Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
Can our inner demons love
Chapter Fifty-Two
The Avenger, the Psycho, and the Clueless
…
The forest of death was full of monsters this morning, so much so that every lion and tiger, and bear along with the giant snakes were running for their lives. Soon the overly large bugs came running down the paths all running for some safety as the monsters destroyed everything in their path.
"Dam Sakura, calm down.", screamed out Naruto as the little pinked haired terror uprooted a large tree and threw it at him all the while screaming, "I am going to kill you Naruto"
Making a hundred clones Naruto sent them all to their fate as he ran for his life. Jumping over a falling tree he came face to face with Sasuke with his sword held high taking a swing at him. Dropping below the blade Naruto kicked Sasuke in the gut sending him flying into the underbrush as he ran deeper into the woods. Hearing Sasuke following him Naruto looked over his shoulder to see just how close the average of the left was when he heard.
"Got you,", said Kakashi as he slammed Naruto to the ground with a simple hip throw, soon to be joined by Sakura who landed on his chest and started to slap his cheeks with her leather-covered hands. Seeing Sasuke and soon feeling his sword pressed up against his groan Naruto said. "OK OK, I give up you guys got me."
Jumping to her feet Sakura said, "Now it's my turn to be IT, come on guys, try hard now.", she said pulling her skirt up to show off her pink panties as she ran laughing up into the trees breaking off branches as she went to throw down at them. Kakashi looked to his two male teammates and said, "Go get her", watching the two younger men chase after Sakura, with Naruto using wind blades to cut down the trees she was hiding behind and Sasuke going high to use his trademark fire ball jutsu Kakashi stood and watched the mayhem thinking, "I am getting too old for this.' As they continued to play ninja tag Jonin style.
Later that day as team seven sat on the edge of a slow-moving river, Sakura was healing Sasuke's broken arm as a shirtless Naruto tried his best to wash the blood out of his favorite shirt.
"Next time you cut Naruto with that sword of yours Sasuke I will pull your arm off and beat you with it. You're lucky I only broke it this time", said Sakura as she finished healing Sasuke's arm. Getting a grunt out of the Uchiha was the most she was going to hear out of him.
Walking over to check on Naruto she could see the long cut across his back had already healed and was only a faint pink line. Now that she checked on her boys Sakura took a look at the large burn running across her side, the fireball had taken most of her battle dress with it when it hit her, it was only her quick thinking of jumping into the river that saved her from fighting half naked.
It was quick work for her to heal herself and seeing Naruto and Sasuke had their heads together sharing some private joke she was sure was about her, she wandered over to Kakashi Sensei to see how he was doing. The Jonin was spread eagle on the grass next to the river, he didn't have a mark on him but it was clear he was near chakra exhaustion.
"How you doing Sensei,", said Sakura standing over the Jonin.
"You three are going to be the death of me, I am getting too old for this.", said Kakashi opening one eye to look up at his one-time student.
Squatting down next to him Sakura didn't care she was giving him a show of pink panties as she said, "Come on Sensei, you're only 28, get up and join us." Pulling him to his feet they walked over to the guys sitting at the edge of the river.
"That was some great training today, don't you think Sasuke,", said Naruto as he slapped Sasuke on the back almost knocking him into the river. "Next time don't hold back.", said Sasuke as he tried to push Naruto into the river but finding the blonde was harder to move than he thought he gave up.
As Kakashi and Sakura sat down next to them they all enjoyed a moment of quiet while watching some burning trees float by on the river and the body of a very large snake that wasn't quick enough to get out of the way. The cries of hundreds of birds feeding off the dead fish that had floated downstream from Sasuke's lightning jutsu he tried to hit Sakura with could be heard in the distance. All in all, it had been a good day for team seven.
"You know what would make this a perfect day,", said Naruto looking at his team, "Let's all go down to Ichiraku and get Ramen!"
They all groaned aloud at the thought of Ramen after everything they had just been through. Just as Sasuke was going to say he would rather eat that snake in the river a Kunoichi landed in one of the still standing trees above them and said.
"Team Kakashi, the Hokage wants to see you in her office Immediately.", she yelled out and then ran away as fast as she could before getting involved in crazy team seven.
Giving up on his ruined shirt, Naruto put on his jacket Sakura had pulled off him at one point and started walking to the Hokage tower with his team following close behind heading out of the forest of death.
"What do you think she wants.", said Sasuke as he jumped shoulder to shoulder with Kakashi letting Naruto and Sakura pull ahead.
"Whatever it is, it must be important, Lady Tsunade is usually too drunk to care this late in the day.", said Kakashi reaching for his little orange book and then remembering it was ruined when he had to dive into the river to pull Sakura out when she was on fire. His cute little team of killers tried harder to kill each other than they did any enemy they had to face together. The joys of working with teenagers.
….
Tsunade looked one more time at the scroll before finishing the emergency detox drink she had made for herself. As soon as the glass was empty her head was clear and her eyes were focused, now cold sober she took her time re-reading the scroll from Sunagakure. The Akatsuki had attached the sand village and made off with their Kage while leaving behind dozens of dead and wounded. With their forces spread wide searching to the south and east and the remainder protecting the village as the great wall was being rebuilt they had asked for help in searching for and ultimately returning Gaara alive.
"What are you thinking?", said Jiraiya reading the scroll over the Hokage's shoulder
"With your intel on the base locations of the Akatsuki, I think we need to send six teams, two each to the three locations to the north and east of the sand village. If we are lucky we can intercept them before they kill Gaara.", said Tsunade laying the scroll out on her desk and letting it roll itself back up as she waited for the next set of shinobi to arrive.
Having already sent four teams out to cover the northern routes there was only the one know base near the River Country capital still to be covered. She knew Naruto had spent most of a month wandering around that area with Tayuya, so his would be the best team for the job, he only needed some trackers to help.
Looking to the door as she hears a knock and sees team eight walking into her office and standing in line giving her a proper bow before standing at attention. Even the dog Akamaru was quite feeling the tension in the room. The word that the Hokage was sending teams out on S-rank missions had reached them right before the call came for them to appear before the Hokage. This would be their first S-rank and they all shared the same thought, the hope it wasn't going to be their last mission.
Steepling her fingers in front of her, Tsunade stared at the team in front of her. They always looked so young she thought but team eight was the best trackers she had in the village right now with so many of her forces out of the village on missions. The business of a hidden village didn't, no couldn't stop for any reason even a Kage being kidnapped.
