Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Heading home ❯ Mission Time ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: I Do not own Naruto nor anything related to that series.

 

A/N: This is my first try at a Naruto story. Forgive me if it is stupid, or if I have messed anything up. Fair warning, I've only seen the first 6 episodes, though I've read hundreds of fanfics, so I'm pretty sure I can pull this off. Please Review.

 

Warning: This story will contain mature themes, such as male pairings, violence, course language amoung a variety of other things. You have been warned.

 

Pairings: The main pairing will be Naruto/Neji, though their will be others, though I'm not sure which other pairings at this point.

 

Please Read and Review!!

 

On with the Chapter!

 

Chapter 1

 

 

The sun shone brightly, beams of light trickling past the lush green leaves. The shadows cast were moving as the trees swayed in a gentle breeze. All seemed quiet and peaceful, though underneath the sweet relaxing aura of it all, there was a small, nearly unnoticeable tenseness.

 

Six dark blurs darted between trees and bushes, moving so fast they'd be indistinguishable to the untrained eyes. One of the blurs came to a halt behind a towering oak tree.

 

It was a young boy no older than 13, and despite how dark the blur looked, this boy was the exact opposite. His hair was a golden yellow, which resembled the sun above, his eyes, like the sky, were a dazzling, brilliant and clear blue.

 

His skin was a golden colour, kissed by the sun. He wore a blindingly bright orange jumpsuit that had a red spiral on the back. The darkest item on him would be the silver metal and blue cloth of his ninja band which rested nicely on his forehead.

 

A sly look adorned his face, ascented by the scar like whiskers on his cheeks. “Naruto in position.” he said into the microphone piece which was attacked around his neck and left ear.

 

“Sasuke in position.” Another voice came through the radio as a another blue came to a stop near to the first boy, revealing a raven haired boy. His dark eyes shone out in contrast to pale skin as he regarded their target with keen eyes. He reached his hand into a pouch attached over top of his white shorts on his right leg. His shirt, which was a complimenting dark blue, and his ninja band which was the same as the other boy's seemed to complement the white and dark look he had going on.

 

“Sakura in position.” A female voice rang over the system as the pink haired, green eyed girl came to a halt behind a cluster of bushes. The green of the leaves complimented her red dress and looked serene next to her white shorts. Though it did look odd with her blue ninja band and brilliant pink hair.

 

“Tenten in position.” Another female voice came over the radio as a fourth blue came to a halt behind a decent sized rock, eyes just barely peeking up over the top, and her brown hair which was kept in buns merely looked like extra bumps on the rock.

 

“Lee in position.” A bouncy male voice sounded as a green spandex wearing boy crouched under some large upturned roots, his black hair which was bowl cut looked odd from his station, though his big busy uni brow did resemble a fuzzy caterpillar.

 

“Neji in position.” A handsome voice sounded next as an attractive boy stopped high above the ground hidden in the trees. He was surprisingly tall for his age though he carried an air of maturity and wisdom. His hair was black, long and flowing, his pale almost white slightly purple eyes gave him an air of mystery.

 

On his forehead he proudly wore a ninja band, which was the same as the other five. His outfit was a simple top with a high neck and black shorts, nothing fancy, but they served their purpose.

 

“Both teams are all in position then.” A male voice stated, though it sounded almost absent minded as its owner was a ways away reading his little orange book called Icha Icha Paradise. It was a dirty type of book with contents that no young child such see, though it was alright for him as he was a full grown man.

 

“Excellent!” A male voice said, one that was similarly bouncy to Lee's. “Such a wonderful day for a mission, the sun is shining, the winds is blowing, and the heat is in the air!” He concluded happily into the microphone with a happy go grin on his face. ((A/N: I've only seen the first 6 episodes, so I appolgize if I make any or all characters seem out of character. I am trying so please don't shoot me.))

 

“Indeed Gai-sensei.” Eyebrow boy exclaimed quietly in agreement.

 

“Let's start.” Neji smoothly cut in, ready to get this mission over and done with.

 

“Right.” The perverted male said distractedly.

 

In another bout of blurs, all six young teens leapt out of their positions towards their target, a ginger coloured cat.

 

Naruto was the first to arrive, having left his position before the others, and managed to capture the cat, only to have it brutally claw him to pieces.”Gahh!!” He screamed. After some painful cuts he accidentally released the cat.

