Hi everyone, thanks for reviewing my last chapter...(Some flamed :P) But anyways, sorry for updating a little late, school is kinda stressing...

And sorry chapters are long, I'll try to make them shorter next time. Well, thanks for stopping by, go ahead and read! Review, don't flame! ((Flame lands on hair )) Ah!

Chapter 15: Are we really lost?

Everyone slept quietly...

("Neji, I finally found you! What are you doing here?! Why did you left the hospital? You're seriously injured!"

"My condition does not concern you..."

"....Oh...wow..really? ...Well, let me tell you......First; I got up from bed, even thought I have a cast on my right leg, I took the crutches, pushed the nurses out of my way, and rushed up to your room, second, after an hour of looking for you all around the place, desperately asking doctors and nurses for you and without finding an answer, I realized that you had left the hospital and decided to look for you somewhere else, and third, I walked all the way up here to the hotel, even thought is only two blocks away from the hospital; I walked under the rain! My leg really hurts same as my whole body! But still, I came to look for you because I was worried, and only for you to tell me that is not of my concern?!!!"

"...I am sorry if I upset you Tenten."

"That is not the point Neji...the point is that..."

"Are you informed that...many of the Leaf troops are withdrawing back to Konoha?"

"Yes...I know...but, what does that have to do with you being here?"

"I'm going back to Konoha...and I recommend you to come with me as well..."

"What?! We can't leave right now! We're on the middle of a mission, remember?! W-What's wrong?!"

"...Tenten...everyone is going back...This is going nowhere...we must, or else we'll end up dying..."

"......No! I didn't just hear that.....not from you Neji..."

"I didn't know you were the type of guy that would give up so easily?!!! That can't be you!!! You're not Neji! Neji doesn't give up!"

"You don't understand..."

"Perhaps I don't; but you know why? Because..... I never get to be explained......I'm only the leftover, the secondary character that no one cares about! No one cares what I think, or what I feel, no one ever listens to me!"

"Don't say that ever again, do not assume what you don't know."

"Explain me then...why are you giving up? Why right now?"

"Yesterday's mission failed... Sakura is in a coma.....and the rest is seriously injured......even the senseis."

"Our priority is to come back alive...that is why..."

"No! I am sure that we can keep going; no one is going to give up! Because they all believe in themselves, and I'm sure that no one wants to fail!!! Why is the strongest of the Hyuuga clan giving up just now?!!!"

"No one knows that...and I am sure that this same thought has crossed their minds.....and deep inside you have too....Do you want anyone to die?"

"...Of course not...but still...I don't understand your reaction...all of a sudden...why?"

"...A ninja mustn't manifest any emotion in battle, or any aspect...but there is one thing that I can say...I've already lost something precious for me....and I don't want it to happen again....Now stop asking so many questions because I won't answer...I've already had enough...."

"Neji....")

"Neji, Neji, Neji..."

"Huh?!"

"Neji are you alright? Were you having a nightmare?"

"...A nightmare...?"

"I think so...I heard you say some ugly things about us dying...."- Tenten nervously bit her lower lip, and glanced at him.

"It was a nightmare..."- Neji sighed deeply and leaned tightly against his seat.-(What a relief...It looked so realistic...I thought...in was in fact happening....")

"Um..."-Tenten looked at him; his white eyes brimmed under the dark, showing a mixture of bother and worry on his dazed expression.

"Dead indeed..."

"Neji?"- Tenten called him, with a little bit of hope that he would talk to her.

"......"- Neji didn't answer, and was actually trying to concentrate on the voice he just heard coming from the front of the bus.

"Do you think we'll have awful trouble?"

"Neji...I know maybe this might sound stupid to you but...you know...sometimes is good to talk with somebody about...."

"Sshh!" –Neji grabbed her head and made her bend down a little.

"Ah! What is it?!"- She asked confused.

"I don't want the senseis to see us awake...I want to hear what they're talking about..."

"Huh? But why? Gee...that's not polite Neji..."- Tenten giggled.

"Just be quiet and listen..."

"Okay..."

Kakashi: "Oh come on, how bad could it be? Well, at least I don't worry about my team, I know they'll be able to complete their job, they're not the ones that would give up so easily, and they will actually love the fact that this mission has turned from Rank C, to A."

Kurenai: "Kakashi...do you actually remember Kazekage's words?"

Kakashi: "Yes, of course I do."

"W-What?!" –Tenten snapped. - "D-Did he just say A-Rank mission?!"

