AN: I WANT MORE REVIEWS! COME ON GUYS! THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT DO! I WANT FEEDBACK FROM YOU ALL. PLEASE REVIEW. Remember it takes 5 reviews to update!

What color should Sakura's tail be?

light pink

pale blue

color of your choice

Review and tell me! Majority wins!

Changes

Six hours, forty three minutes, and twenty seven seconds later, Naruto finally realized what it was that he was supposed to do with Hinata. Needless to say, he blushed violently. Him and Hinata, doing that sort of thing! No way! Hinata was his friend! He couldn't do that sort of thing with her. Inner Naruto was highly skeptical, telling him that he had already kissed Hinata many times before. Besides, didn't he almost kiss her in the woods today? Give her a chance and you'll see that she's the one for you, believe it! His inner self advised. It was then that Naruto thought that it probably wasn't a good idea to listen this foreign voice in his mind. People would think he was possessed by some kind of demon or something. Besides, it was just plain frustrating. Sakura was the one he wanted, not Hinata! The more he thought about it, the more confused and frustrated he became. Man, this is all Kakashi's fault!

"Kakashi you stupid freaking pervert!" Naruto burst out suddenly, as they were all sitting around the campfire just as the sun set beyond the horizon. Everyone looked at the blonde like he was nuts. Kakashi's brow rose in confused surprise.

"Yes?" he replied wondering about the mental sanity of his student, and maybe his curse seal had made him insane. The girls shrugged it off and continued on in their conversation about all of the latest clothing trends. When Kakashi saw that Naruto wasn't going to question him any further and had actually gone off to a nearby tree to sulk. However, Sasuke and Neji had found his little outburst to be annoying.

"Idiot," they muttered simultaneously. Immediately, they turned their infamous death glares on each other.

"Don't call him an idiot!" Sasuke snapped. Neji smirked.

"Fine, he's not an idiot, you are." Sasuke's anger flared.

"Don't call me an idiot you freak!"

"I'd watch who you call a freak, loser." Neji said standing up and cracking his knuckles. Sasuke stood up answering the unspoken male challenge.

"Oh really, and what are you going to do you long haired pansy." Kakashi winced as Neji's jaw dropped. Oh crap, now it was really on. Insulting him was one thing, but talking about his hair, no freaking way, that snake was going to pay for that one. It was funny how something that started with Naruto had nothing to do with him in the current soon to be brawl.

"You wanna go, alright, then bring it," Neji said getting into a defensive position. Sasuke smirked in anticipation. He had been waiting for this, along with inner Sasuke. It was time to show once and for all that he was the better fighter. Inner Sasuke was more than willing to agree. However, he was wary if his current form could actually keep up with Neji. With all of his memories sealed away, he could not perform some of his more powerful jutsus, including the sharingan. Still, his other self was adamant about this fight so there was nothing he could really do to stop it.

"Alright, but don't go crying once you get your butt kicked," Sasuke taunted as he dropped into his own fighting stance. This whole scene perked Naruto's interest. Please, he jumped up and joined Sasuke's side in an instant.

"Yeah! Let's take this wannabe out!" Naruto said tightening his fist in front of his face. Neji's eyes narrowed.

"Stand down, I only wish to fight him," Neji warned referring to the Uchiha. Naruto shook his head furiously while Sasuke remained impassive.

"No way! If you want to fight Sasuke, you've got to go through me first," Naruto said cracking his knuckles in a seemingly intimidating manner. Neji smirked in response as he stood up relinquishing his defensive position.

"Is that supposed to be impressive?" Naruto's anger flared as he lunged to sock Neji right in his pretty boy face.

"Heck yeah it is!" Naruto yelled closing in on his target or to be more precise his target closed in on him. When it seemed like Naruto was going to slam Neji's porcelain face with his fist, Neji ducked in speed that sometimes required the sharingan in order to keep up with, and the famous hyuuga style, he struck Naruto in the stomach with his open palm. Naruto never saw it coming unfortunately. The impact of the hit was so strong that it sent the blonde flying backwards and Kakashi had to catch him in order to break his fall. When Naruto's body stopped moving, he felt his insides crunch and a mouthful of blood spurted from his lips like a reflex motion.

