I do not own Naruto, nor do I make any money off of this.

"talking"

'thinking'

Chapter 25:

Neji stopped short as Bee came flying, punching Kimimaro to the ground. He was in his Version One transformation. Kimimaro's curse mark spread further as he entered the second level. He reached behind him and pulled out his spine before whipping it around. Juugo and Neji jumped away while Bee took the hit full on. Bee slammed into the ground, entering Version Two. He charged at Kimimaro. Kimimaro spun his spine around, but Bee easily broke it. Bee landed a punch at Kimimaro's face, but the bone there was too hard, only cracking slightly. Kimimaro dropped to the ground, pressing his hands into the earth.

With his Byakugan, Neji saw what Kimimaro was planning. He tried to call out to Juugo and Bee, but it was too late. Thousands of bone blades sprouted from the ground, covering the area. Bee managed to take the hit by tapping into the last of his Tailed Beast Chakra. Juugo wasn't so lucky. One of the blades went through his stomach. His Curse Mark Chakra was healing him as best as it could. Neji ran to his side and inspected his wounds. 'This is not good. He needs medical attention as soon as possible.' Neji moved chakra to his fists and broke the bone, a few inches out from the wound. He did the same to the part sticking out of his back. Neji glanced over at Konohamaru who had luckily been out of range of Kimimaro's attack. He had to get Juugo to Moegi.

"Let me help," Shino said. His bugs were already lifting Juugo into the air. "My bugs have been eating at his chakra and sending some of it to me. I should be able to get Juugo to Moegi, but I won't be able to be of much more help." Neji nodded. Shino used what was left of his bugs to move as quickly as he could to the healing dome. Neji took up a stance to protect Shino, but oddly enough Kimimaro didn't move. Neji wondered if Shikamaru was somewhere nearby, but there were no signs of him. So why was Kimimaro frozen? Neji used his byakugan to inspect Kimimaro's body. A talisman was inside his head and something was wrong with it.

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Kabuto cursed. He had lost control of Kimimaro. But the question was how? Two people came to his side. "Your chakra levels are low from all of the summons," Fuso said. "You have to remember that the seal containing Kushina-sama did more damage than we could heal."

Kabuto coughed, blood hitting some of the pieces on his board. Whatever jutsu Naruto had added to Kishina's seal had destroyed one of his lungs. It was so damaged that even Kabuto couldn't heal it. He had the lung removed, but his body wasn't used to it yet. If only he had prepared himself better than he wouldn't need Naruto's chakra.

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Seeing no signs of Kimimaro moving, Neji walked over to him. He kept his guard up as he placed one of Naruto's seals on Kimimaro's forehead. Bee made his way over to Neji, his wounds fully healed. "It turned out to be uneventful."

"No," Neji shook his head. "It damaged something that may take a long time to repair." He was looking at the Earth Dome as he said this.

"Juugo, was it?" Bee asked. Neji nodded. "I'm sure he'll be ok!" Bee smacked Neji on the shoulder, nearly knocking the man over. He glared at Bee. "He has his friends to help him through it."

Nei was tempted to "hn" at Bee, but instead he just started walking towards the dome. Bee started to rap as he followed after him. Neji rolled his eyes. Shino met him at the entrance. The three of them looked at everyone inside. "We aren't going to be able to move all of these people back to Konoha. None of us have a lot of chakra left."

"So you tapped not only into Naruto's chakra but into your own as well," Shino stated. He was looking at Neji's exposed shoulder. "Kiba and I had to do it when the fight first started."

"I'm fine though," Kiba said. He had bandages around his chest. "Just a few broken ribs."

"Stay still!" Moegi yelled. "If you hurt yourself anymore, I won't help you." She stood up. "Everyone is stable."

"We'll have to stay here," Neji said. Then an idea popped into his head. "Bee, you and Gyuki are able to contact Kurama right?"

"Not since the Merger," Bee said. "Gyuki said he felt the connection snap when it happened." Neji frowned. "But we may be able to connect with one of Naruto's clones. He made some before the Merger didn't he?"

Neji, Kiba, and Shino's eyes widened. 'Just how much chakra did Naruto have?' Is it even possible that one of them is still here?" Neji asked. "The Merger was several months ago."

"We used a clone to get here that was made before the Merger," Bee said. "Naruto's clones have been helping out around Kumo since the treaty was made. The clones must have sensed the Merger coming and they entered Sage Mode. Some didn't make it and he had to make more of them, but those that did continued their roles. I can try to connect to one of them and have it dissipate after giving it a message." Neji and Shino looked at each other before they nodded. Bee sat down and closed his eyes. 'Gyuki, can you do it?'

"I'll try," Gyuki said. He closed his eyes as well. 'Kurama? Naruto?' He repeated their names in his head several times until he felt a strange spark.

