This chapter includes:

Tsunade's Warning: Ninja No More!

( Skipping the Land of Tea Arc )

The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke!

Bitter Rivals and Broken Bonds!

An Invitation from the Sound

I followed Naruto and Tsunade into the hospital, Naruto giddy with excitement. Tsunade was going to heal Sasuke, Kakashi, and Lee. I smiled right beside her, our footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.

"May I come in?" Tsunade spoke as she walked in Sasuke's room.

"Uh, who are you?" Sakura's voice asked, making me smile. It had been quite a while since I had seen her.

"Sakura!" I came into the room and wrapped my arms around her. She stumbled backwards, steading her and myself.

"Tessa? W-What's going on?" I pulled away from her and smiled.

"I haven't seen you for a while! I missed you! Being on a mission with Pervy Sage and Naruto was sooooo exhausting." I said, rubbing my forehead. "But I'm back!"

"Sakura, Sakura!" Naruto shouted, running in the room. "You'll never believe it! She's gonna make everything okay again! Don't worry, Sasuke's going to be all right now!" Tsunade stepped around all of us to get to Sasuke. I backed up, giving her some room since three genin were in the space she needed to be, taking Sakura and Naruto's hands and pulling them with me.

"You must be the one Guy-sensei told me about. Oh please, if you can save Sasuke-" She bowed a little in respect.

"Well, I'll see what I can do!" Tsunade smiled, making me smile back at her. Now that we were in the village, she was actually being sweet. She turned back to Sasuke and placed a hand on his head, her chakra being focused in her hand and turning a green shade. She held her hand there for a moment as I felt her chakra focusing on his mind. Sakura next to me wiped some tears away, making me put a hand on her shoulder in comfort. I knew Sasuke would be okay now.

After another moment, her chakra stopped, Sasuke's eyes squeezing shut before opening the slightest bit.

"Sasuke!" Naruto grinned.

"Oh, Sasuke.." Sakura spoke softly, relief in her voice. I smiled as Sasuke pulled his blanket off of him slightly and sat up.

"Sasuke!" Sakura and I leapt forward, both of us wrapping our arms around him. I closed my eyes, feeling so much relief that he was okay. After seeing Itachi hurt him like that...I was really relieved that he was okay. I pulled away to let Sakura hug him, seeing the dazed look on Sasuke's face. Sakura didn't say anything else, but sobbed as she held Sasuke. I looked over at Naruto, who looked kind of sad. I knew he wanted Sakura to hug him like she was hugging Sasuke. He's always liked her, but I never liked the thought of him being with her. She wasn't nice to him, and Naruto deserved better.

Naruto turned around and I followed him, figuring it was time to go to Kakashi. He poked his finger back in the room, motioning for Tsunade to come out.

"Come on, you're not done." I chuckled softly, knowing he was excited to get the others healed.

When we got to Kakashi's room, Tsunade only sighed.

"Disgraceful. To be taken completely out of the game by two low life punks like that. I thought you were supposed to be the best."

"Sorry to..disappoint you.." Kakashi spoke weakly.

"Okay, that's Kakashi-Sensei! Now just one more, and you're all done!" Naruto shouted, making Guy pop out from behind the curtain. Finally, he was wringing it like someone's neck. They started making their way out when I spoke.

"I'll join you guys in just a moment." I said, smiling. Naruto stopped and looked at me, confusion on his face. "Go on, go heal Lee!" I added, making a scooting motion. Naruto grinned and nodded before taking off to Lee's room. I turned back around to Kakashi-sensei who was still sitting up.

"Tessa...so how was-" I interrupted him by basically lunging at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and shoulders in a hug. Kakashi stopped, his eye slightly widening at me. "What...what's this?" He asked gently, turning his head to look at me. I smiled at him, not letting go.

"I'm just really glad you're okay Kakashi-sensei. I don't know what any of us would do without you." I pulled away and smiled at him. He looked at me confused for a moment before reaching out, putting his hand on the top of my head.

"You're a good kid, Tessa. Thank you." I smiled and nodded.