With a loud crash and a couple of swear words being heard team seven burst into the room through the window at the end of the Hokage's office. "Damit Naruto I told you the window would be locked," said Sakura as she hit Naruto on the arm one more time for good measure. Seeing team eight standing in line they wandered over and joined them in front of the Hokage's desk.
"Hi Granny, what did you need us for.", said Naruto with one of his smiles and giving a small wave. Everyone could see his bare chest and wet hair as he hadn't bothered to close his jacket. Scanning over team seven, each of them looked like they just got out of a fight, a fight they hadn't won by the look of them. Each of them had signs of burns and cuts with blood stains all over their clothes. Even Sakura was missing half her dress showing off her tight stomach with well-defined abs. It was clear this team was the front-line combat team and team eight was for working in the shadows.
"Get in line and shut your mouth, I don't want to repeat myself.", said the Hokage pointing to the front of her desk. Jiraiya had faded back into the shadows and only Kakashi had noticed him when he entered the office.
Standing up, Tsunade picked up the scroll she had been reading and waved it in all their faces she said, "The Kage of the sand village has been kidnapped by the Akatsuki, they have requested we send teams to help find and rescue Gaara. You will be heading to Tani, while the other teams search more to the north of wind country. This is an S-rank no fail mission, you will find the Kage and return him to his village or you will not return at all, Do you understand me."
The shock of a do-or-die mission stopped all of them from even breathing hard. Kakashi was the only one that didn't seem fazed by the mission orders as he had been on this type of mission when he was only nine.
"We will not fail Hokage.", said Kakashi breaking the spell of silence as he took the scroll from her hand and gave her a small salute.
Giving him a small nod Tsunade said, "Go get your mission bags and get cleaned up. The mission starts now."
"Let's head to the main gate, my clones will be meeting us there with all of our supplies.", said Naruto, now he knew why Kakashi had him send his clones to all their homes as soon as they entered the village, he said something about having been down this road before.
With that said, team seven jumped back out the window as team eight still a little freaked out at the mission orders used the office door to head out of the Hokage's tower. "You think they will be able to do it?", ask Jiraiya walking out of the shadows. "If anyone can it would be Naruto and you know it.", said Tsunade, "So when you heading out to meet with A about the alliance treaty?"
Walking over to the window and looking out over the village Jiraiya paused to think for a moment before saying, "I will be leaving today, after the Akatsuki captured the two tails and then went after his bother A seems to have changed his mind, and wants to work together to put an end to the Akatsuki and their grand plan to bringing peace to the world.", said Jiraiya. Tsunade joined him at the window looking out at the peaceful village full of happy people without a care in the world, not knowing that a war was on the horizon. "lets hope we can put a quick end to this, I don't want to be the Hokage that starts another world war." said Tsunade putting her hand on Jiraiya's shoulder for a little support before returning to the true enemy that is paperwork.
…..
Standing at the gate, Karin and Tayuya had followed Naruto's clones to see what was going on as the clone had no idea having been created before the meeting with the Hokage. Karin was checking on Naruto by pulling off his jacket and inspecting him for any damage while Tayuya watched. Seeing he was fine Tayuya helped him find a shirt in his travel bag as Karin went over to talk to Sakura.
"What happen to you?", said Karin seeing Sakura's dress was half missing and looked burned around the edges. "Sasuke", was all she said getting a nod of understanding from the redhead. "Come on I will help you get changed,", said Karin pulling Sakura into the guard's office, after kicking out the two card playing Chunin's she closed the windows to give Sakura some privacy to change into her new battle dress.
Knowing something was going on Sakura pulled off her dress and standing in just a pair of pink panties said, "So what did you want to talk to me about? I know you're not just helping me out of the kindness of your heart."
Waiting for Sakura to pull the dress over her head Karin didn't see what Naruto saw in the slim pink-haired girl standing in front of her, ya she was cute but besides that tight little ass, she was all muscle and anger.
Now fully clothed and strapping on her weapon pouch Sakura said, "Ok, what is it.", sounding a little pissed and worried at the same time. "Tayuya asked me to tell you that if Naruto needs any help dealing with 'it' its Ok if you do it with him"
Looking up at Karin, Sakura had a strange look on her face as Inner and her had a moment together before saying, "So what I am hearing is you said I can have sex with your husband. Just to be really clear on this."
"Yes but only if he wants it, you can't just go crawling into his tent. If Tayuya learns you did that she will lose it.", "So what about you, what you going to do about it.", said Sakura
With a giant smile on her face, Karin said, "You have no idea what Orochimaru taught me over the last 5 years, so don't push it." With that Karin turned her back on Sakura and walked out into the sunlight to give Naruto his goodbye kiss for everyone to see.
While Karin had her 'talk' with Sakura, Tayuya had pulled the Hyuga heiress off to the side so she could have a little private talk with her. "What do you need Uzumaki-san.", said Hinata always the polite well-trained girl until she didn't have to be.
"Don't give me that shit, I know you now.", said Tayuya, taking a look around and seeing they weren't being watched she continued. "I know you have a thing for Naruto and it's OK as I read your clan laws and know you can't do anything about it but I do need you to do something for me."
With that Tayuya reached into her shirt and pulled the necklace she was wearing up over her head until it was free of her hair. Holding it out Hinata could see that there was a large pendant on the gold chain with a complex Uzumaki seal carved into its face.
Reaching up Tayuya put the chain over Hinata's head and said, "This is the Uzumaki seal of protecting, it will put a barrier shield around you when active." Holding up the gold disk Hinata could see both sides were covered in a pattern that followed the swirl of the Uzumaki.
"Thank you for the gift but I don't need this.", said Hinata as she started to remove it from around her neck, Tayuya grabbed the girl's hands and stopped her, and said, "It's not yours to take, its for Naruto. You are his shield, I expect you to place yourself between him and any asshole that tried to kill him. I know he will not let you do it so don't tell him but I have a bad feeling about this mission and I know how you feel about him and you will do it even if I didn't ask."
Thinking about it for a second Hinata dropped the pendant into her shirt and pulled her hair free of the chain so it was fully hidden. Dropping her act of the cold Hyuga Hinata said, "I will protect Naruto-kun with my life."
