Behind the Mask
Rated: T for language and violence
Disclaimer: Naruto characters (c) Masashi Kishimoto
Summary: We all wear masks. But that only makes it harder to tell the difference between truth and lies.

Note:Thanks to NS 4life, Starfire201 and 25BAM50 for your reviews! I know some of you have questioned the romance in the story and I will have to say its going to be slow coming. That isn't the primary focus in the this story, but if you are patient, you will get it :)

4 reviews till next time?

020: 姐姐
(sister)

Pakkun sniffed the air outside the restaurant before frowning. With a leap quite extraordinary for a dog of Pakkun's size, he landed on the back of Naruto's horse and stared Naruto in the face. "Bad news boss." Pakkun reported. "It seems that there's no clear direction on where Temari went. Her scent is starting to mingle with the scent of the horses."

Sakura sighed and ran her hand through her hair. "She must have stolen a horse. It's going to be much harder to track her now."

"Well we won't give up." Said Naruto determinedly, staring out into the distance. "We can't just let Temari take the Tian Tang Jian whenever she wants without the consequences."

Naruto turned to Sakura. "We should split up."

"That would be the most logical course of action..." Sakura sighed, trailing off. "But with night coming, don't you think we should wait till morning?"

"But who knows how much ground Temari might cover during the course of the night. Who knows how much ground she might have covered already. We can't lose her." Naruto said. "Hey, I thought you were supposed to be the smart one, Wu He." Naruto was smiling under his mask, but it was a sad sort of smile.

Sakura ignored Naruto's jibe. "If you're certain.."

Truth was, he felt like he just needed to be alone for a while. After the Kyuubi had spoke to him in the forest, Naruto felt very on edge. The Kyuubi had intoned his worst fear – the fear that he could lose control of the demon inside of him and he didn't want to express this fear around Sakura lest he frighten her. That and he still felt a little discontented with the revelation concerning Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke. Those emotions would have to be sorted out as well and not in Sakura's presence.

Naruto put his personal concerns behind him. "Of course I'm sure." Naruto said, mustering his best confident voice. "I'll head out south. Maybe you should head up north? Maybe she's even looking for Konoha."

Sakura nodded her head. "You're right. Take Pakkun can go with you then and send me word if you find anything. I'll do the same."

Naruto nodded his head and jerked the reins on his horse. "Well…I'll be off then…" He said, trailing off.

"Naruto." Called Sakura softly.

Naruto turned toward his pink haired teammate. Sakura ran her hand through her hair again. "Maybe…once this is over…and we head back to Konoha, we can have lunch. Maybe some yuntun mian?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Sure, but Wu He, we have lunch all the time."

"I know." Said Sakura flustered. "But maybe this time…it could be…special?"

Naruto stared at Sakura for a beat. "Like…a date?" He asked, hoping he wasn't reading too much into what she had said.

Sakura ducked her head. "No, of course not. I just meant…"

Naruto turned his horse around. "Lunch is fine any time, Wu He. I'm off!" He called, galloping away.

Sakura sighed. She had never considered herself a stupid girl, but maybe it was time she started.

Glossary:
Yuntun mian-Noodle soup with wonton

The forest was still dark, and eerie shadows cast over the trees, forming demons in the early morning light. The sky was of the faintest blue, the type of blue it turns just before the rise of the sun. The air was still deathly cold, but to the three figures making their way through the forest, it didn't prove a problem.

Naruto sat on his horse, his body erect but his shoulders sagging. His horse kept his head low as they slowly plowed through the snowy forest. Naruto turned wearily to Pakkun who was sitting lazily upon his shoulder. "Any trace yet?"

Pakkun yawned and shook his head, his ears flopping about. "No, boss. But there is a stream up ahead. I can smell the fresh water. Maybe we should stop. My nose is tired."

Naruto looked down and patted his horse on the head. "That sounds like a good idea. I think we could all use a rest."

Naruto jumped off his horse, his feet landing with a crunch in the snow. Pakkun flopped lazily off of Naruto's shoulder and settled snugly onto the saddle, resting his head on his paws. Naruto grabbed the horse's reins and slowly, he led them all out of the forest. As they approached the edge, Naruto could hear the sounds of water flowing, rippling over the rocks. A clean face and a drink sounded really good to Naruto.

Naruto walked out into a clearing and he closed his eyes and stretched his arms high over his head, letting out a yawn. He had just put his arms down when something thudded into the tree next to him. Naruto opened his eyes and looked at the tree to find a kunai embedded in the trunk. Naruto jumped alert and pulled a kunai out of his own vest.

In front of him was a young woman with a scowl on her face. "A shinobi." She snarled. "What is your affiliation?"

Her accent was heavy and awkward. 'A foreigner?' Thought Naruto.

"Boss…" Whispered Pakkun, creeping closer to Naruto.

Naruto waved Pakkun back. "Why should I tell you?" Asked Naruto, slowly creeping closer to her. "Those are trade secrets."

The woman followed his movements with her eyes. Naruto noted that her eyes were an odd shape. Slightly larger than usual, slightly narrowed. Her irises had a myriad of colors in them, including flecks of blue, green and gold. Her wheat colored hair was pulled back into a long braid. She wore strange clothes as well. She had a heavy blue overcoat with a fur hood. Her black gloves had face plates, much like the ones Kakashi wore. She had grey pants as well as black boots that came up to her knees.

