Second Time's The Charm

by Reader06

Tobirama knew bringing back the dead was possible. He knew that anything was possible in the ninja world. That didn't mean, however, that he ever believed in reincarnation. But here he was, with a new family and a ragtag group of friends, in a village he barely recognized, facing the same demons as before. Would he ever find some peace and quiet?

30. Chapter 28

"Tsunade-sama!" "Lady Tsunade!" Torune and Shizune shouted at the same time, while running into the office.

Tsunade froze, a sake bottle sitting suspiciously on her desk with a cup held near her lips. She eyed them like a child with its hand in the cookie jar before slowly moving the sake bottle out of sight.

Sitting the cup down, she folder her hands on the desk and spoke to them as if nothing happened, "Yes?"

Shizune squeezed her eyes shut as she pulled at her hair while muttering to lowly, "Shizune… Let it go… You have more important things to discuss…"

Torune quickly stepped forward, "Tsunade-sama, I have a report of a child matching Nara Kanoko's description attempting to enter the kinjutsu scroll vault. The patrol shinobi were able to scare her off, but…"

Shizune looked at Torune with wide eyes before turning back to Tsunade and speaking quickly, "I also have a report of Kanoko entering the archives and leaving with a variety of scrolls!"

Tsunade tilted her head while raising an eyebrow, "Nara Kanoko? OUR Nara Kanoko?"

Torune and Shizune turned to each other before turning back to their Hokage and nodding. Suddenly the doors slammed open and in rushed Izumo and Kotetsu.

"Hokage-sama! Nara Kanoko just raced out of the village with a large bag on her back!" Kotetsu yelled.

Running forward, Izumo moved in front of the Hokage's desk, "And as she passed – without talking to us – she dropped this!" Izumo placed a scroll on Tsunade's desk.

Tentatively, she picked it up before unsealing it. Her eyes traveled over the text before speaking out loud, "C-ranked mission reports from… Ten years ago?"

The doors slammed open again to reveal three angry looking elders. Tsunade sighed dramatically as Koharu, Homura, and Danzo approached her desk – moving the other ninja out of the way with a pointed look.

Koharu was the first to speak, "We are hearing reports from all parts of the village about one of your ninja wreaking havoc!"

Homura quickly joined in, "Tsunade, what in the world is going on?! In a time like this, with the Village Hidden in the Waterfall at our border, threatening war, you must act quickly and swiftly!"

Tsunade slammed her hand on the desk as Danzo opened his mouth to speak up as well. He narrowed his eyes at her interruption as Tsunade spoke, "Enough! I will act how I choose and when I choose!"

Turning to Torune, Tsunade spat out an order, "Bring me Nara Shikaku – no wait, he's still in the hospital…" Tsunade rubbed her forehead, "I really need to learn how to control my temper…" Taking a moment to think she revised her order, "Bring me Nara Shikamaru!"

Torune nodded and teleported out of the area.

Danzo cut in, not happy with Tsunade's treatment towards him, "We demand an explanation Tsunade. As Homura pointed out, this is a critical time and these incidents around the village were quite public – we need answers to give to our people."

Tsunade scoffed, "Because you're such a people person."

Koharu quickly chastised her, "Tsunade, do not make light of the situation. We only act in the interest of the village and your dismissal of the events is frightening. I heard this Nara even attempted to break into the vault of kinjutsu scrolls!"

Homura nodded to his old teammate, "I heard that as well. We need to send hunter nin out to bring her back and interrogate her."

Tsunade started to respond, but was distracted by Torune entering the room with Shikamaru in tow. Walking into the room with an alert expression – recognizing the village elders right away – Shikamaru regarded Tsunade with a slight bow, "Hokage-sama, you summoned me?"

Tsunade nodded with a serious expression and a frown on her face. Waving him forward, she asked, "Shikamaru, tell me. Why would your sister break into the vault of kinjutsu scrolls?"

Shikamaru's eyes went wide at the blunt and shocking statement. He stuttered, "W-what…?!" He gulped as everyone's gaze hardened on him, "I… She wouldn't need to…"

Tsunade's eyebrows rose, "Wouldn't need to?" She took a moment to toss that thought around her head before barking out a low laugh, "…I can't help but agree."

"Tsunade!" Koharu yelled at her, "In what world is that an acceptable answer?!" Turning to Shikamaru she started interrogating him, "Your sister has committed heinous actions towards the Leaf village! Has she showed signs of defiance to her superiors? Has she been unhappy? How does she interact with her peers?"

Shikamaru was taken aback by the elder's questions, but answered her, "Never. No. And well."

Homura crossed his arms, "Do not act smart with us boy. The actions your sister has taken could be considered as acts of treason. Hunter nins should be sent out immediately to collect her – dead or alive."

Shikamaru's heart stopped before his eyes narrowed. He took a deep breath in as his teeth gritting and his fists tightening. He felt a strong urge to act violently and was having difficulty controlling himself.