"I better go catch up with Lee. But I'll see you soon." I promised, nodding. He nodded back as I walked down the hallway just in time to see Naruto passing. "Naruto, where are you going?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.

"I forgot, I'm supposed to meet Iruka-sensei!" I nodded as he ran past me, shrugging.

"Alright then." I went further down the hallway, hearing Tsunade talk to Lee and Guy in the room. I stopped outside the door to hear something I wish Lee and I both didn't have to.

"No one will blame you if you give up on being a shinobi." I stopped, my heart dropping and my eyes widening. Give up on being a Shinobi? I quietly walked in and stood next to Shizune, who only glanced at me. Lee sat in front of Tsunade, the top half of his jumpsuit pulled down and him hunched over on the stool.

"But...but you're not serious." Guy asked. "You're exaggerating, right Lady Tsunade?"

"His injuries have left numerous bone fragments embedded in his spinal column. It's a miracle he can still move at all. He's physically incapable of carrying out the duties of a Shinobi." I looked down, feeling my face grow darker. So even Lady Tsunade says that it's hopeless. I looked at Shizune as Tsunade talked about a surgery that could heal him or kill him, but...it didn't sound as if she had much hope in her voice.

Without saying anything, Lee got up, pulling his jumpsuit back up and grabbing his crutch, walking out the door. I wanted to reach out for him, but I knew at the moment that it wouldn't do any good. How could I comfort him with him knowing he couldn't be a Shinobi anymore? Lady Tsunade and Guy exchanged some words before Guy left, me approaching Tsunade.

"Lady Tsunade.." She turned to look at me, a questioning look on her face. "After everything that's happened...I've thought about it long and hard and.." I bowed slightly to her. "I would be honored if you could teach me medical ninjutsu." Tsunade was quiet for a moment before speaking.

"Alright. Shizune and I can teach you. But it's not going to be easy." I stood back up straight and nodded.

"I understand. I can take it."

"Ugh, I can't take it!" I shouted, slamming my hands on the table beside the fish before me. "Why can't I get a hang of this stupid thing?!" I asked angrily, my head on my hand. I heard Lady Tsunade sigh behind me, annoyance in her voice.

"I told you, you have to stimulate the heart and the brain with your chakra. That's exactly what you're not doing." I slammed my head down on the table also in annoyance.

"That's literally what I'm doing!" I said, narrowing my eyes. Ugh, why did I have to get stuck here while Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke got sent on a mission to the Land of Tea?

"No, you're not! If that's what you were doing, then why isn't it alive?!" She asked, anger in her voice.

"It's not that simple! It's not like regenerating cells in the skin to heal an open wound! This is different!" Lady Tsunade closed her eyes, her eyebrow twitching.

"Why don't you go home for the day Tessa?" Shizune spoke up nervously, a half hearted smile on her face. I stood up, crossing my arms and looking back at the fish.

"Fine. I'm done with this stupid fish." I muttered storming out the room. I gritted my teeth in annoyance. Why was this so hard? Kabuto forced me to learn how to heal minor wounds, and I got that. Granted, I got hurt every time I couldn't do it...but still! I learned it. This had to be the same thing, right?

I stomped down the stairs of the Kage building, not even caring who saw I was mad. This entire thing was frustrating and annoying. Kabuto made it seem so easy. Clearly it wasn't, and I knew it would be hard work but-

"Ugh!" I shouted annoyed. "This is so frustrating!"

"Hey!" I stopped my shouting, turning to see a familiar Nara walking this way. "I was looking for you." I raised an eyebrow, a small smile on my face.

"You were looking for me?" I asked a little surprised. Shikamaru sighed, running a hand down his face.

"Yes, I was. Aren't you supposed to be training with the Hokage?" I crossed my arms again, huffing.

"Maybe." I said annoyed. Shikamaru stopped in front of me, looking at me cautiously.

"So, why are you out here?"

"She sent me home because I can't bring this stupid fish back to life, and it was pissing me off." I said, still feeling frustrated. Shikamaru looked at me for a moment before sighing.

