"I still can't believe you made me train for another hour in the rain," Yuumai grumbled, her arms crossed as she dragged her feet a few paces behind the two boys.

"Me and Shikamaru weren't bothered by it."

"Well, one of you two was in the cover of a tree and didn't have to worry about it. As for the other one, he's just an idiot."

Shikamaru sighed. "You two are so troublesome," he grumbled.

Ryu could practically feel her glare piercing the back of his head. He was sure Shikamaru could, too, because he sighed again. "I'm sorry, Yuumai, but it actually proved to be good training for balance. This way you could train on terrain that wasn't totally solid."

"Yes," Yuumai muttered, "because every ninja should learn to fight in the mud. First you punch me in the face, and then risk me getting sick from all this rain."

Simply rolling his eyes at her, Ryu put his hands behind his head in a fashion similar to Naruto's. Thinking of his blond friend, he wondered how he would react to Yuumai as well as how he was doing on his own mission. How was he handling being on the same team as Sasuke? What about Sakura? Although he hated the thought, he was sure she was enjoying her time with Sasuke on what Naruto had claimed was a major mission. They made one interesting team.

"What are you grinning about?" Yuumai inquired. Her voice was still bitter, but she had finally walked fast enough that she was beside of him.

Ryu hadn't even noticed that he'd started to grin, but he wasn't surprised to find that he was. He shrugged. "Just thinking of some friends is all," Ryu replied.

"Such as Sakura?"

He couldn't help but blush, looking away from the lazy male. "I was thinking of all of Team Seven, actually," Ryu corrected. "Don't jump to conclusions, Shikamaru."

"So mostly Sakura?"

The repeated name quipped Yuumai's interest. "Who's Sakura?" She snickered. "She your girlfriend?"

Of course her mood would improve at such a topic. Although Ryu knew it was slightly defensive he said, "You know, it really doesn't-"

"Ryu! Shikamaru!"

The group paused, only about three trees down from the Komichi's home. Their gazes traveled up toward the source of the voice. Ino was on the porch, leaning against the railing. She looked worried and kept glancing around as if she expected to see someone with them.

"What's up, Ino?" Ryu called.

Ino glanced toward each side of the forest once more before answering. "Have you guys seen Asuma-sensei? I've been looking for him for the past thirty minutes, as well as most of the search team. There's been no sign of him."

Ryu found himself copying Ino's actions. He knew that their training had dragged on longer than usual and that the search team would beat him home. Ryu also knew that Asuma was probably the best at keeping track of the time. Their sensei should have arrived before anyone.

"We haven't seen him," Shikamaru finally replied for them. "I'm sure he's just searching more extensively since you didn't have any luck yesterday."

His words did nothing to quell Ino's worry. If Ryu was correct, she also appeared guilty. "Hey, Ino, how about I help you search?" he offered. "I don't mind being out in the rain." He glanced at Shikamaru. "You want to help?"

"Nope," he replied, walking toward the ladder. "Like I said, I'm sure he's just searching some more. If so, I don't want him to drag me into it."

Ryu didn't even bother asking Yuumai. Instead he glanced at Ino. "How about it? Want to go search?"

Before he had the entire question out, Ino had descended the ladder. Shikamaru grumbled, climbing back down the few rungs he had reached now that someone else was coming down. When Ino made it to the ground, she turned and smiled gratefully at Ryu. "No matter how annoying you can be, I could hug you at times."

Trying to hide his slight blush, he redirected the conversation. "Think Chouji would want to come along?"

"He couldn't if he wanted to," Ino replied. "He ate some mushroom that made him sick. I think Aiko just barely saved him, and now he's sleeping it off."

"That boy will eat anything," Shikamaru muttered with an exasperated sigh and made his way up the ladder. Soon after Yuumai followed, leaving Ryu and Ino alone. 

"So," he began, "where have you looked so far?"

The question nearly brought a smile to Ino's face. It was so similar to their training exercise, and yet that day felt years away. Then she hadn't feared for her Sensei's safety. "I looked around the eastern part of the forest. I figured if he had been in the western area, he would be with you guys."

"Then I guess that would be the best place to check," he concluded.

The two genin made their way to where Ryu and the others had previously been training. Ino nervously looking around, and once again he noticed the guilt flash in her eyes. Her strange behavior since they first embarked on the mission had remained in the back of his mind, but now that he was seeing it so obvious, he couldn't push down his curiosity. After trying to hold back the question for twenty minutes, it finally forced itself out.

"So what's been bugging you, Ino?"

The sudden break in silence made Ino flinch, and she quickly averted her eyes. "I have no clue what you're talking about, Ryu," Ino said.