"Be quiet..."- Neji spotted Kakashi turning around by their side; so he quickly bent Tenten's head again.

Asuma: "Kazekage sent troops of jounin level ninjas, and they never came back..."

"Missing nins?! What are they talking about?!"- Tenten shrieked.-"No one every told us about missing nins in that city!"

"Stay shut will ya?"- Neji whispered with a frown on his face.

"But..."

Tomoko: "Oh, don't worry so much....I think Kazekage-sama was exaggerating a little..."

Asuma: "Why do you say that?"

Tomoko: "...Well...it's just that...In my opinion, if that man is gathering missing nins, I don't think they will be that powerful, you know, they must be some simple genins or so...and in other case, you guys will only serve as backup, nothing will be exaggeratedly dangerous..." (Nervous)

Kakashi: "I think she's right...Let's not worry about it anymore, let's rest for a while and later we will tell the guys about the new issues, and our time arrival." (Takes out 'Icha-Icha Paradise.')

All: "Yeah..." (Turn around)

"What was that all about...?"- Tenten asked confused.

"I don't know..."-Neji sat straight and looked out the window as a lot of thoughts started bombarding his mind.-"Let's see what they announce later on..."

"Yeah...I guess..." -Tenten stared at the floor.

There was silence...

"Guys, you heard that?!"

"Ah!"- Tenten snapped out her trance after Lee's face appeared right in front of them from his seat."-"Lee, you scared the crap out of me!"

"Sorry, but really did you hear that? We're on an A-rank mission!"-He exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, we know..."- Tenten sighed.

"Ain't that exiting, finally no more stupid tasks and shit! Finally my turn to show off! And prove Sakura-san that I'm the right one for her! "

"Ahem! Lee, be quiet, this is not a joke; you should be worried right now."-Tenten said thoughtful while glancing at the quiet Neji.

"Chill out guys, don't get too stressed out..."-Lee smiled.-"We will do our best, same as always right? Everything will be fine..."

"I hope so..."- Tenten sighed again.

"......."- Neji stayed quiet.

Flashback...

"Neji niisan...I wanted to tell you something..."-Hinata said softly.

"What is it?"

"....Today....when we were at the store, something weird happened....a man...stared following us..."

"What? You mean you all fought?"

"Um...not exactly...but...I did...kinda...but, after I defeated him...he said something weird...he threatened us..."

"What did he say?"

"....He said that his plan had failed...and he warned us to go back to our country...and stop our trip...because we wouldn't be so lucky next time..."- Hinata explained nervously.

"How did he find out about our trip?"-Neji asked thoughtful. -"Did any of you...Naruto mention anything?"

"No, none of us said a word..."

"....That means that man already knew...and if he attacked you, is because he had already been waiting..."

"I don't understand...."

"Someone is trying to stop us from getting to that city..."

End of Flashback

(Someone is behind all this...someone that knows our location and future steps...Someone that is close...)

"What's wrong Neji?"- Lee snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Nothing..."-Neji said while bringing back the dream he had some minutes ago. -"...Only one thing...We must be cautious, really cautious from now on..."-Neji's eyes traveled from his two friends, to the front seat were Tomoko slept. -"We don't know what surprises will show up next..."

"Huh?"

Later on...

Naruto: (Jumps from seat) "OHAYO!!!"

All: (Abruptly wake up) DAMARE NARUTO!!!

Kakashi: "Naruto, why don't you sit down...in case you haven't notice, the bus still in..."

Naruto: (Bus suddenly stops and throws him forward.) "Whoa!"

Kakashi: "...motion...."

Hinata: "Naruto-kun..." (Giggles)

Temari: "You're still the same idiot." (Looks at him pitifully and smirks.)

Naruto: (On the floor) "Shut up!"

Kakashi: (Takes face off 'Icha-Icha Paradise') "Why did the bus stop?"

Bus driver: (Comes out from cabin) "Excuse me, I have a little problem here, could anyone that knows the way help me out?"

Tomoko: "I will..." (Stands up and goes)

Kurenai: "I wonder what's going on?"

Naruto: "I'm hungry; I miss Ichiraku's ramen already!" (Sits down angrily.)

Neji: "Kakashi sensei, about how much time are we going to be in that city?"

Kakashi: "Well, that depends on how much we spend during the missions and how well we do."

Neji: "........"

Tomoko: (Comes out the cabin) "Bad news everyone..."

All: "Hell no! Not again!"

Tomoko: "I'm sorry but...we're lost..."

All: "NANI?!!!"

