looking for potential suitors for my foolish little brother."

"I'll give you a suitor..." the younger Uchiha muttered, adding a few darker and more profane words under his breath. "ressa frassin rassie frazz..."

The figure jumped from it's line to land several feet in distance from Team Seven. It was indeed a male wearing light armor, a skull cap with gas mask, grey colored sleeveless clothing, gloves that extended past his elbow and boot-like ninja sandals. Sasuke's keen eye looked over his equipment finding several hidden items, weapons, a weapons pouch and a kunai holster that was common among hidden villages. If there was anything to indicate that this was the enemy, Sasuke found nothing of the sort during his brief observation. There was, however, the distinct feeling that there was something different, something in the back of his mind that said that this person held strength that was different from the norm.

"Can I assume that you are Konoha shinobi?" the figure asked in a voice muffled by the gas mask.

"Depends on who is asking." Sasuke issued the challenge, his hand visibly moving to his weapons holster to show his intention. "Well?" The figure reached up and removed the mask and head gear revealing a youthful face topped with a mop of black hair. Partially hidden under his bangs was a forehead protector engraved with a single star.

"You're from the Hidden Star Village?" Naruto asked. He nodded.

"I am Sumaru. I came to meet you guys."

Itachi nodded to him. "Very interesting defenses that you have here, Sumaru-kun. Poisonous gas is not a very nice way of dying from what I understand. It was kind of you to provide a solution to our problem of crossing this obstacle."

"This section of the Bear Country is surrounded by natural poisonous gas deposits such as this. Foreign ninja cannot infiltrate the area and it serves as a natural barrier," Sumaru explained. "Good to protect my village and the land, bad for village commerce but we're very self-sufficient."

"I can't wait to visit," Naruto exclaimed. "It's great that you decided to help us over."

"I could not just sit by and wait for you to find a way." His eyes seemed more serious than they previously were. "Though I wouldn't mind if you did fall in." Naruto narrowed his eyes at the guy, locking themselves in a staring contest of wills.

Sasuke and Itachi looked at the two then at each other. With a shrug of his shoulders, the elder Uchiha addressed the Hoshigakure shinobi. "If you're quite done being captivated by my subordinate's eyes," he said causing Naruto to break out in a grin and the Star ninja to sputter in such audacity displayed by the Konoha-nin. "I feel it would be wise to enter your village and speak with your leader about our mission parameters."

Sumaru turned away, hiding the look of contempt he had for the three shinobi. "Fine. Follow me, this way."

-----

Hoshigakure was a small village compared to the five main hidden villages spread out across the continent. It was well defended, however, utilizing the natural terrain of the Bear country and it's natural inhabitants. The villages was spread-out throughout a semi-dense forestry in various clearings along the edge and within the tree-lines. Compared to Konohagakure, Hoshigakure was more rural than current day modern. The common construction material was highly dense wood and stone and mortar instead of the concrete and cement found in more sturdy buildings. Sitting directly in the center of the village proper and standing proudly as the largest building in the largest clearing was the main house of the Hidden Star, a tall building with a steep gabled roof in which a large star symbol sat high and proud bearing the village crest. It was inside on the third floor in the Hoshikage's court where Team Seven sat.

"I am the substitute Hoshikage of the Hidden Star Village, Akahoshi," said a middle-aged man sitting upon the Hoshikage's cushion. He wore a light blue yukata and a pair of grey pants with a high-collar vest over his upper wear. His facial features were very distinctive - a somewhat bony face with long jaw-line, wide blue eyes and a mop of purple-like colored hair tied into a thick stalk and tail at the back that also spilled over his forehead protector.

Itachi gave him a questioning look. "Substitute Hoshikage?" Sasuke, who sat next to him, both exchanged look. Naruto sat adjacent to their right facing across from them and seemed more interested, or disinterested, in Sumaru who sat opposite of Naruto.

"Since the Sandaime Hoshikage's sudden death a year ago, there is no Hoshikage in this village."

"I thought only the five current Kage's could choose to elect a new Kage of a village," Sasuke said. It was true, in fact. No other village acknowledged the Hoshikage as a true Kage. The Academy at least taught some politics between ninja villages and only the current Kage's of each hidden village can elect additional Kage's of other villages to join their elite status.

"That doesn't matter!" Eyes focused upon Sumaru, whose eyes held a burning fire behind them. "We won't lose to you guys! Now, even though we're small, this village will one day be among the five main villages. At that time, I will become the true Hoshikage!" Naruto, at first annoyed that the fool started talking, found something akin to a kindred spirit. His desire to be the strongest in his village was similar to his passionate goal to become Hokage!

"Be silent." Akahoshi narrowed his eyes at the boy, who looked back at him with eyes filled with contempt. "Return to your training." Sumaru stood, departing without question or protest.

Naruto followed him. "Wait a minute!"

"Keep him out of trouble. I'll inform you when we regroup."

