Am I worthy to love you?

by Gravenimage

Naruto is rejected by Sakura for bringing Sasuke back to Konoha and he snaps at her badly he leaves the village 5 years later he becomes the leader of the strongest team of kunoichi assemble team Kitsune Flash rises Naru/Saku/Ino/Hina lemons in the future

21. Akatsuki attacks part 2

Chapter 21 Akatsuki attacks part 2: the great struggle in the desert

Disclaimer: does it look like I own Naruto? Because I don't it rightfully belongs to Kishimoto.

'' this means thoughts

Italics are flashbacks

Bold letters Kyuubi speaking or inner Sakura

Authors Notes: I am back with the next chapter and I want to apologize to everyone for leaving you with the evil cliffhanger I know it got you guys pretty upset about it. But not to worry the chapter will begin where the previous chapter left off so it's not so bad. I want to clear a few things before going to the chapter. First off yes I'm well aware I wrote Kankuro's name wrong sorry about that and I will eventually fix it. Second I have realized that some people are getting confused with the girls code names and they can't tell who is Huntress who is Temptress etc. So I decided to call the girls by their rightful names from normal point of view. They will be call by their code names when they are talking to each other or been called by other people, with this I hope you people won't get confused anymore. That will be all remember to review and thank you to everyone who likes the story, now on with the chapter.

(Location: Hokage office fire tower Konoha hidden leaf village fire country territory)

CRASH!!!

The sound of the expensive bottle of sake that Tsunade bought shattering when it hit the ground was heard throughout the entire office. Now Tsunade was a person that love money but she love sake more than all the ryou in the whole world. It was more important than any valuable or even gold itself the alcoholic beverage was very sacred and precious to her. But today it was different indeed for once in her entire life she wasn't upset by the fact that she just destroyed a very expensive bottle of unique sake. The answer because she was too shocked too even react to the destroyed bottle at all, she just stood there with her eyes wide as dinner plates. She couldn't move a single muscle in her body the cause of this was because of what she just heard from Jiraiya hoping that it some kind of sick joke so she can have the courtesy to beat the living hell out of him for the rude joke. Maybe she heard wrong and she was just dreaming maybe she was sleeping in her desk. But it looked to real and she knew it wasn't a dream everything was really happening. She gazed at Jiraiya's expression and he was very serious like she has never seen him before.

Shizune stood quiet while Tonton was doing the same. The raven haired woman was quite to shock to hear what the toad sanin just said. She didn't knew very much of the situation she only heard a woman's name with the same last name as Naruto. She didn't needed to think about it because she already had the idea that the woman must be related to the blond. She gazed at both of them Jiraiya staring at Tsunade so seriously and she has never seen him so serious in her entire life. As for her teacher her expression like she just found out the greatest secret ever known to man. It was anyone's guess what was going to happen next.

Jiraiya watched Tsunade's expression exactly as he thought she was going to get. Her shock was so big that she ended up throwing the bottle of sake that cost her a fortune and she hasn't reacted by cursing loudly. Her eyes wide expressing her shock her upper lit started trembling, no doubt that she couldn't even react because of the shocking news. It was the same with him too when he found out about it he was too shocked that no words escaped from his mouth and not even a time to react. It was like time has completely stopped and there was nothing he could do, like everything has frozen to a point that you were lost in your thoughts. This has been the most shocking thing he has ever heard since he found out that Minato was going to be a father and it seems it was the same thing Tsunade. He saw her trying to talk but she was stuttering unable to talk because of the shocking revelation she wasn't taking this lightly just as he thought.

Tsunade managed to calm down staring at him but the shock was still evident in her face" what…what did you just say?"

The toad sanin tried to gathered the courage to say the words once again he nodded" Kushina….Naruto's mother she's alive."

The slug sanin tremble hearing the words once again she knew he wasn't kidding his face was so serious not to mention that Jiraiya would never joke about something so personal like this. She held her forehead feeling that her headache has begun it wouldn't be long before the pain gets worst and her head starts pounding loudly like a drum. She took a glance at Shizune who was still shocked at the news before she looked down to the floor seeing the shattered bottle of precious expensive sake. To think she was expecting to drink that sake in order to relax her stress looks like she was very wrong. Now with the shocking news her headache was going to get worst and her credit debt will increased because of the bottle of sake she bought which it became a waste to her wallet. Today was going to be a bad day for her full of headaches and drinking sake until she pukes.

She gazed back at the shattered sake bottle with a sigh before gazing back at the raven haired" shit….I have destroyed my most precious sake ever I already have a headache with all of this. It's going to be one those days Shizune please bring me a bottle of sake."

"Yes Tsunade-sama" Shizune turned to leave.

"Wait!" called the busty Hokage getting her attention" make it six bottles of sake I'm really going to need it."

Shizune gasped" what six but Tsunade-sama that will make you so drunk you…."

"Now!!!" she shouted angry.

"AAAAAAEEEEEEEEE!!!" Shizune ran out of the room with a freak out Tonton following her.

Tsunade sighed before walking to her desk and getting seated on her chair. She rubbed her forehead to try and relief the headache she was feeling while Jiraiya was still looking at her expecting to hear her reaction praying that she didn't get piss and punches him sending flying to the next village. Instead the slug sanin looked calm while still rubbing her forehead and finally she turned all her attention to him looking rather annoyed.

"All right I will ask again just to make sure that I'm not hallucinating or having a bad dream. Did you just tell me that Uzumaki Kushina is alive?"

"Yes" the toad sanin replied.

Tsunade got up before banging her hands on her desk causing a crack on the wooden furniture, obviously she didn't used full force on it or it would have shatter to pieces" that's insane Jiraiya I know that's not true the first thing I did when I returned to Konoha was to check on Naruto's personal medical profile. The medical records clearly states that his mother died in childbirth she died giving birth to him!"

"And you believe that?" Jiraiya was starting to get annoyed.

"Yes the medical records are always one hundred percent true its confidential information not to be mess with or more precise fake information is considered a crime. The medical records say that Uzumaki Kushina is deceased so therefore I don't believe you!"

"I know that you think I'm lying but look at me I will never lie about something such personal and delicate topic?! But I have gathered the information and I have the proof that she's alive, believe me Tsunade I'm as shock as much as you but let me tell you what I have to say and if you want to continue saying I'm lying then go ahead I won't be bother by it."

The slug sanin sighed before getting seat on chair once again" all right I'm listening go ahead and enlighten me that will make me think otherwise."

"All right I have two proofs that confirm that Kushina is alive" replied Jiraiya" the first proof is Megumi told me she was alive."

Tsunade was looking upset or perhaps she was annoyed and frustrated because of this topic and her headache" Megumi your student from your genin team you're telling me that just because she told you that Kushina is alive you're going to believe her?!"

"Let me finish Tsunade Megumi has never lied to me before and I know she's telling the truth. Also she knows of Kushina's existence because she has been taking care of her all this time."

The blond woman's eyes widened" what….what do you mean?!"

"According to what Megumi told me she has found Kushina bleeding and injured in a forest miles away from Konoha hours ago after the Kyuubi was sealed in Naruto."

The busty Hokage resumed rubbing her forehead controlling her headache" you're not making any sense Jiraiya how in blazes did Kushina ended up far away from the village when she was supposed to be at the hospital and dead after giving birth to Naruto?"

"That's the thing according to Megumi Kushina was still alive and she wasn't alone when she found her. She saw that there were two cloaked figures with masks they looked like they were ready to kill her if Megumi hadn't interfered and killed them."

Tsunade was in complete trembling a little" masks figures you don't mean…."

"They masks figures who were trying to kill Kushina were members of ROOTS."

The slug sanin growled getting pissed hearing the name only person entered her mind" Danzou….that old bastard is always involve in every evil scheme that involves Konoha he's the root of all evil. Are you saying that Danzou tried to murder Kushina?"

The toad sanin nodded" according to Megumi yes I believe Danzou took the opportunity to get rid of Kushina since the village was still suffering the damages caused by the Kyuubi as well as the injured and casualties. It was the perfect opportunity for him to take action since the third was probably busy attending matters that concern the village and the council."

"But why would he want Kushina dead?" asked the blond Hokage.

"Isn't it obvious without Kushina Naruto will be an orphan and he will probably would want to use him as a weapon since he's the container of the Kyuubi? Kushina was an obstacle to Danzou in order to possess Naruto of course she wasn't the only obstacle in his way but the third and myself too."

Tsunade sighed" if this is true then why now why would Kushina show up now after all these years?"

"Megumi found her injured but Kushina couldn't wake up she was in a coma."

"What?!" the slug sanin's eyes were wide.

"According to Megumi Kushina has been in a coma for twelve years, when she woke up she had a slight amnesia that lasted for a couple of weeks but she never forgot about Naruto" replied Jiraiya.

"So Megumi has been taking care of Kushina while she was in a coma all these years then why did she have to talk now couldn't it have been better to say a word about it when she was still in the coma?!"

"Megumi told me Kushina told her to promise her not to say a word about her. It seems Kushina has been hunted down after all these years probably by Danzou and ROOTS, Kushina has been in hiding all this time afraid of her life it seems."

By now Tsunade had her hand on her forehead because her headache has gotten worse after hearing the entire story. So many things have happened in a couple of days and it has been very hard for her to face them and get used to them. Just recently Itachi returned to the village and he has been reinstated as a Konoha ninja, then she had an argument with the stinking elders because of the stay of the older Uchiha and now this. Of all the things this was probably the worst of them all because this was very hard to swallow or believe for the matter.

"All right I heard the first proof which it could be true because I don't know if I can trust Megumi tell me the second proof you have."

"I trust Megumi a lot she has been working in my underground spy division for years she would never lie to me about something this big. But anyway the second proof is that I went to Kushina's grave at the ruins of what once was the hidden whirlpool village at whirlpool country."

"And?" Tsunade was eagerly waiting for his answer.

"The grave was empty."

She got back from her seat frustration was clearly written on her face" that doesn't prove anything have you ever heard of grave robbers? Anyone could have stolen her body people will do just about anything to get money it's ridiculous!"

The toad sanin sighed he wasn't feeling any better than the blond" you don't believe me don't you?"

"I'm sorry Jiraiya I want to believe you but I just can't believe it. She's really alive it's such a shock to me the worst thing is the one who's really going to flip about this when he finds out is Naruto."

"Don't remind me I have these couple of days to do the investigation to confirm it. Megumi also told me that Kushina is keeping tabs on Naruto so she's following wherever he goes, she must be that good if Naruto hasn't spotted her yet."

Tsunade gazed at her long time close friend she could tell that he wasn't feeling well. Even if he found sooner than her he was still feeling shock about the discovery and right now he was feeling very emotional right now. She knew how much he cared for Minato and Kushina to find out all of the sudden that she was still alive it was probably too much for him to take. It wouldn't surprise her if he cried after finding out that she was alive. She saw his expression changing he was feeling stressful and frustrated he looked like he was the one who needed the sake more than herself. She went to him putting a hand on his shoulder hoping she could get through to him and help him in his moment.

"Calm down Jiraiya."

The toad sanin snapped all of the sudden" calm down how could I calm down I just found out that the mother of my godson is alive after all these years and you want me to calm down?!"

"I'm feeling just like you so don't get cranky at me" she frowned at him.

"No you don't know how I feel she's actually alive those two….Minato was more than just my student he was like my son and Kushina was a daughter to me. To find out that she's alive only makes me feel so useless damn it I couldn't protect her and the same thing happened with her son. I couldn't be there for Naruto when he needed love and attention because of the elders and my spy network, I guess that's what I will always be a failure nothing more I promised them that I would take care of Naruto and looked how I failed. How can I be considered a sanin if I keep failing to protect those precious to me?!"

Tsunade had about enough she couldn't take hearing this coming from one of her closest friends. The Jiraiya she knows doesn't know the meaning of the word giving up this was a completely different person not the Jiraiya she has known since they were genins. She decided to bring him back to his senses but instead of punching him like she usually does when he acts like a stupid pervert she slapped him hard. Jiraiya fell to the floor due to force of the slap, shortly he was snapped back to reality before he slowly got back up. He was staring at him while he saw a small tear running from her left cheek obviously what he said has affected her a little.

He sighed touching his aching cheek which was marked by her hand" thanks Tsunade I really needed that I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize you idiot you have every right you should know about my pain of losing precious people I know how you feel."

"I know but these news have really taken a toll on me I denied it so many times thinking that there was no way that she was alive but I had to face reality. I believe Megumi and after seeing Kushina's grave empty although it's strange the third was the one who suggested that Kushina's body should be buried in her home land."

"Do you think Sarutobi sensei knew that she was alive?" asked the busty Hokage.

"Yeah he must have been aware of her disappearance and he must have kept it a secret so Danzou didn't realize that she was still alive but that plan didn't work. I'm certain he knows that she's alive and he may take action to take her out."

"I don't think that will happen any day soon. Danzou is a war hawk and a bastard but he's not stupid, he won't take unnecessary risks for taking action against my orders and the council. Besides if he does send any ROOT ninjas after her she will take care of them. Remember that Kushina is a strong kunoichi she can handle herself well" replied the slug sanin.

"Heh they will have a hard time taking her down she wasn't known at whirlpool as the crimson death for nothing."

"See she will be fine after all but Jiraiya aren't you angry at Megumi for keeping such a secret from you?"

"I'm not I understand that Megumi was keeping her word of not telling anyone about Kushina's existence she has always been a loyal companion who never breaks her word."

"I'm glad you're taking this well I was hoping you were going to freak out or get angry."

"I did when I first found out but lucky for me some research helped me get back to my senses" Jiraiya gave his trademark perverted grin.

Tsunade frowned at his comment" stupid pervert I should hit you for saying that but I will be compassionate with you for today so I you've been spared from my wrath."

The toad sanin chuckle" well I never thought I would see the day I will be spare from getting kill compare to that time when I tried to peek at you at the hot baths."

The slug sanin glared at him" don't remind me I almost kill you back then if I hadn't healed your injuries quickly but that won't stop me from doing it again so learn your place."

Jiraiya only laughed feeling better already before Tsunade smiled at least he wasn't acting all negative like he has given up on life. However there was something missing that would make her feel better and get rid of her damn headache. That's when she gazed at the floor seeing the broken bottle of expensive sake and that's what she finally remember she needed her dose of the alcoholic beverage. She also knew that a certain raven haired woman hasn't arrived yet.

"Where the hell is my sake Shizune?!"

Just then Shizune entered the office with a frantic Tonton following her close by the raven haired woman was holding a bag with six bottle of sake she was panting hard" sorry for being late Tsunade-sama."

"It's about time where did you go to buy the sake to Iwa?!"

"The bar was full so it couldn't be help but anyway I even bought you some aspirin for your headache" replied Shizune.

"I don't care about that just give me the sake already!"

She took one of the bottles before pouring some sake in her glass' I wonder if the expensive sake would have tasted better than regular sake I guess I would never know.'

"Well I better get going" Jiraiya said walking towards the window" I have a mission to fulfill."

"Where are you going?" asked the blond Hokage.

"What do you think I'm going to search for Kushina I have to find her?"

"Can you find her on your own?" asked Shizune.

"Looks like you're forgetting about my spy network I won't have a problem finding her."

"Wait Jiraiya you may need someone who's good at tracking" replied Tsunade.

"Do you have someone in mind?"

"Actually I do I want you to take him with you."