 

Sakura and Lee simultaneously dove towards the creature, though they crashed headfirst into each other, leaving the two of them sprawled out dazedly on the ground.

 

In the confusion of the events, Neji managed to scoop the creature up into his arms, weary of its claws. “Mission accomplished.” Sasuke spoke into the radio, and suddenly both Gai and Kakashi, the perverted teacher, appeared in front of them.

 

“Excellent! The magic of youth proves itself again!” Gai said cheerfully, while Naruto merely groaned. Seconds later the two dazed individuals were once again standing.

 

They silently ran through the forest, travelling over the trees, and soon enough the group of six students and two teachers arrived back at their home village, Konoha, the Village hidden in the leaves.

 

Once there, they made their way to the Hokage's tower, where they returned the ginger coloured cat to it's owner.

 

“I don't get why were had to go with another team for a simple, stupid D rank mission.” Naruto complained angrily as he crossed his arms over his chest and turned around, showing his back to everyone.

 

“I mean we're Chunin, having past the exams not too long ago, you'd think they wouldn't send us on anymore D ranked missions, especially after all we've done, not to mention actually pairing us up with an older team like we are incapable of catching one little cat. Since we are above the Genin level, we should have B ranked missions, maybe even A." Naruto whinned to himself though team mates ignored him while his teacher sighed.

 

“That was a test.” Kakashi informed them quietly, and all six teens looked at him. “It was to see if our two best Chunin teams could work together on a really big and dangerous mission.” He added as an after thought.

 

“And you all did excellent!” Tsunade said with a smile on her face, her eyes looking over the blond boy with a motherly look. “Meaning were are giving you a B ranked mission together.” She said, being the Hokage it was in her power to make such choices.

 

"What's our mission going to be Hokage-sama?" Sakura asked politely.

 

"I'm sending you to Earth Country. There you are to find a stolen item, which holds massive powers and was previously sealed within a highly protected cave. The perpetrators were two men who's names we do not know.

 

“The item in question is called the Chaos sphere, its purpose and powers remain unknown, though it is highly dangerous meaning you must hurry and retrieve it before anything bad happens.” Tsunade finished.

 

“Sweet!!! Finally a chance to prove I'm worthy of being the next Hokage!!” The blond exclaimed as he leapt for joy, right fist punching happily into the air above.

 

“Dobe.” Sasuke commented with no emotion, though the word definitely riled Naruto up.

 

“I dare you to say that again Sasuke-bastard!” He yelled hotly as he threateningly shook hist fist in the raven haired boy's direction, the hand on his shoulder, courtesy of Kakashi was the only thing holding him back from jumping on Sasuke and pummelling him an inch from his life.

 

“Naruto! Don't called Sasuke-kun that!” Sakura said in the other boy's defence as she whacked Naruto over the head. It was a well known fact that she was unbelievably infatuated with the young Uchiha Sasuke, as was a high percent of the female population.

 

The blond, who was shorter than both Sakura and Sasuke pouted, as he really liked Sakura, not wanting her to be made with him. “He started it.” He said with a frown.

The other team merely watched Team Seven's interaction in amusement, though Neji looked as passive as ever.

 

“My what energy!” Gai shouted happily, successfully interrupting all squabbles. “Alright teams! Let's head out!”

 

“Right!!” Lee shouted happily and both nature loving persons walked out, the others silently following.

 

Once they were outside the building they stopped and formed a circle. “Go home and pack whatever necessities you'll need for this trip then meet at the village gates in twenty minutes.” Kakashi instructed them before they all disappeared, racing their separate ways.

 

*

 

Twenty five minutes later all eight of them stood at the gateway, and showed the guards there their papers which permitted them all to leave. Then in blurs they took off into the forest, racing on the branches of trees, despite their mind-boggling speed, it was only a relaxed pace.

 

They ran at the pace for hours straight only taking an occasional break when needed for one reason or another. Once the sky had turned from blue to orange the Sensei of the group decided to call a halt to their travels.

 

“We will rest now, that way we won't become to exhausted.” Kakashi informed them as he plopped down cross legged on a fallen over tree stump and pulled out his Icha Icha Paradise and resumed reading.

 

“I'm starving!” Naruto exclaimed as he dropped his bag down and plopped down next to it.

 

“You're always hungry Naruto.” Sakura said exasperated as she rolled her eyes, causing the poor boy to pout.

