Stand By Me

Chapter 24 – Spirit Indestructible

I am a Spirit Indestructible, a heart that loved me once before, a body that's a miracle. I am a Spirit Indestructible, a heart that was made pure, unbreakable and that's for sure, unshakable so give me more.

Sakura opened her eyes, wherever she was, it was bright all around her, but the light didn't blind her. She was sitting in a small wooden boat, tethered to a shore that she couldn't see. All around her it was dark and foggy. There was no sound except her breathing and the water gently caressing the boat.

''Hello?'' she called and her voice echoed all around her. There was no reply.

Sakura swallowed her fear and scooted forward grabbing the rope and pulling, trying, to get back to shore. She pulled about three times when the rope began to unravel. Panicked, she pulled faster, the boat rocked behind her as she yanked it forward. In the distance, she could make out the shore, but the closer she got, the closer the rope got to breaking. Tears welled in her eyes, tears of frustration and panic. She realized that this was some kind of in-between. If the rope broke - she'd be lost. She didn't want to be lost.

x-x-x-x-

Sasuke awoke a few hours later; he kept his mind blissfully empty - something he'd mastered doing a long time ago. He got off the hospital bed easily and made his way down the silent halls. There was almost no movement in the building. Which meant Tobi hadn't attacked yet, if he even would. Sasuke assumed the Hokage would make arrangements to move Naruto after the full moon. Things were certainly going according to Sasuke's plan. The re-seal of the Kyuubi had been a success, although he hadn't bargained on the eight-tails, it sure worked in his favor. From the position of the full moon, which he'd seen from a window, he could tell it was more or less 1 - 1 and a half hours away from midnight. Which meant that it would be highly unlikely that Tobi would still attack. He had no idea of this village's attack power, obviously because of that there was no way he could estimate how long it would take. Sasuke figured that the ritual Jutsu would have to be done in the time when the moon at it's highest. Tobi had missed his chance, if he was planning an attack he would have done so at nightfall, then he would have had plenty of time. Sasuke stepped out of the doors of the small building. He noticed ANBU surrounding the parameter, concealed in the night and then more obviously, Kakashi stood guard.

His old sensei did not look his way, but Sasuke knew Kakashi must have known he was there. For a while they stood in silence.

''I was surprised to hear you'd volunteered your services.'' Kakashi said, and Sasuke had hoped to relax, but instead he tensed. Kakashi had avoided the subject.

''Hn.''

''I fully expected an attack tonight, but it seems Tobi won't act as we hoped.''

''It doesn't look that way.'' Sasuke agreed and they fell into silence once more. The cold wind howled around them and when it quieted down, Kakashi spoke, ''She's ok.''

Sasuke, to Kakashi's surprise and even more so - his own, let out an audible breath of relief. Kakashi actually turned to Sasuke to make sure he'd heard right.

Sasuke closed his eyes to avoid whatever look Kakashi was planning on giving him.

''According to Shizune, Sakura will wake up in the morning after her body gets some rest.'' Kakashi continued and Sasuke gave a curt nod.

''I think its time we acknowledged the giant white elephant, why don't we?''

Kakashi actually turned to Sasuke, looking as shocked as Kakashi could.

''Everyone's too fucking scared to bring it up, so I will. Tobi is Uchiha Obito.''

Kakashi let out a breath and shook his head. This was a subject he was not willing to discuss. This was his business.

''Why haven't you done anything?''

''I've tried. Obito has chosen his path.''

''And that's it? What happened to all those lectures about friends and scum?''

Kakashi turned back to Sasuke. ''The difference here is, you still cared. Obito has no reason to.''

Sasuke stared at Kakashi, several questions on his tongue. ''Where am I stationed?'' he asked instead.

''Area 5, west of here on the border.''

Without another word, Sasuke took of in said direction; he couldn't really force Kakashi to do anything about Obito. He had no idea what had happened between the two Shinobi, and frankly - he couldn't care less, as long as Kakashi stopped Tobi, Sasuke couldn't be bothered. Naruto would agree, that Tobi was Kakashi's responsibility, because of all the years Naruto had nagged on Sasuke to return - he couldn't say much different.

