Hokage's Office, Night…
Tsunade was hard at work on the paperwork for the Senju Clan when she heard a knocking at the door. "Shizune, if this is about resting, I'm fine. This…"
She stopped as the door opened and a slightly injured Sasuke Uchiha walked in. "We need to talk."
He closed the door.
After the Explanation
Sasuke had told Tsunade everything that happened. "…They then left before I could give an answer. I won't lie; I considered going." He shook his head. "In the end, I'm not going down the route my brother wants me to. I'm going down my way and joining Orochimaru isn't my way."
"Well, the Uchiha isn't the brat I thought him to be." Tsunade smiled before becoming serious. "Okay, these Sound Shinobi are sticking around until you come to join them which means we must deal with them."
"They want me, so I'll give them me." Sasuke stated seriously.
"I apricate the enthusiasm, but based on what you said, these Shinobi must be somewhere around Chunin level. With the Curse Marks, that'd put them in the Jonin range. The reason you did so well was the due to them not wanting to kill you and being caught off guard." Tsunade reasoned.
"I don't care." Sasuke stated firmly. "They're looking for me, so I got to go. Put me on a squad with some Jonin and we can set a trap to ambush them."
"That would work, but the state of the village has demanded Jonin, Chunin, and almost every Genin's attention when it comes to missions. I've been sending them out all day. Even Kakashi and Hinata are out." She sighed. "I guess there is no other choice." She pressed the intercom button. "Shizune, I'm going to need you to rouse the following Shinobi."
Some Time Later…
Daichi, Naruto, Shikamaru, Lee, and Sakura walked into the office together to find Sasuke.
Naruto was rubbing his eyes. "Come on Granny Tsunade, was it really important that we come here now?"
"Shut up brat!" Tsunade yelled. "You're all here because there's an A rank mission I need to inform you of. I won't lie. There's a chance some of you may not make it back. Shikamaru and Daichi I must order you to go as Chunin, but the rest of you can opt out if you choose."
Lee firmly said, "I will not allow my comrades to go into these battles without me. They can count on the green beast of Konoha to back them up."
"I will not abandon this mission when I am fully able contribute." Sakura nodded. "I'm in."
Naruto smiled. "You're crazy if you think I'm sitting this mission out."
"You already know my feelings on the matter." Sasuke stated.
Tsunade nodded. "Then let's formulate a plan. All of us together to ensure it has the highest chance for survival."
"About that…" Shikamaru stepped forward with a sigh. "As much of a drag as this is, I have a general plan in mind Lady Hokage."
Shikamaru explained his plan in detail.
Outside the Leaf Village, Some Time Later…
Sasuke had walked out of the village without his flak jacket and forehead protector. A backpack was slung over one shoulder. The Uchiha stopped when he came upon the Sound Four who knelt before him.
"We've been waiting for you Sasuke." Sakon stated.
"What's with the change in attitude?" Sasuke smirked. "You seemed ready to kill me after I disposed of that second body of yours."
"It had already been decided that the moment you abandoned the Leaf Village, you'd become our new leader." They bowed their heads deeply. "Please forgive our rudeness. Mine especially."
"Like I care." Sasuke walked past them. "Let's go."
Gate, Morning…
Sakura, Shikamaru, Lee, Daichi, and Naruto watched as a phoenix, large enough for someone to ride om, ascended into the air. The gate opened, and the squad moved past it a bit.
Shikamaru said, "It's time to go."
"Let's move everybody!" Naruto exclaimed.
Shikamaru said, "Naruto, I know it's a drag, but Daichi and I are the platoon leaders."
Naruto sighed. "I guess you two do know this plan of yours inside and out."
Daichi nodded before addressing everyone. "You all have nothing to worry about. Shikamaru and I got all the plans."
Sakura asked, "What's our current plan then? The Sound Four get further from the village every minute we stand around talking."
Shikamaru said, "For starters, we're put in the position of pursuit. This means the enemy has an advantage over us. In response, I'm arranging us in a formation that can respond to any assault made by the enemy. If any of you don't follow my exact orders we'll die."
