Muhahah! I finally fnished this chapter in record time! I'm sure it has some grammatical errors, but I was going for speed this time. This is a two-part chapter. I had to break it up due what it emcompasses. I hope it's worth it and that you will find it enjoyable. I will be hard at work on the second part. I've also noticed that the number of hits for this story has pretty much doubled over the last 24 hours. I hope you are all enjoying the story. Let me know what you think of it, as it really keeps me going to know people are really reading.

Naruto – Threads of Fate

Chapter 11

If I Should Die Before I Wake: Part One

"Naruto, Slow down. We are already head of schedule."

The young boy grimaced as he was told to slow his pace. Naruto didn't want to be ahead of schedule. Naruto wanted to be there NOW. He glanced back at his teammate and commander, Neji.

"The sooner we get there, the sooner I can get back to Konoha." Naruto told him. Neji grimaced as he looked at the young Uzamaki boy a few yards ahead of him. He didn't know why, but Naruto had been unreasonable from the moment they left the village gates. His constant grumbling and complaining didn't do much for the Hyuuga boy's mood. I'll be glad to get this over with. Neji thought. I don't know what the Hokage wants, but far be it for me to question those who are my superiors.

They were traveling along the edge of the grasslands, the last major area before they reached the dessert. It was the longest stretch of geography they had to cross before reaching the Wind Country boarder. Being so close to the boarder, it was rather windy and one could tell by the looking at the talk grass over the plain flowing like a green sea as the breeze blew over it. Instead of crossing over the open area, they were traveling through the trees that bordered the grassy plain. It would take them a few hours longer than it usually would, but them less of a target to any possible ambush. Despite the delay, they were still moving at an excellent speed. The sun was setting ahead of them and they hand made it three fourths of the way across. Neji decided to push ahead overnight so they would reach the Wind Country boarder before morning. Form there it was half a day's journey to the Hidden Village of Sand

Neji was thankful that he had competent help with him. Lee brought up the rear of the group, only a few yards behind himself. Almost next to Naruto was Neji's cousin, Hinata. Both were capable (Hinata far more capable then he expected when he first found he was to be working with her.) and proven shinobi. Even Naruto was dependable. . . when he wasn't being annoying and loud.

"Perhaps you should slow down; some of us don't have the stamina you have, Naruto-kun." Hinata told him. He glanced over to her before sighing and slowing down his pace.

"I'm sorry Hinata-chan," he told the young girl. "But I just want to get this over with as quick as possible."

"Whatever this mission is, it must be important it the Hokage is sending you off alone."

Naruto mumbled to himself and avoided making eye contact with Hinata. If you call running and hiding important, then yeah. He thought.

Neji watched the interaction between his cousin and Naruto and almost allowed himself to smile. It was obvious to him that his cousin harbored feelings for the young blonde. He could tell Naruto held Hinata in high regard just by his calm demeanor whenever he addressed her. He could see how the blonde ninja took greater care in what he said whenever her spoke to her. However, he wasn't completely sure of the Uzamaki boy's true feelings towards Hinata. Not that it was any of his concern. He tended to stray away from such nonsense. He only hoped that it would not hinder the mission at hand. The young Byakugan user thought back to the words the Hokage spoke to him after she briefed the group on the mission. The Fifth made the mission seem simple, but he could tell by the look in her eyes that something worried her and almost expected something to happen. It was even more evident after she asked him to stay behind for a moment.

"Listen, Neji-san," The Fifth told him when they were alone. "I don't care what it takes; you have to make sure Naruto makes it to The Sand alive and in once piece."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." He assured her.

"I mean it. It is vitally important. . . . to all of us here in the village." Neji knew that whatever the Hokage was worried about was entrusted to the young blonde boy. But not matter the circumstances he was going to deliver Naruto to the Sand. For one thing, Naruto was a teammate. Even if he was acting like an ass right now, his status as a fellow teammate and Leaf ninja was enough for Neji to take things seriously. Neji did not let anything happen to those under his command.

