AN: Thank you for the reviews. They make writing such an enjoyable endeavor. Your humble author S. o. t. A.

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

Chapter 28: Which Path?

It was just after dark as Tayuya and Sakon dropped from the tree canopy to meet up with an obvious upset Kimimaro. Pushing off from the tree he had been leaning against he said, "What took you so long and where are the others?"

Sakon slightly fearful of the Kaguya said, "Apparently Sasuke didn't extract himself as cleanly as we could have hoped, as Leaf shinobi have been on us from the start. Although, I think it was just bad luck we ran into those two jounin but we dealt with them. Nevertheless it gave time for the pursuit from Konoha to catch up. Jiroubou and Kidoumaru are dealing with them."

Kimimaro nodded his head causing Tayuya to breathe a little easier and she was almost thankful for how Sakon phrased their beating the two jounin. She was just about to suggest they get moving when Kimimaro said holding out his hand to Sakon, "Where are the headbands of the two you defeated?"

Sweating a little Sakon said, "Well we didn't actually kill them."

Coldly and dangerously Kimimaro asked, "And why is that?"

Not willing to stick his neck out for Tayuya, Sakon said, "You'll have to ask Tayuya about that. Kidoumaru was about to finish them off when she stopped him."

Internally cussing at Sakon, she was about to open her mouth when she suddenly found herself pinned against a tree, being held around the throat with her feet off the ground. Glaring at her, Kimimaro said, "I believe my orders were quite clear Tayuya and those were that any Leaf Shinobi that got in your way were to be eliminated and their headbands delivered to me."

As he spoke Kimimaro brought up his other hand and a bone spur grew out of the palm of it. The spur continued to extend but stopped right before puncturing her right eye. Amazed at how clearly she was thinking despite the situation she gasped out, "Our job…is to get Sasuke to Orochimaru… not indulge in your new fucking hobby. If…you had bothered to listen…we ran into those two jounin on accident. They were…probably part of a bigger group. If we had killed them there would have been no reason for them not to come after us, instead of getting them help."

Tightening his grip around her throat silencing her Kimimaro said, "Yet, you were followed regardless." Then turning to the other member of the Sound Five, he added, "But perhaps the one to truly blame, is you Sakon, seeing as I left you in charge."

Almost passing out Tayuya could barely hear as Sakon said, "Hold on a minute. As she said, the jounin we ran into were heading back to Konoha and for all we know the group following us could have been much larger but had to leave some people behind to deal with the wounded we left for them."

Just as Tayuya thought it was all over for her the pressure around her throat lifted and she heard Kimimaro say, "Just hope for both your sakes that Kidoumaru and Jiroubou return with the nuisances that were following you headbands or else there will be quite a few spots opening up in the Sound Five." Not bothering to look back at Tayuya he picked up the casket carrying Sasuke and took off heading back to the base Orochimaru was waiting at.

Sakon took off after him leaving Tayuya, as she was gasping on the ground, to wonder if she had received a pardon or just a stay of execution until the end of the mission. Eventually standing she too, took off after the Kaguya wondering just what had she been thinking sticking her neck out for a couple of Leaf Ninja anyway.

Kabuto watched as Orochimaru sat in his thrown swathed in bandages only illuminated by the few candles that were burning in the room. He could tell his master was anxious for his next vessel to arrive by his master's silence and that he continued to stare at the door as if it would open any minute to reveal the Uchiha. Breaking the silence that had settled on the room, Kabuto said, "I'm sure everything has gone according to plan. Perhaps you should turn your attentions to one of your experiments, Danzou's payment perhaps, to help take your mind off matters. You know what they say about a watched pot never boiling and all that."

Kabuto didn't think his master had heard him until Orochimaru began chuckling lightly, "I suppose you are right, Kabuto." Getting up from his thrown, he began walking for the door to head to one of his many labs Kabuto following dutifully in his wake. After a moment Orochimaru asked, "Tell me Kabuto, what did you tell the Sound Five when I had you inject them before they left to retrieve Sasuke?"

"I told them it was a booster shot to help them keep going on what was sure to be a hard mission," Kabuto replied and then asked, "What did I inject them with?"

"Why does it bother you as their doctor to have injected them with an unknown substance?" Orochimaru asked.

Pushing up his glasses Kabuto replied, "Not at all. I was merely curious. You don't have to tell me Lord Orochimaru."

"My how callous," Orochimaru replied, "I truly lucked out when Sasori sent you to spy on me Kabuto. But to answer your question it is a precaution should any of the Sound Five be captured alive. Depending on Konoha's response to Sasuke's leaving the Sound Five will undoubtedly have to use the second level of their Curse Marks."

Understanding what his master was implying, "Ah, I see. So should Konoha take one of them alive, they would wish to study the second level and therefore find a way inhibit it?"

"Exactly"

Nodding his head in understanding, Kabuto said, "So I take it, I ejected them with some sort of time delayed poison and if they don't make it here in time they will die."

"Nothing as dull as poison, Kabuto," Orochimaru said, "Why just kill the one captured when I can kill a few of the capturers as well? Should one of the Sound Five be taken and Konoha allow them to change into their second level form to study it after a week's time. The curse mark while active will open all of the Inner gates inside the person's body and build up enough chakra to level a city block. But that is merely a precaution after all I doubt Konoha has anyone available on hand right now who will be able to stop Kimimaro or the others."

