Welcome to Chapter Thirteen!! As usual I like to start by saying I don't own Naruto. All hail Kishi!!

Thanks for reviewing my last chapter

GravenImage, Tosakuai, DarkWaffle and theloverofanime.

Responces

GravenImage - Good guess. Yes this chapter she does learn that Naruto left. Now do you wanna guess how she'll react. A. She'll be calm, cool and completely fine with it. -or- B. She's pissed and ready to hit Naruto.

Tosakuai - Yea. What can i say but I always thought Ino and Neji could work. I mean Ino loves emo, pretty boy geniouses and last I checked Neji is emo, pretty and a genious. Why hasn't this been introduced in the Manga, I don't know. Muramasa vs. Naruto part II? Possible....very possible.

Dark Waffle - Interesting name btw. Glad you liked the fight scene and Neji's tech. I was really nervous how that would be receive. I'm always nervous about the fight scenes because I'm never sure if I've effectively shown the scene as I see it in my mind. As for Neji's new tech i wanted him to have a power up that resembles a Sharingan tech as both eye techs are related. Why does it seam like everyone is now realizing that I put Ino and Neji together? I put them as a couple a long time ago. Hmmm? And yes, Naruto has some control of the Kyubi. But how much and for how long is anyone's guess.

theloverofanime - Don't like nejixIno huh? Well that's not unusual. Usually when I bring it up most people reject the pairing. But as strange as others find NejixIno I feel the same for ChojixIno. And it's also obvious that I'm for Leex1010. So I had to give Neji someone right?!

So anyway here's chapter 13. Hope you enjoy and Please remember to to feed me with reviews. I'm starvin' here!!

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter Thirteen: Sakura's Mission

Konoha – Mid Morning

Tsunade walked towards the capital building of Konoha with long purposeful strides. Despite the difficult road ahead Tsunade had to admit she enjoyed the rush she received from having a purpose again. For the three years after the battle with Pain and her loss of position, Tsunade had been relegated to the shadows by Danzo.

She had become an after thought. Sure Danzo had stated that she would be a regular advisor as a former Hokage and elder of the village. But she knew better. She had been placed in forced retirement in a fancy prison and wanted to be forgotten. But since Naruto's return a new vigor had returned. She shook off the malaise and remembered who she had always been; a fighter.

Tsunade took a deep breath. She could smell the fresh air that hinted at coming rain. Clouds were coming from the east and she began to walk faster. She was already pissed off enough, if she were to be caught in the rain this early she'd be absolutely furious.

As she got closer to the building Tsunade began to recall how her day began and how she had come to this point.

Konoha – Home of Tsunade - Two Hours Ago

"He did what," Sakura screamed as Tsunade explained to her what happened the previous night. She had stopped by with a bowl of homemade soup her mother had made in a container on a tray, when Tsunade had met her at the entrance. As soon as she heard he had left Sakura instinctively snapped the tray in half causing the soup to tumble to the ground, dirtying Tsunade's carpet, much to her dismay.

"I can't believe that bastard actually went anyway," she said as she began to pace the floor. "Even after I expressly ordered him not too!? I knew he'd do something like that! That's why I didn't want to leave last night! Lady Tsunade, how'd he get passed you?!"

Tsunade, seated in her comfy chair and still looking in dismay at her stained floor shrugged. "He must have snuck away after I went to bed."

"Went to bed," Sakura asked. "But I thought you were going to make sure Naruto stayed put. I don't get it."

"What," Tsunade said, "you really thought I'd stay up all night to watch that kid? Get real I'm an old woman. I don't have time to play games with him."

Sakura continued to stomp around angrily then said, "What about the ninja Danzo placed nearby to watch him?"

Tsunade laughed. "Please," she said, "Those ninja never stood a chance against him. He no doubt knocked a few of them out and snuck away easily."

