Here 'tis! A new update! And so soon too! Your enthusiastic reviews for the previous chapter (which by the way, I think were undeserved) really encouraged me….. that and lack of money – I couldn't order any Petshop of Horrors, sooo…..
THANKS TO ALL WHO REVIEWED!
AND TO ALL THOSE WHO WILL, THANKS IN ADVANCE!
You all know I LOVE reviews! And not just reviews but chatting, too. I encourage chatting. And self-pimping – especially when it involves sending me links of cosplay photos, fanart involving GL, and Naruto news (such as when these damned fillers are going to end) etc, etc.
If I like a piece of art I will even pimp it for you! Ha!
Ummm… anything else… well… life is good… I recently went to the beach and got horribly burned, itchy, blistery and all sorts of ugly stuff like that…
That's what happens when you are a pale person who NEVER tans. 24 years of life should have taught me never to try to tan – but hey, I still try. And I must say that Lake Huron is still my favorite lake (yes, I went swimming for the first time in like 5 years)… if I was going to be a fantasy character, I'd be a vampire.
No word of a lie. I hate the sun (I prefer fall, winter and spring), and want to live a long life. So anyway, moving on from my peeling legs and arms…
To my reviewers!
Snowfall: Yes, I'm giving Tsunade a large part in this story. To be honest, she's NOT my favorite character. But she's functional as a person who's moving the plot on. And she does have her own sub-plot – you'll see…
Anonymous: Thanks for reviewing! Yes… I've been writing a lot cliffies lately – but that's only because I find my chapters get too long and I have to half them. Hope you find this chappie fulfilling!
Sokerfreek922: HI! Welcome! Thanks for reviewing! Cool name by the way! Were you interested in the Soccer word cup thingy? I was kinda disappointed in it b/c of the bad acting. Seriously. What was with all those fake injuries? Since my dad was born in Holland I cheered for the Netherlands, but they lost, so then, on principle I cheered for England, but then they lost, so then I cheered for Germany, but then they lost… (sigh) But I gave up caring… and then, it turns out my house is an island in an ocean of Italians and Portuguese (and they get SO excited and basically clog our downtown with parades and stuff)… which is cool. Anyway.. back to my story! I'm glad you enjoyed my novels! It's kind of important to read the previous fics because they give a lot of backing to this one and I flash back to those fics a lot. I'm glad you agree with the characterization since it's hard to imagine what they would be like after a war… Sasuke was the hardest, but hopefully I'm getting used to writing him… hope you like this newest update!
Chidorimaniac: hi! Glad you're glad! (hahaha!) you can tell I'm brain dead right now since it's 1:40 in the morning and I'm still perky from my shift at work! Hope you like this update!
Ymir: The whole bug episode thing is a Naruto filler (aired back in winter of 2005, I think), in which Hinata suggests looking for this certain bug (which Shino mentions) which can only smell one scent and then find that person. It's really dumb and ridiculous – but of all the fillers, one that I think should be canon and taken seriously since we find out Hinata's newest jutsu. Naruto ends up farting on the bug, so it follows him around and naturally, Sakura (who's away training with Tsunade) is V. mad! (READ my reply to KITTYCATCHARM below for indepth reasons why I accept it as canon) Ha! Anyway… Shino had a 'tude in it, which was also a plus – the way he brow beat Naruto was classic! I hate Sakura. Seriously. But I'm trying in my fic to make her a likeable character who can be strong as well as weak. I hope it'll work…
Mahoakitti: Hmmm… what do you think? I think a bit of both. I write it with a lot of ambiguity b/c that enables the reader to fill in the blanks for themselves. But I think that Kakashi is paralyzed by issues and memories and STUFF, and therefore ends up allowing Yukio to do stuff he should be doing. So, basically, it takes two to tango, you know what I mean? It's never all one person's fault. That's what I'm trying to show. Does that make Kakashi less loveable – that he's vulnerable one minute and then raving angry and defensive the next? Well… that's up to you to decide… I'm not sure if I like Kakashi as he's now… but of course… that's what Sakura is there for! Hahaha!
Thief of the Sand: Thanks! I'm glad you like. It's kind of a heavy story… but it's been fun to write. Hope you enjoy what's going to come up next! And good luck with your story!
Inquisitive: Thanks for the encouragement. Seriously. It's dedicated (rabid) fan readers like you who keep me writing… well… I'd write anyway since I'm an Narutard, kakashi idiot… but… well… work lately has been crazy (literally run off my feet) and between exploring other fandoms and anime and sleeping, I'm totally tired out these days. But I will perservere! There's no way I'm giving up on this baby! I'm glad you liked the flashbacks… this chappie is more action than thought. Hope you enjoy nevertheless!
Jennjennr: No prob. Totally understandable. After all, I kinda got behind in the updating too – so it all works out! Ha! I'm glad you enjoyed the Obito flashback – when I first read the Gaiden manga, I cried my eyes out. Seriously. Me. The rock. I can't wait for it to be animated… yeah… I think this is going to be a case of friendship blossoming into a romance and everybody will be like "Hello?" and – I better not say anything more or else I'll spoil my plot! Hahaha! I'm glad I struck that perfect balance between angst and humor – there's nothing bad with angst – but it's not real angst if there isn't humor to show the other side… 'sides… I'm a softie at heart – character deaths always upset me (esp. when they aren't cited as such…) you must always have rays of sunshine! I want to give Raido two dimensionality. I think it's going to work. He's got issues with Kakashi – for a number of reasons which we'll all find out… dun dun dun… And thanks for all your encouraging end remarks… they seriously make me big headed. I run home and wave it in my little sisters' faces and say, "Ha! Look! People love me!" Thanks again!
Kittycatcharm: Thanks for the heads up on the confusion in the past chapters! I'm going to try to keep it simpler. It's hard to get these ideas across in nouveau manners – simplicity, I think is the key! And yeah… no beta reader so I kinda posted it up untouched. Will probably have to go back and change a couple things – including the info on Sasuke's girlfriend… which was wrong… (sigh) I really need to organize my notes better. Sai. One word. Hot. V. Hot. Did you check out those groin lines? Sheesh… he needs a belt. Prosty-tot, much? But cute… He may be evil though – and therefore break my heart… oh well… yeah… I'll probably bring him in… as SHINO's BOY TOY! HAHHA! Just joking! Crack pairings are fun! As for those fillers, on principle, I agree – but the bug filler was I think was important b/c: a) Naruto becomes more aware of Hinata, b) Hinata shows a new jutsu, c) Naruto is impressed by a waterfall-dancing-chick (ergo, fueling romance), d) Shino grows in leadership and e) you see the relationship between Hinata and her dad – so sad! And oh, yeah, f) Neji starts to notice Hinata. So I don't think that filler is trash. Although parts of it were wince worthy… Zuzu and Tetsu are… mmm… yes… definitely the highlights of the recent filler. (the rest, I shut my eyes to) I just paused the avi and drooled… Zuzu is my favorite… and Genma… he's coming up… I can never leave that man alone… seriously… as for Yukio, I'm glad you are krunk with him. Most people seem to be. I don't know what depth of imagination he sprung from (I don't have an evil ex), but he's been pretty interesting to write. I basically try to make him swing both ways – because most people do. It's like Zabuza. Again, thanks for the encouragement, hope you enjoy this next chappie!
