A/N: Thanx 4 ur patience People! I'm sorry that this took a while- this
week had been pretty busy for me, I had an interview, 15 battery tests, and
1 psychological report that I just finished yesterday. Anyway, This will be
a bit "fast-phased" though. Gomen for that! (Continue reviewing) I really
appreciate them!!
Chapter Three – Chasing After Him
The entire group arrived at Otto Village around 5:00 in the afternoon.
"This town gives an unusual-creepy-impression". Ino said in a low tone.
"Hn! Well, what do you expect? This is Orochimaru's and a lot of other evil ninja's territory." Shikamaru snapped at her sarcastically.
"What's with him? One moment he complements me the other he's such a jerk!". Ino yelled inside.
Nope she do not have an "Inner Ino" like Sakura, k? She just can't say out loud her thoughts right now since they're w/in the enemy's place
Naruto and Kiba tied their boats behind a large tree.
"Faster you two!". Sakura commanded.
"We have to secure this stuffs Sakura, remember- this would be our ONLY means of transportation just incase something happens". Kiba told her.
"There! All done!". Naruto exclaimed after he and Kiba finished.
"Good, let's go and find Sasuke!". Sakura flared.
"Nope, not yet, we have to hide in the woods until dark". Neji instructed.
"What? Why do we have to wait- It'll be much dangerous during the night!". Sakura protested.
"Sakura, slow down, Neji is right, more people will notice us while there's still daylight". Rock Lee said in support to Neji.
"Yeah, but.....". Sakura tried to argue.
"Look, if you want to be an open target- go ahead and leave before us!". Neji finally blurted- losing his cool.
Sakura and the rest gaped their mouths wide open at his remark.
"Oi! Neji, you may have a point but don't you dare scream at Sakura-chan again!". Naruto defended.
Neji just ignored him.
"Hmmmmph! Stupid Neji! Why do I have the funny feeling the guy somehow reminds me of Sasuke!". Naruto uttered in his deep thoughts.
Sakura became silent. She then calmed down, sitting beside Ino's team on a nearby log- she waited patiently for the moon to take over in the sky.
Finally, day took its rightful leave. The young ninjas compressed together in a circle.
"Listen you guys, we can't just barge in the town and shout Sasuke's name or look for him, we need a plan". Shikamaru began.
"What do you suggest?". Shino said lowering his sunglasses.
"Hmmmmm....I've got some things in mind- but I want to know your opinions first". Shikamaru replied referring to all of them.
"Why don't we split in groups- we'll cover more ground that way". Neji was the first to suggest.
"That's fine with me". Kiba agreed.
"Split up? Won't that be dangerous?". Choujii asked munching a donut.
"Dangerous? Or you're probably just afraid!". Kiba snickered.
"What?!!! Are you telling me I'm a scaredy-cat?". Choujji snapped back.
"Nope, more like a scaredy-pi". Kiba didn't finished, Ino prevented him.
"Don't say it Kiba! Choujii hates hearing those words! We'd all end in chaos if you continue this nonsense!". Ino sermoned.
The two stopped.
"Okay, let's say we split up? What next?". Rock Lee asked, specifically Neji.
"We'll all look for Sasuke, when there's trouble we fight on our own. If ever we need to get together again we can use some tactic to send messages to one another". Neji explained.
"Wait- are you saying we all separate individually?!". Naruto questioned. "No, that'll be inconvenient, we can split into 3 or 2 groups". Neji answered.
"Hmmmmm...sure, I agree with the splitting idea, I can easily use my bugs to gain information from you guys- or I can send messages through them too, you guys can use them also if you want, just channel some chakra to them". Shino offered.
"That won't be necessary for me- I have Akamaru". Kiba boasted.
"Fine, it's settled then- since it's pretty dark now, I say we all start our search, let's all be careful though". Rock Lee concluded.
"Wait! Who goes with who?". Naruto asked.
"Let's draw lots, It'll be easier that way, however it ends- no one can protest once they're in their respective groups". Ino proposed.
The rest of them followed her suggestion. After a few minutes, they were then divided into 3 groups.
Naruto, Hinata, Choujii, and Shino are on one.
Neji, Sakura and Kiba on another.
While Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Ino and TenTen ended up together.
"Okay, everyone take one last good look of this place, if worse comes to worst this is our only way out. Try to remember every single detail of the surroundings, also of all our companions- we must avoid getting tricked". Neji advocated.
"Yeah, stay on guard and alert, don't initiate unnecessary fights". Rock Lee advised as well.