(Location: Laboratory second floor Suna hospital hidden sand village desert region wind country territory)

Sakura was using a microscope to look at a blood sample that she just injected with a sample of the vaccine she created to cure the disease caused by the sand storms. It has been hours and she has really been busy in making the vaccine which she has already made a sample. The reason to why try her best was her experience as a medic nin, she was one of the best knowing that gives her the motivation to do anything. She also needed to live up to everyone's expectations but the main reason it was because she liked being a medic. She has come to love the position of a medic and her job to save people's lives and she will do anything to fulfill her job. Right now her only priority was to come with a cure for the disease and she needed to make it quick. Time was something she didn't had the infected could get worst and they could die. The second reason is that she wanted to go and help leader and her teammates to fight the Akatsuki members that came to kidnap the Kazekage. She knew they were already engaged in battle since it's been a while since she heard a loud explosion coming from the wind tower. If there's one thing she hated is getting left behind from the battle.

Luckily for her she managed to make the sample of the vaccine because of the medical team. She admitted that the Suna medic team was very skilful and quick, they have assisted her in every way. She appreciated their help a lot they have make her job easier. She started thinking about the old woman Chiyo and although she was sometimes a pain in the ass she was a woman who has suffered a lot and lost hope on the people of Suna. It couldn't be help if she has lost precious people during the past wars and she wasn't fond of Konoha. She didn't blame her for feeling like that but thinking about the past and old grudges wasn't going to help her or anyone to come up with a cure for the sickness. She finished looking from the microscope smiling before putting the sample back on the small test tube she almost had it she will be able to save everyone. Suddenly the words from her leader rang in her head, words that gave her lots of strength and determination.

"Sakura you're the best medic in the five countries you can come up with a cure in no time. Just hang in there and stay strong I believe in you" Naruto smiled at her.

'Kitsune-sama….Naruto believes in me….he has always believed in me.'

She blush thinking about his words while her heart skipped a beat. Once again those strong feelings coming from her heart that she didn't understand yet. Feelings for her leader her former teammate and close friend. The same person she took for granted and mistreated him because of immature and childish ways, the same person who broke his heart so many times. She has vow to erased all of her past mistakes and make Naruto see that he made a great choice in giving her a second chance for her friendship. She wanted to make him happy no matter what and if there was a way to redeem herself for him because of her mistakes then she will find the way. But for a long time she has been having feelings for the tall blond strong feelings yet she didn't know what they meant. Of course Naruto was her friend and she cares for him a lot but what was she feeling every time he's next to her. She already know that she was feeling for him was completely different and stronger for what she felt for Sasuke it was only a question of time before she finds the answer to these strong feelings for Naruto are. She snapped from her thinking before she saw the door to the lab opened she was surprised to see Chiyo entering the room.

"Yes Chiyo-sama what is it?"

"You're still working you really think you can come up with a cure?" the older woman seemed to be impressed by her determination.

"I do and I have already found one I'm testing it right now."

Chiyo was shocked" impossible you've been working for three hours and you expect me to believe that you already made a cure that's ridiculous."

"I made a cure and took blood samples from the infected and I started to use the cure I made and so far the blood cells have stabilized from the sickness and everything is looking fine. I want to make sure that it doesn't backfire or takes a turn for the worst this is why it's important to test something to make sure it works in order to prevent mistakes."

The older woman was impressed with her work she has never seen someone worked so fast before" to think I will meet a medic that would come up with a cure in so little time you really surpassed Tsunade."

"I know I was taught by the best. I was taught to always give a hundred percent in your responsibilities when you're a medic you have everyone's lives at your hands time must not be wasted otherwise patients might die when you least expected. I always work quickly but never under pressure it will cause to lose focus and errors might be made endangering the patient's lives even more" replied the pink haired kunoichi.

"I apologize for my rude behavior earlier at the meeting. A woman in my age it's hard to let go of the past the war….Konoha I can't forgive the hidden leaf village for what they did to me."

Sakura stood quiet while finished stacking the samples of her vaccine waiting to hear the older woman's explanation. She knew she have lost important people to her to make her to lose hope in her village or even the future. Chiyo was a woman who has been a victim of war and the cruelty such possess, the only thing running in her head that she doesn't become like her and she never experiences a war herself.

"Konoha took everything from me….my son and my daughter in law I lost both of them then I lost my grandson too because he couldn't face the cold truth that he has lost both of his parents. I don't know what has become of him, in the end I lost everything dear to me. I just don't see Suna rising to power any day soon because of his alliance with Konoha. It won't be long before another war breaks out and more lives pay the price this is the ninja world after all."

"I am sorry to hear that Chiyo-sama but like I said before you're not the only one who has suffered the horrible thing that is war. Like you Tsunade-sama have lost precious people to her because of the war, she was ready to give up like you until she found someone who made her believe in the future" she smiled thinking of Naruto Tsunade has told her about losing her brother and boyfriend during the war, and she has told her about Naruto giving her hope to fight again for everyone.

"Perhaps I should find a new source to believe in I doubt that I will find it I lost it during the second ninja war. I have done nothing but make mistakes I wanted revenge on Konoha I wanted Suna to become stronger than the leaf village it all ended as failure. I sealed the Shukaku inside Gaara for protection and safety of the hidden sand village it seems I will never atone for those mistakes."

Sakura stood quiet listening to the elder woman's words. She knew how much pain she was in because of her ideals which she considering them to be mistakes. She started remembering her own mistakes from the past, how she used to treat Naruto. Even after believing in him she still didn't gave him the proper respect and care she has come to regret everything that has caused harm on the blond. Then she thought about her own atonement for her mistakes by punishing herself giving herself pain on purpose to redeem herself towards Naruto. Her depression and her suicidal attempts it all ended as failure because she just didn't caused pain on herself but on Naruto as well and that was the last thing she wanted. But that was all in the past the tall blond has given her a second chance and she has promised herself to never hurt him ever again. To always be there for him and care for him like a true friend would.

"Maybe there's still hope" she replied gazing at the old woman" maybe you can still atone for those mistakes. We have to learn from our past mistakes by changing ourselves for the better then the atonement can begin. I know that very well I have decided I would never let the past consume me no matter how painful it is, I just look forward and help for the better."

"Not for me I have reached my limit with my age what kind of future can there still be in the world of ninja? As long as the ninja system still exists war will continue and constant death will follow it will never end. More people will lose love ones therefore I don't see the possibility of atoning for my mistakes."

"I can't answer you that question Chiyo-sama but there's always hope I'm not giving up on my team and my friends or my village. As long as I can protect them I will continue fighting I have a lot of faith in Konoha maybe you should start doing the same thing too."

"Hope I have given up on any chances of hope when I lost my family it's too late now."

"It is never too late for hope my. I used to be selfish and foolish completely unaware of what I really wanted to do with my life until my leader taught me a very valuable lesson it was harsh but it really opened my eyes. I learned how to become strong and protect those close to me it's because of my leader that I have given my services for my village. What about you Chiyo-sama?"

Chiyo remained quiet to think over her words she had a lot to think about it so many things were running in her head. But there was one thing about Sakura that she already knew it was something very obvious just by seeing at a first glance.

'That Tsunade has chosen a good apprentice someone who has surpassed her in medical skills.'

She chuckle gazing at the teen" you remind me of myself Sakura they aren't may strong women out there but those who carry on no matter how hard things might get. I eventually give up because of the loss of my family but your words hold an even greater truth than what I believe in."

The pink haired medic smiled" you may not have your family anymore but you still have your brother and the people of Suna. I learned from my training that your family by blood is precious but the people of Konoha are also family meant to be protected especially the children they will be the next generation to take over the village that's why I vow to protect them."

The old woman chuckle" that wind bag Tsunade made a wise choice in taking you as her apprentice. It seems you didn't acquired strength and her medical skills but wisdom as well."

Sakura was flattered by her comment until she mentioned the comment about her teacher which made her frowned" Chiyo-sama….I told you…."

"I'm just kidding child don't take me so serious although I don't like Tsunade I respect her as a ninja nothing more but you're a little different than Tsunade I can't pin point my finger what could it be?"

The pink haired medic nin smirked" maybe it's the pink hair and the large forehead that will always make me different than Tsunade-sama or anyone else for the matter."

"Nonsense don't doubt your physical beauty you are quite a catch I'm sure you must have already broken a few hearts?"

Sakura stood quiet although Chiyo was just being literally about breaking hearts she did broke Naruto's heart years ago. It only reminded her how cold and cruel she used to be with him after the blond was kind and loyal to her. She wanted to avoid the topic of the heartbreak and pain she gave to her blond leader so much.

"Not quite I don't have time for any of that I'm just too concentrated on my work" she replied although there was someone in her mind right now who she has been holding dear in her heart for a long time.

Chiyo smiled not wanting to press on the topic anymore" that's quite all right I have already take so much of your time Sakura."

Just then a sand medic nin entered the lab" Sakura-san everyone is ready the patients conditions are worsening."

"All right I am done with testing the vaccine it's time to put them to the real test" Sakura took the small briefcase containing all of the samples she made.

"Is there anything this senile old woman can do to help?" asked Chiyo which surprised Sakura a lot.

The pink haired medic erased her shock and smiled at her" if you want to believe in hope again then you can start by helping the medical team treat the infected with the vaccine."

Chiyo nodded as they left the lab heading to the rooms of the patients. Sakura was feeling more relief now that she has created the cure for the sand storm sickness. What made her happy is that she may still have time to help her team against Akatsuki which she was dying to go and help them fight the criminal organization.

'Looks like I won't be left out from the battle after all.'

(Location: somewhere in the desert region wind country territory)

Naruto, Ino and Hinata were facing the two Akatsuki members ready to fight. They numbers were high making three against two but they know it wasn't going to be an easy fight underestimating them was the last thing in their mind. They remembered their fight with Kisame and it wasn't a walk in the park and they were expecting the same thing from the two Akatsuki members in front of them. Naruto had his eyes on the two and he could tell that they were strong, at least he knew about Deidara remembering how strong his explosive clay is. As for Sasori he still didn't know how dangerous he could be keeping in mind that both of them are S rank missing nins and members of Akatsuki making them tough opponents. He only kept his grin in his mind he believed in his team too much for them to lose since they defeated a group of the Akatsuki who were very tough Kisame and Itachi, even if they were one team member short. He was hoping that Sakura wasn't too upset because she didn't like to be left out from the fight she was probably the most reliable member of the team and she wanted to help them as much as she could.

Ino and Hinata weren't nervous nor did they show fear not even in their hearts. They have already fought someone in Akatsuki and they have survived they believed they can do it again and prevail in the fight. They weren't worried if Sakura wasn't with them they were prepared they have gotten strong since they were genins they earned their place as Konoha jounins. Not to mention that they didn't wanted to let down their leader next to them proving how they have earned their place as members of team Kitsune Flash. Losing wasn't an option for them for their pride and loyalty to their leader was preventing them from accepting defeat. They will fight until the end or die trying it only shows how dedicated they have become to the team.

Sasori was thinking who to fight knowing that Kitsune Flash was the big problem in the fighting equation. As for his two team members he had no doubt that he could take them on with no problem. Even with Deidara it was going to be tough to fight the big fish since he has already taken down Itachi one of the strongest among the Akatsuki, taking him down wasn't going to be easy. They still had plenty of time to fight them since they were still early for the Akatsuki meeting where the extraction of the one tail was supposed to take place. That was one thing that was bothering the short Akatsuki member they both failed in capturing the host of the one tail Shukaku their leader wasn't going to be happy in the least. Especially when they were both deceived by the mask mercenary making them think they captured the Kazekage and jinchurikki host. He was the only one who was looking calm about the upcoming battle.

Deidara only kept his gaze towards Kitsune Flash finally the waiting has ended for him. He has been looking forward to fight him and beat him for a while now. The mask mercenary was the one who beat Itachi, remembering how the older Uchiha humiliated him and his art when they fought. Orochimaru was another person he wanted to take out for his own personal reasons, however it didn't happened since he was beaten by his apprentice Sasuke. Of course he didn't know that the snake sanin was killed by Kitsune when he fought the Uchiha at the valley of the end. This was his chance his moment to teach the mask mercenary the true meaning and power of his art which he has been looking forward to this moment for a long time. He was going to enjoy beating him and capturing so they can extract the nine tails fox sealed inside of him. He grinned at Kitsune deciding to make the first move as he jumped on top of his giant clay bird catching everyone's attention.

"What are you doing Deidara?" asked Sasori.

The blond Akatsuki kept staring at the mask mercenary" Kitsune is it how about if we take this elsewhere hmm?"

"Don't be reckless you can't take him on your own" Sasori said.

"A challenge eh?" Naruto said with a grin.

"Yes I would like to see what you're capable off since you beat Itachi but let me warn you, you will fall by my art yeah" Deidara replied.

"I don't have a problem with that" the blond replied.

"Kitsune-sama this guy is up to something" Ino said.

"I agree we should take them on together" Hinata said.

"That's all right let me handle him I will entrust you two to handle Sasori" Naruto said.

"Right!" Ino replied.

"Okay…." Hinata said feeling unsure perhaps because she was concern for her leader.

"You shouldn't fight him on your own Deidara" Sasori said staring at his partner with a disapproving look.

"This is the perfect chance to defeat him in battle we can finally capture the nine tails hmm. Besides he's the strongest jinchurikki with him out of the way the remaining will fall easily yeah."

Sasori still didn't approve with his decision knowing that he was making a mistake" whatever it's your funeral we were supposed to take on the nine tails together. With failing to capture the one tail capturing the nine tails will fit better to erase your mistake."

"I'm glad that you agree with me master Sasori you can have fun fighting those two it won't take you long to beat them so you can join me later fighting the Kyuubi jinchurikki hmm."

Naruto took a few steps facing them" fine I will take you on your just another bounty I'm going to take."

"Follow me then" replied Deidara as he flew off on his clay bird.

Naruto gazed back at his two team members" I know you two can do it but be careful."

"You too Kitsune-kun" replied Hinata.

"Don't worry about us we'll take care of this guy" Ino said.

The mask mercenary nodded before he left off running following Deidara in his clay bird. Ino and Hinata were finally alone with Sasori who seems to be calm since he thought he wasn't going to break a sweat fighting the two. However it was different for the two kunoichis although they weren't showing any fear they could clearly sense the killing intent emitting from the short Akatsuki member. This wasn't a normal opponent much less someone you wanted to fight. Suddenly Sasori released his tail from underneath his cloak it was moving slowly ready to attack. Both kunoichis were shocked at the sight of the long tail.

'Just what the hell is he?!' thought Ino.

"Let's get this over with shall we it's early but I don't want to kept leader-sama waiting" replied Sasori.

The two kunoichis went into their stance. Hinata in her gentle fist and Ino in a taijutsu stance seeing how the short Akatsuki member was moving his tail obviously she thought he wasn't human. The first thing she needed to know what he can do, knowing well that rushing in without a strategy will only get them killed. He was an Akatsuki so he couldn't be underestimated like Kisame they waited who will make the first move.

Ino reached has slowly reached on her shuriken pouch keeping her eyes on Sasori' I wonder how fast he is?'

In a quick motion she picked four shurikens and threw them in a blink of an eye at the short Akatsuki member. Both kunoichis gasped when Sasori used his long tail to block the shurikens protecting him from harm. Ino's attack failed but at least she had an idea how strong he is.

'So he's that fast….'

Hinata activated her byakugan looking into his chakra system before gasping" there's someone inside of him!"

"What?!" gasped Ino.

"There's someone inside. That thing in front of us isn't the real Sasori, he must be inside controlling that thing" replied the Hyuga heiress.

"No way….so he's not real then what is he?!"

"I don't know…some kind of doll I think…"

"Very impressive so you can tell that this isn't my real body. You are correct this is just one of my favorite puppets I like using it when I'm always traveling with my partner, I don't mind using it to fight either. This is Hiruko it's the only puppet which the puppeteer can only control it by entering inside, I have also made a couple of adjustments" replied Sasori.

"We have no choice but to fight him the way he is now" Hinata said.

"In other words we will have to destroy that big puppet of he's in order to fight Sasori."