His eyes narrowed. She was a terrible liar. It just assured him something was wrong. "You really should tell the truth," Ryu pushed. "You've been acting weird for a while, and now you look guilty. Why is that?"

Ino didn't respond. Figuring she wouldn't tell him, Ryu sighed and began looking around for Asuma. He noticed from the corner of his eye that Ino had also resumed searching. Although she looked serious, something gave away her sadness. It could have been her slumped shoulders or sorrow in her expression. "Ino, seriously, what's-"

"Ryu, isn't that Asuma's?"

He followed her pointed finger and froze. No doubt about it. The weapon was definitely Asuma's chakra blade. It was unlikely that anyone else would have a similar one when the Forest Village lacked ninja. "This can't be good," he muttered, approaching the tree. "I can still feel chakra from it. It's Asuma's, but....."

Ino walked over to where he was and eyed the blade. "But what?" she asked as he pulled it out.

"It's extremely weak, so he couldn't have used it recently." Almost as if expecting to see their sensei, he swirled around and began to look. "He wouldn't just leave this here."

"What if he was using it as a marker?"

Ryu shook his head. "Even then he'd just make a slash mark or something. He'd even use a kunai before leaving his best weapon, especially with the Shira Forest Bandits around." Chewing his lip, he contemplated any situation that would end with Asuma abandoning his chakra blade. Nearly none were good. "We need to get back to the village. I have a really bad feeling about this," Ryu said.

Without any argument, Ino started in the direction they'd come. Once Ryu was beside her, the two started to run. "You don't think the bandits got him." His expression must have given him away because her eyes widened. "You do think they did, don't you?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but it seems likely either they surprised him or they could have used the Enhancement pill," Ryu reasoned. "After all, he's the strongest person in this village."

Ino's clenched her fist and bit down hard on her lip. It took her another five minutes to speak. "So what would they be trying to do? Get the recipe or something?"

A shrug answered her. "That is most likely, but it could be something else," he said. "Either way, we're just genin and no match for them. We need to get a message to the Leaf or Sand or something."

They were only about three minutes from the village when they first heard the screaming. Ino stopped, grabbing Ryu's arm so he did the same. "You heard that, right?" she whispered, a slight tremor in her voice.

Before he could answer, another louder scream followed. Neither of them had any doubt. Something bad was happening in the Forest Village. Ryu clenched his fist. So the gut feeling had been right. What could be happening? Obviously the biggest threat was the Shira Bandits. According to Aiko, though, they had never launched a full out attack on the village. Rather they would jump people in the forest. What could happen to make that change?

"We need to go try to help."

"Don't be dumb," Ino snapped.

He spun on his heel, ready to speak, but stopped in surprise at what he saw. Ino was trembling, tears leaking from her eyes and mixing in with the rain. Her fear was evident, and once again the guilt was mingled in. "Without Asuma, we don't stand a chance against whoever it is. If it is the Shira Bandits we'll be killed. You could barely take on Toku by yourself, and even then you nearly died."

Even though he could understand her reasoning, a part of him was also bewildered. "We still have to try though, right? What about Shikamaru and Chouji? They're still there."

Before Ino could reply, someone closer than the last two shrieked. Her eyes widened slightly then. She saw it, if only for a brief second, the moment the person screamed. "You're afraid, too."

With a nervous chuckle, Ryu scratched the back of his head. "Of course I'm afraid, but that doesn't matter." His face turned hard once more as he turned to face her, pointing to the headband on his leg. "You know what this is, right?"

"Of course I do." She unconsciously touched her own. "It's your headband. What's that have to do with anything?" Ino demanded, slightly annoyed he'd bring up something seemingly irrelevant in such a dire situation.

"And those people out there?" He gestured toward the village. "They're people of the Land of Fire who greatly need our help. We could run and get other help, yes, but we don't know the situation entirely. We also don't know for sure whose attacking. It could just be a few stray thugs and the villagers could use two extra hands to beat them. Or we may be able to make the difference of a life. Either way, it is our duty as ninja of the Leaf to try and help."

Ino stared, unable to believe the boy in front of her. He was only a genin, yet somehow he had such a strong sense of duty. Was that what happened when one grew up with the Hokage, Ino wondered. Suddenly the plate around her waist felt much heavier.

"Okay then, Ryu," she said. "Let's go."

Ino felt slightly hurt when she saw the shock on Ryu's face. His surprise quickly transformed into a grin. "You know, Ino, you're going to make a really great kunoichi." Without another word, he started toward the village.

