The Actions We Speak Chapter 19: I won't be there, a naruto fanfic

I like this one a bit better, thank you for not flamming me for the last one, there won't be another chapter like it I assure you.

Chapter 19- I won't be there

I don't wanna hurt you You don't want to hurt me I can't stand you and You can't stand me We can't rearrange You can never change me Say goodbye nothing I say can change your mind

Sakura's eyes couldn't tear from Naruto. Worry was prominent on her brow jumping from tree to tree only looking away when her ninja instincts warned of danger. He had been quiet, too quiet since they finally managed to squeeze their way out of Suna. His gaze was distant and every once and while, those blue eyes of his would dart back to Sasuke with fear echoing in his expression. Fear of what was still hard to understand. Naruto knew Sasuke was strong so what was going on through the boy's head to make him so distracted as he was?

She glanced behind her, everyone was exhausted, panting and sweating. Even if the Suna sun had finally eased in heat during their travel, their bodies didn't feel the winter air. Her green eyes flitted over to Sasuke, he was drawing in quick breath with perspiration rolling down his cheek.

A smile spread across her lips and her belly quivered in mixed excitement. It was a relief to her now to have him here. It was amazing to be so close to him after all these years.

Sakura turned straight again. She didn't want anyone to know her feelings as of now. Everyone thought her to be over Sasuke and that's how she'll play it.

"Yamatte." Neji ordered quickly from the front of the line. They all instantly dropped from the branches to the grassy floor with relief, nearly collapsing from the strain of their muscles.

Naruto, rising from his stupor suddenly, took charge. "I'll go set up the traps"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, remembering the last time, "I'll go set up the traps." He repeated with agitation. Temari tossed him a bottle of water with he graciously drowned before throwing it back at her.

"Everyone else, set up camp. We'll sleep here tonight." Neji grabbed sharply at the water that Lee offered him before turning out of the campsite. TenTen knit her brows before she followed after putting up a hand to stop Lee from coming after her.

"Naruto." Sakura whispered when she noticed him slipping out. He ignored her blatantly but she stubbornly pursed him.

Lee caught sight of Sakura leaving and turned his eyes to Ino who was impatiently ordering Choji around as he set up their tent. "Ino." He went up to her. "Would you please take a look at TenTen. She got hit earlier."

"Sakura?"

"Went after Naruto."

"Hai, Lee. Where?" He pointed and after picking up her small med pack she went off in her direction mumbling to herself. "The ungrateful onna. If she pushes me away, I'll tie her up." She giggled to herself, looking all up and around for TenTen, thrashing her way through the brush. Her eyes narrowed and she stalled, hearing hushed harsh voices filtering through her ears. She leaned against a tree, rounding against it and looking over. Her eyes narrowed in confusion upon seeing Neji and TenTen conversing quietly and standing rather close to each other.

With a grin of curiosity, she hopped and jumped soundlessly closer, leaning over just barely to see them. Neji spoke with aggravation in his tone. Which was pretty much how he always spoke according to Ino. "You should leave."

"I am not weak." TenTen whispered with a bemused smile.

"It has nothing to do with it."

"Sure it does. I can do just fine."

"What if something happens? Earlier--"

"Was what a ninja was made for. What I was made for."

"I don't like this."

"I don't like this either."

"If you don't want it--"

"I don't know if I do."

"Fine." He turned to leave but a hand was on his forearm. Ino's eyes widened upon seeing that touch. He turned his head to the side, his lavender eyes to the floor. "I won't make you keep it."

"You can't make me." TenTen smiled as she came around to stand before him again. "Can't you believe that I'm strong enough to protect both of us?"

"I fear."

A giggle sounded from TenTen's throat. Ino's mouth fell open upon that feminine sound coming from such a boyish woman. "The great Hyuuga fears?"

He ripped his arm away, "You tease when I--"

"I do not tease." She scoffed, her good mood seemingly vanishing. "But I will not leave. This is my place."

"And when you start to show? Is it still your place?"

"I will not be a pathetic stay at home onna. If that's what you think--"

"I do not know what I think. I do not know how this will work, I do not know what I will do, or how people will react. I do not know what we will do now."

"Then why do you want me to keep it?"

"I do not know."

"You don't know very much." A small smirk was on Neji's lips as he grunted in response.

