Last filler chapter! Enjoy! There are a couple of rough spots so you're forewarned!
"We apologize Naruto-san, we cannot grant your request."
Naruto stood in front of a board of Alliance members in the Land of Iron, there were five members each a representative of the Five Nations under their Daimyo's. It took him and his team of ninja two days to reach the neutral country where the Alliance was conducting all the matters concerning the bijuu. But what really irked the blonde soon-to-be Hokage was that they thought he was requesting custody of the bijuu when in fact, he was demanding it.
"This is not up for negotiation," he told them in a demanding voice, "I'm taking the Sanbi and the Yonbi back with me to Konoha. They will not be property of Konoha or property of Fire Country. They will be under my own protection since this Alliance can't do the job properly."
"Those words are offensive Uzumaki-san," One over weight Alliance member stated with narrowed eyes.
"It's supposed to be," he glared back, "Two bijuu are missing! Two! And you didn't even know that Nibi was missing until I arrived here and informed you of the fact. How can you say you are protecting those bijuu when they are disappearing from right under your snobbish noses?"
"We can assure you Naruto-san that we will be launching a full investigation into this matter. Hidden Star Village will be questioned as to why the Nibi has vanished from their custody," the center most Alliance member stated, trying to placate the jinchurikki.
"Not good enough! I trusted you with these lives! These bijuu trusted me to make the best judgment concerning their welfare and from where I'm sitting right now, I've failed them. I never should have given this Alliance custody of my friends if I knew they would end up in the hands of one of the most vile and sadistic bastards I've ever heard about!"
"With all due respect," a middle aged woman cut in, "We can't just hand over the bijuu just because you came here all in a fuss. Your information could be inaccurate."
"With all due respect," he repeated with as much venom as he could muster, "My information comes from a spy that we acquired who saw with her own eyes the two missing bijuu."
"So why hasn't Konoha done anything about it, if you have the spy?" the fat Alliance member asked.
"I don't have to answer your stupid assed questions here," he said glaring at the man. He wasn't going to expose Kaminari or anything relating to the situation. He was here for the bijuu, end of story, "The question should be why the hell haven't you sent out your own trackers to try and locate my bijuu. You're all just sitting here on your high horses doing nothing! The peace treaty did not state that these bijuu were up for grabs to the biggest scum bag, they were supposed to be for other countries who could care for and look after them. I now see that this stupid treaty is moot! I'm taking MY bijuu home with me, they will be under my jurisdiction, my protection, and I will be the only one to decide who will get one from this point forward!"
"You will be violating the treaty signed and recognized by all five of the Daimyo's from the Great Nations! We cannot allow that to happen Uzumaki-san!" the central council member argued.
"I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS ANYMORE!" Naruto yelled back at him. To make an even bigger statement the blonde jinchurikki activated his bijuu chakra bathing himself in gold chakra.
Kurama? He asked in his head, Can you feel them?
Hai…see those doors to the left and to the right of you?
Naruto glanced and could make out the faint outlines that was supposed to be hidden doorways, Hai.
Sanbi is on your left and Yonbi is on your right.
On my mark we're taking them and having Tenten seal them in her scroll.
Kurama laughed viciously licking his lips in anticipation of displaying his power in front of these unworthy imbeciles.
"I am Uzumaki Naruto," he stated looking each member in the eye, "Future Hokage of Konohagakure and current jinchurikki of Kyuubi. Because of me and the shinobi of the Five Great Nations we ended the Fourth Shinobi War. During that time these bijuu entrusted me with their lives. They are not demons, they are not chattel, they are living breathing powerful beings that deserve more than to again be used by some crazy mad man hell bent on taking over the world! You are only aiding him in his lust for power because of your inaction. I will give you one last chance…give me my bijuu…or I will take them by force!" He could feel Kurama's power swelling inside of him in anticipation for the attack.
The entire council remained quiet waiting for one of the other members to answer. Despite what the Kyuubi jinchuikki claimed they couldn't, while under orders to the contrary, give the bijuu over to him.
"Fine…by force then."
Too fast for anyone to pick up on two large chakra hands shot out of Naruto's body and slammed in the walls parallel to him. The building shook with the impact and Naruto shielded his teammates from the debris falling on top of their heads with more chakra hands. After the council regained their composure they looked back at the angered jinchurikki and watched him hold two large sealing jars; one read Sanbi and the other Yonbi.
"How did you know where they were?" the woman demanded loudly.
"I'm a fucking jinchurikki and I can feel their damn chakra you ignorant woman!" he replied setting the pots down gently behind him, "Tenten, if you don't mind."
The bun haired weapons specialist took out a scroll and in an instant the two jars disappeared. Rolling the scroll back up she handed it to Naruto who performed a quick blood seal so that he was the only person who could open it.
"Your actions are now proof that Konoha is conspiring to dissolve the treaty with the other nations. First with your missing a kunoichi and now you're stealing the rest of the bijuu. You and your country are guilty!" Another female council member accused pointing a finger.
Naruto flashed forward quickly demolishing the solid oak table in front of council members. Wooden splinters flew through the air making each person behind the table cover their eyes to avoid splinters piercing them.
"Do not accuse me of being a traitor," he threatened with Kyuubi eyes blazing, "I am a loyal shinobi. If I wanted to watch this world rot I would have done nothing in the Fourth War. I gave my all for peace and for equality and I succeeded. Sakura-chan was kidnapped as I know you've been informed. Leave her out of this!"
"It's true," the council member on the end said, "I've been in recent contact with Hokage-sama…she sent proof that her apprentice's kidnapping was not…"
"What kind of proof?" the central member asked trying hard to not be intimidated by Naruto's suffocating chakra.
The councilman pulled out an envelope, "Pictures…of said kunoichi taken by the kidnapper and sent to each of her teammates and to the Hokage herself."
The pictures were passed down the line and Naruto felt sick. Tsunade shouldn't have sent those to them but then again…he understood why she did. With their recent outburst they obviously needed hardcore proof that Konoha wouldn't sell out one of their most prized shinobi to be treated in such a degrading manner. And for a bijuu no less! Did these old windbags really think their country…their village would really do such a thing?
"If you need any further convincing," Naruto reached into his pocket and pull out a small scroll, "This is a letter from Bee-san of Kumo. He agrees that I should now have custody of the bijuu until this matter is resolved. And when you're done looking at those pictures I'm taking them home with me too."
"This is the evidence we need to prove your village's innocence, it needs to stay here," the fat councilman replied not taking his eyes off the photo.
Naruto's eyes narrowed in rage as he snatched the picture away from his grubby hands, "You seeing them is proof enough. I will not have my own teammate stared at by what seems to be a lecherous old man who obviously gets off on seeing this kind of torture. She deserves respect and you aren't giving her any you bastard. Now put them all back into that envelope, you've seen the damn proof of my country's innocence and I remember all of your faces…do not disappoint me by lying about your evidence."
