*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*


The sound of water dripping on the floor echoed through the dark dank cave. The delicate drops hitting the puddles below were all that was heard. The caves slick walls were slightly illuminated by torches that adorned them, and the smell inside the drafty cavern was that of damp earth. A low rhythmic slithering sound drowned out the peaceful melody of falling water as Kabuto made his way through the labyrinth that lay within the cave.

After many minutes of taking twists and turns he stopped by a door that was merged into the wall. Kabuto stood before it silently as if preparing himself. After a few moments he slowly opened the door and went inside.

The room looked very much like the tunnels Kabuto had been traveling, the only real difference was that there were numerous pieces of furniture arranged throughout the room.

One piece of furniture was a long desk that was in the center of the room. Right above it hung a rather large Uchiha banner. Kabuto approached the desk, removed a manila folder from his robes, and placed it down.

The folder joined a collection of maps, along with several files of shinobi. The maps were riddled with tactical plans. Kabuto looked around the room and his attention was drawn to a dark corner not far from where he was standing.

"I brought the new reports like you requested Sasuke-kun."

"Did you run into any problems?"

"No, now that we've deposed of Karin we aren't getting tampered intel."

"..."

"I still don't understand why you even used her, all she ever did was complicate things. It seems her new found love for Konoha was larger than her infatuation with me."

"Are you sure it was wise to just let her go?"

"She's of no importance, I'm more concerned with what new developments you have for me," said Sasuke as he approached the paper cluttered desk.

"Apparently Naruto's in charge of a special unit that was created solely for tracking, and capturing us."

"He's on the move?"

"Currently yes, but he returns home after two weeks."

"That seems odd."

"I thought the same thing. I tried to have some scouts get closer to him in an attempt to figure out why he keeps returning to Konoha, but he caught wind of them near Iwagakure a few days ago and destroyed them. I made sure to dismissed what scouts we had left, but this will make future intel gathering difficult."

"What about team 7?

"That team has been disbanded."

"How so?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but it seems that our plan has caused them to break up. Kakashi and Sai are dealing with Anbu, and Sakura is no longer going on missions."

"That nuisance isn't going on missions?"

"No, she hasn't left the village in a few months now. I'm guessing she's been helping Tsunade out with the virus. That or Naruto-kun doesn't want her leaving the village for her own safety. You remember how much he loves her Sasuke-kun."

"..."

"You know your old teammate is going to do everything in his power to keep his prize far from your grasp."

Sasuke took a seat at his desk and casually flipped open the folder Kabuto had brought. They were filled with files of the individuals the made up Naruto's team. At first he saw familiar faces, that is until he reached Sai's file. Here was his replacement on Team 7. Sasuke had no idea what kind of person Sai was, but from his profile he could see that he served Root, the unorthodox Anbu subdivision Danzo founded.

"It seems like Konoha means business, this is a formidable team. Wouldn't you agree Sasuke-kun?"

"It's nothing I can't handle. Is this all you have for me?"

"For now yes. Do you have any further orders then Sasuke-kun?"

"No, that's all for now Kabuto, all we do now is wait," said Sasuke as a smirked spread across his face.


Naruto and his team were camped out deep in the forest outside of Iwagakure. They had slept for a few hours, but the weather wasn't very accommodating. It was now mid November, and everyone was dressed in their winter coats since the weather in Iwagakure was dreadfully cold and windy. Their winters were far worse than Konoha's and staying any longer wasn't an option. Naruto leaned up against a tree as the rest of his team got their gear in order. He looked out at the vast rocky mountain range as he thought of home. The sound of crunchy snow grabbed his attention and before he could say anything Sai leaned up against the tree as well.

"I think your decision to take the long way home is the right thing to do Naruto-kun. I know Sakura-san would be very proud of you."

"I know she'd be proud of me, I just hate leaving her alone for so long. Part of me just wants to perform a reverse summoning, but I can't be selfish at a time like this. Instantly leaving would mean that we can't check the surrounding areas for more of those creatures. It looked so much like the white Zetsu's that we fought during the war. That's a clear indication that they're connected to Sasuke and Kabuto, and knowing those two they have more of those things skulking around here."

"Agreed, we need to make sure there aren't more of those things hanging around before we can head home."

"Yeah…"

"I know being away from home has caused you to miss out on a lot of Sakura-san's pregnancy milestones Naruto-kun. It must be incredibly difficult to deal with so many conflicting emotions at once."

"She had an appointment yesterday you know, she was going to learn the sex of the baby, and I missed it. She's told me before that she understands why I can't be, but I know it's really important to her. It's just an overall shitty situation," signed Naruto.

"It would seem so, but you must remember that Sakura-san isn't entirely alone. She has her mother, our friends, and she even has Kento, and Kakashi-sensei's ninken Shiba with her."

