V 5 Ch 1

Go Fetch!

"Hey, guys, sorry I'm late," Sasuke said as he greeted Ryu and Hire. Ryu was leaning against a tree ignoring Hire for the most part. The older girl was standing with her legs spread out and arms crossed. "I had to make sure someone was going to listen to me today."

Ryu raised a brow as he opened his eyes. He saw Daiya walking behind Sasuke with a blank expression. "Daiya's back?" Ryu felt happy. He liked the foreign boy.

"Yes, but this is a trial for him. If he fails to listen to any direction, or not take breaks when feels fatigue, he goes back home. No 'if's, 'and's, or 'but's." Sasuke looked at the boy sternly. "Do you understand what Izumi and I are trying to get across?"

Daiya looked up at Sasuke. His new dad was being serious. If he failed any part of the training today, Izumi was going to start him from the bottom like Onari. Not only that, but he wouldn't be allowed to work with Ryu and Hire anymore. He would have to move to another team, or be off of the teams for good. "Yes, sir," he said softly. Right now, Sasuke was his trainer – so Daiya was going to be treated like everyone else.

"We're going to work on evasive maneuvers. It's important to know how to use offensive attacks, but sometimes, it's also necessary to learn how to get away. What are the reasons that would make you want to avoid an opponent as much as possible," Sasuke asked his team.

"When you're out numbered," Hire answered. It was common sense to her. She glanced at Ryu. He was keeping an eye on Daiya. She sensed her annoying team mate had changed somehow.

"Also, if a team mate is injured. It's not wise to fight anyone when you're main outlook should be to protect someone," Ryu said rather seriously. He watched the shock appear on Sasuke's face. Even Daiya looked up at him. Ryu stared back at his trainer. "What?"

"What happened to you this past weekend? You've changed. It's not like you to answer me – much less seriously," Sasuke said. He watched Ryu avert his eyes. He wasn't' about to tell him for anything in the world. "What other reasons would you want to avoid someone?"

"When someone's stronger," Daiya said softly. Right now, he felt vulnerable. What was Sasuke planning for their training? He was limited on what he could and couldn't do. Daiya wouldn't be able to fight Sasuke, much less, Ryu, or Hire. They were all much more advanced than he was.

"Those are all good answers. How about if you were carrying valuable information? Or what if your enemy was insane and violent? The documents or objects you carry are only valuable to whoever hires you. If there is nothing to return to our employer, we don't get paid. An enemy, who has mental issues, is not in control of their own actions. We cannot gain control of a situation if there is none altogether. It's best to leave the matter alone. Our missions are what guarantee our survival. No missions – no payment – no shelter and other necessities we need to survive," Sasuke said. "I see the expression you have on your face, Hire. Our training from here on out is going to exclude us from attempting the Chuunin exams."

"Why are we backing down? We have to take them, or we can't advance! What reason is there this time," Hire demanded. She was sick of her rank. Last year, she wasn't allowed to participate due to the problems her past team had. They didn't get along at all. It was the Hokage's decision to get rid of Hire and move her to Sasuke's team. Ryu had also been held back and demoted in his rank due to the same problem.

Ryu looked at Hire. She was furious. He understood why they couldn't participate. "You cannot take the Chuunin exams unless all three members of a team agree to do so. And, even if you took them, you still have to pass the written portion. After that, it's the survival exam – a week spent in the forest fighting off other teams. A month later, it's the arena." Ryu watched Hire glare at him. "Daiya wouldn't survive the survival exam. You're constantly being tested to the limit of your abilities. It would kill him."

Daiya moved back. Hire had turned her hard gaze upon him. He was causing his team to be held back from something important. Why hadn't Sasuke taken him off of the team so they would have a chance? It wasn't fair to them. Daiya closed his eyes. He felt terrible.

"If he's that incapacitated, he needs to go to another team! Why let someone train who has no hopes for advancing? It's a waste of everyone's time," Hire snapped. The foreign boy was a huge problem. They were being reduced to baby steps. She hated that.

"Teams don't abandon each other. I'm not abandoning Daiya, even though, you have," Ryu said. "That is something you'll never understand. It doesn't matter what you think, Hire. You're only out to benefit yourself. And unfortunately, I have to look out for you because it's my job."

"No one's asking you to look out for me! I'm damn capable," she shot back. Hire lifted her hand pointing at Daiya. "As for you, I won't forgive you for this! I'm tired of having to wait for my Chuunin title."

Ryu stepped in front of Daiya. He narrowed his eyes. "It's not his fault for what's happened! You're not going to stand there and blame him for it, either! Being demoted is your problem and your responsibility! The reason I was demoted is my fault – not Sasuke sensei's! We could have both been kicked off of the teams! You're not looking at the big picture, Hire!"

Sasuke was impressed. Normally, Ryu didn't say anything to Hire. He hated dealing with her at all costs. Ryu was protecting Daiya from her. It had taken a long time, but Ryu also had admitted his own mistakes. The decisions he made in life, were his own. Ryu only blamed himself for how things turned out. "Hire, it isn't your decision. It's mine. If you have anger to explode at someone, I dare you to do it at me. My job is the survival of this team. Whether Daiya was injured or not, it's apparent that not all of you have the maturity to take the Chuunin exams." Hire balled up her fists. She gritted her teeth and backed down. Whether she liked it or not, Sasuke determined her fate.

Daiya looked up at Ryu then to Sasuke. He wanted to stay on the team. He wanted to belong. Daiya needed an outlet and this was it. "I'm… sorry," he said rather softly. That caused Ryu to turn around. "I.-"Daiya broke off. The problems he had were now his team's problems. He didn't like that.