Ino covered her open mouth to keep herself from squealing. She just saw the stuck up Hyuuga smile for kami's sake! What the hell had she missed in these past few years!

TenTen was smiling in response and her hand grasped his own. "I won't be a burden."

"You use that word too much."

"Really? I haven't used it lately."

"In the past two years you have used it four times. I do not like it."

"Hai hai." She mumbled waving a hand dismissingly. She stiffened however when she felt him take a step closer and her hand rested upon his shoulder. "Someone might be watching."

Ino was too dumbfounded to hide herself and when she watched their lips finally meet, she promptly fell over. A thorn bush her only savior.

Sakura caught up to him by the river bank. She watched with amusement in her gaze, placing her hands on her lips. Her eyes flicked to the water, wanting to jump into the cool liquid but Naruto's body kept interrupting her view as he paced to and fro, fisting and unclenching his hands. "What?" She questioned after several minutes of silence.

"Nothing." He bit.

"Are you okay?"

"Fine."

"You're lying."

"I'm fine."

"Then why are you looking like you one step away from going bijuu on me."

He shot a glare in her direction but continued on his pacing. His eyes danced along the floor. "Sasuke's power."

"Is pretty strong. You've known that."

"Why is he still here?" Naruto sudden got out, stopping instantly. He winced, hurt by his own words. He hadn't wanted to share that one thought with anybody. But now that it was finally out there for her to hear, he wanted nothing more then to hear her thoughts "I mean, even with those curses, he can still be… I thought I knew what he's capable of, but do I? Do we? What if…" His gaze seemed to fade in memories of a battle she hadn't been present for. Sakura stood, brows knit with sympathy, wishing she could do anything to ease the pain he probably felt. When she finally managed to take a step to him, he suddenly snapped from his daze and blinked. A fast fake smile was on his lips. "I don't know what I'm saying." He scratched the back of his head. "Baka, I know. I shouldn't think things like that."

Sakura lowered her eyes to the floor. His first questioned came back to her. 'Why is he still here?' Why? Why was he here, why hadn't he killed her? Always why…

She shrugged and a smile formed on her lips as she looked up. "I really don't care why anymore."

Naruto depressed, his smile being replaced by a dark frown. He rolled his eyes with disappointment. He had thought that she just might give him a response he would like but that had just made the anger rise again. Of course she didn't care. She hadn't wanted to see Sasuke the whole time they were in Suna and then when she finally does, she tries to let him escape. She didn't care for Sasuke anymore. She was too involved with that animal lover Kiba.

Sickened by his own dark thoughts of his two best friends, Naruto quickly got out, "I'm gonna help set up the traps." And he disappeared.

She shook her head, "You took that wrong, baka." She whispered to herself. "I don't care for his reason anymore. I'm just glad he's here." Sakura sighed and turned to get back to Sasuke.

All tents including Sasuke's had already been set up by the time she made her slow procession back to the campsite. Food was roasting by the fire and she took a seat against a tree trunk far from the raging heat. Her body was still too soaked by Suna's sun to desire any warmth whatsoever. It seemed that way with everybody as they conversed within their own groups away from the fire. Kiba's laughter was heard distantly and Hinata's soft giggle followed shortly.

Her green eyes lifted and she saw them sitting in one of the tents as they made their beds, whispering like best friends. Kiba's smile was vibrant and full of love. A look she had never received herself. Even knowing that Hinata didn't feel the same way for him, Sakura was still so jealous. She wanted that look to be given to her one day. And as her eyes drifted over to the solitary tent, she knew who she wanted to give her that look.

A trample of feet caused her quick attention and she looked up just in time to see Ino come through the brush of the trees and bushes, anger was bright on her raging face along with all the blood that surrounded her. Laughter was the only thing that emitted from Sakura's throat however. "What…the hell…happened…to you!" She got out between jubilant cries as she hunched over, holding her stomach.

Ino brushed aside a misplaced hair and glowered, placing her hands on her hips, "I fell into a thorn bush."

"You fell!" Sakura chocked, tears coming to her eyes finding all the neat little cuts going all along her legs and arms. "What a crappy ninja you make!"

"Yamatte, forehead ama! Fix me!"

Sakura sobered somewhat, her medical side kicking out the hilarity of the situation. She leaned back against the tree with a satisfied sigh, "Fix you? Why can't you do it?"

"I don't have anymore chakra." She admitted between clenched teeth. "You're the only one who does."