Naruto gulped.
"We'll go with a single file, strike formation." Shikamaru stated. "As we all know, the most important position is the spearhead. Sakura, that's you. I've heard your team is the most familiar with The Land of Fire's terrain.
Your abilities will help us find The Sound Four and avoid traps. 2nd in line will be myself. In that position, I'll be able to direct those behind using silent hand signals. Because I'm close to Sakura, I'll be in position to react to any situation. In the middle is Naruto.
The middle of the line is the perfect place for you because your most capable of executing quick moves either in front or behind yourself. You're the corner stone. 4th in line is Lee. No one doubts your overall speed, strength, and Taijutsu ability.
Finally, on the end will be you, Daichi. Your position is most difficult as rear look out, but thanks to your Fusion Clones, you have access to the Byakugan. Now look at this." Shikamaru knelt on the ground, everyone grouped around him, and he sketched a diagram.
"This diagram shows what part of the perimeter you're responsible for. Sakura watches the front, I'm responsible for a wider forward view, Naruto's got the left, I have the right, and Daichi, using the Byakugan, has the entire area to the rear. Shikamaru put the scroll away and stood.
"Now, I need to familiarize myself with the tools you will be bringing into battle. Are there any questions?" Naruto shook his head. "Since no one has anything to add, I'll say this. I'm usually a lazy guy but not today because now I'm responsible for your lives."
"Count on Shikamaru and I." Daichi stated. "We'll do everything we can to see you through this mission. Now, let us check over your gear."
Both Chunin checked everyone's, including each other's, gear.
Once that was done, Shikamaru nodded. "Alright, we've spent enough time on the plan. Now is the time to move out."
Lee nodded. "Yes, let us venture forth!"
The team walked away from the village while Daichi left behind a Fusion Clone of Hinata.
With the Sound Four
The Sound Shinobi stopped causing the Uchiha to look at them.
"I think this is far enough Sasuke." Sakon stated. "We're well away from the Leaf Village."
"So, what's up?" Sasuke asked.
"Orochimaru gave us special instructions that we must take care of once reaching this point." Sakon chuckled. "Before we go any further, I'm afraid you must die this once."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Sakon brought out a small jar containing a black pill the size of a marble. "This is a modified awakening pill which will grant you the Curse Mark and rapidly accelerate it to level 2."
"It will have a huge effect on your body. It's done in a way that's gradual, but you'll still have to die for a brief window of time before resurrecting. We have a specific seal and barrel to carry you in for transport during this trying time." Tayuya stated.
Sasuke scoffed. "I'm only taking that pill once we reach Orochimaru. You idiots may have your Curse Marks, but you were fools for not using them early. As such, I have no faith in your ability to see me to the destination."
The Sound Four looked at one another.
"I'm afraid this isn't…" Kidomaru began.
Sasuke moved fast and came to stand in front of him. "Are you denying an order from your leader? I. Don't. Trust. You." He walked back to the middle. "You're liable to get me killed with your sloppy skills. You might as well kill me now and save Konoha the trouble."
"As you wish Sasuke." Sakon put the pill bottle away. "Let's move on."
"Once again, your incompetence is slowing your mission down." Sasuke looked at them all. "I may have a word with Orochimaru about you four upon my delivery."
The five Shinobi jumped into the trees and went on their way.
With the Leaf Shinobi, Later…
The group circumnavigated numerous traps and barriers before Daichi locates the Sound Shinobi up a head. The group moved into position. Spider webs throughout the forest, attached to Kidomaru, inform them of their sudden guest.
Paper bombs are thrown at Shikamaru and Lee. The older Genin grabbed grabbed the Chunin and jumped coming to land safely in front of the Sound Four. At which point, Lee set Shikamaru down. Kidomaru yanks everyone else out of their hiding places.
Shikamaru throws down smoke bombs and entangles the Sound Four with his Shadow Possession Jutsu. The Sound Shinobi break free due to a trap and The Leaf shinobi are trapped in an Earth Style Barrier: Earth Dome Prison.
"Since I caught them, I'm the one who gets to fight them." Jirobo declared. "Anyone got a problem with that?"
