Confrontment: Face to face

OV: Team Kakashi is on the move towards the war. What is their plan? Naruto is melancholy, how will he cope with Sasuke's long absence….and what about those babies???

AN: Muahhhhh!! x.Jamie-Chan.x I forgot to mention my favorite and most loyal reader!! x.Jamie-Chan.x So Ima make up for it here!! LOL x.Jamie-Chan.x Hee hee!! She really rocks, and it makes my day to see her reviews. XD

I really do write for myself, but it just makes me soo happy that someone reads my work and tells me what she thinks!! (So I try to always answer her reviews with tidbits of info and previews of upcoming stuff. My gift, because I can! LOL)

Okay enough crazy author stuff, On to the story!!

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Kakashi was resting in the makeshift 'field hospital' the team had assembled. He had been required to activate his mangekyou Sharingan in the last fight and was feeling the after effects. It hadn't been a long battle; however, it had been a brutal one. These Ninja weren't just ordinary Ninja; they were specially trained and appeared to be some of the first Sound Ninja to be encountered.

Sasuke had fared well, he had a few minor scrapes and cuts but none were deep or serious at all. Juugo had a bandage on his left arm from a sizeable gash there, but it would heal quickly. Yamato had been the most successful in this fight; he didn't have barely a scratch on him. He had been able to use his Mokuton Jutsu to his advantage. He had tried to erect a wall of trees between their team and the enemy Nin, but he hadn't been fast enough. He had gotten behind it, but the others had been unable to use it to for their defense. They had used it to their advantage though, and had divided the enemy into two groups which had made fighting them much easier.

Sasuke offered Kakashi a bowl of rice and soup. They also had grilled fish that Juugo had caught fresh that morning, but Kakashi had asked for something light. They were tending their wounds and recovering, but they were also formulating a more concrete plan. They had gathered valuable information over this past month. They now knew the location of Kabuto's Hideout, where the Akatsuki headquarters were. They also had gathered a good deal of insight into the fighting ability of the Sound Ninja as well as their allies the Rock Nin.

The earth type Jutsu many of these Nin were proficient in was strong and also a good defense against sound based attacks. Some sounds were dangerous when pitted against some attacks and defenses using earth though. Team Kakashi had seen an earthquake form from an intense burst of sound waves directed at the ground. They had also seen a similar technique create a mud pit from an area that had appeared to be quite solid.

They kept these things in mind as they plotted their next move. Kakashi would be out for another day, and they knew there were enemy scouting parties in the area. The team had announced their arrival to the Jounin Leader of the largest battalion of allies, but they had also explained some of their plan to him as well as their reasoning for staying undetected. The Jounin had been impressed by their logic and had relayed their arrival as well as their intention to remain as yet unannounced to the enemy.

This was going to take a while, and Sasuke could appreciate the logic of naming this a six month mission at least. Their information gathering was taking a long time because they had to remain unnoticed and yet gather as much knowledge as they could. They were quite good at this, and Yamato's wooden bunshin were coming in handy. They could get close to the enemy encampment without being detected, there they would relay information directly back to Yamato.

Sasuke had begun to have a working knowledge of his weaknesses since his curse seal was gone, and had learned how to compensate for this. Juugo had discovered that he had a new Jutsu at his command; he could call animals to aide in battle. He was saving this for a real incident, as he didn't want the knowledge to become common and defuse his surprise attack ability.

Overall they were functioning like a well oiled machine. They had discovered where each member fit and were able to work wordlessly. Sasuke felt like a part of something bigger than himself for only the second time in his life. Sadly this realization caused him to become depressed as he thought of Naruto.

They were preparing to either enter the heat of the battle, or try to infiltrate the enemy encampment. Their most recent knowledge informed them that the encampment was vacant except for a small team of support Nins who kept it running.

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Naruto had grown thin and his friends were worried about him. He had thrown himself into his work and was almost always to be found in the Hokage's office. This was especially troublesome for Shikamaru, as Temari was giving him a hard time for being away from home so often. Eventually he and Naruto had come to an agreement that he would be allowed to leave at a reasonable hour so long as he left Naruto with enough work to keep him occupied.

Shikamaru found this to be a typically easy task as there was a lot of paperwork that required the Hokage's personal touch. The Chuunin exams were now two months away, and Naruto had a lot of work ahead to get everything settled and ready. They had already received letters from many important Lords and Landowners that wanted a seat reserved as well as lodgings secured. Gaara was one of the respondents.

Naruto thought back to an earlier time when he had thought that it would be easy to sit in the Kage box with Gaara because Sasuke would also be there as his mate. Now it had been necessary to send Sasuke away with his team to aide the Rock Village in this war. He sighed, a long loud sound.

