An: Well I would like to thank all the people who have reviewed as always. As far as how the poll is going the Naruto/Harem is pulling away with it. I'm still a little iffy about going that route primarily since as many of the people who commented on making it strictly Naruto/Sakura have said it may cheapen what has happened thus far. The only thing I can say to that is what prompted the poll in the first place isn't necessarily where I am in the story but where I've plotted it. That being said, I'll keep the poll open for feedback as it makes me more confident on the pairing for my next story, but when I reach the point where this one will either go Harem or not. I'll settle it with another poll kind of like those choose your own adventure books from back in the day. Also for the Strictly Naruto/Sakura fans I plan to have that portion of the story wrapped up before then. And if it does go Harem each of the other two girls will be added in their own arcs. So as always thanks for the reviews, S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.

Chapter 8: Falling behind with a Head-start

Kurotsuchi watched as Sada searched the third VIP room that they had come across. Getting fed up she said, "Come on Sada, quit wasting time."

"What you see as wasting time," the seductress replied, "I see as making sure this isn't a one way trip."

"What even makes you so sure there are secret passages down here?" Kurotsuchi asked leaning against a wall.

"Inside knowledge dear," the beautiful woman said ambiguously, "Do you even know what a woman of my skill set does?"

"Sleep around," Kurotsuchi replied flatly.

"Sometimes if necessary, but that is strictly for amateurs," Sada replied, "A well placed genjutsu coupled with pressing the right pressure points and you'll make your mark think he had the greatest night of his life. No, a seductress gets her mark alone. Usually in his own home or at an inn he is staying at and incapacitates him for a few hours so she can learn all their deepest darkest secrets in order to blackmail them later for political favors." She grinned when spotted an art piece made of stone that depicted five monks in various martial arts stances, four of the monks were facing the fifth looking like they were about to fight. Only somebody that knew what the art was representing would recognize that the monks should all be facing the same way. Smiling she continued from where she had stopped saying, "The best part of the job is that even after stealing all their little secrets," twisting the one monk to face in the same direction of his fellows causing a wall to slide open, "they thank you for it."

Kurotsuchi stared at the open wall saying, "This leads out of here?"

"A path of it may," Sada answered, "But it also probably leads to a few of the labs as well." She could see Kurotsuchi staring at her with an unasked questions so she explained, "This area is for visiting politicians so the village leader can secure monetary backing for his off the book operations. But, he'd want to make sure they could escape if this facility was ever compromised so their names wouldn't get dragged into it, if the horrible experiments they did here ever came to light. They lead to the labs for the same reason…"

"To limit the number of people that see them here," Kurotsuchi interjected, "You seem to know an awful lot about how the village leader of Grass thinks."

Giving the Iwa kunoichi a humorless smile Sada said, "Who do you think it was that gave me the mission to kill Jiraiya? It was probably a mission he took off the books to secure funds for places like this, which was why when I got captured, I was marked as a rogue ninja and quickly forgotten."

"Why didn't you tell us about these passages while we were planning for the mission?"

"Because I didn't know rooms like this existed," Sada answered, "and I didn't think it necessary information to bring up in case they didn't."

"I suppose I can accept that. No sense planning for something that you couldn't be sure even existed. Well anyhow. How do we know which way to go for the lab?"

"There will be markings to help us navigate," Sada replied, "They are there to help a panicked investor find his way out. So it should be relatively easy to navigate to the main lab."

Kurotsuchi nodded before heading down the passage saying, "I suppose it'll be too much to expect that the creatures won't have found their way in here."

"The way our day's been going, I doubt it," Sada replied, "Also, if these beasts are somehow being controlled as you suspect. Then the controller is most likely in the main lab near the security room. I can't promise that opening this doorway didn't trigger an alarm."

"Basically you're saying that even if they are clear now, they probably won't be for long." Kurotsuchi said, "Well we wouldn't want it to be too easy."

"Speak for yourself," Sada said in good humor, "I wouldn't mind it at all if it was easy. It wouldn't dampen my satisfaction in the least."

"Well let's get going before the welcoming party arrives."

Tayuya was surprised that the assault they had braced for never came. After about ten minutes of waiting and with nothing happening Kyo sat in a corner for a few moments. She had no idea why he was meditating at a time like this, but since he didn't seemed concerned she went back to searching through the computer files, looking through the various projects that had been conducted in the labs. What she found was as bad as the experiments she knew Orochimaru had conducted.

Reading a file on an experiment that she had found, in which they attempted to combine plant DNA with humans in order to create more versatile shinobi. Reading the horrific ways they went about conducting their research. Tayuya hoped that should the mission fail that she die in the process as she didn't want to be taken alive. She was so engrossed in the file that when Kyo suddenly said, "Alright let's get moving," she flinched slightly.

Turning towards him she watched him smoothly rise to his feet. Wondering why he suddenly wanted to move out she asked, "I thought you wanted to stay here to meet the creatures' next attack."

"They aren't coming here," the mercenary replied," Katsuro apparently is looking to settle a score with me and is leading his men towards the main lab. However the puppet master pulling these creatures strings doesn't seem to be in any hurry to meet Katsuro anytime soon so almost all the creatures are heading to stop him."

"So now you're a sensor type as well," Kiyoshi said unbelieving.

Naruto stared at the man before saying, "You'll just have to take my word for it."

"Really and why is that," the medic said impertinently.

For a moment Naruto flashed back to when he had first met Jiraiya and asked how he knew about his two types of chakra. Looking a Kiyoshi he doubted he could simply reply, "Because I am a Sage." Smiling beneath his mask at the memory he said, "Give me enough time to sharpen my senses and I can sense chakra."

