Okay, I am FINALLY getting this chapter out. I had to think about this chapter a bit, and how far it should lead into the next part of the story. So, sorry about the HUGE delay. Puts forehead to floor. Sumimasen! But, here is the chapter FINALLY.

Chapter 6: The New Mission

Tsunade sighed, leaning back deeply into her "boss" chair behind her great wooden desk. She was trying to keep her hand away from the wood. She didn't want to have to replace it again.

This "kidnapping" by Akatsuki was putting a lot more stress on her shoulders than usual. The council members were not told, for Tsunade knew she would get twice as much crap from them than from any of the ninja.

It surprised her that they didn't even figure it out yet. Naruto was the cause of some much noise and chaos in the village that it was very hard to not tell when the boy wasn't around. The two completely bought that Naruto had stayed behind to gather some extra information. The villagers were ignoring the fact that he was gone. It was no skin off their backs that one of the village's best ninja was missing, just because of who he is.

It was a different story for his friends. The now Rookie Seven, after Sasuke's defection and now Naruto's kidnapping, and become almost completely unresponsive to each other. I few of them could be seen sitting on top of the Fourth Hokage's head, others were now frequent customers at the Ichiraku Ramen Bar. Besides the adults who knew the reason for their sudden depression, many were thrilled at the turn around. That generation had too much feeling, they had said. They needed to learn how to sober up and not let emotion get in the way.

Kakashi and Sakura though, were an entirely different story. While the others would talk to each other, they spoke to no one, and barely to each other. She had seen their eyes after their first night. They were dead, no emotion shined through the glassy stare. They were constantly training, attempting to get stronger. It had been a week since they had come back home. Bangs and clashes were heard around Training Ground Seven all day, and most of the time all night. She didn't know when they slept; they probably collapsed on the field, woke up, and started sparring all over again.

She sighed. It was time to start this mission. They needed out. They needed to find him.

-(.),(.)-

Currently at Training Ground Seven, Sakura and Kakashi were battling to death once more it seemed like. Neither moved with their usual grace and precision. They were lethargic, moving slow. But they still seemed to be engaged in a deadly yet beautiful dance.

She threw a chakra loaded punch at him; he ducked and attempted to sweep her legs out from under her. Sakura backflipped, and landed in a defensive pose about ten feet away. Kakashi sprung like a jungle cat towards her, one that had been on the hunt all day and was exhausted from trying. He came forward with the usual intent; to kill. Staying low to the ground, he drew a 

kunai knife from his pouch. Sakura repeated his action, drawing her own. The elongated pieces of metal met in a clash of molten colored sparks.

Sakura attempted to keep him at ground level; he was far more vulnerable their then if he was upright. But she was weak, from healing them both after each fight and then fighting again right after. Her arms began to tremble, and Kakashi was able to push himself up. He began to push her back, until they were at the edge of the clearing they were fighting in. Sakura was backed against a tree, her arms pushed against her side, just keeping the two kunais away from her face the best she could. But she wasn't going down without one more fight. She closed her eyes, and thought of the face she was fighting for. She felt a surge of adrenaline, and was able to push Kakashi back. His eye opened slightly more in surprise, but kept pushing his knife even more. She was able to push him to the middle of their makeshift arena. But Kakashi was smarter. Using the momentum she was producing, he twirled around her, and she stumbled. He stuck his leg out, tripping her. Her usually impeccable balance abandoned her, and she fell down face first to the ground.

The next thing she felt was cold metal against her neck. "Give?" She heard a harsh voice whispered behind her. She gave a quick nod, signifying her defeat. He took the sharpened blade away from her jugular, and removed his knee from her spine, allowing her to rise. They stared at each other solemnly. They were both about to sink into another crouch to begin another mock battle, when a voice was heard over the hill.

"Sakura! Kakashi-sensei!" It was Ino, running towards them at a slow jog. Once she had heard about Naruto, she had immediately dropped calling Sakura "forehead". The revelation that your life can be flipped upside down in a matter of seconds in the ninja world had changed her perspective on quite a few things.

Ino reached the gate that separated the training area from the path. A look of shock spread across her recently blank face. The grounds were in shambles; trees uprooted, craters littering the ground, and the stream looked like it was following a different path. The pair in front of her was far worse off though.

Sakura's hair was knotted and dirty, completely different from the usual style. Her eyes were wild; her normally pretty features were marred by a mask of pain. Her clothing was destroyed with rips and tears, when it was usually kept immaculate. Bruises, lacerations, and dirt coated her skin. Kakashi wasn't much better.

The only thing about him that looked like his usual self was his mask, which had somehow remained undamaged. The rest of his persona was not as lucky. The stuffing in his vest was puffing out; it would be absolutely useless soon. About the same amount of injuries clung to his skin as Sakura's. His one eye, since Kakashi had wanted to train without relying on his Sharingan, was not wild like Sakura's but brimming with sadness. All in all, both needed to stop this insane training.