"I know you will but I expect to get that necklace back so don't die out there,", said Tayuya before joining Karin to give her husband one last kiss goodbye.
Now that everyone was ready Kakashi said, "Ok teams, we will be going full speed until we reach the great sand sea so everyone takes your energy pills now as we are not stopping."
With both teams leaving the village at top speed the two Uzumaki wife's started walking back into the village proper both deep in their own thoughts about what will happen in the coming days. Running up to them Ino stopped them in the street and looked over their shoulders and said, "Dam did I miss them already."
"They just left,", said Karin as she looked at Ino's worried face.
Tayuya not wanting to waste her time dealing with Ino and her drama said, "You're fucking late again." With that said she pushed Ino out of the way and continued down the street.
"What's up with her.", said Ino to Karin as she watched Tayuya disappear around a corner.
Looking Ino in the eye Karin said, "Naruto been sent on a do or die S-rank mission, Tayuya's more than a little worried."
"What!,", yelled Ino thinking about her Sakura
"Come to the compound and we can have some dinner and talk about it.", said Karin heading back down the same street Tayuya had disappeared down, giving the gate one last look Ino turned to follow Karen.
…
Even after a long day of training team, seven was outpacing the other team that had been resting all day. As they were running at a breakneck speed through the great trees that make up most of Fire Country Kakashi had summoned his dogs to lead the way as they could see clearly in the dark. It was only after hours of traveling at full speed did the trees start to give way to more open land as they approached the sand sea.
What had taken Naruto days to cross was done overnight as they all started using the energy pills to boost their chakra levels. It was only Naruto that didn't need the help of the little blue pills that Sakura kept telling everyone that would listen would burn out their chakra coils if they continued to use them for more than two days.
As the sun burned the sky red as it came out of its long night's rest Kurenai Sensei called for a stop to the madness so she could check on her team. Seeing them all on the verge of collapse Kakashi agreed. "Naruto, go climb that hill and see if you can spot where we are.", said Kakashi pulling out his water bottle and drinking it dry, using a water jutsu to refill it he watched Naruto start to climb the hill they had stopped at the base of to rest. Sakura not wanting to be left alone with Sasuke got off the ground where she had landed and followed Naruto.
Now standing at the top of the ridge Naruto and soon Sakura could see a wide slow moving river down in the floodplains below. Pointing to the river Naruto said, "Last time I was here there was a storm and that river was crazy. We almost died getting washed away."
Giving out a grunt Sakura looked at the river, having heard that story of Naruto and Tayuya's grand adventure from both of them she didn't really care anymore. "I thought it was the black river you fell into, that looks like the Takumi river, see you almost see the sea of sand over there.", said Sakura
Rubbing the back of his head Naruto looked and looked before turning to Sakura, "I think your right, Wow we must have crossed the black river and didn't even notice it." Looking at the orange clown she called a friend and sometimes lover Sakura said, "Oh I noticed it, remember Kiba fell in when Akamaru stopped at the edge."
Shaking his head Naruto remembered having his clones pull Kiba out of some water but he hadn't slowed down himself so it was all a blur to him. Now with time to rest and think he realized he doesn't remember most of the night as he had dozens of clones traveling with them and helping the others as they faltered. He did remember carrying Hinata on his back or at least a clone back for an hour or maybe two before she jumped off his back. The memory of her pressed against him as he ran was hard to forget.
Thinking about Hinata and her large assets Naruto didn't notice at first that Sakura had moved next to him and was pressed up against his side. Looking down at her she smiled up at him and said, "You know Karin said it was OK if you need to, you know sleep with me on this mission." He expected her to turn a little red or at least blush a little but she had gotten past that part of their strange relationship long ago, at least Inner had as Sakura was sleeping in the back of their shared mind at the moment.
Stepping back so she was at arm's length he said, "Tayuya told me it was Ok with her but I am still a little mad at you for what you did in the hospital."
"Oh come on, I said I was sorry for hitting you.", said Inner putting her hands on her hips and leaning forward as if she was talking to a child. Naruto knew immediately who he was dealing with and wasn't going to hold back anymore.
"It's not the hitting I am mad about, you raped me!", he said trying to keep his voice down but was getting more and more upset with her for not even acknowledging what happened.
"Are you kidding me, you can't rape the willing and boy were you willing.", Inner said with that crazy smile she had when Inner had taken control.
"Dam you Inner, how can you say that, you used some crazy chakra on me. I didn't have any control and you know it.", said Naruto getting louder and louder.
She walked up to Naruto and ran her hands up his chest and tried to pull him down into a kiss, he grabbed her hands and pulled them down to her side and said, "Come on, don't do that." feeling her chakra enter his body once again as he stepped back.
"I said don't do that.", said Naruto for the first time really getting mad at his first love, even when she was not herself those old feelings were hard to forget. With the fox screaming in his head to bend her over and take her and he still didn't want to betray his wives even when they tell him he can do as the fox wished.
"Naruto, come on don't act like that. I need you, you need me, you know I can take care of you.", said Inner coming at him again with her arms open but to his ears, it didn't sound like her, she sounded desperate and needy.
Not knowing what to do he remembered something Ino told him, Inner Sakura would take control when Sakura was tired and suppress Sakura so that she wasn't even aware of what was going on.
With that in mind he slapped her hard enough to turn her head, "Dam it Sakura wake up, I'm done dealing with this crazy bitch." Sakura paused and looked shocked for a second before putting both hands to her face. It was strange watching someone have a fight within themselves as Sakura woke up and started to take control back.
"Oh my god, Naruto!, I am so sorry, I was so tired I lost control, Inner was not going to take no for an answer.". said Sakura pulling back and looking at her own hands like they were someone else's connected to her body. She made a couple of quick hand signs to break the jutsu Inner had started that would have pulled the fox to the forefront.
When Kakashi heard the slap he looked up and saw Naruto at the top of the hill with Sakura he knew something was up just by the way Naruto was standing in a combat stance looking at Sakura.
Using a body flicker Kakashi was standing between the two teens before they even noticed he was there, "Yoh!", said Kakashi as he looked from one to the other to make sure someone doesn't do anything too stupid.
"You two OK up here?", he asked.
Sakura looked from her hands to Kakashi and then back again saying, "Sorry Sensei, I lost control and Naruto had to wake me up. It won't happen again, I promise.", said Sakura and with a quick almost shy look at Naruto, she jumped down the hill to find the others. She figured she could at least be useful and check on their health before they continued their mad dash.