"What do you think this is some kind of fairytale where the loudmouth hero always triumphs? Well let me be the first to inform you that this is reality, and that I'll be beat you down every time. So Uchiha, are you ready to join in your friend's defeat?"

Meanwhile, Sakura and Hinata were sitting watching in fear of what would happen next. To be honest, Sakura's anxiety had not dissipated since that terrifying fight with Zabuza. What was going to happen next? Who could blame her? She had just found out that her sensei of almost a year was not even human, and now this mysterious guy shows up who also isn't human.

What exactly was he? He had made it crystal clear that he wasn't a naga like Kakashi, so then what was he? He and Kakashi had known each other in the past so that must mean that this Neji guy was from the ocean as well. This meant that he was some kind of an aquatic creature. But this raised the question of how he could live on land, and secondly, was that what he really looked like? Did he bare any kind of human resemblance at all or was he some kind of disguised monster? Somehow, she knew. Deep down she knew what Neji really looked like. His upper body was completely the same, except for the fact that he wore no clothes. Sakura couldn't help but blush crimson at the thought. She could almost picture his silky white skin and the way that it covered his lean muscular chest. She was really blushing now. She knew every muscle of his torso by heart. But then, she could also picture the rest of him. (alright I'm changing his tail color I'm sorry) Pristine turquoise blue scales melded with flesh at his hips and flowed downward into a muscular and strong tail. She could almost remember the way the sun's rays would reflect off of them and he would simply look like some dangerous peace of art.

Whoa, where had those thoughts come from? Inner Sakura chastised herself for ever even thinking that someone other than Sasuke was hot. But still, her more rational side wanted and yearned to know why it was that she felt like she knew this guy when all signs pointed to the fact that she didn't.

Still, no matter who this guy was, she couldn't let him hurt Sasuke. Sasuke was the love of her life, and she felt that her heart would stop beating if she ever lost him. So when she saw Naruto go flying by Neji's hit, her heart clenched in fear for her unrequited love. At the moment that Naruto was struck Hinata leapt up and ran over to his side to see if he was okay. It was almost like a reflex action for the shy girl. This left Sakura staring on in shock at the strength of this newcomer. What kind of ninja was he? It appeared that he was vastly more advanced than Naruto and maybe even Sasuke. No, he couldn't be…how could she think like that. But still, what if he was? She couldn't let Sasuke get hurt and it appeared that Kakashi wasn't going to stop them. Without another thought, she jumped up from her spot next to the campfire, and ran in between the two boys. Neji looked a little surprised by her behavior while Sasuke remained unfazed.

"Sakura, what are you doing? Move out of the way!" Sasuke commanded sternly. Neji instantly gave an icy death glare at the Uchiha for talking to his princess like that. For that comment, he would go extra hard in his beating. That idiot didn't have any clue what kind of a treasure he had in Sakura. Well, no matter soon he would take Sakura from him and then that fool would know what he lost.

Sakura shook her head and held her arms out wide.

"Sasuke, please, don't fight, please. We're all on the same side right?" Sakura was obviously pleading. It frustrated Sasuke to no end. He was doing this for her! Of course she didn't know that but still, how could he fight for her if she didn't let him fight at all?

"Please, don't fight," Sakura begged in her small soft voice. On the outside, Sasuke remained cold and emotionless, but on the inside his resolve was crumbling. It was hard to deny her anything, but he couldn't back down from this fight. His eyes were wary. Wait, why did he care about her feelings so much? This whole fight was created because of her. If it hadn't been for her then maybe he and Neji would have gotten along better. Yeah, that was never going to happen so he might as well get on with this fight. Sasuke was about to tell Sakura to move and stop being annoying, when a truly unexpected thing happened, Neji stood up from his fighting stance and began to walk away. He stopped and looked back at a flabbergasted Sakura and Sasuke. A small smile graced his lips.

