Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I've passed 50,000 words. Anyways, a quicker update than the last one and things are beginning to pick up. Like i said; the calm before the storm. Enjoy.

Chapter 14: A Soul's Cry

The glowing stick of fire slowly moved towards the cigarette, lighting it. Blowing out the smoke, Naruto looked at the gates of Konoha. It had been a long journey from Suna and the group stopped to rest for only a small period of time before heading off again. It was the afternoon and Naruto took great pleasure in smoking since he was forbidden while Gai was carrying him. It seemed that the taijutsu specialist didn't like the odour the product, made primarily from tobacco leaves, emitted.

Ayame, upon being let down by Tenten, gave a huge sigh of relief, "That felt like a longer journey than when we were going towards Suna."

Tenten nervously laughed, scratching her head, "Even though we were really faster coming back."

Ayame stretched her arms, "I know, odd isn't it?"

Lee stood up straight, with a beaming smile, "I'm ready to go another round. Just tell me when Gai-sensei!"

Gai gave a hearty laugh, "I'm proud to see my protégé so full of vitality. It inspires me to exert myself tenfold."

Naruto raised an eyebrow but abstained from commenting or making any smart remark. His eyes shifted to Sakura as the kunoichi began walking, "I'll see you all another time then. I need to report to Tsunade-shisou."

Before departing completely, her eyes met those of Naruto's and she quickly turned her head the other way. Naruto only smiled in return with the intention of further infuriating her. Their argument in Suna had halted when they left the village. Although it seemed that Sakura was displeased, Naruto's demeanour was the opposite; he enjoyed getting under the woman's skin.

"Are we reporting in also?" Neji's voice was calm and collected as always.

Gai got into a handstand position, "There's no rush. We'll report to the Godaime in the evening. Meet in the usual spot at sundown."

Neji nodded and began to walk away, "I'm going to rest for a while."

Lee shouted at the top of his voice, "Don't tell me my rival has grown tired? Neji, is this true?"

The Hyuuga glared at Lee with his expressionless visage, not uttering a word. A silence followed before Neji finally turned around and headed off. Tenten began to laugh as she saw the guilty expression on Lee's face, "You haven't done anything wrong."

Gai began moving whilst supporting his weight with his hands as Lee answered the kunoichi, "Neji wouldn't get angry with me. We're rivals."

Tenten waved at the remaining people, "I'm going to practice with my new weapons and then probably have some rest too. It was pleasant meeting you Naruto, Ayame." She entered Konoha and was gone from sight within seconds.

Naruto looked towards Ayame, his cigarette already finished, "What now?"

Ayame held the bag in her hands up, "We need to give these ingredients in. I'm sure we're going to be informed of other things too. The celebration is only two days away."

Naruto acknowledged the response and walked towards Konoha's gates before Lee yelled, "Wait for me!"

Naruto froze as he heard the jounin, "What do you mean?"

Lee ran around the Uzumaki and stood in front of him, "Back in Suna, I was going to ask whether you could help me?"

Naruto observed the man, noting his sincerity, "Why would you want my help?"

Lee folded his arms, "You're a better writer than me so I wanted to know whether you could help me polish my skills."

Ayame laughed, "Help him out Naruto."

Naruto glanced at the woman then back at Lee, who had a hopeful expression. He waited and tried to understand whether there could be any flaws to this. He was only planning on staying in Konoha until he got what he came for and that moment was only days away. Taking all of it into account, he figured it shouldn't be too bad, "Okay."

Lee leapt with joy, "I won't disappoint you, I promise."

Naruto reached into his pocket and retrieved his packet of cigarettes as they walked into Konoha, leaving Gai behind.

The jounin was still balancing himself on his hands as he felt stunned by the occurrence. He looked on as the group of three slowly disappeared from his vision, slightly disheartened, "I thought we were going to do some training."

