*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*
Kakashi read his worn out copy of Icha Icha paradise as he relaxed high above in a tree. The cool shade from the trees large leaves provided the perfect spot to read. The silver haired shinobi leaned back against the trees sturdy trunk as he flipped yet another page from his favorite book series. At first glance, one would think he was reading intently, but Kakashi still had a watchful eye of the ground below him. His spot high in the tree was not only a wonderful place to read, but it also provided a great aerial view of Team 7's training grounds. Kakashi yawned as he slowly turned his gaze from his reading material; a sudden yellow blur had caught his eye. He softly sighed as he stretched his arms high above his head. He stood up and jumped down from his high perch. He landed gracefully onto the ground, and there waiting for him was Naruto.
"Well it seems my wait wasn't as long as I thought it was going to be," said Kakashi as he closed his book and tucked it safely back into his knapsack.
He then motioned Naruto to follow him and together they slowly walked their old training grounds.
"You know the council wasn't pleased about your absence from the meeting, but I settled them down before things got heated."
"You didn't have to do that Kakashi-sensei."
"You may be right about that but my actions were of my own accord and I had your back because I wanted to help you out."
"Thanks, sensei. So why was the council upset?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"..."
"You really are something else you know that," sighed Kakashi. "The council was hoping to speak to your directly about your encounter with those creatures. I reminded them all that you weren't the only one to face them. Ino and Tenten were also there. Their testimonials shed light on the identity of the culprit responsible for everything."
"Fuyu."
"Yes, the women who attacked Konoha a few months ago."
"That bitch was just sitting in her cell biding her time. Her capture was nothing more than a setup," Naruto said as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"It would seem so, and it's most unfortunate that we didn't catch on to her true motive until it was too late. Sasuke's plan has been very well calculative since the beginning."
"Yeah, and we've fallen into his orchestrated plan far too many times," scoffed Naruto.
"Don't be so hard on yourself Naruto. Thanks to you, Ino, and Tenten, Fuyu failed to escape."
"I guess you're right, I just can't believe the enemy was right under our noses."
"It really can be frustrating, but the important thing is that she's captured. Which reminds me, where is the summon that is holding her?"
"I sent it back to Mount Myoboku, so I can easily re-summon it."
"Good. As we speak a maximum security holding cell is being created for Fuyu. As soon as it's completed you'll be asked to turn her over."
"That won't be a problem Kakashi-sensei."
"There are also some special modifications that have been put in place around the village. Tsunade-sama has placed Konoha on lockdown, missions assignments are on hold, and no one enters Konoha nor do they leave. Seals have been placed in order to keep anyone from entering Konoha or leaving. Shinobi that are currently out on missions have already been alerted to the situation thanks to the Yamanaka clan. They have direct orders to completed their missions and return home as quickly as possible. Anbu members are automatically notified once any individual approaches the village. Every single person who tries to gain access to Konoha will be searched."
"Looks like everything's in place."
"Well, there's more Naruto."
"..."
"You can't forget that you're Konoha's greatest source of protection. The council is relying on you a great deal. They need you to be their eyes and ears "
"And how exactly do they want me to do that?"
"The council wants you to send out several clones so that a large portion of the country can be covered. With all of them protecting several entry points your sensitive perception skills can feel out potential threats from all corners. They also want you to be responsible for overlooking those individuals the ANBU allow in just to make sure they aren't a threat. All of this work means you'll need you to be on guard at all times. Can you do that?"
"Yeah I can handle that," said Naruto.
"You're an idiot if you agree to this without making sure we get something out of it," scolded the Kyuubi.
"I don't need your interference right now. Just keep quiet, behave, and let me handle things," warned Naruto subconsciously.
"Enough with treating me like a common dog Naruto! I want to speak to Kakashi!"
"You what?!"
"Let me speak to him now Naruto."
"Why should I?"
"Because if you deny me this request I will deprive you of the perceptive skills the council so desperately needs and believe me you won't be able to convince me otherwise."
"Fine, you don't have to be so dramatic about it," muttered Naruto.
