Steve: And here we are with the last chapter of this update and the first chapter of the Sasuke Retrieval Arc.

Yui: We're finally there huh?

Steve: Yup! And I got some plans to make it a little different.

Pen-pen: Wark warr wa waa arrk ark waaarrrrkk war. (Can't wait to see what the differences are.)

Hinata: I hope that this one will go better then others…

Steve: Oh… I think that you you'll like it… Anyways, Hinata? Pen-pen? If you would please?

Pen-Pen: (Wark Wa WAAK arrk waark)

Hinata: Translation is "The author doesn't own Harry Potter or Naruto". He just owns this story, the plot and his insane plot-bunnies.

Why me?Shinigami/Demon/Inner-Sakura

'Who?' Thoughts

-YO!- Animal speech

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Chuckling a little, Kushina looks towards a sweaty, exhausted Lily who's trying to hold a bokken up in shaking hands. Shaking her head, Kushina places her own bokken back into it's sheath. "I think that that's enough for right now Yuri. You're not doing too bad considering how we're working on basics." Lily just rolls her eyes as she too scabbards her wooden sword.

"Yeah, yeah. Tell me another." She then rolls her eyes before snorting. "We both know that this isn't my first time since I had a bit of training in Kenjutsu from our father before the portal was destroyed. I just never resumed training after what happened and now I'm rusty." Lily then sighs. "I just want to be able to help Harry when he needs me to, you know? To be there when I can." Kushina just nods as she walks over and puts an arm over Lily's shoulder.

"I know what you mean nee-chan. I'm trying to get back into shape so that I can give Naru-chan a hand as well." She just shrugs with a sigh. "But… more and more I'm finding that I may not be needed anymore." A small tear leaks from her eye as she shakes her head. "My little boy has become his own man and… and I'm no longer needed." Lily just chuckles some as she shakes her head.

"We're still needed Kushi-chan. If for nothing else then we have experience when it comes to life." Kushina just gives her an inquiring look causing her to chuckle. "Who comes to us when they need advice? Harry and Naruto. Who are always coming to see us to find out about our pasts? Our sons." She then wags a finger at a thoughtful Kushina while grinning. "See? They still need us, just not in the way they once did. A mother's job is to be supportive and a anchor for their children. And that, dear Kushi-chan, is something that we can still be…" A mischievous look then comes over Lily's face. "Besides, just think! Soon we will have grandbabies to spoil!" Later as they head out of the training area's showers, she looks over at Kushina. "By the way… How's your's and Kyubi's relationship going? I've noticed that you've been hanging out with her quite a bit lately." Kushina becomes slightly thoughtful before chuckling sadly.

"I guess I have been hanging out with her quite a bit, haven't I?" Shaking her head, she looks over at Lily. "Even though I originally… disliked her for Minato-kun's death, I've realized that she's as much a victim in this because of that fucking teme Madara. Strangely enough, she's managed to worm her way into my heart. Now? I guess… I guess that she's become something of a daughter. She seems so vulnerable at times that it's hard to see her as a ten thousand year old demon lord." Walking into the complexes main living area, she grins as she sees Kyubi sitting in front of a TV watching something. "Well now… speak of the she-devil…" Hearing her comment, Kyubi looks over the couch and smiles at Kushina while raising an eyebrow.

"Have you been talking about me behind my back again Kushina-san?" Kushina just chuckles and shakes her head while wagging a finger at the kitsune before speaking to her in a mock-serious tone.

"How many times must I tell you Kyu-chan? None of this Kushina-san. Call me 'Kushina-kaa-san' if anything. You are my son's future wife after all." Kushina then laughs at Kyubi's red face before placing a hand on the top of the couch and flipping over it. Sitting down beside Kyubi, she pulls her into a one armed hug before leaning close to Kyubi's ear. "So when are you and my son going to tie the knot? And do you have any idea as when you'll both be giving me kawaii grandchildren with cute little fox ears and tails?" Kyubi's blush just increases before she looks down and tells Kushina to remember that she can't have children, only for Kushina to wave them off. "I have no doubt that you WILL be able to have children someday Kyu-chan. Have faith in Naru-chan, will you?" Kyubi just sighs and nods with a soft smile.