Thankfully Tsunade interrupted with a loud scoff and spat angrily, "We will do no such thing until I have more information." Her eyes narrowed at the elders, "Do I make myself clear?"

Surprisingly, Danzo stepped in to support Tsunade, "I agree. More information is need before moving forward too aggressively." He turned to his peers, "Clearly, there is more going on here than a newly promoted chunin causing uproar. However…" Danzo turned his firm gaze on Tsunade, "We need to be kept informed before the rest of the village responds in the same manner Koharu and Homura have."

The Fifth Hokage gave Danzo a bland look while she considered his words. After a few moments, she nodded to Danzo before gesturing the three of them were no longer needed in the Hokage's office.

Koharu and Homura huffed before leaving with Danzo.

Tsunade turned back to Shikamaru. She gazed at him in thought. Tsunade saw how he tensed early and wondered if he would go so far to attack Homura. It didn't seem very Nara-like, but the Nara clan was throwing her all sorts of curve balls these days – what's one more?

Sighing she caught Shikamaru's attention, "Shikamaru. I'm going to be frank with you – if you promise to be truthful with me. Can you do that?"

Nodding, Shikamaru spoke, "I promise to be truthful, but before you ask I want you to know that Kanoko would never – and I mean never – betray Konoha."

"What if your life was on the line? Or your father's? Mother's? What then?" Tsunade asked, eyes locked on Shikamaru.

Shikamaru thought for a moment before answering Tsunade with a steady look, "It doesn't even make sense. She was on patrol duty! How can she be in the village? Her patrol duty team would have notified you of her absence long ago."

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, "…You didn't answer my question, Shikamaru."

Exhaling, Shikamaru placed a hand on his temple – rubbing it while speaking lowly, "I don't know, ok? Part of me hopes she would pick us, her family, but the realistic part of me knows the truth: Her loyalty is to the village first and foremost."

"And you're not just saying this because of the circumstances?" Tsunade stopped Shikamaru as he opened his mouth, "I want to remind you that you are speaking to your Hokage and lying to me now will not be dealt with lightly."

Shikamaru nodded, "Kanoko would not betray the Village Hidden in the Leaves – even for her family."

Tsunade stared at Shikamaru long and hard. She stood up to look out the window with her arms crossed. Her gaze firmly on the scene below she spoke to Shikamaru, "…The last report I received placed her leaving the village. Pull together a team of only those you trust and go after her."

Shikamaru's eyes widened before stuttering out, "W-what about the village elders?"

Tsunade turned around, "Let me concern myself with the old geezers. Your mission is to bring Nara Kanoko back for questioning, ASAP."

Shikamaru nodded, "Only those I trust huh?" He paused, "The jounin sensei, Shino, and Torune – are any of them available?"

Tsunade shook her head, "No. All four of them are assigned to the different parts of the perimeter and Shino is out of the country – juggling several missions." Tsunade looked over at the door, "And I need Torune here." She smirked at the Nara, "But… There is one ninja would I recommend."

Shikamaru's shoulders dropped, not liking where she was going with this.

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Shikamaru closed the door the Hokage's office and turned to race down the hall when he heard a voice.

"Nara Shikamaru."

Shikamaru turned around towards the voice and raised an eyebrow.

He looked… Familiar.

The man was standing straight, showing off his height. Shikamaru didn't know his exact height, but he seemed taller than his own father. The man had a light tan and a black goatee with highlights of silver in them. The goatee was thin and a few inches longer than the one his father wore.

His hair style, also black with strands of silver in it, and overall facial features looked so similar to his father, so Shikamaru guessed he had to be a Nara. The thought left him confused, though. Shikamaru thought he already met all of the Nara clansmen – especially the elders.

The man's eyes were sharp and wore a firm frown as he approached the young Nara.

Shikamaru bowed to the elder before speaking, "I apologize. I have just been assigned a time sensitive mission. I must leave immediately." And with that, Shikamaru turned to race off again.

"…To save your sister, Nara Kanoko." He spoke in a deep and firm tone.

Tensing, Shikamaru turned back around, eyeing the elder with caution.

The man spoke again, once he had Shikamaru's attention, "…You may have already hypothesized that more is going on than what is most obvious, but there is much you fail to understand."

Shikamaru's eyes narrowed. Squaring off, he gave the elder an unimpressed look, "And that would be?"

The man snorted, frowning even further, "…You are just like your father. How can I possibly begin to explain to you what you do not know, when you can't even ask a question properly?"

Shikamaru's eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. He took a moment to think before rephrasing his question, "What do I fail to understand?"

"Much." Was the elder's reply.

Shikamaru's teeth gritted. Turning around he mutter, "I don't have time for this."

"You should make time. Your sister's peace depends on it." The man called after Shikamaru.

Shikamaru stilled completely.

…Kanoko spoke lowly, "Is that why I am here, because I can't find peace?...

Turning around slowly, Shikamaru asked in a low voice, "…Why would you use that word?"

