Aurthor's notes: Okay so everyone pretty much wanted to kill me! I'm sorry ! But I just LOVEE drama and tradgedy ! Anyway, hopefully by the end of this chapter you will all forgive me and be happy !
Chapter 15
The Secret Plan
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The Night Before The Execution
He walked down the dark and empty streets of Konoha. His hands were in his pockets and he walked casually. He could sense the chakra levels as he drew closer to a group of people. Suddenly, jumping into the darkness, Kakashi landed in the centre of the group of people. They all stopped their chattering as Kakashilanded. They looked at him silently. Looking around at their faces, he could tell that the few girls were crying previous to his appearence.
"You know why I've gathered you all here." Kakashi said taking his ahnds out of his pockets. They all remained silent and attentive. " TOmorrow at noon Sakura will be executed. We need to put a stop to this." Kakashi explained, compassion evident in his voice. "Now, it's risky but I have a plan. You don't have to be involved because if we are caught or if it fails chances are we ourselves could wund up in jail, or worse. So I need to know now if you're in, or out." He finished.
They all looked at each other. "We're not going anywhere." Shikamaru said stepping forward as they all nodded in agreement. "Very well. " Kakashi said as he bent down and held his finger to the dirt on the ground. "Now, you all need to pay very close attention. " he said looking up at him as they all nodded and got in closer getting a clear view. "She will be taken to teh centre of the city where she will be hanged. What they will be using is a stand made of wood with a bar running over top of it. the rope will be tied to that and that is what they will use to hang her. Ninja's will be positioned all around the city to make sure nothing goes wrong, and no one tries to save them. " Kakashi explained.
"So.. what if we used a genjutsu?" Lee suggested. Kakashi shook his head. " We're talking about ANBU and jonin leveled ninj'as here. Chances are most of them will be able to dispell the genjutsu." Yes of course. What a stupid suggestion." Lee said smaking himself in the forehead.
"Taking care of the other ninja's will be much more simple compared to getting Sakura out of there. When we do it, it has to be fast and nearly ivisible so no one will tell.." Shikamaru said. Kakashi nodded. "Precisely." "What if we used clones and switched them before they went out onto the stand?" Tenten suggested. Kakashi shook his head. "No good." he said. "If we used clones and sent them to execution, they would explode in a cloud of smoke." Neji added.
"That's where I come in." they heard a voice as they all looked up and someone jumped down from the roof of a building. Kakashi smirked beneath his mask as he saw the man. "Glad you could make it, Yamato." Kakashi said as Yamato approached the group.
"You said the entire stage will be made of wood correct?" Yamato asked. "Yes." Kakashi responded. "Well, what if when the lever is pulled, while dropping she's replaced with one of my clones. Made out of wood, directly from where she's being hung." Yamato explained. "Yes, that could work." Kakashi said putting his hands on his hips.
"What about the bodies?" Kiba asked. "Hm.." Kakashi said. "What if we dug a deep enough hole in the ground directly under the stage so when she's dropped, Sakura falls straight into the hole and the wooden clone hangs above." Sai suggested. Kakashi smirked beneathe his mask once more. "Very good, that would work well." He said. "Wouldn't the see the hole?" Ino asked. "Not if it's covered and hid properly." Choji added.
"What about the other ninja. Performing a jutsu takes time, someone is bound to see something. " Shino added. "He's got a point." Shikamaru said putting his arms behind his head. "That's where you two come in." Kakashi said pointing to Ino and Shikamaru. "Us? What do you mean?" Ino asked.
"You two have special jutsu's that have to power to control someone else, or take over someone elses body temporarily." he stated. "It will take a lot of effort and chakra, but we need you two to some way control everyone's thoughts and bodies for a few moments in time while Sakura gets underground" Kakashi said. Ino and Shikamaru looked at each other and then back at Kakashi. "Are you crazy? We can't control EVERYONE, the whole town is going to be there!" Ino said putting her hands on her hips. Kakashi nodded. "Yes, I know. But you two can do it. It won't be long, just a few moments in time. 15. maybe twenty minutes?" Kakashi said looking at them as Shikamaru sighed. "It's such troublesome work. but we can do it." he said glancing over at Ino, as she relaxed her arms and nodded.
