Becoming One

by JasmineDragon22

After the war the bijuu are being sold after the Five Great Nations claim their own. Mercenaries are joining smaller villages in order to get their hands on a bijuu, one such clan wants Sakura as their jinchurikki. AU, Non-Mass Continuing soon.

19. Chapter 19

Sit down, get comfy and prepare for the wildest ride of your life! Enjoy!

---

Is this ever going to end? Sakura whimpered shaking her head from side to side.

I hope so…

My body aches…I've never, ever, been in this much pain…it just won't stop!

I know. But the next video was sent and they have enough clues. Itachi, Shikamaru, Sasuke, Neji…they will figure it out.

Distract me…tell me something.

Uhhh, well our contraceptive shot has officially run out…

Sakura growled at herself, Not something like that!

Well you weren't very specific!

Sighing once more she opened her green eyes to stare up at the same ugly brown ceiling. She officially decided that brown was the ugliest color on the planet and she never wanted to see it again.

Well now that just stupid. Wood is also brown. People have brown hair and brown eyes. Are you gonna hate everyone who wears that color too?

Will you please just let me be mad and petty just for a little bit?

No.

Jerk.

Brat.

Harpy.

Sissy.

Jerk-face!

Butt-face...

Ugh…I'm done…even calling you stupid names isn't making me feel better.

Shocker.

What. Is. That?

Sakura's inner musing stopped when she felt something move on her head. Holding completely still she waited to see if it was just her imagination or if something really did move.

Is…is that a bug?

Uhhhh…yeah.

Ewwww get it off of me!

Thrashing around on her bed Sakura tried to scare the nasty bug off of her body. She knew that her body was gross…heaven knows it had been forever since her last real shower and it'd been even longer since she received a sponge bath from Kaminari. Those had stopped the same day she moved on to stage two of conditioning. In fact the last time she saw Kaminari, before the whole beaten and having a blade stuck inside your stomach for three hours ordeal, was when the young woman snuck in after Sakura's virginity was taken. They filled out the entire scroll with information to be given to Konoha...then everything was blown to hell. Now here she was sitting in probably two week old blood, sweat, and other less seemly bodily fluids and she was attracting bugs! This was disgusting!

They're on my legs now!

Stop thrashing you'll just cut your scabs open and attract more of these nasty creatures!

If I don't get them off me they will wander places that I don't want bugs wandering!

Feeling small legs begin crawling over her forehead made Sakura shriek in mild fear. This was so gross and she honestly couldn't believe that this was happening. Wasn't it enough that she was being defiled, beaten and tortured but she had to have bugs now crawling over her body making her feel even worse about herself!

A small buzzing filled her ears as emerald eyes watched the small swarm of bugs take flight right above her, leaving her body. They were hovering a couple feet about her face when in perfect synchrony they formed a leaf sign.

Leaf…Konoha! SHINO!

THEY'RE HERE! KONOHA IS HERE!

SHINO!

She watched their small forms create a small message and read it aloud:

Sakura-san, Konoha's rescue team is on the way. ETA 24 hours. Is there a plan that you or the defecting kunoichi's have in mind that we need to take into account? Relay everything to my insects they will tell me and I will tell the rest of the team.

Tears of joy streamed down her face blurring the message that remained in place above her head hovering obediently. She couldn't believe it. They were here! Or well, the main unit was almost here but still…one more day. Just one more day of hell.

"Shino…" she choked through tears of joy, "Kami it's good to hear from you. Here's the plan…"

---

Mizuko sat on the couch rubbing her large belly. The child inside of her was antsy and wouldn't stop kicking. Usually the baby was very docile but Mizuko new that her own anxiety was causing the baby to stir more than was usual. The door to the common room opened and Mizuko watched as Kaze and Ryuu walked in, heading in her direction.

"What news?" Mizuko asked, "How is Kaminari?"

"Bad…but alive," Ryuu answered running an aggravated hand through her hair, "Tetsu's going to barely heal her for the sealing tomorrow."

Mizuko sighed and rubbed her belly again.

"You ok?" Ryuu asked.

Mizuko nodded, "She's anxious…as am I."

Kaze cocked her head, pointed to Mizuko's stomach, then back at her with a confused look on her face.

"How do I know she's a girl?" Mizuko asked to make sure she understood what Kaze was trying to ask.

Kaze nodded.

"Just a feeling I have," the mother smiled.

Kaze smiled watching the love radiate from the expectant mother. It was so beautiful seeing the love of a mother with child. It made her sad knowing that this love wasn't to last in their clan. This child would never know who her mother was or who her father was. She wouldn't know happiness or joy…only heart ache and pain. It was their lot in life.

Ryuu started swatting at something drawing Kaze's attention away from Mizuko's happiness.

"Ryuu, what are you doing?" Mizuko asked with an odd look on her face.

"There are…bugs down here," she complained swatting them away.

"Bugs…that's impos-" Mizuko's protest was cut short as she watched the bugs Ryuu was swatting at land on her stomach, then form a leaf sign.

"It's…a leaf?" Mizuko whispered.

"Wait," Ryuu knelt next to her sister, "Didn't Kaminari say that one of Sakura's friends controls bugs."

Kaze nodded rapidly remembering that conversation. She thought that special ability was particularly gross, which is why she remembered it. The three of them watched as the bugs formed a small message.

"Can you read that?" Ryuu asked her older sister.

"No, Kaze?"

The white haired girl shook her head.

"Quick grab some paper and ink. Copy down the message and I'll make a trip to see the mothers. I know they can read," Mizuko ordered and Ryuu jumped up to fulfill her command.

---

Mizuko took her steps slowly through the dimly lit hallways. One hand meagerly supported her back while the other rested on the side of her stomach. She wished the mother's living area wasn't so far away from them but she knew why Tetsu kept them separated. He believed that the mother's would try to corrupt the younger kunoichi's into fighting back, or teach them things that Tetsu didn't want them to know like reading. But what Tetsu didn't know and what Mizuko had kept secret from every one of her sister's…she knew how to read. During her many visits with the mothers, whose sole responsibility now was to provide minimal care for the younger pregnant women, they had been teaching Mizuko since she started seeing them during her first trimester. Mizuko knew what the message said when the bugs landed on her stomach but she couldn't let on to her sister's that she knew. If she let any of them know then they could be punished and if Tetsu found out then all of the mother's would be killed.

Mizuko halted her steps when the devil himself walked up to her.

"Mizuko, what are you doing out and about?" Tetsu asked eyeing her suspiciously.

She bowed her head, "Haruno-sama I'm feeling a little unwell. I'm going to speak with the mothers."

Tetsu studied her determining whether or not she was a part of Kaminari's ruined plan for escape or if she was being honest. Mizuko had always been meek and submissive ever since she was a child. She never did anything out of the ordinary and kept to a strict routine. Many of the younger generations looked up to her and followed her lead. That in and of itself was reason for suspicion but then again her face did look strained and she didn't stop rubbing her stomach. Her body was stressing which was typical for her late stage of pregnancy. Tetsu knew she had miscarried two children prior to this so her worry was very well founded.

"Don't stay too long," he turned to continue walking, "Someone might get suspicious."

"Hai, Haruno-sama," she replied and continued her way down the corridor.

She dodged a bullet easily because of her status. And if his last statement meant what she thought it did…then their cover was really blown. Tetsu knew Kaminari wanted to escape and he definitely suspected more wanted to as well. They had to be very careful with these next few steps. The water user stopped in front of a metal door and knocked three times waiting for someone to open.

"Who is it?" a voice called from the other side of the closed door.

"It's Mizuko, I'm alone."

Locks were undone and soon the large door opened letting her in. She was surrounded by a hoard of women all asking her how she was feeling, if the baby was bothering her, etc. She was promptly led to the nearest couch and told to sit.

"It truly is not very good for you to be moving around so much Mizuko," an elderly woman with long silver hair chided, "You need to conserve as much energy as you can. You're eight months along after all."

"I know Leah," Mizuko smiled at the older woman, "But I had to come. We've received word from Konoha. They are here!"

The women gasped as Mizuko pulled out a piece of parchment that she had cleverly hidden in between her growing breasts. She held it out and Leah, the eldest woman of the group, read it.

"My name is Shino from the Leaf. I have made contact with Sakura and she has relayed your plan to me. The rest of the group should be here by nightfall. Be ready for our signal to begin the fight tomorrow. Sounds like we all have our work cut out for tomorrow," the elder woman sighed, "How did you receive this message?"

"Bugs, a swarm of bugs landed on my stomach and gave us the message," she replied rubbing her belly.

"An Aburame then," Leah nodded, "Clever. They definitely are a superior bloodline and are capable of many things because of their control over their insects. They are also known to be the strongest out of all the bug users in the world."

"Hai," another elderly lady nodded, "I remember their clan going up against another from Iwa. The Aburame's were the last clan standing after their skirmish. Konoha is truly fortunate."

"Mother's I beg of you all to reconsider your stance," Mizuko spoke earnestly. This was her last chance to try and convince them to change their minds, "Please, leave with us. Your wisdom, you strength, we your daughters need it!"

"Haruno Mizuko," Leah's dark maroon eyes pierced into Mizuko's dark royal blue, "You were chosen by us mothers to carry on our secrets. You do not need us anymore. Most of us are past the time that we are even of use to this sad excuse of a clan. Tetsu will soon murder us so that we elders will not prove a threat anymore. I have personally taught you everything I learned as a Chunin seal master. You now carry that knowledge and it will be of great benefit to you and our young children. You're duty now is to protect your sisters, do not lose another one to Tetsu. We are finished, let us, as mothers protect our daughter's futures."

Mizuko quickly looked around the room to see every woman nodding their head in agreement. Most of these women were fifty plus years of age. And many of them remember the time before Tetsu's father took over. Some of these women were seal masters and as was tradition, that Mizuko was told about when she became pregnant, the mother's choose one kunoichi to impart all of their knowledge into, and they chose her. Her regular visits to them because of her pregnancy made it easy for them to spend time with her out of Tetsu's direct gaze. Since many of these women could match him in a one on one seal spar he mostly chose to leave them alone. He wouldn't bother them if they did nothing to warrant his attention. For him it wasn't worth the risk to mess with women, who could potentially challenge him, but time goes on…and the challengers grow old. They were not as sharp or a trained as they used to be. They were always denied the opportunity to keep their bodies and minds conditioned and were used as punching bags and toys in their younger years. Just like the kunoichi's were used now.

Mizuko bowed her head, "I understand and I accept this responsibility."

Leah nodded with a smile on her face, "I would expect nothing less from my granddaughter."

Mizuko's eyes widen at her statement.

"You think I wouldn't know my own flesh and blood," Leah chuckled, "I may be old but I remember every face, every baby I gave birth to, I remember all of them. I remember my daughter when she gave birth to you. I remember her misery when you were taken from her after being weaned. I remember her public execution as Tetsu tortured her in front of the clan and there was nothing I could do to stop him. I remember hearing about your growth and what Tetsu had made of you. I remember feeling pride that you were going to be powerful…powerful enough to escape wretched existence. I remember my disappointment in your inaction but also hope when your other cycle sisters were created. When Tetsu began breeding you I felt ill, knowing that if you were ever with child you would never be able to leave. So we filled you with knowledge, knowing that our time was fast approaching that Tetsu would deem it feasible to finally rid himself of us. Loni and I needed our children to know our history, our story, and most importantly we needed our children to know our power. It's why we taught you like we taught your mother before you. We figured if we gave you enough power you would be able to escape and be free. Then you came to us a few weeks ago and Kaminari told you that you had a means to escape. I was filled with such joy that you and your sisters would finally be free. And I am honored to defend you my child. We all are honored."

Mizuko's tears slipped out of her eyes. She was so overwhelmed with emotion she couldn't put a name on everything she was feeling.

"My dear child," Leah grasped her hand, "We love you. Do not forget that. Once you are free and are safe in Konoha teach our daughters. Teach them everything we've taught you and be a great asset to the village. They will protect you like they did to that poor Sakura girl and her family."

"I will," the new mother promised, "I swear to you all that I will fulfill your last wishes."

"Do that and your mother's sacrifice will not be in vain," Leah nodded her head then escorted Mizuko to the door.

---

Shino stood deathly still on his perch. He was so completely focused on his task that he didn't noticed when their small group of suddenly jumped to roughly ninety shinobi. His chakra was extended outward keeping track of his insects as they flew around the underground base. He had to be careful that he only exposed himself to allies since it was rare to have a flying insect this deep underground. If any enemies found out about his presence then it would blow their cover. He had located Sakura's prison cell a few minutes ago and when his insects came back with her message he smiled. He could feel her happiness that they were here and that she would going to be rescued soon. A small sense of pride filled him at being able to make his comrade feel a small amount of happiness. But along with his happy feelings was also a sense of dread. It took his insects longer than necessary to find her and that was because her chakra levels were dangerously low. It made him angry knowing that her kidnappers were keeping her in this vegetative state. It was inhumane.

"Hey Shino," the Aburame looked down to see Kiba on a branch below him, "Naruto wants to talk to you, he's apparently the CO for this rescue mission can you believe that?"