Naruto: "Baka yatte'n ja nee yo!!!"

Tomoko: "No, I'm serious...the bus driver took the wrong way after leaving the Country of Sand; he was supposed to cross the deserts, forest by north, and take the river side that lead to the small villages following, but instead he took the forest by east, and now where stuck ..."

Ino: "Say word!"

Naruto: "Of all the stupid bus drivers, we have to get the worst ones!!! Where the hell he at?! I'm gonna kick his ass!!!"

Kakashi: "Calm down Naruto..."

Lee: "Oh no...oh no..."

Shikamaru: "How troublesome...again..."

Ino: "Are we gonna stay here the whole day? Let's come up with a plan!"

Kurenai: "Yeah..."

Tomoko: "...I have an idea..., why don't we split up around the place...um... and try to figure out were we are?"

Kakashi: "How if we don't know the place?"

Tomoko: "Easy, I'll show you the map and explain you how the river looks like..."

Kurenai: "Sounds good enough."

Asuma: "Let's do it then."

All: (Vein pops)

Sakura: "Hello! Has anybody asked for our opinion?! I don't think it's a good idea to just go out there, anything can happen! We have no idea of this place."

Neji: "She is right...there has been a lot going on lately." (Glances at Tomoko) "We can't just expose ourselves to ambushes again."

Kakashi: "Um...You guys are right..."

Naruto: "No sweat! If anyone ambushes us again, I'll personally smash their asses!!! (Stands up and raises fist.)

Kakashi: "Um...yeah right..."

Sasuke: "Are we going yes or no? We're wasting time here."

Kurenai: "Yes, let's go, its better than doing nothing."

Kakashi: "Alright, we'll divide in pairs."

Shikamaru: " Not good..."

All: "Oh man!"

Kurenai: "I'll decide."(Hehe, I just love this part...) "Listen careful, go with the ones seating by your side; all the ones sitting alone; go together in a group....Gaara, you can go with your siblings if you want..."

Gaara: "........"

All: "Hai"

Tomoko: "I'll tell you where you have to go..."

After Tomoko showed and explained them the map and about the river, she gave specified directions for everyone to split up and go...So they took off and went to look for the river.

Sakura and Sasuke...

Sakura: "Wow, this place is beautiful..." (Looks to her sides to the path made of cherry blossom trees.)

Sasuke: "......"

Sakura: (Starts spinning around the falling petals.) "Don't you think so Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke: (Glances at her.) "...Yeah..........I mean NO."

Sakura: "No? But why? They make you feel calm..."

Sasuke: "......."

Sakura: "So relaxing; is like they make you forget about all your worries..."

Sasuke: "......."

Sakura: "So fresh...so peaceful...you just wanna sit around...stop thinking about about everything......"

Sasuke: "........." (...Damn Sakura...are you tormenting me?!)

Sakura: (Walks up to him.) "Don't you think it's so comfortable being peacefully with the person you feel affection for...and...just think about being together and forget about the world...that nothing matters...that only the two exist...?"

Sasuke: (Looks away) "......."

Sakura: "...Have you ever think about that Sasuke-kun?" (Walks up to him.)

Sasuke: "........" (Damn!)

Sakura: (Closes eyes and leans up) (Inner Sakura: This is your chance!!! Hell yeah!) "...Sasuke-kun...kiss me...you won't regret it...I promise..." (Leans even closer)

Sasuke: (Grabs Sakura by the arm and pulls her away behind a tree.)

Sakura: "Ah! Ouch...Sasuke-kun...I didn't know you wanted me that much..." (Blushes) (Inner Sakura: I knew it!!!)

Sasuke: "Stay shut, someone is following us!"

Sakura: "Huh? ;-; (Inner Sakura: IIE! IIE! IIE! IIE! IIE!!!)

Sasuke: "I sense some unfamiliar chakra around..."

Sakura: "Nani?" :o

Sasuke: "....Kuso...." (Looks from behind tree.)

Sakura: "...But...who could possibly follow us? Are you sure...? I mean...this place is supposed to be desolate..."

Sasuke: "I know...that's why this is so strange, otherwise we wouldn't be hiding."

Sakura: "...What do we do?"

Sasuke: "........Sakura, if enemy appears, you stay here; I'll fight."

Sakura: ".........." (...He still thinks I'm only a burden...) "...But...I-I can fight too..."

Sasuke: (Looks behind tree again; three men jumped off some tree branches by the other side) "Damn..."

