So far so good and this story is almost writing itself! How the mind can be so creative when you least expect it to be!! Ah the reviews are just rolling in… from just two people… what the hell. I know these people mean well (Anna and Drake) in saying how they enjoy my work, but seriously! Spread the word, make it known that Blue Lone Wolf 2574 is working her ass off to entertain the public with her creation from the awesomeness that is Naruto and its ninja coolness. Which I'm said to say I've no claim to in any fashion. Welcome to Loser Ville. On with life and this story:

"iii" speech

iii thought/telepathy

iii spirit/'demon' speech

Chapter 9: Fights Between Snakes And Birds

Orochimaru stood in the cold street, trying to decipher how Ozzy had managed to create two of himself without the assistance of hand seals or chakra. Especially if one of them had popped up behind him and the younger brother was standing not far away, completely calm, denying any possible involvement in the snake man's new predicament. The new Ozzy just smirked while the original just grinned at his discomfort. "Who's who now, huh, Snake man? Bet you can't tell can you? That's too bad really, it makes this all the more entertaining." Raising their blades the two Ozzy's prepared to attack the rouge ninja. Smirking himself, Orochimaru just started to laugh. Confused the two tensed, gripping their swords aware of the man's every move. "It's going to take more than two of you to get rid of me you know."

"Let's put that to the test shall we?" the two duplicates mocked, standing up straight and deliberately used their own blades to slice themselves down the middle. Sakura cried out in horror while others gasped. The other three masked men didn't even flinch at this course of events. Evan turned to them and said, eyes smiling, "Just watch and learn."

"What the hell do you mean by that? He just killed himself!" Naruto practically roared at him, confused on why Evan wasn't doing anything. Evan simply chuckled and pointed to where the two duplicates still stood. "Just wait and see. You'll see."

"Ha what fools! Such a move was pointless. How can they kill me when they're dead themselves?" Orochimaru cackled only to be cut short as the two halves of the clones to tried to get up despite their condition, each saying. "Who said we were dead Snake man?"

Splitting completely down the middle, clothes and all, the four halves started to regenerate their missing sides. Even their clothes reappeared on the opposite side of the already present halves presently standing on the snowy ground with just one leg and arm, half a face smirking back at that pale man's shocked expression. No sign of the splitting could be seen as now four different Ozzy's stood circling the rouge ninja, raising their own individual swords before running forward, becoming dark blurs probably moving faster than fast. Orochimaru managed to take down one of the four only for it to become an accurately made straw doll as it fell to the ground with is slight thump, its chest torn wide open setting free the thousands of strands inside. Aggravated on the miss he made and dealing with possibly three more just like it, he pulled back his sleeve and nipped his thumb just as the remaining three came charging in for the finish. "Art of the Familiar Spirit: Manda! (1)"

A large whirlwind and a poof of smoke, the demon snake appeared hissing and spitting, ready for action. The three clones just jumped out of the way of its powerful jaws, standing in defensive stances, all the while smirking at the man's new friend. Practically laughing at him, the three simply said in unison. "So you want to play hard ball huh? Ha. Three can play this game!"

Without another word the three started glow an eerie golden yellow, the flowing light moving as though it were alive. Only two of the clones energy changed color while the one in the middle stayed the same. One red, the other green, the three energies flared and flowed like living fire. "Elemental Triad: Hawk, Wolf and Fox formation (2)!" the three announced as the lights faded to reveal the difference: yellow had become more birdlike, the eyes had changed to that of a bird of prey's, claws on the hands and large speckled wings sticking proudly out of his back. Red had claws and whisker scars (like when Naruto uses the Kyuubi's chakra) on his face, red orange tails (7 or 8 maybe 9, take your pick) and ears to match sticking out of his head. Green on the other hand had come out with bluish green eyes, his own set of tails and ears the same blue green, his whisker marks like contrasting tattoos on his face.

All who were new to this sight couldn't help but stare in amazement as the three went into action on attacking the large snake and its owner, who had just snapped out of his own incredulity and moving almost desperately to defend himself. Yellow came from above as red and green came from either side, ripping the snake to shreds as yellow tackled Orochimaru head on. The snake fell like Godzilla had when hit by missiles from helicopters while Orochimaru was sent flying into the wall of a building, cracking, crumbling and collapsing as the rouge ninja fell to the ground amidst concrete and dust, nearly crushing the man under its weight. As he tried to rise, struggling to complete hand seals, the Ozzy's came in for the kill. Pinning him against the wall, yellow held his legs while red and green held each arm, biting down and stabbing his hands to limit his ability to escape. Roaring angrily Orochimaru did his best to get out of his newfound predicament, his wriggling only making him look like a fool.