The Hyuga heiress nodded while looking at him with her bloodline she was in deep thought at what she was seeing with her eyes' what's going on I can see his body and his chakra but….he doesn't have a chakra circulatory system like he didn't have a skeleton system….is he even human?'

Sasori knew that the time for talk has ended a while ago it was time to fight. He ripped his black mask revealing his face mechanical face shocking the two kunoichis. He opened his mouth releasing a barrage of sembon needles. They quickly dodged them while jumping back using their agility they were dodging the tiny pointy projectiles for a couple of minutes before the puppet Hiruko ended the assault. The two kunoichis remained unharmed and untouched gazing at the giant puppet, Hinata have noticed something on the needles that it was familiar and yet dangerous.

'This is….' she gasped" Temptress they are…"

"I know" replied the Yamanaka" the sembon needles are poisoned the tail has poison too" she knew about poisons since she was well known with flowers and plants, she knows how to extract poison from the flowers and add them to her weapons just like Sasori.

"So you knew of my poison interesting it seems there's more to you two then meets the eyes. Puppeteers always use poison on their puppets so their attacks are more effective and deadlier."

"If we get hit by those it's all over for us we don't know how strong the poison is its better that we don't get hit by the needles or the tail."

"Right we have to avoid them at all cost!" Hinata said.

"If you can" Sasori said.

He released another barrage of sembon needles from his mouth while the kunoichis reacted quickly and dodged them jumping out of the way. Sasori then took his mechanical arms and released another barrage of sembon needles from one of his hands they dodged them again getting farther away from him. It wasn't helping them if they were keeping their distance from the giant puppet Hiruko if they were going to further from it.

"This isn't good were not doing anything if we can't get close to him" Ino said.

"He's keeping us away from him that's his strategy but we need to get closer in order to destroy his puppet" Hinata replied.

"Got any ideas?" asked the platinum blond.

"I'm sorry Temptress…" the Hyuga heiress felt bad since she hasn't thought of a battle plan.

"Heh that's okay I think I have something up my sleeve."

"I'm with you Temptress."

"Just follow my lead."

Hiruko stood still watching the two kunoichis who were far from him. They haven't moved a muscle yet and he knew that they were up to something but then again he could be wrong. It seems like they were waiting for him to make a move knowing that they will never beat him by standing from afar, after all Hiruko was the best in both close and long range combat. Sasori was always the most patient person yet he even had his limit he doesn't like keeping people waiting for him and keeping him waiting as well. So far the two mask kunoichis were starting to get on his nerves and testing his patience.

'Hmph….if they are stalling for time I will have to finish them off quickly.'

He then saw the two kunoichis reaching to their pouch of projectile weapons. He reacted with his quick speed because they have throw kunais and shurikens at him he used his long tail to blocked all of the flying weapons. The weapons landed on the sand while he kept his gaze at them for their failing attempt.

"That won't work on me…you should have figure that out the first time you threw those shurikens" Sasori said.

Ino grinned as she ran at him charging at him Hiruko used his sembon needles from his mouth but he saw Hinata throwing more kunais he blocked them with his tail while trying to keep his attention on the Yamanaka. He released more sembon needles only to blocked more kunais from the Hyuga heiress, he knew both of them were keeping him busy in order to lose his focus on one or the other. He knew he couldn't handle both of them at the same time if they decided to attack him randomly. Finally Ino got the upper hand as she has managed to get closer to him. Hinata continued to throw the remaining kunais in her pouch covering for her teammate and friend so the plan can work and it looks like it did.

Ino made hand seals before Hiruko got a chance to counter attack" fire release fire ball technique!"

The giant puppet didn't have a chance to dodge the fire ball that hit him head on at point blank range. Ino smiled as she went back to Hinata's side happy that she was all right and that the plan has worked. Suddenly from the fire came Hiruko the puppet was still standing and by now he's Akatsuki cloak has been burned to ashes by the fire attack. The two mask kunoichis gasped in shock they were looking at Hiruko completely. Large mechanical hands as well as legs followed by a large round shell resembling a turtle with a face sketched on top of the shell. The long tail was located where the mouth of the face was. The kunoichis were shocked to see entire form of the giant puppet to think they needed to destroy it in order to fight Sasori.

'Damn I thought the fire ball will be strong enough to destroy him' thought Ino.

"That was your plan all along keep me busy throwing all those kunais at so that you could get close to me and used that jutsu not a bad plan" replied Hiruko.

"It almost work" Ino said with a grin.

"We have to try something else Temptress" Hinata said.

"I see now that you two pose a great threat to me it will be better if I get serious now. I believe Deidara is way over his head to fight the nine tails I will finish with you two so I can give my partner an extra hand."

The kunoichis gasped when Hiruko opened his mouth while pointing his mechanical hands at them they know what was going to happen now. He released sembon needles at all directions preventing them from dodging them this time they was no way out or no escape. Ino acted quickly as she went next to Hinata and bit his thumb to release her blood ready to use the summoning technique. Before the storm of needles fell on them Hiruko heard a poof of smoke. When the smoke was cleared every single sembon needle has hit a giant snake that has wrapped its body around the two kunoichis protecting them from the large barrage of poison needles.

'A summoning technique eh…'

The giant snake vanished revealing the unharmed kunoichis while Hiruko was ready to strike again. Ino and Hinata were relief that they were still alive in one piece but they needed to change of strategy so they can get closer to the giant puppet. They know this was just prelude before fighting Sasori and the real battle. They didn't even got a chance to discuss their next move because Hiruko used its long tail to attack them they quickly dodged it they couldn't get hit or they will get poisoned. The giant puppet used its tail once again but the mask kunoichis were fast and they dodged it getting next to each other. It was right then that Hinata realized something seeing Hiruko standing still while moving his tail.

'What's going on ever since the fight began he hasn't move an inch is it possible?' she knew if it was true they could probably gain an advantage against the puppet.

"Damn it were right back where we started were too far from him and he keeps preventing us from getting too close to him!" Ino said getting frustrated.

"Temptress I just figured something out."

"What is it?"

"Have you noticed that since the fight started the puppet hasn't moved at all?" asked the Hyuga heiress.

The Yamanaka blinked not realizing sooner because she was too concentrated on the fight" you're right I guess….but what good would that does?"

"I'm sure Sasori can move Hiruko but I think he can't move it while attacking at the same time it must be difficult for him to do so or perhaps he can't do both things simultaneously at all."

"So he can only attack while standing still…." Ino still didn't understand what her teammate had in mind.

"Yes I think we have an advantage against him but anyway I think Hiruko is best suited to attack in long range combat" replied the Hyuga heiress.

"That would explain why he has been keeping us further away from him he has the advantage as long as were far from him."

"That's what I think but we shouldn't underestimate him even if we get close to him he's still dangerous."

"All right I'm listening to whatever you have in mind" Ino smiled glad to see her teammate being very clever.

"It's not much but I think we can pull it off."

Hiruko wasn't happy seeing the kunoichis far from him not making a move to attack his patience was already growing thin" if you won't attack then I will gladly be the one to make the next move."

Hiruko unleashed his long tail again the kunoichis dodged it again but this time the giant puppet had a trick up his sleeve. He raised his hands at the two unleashing a large purple smoke straight at them.

Hinata gasped" look out smoke screen!"

Ino was shocked seeing the purple smoke" it's worst….its poison gas don't inhale it!"

The kunoichis were caught in the poison smoke they immediately closed their mouth shut as well as holding their breath. They were taught in the academy to hold their breath underwater for long periods of time but they knew they weren't going to last forever in the poison smoke. They needed to find their way out of the purple smoke before they reached their limit in holding their breath. Lucky for them Hinata has her byakugan on and she was able to see through the smoke spotting a way from the poison smoke. Hinata grabbed Ino's hand and started leading her out of the smoke since she couldn't see a thing. Hiruko on the other hand had other plan for the two mask kunoichis knowing that they were going to evade inhaling the poison smoke.

'They will be trap in the poison without a choice.'

He showed his mechanical hands again as well as its mouth as shot another powerful barrage of poison sembon needles straight at the poison smoke. At the same time he used his long tail to hit the smoke hitting the kunoichis with its full arsenal. They were completely trapped with nowhere to go only to be caught in the barrage of attacks. Soon the poison smoke was started lifting and Hiruko has claimed victory over the two kunoichis since they couldn't hold their breath for too long and even if they did there was no way they could have escape from all of his attacks without getting hit. He knew that by now they were all injured with the poison entering his body which they will be dead in three days that was the time limit of his deadly poison. It was slow but it was very effective and death was inevitable once the victim was caught in the poison.

'It's finally over it will be better to give those two a slow death by my poison I don't usually like killing my opponents so quickly. But nevertheless they put up a good fight, I have already wasted too much time here I better go find Deidara before he gets beat up by the nine tails.'

Before the giant puppet started moving he gasped when his poison smoke was completely lifted allowing him to see the whole area that he unleashed the mighty attack. The area was filled with his sembon needles but there was no sight of the two kunoichis anywhere until he saw two wooden logs filed with the sembon needles.

He gasped' what substitution jutsu?!'

He saw in front of him Ino charging at him with a flying kick but he was quicker and he used his tail to stab her in her stomach. However Ino's body vanished been replaced by a couple of snakes before they poof in smoke, he saw Hinata not too far from him he was about to used its tail again until his tail was stopped in its tracks. He gazed at his tail and was shocked to see the long tail being trapped by dozens of snake preventing him from moving it or even using it to attack. The snakes were coming from Ino's sleeve and the blond was grinning at the giant puppet.

"You let your guard down when you thought you defeated us with your poison smoke trick."

"How did you escape from my plan?" asked the giant puppet.

"When we saw the poison smoke we immediately thought that you were planning in trapping us inside of the smoke. Without seeing where to go you took the opportunity to attack trying to send the finishing blow, it could have worked if my friend over there had no problem seeing through the smoke."

Hiruko didn't say a word seeing that his tail was occupied with the snakes he decided to attack Hinata. He unleashed the same barrage of sembon needles on the Hyuga heiress but she had other plans in mind.

'Not this time' she thought with her byakugan activated" kaiten!"

She used the great heavenly spin to deflect and blocked every single poison sembon needle before she vanished in smoke.

"A clone?" Hiruko said.

The real Hinata was right next to him ready to do the finishing blow while Ino was still grinning at the sight.

"Do it now Mistress!"

The Hyuga heiress focus all the chakra in her hands making sure her attacks were precise and powerful at the same time she was going to use her strongest attack to destroy the giant puppet" eight trigrams divine celesty barrage!!!"

Hiruko was hit by the powerful fast attacks of Hinata her chakra has enhance her regular palm strikes making them stronger than any of the eight trigrams attacks from the gentle fist style. The attacks were so strong that the giant puppet was crushed to pieces he was completely destroyed. Ino smiled before letting go of her snakes that were holding the long tail of Hiruko before they vanished. She was happy that they have taken care of the puppet before they can finally begin the real fight she went to her teammate and friend with a smile on her face. Hinata was done with the attack seeing what was left of the puppet Hiruko she sighed in relief but there was no time to celebrate knowing that they will probably fight the puppeteer now.

"All right Mistress we kick ass!"

They gave themselves a high five earning a giggle from Hinata but their celebration was cut short as from the pieces of Hiruko emerged a cloaked figure jumping down not too far from the two kunoichis.

'He must be Sasori' thought Hinata.

Ino grinned at the figure" too bad you lost your big doll you would have been able to avoid our plan if you moved out of the way. But then again you couldn't move and attack at the same time isn't that right?"

"I see so you were able to figure out Hiruko's weakness" Sasori said without looking at them" I admit that his mobility was a big flaw in his mechanism once I start using his attacks the mobility system is immune so I couldn't move while I was attacking. I never expected that you two will ever defeat Hiruko this was the first time someone has beaten it in battle."

"You better believe it pal were Kitsune-sama's team the best kunoichis around we are stronger than we look" replied the Yamanaka.

"So I see" replied the puppeteer who was still under the cloak covering his face" but there is something that's been bothering me for a while now, the poison smoke how were you able to see through it?"

Hinata decided to answer his question" it's true that normal eyes couldn't see through such a think poison smoke however you never counted on the byakugan I had no problem seeing through the smoke."

"Byakugan then that means…" Sasori trailed off hearing of the blood line and doujutsu.

"That's right Mistress right here is a member of the Hyuga clan one of the strongest clans in Konoha and she's also the heiress of the clan she's the strongest among the clan members" Ino said with a smug grin.

"Temptress please" Hinata said her whole face was blushing from embarrassment at the compliment since she wasn't used at getting complimented.

Sasori finally turned around meeting the two kunoichis" I haven't fought worthy opponents in a while I guess you two will have your work cut out now…."

"Bring it pal!" the platinum blond shouted.

Sasori finally released his cloak finally revealing himself which it shocked the two kunoichis a lot.

'Oh my….'

(In another part of the desert)

Naruto has been following Deidara for a while. He knew by now he was too far from his team but at least he wasn't on the sand village it was the perfect place to fight since no one was going to get harm in the middle of the desert. He saw the blond Akatsuki riding on his clay bird that was high in the sky it was pretty clear that he wasn't thinking of landing. Thanks to Jiraiya's spy network he has gathered the necessary information from Akatuki members namely the missing from hidden stone. He knew about his explosive clay and how dangerous it is, in addition Deidara's inflated ego that his weapons is really art that goes with a bang. It wasn't going to be an easy fight but he had a couple of tricks up his sleeve he was pretty clear that the Akatsuki artist was a long range type. This was going to be his chance to prove how much he has improved during his training with the toad sanin when it comes to long range attacks.

'It's a good thing I have learned all those wind jutsus or I will be in trouble for sure. The old me would never stand a chance against him.'

Deidara smiled down below watching the mask mercenary like there was nothing he could do to stop him' let's see if he can get to me hmm."

The hands on his mouth released more clay explosives which they appeared as a couple of birds. Deidara released them as he made a hand seal making them grow into king size birds. They fly down below heading straight at Naruto which the mask mercenary was already prepared to dodge them. They exploded released a large wave of sand. Deidara grinned at the sight only to frowned seeing that he was still standing unharmed he released more clay from his mouths forming more birds thinking that he was lucky to dodged the explosion. Naruto ran faster than before the clay birds went straight at him and Deidara detonate them causing another explosion. When the explosion cleared the mask mercenary was still standing and he has dodged the explosions in time.

'He's better than I thought hmm…'

'I won't advance if all I'm doing is dodging his explosives I have to start by bringing him down from his bird' thought Naruto.

Naruto made hand seals ready for the counter attack" wind release air bullet!"

Deidara gasped when the mask mercenary released a powerful wind gust from his mouth causing his clay bird to lose balance in its flight, the clay artist almost fell from the bird if he hadn't retained his balance. He has already taken more clay from his pouch his mouths were still chewing it and it was going to take a couple of minutes to released the next explosives. Naruto however grinned seeing that his jutsu caused some effect on the clay artist he just needed more power to send him down.

'Time for the big guns' he made the necessary hand seals" wind release gale storm!"

Deidara gasped this time Naruto has released a powerful tornado which it was too late to avoid it. The clay artist was caught in the whirlwind falling off from his clay bird. The mask mercenary went to him making sure he didn't hit the ground or he will die from the fall. Lucky enough he caught the blond Akatsuki carrying him bridal style which he sweat dropped because it looked very gay. His thoughts were interrupted when Deidara's body turned into a clay doll of himself shocking the blond a lot. He knew this was a clay substitution technique just like the regular substitution he has learned at the academy. He gasped he figure out the danger he was in holding the clay figure.

'Oh shit I have to get the hell out of here!'

He dropped the clay and started running for his life while Deidara made the made seal to detonate the clay substitution" katsu!"

BOOM!!!

