An: Thanks for the reviews and I hope this chapter meets with your expectations for how this arc should end. Your humble author S. o. t. A.

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

Chapter 29: The End of the Beginning

Tenten avoided another slash of Kimimaro's bone sword but was caught by a kick to the chest that sent her stumbling back. Before Kimimaro could follow up he was forced to turn his attentions to Lee as he closed with the Kaguya. Avoiding the series of kicks Lee attacked him with he found an opening and lashed out with a kick of his own that knocked Lee onto his back near Tenten.

As the kunoichi helped him up Lee said, "Perhaps it is time for your secret weapon Tenten."

"Yeah, I think your right," Tenten replied while reaching into her pouch. Pulling out a bottle she said, "Here Lee, drink this?"

Taking the bottle from her, he asked, "What is it Tenten?"

Thinking quickly figuring that if Lee knew it was Sake he wouldn't drink it she said, "Uhm…Guy-sensei gave it to me and said that it was an elixir of Youth and that anyone who drank it would have their Flames of Youth stoked into an inferno."

Eyes getting wide he said, "Really, why would Guy-sensei not give me one then."

"Is that really important right now? Just drink it Lee," Tenten said.

Taking the bottle from her he pulled the stomper and then quickly downed it. Pulling it from his lips he said, "It tastes horrible Tenten. No wonder…(hic)…"

Tenten smiled as Lee's cheeks colored and his straight posture became slightly slouched. Waving a little in place he said slurring a little, "you know Tenten…(hic)…you're very pretty…(hic)…"

Her own cheeks coloring a little she said, "Thanks Lee, but it can be such a curse sometimes."

"(hic)…really…how's come…(hic)"

"Well sometimes people just refuse to keep their hands to themselves," she said then pointing towards Kimimaro added, "Like that guy there. He's been trying to get his hands on me all morning."

Following where she was pointing Lee had to lean towards the Kaguya looking as if he couldn't quite get the Sound-nin into focus. Addressing the Kaguya he said, "Is this…(hic) true?"

"I suppose in a manner of speaking," Kimimaro replied somewhat amused.

That was all Lee needed to here as he charged while shouting, "I will not allow such unyouthfull behavior to befall my dear Tenten…(hic)."

Tenten watched amused and happy at the Green Beast's words. Of course, a sober Lee would probably have acted in the same chivalrous way, but she doubt he would have called her, his dear Tenten. She was also glad that ever since the incident with Lee and the restaurant that she had taken to carrying around a bottle of Sake. After witnessing the destruction that Lee could unleash on just a sip of the alcoholic beverage she had wondered what he would become after a full bottle. She was getting her answer as Lee began to easily overwhelm the Kaguya's defenses.

It wasn't that Lee was overpowering the Kaguya instead much to the Sound-nin's agitation he was no longer able to predict how Lee would move. A missed punch could suddenly turn into a vicious backhand or a stumble into a hand-plant in which Lee would try to kick his opponent while walking at him on his hands.

However, that unpredictability had a down side as Tenten found out as Lee suddenly petered out and seemed to fall asleep. Tenten began running to help Lee as Kimimaro moved over him to stab the sleeping genin. She breathed out a sigh of relief when he quickly jumped back up nailing the Sound-nin in the jaw with an uppercut as he said, "Fooled you. (hic)…I was only pretending to be asleep."

A little angry Tenten shouted, "Dammit Lee, don't do that you scared me."

Turning his attention to the kunoichi he said, "(hic)…did you really think I'd fall asleep…(hic) in the middle of a fight…(hic). Don't be silly Tenten."

While Lee was focused on Tenten, Kimimaro attempted to cut Lee down causing the Leaf kunoichi's heart to jump into her throat. But, Lee moved as if he had eyes in the back of his head easily avoiding all the swings of the Kaguya's sword. Lee seeing the scared look on Tenten face tried to say something calming to her, but found the Kaguya's interference annoying so striking back at him in the stomach with a kick he then turned and smashed Kimimaro's jaw with a fist, that sent the Kaguya rolling away, while saying, "Hey Bonsey…(hic) can't you see I'm talking to a beautiful girl…(hic)…wait your turn, I'll get to you."

Standing and discarding his sword Kimimaro said addressing Lee, "Well it would seem that you are proficient in the Drunken Fist."

"I'm not…(hic) drunk Bonsey."

Opening his shirt so that it fell off his shoulders and exposed his Curse Mark of the Earth, Kimimaro said, "Well whatever you are, you should feel honored that you have made me resort to this." As he spoke his curse mark began sprouting lines until they covered his chest. He then began growing bones from his back and shoulders as well as from out of his forearms.

"Now then let me sober you up," Kimimaro said proudly.

"I told you, I'm not drunk." Lee shouted charging the Kaguya.

Kimimaro met the charge halfway and blocking the drunken Lee's attacks waited for the right moment to strike. That moment came when a blow Kimimaro blocked with the bones covering his forearm caused Lee to stagger back. However, Kimimaro wasn't fooled and when Lee quickly reversed course to attack he was almost shredded as the Kaguya spun in place. Although Lee avoided the worse of the attack he received a vicious cut across his chest.

Falling on his backside Lee said, "Where…where am I? Why does my head hurt?"

"Well it would seem the Sake has worn off," Kimimaro said pulling his arm back to stab the confused Lee.

Tenten charged to her teammates rescue saying, "Get away from him you bastard."

Catching the Kaguya's attack with her blades she hooked them onto the bones on his right forearm and attempted to pull him away from Lee. She succeeded for the most part, but he still managed to kick the sitting genin, sending him rolling away. As Tenten fought the Sound-nin she idly wondered if the mark on his chest was the reason his Kekkei Genkai was working in overdrive. As bones shot out of him forcing her on the defensive whenever she gained a small advantage or a bone would suddenly sprout out of him to block her sword and cover a gap in his defense.

The ability proved to be her undoing as he suddenly retracted a bone she had expected to hit during her attack causing her to over-extend herself. Kimimaro took advantage by spinning behind her and a blade of bone appeared from the palm of his left hand and he ran it along the back of her knees. Collapsing to the ground like a puppet that had it strings cut. He kicked away her swords and then grabbed her by the hair forcing her to her knees while pulling her head back so that she could see as he stabbed her.

Looking down at the defeated kunoichi, Kimimaro said unemotionally, "That's one," as he was about to stab her in the throat. Lee attempted to get up to help her, but was still disorientated by the kick he received as well as after affects of the sake.

That was why he almost cried for joy as his silent prayer was answered when he heard, "Rasengan."