The elder's eyebrow arched, his face blank, "To which word are you referring to?"

Shikamaru regarded him carefully, "…There's something very unnerving about this man." He gave the elder a long and hard look while weighting the costs and possible benefits in his head. The man waited patiently for Shikamaru to come to him on Shikamaru's own terms. After a good amount of time, Shikamaru spoke carefully, "What are you offering?"

One of the elder's eyebrows rose, "I offer you insight and wisdom in this trial to come."

"And the cost?" Shikamaru quickly followed up.

The man was silent as he stepped forward. Once he was right in front of Shikamaru he spoke lowly, "I simply wish to help my granddaughter from the darkness this village holds and to prevent my grandson from offering his life in exchange for hers."

Shikamaru's eyebrows shot straight up before he quickly schooled his facial features, "…My grandfather is a farmer near the edge of the Land of Fire."

The man closed his eyes before opening them up again, "A few years ago, a village attempted to kidnap a Hyuuga child from her clan home. They succeeded in acquiring the child, but did not leave the complex alive. The enemy village sought revenge against the father of the child – who stole their shinobi's life." The man paused to frown, "The ending is not what is important. The true question is: How did a foreign, enemy ninja break into a clan's home when the clan's special ability is in seeing all?"

Grumbling internally, Shikamaru spoke his annoyance, "…Clearly, it was an inside job. Someone let him in."

The elder nodded, "Then begs the question: Who would betray their clan so?"

Shikamaru shook his head, "…You're assuming the inside man, or woman, was a clan member."

The tall man smirked. He turned and moved passed Shikamaru, who stared at him in confusion. As he walked away, Shikamaru called after him in an annoyed voice, "How is that supposed to help me?"

Not stopping or turning around, the elder simply answered with, "The village in question was the Village Hidden in the Clouds." And with that, the man turned the corner and vanished, out of sight.

Shikamaru's narrowed eyes stayed glued to the spot the elder held before disappearing. Shaking his head with a low grumble, Shikamaru bolted out of the Hokage's tower and towards the apartment complexes – starting on a mission he wouldn't soon forget.

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"Here's to hoping he's home…" Shikamaru thought before banging on the door.

"I'm coming! I'm coming…"

Shikamaru heard loud footsteps before the door swung open to reveal Konoha's number one knucklehead ninja. Naruto blinked, gazing curiously a serious looking Shikamaru.

Slouching a bit and his hands in his pockets, Shikamaru told Naruto plainly, "We have a mission. I'll tell you on the way."

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"WHAT?! And they think Kanoko's some kind of traitor?!" Naruto yelled, eyes wide as they dropped down from a roof and landed next to a house.

"I don't think the Hokage's convince that Kanoko's a traitor, but…" Shikamaru said, strolling up quickly to the house and banging on the door, "CHOJI! I need your help! It's my sister!"

Naruto's eyebrows furrowed, "Choji? We're on a mission to bring back Kanoko from doing who knows what, and your second choice is to grab Choji?!"

Shikamaru sluggishly glared at Naruto, "Look. We don't know what we're facing, and we're limited on who we can bring. I can't think of anyone else, beside my sister, I want watching my back." Shikamaru banged on the door again as he continued, "Choji and I are on the same genin squad, and on a brute force level, is the strongest of the genin."

The sliding door slammed open. On the other side was a panting Choji, "Sorry, tried to get ready as fast as possible. What's going on Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru smiled in relief to see his friend, "I'll explain on the way. We need to find Sasuke."

"Well it's your lucky day then!"

The three boys turned around to see the cocky grin of one Inuzuka Kiba. Just a few feet from him, with his hands in his pockets looking bored was Uchiha Sasuke.

Kiba crossed his arms and with a fanged grin, he spoke, "Spill. What do you need old duck butt for?"

Sasuke glared at Kiba, "Call me that one more time and everyone's going to have a funny name to call you that describes your face."

Naruto snickered, "Too late."

"Watch it, mustard hair!" Kiba growled back.

Naruto raised an eyebrow with a smirk, "Really? Mustard hair? That's the best you got?"

Kiba opened his mouth to retort when Shikamaru silenced them all with a deep shout, "Enough! We have a mission – one that is time sensitive and may cost me my sister's life! So you all can just shut up and act like real ninjas or I'm leaving you here!"

Everyone went silent, staring bewildered at Shikamaru, who was frowning angrily at them. Naruto was the first to speak, "…Sorry Shikamaru."

Sighing his anger away, he shook his head, "We don't have time to look for anyone else. We need to head out. Hopefully we will run into someone on our way out."

They all nodded, following after Shikamaru and towards the village gates.

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Sakura smiled as she walked through town, holding a book in her arms. Closing her eyes to breath in the warm air she thought of her former classmates and how much they all have changed. She giggled to herself thinking about the day they were assigned to their genin teams. Having Naruto, the school's biggest loser, and Kanoko, who she will freely admit being terrified of, as teammates was the worst fate possible – or so she thought at the time.