It was two gossiping nurses that woke Sakura from her forced slumber. Yet, it was the subject matter they were discussing that had made her pretend to still be asleep though. Especially as one of the nurses said, "I'm telling you something fishy is going on around here. First, that attack on the hospital to get at Sasuke."

Sakura was surprised that neither woman noticed her flinch at the mention of the Uchiha, but apparently they were only going through the motions of checking her vitals while gossiping. So despite the fact that Sakura's REM monitor was saying she was conscious the two women continued to talk, with the nurse continuing by saying, "Then this poor thing is admitted the day after and shortly after that a team is dispatched from the village. Then a few hours later a couple of jounin are admitted on death's door and I heard another team was sent out as a result."

The other nurse asked, "So what do you think it all means?"

"It's obvious, somebody defected," the first nurse said and then added, "Maybe if we're lucky it was the demon brat."

Sakura was about to sit up and give the bitch talking about her Naruto a piece of her mind when to her surprise the other nurse said, "Don't call him that."

"Oh come on you can't actually say…"

The first nurse was cutoff though as her partner said, "I'm serious; don't talk about him around me with such disrespect. You weren't at the Chunin Exams so I don't expect you to understand, but there was a rumor going around about his match against Sasuke was personal to him because his friend was roughed up by the Uchiha. Then according to my boyfriend who is a chunin and was guarding the wall during the invasion he fought against the Sand's jinchuriki and that he beat him all by himself."

"You can't honestly believe those rumors," the first nurse said, "especially since they were probably started since the Third and Fifth Hokages obviously favor him."

"Well I do," the second shot back making her way to the door, "so don't speak about him like that around me anymore."

"Yeah, whatever," the first said obviously put off by her fellow nurse's defense of Naruto.

As soon as the door closed Sakura shot up in the bed and turned off the monitors on her before disconnecting herself from them. Based off of what she heard she could surmise that news of Sasuke's defection was being kept quiet, but obviously rumors were still being spread. Feeling where her head wound was she was surprised she didn't even feel a scar she must have had a really good doctor this time around. However, she wished she knew who had been sent on the retrieval mission, yet she was pretty sure Naruto would be on one of the two teams sent and she wanted to help in some small way at least. However, she doubted that if she let the doctors know she was awake they would clear her for active duty and let her join the hunt. Furthermore, she also had a duty to tell the Hokage all the details about what happened between her and Sasuke which gave her a slight pause about what she was planning to do.

Hitting on a solution, that although wasn't perfect, would at least allow her to follow and help Naruto while doing her duty of letting the Hokage know all that had happened between her and Sasuke. She wrote down everything that had happened on a several pieces of paper, she had found in the nightstand next to her bed. After she was done she set it on the bed and then turned the monitors back on. With nobody hooked up to it the device, it gave off a flat-line sending an alarm to the nurses' station. When the two nurses from before arrived alls they found was the sheets of paper and a drape fluttering due to the open window.

Kakashi was tired and partly worried; seeing as the mission he just got back from he believed had been a bad omen. He had found himself having to rescue a noble's daughter and much to his surprise it had turned out to be the same one he had been sent to rescue when Naruto had disappeared. Unfortunately, the woman had not lost any weight in the past six years and much like the time before he had found himself running from bandits and missing-nin with a large woman on his back. But unlike then he was now six years older and would definitely be soaking in the hot spring to soothe the protesting muscles. The only good thing he found that eased his worry was that there wasn't a welcoming committee waiting for him.

However, that good feeling disappeared as soon as he crossed the main gate when an Anbu appeared next to him saying, "Kakashi, the Hokage requires your presence immediately," and then disappeared just as quickly.

As Kakashi made his way to the Hokage's office he was filled with dread. He knew that much like his jaunt to the office after the mission six years ago that this meeting would have a profound effect on his life. A feeling that he knew was correct as he stepped into the Hokage's office and saw Tsunade looking as if it had been a long day that was only going to get longer. When he entered he saw the Hokage's eyes soften as she said, "Kakashi…"

"It's Sasuke isn't it," he said cutting her off.

Sighing she said, "I'm afraid so." She then gave him the rundown of everything that had happened during the day.

As she finished he said, "Don't worry Lady Hokage. I'll bring him back."

Tsunade nodded sadly for the Leader of Team Seven and was just about to dismiss him when a nurse from the hospital busted in holding a few pieces of paper. The woman on the verge of hyperventilating said, "Lady Hokage, Sakura Haruno disappeared from her hospital room. But she left this note for you."

Taking them from the woman she then dismissed her and began reading. The note detailed everything that happened the night before, she had to smirk a little as she read that the girl planned to go help as she put it, 'her Naruto' to bring back the traitor. Looking up she said lightly, "It seems Miss Haruno plans to help Naruto bring Sasuke back as well." But getting serious she added, "However, it also seems to make it clear that Sasuke knew what he was doing and wasn't under any know jutsu that could control him."

"She couldn't have gotten far Lady Tsunade," Kakashi said, "I'll stop her and then get on Sasuke's trail."

"Okay, but play it by ear with the girl," Tsunade said, "See if she is in the right frame of mind and if she is take her along. Who knows she may come in handy?"

