Chapter... 4? I think so. Then again, I'm bad at counting. No not really. Seriously, I was just kidding. Fine, don't believe me, but you are wrong. WHAT!?! Don't sass me! No, just don't even go there! You know what people, I'm starting the story. -Sniff- You're all mean… (Just kidding)

"Genjutsu, yes! That's perfect!" Aria whispered.

"How will we get all of the girls out of here, though?" I asked.

"That's a good question. We'll just have to get the keys to the other doors and fight our way out." Kasumi stated.

I sighed. "Well, I guess that is our best chance. I just wish we had more of a plan."

(Tsunade's POV)

"What can we do, Tsunade? Michira is getting stronger!" Shizune worried.

"Calm down. I'm going to send out a team to search around. At the very least we know her base is in the land of Fire. It's just a matter of time before we finally find her." I encouraged, even though I wasn't very hopeful myself.

"Who will you send?"

"The stronger Genin along with Shikamaru. I was thinking Naruto, Sasuke, and Kiba. He and Akamaru will be useful for sniffing her out. No pun intended." Then I added, "I wonder if we could get the sand siblings to help, too? They might be really helpful if they run into any trouble. You, know, just in case they do find Michira."

"Well, they're still here for a few more days, I could go ask them."

"Yes. Go and ask them if they are up for a quick mission, but don't tell them what. They can come by my office and I'll explain. Find the others and tell them to come as well."

"Alright, here's the deal you seven… and Akamaru. You know how Sakura's been missing, right? Well someone named Michira has taken her. We don't know what she's planning yet or where her place of headquarters is. That's why we need you." I looked at all of them. "I need you to go on a mission to try and find where she's hiding, and if you can, rescue Sakura and any others that might be there. Shikamaru, you're the leader."

"All right, let's go!!! I gotta save Sakura! Believe it!" Naruto shouted. Gaara gave him a death stare. 'Hm. That could be trouble.'

"Calm down. It's unlikely you'll even find the place. The only information we have is that it's in the land of Fire somewhere, which is barely anything to go off of." I sighed.

"Why did you ask us to come?" Gaara questioned, emotionlessly.

"I figured the team needed strong ninjas just in the possibility you do meet up with her. You're mission is not to fight her. Don't forget that, Naruto. You are only trying to rescue her prisoners. Avoid it if possible." I firmly warned.

"Then when do we leave? I want to get started." Sasuke spoke impatiently. He seemed glad to be getting out of the town.

"I'll give you a few hours to pack and get ready, then you'll head out immediately." They all exited the room. I turned to the window. "I want you to follow them." Kakashi entered through the window.

"Ah, I see. To make sure that Naruto and Gaara don't…" he didn't finish. He didn't need to. The plan was simple, but I still had a bad feeling about this.

(Sasuke's POV)

"What is taking him so long?" Shikamaru complained.

"He always does this. You get used to after a while." I rolled my eyes. Naruto can be such an idiot! And yet…

Just then, Naruto came through the door. "Alright, I'm ready!"

"Finally, now let's go," Shikamaru started. "I'll tell you my plan on the way."

"You already have a plan?" Kiba asked.

"Well, yeah. We have no clue where she might be, so we'll need to start somewhere. I figured we try and have Akamaru and Kiba sniff out something. Some sort of strange unknown scent that might give us a trail to follow. You ready, guys?" At this point, they had gotten to the forest at the edge of the town. Akamaru jumped off of Kiba's head wagging his tail wildly.

"Let's go, Akamaru!" Kiba shouted, sniffing the air. Akamaru began to sniff the ground.

"Well, I can't smell a thing. Akamaru might have some more luck, but this will take a while either way. We're in for a long night."

"Man… I'm so tired… can we please take a break? We've been going all night!" Naruto whined.

"Yeah, let's get some rest. That's probably the best idea. In the morning will be right back, though." Shikamaru assured. Everyone sat down, exhausted from the day's search.

I couldn't sleep, for some reason. All the others quickly dosed off. I stood. 'Well, I might as well do something, then.' I walked around a while and eventually came to a clearing. There was a lake, surprisingly. It wasn't really big or anything, but it did shine amazingly reflecting the moonlight. I sat. It was very peaceful here. I looked across the lake and saw something, but I couldn't make it out. 'What is that?' I wanted to get a closer look. I crept slowly and silently around the lake. As I approached, I heard voices. Staying hidden, I got close enough to hear what they were saying…

(???'s POV)

"So, how are you, my old friend?"

"I've missed you. It's going well, my plan's coming together. Soon, I will rule over everything and no one will stand in my way."

"Why have you called me here? It can't be time yet."

"No, but it is close. Listen, Hayato. When I unite this pitiful world, I would like for you to be by my side."

"But… you… Michira…"

"Hayato, my love for you is so great I cannot wish for anything more but for you to be by my side, forever and always."

"I thought you'd never ask."

"Well, then, let us head back to my headquarters. You can sleep in the extra bedroom if you'd like."

"That would be lovely, my sweet."

(Sasuke's POV)

'I have to follow them! This is perfect! I just have to be very careful, though. They seem strong.' I jumped to the ground, being sure to quiet the sound of the impact with my chakra. I followed at a distance, sure that they would not sense me. I walked on and on for a long time before I finally reached a tall building shielded under a cliff. I took a moment to decide my next move. 'Should I follow them, or head back to other's? If I leave I might not be able to find it again. I'll have to wait until morning. That's the only chance I have…'

Sorry, that's the end of the chapter! I know you're all sad because it's over. :( Don't worry, the next one will come out… probably at the latest sometime this week, but most likely sooner.

-Kelsmur