Author's Note: Hi to all! I hope the title to the story is much better now! Now, go and enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 14: Treasure

xXx

Although the idea was smart, and wouldn't cause too much harm to her, Neji disliked it. He didn't like the idea of using his own move against a teammate, especially one that he respected deeply, and could possibly beat him to a pulp. He looked at Sakura through his Byakugan and saw exactly what Sasuke had earlier, a little blue tinge on her right hand; a sign that she was trying to resist.

"So, can you do it?" Naruto asked as he bounded over, an anxious look in his blue eyes.

"Of course, I just don't like the idea." Neji retorted strictly as he glanced at Kiba with a reluctant gaze. The animal specialist came up next to his friend and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Neji, just go ahead and do it!" He attempted to encourage, smacking him on the shoulder.

"It's the only way to bring her back without her attacking us under Miu's orders." Sasuke explained as Neji positioned himself, planning carefully in case things went awry. The Hyuga nodded and gestured for everyone to move back with a bold stare.

The prodigy turned to look at a waiting Sakura, a kunai held delicately by her fingertips. She stared at him with a blank red eyed gaze before bending down on her knees and dashing forth. Neji ran the same time she did and activated his bloodline limit, ready.

Sakura's kunai never made contact for Neji ducked under her arm with lightning speed and slammed his hand into her stomach, shoving her back. Instantly, he took his stance, about to carry out the Sixty Eight Palms when the ground shook, a large crack making its way for him. The Hyuga leaped into the air and landed away from the Fifth Hokage's apprentice.

This was going to be harder than he thought.

xXx

When reinforcements from Team Yamato arrived, Kakashi let out a small sigh of relief. In all honesty, Miu was getting on his nerves, managing to evade the most dangerous attacks that he and Sai have played out. Yamato landed by his side and gave him an amused glance.

"I'm a bit late aren't I?" He asked with a chuckle, putting a hand behind his head. Kakashi grinned and dashed forward, blocking the handful of kunai with his shuriken.

"Just a bit! Sai, fill him in!" He replied as he flipped through the air and appeared behind Miu, beginning to use Taijutsu against her.

"Yes, sir!" Sai said as he flew over to the wood user. He landed next to him and immediately told him of Miu's attacks and what her weak points were based off of what he had gathered fighting with her. Yamato took this all in quietly, formulating a plan.

"All we need to do is to bring Sakura-san back right? Do we need to defeat this Miu as well?" Lee asked as he observed the intense fight between the son of the White Fang and the apprentice of a Legendary Sannin.

"No, I don't think so, but we have to keep her away from Sakura." Yamato replied as he put his hands together for an Earth seal. "Go, I'll provide back-up from here." The two ninjas nodded and immediately joined the fight, assisting their fellow silver haired Jounin out.

Kakashi leaped back as Lee took over, opening the Gate of Opening and used the Front Lotus immediately, an explosion coming from where the two fell. Lee got up to his feet and spun on his heel, the side of his foot coming in contact with Miu's arm. She smirked and moved quickly, drawing back and sending a punch Rock Lee's way. He dodged it with ease and kicked up at her, only to have his other foot kicked out from under him.

Using his hands, he balanced himself and flipped on to his feet, clenching his fists. He whirled around and dropped under her punch, kicking out with both of his feet and making contact with her stomach. As she flew back, Lee did a back flip to get back up on his feet and grinned as Sai came down from the sky at an intense speed. With his beautifully painted phoenix's flanking him, he jumped off his bird and pulled out his sword, bringing it down as he descended on the teenage girl.

Metal clashed against metal as Miu frowned up at him, the kunai she was holding broken into pieces. Sai's destroyed pieces of his sword flew in slow motion around the two as he jumped back away from the attack that was to come. Kakashi, running with a sudden burst of speed, held Chidori in his hand as he approached Miu who was currently distracted from Sai.

When he was about to plunge it into her heart, she whirled around and grinned, her eyes a bright yellow as the curse mark activated to Level 2. Miu was gone in an instant, flying up in the air with a smirk on her face.

"As if you could catch me that easily old man," She slyly said, throwing a bunch of kunais with paper bombs attached down at the team.