"Kakashi-sensei hold on. The Kyuubi wants to have a few words with you. I apologize in advance for his behavior."
Kakashi was surprised, to say the least, but he remained cool and collective as always.
"All right go ahead and let him speak."
Naruto took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The darkness he saw rapidly consumed him and he was able to let go of his thought. Kakashi watched as Naruto remained still. Suddenly, his eyes opened abruptly, and Naruto's vibrant blue eyes were now replaced with the Kyuubi's ruby red eyes.
"Hatake Kakashi," snickered the Kyuubi. "It's a pleasure to finally get to speak to you."
"The pleasure is all mine," replied Kakashi. "So what exactly do you want to speak to me about?"
"I want to discuss our terms for providing protection for Konoha."
"Terms?"
"Yes. Naruto may be ready to listen to what the council has to say but the same doesn't go for me. I am not willing to take orders from those old fools."
"What the hell do you think you're doing!" Snapped Naruto.
"Taking matters into our own hands!"
"But you can't just…"
"Keep your trap shut and let me handle things!"
"..."
"Alright, I'm listening," replied Kakashi smoothly.
"We will provide Konoha with security but we are to be left alone when it comes to Sakura."
"What do you mean?"
"Your Hokage has done enough meddling in our personal affairs and it is because of her interference that Sakura was sent outside of our protection. The only thing that matters to us is that Sakura is safe, and whatever Naruto and I plan to do is our business and our business alone! If the council tries to keep us away from her then the deal is off!"
"You are aware that I cannot guarantee that your terms are met."
"Oh, I'm sure that the council will think our terms over. After all, we are all Konoha has from falling."
"Rest assured I will let the council and Tsunade-sama know your wishes," said Kakashi as he slightly bowed.
"Good. Now this conversation between us is now over Kakashi. However you can talk to the brat as much as you want," said the Kyuubi as it returned back into the recesses of Naruto mind.
Kakashi watched in silence as Naruto's body relaxed. A few seconds later the blonde haired shinobi was back in control of his actions.
"Kakashi-sensei, I'm sorry, the Kyuubi doesn't do to tell interacting with others."
"It's alright Naruto. There's no reason to be ashamed, after all, the Kyuubi is a part of you."
"That he is," said Naruto as he placed his hand on his stomach.
"Look I know deep down you agree with what the Kyuubi wants. I know that letting Sakura leave wasn't easy.
"No, it wasn't. I regret it so much, but there isn't anything I can do about it now."
"Yes, there is Naruto. You can ensure that Konoha remains safe. Sakura is in her last trimester of pregnancy. Your son will be here sooner than you know, and once that happens no threat can ever come to Konoha."
"I never thought of it that way. I've kinda just been in the mindset that Sakura-chan would be pregnant forever, but you're right sensei. Our son will be here soon, and I need to make sure Sasuke is stopped before then. I'm not going to have anything happen to our child."
"I'll be right by your side Naruto. Don't forget you aren't alone in this."
"Thanks, Kakashi-sensei."
"No need to thank me Naruto, we are family after all," replied Kakashi as he gently patted Naruto on the back.
Naruto couldn't help but smile. Here he was almost 18 years old and his former teacher was still watching over him. Neither one of them said a word to one another after that; there wasn't a need too. The both of them simply walked side by side with their tasks at hand in both their minds.
Sakura brushed beads of sweat from her brow as she finished stitching Shikamaru's wound. The emergency surgery was a success but the conditions in which she was forced to work with were not favorable, and Sakura knew that Shikamaru still needed to get to a hospital as soon as possible. At least her efforts had gotten him out of harm's ways, and he was stable for the time being. Sakura removed her traveling robe and placed it over Shikamaru to help regulate his body temperature. All she could do now was make him comfortable. Misaki looked at Sakura and her eyes widened when she saw the young kunoichi's belly.
"You're pregnant?!"
Sakura jumped at the sudden question. She looked over at Misaki who was staring at her intently.
"Yes, I am."
"What in the world are you doing on a mission when you're with child?!"
