An: Well I'm back and would like to thank everyone that has reviewed as always. Your humble author S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.

Chapter 26: Decisions

After defeating Doto and returning the Land of Snow to its rightful ruler, the three Leaf Teams remained in the country to rest and recuperate. They were currently enjoying the festival celebrating Koyuki's coronation. Naruto was escorting Sakura and Hinata around as they took in the sights the festival had to offer. From time to time Naruto would look at the picture of him laid out in bandages with Koyuki kissing his cheek that Haku had the princess sign for him. Unbeknownst, to the Blonde that was one of several variations that had been taken. After Koyuki had kissed his cheek, Hinata and Sakura had demanded their picture be taken in the same fashion. Neither had been able to agree who would go first so the next picture had both girls kissing him at the same time. Not satisfied they had decided who it would be in the next one by rock- paper- scissors which Hinata won. Although Sakura figured Hinata had used her training in reading body language to give her the edge she had honored their bet so the next one was with Hinata alone. Sakura then had hers taken alone as well. However, Naruto had no idea about those pictures existence seeing as the girls kept their copies to themselves.

As they passed through some of the vendor stands Naruto found Haku looking at some necklaces made from crystal. Noticing that Sakura and Hinata were busy looking at a different stand he walked up to Haku saying, "Looking for an accessory for your pink kimono."

Rolling his eyes Haku said, "No, it's for Kin."

"Really is it her birthday, should I get her something too?" Naruto asked concerned.

Cheeks blushing Haku said, "No. I just wanted to get her something nice." Picking out one in the shape of a snowflake he paid for it hoping to escape the blonde before he realized why his face was heating up.

Kami however was against him as Sakura and Hinata noticing that Naruto had wandered off tracked him down just as Haku gave the vendor the money and was inspecting his purchase one last time. Coming up behind Naruto, Sakura said, "Aw, how pretty. Who's it for?"

"Kin," Naruto answered for Haku.

Both girls shared a look smiling before Hinata said, "Is she your girlfriend?"

Rubbing the back of his head nervously, Haku said, "Nothing like that. I just promised to get her something nice while on this mission."

Naruto might have missed the underlining current to what the girls were asking, but he did catch that Haku had contradicted himself by saying he had promised to buy something for Kin to the girls, but had said he felt like it to him. About to ask him what was going on Haku saw the light go on in Naruto's eyes and wanting to avoid any more embarrassing questions said, "Well I have to go relieve, Sai."

Confused Naruto called out after the retreating form of Haku, "You do realize that Zabuza was only joking when he said we needed to keep an eye of Kakashi, right?"

If Haku gave any indication that he heard him he didn't show it as he disappeared into the crowd. Shrugging his shoulders he turned to see the two girls looking at him with small pouts as they said in unison, "Why don't you buy us nice gifts like that Naruto?"

Thinking quickly he said nervously, "Well I've been with you guys since getting out of the hospital so I haven't had time to get you anything."

Smiling Sakura grabbed onto his arm saying, "That's okay. I'm only joking. But what did you mean that Zabuza said to keep an eye on Kakashi-sensei?"

"Well you heard how creepy Kakashi sounded when he saw that script Koyuki was holding right?" Sakura nodded her head so Naruto continued, "Well Zabuza made a comment that we should keep an eye on Kakashi-sensei in case he goes all creepy perverted stalker, like the guy who was the reason we were originally assigned to watch over Koyuki."

Hinata taking her place grabbing Naruto's right arm as they walked asked, "But if he was joking why does Sai need to be relieved?"

"Because he's still a little fuzzy on telling the difference between when someone is joking or not when they sound all serious like Zabuza."

"Then why didn't you tell him?" Sakura asked.

Grinning beneath his wraps Naruto said, "Because it's kind of funny how serious Sai is taking it. He hasn't let him out of his sight and Kakashi has tried to lose him several times."

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Meanwhile in one of the many hot springs Kakashi sighed as he looked over seeing a fully dressed Sai sitting on some rocks. Adjusting the rag around his face he said, "I'm not going to kidnap Koyuki, it really isn't necessary to watch me like this."

"Zabuza said we can never be too careful around people who read smut all day," Sai said.

Sighing again Kakashi accepted that until they left tomorrow he was probably going to have a chaperon. Thinking about other subjects, it wasn't long before Kakashi's mind wondered to the subject of the upcoming movie based on his favorite book and how Koyuki was perfect for it. He especially couldn't wait for the shower scene, giving a little perverted giggle as his imagination ran wild.

Looking up from what he was drawing Sai thought, "Yes clearly Zabuza was on the right track when he ordered me to watch him."

Realizing that sitting in the men's' baths and giggling perversely wasn't helping him prove his case, he turned his attention to more serious concerns. Primarily, what was he going to do with Sasuke? After his defeat by Doto, Sasuke had become more withdrawn than ever. It probably hadn't helped that Kakashi had told him that he was on extremely thin ice with him and after thinking about a suitable punishment had told him until he could prove himself to be a team player he would be doing D-ranked missions. Leaning his head back he remembered how well that had gone over.

"What?!" Sasuke asked furious.

Pacing in Sasuke's hospital room Kakashi said, "You are not leaving me any choice here Sasuke. Your actions endangered our client by exposing her position to the enemy. And for what, so you could prove how tough you are."

Sasuke silently glared at Kakashi so he continued, "It's time you learn Sasuke these missions aren't just your measuring stick to see how far you have grown. They are for the benefit of the Leaf Village. Until you can understand that and I can count on you not to go all lone wolf on me therefore not putting the others in danger. I can't in good conscious, have you accompany us on more dangerous missions. You will be allowed to train with us as normal, but any mission we receive higher than a D you will be left behind."

Sasuke at least had the decency to look away as he said, "Why can't you understand that I have to kill Itachi and all this teamwork garbage isn't helping me achieve that goal?"

"I don't know Sasuke, perhaps for the same reason that you don't understand that wearing that headband means you have to think about more than your own wants and desires," Kakashi answered.

"Look Sasuke, I don't enjoy coming down on you like this," Kakashi said trying to reach his student, "But gaining power solely for revenge will leave you hollow."

Scoffing Sasuke said, "Talk to me after you've watched the people you loved die right in front of you?"