Kanoko and Naruto… It was weird how completely different they were.

Naruto couldn't sit still, was either late or absent, scored poorly on all the tests and was a "in your face" kind of person. He was also funny, outgoing, and loved being around people. And then there was his "thing" with Sasuke.

Sakura grumbled to herself, thinking about all the fights Naruto challenged Sasuke to, only to get beaten time after time. After each defeat, Naruto would just get angrier, train harder, before heading straight for Sasuke for a rematch.

Then there was Kanoko. Perfect student: Never a bad grade, top of the class, never late, never absent, followed the rules to a T, and the model of elegance in everything she did. She was also cold, distant, mean at times, and saw the whole class as beneath her.

Sakura remembered the first time they had met and the memory Kanoko's dark aura still sends shivers down Sakura's back.

When it came to Sasuke, Kanoko was the complete opposite of Naruto. Sasuke was the one that sought Kanoko out for duel after duel. He never once got the upper hand – much like Naruto to him – and as a result, he would train harder, study longer and head out to find Kanoko for a rematch.

The annoyance in Kanoko's face and voice every time Sasuke gave her the "face me now" look angered his fan club immensely. How dare she act so cold and annoyed to the great Uchiha Sasuke?

But they all saw how effortlessly Kanoko defeated Sasuke, and as a result, not a single one of them were brave enough to insult Kanoko to her face.

Sakura sometimes wondered if her placement on Team 7 was a mistake…

Naruto, Sasuke, and Kanoko…

They would have made an amazing team.

It might be a bit late in the game, but Sakura was really starting to see how great and strong Naruto was. He didn't have book smarts like her, or the logical genius of Shikamaru, but he had this weird, unpredictable street smarts that kept him and those around him alive.

Naruto didn't have an elegant fighting style like Hinata or even a devastating one like Choji, but he put his all into each punch and kick – going pasts his limits more times than not.

And Naruto's knowledge of ninjutsu wasn't on the same level as Sasuke or Kanoko, but he effortlessly preformed advance, jounin level jutsus like the Shadow Clone jutsu and that new "Rasengan" or whatever he called it.

Sakura frowned, tugging her book close to her chest.

With Naruto's determined and unpredictable nature, Sasuke's quick reflexes, vast abilities and Sharingan, and Kanoko's immense knowledge of the ninja arts, calculating mind, and wisdom… Team 7 could have been the most powerful ninja team since the sannin.

She had to be some sort of mistake. Why would they put a clanless ninja on a team destined for greatness?

Sakura sighed sadly, walking slowly through town – her good mood ruined. She stared at the ground as she walked, "I wouldn't even be the Hokage's student without Kanoko…" Sakura pulled the book away from her chest to look at it, "She's done so much for me. Teaching my fire and healing jutsu, helping me train up my basic skills, and now, she's helping me learn more about the clans of Konoha."

Turning a corner, Sakura paused, looking blankly forward, "Why does she help me so much anyways? Does she feel obligated because were teammates? Or so I don't slow her and Naruto down?" Sakura scoffed at herself, "It's probably that…"

Sakura shook her head roughly, "No! I can't think like that! We made a pact together, to always be there for each other!" Sakura smiled, thinking about Naruto's words just before the start of the Chunin Exams – when Kanoko was fretting over them like a mother hen (though Sakura will deny calling Kanoko a mother hen to her grave).

Don't worry Kanoko! Team 7's in this together! Nothing's going to stand in our way! Believe it!

And they remained true to that statement through the Chunin Exams and after. The moment Kanoko heard Naruto was in danger, she raced out without a thought, and all while knowing the wrath she would face from her family when she got back.

Sakura giggled remembering how Kanoko's father had a jounin level ninja following her every move for a week before she started aiming kunai at their crouch. Sakura had yet to meet a ninja that could hide their presence from Kanoko…

Sakura's brow wrinkled as she watched Shikamaru, Naruto, Kiba, and Sasuke race towards the entrance of the village. Curious, she took off after them, only to find them stopped in front of Neji and Lee.

"…And now the village elders think Kanoko's a traitor, so we have to find her and bring her back so she can explain to them how she would never, in a million years, betray the Leaf!" Sakura heard Naruto shout, waving his arms around as he spoke.

"Bring her back? Where's Kanoko?" Sakura asked, making the group back at her in surprise.

Shikamaru cut in with a serious expression before Naruto could answer, "She left the village, heading north, around fifteen minutes ago."

Neji looked at Lee before nodding. Turning back to Shikamaru he spoke, "We will join you. Kanoko's a fellow Leaf comrade and I, too, don't believe she would betray the Leaf village."

Lee nodded vigorously, "Kanoko told us herself that her purpose, her ninja way, was to protect the village and those precious to her – even if it costs her, her life! I refuse to believe she would act this way without a solid reason!"

Shikamaru nodded, "Thank you." Looking up at the sky, he clicked his teeth, "But we need to move, once we're at the gate, I'll tell you the plan."