Sabireru: hope you enjoy this action-packed chappie! Looking back, I see things have moved along quite a bit – and things will move faster… and faster… and there's no knowing where we're going, and I show no signs of slowing and the rowers keep on rowing… (I think I'll stop now!) Enjoy.
Shadow Dragon Boss: Yeah. It's getting to be a soap. But then, isn't Naruto a soap itself? Hahaha! Yukio vs. Sakura. Who will win Kakashi's heart? The Question of all time! Hope you enjoy this installment.
Darkflameangel: hope you squee at this one! I'm glad you liked the angst. It was kind of sad… I thought… "Oh… this time I over did myself…" but hey, it seems to be working for everybody – soo… well… thanks for the fanart heads up… I'll check it out when I've got the time (Friday. That is to say, I'm writing on Thurs. 2:10 am, but on Fri I'll check it out) Drunken bickering. Oh yeah. I'm not sure if it's realistic though – or the hangover part… (I've never got drunk before) but I'm basing it on my brother's conversations about him and his pals… (yes, I do research stuff… sort of… the rest I make up…) glad it works!
Stoictimer: Ahhh! A new reviewer! Nice to hear from you! I'm glad you like – and hopefully you enjoy the SakuKaka interaction in the next couple of chapters! (when I get around to writing them… that is…)
I can't believe I'm not Anime: Yeah… Kakashi doesn't want to be babied… (kakashidiot cuddles chibi!Copy Nin… sooo ccuuuuuttteee!) ahem. Yukio is, yes, jealous… but he's not that jealous gay type who has a lisp. He's the uke (?) I think… the one on top. He's the in charge type of guy you wouldn't guess to be gay… (I don't even think he's gay per se, more like… anybody to screw will do – what do you call that? Nymphomania? Bisexuality?) oh! You were in Germany? What for? (just curious) until next time! See ya!
Sanity Through Madness: Squuueeee! KakaSaku cosplayers! NO WAY! WAAAA! Share! Pweeeaasseee? Sounds cool… I have as yet to get my ass off to a convention. (mainly b/c I'm shy and need to go with someone) But Southern Ontario is rather blah about those kinds of things – only 1 really good one to go to (in Toronto) which I missed in the spring… ah well… and the KakaYondy poster – what's it like? Is it a Gaiden poster? Do tell! And no… I don't think I have a fanclub yet… should I? hahaha! I should get website up and running though… just too lazy… maybe this school year… (I have a feeling I'll still be writing GL even then…) As for Yukio… yes… he's the antithesis of Sakura – but that doesn't mean he's totally evil and Sakura is totally perfect. Both have the potential to hurt and heal – it's the choice of the deep soul. I think Yukio is basically selfish and socially inept. And totally unable to deal with his issues, which he then thrashes out at Kakashi's expense… I think… I'm still trying to map this character out as well… oh well… we'll see how it goes!
WOW! 2:20 AM. Sheeesh! That's late! Gotta go to bed (going to work at 10…)
hana megami: well... lateness is no problem! (I always check my email just before updating!) I'm glad you like the layering of the plot - from now on, it's going to get rather complex... tough... and as for Rock action... hahaha! you'll see! (I'm so excited) and I have a soft spot for Hinata - she's just sooo sweet!
Until next time!
I do not own Naruto.
Warning: KakaSaku-ness! Hahaha! (that's for you, Yukio)
NOTICE: I MADE A BIG MISTAKE LAST CHAPTER (what happens when you lose your notes) AT ANY RATE, SASUKE'S GIRLFRIEND isn't YUUHI LYRA - but GEKKOU LYRA.
Gentle Lesson
Chapter 22
Chance
"You say he's been looking at you funny?"
"Y-y-y-yes…" Hinata blushed as she looked down at her fingers – now nervously meeting at the tips. "It's…"
"Scary, huh, when your dreams come true."
The red-eyed genjutsu expert smiled understandingly at her student.
Well… ex-student, really. Time's gone by so fast – one minute, I'm a newbie Jounin given the responsibility of a genius team, the next minute, here we are – equal status, trying to keep a hard earned peace… what life brings…
Her hand absently rubbed her belly.
It's a chance, eh, Asuma?
"Dreams?"
"Dreams. You've had them since Academy, didn't you? About Naruto?"
Hinata turned an even deeper red and looked up nervously – ahead of the two women, the rest of the group were rushing along through the rocky mountain terrain that lined the border of Rock.
It was beautiful, really – the morning had begun well – some clouds, a blue sky, and a warm sun with a cool wind. Perfect for traveling – the roads were in good condition. Now, with the sun hanging lower in the sky, their lunch meals settling in their bellies, Tsunade's group definitely had high spirits.
Especially Naruto.
The Jinkuurichi had been irrepressible. His constant attention to Hinata –
"Hey, Hinata… what do you think of this plant?"
"N-n-n-naruto… that's… a thistle…"
"Eh? Eh? Ack! Get it off me!"
"Hey! Hey! Check this out, girls! Aren't I the strongest?"
"Naruto! Stop being an idiot."
"N-n-n-naruto… be c-c-c-careful…"
"Eh? What did you say, Hinata?"
"……"
"No. Seriously. Tell me."
"…. Eeep…."
"Sakura. Move over, Hinata has no space on the blanket!"
"Naruto… really…"
"MOVE!"
"NARUTOO! DAMN YOU! SHUT UP!"
"N-n-n-n-naruto! S-s-s-sakura-chan! I'm fine! Really!"
"No, you're not! You need space to eat!"
"Um… er…"
"Leave her alone, Naruto! Geez! What's got into you!"
His constant attention had been heady – but scary for the shy Hyuuga heir.
"He's just… different."
"Yeah. I'd say he's noticed you. I think he likes you. You should take the chance and enjoy the moment. What can it hurt?"
"Kurenai-sensei! You think so?"