"It isn't your fault," Ryu said as he turned fully around. "You cannot hold blame for something that is out of your hands. Ignore Hire. So we don't take the Chuunin exams this year. So what? Which is more important: to prove yourself to an enemy, or to your team?" Daiya slowly looked up at him.

Sasuke crossed his arms. Ryu's attitude and beliefs had finally overruled his thoughts. A ninja cannot give up on his team. If he chose to do so, he was lower than dirt. It was a saying Kakashi used on team 7 when they were first formed. It held true in its meaning and intention. "Hire, if you want to drop the team, be my guest. I'm not forcing you to train since you think your skills have perfected enough." He watched her look at him angrily. "Your attitude is going to be the destruction of this team and I won't allow it."

Ryu turned his head to be started by Kiba. His right leg went up like a flamingo's, his arms bent up like a praying mantis', and he fell onto his side like an opossum. He stared at the ground from a side view as his heart raced. Ryu felt like he was having a panic attack.

"What just happened," Daiya asked. He crouched to shake Ryu's shoulder. The boy remained still. "Ryu…?"

Sasuke turned his head. "I figured it was you," he told Kiba. "You've really got to stop scaring him like that. Ryu, calm down."

Kiba pushed Ryu's foot with his. "Stop taking a break, Ryu, you haven't trained yet." His team followed him over. They were looking around at the trees. "Are we ready to get started?"

"As soon as Ryu calms down," Sasuke said. He watched Daiya get tackled by Idai. Daiya went backwards and laid flat. So Ryu wasn't the only one who missed him. I wonder if I can get Idai to watch him – or pair up with him. "Idai, come here for a second." The white and red haired sound-nin walked over cautiously. Sasuke crouched, looking up into his orange eyes. "I need to ask a favor."

Hire and Masaru hopped from branch to branch. Their training consisted of learning how to avoid Sasuke and Kiba. It was kind of unfair for the Genins to be up against two Jounins. They had no idea if Kiba and Sasuke were pairing up, or if they were working alone. It was going to teach them to work with someone other than their usual teammate. Right now, anything was game. Sasuke had warned them to have their guard up. All attacks were possible, as well as, all weapons. The students were allowed to fight back, but at all costs, they had to get away with their object. If Kiba or Sasuke nabbed it, they were out of the game.

Masaru had decided he would carry the object. Hire was going to be the main defender. She always boasted about how advanced she was with her training. Now it was time to prove it. He looked around with his white eyes. Masaru had a bit of an advantage. He was inherited with the Byakugan from his mother, Hinata. "Hire, do we even know what the object is we're carrying?"

Hire glanced at him. Her long black hair flowed behind her. "We're not supposed to open it. Who knows what those lame trainers have given us," she said watching the object tied to Masaru's waist. "For all we know, it could be a scroll, or an unimportant object. Our mission is to avoid them and make it to Lee sensei's team. They're training at the waterfall."

Masaru nodded. "Alright, we make it there even if we have to beat the snot out of one of them. Kiba sensei and Uncle Sasuke won't give up, or let us go so easily. We have to be prepared to right."

Idai kept his eye on Daiya. His best friend was to his left moving swiftly through the trees. Sasuke had pulled him aside to make sure Daiya was alright for this training session. I need you to do me a favor. Today is Daiya's first day back on the team. The training we're doing today is going to test his limits. If you see him tense, or he appears tired at any point, make him rest. Your main focus is to keep Daiya from overexerting himself. If he over does it, he'll be out of commission and be a burden. At all costs, you two will defend the object you are carrying. To survive today, get to Lee over at the waterfall. He's already aware of the training. Kiba and I won't hesitate to get the object from you guys.

Idai kept looking at Daiya from time to time. The boy wouldn't admit when he was tired. Daiya didn't like to appear weak. Idai knew he wasn't. Daiya was very strong for a kid who had remained on his own and gone through what he had in the past. Daiya caught him looking at him. He raised a brow. "Hey, I'm really glad you're back," Idai said smiling at him. "Let's see if we can get Kiba sensei, or Sasuke sensei to yell 'Uncle'."

Daiya smiled a little. He liked working with Idai the most. Idai didn't put him down like Hire, or treat him differently like Masaru. He secretly wished he had been placed on Kiba's team because of Idai. "You're an idiot," he said with the smile on his face.

Idai grinned from ear to ear. Daiya was teasing him outright. It was part of the bond they had with each other. "But I'm your idiot," he said happily.

Daiya smirked. "Yeah, you are." And I wouldn't change you for anything in the world.

Ryu narrowed his eyes. He and Yanagi had decided to change their directional approach. The trees were an easy route to take for ninja. They acted as a defense, in a way. It was hard for enemies to hit you because of them. He smiled under his face mask. "Let's see if either of them can catch us on the water." He looked at Yanagi.

Yanagi kept her pace with Ryu. They were both running on the surface of the river. Water walking was a basic technique. She supposed Ryu was going to push in one of the trainers. It would make sense, on his part. "Who do you think will come after us?"

Ryu thought for a moment. "My guess is Kiba sensei. I already know Sasuke sensei's moves. I feel for whoever gets him. He's a tough opponent. Say, Yanagi, how much do you want to wager that he goes after Hire and Masaru?" He grinned.

"Ryu, that's horrible." Yanagi smiled back at him. "I'll bet three ryo."

Daiya touched his hand to his forehead. He felt tired. Today was a trial for him. He caught Idai watching him. "Don't look at me like that. We have to complete our training."

"Daiya, I'm not buying it," Idai said as he grabbed onto his friend's wrist. He made him touch down. His friend was constantly closing his eyes. "How tired are you?"

