Life In The Fast Lane 4

The group of ten slowly quietened at this question. Shikamaru was always one for being passive-aggressive but was still nonetheless blunt. But hey, no one could seem to blame him at this point. His brown eyes still peering down at the small yet demanding group of girls. Their faces didn't bring shock, there wasn't the slightest but of anxiety, nothing but pure hard determination. He rolled his eyes at this sight. Women we're just too troublesome for his liking, especially ones that stood up on their own and had a bad temper. One like his mother. He was sure in for a rude awakening.

Sasuke released the death grip he had around Naruto's jacked collar, making him flop down on the concrete floor with a 'thud'. The young Uchiha's eyes darted to the unruly pinkette once again, she was now amused, a smile upon her delicate features. Maybe the only thing he liked more then her sassy side was the cute and innocent look that her eyes held. Walking back over to the group he stood in silence waiting for an answer.

"Looks like you got the passive-aggressive one, Mari."

A small yet thick laugh filled the air. The woman with four ponytails looked at Sakura with a smile on her face. She was obviously pleased with the person she would be pared up with. She looked back toward the pineapple man and smiled softly, her teal pearls shinning in the sun. Small brown eyes widened slightly, something within the young man froze him, captivating him. Shoving his hands deep into his jean pockets he turned away, pushing away all the thoughts to cross his mind. Some clean but others not so much.Laughs escaped all five females lips before they all looked up at Shikamaru again, the boy was obviously uncomfortable with the comments made and it sure showed it through his stiff body language.

Shifting bodies in the water began walking toward the shallowest end of the underground water-pit and to the three white steps that brought them toward the hot surface. Holding onto the silver railing all the females made their way out of the pool and headed for their towels which sat on the small white table where the boys stood. No one spoke. Mental images fluttered through five hazy, perverted, blackened minds. Each male had no problem fantasizing about what was hidden beneath the wet swimwear.

Sakura stood up reaching for her white beach towel as water rolled off every visible shred of skin, trickling down from the nape of her neck, between her small creamy mounds, and down passed her thin, sculpted stomach. A sight Sasuke couldn't deny he utterly wanted. God how he water to fuck the living shit out of her right then and there. A small voice brought him back to reality.

"Come with me and everything will be explained." She said while wrapping the towel around her waist.

Walking back into the large house it was quest among the group. The females led the males through a maze of what and gold hallways taking left and right turns one after another. This may be only a mansion but it sure felt like a damned castle. Minutes passed as the ten teens made their way through the house. Impatient and frustrated the boys nodded at one another, making sure to mark the path in which they came. What if things went bad? There was be a need for an escape root, right? They were all setting aggravated by the silence until they women in front of them came to an abrupt stop in front of them. It was about damn time! Now they could get the damned answers they were looking for!

Finally coming to their last turn, they turn left and appeared in front of what seemed to be a very large room. There were two, large, wooden doors that separated the room from the hall. Reaching up to open the door Sakura laid two hard knocks on the door and waited. When no answer was given she proceeded to push passed the doors and make her way inside. Unfortunately upon entering the large room, which seemed to be and office or study of some sort, there was not a soul in the room. Seriously, was this going to get and more fucking weird? Scratch that. It probably could.

"Tsunade-sama should be in any minute to explain things."

The small pinkette looked at the group behind her with s smile on her face. It seemed to be genuine but a certain raven could see past her disguise, the look in her eyes showed worry and a constant struggle. He rolled his dark orbs. Of course things wouldn't be so easy to get information out of them, the had gone this far so might as well say till the end. Figuring that he had stayed silent long enough he finally decided to speak up.

"Hn. In the meantime why don't you explain who you are."

A small smile crossed the lips pink lips of the woman in front. She was wondering how long he could keep his comments to his self. And to much of her surprise, it was longer then she figured it was. Turning her head to her left then to her right to check the girls behind them for approval, the nodded in agreement. Sakura turned to face forward once again and spoke with a hollow tone.