 

“Alright! Tenten go collect some fire wood, Lee go hunting for some meat!” Gai ordered the two happily as he sat down and began setting up some stones and dirt into a safe fire holder so that they could always keep it controlled and not have to worry about causing a forest fire.

 

Tenten sighed having hoped she would be able to sit down as she was worn out, though thought better of complaining, and turned to do as her instructor had bade. Lee on the other hand was still his bubbling ball of happiness and he eagerly went off in search for their evening meal.

 

Both Neji and Sasuke leapt off as well, their task was to set up traps surrounding their makeshift camp, which would trap any unwanted guest that was smart enough to evade. That just left Naruto, Sakura and the two rival teachers.

 

Fortunately the four of them didn't have to wait long as Tenten hurriedly returned, hauling with her a mass load of branches and logs that would without a doubt last them through the evening and well into the morning.

 

“Excellent job Tenten!” Gai said happily as he snatched the load from the girl's arms and set it down well enough away from the place he wished to start the fire. The girl merely nodded as she sat down beside the pink haired girl and the two proceeded to talk in low giggle-filled whispers, despite their obvious exhaustion.

 

Gai hurriedly stacked branches and logs into a better burning position within the small expedient pit, and soon enough it was ablaze, casting orange and yellow light over the people around it, and creating darker more jagged and dancing shadows all about.

 

“I did it!” A voice exclaimed pridefully as Rock Lee walked into their camp a medium sized doe over his right shoulder, though it clearly had a broken neck.

 

“Superb!” ((A/N: I decided to make him not use the word `excellent' so very much cause now I'm starting to think he is a Mr.Burns jr. And before you ask, no I do not own the Simpsons either.)) Gai enthusiastically cried out while hopping to his feet to help his favourite pupil prepare their evening feast.

 

Naruto dug through his bag and retrieved a pot and filled it with all the water from his canteen before setting it over the fire. A few members of their ragtag group blinked and watched on in mild curiosity as the water slowly came to a boil, wondering what on earth the blond had planned.

 

Once the water was hot enough to suit him, he happily walked back over to his bag and set the pot down on the grass in front of him. He then dove through his bag and after a few moments he pulled back out with a triumphant sound, in his hand he held a cup of instant noodles.

 

Gai, Sakura, Tenten, and Lee all sweat dropped at that before shaking their heads and continuing on with what they had been doing before hand, while Kakashi merely ignored it all, too absorbed in his book to care, though he did see all that had just past.

 

Just as the blond Chunin pull back the top of his cup, both Neji and Sasuke returned. “The traps are set.” Neji said smoothly as he and Sasuke both took their seats.

 

“Perfect! Now we can all eat, drink and be merry, though no alcoholic beverages for anyone underage.” Gai said happily as he and Lee quickly began cooking the meat.

 

Once the water was added to his cup, Naruto sat there impatiently for five minutes, counting each second in his head until his delicious treat would be ready.

 

“Naruto, are you going to have some meat when it's ready?” The fuzzy eyebrow teen asked as he regarded the boy who was gulping down his noodles with no etiquette what so ever, and at a pace that made others think he feared someone nicking his food. Though any intelligent person would not put any part of themselves near the boy for fear of losing it in the fray.

 

“Yup!” He answered happily after having slurped down the remainder of his treat. “That was just an appetizer.” He added as an after thought, and Neji regarded the boy with a sheen of amazement in his eyes, though barely noticeable as it disappeared barely a second later.

 

The females of the group merely blinked and shook their heads, wondering how it was possible to eat so much and still want more.

 

The evening meal passed by uneventfully, all were too busy thinking and eating to talk much, though there was the occasional polite conversation held, no one knowing what to speak about that they'd all like.

 

“First watch will go to your team Gai, a five hour shift, then we will have out shift afterwards, so wake us in five hours time.” Kakashi informed everyone before leaping up into a tree where he'd catch some shut eye.

 

Team seven followed likewise, Sakura and Sasuke both rolled out the blankets they packed before climbing in and going off to sleep.

 

Naruto on the other hand hadn't packed a blanket or sleeping bag, as he was naturally warm, all thanks to the nine tail demon the fourth Hokage had sealed within his stomach, the very creature that caused the cheerful boy to be scorned, shunned, hated, teased, beaten and abused, even though he was merely the container.