"Only a little," Daiya answered. He watched Idai turn around suddenly. The boy was alerted by something. "What is it?"

"Don't move. They're onto us. I can hear them," Idai said pointing to his ear. He unsheathed one of his swords. They won't go after Daiya. I'm the one with the object. I chose to carry it for a reason. Idai closed his eyes, listening. He concentrated on the sounds he heard occurring around them. He could tell where they were. Kiba was off to his dead right while Sasuke was straight in front. They were choosing to attack him together. They're completely serious about this. Alright, no games and no backing down. I'm protecting Daiya and we will get past them.

Idai heard Sasuke jump off of the branch he was on. The boy started to rotate his wrist behind his form with the sword. He unsheathed the other sword and held it parallel to the ground. A huge force of wind was being created. "Sorry, sensei, anything goes," he said as he aimed the wind down his sword. "Sound knife!"

Sasuke Uchiha wasn't taking any chances. He was using Sharingan for the time being. Idai was a strong kid to be up against. His sound waves were deadly in offensive and defensive attacks. Just as he hopped off of the branch, he saw the leaves on the trees get ripped away. He formed hand seals in front of his body. A large block of ice started to form. As the wind hit the ice, it allowed Sasuke a few seconds to change his course. He moved away just in time to see the block of ice shatter from the sound waves.

Kiba started to go after Idai the moment he saw the boy launch an attack at Sasuke. His student was on his toes. "That kid's going to have to defeat both of us if he wishes to get away." Kiba formed hand seals in front of his body. A clone popped next to him. "Let's see if Idai can take this on!"

Idai turned his head just in time to see Kiba and a clone coming at him. His eyes widened. He dove for Daiya. Kiba's two forms started to spin in the air. They were bearing down on him. Idai snatched the object off of his waist and thrust it into Daiya's hands. "Go!"

Daiya gasped. He saw a large fireball coming at Idai's back. "Idai!" His friend whirled around. Idai kicked Daiya off of the branch as he saw Idai send another sound wave towards Sasuke. His best friend's body was thrown around as he was hit by Fang over Fang.

Daiya had no choice but to make a run for it. He knew Kiba and Sasuke weren't going to kill Idai. This wasn't a real mission. There was no way he could go up against two Jounins by himself. Daiya flew through the trees headed for the waterfall.

Idai landed on a lower branch. His body hit the hard wood with a loud thud. He was unconscious instantly. Kiba was on top of him in seconds. His clone poofed. Sasuke was also at his side. "Not bad, huh? Although, it seems he gave the object to Daiya."

"Yeah, but he did what he was supposed to do. You could have chosen another move to use on him, Kiba. You do know Daiya will get you back for that," Sasuke said. He watched Kiba hoist Idai onto his back. "Who do we go after next?" Kiba grinned.

Masaru Uzumaki sent his large shuriken through the trees as a large purple snake barred down on him and Hire. His plan for letting Hire defend was back firing. Maseru's heart sunk as the snake knocked the shuriken away with its head. It went off to lodge in a tree. "What is that thing," he yelled as it started to come towards them at a faster pace. He and Hire jumped back as it snapped at the branch they were just on.

Hire knew it had come to this. It was a test and he probably sought them out because of her attitude earlier. "It's Sasuke sensei's snake! He summons it to get rid of powerful enemies! We don't have a chance against Manda!"

"Manda? That thing has a name?" Masaru formed hand seals in front of his body. "Clone Hurricane!" Several of Masaru's clones went straight for the snake. When they came in contact, they surrounded the reptile and started to spin. In a matter of seconds, their forms became a blur. A tremendous cyclone of wind was created and the snake was in the middle of it. It tried to right the wind despite its upper body being tossed about like a rag doll.

Hire formed hand seals of her own. "Quicksand of Oblivion!" The ground underneath the snake started to give way. It was going under slowly. Hire smirked, but as she did, the large snake knocked Masaru's clones away into trees. They poofed into nonexistence. In order to save itself, Manda put all of its strength into his upper body and lunged forward. It sunk its fangs into a tree and started to pull itself free from Hire's trap. "It's not going to hold it! We

have to bail!"

As the two started to flee the scene, Sasuke was after them. He threw several kunai at the two kids. Masaru poofed to avoid them with a substitution jutsu as Hire threw her own. The kunai were deflected and went astray. He smirked. Sasuke started to speed up. If he knew his student correctly, she would have given their little object to Masaru. Sasuke formed hand seals instantly.

Hire wasn't going to lose easily against her trainer. He was coming after her fast, too. This isn't good. I'm an Earth user. We're in the trees! Hire freaked as a few small fireballs shot over her head. That's too close! She formed hand seals again. A Minotaur beast made of hard clay appeared next to her. It only had hooves on its lower legs. At the end of its arms were two balls full of spikes. "Two can play at this game. Minotaur, defend!" The Minotaur rebounded on one of the trees. It went in the opposite direction to do as it was instructed.

Sasuke knew Hire better than she knew herself. Nice try, Hire, but that thing is only clay. The Minotaur was on him in a matter of seconds. He twisted his body to the side and kicked it in the chest. The creature went back, but it wasn't far. He put his hands on the branch, twisting his body to sweep the Minotaur's legs out from under it. As it fell onto its back, Sasuke formed hand seals. A stream of water came out of nowhere to hit at the creature's legs. Sasuke kept focused as the thing's limbs started to crumble and break. It fell over waving its arms around trying to still hit him. Sasuke smirked. Hire wouldn't be able to control it if she had fled – which meant she was still in the area. "I thought I taught you better than that," he said as he felt a presence watching him from overhead.