"Sasuke as much as I'm sure that the pain of losing your family takes up a large portion of your heart you are hardly the only shinobi to feel it," Kakashi responded bluntly. Pointing to his Sharingan eye he said, "I received this eye from my best friend as he lay dying in front of me after he saved my life. My father was forced to commit ritual suicide in order to atone for putting the lives of his friends above his mission. So I understand the pain of loss Sasuke and take it from me allowing it to consume you will make you miss the important things that are right in front of you."

"Like what?"

"Friends for one," Kakashi said, "I see a lot of myself in you. After my father's death I became a stickler for the rules. Obito Uchiha, used to give me a hard time because of it. Because of my cold and distant attitude when Rin one of my teammates was captured during a mission I was going to leave her to her fate and continue on with the mission. That is when Obito hit me and uttered the line I told you all when you guys passed my test, the one about people who abandoning their comrades being worse than trash. He was right. In the end we saved her but he died in the process."

Seeing Sasuke staring at him wide-eyed he continued, "Unfortunately, I didn't completely learn the lesson Obito taught me. After my sensei died I fell into a world of dark thoughts that I still haven't completely shaken and as a result I was unable to help my remaining teammate deal with her own issues resulting from Obito and Sensei's deaths. Had I been less consumed by anger and rage at their passing as well as believing that no one else could possibly know what I was going through I probably could have helped Rin. To this day I don't know if she is alive or dead and as a result I broke the promise that Obito asked of me when he gave me this eye."

Sasuke looked away from him so Kakashi said wrapping up his speech, "Don't make the same mistakes as me Sasuke. Live in the present, not the past." Giving his student some time alone to think he left the hospital and while he appeared carefree he allowed his thoughts to turn to Rin and the fate that had befallen her.

Kakashi didn't know what he had hoped would happen from telling his life's tale to Sasuke. Perhaps some sign that the brooding Uchiha would take one of the offered hands of help to get past his tragic past. However, while he was slightly disappointed that Sasuke hadn't appeared anymore outgoing after his hospital visit, he took some small comfort that he appeared to at least be mulling it over.

Orochimaru was sitting in his throne room waiting for Kabuto to arrive with what he had requested. They where currently stationed in one of the many bases in Rice Field Country. Wrapped in bandages while waiting for many of the surgeries he had performed on his new body to take hold he knew that now was the time to prepare his next vessel and this time that vessel would be Sasuke. Looking back on it now he realized he had been a bit too impulsive mixing the business of destroying the Leaf with his desire to possess the Sharingan. By revealing himself before the Invasion he had all but confirmed for the Leaf that that the gathering forces that Zabuza had seen in their Grass Base had been meant for Konoha.

It had been a foolish mistake on his part and he had been lucky that it hadn't cost him anything more than third degree burns and a blow to his pride, but now he could afford to be patient. This time he would do it as it should have been done in the first place and instead of forcing the curse mark on Sasuke he would allow him a choice fully confident that the boy would choose power and revenge over anything the Leaf had to offer.

However, he had very little doubt that arranging another meeting with the boy would be especially difficult. Undoubtedly, he was under constant supervision by The Anbu Black Ops while in Konoha and when on missions he was sure Kakashi kept a weathered eye on the lookout for him popping up. So he would have to find a less intimidating form however a henge was out of the question but he had already developed the perfect jutsu for getting around in Konoha.

Just as his patience was reaching its limit Kabuto entered with a small boy of about twelve or thirteen years of age in tow. Smiling at Kabuto he said, "Excellent Kabuto this boy will do nicely."

The child in tears began trying to get out of the far stronger medic's grasp crying how he wanted to go home and calling out for his mother. His cries were silenced as Orochimaru extended his neck towards the boy sinking his fangs into the boy's shoulder. Much like with his curse seal Orochimaru channeled chakra into the boy but unlike with the curse seal it wasn't to give power but to crush and subsume his will into the boy. When the jutsu was finished Orochimaru's neck returned to his shoulders and the boy stood motionless with his eyes closed. When they finally opened they were yellow with snake like slits in them.

Smiling Orochimaru said, "You know what to do."

The boy that for all intents and purposes was now a copy of Orochimaru said chuckling lightly, "kukuku, of course. I'll be on my way."

Watching the boy leave Kabuto said, "A truly monstrous jutsu Lord Orochimaru."

Chuckling eerily similar to the boy that had just left Orochimaru said, "Do you think so? It may not be as impressive as Pain's ability to manipulate corpses and the copy will quickly use up the chakra stored within that boy's body but my Forbidden Technique: Soul Doppelganger Jutsu should last long enough to make my offer to Sasuke and if not it should be able to transfer itself into a new host before it completely drains that boy of chakra."

"Is there anything else you need from me, Lord Orochimaru?"

"Yes actually," Orochimaru replied, "I want you to find a way to meet with Danzou. Should Sasuke decided to accept my offer, which he will; we will need Danzou's help in proving just what a valuable gift the curse mark is, as well as getting Sasuke out of Konoha."

"Do you think Danzou will willingly help us?" Kabuto asked.

"Oh, I'm sure there is something I have to offer that he will want in exchange," Orochimaru said confidently.

Bowing slightly Kabuto left to figure a way to meet with Danzou without arising the Leaf's suspicions.

As the noon sun beat down over head Anko and Kin where taking a break from their training enjoying some dango. As they sat on a log in the middle of Training Area 44 Anko looked over at her student who had taken to wearing a trench coat like her except hers was the same color as her camouflaged pants which were different shades of grey and black. She also was wearing a similar green vest as she used to but now it was shorter exposing her mid-drift. Furthermore, adorning her forehead was her headband with the Leaf symbol on it. She was also wearing her old Sound one tied around her right bicep but it had an X crossed through the musical note.

Not for the first time Anko was glad that she had suggested taking on a student of her own. With any luck she would be able to pull a couple of next year's academy students to complete a three-man team. By then she figured she would have Kin worked into a real kunoichi and the former Sound-nin would be able to help her whip her new teammates into shape. Already Kin had come a long way from the half completed shinobi she had been before. Whoever Orochimaru had training his up and coming recruits would never had made it as a Leaf Instructor. Although, knowing her former sensei the Sound shinobis over reliance on ninjutsu was Orochimaru's doing seeing as he felt that was the most important thing that made a shinobi a shinobi.

Noticing Kin looking at her she asked, "What is it maggot?"

Blushing shyly Kin asked meekly, "Uhm, Anko-sensei what should you do if you like a boy and you want him to know you're interested?"