Unable to stop himself at his words, the blond smiled slight and followed. Sakura, you sure have caught the eye of an interesting person. Then Ino glanced sadly at Ryu's back.Too bad he's still just your second choice.

When they reached the village, Ryu nearly came to a halt. It was most definitely the Shira Bandits that had invaded. According to Yuumai, the earthy toned clothes were their signature look. It helped them blend into the forest. The bandits were yanking people from their homes and shoving them toward a circle of villagers. About ten of the bandits surrounded them. If any village attempted to escape, the bandits would be ready to attack.

A shout from nearby pulled him out of his stupor. He glanced over to see a Shira bandit dragging a lady from a nearby grounded house. The man pulled violently on her hair. When she tried to scratch his arms, she was punished with a painful slap to the face.

"Hey, back off!" It probably wasn't the best of ideas to rush the bandit, but his anger at what they were doing had momentarily overridden his common sense. As he ran, he performed a quick set of hand seals. "Lightning style! Lightning snakes jutsu!" Extending only one hand forward, he released the chakra. Although the power was usually weaker it improved the aim, and he didn't want to risk hitting the woman. This was a special case. With how wet the man was the attack would be its regular strength.

The bandit, too shocked at the sudden use of ninjutsu to move, was hit directly in the chest. The bandit fell, yanking down on the woman's hair. Although she screamed, when the man hit the ground, his grip relaxed enough for her to escape.

The woman glanced back at Ryu as she rose to her feet. "Thank you," she gasped out as she began recovering from her terror.

Ryu smiled. "It's fine. Just get away, okay?" He was met by no argument, and soon she was gone.

"It seems you were right," Ino said. "Maybe we really can save a few lives." She watched the retreating figure of the woman, and Ino then turned to the rest of the village. "I wonder where Shikamaru and Chouji are."

The young Sarutobi shrugged, but her question caused him to start glancing around. "Maybe we'll find them while we help the others. For all we know, they're trying to do the same." Sighting another bandit, Ryu knelt on the ground. With a succession of hand signs, he placed his hands on the ground. Focusing his chakra to the area below the bandit and away from the boy he was attacking, he said, "Lightning style! Static field jutsu!"

The woman went erect as the paralysis took effect. While she was immobilized, the child, although confused, took off. Her eyes narrowed in annoyance, the woman began to look around. It took her only moments to realize Ryu was the source of the problem. He grimaced as his jutsu was suddenly broken. Someone had truly trained the bandits.

Before the bandit could move, something lunged at her. She screamed as teeth sunk into her forearm. "Way to go, Shingi! Now get away quick!"

The wild dog did just that. He growled at the bandit before turning and running to Yuumai. By her was Shikamaru, who was bringing his hand into a rat seal. As Ryu watched, his shadow raced forward. Even with the cloud cover there were enough shadows for Shikamaru's to latch to the woman's. For the second time she found herself unable to move.

"Human boulder!"

The cry drew Ryu's eyes a little to the left, and he smiled as he saw a huge green and blue ball charging toward the frozen bandit. She barely had the chance to scream before she was flattened. The ball started to shrink and take shape. Chouji stood there grinning widely at Shikamaru. "That's what I call teamwork!" he exclaimed.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Teamwork that has left you covered in mud," he remarked, looking pointedly at his now brown-tainted clothing.

"That's nothing compared to an old lady who was just smashed into it." Nothing Shikamaru would say could discourage his enthusiasm. He was too happy about taking out another bandit.

Deciding to approach their comrades, Ryu called, "Hey, guys! Over here!"

Just while getting to them Ryu and Ino met two other bandits. Once again Ryu used his static field jutsu, and then Ino used the mind transfer jutsu to take control of one of them men to take the other out. After she released her jutsu, Ryu used a lightning snake jutsu right to his face.

"How many of these guys are there?" Ryu asked when they reached their comrades. Before anyone could answer, more questions spewed out. "Have you guys been taking them out? How can you when they seemed so much stronger before – not that I doubt your abilities or anything. What happened here even?"

Shikamaru sighed. "Don't ask so many questions at once. It's troublesome trying to remember them all. But for starters, yes, we have been trying to take them out. With the ten guarding the villagers, I believe there are twenty others." He glanced around, watching to make sure no new opponents were approaching. "I think those ones we saw in the forest were their strongest sent out to retrieve the necklace, which would be why they were trusted with the Enhancement pills."

"As for what happened," Yuumai interrupted, "the Shira bandits just randomly started attacking. I can't say if they were after the recipe. They did come to our house, but they seemed more focused on capturing the villagers. I even still have the necklace, but they did catch Aiko." She was obviously worried about her sister, but she tried to hide it.