Hire watched her trainer from upside-down on a branch. He had defeated her creature pretty easily. But she had a plan up her sleeves. "You did. Don't underestimate me, sensei. You said our objective was to get away from you and Kiba sensei with our object. Masaru is gone, so now it's my job to keep you from pursuing him."

Sasuke looked up at her. "I did. So you're actually going to stop being selfish?" He caught the look on her face. "I see. It's only about the training because you would hate to be seen as a failure to Ryu, much less, the others on Kiba's team."

Hire threw a kunai at Sasuke's feet. "Stop reading me! I know what my objective is! I want to become a Chuunin! This is only to perfect my skills against a tougher opponent. I don't care what Ryu think," she said knowing full well she didn't believe it.

Sasuke knew better. He kind of figured the girl liked Ryu secretly with the way she acted. Some girls were shy towards someone they liked; others were bullies. Then again, it wasn't like he was paying attention to that sort of thing either. "You're easily distracted by taunts," he said as Manda appeared behind Hire's form. He watched the girl freeze. She turned her head slowly to look up at the overbearing snake. "Your move, Hire."

Hire's eyes were wide. She was in a tough situation. Sasuke was below her and Manda above. If she chose to attack Sasuke, the snake had the advantage. It could swallow her whole in an instant. There had to be a way to get out of this. She was a sitting duck.

"Can't think of how to get out of this? It looks like I win this round." Sasuke signaled for the snake to attack. Manda lunged forward at the branch. The branch was soon snapped by its mouth and Hire was falling. Sasuke shot forward and grabbed the girl before the branch came crashing down on her form, thus killing her. He watched the wood fall into the abyss below. Sasuke looked down at the girl. "Say it." He waited. "Say it," he said again.

Hire crossed her arms annoyed at how he had managed to defeat her. He was more advanced than her for sure. "Uncle," she said refusing to look at him as he smirked.

Kiba had a little trouble tracking Yanagi and Ryu. Their scent wasn't on the wind through the trees. The only other place they could be was near the water. Ryu was being clever by masking their scents. However, Kiba wasn't stupid and it didn't throw him off for long. In order to resume the training, he had had to drop off Idai with Lee. Idai was still unconscious. Kiba supposed he had overdone it. He knew when Idai woke up that he was going to be feeling it.

If Kiba's way of thinking was correct, he was going to meet Yanagi and Ryu head on. He grinned. It was going to be interesting to see how Yanagi was advancing. He saw her improvement on the team every day. She was a hard worker like her father. A soft breeze made its way down the river. They weren't that far ahead. He had caught their scent just now. Kiba formed hand seals quickly. He had to act now or be trapped by Ryu in one of his illusions. A clone popped next to him. Heads up Ryu and Yanagi. I'm coming for you!

Yanagi Lee felt a panic overcome her. The more she thought about who they were up against, the more it got to her. Kiba was strong in his taijutsu and it was one of his best qualities. Sasuke was deadlier and more advanced than any of the Jounins on the teams. She felt like they didn't have a chance.

Ryu glanced at her. Yanagi was nervous. "Yanagi, snap out of it! If you don't have the confidence to defeat whoever we're up against, you won't! Our objective is to keep that thing away from them. At all costs, you must get to the waterfall."

"Ryu, we don't have a chance when it comes to defeating either of them. They're more advanced than us. How can we be expected to take either of them on," she said worriedly.

"This is only training, Yanagi. They're not going to kill us over it," he said making a gesture to the object they were protecting. "I'm not going to let either of them hurt you," he said as he started to form hand seals.

Yanagi's attention went back to their route. Kiba and a clone of his were head. They were moving quickly. Yanagi gasped. "Ryu!"

Ryu was ahead of the game. "Time to teach an old dog new tricks," he said as three clones of his own popped around him and Yanagi. The three clones went straight at Kiba. Ryu went for Yanagi and picked her up. "They should keep him busy for a moment. I want you to away as fast as you can. We're not far from the waterfall." Ryu unclipped a scroll he had on his waist. He opened it.

Yanagi watched as Ryu formed hand seals. What was in the scroll he was unlocking? She watched as the art on the scroll started to erase itself. A large water dragon appeared next to them. Ryu hoisted her upon the creature. He waved at her then sped off to attack Kiba. The last thing she saw was two of the clones poof and Ryu tackle Kiba into the water.

Daiya breathed hard. He had no idea if Idai was alright. He didn't know where anyone was or if they had succeeded. He stopped on a branch. Learning against it, he closed his eyes. Before he knew it, he was sinking and his legs were going out from under him. He had reached his limit.

Hire sat rather annoyed on the ground. As was the custom in getting caught by your enemy, she was tied with her arms to her sides. She looked around at the trees half-expecting to see someone form the other teams, but no one came. The waterfall behind her made adequate noise and shielded other sounds from getting through. Where are they?

"Shouldn't they be back by now," Saori asked as she looked at Lee. "We're not that far from where they originally started. Do you think Sasuke sensei and Kiba sensei have injured all of them?" She glanced at Idai. He was tied up like Hire. He was still unconscious after being done in by Kiba.

"I'm not sure. Sasuke and Kiba are serious about getting their teams ready to be able to hold off a stronger enemy. They won't hurt them that badly. It's meant to be a wake up call. The only reason my team hasn't gone through the same form of training is because you guys need to improve more. You are right, Saori, they should have been back by now," Lee said as he kept his eyes and ears open.

Hire watched Sasuke's son whip his head around every few seconds. He was worried, too. "What has you so jumpy, Uchiha?" She watched him look at her with a bit of surprise that she had actually chosen to speak to him.