It was to his great relief that a knock sounded at his door, and he bid the person enter.

Sakura smiled at him, and fidgeted. "Naruto, Sai and I wondered if you would come to dinner at our house tonight. We've also invited Neji and Ten Ten, and Hinata. It would really be nice to have you come too."

Naruto smiled at her, he knew she was concerned. It had been two weeks since he had stepped into Ichiraku ramen and a week since he had entered the grocers. He had been subsisting on a cup of instant ramen a day. On most days even that was hard to get down. "Okay Sakura-chan. I'll come."

She broke into a heartfelt smile. Her voice sounded relieved and happy when she told him to be there at five o'clock.

Naruto thought about the trouble she had gone through to make him feel welcomed. She had even invited Hinata alone so he wouldn't feel like a fifth wheel. It would be good to get out of his chambers and be around his friends. He also wanted to see how Sakura had been doing. He knew she would talk to him, and he was curious about if she noticed anything different after this much time. He would have asked Ino, but she seemed to be avoiding him.

He realized he was looking forward to this dinner. Shikamaru appeared briefly at the open door, but when he saw the happy grin on Naruto's face he slipped away unnoticed.

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Kabuto looked over at his teammate. Zetsu was a strange person, and actually consisted of his own team as he had two distinct personalities. They were two days travel away from their target and Kabuto was concerned by the silence of his teammates. It was strange in a way that he had been paired with someone with split personalities as he too had another side to him, that being Orochimaru whose cells had regenerated enough in Kabuto's body to form a personality of their own.

They were on their mission to try to capture a person who was integral to their plot. They had a plan that seemed foolproof. There was no concern that there were only four actual members of Akatsuki, they effectively made six together, but with Orochimaru calling the shots, Zetsu and his white and black sides, Kabuto with his great chakra manipulation and medical abilities, Pein and his as yet undisclosed secrets, and Konan who they were sure hadn't revealed her Jutsu's to anyone either; they felt they would have the upper hand in any conflict.

Kabuto smiled, in his head he heard Oro chide him for being overconfident. "You know what happened to me when I got that way. That fool Sasuke actually overpowered me! Now I'm stuck with this half existence in your body; not that you don't have your own unique qualities, but I wanted that Sharingan!"

Kabuto sighed and the team, who were very in tune to each other, knew Oro was giving him a hard time again. They had learned the hard way not to interfere in these discussions. Oro could overshadow Kabuto and become the dominant presence. If that happened it was because he was pissed and felt the need to personally rectify some situation. He had recovered a lot of his former strength, and when combined with Kabuto's medical chakra he could kill with one hit.

Orochimaru would never admit it, but he found that being in the body of Kabuto wasn't such a bad predicament. If he hadn't been so accustomed to having him as his right hand man he might have taken over his body a long time ago. As it was he felt this could be an ideal circumstance because he should be able to perform his body transfer Jutsu and leave Kabuto's body to itself without it dying. Then he would have his right hand man as well as the knowledge of how he performed his Jutsu's in his new body.

No one bothered to point out to Orochimaru that his transfer technique had ended with Sasuke. Sasuke now possessed the contract with the white snakes and Oro could no longer call on them to disperse their poison that was a required element in the transfer. He would have a rude awakening when he willingly separated from Kabuto to enter a new body and found himself a soul with no human shell anymore, finally dead as he should have been years ago.

The team stopped to rest for the night; they were in no hurry to get to their target. They knew it was weakened and left largely unprotected in the current state of things.

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Naruto entered Sakura's gate and proceeded toward the door. He had noticed he was being followed by ANBU again, but decided not to question it. Someone with high enough authority to assign ANBU to him must feel it necessary. Eventually they would get around to telling him why. He was disconcerted that they didn't try harder to conceal their presence. Perhaps they figured he knew about the assignment or else he had just learned how to sense their presence from their long contact together.

Sakura heard footsteps on the stoop and opened the door, "Naruto! Come in, we're so glad you're here!" she exclaimed as she ushered him in.

He grinned, a real expression, one he hadn't felt like wearing for some time now. It really did feel good to know he was wanted and that his friends cared. He slipped his shoes off and stepped into the main room where everyone else was already sitting and visiting. His friends stood and greeted hi warmly, Hinata approaching shyly to plant a soft kiss on his cheek.

"N-Naruto-kun, I'm glad you could come," she said in that soft voice of hers.

Neji and Ten Ten calmly acknowledged the blonde, observing how quiet and reserved the typically hyper and loud man was. They were saddened by his lack of liveliness, but knew it would be sort lived. A silent prayer was offered for Sasuke's safety and swift return.