He nodded hiding his insects in his body before jumping to the ground. He walked up to a small group consisting of Naruto, Sasuke, Sai, Shikamaru, Kakashi, and Itachi. His tracker group was also present except for Hinata who was using her bloodline to create a better layout of the island across the mile wide expanse of whirpools.

"Yamato-taichou said that you had contacted Sakura," Naruto said.

Shino nodded, "Aa. She was…very happy to see me."

Naruto smiled widely, "I bet. Was she ok?"

Shino paused and narrowed his eyes, not that anyone could notice since his high collar, hood and glasses covered up the majority of his reactions, "She is…in dire need of medical attention."

The group around him stiffened at his declaration.

"Did it take you long to find her?" Itachi asked his ANBU mask tied to his belt.

"Aa. The tunnels inside the base are the biggest obstacle especially since I didn't want to be found out by the shinobi. And without a proper chakra signature…needless to say after the first attempt I had to send in a new batch of insects to track a new scent."

"Her blood," Kakashi clarified.

"Aa. That's when I found her," Shino replied, "I just made contact with the kunoichi Mizuko. The report should be here soon."

"Good," Naruto replied, "Where's Hinata-chan?"

"Hiding near the brush over there," Kiba pointed, "She's creating a map for the easiest routes to take for tomorrow."

He nodded, "I'll send other Hyuuga's over to help her. Neji, Io!" Both men jogged up, "Hinata is over there creating an above group map of the area for tomorrow, go help her."

They nodded and disappeared into the thick brush.

"How are you guys doing?" Naruto asked the tracker team.

"Tired, but good," Kiba smiled while Akamaru woofed softly in agreement. Naruto smiled at the large dog wagging his tail excitedly.

"We will be fine and rested for tomorrow," Yamato answered.

"Hai, me as well," Uchiha Aori replied nodding to Itachi.

A bug flitted up and Shino held out his finger for it to land on.

"New information, Mizuko has been contacted, her and the other kunoichi's will be ready for our attack tomorrow. Shall I brief you on their plan?" Shino asked.

"Let's get comfortable first," Sasuke turned and sat leaning up against a large trunk of a tree.

"Ahhh," Naruto sat next to him, "Good idea teme."

"Shut up and listen dobe," Sasuke smirked turning his attention to Shino.

Shino cleared his throat then began, "Sakura confirmed this plan was created a couple weeks ago when she was in contact with a kunoichi name Kaminari. But it seems that Tetsu is getting ready for a sealing."

"Sealing?" Naruto gasped sitting up straight, "A bijuu?"

"Aa. My insects overheard that Tetsu plans to seal Sakura in the morning."

"We need to attack tonight…before that happens," Sasuke attempted to stand but was held steadily against the tree by Naruto.

"We can't tonight," he teammate said in an even voice.

"Why the hell not?"

"Look around you," Sai told him, "We've been running for 48 hours straight only taking breaks periodically. Most of us, including the medics, are not in top form."

"Sit Sasuke, Aburame-san was not finished," Itachi intoned staring at the ground.

Sasuke relaxed and Naruto released his grip. "Continue Shino," Naruto said while nudging Sasuke in the arm silently telling him he also wished to free her tonight.

"Aa. Tetsu's plan for sealing is this. He will release the bijuu from the sealing jar and use four kunoichi's to subdue it. Once the bijuu is contained outside the jar Tetsu will perform the sealing making Sakura a jinchurikki."

"The four kunoichi's have to be Mizuko, Ryuu, Kaze, and Kaminari," Shikamaru leaned forward on his knees, hands clasped, "But that doesn't make sense. Why would he risk Mizuko's pregnancy?"

"He probably just doesn't care," Naruto answered.

"True…but it will be his son's baby, his grandson, I doubt he would risk it," the Nara said.

"I attached one of my bugs to the pregnant kunoichi, the elder women are still going to fight tomorrow now that they know we are coming. And Mizuko will not be a part of the sealing tomorrow."

"How do you know that?" Kakashi asked.

"One of the elder women convinced Tetsu the sealing would fail if she participated. Her strength is needed to carry the child. Apparently she has had two miscarriages in the past so Tetsu is abiding by their wishes."

"That will work in our favor," Itachi stated, "Will if effect their original plan?"

"Nei, it's exactly what they wanted," Shino answered, "Mizuko will be the leader of the kunoichi's who are going to defect. She will lead the children and their guardians to the outskirts of the base. Do we have an infiltration team?"

"Hai," Naruto nodded, "Team Gai and Ino-Shika-Cho. You need a map?"

"Aa."

Shikamaru pulled out the aerial view they received from Kaze. Shino studied the map looking for a location that Sakura described.

"Here," he pointed to the south eastern part of the ruins, "Sakura stated that there is a tunnel passageway here, that's their exit point and the infiltration team's entrance area. This tunnel goes directly passed the children's holding area to a main passageway."

Shikamaru pulled out another scroll that had Kaminari's detailed floor by floor map of the tunnels.

"Here is the entrance, looks like this is the top level of the underground fortress. We still have three more floors," he pondered.

"Kaminari stated that Tetsu's sealed areas are on the fourth sublevel," Kakashi said, "The other bijuu not being used in the sealing will be in there."

"Aa. The kunoichi's were originally going to just cause a raucous in the caves and try to drive the shinobi out into the open for us. But if we time it right, we can launch our attack right before the sealing takes place. It'll be in an open area."

"That'll be tough for timing," Yamato said.

"No…" Itachi cut him off, "This man loves dramatics. He will make sure Sakura knows what's about to happen to her. Our time to strike will be during his pomp and circumstance."

"Itachi's right," Sasuke nodded.

"Anything else Shino?" Naruto asked.

He shook his head, "Not that I was told. Sakura's last words before I left were, 'kick ass and don't leave anyone alive.'"

Naruto chuckled lightly, "She's still swearing…I love her."

"Hn…kick ass…I'm planning on it," Sasuke smirked looking up at the stars that were starting to come out.

"Hey it's Aori right?" Naruto looked over at the female Uchiha.

"Hai Naruto-san," she replied.

"Aori-san, can you go check on the Hyuugas and see if they are finished with that map yet?" he asked.

"Hai."

Crickets began to sing as everyone sat around and waited. All lost in their own thoughts.

Itachi assumed a meditative position as he waited for Aori to return. There was a sense of…peace and calmness that settled over him. He was close to Sakura…he could feel her. She was finally within his reach and he was going to take her home and protect her properly this time. She would be safe with him and he only hoped that she would still want him. Kami knows what goes on inside her head most of the time. This situation…what's been happening to her…she wouldn't be the same but he'll be damned if her let her slip through his fingers. She belonged to him. He remembered those words on the videos and at this moment, it made him smile. Sakura declared that she belonged to one man and right now, that man, was Uchiha Itachi. This man would show her how much he loved her and how important she was to him. Her life from this point forward would be filled with memories; happy memories that she could sit and recall and that would bring a smile to her face.

He would hold her when she asked. Kiss her when she wanted him to. Touch her when she pleased. And he would love every minute of it. He would love the feel of her velvet soft skin as he caressed her. He could drown in the feeling of her luscious lips against his. Her emerald eyes would shine brightly letting him get lost in her jeweled depths. He pictured her, with a slight blush on her cheeks, lips pleasantly swollen from his kisses…she was at peace and safe in his arms. And most of all, she was happy.

"Hinata-chan!"

Naruto stood up abruptly when he spotted Hinata, Neji, and Io walking back. Hinata was clinging to Neji's side, tears streaming down her face.

"Naruto-kun!" she launched herself directly at her boyfriend once she got close enough.

"What's wrong?" He asked holding her tight.

"I-it's…" she took a deep breath before letting out a shuttered sigh, "These people…they're horrible…"

"I know," Naruto rubbed her back trying to comfort her, "Give us a minute alright?"

"Take your time Naruto," Kakashi replied flipping a page in his book.

Naruto led her a small distance away and hid them behind a tree.

"Hinata," his hands wiped the tears away from her face, "Hinata…what happened?"

"I…I w-was creating that map," she started trying to control her breathing, "And we finished it a-and I wanted to check up on S-Sakura-chan. A-and…" she gasped more tears streaming down her face, "There are rooms…a lot of rooms that just…Naruto…these people…"

Naruto held her close letting her deal with what she had seen. He could imagine pretty well what was going on in those rooms. Sakura's torment wasn't just reserved for her; all women in this clan were subjected to it.

"It's going to be ok Hinata, this is why we're here," he whispered softly into her ear. He could feel her slowly coming down from her break down.

"N-Naruto-kun, y-you wouldn't…"

"Never Hinata-chan," he pulled her head up, away from his chest so she could look into his eyes, "I love you. Nobody will ever hurt you while I'm alive. Not me, not anybody."

Hinata's lavender eyes smiled through her tears, "I love you Naruto. With all my heart I love you."

With his hands already cupping her pale face Naruto brought his girl up into a fierce kiss. Hinata gripped the front of his shirt and brought him even closer to her. There was one thing about Naruto that she loved implicitly, he never lied. And through this kiss she could feel the truth just as well as she heard it a moment before. He loved her and he would never let anything as terrible as what she saw happening to others, happen to her. He would protect her because he loved her.

Naruto pulled back from the kiss to stare again into her pupil-less eyes, "Did I make myself clear?"

Hinata managed a small giggle, "Hai."

The large smile that the Hyuuga loved so much spread across his lips, "Come on we have to finish planning."

"May I sit in?"

Naruto looked shocked at her question, "What made you think you were leaving my side at all the rest of this night. I haven't seen you in a week and a half. I missed you."

Hinata giggled again, "I missed you too my Naruto-kun."

Pulling her close to him they walked back over to the meeting area and Naruto resumed his position against the tree this time pulling Hinata so she was sitting on his lap.

"Ok, let's do this," he said watching Kakashi flip another in his book.

"We're already done dobe," Sasuke looked over and smirked at Hinata's red face. Really when was that girl going to stop being so shy?

"You guys planned without me?"

"Hardly, we just figured it'd be easiest to just surround the sealing area and jump in," Kakashi explained not looking up.

"Here Naruto," Shikamaru turned the map the Hyuuga's drew towards him, "Their observations showed that there is one area that is obviously set up for the sealing ritual, complete with the altar."

"What about the other area, where the defectors are going to escape?"

"It's on the opposite side of the compound," Shikamaru answered.

"Sweet," Naruto ran a hand along Hinata's back, "Shall we brief the others?"

---

The creak of the metal door. The soft pounding of boots on hard clay. The jingling of metal as her shackles were unlocked from the wall. Sakura lay as still as possible as they hoisted her exhausted body onto a wooden stretcher. She immediately missed the mild comfort that the bed afforded to her but made no noise of protest. She was just too tired. The shackles were refastened to keep her on the platform and she was hoisted into air. Slowly her eyes took in the changing area around her. Lights above her face shined at regular intervals momentarily blinding her. The rhythmic beat the boots created as the men carrying her walked in time with one another. The uneasy stillness in the air around her. Nobody spoke, not to her and not to each other. The anticipation settled heavily on her nerves. Konoha was here, they were the ones that were going to rescue her. It was going to be soon. She just had to wait for them, just a little longer.

The creak of another metal door broke the eerie silence of the clay hallways. Sakura had to close her eyes as the bright early morning light pierced her emerald orbs. It's been a month since her skin had seen daylight, so it was no surprise that her eyes actually felt pain when the too bright sunshine touched her eyelids. Her carriers continued to march for what seemed like hours until they reached a large clearing. Sakura was lowered and the jingle returned indicating that she was being untied again. Her body was hoisted up and placed on another hard surface. Her arms and legs dangled over the edges and were re-secured to the new platform. Opening her eyes with purposeful slowness she focused on the blue sky above her. Kami it was beautiful, so much more pleasing than that ugly brown she'd been subjected to recently. She turned her head and saw a large group of shinobi standing a few feet back with some kunoichi's behind them. Turning to the other side the group continued indicating that she was obviously surrounded by Harunos…by her clan. At four different points were four torches that were lit. And if she was sitting here in the middle of her clan, on a hard platform, with lit torches, it could only mean she was now about to become the subject of a ceremony.

A dark shadow walked up to her and she looked up seeing the face of the man who she hated with every fiber of her being. He was even dressed for the occasion with a long flowing maroon robe, his hair was combed, and he wore a headband that hand one circle printed on the center, the symbol that Sakura had stitched onto the back of her clothing. One perfect circle.

"Brother's," he called with his arms spread wide the long sleeves draping on his arms, "Today is the day. We're taking the first step to the rest of our lives. With the sealing today the cycle will be complete! Just like the symbol of our clan, the perfect circle, so will our clan become perfect! And with our perfection we shall lead this world using our philosophy and do as others have tried and failed to accomplish before us, we will create the perfect world!"

A loud roar sounded shortly before they were cut off to listen to the rest of the speech.

"Bring forth the Gobi!" he shouted and waved with his hand.

Gobi…GOBI!

He's going to seal the Gobi into us!

Four men picked up the large sealing jar and set it near their master.

"Wind, Water, Fire, and Lightning; and now we have our Earth! We will be unstoppable! We will be all powerful! And we the Haruno's will no longer be second class, we will no longer be stuck in the shadows! We will be feared, we will be respected, and we will rule!"

