Hey ya'll! I adopted this fic from a good pal, RamenLoverNaruto. They told me they killed the fic, and I stepped in. Vola~ My new fic.

Pairing:
NaruHina
SasuSaku
Hints of ShikaIno
Hints of KibaMisaki [[These two will get a side-story, don't worry~]]
Hints of ItaTema

Chapter Fourteen: A Close Call!

While Naruto faced off against Takumi, Misaki glared right at Rina and walked towards her. "Rina, you know I would never return to that place again. I don't want to hurt you, but if you insist on stopping us from our mission, I will have no choice but to harm you." Holding her right hand out to her side, she gathered the chakra needed for an attack known by only Yamato, who had taught it to her as a kid. "Water Style: Ripping Torrent!" She created water that spiraled in her hand before dashing towards Takehiko, skidding to a halt and firing it at him.

Kiba sent a few shuriken into the jutsu, the force making them tear through the trees due to Takehiko dodging with his jutsu. "Say, you think I'd let you have all the fun, Misaki-chan? Me and Akamaru have been itching for a fight lately." He smirked a little.

Misaki rolled her eyes slightly. "I can tell. I have an idea. You'll have to trust me for this to work. I want you and Akamaru to use your most powerful jutsu and I'll combine it with one of mine. As long as you won't mind being a little wet afterwards."

Kiba grinned before feeding Akamaru the food pill needed for the Fang Over Fang jutsu. "You got it. We're with you one hundred percent! Super Wolf Fang Over Fang!" He said as he and Akamaru transformed into a single two-headed gigantic animal and spin right towards Takehiko.

Misaki made the hand seals Dragon, Tiger and Hare before holding two fingers at the side of her mouth. "Water Style: Raging Waves!" Her jutsu surrounded Kiba's and gave it even more speed as it managed to hit Takehiko in the left leg and send him crashing into the ground.

Coming back around, Kiba and Akamaru ended the jutsu and landed beside Misaki. "Nice! I see what you did there. You think he's still... Never mind. That answers my question." He was about to mention Takehiko might've been dead, but was slightly disappointed when said man limped into view. He didn't mind that he was dripping a little because he had to focus on both teaming up with Misaki and the fight at hand.

"You little kisamas... I have no choice now!" Takehiko shouted before doing hand seals Misaki couldn't track until the last one, with his hands in the Rat seal as he stared right at her, fading in and out before she realized he was using his strongest genjutsu against her.

Kiba took a second take as Misaki slouched standing up. "Hey, Misaki.. You alright?"

Takehiko started laughing, drawing the attention of all around, even those in battle. "I've done it! Now... To have her use it." He said while leaning against the tree due to his leg's injury.

Unable to fight it due to not knowing where she was mentally, Misaki's body began activating the Jibakugan, against her wish. "No! I don't want to do this! I refuse! I can't release his genjutsu without help! Man, I'm trapped and I'm about to activate my Jibakugan! Kiba-kun, Naruto-niisan! Help!" Her mind shouted, though she knew neither would hear her.

Back in the Leaf, Inoichi heard the mental call of Misaki. "I must let Naruto and them know!" He used the Yamanaka Clan telepathy to talk to Naruto's team. "Listen all of you! Misaki's unable to free herself due to how strong the genjutsu is! You must eliminate the user before she activates her kekkai genkai!"

Hearing Inoichi's voice, Naruto had caught the jutsu being used before Inoichi's voice had arrived. Angered that Takehiko was making Misaki feel helpless, he went into Tailed Beast mode and rammed into Takehiko, ending the genjutsu before glancing over his shoulder at her.

"You're too late! It's been activated... Misaki's Jibakugan, the unstoppable kekkai genkai.. Though Mistress wanted her alone, she was getting annoying and stubborn." Takehiko chuckled dryly before a fist connected in his gut, making him cough up a little blood. Looking at the person in front of him, he was shocked to see a purple mass on the right side of bright red eyes, suddenly knowing he had, in fact, been hit in the gut by none other than Uchiha Sasuke. "D-damn... What's so important about her to you? Why guard a fine weapon? You could use her to strike fear into anyone!" He questioned the young Uchiha.