"I mean you no harm." Said Naruto, slowly lowering his kunai. "I just wanted to rest by the stream."

The woman pondered this for a moment before dropping her arm that was armed with a dagger. "Very good, very good." She said, bending down near the steam again.

Slowly, Naruto approached the strange woman, intrigued by her. "I am guest in your land anyway." She said. She pulled out a silver flask from the inside of her coat and handed it to Naruto. "Drink?" She asked.

Naruto eyed the flask suspiciously. "How do I know you aren't trying to poison me?"

"Ah, you shinobi." Said the woman irritated. She quickly unscrewed the cap and took a swig. She handed the flask back out to Naruto as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Fair?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Fair I guess." Muttered Naruto finally taking the flask. He turned away from her as he lifted his mask slightly and took a sip. The fiery liquid burned down his throat. Sputtering and coughing, he turned back around and handed her back the flask.

"Dammit! What the hell is that?" He demanded, rubbing his throat.

The woman looked at the flask innocently. "It is water to me." She retorted.

"You've gotta be crazy." Said Naruto, dropping into the snow next to her. The woman just shrugged.

"I used to be like you, you know." She said, turning away from him. Naruto noticed that she had a makeshift fishing pole propped up next to her. The line was flowing away off into the stream. She gave it a tug and turned back to Naruto. "I used to be a...shinobi like you. Although where I am from, we are not called shinobi."

"No kidding." Said Naruto raising his eyebrows. "And where would that be then, if you don't mind telling me."

"Bothers me not." She said. From inside her jacket she brought out a worn forehead protector and showed it to Naruto. "Yukigakure."

"Yukigakure?" Asked Naruto biting his lip. "You don't say…"

"Far, north." Said the woman pointing in the direction.

Yukigakure resided to the far north in the Land of Snow, even farther north than Peking happened to be. Although Naruto couldn't claim geography to be his best subject, even he had heard of the monstrous nation, especially since their shinobi had a reputation for being ruthless. The Land of Snow was currently preoccupied in a bitter rivalry with the Land of Crowns over the territories west of the Land of Wind, but it almost seemed certain that they would soon turn their sights toward the east...

Naruto nodded his head as she put the forehead protector back in her coat. "So then what are you doing here?" Asked Naruto.

"I defect." The woman said simply. "I live as wanderer now. Good life. I learn many things including your language." She explained. That explained the heavy accent that Naruto was hearing.

"So you have name?" She asked, drawing her knees up to her chest.

"Ahh…" Said Naruto looked at her while grinning. "You can call me Zhong Hu."

The woman looked up as if she were thinking. "Hu..hu…that means…?"

"Fox." Naruto translated.

The woman looked at him, her eyes curious. "I wonder…" She leaned toward Naruto. Naruto bit his lip, slowly leaning away from her. 'What the…?' He thought nervously.

"Do not move!" She said sharply.

"I don't…" Said Naruto leaning backwards and putting his hands up in protest.

The woman sighed, aggravated and took a fist full of Naruto's blond hair and yanked him forward. Naruto yelped and struggled against her grip. This woman was surprisingly strong and forceful. Naruto went limp as the woman pressed her face near his neck and took a deep breath. The blood started to rush to Naruto's cheeks and he was grateful for the mask on his face. He coughed awkwardly, the image of Sakura running through his mind. He wished that Sakura would touch him like that…

His thoughts were broken as the woman let go of his hair and pushed him back. "I knew it!" She said, her eyes bright. "You are Jinchuriki." She said.

"WHAT?" Yelled Naruto jumping up.

Glossary: Yukigakure- Village Hidden in the Snow

The sun rose over the horizon, suddenly illuminating everything in sight. Sakura yawned and ran a tired hand through her hair. The whole night searching and not the slightest clue where Temari was. She looked around, judging her location. Right now, Sakura wanted nothing more than a rest and a clean hot shower. Spending the whole night outside in the freezing cold definitely was not at Sakura's comfort level. Moreover, she still felt conflicted by what had happened with Sasuke and Naruto's seemingly strange behavior. She needed a friend, someone to talk to.

Quickly making up her mind, Sakura jerked her horse forward, in the direction of Tenten's compound.

Sakura jumped off her horse, her legs stiff and gratefully handed her reins to an eager servant who had been outside doing the early morning sweeping. Sakura stepped inside the compound, already feeling her skin thawing out.

"Wu He-nushi, Wu He-nushi!"

Sakura turned to see one of Tenten's elderly maids running up to her, waving her hand. Sakura smiled. She had known this woman as long as she had known Tenten. The woman always treated her with the best hospitality.

Sakura gave the old woman a hug as she approached her. "I was wondering if I could stay for a while and rest up." Said Sakura to the old woman once she pulled away.

The old woman's eyes lit up. "I'll go ready your room!" She quickly scurried away. "I will wake up Tenten-xiaojie!" She called from behind her.

Glossary:
Nushi - Chinese honorific, equivalent of Ms.
Xiaojie -Chinese honorific, equivalent of Miss

"You are Jinchuriki!" The woman repeated eagerly.