"Looks like this is it," Shikamaru thought to himself as he struggled against the kunoichi while using his Shadow Strangle Jutsu. He had thought he had this battle won when he tricked her in close after he found out the only weapon she carried was a flute. However, it appeared she had one more trick up her sleeve as she had morphed into some kind of creature with horns growing out of her head.

"Damn it, think Shikamaru," he thought to himself desperately, "Everything went according to plan. I got her to dispel those ogres of hers after capturing them in my shadow. I lured her in close to use the Shadow Strangle Jutsu on her there has to be a way out of this."

Trying to push the kunai Shikamaru had used as bait into his gut Tayuya said, "Give it up you rat. You put up a good fight but it's fucking over. It's no less then you deserve for sacrificing so many of your people for a bastard who left of his own volition."

Straining Shikamaru said, "Can't say I don't agree with you. Wish I knew that from the start, but orders are orders, I'm afraid. How about you? It sounds to me like you should be worried about that leader of yours. Surrender and help us recover Sasuke. If you do that I'll try and arrange a deal that lets you go free, it beats getting killed by your boss doesn't it."

For a moment he could see the Sound Kunoichi eyes soften as she considered it, but they hardened a second later. The horns on her head began growing as she fought harder to will the shadow hands away from her throat. As it appeared that she was winning she said, "I'm no fucking turncoat you lousy rat and even if I was. Going against Kimimaro would be a death sentence. He's stronger than the entire rest of the Sound Five by himself."

Trying to put up a brave front Shikamaru said, "Too bad. Well even if you kill me at least I know you aren't long for this world."

"Why, do you think the rest of your squad will avenge you?" Tayuya said angrily, "They're already dead."

"I refuse to believe that," Shikamaru countered, "But I'm willing to bet that the fact you and your pal let three of us get by you means your squad leader will execute you himself."

Again fear reached her eyes but looking at his arm she replied, "That headband of yours is my reprieve."

"I really doubt that one headband out of five is going to be enough to buy you a second chance. He doesn't strike me as the forgiving sort," Shikamaru said trying sound calm and certain to the Sound Kunoichi.

"I'll have to take that chance, I'm no traitor," she said uncertainly. Redoubling her efforts she added, "But you're beyond caring about such things. Die you rat."

"Shit she got me looks like this is checkmate," Shikamaru thought as his shadow lost its hold. The kunai seemed to move towards his stomach in slow motion as it made its way towards his gut. Bracing himself for the coming pain he was surprised when a mini cyclone of wind suddenly blew the kunoichi away.

Turning to his savior, he saw the last person he would expect to save his butt standing there smirking at him. The kunoichi leapt up to the branch he was on saying, "You must be a lot dumber than when we fought for some freakshow to get the drop on you."

He was about to respond when a second shinobi stepped out of the shadows saying, "Can you flirt later Temari? We have business to attend to."

"So I guess the talks with Sand must have borne fruit if Lady Tsunade sent you to back us up," Shikamaru said. "I appreciate the assistance but you should have stayed on the guy with the casket."

"I agree," Kankurou replied nodding his head, "But that Uzumaki kid ordered us to help you while he went after the casket."

That bit of news caught him by surprise, especially the part that he owed his life to Naruto. Remembering back to the Chunin Exams and the warning Kakashi had given he thought, "Kakashi-sensei was right. I do wish I had trusted him, maybe if I had this mission wouldn't have turned into such a cluster foul-up."

Realization dawned on him that if Naruto's team had been dispatched after him they may know what happened to Chouji and Neji he asked, "Do you know what happened to my teammates that we left to deal with the Sound-nin we encountered."

"We came across your friend Chouji," Temari said noting the concern in Shikamaru's voice, "He was in bad shape and looked like he hadn't eaten in months. Naruto created a shadow clone to carry him back to Konoha. Your other team member apparently had to return to Konoha to carry his wounded cousin back."

"Damn it Chouji. What were you thinking using the red pill," Shikamaru thought upon hearing Chouji's condition.

Temari could see the worry written on Shikamaru's face due to the condition they found his friend in. However, figuring that the Sound kunoichi hadn't given up she said, "I know you're upset about your friend but now's not the time to be thinking about. What can you tell me about the abilities of the kunoichi you were fighting?"

"Right sorry," Shikamaru replied. He then proceeded to fill them in on what to expect from Tayuya. Finishing up he said, "… that's why I think we should withdraw. We are at an overwhelming disadvantage due to her using sound as the hook for her genjutsu."

"Excuse me, but I wasn't asking for your opinion on strategy," Temari said while smirking, "You have no idea of my capabilities so just sit back and watch." Biting her thumb she smeared it over her fan and called out, "Summoning Blade Dance."

Tayuya felt she had retreated far enough to be safe but close enough to catch her opponents in a genjutsu brought her flute to her lips. She didn't even know what hit her as the forest around her was sliced to ribbons.

Shikamaru looked on in awe as all the trees around them had their tops cutoff so that none of them were taller than the branch they were standing on. Turning back with a self-satisfied grin on her face Temari said, "Not bad, huh?"

Shikamaru gave a nervous grin as he thought, "Man she's scarier than my mom. Oh well, I suppose I should be glad she's on our side at the moment."

Temari was glad that she got a chance to show her strength to the young man that had bested her considering how often he had been on her mind as of late. However, her smile turned into one of mortification as Kankurou said teasingly, "Wow Temari, I know you bought new clothes to impress this slacker but did you really have to give the whole forest a trim to boot." He probably would have said more, but his head met with Temari's closed fan a second later knocking him out of the tree.

Shikamaru wisely chose to ignore the comment afraid that Temari's red face pertained to an anger that seemed to rival or even surpass his mother's. Instead he said, "Come on; let's go make sure the kunoichi is out of the fight."

"…fuck…," Tayuya rasped out having reverted to normal. Coming too, she tried to move but couldn't looking down she saw the reason was her lower body was pinned by a sliced section of a tree. Then the pain and panic set in causing her to try and push the trunk off of her.

As she was making a horrible racket, it was easy for Kankurou to find her. Walking up to her, he said, "Oi, Sound bitch looks like you're messed up." Pulling a kunai he added, "Don't worry, I'll make it quick."

Tayuya gave a weak smile at the irony. Here she was trapped and helpless like the Leaf Shinobi they had encountered the day before but she knew the score. With Kimimaro probably still on his way to Rice Field Country standard protocol was to kill any prisoners so they could quickly move on. She watched the kunai descend towards her closing her eyes she was surprised when she didn't feel the blow after several seconds. Opening them she found the Sand Shinobi holding a silly pose.

She was about to ask him what kind of cruelty he was up to when Kankurou beat her to the punch saying, "What's the big idea?"