Sakura: " It's true!" (Nervously leans against tree)

Sasuke: "Stay here and don't go out; I'll get rid of them..."

Sakura: "...But..."

Sasuke: "Just stay here damnit!"

Sakura: ;-; "Hai..." (I don't understand...why is someone following us? Why are all this things happening?)

Man 1: "Where the fuck they at, I thought I saw them a minute ago!!!?"

Man 2: "Not far...I sense their chakra..." (Looks around)

Man 3: "Me too...and they're strong..."

Man 1: "I don't give a damn! We need to find them and kill 'em quick, remember we have orders! We can't fail this operation!"

Man 3: "...Yeah but..."

Sasuke: "I'm sorry but that'll be too hard for you!"

He appeared from behind the man, quickly giving him a blow on the head; the man flew towards a tree and then fell into the bushes. The two others stayed shocked at the sudden apparition of the raven haired.

(Yay!)-Sakura from behind the bushes watched him with emotion, proud that her crush was such a strong guy.

The bird screeches could be heard flying away from the trees after the impact the man made.

"Who the fuck are you?!"- One of them asked Sasuke while staring at his crimson eyes. (The sharingan...how could this be?)

"None of your business..."- Sasuke answered dully. –"Why are you following us?"- He asked with a mixture of anger and annoyement. The men just stared at him; he had just beaten the leader of their group with only one movement.

"We are here to kill you..."- The other one said nervously.

"....Like it will be that easy...."- Sasuke smirked.

"Oh, so you're a lot cocky huh?"-The man said while making his fighting stance. The other one glanced at him nervous, not sure enough about fighting.

"We'll beat him to a pulp..."- He murmured.

"....But...he just beat Yoshiro...And he's our leader..."

"Who cares?!"

"Are you going to stay there the whole day? Or do you want me to kill you before you can even try?"-Sasuke glared at them.

"Shut up! I hate overconfident guys like you!"- The man yelled.

"It's not overconfidence...I just can recognize weaklings like you from miles away..."- Sasuke teased.

"SHUT UP!!!"- The first man clenched his fists and a flow of chakra started flowing, Sasuke raised a brow, the other guy just stayed there staring at his partner.

The flows of chakra in creased onto his fists as he charged towards Sasuke, who didn't even bother moving.

The man ran, his fist aiming at Sasuke's face and just some centimeters away from it, the raven haired easily moved to his left making the man miss and fall to the floor. The other guy stared at both wide eyed.

He quickly stood up, the chakra still on his hands, Sasuke gave him his back. –"I'm going to kill you!"- He yelled while charging against him again; ready with a spin kick he tried to hit his young opponent, but he quickly blocked it with his left arm, he turned around with his fist clenched aiming for his stomach, but the blow was just easily blocked again.

"I am a master in Taijutsu!!! There's no way a brat like you will beat me!!!"- He yelled angrily while his leg flew towards Sasuke.

"Get a life."- Sasuke with one step avoided the kick, then he turned around, waiting for the precise moment to strike him on the stomach, the guy turned around with ready with a low kick, Sasuke flashed from in front of him appearing by his left and hitting him hard on his target.

The man fell on the floor coughing blood.

"Momoro!"- The other guy yelled. -"That's it!"- He reached for the katana on his back; Sasuke glanced at him but ignored and walked up to the guy lying on the floor, he quickly noticed it and tried to stand up, blood dripping down his mouth.

The flows of chakra on his hand again, Sasuke looked at him bored. The guy on his back was already charging towards him with his katana on the air.

(Be careful Sasuke-kun...)- Sakura watched worriedly.

"HAAA!!!"- The guy reached to were Sasuke stood, his katana on a vain attempt to slash his back since Sasuke moved to his side completely evading it. The other guy already standing up, charged towards him too, Sasuke jumped on the air and reaching for his windmill shuriken, he threw it aiming both and slashing their arms.

The guy lost his katana, and fell on his knees grabbing his bleeding arms, the other one just glared at Sasuke as he landed back to the ground.

"Thanks for the warm up, but you're wasting my time now."- Sasuke smirked while doing some hand seals. – (I won't waste my chakra, I'll just finish them up with a simple jutsu.)

"Stand up damnit!"- The man yelled to his partner on the floor, he just looked to his sides for a way of escaping; only bushes could be seen, and behind one of them a figure could be recognized.

(...Someone's there....I know! Is the other one of them!) - He quickly stood up and stumbled into the bushes.

"COME BACK HERE YOU COWARD!!!"- The other guy yelled.

