A big thank you to the people who reviewed! Thanks for the alerts and faves too! I really love your reviews! Keep sending them, please! If you don't get something, you can just ask through a review. Here's the next chapter! Please enjoy!

The Incident at Slateport

Once the boat landed on the beach near Slateport, Naruto jumped out and rushed towards the city. The others sweat-dropped, anime style.

"There's not stopping that kid's enthusiasm," said Tazuna. "Come on, Inari. I have some business to attend to here." Tazuna secured the boat, took Inari's hand and led him away towards the city.

Sasuke and Sakura stood still. With the ice finally off Sakura's eyes, she could clearly see the beach and the city not too far off. She turned her head towards Sasuke, and motioned to go to the city to look for Naruto. Sasuke nodded and started walking towards the city. Sasuke hadn't walked too far, when a flash of pink and red zoomed past him.

Sasuke called out, "Sakura, what's the rush?"

The pinkette looked back and hollered, "I just remembered that there's a contest hall in Slateport, Sasuke-kun! I have to find out when it is!" She made a beeline for the Pokémon Center, first, to heal her Pokémon, and second, to find out the contest times.

"Hn, still as determined as ever," thought Sasuke. He calmly walked towards the Pokemon Center as well, to have his Pokemon healed. Once he got there, he saw Sakura talking with Nurse Shizune and Naruto wandering around the center.

"Nurse Shizune, there's gonna be a contest here soon, right, right?" asked an enthusiastic Sakura. She was practically jumping up and down.

"You can't seem to hold your excitement. Yes, there is going to be a contest, but it's tomorrow," answered Nurse Shizune.

Sakura's jaw dropped. "T-Tomorrow?! I'm going to have to get my Pokemon in shape like, now!" Sakura whirled around and ran, full speed out the door. Naruto followed Sakura soon after. Sasuke sighed and walked out.

"Sakura-chan, calm down. I'm sure you can get your Pokemon ready for tomorrow," soothed Naruto.

"B-But, this is too soon! I was thinking of using Eevee, but since she's a new member, and the contest is tomorrow, ARGH!" Sakura clutched her head and started to panic.

"S-Sakura-chan, you have to calm down," said Naruto, crouching to help her up. Naruto glanced at Sasuke, who was slowly walking towards them. "Teme, do something!" shouted Naruto.

"Hn, Sakura shouldn't stress that much about the contest. She's already won her first ribbon. All she needs is four more to get into the Grand Festival. I don't know why she's making such a fuss about it," said Sasuke.

"Gee, thanks a lot, teme," said Naruto, sarcastically.

"Come on! We can do this! We can easily get through this! Shannaro!" cheered Inner Sakura.

"I'll have to start preparing now," said Sakura.

"We'll help you like always, Sakura-chan! You can count on us, dattebayo!" said Naruto.

"Thanks Naruto," thanked Sakura. The pinkette was about to go and practice, but something caught her eye. She turned to face the Slateport Museum and saw three shady figures wearing cloaks to conceal their clothing. At one point, one figure's cloak lifted a little, and Sakura spotted a red cloud; so did Sasuke. Naruto was looking at the three people entering the museum as well, but didn't know what the red cloud meant.

"Sakura-chan, Sasuke-teme, what happened to you two on the abandoned ship while searching for me?" asked Naruto, his voice serious.

Sakura spilled, "Both of us were attacked by two people. They were wearing cloaks with red clouds on them. I remember their names were Deidara and Konan."

"You think those three people might be on the same team as them?" asked Naruto.

"Hn, I'm sure they are. After all, I saw a red cloud under one of their cloaks," said Sasuke. He continued, "We'd better check it out."

"Hey, Sasuke-teme, what about Sakura-chan's contest?" asked Naruto, glancing at Sakura.

"Nah, it's ok. I'm more interested in this right now anyway," replied Sakura.

The trio ran towards the museum and tried to spot the three figures. At the entrance, Sakura ended up paying for all three of them. Once they were inside, Naruto saw them walking up the stairs, to the second floor.

"There they are!" said Naruto. The three of them ran up the stairs and immediately saw them. Something that they didn't expect to see was that two figures were backing Tazuna and Inari into a corner.

"Wait, where's the third one?" thought Sasuke. Almost immediately Sasuke was knocked out by a Pokemon.

Sakura and Naruto whirled around to see the third person. Naruto started, "Hey, who're…" However, before he could finish, the blond was knocked out by the same Pokemon as well.

"Naruto! Sasuke-kun!" shouted Sakura. Once more, Sakura was attacked, and knocked out by that person.

"Nice work, Zetsu," commented a male voice. The other two had Tazuna and Inari out cold. All of them were taken away by these three figures.

"Ugh." Sasuke's eyes slowly opened, and as he looked around, he saw that Naruto, Sakura, and himself were trapped in a small room. All three of them were tied as well. Sakura was still unconscious while Naruto was snoring.