Her eyes widened in surprise when the Leaf Shinobi she had almost killed said stepping forward, "I was about to ask you the same thing. She's helpless and no threat to us. There is no need to kill her."

"Look she was going to kill you and besides we don't know just how bad she is messed up under that tree," Kankurou challenged, "For all we know if she gets free she could heal herself and be a threat to our back. I don't know what they teach you in the Leaf but in Suna we don't leave potential enemies at our rear."

"Well I don't kill helpless opponents," Shikamaru shot back. "I'll take responsibility for her, so if you want move on and catch up to Naruto. I'll take her back to Konoha."

Kankurou looked like he wanted to argue but the matter was settled by Temari who jammed her fan beneath the trunk pinning Tayuya and used it as a lever to lift the tree off of her. Surprised Kankurou said, "Temari…"

She cut him off saying, "Hey technically he out ranks us since he's a chunin. If he wants to take her captive that's his call."

Shikamaru gave Temari a small nod and a smile that caused the blonde kunoichi to turn away so he couldn't see her cheeks turn red. Pushing passed Kankurou, Shikamaru waited for Temari to lift before pulling Tayuya out from under the tree trunk.

Tayuya was surprised at the turn of events, but before she could ask what Shikamaru was thinking in saving her she passed out due to the pain from being moved. Her last conscious thought was, "Maybe saving those two Leaf shinobi did wonders for my karma."

Ami glanced behind her to see how close the transformed Ukon was and found herself surprised he wasn't behind her anymore. She wondered if he had given up. A part of her hoped so, but she reasoned it didn't matter since she would have to go back and bait him into chasing her again. Stopping on a branch she turned around to scan the area she came from to see if there was any sign that it was a trick. She had just concluded that he had indeed given up when he dropped down from the canopy of leaves above her. She attempted to leap to a branch behind her in order to avoid him, but was surprised when her head was gripped in the armored hand of Sakon.

Sakon who had caught her in midair landed on the same branch as his brother slamming her head into the trunk of the tree. Pulling her head back he smashed it forward a second time for good measure. Tossing her from the tree she managed to land on her feet but before she could try and make a break for it Ukon hit her in the side of head sending her rolling along the ground.

As she came to a rest she looked back to see Sakon land next to his brother although she was seeing triplets of the brothers as they closed on her. Bleeding and confused she heard Sakon say, "Should we use our jutsu on her brother?"

"Nah," Ukon replied, "I think we'll have more fun beating her to death. Besides I promised her a slow and painful death. We wouldn't want to make a liar out of me, would we brother?"

"Perish the thought brother," Sakon said picking her up and then holding her from behind with his arms below hers and his hands linked behind her head.

Smiling Ukon began pummeling her. After a several punches he stopped and said, "What's the matter? Not so tough now are you bitch. Where's that smart mouth of yours now?"

Ami struggled to look into Ukon's eye due to the swelling of her own but managed a weak smile as she said, "I'm sorry, I was having too hard a time trying not to laugh. I didn't know this was a tickle fight. I know girls that hit a lot harder than you."

Yelling in rage Ukon hit her so hard that Sakon lost his grip on Ami. Crawling away Ami said, "Close, but I don't think you've made it into the top ten yet."

Grabbing the girl by the ankle Ukon picked her up and held her upside down saying, "When I'm done with you, you'll be begging me to end your life."

"I'll beg you right now, if it'll shut you up," Ami replied.

Ukon responded by throwing her into a tree. Looking to his brother he said, "This bitch just doesn't know when to shut her mouth does she."

"I'm getting bored brother can you just hurry it up," Sakon said, "We still have to kill those Shinobi that got by us. We might also have to hunt down a few more headbands to appease Kimimaro if they caught up to him."

"Fine," Ukon said, pulling out a kunai, "Looks like this is the end for you."

"About time," Ami said leaning against the tree Ukon threw her against, while thinking, "I hope everyone else succeeded because unless a miracle happens this is it for me."

Ami's miracle arrived in the form of senbon needles that attempted to pepper Ukon forcing him to flip away from the prone kunoichi. When the barrage ended two shinobi dropped in front of her although she only recognized the one in the hunters mask, although the kunoichi with him seemed to be taking fashion tips from the proctor of the second round of the Chunin Exams.

Ukon far from intimidated by the new arrivals said, "There are you happy Sakon."

"Ecstatic brother," Sakon replied sarcastically while stepping up to his sibling.

Haku calmly faced the twins in front of him and politely said, "Please surrender, I do not wish to harm you."

Ignoring him Ukon said upon noticing the Sound Headband wrapped around the kunoichi's arm, "Well, well it would appear Kimimaro isn't the only one who collects headbands from his enemies. Tell me, who did that belong too?"

Not recognizing them due to their being in Second State even though they ran the base she had been assigned too. However, Sakon recognized her saying, "Don't you remember her brother? She was on the team that was supposed to be killed after Sasuke was given his Curse Mark."

"Why would I bother to remember trash, Sakon?"

Angry at how they addressed her and her team but recognizing the name, she said to Haku, "This is bad Haku. He's Sakon of the Westgate, one of the Sound Shinobi Five."

"Who are they?" Haku asked.

Before she could reply Ukon said, "You know it always bothered me that they never counted me among the group. But to answer your question we are the elite of Sound, handpicked by Orochimaru to serve as his bodyguards or for any mission he deems to vital to fail."

"Regardless," Haku replied calmly, "I'm afraid if you do not surrender we will be forced to hurt you."

"Enough talk," Ukon shouted running at the Leaf Shinobi.

Haku met him half way. After exchanging several blows Ukon managed to catch Haku's arm when he attempted a backhand. The Sound shinobi tossed Haku away but the boy landed on his feet and threw several senbon which Ukon blocked using his armored arm.

"You're dead," Ukon growled.

By order of elimination Kin ended up facing off against Sakon. Throwing several senbon at him she used the harmonics of the bells she attached to them to place a subtle genjutsu over the area that made Ami disappear. With that taken care of she began leading Sakon away from the injured girl. She was scared having heard of the strength of the Sound Five. She felt out of her league, wondering if she really had a chance against one of Orochimaru's chosen. After all she was a reject; her only value to him had been as cannon fodder. But then she thought of Anko and all the hard work her sensei had put into as she said, 'making her a functional kunoichi.' Also she thought of Haku and their burgeoning relationship and if she didn't carry her weight then they would probably overpower him. Not willing to allow that and trusting in her recently honed taijutsu skills she turned to face Sakon.

Sakon was clearly amused as he said, "Are you serious? Do you honestly think trash like you that was discarded by Orochimaru has a chance against me in my Second State?"