XXXXXXXXXX

Sakura walked through the familiar hallways, her feet beating against the hard floor. She had surprisingly come to enjoy her trip to Suna and didn't regret Tsunade's decision in sending her. The most interesting person on the voyage was definitely the target she had been tracking. She hadn't come across anyone before that could so easily irritate her and make her blood boil. Nonetheless, she still didn't have any strong feelings of resentment towards Naruto.

The kunoichi stopped drifting through her numerous thoughts as she approached her mentor's office. Knocking on the door and hearing a response for her to enter, she opened the door. She halted momentarily as she saw her team mates also present within the vast chamber. She remembered to close the door behind her so no one accidentally overheard things that they weren't supposed to.

"How was Suna?" Tsunade had a pleased smile across her face.

Sakura walked towards the only empty chair in the room and took a seat, tired from the journey, "They weren't happy with us entering only 2 teams for the chuunin exams."

Tsunade scoffed, "We're doing them a favour."

Sakura tucked her hair behind her ear, "They didn't like that fact."

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, "Who cares? It's not really a big issue. They'll get over it."

Sakura turned her head in the direction of her team mates; Kakashi was sitting on the window sill with some papers in his hands while Sasuke was leaning against the wall. "Why are you two here?"

Kakashi looked up from the pieces of paper he was reading, upon being addressed, but was interrupted from speaking as Tsunade swiftly answered, "I sent a message for them to meet me here. I expected your arrival around this time, so wanted to take a full report from all of you in relation to your findings."

Sakura nodded, "I'll start then." She made herself comfortable in her chair, "He hasn't done anything suspicious while I've been monitoring him. He's eccentric; that's about it." She decided to leave the part about her falling on top of him while he was naked out of it.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow as she saw a tint of red appear across the woman's face, "Are you sure there isn't anything else?"

Sakura was broken from her thoughts about the encounter in the river. She became defensive, "O-of course there's nothing else. Why would you think there is?"

Tsunade had a confused expression before looking at the Uchiha, "What about you?"

Sasuke stayed in the same position he was, "He encountered Gai and his team but nothing of concern happened. After that, he met with the Tsuchikage."

Tsunade's interest was instantly peaked, "Explain."

Sasuke unfolded his arms and rested one of his hands on his sword hilt, "I've already talked to Kakashi about it. It was an accidental meeting but they're acquainted somehow."

Tsunade began to rub her chin, "So, he's been in Iwa at some point in his life. That must be how they initially met each other." She eyed Kakashi, "Did you find out anything else?"

Kakashi folded the notes he was reading and put them in his vest pocket, "Yes, something very important."

Sakura and Sasuke directed their full attention towards the Hatake when they heard him, due to the fact they had no idea of what he could be talking about. Tsunade rested her head on her hands, concentration etched within her eyes, "Go ahead."

Kakashi had an informative tone of voice, "Do you remember when I told you how certain features of the jinchuuriki had changed?"

Tsunade nodded, "Yeah, his eyes are now crimson to a degree but they were originally blue."

Kakashi resumed speaking, "I discussed this matter in depth with Jiraiya-sama, who knows the workings of the seal the Yondaime used better than anyone. From what he told me, none of these side effects should be occurring. The seal was designed to merge his and the Kyuubi's chakra and ultimately get rid of Kyuubi."

Sasuke was quick to realise where his former mentor was going, "His seal has weakened."

Kakashi put his hands in his pockets, "Yeah, but it didn't happen on its own. It's a possibility that when he was captured by Akatsuki, he escaped after the extraction had already begun. This would explain why he's changed and the weakened seal."

Tsunade sighed, "I feel there's still more."

Kakashi felt regret and guilt upon what he was going to say next but knew he had to, "He's being taken over by the Kyuubi, slowly but surely."

Tsunade's head snapped upwards when she heard the possibility of the Kyuubi escaping. A long silence followed as Tsunade became lost in her thoughts; conversely her apprentice still had questions. Sakura broke the quiet atmosphere, "What becomes of him?"

Kakashi faced the woman and answered her, "Once the seal breaks, the chakra will overwhelm him. His body will be ripped apart and the Kyuubi will be set free."