A new blur appeared from the roof of one of the buildings close by, heading straight to where the man was snarling at his captors, jerking his limbs to gain a now lost freedom he should've known he'd never get back. Gayle blocked the blur, only to have a hand sent straight through his stomach, making the attacker come to a standstill. Silver hair, black clothes and glasses revealed that the would-be attacker was indeed Kabuto, Orochimaru's spy and confidant. Gayle just looked at the teenager's limb in his stomach, looked Kabuto in the eye, making him gasp in shock and fear as he simply said. "What the hell was that? Is that the best you can do? Little man, I've seen three year olds giving better blows than you."

Without hesitation Gayle sucker-punched Kabuto into unconsciousness, removing the man's limb out of his stomach only for everyone present to watch the gaping hole close up, veins and organs reaching across the expanse to reconnect, bones regenerating before giving way to new flesh. Skin, newly replaced and smooth with no marks of any kind, his shirt then took the liberty of reweaving itself, leaving Gayle looking like nothing had happened whatsoever. "Any last words Snake man?" three clones inquired at the trapped ninja. "You filthy little monstrosities!! I'll tear you limb from limb! When I get out this, your heads will decorate my walls and I'll use your skin for carpeting!! You--!" A handkerchief stuffed into his mouth by one of the duplicates muffled his next words. "do you think we should cut his tongue out before we have his head cut off?" Red asked as he finished pushing the piece of cloth in with his index finger.

"Not really. Too messy." Blue green countered, "besides, shouldn't Kakashi-san get to do the honors?"

"Yeah get over here you one-eyed perv! We can't exactly hold this guy all day you know?"

"All right, all right I'm coming!" Kakashi chuckled as he strolled over to where Orochimaru 'stood' quite obviously against his will. Blue chakra began to form around his right hand, lightning almost literally shooting out of his open palm. "Lightning Blade (3)!!" Kakashi announced with a final charge, striking with all that he had. The blow sent blood splattering across the wall behind them; the body slumped, the head rolling until Chevy casually used his boot to stop it from getting into a gutter. Pulling out a bag from one of his many pockets Chevy picked up the man's head, dropping it inside and tying it off. The three duplicates let the body fall, dusting themselves as the ninja members came forward in astonishment, eyes wide and staring at them in awe. "THAT WAS AMAZING!! HOW DO YOU DO IT? AH THE POWER--!"

"Yeah, yeah, power of youth and all that jazz." Gayle said as he slapped a hand over Gai's big mouth. "Power down Ozzy. Party's over."

"Hn, whatever." The three growled before they started to walk in each other's direction. Like a color circle, they met and mixed in the middle before giving way to the original and only Ozzy. Only difference was a wolf with fox like features and proud hawk wings folded gracefully at its back, its fur a midnight blue, eyes a deep brownish black with golden hints in the middle and a strange red collar with the kanji for 'restraint' branded into the leather around the creature's neck. "Ah! Akako! Long time no see! Enjoy your latest battle?"

Indeed I did. And I hope to get to do it again. Sending its piercing gaze at the crowd of ninja, it seemed to scowl at them before saying, Now what? There are more of them? Are they bad like he was?

"No, no Akako, no more fighting that we know of today. Now be a good girl and get some rest okay? I'm sure Ozzy will inform you if there's anymore action 'k?"

Looking at Ozzy the creature dubbed Akako tilted her head at him, as though to question this request. Sighing his simply shrugged as he said, "Stay out if you want, we could use another scout anyway. Want Lilith to join you?"

Umm… I don't see why not… I'm bored anyway. She grumbled, sounding almost miserable at the fact of being with someone like Lilith was a bad thing. Turning to Evan, another form was already starting to appear on his shoulder before jumping down gracefully to jump and run around like a five year old on sugar. The form did indeed proved to be Lilith, in animal form as Iruka and Kakashi had seen her before. She soon discovered all the onlookers and let out an excited HI!! Her voice seemed to boom in resonance to her surroundings, her tail swinging like crazy. I'm Lilith! What's your name?

