DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (GOOD NEWS! I FINALLY SECURED A SLOT IN MY DREAM UNIVERSITY!)

A Tactical Retreat

- With Naruto, Shino, and Ino -

Naruto was panting, and so were Shino and Ino. They have pretty much exhausted every jutsu in their arsenal that they could use on Kimimaro. He was too fast for Ino to land her Shintenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Switch Technique), Shino's bugs could not latch themselves onto Kimimaro's body, and Naruto couldn't land a hit on him without being injured in return. It seemed like all their attempts were futile and that Kimimaro was simply untouchable.

On the other hand, Kimimaro wasn't even breaking a sweat. It was as if the three of them were being toyed with and that they were at the mercy of his hands for he could easily kill them at any time if and when he decided to take things more seriously.

"Are all of you done?" Kimimaro asked

This rubbed Naruto the wrong way, Kimimaro's remark ticked him off. He felt that Kimimaro was underestimating them, Naruto thought that Kimimaro implied that he kept them alive on a whim and nothing more. Naruto gritted his teeth and remained silent as he stared at Kimimaro's eyes, "Since none of you answered, I'm going to take that as a yes. I believe it's now my turn" he said to the three of them.

Kimimaro entered into a fighting stance to prepare for battle, "Inago no Mai (Dance of the Locust)". This stance is similar to the Karamatsu no Mai (Dance of the Larch) that Kimimaro performed earlier but this was slightly different from the first one. This was a more advanced version of it where Kimimaro sprouts even more bones from all parts of his body. "I shall show you the power of the bones within our bodies" Kimimaro said as he rushed toward Naruto.

Naruto was surprised when Kimimaro suddenly appeared in front of him, it seemed like Kimimaro stepped up his speed this time. Kimimaro delivered a series of punches to Naruto's body and face, he was able to dodge the first few strikes. But to Naruto's misfortune, he was still injured in the process. Naruto was grazed by the bones that were jutting out of Kimimaro's arms, this resulted in him being cut in various locations. Naruto winced in pain due to the number of cuts on his body, he felt stings of pain from all over.

In pain, Naruto could have sworn that he accounted for the bones that were sticking out of Kimimaro's body yet he was still injured which confused him. He was starting to be annoyed with Kimimaro because he was able to foil all his attempts to land a hit on him, it seemed like Naruto has finally met someone he can't just grab and beat to a pulp.

Kimimaro observed that the gears in Naruto's mind were turning, he deduced that Naruto was wondering how he got hit by his bones. While they were fighting, Naruto was able to initially dodge both his punches and bones. Kimimaro then controlled the bones on his arms to extend even more so that Naruto will be caught off guard and be hit by his bones as a result.

Kimimaro then decided that was enough thinking as he resumed attacking Naruto. He quickly closed the gap between himself and Naruto in such a short amount of time, that he was about to hit his abdomen with the palm of his hand. But this was no ordinary palm strike, Kimimaro intended to sprout a bone from his palm to stab Naruto with it. Naruto realized that he was in grave danger but it was already too late since Kimimaro's palm was already mere inches away from his body until suddenly a wall of insects appeared between him and Naruto.

"Hijutsu: Mushiheki (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Wall)" Shino said, the wall of insects that Shino created was able to prevent Naruto from being stabbed. "Thanks, Shino" Naruto said curtly. Shino just nodded in response and quickly called back his bugs. Naruto then backed away from Kimimaro momentarily to rethink his strategy, he needed to find a way to deal damage to Kimimaro without needing to come into contact with him. But how? That was the million-dollar question, the three of them suddenly felt a chakra signature approaching them.

Naruto looked at his teammates to confirm that he wasn't the only one to notice, it turns out that both Ino and Shino noticed it too. Not only was it someone's chakra signature, but it was also their sensei's.

Ino performed the Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique) to privately communicate with her teammates, "It's Asuma-sensei, what do we do?" she asked telepathically. This was one of the new jutsus she asked her father to teach her. As of now, she could communicate with three people at a time which was just the right number for her since their team consisted of three other members. Since she was fairly new to the jutsu, she could only communicate with her teammates under the condition that they weren't far away from her. Only those who have mastered this jutsu were able to communicate with a multitude of individuals at a time regardless of how far away they were, the more people you contact means more chakra will be expended. And the same goes for distance too.

Naruto was still getting used to communicating with his teammates through Ino's jutsu, "I don't know, can you contact him?" Naruto asked to which Ino replied that their sensei was still out of her range. This wasn't the answer Naruto was looking for but it is what it is, he needed to buy some time for Ino to get the details from their sensei. Naruto looked over to Shino and nodded, Shino knew what they had to do from Naruto's gesture. Both of them needed to keep Kimimaro busy and away from Ino in the meantime, they did not know how long they needed to do this but they were determined to keep it up for as long as it takes.