Facing Naruto Kakashi looked at the boy who would be Hokage and then to the distant sand sea he could see on the other side of the river. "Do you feel anything, the Hokage said your fox friend may help us find Gaara in that endless sea of sand over there.", said Kakashi
Naruto took a deep breath closed his eyes for a second and then looked out over the vast nothingness that was the sand sea without looking at Kakashi said, "Ya, the fox is pissed he didn't get to play with his toy but he said he can feel the Shukaku over there somewhere, can't tell how far but Gaara is in that direction,", said Naruto pointing into the distance.
Now looking sideways at Kakashi Naruto said in a low voice, "I don't know what to do sensei, I really do like Sakura but that that Inner of hers is crazy, the fox, he thinks the Inner is his play toy. I don't want to let the fox use her like that, it's not fair.", turning to face his first Sensei Naruto continued, "On top of that I am married now and I'm going to be a father. I can't just, you know, do it with Sakura just because I am out of the village."
Kakashi pulled out his little orange book and used it to hit Naruto on the top of the head before opening it up to a random page. "A man lives but a short life, while a woman carries the future within her.", closing the book Kakashi put it back in his vest pocket.
"Jiraiya is a super pervert but he wrote some very wise words you should read them sometimes.", with that Kakashi took his time walking down the hill, and Naruto unsure what to do next followed wondering what else was in that little orange book.
Reaching the others that had formed a circle around a small campfire, Kurenai was making sure everyone got in at least one good meal before they crossed into the sand sea. The thought that this might be the last meal for some or even all of them was on the mind of team eight. With a grunt, Sasuke got Naruto's attention and handed him some food he had put aside for his only friend.
Seeing Sakura eating off to the side alone he sat next to Sasuke and started eating without tasting anything. "Next time you hit her in the face make sure you have a Rasengan in your hand. It may improve her looks.", said Sasuke, Naruto looked up at his friend and smiled, it was rare that Sasuke made a joke but it did help lighten the mood.
"Do you think they are ready?", asked Kakashi as he stood next to Kurenai looking over the assembled teams as they finished their meals and started to pack everything away.
"I have trained my team to work as one, they are a team I can trust to do what needs to be done,", said Kurenai turning to Kakashi, "Can you say the same, Kakashi Sanpei?" The sarcasm in her voice didn't go unnoticed as Kakashi put his little orange book back into his vest pocket. He knew that the very sight of it put Kurenai on edge.
"Now now Kurenai, mocking my training methods again are we," said Kakashi not bothering to even look at the Jonin Sensei at his side. "Team seven may be unconventional but when it comes time to fight there is no better team to have at your side."
As the two Jonin locked eyes waiting for one or the other to say something to break the tension between them they both heard a loud scream of a messenger hawk overhead. Looking up Kurenai broke eye contact with Kakashi and held out her arm as the hawk drove down at them.
Removing the small scroll from the hawk's leg she said, "It's a message from lord Jiraiya saying that the Akatsuki base is located to the southeast past the Capital River on the shores of the Kawa Pass sea and that two more Akatsuki members are waiting there."
"I guess we should get moving then, Naruto said he could feel the one tail in that direction. I think it's time for team eight to take the lead. After all, you have been bragging for months now that they are the best trackers in the village.", said Kakashi, not waiting for any response he walked back to join the teams as the hawk jumped back into the sky and flew back the village.
Kurenai entered the center of the two teams and dropping to one knee pulled out a map to lay it on the ground for all to see, "The message hawk said that the Akatsuki are taking Gaara here.", she said pointing to the map. "That means they must be going north up from Sunagakure where they defeated Gaara avoiding the vast sea of sand they must be going into the mountains south of the capital of river country before heading more north to their base." Looked around so could see everyone understood what needed to be done, well almost everyone but she was sure Naruto would just follow along.
"Now we have to stop them before they enter the mountains, to do that we need to find them and set an ambush." Looking over at Kakashi she didn't get any feedback on her plan, so moving forward to stand next to Shino she said, "I need you to send a cloud of kikaichu tracker bugs over the sand sea in a wide search pattern", looking to Kiba she continued, "Once Shino has an idea of where they are it will be up to you and Akamaru to location them, once we are close Hinata can focus in on them to give us intel on the condition of Gaara." Giving Kakashi one more look and getting nothing but a blank stare from his one eye Kurenai could only wish for him to fall into a very deep hole.
"You heard Kurenai Sensei, let's get moving.", said Kiba running over the hill in the direction Naruto had pointed to earlier this morning. Now that they didn't have to try to cross the sand sea they headed to the east and its rolling hills on the coast. Running on the sand was like running on water and didn't really slow anybody down until mid-day when they could see the first of the lowland hills on the horizon.
Shino sent a cloud of bugs swarming the lowland hills boarding the sand until they found a trail coming out of the sand sea that they reported back to Shino smelling like chakra of Gaara's tailed beast. Thousands of Kikaichu died in the process draining Shino of much-needed chakra. Team seven let team eight take the lead they rushed over the hills and the scrub brush scattered around the area.
Reaching the trail Kiba's nose confirmed it was Gaara's scent along with two others, one smelling of wood and oil and the other of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter or as Kiba said "It smells like bat shit."
With Hinata's eyes fully active they ran up the trail and by the end of day two as the sun set and the moon rose to take control of the night sky the end of their mad dash came to an end as she spotted them in the next small valley over to the east. Stopping and waiting for Hinata to finish her scan of the valley and all surrounding hills she said," It looks like they are stopping for the night and making camp. I can see Gaara in a large leather bag on top of the one that looks like a wooden turtle with a scorpion's tail." Releasing the Byakugan she collapsed falling into Shino's arms, she was almost in chakra exhaustion reported Sakura and they decide to make camp as their target had also stopped for the night.
Late in the night Kakashi and Kurenai had their heads together going over plans on how best to free Gaara and not get killed in the process. They didn't allow any campfires or tents but that didn't seem to matter as team eight was passed out sleeping off the energy piles while Sasuke paced around the camp watching over them. Naruto was too full of energy and worry for his friend to even think of sleeping. Walking up to the top of a small hill he sat down and by the faint light of the moon started to read a small book that Tayuya had given him, he had found it deep in his jacket pocket with a small note saying, "I love you, you idiot don't get killed, Tayuya", he had read it many times and now decided to open the book she had given him.