No one said a word as they stared at the hyper spirit. No way this was a spirit. Let alone a demon. It was too happy, too friendly and just plain… weird. Shrugging at their lack of response she turned to Evan and said innocently, They're weird. Are they stupid? Many couldn't help but sweat drop, veins popping onto foreheads as Ino and Sakura lashed out at the creature. "STUPID?! WHO YOU CALLIN' STUPID YOU OVER-SIZED WEASEL?"

Panicked and almost literally crying, Lilith screamed and ran to hide behind Evan's legs, sobbing and wailing her apologies. (see? Sakura can be a real bitch sometimes. Ino too.) Hinata ran forward, trying not to shiver despite her fear and respect for the two fan girls, to comfort the panicked spirit. Little beknownst to her, Lilith had gone into a state of defense mode, causing her to glow a light yellow color and spark electric volts. Spotting this Kiba and Evan moved to intercept her, both yelling, "Hinata, NO!!"

It all happened very fast. Evan managed to catch Hinata before she came too close to the distraught creature and Akamaru tried to help his master come to a halt only to find the ice made this attempt useless, causing them to slip and slide all the faster at the sparking spirit. It was like watching a grenade or a land mine going off: sparks and snow flying, Kiba was sent yelling at the top of his lungs into the air with a trail of smoke following in his wake, quite literally marking his progress. Akamaru on the other hand, was sent tumbling into a group of trashcans, crashing and clattering as the smell of singed fur and burnt clothing overwhelmed the stench of Orochimaru's blood already on the ground. A loud crash could be heard over the howling wind that chose this moment to pass through the area, sounding like a bone-cruncher compared to Akamaru's tumble into who-knows-how-old garbage. "Hinata get Akamaru, I'll deal with Lilith." Evan said with a stern voice. The Hyuga girl only nodded before rising and rushing to the dog's aid as Evan went to where Lilith still cowered on the icy ground, shivering and still whispering and sobbing her apologies. "Akako. Track and retrieve." Was Ozzy's short command as he approached his brother and his spirit. "I'll be along in a minute."

Not questioning her partner's order, Akako spread her wings and took to the skies, her form changing to a bird's to fit her quest. Ozzy bent down to look at the startled creature underneath his gaze, turning to look at Evan before asking. "Got everything?"

"Yeah I guess. Go and get him. I'll take over here." He seemed to say hesitantly, gently stroking Lilith's fur in calming patterns. Nodding Ozzy turned and walked away without another word. However when he passed Ino and Sakura, who'd gone into a state of shock at the sudden event that had unfolded right before their eyes, he stopped and turned to face them. He glared at them, making them to flinch as he towered angrily over them. "Go make amends." He growled. "But w- we…" Ino started to say but was cut off as Ozzy's animal side seemed to seep into his features. "GO!!" they squeaked and ran to hide near Evan as Ozzy took a few calming breathes before turning to the rest of the group. "Stay put and don't do anything. If I come back any of you have so much as gone two inches from this spot… I'll kill you myself."

Many blanched at this concept, even Kakashi was a little worried on how far Ozzy's temper would go to get some cooperation from even a spec of dust. Stomping off, Ozzy thankfully disappeared over the hill, following the smoke trail that still lingered in the air. "Don't worry about him." Chevy said with an exasperated sigh. "He says that all the time and I'm still standin' here aren't I?"

"Yeah that's because mainly he's angry at someone else, not you." Evan deadpanned, sweat dropping as he held a still shivering Lilith, her eyes streaming with tears, cradling and petting her in the hopes of calming her down.

"Ah" Thinking this over, Chevy just said, "If you have to go, I suggest you hold it in until he gets back."

"Chevy!"

"What?

"That's not the thing you say when someone's life is hanging in the balance if they even go further than a few centimeters."

"In that case, since you seem so insistent, can I have some of your stuff after her rings your neck to the size of silly string?"

whack! "Chevy you ass! It's them in the life-threatening situation not me!"

"Itai! Damn Ev! And to think I could be napping right now."

"All you think about is sleep you lazy bastard!"

"Wow, language Evan. I didn't know you had it in you! You're movin' up my friend. Man, and to think you were a gentleman!"

"I'm gonna get real rough with you if you don't quit being so inconsiderate and actually think before you open your mouth."