They all nodded- as if choreographed. They said their goodbyes. All at the same time they jumped off and glided form tree to tree.
"We're coming Sasuke- you just wait!" Naruto blurted excitedly. Hinata blushed as she traveled right beside him.
"Don't get careless Naruto, my insects are sensing something!". Shino informed, with him and Choujii following behind.
"Hai! Hai! I know what to do? Don't we Hinata?". Naruto said and glanced at her with an assuring smile.
"Ha-Hai....". Hinata said softly- almost red.
On the northern side of the town....
"Hmmmmmm..... I smell something fun". Orochimaru suddenly hissed.
"Hn? What do you mean commander?". One Otto Nin asked.
"Oh, nothing.... It just seems some pests came out to play...... send Sasuke here- and make it fast!". Orochimaru finished, then 2 Otto Nins immediately disappeared.
"Lee, you look bothered, what's up?". TenTen asked running fast beside him.
"Ehhh.... I just feel uncomfortable that Sakura ended up going with Neji and Kiba. Especially Neji- he can sometimes be a pain. I think it would have been better if she goes either with me or Naruto". He replied.
"Hn! I should have known it's Sakura you're thinking of". TenTen chided- sounding jealous.
"Eh? Relax, Lee-kun, I'm pretty sure she'll be fine". Ino assured him. Shikamaru ran past them and lead the way.
"Can you lay aside the talk, we have to hurry". Shikamaru called- lazily.
Meanwhile, to where Sakura and the others.......
Kiba and Akamaru glided the fastest, then Neji. As expected Sakura came in last. She struggled to keep up with them.
"Sasuke.......where are you?". Sakura spoke in her mind as she hopped from rooftop to rooftop and tree to tree.
They noticed that the Otto village has very few houses, but a lot of trees.
Neji kept glancing back once in a while- either his expecting enemies to come or he was checking on Sakura.
"Shoot! She's slowing us down". Neji thought to himself.
"Oi Kiba, lessen your phase a bit, our girl companion is quite having a hard time keeping up!". Neji called out.
"Feh! Don't tell me to slow down, instead tell her to go fast!". Kiba scorned.
"What's with that Sakura? Hinata is not slow like her, I mean they're both girls but I have to admit- Sakura's really weaker!". Kiba said in his mind- not slowing down.
Neji knew that he couldn't convince Kiba to slow down, actually he shouldn't have asked him to glide slower- it'll give them danger. But, he knew he couldn't force Sakura to go faster since she's not really capable to do so. So, quickly he paused, and leaped back to where she is.
"You're slowing us down....can't you go a little faster?". He asked coldly, now gliding beside her.
"I'm trying!". Sakura panted.
"Well, we really have to increase our speed now, or Kiba might leave us behind". Swiftly he scooped her up and carried her in his arms.
"What the? What are you doing?!". Sakura protested- embarrassed and blush- filled.
"Shut up and just stay put, we have to hurry I can feel someone's following us- not too far". Neji bawled at her.
Soon, they got to join Kiba and caught up with his phase. Kiba glanced at them quickly.
"Is carrying her necessary? I must say you two look like newly weds!". Kiba howled with a silly grin.
"Baka! I have to carry her or the enemies will catch up!". Neji explained- a quick blush crossed his face.
"So, you felt them too......Akamaru had been telling me that a while ago". Kiba admitted.
Then dark aura began to reach out to them. They moved even faster. Rapidly the three looked for a secure place to hide. Then they saw a large withering tree, they hid behind it. Neji placed Sakura down, she in return tried to conceal her nervousness and fright at the approaching danger. Kiba positioned himself and Akamaru for a fight.
"Byakugan!". Neji chanted, then he saw past the tree they where hiding and some more other trees, then some houses, finally he saw the intruders.
"They're within close range. There are three of them. Everyone prepare yourselves". Neji informed his companions- his eyes still not in its normal mode.
Sakura grabbed out a Kunai. Kiba and Akamaru readied.
The leaves shuffled. The wind blew unstably.
Then, their wait was over. Three Otto nins in military garb appeared before them.
"What are you kids doing here?". One asked.
"Are you spies sent from Konoha?". Another interrogated.
"This isn't the place for you, you know that!". The last one commented.
"What do you want from us?!". Neji hollered.
"Shouldn't we be the one to ask that question". The first one spoke again.
"We are not obliged to answer your questions!". Sakura yelled bravely.
"Then neither are we!". The three Otto nins screamed and attacked.