"My superior, Shizune, would have been the ideal candidate for this mission but she was infected with the virus that has inflicted your village. Our Hokage wasn't sure if infected individuals are contagious, so as a precaution she and any other infected people weren't allowed to leave Konoha," replied Sakura. "Her condition is what lead to me being assigned to the mission."
"This is just outrageous! I can see why you were sent but it still seems unethical to me. I mean you could very well get hurt or even.."
"Misaki that is enough!" Scolded Shizuko.
"But grandma Shizuko sending a pregnant woman on a mission is unheard of."
"You may think that, but this young woman is a kunoichi. She was trained for this life. She has come here in order to help our village, and in doing so she has put her own life aside and puts ours first. So hold your tongue! This brave young woman doesn't need to be reminded about the risks she's taking."
"I'm sorry," whispered Misaki. "I meant no disrespect."
"It's alright," replied Sakura. "Your reaction is only natural. My husband didn't want me to leave either, but there was nothing he could do. I promised him that I would stay safe and that I would make sure that my mission would be a success. My teammates are doing their part, now I need to make sure I do mine."
"So what do we do now?."
"Well for starters I need to make sure that Shikamaru is sent to a hospital immediately. He was far too close to death when I first saw him so moving him wasn't possible, but he's in better shape now so I can have him teleported out of here," said Sakura as she opened her knapsack and whistled.
"It's about time you came out Kento."
With that said a small toad's head appeared from the knapsack.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were thinking straight. Things have escalated quickly Sakura."
"They have and that's why I need your help."
"Sure what do you need?"
"First get the scroll. I'll explain as I go along."
"Sure," said Kento as he ducked back inside the knapsack.
After a few moments, the toad emerged with a scroll in his mouth. He hopped from Sakura's knapsack to the table Shikamaru was resting on. Sakura then bit her thumb and pressed the palm of her hand onto the floor.
"Kuchiyose no jutsu!"
A puff of white smoke surrounded Sakura. She slowly took a few steps back as she watched the smoke begin to disappear. Slowly the form of a large mass could be seen from the fading smoke. This creature almost reached the ceiling of the building they were in. Finally, all the smoke vanished and all that was left was a large slug.
"Yes, Sakura?"
"Mei, I need for you to split up into several replicas for me. I want one version to take Shikamaru back to Konoha, he needs to get to a hospital immediately. Once he's in good hands report to Tsunade-sama. Let her know that Suna has been attacked."
"By who?"
"I'm not sure, but it could very well be Sasuke-kun," said Sakura solemnly.
"Alright, I'll let Tsunade-sama know. What do you want from my other replicas?"
"I need you to release the seal I've placed on you so that you can perform a mass healing for me. There are several Suna shinobi outside that need to be healed and protected. I'm currently in no condition to do this myself Mei. You need to locate everyone that is hurt and begin healing them. My team is with the Kazekage, they should all be fighting together. It is imperative that you latch on to each one of them. You can keep one version of yourself with me so that I can see what their current conditions are.
"I understand Sakura, but why didn't you summon Katsuyu? This seems more like something she could do."
"She's far too big Mei. If I had summoned her our current location would be exposed to the enemy. Besides, I've been storing a little bit of my chakra in you for almost 2yrs now. We've been training for this very scenario. You can do this Mei, I know you can."
"Thank you Sakura, I'll do my best."
Mei grew silent and before everyone's eyes, she burst into thousands of tiny slugs. They all made their way outside so that they could start the healing process of the many victims littered all over Suna. Two little replicas of Mei stayed behind. One made her way towards Shikamaru. Once she reached him they both disappeared sending herself and Shikamaru back to Konoha in an instant. The other version of Mei approached Sakura.
"I'll be the one that stays with you so that you're connected to all my other versions."
"Alright Mei," said Sakura as she knelt down. She placed her hand on the ground and Mei inched her way towards it. Once in her master's hand, Mei was placed safely on Sakura's right shoulder.
"Now onto the next phase," said Sakura as she took the scroll Kento was holding for her.