"Hai. I know that Naruto will find a way… it's just that…" Trailing off, her smile becomes wistful as she looks at the red haired woman beside her. "I only hope that he can do so without getting hurt… Apparently he already has an idea as to how, but the teme won't tell me." The Lily and Kushina just chuckle already knowing how she feels. Shaking her head, Kyubi looks at Kushina slyly while giving her a small smirk. "By the way… why do you want me to call you Okaa-san anyways? Last I checked I'm older then you or is there something you aren't telling me…?" Kushina blinks for a bit before sputtering.

"I… I'M NOT OLD!" Both Lily and Kyubi burst out laughing causing Kushina to pout and grumble. "Bakas…" After a few minutes she laughs a little herself. Getting it under control, she looks at Kyubi with mirth shining in her eyes. "Besides, you haven't answered my question yet. When. Are. You. And. Naru-chan. Getting. Married?" Thinking it over, Kyubi just gives Kushina a grin.

"Actually, me and Naruto-kun ARE married by Atlantian law." Seeing Kushina's dropped jaw, she chuckles. "Believe it or not, but back in Atlantis getting married was a lot more simple then it is here. All you really had to do was live together in the same house for two years and Voila! You were married." Shrugging her shoulders at Kushina's wide eyes she continues. "Granted, you could have a ritual marriage if you wanted, most just went for this. Divorce was as simple as one of the two moving out with their stuff." Scratching her chin, Kyubi then mumbles to herself. "Grated we didn't have clan names back then, but still…" Kushina just rubs the bridge of her nose and sighs.

"I swear that you Atlantians were too kuso weird." Shaking her head, she jerks her thumb at the TV. "Okay, I'll admit that I walked into that one. So, Kyu-chan, what are you're watching?" Kyubi blushes a little before rubbing the back of her neck and answering.

"Oh! This?" Kushina nods. "It's a show called 'Bones'. It's about this female doctor who solves crimes using bones and stuff while working along side a FBI agent." Seeing the looks being given her, she sighs. "It's really a interesting show you know." Lily just raises her hands in surrender.

"It's not that Kyubi, really it's not. It's just that… well, you really like anything to do with mysteries, don't you?" Kyubi just nods.

"Yeah, I do as a matter of fact. Mainly because once you live as long as I have, you need something mentally stimulating. For me, nothing's better then sitting down to a good mystery and flexing the ol' brain muscles." Kushina just nods as she turns and regards the show.

"Mind if we join you? Not like I'm doing anything else since Tsunade's stated that I'm not to go on any missions until she clears me." Kyubi just nods as they all begin to watch. A little while later they all get into an argument as they all put forward their suspects only for it to be revealed that Lily chose right.

0000000000000 With Harry, Naruto, and Sakura 00000000000000000

As the group leaps between the trees on the way back from a low B-rank mission, Naruto looks back at Harry with a raised eyebrow. "I've been meaning to ask you something Harry-nii, what's with all the C-rank, and B-rank missions you've been getting us lately? Not that me and Sakura are complaining or anything since it pays well, but it has perked our interest as to why." Harry just nods from where he is before grinning.

"It's all about rep you guys." Seeing the confused looks, he rolls his eyes before explaining. "Its like this, the more high rank missions we do, the more of a reputation we'll get. While we have been fighting mostly bandits we have encountered a number of missing-nin. Because of this, we've come under scrutiny from other villages since we've defeated them and collected the bounties. Think of it this way, me and you were already in the Bingo book. Granted it was mainly Kiri's, but still. Now, with all the missions we've been pulling, Sakura-nee-chan has her own page in several… just not a large one so far while we have at least two." Sakura looks slightly shocked at that before shaking her head and chuckling.

"I wish that you had told me this sooner Harry. I really do." Still chuckling, she gives him a mischievous grin. "But I really don't mind since in the end every little bit helps." Naruto gives a small chuckle at that before shaking his own head.

"It helps out more then that Sakura-chan." Seeing her confused expression, he shakes his head. Believe it or not, it'll help you gain Chunin rank in the next exam." Sakura blinks at that before scratching her head in confusion.

"How would having a reputation help me in becoming a Chunin Naruto?" Naruto just shakes his head and smiles.