The fact they weren't after the Enhancement pill recipe stumped Ryu. The bandits had no reason to be there if that was the case. He bit down his lip and then shook his head. "This makes no sense."

"No, it doesn't, but that doesn't mean we should just stand here and wonder," Ino said. "You were the one who convinced me to come help these guys," she added, looking at Ryu, "and now you're going to help me do so."

"We shouldn't split up, though," Chouji chimed in. "I think the main reason we're doing so well is because we're all working together." Anything else he may have said was cut off by Shingi's sudden bark.

Yuumai looked in the direction Shingi pointed his snout. "This isn't good." As she spoke everyone was turning around as well. "They're starting to come toward us now that most of the villagers are captured."

Sure enough, most of the bandits had stopped and turned toward their little circle. For some reason, though, none of them were approaching. Even stranger was that most of them were eying Ryu. Feeling uncomfortable, said boy tried to make himself as tiny as possible.

The others were noticing and looking at Ryu as well. "You have any clue what's going on?" Yuumai asked. "Why would all of them be interested in you?"

"Because that punk has caught our leader's interest." Following the voice, Ryu looked over Shikamaru's shoulder to see a familiar man glaring at him. "We were told to keep him alive until our leader gets here. Lucky you, huh, brat?" The last sentence was spat out venomously at Ryu. He reached up to his cheek. "It would be really nice to pay you back."

Senshi, Ryu realized. He was the dude he had punched to save Yuumai. Then what he said began to process. "Why would your boss be interested in me?"

He shrugged. "Not entirely sure myself," Senshi replied. He leaned back against a house, crossing his arms and smirking. "Of course, you'll find out in a couple minutes. He should be here any second."

"Should we try to run?" Yuumai whispered, though she doubtfully glanced around them. They had been encircled by the bandits like the citizens. "Would we stand a chance if we even tried?"

Shikamaru shook his head. "Doubtful. At least right now. But we cannot all be captured," he deduced. "If we are, there's no chance of saving the villagers. If anything, we'd have to try when they were least expecting it. Our best bet would be to wait for their boss to appear and their guard is done because they won't have to worry as much."

Why, Ryu wondered, hadn't Shikamaru been like this before? Although he wasn't dead last he had been quite low in the class rankings and rarely did anything. If he was so smart, why hadn't he shown it? Did he truly see it as that much work? He remembered the many times before Ino had complained about being on a pathetic team. She wasn't aware of just how great it really was. Then again, even he hadn't realized it.

Although they were tense, and Ryu was starting to think Yuumai was about to yell out insults or attack, everyone remained in their little group. Shingi paced around his owner, growling randomly at the bandits. Shikamaru stared up at the sky, rain spreading across his face like tears. Chouji somehow produced a bag of chips and began to munch on them. Ino impatiently tapped her foot and continually shifted her weight.

Ryu, however, was continually clenching his fists as he tried to fight off a strange sense of fear eating at him. It had started a few moments after Senshi spoke. Unexpected images of his time captured flashed through his mind. Shiro with his hand on his head, trying to pry into his mind. The ache of his body as he deprived himself of food and water. The moment he and Sakura faced Shiro from the other side of the cave as he prepared to take off his ring. The hopelessness that he felt as he realized he could do nothing but use its power.

Unable to bear the silence and the fear it brought with it, Ryu raised his voice and spoke. "So why are you attacking this town? Why not just grab me and run?" Had they done that with Asuma? He wanted to ask that as well, but he was too afraid of the answer at the moment. It was easier to falsely believe that he had escaped and would possibly save them.

It took Senshi a moment to answer, and Ryu had the feeling he was purposely stalling to annoy him. "Oh, was that question for me? My bad," he said nonchalantly. "I guess because he finally decided it was time to make this village his. He's been waiting for eight months and your sudden appearance gave him another motive to move."

The color drained from Ryu's face as he glanced around. The village had finally been attacked because of him?

"Don't blame yourself," Chouji said, seeing the reaction this caused in the other boy. "You came back just to try and help this village – you tried to save it."

After I put it in trouble. Ryu didn't voice his thoughts out loud, seeing no reason since it would cause the others to argue. Even if he had chosen to speak, though, he wouldn't have had the chance.

Movement stirred at the entrance. "Hey, guys, they're here!"

There was more than one? Anyone who would come with the leader would most likely be strong, which just made the situation look more hopeless. The four genin and Forest Village occupants tensed as they watched for the new arrivals. Ino was the first to see them, and she covered her mouth in shock.