"Well, sit down and tell me how you fell."

"I can't, or my life will be forfeit."

"What?"

"Nothing." She mumbled with disappointment. Gossip was something she was unparticular good at. Her head shot round just in time to see Neji and TenTen drop down from the trees above. Both women glared vehemently at the other before promptly turning their heads away sulking.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing. Just hurry up will you? This really stings."

They were swallow cuts, newbie treatment that didn't even require one tenth of her chakra. But it was exceptionally tedious and took over a half hour much to Sakura's dismay. Shikamaru came back just as she was finishing the last leg and he looked down at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Shut your mouth, or I'll shut it for you." Ino quickly bit. He only smirked in response and went over to sit next to Temari who handed him a cooked leg on a stick. "Gross." She murmured so only Sakura could hear, which said ninja giggled in reply.

Sakura quickly gulfed down her own squirrel, drowning it with two bottles of water filled from the stream a little yards away. She nervously looked down at the leftover animal meat and then her eyes drifted to the tent Sasuke currently occupied. Biting her lip and without looking at anyone else she grabbed it quickly and darted to his tent. Naruto's eyes were on the back of her head and Lee's voiced whispered in a not so quiet voice, "Is it okay for her to go, will she let him escape again?"

"You want to stop her?" Kiba questioned humorously. But Naruto was anything but amused. He shoved himself from the seat and quickly left.

"Naruto-kun." Hinata whispered and quickly set herself after him.

Sakura glanced back, stopping in her pace. Her eyes met Kiba's who was staring at her with nothing but understanding in his eyes. She smiled softly and turned back around, taking a deep breath and headed in.

Naruto's brows knit when he heard someone following him. He however pushed himself harder thinking and maybe hoping that it was Sakura behind him. But when his name was suddenly called he stopped and twisted around abruptly, holding on to his tree branch. Hinata jumped to the branch in front of him, her eyes activated for only a second before it faded. "Hinata?" He questioned uneasily.

"M..may- May I c-come with you?"

His brows knit confused. "Why?" Her face reddened nearly instantly and her eyes dropped from his own. Naruto scolded himself and scratched the back of his head. "Maybe you should go back. I'm not really good company right now."

"I don't mind." She whispered, her gaze rising shyly. "I-I won't judge you, Naruto-kun. You can say anything and I won't judge you for it."

"Hm." He tried to smile but if faded upon touching his lips, "I don't know, some of the thoughts I got aren't really nice."

"You're too nice sometimes, Naruto-kun."

"Am I?"

"You hide things. You shouldn't hide things. Not when they make you upset."

"Wow. You're really smart huh?"

"Not really. I can just see things--Not with my eyes but with--No I mean--."

"I get it, Hinata-chan."

It was silent, awkwardly silent until Hinata whispered again, "May I come with you?"

Naruto laughed, "Don't really know where I'm going."

"That's okay. I'll follow you."

He shrugged, "I guess, considering I have no idea where I put my traps."

"I-I noticed. You were about to step in one."

"Oh yea?" He chuckled, "It's probably better if I follow you then."

The flap fell back down, blocking out any light the sun had to offer in the shade of the trees. A candle had been lit next to him, his cuffs had been unbound to rest in front of him, tying them safely to his stomach allowing limited movement. He had managed to take the blind-fold from his eyes and had been staring at the flickering flame till the sound of the clothe fell back over the entrance. He flicked his black eyes to the doorway and found Sakura standing before him. He snorted out of annoyance and moved his eyes back to the flame. "Plan to help me escape again?"

"Do you need help?"

"Hn." He grunted never moving his eyes. He was amazed how much he had actually missed the way a candle waved agitatedly. In the caves, that's all they had were candles. He had hated it at first living in semi-darkness for the first year of his training but now, he somehow found it comforting in a way.

"I brought food." She stepped closer.

His brows knit for barely a second before his features fixed themselves into his stoic expression. She was different. She was acting different.

Kami, he should have killed her. So many opportunities and he had failed each time. Orochimaru would have scolded him so harshly. Would have told him how pathetically weak he was and how he was not ready to face Itachi. But yet again, he said this every time he had left someone alive. Killing was not going to help find Itachi, it was a fact he had learned swiftly in his battle with Naruto. But Sakura and Naruto were the only ones that try again and again to 'help' him. They were becoming a nuisance and needed to be dealt with. He had thought the stab wound to Naruto would have shaken them. He thought they would have given up if he proved how far he was willing to go for his ultimate goal. Yet again, he was proved wrong. He shook his head in aggravation. "Go away."

