I finally was able to update this story! I apologize for the late updates, and I know this is the oldest excuse but I was busy with school and work. So I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

Also, to the anonymous guest who had called me delusional, I deleted your comment because I will not tolerate rudenss. If you don't like my story then don't read it. There is a reason that they call it, "fanfiction".

Disclaimer: I don't Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does.

Previously…

"Two of my hearts… gone. It's been a long time…since that happened." Kakuzu stated.

Present

Kakuzu exclaimed, "You won't get away this time."

"Here he comes," Kakashi warned.

But before he could even get a kunai out of his weapon holster, tendril had emerged from the ground and wrapped themselves around the three of them, trapping them.

Then Kakuzu spoke again, "Kakashi Hatake, I was planning to replace the hearts I lost with yours… But I changed my mind; I can get more hearts anytime I want after all…"

Then the masks appeared at his shoulders and then he shouted, "Now, die!"

The masks formed an inferno and then it was approaching the group of three.

When suddenly, there were shouts of, "Fūton: Rasengan! Suiton: Hahonryū! Gufu Suika no Jutsu!"

There was a whirlpool that appeared countering the inferno, leaving steam behind. In the steam, four people were hidden in it, until they heard a familiar voice say, "Sorry we're late."

The steam cleared away and revealed them to be, Naruto, Ino, Sai and Yamato.

Kakashi let out a deep breath, "Perfect timing…"

Undeterred however, Kakuzu commented, "More strange people… And he's messed up already…"

They all saw that he was referring to Naruto, who was sporting a few bruises and scrapes and his jacket seemed worn.

Chouji asked him, "Naruto, are you okay?"

But instead of answering, Naruto asked, "Where's Shikamaru?"

He's a little ways off fighting the other enemy," Chouji answered while Ino flinched a little bit.

Kakashi then said, "I want two of you to go to where Shikamaru is, preferably, a long-distance fighter and a Medic-nin."

Ino replied, "Sai and I will go; I can sense Shikamaru's chakra signature."

Then Yamato ordered, "Alright… Sai and Ino go find Shikamaru and support him!"

Ino and Sai said simultaneously, "Right!"

Scoffing, Kakuzu commented, "What is this unorganized gang trying to do? Now there are more hearts for me to choose from."

Then he chuckled amusingly while Naruto stepped forward.

He proclaimed, "From here on, this one's mine."

Then Ino said to him, "Naruto, We'll leave it to you!"

In response, Naruto nodded his head while Ino quickly sensed Shikamaru's chakra and then took off to his location, with Sai following her.

Kakashi had seen that Naruto's right hand was burned a little and then he asked Yamato, "Did he finish it?"

Yamato answered, "No, only about 50%."

"I see…" Kakashi murmured.

"But…" Yamato paused and then added, "Well, just watch… He's not the same person as he used to be."

A few miles away, Ino stopped until she sensed Shikamaru's chakra signature again though it seemed a bit weak; which made her worry more than she let go.

Ino exclaimed, "This way!"

Then they both kept running towards Shikamaru's location. While running Sai commented, "Either way…To go against an opponent who had killed Asuma-san alone… Will Shikamaru be alright?"

Ino answered, "He will be okay."

Though she tried to reassure herself more, thinking, "Shikamaru is the smartest person I know aside from Shikaku-ji-san."

Then she added to her statement, "Shikamaru would always plan ahead if he even has the tiniest bit of information about an enemy."

But then an explosion was heard off in the distance, in the same direction where Shikamaru is.

"Shikamaru!" Ino thought frantically as she sped up ahead of Sai.

They kept a fast pace until they reached a denser part of the forest. Until Ino saw Shikamaru come out of the forest with a grown stag.

"Shikamaru!" Ino shouted.

Sai added when they reached him, "We found you…"

"Reinforcements huh? But you're a little too late," Shikamaru explained.

Shocked, Ino stammered, "What? Shikamaru, you defeated a member of Akatsuki by yourself?"

Then Sai commented, "You're more impressive than I thought."

Shikamaru smirked slightly and then murmured, "I guess…"

Then he returned the lighter he had in his hand back into his pouch and added, "This was something that I had to do myself no matter what."

