*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*


The scene in the tea-shop was horrifyingly tragic. Patrons that were once so vibrantly alive with renewed vigor and hope, were now sprawled lifelessly across the floor. Their cheers and happy voices were no more; the crackling of the fire that slowly consumed the building was the only noise that filled the room. Shikamaru looked down at Temari. He watched helplessly as the blood from his wound soaked the front of her chest.

Temari had not moved nor had she said a word. All she could was stare back at Shikamaru as his body hovered over hers; she was clearly in shock. Shikamaru coughed furiously, his lungs felt like they were on fire. A large piece of wood landed a few feet next to them and the sound of it hitting the floor snapped Temari back to reality. In a matter of seconds, she realized the severity of their current situation.

"Nara, oh my god, are you alright?!" Temari asked as she sat up and gently held Shikamaru's good shoulder.

"I've seen better days," Shikamaru coughed.

Temari looked his wound over. It was bad. There was no way she could safely remove the piece of wood, and even if she could Shikamaru would just bleed out even more. He needed to get to Sakura.

"This is bad Nara, we need to get out of.."

Before Temari could finish her sentence another set of explosions went off a few feet from in front of them. The heat from the blast was intense and Shikamaru and Temari shielded themselves as best they could. Suddenly a tremendous thud came from in front of them. A giant seibutsu slowly emerged from the flames; its head turning from side to side as it looked for survivors.

The fires scorching temperatures did little to deter the lumbering beast's search. Its bright yellow eyes spotted Shikamaru and Temari on the floor and in a matter of seconds it was charging at them. Temari unclasped her fan from her back and swung it at the seibutsu. The side of it smacked the monster in the jaw and it was sent hurtling back into the flames from which it came. Clutching his wound Shikamaru slowly stood up.

"We need to get out of here, we're way too vulnerable."

"Agreed I can't use any of my wind-based attacks in here, all it will do is feed these flames."

"I have no idea what that thing was, but I'm sure it isn't going to stay down for long."

Shikamaru quickly surveyed the area; the main exit was blocked by blistering hot flames and chunks of wood. He needed to find them an exit and fast. Suddenly a long pale arm shot out towards Temari, and the next thing she knew long clammy fingers were clasped around her throat. She clawed at the tight grip she was locked in, however, the beast wasn't about to let her go. She felt her feet lift off from the ground as the rest of the seibutsu slowly made its way out of the fire. It snarled at her, it wasn't pleased with the swift blow she had given it.

"Shit," muttered Shikamaru as he quickly made a few hand gestures. "This is beginning to get troublesome. Kagenui no Jutsu!"

The fire within the room was the perfect place for Shikamaru and his shadow-based techniques. The dancing flames created shadows everywhere. A large amount of needle-like shadows began to emerge around the seibutsu and seconds later they were quickly launched at it. Every shadow whip pierced the monster simultaneously from every direction. The massive seibutsu screamed in pain. It desperately tried to move but it was frozen in place. It turned its gaze towards Temari in anger, and a few seconds later its grip on her was released. Temari rolled back and joined her wounded friend, but before she could thank him a shattering noise came from above; the tea shop's ceiling was beginning to give way.

"Right on time," whispered Shikamaru.

He held his jutsu on the seibutsu tightly, the roof falling on top of it would be the perfect chance for him and Temari to make a run for it. Chunks of plaster and wood began to fall from above and seconds later an entire portion of the ceiling caved in. It landed right on the seibutsu, who let out a high pitched scream, as it was instantly crushed.

"We need to move now!" Yelled Shikamaru. "I need you to clear up what's blocking our exit!"

"You got it," replied Temari as she followed Shikamaru towards the exit.

The Suna kunoichi saw the exit covered by flames and wooden beams. She quickly swung her fan at the obstacle in front of them and in a blink of an eye everything was blown away. She and Shikamaru kept running until they crossed the street. They didn't want to be close to the building since the still burning flames were eating everything in its path. They found refuge underneath a herb shops canopy, and they watched as the tea shop continued to burn. People's frantic screams surround the two young shinobi.