The bulky one sent dozens of shurinkens at Kiba and Akamaru. The two skillfully avoided and made their attack as well. The one appearing to be the leader came behind Neji and engaged him in a "TaiJutsu" centered fight.
Sakura didn't wait for the last Otto Nin to attack her so she made the first move. She threw her Kunai at the predator. Who dodged it with ease.
"Hahahahaha..... looks like among your friends- you're the only one without any special techniques!". The enemy mocked her.
"Shut up and show yourself!!!!". Sakura demanded.
"At your request little girl!". The enemy appeared beside her and gave her a powerful blow accompanied by a mind-boggling sound.
"She flew in the air".
"SAKURA!!!!". Both Kiba and Neji called out loud.
But just before they can help, their opponents blocked their way.
Before Sakura hit the ground she turned into a log.
Kiba and Neji felt relieved.
"Hn?! Kawamari Technique?!!!". Her enemy said irritably.
"Don't underestimate me!!!!". Sakura flared at her enemy and slashed him with a Kunai.
Lucky for the Otto Ninja, he leaped away on time but the hem of his upper clothing got torn.
"Darn!". Sakura's opponent uttered.
"I won't go easy on you next time!". He added.
Neji finally injured seriously his opponent who then was left unable to fight him any longer ( I mean who'd be able to?- after Neji hit his vital organs-hehehehe GO NEJI!!!). Kiba and Akamura are gaining the upperhand as well.
As for Sakura, she did her best to avoid getting hit and controlled her chakra perfectly.
"Hn! Are you just gonna' keep on running away?!!!". He then caught her step and lifted his fist and fired another "shattering noise".
This time Sakura didn't have time to use Kawamari. But Neji arrived on time and gave Sakura's foe a perfect roundhouse kick.
"You okay?". Neji asked.
"Hai, Arigato!".
Before Neji can completely finish off her enemy, his earlier antagonist got up and signaled his companions to retreat.
"We have to retreat for now, let's report this to commander Orochimaru!". They all vanished after a puff of smoke.
"They were sent by Orochimaru!". Kiba bolted.
"Hn! Just as I suspected!". Neji agreed.
The same fate happened to Naruto and Ino's group. They made their opponents run away as well. (GO KONOHA! That's Youth Power, ne Lee?!).
At Orochimaru's place.....
"(evil laughter)...... I'm not impressed. Not at all, those morons that I sent to attack those kids were the lowest of all my army". Orochimaru declared while sipping wine.
Then his doors opened. Two guards led Sasuke.
"Why did you called for me?". Sasuke asked nonchalantly.
"Sasuke......I'm glad you came, well, I just wanted to show you something". Orochimaru answered teasingly and stood up.
"Hurry with it, you're interrupting my training".
"Well, you might change your attitude once you see this.....". Orochimaru challenged, then magically he touched with the tip of his finger his wine, and an interesting image came into view.
Sasuke's eyes widened, his heart pounded wildly.
The first image was Rock Lee and his companions walking away after their enemies left. The next one made his heart beat violently even more, he saw Naruto throwing his fists in the air in victory- then Hinata placed her "special ointment" on his nasty bruises.
"Naruto......". Sasuke involuntarily uttered faintly, Orochimaru's lips curved slyly.
Then, lastly, he saw Neji and the others successfully beating up their enemies. But the last scene caught his eyes. A pair of green eyes barely keeping her spirits up, then short strands of pink hair swayed wildly in the midnight air.
He can hear what they're saying. (Wow is Orochimaru a good magician or what?).
"(panting!) Thanks you two.....but I'm glad I managed to fight as well, I wish Naruto and Sasuke saw me back there". She uttered proudly gasping for breath, then she fainted, Neji caught her.
"Sakuar?....Sakuara? Get a hold of yourself!" Neji shook her in his arms.
".........gomen ne Neji kun, I'm fine, I just need to rest a bit". Sakura struggled to speak then fell asleep, completely falling on him.
Sasuke clenched his fists impulsively.
"Sakura.......Naruto......what are you guys doing here?". He asked mentally. Thoughts of worry, anger, regret and grief flooded his mind.
Orochimaru observed every reaction Sasuke made. Then a wicked thought played in his wicked mind. A cunning grin formed on Orochimaru's lips.
A/N: This had been longer than intended. Next chap- longer probably. Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura face to face again? What's in for them? Is Neji acting weird or what? And what's wrong with TenTen? Does she like Lee? Will Hinata and Naruto progress? So as Shikamaru and Ino?! What about Oprochiamru? What's his plan?