Everyone nodded, taking off at a ground breaking speed for the gate. Sakura frowned, following after them, "If they think they can just leave me out, they have another thing coming!"

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The gates leading to the Leaf village opened slowly, Izumo and Kotetsu eyeing the genin and Shikamaru carefully.

Once it opened fully, Naruto jumped ahead, "ALRIGHT! Let's get going everybody! Follow me!"

When no one answered, Naruto looked back with a confused look. They were all giving him dull looks. Sighing, Shikamaru before muttering into his palm, "I recommend you bring Uzumaki Naruto… No, he's not a complete knucklehead… It'll be just fine…" Shikamaru glared at Naruto, "That's the last time I listen one of Tsunade's recommendations…"

Naruto gave Shikamaru an annoyed look, "And you really think you're the best person to run this operation? You don't seem very reliable to me." Naruto finished by crossing his arms over his chest with a huff.

"Idiot." Was the one word response from Sasuke. Neji grunted in agreement.

"What's with you acting like you're the leader all of a sudden?" Kiba asked, also annoyed, "I mean, taking orders from someone as lazy as Shikamaru doesn't exactly thrill me either, but still. This is his precious sister were talking about here."

Shikamaru's eye twitched at Kiba's comment as Choji spoke up, "But none of you get to decide who the leader here is because Shikamaru is the only one of us that is a chunin. That means the elders of the village clearly believe he's got what it takes to call the shots on this one."

Neji turned to Shikamaru, understanding the time sensitivity of the mission, "If that's the case, then perhaps you should start coming up with some sort of a plan." Neji paused, "We don't know where Kanoko's going, or if she's meeting up with anyone. …And it would be irresponsible to assume that this has nothing to do with the Village Hidden in the Waterfall mobilizing near our border."

Shikamaru eyed Neji while thinking of his grandfather's story concerning the Cloud village, "This all could be involved in something bigger and we have no intel on the situation."

Shikamaru shoved his hands in his vest pockets and turned towards the group, "Well, for starters, we don't even know if the person matching Kanoko's description is even her. She was assigned to patrol duty for the day and her team never reported her absence. It's entirely possible that we are walking into a trap, laid by the enemy."

Shikamaru paused before continuing, "I'm hoping that we find Kanoko casually completing her patrol duty, but it's possible that this really is a pursuit and capture mission, which means the enemy, or Kanoko, is already at an advantage." His tone getting firmer, he continued, "That said, I'm arranging us in a deployment formation that can respond to any assault by the enemy. If any of you don't follow my exact orders… We're all going to die."

Kiba gulped while the rest held serious composures.

"Ok, we are going to be in a "t" formation. As we all know, the most important position is the spear head." Shikamaru started before looking to Kiba, "Kiba. That's going to be you."

Kiba stared shocked at Shikamaru as he spoke, "You're the most familiar with the forest area surrounding the Leaf village and with that sensitive nose of yours, you'll be able to track Kanoko's scent while sniffing out any booby traps she may have left for us."

Shikamaru looked to Sasuke and Lee, "Second in line is going to be yours truly, platoon leader. From that position, I'll be able to communicate with the rest of the team through silent hand signals. On either side of me will be Sasuke and Lee."

Sasuke and Lee looked towards Shikamaru as he continued, "The two of you are the fastest when it comes to reflexes and overall speed. You're the first line of protection against enemies by reacting quickly and defending the formation."

Both of them nodded, understanding their roles.

Shikamaru looked to Naruto, he stared again, "In the middle, behind me, will be Naruto. The middle of the line is the perfect location for you because of your Multi Shadow Clone jutsu. From there, you can help either the front or back with numbers if we are attacked. You're the cornerstone."

Shikamaru smirked at his best friend and teammate, "Behind Naruto is Choji. Choji, you might not have any speed, but your striking power is the greatest of the platoon members. A combination of Sasuke, Lee, Kiba, Naruto and I will launch a surprise attack – then you will swoop in and finish them off."

Looking over at Neji, Shikamaru continued, "Last is Neji, on the end. Your position is most difficult: Rear lookout. I want you to use your Byakugan to constantly scan ahead for weakness in our ranks."

Shikamaru leaned back slightly with his hands in his vest pockets, "Got it?"

Sakura raised her hand, "Wait! You didn't give me an assignment!"

Everyone was silent, leaving Shikamaru to explain why he left her out. Scratching the back of his head, Shikamaru sighed, "Look… It's not that I have any against you or anything, but… As I said before, we don't exactly know what we're getting into."

Sakura nodded with a determined look, "Yeah. I heard you the first time. I'm not an idiot, I understand the risks and what is at stake."

Shikamaru sighed louder, "We're going to be moving quickly and hitting hard."

Naruto cut in, giving Sakura a nervous smile, "You're great Sakura-chan, but… Uhh…"

"But what?" Sakura asked with an angry look and her arms crossed.

"You'll slow us down." Came the blunt answer from Hyuuga Neji.