"Katon, Goukakyuu no jutsu!" -A rage of fire came abruptly flying towards the man.

"AHH!!!"- He covered his head with both arms.

"STOP!!!"- A voice yelled, Sasuke stopped blowing the fire and looked to his side, the other guy was grabbing Sakura's hair while threatening with a kunai on her neck.

"DAMN!!!"

Ino and Shikamaru...

Ino: "Oh man...why do we have to do such large walk just to look for some stupid river?" (Stops walking)

Shikamaru: "...I'm saying."

Ino: "...I'm tired, let's take a break." (Sits down on grass.)

Shikamaru: "...Yeah..." (Sits also)

Ino: (Sigh) (I can't believe forehead-girl is with Sasuke-kun again...she's so damn lucky...)

Shikamaru: (I bet Ino is thinking about Sakura and Sasuke again...) (Sigh)

Ino: "So...why are we so quiet?"

Shikamaru: "I don't know..."

Ino: "...I'm mad...I can't believe Sakura got to go with Sasuke-kun again! She is so lucky; I wish I could be her right now!"

Shikamaru: "...Wow...how surprising of you saying that..."

Ino: "What?"

Shikamaru: "...Nothing..."

Ino: "No, what did you say?"

Shikamaru: "Nothing...I just said how surprising of you saying that..."

Ino: "What do you mean?"

Shikamaru: "...Nothing...."

Ino: "......."

Shikamaru: "........"

Ino: "...Does it bother you when I talk about Sasuke-kun?"

Shikamaru: "...Um...no, why would it?" (Stares at the sky)

Ino: "...Yeah...why would it right? Hehe..."

Shikamaru: "You always do...so Chouji and I are kinda used to it..."

Ino: "....I can't help it....You and Chouji are my best friends, and you know I like him..."

Shikamaru: ".........."

Ino: (Sigh) "If he would just pay attention to me....only a little...that'll be great...If he would just try and be with me...I would never disappoint him...I would do my best to make him happy...I don't know what to do to get him though..."

Shikamaru: (Sigh) "......Love is so troublesome huh?"

Ino: (Chuckles) "Yeah...."

Shikamaru: "........"

Ino: "....So what can you recommend me? What can I do to get his attention?"

Shikamaru: (Sigh) (Why does she ask ME? This sure sucks...I would be the last person recommending her to fight for him...) (Sigh) "...Just be patient Ino...time will say..."

Ino: "You think I would ever get a chance?"

Shikamaru: (I hope not) "....I really hope you do..."

Ino: "....That doesn't sound so on genius...Tell me...You think I would get a chance?"

Shikamaru: "......I don't know...after all Sakura is after him too..."

Ino: "That was not my question!"

Shikamaru: "...You will Ino...I'm sure you'll get a chance..."

Ino: "Thanks Shika! You're so nice cheering me up like this!" (Giggles)

Shikamaru: (Rolls eyes) "If you say so..."

Ino: "...Can I give you a hug?"

Shikamaru: o o "What? Ahem! ...Do you think Sasuke would like that?!" (Nervous)

Ino: "He doesn't care right now." (Smiles)

Shikamaru: "If you're planning on getting him, you shouldn't..."

Ino: "Oh shut up!" :) (Moves closer and hugs him hard.)

Shikamaru: "Uh...You're so troublesome Ino..."

Ino: "Yeah I know..."

Naruto and Hinata...

Naruto: (Looking at scroll) "River: ...take left from cliff...then...turn...left again?"

Hinata: "........"

Naruto: (Confused) "....Um....err....Hinata?"

Hinata: "...Yes Naruto-kun?"

Naruto: ("I hate...to admit it... but....I think we're lost...") (Scratches head)

Hinata: "......Um huh?"

Naruto: "Oh nothing, nothing! I have everything under control!" (Laughs nervously) (...Keep it cool Naruto...Just keep it cool) "Hehe...yeah...let's just keep going!"

Hinata: "...Hai..."

Naruto: (Starts marching) "To the cliff!" (Wherever it is!) XD

Hinata: (Smiles)

Naruto: "I have an idea! I'll put some marks in the trees to guide our way so we won't get lost!" (Too bad we already are!)

Hinata: "Okay..." (Nods)

Naruto: (Takes kunai out and makes mark on tree) "There it goes, let's keep goin'!"

Later...

Naruto: "Still no sign of that stupid cliff!!!"

Hinata: "Um...Naruto-kun?"

Naruto: "What is it?"