"If that is what you wish…Sakura…then I will be more than happy to oblige you." Neji said softly. Sakura's jaw dropped open. Never before had a guy done something just because she wanted it. And the way he did it was like he wanted to please her. A pretty pink blush colored her cheeks, which Neji took note of. He took great pleasure in this. He was slowly winning the battle for her heart. Besides, he had gotten to say her name freely without any kind mandatory honorary title. He found he quite liked when he tested it for the first time. It was then that he realized that throughout this mission he would be able to talk to her completely casually. For now, he had to bid her adieu because he had spend the night in the lake that wasn't far from here in order to regain his chakra. He knew that tonight his dreams would consist primarily of her and the possible future they could share.

"Leaving for the night, eh Neji?" Kakashi called a ways off while trying to tend to Naruto. That hit had caused internal bleeding, but the harder part was trying to keep Naruto from moving so much. The boy was going to cause more damage to himself by fidgeting. Luckily, Hinata was doing a great job of keeping the teen relatively calm. He seemed to listen to her when he wouldn't listen to anyone else. Kakashi smiled behind his mask. Those two were progressing nicely, besides, they made a good couple. They were really good for each other. She was quiet and loved to listen to Naruto's loud rants. He didn't mind that she was practically silent, and he inspired her to be a stronger person. When those two got together, it would be a happy day in Kakashi's life. Love like theirs was not a common thing. The only love between two people that outshined theirs was that of Sakura and Sasuke's. But now, would it survive, especially now that Neji was fighting for Sakura's adoration. Only time would tell.

Neji nodded once to the silver haired ninja.

"Yes, I must be departing for the night, I will return at dawn." Neji turned once more to Sakura.

"Goodnight…Sakura." He stated before disappearing off into the surrounding trees.

Sakura felt the air rush out oh her mouth as she gasped at the look of intensity that he sent her. No one had ever looked at her like that before. That looked of pure longing shocked her to the core. He hid nothing from her. He wanted her. No one had ever wanted her like that before. Sakura's heart was racing. Why did he feel so strongly for her when he had only just met her? No, her heart told her that she had known him before. That was the reason he had such intense feelings for her. But how, she was human and he wasn't so was it even possible. The soft voice in her mind reminded her that in her dreams, she wasn't human either. That was a troubling thought. Was there a possibility that she wasn't even human? No…that would mean that all of them weren't, and that couldn't possibly be true. But how then could she have known Neji? The way he gazed at her made her wonder if she had known him than maybe...could they possibly have been lovers? Her heart ached. How could she have ever loved anyone other than Sasuke? Sakura's mind raced with the possibilities. What if she wasn't meant to be with Sasuke. It was looking like that was going to be the probable outcome. He saw her as nothing but annoying.

Sakura touched her shirt where her fang necklace was hidden beneath. But then why did she have this? Why did she think of Sasuke whenever she touched it? Was it her overactive imagination? And if it was all fiction, then maybe she should just do everyone a favor and move on with her life? The small voice inside of her, clenched. No… She loved Sasuke! She couldn't think like this. Still, despite her personal prep talks, her feelings and thoughts were still in an uproar.

A few hours later found the little group of ninjas sitting around a fire. Silence permeated everything like an uncomfortable blanket. Each spoke not a word for different reasons. Naruto, with help from Kakashi, had almost completed healed. For once the blonde was rambling nonsense about everything, but was quietly pondering the strength of that Neji guy.

It burned him to no end. How could someone like that posses the strength that he did. How was it that he was so much stronger than him? He trained hard everyday right? Why were his efforts not good enough? How was he going to become Hokage of his village if someone else had better skills than he did? Naruto was not one to be down on his losses. He would find a way to become stronger than Neji if by sheer will power and determination alone. This was his life and his story and there was nothing that was going to hold him back from his dreams. A small grin placed itself on Naruto as he formulated ideas on how he could become stronger. He would be the best someday; all that was needed was effort and hard work.