"I know just the thing to cool you off." He grabbed my hand, gently pulling me. "Come on." I widened my eyes at him, looking surprised yet again as he pulled me with him.

"Where are we going?" I asked, blushing at the fact that Shikamaru still held my hand.

"Somewhere." He only said. I sighed, deadpanning. Did I really expect an answer? When we got to wherever we were going, he let go of my hand and laid down on the grass, his hands behind his head as he looked up into the sky. I just stood looking at him confused.

"Um...Shikamaru?" Shikamaru waved his hand.

"Well, come on, lay down." I raised an eyebrow but sat next to him before laying down and looking up at the sky. It was quiet for a moment before I spoke.

"What are we doing?" I asked, a small smile on my face. He turned his head slightly, side eyeing me.

"Watching the clouds, duh." He said as if it were obvious. I giggled, looking up and seeing them float by casually, looking super fluffy and comfortable. "This is my favorite spot to come to. I've laid here and watched clouds for hours." I nodded, watching the clouds as well.

"It's peaceful." I said, closing my eyes. Already, just watching the clouds with Shikamaru made me feel less angry and frustrated. I took a deep breath, breathing out slowly and closed my eyes, feeling more relaxed than I had before.

"Hey...Tess." I hear Shikamaru's voice say softly. "Tessa." I slightly open my eyes to see that I had rolled over on my side facing Shikamaru. I wasn't touching him, but I had gotten pretty close, making my face turn red.

"Shikamaru?" I asked softly, rubbing my eyes. I noticed it had gotten darker, the sun still up a bit. It was sundown. I looked at him to see him laying his head on one hand, leaning on his elbow as he looked at me.

"You fell asleep." He said lazily.

"What time is it?" I asked, pushing myself to sit up.

"Its getting late. We should probably go." I nodded, standing up and rubbing the back of my hair, feeling it get kind of matted from laying down.

"Man, my hair looks all messed up now, doesn't it?" I asked disgruntled. Shikamaru smirked as I sighed, pulling it up into a pony tail, leaving some strands on the sides of my face. "I know you're too lazy to drop me off at my apartment, so I'll drop you off." I smirked. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at me.

"You're not wrong." He replied lazily. I giggled and started walking with him back towards the Nara Quarters.

"I can't believe I slept that long. I'm sorry." I apologized, looking over at him. He tilted his head over to me, not saying anything for a moment. He gave the smallest of smiles.

"That's okay." I looked over at him and smiled at him, feeling his hand brush against mine. I looked down his hand close to mine and gently grabbed it, looking back up. Shikamaru's face turned pink in the sunlight, making me smile, a heat rising in my cheeks as well. "You're troublesome." He spoke, making me smile wider.

"So are you, you lazy Nara." I teased. We stopped near his house, and I let go of his hand, stepping back. "Thank you for today Shikamaru. I really needed it." I smiled at him. He looked at me surprised, but then gave a small smile back.

"No problem." I nodded, turning around.

"Good night Shikamaru." I said, walking away.

"Good night." I stopped for a moment. Maybe.. I turned right around and walked quickly back up to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. I felt his cheeks fill with heat, before I pulled away, giving him a nervous smile. His face was bright red. I giggled and turned around, walking away quickly. I kissed him on the cheek!

I felt myself giggle nervously, butterflies in my stomach. He was adorable, no matter how lazy he was or acted.

I made it so Team 7 went on the Race in the Land of Tea Arc without Tessa because of her learning Medical Ninjutsu from Tsunade. I'm now gonna skip it and go to when they got back.

I stood outside the door, pressing my ear against it with excitement.

"Congratulations." I heard from the inside, muffled. "As of this moment, you stand a Chunin."

I pulled myself away from the door, backing up and looking up, whistling casually. When he stepped out, now donning a flak jacket, I grinned widely.

"You did it!" I said with a grin. He tilted his head at me closing his eyes.