"I'm glad I was discarded, if I hadn't been then I would never had met Anko-sensei," Kin stated.

"Anko that name sounds familiar," Sakon said before laughingly adding, "That's right she was discarded by Orochimaru too. Hahaha, trash that is being taught by trash, when I tell Kimimaro I'm sure he'll love the story associated with your headband."

Growling she charged at the smirking Sound Shinobi. She easily ducked under the punch that he threw and responded with a spinning kick to his jaw that spun him around. Then raising her hand she showed off the new jutsu that Anko taught her as snakes shot from her sleeve. Wrapping around Sakon's chest she tugged her arm back pulling him off balance. As he stumbled backwards past her she kicked him in the chest, a blow that sent him tumbling end over end. Coming to a stop he raised himself to his knees and cleared his head in time to catch another kick this time to the chin that knocked him flat on his back.

She picked the stunned Sound-nin up to bind him while she said, "Who's the trash now?"

"It's still you," Sakon answered as he grabbed the arm holding him and to Kin's horror appeared to phase into her.

Ukon picked himself off the ground his back peppered with senbon needles. He had yet to be able to lay a hand on the masked boy as he was just too fast and didn't seem inclined to get in close with him so he couldn't use his Kekkei Genkai.

Stopping behind Ukon, Haku said, "Will you reconsider your course of action now?"

"Go to hell," Ukon spat out.

Hefting a senbon Haku was about to throw it when he noticed someone approaching behind Ukon. When who it was became clear he stiffened as Kin came up behind Ukon half merged with Sakon. Turning to his brother Ukon said, "Well done Sakon."

"Thanks brother, listen up if you don't surrender I'll snuff this girl's life as only I can," Sakon said enjoying the obvious distress the capture of the kunoichi was causing the masked shinobi.

However his moment was ruined when Kin shouted, "Don't do it Haku. You know what you have to do."

"Kin…" Haku said hesitantly.

But she wouldn't be dissuaded as she shouted, "Do it!"

Letting a senbon fly Sakon realized that it was heading right for the kunoichi's neck. Attempting to jump out of the body he was still connected as it hit so received the same damage as his would be victim. Collapsing to the ground after fully leaving Kin's body, Ukon ran up saying panicked, "Answer me, Sakon."

However, to his brother, Sakon appeared dead and only as he pulled his brother's body back into him did he find that he had a slight pulse. Low on chakra and needing the rest to heal his brother Ukon looked at the masked shinobi saying, "This isn't over between us," he then jumped away.

Haku debated following but instead ran up to Kin pulling his mask off as he gently pulled the needle from her neck. A few seconds later her eyes fluttered open and she said, "Hey."

"Hey yourself," he said happy she was okay, feeling his eyes getting watery.

Smiling weekly she said, "I'm going to take a nap now," and then promptly passed out.

Kissing her forehead he set her head down gently and then made a hand sign to dispel the genjutsu Kin had placed over Ami at the beginning of the fight. Walking up to the kunoichi, Haku asked, "Are you okay?"

"A lot better now, thanks to you and your girlfriend," Ami said smiling a little, despite how much it hurt, when Haku blushed at Kin being called his girlfriend even though it was true. She then asked, "Will she be okay?"

Nodding Haku said, "Yes, she'll probably be out of action for a week, but she's fine."

Looking at the gorgeous boy she said, "I hope you don't mind but I think I'll be joining her in dreamland." Before closing her eyes she added, "You know it's too bad you're a boy."

Haku chuckled lightly at her comment thinking, "Well that's a new one." Checking to make sure Ami wasn't in any danger he created an Ice Clone to pick her up while he grabbed Kin. Trusting that Naruto would want him to get the wounded back to Konoha he wished his friend luck in battle and began to return to the village.

Kiba was right behind Sasuke. As the massive statues of the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha came into view he chanced using a Fang over Fang to hit Sasuke. But the Uchiha sensed the attack and avoided it. Sasuke kept running until he reached the barren rock face of the Valley of the End. But then stopped with a smirk as he remembered what Itachi had told him to do in order to gain power.

Running up behind Sasuke he stopped several feet behind him yelling, "What the hell, Sasuke? What about Team Seven and Konoha? Why are you doing this?"

Not looking back Sasuke replied, "Because nothing matters but my ambition to kill Itachi. Not Team Seven or Konoha." Pausing he said after a moment to correct himself, "that's not entirely true. Your death will have meaning; it'll bring me a step closer to my ambition."

"Hate to disappoint you but I'm not just going to lie here and rollover for you," Kiba shouted.

"Then by all means fight," Sasuke said confident in his power as he activated the Sharingan and turned to face his teammate, "But you know you are outclassed and have been ever since I awakened these eyes, mutt."

Giving a smirk Kiba said, "You're not the only one that has been getting stronger Sasuke." Looking to his partner he asked, "You ready Akamaru?" The puppy responded with a determined affirmative bark, so Kiba quickly henged him into a copy of himself.

Puppy and master then charged at Sasuke who waited for them to close before lashing out with a kick that caught Akamaru in the stomach knocking him back. He then caught the punch thrown by Kiba flipping him onto his back. Kiba avoided the follow up attack where Sasuke tried to stomp on his throat. Sasuke then had to avoid a claw swipe from Akamaru which moved him into range for Kiba to sweep him off his feet. The attack connected but Sasuke planted a hand on the ground and used the momentum to propel himself away from the duo.

With them both in front of him Sasuke felt it was time he went on the offensive and charged. Akamaru attempted to meet him half way but Sasuke batted him to the side and ducked under Kiba's punch. From that ducked position he kicked the Inuzuka in the chest knocking him straight into the air. Sasuke then followed up with a kick when Kiba reached the pinnacle of his upwards trajectory that sent him flying away. He also used the kick as a springboard to propel himself out of the way of Akamaru who tried to catch Sasuke in the air with a Fang over Fang.

Landing smoothly he said, "Give it up Mutt and accept that it is your fate to die here by my hand."

"Screw you Sasuke," Kiba said angrily, "I thought we were friends, man."

"You are my closest friend Kiba," Sasuke replied, "but such bonds will only stand in the way of me gaining power. Killing you will put me on equal footing with Itachi's eyes."

Kiba looked at his teammate's eyes and was concerned by what he didn't see, conflict. Sasuke had decided to kill him, and he wasn't conflicted by his decision. Wondering why and how it came to this he thought, "Was there never any hope of rescuing Sasuke from this desire to kill his brother?"