"Sasuke--"

His black eyes snapped to hers, cutting off her words. "Naruto and you both try to change what will not change. Return to what life you have, as I will mine. Don't get in my way."

"What life do you have?" She suddenly bit. His dismissing attitude must have riled her up. He smirked and moved his eyes to her. Her gaze glared dangerously down at him, "Chasing after someone for so many years, what kind of life is that?"

"Perhaps you would like to answer." He shot back, his amusement fading into anger.

"We came for you, that's true. We search and we search. But we haven't stopped living."

"No, you're just very good at pretending you haven't."

"We didn't leave!" A cry itched at the back of her throat and she swallowed thickly to rid herself of it. She felt her body shake with desperation and she clenched her fists to stop her convulsing form, trying to appear strong while she felt her walls begin to crumble. "You ran away."

His eyes dropped and went back to the flame. "There was nothing to run away from."

A small bitter chuckle broke out, "You're a liar, Sasuke. You're a liar." With a little smile on her lips she dropped the food at his feet and went out.

He watched her leave and said nothing. Sasuke turned his head wishing he could pace to ease some of the rage she had quickly caused. She was different that was for sure. Something he had said, something that he had done, had changed her mind about him. That was something he didn't want.

Sasuke had been relieved when she stopped showing up alongside Naruto. She should forget about him and move on with her life. Yet she had showed up in his cell, searching for answers and he had given her one. He was still all about his goal. Everything he did was for his goal. And Sakura was not part of that.

He clenched his teeth in rage, shooting his eyes to her exit. She had changed her mind about him. Sasuke cursed himself for anything that he might have said that made her see something in him that was still alive. He didn't want or need anything in this life anymore. He had purged himself of all useless desires except one. To kill his brother.

How many times, he wondered, was he going to have to hurt her in order for her to realize that?

"They're late." Naruto growled again pacing in front of the large fire.

Sakura rolled her eyes considering this was the 10th time he said this in the last hour. And it was very obvious that everyone else knew it and didn't need to be reminded. The sun was sinking in the horizon and cast a dark shadow over they're campsite. She looked up through the small clearing in the trees, searching for any sign of a hawk flying over, signaling their arrival.

Dropping her gaze back, nervous agitation had filled their small circle. Neji and Hinata's eyes were activated, searching for any ambush that they might have fallen into. But she could tell from the way the woman panted, holding tight to the log underneath her that her chakra was hitting it's max. Even Neji had sweat rolling down his cheek that he paid no mind too. Shikamaru and Choji had set up more traps close around the campsite, anything to warn them of impending danger. Neji had scoffed at that saying his bloodline was the only warning they needed.

Her green gaze went to Sasuke's tent. She wondered if this had been his plan. If he had somehow managed to get word out to his 'village.' Sakura shook her head; bad thoughts weren't something she wanted right now. She stood, "Who wants to go to the lake with me?"

"I don't think that's a good idea." Lee quickly interjected.

"Well too bad. I'm going. Let's go Ino." She gripped the woman's arm and hauled her to her feet.

"You don't have to drag me I'll come willingly. I've got something I need to get off my chest."

TenTen's head snapped up in alert. Her glare was vivid across the fire and with a quick grab of her bag filled with her weapons she stood, "I'll go too." She smiled sarcastically evil.

Lee snapped to his feet, "I'll go with you."

"Sit down, Lee." TenTen ordered and he promptly fell back down.

"Hinata-chan." Sakura called sweetly, "Let's make it us girls, huh? Take a break before you hurt yourself. Temari?"

"I'm good. I'm not particular for girl-on-girl action."

"Where?" Naruto hollered, snapping his head this way and that. A good laugh vibrated the campsite almost eliminating the dread filled forest that surrounded them.

Sakura was relieved that the atmosphere lightened as they made they way to the river with Hinata as their leader, directing them out of the many traps through the brush.

"Kami, I wouldn't be surprised if they were stuck in one of these things." Ino complained when they finally got to the bank of the blue river.