'What the hell Octo-brat?' Kurama yelled. 'You're being annoying. I was sleeping!'

'I don't care,' Gyuki said. 'We need you to tell Naruto where we are.'

'The Kit probably already knows,' Kurama said. 'His ability to sense chakra has been stronger since the Akatsuki incident. I bet it's even better now that the Merger is complete. Now shut up and let me sleep!'

Gyuki let out a growl as the connection broke. 'Did you hear all of that Bee?'

'Yes,' Bee thought. He opened his eyes. "The fox says Naruto already knows. He wasn't very cooperative."

"Then we will have to wait," Neji said. "Those with less injuries will watch over the others."

"If I sleep a little, Gyuki and I will have enough chakra to protect everyone while you rest," Bee said. Neji nodded. Bee got more comfortable and quickly fell asleep.

"Will we be ok?" Udon asked as he unsealed some more food and handed some to Neji.

"We'll be fine!" Konohamaru said, swinging an arm around his teammate. "We have Naruto-nichan on our side! We'll win this war for sure!"

'But even he has a limit,' Neji thought. Shino placed a hand on Neji's shoulder. The bug user always seemed to be able to read his mind. He wondered if it was because he was Hinata's old teammate and they'd been on several missions together. It didn't matter. He made his way outside of the dome and looked up at the sky. 'Gaara…'

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Gaara and Ino led the medic nins and A to the Uzumaki Compound. "Why are we here?" A asked.

"This is the safest place in Konoha," Gaara said. "This barrier is far stronger than the one surrounding Konoha."

"Naruto made it using his raw demonic chakra," Ino said. "But we won't be able to enter without someone that knows how." She wasn't one of the people that knew the signs to open a door. Yamato also shook his head. Whenever he came here, Kakashi would open a door.

"I can pass through it if I tap into the rest of Shukaku's chakra," Gaara said. "There has to be someone on the other side that can open a door." Ino was a bit surprised to hear that Gaara didn't know the jutsu either. Gaara called upon Shukaku's chakra, making sure to strengthen his sand armor before he started to walk through the barrier. He bit his lip at the pain as it still burned him. Ino let out a concerned yell, but that didn't stop him. He continued through the barrier only to collapse to the ground. Ino let out another yell. Her plea was answered when Iruka helped the Kazekage to his feet.

"Are you alright?" Iruka asked.

Gaara nodded. "Normally I would have been fine, but my chakra level is too low."

"I'll open a door," Iruka said. He walked a bit closer to the barrier before waving a few signs. "Quickly now! I can't keep the door open for long." Ino and the medic nin moved quickly. They helped Gaara to where the citizens of Konoha were. Sakura started to yell at him as she checked him over. A and Iruka arrived a few seconds later to see Gaara trying not to pout.

A looked around. "So this is the famous Uchiha Compound."

"Uzumaki," Iruka corrected. "Naruto made it what it is today."

"Captain Yamato, are you alright?" Sakura asked.

"I'll be ok after a good rest," Yamato answered. Sakura nodded and walked over to the Raikage, but he brushed Sakura off, saying he was fine. Sakura rolled her eyes before she dragged him down and looked him over. He was reminded of the fact that Sakura was Tsunade's disciple as her strength wasn't normal for someone so small. He allowed her to check his injuries knowing she'd get her way eventually. Women were stubborn and dangerous when angry. A has learned this the hard way when the usually calm Mabui got extremely annoyed by A's poor drinking habits. He's been sober ever since.

Ino looked around, finding her kids sleeping near Hinata's. She smiled and then continued her search. "Sakura, where is Shizune-san?"

"She's at the hospital," Sakura said. "Someone had to stay there to look after the patients we couldn't move. Several of Naruto's clones are there with her." She popped what looked like a chakra pill into her mouth.

"Aren't those Military Ration Pills?" A asked.

"They are a special version made for pregnant Kunochi," Sakura answered. "They aren't as strong as the normal pills, but they work enough to allow me to heal more people. They don't harm the body either." A nodded. He remembered taking Military Ration Pills only to collapse three days later in complete exhaustion. Sakura saw Ino shift uncomfortably. "If you want to go help Shizune-san, you can. Iruka-sensei will open a door for you."

Ino shook her head. "No. I don't want to put anyone in danger unnecessarily." She knew one of Naruto's clones at the hospital had to have set up a barrier. He'd have to drop it to let Ino in and that was too dangerous to risk. She was sure Shizune would be fine.

"Sakura," Gaara called. She turned to him. "Do you have any of those chakra pills Naruto helped you make?"

"You can't be seriously thinking about taking them," Sakura yelled. "Those pills are too dangerous."

"I know the side effects," Gaara said. "But if I take one, I can go back to the battlefield."

"No," Sakura shook her head. "I don't have any. And even if I did, I wouldn't let you take one as you are now. You are far too reckless. You're spending too much time with Naruto."