"... Silence... You have no right to speak of her in such a way." Sasuke commented before Naruto, in Tailed Beast Mode, took over and took the hint to go use his own kekkai genkai to stop Misaki's.

Naruto grabbed the man by the collar and lifted him up. "Who is this 'Mistress' you are talking about and why does she need Misaki?!" He demanded, his orange-colored eyes promising certain death if he lied.

Meanwhile, Misaki was indeed released, but due to having already activating the Jibakugan, she was unable to stop it. "Can.. Can't.. hold... on.. much.. longer.." She gritted out, fighting opening her chakra channels to use the full potential of the Jibakugan.

Sakura had a look of death aimed at Takehiko before sending Sasori flying with a chakra-infused punch and darting towards her friend as Sasuke arrived at her side. "Good thing we have your Sharingan, Sasuke-kun..." She noted as they reached Misaki and Kiba, who was warned to stay behind the caster. "Misaki-chan!"

Taking the cue, Sasuke used the power of the Sharingan to swiftly end the Jibakugan before heading over to stop Naruto from killing Takehiko before he could answer a few questions, the ones that came with him suddenly gone. "Dobe... He has to answer the question first. Let me get the answers."

Knowing exactly how his best friend would get said answers, Naruto exited Tailed Beast Mode and dashed to his sister's side, seeing her being held by Kiba. "How is she?"

Kiba grimaced slightly before Sakura answered. "She is unconscious due to how much chakra she expended fighting against using her own kekkai genkai. But, other than that, she seems healthy. She'll need to rest to regain her chakra." She mentioned, showing a sign of relief that all had when she said Misaki was fine.

Naruto sighed happily. He wasn't surprised how everyone wanted to protect Misaki. In the past few months since she arrived, Misaki was immediately accepted despite her fear of being rejected based on her having the Jibakugan. He was glad that he had a sister to protect and had a feeling that everyone would continue to protect each other, Misaki included. "Alright. We'll rest up until she's feeling better."

Kiba chuckled slightly as they went to find a place to camp, him carrying Misaki on his back while Naruto and Sasuke led the way, Sakura and Hinata staying near to keep a tab on Misaki. When they found a cave that could serve as a place to rest, Naruto, Hinata, Sakura and Sasuke were hesitant about leaving to collect some supplies nearby. "Go on, guys. Me and Akamaru will stay here. If anyone like Takehiko shows up, I'll show them no mercy. By the way. Sasuke, what did you find out from him?"

"Hn. Apparently, this 'Mistress' person wants to use Misaki's Jibakugan to become the Queen of the Five Nations. I couldn't get any more information from him, unfortunately." Sasuke said before he and Sakura went to hunt down some herbs Sakura could use for medicine, as well as eatable food, while Naruto and Hinata went to gather fire wood, considering they had a small bonfire going.

"Naru-kun, you've been quiet... Is it about Misaki-chan? Sakura-chan said she's going to be fine..." Hinata commented as they picked up some branches.

"I'm trying to figure out who this 'Mistress' person is... Because of her, Misaki is in danger. I don't like seeing people in danger. It makes me feel helpless." He punched a nearby tree to try and let some anger out. "Plus that Takehiko guy forced Misaki to use her kekkai genkai!"

Hinata shifted her pile of branches to the right side and rested her hand on his shoulder, feeling how tense he was. "Naru-kun, you can protect her. I know you can. I have faith in you."

Naruto smiled a little and placed his hand on hers. "Arigato, Hina-hime. I can't believe you have such faith in me." And he meant it. He'd never know why she has so much faith in him when he starts to lose his own faith. Then he remembered how she told him she loved him and it made sense.

Hinata blushed lightly before smiling back. "I always had faith in you and I always will. I think we have enough branches for the fire... Shall we head back?"

