Thanks for returning to my little tale. As usual I like to begin by saying I don't own Naruto.

Thanks for Reviewing my last chapter:

GravenImage, Dark Waffle, Dragonshaun9, Kushina's Truth of Hell, Weaponx178, Theloverofanime, Sevensin.

Responces:

GravenImage: Well, you know me and my love of cliffhangers. Gotta give you guys some reason to keep reading. Lol

Dark Waffle: I like the fact you're getting worked up. It means I'm doing something right. Anyway, I did tell you guys not to assume Danzo was down for good. He always has a plan. And if you guys remember from book one, Sakura had an issue with Sai joining them on the mission to Kumo. Now you know why. Also did anyone notice Sai wasn't at Tsunade's home when Naruto woke up? Hard to do that when everyone thinks you betrayed them.

Dragonshaun9: Ominous is right. I mean how many characters have i killed so far? Hmmm, am I ready to do it again?

Kushina's: No review last time. :( Don't let it happen again. I forgive you this time Kushina-chan. Sasuke as Vader? You know I never made that comparison but thinking about it you're kinda right. As for Tsunade you'll see soon that she wasn't exactly sitting on her ass for the last few years.

Weaponx178: Damn Weapon was this a review or a short story. Lol. I hear what you're saying about NejixIno. But if you re-read the first chpater of Book 2 I did state that they became close after Naruto's banishment. This covered the fact they didn't interact before. AS for Tsunade I'm glad you enjoyed her parts and my Danzo will really be doing his own thing seperate from the canon material. However I do plan to add some of the recent canon material to my Danzo later.

I undersatnd what you mean regarding canon NaruxSaku. It's been tough lately but I haven't given up and trust me the idea of SasuxSaku happening sickens me. Anyway we'll be getting to Shika and Naruto's adventure soon enough so don't worry.

Theloverofanime: Isn't it funny that while Sakura may betray the Leaf in my story, Kishi may be doing the same thing in the Canon Manga. Ok, so it's not a co-incidence. *Sigh* Ok the truth is I am Kishi's son!! :). Ok, not really. i just snuck in his house when he was away and looked at his stuff.....and ate his food. Mmmmmmm! Thanks for the review.

Sevensin: Thanks. And I will. Like right now.

Ok, so thanks again everyone and Please remember to leave any spare Reviews you may have at the door on your way out. See ya next week.

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter Fourteen: Sakura's Betrayal

The Land of Wind – Several miles within its borders

"Are you sure about this Naruto," Shikamaru said as he peaked over the dunes. Naruto and Shikamaru had been moving non-stop through out the night and had rested only once. Shikamaru was getting tired, though he'd never admit it. While to him Naruto seemed absolutely fine, much to his dismay. This meant they wouldn't be taking a break any time soon.

"Of course I'm sure about this," Naruto said as he too peeked over the dune. "Look this path to Suna is never guarded because of the inhospitable conditions. This path is about a five mile trek right to the gates of Sunagakure. It's hard to maintain constant guards here because there's no water or trees to provide shade. And the heat here, for whatever reason his more intense. That's why they call this stretch Hell's Pass."

"Yeah," Shikamaru responded, "But this is war time Naruto. Even if this area is tough to go through it would be foolish to keep it totally unguarded."

"Maybe so," Naruto said, "But I already used my Sage chakra and there doesn't seem to be enemies here. It all looks clear."

"Fine," Shikamaru said as he and Naruto began to make their way. Within a short time Shikamaru realized that Naruto wasn't kidding about calling this Hell's Pass. He couldn't remember a time when he had felt so hot.

The sun bore down on them relentlessly and despite wearing shoes Shikamaru could feel the heat rising from the sand below him.

After about an hour Shikamaru felt parched and his legs began to feel like leaden weights as he trudged on. Suddenly Shikamaru thought he had seen un-natural movement below the sands to his left. But as he focused on the area, there appeared to be nothing. Damn, he thought, I must be hallucinating.

Shikamaru pulled out a small canteen of water and took a quick sip. It was then, this time from the other side, that he swore he saw movement under the sand.

Slowly Shikamaru placed his canteen away and focused on the spot…..nothing. "Naruto," Shikamaru said, "I'm not sure but I think we're being follow….."