She began to open it when a sudden sharp pain in her side took her breath away. Sakura gasped at the fierce stabbing sensation. She dropped the scroll as she reached for her belly.
"Sakura!" Gasped Shizuko.
The elderly women quickly made her way towards Sakura with her granddaughter right behind her. Both women helped steady her as best they could.
"Oh my god are you alright?" Asked a frightened Misaki.
"She's been pushing herself far too much," replied Shizuko as she looked Sakura over.
Before Sakura could abject her entire lower abdomen began tightening up; she was having contractions.
"Please….not... now," whispered Sakura.
"How far along are you Sakura?" Asked Misaki.
"I'm seven months," replied Sakura as she did her best to regulate her breathing.
"You need to stop and relax Sakura," ordered Shizuko as she helped Sakura sit down on the floor. "Hurry Misaki get me some water and valerian root."
"Right," said Misaki as she hurried for the sink.
Sakura leaned her body against the wall, but her contractions continued. She took a deep breath and did her best to relax. It was then that she felt just how tired she really was. Her body was telling her that she was indeed pushing her limits. Mei traveled down to Sakura's belly to see what exactly was going on. The tiny slug looked over at Sakura once she had gotten a diagnosis.
"Sakura the chakra you used up to help Shikamaru has left your body unbalanced. These contractions are real. You're experiencing the early stages of labor."
"What?! How can that be!? I didn't use that much chakra when I was working on Shikamaru."
"That may be true Sakura but there is something you're forgetting. Your son shares Yang chakra just like Naruto does. Its strength alone is too much for your body to handle since it is indeed chakra that comes from the Kyuubi. You are the first non-Uzumaki women to give birth to a child that carries this chakra. The two Jinchuuriki before Naruto were Uzumaki women, and their clan's special chakra allowed them to keep the nine tails chakra in check with their own. Unfortunately, you can no longer do this, you will have this child, there is no stopping that."
"You see I should just take you home. You can't have this baby here especially what with all this crazy stuff going on!" Croaked Kento.
"I'll be fine, just let me concentrate on my breathing," snapped Sakura.
The toad couldn't help but be frustrated with his master's wife. He had no idea how Naruto was able to put up with this stubborn woman. Just then Misaki reentered the room and gave the glass of water to Sakura.
"Here this should help with the pain. It has valerian root in it which should naturally relax your uterine muscles."
"Thank you Misaki," said Sakura as she took the tall glass of cool water. She wasted no time and chugged all of it. She needed to get control of her body and drinking everything quickly could help her do that.
Suddenly a large explosion from outside cause the floorboards to shake underneath their feet.
"That was way too close for comfort," said Kento.
He hopped down from the table and made his way towards the scroll Sakura had dropped. He picked it up with mouth and made his way towards her. He opened the scroll for Sakura, placed it on the floor, and after some lightning, fast hand gestures a plume of smoke emerged from the calligraphy scribbled parchment. Everyone watched closely as someone's silhouette began to take shape. Footsteps began to approach them and the next thing they knew Uzumaki Naruto walked out the smoke. He quickly looked around the room he was in as if he was looking for someone specific.
"Oh my god it's Uzumaki Naruto," said Misaki as she clasped her hands over her mouth.
Naruto looked in her direction and his heart sank when he saw his beloved Sakura on the floor.
"Sakura-chan!"
"Oh god Naruto," whispered Sakura.
Naruto ran over to her and knelt down. Sakura tightly wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him close.
"Whats going on, are you hurt?" Asked Naruto as he pulled away slightly from her grasp. He quickly looked her over for injuries, he gulped nervously at the sight of her large belly.
"Are...you….pregnant?"
"Boss there isn't time for her to explain so let me fill you in," said Kento as he hopped onto his master's shoulder.
Naruto paused for a moment so that he could better assist the situation with Kento's help. The small summon placed a webbed hand on Naruto's temple. In silence, he mentally projected the events that had conspired. Within a few seconds, Naruto was caught up on everything, the virus, Sasuke's plan, Sakura's pregnancy, their marriage, and even his best friends critical condition. It was a lot to take in but there wasn't time to be awestruck.