Getting a predatory smile on her face Anko said, "Has my little Kinnie gone and found herself a man already. Wow, you work fast." Sliding over on the log and draping her arm over Kin's shoulder she said, "Who is it? Tell me."

Even more embarrassed now, Kin said, "Haku, he's on Team Zabuza."

Scowling a little, remembering the Blonde haired brat from that team, Anko said, "He's the one in the hunter's mask right?"

Nodding her head Kin said, "Yeah. He's really sweet and gentle, but I'm afraid that if I tell him how I feel he'll tell me he's not interested in me like that and things will be awkward between us."

Anko laughed causing Kin to mumble, "It's not funny."

Wiping a tear from her eye Anko said, "Girl that's the problem women have faced when admitting their feeling to those they like since time began. Basically, you have two choices tell him and take the risk that things will change and they will even if he says yes, or hide your feeling and keep the status quo. If you want my advice go with the first one it's better to get your feeling out in the open then to bury them while wondering what could have been."

Seeing Kin nod her head Anko couldn't resist adding, "One more piece of advice. If you want sure fire positive results, trap him in a closet with you for several hours while you have your way with him. That way even if he turns you down you at least got some fun out of it."

Anko then took off laughing while running away leaving a mortified Kin shouting, "Anko-sensei," as she gave chase.

As sensei and student took some time away from training to goof off, they were unaware that they were being watched. Up in a tree the creature watching them said to itself, "Yesss, ssshe'll be perfect."

Team Ten was enjoying its weekly end of the week trip to the barbeque restaurant that they favored. Asuma watched as his team ate their meal enjoying the spectacle as Shikamaru and Ino battled Chouji for the pieces of meat. Smiling as Chouji once more managed to secure the last piece of meat. He was proud with how far his team had come since the battle at Wave. However, he frowned as Ino mocked Chouji and his large appetite telling him he would never get a girl unless he lost some weight. Asuma could see the hurt that passed through Chouji's eyes at Ino's comment. After Chouji finished chewing he thanked Asuma for the meal and excused himself to wash up. Shikamaru excused himself as well probably to cheer his best friend up knowing how deeply Ino's comment probably cut the Akimichi.

Left alone with the young Yamanaka, Asuma said, "You know Ino you should lay-off Chouji seeing as he has been applying himself to his training. I might also add that as of late he has been working a lot harder than you have."

"What's that suppose to mean, Asuma-sensei?" Ino asked a little hurt at what her teacher was implying.

Lighting a fresh cigarette Asuma said, "I just saying that you haven't been applying yourself like you should be. If you want my honest opinion your work ethic has really dropped from where it was right after the Wave mission. Instead, you've gone back to the little girl who is more concerned with her looks than training or jutsus."

"I have not," Ino half-heatedly said, trying to defend herself.

"Really," Asuma said leaning back in the booth, "Let's take a look at what we did today, sparring and chakra control. Where did you fall among your teammates?"

Looking a little embarrassed she said, "Last but…"

"I'm not expecting you to be the best in sparring not with Chouji on the team," Asuma interrupted, "but, the only reason you were last in chakra control was because you weren't concentrating on the task at hand. If I was a betting man, I'd say you were instead thinking about how you could impress Sasuke since his team is due back in a few days."

Ino looked like she wanted to add something but Asuma put his hand up saying, "Ino if that's the type of shinobi you want to be that's your choice. I mean lots of Kunoichi call it quits to start a family once they land the man they are after, but leave Chouji alone. There's a good reason the Akimichi clan is built the way they are."

"What reason would that be?"

"Pray you never find out," Asuma said gravely.

Orochimaru's spirit doppelganger was getting weaker. It had arrived in the village relatively unchallenged but found that Sasuke was away on a mission. It needed to find a new body soon but had put it off for as long as possible afraid that if bodies began to pile up it would make its mission harder. It was waiting near the gate to find a suitable new host who if they went missing wouldn't be missed for awhile. That is when it saw its target entering the village. However it definitely needed to find a new host seeing as it was too weak to give Sasuke the curse seal in its present condition. Smiling to itself it figured its new host should be someone who wouldn't look out of place near the Uchiha district. Perhaps one of the girls who had traveled with him on his mission, but the question was who.

Looking into Orochimaru's memories it ruled out the Hyuuga as she was far too strong for the doppelganger to fight or overpower. Watching as the jounin dismissed their charges it was forced to rule out the pink-haired girl as well seeing as her and the Hyuuga were heading in the same direction. That left the purple-haired one who was walking away by herself.

Ami felt a little jealous as Hinata and Sakura walked away together talking about going to get something to eat together before heading home. She quickly squashed it though as Hinata had been nothing but kind and she couldn't blame them for not inviting her as she and Sakura still had a lot of bad blood between them.

As Hinata walked away with Sakura she turned to look back one last time and saw Ami walking away with shoulders slumped. She kicked herself for her oversight and turning to Sakura said, "Sakura, I know we were going to go out for some food, but can we invite Ami?

"Ami?!" Sakura said, "I know you're trying to be nicer to her, but come on she's such a jerk."

"Please Sakura," Hinata said giving a small pout, "She's trying to turn over a new leaf. You saw how she was on this mission she didn't put anyone down once."

Faced with Hinata's reasons and the Hyuuga's pout, Sakura said, "Fine, but if she says one thing about my forehead she's toast."

Ami walked through the alley shortcut to her house. As she walked she felt uneasy though she couldn't place why. Considering this was the same alley where Sakura and Ino had ambushed her, she felt that might explain her nervousness. She was tempted to run through the alley but figured a kunoichi running from shadows would look pretty silly. However maybe it would be okay if she reached for a kunai? She thought she caught something moving in the shadows of the alley she was about to say to hell with her image when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Spinning and seeing Hinata standing there with Sakura she said, "Kami you scared me. What do you want?"

"We were wondering, if you would like to join us in getting something to eat?" Hinata said.

Looking skeptically at Sakura behind Hinata, Ami said, "We?"

Stepping forward Sakura said, "Look, I'll admit to being a little unsure about you. But Hinata says you want to start over. So, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

Ami gave a small smile that Sakura saw was sincere as she said, "Thank you, and yes I would like to join you."

As the three girls left, the Doppelganger moved deeper into the shadows cursing its luck. Deciding to move back towards the Uchiha district in hopes of finding suitable prey it walked around the district marking where it felt the Anbu patrols watching over Sasuke's home. It finally found what it was looking for in the form of a young girl who was obviously one of his many admirers judging from the gift she left at the district's entrance.