"Really," Tayuya said, "What about the others? How are they faring?"

"Not good," Naruto answered, "Mizuki for some reason is ahead of us. If I had to guess I would say at the main lab. Otoya and Oden are dead. Meanwhile, it appears that Okubo is heading towards Sada and Kurotsuchi, although from the direction of the main lab. Kazuro is heading for the lab but may run into Katsuro so we have to hurry."

"Can you sense the man controlling these creatures?" Tayuya asked pulling the disk she had copied out of the drive.

"Yeah, however calling him a man is a stretch as he seems less human then the creatures he has created."

Tayuya hefting her bag to her shoulder nodded weakly fearful of ending up in such a man's clutches. As if sensing her discomfort Kyo put a hand on her shoulder saying, "I won't let him hurt you Tayuya. I promise."

Although only knowing him for a month she felt completely at peace after his statement as it sounded less like a promise and more like a declaration of fact. Kyo began leading the way towards the main lab, moving confidently almost as if he could see around corners and through walls.

Zin had just finished buckling Mizuki into the table when the light on one of his computers went off signaling that somebody had entered one of the secret passages. Moving to the monitors he could see almost all of the shinobi invading his territory on them. He couldn't see Katsuro or Kyo's groups as they were disabling his cameras. However, by that fact alone he knew exactly where they were as they made their way to his lab. Although, only Katsuro's group was currently facing his precious creations as he actually wanted Kyo to reach him.

That is why he had taken Mizuki in. He intended to honor his promise of turning him into a god, just one that he controlled. The fool hadn't even bothered to protest as Zin strapped him into the table. It would take some time, but once Mizuki was ready he would have him fight against the mercenary and Katsuro as he was sure the man would reach him. Of course that was only after he let the two brutes battle each other for a while to weaken them. Then once captured and turned he felt that with those two at his beck and call he would be untouchable.

The blinking light brought his attention back to the matter of who was moving through his passages. Directing his attention back to the screens, he deduced that it must have been the two women. As they had probably found one of the passages in the VIP section, since it was devoid of cameras and for whose guests the passages were created. He didn't want to take away any of the creatures attacking the Deathseekers as he only wanted Katsuro to make it to the lab. But that was why he had freed Okubo to deal with the riffraff.

Turning on the mike to the walkie-talkie he had supplied Okubo with he said, "Okubo dear boy."

On the screen he could see the large man turn away from the member of his team he had come across and killed. Looking at the camera the man replied, "What do you want?"

"Well I just thought you would like to know where two of the women from your party are at," Zin said knowingly and delighting in the smile that split Okubo's face.

"Absolutely"

"Good, then follow my directions and they should come right to you," Zin said. After supplying the directions he turned back to Mizuki a smile of his own splitting his face as Mizuki appeared larger and his skin began taking on a purplish tint as the cells he was injecting him with began to take hold.

Kurotsuchi and Sada were pleasantly surprised at the lack of creatures in the passage they had entered. There had been a few creatures, but they had seemed to attack merely because the two women had entered an area the creatures had made their own. Not as a result of the unheard commands that Kurotsuchi was positive had been directing the creatures before.

Kurotsuchi stopped as Sada came to a halt in front of her. "What is it?" the Iwa-nin asked concerned. However Sada didn't need to answer as Kurotsuchi directed her attention past the seductress. Whereas the passage leading up to this point had been almost surgically clean before it now gave way to plant life that was now covering the walls. Furthermore one of the walls of the passage was collapsed opening out into a lab that appeared to be a miniature jungle. It also didn't appear that the creatures were the cause of the destruction as several of them were in the room as dead as the scientists that had worked in the lab.

Kurotsuchi noticed that one of the scientist twitched and so was about to offer him aid but was stopped as Sada held up her arm. "What," Kurotsuchi asked, "he may have information."

"I doubt it look closer."

Doing as the seductress suggested she saw that the man was getting up and although wearing a stained lab coat his face was no longer wholly human. His lower jaw was extended and filled with rows of razor sharp teeth and long sharp nails grew from his fingertips. His skin had also begun to take on a greenish tint. Directing her attention to his chest she could see a large hole that began sprouting tentacle like vines from it.

Taking a step back in revulsion she heard Sada say, "Looks like one of the scientist's little experiments took on a mind of its own."

Wondering what the woman was talking about she directed her gaze to where Sada was looking and saw a plant that almost appeared to be watching them. One of the buds near it began to face them before suddenly shooting away from its stem right at her. Moving quickly Kurotsuchi dodged to the side. The bud smashed into the wall behind her hard enough to penetrate the concrete. As her attention was directed behind her the vines from the former scientist chest shot towards her ensnaring her, but she was quickly cut free by Sada.

Sada said, "Looks like the plant wants to add more bodies to its forces." Kurotsuchi nodded in response preparing to face the creature but Sada stopped her saying, "Go on ahead. I'll handle this."

Kurotsuchi stared at the woman for a moment wondering why she would stay behind to let her go on ahead. The woman could sense the question directed at her back it seemed as she said, "I understand you want to get to the bastard who is causing all this madness in order to get revenge for your home. That is something I can easily get behind. Besides, if I survive this don't expect me to come after you as I plan to get the hell out of here."

Kurotsuchi walked up behind the woman and forming a hand-sign placed her glowing fingertips to Sada's head. The mark on her forehead faded. Before Sada could ask why Kurotsuchi had already took off down the passage way. The seductress smiled as more waving vines appeared from the creature's chest cavity.

Even though technically there was nothing keeping her from running she for some reason couldn't get herself to betray the faith Kurotsuchi had shown in her by removing the seal. Watching the creature and the plant that seemed to be its master warily she always had a strange suspicion that due to her role as a seductress her end would be as a result of running into some strange tentacle creature. Seeing one before her she decided that if that was her fate then so be it and charged into the room kunai at the ready.

