Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto in any way.
Chapter 1: Introduction
When Team Seven started, none of them really understood each other. Yet, through pain and chaos, they found home within their friendship. Then betrayal came along and following it was determination. A friend lost was found and bonds severed were renewed. They grew and they matured, each finding their own place in the world. But time is a cruel master. War and blood could not separate them but a simple thing such as time, like decay, slowly ate away their camaraderie.
The team had not met each other as a group in over a year. Occasionally, there would be brief acknowledgement between the members but nothing more, each too busy with work.
Uzumaki Naruto began training even harder to be a Hokage after the return of his best friend. His work with Tsunada demanded a lot of energy and time but if anyone saw Naruto, they would say that he was happy. Diplomatic work allowed him to find a more serious and observant side of himself, one that is hardly displayed back at Konoha. The initiation of his relationship with Hyuga Hinata was purely accidental. While walking in the streets one day and eating ramen at the same time, he accidentally ran into the young Hyuga and spilled noodles all over her. Fortunately, the soup had already cooled but that did not prevent her from being completely drenched. In a moment of panic, she blurted out her feelings for Naruto. With a smirk (possibly obtained from one Uchiha Sasuke) he asked her out and ever since, they have been together. His favourite food is still ramen.
Uchiha Sasuke returned to the village a slightly humbled ninja despite his still ever-present arrogance. Some villagers would still consider Sasuke a traitor and anyone brave enough to voice this in the presence of any member of Team Seven would receive painful injuries. Sasuke worked for the trust of the village council through probation, community service and occasional missions. He gained the rank of genin and achieved an ANBU position. He still had his posse of admirers but once they found out he was planning to be a regular ninja, the obsessions died down. Ambitious as ever, Sasuke works hard to become a better ANBU.
Hatake Kakashi never trained another team after Team Seven. He claimed that the stress would give him white hair. No one protested. He continues to read his "Icha Icha Paradise" series in public despite the disapproval from his sole female student. Naruto, however, sends him a new copy whenever possible. He undertakes high classed missions and dives straight into danger like usual, which is the main reason for his various minor injuries and earns more disapproval from the mentioned female student. Her protests are reasonable as no one likes being woken up from sleep to find a half-awake blood covered man lying next to her. From the first time onwards, Kakashi had been careful to shower after a mission before cuddling with his lover.
Haruno Sakura, previously trained under Tsunada, has become Chief of the Konoha Hopital. She is reputed to be second in medical skills to the current Hokage although some may say she surpassed her master. No longer was she seen as the weakest in Team Seven and, unexpectedly, she was the first to shine among her team mates. While Sasuke seemed to have lost his throng of admirers, Sakura appears to have gained hers. Not that any dared to approach her with Kakashi standing menacingly near her. Sometimes she feels her lover is a little over protective; her team mates would say that was an understatement.
Author's Note: Please Read and Review. Criticism is much appreciated. I like compliments too.