Naruto looked at the woman frantically. His forehead was stating to bead with sweat. "How can you tell?" He asked warily.

"I smell it in your aura." She said simply. "It must be a strong one. Although I mostly sense your aura, it is there faintly. Tell me, do you hold the Nine Tailed Fox?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Why should I tell you anything?" Naruto asked defensively. He had started backing up toward his horse again, ready to make an escape if need be.

"I am Jinchuriki too." Said the woman.

Naruto stopped in his tracks. "Wait, what?" He asked incredulously.

"I am…how would you say in your language…Yugito." She said, announcing her name. "Host of the…hmm…how do you say…Two Tailed Cat?"

"No shit." Said Naruto, his body relaxing. "I never met another Jinchuriki before." He said in awe.

"This my first time too." Said Yugito.

"Does…does your demon ever speak to you?" Asked Naruto hesitantly.

"Speak?" Yugito thought for a moment. "Sometimes, but I rarely listen." She said with a wave of her hand.

Naruto looked at Yugito, awed by her perseverance. "But don't you, you know, ever worry about losing control?"

"Lose control?" Asked Yugito raising her eyebrows. "Nyet, I'm the host, always in charge." She pronounced.

"But how?" Asked Naruto completely stunned. "What if you go berserk and just…lose it? Wouldn't the Niibi take over? Or what if…your chakra depletes and you tap into the Niibi's. Doesn't that affect you?"

Yugito looked at Naruto puzzled. "I use the the cat's chakra all the time, yet I still have control. I do not think I know what you refer to…" She said, trailing off.

"That's amazing." Breathed Naruto. "For so long I've lived in fear of this thing inside of me…" Said Naruto, putting a hand on his stomach. "But here is seems like it doesn't even bother you…"

"Maybe I…teach you few tricks?" Offered Yugito. "Then you won't be so scared." She extended her hand out to him. "Deal?"

Naruto looked at her hand before extending his own. "Deal." He said, shaking her hand.

Glossary:
Nyet-No

Sakura sighed contently as Tenten ran her hands through Sakura's damp hair. "You don't know how good it feels to be clean and warm again." She murmured. Sakura had taken a long, hot shower and borrowed some of Tenten's clothes. She wore simple white linen pants and a white linen short sleeved shirt that tied in the front. The light clothes proved to be warm enough as Tenten's compound was well insulated and heated.

Tenten chuckled as she twisted Sakura's hair into a simple braid. "Believe me I do. Now what's on your mind?"

"My mind?" Questioned Sakura, closing her eyes. "How do you know something is on my mind?"

"Because when you came, you had this…this tone in your voice... and in your body movements. I've spent years learning how to read you without seeing your face." Explained Tenten.

Sakura scoffed. "Well that's real descriptive."

"Spill!" Shouted Tenten give Sakura a shove.

"It's Zhong Hu." Groaned Sakura. "And Uchiha-hou."

"Whoa…" Said Tenten leaning back. "Who is this Uchiha?"

Sakura spilled the entire story as Tenten sat contently by her side, listening to every word. "So what does this mean?" Groaned Sakura. "And what do I do?"

"I think," Said Tenten putting a hand on Sakura's shoulder, "That the key to any good relationship is honesty. You need to tell Zhong Hu. You don't have any feelings for this Uchiha-hou do you?"

"Ugh no." Groaned Sakura. "I almost broke this wrist remember?"

"Well, you break a lot of things of Zhong Hu's and you're still friends right?" Asked Tenten with mirth in her eyes.

"That's different." Said Sakura. "And that's only because he's a pervert sometimes."

"But seriously." Said Tenten. "You need to tell him. And do you want to know what else I think?"

"What?" Said Sakura staring down at her fingernails. "What else does the great Tenten have to say?"

"That you're in love with Zhong Hu."

"What?" Cried Sakura, jumping out of her seat. "I am not. That's ridiculous, how could you think such a thing?" Sakura cried, her cheeks blushing red under her mask.

"Because I watch you two and I listen to the way you talk about him." Said Tenten matter of factly. "I'm surprised no one else pointed it out to you."

Sakura thought back to her conversation with Tsunade when she first arrived in Peking. "That's because it's not true." Mumbled Sakura.

Tenten rolled her eyes and got up from her chair. "Maybe you should start being honest with yourself." She joked.

A maid poked her head through the door and Tenten turned toward her. "Tenten-xiaojie." Said the maid bowing her head. "There's a new client downstairs."

"Be right there." Tenten nodded. The maid bowed her head again.

"You should go." Sakura sighed. "I'll just get some rest."

Tenten smiled sympathetically at her friend. "Maybe you should come down and watch the master at work." Offered Tenten. "Might make you feel better."

Sakura gave Tenten a shove. "So full of yourself." She muttered.

Tenten laughed and left the room.

Glossary:
Xiaojie - Chinese honorific, equivalent of Miss

Sasuke had his sword in front of him, hacking away at anything that got into his path. He had bits of leaves and twigs stuck in his hair and his eyes were bloodshot around his activated Sharingan with dark circles rimming the skin around his eyes. He made his way through the forest by foot, having long left his horse behind.