Kurotsuchi ran down the halls throwing caution to the wind. She had faith Sada would triumph and the brutal honesty that she had shown her by telling her, she planned to run after wards, had been the reason she had removed the seal. She rounded a corner that opened up into a circular room that had three paths. The one she came from, one that said it led to the main lab, and the final one which led to the secret way out.

She turned towards the one that led to the main lab never even slowing down. When she was about to enter that path, the large metal door that people would close behind them in case they were being chased slammed into her knocking her back into the circular room. Dazed due to how hard she and the door had collided, she didn't notice Okubo step out from behind the door until he was standing over her.

Grabbing her by the throat he said, "Well, well, well, looks like I came a calling after all."

While he choked her with one of his large hands, he grabbed her breast with the other saying, "Nice and firm just the way I like them. Although you are a bit older than I usually go for just like that snake bitch was. I think you and me are going to have a marvelous time."

When she tried to strike him, he easily caught her free hand and eventually maneuvered it and her other one above her head, where he tied them together. She tried to fight him off but he slammed her head into the ground a few times. Unable to see straight let alone fight him, he dragged her to the large metal door where he tied the end of the rope he had used to bind her hands to the handle of it. He didn't want to have his fun with her while she was out of it so taking his canteen poured the water on to her face.

Kurotsuchi pulled it together staring at the man in anger and hatred causing him to say, "That's the look I love so much. I especially love watching it turn into fear and despair. Are you ready you little slut because you are about to become a part of an exclusive club?"

Kurotsuchi tried to prevent him from getting between her legs but was unable due to the lack of leverage. She wondered why he hadn't removed her clothes other than her flakjacket yet, but got her answer as he used a kunai to cut her shirt as well as bra away. Since he enjoyed causing pain he wasn't careful about not nicking her having cut into her in a few places. Although disgusted as the man licked along her body, she kept calm; trying to appear like she wanted to get away she slinked down a bit. Feeling he was in charge he put the knife down in order to grab at her with both hands. That was when she struck grabbing him around the ribcage with her legs.

At first he said, "Getting into it already slut, good."

However as she squeezed her legs together he began to look panicked as after he exhaled he couldn't inhale due to the pressure on his ribs. He tried to grab for the kunai but in his panic only succeeded in knocking it away. Using his strength he managed to get to his feet pulling her up with him. However when he tried to get away he couldn't as her hands were still tied to the door. He tried punching her several times only to find that although she grunted she gave no sign that she felt his blows. He managed to pull back hard enough that the rope he had used to tie her to the door snapped. With the rope broken Kurotsuchi brought her torso up to stare the bastard in the eyes before allowing her upper body to fall to the ground.

Using that momentum she flipped herself still with Okubo trapped between her thighs. As she completed her flip she let go of Okubo sending him head first into the metal door. Before he could even get a breath she jumped at him hitting him in the throat with a kick that crushed his windpipe. As Okubo died slowly and agonizing, Kurotsuchi watched him unemotionally. When the light left his eyes she walked to the wall and slammed the shoulder she had dislocated before the rope broke back into place. Discarding the ruined shirt she grabbed her flakjacket before beginning to head to the lab again.

She was a little shaken but would only allow herself to feel the emotions welling up inside her after the mission. With that she spared one last look at her would be rapist almost tempted to give his corpse a kick, but decided that she would simply take pleasure in knowing that whatever hell he was currently enjoying, she had been the one that arranged the trip. Pushing on she began heading to the main lab and the man behind the madness they were trying to stop.

Katsuro knelt down next to the glassy eyed Kokusa. It had been a hard fight to the main lab but after killing more creatures then he could keep track of. He alone had made it. Kokusa had only succumbed to his wounds upon setting his eyes on the large metal doors that blocked his entrance to the lab. Closing his second's eyes he said, "Well done, enjoy your reward."

Standing he was about to step into large area where the lab doors resided when another man entered the area to stand before the lab. Whoever he was, he wasn't Kyo, but he probably worked with him. However, he had no interest in taking prisoners so moving stealthily prepared to pounce and destroy the man quickly to save energy for his true prey.

Tayuya noticed that as they walked towards the main lab that the confidence that Kyo had in knowing where the creatures were, eventually gave way to the more traditional means of peeking around corners and such. She wondered why his ability to detect enemies seemed to wan after he began moving but put it out of her mind. After what seemed like forever the hall they were in gave way to a large open area that housed two large, thick metal doors that practically screamed, 'Main Lab.'

Lying before it was the bloody body of Kazuro whose face was badly mangled. Naruto noticed that the man's wounds seemed to be inflicted by a weapon instead of claws. Before he could caution Kiyoshi not to rush forward, the medic was already sliding next to the man.

"Hold up Kiyoshi," Naruto said looking around, "something is off about this."

"Just let me do my job mercenary," the medic said, "and figure it out."

"Kyo's here," Kazuro asked.

"Yeah," Kiyosh said scanning the man. He was about to comment that Kozura heartbeat was amazingly strong when he felt a sudden pain in his abdomen. Looking down he saw that a large metal blade had sprang from Kazuro sleeve.

Naruto reacted immediately as soon as the blade appeared from Kiyoshi's back. However Katsuro was already rolling away jerking his blade out of the medic's side as he created space between the two men. Springing to his feet he was surprised to see that the mercenary wasn't attacking instead holding the dying medic.

"Shit, looks like I should have listened," Kiyoshi said, "Tell Tsunade…tell her that I know I broke my oath to do no harm. But I can't bring myself to regret it."