Hinata: "Isn't that the first mark you did....?" (Points to tree by left side)

Naruto: "WHAT?!!!" (Runs up to tree and stares at mark) "IT IS!!!! IIE!!!! THAT MEANS....WE'VE BEEN WALKING AROUND ON CIRCLES!!!???"

Hinata: "......."

Naruto: "OH MAN! THIS IS GETTING WORSE!!!! HINATA I DIDN'T TELL YOU AT THE BEGINNING BUT WE'RE TOTALLY LOST!!!!!! I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE WE ARE!!!"

Hinata: "....Don't worry...N-Naruto-kun...we can still find our way back...I think..."

Naruto: "You're right...but how?"

Hinata: "........"

Naruto: (Sits down on grass) "Let's think of a way......Um...I'm exhausted...." (Hears stomach growl.) "And hungry...I can't think like that..."

Hinata: (Hears sound behind bushes) "........"

Naruto: "You heard that?"

Hinata: " "Um huh..."

Naruto: "My stomach is protesting! He's soooo hungry!" (Rubs stomach)

Hinata: ".......I-I....have...some food in my bag...if...you want....?"

Naruto: "Hell yeah I do! Let's sit back for a minute, then we'll keep going!" :D (...If we can....)

Hinata: "Ok...but...I..."

Naruto: (Rushes up to her) "Food, food!"

Hinata: "Um...Naruto-kun?"

Naruto: "Whatever you have!"

Hinata: "I...kinda heard..."

Naruto: "If you have ramen that's better!"

Hinata: (Sigh) (Gives him bag)

Naruto: (Starts searching into it) "Alright!!!"

Sakura and Sasuke...

The man walked out the bushes grabbing Sakura's hair and making her walk.

"Ah!"- Sakura started struggling with him. –"Let me go you bastard!!!"- She yelled while kicking him on he leg.

"AH! YOU BITCH!!!"-He shook her head. -"Oh, but isn't this a coincidence? Finding your little friend on my way..."- He smirked, Sasuke glared at him.

(Damn...He got her...)

"Ouch....good job"- The man on the floor raised his head; his arms were all burned, due to Sasuke's attack.

"Let her go."- Sasuke told the guy, he started laughing frantically.

"Thought you won huh?! See? How everything goes around?!!! I' gonna kill this whore right now!!!"- He yelled while shaking Sakura's head one more time and then throwing her to the floor.

"Ah!"- Sakura fell on her knees; he walked up to her, some strands of her pink hair still on his hands. Sasuke gave a step, the man quickly turned around.

"DON'T YOU DARE MOVE!!! I'LL KILL HER!!!" – He took a kunai out his bag while giving Sakura a kick on the ribs.

"...Agh!!!"- Sakura cried as she rolled on the ground. Sasuke clenched his fists and teeth as an infuriated feeling started filling his mind.

"...What happened?"- A voice was heard from behind some bushes by their left.

"Yoshiro you woke up!"- The guy shouted.

"Of course, what do you think?!!!"- He walked up to him while rubbing his head, then he looked around, finding the pink haired laying on the floor and a furious guy in front of him. -"Did I miss anything?"

"You missed everything."- He smirked while grabbing Sakura's hair again and raising her up.-"Mission accomplished!"- He laughed.

"What are you talking about, she's still alive!"

"Yeah, but I'll kill her right now..."

"I get it...what about that guy?"

"You take care of him; he won't do anything while I have this girl on my hands."

"Hehe I see..."- The man flashed away appearing right behind Sasuke; he glanced at him angrily and ready to hit him but he knew that if he did it they were going to hurt Sakura.

"Easy there..."- The guy holding her said to Sakura who suddenly had her hands around his neck. –"Don't do what you'll regret..."- He warned her with a smile, Sakura didn't planned on letting go of him, and pressed her hands even tighter making him almost choke.

"YOU BITCH!"-The man reached for his kunai and with a quick movement he slashed Sakura's stomach.

"Ah!"- Sakura let go of him and fell to the ground grabbing her stomach, her blood dripping on her hands.

"Damn!"- Sasuke cursed while giving the man behind him a punch on the face.

"Ah!!!"- The man tumbled on the ground. Sasuke rushed up to were the other guy was, throwing himself against him and started punching him on the face.

The guy Sasuke had just hit stood up, and reaching for his bag he took out a big grey syringe already filled with some liquid.-(Plan B...I'll take this two to the boss)- He thought while flashing on the air.

Sasuke glanced to his side, spotting the man and the object on his hand.