The answer to these questions will be taken care of by the coming chapters.
Continue reviewing minna-san! Itte Kimasu!
Chapter Three – Chasing After Him
The entire group arrived at Otto Village around 5:00 in the afternoon.
"This town gives an unusual-creepy-impression". Ino said in a low tone.
"Hn! Well, what do you expect? This is Orochimaru's and a lot of other evil ninja's territory." Shikamaru snapped at her sarcastically.
"What's with him? One moment he complements me the other he's such a jerk!". Ino yelled inside.
Nope she do not have an "Inner Ino" like Sakura, k? She just can't say out loud her thoughts right now since they're w/in the enemy's place
Naruto and Kiba tied their boats behind a large tree.
"Faster you two!". Sakura commanded.
"We have to secure this stuffs Sakura, remember- this would be our ONLY means of transportation just incase something happens". Kiba told her.
"There! All done!". Naruto exclaimed after he and Kiba finished.
"Good, let's go and find Sasuke!". Sakura flared.
"Nope, not yet, we have to hide in the woods until dark". Neji instructed.
"What? Why do we have to wait- It'll be much dangerous during the night!". Sakura protested.
"Sakura, slow down, Neji is right, more people will notice us while there's still daylight". Rock Lee said in support to Neji.
"Yeah, but.....". Sakura tried to argue.
"Look, if you want to be an open target- go ahead and leave before us!". Neji finally blurted- losing his cool.
Sakura and the rest gaped their mouths wide open at his remark.
"Oi! Neji, you may have a point but don't you dare scream at Sakura-chan again!". Naruto defended.
Neji just ignored him.
"Hmmmmph! Stupid Neji! Why do I have the funny feeling the guy somehow reminds me of Sasuke!". Naruto uttered in his deep thoughts.
Sakura became silent. She then calmed down, sitting beside Ino's team on a nearby log- she waited patiently for the moon to take over in the sky.
Finally, day took its rightful leave. The young ninjas compressed together in a circle.
"Listen you guys, we can't just barge in the town and shout Sasuke's name or look for him, we need a plan". Shikamaru began.
"What do you suggest?". Shino said lowering his sunglasses.
"Hmmmmm....I've got some things in mind- but I want to know your opinions first". Shikamaru replied referring to all of them.
"Why don't we split in groups- we'll cover more ground that way". Neji was the first to suggest.
"That's fine with me". Kiba agreed.
"Split up? Won't that be dangerous?". Choujii asked munching a donut.
"Dangerous? Or you're probably just afraid!". Kiba snickered.
"What?!!! Are you telling me I'm a scaredy-cat?". Choujji snapped back.
"Nope, more like a scaredy-pi". Kiba didn't finished, Ino prevented him.
"Don't say it Kiba! Choujii hates hearing those words! We'd all end in chaos if you continue this nonsense!". Ino sermoned.
The two stopped.
"Okay, let's say we split up? What next?". Rock Lee asked, specifically Neji.
"We'll all look for Sasuke, when there's trouble we fight on our own. If ever we need to get together again we can use some tactic to send messages to one another". Neji explained.
"Wait- are you saying we all separate individually?!". Naruto questioned. "No, that'll be inconvenient, we can split into 3 or 2 groups". Neji answered.
"Hmmmmm...sure, I agree with the splitting idea, I can easily use my bugs to gain information from you guys- or I can send messages through them too, you guys can use them also if you want, just channel some chakra to them". Shino offered.
"That won't be necessary for me- I have Akamaru". Kiba boasted.
"Fine, it's settled then- since it's pretty dark now, I say we all start our search, let's all be careful though". Rock Lee concluded.
"Wait! Who goes with who?". Naruto asked.
"Let's draw lots, It'll be easier that way, however it ends- no one can protest once they're in their respective groups". Ino proposed.
The rest of them followed her suggestion. After a few minutes, they were then divided into 3 groups.
Naruto, Hinata, Choujii, and Shino are on one.
Neji, Sakura and Kiba on another.
While Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Ino and TenTen ended up together.
"Okay, everyone take one last good look of this place, if worse comes to worst this is our only way out. Try to remember every single detail of the surroundings, also of all our companions- we must avoid getting tricked". Neji advocated.
"Yeah, stay on guard and alert, don't initiate unnecessary fights". Rock Lee advised as well.
They all nodded- as if choreographed. They said their goodbyes. All at the same time they jumped off and glided form tree to tree.