"Ooh Evan's gonna actually prove his strength? Did someone bring a camera? This really is something…" Chevy continued to chat on and on about how interesting Evan's threat was to the point where he never heard Evan say "Hold her a minute would you please?" To Sakura, his face dark, eyes glinting as he handed Lilith over to the pink-haired girl. Not knowing what else to say, she simply managed to squeak "uh… sure." As the still sobbing mess was gently placed into her arms, taking up the calming strokes where he left off. Chevy never saw it coming as he stopped his mocking chatter to see Evan take off his own mask, put it in his bag and face the dog masked man smiling all too sweetly. Gayle backed away quickly, seeming to know what would happen next. "Ooh man, this is gonna get ugly."

"What do you mean?" Temari asked nervously as she watched the remaining twin smile at the dog man like a little boy scout at someone's door selling lord-knows-what. "Well let's say that Ev isn't exactly very friendly when he's mad."

"Funny. He seems pretty okay to me. What's the difference?" Kakashi asked, his visible eye betraying little interest only to widen at what happened next. Evan simply put his right hand behind his back, the smile still sweetly sitting plastered on his features, his left hand rising to rest an inch or two away from Chevy's forehead protected with a layer of white clay. Holding his middle finger back with his thumb, he tilted his head at Chevy in an innocent manner. "You think I'm weak do you?"

"Well if one does think about it, you always were the one to hold back in a battle not that I blame you it's just a little pathetic is all."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. Really. Now what are you--?"

The finger was released, sending the dog man flying like a pinball sent out of a rocket launcher, causing him to hit a nearby building before falling to the ground. Gasping Hinata tried to keep her out cry to herself as Akamaru whined and burrowed a little more into the girls' arms. Groaning Chevy stood swaying like a drunk that had too much to drink, lifting his mask slightly to spit up blood and excess saliva. "Well… that was new. I'll just stand over here and ah… and ah… just be over… here. cough damn that hurt…"

"I bet it did. Gonna shut up now dog breath?" the smile had never left Evan's face, like nothing had happened and if it did, he had nothing to do with it. Chevy simply nodded while Gayle just shook his head as Chevy continued to support his upper self with his hands on his knees, coughing and spitting now and again to act as a confirmation of his presence. Evan had walked back to where Sakura and Ino stood in shock, Sakura still holding Lilith who'd recovered from her 'oh crap bad people' moment to looking around innocently as though she'd never anything like it before. Just as Evan was about to say something to the two girls, a loud boom could be heard as a large black smoke cloud rose out from behind some buildings some streets away. In the very direction Ozzy had gone to retrieve Kiba after being sent flying by a shock attack from a panicked spirit whose pent up emotions had caused the entire noisy scene to look like day care was just another cakewalk.

"Well what do ya know? Right on time… I swear it's a record." Gayle drawled, seeming to roll his eyes as crumbling stone, granite and metal could be heard hitting the ground and anything in range. Sighing exasperatedly, the remaining three warriors started to say something in unison before it finally came clear. "6, 5, 4, 3, 2, … 1."

On 'one', an angry voice boomed like thunder for all to hear, known as Ozzy's anger finally cutting free of all restraint and sent flying at the unfortunate soul stupid enough to enrage someone like Ozzy in such a way. "KIRA (5)!! I TOLD YOU ONCE, I TOLD YOU A THOUSAND TIMES… YOU NEED TO STAY HOME AND NOT, I REPEAT NOT TO KILL AN ALLY WHEN TARGETING AN ENEMY IN SHORT RANGE!! SHORT RANGE!! IT'S NOT HARD!" a pause followed with the thought that 'Kira' was responding to Ozzy's infuriated outburst. "I DON'T CARE IF IT'S A ZOMBIE FROM 'DAWN OF THE DEAD'!" another pause. "NO!! HOME NOW!!!" no one said a word as silence took rein once again. A loud thump and a groan brought their attention to the left where Ozzy rose out of a crouch, leaving a still dizzy Kiba lying on the ground with swirls in his eyes and drool hanging out of his mouth. Evan jogged to speak with Ozzy, their conversation muffled by their turned backs.

Gayle joined the two, Chevy stumbling over like the beat up drunk he seemed to be at the moment. The ninja group had gone to their own exchange. "I don't know what's going on anymore! One minute they're trying to help us the next they want to kill us! It's almost as though they can't tell friend from foe here." Iruka exclaimed, looking flustered and being a pacifist teacher wasn't helping the fact of that a death threat was hanging over their heads like no tomorrow. "We need to find a means to keep them from going over the edge. I think that Naruto and Gaara are the closest examples of these guys." Kakashi pondered, making the two boys stand a little straighter in acknowledgement to the mention of their names. "What are you going at Kakashi?" Asuma grumbled, crossing his arms expectantly. "I mean that these two boys have more info on the lives of these people than we do?"

