An: Thanks for all the feedback and reviews. As well as the kind words, I only hope that I can continue to please and live up to the expectations. Your humble author S. o. t. A.

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

Chapter 27: Family and Friends

Perpetual chunin, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, were on their way to the East Gate to watch over the traffic that passed through it. As soon as the smaller gate came in sight they instantly knew something was wrong as it was slightly ajar. Running up to the gate they found Sakura still laying in front of it her head wound had clotted although she was unresponsive as they tried to rouse her. Opening her eyes Kotetsu saw her pupils were unresponsive indicating she was probably concussed.

Picking her up he was about to take her to the hospital when Izumo said, "Kotetsu, what do you make of this?"

Looking where his partner was pointing he saw 'It was Sasuke' written in blood. He could see the traces of it on Sakura's finger tips. Putting two and two together he said, "I think she gave us the name of her attacker." Turning to the hospital he said, "I'll bring her to see a doctor and you inform the Hokage that there's a good chance Sasuke Uchiha has defected from the Leaf." Adjusting the girl in his arms he ran for the Hospital with his partner heading to the Hokage Tower.

Tsunade dismissed Izumo to watch over the East Gate as he was assigned for the day cursing that she had sent Kakashi out on a mission the day before. Furthermore, quite a few of the village's jounin were also on missions and the few remaining in the village were necessary to guard against an attack. Thinking over the remaining Chunin she could trust to lead the retrieval mission she immediately thought of Naruto but just as quickly disregarded him. While there were few ninja she would say she trusted more she knew that he was close to Sakura and couldn't trust him to keep his anger in check when dealing with Sasuke if it did turn out the Uchiha had attacked her. She also disregarded Haku because she believed he would tell Naruto therefore creating the same problem.

Finally, she settled on Shikamaru Nara. He was tactically brilliant and according to Sarutobi the Nara didn't trust Naruto so he probably wouldn't pass on to him information about the attack. Giving orders to her Anbu to summon the Nara she also had them pass along the word to keep Sasuke's defection secret from the villagers as well as his possibly attacking Sakura. The truth was she could careless that the village knew she just didn't want Naruto to hear about it. Knowing how far he would go to protect those close to him and she didn't want to see him ruin his career by going off half-cocked and killing the Uchiha in retaliation. There was very little doubt in her mind that there were those, at least on the civilian council, who would excuse Sasuke while condemning Naruto.

Fifteen minutes later Shikamaru arrived, and as soon as he stopped in front of her desk Tsunade said gravely, "I'm not going to waste time so listen up. Last night Sasuke Uchiha may have defected after attacking his teammate Sakura Haruno." Tsunade could see the shock appear on Shikamaru's face. He looked like he wanted to ask a question, but she continued not giving him the chance, "I say may have, because unfortunately Sakura is still unconscious in the hospital and the only bit of information we have is a message drawn in her blood by her. We believe she left us that message to tell us who attacked her, although we can't rule out that it is a ruse conducted by a third party to misdirect us. Which raises the possibility that he was abducted and the message was meant to make us believe he defected. We can't be sure just yet. Unfortunately, we don't have the time to waste trying to figure this out either. Your mission is to draw from any available genin you can and to ascertain whether Sasuke defected or was abducted and to bring him back. You have fifteen minutes to assemble a team, any questions?"

Shikamaru had dozens, yet realized that he couldn't waste time trying to puzzle everything out right now. Besides the Hokage probably didn't know anymore than she had already explained and it would waste precious time that he would need to assemble the team he was already thinking about. Shaking his head no he said, "No I understand. I'll bring him back."

Tsunade nodded her head and dismissed him turning away from him to look out at the village as he left hoping she wasn't making a mistake by keeping Naruto out of the mission.

Shikamaru ran through the village to his first destination which was his best friend Chouji's house. There was nobody he would rather have backing him up then the Akimichi. After luring him out with a bag of chips they were fortunate enough to run into Kiba who was walking Akamaru. Shikamaru knew it was a risk involving the Inuzuka in the mission due to his being teammates with Sasuke but he would need the boy's nose to quickly get onto Sasuke's trail.

As they ran to the training field Kiba said, "I can't believe Sasuke would defect."

Shikamaru looked back at him saying, "We can't be sure of anything yet, so don't agonize over it too much. But if he did, will you be able to put your feelings to the side and fight him?"

Kiba looked conflicted for a moment before saying, "If he did attack Sakura, I guess it won't matter will it? He'll probably be willing to attack me too."

Facing forward again as he ran Shikamaru said, "Yeah, but I'm hoping that you'll be able to talk some sense into him."

"I'll do my best," Kiba stated before saying, "Maybe we should get Naruto and Haku we could definitely use them they are some real powerhouses. Naruto took Doto down by himself. Somebody Sasuke wasn't able to beat."

Shikamaru kept the distaste from his face and while he would admit that it wasn't a bad idea he couldn't trust either of them. Luckily he had been ordered to take only genin so there was no point in even considering it which he told Kiba.

Arriving at the training fields Shikamaru said, "Kiba are there any genin here that you have worked with or know."