The explosion too another chunk of sand waiting for the smoke to cleared until he the mask mercenary was fine only difference that his mask was destroyed revealing his face. Naruto sighed because of the destruction of his mask it was the second time his mask was destroyed just like when it got burned by Sasuke's fire jutsu at the valley of the end.

'I really have a thing for letting my mask getting destroyed, good thing I listened to Ino and bought a couple of spares just in case.'

He took one of his summoning scrolls releasing another fox mask he put it on happy to have his favorite mask back on. He put the scroll back on his coat pocket while Deidara was watching him with a smug grin.

"What do you know I guess you're tougher than you look hmm."

Naruto gazed at him with a grin" so you were down here all along while you used a clay clone as a decoy not bad."

Deidara chuckle before dozens of clay spiders were walking behind him surrounding the mask mercenary from all angles. Naruto was shocked at the sight there was so many clay spiders there was nowhere for him to go. He was in big trouble if he gets caught in the explosions that will cause the spiders. The clay artist created another clay bird before getting on and flew off in order to evade the huge blast that was about to happen he was going to enjoy detonating his works of art. However Naruto beat him to the punch as he made a cross shape hand seal.

"Mass shadow clone jutsu!"

POOF!!!

They were over fifty Naruto clones around the spiders they all made the same hand seals" wind release gale storm!"

The unison of the same wind jutsu creating a giant tornado blowing all of the clay spiders away leading them straight back to their owner which the clay artist was shocked at the sight because he was about to detonate them all. He was interrupted from his thinking as he was caught in the giant whirlwind along with his works of arts. He was about to fall to the ground but he grabbed his bird to prevent from receiving too much damage which it worked. The Naruto clone army decided to get rid of all of the explosive clay since Deidara can detonate them at any time and taking the advantage that he was hurt from the landing. They all formed a rasengan in their hands and charged at all of the clay spiders while the real Naruto used a rasengan on the clay bird that the blond Akatsuki was using to fly.

"Rasengan!"

All of the clay spiders and the bird were destroyed by the rasengan while Naruto went to Deidara" I think that will be enough I don't want to hurt you too bad or I won't get a good pay for you."

"My art will never be defeated yeah" Deidara grinned before vanishing and replace by a clay doll.

Naruto gasped' shit another clay substitution then where is he?!'

"He's above us!!" yelled one of the shadow clones while everyone looked above.

Deidara was back in the sky with another clay bird and this time he has released a large sworn of clay birds to defeat the clones. The clay birds went to the clone army and he made the hand seal to detonate them. A huge explosion followed destroying all of the shadow clones and releasing a large wave of sand. Deidara was grinning but he wasn't going to lift his hopes up knowing that the mask mercenary was still alive his mouths were already chewing another piece of clay ready to unleash more of his art. And he was right all of the shadow clones were defeated except for the original Naruto who was looking at him with a frown, obviously he was starting to get tire of playing this game of cat and mouse.

'Okay this guy is annoying I knew he was tough but not this tough, I thought he was a mad bomber with a super ego claiming that his clay was art and I'm right. But he's not stupid he's clever to be using clay substitution to dodge me knowing now that I'm good in both close range and long range attacks. He knows he's in a disadvantage against me and he's trying hard to beat me. I have to give him some credit though too bad he's a missing nin though.'

Deidara released two more clay birds but they were a little bigger than his previous creations" this will finish him off I put more C1 chakra than regular in this clay so the blast will be stronger than usual hmm."

The two birds flew straight at Naruto while he already had a flash kunai on his hand ready to use it. The birds were inches away from him while Deidara gave a smile he was finally going to beat him, the one who beat Itachi and Sasuke.

"You're mine now katsu!"

BOOM!!!

The clay artist was laughing enjoying his victory he knew that there was no way he could have dodged the two explosions with adding more of his chakra for the clay. He gazed down waiting for the smoke to clear out looking forward to see his body all beat up covered with blood but that's not what he saw. The smoke cleared out and the first thing Deidara saw shocked him a lot Naruto was flying straight at him like he has been given a very powerful push to elevated himself in the air. The blond Akatsuki was in shock because it was possible what he was seeing the worst is that he had a pretty good idea what the mask mercenary did.

'It can't be he….he used the explosion to give himself a jump boost he's insane!'

Nartuto has formed a rasengan in his hand heading fat towards the clay artist who was still too shocked to move.

" Rasengan!"

Deidara was hit by the spiraling sphere of chakra falling from his bird but Naruto caught him just in time to land safely on the sand. The mask mercenary checked that he wasn't another substitution but he didn't changed looks like he hit the real bomber this time. Deidara however wasn't happy with this development he was injured from the rasengan even if it missed any vital points since Naruto needs him alive.

'To think that he will hurt me this bad…damn jinchurikki I still have a trick up my sleeve yeah.'

"I guess it's finally over it will be a long journey for you since I have to take you to hidden stone" Naruto said.

Suddenly from behind clay spiders were moving towards him he gasped and Deidara took the chance to escape his grasp. Deidara quickly made two clay clones after that he released more clay from his mouths as we as his own mouth which caused an effect on the mask mercenary.

'Eww I didn't know he could vomit clay too gross.'

Deodara grinned along with his clay clones" I never thought I will have to get serious with you jinchurikki you're clearly a tough opponent master Sasori was right about you yeah."

"Come on why don't you just give up I don't want to beat you up too badly" replied the mask mercenary.

"Acting confident won't help you I will show you one of best works of art hmm."

Naruto gasped when the clay that Deidara has released vanished in a cloud of smoke and was replaced by another clay animal. Only this time it was bigger than any animal the blond Akatsuki has ever made, the clay animal had a long neck and large wings with a long tail. Naruto knew what kind of animal it was he already knew how dangerous it is with its size.

'That thing is huge if he detonates I'll be a goner!'

Deidara grinned" behold my wonderful work of art this is the C2 dragon the thing that will bring your downfall yeah!"

Naruto saw that the dragon has opened its mouth releasing dozens of clay spheres they were everywhere, the Deidara clay clones started picking them up as they made a hand seal going underground taking the small clay balls with them.

"What are those things what are they doing?!" Naruto was staring at the clay clones taking the small clay.

The real Deidara got on the clay dragon" that doesn't matter you're about to be defeated by my art hmm."

"Keep running your mouth you're so called art sucks" Naruto said.

"What did you say?!" Deidara was enraged by his comment" how dare you insult my art you will pay for disrespecting my art!"

Naruto knew he has made a big mistake with his comment' he's angry now me and my big mouth.'

The C2 dragon spread its wings as it flew off into the sky while the mask mercenary didn't realized that the Deidara clay clones were done with putting all of the small clay bombs beneath the sand. Naruto started running towards the dragon before part of the ground exploded getting caught in the explosion while Deidara grinned at the sight.

'You're in my domain now jinchurikki yeah.'

When the smoke cleared Naruto had his Kitsune Flash uniform tear up he also had some bruises. The one thing that got him upset is that his second mask has been destroyed by the explosion and the blond was not happy.

'You got to be kidding me what does this bastards have against my mask?!'

He growled before looking at the hole that was caused by the explosion' what was that I didn't saw any of his clay explosives closing in on me so what happened?'

The two Deidara clay clones have released a clay bird flying off with the original that was on the clay dragon. He realized now that he was in a disadvantage in numbers guessing that the two clones can use explosive clay like the real Deidara. The fight has gotten tougher and he still didn't know what the dragon could do. He got his answer when the clay dragon opened its mouth revealing a clay bird in the shape of a torpedo. He threw the torpedo straight at Naruto as once again he took a flash kunai doing the flying thunder go technique vanishing in a yellow blur as the torpedo hit the ground causing an explosion, he has teleported away into another part of the desert when another explosion reached him he dodged but he was caught in the fire. Deidara was enjoying the view watching the so called strongest ninja in the five countries getting beat and probably reaching near death although he needed him alive since he was a jinchurikki. His orders are to bring the nine tails back alive but right now killing him was very tempting to the clay artist.

'Looks like the great Kitsune Flash is about to fall I'm beginning to wonder if he really beat Itachi hmm.'

The smoke cleared revealing a bloody beat up Naruto who was panting while glaring at the flying dragon and the two clay clones' damn it again what the heck is going I didn't saw nothing heading at me so why…' his eyes widened in terror' don't tell me….those small bombs the dragon released before flying off and the clay clones putting them underground that means they are land mines just my luck.'

"You're put land mines underground didn't you?!" shouted the blond.

Deidara grinned" so you figure it out huh….you're right my clay clones have placed clay mines all over this vicinity. Your trap from running anywhere on the ground while I and my clones are attacking from the air, in other words you have no place to run yeah."

"Not bad plan but why would you say that I have no intention of running away? I'll be leaving wind country with your capture so don't run your mouth that you have beaten me already because I'm just warming up believe it!"

"Whatever you say hmm" replied the clay artist.

The clay dragon was ready to fire another clay torpedo while the clay clones have released birds using C1 chakra. It was time for Naruto to take the fight seriously even if he has already giving a lot of his chakra.

'Damn I have used the flying thunder god twice it takes a lot of chakra and this guy won't let me be so using sage mode is out of the question. Damn it hurts I almost got kill by those mines I will have to be careful where I step on.'

"You're very lucky you can still move after those explosions. My chakra has its limits so it takes time to heal your injuries just don't be a reckless fool you're not good to me if you're dead" replied the Kyuubi.

'Yeah yeah I know how much you care for me fox can't have your precious container getting kill or you will die with me I get it already.'

"Impudent brat" growled the demon fox.

'Why thank you for the compliment.'

Naruto saw the dragon firing it torpedo while the clay birds were flying straight at him he didn't have too much time to dodge them but he was ready to fight like he has always done. Giving it everything he has on the fight without giving up losing was not on his dictionary.

'I will not lose!'

(Location: memorial ground Konoha grave yard hidden leaf village fire country territory)

Itachi was walking the path of grave stones holding a bouquet of roses. He has decided to visit his family and clan members even if it was very hypocrite from his part because he was the one that killed them. To this very day he still hasn't regretted his choice he will probably do it over again, was it hard to prevent war and maintain peace that was a question hard for him to answer. It's been almost a week since his return to Konoha and yet he still couldn't believe he was back to his home village. The same village he chose not to return because of the path he chose years ago. His choice the elder's choice murder of his clan for Konoha's protection becoming a traitor and joining a powerful criminal organization to finally die by his brother's hands, that was his life after he took his path. It was his reason to live until facing his brother to the death avenging the clan and yet he was still here. His life was saved his destiny was broken by Naruto. He was back and he hasn't regretted choosing to be back in the village he was glad.

It wasn't easy living in the village though apparently the villagers weren't used to seeing him. Most of them were afraid of him even if they knew the truth behind his actions they still saw him as the murder of the Uchiha clan and the traitor of Konoha. He didn't blamed them it was going to take a while for them to get used to him even if he wasn't expecting that they will start respecting and trusting him, at least not so soon. That's why he choose not to leave his home so frequently, he will go to meditate and train or going to the graveyard. Visiting Sasuke at ANBU headquarters was one of the things in his mind but it was useless considering what he did to him, when it came to give him the role of the clan avenger. He finally arrived at the section where the Uchiha clan was located, his onyx eyes traveled at all of the grave stones that belonged to members of the clan. As a murder and a traitor the least he could do was to visit them and place roses on their graves proof that he cares for his fallen brothers and sisters.

He started putting roses on each grave he has bought enough for every single member of the clan. It took him a while but he didn't care this was something he wanted to do for a while since he couldn't because he was a missing nin and a member of Akatsuki. He always thought in putting flowers in their graves and paid his respects to everyone. Once he was done with everyone he finally had three roses left which he knew who were the reaming members that needed a rose on their grave, he walked to a grave stone on the corner on the far right. Gazing at the grave stone he saw the fan of the Uchiha clan carved on the stone which it was the symbol of the clan. He put the rose on the small opening where the flowers are put before reading the writing on the grave.

Uchiha Shisui

Beloved friend

Honorable comrade

Proud brother of the Uchiha clan

Itachi gazed at the grave stone that belongs to his best friend which he thought of him as a brother. He grew up with him they trained together even go to the academy together. They have done everything together they were best friends, brothers and rivals. Memories came to him when they first meet and formed their friendship to the times they fought together in battle. The promised they made each other to always watch each other's backs and to never lose until one of them becomes stronger than the other. He knew him from the beginning till the last time when he killed him before he started the massacre this was a person that he was going to miss a lot. Tears were forming on his eyes just gazing at the grave stone.

"Shisui I have finally return to the village…..I know I don't deserve your forgiveness old friend I know you hate me for what I did you have every right to hate me forever. I haven't forgotten about you everything I did was for the village I'm truly sorry…."

He took another glance at the grave stone before leaving heading to the last two graves which he was holding the last two roses. He smiled arriving at grave which they were put together meaning that they were married both were husband and wife. He put the roses on the openings in front of their graves gazing both of them this people were very important to him in his life. He felt a great pain staring at the graves of his parents he was feeling worst when he visited Shisui's grave. He smiled reading what was engraved in their graves.

Uchiha Fugaku

Beloved father

Beloved Husband

Head of the Uchiha clan

Honorable brother of the clan

He started thinking about his father and the times he was there for him in his entire life even during the great ninja war he was there for him. When he started his training under him, he was trained to become the gifted genius of the clan and future clan head. Although he wasn't happy with him during the time he resented Sasuke when he needed training and attention. The times when his younger brother was looking for his acknowledgement trying hard to become someone important in the clan, he only wanted to make his parents proud as well as the clan. In the end Sasuke became his shadow trying to follow in his footsteps to become even stronger and better than him but he never succeeded. Now he was the avenger of the clan and his death bringer and yet he failed in that mission his life purpose has been destroyed. He finally gazed at the other grave stone that belonged to his mother and Fugaku's wife.

Uchiha Mikoto

Beloved mother

Beloved wife

The clan's pride and kunoichi prodigy

He gave a faint smile remembering that his mother was a gifted genius among the clan's kunoichis. She graduated from the academy when she was six like him too and she was already a jounin when she turned ten years old. She became elite among the ANBU when she turned twelve and latter she joined the ANBU black ops when she turned fifteen. It was very impressive that his mother was already a legend and strongest kunoichi in the Uchiha clan before she reached the age of twenty. He admitted that his mother surpassed some of his father's skills even if she never admitted out loud because she was never the kind of person to show off her skills. To think she was so kind and quiet and she has killed so many people among them higher rank ninjas like jounins and ANBU members. He only managed to killed her because she let herself get killed at the hands of her own son otherwise he would have quite a fight in his hands against her. Not to mention that it was very hard to fight his own mother the woman who give birth to him and raised him.

"Father mother….I guess you weren't expecting me of all people to come and visit you and the clan. Who would think your murder of a son will come to pay his respects to you. Whether you hate me or not I do missed all of you I have no regrets in my decision and for what I did to Sasuke he can hate me forever if that's his wish I deserved to be hated by him and all of you. When I arrive on hell you can judge me for my actions but for now, I want to continue giving my services to the village. Konoha is my home and the reason I have put my life on the line to protect it, that includes betraying all of you and for that I'm sorry…"

He gave a small prayer before he left their graves while a couple of tears left his eyes. Once he was done in placing the roses on every single member of the clan he decided to leave. Moving on with his life he won't be the last time that he will visit them he was going to continue to place flowers on their graves. He walked out of the memorial ground feeling happy for finally visiting their graves it was one of the things he'd been wanted to do for a long time. As he reached the exit of the graveyard he saw Jiraiya standing on the entrance he looked like he was waiting for someone, it seems he was waiting for him. But judging the expression on his face he knew it was something serious probably of urgent matter.

"Jiraiya-sama…."

The toad sanin gazed at him with a serious expression before giving him a small smile" gear up we'll be leaving the village, we have a mission."