Naruto didn't respond as the man had already passed. Laying his head down Naruto stood to face the man's killer. Katsuro pulled the ruined face of Kazuro from his own revealing a satisfied smile.

"We meet at last, Desert Fox," Katsuro said pulling the torn clothes from his body to reveal his Deathseeker's cloak and uniform.

"Why," Naruto said angrily, "Why would you kill him?"

"My trap was meant for you," Katsuro answered, "However one dead enemy is as good as another. Why do you even care, before the man whose identity I took died he told me that everyone, but your second in command were prisoners. Do you honestly care about their fates?"

"Of course I care," Naruto snapped, "I led them here, they were my responsibility."

"How can you have lived this long with such a weak disposition," Katsuro said. "To think I was actually impressed for a moment. I thought you brought such scum to be sacrificed in order to complete your objective. To know you had no intention of sacrificing them is a letdown."

"I'm not here to make you happy," Naruto said between gritted teeth, "I'm here to bring this base down."

Holding the arm that mounted his curved blade in front of him Katsuro said, "I'm afraid you won't succeed. But rest assured once I kill you. I'll bring this base down myself."

"Tayuya," Naruto said, "Try and open the doors while I keep this bastard busy."

Tayuya nodded making her way to the door and found a rather complex lock resided next to the door. Setting to work she didn't bother to look behind her as she was sure Kyo would protect her.

Naruto watched Katsuro, pulling a kunai of his own out from his pouch to hold in front of him. At moments like this he really found having a cover identity to be a real pain as he couldn't use many of his more powerful jutsu. Normally it wasn't a problem as very few people knew when he was in sage mode. However he hadn't had time to enter it before Katsuro revealed himself. With Tayuya there he couldn't use many of his more powerful jutsus since they were pretty specific to him.

The two men stared each other down till Katsuro started things off with a fire jutsu that took the shape of a large lion. Naruto avoided it only to learn that it could change course as it leapt at him again from behind. Naruto had to parry Katsuro's blade when he tried to take advantage of Naruto having to leap towards him to avoid the jutsu. Naruto while facing away from the Deathseeker brought his elbow up smashing it into Katsuro's face resulting in a satisfying crunch. The Deathseeker stumbled back away from the jinchuriki and Naruto rolled to the side to avoid the flame lion.

He looked for some way to take the lion out of the fight since he doubted the few water jutsu he knew would be up to taking it down. He spotted a fire extinguisher near a corner of the room. He wanted to make a run for it but was afraid if he did, Katsuro would move on Tayuya.

However, Katsuro seemed fixated solely on him, so Naruto waited for the man to come at him again before avoiding his blade arm and kicking him towards the extinguisher. Katsuro landed right by it and Naruto couldn't believe his luck when the Deathseeker actually picked it up and tossed it at him. Naruto instead of dodging it waited until the last moment to kick it directly into the Flame Lion. The pressurized gas exploded immediately dousing the jutsu.

Realizing the merc had played him Katsuro growled charging the man. When he reached his opponent he attempted to stab the merc right in the chest with his blade. Naruto avoided the blade but was kicked in the chest which sent him reeling backwards. Katsuro swiped at him with the blade but again missed. Yet, the way the merc dodged he had painted himself into a corner literally. His prey cornered like a mouse Katsuro took a moment to enjoy his impending victory before going in for the kill.

Naruto threw a smoke pellet on the ground, but Katsuro simply stabbed into the smoke feeling his blade hit a body. The smoke dispersed to show the mercenary impaled on his blade, however he then burst into smoke revealing it was a shadow clone. Looking up he saw Kyo staring down at him from the ceiling having been thrown there by the clone.

Naruto reached into his pouch and pulled out a shuriken which he then threw at the Deathseeker. Quickly forming several hand-signs the single shuriken sprouted into hundreds forcing the man back to the center of the room with Naruto following in his wake.

Tayuya was cursing the stupid sixteen pin lock that was barring her access to the lab. She could hear Kyo and the Deathseeker fighting but concentrated solely on her task trusting in the mercenary. She felt the lock begin to move telling her the door was about to open. Moving in front of it she prepared for whatever was about to come out. However no amount of preparation could get her ready to come face to face with an eleven foot tall, purple skinned monstrosity that bared a resemblance to Mizuki.

Naruto and Katsuro both came to a stop in front of the door staring at the creature as it stepped out of the lab. Tayuya began backing up in fright. She was about to run for it when the creature with a wave of its massive arm swatted her away. Before she smashed into a wall Naruto intercepted her. Placing her down in a corner he heard the large door close behind the monster. Checking to make sure Tayuya was okay despite being unconscious he breathed a sigh of relief when she moaned.

Turning to face the monster he stopped advancing on it when a squealing sound began over the loud speaker before somebody said, "Ah Katsuro and I believe that the man in the mask is the mysterious Kyo correct." Naruto didn't respond prompting the man to say, "Not terribly polite but oh well."

Katsuro suddenly shouted, "When I get my hands on you Worm, I'm going to kill you slow and use your skull as a goblet."

"Well in order to get to me you'll have to get past him," Zin said, "As you can imagine, I'm not too terribly concerned. Please try and entertain me now as if you do I'll add you to my collection."

Naruto scoffed, "If Mizuki here is an example of what I can expect from that I think I'll pass."

"Oh dear boy, I have ways of making you see things in a whole new light." A clicking sound signaled that the man was done talking.