Taking several deep breaths Kiba said while pointing, "Yeah, the team of my sensei's rival is here, over that way."

"Alright lead the way," Shikamaru said.

Following the Inuzuka, they arrived at a training field with three posts which one of them looking worn down due to the number of strikes it has received. Standing with his back to them the cause of that wear continued to pound on it while his female teammate watched him with a small smile. while the final one stood off by himself going through his Gentle Fist's katas. Quickly explaining the mission to the three they made their way to the East Gate to get on Sasuke's trail when Kiba took off on a different path stopping when he came across Ami. Recruiting her, Shikamaru saw that they were out of time, so took the lead and ran for the gate. Once at the gate he had everyone one go through their inventory so he would know what he was working with, but stopped Tenten when he realized she was probably carrying around enough weapons for several squad of shinobi.

Addressing his team Shikamaru said while kneeling and unrolling a scroll, "Alright this is how I expect us to move and in what direction I'll want you scanning. Kiba naturally with your nose you'll be first and focus directly ahead. I'll be behind you taking a broader view. Ami, you'll be behind me covering the right side of the formation and Tenten will follow behind you. Tenten you'll be covering the right or left. Chouji, you'll be next and watch exclusively the left side of the formation, and Neji you'll take the rear covering everything behind us."

Standing again while he put the scroll away he said, "Alright let's move out, and remember no matter how this mission turns out. I want to see all of you alive at the end of it." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement so they took off from the east gate looking for Sasuke's trail.

Tayuya was resting against a tree along with the rest of the Sound Five minus Kimimaro who was waiting for them closer to the Rice Country border. Thinking about the leader of the group she knew he had not been pleased when Orochimaru told him he wouldn't be heading directly to Konoha. But, apparently Orochimaru didn't want the Kaguya's new mission in life to interfere with the task of bringing Sasuke to one of the many bases that represented the Sound Village.

She also realized that when Kimimaro heard from one of the others about how she had actually convinced them to spare the two Leaf Jounin, which had ambushed them after they erected the barrier over Sasuke after he took the Awakening Pill, the Kaguya would probably kill her in their place. Leaning her head back against the tree she was sitting against, she began to recall the final events of the battle.

The man with the scar along his face had gone down against a combined attack by Jiroubou and Sakon in their second level state and she had managed to put the man that was chewing on a senbon in a genjutsu allowing Kidoumaru to nail him with several kunai. As Jiroubou and Sakon went to get the casket with Sasuke in it Kidoumaru formed some of his Sticky Spider Web into the form of a knife and was about to stab their opponents when she stopped him.

"Let go of my arm Tayuya," he said annoyed.

"These rats are already defeated let's just go," Tayuya said quickly.

Seeing the two arguing Sakon said, "What are you two idiots going on about kill them and be done with it."

Kidoumaru pulled his arm free but again Tayuya stopped him this time addressing Sakon saying, "You have two fucking heads why don't you try using them. There are probably more Leaf Shinobi in these woods and if we kill these rats they will simply pursue us you moron. But if they are alive their fellow shinobi will probably let us go to get them medical treatment."

Sakon stopped to think about it for a few seconds before saying, "Fine, have it your way, but I'll leave it to you to explain to Kimimaro why we didn't collect two headbands for him when we had an easy opportunity to do so."

That had brought her up short and she almost told Kidoumaru to go ahead and gut them. However, she stuck to her principals and could only hope that with the successful completion of the mission she would be forgiven.

Thinking back on the memory she couldn't say why she had intervened on the Leaf Shinobis' behalf after all she had killed before. Yet, that had always been in battle, never as a sick pleasure like Kidoumaru. In the end she felt like a fool sitting against the tree and looking up at the leaves. The reason being that because of the mercy she showed the Leaf Shinobi she was probably already dead, Kimimaro just hadn't killed her yet. After all, as her life had often proved no good deed ever goes unpunished.

Shikamaru was going over battle scenarios in his head as he followed behind Kiba. They had quickly found Sasuke's trail but what worried Shikamaru were the four scents that Kiba had said he met up with. Also, he found it slightly worrisome that Kiba said Sasuke's scent had disappeared. What that meant he didn't know but with no choice but to follow the four who had left they had pressed on. As they had traveled Kiba had detected a battle nearby saying he could smell blood in the air. It had been tempting to go investigate since whoever had fought had probably been Leaf Shinobi as well as the people they were following but since Sasuke's mysterious escort had apparently been the victors he had decided to press on. A choice that may have just paid off as Kiba raised his hand signaling for the formation to stop as their enemies were nearby.

Stopping next to Kiba he said, "Is it them?"

"Oh yeah," Kiba said, "It's them alright. But I still can't detect Sasuke."

Shikamaru signaled Neji who activated his Byakugan. Reporting what he saw he quietly said, "They are up ahead. There are three boys roughly our age as well as a kunoichi and they appear to be resting probably due to that battle they had. There is also a casket with them." Focusing on it he continued, "Sasuke's is inside the casket within some sort of barrier, but he appears unharmed."