Even Sakura would agree. Sakura.

Now, that he had the time to actually think about it, what Sakura had done, had been impulsive yes, but it was also incredibly clever. Except for a fault of better execution, she'd impressed him. Using herself as a catalyst or filter of his chakra, and also being able to tap into his nature chakra, is something he'd never expected of her. Sakura had always been smart, he'd known that, but Sasuke had never imagined she'd be smart enough to be seen as an asset. Someone useful to him. On more levels than one. He still hadn't allowed himself to think over what had transpired in the hospital room. That thought that he may lose her was weighing on him heavily, but now that he knew she was fine, he may as well allow himself the thought. He'd seen Itachi. Wherever Sakura's consciousness had taken them, Itachi had been there. He could have denied it, if Itachi hadn't recognized him. Any doubts he could have had about the effect of Kalika's Jutsu and the fact that Sakura may be able to communicate with the dead, was gone now. Kalika's Jutsu worked, in his opinion, because the cursed seal collected the excess chakra that the previous subjects could not handle.

Which meant that the cursed seal had some incredible power. Sakura, being herself, refused to use it. That aside though, Sasuke wondered more about the other effects of Kalika's Jutsu, from what he remembered, the others suffered emotional and physical instabilities. Sakura hadn't shown any of these signs as of yet, he wondered if that was because of the cursed seal or if it was simply, her. That remained to be seen.

x-x-x-x-

''Tsunade-sama, there's something you should see.'' the ANBU said evasively, very aware of Naruto in the room.

Tsunade nodded reluctantly and followed the masked man from the room. That was all Naruto needed he sneaked to the desk and searched around for Shizune's report. The way Shizune had acted bothered him immensely. He lifted the file and without the time to scan, flipped to the last page.

Temari was successfully awakened, but as result Haruno Sakura's heart stopped. Uchiha Sasuke was forcibly removed from the room by Hatake Kakashi. Uchiha Sasuke's involvement in Haruno Sakura's condition is yet to be seen-

The door opened and Tsunade stood in the doorway, a scroll in her hand.

''I just can't leave you alone, can I?'' she snapped, shutting the door behind her.

''What is this?'' Naruto growled, his eyes flipping from blue to red, the file shaking in his hands.

''Calm down and I'll tell you the full story.'' she told him, taking the folder from Naruto's angry hands.

''Breathe, Naruto.''

Then he did. Slowly. Every fiber in his being wanted to rush out that door and find Sakura. Find out that she was fine, but he stayed.

''Sakura succeeded, as I knew she would, but her means were...unconventional. Somehow she found a way to channel not only Sasuke's chakra, but she tapped into his nature element.''

Naruto's eyes widened. ''Sakura-chan...did what?''

''Its not impossible, but its rare for anyone to have that ability, and as far as I knew Sakura didn't have such an ability. I have no idea when she came across it, but I think she wasn't aware of it.''

''So...she chidori-ied Temari?'' Naruto asked, his face a bit more pale at the thought.

''Essentially, yes. And it worked.''

''Why didn't she just ask Sasuke to do it?''

''A direct Chidori would've killed Temari, so Sakura filtered it through herself. The shock then caused Sakura's heart to stop. Shizune managed to get a pulse back up. Sakura's fine.''

Naruto slumped into his chair wearily.

''More importantly, tomorrow you're heading to Kumo.''

''So soon?''

''The sooner, the better, Naruto. You'll need an escort with you, and thanks to Ibiki's information, I've assembled a few teams to send out. Once the previous team returns, the others will head out.''

''So Sasuke's gonna help, I take it?''

''I haven't spoken to him but I suppose he will if I send Sakura out.''

Naruto closed his eyes briefly. ''I don't doubt Sakura-chan's ability-''

''I do.'' Tsunade answered and Naruto's eyes flew open.