With his final growl Naruto took the manila envelope from the Fire Representative's hands and strode towards his traveling group consisting of Sasuke, Sai, Neji, Lee, and Tenten. Large wooden doors creaked open letting the group of Konoha shinobi pass through. The large hallway echoed with their footsteps and Sasuke jogged up to Naruto who was walking a little ahead of the group.
"You can turn off your chakra now," he said looking ahead, "You don't have to intimidate them anymore."
Naruto stopped letting the chakra and his anger flow out of his system, "Thanks…"
"Hn."
"I hate acting like a dick…but I couldn't help myself," tanned hands ran through his golden yellow hair.
"Tsunade-sama sent those pictures, she shouldn't have…" Sasuke turned to face him while the rest of the group stopped with them.
"But it was needed," Sai interjected, "Their accusations were heavy against us."
"Yeah I know, baa-chan and I have had long discussion about this particular subject. But what really pisses me off was that even our own representative sided with those assholes," Naruto growled.
"On the contrary," Neji interjected, "The Fire Representative was the only one who never spoke during those proceedings. If anything he spoke in favor of us when he defended Sakura."
"That's true," Sai agreed.
"I was hoping to catch you before you left Uzumaki-san," a growling tenor made all of their heads turn to see Mifune approaching the group with two samurai guards.
"General Mifune," Naruto bowed his head slightly in respect, "I apologize for whatever destruction happened to your room."
"Yes it seems that some reconstruction is in order," Mifune intoned with a blank expression, "You've taken the bijuu."
"Hai," Naruto nodded facing the man fully, "Two have gone missing I'm taking the other two in order to keep them safe."
"Is that so?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly, "Have you not been informed about this?"
Mifune glanced at the Uchiha briefly before nodding, "I was unaware of the circumstances. Naruto I won't hold this against you if you give me your word to not cause any more destruction on your way out."
The blonde nodded, "You have my word."
"One more thing," the samurai added, "The Hokage's apprentice that was kidnapped, she is your teammate is she not?"
"Hai."
"May I see the evidence that the Hokage sent…as justification for the damage you have already caused?"
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly then handed over the manila envelope with great reluctance. This man was a commanding officer in the war and it was his home that Naruto partially destroyed. He probably just wanted some peace of mind that it was the Alliance's fault and not Naruto's, "You only need to see one to know we aren't lying."
Mifune nodded in understanding then opened the envelope and pulled out one picture. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sai studied his face trying to discern a type of reaction but the samurai's face remained blank.
"I see…" he muttered replacing the photo and handing the package back, "I'm sorry for this. I hope you find her soon."
"Yeah…" Naruto sighed gripping the offending envelope, "Me too…"
Without another word the Konoha shinobi proceeded out of the Land of Iron heading straight home.
Kami…the pain…the ache…the…
Helplessness…
Stop…please stop…no more…
I can't…do this…no more…
No…
…NO!
"NO!" A loud scream tore through her lips as she began thrashing under a heavy weight.
"Be still bitch!"
Sakura groaned in pain as her eyes opened to find Tetsu on top of her.
"Get off of me!" she shouted trying to fight against her bindings.
"No," he growled as he continued pumping into her, "You feel way too good for me to stop my little blossom."
Sakura growled trying to keep her tears at bay, "I'm going to kill you."
"No you won't," he leaned in, his bare chest touching her bra clad one, "You are mine now."
"No…" she whimpered her tears finally falling, "No…NO!"
She screamed again and thrashed with renewed vigor. The shackles reopened her scabs making her wrists bleed. She probably had an infection there by now since Sakura or her captors never actually allowed or bothered to heal her damaged wrists. A solid punch to her face silenced her instantly, stars danced across her vision and she could already feel a bruise forming on her right cheek.
"None of that now," Tetsu whispered kissing the cheek that he just hit, "If you wouldn't fight it, you actually might enjoy my attentions."
"Over my dead body you bastard," Sakura whispered a little weakly.
"Oh no my little kunoichi," Tetsu pulled her face forward so she looked him directly in the eye, "I will never kill you."
Sakura was immediately brought out of her daze when she felt a pair of bruising lips touch her own. The pain started again between her legs and she felt his hands holding her hips close to his own. She needed to get him off, to get him to stop! Get him off, get him off, GET HIM OFF!
Suddenly she bit down harshly on his bottom lip making him jerk his head back and lick his bleeding lip.
"So…you want it rough again," he growled at her, "Well then I'll oblige."
Sakura screamed as his teeth sunk into the flesh of her neck biting hard. She yanked roughly against her chains trying to free herself so she could shove him away. She couldn't take this anymore! Before she succeeded in freeing her hands an icy pain shot through her body instantly paralyzing her.
"Scream for me Sakura," he whispered intimately in her ear, "Scream for me as I come inside of you."
She groaned feeling his poison invade her muscular system causing them to begin to spasm.
"I want to hear it," he commanded her sitting up slightly to watch how his poison affected her, "Give me what I want."
The meager chakra in her body was instantly concentrated on surrounding the poison, trying to break it down before the pain became any worse. Tetsu continued thrusting into her and she wanted to curse him for breaking her concentration because of it.
"One scream Sakura I want to listen to you wail," he growled grabbing her hair yanking her head back, exposing her neck, "Scream little Sakura-chan…scream for your master!"
Sakura couldn't help it now, the poison spread faster than she could break it down, it was hitting her nerves and was constricting around her tissues making her scream in unimaginable pain as her body contorted and cramped all on its own. Tetsu chuckled wickedly as he came easily inside of the pink haired kunoichi. Her screams were music to his ears, she was singing his favorite melody; fear, weakness, and pain. She was beautiful writhing beneath him bathed in her own blood. Her tears glistening lightly against her bruised cheek accenting the purple and red colors staining her skin. His bite marks marred what was once flawless beauty making her look more helpless, more submissive, and more in need of a man to dominate her. Then her eyes opened looking dull and listless, she had nothing left to live for, nothing to make her shine. He smiled at the fruits of his efforts…she looked more beautiful than she ever had been in this one perfect moment with him.
He stood up withdrawing from her tight core and began dressing himself, "See you tomorrow my beautiful blossom."
Sakura remained deathly still on her bed not looking at her captor as he dressed, turned off the camera, and exited her room. Just a few more days…Konoha was coming…
Be strong…Itachi is coming.
I can't…there's nothing left to save anymore…I'm garbage…I'm worthless, damaged…
We're still worth it.
No…not anymore.
Friday.
Noon.
It was a perfect day in Konoha. A nice 73 degrees with a slight breeze blowing the autumn leaves around the village decorating it in different shades of brown, orange, and red. However there was one group of people that was not out enjoying the beautiful afternoon. They were trapped in the Hokage's office waiting for their weekly messenger. They were tense, silent, and on edge. Hopefully with this new information they would finally be able to make a move and figure out the location.