They watched on as worried civilians crowded the streets. Several Suna shinobi did their best to keep the worried and scared people calm. They quickly shouted orders and the swarm of individuals began to flood in the directions that were pointed out to them. Suna had strict safety procedures for its villagers if it were ever attacked. Deidara's swift assault and capture of Gaara had forced Suna to implement new procedures in case of an emergency. Shikamaru slowly sat down on the floor and Temari followed suit.

"Are you alright?" Temari asked.

"I just need to catch my breath."

"Would you please drop the tough guy act. You're badly hurt!"

"I'm not acting tough. This is my cool and collective attitude," corrected Shikamaru.

"Just shut up and relax, I need to do something about your injury and quick. Just letting it bleed out is dangerous," warned Temari as she looked at Shikamaru's ghastly wound.

"Sure," replied Shikamaru as he leaned back against the wall.

Temari knew something needed to be done about the large jagged piece of wood that was sticking out of Shikamaru. After a little thinking, she came to a conclusion but she knew Shikamaru wasn't going to be very happy about it.

"I need to apply some more pressure to your wound. It seems the wood is stopping major bleeding, but I need to move it, so be prepared for some discomfort."

"You aren't serious are you?"

"You bet I am," said Temari as she sent a precise amount of chakra to her fingertips. She swiftly used her chakra blade to tear off a large section of her dress.

"Well this is going to be interesting," muttered Shikamaru.

"Just shut up and relax Nara."

Shikamaru sighed heavily as he turned his head to the side. He wasn't looking forward to this plan, but it was better than nothing. Temari quickly went to work. She began to wrap the fabric from her dress around his wound and then tightly fastened a knot on Shikamaru's back.

"There I've covered the bleeding areas on both sides, now take this," said Temari as she handed Shikamaru a red pill.

"A blood regeneration capsule, nice," said Shikamaru as he quickly popped the pill into his mouth.

"You should be alright with that, you just need to take it easy for a few minutes. The pill needs a little time to start taking effect.

"Yeah well that's time that we don't have. We need to move now," said Shikamaru as he slowly stood up.

"I agree to an extent Shikamaru, but can you even run?"

"It doesn't really now matter does it Temari?"

"It does matter! You can't push yourself so much! Maybe I should move ahead and try to locate Sakura and the others while you stay here."

"No, the most important thing for us to do is to stick together. We can't afford to run into more of those monster's alone."

"Alright, I guess you have a point, but at least let me help you," said Temari as she approached Shikamaru.

She was about to help support some of his weight against her body when an all too familiar roar came from behind them. The seibutsu they thought they had taken care of charged out of the burning building. It instantly saw Temari and Shikamaru and without hesitation, it ran straight for them. Its sheer speed was overwhelming but Shikamaru's thinking was still faster. He rapidly sent his shadow to meet the beast halfway. It hissed in aggravation when Shikamaru's shadow once again gained control over it.

The seibutsu struggled against its shadow prison and Shikamaru panted heavily as he fought against the monsters attempts to break free from his grasp. His vision was becoming fuzzy but he shook his head in an attempt to regain control over his weakening state. Shikamaru pulled something towards him and from the ground rose several thin pieces of wire string. The seibutsu was trapped in an elaborate array of wires, each of which was loaded with explosive tags.

"Listen Temari, I need you to use your strongest attack on this thing. I highly doubt my attack alone will kill it."

"Roger that Nara," said Temari as she pulled her fan close to her.

Shikamaru released the explosive tags. They crackled and fizzed as they rapidly burned. The seibutsu's yellow pupil-less eyes widened when the tags completely disintegrated. Explosion after explosion began and the concussion from each one hit Shikamaru and Temari with full force. Each wave weakened Shikamaru further. Finally, the last explosion went off and Temari prepared herself. She spread her fan open and gathered some blood from her lip. She then smeared it alongside her weapon and swiftly swung it towards the seibutsu.

"Kuchiyose: Kirikiri Mai!"

Temari's summon, Kamatari, burst free from her fan with its sickle close by its side. Without having to be told what to do her silver weasel sent out a barrage of nimble attacks with its sickle. Once it's attack was done the silver weasel disappeared into a puff of smoke. Just as it vanished the entire building behind the seibutsu was split into several pieces. The Seibutsu burst apart with a blood-curdling scream which was verification that their enemy was done for. Temari watched as Shikamaru recalled his shadow, but as she turned to face him her heart sank as she helpless watch him fall to the ground.