Sakura was exhausted and was half asleep on her feet but Inner had other ideas and walked up behind Naruto as he stared at the page in front of him.
"What you reading there Naruto,", said Sakura in her sweet little girl voice that Naruto knew Inner used when she wanted something. "It's a book Tayuya gave me.", he said hoping she would just go away. "Oh, is that one of master Jiraiya's books, you know if you want to practice anything you find in there I can help, you know I am always here for you.", said Sakura running her hands over his shoulders.
"It's a book of poetry.", said Naruto not bothering to look up at Sakura, "Tayuya said I needed to broaden my knowledge and not just think about Jutsu all the time."
"Oh really,", said Sakura now sounding a little more herself as she enjoyed poems and had read a lot when she was at the academy. Not having a lot of friends had given her time to spend in the library. At the time it was all love poems where she would think about that bastard Sasuke.
Remembering those times gave her a cold chill down her back and pushed her Inner into the background.
Taking a seat at Naruto's feet she said, "Can you read me one, I want to hear it in your voice."
Looking down at the pink-haired girl Naruto recalled all the times he would have given anything to see her like this, giving him her full and undivided attention as this was all he really wanted when there were kids. Now he was never sure what she was going to do, like most shinobi Sakura had gone a little crazy trying to compartmentalize her life in the village and what she had to do on missions.
"OK, so this is a poem about a war at the end of the world and how one hero turns all his enemies into allies.", said Naruto clearing his voice and reading out loud. The Gate Keeper
The Lords Of Hell are a raising
There are evil spirits at the gates
The drums of DOOM are beating
The smoking mountains shake
The world falls quit
As if awaiting its fate
On the towering walls of the Castle
Stands a lone figure over the gates
A cold and evil smile
Crosses his scared hardened face
I fear not your dark and evil forces
Nor your loud and fearful sounds
These puffs of smokes you call Demons
Or the masters of Hell you rally around
I walk on the skulls of wizards
I breathe out the fires of Hell
My enemies are my followers
Friends are all around
Come forward my little playthings
For I am coming
Down.
Closing the book Naruto looked at Sakura and waited for her to tell him how stupid he was or he was an idiot but she didn't say a thing. Then placing her hand on his knee she said, "Why did you pick that one to read."
"It seems to fit, you know this mission is all about demons and doom. The Akatsuki want to end the world to save it.", said Naruto not pushing Sakura away.
They look into each other's eyes and Naruto once again marveled at how deep her emerald eyes looked in the moonlight. They seemed to shine as if from an inner light, a light that he wanted to look into and never leave. Sakura had the same thought as his blue eyes made her remember all the times she just wanted to swim in his warmth. They slowly moved together getting closer and closer until.
"What are you doing loser.", said Sasuke as he walked over to them breaking the spell.
Feeling the moment is gone Sakura put her head down on Naruto's knee and gave out a long yawn before sitting back up and looking at the two men.
"Kakashi said to tell you both that you need to get some sleep as we are attaching first thing in the morning, they have a plan.", said Sasuke
"Ok bastard we will be right down.", said Naruto using the nickname that he knew Sasuke hated the most being from a noble clan.
"Loser.", said Sasuke turning his back to them and walking back down the hill.
Naruto pulled Sakura to her feet and walked with her back down to the cold fire-less camp and found a spot to stretch out and was soon dead asleep. Sakura wasn't so lucky and was counting the stars trying to find some sleep when Sasuke said next to her, "You need to get that Inner under better control. She could have pushed Naruto too hard up there and caused a fight that would have put us all in danger."
Turning to look over at Sasuke all she could think of was punching him in the face for everything he had done to Naruto but she knew he had a point so said, "I am working on it but when I get tired or spend too much time next to Naruto she comes out in force."
Sasuke's eyes turned red and as she watched they slowly started to spin until she found herself standing on a cold white plain facing Sasuke. "What the fuck do you want.", said a voice next to her, turning to look she found a copy of herself but dressed in a super tight mini-skirt and tank top looking like one of those girls she had seen on the street corner in wave country.
"Why are you dressed like a whore.", said Sakura putting her hands on her hips and talking to Inner as if Sasuke wasn't even there.
Before they could get into a cat fight over what to wear Sasuke said, "I didn't bring you here to talk about dresses. You need to come to an agreement or I will have to find a way to control this Inner you. I will not let you ruin Naruto's life anymore."
"And why do you care.", said both Sakura at the same time in that echoing voice he had heard her use on Naruto when they both agreed on something.
"I care because he is the only friend I have and he saved me from myself.", said Sasuke using more words at once than Sakura could remember him ever saying.
"I thought it was that sister of yours that you fuck every night that 'saved' you from yourself.", said Inner getting a shocked look on Sakura's face for saying what she was thinking out loud.
"You leave my personal life out of this you little bitch, you need to stop chasing after Naruto until he needs you and that may be never so get over it.", said Sasuke.
"I am not taking relationship advice from you, you fucking sister loving ….", started Inner but Sakura soon put her hand over her mouth so she couldn't continue. Looking at the cold stone face of Sasuke she did wonder if he had any feeling at all but said, "You're right, I know your right but you can see it's not as easy as you think."
She could see him thinking as if he was having a debate with his own thoughts before he said, "Itachi has been teaching me some of the Uchiha Jutsu, there is one that I think can help but for it to work you have to agree, I mean you have to totally agree to allow it to be used on you.", said Sasuke.
"What is it?", Sakura said still holding onto Inner who had been frozen in place.
"It is a Jutsu that seals a person's mind away, like a genutsu but much deeper. I think I can change it so you can turn it off or on at will. That way you can call out this Inner self when you need her and then seal her back away again." said Sasuke
"And what if it doesn't work.", said Sakura
"Don't know but it sure can't be worst than what you are doing now.", said Sasuke thinking of ways to explain a brain-dead Sakura to Naruto in the morning.
Thinking about his offer Sakura wondered if she could trust him or not, they had tried to kill each other more than once over the past couple of months and she knows she hadn't been holding back. If it wasn't for Naruto getting between them one or the other would be dead by now.
"OK, let's do this.", said Sakura figuring Sasuke didn't want to piss off Naruto by killing her, at least she hoped she was right.