"You welcome to them." Sasuke started to walk away. "The rest of us are moving on."
The others followed.
Sakon looked back. "Don't take all day."
Inside the Barrier
Shikamaru said, "Terrific, a barrier. Now we're stuck."
Sakura asked, "What do we do now?"
"The barrier should be a problem." Daichi looked around. "Once we're out, we'll have to start splitting off."
Sakura said, "I'll be the one to stay behind and deal with this Shinobi."
"You certain you want to take this guy Sakura?" Daichi asked.
"I got him. Trust me." Sakura smiled. "It's not like I'll be taking him on alone the entire time. If things get dicey, I'll just have to hold out until one of our allies gets over here."
"The plan is set, but that doesn't explain how we get out of here." Naruto stated.
Daichi smiled. "It's quite simple. The Sound Shinobi is directly behind me and this entire dome is a construct of Chakra." He tapped his eyes which were currently the Byakugan. "Directly in front of me is the weakest point."
"So, we merely need to break this constructed prison there." Lee declared.
"Correct." Daichi looked at Naruto. "Would you do the honors?"
"Got it." Naruto smiled and formed the ball of Chakra in his hand before slamming it into the place Daichi indicated. "Rasengan!"
Outside
A hole was broken in the dome, and the group escaped before the earth came crashing down kicking up dust.
"Stay on your toes." Daichi was looking at Sakura. "It'll take time for help to arrive."
"Don't worry." Sakura smiled. "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's taking a hit." Sakura walked through the dust. "You know that better than anyone."
The group ran back into the brush and made their way around the current battlefield while Sakura came to stand before the Sound Shinobi.
"Where are the others, and how did you escape?" Jirobo inquired angrily.
Sakura stared her opponent down. "That doesn't matter." She got into her stance. "All you should concern yourself with is the opponent standing before you."
Jirobo said, "If you won't answer me, I'll beat the answers out of you."
Jirobo charged Sakura and slammed into her only to hit a shower of flower petals. "Genjutsu!"
Sakura stood behind him finishing up hand signs. "Genjutsu: Bringer of Darkness Jutsu."
Darkness began to set in around Jirobo, so he made the proper hand sign. "Release."
Jirobo frantically looked around only to spot Sakura in front of him having finished hand signs. "Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu!"
A large bullet of water slammed into Jirobo pushing him back. The Sound Shinobi let out a grunt before charging at Sakura once more and slamming into the girl sending her skidding. She was far less hurt than Jirobo thought.
"What's going on here?" Jirobo wondered.
Sakura clenched and unclenched her fist. "My genes granted me a tough body." She stared him down. "It's going to take more than that to take me down."
Jirobo stared her down. "Then, I'll just have to hit you harder!"
Black lines appeared all over his body, and Sakura could feel the increase in Chakra. He moved much faster than before and laid into Sakura with some heavy punches before slamming her into a tree. The Sound Shinobi then jumped back.
"Ha, no one ever told you girly, did they?" Jirobo chuckled. "There's always somebody in the mix whose nothing but dead weight. When someone needs to be cast aside, they're usually the first to go. A worthless pawn. That's what you are."
Sakura got to her feet panting. "You can talk all you want because I won't deny that I was nothing more than useless. I squandered my opportunity to make the most of my academy days. Ever since then, I've been playing catch up to those around me.
I've always been surrounded by far superior Shinobi. Now, I have people who are depending on me to hold you here with everything I got." She began weaving hand signs. "I refuse to let them down. Mark my words, you will fall today!"
Jirobo charged at Sakura who began to dodge him until he laid a shoulder into her knocking her on her back. "Brave words girl, but they are just that. Nothing but words from a useless Kunochi."
Sakura got to her feet and began weaving hand signs again. "It's useless girl." Jirobo cha and slammed into her again. "Your too slow." Sakura smiled as she substituted herself with a log, and he was seemingly bound by a tree. "What!?"
Sakura seemed to come out of the tree holding a kunai. "It took some set up. Still kind of new to one of my Sensei's signature Genjutsu, but I managed to pull it off. Now you're finished."