Ami asked, "What's going on, did they betray him or was he actually abducted?"

Shikamaru responded, "It doesn't matter. If anything it makes our jobs easier seeing as all we need to worry about is getting that coffin away from them and no longer have to worry about what team Sasuke is playing for now."

"How do you wish to proceed?" Neji asked calmly.

"We can't take anything for granted even though they may appear to be resting considering the number of traps they left to discourage pursuit moving as fast as they were, these guys are really skilled," Shikamaru said. "With that being said, I'm willing to bet they already know we are here so they probably are hoping to lure us in. Let's oblige them."

Tsunade rushed to the hospital when she heard that Shizune's team was back with two critically injured shinobi. Arriving outside the operating theater she found Shizune resting from having to stabilize Raidou and Genma during the trip back to the Leaf. As soon as Shizune saw her she tried to stand but Tsunade said, "Rest Shizune you did well but what happened. The last communiqué I received from you stated that your mission was a success and you were returning home."

"Yes it was Lady Tsunade," Shizune said nodding her head, "but we were only a few hours away from the village taking a rest break when we sensed shinobi nearby. Genma and Raidou went to investigate. Well, after fifteen minutes, when we went to look into what happened to them we found them seriously injured. Before losing consciousness they said they tried to stop some Sound-nin carrying a casket, but they overpowered them using their Curse Marks."

"Damn it," Tsunade said then asked, "Did they happen to see what was in the casket?"

"I didn't ask," Shizune replied, "However, I doubt it. Otherwise they would probably have mentioned it. Why?"

Looking at the remaining Jounin that had accompanied Shizune on the mission she said, "Don't worry about it. Both of you get some rest." Turning on her heel she began walking back to her office and making a discreet sign said to the Anbu that showed up, "Get me Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto was showing the Konohamaru ninja squad a new jutsu when the Anbu showed up. "Naruto Uzumaki," he said, "the Hokage has summoned you to her office."

"Okay, I'll be right there," Naruto said. The Anbu nodded his head before Shunshining away. Turning to the three academy students he said, "Sorry guys, I guess I have to go. But don't forget the keys to that jutsu I showed you are rotation, power, and then maintaining it."

Konohamaru said, "Right boss, we'll have it down in no time."

Tsunade was worried as she sat in her office waiting for Naruto to show. She only wished she had the jounin to spare instead of sending him, but the Sound-nin that Genma and Raidou encountered were undoubtedly traveling with Sasuke. She was sure that he was in the coffin, but why she had no idea. Had he been betrayed by Orochimaru or was he somehow under his control all along? But one thing she was sure of, Shikamaru was going to need back-up so she would have to send her best, and that meant Naruto. Hearing a knock at the door she took a deep breath and told him to enter.

As soon as he stepped in Tsunade could see that Naruto knew something important had happened as he didn't enter with his usually, "What's up Granny." Instead, he quickly stepped in front of her desk saying, "You sent for me, Granny Tsunade."

Somewhat put at ease that he was already taking the situation seriously she said, "Yes Naruto. There is no gentle way to put this so I'll be blunt. This morning we found Sakura suffering from a concussion from having her head smashed into the East Gate. We believe her assailant was Sasuke Uchiha who was in the process of defecting to the Sound."

She paused to let what she just said sink in and felt a small amount of panic as his eyes flashed red before returning to their normal blue. She could see that he tightened his hands into a fist so tight that they were shaking. But then he visibly calmed slightly probably from the worry he felt as he asked, "She's okay right?"

"She'll recover," Tsunade replied, "Unfortunately she is still unconscious so we haven't been able to learn anymore of the circumstances of what happened."

He took a deep breath knowing that she was alright and then his anger returning he said, "Why am I only hearing about this now?"

Being honest she said, "Because I didn't want to send you, afraid that you would let your emotions get the better of you and you would end up killing him."

"Of course I'm going to kill him," Naruto stated angrily, "I'm going to ensure he never hurts Sakura again."

"That's precisely why I don't want to send you," Tsunade said, "Naruto you have to understand there are extenuating circumstances involved in mess."

Naruto not wanting to hear excuses he snapped saying, "What circumstances? He defected from the village after attacking a teammate. How doesn't he deserve to die?"

"Would you be this upset if it wasn't Sakura?" Tsunade asked calmly. That brought him up short so she pressed on saying, "Believe me Naruto, I can understand your anger. However, I need you to remain calm and listen. I was afraid if I sent you and you killed him in anger that the people who want to see you fail would use Sasuke's death as a means to ruin your shinobi career. I still don't want you anywhere near this mission, but regrettably the situation has changed. Just twenty minutes ago two jounin were put in critical condition by the shinobi escorting Sasuke. In addition, Sasuke may already be dead as they were carrying around a casket, which raises the possibility that he was being controlled somehow. I personally doubt it, but again it is possible."

She could see Naruto absorbing what she said which she took as a good sign so Tsunade said, "So with no choice, I need to send you and a team of your choosing to back-up Team Shikamaru. Sadly, I have no Jounin to spare for this mission otherwise I wouldn't be calling on you, but you are one of my best chunin so can I trust you to handle this mission professionally."