With a small hand sign, Sasuke dropped them out of her mind and back into the real world of sand and small rocks digging into her back. Sitting up she turned to face Sasuke as he sat facing her. Making a dozen or more hand signs, more than she had a chance to count Sasuke's eyes started spinning faster and faster as he said, "Mind Cage: Inner Self" and moving closer he slammed his hand into her large forehead pushing her over onto her back.
With her ears ringing and a headache from hell, Sakura sat back up and looked at Sasuke thinking he had enjoyed that a little too much. "Hmm, you're alive.", he said as if he didn't expect it.
"You asshole of course I'm alive.", said Sakura then she paused as for the first time in almost two years she didn't hear another voice in her head adding extra commentary.
"Oh my god, Sasuke you did it.", said Sakura looking at the avenger in front of her with a big smile.
"hmm", he grunted out and then laid down facing away from her, "Now go to sleep."
….
Tracking Gaara was easy with team eight's skills as they moved out of camp before sunrise. Cresting the small hill into the next valley between the rolling hills, Hinata said that they were a mile away over the next couple of hills. Everyone was fully rested and ready to do their part of the plan.
"I can see them moving already, they must have started before the sunrise.", said Hinata who was running with her Byakugan fully active. "I can see someone ahead, it looks like an older woman.", said Hinata pointing down into the next ravine.
"Team seven will check her out, continue with the plan.", said Kakashi as he changed direction to intercept the woman before she got in the middle of the upcoming attack. Once the spotted her Naruto ran ahead and landed right in front of her with his sunshine smile and a wave saying, "Hi Granny, what you doing all the way out here." The women looked up at him as Sasuke and Sasuke came to stand next to him.
"What are you tree hugging leaf smokers doing here.", said the old woman clearly not happy seeing leaf shinobi in her way in the middle of her desert. Sakura stepped forward and gave a formal bow trying to show respect to the much older woman, standing tall Sakura said, "Forgive us but we are on a mission to rescue the Kazekage, he has to be kidnapped."
"Who sent you? That old cow of a Hokage, that slug-girl, Me and she had more than a couple of battles back in the war.", said Chiyo. "She was a pain in my ass then and it looks like she will be a pain in my ass now, so you tree huggers can leave, I will save the Kazekage from my grandson by myself."
"Lady Chiyo, thank you for coming out of retirement, but the Suna's high council has asked us to return there Kage.", said Kakashi from behind Chiyo causing her to spin around to face him. "Oh they sent Kakashi of the Sharingan the Jutsu thief, I know you boy and I am not impressed.", said Chiyo eyeing Kakashi up and down.
"Granny, we can work together to save Gaara. We have a tracking team right now following them over in the next valley.", said Naruto using his best smile jutsu on her and then rubbing the back of his head to add a little more boyish charm.
"Little too old for that to work on me my boy, besides I hate blondes, now that black-haired pretty boy over there I would give him a go.", said Chiyo looking at Sasuke with a toothless grin. Sasuke for his part slowly backed away to stand behind Naruto without looking like he moved at all.
Looking around Chiyo could see that team seven was not going to just let her pass and said. "OK, fine, I will let you join ME, I don't have the strength to kill you and my grandson on the same day anyway."
Now that they have an agreement team seven moved up the valley and once they spotted team eight on the ridge line they slowly worked their way up behind them. Naruto made a clone and hedged it into a sand mouse and sent it hopping over the ridge to keep an eye on the target as they all formed a circle to talk.
"For a pair of S-Ranks they sure move slow,", said Kiba as he rubbed Akamaru behind the ears.
Kurenai give the dog boy a look trying to tell him to keep his voice down as she waved them all to come close together, "The Hokage said they would need a lot of chakra to remove the tailed beast from the Kazekage, maybe they are resting," she said
"More likely they are waiting for the rest of the Akatsuki to reach the base, either way, we have to take them out as soon as possible," said Kakashi with no humor in his voice, now was the time for the Anbu training to take over.
"We follow the plan, rescue Gaara, that is the focus, not trying to show off our newest jutsu or prove who is the strongest, do you understand,", he said looking more to team seven in front of him.
"Yes Sensei,", sang out team seven together as if they had done it many times before.
Naruto confirms the target was still on the same path when his clone mouse was eaten by a snake. Break apart they all ran ahead of the slowly moving Sasori until they reached a location that they could use to their advantage.
Hiding behind the large stones Kakashi said, "Ok Kurenai they say you're a Genjutsu prodigy, the Anbu even consider you Konoha's number one Genjutsu user with skills to rival those of even Itachi's. Now is the time to prove it." She knew he was goading her on to make her do her best but it still pissed her off.
Using her Hiding in Surface Technique Kurenai moved onto the stone surface and disappeared from view, this jutsu allowed her to quickly avoid any incoming attacks and let her travel undetected as well. Using this method of approach, the plan was to execute a surprise attack on the two S-rank missing-nun.
Kurenai found them on the dirt path walking down side by side, they seemed to be in a deep conversation about the nature of art and who was the better artist. Listening to them Kurenai could only think about how many people had died for their crazed vision of art. She cast a Genjutsu simultaneously on both shinobi, her illusion technique was flawless as Sasori stopped walking and started yelling at what he thought was Deidara sitting on the ground insulting his puppet Hiroko, his greatest work of art.
Deidara for his part not only keep walking but soon was running down the dirt path yelling, "Hey Sasori I thought you said we didn't have to rush, why are you running all of a sudden. Why do you always do this to me!", the Genjutsu was so strong that he heard Deidara tell him a reason that he instantly agreed to and had him break into a full on run.
Now with the trap set Kakashi and Sasuke ran at full speed to get ahead of Deidara before the Genjutsu failed or he somehow broke out of it on his own. The two Jonin had decided that Kakashi and Sasuke were best suited to fight Deidara while the rest of the teams moved to rescue Gaara.
The best Genjutsu uses the target's fears and prejudices against them, making someone angry by showing them what makes them angry is easy. It's the illusions that are outside of someone's experiences that are easy to spot and break out of. After all who would expect a river of lava in a desert.
With Deidara out of sight over the hill it was time for team eight to make their move. From his hiding spot Shino called out his army of kikaichu bugs that he had placed in the sand around Sasori, he had been breeding them all night to not only suck the chakra out of their target but to eat wood.