Sakura's head jerked towards Shikamaru, who shrugged, agreeing with Neji. Sakura's eyes widened before she turned back to Naruto, "What about… Team 7 together, watching each other's backs – always…"

Naruto nodded, exclaiming, "We do have each other's backs! Always! That's why we're going after Kanoko!"

Sakura gave him a sad look, "But you don't think I can help… Help save my own teammate!" Her fists tightened as she shook slightly. When no one told her otherwise, she turned and started walking away, feeling like crying.

Kanoko took a deep breath and said, "It doesn't matter what you do, you may live and die as you like. However, no matter what road you end up taking, remember to protect the people that are precious to you."

Sakura stopped, hearing Kanoko's words in her head from when they first made genin and became teammates. Turning around, Sakura stomped over with a scowl and grabbed Shikamaru by the collar.

His eyes went wide as he was jerked forward and met with burning green eyes. Snarling Sakura yelled, "You may be her brother, but you're not the only willing to do whatever it takes to save Kanoko! Kanoko is my teammate, my friend, and in many ways, a mentor to me! If you think for one second that I'm not going to fight harder than any of you boys when it comes to protecting those important to me, I'll show you how wrong you are by introducing my fist to your face!"

Naruto went pale behind Sakura and shook his head aggressively at Shikamaru, "You don't want that, trust me! Take my word for it!"

Lee, on the other hand, had hearts in his eyes before shouting with a flame burning behind him, "The burning fire of youth! Sakura, as radiant as always, you burn so brightly with passion and commitment!" Tears started flowing from his eyes, "You represent such a spectacular example! I will put my heart and soul into this mission to attempt to reach your level of compassion and loyalty!"

Shikamaru's eye twitched, but sweat-dropped nervously when Sakura's burning eyes did not leave his face. Sighing loudly, he mumbled, "We've wasted too much time already…" Suddenly, he looked at Sakura coldly, "I don't have the luxury to sit here at tell you exactly why you're not suited for this mission, so I'm going to let you join – positioned behind Choji."

Dusting himself off after pushing Sakura off, he looked down at her with dangerous look, "But if your actions cost me my sister…" He turned to Naruto and thought, "You better hope Naruto is still alive to save you."

Sakura nodded, "Kanoko's saved us time and time again. It's time we return the favor."

Sasuke rubbed the back of his neck, thinking about the mark from Orochimaru. Kiba looked at Sasuke with concerned eyes. Lee looked at Sakura while also thinking about his match with Kanoko. Neji thought about the conversation between him and Kanoko before his match with Naruto. Choji simply looked at Shikamaru with a determined nod.

Sakura and Naruto looked at one another. The mission in the Land of Waves, the Chunin Exams, the assault on Suna, and recently, the mission to bring Tsunade back to the village – Kanoko was constantly helping them.

It was time to return the favor.

Shikamaru closed his eyes before opening them up sluggishly with a smirk, "I couldn't agree more." He turned towards the group, "I know Kanoko has never been all that well liked growing up, and that's a flaw of hers she's carried from birth. I never thought I see another side to her…" He looked at Naruto and Sakura, "…Until she joined Team 7."

Smirking to himself, Shikamaru continued, "But there is one thing, despite her social flaws, that she has ingrained in each and every one of us: Something she calls the Will of Fire. To put your life on your line for a comrade, for our village, for those important to you – it's the way of our village."

Shikamaru turned serious again, "I know I usually seem like a pretty lazy guy… But not today. Because now I'm responsible for your lives too."

Kiba was the first to speak with a smirk, "Wow. I never thought I'd see Shikamaru acting like a chunin." Choji and Sakura grinned at Shikamaru while Sasuke and Naruto smirked.

Turning around towards the woods, Shikamaru called to the group, "Let's move out!"

And just like that, all eight Leaf ninja raced off into the Land of Fire, searching for their friend and comrade – with no idea the trials ahead of them.

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Torune walked carefully through the hospital, attempting to go unnoticed. With grace and swiftness, he passed a group of nurses and slid through the door to a hospital room.

Once inside, Torune took a look at the room's inhabitants. On the bed with a bandage around his head was Nara Shikaku. The clan head was humming at the Sudoku book in front of him, making small marks in it every few seconds.

Looking up to see Torune enter his room, Shikaku smirked, "Come to offer apologies on behalf of the Hokage?" Chuckling to himself, Shikaku continued, "From what Shizune was telling me as she patched me up, the Hokage was mortified at herself after throwing me through a wall, the way she did." Shikaku shook his head, "You would think after all this time, she would know her own strength."

Torune shook his head lightly.

Shikaku raised an eyebrow, "No? Well, what can I do for you then?" Smirking, he continued, "I doubt you came here just to view my ugly mug."

Exhaling, Torune schooled his features, "Nara Kanoko, or someone matching her description, has taken actions the village elders believe to be acts of treason."

Slowly, Shikaku put down his book and his face turned serious, "What acts?"