Sighing he said, "I'm not going to die so you can get closer to your dream of your brother's death Sasuke. I also have a duty to perform and if necessary, I'll kill you in order to do it." Before Sasuke could reply he shouted, "Now Akamaru."

Akamaru who had dispelled his henge jumped over Sasuke's head and marked him with urine. Sasuke angry said, "Dog piss, you cover me in dog piss and think that will beat me."

"Actually I do," Kiba said, "Because it's a necessary step for the new jutsu I've mastered." Akamaru then landed on Kiba's head and he made a hand-sign transforming them into a giant white two headed version of a meaner looking Akamaru. The beast then launched itself at him while spinning. Sasuke avoided the attack but was still cut and quickly realized that Kiba was spinning so fast the drool the beast was leaking could damage him.

Dodging a second attempt Sasuke thought, "He can't possibly see me considering how fast he is spinning. Of course, that's why he had his fleabag mark me he's following the scent."

Dropping back he landed on the river running through the valley as Kiba came at him again he cut the chakra to his feet and sunk beneath the waves. Kiba landed on the top of the first Hokage's head in his two-head wolf form. He was surprised when the scent that they had sprayed Sasuke with disappeared he ideally wondered if they had got Sasuke but didn't feel it. He received his answer when he heard the chirping of Chidori and it was closing.

Turning behind him Kiba saw Sasuke crest the back of the First Hokage's head cutting a groove along the statue as he went coming right at the pair in their henged form. Sasuke appeared to be aiming right for the center of their chest. He probably figured that hitting them there would kill both Kiba and Akamaru. Realizing he lost and not willing to sacrifice his partner Kiba dispelled the henge. As a result Sasuke had to correct himself, but couldn't as much as was necessary and hit Kiba high and in the shoulder.

In excoriating pain, he spit in Sasuke's face. Sasuke didn't really react as he pulled his hand out of the Inuzuka's shoulder. Looking down at his teammate who had fallen to his knees Sasuke said, "I take no pleasure in this Kiba. But it is essential to my ambition." Pulling a kunai, he was about to stab him when Akamaru hit him again with urine, but this time in the eyes. Instantly feeling the burning sensation of the acidic urine, he stumbled to the river to wash them out.

Akamaru then grabbed Kiba's wrist by his jacket attempting to pull his master after him. Smiling down at his loyal companion he said, "Get out of here boy. I don't think you'll want to be here when he gets the piss out of his eyes." But Akamaru made it clear that wasn't going to happen, so Kiba tried to get to his feet. Unfortunately, he only took a step before falling forward onto his stomach and weakly said, "Sorry boy, I think this is it for me."

"It is," Sasuke said coldly closing on the pair.

Akamaru quit tugging on Kiba's jacket and took up a position between his master and Sasuke barking bravely. The puppy attempted to jump at Sasuke who just smirked and let a kunai fly. Akamaru knew it was all over but it would follow its partner into the afterlife, glad that it had been lucky enough to have a loyal buddy like Kiba.

Naruto saw Tenten fall to the ground and the Sound-nin pick her up to stab her. However he also knew he was still too far away to help. Hitting on a crazy idea he said, "Gaara use your sand to throw me at that guy."

"Are you nuts?" Hana asked incredulously considering the distance between them.

Naruto just said, "Probably," as Gaara sent him flying through the air. As he flew through the air he formed a Rasengan. The Sound-nin seemed to sense the attack just before he yelled, "Rasengan." But, it was too late as he slammed it into the Sound-nin's stomach and was propelled away from him coming to a rest after cutting a groove through the field.

He was joined moments later by Gaara and Hana; however he was too busy staring in amazement as the Sound-nin got back up. When he turned towards Naruto, he could see what appeared to be a layer of bone in the wound. Naruto then looked at the guys face and recognizing it said, "I know you."

Kimimaro found the boy familiar, but didn't recognize him due to the combat wraps around his face. As a result of that familiarity the Kaguya asked, "And how would that be."

Smirking Naruto said, "Well let me put it like this, you don't need to worry about me stopping the fight midway. I used the bathroom before we left Konoha."

Anger flared in Kimimaro's eyes as he realized what the boy was implying, this was the boy who had traveled with Zabuza and had made him look like a fool. The boy further agitated him when he said, "Weren't you also the boy that Granny Tsunade saved from a disease."

"Granny Tsunade huh," Kimimaro said, "You must be quite close to her if that cow would allow you to get away with calling her that. I imagine when she sees your bloody headband it will be quite distressing to her."

"She saved your life why would you want to hurt her?" Naruto asked angry at the Kaguya's lack of appreciation for Tsunade saving his life.

"She stole my destiny."

"Then get a new one," Naruto shot back, "you're still alive aren't you."

"I have," the Kaguya said stoically, "I'm going to destroy her emotionally before taking her life."

Naruto was about to respond to the Kaguya's threat to his precious person, but Gaara stepped forward saying, "Naruto, you and Hana move on. I do not see Sasuke. He must have emerged from the casket."

"He did," Tenten confirmed as Hana tried her best to heal the damage to Tenten's legs, with Lee kneeling by her side. "Kiba went after him."

Hana appeared worried at the news while she believed in her brother. She didn't know if he could beat the Uchiha by himself. Naruto looked at Gaara and asked, "Are you going to be alright by yourself?"

Gaara simply nodded, but Lee chimed in saying, "Do not worry Naruto. I'll assist him."

Naruto looked at Gaara smiling at him before giving the thumbs up. He motioned for Hana to go and then followed behind her without looking back. Kimimaro said, "Oh no you don't," as he raised his hand and shot the bones in his finger tips at the pair of chunin. However his attack was blocked as sand shot up behind them.

Turning to the Sand-nin Kimimaro said, "Funny, I was under the impression you only cared for yourself."

"I like you have been shown a different path," Gaara said.

Lee stepped up to Gaara and asked, "How do you wish to proceed?"

"Stay out of this and remain by your teammate," Gaara said, "I will handle him." Lee looked like he wanted to argue but Tenten grabbed his hand. So he nodded his head and picked up his still wounded teammate and moved her away from the coming clash.

Akamaru stared at the incoming kunai and was surprised when he felt a hand pull him out of the way. Turning his head he saw that he was being held by Naruto who was glaring at Sasuke. Naruto put the puppy down saying, "Good boy, go see to your partner I'll handle him." The puppy yipped at him before turning to see Hana kneeling over Kiba.

The older Inuzuka sibling had tears in her eyes at seeing the damage to her little brother's shoulder. Pushing her tears and fears aside she became aware that Naruto asked her about Kiba's condition and said, "He's in bad shape. He needs medical attention immediately."

"Can you do it?" Naruto asked.