The trackers teams had done well in their search. The predicted circle of seals across the world was filled in, including a couple more outliers. And just yesterday Yamato's teams sent a messenger hawk stating they found the main hub of seals. The location was notated so with this final information they would receive today from Kaminari, Konoha could deploy their rescue entourage and bring the Haruno's home. All trackers were notified of the main hub location and were enroute to rendezvous with the rescue team.
"Anything yet?" Naruto asked impatiently as he paced around the room.
"No," Sasuke replied staring out the window. He couldn't help but feel anxious about this meeting. There was something, his gut was telling him, that wasn't quite right. The younger Uchiha couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened. Maybe it was just the meeting that was about to take place that was weighing on him. They were so close after one month of searching they were finally nearing the finish line. He was ready…they all were ready.
The clock in the room continued to tick breaking the silence in the room but adding to the tension. Every eye continued to glance at it, subtly watching the minute tick by slowly. She could be late again, or she could not show up at all. But they couldn't think negatively, not when they were so close.
Everyone was so lost in their own thoughts that they didn't detect another presence in the room. Kaze watched them, waiting to build up the courage to enter and present them with their package. Her body wanted to shrivel up and disappear feeling the tension in the room. These people…they were powerful people, just like her and her sisters and their masters. She had to keep reminding herself that they wouldn't hurt her, that they were going to help them…but still. She didn't know how Kaminari did it, how she could meet with them and not fall over in fear. But she had to do it…
For her sisters.
Taking a deep breath Kaze appeared slowly right in front of the Hokage's desk. Tsunade looked up about to tell Naruto to sit down and not stand right in front of her when she stopped. Her eyes widened at the young woman standing before her wearing a blank expression that would put the Uchiha's and Sai to shame. Everyone else quickly caught on to the new presence and turned their attention to the Hokage's desk. Standing in their midst was a short, slightly muscular girl, with a pixie haircut and platinum white hair. Her clothing was rather meager; she was clad in a simple metallic bra and underwear and wrapped loosely around her body at odd intervals were large 4-6 inch ribbons of various shades of silver, white, and sky blue that contrasted nicely with her tanned skin. Her feet were bare and they noticed that she wasn't actually touching the floor, she was floating a couple inches off the ground.
Tsunade stared into small light violet eyes, "You must be Kamikaze."
The young woman nodded once not breaking eye contact.
"But you liked being called Kaze?"
She nodded again.
"Do you speak?"
Kaze hesitated a moment then shook her head.
"Kaminari said as much," she leaned forward on her large desk, "Would you mind speaking now?"
She shook her head quickly, shying away slightly from all the eyes that were looking at her. She hated it when people stared, ogled, or just watched her. It made her feel…unclean.
"It's alright," Tsunade raised her hands in a placating motion, "Where is Kaminari? Can you just tell me that much?"
They watched as the woman froze, her blank expression hardened, and her small eyes started glistening with tears and spilled slowly down her cheeks.
"Oh Kami…something happened didn't it?" The Hokage asked receiving an affirmative nod.
"Sai you an expert in no emotions and blank expressions you talk to her," Naruto pushed his friend forward until he was face to face with another blank but teary face.
"Hi," he smiled at her, "My name is Sai. I don't speak much just like you."
Kaze just stared at him waiting for him to continue. She didn't know what that blonde haired man meant about no emotion but she felt plenty of it. Kaze just liked to hide it so that men wouldn't take an interest in her. If there was no interest then she would have to spend less and less time alone with those animals.
"Oh," he stared directly into her eyes, "So you're not suppressed you feel plenty."
Kaze's eyes widened in surprise, how was he able to read that? Nobody could read her…
"I used to be a lot like you. Feeling plenty but not being able to display my feelings. Did that answer your question?" he asked cocking his head slightly to the side.
Kaze's eyes were still wide with surprise but she managed to nod once.
"Someone else ask the questions while Sai reads her," Kakashi said watching the two odd people interact.
"What happened to Kaminari?" Tsunade asked again.
Sai stared at her, watching as a large wave of pain and guilt flashed behind the violet depths.
"Kaminari has been severely injured," Sai narrated the story he was reading inside of her, "She feels guilty about it. It must have something to do with the mission." He blinked once when she lowered her eyes staring at the ground, "Oh it's been compromised hasn't it?"
Everyone stiffened at that declaration as Kaze pulled out Sai's scroll and the new DVD. Sai took the items from her hands and immediately noticed the ripped portion of the scroll.
"The information is here?" he asked looking up at her again.
Kaze tapped the DVD twice hoping he would get the message.
"We're going to have to watch aren't we?" he asked receiving a small nod.
Kaze took the scroll back from him and opened it. She displayed the blank paper for everyone in the room to see.
"Tetsu must have stumbled on the information," Itachi guessed, "It would explain why our original messenger is not here."
Dread filled his stomach at his words. Their mission was compromised the ripped scroll was evidence of that. And if Kaminari and Sakura were seen conspiring together…he didn't want to think about the type of horror that his Sakura was being subjected to. And it was probably all here, on that DVD in Sai's hands. He needed to remain calm and collected, they were close to the end and he would get to see her soon.
"Wait," Sai said after handing the DVD to the Hokage. He took the scroll from Kaze and opened it wider revealing an ink creation, "It seems as though Tetsu was unaware that the rest of the scroll contained more information."
Every shinobi surrounded the picture taking in the colors and scenery.
"It looks like a ruins," Shikamaru commented committing all of the angles, dips, curves, foliage, everything about that picture to memory.
"But that doesn't make sense why would he stay somewhere like that?" Naruto asked.
"Anonymity," Itachi answered in a monotone, "Why would we look somewhere that seems to be inhabitable when there are other locations that could suit him better."
"This place is also large enough to house his entire clan and according to Kaminari's previous information in this office they have about 100 people in their clan," Kakashi said leaning back against the wall to think.
"Hopefully not everyone is located at that base, we have to assume he has more," Shikamaru muttered.
"Why?" Naruto asked.
"Because then we'd have to send at least that many shinobi for the rescue," Tsunade answered.
"Not necessarily," Itachi interjected, "Kaminari said that some of the kunoichi will be fighting against their own clan. Plus the ones that want to defect from the clan won't be putting up much of a resistance."
"But if our plan has already been made we can't really depend on them anymore," Tsunade growled pulling out her sake bottle.
Kaze listened to their theories and was a little amazed at their collaboration. Ryuu was the one who came up with most of their strategies but here…everyone joined. A small amount of fear entered into her heart then since not all of their speculations were correct. She needed to tell them and if she wasn't going to speak…she tapped Sai on the shoulder getting his attention as the artist turned away from the conversation, hoping that he wouldn't turn around and hit her.