While he was the lone Jounin of the group, he still answered to Shikamaru and did so without hesitation. Shikamaru was an outstanding leader and better strategist then himself. But Neji took his duty seriously. Those who were entrusted to his command were not simply soldiers; they were comrades. Everyone had a purpose; everyone was part of the team. He respected that and respected them because they were willing to lay down their lives for the good of the mission and the village. That is why he tried to make sure everyone came back from each mission alive. He also fought to make sure every mission was executed in the most efficient way possible. Making sure everything was done right and everyone came home was, as Naruto would often put it, his "ninja way."

"It shouldn't be much longer until we cross the grasslands," Lee said, which woke Neji from this thoughts. "Then it's only a little ways to the boarder."

"We can't get there fast enough for me." Naruto replied. At least I get to see Gaara again. Perhaps we can train together. The Demon Fox vessel thought. He thought back to the last time they two saw each other. Both boys were drained of chakra and exhausted from the battle that literally changed the geography of an entire area of land. It would be nice to see his fellow vessel on much friendlier terms.

"Naruto! Watch Out!" Lee Shouted. His warning caused Naruto stop just in time before he was enveloped by a colossal column of flame that blasted up from the ground below. The updraft nearly blew him back into his teammates. Neji cursed at not seeing the trap before hand. I knew something was going to happen. He thought as he flung himself to the head of the group. The rest of his team took defensive positions in a circle. The fire had scarred the trees nearby them and some flames still burned on several branches. So someone has been watching us, eh? Well let's see where they are.

"Byakugan!" Neji activated the bloodline ability. Hinata followed suit behind her cousin and began to scan the area surrounding the team.

Hinata, do you see anything?" Neji asked.

"Nothing. . . wait, what's that over there?"

All heads turned in the direction that she was pointing. They all saw movement in one of the larger shadows nearby. A few moments of watching and they all saw the outline of what appeared to be a person. They all tried to strain to get a better few of who it was.

No," Naruto whispered to himself. "S-Sasuke? It's not him. . . ." The long, dark hair was the first thing he noticed. Can it be? After all this time? No, wait. . . something's wrong. Upon closer inspection Naruto realized his mistake. However, by this time, all of them recognized their attacker.

"Uchiha. ."

". . . Itachi" Neji finished Lee's words as he stared at the S-Criminal. The group leader steeled himself and prepared for the inevitable. Any shinobi who regularly checked the bingo book knew who this missing-nin was, and those same shinobi knew to fear the power he possessed.

"I'm here for one thing and one thing only." Itachi said flatly. His eyes, already red from the activation of the Sharingan, quickly inspected the group of Konoha ninja. They held nothing but indifference for them, completely dismissing them as a threat. "I want the Uzamaki boy. The rest of you can leave; I see no reason in unnecessary killing. But I will eliminate you if you so wish it." His stance looked extremely relaxed, almost like he was out for Sunday stroll instead of being prepared for battle. The tale-tale symbol of the Akatsuki, the black robe with red markings, flowed with the wind coming off the nearby plain. The elder Uchida had an ominous air that flowed around him and everyone in the group felt his presence and power.

"I recognize you," Naruto said to him. "Your Sasuke's brother. You're the one who murdered your clan."

"He's also the second highest ranked criminal in Konoha's history." Lee stated.

"You're the one who caused Sasuke so much pain!" Naruto pointed an accusing finger towards the Akatsuki member.

"I freed my brother from the clutches of mediocrity," he stated. "I freed him from the fate of being a tool for the greater good of the Uchiha clan. I gave him a purpose and a goal. If he's the ninja I think he will be, he may one day come close to achieving it."

"You don't know shit!" Naruto spat at Itachi. "You're nothing but a murder and a coward!"