"Now it's our turn! Taju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique)" Naruto yelled, a hundred copies of him appeared out of thin air. Each clone took out a kunai from their pouch and entered a fighting stance, this time they knew that they have to keep their distance from Kimimaro lest they want to be skewered by his bones.

The horde of Narutos then rushed toward Kimimaro in an attempt to overwhelm him, Shino also provided long-range support by sending out swarms of insects at Kimimaro. Kimimaro saw this and prepared for battle as he stood his ground and waited for Naruto's clones and Shino's insects to come closer, a couple of clones jumped into the air and were about to stab him. He pointed his fingers at the clones. "Teshi Sendan (Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets)" Kimimaro said as he shot out hardened fingerbones from his fingertips, the projectiles were able to dispel said clones and some of Shino's insects but more were still coming at him. Two separate swarms of insects were approaching him from behind, Kimimaro performed a jutsu to counter this. "Suiton: Mizu Shuriken (Water Release: Water Shuriken)" he said as he created multiple shurikens made of water, the projectiles were able to exterminate Shino's insects. Kimimaro then turned around to see that two clones were about to stab him on the back with their kunais, Kimimaro then extended the bone that was jutting out his elbow and then stabbed both clones. After dispelling those clones, Kimimaro sensed shurikens coming his way, he turned around to see a multitude of shurikens approaching him. He can just dodge these shurikens but Kimimaro did not want to take his chances, Kimimaro then extended the bones that were sticking out of his chest to serve as a protective layer against the incoming shurikens. Kimimaro was able to dodge and block almost all projectiles but a single shuriken was able to find its way through his bone armor thus inflicting a cut on his abdomen.

Kimimaro noticed that he was wounded but he was not fazed, he merely shrugged it off as an inconvenience. Despite Kimimaro's lack of reaction, Naruto was glad that they could at least injure their opponent somehow even if it was just one cut. Shino, Naruto, and his clones did not stop there as they kept on attacking Kimimaro. While Naruto was busy with Kimimaro, Shino ceased providing long-range support for he still has another jutsu in his arsenal that he planned on using.

Shino wasn't sure if this jutsu would prove effective against Kimimaro but there was only one way to find out, Shino checked to see if Ino's Shindenshin no Jutsu was still active. "Naruto" he said in his mind.

"Yeah, Shino? Why did you stop attacking Kimimaro, I'm kinda running out of clones here…" Naruto replied

"Keep him busy, I have a plan but I need to prepare it first" he answered

"Sure but make it quick, I don't know how much longer I can do this now that I'm alone again" Naruto retorted

Shino then ended the conversation as he began to amass chakra, "Hijutsu: Mushimayu (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Cocoon)" Shino said. Shino began to accelerate the growth of his insects to further bolster their numbers and make them a bit stronger. In order for Shino to do this, he needed to stay in one place for a while so as to not interrupt the acceleration process. "I shall inform you once I am done preparing this jutsu, by then keep Kimimaro busy. I am counting on you, Naruto" Shino said to his teammate. Shino rarely showed emotions but this time he did, he felt that fighting this opponent was rather hopeless for they were leagues below Kimimaro in terms of strength. Not to discredit their growth over the past few months. But in this battle, they felt rather unprepared and ill-equipped. Shino was uncertain whether or not this jutsu would work on someone like Kimimaro but that wasn't an excuse not to use it anyway. A couple more minutes passed by and finally, Shino was ready to use the jutsu he was talking about. "Naruto, I want you to flee away from Kimimaro when I give you the signal" Shino said through their mental link.

"Got it" Naruto said as he kept on replacing the clones Kimimaro dispelled. Kimimaro still had plenty of chakra to expend but it seemed like Kimimaro was mowing down through his clones faster than earlier.

- With Ino –

"Come on Asuma-sensei… Where the heck are you? Please don't be late this time" she said anxiously as she kept on checking if their sensei was now in her range of contact. Ino kept checking until finally, she felt that Asuma was close enough.

"Asuma-sensei! What's going on?!" she asked her sensei

"We're making a tactical retreat, tell your teammates. Wait there, I'll fetch all of you when I get there" Asuma said to Ino. She understood what she needed to do as she ended the transmission and informed both Shino and Naruto about Asuma's plans and whereabouts.

- With Naruto and Shino –

Kimimaro kept on fighting Naruto's endless wave of clones, he was getting a bit exhausted from all the fighting but Kimimaro could still continue the battle with ease. It's just that he was beginning to find this battle a bit more tedious than it needed to be, he began to wonder if Naruto intended to turn this fight into a battle of attrition. Sure, that could work but it is painstakingly slow.