Kakashi accepted his orders and then took off in search of his wayward students.

Sakura was at home stuffing medical items into her backpack. She knew it was foolhardy of her but she wanted to do more than just pointing people in the right direction. Opening her bedroom window she put a foot on the ledge when a voice said, "You know it's a little late for a stroll."

Slightly panicked by his sudden appearance near her window she exclaimed, "Kakashi-sensei…"

"You've done enough Sakura," Kakashi interrupted, "let me and the others handle this."

"All I did was get beat up, and write the name of my attacker on the ground," she replied.

"And because of that instead of wasting time trying to figure out what had happened The Hokage was able to assemble a team to set out after him right away," Kakashi said proudly. "But you're in no condition to fight."

"Nor do I plan to Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said reaching for her backpack, "I'm sure Naruto will stop Sasuke, but he and the others may need medical attention." Opening her pack to prove her point Kakashi-could see that it was filled with medical supplies.

Accepting that she was going for the right reasons he relented but said, "Alright Sakura, you can accompany me. However, if any fighting breaks out you stay back, clear?" Sakura agreed, so the pair set off hoping they didn't arrive too late, and that their teammate could be saved from himself.

As Team Shikamaru followed the Sound-nin its leader could tell Kiba was chomping at the bit. Trying to calm the Inuzuka down he said, "Slow it down Kiba."

Kiba growled slightly but did as his team leader ordered. After several moments Kiba said, "Sorry man, it's just eating at me that they are so close I could practically spit on them, but we have to hold back."

"I know," Shikamaru said, "It bothers me too. But with it being dark out, my abilities are practically useless. Not to mention fighting in the dark is to nobody's advantage."

Nodding his head in agreement Kiba added, "Plus there's that new guy that met up with them. We're close enough that Akamaru can sense his chakra level and that guy is probably stronger than the other two combined."

"Great," Shikamaru said, "Well in any case, we'll settle this when the sun comes up. Then I'll be able to put this troublesome mission behind me."

Laughing mirthlessly Kiba said, "Yeah, hell after a mission like this, I think I'll join you in just staring at some clouds for a while."

Shikamaru didn't reply instead thinking to himself, "I just hope Chouji and Neji will be around to join us."

Tsunade was sleeping in her chair having fallen asleep in her office. She jerked awake when Shizune burst into her office saying, "Lady Tsunade, its Naruto."

Jerking awake she asked slightly confused and worried, "What is it, is he hurt?"

"Not as far as I know," Shizune replied, "he arrived at the hospital carrying Chouji Akimichi and he said that Hana Inuzuka said only you can help him."

Getting up and putting her green jacket on she followed Shizune to the hospital where she found Naruto standing next to a stretcher in the lobby. Turning to her assistant she asked, "Why haven't you taken Chouji to a room yet?"

"I wasn't sure what type of treatment he would need," Shizune admitted, "It's as if his body is being consumed and converted into Chakra."

Eyes opening wide Tsunade said, "He resorted to that." Thinking on all the Akimichi would need in order to survive the effects of the pills he took she began shouting out orders, "Shizune you run and get Shikaku Nara. Tell him I need his book detailing the effects of the Akimichi Three Pills and will probably need some antlers as well." Pointing to a nurse she said, "Until he arrives I want you to take Chouji up to a room and hook him up to a nutrient I.V. we have to keep his body from consume any more of itself."

As the nurse and Shizune ran to fulfill their orders she walked up to Naruto and said, "You're a clone right."

"Yes Granny Tsunade."

"Report on all that has happened up until your creation," Tsunade commanded.

"I'm afraid there isn't much to report," the clone replied, "We got on Sasuke's trail right away, but a few miles out his scent trail disappeared after he met up with four Sound-nin. Hana figures the casket is being used to contain some sort of barrier with Sasuke in it. A few hours later we found Chouji but no sign of the guy he fought."

Tsunade interrupted saying, "So Chouji was defeated?"

"I don't think so," the clone replied, "I think Chouji won but his opponent survived."

"What do you base that opinion off of?" Tsunade asked.

"Because we found Chouji leaning against a tree with markers left for him by Shikamaru and the others, I don't think Chouji would have moved on if he felt his opponent was still a threat to his team."

Tsunade accepted the clone's reasoning while worried what the missing Sound-nin implied. Looking at the clone and knowing what she was about to say would reach him when the clone dispersed, she said, "Naruto, Sakura is alright and is probably with Kakashi who is in route to back you up." The clone smiled faintly at the news so she continued, "It also appears Sasuke willing defected, so that means don't hold back if he resists."

The clone looked at her a minute before asking, "What are you saying?"

"Full use of force is authorized," Tsunade said, "Sasuke comes back dead or alive."

The clone nodded its head at the order it received and was about to disperse itself when the sound of the Hospital entrance being open made it look over. Before it disappeared in a cloud of smoke Tsunade saw its eyes widen in horror. Looking to where the clone had been looking she saw Neji standing there holding a pale and bloody Hinata in his arms. Before running up to check over the pair Tsunade thought, "Kami help the Uchiha, because I don't think I have to worry about Naruto showing restraint now."

