OH MY GOD I FINALLY UPDATED!

I hope you all know how ashamed I am right now...I promised mid August, and you guys get early September. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'M SORRY!

It's hard having 12 stories to update, and sometimes my muse just...isnt working. So again, I'm sorry...

I hope you guys havent given up on me, and I hope you guys enjoy!

IMPORTANT READER NOTE: We're getting into some technical territory.

I love having real, manga-savvy info in my stories, but understand that I'm not here to feed you a fanfic version of the manga events. I'm going to be changing and shifting things around, so please PLEASE...don't review to tell me how "Hinata would never do..." "Danzo isnt able to do that jutsu" or "This specific event never happened" or "this jutsu isnt real".

Frankly, my readers, I don't give a damn.

I love your opinions, but this is MY story. I will do whatever I damn well please. I dont mean to sound snitty, but its just...on other stories where I change things, I've gotten plenty of "thats not possible" or "that didnt happen" reviews. They are not appreciated!

PLEASE REVIEW! =D

Chapter 13

Naruto knew that following Sasuke would be pointless; trying to grab him when he moved at that speed would be like trying to grab a terrified seal that's been covered in oil: damn near impossible. The blonde felt a jolt of hope as he caught sight of the Uchiha's face, the expression so full of shock and joy that Naruto felt a breath of relief leave his chest.

Sasuke had found Hikari. How Naruto knew this, he could not say. All he knew was that she was here.

Somewhere nearby.

Naruto knew that if Hikari was within twenty miles, Sasuke would find her. He was kind of a pro at the whole "tracking-down-for-personal-reasons" thing. Itachi was one crucial example, and Team Hawk was another. When Sasuke wanted something, really needed something…it was hard for even someone as strong as Naruto to stand in his way. When that happened, a small burning spark could be found in Sasuke's usually depthless eyes, and for once Naruto would be able to see all the emotions Sasuke felt that he had to hide behind his cool exterior. Pain, joy, anger, and fear…and love.

Love was such a powerful thing. Such a petrifying thing. It was exhilarating, but it also filled a heart – especially one that was usually so confident and alive – with fear when it least expected it. Naruto had felt that with Sakura many times, and at that time, the fear had been so overwhelming that he almost couldn't stand to breathe. It had been so frightening that it felt as if Naruto's limbs froze as if to preserve the fear before it consumed him.

"Naruto…I love you!"

But then…he had seen a dark haired girl, pinned to the ground, helpless as Naruto himself. The pain of the metal puncturing his hands and legs was nothing compared to the blinding rage and terror that pulsed through his ears and chest at the sight of Pain slowly lifting his purple eyes to gaze at Naruto's panic-stricken face. At the sound of metal whoosing…and then the sickening thud of the sword piercing a defenseless abdomen…

Everything had gone white. There were no words to properly convey the fury that enveloped Naruto's brain at that moment in time. If Hinata – awkward, innocent, brave Hinata – was dead, then there was no justice in the world. There could not, could not, be fairness and kindness…and Naruto would make Pain pay…

Hinata said that she loved him. Did that mean that she loved the demon inside of him as well? Did she just love the hero everyone considered him, or did she–

"You've always been so strong…and encouraged me even when I was weak and useless. You never showed any sadness, you always had a smile…you don't know how much I admire you, Naruto-kun. Without you…I wouldn't be the kunoichi I am today. Thank you."

No, her words had been sincere.

What now?

Naruto was so confused. He had never had a girl actually love him before. Sakura loved him, sure, but that was the love one had for a brother, or a best friend. Sakura loved him, but she didn't have that spark for him that she had once had for Sasuke. He could tell that her mind was elsewhere, struggling to make a place for herself that separated her from the lovesick girl she had once been.

"You will know pain when you witness the death of someone who loves you unconditionally…you will know pain when you can do nothing to help them…"

Did that mean–

Suddenly, the ground began to rumble beneath them, and Naruto felt Kakashi's hand on his arm, yanking him out of the way as two figures suddenly crashed through the ground beneath them. Naruto coughed as even more dust filled his lungs, and squinted through the cloud of debris to see a freaky looking figure – half of his body was white, while the other was a sicky looking green – fighting Gaara of the Sand.

"Gaara!" he yelled before he could help himself, and the Sand-nin's head whipped around so fast Naruto flinched. Teal eyes, ringed with dark kohl rings, widened in shock as they met cerulean ones, and before Naruto could react, a rope of sand encircled him and threw him to the ground.