"Damn him," Sakura said, "I can't believe he lied to me!" Sakura suddenly turned and hurriedly made her way to the door. "Well if he thinks he's going to get away with this he better think again! I'm gonna find his ass and when I'm done with him….!"

"Sakura," Tsunade said as she placed her hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Calm down. I think it's best to let him do this."

Sakura looked at Tsunade and said, "He's not ready yet Tsunade-sama. He just got out of a month long coma yesterday."

"Come now Sakura," Tsunade said with a smile, "You forget that I've taught you everything you know. You knew, like I did, just by looking him yesterday that he was in surprisingly good health. Naruto will be just fine."

Sakura looked away and seemed to be lost in her thoughts for a moment. "But," she said, "This was something we should have done together. This was our mistake not his alone."

Tsunade sighed heavily and said, "You know Naruto. Our mistakes are his to bear. That's how he sees things. Besides, he's not exactly alone. From what I've heard Shikamaru didn't show up for his meetings this morning. It appears he's disappeared. His mother said he left late last night saying he had an important secret mission he had to go on."

Sakura turned and looked at Tsunade and after a moment a small knowing smile crept on her face. Naruto might have left for Suna on his own, but at least Shikamaru would be there to help.

"Speaking of missions, you need to hurry on to your own don't you," Tsunade said. "I trust you haven't been spending all your time thinking about Naruto that you didn't prepare."

Sakura blushed lightly then said, "Don't worry Tsunade-sama I'm ready. I just wish I could have chosen my own team for this rather than going with an ANBU squad."

"Sure," Tsunade responded, "But the ANBU are highly trained and so are you. You should be fine. However you are venturing to our border for this mission so be careful while you're out there. Also, Danzo is up to something. I'm not sure what but I can feel it. So be extra vigilant."

"Right," Sakura said as she picked up her tool belt and locking it in place on her waist. "I'll, be back soon Tsunade-sama and let me know if you hear anything regarding Naruto."

Tsunade watched as Sakura disappeared into the distance and was about to go inside when an ANBU ninja arrived at her door in a puff of smoke. "Lady Tsunade," he said as he knelt in front of her, "you told me you wanted a report on the damage at the hospital." The ninja then handed her an envelope and remained kneeling.

Tsunade took the portfolio and thanked the ninja who promptly left. Tsunade walked inside and closed the door behind her and opened the envelope and read the report. Suddenly she gasped at what she read and looked inside the envelope to confirm its contents.

Tsunade quickly grew furious and went to her room and prepared her clothes, she was on her way to see Danzo and there would be an accounting.

Konoha – Now

Tsunade stormed towards the Hokage's building with the envelope held tightly in her hand. As she turned the final corner and made her way up the final path Tsunade saw movement out of the corner of her eye and looking of to the trees on her left saw Sai hiding.

Tsunade abruptly stopped and looked around to ensure no one was watching and then quickly made over to Sai who silently and quickly began to walk away with Tsunade a short distance behind.

After walking for a few minutes and sure they were in a private location, Sai stopped walking and turned to face Tsunade as she walked up. Then she asked, "Are you sure we're alone?"

Sai nodded and said, "Yes. I sent out some of my ink rats to cover our location and make sure we weren't followed. I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you but Danzo sent me back out on missions and was having me watched for a time."

"I would understand," Tsunade said, "With Naruto's return Danzo would obviously want to keep you separated and make sure your loyalties are with him."

Tsunade breathed deeply and looked at Sai and said, "Sai I know how hard this has been for you and what I asked of you was a great sacrifice. For you to take Danzo's side during his coup and assist in arresting Naruto three years ago was hard. And then to spend the next three years as essentially a traitor to the only friends you've known just to gain Danzo's trust, I can't imagine how hard this has been."

Sai smiled his usual forced smile and said, "I was happy to do it Lady Tsunade. It was the least I could do for you for removing the seal on my tongue that prevents me from talking about ROOT. And if my help can help bring down Danzo then it will be worth it."