Taking the Hyuuga princess from her cousin Tsunade set her on a stretcher that a nurse brought over. She told the nurse what surgical bay she wanted Hinata taken too before turning to Neji to ask what happened before she noticed that he too was badly wounded.

Neji saw the Hokage staring at his wound and said weakly, "Please do not worry about me and see to Lady Hinata." Tsunade was about to snap at him about being a noble idiot but was saved the trouble when he lost consciousness. Allowing one of the other doctors to take the unconscious boy off her hands she looked down at the blood that covered them and then motioning for one of her Anbu and ordered, "Lift the gag order on Sasuke's defection, and also make sure that everyone knows just who it is that is shedding their blood to make sure Orochimaru doesn't get his hands on the Sharingan."

The Anbu shunshined away to follow his orders and before Tsunade left the lobby to begin helping in the healing of the wounded she told the head nurse to get every available doctor to the hospital. She didn't doubt that there would be more wounded before this tragedy ended.

Naruto stumbled, a little as he received the memories of the clone he had sent back with Chouji. Haku caught it and asked worried, "Is everything alright?"

The blonde remained silent for a few seconds before replying sorrowfully, "No, no it isn't. Hinata won't be catching up with us."

"Is she…" Kin asked before trailing off.

"I don't know," Naruto answered dejectedly, "Her cousin was bringing her into the hospital as my clone dispersed so I don't think so." There was so much more he wanted to say, but Naruto didn't know how to put it into words so all he said was, "Granny Tsunade also informed me Sasuke was in control of his actions. Therefore, he is a missing-nin and can be treated accordingly."

He then retreated into himself as he remembered how Hinata had looked as Neji had carried her into the hospital. She had looked so pale that it scared him that she was gone and the thought of that hurt almost as if he had been stabbed. If he was honest with himself he would admit he wanted to call this mission off and head back to Konoha to find out Hinata's condition. However it wasn't just that, it was also that he felt this mission had already cost him too much and he was afraid it may end up costing him more. What if more of his friends got hurt like Haku or Sakura, if she caught up to them, however he pushed such selfish thoughts away as he thought that if Hinata had paid the ultimate price she deserved for this mission to be a success. They were shinobi of Konoha after all and sometimes all you could do for those who died was to make sure they didn't die for nothing. Besides, he was going to destroy Sasuke when he caught up to him.

Haku watched Naruto as he leapt in front of him and Kin. He was worried that due to what happened to Hinata, his friend would let his anger control him and he'd end up doing something he would come to regret. Turning to Kin he supposed he could understand what Naruto was going through seeing as he would probably react the same way if something happened to her. Which is why, he felt it was important that somebody talk to Naruto now. Getting Kin's attention he indicated he was going to move up to talk to Naruto. She nodded her head in understanding and began shifting her focus to cover his area of the forest as well.

Pulling up next to the blonde he waited for Naruto to acknowledge his presence and was worried it took so long for Naruto to finally say, "What is it?"

"I wanted to see how you are doing," Haku said earnestly.

"I'm okay," Naruto said after a minute, "I'll be able to focus on the mission."

"That isn't what I'm asking," Haku said apprehensively, "and the fact you are talking about the mission worries me."

"There isn't any point in talking about what happened to Hinata right now okay," Naruto said seriously, "She'll pull through, she has to, but right now we have to make sure she didn't get hurt for nothing."

Not accepting his reason Haku said calmly, "There is a point when it is going to cause you to do something you may regret doing later."

"I won't regret it," Naruto said meeting Haku's eyes, "I've killed before."

"I know, so have I," Haku responded sadly, "What you'll regret is, the reason you are doing it this time. You are not planning to do it for Konoha, or Sakura, or even Hinata. You are doing it because through his actions he has hurt you and you want to hurt him back. You're doing it for vengeance and that isn't like you."

Getting frustrated and glad they were speaking softly so that nobody could hear them Naruto snapped, "What if it was Kin huh? What if you saw her being carried into the hospital with blood covering her stomach and you didn't know if she was alive or dead? And the only reason you have for it is some asshole decided he didn't like being a Konoha shinobi and left for a bastard who already attacked Konoha once. You're telling me you wouldn't want vengeance?"

"No, I probably would," Haku said honestly, "just like I would hope it would be you who would try and talk me out of it. Killing him in the line of duty is one thing. Killing him for yourself is another. Ultimately you have to decide, what type of shinobi you wish to be Naruto."

Naruto mulled over Haku's words for a while before saying, "I can't promise I won't kill him when I see him Haku."

"I know."

"But thank you."

Smiling at his friend and comrade Haku said, "Your welcome, I know you would do the same for me."

Shikamaru could see the sun peaking over the horizon. It was almost time to end this; unfortunately he didn't think that they would be able to end this cleanly. If what Kiba said about the new Sound-nin's strength was true he probably could overpower all of them by himself. He could only hope that the group he wanted to send at him would be enough and that he had the casket. The problem was that they had the other two to deal with; also since neither Neji nor Chouji had caught up to them he couldn't rule out that the Sound-nin that they had bypassed weren't heading towards them even now. So they would have to try and overpower them now and the only way he could think of doing so was to separate the Sound-nin from each other. But first he needed to know just who was carrying the casket

With that in mind he said, "Kiba just how good is your nose?"

Confused Kiba asked, "Why?"