It was apparent that the small and shy Hinata wasn't sure about reliving her true identity. She, much like the others, had something to lose, but her seemed to be slight greater and could possibly ruin everything. There was no way in hell she would let something like that happen! But nonetheless she shook her head full of violet hair in approval. The truth was going to come out whether she wanted it to or not.. so might as well make it sooner rather than later. Being the nervous girl she was, ale placed her hands in front of her and slowly began poking at her fingers.

"I'm Sakura." She began. "Behind me to my right it TenTen and Temari" Point to a brown hair woman with her signature buns and then to the woman who had the most amazing teal eyes. "And to my left you have Ino and.." She took a pause "Hinata.." She pointed to her friend with long blond hair and a seductive smile then toward the shy woman who slightly back away.

A wave of confusions swept across the room but nothing was said and no movement was made. Short purple bangs covered white eyes in horror of the long drawer out silence. He small pale fingers rotated faster around one another from the growing pain inside of her. Shades of red and pink crept up her face, changing it from one color to the next. Thinking she was going to faint, The blond beside her placed a warm hand upon her friends shoulder. Such a caring touch let her know that she was not alone anymore.

Unlike Hinata a man with long brown hair and white eyes grew pale. For a moment he could have almost passed as Sai. Time around him seemed to stop completely as he felt as though the blood had run cold and spilt from his slender body. Was her name really Hinata? What was her last name? Could it really be her? Many thoughts ran throughout the young mans mind. His mouth went dry and his body froze making him unable to speak. His white eyes gazed her up and down trying to figure what was going on. Snapping back into the present a pulsation of anger shot through his veins. He was going to get to the bottom of this. Now.

"What is your last name?"

Another awkward silence overcame the group. Geeze.. this who group was either full of sexual tension, murderous thoughts, or tension filled air. It was plain to see that this  was going to be a long adventure. The sound of a hitching breath caused the group to once again turn to the pale woman fiddling with her index fingers. Jade eyes focused on the innocent behind her left shoulder, slightly shaking under the pressure. Honestly, for a minute Sakura though of her friend shedding tears. Like hell, over her dead body maybe. She would never let that happen! Knowing that Hinata would not defend herself in this situation, the pinkette took the liberty to do it herself. Snapping her head back around to the white eyed man, her eyed narrowed.

"That's none of your concern at t-" She was cute off by raging words.

"Like hell! I DEMAND to know who she is!"

Twitching an eyebrow, a wave of heated blood flashed through her petit body. Someone demanding something from Sakura? Oh no, now all hell was about to break loose. Anyone that knew the hot-headed teen knew better then to talk to her like that! Demanding her?! Gritting her perfectly white teeth Sakura tied to keep her herself calm and not over boil. Too bad there was nothing more that she could do at this point but grit her teeth and bit the inside of her check. But neither seemed to work. Her cap was about ready to blow.

White eyes pealed off the girl in front and back to the lady in back. She shuffled under his uncomfortable stare. Who wouldn't? The blond woman with her signature ponytail took note of her friends discomfort, following Sakura's lead to protect her, Ino stepped in front of the mans target. Blinding her from his sight. Light hands tugged on the stripy purple bikini top with pleading eyes. A soft smile appeared on the woman's face as she looked behind her. The tension grew and soon two more females popped in front of the brunettes gaze. Narrowed eyes focused on the groups of males who stood helplessly in their line of vision. If you messed with one girl in the group, messed with them all.

The uneasiness in the room continued to grow. Neji's appearance plainly stiffened at the sight of five, very angry, female eyes darting at him from a crossed the well-lit compound. Five against one, not odds he liked. Biting his lips he peeled his eyes off of the violet woman haired and dropped them to the floor beneath his feet. An existed sigh escaped between hiss nude colored lips. He would talk to her one way or another, so he might as well wait when the other girls weren't in the mood to rip him to tiny, unrecognizable shreds. Noticing the sudden change, all girls loosened their stances in front of he timid girl and stood holding their breath.