She could see Naruto still warring with his emotions so she said, "Naruto think of what Sakura would want. She wouldn't want you to ruin your shot at Hokage to avenge her. Neither would Hinata or myself." She saw that her words had an effect as he noticeably calmed so she continued saying, "If you want justice for Sakura then bring him back alive so we can get to the bottom of this, and if he was in control of his actions. I promise you his punishment will fit the crime."

Nodding his head he said, "You can count on me Granny Tsunade. You have my word."

"Good," she said pleased at hearing that knowing how seriously he took his promises, "Then assemble a team composed of any chunin and genin you can find not already assigned a task. But be mindful of how long you take as they have a sizeable lead." Handing him a list that showed who Shikamaru had taken as reported by the guard at the gate so Naruto wouldn't waste time looking for people who weren't available.

Naruto nodded his head as he read through the list and turned running from the office. Getting up she watched as her fellow blonde ran outside and created several clones probably to search for people for his team. Turning back to her desk she reached into it and pulled out a scratch card and frowned when it was a winner.

Naruto ran to his apartment still seething inside but mindful of Tsunade's words. Running into his he grabbed all the equipment he felt he would need and then barged into Haku's apartment. As soon as he entered Haku and Kin shot apart although Naruto had seen them kissing. Haku stood up and looked like he was about to explain what Naruto saw, but one look at the blonde told Haku something was wrong.

"What is it?" he asked his slight embarrassment at being caught making-out forgotten.

"Sasuke defected from the Leaf," Naruto answered, "but the bastard hospitalized Sakura before he left. I've been tasked with helping the team Granny Tsunade sent to bring him back."

"Very well, I'll get my gear," Haku said heading to his bedroom.

Kin stood there awkwardly till Naruto said, "How about you."

"I don't think people would want me involved because of my former allegiance to Sound," she replied.

Naruto shook his head saying, "You misunderstood. I wasn't asking, get your gear."

Kin was taken aback a little never having seen the Blonde so serious or short with anyone before, but realized he was upset due to his friend being hurt. Besides she was also glad he would include her in the mission seeing it as a sign he trusted her so ran to her own apartment grab her gear. When Haku emerged dressed for battle he said, "Who else are you recruiting?"

"I figure I'll try to locate an Inuzuka as well as get Hinata and then anyone else we can find on the way to the Main Gate," Naruto answered.

When Kin arrived a few minutes later they began making their way to the gate. As they ran Naruto asked, "Kin do you know anything about the bases in Rice Field Country."

"Sorry, the only base I was ever at was the one in Grass Country," she replied.

Almost to the gate Naruto received the memories of two of his clones dispelling and said, "Hinata and an Inuzuka named Hana will join us at the gate. I'm afraid that's it as it doesn't look like anyone else is free."

As they came within sight of the gate Naruto began thinking about what Tsunade said. He understood that she was right and that Sakura wouldn't want him to throw away his career for her. He still planned on throttling Sasuke thoroughly before turning him over. He was pulled from his thoughts when as they approached the gate someone called his name.

Turning to the person his eyes widened as he saw Gaara flanked by his brother and sister. Gaara began walking up to him so Naruto asked, "What are you doing here Gaara?"

"We are here to repay our debt to the Leaf Village," Gaara replied. "We are here to help with your man power shortage."

"Good you're hired," Naruto said surprising the three Sand siblings.

Temari stepped forward saying, "Hired for what?"

Going over what he knew he filled them in on the mission details. He could see that Temari and Kankurou were sketchy about going not sure if it fell into the realm of the duties they were to perform. But the debate was settled when Gaara said, "When do we leave." That quieted the pair seeing as even though ever since his defeat at Naruto's hands Gaara had been far warmer to the pair they still were slightly afraid of him. So if he said they were going then they were going.

Smiling Naruto put his hand on Gaara's shoulder and said, "Thanks Gaara."

"It is the least I can do for you Naruto," Gaara replied, "I owe you a great debt."

"You don't owe me anything," Naruto said smiling, "We Jinchuriki have to stick together after all right."

Gaara nodded his head a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. Before he could say anything else Hinata arrived followed shortly by Hana and her nin-dogs the Three Haimaru Brothers. As they formed up around him Naruto said, "My clones explained the mission to you guys so Hana please take point and get us on Sasuke's trail." Hana nodded her head acknowledging the order so he continued, "I'll follow behind her while the rest of you will follow behind us in pairs of two. You'll each be watching for trouble on your side of the formation. Hinata, please take the rear and you'll be responsible for your side and all of behind us can you handle that."

Nodding grimly obviously upset as well that Sasuke had attacked Sakura. He remembered some of the more colorful things she said she would do to him when they caught him. "Alright then let's move out," Naruto said following Hana as she began running for the woods with the rest of his squad following behind.

"This wasn't how it was suppose to go," Shikamaru thought, as he saw Kiba look back for the hundredth time it felt like probably hoping he'd see Chouji running to catch up. Shikamaru had steadfast refused to do so to send the message to his squad that Chouji could handle the Sound-nin called Jiroubou.