"Can you tell which of them is carrying the casket with Sasuke?"

Closing his eyes and concentrating he did his best to separate all the data he was receiving from his sense of smell. Confident that the wooden smell of the casket was coming from closest to the scent of the new arrival he said, "I'm almost positive the casket is being held by the newcomer."

Shikamaru nodded his head finalizing his strategy and said, "Alright guys the only way I think we'll be able to get that casket is to separate those Sound-nin from each other and then to overpower the one with the casket with superior numbers. With that in mind Lee and Kiba I think you two are the strongest in taijutsu so I want you guys to go after the one with the casket. I'll serve as one of the distractions that will separate the Sound-nin from that guy. Tenten, Ami, of the two of you, who do you think could distract or get the other to go after you?"

Before they could answer Kiba said, "I don't know about this Shikamaru we have these guys outnumbered we should just all hit them at the same time."

Shikamaru could see the others agreeing with Kiba but he knew it wouldn't work so explaining his reasoning said, "I know Kiba and personally I don't want to have to go against one of these guys by myself but even if we all attacked. I doubt the one holding the casket is going to engage us. He'll keep moving since we're almost to the border. Which means the other two will be trying to delay us for as long as possible."

He could see the others coming around to his way of thinking, he was about to continue when Ami asked, "So basically you and the one who stays with you jobs are two separate those two from each other and to allow Kiba, Lee, and either Tenten or myself to assault the guy with the casket. Considering that we haven't heard from Chouji or Neji whoever faces one of these Sound-nin one on one is probably not going to be walking away are they."

Shikamaru thought about lying or putting their minds at ease but instead settled for the truth and said, "No probably not."

Kiba shocked said, "Wait so you gave yourself a death sentence."

"I don't plan to die Kiba," Shikamaru said, "However, if necessary to complete the mission then yes I would. I'm not exempt from the risks you know. I even would go so far as to try and capture them all in my Shadow Possession Jutsu and then remain behind while you guys grabbed the casket and headed back. But I doubt I could catch them all and if last time proved anything one of them may have the ability to break my hold over them."

He was going to say more but Ami said, "Okay we get it, you're a good leader. I guess with you getting all noble and serious I'll stay with you, but I'll need Tenten's help to get my opponent to follow me."

"What do you need?" Tenten asked.

Holding up one of her chakra needles she said, "Can you place this on the one I'm assigned to distract?"

Smirking as she took the needle Tenten said, "Just tell me where it needs to go and I'll see that it gets there."

"Alright now that it's settled here's the plan," Shikamaru said.

Kimimaro was in the lead with Tayuya trailing the furthest behind him to the left and Sakon to the right. He was debating whether or not to kill Tayuya upon their return to the base Orochimaru was waiting at. He had no need of squad members who were soft hearted especially since coming to his new understanding of his purpose in this world. He planned to turn the Sound Five into the bane of Konoha's existence. If Tayuya wasn't prepared to get aboard that philosophy then she had no reason to live.

His musing were put on hold when Lee having removed his weights to get in front of the three dropped down in front of Kimimaro and attempted a Leaf Hurricane on him. Much to his surprise, but just about what Shikamaru expected, the Sound-nin was able to block the attack with just his knee. Using the momentum of the attack to propel himself away from the green wearing genin Kimimaro landed gracefully and said, "So it would appear that Jiroubou and Kidoumaru are no more. Pity, it appears that I will have to begin recruiting in earnest for replacements once I reach Sound."

Looking dead at Tayuya he said coldly, "Tayuya if you wish to see the sun set on this day. I suggest you return to Sound with this fool's headband as well as any of his compatriots that are lurking about."

"Okay," she replied hollowly. Without another word Kimimaro turned and left leaving Lee blocking the two Sound-nins' path to Rice Field Country.

"Buddy you just made a fatal error in judgment," Sakon said. "I don't know how a weakling like you could get by Jiroubou let alone Kidoumaru, but there is no way you're getting by the two of us."

"That sounds like an interesting challenge; however I am afraid that I cannot be hung up here." Lee said assuming his fighting stance. "With that being said, I am loathe to use this underhanded tactic, but I must carry out my mission."

Smirking and looking at Sakon, Tayuya said, "What kind of fucking idiot tells his opponent he's about to fight dirty."

Shrugging his shoulder Sakon says, "Beats me. Just be ready for it."

Lee suddenly pulled the hand he was holding behind his back in front of him and opening his fist the Sound-nin saw a ball resting in it. Staring in confusion for a moment it was Tayuya that recognized what it was first shouting out, "Shit it's a light bomb." However her warning came too late as Lee threw the bomb and it exploded. Blinded by the light, Tayuya didn't see the shadow that connected with hers nor did Sakon see what it was that hit the back of his neck. Although a kunai did shot out from the where he was standing to hit the one Tenten had thrown as a distraction along with the needle.

Blinking the spots from her eyes Tayuya could see Sakon standing there but her attention soon shifted to the two leaf ninja that ran past her to join the one wearing the jumpsuit. As a girl in a pink top landed next to the genin in green he asked her, "Tenten where are my weights."

"Sorry Lee, there was no way I could carry those things and keep up," Tenten said, "You'll just have to pick them up on the way back." The boy pouted a little, that judging by the light shade of pink on the girl's cheeks she must have found adorable, but he nodded and said, "We will leave these two to you and Ami then Shikamaru." The three then began taking off after Kimimaro.