"Hey!" the blonde yelled, only to realize that the green and white ninja had thrown several kunai at him, and that if Gaara hadn't pulled him down, he would have been hit. Naruto got to his feet, the sand dissolving around him as he went, and the enemy ninja cocked his head too much for it to be natural, sharpened teeth gleaming even through the dust.

"Oh oh oh, the little Jinnchuriki finally decides to join the game…how delicious…"

The voice was high and wicked, and Naruto glared defiantly at the shinobi, his teeth grinding together as he shifted into his attack stance. A kunai flicked to his hand, and cerulean eyes hardened into shards of hatred.

"What've you bastards done with Hikari?" Naruto snarled, and Kakashi stiffened by his side. Gaara frowned, and before anyone could respond, another earth-shuddering boom made the entire building shake from side to side.

"What the hell is going on?" Naruto shrieked as he was once more forced to use chakra to prevent him from being forcefully crushed – the shaking sent him flying to the side. The green and white shinobi smirked once more before melting eerily into the ground, out of sight. A flash of pink filled his vision, and suddenly Sakura was there, her fist glowing menacingly, and her sea-foam eyes widening as they caught sight of the blonde clinging desperately to the nearest wall. Her lips parted in a grin of relief, and she leapt to his side, yanking him off the wall and looking at him for a moment before smacking him soundly over the head. It was an affectionate blow, even though it made Naruto's head ring for a moment or two, and he grinned sheepishly at her.

"Sorry, Sakura-chan…"

Sakura scowled at him. "You idiot…I'm just glad you haven't been captured yet. Danzō has us after you, but I don't know–"

She was cut off, because a muscular man with two swords strapped to his back suddenly tackled Naruto. The sudden attack resulted in Naruto's breath being knocked out of his chest, and his head snapped solidly against the cement of the unstable ground beneath them. Lights swam before the blonde's eyes, and a curt voice echoed in his mind.

"You, Naruto Uzumaki, are coming with us."

"No, Bou, he isn't!" a familiar voice yelled, low and full of uncharacteristic panic, and Naruto was aware – through a hazy mist – that the weight of the other man was lifted off of his form.

"N…Ne…Ne…" Naruto tried to say the name that associated itself with the indignant voice, but the name eluded him at the moment. The blonde stayed down, blinking stupidly to try and clear his muddled headache. Hands touched his face, and Naruto felt immediately better, recognizing the calm glow of Sakura's healing chakra. The blonde was able to sit up after a minute or so, and his mouth dropped at the astonishing sight.

Neji Hyuuga was standing in front of Naruto, his shoulders bunching as he threw the other shinobi against the wall. But the power behind the action was subdued somehow…less assertive. But it got the job done, and Neji was breathing hard, sweat beading his forehead. How was Neji so tired after one simple throw? Was he injured or something?

Neji got in the Bou's face, his pale eyes surrounded by an angry array of veins. "No. He. Isn't! Sasuke-san n-never did anything to harm the village! Naruto-kun is t-to strong to be kidnapped, even by one such as Sasuke-san. I don't c-care what our orders are, you will not touch him!"

Wait…what? Had Neji just used the affectionate suffix? Okay, something was definitely wrong, Naruto could see that now. The other man looked appropriately shocked as well, and his eyes were hard as he hissed.

"What are you saying? You–"

But he trailed off, and Naruto frowned as he got to his feet. "What's going on? Neji, what are you doing?"

Neji suddenly shivered, and Naruto gasped as he saw a large blot of blood soaking through his shirt, blooming like a terrible flower across his lower back. Sakura yelled, and Neji's form began shimmering unsteadily. The group of ninja watched as, with an expression of agony, Neji's form became more slender, and a bosom began growing in place of a flat chest.

Eyes widened around the room. Because after a minute, it was no longer Neji standing there, but a panting Hinata Hyuuga.

Her eyes closed briefly, and she staggered away from the astonished jounin captain. Sakura ran to her side, and helped her into a kneeling position. Bou was frozen, staring at the two women with such an expression of shock that Naruto had to bite his lip to keep from smirking. But then his eyes found Hinata, and the smile faded. He slowly knelt down beside her, and peered into her eyes.

She, for once, didn't blush. Her face was as pale as snow, and when he reached out to touch her bare shoulder, it was as cold as ice. She shuddered, whimpering as Sakura's chakra flared in response to the wound. The surrounding shinobi were silent, watching the exchange with confused and neutral expressions. Kakashi was standing behind Sakura, warily watching the Konoha shinobi. Naruto glanced around, and saw that Sakura and Hinata were not the only ones here. There was a blonde shinobi with light blue eyes, and a Inuzuka woman with long brown hair, slanted hazel eyes, and a black wolf ninken who looked ready to fall asleep from boredom.