As Sasori waved his arms about yelling at what he thought was his crazy teammate the kikaichu entered the puppet body Hiroko and began consuming his chakra at a slow but ever-increasing rate. The Kikaichu used his chakra to breed more of themselves to start eating at the very wood of Sasori's greatest creation.
"Kiba get ready he will notice Shino's attack soon, you need to strike before then.", said Kurenai as she appeared next to her team out of the very ground.
Giving a nod of understanding the normally brash boy was quiet, totally focused on his target. As he gathered his chakra with Akamaru at his side he looked over at Hinata to give him the signal. With her Byakugan fully active Hinata was monitoring Sasori chakra levels.
"Now Kiba,", said Hinata once she spotted the signs of the Genjutsu breaking.
Looking to his dog partner Kiba says, "Beast Human Clone", with those words and making the required hand signs Akamaru takes on Kiba's form as they break into a full out run at Sasori, once within range they perform the ferocious spinning attack, Fang Passing Fang, by turning into twin spinning vortexes slamming into the side of the great puppet Hiroko. Kiba and Akamaru delivered a series of rapid body blows so quickly that Sasori was unable to defend himself as the Genjutsu fell away.
It was soon clear that Kiba's attack wasn't meant to disable Sasori but to break the bindings that held Gaara to the back of the beetle like puppet. Seeing the leather bag containing the sand village's Kage go flying Sakura released Inner from her cage and ran as fast as she could to catch it before it landed on the ground.
Now with Inner free Sakura gained access to all her chakra and ripped the bag apart with her inhuman strength pulling Gaara free, seeing the many paper seals that had been placed on him to inhibit his chakra and that of the tailed beast he contained Sakura used brute strength and started to pull them free with great waves of chakra flying out of the broken tags, using her perfect chakra control she was able to weave the chakra away from her and Gaara. Too late she noticed that one of the tags was a camouflaged paper bomb, "Oh Fuck", she said as it exploded as she pulled it free.
As this was happening Kiba seeing Gaara was free yelled out, "Fang Wolf Fang," and combined with Akamaru to transform into a double-headed wolf. He begins spinning extremely fast toward their target slamming full force into the side of the great puppet ripping pieces from its weakened wooden frame. Landing in the sand on the side of the dirt path after using his two most powerful jutsu so quickly Kiba and Akamaru fell apart and looked stunned. They could only use this jutsu a very limited number of times due to the great strain it puts on their bodies.
Having done their part Kiba looked over at the cloud of smoke around Gaara and Sakura as she was engulfed in a paper bomb explosion. "Oh no!", he yelled thinking that they had failed their mission with both Sakura and Gaara being blown to pieces.
Once the smoke cleared all you could see was a ball of sand slowly falling apart as even unconscious Gaara's mother used his ultimate defense to cover him and Sakura to protect them from most of the bomb's blast. Standing up in a pile of sand with half of her dress once again burned and ripped away Sakura picked up Gaara's limp body and ran away from the battle. Saving Gaara was the mission not fighting some crazy puppet master.
Dropping Gaara next to lady Chiyo the older woman looked at the pink-haired girl as the many cuts and burns healed on her body now with new respect, Chiyo said, "You did good but my grandson is much stronger than you think.", said Chiyo. The old woman pushed Sakura away from Gaara's body and said, "I will take care of my village's Kage, I can smell that slug-girl's training on you."
Sakura looked shocked that Chiyo would still hold such a strong grudge after so many years.
"We can't let Kiba die, come on!", screamed out Naruto as he leaped into action as Kiba tried his best not to be cut in half by Sasori's swinging tail. Naruto ran to stand between Kiba and the puppet master he Slammed a Rasengan into the stinger of the metal scorpion tail blasting it into pieces. Akamaru grabbed Kiba by his jacket hood and dragged him to safety as a swarm of Kikaichu flooded into the open mouth on the back of the Hiroko puppet draining chakra and eating away at the wooden container.
"You fools, I have fought Aburame before,", screamed out Sasori as a cloud of poisoned smoke filled the puppet and the surrounding area killing off all of the Kikaichu.
Sakura standing to the side braced herself as she called on all the Kyubbi chakra she had been saving and yelled out, "Flying Lave Wall", using her original jutsu to form a ten foot tall and ten-foot high wall of flaming lave and sent it crashing into Hiroko bursting it into flames.
Kurenai looked off into the distance as a loud explosion rocked the landscape, she hoped the rest of team seven was still alive but knowing their sole intent was getting Gaara away from Sasori she turned back to the battle, now with Gaara free she runs over to look at the now bandaged covered Kage making him look he was in a cocoon she knew it was time. "Kiba, pick up Gaara, and let's go,", ordered Kurenai as she check all the members of her team seeing Shino was looking drained of chakra, and Hinata was wholely focused on Naruto as he used another Rasengan to try to finish off Hiroko.
"Go!, GO!, GO!, screamed Kurenai as more puppets came flying out of the remains of Hiroko to attach Naruto and Sakura. Not having to be told twice Kiba threw Gaara over his shoulder and jumping on Akamaru's back moved at full speed heading toward the sand sea toward Suna.
"Team Eight, move out.", said Kurenai getting the rest of her team moving. The plan was for Naruto and Sakura to hold back or even kill the puppet master while team eight moved to protect Gaara from any counterattack. As more explosions rocked the rolling hills she could only hope Kakashi was winning his battle.
"Double Vision", yelled out Kurenai casting a Genutsu on all the puppets causing them to see dozens of Sakura and Naruto covering the surrounding area. Now with team eight ready, they all moved at full speed trying their best to catch up to Kiba.
"Clone Jutsu", yelled out Naruto doubling again the number of Naruto's each attaching a puppet.
Now with team eight gone over the hill, Sakura felt safe to let loose as she ran to a large bolder pulling on her gloves. "Flying Rock Barrage," she called out punching the rock face and sending millions of flying rock pieces into the air cutting down the army of puppets and Naruto clones bringing everything down to the ground.
Coming out of the ground a beaten but far from defeated Sasori said, "You have pushed me, farther than anybody has in years, you will get to see my greatest creation." Called out more puppets but this time the leader was the human puppet of the Third Kazekage.
Stopping a mile away Kurenai turned to Hinata and said, "What are you stopping for?"
"I can not leave Naruto behind,", said Hinata as she used the Byakugan to see another army of puppets rise out of the ground to attach Naruto.