Sakura took a deep breath, finally feeling the cold air now that the sun was barely visible in the sky, casting red and blue shadows in the sky. Still she leaned down and cupped a handful of water to splash it against her face, sighing in satisfaction. The cold refreshing liquid was welcome against her heated skin and with another heavy sigh she sat back on her bottom. It would have been relaxing if she could stop thinking about Sasuke and how exactly he planned on escaping. She should have told someone, she should have alerted them. And she couldn't figure out why she hadn't. For all she knew, they could be in horrible danger right about now.

Sakura glanced at the females beside her. "We've been gone for awhile. I kind of miss Konoha."

"Yeah, me to." Ino mumbled, laying on her stomach to glare at the campsite that sat behind the thick brush of the trees. "If I have to see them together much longer, I think I'm might puke."

"I really don't know what he sees in her." TenTen looked off nonchalantly, actually trying to be nice to the little blonde. Having Ino know her big secret was much like being a slave to a worthless and ditzy master. "She's a little ama." Ino smirked, knowing that insult was mostly directed at her.

"I like you better, Ino-san." Hinata whispered sheepishly.

"You guys don't have to hate her on my account. I know she's pretty cool."

"She really is." Sakura sadly admitted but patted the woman's leg, "But you are way better. And hotter."

"I really am!" She growled, slamming her fist in the ground. "Geez, I'm pathetic aren't I?" She hung her head in her hands. "I should have gone after Shino."

"You still can. I've never seen him with a girl."

"He can't be with anyone outside his clan. The bugs and all that shit. They're pretty greedy." The girls looked at her skeptically . "Oi, I'm desperate all right. Leave me alone."

"These girls seem a bit lost, huh Jugo?" The kunoichi snapped to their feet, their eyes wide and fearful when they found the two men standing unperturbed on the tree branches across the river.

With the swift use of her foot, TenTen picked her bag up into her arms drawing out a katana, which she promptly threw to Sakura and then whipped out her own chain and ball. Ino and Hinata still had their own kunias on them which they instantly grabbed for. Ino, throwing her long blonde hair over her shoulder with indignation, spoke, "Who are you? What do you want?"

"My name is Suigetsu. One of the greatest swordsmen in the world. And what I want, I can't describe without saying very bad things." He grinned barring his sharp shark-like fangs with maliciousness shining on his lips. "Jugo doesn't like it when I say bad things, do you, Jugo." The giant orange-haired Jugo wasn't even paying attention. His gold eyes were intently scrutinizing the bird chirping at him on the next branch over. Suigetsu rolled his grey eyes, "Come on. I get the blonde."

Sakura wasn't even sure what happened. The two males were right in front of them one second but she felt the sting of metal pressed against her flesh the next. Her heart raced in fear and instinct made her move. She performed a back flip, her feet landing in the water, drenching her legs and thighs. It had been too easy, Sakura noted and then she recalled the last part. 'I get the blonde' She snapped her eyes over just in time to see the sword wielder swiftly spin on his foot, coming up behind Ino and wrapping a large hand around her neck. He pressed her back up against his chest and breathed in her ear. "If you don't struggle. I won't kill you. Yet."

Jugo had jumped over to TenTen but it was apparently he was trying with bothered patience not to hurt as he dodged each hit. She was so little compared to the man, she barely stood as tall as his elbow. Hinata fought alongside TenTen but she was also getting nowhere but from Sakura's point of view they weren't in as much danger as Ino was so she threw her attention back to the couple.

"I've got mine, Jugo, hurry up." He chucked, his other hand running down Ino's hair, pushing it away from her face. "You gonna be a good girl."

"Bite me."

He leaned her head back upon his shoulder and grinned. His sharp fangs hung over his bottom lip intimidating. Ino gasped. "I was made for biting."

Sakura tightened her hold on her katana and ran for Ino but with a quick swipe of his giant five foot sword, a great wave of wind shoved her sideways slamming her into a tree trunk. Her weapon dropped from her numbed hand. Her feet caught her uneasily, her head spun as a concussion quickly whirled in her brain. She winced when she tried to her hold her head. Her right shoulder damaged by the impact also. Sakura's green chakra quickly healed her injuries, just in time to hear Hinata's agonized scream.