At that moment the door behind the teens clicked and swung open with a loud 'thud'. Great timing. Not one for subtle entries, a very busty blond woman stood in the doorway with her hands place firmly upon her thick hips. There was a purple jewel tattooed in the middle of her forehead, lips graced with pick shimmers, and eyes the deepest golden eyes anyone had every laid sight on. Her clothing was simple but at the same time elegant. There was a light green, quarter sleeved jacket hung over her shoulder with navy blue stitching. A low cut white dress appeared underneath her jacket with the same blue stitching, going a few inches above her knees, she had remarkable legs for a woman of her age. Not the bottom, black heels that stood inches from the floor were covering her feet. Noticing the tension in the air the woman didi nothing but give a slight smile and maneuvering her way toward the desk at the opposite side of the room.

Resting herself in her black leather chair behind her desk, he smile dropped her her mouth remained in a straight line. Her goldish-brown eyes shifting between the two groups go teens. She placer her elbow on her dark brown polished desk in an upwards position and entwined her fingers as they laid flat as a board her her white shin to rest one. Closing her eyes she spoke in a stern tone.

"Let's cut to the chase shall we?" Her eyes drifted to the males faces "I'm in a little bit of a predicament and I need your boys' help."

Obviously this woman wasn't one for beating around the bush. A little taken back buy the sudden change of events the boys stiffened their posture as the she spoke. Catching a glance at one another they all nodded their heads in unison. Being the most fit to respond in these types of situations, Shikamaru sighed and stepped closer toward the scary marian at the desk.

"What kind of help are you needing exactly?" He raised his brow in defense.

His small brown eyes gazed over the set figure in his vision waiting for her response. Resting back in her chair it lightly grumbled beneath her body. A sigh was heard as she rested her head of two blond pigtails on the black leather rest behind her. Crossing her arms over her voluptuous chest lowering her head, not that it did much good.

"I need racers. Specially five." She stopped and looked among the group. "I've heard many rumors concerning you and your group of friends about your ability and knowledge of the topic at hand. You have clearly met my five racers…" Looking toward the girls "although their skills are great, it will still not be enough."

"And what exactly are you expecting us to do?"

"Simple. All you have to do is win a race for me. You and the rest of your group will be entered in a race alongside my girls. One for each of you so directions are clearly given at all times."

Less hostile air circulated in the room at this point. Curiosity overpowered instead. Surprisingly to everyone Naruto stayed quiet, Sai didn't make a comment about her age, Neji didn't shoot daggers at the frightened raven haired girl and Sasuke didn't break down and yell at someone.. yet. There was still time. All in all, they were calm enough at this point to grasp the mighty strength in Tsunade's spoken words. Someone hiring them to win a race? A dream come true! Thinking for a moment all boys came to the same conclusion, riding with these girls would surly be the death of them. They may love this sport to no end but the shear idea of racing along side these girls was frightening at best. You know what they say, woman driver no survivor.

Rasing a pink eyebrow in concern, stepping forward Sakura placed her hands on her hips and looked down at the her boss. She knew her master was a tempuras woman, no one wanted to get on her bad side. NO ONE. That can't be stressed enough. She knew that starting at the beginning may be more of the background information that these boys were seeking.

"My lady, if I may" She looked at the blond who nodded. "This race is called a Shinobi. Its a race in which five teams of two gather for a three hundred mile ride across the deserted roads on the outskirts of Suna. But this isn't a normal race…" Her voice hardened "…it isn't a game or a silly little match you are all famous for. This is big. Not only does Lady Tsunade have millions rid-"

"M-Millions?!"

Naruto's voice broke. Yea sure all the guys have played for a few hundred bucks or pink-slips at most but never millions! Why in the hell would someone that they have never met to do such a big favor for them when so much was at stake?! Was this race really that important? Jade eyes narrowed at the sight of orange. Shutting him up almost immediately.