"Hinata. I want the best for you," Kurenai smiled. "And Naruto does you good! Makes you strive to be better – be more open… Really. You guys are young! Don't waste your life on worry."
"But…what if…"
"You know… Asuma and I, when we were going out – people always misunderstood why it took us so long to marry. It wasn't Asuma's fault. No. I was afraid to take the chance. After all, I saw my father's broken heart when mother was killed on a mission. I didn't want it to be me. I didn't want to take the chance."
"What changed?" asked Hinata, hesitantly.
"Asuma. Love."
Kurenai smiled fondly at the memory – not so long ago -
Just last week in fact. I had fallen into that rut.
"You can never know!"
"That's right," Asuma smiled crookedly around his cigarette. "But does that make it right – to take away all possibilities from this child – the bad times, yes, but also the GOOD?"
Kurenai sighed.
"I don't want it hurt."
Asuma leaned forward and squeezed her hand; she looked up into his warm brown eyes, noticing, absently the grey hairs threading through the chestnut at the temples.
"Not one of us do. Nor did our parents. But that's life – you gotta take a chance on it," he said.
Kurena shook her head, uncertain.
"I don't –"
"When we started dating," Asuma interrupted gently. "We took a chance – to be hurt – to feel loss – life is like that too. You balance all the good things that might happen against the bad. You took a chance with me."
"I did. Then…"
"Whatever happens, happens. I'll be there beside you."
Kurenai leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"You better be," she murmured against his mouth. "I'm not going to raise your brat on my own!"
They laughed and kissed again.
"Sensei? Sensei?"
Kurenai focused in on her ex-student's voice.
Hinata looked worried.
"Eh? Oh! Must've –"
'You spaced out!"
"Just thinking of something –"
"Asuma-sensei?"
"Hmmm… something like that. He told me –"
"What?"
"He told me to balance the good that might happen against the bad. You do that too, Hinata – and tell me how that turns out – the results might be unexpected."
"O-okay… I'll try…"
Kurenai nodded encouragingly.
"You might want to raise your voice though – it's hard to be heard by him – the voice of the one you love drowns out yours! Hee hee hee!"
The older woman snickered.
"Kurenai-sensei," moaned Hinata.
"HINATA-CHAN!"
"EHHHH!"
Hinata blinked as Naruto shoved his face close to hers.
"What's up! Why've you dropped behind? Did you hurt yourself? Hey! Do you want a piggyback?"
Hinata fainted dead away at the thought of a piggy back.
Naruto, meanwhile, as he bent over the flushed Hinata, wondered.
Sasuke and Sakura have to be nuts. There's no way this dark, weird girl likes me! She hardly says anything! And always collapses around me! Still… maybe she's shy! That's it! Maybe she's afraid! Alright! I'll help her overcome her fears!
Watching Hinata eventually revive and continue on (trying in vain to avoid Kiba's pestering), Naruto considered the situation.
Still… this mission blows. I mean, it's cool and all what we're going to do – but it's going to be basically a hide-and-seek thing. Not like we're going to actually ENTER the village. That's more an ANBU thing. Damn. ANBU. Kaka-sensei… I wonder where he is… Geez. This mission really sucks. If we were back at home, we could get to work on this whole problem. I'd be able to – be able to –
Here his eyes strayed to Hinata as she walked away in close conference with Kurenai-sensei.
Clubbing. With Hinata. Without her jacket on! And maybe – maybe…. UWWAAAAA!
"Naruto! Wipe that stupid smile off your face!" Sakura barked. "It's creeping me out!"
"Thinking on a certain water-dancing chick, huh?"
"Shut up, Sasuke!"
"Hey! I'm not the idiot drooling on his jacket!"
"What? I was? Liar!"
"You were."
"Was not!"
"Were!"
"Was not!"
"Were! Look at that – there!"
"That's -! That's just a stain from lunch!"
"Oh! So you eat like a baby?"
"SASSSUUKKKEEE!"
"GUUUYYYSSS!" Sakura's shriek rebounded off the last of the cliffs, as the group past the last small mountain and came to a halt on a cliff, which overlooked a small grassy plain.
Watching Sakura beat the crap, yet again out of the boys, Kakashi had to wince.
Maybe Makoto is right… she IS scary. Remind me to NEVER piss her off… it's like… she's woken up totally to her inner self… I remember…
That day…
She had fought Ino – that exam, even though many unfortunate events happened because of my choice to enter them – it had been a time for her to grow – to blossom –
What had she become?
Somebody who didn't sit on the sidelines and cry uselessly. No. The war taught her to fight through the tears, no doubt. War does that to everybody. No. That exam had taught her to protect the one she loved.
And she does. Maybe – maybe –
Kakashi's thought was never finished, as the lead group halted at a cliff.
Signaling with his hand, Kakashi sent Makoto and Ichiro to flank their charges on the right, while he and Yukio remained on the left. This way, all sides would be covered. Careful to scatter no rocks or pebbles, Kakashi made his way abreast of Tsunade and peeked around the corner of the rock – to see the same vista.
A broad plain, with a couple of hills in the middle, and further – beyond – a dark woods. The mountain range they had just crossed continued into the horizon, to the north and also, further to the west – to his left.
It was a beautiful view – awe-inspiring from their high vantage point. Shifting his gaze to the blonde Kage, he followed her pointing finger – one particularly large hill in the middle, most noticeable for the small grove of trees on top of it.
What the hell is she thinking?
"What the hell? She's going to stay there for the night? Right out in the open?" Yukio hissed in Kakashi's ear.
Kakashi swatted him away irritably.
Really. Number one ninja rule is to conceal oneself… geez… I thought Naruto only had this problem…
"Well… it's almost night," Yukio whispered. "It'll be a chance for us to pass them and wait in the forest beyond."
Kakashi glared at him through his mask eye holes.
"Back off."
Yukio grinned.
"You look in hot in black – did I ever tell you that?"
"Shut up. Really. I mean it," grunted the grey-haired ANBU Wolf. He shut his eyes and concentrated really hard. His eyes flickered open.
"I –"
"I sense something!" Naruto yelled, withdrawing his kunai.
"Naruto! Stop being an idiot!" Sakura bellowed.
"I thought you outgrew this in the war," Sasuke sighed.
"Is he always like this?" Kurenai asked.
"Hmmmm…." Tsunade paused. "Yeah. Basically."
"What a pain!"
"Fools go where kami fear to tread… this is basically a person who acts before he thinks," Shino noted distantly.
"What a loser!" Kiba snorted.
Akamaru agreed.
"N-n-n-naruto, are you sure? Where are they?"
"On either side of us!"
"Let's get moving," Tsunade said sharply.