"..."

"There are going to be a few setbacks because of our current situation, but I know Sakura-san understands. She is a kunoichi after all, and she knows that our duties always come first. Besides you're doing this to ensure the safety of your family, it isn't as though you're on some run-of-the-mill Mission Naruto-kun," said Sai politely as he placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder.

Naruto looked over at his pale friend. Like always sigh was brandishing his trademark smile, and for once Naruto wasn't annoyed with him. He stood up straight and patted Sai on the back.

"Thanks Sai."

"Of course, it's my duty as your friend to lift your spirits when they are down."

"Thorough as always I see," chuckled Naruto. "I appreciate it though, I really needed to hear that."

"Hey you two," said Neji as he approached them. "I've checked the surrounding perimeter with my Byakugan and everything seems to be clear. If you're ready we can head on out."

"Same on my end, coast is clear scent wise," yawned Kiba. "If we leave now it won't take us too long to get home, even with stopping every now and then to check out the surrounding areas."

"Right, sounds like a plan, let's get going then guys," said Naruto.


Sakura groaned as the bright morning sun was leaked through the mini blinds if her bedroom window. The young kunoichi mumbled to herself as she pulled the covers over her face. The instant darkness the covers provided was just ideal. She snuggled up to her pillow and yawned softly. Before she could drift back to sleep a soft knock at the door startled her. She pulled the covers off her head and sat up quickly.

"It's your mother," yawned Shiba.

"My mother? Why on Earth is she here so early?"

"Don't you remember? You two are looking at apartments today," said Kento.

"Oh my god how in the world could I have forgotten," sighed Sakura as she dragged herself out of bed. She pulled on her robe and slippers as she reluctantly walked into the living room towards the door. She opened the door and Hanako quickly made her way inside.

"My goodness it's freezing out there."

"I know, a big cold front came in last night, yawned Sakura as she closed and locked the door.

She embraced her mother and together they walked to the living room.

"Did you just wake up?"

"Yes, I kind of forgot that I had asked you to come over today."

"Well forgetting appointments is just one of the many wonderful side effects of pregnancy," chuckled Hanako as she made herself comfortable on the couch. "Are you sure you want to go out today? We can reschedule if you want."

"No I need to get this done mom. Finding a place before Naruto gets back will be a great way to relieve some of his stress."

"How's he doing?"

"He tries to play it off that he's fine, but I know he's just saying that so that I don't has been rather tedious for his team."

"..."

"It also doesn't help that Naruto comes back to check on me either. If he was able to continuously search maybe they would have better luck locating Sasuke-kun."

"You mustn't think like that Sakura. You aren't hindering his mission, on the contrary, you're reminding Naruto what he's fighting for."

"You really think so?"

"Of course I do, and when he gets back you'll be able to share some wonderful news with him."

"You're right mom, I most certainly do" said Sakura as she affectionately rub her belly.

"Now then, into business shall we? You said over the phone that you've found the perfect place, right?"

"Yes, I'm confident that this place is the one mom."

"Well let's get going, the weather is only going to get worse," said Hanako as rose from the couch.


Shiba sighed as yet another bag filled with Sakura's purchases was draped across his back. He didn't mind watching over her, but situations like this made the ninken miss his usual training routine with Kakashi. Despite how he felt he continued to follow Sakura and Hanako through the market area. The streets were busy despite the chilly weather. Winters in Konoha weren't very cold, especially when compared to other places, but the villagers were used to warm sunny weather, so winter to locals wasn't very comfortable.

Sakura and her mother both wore long cream colored coats, and black matching scarfs Even Shiba wore a winter cloak to keep his coat free from the cold. The air was crisp but that hadn't stopped mother and daughter from shopping after they were done with all the paperwork concerning Sakura's new apartment.

"I'm really pleased with the apartment you chose Sakura."

"Me too, everything about it was perfect mom, price, location, even the floor plan was nice."

"I'm sure Naruto is going to love it as much as you do."

"I hope so, he's never moved before."

"He'll be fine, now are you ready to head home?"

"Yeah walking in my boots is getting harder by the day it seems."

"Well we have been on our feet for a few hours. It'll be dinner time soon."

Before Sakura could reply she heard a familiar voice.

"Yo."

Both women paused, and Shikamaru as greeted them with a crooked smirk. He was wearing his normal attire, with the exception of a gray scarf, which he probably wore because of Ino.

"Hello Haruno-san, Sakura."

"Hello Shikamaru."

"Doing some shopping I see," said Shikamaru as he looked down at Shiba.

"Just a little," giggled Sakura as she affectionately rubbed the top of Shiba's head as a sign of appreciation for his help.

"I had some paperwork that needed to be signed in order to get the keys to our new apartment, my mom came along to help, and after that we bought a few things for our new place."