"What is it?" Sai asked, noticing her wary gaze.
Kaze opened her mouth but no sound came out. She tried again only for the same thing to happen. By this time all eyes were trained onto her again, waiting for her to speak. She had to do it, just do it!
"K…Ka…" she huffed to herself fisting her hands to her sides.
"Kaminari," Sai offered.
Kaze nodded and tried again, "Kaminari, is the o-o-only one."
"Only one?" Sasuke asked narrowing his eyes, "Only one what?"
"The only one who was made," Sai and Itachi answered at the same time. Kaze nodded relieved that they understood.
"That makes a difference, so Tetsu doesn't know that all of you are involved?" Tsunade asked.
Kaze nodded again, "Sh-she," she stopped to clear her throat. Kami why did her stutter have to manifest now…they probably thought very little of her and would punish her soon.
"Sacrificed herself," Sai finished seeing the guilt but undeniable admiration that she held for her sister, "Whatever happened to Kaminari she made sure that she was the only one who suffered."
"…Oh Kaminari…" Naruto muttered while running his hand over his face.
Sasuke felt ill inside…he didn't even know what happened but she had come before all beaten and bruised to deliver the Hokage's video. She even mentioned that she would not be able come if she had any life threatening injuries…so the fact that the maroon haired kunoichi was not here could only mean she wasn't physically capable of making the journey. He wanted to kill something!
"Brave girl," Tsunade whispered watching the kunoichi's carefully placed façade crumble, "Kaze we will fix this."
Violet eyes switched from charcoal to amber. Looking into those eyes she saw her redemption, she saw her new life that was waiting for her. Her eyes quickly flickered to the rest of the people and she saw the same promise in their blue, onyx, brown, and charcoal eyes. She saw her future here in Konoha, surrounded by these people. And now Kamikaze understood why Kaminari was brave enough to approach them. She saw this hope as well.
"I know," she whispered before glancing at the clock. Taking a few steps forward she tapped the DVD again staring at the Hokage's amber eyes.
"Sakura left the information here?" she asked indicating to the DVD.
Kaze nodded then turned back to the man with charcoal eyes. He stared right back at her before smiling with a slight head cock, "Don't worry we will be there soon since the information on here should lead us directly to your base."
They watched as her body visibly relaxed. She was relieved that they would find them soon.
"We know you don't have long especially since Tetsu had already figured something out. You've given us enough and you will see us soon," Tsunade said as the young woman turned back towards her.
Kaze nodded letting a single tear slip out of her eye and a small shy smile spread on her lips. Tsunade smiled back then watched as the girl's body become more and more ghost like. She slowly disappeared as silently as she had come until they were once again alone in the Hokage's office.
"You know," Naruto broke the silence with a smile, "They have really cool abilities. I didn't feel her come in and I couldn't even feel her leave."
Shikamaru nodded, "They will definitely be a great asset to the village should they decide to serve. That stutter though…psychological do you think?"
"Most likely," Tsunade answered, "Repression and abuse of the most severe kind has been known to cause children to develop a stutter. It's probably why she doesn't speak a lot in general and only speaks when it's important for her to say something."
"Her last statement had more confidence behind it though," Sai said, "Her stuttering stopped when she spoke of something she truly believed in."
"'I know' was what she said," Naruto smiled, "She believed us when we said we would fix this."
"I think we need to stop stalling and get to the bottom of this," Kakashi said his eyes fixated on the DVD, "Time is ticking. Kaminari covered the other girls but…"
"Turn that TV on and let's just get this over with," Tsunade ordered as Sasuke placed the DVD into the player, "Whatever we see in here…we have to remain objective. We have to figure out what Sakura is trying to tell us."
"Hai," Everyone replied eyes glued to the kunoichi's form lying on a bed.
This was it…his true test of strength. He had to be strong for Sakura and for his own personal sanity. He was about to see something worse than torture. What would his reaction be? How would he be able to function knowing that Sakura…his Sakura was about to have her innocence taken away from her. Anger was definitely and emotion that was threatening to take over. Sorrow as well. Sorrow for her, this was happening against her will and there was nothing she could do to stop it. And surprisingly there was also sorrow for himself. What would this mean to him and his future relationship with Sakura? Would she be so scarred emotionally that an increased intimacy between them would become impossible? Would she object to being touched in such a way again that she would end everything between them? He sighed internally his eyes glued to the TV as he watched Tetsu stalk over her small body like a predator assessing his prey. She would be unconsciously changed by this whole situation in ways that he probably would not be able to fully comprehend. Her bubbly personality could disappear and be replaced by…something else…something darker. But he couldn't allow himself to think in that direction. She was still his Sakura, his bright, loving, compassionate Sakura…and she always would be, he would make sure of that. No matter what happened he was determined not to let her fall into darkness. If it took him the rest of his life he would make it his own personal mission for Sakura not to lose herself. He loved her, and he wasn't letting her go.
Tetsu final made his way onto the bed and settled himself nicely between her shackled and spread legs. This was his test, how strong could he be?
"You know I've been waiting for this moment for years," Tetsu purred moving her hair out of her face.
Sakura didn't reply and kept her eyes closed.
"So anything special you want little blossom?" he asked as he continued to trace small lines aroud her face. She she still refused to respond he grabbed her chin and held her firmly, "Open your eyes."
Sakura kept them closed, her chest rising slightly faster than before.
Tetsu slapped her then grabbed her chin again, "I said open your eyes!"
"No," she replied in a tired yet hard voice.
He slapped her again bruising her cheek even more. His hand rested gently where he hit her then suddenly her body jerked. Sakura's eyes shot open as she began to spasm and writhe.
"That's better," Tetsu purred watching his poison take effect inside her body, "You have stunning green eyes. I loved watching the light fade out of them as I took your mother's life."
Sakura jerked again and choked out a curse, "I'll kill you, you bastard! Believe it!"
Tetsu leaned forward and kissed her forehead, "No my little blossom. You're mine now, you will adhere to my every wish, my every command, and you will respond to me alone. You now belong to me."
"Over my dead body," she vowed jerking against her restraints.
"How about mostly dead body," he said lightly as if they were trying to compromise.
"Bite me," she shot back.
"As you wish."
They watched as Tetsu's teeth sunk into her flesh making Sakura cry out in rage and jerk relentlessly against her restraints.
"Rat bastard," Naruto growled.
"I swear I'll kill that man," Sasuke mumbled under his breath.
Tetsu's hands massaged her legs slowly reveling in the smoothness that remained on her marred skin.
"Mmmmm," he purred, "Your Uchiha has no idea what he's missing."
"Don't touch me," she whined, "Get off!"
"Not yet little blossom, I'm still warming you up," he gave her a wicked smile before he started kissing the skin on her collarbone.
