Shikamaru peered through the trees and spotted an Akatsuki member sitting on the steps of a building. Just one? The others must be inside, this is our chance to pick one of. Is Neji with them?

He signaled to the rest of team and sent a messenger hawk for a backup squad.

Sai walked through the brush and before him was the west training field. He spotted Vladdy many yards away. Instead of approaching her, he stood for a while, observing her strength and beauty. He was so happy he had met her, Naruto, and Yamato. Now he was starting to understand feelings, and the life he had been missing. He knew he had a long way to go before he was 'normal' but it wouldn't take eternity.

Axel & Choji's group received a messenger hawk before sundown, during their search for Akatsuki; so far they had been empty handed.

Axel's eyes became wide as she read the location and who it was from. "It's from Asuma-sensei's group! And it's not that far away, lets go!"

Shikamaru started to run towards Asuma. "NO!" he screamed, as he saw his beloved sensei fall to the ground. He tripped, and could no longer move. "Asuma!" he screamed once more.

The two Akatsuki members now faced Shikamaru and the others, ready to finish them off. But suddenly, black crows stopped them from attacking. Shikamaru was confused, and then Axel was suddenly by his side.

"Shikamaru, are you okay?"

"Don't worry about me," he shunned her touch, "Go help Asuma!" He yelled.

"Choji's already doing that." She said, putting Shikamaru's arm around her neck and pulling him to the roof of the building.

Choji laided Asuma in the same place, as the other Jounin fought Akatsuki. Axel took a quick look around. No Neji. Then she immediately evaluated Asuma.

She gasped. There's no way I can fix this. I don't even know if Tsunade-sama could. She let her head fall and shook it. Choji's face also fell, and Shikamaru's eyes widened. "A-a…axel?!"

She didn't say anything.

Suddenly Asuma's choked voice broke through their thoughts.

"You know she can't heel this Shikamaru." He said.

"Asuma-sensei! It's best if you don't talk." Axel whispered.

"Nonsense, I'm going to spend my last moments telling you what I planned to say when you were older, but I've realized you mature enough." Asuma gasped for air and continued. "Choji, you are a very skilled ninja, I'm proud at how far you've come since you were a genin. It looks like you'll have to pay for lunch yourself now though, or maybe not, because you need to lose some weight."

"Yes sensei," Choji laughed through his tears.

"Axel…" he murmured next.

Axel bent her head lower, "Yes, sensei?"

"You…are such a talented Kunoichi. It makes me so happy that we spent much of the last three years together. You really do complete this team. Never lose to Vladdy in anything, and make sure you keep an eye on these two."

"Yes sensei…" she responded, her tears mixing in with the now falling rain.

"Oh, and one more thing; you should forgive Raidon. Hate is a waste of time."

Axel just nodded in response.

"And Shikamaru, come closer."

Shikamaru bent his ear down to Asuma's lips and listened.

Sai looked up at the sky as the rain started to fall. He drew an umbrella and walked over to Vladdy, gently sticking it over her head. She looked up, surprised. "Sai!"

He smiled, and no other words were needed.