CHAPTER 2-FIRST BATTLE Sakura was on a treebranch on top of the strangers. One of them threw a kunai on top of him and Sakura fell. Neji had a sweatdrop on his head and so did the others. The tall one asked, "Who are you?" Sakura pulled out her kunai but the medium looking one threw his kunai at her but she saw Neji in front of her. Neji grinned and said, "Nice to see you. Kisame." Sakua was shocked. Rikka looked at them with cold eyes and started to pick up the barrel.

She said, "You can have this battle Kisame. Just be sure to catch up ok?" Kisame nodded. Then Rikka and the other figure went ahead. Neji said, "Shikamaru. You and the others go ahead. I can take him." Shikamaru nodded his head and said, "Not after what happened the last time. Chouji you stay here with Neji." Chouji nodded and stayed.

Then the other shinobis went ahead. Neji smirked and asked, "Can you take on a S-rank ninja Chouji?" Chouji smiled and said, "I don't think so. I'm just here to help you to create a diversion." Then they both started to fight. Rikka looked in the corner of her eye and saw Shikamaru and the gang catching up.

Meanwhile, Neji used his Tenkutsu and Chouji used his pills. Sakura saw them and saw them looking at them. the medium figure said, "You go ahead Rikka. I'll take care of these annoying rascals."

Rikka asked, "Are you sure Itachi?" Itachi nodded and Rikka continued moving on. Shikamaru saw this and said,"It seems one of them want to have a fight. We have to hurry."

Kiba and Ino stopped and Kiba said, "We'll stop him. You guys go on." Sakura exclaimed, "But!" Ino raised her hand and said, "No buts! You guys have to hurry and get Naruto! Hurry! We can take it from here." Shikamaru sighed and said, "C'mon Sakura. Leave it to them." Sakura nodded and they went on. Kiba said, "This should be interesting..." Ino grinned and nodded. Meanwhile, Shikamaru and Sakura was ganging up on her. Rikka was running as fast as she can but she saw another person behind.