She moved to stab Jirobo until his skin turned red and his orange hair grew longer. The influx of Chakra was too much breaking the illusion and freeing the Sound Shinobi shocking Sakura. He wheeled around and slammed his arm into Sakura's gut winding her.
She was sent flying straight into a tree cracking it and trying to regain her breath. "So… strong. Is this the true power of the Curse Mark?"
Jirobo started to approach her. "It's over for you. In 2nd state, I'm invincible to physical attacks and10x stronger than before. You're dead!"
"Damn it." Sakura slowly rose to her feet.
Jirobo now stood before her. "Allow me to show you what happens to weaklings."
He moved to punch Sakura only for a familiar voice to call out. "Ninja Art: Insect Tornado."
Insects surrounded Jirobo and began feasting on his Chakra. "What is this!" The Sound Shinobi looked around as he felt the massive drain and began trying to destroy the insects. "What is this!"
Sakura looked to a nearby tree and smiled upon seeing Shino. "Imagine my surprise when Kiba and I are returning from a simple mission only to come across what you've been cooking up. Fortunately, they were kind enough to point us in your direction."
"Kiba's here to?" Sakura asked.
"I sent him on a head to join the pursuit group." He looked at the insect tornado. "As for you Sound Shinobi, this is the end."
"I refuse to die here to the likes of you!" Jirobo began weaving hand signs. "Earth Style: Flying Thrown Stones!"
Multiple stones, at incredible speeds, shot up destroying all the insects.
Jirobo was left panting as he returned level 1. "What was that about the battle ending?"
"I'll admit, that is impressive; however, you're focusing on me as opposed to the enemy you've been fighting." Shino stated.
"Water Style: Water Vortex Jutsu!" Sakura declared.
Jirobo turned as a huge vortex formed before Sakura who collapsed on the ground as the Jutsu plowed straight into the sound Shinobi. He slammed into a tree hard. The weakened ninja was then swarmed by insects and screamed before dying as every ounce of Chakra was drained.
Shino approached Sakura, knelt by her side, and flipped her on her back. "You conducted yourself as a true Kunochi." Sakura teared up with a smile before passing out. "Rest well. You've earned it."
With the Leaf Squad
The group was well on the trail of the remaining Sound Shinobi when Daichi saw something behind them. "An ally is coming up fast." He smiled. "It's Kiba." Everyone was surprised. "Bad news, I'm seeing a large force of Shinobi up ahead as well."
This brought the group to a stop allowing Kiba to easily join them. "Glad I caught up to you guys before you ran into the force up ahead."
"What are you doing here Kiba?" Naruto asked.
"Shino and I were returning form a simple C rank and happened to find your allies. Thought it was weird that the Sand and Mist were conspiring, so we approached with caution. They filled us in on everything going down and sent us out to help Sakura. Shino ordered me to join you guys."
"More help is greatly apricated." Lee stated.
"Naruto punched the palm of his hand. "We'll call in our allies and mow through whatever's ahead."
"Naruto, we're sticking to the original plan." Shikamaru turned to Daichi. "Daichi, use the Byakugan and get a read on numbers. How many men are we dealing with?"
Daichi scanned a head. "I count 50, but It's hard to get a proper count." He looked around. "Seems our allies have sent Kanja and Temari out to aid us. They're approaching from the left."
Shikamaru closed his eyes and quickly thought things through. "Alright, I can work with those Kunoichi's skills to take down the enemy Shinobi. You 4 will go around and continue after the Sound Shinobi."
"That's insane! The three of you would get overwhelmed by such a large force!" Kiba exclaimed.
"That is a risk, but we don't have time to argue. The Sound Four can't get away, and someone must stay behind to ensure this force doesn't follow. Now, you four get going." Shikamaru ordered. "Daichi's officially in charge."
Daichi nodded. "Shikamaru is right. The longer we stand around debating, the greater the chance of them getting away."
"Yeah but…" Naruto clenched his fist.
"Just get going guys." Shikamaru turned in the direction of the Kunochi. "That's an order."