The woman was being crushed by the massive foot that rested on her stomach. TenTen was at a loss, throwing any weapons now would endanger Hinata. The giant sensed her hesitation. He lowered his gigantic hand and picked up Hinata throwing the unconscious female over his shoulder before walking over to the unsure fighter and grasping her harshly around the neck, holding her up off her feet easily from his height. Her hands struggled fruitlessly at the appendage, his fingers wider then what her hand could wrap around, her feet kicked in desperation to help in some way to get air back into her lungs.

"Minnia." Sakura screamed and she pushed herself from the tree to attack only stalling in step. Unsure by the unfamiliar feeling of something slithering against her foot, the hiss pulled her attention down finding three snakes slowly making their way up her body. Her brows knit in confusion and fear. She was frozen in place. It was the sign of Orochimaru. Snakes.

"It took you long enough." Sasuke's voice echoed in her head. Her heart pounded with uncertainty and even as the snakes wrapped their entire bodies around her in a mixed knot, she thought only of Sasuke. Why, how, what… All these questions shot at her, mindless to the hissing that now spat at her face. She turned her head, just slightly, enough to find Sasuke standing there. His arm outstretched, where the snakes had laid dormant beneath his skin. His black eyes were actually on her, unperturbed by her fear, unbothered by her hurt. He seemed almost smug as he gazed at her. He was escaping, just like he had told her he would.

Her eyes glazed over in anger, betrayal, hatred. She snapped her gaze away, allowing the rage to fill her deep in the pit of her stomach.

"Sasuke-sama." Jugo spoke his first word, his feet vibrating the earth as he walked over to them and bowed.

The female standing beside Sasuke glared up at the big guy, "Give me that one before you kill her." She took the now unconscious TenTen from the male's grasp and threw her over her shoulder. Sakura brows were knit in confusion. Did that mean they were good? Were they only trying to save Sasuke without killing anyone? But then she spoke again, "If they die before we get away, we won't have any hostages."

Sakura's feet dangled in the air. The snakes had coiled themselves around her body, squeezing her painfully. The heads of the snakes threatening to bite her, snapping their gigantic teeth in her face. "Sasuke. What did you do to everyone?" She pleaded for an answer gazing back at him but he only looked at her.

"They're coming." The female stated and the four of them jumped over the lake and on tree branches, following every move Sasuke made.

The one wielding the sword laughed. "This one is feisty." Ino was pitifully trying to get from his grasp. He was now using a small knife to threaten her with and several places blood dripped from where he had poked her with the tip as she wiggled in his hold.

"Suigetsu." Sasuke sounded, an ordered it seemed from Sasuke and the man growled with annoyance but said nothing.

Sakura saw them crash through the trees, the eight male ninjas were dangerously glaring from across the river. Kiba barred his fangs on all fours beside a growling Akamaru, Shino's arms were raised, his bugs buzzing around, ready to take off. Neji's eyes activated, Lee's arm outstretched prepared for battle. Her emerald eyes however rested on Naruto, where her greatest fear was recognized. His fox cloak covered him, the one tail wagged in his anger. His eyes blood red and slit with killer intentions, "Sasuke!" He screamed. Sakura's eyes narrowed, how had they gotten away? What had gone wrong for this to happen?

"What the hell is that?" The female questioned.

"Something we do not want to fight." Sasuke replied in a low voice before calling over. "You will let us leave now. Once we are far enough away, we will drop them."

"Hey Ino." Shikamaru's voice sounded over the water, "You doing okay?"

Seeing Temari standing directly behind him, only set to piss the female off more. "Oh, just fine!" She bit through clenched teeth.

"Sakura-chan." Kiba hollered with a smile on his lips. "What are you doing over there?"

"Gomen, Kiba-kun. I was enjoying the view."

"Sasuke-sama, I don't like this." The woman holding TenTen mumbled.

"Why aren't they worried. I thought you said this was the best plan." Suigetsu bit, finding the blonde's persistent more then not irritating. Sakura looked behind her, Sasuke's eyes were narrowed. He was unsure what was going on. He had known all of their powers but he underestimated how much they've all grown.

Sakura smirked. Good, she thought triumphantly, "Oi, TenTen, Hinata are you awake yet. I think now's a good time don't you Ino?" The four kunoichi simultaneously executed their attacks. Ino and TenTen had blades in their hands, Ino stabbed the man in the thigh, and TenTen shoved her kunai in the woman's shoulder. TenTen's body dropped to the floor, but she was not able to jump across the river as the woman flew at her in fury. Ino was not released. The man's chuckle vibrated in her ear. "You can't hurt me, little girl."