 

Despite his harsh treatment he harboured no resentment towards the people of Konoha, not to the demon caged within himself. He wasn't fazed by much anymore, and so he moved a little further away from the flames and lie down.

 

Within a short amount of time, all of team seven, including their teacher, were fast asleep, though Naruto was slightly snoring, his limbs outstretched oddly.

 

And so the night passed, five hours in and team seven was awoken for their shift duty while the other team caught their must needed rest. Everything was quiet and uneventful, nothing hit the traps, and nothing was felt to have been spying on them. It was a peaceful night.

 

As morning dawned, the whole group was up and about, packing and removing all traces of their presence from the area, including the carefully set traps. It was a silent sunrise and soon enough they were back on track, racing out of the forest and across the borders.

 

They had reached Earth country and everyone was fully rested and prepared for their soon to commence mission. They wouldn't fail. The Hokage had faith they could do this, and they would.

 

Earth country had a much different landscape and air then Fire country, their home. It was strange, yet peaceful, welcoming them with seemingly wide stretched arms. It was nice.

 

“Are we there yet?” The blond demon vessel questioned, brilliant blue eyes locked onto the silver haired jounin.

 

“We are about five minutes away from out destination.” Kakashi answered as he signalled for everyone to stop and they all complied.

 

“Lets see.... How should we do this...” Gai mumbled to himself in thought.

 

“Well, we do know the brigands are still hiding, their location is the ruins a few minutes from here. They would more then likely stay at the centre of the place, and have multiple traps set up within the area, along with outside of it.

 

“Our best bet,” Kakashi continued, “Is to split up into pairs, and each pair to head in from a different end. Gai and I will be one pair. Tenten and Sakura another. Sasuke and Lee the next, and that leaves Neji and Naruto. Here's the plan...” And so the man explained his plan and they all nodded in understand before each pair took off in their propre directions.

 

The blond and black haired teens moved into position just outside the ruins, both examining it closely.

 

“I can see many of the traps from here.” Neji commented lightly, though Naruto merely blinked having noticed ever single trap. He was after all Konoha's number one prankster, so he was very keen in seeing into plots and traps and setting them up flawlessly. Though he was surprised that Neji could see some as they were all excellently done, though not to the blond's level of perfection.

 

“That's the signal! Lets go!” Naruto exclaimed happily in an excited whisper as a flicker of light was seen from their teachers' position directly across from them on the opposite side of the ruins.

 

Neji and Naruto both moved in a delicate blur, the smaller of the two leading the way, and the older moving in the other boy's foot steps as to not trigger a single trap as they stealthily made their way into the ruined ancient dwelling.

 

In the distance the group could hear Sakura's scream, indicating that she must have hit a trap. The sound was very likely to alert their targets of an unwanted presence, though the two kept on the trail.

 

They dodged between doors, and fallen falls, shadows and other natural or unnatural crevices to aid in their concealment, all the while avoiding every trap on their route.

 

Within a few moments they arrived in the area that had signs of recent inhabiting, with the worn trails, the missing areas of dust and grim. They were definitely here, though where was question one, and question two was, where was the sphere?

 

“Just up ahead.” Neji informed Naruto, having seen the structure that had to be the place where the criminals resided

 

“Right.” The boy mumbled back, noting the same building as it was pointed out. They moved swiftly and stealthily until they both had their backs pressed against the grimy and worn stones of the wall, one on either side of the glass less window.

 

Kyuubi's, the demon, holder held up three digits, and slowly moved one down leaving only two fingers, then lowered another leaving only one. Once the last finger was down, they both leapt through the window, kunais held at the ready.

 

It was dark and musty inside, though there were obvious signs of human presences there just recently. There was fresh meat on a scrubbed, though rickety looking table, a pile of uncleaned clothing stuffed on a chair, and many other miscellaneous items placed here and there that was a dead give away to the hideout.

 

After having both done sweep with both their senses and their chakra, they noted they were alone. The thieves must have been elsewhere, perhaps they had gone to see who had sprung their trap with such a shrill cry.

 

Sakura's clumsiness having gained they the perfect opportunity to search the place.

 

“Maybe they left the sphere here. Any idea what it would look like?” Naruto questioned, while the other inwardly sighed.

 

“No, though it would more then likely be a circular objet of sorts.” The young Hyuuga informed the boy and they both set off searching through the musty, though small one room home.