"There is nothing we can do to dissuade the choices they have made." Lee firmly stated. "Daichi and Shikamaru are our superiors, so what they say goes. He placed a hand on Daichi's shoulder. "I'm with you my eternal rival."
One by one the Genin took off until it was just Daichi and Shikamaru left. "Shikamaru, we may be equals on this mission, but I have one order I want you to follow. Don't you die on me. You still owe me a game of Shogi."
The Fusion member then took off. Shikamaru smiled before leaving to meet the Kunochi.
Riverbank
Temari and Kanja jumped down from the tree. Kanja was keeping a careful eye on Temari and the Sand Shinobi couldn't blame her. I mean, the Mist wasn't the one to attack the Leaf Village.
Kanja eventually sighed. "Alright look, I'm going to trust you for now because we have a huge number of enemies to deal with and being wary of you will take my attention away from them." She held out a hand. "Temporary teammates."
Temari shook the offered hands. "The Sand made a mistake. We're here as allies of the Leaf."
Shikamaru jumped down from his tree and came to stand before them. "This is going to be a drag." Shikamaru addressed the Kunochi. "Good to see you aren't at each other's throats. Hopefully, you'd be willing to listen to me because I have a plan that will help us survive."
Temari looked at him. "I might call it stupid unless you can be convincing."
"I'm fine with hearing you out." Kanja stated. "I had more experience with your mind, so I trust it'll come up with something good."
Shikamaru explained his plan to the Kunochi outlining what needed to be done to give them the best odds of making it out of this alive. They were dealing with a large force of shinobi, so everything had to be exactly right.
"…To sum it up, the three of us need to work together." Shikamaru turned in the direction of the Shinobi force. "We need to move because I don't think the Sound Shinobi are going to be idle for long."
Temari begrudgingly said, "I suppose, given the situation, I can follow your plan."
"I have no qualms with it." Kanja stated. "Let's move."
The three Shinobi jumped into the trees and made their way towards the gathered Shinobi.
Clearing
The Sound Shinobi were paying close attention to the direction the remaining Sound Four left in. Suddenly, the leader picked up the Leaf Shinobi following them.
The leader stood up and addressed the assembled Shinobi, "We're moving out and heading towards the Sound Four. Remember, if you see any…"
He stopped talking as he heard multiple kunai before seeing them nail the trunks of trees around them. Each one had a paper bomb attached to the handle before a dense fog rolled in.
"Scatter!" The leader shouted.
The Sound Ninja began to run in all directions as explosions started going off. The leader of the group heard people screaming in pain as they were caught in the resulting explosions. He then heard unfamiliar voices calling out Jutsu.
"Shadow Possession Jutsu."
All around him, including himself, Sound Shinobi were ensnared and forced to remain still.
"Wind Cutter!"
He heard more men scream out in pain.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
Again, more men screamed. "This crazy. All my men are falling. We were woefully unprepared to deal with…"
His train of thought was silenced as he reached around his neck and grasped nothing. A moment later, a kunai nailed him in the head.
With Shikamaru
Shikamaru had just removed the kunai from around his neck and threw it into the mist. By this point, after ensnaring as many Shinobi as he could so the Kunochi could clean house, he was out of Chakra.
In the end, it had been worth it as the mist cleared revealing that the area was littered with dead bodies. Shikamaru fell to his butt and looked at the clouds. Temari and Kanja made their way over to him. Both were far more banged up than he was, but they seemed able to move.
"What are you doing you lazy bum? Shouldn't we join up with your team?" Temari scolded.
"If you're fit enough to go after them, be my guest. As for me, I'm out of Chakra and need to recover before I go jumping into conflict." Shikamaru replied
Temari sighed. "I suppose Gaara and Kankuro are still watching them and will deploy if things get hectic."
Kanja put her forehead protector back over her Sharingan. "I'd be more of a hindrance than a help given my remaining Chakra reserves."
With the Leaf Squad, Same Time…
The group was on the trail of the remaining members of the Sound Four and closing in fast. The detour they'd been forced to make only made them move faster.