Naruto smiled and switched his load to the opposite shoulder so he could rest his arm around her shoulders as they walked back to the cave, hoping Sasuke and Sakura had returned.

When Sasuke explained what he got from Takehiko, Sakura wondered what happened to the man afterwards as she managed to find a few fruit growing in a tree to which she used the tree climbing jutsu to pretty much hang like a bat on the branch to retrieve the fruit. Soon, she started humming, despite the situation Misaki was in.

Sasuke had found eatable berries he recognized eating when he was under Orochimaru and was trying to find Sakura, grateful Sakura had made a weaved basket for their fruit and eatable food. He found her hanging upside down on a fruit tree. "What're you doing hanging upside down? Why not just sit on the branch?"

Sakura nearly dropped at the interruption. "Sasuke-kun! Don't scare me like that!" She said as she let another fruit drop into the basket below her. "This is easier for me to quickly get a fruit and move on." Kneeling, she grabbed the branch and swung as if a gymnast to the next branch. Seeing a pretty big piece of fruit, she tried to reach for it and nearly had it when the branch broke. Bracing for her fall, Sakura was confused when she didn't feel pain from landing before opening her previously closed eyes and seeing that Sasuke had caught her bridal style. "T-thanks, Sasuke-kun..."

"You're so clumsy..." He retorted, a small smirk gracing his features. "You think you have enough fruit?"

Sakura puffed her cheeks out at the 'clumsy' comment before sighing and looking over Sasuke's shoulder at her basket. "I suppose so. You min-" She was cut off by Sasuke kissing her forehead. "S-Sa-Sasuke-kun... What was that for?" She asked.

"It's my way of thanking you." He replied as he put her on her feet and bent to get his own basket he had put down to catch her. Once she had her basket, they backtracked to where they would be staying.

Naruto grimaced as they waited. "Teme and Sakura-chan should've been back by now." He commented before he looked at Misaki, who was still unconscious.

Kiba chuckled. "Knowing one of them, they explored too much. Then again, Sasuke would want to know the area better.. Right, Sasuke?" He asked as said persons walked in.

"Hn. Yeah.." Was the reply.

Sakura went to kneel next to Hinata, who was at Misaki's head. "So, any change?" She asked, taking over healing the arm wound for Hinata.

"None yet, Sakura-chan... She's still sleeping." Hinata answered as she checked the leg wound's bandage as well as placing Misaki's headband beside her. "That jutsu actually went deep... Though it looked like a scratch.."

Sakura sighed. "But with how much she was moving, it may have opened it up more." She stated before seeing the eyelids twitch. "I wonder... What she's thinking of..." Hinata shrugged before both noticed Naruto was watching out of the corner of his eye. "Naruto... She'll be fine..." Just as she said that, Misaki shot up as if she had a nightmare. "Misaki-chan! Are you alright?"

"... Oh, Sakura-chan! It was just a dream, then." Misaki moved a bang out of her eye and sighed. "I'm so sorry for nearly losing control of the Jibakugan..." She apologized.

"Misaki, you used chakra to try and stop the use of the Jibakugan. If you didn't, we wouldn't be here." Naruto pointed out before it started raining. "Good thing we did stop."

Misaki nodded, looking down at her hands. "Sometimes, having such a kekkai genkai like mine is such a pain... Having to be careful about when and how to use it... But.. I think I want to help all I can.."

Naruto chuckled. "Misaki-imouto, you are always helpful. Ever since Sakura-chan taught you medical ninjutsu as well as the scariest part, which is really the worst part..." Before he could explain, he felt Sakura glare death into his skull. "Erm. I mean... That's the best part!"

Sakura huffed slightly before she went silent, remembering what Ino had told her before they got the news of the Cloud getting attacked, her eyes trying to hide her emotions as she decided to wait to tell Misaki. Looking out, she saw it was dark out. "Well, it's too dark to move. Plus, Misaki-chan still needs a little more rest."

Naruto stood up and stretched. "I call first watch!" He said as he went to the mouth of the cave to keep watch.