"Nara!" Screamed Temari as she ran by his side.

She quickly scooped him up in her arms and gently shook him for some sign of life, but he was unresponsive.

"Oh no, please no, wake up Nara! Wake up!"

Shikamaru's body was limp and Temari's desperate cries didn't wake him. The young kunoichi began to tremble. She was about to give up hope when she noticed that Shikamaru's chest slightly moving up and down; he was still breathing. Temari's heart skipped a beat, there was still hope after all. She quickly looked her surroundings over. She needed to place Shikamaru somewhere safe while she looked for help.

After looking the area over she decided the herb shop they were next to was the best she could do for the moment. She carefully dragged Shikamaru into it. It wasn't easy, though;, Shikamaru was far heavier than Temari thought. She carefully set him on his side as she looked around the shop. It was quiet but she knew better than to take that as a sign of the area being cleared.

"Show yourself!" Ordered Temari as she quickly grasped her fan.

"Please don't hurt us," said a shaky voice.

An elderly woman rose from behind the counter with a young woman by her side.

"I'm not going to hurt you," said Temari calmly as she lowered her hand from her weapon.

"Grandma, it's alright, it's Temari-san," beamed the young women.

"My heavens! Thank god, my sight isn't what it use to be. Are you here to help us?" Asked the older women.

"Yes, I'm actually on my way to find my comrades. However I have a wounded friend, he cannot make the trip with me. Would you two please watch over him so that I can get help?"

"Yes, of course, Misaki get me some warm water and towels from the back room."

"Yes, grandma Shizuko."

The young women came back with several blankets. She quickly bundled some of them up and propped them under Shikamaru's head. Temari looked as both women did their best to make Shikamaru comfortable.

"Please keep my friend safe, I'll be back with more help soon, I promise," said Temari as she made her way out of the shop.

She had only taken a few steps when a quick jolt from underneath caused her to almost lose her balance. The ground began to quiver, and the entire herb shop shook. It was then that Temari realized an earthquake was shaking the entire village. Temari heard something fast approaching her from behind. She quickly turned around to see Hinata and Sakura burst into the herb shop from a back door.

"Take cover!" Ordered Sakura as both she and Hinata hide under a table.

Temari heard the terrified women behind her scream in fear. She quickly ran back inside and opened her fan. She used it to shield them all from debris that fell from the ceiling. Temari looked towards her right through a nearby window. A large wave of sand was flooding the street, and she instantly knew it was her young brother. After a few more moments of intense shaking, the trembling began to falter. Hinata looked off in the distance with the aid of her byakugan.

"Everyone is still fighting Sakura-san. The Kazekage and the rest of our team have pushed the enemy out of the area," said Hinata as she helped Sakura from under the table.

"Good. I need Shikamaru on top of the front counter, please. I need to patch him up," said Sakura as she began to wipe the merchandise off the countertop.

Hinata and Temari bent down as they tried to lift Shikamaru off the ground. It was difficult since he was nothing but dead weight. Misaki came to help and with her aid they were able to get Shikamaru off the ground and onto the front counter on his side.

"You must be the the comrades Temari-san was going to fetch," replied Shizuko.

"Yes, ma'am we are. I'm sorry for just barging in here barking orders, but as you can see this is an emergency."

"No need to apologize. Do you need any herbs? I'm the owner of this shop after all. My inventory is at your disposal."

"That would be amazing. Can I please have some herbs for pain and some anti-hemorrhagic herbs like calendula or raspberry leaf?"

"I have those and much more sweetie. Let me get them for you. Misaki, please come help me gather them up," said Shizuko as she motioned her granddaughter to follow her to the back room.

"Hinata, please continue to keep an eye out, and Temari, be on your guard. The fight can still come back this way," said Sakura as she tore Shikamaru's jounin vest open.

"Yes Sakura-san," replied Hinata as she continued to observe the events that were unfolding outside.

Temari had not spoken a word. She couldn't believe Sakura and Hinata had just waltzed in at the perfect moment.

