Someone Screaming

Alternate Story - Dim Light

Ayane Selznick

Nervous inside out, the Hokage sat in front of the team captains, Jounins, and special Jounins while she had her elbows up on the table, hiding half of her face.

"This morning, I received a report from one of the guards from the northwest section of the Fire Country's border. Three Akatsukis were sighted nearing our territory. We all knew what they wanted." She eyed Naruto who was kneeling beside Sakura, "But we're not just protecting him. We're going to protect the village and the people as well."

Before she could continue with her briefing, Naruto stood up impatiently and said out loud, "I won't hide behind your back nor refuse to fight them. I will and shall fight them at all cost."

Then one of the Jounins said, "What would you say if they bribe you? What would you do if they give you a choice? The village or yourself? That's what you will have to face once you encounter them."

Naruto was about to fire back when Tsunade slammed her palm at the desk.

"Will you two shut up? I'm trying to brief you with the mission proper! And yes, Naruto will fight. I'm confident enough to let him fight face to face with the organization. He's not stupid enough to surrender or to let the village be destroyed by them."

Then there was silence for a long period of time. The Hokage sighed tiredly and said…

"Nara Shikamaru," She called out as said name looked up to her and waited for the order, "I give you permission to do the briefing with regards to our plans as well as the strategies we're going to have in this mission."

"Hai."

Said person didn't even bother to stand up to introduce himself rather he started talking about the mission proper and the strategies that developed inside his head. Everybody was silent inside the hall, letting the strategist have his way to force feed them with all the information he's getting through their head. Some would have commented how hard it would be but they trust this person so much.

Since more of their attention was given to the person babbling about the plan to face with the organization, only two certain people had their minds flew away to concern themselves with their only captive teammate.

What will you do… Sasuke?

The lone Uchiha was resting his back facing the door of his prison. He was clueless with what's happening outside his world. Who wouldn't be? No one was permitted to tell him some important matters coming from the headquarters but then again, he noticed the sudden urgency of movements from his guards and the quick footsteps coming out from the outside.

Something's up... He thought while he narrowed his eyes to increase his hearing senses.

Unfortunately, he heard three pairs of footsteps closing in. He was familiar with the two and was still familiarizing with the third. After some moments later, he heard another footstep, which came in quickly.

"Uchiha Sasuke." The female Hokage spoke to alert him.

He pushed himself up to face them and when he did his eyes went wide slowly. In front of him there stood his former, rather, ex-teammates: Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura with their Jounin Sensei, Hatake Kakashi. Before he could say anything, the Hokage spoke once again.

"As what you may have talked with Kakashi, I hereby discharge you of restriction to provide strength for this village." That earned another surprised look from him, thinking this was all sudden. "And as promise I will grant you freedom to kill the one who slaughtered your clan— Uchiha Itachi."

Before anything else, the Hokage instructed him what to do and what should not do during this mission. They all believed that Sasuke would not hesitate any longer for this mission was and will be his only goal to provide justice for the death of his clan. However there was something in him that they do not trust that much.

The passion and rage that so suddenly enveloped his entire being as a ninja, as a shinobi…

He easily turned himself a deadly weapon.

Sakura glanced at him momentarily and saw the fury in his eyes as if flaring up inside out. She noticed how he clenched his fists at his sides as though excitement was fast flowing in his veins. As all these things were seen all she could do was look away, disappointed.

Truly, he turned himself into a hungry wolf.

Their once loudmouthed teammate was quiet all the time while staring seriously at his once close yet rivalry best friend. Similar to that of Sakura's observation, it was as if he could easily read the Uchiha's mind. He was easily predicted but all his actions proved that no one could stop him once the battle started.

What would he do when they try to interfere?—

Was Naruto's question when the Hokage mentioned the word teamwork? In all truth, they have difficulties with regards to that word, but long ago, they were able to understand and use the word in all aspects of their everyday training.

However at this situation, will Sasuke let teamwork in his own circle? Will he let them help him? Will he let them make him live?