"Where's Daiya? He was supposed to be with you guys," Takeru said. He wanted to take off and search for his brother; however, Lee wouldn't allow it when the area was an open battlefield.

"Daiya was paired with Idai. I was working with Masaru. Ryu is with Yanagi. From the looks of it, Idai took a beating from Kiba sensei and Sasuke sensei. He must have given the object he was entrusted with to Daiya. It's not on him," Hire said.

"Wouldn't they have taken it from him," Eiyu said as he searched Idai's form, double checking.

"They could have, but if they did, Daiya would be here. There would be no reason for him to hide, or go off on his own," Hire told the Hyuga boy. "Idai and I may be out of the game, but the others aren't. Unless they get here and hand over the object, the training isn't completed."

"Takeru." Lee looked down at Sasuke's son. The boy was really worried and it showed in his eyes. He put his hand on his shoulder. "Daiya is alright. He'll get here."

Takeru closed his eyes. He had to tell Lee. "Sensei, Daiya's sick. He won't get better. That's why Mom and Dad waited so long for him to come back to the team. Dad probably paired him with Idai for a reason."

"Takeru, tell me what is wrong," Lee said. He listened for a bit about what condition Daiya Eimino was in. lee noted the emotion being displayed in Takeru's voice. He also paid attention to the kids around him. Saori knew and so did Hire. He suspected Idai knew also due to the close blond he had with Daiya. "I understand. I will send someone to look for him. No, Hire, you will remain here. I know he is on your team, but you are in training and cannot leave. Eiyu, you're the best candidate. I want you to search as best as you can from here to the point of origin. If you encounter Sasuke, or Kiba, inform them why you are in the area."

Eiyu nodded. This was his first lone assignment. He was being entrusted with a serious task. Daiya could be injured out there. "I won't come back until I find him," he promised Takeru. He sped off and took to the trees.

"Well, slap me twice and hand me to my mom. The pink haired girl made it," Hire said as she watched Yanagi coming down the river on what appeared to be some sort of water dragon. She could see the water inside the form of the creature swirling about with its movements. Hire knew at first glance it was one of Ryu's tricks. He was learning to incorporate art with his genjutsu.

Yanagi waved at her dad and Saori as the water dragon moved closer to the bank of the river. Suddenly, its form popped into water. Yanagi yelped as she went into the cold water. Her head popped up. She coughed several times. What had happened?

"It looks like Ryu was defeated," Hire said answering their stares. Ryu's illusions only lasted as long as he did. She wondered who had gotten a hold of him.

"Yanagi, are you okay," Saori called.

"Yeah," Yanagi answered. She swam to the bank. "The water's c-cold," she said smiling, even though, her body was shaking. Yanagi blinked as a shirt was thrust into her view. Takeru was offering her his clothes. Yanagi slightly blushed, but took it.

Takeru and Saori had a fire started so Yanagi could dry off. She came back wearing Takeru's shirt. Her dad had draped her wet hoodie over a stick to get it dry. "Thanks for letting me borrow your shirt, Takeru."

Saori glanced at Hire. The older girl was constantly searching the area. "Didn't you say you were paired with Masaru? Where is he?"

"That's anybody's guess," Hire said. If he had gone back to retrieve the shuriken, she was going to deck him. Something told her that's what he had done. Hire grumbled. "So far, only Yanagi is safe. Unless Daiya or Masaru get back, we're all out."

Sasuke searched the trees for Masaru and Daiya. Yanagi had made it to the waterfall safely from Ryu's efforts. Unfortunately for Kakashi's son, he had taken on Kiba at his own game and lost. Sasuke smiled a little. Ryu was improving in his way of thinking. He narrowed his eyes. He had to think like Masaru. Daiya wouldn't come out so easily. Masaru, on the other hand, was like his father at that age. He went back to the scene where Manda had first appeared to Hire and Masaru. The shuriken was from Naruto. There was no way the boy would leave it behind. He betted on it!

Masaru pulled with all of his might at the large shuriken. The snake had lodged it so well into the tree that he couldn't pull it free. His dad was going to kill him. Maseru looked at the weapon sadly. Man, if I can't get out, it'll be stuck here. I promised to take care of it. They're expensive. Masaru turned his head to look at Sasuke. The man was behind him, watching.

Sasuke kept his blank stare on Masaru. "You are aware that going back for a weapon on a real mission is completely foolish? What if we weren't training, Masaru?" The boy averted his gaze. "Is that weapon more important than your life?"

"It's my dad's," Masaru said softly. "He used it when he was my age. I promised to take care of it. It's really stuck in the tree," he said as he tried to pull it out again.

Sasuke shook his head. Naruto would have given that to his son. Masaru's going to value the shuriken more than himself because of it. He walked over to try and get the weapon out. Sasuke pulled it with all of his strength. It was seriously stuck.

Masaru looked at the branch they were standing on. He was more afraid of punishment from his dad. "Uncle Sasuke, if dad throws me out, can I come stay with you?" He felt Sasuke pet the top of his head.

"He's not going to be angry with the fact that it's stuck in a tree. Those things happen. However, he won't be too thrilled to know you came back for it. If this was a real mission, you'd be dead right now." Sasuke bit his thumb. As the blood dropped, he formed hand seals. He pressed the palms of his hands to the tree. A smaller version of Manda popped next to them. "Let's see if Manda can dislodge it. He was the one that put it there in the first place." The purple snake slithered past Masaru. Sasuke watched the boy tense.

