Invasion - 3

Gaara had gained considerable ground after fleeing the arena.

He had reached the forests on the far outskirts of Konoha before stopping, trying to stay in control of his consciousness. More than ever, Shukaku's presence was becoming progressively more difficult to restrain after fighting Sato.

Sand had latched onto his arms and he found he lacked the strength to dispel it, 'This can't happen…I won't allow it!' He paused beneath a tall cedar tree, kneeling down in the shade and trying to catch his breath.

He'd give anything to be free of the demon's cruel laughter echoing in his head.

Don't be frightened, you've been surprisingly fun so far! Helpful too! Now that those other two idiots aren't around you and I can have a little chat.

'I refuse to indulge your will.'

Do as you like. It makes little difference, for the next fool to come near us is as good as dead, isn't he? Even you like killing just as much as I do, I'm sure! It makes you feel satisfaction that even your precious ones cannot give you…

'I kill only when I have to. You hold no sway over my actions.'

Liar! You are a jealous, carnal being. Killing gives you more pleasure than even that pink haired wench you're obsessed with.

'Leave Sakura out of this!'

Oh! Sorry, Gaara. Does it pain you that she knows nothing of your desire? That you loathe the Uchiha who keeps her under lock and key while you are near?

'I am not like you! Naruto and Haku will-'

Eek! I am terrified of them! They'll scare me away and keep you safe! Ha ha! You bring me so much entertainment, small one, more than any of my past jailors! You should be honored!

'Your very existence is an embarrassment to this world. It is my duty to keep you from harming anyone.'

We biju have existed in this world long before humans, you insufferable sack of guts! And if your sacrifice for concealing me is so noble perhaps you'll try your luck at hiding me from that fellow over there?

Too caught up in his thoughts to have noticed, Gaara looked up to where a ninja had settled nearby, watching his internal struggle. He was vaguely familiar, but Gaara hadn't recognized him right away with his vision blurred by frustrated tears.

His spectator chuckled, "Don't remember me, Gaara? I'm not surprised, you've had a very trying examination, haven't you? I've been keeping track of your more impressive achievements, however…" The silver haired boy sighed, "This village will be destroyed soon…it'll be amusing to watch!"

"Kabuto…" Gaara ignored the Shukaku's laughter, glaring at the traitorous ninja, "You never were convincing enough for me to believe you were loyal to the Leaf!"

Kabuto grinned at him, pushing his glasses further up the bridge of his nose, "Maybe so, I haven't been the best actor…but I'm glad I caught up with you, Gaara-kun! Orochimaru-sama even admits that none of this could be possible without you, you know."

"He is scum not worthy of such titles," Gaara hissed, feeling his sand circle around him with malevolent intent, "I will make him pay for what he's done to my teammates!"

Kabuto frowned, "You can try," He formed a hand sign a moment later, initiating a powerful genjutsu, "Sleep well, Gaara-kun."

Gaara could only hear the joyous screeches of Shukaku as his mind faded into darkness.

*

"Stop a sec, Haku-kun," Naruto paused momentarily on a branch after feeling a violent tremor reverberate through the ground and rattle the entire forest, "Did you feel that?"

Haku nodded, wary, "Yes, and still no sign of him…do you think that he may have-?"

"No! Don't think like that!" The blonde boy clenched his fists, "He's gonna be fine, we just have to find him is all!"

"Hey! Naruto!"

Naruto turned and he was truly surprised to see Sasuke approaching with a small dog beside him. Sasuke looked rather peeved he had to actually exert himself to catch up with his fellow Leaf genin.

The Uchiha prodigy stopped on a branch across from Naruto, frowning, "Any particular reason your friend decided to run off like that? You'd have an easier time keeping him on a leash…"

Naruto nodded in agreement, "Couldn't have said it better myself!"

Haku's face was the epitome of astonishment. He hadn't expected the person Gaara disliked the most to arrive to help them.

