Chapter 12

ATTACK!

In a cave near the Hidden Sand village, rested several cloaked figures. Shrouded in shadows this ominous group lay in wait for the sand storm outside to blow over. To head out now would be mere suicide. It was obvious that they had something on their agenda because of an unsettled feeling lingering around one of the figures. Meanwhile in the village, Naruto and Gaara sat at a table in the library going over the recent updates from Konaha. It was the recent movements of the Akatsuki, courtesy of Jiraiya. They had to schedule their change in men around the Akatsuki's movement near their borders. Changing out their current crew would be easy enough, what really worried the Kazekage was that the Akatsuki 's movements were near their border.

"Naruto…" Gaara said still gazing down at the paper work.

"Yeah?" Naruto looked up, watching the concern flicker in Gaara's eyes.

Gaara might not have been aware of the way he looked right now, but it made Naruto happy to see his friend show emotion even in his eyes. Slowly, bit by bit Gaara would become full of emotions and understand each of them. Gaara looked up and caught Naruto's small smile.

"Naruto… We're going to have to be careful of your movements. From now on you have to stay inside," Gaara stared at his friend with a serious face.

Naruto's smile immediately withdrew and he nodded. If anything did happen though, he would stand up with his friend and fight who ever dared threaten the Sand Village. They were, after all, allies.

"I know" Naruto said, as much as he didn't like the restriction he knew it was best.

Not only did they have to worry about the Akatsuki, there was also the other matter. Sasuke. It was a wonder how he managed to get into Konaha, it would be an even bigger wonder if he managed to slip by the ever watchful eyes of the Kazekage. Temari knocked on the open door with a tray of tea and some goodies for the working boys.

"You guys too busy to have a little something?" Temari smiled as Gaara and Naruto both looked up at her.

Naruto laughed and responded, " Not really… besides we didn't eat breakfast this morning."

Just then Naruto's stomach growled causing the teen to blush and rub the back of his head. Gaara cracked a small smile at the sound. He proceeded to blush profusely when his own stomach growled. Temari laughed and set the tray on the table and poured the two tea. The soothing aroma filled the air as she poured the tea, causing Naruto to sigh in content. That was something that both boys needed. They had been so tense over the news of the Akatsuki near the border, they hadn't eaten or even remotely relaxed. "Well you two eat this up and I'll be back later to get the tray" With that Temari left to go see how Shikamaru was doing.

"She's nice when she's not wielding a fan that could potentially kill us" Naruto laughed.

Gaara smiled softly, " You maybe, but not me."

Naruto looked at Gaara then laughed. He was being a smart ass oh wow. Gaara himself chuckled a little. He was learning so much from Naruto in such a short period of time. It was great to have a friend like him. Naruto just thought it was wonderful that his friend was opening up to him and letting him use emotions long forgotten. When the grandfather clock in the library began to chime Naruto looked up and sighed.

"Hey Gaara I'm going to get going, I promised Neji I'd be done by 1 and it's almost 3" Naruto smiled, " Though time does pass when your with friends."

Gaara nodded a little, not sure if he should say anything to that, " See you at dinner Naruto."

With that, Gaara dismissed Naruto. It wasn't long after Naruto left the room that a loud explosion rang throughout the village. The blond stopped in his tracks and was immediately joined by the redhead. Gaara and Naruto hurried to the roof top for a better view point.

"The outer wall?" Naruto asked. Gaara nodded, his sand trickling out and forming a platform in which he could ride upon. The redhead glanced back at Naruto and gave him a stern face.

"Stay here, Naruto " With that, Gaara took off toward the source of the explosion.

Neji forced himself to the roof top where he had seen Naruto and Gaara from the street below. Giving him a quick once over, Neji sighed in relief.

"Stay here I'll go assist" Neji then took off to join the rest of the Konaha ninja.

Naruto blinked. What was he a baby? Sighing, he staid put where he was told to by both Neji and Gaara. Naruto's eyes narrowed as the sound of whistling echoed from behind him. Ducking low, Naruto dodged the kunai that was thrown directly at him. Plucking the weapon from the roof top, Naruto spun around and countered the attackers next move. The clash of metal rang in his ears as he pushed back the assailant. From under the black hood a smirk showed through. Naruto growled and attacked the man head on only having to pursue the man to the next roof top. Naruto froze just before moving any further than that. Was he drawing Naruto away from the others and if so was this the plan all along? In any case this man was in the way and needed to be eliminated. In Naruto's brief moments of thought the attacker took the opening and charged at Naruto. Blocking just in time, the blond came out of what could have been fatal blow with just a cut crossed his cheek. Hissing at the stinging pain left by the users kunai, Naruto immediately flew at his assailant, kneeing him in the stomach, up into the air. When he reached a certain height, Naruto formed his Kage Buushin no Jutsu and jumped up for his Uzamaki Barrage. It was the end for this guy. The attacker fell to the ground at such an amazing speed that his fact exploded on impact, sending blood, skull fragments, and brains flying in all directions.

Now even if they tried, they could not tell who that was. Naruto sighed and dismissed his clones before returning to the top of the Kazekage's tower. Naruto staggered a bit. What was with this cut? It was hurting more than a normal wound would. It even seemed that Kyuubi was having a tough time healing it. Staggering a bit before falling Naruto could hear the fight come to a close at the outer wall. He smiled before his eyes drifted closed and the sound of hurried footsteps came his way. The last words he heard came from Neji screaming his name.

Sorry for the delay guys! Hope you enjoy!

Next Chapter:

Poison