Hinata sat on Naruto's right side. Today had to be the most overwhelming day of her life. It almost seemed like the battle with Zabuza occurred a millennia ago instead of just this morning. Those moments of battle were terrifying and yet they were not the most emotionally trying. Meeting Neji had opened a Pandora's Box concerning her life and her mysterious past. Looking at him, the similarities, that they shared, it all very much pointed to the fact that she wasn't human either. Whatever it was that he was, was probably the exact thing that she was. Maybe that was another reason why he was there. Maybe it was his job to bring her back. She really needed answers, but until tomorrow, she would have to endure the pain of uncertainty.

Sasuke sat on Naruto's left side. Ever since his encounter with Neji, he didn't want any male coming anywhere close to Sakura. That was the reason he placed himself between Sakura and Naruto. At this point, he didn't want even his best friend near her. Yes, he was being possessive, and he didn't want to be, but he couldn't help it. Every time someone got too close for his liking he wanted to growl at them to keep their distance. Sasuke was starting to worry about this particular behavior. Still, when Neji had said his goodbye to Sakura, that inner voice had roared in contempt. He wanted to place Sakura behind him and hide her away from his view. She was his. He had come to terms with thought process. Sakura was smart beautiful and brave. It was easy to like her. He just couldn't love her the way that she wanted him to right now. Still, somehow he would start showing her his feelings and then explain to her about his situation. He knew it was unfair to her by making her wait but he couldn't lose her either. She meant too much to him. She always stood by his side no matter how he treated her. He would tell her. He would tell her before that Neji guy stole her away. And by the looks on her face, he hoped that it wouldn't be too late. For right now, he would contemplate what he was going to say to her, and tomorrow night, he would express his feelings to her.

Sakura sat entranced by the flames. Her thoughts and feelings had not cleared. She was just about to go to sleep when a heart stopping sight caught her eye. Across from her sat Kakashi. For some reason, Sasuke had flipped out when he had previously tried to sit next to her. The silver haired sensei just chuckled and took his seat across from her. She had been staring at the flames when she saw that was absentmindedly twirling something between two fingers. Out of curiosity, she took a closer look to see what her teach was so enamored with. What she saw almost stopped her heart. At the end of a silver chain that adorned his neck was a fang just like hers. Granted it was a little bit smaller, but the concept was still the same.

"Kakashi…what…is that?" Sakura said trying to keep her breathing calm while gesturing toward the fang necklace. Everyone else's attention was immediately captured by the same sight. Kakashi looked surprised, and then after a few moments calmed looking wistfully at the small fang that he held carefully. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"It is the fang that belongs to my mate, or as you would say, my wife." Literally everyone's jaws dropped. Kakashi was married! When the heck did this happen! Kakashi chuckled.

"You look surprised. What? Did you think that someone like me could never get married?" The unspoken answer was, "well yeah" but still silence prevailed. When there were no responses, Kakashi merely smiled, unseen due to his mask and then spoke in a gentle tone that his students had never heard before. Only their true selves had heard him speak like this and even then, it was an extremely rare occasion. Kakashi gazed into the flames almost like he could see his beloved mate there.

"Her name is Anko. She is also a naga, probably one of the most beautiful in the entire kingdom. I first met her long ago. I met her for the first time in our ninja academy. She was assigned to my team. She was so full of life and determination, yet she still possessed this energetic innocent attitude. You remind me a lot of her, Sakura." At the comment Sakura blushed shyly at the compliment and muttered a brief thank you.

"I was such an obnoxious brat back then. I was obsessed with becoming the best and viewed my teammates as a hindrance. How stupid I was. At first, I was so cold to them, but still they wouldn't give up on me, especially Anko. I'll never forget it. After a few years, Anko and I were talking. I called her annoying and then she did the most unexpected thing. She slapped me. Hard. She told me that I should just get over myself and just accept her already because she wasn't going anywhere. I was so shocked that her plan inadvertently worked." Sakura smiled. Maybe she should do the same thing to Sasuke.

"So when did you decide that you liked her?" Sakura was trying to pick up as many tips as possible because Kakashi seemed a whole lot like Sasuke when he was his age. Kakashi smirked, and then turned his gaze toward Sasuke.