The dog that had come with Sasuke spoke up impatiently, "Listen boys, I'll be able to track Gaara. I caught his scent trail before we set out."

Naruto blinked down at the dog, not very surprised it could talk, "Er, good dog…so where was he headed?"

"It's Pakkun and he's moving erratically, probably due to his injuries." The pug replied, "If we don't hurry he'll be halfway out of the Fire Country before we find him."

Seconds later they were soaring through the canopy, following the small brown dog that scrutinized air currents along the way, calculating their course.

Sasuke turned to Haku, still unsure why Kakashi had ordered him to follow the runaways, "Do you mind telling me exactly what's going on?"

"Gaara-kun is not in a healthy state of mind at the moment," Haku didn't want to break the Hokage's law at a moment as crucial as this, but Sasuke needed to have some idea of what they were up against, "And when I say that, I mean that he is potentially dangerous to himself and those around him."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but accepted it as a valid answer.

"We have to move faster, we're being followed," Pakkun sniffed guardedly as they picked up speed, "Eight…no, nine ninja approaching, fast. Pick up the pace!"

They indeed did gain speed, but it made little difference as they ran for a long while after that, unable to evade their pursuers.

"We can back-track to throw them off course," Haku suggested as they descended to the forest floor, "We still have some considerable ground over them..."

"Not for long, hurry it up so we can keep moving." Pakkun leapt backwards with Naruto and Sasuke as they followed Haku, retracing their steps, careful not to leave evidence of their intentions.

They traveled Northeast in silence for nearly ten minutes, careful to not leave any evidence of their presence, but even then it had not been enough to fool the Sound ninja following them.

"It's no good, they're getting closer," The pug was troubled that they had been unsuccessful, "We'll have to try something else."

"A decoy," Sasuke recommended, "One of us stays behind to slow them down, that way the others have a better chance of finding Gaara."

Haku and Naruto nodded in understanding, before Sasuke added, "Though the one who does…is likely to die."

They paused on a large tree branch, knowing it to be the truth. They were low on stamina and chakra after their respective matches, and one against nine enemy shinobi had unfavorable odds.

The genin stood in silence, thinking the situation over. It was the only option they had left that was likely to give them the advantage, even at the cost of one of their lives

After a long moment, Haku spoke up, "I'll do it. I can stay behind and stall them while you go ahead."

Naruto directly protested, "No, Haku-kun, let me! You don't have to do this if-"

"I insist," Haku's face was grave and he glanced over to the blonde boy and Sasuke, "I've made up my mind about this. It's my fault Gaara's been suffering. I must do this."

"We can't waste any more time," Pakkun cut in, "He stays, he's decided. It's time to keep moving!"

Sasuke regarded Haku for a long moment, "If you're sure…just make sure you get them by surprise."

Naruto's face was pained, "Alright. You stay and we'll go…and you better be careful!"

"When am I not?" He offered his worried friend a convincing smile.

Hesitantly Naruto continued on with Sasuke and Pakkun at his heels.

After a long minute, Haku let out a deep breath he had been holding and then leapt down to the forest floor, turning back to confront their enemies.

He settled behind a tall oak, reflecting on his decision, 'They will find Gaara-kun, I know it. As long as I am here I will not allow them to pass!' He knew he probably wouldn't be rejoining them after fighting off the Sound nin, 'I am not afraid to die... not anymore.'

A span of ten excruciatingly long minutes granted Haku the necessary time to plan an ambush, although he was uncertain of what to expect from the squad that had been following his friends.

Without warning the troop of Oto ninja descended and surrounded Haku, three of them drawing kunai and closing in. He hadn't been able to react in time.

The Sound ninja recoiled angrily after shredding a water clone, knowing they had exposed themselves to a counter.

Haku and a second water clone landed senbon on a number of the opposing shinobi, paralyzing the majority of them as the needles sunk into the backs of their necks.

Three of them were able to evade and closed in again, wary of the needles Haku had steadied between his knuckles.