Kiba and the others all looked surprised as Kiba spoke up. "You? You actually want to stand watch? Why not have me or Sasuke over there do it?"

Misaki giggled a little before she laid back down, deciding that she was in good company. 'These guys are really rubbing off on me.. I'm glad I have friends and Naruto-niisan and Ino-chan.'

After spending the night in the cave, Naruto's team decided to head out, Misaki having to stay off her leg so the wound wouldn't open up and chose to be carried by Kiba again. "We're nearly there!" He said just as they arrived and he saw the distruction before seeing Neji. "Neji... Wha..What happened?"

Neji turned and sighed. "It was like this when we arrived. Apparently Lord Raikage and Killer Bee were away.. They're right over there, taking to Shikamaru and Lee." He pointed before Ino walked over.

"Gla- WHAT HAPPENED TO MISAKI!?" Ino demanded, grabbing Naruto's collar and shaking him as Kiba let her off his back.

"Ino-chan... It's not Naruto's fault... We were attacked by Takehiko..." Misaki explained.

"Oh, sorry... Killer Bee wanted to see you, Naruto." She said as Naruto gladly sped off towards the other jinchuriki. "Explain this 'Takehiko' person."

Naruto sighed when he saw Killer Bee looking at the sky. "Octo-Pops!"

"Yo, if it isn't Naruto~ What's happenin in the Cloud was heard nice and loud. Weee!" Killer Bee replied, uncrossing his arms to hold out a fist, to which Naruto bumped and they were sent to a place only jinchūriki could reach.

"Bee, didya have to do this?" Gyuki asked even though he saw Kurama standing behind Naruto like he was behind Bee. "Kurama? Gee. Never thought I'd see you again."

"Hush it, Gyuki... Lemme guess the Akatsuki left the mess?" Kurama asked.

"That's right, fox-o-nine-tail~ Though me and Naruto will show them jinchuriki always prevail!" Bee replied.

Naruto grumbled. "It's a good thing we have two in the Leaf. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Yo, there's no need to fret, we've got this, you can bet~" Was the reply as they disconnected their fists and went to join up with the others.

"Naruto-niisan, who's this?" Misaki asked, able to stand without much pain.

"Oh! Octo-pops, this is my adopted sibling, Misaki. She is al-" He was pulled aside by Ino and Sakura. "What is this for?"

"Hush. I asked my dad about Misaki... Sadly, her parents died a few years ago..." Ino explained, sad at the fact.

"But, we're not really good at telling her that.. Could you tell her, Naruto?" Sakura asked.

"Man, I thought I'd be the last to know. I guess I'll let her know.." Naruto said, resigning himself to having to tell Misaki she was searching for people that were dead. Dragging his feet, he felt the pressure from Ino and Sakura, who were following close behind. "Misaki-imouto, can I talk to ya alone?" He asked.

Misaki blinked and nodded, following Naruto to a safe enough distance, limping to avoid putting pressure on her leg. "Something wrong?" She asked.

"Yeah... Ino found out about your parents... But... They've been dead a few years now..." Naruto said, placing his hand gently on her shoulder, trying to comfort the best he could. Before he removed his hand, she tore off running out of the village. "MISAKI!" Naruto called, getting ready to take off for her when Kiba brushed past, riding Akamaru. "Kiba?"

"You might need to stay here, Naruto. I'll get her and bring her back! Don't worry. Me and Akamaru will track her down!" Kiba called over his shoulder, grinning. "Hurry, Akamaru!"

When Kiba was out of sight, Naruto rejoined the group. "This is why you girls are better at the bad news.." He stated.

"Why aren't you going after her?" Ino questioned.

"I trust Kiba will be able to bring her back... He always keeps his promises, too." Naruto stated, smiling. "That and Misaki might trust him more than me at the moment."

Sakura's eyes widened. "Is that Naruto talking? Geez, you've really grown up." She jibed, getting Sasuke to smirk at the comment. "Same for you, Sasuke-kun. You've grown too."