They all don't know, but the outcome of this battle was unclear. They must formulate a plan to lure them, to make them fall in to their hands and not vice versa.

Outside the Hokage tower, the Konoha shinobis and kunoichis scattered all around the village. They had each troops to go to all directions. There were about a battalion inside the village and another battalion outside the village's border setting traps and preparing for ambush. Others were sent to any possible Akatsuki routes to stop them heading inside the village.

Shikamaru knew that they're not into destroying the village but after the Jinchuuriki however, once they are pissed off by some incidents, they might destroy the village to get the Jinchuuriki. He tasked another troops to assist civilians to hide at the monument because it's the safest area around the village.

He jumped out the Hokage tower and sped towards the exit of the village, the one closest and possible route for any frontline Akatsuki.

Of course this isn't war but it will be once they weren't able to convince Naruto to come with them.

He glanced back at the tower and back to where he's heading.

Being one with your former team won't make things harder, not even easier that is. But I'm counting with you to stop them… Team Seven.

He narrowed his eyes and disappeared in a blink of an eye.

While the three of them strode towards the entrance of the village they noticed movements and felt some Chakra everywhere. The one in the middle, the pull back black long hair, glanced sideways. He motioned his companions to stick with him for a while. When they were within the hearing range to listen to him, he spoke.

"The Hokage was strict this time. She sent ANBU teams everywhere to eye and attack us. In this situation we just can't enter the border yet."

The blue toned skin spoke, "Should we separate?"

He answered, "We should but once we do they're going to us by troops. If that happens, one of us should enter the village and create a commotion. One should lure half of the battalion away from the target and the last one should get the target."

The third Akatsuki, the one with blond hair, suddenly butt in, "I'll be inside the village. You two decide whether who will get the Jinchuuriki and who will lure the others away. Mm."

With that he jumped quickly and sped up going inside the village leaving the two members behind. The black long-haired one narrowed his eyes at their member. Surely he was very excited and all but in terms of this situation, he knew that they must hurry.

Out of the blue, his partner spoke up, "Deidara must have been in a hurry." He looked at his partner and muttered, "Itachi-san, I'll lure them away."

Said person didn't reply quickly or made a reaction out of it, instead he activated his bloodline technique and said.

"I was going to tell you that. Move out."

After the command has been set, both of them separated and went towards the border.

Neji's troops halted when he gave a sign, later he activated his Byakugan and search for any enemies. Tenten, his beloved teammate and fiancé clutched at her scroll as if preparing to open and summon all her things. They already knew why their captain stopped them—

Someone is within his radius.

"They separated routes. One is heading inside, two people left tailing elsewhere."

Tenten looked back at the village and then to him, "Shikamaru's predictions were right. But how are we supposed to stop them? Whom are we going with?"

Kiba who was leading the path went back with Akamaru; he looked back at his former location and reported to Neji.

"One of them is heading inside. It smells something like clay."

Neji deactivated his Byakugan as if he had made a decision.

"Follow Team 7 and lure away the Akatsuki companion."

At first they all gave him a surprised look, but soon after, they recognized who they were after. Since they're the top squad they should escort the main unit who will go and fight with the clever Missing Nin, Uchiha Itachi. Without further ado, they disappeared quickly in search for Team 7.

Just when the Hokage released the seal at his door, he couldn't stop the rise and fall of his temper. He couldn't stop thinking that after being released at this tower he would be able to see his brother. They would settle their accounts once and for all.

Tsunade ordered Kakashi to go with the other Jounins as Shikamaru planned earlier. But he wouldn't be able to guide his former students in battle.

At this command, Kakashi refused. "Hokage-sama you can't let me out of this."

The Hokage stared at him lazily, "There are more important things to be done than eye your former students, Kakashi. You better get off now and see other Jounins. Civilians are our priority."

He was about to retort once again when his former student butted in, "Don't worry Kakashi…sensei."

Both Tsunade and Kakashi looked at the tall blonde shinobi as he continued to speak, "We'll be safe from here on out. We're not kids anymore right?"