Be still…be calm…stay in control. Itachi's mantra kept echoing in his head trying to quell the rage that was boiling on the inside. He knew this would be hard and he knew this would be horrible. But even with this preparation he was still watching his love getting touched by another man. The next scene had everyone in the room cringing as Sakura's piercing scream. Tetsu had removed his pants and entered her.
Sakura's face was a mixture of pain, anger, and fear as Tetsu held her hips and lodged himself completely inside of her.
"Oh Kami I love virgins," he groaned as he slowly began pumping in and out, "They are so fucking tight!"
"Get off!" Sakura continued to scream and jerk losing all rationality.
"Not a chance blossom this feels way too damn good," he growled leaning down and claiming her lips with his own.
Sakura screamed into his mouth and tried to pull her head away from him but to no avail. She immediately went to plan B and bit his lip.
Tetsu's head jerked up and he placed a finger on his bloody lip glaring at the kunoichi beneath him.
"I see…" he muttered, "You like things rough don't you? Well then rough it shall be for your first time."
All eyes turned away from the screen so that they didn't have to witness the defilement. The grunts and shrieks would forever be imprinted in their minds. A crash happening in the video had them all looking back up to see Tetsu sprawled on the floor and Sakura's body leaning over the side of the bed.
"Rewind that!" Tsunade ordered.
The video replayed the scene showing Sakura pulling roughly against her hand bindings while Tetsu was busy with other parts of her body. They could see the crack in the wall behind her and a second later it gave and Sakura landed one good solid chakra punch knocking her rapist completely off of her and onto the ground.
"Nice one Sakura-chan!" Naruto praised as if she could hear him.
"Hn…that a girl," Sasuke smirked at the TV.
"Fucking bitch!" Tetsu swore at her while rubbing his jaw to ease the pain.
"I said to get the fuck off of me and you didn't fucking listen!" she shrieked sitting up, "You're one sick, slimy bastard do you know that?! Actually our whole entire clan is full of traitors and bastards now that I think about it! Our ancestors betrayed the Uzumaki's leaving them to rot!"
"Shut your damn mouth you don't know what you're talking about!" Tetsu ordered standing up on wobbly feet. His head was still spinning from her punch.
"I know plenty you selfish ass! My father was a seal master you think he didn't leave clues or find ways to tell me about my own damn history. I know everything that has happened!"
Tetsu smirked then, "Then you should know that you father is just as much to blame for your current situation as I am."
"My father left this wretched place to protect me and my mother," she growled, "You being the whiny insecure little brother that you are, you had to go through a damn tantrum because of you own inadequacies!"
Tetsu punch caused her head to hit the wall behind her, "Shut up bitch. Just take what I give you without a fight…just like all the others."
"Never," she looked up at him as he shoved her back down onto the bed and mounted her again, "I will fight and I will keep fighting until Konoha comes!"
"What makes you think they are coming?" he asked with slight amusement.
"I'm the Hokage's apprentice," she replied, "That alone is enough."
"Mighty confident are we?" he asked tickling the skin above her breasts.
Sakura's arms shot out to punch him again but Tetsu anticipated the blow catching her easily.
"Once is enough from you. And Konoha will never find this place, and do you want to know why?" he asked as he re-secured her hands to the wall, "This place doesn't exist."
"Bullshit."
"It's true, this base has faded out of existence with the rest of the world. Just as the Uzumaki's faded from everybody's memories," he replied smoothly.
Itachi watched as Sakura turned her face towards the camera and smile slightly. What did that mean?
"Don't underestimate Konoha's shinobi," she winced when he tightened the chain pulling her arms apart in a V to prevent the same incident from occurring, "We have some of the most intelligent minds in the entire world."
"Like I give a damn. If they were so smart they would have already found you. Like I said before nobody knows where this place is because simply…nobody cares anymore."
"Just like you don't care about kunoichi's," she shot back, "Just like you don't care about your traitorous clan, just like you didn't care that you left me fatherless, just like our ancestors didn't care that they betrayed their sister clan!"
Tetsu's hand closed around her throat cutting off her oxygen. The poison and her break out left Sakura significantly weakened…she didn't even have the energy to fight him off anymore.
"Don't judge what our ancestors did," he tightened his grip watching her face turn colors, "I believe my father's words. How the Uzumaki's treated us like scum, second class, a lesser clan. This is the regime he built for us, the Haruno's, to finally make are mark on the world. It's time you learned to mind your place!"
He released his grip on her throat making her cough then entered her again. Sakura's coughs turned to moans of pain…now too weak to do anything but take it.
Shikamaru jumped up from his seat and pulled out the map of seal locations he kept in one of his pockets. He recently marked where the main hub was located by Team Yamato then grabbed Sai's scroll with the picture of the ruins.
"What is it?" Tsunade asked waiting for the strategist to work through his theory.
"It can't be that easy…can it?" the Nara genius mumbled to himself.
"What?" Naruto asked, "What happened?"
"Tetsu stated that we would never find the place because it was forgotten," Shikamaru began to explain, "That his hideout had faded out of existence just like the famed Uzumaki clan had faded out of our memories."
"We heard that," Sasuke said trying to mute out Tetsu's grunts from the TV.
"From the conversation that had taken place we can assume that Tetsu didn't run across an Uzumaki to learn sealing but their clan, the Haruno clan, lived among them," the Nara continued, "It's why he's a seal master. With chakra control like they possess and the chakra reserves from the Uzumaki's…their seal making was limitless. And if the Uzumaki's treated the Haruno's like second class citizens it would explain why we have never heard about them before. We can also assume from their discussion that the Haruno's assisted in the genocide committed against the Uzumaki's."
"That's not a hard stretch considering Sakura's own temper as well as the personalities of the Haruno's we have captured," Kakashi nodded. He was quickly figuring out where this was headed…it had been obvious…it was right under their noses the entire time.
"Exactly," Shikamaru nodded, he could tell Kakashi had already reach the same conclusion, "It would also make sense why Sakura's immigration paperwork was rushed and her parents allowed entrance to the village without proper screening because according to the Sandaime, they were part of our sister clan that we had sworn to protect ages ago. And there is only one village where the Uzumaki's resided…"
"Uzushiogakure," Itachi replied nodding…it had been simple but they were blinded by emotion that they didn't see the answer clearly.
"With the ruins that Ryuu managed to create for us, I'm willing to bet my entire inheritance that their main base of operations is none other than the forgotten city of the Uzumaki's…the Land of Whirpools which is almost exactly one hundred miles away from the main hub of seals," he concluded.
Tsunade sighed rubbing her temples, "Why didn't we think of this before?"
"Because we were operating on the assumption that Tetsu met an Uzumaki somewhere during their traveling," Sai responded.
"Shikamaru, dispatch Yamato's team to Uzushiogakure," Tsunade ordered, "Tell them to scout but not be seen. Tell the other tracker teams to stake out the main seal hub and capture or kill anyone that appears in that area. If we can diminish their numbers even slightly it will even our odds."