(Location: somewhere in the desert wind country territory)

Ino and Hinata were in shock at what they were seeing. They were expecting to see someone different or probably even older but they were quite surprised. They were now looking at Sasori who has taken the black cloak that was covering his entire face and he was very different compare to what the two kunoichis were expecting. Sasori seemed young probably a few years younger than Ino and Hinata probably like fifteen he had brown eyes and red hair. The young red head was wearing an Akatsuki cloak just like his puppet Hiruko and the two mask kunoichis were still shocked at the sight of him.

"Is this….Sasori?" asked Hinata.

"No way he looks so young he's just a kid!" Ino replied.

"You seem to be shock by my appearance but I assure you that I'm older than both of you" Sasori said.

"What?!" Hinata said she was shocked than before.

"You're kidding?" asked the Yamanaka she thought he was just joking there was no way he was older than both of them.

"Enough of this I'm dealing with two strong opponents so make no mistake I won't underestimate you two again. That's why I have decided to show you one of my favorite's puppets from my collection, he was tough to capture but he was worth it. Come to think of it that's why he's one my favorites in the first place" suddenly a scroll came from his sleeve grabbing it with his right hand.

'What is he up to?' thought Ino.

Hinata has been staring at Sasori for a while using her byakugan' there it is again, his entire body has a mass of chakra but he doesn't have a chakra circulatory system. It's not possible every single living being has a chakra circulatory system so why he doesn't have one just what is he?'

Sasori opened the scroll revealing the number three written on the scroll" as I said before I will fight you seriously now I have already wasted enough time dealing with you two."

"We know you hate keeping people waiting" Ino said sounding annoyed by his comment.

POOF!!!

The scroll vanished in a cloud of smoke revealing a new puppet in front of the two kunoichis. The puppet wasn't as big as Hiruko but it was big enough to be taller than Sasori. It had black hair wearing a large brown coat reaching to its feet. What shocked the mask kunoichis was the fact that the puppet looked very human like it was a real person.

'Talk about a human like puppet' thought the Yamanaka.

'There's something about that puppet' thought Hinata with her byakugan on even if she didn't saw anything wrong with the puppet.

"This puppet was considered one of the strongest ninjas in the history of the hidden sand village" Sasori said using his chakra strings to have control of the puppet.

"What are you talking about?" asked Ino feeling clueless.

"I guess it won't cause any harm if I tell you, this puppet used to be human" replied the red head youth.

"What?!" the kunoichis were shocked at the revelation.

"It's true this puppet used to be human I simply turned him into a puppet making him part of my collection of human puppets."

"Human puppets…." Hinata was horrified.

Ino glared at him" are you saying that you have captured people and turned them into puppets?!"

"Yes that is correct."

"You're horrible" Hinata said as she has now joined her teammate with the glaring.

"That's your opinion but humans are expendable they are inferior creatures that let their emotions take over them they will also aged and eventually die. It will be best to turn them into puppets and used their abilities for my own, of course I don't take human just like that I choose the necessary target who is eligible to become a puppet."

"You speak as if you weren't human at all!!" the Yamanaka shouted in outrage.

Sasori gave a grin" that doesn't matter this puppet right here was the best candidate to become part of my collection as I mentioned before he was considered the strongest ninja in the history of Suna."

"What do you mean?" asked Hinata.

"Surely you recognized him?" asked the red head Akatsuki holding the puppet.

"How the hell should I know I don't recognize him?!" Ino said.

"I see you're part of Kitsune Flash's team that means you're all from Konoha so you probably don't know the history of Suna" replied Sasori.

Hinata was staring at the puppet in deep thought' now that he mentions it….he seems familiar….no it couldn't be…'

"Temptress?" Hinata said interrupting Sasori's future lecture about the sand village getting the attention of her teammate" I think I know who that puppet is."

"You do?" asked the Yamanaka while Sasori didn't seemed surprise by her comment.

"Do you remember at the academy when Iruka sensei was talking about the history of the five hidden villages? When he was talking about hidden sand he mentioned all of the Kazekages of the past, he mentioned that so far in the history of Suna the third Kazekage was considered the strongest of them all."

The Yamanaka's mind was completely blank hearing all of the before she sweat dropped remembering that day' damn I remember I wasn't paying attention to class on that day I was so sleepy.'

She finally gasped in realization" wait a minute if that's true then…."

Hinata nodded" Iruka sensei showed us the pictures of the Kazekages and the third looks a lot like his puppet."

"No it can't be!" Ino was shocked staring at the puppet.

"It seems there's a smart one in the group after all" replied Sasori referring to the Hyuga heiress.

"What are you saying I'm stupid?!" the blond was not happy with his comment.

"So it's true that puppet is the third Kazekage isn't it?" Hinata said trying to hide the fear she was feeling right now.

"You are correct a long time ago I fought the third Kazekage and beat him my reward for his defeat I add him to my collection of human puppets. But enough talk I will end this fight right now."

The two kunoichis were in deep thought they would never believe to meet someone so cold and cruel after Orochimaru or even the Akatsuki. Someone who would killed and turned his victims into puppets to use them in battle it was truly a monstrosity. They were interrupted from their thinking seeing that Sasori began his assault on them using the third Kazekage. The puppet launched at them while both kunoichis jumped back getting further from the red head Akatsuki and his puppet. It wasn't long before the third launched at Ino while Sasori made the move for the puppet to release a large buzz saw from its left arm. The Yamanaka gasped seeing the large blades but what scared her the most was the purple liquid that was filling the blades.

'They blades are filled with poison why am I not surprise?'

Hinata charged at the puppet trying to save her teammate but she knew she wasn't going to make it in time. Ino saw that the blades were getting closer to her before she gave a grin which Sasori noticed she made quick hand seals.

"Fire release fire ball technique!"

Sasori moved the Kazekage puppet in time to dodge the incoming fire ball. As a puppeteer he knew that fire was an element which it was very effective to any puppet since they were made of wood, lucky for him he foresaw the Yamanaka's plan.

'There goes my plan in turning his puppet into firewood.'

"Temptress are you all right?!" asked the worried Hinata.

"Don't worry I'm fine but we have to watch out for that puppet its weapons are filled with poison."

Sasori choose his next target to attack which it was his Hinata he made the Kazekage puppet to released his right arm unleashing dozens of puppet arms straight at her. Ino gasped seeing that her friend was in danger but the Hyuga heiress stood firm without moving a muscle. Before they hit her she used the great heavenly spin to block all of the puppet hands. However the red head Akatsuki wasn't finish in his assault as he released a lot of purple smoke from the many puppet hands hitting Hinata.

"Look out its poison smoke again!" shouted Ino.

Hinata used the great heavenly spin again to try and deflect blow back some of the poison to prevent from inhaling it. Ino took the opportunity to attack she quickly took two of her specialize poison kunais and threw them at Sasori. The red head was quick to jumped back dodging the attack while moving the third Kazekage next to him for protection. His eyes hardened at the two kunoichis they were being stubborn to die while putting a good fight against him. Ino went next to Hinata checking if she was all right she smiled seeing how she was able to handle herself against the poison smoke, their opponent was tough and a tricky one.

"We need to come up with a way to attack him" Hinata said.

"I know but that won't be happening any time soon as long as he has that puppet. It's not just his weapon but he can also use it as a shield to protect himself like he did just now."

"Yes I think that's a weakness from people who use puppet jutsu, when they attack with their puppets they leave themselves wide open for an attack. That is why puppeteers are best suited to attack from long distance."

"Long range type eh…." said the platinum blond.

'What are they planning?' thought Sasori watching the two kunoichis he was getting inpatient already.

"Do you have a plan?" asked Hinata.

"I think I do one can attack the puppet and the other will attack him."

"Temptress that plan will be too obvious Sasori will know in no time since there's two of us and only him. He already knows that we have the advantage in numbers he will probably be ready for anything we might pull."

"Trust me I think it will work put some faith in me, besides I'm not planning in being defeated by puppet boy over there. After all I still have to confess my feelings to Kitsune-sama."

Hinata frowned at her comment trying to not get jealous" that….that has nothing to do with this I…"

"If you want to tell him too then you won't be defeated by puppet boy either isn't that right?" the Yamanaka smiled with a hidden grin.

"Of course I won't be defeated here!"

"That's the spirit girlfriend let's show him what we can do" the blond gave a smile' hehe works like a charm.'

Sasori glared at them before unleashing the third Kazekage at them showing the buzz saw and releasing the dozens of arms at the same time. Hinata used the great heavenly spin again blocking the puppet arms while Ino jumped back and made hand seals biting her thumb.

"Summoning jutsu!"

POOF!!!

A giant snake came from the smoke lunging at the Kazekage puppet opening its large mouth. Sasori blocked the attack by moving the puppet and grabbing its mouth with both arms right now his puppet was busy and couldn't attack. Ino grinned seeing that her plan was working because she has summoned one hungry snake and it was ready to chow down.

"I wonder if it will like the taste of wood. My hungry friend here is about to have a puppet dinner" grinned the Yamanaka.

Hinata knew this was her chance to attack now that the Kazekage puppet was busy trying to pulled back from the snake she directed her attack at Sasori" eight trigrams mountain crusher!"

She released a powerful wave of chakra straight at the red head Akatsuki which he gasped before he used all his strength to move the thirds' puppet with his chakra strings away from the snake. He moved out of the way before he saw the giant snake charging at his puppet. Hinata focused chakra on her feet to increase her speed running towards Sasori who was trying to evade the snake from taking his puppet. Ino followed the snake making sure it had the attention of the Kazekage puppet completely so that its puppeteer lowered his guard, giving Hinata her chance to strike. Sasori only grinned before he unleashed a large poison smoke coming from the many puppet hands covering a large area of the desert. Ino managed to get as far as she could she knew that by now the giant snake she summoned must have been defeated.

'Damn it the poison smoke again….no Mistress!'

She was worried sick for her teammate hoping she hasn't inhaled the poison. When the poison smoke cleared she saw Hinata who was coughing while Sasori was still standing with the Kazekage puppet next to him even if he was caught in the smoke which shocked the Yamanaka a lot.

"Mistress are you all right?"

"Yes I'm okay….." she started coughing feeling her body going numb.

"Mistress!" Ino already knew what was wrong with the Hyuga heiress.

"She has inhaled the poison it's too late now. The poison has entered her body and it's already taking effect, she may have three days to live or less but her fate has been sealed" Sasori said.

Ino ignored him as she quickly took an injection from coat pocket giving Hinata the shot. A couple of minutes later Hinata started breathing normally and she got up feeling better. Sasori was surprised at the sight he couldn't believe what he was seeing she was no longer showing any symptoms that she was under the poison's effect.

'What did she do?' he gazed at the blond kunoichi.

"How are you feeling Mistress?"

"I'm feeling fine now thank you Temptress but how did you got rid of the poison?"

"You can thank Huntress for that" replied the Yamanaka thinking about her best friend.

"Here take this…..it's a cure that will counter any type of poison I will give you a few just in case. You may never know when you will need them." Sakura said.

Hinata smiled' Sakura-san is always there for us when we need her.'

"What did you gave her?" asked Sasori sounding curious to know why Hinata was feeling better.

"What do you think I gave her the cure against your poison so your poison is very useless against us?" Ino replied.

"I never thought someone will find a way to counter my poison but it doesn't matter. I didn't expected it will take me this long to beat the two of you it seems I will have to use my secret weapon then."

The two mask kunoichis saw that the third Kazekage has opened its mouth releasing some kind of black substance. It was starting to surround the puppet as well as Sasori who knew that they have finally reach their end they were going to die now.

"What is that?!" asked Ino in awe.

"It looks like sand but its colored black" Hinata replied gazing at it with her byakugan.

"Sand isn't colored black!" the Yamanaka said.

"You are correct but this isn't regular sand" Sasori said" this is the iron sand."

"Iron sand?" asked Hinata.

"It's the secret weapon of the third Kazekage. By studying one of the many hosts of the one tail Shukaku he imitated and learned the ability to control sand, the only difference instead of using sand he used iron he managed to control it at his free will because of his bloodline limit which it's his magnetic powers. With the iron sand at his possession he used it to crush his opponents the iron sand can also take any shape or form from any weapon making it a very dangerous weapon. This is the reason why the third was the strongest Kazekage in the history of the hidden sand."

'If that's true were in for it now' thought Ino trying not to feel scare.

The iron sand was now surrounding them while Sasori was ready to attack" I will show you why the iron sand is a very dangerous weapon."

They gasped when the iron sand took the form of dozens of needles they ran as fast as they could to dodge the many iron sand needles. Sasori released more iron from the third Kazekage taking the form of a giant hammer while he made more needles from the other half of the iron sand. The two kunoichis dodged and run using evasion to avoid the strong techniques before they have realized that it wouldn't be long before they reached their limit.

Ino dodged the hammer while panting but she was hit in her shoulder by one of the needles. She flinched in pain while Hinata was trying to get to her dodging the hammer and the needles, she gain an advantage using the great heavenly spin to deflect them.

"Temptress!"

"I'm all right…." replied the bleach blond panting seeing her injury' damn it I'm running low on chakra and this wound isn't helping either. I don't know about Hinata but I'm reaching my limit yet puppet boy over there isn't wounded yet…'

The Hyuga heiress got next to her concern was written on her face" your wounded."

"I said I'm fine I can still fight" Ino gave a faint smile before she gasped feeling her whole boy going numb and feeling a pain from the inside of her body" what's….happening to me?"

"What's wrong?" asked Hinata.

"It hurts and my body…..grr you what the hell did you do to me?!" the Yamanaka glared at the red head Akatsuki.

"I forgot to mention the iron sand also has my poison in it" replied Sasori.

Ino hearing that grabbed another injection with the cure that Sakura gave her' Sakura only gave me four of these shots I already used one and this will be my second. That means no matter what happens I can't get hit by the iron sand again, I have to reserve the last two for Hinata' she injected herself with the shot that contains the counter poison.

"Temptress are you all right?"

"I'm fine Mistress don't get too worry about me I told you I can still fight" the blond replied with a smile.

'You can't fool me Ino-san I can see the chakra in your body is decreasing you're almost at your limit' thought the Hyuga heiress gazing with her byakugan.

"Not bad….you can cure yourself from my poison the question is how many of those cures you have left? Either way you will die getting crush by the iron sand or you will die from the poison" Sasori said.

The two kunoichis were shocked the iron sand around them has taken the shape of dozens needles increasing in numbers they were surrounded without anywhere to go. Both were feeling that this was going to be their end even if they didn't want to admit it because they were both too stubborn to give up just like a certain blond leader. Sasori had them right where he wants them he needed to hurry since he has already wasted too much time fighting them. He needed to find his partner and help him with the capture to make up for their mistake in failing to retrieve the one tail, and by now their leader and the rest of the organization were waiting for them.

"Time to finish this" replied the red head Akatsuki using his chakra strings to control the third Kazekage and unleash the needle storm of iron sand.

'No it can't end like this' thought Ino feeling angry she didn't want to die right here when there was so may things she wanted to do in her life, namely telling a certain tall blond how she feels about him.

"Temptress stay behind me" Hinata said in a firm tone.

Ino did as she was told while getting worried for her teammate" what are you going to do?"

"I trusted you with your plan now it's your turn to trust me in my plan" she smiled.

She nodded as they were surrounded by the iron sand needles' I trust you…'

'It's time to test my new technique' thought Hinata getting into her gentle fist stance.

Sasori released the barrage of needles as Hinata was ready for the powerful attack" protection of the eight trigrams sixty four palms!"

She started moving her palms in all directions at incredible speed releasing thin long lines of chakra coming from her palms. The speed was very impressive as she was blocking and reflecting every single iron sand needle in no time her technique has caused quite a shock to the two people who were watching her namely her teammate.

'Amazing…..Hinata…' Ino was in awe with her technique.