''That's why I plan on giving her more training. Her team will depart a week later. This suits the Kazekage, since he has some things to attend to before heading out.''

''Sakura-chan and Gaara...on the same team?'' Naruto seemed oddly bemused by the idea.

''Yes, Sakura is a strong close-range fighter, while the Kazekage is long-ranged. Along with their Bloodline-Limit user, Uchiha and then a scout - Sai.''

Naruto grinned and Tsunade had the distinct idea that Naruto was aware of something she didn't know and sure was sure that if she asked he wouldn't tell her.

x-x-x-x-

Sakura opened her eyes. For the first time in months her dreams had been black. She found that she missed the Void, even if for one night.

Once her eyes focused, she knew she was in a hospital room. The sky outside the window was just lighting up. She pushed herself into a sitting position and the intense sting in her chest and arms was no surprise.

She pressed a glowing-green hand to her sternum and the warmth filled her and the pain subsided.

''You're crazy, you know that.''

Sakura slowly turned her head to the voice.

Temari sat on the bed opposite her's. The blonde was pale but all-in-all, she seemed healthy. Her legs were dangling down from her sitting position.

''You could have died, Sakura.'' she continued.

''You came for me, when I was alone and everyone else had given up hope.''

''Gaara's orders.'' Temari said with a small smile.

''You asked to go. I know. I couldn't let you die, I owed you.''

''Probably. It was still crazy.''

''I won't argue with that.'' Sakura began to heal her arms and where ever else she found pain.

''Thank you.'' Temari said, slowly, but clearly.

Sakura nodded and managed a smile.

''Think you can discharge me? There's someone I'd like to go see.''

Sakura hopped off of her bed, stumbling on the first few steps, before making it to Temari's bed and giving her a quick exam.

''You seem to be doing fine. Just come back in for a check-up tomorrow and if you feel anything strange, come find me immediately.''

Temari nodded. ''You should probably go see the Uchiha. Hatake Kakashi had to force him out of here when you were...''

Sakura blinked slowly and nodded. ''I'll go now.''

Temari nodded and left the room, wearing only her hospital gown.

Sakura looked down at herself. Her shirt was torn and her clothes were crumpled but it was just early enough for her to make it to the apartment without being seen. She left through the window and hopped along the roofs until she got to the apartment. She leapt down and opened the front door. Her senses told her that she wasn't alone and she upped her guard as she walked into the room. Sasuke was sitting on the bed, he looked up as she entered and for a moment Sakura stood on the edge, unsure of whether to go forward or leave. She knew full well what she'd done and even if she couldn't bring herself to regret it, she felt horrible for what she'd done to him. He sat in a familiar way, legs spread slightly, forearms resting on his thighs, his dark, brooding eyes stared up at her.

Tentatively, she entered further; she sat down, her legs tucked underneath her. She set her hands on his knees and met his eyes slowly.

''Sasuke-kun...I...'' how was she supposed to apologize.

''I am angry, Sakura.'' his voice was cold and hard.

''I'm sorry, Sasuke. I don't know what else I can say.'' Sakura said, her lips pressing into a thin line.

''You could have died. I have told you, I don't know why, but I need you in my life. I refuse to lose anyone else Sakura.'' the rawness in his voice made her look away.

''I'm sorry...'' she whispered, and she was sincere.

''Despite that, what you did was reckless and foolish and impulsive, but incredibly smart. You have skills that I never imagined, Sakura. You have impressed me.''

Sakura's eyes darted back to him and narrowed. ''I'm not someone you can use, Sasuke. Either you care about me or you don't.'' she got up and Sasuke stood with her, towering at an impressive height. ''I won't be an object to you, Sasuke.'' t

''I never said you were.'' his eyebrows shot up.

''Don't you dare treat me like that.'' she snapped and turned away. Her fear was not unfound. Sasuke had a reputation of surrounding himself with useful people and discarding them when he thought they were no longer useful.