The creature that had been Mizuki which had remained still began to advance on him slowly. Naruto began to move away from Tayuya not wanting her to get caught up in the coming fight. He created a shadow clone with instructions to move the girl if necessary. Also he wanted it to remain still and gather natural energy as he had a feeling he was going to need to go full out. Before the creature could charge on a path that would take it in Tayuya's direction Naruto ran at it. Avoiding the lazy swipe it made at him, he spun low catching it in the back of the knees causing it to fall backwards. The creature rolled to its feet and Naruto caught it in the jaw with a solid punch, but was a little disconcerted when its head didn't even budge. He learned why when the creature hit him in response hard enough to send him across the room and still dent the wall he hit.

Falling to the ground he was surprised that the creature wasn't advancing but saw that Katsuro had entered the fray. Naruto would normally thank the man but knew that it had less to do with being helpful and all to do with that the Deathseeker wanted the glory of Kyo's death to be his. Forcing himself to stand, he watched as Katsuro jammed his blade into the creature's stomach only for the creature to break it off. Pulling what remained of the blade from its body, Naruto saw that there was a spurt of blood that quickly stopped telling him the bastard probably healed as fast or faster then him.

Naruto focused Chakra into the palm of his hand and infused it with his wind element. Unlike his Rasenshuriken this move seemed to resemble Chidori. He came up with the technique using the steps that Kakashi had told him after he had pestered him to teach him Chidori after he had defeated Gaara during the Sound Invasion. He couldn't use it against fast nimble opponents as it suffered from all the drawbacks associated with Kakashi's technique. But against a big, ugly, stupid looking opponent he was sure it would work just fine. He had been slightly afraid to use it, as he was worried that the technique would damage his cells like being too close to a Rasenshuriken would. But, when he had tested it against training dummies the head medic of Sand hadn't noticed any damage.

With the creatures back to him he began charging towards it the jutsu giving of the sound of a stiff breeze. It knocked Katsuro away from it and turned hearing the sound the jutsu was giving off. However it was too late as Naruto struck it in the chest. The creature fell back allowing Naruto to pull his arm free, but before he could celebrate his apparent victory Katsuro attacked him.

Naruto kicked the man away saying, "That's gratitude for you."

"The only thing I would thank you for is that you cleared the way for me to earn the glory of killing you."

"That's okay a simple thanks would be okay," Naruto replied.

Katsuro charged him again but was knocked away by the Mizuki creature as he regained its footing the hole in its chest almost completely sealed. Staring up at it Naruto said, "I don't suppose you want to be friends."

The creature reared backs its head sticking its chest out as it yelled its rage into the ceiling. As it stared at him with its yellow eyes Naruto said, "Should I consider that a maybe," but flipped backwards as the creature buried its fist into the ground where he had been standing. Out of the corner of his eye he could see that Katsuro was getting to his feet. Sighing he prepared to meet his enemies eventual charge.

Kurotsuchi found the rest of the trip towards the main lab to be devoid of obstacles. Reaching the panel that led to the lab she pressed the button next to it and watched the door slide open. Stepping into the lab she found it to be immaculately clean which surprised her, as she had expected it to look like a shop of horrors. Walking in deeper she spotted a bald frail looking man who was engrossed in watching the television screens in front of him. On the main one she could see Kyo battling against a monster that appeared to look somewhat like a purple Mizuki on steroids.

Taking a moment to watch the battle she saw that Kyo was in a three way battle as while both he and Katsuro would attack Mizuki. At the same time would strike at any opening that appeared in the others defense.

The sound of a soft purr brought her attention back to the bald man as the creature he was with appeared to have noticed her. When she took a step closer the creature hissed at her causing the man to say not having looked from his screen, "Did you already finish enjoying those Kunoichi, Okubo?"

"I don't think Okubo enjoyed his time with me," she said walking closer as the man spun the chair around in surprise, "but I found it highly satisfying."

A nervous look appeared in his eyes as he said, "Well I suppose it was too much to hope that such a man would be able to handle a real kunoichi. I suppose you are here to kill me now."

"That and to destroy this house of horrors you have created," Kurotsuchi said.

"How sad, to meet my fate at the hands of someone as tactless as you. You shinobi are all the same. You want new jutsu but when you see the price that has to be paid to achieve them you all scoff and call men such as myself monsters."

"These creatures aren't jutsu you bastard," Kurotsuchi spat out, "They are my people."

"No they are test subjects," Zin said unmoved, "They may have been people once. But when they were defeated in battle their fate became mine to control. I take it you are the kunoichi that escaped then."

Kurotsuchi didn't respond but Zin continued, "That explains why the mercenary is here and why you don't bear that mark on your forehead as the others did." While Zin distracted her the creature that had been his assistant moved to attack. After finding a suitable spot from which to pounce, it did.

Kurotsuchi was ready for it though, easily avoiding its claws and responding with a kunai to the heart. Whereas the creatures in the halls had been made for battle the one she just killed had been made more for its aesthetics. Zin however had still believed it would still prove more than enough for the kunoichi to handle. Watching his last line of defense get killed in a single blow, he tried to get out of the chair to make a run for it.

Kurotsuchi easily caught up with the elderly old man catching him with a kick that shattered his hip. As she moved slowly to finish him he tried to crawl away saying, "Please mercy."

Kurotsuchi coldly replied, "Sorry, but the moment you were defeated your fate became mine to control. Isn't that how it goes?" Creating a dome of rock around him she began to collapse it until it formed perfectly around him like a stone statue. She could still hear him screaming inside which ended when she collapsed the stone into a little ball that contained his compressed remains. Kicking the ball away she turned to find the self destruct mechanism for the base.