Kasumi was walking back home after dropping off a token of her affection for Sasuke. She like many of Sasuke's fans would leave gifts for him from time to time. Many of the girls that hadn't advanced like her hadn't given up on making the last Uchiha theirs. After failing her Genin Exam and finding out Ami liked girls Kasumi had returned to the Academy acting as the number two to the new terror of the Academy, Fuki. In truth, she wasn't disgusted with Ami like Fuki seemed to be, but she was a little wary of her. Especially to be alone with her, due to Fuki's insistence that Ami's reason for the sleepover had been to seduce them, this was why she hadn't really seen her since.

As she was walking past a dark alley she heard a whisper, not really able to make it out she looked into the alley and saw Sasuke staring at her. Blushing she said, "S-s-sasuke what are you doing here?"

"I saw you leave me such a beautiful gift and just felt the need to show my appreciation," Sasuke said while moving deeper into the alley with Kasumi following absent mindedly.

"Show how?" Kasumi asked hopefully.

The doppelganger in Sasuke's form almost laughed at how easy it was to get this girl to drop her guard. Looking into Orochimaru's memories, it realized that fangirls were all the same even after forty-five years. Figuring it was deep enough into the alley it asked, "How would you like me to show it?"

Cheeks getting even redder she said, "Your first kiss."

Smiling the doppelganger said, "Of course."

As it stepped up to Kasumi she closed her eyes in anticipation of her first kiss. They shot open again when she felt him bite into her neck, by then however it was too late as her spirit was crushed and taken over by the doppelganger. Now looking through Kasumi's eyes it watched as the withered corpse of its old body fell away. Hiding the corpse in a nearby trash bin it made its way to Sasuke's house confident that in its new skin it wouldn't be stopped. After all just how threatening could a fangirl be.

Watching the Uchiha district from a nearby apartment two Anbu sat around playing cards. At one time the idea of doing so while on duty would never have flown. Especially seeing as the unit's commander was Cat, if she found out she would have severely punished them if not bounced them out of the unit. However ever since the Sound Invasion Cat hadn't been the same woman and there was a rumor that once she had shown up for duty after drinking. Well discipline in any unit always runs top down and with Cat seemingly uncaring about her duties it was only a matter of time before what had once been the pride of the Anbu had become just another unit.

Looking up from his hand the Anbu in a lizard mask said, "Looks like we got another one."

Following Lizard's line of sight Bird replied, "Actually she was here just a minute ago. Maybe she heard Sasuke's back and is hoping to get a glimpse of him."

"Man that Sasuke sure has it made," Lizard said, "having all those girls throwing themselves at him. Not that he makes use of any of them."

"Looks like he might with this one," Bird said seeing the girl in question making her way inside. "Should we report this or investigate?"

"Nah," Lizard said turning back to his cards, "Let the boy have some fun."

After being dismissed by Kakashi who had said that he may be punished further by the Hokage. Sasuke had gone to his family's dojo to work out some of his frustrations. Running over his defeat at Doto's hands in his memory he remembered he had been slightly glad to see Naruto do so poorly as well. But even after suffering far more injuries than Sasuke the Blonde had refused to stay down. What was worse was that Naruto still hadn't even tapped into that awesome power he possessed in order to best Doto. It was almost like the Blonde's existence mocked his. There Naruto was with more power than he could possibly need at his beck and call, yet the boy refused to call upon it.

His anger getting the best of him he formed a chidori and slammed it into one of the training dummies littered around the room. Breathing hard he sensed a presence and threw a kunai in its direction and was surprised when it was caught. Stepping out of the shadows was a girl that looked vaguely familiar but whose face he couldn't place. Eyes narrowing at being disturbed he said, "Who are you and what are you doing in my home?"

"Kukuku, I imagine the young lady whose body this used to be would be crushed that you didn't remember her," the doppelganger said.

Sasuke instantly recognized the voice of Orochimaru saying, "You," and then charged another chidori.

He stopped though when the Doppelganger said, "There is no need to battle Sasuke. I've come to extend an offer."

Letting the Chidori cancel Sasuke asked hesitantly, "What kind of offer?"

"One of power, of course," it said smiling, "Surely by now, you have recognized that the Leaf has no intention of training you for the purpose of killing Itachi."

"Why should I trust you?" Sasuke said skeptically, "You killed that girl to steal her body and you attacked me during the Chunin exams."

Walking around Sasuke the doppelganger said, "True, however can you honestly say you care about this girl's fate." Hearing no answer it continued, "And the reason I attacked you during the Chunin exams was to give you a gift to show you what I have to offer, the power to crush Itachi."

"What do you want in return?"

"Your body, to act as my next vessel," Orochimaru's spirit doppelganger stated, "after you have avenged your clan of course. However, I must warn you there is a chance you will not survive my training."

Sasuke knew in many respects he was talking to a devil in human flesh. But his mind quickly showed him images of Gaara and Naruto and the inhuman power they wielded. If he would have to strike a bargain with the devil to gain such power he would do so gladly.

"Very well, I accept." Sasuke said, "Now what?"

"Now we see if you have the fortitude to survive," the Doppelganger said. Before Sasuke knew what had happened it had extend its neck and sunk its fangs into him. Screaming in pain as the Curse mark of Heaven appeared on his shoulder where he had been bitten he sunk to the ground and quickly lost consciousness.

The pair of Anbu arrived seconds later having felt Sasuke's chakra spike to see him flinching in feverish pain. They also found the mummified corpse of the girl they had allowed into the compound. Shaking his head Lizard said, "Cat's not going to like this."

"Never mind Cat," Bird said bending down to pick Sasuke up to take him to the hospital, "It's the Hokage's anger I'm worried about. That's why I'll let you handle telling her." Bird then Shunshined out of the room leaving his cursing partner behind to brave Tsunade's wraith.

Tsunade upon entering the Hospital knew that today had been going too good, seeing as she had won the weekly lottery drawing. After Kakashi and the other jounin had given their report on the Snow mission she had dismissed them promising Kakashi that she would let him know of any further punishment she had in store for Sasuke in the morning. Kakashi had then slipped her the picture of Naruto being kissed on his cheeks by Sakura and Hinata which had brightened her day. She was deliberating whether or not she should give Sasuke a harsher punishment for his disobedience or not when the Anbu in a Lizard mask had reported that Sasuke had been attacked.