'She's using chakra to deflect the iron sand….it's so visible that it's coming out of her hands. She must be very skillful in controlling chakra to make it look very visible' thought Sasori.

Hinata kept her attack on the needles as long as she could and so far she was succeeding in deflecting the needles made of iron sand. The problem is that she didn't know how long she could keep on the technique realizing that she didn't have too much chakra left.

'Just a little bit more I can do it.'

She finally stopped relief to see that she stopped every single iron sand needle but suddenly one came straight at her stabbing her on her left shoulder. The Hyuga heiress gave a cried of pain as blood started falling from her fresh wound. Ino gasped she knew she had to act fast in giving her the last few shots against the poison but first she took the chance that Sasori has lowered his guard on her and she has already come up with a plan.

'I have to destroy that damn puppet of his.'

Hinata fell on her knees feeling the poison coursing through her body. She was feeling weak while feeling a horrible pain that resembles a fire burning through her insides. It was worst because she also had the wound on her shoulder and she could barely keep her eyes open. Ino went to her injecting her with the shot making that there was only shot left against the poison. Sasori saw the last shot while the Hyuga heiress was already starting to feel better feeling the burning sensation leaving her body.

"Temptress I…." she started.

"It's all right you'll be fine now I gave you one of the shots that Huntress gave me" replied the bleach blond.

"There's only one left you won't be able to save yourself from my poison anymore" replied Sasori" but I won't take that chance."

Suddenly he made a portion of iron sand one took the shape of a pyramid and another took the shape of a large pillar. The two shape figures were high above both kunoichis ready to crush them like hopeless insects. Both of them knew it was going to be over if they get hit by those things, there was no way they won't survive such a strong attack.

"I have never had so much trouble defeating someone before. You two have put up a good fight like the third Kazekage once did, but now it's time to end this" the red head Akatsuki said.

Ino took something from her coat pocket while Sasori noticed it" whatever you're up to its no use…"

"Temptress…" Hinata said while panting she knew she was low on chakra and she didn't know how long she will last in the fight.

The Yamanaka grinned as she focused her chakra on her hand to increase her throwing speed" let's see how fast you truly are."

In a blink of an eye she threw a kunai hitting the third Kazekage's puppet on his shoulder but that's not all. The kunai had a long string attached on the ring with dozens of paper bombs attached on string they have all been ignited while Ino took Hinata's hand quickly leaving in order to escape the incoming explosion.

"What?!!" Sasori gasped spotting the many paper bombs.

BOOM!!!

The two mask kunoichis took cover from the explosion. Both of them couldn't even celebrate their victory because they were both tire and reaching their limit the only thing they could do is to wait for the smoke from the explosion to clear out. Slowly the smoke clear out and what they saw shocked them beyond belief standing in front of them was a large wall made of iron sand, it quickly dissolve revealing an unharmed Sasori with the third Kazekage puppet.

"It can't be…." Ino said shocked.

"It's not possible!" Hinata said matching her teammate's shocking tone.

Sasori gave a small grin" iron sand is the perfect weapon for offense and it can also be the perfect weapon for defense, strong enough to shield me from various explosions. It seems you have miscalculated but it wasn't a bad plan though."

Sasori prepared to fire more iron sand with the purpose to finally end the battle once and for all while the two kunoichis were tire and they were probably out of ideas. Even if it seemed hopeless they weren't going to give up they were taught or probably they have gotten their stubborn act from their blond leader.

'I'm not giving up' thought Ino.

'I'm not giving up' thought Hinata.

Both faced Sasori with his puppet and the large portion of iron sand surrounding him ready to fight him probably one last time.

'We won't lose!' they thought in unison.

(Elsewhere in the desert)

Naruto has been having a hard time fighting Deidara. First off he couldn't fight him in the ground because of the land clay mines he has placed and distance is pretty far and second he was hanging by the tail of the C2 dragon and he was trying hard not to fall off. He was in big trouble it wasn't just that he was starting to lose his balance but that he was being followed by the two Deidara clay clones who were riding on two clay birds. The two clones weren't giving him a good time since they were using their clay explosives to blow him to pieces. The real Deidara who was riding on the dragon on top off his head chuckle at the sight of the tall blond trying to keep his balance, to think it was the same mercenary who was considered the strongest ninja in the five countries. So far he hasn't proven his point to the clay artist with the amusing sight he was showing him. Now he had his doubts that someone like him will defeat someone like Itachi the prodigy of the Uchiha clan.

He grinned watching the blond struggle" look at you can't keep yourself from falling perhaps the rumors about you were just simply rumors and you're just a weakling fool hmm."

Veins were popping on Naruto's head as he got upset at his comment giving him an angry comical look" bastard tell that right in my face just you wait till I get my hands on you!!!"

"If you can that is yeah" he replied.

Naruto saw the Deidara clones have unleashed more clay birds to try and blast him while he was losing his grip and fast. He gasped as he started falling before forming a cross shape hand seal summoning his shadow clones. One clone grabbed himself to the tail while the rest followed a human chain until the last captured the real blond. He was safe for now but he needed to do something knowing that being here he was not safe.

'First of all I have to get rid of those two' he gazed at the clay clones' judging from the distance I can do it.'

He grabbed one of the flash kunais as the clay birds headed towards him he vanished in a yellow blur.

"Katsu!" the clay clones said in unison.

BOOM!!!

The shadow clones were destroyed by the explosion while one of the clones didn't saw Naruto behind him he already had a bigger rasengan on his hand" odama rasengan!"

The clay clones were hit by the big rasengan destroying him while the real Deidara gazed looking shocked" just how the heck did he get all the way there? Doesn't matter I have him now."

He made a hand seal" katsu!"

BOOM!!!

Naruto has vanished in a yellow blur again before the clay bird exploded, now he was behind the last clay clone holding another big rasengan" odama rasengan!"

The clay clone was hit by the odama rasengan getting destroyed he saw the real Deidara making a hand seal ready to detonate the clay bird he was standing on.

"Katsu!"

BOOM!!!

The bird exploded and the clay artist never realized that Naruto was standing next to him on top of the dragon's head. Naruto was going to enjoy this after what Deidara told him he was thinking of doing some pay back big time. He waited for the blond Akatsuki to noticed that he wasn't alone once he gazed next he gasped only to be met by Naruto's fist straight at his face. Deidara was send a little far almost about to fall from the dragon before the tall blond grabbed him by his collar.

"How about telling me what you said earlier?!"

Deidara threw a punch but Naruto easily dodged it countering with a kick to his midsection followed by a punch to his face. The fight has become into a taijutsu match both sending punches and kicks although Naruto had the advantage and he was the one who was winning the fight. Deidara's moves were sluggish and slow it seems like he was hardly putting a fight at all it was just too easy for Naruto. He dodged another punched before he punched his face again making him coughed blood. The tall blond felt like he was fighting a weak old man rather than a member of Akatsuki but he knew the reason why Deidara wasn't putting up a fight.

"Looks like your taijutsu is terrible you could use a training session."

"Bah my art is all I need to fight and win yeah…" replied the clay artist blood leaving from his mouth.

"Whatever you say but I feel like I'm hitting a sand bag for training how about you give up and let me capture you in doing so you won't suffer a humiliating defeat?"

"My art will never be defeated you won't win….."

'Like I was expecting him to choose the easy way'

Naruto punched his face again while grabbing his collar that's when he noticed one of his mouths on his hands making him gasped" what the hell….why the heck do you have mouths on your hands you look like a freak?"

"I need them to use my art yeah."

The tall blond sweat dropped at his comment before a perverted grin was formed on his lips thinking all of the possibilities to have mouths on your hands' hehe if pervy sage were here to see this he will go crazy I can imagine all of his perverted suggestions about the good things to have mouths on your hands.'

"You can give triple oral sex to both male and females at the same time" the Kyuubi grinned.

'Hehe yeah….what the hell NO….I mean yes to women but hell no I will never give oral sex to a guy stupid fox!'

He frowned mentally hearing the demon fox chuckle at his comment before disconnecting his communication with him. His thoughts were interrupted when Deidara broke free ready to make his move.

"You let your guard down hmm….now I will leave you here and detonate the C2 dragon beating you for good!"

He gasped when he saw another Naruto behind him" a shadow clone?"

"Looks like you're not so fast to even notice when I summoned the clone. It's over but first I'm going to destroy your work of art."

Deidara saw Naruto forming a rasengan putting it on top of the dragon" here's a taste of my art rasengan bomb!"

The shadow clone took Deidara off the dragon falling down to the sand with the real one following them close by.

BOOM!!!

The clay artist was shocked to see his work of art destroyed the pieces the C2 dragon has been beaten.

"I'm not done yet!" Naruto formed another rasengan bomb along with the shadow clone.

"Rasengan bomb!"

Both rasengan fell to the sand before they landed on the ground and they took kept their distance.

BOOM!!!

The sand exploded by the combination of both bombs followed by several explosions coming from underground which shocked Deidara a lot knowing what he just did" the clay mines you destroyed them all but how did you know where they were located?!"

Naruto grinned" I didn't I just guessed."

Deidara grinned before he formed a clay centipede and wrapped itself around the blond" I have you now I'm going to enjoy this yeah."

He made another clay bird before getting on and ready to fly off" it's over jinchurikki."

Naruto sighed" you still haven't learned anything yet huh?"

Naruto the vanished making the clay centipede fall the ground while the clay artist gasped' what that was the clone but I'm sure he was the real one?!'

"You didn't notice when I trade places with my shadow clone even with that eye telescope you use you're not very observant" Naruto said as he walked towards him staring at him.

Deidara wasn't happy in the least. The way he has dodged his art and prove how fast and strong he is it was like he was reticulating him and he didn't wanted to believe that his defeat was near. This was worst than when he fought Itachi how easily the older Uchiha beat him, using a genjutsu to reverse his own art against him. His art was strong and powerful there was no way the blond jinchurikki was stronger than him. He was I denial he has witnessed his strength and didn't wanted to admit that he really defeated Itachi after all. He wasn't going to be beaten by him as he forgot about his orders to capture him alive. A while ago he took more of his clay and one of his mouths has already made his next piece of art and he was planning to end this for good.

He grinned at him" I'm done with you jinchurikki it ends here hmm" he showed him a clay human figure.

"What are you up to now?" asked Naruto getting tire of his clay art.

"Your end yeah…." Deidara said as she launched the human clay figurine up in the air vanishing and becoming king size.

"What the?!" Naruto was shocked at the sight.

"This one is different from my previous art this is made by using C3 chakra the blast will be very powerful destroying everything in sight, namely you yeah."

Naruto started running while Deidara flew away getting his distance from the blast so he can detonate his great work of art.

'I can still do the flying thunder god one more time I can make it' suddenly he trip and his father's kunai fell on the sand' shit the flash kunais!'

He saw that Deidara was too far away he has made a hand seal shocking the blond a lot' shit I'm not going to make it!'

"Katsu!"

BOOM!!!

(With Ino and Hinata)

The two mask kunoichis were panting lightly feeling exhaustions reaching them while Sasori was still unharmed holding his puppet the third Kazekage. They admitted someone strong even after putting a good fight. They knew they couldn't get hit by the iron sand again or they will get poisoned and Ino only had one last shot to counter the poison. It was probably their will to never give up and their new found stubborn attitude that kept them from throwing the towel. Things were more complicated because both of them were injured from the iron sand even if they have we're cured from the poison. Sasori on the other hand has had about enough because he has wasted too much time and he was keeping Deidara waiting as well as the reunion with the organization. He was going to finish the fight once and for all because he hated keeping other waiting as well as keeping him wait too.

He made the iron sand take the form of a large sphere in front of the two kunoichis. He released the iron sand from the sphere taking the forms of many long spikes they hit every single place of the region heading straight at them. The kunoichis tried to dodge them but they were very quick even they were having trouble dodging when they were wounded. Ino gasped as she saw one of the long spikes heading at Hinata who accidentally tripped while landing. She ran to her as fast as she could getting in the way of the iron sand spike.

"Look out Mistress!!!"

The Hyuga heiress looked in horror as she saw her teammate getting stabbed by the long spike right at her abdomen" no Temptress!!!"

The Yamanaka managed to get long spike out of her she was bleeding a lot while Hinata went to her trying to keep herself from crying holding the blond teen" Temptress are you all right Temptress!"

Ino chuckle" heh don't worry I'm okay I won't be defeated that easily. Are you all right Mistress?"

"What are you talking about you're the one who's wounded?!"

The Yamanaka smiled hearing a sob coming from her friend" don't get all water works on me I told you I'm fine, besides you're wounded too so I have the right to asked if you're all right."

Sasori didn't react to the sight not feeling anything at all" persistent aren't you it ends now."

He prepared the third Kazekage puppet to release more iron sand to finally finish them off while the two kunoichis were on their feet in a fighting stance proving that they weren't giving up. Sasori released more iron getting the same sphere as before releasing more iron sand spikes. Ino and Hinata were ready to dodge them only problem they didn't had enough room to dodge they were trap it was going to be game over for them.

"Ninja art wind scythe jutsu!"

A powerful gust of wind came hitting the iron sand. Every single spike was blown away changing its shape and form just like that the iron sand was completely blown off. Sasori tried to hold on from the powerful wind he pulled the third Kazekage back to him trying to avoid the wind attack. The red head Akatsuki became aware of his surroundings and he had to dodge a large wave of fire followed by a storm of sembon needles. Sasori was now staring at the ones responsible for the attack with some anger in his eyes. Ino and Hinata gazed at their saviors Temari holding her lare iron fan and Kankuro holding three puppets, one was his original puppet Karasu followed by a blank ant puppet and a salamander puppet who was bigger than the rest. The two sand siblings were ready for battle while the kunoichis were happy and relief to see them.

"Reinforcements…." Sasori said.

"Hell yeah!"

He gasped when he gazed next to him and saw Sakura who has charged at him at incredible speed her right fist was glowing with a lot of chakra. She punched the third Kazekage puppet hard smashing it to pieces the iron sand vanished once the puppet was defeated. She jumped back heading towards her two teammates she was obviously worried about them.

"Everyone…" Hinata said smiling.

"Hey glad you guys could make it" Ino replied feeling relief.

"We weren't going to let you guys fight on your own without our aid" Kankuro said.

"That's right you guys are our allies it's our duty to help you when it's needed" Temari said.

"Huntress" Ino smiled seeing her best friend.

"Guys you're wounded let me heal your injuries" Sakura was still concern seeing their injuries and the blood.

She started using her medical ninjutsu her hands glowing with green chakra as she started healing Hinata who was more wounded than Ino. Once she was done with the Hyuga heiress she went to the Yamanaka who was still smiling at her. Happy that her timing was very good because if they didn't showed up a second earlier she and Hinata would have been killed although now she was relief that her wounds have been healed, she would want it any other way. Meanwhile Temari and Kankuro were gazing at the red head Akatsuki as well as the crushed puppet next to him who looked awfully familiar to them.

"That puppet…" Kankuro started.

"I know its face it looks familiar I feel like I have seen his picture somewhere before" replied Temari.

"I know."

"I guess you guys recognized his face because that puppet used to be human before" Ino said.

"What do you mean?" asked Kankuro as we as his older sister.

"That puppet is the third Kazekage" Hinata said.

"What?!" they shouted in unison.

"That's not possible he….the third vanished years ago!" Temari said shocked.

"Yeah they have been so many searches in the village looking for him for years and they never found him!" replied Kankuro.

"He killed the third and made him a puppet that's Sasori" Ino said.

"What…..Sasori the same Sasori of the red sands!" Kankuro said in awe looking at the red head Akatsuki.

"It can't be…." Temari said.

'Sasori of the red sands the master puppeteer he was a master crafter in making puppets. He's also the creator of the puppets I'm using' thought Kankuro.