Everyone was silent for a moment before Ino smiled at him sadly and then said, "I suppose so…" But then she suddenly punched his arm, hard.

"Ow!" Shikamaru exclaimed.

"That was for scaring me," Ino explained.

Shikamaru rubbed his arm in pain when Ino then instructed Sai, "Sai, close your eyes and look away."

Perplexed, Sai asked, "Why?"

"Just do it," Ino replied.

Sai was confused but he obliged anyway by closing his eyes and turning around.

Then she turned back to Shikamaru, brought her hands up to his face and then added, "And this is for not getting killed, Shika."

Then she brought his down for her to plant a kiss on his lips. He was pleasantly surprised so he relaxed into the kiss and returned the kiss as he wrapped his arms around her waist. After a few seconds, they pulled away from their brief but passionate kiss.

"Whoa…" Shikamaru let out breathlessly.

Ino teased him, "Did I actually leave you speechless, Shika?"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes as e smirked. They pulled apart and then Ino let Sai know that he could turn back around again.

"What's happening with everyone else?" Shikamaru asked.

Ino answered, "We ran straight here to help you so we don't know; we should hurry back to them!"

Shikamaru agreed as he pats the deer's head briefly before taking off with them. But only after a few seconds of running, he suddenly fell forward to the ground.

Ino then exclaimed in worry, "Shikamaru, are you okay?"

She knelt down next to him and said, "I'll heal you right now."

But Shikamaru objected, "This is nothing…"

He let out exhausted breaths before adding, "I don't want any more of my friends to get hurt…"

He was about to get up before Ino stopped him and then she said, "I'm worried about them too, but you won't be able to help them if you're exhausted. So let me heal you as much as I can."

Shikamaru looked like he wanted to protest but then he relented by sitting up. Ino smiled at him and then started to heal him while she thought, "Everyone, please be okay."

Back with everyone else…

Naruto shouted, "Taiju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Then two clones appeared on either side of him.

Kakuzu murmured, "Kage Bunshin… I see, you're the Kyuubi Jinchūriki."

Yamato asked Kakashi, "What is the situation and the enemy's power?"

"This guy has the power to split himself up. Those masks on his shoulders split from the torso. Each mask has a separate heart and moves independently. He originally had five hearts; he lost two and only has three now," Kakashi answered.

Confused, Yamato asked, "What do you mean?"

Kakashi explained, "He's been killed twice already; we have to kill him three more times to finish him off. Plus, he's an intermediate distance fighter and can use multiple chakra natures."

Yamato thought, "No wonder you were having such a hard time."

The he shouted, "Naruto!"

And then Naruto's clones ran forward and one of them shouted, "I heard it!"

Chouji shouted in alarm, "Naruto!"

"It's no use charging in recklessly!" Sakura added.

The first clone closed in on Kakuzu, clapped his hands together and then yelled, "Fūton: Reppūshō!"

Kakuzu easily dodged it but he didn't account for the other clone throwing kunai at him that was enhanced with wind chakra and then he quickly dodged them as well. He noticed that after the avoided the kunai, they were imbedded into the tree behind him. Kakuzu stopped the other clone before commenting, "You're going to have to do better than that."

But Naruto was thinking to himself, "Based on his attack speed and fighting style, I'll need at least three clones to distract him."

Kakashi thought as he watched Naruto, "He gathered each clones' experience and processed it…And based on that knowledge, he formed a simulation. His ability to use the Shadow clones has advanced."

Naruto breathed in deeply and then shouted again, "Taiju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

This time, three had appeared next to him and then two of the clones came closer to Naruto and then started forming a Rasengan with wind nature chakra. The rotation of it was causing it to screech loudly.

Kakuzu seemed to be overwhelmed with the power it seemed to display, he thought, "What is that jutsu? If I get hit with that… then I'm… definitely doomed."

The wind was swirling all around Naruto and his clones with a large shuriken-shaped technique.

He shouted, "Fūton: Rasen Shuriken!"