Kakashi shook his head and said, "You don't understand Naruto. You know that it will be harder this time around."

Silence protruded until the Hokage's protégé spoke, "Yes we know it would be harder this time, but we're not going to lose that easily. Naruto we'll be fine, same as Sasuke's." She glanced shortly at the raven-haired man and smiled back at their former sensei. "I'm going to take care of them."

The Hokage nodded slowly and walked passed the four, "Kakashi, you heard the brats. They can take care of themselves. As for you three, if anything occurs in your situation, report to Neji's troops immediately." Some time later, the Hokage signaled them to leave.

Without anyone left behind her, she whispered in the air, "The legend doesn't start here… it recommences from your past."

After which she left the cell and prepared to ward off some intruders.

The blonde Akatsuki arrived past the borders using his large clay of bird flying across the huge village of Konoha. He couldn't help but be amused at random ninjas he's passing by.

"So how am I going to create some racket if not by the noise of my exploding art? Mm!"

He opened his hand only to reveal a mouth consisting of sharp teeth. In a while, he created a figure out of clay and held it at his hand for a moment as if waiting for the right time where he could dispose the said tool.

"It takes a number of arts to destroy this village. But then again, we're just making a racket, Mm!"

And then he let the clay drop from his hand and sped towards the inner part of the village. Seconds later, a large explosion was seen from where it was dropped. He looked back and smiled evilly.

"One-zero."

Below, he saw some ninjas scrambling near the radius of the explosion. He could have guessed that someone or some of them were exploded. After seconds or two, he was being bombarded by several kunais with exploding notes sticking at the holder.

Both Sakura and Naruto jerked upon hearing the explosion somewhere within the village. They looked at each other.

"It has begun." Sakura muttered, clenching her fists while jumping from one branch to another.

Naruto looked at her for a while and then glanced to the person beside him. He didn't know if he could still talk to that guy the way he used to talk to him when they were just kids. Each of them grew up differently after they separated ways. Also, they had several changes from then on, so at this time, they might consider each one of them as strangers. Nevertheless, he gave up the introverted side and said out loud…

"No one should leave the team. Not even during the fight. So whatever you want to do, Sasuke, we'll stick with you."

Not much of a reaction he thought but few seconds later they both heard him smirked. Old habits die hard.

"Just stick with me. Let me do the killing." He said. Unbeknownst to him, the Cursed Seal marks started spreading at his left part of the body. "I'll kill you two if you try to interfere."

With that same yet uncanny answer and behavior the two chose not to respond, instead they read each other's mind and reconsider his answer. Whatever he has to do, they will be there. If in case he's life is at stake, that's the time they will interfere.

The only reason was…

They can't let another team member die.

Although he betrayed them long time ago it was at this point that they have to merge into one team again to face one of his goals. Of course, he didn't want them in. It's because of the Hokage's request to which if refused, he would just let this opportunity to seek out his revenge. He didn't want that to happen of course so he let his old teammates in but threatened not to interfere.

However deep inside him, he did really want them to be by his side the moment he's going to fight against his brother. He wanted some people, mostly those who cared and close to him, to watch how he would avenge his clan. He will fight for his clan.

In all truth, Sakura and Naruto were trying hard to understand him. The deeper understanding of his behavior, the way he thinks and the entirety of his being. Sakura had understood his persona being the only girl who was so soft in terms of getting his attention. It was from the past though and as of present, she was still looking forward to knowing him better… or for worst.

She still loved him like how she loved him before. Only this time, she's scared of what he had become. She had witnessed his power during the fight between some random Akatsuki members. It scared her. He scared her. And she feared him. The reason –

It wasn't really Sasuke at all. It was like Orochimaru slash Sasuke in one body.

Sakura glanced at him for a second and thought warily of the other person lingering in her mind.

Would it be possible that Sasuke's lying to us? That Orochimaru is already inside his body. Had taken over his body and act as if he was the Sasuke we knew before?

She bit her lower lip and continued her contemplation.