"Baka." The female voice spit out. "Now, as I was saying, Lady Tsunade has millions riding on this race. All of the investors do. So with so much at stake you know this isn't going to be easy. Honestly I'm not sure you five can handle such a thing. Anything if allowed. Bribes, money, guns, there is no foul play in Shinobi."

Five hearts stopped. Were these people on drugs or something?! They were not only asking them to race but telling them they might get killed in the process! Any chance they had of being considered normal was long gone. Seriously, what were these people?! Five male figures stood in total disbelief, all clung to to word that were now up in the air. They were dumbfounded to say the least. Taking in a shaky breath, the young raven had finally had enough games. Pushing his way passed his pineapple friend he stood face to face with his pink equal.

"This is total bullshit! Stop playing games!"

"Look, Sa-"

There was going to be another fight. Everyone knew it. As soon as Sasuke blew up it would all be over. Sensing the tensions in the air once again rise, soft pink lips began to move, defending her actions against the angry Uchiha. Ready for the upcoming squable, she was abruptly cut off. Looking over there left shoulder she say her boss speaking out for her defense.

"I can assure you Mr. Uchiha, this is no game. I don't joke around when it comes to my money or my girls."

Three seconds of silence fell. Were they really serious? Come on, they can't be! …Could they? A tired sigh broke passed two pink pressed lips. Tsunade was never the most patient woman and she was on her list string with no cup of sake. This had already been a long and painful day and it sure as hell didn't look like it was going to be getting and better. Plus the little cockatoo headed kid in front of her desk was really beginning to piss her off. What a disrespectful little brat, did this kid have any manors? Letting out a breath she looked dead into his coal black eyes and opened her mouth to speak again.

"If you are not interest in my offer, which is serious, then you may turn it down and leave the premisses. There will be no consequences to saying 'No.'."

The raven craned his head back to the woman at the deck, looked into her gold eyes, then to her whole face checking for and signs of lying. He couldn't find the slightest bit. Maybe he could do this. Well, apart from getting killed, that was a no no.

'These people were obviously looking for talent and they hit the jackpot' he thought to himself before turning toward the rest of the boys.

Naruto gave off the look he always does, some mix between not paying attention and obvious boredom. Sai seemed interested but at the same time hesitant, that fake sung slime never came off his face. Shikamaru was looking at the raven as if he had grown another head, thinking how he could even be considering the offer. And while Neji, his eyes were back on the pale skinned, white eyed girl who stood on the other side of the room. There was no bout about the look on his face, he was going to stay and find out who the hell so was. Even if that meant racing in this stupid thing.

"Well?" Tsunade asked. "I do need an answer."

"I think w-" Sasuke was cut off.

"I accept."

Turning around in shock, the young Uchiha looked at the stern voice behind him. There was not doubt in his mind that it was Neji. But, it wasn't. Words from white lips spilled out of Sai's mouth. That was unexpected, sure he looked interested, but that was just his normal face. His smile still placed on his face as he looked a Sasuke the back at Neji. Another voice chirped up but this one was a little more lively.

"I do too. Believe it!"

Two down, three to go. Looking back at his group of friends Sasuke could see the unannounced determination in the pale mans eyes. He had been in from the beginning. In a matter of only ten seconds over half the group had taken Tsunade's offer. The only one's left were Sasuke and Shikamaru. With a little more convincing by the blond baka -more like kicking and screaming- his irritated raven friend agreed. All eyes drifted to the lazy lump standing against the wall. His features were serious and unreadable. Finally the silence broke..

"Tsk. Looks like I have no other choice. Without me you idiots would get yourselves killed. So in other words, count me in too. Troublesome…"

"Then get your cars boys, because of now, you'll be training for the next two months!"

Tsunade broke out into joys yelling for the butler to bring the sake to celebrate! Yea, there was no doubt about it, it was going to be a very, very long next two months...




*****To Be Continued*****