"Sai!" Kakashi called as the ANBU member understood. The artist jumped on to his bird and flew high up into the sky, heading for Miu.

Miu flipped out of the phoenix's way as Sai flew high above her. He disappeared into the clouds, the phoenix's wings showing ever so often. In order to provide some help, Yamato used his Earth Style to make spears appear under Miu.

Suddenly, there was a flash of light and Kakashi appeared above her, Chidori in his hand. Thinking hastily, Miu blocked herself with her wing, Chidori running through it. Kakashi widened his eyes at her decision as he pulled back and landed on Sai's phoenix. Miu fell hard on the ground and stood up, clutching her injured wing.

"Hm, I'll admit...you guys are strong, but you won't be able to stop us from destroying your village. I'll be back for her." Miu said with a smirk as she deactivated her curse mark, her eyes returning to normal. She glanced over at Sakura and saw Neji about to go for the blow.

"You'd better hurry, or else she's going to get hurt for no reason." She gave all of them an amused glance as she made a seal. Then instantly after; she began to disappear, her form beginning to burn slowly to a crisp. Kakashi looked over at his former student and suddenly realized what she meant. He saw Neji running quickly, his Byakugan activated. Everyone else seemed to notice this as well for they were already sprinting over there.

"NEJI, MY YOUTHFUL FRIEND, STOP!" Lee yelled at the top of his lungs as he ran towards him, hand outstretched.

Neji, about a second away from beginning his Eight Trigrams: Sixty Four Palms stopped instantly. He saw the curse mark's flames begin to recede as her pale skin returned to normal. Her red eyes faded to the emerald green as she gathered her surroundings.

"We came here to bring you back, Sakura." Neji quietly said as she met his white eyes silently. Yamato, Lee, Sai, and Kakashi landed quietly behind him, an anxious look on their faces. Sasuke, Naruto, Chihiro, and Kiba joined the semi circle that was formed, waiting for their comrade to say something.

"I'm glad you came." She said with a smile before she closed her eyes and fell to her knees. Sasuke dashed forward to catch her, picking her up bridal style. He turned to the others to see them all grinning with relief.

"Let's go guys!" Naruto energetically said as he jumped in the air, his eyes bright once more. Everyone cheered in unison as they laughed, glad they could get their teammate back. Sasuke looked down at Sakura to see her staring up at him.

"Took you long enough," She hoarsely whispered, a small chuckle escaping her lips.

"Didn't think I'd come?" Sasuke retorted, a smirk on his lips.

"You and Naruto never gave up huh?" She asked with a weak smile, leaning her head against his chest.

The Uchiha kept quiet, walking in the back of the group. Yamato went to go check on the other Akatsuki user, leaving the group to the command of Kakashi.

Sakura looked at the sky above her the sunlight shining down lighting up her face. She turned her head and spotted silver hair and a red earring.

"Chihiro?" She quietly said, gaining the girl's attention. The silver haired girl widened her eyes as she saw her friend and leaped back over to her.

"You're alright!" She greeted in a relieved voice.

"More or less, what're you doing here?" Sakura asked as she tilted her head to the side.

"I came here to bring you back, along with your other teammates. Haru noticed your chakra presence and decided to go alert your village, running into this team here." Chihiro explained as she gestured to the people in front of her.

"Anyways, I have to leave soon. But I'll visit sometime okay?" She added as she waved to her friend. Sakura nodded before Chihiro dashed off to the front of the line to tell Kakashi. She could see Naruto and Sai engaging in a conversation as well as Neji, Lee and Kiba.

"Hey," Sakura looked up to see Sasuke taking something out of his pocket. He set her down on the branch gently and handed it to her; the painted kunai.

"You still have this?" She asked as they took off again, still at the back of the group. Sakura gathered as much as chakra as she could while Sasuke was carrying her so the chakra she was using up should be enough once they stop.

"You gave it to me before…" Sasuke trailed off as he saw her expressions change from a mixed confusion to an understanding.

"I see," She replied as she ran her finger along the edge, the paint chipped.