"So it's true what I heard about your brash and confrontational behavior." The former Leaf ninja said. "Regardless, I need you for our plans."

"I don't know what you want with Naruto, but if you were once a Konoha ninja, you realize I cannot leave my comrade behind."

"Please spare me the Konoha noble duty bullshit. No one is truly that pure."

"Unlike you, I have not lost faith in our village." Neji told him. He glanced over to Naruto, was had positioned himself in front of Hinata. "Hinata, you escort Naruto ahead. Lee and I will handle our guest."

"But Neji-ni. ."

"Hinata, do not disobey a direct order!" Neji cut off his cousin's protest. He noticed Naruto's tense demeanor and decided to head off any ideas the young blonde might have. "Naruto, don't think of staying behind. You have your orders from the Hokage. Now go, both of you!"

Hinata and Naruto took off quickly towards the grassland. Itachi was surprised when his path was blocked by a quick thinking Rock Lee.

"Please understand, we cannot allow you to pursue our friends," the taijutsu specialist told him. "You will face us now."

"You all have forfeited your lives to accomplish nothing." Lee's eyes were filled with shock as he heard the voice of the s-rank criminal behind him even though he was still standing in front of him. He was smart enough to dodge and move from his position just in time to notice the figure of Itachi had disappeared. As he avoided the attack, Lee realized has just moved just in time to avoid his throat from being slit. He's faster than anyone I've ever faced! As Lee landed on another nearby branch, something told him to keep moving. His instincts proved to be correct, for not a moment after he launched himself away towards another branch, the pervious one was destroyed by some unseen force. He finally regrouped next to Neji, landing in fighting stance facing the direction of Itachi.

"His movements are too fast to keep up with," Lee said. "I can't even attempt to go on the offensive against his skills"

"Your right," Neji told him. We have to treat him like we are facing Sasuke." Lee grinned slightly as he reached into his back pack and pulled out what appeared to be a piece of black cloth. Neji would always wonder how his teammate and friend would find so much happiness in battle. The Hyuuga fighter respected the fighting, but Lee absolutely LOVED it. Neji already knew why his teammate was so happy about this particular situation; it was a chance to test his skills against a Sharingan user.

It had become obvious to the majority of the team why the Hokage grouped them together. They knew it was coming, and they prepared themselves daily for it. The combined teams of the Rookie nine and Guy's former squad were the ones who were going to be sent to retrieve Uchiha Sasuke. No one discussed it. None of their teachers acknowledged it, but they all just knew. But all the clues were there. The fact that everyone involved had more contact with the Uchiha heir than anyone else in the village. They were all trained extensively against genjutsu techniques and illusionary tactics. The Hokage had also made it clear that the retrieval of the Uchiha heir was a priority for a number of reasons. He was the last of a great clan from the village. He was wanted and prized by Orochimaru as a tool and played primary into his plans against Hidden Leaf. Getting Sasuke back meant destroying much of Orochimaru's plans. But bringing him back meant they would have to fight him. So everyone trained for it and prepared for the time when they knew they would have to battle him. It readied them for more than just a fight to bring him back; it prepared them for the possibility that they have to kill him in order to protect his clan's secrets.

All of which led up to this point, this battle with Sasuke's older brother. They had trained to deal with a Sharingan user, and there was none other stronger than Uchiha Itachi. Knowing the type of person that Lee was, Neji knew the taijutsu specialist would love nothing more than to put his skills against the best Sharingan user alive. He was taught by the best on how to handle the bloodline ability, and his fighting style made him the best choice for the job. Neji could see the smile forming on Lee's face as he took the cloth and placed it over his eyes. Once fixed in place, Lee adopted his upright fighting stance.

"Now I am ready." He announced.

"I am not," Neji told him. He began a series of hand seals and Itachi looked at his hands with interest. As he completed the jutsu seals, he thought back to the day he learned them from his uncle. . . .