"What is it, Ino-" Chouji's voice gradually faded and everyone stared.

Everyone but Ryu, who slowly began to back away, a tremble running through is body. He wasn't sure which feeling was more dominant – fear or confusion. The combination was overwhelming his body, though. This couldn't be happening. It was just impossible. But as he thought it, the two drew closer. One brought forth good memories while the other was one of the two who plagued his nightmares.

The first of the two was Asuma. He stared at his team members, and then through them at Ryu. Regret flashed in his eyes, as well as a bit of pain. The latter walked with great purpose and a sly smile across his face. Just like Asuma his dark eyes were locked on Ryu, but his were filled with hatred and rage.

Daichi Shigamo was the leader of the Shira Forest Bandits.

As if believing it would make this nightmare end, Ryu continually shook his head. This couldn't be. He knew Daichi hadn't been captured, but fate couldn't be that cruel. It had been Shiro who had been the prime demon of his past, but Daichi had played his part as well. After he found out that Daichi had been the one warding off the anbu, more than once he had dreamed of all those deaths Daichi had caused. Those people had been sent to find him, and for that they were dead. Daichi also symbolized that past, and for that reason he brought forth all the fear and pain from then.

And Asuma, the man who had helped him escape him, was now walking right beside him. Why, though? What reason would Asuma have? Why would he work with the enemy?

Unless he didn't know Daichi was the enemy. Two years ago he had been superb with his Kekkei Genkai. Could he have improved it within that time? Could he fool Asuma so thoroughly that he would even work with the Shira Bandits? If so, what would he have said to fool him?

He soon found out. "Ryu, why would you betray us?"

"Betray us?" Ino asked before anyone else could speak up. "Asuma, what in the world do you mean him betray us? You're the one siding with the bad guys!"

Now Chouji spoke up, his own hands shaking. Everyone was in utter shock. "Why would you even be with them, Asuma?"

For some reason, Asuma gave them all a confused look. He looked at Daichi as if that would explain everything. "Why would I be? By Lord Hokage's orders. He's standing right here – he'll explain it all to you. Ryu has betrayed us and we need to convince him otherwise."

So that was who he was making Asuma see – his own father. 

"Ryu." Shikamaru's voice barely penetrated his hazy brain. "Ryu, I need you to tell me if that's Daichi Shigamo."

Ino blinked and looked back at Shikamaru. "Daichi Shigamo? Why would you say that?"

He gestured toward Ryu. "There are few signs that point to it. Asuma is obviously seeing someone who isn't there, which can be a sign of genjutsu and can be related to the Shigamo clan, whose signature feature is crimson hair. Not only that, but if you take Ryu's reaction to seeing him into account, it seems to be a likely conclusion."

His line of thought drew Daichi's attention. They were already in front of them and could hear what he had said. The boy was smart, Daichi realized, something Asuma had not told him. He would have to keep that in mind.

As Shikamaru had spoken, Ryu had escaped his fearful state enough to nod. Seeing this, the Nara ordered the others, "Don't look into his eyes. His Kekkei Genkai is a type of genjutsu that causes you to see the person you care for most, but only after he looks into your eyes."

How did he know this when so few did? It had even been his secret weapon against the many anbu. Could it have become more common knowledge after the damage he previously caused?

Seeing the confusion on both Daichi's and his comrades' faces, Shikamaru explained why he knew to them. "It wasn't too hard for me to find out. Since I was curious how one ex-anbu could take out so many teams, I asked my dad. I'm surprised none of you guys did," he added, directing the latter part of the sentence at Chouji and Ino. For such a difficult situation for the other three, it was surprising how calm the boy was. He looked up at the sky again, barely even registering the cold rain. It was his best way at avoiding the other gazes. In such a terrible turn of events, someone needed to remain calm. Since Ino, Chouji, and Ryu had already fallen into terror's grasp, it had to be him.

Daichi laughed. "Such an interesting kid. It's almost sad you may die."

"You big idiot! Like a loser like you could kill anyone!" Yuumai snapped, forcing herself to fight the fear. Shingi barked in agreement, and then he snarled at his new enemy. She turned her glare at Asuma. "Hey, old smoker man, what in the world are you doing? He just threatened your student."

Her words seemed to fly right over Asuma because he didn't react, though Daichi laughed again. "That will do nothing, girl. This man is completely under my genjutsu. It was over the moment he believed I was truly who he saw. He may hear you, but if it doesn't go with what I have said, or who he sees, he won't believe it enough to care."