The roaring continued drowning out the birds singing their early morning. Where was Konoha? Now was the perfect time to strike! They should be here! They should be storming the crowd and…

Maybe only Shino's team is here…

No! I refuse to believe that!

Four people can't take on one hundred Sakura! And he did say 24 hours!

I know they're here! I know it! I just…I just…

Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized what was happening. They weren't here…they were going to be a day late. And the Haruno's were going to disappear again. Konoha was late arriving at Uzushiogakure…again.

"Prepare the Gobi!" Tetsu shouted with malicious glee. He could see his future before him as the ultimate leader, the Emperor of the world.

Sakura turned to watch letting the tears fall from her eyes. Kaminari stood near the jar, so did Ryuu, and Kaze, as well as another male shinobi that she didn't recognize. Sakura noticed that Kaminari's face was swollen indicating that her jaw was broken. Bruises adorned her uncovered arms and from the way held herself, she was still in a lot of pain. Ryuu looked on edge, her eyes discretely scanning the surrounding area in anticipation for something while Kaze remained impassive…kinda reminding her of Sai.

Sai…Naruto…Sasuke…Kakashi…Itachi…where are you guys?

They will find us!

But they aren't here…I don't want to be a jinchurikki!

Be strong, just be strong!

Sakura couldn't take it. This shouldn't be happening! They were supposed to come, they were supposed to save her and save the kunoichi's. Why were they going to let this happen to her?! It's going to violate the treaty and then she'd have to banish herself from Konoha. She couldn't be the cause of more international turmoil. But where would she go? She would have no one, no village, no team…no Itachi.

No…I'm not going to do this!

We have to fight back! Her Inner changed her opinion with the previous thoughts.

Sakura started yanking against her chains trying to free herself. If she cut her wrists open again then she could slide them out of the manacles and free herself.

"Now, now little blossom," Tetsu loomed over her, "Be a good little girl and stay still."

"No! I won't let you do this!" she shouted still yanking on her chains.

"But I'm doing it already Sakura," he chuckled darkly.

"I'll leave! So help me I'll find a way to leave if do this to me!"

"No you won't."

"Just don't do this please!" her tears began clouding her vision, "Don't…don't do it!"

Tetsu rounded the altar and caressed her face his face showing nothing but sincerity and an awkward expression of concern, "Don't cry little blossom. I'll protect you, even from the beast sealed inside of you. Don't be afraid, you're safe as long as you're with me."

Sakura couldn't turn away from his caress. It was soft and tender against her cheek but it was full of false promises. His touch, his words were all lies. She had to leave, she had to get out of here, and she needed to save the mistreated girls since Konoha wasn't here to do it.

She couldn't leave her sisters.

"No! I will never be yours you sick bastard! NEVER!" she screamed loudly.

Her cries echoed around fallen buildings before it was abruptly cut off by a punch to the face.

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way blossom," Tetsu stood tall his anger returning, "You choose."

"I will never submit to you," she swore staring up at him with hard jade eyes, fighting off more tears.

"Doesn't change the fact that you are mine," he replied easily then turned back to the sealing jar.

The four shinobi were all concentrating as a light began to shine from inside the jar. A flicker of movement to her left and Sakura glanced over to see Shinta approaching her also dressed in a robe similar to his father's. He was obviously going to be helping with the sealing since he had ungodly chakra reserves. The light continued to glow brighter and the four shinobi began moving backward, away from jar in four different directions. Sakura's eyes spied a seal that was growing larger and larger with every step they took. It had to be some sort of containment seal that they were using before sealing the bijuu inside her body.

Oh Kami…this is really happening.

Where is Konoha!

A small crack to a sudden snap and the jar burst open. The bright light caused Sakura to shut her eyes. But when she opened them again they widened to new degrees taking in the sight of the beast before her. It was huge! Sakura had only read about them during her many areas of studies but it was nothing like seeing the real thing up close and personal.

"Magnificent!" Tetsu cheered from in front of her, "Keep him steady!"

Sakura continued to observe the large beast. His body was a beautiful white that glistened in the morning sun and waved easily in the breeze. He looked silky soft to the touch. His legs were long and lean, knobby like a horse's knees. The jaw was large and scooped and his aquamarine eyes had red half-moon circles under them. Crowning his head were five horns which matched the same number of tails. Despite the other worldly beauty that the creature was exuding, it was also clearly pissed off. The seal had become a series of chains holding it tightly in place. But this beast was putting up one hell of a fight to get free.

"Shinta let's begin now!" Tetsu called taking up his position near Sakura.

The eldest son walked up towards the large bijuu and performed a series of hand signs then placed one hand on the leg of the bijuu while the other one touched her naked stomach. Sakura tried to jerk away but it was useless, red chakra began to leak into her body and bind with her cells. It was harsh…invasive…and just as painful as the torture sessions had been. She screamed again as her body began to react to the demonic chakra.

The Gobi's head turned to the three of them and he let out a loud groaning roar. It was deep and it shook the earth to the core causing a large tremor to shake the entire island of Uzushiogakure. The sound was inherently beautiful, the low tones vibrated her body completely relaxing her or maybe that was just the chakra's reaction to its master's call. She would have loved to just sit near this creature and listen to it sing while it communicated with the earth. But circumstances did not allow for that. And before she knew it Tetsu had finished his own seals and the bijuu disappeared and her cries had stopped.

The Haruno's watched as their newest sister's body glowed in red chakra. She was so still, they couldn't even see her breathing.

"It is done," Tetsu intoned softly while smiling brilliantly at Sakura's glowing form, "Our first Haruno jinchurikki."

"Finish the seal so we can leave before Konoha arrives," Shinta told him. He was eyeing the red chakra watching as it mixed with Sakura's…something was off. But he reasoned it was probably because the seal wasn't quite complete. They needed the chakra to bind with her body thereby transferring the demon's natural connection with the earth to her body, creating their last and fifth element.

"Hai, I think this call's for celebration! Brother's pick your whore's we are celebrating in style on the mainland tonight!"

A new wave and cheers erupted as all the Haruno men shouted. The kunoichi's on the other hand remained impassive, resigned, and depressed…their rescue wasn't here…they were once again alone.

Red.

Chakra.

Demon.

Sakura's body began to spasm when in the blink of an eye a large red and black stream of chakra shot into the sky as if the blue expanse was bleeding. Everyone in the surrounding area was blown to the ground under the large wave of suppressive chakra. All eyes were trained to the altar…or to where the altar was. There was now a large hole where the giant chakra pillar was originating from. Red storm clouds appeared above their heads as the pillar began pulsing. The ground began to shake again and large cracks formed around the hole, spreading out towards the surrounding clan. People moved out of the way just in time for a giant explosion hurling large chunks of rocks in every direction. Screams and shouts for cover followed as everyone found a defensible position.

That was when they saw it.

The glowing form of a jinchurikki.

Bathed in dark red demonic chakra.

Two tails waving behind its crouched form.

White menacing eyes stared at their leader before roaring its challenge.

---

A low earth rumbling roar shook the camp on the other side of the whirlpools. Naruto sprang from his lazy position and ran to the border where the lookouts were.

"What was that?" he demanded walking up to a Hyuuga.

"Not sure Uzumaki-san," he replied, "I can't see anything."

"What the hell does that mean? There is obviously something happening over there and you can't see anything?" he asked in disbelief.

"It's true," Neji walked up with his doujutsu activated, "We can't see anything. Something is blocking our vision."

"Seals…" Naruto mumbled, "Shit…why didn't we think of that. Sakura-chan did the same thing at the hospital after her mother died. She blocked Hinata-chan's sight with a seal. Gather everyone we're already late!"

The call was sounded and in five minutes Naruto's ninety shinobi stood ready.

"Yamato-taichou, Himura-san, Kamiya-san, make a path!" he ordered watching the three shinobi weave similar hand signs.

"Donton: Earthen Wall!" They shouted slamming their hands into the ground.

The earth rumbled and three identical walls sprouted up from beneath the ocean creating a large walkway. The earth rumbled again only this time it wasn't caused by the Konoha shinobi.

"No…NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Naruto shouted seeing the dark red pillar of bijuu chakra pierce the sky, "SAKURA-CHAN!"

He sprang forward with the rest of the company hot on his heels. The swirling water from the conflicting whirlpool currents beat heavily against the raised platform but the shinobi didn't pay attention. Their one focus was crossing the large expanse of water before the tides destroyed their path.

"REMEMBER," Naruto shouted into his radio transmitter, "NOBODY APPROACHES THE JINCHURIKKI UNTIL I GIVE THE SIGNAL, IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!"

"HAI!" was the collective response.

Naruto kept running, he knew the moment that red pillar disappeared Sakura would begin attacking. Kami why were they so stupid? He should have known that those bastards would use seals to cover their movements. They knew an Uchiha would be able to see through a genjutsu so instead of casting them they conserved chakra and used seals. Stupid, stupid, stupid! And now Sakura was paying the price…she was now a jinchurikki.

He remembered the briefing from yesterday when they talked about possible scenarios. Their worst case scenario was actually happening. Sakura was sealed. Naruto gave every shinobi specific instructions in case this happened. He told them not to approach the jinchurikki and to wait for him to give the all clear. Since the war ended the bijuu were distrustful of anyone with a sharingan. Therefore it was crucial for anyone who was an Uchiha or Kakashi to stay specifically out of sight in order to not become a target. Sasuke immediately protested but Naruto held his ground. He explained that Sakura could do more harm to herself if they tried controlling her with their bloodline than she would otherwise. This would be because the bijuu itself, whichever one they sealed into her, would be trying to break free from their new cage to exact vengeance against the Uchiha; and if it broke free that meant Sakura's death. So instead of just forbidding the Uchiha's to stay away from her, the future Hokage gave the order to everyone in the company. The only person allowed near Sakura's jinchurikki form before the all clear was given, was Naruto. Everyone else was to abide by the plan and surround the sealing area to prepare for an attack. Yamato had approached him after his speech offering his assistance with the Elder Jutsu but Naruto shook his head and answered, "If I go down then you will step in and contain her. Otherwise stay out of the way. She doesn't have the necklace that helped you control me and your jutsu might not work on anything other than the Kyuubi. So just wait and see what happens."

Land. They had just finished crossing the mile long platform just as the torrential currents destroyed it. Nobody looked back as they all continued forward with single minded intensity.

"SCATTER!" Naruto ordered and the group split running in different directions to surround the sealing area.

The trees were beginning to lessen and Naruto spotted his target, his teammate bathed in red chakra sporting two tails and roaring at the top of her lungs. Instantly he activated his bijuu chakra becoming a golden beacon. He spared his teammates one last glance before flashing forward and landing directly in front of a pissed off jinchurikki. He watched her, studied her form, she looked just like he did when he was in his four and five tailed state and looking just as crazed. This jinchurikki was out for blood, but for now he would have to deny that to her.

"Sakura-chan," Naruto shouted over her persistent growling, "Enough!"

Sakura roared again launching two chakra tails at her teammate which Naruto caught with two golden chakra hands holding her still. Sakura pulled once lifting him off the ground and attempting to slam him into the ground. Naruto held fast extending his hands to soften the fall before pulling back at her. In her confused state Naruto knew she wouldn't be able to react to being slammed into a few trees. Her louds screams of protest echoed around the clearing as the Haruno's and the Konoha nin watched the battle between two of the most powerful beings on the earth. The red jinchurikki's chakra grew heavier when the golden man threw the two tailed body into the ground. The beast rolled for a hundred feet creating a large indentation that looked as if a meteor hit the earth.

"SAKURA-CHAN I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!" Naruto yelled.

He received an answering groan before the earth shook again. A crack sped rapidly towards Naruto and he jumped to avoid falling into the trap. When he landed he watched as Sakura's red body began to shake and a protective skeleton layer appeared along with a third tail. Horns made from red chakra took form as she tossed her head from side to side. Naruto also detected Kokuo's other ability as the chakra around his teammate's body began to steam creating a near impenetrable barrier.

"No…" Naruto groaned watching her take a new form, "Fight it Sakura-chan, come on fight it!"

Bracing her body, Sakura assumed a charging stance. She pawed her now hooved looking feet onto the ground then bolted forward. Naruto barely dodged her attack before she zipped past him and slammed into an old abandoned building. The ancient architecture started collapsing but the red jinchurikki burst out of the rubble and charged again Naruto dodged again but immediately regretted that decision. Screams erupted as Sakura's red form bowled into a mass of Haruno's. Naruto reacted instantly and grabbed her with two golden chakra hands, spun her around, then slammed her back into the earth.

"Sakura-chan!" he shouted getting her attention, "I'm over here! You're fight is with me!"

He had to change his strategy. He couldn't risk these people's lives even though he knew most of them would end up dead anyway. He needed to get more physical with her, preferably before she decided to use the tailed beast bomb. One shot of that and this entire island would be blown to bits with no survivors. He was going to have to overpower his teammate again…just like the night she stormed into the Uchiha Compound in defense of her mother. He would get injured but with Kurama on his side, he knew he would win.

Hold on tight…this is going to hurt, Kurama warned bracing himself internally for the onslaught while amping up the healing portion of his chakra.