"Good." Kakashi said turning the the rest of the group. "Now, to take care of everything else. Neji, you and Hinata will be set in twodiffernt positions keeping an eye on things, especially since you have the use of your byakugan. If at anytime any of the plan goes wrong and you see something you are to notify us via comlink." Kakashi orderd. Neji and Hinata both nodded.
"Shino,Tenten,Lee,Kiba and Choji. I have a very important job for you five. There will be five ANBU postioned on buildings around the centre of the town. You are to find out where, and when I give the signal, you are to sneak up on them and inject this into their neck." Kakashi said holding up a small vile with orange liquid inside. "What's that?" Tenten asked. "It's a special serum. Once injected into someone's bloodstream it will knock them out immeadiatly. It lasts for about an hour before the liquid is totally dissolved. upon waking up, the person will think of falling and that they're just waking up at that moment. So to them, it's as though they fell quickly, when in reality they were out cold for an hour." he explained. "Oh." Tenten said. "Once you've injected this into them, you are to take thier place and watch over the execution. ANBU uniforms will be provided beforehand. Once Sakura has been taken underground with us, you are to dissapear immeadiatly and meet the rest of us at the memorial stone. That is where the tunnel underneathe the ground will lead to. Keep your uniforms on. You five will then lead Sakura out of the city and bring her to the woods where I will meet up with her shortly afterwards. Say your goodbyes, once I arrive you are to return to Konoha and leave the ANBU uniforms on the roof of my house, afterthat you are to carry on with your normal day." He explained as the five of them nodded.
"Sai, I will need you to be with me underground. I need you to get Sakura to the memorial site while I destroy the tunnel. " He said looking at Sai as Sai nodded. "Then it's decided. Every prepare for tomorrow and stay out of sight. We will save her." Kakashi said rising to his feet. "What about Itachi?" Sai asked. Kakashi stopped and looked at him. "What do you mean?" he asked. "Well, our plan is to save Sakura. But that means that Itachi will still die. " Sai said. " Yes, I don't follow. Do you want us to save him or something?" Kakashi asked crossing his arms. " Well, not for us, but what about Sakura. After we save her she's going to be alone, and I doubt she will be too happy at the fact that we allowed Itachi to die and her to live." Sai said. Kakashi remained silent and thought for a while. "He's right." Ino said. "Sakura would hate us for saving her and not him." she explained. "She loves him." Tenten said.
Kakashi thought for a minute. "Alright, we'll save Itachi as well, but not for us, but for her. " Kakashi said as they all nodded their heads. "However, this means that there will be more work and energy put into the plan because now we're saving not one, but two crimals." they all nodded again. "Alright. Right now we need to get to the centre of the city and begin digging the hole underground." Kakashi said as he turned and began heading for the centre of the town. They all followed him.
Kakashi looked up at the full moon as he sighed and continued forward.
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Sai popped his head out of the opening of the hole. He looked around at everyone as the leaned against tree's or sat on the floor from exhaustion. He jumped up and looked down at the hole. He watched as Kakashi headed towards them. He too, jumped out. "Great work everyone." he said brushing his hands from dirt. "Yeah, we did good and all, but I think someone is going to notice these huse goles." Shikamaru said crossing his arms. Yamato stepped forward and made a hand seal as wood covered over the holes disguiesed as normal ground. "There." he said with a smirk. "That'll do." Shikamaru said with a shrug.
"Alright everyone, you worked hard tonight. Go home and get some rest. We will all gather at the meeting point at 11:30 tomorrow morning." Kakashi said as everyone nodded and he soon dissapeared in a puff of smoke. The others began walking towards their houses as Yamato dissapeared into the darkness. Sai just stood there staring up at the night sky. "I hope it works." he said to no one in particular.