"Hai Hokage-sama," the Nara bowed and left the room.
"Naruto, Sasuke, Sai, Kakashi, and Itachi," she watched as her shinobi all stood at attention waiting for their orders, "Gather everyone you trust and gather our best. We're going to need numbers especially if the Haruno kunoichi's are unable to fight. Tetsu made Kaminari but that doesn't mean he believed that she was operating alone. We need muscle, power, and stealth. The women who wish to defect will be brought back to Konoha without a scratch on them. Sakura will be brought back alive I won't have her back any other way. The missing bijuu will be confiscated and placed under your protection Naruto just like the Sanbi and Yonbi. Gather those who will be suitable for this mission. This rescue team will rendezvous with the trackers at the main seal location then proceeding with the upmost caution to Yamato's location."
"You traitorous whore!"
The six people in the room instantly turned back to the television and watched as Tetsu dragged Kaminari into the camera frame by her hair. The maroon haired girl was whimpering and holding onto his hands to lessen the pain.
"How dare you betray the clan you bitch!" he yelled lifting her up by her hair then punching her across the room.
The Konoha shinobi could hear her hair being pulled out of her head and watched with disgust as imposing man threw a handful of the kunoichi's hair on the ground with a look of disgust.
"You fucking bitch," he growled picking her up again this time by her throat, "I should make you die a thousand deaths for consorting with the enemy. But…I'll just remind you of why doing such a thing is against the rules. Kaminari you're going to be my personal punching bag for the next three days. Starting with today!"
Kaminari shrieked as her leader's knee made contact with her stomach disabling her breathing.
"Leave her the hell alone you bastard!" Sakura shrieked from the bed, "She didn't do anything!"
"Silence bitch!" Tetsu rounded on her with lethal silver eyes, "You're going to be next after I'm done with her."
"You fucking coward beating on a young woman not even half your size!" Sakura yelled trying to take his mind of Kaminari who was trying to recover from having the wind knocked out of her.
"Conditioning is something that both of you whores should be used to by now."
"You have no proof that she betrayed you!"
Tetsu walked up to her small body and punched her across the face before turning around to the camera, "Hokage, you made a grave mistake of trying to turn my kunoichi against me. You will now observe exactly what I do to traitors in my clan. Her blood is on your hands." He then pulled out a scroll that they recognized as Sai's information scroll that they now had, "I will now read to you the passages written. Let's start here, 'This is Sakura, I have a few theories on location but I'm unable to guess accurately and will be relying on Shikamaru's and Itachi's superior intelligence to decipher what I'm about to tell you all.' Too bad Hokage that you would be reading this bit of information, she actually gave you great information for finding our base." Large, scarred hands ripped the scroll and he threw the important information on the ground and threw the rest of the scroll on the opposite side, "Too damn bad."
Kaminari was working on sneaking out of the room but was unsuccessful and was immediately slammed into the ground making her cry out.
"Not yet my little Kaminari, I'm just getting started with your punishment."
"Haruno-sama please, please don't!" she begged watching him unbuckle his belt. She tried scooting away and was immediately shot with a large dose of poison.
"You're not going anywhere little whore," he growled ripping her pants off leaving her bare on the lower half of her body, "Who else is betraying me!"
"Nobody!"
"You didn't think I wouldn't notice your disappearance?" he shouted yanking her head back exposing her throat, "You think I would be able to tell when my obedient kunoichi's started acting a little more compliant, less distant, like they were anticipating something!"
"They are innocent Haruno-sama!"
"Lies!" he shouted thrusting into her roughly.
Kaminari screamed as his sudden invasion but she couldn't move. The poison had targeted her muscles making movement nearly impossible.
"Leave her alone!" Sakura screeched yanking against her chains again.
"When are they coming Kaminari, you little traitorous bitch?" Tetsu questioned. He grabbed her right arm holding it at an odd angle.
"Nobody is coming Haruno-sama," she replied weakly before screaming again. Tetsu yanked on her arm dislocating it.
"Don't lie to me!"
"I'm not lying!" she cried out while he grabbed her other arm between his hands.
"Then why were you talking to Konoha?" he demanded eyes ablaze with fury.
"I-I-I-"
Without warning Tetsu yanked on her left arm pulling it out of its socket. Kaminari's cried intensified as the pain increased by tenfold.
"Answer me!"
"I hate it here!" she screamed through her tears, "I don't want to be here anymore, but I can't leave my sisters."
"How many other kunoichi's are involved in your scam?" he demanded as he grabbed both of her dislocated arms and raising them above her head making her writhe in pain.
"No one!" she answered, "I didn't tell anyone!"
"Stop lying fucking whore!" Tetsu reached into his sleeves and pulled out two kunai slamming them both into her hands.
"I'm not," she yelled kicking her legs, "I'm not lying Haruno-sama please!"
"Begging already, you must really want your punishment," he leaned over her before continuing his thrusting at a fast paced. With her arms immobilized with the kunai and Tetsu fast speed, Kaminari's dislocated shoulders ached with even the smallest of movements. With the added poison already in her system Kaminari couldn't help the agonized screams that escaped her throat.
Sakura had been intently working on freeing her hands during the whole ordeal and with the help of her blood, from cutting her wrists on the side of the shackle, she slipped through the cuffs and yanked her feet against the weakened wood. Her shackled feet were released from wooden post and she instantly jumped on Tetsu's back throwing him off Kaminari's body.
"I said to leave her alone!" Sakura screamed trying to place Tetsu in a choke hold using every ounce of strength and adrenaline to close her arms around his wind pipe.
Tetsu growled and elbowed her in the side breaking her hold. He then picked Sakura up by her chained feet, swung her around like a lasso and slammed her into the wall. Sakura could feel two ribs cracking at the impact as she landed ungracefully on the floor.
"I said wait your turn!" Tetsu screamed hoisting the pink haired kunoichi up by her hands.
Once Sakura was level with his face she spit to block his vision then head butted him. Tetsu dropped her rubbing the spot on his head then looking at his hands…she made him bleed.
"Fine," he dragged her over Kaminari's body and threw her back onto the bed, "I'll deal with you now then!"
Sakura, still on an adrenaline high kicked her tired legs up, throwing him off balance, then twisted, gripped his waist and threw him to the floor.
"You won't be having anymore, anytime soon you arrogant bastard!" she screamed as she kicked him hard in the balls.
Tetsu shouted in agony as Sakura crawled over Kaminari and removed the two kunai from her hands. As she attempting to pick up Kaminari, Sakura was yanked back, slammed against the wall and she didn't move. It took her adrenaline induced body a few seconds to recognize that a blade was lodged in her stomach holding her firmly against the clay wall.
"You fucking whore," her kidnapper growled at her, "Stay there and rot."