"Why did you do it…Hinata-chan?" Naruto breathed, turning back to the Hyuuga kunoichi, and Hinata opened her eyes, gasping as she realized how close their faces were. Her lips trembled, and she winced as Sakura began cleaning the wound with a few swabs from her pack.

"I…I couldn't l-let Neji go…he would b-be unable to go against o-orders. I kn-knew that you and Sasuke-san were i-innocent, I couldn't let you…" she trailed off briefly, and then continued, her eyes glued to he ground.

"I couldn't let them hurt you."

Naruto's eyes widened, and suddenly Hinata cried out as Sakura picked out a piece of rock that had imbedded itself into the wound. Naruto found himself holding her hand, and she squeezed as hard as she could. He could feel the gentle softness of her trembling fingers, but also the conviction of her unwavering strength.

"Thank you, Hinata," Naruto whispered, and her expression was so surprised – and full of joy – that Naruto felt ashamed for not thanking her sooner.

When the eerily calm Madara Uchiha appeared a few moments later amid the Kage/Konoha shinobi congregation, Sakura couldn't help but notice that – instead of yelling and jumping up to attack the man that had nearly destroyed their entire village through the puppet that was Pain – Naruto stayed where he was.

The blonde's stance could be seen as merely wary, but the medic knew better. Naruto's shoulders were slightly hunched, effectively putting himself between the Uchiha and the girl who had risked everything to come to the aid of the boy she loved.

Sakura's focus was pulled to Madara as he began to speak.

Aiko felt a presence far behind, a presence that was somehow matching her speed. This was strange. No one had ever been fast enough to match her…except...but she did not pause to wonder why it was so familiar. A stab of pain shot through her skull at the sudden puzzlement, and she hurriedly pushed it out of her mind. Her legs pumped, easily catching up with the old Hokage that was named Danzō. She wasn't really all that sure why he needed to die, but Master had told her so, and therefore there must be some reason. When had Master ever lied? Never.

He loved her. He had said so, not only with his words but also with his eyes and his small smile. They were black as the shadows in the base, and beautiful as the endless night sky. She couldn't remember if those looks had been in a dream or in real life. In her memories, there was a black haired man, who she assumed was Master, and he would hug her so tightly that it hurt to breathe. His face was a blurry haze, except for almond-shaped eyes…so similar and yet so different from Master's cold eyes. And then pain would erupt in Aiko's brain, and she would scream so loudly that Suigetsu would have to come and wake her up. Then…were they dreams?

Memories?

But of what?

What disturbed Aiko most was that even through the pain, a part of her would relish the feel of those alien arms around her. A deep, deep part of her would long to respond with her own painful embrace, and press her mouth to those lips…

But by that time, the pain would be too much, and Aiko would gratefully – and sadly – withdraw from the dream-memory. She wouldn't tell Suigetsu of these strange pain-fantasies, because they frightened her more than she wished to admit. Master wanted a soldier, someone who did not express such petty emotions.

Aiko's head throbbed, and she was reminded of her task. Kill the old man, and return to Madara back at base. Suigetsu was ready to help her if needed, though she really didn't understand why she of all people would need assistance. Didn't Master have faith in her?

Danzō finally stopped, and Aiko moved to stab the man in the neck. He was so foolish to underestimate her, he thought he could run from her? But of course, he ducked before she could make contact, and she did not waste time wondering how was so fast, instead throwing several kunai, as well as a genjutsu. But the genjutsu was dissipated so fast that Aiko immediately became wary. This man…Master had told her of his multiple Sharingan, but she had stupidly forgotten. She did not look into his face, instead using her speed to feint to the side, and then sending a fire jutsu his way, using the flames as a distraction to duck under the jutsu and slam her kunai into his gut. She did not want to prolong this fight, she had no incentive to torture or mutilate any living thing unless commanded to do so.

Danzō obviously was not expecting this, because the knife pierced his flesh, making him grunt. He sent a jutsu her way, making her jump back, but he was wounded, and Aiko knew that she was on her way to victory. Master had studiously taught her how to defeat a Sharingan user, and she had learned his lessons well. Distract their Sharingan with jutsu, and go for the kill without hesitation. Danzō would be predictable because of his nature and because of his age, and he would try to distract her with talk and with other genjutsu.