''Sakura,'' he said, grabbing her shoulders. ''Calm the fuck down. It's rare that I tell anyone that,''

Which was true, but she still didn't look at him, ''I'm not saying that you're strong. I'm saying that you are skilled. There's a difference.''

''Oh, great, you're saying I'm weak but somewhat skilled.'' she snapped sarcastically.

''For fuck sakes Sakura! Will you shut up?!''

Sakura's mouth snapped shut and she looked up at him.

``You will take me there again. '' he said, his voice an authoritive murmur.

''Excuse me?''

''To see him. You will take me there tonight.''

''I-I can't, Sasuke. I don't know…''

''Don't make excuses. This is something I need.''

''This isn't just about you! I almost died that's the only reason you crossed over with me. It's not something I can just magically do again!''

''But you will try, for me? ''

Sakura stared at him, slightly terrified at the cold calculation in his eye, but it was the desperation there that convinced her.

''Ok, Sasuke-kun. We can try. '' her voice was no more than a whisper and she was sure he could hear the fear in it.

x-x-x-x-

Hinata stepped into Tsunade's office, she wasn't sure why the Hokage had requested her, and whatever she expected it surely wasn't this.

''Good, you're here.'' Tsunade said. ''I have a mission for you.'' Hinata nodded and Tsunade began to explain the situation and the information Ibiki had given them.

''The Byakugan will be able to locate such a seal.'' Tsunade said and Hinata nodded.

''Firstly, Naruto will leave at sundown, and you will escort him.''

Hinata's eyes widened.

''You, and your team will make sure he arrives in Kumo successfully. They are expecting him.''

''M-My team?''

''Yes, you will act as team leader and your team will consist of Kiba, Ino and Kankuro.''

There was a knock at the door and Tsunade called for them to enter. Shizune entered followed by a group of Shinobi that Hinata recognized. ''Hinata, you will return to be briefed fully before you leave.''

''Good, thank you all for coming.'' Tsunade stood and once everyone was settled she relayed Ibiki's information once more.

''The special team will return today and you will be sent out in four-man-cells, you will break the seal on those who have them, and the rest you will kill.''

The Shinobi in the room nodded in unison.

''Team one; your leader will be Hyuuga Hinata. The members will be Inuzuka Kiba, Yamanaka Ino and Kankuro of Suna.''

Ino pursed her lips and looked over at Kiba who purposefully ignored her. Sakura looked down to hide her smile.

''Team two will consist of Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke, Sai and the Kazekage. The team leader will be Sakura.''

''Me? Shishou...?''

Tsunade gave Sakura a look that said they would speak later.

''Team three will consist of Hatake Kakashi, Nara Shikamaru, Temari of Suna and Akimichi Chouji. Kakashi will be the leader there.'' after a nod from Kakashi, she continued.

''Team four will be Hyuuga Neji's team, Tenten, Shino and Rock Lee will be his team mates.''

After a nod from Neji, Tsunade continued, ''Team One will leave at sundown, Team Three will depart at sundown tomorrow, and Team four and two the days after that separately.'' she paused for a second, checking the time. ''The team leaders will return at noon for a briefing. Team Two will stay behind, everyone else is dismissed.''

The Shinobi moved from the room quickly and efficiently. Sakura stood in the middle of the room with Sai, while Gaara stood off to the side near Tsunade's desk and Sasuke stood leaning against the wall.

Once the door shut, Tsunade sat down and Sakura stepped forward. ''Shishou, with all due respect, I don't doubt myself, but I know that leading this team-''

''I doubt you.'' Tsunade said, shocking the entire room. ''That is why Team Two will be departing last.''

''I..dont...'' Sakura began but Tsunade put a hand up.

''Sasuke, if he had been a Shinobi of Konoha, would have been team leader, but only for his bloodline limit. From what I have seen, yes - he is strong and he is a very tactical and foreseeing fighter, but he is selfish, and independent and has no sense of team work.'' Tsunade's tone wasn't insulting, she was simply stating a fact, and although Sakura mostly agreed, Sasuke's team work skills had always lacked, he was someone you could count on.