"But!"
Tsunade flung the young man off the cliff, and followed him down more sedately by leaping from crag to crag.
At the bottom, they met – Naruto, glaring at the chakra skid marks from his hands and his feet.
"YOU NEARLY KILLED ME, OLD HAG!"
"WATCH YOUR MOUTH! STOP SHOUTING!"
"I HAVE A RIGHT YOU NEARLY –"
"YOU WERE BEING ANNOYING AND STUPID! AS USUAL! GEEZ, NARUTO! CLUE IN! You're a Jounin! Act like one!"
"I don't understand!"
"The story of his life…" giggled Sakura.
Sasuke and Hinata sighed.
"I told you BEFORE we left," Tsunade hissed. "Or weren't you listening? Eh. Forget I asked. I don't want to know your perversion… well? Do you remember?"
Naruto cocked his blonde head to one side, finger on his bottom lip.
"Uhhh….." He blinked, and then looked up with a weak smile. "NOPE!"
"Idiot! I said, this was a mission where we don't look behind!"
"Eh? What's that mean?"
"You a Jounin, don't know? What's this world coming to?" wailed Tsunade.
"Now, now," Kurenai stepped in, before the (much) older woman got a stress-related stroke. "Naruto. It's when a team has ANBU backup. ANBU follow behind."
"WHAT! WE'RE BEING BABYSITTED? FUCK YOU!"
Naruto waved a third finger at the cliffs. Sasuke's fist knocked him back.
"BE POLITE, IDIOT!" screeched Sakura.
"That's not the issue, Sakura! NARUTO! Don't reveal their position, IDIOT!" barked Sasuke. "You just – you just destroyed the whole point of having back up!"
Shino, Kiba, Hinata, Kurenai: In Shock.
Tsunade: Looking for a desk or chair to toss.
After a moment.
"N-n-n-n-naruto! It was supposed to be a secret!"
"Oh. Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Everybody turning away to head across the plain:
"….. hopeless……"
"Did you just see that mother – That – that – BRAT – that fucker just – just – " Yukio turned to his friend, sputtering with hardly concealed rage.
He paused at Kakashi's tense stance.
"What?"
"I –"
"What?"
"I sense something!"
"Fuck! Where?"
"Coming fast. Five groups. Can't you feel them? Smell them?"
"Huuu… no… that kid just destroyed any chance of me concentrating. I swear – if I ever turn plainclothes, he's on my hit list…"
Kakashi ignored his partner and began to signal to Makoto.
Makoto was already alerted – Ichiro had felt it too.
Good boy, Kakashi thought. He's going to survive. We'll all survive this.
Makoto signaled something back.
Groups of eight.
Kakashi paused and reached out –
HOLY FUCKING HELL!
"He's right…"
"Who's – what?"
"Five groups of EIGHT!"
"WHAT THE HELL?"
"Indeed."
"WHAT THE FUCKING HELL?"
"I know. Two coming from the north. Two flanking on the west – to our left. And one coming from the east – Makoto's right. Mokoto can take care of that group. We can take on two – and the others will just have to take on the 16 from the North."
"Uh… you saying we should break cover, already?"
"Well… we could sit back and enjoy watching the Kyuubi tear the plain apart – but I personally want to have a little exercise – and not have to do damage control on a 6-tailed Naruto."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"Okay. I'm game if you are."
"Since when have I not?"
"It's just – it's in front of your own Team... ex-Team."
"They won't be focusing on me. They're going to be busy."
"Are you sure?"
"Sure. They most likely won't even recognize me."
"Oookay…"
Led by Akamaru, Tsunade's group were weaving through the grass, darting like shadows across the open plain – happy at the thought of a rest for the night in the shelter of the trees.
Just as the women reached the bottom of the hill – Naruto, Sasuke, Kiba and Akamaru had already reached the top – Shino paused and, turning to Tsunade, murmured –
"They're coming."
"What?" asked the Kage, sharply.
"The ANBU – are moving forward."
"What?"
A small indistinct bug landed on Shino's shoulder, the black-haired Jounin adjusted his sunglasses.
"We are being boxed in on all sides by 40 adversaries."
"What the HELL?"
"Where?" asked Kurenai sharply.
"Not sure. But in a few minutes we'll know…"
"NARUTO! Get down here! Kiba! Akamaru! Geez!"
"It would be best if we get to higher ground," suggested Kurenai. "Get the lay of the land, so to speak."
"Elevation is always an advantage…" Hinata said. "But – is there something wrong?"
"Hinata!" Tsunade rounded on the slim young woman. "I need you to check out our surroundings – something's coming!"
Hinata gasped and darted up the hill without further comment.
Her hands moved in the blur of the most familiar set of seals to her.
"BYUKUGAN!"
The world suddenly blazed white – and as her eye's darted around nervously – it seemed to focus on everything – on the bark of the nearest trees, Naruto's whisker marks, Akamaru's tail, Kiba's hoody, a bug near Kurenai's foot, the four ANBU lurking in the corners of the rocks – and beyond –
Four small animals scurrying through the grass – a deer, two squirrels – some sort of a wild pig. A flock of butterflies. And beyond – at five different trajectories –
Her mind was already calculating the distance, the rate, the speed – the odds…
"F-f-f-forty!" She gasped.
"Eh? What?" Naruto turned toward the obviously distraught girl, a stack of dead wood dropped from his arms. "What do you see?"
It was amazing to watch how quickly his attitude became professional.
"Forty!"
"Forty what?"
"Forty Rock Nins… I think… their headbands bear the Rock Nin –"
"Maybe they're a welcome party," Sasuke snorted.
"Forty? I don't THINK so!"
"Sarcasm, Naruto. Learn it," returned the Uchiha, punching his teammate on the arm lightly. "I guess we're going to have a warm up today!"
"Which is why our ANBU were on the move, as I said already," stressed Shino.
"Good work, Hinata! It's a good thing that you are around."
"You say that to Hinata but not to me," grunted the bug user, slightly pissed.
"Eh? What did you say, Shino? You really need to stop mumbling…"
"Listen up, people!" barked Tsunade as she appeared behind the blonde. "We've got no time to waste! Let's turn out a plan in 5 minutes!"
"I lead!"
"NARUTO! STOP HOGGING THE SPOTLIGHT!" yelled Sakura.
"I'm NOT! I want to get them first!"
"Naruto!" Kiba snarked. "I want a share too!"
"Ehhhh… these brats are way too eager…" muttered Tsunade. "I must be getting old…"
"You finally realized that, Granny?" laughed Naruto.
Tsunade's eyes turned a nasty red.
Naruto fell silent.