She had ordered the Anbu to find Kakashi and bring him to the hospital before taking off for it. Upon arriving she had demanded a status update. Apparently Sasuke was in stable condition if a bit weak at the moment. Now she needed to figure out what to do about the Curse Mark on his shoulder. Regrettably, the most knowledgeable person about Curse Marks was outside the village preparing for his journey with Naruto.

Kakashi entered the room saying, "What happened? How did Orochimaru get his mitts into Sasuke?"

"We don't know," Tsunade answered, "According to the Anbu that were watching over his residence he only had one visitor. But, considering we found the girl's mummified remains next to him. As well as an unidentified boy's in an alley near Sasuke's home I would imagine it was some type of forbidden jutsu."

"Who was the girl?" Kakashi asked.

"A classmate of Sasuke's and one of his admirers, she had dropped off a gift earlier for him and then returned," Tsunade answered sadly for the poor girl. Pushing on to business she said, "I'm afraid Jiraiya is out of town at the moment. I understand you have been studying what you can of the Curse Mark after you found out about Orochimaru's interest in Sasuke. So the only question I have for you is. Can you seal it?"

"I can seal it," Kakashi answered. "However, we'll have to wait until he is stronger as there is a chance he could die from the sealing process. Also, even though Jiraiya's new counter-seal can completely crush and remove the Curse Mark it is reliant on the persons will to work."

Realizing what Kakashi was implying she said, "Are you saying there is a chance that he will reject the counter-seal?"

"I'm afraid so," Kakashi admitted. "Sasuke desires power. There is no doubt that if he gets a taste of what the Curse Mark can do for him. He will be sorely tempted to draw upon it."

Looking pensive Tsunade said, "Make the necessary preparations. We'll give Sasuke the choice to do the right thing. If he refuses we'll seal the Mark regardless and if he rejects the counter-seal. Well we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Danzou was meeting with one of his contacts from outside the village. However he noticed that there was something off about the man. Subtly getting his bodyguards attention to cut him down he stopped when the man said, "It would seem you've seen through my disguise."

"Who are you?" Danzou demanded, "And what happened to the man you are impersonating?"

Reaching up and pulling the man's face away from his, the impersonator said, "My name is Kabuto Yakushi. As to the man I'm impersonating well let's just say you are going to have to find a new spy among the Grass Daimyo's advisors."

"You have cost me a valuable asset. Why shouldn't I just have you killed right here traitor" Danzou said dangerously.

"Lord Orochimaru has sent me to ask a favor of you," Kabuto stated.

Before Danzou could ask what the favor was, one of his Anbu appeared in the room and knelt down to the side of his master saying, "Lord Danzou, Sasuke Uchiha has been attacked and been given the Curse Mark."

Narrowing his eye at Kabuto, Danzou said, "Am I to take it this favor involves Sasuke?"

"Yes," Kabuto said, "It is no secret that you believe Konoha would be better off without the Uchiha. The only thing they have that you coveted for the village was the Sharingan."

Cutting Kabuto off he said, "Then why would I hand such a thing over to Orochimaru?"

"Because by handing over Sasuke you will have Lord Orochimaru in your debt and free Konoha of the curse of the Uchiha," Kabuto said.

"What is it that Orochimaru wishes for me to do?"

"Simple, we have sent a team of assassins to kill Sasuke," Kabuto said smirking a little more when Danzou's eye widened fractionally showing his surprise. "We want you to arrange it so that the assassins can reach Sasuke and attack him uninterrupted."

"Ah I see, you are hoping to show Sasuke the power of the Curse Mark," Danzou said, "Should he survive your attack how do you plan to get him out of the village?"

"I'm sure you could provide us with the best route for him to take out of the village," Kabuto said.

"I could, but that would be two favors I would be providing for you," Danzou said taking a sip from his tea. "I would expect a second payment from you as well."

"Of course…"

Stopping Kabuto by holding his hand up Danzou said, "Listen before you agree, this favor isn't just binding to Orochimaru but you as well."

"Me!?" Kabuto said clearly surprised, "I hardly think I'm in the same league as Orochimaru."

"Perhaps not now," Danzou said, "However, I think in a few years you maybe. But that is hardly the reason. I believe by inviting Sasuke into your mists you are inviting a viper that will turn on you. Therefore, I will want some guarantee that should that viper betray you that I didn't go through the effort of helping you for no reason."

"So I take it this second favor isn't something you will be asking for right away," Kabuto said.

"That is correct," Danzou confirmed. "What is your answer?"

"I suppose that depends on what your first request of us would be," Kabuto said.

"I want Orochimaru to give me the abilities of the Uchiha and Senju," Danzou said, "I trust he continued the experiments he began before his leaving the village."

"Indeed," Kabuto said, "and I think you'll be happy with the results."

"Then just name the time when we can expect your assassins."

Anko felt uneasy as her and Kin trained in the Forest of Death, as it felt as if something was watching her. She had tried at first to ignore it. Figuring it was just some phantom feeling brought about by the news that Orochimaru had once more appeared in the village. But it had persisted and now she was almost sure that she was being watched. Avoiding another strike from Kin she jumped away far enough to buy herself time to say, "That's enough for today Kin."

Looking up at the sun which showed it was only a little after noon Kin said, "Don't tell me you're getting soft Anko-sensei. It can't even be one o'clock yet."

"Well maybe I'm just being kind enough to give you some time to talk to your beau," Anko said while leading Kin out of the forest, "You've been training so hard these past few days since he's been back. Don't tell me you're chickening out on telling him how you feel?"

Blushing Kin said, "N-no it's just that uhm… well…"

"Hahahaha, relax Kin," Anko said, "You don't have to tell him right away. But don't avoid him. You might make him think he did something wrong."

"It's just I'm not sure how I should act around him now," Kin said.

Chuckling Anko said, "You're a kunoichi aren't you. Surely you know how to control your feelings. Just act like how you were before you realized how much you liked him and when you feel comfortable confess your feelings." Having led Kin out of the training ground she said, "Well I'll see you tomorrow." She could tell Kin was a little confused with how she was acting so before her student could question her she jumped back into the forest to confront whatever had been watching them.

Heading back to where her and Kin had been training she stopped on a branch and called out, "Alright come out. I know you are out there."

