Chapter 27

Naeko's Point of View

'Shit, I have got to hurry up and find Naruto and Kakashi sensei. He is the only one who can stop him.' I ran as fast as I could but I had no idea where to find them.

I ran here and there, but just could not decide which path to choose. I ended up going round in circles for about 7 times.

Shit man. This is no good. I can't find them like this.

I was trembling with fear as I sat there trying to be calm and to come up with some plan. There had to be someway that I could contact them.

idea!

Well, this will probably be the lamest idea anyone would use in a situation like this.

*Shadow Clone + Henge no jutsu*

"Ready Kakashi Sensei?" I asked nervously.

"You have got to be kidding me!" the clone shouted.

"Tch. There is no way anyone would find out that you are a clone unless and untill you have to show your abilities."

*Silence*

"What do you mean?" Kakashi asked full of doubt.

"Look here, all you have to do is talk. You have to persuade Tobi that you are Kakashi, but without any fight."

"But how am I suppose to do that?! What do you think you can achieve by this! Do you know what you are saying is completely senseless?"

"No! Its not senseless. As I said, theres no way to find out about the identity of a clone." I said, " Think about it, all you have to do is to act like Kakashi sensei and talk about his past. Thereis no way he wouldn't believe in it because no one knows about it! But we do, and thats where we stand a place higher than him!"

"........"

"Look, either this or that." I tried to explain, "We have to take the risk. Its a do or die situation."

Seeing how serious I was, he agreed to the plan but added, 'Its not myself I am worried about. Its you. I am just a clone, it doesnt matter whether I live or die. Its your life that will be in danger and I don't want that.'

I knew whatever he said was true but we had to take the risk, Sasuke and Gaara, both are waiting for me.

"Lets go."

I made my way back to them closely running behind the clone. I was clearly very tired and scared.

As the place came into view, the clone looked at me and gave a slight nod. I did the same and then he went forward with double speed.

I slowed down and went towards where I had left Sasuke. He was still sitting there.

I ran and sat next to him. " Are you okay?" I asked, worried.

"Yes. Did you find Kakashi?" he asked.

I didn't reply. Silence followed.

He looked into my guilty eyes and then turned away. He probably knew the my answer now.

"How is Gaara kun?" I asked just to change the topic.

"Out in the battle field." he said flatly.

My eyes widened. I knew he was fighting but hearing this for the first time I was afraid.

I was afraid, he would die.

I was afraid, he would leave us

I was afraid, I would never be able to apologise.

I was afraid, I would'nt be his friend.

The emotions inside me twisted abd tangled with each other making them a kind of bittersweet emotion, I had never felt before.

I did not know what my expressions were like and I still don't know.

I knew what Gaara had gone through, what Sasuke had gone through. But this was totally different for what I felt towards Sasuke.

Sasuke was my friend now, but Gaara? He was actually arrogant and mean towards me.

Why am I thinking all this?

Amidst all the panick, I felt Sasukes hands on my cheeks, rubbing off my tears. "You care for him, no?"

What did he mean? Ofcourse I care.

I nodded.

"I care for you to..." I said in a small voice. And he gave the most beautiful smile ever. I was shocked to see him smiling like this. It was totally un-natural. He was radiating a mixture of happiness and sadness.

I - I can't believe.

Gaara's Point of View

What is this guy? I am utterly defeated. What can Kakashi do against him? I thought as I slowly rose up from the ground and attacked once again. I was bleeding badly and I missed each and every shot of mine. He immaterialises each time I attack. Was there even a way to defeat him?

No. I have to keep faith in Naeko. She knows alot.

I can go no longer. I had to stop this or else or my powers would be drained.

"Sand Coffin!" but it was in vain. He vanished into thin air and suddenly materialised a few inches in front of me.

My eyes widened. What? When?!

"Bye Bye Kazekage." he said in a creepy joyful tone.

Shit. Its the end.

"Obito! Stop right there!" It was Kakashi's voice.

Obito. So thats what his name is.

As if hearing his name made him paralysed, he turned around slowly to look at Kakashi.

"Obito died." he said in a totalky different tone. "My name is Tobi or " he paused and smirked in between, " I am also known as Uchiha Madara."

Uchiha Madara? Is he serious. No it can't be, he died. The first Hokage killed him.

"Obito, I know everything about you and your plan, Infinite Tsukiyomi."

Obito or Tobi, whoever he was, was totally irritated. I could tell this by his tone.

"First that girl and now you." he stated, "Well, it doesnt matter if you know about it or not. You could never stop me." he said and started to disappear.

"Wait! Its not yet finished..." I managed to say. I couldn't let him go.

"Kazekage, don't be so full of yourself. Save some wnwrgy for rthe real deal." he started laughing, "I was here to capture Naruto but ended up wasting my time fighting with small fries like you." he said and vanished.

I can't believe. What was all this about?

I looked around to see Kakashi looking relieved.

"That certainly went well." he said as he came closer to me. "I guess I should tend to you first and then you can go meet Naeko and Sasuke." he said. I could tell that he was smiling behind his mask.

What was going on?

He finished wrapping up the bandage and stood up. "Now, that will do!" he said and then he waved a bye. "See ya!"

*Poof*

What?!

I was totally confused as to what was going on. Shaking my head, I stood up and made my way towards the others.

It was shameful of me as a Kazekage to get defeated so easily. I can't possibly say anything to anyone.

I am not capable. I should resign.

I reached the site and a wierd pain shot through me. I stood there still, standing as I saw Sasuke cupping Naeko's face in his hands.

I mentally slapped myself and gritted my teeth. My hands folded into fists, all by themselves.

Just then Naeko saw me and beamed. Her smile was surely out of the world. She ran towards me and hugged me.

"Thankyou!" she said, "you saved us !"

Her action shocked me. My fists unfolded and I stood there without moving.

What was I thinking?!

My mind wanted to hug her back. I slowly and steadily started to move my hands but stop amidst because of her voice, "I am also sorry for ever being rude to you."

What was I doing?

I did not utter a single word.

My face was expressionless.

Looking at Sasuke, his brow was furrowed and eyes, narrowed.

What is going on?