"I'll be leading," Tsunade said. "Naruto, Sasuke, Kiba follow my first attack with – Kiba, your most powerful signature jutsu – something with 'oomph'… Naruto, you too – taijutu, ninjutsu, I don't care. Same for you, Sasuke. Some Chidori would be nice. Carve us a path, whatever. Kurenai, Sakura, you flank them with some nice illusions. Shino and Hinata, I want you to bring up the rear. Got it?"
"HAI!" they all cheered.
"We'll whip those asses before they even get near these trees!" Naruto grinned. "You watch! We WON'T LOSE to those SUCKERS!"
The blonde haired Jounin turned around and waved a third finger in the air.
"FUCK YOU ALL TO HELL!"
Sasuke smacked himself on the forehead.
"I swear, it's like he's stuck in his teen years."
"I always thought his maturity was retarded," Shino murmured.
"SASUKE!"
Then – without warning – black figures appeared on the edges of the plain and Tsunade's group ran to meet the nearest set of groups coming in from the north. Hinata and Shino, bringing up the rear, looked at oncoming nins – flanking them – in an attempt to box them.
Up front, the earth shook – Kiba's Double Fang jutsu took out a slower nin – and Naruto's Taijuu Kage Bunshin swamped the oncoming units – somewhere the Rensagen was tossing a Rock nin into the woods he had just left.
A couple of trees fell somewhere, the air filled with the sound of cracking wood.
The dark haired Hinata turned at the sound of a thousand birds chirping – already Sasuke's chidori was charged up and going. Underfoot, earth shook as Tsunade punched a chakra-laden fist into the dirt.
Kurenai was twining an especially long tree branch around one unsuspecting nin, while Sakura used her Cherry Blossom genjutsu combined with a couple of paralyzing needles and a couple of bomb tags –
Dirt, smoke and clanging filled the air –
Hinata's eyes, still activated, could see it all, though – even through the swarm of Shino's little bugs as they fell on a charging nin –
And then one of them was in her face and her palms rose automatically in defense –
She could almost hear her father's voice as she swayed sideways, then down – then hooking around to hit him in the chest –
"Hinata – remember your left guard – tch… why are you always so weak? I hope you don't fight like this on mission…"
"Look at Hanabi – she's got it right –"
"Neji. Show her again. She needs practice."
Watch me, Father, she thought. Watch me, Naruto!
Just as she began to worry about the odds - the two eastern and western flanks of nins were getting too close for comfort - fours blurs landed down softly, around 35 feet away – dark black sleeveless shirts hugging trim, muscular bodies – tight black pants which contrasted with the white leggings, the white armor plating and vest – the ivory bone masks.
ANBU.
Our backup has come.
These four, turning, faced off the one team coming from the right, and the two units coming from the left.
Will they need my help?
She didn't know. Already five Rock Nin had died before her eyes to various katana wounds – there had been no time for sealing. One jumped past the ANBU heading in her direction, several kunai were flying ahead of him – Shino's back was turned –
Jumping in front of her teammate, Hinata flung her arms out – extending her chakra, sharpening it – cutting the iron in her own personalized Kaiten Whirl.
"Thanks, Hinata," Shino said. "You were the distraction I needed."
The man was screaming – cutting at his wrists as bugs crawled out of his clothing – feeding off his chakra. Hinata ended his suffering with a lethal Jyuuken thrust.
"You are welcome, Shino…" she smiled.
Shino nodded and jerked his head toward the mass of smoke from one of Kiba's bombs.
They could hear Naruto beginning one of his wind techniques, while Kiba backed it up with his Beast Mimicry.
"But let's leave them – our group has gained ground on us – it would not do for their back up – us – to fall behind."
Hinata nodded. The two moved on.
They did not look back.
They had work to do.
As Naruto kicked the last twitching nin unconscious – Sasuke, jerking his blade out of another nin's back, turned to the Kage.
"Well..." Tsunade sighed, cricking her neck. "That's that." She pulled her fist out of a Rock kunoichi's face and watched the body reel away from her unconscious. "Now -"
"Hey! Can we join them?" asked Naruto waving his arms.
"He still has energy?" Kurenai mumbled.
"You don't?" asked Tsunade, her brown eyes sharp. "Is -"
"It's nothing." Kurenai hastly interrupted.
"Hmph..."
Tsunade's group fell into a momentary silence. The battle WAS over for them - but the young ANBU were still battling three nins. Watching the bomb talismans flying, the graceful twirl of katanas - the young Jounin couldn't help but feel in awe.
ANBU was a very different world - and somewhere -
Somewhere he's out there, Sakura thought. Somewhere he's fighting like this in a dark world. Alone.
"Shino, Hinata," Tsunade's sharp voice broke into the medic's thoughts. "Back up those two - step in, on request only. Okay?"
"Right!" Hinata nodded.
Shino adjusted his sunglasses.
Kiba groaned.
"What about me? We just started! Can I - help THEM?"
He pointed in the opposite direction of the other two ANBU.
"They got SIXTEEN for two! It isn't fair!"
"Please, Kiba-kun..." Kurenai turned to Tsunade. "They'll be fine, right?"
Tsunade frowned.
"Why not? They're ANBU for kami's sake!"
"That's so cool!" Naruto said. "But... ya know... I bet I could be an ANBU - no big deal... 8 nins? Like c'mon! Been there, done that..."
"... mumble... unfair advantage... mumble..."
"Eh? What did you say, Sasuke, you bastard?"
"Joining ANBU? Are you crazy?" Sakura screeched. "You gotta be nuts!"
She paused to watch the two ANBU shinobi -
The medic in her noted the small tears in the lighter haired one's vest - and the black haired one was limping - just a little...
Small scraps were probably due to senbons - the black-haired one is repelling them with a wind defense, but still...
She winced as a couple more needles found their mark in the forearm of the lighter haired one.
That Bear mask though... seems familiar. Can't tell really from this distance...
And they've already got 11 down...
A bomb no doubt - from the looks of the terrain...
A couple look dismembered -
Ah! Katana cuts, of course... mmm... Make that 12 down - Four to go -
"They'll be fine," Tsunade repeated. "But if Team 7 would like to go as standby - feel free -"
Kiba turned a flushed red.
"Kiba and Kurenai will be my guards."
"WWHHHAAATTT?"
Akamaru whined in disappointment.
As they neared, Team 7's eyes widened. Simultaneously. Sakura's green ones blinked furiously, batting away tears. Tears of worry and joy. Although Sasuke had frozen momentarily in shock, he had enough sense to grab Naruto who was already lunging forward -
Inwardly, he felt he would do the same -
It was HIM!