"Tch, what are those three planning?" Sasuke whispered to himself. He could hear distant sounds coming from the other side of the door. The young boy inched towards the door and pressed his ear against it. He could faintly hear the voices of two people. He recognized one as Tazuna's. As for the other person, Sasuke knew it wasn't Konan or Deidara, since he still recognized their voices. He had never heard that person's voice before. Sasuke started eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Tell me now, Tazuna. What else do we need to get this submarine to withstand the pressure of the deepest waters?" asked Zetsu forcefully. (AN: Yeah, it was Zetsu.)

Tazuna stayed silent, refusing to speak a word.

"We've wasted enough time. Tell me before I make you talk," threatened Zetsu, approaching toward Tazuna.

"Grandpa, don't!" shouted Inari, who was tied up as well.

"Leafeon, Shrifty," said Zetsu. Without any further command, the two Pokemon ominously approached Inari. The child let out a cry of fear as they came closer.

"Inari!" shouted Tazuna.

Zetsu turned back to Tazuna. "Now, talk if you don't want your precious grandson to suffer."

Tazuna winced and replied, "Ugh, fine. The submarine needs another heart component. The Fire Corporation was supposed to make it and deliver it to me."

Zetsu stood, in deep thought. Then, he spoke, "According to my sources, the chairman of the Fire Corporation was attacked by three people and they stole that component. However, later, I was informed that three other people, kids no less, had taken the component back to the chairman. Now, the chairman is not on good shape. I have been informed recently that the component had disappeared. Where do you think it might have gone, Tazuna?"

"The first three bastards must've stolen them again, don't 'cha think?!" shouted Tazuna.

"Yes, indeed, the first three people took the component away again. Do you have any connection to them, whatsoever, Tazuna?" questioned Zetsu.

"I don't even know who you're talking about ya crazy plant!" retorted Tazuna.

"Watch your mouth, Tazuna, or it might just cost your grandson his life," threatened Zetsu.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was thinking, "Wait, Team Sound stole that component again? Why are both of them after that component anyway? What do they want with them?" Then, Sasuke recalled what Sarutobi had said about the component. "It's the most important part of the submarine that the ship captain in Rustboro is building." Sasuke's eyes widened a bit. "Then, Tazuna's the ship builder? What do they want that submarine for? Why do they want to go to the deepest waters?"

"Urgh, Sasuke-kun?" whispered Sakura as she was starting to wake up. She noticed the ropes around all three of them and began to ask, "Sasuke-kun, where are we? What's with these…"

"Shh," whispered Sasuke. "Come and listen."

Sakura inched towards the door as well and pressed her ear on it. Suddenly, a loud bang was heard and the two of them arched back. "Tazuna, you're in no position to be giving orders. Now, let's go," said Zetsu. Sasuke and Sakura pressed their ears to the door again to listen.

"Let Inari go first!" shouted Tazuna.

"Like I said, you're not in a position to give orders. Now come!" yelled Zetsu

The plant like person pulled Tazuna, but he had his hand on the door knob. When Zetsu pulled, Tazuna turned the knob, and out flew Sasuke and Sakura, both uttering a cry of surprise.

"So, you've been listening. I knew we should have gotten rid of you brats. Konan's just too soft hearted. Don't expect the same treatment from me," said Zetsu. On cue, Zetsu's Pokemon advanced towards Sasuke and Sakura.

Leafeon lunged for Sakura, but Sasuke threw himself in the way of the attack. Sakura's eyes were shut tight, but when she opened them again, she saw Sasuke, wounded, in front of her. The pinkette immediately knew that Leafeon had used Take Down on Sasuke. She also figured out that the attack was meant for her, but Sasuke had thrown himself in the way to shield her.

When Leafeon turned to face Sakura, the pinketted gulped and thought, "We're done for. Goodbye, my short life as a coordinator."

As Leafeon rushed, full speed, towards Sakura, a water based attack blew the leaf Pokemon back. Sakura swiftly turned her head to see Naruto, untied, with Marshtomp beside him.

"Naruto! How'd you get free?" asked Sakura, immediately relieved.

Marshtomp jumped in front of Sasuke and Sakura while Naruto untied Sakura. "I'm not that useless, Sakura-chan. Even I can get Marshtomp's Pokeball out with my hands tied behind my back," answered Naruto. Naruto then went on to untying Sasuke.

"Sasuke-kun, are you ok?" asked Sakura. Naruto helped Sasuke stand up.

"Yeah, I'm ok. I can't believe I'm saying this but, thanks Naruto. You really helped a lot," said Sasuke. Naruto grinned his foxy grin.

"Alright, now let's fight this bastard!" said Naruto excitedly. He took out two other Pokeballs and called out his Pokemon. "Come out, Vulpix, Staravia!" The red fox and the newly evolved bird Pokemon came out of the Pokeballs, ready to fight.

"Wow, Starly evolved! Nice work, Naruto," praised Sakura. "Now, take the stage, Combusken, Skitty, Eevee!" He three contest Pokemon got in a battle stance immediately after they were released.

"Let's go, Grovyle, Houndour, Sneasel," said Sasuke. Before the Pokemon could attack, Zetsu was already running towards a submarine. He called back his Pokemon and jumped in the submarine. In a flash, the submarine had submerged.