"Yeah, but it's such a drag. There's gonna be a lot more work I have to do." He complained. I giggled, walking with him out of the Kage building. "And now I have to go eat with the rest of my team because they want to celebrate it."

"Don't you?" I asked genuinely, looking at him. "I mean, I know that you're a Chunin now, and you're lazy, and you don't want to do the work. But are you at all excited?" Shikamaru shrugged, his hands in his pockets.

"I dunno." He replied, seemingly honest.

"Shikamaru!" A familiar voice shouted. We both looked forward to see Asuma-sensei walking towards us. Shikamaru groaned next to me, making me chuckle. Right after that, a scream erupted, making me tense. Ino came forward at a sprint.

"Congratulations Shikamaruuu!" She shouted. I backed up, a smile on my face. Ino engulfed Shikamaru in a hug, her squealing.

"Ino, that's my ear." He said annoyed. She pulled away, looking at me.

"Hey Tessa! How did it go?" I smiled.

"It went great. I finally got the fish to come alive." She gave a smile in return.

"That's awesome! I've been thinking about learning from Tsunade as well!" I nodded.

"Sakura I believe is interested as well." Ino's smile dropped into one of wonder.

"Sakura?" She asked. I nodded.

"So, what are you two doing out and about?" Asuma raised an eyebrow, looking between Shikamaru and I. I felt my face turn red, me looking away.

"N-Nothing." I stuttered. Shikamaru's voice wavered as well.

"W-We just left the Kage building, that's all." Asuma laughed, Ino coming closer and poking me in the arm.

"Sure, and you didn't walk with him to the Kage this morning either?" I looked over at her, her starting to get in a teasing mode.

"I swear Ino, if you start, I'll hang you off the Hokage Rock by what hair you have left." I threatened. She immediately stopped, making me smirk. I turned to Shikamaru and nodded.

"I'll see you later Shika." I smiled softly. He looked at me with distain.

"You're leaving me with them?" I nodded, snickering.

"They're your team, you have to deal with them sooner or later." I said, walking away and waving my hand in goodbye.

"Yo Sakura, I'm here!" I hear Naruto's voice yell. I turn around and see him running down the hallway. I narrow my eyes and put my hands on my hips.

"Naruto, stop yelling, this is a hospital. And stop running too." I said, tilting my head at him. He hm'd.

"Stop nagging me." He said in an annoyed voice. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I followed Sakura inside, who had a bag of apples.

"Look, I brought you some apples." She said, a small smile on her face. I leaned against the wall, nodding my head at Sasuke, but he didn't even look at me. What was his problem? I looked at his face, His eyebrows turned downward, his eyes glaring a hole into the blanket over his lap. Something wasn't right...Naruto walked past me into the room, him and Sakura talking back and forth.

I suddenly hear a smack, making my head snap up. Sakura yelped in pain, the plate she was holding smashing against the ground on the floor.

"Ow! What the-"

"S-Sasuke-" I stomped over, grabbing Sasuke's hand wrist with maybe a little more force than necessary, and got close to him, anger flashing in my eyes.

"Don't you ever do that again, do you understand me?" I snapped. "You don't fucking touch her."

"Tessa-" Sakura put her hand on my shoulder. I threw Sasuke's arm at him, backing up and looking at Sakura.

"No Sakura, don't defend him. That wasn't okay." I turned to look at him, anger still filling my eyes. "What the hell is your problem?!" He ignored me, glaring at Naruto.

"I want you to fight me. Fight me now." Sasuke said with deadly seriousness in his voice.

"What? We're in a hospital, you just got patched up by Grandma Tsunade, what are you talking about?"

"Shut up and fight me!" He yelled, his Sharingan appearing. My eyes widened, me looking at him. He wanted to fight Naruto here and now?

"Look, whatever your problem is, don't pick a fight with us. You're being an asshole!" I scolded, crossing my arms.

"My problem isn't with you, it's with Naruto!" He yelled at me, making me slightly wince. I gritted my teeth, my right hand clenched into a fist. "Do you really think you saved me?" Sasuke glowered, asking Naruto. "I don't care if she's the Fifth Hokage, you should've have gotten her involved in this."