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EXECUTION DAY
Sai sat in his dark room at his table as he was drawing as per usual. He looked at the window as the light shone through. He figured it would be time soon. He turned back as he looked at his drawing. It was of a cheery blossom tree. The petals were falling and blowing around the tree with a soft sunset in the background. He looked at it for a few moments before grabbing his plack pastel. He stood up and turned around facing the wall where there were dozens of his drawings, all without names. He found an empty spot and hung the picture up. There was a small gold plaque beneathe it. He put down his black pastel and took out his kunai. He then carved something in kanji on the small gold plate. Sakura. It was then he first named one of his drawings.
He sighed putting his kunai away and grabbing his weapons and putting his sketchbook and pastels in his bag and strapping on his scroll. He looked around his room once more before heading to the window and jumping out dissapearing into the streets below.
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They all gathered at the meeting point. Kakashi wasn't there yet, typical. Finally, there was a puff of smoke and Kakashi appeared. He looked around at the anxious bunch. Five of them dressed in ANBU uniforms. "Well, the day has finally come. Is everyone prepared?" He asked looking at the different faces as they all nodded. He could tell they were worried and nervous all at the same time. He let otu a small sigh as he looked at their faces. "I appreciate this." Kakashi said sincerly. The girls all returned a smile as Kakashi smirked beneathe his mask.
"The town has already gathered in the centre. Itachi and Sakura are being led their as we speak. Everyone know's their positions and jobs?" Kakashi asked. They all nodded. "If there's any questions or concerns please express them now for we will do not have much time." Kakashi said. They all looked at him. Nobody asked a question. "Alright then, I wish everyone the best of luck. We will be communicating through com link. I assume you all have yours in your ears already?" he asked. They all nodded. "Good. You will now depart to your positions and awat further instructions. "Kakashi said as they nodded and everyone dissapeared going different ways.
Sai and Kakashi headed towards the memorial stone where the tunnel opened up to. He looked at Sai as Sai nodded. Kakashi undid the jutsu coving the hole. they both entered and headed down the tunnel towards the end where it opened up right beneathe Sakura and Itachi.
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Tenten,Kiba,Choji,Shino and Lee all approached their targets and injected with the orange liquid. They stood atop the building in plain view of everyone else. They all lifted their hands to their ears pressing the comlink button and speaking into it. "In position." they said.
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Hinata and Neji were positioned in their spots specifically so that they could have a clear 360 degree view of the city to make sure that no on approached or spoiled their plan. They spoke into their comlinks. "Hyuuga's in position." they said.
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Ino and Shikamaru were hidden behind two tree's watching the crowd. They were ready to hold control over everyone for a few moments. They looked at each other. " Ino and Shikamaru in position." Shikamaru said speaking into the comlink.
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Yamato stood in an ally way, covered by darkness. He awaited his commands to use his jutsu. "Yamato in position." he said via comlink.
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Kakashi and Sai watched from below, thanks to one of Kakashi's underground jutsu's. "Eveyone wait for the signal."Kakashi said.
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"We have a visual on Itachi and Sakura. They are being escorted to the stage by Hokage-sama and several ANBU." Kibda said speaking into the comlink.
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"Everyone hold your positions. " Kakashi said as they all heard the elder speak about Sakura and Itachi and the crimes they commited. They then watched as Itachi's blindfold was removed.
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"An ANBU is positioned at the lever ready to pull it." Shino said.
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"Yamato, Ino, Shikamaru. Get ready. Wait for my go." Kakashi said. The elder spoke his words finishing his speech. He then looked over at the ANBU and nodded as the ANBU pulled back the lever. "NOWW!" Kakashi nearly yelled into the comlink.