"You already know that the Uchiha's bloodline derives from our own," Hiashi told his nephew. "When they separated from us, there was a bloody feud. It caused quite a problem for the village and both sides lost many lives. Eventually it all ended with a stalemate and both clans conceded to peace. However, it was during that feud that we learned ways to defend ourselves against their techniques. It was really quite simple; they had once been apart of us, so it easy to figure out their strengths and weakness. We have natural defenses against them and they are the reasons they were never able to adopt the Gentle Fist style. We have passed down these defenses in secret to defend our heritage. Some were lost over time as they were not needed, but there is one technique that was developed especially for use against their mind games. And now, because of your unique situation, I will now show it to you. . . ."
"Mind Veil!" the Hyuuga shouted once he completed the hand seals. His eyes flashed as if he activated his Byakugan technique, but this time he felt a surge of charka flow through his veins. While he had no true way of testing this ability, he felt a change in his eyes. Something about the way he was seeing the world was different than anything he had experienced. "Now I am ready." He said as he settled into his Gentle Fist stance.

Lee was the first to strike. He went at Itachi with his Whirlwind Kick, a move the Uchiha dodged easily. Lee sensed where he moved and continued his assault. Itachi was a bit perplexed as to how a blindfolded man would be able to sense his moves so well, but it was nothing he could not handle. Soon Neji joined the fray, using his strikes to go for a weak point. Realistically, we don't have a chance against this man. He thought as he went for a chakra point near the leg. But we have to keep him here as long as possible so that Naruto and Hinata can get away.

The two Konoha ninja's gave everything they had to keeping the S-class criminal on his toes. While it didn't appear that they were gaining any ground against him, they were doing something that was important; keeping his hands busy. Busy hands meant few possibilities for jutsu. They were both well read on Itachi's profile and knew he specialized in techniques that did not require seals. Anything with a seal would be more than bad news for them.

"This is pointless," Itachi said after some time exchanging blows with them. "I will to end this now."

As Neji was moving, he felt something holding him back. He looked down to see that his left leg was being held by what appeared to be Itachi coming out of the wood. His eyes widened in astonishment. When did he have time to do that? He turned quickly towards who he thought was Itachi and couldn't tell which one was which. However, because he was being held in place by what appeared to be a clone, Neji wasn't able to dodge a kick to his sternum. The impact sent him flying backwards and he ended up crashing on a few branches before landing on a large one. His head was throbbing with as he untangled his body.

"Damn that bastard hits hard." He groaned while holding his head. Neji turned as he heard something crash nearby. Lee had landed face first into the side of a tree.

"All you do is delay the inevitable." Itachi shouted at them. "All your effort will not keep me from my goal."

"You shouldn't be so impatient," Neji said managed as he spat blood. "We are just getting started. Isn't that right, Lee?"

"Of course," Lee was busy brushing himself off and wiping the blood from his own mouth. Both shinobi were bruised and tired, but nothing they couldn't handle.

"Besides, we forgot to let someone else have a turn."

"What do you do. . ." Itachi never finished the sentence. An explosion rocked him from his perch and sent him spiraling in the air. Neji and Lee smiled as they saw the missing-nin caught off guard.

"It's about time, Ten-Ten." Neji shouted. He didn't expect her answer him, as it would give away her position. Despite the surprise of the attack, Itachi gracefully landed on his feet. He stuck himself on the side of a tree using chakra, but he had to quickly vacate his spot as a hail of kunai rained down upon him.

"So, you had someone follow behind out of the way," the Uchiha man said. "Clever. You've bought few more moments to your friends but led another person to their death." Itachi bounded around from spot to spot, avoiding the various projectiles flung his way. He quickly scanned the surrounding area, trying to find a consistent path of the weapons. Finally his eyes flickered with realization. "There you are!" he shouted as he tossed a single shuriken towards a group a leaves. The sound of a woman groaning was heard and a figure came bursting out the brush. Ten-Ten landed nearby her two teammates, clutching the side of her left arm. Her teeth gritted at the pain, and blood trickled down the side of her arm.

