Shikamaru sped through the trees after Hinata, with Chouji close behind.

"There are two groups ahead!" Hinata called out. "I can see the two Sand nin and the ambassador, but there is also a group of Sound nin moving to intercept them. There's no way we can get to them first."

"Shit" Shikamaru cursed. The way this day was working out, it was fast becoming as troublesome as his last mission against The Sound. "We keep going. Just let me know when they intercept the Sand." Shikamaru knew that it was only a matter of time. The Sand had to carry the Ambassador and as such were unable to move at full speed.

"The Sound nin are splitting up! One of them is continuing to close in on the Sand while the other is heading North."

Shikamaru sighed. This was becoming way too troublesome. What were the Sound nin up to. In this situation, it is unclear whether he should split his team or not. It was like playing Go without knowing the rules. "Keep going." We must get to the Ambassador first. We can decide about the other Sound nin later." Shikamaru hoped he sounded more certain than he felt... "How long till the remaining Sound nin intercepts the Sand?"

"Maybe two minutes. They've left the forest and entered a rocky plain."

"How long till we catch up?"

"That depends. If they stop when the Sound reaches them then five minutes. Otherwise I don't know."

Damn, there were too many unknowns in this. Oh well, the best he could do was plan for the worst. "Oi, Chouji. If you have any snacks on you then now is the time to get eating. It looks like we have trouble ahead." He looked back over his shoulder and gave his friend a reassuring smile. Just knowing Chouji was at his back made Shikamaru feel steadier. The portly ninja smiled back and pulled out a huge bag of potato chips.

Turning his attention back to the way ahead, Shikamaru assessed his resources carefully. He had twenty kunais, ten shuricans, five explosive tags, ten flash tags, some very thin wire and some black caltrops. The last was a recent addition to his usual kit. The caltrops complimented his latest Jutsu very well. Hopefully it would be enough.

"The Sound nin has intercepted the Sand!" Hinata's voice dragged Shikamaru back to the present. "They've stopped." Shikamaru relaxed a bit. At least there was one less thing to worry about. "What the..?" Hinata's head shot up and she stopped dead, almost causing Shikamaru to run into her. She seemed to be following something through the sky.

"What is it Hinata?" Shikamaru asked the shocked ninja.

"There's some kind of giant rock flying through the air! It's heading straight for the Sand nin!" Hinata sounded shaken.

"Where's it coming from?"

Hinata looked uncertain. "I...I don't know..North maybe but beyond that..."

"Shit." Shikamaru cursed his bad luck. "That other Sound nin must be doing this." Shikamaru thought furiously.

Hinata gasped as a slight tremor shook the earth. "That was too close. They managed to avoid the rock but the opening it made meant that they were almost caught in the second Sound nin's attack. " Hinata paused for a moment. "One of the Sand nin has made a break for it. He seems to be heading Northwest, towards the source of the flying rock. I think it's Kankouro."

Shikamaru paused at this. If Kankouro was there then maybe..."Hinata, do you think you can track down this second Sound nin?"

Hinata looked uncertain but nodded her head.

"Take Chouji and intercept Kankouro. Then lead him to the second Sound nin's location. I will try to reach the Ambassador in time to help hold off the nin who is already there." Shikamaru met both there eyes with a confident look, letting them know that he trusted them to get the job done. "Go!"

Shikamaru set off. Once he reached the plains, he should be able to see the Ambassador and his escort. Perhaps if it was her then he could return the favour from last time... today was starting to look up.