"I'm a vet primarily," Hana answered, "He needs more help then I can provide."

"Get going," Naruto said without taking his eyes of Sasuke.

Hana stood and although she so desperately wanted to do just that said, "I know the mission comes first."

"I can make it an order if you really need me too," Naruto replied.

Whispering, "Thank you," so softly she doubted he heard it; she wrapped her brother in her arms and took off for Konoha. One of the Haimaru Triplets grabbed Akamaru by the scruff of his neck as they followed behind her.

Sasuke watched Naruto with an amused smirk as the Blonde seemed to be fighting emotionally with himself. Reaching into his pocket Sasuke pulled out his headband and was about to fasten it to his head when Naruto said, "Don't you dare put that headband on."

"You might not be aware of this, but placing your headband on your head against an opponent is a sign of respect," Sasuke said glad he read his opponent correctly and that putting the headband on agitated him.

"I don't care," Naruto replied his voice low and dangerous promising Sasuke nothing but pain, "You don't deserve that headband after all you've done."

Sasuke ignored Naruto and finished fastening it. He almost smiled as the jinchuriki practically growled as he pulled his hands away from behind his head. Letting a cool smile touch his lips Sasuke said, "You must be talking about Sakura." However, he took a step back as Naruto's eyes flashed red.

"Not just her," Naruto said doing his best to calm himself recognizing that Sasuke was trying to make him lose his cool, "But everyone else that through your actions you've hurt. There's only one question I have for you."

"Let me guess, why?" Sasuke asked with the same smirk on his lips that was making Naruto want to give into what Chibi Zabuza was telling him to do.

Naruto shook his head and said, "No. All I want to know is. In how many pieces do, you want to return to Konoha?"

Sasuke blinked and that was when Naruto moved. He quickly closed the distance between them while drawing his ninjato. Sasuke responded immediately as he opened his eyes by swiftly backing away, but Naruto caught what he was aiming for as his blade hitting the metal of Sasuke's headband leaving a vicious gash across it. The blow also weakened the knot so that the headband fell to the ground.

Feeling fear at the boy in front of him Sasuke debated running. If he made it to the border he would be safe, but something told him that Naruto wouldn't let an imagery line on a map stop him from avenging Sakura so he stood his ground. Assuming his stance he prepared to fight his first real battle on his path to Itachi.

A shadow figure stepped out of the woods watching from a cliff opposite the statue where the two boys where staring each other down. Pulling the hood of the cloak the figure was wearing down to reveal that the red and white mask that it wore, was in fact a helmet with the top half being red and the bottom half white. A part of the person wanted to stop the rematch of the Chunin Exams that the person had witnessed in Konoha. Primarily because of a fear that Kushina's spawn would once again prove superior but this time kill Sasuke instead of leaving him humiliated.

The figure vowed to step in if it became necessary but decided to stay out of it. Itachi wasn't the only person that Sasuke would need to punish to avenge the Uchiha and having Kushina's spawn, should he once again prove the victory, serve as a symbol of Konoha would only stoke Sasuke's hate into a hotter burning fire. So the figure settled in to watch confident that one day all those who had wronged it in the past would be held accountable. Itachi would be first, followed by Madara Uchiha, and finally Konoha. The thought of the day when all its enemies were gone filled the figure with joy, almost as much as the thought of revealing just who it was under the helmet to Sasuke.

Lee and Tenten watched in amazement as Gaara faced off against Kimimaro, it was like watching two titans clash. Especially, after Kimimaro had changed into some sort of brown skinned creature with a tail. They had thought the fight had been over when Gaara had caught Kimimaro in his sand and then crushed him. But he had survived and actually pulled himself free. Gaara had then buried him under a tsunami of sand. Again attempting to squash him but the Kaguya refused to be crushed and had then transformed into his Second State.

That was where the battle was now as Gaara again attempted to catch Kimimaro in his sand. The Kaguya managed to get close enough to hit Gaara with his tail. Even though Gaara's defense came to his rescue the Kaguya was still able to catch the Sand-nin which sent him tumbling away. The Kaguya attempted to again close with Gaara trying to get the fight up close to neutralize Gaara's advantage. Running right at Gaara he powered his way through a wall of sand that appeared in front of him. Pouncing once through he landed on top of Gaara forcing him to the ground and with bones sprouting out of his forearm brought them down into Gaara's head. Instead of blood as he would expect the 'corpse' of Gaara began to dissolve into sand. Kimimaro realized he fell right into Gaara's trap when a sink hole appeared around him.

The real Gaara stepped up to the edge of the sinkhole saying, "It is a shame you have wasted the second chance that the Hokage gave you."

Looking up at Gaara with hate as he sunk beneath the sand, Kimimaro said, "It doesn't matter how deep you bury me. You will not be able to crush me."

"Perhaps, but I can leave you there forgotten in the darkness," Gaara replied walking away.

Shouting to the jinchuriki's back he said, "I'll never be forgotten. Lord Orochimaru will always remember my service to him."

"You are nothing but a sad pawn in his game and valued just as highly," Gaara said as Kimimaro's head was swallowed beneath the surface of the sand.

Gaara walked up to the two leaf ninja to find Tenten leaning against Lee. As he stopped in front of them Lee said, "That was amazing Gaara."

Still not used to people reacting to his presence with emotions other than fear Gaara settled for a nod of his head as a reply. Tenten looked like she was about to say something but a shout of, "I will not be forgotten," caused all three sets of eyes to widen as the ground began to shake followed by giant bone shards sprouting out of the earth.

Floating above the new forest of bone on sand summoned by Gaara, Tenten asked while looking over the edge, "Was that his last gasp?"

"It must have been," Lee replied looking around as well. His eyes opened wide in shock as he spotted Kimimaro appearing from out of the bone behind Gaara.

Kimimaro pulled his arm back, a large spiral shaped bone covering it, and shouted at Gaara, "I said, I will not be forgotten."

Gaara turned in time to see Kimimaro bring his arm forward sure that his automatic defense wouldn't stop the blow. He was surprised as he was thrown off of the floating platform of sand as Lee pushed him out of the way taking the blow in his place.

Tenten screamed, "Lee!" as she watched the bone enter his stomach.

The Kaguya then threw the impaled Lee off his weapon by making a shaking motion of his arm. Before Lee hit the ground sand reached up and cradled him lowering him lightly. The platform Tenten was on also reached the ground and Tenten hobbled over as best she could tears running from her eyes as she pressed her hands over the horrible wound.

Kimimaro chuckled lightly from his perch in the bone saying down to the girl, "Be sure to thank your Hokage for me."