Before Shikamaru could finish his sentence a chain link whip with a spiked ball at the end flew out from under the sand. Shikamaru leaned back just in time to dodge the attack as it whizzed by his chest. In an incredibly fast and smooth motion Naruto turned and grabbed the whip in mid air and pulled on it. As he did the ninja who threw it was dragged out from under the sand and up into the air.

Naruto pulled hard forcing the sand ninja to fly towards him and as he got close enough Naruto punched him in the face launching the ninja back and tumbling to the ground.

As the shinobi fell, nine more emerged from the sand and quickly surrounded Naruto and Shikamaru. "Damn it," Shikamaru said as he and Naruto placed their backs to each other. "I really didn't want to do this here. Naruto I thought you said this area would be clear."

"Actually," Naruto said as he quickly surveyed his enemies, "I said this area should be clear. That's a big difference."

"Life or death difference if you ask me," Shikamaru said. "These Sand shinobi don't seem like they're in the mood to talk. What I don't get is how you couldn't sense them with your Sage chakra?"

"That doesn't really matter now Shikamaru," Naruto said. "What's done is done and we've got more important things to do now."

Shikamaru nodded and smiled. "You're right," he said "You know it's been a while since I've been in a decent fight. So how about you take the one's in front and I'll take the ones behind."

Shikamaru then turned as he did not hear Naruto respond. And to his amazement, Shikamaru saw that Naruto had walked up to the sand ninja with both hands in the air. "Uh Naruto," Shikamaru said, "What the hell are you doing?"

With a smile on his face Naruto said "Doing what needs to be done." Naruto then turned back to the shinobi and said, "We surrender."

Shikamaru stared at Naruto in total shock and asked, "We do?!"

Meanwhile – Near the Border of Konoha

"What," Sakura said in shock. "You want…me to….go with you." Sakura stood dumbfounded as she tried to process Sasuke's words.

"Yes," Sasuke said, "I was told that you pose a serious threat to our operation and that you needed to be killed. However, I see that you have definite value and you could prove a worthy asset. So I want you to come with me."

"Wait," Sakura responded, "This….doesn't seem right. How did you find me? How could you have known I would be here?"

"Shouldn't that be obvious by now," Sasuke said, "Your Hokage has betrayed you. Much like Konoha betrays anyone so long as it benefits them. Why, even your own squad can't be trusted."

As Sasuke said this, Sakura heard a sharp scream behind her. Looking back she saw one of the ANBU, the one who questioned her, fall to the ground as blood spurted from the fresh cut around his neck. Behind him stood the other ANBU, the one who had admonished him, with the blood soaked kunai.

Sakura did not make an attempt to move as she knew that the ANBU was already dead. "Another failure," she whispered as the body fell.

"So now you want me Sasuke," Sakura said. "Well, you sure have a strange way of showing it. Somehow I fail to believe you."

"Sakura," Sasuke said, "Seeing you again that last time made me realize just how much I missed you. Leaving you behind was a mistake."

Hearing these words made Sakura tense up and for a moment speechless. Sakura also noticed something she hadn't before; Karin's face. As Karin stood listening to Sasuke's speech her expression was of being stabbed in the heart. She was tense and seemed on the verge of tears or screaming or both. It was an expression Sakura had come to know well.

"Sasuke it's too late for that," Sakura said finally. "For you to come here now and ask this. I can't. Too much has changed."

"No Sakura," Sasuke said, "It's not too late. I can see that in your eyes. You will come with me. But perhaps you need to understand the seriousness of your situation." Sasuke then looked at the ANBU ninja and nodded.

Without hesitation the ninja leapt at Sakura with kunai in hand. Sakura quickly turned to engage the ninja and dodged his first, second and third strikes.

"Do you know why I left you that night Sakura," Sasuke said. "Because you were weak. You've always been a hindrance. I found you pathetic that you believed that you could possible be my wings when all you could ever be was a weight. So I shed you as I did Naruto. And that's why I don't find him a challenge, because now he is weighed down by the same useless person. And your uselessness doesn't come from your lack of skill. Skill alone doesn't prove your usefulness to me. You will always be useless Sakura because you are incapable of doing what needs to be done."

Hearing Sasuke threw Sakura into a rage and as the ANBU closed in for another strike, Sakura ducked as the kunai was swung and moved inside of his range and punch the ninja in his elbow, shattering it immediately and forcing him to drop his weapon.

Without hesitation, Sakura grabbed the ninja by the wrist and flipped him on his back and stood up over him. Adjusting her glove she looked at Sasuke and then threw a punch at the fallen ninja into his chest with such velocity that the ground below him shattered. Karin winced at the sickening sound of the ninja's bones shattering.