"Alright everyone, we'll stop here for the night. Sai, send a message to the Hokage and tell her that we're returning." Kakashi instructed as the rest of the team collapsed down on the ground from exhaustion. Sakura flopped down next to a tree and rested her head against her knees. Her mind was still a bit hazy from being controlled for so long.

"Hey Sakura-chan, are you feeling better?" Naruto asked as he sat down next to her.

"I'm alright," She replied, her voice muffled.

"Just sit back, we'll take care of things for you!" The blonde ninja cheerfully said as he put a hand on her shoulder. Sakura looked up and smiled up at him gratefully.

"Thanks, Naruto."

Said ninja grinned and gave her a thumbs up before wandering over to Kakashi, asking what he should do. Sakura rested her head against the tree trunk and looked up at the sky, the stars shining brightly. She gazed at all of her teammates, happy that she was back with them, but a bit worried at the same time. Worry for them that they might all die because of her. The pink headed kunoichi closed her eyes as her curse mark throbbed painfully. She remembered the words that were said to her before it sealed.

"Sakura, it may be sealed for now, but when you're in Konoha you better watch your back. I have the power to activate your curse mark at any time, so you should watch who you're next to, seeing as you'll kill them. Remember, you'll be the one who will destroy Konoha, only you."

As of this moment, her whole state of mind was messed up, filled with worry and fear. She didn't want to be the cause for them to all die. And the curse mark was getting stronger, eating her mind away every time it was activated. She figured that by the time Miu activates it inside the village; her will to fight back will be gone. She had to warn them. She had to warn her Master about this.

If she didn't, the whole village would be destroyed, at her own hand.

xXx

Shizune stood outside Tsunade-sama's door with the most wonderful news. She knocked on the door, only to have a bottle of sake crash against it on the other side.

"WHAT IS IT?" Shizune winced at the Fifth Hokage's loud scream. She pushed open the door and ducked as another bottle came flying over her head. She loved Tsunade-sama and enjoyed being her assistant-sometimes- but at times, things like this were something that just made her realize how big of a drinker Tsunade-sama could be.

"I have a message for you from Sai." She said as she handed the scroll to the barely functioning Hokage. Shizune picked up Tonton hugged the pig to her chest, awaiting her orders.

Tsunade pulled open the scroll and tried to compose herself as she read its contents, her furrowed eyebrows soon relaxing as she finished it. She looked up at her assistant with a smile and nodded.

"Go and wait for them at the front gates. Tell them I want to see Kakashi immediately for his report." She ordered as she picked up her paintbrush and continued paperwork. Shizune nodded and made her way out of the office, glad that the team was making it back safely.

xXx

Sakura managed a relieved smile as the team walked through the main gates together. Sasuke and Naruto flanked her as they came to a stop. Shizune rushed up to greet them and told Kakashi to see Tsunade-sama immediately. Sakura realized that this may be the only time to tell her. She took a step forward, ready to follow after the two when her curse mark suddenly felt like fiery ice.

She fell on one knee, clutching her shoulder as she tried not to scream in pain. Instantly, panicked voices filled the air and she spotted Shizune and Kakashi making their way back over.

"Sakura-chan, are you alright?"

"Sakura!"

"Sakura, hang in there!"

"Is it the curse mark?"

All these questions were asked all together, the team's voices mixing in with each other. Sakura tried to catch her breath as Shizune crouched in front of her, lifting the hand that was covering the curse mark. The pink haired kunoichi caught the look of terror on her face as she met her gaze.

"We need to heal you immediately!" She exclaimed as she brought Sakura up to her feet. No, she needed to talk to her Master first!

"I ca-!" Shizune took her shoulders and pushed her forward, away from her worried teammates. Kakashi followed quietly from behind, a flicker of worry passing through his single eye.

"No excuses!"

"But I-!"

"No Sakura!" Sakura squeezed her eyes shut and stomped her feet into the ground, stopping Shizune from moving. She hated when she had to use her super strength for things like these.

"I have to speak to Tsunade-sama!" She exclaimed as she whirled around to meet Shizune's gaze. They held each other's stares for a moment before Shizune shook her head slightly.