"Because Sakura-chan, by having a reputation, you gain the notice of the other hidden villages. And if the Council decides to not give you the rank it makes them look stupid for doing so. After all… what kind of Genin fights against C-, B-, and A-rank missing-nin on any kind of normal basis? If they do so, then the other villages will wonder what possible reasons for them to do so, eventually causing the Council to become mired in a political quagmire." Sakura nods at that thoughtfully.

"I see… so having a reputation in the ninja world can open up doors that normally would be closed to me eh?" The two guys just nod before Harry points out something to her.

"It's true that having a rep will open doors for you, it has it's downsides as well." Sakura gives him a short tilt of her head to continue which he does. "By having a rep, you'll get guys challenging you simply to prove that they're strong. Also, whenever you enter another village, even an allied one, you'll be more closely watched to make sure that you're not getting up to something." Sakura then asks what rank she's been given to which Naruto grins.

"Actually, that's a bit of a trick question." Seeing the raised eyebrow, he grins. "Several different ones have given you a different rank. Kiri has given you a mid C-rank since you fought Zabuza and his gang. Suna has given you a low B-rank for what you did during the invasion. Kusa, Ame, and Taki have all given you a high C-rank. Oto, bless those assholes, have given you a D-rank, yet already have a bounty on your head." Sakura's jaw actually drops at that before she shakes her head and sighs.

"And let me guess… since Tsunade-sama's taken me on as an unofficial apprentice, the rankings have likely changed, right?" They both nod with grins making her mumble about bakas. A little while later, they all take a break to eat lunch. Chewing thoughtfully, Sakura asks if they could put up privacy spells which they do. She then looks at the two as she switches to english so that she can ask a question that's been bothering her lately. "I was wondering… how are the wards for the village and the compound coming?" Naruto just chuckles as he grins.

"They're actually coming along pretty good right now." Taking a bite from his ramen, he nods. "So far, we've gotten the ward stones ready for the minor wards we're putting up." Seeing her cock her head to the side, Naruto raises an eyebrow. "You do know what Ward Stones are right?" Thinking it over, she slowly nods.

"Yeah… I think I do." She then nods as she snaps her fingers. "They're stones with runes carved into them to act as anchors for wards right?" Harry slowly nods.

"That is the basic explanation yes. But the real info is a bit more complicated then that Sakura-nee-chan." Taking a bite of his food (a cup of ramen) he gulps before continuing. "There are in fact different types of Ward Stones. The most basic is a simple stone, of any type or size, with a rune carved into it. This is the type most commonly used for wizarding residences. Unfortunately, wards using these stones are easily destroyed since they really can't hold much power. The next level up uses semi-precious stones like amethyst and jade. They hold more power, but attached wards can still be destroyed with a bit of effort. This type is used mainly for businesses and some of the older wizarding residences. Then, you have ones using precious stones like diamonds and rubies. These are the most powerful that you'll likely to encounter and attached wards are VERY tough to destroy, but not impossible to. They are also the most expensive in terms of cost for area. It's for that reason that they're not used very often except for the really old pureblood residences and places like the Ministry of Magic. But these are not the strongest types of ward stones that can be used. They are just the ones that are 'Legal' to use." Sakura blinks at this before giving him an odd look.

"'Legal' ones? What are the others then? And from the way you're talking I'm pretty sure that they're actually used by people." Harry just nods.

"As a matter of fact they are used." He starts ticking them off on his fingers. "You have in order of power: Glass-stones, Bloodstones, and meteors. Glass-stones are illegal because anyone with a knowledge of runes can make them and the ministry wants to control that. Before you even ask, to make a normal Ward Stone you need to know how to channel magic into them as well as make the proper runic array, and the ministry tracks those people and make them pay a 'special' tax to have the right to make them. This tax is then passed onto the warder's customers. A glass-stone is much simpler. All you have to do is write the array on a piece of parchment in blood, which is a reason it's illegal, and then seal it into a glass orb using magic. Anyone with a Sixth year's education can make one. The problem is that they're only as strong as a normal ward stone and easier to break if found." At this point Naruto takes over.