The man they had been searching for - agonizing over - rediscovering -
Here he was! With them all the time!
The irony, Sasuke sighed inwardly. Seriously, Tsunade, you're one sadistic old granny.
Back to back with his dark-haired ANBU mate - Bear - katana in one hand, the other gripping three shuriken -
His arm was a blur as he threw the metal stars - they were easily evaded - the chakra twine was not. As he pulled on them, his pale skin suddenly rippled with muscle - he jerked around. ANBU Bear, as if reading his mind, turned as well - his senbon wind attack decimated two more nins.
Two more to go.
A couple bombs flew through the air - Kakashi-sensei - there was no mistaking that wild grey mop - disappeared after a blur of hand seals -
"Some sort of entrapment jutsu..." Sasuke murmured more to himself.
"Use your Sharingan -"
"Shhh! Watch!"
ANBU Bear disappeared as well - the bombs fell - the sky was suddenly full of dust, smoke and flying dirt. As the rumble decreased the Rock nin stared at the two craters - and absence of body parts.
"What the hell," one of them said – the other gasped as a hand grabbed his ankle, coming out of the earth – somewhere a voice intoned –
Earth Jutsu, Decapitation!
Before he knew it, the nin found himself paralyzed - the other, watching his friend fall unconscious, sheathed his tanto blade and disappeared.
Kakashi popped out of the earth, ANBU Bear landed beside him and cocked his mask. They seemed to be in conference about something.
Sakura's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing -
The tears in the her sensei's vest -
That senbon attack!
his low chakra -
He shouldn't be fighting anymore, he'll - he'll -
his disheveled hair -
Has he even had a hair cut recently? He looks like shit!
super skinny frame -
So thin! I don't think he's been eating properly -
Andthe fatigued set to hisshoulders.
Kakashi-sensei! Why - why - why are you doing this?
"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura's green eyes pooled with tears. Hesitantly she moved forward, Sasuke made no move to stop her.
As he watched the medic move forward, he wondered.
Of us three, it was she who remembered. She who worries most... Is it the mother in her? The medic? The teammate? Or –
Or something else...
"Sasuke - why doesn't he answer her?"
Naruto's hard voice caused Sasuke to turn toward his volatile teammate. The blonde was standing there, head bowed, fists shaking at his side.
"What the fuck is wrong with him?"
"He's just - I don't know - but -"
Blue eyes rose to fiercely clash with black.
"We WILL drag his ASS back to Konoha and beat some sense into him -"
"Naruto -"
Sasuke paused.
"This is different from last time - he's not doing anything wrong! He's just -"
"Completely FUCKED UP! Look!" Naruto's arms waving in the air suddenly pointed at Kakashi and ANBU Bear as they got to their feet rather stiffly, pointedly ignoring Sakura's tentative approach. "He's just - being a prick and he's hurt and he - he -"
Tears were welling up in the young man's eyes. Sasuke didn't know what to say.
"Naruto."
Sasuke turned to watch Sakura who broke into a run.
"Hey," ANBU Bear barked out. "We're still battling he-"
No sooner did the words leave his mouth - a dark shadow loomed up on Sakura's blind side. Kakashi turning saw her running towards him - guard completely down, with a tanto descending down onto her.
"SAKURA!" Tsunade yelled, brown eyes widening in horror.
"SAKURA!" Naruto jumped forward, followed closely by Sasuke. "Look behind you!"
"SAKURA!" Kakashi barked out, his hands already flowing into a set of seals. "Shunshin no jutsu!"
Sakura turned to look around, her face suddenly blank with fear.
Holy fucking shit.
I'm such a dumbass...
Everything seemed to be tunnelling in - time seemed to slow down - and all she could think was -
I deserve to die - but I didn't want to - I just - wanted to say -
To you, Kaka-sensei -
To say -
There was the sound of a tanto burying itself deeply into -
Sakura blinked - opened her eyes just a crack - then they widened in shock -
He was standing there - in front of her - pulling the short sword out of his side -
Warm blood spattered everywhere, flecking across her pale face. The enemy nin stepped back and picked up his short tanto.
"KAKA-SENSEI!" Her scream blew away in the wind of heavy chakra stirring up. The enemy Rock Nin merely laughed, as he reached forward and jerked forward ripping off Kakashi's ivory mask, revealing two dark, mismatched eyes.
"So it's you - the Copy Nin no Kakashi... ha! And here we all thought you died in the war! You think you're the survivor? Perhaps… but I, Kenjiro, will be the one to bury your name!"
ANBU Bear appeared at Kakashi's side.
"Yukio - no -" coughed Kakashi, blood darkened his mask. "The bastard's mine -"
ANBU Bear hesitated and withdrew after a moment's pause.
"S-s-s-s-STOP!" Sakura clenched her fist, rising to her feet. "I can take care of myself!"
"You can take care of yourself, little kunoichi?" The enemy nin chuckled. Leaning forward to look deeply into Kakashi's eye, he whispered. "Beat this!"
Hands blurred as he completed a set of seals.
"SUMMONING NO JUTSU!"
Suddenly, the nin was standing on top of a largish wild cat.
"What the hell is that?" Kiba asked, sizing up the black and brown striped fur, yellow eyes, tufted ears, short tail and huge claws.
Akamaru barked and dashed forward, Kiba halted him with a sharp, "Heel!"
"A wild cat," Kurenai frowned.
"Geez... what troubles," Tsunade sighed. "These jokers are actually beginning to piss me off - And Naruto -"
Even from where they were standing, they could hear Naruto yelling -
"ALRIGHT! A SUMMONING BATTLE!"
"No. Naruto. He said that opponent was his - don't step on his toes like that -"
"What - WHAT? He's already had tons of opponents - I had a measly two!"
"That's not the point!"
"Kaka-sensei!" Sakura said urgently, laying a small hand on her teacher's arm. It felt cold to the touch.
So cold.
"You can't move around! You're going into shock. Kaka - kaka-sensei?" Her words slowed to a stop at the sight of his closed eyes.
He's meditating at a time like this?
Since -
Any thoughts were forgotten as the young girl was blown away by the force of strong white chakra. Skidding several yards away, she found her balance with the strong grip of ANBU Bear -
Yukio -
And so - familiar -
Where -
She gasped as Kakashi turned - through the hole in his vest, she could see the massive gut wound healing - at an almost scary rate -
It's like - Naruto... sort of – more superficial healing, I think – he'll still have to be careful but – still – like Naruto –
Except... Kakashi isn't a Jinkuurichi -
So -
"Has he opened a gate? What's it called – the Heal one – ya know?" asked Naruto. "He did copy Lee's jutsu..."