Sasuke sighed. "Someone has to babysit him once in a while. I don't know why it has to be me." He soon followed Naruto trail. "See you later, Aniki."

Itachi's eyes focused on Akahoshi. "Please, continue where you left off." The substitute Hoshikage nodded.

"He was correct in saying that our ninja do not have the qualifications to be a Kage," he began once more. "But, this village has the star that is envied by all the five main villages. Using that star's powers, we may have the potential to elect the sixth Kage." Seeing the curious look in the Uchiha's eyes, he continued. "The Star of our village is a gift from the Heaven's that fell from the sky and landed a distance away from our village. Our Shodai Hoshikage discovered the star and has been in our possession ever since."

"And there is suspicion that there are those whom wish acquire this star for it's value and your secrets." While an assumption, Itachi considered his words more as fact. With such a powerful artifact in the hands of a small village, he was surprised that they were not attacked in full force and had their artifacts striped from them by rival ninja. "Am I to assume that our mission is to guard and protect your Star?"

"Yes, however you are not to make contact or be in direct presence of the star as it is not only a treasure of this village, but a national treasure of the Bear Country."

Itachi sighed. "Very well. You can trust us to perform our duties as indicated. I would also like to ask permission to question some of your villagers and other ninja to gain more information and investigate possible leads."

"Very well."

-----

"Ah! I finally caught up with you. You're Omaru, right?"

"It's not Omaru. It's Sumaru."

Sasuke also caught up with the pair but decided to trail behind them and listen in. He had to admit that there was something special about this Hidden Star village. It seemed more peaceful than Konoha, lacking the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Everyone seemed more task focused, using every minute of their day for something constructive like teaching, building or tending to vegetable patches. In his rush, or lack there of to catch up with the wild-haired blonde, he had spotted a few groups of ninja of varying ages in formation learning taijutsu. It was a huge change of pace being in a small village, something Sasuke would like to appreciate as long as he could.

"I can tell when someone is lying," said Sumaru. "All foreign countries are out to get the star."

The scenery wasn't bad either. Of all the ninja nations, the Fire Country had the most dense forestry available. The average tree was over one hundred fifty feet in height with it's trunk over six feet in thickness - a prime example being such timber and foliage found in the Forest of Death. Again, Hoshigakure was a nice change of pace. Trees were tiny compared to those of the Fire Country, yet they fit perfectly with the scenery. He continued to follow Naruto and Sumaru along a built pathway that seemed completely natural with it's surroundings. The path swayed, curving around various trees before becoming a hair-pin turn that climbed up a grade. All that he saw was easy on the eyes and brought a sense of calm to the Uchiha, accented by the sounds of birds chirping and the faint yet audible rustle of leaves caused by smaller forest critters.

"So, do you know any cool jutsus?"

Sumaru glared at the blonde. "Hoshigakure's techniques are not for the eyes of foreigners. Especially those who may use them against us." Naruto ignored his somewhat hostile attitude.

"Come on! If you show me a cool jutsu, I'll show you a more greater one," he teased in a sing song voice. "I know a jutsu so great and awesome, it can even defeat our Hokage!"

No, he wouldn't...

The Star-nin stopped, turning to face the blonde with look of skepticism. They were Genin according to that Uchiha Itachi. For a Konoha Genin to know a technique that could subdue their own Hokage, he wondered what sort of training regime that outsiders use. Naruto had hit the right button in gaining his curiosity. "One that can defeat your own Hokage? I'll believe it when I see it."

"It's a great technique!" he said once more, waving his arms in an expressive gesture. "I'll even show it to you as long as you show me one of your techniques. What do you say?"

Oh no, I did not just hear that...

"Fine."

The pair and follower continued onward until they arrived in a clearing followed by a path toward desolation similar to the areas along the ravine. You can easily see the scarred earth traveling a path that ended in a deep crater surrounded by various petrified trees of varying conditions. The earth was ashen gray, completely dead to the rest of the world leaving a permanent mark where the proud fallen star of Hoshigakure landed and was found by their Shodai Hoshikage. Standing at the epicenter of the crater was their shrine and monument, a stylish building with a conical-like roof that not only housed their sacred star, but also acted as a training center for the village's ninja army. Only a select few of Hoshigakure's talented young ninja were selected to partake in the rigorous and dangerous training involved. The training itself was unknown to anyone outside of the Hidden Star and a deeply kept secret of it's people.

"This is our power."

Sumaru formed a two-handed seal and focused completely on Naruto. Before either Konoha-nin were prepared, a sudden burst of chakra exploded out from Sumaru creating several large visible tendrils behind him. The power leaking off was immense for someone his age, nothing compared to Naruto and his own chakra capacity and the dirty chakra of the Nine-Tails, but respectable in it's own right. Naruto stood rigid, captivated by the sight where he watched as the array of tendrils appear and quickly form into a fan-like form behind Sumaru reminiscent of a peacock. Sasuke, also impressed by such a play went deeper into his observation and noting that despite the huge amount of chakra being uses, the leakage from the technique was barely there, if not nothing at all. To have such chakra control with such a huge capacity bordered on genius, if not freakish.

