Here it is at long last! I finally got enough free time to start writing again, and I noticed I just stopped in the middle of this story for no reason, so I decided that I would at least try and finish it up. So ya.

Chapter 8: Reason

"I had gotten mad at Sakura" was the first words out of his mouth. He looked down at the ground, not wanting to look at the ninja's standing over him. He sighed.

"I don't know why I get mad at her. Sometimes it really irritates me, but it still happens. But anyways, this time I went overboard, and she ran off crying. The dobe ran after her and I haven't seen them since." Sasuke finally looked up.

"Next day, Tsunade told me the two were missing and she sent me to retrieve them. Obviously she doesn't think I can do that" Kiba looked down at him. He snickered.

"Naruto has gotten a lot stronger and I'm sure you've noticed" Sasuke frowned. Kiba knew about his battle with Naruto, and he obviously knew that Sasuke had lost. Sasuke looked down to avoid their eyes.

"I…just want to bring them back. Naruto is the closest thing I have to a friend, and I don't want to lose that" He tried to make it sound as sincere as possible. Apparently he did a good job. Shino turned from looking at Sasuke to stare out at the woods that surrounded them.

"Let's go" Kiba gave him a nod, and Hinata replied with a small "Yes" Sasuke snickered on the inside. They bought it.

Naruto and Sakura walked in an easy mood. They chatted about random things, happily occupied. They still haven't seen Sasuke, so Naruto finally started to let his guard down. He was glad that they were able to get away. But how did Sasuke catch up to them so fast. He didn't think Sasuke would even find out for several days before leaving, but he obviously found out sooner. It also surprised Naruto that Sasuke even bothered to come after them. It sure didn't seem like something he would do. So Tsunade ba-chan must have sent him to retrieve them. Naruto quickly glanced around at the surrounding. Tsunade probably sent more than just one ninja to bring them back. He would have to watch out.

Sakura noticing that Naruto was suddenly distracted was concerned.

"Naruto, are you okay? Is there something wrong?" Naruto suddenly snapped back to the present.

"Hu? Oh, um, it's nothing. You really shouldn't worry so much. You'll get worry wrinkles" Sakura gave him a light punch on the shoulder for his comment. Naruto snickered, instantly lighting the mood.

"Come on. It's getting late. Why don't we find a spot and stop for the night"

Their feet pushed off the branches of the trees, the momentum pushing them forward. Akamaru sniffed the air and let out a short little bark.

"Hu? Really?" asked Kiba. He lifted his nose up and carefully sniffed the air.

"Your right!" Sasuke looked over at Kiba.

"What is it?"

"I think I smell Naruto, well instant ramen to be more exact. It's faint, but definitely there. It's still gonna be awhile before we reach them"

"Alright" called out Shino. "Pick up the speed. We can rest when we get there"

"Hai!" came the reply from the other three ninja's as they began to travel faster.

'Finally' thought Sasuke 'I'm gonna get my revenge for what you did to me Naruto. Be ready when I get there'

Kiminaru: There. Done.

Naruto: It's still too short.

Kiminaru: Shut up! You complain way to much! At least I'm writing the story.

Naruto: Ya, ya….Whatever you say……

Kiminaru: Exactly, and besides, if the chapters are short, they take less time to write, and then I can post them sooner.

Sakura: Hm…I do see your logic there…..

Kiminaru: See? Alright, lets end this now, so I can start working on the next chapter!

Kiminaru, Naruto, Sakura: Please read and review!

Naruto: Hey, where's Sasuke?