 

Naruto ripped things quietly apart, turning his searched through areas into a complete disaster zone, while his partner was more proper, moving things aside gently, without causing a brilliant mess to ensue around him.

 

A deep chuckle from behind them caused them both to suddenly tense and spin on heel, kunais hastily in their hands.

 

Eyes roamed the room, though could not pinpoint the owner of that voice.

 

“Well, well, well.... look what we have here.” The same voice rang out from behind them and they swung rapidly around and came face to face with the voice's owner.

 

It was a man dressed in an all black attire, a billowing dark cloak around his shoulders. He stared at them from blood red eyes that were partially hidden in his silver bangs. His eye colour and extremely pale skin was a creepy contrast, and sent shivers down both the chunins' spines.

 

On his forehead, he too wore a ninja band, though the insignia on the front was far different, though still recognizable. It was the symbol of the Akatsuki.

 

“I wasn't expecting such... young visitors.” The man said to himself as a deranged smirk made it's way onto his pale face.

 

“We aren't young so don't underestimate us!” Cried Naruto, if there was one thing that boy absolutely hated it was being referred to as either a child or weak. He was neither.

 

“My... What a feisty one you are.” The man said, his voice taking on a twisted edge.

 

“Where the hell is the sphere?” The blond demanded, eyes glued on the man, while Neji remained perfectly still, ready for action, fully aware that the thieves were not said to have been members of the vicious and evil shinobi group.

 

“You mean this?” The man stated as he reached into his cloak and withdrew a baseball size orb, one that had dark twisted reds and blacks running foggily beneath its glass surface. The light it gave out was omniscient, casting frightful shadows throughout the haunted looking dwelling.

 

“We'll take that off your hands now.” Naruto said cheerfully as he held his free hand out expectantly for the sphere, causing Neji to inwardly sweat drop.

 

“Oh... I don't think so.” The man whispered silkily, eyes alight with some unreadable look.

 

At that Naruto smirked. “That means we'll just have to kick your ass then take it from you.” He exclaimed happily, having looked forward to a fight since they were given this mission.

 

“An unwise move. You don't even know what this is, nor its purpose, nor its function.” The silver haired ninja informed them with a sadistic smile.

 

“Like that matters!” Naruto shouted growing more angry by the second, though he had been trained not to ruse into things head first like he always used to.

 

“Oh but it does.” He whispered deeply eyes once again alight with that strange light. “This sphere is a dangerous weapon, and in the same time a powerful key. The barer of it will be granted incredible powers. Perhaps enough to destroy this world and create a new one.” He informed them with a note of happiness in his voice as he spoke of the chaos the one glass ball could bring.

 

“If that is true, why have you not yet used it?” Neji finally spoke up, wondering if the man had been merely leading them on, and lying about the orbs abilities, which did indeed sound far fetched.

 

The man chuckled deeply amusement clearly visible. “Simple the orb.... is choosy about the person it will bestow unrivalled prowess upon. Meaning that I nor my partners have been unsuccessful in gaining such a gift.

 

"Though I have no doubt in my mind that our leader, the great Orochimaru, will be the one to gain such power. Then he will not only rule the Akatsuki, but the countries, not to mention the whole world, and heck, maybe even the entire universe.” He explained happily, sounding like a proud brainwashed underling.

 

“He won't get the sphere! He has to get through us to get it!” Naruto growled, eyes narrowed, and body tense.

 

A sinister laugh escaped the ninja's throat. “Hah! The Akatsuki already hold the sphere, plus you two children don't stand a chance against me, Yomi, one of the power fullest shinobis in the entire organization.” He smirked proudly.

 

“Why you bastard....” The blond boy snarled, as he launched his kunnai at Yomi, who side stepped the weapon with seemingly practised ease.

 

“You have guts. I'll give you that, but you won't get this sphere, nor will you prevent me from handing it to my leader.” Yomi said smugly, crimson eyes dancing in mirth.

 

In a sudden movement both Naruto and Neji leapt forward with all the speed they could muster, aiming a combo assault at their opponent who merely disappeared in a puff of grey smoke, only to reappear behind the two.

 

“Too slow.” The man teased with a wicked grin.

 

“You won't beat us! We'll win!” Naruto declared hotly, eyes ablaze with deep determination to succeed, and his partner, Neji nodded sharply in total agreement, the same determination burning in his soul, though he kept that masked.