Shino performed the following hand seals: Ox – Snake – Horse – Dragon – Ram – Snake, "Hijutsu: Mushitatsumaki (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Tornado)" Shino said as he commanded a large swarm of insects to target Kimimaro. Naruto was still fighting Kimimaro but then Shino said to him to get away from the immediate area.

"Now, Naruto!" Shino said telepathically

Naruto heard Shino, this signaled for him to get the hell out of there. And so he did, Naruto backed away from Kimimaro. And to Kimimaro's surprise, he saw the largest swarm of insects he has ever seen. The swarm engulfed Kiamimaro completely, the insects then formed a tornado as it encircled Kimimaro. The force of this tornado was rather devastating.

"You guys, Asuma-sensei is close. Prepare some smoke bombs" Ino said to her teammates through her Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique). Both Naruto and Shino nodded as they took out some smoke bombs from their pouches. Kimimaro was still inside the tornado but they still threw the smoke bombs on the ground to completely cover their tracks so that in case Kimimaro survives Shino's jutsu, he would have no clue as to where they went.

A plume of smoke then dispersed into the area, Shino and Naruto then left the area and regrouped with Ino as they looked for their sensei. It did not take them too long to locate Asuma since they were able to sense where he was. Once they were able to find Asuma, they were surprised to see that he was bleeding all over.

"What the hell happened to you Asuma-sensei?" Ino asked, she rarely used profanity, But in this case, she was rather shocked at the sight of their sensei.

"He caught me off-guard but luckily I was able to Shunshin (Body Flicker) away from there and escape, I left a clone to buy me some time. Good thing I decided to do that or else a weight from my shoulders would be taken off both literally and metaphorically" he answered

His three students nodded, they continued to flee the area and return to the inn but they did not know how much longer they could stay there now that Gato was aware of their presence in Mori no Kuni. Kushimaru would likely report the events of their battle to the man that hired him.

Team 10 slowly but surely made their way back to the inn where they were staying due to the fact that each and everyone one of them was either exhausted, injured, or even both.

- At The Inn –

Team 10 entered from the inn's backdoor so as to not arouse any suspicion about their whereabouts, the only reason for them to return to the inn was to take their stuff. If they decided to leave their stuff there, one of Gato's goons could find them and interrogate the innkeeper. Who knows what Gato would do to the innocent man?

They then entered the inn, all grimy and bloody. Coincidentally, the innkeeper saw them enter the inn. He was shocked to see them, they looked terrible.

"Oh my goodness me… What happened to all of you…" the innkeeper asked

"It's a rather long story Kunio-san, we are just here to take our stuff and check out. It is not safe for both parties if we were to stay here, I believe Gato already sent out some of his men to look for us in town. If he finds out that we came into contact with you, you would be in grave danger due to association" Asuma explained.

Kunio understood Asuma's point but in good conscience, could not allow them to leave without being treated first. "I appreciate your concern, but I cannot allow the four of you to leave without receiving any medical attention first" he said to them.

Asuma was about to decline his offer but Kunio insisted that it would not take too long. He sighed and agreed to take up his offer as they returned to their rooms since Kunio told them that he will be up there in just a moment.

Team 10 then entered their respective rooms and waited for the innkeeper to arrive. But before they parted ways, Asuma thanked the innkeeper for his generosity and kindness.

"It is my pleasure Sarutobi-san, I am a retired doctor after all and I believe it is my duty to help those who are in need" he told Asuma as he smiled and took some medical supplies from his office.

Asuma and his students then went upstairs to wait for Kunio to treat them, Asuma then decided to gather his students and tell them something real quick.

Naruto wondered what their sensei needed to tell them, "What's the matter Asuma-sensei?" he asked

"Listen closely, Kunio-san offered to help us but I think we should still keep our guards up. I am not throwing shade at him, I am just looking out for us. When shit hits the fan, I want all three of you to protect one another alright? Don't wait for me, I'll be sure to catch up to the three of you. Am I being clear?" Asuma asked, his students nodded in return

"Okay good, get some rest for a while. Remember the plan and what jutsu to use during emergencies, got it?"

"Loud and clear Asuma-sensei" Naruto replied and gave him a foxy grin. Asuma smiled as he went inside his own room, and so did Naruto, Shino, and Ino. Once they were inside, they decided to wash up and rest for a bit. Shino quickly went to the bathroom to wash off all the dirt on him. Naruto approached their bed and was about to sit down, his foxy grin from earlier began to fade away. Ino quickly took notice and decided to address it.

"What's the matter Naruto?..." Ino asked

Naruto once again, spaced out for he was in deep thought. Naruto sat down on the bed that he and Ino shared, she sat down beside him and looked at him while he was immersed in his own mind.

"Naruto… Are you alright?" she asked as she tapped Naruto's shoulder

"H-Huh? Oh… Yeah, I'm fine Ino… Thanks for asking" he replied but Ino was not satisfied with his answer. She then continued to press the question on Naruto.