"When she decided to start going out with someone else." Sasuke's eyes widened and then instantly he turned away. If Kakashi was trying to compare him to how he was back then, then he was dead wrong. Still, his words struck an unwanted chord. Kakashi continued knowing that he had his student's attention despite his attempts to hide it.

"When I saw her with someone else, I felt like I was dying inside. I couldn't stand seeing her with him. I had never met the guy before, yet I wanted nothing more than to tear her away from him and wrap her in my arms growling for everyone to stay away. But more than anything, I felt hurt because…because it wasn't me who she chose. Despite that, I couldn't give up. When an "unexpected accident" happened to her boyfriend that ended him in the hospital for a while, I was able to tell her of my feelings. I don't know what she saw in me, but for some reason she reciprocated her feelings her feelings for me and we've been together ever since. Anko is…she is my life, without her I realized that I merely existed. Life is not worth living without her. She is my love, my wife, and nothing will ever come close to comparing." When he finished, the girls saw him in an entirely new light.

"So is that like your wedding ring?" Hinata asked pointing to the fang. Kakashi nodded. Yes, and she has one of mine. This necklace is infused with our chakra so that the necklace will never come off unless on of the two of us dies. We are bonded for eternity. You see, a male naga will give his fang to his mate to be. It's sort of like an engagement ring. If the female accepts then its shows as a symbol to all other males that she is taken. Once the two are married, they are bonded together."

Sakura froze. The necklace that she wore was exactly the same as Kakashi's. Did…did that mean that somewhere in the past she had been married to a naga? The dreams she had been having lately seemed to confirm her suspicions. But she was still able to take the necklace off. That meant that she was only engaged. Only engaged?! What was she thinking, only engaged?! That was definitely something! Without thinking, she stole a glance at Sasuke who was still staring blankly at Kakashi. Everyone seemed to be caught in the trance of his story. Unconsciously, she placed her hand over the fang, and pressed against her clothes so that she could feel its shape. Immediately after, Sasuke's gaze shot to hers in a questioning manner, almost like she had called him directly. Sakura quickly looked away blushing fiercely, dropping her hand away. In her dreams, it had been Sasuke who was her intended. Maybe…maybe her dreams had been real? Hold up, that was just crazy talk. That would have to mean that Sasuke was a naga. Well that wasn't true. Sasuke was human, and that wouldn't change.

Meanwhile, Sasuke's thought were in turmoil. Just a moment ago, it had happened again. He had felt that familiar tugging that Sakura was calling him. Somehow it felt like she was calling him because she was confused and needed him. But when he looked over to her, she had acted as if she hadn't said a word. This hadn't been the first time that this particular occurrence had happened. It would happen randomly from time to time. He didn't know what caused it, but every time it was like he could feel Sakura's emotions. Sasuke involuntarily shuddered. Why was he feeling like this toward her all of a sudden? He had been acting crazy lately. Not even an hour ago he was plotting how he was going to tell Sakura that he loved her. He didn't love her. He barely tolerated her. She was just annoying. He didn't care if that Neji guy did like her. They could get together for all he cared. That thought halted his thoughts, not to mention that irritable inner voice was screaming in protest. The thought of Sakura with someone else made him nauseous. And he did like her, but did he like her like that? Maybe. Maybe she wasn't so bad after all. And the only reason that she was annoying was because she cared so much about him. Then, maybe…he would be kinder to her. He just wouldn't confess anything to her just yet. Alright, that sounded more like a plan, and his inner self seemed to compromise as well. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted but the most monumental and thought provoking question in the history of mankind and otherwise. What was more stunning was that it actually came from Naruto's mouth.

"So Kakashi, if you have a mate and all, then why do you read smut like that?" Kakashi smirked and made sure that all eyes were on him.

"To put to test the things I've learned, of course. A ninja must always be well educated so that he can excel in future missions." Needless to say jaws dropped and somehow the four teens' faces turned the most interesting shades of red….