Tayuya was struggling against the hold on her figuring the shadow user got her. She could see that Sakon too was struggling but she couldn't see a shadow connected to him. Calling out to him she said, "What the fuck are you standing around for, get after them."

But Sakon turned towards her saying, "Sorry bitch he's under my control now." Looking behind her Sakon asked, "Do you want me to kill him Shikamaru?"

"Go for it," a voice said behind her.

Sakon reached into his pouch and pulled out a kunai bringing it up to his throat he was about to cut it when a hand shout out from Sakon's neck grabbing the boy's arm. "Ami," Shikamaru called out concerned.

"I know," Ami said from above the boy she was controlling, "There's a second presence in his body. I don't think I can control them both for long."

"Can you get him out of here," Shikamaru said already feeling the strain as his opponent fought his control.

"Yeah," she replied leaping from her perch and ran away from Shikamaru while controlling Sakon, with Shikamaru doing the same with Tayuya heading in the opposite direction.

Shikamaru made it probably a couple of hundred feet before Tayuya gained enough control of her body to stop herself from moving. Planting her feet she saw his shadow flicker before retracting and immediately jumped away from him while pulling her flute. Smirking as she brought it to her lips she said, "Alright, you rat let's see how tough you are without the use of your stinking shadow."

Going to her first state lines began appearing over her. She then bit her thumb before saying, "Summoning Jutsu."

Shikamaru was surprised by the kunoichi sudden spike in chakra but when the smoke cleared and he saw three big ugly monsters standing in front of him he ideally wondered, "Tch, why do I always end up fighting troublesome women."

Ami was fighting against two separate wills as she ran leading her opponent away from his two allies. She could sense that one was trying to split from the other. It had freaked her out at first when the lump at the back of her opponent's head had looked at her and told her as soon as he got free he was going to kill her. Things got even more difficult as black marks began spreading along the face of the head looking at her and then they turned red and began linking together. A single horn grew out of his forehead, but what was most distressing for Ami was the sudden spike in chakra.

No longer able to control him he jumped out of his brothers back to reveal his left and right leg were covered in black armor like skin. Which, she felt first hand as he jammed his armored hand into her stomach. However, she disappeared into smoke revealing a log. Stomping on the log he turned to his brother, Ukon said, "Pull yourself together brother, and go to Second State to break her control."

Instead of listening Sakon gave a half-smirk saying, "Sorry, you may have freed yourself. But your brother is still under my control."

"You little bitch," Ukon said searching for the kunoichi, "When I find you I ensure that your death will be slow and painful."

"Well then I guess I better not let you find me," Ami taunted, "Although I feel sorry for your brother."

"Why's that?"

"Because he's going to have to live with the guilt of being the cause of your death," Ami replied using Sakon's voice. She then began using him as a puppet to attack his brother. Ami felt that since they were siblings that she could attack without fear of reprisal which was why she was surprised when after a missed stab with the kunai Sakon held his brother slammed his armored hand into Sakon's stomach the sharp nails at the end of it easily piercing flesh.

As her living doll folded around the blow she saw Ukon notice the needle imbedded in Sakon's neck. After he pulled it out Sakon immediately said, "Damn it, Ukon you stabbed me."

"Be quiet Sakon, it's what you deserve for allowing her to control you like that. Now stop your complaining and merge with me to heal."

"Get her good for me brother," Sakon said, "But don't kill her I believe that pleasure should fall to me."

"Then you better hurry up and heal," Ukon said, "Because I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself."

Ami in hearing that figured she didn't need to worry about the two chasing after her so took off hoping to draw them further away. Ukon caught sight of the retreating Kunoichi and said, "Just where do you think you're going," before taking off after her.

Kimimaro noticed a field of grass ahead of him. Dropping down into it he began running towards the edge of it but had to stop in order to avoid an attack of a rapidly spinning Kiba and Akamaru as they performed the Fang over Fang. Easily dodging the pair even burdened as he was with the casket he smirked at the boy and his puppy, who was henged into a copy of Kiba. He appeared like he was going to speak when he suddenly began jumping away from the Inuzuka and henged puppy as various kunai and shuriken impacted where he had been standing.

"Pathetic," Kimimaro said, while continuously avoiding the weapons that were flying from the forest edge, "Is this what gave the rest of the Sound Five such serious problems a couple of weaklings and a kunoichi whose only strength appears to be throwing weapons."

"You also forgot to mention the Handsome Green Beast of the Leaf Village, Rock Lee," a voice said beside him causing Kimimaro to turn in surprise as the green boy from before seemed to appear beside him nailing him in the chin with a vicious kick.

Rolling along the ground from the blow Kimimaro came to a rest and noticed the casket lying on its side near him. Standing he made his way to it wary of the three genin and set it up right before saying, "What a pity. It seems that I will have to begin searching for four new replacements for the Sound Five after all."

Lee stepping before him said, "You can't be sure that your fellow shinobi are dead. Why would you say such a thing?"

"Because it doesn't matter if they survive or not," Kimimaro said coldly, "For allowing you to get past them, I'll kill them myself."

"Heh, you got to get past us first," Kiba said, "So be a good boy and hand over the casket."