"I can't Sakura, you need to be-"

"I think she should see her. I'll be with her anyways Shizune, so if anything goes wrong, I can get her to the hospital immediately, or the Fifth Hokage can perform her healing ninjutsu straight in her office." Kakashi interrupted as he came up behind the two, a firm look in his gray eye. Shizune looked like she was going to retort but she shut her mouth and nodded.

"This way," She quietly said as she led the two up to the Hokage's office. Sakura gripped her shoulder in pain as she tried to keep a passive expression on her face, clenching her fist. Kakashi glanced down at her worriedly as she a bead of sweat rolled down the side of face. That curse mark must really be something, he thought to himself as they reached the Hokage's office. Shizune knocked and let herself in, allowing the others to enter before shutting the door.

Sakura inhaled sharply as she realized this was the moment to warn everyone. To warn everyone that she would possibly kill them all. Kakashi stood to the right and Sakura to the left, the grip on her shoulder tightening as the burning numbed her entire arm.

"Sakura, I didn't call for you. Is there something you needed?" Her Master asked with a confused look in her eye. Sakura could tell that she was happy that she was back and alive. Now she wasn't so sure of how she would react once she told her the news.

"Yes, it's important." She replied quietly as her voice cracked a little. Tsunade raised her eyebrows at this statement and crossed her arms over her chest.

"More important than Kakashi's report?" She asked as she glanced over to the waiting Jounin. Sakura looked over at her former sensei and noticed how exhausted he was. Perhaps she could wait until after he was finished.

"He can go ahead with his report, Tsunade-sama." Sakura said in the same tone, moving to the side to lean against the wall, trying to get her mind off of the pain. Kakashi gave her a wavering gaze before shaking it off and directing his attention to the Hokage. When Sakura had said this, Tsunade had noticed how strange her chakra was acting; it was putting a lot of pressure into the room, mixed in with her emotions. Kakashi seemed to notice this as well, as he went into his report about the mission.

Something was bothering Sakura.

A couple minutes later, Kakashi finished his report and stepped to the side, ready to leave when Sakura called out his name. He turned around, a surprised look in his eye and tilted his head to the side in confusion. She gave him an exhausted gaze as she lowered her arm from her shoulder.

"I think….you should stay here to hear this." She hesitantly said, holding his curious gaze for a moment before turning to her Master. Tsunade was now getting a bit worried of the news. Just what was so important? Kakashi wanted to know this as well as he leaned against the wall next to the door, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Go ahead Sakura," Tsunade said in a serious tone, waiting. Sakura closed her eyes and breathed for a second, shoving aside the pain, ready to give the news.

"This curse mark is going to make me destroy the village." Tsunade and Kakashi widened their eyes at this and straightened up as the pink haired kunoichi swallowed out of nervousness.

"What do you mean Sakura?" The Hokage asked, her tone dead serious. Sakura gave her Master a panicky filled gaze as she continued.

"Miu, Orochimaru's apprentice and the one who gave me this curse mark, has the power to activate it at any time. This is no regular curse mark; this one has the power to control people, to control me, Master. And she's going to use me to destroy the village." Sakura finished with trembling hands. She clenched them together in order for them to stop, but now her entire body felt numb with the fear.

Kakashi took in this news quietly, wondering what the Hokage would to do protect her village, as well as keep her apprentice safe. Tsunade breathed deeply as she thought of something to say in return. This truly was a predicament.

"Has anyone attempted to seal it?" She asked, her eyes narrowing. Sakura recalled the time Anko had placed those three seals on it. Yet, it didn't turn out so well.

"Yes, but it didn't work. Anko had used the Three Almighty Seals and yet Miu was still able to gain control over me and unseal the curse mark." She replied as she pushed back her sleeve to show the seal markings on her arm that formed the half shaped crest on her back. Tsunade-sama furrowed her eyebrows at this and balanced her chin on top of her intertwined hands.

"I could try using Fuuja Houin (Evil Sealing Method) like I had on Sasuke." Kakashi suggested as he took a step forward, wanting to help his former student somehow. The Hokage sighed heavily as she leaned back in her chair, looking at her apprentice with a strict glare.