"Nice, I know Naruto has been wanting you to find a place. He's starting to stress since your pregnancy is progressing pretty fast."

"I know, I can't believe I'm already this big. What am I going to look like at nine months?"

"Believe you me my dear you can, and will, most certainly get bigger," chuckled Hanako.

"So what are up to Shikamaru?"

"I was actually making my way towards your place. I need to bring you up to speed on some stuff."

"Is everything okay?"

"Things are fine, we just have some new developments is all."

Sakura looked over at her mother who quickly held her hands up.

"Please don't let me stop you from your work. I'm not far from home as it is, so I'll be on my way."

"Sorry for interrupting," said Shikamaru.

"Nonsense, we were reading to her apartment anyway. Just see to it that she makes it home Shikamaru."

"Of course Haruno-san."

"I'll call you later Sakura."

"Alright mom, love you," said Sakura as she embraced her mother.

They said their goodbyes, and once her mother was out of sight Sakura and Shikamaru started walking. A strong gust of wind blew past them and instinctively Sakura held onto Shikamaru's arm for support. She felt incredibly drained, her mother was right, she had been on her feet for quite a while, and now she was feeling how tired she really was. Shikamaru looked down when he felt Sakura lean against him.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm just tired is all."

"Well your place isn't too far from here. Until then I don't mind being a support for you."

"Someone's being awful sweet today," teased Sakura. "Is this your way of buttering me up?"

"..."

"That was a joke."

"..."

"Oh god, you are buttering me up, for bad news…"

"No it's not bad, it's just, interesting?"

Sakura's heart sank, and she gripped Shikamaru's arm even tighter.

"Naruto…"


Sakura walked out of the kitchen with two cups of warm green tea. She handed one to Shikamaru while she sipped the warm liquid from her cup slowly. She sat at the kitchen table and waited as Shikamaru took a drink of his green tea. He could feel Sakura's piercing jade eyes lock onto his every move. He placed the cup down gently on the table and sighed.

"So I guess I should just spill the beans then."

"I want to know everything Shikamaru, don't hold any information for me," said Sakura sternly.

"I wouldn't do that, I'm not here to sugar coat anything Sakura. Besides I know you wouldn't let Naruto hold any information from you so I sure as hell won't take that risk."

"I'm glad we're on the same page, now let's hear it."

"Last night a scouting team last found a woman wandering aimlessly in the outskirts of our borders. She was dehydrated, badly beaten, and mentally unstable."

"What does she have to do with anything that's going on?"

"Her identity is what makes this so important, it was Karin Sakura."

"Karin? How can that be?"

"Don't you remember? She went missing a about a month ago. She was under surveillance, but let's face it, security on her wasn't very big since she never posed a threat. She was left to live a normal civilian life thanks to that pardon Tsunade-sama granted her for her cooperation on locating Sasuke. She was doing just fine, when out of the blue, she vanished."

"I have to be honest with you, I figured she got fed up with being here and left in her own accord."

"You aren't the only person who thought that, the council felt the same way, but Tsunade-sama did not."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Karin had made friends amongst the villagers, she was truly happy, and for to leave it all behind was incredibly suspicious. When people started asking questions on her whereabouts Tsunade-sama told them she was helping us by tracking down Sasuke."

"So she's been with for the past month?"

"It would seem so, but there's more."

"..."

"Once I was told she was found in such bad shape all the pieces to the puzzle came together."

"What do you mean?"

"Karin is the spy we suspected was inside the village."

"You really think so?"

"Of course, it all makes perfect sense."

"How so?"

"Somehow Sasuke got to Karin, threatened her in to work for him, and used her to gather intel on Naruto."

"But, I thought the spy was giving out inaccurate information?"

"Exactly, that was Karin's last bit of defiance towards Sasuke. She made sure to give him bogus information on purpose."

"..."

"It looks like Sasuke wasn't able to control Karin anymore. The feelings she harbored towards him are long gone now. She wasn't about to betray the village that had given her a second chance, and so she stuck her neck out for us Sakura. Sasuke finally got fed up with her refusal to comply and so he captured, and tortured her."

"My god, poor Karin."

"In all honesty I'm surprised she even survived. She was probably left out to die, and out of sheer will power, she made her way back here. We won't know the truth for sure until she wakes up."

"She's going to be questioned?"

"Naturally, but it's going to be a while before that happens. She's incredibly fragile right now, and pushing her to her breaking point would have dire consequences."

"..."

"Hey don't look so down, she's back home safe in a private room at the hospital."

"You're right, it's just horrible what happened to her, all because of him."

"Hey now, I have some good news too."

"Really?"

"Of course, you know I hate being the bearer of bad news."

"So what's up?"

