*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*
Ino's ear piercing scream stung Naruto's ears. He turned around quickly to see her struggling on the floor. He ran to her aid, and what he saw left him speechless. There in front of him was Ino trying to fight off the decaying corpse they had just found. At first Naruto thought Ino was trying to fool him, but her screams and tears were real. He quickly bent down next to her and grabbed the cold stiff hand that clung to her wrist. His first attempt to free her was a failure, the corpse was determined to keep the kunoichi in its grasp.
Naruto growled as he roughly ripped the decomposing hand's grip off his friends wrist. The sound of it's fingers cracking as they broke off due to his strength made Ino cringe. Once freed she desperately crawled away and found refuge behind Naruto. The dead body flopped sluggishly on the floor, its attempts to lift itself up were now gone.
"What the fuck is happening?" Asked Naruto as he threw the rotting arm away. "You just told me this guy has been dead for weeks!"
"I wasn't lying, he's supposed to be very dead" replied Ino as she clung to Naruto's back.
"So why the hell is he flopping around like a damn fish out of water?!"
"I don't know, but that scared the shit out of me," said Ino as she tried to regulate her frantic breathing. "You need to get Kakashi-sensei over here now!"
"Right, let's get some space between us and this thing," said Naruto as he helped Ino up. Together they watched as the corpse twitched and rolled along on the floor. Naruto pressed his communicator.
"Kakashi-sensei we found the...um...crago."
"What exactly is it?"
"Well, it's a dead body."
"A dead body?"
"What an odd choice in cargo," said Sai.
"Oh that's not even the half of it," added Naruto. "Ino confirmed that this individual has been dead for weeks, but it's moving, like right now."
"Move, as in…"
"As in trying to take a bite out of Ino kinda moving."
"I've never encountered anything like that before," whispered Kakashi.
"You and me both sensei. I don't think my clones can transport this guy, we need a more prepared transporting team."
"You're sure the coast is clear?"
"Yes, the area is secured."
"Good, I'll handle the retrieval team, set off one of your flares, they'll arrive shortly."
"Roger that sensei," said Naruto.
He reached into his knapsack and pulled out his flare kunai. He bit his thumb and smeared his blood on the tag attached to it. He waited a few seconds and then threw it high into the night sky. The paper burned a bright red and lit up the sky above them.
"Alright a team is on their way, all we do now is wait."
"That poor person, why on earth would someone do this to disgrace someone after death?" Whispered Ino.
"..."
"This can't be the forbidden technique Edo Tensei, it wouldn't make sense to use that on a normal individual."
"You're right, this guy wasn't a shinobi, besides doesn't that technique give the resurrected party a new body? This body is by far new."
"I know, whatever this is it can't be anything good."
"Yeah..
A cool breeze blew by and Ino shuddered. She rubbed her arms together in an attempt to generate more heat, it was a good thing she had Naruto's jacket.
"You aren't cold Naruto?
"Nope, this breeze feels pretty nice."
"Men, they always run warm."
Naruto lightly chuckled, he folded his arms as he looked off into the dense foliage of the forest. Ino couldn't help but notice his wounded arm. It was tightly wrapped in a bandage from his forearm to his wrist. She had almost forgotten that at the start of their mission he had warned everyone that he was hurt."
"So what's the story with your arm? Why wasn't the Kyuubi healing you?"
"We had a bit of a disagreement, but we're on the same page now."
"Sounds to me like he can be a bickering roommate."
"That's a great way of thinking of it," chuckled Naruto. "Oh, it looks like the cavalry has arrived."
Out from the dense brush, appeared a team of Anbu, with two medic shinobi's. One of the masked Anbu members approached them slowly as the rest of the team quickly ran towards the body.
"Kakashi wants you both to go back to your positions. He's moved his ninken for extra support so no one will be alone for the rest of tonight's patrol," said the Anbu shinobi.
"Right, come let's head out."
"Lead the way."
They both swiftly took to the trees. As they leapt from branch to branch Ino couldn't help but feel relieved. As cruel as it sounded she was glad to be away from that poor tormented soul.