"That won't work either since Anko has already used one of the most powerful seals."

"Isn't there anything else we do?" The silver Jounin asked as he stepped up next to a quiet Sakura.

"As much as I hate to this to my own apprentice, I'm afraid there's nothing we can do but to lock you away from harming this village." Sakura jolted in shock at this statement, her eyes widening. Kakashi did the same, completely astonished by what their Hokage just decided to say.

"But that's-!"

"I know that it is wrong, but what other choice do we have Kakashi! The seals are pointless if someone can control the curse mark at will! If we were to have Sakura wandering around the streets and the seal be activated, everyone in this village would die! I would give up my life than to see this village be completely destroyed!" Tsunade yelled as she stood up from her chair, smacking her hands on the table in anger. Kakashi stopped talking and lowered his gaze, a flame of anger rising within him. There was nothing they could do.

"Sakura, I know this is too much to ask of you but-" Sakura looked up at her Master with an accepting look in her eyes.

"I understand. I would do the same if I were in your position." She said, all the fear within her gone. In its place was a fighting spirit, one that wanted to protect the village from the harm that would come from her. No matter what, she would try to fight against the curse mark. Kakashi looked at his student, taking in her decision.

"Thank you, Sakura," She softly replied before she looked to Kakashi with a serious gleam in her eye.

"Kakashi, you must be here when I call for you. I will call Asuma, Kurenai, and Guy at midnight tonight to take Sakura up into the mountains away from the village and into a cabin we'll set up over there. I will also call for Yamato to join you to restrain her if she attacks. The four of you will be placing the seal that will place a powerful barrier over the cabin when Miu decides to use the curse mark." Tsunade looked over at her apprentice with a sad look in her eyes.

"Sakura, you must not let anyone know that you are leaving, if they are wondering where you're going, make sure to come up with a valid excuse, if they follow you up into the mountains, Kakashi and the others will handle it. The top priority of this is to not let anyone know." The Hokage ordered in a strict voice, seeing the pink haired kunoichi stiffen at her statement.

"Yes, ma'am!" She firmly said, her hands placed by her sides.

"We will protect this village at all costs." She stated as she balled her fists together on her desk.

"Kakashi, Sakura, get moving!" The two Jounin nodded and quickly exited the room, shutting the door behind them. When the two had left, Tsunade turned around and gazed out at the beautiful village that was her teacher's treasure. She narrowed her eyes as the memories of Orochimaru invading the village years before came back.

"I will protect this village." She quietly said, clenching her fists by her sides.

xXx

"Sakura, are you really alright with this?" Kakashi asked quietly as they sat down for some tea. Sakura had been quiet ever since they came out of the Hokage's office. He noticed that it was still bright out, and yet the light in Sakura's eyes seemed to be dying.

"If it's to help protect the village, I'm willing to do it." Sakura replied as she held the cup of tea in her hand, looking at her reflection.

"You know how the others will react once they realize what's going on." Sakura narrowed her eyes as set down her cup, clenching her hands together.

"They won't." Kakashi raised an eyebrow at this and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"And what if they do?"

"Then they'll realize what I wanted through this decision. I want to protect Konoha, and if it means possibly sacrificing my life, then so be it." Sakura stated quietly as she ignored the throbbing pain in her shoulders.

"If you break the barrier around the cabin and attack the village, and make it out alive, the Council will interrogate you for this." The silver haired Jounin added in a low voice, keeping his gaze down.

"I know," Sakura replied softly, ready to take on anything.

"Sakura, when you break out of that cabin, us Jounin, and the others will do everything we can to stop you but just remember, that we'll bring you back in the end." The pink haired teen nodded and looked at her former sensei in the eye.

"You need to destroy Miu, I'm sure if you kill her, then her control will stop." Kakashi smiled slightly, his mask crinkling as he grinned.

"That's what Naruto and Sasuke will do." Sakura managed a small grin before she sipped her tea.

"I know."

Right then and there, Sakura knew that things were going to get even more complicated than ever.

xXx

Author's Note: Well, things are going smoothly I hope? Please let me know what you thought of this chapter!

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