"Kujaku Myouhou." Mysterious Peacock Method.

Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "WOW! That's cool! Do something."

"No," Sumaru said with finality, not wishing to argue about his village techniques. They were their techniques and outsiders, despite not able to steal of mimic their Peacock Method, were not worthy of witnessing in action if they were not the victim. "I have shown you our skill, now show me this technique that can defeat a Hokage. You promised, did you not?"

"I know I did, who do you think I am?" Naruto crouched slightly, his hand forming into a ram seal. Sasuke immediately turned away not wishing a repeat of the last time he saw that kinjutsu, that forbidden technique. In fact, Sasuke decided to walk away and investigate that building while Naruto distracted the Hoshi-nin. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto and I don't go back on my words, that's my Way of the Ninja! So feast your eyes on the greatest technique ever!"

"OIROKE NO JUTSU!"

-----

So, we're suppose to be guarding this gaudy little shack, eh?

The gaudy shack was the building sitting at the epicenter of the crater. Sasuke began to study it in more detail, picking out weaknesses, possible points of entry and how to better defend such a structure in the case of enemy attack. The obvious negatives were it's wooden construction in which a skilled Katon specialist could wipe out a whole section with a high level technique, or anyone capable of proper usage of a large explosive note. Only a single point of enter located at it's double doors on one side and a possible second door if an underground tunnel or crawl-way existed between the smaller side building and the temple itself. All other logical entrances were sealed or blocked off with security bars and possibly trapped. Defending it would be easy with only one entrance and a possible hidden path too small for more than a single ninja to traverse. However outer defenses would be near impossible if one took in location and the angle of the grade leading to the upper surface around the crater. Any attack force no matter how small or big had the advantage of height. Hopefully their future enemy was not too smart or experienced enough to realize that.

Someone ran out of the building. By their body language they seemed like they were in a big hurry. Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"Naruto!" He raced after the figure. "Move it or lose it!!"

"AH! Sasuke, wait for me! Sumaru, you check on your friends."

And so the chase began. Sasuke was quick on the pursuit, trailing right behind the mysterious stranger holding a stone object in one hand. He could only take a long shot assumption and believe that this person had just stolen the sacred star of the Hidden Star clan. Not only was their mission compromised, they had failed in protecting the star before they even started. That really pissed off the young Uchiha, who like his brother extremely disliked failure of any kind. Just the mere thought broke away the defenses of mind to bring forth a level of controlled rage only witnessed by the unfortunate. With such determination and adrenaline flowing through him, he increased the amount of chakra to his legs, almost instantly closing the distance between himself and the mysterious ninja, or he assumed it was a ninja, and ran along parallel the thief's path at a distance, mirroring all their movements without the aid of his Sharingan.

You will not escape me! Were his thoughts as his hands flew through several hand seals. Rat, Tiger, Dog, Ox, Hare, Tiger.

"KATON: HOUSENKA!" Fire Style: Mythical Fire Flower!

To maintain his speed and perform the technique without pause was a testament to his training. To lead the target instead of targeting the ninja directly showed his skills in marksmanship and his intelligence. The speed at which the small fireballs escaped his lips were much greater than normal displaying how far he has progressed in refining and perfecting his techniques. Yet the mysterious ninja decided to throw all of that out the window by dancing around, evading all the deadly fireballs and leaping away out of the kill zone where nearly all of fireballs exploded in a shocking display from the kunai wrapped in explosive tags hidden within. This did not deter the Uchiha, only spurred him onward and further pursue the ninja who stood atop one of the taller barren petrified tree trunks.

"You should not of stopped moving."

The enemy seemed surprised at the speed he moved, at first he appeared to be closing in on him then disappear from sight, only to be behind him to deliver a vicious kick to the back that sent the ninja flying across the field. Before he could recover, a loud scream alerted the ninja and only allowed a very short window for him to brace himself for the powerful attack from a loud blonde ninja sent him rocketing to the unforgiving ash covered slope. The ninja gasped loud enough for either shinobi to hear, his eyes widening in pain under the gas mask as his body literally bounced off the slope from the amount of force generated from Naruto's rebounding attack. And just as the ninja's body came close to the peak of it's rebound, Sasuke suddenly appeared next to him using one foot to brake his sudden stop and another to brace himself as he inhaled and released a fireball the size of his own body.

"KATON: GOUKAKYUU NO JUTSU!" Fire Style: Great Fireball!

"KUJAKU MYOUHOU, BOUGYO!" Mysterious Peacock Method, Defense!

Sasuke gasped. "What?!"

The raging inferno created by the Uchiha dissipated revealing a kneeling ninja forming a special seal. It was not the ninja itself, but the array of pulsing purple chakra tails burning brightly behind his body forming a familiar set of feathers he had just recently witnessed not a minute ago. He narrowed his eyes as he considered the possibilities of facing off against someone such as this - he could fight them and see what this mysterious peacock was all about; or he could work with Naruto, take back the Hoshigakure's precious star and proceed to interrogate for information.