"Stealing from the archives, attempting to breach the vault of kinjutsu, numerous thefts of valuable objects throughout the village… Just to name a few." Torune explained calmly.

Shikaku's eyes turned cold, "And they honestly believe a twelve year old chunin did all of this?"

Torune nodded, "…Is it truly that big of a stretch? Naruto stole the scroll of forbidden jutsus before graduating the academy and Mizuki was only a chunin when he betrayed the village." Torune paused to before speaking lightly, "And then there's Uchiha Itachi…"

Shikaku slammed a hand down on the stand next to the bed as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. Standing up tall, he narrowed his eyes at Torune and gruffly told him, "My daughter would never betray the Leaf village. Anyone who believes differently is a fool."

Torune nodded, flinching slightly at Shikaku's thick aura flooding the room, "…I have not known Kanoko long, but…" Torune thought back to his mission to kill Jiraiya, "…She would willingly offer her life for a comrade." He turned to Shikaku with confidence, "… And I have learned through experience that things are not always as they seem. Whether it was her that committed the acts in question or not, I believe she is in danger and I wish to help her." Torune got quitter, "…If only to repay her for saving my brother."

Shikaku was silent as he analyzed the shinobi before him. After a few moments, Shikaku exhaled calmly, "How long ago was this report made to the Hokage?"

"Approximately forty-five minutes ago." Torune looked down, ashamed, "I apologize for not contacting you sooner. I was unable to get away any earlier."

Shikaku nodded before grabbing his bag of clothes, "Thank you for informing me when no one else would. I will let you know if I require anything of you."

Torune nodded before disappearing out of the room.

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Akamaru whined lowly as they jumped through the trees. Shikamaru turned his head to Kiba, "What is it?"

Kiba's eyes were glued ahead while he answered solemnly, "Blood. And lots of it."

Sasuke's eyes shifted to Shikamaru as the chunin took a moment to think before speaking, "…Can you tell us anything else?"

Kiba nodded to his platoon leader, "Smoke from an explosion, but it's pretty faint."

Naruto called to Shikamaru, "Kanoko has that seal-thing, where she blows things up."

Shikamaru nodded, "…I haven't felt anything… I can only hope that is a good thing..."

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It was early in the morning. The sun was peaking over the mountains and the air had a chill to it. A light fog had rolled in, but was clearing with the bright rays of the sun.

Tobirama moved carefully through the forest. The grass was frozen from the chill of the air and crackled lightly under his small feet. Stopping, Tobirama looked up at the trees, scanning the area carefully. Even at his young age of seven, his sensing abilities were great – something even his father praised him for.

He looked ahead again and started moving slowly.

*crack*

Tobirama's head whipped around, just in time to see a shadow dance out of sight. Quickly, he followed the shadow – keeping a good distance in case he was being lead into a trap.

"Gyah!" A voice shouted, before sounds of tumbling followed.

Tobirama tensed, taking another route around before approaching the whimpering being. Below him, on the ground, struggling to get out of a wire trap left by an unknown shinobi, was a small girl – barely older than himself.

He gave her a dull look as he tilted his head, trying to identify her. Tobirama couldn't place her face, meaning he had never faced her in battle, but there were noticeable features about her that gave her identity away.

"For an Uzumaki… You're not very smart." Tobirama taunted her with an emotionless voice.

The girl stopped struggling for a moment before reaching a hand out aggressively and yelling, "WHY YOU! I'LL SHOW YOU!" She struggled even more against her restraints, her red hair whipping around in fury, "ONCE I GET OUT OF HERE…!"

Tobirama watched with a bland expression as she pulled against the wire, cutting into her skin and causing her to bleed. Tobirama raised an eyebrow. She wasn't even twitching at the pain – as if her determination was stronger than any suffering she was going through.

Tobirama looked away from the red head and towards his destination. The Uzumaki was still cussing storm at him and he was slightly looking forward to leaving her here to rot. She wasn't family and her clan was barely an ally. He owed her nothing and he wasn't one to collect favors.

With that in mind, he took off, ignoring her struggled cries and whimpers.

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Kanoko slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry as she spat up dirt. Coughing quietly, she looked around.

Kanoko eyed the leader, Darui, as he made his way to the two blonde males, "C, how's Atsui?"

C stood slowly, pulling Atsui to his feet – who was grinning at Darui. Atsui saluted his leader with a large grin, "I'm all good to go – hot and ready for anything the Leaf throw at us!"

C shook his head, giving Atsui a hard look, "I may have healed your wound, but you are weak from the blood loss and the chakra use. I know you won't listen to me, but I'm going to say it anyways in the hopes some of your sister's intelligence will rub off on you: Don't act recklessly!"

Samui sighed, walking up next to her brother, "What am I going to do with you Atsui?"

Her brother grinned widely at her, pushing off from C and standing on his own.