Hearing a hissing sound that sounded like laughter Anko suddenly jumped as a giant emerald snake, about half the size of Manda, shot out of a tree canopy behind her. Moving lightning quick the snake came around again for another strike opening its jaw wide enough to swallow her whole. Jumping again as the snake bit through the branch she had been standing on she was struck in the side by the snake's tail sending her flying into a trunk of a tree. Again the snake came for her with mouth open wide so she extended her hand causing hundreds of snakes to emerge from her sleeve wrapping around the snake's mouth closing it. Pulling herself onto the snakes head she tried to use the ones she had wrapped around it as a means of directing it where she wanted to go. The snake however was being less than cooperative and passed underneath a branch forcing Anko to let go or eat bark.

Landing on the branch the Snake had tried to use to scrape her off Anko said, "You're no ordinary snake are you."

The snake slithered up a tree in front of her and looking at Anko and appeared like it was about to speak but quickly darted away as several senbon impacted into the branch it had been coiled around. The snake disappeared into a canopy of leaves causing Anko to say, "Damn it Kin. What are you doing here?"

"I don't know maybe helping my teacher," Kin snapped back.

"How did you know?"

"You walked me back to the gate," Kin said answering Anko's question, "You've never done that before when I could move under my own power. You might follow me back, to make sure I get out alright, but you always keep hidden. The fact that this time you stayed by my side told me you were afraid we were being hunted."

Cursing that it was her that taught Kin to see underneath the underneath Anko was about to order her back when a voice called out elongating its S's as it spoke, "You have inspired loyalty in this one haven't you. That is a trait you share with your old master is it not."

Before Anko could respond Kin shouted angrily on her master's behalf, "Anko–sensei is nothing like that bastard Orochimaru."

Smiling at Kin coming to her defense the voice said, "And you seem to have passed along your hatred of him as well."

"I can't take credit for that, I'm afraid," Anko said, "Orochimaru did that by himself."

"I see, she has tasted his betrayal as well," the voice responded, "May I show myself without fear of being attacked?"

Anko nodded to Kin who put away her senbon so she answered, "Fine, but no sudden moves."

There was a slight rustling sound as the emerald snake reappeared so Anko asked, "Why did you attack me?"

"To test you," the snake replied.

"Why?"

Giving as closed to a smile as a snake could it said, "To see if you were worthy."

"Worthy of what?" Anko asked confused.

"This," the snake said opening its mouth again showing that it's tongue was wrapped around something. It extended its tongue to Anko showing that it held a contract. Taking it tentatively Anko said, "Is this the snake contract?"

Shaking its head no, the snake said, "It is a contract with snakes but it is not the Snake Contract. That is still in Orochimaru's possession."

"I don't understand," Anko said, "How can this be a snake contract, if Orochimaru still has it."

"This is a new one created by me," the snake said.

"And you would be?"

"You may call me Naga, I'm the daughter of the old boss summons before Manda usurped control after Orochimaru's betrayal of the Leaf," Naga said.

"So you feel by giving me this contract you'll be put in a position to avenge your father?" Anko asked.

Shaking her head Naga replied, "Killing Manda will not bring my father back. No, I hope that through you the snakes will be redeemed and welcomed back into partnership with Konoha like before Orochimaru and Manda's betrayal."

"I don't know," Anko said, "How can I be sure this isn't some sort of trap? I mean, I'm having a hard time imagining Manda would leave one of his victims' relatives alive long enough to grow to be your size."

"My egg was hidden away from him in a weaker families nest," Naga said, "Not all snakes are happy with Manda's rule." To show what she meant she made a call and dozens of snakes appeared varying in size and shape although Naga was by far the largest.

Noticing that they all seemed to be about the same age Anko said, "You're all brats." Looking at Naga she said, "How old are you?"

Rearing back slightly in offence she said, "Several seasons but…"

"And you want to take on Manda and Orochimaru," Anko said, "Trust me kid you aren't ready."

"And you are," Naga snapped for the first time losing her cool.

Smirking at making the snake lose its composure Anko said, "There we are. I'll admit you had me going as you do sound mature despite your age. But deep down you want a crack at Manda so bad you can taste it."

Naga said, "Yes I do. But that is secondary to my desire for the snakes to take their rightful place in Konoha's hierarchy of summons. Please use us. We maybe young now, but we'll grow strong in this forest."

"I'll have to run it by the Hokage," Anko said after a minute of thinking. "However you can't make this forest your home?"

"Why," Naga said, "It is like a paradise for us snakes."

"Because it's where we hold our Chunin Exams," Anko said, "and the last thing I need is for the Allied Nations to get angry at Konoha because their genin are being eaten by snakes. But, I know a place that will be perfect."

Bowing its head Naga said, "Very well, when will we be able to see this place you speak of?"

"After I speak to the Hokage," Anko answered.

Kin sighed as she unlocked her apartment. After Anko had explained the situation to the Hokage who had agreed to allow Anko to not only sign the contract, but to relocate the snakes that had taken up residence in the Forest of Death to their new home. However, the Hokage hadn't allowed Kin to go, saying that with many of the jounin-sensei returning to their teams and therefore taking missions that took them away from Konoha. Genin that could perform D-ranked assignments around the village were getting harder and harder to find.

"Well at least now maybe I can find the courage to talk to Haku," Kin thought as her door opened.

However the decision was taken out of her hands when Haku having been worried that Kin had been avoiding him stayed home to stake out her apartment. Hearing her at her door he opened his saying, "Kin?"

Stiffening a little, she slowly turned saying, "Good afternoon Haku."

Frowning at how formal she seemed to be Haku asked, "Is everything alright?"

Laughing without humor Kin replied, "Yes of course it is. Why? What makes you think something is the matter?"

"Well it's just I haven't seen you in a while," Haku said, "And I have gotten the feeling you've been avoiding me."

Realizing Anko was right she quickly said, "I'm sorry." Biting her bottom lip she said, "I've just been confused about some matters and needed sometime to deal with them."

Nodding his head Haku said, "I understand. Have you resolved them?"

"Not yet," Kin replied.

"Okay, I'll leave you be then," Haku said turning to enter his apartment.

"Wait," Kin said before he closed his door, "Would…would you like to come over?"

"Yes," Haku replied, "I'll be over shortly to give you time to freshen up."

Thanking him as she entered her apartment and hurriedly stripping out of her soiled clothes. Taking a quick shower she tried to find the courage to admit her feeling for Haku but failed miserably. So that by the time Haku knocked on her door a half-hour later she was tempted not to answer it. Getting up when he knocked a third time she decided that she should just do as Anko said and act like she normally did around him. The only problem being now that she was aware she wanted more from Haku she couldn't exactly recall how she normally acted around him.