"Are you alright Ten-Ten?" Lee asked. The weapon's master shook him off. She never understood how he was able to know exactly what was going on while he was blindfolded, but she was glad he did.

"He just grazed me. Nothing serious," she answered. "Hurts like hell, though." She managed to grit out a smile, her eyes never leaving Itachi. In her bloody hand was an archery bow with various symbols painted on it's surface. She reached behind herself with her free hand and pulled an arrow from the quiver on her back and reloaded the bow.

"Ten-Ten, whatever you do, don't look him directly in the eyes. He's a Sharingan user." Lee reminded her.

"I know, I was watching."

"Then why didn't you help us?"

"I was waiting for a clear shot."

"I would have trusted your aim."

"I'll keep that in mind next time you are standing between me and my shot." she told him playfully. She smiled as she took aim at their opponent. She didn't have look directly at him, she just knew where he was. Her aim was uncanny to the point that it was a sixth sense. It was also helpful in the fact that she didn't have to directly look at him to aim at him.

"If you all wish to die, then I will indulge your wish." Itachi said simply as he pulled out another kunai and charged the Leaf Shinobi. They all scattered.

Ten-Ten released a rain of arrows upon him while she was airborne, but he quickly avoided them with little trouble. The young girl cursed at the failed attack. She was already reloading when she saw a green blur heading towards the missing-nin. She quickly made out a red-faced Lee who was burning with charka flow. Obviously he was using the Lotus technique. Konoha's Green Beast was staying on top of Itachi with staggering speed. The surprised S-class shinobi was impressed at the tenacious way the young man was attacking him. Clearly these children were better than he realized. Neji was running interference for Lee, attacking with his Gentle Fist and nearly landing a few blows. Between the three of them, they were actually causing the ninja criminal to go on the defensive. We might be able to win this after all. He hoped.

"Enough of this." Itachi said finally. He jumped to clear his three attackers, just high enough in the air to execute a number of hand seals. "Katon: Fire Dragon Flame no Jutsu!" His voice echoed throughout the forest. An explosion of flame landed near the three Leaf nin and sent them spiraling in different directions. Lee, quickly scrambled to his feet, yet instantly felt himself being slammed against the surface of the tree. His blindfold spared him the vision of seeing a palm slam directly into his nose. The impact of the strike was so powerful it nearly sent him through the tree itself. He was instantly knocked unconscious, never feeling himself fall crumpled to the ground far below.

Ten-Ten never had time to completely recover from the fire attack, as she was picked up from her landing place. She opened her eyes and found herself staring into the eyes of Uchiha Sasuke. His eyes began to spin and shift. "Tsukiyomi." Was the last thing she heard before she screamed from the technique's mental assault. The young girl passed out from the pain a second later.

Neji woke up, his vision blurred. He saw a figure walking towards him as he picked himself up. He had landed on the ground. The Hyuuga knew his shoulder was dislocated by the large amount of pain it caused him. He fought to push himself up in a sitting position, steadied his arm against the ground then shifted it quickly to reset his shoulder back into place. The dark-haired boy winched at the pain, but never cried out. By now, his vision had cleared enough for him to make out the figure of Itachi standing in front of him.

"You've lost." The Elder Uchiha brother told him. "I'll give you one last chance to save your own life." Neji ignored his comments and simply stood up. He staggered slightly to one side before finally falling into his Gentle Fist stance. His breathing was labored, he had bruises everywhere and cuts were bleeding all over his body.

"Here is my answer," his stance suddenly shifted and he paused. "Hand of the Eight Divinations: Three Hundred and Sixty-One Palms."

(A/N) yes I know i'm evil for that ending, but it had to be done! I had a lot of fun agaonizing over this chapter and I think it was the most fun for me to do. To those who are reading, thanks again.