''Of course, I consulted with the Kazekage, and he was the first to point out your obvious leadership skills to me.''

Sakura saw Gaara nod to Tsunade, but she was still a bit taken aback. She and Gaara had never been close - which was obvious since he'd tried to kill her during that specific Chuunin exam. After that, they'd barely had a conversation or spent any time together. She'd healed him during the war and it had been a silent, awkward affair. His clear 'thank you' was the only spoken thing she could recall, except for the obvious medical things. Ok, and then there was the fact that he'd sent Temari to find her after Konoha had retracted their request for her search. Maybe, Gaara, as the Kazekage had been aware of her skills as a medical shinobi, that was all she could think it to be.

''Sai, of course, will be acting as scout, having more responsibility would burden him.'' Tsunade pointed out.

''Sakura, I do not doubt that you have the skill to lead, what I doubt is your strength.''

Sakura looked down, she had no idea what to make of that. Tsunade was clearly telling her that she was inadequate for this in some ways. Although, Tsunade herself had trained Sakura, so what does that mean?

''That is why, Team Two will be leaving last. It will give me a few days to prepare you.''

Sakura's eyes shot up, meeting Tsunade's smile.

''Gaara will stand-in at the briefing. You, my student, will come with me.'' Tsunade stood and mentioned for Sakura to follow her, the pinkette caught Sasuke's eye, he looked...bored, as she passed. She gave him a nod and closed the door behind her.

x-x-x-x-

Sakura followed Tsunade silently through the trees and they stopped right before the small village border.

''If you are to undertake this, Sakura. I want you to be ready.''

Sakura nodded. ''More training?''

''Yes, but first, the matter of the contract.''

''A contract?''

''Yes, you'll need to sign it.''

Tsunade bit her thumb, ''Kuchiyose No Jutsu.''

Katsuya appeared in a puff of smoke. ''Tsunade-sama, I have brought it, as you requested.'' from Katsuya's body, a large scroll dropped to the floor.

Tsunade thanked her and rolled the scroll open.

''A contract...and summoning contract?'' Sakura couldn't keep the sheer awe from her voice.

Tsunade smiled and nodded before explaining how Sakura was to sign it. Sakura nodded, signing it eagerly as she knew both Naruto and Sasuke once signed similar ones.

Tsunade rolled up the scroll and returned it to Katsuya.

''You may go, thank you.''

Katsuya disappeared and Tsunade turned to Sakura.

''The summoning technique of slugs can be used as a medical technique, offensive and defensive. The seals are Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey and Ram.'' Tsunade moved her hands in the respective seals as she explained, she explained the amount of chakra needed to the detail because of Sakura's excellent control.

''You have eight hours until nightfall. I believe by that time you can master this. I will return then and move on regardless of the success of this technique.''

Sakura nodded slowly.

''Do you have any questions?'' Tsunade asked.

''No, I think I'll be fine Shishou.''

With another nod, Tsunade squeezed Sakura's shoulder and returned to the village.

By the time Tsunade returned, it was well after dark, and a little before the eight hours would be finished.

''Well done, Sakura.'' she said upon seeing Sakura's work. ''Let's move on.''

x-x-x-x-

Hinata was dressed in full shinobi gear, as was the rest of her team. Naruto, however, was dressed in his usual orange jumpsuit. Kiba looked slightly out of place without his leather jacket.

''Don't you think that your jumpsuit may attract unwanted attention?'' Kankuro asked, an amused undertone in his voice.

''What? This? No, I didn't think of that.'' Naruto said indignantly, huffing.

''No surprise there.'' Ino snapped, shaking her head.

Kiba threw her a side-ways glance, frowning.

''We should get moving.'' Hinata said, effectively ending the conversation.

Everyone turned to her, awaiting her instructions. It unnerved her a bit - being the leader, but she would give it her all.

''We'll move at full speed, using the trees as cover. We'll rest every three hours.'' Hinata took out her map, her hands were shaking the slightest bit and she swallowed back her nervousness.