" Sleep tight."- He laughed mockingly while rapidly stabbing it into his arm.

"Ah!"-Sasuke felt the huge needle injected.

"Ouch I bet that hurt..."- The man chuckled while taking it out.

Sasuke got off the other man, swiftly his view was turning blurry and his head went around in circles, he fell to the floor next to Sakura...

Naruto and Hinata...

Naruto: "Those candies were good, thanks Hinata!"

Hinata: "...You're welcome..."

Naruto: "...Hm......I wonder what Sakura-chan is doing..." (Frowns)

Hinata: "........"

Naruto: "...Damn Sasuke, he has such luck...but he just doesn't realize it!" (Shakes head)

Hinata: "......."

Naruto: "Being with Sakura-chan all alone..." (Stares at ground)

Hinata: "....You...you...really l-like her...right Naruto-kun?"

Naruto: "...Huh? Well....Why?"

Hinata: "Oh n-nothing! I –I –I....was just..."

Naruto: "If I like her... doesn't matter...she's never gonna look at me but as a friend..."

Hinata: "Huh?"

Naruto: "I've realized that a while ago..." (Chuckles) "....She has always liked Sasuke...and that won't change."

Hinata: "........"

Naruto: "......I guess.....I'll just forget about it..." (Sigh)

Hinata: "...I always knew you never give up......"

Naruto: "....What?"

Hinata: "...If...you really like her...you should fight for her...No matter how hard it seems...You thought me that Naruto-kun...don't give up......fight with all you have..."

Naruto: "Hinata..."

Hinata: (Oh my....I can't believe what I just said...);-;

Naruto: "......."

Hinata: ".......Sorry...I know it's not of my concern..."

Naruto: (Stands up) "No Hinata, you're right; I can't give up just like that! I will do my best and win Sakura -chan's love!"

Hinata: (No! Hinata...you're so dumb...this wasn't......supposed to happen...) "........"

Naruto: "Let's go Hinata! We gotta go back to- -"

Voice: "Were you come from!"

Naruto: "Huh?!"

Voice: "I finally found you little twerps!!!" (Figure jumps off tree)

Naruto: "Who the fuck are you?!"

Hinata: "Naruto-kun, he's been following us since earlier!"

Naruto: "What?!!! How comes that I didn't notice?!!!"

Hinata: "I tried to tell you but..."

Man: "You're kids; I thought I was going to find something better."

Naruto: "Don't underestimate us damnit!!!!"

Man: "You wanna fight huh, how dumb, you will never defeat me."

Naruto: "Damn fucker..."

Man: "Surrender and nothing bad will happen to you."

Naruto: "SHUT UP!!! I NEVER GIVE UP!!! "Why the hell are you here?!!!"

Man: "I have orders to take you two..."

Naruto: "Orders?"

Man: "You must come with me if you don't want your friends dead."

Naruto: "GIVE ME A BREAK! I'LL BEAT YOUR ASS RIGHT NOW!!!"

Naruto charged towards the man, but he quickly threw a grenade bomb blocking his view and Hinata's.

She jumped on the air getting out the puff of smoke. Naruto stayed inside looking around for the man who was also there. -"Where the hell are you?!!!"- He yelled when suddenly he felt a hard blow striking his stomach, the man had appeared right in front of him. -"Ah!"- He fell on his knees coughing blood.

The man jumped in the air getting his kunai ready to strike Naruto but the blonde quickly stood up and flashed away, appearing right behind him and kicking him on the back.

"AH!!!"-The man crashed on the ground, but making some effort he stood up jumping off the puff on smoke. Naruto also jumped out of the smoke and saw Hinata standing in front of the man ready with her fighting stance, the man was doing the same, and was reaching for his kunai.

Hinata moved right, her fingers pressed together under the Jyuken, hitting the man on the chest on one of this vital chakra wholes; he fell several meters away from his female opponent still with blows of chakra on her hands, same as the now aching part of his body.

"I...I can't fail this mission..."- The murmured as he stood up under the gaze of the pale white eyed and the foxy boy now standing by her side with an angry expression towards him.

He formed some hand seals, the blonde determined to stop him before he could even move, rushed up to him and kick him hard on the face; he fell back as some blood started dripping down his mouth, and he got shocked at the idea that a kid could beat him so easily; he raised his head up with a little difficulty, finding huge brimming blue eyes glaring at him from above.

"...What's your name kid?"- He asked while looking down the ground again before the sun could reach his eyes.