Time to gather information about this person.

"Naruto!" Again he called his name without expecting a response. He simply lifted his hand, forming several hand signals that were repeated drilled into their heads until they could understand it like a second language. Need to see what this one can do. Attack him with all you have, I will support and observe a weakness. With only the two of them, Sasuke had no choice but to play support instead of attacking and observing as his normal forte. He did not wish to admit it, but he wished Sakura was here at this very moment.

"Alright, it's my turn now! KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!" Close to twenty clones appeared around the blonde. A simple shout and gesture caused a group of stampeding Naruto's to attack the mysterious peacock ninja. "Get 'em!" Chakra started to swirl around the ninja before it spiraled seemingly out of control.

"KEMONO!" Beast!

Before Naruto realized the situation, a huge claw completely wiped out half of his clones forcing him to call an immediate scatter from the attack. What remained spread out in a circular pattern around the target and attacked with flurries of shuriken. The maelstrom of steel hit, but the lion-like chakra beast protected it's master from the deadly steel with it's own body. Nothing phased it, only further angering the chakra apparition. Naruto moved himself, mingling in with his shadow clones as they continued to let steel fly until their inventory began to dry up. The beast roared loudly, striking and destroying another Naruto group, completely missing the real blonde. A sizzling kunai flew by, completely missing the beast and master, only to explode near it's backside. While protected by it's beast, the concussion of the explosive note's detonation caused the enemy ninja to briefly lose concentration. Sasuke smirked.

"Now, Naruto!!"

Several clones leaped, latching themselves to the enemy ninja. "Ha! We found your weakness!" The blonde grinned as he charged at the ninja at his full speed, one arm held back as a clone followed and assisted him with the technique. "While you're concentrating on your chakra, you're not moving!" The clone behind him disappeared as he leaped into the air, rising right at the trapped ninja with a raging torrent trapped in the palm of his hand.

"RASENGAN!"

The ninja snorted. "There isn't only one chakra."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. What?

The ninja's chakra split in half, one remaining as the beast and the other becoming a huge barrier that literally swatted down the airborne Jinchuuriki as if he was nothing more than a fly. Naruto's cry followed him down until he hit the ground, the Rasengan ripping the ground asunder for several meters before he eventually crashed into one of the petrified trees. Despite his incredible endurance and legendary stamina, Naruto let out a deep groan of pain and was slow to get up. The shadow clones disappeared, releasing the ninja from it's temporary prison. The second chakra of the ninja formed into an identical twin of the huge beast, then with a simple seal and concentration combined together to create an even larger beast. With a roar that shook the very ground they stood upon, it lunged right at the Uchiha with the intent to swallow him whole.

Sasuke dodge to the side, skidding to a halt as one of the beast's claws crash into the ground in front of him. He dashed forward under the belly of the giant beast, his hands flying through several seals as he ran directly up the tree the ninja stood upon. On pure instinct he dodged the claw swipes of the beast, spiraling around the trunk knowing it cannot directly strike without endangering it's master. As the Uchiha neared the peak the beast struck again and Sasuke was prepared, his hands fanning out as he leaped backward over the strike releasing several triple-windmill shuriken! The red and black eyes of the Sharingan controlled the path of the Sofuusha Sannotachi, encircling the ninja like a pride of lions stalking their prey. Sasuke landed with a roll, skidding to a halt before locking his sights on the ninja. Like a puppet master he manipulated the strings attacking the ninja relentlessly, making cutting passes at the arms and legs, the chest, forcing the ninja to do more than become stationary and ruin their concentration.

"Naruto!"

The ninja dispelled the beast, much to Sasuke delight. Just as he began to encircle and wrap the ninja in wire in preparation for the Dragon's Fire technique, the enemy exploded with chakra! The aura was huge compared to what he had seen in the past, rising and stretching in all directions. Naruto and Sasuke both shielded themselves foregoing any means of offense against the ninja while such a spectacle was happening. A few seconds after the beginning of the torrent it condensed and shaped forming what appeared to be wings, making the two boys stare in disbelief. With a single flap the ninja took to the air, climbing high into the sky before disappearing beyond either of their reach.

"You gotta be kidding me..." Sasuke muttered in disbelief.

"What? He can FLY?!" Naruto shared his same thoughts.

Sumaru arrived. "You let him get away?" Naruto tried to apologize.

"I'm sorry, but-" Sumaru cut him off.

"I knew I shouldn't of trusted you. Especially someone that uses such perverted jutsu." Naruto narrowed his eyes at the Hoshi-nin.

Sasuke frowned. "What I would want to know is what is going on here." He studied the Hoshi-nin, carefully observing his reactions. "He was using the same techniques that you showed Naruto." As expected, the boy showed a look of shock, but it was genuine. "Most importantly, why did the enemy retreat when you arrived and not before."

