The Lotus and The Deer (Shikamaru x OC)

Chapter 19 - Perfectly

Hasu POV

With everyone packed and ready to go, I stand next to Yamoto, smiling at the three warmly, "Well, how's everyone doing? Is everyone getting along?"

Sakura looks nervous, Sai looks calm and Naru-chan has a sour expression making Yamoto show him a creepy face, "Maybe you'd like to resort to more draconian methods."

He starts to sweat, scurrying away. "Don't worry, Captain! We're really starting to build up that old report, you know."

He laughs nervously, making me chuckle a bit, looking up at Yamoto I smile, "You have to teach me that one day."

As Sakura and Sai talk a bit, she gets annoyed. But I pay no mind, using my focus to keep watch of my surroundings during our journey. Observing the forest and its soothing wonders.

Yamoto looks at me, I nod, "Well, I guess it's about time."

He starts to look around, Sakura asks, "Is there something the matter Captin Yamato?" He leads us into the forest, walking through the tall grass the others follow quickly. The forest darkens, crowded by thick trees, we follow Yamato through the unfamiliar territory.

Sakura screams walking closer to us she asks why we're going down this path, I answer her, "Lady Tsunade told you, I'm sure. The information Sakura got could actually be a trap. There's a possibility that the Akatsuki are just playing us. Tenchi Bridge could be nothing but an ambush."

Turning around I look at Naru-chan, growing serious.

"Naruto."

He straightens up as I say his name in a soft yet stern tone, "They could be after you here."

He gasps, "No way."

"I don't think it's really all that likely, but still, you can never be too careful. As you know, I've sworn to protect you as you've done the same for me so stay on guard and don't be reckless."

I turn around, "I don't want to risk losing you."

Walking forward Yamato speaks up as we continue, "We'll keep hidden until we reach Tenchi Bridge."

Once night draws we finally make it to a clearing, Yamato looks around. "This spot should do. All right, let's pack it in here tonight."

Naru-chan yells out, "Say what!? If you really want to set up camp, then we should backtrack to that cave we passed, instead of lying in the open out here."

He ignores him, "Ok everyone, step back."

Doing as we say, he does the necessary signs, "Wood Style: Four-Pillar House Jutsu!"

A house of wood forms in front of us, "We'll camp out here tonight."

Walking in, we look around the place, leaving our shoes at the door, as everyone sets up I frown at Naru-chan's and Sai's interaction. Once done Yamato lights a small candle asking Sakura about the Akatsuki member Sasori. Needing to know every detail, for Yamato will be him in disguise.

While being in disguise, he will approach on his own at first with us hanging back until we receive the signal.

I speak up, "Here's the mission from A to Z. Our one and only goal is a live capture. The target must not be killed or injured, no matter what. If they are, we lose our only source of intelligence. This will be more difficult than simply taking out the enemy. The mission is a delicate one. That's why Yamoto is taking the lead, and we have to be ready as a back-up. The strategy is simple. Yamato moves in and restrains the target. If that should fail, and he enters into a combat situation we move to plan B. That's our cue to enter into combat mode. We'll enter on his signal alone. Should that second scenario comes to pass, we'll be using the buddy system."

Naru-chan asks, "Buddy System?"

I continue, "Every warrior's action will be covered by their partner. The watchword, people, is teamwork. Make sense?"

Naru-chan plays it off cool but remains nervous, "So here's how we'll be pairing up. Sakura and Yamato will be one team. And of course, Naruto and Sai will make up the other. With that, I will be sending a shadow clone to both as I scout the area. If one disperses then I'll come imminently to the scene."

"You expect me to work with him?"

Sakura tries to convince us that she and Naru-chan should be on a team due to history of being on the same team for so long. I frown, "Sakura. You're the only healer on this team because we can't afford to have anything happen to you, you'll stay with Yamato."

"But-"

I cut her off, "Do you understand me?"

She frowns, "Yes."

I release a dark aura, "Naru-chan."

He starts to sweat, calming down the darkness around me disappears. Looking at him, our eyes meet, allowing my emotions to surface. Understanding he sighs a bit.

Yamato carries on the briefing, "As Sai mentioned before, we can expect the enemy to be highly skilled. Any mistakes or loss of focus could prove fatal. So save any more questions you have for later. Let's concentrate on the mission right now."

"Yes sir."

"Ok, you got it."

He stands walking over to the window, "It is imperative that we discover where Orochimaru's hideout is. And the spy who might be able to tell us is probably on his way to Tenchi Bridge right now."

After the brief meeting, the rest head to sleep for tomorrow. Leaving I sit on the front porch to meditate. Feeling my body relax, I focus on my scattered chakra, as I do I feel one disperse. Letting the information and memories flow, I smile, the two-tail jinchuuriki is alive and safe. She already got the message, sending it to her Hokage as we speak. Glad that my identity has been covered by a familiar fox mash and a cloak, my plan is falling into place perfectly.