Tsunade smiled and then said, "Alright, now we don't have a lot of time. Tell, me what have you bought me?"

Sai then dug into his tool belt and handed Tsunade a small scroll. While she reviewed it Sai began to speak. "About two days before Naruto woke up I caught Danzo and his guards heading to a restricted part of ROOT headquarters. Danzo seemed to be in a terrible hurry and not at all in a good mood. So I decided to have him followed. I couldn't go in there myself so a created one of my ink bugs and sent it on in. This was the information it was able to record.

As Tsunade continued to read, her eyes grew wider and wider and her expression went from simple amazement to stunned silence.

For a while Tsunade simply stood and stared at the scroll. In that short time she had read it again twice. In a way she was hoping what she had read was a mistake. After a short time she finally lowered the scroll and looked to the sky as she finally accepted what she had read.

"Danzo," Tsunade whispered, "How could you go this far. Hiruzen once told me that he feared your ambition would lead you to ruin. But to think you would do something so foolish, so dangerous. Now your lust for power threatens to destroy all of Konoha."

After a few moments of allowing Tsunade to gather her thoughts Sai asked, "So I take it this should be enough to finally bring Danzo down?"

"Unfortunately not," Tsuande responded. "This information is damning to be sure but as of right now this is just our word against Danzo. And we need more evidence before we can go accusing a Kage of crimes against his village. However this will be a great help. Earlier this morning I received some other information that I was planning to confront Danzo with. Now that I've read this I know now that would have been a mistake. I'll have to be more cautious until I find what I'm looking for."

Tsunade took the scroll and placed it in her pocket. Then she said, "Thanks Sai, you've been a big help. Now you should get back before you're missed."

Sai nodded and said, "Right." He then turned to leave then turned and said, "Lady Tsunade, considering this new evidence perhaps we should find Sakura and pull her from that mission. She could be walking into danger."

Tsunade frowned, "Actually I considered that before this. I just found it odd the timing of this mission. Sakura has been on one mission the past three years and now she has been on two within a month. Something was wrong about the fact Danzo himself wanted to tell her personally too. In any event, Sakura is highly trained and I've sent one of my own people, someone I can trust, to back her up. She should be fine."

Again Sai nodded and leapt away. Tsunade turned and made her way back to the path and walked up to the door to the Hokage's office. She then closed her eyes and took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself.

After a moment she walked in and was greeted by an ANBU guard. "Lady Tsunade," he said as she walked by, "What brings you by?"

"I'm hear to see Danzo," as she rushed past and up the stairs. Tsunade was in no mood to speak to Danzo's pets and didn't want to give him too much time to prepare for her.

"The Hokage is very busy and I believe is in a meeting," the ANBU yelled behind her. Tsunade kept moving as she completely ignored him.

After a few minutes she came to the entrance to Danzo's office and as always, two ANBU were posted outside. As they saw her approach one of them raised his hand to stop her. "I'm sorry Lady Tsunade but the Hokage is in a meeting," he said.

"Three months," Tsunade responded. The ANBU stared at her, unsure what she meant. "That's how long it'll take for your arm to heal after I brake it," she said.

Seeing the seriousness of her tone and the look in her eyes both ninja knew this was not a time to think they could stop her. As they stood aside Tsunade walked by and swung open the door.

Inside, sat Danzo at his desk with Mitokado Homura sitting across from him. Danzo feigned surprise as Homura regarded her calmly. "Tsunade," Danzo said, "I had no idea you were on you're way. What brings you unannounced?"

"Oh cut the bullshit Danzo," Tsunade said, "you and I both know your man downstairs informed you I was coming as soon as I was out of his sight." Turning to Homura Tsunade nodded slightly and said, "Hello Homura-san."

Homura smiled in a curt, unaffectionate way and responded, "Hello Tsunade. You are looking well and just as feisty as ever I see. Tell me when will you drop that silly façade of that young face and allow yourself to look your age?"