"We're coming Sasuke- you just wait!" Naruto blurted excitedly. Hinata blushed as she traveled right beside him.
"Don't get careless Naruto, my insects are sensing something!". Shino informed, with him and Choujii following behind.
"Hai! Hai! I know what to do? Don't we Hinata?". Naruto said and glanced at her with an assuring smile.
"Ha-Hai....". Hinata said softly- almost red.
On the northern side of the town....
"Hmmmmmm..... I smell something fun". Orochimaru suddenly hissed.
"Hn? What do you mean commander?". One Otto Nin asked.
"Oh, nothing.... It just seems some pests came out to play...... send Sasuke here- and make it fast!". Orochimaru finished, then 2 Otto Nins immediately disappeared.
"Lee, you look bothered, what's up?". TenTen asked running fast beside him.
"Ehhh.... I just feel uncomfortable that Sakura ended up going with Neji and Kiba. Especially Neji- he can sometimes be a pain. I think it would have been better if she goes either with me or Naruto". He replied.
"Hn! I should have known it's Sakura you're thinking of". TenTen chided- sounding jealous.
"Eh? Relax, Lee-kun, I'm pretty sure she'll be fine". Ino assured him. Shikamaru ran past them and lead the way.
"Can you lay aside the talk, we have to hurry". Shikamaru called- lazily.
Meanwhile, to where Sakura and the others.......
Kiba and Akamaru glided the fastest, then Neji. As expected Sakura came in last. She struggled to keep up with them.
"Sasuke.......where are you?". Sakura spoke in her mind as she hopped from rooftop to rooftop and tree to tree.
They noticed that the Otto village has very few houses, but a lot of trees.
Neji kept glancing back once in a while- either his expecting enemies to come or he was checking on Sakura.
"Shoot! She's slowing us down". Neji thought to himself.
"Oi Kiba, lessen your phase a bit, our girl companion is quite having a hard time keeping up!". Neji called out.
"Feh! Don't tell me to slow down, instead tell her to go fast!". Kiba scorned.
"What's with that Sakura? Hinata is not slow like her, I mean they're both girls but I have to admit- Sakura's really weaker!". Kiba said in his mind- not slowing down.
Neji knew that he couldn't convince Kiba to slow down, actually he shouldn't have asked him to glide slower- it'll give them danger. But, he knew he couldn't force Sakura to go faster since she's not really capable to do so. So, quickly he paused, and leaped back to where she is.
"You're slowing us down....can't you go a little faster?". He asked coldly, now gliding beside her.
"I'm trying!". Sakura panted.
"Well, we really have to increase our speed now, or Kiba might leave us behind". Swiftly he scooped her up and carried her in his arms.
"What the? What are you doing?!". Sakura protested- embarrassed and blush- filled.
"Shut up and just stay put, we have to hurry I can feel someone's following us- not too far". Neji bawled at her.
Soon, they got to join Kiba and caught up with his phase. Kiba glanced at them quickly.
"Is carrying her necessary? I must say you two look like newly weds!". Kiba howled with a silly grin.
"Baka! I have to carry her or the enemies will catch up!". Neji explained- a quick blush crossed his face.
"So, you felt them too......Akamaru had been telling me that a while ago". Kiba admitted.
Then dark aura began to reach out to them. They moved even faster. Rapidly the three looked for a secure place to hide. Then they saw a large withering tree, they hid behind it. Neji placed Sakura down, she in return tried to conceal her nervousness and fright at the approaching danger. Kiba positioned himself and Akamaru for a fight.
"Byakugan!". Neji chanted, then he saw past the tree they where hiding and some more other trees, then some houses, finally he saw the intruders.
"They're within close range. There are three of them. Everyone prepare yourselves". Neji informed his companions- his eyes still not in its normal mode.
Sakura grabbed out a Kunai. Kiba and Akamaru readied.
The leaves shuffled. The wind blew unstably.
Then, their wait was over. Three Otto nins in military garb appeared before them.
"What are you kids doing here?". One asked.
"Are you spies sent from Konoha?". Another interrogated.
"This isn't the place for you, you know that!". The last one commented.
"What do you want from us?!". Neji hollered.
"Shouldn't we be the one to ask that question". The first one spoke again.
"We are not obliged to answer your questions!". Sakura yelled bravely.
"Then neither are we!". The three Otto nins screamed and attacked.
The bulky one sent dozens of shurinkens at Kiba and Akamaru. The two skillfully avoided and made their attack as well. The one appearing to be the leader came behind Neji and engaged him in a "TaiJutsu" centered fight.