Naruto readied himself as Sakura's red skeletal form charged once again; head down, horns aimed at his torso, and hooves kicking up basketball sized chucks in her wake. Golden chakra arms extended at the last minute but the force of the impact created another meteor sized crevice where the two jinchurikki struggled in each other's grips. Sakura kept banging on his body trying to shove him deeper and deeper into the earth roaring in defiance all the while. Naruto held on tight not letting her out of his death grip. The steam thickened around them both, seeping slightly through his golden protective shroud but still he refused to let go.

"S-Sakura-chan…" he panted trying to still get through to her, "Please…Sakura-chan snap out of it. It's me, Naruto! Sakura-chan we're here to save you. You don't have to do it by yourself! We're here. Me, Itachi, teme, that jerk Sai, and even Kakashi-sensei! We're here for you Sakura-chan! You didn't give up on us did you…you didn't give up on your boys? Kokuo…that is enough! Do you hear me, enough Kokuo! You quit your rampaging and get back inside!"

The beast stilled at his words but Naruto didn't release her. For his own safety he held on tight and waited to see what she would do. Would she stop her rampaging and come back to herself or would she progress to the next stage. Luckily for him the skeleton disintegrated into dust and her chakra began to fade away. The low purring coming from the beast's mouth turned into pained groans as Sakura began to appear. Her face was bright red as all of her epidermis was burned off because of the chakra. The bright red dermis beneath was slightly bloody, he guessed it was due to the steam armor that Kokuo was known for, but he was no medic he would wait and consult with her about it all later. Once all traces of demonic chakra were gone Naruto deactivated his Kyuubi chakra and held her close to his orange clad chest.

"It's ok Sakura-chan, you're safe. I'm here and you're safe," he chanted to her while she shook in his arms.

"Naruto…" she whispered against his chest, "Is that you?"

"Hai Sakura-chan," he smiled then kissed her slightly bloodied hair, "It's your baka."

Her breathy chuckle was the only indicator he got before she tried to sit up to look at him, "Is…is everyone else here?"

He nodded helping her stand, "Believe it, all your boys are here, plus friends and a few extras."

Sakura struggled to stand tripping over her own legs. Naruto held her tightly against his side to hold her steady as he helped her climb out of their giant hole. The progress was slow as Sakura couldn't balance herself, even with Naruto's help.

"I feel…" she took a deep breathe grimacing at her scratchy throat, "Really dehydrated."

Naruto perked up at that, "What else?"

"Tired…sore…and I have a splitting headache," she groaned leaning heavily against him.

"Yeah I know what you mean," he held her close, "You and me are gonna have to do some serious talking when we get home ok."

"Thank you Naruto," she gripped his shirt tightly some of her previous nerves giving way. Naruto would never abandon her even though she was a jinchurikki. She could count on him to stay by her side because he himself knew what life was like with a powerful demon inside his body.

Her happiness was short lived as she opened her eyes to see Tetsu jumping towards them his hand extended to strike at Naruto who currently in front of her. With the small amount of energy she had in her body Sakura threw Naruto over the side of the shallow part of their hole protecting him from the paralyzing effects that shot through her body. Tetsu's hands touched her, and the searing pain from his poison paralyzed her. This dose…this dose was larger than was typical for him. As if it was meant to control someone with huge chakra reserves, like a jinchurikki.

Tetsu wasn't expecting that kind of reaction from his blossom but at least she would now be down for the count.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto shouted as he looked back down to see Tetsu holding onto her body as she seized in his hold, "Konoha attack, attack, attack!" he shouted into his radio.

Tetsu gripped her body in his arms and jumped out of his lower vulnerable position. When he landed he noticed a hoard of Konoha shinobi infiltrating the area. Two quick dodges to the left then right Tetsu stood back up holding Sakura's limp and bloodied form has she coughed up blood and shook. Opposite him he was faced with Naruto, Sasuke, and his blossom's lover Itachi.

"Give her back!" Naruto shouted stomping his foot on the ground.

"She no longer belongs to you," Tetsu replied easily holding her body in front of his blocking his vitals from the men in front of him.

"She is mine," Itachi narrowed his blood red eyes at the man, "I'm taking her home with me."

"Is she now?" Tetsu slowly adjusted her pliant body making Sakura groan in pain at the change, "I seem to remember specifically making her my own."

Sasuke growled and launched a kunai in his anger. Tetsu defended himself by lifting up Sakura's hand to deflect except the kunai didn't pierce skin. A loud clang echoed and Tetsu briefly glanced down to see that while Sakura no longer had chains, the metallic shackles remained on her skin, melted to her wrists.

"Well, well," Tetsu tsked, "I'll have to remember to pull your arm out a little farther next time won't I?"

"There's not going to be a next time you rat bastard."

The four men froze at Sakura's gravelly voice. She yanked her hand out of Tetsu's grasp and with a pained moan performed her hand signs releasing her Inner personality and the chakra reserves that she had been storing.

"I've got four minutes until your body can access your poison again. And I've got two until my body no longer responds. Your ass is mine!" She shouted head butting his nose and breaking easily out of his grip. Tetsu was stunned silent for a moment to long and that allowed the medic nin to break his wrist then kick him into the chaos that had erupted between the shinobi.

With a feral snarl she leapt after him determined to give him a taste of his own medicine. Pain.

Tetsu easily dodged her chakra punch and countered with a kick that she blocked with her arm.

"How is that possible?" he asked her in a rage, "You should even be able to move!"

Sakura gave him a wicked bloodied smile, "I'm my father's daughter, witness my use of Mind Melding!" She yelled slamming her foot into the ground throwing the man off balance. She then picked up a couple of large rocks and hurled them straight at his head.

Tetsu's eyes widened a fraction as he took in her meaning. Lu Ten had left that jutsu for his daughter, that means he could've left another one…one more powerful and deadly than this to her as well.

Sasuke, Naruto, and Itachi instantly joined the fight protecting her while fighting beside her.

"Sakura fall back and go find Shizune!" Sasuke shouted at her.

"Hell no!" she shouted in return charging directly in her kidnapper. She jumped towards him again her chakra scalpel lit up on her hands. She just needed to get close, close enough that she could hit one vital point and send him to the ground. With increased focus she slid on the ground grimacing at the small rocks that dug into her exposed flesh and aimed for Tetsu's calves. She was ready…just a little more…

Her body gave out momentarily but that was all Tetsu needed to exploit her opening. Sakura coughed up a cup of blood as the poison continued to ravage her body. She barely noticed Itachi deflect the blow before she was whisked away from the immediate battle. Her body started seizing again and Itachi held her close pushing her pink hair away from her eyes.

"Sakura…Sakura look at me," he told her as she focused her silver eyes on him. She smiled slightly watching as he removed his Crow ANBU mask and she could see his happiness at finding her but also his worry for her current state, "Please go get healed. I will handle Tetsu."

Sakura managed a small smile before coughing again spitting blood all over his ANBU vest and armor. Itachi searched instantly and saw Shizune waving at him one hundred yards away.

"I-Itachi," he turned his attention back to her, "You came…I knew you would."

His heart melted hearing those words from her lips, "I love you, and I was not going to abandon you." He picked her up running quickly to Shizune's location.

"K-keep him alive. I'm not d-done with him yet," she told him as he handed her off to Shizune and her medics.

He narrowed his eyes and Sakura explained a little more, "Remember that scroll? The one I buried with my parents?"

He nodded.

"I'm not done with him yet," she restated with a small smile, "I love you."

His eyes sparkled with amusement, then he nodded once and jumped back to resume his fight leaving his woman in the hands of the medics and their guards.

---

Itachi watched as Sasuke and Naruto continued to dance around Tetsu. The Uchiha heir was pleasantly surprised that Tetsu was a good shinobi…it would make beating him all the more pleasurable. But he was done watching Naruto and Sasuke have all the fun of making that man bleed, it was his turn. He would abide by Sakura's request to not kill him but he definitely was going to return the favor. What this monster did to Sakura, Itachi would give it right back. His vengeance, on her behalf, would be complete.

A wailing roar interrupted his observance and he looked over to see a large…golden form writhing on the ground. A group of six enemy shinobi was circling it, waiting for another chance to strike. Itachi was about to assist when Shisui flickered into their midst and disposed of them easily. The golden form continued to writhe as he watched his friend bend down to help it. Those six men must have used a type of seal on the being that was the only explanation Itachi could think of that would cause a large chakra source, like the golden figure had, to be at their mercy.

But it was time to refocus on his target.

He was just in time to. He watched as Naruto was left with his back exposed and Tetsu was going in for the kill, hand extended. In the blink of an eye Itachi appeared next to his target, katana drawn, and sliced off Tetsu's right hand. The man yelled immediately pulling his arm into his chest to help ward off the pain. Itachi used his distraction and kicked him square on his hip sending him flying twenty feet.

"Sasuke, Naruto, are either of you poisoned?" Itachi asked through his ANBU mask.

"No," Naruto replied panting heavily.

"No but I landed on a seal mine," Sasuke was favoring his right leg.

"Undo the jutsu and assist the others," he ordered, "I will take it from here."

"You sure?" Naruto asked.

Itachi nodded staring at his target through the small slits in his mask. He was more than ready for this fight.

"Have at him," Naruto nodded and helped Sasuke limp over to the sidelines where they could undo the seal that affected his leg.

Tetsu regained his composure after he tied his severed limb to his shirt with his one good hand.

"Don't think this changes the situation Itachi," he ground out at the tall ANBU.

"I think it does," the Uchiha replied stoically, "No shinobi is as powerful with one has as he is with two. And you are also down one weapon in your arsenal. Without your hands you cannot use your poison. And without your poison you don't stand a chance against me."

"What makes you think that my hands are the only way for me to release me poison?" he growled starting to circle for the fight.

"Because it is who you are," Itachi replied his sword at the ready, mimicking Tetu's movement, "You like to be up close and personal with your victims. You like watching the light fade from their eyes. Your hands allow you to be close. They allow you to have the sadistic pleasure of domination of a weaker opponent. And every time you poisoned Sakura it was through your hands, and Kaminari had informed us that your poison is no Kekkei Genkai that we first believed it was. You had seal poison into your body and now you only have one way of releasing it which is through your hands. But I can assure you that after this fight, you will never lay another hand on a kunoichi, or my Sakura, for the rest of your life."

A high pitched horn sound echoed through the valley. It rang three times and Itachi sensed many of the enemy shinobi had begun a form of retreat.

"Huh Shinta sounded the retreat," Tetsu mused not taking his eyes off Itachi.

"A pity then you won't be joining it."

"Awfully confident aren't you, Uchiha Itachi," Tetsu sneered pulling a kunai out to defend himself from the coming fight.

"This is because I know I will win," Itachi replied before disappearing in a flock of crows.

Tetsu stood stunned for a second before dispelling the genjutsu. The timing was perfect as the one armed man parried a blow with his kunai. Itachi though, was relentless in his attack as he continued to pound his opponent. Tetsu concentrated hard trying to keep up with the Uchiha's speed but to no avail. Every instant that Tetsu left an opening Itachi never failed to cut him, bruise him, stab him. But he never went for the killing blow…no…Itachi was making him fight for whatever he had left of his miserable life. He wanted to wear the bastard down until he was left with nothing, no energy, or will to survive, he wanted this man to know that he is not as all powerful as he cracked himself up to be.

Parry, lunge, thrust, dodge, slice, parry, spin, slice. Light on his feet Itachi spun, dodging the kunai Tetsu had been defending himself with. Another second later his sword was raised to defend himself from a volley of shruiken. Itachi charged then jumped at the last second spying a similar seal mine that Sasuke had tripped on earlier. Tetsu was clever, Itachi could concede that, if Sasuke hadn't already tripped on a mine then Itachi might have stumbled on it. But then again his highly trained sharingan would not let allow him to make such a juvenile mistake. No…Tetsu was better at being a ghost than he was as a shinobi. So if Itachi removed both of his hands…

He was focused, he was determined and if his sharginan was as good as he knew it was then in the next three seconds Tetsu was going to lose another hand. Itachi stared impassively into Tetsu's angry silver eyes and couldn't suppress the savage glee he got seeing this bastard fall under his sword. His only regret was he wouldn't get to take the man's life. A kick to the knee quickly followed by the downward slice of his katana and Tetsu's other hand was removed from his body. The silver eyed man yelled in pain landing on both knees in front of the victorious Uchiha, clutching his other arm to his chest as best as he could.

"You going to kill me now?" Tetsu spat at his feet.

"Nei, Sakura asked me not to," Itachi replied placing the tip of his blade on the man's shoulder.

"Heh, she can't get enough of me."

Without warning Itachi shoved the blade into his shoulder making him groan.

"I'm afraid you assume wrongly," Itachi eyed him impassively, "Sakura asked me not to take your life because she simply wishes to end you herself."

"Weak bitch…"

The blade was pulled roughly out of his shoulder and planted into thigh as Itachi kicked him onto his back. Blood soaked into Tetsu's beige tunic as Itachi casually strode towards the man.

"When did you cast the genjutsu?" Tetsu asked trying to keep the pain out of his voice.

"When I started moving," Itachi replied bending down near him, "It wasn't powerful. I wanted you to break it."