The next morning at daybreak Neji rejoined the group. Sasuke and Naruto immediately fell into a foul mood, while Hinata was shy, and Sakura couldn't help but blush at the sight of his welcoming gaze. Soon after, it was pretty quiet as the small group packed up. However, Neji noted that when Kakashi pulled that book out and began to read intently, that the others immediately blushed and muttered things like "pervert" over and over again. Apparently he had missed something. (Neji doesn't know what the book's contents are.) From then on, the group picked up their journey onwards to the land of waves.

It was about two hours later when Sakura felt this odd feeling of dehydration and dryness that seemed to saturate her body. Everything was so hot and she felt like she had been in the desert for days. There was also this strange itchiness on her legs. At first, she tried to ignore it but the longer they traveled, the weaker she felt and became. All of the fresh water in her canteen was gone. Her mouth felt so dry. She needed water, but the more water she had drunk made her all the thirstier. What was going on with her? Soon, her condition was starting to deteriorate at a more alarming rate. Her vision became blurred and she couldn't feel her legs anymore. A few seconds later her eyes fell shut one last time as she lost consciousness.

"Sakura!"

Luckily, Neji had been leaping in the trees behind her, so that when she fell he was there to catch her. In a moment's notice, the others were by his side. Naruto went ballistic.

"Sakura! Sakura, what's wrong with her! Sakura wake up!" he called desperately She was hurt and he didn't know how to help her. Hinata looked upon concern filling her eyes. Her best friend was unconscious. What had happened to her? She seemed like se was fine just a few minutes ago.

Neji's heart clenched. How had he overlooked her state of being? What was wrong with her? He had failed her again. She was hurt and he had done nothing to save her. Suddenly a possessive low growl emanated from beside him. It was coming from the Uchiha!

Sasuke was the most concerned out of all of them. He was so upset he didn't even know he was growling. Sakura was hurt and that freak had her in his arms. Sasuke wanted nothing more than to rip her out of Neji's arms and wrap her in his. Still, fear overpowered him. Sakura was unconscious and he had no idea how that happened or what he could do to help her. He felt helpless. He couldn't take it. Another loved one was in danger and there was no way he could protect them. Inner Sasuke felt the same way. His mate to be was in danger and he couldn't help. Some mate he was turning out to be. Sasuke stopped thinking when he saw his sensei come close to her and look closely at her legs. Sasuke followed his gaze and was surprised. Her legs were peeling like as if she had been sunburned. Kakashi looked grim.

"Turn her over." He commanded. Neji looked incredulous. He shook his head.

"What? Why?" Kakashi's visible eye narrowed

"I said turn her over." Reluctantly Neji turned her in his arms so that her back was to him. Carefully, Kakashi began to lift her shirt before Sasuke growled louder. That pervert was not going to look at his Sakura like that and keep that hand. Kaskashi stopped and looked Sasuke in the eye before speaking with soft tones.

"Sasuke I need to see her mark. Sakura is in serious danger if I don't." That seemed to knock the raven haired ninja our of his inner's possession. While that happened, Kakashi swiftly lifted the back of her shirt and looked at her lower back. Sure enough, the curse mark was glowing. Everyone else looked on in awe. What was that? Kakashi turned his attention to Neji.

"Neji, where is the nearest body of water? We need to take Sakura there and fast. The first level of the curse seal has worn off." Neji knew what that meant. Without a second thought he activated his byakugan. There about a mile away was a secluded lake. Perfect.

"About a mile north of here," he answered quickly. The rest of the teens just stared in awe at the bloodline ability that he just performed. What the crap did he just do? That was obviously soothing that he could do because he wasn't human. Naruto then looked like he had an idea.

"Wait, Sakura needs water, I have some." Neji snorted.

"Not that kind you idiot." With that said he took off toward the lake as fast as his legs would take him. Sasuke immediately shot off directly behind him with the others trailing behind. He himself didn't know what was happening to Sakura but regardless of that he wouldn't leave her side. Needless to say, the four were about to have a gigantic shock…

HIT THAT BUTTON! PLESE REVIEW! I WILL UPDATE FASTER IF YOU DO! REMEMBER TO VOTE ON WHAT COLOR SAKURA'S TAIL SHOULD BE!