Opening the door she apologized for leaving him waiting so long. She noticed that he hadn't changed into anything nicer and mentally kicked herself for thinking he would after all they were just friends. Why would he dress up to visit a friend's house?

Haku noticed a small look of disappointment cross over Kin's face and agonized over his decision not to change into something nicer while he had waited. He was as nervous as he had ever felt even facing enemy-nin hadn't compared. He had realized that Kin had become special to him during the long assignment as Koyuki's bodyguard and had been a little hurt and worried when upon his return to Konoha she had seemed to be avoiding him. He wasn't sure what to say now that he was standing in her living room, and looking at her he could see she was in the same dilemma. He vaguely wondered when and why things had gotten so awkward between them.

Finally, Kin broke the ice saying, "So how was your mission?" Again, mentally berating herself for the awkward way she sounded.

Haku however was glad for the safe topic and proceeded to tell her all about the mission. With Kin asking questions glad for the opportunity to speak freely without having to worry about all the confusing feelings swirling around inside her. Both sitting on her couch he smiled as he reached the end of his tale and reached into his pocket pulling out the necklace he had bought her.

Kin just stared at it never having had anyone buy her anything so beautiful before and was entranced as the crystal snow flake caught the light. Haku began to worry at her lack of response and was about to ask her if she liked it when Kin suddenly lurched forward capturing his lips with hers. Haku was surprised by Kin's response but soon returned the kiss. She pulled back a second later looking at Haku bashfully causing him to say, "I take it you like the necklace."

Laughing she leaned in again saying, "Yes, but not as much as I like you." She then went in for another kiss that Haku energetically responded to dropping the necklace on the coffee table in front of the couch temporarily forgotten as they set about enjoying the change in their relationship.

Kajika was a missing-nin from Kirigakure who had found himself in Lord Orochimaru's service. He was tasked with infiltrating the Leaf Village to assassinate Sasuke Uchiha. Entering the village had been easy since him and his two teammates had been given Konoha's patrol routes. Now they were just waiting for the appointed time when Orochimaru had said to attack. At precisely three a.m. a barrier would snap into place around the hospital giving the three shinobi all the time they would need to kill their target before escaping via a secret tunnel in the hospital's basement.

Sasuke for the past five days had received many visitors ranging from his teammates to his fangirls after news of his attack had circulated. However he was unaware of that as he had been assaulted by the same dream of his younger self crying over the fate of his family and clan. The dream began to change as the boy looked up at him with the yellow eyes of Orochimaru as the Sannin said, "You shouldn't wallow in self pity Sasuke. You now have the power to avenge your clan."

"Is this a dream," Sasuke asked.

"Yes and no," the younger him replied with Orochimaru's voice.

"This boy represents your weakness. The part of you that fears Itachi, that prevents your hate from growing stronger. Destroy it and prove you deserve your revenge."

Roaring in rage, at his supposed weakness Sasuke charged a chidori ramming it through the boy's heart. Smiling the young Sasuke said, "Very good. Now awaken for your next challenge."

In his hospital bed Sasuke eyes snapped open to see a young man standing over him wearing a hood that looked like the head of a shark about to jam a kunai into his heart. Sasuke also noticed that he was being surrounded by a menacing purple chakra that flared pushing his would be killer away from him.

Smirking at his assassins and enjoying the feeling of power the chakra was filling him with he said while standing on his bed, "Orochimaru sent weaklings like you to test me."

Kajika confused said, "Test you, he sent us to kill you."

"It's all the same thing," Sasuke said activating his Sharingan.

Charging a Chidori he attacked the trio catching the largest of the three a shinobi, who was wearing a hood with a mask that covered his face, in the chest. Kajika and the sister of the shinobi stood in shock as Sasuke pulled his hand out of the man's chest as they had barely seen him move. The woman seeing the death of her brother screamed in rage as Kajika tried to call her back but he forgot her name seeing as they were just paired up for this mission. She pulled to Kama off of her back charging at the Uchiha swing wildly.

Kajika didn't stay to watch anymore though running from the room. As he ran he thought, "This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Lord Orochimaru said he would be weak from an injury sustained in battle. What is he doing with a Curse Mark?"

He vaguely heard his female partner's scream get cutoff mid-yell causing him to run faster for the basement. They had already killed most of the staff of the hospital seeing as it was lightly staffed at night so he wasn't afraid of running into any opposition. Making it to the basement he ran to where the hidden door was supposed to be and after moving some bins found nothing. He wasn't given long to realize that he had been played as he heard the chirping sound that heralded his death and then felt it as Sasuke thrust his arm into Kajika's back.

Pulling his arm free he let the corpse fall to the floor and began to make his way out of the basement when he heard the body behind begin to move grotesquely. Turning he saw the dead young man stand moving like some zombie out of horror picture. He was about to attack but stopped when he heard Orochimaru's voice say, "Well done Sasuke."

"I'm almost disappointed with your test," Sasuke said arrogantly.

Chuckling Orochimaru said, "Surely you can at least recognize that just five days ago these three would at least posed a small challenge for you. Yet you easily crushed them and that is only with the first stage of the Curse Mark. There is a whole other level, but first you must come to me."

"How?" Sasuke asked. "I doubt they are just going to let me walk out the front gate."

"Probably not, however my time grows short so listen. They will want to seal the mark. Do not fight them on this, ask for some time but if they push allow them to do so." Sasuke was about to protest but was stopped as Orochimaru said, "Do not fret, anything they place on you will require your own will to seal it. All's you are doing is buying time till tomorrow night. Return to your family's home today or tomorrow at midnight a blanket genjutsu will be placed around your house allowing you to leave. Take the East gate out of the village the route will be clear I've sent some people to escort you to Sound they will meet you outside the village."

As he finished giving his instructions the jutsu wore off and Kajika's corpse fell to the ground. Making his way to the lobby he saw a barrier just outside the hospital suddenly collapse. He also felt the curse mark begin to recede and was glad it had fully retracted to his shoulder as shinobi began filling into the Hospital.

Kakashi came running up to him saying, "What happened here? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Kakashi," Sasuke said while thinking, "I'm far better than alright. I'm finally moving forward in my goal to kill Itachi." Aloud he said, "I was attack by some shinobi. I think they were here to kill me."