His ambush had worked flawlessly and he had managed to trap the enemy in his Shadow Possession Jutsu. However, from out of nowhere several kunai had shot out at him forcing him to break the jutsu and Jiroubou had turned the tables on them by trapping them in a dome made of earth. Shikamaru was just about to settle in to come up with a strategy out of the dome when Chouji had used his partial expansion jutsu to simple smash his way out. As an added bonus he had also nailed the Sound-nin in the process. Shikamaru smirked at the memory of the shocked faces of his squad as Chouji stepped out of the dome last eating a bag of chips. It had been written all over their faces that they had believed that Chouji was the weakest member of the team. They had quickly realized that the Sound-nin had left Jiroubou behind to deal with them. Shikamaru was about to get them moving when Jiroubou charged into the clearing intent on taking Shikamaru out quickly. But Chouji met the charge head on and told Shikamaru to get going and to leave the fatso to him. Shikamaru had frozen for a moment tempted to leave someone with his friend till Chouji had yelled at him to move it. Accepting his friend was right. And that they had a job to do, he had the team move out, but not before telling his friend to catch up. They had then stopped to leave a marker for Chouji to follow with Lee and Kiba leaving colorful messages beneath the arrow he had carved into the tree.

Kiba looked back again so Shikamaru said, "Don't worry Kiba; Chouji will catch up, so keep looking ahead."

"Yeah sure Shikamaru," Kiba said although he didn't sound convinced.

Refusing to comment on Kiba's lack of faith in his friend he thought, "I know you can do it Chouji. Just don't die."

Chouji was breathing hard as he fought down a grimace of pain from the side effects of the curry pill. He was able to put a smile on his face due to how pleased he felt at how far he had come. Staring at the Sound-nin who had morphed into some sort of big ugly troll, Chouji wondered what abilities this second form of the Curse Mark had in store for him. Not wanting to find out he pulled his hand back then extending it forward expanding his arm intent on smashing Jiroubou into the trees behind him. The Sound-nin just stood there looking at him with a smirk and didn't even try to dodge taking the full blunt of the blow. Chouji's eyes opened wide when he saw his attack had no effect whatsoever. Jiroubou wrapped his arms around the enlarged fist and picking Chouji up over his head smashed him into the ground behind him.

Jiroubou began walking towards him saying, "Is that it fatso don't tell me you're done already."

Chouji managed to get back up his feet and then running at the Sound-nin said, "I'm just getting warmed up fatso."

Getting in close he tried to use a sumo throw but Jiroubou easily overpowered him. Then picked him up over his head and power-bombed him into the ground creating a small crater. As Jiroubou had picked him up his pouch had opened and a full bag of chips fell out. Seeing the chips Jiroubou picked them up saying, "Thanks Fatso." Opening them with his back turned to Chouji he began to snack on them.

Chouji slowly reached into his pants pocket to grab the case holding the last of the Akimichi Three Pills, The Red Chili pill. He knew taking the pill would be paramount to killing himself, but weighted against the fact that if he failed here his friends would be in danger he popped it in his mouth. Jiroubou finished the last chip and turning back to the crater said, "Well that's it for the chips, now for you Fatso."

He was surprised to find the crater empty. Scanning in front of him for some sign of where the Akimichi went he froze in surprise when he heard Chouji say behind him, "It's rude to eat other people's food without permission Fatso."

He spun around but before he could complete his turn he was cracked in the jaw sending him flying. Landing he skidded across the ground for several feet before coming to rest. Able to finally get a look at the Akimichi as he slowly made his way towards him Jiroubou could see chakra so potent it appeared visible on his back giving the image of butterfly wings. Furthermore, he was burning through chakra so fast that he appeared thinner as well. Jiroubou scrambled to his feet hoping to get away, figuring that this chakra boost of Chouji's was a double edge sword and would probably drain the life from him. He had just turned around when he was clocked in the back of the head by a lariat sending his face careening into the ground. But, before his face hit though, Chouji kicked him in the chin straightening him out again. Then Chouji punched him in the diaphragm sending him flying once more till a tree stopped him. Leaning against the tree still on his feet he saw Chouji turn and stand there for a moment before running at him again.

Raising his hands Jiroubou tried to say, "Wait stop, please," but got as far as, "Wait," before Chouji, whose chakra had all traveled to his left fist as he ran, found his jaw with his fist smashing him through the tree and cutting a swath of destruction through the forest.

Now rail thin Chouji's headband came untied and fell off his head. Bending down to pick it up, he saw how thin he looked in the metal face plate and said, "Heh, I wonder if Ino will think I made a beautiful corpse?" Picking it up he began to trudge in the direction the others went thinking about all the good times he had in his life and not regretting a thing. Finding the marks the others had left for him to follow; he smiled and sadly said, "Sorry Shikamaru, I think this is as far as I'm going." Collapsing in front of the tree, before passing out he said, "Man I'm hungry."