"Your last report on a protein to neutralize the chakra cell was a success. Tsunade-sama and her team have been monitoring the results for a few days now, but Tsunade-sama wants to make sure that the new protein can do its job. The last thing she wants to do is jump to conclusions just to have the cure fail after a few weeks. So all we're waiting for now is the news that this synthesized protein can disrupt the chakra shell," said Shikamaru as he gave Sakura a quick smirk.

"All that research and hypothesizing actually created something that can work?"

"It sure looks that way, good job Sakura."

"That's amazing," cheered Sakura as she embraced Shikamaru. "All these months of hard work are finally paying off."

"Tell me about, it's nice to get a break for once."

"So can you stay for dinner Shikamaru?" Asked Sakura as she pulled away from him.

"I'd love to, believe me, but I have business to attend to back at Hokage Tower," said Shikamaru as he looked at the clock on the wall. "I actually need to be heading out in order for me to get there on time."

"Alright then, thanks again for everything Shikamaru."

"Anytime Sakura, if I learn anything else you'll be the first person to know."

With that said Shikamaru let himself out and waved goodbye. Sakura closed the door so that the warmth from the apartment wouldn't escape. She made her way back into the kitchen to find Shiba sitting by the fridge. His tail wagged in anticipation as Sakura grew closer.

"So what's for dinner Sakura-san?"


Night had fallen over Konoha and the village seemed eerily silent. It was dreadfully windy and cold as Naruto quietly made his way up his apartment stairs. His body was tired, but his mind was racing from the news he had received when his team reported their findings to Tsunade. After so many fruitless months things were finally starting to move.

His team was told that they would be leaving as soon as Karin was strong enough to be interrogated. If she had valuable information concerning Sasuke's location then Naruto's team would be deployed immediately. He was pumped for how quickly things were going, but at the same time he knew Sakura wouldn't be happy about his quick departure,from home.

Naruto sighed as he searched for his keys to his apartment. Upon finding them he let himself in and the warmth of his apartment soothed his aching bones. He walked into his living room and there waiting for him was Kento and Shiba. He knelt down in front of them to listen to what each of them had to say.

"Welcome home Naruto-kun," said Shiba.

"Yeah boss, good to see you in one piece," replied Kento.

"It's great to see the both of you as too. How were things while I was gone?"

"Pretty uneventful, but I'm sure you were briefed on Karin," said Kento.

"Yeah, I'm aware of her current condition. I can't believe Sasuke would torture a former teammate like that."

"Well he keeps surprising us with how vile he can really he," croaked Kento.

"Yeah…"

"What about you Naruto-kun? Did you find anything?"

"Actually yes, we did. Our team found what looked like a clone with some of white Zetsu's characteristics."

"Those things caused such a fuss during the war," said Shiba.

"Yeah and it looks like Sasuke and Kabuto are still using them."

"Where did you find it boss?"

"It was hidden in the forest outside of Iwagakure. We informed the Tsuchikage about it, and he deployed specialized shinobi to patrol his borders. We stopped every few meters so we could survey the area just to,make sure there weren't anymore hiding. Thankfully we didn't run into anymore during our trip home."

"We should do the same thing ourselves," said Shiba.

"That's exactly what Baa-chan want's. Neji's getting Hinata and Kakashi-sensei to look over our borders just to be on the safe side."

"Why can't you just sense them out like you do with all your enemies?" Asked Shiba.

"Because these are just clones, they harbor no emotions, or intentions, so I can't feel them out like I could an actual person."

"I see, that really does complicates things."

"Yeah it does, anyhow Shiba I need you to report to Kakashi-sensei and let him know what's going on. Baa-chan told me he should be on his way home from a mission but I know you can easily reverse summon yourself."

"Of course I can, I'll be there in a flash."

"Good, thanks again for watching over Sakura-chan.

"You got it Naruto-kun, and tell Sakura-san I said bye," said the ninken, and with that said he was gone in puff of white smoke.

"Alright Kento you're free to go too, and thanks."

"No problem boss," said Kento and he disappeared as well.

Naruto removed his jacket and threw it across the couch. He paused momentarily when he heard a sound. The door to his bedroom opened, and Sakura's surprised squeak brought a smile to his face.

"You're finally back!" Squealed Sakura.

She eagerly threw herself into his arms and squeezed him tightly. Part of her wanted to make sure he was really there. When She was satisfied that she wasn't dreaming she wasted no time in cluttering his face with kisses. Naruto pulled her close when he felt her belly press against him.

"Woah, Sakura-chan you've gotten bigger."

"You think so?"

"Yeah, I can't believe it."

"Well this guy loves to eat like his daddy. I've been getting all kinds of cravings thanks to him."

"Him….you mean...you're..."

"That's right Naruto, we're having a boy."