So he and his clones started moving toward Kakuzu and then they all sprinted forward. One clone jumped forward and threw wind-enhanced shuriken at him, causing him to dodge them but not without cutting a few tendrils and then two other clones were either side of Kakuzu but he caught the one above him and then used fire and wind to eliminate the others. But then Naruto came up behind Kakuzu and tried to hit him with the technique but it dissipated before he could use it.

Then Naruto stepped back from Kakuzu was able to form hand seals and shouted, "Fūton: Daitoppa!"

Since it was close range, Kakuzu had to jump back to avoid it. Naruto regrouped with the others and cursed, "Damn it!"

"What happened? It didn't hit," Sakura asked.

Chouji then added, "Since it was called 'Rasen Shuriken', I thought you would have to throw it. Do you really have to run in and hit him close?"

Naruto grit his teeth but then he stepped forward and replied, "It was all I could do to get close enough to him. But let me try again."

Sakura objected, "You're up against a member of Akatsuki! If you try again, he'd just dodge it!"

"If he detects your diversion, we're done for. Let's attack him together." Chouji added.

Kakashi agreed with them, "That's true; it's five against one. There's no need to take chances."

Kakuzu watched them as they discussed and he thought, "So, what's their next move?"

Naruto spoke up, "Kakashi-sensei… Do you remember what you told me when I was training? You said you believe that I'm the only shinobi who can surpass the Fourth Hokage."

"Naruto…" Kakashi thought in awe.

Naruto continued, "I know that teamwork is important. I also know that this is a very risky path. Even so, I want to take this risk alone. If I can't beat him, I'll never be able to grow as a shinobi. So please, don't take this path away from me."

Kakashi was silent for a moment until he asked, "Yamato, what do you think?"

"Well, since you haven't seen it yet; you haven't seen how much Naruto has grown." Yamato answered.

Then Kakashi agreed, "All right then, go Naruto!"

"Right," Naruto replied as he tightened his hitai-ate.

Then Kurama added, "Naruto, I can help you with it. The chakra cloak can protect you as well as help you throw it."

Naruto contemplated this suggestion and then nodded his head slightly while he stepped forward.

But then Kakuzu let out a growl and the tendrils and they extended out further from his neck and his mouth, while at the same time, his arms reattached and sewn themselves together.

Quickly, Naruto shouted, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Then they quickly formed the Rasen Shuriken again and the clones ran in front of him to distract Kakuzu. But Kakuzu expected this, so he jumped over the three clones and was going to attack Naruto directly. But just as he shot the tendrils at him, Naruto's body was cloaked in red chakra, his eyes turned red-orange with slit-like pupils. His canine teeth grew into fangs and his whisker markings became more defined. The chakra cloak had given him the shape of a fox with three tails. The tails collided with Kakuzu's tendrils, keeping them at bay.

"What?!" Kakuzu shouted.

Then the chakra split the tendrils apart, leaving Kakuzu wide open.

Then Naruto used the chakra that enhanced his strength and threw it at him as he yelled, "Take this!"

The Rasen Shuriken buzzed through the air and hit Kakuzu, sending him flying. The technique gave off a high pitched sound, and as it cut through, the technique had stirred up a big gust of wind, while it spun causing a dome of wind to envelop Kakuzu. The wind had kept attacking him with small pins of wind chakra that cut through his skin everywhere on his body. While it was commencing, the masks had been destroyed. When it was finished, Kakuzu fell into a crater that was created by the technique.

In awe, Sakura whispered, "Amazing…"

Kakashi turned to Naruto whose chakra cloak had dissipated and he was breathing heavily.

Kakashi thought, "The number of attacks was so many that even my Sharingan could count them all. Naruto… you have truly… surpassed the Fourth."

Naruto looked over at them all, smiled and gave a thumb up and murmured, "I did it…"

Then Naruto suddenly fell to his knees and then fell face forward to the ground.

"Naruto!" Chouji shouted in worry.

Then both he and Sakura ran to Naruto to help him. Sakura started to heal him and she commented, "Kakuzu may have bypassed the clones that were supposed to distract, I guess he didn't even think of you activating Kurama's chakra at all."

Chouji added, "You could almost be as smart as Shikamaru a little."