Naruto took Ino back to the western border of Konoha. When they arrived They were greeted Urushi, one of Kakashi's ninken.
"Hey you two, long time no see," barked Urushi.
"Hey Urushi," said Ino as she bent down and patted the ninken on the head. "So you'll be teamed up with me then?"
"That's right, I'll be with you for the rest of your shift."
"Awesome, it'll be nice to have some company."
Naruto carefully removed his communicator from his neck and he handed to Ino.
"Here take this, you need this more than I do,"
"Thanks Naruto, not just for this, but for everything."
"It's no problem," said Naruto as he walked away. "I'll see you at the end of our shift."
"See you then," said Ino as she watched him leave.
Naruto quickly jumped high into the branches of the forest trees as he made his way back to his post. He sprang from branch to branch and after a few moments of silence he let out a loud sigh of relief. He would have never forgiven himself if anything had happened to Ino. The mere thought of him arriving too late made him shake. Thank god he had made it in time, he was happy she was safe, but as much as he tried Naruto couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
The rest of the night was uneventful, and what hours were left went by rather quickly. By 7am Naruto, and the rest of his team, were standing in front of Tsunade's desk.
"Well now, the three new guests we have in our custody will be interrogated once they are released from intensive care. I've also ordered a full autopsy on the body they had in their possession, along with several other tests. We'll soon find out the cause of death, and the reason why those three were bringing it here. Is there anything else you all have to add?"
"Yes there is Tsunade-sama."
"What is it Ino?"
"One of the men who attacked me told me that he and his team were told that Naruto wouldn't be in Konoha."
"That would mean that someone has infiltrated the village," said Naruto.
"Is it actually possible for there to be a spy within our walls?" Asked Ino.
"Yes, but it's highly improbable," replied Sai.
"Yeah well clearly somebody has been watching me, but their intel was wrong, so if there is a spy here they're pretty shitty."
"I'll look into the matter, for the mean time you're all to stay in patrol duty. That's all for now, you're all dismissed."
"Yes Tsunade-sama we…"
"You're hiding something Baa-chan," interrupted Naruto. "I can feel your emotions, and I can hear the slightest bit of worry in your voice. What aren't you tell us?"
Tsunade sighed heavily, while Shizune tightened her grip on Tonton.
"I'm not going to play your back and forth arguing game Naruto, so yes, I do know something, but it's confidential."
"Since when are you one for protocol?!"
"Naruto stop."
"No sensei, this is bullshit! If she knows something then she needs to come clean! We're the ones putting our lives on the line, and if this information could give us better insight, then she should tell us!"
"Enough!"Snapped Tsunade. "The information I have is delicate, and it's in your best interest not to know Naruto."
"Why?!"
"You're just going to have to trust me. Now go home, all of you."
"No I'm not going to..."
"Naruto, Tsunade-sama has made up her mind, respect her decision," said Kakashi.
He firmly had Naruto by the shoulder, and he gave him a tight squeeze when he didn't respond.
"Go home to Sakura."
"Fine, but if anything else happens to any of my team members it's all in you Baa-chan."
Naruto stormed out of her office. Ino and Sai follower as well but Kakashi lingered for a moment. He looked over at Tsunade, and then Shizune. It was clear to him who had better control of their emotions, Shizune practically screamed that she was guilty.
"Have a great rest of your day you two," said Kakashi.
As soon as he was gone Shizune exhaled loudly.
"Kakashi knows Tsunade-sama, I just know he does."
"It certainly looks that way."
"It's only a matter of time before Naruto uncovers the truth too. Do you honestly think it's wise to keep him, and his team, in the dark?"
"Yes, this is a sensitive matter for them all, and Sakura being pregnant makes things even more complicated."
"..."
"Things are far worse than I thought Shizune, but we need to keep things under wraps, is that understood?"
"Yes Tsunade-sama, the only ones that are allowed to know are ourselves, and Team 8," whispered Shizune.