"Hey, you coward, get back here!" shouted Naruto, clearly pissed. He kept fuming, "Aagh! That cowardly bastard! We didn't even get to fight! That's no fun! Ow, Sasuke-teme, what was that for?!" Sasuke had punched the side of Naruto's head.

"Hn, you're too annoying blockhead. Shut it," replied Sasuke coolly. The trio returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs and helped up Tazuna and Inari.

"Thanks kids. I owe you one," said Tazuna.

"Actually, we're returning the favor. We needed the ride to Slateport first," said Naruto.

"Hurry, guys. I need to get ready for the contest! It's tomorrow, remember?" said Sakura, panicking again.

"Sakura-chan, calm down! Don't worry, we'll help again, as I said. Let's get out of here!" said Naruto. All of them exited the shipyard.

Once outside, Inari spoke, "Sakura, do you remember who the M.C for the contests are?"

"Yeah, Tsunami. Why?" asked Sakura.

"She's my mom," replied Inari.

"S-Seriously? Nice! Hey, Inari, you're gonna come and watch the contest tomorrow, right? Your mom's gonna be there anyway," said Sakura.

"I am gonna watch. My grandpa is too," answered Inari.

Sakura smiled and patted his head. "Don't forget to root for me, ok Inari?" Turning to Naruto and Sasuke, she said, "We're gonna have to start preparing now. Let's find a free patch of land." Turning back to Inari, Sakura asked, "Do you want to watch us train?"

Inari replied, "Nah. I have to go with my grandpa. He has some work to do. Thanks for inviting me anyway, Sakura. It was nice meeting you three! See ya tomorrow!" Inari ran off with Tazuna afterwards.

"Alright, guys. If I'm gonna win this contest, I'm gonna have to work my butt off. I can already tell it's gonna be really hard. So, let's start!" Sakura ran, full speed out to a random place. Her teammates had to catch up to her. When they caught up, she already had her Pokemon out.

"Sakura-chan, who are you planning to put in the first and second rounds?" asked Naruto.

"Hm, I was thinking I could put in Eevee for the first round, and since Combusken is a really strong fighter, he's going in the second round. I'm leaving Skitty out for this one. Sorry, Skitty," apologized Sakura. The cat-like Pokemon just rubbed its body against Sakura's legs.

"Ok! Sakura-chan, you'll have to show us your appeal first," said Naruto.

"Fine by me," answered Sakura.

Sasuke and Naruto helped Sakura prepare for the contest the whole day. Sakura still didn't want to go back yet, even though it was already ten at night. Just to make her happy, the boys stayed with her until midnight. Only then, did she admit that she was tired and that she wanted to rest. When they got back to the Pokemon Center, Sakura and Naruto immediately plopped down on their beds and went to sleep.

The next day, Sakura and Naruto slept until nine in the morning. Sasuke had woken up early and was training by himself on the outskirts of town. Sasuke informed Sakura that her contest would be at three, so she didn't need to rush.

The trio arrived at the contest hall at 2:30 just because Sakura wanted to get there early. She looked around and saw all kinds of different, cute, and powerful Pokemon. One Pokemon that immediately caught her eye was a graceful, beautiful Glaceon.

"Hey, guys, look at that Glaceon," Sakura whispered in awe.

"Wow, that Glaceon is pretty," commented Naruto.

"I wonder who she belongs to," wondered Sakura. She was just about to find out who the owner was, when someone she had seen before appeared and picked up Glaceon: a young woman with short, blue hair, which was adorned with a beautiful flower.

Sakura's jaw dropped and Sasuke froze. Naruto looked at both of them, confused. The blond tugged on Sakura's shirt sleeve and asked, "Sakura-chan who's she? Do you know her? Have you faced off with her before?"

Sakura nodded slowly. "I already fought her on the abandoned ship, Naruto."

Naruto's eyes widened and he whispered, "You don't mean that … that she's…"

Sakura nodded again and replied, "Yeah, she's one of them. The people Sasuke-kun and I had to fight. Her name's Konan if I remember correctly."

Gasp! Sakura has to face off with Konan at this contest! This is not going to turn out pretty. Merry Christmas guys! (I finished writing this chapter on Christmas Eve, but I'm at the beach right now, so I have no Internet, so I can't upload this chapter at this moment.) I would really appreciate it if you guys review! I appreciate the favorites and alerts too, but I just love your reviews! They make me want to write more and update , and if you guys see any mistakes in my fic, just tell me through a review or PM me. I always check my mail. ^_^

I said it's Christmas Eve, but I uploaded this chapter on January 1, 2010, so Happy New Year too, guys! I hope you all had a great year! Now, it's time to think of new resolutions and start fresh! I hope you all will have a great new year too!

Oh, and if you guys have some more time, can you please check out my other main story, "My Girl's Ex-Boyfriend"? The main character is, again, Sakura. It's kinda a SasuSakuIta fic. I really hope you guys will check it out and tell me what you think in reviews! Thanks!