Naruto chuckled, "Don't compare me to Shikamaru."

Kakashi watched his student catch his breath as he thought, "He truly has grown to the point where I may not have to teach him more; he's really about as strong as me or maybe even stronger than me. But I know exactly who has this effect on him; the one person who pushes him to his limits… Isn't that right, Sasuke?"

Kakashi smiled at his student even if you can't tell, and then he had resolved to train him further in anything they could cover that he's lacking.

Kakashi was brought out of his thoughts by Yamato, "Let's go, Senpai."

Kakashi replied, "Right, there's just one more think I have to do."

After Naruto was healed Yamato called out to the three teenagers, "Let's get going everyone."

Sakura questioned, "Where's Kakashi-sensei?"

"Just taking care of some loose ends," Yamato answered.

Kakashi went into the crater where Kakuzu lay, weak and motionless but nonetheless still alive. He heard Kakuzu murmur weakly, "How can I be defeated by a bunch of brats?"

Kakashi replied, "I suppose that we would look like kids to considering how old you are. But to us, you're just a washed-up old man." He prepared his Chidori and added, "The next generation will always surpass the old…" And then, Kakashi finished him off, for good this time.

After they had met up with Shikamaru, Ino and Sai, they all took the trek home because of how exhausted everyone is. When they got back home, they reported back to Tsunade.

Tsunade praised them, "Good job, everyone. But remember, there are still some members of Akatsuki out there. We must be diligent; don't let your guard down."

She paused for a moment before continuing; "Now I order that you all take a few days off. Rest your bodies as well as your minds. You're all dismissed."

Then with that finished, they all left the Hokage Tower. Kakashi and Yamato left while the others walked together back to their homes. Naruto left for Ichiraku's to eat ramen, no surprise to anyone, and Sai went home because he was close to his house. This left Ino and team 10 to walk together. They were mostly silent until Sakura stated, "It's all over," while Chouji agreed.

That was when Shikamaru interrupted the silence again, "Sorry, I'll part with you guys here."

But then Sakura pointed out the direction of his house, "But your house is this way…"

Shikamaru only replied, "I have something to do."

Then he turned around and walked back the way he came while Ino watched with a somber expression and then she excused herself as well and she took off after him.

In the cemetery, Kurenai was standing before Asuma's headstone.

"Is it alright for you to be up and about?" Kurenai turned around and saw that it was Shikamaru speaking to her.

He walked to the headstone, knelt down in front of it and then placed Asuma's lighter at the base of it.

Kurenai stated sadly, "Your shogi partner is gone… You were Asuma's favorite student, so it will be lonely for you."

Shikamaru replied, "From precious things to silly things…he taught me so much. Shogi was one of them. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel lonely. But I'm no longer allowed to act like a kid, I can't keep crying."

He paused before smiling and then continued, "I always complained about how troublesome things are, and because of that, I messed up a lot as a kid. And each time, Asuma was there to protect me. Maybe that's why…although he was such an evasive and odd teacher, I thought that he was a really cool adult."

He stood up and then added, "That's why…this time, it's my turn."

He turned to look at Kurenai, at first she was confused but then she understood as she put her hand on her stomach.

"When that child is born, it'll be my turn to be the protective teacher…" he gave a bright smile and then said, "So I've got to become a really cool adult too."

Kurenai replied, "Thank you…"

After that, Kurenai left the cemetery but Shikamaru stayed behind for a while. That was when Ino stood next to him.

Ino asked quietly, "Are you okay?"

Shikamaru didn't answer for a seconds before he replied, "I will be."

She asked again, "Would you like company?"

"Sure…" Shikamaru answered.

Ino wordlessly took his hand in hers and leaned in close to him. Then Shikamaru laced their fingers together even if he didn't realize he did. And then they both stood together in comfortable silence.

I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I only tweaked that Ino would find Shikamaru because she was training diligently and I'm sure she would be able to recognize his chakra. Also with Naruto vs. Kakuzu, I thought that he maybe able to have better control of Kurama's chakra if he befriended him but not up to the level as he is later. Please feel free to leave a review but no rude comments please, they will be deleted.