"I just want to protect the place Naruto and Neji call home," Gaara said. Sakura couldn't help but smile at that. Gaara had really changed after meeting Naruto and even more so after meeting Neji. Gaara wasn't usually a talker, but it was clear that his love for Neji was opening him up.

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Shizune finished setting up the blood transfusion and left the room to check on some other patients. She nearly ran into one of Naruto's clones who was coming out of a room holding a roll of bandages. "Shizune-nee-chan, this one is all set."

"Thank you," Shizune said. "You've been a great help."

"No problem!" the Clone cheered. "Well, I have a few more people to check on! Bye Shizune-nee-chan!" He ran off. Shizune shook her head. The Clones were always filled with too much energy. A loud beep caught her attention and she looked at the alarm board before hurrying to that patient's room. Another clone was there, trying his best to help calm the patient. Shizune quickly stepped in, ordering the clone around. It took awhile, but they were able to save the patient's life. Things calmed down and Shizune took a break. Her chakra level was too low for her liking so she took a Medic Chakra Pill. Just like the pill Sakura took, it helped replenish one's chakra. It was stronger than Sakura's pills, but still weaker than the normal ones. She had some of them on her as well as one of Naruto's Chakra Pills. She wasn't allowed to use it unless the normal ones failed. The risk was too dangerous to take without someone like Tsunade, Sakura, or Naruto around. Ino and Hinata may have been really good medic nin as well, but without the Creation Rebirth jutsu or Naruto's healing ability, it meant death for the consumer. Shizune really hoped that Tsunade wouldn't have to use it.

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Hinata and Sai helped Suigetsu get to the Uzumaki Compound. They had debated about whether or not to go to the Hospital, but just like Ino, Hinata didn't want to take that risk. The only problem now was how to get inside. "I can do it," Suigetsu said. "I just need some chakra." Hinata nodded and took out a medic chakra pill. Suigetsu took it without questioning it. A few seconds later and felt the spike in his chakra level. He quickly waved some signs, creaking a door in the barrier. They made it through and headed to Naruto's house.

"Hinata!" a voice called. She looked up to see Ino running towards her. The blond took over for Sai, leading them to the others. Sakura handed Suigetsu some much needed water. He thanked her, quickly gulping down the bottle.

A flash of red caught their eyes as a clone appeared with Karin in his arms. "She got hit by a Dust Release beam from Mu. Sasuke was able to heal her."

Sakura instantly started to look her over. "She'll be ok. Once it is safe, we'll get her to the hospital so we can do a better check."

The clone pointed at himself. "I can teleport her there."

Sakura wanted to smack herself for forgetting that. "Alright, but take Ino, Suigetsu, and Gaara with you." Gaara and Suigetsu looked ready to protest but Sakura glared at them, silencing them. The clone nodded, kneeling down. Gaara and Suigetsu took one of the clone's hands as well as one of Karin's. In a flash of red, they were gone.

They appeared in the entrance of the hospital. Shizune was alerted to their presence. She showed them to a room with two beds. The clone placed Karin on one while Suigetsu climbed onto the other. Shizune quickly hooked them up to IV machines. With the clone's help, she wheeled Karin into a room to check on her stomach. Shizune frowned at the results.

"It's bad, isn't it," Karin's voice came out rough. She sat up and looked over at the results. Tears came to her eyes as she realized what they meant.

"I'm sorry," Shizune said, hugging her. She let Karin cry and then handed her some face wipes. She brought Karin back into her room. Suigetsu looked up at their arrival, frowning at the obvious look of pain on Karin's face.

"Suigetsu," Karin began. "Mu's attack… it hit part of my uterus." Gaara, Ino, and the clone gasped. Ino went to Karin's side, taking one of her hands into her own. Karin smiled at her sadly before turning back to Suigetsu. "I won't be able to have children." She looked at the clone. "The Uzumaki line will end with Nagato's children." She began to cry again, but Suigetsu wrapped his arms around her.

"Marry me," Suigetsu said. Karin looked at him in surprise. She was about to argue when Suigetsu continued. "I bought a ring last week." He pointed at the clone. "He helped me pick one out. Sasuke even gave his input. Juugo, well, he wasn't much help. I don't have it on me right now, so forgive me for the lame proposal. But I want to spend the rest of my life with you, children or no children. Before you even try to say that you are defective, I don't care. I don't think you are and I love you. Even if you are annoying and sometimes too aggressive, that doesn't matter. We all have our faults. Hell, I turn into water when you hit me!" Karin proceeded to do just that causing everyone to laugh. "See? So who cares about being normal or whatever. Karin, please say yes. I'm too lazy to keep begging, though I will if…"

Karin kissed him. "You talk too much." Suigetsu smiled and kissed her back. "Once this is over, I better get that ring."

"I promise you will," Suigetsu grinned.