They watched as Tetsu left a bleeding Sakura and a beaten Kaminari on the ground.
"I'm going to kill him," Sasuke swore staring at the TV his hands shaking in rage.
"You're not the only one," Naruto's eyes had bled into a darker shade of red, the Kyuubi slits easily bleeding through.
"You all will get your chance soon but first, assemble your team and be ready for a briefing in two hours. Dismissed," Tsunade ordered as she turned off the television set.
One week and a half ago Tsunade stood in this same spot but she was addressing a different group of people. This time…those many days ago…her heart had been heavy, deflated, and aching. Her sorrow at not being able to find any hint to her apprentice's whereabouts had hit her hard. She felt useless and tired…like an old lady that had finished living her life. But now…now was different. She was standing before a trusted group of people, handpicked by Team Kakashi and they were heading towards Uzushiogakure to bring one of their own home. Forty of Konoha's best stood before her waiting for their briefing. With one more deep sigh Tsunade addressed her shinobi.
"I trust you all know why you are here," she began slowly, "Sakura's location has been identified and you were chosen by her closest comrades to accompany them to Uzushiogakure and rescue her. You will first head towards the main hub of jump seals created by the kidnapper and meet up with the tracker teams that were deployed before continuing to the lost city. Your commander for this mission is Uzumaki Naruto. You will follow his command and his lead due to the delicate circumstances surrounding this operation. We have confirmation that the man behind this operation is in possession of two bijuu, listen to your commander's words regarding the situation with the bijuu, his word is law."
She paused closing her eyes as a memory assaulted her. Naruto was standing before her bright blue eyes staring her down.
"This will be my last mission before I'm made Hokage baa-chan. I won't let my last mission end in failure, believe it!"
"Before infiltrating small groups of you will be given specific assignments from Captain Uzumaki. You are to abide by your mission assignments for each of them are crucial in order to make sure that the rescue mission is completed with little casualties. Members of the enemy clan have expressed interest in defecting, those who wish to do so are primarily kunoichi's that have been mistreated. They will be under Konoha's protection and should be treated with care. Any other members of this enemy clan are to be killed unless they surrender. Use great caution when accepting surrender from the male members, they are known to be compulsive liars and vile creatures and should not be spoiled. Should they try anything against you or their kunoichi counterparts take care of them immediately. Do I make myself clear?"
"Hai Hokage-sama," the mass replied.
"Tsunade-sama!"
The Hokage looked up and spied five people jumping from the nearby roof and onto the top of Hokage Tower. They stopped in front of the large mass of shinobi but didn't even glance in their direction, their eyes were focused on the Hokage before them.
Tsunade turned facing the three Chunin and two medics. She would be lying if she said she was surprised to see them here but she wasn't. Honestly she was expecting them earlier than the briefing.
"What are you five doing here?" she demanded folding her arms and glaring at the five small fries.
"We're here for the mission briefing Hokage-sama," Udon replied, "We're going."
"To be honest I'm a little irritated at my shishou that I wasn't invited to come in the first place," Konohamaru turned to glare at a smiling Naruto.
"Tsunade-sama," Moegi called the woman's attention to her, "I want to formally ask you that the Alpha Medic Team be assigned to this mission. Under the circumstances and by a quick glance around there aren't that many medics currently in these ranks. In order to uphold the ideals set forth by my shishou you need at least six medics to accompany a group as large as this. But we are also short in numbers so for this mission it is logical to substitute three highly skilled medics for the typical six average skilled medics for the rescue mission. And I volunteer Haruno Sakura's team, we were handpicked by her as the best and we have done nothing but perfect our skills under her tutelage."
Tsunade had to fight a wicked smirk at Moegi's speech, clearing her throat slightly and keeping her expression schooled she eyed the five shinobi before her, "Impressive speech Gurenkai Moegi. No doubt you've learned such political elegance from your master have you not."
"Hai Tsunade-sama, Sakura-shishou made sure each of us was well versed in many matters other than medical."
"Yes that silver tongue of Sakura's has transferred well. But I'm still not convinced that you are the best…"
"We are the best because Sakura-shishou made sure that the three of us together would be able to equal one of her. Sakura-shishou has drilled poison antidotes and different methods to defeating such circumstances so far into my brain I'm dreaming about them," Moegi stated with a large smile.
"There isn't a human organ in the body that I'm not completely well versed with to the point that I could find out if there is a genetic defect just by looking at a person coughing up blood on the battle field," Reiko added with her hands on her hips.
"There's not a surgery today that I haven't performed and that includes the new dialysis that we developed for in field practices," TingTing added fists clenched to her sides and eye bright with pride.
"We are the best because Sakura trained us to be the best," Reiko added after her teammate.
"And if you look close enough, we actually have no lives, just like her," Moegi said.
"And if that's the price we have to pay now in order to be the best in the future then I say bring it on!" TingTing's right fist hit the area right above her heart.
"Sakura-shishou," Reiko's tone changed to something more solemn, "She's probably going to be in bad shape when we find her. We've noticed how her team's dynamics has changed over the past month so whatever is happening…it's not good. We're her students, she is our master, and we will not fail someone who we hold dear to our hearts!"
Moegi and TingTing nodded backing up Reiko's statements.
"She will come back alive Tsunade-sama, I swear it. I won't let her die," Reiko added with tears threatening to spill over.
The amber eyed Hokage couldn't help but smile looking at these three girls. They really are the best, Sakura had picked well. She could easily see their determination and their faith in their own abilities. Sakura was smart in their specialties, Moegi was literally a miniature Sakura without the personality disorder, Reiko's sharingan was perfect for studying things that the typical human eye could not see, and TingTing's precision made her a prime candidate for surgical procedures especially when under duress on missions or war. They were the best of the best and together…
"Shizune!" Tsunade barked to her eldest apprentice who was standing near her, "This Alpha Medic Squad is in need a Jounin Medic to lead them. In order to preserve the ideal that their master has created for the new Medical Ninja Corps we do need more medics in this operation in order to bring more of our shinobi home. You up for taking on this responsibility?"
"Hai Tsunade-sama, it would be my honor," Shuzine replied smiling at the girl's.
"Hey, hey, hey," Konohamaru protested, "Don't forget about us."
Tsunade raised her eyebrow, "If my memory serves me correctly you two are not medics."
"No we're not, but Sakura-san means just as much to us as she does to them," Udon answered.
Tsunade snorted, "You two need to work on kissing political ass better. But figuring who your masters are, that's not likely to happen."
"Oi baa-chan, don't be so mean," Naruto whined folding his arms.
"You wish to prove me wrong?" she questioned him.
"Hai, I know how to kiss ass just as good as anyone else and I'll prove it to you," he strode forward and faced the two Chunin males, "You two, we didn't tell you for a reason. We knew you had been following me and teme around for days and honestly we wanted to see what you would do. And frankly I'm a little disappointed. You don't see me or Sasuke walking around subtly asking to join we demand it. Now I want to see you show me and everybody else here why you two should be allowed to join."