Her words still echoed in his head, his wrist still stung from where she touched it. He wanted...he needed to crush something. His heart beat wildly in his chest, his fingers periodically twitching from adrenaline.

Gripping his sword in his hand, he felt the power and chakra flow within him and into his arms. Although Kimimaro wasn't a lightning user, he had taught Sasuke the basics of manipulating his chakra into lightning. At first Sasuke had been uneasy and unsure of how to do it, but he practiced with every spare moment he had. Even then, his manipulation of the element had been primitive and he hadn't been able to produce a lot.

As if the flood gates within Sasuke had been opened, he felt the powerful force building, waiting to be released. Sasuke let out a yell as he released his hold on the chakra within him. The electric current charged his arms, cackling and hissing with power. His hands grew hot under the pressure.

Needing a release, Sasuke spotted a particularly large tree. Running toward it with incredible speed, Sasuke pushed his chakra out, watching with enraged eyes as the force channeled into his sword, the blade sparking with electricity. Sasuke let out another cry and swung his sword into the tree.

The forest was silent for a moment, the only sound being the crackle of lightning as Sasuke swung his sword. His blade sliced cleanly through the tree trunk with a pop. Sasuke dropped the sword as it passed through and dropped to his knees as the tree fell, pushing through the other trees until it fell to the forest ground with a deafening boom. The ground vibrated under Sasuke and the birds cawed through the trees, taking flight.

Sasuke's eyes fluttered, his face falling onto the cold snow. His breath was shallow and he felt tired. A clapping rang through the forest and Sasuke shot up, eyes dark once again as they roamed through the forest for the source of the sound.

A pale man stepped out from behind a tree. His silky black hair hung around him like a curtain, his skin as pale as the snow Sasuke was sitting on.

"Spectacular performance." The man purred. "I haven't seen that much power in ages."

"Who the hell are you?" Sasuke spat. The man seemed familiar, especially his sinister like eyes.

"A friend." The man said with a smile. "A very good friend."

Kakashi hummed to himself, his hands in his pockets as he walked back toward his guesthouse. Contrary to popular belief, Kakashi was actually a very early riser. Kakashi had walked through the city for a while, watching as the shops started to set up for day, before the chaos of the shopping crowd could come through. Despite the bitter cold, it looked to be shaping up into a beautiful day. The sun was shining, reflecting off the snow in a myriad of colors. Snow hung heavy from the tree branches and dripped off the roofs. The shop keepers bustled around in dull, heavy woolen robes; but even their dull colors seemed cheerful today.

For the most part, Kakashi had remained lost in thought as he roamed the streets, as he usually did when he was alone. His thoughts drifted to Obito, Rin and his teacher, as they so often did but more than often he found himself thinking about the Tian Tang Jian and what would happen to it if and when Naruto and Sakura ever found it. Was Tsunade right? Was he being stupid to let it go? He thought about Asuka and the credibility of her threat, about how she was a much harder person to read than he had initially thought. Kakashi had to admit that it was getting harder and harder not to take her seriously.

After returning from his walk in the city, he found Tsunade in her garden, ordering the servants in the best way to preserve her plants from the frost. Upon seeing him, Tsunade insisted that he join her for breakfast. Over a breakfast of congee and fried dough fritters, Kakashi finally confessed to Tsunade the threat that Asuka presented him with. Initially, Tsunade looked shocked and viewed his claim that Iwa would attack Konoha skeptically. She quickly sobered however, when she realized that Kakashi wasn't kidding.

Tsunade had been forced to admit that it was possible. She knew that after the Third Great Shinobi War, Iwa harbored a great personal hate against Konoha. Tsunade explained that if Iwa were to attack, then it was possible that Ame would attack with them. She knew from personal experience that the Amekage had the emperor of the Land of Rain wrapped around his little finger and security was top notch in the region as even civilians were harassed for entering the area. It would be harder to determine if Ame was preparing for war. Kakashi admitted that he didn't know whether to believe Asuka or not as a small part of him still believed that perhaps she was trying to trick him. In the end, Kakashi and Tsunade both agreed that it was too big of a threat for neither of them to warn Konoha. Tsunade advised him to alert Konoha right away and send for one of the Yamanaka to come to personally interrogate Asuka.

As Kakashi walked back to the guesthouse, he mused whether or not he should tell Asuka of her impending interrogation. Perhaps then she would stop attempting to escape if she knew that Kakashi had taken actual steps toward believing her claim. He had left Asuka in the care of Shizune, although in the time that Kakashi had spent with her, Asuka didn't seem to be one for waking up early. Kakashi had to assume that it was because being a prisoner she had nothing to look forward to.

Kakashi had just unlocked the door to the guesthouse and stepped in when his mind buzzed alert that something was amiss.

Sharingan activated, Kakashi moved swiftly and silently toward Asuka's…his bedroom. What he found shouldn't have surprised him, but Kakashi still couldn't stop the string of obscenities that came hissing out of his mouth.

Shizune was lying face down on the floor, her dark hair in a haphazard mess around her face. Pressing a finger to her neck, Kakashi was relieved to find that there was still a faint pulse. Kakashi's keen eyes picked up a bloody shard of glass that was lying on the bed as well as the faint odor of toxins in the air before Kakashi bolted out of the broken window.