"So my original is back in Konoha, that's just great."
"Naruto I'm so sorry this happened. I know it must be hard to come into all of this blind," replied Sakura.
"It's alright Sakura-chan, I just need to make a mental note to update my clones a little more often," chuckled Naruto.
He lovingly stroked her face. Sakura leaned her head against his hand. She knew he was just one of his clones, but his presences still made her feel better. She tried to smile but her condition was worsening. She was beginning to sweat and her breathing was becoming rapid. The ground rumbled as several buildings collapsed not far from their location. Naruto stood up and faced the direction in which everything was happening. He closed his eyes so that he could find out what he was up against. He sensed his friends fighting alongside one another. The enemy they were facing was difficult to read. He wasn't exactly sure what they were up against and had they not been fighting Naruto might not have picked up on this strange enemy. A few Suna shinobi were also fighting in several parts of the village, but their enemies were human. Naruto was about to inform every one of the situations outside when a familiar chakra suddenly appeared on the battlefield. His eyes shot open and the expression on his face quickly turned to rage.
"Mei you need to get Sakura-chan out of here immediately!" Ordered Naruto.
He growled as he stared off in the direction the new chakra was coming from.
"I know Naruto but transporting someone when their vitals aren't stable is risky. I need to get her heart rate and blood pressure balanced. If I leave without doing that I can harm her and the child."
"Shit," snarled Naruto.
"What's wrong Naruto? Sakura panted.
"..."
"Naruto! What is it!?"
"It's Sasuke, he's here, and he's looking right at us."
Ino tended to Naruto's wounds as he sat motionless on his bed. She gently placed some antithetical ointment on his fresh stitches. His body tensed slightly at the light stinging sensation the ointment caused. Ino flinched.
"Sorry Naruto, I just want to make sure you heal right. I can't have Sakura see you in poor condition when she gets back."
"It's alright Ino I understand."
"That's being a good patient. Now these new dressings will probably be the last ones you receive. Your rapid healing is starting to take effect," replied Ino as she started wrapping Naruto's bare torso with clean bandages."
"So how's Tenten doing? Is her ankle ok?"
"Well her ankle is indeed broken, but it looks like she'll be back on her feet after a few days of bed rest. She was sent back to the hospital after the council meeting. Last I checked Neji's was there keeping her company."
"I'm glad someone's with her. I felt bad just dropping her off at the hospital."
"Well, you had to get to Tsunade-sama. Besides the hospital was the best place for her Naruto."
"Yeah but still, I hope she doesn't think I don't care about her."
"Oh don't be see silly. I know Tenten understands, and from the story, she shared with the council it's more than obvious that you do care about her, just like you do with all your friends," said Ino as she wrapped the last roll of bandages around Naruto's rib cage. "There you're good as new."
"Thanks, Ino," said Naruto as he reached for his shirt.
He grabbed it and carefully put it on. He didn't want to ruin all the hard work that had been put into caring for his wounds. Once he was done he looked over at Ino who was sitting right next to him.
"You know Ino, last night was insane. I couldn't have taken care of things without the two of you by my side. I owe you and Tenten a lot."
"Oh, Naruto you don't owe us anything. We're comrades and Konoha is our home too."
"I know, I guess I sometimes forget that I'm not it's only protector."
"That's right, we're all here to help."
"Yeah…"
"I'm really sorry all this happened Naruto. I still can't believe your apartment was totaled."
"It's alright Ino, what's done is done. Besides Sakura-chan was on top of things and got us this new place."
"You're right."
"I'm beyond lucky she found this place. If she hadn't we would have been homeless."
"Don't even say that Naruto. It would have been horrible if that had happened."
"Yeah, it would have just added to all the crap we're dealing with right now. Anyhow thanks for helping me set things up. I'm not very good at organizing furniture."
"It was my pleasure, Shikamaru rarely lets me rearrange our apartment. He finds it all far too troublesome."
"Yeah, that's sounds like something he would say," Naruto lightly chuckled.
" Hey, Naruto….do you think everyone is alright?"