"Heh and you call me sadistic."

"Because you are. You do the things you do for your own pleasure. You are a narcissistic sadist that can only find joy in the pain of others. You're a sorry excuse for a shinobi. You control your people through fear shinobi and kunoichi alike. Your lack of real skill in our small skirmish was nothing more than a warm up exercise for me. You and people like you will always be the lesser person, you will always be second class. You should have stayed in the shadows where nobody could be bothered by your would be delusions. But then again…such inequality that you preach of being rid of, you obviously cannot live without. Your entire idea of an Empire is twisted and illogical. Did you expect that the shinobi of the Five Great Nations, and even the lesser nations would bow to someone like you? Someone who only had one type of jutsu…and one that I have proved can be easily neutralized. Now that I have taken your hands, you are nothing more than sliver of what you used to be. And even then…you were nothing more than an over grown child hell bent on making something out of nothing. Pathetic."

Tetsu said nothing letting Itachi continue with his monologue.

"Let me first cauterize your wounds," he said dryly, "Infection would be counterproductive for Sakura's plans for you."

Applying pressure to his katana embedded in Tetsu's thigh Itachi seized both of man' stubbed arms then whipped through the hands signs.

"Katon: Dragon Flame."

Itachi blew his burning fire directly onto Tetsu's flesh. He could hear it sizzling under the intense heat until it was overpowered by the man's pained cries. Itachi must have fried his nerve endings. Sakura once told him that once the nerve endings were damaged it's difficult for feeling to return in that limb. Itachi shrugged, he wasn't going to need or use his hands anytime in the near future. Running out of breath Itachi ceased the flame and stared at the blackened flesh trying not to wince at the wretched smell. Dropping the damaged arms back down to their owner Itachi turned Tetsu's face towards his own, meeting his eyes.

"Now, to take your peace of mind; just as you have done to countless others."

"I will throw you out of my head if you attempt to enter it," Tetsu warned.

Itachi smirked wickedly, "I won't be entering your mind. I will be controlling it."

Silver eyes narrowed as he watched the black tomoes spin until they formed a pinwheel.

"Tsukuyomi."

The light turned dark, the sky became red, everything was opposite of what it should be. When did he end up on a cross? Wasn't he lying on the ground? Tetsu looked up quickly to see Itachi standing near him while he was tied to a cross, and surrounding the two of them were numerous replicas of the same situation.

"Welcome Haruno Tetsu…to hell."

Tetsu ground his teeth feeling the cool metal of a sword pierce the skin in his stomach one thousand times. On the outside Itachi knelt easily next to man and he took great pleasure in seeing him shake in pain as the psychological torture continued one thousand times for his captive.

---

"Mizuko nee-chan," a young vibrant red head walked up to her oldest sister, "Is this…is this really going to work?"

"Yes Akahana it will work," Mizuko smiled at the twelve year old.

Rosy lips smiled, "Then after today is over…"

"Tetsu will not hurt us anymore."

Mizuko watched as Akahana's pale yellow eyes began to tear in happiness. She had just turned twelve a couple weeks ago and had been initiated into the second stage of conditioning.

"Help with the children Akahana. I can't do this by myself," Mizuko placed a steady hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Hai, nee-chan, I'm here for you and for the others," the girl replied wiping her tears away.

"Good gather the others that are still down here and follow me to the children's rooms ok."

"Hai!"

Walking out of Mizuko's private room Akahana left her oldest sister in peace. Mizuko stood up from her bed and walked over to the dresser where two packs were kept. One belonged to her and one belonged to Ryuu. They both were light considering the only thing contained in both was a change of clothing and some hygiene products namely toothbrush, hair brush, and soap. Once this day was over they had a long day of traveling ahead of them. Mizuko wasn't sure how long it would take to reach Konoha but in order to make the traveling less strenuous on the girls that will be traveling everyone was instructed only to pack one change of clothing and basic needs.

Grabbing both of the packs Mizuko stood by her door and gave her room one last look. It was small with only the bare essentials of a bed, dresser, and nightstand...she wouldn't miss this place. She turned and left the room to see a group of twenty kunoichi's ages from 12 – 25 standing in a small group, packs slung over their shoulders.

"Sisters, you all know what to do. Are you ready?" Mizuko asked.

"Hai Mizuko nee-chan," they replied.

"Akahana, Kinu, I need you two to carry Kaminari's and Kaze's packs until the battle is over."

"Hai," the girl's replied grabbing two packs on the nearby couch.

"Now all of you understand what is happening and what your roles are?" Mizuko asked the group.

"Hai."

"Protect the children and protect yourselves. Don't be afraid, Konoha is here to help so be brave."

"Hai."

She nodded, "Let's go get the children."

Walking up to the outer door Mizuko slowly opened it and peered into the hallway. Earlier in the morning some of the men came by and said the sealing would start soon for whoever wanted to come. Those who either didn't care about escaping or turned it down went with them, while the rest who wanted to escape stayed behind to get ready.

"Let's move," Mizuko whispered leading the girl's through the hall. They moved slowly due to Mizuko's eight month state to the main hallway. Glancing around quickly she waited to see if there was anyone lingering in the caverns that would catch them. Extending her senses she concluded that they were alone except for the twenty children she could sense nearby. A high pitched humming threaded through the caverns and Mizuko discerned the noise as cheering. Tetsu was no doubt making a speech about his new regime and pumping up the shinobi with more falsities. But that wasn't her mission, right now she had to get to the children. She needed to get them out and safe before she could relax. She needed all of her sister's safe.

Creeping down the corridor Mizuko stopped at the third door on the right and knocked. A couple seconds later it opened revealing a small girl no older than 8 with purple floor length hair and dark forest green eyes.

"Mizuko nee-chan, sisters come in," the small girl opened the door allowing the twenty girls to enter.

"Yukari is everyone ready?" Mizuko asked looking around the room. There were five small children playing together in the center of the room all two and three years old. The rest ranged from 5-11 years of age but five of the older children were missing.

"The others are packing supplies for the infants," Yukari indicated to the five playing on the ground, "We've consolidated our belongings together as partners while the other packs serve as storage for the diapers, snacks, and formulas for the little ones."

"Good girl," Mizuko praised when all of a sudden the room rumbled. Mizuko held tightly to the wall while the others braced themselves as best as they could. The smaller children began to cry and some of the older girls stumbled over to comfort them.

"Yukari!" Mizuko yelled at the girl near her, "I need you to tell what is happening outside!"

"B-but Mizuko nee-chan, Haruno-sama says I'm not allowed!" the frightened girl yelled back.

"I know but this is important," the room stopped shaking but there was definitely a…foreboding feeling permeating through the room, "Yukari darling unseal yourself. I need to know what's happening so I can figure out the best way to get us all out safely."

Yukari watched his eldest sister with frightened eyes. Haruno-sama always kept her sealed because she couldn't control her ability. He even told her that if she unsealed herself without his permission that she would dearly pay for that mistake. But Mizuko told all the children yesterday that they were planning an escape and to have their bags packed and ready tomorrow morning. Yukari was so happy that she wouldn't have to experience more pain from the hands of her clan mates. But still Tetsu's threat remained fixed in her mind.

"You're sure Haruno-sama won't find out?"

"I promise Yukari," Mizuko smiled gently at her.

"Ok."

The pregnant woman watched at the eight year old girl sat on the couch and lifted her shirt. On her stomach was a small X-like seal just above her belly button. Yukari placed her hand over the top and whispered, "Kai." The reaction was immediate, dark forest green eyes instantly turned silver and rolled back into the girl's head. She started moaning and closed her lids but her eyes kept roaming as if the girl was in REM sleep.

"Tell me what you see?" Mizuko asked.

"I…I see Haruno-sama, he's on the ground," she began to speak, "There's a big monster, it has two tails on it! Mizuko! It's scary!"

"Shhhh," the expectant mother cooed, "I'm right here."

"It's…it's…"

A loud piercing roar rumbled through their bodies as the earth began to shake again. Mizuko looked up to see all the children congregated around them.

"Keep going…what else is happening."

"There's another person…he's got a lot of chakra like that monster," Yukari continued, "They are fighting now."

"Yukari listen to me very carefully," Mizuko held her hand, "Look away from the monster and look around you. Do you see other people out there; maybe they are hiding or running in our direction? They will be people you won't recognize."

The girl moaned again, "Mizuko…it hurts! The chakra hurts Mizuko!"

"I know darling just tell me that last thing then you can stop."

"Ok…" the girl concentrated trying to find the people, "I see a large group of people running. They are making a big circle around Haruno-sama and the others. Some are coming our way."

"Perfect you can stop now," Mizuko told her as she replaced the girl's hand on her stomach.

"Fuin!" Yukari moaned and the suppression seal was replaced. A few seconds went by before she reopened her big green eyes. The base continued to rumble making many of the girl's look around in fear.

"Ok, it's time to go now I need five of you older girls to carry the little ones. Where are the girl's with the baby's belongings?"

Five older girls about 10-11 raised their hands.

"Ok you are going to be the partners to the ones who are carrying the babies. It's more important that the babies have their supplied than you. But don't worry, we won't get separated once we're off the island. Now everyone gather your things. We have to go meet the rescue team. You younger ones who aren't done with all of your shinobi training yet stick close to the older girls they will help you."

Five of the older kunoichi's each picked up a small toddler and the others carrying the supplies immediately glued to their side. The elders secured their packs to keep their arms free for the children and followed Mizuko out into the corridor. They walked quickly keeping alert to their surroundings making sure that one of their clansmen wouldn't catch them in the act. They reached the end and two women that weren't carrying a child walked up and opened the heavy door. The hinges creaked as the two girls pushed the heavy door open. Sounds of a large battle instantly filled their ears as the two glanced out and saw seven people jumping through the trees.

"Mizuko! Company!" One of the kunoichi's called out.

The eldest sister stepped out of the dark hallway and watched as the group of people landed in front of her. Her heart leapt seeing the Leaf symbol shining brightly on their hitai-ate.

"Are you Haruno Mizuko?" a tall, lean man asked. He had spiky brown hair pulled into a high ponytail that resembled a pineapple.

"Hai, you are from Konoha are you not?" she asked.

"Hai, my name is Nara Shikamaru, we're here to escort you and the defecting kunoichi's safely to Konohagkure where you will be taken care of and instated as citizens of our Hidden Village."

Behind her Mizuko heard some of the older women laughed with joy at his statement and it made her smile.

"We would be honored to accompany you," she replied smiling brightly.

"I believe you have some information for us?" Shikamaru asked with a small smile of his own.

"Hai, go straight through this hallway and you will hit a main area that has five different hallways. Take an immediate right and you will see a large spiral staircase. Go down to the fourth level and enter through the central hallway. The door should be unsealed because of the recent sealing. It'll be the second one on the right."

Shikamaru nodded to Team Gai and they sped off through the open door.

"Alright come with us, we're to escort you all safely from the battle," Shikamaru instructed.

"All of you stay together these three are here to help us," Mizuko turned around and issued the orders.

Kunoichi's began filing out of the door as they followed a beautiful blonde into the forest. Mizuko walked with some of the younger children who were frightened from all the yelling and the explosions that echoed through the trees. The other two men stayed to the groups left making a small barrier between the kunoichi's and fighting.

"Where the fuck do you all think you're going?!"

Ino stopped dead in her tracks as she narrowed her eyes at four men blocking their path. Her teammates instantly flanked her blocking their view of the women behind them.

"You fucking Konoha nin stealing our bitches!" another man shouted, "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"We are leaving of our own accord Mofu," Mizuko strode forward pushing the small children away from her, "If you stand in our way, I will be forced to remove you."

"Shut up you damn whore, Shinta will skin you alive if he finds you trying to escape," Mofu replied.

"Get out of my way," she repeated lifting her sleeves.

"Mizuko," Shikamaru whispered, "Let us handle this."

Behind them a couple of the toddlers began to cry. The Haruno men eyed the girl's behind the blockers.

"You're taking the brats too?" one seethed, "We're going to kill all of you before you can even taste freedom!"

In the blink of an eye a large gold, orange, and red beast descended on the Haruno men. One was killed on the impact while the other three dodged. Their eyes widened as they took in the seven foot tall beast with gold, orange, and red scales, golden wings that flapped from her shoulders making her appear larger than she was, and long orange hair flowing wildly behind her. Her slightly elongated snout revealed extended canines and she growled at the men in front of her, her silver eyes narrowed menacingly like a feral beast.

"You will not lay a hand against my sisters," the creature flexed her clawed hands and feet. Her voice sounded distorted like a guttural sound.

The three men gasped, "Ryuu…?"

"I am the Dragon God Ryuujin and you will die!" she lunged again aiming for one person while flicking her tail to slap the other two away from her sisters. She quickly sunk her teeth into the man's neck making him scream in pain then ripped his throat out and spitting it onto the ground. Her crouched form rounded on the other two men as they sprung to attack her from behind. Their eyes widened seeing the blood of their brother on her lips and they internally gagged when she licked it off. Ryuu could tell that she obviously intimidated the men, but in order to save her sisters and not prolong this fight she needed to end this. Taking a deep breath Ryuu opened her large jaws and shot fire directly out of her mouth incinerating the two men who were flying in the air. Ash fell to the ground…the only evidence that those two men even existed in the world.