Soaring over the rooftops, Kakashi spotted a couple places where Asuka must have landed. Her leg strength was probably still weak as her footprints in the snow were messy. Kakashi lightly touched down on one roof before soaring to the next before he spotted Asuka in the distance, jumping slapdash from roof to roof. Even from a distance, Kakashi could see that something was wrong with her the way she was moving. Her movements were jerky and unrefined; as if she couldn't completely control the way her body was functioning. No doubt Shizune had hit her with on one of her poison gas jutsu before Asuka had knocked her out.

Quickening his step with a burst of chakra, Kakashi used a Shunshin, appearing directly behind Asuka. Her senses were slow as Kakashi had already swept his leg out before she turned around. With a shrill gasp, Asuka's feet were knocked out from underneath her and she tumbled off the roof.

Asuka landed unceremoniously in a pile of snow in an alley between two buildings. Asuka, grateful that the snow had at least broke her fall, quickly tried to pick herself up. Kakashi, however was quick and had her pinned to the wall, his hand at her throat before she could even move an inch.

"Trying to escape was a mistake." Said Kakashi, his voice unsympathetic.

His voice was muffled in her ears. Her cold fingers tried to pry his hand from her neck, but she could feel her strength leaving her. Kakashi's form swam in her vision and she wasn't sure which was actually him. Damn that woman and damn herself for underestimating her. Asuka hadn't expected the soft and menial looking woman to be trained in the shinobi arts.

"I-I told you t-that I would find someone to b-believe me if y-you didn't." She mumbled with cold lips. Gods! She wished her head would stop swimming. Her fingers and wrists were still bloody and stung in the cold air. She needed to gather her strength and find a way to escape.

Kakashi was about to respond when he felt heat and pain erupt his hand. Asuka gripped the hand that was encircled around her throat, chakra dispersing in the air. Her fingers clawed against the bare and burnt flesh of his hand as she pushed herself up and forward. Asuka's leg came lashing out at Kakashi who only managed to parry the blow with his forearm. Kakashi stumbled backward as Asuka was released from his grasp and fell once more into the pile of snow.

Her vision was getting blurrier as the toxins coursed its way through her system. She blinked her eyes rapidly, trying to fight against it. She just managed to scramble to her feet to avoid Kakashi's axe kick. Stumbling, Asuka jumped onto the roof once more, only just managed to mold the chakra in the bottom of her feet so she stayed atop the roof instead of falling backward. She was lucky that her ploy had worked. As an archer, Asuka was more suited to long distance combat. But as an archer sometimes got caught in short range situations, Asuka had made sure to train hard within the Taijutsu discipline as well as using her chakra as a more direct weapon. Although Iwa shinobi were typically Doton users, Asuka had an affinity with fire as well which had probably caught Kakashi off guard.

Asuka had only managed a couple of feet before she felt a blowing force to her already swimming head. She collapsed on the roof before being turned over. Everything was swimming and hazy now. She could make out Kakashi's mask, but only in a blur of colors. She felt her wrists being tied, the ties digging into her already sliced flesh.

"If only you weren't so impatient." She though she heard him murmur.

Glossary:
Doton – Earth release

Tenten eyed the patron in front of her warily as she examined the weapons Tenten had laid out on the table. In particular, Tenten was eyeing the large sword that the girl had clipped to her waist. It was too long for her form that was for sure. The girl would be better suited with a sword that was more appropriate for her height. The second thing was that the sword was vaguely familiar. Not that Tenten had seen it before, but more like she heard about it. A white tassel dangled down from the hilt.

"Where did you get that sword?" Tenten suddenly asked.

The girl turned toward her, her eyes glinting when she looked up. Her eyes shifted from Tenten to the area behind her. Her mouth narrowed into a line and she quickly pulled the sword out of its sheath.

Tenten stepped backwards, surprised and turned to see Sakura standing on the stairs.

"Temari." Sakura said.

"What are you doing here?" Muttered Temari, her eyes narrowed as she watched Sakura descend the steps and walk toward her.

"I could ask the same of you." Said Sakura.

"I needed weapons." Said Temari neutrally. "I heard Tenten was the best. I didn't think you would be here though."

"I saw what you did to that restaurant." Said Sakura changing the subject as she stepped toward Temari. "Totally unnecessary. All you want to do is cause trouble."

"They wanted a testament of my power." Said Temari, stepping away from Sakura. "I gave it to them."

Tenten slowly backed away, eyeing the two women as they started to circle each other.

"That sword doesn't belong to you." Sakura said, her eyes sliding to the Tian Tang Jian in Temari's hand. "I thought you learned your lesson the first time."

"I needed it. I figured no one in Tsunade's estate would be using it. Might as well put it to good use." Said Temari, shifting her stance.

"Wrecking havoc is not putting it to good use!" Shouted Sakura. "Give me the sword, and I'll let you escape. Your whole family is out there looking for you. Gaara-gong even covered for you."

"What did he say?" Questioned Temari, her voice changing tone.

"He said you might have been kidnapped." Explained Sakura.

Temari's face softened for a minute. "That's not my home anymore. I decided to leave and I'll stick by my decision."

"I can respect that." Said Sakura graciously. "But at least give me back the sword."