"Yeah - but that's not just any ordinary gate -" Sasuke's Sharingan flared to life. "I cannot copy this –"
"What's – what's going on?" Naruto darted swiftly – giving the two nin a wide berth – and arrived at Sakura's side. The ANBU stepped aside as Naruto bent over her.
"Are you okay, Sakura-chan?"
"Yeah – but Kaka-sensei – he's –"
"I know," Sasuke said, his Sharingan glinted. "That's no ordinary power up…"
"What's he doing?"
"Summoning." The ANBU said shortly.
"Summoning?" Naruto cocked an eyebrow. "Well… there's that weird old dog –"
"Pakkun," Sakura laughed. "What's –"
"Not Pakkun." The ANBU shook his head. "Watch."
The ground rumbled as the grey-haired Copy Nin slammed his hand into the grass. Black lines radiated outward, a huge billow of smoke appeared.
Slowly the wind blew it aside revealing slowly – huge white paws, strong white legs, a furry belly, a long white tail and body – and then –
Grey-black eyes, huge fangs and alert ears –
A massive wolf hound.
"Holy shit." Sasuke's jaw dropped open.
"THAT IS FUCKING AWESOME!" Naruto jumped up and down. "Look! Sensei's super cool! Cooler than all sensei in the world!"
Sakura just stood there – jaw open, eyes wide – remembering –
"How's it going?" she asked.
"I've been busy…" Kakashi said, gruffly. "I'm sorry I couldn't drop by to see you – I've been that busy – believe it or not…."
"No, I believe you," Sakura said with a smile. "I've been run off my feet by Tsunade as well."
"Ahhh…. So your training is coming along…" Kakashi said, with a smile.
"Yeah… I heard you're training extra nowadays too."
"Yes, well…. I decided that I should become stronger as well…. So that I'll be able to help you and Naruto bring back Sasuke."
Sakura's eyes widened. Then, she smiled in understanding.
"So. Even Naruto's attitude has affected you," she laughed.
"Shhhh. It's a secret."
Sakura laughed even more.
"Anyway," Kakashi said, shifting his burden in his arms. "I'm glad that you're doing well. Have you heard about Naruto recently?"
"Ummmm…. Jiraiya just sends notes to say that they're surviving and alive. That's about it." Sakura shrugged. "But now that the Chuunin exam is coming up…. Well, I can't help but be caught up in the moment."
"Ah ya." Kakashi agreed, remembering the excitement of his first Chuunin Exam.
"I better let you go," Sakura said, turning to look at her waiting comrades.
"Yes. I hope you do well. I know you will do well. I know I sometimes don't sound like it but I have faith in you. Did I not always say that you use your chakra more efficiently than most genins?"
Sakura's eyes filled with tears.
"Thanks a lot, Kakashi-sensei."
She turned.
"Sakura."
"Yes?"
"I'm – sorry."
There was a pause.
"I'm - sorry that – I couldn't –"
Sakura turned around, a genuine smile on her face.
"No, that's fine. What better teacher could I have than Tsunade? If Naruto's being taught by Jiraiya and Sasuke by Orochimaru I better be on the top of my form too! I like you, sensei, but your face is always one that is lacking enthusiasm…."
She giggled and then stopped.
"Who's teaching you?"
Kakashi stared. Then smiled.
"My father, I guess."
Then, nodding farewell, he walked down the street.
"Good luck, Kakashi-sensei!"
She called.
He waved back nonchalantly and then turned the corner.
His father?
Kaka-sensei – was this –
Sakura didn't know what to think only that – as she watched her sensei and his summoning pin down their opponent –
As the fangs sank into the hissing wild cat – the two opponents rolled to their sides fighting to gain dominance – Kakashi leapt through the air – it was hard to see where he would land – the enemy nin spun around, and jumped to avoid a claw from tearing him apart, only to find himself face to face with Kakashi.
Below the loud sounds of battle – the ground rumbled with some sort of a bomb, there was a faint cheeping sound – fast and hard – and continuous –
The chidori –
As the enemy fended off one Kakashi, he realized that he was fighting a clone, quickly, he kicked the clone off him, and prepared a light Earth Shield jutsu, unsheathing his tanto he prepared for the onslaught.
It never came – Kakashi appeared over edge of the now limp cat – the cat poofed away – the nin fell, trying to regain his footing. He turned to face the Copy Nin –
At the very last minute, he swerved to avoid the chidori, letting it graze his arm – burying his tanto up to the hilt in the ANBU's body –
There was a silence. Then a light poof as the body disappeared – and two arms snaked around the enemy nin's waist –
"Checkmate…" whispered Kakashi. "You said something about beating me –'
The enemy nin's body arched as Kakashi's harsh white chakra poured into him.
"Shhh…" The grey-haired ninja crooned. "It'll be over soon –"
"Stop him!" whispered Sakura. "Stop him! Stop it!"
Harsh screams filled the air.
"This isn't –"
"This is your sensei now," the ANBU said in a dark voice. "He belongs to this dark…" He walked over and bent down to pick up the discarded Wolf mask. "This is his face now –"
"No! I refuse – I refuse to believe that!" Sakura said, tearfully.
The pink-haired medic turned and began to run, Sasuke's fingers caught nothing but air. Pushing her chakra to the soles of her feet, she sped up – and halted as a large paw stepped into her path.
"Don't interfere, youngling," a deep voice said.
She jumped at the soft growl.
It talks – well… hello… most summonings do – I just thought –
Thought what, Sakura, that this is some illusion – some sort of genjutsu we can all pinch ourselves out of? Some dream? No. This is us – as we are now – and – he's –
"He needs me!" Sakura pleaded. "He's – doing that – it's – it's – it's not him! Kaka-sensei must be stopped."
The creature bent his head down and sniffed her, then sighed.
"I cannot stop him – what makes you think you can?"
"Please?"
"You may be hurt…"
"Please? He started this because of me – I – I don't want to lose him because of that –"
"Very well… good luck, little kunoichi."
"Thank you, Mr. Wolf," Sakura bowed.
"It's Lightning's Howl. What's your name?"
"Haruno, Sakura."
"Good luck then, Sakura. Perhaps –"
"What?"
"Perhaps you can find him where I cannot. What is a man who has lost even himself?"
Sakura didn't know what to say. She turned and jumped away - in a few seconds, she arrived close to Kakashi. Without hesitation, she ran up to him, and throwing her arms around his waist, hugged him hard.