"Bloodstones are something entirely different. A Bloodstone is created from magically crystallized blood, often that of an magical being. Since it's blood magic, the ministry classifies it as 'Dark' magic… Not that it stops people from making them. The problem is that if you're caught making them you're looking at a ten year sentence in Azkaban easy. However, any ward using a Bloodstone for an anchor is WAY stronger then one using precious stones since the magic in the blood is part of them. Hogwarts' wards are mostly anchored by Bloodstones created from the blood of not only the five founders but also other magical creatures as well like dragons for instance." Taking a drink of tea, he continues. "And finally, we have meteors. These make the most powerful Ward Stones that can be. No one really knows why that is, it simply is. Maybe it has to do with the fact that they contain magic from the start of the Solar System. Anyways, any wards anchored to one are nigh impossible to destroy. It is for that reason that they're illegal to have. The MoM is so obsessed with controlling all aspects of society that they don't want them used because then they can't break through the wards used. They actually collect any meteors they can that fall to earth since they're so scared of them being used and destroy them." Naruto just shakes his head and chuckles. "The various ministries of the magical world are so paranoid and power-hungry when it comes to their citizens they actually make ninja villages look trusting by comparison." Nodding, Sakura takes a sip of her tea before commenting.

"It certainly seems that way you guys." She then looks over at them with a raised eyebrow. "So… what ones are you using? I know you're using ones for the village and the compound, but which ones?" Harry disintegrates the trash from their lunch as he looks over at her.

"Well… we're using Bloodstones for the Main Konoha wards, though we're also creating a shit load of your average Ward-stones and placing them inside of Konoha's main wall. We're doing this for two reasons. One, because they'll act like a decoy for the real ones and two, because it's simply easier to hide them like that. And three… because they'll be strong anyways. Get enough of them in a high concentration and even minor wards will merge together and create more powerful ones naturally. The trick is to 'Thread' them the right way. Do that and you can create a powerful ward system." Naruto then grins as he adds to it.

"Yeah! And Kaa-san and Ero-Sennin are going to help by adding chakra wards. Kaa-san said that Tou-san helped create several and places them in certain places. So they're using his research notes to recreate them on a smaller scale… and more concentrated too." Nodding, Sakura helps as they clean up the camp sight before they all head out. A few hours later they manage to reach the gates and after a few minute wait, they walk in. Deciding to just walk along the street, they head towards the tower and give their report. Naruto stays there for a little bit to chat it up with Shizune (Read: Flirting) while Sakura decides to get some training in. By himself, Harry walks out and bumps into someone. Blinking a little bit, he grins as he greets them.

"Myrtle! How's it going for you?" Rubbing her butt, Myrtle gets up (she has Fubuki's body but without in a red t-shirt and jeans, see "ToaMS: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow!" for details). Seeing who bumped into her, she smiles and hugs him before he slips his hand around her waist causing her to blush as he draws her close. Looking up at her, Harry raises an eyebrow. "Well? Aren't you going to answer my question Myrtle?" Myrtle blinks a little before shrugging.

"It's… going okay I guess." She then looks herself over before shaking her head. "I'm still getting used to be alive again after over fifty years you know? I mean I have to now eat, drink, and… er…. take care of business all over again. It can really get difficult you know?" Harry then asks about her training to which she smiles with embarrassment. "It's… doing well. According to Kushina-sensei I should be at the level of what I… I mean she was at before the year is out." Myrtle then sighs. "It's so damn hard to keep track of exactly where I end and she began you know? Ever since the assimilation of the soul fragments left behind by the Dementor attack in myself, sometimes I swear that I'm her and that she's me. It can get really confusing at times when I'm about to react to something like I normally would and then do something different. I know that she's now apart of me, but still… it can get really creepy at times… you know?" Harry just nods to show that he does know. Sighing, he looks up with a pensive frown as Myrtle looks at him. "Something on your mind Harry?" Harry thinks it over before shaking his head.