"Why?" Demanded Temari. "So you can put it back in a dusty box to sit for all eternity? I think I'll keep it."

"You don't deserve it!" Screamed Sakura. "Just like you didn't deserve to have someone as good as Shikamaru!"

Temari's eyes widened. "How do you know about him? Take it back!" She screamed.

"I think that man would have done anything for you." Sakura continued. "But why for you? You only think about yourself, and you're conceited, stubborn…"

"SHUT UP!" Raged Temari.

"Tenten get out of here." Muttered Sakura to her friend. "I'll take care of her." Tenten stood off to the side, watching the verbal fight with confusion.

"Wu He, I don't under-" Began Tenten.

"Just go. Make sure no one comes in here." Repeated Sakura.

Tenten reluctantly nodded her head and dashed out of the room, closing the doors behind her. Temari watched her go, her face sour. "You say I don't deserve the sword." Said Temari after Tenten had left.

"You don't." Said Sakura, her voice bitter. "I thought I understood you, but it turns out you only care about yourself."

"I challenge you to a duel." Said Temari, extending the sword out to Sakura. "Weapons only, no jutsu and we'll see just who deserves this sword."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "You think you are worthy enough to challenge a shinobi?" She backed up, pulling a sword off the table that Tenten had set out.

Temari smirked and raised an eyebrow. "You accept?"

Sakura only glared and whipped the sheath off the sword. Temari and Sakura moved slowly into the center of the room where there was a huge combat arena. Sakura shifted into her stance as did Temari.

Sakura took the offensive as she charged at Temari, her sword swinging. She spun the sword in an arc over her head with both hands before bringing it down on Temari. Temari blocked, gripping the Tian Tang Jian in both hands. Sakura used the opening as she pushed down on Temari to kick her in the stomach.

Temari stumbled backward, quickly regaining her balance as Sakura charged again. Sakura swiped the sword as Temari back-flipped in the air, avoiding it. Sakura charged once again, determined not to give Temari a break. Sakura was on the offensive as she attacked. Temari blocked her every move, parrying, until she found an opening.

Temari jabbed at Sakura's side which she blocked. Temari took the offensive, jabbing at Sakura who spun her sword around, blocking the attacks while moving backward. Sakura caught Temari's wrist as she jabbed and held onto it. She sliced at the space where Temari's head was, but only cut through air.

Temari maneuvered to the side, with Sakura still pulling her wrist and kicked at Sakura's arm before jumping up and attacking again. Sakura reluctantly released her hold on Temari as she blocked the attacks. Stepping backward and shifting her stance, Sakura pulled her sword apart to reveal two blades.

'Broadswords.' Thought Temari with apprehension. Sakura charged at her, the two blades slashing at her.

Sakura proved to be very adept at using two swords as she made several attempts at slicing Temari's head clean off her shoulders. Temari narrowly evaded each time as Sakura pushed her to the edge of the central arena. Temari ducked and then jabbed at Sakura's face. Sakura caught the sword between both of her own.

Knowing that Temari could easily break the swords with the Tian Tang Jian if she wished, Sakura took a firmer hold on the Tian Tang Jian and swung it to the side, throwing Temari off balance as she hit the ground. Temari flipped back up, taking the offensive before the advancing Sakura could. Temari brough her sword up in an arc, breaking through the first blade and then chopping through the second that Sakura held in the air, ready to bring down on Temari. Sakura narrowly avoided getting the side of her face chopped off.

As the second sword broke, Sakura jumped up, her knee smashing into Temari's chin. Sakura brought her second leg around and kicked Temari in the face. Temari skidded to the ground as Sakura ran to grab another weapon from the shelf. Sakura discarded the broken swords before grabbing a long staffed spear with a leaf shaped blade and a red haired tassel hanging from it.

Temari scowled as Sakura swung the staff around, attacking Temari from both sides. Sakura advanced forward, pushing Temari back. Sakura swung the blade of the staff around Temari's head twice, with Temari ducking both times. Temari grunted as she blocked one of Sakura's more forceful attacks when Sakura jumped up, kicking out both legs and slammed the spear down on Temari.

Temari barley had time to attack and stumbled backward. Sakura ran after her, pushing her over the arena boundary and against a table. Temari blocked Sakura's attacks, but Sakura was getting closer. Sakura pushed Temari back so that her back was lying on the table. She pushed down with the spear as Temari kept it off her with the sword. Temari pushed the staff away and spun out of the way just as Sakura brought the spear up and smashed through the table, obliterating it.

Temari's eyes widened at Sakura's strength. It certainly wasn't something she had possessed when Temari witnessed her fight at the Chunin Exams. Sakura ran at Temari, the spear swinging. Temari blocked before jabbing at Sakura. Sakura brought the spear up to counter and Temari slashed through it, breaking it in two. Sakura cursed as Temari brought the wooden pieces down to size and flipped over to the wall to grab a new weapon. Sakura threw down the broken pieces when Temari picked up the spear head and whipped it at Sakura.

With an aggravated grunt, Sakura ducked and it flew into the wall behind her. Temari didn't give Sakura time to grab a weapon as she flew at Sakura. Temari swung her sword, breaking through most of the weapons mounted. Sakura tumbled out of the way and then swept her leg out, tripping Temari. Temari swung around, flipping back up. Sakura went into the defensive as she was without a weapon. Temari smirked and charged.