Sakura then stood up and walked over the ninja's broken body. "That was ruthless Sakura," Sasuke said, "To kill someone like that without remorse."

"Why should I be remorseful Sasuke," Sakura said, "The minute he chose to fight me he became an enemy. Why should I feel remorse for someone like that?"

"Perhaps I misjudged you Sakura," Sasuke said, "perhaps I made a mistake. I should have let you come with me then. But I can erase that mistake. Come with me now. I can use someone like you."

"I already told you Sasuke," Sakura said, "It's too late for that. But I'm glad you're here. Now I can bring you back to Konoha myself."

"Oh really," Sasuke said, "We'll see about that." Then looking at Karin and Jugo he said, "Take her. If she won't come willingly then she will by force."

Jugo quickly transformed both of his arms into piston-like rams and ran at Sakura while Karin moved towards a small hill and drew several of her chakra kunai. Sakura quickly drew a kunai of her own and leapt back as Jugo swung a punch at her that ended up hitting and smashing the ground.

Damn, Sakura thought, I'm guessing this guy will handle the up close fighting while she attacks from a distance. I'm going to have to take one of them out quickly.

Sakura quickly ducked as one of Karin's kunai flew over her head and rolled out of the way as another of Jugo's punches came crashing down. Sakura quickly got to her feet and threw her kunai at Karin forcing her to halt her attack and defend herself. With Karin momentarily pre-occupied Sakura leapt at Jugo, dodging another of his punches and punching him in the stomach which forced him back and made him crumple to the floor.

"Very good Sakura," Sasuke said as he watched. "You're far more skilled than I thought. But it would seem now the true test has begun."

Sakura then turned to face Jugo again and saw that he had fully transformed and seemed to behave more animal than man. Screaming, he launched himself at her. Sakura was forced to keep leaping back as Jugo mindlessly swung at her. She then felt a sharp pain in her left thigh and realized Karin had hit her with a kunai.

The pain caused her leg to buckle and for her to fall to one knee. Jugo then transformed one of his arms into a large ax and swung it down, intent on cleaving her in half.

Sakura quickly punched the ground, causing the floor underneath Jugo to give way and for him to lose balance. She then came up and punched Jugo in the upper arm and shoulder blade and then leapt back.

Sakura then ran, dodging Karin's kunai as she moved and leapt behind a nearby, large boulder for cover. Jugo quickly turned and raised his arm then yelled in pain as the arm went limp. "What," Jugo yelled angrily, "What did you do to my arm!?"

Impressive, Sasuke thought. Sakura knows that in this form Jugo is covered by a scale-like armor which prevents most attacks from doing much damage. However, all armor has a weakness, the joints. Even Jugo's armor is weaker there to allow full range of motion. So by striking there with full force Sakura is attacking him in a way that's causing his body to weaken.

Sakura took a moment behind the boulder to rest and catch her breath. She quickly pulled Karin's kunai from her leg and surveyed the damage. This shouldn't slow me down too much, she thought as she focused some of her chakra towards healing the area.

"How long do you plan to hide Sakura," Sasuke asked. 'You know, I find it odd that you would dedicate so much time to find me yet now that I give you what you've always wanted, you hesitate. I wonder, is it that you don't love me anymore? You once said you'd sacrifice anything for me. Was that a lie?"

Sakura came around the boulder back into view. "I meant every word Sasuke," she said, "And you damn well know it."

"Then what keeps you from coming to me know," Sasuke asked. "It can't possibly be loyalty to Konoha. I mean it is Konoha that has turned its back to you. Your own Kage has sent you here to die. So what could it be?"

Sakura merely stood staring at Sasuke angrily as she found herself unable to answer. "Ah," Sasuke said, "I know what it is. It's him isn't it? Naruto? To think that someone like him, that idiot, someone you once considered a pest could have your heart now. How pathetic."

"He's not….he's not pathetic," Sakura said as she gritted her teeth and tear rolled down her cheek. "He's stronger than you ever gave him credit for. And Naruto will find a way…."

"To what," Sasuke asked. "Do you honestly believe that he alone could end this? Naruto is nothing; he's weak because he lacks the will to do what's necessary. Naruto's only purpose is to provide the Nine Tails. And when he does, he will die and you will watch. Because watching Naruto's pain is all your good for to him."