"What are you talking about Sasuke? What, did you want us to leave you in your stupid Genjutsu state, drooling and whimpering in a hospital bed?!" I spit sarcastically. He flung his blanket off of him, getting up and stepping in my face.

"Get out of my way." He said, inches from my face. I stared straight back into his Sharingan, knowing he couldn't cast a Genjutsu with it just yet.

"No." I said, building up the chakra in my fist. "You're such a dick. Apologize to Sakura right now, or I will make you." I said venomously. I could feel Sakura shaking, her standing right behind me.

"Sasuke, please, don't do this." Sakura said. "Naruto stop them, say something! This is crazy!"

"Actually, this is perfect." Naruto said from my left. "I was just thinking about how I wanted to kick your butt."

"Hey, why don't you guys talk about this? What do you say?" Sakura asked, trying to be the middle man. I popped my knuckles, still deadly close to Sasuke. I'd be willing to kick his ass if Naruto didn't.

"Yeah, what do you say, Sasuke?" Sasuke tilted his head towards the door.

"Follow me." He said, his eyes flickering between me and Naruto. Sasuke shoved his shoulder into mine as he passed me, walking out the door. I gritted my teeth angrily, growling. I'm gonna beat his egotistical ass. Naruto and I followed him up to the roof of the hospital, Naruto stopping a small distance from Sasuke.

"Naruto, you better beat his ass. Or I will." I said, my chest heaving with anger. I could feel myself shaking. There was something wrong with Sasuke. Way wrong with Sasuke. I looked over to see Sakura coming through the door, me looking at her.

"You.. an idiot like you has no business acting all high and mighty!" Sasuke snapped, glaring at Naruto. I placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, looking at her with concern. I could see the worry all over her face.

"Ha! What happened to the calm controlled Sasuke? Am I making ya nervous?! It looks like you picked a fight with me and are too scared to go through with it! Is that it?!"

"Let's just do this!"

"Put on your headband, and we will." Naruto replied. "I'll wait."

"Not to worry," Sasuke retorted. "I don't need that thing."

"Just do it! Come on!" Naruto yelled.

"There's no reason to put it on! Cause you won't be able to make a scratch on my forehead!"

"That's not the point!" Naruto yelled. "Come on, you know putting your headband on is a testament on fighting on equal terms as a Leaf Shinobi!" I looked at Naruto in respect. I did respect Naruto, a lot more than I did Sasuke. Naruto was an honorable Ninja. While Sasuke was previously a genius, lately he's been off. Something has been off with him, and this must have been the final straw for him.

"There you go, acting all high and mighty again! You don't honestly believe that we're equals!" My eyes widened in surprise at this. He doesn't consider them equals? They're teammates! I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief.

"Heck yeah I do! All this time I've never thought that I was inferior to you in any way!"

"You're a complete embarrassment!"

"Only because next to me, you're embarrassed at how weak you are! Isn't that right, Sasuke?!" At that statement, Sasuke ran forward at Naruto and vice versa, them throwing punches at each other. Sakura took a step forward, but I grabbed her hand, making her look at me. I shook my head.

"Sakura, we can't get in-between this right now. You'll get hurt if you do, and I might not hold back against Sasuke if I do." I said, scowling. Naruto and Sasuke landed a few hits on each other, making me wince. I wanted to do something, bad. They shouldn't be fighting each other like this. They're teammates.

I saw Sasuke beating Naruto under a sheet, me taking a step forward. Naruto kicked Sasuke, flipping in the air.

"I've had just about enough of this!" They both landed on the fence before jumping at each other, throwing hits and kicks.

"Sakura," I turned to look at her. "you should go, this could get ugly and I don't want you to be here for it." She looked past me, her eyes wide.

"Too late." She whispered, her voice worried. I turned and looked, my eyes widening in shock. "Stop it!" She screamed, running to where they would meet.