"What is the meaning of this?" Naruto asked.

Sumaru closed his eyes. "That technique couldn't be used unless he received star training."

"Assuming he did," Sasuke speculated. "Then were are not just dealing with another country attempting to steal your star, but an internal affair. Is that guy someone from your village?"

"I don't know."

Sasuke flicked his wrist, his windmill shurikens flying into his hand and his Sharingan disappearing into the darkness of his eyes. "I do know one thing - the enemy has that star and we have to find it. There is something missing here, though. And I bet that Akahoshi guy has the answers."

-----

An hour later the trio of Sasuke, Naruto and Sumaru found themselves once again in front of Akahoshi, the temporary Hoshikage. The Genin of Team Seven sat in the rear as Sumaru explained the situation. With each word spoken, Akahoshi's demeanor shifted from passive, to surprise, then anger.

"What? The star has been stolen?"

Sumaru, from his sitting position, bowed down until his forehead touched the ground, a gesture that begged forgiveness for his failures. "Yes. The trainees were right next to it, but they all lost consciousness due to the enemy's technique."

Akahoshi slammed his fist onto the floor. "How shameful!"

"Don't say that!" Naruto exclaimed as he moved next to Sumaru. "That ninja's chakra was amazing!" He waved his arms, gesturing the greatness of the techniques. "Turning chakra into smoke and feathers, and giant beasts... It was the first time I'd seen something like that!"

"Is that true, Sumaru?"

"Yes. It was definitely the Mysterious Peacock Method."

It was subtle, but Sasuke noticed every reaction from Akahoshi. The man seemed too relaxed when they had explained that their precious star was stolen by an enemy ninja. When Naruto spoke of the enemy's technique, his ability to create forms and creatures with his chakra, the temporary Kage displayed a subtle amount of emotion to get the wheels in Sasuke's head turning. And now the mentioning of that Mysterious Peacock Method, a technique only known to the Hidden Star Village. Sasuke wanted answers and he wanted them now.

"This Kujaku Myouhou, Mysterious Peacock Method, is a technique only known to this village, right?" Sumaru turned to address him.

"Yeah. That technique can only be used by those trained--"

"Sumaru!" Akahoshi glared at him, making the boy advert his eyes elsewhere.

Sasuke made the connection. If several trainees were around the star when the enemy attacked, what was the original reason for being their besides defending the star? His cut-off sentence only peaked his curiosity when he began to dive into the training method for the Mysterious Peacock. Countries, except Konoha, desired the star for various reasons, most of which were unknown to Naruto, Itachi and himself. To speak for itself, the star contained enormous power if this village wished to guard it so desperately, going as far as classifying every aspect of the star along with hiring Leaf ninja to guard it with the stipulation of not coming in contact with it. If the trainees were to come in close contact with such a powerful artifact and if Sumaru and that enemy's skills showcased anything that could tip him off, Sasuke could only surmise that the star had the power to supercharge a ninja's chakra capacity and chakra strength exponentially. His Sharingan allows him to see chakra on a colored spectrum compared to the rest of the world. Chakra was normally seen as a light blue color that flowed throughout the body and center at the abdomen, a trait similar to the Byakugan though the Hyuuga bloodline takes several steps beyond the abilities of an Uchiha. Naruto, an exception to this fact, has his normal abundance of blue chakra and the rare dirty red chakra of the Nine-Tails leaking or at times flowing through him and his seal. Sumaru and that enemy had a purple colored chakra that was not only a bright beacon to the Sharingan, but can be seen on the normal visual spectrum when forced out.

"Akahoshi-san," Sasuke stepped forward, dropping down to sit close to the temporary village leader. "My team takes responsibility for the loss of your Star. We have failed in our mission and can only express our deepest apologies. However, we will find and return the artifact. We guarantee this."

"That's right! We'll do our best to get the star back and beat down that thief, believe it!" Naruto thrust out his hand with a thumbs up. "It's a promise of a lifetime!"

Sumaru humbled himself. No, it was my responsibility. "Akahoshi-sama, please give the order. I will definitely retrieve the star and bring it back home where it rightfully belongs."

"No. Leave the recovery of the Star to these Konoha shinobi. Return to your teammates and tend to their injuries."

"But, only the villagers know about--" Sumaru tried to protest but was immediately, albeit near violently cut down by Akahoshi.

"That's an order!!"

Sumaru lowered his eyes. There was a long pause between words which allowed Sasuke the time to gather his bearing and let the air clear up. He looked right at Akahoshi.

"Satou Akahoshi-san, may I ask you a question?" He nodded. "The concerns of your village, with the exception of our mission, is none of my concern. However, considering the skills displayed by both Sumaru and our enemy, there is only one connection that I can make," he said, his gaze switching from both Sumaru and the village leader. "Are we in the middle of some civil war?"