"SASUKE!!" Sakura screamed as she ran towards Sasuke, blinded with rage. Karin once again launched several kunai at her as Jugo ran to intercept her. Sakura dodged each kunai without breaking her stride and as Jugo came in he swung his ax bladed arm at her.

Sakura ducked just in time as all Jugo's blade cut was a few pieces of her hair. Sakura then punched Jugo in the side of his right knee forcing it to buckle. As he came down she punched him again in the side of the neck and Jugo felt his neck go numb. Damn, he thought, her strength rivals the Raikage.

Sakura then leapt onto Jugo's back and used it as a spring board to leap towards Sasuke, who remained standing and seemingly unconcerned.

Realizing Sakura was going to get to Sasuke, Karin stopped attacking and ran towards them. "Sasuke," she yelled as she ran.

That's it Sakura, Sasuke said as he reached behind him and slowly unsheathed his sword. Let the anger blind you until it's too late.

And at the same time Sakura arrived, ready to strike with her kunai, so did Karin and Sasuke unsheathed his sword, charged with Chidori.

Meanwhile – In the Land of Wind

"What the hell do you mean we give up," Shikamaru asked in utter shock. The sand ninja surrounding them also seemed to be taken off guard.

"You heard what I said Shikamaru," Naruto said, "Now put your hands up and allow them to take you into custody. I came here to convince Gaara to end this war. I can't do that if I'm putting his men in the hospital can I?"

One of the ninja, who appeared to be the squad leader stepped forward as Naruto dropped to his kness with his hands behind his head. "Who are you," he asked.

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto," Naruto said, "And I have come here to speak to the Kazekage and to pay for my crimes against your village."

Realizing that he had no other choice and still somewhat shocked by the recent turn of events, Shikamaru handed his kunai to a sand ninja and fell to his knees alongside Naruto and placed his hand behind his head. As the ninja began to tie their hands Shikamaru said, "You planned this the entire time didn't you Naruto? You purposefully led us towards this Sand shinobi squad?"

"I'm afraid so," Naruto responded while smiling. "We needed to see Gaara and this was the quickest way to make that happen."

Shikamaru sighed deeply and shook his head. "Damn, you love doing things the hard way," he said. "Remember when you said I'd regret coming with you? Yeah well that was about ten minutes ago."

Once the ninjas finished tying them up they lifted them to their feet and began to lead them away. "Hey so you guys know," Shikamaru said, "Naruto is the one who came to pay for his crimes. I'm not really sure why I'm here."

Hearing this caused Naruto to laugh.

Meanwhile – Near Konoha's border

Sakura was mere foot or two from Sasuke when she felt Jugo extend his arm and grab her by the waist and pull her back. At the same time Karin had leapt in between her and Sasuke and would have bore the brunt of Sakura's attack. But none of this amazed Sakura as much as what had happened to Sasuke.

As he was about to draw his sword he found himself binded by wood that seemed to sprout from the very ground. Sasuke found the wood to have wrapped around his body and his arm in mid strike.

As Jugo threw Sakura to the ground she quickly got to her feet and looked up to see the final ANBU, the one who was sent to the other side of the clearing, had returned.

"So," Sasuke said, "this is a bit of a surprise. I knew that last ANBU would show up soon. But I never guessed it'd be you."

That Jutsu, Sakura thought. That's Wood Release. But only one ninja can perform that jutsu! "Captain Yamato," Sakura yelled, "Is that you?!"

Removing his mask, Sakura saw that it was indeed Yamato. "Yes Sakura," he said, "Lady Tsunade thought you might need backup. So she sent me to watch over you."

Captain Yamato, Sakura recalled; after Naruto's exile our team was completely disbanded by Danzo and Yamato was ordered to immediately return to ANBU. I hadn't seen him since.

"Sakura," Yamato said, "I'm not sure how long I can hold him. You need to take out his comrades quickly."

"Right," Sakura said as she pulled out another kunai and rushed Jugo. Jugo quickly sprouted wings and flew at Sakura who used her kunai to deflect Jugo's ax blade.

"Karin," Sasuke said while keeping his eyes on Yamato, "Go assist Jugo, I'll be fine."

"But Sasuke," Karin said as she looked at him nervously.

"I said go," Sasuke responded. "Now."

Karin nodded and ran off. Drawing several kunai she threw them at Sakura who was able to dodge each one expertly.