The evening was a nice one, quiet discussions were held about everything that could be talked about, and the time seemed to fly by. Before long Naruto was yawning, an expression that was chorused through the room. Soon thereafter everyone bid their goodbyes and dispersed to their own homes. Neji and Ten Ten were walking Hinata home, and Naruto declining the offer with a slight gesture toward an unassuming but obvious ANBU guard. The others laughed at the failed attempt to conceal him self, and Naruto suggested he walk openly with him so he wouldn't feel so alone.

All too soon the evening was over and Naruto was back in his too silent too lonely chambers. He would have gone to bed early if not for an urgent knocking on his door. There was a mane of bushy white hair that greeted him when he opened it.

"Jiraya! You're back!" Naruto screeched happily.

Jiraya's face showed his happiness to be back, but also a look of concern for the man standing in his own doorway. "Naruto we must talk, now."

Jiraya explained new information he had been able to uncover about a new kidnapping plot on Naruto. The group behind it was unknown, but their ability had been confirmed. "Naruto you are in grave danger. Sasuke is not here to help you, and from what my sources tell me this group won't be easily defeated. I am concerned for your safety!"

Naruto grinned at his Sensei and Mentor. He wasn't concerned with the threat to his safety. Neji, Shino, Shikamaru, Hinata, Sakura, Lee, Ten Ten, Kiba, Chouji, Ino, and any number of other capable Ninja were still available to come to his aide if he needed them. These he had named he knew would personally risk everything to help him. They also knew he would do the same.

After realizing Naruto had heard him he just didn't care, Jiraya turned the conversation to other things. They talked for a while longer before Jiraya took his leave. Naruto settled in for the night and soon went to bed. He reached across the pillows pulling Sasuke's toward him and inhaling the faint scent of his lover that remained.

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Naruto headed into the office early the next morning, he didn't have any other distraction so he decided to bury himself in work; however he just couldn't seem to concentrate. Shikamaru popped in to say that he would be leaving for a little while. Naruto, who had been looking out his window and staring at one of the academy training grounds lost in thought concerning a certain pale eyed girl, stopped him before he could leave and questioned exactly what he was going to do.

When he discerned it was nothing terribly important Naruto revealed he had a request. "Shikamaru I need you to take a scroll to the Hyuuga Compound and personally deliver it to Hiashi. I also need you to wait for a reply and return and inform me of this answer."

Shika sighed and muttered how it was troublesome, but agreed to deliver it. Naruto took out a scroll and looked over it quickly. Obviously pleased with the contents he sealed it with his official seal and also wrapped a broad ribbon around it for good measure. He handed it to his pony tailed undersecretary and urged him to hurry.

For once Shikamaru traveled quickly. Something in Naruto's expression and voice had convinced him this was no simple task he was attending to. He reached the compound in short time and stood before the pair of guards looking up at the oppressive gates. One of the men standing in front of him cleared his throat. When he had Shika's attention he asked what he was doing there.

Shika bowed respectfully and replied, "I have been sent by the Hokage-Sama to deliver this message personally to Hyuuga Hiashi-Domo."

The guards looked at each other, finally the one who had addressed Shika before bade him follow him into the compound.

Naruto sat in his office thinking about Hinata and Neji. He was reminded of their mission to find a certain bug that could lead them to Sasuke. He blushed when he remembered how beautiful the woman bathing in the water had been. He thought about how strong Hinata had been and how she had used Gentle fist to save them all, but it wasn't the same as Neji's. If anything it had appeared stronger, her chakra being released in a powerful line where Neji's was released in pulses. He then thought of fighting Neji at the Chuunin exams, and recalled the promise that he had made concerning changing the Hyuuga's which was the catalyst for this important message. He sat there smiling and hoped his reply would be favorable.

He was requesting a meeting with the Hyuuga elders and Hiashi concerning the promise he had made to Neji at the Exams. The one thing everyone who knew Naruto would agree on was that when he made a promise he carried it out. He could only hope the meeting would be scheduled and that it would go well.

Meanwhile Shikamaru had been brought to an inner courtyard that opened into the Hyuuga Main Branch Castle. He slipped his shoes off as he was lead through the door into a beautiful room obviously designed to keep waiting guests comfortable.

As they entered Shika saw Neji approach from the opposite end of the room. He appeared to have been just passing through, but when he saw the guard and Shikamaru he stopped and inquired as to what was the purpose of his visit.

Shika informed him, "I have a message from Hokage-Sama for Hiashi-Domo. I was instructed to personally deliver it and wait for a reply." As he spoke he showed Neji the scroll.

Neji paused, but nodded and dismissed the guard who disappeared in a puff of smoke. "Follow me," he ordered and led Shika through what could only be described as a maze of corridors intended to keep outsiders from easily finding their way through.