Naruto was not having a good time as no matter how severely he wounded the creature's body it kept healing. He imagined a strike to the head would probably put it down for good but it seemed to have enough sense not to allow that to happen. Not to mention Katsuro was being a pain in the ass constantly throwing his attacks off as he tried to kill both Naruto and the creature. He ducked under a punch that was meant for him but caught Katsuro in his stead sending him flying into a wall. Naruto jumped away as the doors to the lab opened again causing him to worry another creature was on its way out.

He breathed easier when he saw that it was Kurotsuchi. But that faded when she said, "You need to stop playing around I activated the self destruct the base is going to blow in ten minutes."

"Get Tayuya out of here," Naruto ordered.

Tayuya having regained consciousness sometime during Naruto's fight said, "No, what about you?"

"I'll be right behind you. However I doubt an explosion will stop ugly here."

"Not to mention I will not allow you to leave Desert Fox," Katsuro said.

"I had a feeling you would say that," Naruto sighed, "But you let the rest of my team go. Deal."

"They do not interest me," Katsuro said having to avoid a punch from the creature.

"You heard him go."

Tayuya was being helped to her feet by Kurotsuchi. Before entering the lab Tayuya looked back saying, "You better not fucking die."

"My, such language," Naruto replied his tone light, "Trust me. Dying is not on my list of things to do."

Tayuya smiled faintly before following her fellow kunoichi to the passage that led out of the base. Naruto dispersed the clone he had used to protect Tayuya and that had been gathering Natural Energy the entire time. Now in Sage mode he moved quickly delivering a punch that knocked the creature back several steps. Sensing Katsuro was about to attack he avoided the punch and struck out with a kick that missed but due to the extended reach of his Frog Kata still connected with enough force to send Katsuro away. The creature recovered from the punch it received reared back with both hands over his head and brought them down where Naruto had been standing throwing up a tremendous amount of dust as it destroyed the floor.

Katsuro knew that the merc hadn't been killed by the blow and received confirmation when he heard a screeching sound. His eyes widened in surprise as the dust suddenly was blown away by the Jutsu Kyo held in his hand as it was the most powerful jutsu he had ever seen.

Naruto was a little hesitant to throw the Rasenshuriken afraid it would bring the ceiling down around them but when the creature started charging towards him figured to hell with it. As expected the creature didn't even bother to dodge and was completely obliterated by the jutsu as well as trashing a good portion of the room. He made a move for the lab to follow the others but found it blocked by Katsuro.

"Impressive," Katsuro said, "I have never seen such a technique before. You truly are a worthy adversary and one that I cannot allow to live."

"That's nice of you to say and all," Naruto said figuring he had maybe seven minutes left, "But if you don't move it, neither of us are going to be leaving here alive."

"Do you truly think that matters to me?" Katsuro said, "I know that as you are now, I cannot win." However I may delay you enough that you lose as well. Truly, a glorious end to my career."

Naruto figured that he wasn't going to be talking sense into Katsuro anytime soon so immediately attacked. However Katsuro had learned his lesson and recognized that some aura extended from the man which meant he had to dodge to a greater degree. Naruto though, no longer had to keep his secret since Katsuro was so hell bent on dying he created a small army of clones, using the last of his Sage Chakra and had them attack from every angle. Attacking from behind he allowed himself to be kicked in the chest moving him near the door to the lab. Creating another clone he quickly dispersed it to give the illusion that he was a clone that was dispersed as he slipped into the lab.

Running down the passage way he came across the dead body of Okubo and noticed Kurotsuchi's ruined shirt. Glaring at the dead man he was thankful that it appeared he didn't actually complete the deed and was somewhat pleased that the man would never threaten anyone again. Taking off along the path marked for escape he ran right into Tayuya who had returned to help him.

Straddling atop of her again he looked into her blushing face saying, "Tayuya I told you to go."

"I wasn't going to fucking abandon you," she said, "You said we were getting out of here."

Getting up, and helping the red head to her feet he saw Kurotsuchi running up to them. Stopping she said, "See he's fine. Can we get the hell out of here now?"

Suddenly from a loud speaker a woman's voice said, "You have sixty seconds to vacate the premises." The voice then began counting down causing all three shinobi to take off down the passage.

As they passed under an air conditioning grate a creature dropped down behind them. The three kept running but the creature opened its mouth launching its tongue which wrapped around Tayuya's leg. The tongue had sharp barbs which dug into her skin as it pulled her towards it. Hearing that they only had twenty seconds she looked at the mercenary seeing that he hadn't stopped running. Figuring that she had been played she closed her eyes, accepting that once again she had been abandoned

As the voice reached ten Katsuro smiled as he destroyed the last clone leaving only him and the real mercenary remaining. "It seems we die together, Desert Fox," Katsuro said a smile splitting his face.

"There are two things I want to say. One I really hate that nickname. Two the boss escaped minutes ago."

When the clone said that and dispersed Katsuro shouted, "You bastard," and then was incinerated as the lab erupted.

Hearing a shout of, "Rasengan," Tayuya opened her eyes and saw that Kyo had returned slamming a jutsu into the creature's face that sent its body flying down the hall and snapped its tongue off.

Quickly he removed the tongue from her leg and scooping her up, he began running down the hall. Hearing the explosions going off behind them she said, "You came back for me."

"I promised I'd get you out of here," he said, "and I never go back on my word."

Seeing the hall filling with a geyser of flame she said, "Too bad we aren't going to make it."

"You give up way too easy," Naruto said. Upon saying that it seemed to Tayuya as if the mercenary found some hidden reserve to move even faster. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel she couldn't believe it as it almost seemed the flames were actually losing ground on him as he ran. Reaching the end of the passage he jumped to the side landing on the wall and then leaped across and out the doorway the flames exploding out seconds later and burning for several seconds before the tunnel collapsed cutting them off. Breathing hard he said, "See piece of cake."