Sakura ducked and swerved, dancing around Temari's sword. Temari yelled out in rage as she tried harder to hack off one of Sakura's limbs. Sakura spun around Temari's jab and saw her opening. She hit Temari's forearm with the tip of her finger and flipped away. Heat raced through Temari's arm and she screamed out, dropping the Tian Tang Jian. Sakura landed on the other side of the arena and grabbed a heavy metal pole. She charged at Temari.

Temari gritted her teeth and grabbed the sword with her other hand. Sakura came at her, attacking with the pole. "You can duel with both hands." Commented Sakura.

Temari didn't respond. The Tian Tang Jian thudded against the pole, creating sparks. Temari's right arm swung by her side as Temari held off Sakura one-handed. Sakura had Temari against the wall. She swung downwards as Temari flipped out of the way. Sakura smashed through another weapon holder and followed Temari.

Temari fell back against the cement tiles from the brunt of Sakura's blow. She didn't have much time to rest as Sakura swung down on her. Temari rolled out of the way as Sakura mashed through the tile. This repeated until Temari was finally able to jump up. Sakura smashed through another table and chair before swinging the pole like a baseball bat. Temari brought the sword up in time and Sakura batted her back a few feet. Temari landed on her feet, the Tian Tang Jian quivering.

The metal pole Sakura held was covered in dents from hitting the Tian Tang Jian. Temari's arm was quivering. Sakura took this to her advantage and attacked. Temari blocked, until she took the offensive. Sakura swung the metal pole around, parrying Temari's attacks. Temari jumped up, bringing the sword down and she sliced clean through the metal pole. Sakura flipped backward, warily eyeing her broken weapon. Temari's breathing was heavy as she looked down in awe at the Tian Tang Jian. She touched the quivering blade with her finger.

"Don't touch it." Sakura snarled.

"If you want it so bad, come get it." Challenged Temari.

"You're nothing without the Tian Tang Jian." Said Sakura lowly.

Temari smirked. "Don't be a sore loser."

Sakura growled. Her eyes shifted, looking for a new weapon.

"Go ahead." Said Temari, pointing the Tian Tang Jian at her. "Anyone of them. Take your pick. I'll wait."

Sakura scowled and then moved slowly toward the other wall. Temari watched her, keeping the sword aimed at her. Sakura unsheathed a sword and held it out. It was almost equal in length to the Tian Tang Jian. Temari narrowed her eyes and shifted her stance.

There was silence and the air was heavy. Sakura yelled out and charged first.

It was an intricate dance they performed. Sakura spun around, her feet shifting about on the floor in endless movements. She attacked and parried as Temari mirrored her movements. Temari's injured arm swung about as Temari struggled to battle Sakura with only her left hand. Slowly, the Tian Tang Jian cut out chinks from Sakura's sword.

Sakura's attacks grew wild and more aggressive as she swung broadly at Temari, decimating the rest of the weapons Tenten had out. Temari ducked and dived, wondering if she was really going to win this time. Stepping closer, their swords were a blur. Sakura locked swords with Temari and gave her a push with her free hand, aimed toward her injured side. Sakura knew her sword wouldn't hold out much longer against the Tian Tang Jian. Temari let out a yelp and spun around, hacking off most of Sakura's sword. Sakura moved to the side, grabbing Temari's injured arm as she spun.

Temari screamed again as Sakura crouched down and kicked Temari in the stomach, sending her flying up. Sakura leapt up after her, broken sword still in her hand. Her leg moved up, ready to axe kick Temari into the ground. Temari turned to see Sakura above her, ready to kick. Not able to maneuver in the air, Temari wildly swung her arms around her. Sakura snickered and just about had her when Temari pushed the wind around her, sending her flying out of Sakura's reach. Temari fell to the ground, tucking and rolling. Sakura's foot crashed into the cement tiles, creating a huge crater.

Temari flew at Sakura, ready to capitalize on her moment of vulnerability. As Temari approached and swung her sword, Sakura ducked and then thrust out her broken sword, its sharpened end aimed at her neck. Temari stopped, angling her head away from the blade. They both were breathing heavily. Temari watched Sakura, her eyes narrowed. Minutes passed. Slowly, Sakura pulled the sword away from Temari's neck and it dropped from her hand, clattering on the ground.

"Give me the sword." Said Sakura.

"You want it?" Temari asked, raising an eyebrow. "Take it!" She slashed out, cutting through Sakura's thigh. Sakura screamed and fell to the ground. Temari ran to one of the windows, flying outside and disappearing.

Sakura watched her go, her face contorted in anger. "Shit!" Sakura screamed out loud as she pounded her fist into the ground, cracking whatever tiles weren't already cracked. She ripped off her mask and threw it away. There were pounds on the door, the servants calling and asking what was wrong. Sakura ignored them, pressing her hand to her bleeding thigh. With her right hand, she smeared a smudge of blood on her hand then slammed it on the ground.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" She called.

With a puff of smoke, a white, long legged bird appeared. Sakura gave the crane a faint smile.

"Xiaojie, you're hurt." Said the crane stepping closer.