"Please – please stop!" she begged. Holding him there, she felt the tremors racing through his body as his chakra ran wildly. Blood was trickling down onto her hands – he had reopened his wounds. As she buried her face into the back of his now dirty white vest, she whispered soft words of comfort – calming words her mother had always used when she would come home from the Academy hurt and upset –
"It'll be okay."
"It's okay."
"Calm down."
"I'm here."
"You'll be fine."
"Kaka-sensei – please –"
Perhaps it was her voice, perhaps he realized that his quarry was now dead – at any rate, Kakashi let the now heavily burnt corpse go – he jerked away from her arms weakly.
"Kaka-sensei – let me at least look at –"
"BAKA-SENSEI! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING THERE? AND DON'T PUSH SAKURA-CHAN AWAY LIKE THAT! IDIOT! SHE'S BEEN WORRIED!"
Naruto had arrived, dragging Sasuke behind him.
"Naruto," hissed Sasuke. "Let it go –"
"OF COURSE, YOU NEVER –"
"Shut –" Kakashi interrupted abruptly. "The fuck up."
He began to limp away, ignoring the trio.
ANBU Bear shook his head.
"Get the hell back here!" screeched Naruto. "You're not going to leave without a good talk!"
Kakashi gave him a limp third finger – Naruto apparated in front of him and tried to lay a hand on his sensei –
He got a fist in his gut in return.
"Don't fucking touch me."
Naruto picked himself up after heaving up most of his lunch.
"Don't touch him…" murmured ANBU Bear. "He's always a little feisty after a battle… That's normal."
"Hn. That's just… wrong," Sasuke sighed. "He needs help."
"Don't we all?" asked the ANBU mockingly. "Don't worry. I'll take him home and get him cleaned up and all…"
Sasuke gave the man a sharp look and turned away with disgust.
"Fucking freaks," he muttered.
Sakura was casting appealing looks at the blonde Kage, who was already making her way over to the younger medic.
"HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!" Naruto yelled, his eyes had gone a deep red and his fist, glowing red, moved faster than the eye could track. Kakashi went skidding across the grass, a blue bruise already swelling at his cheekbone.
The blonde kitsune never made it to the Copy Nin – a white paw descended between him and the injured ANBU who was staggering to his feet, clasping a bloodied vest in one hand.
"If you wish a battle, Kyuubi, fight me," said the white-haired summoning solemnly. "Otherwise, don't kick another shinobi down while he is injured. It is not – couth, shall we say? Surely you have manners and honor, child? Or respect for you elders?"
Naruto glared and huffed.
But he made no move as Kakashi, using up the last of his chakra, darted into the forest. Lightning's Howl nodded at everyone, bid Sakura a fond farewell and disappeared.
ANBU Bear joined with the other two ANBU and started to chat with them – no doubt discussing the homeward bound trail – the probe was off. Enough information had been gathered – and several men were salvageable.
Rock was definitely hostile. Rock was anti-Leaf. This was no rumor – no genjutsu or lie – it was – war.
Sakura ran to Tsunade's side.
"I need to find him."
Tsunade looked at her pupil's worried eyes.
"Go," she said simply.
Watching the girl dart after her sensei, Tsunade sighed.
Go, Sakura. But what will you find – what will you find, indeed?
Naruto turned away, and then paused at Tsunade's sharp voice.
"WHAT? I can't leave her alone with him – who knows –"
"Just shut up, idiot," Sasuke sighed. "She's what he needs the most. Only a serious moron would hurt a medic. He's not a moron."
"Yes, he is."
"No, he isn't."
"Yes, he is."
"No. He's not stupid, he screwed. There's a difference."
"Splitting fine hairs, are we?"
"Oooohhhh… where did you get that phrase from? Shino?"
"Uhhh…"
"Ha! Well, I'm not! If he was stupid the annual psych test ANBU take would have picked up on his issues – but he wasn't caught so – therefore, he isn't stupid – just very fucked up."
"You got that right," sighed Tsunade.
"Who are we talking about?" asked Kiba.
Akamaruo yipped something.
"Eh? Some thing about somebody who's stupid?"
Sasuke, Naruto and Tsunade gave the boy and his dog an evil look. The two shut up. Shino twitched, shifting his sunglasses ever so slightly, and, finding a scouting bug, he sent it off after the pink-haired kunoichi.
If anything, he would be the responsible one and ensure the care of his team…
"N-n-n-naruto-kun… are you okay?" whispered Hinata. "That ANBU hit you for some reason…"
"EH? Oh me? I'm okay! Although…"
He paused.
"I'm a little hungry now…"
Hinata gurgled, Kurenai laughed, Tsunade's brow twitched.
"Okay! Clean up duties!" She snapped, waving her arms. "Let's get some reconnaissance done here, people! Move it! I want to be out of here in two hours!"
"But it's going to be dark soon!"
"Shut up, Naruto!"
(whack, whack)
"Ahhh…" Makoto nodded, watching the blonde Kage beat on the young Jounin. "I see where the little monstrous kunoichi got it from – her leader…"
"The side of the Kage I never wanted to see…" Ichiro shuddered. "Such monstrous strength…"
"From such an old hag," Yukio nodded. "She's pushing for sixty? Seventy?"
"No WAYYYY!" Makoto blinked. "She's still got a young genjutsu on her…"
"I knew those breasts couldn't be real…" Ichiro sighed. "Only in Icha Icha do you –"
"I don't want to know." Makoto interrupted. "Let's get going on this."
Sasuke watched Naruto, grumbling, pick up a corpse and heave it near a pit Akamaru and Kiba were digging. He turned to look into the forest, deep in thought.
Sakura. Be there for us. This is our only chance to –
To what? Drag him out of ANBU when he's clearly borderline suicidal?
I just don't know anymore what –
"She'll be fine," a soft voice said.
Sasuke nodded at Kurenai's words.
"She's taking a chance, I see. Not a bad thing," the red-eyed genjutsu expert continued. "I never would have believed this – but it says something if you guys are this serious about him…"
"We are… but even then – some things… can't be chanced."
"Eh?"
"You must be more careful," Sasuke said quietly, as he turned away. His voice was barely audible in the dusk evening. "In a couple of months, you'll be showing – it's best then, to keep your chakra flow well regulated."
"How did you –"
Sasuke, walking away, never answered her. Kurenai watched him join Hinata and Shino as they checked out several unconscious men.
Kakashi.
With the healing care of Sakura, the passion of Naruto and the discernment of Sasuke – you don't really stand a chance, do you?
Kaka-sensei.
NEXT UP: "Won't Let Go"
Sakura and Kakashi. Genma and Raido. Hinata and Naruto. Sasuke and Lyra. What does the past and the future hold for them? And where does Yukio fit in?