"Your orders are to save the Kage, now come on.", ordered Kurenai expecting the shy girl to follow her into the desert.
"No", said Hinata standing tall, "We have completed our part of the mission, I am going back to help Naruto. Those that run from danger can never stop running."
With those words, the future of the Hyuga clan ran back to join in the fight. "I sure hope you know what you're doing.", said Kurenai more to herself than the retreating back of Hinata.
"Stone Wall", yelled Sakura causing a wall to rise from the ground stopping the rushing puppets and their poison blades from reaching her. Looking to her right she can see Lady Chiyo had summoned ten puppets of her own and was decimating Sasori's puppets. Chiyo's puppets worked as a team attaching one or two puppets to reduce them to broken pieces as Sasori used his puppets in a mad dash of attacks with little coordination.
Soon it was lady Chiyo and the puppet of the Third Kazekage in battle with the old lady using skills from three world wars to fight back against her crazy grandson. "You are a disappointment to me, you always have been,", said Chiyo talking to Sasori all the while fighting back the Kazekage. With both puppet masters completely focused on each other Naruto worked his way over to Sakura crouching down with her behind her stone wall.
"I have an idea, I need you to throw me at that Kazekage puppet.", said Naruto getting a wide-eyed look from Sakura. "You hit your head or something.", said Sakura getting ready to grab Naruto by his jacket.
"No not yet, give me a minute,", said Naruto moving back from Sakura's outreached hands.
Calling out a couple of clones, they quickly started forming a jutsu and with his hand held high over his head, Naruto yelled, "Rasenshuriken", forming a large spinning ball of chakra with blades around its middle.
Running at Sakura she sees his plan and at the last moment throws Naruto high into the air at the Kazekage as he fought with Lady Chiyo puppets.
Without warming, Naruto slams the Rasenshuriken into the Kage puppet destroying it into small pieces that rain down like black sand onto the battlefield. Landing on his feet Naruto rolls down a small hill before jumping up to face a large dragon-like puppet.
"Time to die.", yells out Sasori as he causes the dragon puppet to open its mouth and shoots thousands of poisoned needles and a jet of flame at Naruto not ten feet away. With a wall of death flying at him, Naruto had nowhere to run.
Suddenly Hinata jumps in front of Naruto and yells out. 'Rotation", as she spins she is engulfed in the wall of flames.
"No!", screams out Naruto thinking the shy girl has died in his place. The kyubbi uses this moment of weakness and floods him with hate and red chakra until Naruto is covered in a red cloak. As the flames die away he can see Hinata on fire as she comes to a stop with flames covering her body. She pulls off her burning jacket that had hundreds of needles sticking out of it and throws it to the ground.
Turning to face Naruto she can see he is covered in that red chakra she has seen in him since they were both children. "Naruto-Kun, are you ok.", said Hinata
Naruto looked at the shy girl in her skin-tight leggings and matching black undershirt, the bright blue glow of the Uzumaki pendant shining from under her shirt. The shield of the Uzumaki had protected her and he now knows what Tayuya meant when she said she would protect him on his mission.
"You fools, I have many more puppets where that one came from.", said Sasori as he turned his attention to Naruto.
"Always the arrogant one,", said Lady Chiyo as all ten of her puppets attached Sasori at once driving all their blades into his puppet body at once. With no chakra strings to hold them up all the puppets drop to the ground.
Sakura seeing her chance to get her hands on Sasori rushes forward and pulls the head off of the puppet wanting to crush it in her hands. Naruto still covered in red chakra joins her with Lady Chiyo to look at the puppet that was Sasori.
"He was a great puppet master but his heart was evil.", said Sasori's grandmother.
Still full of rage and needing to release the Kyuubi's chakra, Naruto picks up the body of the headless puppet and floods the puppet body with red chakra, surprisingly the Kyuubi's chakra can be seen shooting down hundreds of chakra strings that still connect Sasori to his puppet army.
With a burst of energy, all the puppets explode from the Kyuubi's chakra entering them until only Sasori's headless puppet remained intact.
"You have defeated me.", said Sasori's head still in Sakura's hands. Sakura turns his head around looking for any connection to the body as he continues to talk.
"As a reward let me give you a warning, Pain the leader of the Akatsuki is not who you think he is, he is just a puppet to a much greater evil. An evil born of the leaf but that lives in the shadows.", said Sasori
They all wait for him to continue but there is no more, Hinata using her Byakugan looks around and says, "There little chakra that was in that body is now gone,"
"Leave me alone, I will take care of my grandson. Leave Now!", yelled out Lady Chiyo as she dropped to her knees next to the headless body of her grandson's last and greatest puppet. As she silently starts to cry the young shinobi walk away until she is hidden by the hill they crossed over.
Soon they see a column of smoke rising from behind the hill as Lady Chiyo burned her grandson's puppets and what she could find of his remains. With her final duties done to the last remaining member of her family, she left the leave shinobi behind to fulfill the only duty she had left, to care for her Kage.
Looking at Hinata in her skin-tight black leggings and surprisingly very tight shirt displaying for the world to see the Hyuga second bloodline, Naruto looks over at Sakura to see more than half her dress burned and ripped away he says, "You guys need better clothes, maybe I can ask the princess to make you a new dress."
"Naruto you baka don't say things like that.", said Sakura as she forced Inner back into her cage before she starts getting ideas about what she can do with Naruto even with Hinata watching.
"You guys are too loud,", said Sasuke as he walked up to them carrying Kakashi over his shoulder. As he gets closer they can see he is also carrying Deidara's head by his long blond hair. Reaching them he tosses Deidara's head at Naruto who catches it and looks into the now very dead eyes of the ex-Iwagakure missing nin.
Sakura with Hinata's help pulls Kakashi off of Sasuke's shoulder and finds he is still alive but suffering from chakra exhaustion, they look up at Sasuke waiting for him to explain what happened.
"Kakashi Sensei used a time space jutsu to trap that lunatic.", he said in explanation.
Throwing the head in the air and catching it Naruto said, "Then how did you end up with this."
Sasuke gave a grunt and started to walk away saying, "He insulted my sister so I cut his head off."
….
The move went well and I am back online. I really need some feedback as the fights took way too long to write and I don't know if they are worth the effort. I changed the Summary as some people have commented on it. What do you all think? Can you check out my other story, it's more on the fun side but will start to get dark.