"I don't know why but… but I feel like something bad is going to happen… something that will change everything…"

00000000000000 Later that night 0000000000000000

Walking around, Kin is simply enjoying the night air from behind the face mask she's got on (imagine Kakashi's). Looking up, she smiles at the sight of the stars twinkling above her. 'Wow… it's so beautiful out tonight…' Suddenly she stops as she feels a familiar energy that sends a shiver up her spine. 'Wha… that… that's Tayuya!' Waiting a moment to track it, she rushes towards it as stealthily as she can. Soon after she comes across a sight that causes her eyes to widen in surprise, for there is Sasuke surrounded by the Sound Four by a gate. Gulping, she looks around wildly. 'Shit! What the hell are they doing here!? There's no way that they should be in Konoha!' She then hears something that causes her blood to run cold. 'The Uchiha… is defecting to Oto! Shit! I have got to get out of here and warn Tsunade-sama!' She turns to get out of there when she catches movement from out of the corner of her eye. Her head jerks to the side and this saves her life as a golden arrow pierces the tree right beside her head. She ducks as the branch beside her bends, Jiromaru's punch missing entirely before she drives a knee into his solar plexus taking away his breath. She then has to dodge another arrow, but this time she falls out of the tree. Shaking her head, she sees Tayuya laughing as she walks towards her.

"Ha! Another one of those fucking shit head Konoha ninja! And a fucking Kunoichi at that!" She then looks at Sakon and Ukon. "Why don't you fuck heads get out of here with that dickless Uchiha and I'll take care of this fucking bitch. I owe it to Kin to kill as many of these fucking dicklickers as possible." Jiromaru leaps down from the branch and shakes his head.

"Tayuya, women shouldn't swear." Tayuya just mocks him in a high toned voice.

"'Tayuya, women shouldn't swear.' Well why don't you just fuck off you fucking fat-ass! Now go with the others and that whiny he-bitch of an Uchiha." Sasuke just glares at Tayuya before snorting.

"Instead of arguing, shouldn't we just finish her off before getting out of here? It wouldn't do to have any one else stumble on us now would it?" Tayuya grits her teeth and growls, but before anything else can be said, Kidomaru is there slamming a fist into Kin's face. Rolling with it, she kicks out one of his knees before bringing down her heel into his stomach. Before she can do anything else, Jiromaru is there trying to punch her, but she grabs his arms and uses it to throw him a short distence away. Her eyes widen as she hears a flute before her sight goes black. Gritting her teeth, she quickly dispels it, only to have to dodge several fire balls. One of which comes so close that part of her mask is burnt off. It then falls from her face revealing her. At that moment everything stops as the Sound Four go into a state of shock. Tayuya's mouth goes dry as she tries to work it. Shaking her head, she looks at Kin in shock.

"Ki… Kin-chan, is that you? Wha… what are you doing here…" Suddenly her eyes widen as a smirk stretches across her face. "I get it! Those fucking Konoha nin somehow trapped you right? And now you've escaped." Her smile falls as Kin looks at her and shakes her head. "Wha… You can't be a Konoha-nin Kin-chan… You would never betray Orochimaru-sama… You would never betray… me." Kin just snarls at her.

"I would never betray you Tayuya-sempai. Never. But that fucking asshole Orochimaru? Hell yes! Especially after he betrayed me and tried to kill me before the Third round of the exam! Thankfully I was saved by a, 'Fucking' as you so put it, Konoha nin." Tayuya just clinches her fists as she looks at Kin with a look full of betrayal.

"You… YOU FUCKING BITCH!" She just shakes her head in anger. "You fucking betrayed us! That was how Konoha knew that we were going to attack! You were the fucking one to tell them you fucking backstabbing little whore!" Kin flinches a little at the names before her face hardens.

"What did you expect after Orochimaru-teme tries to kill me! HE TRIED TO KILL ME YOU BAKA BITCH BECAUSE HE SAW ME AS HAVING MORE WORTH DEAD THEN ALIVE!" Kin just looks away before looking back as Tayuya tells her that Orochimaru would never betray them. "Ha! I was there Tayuya-sempai when Kabuto and Kimimaro on Orochimaru-teme's orders killed Zaku and Dosu! I! WAS! THERE! Then Kabuto tried to kill me too!" Tayuya just shakes her head.

"You're lying! Orochimaru-sama would never do that! Never!" She the holds out her hands in a pleading gesture. "You must have been mistaken! Kabuto might have gotten his orders wrong!" Kin just snorts at that before raising an eyebrow.