Aiko would not give him time to speak. She jumped down, on top of him, and sent several shuriken into his back. But before she could blink, the man burst into a cloud. A clone! A gust of wind hit her squarely in the back, sending her flying into a cliff of stone. Jarring pressure make her joints crack, and she spat out a glob of blood as she flipped onto her feet. Chakra pulsed through her skin, anger at being bested making her pain fade slightly. She would not lose, this man needed to die.

But when Danzō straightened, Aiko gaped at the lack of a wound on the man's stomach. How…how was that possible? She had felt the flesh give way under the knife…what….

Danzō stretched out his arm, and Aiko saw that there were at least ten crimson Sharingan eyes implanted on the appendage. Aiko spoke before she could help herself.

"What are you?"

Danzō smirked. "Why don't we speak face to face? I know who you are…and it only proves my suspicions."

Aiko shrugged – he was going to die, so why not? – and yanked off her mask and head covering. Her thick hair was pulled into a ponytail, better to fight with, and her expression was not tense, instead merely neutral.

"I am your executioner," Danzō snarled, and suddenly another blast of wind filled the clearing. Aiko jumped out of the way only barely, and hissed as part of the wind made contact with her thigh, and created several shallow cuts. The wind would actually inflict bodily damage…this wasn't good. She was a wind chakra as well, so by pushing out a bit of her wind chakra, she was able to deflect most of the incoming attack.

Danzō smirked, his uncovered eye dark and merciless, a flash of red next to the dark, and Aiko glanced down to see that one of the eyes on Danzō's arms was closed. Interesting…Aiko didn't know what it meant, but she assumed that it had something to do with the supposed healing of the fatal wound she had inflicted.

Perhaps if she kept "killing" him, the eyes would eventually all close, and that would be the end of his invulnerability. It wasn't for sure, but it was all she could come up with in the face of her stabbing him, and then one eye closing. Aiko tensed in her position on a dislodged stone, and Danzō suddenly was behind her. Dammit, she had looked into his eyes! She was caught in his–

Suddenly, an arm yanked her out of the way and the genjutsu was abruptly ended. Her eyes snapped open, blinking up at the figure who was holding her tightly to its side. It was a young man, with dark hair and pale skin, and a trembling ache began rising in her chest. It was like bile, only stronger and unable to swallow. Aiko was frozen, and a feeling began pounding in her head, so loudly that she grimaced in discomfort. No, not the pain, anything…please…

He slowly looked down at her, and his eyes were so dark…so wide…so full of an emotion that made Aiko want to run away as fast as she could. His face was smooth and handsome, with a strange vulnerability that made Aiko both angry and sad. No, stop looking, stop staring, don't speak–

LET ME OUT!

The voice was so loud in Aiko's head that her mouth opened in a scream. He was so shocked that he released her. She backed away as fast as she could, still screaming. Danzō suddenly attacked this new shinobi, and Aiko took that moment of distraction to run as fast as she could. She ran, crying and screaming, hating and loving this ninja that invoked such feelings of longing and terror and disgust and sorrow that–

Her world went black, and the strange voice faded into nothing, fading behind that iron bars that Aiko hadn't noticed until now. It was empty and dark in the area around her, and so Aiko felt drawn to this bright cage that piqued her curiousity.

Aiko drifted toward the bars, and stopped just before the metal, staring into the cage that was guarded by strange shadowy monsters that hissed and cooed at Aiko before returning to their posts. The cage was so brightly lit that Aiko couldn't see anything inside, and if not for the angry snarling coming from inside she wouldn't have known it was occupied.

"Hello?" Aiko called, and was suddenly covering her ears, because the snarls transformed into words.

"LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT!" the voice screamed, and Aiko winced at the pure hatred that was exuded from the light. The feeling was familiar, and she flared when she recognized it. She felt so hurt by the light that her instinctive – an instinct that had never aroused her attention before this point – reaction was to angrily yell back.

"It's all your fault! You're the reason it hurts so much, so just shut up!"

The screaming ceased so suddenly that Aiko felt slightly sheepish, and the light flickered slightly before regaining its blinding brightness. There was a silence, and she felt confusion and resentment from the light. The being said nothing more, instead, there was the sound of strangled sobs coming from the cage of light. Aiko didn't know how to react, and yet the sobs invoked a strange feeling of loss in her.

And so Aiko sat down – there was suddenly a floor where there had before been empty space – and cried, and once she had started, she found that she couldn't stop.

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