Manda wrapped its body around the tree. Its large head came around with its mouth open. The snake latched onto the shuriken by slipping one of its fangs into the hole. It started to pull. It hissed angrily as its head jerked left and right in an attempt to wiggle the weapon free. The shuriken started to break out of the bark. Manda pulled with all of its force again. The weapon came out with a clink. Its master reached up to take it.

Sasuke handed it over to Masaru. The boy clipped it onto his back. "You have a three second head start," he warned. Masaru turned tail immediately and started to get away as fast as he could. He didn't honestly think I was going to let him get away, did he? Manda poofed as Sasuke went after his best friend's son.

Eiyu Hyuga searched the area for Daiya Eimino. He should have already been back. So Daiya was now forced with a heart condition. That was the real reason Eiyu had not seen the boy with his team. He didn't know what to think of him. They weren't friends and had never gotten along. Eiyu was proper and strict. Daiya was standoffish and reserved. He wondered how Lee expected him to work with someone like that.

As Eiyu flew through the trees scouting, he passed a yellow blur. Wasn't that Masaru? It can only mean he's running from Kiba sensei or Sasuke sensei. Eiyu stopped on a branch. Just as he did, a stream of fire shot where he had previously been. His eyes went wide.

Sasuke touched down on a top branch. He looked below at Eiyu. For a moment, he thought Masaru had used a clone so he could hide. "Aren't you supposed to be with Lee?"

Eiyu looked at Sasuke seriously. "Everyone has made it to our location but Ryu and Daiya. Lee sensei sent me after Daiya. He should have been back around the time Kiba sensei dropped Idai off."

Sasuke furrowed his brows. "Kiba went after Ryu and Yanagi. If Yanagi made it back, then he has defeated Ryu. Ryu can't take Kiba on. He's more experienced. If Daiya's missing, he could be fatigued or had complications. Change of tactic. I'll help you search for him. This can be Masaru's get out of trouble card."

Eiyu parted from Sasuke as the Jounin took off in another direction. If they didn't find Daiya soon, it could mean the boy was hurt. He was helpless and vulnerable when his heart gave him problems. Eiyu had to put aside his differences right now. It was trivial to focus on it.

Kiba carried Ryu over his shoulder as he neared the waterfall. He was soaking wet thanks to Ryu tackling him into the water. It was brave of the Genin to choose to keep him occupied while Yanagi got away. It was downright smart. But alas, Kiba had gotten the better of Ryu. The boy was unconscious.

As he approached Rock Lee's team and the students in training, there were two students not back yet. He also noticed Hire was tied up. Idai was awake now. "Well, I see Sasuke got you pretty good, Hire, he said with a toothy grin. "Where is Masaru and Daiya?"

"Daiya has not returned. I have sent Eiyu to search for him. As for Masaru, that should be him now," Lee said as he turned around. Masaru came flying out of the trees at him. The blond haired boy ran to him quickly and threw himself at his feet. The boy turned his head, his eyes wild as he searched the trees. "What is going on?"

"I think Dad's after him," Takeru said. He watched his friend nod his head. Maseru was watching the area frantically. "Masaru, Dad can't touch you. You're already here."

Idai closed his eyes listening. He only heard the leaves rustling through the trees. "Sasuke sensei isn't behind Masaru. I don't hear him at all."

"Aw, man, I ran that fast for nothing," Masaru said.

Saori came back with Yanagi. Yanagi had changed into her hoodie again. Saori took one look at Kiba holding Ryu's limp form and froze. "What did you do to Ryu," she said bewildered.

"He's fine, Saori. He's only unconscious," Kiba said. Saori walked over to shake the boy's shoulder. "What has you so concerned about him?"

"They're dating," Yanagi said smiling. "You can't blame her. Sensei, how badly did you beat Ryu up?"

Kiba laid Ryu on the ground. "Not too badly. He was asking for it though. He kept copying himself and getting his clones to hold me under the water."

"Um, can we be untied now," Idai said as he looked at Kiba. He really didn't expect to wake up with his arms and wrists in a bind. His trainer shook his head. "How long do we have to stay like this?"

"Whining about it doesn't help matters," Hire said glancing at him. It was bad enough they had failed. She wanted to beat Sasuke so bad and he had gotten the better of her.

Idai narrowed his eyes. Hire had an attitude problem. "For your information, I have to go to the bathroom. And unless you're going to hold it for me, I'd shut my trap." Hire blushed as she looked at him in horror.

Ryu opened his eyes. He looked up at the sky. "The things I wake up to." Before he knew it, Saori was looking down at him. She had a worried look on her face. "Hi, gorgeous. Where's the old man that punched me in the stomach?"

Saori tilted her head. "Are you okay?" She watched him sit up rubbing his temples.

"Yeah, except for the pain in my gut," Ryu said looking at Kiba angrily.

"Knock it off, Ryu," Lee said. "In training, everything is fair game. It's how you learn. If you move from that position, you won't just take Sasuke's punishment; you'll take ours, also."

Takeru paced back and forth. His mind was on his brother and his dad. Where are they? He sat down on a rock watching the trees for any signs of them. Masaru walked over to him. He glanced at the Hokage's son.

"I'm sure they'll be back soon," he said watching Takeru's face. "Sasuke sensei won't give up looking for him. Neither will Eiyu. Eiyu is stubborn when it comes to fulfilling his assignments. He won't stop until he's ordered to."

"I know, but Eiyu doesn't get along with Daiya."

"Takeru, Eiyu doesn't get along with anyone. He's very formal and… odd," Masaru said with a smile. "He needs to learn to put his differences aside. I had to. Sometimes when you let your head get in the way, you miss out on having fun with a really great person."

"You're talking about Idai," Takeru said. "Masaru, you weren't the only one that was cautious of him. Everyone was." He watched the boy cross his arms and lean against the rock.