"It would seem that it takes quite a bit of your chakra to hold someone of my level Yamato," Sasuke said. "Which means you can't help Sakura. You should know that I will eventually escape and then you will die."

Looking to Sakura, Sasuke then yelled, "Why are you fighting us Sakura? Can't you see we're on the same side here?! I have no intention of following Madara to the end! He is just a means of getting my revenge! All I want is Danzo and the elders! They're the ones who betrayed me! Just like they've betrayed you! Besides, with your help we can beat Madara and prevent him from taking Naruto!"

Hearing Sasuke say this caused Sakura to pause momentarily and a moment was all it took. Sakura was quickly hit by two of Karin's kunai. Once in the shoulder and again in the leg. Stunned momentarily, Jugo closed in and punched her in the stomach and as she lurched forward and Jugo hit her in the back of the head causing her to hit the floor.

"Sakura," Yamato yelled as he watched. His attention lost, Sasuke pumped out more chakra and broke Yamato's binding Jutsu and quickly leapt at Yamato with blinding speed and stabbed him in the chest with his sword. "You should have kept your focus on me."

Instantly Yamato broke and splintered into fragments. "A wood clone," Sasuke said. Turning to Jugo who had raised his ax blade to take Sakura's head, Sasuke yelled, "Jugo stop! Bring her to me." Jugo then turned the blade back into a hand and dragged a barely conscious Sakura by the leg towards Sasuke.

As Sasuke waited, Yamato leapt from the bushes behind him prepared to strike. Suddenly Sakura kicked free of Jugo's grasp and leapt past him towards Sasuke.

Sasuke quickly prepared himself to defend himself when to his surprise Sakura leapt right past him as well and intercepted Yamato with a punch in the stomach that instantly made him crumple to the ground.

Yamato looked up to see Sakura standing above him. "S-Sakura-chan," Yamato said as he struggled to breath, "What…..what are you….doing?"

"Doing what needs to be done," Sakura said as she looked at Yamato coldly. "The truth is Sasuke's right. Why should I continue to fight for a village that was ready to throw me away like garbage?"

Looking at Sasuke, Sakura continued, "Everything I've fought and trained for was to become strong enough to bring you back Sasuke-kun. But I realize that you won't come back. So if I want to be with you, then I will have to leave Konoha as well. And I'm willing to make that sacrifice if I can be with you."

Grabbing Sakura's leg, Yamato said, "You can't do this Sakura. What about your friends, what about Naruto?"

Sakura kicked Yamato's hand away and asked, "Haven't you been listening?! All I've ever wanted was to be with Sasuke-kun. It's the reason I've trained so hard and fought so long! I did this for my own sake, not Naruto! And I won't let this chance slip away! And as for Naruto, tell that idiot that if he's smart he'll find a deep hole and hide in it. Tell him to run and never come back!" Sakura then quickly slammed her fist into the back of Yamato's neck knocking him out.

Turning to Sasuke, Sakura shyly walked up to him. "Did you mean what you said? That you want me to come with you?"

Sasuke smiled lightly and said, "Yes. I need you by my side Sakura." Watching this caused Karin to tense up and tears to flow down her cheek. Still she remained silent. It was something Sakura took note of.

"Fine," Sakura said as she removed her Konoha forehead protector. "I will follow you Sasuke, and I will stay by your side, forever." Sasuke then motioned for her to walk ahead of him. Sakura looked at Yamato one last time before throwing her protector by his head and walked away.

Meanwhile – Iwagakure – Office of the Tsuchikage

It was late morning as Onoki, the Tsuchikage of Iwagakure sat as his desk signing papers. He was a frail old man who had seen many battles. In front of him was a document reporting the status of the war that raged between Konoha, Kumo and Suna.

Onoki couldn't help but think that he wished they could somehow all destroy each other. But he knew he couldn't be that lucky. But still, perhaps there could be a way to take advantage if such a situation.

Onoki was so distracted by his own thoughts he didn't notice the intruder until he heard his voice. "Hello Onoki."

Turning to face the shadowy corner of his office a masked man, wearing a black cloak with red clouds emerged. "It's been a while hasn't it," the man asked.

Onoki took a deep, relieved sigh. "Damn you Madara," he said, "I'm an old man! You should know better than to sneak up on me like that! What do you want?!"

"It's time" Madara said, "to fulfill your end of our bargain."

End of Chapter Fourteen

Next Time: Judgment of the Kazekage