Sakura didn't have a chance to say anything else since she couldn't find the words to. When Jiraiya had enlisted her and Kakashi's help to retrieve the last jinchuuriki from Akatsuki's grasp, she didn't know it was the container of the Kyuubi. She inwardly smacked herself upon realising she should've been able to connect the dots when Naruto arrived in Konoha. She had known that there was only one bijuu left and he was stuck in a container.

Kakashi spoke in a calm voice, "What are your orders?"

Tsunade had a severe expression, "Team 7, your objective is to capture the container of the Kyuubi." Sasuke closed his eyes when he heard the Godaime. "However, you are to wait until the Tsuchikage has left the village. For all we know, he could be an ally of his. This would cause problems if we apprehend the target while he is present."

Kakashi walked towards the window, "He is leaving the day after the celebration. We will capture Naruto on the same day."

Tsunade agreed with the Hatake, "If there is a chance of the Kyuubi escaping, then it's better to have him where we can keep an eye on him and be in full control."

Kakashi put his hand on the side of the window, preparing to leave, "What if the time comes and we have to kill him?"

Tsunade eyed the back of the jounin, "Then that responsibility will fall upon your shoulders."

Sakura listened to the exchange between the two and was perturbed by the grimness in Kakashi's voice. It seemed as if he wasn't comfortable and remotely affected with the recent orders. She understood that Naruto didn't seem like a bad person but her former teacher's sombre tone had to be for another reason. Kakashi departed as Sasuke left moments after.

Sakura was left alone with her teacher as Tsunade spoke, "I'll have to inform Koharu and Homura of my decisions but I doubt they'll object. I'm sure this will please them."

Sakura rose from her chair and turned around; her uneasiness didn't go unnoticed by Tsunade.

"Sakura…" The kunoichi refrained from moving as she heard the Hokage, "Remember; a ninja does what is necessary."

Sakura nodded and also left the office as Tsunade gave out a heavy sigh upon the door closing. She wasn't happy with what might happen but she knew the safety of the village came before everyone. She hated these moments most about being a Hokage; when she had to make decisions concerning people's lives but they weren't clear. Ignoring her conflicting feelings, she started to write the message she would have to send to her advisors.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto entered the ramen bar behind Ayame as Lee continued to talk of how glorious his book would become and something about beasts. His rambling was occasionally perceived as being the words of a deluded individual in the eyes of Naruto. As the blonde man resumed smoking his cigarette, he sat down on one of the many empty stools.

Teuchi was quick to utter a greeting upon seeing them all, "Welcome back."

Ayame placed the bag of ingredients on the counter, "This is everything. You can double check it to make sure."

Teuchi opened the bag and began to look through it, various expressions appearing across his face. He eventually ended up with a smile across his countenance, "Yeah, that's the stuff."

Naruto leaned on his arms, observing the smoke escape his cigarette whilst growing tired of hearing his newfound companion's voice. "Lee?"

Lee stopped talking instantly, "Yes?"

Naruto sighed, "Will you shut up?"

Lee was slightly offended by the bluntness of the request but complied anyway, "Okay."

Teuchi placed his elbow on the counter, "Hey Naruto, you look tired."

Naruto shifted his vision to the old man, "I'm fine."

Teuchi laughed, "That's good since we have an important day tomorrow."

Ayame was intrigued by her father's words, "Why is that?"

Teuchi folded his arms, "Well, the celebration is happening the day after tomorrow so everyone who is involved in preparing the food has been asked to come to show what they'll be making. They're going to determine whether it's up to the standard they want."

Ayame tapped her chin with her finger, "And that includes us."

Teuchi nodded, "Exactly." He addressed Naruto, "Your duties are finished until tomorrow. Make sure you arrive here early in the morning; it's a big day."

Naruto stood up, "No problem."

He left the ramen bar as he waved at the old man and his daughter. He noticed he was on his own as he looked around. He sighed before shouting, "Lee!"