"More info? How's that possible Kakashi-sensei? We only met them two days ago!" Naruto cried out, sounding as confused as usual. "That may be true Naruto but you have more experience in their lifestyle than anyone other than Gaara."

"I STILL LACK THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT YOU SPEAK OF MY RIVAL--!" Gai yelled dramatically before being tackled by the only two sane students he had with enough sense to shut him up. Everyone couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief that the loudmouthed man had been silenced before they turned back to the one-eyed Jounin to continue. "Thanks. That was really helpful. Now when I mean that you two know more about these people than we do, I mean in their upbringing and standard of living."

"Standard of living? You mean day-to-day stuff right?" Sakura queried, looking at her teacher in earnest. "That's exactly it. According to Chevy, the only thing they've ever really known is war and hardship, even isolation from normal people like us. Well… not normal per se but yeah you get it, they've no idea what it's like to have a true family of any kind other than some random survivor of whatever battle had occurred in whatever area they'd been living in. They were kicked out of their own homes, forced to give up honest work and achievements out of self-preservation of their kind. Chevy said so himself, 'they don't know we exist'. You two boys know more about that feeling of exile than anyone we know until now."

"So you're saying with this possibly related knowledge, we might be able to figure them out and avoid unwanted conflict through what? Reverse psychology?" Tenten seemed to deadpan Kakashi's point. "We don't even know what they're capable of!"

"Actually, yes we do. Each one is capable of seeing everything from the bright side like Naruto or as a never-ending battle to the end like Gaara. If we take these two concepts and see if we can't figure what each one is capable of dishing out, we might switch whatever bad situation we're in into one of our favor. If we can do that, than there's no way even the most mysterious one can catch us by surprise!"

Only one problem with that theory you got there, Red Eye. A voice echoed from next to him, a pillar of whispery color and misty shapes floating in midair that somehow had appeared next to the masked Jounin. "Who and what the hell are you?" he exclaimed at the tall column of smog that could somehow speak like a person. Me? I am or I should say was, Kazuo. After your nasty little friend took my face and my mask, well, I just felt like stayin' to watch the show is all.

"Hey Kazuo! I was wondering where'd you snuck off too! Doing okay?" Gayle said with surprise, he and the group having walked over to see what all the commotion was about. "Yeah Kaz! Gave us quite a scare. Hey did you lose weight? You look absolutely terrific! Who's your manager?" Chevy chortled, trying not to laugh outright at his joke.

I'm can't exactly give you a solid answer to that one now can I? It chuckled. The three laughed as well while Ozzy just snickered at the pun. But that's not the point 'cause I don't really feel like goin' anywhere just yet you know? So I thought I'd hang 'round and see how I can help you fellows out with whatever the hell adventure you sorry asses are gettin' yourselves into. Can't let you wild tycoons have all the fun you see. It chuckled at them, what appeared to be a smile appearing on what could be suspected as the face. "Who wouldn't? Well we're gonna scout ahead a bit for anymore bogies, and when we give the clear you can lead on right?"

Be waitin' right here. Kazuo confirmed, sounding confident as he nodded what would be presumed his head. However this mood seemed to leave once the group of warriors left to their scouting routine. As I mentioned before Red Eye, your plan is flawed. He sounded almost sad, defeated. Like someone had crushed his hopes to bits of dust. You can't truly predict what we think or how we feel at certain moments of our lives, though I have to agree with you on the exile thing. Our disappearance bothers very few of them, at least those who care anyway. He said with a 'shrug'. We didn't desert them, just got out of the spotlight like you ninja do when things get too hot for you to handle. Not that we couldn't handle it, we just didn't want to be the proof of actually being considered monsters. We show ourselves to them every now and again, for old times' sake.

"You show yourselves to them? But why not reveal yourselves entirely or is that too risky?" Kurenai asked her look of confusion saying all that needed to be said. I understand you lady when you ask this. My people only do this when necessary in order to eliminate any and all possible Enemy agents hiding in their midst.

