~*****~

Blinding fury. All I could feel was the fire burning in my lower belly as I glared up at Aoi. My vision was so distorted. Every line, every natural hue shifted unnaturally as I started pulling Sakura and Sasuke up. It was as if they weighed nothing. I cast a glance down at Sakura, and as her green eyes met mine, a waver of fear flashed over her face. Then, another wave of electricity burned through my body. I screamed out in agony and Sakura's palm slipped from mine. I didn't waste time seeing if she managed to save herself and Sasuke. I turned my gaze back up on Aoi and clasped at the blade flying down at me. My skin prickled as it shocked me again. I shoved him back, and stood up on my pulsing legs. "Hate to break it to ya, but your poison won't work on us!" I snap, unconscious to the growl rumbling in my chest. Aoi just scoffed.

"Go on, laugh!" Naruto snapped from behind Aoi. "You're gonna pay for what you did to my friends!"

"Take it easy," Aoi teased. "I wouldn't want you feeling left out. You'll join them soon enough."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, if I were you!" Naruto retorted.

My eyes cast down at the blade protruding from it's handle, and I spotted a small crack on the edge. I needed to get around him, and get to Naruto. I had no jutsu to use against the weakened surface, but Naruto sure did. That crack was our in to shatter it.

Naruto shook his head wildly. "That doesn't matter now! Sakura and Sasuke need me to help them!"

"Naruto," I started as I breathed out. "As much as I want to wipe the floor with him, I'll leave this to you. I'll help those two," I explain softly. My blood stopped boiling enough to think rationally. That's good.

"Still wanna play hero, huh? Forget about it. They were dead once they hit bottom." Aoi scoffed.

"Zip it! Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto shouted as I took the opportunity to leap over the edge. I channeled the chakra into my hand and slid down the wall.

A small pink dot fluttered at the bottom of the ravine. "Sakura!" I called out as I let go of the wall and landed onto the ledge.

"Ren-" Sakura stammered, the fear still evident on her face.

"Help me sit him up," I order softly as I kneel down to Sasuke. Sakura leaned him against the wall, and I braced my palms against his chest and started repairing the damages the electricity caused. "He's going to need medical help at a hospital, but I can stabilize him at least."

"Thank goodness," She breathed. The sound of a man screaming echoed over head, and the two of us looked upwards.

"That knuckle head," I breathed out. "Naruto!" I called out as we looked up at the orange clad ninja standing at the top with Idate. "I knew I could count on you! Sasuke's fine!"

"Hold on, I'll have you guys outta there in no time!" Naruto called back.

"You idiot!" Sakura and I shrieked back. "Forget about us and just get to the finish line! Time's running out!"

The final pain of the electricity tearing my muscles finally caught up to me, and I hissed in pain as I gripped at my midsection. "Ren, are you all right?" Sakura gasped as she wrapped her arms around my hunched over form. My vision started to blur. "You muscles are torn to shreds!"

I palmed my midsection gingerly, and my chakra refused to come out. "My chakra- It's too low." I panted softly.

"What can I do?" Sakura asked softly. I couldn't answer her as I just focused on trying to stay conscious. "Ren- Ren!" My world darkened.

~*****~

I came to as they announced Idate as the winner of the race. I only noticed I was being held piggy back by Naruto. "I was right to trust you, Naruto." I sighed softly as I pressed my face against his neck. Naruto giggled.

"Well, what kinda Ninja would I be if my squad leader didn't trust me?" Naruto giggled happily.

"You can let me down, my body is starting to heal." I mention softly. I slid down his back and cradled my midsection. "I'm gonna feel that for a few weeks."

"Hold on!" Kyuroku snapped as he stepped up with his goonies. "That's enough."

"Kyuroku?" Jirocho hummed in confusion.

"It seems this kid rode on the back of a hired ninja for part of the way." He smirked. "That's a violation."

"What did you say?" Naruto sneered.

"I have proof. Just take a look at this photograph, huh?" Kyuroku held up a photo of Naruto and I running up the spirit breaker with Idate on Naruto's back.

"They have to make it here by their own strength. Those are the rules of this race. The boy must be disqualified." The minister mentioned. "Which means that Fukusuke Hikyakuya of the Wagarashi family is the winner."

"What? It can't be." Jirocho said.

"But wait a minute- that was--" Idate tried.

"I'll hear none of your excuses!" The minister snapped. "Jirocho, you gave your word. I want the Wasabi Family to disband immediately."

"Just a moment." The other Feudal Lord hummed as he stepped up. "There is no such rule. Stop talking nonsense."

"But--"

"But what? Are you suggesting I let the Wagarashi win simply because you wish it?" He cut off his minister.

"No, of course not!" The minister tried.

"Perhaps the reason you want to win so badly is that it would mean an end to all the bribes you've been accepting." The Feudal Lord held up a photo and flipped it over.

"It's like watching a really intense soap drama." I mentioned to Sakura. She hummed in agreement.

"You ignoramus. You'll give up your position and don a monk's robe." The Feudal Lord ordered.

"Yes-- Yes, sir." The ex-minister muttered.

"And you, Kyuroku." Kyuroku stammered in response. "I have heard a great deal about the evil deeds you have committed. Your crimes against the people of Port Degarashi are unforgivable. From this day forth, the Wagarashi family is no more. Is that clear?" The Feudal Lord ordered. The Wagarashi bowed in respect and reluctantly agreed. The Feudal Lord chuckled happily. "An Auspicious day! Now let us consider this matter ended."