The taijutsu specialist exited the food bar, "Yes, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto didn't understand how the man had forgotten their deal or maybe it was because he was told to remain quiet. "Where can we work on your book?"

Lee had a beaming smile, "I know just the place."

He began to run as Naruto remained glued to his spot, wondering where he was going. Noticing that he wasn't being followed, Lee turned around and ran towards Naruto who became wary of his actions, "Hey! Slow down!"

Lee grabbed Naruto by his arm and began to run again but this time the blonde was being dragged along behind him. "Let us leave, Naruto-kun!"

The Uzumaki stumbled a few times, trying his hardest not to land on his face, "W-what are you doing?" His cigarette flew out of his mouth and rolled across the floor, "No!"

He felt his anger grow as his cigarette vanished from sight. Using his strength, he stopped himself from moving and pulled Lee backwards, making him fall on his rear. Lee looked up at the fuming Uzumaki, "Is there something wrong?"

Naruto tightened his fist, "You could have just asked me to follow you."

Lee scratched his head, "You're right…but we're here now."

Naruto raised an eyebrow as he looked sideways to see a building, along with a few trees near it. He was reminded of his lonely past and the times he would sit on his swing while people sneered at him. "Why are we here?"

Lee stood up and brushed off the dirt from his back, "I have a friend who's a teacher here. He'll be able to help us."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Do you believe this? First, I'm taken off field missions outside of Konoha and now I have to help with this…thing tomorrow." The woman's voice was full of vigour and disbelief.

She received a blank response from the individual she was speaking to, whose face was showing signs of not wanting to be present.

"Shikamaru, are you listening to me?" The blonde woman slammed her hand on the desk.

"He's trying to work Ino." The sound of crisps being crushed could be heard as the large man sat on the row of tables.

Ino stared at the bulky individual, "Who asked you to speak, eh?"

Shikamaru began to rub his forehead, "You're not always going to get things going your way. You have the abilities of a medical ninja so the Godaime is going to make that your first priority. It makes sense when you think about it."

"And there's a plus side; it's been a long time since we've been given a mission as a team." The man with face paint threw his empty packet of crisps into the bin and opened another one.

"We're judging food, Chouji!" Ino's voice showed her displeasure.

Shikamaru sighed, "If you don't like it; tell the Godaime."

Ino had a befuddled expression, "Are you crazy?"

Shikamaru put another stack of papers close to him, "Stop being so troublesome then."

Ino walked towards the door as Chouji also got up, "Fine, I'll see you tomorrow."

The two exited into the corridors of the academy. Chouji was surprised to see Lee walking in his direction along with an unfamiliar person, "Hey, Lee."

Lee nodded in response, "Good to see you Chouji-san, Ino-san."

Ino paid no attention and walked off without uttering a word as Chouji nervously laughed and followed her. Lee stopped and looked back, "She's angry."

Naruto observed the blonde who was definitely one of the most attractive women he had seen. "She would do well for research."

Lee was confused as he heard the Uzumaki, "Huh?"

Naruto cleared his throat as he realised he had spoken aloud, "Nothing. Don't mind me."

Lee entered the classroom with Naruto close behind. Shikamaru was surprised by the appearance of the taijutsu specialist, "Lee? What are you doing here?"

Naruto closed the door behind him and stayed in the same spot. Lee grinned at his friend, "You're still a chuunin?"

Shikamaru leaned back in his chair, "I just want a…"

"I know." Lee laughed, "I was making a joke. Was it funny?"

Naruto inwardly laughed at the man as a strange feeling entered him. He became alert as he tried to shake off the sense that something bad was about to happen to him. Without warning, the door behind him was flung open as Naruto was slammed into the wall on the side.

"Shikamaru! I've joined the event tomorrow as a judge!" The loud voice and dynamic entrance was met with awkward looks.

The door separated from the wall as Naruto ascended to his feet, rubbing his nose, "Shit! What the hell's wrong with you?"