Back in the Leaf, Temari had arrived to do the questioning for the Sand. Entering the room where, unknown to her, Uchiha Itachi was sitting. Entering the room with her eyes closed, she went to the table and leaned on it before opening her eyes. "Alright... What is the goal of the Akatsuki?" She asked.

"Like I told my little brother, our goal is world peace." Came the deep voice that had Temari, who was normally in control of her emotions, shaking slightly. When she turned, she saw none other than Sasuke's older brother, Itachi, looking as emotionless as she remembered. Onyx eyes, similar to Uchiha Sasuke's, stared at her with no hint of lying, his jet-black hair was pulled back with red elastic in a low ponytail that extended to his shoulder blades. He also had centre-parted bangs that were framing his face, and extended to his chin. The most distinguishing feature was the long, pronounced tear-troughs under his eyes.

Temari blinked before looking away. "Why are you using the Tailed Beasts?" She asked again while wondering why her heart was leaping out of her chest.

"As I'm sure you know, Tailed Beasts have remarkable chakra and strike fear into most nations. The Akatsuki want to use that fear to bring about peace." Itachi answered, slightly raising an eyebrow when she looked away. In his opinion, the woman in front of him was really pretty. Her teal eyes and blonde hair, which is gathered into four ponytails, made her seem younger.

Temari glanced to see if he was lying and found he wasn't. "Can't the Akatsuki use their own power? Surely there are powerful members. After all your other partner, I believe it was Deidara, took my brother from our village. And Gaara isn't one to be defeated."

Itachi raised the other eyebrow before both returned to their normal positions. "Deidara. He isn't my partner. He just was stupidly caught by that girl."

Temari visibly flinched. "'That girl' happens to be Misaki. She is a very good friend to Gaara."

Seeing the effect he was having on the woman, Itachi almost smirked as he scooted his chair back and leaned toward her. "Any more questions?"

"What do you think of Uzumaki Naruto? Considering your group is hunting him down, surely you've met him multiple times." She asked.

Itachi chuckled slightly. "Naruto is one of the strangest people I've ever met. But, I trusted him to save my brother from the path I didn't want to lead him onto. And he did turn Sasuke away from what could've been a dangerous path." He slowly leaned even closer, smirking behind his cloak at how red she had gotten.

Naruto groaned when it was dark out and Misaki nor Kiba had returned. "Damnit. I should've gone right after her..." Just as he was about to leave, he saw said person walking back, more wounds than when they fought against Takehiko. "What happened? Damnit Kiba! I thought you'd protect her!"

"I did! We were ambushed on the way back! Me and Akamaru were lucky to get away with her in one piece!" Kiba shot back while Sakura and Ino came out to help Misaki into the makeshift hospital.

Misaki frowned. "I'm sorry... I'm too weak.. Because of me, Naruto-niisan is mad at Kiba-kun... I'm sure if I were stronger, they wouldn't be arguing as much." She said, tears forming as Sakura went about healing her wounds.

"Don't say that. I'm sure they'd still find something to argue about, that's how they work." Hinata commented, smiling softly before leaving to help Ino calm the two outside only to see that Ino was having difficulty holding Kiba and Naruto back, even with Shikamaru's jutsu holding them. She rushed over to try and hold Naruto back. "Naru-kun! Calm down! Think of Misaki-chan!"

"I'm doing that, Hinata.. And I need to teach that idiot over there not to let her get hurt!" Naruto said with death calmness while trying to get around Hinata.

"But, Misaki-chan thinks she's to blame because she's too weak. She doesn't like it when you two are fighting..." Hinata informed.

At that the two stopped and relaxed. Hinata sighed in relief, as did the others, glad that it didn't wind up coming to a fight between the two. If she knew anything, Hinata knew that if she mentioned Misaki, the two would stop, least they wind up upsetting Misaki. Feeling daring, she grabbed Naruto's sleeve and tugged him to follow her, even if she were blushing.

Oh, my. Naughty Hinata~ Oh well, maybe she'll help him relax a little bit.
~~Skittles~~