Sounding as if he was speaking to himself Kimimaro said, "I suppose that is what I hate about Leaf Ninja the most, their constant meddling in the destinies of their betters."

Snarling Kiba shouted, "What the hell are you babbling about?"

Almost reverently running his hand over the casket Kimimaro said, "This boy has embraced his destiny to be Orochimaru's next vessel. A destiny denied to me by your Hokage."

"Sounds to me like you should be thanking her," Kiba said.

"Oh I will, by sending her back the headbands of all the Leaf Shinobi I kill," Kimimaro said focusing on the Inuzuka. "You should be honored you three will be the first of my collection." As he spoke a popping sound could be heard coming from the Sound-nin's body. Then a bone popped through the skin of his shoulder which the Kaguya grabbed a hold of yanking it from his body. Holding the bone sword in front of him he said, "Now come and try to thwart Sasuke Uchiha's destiny as Tsunade did mine."

Smiling ferally Kiba said, "No way is a punk holding a bone going to stop me. Let's play fetch Akamaru."

Akamaru growled in agreement launching himself along with his partner. However they were beaten back by the Kaguya with Akamaru in his human form ending up under the Kaguya's foot. Just as Kimimaro was about to stab downwards to end the puppy's life he was knocked back as Lee jumped in. Kimimaro was able to block the kick using his free arm however the strength of the blow knocked him back slightly allowing the puppy to scamper away as it dispelled the henge.

Lee continued to fight in close; unfortunately the Kaguya was proving to be quite the skilled opponent easily blocking Lee attacks. However, Lee's speed prevented Kimimaro from going on the offensive as he gave ground while Lee tried to pound through his defenses. He managed to get a body shot past Kimimaro's defense and then capitalizing on it nailed his opponent with a kick that sent the Kaguya flying back towards the casket. Able to recover from the blow in mid-air the Kaguya landed on his feet and caught the charging Lee in the stomach with a knee. But, Lee quickly retreated when Kimimaro attempted to cut him down with his blade.

Holding his stomach as he caught his breath, Lee said, "You are a most skilled opponent and your moves are quite spectacular."

"Thank you," Kimimaro replied nodding his head to the compliment, "While I find your style too direct and almost obvious your speed covers for that weakness. Unfortunately, you will fall in the end. You see this is my Camellia Dance. It is by far my weakest and most basic dance."

Kiba angry at being ignored shouted, "Don't underestimate us there are three of us."

"I haven't forgotten," Kimimaro replied calmly, "However, none of you possesses the strength to defeat this, my most basic dance." Noticing that the casket had begun to smoke Kimimaro said with a slight smile, "It would seem the time of Lord Orochimaru's vessel's rebirth is almost at hand. So you had best hurry and try to defeat me. It is your only chance of stopping Sasuke from joining Lord Orochimaru. That of course means you have no chance of stopping it."

Tenten having abandoned her long distance attacks seeing as Kimimaro was able to deflect or avoid all of them, joined Kiba and Lee saying to her teammates, "Come on guys, don't let this freak talk down to us and let's show him the strength the Leaf has." Putting her words into action she charged at the Sound-nin throwing a barrage of weapons that he easily deflected with his bone sword. As she closed she changed things up by summoning a pair of Hook swords. While she had been merely good with them before, the past couple of weeks training with Lee had really given her a boost in confidence when fighting up close with an opponent.

Lee watching Tenten fight said, "Yosh, we must follow Tenten's example and overwhelm this opponent with teamwork."

Kimimaro was puzzled by the girl's strategy. While she was quite proficient with her blades she wasn't ever taking advantage of the few gaps in his defense that he presented. Whether it was because she didn't see them or because she knew he was opening them on purpose to draw her in he couldn't say. However he received his answer a few seconds later when she blocked an overhead strike with one sword but didn't lash out with the other. Instead the green genin appeared suddenly and delivered a kick to his rib cage that even though the bones were hardened to the maximum of his ability he had felt one of them crack. He then jumped back as Kimimaro swung at him in retaliation but he found the blow blocked by the girl.

Lee came in again as Tenten tied up the sword but Kimimaro blocked his kick with a knee. But, before he could lash out at the genin Kiba and Akamaru, who had once more henged into a copy of Kiba, ran past Kimimaro's exposed back slashing at it with their claws. The attack left vicious looking gashes across his back, which much to their surprise began to heal almost instantly.

Pushing Tenten and Lee back, Kimimaro then flipped over the stunned Inuzuka and puppy to land in front of the casket and positioned himself so that all three genin were in front of him again. Looking impassively at the slightly confused and worried faces Kimimaro said, "Did you truly think such a weak attack would be enough to defeat me?" Holding his bone sword up he continued, "You three witnessed me pull this blade from my shoulder. Do you see a mark? Are you beginning to see just how over your heads you truly are?"

Before they could reply the casket exploded. Through the smoke the three genin could just make out a monstrous form that shifted into the more familiar one of Sasuke. When the smoke had completely cleared it showed Sasuke standing with his back towards them. Kiba said agitated at his teammate, "Hey, Sasuke, what are you thinking attacking Sakura and joining up with these clowns?"