"How in the world did you know we were here Sakura?

"Shikamaru told me an attack on Suna would be imminent. I wasn't so sure, but he insisted that Hinata and I go to the clinic at the far end of the village. He told me that if an attack did indeed happen, then the front of the village would be the first area that would be hit. He knew that Hinata and I would have enough time to act if anything did happen."

"..."

"I was to report to him right away if an attack did indeed occur, but I never heard from him when I did, so I instantly knew something had happened. Thankfully I was able to get a hold of Sai via communicator and with his help, and Hinata's byakugan, we were able to safely travel from a safe distance. All we could do was watch the rest of the team as they fought. I knew the general area of where I last saw you two, and with that in mind, Hinata was able to find you guys. If it's one thing Shikamaru would have wanted it's for us to stay together."

"Yeah he told me the same thing," replied Temari.

"Well his left subclavian artery has been severed, but the pressure from the piece of wood has kept him from really bleeding out," murmured Sakura as she placed one of her hands on Shikamaru's bare chest, while the other was on his back.

"Alright then. I know what I'm working with now," said Sakura as she picked up her hair.

"Temari please drag one of these tables next to me so I can place my equipment on it."

"Yes Sakura," said Temari as she dragged a nearby table to Sakura's left side.

Sakura opened her knapsack and looked inside. The first thing she saw was the scroll Naruto had given her before she had left for Suna. Her hand trembled as it hovered over it, but she quickly ignored her feelings and grabbed her surgical kit scroll instead. She opened it up on the table and performed a releasing hand technique. A puff of smoke emerged and there on the table where a vast array of surgical instruments.

Misaki and her grandmother Shizuko emerged from the back room with an array of glass jars. Without any direction, the elderly women began to mix different herbs into a large mortar. She swiftly created a paste and place it front of Sakura.

Thank you, now if you two ladies could help me with my patient here. I need you both to be prepared to hold him down in case he wakes up. I doubt he will since he's suffering from blood loss and shock, but it's still a possibility so be on your toes."

"We can most certainly do that. Misaki I need you at his feet since you're stronger, and I'll be by his head," replied Shizuko.

"Great, now Hinata, Temari, I need you two to keep the fight away from here. I can't have the building shaking anymore. Once I remove the wood I need to take out any stray splinters that may be stuck inside Shikamaru's wound before I begin to heal him. It's imperative that no dust or debris fall on him. It could cause a serious infection. I'm counting on you two."

With that said Sakura began the delicate task of removing the large piece of wood from Shikamaru's body. Temari had a newfound drive to succeed, it was her job to keep everyone safe. She and Hinata made their way outside, but before fully exiting the shop Temari looked back once more at Shikamaru.

"You idiot, you better not die on me."


Naruto rolled over in bed, a familiar scent filled his nose. He slowly opened his eyes to see if what he smelled was true. He couldn't believe what he saw. There staring back at him was Sakura. She smiled sweetly at him and the next thing Naruto knew she came closer towards him for a kiss. Naruto couldn't wrap his head around what was happening. Before he could further question what he was experiencing Sakura's delicate hands cupped his face and her sweet soft lips brushed up against his.

His heart skipped a beat, and as he reached for her his eyes shot open. He was laying flat on his back looking straight up at the ceiling. His mind was still foggy and at first glance, he had no clue where he was. He quickly sat up in bed which caused his temples to throbbed slightly; he instinctively grabbed his head. Upon doing so he felt fresh stitches on the side of his temple. It was then that everything came back to him. He remembered where he was and how he got there. He looked at his surrounds and the bed he was in.

He was in Sakura's old room. Hanako hadn't changed anything in her daughter's room since she moved out. Everything in it was left untouched. Perhaps his surrounds had contributed to his dream. Before Naruto could dwell on it any further a soft noise caught his attention. Naruto intently listened as his mother in law moved around in her kitchen. She softly moved about and the delicious scent of home cooking filled the air. Naruto slowly got out of bed and made his way towards the restroom.