That won't be possible… Orochimaru knew nothing about Sasuke's past…

And then something dawn upon her realization to which her eyes widened.

That's possible! Orochimaru can invade his thoughts! He knew about Sasuke's past about his clan… and maybe knew something about our team, too! Damn…

She didn't want to believe to what her mind is implying inside her head. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but think about it. She shook her head to erase the thought and tried to focus the tracks.

The Sasuke we knew is right behind me. He who only live to kill his brother for the sake of his clan. He will do everything to avenge Uchiha clan. So if Orochimaru were really inside him, he wouldn't care less.

She nodded more to herself and added, Indeed. This is Sasuke.

Beside her, Naruto was also contemplating some things about the past events to what is happening just about now. He couldn't believe at first that their team has been reunited. Only because of his revenge-obsession teammate who had lived long after the death of his clan just so to finish off his dear brother. He had second thoughts though. What is Tsunade thinking about this set up? Why did she have to reunite their already forgotten team?

First thing that strike his head was – It's Itachi again, nearing the vicinity of the village. It's Sharingan versus Sharingan, Uchiha versus Uchiha. Therefore, put Sasuke in his team and relive the past teamwork. Placing him in front line would mean that he has to face his brother, who in turn doesn't appreciate his little brother's way of getting his attention to stop all his selfish missions and finish what they've started years ago. And if the fate gives an unfortunate turn out of events, then Sasuke will—

He didn't want to know what's going to happen in conclusion so he went for the second one— They would go together as team because: Sasuke is after his brother, Sakura knew something about the Uchiha and had experienced a fight against him, and him being the target in their group. It may seem crazy to build up a team where all of them had connections with the enemy. But Naruto is still Naruto. Up to this point, he hasn't realized the purpose of getting their old team together – without their sensei.

While they jump hastily from one tree to another, they felt another presence trailing them. Sakura gave a signal to Naruto, while the blonde guy stared at the Uchiha, hoping to get the signal.

Fortunately, Sasuke nodded.

Both men dashed hastily towards their destination, leaving the strongest medic behind. She crackled her hands while putting her Chakra to her fists so as to destroy some trees to hinder the suspicious presence following them. She didn't leave yet just so to confirm the unknown presence. With keen eyes she searched the area.

"Did you find him?" The voice from the earpiece asked. It was from Naruto.

"No. He jumped away. He was expecting me to delay him." Then a few more seconds she was being attacked by water bullets.

"Sakura, are you okay?" Naruto asked worriedly. He commanded Sasuke to stop and wait for Sakura to inform her situation.

"Damn. It's an Akatsuki. He wanted us to be diverted from you Naruto. Sasuke, can you hear me?" She asked hastily while she evaded another attack from the Akatsuki guy and launched elsewhere.

"Yeah."

They heard her dashing away while she spoke, "Never leave Naruto's side. I think I know what they're planning to do. He wants us to fight him so the other member would be able to track Naruto down."

Sasuke didn't even glance at Naruto as if he didn't care and said, "I won't. I have a feeling that Itachi is after Naruto."

Then Naruto came in the conversation, "I'll try to contact Neji's troops. You have to come with us Sakura-chan."

Both guys heard her gasped after she received a slash from the opponent. She ducked at great timing when the sword almost touched her neck. She continued talking.

"I know, Naruto. But first, hurry up and get away before the other member comes in. I'll take care of this one then I'll follow you guys later."

"Copy that." Naruto muttered but he had second thoughts.

Sasuke was about to jump away from the field when he noticed Naruto looking back to where Sakura is. He closed the communication device and said out loud.

"If we're spotted by Itachi, we're cornered. She said she'll follow us later." Then he looked to their next destination and added, "I know she will."

Naruto didn't believe at first but what he heard was for real. The brooding boy was not the kind of person who would just believe to his teammates when one is in trouble. Most of the time, he would launch at the battlefield to help the only girl in his team. He thought she was a burden. But what was more fascinating was when he said that he actually knew she would.