"So you defend them from the shadows then go into the light, do what you need to do and leave without a word? Don't you bother to get to know the people you help?" Naruto asked, scowling at the misty pillar of color and form. It seemed to stare back at him, thinking over its answer. A minute or two passed before Chevy's voice could be heard calling them to get moving and that the way was all clear. Before walking away, Kazuo said, To know the dog is to pet it, to know a Guardian of life and all that it contains is to speak equally with him. Of course when one does something right, it's almost like you never did anything at all.

Kazuo 'walked' past them all, heading to where their comrades waited for them to catch up. Little did they know of yet another pair of eyes watching their every move as they slowly progressed across the snowy ground, Kiba being supported by Shino while Hinata nervously held Akamaru. The mystery man got up from where he sat in a nearby building, walking down the dusty hall to come to a window. Not bothering to be quiet about it, he smashed it, upsetting a pair of stray cats in the alleyway bellow. Stepping onto the fire escape, he headed to the roofs where his cloak billowed and flapped in the howling wind. Silent, he made his way to follow the group, jumping from one building to the next. Maybe they could lead him to what he was looking for and he just figure out the location of the 'strange girl' the snake man had mentioned before he got his head torn off. Then he might fulfill the task the latter could not. Scaling the roofs, the shadowy figure followed without a word, his cloak the only thing making sound.

Things are getting weirder by the minute and doesn't look like it's gonna stop anytime soon. A bit shorter than planned but a bit longer than expected I guess, once you get something in your head it's almost like your fingers have minds of their own. You guys have been so great lately! It really makes creating a story like this worthwhile, even if some readers don't consider the author's feelings and doesn't bother to review… I hate it even when I do this… where's the bat? I need to hit myself. But that's beside the point really, at least for now anyway. Notes! Lots of notes to deal with today people! Not like a couple chapters back that had like… eleven notes in it, but maybe just as long, and just as informing!! On with the notes then:

1) As seen in Book 6: The Forest of Death, chapter 48: The Target Is…! And I have to tell ya, that's one big ass snake!! And to think the people in Florida had it bad!

2) Elemental Triad: Hawk, Wolf and Fox formation: an interesting form of powers for multi-elemental warriors with two or more spirit animals, as shown in this chapter. Sometimes pertains to spirit animals with more than one element or animal ties. Kind of like mutts. Evan has the same as his brother, but he power over water is stronger than Ozzy's. That and I thought a fox wolf hawk hybrid would be one kick ass spirit animal.

3) Lightning Blade: as seen in Book 4: The Next Level, chapter 30: Your Future Is…! In this story Haku survived Kakashi's attack and I can't remember what I had in mind for Zabuza but I'm sure I'll have him pop up sooner or later.

4) Akako: a name that seems to fit her, even though she's not exactly what her name suggests, it kind of talks about what she leaves behind after a battle. (ah-kah-ko) Japanese for 'red', once a magical name being as to how the color red is or was seen as a charm used to cure diseases, mainly that pertaining to blood ailments. I suspect that in a sense, this name is the feminine version of Akamaru that according to the name dictionary I have (it's not in there, maybe some newer version I'm sure but not in the one I have) is a made up name that just so happens to also mean 'red'. This name also talks of how men dressed in red shirts and painted their faces to overpower a mighty tree spirit, placing a red cord around the trunk. It was either that or Alaula, (al-lau-OO-lah) Hawaiian for 'light of early dawn' or 'sunset glow', pretty much a genderless name.

5) Kira: an interesting character, strangely almost like a female version of Naruto, roughly the same age as him but she's way smarter than him. The only thing she lacks is the experience to be accepted amongst her elder peers. Kira ('CURE-ah' or 'KEE-rah') is Old Persian for 'the sun' or Latin for 'light' and is a feminine version of Cyrus. The Hindus in India also use other variations like Kiran and Kirina.

Wow that took a lot out of me. Ah my fingers! The pain! They throb!! THEY THROB!! Okay I'm good. A few minutes off usually does it. #4 was really long. Man I had a lot to say on that one but you can't blame me for being so informative just for the hell of it all. Read, review, no flames and you guys can deal with this preview until I update again because next time:

Chapter 10: Getting There And Back Again

Another enemy, or is it an ally just hangin' out in the shadows? Can Naruto, the rest of Rookie Nine and their teachers get through this simple task in helping dangerous comrades regain lost time and sustenance without getting killed and finding out what really happened to Sasuke after Naruto lost track of the original perpetrator? And what did Kazuo's words mean? Who is the mysterious girl anyway? Will I tell you? HELL NO!! Find out next time in:

Chapter 10: Getting There And Back Again!