Chapter 3: Danger Close

Jiraiya blocked Naruto's punch and avoided his sweep. Jiraiya kept on the defensive as Naruto attacked him. Naruto summoned five clones and they attacked in a clever formation that made Jiraiya try harder to not get hit. Having enough, Jiraiya quickly destroyed the clones. He then grabbed Naruto and slammed him into the ground, pinning.

"Not bad kid, you actually pushed me a little." He said with a grin. He released Naruto and the blond sat up. "So, how's your training with the Rasengan coming along?"

"It's coming. I still need a clone to help me but I'm able to create it with one hand and hold it for a long time. I still lose concentration when I move in to use it." Naruto explained to him. That's when he got a curious expression. "So what can you tell me about your teammate? And I swear to kami, if you talk about her measurements again, I'm going to kick you in the nuts."

"Aw, you're no fun." Jiraiya said with a grin. "Well, Tsunade is pretty… volatile. She's also kind of vain due to the fact that she keeps up a Henge (Transformation) to look young. She's pretty straight forward and rarely gives out compliments. She's also known as the Densetsu no Kamo (The Legendary Sucker). She gambles a lot and sucks at it."

"And we are really going to make this woman a Kage?" Naruto asked.

"She's the only one who is capable. It's better than the alternative." Jiraiya said seriously. Naruto did not pry in the matter.

"So why is she away from the village?" he asked.

"Well, Tsunade doesn't have a good opinion of the village. She pretty much swore that she would never return to the village. But that shouldn't worry you too much." Jiraiya said with amusement. This just made Naruto give Jiraiya a dirty look.

"I weep for the old man when he was younger and had to deal with you and your teammates." Naruto said.

"Shut up." Jiraiya said. They packed up and made their way toward the town.

XXX

Naruto was walking around Otafuku Gai (Homely Woman Town). He didn't really want to go to the room yet as Jiraiya ordered. He did this out of spite due to the fact that the pervert ditched him. In truth, he thought that woman was winking at him. Either way, he decided to go and see if Aiko was around. He remembered coming here when he first met Jiraiya. He finally found the building and entered it. As soon as he entered, a few of the girls remembered him.

"Hey, you're that cutie with that team that came for Jiraiya?" said one of the girls. They crowded him and hoovered over him. It made the blond blush, making them giggle. "How have you been little boy?"

"I've been good." Naruto said, getting some control over himself. "Hey, is Aiko around?" That's when the girls got worried looks on their faces.

"Aiko should have been back, three days ago. She was sent to Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers) to be arm candy to an important lord. She would usually send a message if she was going to be late but we have yet to receive any type of message. The boss is waiting for a message from the lord she was supposed to be with. He's already sent a request to Konoha." Another girl explained.

"Is that so? That sounds troubling but I wouldn't worry too much. Konoha is the best at things like that." Naruto said. He talked for a little longer before leaving, saying his good-byes. When he was clear of the place, he bit into his thumb. Smearing some blood on his palm, he did the hand seals for the Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique). A small puff of smoke cleared to reveal a small yellow toad.

"Hi Naruto." was the lazy greeting by the toad.

"Hey Gamatatsu, I need you to deliver a message for me. You remember my teammate Jakken?"

XXX

Naruto made his way back to his room. He prayed to whatever god there was that Jiraiya was not in the room doing stuff. As he neared the door, a voice shouted out his name. He turned around to see Sasuke. He wondered what the hell he could want. His attention turned back to the room when he heard the door open. However, it was not Jiraiya that stepped out, it was two men. Both men were wearing black robes with red clouds. The taller of the two had something strapped to his back and he had the face of a fish. The shorter of the two looked like an Uchiha.

"What the… who are you guys?" Naruto asked in confusion.

"ITACHI!" Sasuke roared and launched himself at the group. Lightning danced in his hand as he thrust forward to kill the shorter of the two. That's when the adults hand whipped out and caught Sasuke's wrist, redirecting the attack. An explosion occurred when it made contact with the wall. When the smoke cleared, there was a huge hole and the two were looking at each other. That's when the older of the two spoke.

"You don't interest me." He said and snapped Sasuke's wrist. He then kicked Sasuke in the chest and sent him flying down the hall. Naruto used the Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) to catch Sasuke before he hit the wall. He threw three shuriken at the two.

"Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique)!" Naruto called out. They watched as the three multiplied by hundreds. While impressed, Kisame did some seals of his own.

"Suiton: Suijinheki (Water Release: Water Formation Wall)!" He called out and spat out a large volume of water. Naruto saw that the shield of water stopped all of the shuriken. Naruto quickly did hand seals that rose the floor up and closed off the hallway.

"Okay, it's time to get out of here." Naruto said.

"What do you think you are doing?! Take that wall down!" Sasuke ordered angrily.

"Are you stupid?! We are getting the hell out of here before they kill us!" Naruto shouted and grabbed Sasuke, dragging him away. Sasuke tried to fight him but Naruto had a very strong grip. He tossed Sasuke out of the window and quickly followed after him. When they landed on the ground however, they were confronted by the two men.

"That was a clever escape Naruto. Unfortunately, my brother will not cooperate with you. He wishes to kill me and will not allow this chance to pass." Itachi said. Naruto sucked his teeth and was looking for a way out when Sasuke got out of his grip and charged at Itachi. Naruto cursed and was about to join him when a bandaged item blocked his path.