Sakura heard the giant beast growl too dangerously. Hinata had shoved two fingers in his shoulder, effectively cutting off chakra flow. Her body slammed to the ground but she hurried and jumped over the river. Naruto jumped in front of her, protectively, barring his fangs as his tail slashed the air.

Sakura was slowly flexing her strength, the snakes were hissing in protest but her arms were widening, nearly ripping the slimy creatures apart.

Hearing the sword wielder comment, Sakura's body fell through as she spoke. "Guess I have to save you myself." She landed on her feet, but before she could turn around, Akamaru came running through the wood below and picked her up darting over the river. Her eyes were wide, as she turned to find Ino still trapped.

"Stop him." Sasuke quickly demanded, his eyes on the giant who had screamed so brutally upon Hinata's attack. Suigetsu fired a gun with his free hand and the needle hit the beast in the neck, nearly rendering him unconscious but he stood steady, the rage that had been so blind was now calmed.

She watched from across the way as TenTen battled with the red headed woman and was about to be over taken. Sasuke's snakes found her ankle and stopped all attacks. Hanging her body upside down, another snake wrapped around her neck. "You continue, I kill them both." The boys stalled in their movements. They had just bent down to attack. Sakura's eyes dashed over to Neji, his worry was not present on his face but the way he stepped out in front of everyone was telling her he was at a loss. He needed to fight to get her back but was too afraid to jump the river, too afraid of what would happen if he did.

Naruto was growling like a fierce beast. "Sasuke! Fight me!"

"I fought you already." He bit harshly. "And walked away. Do not come after me, Naruto, Sakura. I will kill Itachi. Or we will kill each other. That is all that matters now. If I survive, Naruto. You may have your battle." The man smirked softly. "They do not have to die, but they will stay with me now. If I see one of you, I will snap their necks. Forget me." They vanished.

Neji stepped forward, his eyes activated and searched endlessly. "They are to the north." He went to jump across river but his arm was grabbed by Naruto, his demon cloak slowly vanishing, his eyes returning to their regular shade of blue. "Let's go." Neji demanded. When gazes landed on him he fought a bit lamely, "We fail our mission if we do not go after him."

"I believe his threat." Shino stated who had his grip on Shikamaru.

"What about Ino?" Choji questioned, Kiba had stopped him also.

"And TenTen. She's with child, we can't just let her go." Lee demanded, taking his arm away from Temari.

Sakura turned to Naruto with desperation in her eyes. "We're letting him go! Why? He has Ino and TenTen, Naruto! Why aren't we going?" And though she was using that as excuse, she found herself only fearing for herself. Sickness welled inside her as her thoughts screamed at her begging her to follow Sasuke, to be with him, to never quit in her pursuit.

Naruto eyes said too much. The sadness, the anger, and the dread were all swirling in his blue gaze. He bowed his head, his hand slowing detaching from Neji's resisting arm. "We can't risk it."

The few not blinded by their desire to save a teammate knew what he spoke was true and they nodded in agreement. The power Sasuke had used to escape had been too great, had been too confusing. Even now Naruto had no understanding of what Sasuke had done but it only proved what he had begun to think for the past few hours. He no longer knew what Sasuke was capable of.

A hand rose to his heart to ease the sudden familiar ache.

Well hope you liked it

Here's a little teaser for next chapter :)

"You should have stayed away." Sasuke growled, narrowing his black eyes as he glared at Sakura from over TenTen's head. His nails dug into TenTen's shoulder, keeping her struggling body steady and pressed the tip of his blade more threateningly into her back. Hurting her was the only way to hurt Sakura. He hated how she was treating him so friendly, as if she knew he wouldn't kill them where they stood.

"Please. Don't." Sakura whispered momentarily catching Tenten's nervous gaze. The woman's brown eyes darted from her to Neji and then back again, silently begging them to do something but no one moved, too still with fear.

"Who does this ama think she is?" Karin growled viciously. Her red eyes blinked from Sakura to Sasuke. She narrowed her gaze dangerously. Karin took a step forward to rip out the woman's hair.

"Stay back!" Sasuke bit warning her with a quick glance. He moved his eyes back to Sakura "You can have them. Sakura. But let's test that love of yours." He smirked though it faded instantly as he shoved his sword straight through...

I'm evil