Darui turned from his team and walked over to Kanoko, who could do nothing but move her eyes to glare at him. Sighing, he scratched the back of his head with dull eyes focused on Kanoko, "...We need to move…"

The group looked over to their leader and nodded. C quickly came over and picked up Kanoko, throwing her over his shoulder.

"Great. Just great. Now I get to stare at this guy's ass while I come up with a plan of escape…" Kanoko thought.

After getting her situated, C turned to Darui before stilling suddenly.

"What is it?" Darui asked calmly, looking indifferent, but worry quickly building underneath.

C's head jerked up, "We need to move! There's a group of eight approaching!"

The group took off without another word, jumping quickly from tree to tree. As they weaved rapidly through the trees, Samui turned to C with a serious look, "I thought you said we would have more time!"

C hissed slightly, about to reply when Darui cut in, "C, can you tell us anything about the group stalking us?"

Pausing for a moment, C nodded, "…Most of them don't have powerful chakra signature and only one is doing an impressive job at concealing their chakra."

"Genin?" Atsui asked, "Ha! We should just turn around and attack them! A bunch of genin are no match for us!" He finished by swinging out his sword – preparing for battle.

Darui looked ahead while thinking about Atsui's statement, "If they are genin… It would be to our benefit to eliminate them now… If they continue to hold their pace with us, the risk of getting caught by other Leaf shinobi in the area increases."

C interrupted Darui's thoughts, "If we stop now, we risk hunter nin or other shinobi sent by the Leaf village to catch us."

Darui nodded slowly, understanding his teammate. Closing his eyes, Darui stopped on a branch. The team turned back towards him with a questionable look. He raised his sluggish eyes and said, "Continue to the checkpoint. I will stay behind to deal with the genin."

Atsui whined loudly, "But I wanted to take out the little Leaf nin…"

Samui nodded, "You are the team leader, Darui. One of us should stay behind instead."

Darui shrugged, "I'm the best fighter against a large group of ninjas. Atsui's the next best option, but he's still weak from the Nara's explosion earlier." Darui turned and stuck his hands in his pockets, "Don't be so dramatic… I'll be fine… Honestly, the fight will likely be dull…"

C stood still, giving his friend a hard look before exhaling and closing his eyes. Opening back up, he nodded before turning to his two teammates, "Come on. We can't doddle here." And with that, he jumped away.

Atsui pouted, but followed C anyways, leaving Samui to stare at Darui's back. She stayed for a moment before speaking, "Before… I agreed with you to appease C and his blind loyalty, but I do not understand. How is this anything different from the disaster with the Hyuuga Clan? How can we follow orders that will lead our people to war with the Leaf?"

Darui sighed heavily, turning his head slightly to Samui, he gave her an eyes half lidded look, "We won't go to war… C said–"

"I know what C said." Samui interrupted him, "But the Leaf isn't like the Stone – they aren't idiots. Whether they believe the Nara betrayed her village or not… This close to the Hyuuga incident… They will suspect foul play – and you know there are those among the Leaf that would love nothing more than another war."

Darui wouldn't look Samui in the eye for a few moments. After a long bout of silence, he turned to face her, "…We are already in too deep to stop now."

Samui frowned, shaking her head in disgust, "That's a really poor excuse – something I believed better of you." Arms at her sides, she turned her cold gaze to her leader, "…But I will follow through in this mission – if nothing else, then for my brother's sake."

Darui nodded slightly in understanding before turning back around, waiting for the approaching force.

Before she left, Samui spoke quietly one last thing, "…Your mother would cry to see the man you've become."

Darui turned to respond, caught off guard by Samui's words, but when he turned, all he saw was the fluttering of leaves as they traveled to the ground.

"Promise me… Promise me that you won't let it happen… Won't let what happen to me… Happen to another…"

Darui froze, hearing her words replay in his head.

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"What is a Cloud ninja doing in the Land of Fire, so close to the Leaf's village?" A voice spoke calmly behind him.

Darui shook his head, pulling himself from his thoughts before letting out a long and heavy breath of air. Slowly, Darui turned towards the young ninja with a bored look.

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Small black eyes met equally dark eyes.

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Author's Note:

Sorry for not updating last week! My family has the horrible habit of just showing up unannounced during the holidays… That and it's started to snow where I live and my computer is located in the part of my home that the heat is broken…

My fingers are currently threatening to snap from the sheer cold…

Anyways…

Thank you all very much for your wonderful reviews! I was really surprised at the all the different types of reviews and was very excited to continue writing! This is just the beginning of Kanoko's/Tobirama's adventures, so please continue to let me know what you think about each chapter and where you see things going! All ideas are welcome!

Last I wanted to say, "THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE 500+ FOLLOWERS! AND 400+ FAVS!"

Thank you so much! All of you reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting Second Time's the Charm… youall are the reason why I continue to write with the best intentions of making this story enjoyable, but believable – to the best of my abilities.

I will be purchasing a heater after posting this chapter and then I will start on the next, so tell me how I did here and give me your thoughts!

Thank you all very much! :D