Back again. Let's continue with the next chapter.

Side Note: The characters didn't change much in appearance since it's only been like 3 years or so. I mentioned that because I just can't imagine Naruto looking older, it's so hard. Whenever I do that, the 4th Hokage floats to my mind. So, I can't imagine Naruto being 15. Let's just say he's the same, but he IS taller than Sakura. ;D And he's a little smarter, but he CAN be a loud attention-getting brat that he was so many years ago. :D

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Chapter 4

"Sakura! Wake up!"

Sakura opened her eyes and saw Sasuke gently shaking her awake.

"Hunh?"

"It's time for the mission," said Sasuke, seeing the confused look on Sakura's face. "I told you we'd be up early."

"Oh," replied Sakura. "Right."

"Naruto's already waiting outside," said Sasuke. "Hurry up and get ready."

Sakura felt wide awake at the mention of Naruto.

He's waiting. What the heck am I doing lying in bed?

Sakura quickly jumped out of bed and ran to the closet. Sasuke exited.

In about ten minutes, Sakura ran out of the house, bidding good-bye to Tazuna and the rest.

Naruto and Sasuke were standing by the road.

"Let's go," said Sakura, feeling out of breath.

Naruto smiled at her while Sasuke turned around and started walking.

For about an hour, they wandered the village, looking for their destination.

"ARGH!" cried out Naruto. "Damn it, Sasuke! Gimme the map! You have no sense of direction! We've passed this part of town over ten times already!!"

"No way," calmly answered Sasuke. Sakura was looking from one to the other.

"Give it here," she said. She extended her hand and looked determinedly at Sasuke.

Both boys had a surprised look on their faces.

Slowly, Sasuke reached into his bag, and took out one of the scrolls that Kakashi gave them. He handed it to Sakura.

She turned her back to Naruto and Sasuke. Carefully, she opened the scroll and started examining it.

Taking a few steps forward, Sakura traced her finger over the map.

Oh, I see. Kakashi-sensei even put a comment here. It'll be a breeze getting there if we follow this road here through the woods.

Sakura looked up and examined the surroundings.

Uh-huh, so this is the main road. The woods are to the left, over this little bridge. So, we follow through the woods and end up on the edge of the village. The border separating the Village of the Waves and the Village of the Hidden Mist is there.

Sakura folded up the scroll and turned to look at the boys.

"I got it!" she exclaimed. "Now, let's go! We've already wasted enough time."

She didn't wait for a response and turned to walk toward the little bridge.

Both Naruto and Sasuke glared at each other and with a huff followed Sakura.

When they reached the woods, Sakura lost all confidence again.

This forest looks much scarier than the Forest of Death, and that's saying something…

"Sakura," said Sasuke. "Are you sure this is the way we're supposed to go?"

Slowly, Sakura nodded.

"Well, then!" exclaimed Naruto. "Let's go then! I'm getting all excited just thinking about it!"

Sakura's face dropped.

I can't…

Sasuke and Naruto went forward but Sakura didn't move.

This is where I draw the line. I can't…

"Hm?"

Naruto noticed Sakura wasn't walking with them.

"What's wrong, Sakura-chan?" he asked.

"Uh," replied Sakura. "Nothing, Naruto."

She choked out a smile and walked past him.

I know I can't but I must. I'm not going to be left behind, I'm going to be stronger!

Going through the forest wasn't as bad as their experience in the Forest of Death after all. No enemies and no giant caterpillars.

Finally, after about two hours, they came upon a big clearing.

"Eh?" exclaimed Sakura. "What's this?"

The trio looked around. Nothing in sight. Just grass.

Sasuke looked at Sakura with an annoyed expression.

"Don't worry," said Sakura quickly. Her voice was shaking.

She took out the scroll and examined the map again for a minute. Her expression softened.

"Look here," she said. "We came to the right place."

Naruto walked over and looked over Sakura's shoulder. His expression was totally clueless.

"Hehe," Sakura replied softly. "Here."

She traced her finger again over the paper and pointed to where they were.

"Ohh," answered Naruto. "I get it. We go here?"

He extended his hand toward the map and pointed to the headquarters.

"Y-yes," whispered Sakura. Her voice was shaking again.

This closeness is making me nervous. For some reason…

Sakura quickly took a step away from Naruto.

"Y-yeah," she said. "Well, let's go then!"

She took another few steps away from him.

"Come on," said Sakura and motioned for them to follow.

I'll feel normal in a few minutes, just gotta keep my mind from it.

Through the rest of their walk, Sakura made sure there was some distance between her and Naruto.

"We're here," announced Sasuke.

The other two looked at him.

"Alright," he said. He took out the other scroll and opened it. "Complete enemy grounds."

Sakura's face showed fear beyond fear.

I've gone too far. I won't keep up!

"We must find the building where they're hiding," said Sasuke.

By this time, Naruto was already fuming hot with Sasuke acting like the leader.

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I hope it wasn't too short or anything… Commence with the mission in the next chapter!