"It's hopeless," Ryu murmured. His words drew three shocked expressions. Tears streamed from his eyes as he stared at the ground. The rain seemed to entrance him. It was the only thing in all of this that seemed real. "We have no chance." Again he couldn't stop himself from seeing Shiro. Daichi wasn't Shiro, and yet he couldn't seem to shake it. It was too strong of a connection to that man as well as the past. Although he wasn't the worst of the two men, Daichi had still played a key role to that nightmare.

Shikamaru glanced at Ino and then Chouji. Understanding immediately, Ino walked back and grabbed Ryu's wrist. "Ryu, please, you have to snap out of it."

"We can't do anything. Asuma was our only hope. We should just-"

The slap rang through the air. Ryu blinked, slowly looking back at Ino. Everyone stared at the spectacle, slightly interested in this turn of events. Ino stared fiercely at her comrade, one hand falling back to her side while the other still held on to his wrist.

"Ryu, you're an idiot."

Then out of nowhere they were running. Ryu followed merely out of surprise at being yanked. Chouji must have already been prepared, because the next second he was a huge ball again, shooting towards the bandits in the way. Even Daichi was too surprised to do anything as the children escaped into the forest. Yuumai was slightly behind and the bandits almost caught them, but Shingi bit his enemies hard enough to make them try to escape his range.

When Ino noticed that Ryu was still in his numb state, she spoke again. "Please, you have to snap out of this, Ryu," she begged. "We need to get away."

"They'll catch us," he whispered. Ryu could already hear their pursuit. "Asuma.... I could barely save Sakura. How could I save him?" He couldn't imagine using the same method. He refused to. There had to be another way to save him. Or was there? Would he be willing after the last time?

"Watch out!"

They were tackled to the ground by Yuumai, a barrage of kunai flying over their head. While the two girls scrambled to their feet, Chouji had to come over and yank Ryu up. On the very edge of his consciousness, he realized Chouji was staring at him, slight tears in his eyes.

They were just genin. Why were they being forced to face an entire gang of bandits lead by an ex-anbu and their own Sensei?

You should have killed him back then when you had the chance, a voice whispered in his head. You have another chance now. Take it.

No. Just shut up.

Shira Forest Bandits were slowly forming a circle around them again, smiles on their faces. There were only six of them. Daichi and Asuma weren't among them, so Daichi must have sent his underlings ahead to stop them. While Shikamaru, Chouji, and Yuumai faced toward them, bracing to defend themselves, Ino stood in front of Ryu.

"Ryu, how are we going to save the citizens and Asuma-sensei if you keep acting like this?"

His shoulders and face fell. "How could we save him, Ino? I couldn't even beat Shiro-" Even in his numbed state, he stopped himself from adding with my own power. "I couldn't even beat Shiro," he repeated, "and Daichi was around the same strength. How can I beat him now that he has improved?"

She stared at him for a moment before responding. "I know you're terrified, Ryu. We all are, and that must be messing with your mind, because the Ryu I know told me it was my duty to protect the people of the Fire country. And Asuma isn't just any person – he's our Sensei and he's been with you for two years now." For someone who could be so childish at times, she was surprising herself with how mature she sounded. "And you have something now that you didn't have then." Ino gestured to the other three, who were starting to hold off the bandits, and then herself. "You have us now. You'll never be fighting any opponent alone. That's what teamwork is for, right?"

"Guys!" Chouji's voice stopped her from continuing. "Asuma-sensei and that Daichi guy are on their way."

Ino looked back at Ryu. "So who about it? How about we go save Asuma-sensei?"

It was as if she had continually slapped him in the face until he broke through the surface of the haze. He was still submerged slightly, but the fear was slowly dwindling. She was right, he realized. Asuma did need them. Doubt continued to plague him, making him hesitate rather than answer.

Before he could collect himself enough to form a reply Shikamaru cut in. "No, you guys can't. This is a battle we'll lose." Even as he spoke, Yuumai was grabbed and Shingi forced to the ground while someone wrapped his mouth shut. Chouji was just barely holding the people off and Shikamaru's shadow was flickering weakly. "You have to run and get help or something," he ordered.

"But we can't just leave you!" Ryu argued. He was slightly surprised at how big a change Ino's words had caused in him. Ino was momentarily, too, and then she smiled.

Shikamaru turned his head to glare at them. "Don't be a hero here, Ryu. You can't face these guys right now. You're still too mentally shaken, and plus we're running low on chakra. You need to get away or there's no hope for us to save Asuma-sensei!"

Were they all really genin? They each seemed to have faced too much on this one mission already and were making decisions most wouldn't. How could they be scared, though, when their Sensei was in danger? This is what it means to be a ninja, Ryu realized, and they were really embracing it.