"But it's wrong, Takeru. I refused to work with Idai because I was biased. Idai is a really nice guy, though. He's fun to hang out with and more so in training. He pushes me and Yanagi. I can see why Kiba sensei made him the team leader," Masaru said.

"Yeah, I like Idai, too. He gives great advice from what I hear. Daiya has bonded with him more than me," he said disheartened. His relationship with his brother was going to take a while. Takeru wanted Daiya to accept him fully, but his relationship wasn't there yet.

Masaru knew Takeru was lonely. He was always playing it off. "Don't you have Onari? Isn't she like your sister?" Takeru shook his head. "So you have two new family members and they haven't accepted you." He looked away.

"Onari has. She's just busy training all of the time with Eiyu and Kandai's father. If she doesn't train with him, Mom or Dad wears her out. I wish she was on the teams."

"Why isn't she again," Masaru asked.

"Onari can't read. She has to learn. It's been difficult for them to teach her. She doesn't comprehend that caricatures are sounds. Unless your dad approves of her, she's not allowed to take missions with us."

Masaru glanced at Hire. "I wish we could trade her for Hire. Anyone would be better than that girl. An enemy would even be better." Masaru watched as Eiyu returned with Daiya on his back. "Hey, they're back."

Eiyu walked over to Lee. "Assignment complete," he said seriously. He glanced over at Daiya. The boy was half-awake. When Eiyu had found him, Daiya was leaning against a tree, his eyes closed, trying to wait until his energy returned.

Kiba placed his hand on Daiya's head. "Daiya, are you still tired?" The boy moved his fingers some, but didn't answer. Kiba figured he wasn't fully aware of what was going on. He lifted the boy off of Eiyu's back. Takeru and Masaru had walked over. "He's okay, Takeru. See?" Kiba turned to where Takeru could see Daiya's face.

"Daiya?" Takeru lifted his hand to touch his face. He saw Daiya close his eyes for a second then open them again slowly. "Kiba, Mom's been making him rest every day. That might be what's wrong. He's really tired."

Yanagi was watching them with Idai. She had never seen Daiya weak before. The sadness she felt for him made her turn away. Saori was the only one that knew she had a crush on him.

"He's not going to rest until he hands over the object we had. That's why he keeps moving his fingers," Idai said nodding in their direction. "Although, I'm in no position to get it. Takeru, see if he'll let you unclip it."

Takeru leaned towards Daiya. "Can I take the bamboo canister and hand it to Lee sensei? You didn't fail getting it here. You did the best you could and Dad won't be angry with you. You're just tired." He watched Daiya lift his wrist trying to unclip the canister from his waist. Takeru reached forward to do it for him. He put the bamboo canister in Daiya's hand. Takeru turned around. "Sensei, I think he wants to hand it to you."

Rock Lee put his hand under Daiya's with his palm face up. The boy was weakly holding onto it. Daiya dropped it successfully. "Thank you. Good job," he said. Lee watched as Daiya's eyes closed instantly. The boy had been trying to stay awake until he turned in the object he was entrusted with.

Sasuke returned to the waterfall. He couldn't find a trace of Daiya anywhere. It wasn't' until he focused on Eiyu that his stress evaporated. Eiyu had found Daiya. Kiba was holding the boy letting him rest. "So he was tired. At least it wasn't worse."

Idai was squirming badly. He really had to go to the bathroom. He was finding it hard to keep quiet about it. "Sensei, can we be untied now?"

Kiba watched Idai squirm. "Would someone please untie him? I've got my hands full."

Rock Lee crouched. He untied Idai as fast as he could. The boy sprung up like a rabbit and took off to the woods. "He was serious about having to go." He untied Hire and Ryu as well. Hire rubbed her shoulders. "My team hasn't had lunch yet. I suppose neither of yours have. Since most of them succeeded, I'll offer to treat them."

"Guys, what do you say to Lee," Sasuke said looking at all of them.

"Thank you, Lee sensei," everyone said including Yanagi.

Idai felt better as he approached the teams. He stopped. "Hey, since we turned in the objects we had to carry, can we find out what was in them?" He watched the trainers look at each other. "It can't be something that secretive."

"Go ahead and open one. They all have the same thing inside," Sasuke said. He watched Idai grab one and open it. His eyes blinked. He looked up at Sasuke. "Yes, that's really what you guys were protecting."

"Wait a minute," Hire said as she came closer. "What were we protecting?" She looked into the canister. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!"

Saori tilted her head. "What is it? Something invaluable?" She watched Ryu's eye twitch. He was staring down Sasuke for all it was worth.

"Is this your idea of a joke," Ryu asked. He took the stick out of the canister. "We were protecting a stick?"

"The value of the training was how to avoid a stronger enemy, Ryu. The contents of the bamboo canister were not important," Lee said. The tall boy clenched his fists.

"If you ask my opinion it would seem we were all puppies being trained by the big dogs," Masaru said laughing. That caused Ryu to turn towards him slowly. Masaru stopped. He tensed as Ryu started to move closer.

"I'm not a puppy," Ryu said lowly. As he stood staring Masaru down, Takeru came up behind him barking like a large dog. Ryu's right leg went up, his hands went up and he fell onto his side with his heart racing.

Saori walked up behind him. "Ryu, are you okay," she asked placing her hands on her legs as she bent over. He was looking up at her with frightened eyes. "Aw, Takeru didn't mean it. Want me to hit him for you?"

"So much for teaching an old dog new tricks," Yanagi said. Everyone looked at her. She was glad no one knew what she was talking about. It might lead Ryu into more hot water with how he referred to Kiba.