He turned the sink faucet on and splashed some cold water on his still tired face. The fresh crisp water sent a shiver through his entire body. He reached for a fresh washcloth and dried his wet face. He slowly inspected the stitches on the side of his head in the bathroom mirror. Sakura's mother had done a pretty good job at patching him up. Naruto looked at his reflection, he was looking far better than he had a few hours prior. His bare torso was tightly wrapped with bandages. He had really banged up some of his ribs, he wasn't even sure if they were cracked or broken, then again that was the least of his problems.

Naruto yawned, he was surprised he had gotten some actual rest. At first, sleeping was the last thing on Naruto's mind, but after getting patched up Hanako told him to shower. When he was done his exhaustion took over and he had passed out on Sakura's bed. Unfortunately, Naruto had awakened to find that everything that had happened a few hours before wasn't some horrible nightmare; it was all real.

"I still say we leave for Suna Naruto."

"..."

"You're still going to ignore me after what happened last night?!"

"If I would have left like you wanted more people would have died!"

"Again your priorities aren't in the right place!"

"Enough! I don't want to have this conversation with you again. I've made up my mind, I'm staying in Konoha. Sakura-chan is prepared for anything, I've made sure of that so unless you're going to help me I suggest you keep your muzzle shut!" Snapped Naruto.

"..."

The Kyuubi was taken aback, he was surprised Naruto was so short with him. The fox demon didn't feel like arguing and so it decided to just leave Naruto alone.

"Do what you want," muttered the Kyuubi as he returned to Naruto's subconscious.

The blonde haired shinobi felt bad for being so harsh with his demon counterpart, but he meant what he said. He needed to protect his home and everyone in it. Naruto left the restroom and reached for the clothes he had brought back from his apartment. He carefully got dressed ignoring the pain and discomfort from his battered body. Naruto quietly left Sakura's room feeling very awkward. He had never been inside Sakura's home, yet here he was.

He slowly made his way towards the kitchen where Hanako was. She was busily moving about when she saw Naruto slowly peek from the hallway into the kitchen. She smiled and motion for him to sit down and eat. Naruto obeyed and within a few minutes, he was eating a delicious breakfast. Hanako sat down across from him with a cup of warm tea clasped in her hands.

"You had a visitor earlier today Naruto."

"A visitor?"

"Yes, your old sensei Kakashi."

"What did he say?"

"That when you were ready to talk he would be more than pleased to brief you on what's developed since you've been asleep."

"Oh, how long was I out for?"

"It doesn't matter and don't you dare feel bad about getting some rest Naruto. You needed time to recharge. I'm even surprised that you didn't sleep longer."

"I wasn't sure of my surroundings, and my sense of my smell was playing tricks on me. So I was woken up rather suddenly."

"What do you mean? what made you wake up?" Asked Hanako.

"Oh no it's nothing Hanako-san, really," stuttered Naruto. He was a little embarrassed about his vision of Sakura, and sharing it with her mother wasn't something he wanted to do.

"Well regardless of your reasons I hope you feel better."

"I do, thank you, Hanako-san."

"Naruto, I know our relationship didn't start off the best when you started dating Sakura, but, things are different now. You're family and I know that you'll find a way to fix all the chaos that has encompassed us."

"I'm going to do my best, I promise," said Naruto as he finished his meal. "With that said, I hope you'll excuse me for leaving, but I need to know what's going on."

"I understand Naruto," said Hanako as she stood up.

She headed towards Naruto and took his empty plates. She placed them in the sink and turned around to face her son-in-law.

"You know where to find me if you need me Naruto."

"Of course Hanako-san, and I'll keep you posted on everything."

"Good, now let's get you on your way."

Hanako motioned Naruto to follow her. He did as he was told, but Hanako stopped when they reached the front door. Sakura's mother turned around and hugged Naruto tightly. She sighed heavily into his shoulder; Naruto could feel her every emotion as she held onto him. He hugged her back wanting nothing more than to take her worry away. The two held one another silently for a few moments. Naruto couldn't help but wonder what Sakura would think if she saw them right now. She would probably faint. Hanako squeezed Naruto tightly before letting him go.

"So you're going to meet up with Kakashi?"

"Yup, I sure am."

"But I didn't ask him where you could find him."

"It's alright Hanako-san. I know exactly where he is," replied Naruto. He gave Hanako a smirk as he walked out the front door.