"Wow…that was pretty amazing…" Choji whispered watching the golden beast stand tall and turn towards them.

"H-Hai…" Ino whispered back eye wide, clearly intimidated at the display of power. Those two men didn't even get a chance to scream in pain and she could feel the heat of the flame on her face as if she was standing close to a bonfire; the intense heat coming from that woman's mouth…must be one hundred times hotter to completely incinerate a human body on impact. Ino shuddered at the thought.

"Mizuko," Ryuu's rough voice reprimanded, "Don't you dare use any chakra. You're in too delicate of a state."

Mizuko glared at her sister, "I don't need any lip from you Ryuu. Thank you for your assistance, now go back to the fight and save our sisters!"

"You, Konoha nin," Ryuu rounded on Ino-Shika-Cho, "Don't let her use any chakra, she needs to conserve it so she doesn't lose her child."

"Hai Ryuu-san," Shikamaru bowed slightly, "Do not worry."

Ryuu turned and prepped to take flight when Mizuko's voice stopped her.

"Oh Ryuu…by the way…you look beautiful."

Ryuu growled in annoyance until her other sisters began yelling the same compliments. She turned back around giving her younger sisters a lopsided grin exposing her teeth. Blood was still caked around her lips but the younger children didn't seem to mind.

"Get to a safe location, I'll be seeing all of you soon," and with that she spread her golden wings and took off into the air.

"Come on," Shikamaru drew their attention back, "We need to keep moving."

---

Ryuu flew expertly above the trees easily reaching the battle field once again. With the appearance of Sakura's two tailed state she just knew that some of their men would run across Mizuko and the escapees while they themselves were trying to escape from the demon. And her gut was right. She was happy that she trusted her gut instinct, not that she didn't trust the Konoha ninja's to do their job and protect them, but she also wanted the satisfaction of killing as many dirt bags as she could. This vengeance tasted good on her lips. Her long tongue snaked around her scaly lips as she tasted the remnants of her second victim's blood…the metallic taste was sweet in her dragon form.

Silver eyes glanced down and she spied a group of men breaking away from the battle in retreat. She couldn't allow them to escape. Folding her wings close to her body she shot down quickly and landed in front of them cutting off their escape.

"You cowards won't be going anywhere," she growled in anticipation.

"Fuck you Ryuu," one spat at her.

She smiled wickedly as she watched their eyes turned to silver, "It will be fun killing all of you."

Claws digging into the ground she sprang forward easily bowling over two men and promptly breaking their necks. She rounded the others as they threw a volley of kunai at her. She automatically shielded herself with her wings and immediately regretted that decision. The sharp metal pierced her wings and some slicing through completely making her growl in pain. Rolling to the side Ryuu took a large breath and released her stream of fire catching one. She roared in delight as she blocked more kunai with her scaled tail. She sprung again but missed her targets since two of the men roped her tail with wire from the thrown kunai. She growled in frustration and yanked her tail bringing the two fools closer to her body. Once they were within reach her clawed hands shot through their stomachs making both men freeze at the impact…until she heard…

"Fuin!"

Pain ripped through her body and she could feel her scales begin to recede. She was losing her power…losing her…Inner. Ryuu immediately began thrashing as she fought the paralyzing sealing effects with all her might. She didn't know where they placed the seal and even if she did…she might not be able to stop it. She could hear her Inner roaring in protest as her chakra slowly began to be ripped from her body.

"Huh, she's not as powerful as she thinks," one Haruno male stood nearby watching her thrash and wail.

"She's a kunoichi…they are all weak compared to us."

The six remaining men began circling her as they watched her features change from dragon to human and back again. They were ready to pounce when their plan was interrupted by a tall man with short raven hair and red sharingan eyes and a Black Cat ANBU mask.

"Sharingan: Body Flicker," he whispered while drawing his katana.

The men watched as the red eyed ninja disappeared only to reappear next to them. One by one they each were gutted like fish in a matter of seconds. Shisui surveyed the scene quickly before kneeling next to the thrashing woman to try and assess the problem.

"My name is Uchiha Shisui I'm a shinobi from Konoha and I'm going to help you but I need you to hold still," he shouted over the woman's wailing.

Ryuu gasped trying to hold her body as still as she could while looking up at him with pleading golden eyes.

Shisui's doujutsu quickly scanned her body and found the seal. Being a part of the seal team he had had extensive practice and knowledge on seals and he couldn't be happier about it at this time. Because without the knowledge he currently had, there would have been no way he could counter the seal placed on her. Flipping through three hand signs Shisui lit his right hand fingers up with chakra and placed them on the seal.

"Kai!" he yelled letting his chakra enter her system and counter the seal's effects.

Ryuu's body slowly began to shift with the foreign chakra that was being inserted into her. Once it left she reached inside herself and sighed in relief that her Inner was still there.

Ready to kick more ass?

I'm going to kill those pieces of shit for doing this to me!

Merging easily with her Inner, Ryuu's body began to once again shift fully into her dragon form. Turning to sit up on her knees her wings unfurled and stretched above her body.

"You ok?"

She looked up meeting a pair of red eyes. She was stunned slightly seeing and hearing the concern in his question. Why did he give a damn? He's a shinobi…but he's from Konoha. But that didn't mean he had to coddle her just because they asked for assistance. He may have saved her from whatever seal her clansmen placed on her body but she was determined to stand on her own two feet and issue justice as she saw fit.

"I'm fine," she answered looking away from his crimson gaze, "I appreciate your assistance but it is no longer required."

The Uchiha blinked once standing with her. He eyed her up and down taking in her odd yet beautiful form. It certainly suited her and he wondered what the woman looked like not changed into a beast. The small flickers while disabling the seal wasn't good enough for him, "You're welcome. I guess I'll be going then."

She nodded and was about to take off when she heard the sound of the retreat horn.

"Noooooooo!" Ryuu growled, spotted the nearest group of Haruno's and charged head first to stop their retreat.

Shisui sighed internally a decided to shadow the woman until the battle was over. It was obvious that her style of brute force was very likely to land her in the same predicament with a similar attack. She might not like his presence but it was for her own good. But then again…he really wouldn't mind following around a beautiful creature like herself…especially if he wanted to see what was under those beautiful and shiny scales. Yes his interest was definitely peaked.

---

Keep fighting…keep moving…don't let them touch you!

Kaminari spun away but landed a little uneasily. She was faced against three Haruno males all intent on being the first to land a hit on her. They had made it a bloody game. And she was doing all she could just to stay on her feet and dodge.

This past week has been hell on her. After that first day or torture in Sakura's prison cell, Tetsu had made good on his threat to make Kaminari his personal punching bag. She had suffered all manner of sprains, broken bones; her body just ached from not getting a reprieve. She was giving it her all but if this didn't end soon…she wouldn't be able to keep going.

"What's the matter little Kaminari?" one man taunted, "Running out of chakra?"

Her jaw was sealed closed so any type of retort was unavailable to her. She just had to keep moving, keep dodging, and stay alive. She couldn't die here.

"Are you going to do anything else besides dodge?" another man taunted her.

Her eyes narrowed, she was getting sick of this. Wasn't this the entire reason behind this mutiny, that she wouldn't have to be subjected to this type of behavior? Of course it was but what was she doing? She was acting like the scared kunoichi that she had been raised and conditioned to be! No…not anymore.

This. Ends. Here!

The three approaching men paused as they watched once fearful light blue eyes turn into angry silver. The sky began to darken above them as her signature thunderstorm sang its dark tune.

"What are you doing?" one of the men eyes shifted between her and the sky.

She attempted to smirk knowingly but her swollen jaw wouldn't allow it. Instead she charged her body with electricity and shot it at the three guys simultaneously. It took all of two seconds for the charge to fry their insides, and then she watched as their charred bodies fell to the ground with a thump.

It felt so…liberating to see three men who had caused her so much pain fall dead at her feet…and by her hand. She sighed in relief as the feeling of peace that coursed through her still charged body. This was it…her first step towards being free. She could do this…for her and for her sisters.

Her instincts perked up as her body registered five small metal pieces flying in her direction. She turned quickly dodging each of the projectiles easily before shooting another bolt of lightning at her attacker. He fell easily joining his charred brothers on the ground at her feet.

The power…the freedom…the liberating feeling. Yep, she could definitely get used to this.

But for now, retreat was necessary. She needed to rest and let her body heal. Mizuko…she needed to go to Mizuko.

She instantly disappeared flickering in and out of existence while riding the electrical currents in the storm when she spotted her sister. The three Konoha nin were fighting off a couple of men. She watched from above as the three defenders defeated her brethren then three more appeared from the trees. Kaminari's eyes narrowed and in one large resounded bolt she zoomed down to the earth taking the three attackers with her.

On tired feet Kaminari stood and released her electric hold on the three dead men. She stood tall and looked over every single one of her sisters before falling to her knees in exhaustion.

"Kaminari!" Mizuko shouted.

Ino rushed forward with Choji and together they brought her body over to her sisters.

"Kaminari, wake up sister," Mizuko sat next to her.

"She's fine, just tired and low on chakra," Ino stated as she placed her hands over her, "I'm going to work on her a bit."

"Do that Choji and I will keep watch," Shikamaru told her. He glanced to his left and watched as Shizune and the medics worked relentlessly over Sakura's body. Their progress was slow and twice already he noticed that her heart had stopped but that didn't keep the medics from successfully reviving her. He could only hope that Sakura would pull through…a lot of people needed her. Including the Uchiha heir, who was kneeling nearby keeping watch along with Konohamaru and Udon, with her kidnapper Tetsu hog-tied and unconscious by his side.

---

"Hinata-chan!" Naruto yelled trying to locate his girlfriend, "Hinata-chan!"

"Where was her group supposed to be dobe?" Sasuke yelled at his teammate while parrying a strike from the enemy.

"Northern side," Naruto replied throwing a kunai with an explosive tag attached.

Sasuke pushed his opponent into a tree then quickly beheaded him. Taking a deep breath he turned to assist Naruto as the shinobi cast a lightning jutsu. They both dodged the strike then wheeled around to attack him from both sides. Sasuke called chidori into his sword and the forest echoed with the sound of his "thousand birds" jutsu. The Haruno, not knowing which one to attack, performed a series of hand signs igniting his body and shooting it towards Sasuke, sensing he was the bigger threat. Sasuke immediately reacted changing the form of his attack from the sword to the chidori spear and successfully countered the attack. The shinobi's foolishness at turning his back to Naruto cost him his life as the blonde planted a kunai in his heart stilling him. A few seconds later they heard the bugle of a horn and watched as the enemy began a type of retreat.

"They're leaving?" Naruto watched a little confused.

"Hn…cowards, they know we're more powerful and they don't want to risk annihilation," Sasuke said wiping blood off his blade with the dead man's shirt.

"Whatever…I just need to make sure Hinata's alright."

Both men sprang into action killing anyone in their path as they made their way to the northern area of the valley. But what Naruto saw almost stopped his heart. Hinata had taken a blow to the leg crippling her against three men that were poised and ready for the killing blow.

"HINATA-CHAN!" Naruto yelled as he prepared to sprint forward.

A large gust of wind cut off his actions and threw him and Sasuke to the ground. When they got their bearings they watched as Hinata and her three attackers were swallowed up in a large vortex of air, with Kamikaze floating just above them.

"No! No, Hinata!" Naruto yelled as he prepared to jump and save her.

"Wait Naruto!" Sasuke yelled gripping his arm to hold him down, "You'll injure yourself if you jump at that thing!"

"But Hinata…! Hinata's in there!" he yelled back pulling against Sasuke's iron grip.

"Just wait," the Uchiha growled as the vortex dissipated. He noticed earlier that while the three men inside the vortex suffocated, Kaze had made a small air pocket allowing her and Hinata to survive unscathed.

They watched as the three men fell to the ground like rag dolls as Kaze floated easily down to the earth and extended her hand towards the Hyuuga. Hinata took it and stood shakily on her good leg.

"Hinata!" Naruto sprang forward pulling her into chest and holding her tightly.

Hinata sighed in relief while returning his tight grip, "Naruto…"

Large blue eyes turned upward to look up at Kaze. He was a little surprised when her silver eyes almost blended in with the whites…for a second he thought she had solid white eyes.

"Thank you Kaze," he told her with a large smile.

Kaze nodded shyly, "K-K-K-Kaminari said th-th-that she was nice t-t-t-t-to her." She bowed her head shielding her slightly ashamed eyes from him.

Naruto smiled widened at that statement, "Well she told you the truth. There's not a mean bone in my Hinata-chan's body."

Said Hyuuga looked up and smiled at the floating girl, "Thank you. Don't know what I would have done if you hadn't stepped in."

Kaze nodded shyly at being thanked, "…Sisters…"

"Go check on them, the rendezvous location is near the medics who are working on Sakura," Sasuke told her.

Kaze nodded once then disappeared.

---

A sharp crack had Kaminari moaning under Ino's healing hands.

"Hold on one sec, let me re-stitch the muscles back together then the pain will subside," Ino told the girl as her eyes opened to scan her surroundings.