"How long have you two been out here?" by just simply looking at the pair, Ino had completely forgotten the reason for coming to the field.

Sakura glanced at Kakashi; he did likewise. It ended up being Kakashi who spoke eventually.

"About a week," was his entire answer. He refused to say more on the subject. This was wasting valuable training time in his opinion, and he knew Sakura agreed. Finally Sakura spoke up.

"Ino, what do you need?" Her voice was opposite of her eyes. Her eyes blazed from the before battle, and that flame was dying. But her voice, her voice was completely buried. Nothing shone through the dullness of her monotone question.

Ino was shocked to hear her friend's voice so dead. It shocked her enough into remembering why she was there. "Um… Tsunade-sama wants to see you right away in her office. Something about a mission-" And before she could even finish her sentence, the two were off to the Hokage building.

-(.),(.)-

Tsunade's fingers were laced together, her chin resting on the woven appendages. She gazed at the two stoic shinobi standing at attention in front of her. Their somber faces looked at her, and she knew it was time. It could not be put off any longer. The remains of Team Seven needed this mission right away.

"I have decided that it's finally time for the rescue. We know somewhat of a time limit, though we don't if it is completely true, and we need to use that time wisely. We have a little under two months to complete this mission, and with the Akatsuki as the other players, that is a very, very small amount of time. So, I am giving you three days to gather supplies, three extra teammates, and make any plans you can make in that time. After that, everything must be collected during your journey. Here," She handed Kakashi a map, one more detailed than the one usually provided to shinobi for a mission. Hidden routes were clearly labeled; underground tunnels and secret passageways were drawn in. It was the kind of map that would be dangerous in enemy hands.

"This map will show you the quickest and safest way to arrive in Amegakure. The trickiest part will be infiltrating the village. Apparently, Pein has a way of knowing when new people enter the village. I have no clue what the village's policies are on importing and exporting. You might have a chance of sneaking in as merchants, but that would most likely lead to you having to leave all of your weapons behind. Not exactly a good idea, but it may be your only hope. Now, go find your other members. Come back here in three days at this exact time, and then you will be sent on your way," She looked the two in the eyes. What she saw startled her.

No longer were their orbs dead. No longer did they contain no life, no emotions. A fire burned in irises, alighting the oddly colored eyes with passion and desire to fulfill their purpose. She earned a quiet yes ma'am, from each, and they swiftly and soundlessly through the door.

Tsunade sighed. She knew that look. She knew that those two would die if it meant succeeding. But what they didn't seem to grasp was that the mission would be a failure if they did pass away. 

Naruto would never forgive himself -not them- if they were killed on this mission. He would be practically comatose; his body moving but his soul unfeeling. He would probably become the perfect ninja in the eyes of the council; but to everyone else who knew the boy, he would become deadweight. Almost literally, she thought bitterly to herself.

-(.),(.)-

Kakashi and Sakura had stopped at a nearby dango shop, ordering only a cup of tea each. They were talking animatedly; people who had seen them other the week looked at them strangely at the sudden attitude change. The map that Tsunade had given them was tucked safely away in Kakashi's ninja pack; that wasn't something that could be shown in public. They would have a meeting at night to discuss appropriate routes. First they need to talk about available teammates.

Some people were immediately stricken off; they would only slow them down or reduce the chance of success. Kakashi suggested bring Sai and Yamato along to help; Sai's paintings would help with stealth, and Yamato's Mokuton jutsus were good for cover and also powerful. Sakura agreed with him. That left one space open for the amount that Tsunade had allowed.

After much contemplating, suggestions and rejections, Sakura added that Neji would be a good choice for the team. Having the Byagukan on the team would be extremely beneficial; also, it was known that Neji was extremely close to Naruto, no matter how indifferent he acted.

So after the team decisions were made, the two set out to round up their choices. Kakashi went to look for Yamato, and Sakura left to find Neji. Whoever convinced their person would find Sai next.

After much searching, Kakashi finally found the ANBU man talking with a group of masked men and women. He was without his usual mask; he seemed to be training new members of a task force. As soon as Yamato noticed Kakashi out of his periphery, he dismissed the ANBU members and approached the older man.

"Kakashi-sempai, an interesting site to see you in ANBU grounds. I have a feeling I know what you're here to ask me. You want me to come with you to find Naruto, am I right?" Yamato appeared to be more in the know than Kakashi would have originally thought. He let out a small sigh of relief. He was glad that Tsunade realized it would be a good idea to tell Naruto's at one time commander what had happened to the poor boy. This would make things much easier.

"So, will you come? The mission will last about two months; maybe a little less depending on how fast we arrive. It won't be any longer than that though," Kakashi noticed the confusion in Yamato's eyes. He refused to say more though. It was too dangerous when it was possible for someone to pass by, over hear something, and become curious. That would only cause trouble.

Kakashi watched impatiently has his younger made his decision. He hid his anxiety, not wanting to scare him off. Then, he heard a small sigh escape his lips; he was done deciding.