Naruto slowly walked into his apartment. He couldn't believe Tsunade was willingly keeping information from him. He started the process of undressing as he made his way to his bedroom. Upon arriving he saw that Sakura was still asleep. Seeing her angelic state helped Naruto's frustration melt away.
He tugged at the bandages wrapped around his arm with his mouth. Once off he tossed them into a nearby trash bin by his dresser. He continued to undress himself till he was left in nothing but his boxers. He slowly slipped into bed and gently brought Sakura closer to him. His arms wrapped around her and his hands rested on her lower abdomen. Naruto smiled as he remembered what treasure was deeply nestled inside her. He inhaled her scent and cuddled next to her, enjoying the small moment of bliss his sleeping girlfriend provided him.
Shikamaru lazily stared at his ceiling. The sound of his alarm clock going off few seconds later irritated him. He leaned over and roughly hit his clock, it was 7:45am. He had no idea why he even bothered setting an alarm in the morning, he always ended up waking up before it went off. He sighed as he reluctantly sat up in bed. He was honestly reconsidering going back to sleep when something orange and black caught his attention.
Something was hanging from his closet doorknob, it was Naruto's jacket. It was the last thing he thought he'd see in his place, especially at this hour. It was way too early for Naruto to be functioning, let alone stopping by for a visit. Shikamaru dragged himself out of bed and walked over to Naruto's jacket. He looked around his apartment, but there was no trace of his best friend.
"Yo Naruto are you here?" Asked Shikamaru as he lazily walked into his living room.
A few small noises from his restroom was the only response he received. The door slowly opened and Ino stepped out wearing nothing but a towel. A cloud of steam came out with her, but it quickly disappeared in the cool room. Her long platinum blonde hair clung to her shoulders, that were a bit red, from the hot water she had used.
"Geez you think you could of used hotter water Ino?" Asked Shikamaru as he looked at his girlfriend appearance.
"…"
"Is Naruto here?" Asked Shikamaru as he handed Ino his friend's jacket.
Ino took Naruto's jacket and looked at the fabrics familiar colors, after a short moment she looked back at Shikamaru.
"No, Naruto isn't here."
"So what's his jacket doing here then?"
"He gave it to me," said Ino.
"Well the last few nights have been a little chilly, which is odd, since its summer after all, but whatever."
"Yeah.."
"So are you hungry?"
"..."
"Ino?"
"You know, Naruto can be so carefree, naive, and even a little dense, but despite his quarks we can always count on him."
"He has his moments," yawned Shikamaru.
Ino sniffled in response. Shikamaru looked over towards her and what he saw confused him, she was crying.
"Ino, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry, I just help myself Shikamaru."
"..."
"I was fine you know, after what happened last night, but that all changed when I got here. My adrenaline high was gone, and all I wanted to do was to wash away the filth that man left on me, but as hot as the water was his touched is still stuck to my body."
"What the hell are you talking about? Did someone hurt you?"
Ino dropped Naruto's jacket and threw herself into her boyfriend's grunted slightly as Ino knocked the wind out of him. He held her tightly as she cried into his bare chest.
"Things went south for me after I apprehended some intruders, luckily Naruto saved me, but it's scary to think what could have happened if he hadn't of come to my rescue."
Shikamaru was at a loss for words, all he could do was comfort his girlfriend.
"What a way to start a morning," thought Shikamaru.
Sakura couldn't help but smile as She admired her sleeping boyfriend. She carefully traced her fingers on his whiskers. Usually this action would stir Naruto, but he remained sound asleep. It made sense though, it was only 9:55am. She slowly slid out of bed and an array of scattered clothing greeted her. She sighed as she surveyed the mess. She saw his pants, shirt, and shoes, but the only piece of clothing she didn't see was his jacket. Sakura shrugged it off and went about picking up the clothing. She folded everything and placed it on top of his dresser.
Sakura was about to leave the room when something in the trash caught her attention. The bandages she had placed on his arm yesterday were now resting at the bottom of the bin. Alarmed Sakura ran over towards Naruto, and inspected his wounded arm. She emitted her green healing chakra from her palms while she slowly ran them all over his arm. She let out a sigh of relief, his arm was fully healed.