Eyeing the mark on his shoulder Kakashi said, "Sasuke that curse mark we need to seal it."

"Okay, but came we do it later I'm tired?" Sasuke asked.

"I'd rather do it now," Kakashi replied.

Nodding his head Sasuke allowed Kakashi to lead him away if he was the smiling type he supposed he would be grinning from ear to ear. All's he needed to do was what a few more hours and he'd at last be free to pursue the only thing that mattered to him, Itachi Uchiha's death.

Sakura felt uneasy watching Sasuke at practice today. Kakashi had explained what happened at the hospital. She was relieved to see her teammate alright but he seemed to be surrounded by some dark aura. Kakashi didn't seem to notice it though which she found strange or maybe it was just something she had picked up from her years of being one of Sasuke's many admirers.

It wasn't that he was acting darkly or moodily but that he was acting the opposite which to her threw up a huge red flag. It was like he was going out of his way to be nice to them. As practice ended he stopped and said, "Thanks," to Kiba but for what neither of them could figure out.

She had wanted to ask Kakashi but what was she going to say, "Kakashi-sensei, don't you find it weird Sasuke's in a good mood." Somehow she thought that wouldn't fly. Furthermore, Kakashi had told them he would be leaving on a mission for a day or two so hadn't stayed around after training. So she had tried to ignore it for the rest of the day as she hung out with Naruto and Hinata, but the feeling persisted. That was why she was sitting in some bushes near the east gate as it was the closest one to the Uchiha District. She had been here several hours. She guessed that it was just after midnight and she was about to give up when she saw him coming. As Sasuke approached she cursed her stupidity. She should have gotten somebody or reported her concerns. The reason she hadn't, was because she didn't want to believe that Sasuke, her old crush, would just abandon his home and didn't want to cast doubt on him if she was wrong. But now watching him coming towards the gate she wished she had.

Deciding to stay hidden and raise the alarm after he left, she held her breath as he passed. Letting it out as he walked by. He suddenly disappeared from her sight and only her recent dedication to training allowed her to sense the attack as he appeared behind her attempting to chop her in the neck. Jumping from the bushes she landed on the path blocking the gate.

Slowly stepping from the bushes Sasuke said calmly, "Hn, not bad you actually were able to sense my attack."

Trying to sound brave despite how nervous she was Sakura said, "I'm not the same girl I was from when Team Seven first formed."

Ignoring her comment Sasuke asked, "So how did you know?"

Sakura smiled grimly saying, "I've watched you for years and I've never seen you try so hard to put others at ease. I think Kakashi-sensei suspects you were hiding something but he wants to believe in you. That you would do the right thing, however when you thanked Kiba it almost sounded like you were saying goodbye. So I guessed that if you planned to leave it would be tonight."

"So then why didn't you raise the alarm?" Sasuke asked. "Let me guess you want to come with me? All that attention you focused on Naruto was to make me jealous."

Shaking her head no, Sakura said, "I wasn't sure if you were leaving and didn't want to tarnish your name on a guess."

"How noble, so how about it, come with me?"

Sakura's smile turned sad saying, "There was a time when I would have probably taken you up on that. But like I said, I'm not that girl anymore."

Looking at Sakura he saw an image of how she first looked when they had first been put on Team Seven with her longer hair and clean clothes as opposed to how she looked now standing before him with her hair cut short and clothes dirty from a hard day of training. Recognizing that she had gotten stronger recently and that the reason for that strength was her new found feelings for Naruto he angrily spits out, "Because of that loser Naruto. What happened to loving me, huh? Were those just words? Why did you gain strength for him but not for me?"

Slightly taken back by the heat in Sasuke's words but realizing that it had less to do with her moving on from him but who she had moved on to, she said, "That's because my feelings for you were like a seed. However, you never gave it the light and nourishment that it needed to grow. Naruto has and I wanted to grow into a beautiful flower for him like Hinata did."

Confused as to what Hinata's strength had to do with Naruto, he said, "Hinata? That fool wasn't even in the village while she was becoming strong."

Sakura's eyes gained a hard edge at Sasuke's insult of Naruto, but they softened as she sadly replied, "Hinata thought that Naruto had died for her. There is no greater way to show you care for someone then that. Hinata recognized that and wanted to make sure she became worthy of that sacrifice. I only wish I had been able to recognize that as well."

"I suppose it's my fault that you didn't," Sasuke assumed crossly.

"No it's mine," Sakura answered, "It took Naruto coming back to point out my folly and recognize that. But now that I have I won't go back."

Realizing further talking was pointless and with his unemotional mask back in place Sasuke said, "Step aside Sakura."

"No"

Tapping into the curse mark black marks began to appear on half his face causing Sakura to take a step back in surprise. Moving suddenly Sasuke closed the distance faster than she could react and caught her by the throat pinning her up against the gate he said, "Looks like you didn't begin to bloom until it was too late."

He began to tighten his grip while Sakura tried to ineffectually pull his hand loose. As her struggles got weaker and weaker Sasuke once again pictured her back from when Team Seven first formed and all the times she had tried to gain his affection. Remembering those times he let go of her throat causing her to sink to her knees trying to get oxygen past her bruised throat. As she knelt there taking in rough breaths Sasuke again saw her as she was with Naruto and felt rage again at the blonde.

When Sasuke had realeased her throat Sakura could see that his eyes had softened slightly. She hoped that it meant he realized what he was doing was wrong but that hoped was dashed as his eyes hardened at her as he said, "You're not worthy of staining my hands with blood."

Abruptly his foot shot out catching her in the side of the face sending her head crashing into the stone frame of the gate and opening a gash on her scalp. Still weak from the lack of oxygen and possibly concussed she began to crawl away from Sasuke, who let her go confident she would be unconscious in a few seconds and in a hurry to meet up with his escorts to the Sound village.

Sakura tried to call out but her throat wouldn't allow it and she recognized that she was about to black out. She was vaguely aware of the gate behind her opening up and closing. Before the darkness claimed her a stray memory from one of Iruka's lectures popped into her head. Seeing it clearly she could hear Iruka's voice as he said, "Remember students, there are times when even in defeat you have a duty to those who will follow after you to give them the clues they'll need to form a plan of action that will lead them to victory where you failed."

Smiling at the memory Sakura reached up to her head wound and wrote on the ground, 'It was Sasuke,' and then sunk into unconsciousness.