Eventually they arrived at a gilded door. Neji knocked and was bid to enter. He stepped in and immediately dropped to his knees bowing with his head on the floor. Shika waited outside until he was instructed to enter.

"Hiashi-Domo, I have a messenger from the Hokage-Sama with a scroll," he said without rising.

"Get up, Neji-San, and tell the messenger to enter."

Neji rose and pushed the partially opened door fully open motioning Shika to enter. Shika stepped in and bowed his head humbly. He then held out the scroll, "Sumi masen, I was instructed to hand deliver this scroll and await your reply."

Hiashi took the scroll and slipped the ribbon off. He broke the wax seal and began to read the contents. He stopped abruptly, "Neji-San, you may leave," he ordered.

Neji left with an interested look on his face. He wondered what could have been in the scroll and why it was so important to require a direct answer.

Shikamaru stood where he had entered as Hiashi read the scroll. He seemed to be thinking about it deeply, and even appeared to read it over a couple of times. Finally he acknowledged the man standing in front of him, "Please tell Hokage-Sama that I am agreeable to conduct this meeting. You are dismissed," he said with a broad smile.

Hiashi recalled Naruto's fight with Neji also. It had been the moment when he had acknowledged Naruto as being more than he had considered. It had also shown him that it was finally time to tell Neji the truth about his father. Now Naruto was setting his sights on changing something that was as old as the Hyuuga clan itself. Hiashi supported this change, because he had realized that Neji was a Hyuuga genius. As the most gifted Hyuuga he should have been the Heir, and while this change would be too late to affect this generation, it could be Neji's child who might be chosen the next heir.

Shika followed the many turns back to the front entrance. It occurred to him that neither Neji nor Hiashi had thought about how he was to leave. If he hadn't been such a genius he might have gotten lost, as it was he had memorized the path they had taken easily, and without even trying. He slipped his shoes back on and headed for the gate. Before long he was back on his way to the Hokage Office at his typical leisurely pace. He wasn't in as much of a hurry to return and was using the time spent on the return trip to ponder what might have been in that scroll.

Naruto looked up expectantly when he pushed the door open without knocking. "The answer is affirmative," he replied and then mumbled under his breath 'whatever that means.' He was a bit angry that Naruto hadn't trusted him with the details.

His attitude changed as Naruto's face shone with excitement, "Shikamaru, I need you to prepare documents for me. I need a requisition for the Hyuuga elders to discuss merging the branch and main families. I have requested a meeting in a week from Hiashi to stand before the elders and submit my proposal that all members should be treated equally and not judged by their birth."

Shikamaru nodded and left the office to begin working on the proposal. He felt better now that he knew what was planned. He also surmised that Naruto hadn't informed him sooner because he had feared a negative reply from Hiashi.

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On the border of the Fire Nation a group of four Ninja prepared to cross over on their mission. They were headed for Konoha to seek out the Hokage. They had a short trip ahead of them to reach Konoha, but it would be a long and treacherous journey home. They were confident that they would be able to obtain what they were after easily, but they couldn't assure the details following that.

They traveled in pairs, two in front two behind. They didn't speak, they didn't need to, each of them knew their job and was prepared to carry out the mission at all costs. They also were confident of the outcome of this mission. A confrontation was coming, and they expected to be the victors.

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Sasuke dodged another attack that came from behind. He was faring well in this battle and wasn't tired at all yet. This fight had been hand to hand combat so far and he hadn't even had to do any Jutsus. He didn't expect things to stay this easy; after all they had finally been confronted by the enemy. After two months of recon missions and observation they had finally been detected and had been engaged.

Their presence had been ill received by the Sound Ninja and they were fighting fiercely. Their allies from the Rock were glad to have them joining their side and had supported them readily. It seemed the war was finally all out, and they could no longer stay out of it in good conscience.

Kakashi had just succeeded in immobilizing a group of ten or more Sound Nin and Yamato was hastily constructing a prison to house them. Juugo was running through enemy Nin with abandon seeming to have found a little of his old lust for the kill. He was slicing through them with his sword easily and showed no signs of tiring for some time to come.

The outcome of this engagement seemed assured, however Sasuke refused to let his guard down. He knew things would be unpredictable with these Nin, and although their fighting tactics were familiar he was ready for any surprises they might offer.

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Okay, finally this chapter is done. There is a great clash coming, and death is inevitable. I cannot say who it will be, nor if they are good or bad. I mean I already killed Itachi and Madara, it would seem fair to kill off a good guy, but I could just kill off more bad guys…

Find out in Strong and Strike, Chapter 10!!

-Kneise