"Nah kid, let's just stay out of this. It seems like they have a lot to work out." He said. Naruto growled and saw that Sasuke was clearly outmatched. Naruto did some seals to launch a jutsu but the chakra was soon gone. Naruto was confused and looked at the taller man in front of him.

"What the hell did you do with my chakra?" Naruto demanded.

"Oh, that wasn't me. That was my blade, Samehada. It eats chakra and it seems to like yours." He said with a grin.

"Well, that sucks." Naruto said.

"Well, I think that Itachi is almost done. So, I should shave off your legs off just so that you don't run." He said.

"I don't think I would like that. How about this!" Naruto quickly unsealed his staff and launched it at him. He raised his sword to block it and used his other hand to grab Naruto in mid-air.

"You're only making this harder on yourself." He said with amusement. Naruto grabbed the man's forearm and smirked. That's when he felt a jolt of electricity run down his arm. Naruto was free and he quickly got some distance. He also managed to grab his staff and get into a stance. The man looked very amused even though he could not use his arm right now.

"Well kid, I'm kind of impressed. The name's Kisame and if you want a fight, you've got one." Kisame readied Samehada and was eager to fight the staff wielding blond. However, they would not get the chance as someone appeared.

"How dare you underestimate the power of Jiraiya the Gama Sennin (Toad Sage)? When you are as awesome as I am, the women trip over their feet to meet with me!" Jiraiya boasted. Itachi tossed Sasuke away when Jiraiya appeared. Sasuke landed in a heap as he turned his attention to Jiraiya and Naruto.

"I see. It was you who told Kakashi about our organization." Itachi stated.

"You should have stayed away Itachi. You two have made a grave mistake. You will not be leaving here alive." Jiraiya said, raising his killing intent.

"No," Sasuke said, struggling to stand on his feet. "He's mine to kill."

"Are you mental? He just whipped your ass without even trying. Stand down and let Jiraiya handle this." Naruto said.

"Shut up and stay out of this! I will not be denied my vengeance!" Sasuke said and prepared to launch himself again. That's when he vision was blocked by Naruto appearing in his view. He then felt incredible pain coming from his chest. Sasuke gasped and passed out from the pain. Naruto took him and got out of the way. Seeing this, Itachi made a choice.

"Raiton: Raigen Raikochu (Lightning Release: Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar)." Itachi said. Everyone in the area had to cover their eyes from the bright light coming off him. Jiraiya was quick to protect the two genin as he shielded himself. When the light died down, the two were gone. The two searched the area but they did not see any sight of the two. That's when someone landed near them. They were both about to launch an attack when the man talked.

"Naruto-kun, Jiraiya-dono, ease yourselves! It is I, Maito Gai!" he called out. The two just sighed in annoyance.

XXX

A small group of Kurama clan ninja were making their way toward the compound where Tenzen was. Leading them was Unkai. His mission was clear. He was to save Zabuza for Haku. He had two plans to use to do that. The first was to pay the man for Zabuza. If that did not work, they were going to take him. He had already gone over the plan with each clan member and Haku. As they continued on, Yakumo and Haku were conversing.

"I must thank you again Yakumo for your help. I'm curious however, how is your sensei doing?" Haku asked.

"I don't think I've seen her like this worried. I know that she liked Kakashi a little bit but she's really devastated. Let's hope that Naruto can bring back Tsunade-sama to heal him. However, I think that he will be in trouble. I know sensei's disappointed look and it is not a pretty sight when she shows it." Yakumo explained.

"Let's us both hope that Naruto is successful." Haku said. She noticed the somber tone that he gave. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"We will get him out safely Haku. You have to have faith that we will." Yakumo said softly.

"Thank you Yakumo-chan." Haku said. Yakumo blushed a little from the term he used. Unkai was amused by it but did not say anything. They continued on to Tenzen's castle.

XXX

Jakken was working on his kurisagama. He was using them to cut into a few straw dummies. He was also working on a new shurikenjutsu that would have everyone talking, even Tenten. As he was going through his kata, someone shouted out his name. He turned to see Naruto's little fan club. The three academy students ran up to him. He noticed that the girl was holding a familiar toad.

"Hey, what are you pipsqueaks doing with Gamatatsu? Is Naruto back already?" he asked them.

"Jakken, Naruto has a message for you." Gamatatsu said.

"What's up?" he asked.

"A woman named Aiko has gone missing. She might be in trouble. A mission request was sent to Konoha. She was last in Kawa no Kuni." Gamatatsu said to him. Jakken narrowed his eyes and did not like what he heard. Was that why he didn't receive another letter after he sent a return? He was worried and he needed to do something. He dug into his pocket before tossing the group a roll of ryo.

"Thanks for the message guys. That's for you to buy treats but most of it has to go to the toad understand?" he said. They nodded and Jakken was off to the mission department. He hurried as his gut was telling him that something was wrong.

XXX

In a hut, Aiko was bound and put in the corner. Her face was bruised as it looked like she was slapped around. That's when the door opened and someone stepped inside. She looked at the man and saw that he was drunk just like last time. He glared at her and she glared at him. This made him angry and he reared his hand back, smacking her across the face. While it stung, she did not lose that defiant look on her face.

"You're still a bitch Aiko." The man spat.

"And you are still a useless drunk, Senichi."

XXXXX

Authors' Notes: Well, here's a new chapter. I hope everyone likes the change that I did for the confrontation between the Akatsuki and Naruto. It's always Itachi beating Sasuke and hitting him with Tsukuyomi. I wanted to change it because I have something planned with him and Anko. Anyway, enjoy the new chapter.