"But then you guys will be-" Ino stopped when Ryu put his hand on her shoulder. She nodded in understanding after a moment, and like him, she grew sad at having to leave their team-mates. "Okay."

Feeling a new determination, Ryu turned and faced the bandits in the back. After murmuring his plan to Ino, he rushed forward. A couple feet from their enemies, Ryu fell to his knees and placed his hands to the ground. "Lightning style! Static field jutsu!"

In the slight moment of surprised paralyze, nobody did anything to fight it. This gave Ino the perfect time to dart through. Keeping his hand on the ground, Ryu rushed forward. With only half his focus on it, it grew easy for the bandits to break out, but by then he was past his line and already raising from the ground. Battling with his guilt, Ryu ran off, easily catching up with Ino and nearly racing past her.

It was only half a minute and they heard more signs of pursuit. In one of his rare moments, the genin boy cursed. They had captured the others too quickly. Since he had been unconsciously moving, Ryu was slightly surprised when he ran past their training area. As for where he was going, he wasn't sure. All he knew was moving and getting away as quickly as he could. After so long of glancing back to see if Ino was behind him, he finally just grabbed her wrist so the two of them wouldn't somehow get separated or he could feel if she was grabbed.

In his rush, he didn't hear the roar of the waterfall until it was too late. They were already beside of it with the bandits forming a perimeter around them. Ryu was sure they had been preparing it before because they didn't even have the chance to go along the edge before someone was there. Instead they were right by the edge of the river that drained into the waterfall.

Rather than closing in on them, the bandits simply opened a path for Daichi and Asuma to walk toward them. Almost unconsciously, Ryu stepped in front of Ino. He had a sudden sense of déjà vu as he pictured Ino being her old best friend instead. In this situation, though, he was not going to let her get hurt. He already hated himself enough for allowing his team-mates' and Yuumai's capture.

"No need to be on the defense, young Sarutobi," Daichi said in a chiding tone, taking a few steps forward. Asuma remained where he was, watching every move Ryu made. "Now, how about you listen this time rather than running away?" He smirked as he glanced over his shoulder. "Then again, it's not like you have anywhere to go that wouldn't lead to your death," he remarked.

As if looking down would shrink the size, Ino glanced over the side of the cliff's edge. Now that she was getting a good look, she saw that the river continued at least a hundred feet below. It would be impossible to survive the jump.

Ryu tapped his Leaf headband, trying to resist the urge to touch his ring. Since Daichi had been in the cave, he knew of his strange power. Could that be what this entire matter was about?

With a slightly amused smile, Daichi glanced at Asuma and then jerked his chin toward Ryu. Nodding, the bearded man walked toward his student and stopped a few yards away.

"Ryu, just stop this business, okay?" Asuma pleaded. Even though Ryu could hear pain in his voice, there was no emotion anywhere else. Only now was he beginning to realize the extent of Daichi's ability. "You have no use for the Enhancement pills, so stop this plan with those agreeing with the Sand. If you're planning on that, it isn't worth it."

It took him a moment to realize what that was, and then he quickly shook his head. "I would never, Asuma-sensei! You should know that."

At what Asuma must have seen as denial, he turned to Daichi. "Please, Lord Hokage, convince him."

Daichi would have made a perfect actor, as he proved by changing his voice. He sounded pained, his eyes downcast and his mouth pulled down in a slight frown. "I shall try, Asuma, but if he goes berserk, be ready to take him out."

He nodded, backing away so he was behind "the Hokage" again. 

"So, since you wouldn't listen to your Sensei, and you also see how deeply he has fallen into my genjutsu, how about you just agree to my proposition?" Although Daichi sounded very calm and reasonable, a dark, victorious gleam glittered in his eyes. "I would like you to join me."

A rhino could have slammed into him and it still wouldn't be as bad. So it really was his fault, even if what he had done was a couple years ago. How was it no matter how hard he tried, his past never let him go? "Why would I join you guys?"

Daichi shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, it's not like your Sensei is under my control and three of your friends have been captured. It's not like you have no choice here." Once a moment of silence passed, he went on. "Of course, if you still will not, I could always kill you here and now," he threw out.

"Ryu," Ino murmured, squeezing his arm. When he glanced back, he saw she was staring at nothing but his back. "We need to save Sensei."

He nodded, trying to figure out what to do. There had to be a way to protect Ino, but the only way they could go was back. If he could use the lightning snake jutsu, he could stop their fall, but would he have time? How could he assure that he would slow down Ino as well?