"I'm sure they're alright Ino," reassured Naruto.
"You aren't just saying that are you?"
"Of course not," said Naruto as he turned his body around towards her. "You shouldn't worry so much."
"I know, but I can't help it, especially with last night's attacks. What if Shikamaru and the others are facing the same kind of monsters?"
"I can't say it isn't a possibility, but I haven't received any word from Sakura-chan. So no news is good news."
"Wait a minute, how can you be receiving word from Sakura?"
"Oh yeah, you don't have a clue about what I'm talking about. Well, I think it's time I fill you in on a little secret Ino."
"Secret?" Asked Ino as she moved closer to Naruto.
"Here let me explain. I made sure certain precautions were taken once I learned Sakura-chan had to leave for Suna without me. No one but she and I know about them."
"..."
"Like always she has my summon Kento with her. He can always teleport her back here if need be. Then there's.."
"Wait your summon is with her?!" Interrupted Ino. " If that's the case why didn't Kento just reverse summon everyone to Suna instead of them traveling!?"
"God Ino calm down, I'm not deaf you know," said Naruto as he cleared out his ear. "Look I know that sounds like a good plan, even Sakura-chan suggested it, but in times of uncertainty, shinobi villages put defense shields around their villages and its borders. Anything that tries to make its way inside via teleporting or reversed summoning will be ripped to shreds. Even if the protection seals weren't a factor Kento is old. He isn't as young as he use to be, and teleporting that many people, to that far a distance isn't something he can do anymore safely. So traveling was the best method. Now that he's inside Suna he can teleport Sakura out safely, and since he's teleporting back home our village's defense shields won't hurt him."
"So if he does reverse summon someone it would only be Sakura then?"
"Yes."
"But what if something happened to him?"
"I'd be notified. Mount Myoboku would be alerted if he were to die and they would tell me if that occurred."
"I see, but you do know that Sakura won't want to come back if she has too. You of all people should know how stubborn she can be."
"Believe me I know, so I made sure to take care of that too."
"Now this I gotta here," said Ino.
"Before Sakura-chan left I made sure she took one of my Sage clone scrolls with her. Inside it is one of my clones who's constantly gathering nature chakra for me. I take these scrolls with me on difficult missions. If I'm in sage mode and I need a boost of nature chakra I use them to recharge myself. This time, however, he's there in case of an emergency. Sakura-chan knows to use that scroll when she has no other choice. Once he's summoned he'll make sure that she gets back home one way or another."
"But he's just a clone, he could easily be taken out."
"No, this clone isn't flimsy Ino. This guy can take a hit without disappearing. It's almost as if I'm in two places at once. Unfortunately, I won't know what's going on until he disappears."
"That's right you absorb whatever your clone see's once they're released."
"Yup and so far that hasn't happened."
"Well, that just sucks."
"Tell me about it but it's better than nothing."
"So, for now, all we can do is wait?"
"Yup, unfortunately, that's all we can do."
"Well, I guess this is good news, in a manner of speaking. It's a good thing Shikamaru is there. That man is always one step ahead of the game," stated Ino proudly.
Naruto could tell that Ino was doing her best to psych herself out. He had no doubt that she meant every word she said about her boyfriend, but each of her statements had traces of fear and doubt in them. This was only natural. Even Naruto felt the same way. Ino continued to talk but Naruto's mind was beginning to wander. At first, he thought it was because of boredom but that wasn't the case. His eyes widened when he knew what was going on. Naruto wasn't spacing out, instead, he was focusing on something coming towards Konoha and in a blink of an eye it was inside the village.
Ino continued to chatter; she was oblivious to what was going on. For a few moments Naruto didn't move, the gravity of things had momentarily paralyzed him. He kept making sure that what he was feeling was real, and each time he did he was faced with the grim truth. Shikamaru had just entered Konoha with the aid of one of Sakura's summons. His condition was grave.
"How could this happen?" Whispered Naruto.
Did you say something Naruto?"
Naruto turned towards her; the huge knot in his throat began to tighten. Words failed him, and all he could do was look at Ino.