"None of your damn business..."- The blonde answered serious, grabbing him by the shirt and raising him up. –"You're gonna tell me who the hell is after us and why?!"- He asked angrily.

"None of your damn business..."- The man answered with a mocking smile on his dusty face.

"I'm gonna make you talk then!"- Naruto shouted while throwing him back to the floor and preparing his Kage Bunshin no Jutsu seals.

" Even if you kill me...there will be others after you..."- He spoke while trying to stand up, Naruto stared at him annoyed.- "Our mission is to stop you from getting to Lacigam....and we will not fail..."- He smirked.

"You're at disadvantage here....so what are you talking about!?"- Naruto yelled.

"No...you're wrong...the one at disadvantage here it's you..."- He man let out a chuckle while his hands seemed as pulling something invisible on the air. Naruto frowned and looked everywhere, Hinata still with her Byakugan watched as the man pulled some chakra strings tied to Naruto's legs; something that he obviously didn't realize.

Hinata ready to run next to Naruto gave a large step but only to fall due to something hard surrounding half of her legs.

"Hinata!"- Naruto quickly turned around after hearing her moan, founding her on the ground. - "What the hell?!!!"

"You fell for such a basic, chakra strings, how pitiful!"- The man started laughing frantically, Naruto glared at him. –"I made them with simple ropes!"

"This ain't over yet!!!"- Naruto began forming his seals, but suddenly a flying string appeared surrounding his wrist and stopping him from moving.

"Ouch!!!"- Naruto felt the pressure of it around his muscles which were quickly tensing under the now visible chakra.

Hinata had managed to stand up, but another string had reached her, surrounding her whole arms and stopping her from moving.

"You're doomed!"- The man singed.

Hinata looked around, only the forests by her left, right and front, but behind...

"See that precipice behind you?" -The man laughed.-"That will be your grave!!!

"SHUT UP!!!"-Naruto yelled, the sarcastic voice of the individual was starting to annoy the hell out of him.

"I will first kill this girl"- He pulled the string hard, making Hinata advance some steps forward.

"Don't you dare put a finger on her!!!!?"- Naruto yelled, trying to get away from the thick strings, which were cutting his skin at every movement he made.

"Stay still if you don't want me to slash you into pieces!"- The man yelled at Naruto, he just stood still as the drops of blood fell down his arms. Hinata stared uneasily at her surrounds and clenched her teeth in order to stand the pain the strings were causing on her arms and legs as the man pulled her towards him. – ( If I could just reach for the strings...I could cut them with my Jyuken...)

"Good girl"- He laughed, as he grabbed her by the hair making the chakra disappear from the strings revealing only the pieces of simple rope which he had tied against his stomach. –"But I'm still not convinced..."- He reached for his kunai and put it in front of Hinata's face with a mocking expression; Naruto stared at him wide eyed, horrified at the image that just crossed his mind; when suddenly the man stabbed he kunai hard onto Hinata's stomach, now not only his eyes but his mouth also dropped as he saw the blood splashing out his friend's stomach.

"Ah!!!"- Hinata fell on her knees after the man let go of her hair.

"NO!!!"-Naruto yelled. The man looked at him with a frown.

"A trump card?"- He chuckled nervously as he saw the swirls of chakra going around the blonde. - (Shit! Better hurry up, kill this girl and get outta here before he kills ME!)- He thought and quickly grabbed Hinata by the hair again, the strings around Naruto were banishing into his chakra.

"What the fuck!"- The man banished in the air. Naruto appeared in front of him stopping his tracks, he stared at him wide eyed and tried to run away again, but Naruto had grabbed him by the shirt, so he quickly gathered some chakra to his hands and grabbed Naruto's wrists with the purpose of making them burn, but Naruto didn't let go of him. –"WHAT THE HELL!?"- He shouted nervously.

"You scared?"- Naruto smirked.

"No way you little demon!!!?"- The man yelled.

"Demon? You still haven't seen him yet..."- Naruto pressed his hands against his neck, making him almost choke, so he threw Hinata to the floor kicking the blonde on the stomach. Naruto fell back to the ground but quickly recovered and started looking around, trying to locate Hinata's location; she was near the precipice only a few meters away from falling, a chill ran through his spine, as a desperate impulse told him to run towards her and take her away from the damn place.

So he did, but sometimes even a second of pondering could get you on a situation of life or death; the man had already advanced towards Hinata, and giving her a kick, he had made her fall down into the dark abyss, Naruto's steps froze, same as his heart beats as he stared wide eyed, stunned without believing at what just had happened...

TBC