 

The room was suddenly filled with a fierce pulsing, unsecured items were sent scattering, as a wave of dust moved out. Their battle came to a halt and all eyes moved down to the sphere in Yomi's hand.

 

Its colour had changed from its swirling reds and blacks, to a deep chaotic jumble of blue and white. It pulled itself from the hands of the Akatsuki member, and hovered air borne while both Neji and Naruto shifted closer to each other, to the point of their arms brushing lightly against each other.

 

A crazed smirk lit Yomi's face. “It awakes, it has chosen me!” He stated darkly, pleasure spinning through his dark eyes.

 

The sphere moved slightly higher before rotating, it was slow at first, though it gradually increased in momentum until it reach a blurred speed, the colours blending together to make it look a light blue.

 

The three watched on in varying degrees of awe and shock, having never seen something quite like that.

 

A sound ripped through the air, the sound of cracking glass, and within seconds of the noise the sphere spilt perfectly in half, both sides separating away from the other slightly, one a whitish colour, the other a light blue.

 

Both halves continued their spinning, though now that colours stayed unchanged. They began picking up a greater momentum, moving so fast that even they couldn't see it so clearly, the speed giving the illusion that both halves were ones again whole, but as two separate orbs, though they were not two, but still one.

 

Without halting in their swirling dance, they hurtled themselves forward, moving in what looked like beams of white and blue light, striking both Neji and Naruto in the chest. As they impacted simultaneously against their chests a massive explosion erupted.

 

It spread out in a powerful wave of molten heat and vicious flames, that destroyed the Akatsuki member, and tore the building they were in apart with ground shaking strength. Though it did no stop there. The blast continued out, completely demolishing the ruined town as it swept outwards, burning all in its path.

 

The explosion only stopped as it neared the end on the city, its wrath having travelled all the distance it could, though that wouldn't stop it from burning all the land it now sat ruthlessly upon.

 

Luckily both Neji's and Naruto's teammates and teacher managed to escape from the blast with only a few cuts, scrapes, bruises. Though Tenten did get a small burn on her leg as she fled.

 

“What in the world happened?!?!” Gai questioned loudly, eyes wide at the chared and slightly burning earth before them which stretched on a long ways.

 

“A massive explosion.” Sasuke stated obviously, though his eyes were fixated upon the scene before them.

 

“Uh... Were are Neji and Naruto?” Lee questioned worriedly, eyes searching for their missing comrades.

 

“They were exactly where that massive blast started.... I haven't been able to pick up their presences since.” Kakashi said quietly, all eyes looking at him in shock.

 

“They....they...they're dead?” Sakura asked, her throat suddenly feeling tight.

 

“No...” Lee said shaking his head in denial.

 

“I'm afraid so...” Kakashi stated slowly, turning his head away from the destroyed area and from the others' sad, unbelieving looks.

 

"Neji-kun..... no...." Tenten whispered to herself, eyes wide, and tears coursing unhindered down her cheeks, and dripped noiselessly down to the ground bellow. “It can't... It just can't be true! Neji can't be dead!” She declared brokenly as she crumbled to her knees, hands rising to cover her face as she sobbed her heart out.

 

Sakura immediately bent down beside the heartbroken grief struck girl, and gently wrapped her arm around her in a comforting manner, while tears of her own coursed down her pale cheeks. Together they sobbed their sorrow, their lose.

 

Look was staring out at the burned patch, eyes filled with tears that too fell in honour of their fallen friends and comrades. He couldn't move. He was frozen, shock and disbelief crawling at his heart, though his mind knew they were no longer within this world, that they had crossed over to the afterlife.

 

“No...” Lee whispered, his voice slightly chocked.

 

Sasuke stood there, merely staring. He didn't outwardly look effected, but inside he was deeply shaken. Naruto was dead. His rival, his teammate and his friend, the blond haired dobe was dead. Neji, was dead too, though his death didn't seem to effect him as much, as the two weren't particularly on good terms.

 

Gai moved over to his favourite student and set a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder as he too stared out at the barren, but brutally charred land. Tears likewise were falling down his cheeks.

 

Kakashi merely stood there, unmoving, back facing the sight and the others. It was his fault. They were only following his plan. He sent Naruto and Neji to their deaths, though he hadn't meant too. He had caused more lives to be lost, he hated it. He had already lost so many people he cared for and now he lost a student whom he was supposed to protect.