"Wh-where…"

"Don't speak," Ino chided, "Let me finish with your jaw then you can talk."

The maroon haired woman heeded the advice and remained silent until blonde woman healing her finished. It was odd feeling the inside of your body move and mend itself at such a rapid pace but she didn't care because the more it moved the less pain she felt.

"Ok there, now you can speak," Ino sat back with a smile.

"Mizuko?" Kaminari called out.

"I'm here."

Light blue met dark blue and for the first time in three days Kaminari smiled.

"Is everything ok?"

"Hai, everything will be fine," Mizuko looked up seeing a large amount of people headed in their direction. When the horn bellowed throughout the battle field Mizuko knew that it was only a matter of time before the battle was over. Especially since the Haruno's were going to use the underground tunnels to escape. They led to the jump seal which transported them outside the island.

A gust of wind blew in her face as Kaze appeared kneeling next to them. She looked tired but that was to be expected since she, Kaminari, and Ryuu expended a lot of chakra containing the Gobi when it was released from the sealing jar. She was breathing hard, not used to using that much chakra all in one day.

"You ok there Kaze?" Mizuko asked studying her tanned face.

Kaze nodded sitting on her haunches trying to recover from the large chakra use. A loud roar had everyone looking to the sky as Ryuu spread her damaged wings landing softly onto the ground.

"Thank Kami you're ok," Mizuko sighed in relief.

"Mizuko," Ryuu fixed her hard silver eyes on her, "We have a problem."

"What is it?" the eldest asked a little worried.

"Shinta is going to detonate the seals and level this island," Ryuu spat out.

"He's going to what?" she asked in disbelief. Many of the people around them all gasped in shock at her declaration.

"I followed some of the bastards down into the tunnels. I heard everything," the dragon yelled.

"Heard what?" Naruto jogged up to them holding Hinata in his arms with Sasuke in tow.

"Shinta and the Haruno's who retreated are going to be detonating some seals that Ryuu stated has the capability of sinking this entire island," Shisui appeared next to his C.O., "We're going to need to evacuate the island as quickly as possible to avoid minimal casualties."

"Not necessary," Mizuko stood to address the two men.

"Mizuko," Ryuu hissed through her elongated teeth, "Don't you dare. You cannot afford to use any chakra while you're carrying!"

"This isn't the sealing Ryuu. I'm the only one here with the power to keep the sea at bay while the rest of you get to safety. This is not negotiable," she looked up at her towering seven foot tall sister but didn't back down.

"Your action in that matter in unnecessary I'm going back into the tunnels and I'll destroy the start point so Shinta cannot activate the seals," Ryuu argued back.

"You'll be a sitting duck in those caves," Mizuko reasoned, "You strength lies in the open sky where you can maneuver. If we had our Earth then it would be her that could level the tunnels without undo causalities but she isn't capable at the moment."

"Which is why I'm the next logical choice. Nobody else in this entire group is as powerful as me!"

"No!" Kaminari shouted silencing the arguing females. She hated when her sisters fought over anything, especially when the answer was clear…at least to her, "You are not the right one for this job. I can do it. As Raiden, I am the next logical choice."

"Out of the question Kaminari," Mizuko stated, "You have been through enough and your chakra levels are lower than ever."

"But against Kirin the tunnels don't stand a chance," the lighting lunoichi argued.

"No," Ryuu turned to face her, "The result of that attack at your current chakra levels could leave you more injured than you already are."

"I DON'T CARE!" Kaminari shouted stunning everyone silent, "I'm sick and tired of Shinta and Haruno-sama winning! I can't take it anymore…and I will not stand by and let my sister's risk their lives while I do nothing! This is my job, and there's nothing you two can do to stop me."

Steely blue eyes glared at harsh silver and resigned royal blue, she wasn't going to back down. If she used Kirin she would be able to completely upturn the tunnels, burying everyone underneath and killing more.

"I appreciate your sacrifice Kaminari but let Konoha go down and take care of this," Naruto stated.

"I will not," the woman replied, "This last attack belongs to me and I know you know it sisters."

Ryuu growled at her statement but could not deny the validity.

Mizuko looked over at Naruto while he stared back at her, "She's right…after everything she's been through this last attack does belong to her."

Naruto sighed looking at Sasuke who nodded in his direction, "If Kirin is as powerful as I think it is…she is the best bet against that much earth. Especially if you want minimal casualties."

Naruto nodded, "What types of preparations are needed to counter the effects of Kaminari's last attack?"

"With the force of the blast I don't think large scale defense is necessary," Kaminari said, "The earth will fly up more than out. But having everyone centralized wouldn't be a bad idea just in case."

"Alright everybody!" Naruto shouted into his radio, "Everyone gather around Sakura-chan's body but make sure you leave the medics enough space. Move it now!"

Kaminari took slow measured steps away from the general direction of people and took a deep breath.

I can do this…I have to do this.

Together, as one, we will become lighting's purest form.

In defense of our sisters and to protect a future free of strife, turmoil, and abuse.

We are Raiden!

Her feet were spread shoulder width apart and her hands pressed together in a prayer like position. She could feel her Inner's chakra growing brighter and brighter within her body. Surges of electricity shot out of her body as the sky darkened viciously above her; rumbling in anticipation for their master to appear. The pitch grew higher and higher as the surges became more powerful; enough that her body began to vibrate. Opening her liquid silver eyes she looked up at the sky and she raised her hands.

"KIRIN!"

In one large deafening bolt her body was transported up into the sky.

The surrounding shinobi watched as the petite young woman's body grew brighter and brighter. Many of them shielded their eyes from the electrical surges that ran rampant out of her body. It was…awe inspiring to watch that much power being controlled by one person. They watched as she all but disappeared in the bright light until they heard her voice shout.

"KIRIN!"

The resounded boom from the large bolt of lightning sent many shinobi and kunoichi's to their knees. She was gone…the only evidence of her existence was the small fire where she was standing just moments ago. That was until a large dragon-like head appeared from the black storm clouds. A high pitched, squealing roar left its powerful jaws as its blood red eyes turned towards its destination. All eyes were trained to the lightning dragon as it steadily glided with the clouds until it was positioned over the ruins. It howled into the sky as it circled its prey, preparing the earth for its inevitable defeat. All eyes were trained to magnificent chakra beast, reluctant to take their eyes off of it in fear they would miss the grand event. They weren't disappointed as the beast turned its nose to the ground and shot forward at blinding speeds. An instant later large boulders shot up from the impact. They flew in every direction and the shinobi watched the electric dragon disappear again into the sky. The rain of boulders scattered around the field missing the main group by a few feet, much to their relieved happiness…to defend against such large slabs of earth would definitely be taxing on their bodies and chakra reserves. Seconds later the rumbling stopped…the earth was quiet…the stillness was almost unnerving. The storm clouds above began to wane, the lightning ceased and the thunder softly rumbled. Soon the only noise that could be heard were the concentrated cries of the medics working on Sakura's body accompanied by the whispering wind as the ocean breeze blew through surrounding trees.

Everyone's eyes were again trained to the sky looking for the kunoichi that disappeared into the dark thundering expanse. Ten seconds passed, then fifteen…

"There!" someone shouted pointing up into the sky. All eyes trained onto the small figured rapidly free falling to the earth.

"Kaze!" Ryuu strode towards her sister, "Throw me!"

Kaze nodded and gripped her tail. Calling on her Inner strength the wind user spun quickly swinging Ryuu around with her before launching her body directly in Kaminari's direction. She followed her action with a quick flip pulling more of the air currents Kaze brought her arms together in a giant clap. The air shot forward in a strong gust propelled Ryuu's changed form forward at an enhanced speed. Then she waited and watched.

Her silver eyes were trained on the falling form of her sister. Her wings were pulled close to her body allowing her to penetrate the sky at a faster pace.

Closer…just a little bit closer…

Twenty feet…ten feet…five feet…

Her arms were outstretched but at the last second they missed. Ryuu immediately shifted her body swinging her legs under her and catching Kaminari's flailing leg. Ryuu grunted at the sudden weight pulled her downward and she spread her wings to counter the pull of gravity. Lifting her right leg, clawed hands gripped Kaminari's body and held her close as Ryuu's wings flapped roughly barely skimming the tops of the trees as she righted herself to accommodate her sister's added weight. Sighing a little in relief she glided over to the main group of people landing in front of Mizuko and the kunoichi's.

"Give her to me Ryuu," Mizuko demanded as she set Kaminari's limp body on Mizuko's lap, "Sister."

She shook Kaminari's shoulders not getting a response, "Kaminari," she kept calling out to her while gently trying to prod her awake. The maroon haired kunoichi remained motionless and Mizuko pressed two fingers to her neck, "She still has a heartbeat."

"She's exhausted…can't blame her considering everything that's happened," Ryuu knelt next to them.

"No you can't," Mizuko whispered stroking the girl's hair, "Now we just have to wait for one last sister. Hopefully she will pull through as we have."

Ryuu nodded once the glanced over in Sakura's direction. None of this would have been possible without her. This whole plan began because Tetsu decided to kidnap her from Konoha. If she hadn't been a victim, if she hadn't been a Haruno…then all of them, all of her sisters would still be living in hell. They owed her their lives, and Ryuu could only hope that Sakura would be able to pull through enough to survive this ordeal.

---

The moment Itachi left her with Shizune, Sakura's body collapsed.

"Hurry get her lying down!" the Jonin medic shouted at her assistants, "Reiko you're in charge of vitals hook up to the vagus nerve and her central nervous system we need to know every area that has been effected!"

"Hai," Reiko shouted as she turned Sakura's head to the side letting her cough up more blood, "We're here shishou, we will save you."

Reiko set her head down gently on a large tarp they brought to keep her body off the earth while performing the delicate procedures. She placed two fingers between the C10 and C12 on Sakura's spine and instantly hooked up to the nerve that controlled all the organs in the body. Her other hand spread out over the pink locks and her chakra locked on to the signals in her brain.

"Oh…Oh Kami, work quickly!" Reiko cried, "It's everywhere, there's not a place in her body that's not infected!"

"Are you sure?" Moegi asked trying inserting a needle to numb some of the pain but Sakura's thrashing was so severe she would injure her master before the morphine could be administered.

"Moegi put that away," Shizune commanded, "We need to work fast. If her entire body is infected she won't notice any more pain than what's already going on in her body."

"Hai," the orange haired medic replied.

"Moegi I want you to start on her skin," Shizune continued, "If her muscular system is exposed to the elements any longer she could contract a disease and that will just make our job harder. TingTing prepare the blood, we're going need to do a blood transfusion. Reiko the poison is also in her bloodstream correct?"

"Hai, blood, nervous system, muscles, organs, everywhere is infected," Reiko reported.

"Got it, start working on cleaning out the nerves. Start with the vagus nerve while I extract the poison from her organs. If we can get her vitals clean first while TingTing does the transfusion the rest should be a piece of cake," Shizune fought a large batch of tears.

"But Shizune-san," Moegi looked up from her hands, "Doing everything at once…shishou is going to need the morphine. The pain…"

"We have no choice!" the leader argued but every girl could see the pain behind her eyes, "If we just concentrate on one thing at a time we could lose her. The blood is circulating throughout the entire body and the organs will keep getting infected if we don't do the transfusion. But in order to make the transfusion successful we need her organs working. Do you all understand?"

"Hai."

"Let's get started, TingTing insert your senbon we need the quickest and most effective method," Shizune ordered.

Steeling herself so she could do her duty TingTing threw fifteen senbon into her master's body; two in each arm, three in each leg, and five in her torso making an X formation.

"Moegi once that arm as skin covering it grab the clean blood and start the second half of the transfusion and see those black marks…her body has suffered an injury make sure you're healing those while you're re-growing the skin. TingTing don't stop until all the poison is out of her system. Reiko you're the eyes as soon as the body starts failing you let us know. If any poison re-enters her blood stream let us know immediately. And keep her alive!"

"Hai," all three girls answered their leader.

"Alright let's begin!"

Shizune grabbed a large bowl that was filled with water and start with Sakura's lungs. She wanted to start with the heart but with the bloodstream being riddled with poison it would mean Shizune would not be able to completely extract all the poison before it reinfected the heart. And while she would be busy trying to clean out the heart repeatedly Sakura's other organs would begin to fail. So with great reluctance Shizune started elsewhere and once the all clear was given she would immediately go to her heart's sister's most precious organ and extract the poison.

TingTing attached chakra threads to each of the senbon and weaved a series of signs. She watched as her chakra crept down the small metal rods and into her master's body. Sakura jerk violently and began howling in pain as Shizune, at the same moment, pushed the extracting fluid into her lungs. The bun haired medic had to close out her master's screams of agony so she could concentrate on her work. If she faltered for just a moment it would cost her master's life. And she promised the Hokage and everyone in the rescue team that she would not fail. Closing her eyes to better focus on her task TingTing proceeded to systematically drain the contaminated lifeblood out of Sakura's body. Once she was certain that the majority was clean she could let Moegi know that she could begin the transfusion.