In the Yamanaka Flower shop, Ino found a butterfly trapped in a spider web. Freeing it she took it outside and let it go. She spun and reentered the shop when she heard a crash inside. Looking around she found what made the noise was the picture of her team that her father had hung up behind the register after she had made genin. Picking it up she saw a crack through the glass obscuring Chouji, thinking nothing of it she put it down on the counter to remind her to get a new one later.

Shikamaru following behind Kiba couldn't help it and looked back. Ami saw him and asked, "Is everything alright?" He knew it wasn't but said turning to look forward again, "Yeah, everything's fine."

Sakon looked back saying, "I don't like it."

Kidoumaru holding the casket said, "What would that be?"

"Jiroubou should have caught up by now," Sakon said.

Tayuya scoffed saying, "You know how fat ass gets when he's eating. How he talks about savoring the meal and shit like that."

"Still those weaklings should be done by now, no matter how much he savored them," Sakon countered. Thinking for a moment he said, "Kidoumaru, hand Tayuya the casket and wait here for him. If Jiroubou catches up then return to Sound, if not then deal with those Leaf Shinobi."

"Come on man, you can't honestly believe those Leaf punks were enough to take out Jiroubou even if he is the weakest of us," Kidoumaru said tossing the casket to Tayuya.

"I'm not willing to take the chance," Sakon countered, "we are already behind schedule and I do not wish to face an annoyed Kimimaro if we are delayed further."

"Tsk, fine," Kidoumaru said shooting a web into a tree behind him pulling himself in that direction, "Even if I think I'm wasting my time."

Jiroubou opened his eye feeling in as if every bone in his body had been broken. His eyes focusing he could see what appeared to be a Leaf Anbu Black Ops member kneeling over him. The Anbu said in a woman's voice, "You took quite the beating."

Focusing on her face he saw a dog mask with two purple marks on the cheeks. Confused why an Anbu from Konoha would heal him he said, "Who are you and why are you helping me?"

"I'm nobody you need concern yourself with," the Anbu answered, "As to helping you it is because my master sent me to observe whether or not Sasuke made it to Sound and to collect his payment for helping Orochimaru."

"Still that doesn't explain why you would stop to heal me," Jiroubou replied weakly.

"Simple," the Anbu said, "Why should I follow behind your group and take the chance the Leaf Ninja following them would spot me when I can have you simply lead me to the base. My master has already helped yours; therefore the payment is due whether or not Sasuke makes it."

"How do I know what you say is true or not?"

Cocking her head the Anbu said, "You don't, but if you refuse to help me, I'll simply kill you and be done with it. Besides, surely you don't think a single Anbu is a match for your master do you."

"I'll help you," Jiroubou said.

"Good," the Anbu answered placing his arm over her shoulder as she lifted him, much to his discomfort. "Now let's get out of here there may be more Leaf Shinobi on the way." With that said the Anbu began leaping away with Jiroubou telling her where to go.

Shikamaru's noticed that Kiba suddenly stiffened and then gave a hand sign that one of the enemy was up ahead. Telling the formation to stop they came to rest with Shikamaru saying, "Neji, can you spot who it is?"

Activating his Byakugan, Neji replied, "It's the one with the six arms and can generate the spider-silk."

"Damn," Shikamaru said, "I was hoping that they had underestimated us due to their lack of leaving booby-traps in their wake. Apparently their leader is concerned at how long it is taking Jiroubou to catch up."

Tenten suggested, "Maybe one of us can henge into this guys teammate and approach him. He may lead us right to the rest of his squad."

"Yeah, I thought of that," Shikamaru said, "the only problem with that is if it does work, and he leads us to them. We have to fight all three of them together. As things stand now. We have him here by himself."

Kiba gave a wolfish grin saying, "So we all gang up on this punk then."

"That shouldn't be necessary," Neji said calmly, "I will stay and fight him."

Tenten shook her head saying, "Kiba's right, we should simply overpower him with our superior numbers."

"You aren't letting your feelings for me interfere with your reason are you Tenten?" Neji asked stoically.

"There is no need for you to get belligerent Neji," Lee said causing Tenten to blush at him coming to her defense, "She raises the valid point that with our numbers we can quickly overcome this opponent and keep moving ."

"Unfortunately Lee you do not see the whole picture," Neji replied, "His fellow Sound-nin left him here to either link up with their teammate or to stop us from pursuing. Furthermore, he probably has this entire area covered in those webs of his so he will probably be aware of us if we all come at him. Giving him time to prepare a means of delaying us until his teammates can get to the Sound Village. However, the rest of you can bypass this area and get on his teammates trail while I deal with him."

"But can you take him alone?" Shikamaru asked knowing that everything Neji had said was true.

"Surely, you aren't suggesting that if Chouji can best one of these Sound-nin by himself that I cannot," Neji said almost challenging.

"The thought never even crossed my mind," Shikamaru replied, "He's all yours." Turning to Kiba he said, "Take us around this guy, but keep us on their trail."

Kiba nodded his head in acknowledgement and then took off on a path that would go around the Sound-nin. Left alone Neji prepared to show the Sound-nin how fate was against him by having drawn him as an opponent.