"Sakura, no!" I hopped in front of her, putting a shield right over her and I to cover us. These were two really powerful Jutsu though, so I hoped It could take it without too much damage!" I braced for the impact, but released the shield immediately. Kakashi-sensei jumped in front of me, grabbing Naruto and Sasuke both by the wrists and swinging them around out of the way just in time. The both slammed into the water towers above the hospital, making me let out a sigh in relief.

If Kakashi didn't show up, they could have killed Sakura, me, or both of us.

"What do you two think you're doing up here? That was a little intense for a sparring match, wasn't it? What's wrong with you two?" I glared past Kakashi at the two, mainly Sasuke, who yanked his arm out of the crumpled water tower. I saw Sasuke smirk at Naruto, who hadn't made much damage at the front of the tower. I growled, clenching my fist. I'm gonna knock that smirk right off his stupid face. "What were you thinking? Were you really going to kill him, Sasuke?" I looked up to see Kakashi sitting on the tower Sasuke hit, looking at him with..disappointment?

"You were gonna kill him?" I snarled, ready to attack Sasuke. What a bastard.

"You've really got to watch this sense of superiority you have. That Chidori, it was not the size you'd aim at a comrade from the Leaf Village." I jumped up towards Naruto, kneeling down to him but still listening. "When are you going to grow up, Sasuke?" I glowered at Sasuke, who only hm'd before jumping backwards over the fence, taking off.

I stood up, looking at Kakashi in concern. Something was very wrong with Sasuke, yet Sasuke himself clearly didn't care that he almost killed Naruto. I looked over, hearing Sakura sobbing, and seeing her wiping her tears, clearly in distress. I walked over and pulled her into a hug, closing my eyes.

"It's okay Sakura. It's over." I pulled away, looking at her with concern.

"K-Kakashi-sensei.." She whimpered. I looked back up at Kakashi who sat on the water tower. He sighed, clearly not knowing what to do or say to her. I heard him exchange some words with Pervy Sage, who had shown up and was standing behind the water tower Kakashi was sitting on. I ignored their words, turning back to Sakura.

"It's okay Sakura. They're done fighting. Sasuke's just being stupid." I said, trying to make her stop crying. Kakashi landed right in front of us.

"Sakura, Tessa. It'll be all right, don't you worry. We'll soon have them back to their old selves again. Cheer up, okay?" I stepped forward, my hands still clenched.

"I'm gonna hit him Kakashi, I swear." I growled. "He smacked Sakura's hand while we were in his room. I almost broke his wrist." Kakashi looked at me expressionless, before nodding.

"I'll deal with him, I promise." I stopped scowling and nodded.

"Okay." I turned to Sakura and let out a sigh. Naruto landed beside Sakura and I, his face hardened.

"This is between Sasuke and I. Both of you stay out of it." He said harshly. I scowled at him, crossing my arms.

"Excuse me?" I scoffed. "You don't get to tell me what I do and don't get into. You and Sasuke's bullshit is affecting our team, which Sakura and I are apart of. So try telling me that again and I'll fight you myself." I growled angrily. Naruto looked at me, a little taken back. I turned around, scoffing and taking off. I didn't wanna deal with Naruto either at the moment.

"You okay?" I opened my eyes to see a pineapple shaped shadow standing above me. I squinted, putting my hand over my eyes the slightest bit to block out the sun. "You're in my spot." The voice teased slightly. I gave a half hearted smile, scooting over but not saying anything. Shikamaru must have seen my face, cause he spoke again. "You're not usually out here by yourself are you? What's going on?" I sighed and rolled onto my side, facing him.

"There's just some stuff going on with my team. Drama, I guess you could call it." I looked at the ground in front of me, leaning on my elbow. Shikamaru turned on his side, looking at me as well. "I had to get away. I'm trying to figure out what to do but..." Shikamaru let out a sigh, tilting his head up.

"With Sasuke and Naruto, all you can really do is just wait and see what happens." I looked at him in surprise.

"How'd you know it was them? Oh wait, I forgot, you're a genius." I lightly facepalmed, a smile on my face. Shikamaru chuckled a little, making me grin. "Did I just make you laugh?" Shikamaru immediately stopped laughing, looking away. "Nooo, don't look away!" I giggled. He groaned.