Moegi held her master's arm down while she continued to work on growing her skin back. Tears slowly fell from her eyes as she heard the pained screams coming from her mouth. After today…after this operation…she never wanted to hear this noise again. It was heart wrenching hearing a loved one howl in so much pain and there was nothing you could do about it. Shizune was right; healing only the organs with contaminated blood would be no good as they would continue to become contaminated. And only doing blood first would mean her organs would probably fail.

"Her heart's giving out!" Reiko shouted, "She's going V-fib!"

"Reiko, shock her with chakra!" Shizune shouted as she extracted more poison from another portion of her body, "Keep her heart going at all costs!"

Detaching her left hand from Sakura's brain Reiko placed her palm over Sakura's chest, "Clear!"

The three other medics momentarily stopped as Sakura's body arched in reaction.

"It's going!" Reiko shouted replacing her hands on Sakura's pink hair.

"Keep monitoring!"

Shizune emptied the contaminated bowl and refilled it with clean water from her pack, then continued one with the extraction. A dark presence settled near her but she didn't need to look up to know Itachi was now watching them. She didn't bother to say anything and decided to just stay completely focused on her task.

"TingTing how much longer?" Moegi asked.

"Three more minutes Moegi, then you can begin," she answered not opening her eyes.

"Sakura might not have three more minutes TingTing!"

"If you begin the transfusion now Moegi you will be contaminating the fresh blood and we don't have another pack! This entire operation will be fruitless because there isn't any other way to get the poison out of her blood stream. Three. More. Minutes. Any sooner and you'll kill her," TingTing argued in a hard voice.

Moegi sighed, she knew she shouldn't try to rush this procedure but she didn't want to risk another heart failure. Besides seeing the state that she was in…the black marks Moegi identified as burns she just wanted this to be over with. How they got onto her body she didn't want to know…but that wasn't even half of it. Many of Sakura's muscles in her arms had been ripped and torn without any healing. After they finished with the poison, Sakura's body in general was still going to need a lot of healing. And at the rate that the blood was leaving her body…

"V-fib again!" Reiko called removing her hand, "Clear!"

Shizune and Moegi removed their hands from the body as it arched.

Shizune checked for a pulse, "Again!"

"Clear!"

The bloodied body arched again and Shizune rechecked.

"We're good, continue."

Moegi finished with Sakura's left arm and began working on her leg. She wanted to start on the torso but with Shizune already working diligently at extracting the poison, the skin regrowth would get in the way. Placing her hands just over the bloody flesh Moegi began her work focusing intently on her task when TingTing called out to her.

"Prep for the blood transfusion!"

Moegi ceased immediately and pulled out a bag a blood, a retractable pole, a needle and tubing. Shoving the pole into the ground she then hooked the bag to the top. The tubing was inserted to the bottom blood bag and hooked all the way up to the needle.

"Ready," Moegi called to her partner.

"Insert needle in five, four, three, two, and one," TingTing chanted while performing another series of hand signs.

Moegi stuck the needle into her master's arm and watched as the fresh blood carefully entered her system, "Thank Kami that shishou is a universal recipient."

"Hai…" TingTing agreed.

"Moegi, give her that morphine, her body is calm for the moment," Shizune ordered, while Sakura moaned, her body too weak to try and put up any resistance.

"Hai."

Itachi watched everything…watched her heart fail once, watched as she slowly and steadily kept losing chakra. He watched her blood drain out of her under TingTing's surgery. And he could do nothing. This was one area that if he even tried to be of assistance he would only be a nuisance. His expertise was in fighting, strategizing, and assessing an enemy's weakness and exploiting it in order to gain victory. He was an expert in the battles for life while giving death to others. But this…this battle in front of him…was a whole different type of battle for life and death. These medics were giving everything to keep someone alive rather than making sure they never rose from the ground again. It was maddening!

"Reiko status," Shizune asked.

"Lungs, intestines, liver, diaphragm, bladder, uterus, are all clear. It's safe now to do the heart," she answered.

"Hai, now extracting from the heart. Reiko if you can please keep her steady, make her muscles relax," the Jonin medic ordered.

"Hai, I'll try but many of them are not responsive."

"The nerves detached?"

"Hai but many muscle groups all over her body are ripped and torn. It's amazing that she was able to move to be honest," Reiko bowed her head so that it touched Sakura's.

"Will power…she had to be strong," Shizune answered as she inserted the cleansing water directly into Sakura's chest making her body twitch in discomfort and groan slightly.

"One month…" Moegi whispered, "Whatever hell she went through she withstood it for one month. She's amazing…"

"She's our master," TingTing said as she opened her teary eyes, "To expect anything less from her is shameful."

Itachi closed his eyes after listening to the medics. He knew exactly what happened to his Sakura. He knew every dirty detail, every pain, every ache, and every…torment her body was put through. And to see her take such a large beating over that month and to get poisoned on the battle field and still stand up and knock her opponent on his ass…Kami she was amazing. She was strong, bullheaded, stubborn, and she even had the balls to ask him to keep her perpetrator alive just so she could heal and kick his ass all over again. Kami he loved her…she was amazing and they were right…to expect anything less than amazing from Sakura was foolishness. She had rightfully earned her title of Sannin and the Best Medic Nin in the world and rightfully so. He just hoped that now that she was free, that she could be happy after everything that has happened.

He had to admit he was nervous borderline scared that she would reject him. During the briefing the previous night Naruto stated that all bijuu hated the Uchiha's sharingan and by extension their clan in general. He had hoped that she wouldn't be sealed, that they would make it in time to spare her of that burden. But alas they were late, and under circumstances that they should have foreseen. Why wouldn't a clan full of seal masters use seals to hide their movements? He cursed himself for his oversight and he knew that Naruto and others felt the same. Had it really been so long since there had ever been a decent seal master in the world that they overlooked something so minute that it cost one kunoichi her life? But then another question made his still…would the Gobi, that was forever sealed inside his love, be the reason that they would never be together; that he would not get to share his life with her as her husband? Did the bijuu's bias against Uchihas extend that far?

These questions weighed heavily on his mind. Sakura was sealed and if what Naruto said was true about the bijuu's hatred…needless to say he could only hope that the beast now sealed inside his Sakura would not damage their relationship. He could only hope and pray, until Sakura was well enough to answer those questions.

So engrossed he was in his thoughts he barely managed to glance up at the increased chakra being emitted from Kaminari's Kirin. He watched with a blank face as the magnificent being slammed into the ground shooting boulders up into the sky with ease. He didn't care about the amazing display of power…how could he care about something like that when the woman he loved was fighting for her life right in front of him? And he could do nothing but watch and wait. Usually Uchiha Itachi was a patient man, stalking prey from the shadows and waiting for the perfect moment to strike, but on this day at this very moment his patience was wearing thin. He wanted to see her smile, he wanted to see her laughing…he just wanted to see her big green eyes.

Bowing his head he took a deep shuddering breath as the surrounding shinobi slowly ventured in their direction. He could feel Naruto, Sasuke, Shisui, and Kakashi, walk up to him but he didn't look up or even acknowledge them. He was still warring with himself. The peace he hoped to once again feel in her presence was still eluding him. And until he found that peace…he could not be himself. Gone was the stoic shinobi of his past, Sakura had broken that cage long ago and now he needed her to put himself back on his feet.

"How is she doing?" Shisui asked as he knelt next to his best friend.

Itachi didn't answer as he kept his eyes closed fighting the sudden urge to lash out and slit Tetsu's throat out of pent up anger.

Shisui sighed next to his friend sensing his distress; whatever was happening to Sakura it wasn't good enough to bring his friend any semblance of peace. Instead of waiting for an answer Shisui placed a firm hand on Itachi's shoulder and settled next to him offering his silent support.

Sasuke stared at his brother and growled. This wasn't fair! Why couldn't everything just work out? Why couldn't he just have his old brother and teammate back? Why did all this shit have to happen in the first place? Kami even after a mostly successful mission when the mood should he high with victory, but the metaphorical thunder clouds were still present snuffing out any small amount of light. This situation just sucked.

Naruto watched as the medic's continued to work diligently on his best friend. Most of her skin was regrown hiding the bloody muscle beneath her. Moegi was removing a long needle from her arm when Sai jogged up.

"I've gone through the ranks. No casualties," he reported.

"None?" Naruto's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Sai nodded, "Hai. I've received similar reports from all of the shinobi. The ones that they fought were indeed focused in one area of expertise either ninjutsu or genjutsu but they were far from masterful. Countering the seals that the enemy would throw out was the most difficult part of the battle for everyone. I believe that Tetsu lead through so much fear that the kunoichi's exaggerated the abilities of the clansmen. As a result we were prepared for the worst of battles; possibly losing many comrades to masters when in reality, we Jonin and ANBU were fighting Chunin. This misinformation worked in our favor."

"Hmmmmm, careless," Kakashi mused thinking that if Tetsu hadn't focused so much on the mistreatment of his kunoichi's his clan may have been more powerful. And if he treated the kunoichi's equally they definitely would have lost many comrades while retrieving Sakura. Not that he would wish this type of abuse on anyone, but Sai was right, this did work in their favor.

Naruto smiled at that, "That's the best news I could have received. Baa-chan will be pleased. Only thing left now is Sakura-chan…"

"Status?" Sai asked looking over at the medics.

"No word yet, we're waiting for them to finish," Kakashi replied shoving his hands in his pockets.

Sai nodded and promptly sat on the ground and pulled out a sketch book to fill in the time. There was no use in wallowing or fretting when nothing could be done. He found it was best to fill his time with drawing until something important turned up.

Ten more minutes passed and TingTing fell onto her rear in exhaustion. Moegi wiped the sweat from her brow while breathing deeply with a small satisfied smile on her face. Shizune was next fanning herself and unzipping her medic vest to let the air brush over her chest. She collected the four metallic rings that had melted onto Sakura's skin and set them aside. Reiko was last her forehead touching Sakura's and her eyes closed in deep concentration. She was so still that Naruto was beginning to think she fell asleep until onyx eyes opened and a large smile revealed her pearly whites.

"We did it," she whispered then leaned down to kiss Sakura's brand new forehead, "She's ok."

At the small admission everyone within hearing distance visibly relaxed and word spread quickly.

"Prep her for transport," Shizune stood as she ordered, "Wrap her tightly and Moegi only give her enough to last for tomorrow. We will administer more tryptophan daily."

The brown haired medic looked at Naruto then at Itachi undecided on where she should report. Naruto cocked his head to the side as they both walked over to where Itachi was kneeling with Sasuke and Shisui by his side.

"So what's up?" Naruto asked a little anxious.

Shizune sighed running a hand through her sweaty hair, "Do you want the easily answer or the lengthy explanation?"

Naruto was about to when Itachi beat him to it, "What happened, explain from the beginning to the end."

Shizune nodded once then started her explanation, "Well when you brought her to us her entire body was covered in poison. And I mean the entire body; nervous system, muscular systems, all internal organs, blood stream, everything. We immediately set to work. Reiko monitored her body, letting us know if her heart failed and controlled spasms and such. Moegi worked on regrowing her skin from when she went three tails. TingTing and I started with the poison extraction. It was…painful for her and for us. But we succeeded using the new field method of blood transfusion. Sakura completed the procedure and we're putting her into a medically induced sleep for the remainder of the journey. Her body needs it. After we finished the poison extraction we went through her body and stitched up all the ripped muscles, tendons, healed the bruises and burns that were…well everywhere. It's not surprising the extent of the damage considering what she went through. I was amazed that she even tried to fight. The poison alone should have paralyzed her not even considering most of the muscles in her legs were ripped from excessive tension being applied over the month. But overall she is stable. We just need to get her home and into the hospital as soon as possible."

Naruto nodded, "Anything special we should do for her?"

Shizune shook her head, "I'm going to keep her asleep. For now her body just needs to rest. Her chakra levels were so severe and along with the poison we had to restart her heart twice."

Naruto flinched at the statement but nodded all the same, "Shizune-chan thank you so much."

She smiled a little shyly at the blonde, "You're welcome Naruto, Itachi."

The medic turned and helped the Alpha Team finish their clean up and transport work.

"That poison hit…that was meant for me," Naruto whispered to the group, "Sakura-chan saw that bastard attacking from the rear. Even after she went three tails on me she found the strength to pick me up and throw me out of the way…and she took the hit for me…"

Kakashi gripped his student's shoulder tightly, "You know why she did it, don't you?"

When the blonde Uzumaki didn't answer Kakashi continued.

"She had been through hell and she wasn't about to let anyone else experience it. She had been subjected to that poison constantly for months and she didn't want you to suffer. You're important to her but you're also important to Konoha…she protected you as one of her precious people."

A few tears slipped out of his eyes, "I love that girl."

"As do we all," the silver haired Jonin answered.

"Let's get everyone up and ready," Naruto wiped the tears from his eyes, "Sai! Tell everyone to be ready to move out in ten minutes. We're going home!"

---

Sooooooooooooooooooooo...did it live up to your expectations? Or did i epically fail?

Just so everyone knows i've been working on this chapter for a week straight. It's my longest chapter by far! So feel privileged, i thought about breaking it up in the middle after Sakura goes two tails but then i thought...that's just rude...so i kept going :)

Please review and tell me how i did. This is my first huge battle scene and i want to know how i did. Anyways until next time my loyal and awesome readers!