The Ten Tails (A Naruto Fanfic)

Chapter 38

Akiko woke up on her bed as she recalled what happened from las night.

"Well.....whatever floats his boat." She muttered and got dressed. She heard a loud knock on her door.

"Akiko!" She heard Shikamaru yell. She went over to get the door. The other guys were out there too.

"About Sasuke...." Shikamaru started.

"I already know." She said as the their eyes widened. She got kunais and shurikens and other tools and stuffed it in her pouch. She also went to get her bow and arrow. 

"Lets go." They went to the gate of Konoha. 

"We're at a time limit." Shikamaru said. 

"All right! Everybody! Follow me!" Naruto yelled.

"....Do you even know where we're going..?" Akiko asked. This knucklehead was still a knucklehead at this very moment. 

"Since that's the case, come up with some strategy and plan, Shikamaru. From what I have heard, there might be strong ninjas." Neji said.

"For a start, as this is a rescue operation, we will be in the position of pursuit. In other words, the enemy can easily gain the initiative. Therefore, I will decide on a deployment formation that will respond quickly to any assault by the enemy. If you ignore me and move on you own accord..." 

"We will all die." Akiko finished Shikamaru's sentence. 

"That's right. We will go in a single file formation. First of all, the all-important spearhead will be... Kiba, that's you!" Shikamaru said.

"You and Akamaru go on walks year round and are therefore well versed in the terrain and geography of the land of fire. And since your nose is very sensitive, you can track Sasuke down." Akiko said. 

"And second is you......Squad Leader. Your strategic skills are on point and you will give the commands." She said.

"In the number three position is Naruto. You're quick in executing quick moves and is able to respond immediately to anything in front or behind. Plus your shadow clones might come in handy." 

"And fourth position, Akiko. Just like Naruto, quick in executing moves, smart moves, and a functional brain. I assign you as co-leader. You'll probably be the one to deal with Sasuke since you have been with him the longest of all of us." 

"And fifth position. Choji. You're not fast but your ability to strike is the best among the squad members. Line leader Kiba, I, Naruto and Akiko will launch surprise attacks and I'll use you to launch the deciding blow. In other words, your role is to attack the routed enemy."

"And at the end of the line is you, Neji. You are assigned to the most difficult posistion of the rear lookout. You have the Byakugan which you can look 360 and you can also help track down Sasuke. Got it everyone? Good." Shikamaru finishes. 

"Now, all of you. Stay alive. We will take back Sasuke, it isn't because I like him, it's because he is a shinobi of the leaf village. All right! Let's go!" Shikamaru said. 

"Wait!" A voice yelled behind.

"Sakura-Chan......"

"Sakura, your role in this, has ended. You already tried to convince Sasuke." He said, not knowing Akiko was there. Sakura began to cry.

"Naruto.....Akiko........This is a once in a lifetime request.....please...! Please...bring Sasuke back..I couldn't do it!......I wasn't able to stop Sasuke! At this point.....the only person to save him.......is you two...." She cried and sobbed. Akiko and Naruto smiled.