Kidoumaru was bored sitting in a tree as he waited. He didn't know what was taking Jiroubou so long but he planned to make his displeasure know as soon as the lard-ass showed up. Not truly paying attention confident that the threads he had running throughout the area would give him plenty of warning he nearly paid for his hubris with his life as Neji dropped down from a branch above him attempting a Juken strike. It was only the slight rustle of leaves and Kidoumaru's instant reaction to the sound that had prevented the Hyuuga from killing him in a single blow.

Clearly surprised the Hyuuga had gotten so close he asked, "How?"

"How did I get so close, simple," Neji said projecting confidence, "These eyes can see the chakra coils in the human body. Do you truly think you could spin a thread so fine that they couldn't see it?"

Kidoumaru smiled saying, "So one of you managed to get past Jiroubou huh. Well that must mean that you may be worth a few minutes playing with after all. Let's start."

Kidoumaru then began spitting webs at Neji hoping to bog him down. But much to his vexation the Hyuuga was actually slicing through them with his bare hands. Jumping back to create some distance he tried to formulate a strategy against the boy.

Reading the worry his opponent exuded at seeing him cut through his webs Neji said arrogantly, "Fate was truly against you when it selected me as your opponent."

"Don't get over confident you punk," Kidoumaru said coolly, "This game has plenty of levels left to play." He began chewing a substance in his mouth and then pulled it out of his mouth he pulled the threads with each of his hands creating wicked looking throwing weapons.

Rearing back he let them fly, at first Neji thought that they were just a variation of the webs he had shot at him before despite their golden color. Luckily he decided that instead of cutting them as before to avoid them completely not sure exactly what they would do if they connected and was glad he did so as they buried themselves into the trunk of the tree behind him. Watching his opponent careful he backed up on the branch he was on until he could grab one of the strange weapons and was surprised that it almost felt like metal.

Smiling devilishly Kidoumaru said, "Do you like it? It's my Sticky Spider Thread."

Tossing it to the side, Neji said, "Disappointed would be a more accurate term. The kunoichi on my team's greatest strength is her ability to throw weapons with near perfect accuracy. However, she has never once grazed me. I doubt you will fare much better."

Jumping from his branch to the one Kidoumaru was standing on the Sound-nin said, "To easy," as he formed several more weapons throwing them at the still airborne Neji. Instead of attempting to bat them away however Neji began spinning emitting chakra from his Tenketsu Points which deflected the thrown weapons allowing him to land safely on the branch near his opponent.

Assuming his stance Neji whispered, "It's over," then calling out his technique said, "Eight Trigrams Sixty-four Palms." Unleashing the barrage of sixty four strikes on his opponent Neji knocked him out of the tree on the last hit. Seeing his opponent on the ground he said, "Pathetic," and was about to leave to join his comrades but stopped as he heard Kidoumaru chuckling.

Turning in surprise as Kidoumaru began to stand back up with pieces of the malformed golden spider web that had covered him falling away, Neji asked, "How?"

"Did I forget to mention I can secrete the fluid through my pores as well," Kidoumaru said gloatingly, "Sorry about the oversight. Now let's ramp this game up to level two," Fiery orange marks began to spread over his body connecting to turn his skin red and two horn like protrusions grew from his forehead ripping away his bandana to reveal his closed third eye. Smirking at the Hyuuga whose face showed his revulsion at the boy in front of him Kidoumaru said, "I haven't enjoyed myself like this in quite some time. So do me a favor, now that we're at level two. Please don't die too quickly," he then shot a web line into the air and pulled himself into the canopy of leaves. Jumping down to the ground Neji prepared for the Sound-nin's next attack.

Hinata following at the rear of the group next to Gaara was concerned especially after they had found Chouji. The poor Akimichi had been barely alive when they found him. After Hana had run a quick preliminary scan on him and said he needed to get to the village right away. As she was certain only a medic of Tsunade's caliber would be able to save him, Naruto hadn't hesitated in creating a shadow clone to carry him back to Kohona. What worried her was that there was no sign of who Chouji had been fighting.

Hana's three nin-dogs had found where the suspected Sound-nin had landed but after he had left there had been no trail. So whoever it had been had some idea of how to make their scent undetectable which meant they could probably sneak up on Shikamaru's team and Kiba's nose would give them no warning. Only the fact her cousin was with them kept her from fretting too much. Having an excellent idea of just how strong he was.

Looking to the front of the group she could see that Naruto was tense too. But probably for a far different reason, Hinata didn't doubt that once they caught up to Sasuke if the Uchiha offered even the slightest hint of resistance that Naruto would obliterate him for what he did to Sakura. Not that she could claim to have been much calmer when his clone had recruited her for the mission. She had probably given him several ideas of what they could do to the traitor for hurting their friend. She was also a little upset with Sakura for not confiding in her about her concerns about Sasuke. But in the end Hinata figured that Sakura must have just been playing a hunch and didn't want to bother her friends for what could have turned out to be nothing. Still she wished she had.