With a small smile Tsunade said, "I'll do it the day hell freezes over. Besides you and I both know you like my….facade."

Homura turned beet red and turned around and faced forward in his seat. He grumbled something as he nervously adjusted his glasses. "Anyway," Tsunade said, "Homura-san I need to speak to Danzo in private, so if you don't mind."

"Now, now Tsunade," Danzo said, "Homura is one Konoha's most trusted advisors. Whatever you have to say you can do so in his presence."

Tsunade smiled slightly. "Fine," she said as she pulled out the portfolio she was given earlier and dug in it. Then she pulled out a piece of cloth and threw it on Danzo's desk. As it landed the black cloth opened up and Danzo could see that it was a charred piece of a familiar mask. "Care to explain what this was doing in Naruto's room at the hospital," Tsunade asked.

Danzo looked at the charred mask without a hint of concern or surprise. Homura looked at it in confusion as he was unsure of it's significance.

"Well," Tsuande said. "This mask belonged to your man Torune am I right? You don't need to answer that. You see, during the cleanup, the medics found charred parts of him under some rubble. I can bring those pieces to you if you like. My question is what would Torune be doing inside Naruto's room after hours in the first place?"

Danzo stared at the mask for a moment and then closed his eyes. "This is unfortunate," he said as he looked at Tsunade. "It would appear I was unable to stop him."

Tsunade looked at Danzo curiously. "Wait," she said, "What do you mean you were unable to stop Torune?"

"You see," Danzo said as he leaned back in his seat, "It had come to my attention several months ago that Torune may have in fact been a double agent. An agent of Akatsuki."

Now Tsunade seemed to grow upset and even more suspicious. "You believed Torune was an agent of Akatsuki," Tsunade said, "If that's the case why would you allow him to continue operating under you? Why not arrest him and interrogate him? Also, why is it none of the elders were informed of this?

"Like I said," Danzo said, "These were unconfirmed reports. I refused to act on them unless a hundred percent certain. I did place him under constant watch. Besides could you imagine the scandal and unrest that would happen if this information got out? Also if he was Akatsuki then we had a unique opportunity to filter false information to the enemy which could prove invaluable. Looking back on it now however I see that wasn't a wise move."

Slamming her hand on the table Tsunade yelled, "Damn you Danzo, do you really think I'd by that!? That Torune would be an Akatsuki and work under your nose without your knowledge?!"

Danzo smiled and said, "My dear Tsunade, whatever are you suggesting?" Tsunade opened her mouth to say speak but glanced at Homura and thought better of it. Danzo then reached into a drawer and pulled out a document. "Here," Danzo said, "As you can see I've kept a detailed report of my thoughts, evidence and surveillance of Torune. The evidence of his guilt is all there."

Leaning back once again and with a sad expression on his face Danzo said, "I'm just happy that my misjudgment of the situation didn't cost us too many lives."

Homura took the document and scanned it quickly. "Well," he said, "it all seems in order. I can't say I see anything wrong here."

Homura then handed the document to Tsunade who read it quickly. "Feel free to keep it if you like," Danzo said, "I made a copy."

Tsunade breathed deeply and tightly held the document. "I guess," She said, "There's nothing left to discuss….for now." She then turned and went to the door.

As she opened it Danzo said, "Oh there is one thing we'll need to discuss. Homura and I aren't very pleased with your decision to go against the Will of the Third without our permission. We will all need to speak about that…..soon."

Tsunade gritted her teeth and walked out, slamming the door behind her. Without pause Danzo smugly turned back to Homura and said, "Now where were we? Ah yes…..."

Meanwhile – One Mile from Konoha's Border

Sakura leapt from tree to tree. Next to her were two ANBU members while another was behind. When Sakura met them, as usual nothing really stood out about them. And as they made their way to the target they for the most part remained silent.