Temari glared seeing the Akatsuki cloak" so he joined Akatsuki and murdered the third Kazekage that's enough to make him a real threat to Suna and a dangerous missing nin."

"Were dealing with someone very skill Temari let's not be too hasty" Kankuro said.

By now Sakura was done healing her two teammates before she gave a glare to Sasori. Her jade eyes through her mask were gleaming with a lot of anger for the red head Akatsuki after seeing the injuries he gave to the two kunoichis she wasn't going to let this go. Messing with Haruno Sakura was a big mistake but messing with her friends was the ultimate taboo.

'Hurt my friends you bastard I will make you pay' she gritted her teeth while tightening her fists.

"Oh he's going to taste my fists hell yeah!" inner Sakura was angry.

"It's been a while" Sasori said looking at Kankuro's puppets" looking at those three brings back memories."

'Man I never thought I will fight Sasori of the red sands this guy is no amateur puppet master' thought Kankuro.

The red head Akatsuki gazed to the destroyed third Kazekage puppet" I really hate keeping Deidara waiting who knows he could be dead right about now. Using other puppets will be pointless so then…"

Sasori removed his Akatsuki cloak making everyone gasped in horror and shock. Sasori's body was mechanical he had a red cylinder shape on his chest with the kanji word that reads red scorpion. He had two pair of blades on his back which they looked very sharp followed by a long tail with a sharp point similar to a scorpion. Finally on his back there were three scrolls attached to his back. Everyone was just shocked at his appearance Kankuro was more shocked because he knew what he was.

"He's….a puppet!" Kankuro's eyes were wide.

"I don't believe he turned himself into a puppet that's crazy!" Ino said.

"I see that explains why he doesn't have a chakra circulatory system in the first place. I only saw his chakra but not the system that conducts the chakra flow" Hinata said.

"He's not human" Sakura said in awe.

"What a freak…." Temari mumble looking at him.

"Correction I'm a half human half puppet" Sasori said using his tail stinger to get on facing the group" it's been a long time since I have used myself in battle. Its better this way I don't want to get rusty with my skills."

"Everyone get ready!" Sakura said while everyone nodded.

Sasori made the first move as he released a couple of holes from his hands releasing a large wave of fire. Kankuro countered using his salamander puppet to fire the same fire wave colliding with Sasori's attack. While the red head puppet was busy defending using his fire attack the four kunoichis made the next move as they surround him. Ino used the last remains of her shurikens while Hinata used her eight trigrams mountain crusher technique. Sasori countered moving one of his hands firing his flame thrower at them. Sakura quickly punched the ground hard causing a sand avalanche. Everyone turned back as Temari used her iron using her wind scythe jutsu again. The wind gust hit the avalanche creating a sand storm which Sasori was caught he was sent flying high while everyone was in awe at the sight.

Kankuro only sweat dropped at his sister's attack' she really over did it this time and she was the one who told me not to show off, older sisters.'

Sasori hit the ground hard further away from them the group ran at him taking the opportunity that he was down but they were wrong. When they got to him the red head puppet was standing like nothing happened. Kankuro took the first move as he ambush Sasori with his black ant puppet. The black ant opened its upper body revealing an open space which Sasori fell the puppet closed its hatch trapping the red head puppet inside. The sand puppeteer grin he had him right where he wants him, he used his chakra strings to make the next move with his puppet Karasu. The puppet went to pieces revealing sharps needles on each of its body parts ready to begin the puppet execution.

"Secret black move iron maiden!"

Karasu's parts went through the small rectangular holes on the black ant puppet stabbing Sasori who was inside it remained like that for a couple of minutes waiting to see if there was any reaction inside.

"Did he get him?" asked Ino.

"Yeah I got him all right" replied Kankuro with a grin.

"That was fast he hardly put up a fight at all" Temari said.

Hinata had her byakugan on before gasping" no he's gone!"

"What?!" Kankuro was shocked before opening black ant's hatch.

Everyone gasped that the room wasn't exactly empty but there was sand inside of black ant's empty space they now know how the red head puppet escaped.

"A sand clone" Temari said.

"He did escape damn…" Kankuro replied.

"Impressive it seems I have clearly underestimated you all" Sasori said as he was in front of them unharmed.

"Not even a scratch" Sakura said.

"That can't be for crying out loud he got hit by a sand storm!" Temari said shocked.

"He's tougher than he looks" Ino said.

"Let's be careful his weapons must be filled with poison" Hinata replied.

"He must have a weakness" Sakura said.

"Kankuro any ideas?" asked Temari.

"Puppets usually have a couple of weaknesses depending on the mechanism, the joints are a good example or maybe a specific part of its body" replied the Suna puppeteer.

"Maybe a part of his body is vulnerable" Sakura said.

"I think so he said he's a half human half puppet it explains why he has chakra to use his techniques, so there must be a part of his body that it must be human" Ino said.

"There is" Hinata replied with her byakugan" his heart is that circle on his chest if we attack that then he will be stop for good."

"So all we have to do is attack that circular spot all right let's do it" Ino said.

"Everyone look out" Kankuro said seeing Sasori to make a move.

"I admit I am in a disadvantage in numbers but I will fix that" replied Sasori.

Sasori removed one of the scrolls from his back while opening the right part of his chest revealing a hundred chakra strings. In a cloud of smoke to everyone's shock they were a hundred puppets floating above them. The puppets were wearing red cloaks while their faces were colored red and brown looking like regular puppets which meant they weren't human puppets, they also equipped with swords. Everyone was shocked at the sight the numbers have changed to Sasori's favor.

'Impossible….I never thought I will see so many puppets in my entire life. Even the most elite puppeteers cannot control more than ten puppets a time, one per finger Sasori is the real deal' thought the shocked Kankuro.

"I don't believe it!" Temari said wide eyed.

"Puppet boy is really full of surprises" Ino said trying to hide her shock.

Sasori gazed at the group" red secret technique performance of a hundred puppets. I used this technique to conquer and entire country."

"Can you guys continue fighting?" asked Sakura looking at her teammates she could tell that they were tire and probably almost out of chakra.

"Yes were both all right we both have taken the shots you gave Ino-san to counter the poison" Hinata said.

"Don't worry we can still fight" Ino replied.

Sakura nodded she had enough of the shots to cure poison with her as she gazed her attention back to the upcoming fight. Ino and Hinata were almost out of chakra but they wanted to fight alongside her teammate and the two sand siblings, they rather be out of chakra then stand by and watch. Kankuro had his puppets ready he knew using poison was going to be useless against the puppets as well as Sasori since he was half puppet. This was going to be his biggest fight ever fighting a living legend like Sasori of the red sands he has already seeing his greatest skills in the puppet technique to be able to control a hundred puppets. Temari wasn't afraid she has done tough missions and fought strong opponents but to fight Sasori of the red sands was someone she never thought she will face. She was going to need everything in her arsenal meaning she will have to use her strongest wind jutsus.

Sasori made the first move as the puppet army charged at them with their swords in hand. Temari used her wind scythe jutsu to blow them apart while Kankuro used his salamander puppet to release its flame thrower from its mouth. He also used Karasu and black ant to release a storm of needles hitting some of the puppets. Ino was dodging the puppets swords while using her taijutsu, she kicked one puppet while punching another. She summoned some snakes from her sleeve while using some explosive kunais ignoring the exhaustion for a while she was fighting like she has never fought before. Hinata was using her gentle fist style blocking every attack from the puppet army. She used the eight trigrams sisxty four palms over five times while using the great heavenly spin to blocked attacks. She moved quickly adding the mountain crusher and empty palm technique to gain the upper hand on the puppets even if they were a little quick in their speed. The combine forces of the ninjas were very impressive as puppets from Sasori were being defeated and the army was decreasing little by little.

Sasori watched as one by one his puppet army was being defeated yet he wasn't shocked, he just stood there watching the puppets getting annihilated. The puppets were quick but they were quicker, they attacked with their katanas but the ninjas dodged and blocked proving their strength and endurance. He has never seen anything like it since the last time he has used the one hundred puppet technique. He remembered it clearly warriors fell one by one by the might of the red puppets no one could withstand the power of his puppets. Now he was witnessing the defeat of his puppets at the hands of Kitsune Flash's team as well as two sand jounins. It was like the team of ninjas was completely out of the league of the puppet army in terms of strength, defense and speed.

The tie of battle was now in the ninjas favor. They have taken out over thirty puppets out of one hundred they still have a lot to defeat before claiming victory including getting pass Sasori. Puppets attacked Kankuro with their swords but the sand puppeteer countered by getting inside of his salamander puppet and using its heavy strong shield to block their attacks. He attacked with both Karasu and black ant combining their needles attack creating a powerful storm of needles. Temari was still blowing them away with her wind scythe jutsu she wasn't really breaking a sweat in the fight.

Sakura was still punching and kicking more puppets causing heavy damage to them. She took a glance at Ino and Hinata she could see it. Both kunoichis were panting heavily they were exhausted reaching their limit and she couldn't blame them. They were already fighting Sasori way before she arrived with Kankuro and Temari for backup so it didn't surprise her how tire they must be feeling right now. She gazed at Sasori who was still staring at the battle with an emotionless expression on his face. She needed to do something to end the battle and eventually get to the red head puppet. She punched another puppet before going to Temari who was the closest person next to her she was still blowing more puppets using her iron fan.

"These things are really annoying" replied the sand kunoichi.

"Temari-san we need to find a way to break into the frontline and fight Sasori."

"I know he's the one controlling all of them we have to create an opening to battle him."

"Got any ideas?" replied the mask kunoichi.

"I do" Temari grinned" time to bring the big wind."

She bit her thumb making blood to poured out as she spread the blood on her fan before making hand seals" summoning blade dance!"

POOF!!!

When the smoke cleared a white weasel holding a scythe appeared he had an eye patch on his left eye and a black sleeveless jacket. Kankuro gazed at the small animal before gasping in shock he knew what his sister was about to do.

'Oh shit she's going to use that technique.'

"Everyone get back!!!" Temari shouted to the group facing the remaining puppet army.

'What is she planning?' thought Sasori.

The group did as she said and back off keeping their distance followed by Sakura who had no idea what she was going to do.

"What is Temari doing?" asked Ino while panting.

"Just watch she's going to beat the rest of those puppets" Kankuro said with a grin.

Sasori used his puppets to attack Temari who was grinning at him as the white weasel started spinning with the scythe" ninja art cyclone scythe jutsu!"

Temari and the weasel have created a powerful tornado taking every single puppet. The powerful force of the wind destroyed the puppets to shreds and soon they were all gone. Sasori was the only one left standing he stood there as he watched the once puppet army which he used to take over a country has been defeated by a single attack. The rest of the group was shocked as they saw the tornado vanishing while the puppets pieces were falling from the sky. Sakura took the chance as she charged at the red head puppet her fists charging with chakra. Sasori used his tail stinger but the mask kunoichi grabbed it and used it to bring him closer to her. Sasori went straight at her as she was ready to punch with all of her chakra focused on the punch it was going to hurt a lot.

"Hell yeah!"

Sasori was punched hard it was so powerful that he went to pieces like he was made of glass. Everyone smiled seeing that they have won the battle while Sakura took one last look at the fallen puppet and member of Akatsuki. She started walking out heading to the group while Hinata was looking at the fallen body with her byakugan.

'No….there's still chakra he's still alive his heart hasn't been destroyed!' she gasped.

Everyone gasped when they saw Sasori's body parts were getting back together. Soon Sasori was complete while Sakura still didn't notice that he was still alive.

"Huntress look out!" Hinata said.

Sakura looked behind in shocked seeing Sasori charging at her using the blades on his back ready to slice her but it never happened. The red head puppet was stopped in the middle of his tracks. Everyone looked at the grinning Ino had her hands made in the shape of a diamond.

"Heh mind body disturbance technique success….Huntress now's your chance destroy his heart the circular thing on his chest!"

Sakura nodded seeing the circular shape on his chest where the letters red scorpion we're written. Sje focused a lot of her chakra on her right fist as she ran to him punching the circular spot with all of her super strength. Sasori was sent flying at the same time his heart was smashed to pieces killing the Akatsuki his body hit the sandy ground with a loud thud. The group slowly made their way to the fallen body making sure he was dead. Everything was all right when his eyes were closed with his heart destroyed he was dead.

"It's finally over" Ino said with a pant.

"It almost took forever to bring him down" Hinata said remembering their fight against the red head puppet.

"He wasn't easy he was really skilled to think he was able to control a hundred puppets like it was nothing to him" Kankuro said.

"That's one Akatsuki down" Temari said.

"Hey wait a minute" Sakura said getting everyone's attention" didn't we have to capture Sasori alive?"

"That's all right Gaara will still pay you the bounty money of Sasori even if he's dead" Temari replied.

"Yeah we were going to execute him for the fourth's murder and his treason anyway" Kankuro said.

"Guys I think we should go after Kitsune-kun he could be having trouble against the other Akatsuki" Hinata said.

"That's all been taking care of" Temari said.

"Yup someone already went to help him" Kankuro said with a grin.

"Who?" asked Ino.

(With Naruto)

Naruto has closed his eyes so he couldn't see his demise. He was a goner and there was no way he could have avoided the powerful explosion that Deidara did using his C3 explosive clay. After all his flash kunai fell from him when he accidentally trying to escape the explosion that's why he couldn't do the flying thunder go technique to get away quickly and escape. He heard the explosion going off and nothing has happened to him he didn't felt any pain or perhaps his death was quick and painless courtesy of the explosion. He opened his eyes afraid to what will he see but he gasped realizing that he was still alive and well, he also realized what caused the explosion to actually miss. Above him stood a large wall made of sand it was hardened in order to be used as a shield against the explosion. The tall blond was no longer shocked but he was smirking knowing who was the person that has saved his life, Deidara was also watching and he didn't like what he was seeing.

"Heh so you decided to come after all eh Gaara?" the blond grinned.

Next to Naruto stood the Kazekage who has changed into more suited clothing for battle than his Kazekage robes which it was a red outfit making him look cool and a bad ass. The young red head was gazing at Deidara before he took a glance at the tall blond.

"You all right Naruto?"

"I am now I could have been blown to pieces if you didn't came to my rescue, I owe you one Gaara" Naruto replied while picking up the flash kunais.

"I wasn't going to stay in the village and wait while you fought Akatsuki they are my enemies too" replied the Kazekage.

"The one tail has come to the aid of the nine tails aid. This is wonderful I can capture both jinchurikkis it will be like killing two birds with one stone hmm" Deidara said flying on his clay bird' I can see master Sasori's face when I show him the two jinchurikkis captured by my own hands he'll be so upset and I will be gloating at his face yeah.'

"And you think you can take on both of us at the same time?" asked Naruto" you can barely take me on what makes you think you can win against the Kazekage and myself too?"

"I have the perfect weapon to take of the two of you hmm" the blond Akatsuki grinned reaching on his clay pouch 'it's risky but I have no choice I will have to use C4 chakra against them. I am supposed to capture them alive hmm.'

"Naruto you seem to be worn out let me handle him" Gaara said.

The blond chuckle" nah it's all right there's still plenty of fight in me, besides I'm sure he must be tire and probably out of chakra so it will be easy for you to fight him."

Deidara gasped checking on his clay pouch' no I don't have enough clay to use for the C4 or even C0. I used too much clay fighting the nine tails. There's no way I can fight both jinchurikkis with the clay I have left, I don't have a choice I….I will have to retreat damn Sasori will be ridiculing me for this for a while.'

Naruto gasped seeing that Deidara was flying off" what Gaara he's leaving he's planning to get away?!"

"He won't get far" replied the red head Kazekage.