Sakura didn't wait for the last Otto Nin to attack her so she made the first move. She threw her Kunai at the predator. Who dodged it with ease.
"Hahahahaha..... looks like among your friends- you're the only one without any special techniques!". The enemy mocked her.
"Shut up and show yourself!!!!". Sakura demanded.
"At your request little girl!". The enemy appeared beside her and gave her a powerful blow accompanied by a mind-boggling sound.
"She flew in the air".
"SAKURA!!!!". Both Kiba and Neji called out loud.
But just before they can help, their opponents blocked their way.
Before Sakura hit the ground she turned into a log.
Kiba and Neji felt relieved.
"Hn?! Kawamari Technique?!!!". Her enemy said irritably.
"Don't underestimate me!!!!". Sakura flared at her enemy and slashed him with a Kunai.
Lucky for the Otto Ninja, he leaped away on time but the hem of his upper clothing got torn.
"Darn!". Sakura's opponent uttered.
"I won't go easy on you next time!". He added.
Neji finally injured seriously his opponent who then was left unable to fight him any longer ( I mean who'd be able to?- after Neji hit his vital organs-hehehehe GO NEJI!!!). Kiba and Akamura are gaining the upperhand as well.
As for Sakura, she did her best to avoid getting hit and controlled her chakra perfectly.
"Hn! Are you just gonna' keep on running away?!!!". He then caught her step and lifted his fist and fired another "shattering noise".
This time Sakura didn't have time to use Kawamari. But Neji arrived on time and gave Sakura's foe a perfect roundhouse kick.
"You okay?". Neji asked.
"Hai, Arigato!".
Before Neji can completely finish off her enemy, his earlier antagonist got up and signaled his companions to retreat.
"We have to retreat for now, let's report this to commander Orochimaru!". They all vanished after a puff of smoke.
"They were sent by Orochimaru!". Kiba bolted.
"Hn! Just as I suspected!". Neji agreed.
The same fate happened to Naruto and Ino's group. They made their opponents run away as well. (GO KONOHA! That's Youth Power, ne Lee?!).
At Orochimaru's place.....
"(evil laughter)...... I'm not impressed. Not at all, those morons that I sent to attack those kids were the lowest of all my army". Orochimaru declared while sipping wine.
Then his doors opened. Two guards led Sasuke.
"Why did you called for me?". Sasuke asked nonchalantly.
"Sasuke......I'm glad you came, well, I just wanted to show you something". Orochimaru answered teasingly and stood up.
"Hurry with it, you're interrupting my training".
"Well, you might change your attitude once you see this.....". Orochimaru challenged, then magically he touched with the tip of his finger his wine, and an interesting image came into view.
Sasuke's eyes widened, his heart pounded wildly.
The first image was Rock Lee and his companions walking away after their enemies left. The next one made his heart beat violently even more, he saw Naruto throwing his fists in the air in victory- then Hinata placed her "special ointment" on his nasty bruises.
"Naruto......". Sasuke involuntarily uttered faintly, Orochimaru's lips curved slyly.
Then, lastly, he saw Neji and the others successfully beating up their enemies. But the last scene caught his eyes. A pair of green eyes barely keeping her spirits up, then short strands of pink hair swayed wildly in the midnight air.
He can hear what they're saying. (Wow is Orochimaru a good magician or what?).
"(panting!) Thanks you two.....but I'm glad I managed to fight as well, I wish Naruto and Sasuke saw me back there". She uttered proudly gasping for breath, then she fainted, Neji caught her.
"Sakuar?....Sakuara? Get a hold of yourself!" Neji shook her in his arms.
".........gomen ne Neji kun, I'm fine, I just need to rest a bit". Sakura struggled to speak then fell asleep, completely falling on him.
Sasuke clenched his fists impulsively.
"Sakura.......Naruto......what are you guys doing here?". He asked mentally. Thoughts of worry, anger, regret and grief flooded his mind.
Orochimaru observed every reaction Sasuke made. Then a wicked thought played in his wicked mind. A cunning grin formed on Orochimaru's lips.
A/N: This had been longer than intended. Next chap- longer probably. Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura face to face again? What's in for them? Is Neji acting weird or what? And what's wrong with TenTen? Does she like Lee? Will Hinata and Naruto progress? So as Shikamaru and Ino?! What about Oprochiamru? What's his plan?
The answer to these questions will be taken care of by the coming chapters.
Continue reviewing minna-san! Itte Kimasu!