"I hope you are talking about your escape and not the mission itself," Sada said having watched from a nearby tree.

"Sada," Kurotsuchi said, "You made it."

"Surely you didn't think some bizarre plant monster would prove superior to me," the seductress said rather pointedly.

"Maybe for a moment," Kurotsuchi said lightly but her attention focused on the mercenary.

Naruto noticed that Kurotsuchi was studying him and figured she had probably seen him use the Rasengan. A jutsu that if what he read about his father gave many Iwa-nin nightmares. He figured that she would probably confront him later so put it out of his mind for the moment saying, "I see that your mark has been removed so why did you hang around?"

"Curiosity," Sada said, "I wanted to see if you succeeded and also I believe you owe me a name." But she smiled as she saw the look on Tayuya's face who was still cradled in Kyo's arms. Commenting on it she said, "Although perhaps it's a name that may change."

Confused Naruto tilted his head but Tayuya blushed causing the seductress to laugh before saying, "Now about the pardon, do I have to return to the Five element Village or can I go about my business?"

"Go ahead, I take it whatever you need to do is in Grass Country correct?"

Sada merely nodded before waving to them and jumped into a tree behind her.

"What now?" Kurotsuchi asked.

"Now we head home," Naruto replied adjusting Tayuya before jumping into the tree opposite of the way Sada had left.

Sakura was returning to the Five Element Village early. It was officiall; she was never going to ask Ino for advice ever again as the Blonde had been less than helpful. Not only had she talked solely about herself during their first talk, but had then rubbed it in her face that she was dating before her. It was at one such, it's all about Ino dinner, that Sakura had talked with Chouji and decided in the future she would probably go to him for advice.

While Ino had been off talking to her parents who were glad their recently promiscuous daughter had settled on someone. Sakura had been alone with the Akimichi. Things had been rather awkward between them due to how Chouji had been one of the people angry at her in the wake of Naruto's supposed death. However, he seemed to be willing to move past it at least for Ino's sake.

Asking a question that had been on her mind in light of what she learned about the couple as wanted to know why Chouji wasn't upset that Ino had been with several guys right after they got together the first time. Chouji 's answer had been rather eye opening, saying that if you loved someone you did what made them happy not yourself. Even if it made you miserable and even if it meant letting them go. She had asked where he heard such a thing and he had replied he never actually heard it, but had seen it in action.

She had asked when but she supposed she shouldn't have been surprised when Chouji had told her that it had been at the main gate of Konoha right after Sasuke had defected. He said that he saw how much it had pained Naruto to see Sakura beg him to bring back the person she cared for more than him. But because he loved her, would do it just so she would be happy. Luckily before she had broken down in tears, Ino had came back to the table with her parents in tow and had directed the conversation to more cheerful matters.

While she didn't doubt that Chouji had spoken the way he did as a means to twist the knife a little he still had taught her a valuable lesson. Love wasn't about being happy but about willing to be miserable. Avaron had been willing to be miserable to make her husband happy, but because he hadn't cared about her happiness the marriage fell apart. If both people in a relationship were dedicated to making the other happy and not concerned about their own happiness the resulting relationship was bound to succeed. For both people would never be completely miserable. As Avaron said the best relationships are ones of give and take.

Chouji had been willing to be completely miserable so that Ino could experience life a little bit, as she put it, hoping that in time she would choose him. Was that why Naruto been willing to bring Sasuke back to her, besides for his own reasons? So that she could choose him over Sasuke with the Uchiha present. She was sure that was a part of it. It was also the same reason he had been so sure that she hadn't meant it when she first confessed. She had never had to make a choice. Sasuke was out of the village and even the reasons she had gave, which at the time she was sure would convince him of her sincerity now sounded weak and lame. Basically confirming for Naruto that the reason she had confessed had less to do with how great he was, but with the fact Sasuke wasn't there.

It also highlighted for her that much like Avaron's husband she had never really taken the time to put Naruto's happiness before her own. That was going to change the only thing she hoped was that it wasn't too late. That Naruto hadn't turned a corner and decided that she was no longer worth pursuing. That through her previous selflessness she hadn't managed to lose her place in a heart as big and forgiving as Naruto's has been.

For Naruto the confrontation with Kurotsuchi came that night. As soon as Tayuya was asleep Kurotsuchi hadn't wasted anytime in saying, "Rasengan huh?"

"Would you believe, I learned it from a pamphlet?" Naruto said.

"No, not really," the Iwa kunoichi replied, "The jutsu pretty much identifies that you are from the Leaf and if I have to guess the last student of the Sannin Jiraiya."

"So what are you going to do?" Naruto asked calmly after a moment.

Kurotsuchi tensed wondering if the young man intended to attack her to keep his secret. However the completely relaxed way he sat caused her to relax as well. "Why the charade?" she said instead of answering.

"Because I can't help people from some Island in Lightning Country," Naruto said.

"But, your getting captured would mean that Madara is one step closer to completing his master plan."

Pulling his mask up Naruto said, "I know, but I don't plan to be taken alive if it comes to that and furthermore I feel it's pretty stupid to keep your heavy hitters in reserve."

Kurotsuchi was surprised at how closely the young man in front of her resembled the Fourth Hokage, probably the most hated man in Iwa. However seeing the earnest way he spoke about helping people she couldn't drudge up the old hatreds that the visage of the man usually brought up in her. He had been willing after all to help her people. Coming to a decision she said, "I'll keep your secret."

He gave a brilliant smile as he said, "Thanks Kurotsuchi. Why don't you get some sleep?"