''Here,'' she pointed, ''Here, and here.'' she set her fingers on the map as she spoke. ''Are blockades. Tobi i-is expecting us to move N-Naruto-kun. I-I've decided that we'll move so-'' she dragged her finger over the map, indicating the path.

''So instead of the roads, we'll avoid the land all together and take the water around?'' Kankuro nodded, impressed. ''It's a good plan, but it will cost us another day.''

Hinata nodded. ''Y-Yes, but...going through a blockade will attract too much...attention.''

''I agree,'' Ino said, ''We need to stay off their radar for as long as possible, at least until Naruto is safely in Kumo.''

''I think we should split up here.'' Naruto said, tapping the spot on the map. Team One gave him looks that varied between 'idiot', 'what the fuck' and 'no way in hell' and then Hinata's shock.

Naruto sighed. ''I'm strong enough to make it to Kumo on my own, once we've reach the shore, we'll be entering dangerous territory.''

''All the more reason for you to stick with us.'' Kankuro said and Hinata nodded in agreement. ''That will be the most critical stage, if we make get you through there, then you'll be in Kumo. No reason to spilt up.''

Naruto opened his mouth but Kiba elbowed him in the ribs. Hard.

Naruto coughed and glared at Kiba who grinned. ''Just shut up, idiot. This isn't up for discussion.''

Hinata rolled up the map, seemingly satisfied with the plan and placed it back in her backpack.

''The formation?'' Kankuro asked and Hinata was relieved he'd brought it up, she'd forgotten about it. For a second, she thought it over.

''Kiba-kun, I think you should take the lead.'' Hinata looked at Kankuro who seemed satisfied. ''Next will be Kankuro-san, Ino-chan, Naruto-kun- no...f-first N-Naruto-kun and then Ino-chan and I will follow lastly with my Byakugan.''

So, Kiba hopped on Akamaru and took off for the woods, Kankuro right behind them. Naruto followed with Ino behind him and then Hinata, Byakugan ready.

Hinata was glad she'd swapped Naruto and Ino. Having him in front of her would be too much of a distraction.

x-x-x-x-

''Tsunade-sama! I...can't...'' Sakura hissed. ''How am I supposed to-''

''Focus!'' Tsunade snapped. ''It's about focusing your chakra to a point. Once you have enough chakra focused, you can begin the seal.''

''You keep saying that shisou, but-''

''Sakura, this is not the type of training I can be actively involved in. You need to accomplish this on your own. You have all the tools at your disposal. Think about what I've told you. Think about my abilities. I cannot help you any more.'' Tsunade turned and walked away. She knew that Sakura could do this, she just needed to think it through and find her spark.

Sakura watched Tsunade go and slumped against the tree, wiping the sweat and grime from her forehead. Tsunade had given her until tomorrow noon to finish the first step. They couldn't move on without it and Sakura was yet to make any progress. She turned her head up to the night sky. She knew she needed to do this. She needed to get strong. There was no other option.

x-x-x-x-

The next morning, right after breakfast, Team One had reached the water of the ocean. During the trip there, the team had been on full alert and had missed a few near-fights, but now that they'd reached the water, the team, still-alert, had calmed down just a little. They adapted a square formation, with Kiba and Ino at the front and Kankuro and Hinata at the rear with Naruto in the middle. They hurried across the water. Hinata decided it would be better if they could cut the extra day in half, and hopefully reach Kumo sooner. Her main priority was getting Naruto there safely.

Hours passed, and they still hadn't encountered any enemies. When the sun went down, and they'd almost reached the shore, Ino spoke up, ''Something is wrong.''

''I agree.'' Kankuro said.

''Kiba, Ino, p-please go ahead and scout the shoreline.'' Hinata instructed and the two Shinobi disappeared. Kankuro and Hinata flanked Naruto as they stepped onto the beach.

''All clear.'' Ino said, Kiba appeared a moment later with Akamaru. ''Clear.''