The special jounin began to stutter, "U-uh, I-I'm sorry."

Naruto put down his hands, revealing the blood flowing from his nostrils, "That's all?"

Shikamaru grabbed some tissue and got up from his seat, "Aoba, that's great news. See you tomorrow." He handed the tissue to Naruto who began to wipe the blood from his nose.

Shikamaru led the special jounin outside of the classroom and set him on his way before re-entering, leaving the door open.

Lee had a look of concern, "Are you hurt, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto shook his head as he took a seat while Shikamaru began to observe the man a lot more closely. He recognised the whisker marks from somewhere and the name sounded familiar also. "So, what are you here for Lee?"

Lee grabbed a pen from the desk, "Naruto-kun is going to help me with my book. Can I have some paper?"

Shikamaru nodded and gave the man some paper before beginning to continue with his own work, all the while thinking of where he had heard the name Naruto before.

Naruto threw his bloodied tissue into the bin as Lee sat down. "Did you bring a copy of your book with you?"

Lee nodded and placed it on the table before asking a question himself, "Have you read the book?"

Naruto was speechless when he heard the jounin since he hadn't even read one line of the book. He knew that it was essential for him to read it so he could understand where Lee needed some improvements with his writing. Shaking his head, he picked up the book and opened it to the first page; recognising the fact it was going to be a long day.

XXXXXXXXXX

The moon seemed almost lost amongst the white clouds which blanketed the sky. The snow falling in a smooth flowing fashion towards the earth was an amazing sight to behold. As Yuka walked through the encampment, she enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful show she was receiving, courtesy of nature. The land was covered in a white layer of snow, not leaving anything of a contrasting colour.

Yuka's scarlet eye's shone due to the moonlight as she passed some houses. The small abode's were well spaced out and few in number since there were only 50 shinobi who were present. Everyone was on a rotation system as they were allowed to return home each month and another ninja took their place. However, the situation was different for the 22 year old woman as she hadn't returned to her home since she had arrived at the encampment.

There wasn't much work for the Confederation now that Akatsuki had been defeated. She had sent out a squadron to Wave Country to investigate the mines where the crystal, Naruto informed them of, was found. She was waiting for their return but no word had been received from them yet.

Yuka came to a halt as she arrived at her destination; staring at the home which was far from everything else. She opened the door before walking inside and switching on the lights. She shook her head as she saw the dirty chamber; clothes spread across the bed and some papers thrown across the ground.

Yuka approached the clothes and began picking them up before folding them neatly and piling them on the bed. She also picked up the papers which seemed to be some of Naruto's notes, which he had discarded. The scarlet eyed woman didn't really like the genre which Naruto had an interest in however she admitted that he had a penchant for writing it.

Placing the papers on the cabinet next to the bed, she looked at the picture on top of it. A smile adorned her face as she picked it up and momentarily gazed at it; reminiscing about when it was taken. Placing it back down, she caught sight of something sticking out from the drawer.

She walked closer to the drawer before bending down and opening it to put the parchment back inside. However, she hesitated when she saw something very intriguing. Opening up the parchment fully, she observed the drawings of seals. There was a lot of basic information written down indicating that it was only to understand the principles of seals. It seemed as if the parchment was used as a starting ground of sorts.

Yuka raised an eyebrow as she continued reading and came upon certain line, "Reinforcement of weak…" She stopped reading as so many things began to make sense to her, including Naruto's behaviour.

She knew that this was pertaining to the seal used to contain the Kyuubi and she understood the consequences for it breaking. Her heart gave a jolt as she felt a sickening feeling in her stomach. Her vision became clouded as a tear dropped on the parchment and there was only one person on her mind, "Naruto…"

Author Notes: Team 7 has been given new orders to capture and maybe even kill, Yuka finally understands things, Naruto is getting ready to complete his goal in Konoha and we haven't even got to the celebration yet. All those twists and amazing things i promised you all are about to begin very soon so look forward to it. See you all next time.