Akahoshi gave him a calculating look. "I assure you that we would not hire Konoha ninja to perform a duty we could do ourselves against out own people, Uchiha-san. Unlike other villages, this Hidden Village within the Stars do not bicker among themselves. No, we are not engaged in civil war. My only assumption is that the person whom attacked us is a missing-nin or some sort of criminal whom was previously associated or has defected from our village." He finished, sending the Uchiha an openly hostile glare. Sasuke merely brushed him off.

"Then we'll take our leave and recover that star."

Minutes later the two Genin and lone Hoshi-nin found themselves standing in front of the main house of Hoshigakure. Naruto and Sasuke both gave Sumaru suspicious glances, wondering what kind of power this guy contained within him to scare off that ninja. Sasuke also had a suspicious of Akahoshi, whose words he took very lightly and questioned at every turn. It was Naruto who broke the ice of silence between the three.

"Are the one's taken out by that ninja all right?" he asked Sumaru.

"That is none of your concern," the boy replied with a cold, hostile attitude. He pushed by the blonde and black haired ninja, displaying that he was above them and cared very little for their well being. "You guys are just outsiders. You're not comrades or anything like that."

Naruto frowned. "What crawled up his butt?"

"More importantly, you idiot, did you see Akahoshi's reactions?" He shook his head, receiving a swift knock on it from the Uchiha just seconds later. "Dolt, pay attention. Have you learned anything up to this point? The guy was hiding something and it had to be big if it has anything to do with that enemy we fought."

"And we're in the middle of everything?"

Sasuke agreed. "Yeah, we are. And it all revolves around the star. What do you think about it?" Naruto shrugged.

"I really don't know. But it's important for this village and Sumaru, that I understand."

"I think it has to be more than that. By what they were saying and what they were not saying, it has to do with their training regimen and how they develop such strong chakra. If that star contained a power to increase your chakra, it's no wonder why everyone and their mother desires to get their grubby hands on it."

"So, how do we get that star back?"

Sasuke sighed. "We'll have to ask around for clues and find any leads that could help us. I'll ask around in the village and check the surroundings. In the mean while, you watch over that Sumaru and make sure he doesn't cause any trouble. We don't know if that ninja will return to take him out of the picture if this is a civil war."

-----

"There is no doubt about it," said one voice.

"So, the one who took the star was him?" asked another, emphasizing the last word in his question.

A third spoke. "So he's alive?" The second seemed to speak to the third.

"If so, then we're done for. He's the last shinobi to have fully mastered the star's power. In short..." The third male finished for him.

"Our techniques will be no match for him!"

"Don't be so hasty," said the first voice, now very much distinguishable. "Even if he uses it, we know his weakness."

"I see."

The third chuckled. "We'll make preparations right away."

"Wait." He pause for a long moment. "We need to distract the annoying flies."

Outside the house of the Hoshikage, Itachi stood hidden in the veil of shadows under the trees, watching and waiting. Yet it was not the Jounin but a mere shadow of himself whom had heard the conversation between Akahoshi and two others. Above the very room and window where the village leader spoke with his subordinates, the real Itachi sat with a calm, passive expression listening and recording all that was said between the three men. A frown formed on his visage.

What plans do you have, Akahoshi-san? What sort of conspiracy are you working within your village?

As those questions ran through his mind, the two subordinates and co-conspirators of Akahoshi's departed from the facility, unknown of the shadow clone following them. Itachi made it perfectly clear to his shadow that he wished for it to trail them yet not make any real attempt at hiding it's presence. Knowing himself, he would of followed them in a manner similar to that of Sarutobi Konohamaru - using a cardboard box or an empty barrel and call it a Shadowing Technique. Whatever action that they take, his clone was to destroy itself and whatever information it learns, he would in turn have knowledge of. He would play their game and see it to the end, if not end it himself.

Itachi yawned. If anything was going to happen, it could at least wait until morning. He had more pressing matters to attend to, like catch some beauty sleep.

-----

"Oi, Sasuke!"

The Uchiha did not bother to look at his teammate as he scanned the distance with a small yet powerful monocular. "What is it?"

"Have you seen Sumaru's group?"

"What do you mean Sumaru's group? I thought you were watching over them." He sounded irritated, but that did not effect his vigilance of the area. He had heard from villagers, albeit they were only vague answers, that most ninja train near the ravine filled with poison. Not only as a way to test their awareness of their surroundings, but prevent severe damage to the land associated with the Mysterious Peacock Method.

"Well, you see... It seems like most of the group went with Sumaru to look for the Star." Sasuke lowered the device from his eye.

"Is that so?" He glanced at Naruto then the direction of something he felt earlier. "That would explain the release of that weird chakra I felt earlier. Something must be going down."

"We should go right away!"