Shadows spread across the ground taking hold of everyone as Shikamaru stepped out from behind the tree holding the jutsu. Ino stepped out as well making hand signs as everyones mind was taken over simultaneously.
Sakura and Itachi were dropped into the hole below as Kakashi and Sai caught them.
Yamato made hand signs as quick as possible as two clones were created out of the wood perfectly immitating Sakura and Itachi.
"Kakashi, we have someone approaching the crowd." Neji said speaking into the comlink. "What!" Kakashi yelled. "Kiba, Shino take care of it. Ino, Shikamaru hold it for just a bit longer." Kakashi instructed.
"Hai." Shino and Kiba said dissapearing reappearing behind the man appraoching the crowd.
"Hurry you guys. I don't know how much.. longer. we can.. hold it." Shikamaru said into the comlink practiaclly out of breath.
Meanwhile, in the tunnel with Kakashi and Sai, Sakura and Itachi were looking at them. "Kaka-sensai?" Sakura said rubbing her neck. "No time to explain Sakura, follow Sai. He'll get you out of here." Kakashi ordered. Sakura nodded as she looked over at Itachi and he nodded as well. Sai took off running down the tunnel heading towards the openeing at the memorial stone. Itachi and Sakura following.
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The man walked innocently towards the execution holding a bag filled with groceries. Shino and Kiba both appeared behind him. Bugs began surrounding the man making it hard for him to see. "What the-" he said as he suddenly fell to the ground. Kiba stood to the side of him holding an empty syringe that once contained that orange liquid. He smirked at Shino as they both dissapeared reappearing at their posts. "It's been taken care of." Shino said. "Good. Ino, Shikamaru you can stop now." Kakashi said as no sooner did he say it that the jutsu's were realeased.
Ino stood, her legs shaking as she collapsed to the ground. However, Shikamaru moved quick and caught her. He was out of breath. He looked around at the towns people. They didn't seem to be paying attention to himself and Ino. Which was good. He dragged Ino into the dark ally where Yamato was. Once there he looked out at the two bodies hanging limply from the rope. Yamato smirked as Shikamaru smiled weakly.
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Sakura and Itachi exited the tunnel behind Sai as they ran towards the walls of Konoha. Finally, they leapt up into tree's and over the wall with the assistance of Sai and some of his drawings. They entered the forest and continued running. Sakura was beginning to feel tired, considering she was bed ridden for the past few months and didn't get much energy. Itachi wasn't doing so great either, he was basically in the same situation Sakura was, except he didn't eat. Finally arriving at teh randevous point Sai stopped. Sakura and Itachi did as well catching their breath.
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Kakashi soon began breaking in the walls of the tunnel. Slowly making his way towards the opening. "Everyone, good job. Pull out and meet at the rendevous point." he said into the comlink. "Hai." they all answered as everyone left their posts heading into the forest. Except for Ino and Shikmaru who were just to exhausted to move.
Kakashi was nearly done when he sensed something. Someone was comming near the memorial stone and he wasn't even done with the tunnel yet. But he recognized this chakra. He quickly raced to the end of the tunnel, when he looked up he saw someone very familar standing there looking down at him. "Well well well, what are you doing in there?" he asked crouching down. Kakashi didn't say anything and just looked at him. He sighed. "Gai-" he started. Gai raised his hand. "No need Kakashi. I didn't see a thing." he said with a wink. Kakashi smirked beneathe his mask as he planted soem explosive tags and sealed it with a jutsu.
He then ran off towards the forest as Gai stood there smiling. "Kakashi, what a guy." he said as he began walking away.
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Author's notes: WELLL THERE YOUU GOOOO. hopefully that wasn;t TOOO confusing ! I hope you enjoyed it, and i hope i get to live now !!! ) REEVIIIEWWW ! BTW; 200 REVIEWS !! MY GODD I LOVE YOU GUYS !! ooh annd RIP HEATH LEDGER sorry. i just thought id add that in. heeh.