"Thank god everything is back to normal."
As if responding to her, a soft hum replied. Sakura looked around Naruto's apartment trying to find the source of the humming, but she soon discovered that it was coming from Naruto. She slowly pulled the covers off Naruto's abdomen. There in plain sight was the seal that held the Kyuubi inside Naruto. Sakura was surprised, the seal usually only appeared when Naruto was under high amounts of stress. Naruto snored loudly, it was clear that he was nowhere near being stressed.
"Could this be the Kyuubi behaving on its own accord?"
Sakura lightly traced her finger tips in a circular motion following the swirl that appeared on Naruto's stomach. As she reached the middle of the swirl near Naruto's navel Sakura swore the seal pulsated. The young kunoichi slightly pulled her fingers away. The phenomena she was witnessing was exhilarating to say the least.
Sakura bent down until her face was a few inches from Naruto's abdomen. She knew her assumption was right when the pulsating grew faster the closer she drew. She then planted a soft kiss in the middle of the seal.
"Thank you," she whispered.
The seal's humming, and pulsing, began to fade and the next thing Sakura knew the seal, along with the humming, was gone.
"I don't know much about the Kyuubi, but I'm sure that's Naruto kindness has found its way into that demon's heart."
Sakura quietly made her way towards the kitchen and opened the fridge, it was completely empty. She pouted her bottom lip when she saw the condition of the refrigerator.
"When I made Naruto's lunch last night I didn't need anything from the fridge so I had no idea it was empty," said Sakura.
"I guess he hasn't had a chance to get any groceries since he got back from his 3 week long mission. I honestly didn't want to do anything today, but we need groceries," sighed Sakura.
She tip toed her way back into Naruto's room and grabbed her clothes. Once dressed she went back into Naruto's kitchen. She pulled out a notepad and pen from one of his drawers and started jotting down things she was going to need from the market. A soft knock from the front door snapped her out of her concentration. Sakura walked to the door and cracked it opened.
"Good morning Shikamaru. Are you here to see Naruto?"
"No actually I came by to see you, but first I bet you've been looking for this," said Shikamaru as he handed Sakura a brown package.
She took the package and ripped it open, it was Naruto's jacket.
"I was wondering where this was, where'd you find it?"
"Ino had it. She made me wash it before I gave it back. She swore it smelled from their mission last night."
"Ino had it?"
"Yeah it's a long story, that's part of the reason why I'm here. I was hoping you hadn't eaten anything yet, have you?"
"No Naruto doesn't have anything here. I was about to head out to buy some groceries."
"Alright then that works. I'll treat you out to eat, then we'll talk. Afterwards I'll help you with your shopping."
"Oh that's so sweet of you Shikamaru. I gladly accept, just let me leave a note just in case Naruto wakes up while I'm gone," said Sakura as she went back inside.
"I doubt that's gonna happen, but sure I'll wait out here," said Shikamaru as he heard Naruto's loud snoring coming from inside.
A few minutes later Sakura returned and locked the door behind her.
"Alright then ready to go?"
"Sure am."
Shikamaru motioned Sakura to lead the way, and the two of them went off to start their day as both their other halves ended theirs.
Hinata walked in between her two teammates as they followed Yamato to their destination. It was a hot and humid, and the pale eyed Hyuga wiped some sweat from her brow. She really wasn't dressed for the heat, but regardless of how uncomfortable she was she pressed on. After a few more insufferable minutes her team took refuge under the shade of a tree.
"It's hot as hell, and all this moisture in the air isn't helping," said Kiba.
"There's a storm on the way, so that counts for the humidity," said Shino.
"Weather aside we need to go over everything one last time. Now remember, the Raikage isn't going to be happy when he sees us so don't let that catch you off guard," said Yamato.
"But why would the Raikage get upset about us helping?" Asked Hinata timidly.
"Well the Raikage believes that Konoha may be responsible for his missing team, but he has no solid proof. He accepted assistance because his council advised him too."