The small herb shop began to quiver and shake. The poor building couldn't take much more damage. The battle that raged outside drew closer and closer, and Sakura's contractions were getting stronger. Things weren't looking good, and Naruto didn't have enough time to stop what was about to happen. Sasuke was coming their way.
"Look out!" Yelled Naruto.
Misaki and her grandmother watched as Naruto ran towards the entrance of the shop. He quickly drew a kunai and lunged forward. At first glance, it looked as if he was attacking just air but in an instant, a figure appeared right in front of him. The mystery person blocked Naruto's attack with the blade of his sword. Sparks shot out as metal met metal. Naruto and Sasuke both held their weapons tightly, they were at a stalemate.
"You really are a pain in my ass Naruto," Sasuke spat angrily. "I should have killed you at the Valley of the end when I had the chance."
"My thoughts exactly," snarled Naruto as he looked right into Sasuke's soulless black eyes.
Naruto's sensitive hearing picked up a light crumbling sound coming from underneath his feet. Without even looking he roughly pushed his former comrade back and repositioned himself in front of Sakura. Sasuke laughed as he placed his sword by his side. The ground where Naruto had just been standing began to rise; someone or something was making their way out from the earth below. Kabuto crawled out from the ground and slithered his way next to Sasuke.
"You see Sasuke-kun I told you Sakura would be here, and look my theory was correct, she is indeed with child, and not for much longer it seems. Today is our lucky day. Not only do we get Suna but a new Uzumaki as well."
"I guess you're right, but I can't help but find it amusing that Sakura settled for you Naruto. I guess second best was just her taste. Isn't that right Sakura?"
Sakura flinched when Sasuke spoke to her. She did everything in her power to fight back her tears; they were the results of physical and emotional pain. She didn't dare look in his direction and instead she looked at her belly. Misakai and Suzuko were trembling as they huddled near Sakura. They knew they were in serious danger.
"I have no problem killing the both of you if you come anywhere near my family!"
"Why so hostile Naruto-kun? I thought this is what you wanted. I mean just look around you, team seven is together again after all these years."
"Enough!" Yelled Naruto.
He was furious, but he held his ground. Attacking wasn't the ideal thing to do. Instead, he needed to bide his time. Mei needed to get Sakura stable and that required time. Naruto growled in frustration. Taking two guys on at once was simple, but not while trying to protect three other people from them. He was about to change his mind when he felt something that pleased him immensely. He crouched down and reached for his shurikens. He threw several of them at Sasuke and Kabuto. The two of them dodge them easily but then again Naruto wasn't trying to hit them, to begin with.
Before Sasuke and Kabuto could land back on the ground a wave of sand burst through the wall behind them. They instinctively turned around and watched as it manifested into a large hand which reached out to grab them. They swiftly dodged the sand, but that was the least of the problems. Gaara and his siblings entered the shop. Not far behind them was the rest of Sakura's team. All six of them rushed Sasuke and Kabuto. Naruto took advantage of his comrade's arrival; he swiftly turned around and ran towards Sakura. He knelt down beside her and quickly looked her over, her condition was worse.
"I haven't been able to stabilize her vitals Naruto. Her labor is rapidly progressing. I'm taking the risk and taking her home. "
"You guys will be okay Mei. I have faith in you, just like Sakura-chan does. Now get going."
"Naruto...this...isn't how I planned my labor. II don't know...if...I can do...this."
"Yes you can," said Naruto as he kissed her forehead. "I'll see you soon."
"I'll get her home safely Naruto, I promise."
"Thank you, Mei."
The tiny slug nodded at Naruto and in an instant both she and Sakura were gone in a puff of smoke. Misaki and Shizuko looked in astonishment as the young women they were holding vanished.
"Now it's time for you ladies to get somewhere safe as well. Kento please take them to safety."
"You got it, boss."
"Please be careful Naruto," pleaded Shizuko.
"I will and thank you for taking care of my Sakura-chan for me."
With that said Naruto turned around and ran towards the fray. His anger fueled him and now that Sakura was on her way home there was nothing holding him back.