"Well, I'm supposed to help with training the newest squads, but I have a feeling Hokage-sama will let me off of that. Of course I'm in. Anything for a teammate right?" Kakashi gave him one of his rare eye-smiles.

"Thanks Tenzou. Meet at Training Ground Seven tonight to discuss final plans. See you there," On that final note, he launched himself into the trees to find Sai. Yamato began to shake his head back and forth.

"It's Yamato, senpai," he then called back the team he was training to give them the news.

-(.),(.)-

Sakura approached the Hyuuga compound, growing more nervous by the second. She had had so much confidence when coming to the mansion; now that she was outside the actual building, it seemed much more formidable.

A guard stopped her at the gate, but upon hearing her name, allowed her in immediately. Being the Hokage's apprentice has its perks.

She wound her way through the labyrinth like hallways, searching for a sign of Neji Hyuuga. She passed few people, but no one seemed to know where he was.

Finally, after what seemed like a good half an hour of searching, Sakura heard sounds of fighting around the corner. She picked up her pace, eager to hopefully find her target. What she saw surprised her to an extreme. Neji Hyuuga, the Neji Hyuuga, was standing in the middle of one of the family training grounds. His Byakugan was activated; targets were being shot off from hidden areas and Neji was tracking them, trying to complete his range finally. He was panting slightly, obviously from the hours of practice. But the thing that shocked her was not obvious at first glance.

At first glance, Neji's face just appeared to be dirty and sweaty. But when you looked, two small tracks directly below his eyes were slightly cleaner than the rest of his face. The stoic Neji Hyuuga had been crying.

Sakura had a feeling she knew why. It's not every day the boy who changed your life is kidnapped.

"Neji-san," Sakura made her presence known stepping out of the shadow she hadn't known she was in.

"Sakura-san," He turned away from her. Obviously, he had already known she was there. Not surprising for the genius.

"Neji-san, I have a…request to ask of you. I know you already know about… about Naruto, and Tsunade-shishou has given Kakashi-sensei and I permission to bring along three teammates. And well, we would be so grateful if you would join us," Sakura held her breath and the end of her little monologue. Neji would be essential to this mission; not only was he an excellent ninja, but he cared for Naruto deeply as a friend.

He was silent for a few minutes. Sakura began to worry that he would decline, that he couldn't for some reason. The next few words shocked Sakura for the second time during her visit.

"Hai, Sakura-san, I will participate in this mission," He finally turned to face her. The look in his eyes was determined; he was delighted to finally be able to do something for his dear friend.



Sakura smiled and sighed with relief. One less person to ask. "Arigatou. Please come to Tsunade-shishou's office in three days, about an hour earlier than now. Again, arigatou. We will see you then," With that, Sakura left the training ground in a hurry, determined to find Sai.

-(.),(.)-

When Sakura approached the park that Sai was known to hang out in recently, Kakashi arrived at about the same exact time as she. They looked at each other with silent surprise. But, as they were prone to do nowadays, they needed no words.

The pair scoured the park, looking for their teammate. Not until they reached a small precipice that jutted out over a field did they find him.

After all the progress Sai had made with his emotions recently, it seemed that he receded back to square one. He was surrounded by charcoal drawings; swirling lines taking on a creepy effect. His eyes were focused on the current sheet of paper attached to his sketch pad: he was drawing the view from the cliff abstractly. With a keen eye, certain key details could be picked out. But they weren't there to admire Sai's artwork; they needed his help, and they were going to get it.

"Sai? Can we talk to you?" Sakura approached Sai quietly, with Kakashi trailing behind just slightly. Sai looked up at both of them, no emotions showing on his face at all.

"Yes?" This was going to be harder than they thought.

"Well… well, you obviously know about the situation about Naruto's… disappearance. Tsunade-shishou is finally letting us go on a mission to get him back. Will you come?" Sai, like Neji, did not turn at Sakura's request. He seemed to be in inner turmoil; it was nearly a minute before he spoke to them.

"I have no choice do I? We are comrades are we not?" He did not show the emotions the others had shown when they had been asked to join. His face was still blank, another mask.

Sakura gave a slight bow, thanked him, and then left with Kakashi. They walked side by side for a few minutes, not saying a word. Then Sakura let out what they had been waiting for for about a week. "We're ready Kakashi-sensei. We're getting Naruto back."

(.),(.)

Bwahaha, I'm evil I know. I should have written more. XD. I wasn't sure how far I wanted this chapter to go. So, for next chapter, I have about three different ideas. I can either go back to Naruto and see what's up with him, stay in Konoha with everyone, or do a combination of both. Not really sure which one… so I'm letting you guys choose! Choose either one of those when you leave a review (Not IF you leave a review, WHEN you leave a review.nudge nudge with a steak knife) One more thing, I finally learned how to do that line thing on Microsoft Word, would you guys prefer that or Mr. Owl? Till next time! Ja ne!