Sakura waved her comment away. "Listen, I need you to find Kakashi-laoshi and Naruto. Tell them that I fought Temari at Tenten's. And tell them…tell them she escaped with the sword. Kakashi is at Sifu Tsunade's estate, Naruto is some where in the woods south of Peking."

"Got it, xiaojie." The crane saluted her before flying off through the window Temari had escaped through.

Glossary:
Gong - Chinese honorific, equivalent of Lord
Xiaojie- Chinese honorific, equivalent of Miss
Laoshi – teacher
Sifu – Master

"Have you gotten word from my brother?" Itachi asked, eyeing his subordinate. "Has his group settled down to camp for the night yet?"

The fire cackled close by, sparks flying out. The shadows danced against the trees in the night.

The officer standing in front of Itachi shifted his feet uneasily. "I received word from Uchiha-hou's group. Apparently he didn't go with them."

Itachi whipped toward the man so fast that the man's eyes widened and he took a step back. "What?" Asked Itachi, not willing to believe that he had heard correctly.

"It happened at the gate apparently." Continued the officer nervously. "He hung back for a minute, I suppose...he was supposed to catch up with them, but he never did."

"He's been gone all day?" Although there was no visible change in Itachi's facial features, the tension in the area seemed to have kicked up a notch. All of the other officers who were sitting around the campfire ceased talking and now turned toward Itachi. "Have plans been made to search for him?"

"Yes, Uchiha-juzhang." Said the officer bowing his head. "But that's not all."

"Then what?" Itachi asked, his voice raising an octave.

"Uchiha-hou's horse was found earlier in the woods, only…without Uchiha-hou."

Glossary:
Juzhang - Chief
Hou - rank below lord

"You want power." Said Orochimaru smiling as he circled around Sasuke, his finger flipping a piece of Sasuke's hair. Sasuke bristled and followed Orochimaru cautiously with his eyes.

"I have ways of giving it to you." Orochimaru whispered seductively into Sasuke's ear. "Everyone that's ever hurt you in your life…you can make them pay."

The offer was tempting, especially in Sasuke's current state. His hands clenched and unclenched at the thought of revenge. His instincts told him to bolt, yet it seemed like he was seduced by the words Orochimaru offered him. "It seems that everyone is coming to me, offering me power." Said Sasuke. "Why?"

Orochimaru chuckled. "Oh there's no catch, my dear Sasuke." He said, stepping in front of Sasuke.

"Come with me, and I'll teach you everything I know." He extended his hand. "The world will tremble under your power." He said. "Your clan's killer will regret they left you alive." Said Orochimaru with a dark smile.

Sasuke lifted his head up, his eyes glaring. "How do you know about that?"

"There are no secrets from me." Smiled Orochimaru. "I know everything about you."

Sasuke pursed his lips. Orochimaru frowned, almost in a pouting manner. "You don't believe me. You won't accept my offer."

"I am wary of it." Admitted Sasuke. "Strangers offering to teach me everything they know…it leads one to be skeptical."

Orochimaru smiled. "A smart boy." Orochimaru clicked his tongue and put a finger to his lips as if he were thinking. "Maybe a parting gift? To help you decide?" Orochimaru started to circle around Sasuke again.

"What kind of gift?" Sasuke asked cautiously.

Orochimaru ran his fingers lightly over the back of Sasuke's neck. The motion sent goosebumps over Sasuke's skin. "Just a little one…" Orochimaru murmured.

Orochimaru sank his teeth into the skin on the back of Sasuke's neck. Sasuke's eyes went wide and he choked out. Orochimaru pulled back, grinning as blood stained his lips. Sasuke's hand went to the bite as he fell to the ground on his side.

"Take it for a test run, Sasuke." Sasuke heard Orochimaru's voice faintly in the background, his vision swarming around him. "When you make your decision, I'll know…"

Sasuke's world went dark, a sinister laughing surrounding him.

Jutsu:
Kuchiyose no Jutsu- Summoning jutsu. Self Explanatory.

Character Corner

Name: Yakushi Kabuto
Age: 32
Height: 5' 8'
Specializes: Medical Ninjutsu
Kabuto grew up to an impoverished civilian family in the Land of Fire. His father was the town's makeshift doctor while his mother was a housewife and cared for Kabuto's multiple brothers and sisters. Kabuto apprenticed as his father's assistant and learned the tools of the trade. At age 13, Kabuto's hometown was overrun by a group of bandits who in turn got the entire town addicted to opium. Kabuto's father died after getting addicted and Kabuto was forced to provide for the family. Desperate for money, Kabuto started putting his meager doctoral skills to use outside the village. After becoming acquainted with Orochimaru, Kabuto assumed the role as Temari's bodyguard in order to keep an eye on her and make her more easily a pawn that Orochimaru could control.

Kabuto is accomplished in the shinobi arts despite not being a shinobi and has knowledge in Medical Ninjutsu that rivals Tsunade's. Kabuto is a quick and calculated thinker and is perceptive to his surroundings. Kabuto often acts polite and well mannered and is unwavering in his duty to the Feng's. His loyalties, however are often difficult to discern as he frequently sabotages Orochimaru's plans with Orochimaru being none the wiser.