The young Uchiha turned around and prepared his launch to the next branch. Soon after, Naruto followed, whispering to Sakura, "Be careful." And took off towards north.

Being left alone in the battlefield with no one else to rely on but her own strength, Sakura believed that she haven't encountered this Akatsuki before. But she isn't the kind of ninja who would care less. She had researched something about the organization and knew that long time ago, Kurenai, Asuma, Kakashi and even Team Gai had encountered this fellow.

He was known as one of the legendary swordsman in Hidden Mist those that are similar to Momochi Zabuza. This one carried a large bandaged sword and seemed to give a mysterious aura to her. She flipped backwards to evade an incoming kunai attack and deflect some when another quick launch directed to her.

She glared at her opponent as if reading his next moves.

"You're some kind of girl huh. But you can't match my skill."

In just a matter of seconds, she already had an idea how to deal with him. She smirked at his antics and said.

"Don't judge the book by its cover, asshole."

She disappeared from her former location only to be seen dashing towards him.

"What a fool." The blue-skin toned shark face muttered as he hastily pulled his sword and was about to slash the dashing lady when he realized the incredible speed she showed to him.

She jumped a little and rolled towards below him and put an exploding tag on his foot. She rolled over again and regained her composure as she was making hand seals to attack him using some Ninjutsu.

"Ne, don't get tired already." Sakura almost smirked at her confidence when she was done in her hand seals.

The branches within the surrounding area seemed to be moving. Kisame, the blue-skin toned guy, looked above, side by side and behind him. Every branch is moving towards him. He stared at the pink haired ninja and said out loud.

"Your Genjutsu sucks." He mocked the girl and was about to dispel the skill when he felt his foot exploded.

His angry roar echoed throughout the forest.

Shikamaru arrived at his unit. He scanned the area while listening from his subordinate's report. Since there have been three Akatsuki entering their premises he had come to a realization as to what they're plan would look like. It seems that all his instructions and predictions were right. Unfortunately, though, they couldn't reduce the casualties these Akatsuki organization had inflicted upon them, especially the guy who was throwing clay explosives from above.

His subordinate continued reporting, "…From north he roamed to south and seen nearing the center of the village. It seems like he's just buying some time."

"So it seems." Shikamaru replied curtly as he studied the strategy of their enemy.

Assuming three of them arrived all at the same time, one of which will distract the troops while the other supporting the pursuer of the target. This flying Akatsuki is trying to distract us while his other two companions are off to search for Naruto.

He looked at the horizon directing towards north and said, "Don't let the subordinate team up with the pursuer."

It seemed that all his members were looking curiously at him. It's obvious that they didn't know what he's trying to get at. He turned around as coolly as he could be to leave a command.

"Give me the third unit. I'll handle the troublesome flying guy."

All of them almost snickered at his words, knowing that through his confidence and cleverness, he can easily defeat this Akatsuki.

Tsunade watched the Jounins assist all civilians to hide behind the walls of the monument to reduce fatalities for non-ninja villagers. After this she will go near the borders of the village but not entirely leaving the spot. She can't afford to leave her position thinking that some other hidden members of the said organization will soon pop out elsewhere and conquer their village— worst destroy everything.

She spotted the tactics unit roaming at a fast pace as if searching for someone.

Shikamaru dispatched them to look for another unit huh? He's out for something again.

She looked at to where Shikamaru was supposedly in and smiled at the horizon.

Do your best, lazy bum. Be the tactician you really are.

To be continued…

Author's Notes: Ah, there you have it the continuation and a little Sasuke and Sakura appreciation. Know what? I should've been working with another plate but I'm having problems in terms of how to make it… some sort of idea-problems. Sorry peeps but no preview for the next chapter. I just finished the rest of the plot for this chapter and I think my head's telling me to sleep.

Well, I'm too tired to respond and put some drabbles (yawns) if you are so impatient for SS fluffiness, kindly read Daydreamer. It's full of one-shot SasuSaku drabbles. It's for me to compensate for the long wait of SS fluffiness for this story, err, no, actually it's just a past time.­­­­­­­­­