 

He failed. He failed as a friend, he failed as a teacher, he failed as a ninja.

 

Sasuke shook his head, pulling himself out of his stunned state in the process. In a burst of speed he raced forward, unstopped as no one had the heart or the will to bar his path, and he raced into the scorched lands.

 

He hoped against hope that maybe, somehow they were still alive, and they'd suddenly just pop out perfectly fine, with the blond dobe screaming something along the lines of `Gotta'cha! Can't believe you fell for that one!' Or something like that.

 

Dark blue, nearly black eyes combed the area, looking for a clue, a sign, a hint of them, though found nothing, only burnt earth, the occasional still burning flames, though nothing else.

 

All buildings and plants were pulverized, not even the item of their search was left.

 

The only good thing about this whole situation, was that all the Akatsuki members involved were wiped out, though none took that into account, to grief struck to care.

 

It took Sasuke a good twenty minutes to return to the others, completely empty handed, though heavy hearted. It was indeed a sad day.

 

“We should head back.” Gai said quietly, the tears finally gone as he had pulled himself together. Now wasn't the time to morn, they were all in a pitiful condition, and would easily be overcome if attacked.

 

No one graced his words with anything spoken. Though they stood, and turned walking away silently, eyes down cast, almost as though the very life had been sucked out of them.

 

The return trip was silent, solemn, and slow. No one had the heart to move quickly. No one had the will to speak. All were too lost within their depressed thoughts. Each mind running over the many times spent with their late friends, some memories enough to cause tears to fall again.

 

With a dampened spirit they entered back into Konoha, past the inquisitive guards who they all ignored, and heading towards the tower. They had a report to do, and they had to make sure that Neji's and Naruto's deaths were known and honoured.

 

They entered into the tower and proceeded past many people, halls, and rooms, until they finally arrived before the door leading to Tsunade's office. Not even bothering to knock, the six of them entered inside, officially interrupting her meeting with Iruka, and the two of them looked up startled.

 

“Yes?” Tsunade questioned after regaining her composer.

 

Her question wasn't met with a response, none of them knowing what to say.

 

“Well? There is no need to look so glum.” She stated taking in all their saddened expressions. “It's not like someone died.” She chuckled lightly, though was curious as to why they were in this state.

 

“But.... but....” Tenten started only to burst out crying yet again, feeling as though her heart was yet again ripped into two. The pink haired ninja hurried over to her and quickly comforted the sobbing teen, while the oblivious Hokage and Sensei watched on in confusion.

 

“What's going on?” She questioned eyes moving between the sober looking Gai and Kakashi, he stern voice indicated she wanted an answer and now.

 

Gai nodded his head, noting that Kakashi's lips, though hidden beneath the mask, were sealed, and that recounting the events would be up to him.

 

“We carried out our mission.” He started and the Hokage nodded wondering where this was going.

 

“We had a plan, and we took the enemy hideout by surprise, finding out that the sphere's thieves were in reality members of the Akatsuki. We were unaware of this as we initiated our plan. We spilt into pairs and surrounded the area, sending two in to retrieve the sphere, while the rest worked as a diversion of sorts.

 

“The plan was going smoothly, only a few cuts and bruises on our side, and the faltering force of five Akatsuki on the opposition. Without warning, a massive explosion of unknown origin erupted destroying all in its path.

 

We managed to escape barely but......” He froze there unable to go on.

 

“But what Gai?” She urged him on.

 

“Where is Naruto and Neji?” Iruka questioned worriedly from beside the Hokage.

 

“They.... are dead...” Gai finsihed, and lowered his head to hide the pain in his eyes.

 

A startled gasped escaped the Hokage's lips, as she stared at the group wide-eyed, and in shock. Iruka on the other hand began shaking his head back and forth in denial, muttering the word `no' over and over again like a broken record player.

 

Swallowing hard, Tsunade asked, “What of the sphere? Did the Akatsuki get it?” Sure she was greatly saddened by the lose of the bubbling blond sunshine that was Naruto, and the clam intelligent teen that was Neji, but she had duties as Hokage to deal with.

 

“It was destroyed.”

 

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That is it for this chapter. I hope it was alright, and that I didn't screw up the characters too horrible, or if my story is stupid and inadequate. Please review, I love to hear your guys' thoughts on my story. Thanks for reading! I'll update as soon as posible.