Turning his head slightly, to look back half his face was covered in the black marks of the curse seal. But what caused Tenten to take a step back in revulsion was the white of his eye was completely swallowed by blackness with a sickly yellow pupil at the center. His eye never met with any of the Leaf Genin instead sought out Kimimaro. Sasuke then asked, "Who are you?"

"Merely the escort for Lord Orochimaru's next vessel," Kimimaro replied, "Do not trouble yourself, over these Leaf fools they will not stand in the way of your ascension."

"Then I leave it to you," Sasuke said with a mocking smile before running off for the tree line making his way to Rice Field Country.

"Hey, Sasuke I'm talking to you," Kiba shouted pissed that his teammate acted like he didn't exist. Without thinking he took off after his teammate.

Kimimaro was troubled by the look that Sasuke had given when he left. It appeared almost as if Sasuke didn't consider being Orochimaru's vessel an honor, but what troubled him most was the smile he gave as if he was aware of some joke that only he knew about. Lost in thought he allowed Kiba to run past him thinking, "Perhaps Sasuke isn't the perfect vessel that Lord Orochimaru thinks him to be. Is he plotting some sort of treachery? Either way, he is someone that bears keeping a careful eye over." Noticing that one of the genin had used his distraction to get past him he quickly turned and was about to cut him down when his sword was stopped by the jumpsuit wearing genin.

Kiba turned surprised he had let his emotion at Sasuke's betrayal get to him and that he had almost paid the price for his carelessness was further surprised when Lee said, "Go Kiba. Leave this one to Tenten and I."

"Lee…" Kiba said surprised.

"Well get going," Tenten said, "Don't worry about us. I have a secret weapon that I haven't used yet."

"Really Tenten, why have I never seen this weapon before," Lee asked confused.

"Because it's you," Tenten thought but aloud said, "Uhm…because it's quite dangerous and should only be used in absolute emergencies."

"There you see, Kiba" Lee said throwing Kimimaro back, "We shall be fine. Go and save your teammate from this path of darkness he seems to have chosen. We will catch up when we finish with this opponent."

Kiba looked at the pair standing between him and Kimimaro and said, "Thanks guys," he then took off after his teammate hoping to live up to Kakashi's ideals of saving ones teammate even if the person he needed saving from was himself.

Hana called for the formation to stop. When Naruto landed next to her she said, "Team Shikamaru split up here."

"Why would he split them up," Naruto asked aloud to himself more than anyone.

But he wasn't surprised when Temari, who had shown she had an excellent head for tactics, replied, "The newest Sound-nin must have the casket and Shikamaru felt the best way to get it from him was to separate him from his two partners."

Despite her being his older sister and seeing her tactical brilliance on more than one occasion, Kankurou asked, "How can you possibly get all that from the fact that he split up his team here. You don't even know if the new Sound-nin has the casket."

Looking pointedly at her brother and explaining her reasoning to him like he was a small child, she said, "I know the new Sound-nin has the casket because he would probably be the most rested and therefore make the best time burden with it as he was. I know Shikamaru felt it would be best to split them up because despite his teammates not regrouping with him. The fact that neither has the Sound-nin they faced means, at the very least his teammates forced a draw. Despite having a five to three advantage attacking all three Sound-nin together would nullify his number advantage depending on the Sound-nins' strength if they could work together. Since we know they beat a pair of Jounin together as a group we know their teamwork is quite good. So the only logical plan would be to fight each Sound-nin one on one with the Sound-nin with the casket getting triple teamed."

Hana said clearly impressed by the Sand-nin's logic said, "That's exactly how it breaks down." She then gained a wolfish smirk as she said, "I can't help but notice how highly you regard Shikamaru."

Cheeks tinting lightly she wasn't going to respond till Kankurou said, "That's because she's all hot to see him again. It's probably why she's wearing that brand new battle dress she picked up when she found out we were being assigned to Konoha for a while."

"It is not," she replied indignantly, "I just figured we should look presentable for the Leaf Village that's all."

Naruto, let his team enjoy the light moment, figuring the stress of the mission was probably getting to them before saying, "However, that means we should split up as well. Hana you'll stay with me and Gaara, we'll target the one with the casket. Temari, you and Kankurou will pair up together. Haku, you and Kin will be the last pair. "

Kankurou asked, "Shouldn't we all just keep on the one with the casket?"

"Probably yes," Naruto conceded, "But I don't want to see anymore of my friends ending up in the hospital. Besides, my mission wasn't just to capture Sasuke but to assist Shikamaru. The best way to do that is to minimize the casualties they suffer by assisting him in the plan he's devised."

Hana then pointed in the three directions that Team Shikamaru had headed off into. After a pointed look from Temari she discretely nodded her head in the direction Shikamaru went, so the Sand kunoichi said, "We'll go this way." Kankurou was about to make a comment about whether the direction she wanted them to go was where her boyfriend was. But a look from her that screamed, 'Open your mouth and you'll be suffering from massive head trauma,' made him keep his opinion to himself.

The three groups all looked at each other before nodding their good-byes and heading in their assigned directions. Haku though spared one look towards the direction Naruto took off in hoping that in the end if his friend did end up killing Sasuke Uchiha it was for the right reason. After all actions breed of hate often had a way of unleashing the worse of the people who committed them. In the end, Haku hoped Naruto choose the higher of the two paths present before him.