"I see," replied Hinata.
"However we'll be gathering our own information while we're there, that's why your team was chosen to go. You three are the best reconnaissance team Konoha has."
"Exactly,we'll be arriving there in about three hours. We'll stay here to rest for fifteen minutes."
"Well if that's the case I'm taking Akamaru to that stream we just passed. You wanna come Shino?"
"No thank you, I'll stay here."
"Alright suit yourself," said Kiba as he patted Akamaru on the head.
He started to leave when he heard a timid voice.
"Wait Kiba-kun."
"..."
"Would...it be alright if I... accompany you?"
"Do what you want," muttered Kiba as he made his way towards the stream.
Hinata followed suit and together they left. looked at Kiba's back as she followed him quietly. Now was her chance, she had the perfect opportunity to talk to him, but her timid behavior was getting the best of her. She mustered her courage and picked up her pace so that she could walk beside him.
From this angle she could see the bruising and discoloration he had around his right eye. It was a horrible reminder of what had happened the night before. Guilt gripped at her as she walked beside him. After a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence they reached the stream. Akamaru barked loudly as he ran around Kiba.
"Yeah I know you're excited, go ahead and cool off Akamaru."
The large ninken ran towards the cool fresh water while his master waited for him at the stream's edge. Akamaru happily lapped up copious amounts of water while Kiba shot a glanced at Hinata. She was fidgeting, which meant she had something to say, and Kiba was rather nervous to find out what it was.
"I don't know what to say," whispered Hinata.
"There's nothing to say, so there you go, problem solved."
"Kiba-kun..."
"Let it go Hinata, were here on a mission, not a relationship retreat.
"But…" whimpered Hinata.
"God Hinata please don't cry," sighed Kiba.
"I don't…. know what else to do."
"..."
"I made...such a mess of things... last night."
"No you didn't."
"How can you...say that?"
"Look, what happened at the party is all on me Hinata, not you."
"But Kiba-kun…"
"I really messed up, I wish I could take it all back, but what's done is done."
"But I made things worse by not standing by you. I humiliated you in front of all our peers."
"And I'll survive, look I got a black eye, and a crushed ego,it's no big deal," said Kiba as he walked over towards her.
He cupped her face with both his hands and wiped her tear streaked cheeks with his thumbs.
"Somethings are fuzzy, but, I know that I put you on the spot too, and that was never my intention Hinata."
"..."
"I'll back off, I just want you to be happy."
"What about you?"
"You're happiness is all that matters to me."
Hinata couldn't help but blush. A light breeze blew some strands of hair onto her face, and she brushed them aside so she could look at Kiba, but when she saw him she instantly knew that their conversation was offically over. Kiba wasn't looking at her, instead he waslooking off in the direction of Akamaru's frenzied barking. He let go of Hinata's while he sniffed the air.
Hinata shook her head, she needed to get her head of the clouds. Without being told she activated her byakugan. She surveyed their surroundings, she saw nothing.
"The coast is clear. What are picking up on?"
"Something we missed," said Kiba as he dashed quickly towards his canine companion's barking.
The sound of light splashing broke the delicate silence of the forest as both shinobi ran on top of the water. After a few moments they reached Akamaru and their furry companion wasted no time in filling in his master. They stopped near a small waterfall to talk.
"We've been tracking since we left Konoha, why didn't we catch this?!"
"What do you mean Kiba-kun?"
"Akamaru's picked up on three large chakra signatures heading towards Konoha, but the trail is old. I barely picked up the scent when the wind picked up. This shitty weather makes horrible conditions for tracking."
"Well maybe it's a team of shinobi that have business with Konoha."
"I doubt it. The path they took isn't the normal route to Konoha, so why take an unknown route if they have friendly business to take care of?"
"I see your point. We should hurry back and tell Yamoto-taicho."
"..."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm worried about this fourth chakra signature."
"I don't understand, I thought you said there were three chakra signatures?"
"You're right, there are three chakra signatures for three living individuals, but the fourth individual is dead."