"Oh? Really now? Then why did Orochimaru-teme show up and tell me this himself while I was at the edge of a cliff? Hmm? Got an answer for that Tayuya-sempai? Or for the fact that he told me that he would tell you that Konoha ninja killed me in order to make you hate Konoha?" Tayuya looks like she just got slapped in the face as she takes a step back as that was exactly what Orochimaru had told her. Kin is about to say more when several small golden arrows hit her in the leg causing her to have to bite back a scream. She then glares at Kidomaru who glares right back.

"Whether or not Orochimaru-sama gave the order to kill you doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that you were part of the reason why the invasion failed in the first place. Many of you Oto brethren lost their lives because you betrayed them! And there's only one punishment for betrayal… death." He starts making another arrow before finding Kin in front of him with her fist buried in his stomach causing him to cough up blood. She then drops him with a spin kick to the side of his head. She doesn't get a break as Jiromaru slams his fist into her back sending her flying into a section of the wall making an indent in it. Another arrow then hits her in the gut. Gritting her teeth even though blood is leaking through, she does several handsigns.

'This… is… my… last chance…' Finishing them, she breaths in. "Ninpou! Doku giri no jutsu!" The Sound Four all leap out of the way, though Sasuke throws several kunai with exploding tags attached to them into the cloud, detonating them and causing the cloud to go up in a explosion as the poison ignites. Tayuya spends several seconds staring at the spot where her oldest friend just died before heading out with the rest of the Sound Four plus Sasuke, none of them seeing the tear falling from her eye. A short distence away, a burned and battered Kin holding her stomach stumbles away. 'Thank… the kami that… I managed that Kawarimi… in time…' She stumbling into a wall, she slowly slides down it as darkness starts creeping into her vision. Just before everything goes dark, she sees a masked ANBU rush towards her before all goes black. Next thing she knows, she's waking up in a hospital room with a breathing mask on. At that moment, Sakura steps in and smiles as she notices Kin conscious. Her smile falls with Kin's next words. "Wha… what time is it… and… how long…" She falls into a coughing fit as Sakura removes the mask and gives her some water.

"You shouldn't be straining yourself like this Kin. But to answer your question, it's morning and you were brought in last night." Sakura just shakes her head with a sigh. "You're lucky that ANBU member was patrolling that area and came to investigate. Any longer and you might have died from your injuries." Kin just motions her to come close. Frowning, she does so. "What is it Kin? What do you want to tell me?" Kin coughs a little before answering.

"Get… the… Hokage… now… need to…. Tell her… important information…" Sakura just looks at the clock and shakes her head.

"It's six in the morning Kin. I doubt that she'll even be awake, let alone be available to speak to you." What Kin says next causes Sakura's blood to run cold as she feels like someone just squeezed her heart.

"You… have to… get her… Sasuke… left village… with… Sound Four… Orochimaru's… elite…" Not even a minute later Sakura is out the door and rushing towards the Hokage residence at top speed…

00000000000000 The End 00000000000000000000

Steve: And there you have it guys! Well? What do you think?

Yui: Not bad. The fact that Kin stumbled on it and tried to stop them is different though.

Steve: Well… she didn't actually try to stop them, she tried to get away since she knew that even with all the training she received she still wasn't a match for them.

Pen-pen: Waarrk warrkk warkk wark war ark wa war ark waark wark a waarrkkk war War waarrk ar wark waark ark waarrkkk aark. (Doesn't matter since this was one of the few times that I actually saw Kin appear at this point and confront them.)

Hinata: Really? I've seen a few like that you know.

Steve: I'm kind of surprised at that Hinata since it is rare for it.

Yui: Yeah… but why was did Sakura feel the way she did at the end? I thought she was with Naruto?

Steve: She is actually. But she always considered Sasuke as kind of a friend and now she just found out that he betrayed them. Of COURSE she would be hurting after something like that. I know that I would be.

Hinata: I like how you included a explanation of wards. Very thought out. But I thought that wards were just kind of… well, spelled in an area.

Steve: Yes and no. I'm assuming that you got that idea from Deathly Hollows? (Hinata nods) Well, I went a different way because those were temporary wards. The ones that Harry, Naruto, and Lily are putting up are permanent and need a way to be anchored to stay.

Hinata: Oh! I see now.

Steve: Anyways… I'll be seeing you guys later! Please read and review!

00000000000000000 Screen Fades Out 000000000000000000000000000