The kids sat happily at the largest table in the restaurant. Everyone was looking at the menus commenting on what they would like. The waitress approached and smiled at the children. She took their drink orders and walked away. Saori was happily seated next to Ryu. She was holding his hand under the table. Yanagi was next to her father watching Daiya sleep on Kiba. Sasuke was next to her in the middle with Takeru and Masaru on his left. Idai was next to Saori and Kiba. "Sasuke, do you want me to take him home," Kiba asked.

"He's alright if you don't mind holding him. We can order him something and wake him up, or take it home," Sasuke suggested. Daiya was sleeping really hard on Kiba.

"I'd hate to wake him. We'll just order him something. What do you suppose he'd want?"

"He can have half of mine," Yanagi said shyly. "He worked really hard today to complete his training. I don't mind sharing." She averted her eyes as Kiba and Sasuke looked at her.

"I say we all pitch in and give him a variety," Ryu said. "He worked harder than all of us. It's not easy to complete sensei's training, much less, to push yourself to your very limit."

"All of you worked hard. Instead of ordering separately, how about we order a lot of different foods so everyone can try them," Lee offered. The kids agreed. "Alright, what should we order?"

"Fried sweet potatoes are really good," Saori said. "I'm not sure what Daiya likes, but he'll have a variety." She leaned into Ryu.

"Gyuniku Teriyaki," Kiba suggested. Sliced beef with sweet soy sauce was a treat. Idai bounced in his seat. "Idai, you're next."

"Tori Mushiyaki," Idai said happily. "Daiya can pick the mushrooms out of the chicken." He noticed the waitress was back. She was taking their orders.

"How about Takara Bune," Yanagi suggested. "Please, Dad?" She smiled at him sweetly. It was one of her top favorite fish dishes.

"You can get it," Lee said giving her the approval.

"Yanagi, have you ever tried mackerel before," Sasuke asked. She shook her head. "I'll order it for you to try. Miso Zuke, please. It has a miso marinade with it. You might like it. Have the rest of you guys decided?"

"Yakitori," Hire said. "Oh, don't look at me like that, Masaru. You can pick the liver out. The scallions are what I'm after."

"Okaribayaki, please," Eiyu told the waitress. "I'd like the shiitake mushrooms limited to half the amount." He heard Daiya hated mushrooms. It was only fair to take most of them out for the boy.

"Yosenabe is my choice," Masaru said. "My mom makes it on holidays. Let's see if theirs is just as good as hers."

"I don't know if you guys will like what I want," Ryu said. "Hakusai Nabe, but hold the mushrooms." He blushed as Saori rubbed her thumb on his hand.

"Tatsuta Age," Takeru suggested. He looked at his father. "You thought I was going to order ramen."

"It wouldn't have surprised me," Sasuke said as he sipped his tea.

"I'll order fried pastries and cobbler for desert," Lee said. That got him a round of applause from the students. "You guys have earned it. It's the least someone can do for such hard workers."

The kids ate enthusiastically. Everyone was enjoying themselves. They were trading off their portions with the others around them. Idai guarded his plate. He moved it away from Ryu's prying eyes. Ryu called him stingy and that got him a glare from Sasuke. Takeru and Yanagi were pointing out what they wanted off of each other's plates. Saori was already wrist deep in pastries. She was breaking them in half to see what the contents were before passing them out.

Yanagi placed some of her food on Takeru's plate. She smiled as Saori placed a pastry in her hand. "Oh, boy. I love the ones with lemon in them." As she took it, her eyes fell onto Daiya. He was watching her. "Hey, he's awake."

Sasuke leaned over the table to look at the boy. "Daiya, have you had enough rest? Do you want to eat something?" Daiya shook his head. I don't think he feels well. Sometimes when he wakes, he wants to be left alone. "It might help you feel better if you eat."

Kiba grabbed a piece of beef with his chopsticks. "Open up, kid. You need to eat like Sasuke says. Your body is not going to do what you want until it gets proper nutrition." He put the food in Daiya's mouth. The boy really didn't want the food. He was chewing it cautiously.

After everyone was full and sleepy, they all parted ways. It had been an eventful day. Masaru learned the importance regarding ninja tools and enemies. Ryu learned how to protect someone other than himself. Eiyu had settled his differences with Daiya. Hire realized that her comments were not always regarded as advice. Idai gained the knowledge regarding how long he could hold it before he panicked. Takeru's concerns were not always his own. Yanagi felt her crush turning into something more. Saori was thankful for Ryu. Kiba and Sasuke now knew what their teams were capable of.

"Dad, Daiya's asleep again," Takeru said as he glanced at his brother. He was being carried. "I think you wore him out."

"I figured as much. He needs to improve. There's going to be times when he's not going to be able to rest. He's lucky it was only training and not a mission."

"Dad, do you think Daiya will ever think of me as his brother," Takeru asked as they walked. He was at a loss. He wanted to know what it felt like to have someone that close.

"He might in time, Takeru. Neither of you have siblings and I know how you feel, to a point. "Sasuke glanced at his son. "I don't want you to be discouraged if he doesn't show you instantly how he is. It's difficult for him to trust someone. He has a very bad past. You are very trusting – more so than you need to be. He might find you to be too open and be suspicious for a while. Be perceptive and be patient. If you try to chip away the wall he has, Daiya will meet you with more walls and it'll be harder than ever to get to know him."

"You've dealt with someone like him before?"

Sasuke shook his head. "No, but the Hokage has dealt with me. I was like Daiya, once," he said. "If someone accepts you for the way you are, they do so entirely, or they're not worth it." They walked into the Uchiha compound in silence.