The crowd broke out in cheers, and we finally made our way to the boat back to the Leaf. The easy way back anyway. Idate came to see us off. "I want to thank you for all your help, Naruto." Idate smiled at the blond knucklehead. 

"Yeah, well, it was my pleasure." Naruto smiled and extended his hand.

A familiar voice echoed over the boat. "I've come to get the wounded." Ibiki calls. I flinch and look over my shoulder with a wince.

"Ibiki," I hum curiously. "When'd you get here?" 

"Big Brother!" Idate called in shock.

"Where is the wounded?" Ibiki asked, ignoring his brother.

"Ren and Sasuke are the only wounded," Naruto mentioned as Ibiki trailed down the ramp.

"Okay," Ibiki hummed. "Let's get them on the boat, then." I hesitantly stepped around him and struggled up the ramp. Sakura wrapped her arm around my waist and giggled as she helped me walk up. As the boat started moving, Ibiki stepped over to me. "How did you get those wounds?"

"Aoi of the Rain, with the Blade of the Thunder Spirit." I explain softly. A smirk wrapped onto my face as I scratched at my head. "Naruto sure is a surprise, isn't he?"

Ibiki smiled and turned his gaze on the blond. "That is he, you should rest." I nodded and leaned back against the wall, and slid down with a heavy sigh. "You've endured a great amount of pain. Lady Tsunade will be glad to hear about the success of the mission."

"Yeah, yeah- Wake me when we get there." Ibiki guffawed deeply as I passed out.

~*****~

"Here's my report, Lady Tsunade." I hum as I step into her office. My arms were tied up with slings. Which was completely ridiculous by the way. "The mission was a success, and the Wasabi family have control over Port Degarashi again. The Wagarashi family has been disbanded, and Aoi of the Rain, former Leaf Jonin accused of treason has been dealt with."

Tsunade smiled. "Excellent. How was your squad work?"

"In the beginning, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno took to the leadership quite well. Naruto seems to be becoming stronger and stronger each time I see him. Sasuke is struggling with advancing, and I fear that it will be his downfall. Though bright, I feel as if Sakura could use a new outlet. With her excellent chakra control, I feel medical ninjutsu would be a great asset for her." I explain. "I feel as if I could use a bit more training. I'm getting a bit sluggish." I admit bashfully.

Tsunade hummed as she propped her chin on her hands. "Thank you for your evaluation. On to a separate matter. I'm about to promote a genin, and you two will be my recon squad."

"Ohh~" I cooed as I got out of Chunin mode and into annoying niece mode. "Who're you promoting? Neji? Shino? Shikamaru~" I asked curiously.

Tsunade chuckled and pulled up a file. "Shikamaru Nara. The Third Hokage was pleased with his performance during the Chunin exams. On that note, we're going to attempt to rebuild our alliance with Suna, and I'd like you to be my ambassador for the first meet. You will be accompanied by Kotetsu and Izumo."

"Sounds like fun," I giggled. "So, Shikamaru and I will be on recon missions together?" I inquire curiously as a flush crawls up my neck.

"For the time being. When we get more Chunin, we'll start widening who we can send on those kinds of missions. But for the time being, you two are my best strategists." Tsunade explained.

"Should you even be telling me this?" I ask teasingly.

"I'm the Hokage, I can tell my niece anything I want," Tsunade defended as she tossed a wadded up paper at me. "Get home, will ya? You're on medical leave until further notice. Your muscles were decimated."

I grinned and bolted from her office.

~*****~

I peered over Shikamaru's window sill and gazed in as he entered his room with a tired yawn. He sat on his bed and paid no attention to my face pressed against the glass. He finally looked over, and yelped in utter shock before tumbling onto his floor. "Hey, Shikamaru! You gonna let me in?" I ask curiously.

"What are you doing, you idiot?!" He bellowed as he threw the window open. "You tryin' to give me mental problems?"

"Probably. Annnnnyway, I've been put on medical leave, so I thought I'd come by to take a nap with you." I explained with a grin.

Shikamaru's face dusted with a soft pink hue before he rubbed the back of his head. "Man, you're such a troublesome girl. I don't think-" I just threw myself onto his bed and curled up on top his blanket. "I just can't win with you, can I?"

"Do you want to win?" I inquire as he settles besides me. He turns his back to me, and I start messing with his hair, and undo the tie to start playing with the thick, black hair. "You smell nice," I mention as I cuddle into his back and bury my face into his hair. His back is tense, and I could hear his fingers scratching against his blankets. "I missed doing this...." I hummed as I wrapped my free arm around his chest and clutched against his shirt before I started dozing off.

"Hey, Ren?" Shikamaru hummed quietly. I hummed in response. I desperately tried to stay awake. "Would you... I mean, do you think-- Man, why do you have to be right up against me?" He groaned. I giggled sleepily before nuzzling my nose against the nape of his neck. "Would you want to... go grab something to eat later?" I hummed in agreement. "Like... Like a date.... Only if you want to, because I know--"

"It's okay.... I wanna go... But for now... I just wanna sleep... like this..." I finally doze off just as Shikamaru grasps my hand softly.