Before he could disappear back into the bone a tendril of sand wrapped around his arm pulling him from it, smashing him into the ground. More sand came from the ground wrapping around his arms and legs holding him in place. As Gaara approached Kimimaro said, "More of the same huh. When will you realize you can't crush me or bury me deep enough to stop me?"

"I realize the flaw in my strategy was trying to crush you externally," Gaara replied feeling angry, which wasn't a new emotion for him but the reason he was feeling it was. No one had ever saved his life before.

Kimimaro was about to ask what Gaara meant, but when he opened his mouth sand began flowing into it. He tried to close it but there was too much. The layer of bone Kimimaro had used to prevent Gaara's attacks from crushing him before now aided in crushing his organs as his body filled with sand. Eventually he stopped shaking as he died, but Gaara kept pushing sand down his throat until he heard the layer of bone crack. Confident that the Kaguya was dead, he made his way back to Lee and Tenten who was whispering to her friend that it would be okay. Gaara stood there awkwardly unsure of what to do or if he could even do anything to help.

After leaving Konoha, Kakashi had summoned Pakkun. They were almost to the border when Pakkun said, "Kakashi, I smell blood."

"Is Sasuke there?" Kakashi asked.

"He was. But he, Naruto, and Kiba have moved on," the summons replied before adding, "But two of Gai's students are still there."

Kakashi was tempted to tell Pakkun to keep on Sasuke but while he was debating Sakura asked, "Are they the ones who have been injured?"

"Yeah," the pug replied.

"Take us there," Kakashi ordered not willing to leave fellow Leaf shinobi to die even if it meant that Sasuke escaped.

Landing in the clearing the three of them were met by the sight of a badly injured Lee laying on the ground with Tenten hovering over him pressing her hands on his stomach. Once they reached them Sakura knelt across from Tenten who upon noticing the pink haired girl said frantic, "I don't know what to do. There's so much blood."

Speaking easily and calmly Sakura said, "Calm down Tenten. Move your hands so I can see." Tenten refused by shaking her head so Sakura firmly moved them away to inspect the wound. While she did this she said, "You should get going Kakashi-sensei. I'll handle this."

Watching his student proudly he nodded his head and left whispering a quick pray that he wouldn't have to inform Guy of his precious student's death as a result of his failings as a sensei. Before he made it out of the clearing he thought, "You truly have turned into a fine kunoichi, Sakura."

Not paying attention to her teacher as her focus was solely on Lee. After analyzing his wound and recalling all that she had read on being a medic since making her decision. Sakura was confident that she could stabilize Lee through the usage of the blood pills she brought with her. But first she would need to stop the bleeding reaching into her backpack she pulled out bandages and using a technique she had read patched him up. Confident her job resembled the pictures she had seen she said to Tenten, "I got him patched up to the best of my ability but we have to be gentle as we move him."

Tenten whispered a, "Thank Kami," to herself.

Sakura then looked up to notice Gaara standing there looking unsure. When Gaara noticed her looking at him he said, "He…he saved me."

"Well it's your turn to help save him," Sakura replied, "Can you make a bed of sand to carry him back to Konoha?" Her answer was Lee being lifted off the ground. Sakura noticing the state of Tenten's legs helped her onto the floating sand where she immediately grasped Lee's hand while whispering words of encouragement to the boy.

Sparing a look in the direction she assumed Naruto was she whispered a silent pray for his safe return before leading the way back to Konoha.

Naruto could see the confidence Sasuke placed in his eyes and looked forward to showing him that they would not be enough. He then charged the smirking Uchiha ready to teach him what may become his final lesson.

Sasuke couldn't help but marvel as his eyes showed him exactly what Naruto planned to do. Now with the Sharingan, Sasuke was confident his Interceptor Fist style would prove more than a match for Naruto. As the blonde closed he could see that Naruto would attempt to swing a fist into his jaw and as a result was already moving away from it. However, he was surprised when the image of what Naruto was going to do morphed into a kick to the chest. Having anticipated the first move and acting accordingly he was unprepared for the kick that knocked him back. Before he could puzzle what went wrong Naruto was on him pummeling through his defenses.

Ducking under a punch Naruto countered with an uppercut that sent Sasuke reeling backwards and followed it up by grabbing him by the hair and slamming his knee into his face. Stumbling away from Naruto holding his bloody and possibly broken nose Sasuke asked, "How are you doing it? I can see what you are going to do. How are you confusing the Sharingan?"

"I'm not," Naruto replied, "But just because your eyes help you to see what I plan to do, isn't the same as stopping it. You are an open book to me as well." Seeing the confusion on Sasuke's face he elaborated, "I find everything about your abilities to be cheap. You steal the hard work of others to make yourself stronger, but it doesn't work like magic asshole. I'm still a better fighter and when you move according to what your eyes tell you I'm going to do. You telegraph it to me and I counter."

"But how," Sasuke shouted in rage.

"Simple, I worked at it," Naruto countered in disgust that such a simple premise needed to be explained to the Uchiha. "Whereas, you were sitting in a classroom ignoring everyone around you, always looking for the quick fix to power. I was busting my ass learning and fighting in real life or death battles. It's not just a matter of talent, but of experience Sasuke. I mean, how long have you actually been a ninja? A few months, try matching that against me asshole. I've been a shinobi for just shy of six years and you really think we're in the same league."

Sasuke roared in rage charging at Naruto who couldn't help but smirk that the shoe was now on the other foot with Sasuke losing his temper. He waited for Sasuke to attack before countering with a punch straight to his jaw and then never let up pummeling the Uchiha. Eventually Sasuke managed to knock him back and then created some distance between them by forcing Naruto back with several fire balls.

Releasing his Curse Mark the fiery marks spread over his body before turning his skin gray and two monstrous wings looking like large hands sprouted from his pack. "I'll admit that you may be more experienced then me Naruto. But now that I have this power that advantage is gone."

"Do you honestly think that little love mark Orochimaru gave you makes you strong?" Naruto said disappointed. "How pathetic, you allowed yourself to be turned into a monster for just a little boost in power. You are nothing but a leech trying to suck power from those around you without giving anything back. First you learned what you could from Kakashi-sensei and now Orochimaru. When you're done with him who will be next? But accepting that Curse Mark doesn't make you stronger it just shows how weak you truly are."

"That's rich coming from you Naruto," Sasuke countered angrily, "considering, your relying on the Kyuubi's power to defeat Gaara."

"But that's my point," Naruto said trying to reason with Sasuke, "Falling back on its chakra just proved that I'm not as strong as I hope to be yet."

Snorting contemptuously Sasuke said, "You're a fool if you don't consider this strength."