Naruto folded his arms and stared hard at the two boys.
"We're going and there's nothing you can do to stop us," Konohamaru glared at his mentor.
"We're going because we're a team," Udon added, "Me, Moegi, and Konohamaru are a team. And we aren't complete unless we have the other one with us. Shishou did not teach me any type of life lesson other than combat except one; and that is never to abandon those that you hold dear."
"Because those who abandon their friends and comrades are worse than scum," Konohamaru finished chin held high.
Naruto stared back at them a large smile creeping across his face. He knew they were ready if they saw fit to through their master's words back into their own faces.
"Alpha Medic Team," big blue eyes looked over at the girls, "Your main priority throughout the duration of this mission will be the medical care of Haruno Sakura our kidnapped kunoichi. I will not accept her death so I'm asking you to keep her alive. Her health has been steadily deteriorating each week. It's going to take a lot to keep her well."
"We won't fail your Naruto nii-chan," Moegi promised with Reiko and TingTing nodding with her.
"I bet you won't, as for you two," he pointed to the boys, "You mission during this operation is to make sure no harm befalls any of the medics on this team. If Sakura-chan's health is compromised because one of these women gets injured I'll make sure you are personally punished when we return home. Do you both understand that?"
"Hai Naruto nii-chan, you can count on us," Konohamaru placed a hand over his heart, "Not a single hair on Moegi's, Reiko's, TingTing's, or Shizune-san's head will be harmed."
"You have our word Naruto nii-chan," Udon followed his teammate's movement by placing his hand over his heart.
"Heh, that's good enough for me, what do you say eh baa-chan?" Naruto looked up at the current Hokage.
"They can kiss ass after all," she smirked at the two boys who had yet to take their eyes off Naruto, "Very well pack up boys you're going as well."
The five additional members took their places at the front of the group of shinobi. Udon felt Sasuke nudge him and he looked up to see his master's approving smirk. Udon felt a swell of pride knowing that he made his master proud, and he couldn't fail him now, not when he was going to need him the most on this mission.
"Getting back on track," Tsunade cleared her throat, "The rest of you will receive your own individual assignments in the field. Kill anyone who is trying to kill you. Protect those that surrender. And bring my apprentice back to me! And finally…come back alive…all of you. I don't want to lose another Konoha shinobi to another madman while I'm Hokage. Madara and Tobi were enough…fight smart and win. I will not accept failure on this mission! Prepare yourselves, you're going up against seal masters and shinobi with specialties in one area be it genjutsu or ninjutsu. Once you have determined the kind of specialty that the shinobi uses assume that they are masters in that one area. Taijutsu is a given and they will be skilled in that area although against an opponent like Maito Gai or Rock Lee they wouldn't stand a chance in that area alone. Is that understood?"
"Hai Hokage-sama!"
"Very well, each of you have one hour to prepare yourselves before meeting at the village gates for departure. Do not be late! Dismissed!"
Itachi stood off to the side of the village gates as their group of shinobi gathered. Today was the day and this was the hour…everything they had worked for was all for this moment. They knew Sakura's location and the rescue was going to commence. He studied the waiting shinobi taking in all of their names and faces. The Konoha 12 were there with their sensei's minus Team 8 the trackers of the group. Izumo and Kotetsu along with a couple of Chunin that Itachi didn't immediately recognize were there. Some of the Konoha 12 though seemed to be pretty chummy with a few of them…namely Ino and one tall brunette male with dual kodachi's strapped to his back. Kakashi stood in the midst of a group of high ranking Jounin including Gemna, Raido, Yuugao, and even Kurenai who left her young child with someone so she could back up her team since she couldn't accompany them on the extended tracking mission. Another twelve ANBU stood off to the side their masks concealing their identities but Itachi knew every single one of them…he had picked them after all. All of them were strong veterans who had survived the war and were adaptable under stressful circumstances. His red eyes then glanced over to the group of fifteen Uchiha's that he and Sasuke picked to accompany them. Each of them was loyal to him even during the drama with the elders. It was the reason they were picked, he knew he could trust them to do their upmost best to bring home his future bride. Red eyes flickered again as he watched Shizune brief her small group of five. Each of the girls including Shizune was dressed in their med-nin uniforms while the two males were dressed in typical Chunin garb.
Red eyes flickered to his right and he spied Shisui walking up beside him.
"You just going to hideout here in the corner?" his best friend asked standing in front of him.
Itachi didn't reply. He didn't really feel like talking at the moment. His body was tight with anticipation, he wanted to be out of this village and sprinting through the trees towards Whirlpool.
Shisui sighed, "You going to be alright?"
"I'm fine," Itachi replied quickly.
"Uh huh," Shisui shifted so he was now standing next to him, "We're finally getting her back. The nerves must be driving you crazy."
"Is there a reason that you came to disturb me?"
"Yes. I wanted to make sure your head is still in the game. I wanted to make sure you're not going to go off on your own once we set out without this team."
Itachi glanced over his shoulder at his best friend, "I would not do something so foolish."
"Just checking…you've been closed off from everybody recently. It's been hard, even for me, to guess what you're going to do," Shisui stared hard at him, "That's why I'm asking. If even I can't guess…"
"Duly noted," the heir replied.
Shisui sighed once more as he pushed off the wall and began to walk away.
"Shisui."
The Uchiha stopped and looked over his shoulder.
"Tell the others…when we find the kidnapper…to stay out of my way."
Shisui smiled finally seeing the hidden bloodlust and rage that his best friend had been suppressing. Perhaps this was why he did choose to close himself off…one snap in the wrong direction and someone would most likely end up dead.
"Don't worry about that Itachi," his friends smiled, "Nobody is that stupid."
"Oi Itachi!"
The Uchiha heir looked over at the voice. Naruto stopped dead eyes widening slightly at the sight. The last time he had seen crazy angry sharingan eyes was a long time ago at the Final Valley. Sasuke was defecting from the village and Naruto tried with all his might to beat him but failed. Needless to say Itachi's were no less scary but Naruto found himself strangely calm about it, mostly because he felt the same.
Naruto smiled while crossing his arms, "Heh, haven't seen eyes like those for a long time. You ready to kick some serious ass?"
Itachi pushed himself away from the wall and donned his ANBU mask. Checking over his armor and tightening the sword on his back he gave Naruto one nod.
"Good," the future Hokage smiled excitedly at him, "EVERYBODY! MOVE OUT!"
Not a second later the village gates were empty.
The rescue team was deployed.
Who's excited? Because i'm ridiculously excited! I can't sit still and i can't stop thinking about the rescue scene...OMG I hope everyone thinks it's as awesome as i'm imagining in my head. Stay tuned for more!
Oh and please review :)