Sasuke nodded and the two were off to the races, bounding from tree to tree, running along the ground at a quickened pace that matched each other. While they ran, Naruto reflected the information he had learned before seeking out Sasuke given from one of the trainees, a girl named Hokuto. Sumaru, that jerk that seemed more distant than most, lost both his parents after foreign ninja attempted to steal the star many years ago. It would explain why he found him reminiscing about the trinket he held in his hands earlier in the day and why he was so avid in returning the star to the village. The star was somewhat a reminder of what his parents died for and what they believed in. It was a symbol for him an his people. However, he could not forget Sasuke's words concerning the star, that it was what gave them their power. Yet, he saw that guy Mizura and the condition he was in. Now, Naruto had his share of odd, dangerous and even lethal training where he could of died, like that time Ero-sennin threw him off the cliff to learn the summoning technique, but whatever it was that star did to them, it was killing that guy. He was far from being a medical specialist, but he knew a suffering and dying person when he saw one.

Sasuke peered through his monocular, trying to steady his vision while they ran. "We're getting close. I can see that enemy and those trainees up ahead. Get ready, Naruto."

"Right! I'll back you up this time."

Sasuke tucked away his device, licking his chops. "Follow me."

-----

The two members of Team Seven just broke past the tree line when they saw the collective group of Hoshi-nin trainees collapse around the mysterious ninja. Almost immediately after the group was incapacitated, the ninja bounded the severely weakened Sumaru and placed a gas mask over his head. Naruto instantly realized his plan.

"Stop right there! Don't you dare take him you bastard!" The ninja tilted his head, seemingly amused by Naruto's outburst. He paid them no heed and continued his work. "Sasuke!"

"I know!"

The Uchiha pulled out a pair of kunai and preparation to attack. The ninja seemed to anticipate his moves and held the now unconscious Sumaru in his intended attack path making Sasuke change his tactics. He hated situations like this, being unable to attack at full strength due to the enemy holding a key individual hostage. Thinking quickly, Sasuke sped forward at an even greater speed, suddenly leaping and twisting in the air, his arms snapping like a whip to launch several kunai at the enemy. Three of them were aimed directly at the mysterious ninja's chest, which the enemy immediately pulled Sumaru right into the path of danger. Sasuke landed in a crouch, his eyes and hands manipulating the strings until he completely caught the enemy by surprise. A pair of Sharingan controlled triple-blade windmill shuriken cut right across the paths of the kunai, the conventional throwing blades using the shuriken as an intercepting surface to ricochet and connect all three. One hit high and stabbed right into the chest of the ninja, missing the heart and it's main arteries and veins by a mere inch. The second hit another which in turn hit the last kunai, the two splitting off and connecting with each upper leg, again barely missing the major blood vessels which would of brought forth the bloody mist Sasuke aimed to create

"Damn, he's still alive," Sasuke cursed, his Sharingan focusing on the enemy before him. He saw the images of the enemy before he moved, causing some form of panic. "No, he's going to jump!"

"Oh no you don't!"

And jump he did. Pulling the kunai from his body, the ninja slung Sumaru over his shoulders and jumped right off the edge into Hell's Ravine and into the deadly gas that neither genin were prepared to deal with. The two genin followed as far as the edge, the both of them witnessing the ninja once again produce wings and fly off. But instead of the star, he was flying off with the leader of the Hoshigakure trainees Sumaru. Sasuke, knowing it was futile to follow, had to restrain his teammate from doing something as stupid as following the enemy. He was actually having a hard time doing so.

"Let go of me! I have to do something!"

"Stop it, you idiot! Not even you can survive down there without proper equipment." He threw Naruto down, sitting on the blonde's back and anchoring himself down with his chakra to prevent him from getting up. "Give it a rest. You're staying down there until you settle down and think clearly."

"..." Uzumaki sent him a glare. He sighed. "...fine. I understand."

Sasuke stood, investigating the area where he connected with the ninja. Blood drops coated the ground where the ninja stood, indicating that the fool was not all that he turned out to be. Thinking back to earlier that day, Sasuke swore that the ninja would of put out more of a fight. Something is wrong here and I can not place my finger on it. "We drew first blood. He's not as powerful as he seems, Naruto. If it bleeds, we can kill it."

"He'll pay for kidnapping Sumaru!" growled Naruto, smashing his fist into his palm. He was really pissed off, near the boiling point. Sasuke noticed almost immediately.

"I said calm down, Naruto!"

The blonde looked away. "Sorry... It's just that--"

"I know and I don't like it either. There is more to this mission than it seems and we need to get to the bottom of this." He looked over at the fallen Hoshi-nins. "We need to take care of them first and get them treated."

"I'll carry most of them," said Naruto as he called forth a few shadow clones to help with the load. They each took a pair, thankful that the trainees were smaller than them at least. Naruto spoke out. "Sasuke..."

"Hn?"

"It's strange, isn't it? Even if that ninja got the star, he came back for Sumaru. Why would he take Sumaru with him, though?" He sighed. "I don't know what to think, but it might have something to relate with the time the star was almost taken ten years ago. From what Hokuto told me, at that time it seems that Sumaru's parents were guarding the star, but they were killed." Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"When did you hear about that?"