One of the ANBU, who was obviously young however, seemed to pepper her with constant questioning that kept her from her thoughts, while the ANBU behind her had yet to say a single word.

"So Lady Sakura," the ANBU asked, "I heard that about a year and a half ago you were on a similar search and rescue that went bad."

Sakura looked at him in shock. "That mission was classified," she said. "How did you know about that mission?!"

That mission, Sakura recalled, was year and a half ago. When Naruto was banished and Danzo became Hokage he effectively grounded all Kunoichi in the village. When we confronted him on it he boldly said women don't belong on the battle field. From that point on I was relegated to C Class missions and medical duties.

Until one day when Danzo called me to his office and gave me an S rank rescue mission. He said because of the sensitivity of the information the ninja had that this mission was classified and I was forbidden to talk about it. But personally I thought it was bullshit. Danzo just didn't want to admit he had to ask for a woman's help.

"That was a great job you did on that mission Lady Sakura," the ANBU said as he snapped Sakura from her thoughts.

"Would you shut up," the other ANBU next to them said. "Stop acting like some strange fanatic. You're an elite ANBU. Act like it." Looking at Sakura he said, "My apologies Lady Sakura. He's young and doesn't know better. We ANBU have access to classified records and that's how he knew about it."

Sakura waived him off and replied, "No it's alright I don't mind really." Looking forward Sakura said, "That mission was a failure."

Now both ANBU stared at her. "But I don't get it," said the younger ANBU. "You and three ANBU single handedly stormed an enemy camp in Otogakure and rescued the ninja that was there. According to the file you yourself defeated ten strong ninja alone. How could that be a failure?"

"Do you know what my task was on that mission," Sakura asked. "It's the same as on this mission and every mission I'm a part of. My mission is to ensure my team completes the tasks assigned and to make sure no one gets killed in the process. I am a medical ninja. It is my responsibility to make sure you get back home safely."

Sakura seemed to grow sad as she thought about that day. "Two of the three ANBU in my team died that day," she said. "That's not supposed to happen when I'm there. That is what it means to be a Medical Ninja. It is my duty and my burden. So you see, even though in your files it may say that mission was a success, to me it was a complete failure."

The two ANBU and Sakura fell into silence after her words. The Ninja behind them seemed to stare at Sakura for a long time after she stopped speaking.

Finally after a few more minutes they came upon a small clearing. "Ok," the older ANBU said as he pointed to cave, "This is where our intelligence said those two ninja are held up." He then looked to the ANBU bringing up the rear and said, "Go over to the far side and make sure there are no hostiles." Silently the ninja leapt away.

Then Sakura and the two remaining Ninja leapt down into the clearing and stealthily made their way to the cave. Taking the lead and sure there was no one around Sakura made her way towards the cave when two kunai came flying out of the cave towards her.

Letting instinct take over Sakura leapt and twisted her body so both kunai flew harmlessly by her on each side. Sakura landed and instantly drew a kunai of her own and waited as she stared into the cave.

Then she heard the heavy footsteps of multiple people emerging from the cave. Whoever they were they didn't care about stealth. Straining to see into the darkness Sakura finally made out the outline of two people. One seemed extraordinarily tall while the other appeared to have the shape of a woman.

As they emerged into the light Sakura was now in stunned silence. "You," she said and she laid eyes upon Karin and Juggo who stopped at the mouth of the cave and merely stared at her.

It was then she heard a voice coming from behind them; a very familiar voice. "Sorry for the rude welcome Sakura," he said as he emerged. "But we wanted to make sure we had you're attention."

As the person emerged from the dark cave Sakura, for a moment felt like her legs were going to give out. Then in a low voice she said, "What…..what's going on here? What are you doing here….Sasuke?"

"Unfortunately," Sasuke said, "It's been determined that you pose too much of a risk to be let alone Sakura." Reaching out his hand Sasuke said, "So you have one chance. Come with me……or die."

End of Chapter Thirteen

Next Time: Sakura's Betrayal