You're right – you're doomed. So just release me and I will destroy our enemies.

Ryu mentally scoffed. I know about your "enemies". That means anyone who isn't me.

He could sense the shrug that was given in response. Maybe this is so, but it may also be the only way to escape. How else can you save the girl? Who knows? Maybe if you're kind to me, I'll even save your Sensei, the voice offered.

Or.... An idea was slowly forming in his head. He turned to Ino, and had to remind himself to speak aloud. "Ino, do you trust me?"

The blond gave him a confused look, not understanding why he would dare turn his back to his enemy. "Of course I trust you, Ryu."

"Then don't freak out too much when I do this." Before anyone could connect any dots, Ryu charged forward and wrapped his arms around the girl. He hurled himself over the edge, hearing shouts both from above and from Ino. He was slightly taller, so his head was above hers. With a slight bend, he made it so his back would make first contact.Here's the deal. Either you save me, or we both die.

It was a flawed plan, Ryu knew. There was the chance he would do nothing and Ryu would die. If so, though, Ino would live. If he complied, they were both saved and away. Maybe it wasn't the best plan, but with their situation, it was the only one he could think of.

"Ryu!"

Then he felt it – that momentary stop as something crashed against the water. An aura of chakra had surrounded them just long enough for their speed to greatly decrease. Then it was gone and they were swallowed by the water.

****

It was similar to when he first woke up at the Komichi's, except this time he hadn't awoken a few times prior. Ryu awoke by himself, staring at a cloth ceiling. Was he in a tent? With a groan, he sat up. The earth he appeared to have been laying on hadn't been well on his body. His hair was damp and stuck to him. It took him a moment to remember his fall into the river.

He was alive? Ryu sagged in relief. Then that meant he really had pulled through. If that was so, then Ino was alive, too. She must have swum to shore with him. Although that conclusion wasn't unlikely, he suddenly looked at the tent again, which he was now sure it was. Even if she had helped him, she hadn't had any supplies. Where would a tent have come from?

Someone outside began to speak, but the voice was unfamiliar. When another voice, this one most definitely Ino's, replied, Ryu felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. Then there was no doubting it at all. They had both lived despite how crazy his plan had been. Deciding he should find out what was going on, he opened the tent flap and stepped out.

"Ryu!" She must have just gotten up because she was already on her feet and tackling him in a hug. "It is so nice to see you awake."

Although caught off guard, Ryu returned the hug. When she pulled away, he noticed she was no longer in her usual purple garb, but rather in pink. It was similar to Sakura and made him do a double take in confusion. Looking down, he saw he, too, was in a different outfit. It would explain how both of them were dry. "Where did I get these clothes?" he asked.

Ino pointed toward the place she had come from. There were four people sitting around a fire. They were most likely a team consisting of a jonin and two boy genin and one girl. Judging from their headbands, they were also from the Sand. "The clothes you're wearing are Kaine's extra sleeping wear. That's him over there." She pointed toward a nicely tanned boy around their age.

For the first time actually noticing his features, as well as the girl's by him, Ryu's eyes narrowed in confusion. The girl had dark skin as well. It was a trait more common for those in the Lightning country than the Wind. Their headbands said something different, though.

"These guys helped us out. I had just pulled you out of the water when they found us," Ino explained. "They were on their way to the Leaf when they passed by the river."

"How long have I been out?"

After a quick calculation, Ino replied, "For about three hours."

Three hours. During that time, the others were in the enemies' hands. Were they okay? Daichi had no reason to hurt them. If anything, they would be used to try and convince Ryu to join Daichi. At least that was what he had to tell himself or he'd rush back to the Forest Village and do whatever to save them.

Returning from his thoughts, Ryu glanced over their saviors once more before turning to their Sensei. He was on the darker side, making it harder to distinguish his features. Even without being able to see his face, Ryu bowed. "Thank you all for saving me and my comrade."

"Don't mention it," the jonin said, leaning forward so the light of the fire washed over him. "I'm Raido Gansaku, the jonin of this squad." A sudden smile pulled at his lips as Ryu met his eyes. He was shocked when he saw them.

"Gansaku, you said?"

"You would be correct to question me," Raido said, nodding in approval. "It may be easier for you if you knew me real name."

"Sensei, are you really going to tell him already?" the one Ino had said was Kaine questioned.

Raido shrugged. "I see no reason to keep it from him. He has a right to know."

Her interest quipped, Ino just had to jump in. Although Ryu could see it coming, it was a complete mystery to her. "What do you mean your real name?" she probed.

His pale eyes twinkled. "Well, my true name is Raido Zenjin."