He raised his hands causing an earthquake the entire sand surrounding them was moving and erupted moving higher heading straight at Deidara. The blond Akatsuki gasped seeing the large wave of sand heading his way he decided to use what he has of his clay to fight the sand giving him enough time to leave. He didn't have time seeing that the sand has taken the form of Shukaku's claws he started dodging them using his bird waiting for the mouths in his hands to be done chewing the clay he stored. Gaara added the sand from his gourd to create a sand tidal wave and the clay artist was still dodging the sand as he finally released a couple of clay birds using C1 chakra. The Kazekage used the sand to block the explosion caused from the clay birds. Naruto stood in awe watching the whole thing to think Gaara can control real sand and not just the sand from his gourd, however he wasn't going to stay back and watch he wanted a piece of the action too.

He grabbed a flash of kunai checking the seal on the weapon' I have enough chakra to use the technique again and probably guide the location of the seal towards him.'

He pointed the kunai concentrating his chakra and grinned seeing the mark of the seal appearing on Deidara's right leg' it's over…'

He vanished in a yellow blur which Deidara saw and his eyes widened in horror' what….he's gone….it can't be I've seen that technique before….but it's not possible!'

Nartuo was already next to him and kicked him upwards followed by kicking him countless times and ending with a stronger kick" Kitsune Flash combo!"

'It looks like the same thing from his Uzumaki combo he only change the name' thought Gaara with a sweat dropped.

Before Deidara fell to the sandy ground Gaara used his hand to trap him" desert prison!"

Deidara was no wrapped in a large sand prison resembling his desert coffin technique which Naruto noticed as he landed on the ground and gasped" wait Gaara I need him alive!"

"As you wish I'm just keeping trap so he doesn't escape again" replied the Kazekage.

"Yeah I need to get some information from him and he's bounty is higher if I bring him alive."

Gaara released the sand while Naruto took the chakra roped and wrapped it around the blond Akatsuki who was unconscious. He also covered his mouths with chakra rope as well blindfolding him.

"There that's another Akatsuki member down" he reached for his hand and took off his ring" can't forget about this."

"Akatsuki will soon fall you have already take down a couple" Gaara said.

"Yeah I wonder if Mistress and Temptress are okay taking on Sasori?"

"Huntress, Temari and Kankuro went to them I send them as backup they should be all right" replied the red head.

Naruto smiled" thanks Gaara."

"I should be thanking you. You were the one who gave another chance to make things right in how I should live my life for that I owe you my life."

"Then I guess were even now until the next favor" smirked the blond.

"Until the next favor"

(Location: village gates Konoha hidden leaf village fire country territory)

Jiraiya and Itachi were ready to leave for their mission since they needed to leave as soon as possible. The older Uchiha has changed his clothing and he was now wearing his old ANBU uniform along with a new leaf headband which he considered it to be ironic. It was the same uniform he was wearing the night he killed the Uchiha clan, the last uniform he wore before leaving Konoha and now he was wearing to go on a mission for the leaf village. He was doing his first mission since he returned to the village although he wasn't bothered by it. Jiraiya has already told him everything about the mission who it was very important and he understood the situation, just like the toad sanin this mission was important to him as well.

"Let's get going we can't afford to waste anymore time" Jiraiya said.

Itachi nodded as they began walking" who would believe that after all this time Naruto-kun's mother is alive?"

"No one did and it doesn't surprise me. A lot people from Konoha didn't knew her or even remember her since she wasn't from this village not to mention that not many people saw her. She was consider an unknown stranger it was all part of the third's secret marriage she had with the fourth in order to protect her and any future family they would raised from Minato's enemies."

"Yet Naruto-kun was in grave danger by the villagers" replied Itachi.

"I have regretted so many times not being there for Naruto when he needed someone the most I won't make the same mistake again I will start by searching for his mother. Maybe I can finally let go of my mistake for good when they reunite?"

"Where are we going to start searching?"

"My spy network is already on the move they will keep me in contact to all the moves Kushina will make we'll find her. But I'll be honest with you it will probably takes us a long time to find her, it seems Kushina is always on the move and she never stays too long in one place. We have to find her before she leaves again otherwise it will be harder to search for her."

"This mission won't be easy after all we are searching for someone who was supposedly claimed dead" replied the older Uchiha.

"Let's increase our speed Itachi."

The Uchiha nodded as he followed Jiraiya and they began running getting further away from Konoha.

(Time skip: evening)

(Location: local inn Suna hidden sand village desert region wind country territory)

Deidara was still tied upand blindfolded as well as his mouth and the mouths on his hands by the chakra ropes he was in one of the rooms of the inn. He has regain unconsciousness a while ago and right now he was in a bad mood. He was defeated by a jinchurikki the same jinchurikki who defeated Itachi. He was thinking in different way to blow up the mask mercenary for the defeat he won't let this go for a long time. He was slightly surprised to find out that his partner Sasori has been killed in battle by the rest of team of Kitsune Flash with the Kazekage's siblings. He knew he will probably get executed too he will follow the same fate as the red head puppet. His thinking was interrupted when he heard the door to the room slid open someone has entered. His blindfold was removed only to see Ino in her mask and uniform. The Yamanaka was grinning at the clay artist if he only knew what she has in store for him. She also removed the chakra roped around his mouth letting him talk as Deidara glared at her.

"When I escape you will be blown to pieces by my art and augh!"

He gasped when the mask kunoichi released a snake wrapping around his neck making him unable to breathe. The snake tightened its hold over him chocking the air out of him, while the blond was smiling sweetly at him.

"Now now behave like a good boy or I will have to get serious, I suggest you don't make me angry the consequences will be very unpleasant" Ino caressed his cheek lovingly she started flirting with him.

Deidara was losing air and fast he was about to die before the Yamanaka made the snake vanished making him breathed loudly to catch his breath" you are….insane yeah…"

"I know you're not the only one who has said that. I can be a good girl when I want to but I can be a real evil bitch when I have no choice just don't make me angry okay?" she smiled sweetly like she was an innocent little girl.

Deidara tried not to get scare when he felt like shitting his pants right about now" what do you want with me hmm?"

Ino cupped her hands on his face making the clay artist while blushing in surprise" what are you doing?!"

The platinum blond leaned her face towards his but stopped when she was just inches away from his lips before licking her lips giving him another sweet innocent smile" just kidding about that no way in hell I will kiss you but what I want is some information that you can provide to me."

"Such as?" asked the clay artist.

The mask kunoichi took her distance from him taking something from her trench coat she opened the piece of paper revealing a map of the five elemental countries showing it to him from up close" I want you to tell me the location of every Akatsuki hideout there is. You will tell me and I will write it on the map it's that simple."

"Forget it won't do that hmm!"

"Come on let's not start disagreeing you really have no choice here."

"Forget it I will never tell you a word no matter what you do!" Deidara shouted clearly he was still upset and frustrated for being defeated by Naruto.

The Yamanaka sighed in defeat" oh well guess I have no choice now" her voice have change from normal to deadly serious" they never take the easy way."

She got closer to him her baby blue eyes were glaring hard at him with so much anger" let me be honest with you Daldara."

"It's Deidara!" said the upset clay artist.

"Whatever I don't like you I hate you and right now I am extremely pissed just by looking at you. The only reason it's because you are a copy cat!"

"What?!"

Ino punched his face as hard as she could causing him to spit some blood from his upper lip she grabbed him by his collar" you heard me you are a copy cat you copy my hair style!"

"What…hair style what the hell are you talking about?!"

The mask kunoichi decided to reveal herself to him. She removed her hood followed by taking her mask revealing her face to the clay artist. Deidara was surprise to see Ino's face anyone could tell that they could be related because both of them had the same hairstyle.

"You see….the hair covering your eye that's my hairstyle I was the original one who invented the style and I'm not going to let anyone copy it. But anyway time to do what I came here for, you will tell me the location of every Akatsuki secret hide out whether you like it or not!"

"Heh what are you going to do hmm?"

The platinum blond grinned" I'm a good fighter but my specialty is in the field of interrogation and I always get the information I want from my victims."

"I don't care what you do to me I will never talk yeah."

Ino gave an evil sadistic grin resembling her teacher Anko" very well commencing interrogation"

(Time skip: five minutes later)

Naruto, Sakura and Hinata entered the room where Deidara and Ino were. They needed to enter because the entire people of the inn were complaining because they were hearing loud screams of pain and pure agony. When they entered the room they saw their friend and team member Ino smiling sweetly at them. Naruto gazed at Deidara the clay artist was paled resembling Orochimaru's skin he was trembling from pure terror something he never thought he would see from a member of Akatsuki.

"Temptress what in the world happened in here?!" Naruto said.

"Yeah the people of the inn are complaining because they were hearing loud screams coming from this room" Sakura said.

Ino just went to her leader and handed the map" here you go Kitsune-sama I got the information for you every single location to the Akatsuki hideouts is in the map."

"Thanks Temptress…" said the unsure mercenary.

"What happened to him?" asked Hinata looking at the trembling Deidara.

"Get her away from me stay away from me….she's insane she's a demon!!!" shouted Deidara freaked out looking at the Yamanaka.

Ino giggled as she went to him on purpose making him screamed" get away from me don't even touch me you monster!!!"

"Temptress what did you do to him?" asked Sakura.

The mask kunoichi smiled" I just did the regular interrogation procedure on him."

Everyone sweat dropped at her comment.

'Only the regular?' thought Naruto looking at the scared Deidara' I don't even want to know what are the hardest procedures in interrogation.'

(Time skip: the next day)

(Location: village gates Suna hidden sand village desert region wind country territory)

Team Kitsune Flash was ready to leave the village after saving Gaara and stopping Akatsuki. They were standing at the entrance to the village at the long wall ready to say their goodbyes to everyone. Gaara, Temari, Kankuro and Baki have decided to accompany the team to say goodbye. Naruto was carrying Deidara on his shoulder by now the clay artist was sleeping soundly thanks to sleeping serum.

"Thank you everyone for your help" Baki said.

"No problem I'm always glad to help our allies" Naruto said.

"Were happy we were able to help" Ino replied.

"Yes" Hinata said.

"Because of you I am saved from harm from Akatsuki at least for now I am grateful for all of your help" Gaara said.

"No problem Gaara I'm always happy to help a fellow jinchurikki you did thank me well giving me Sasori's bounty" the blond smiled thinking about the scroll where he put the large amount of money for the missing nin.

"Where is Chiyo-sama I was expecting to say goodbye to her before leaving?" asked Sakura.

The group became a little uncomfortable before Baki spoke" she 's busy she won't be able to join us" he was in deep thought knowing that was a lie.

Because of the old woman found out that it was really her grandson Sasori and he has dead, who was also responsible for the death of the third Kazekage turning him into a puppet. Right now the old woman didn't wanted to see no one she wanted to be alone probably to mourn the death of her grandson.

"Take care everyone thanks for coming" Temari said with a smile.

"And thanks for helping Gaara against Akatsuki" added Kankuro.

"I will always help my friends" replied the mask mercenary.

"Take care and good luck on your missions" Baki said.

Naruto gave his fox grin" I don't need luck I have my team to watch my back."

"I will always watch your back Kitsune-sama" Ino said with a smile although she was grinning like a pervert in her mind.

Sakura and Hinata as well as Temari and Kankuro understood the double meaning of the Yamanaka's words. Both sand siblings grinned at the comment while Hinata blushed behind her mask and Sakura sighed.

'There she goes again acting like a pervert' thought the pink haired kunoichi.

"But hell yeah I will always watch Naruto's ass!" inner Sakura agree with Ino.

"Well this is it we better get going then" Naruto said looking at the group namely Gaara" goodbye Gaara I hope we see each other again."

Gaara offered his hand for a handshake and the tall blond accepted as they gave themselves an honorable friendly handshake.

"I will always help you whenever you need my help" Gaara said.

"Thanks me too Suna is lucky to have a Kazekage like you."

"I look forward when you become Hokage."

"Thanks friend. By the way Kankuro about Sasori?" the blond said looking at the puppeteer.

"What about him?" asked Kankuro.

"I just figure out since he's dead and he is a puppet I don't know, maybe you can make him one of your own puppets."

Kankuro was surprised before he smiled" thanks for the suggestion I consider it."

"Let's go team!"

"Take care everyone!" Sakura said.

The group saw the team leaving walking out into distance until they were far away from the village.

'Sasori my puppet….nice' grin Kankuro.

"Hey Baki?"

"What?" asked the jounin.

"Do you still have the third Kazekage?"

"Yes we gathered all of his pieces from the fight and to think something so horrible have happened to one of the strongest Kazekage ever."

"Good can you let me take a look at it?"

Gaara and Temari gazed at their brother as well as Baki.

"What are you planning Kankuro?" Temari asked.

The puppeteer gave a grin" I think I can fix it."

(Time skip)

The team was walking in the desert before they stopped to take a small break. Naruto has summoned a shadow clone while putting the unconscious Deidara on the ground while the kunoichis were looking at him knowing what he had in mind.

"You're going to send him to his village?" asked Sakura.

"Yup we have other missions to do so it will be best if I made a shadow clone to send him back to earth country. Hidden stone is very far from here, besides I'm not wanted at earth country especially hidden stone."

"Why are you not wanted there?" asked Hinata.

"Let's just say the people of hidden stone don't like me one bit I have a big bounty in their bingo books" replied the blond although he said the truth the other truth was that they couldn't found out about his identity because of his resembleance to his father.

"Is it the Kyuubi?" Ino said.

"No it's not that but I already know what to do."

"Right" the shadow clone said making a hand seal" transform!"

POOF!!!

When the smoke clear Jiraiya was now in the clone's place

"Jiraiya-sama why him?" asked Sakura.

"Pervy sage is more tolerant and less hated at earth country he will do fine" Naruto giving the transformed Jiraiya a couple of the sleep serum.

"All right I'm off" the clone said taking Deidara on his shoulder.

"Don't forget to bring back the bounty" replied the mask mercenary.

"I won't."

With that the clone left taking another route from the one they were taking.

"Come on team break is over we have to leave wind country before its gets dark."

"Do we have to leave so soon I'm tire?" Ino said whining like a spoiled girl.

"Don't whine Temptress let's go" Sakura said.

Naruto started walking again with his team following him close by until suddenly Ino jumped on his back grabbing him scaring the mask mercenary a lot" what the Temptress what are you doing?!"

"I'm tired Kitsune-sama carry me."

"Stop acting like a little girl and get off me and….what Temptress stop touching my ass!"

"Sorry my hand slipped" Ino giggle as she got off his back.

"Seriously let's act like a team not a bunch of kids" Naruto said.

"Yeah Temptress why do you have act like a spoiled little girl?" Sakura said.

"Oh please Huntress you're just jealous I bet you want to ride his back too and touch his ass."

"Quiet I am not like that!" shouted the pink haired medic while blushing behind her mask.

"Hehe it's very tempting" inner Sakura licked her lips.

"What about you Mistress you want to ride Kitsune-sama's back?"

"Ye…..no of course not I won't…." the Hyuga heiress was blushing worst than Sakura.

"Aha you were about to say yes!" Ino was smirking.

"All right team more walking less talking!" Naruto said getting his team's attention.

Naruto smiled seeing that his team started walking again before someone jumped on his back again someone different. Naruto saw that it was Hinata the one who has jumped on his back wanting to ride her blond love while blushing. Ino grinned while Sakura sweat dropped trying not to feel jealous.

"Mistress!"

To be continued

Holy crap this was a long chapter indeed(62 pages 31,260 words)but it's finally done. Things have become interesting Jiraiya and Itachi are on a mission to find Kushina will they succeed? Also there will be a small time skip next chapter. I will also add some sexual humor as well as oral sex yup you heard me right. Off topic it's been a big fuss over chapter 474 whoa I have no comments to say about that but I am looking forward to Danzo and Madara's fight who will win? As always reviews are always welcome and I will see you all next time farewell.

Next chapter: Ino's big day extravaganza