"What's our plan once we catch up with the group?" Kiba asked
"We haven't run into any traps which leads me to believe they think their man beat us. That is their mistake as we shall take them by surprise." Daichi stated. "Naruto do not dispel that shadow clone."
Forest
The remaining 3 members of the Sound Four were jumping from tree to tree.
"Jirobo's pretty late, isn't he?" Sakon questioned.
Kidomaru grunted, "I don't think he's going to be showing up any time soon. We have company."
Daichi rushed the group with his Lion's Will 25% activated and his left arm glowing blue. "Lion's Devastation."
Daichi punched Kidomaru in the back of the head sending him flying. The spider like Shinobi grabbed a branch pulling himself up. His two comrades and Sasuke stopped on some branches behind him.
"You three get going." Kidomaru declared. "Leave this fool to me."
Without another word, Sasuke and the remaining Sound Four continued into the forest. Daichi lept off another branch heading straight for Kidomaru.
"Ninja Art: Spider Web Net." Kidomaru thought shooting webbing at Daichi.
The moment the Jutsu made contact, it was revealed that he'd been fighting a shadow clone.
"What?!" Kidomaru shouted in surprise.
He then looked up as multiple Naruto's appear above him. "Surprised to see me?"
Kidomaru jumped off the tree branch and created a large ball of webbing. "Ninja Art: Spiral Spider Web."
The webbing caught all the Narutos at once trapping them. "Now's your chance Bushy Brow. There's no way he can dodge while in midair."
Lee lept from the shadows. "Dynamic Entry."
He aimed a kick at Kidomaru, but the Sound Shinobi used the webbing, he was holding, to dodge.
Lee landed on a branch. "I am not done yet!" He tried to jump only to find that he was stuck in webbing that coated the branch. "This is not a youthful way of fighting."
Kidomaru was grinning until he heard Kiba. "Now it's our turn. Fang over Fang."
He turned around only to be nailed by both Kiba and Akamaru who were spinning. They sent Kidomaru flying. Again, he managed to save himself. It seems his skin was made of some tough material.
Daichi, hidden in the brush, thought. "This guy is doing a good job distracting us. It seems we'll have to fall back on the original plan. Shadow Clone Jutsu." 5 Daichis appeared and immediately took off to free everyone. "Now for a distraction. Fusion Clone Jutsu."
A clone of one of the demon brothers appeared and jumped up to face Kidomaru on his branch.
The Sound Shinobi chuckled, "This is turning out to be a blast. I'm starting to see how you Genin could have beaten Jirobo. Show me what you got."
The demon brother clone charged in and the two opponents began a Taijutsu battle with one another. The demon was on the defensive because he didn't want to get dispelled before his boss freed everyone. Eventually, Kidomaru landed enough hits to dispel the clone.
Before Kidomaru could recover, Daichi lunged from his hiding spot and threw 5 Shuriken that Kidomaru caught in his webbing causing them to fall onto the branch harmlessly. "How did they get free?!"
"We're falling back on the first plan." Daichi had emerged from the brush. "Kiba, you and Akamaru up to take this guy on?"
Kiba jumped up to a branch. "No problem. We got this, right Akamaru?" The puppy barked in agreement. "You guys get going."
Daichi nodded. "Let's move."
The remaining members of the Leaf Shinobi squad continued after the Sound Shinobi.
Kidomaru said, "Oh no you don't."
The Sound Shinobi shot webbing after the group.
"Fang Over Fang." Kiba declared.
Kiba and Akamaru tore through the webbing before it reached his comrades.
"This one is skilled." Kidomaru said, "He may just turn out to be fun."
Kiba and Akamaru landed on the branch. "If you want to get them, you'll have to get past us."
"Fine by me. You'll be a descent one to play with, at least for a little while. In fact, I'll make it a game. I'll kill you in 2 minutes or less."
Kiba said, "Let's go Akamaru. Fang Over Fang."
They spiraled at Kidomaru once more.
Flame Wolfe (33): Thank you. I just thought I'd try to give other characters some time to shine here and there.
Flame Wolfe (34): Glad you enjoyed the fight. I hope you enjoy the fights to come.