"Right before I learned that Sumaru and these guys would try to get the star themselves."

"Hn."

-----

The flicker of candle light danced upon the coated wick, it's light casting shadows upon the wooden walls that danced to an unknown beat. The luminescence of the moon was blocked out from entering into the candle lit room, it's location undisclosed to the outside world hidden away from prying eyes and assassination attempts. The yellow flame danced, reflecting off the monitor screens and polymer casings. Tubes and wires extended from the case, running across the floor and up to the bed where they were hooked to the unconscious Sumaru of the Hidden Star. The machines monitored his heart rate and other vital signs while another assisted him in breathing freshly recycled air and oxygen. The young shinobi looked more like a tired and restless victim than a patient.

"He inhaled some of Hell's Ravine's gas?"

"No," said Akahoshi as he removed the skull cap and gas mask from his head. "I put him in a coma so the gas would have no effect on his body."

"I understand why you'd use Sumaru to lure that person out..." the tall shinobi began. The shorter, stocky shinobi finished.

"But a child of our village..."

"Does it make you uneasy?" The two looked up at their leader. "You've already stained you hands! What's with the hypocritical talk all of a sudden?!" The two swallowed the feeling in their throats. "Let those Konoha brats think that he kidnapped Sumaru. We'll also let them handle the star's retrieval." Akahoshi chuckled at the thought of making a fool of Uchiha Itachi and his two simple genin. He winced, suddenly remembering why his legs and and chest were bandaged tightly. That Uchiha brat was a skilled one.

"We do have a problem, Akahoshi-sama."

"And that is?"

"That Uchiha Itachi.. he'll cause problems for our plans down the road. He's a cunning one and we cannot put is past his ability to stop us at any time." said the taller of the two ninja.

The stocky ninja continued. "I've heard rumors about him. They say that he's THE strongest ninja in Konohagakure, but that is only a rumor..."

"And that is all it is - a rumor." Akahoshi grinned, his eyes narrowing at the comatose Sumaru. "Once the Konoha brats recover the star, they will be easy pickings for us. They'll witness the true power of this great Star Village."

..click..

Within the shadows of the room, Itachi shut off the voice recorder in his hand. Sleep escaped the Uchiha this night and his legs brought him back to the main house of Hoshigakure to observe in hopes of relieving him of the restlessness that snatch away his favorite past-time. And by luck or fate he stumbled upon a strange looking shinobi landing in the rear and dismounting a humanoid bundle into the arms of one of the two ninja present. Following the ninja inside had brought forth a quick break in the mission and knew information to use against Akahoshi, a man who not only wishes to gain personal power with use of the Hoshigakure treasure, but betray the weak trust between the Leaf and the Star.

Dog, hare, horse, hare, bird, rat.

The area around the three Hoshi-nin shimmered yet went unnoticed by either one. Taijutsu specialist he may be, but Itachi was indeed the genius that everyone claimed that he was, easily locking the three ninja in a genjutsu that not only fooled their eye sight, but focused their hearing to give the power to focus their hearing to whatever the Uchiha desired. Light bended to his will, creating casting a shadow wherever he walked, shrouding the rookie Jounin from plain sight. Only until he was safely out the door and into the hallway where he messed perfectly with the natural darkness did he finally release the jutsu that held the three inside in check. With the experience gained through years of deadly missions were silence was the key the Journeyman ninja slipped out of the building without unsettling a speck of dust, his mission now to find his little brother and idiot blonde teammate to make preparations in destroying Akahoshi's operations. Being betrayed on missions by your contractor was a common offense in the world of ninja despite what others may believe, however, what was happening in the Hidden Star was outright betrayal and conspiracy.

Itachi hated conspiracies, especially when they involve him and his family. Akahoshi was going down hard and if he would have to destroy the whole village to do so, it was going to happen.

-----

End of Chapter 43

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Author's Notes:

Wow! Thanks for the reviews and your comments. I really appreciate your time in reading my story and criticizing it where it counts. I'm still wondering if any of the artist out there would showcase their talent in drawing Itachi and Sasuke in the black uniform that Sasuke used in the Chuunin Exam finals, Sasuke with Chidori and Itachi with his Chakra blade.

This chapter takes places in the Star Village Arc of the fillers. I decided to use this arc to showcase Sasuke and Itachi's investigative skills, in turn showing why the Uchiha were known for being genius ninja and why the created the Konoha Police Corps. And no, I wasn't down-playing Sasuke's skills at all in this chapter. His speed is used in burst, meaning he cannot maintain it for long periods. In fact, Sasuke probably had the best showing of combining skills and strategy in this chapter than any other. Naruto, of course, had to pull off Rasengan sooner or later. And for those whom have seen these fillers, yes, I'm changing it up so Itachi can lay the smack down on a whole village.

Thanks again for reading and leave a review! Tell me what you think and ask questions!!