Suddenly Hana called for them to stop, causing Naruto to ask, "What is it?"

"There is a fight going on up ahead and one of Shikamaru's squad members is involved while the rest of his team went around," Hana said.

"Why would Shikamaru go around leaving one of his team to fight by himself? "Kin asked.

"Mostly likely the Sound-nin was waiting in ambush and instead of letting him slow them down. Shikamaru left one of his team to deal with him in order to keep on the main groups trail," Temari answered, "At least that is what I would do."

"Who did he leave?" Naruto asked looking at Hinata.

Activating her Kekkei Genkai she found her cousin battling against a giant spider who was dropping its young on him as he was using Rotation to keep them at bay. Deactivating her eyes she said, "It's my cousin Neji."

Turning his attention back to Hana, Naruto asked, "Is it possible the guy Neji's fighting is the one that Chouji fought and he just caught up to them?"

"No," Hana said positive, "The Sound-nin Neji is fighting was there, but it was definitely one of the ones that had moved on with whatever it is that they are using to cover Sasuke's scent."

"Hinata does it look like Neji needs help?" Naruto asked.

Hinata nodded her head yes, so he said, "Alright we can't all afford to stay and fight here so Haku and Ki…"

However Hinata said, "No, please let me go Naruto."

Naruto looked at her worried but relented saying, "Okay, how about you take Gaara with you?"

But Hinata shook her head no saying a little desperately, "Please let me handle this by myself."

Not liking the idea of sending her to fight with a cousin who might just want her as dead as the Sound-nin he was fighting, he began to try and reason with her but was cutoff as she said, "Naruto please. Besides, we don't know if there are more Sound-nin waiting for the ones we are trailing up ahead, and you may need as many people with you as possible. I have to do this alone. Please believe in me."

She could see the war going on in his eyes and it touched her to see the concern for her well being that shown in them. But she needed to show Neji that she would fight for him just as he was expected to fight for her as a member of the Branch Family. But she wanted to show him that it was because they were a family. Finally she saw Naruto nod his head at her and he said, "Be careful."

Still looking at her he said, "Hana.' Getting what he meant the Inuzuka got the formation going again but Naruto stayed behind for a few seconds more before he too jumped away.

Neji couldn't help but smile as he stood gasping for breath. It appeared that he was wrong and that he was the one fated to meet his end this day. The opponent that he had fought was truly incredible and from learning a little bit from each of his long range attacks all the while remaining out of range had figured out that the Byakugan did indeed have a blind spot. He had already been pegged with one of the Sound-nin's arrows but had managed to prevent a deadly hit, taking it in the shoulder. But there was no reason to keep fighting anymore. Fate had willed him to be the one to lose and that was all there was to it.

Therefore, standing on the ground with his eyes closed strangely at peace that this was how he met his end and not as some sacrifice for the Main Family of the Hyuuga he waited for his opponent to let loose the arrow that would end him. As he waited he could hear birds chirping and thought, "So father I'll escape this cage just like you did." He then thought he could hear the arrow cutting through the air as it searched for the spot between the third and fifth vertebrate.

Just before it hit he was pushed to the side and opening his eyes he saw much to his surprise and horror Hinata pinned to a tree the arrow that had been meant for him had passed through her to the side of her stomach. A string that was connected to the arrow was sticking out of her wound which she was grabbing onto.

Shocked at the turn of the events the only thing he could ask her was, "Why?"

Smiling weakly at him she said, "Because we're family."

"But it was my place to die for you, not the other way around."

Looking at him sadly she said, "I never wanted that. Just as I imagine my father never wanted yours to die for him." Giving a weak smile she said, "So please live cousin."

While Hinata had been talking to Neji she had been channeling her chakra into the thread she was grabbing onto seeing that it was filled with the Sound-nin's chakra and therefore must have been connected to him in some way. Much like her preliminary match during the chunin exams she hoped to use it as a means of attacking her opponent. She could feel it as her chakra reached him and attacked his vital organs. However, she doubted it finished him as he had quickly cut the thread severing the connection, so digging deep within herself despite how weak she felt she cut the thread and took off into the forest. Neji tried to follow but couldn't keep up finding it difficult to believe how fast Hinata was moving considering the wound she had suffered.

Kidoumaru had been surprised by the last ditch effort of the Hyuuga but was sure that he was finished now. Which was why he was surprised as a female Hyuuga pounced on him from out of nowhere. He died within seconds as her strikes destroyed his vital organs. Hinata was standing there looking down on her cousin's opponent as he took his last breath when Neji caught up to her.

Not looking at him Hinata said, "Cousin, I know you hate me, but please don't hate my father or sister for my shortcomings. I know father only wishes that we could one day be a family again." She turned to look at him giving him that same sad smile from before and then collapsed.

Neji ran up to Hinata to cradle her in his arms and picked her up. He knew that some would say considering his relative condition he should continue the mission. But he had a mission that superseded that one now and that was seeing to the well being of his family. So looking towards the direction his team had headed he wished them luck before turning back to Konoha, while holding his cousin in his arms to make sure she got the medical attention she needed.