"Troublesome woman." He couldn't hide the smile on his face from me though.

"I gotta go home and get dinner started. But I'll see you later." I smiled, standing up from my spot on the ground. Shikamaru looked up at me, seeming to frown, but nodded. He stood up and stretched, making me look at him confused. "What are you doing?" Shikamaru looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Hm? I'm gonna walk you home, that's what." I gave a shocked look, smiling a little.

"Are you feeling alright? You're actually gonna not be lazy and walk me home?" I teased. Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Never mind-"

"No!" I said quickly. "I was kidding, walk me home." I giggled. Shikamaru looked at me before nodding, walking ahead of me. I hurried to catch up to him, walking next to him contently. "Thank you for showing me your favorite spot to watch the clouds. It's been helping me be at peace, which I really need lately." I said genuinely, tilting my head up towards the sky.

"No problem. Evidently your life is more stressful than mine." He replied. I smiled, looking back at him.

"Speaking of which, how's Chunin treating you?"

"Hmm...not bad so far. I haven't had to do that much work yet." I playfully nudged him.

"Yet." Shikamaru groaned at this.

"I know." After some time, we finally stopped at my door at my apartment, me turning around to face Shikamaru.

"Thank you for walking me home today Shikamaru." I said with a smile. He looked down at me and gave a small smile.

"You're welcome." I leaned forward pressing a kiss to his cheek before turning around.

"Good night, Shikamaru." I opened the door.

"Hey, wait." I heard. I turned around, looking at him. His eyes were avoiding my gaze, me looking at him confused.

"What? What is it?" He quickly looked at me, and sighed, grabbing my hand. I felt a heat rise in my face as he held my hand.

"Look..you know I'm not good at this kind of thing, but.." He hesitated. I nodded, giving a small smile. He was trying, really trying, and I appreciated that. He looked back up at me seriously. He gave a genuine smile, making me look at him in wonder. He looked so nice when he smiled. He leaned down, my heartbeat quickening, when I felt him place a soft kiss on my forehead. I quietly gasped but didn't move as he pulled away. He was clearly either shy or embarrassed at the emotion he was showing, but I smiled, nodding at him and gently pulling my hand out of his.

"Good night Shika." I whispered. I turned around, walking back into my apartment and gently shutting the door. I put my back against the door, a wide grin spreading on my face. I put my fingers against my forehead where Shikamaru kissed it, and sighed in contentment, hiding my face in my hands as I walked towards my living room.

*Third person*

"What do ya say, kid? This runt makes me wait any longer, and I'm gonna wring his little neck." The now visible curse mark on Sasuke glowed brighter, and grew down his body.

"Come and try it!" Sasuke threatened, his Sharingan activated. Sasuke leapt forward for another attack, only getting slammed backwards by the man named Sakon.

"Come on, you really didn't think you were Lord Orochimaru's only pet, did you? One shouldn't use the curse mark so recklessly, kid. Although, it doesn't really look like you don't really have a handle on it, do you? If you unleash it for too long, the curse will start to eat away at your body. You're in the early stages of it, so it shouldn't sink its teeth into you too quickly. But once it spreads through your body, your former self will be gone, never again to return." Sasuke's curse mark retreated, going back into its normal stage, the seal reappearing around it.

"In exchange for the curse mark's power, you will be tethered to Orochimaru. All semblance of freedom will be lost to you. To gain one thing, another must be left behind. What is your purpose in this life? To stay in this backwater village, hiding with your little friends? Surely you haven't forgotten...Itachi Uchiha?" The woman named Tayuya spoke, Sasuke's eyes widening in anger.

"You shouldn't lose sight of your purpose." The man named Sakon spoke, looking down on the Uchiha. "Life in this village is little more than bondage for you. Sever your ties to this pathetic place. If you can do that, there will be no limit to the power you can wield. However..." Sakon looked at Sasuke through his hair.