Kurotsuchi gave a smile of her own before settling in for some rest before her turn for watch came up. Naruto pulled down his mask pleased that his secret was still safe although worried about the number of people learning about who Kyo really was. However it didn't last long as the more pressing concern of what he was going to say to Sakura began to bother him. What had seemed to be a major need to be done before the suicide mission now in the aftermath of it, was something he really wanted to put off. The reason being, how do you tell someone you still care for them? But, you believe it's best if you never really interact with each other ever again. Naruto didn't know, but he figured he was going to find out sooner rather than later.

Madara was pleased as he entered his office having secured Admiral Yato's and Sky Country's services. The Armada had set sail that morning. It would take a few days, but soon a whole new front was going to be opening. However his good mood didn't last as Zetsu appeared in his office.

"Report," Madara said already knowing something was wrong as only the white half was present.

"Our base in Rain Country, where we had begun amassing forces for the assault following Sky Country's entry into the war has been attacked and destroyed."

"What," Madara said slamming his hand on the desk, "How did they get across the border without us detecting them?"

"We did detect them," Zetsu replied, "however they had been sneaking forces into the country using the various merchants we have been dealing with. This operation seems to have been in the works for months. We had picked up activity that they were amassing supplies for a coming assault but we never suspected that they would use them as a decoy to sneak into the country."

"Wait, are you saying the medical supplies that we have been receiving came from our enemies," Madara said shocked.

"It would seem so," Zetsu said, "It may also be how they located the base since that is where they were stored."

"You fool," Madara said standing from his chair, "Tell the medics to stop treating our wounded immediately as they are probably not true medicines."

"The supplies were thoroughly inspected…"

"For tampering you fool. Not for being synthesized. The supplies were probably manufactured to be deadly to our forces. I wouldn't put it past that Senju bitch to create a serum that looks like medicine, but is in fact a poison. Now tell our medics to quarantine it and do so now."

Zetsu knew better than to argue and immediately left to follow his orders. A few moments later Black Zetsu appeared saying, "The base in Grass Country where the Curse Mark was being reproduced has been destroyed. It seems we know where Kyo has disappeared to."

Madara collapsed into his chair simply saying, "Great…"

Naruto and the others arrived in the Five Element Village in the midst of a celebration. Naruto still carried Tayuya in his arms who Kurotsuchi was convinced was playing up her injured leg in order to stay in the jinchuriki's arms. Knowing that Naruto was going to take the redhead to the hospital Kurotsuchi said, "I'll report that we have completed our mission."

Naruto nodded to her before heading into the village towards the hospital. Along the way he asked what all the fuss was about. The Kiri shinobi he asked said that the Alliance had destroyed a major base in Rain Country. Although it was undoubtedly a setback for the enemy Naruto couldn't understand why the whole village seemed to be going nuts like they had won the war. But he figured that it must have felt like it to the shinobi around him as it was the first major victory the alliance had achieved thus far.

Thanking the man he moved on to the hospital. As he walked Tayuya said, "You'd think they won the war."

Chuckling Naruto replied to her questioning face, "I was thinking the same thing. But I can't begrudge them it."

"Why," Tayuya asked.

"Well during the mission you asked me why the mission was so important," Naruto said noticing a few women eyeing him making him a little uncomfortable. Tayuya nodded so he continued, "It's so that people can enjoy unguarded moments like this."

"I don't think they are going to announce that a handful of criminals and a mercenary brought down a major research facility on their own though," Tayuya replied.

"No you're probably right," Naruto answered entering the hospital, "But I didn't do it for the glory, just the results, and to make the world a little safer."

A doctor he recognized as Avaron came up to him upon noticing Tayuya in his arms. Pulling the cigarette from her mouth and inspecting the bandaged wound she said, "Partying a little too hard."

"No," Naruto said before Tayuya could cuss her out and making up a story, "Ran into some trouble. She was caught by a chained weapon with barbs. Checked for poison, didn't find any."

"Okay," Avaron said before teasingly adding, "but work on your cover story would you. For a shinobi you can't lie worth shit. Head to room one-twenty, I'll send a doctor right away."

Naruto easily found the room placing Tayuya on the table much to the redhead's disappointment but settled for resting her head on his shoulder as they waited. A few minutes later the door opened. Naruto should have known to expect her when he saw who it was.

Sakura was wondering why Avaron was being so vague when she directed her to go to Room one-twenty. All she had said was, "Leg wound, go check it out."

Doing as instructed she noticed a nurse staring at the door. Wondering who was inside to cause the woman to be so interested she opened it and stopped cold upon seeing Naruto with a redhead. Naruto saying, "Doctor, can you look at my friend's leg for me?" pulled her out of her stupor.

There was so much she wanted to say right then. How glad she was he was safe. How she wanted to apologize for her past treatment and hoped to repair their relationship. As well as how she wanted to build a better stronger one between them. However all that was put on hold as he said, "Doctor, the leg."

"Right sorry," Sakura said, "How did it happen?"

"I'll leave that for her to tell you," Naruto replied making his way for the door. Before he left he looked back and said, "I'll see you later." But whether he was talking to her or the redhead, Sakura couldn't tell.

Directing her attention to the redhead she noticed that a look of admiration adorned the woman's face. It was a look she had seen mirrored on lots of women's faces when it came to the blonde jinchuriki. Women such as Koyuki, Toki, Shion, Hinata, and now the redhead, a look that showed how much they had come to care and admire the young man and one that Sakura knew could easily blossom into love if given a chance.

Unlike the hundreds of women lining up in the village to get with Naruto, Sakura was more concerned with the woman who introduced herself as Tayuya. As she had undoubtedly gotten a taste of what a spectacular person Naruto was and would want to keep herself in his life. A life that upon noticing how close the two had been when she entered the room, she was no longer sure she had a place in.