"You know I won't stop questioning you until you give me an honest answer" she said to him

Naruto let out a sigh as he decided there was no point in not being honest with Ino, by now he should have learned to just be honest with her. Ino could be a bit bossy sometimes but she is very understanding of him despite all the dumb and stupid things he does.

"I just… I don't like the idea that we got asses whooped again, I honestly thought that we're getting better y'know?" he told Ino as he looked into her eyes.

"Again? Didn't we take out those brothers back at the ranch?" she asked

"Technically we did but we almost lost by the skin of our teeth, I don't think I can consider that as a win Ino" Naruto said in a gloomy tone.

She understood where Naruto was coming from, she too could not help feeling a bit discouraged after their encounter with Kimimaro. She also thought that she was improving as a shinobi but apparently that wasn't the case. They still had a long way to go in their careers as shinobi.

Ino then remembered what her father told her back when she was training in using the Shindenshin no Jutsu.

- Flashback -

"You have to concentrate when using this jutsu sweetheart, it takes time to master it. But once you do, it'll be second nature to you and you'll have no issues in doing it. You're rushing to form the link, you have to be patient at first and take it nice and slowly" Inoichi told her daughter. Both father and daughter were training in their backyard.

Ino nodded as she continued to focus her mind to form a mental link with her father, Ino used a hundred percent of her willpower to do so. In her mind, it looked like she was walking through a very dark tunnel and her goal was to reach the light at the end where her father was waiting. Ino continued to walk forward through the dark tunnel, it was difficult for her since she still had difficulties in maintaining the link but she pressed on. Slowly but surely, Ino made her way through the tunnel in her mind. Ino was almost there, she could already see the light. But unfortunately, Ino failed to hold the link long enough before making it out to the end.

"GAHHH! THIS IS HOPELESS DADDY…" Ino said in an angry outburst

Inoichi found her daughter's reaction amusing, Ino noticed that her father was laughing at her and she was having none of it. "What are you laughing at?" she said as she raised her eyebrow at him.

Inoichi quickly hid his smile and told her daughter that he was definitely not laughing at her, Ino didn't buy her father's excuse but she decided to drop the issue.

"It's alright Ino, you'll eventually get it. I too had difficulties in mastering that jutsu when I was your age" he told her daughter as he patted her head

"You did?"

"Sure I did, we all have to start somewhere right? Being bad and inexperienced at something is part of the process of being great at something, not unless you are a prodigy but that's not the point. Point is, it doesn't matter if you don't start out strong. What matters is that you have the will TO BE strong, that's what counts. Being a prodigy won't matter if you don't have the drive to be stronger and great at something, you were almost at the end of the tunnel Ino and that's great. Just keep on practicing and you'll be as good as me" Inoichi told his daughter.

After hearing her father's lecture, she was things from his perspective and it all made sense. But one thing did boggle her mind, "Daddy?" she asked her father.

"What is it pumpkin?" he replied

"Does that mean I can be the greatest at something?" she asked

"Ahhh… The thing is, you won't be the greatest at something. At least forever that is" he answered, Ino was confused in response.

"Huh?..." was all she could say

"You heard me, you won't be the greatest at something forever. Because somewhere out there, is a person that is stronger than you, faster than you, smarter than you, and better than you. But that's okay, sure you can be the greatest at something like you said. But there also comes a time when you won't be the greatest anymore. Think of me, right now I am the head of our clan. This means I am technically the best member of our clan, but that won't last forever. Soon you'll be able to catch up to me or even surpass me, your cousins and relatives could also surpass me. My point is that you don't have to be the greatest of all time, comparison is the thief of joy after all" he told Ino as he smiled at her.

"Naruto, it doesn't matter if we lost again. What matters is that we get up and keep on moving forward, we'll train together and be stronger together right? There will always be people out there who are better than us in every single way you can imagine, and that's okay. As long as we strive to be better than who we were yesterday, that's what counts the most. We'll think of something to beat that Kimimaro" Ino said as she pulled the side of Naruto's head into her chest.

Ino's actions and words were able to sway what he was feeling, he felt warm and it comforted him. "Thanks Ino, I really needed that" he said to her.

Ino sighed contently as she continued to brush Naruto's hair with her fingers, "Don't worry about it Naruto, what would you ever do without me…" she said.

(A/N: Hey hey hey! I hope y'all liked this one haha. By the way, the hand seals that Shino used? Are made up, I asked my cousin who is a programmer to make me a python file that actually generates random hand seals and it's pretty great haha. Also! I mentioned above the great news I got. I'll be studying in my dream university baby! Wish me luck y'all. Anyway, I don't have much else to say other than I'll try to upload more before summer really ends so yeah. That's all cheers )