"There is a small price to you coming that Lord Orochimaru requests." The man named Kidomaru said. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at them, looking at them.

"What is it?" The Sound Ninja Four grinned maliciously, looking at each other.

*Tessa*

A knock woke me out of my sleep, making me open my eyes. The darkness filled my room, me blinking to wake up. The knock happened again, making me squeeze my eyes shut and reopen them, me sitting up. I looked over at the clock. 1 am. Who would be here at 1 am? The knock grew more persistent, making me roll my eyes. I flung the blankets off of me and got up, shuffling through the living room to the door. I opened it, peeking through it.

There stood the Uchiha I was so sick of.

"Sasuke? What are you doing here?" I asked, rubbing the sleep out of my eye. "It's 1 am. And I'm still pissed off at you." I said, tried to talk angrily, but it was coming out more tired than anything.

He hm'd, turning to me and narrowing his eyes.

"We got assigned a mission. Kakashi and the others are already getting ready, or are ready. It's just you." I looked at him strangely, confused.

"We got assigned a mission? This late?" He nodded.

"Look, I didn't ask for it. But we need to go. They're waiting for us. Evidently someone has gone missing from the village, and they assigned us a mission to go looking for them." He said, scolding.

"Okay, okay, fine." I said, rolling my eyes. "Let me just get ready, okay?" Sasuke nodded, and I shut my door, sighing. Mission at 1 am. This is lame. I'm so tired.

I went and got ready, changing out of my pajama shorts and large t-shirt, and pulling on my normal ninja clothes. I grabbed some food, pulled on my boots, and grabbed my ninja weapons, sighing. I'm awake and still too tired for this. After getting my stuff, I left, turning my key and locking my apartment, and following Sasuke. He was quiet the entire time I followed him to the gate, which I wasn't complaining. I was more awake when we got there, but when we got there, there was no one waiting for us.

I turned to look at him, him casually putting his hands in his pockets. "I thought you said Kakashi, Sakura and Naruto were waiting here for us?" Sasuke didn't speak for a moment, before turning towards me, a dark look on his face.

"I'm sorry." He said. My eyes widened at him in confusion, when I felt some familiar chakra get close to us. I gasped, backing up and seeing them; The Sound Ninja Four. They surrounded me, Sasuke standing behind the girl Tayuya.

"Nice job, Sasuke." Kidomaru grinned. I felt my heart leap out of my chest, the fear overtaking me.

"Tessa." Tayuya grinned her devious smile at me. "It's been a while. Someone wants to see you. He misses you don't you know?" I couldn't say anything, feeling my body tremble. This fear...no. Why are they here? For Sasuke, yes, but...

"N-No.." I stuttered, taking a step back.

"I don't think so." Sakon grinned, walking forward.

"Get away from me!" I screamed, waving my arm in front of me. A wave of my magic flew out, aiming for all of them. Eyes widened as they ducked and dodged, my body facing the village and running right back for the entrance.

"Kidomaru, stop her!" I felt something sticky attach itself to my leg, it yanking. I fell at it's pull, landing on my hands with a cry out in pain. I rolled around on my back, Jirobo coming right for me.

"No, get away from me!" I screamed again, filling my hand with my magic and covering myself with my shield. It cut the web Kidomaru stuck me with, and I backed up, tears filling my eyes. "I won't go back!" I screamed again.

"Shut her up Tayuya!" I watched her pull out her flute, and immediately sent a wave of magic at her, making her dodge it. Jirobo, Sakon and Kidomaru all jumped for me at once.

"I WON'T GO BACK!" I screamed, closing my eyes. I felt a pulse of my magic build up in my chest. In less than a second it blew, sending a wave of my magic out of me. I heard it hit all of the ninja, them hitting things with groans. I panted for breath, that pulse taking it out of me. I forced myself to stay standing, backing up and trying to hurry to get in the village again. That pulse was a strong burst of magic, and it was all I had at the moment. I shakily stumbled backwards, making sure none of them would get up right away, when something hit me in the back of the head.

I let out a groan, before the world went black.