''Resume the first formation.'' Hinata said, and when they had, the team began moving. This time, they were more alert than before, but they hadn't needed to be. Once they'd cleared the trees, they realized exactly why they hadn't been attacked. The enemies were at the Kumo border.

''I-Ino...'' Hinata breathed. ''Go. Go now. Tell Tsunade-sama. Tell her that...Tobi is attempting to invade Kumo.''

Ino gave a nod and turned away, running back towards the water at full speed.

''What are your orders, Hinata-san?'' Kankuro asked.

Hinata closed her eyes. ''Kankuro-san, Kiba-kun - you two push them back, I'll get Naruto-kun to the Raikage.''

''Hinata, you sure?'' Kiba asked.

She nodded and grabbed Naruto's elbow, she began steering him back towards the beach.

''Hinata- I have to go help.''

''No Naruto-kun you don't! Let Kankuro-san and Kiba-kun handle it, ok? You are m-more important than this!''

Naruto fell silent at her outburst and allowed her to lead him across the water. Once they'd reached the border of the hidden village some hours later, they were stopped.

''Konoha Shinobi?'' the Kumo guy asked and Hinata nodded.

''Prove it.'' he said, his eyes narrowing and Hinata activated her Byakugan.

The Kumo ninja gave a nod and peeked around Hinata.

''N-Naruto-sama! It's Naruto-sama! He's alive!''

''Uh, hey.'' Naruto said, rubbing the back of his neck. ''We need to get in to see the Raikage.''

''Yeah, he's been expecting Konoha Shinobi...I just never imagined...''

''Please, let us through.'' Hinata said and the Shinobi nodded.

''Omoi-sama!'' the guy called and said Shinobi made an appearance.

''Oh, its you.'' Naruto said.

''Yo.'' Omoi said. ''Bee-sama has been waiting for you.''

Naruto nodded. ''Take me to him.''

''Sure, kid.'' and Omoi led the way. Hinata activated her Byakugan and stayed close to Naruto, as Omoi led them up the mountain and then inside of it, through some secret passage into the village. There, they were met by another Kumo Shinobi, who took over from Omoi and led them to the Kage tower.

No one spoke on the way and the entire village was so tense, you could taste it in the air.

''Hinata, I'll be fine from here on.'' Naruto said and Hinata turned to him. ''N-No.'' was all she said, following the Shinobi up to the Raikage's office. The moment they reached the top of the staircase, some kind of explosion shook the building. Hinata's Byakugan caught something to their left, and at the end of the hallway she noticed Killer Bee, coming towards them. Bee bumped knuckles with Naruto in passing and both of them took off towards the sounds of the fight.

''N-Naruto-kun!'' Hinata yelled as she followed.

The door of the Raikage's office had been blown right off.

Inside, the Raikage was facing off against five Shadows. Shee and Darui at his sides.

''N-Naruto-kun, please...we need to get you out of here, and Killer Bee-sama too.'' Hinata begged.

Naruto's blue eyes turned to her, as if deciding what to do. ''Bee, lets go. Old man Raikage is strong. He can handle this.'' and just then, the Raikage took a Shadow's head clear off and Darui gave a 'whoop'.

Bee nodded. ''Yo, I know just where to go!'' he said and Naruto grinned, following him out of the room.

Bee led them out to the clearing where he used to train.

''Don't we have to train on the turtle island again?''

'Not this time, yo.'

Naruto's eyes widened and he grinned at Bee's obvious excitement. Things were about to get interesting.

Okiiii no excuse. Or there is, several. But im not gonna make 'em. Just know, I bought a new laptop and get ready for some updates! Of course monthly or sometimes every 2 weeks depending on how much time I have.

What training is Tsunade giving Sakura?

How is Sakura going to help Sasuke enter the Void?

Where is Bee taking Naruto, and how will he make contact with Karuma?

Next chapter up between Christmas and New Year, since I'll be off work by then!

REVIEWWWW!

Zana-Lee

xoxo