Moving quickly Sasuke nailed Naruto with a kick that smashed him up against the base of the First Hokage's statue. Sasuke then flew towards him spitting fireballs along the way. Naruto avoided them while pulling his sword and firing off a Wind Cutter at him that he easily avoided. Climbing the statue Naruto tried to jump at the airborne Uchiha when he came close enough but Sasuke avoided him. Sasuke then grabbed him by the back of his flak jacket as he flew past and spinning threw Naruto into the ground.

Landing near the crater after the dust cleared Sasuke said, "Now do you see the difference in our power?"

Naruto just pointed at Sasuke like he did at the end of the final round of the Chunin Exam and said, "Boom."

Wrapping his wings around him as he was blown back as the Rock Clone exploded, Sasuke cried out in pain from the pieces of shrapnel that peppered them. When he emerged from the cocoon they had created around him he saw he was surrounded by hundreds of the blonde shinobi.

One of the clones said, "That isn't your power Sasuke. You didn't earn it. You received it as part of a bargain with a traitorous piece of trash. So what does that make you?"

Swiftly closing with the clone, Sasuke nailed it with a punch dispelling it and then proceeded to attack the rest of the clones. His speed and strength amplified, Sasuke was able to make decent headway against the clones. But, eventually their numbers forced him on the defensive. Grabbing a clone and spinning it around to knock back its fellows. He then jumped into the air to create some space from the onslaught. Hovering in the air, he brought a hand to his mouth and breathed a giant tongue of flame straight down dispelling the rest. He looked around for some sign that the real Naruto was among them but learned that he wasn't as he landed on his back attempting to stop his wings from flapping to bring Sasuke to the ground. Sasuke managed to stay airborne but it proved difficult as he flew erratically over the valley. Eventually he was able to get a hold of Naruto forcing him off his back to the front, where the two boys nailed each other with a punch that sent them flying away from each other.

They each landed on one of the statues with Sasuke landing on the statue of Madara and Naruto landing on the First Hokage's. Sasuke then began forming an ominous Chidori crackling with a dark power making it look black. Glaring hatefully at the blonde, Sasuke said, "You can't match my power."

"I'm afraid you're right Sasuke," Naruto said sadly. He then began channeling the Kyuubi's chakra which began to surround him.

Sasuke smirked having forced Naruto to use the Kyuubi seeing it as a step in the right direction for his ambition. However, that smirk faltered as he noticed that unlike when Naruto fought Gaara there were to tails of chakra swishing behind the Blonde. Fear began to grip Sasuke's heart as Naruto held up a hand and a massive vermillion sphere of chakra appeared in it. Glaring at Sasuke the blonde said, "Well let's finish it Sasuke."

Naruto then leapt from the statue. Despite his fear Sasuke also jumped to meet the airborne blonde. Meeting in midair they slammed their jutsu into one another. While the two jutsus clashed Naruto gained a heightened sense of things. He could practically feel the hatred radiating off of him which scared him. He realized that this was why he hated using the Kyuubi's chakra and that was it seemed to amplify his negative emotions and with the second tail that amplification felt even stronger as it screamed for him to destroy the Uchiha in front of him.

He also realized that Haku was right and that he couldn't give in to that hatred. Sasuke was a perfect example of why. He could sense that Sasuke wasn't evil, yet. He was just extremely misguided in his actions. But, if Naruto gave into his own hatred he would be letting down everyone that believed in him to become Hokage. True, he could kill him here and now. He knew for a fact he would win this clash between their jutsus. However if he killed him when he could have taken him alive he would be no better than Sasuke. After all, Sasuke's ambition was to kill his brother, he never once considered taking him in alive to face trial. Naruto realized that the why you do something, was almost more important than what you do. He could kill Sasuke, but if he did it in anger and hate, he would be a monster even if they cheered him for it. And therefore he would be unworthy of achieving his dream of being Hokage.

Naruto could feel the chidori begin to falter beneath the power of his Rasengan. Pushing passed Sasuke's outstretched hand he weakened his jutsu considerable before slamming it into the Uchiha's chest. Naruto could see Sasuke's eyes widen in surprise that he had been defeated again right before the jutsu sent him flying away. Landing on the river bank Sasuke cut a deep furrow in the ground before coming to rest on the pile of displaced earth.

Naruto smiled before looking down and realizing he couldn't fly said, "Oh shit…" as he plummeted into the river. Swimming to the shore Naruto pulled himself out of the water feeling like he could sleep for a week. Making his way to where Sasuke was laying he could see that the Uchiha had reverted to his normal human form. He could also see an ugly spiral wound on his chest that Naruto hoped would never heal so that every time Sasuke looked in the mirror he would be reminded that Naruto would be standing in the way of his misguided ambition so long as it hurt the Leaf Village. Not that he was worried about the Uchiha because if the Hokage lived up to her word then Sasuke would be spending the rest of his life in a nice cozy prison cell.

Almost to the start of the groove Sasuke cut in the earth, Naruto stopped when he saw something hit the ground in front of him. Focusing on it he could see that it was a kunai with a paper bomb attached to it. He only had time to say, "Oh, crud…," before it exploded throwing him back. Landing at the base of the Madara statue he could see a figure dressed in black wearing a red and white helmet bring a hand to its mouth and then shoot several fireballs into the statue collapsing it on top of him.

Sasuke watched the figure approach him and found the mask it wore reminded him of the Uchiha Crest. However before he could ask why the person had helped him his world went dark.

Kakashi arrived afraid of what he had found as he had felt the massive discharge of chakra. It had just begun to rain, probably as a result of the power the two boys had unleashed in the area. Landing in the valley he rushed over to the furrow but saw by the tracks that were near it that a third party had made off with the body of whoever had laid there. Having a good idea of who it had been due to having seen the results of the Rasengan many times in the past he began to worry just what had happened to Naruto the apparent victor.

He received his answer as the pile of rubble that had once been the statue of Madara began to shift. Running to help the boy trapped beneath he pulled Naruto free who said, "Sorry Kakashi-sensei, I had him but…"

"It's alright Naruto," Kakashi said reassuring the banged up boy, "I know that somebody else interfered. That isn't important now. We need to get you checked out."

Giving a weak smile Naruto allowed Kakashi to move him to his back so the jounin could carry him to Konoha. Before leaving he looked one last time in the direction the interloper had carried his student and couldn't shake the premonition that the next time sensei and student met it would be under the very worse of conditions. Leaving the valley to return to Konoha, Kakashi spotted the slashed headband that must have belonged to Sasuke considering Naruto's was still in place. He almost stopped to pick it up but refrained figuring there was no need. Sure that Sasuke would never be wearing it again.