AN: This i set after the last japanese manga where Gaara is kidnapped by the Akatsuki and Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi go to assist the Sand. Also after Naruto returns to Konoha and Sakura gets her new outfit.

Chapter One: We're Only Liars, But We're The Best

Enter Sasuke:

You could hear a pin drop if you wanted to. You could hear a pin drop if you didn't want to. There was just this silence. It was so delicate, too. So breakable.

I relate it to the time Kakashi and Zabuza first fought. I remember being so freaked out, terrified, overwhelmed by the sight of the two Jouningoing at it. Horrible.

The ridiculous thing was, I never dwelled on the past too much, save for of course the night my family was killed.

If we had been alone, I would have rushed at him and done something to him. Fight him, kill him, hug him, talk to him, shake his hand. I don't know really. It was so weird, and I have limited knowledge of my impulses when it comes to anything from that chapter in my life.

I stood upright next to where Orochimaru stood, surveying Naruto with distaste. "State your business."

Of course, we were not in sound, we met Naruto at an arranged area. Orochimaru would rather die than let a Konoha Shinobi (other than myself, of course) into the sound village. We arranged to meet Naruto in a clearing of forest miles from the village. A large team of Konoha shinobi had gone to sand, where the Akatsuki had attacked and taken Gaara, who had become Kazekage. Naruto had been sent to scout other village's help. In fact, he already had a decent army of Rock, Wave, Cloud, Mist, and Waterfall Shinobi with him. And now, he had come to us

I kept my face straight, not meeting Naruto's constant glances as he begged for help. I felt I would go crazy if I spent too much time with him.

Orochimaru smiled evilly. "Very well, we of course are allied with Sand, I will send a team of jounin and medics along with your party, lead by my strongest Ninja." He turned to me, I looked at him stonily, already nowing what he would do. "Sasuke-kun will lead the team that I have set together for this mission, but I insist that this matter resolved with minimal damage to my team."

I almost rolled my eyes. How idiotic. Naruto knew he meant me. He could not stop glaring at me as I stepped forward with the rest of my team, bowed to Orochimaru, and walked to his side silently. Orochimaru said his goodbyes and we set off towards sand.

I waited for two nights for Naruto to approach me. He enterred my private tent hesitantly, not sure of what I would do. But it seemed the sight of me sharpening my kunai awoke his regular attitude.

"You wanted this mission didn't you? You heard the word 'Akatsuki' and jumped at it. Any way to go near yourbrother and fight him."

This time, I did roll my eyes. "Well, duh, you idiot. Why else would I be willing to go on a mission in which I'd have to deal with you?"

Naruto clenched his teeth. "So then what, huh? You're going to crawl back to Orochimaru and let him take you?"

My eyes narrowed. "So what if I am? In case you havn't noticed," I retorted tapping my sound forehead protecter, "I'm not a Konoha ninja anymore. I serve a new government."

"You know you're still of our village, no matter how you disguise it! Besides, whatever happened to 'restoring your clan?' You can't do that in six months!"

I laughed. "Naruto-san, Orochimaru has three more bodies lined up if I don't come back in time, which I won't. That leaves me plenty of time to have children. In fact, I'm already married."

That was actually a half-truth. I wasn't actually legally married. I lived with this girl Mint. I didn't really like her at all enough to marry her, in fact, I kind of disliked her. But she was necessary. On top of it, she knew Orochimaru's plans for me and had no trouble with them.

Naruto's brow furrowed in frustration. "You can't do that, Sasuke-bastard. You're not married. I can see straight through that lie. You would never marry anyone untilItachi is dead. Sakura-chan told me that much."

My eyes widened. Naruto noticed it and laughed. "Yep, you bastard. Sakura-chan still knows everything. You know, I still am shocked how you left her. She cared so much for you, and that was her reward. The bitch of it all is, she was willing to give up everything and go with you, or give you a happy life. You could have had one, too."

"Whatever," I sneered, "She was and is a weak, worthless little know-it-all slut. Besides, why should I care, I'll never see her again." I smiled, waiting for Naruto's angered reaction of my words about her.

But he surprised me, he smiled. "She isn't weak, she never was. And even if she was, she certainly isn't now. She's amazingly powerful, she nearly surpasses Kakashi-sensei, and she's an amazing medic nin. She saved Sasori-san for the Akatsuki's poison. Oh, and for the record, she's on this mission, we're meeting her tomorrow. And knowing her, she won't display any feelings towards you remotely like when she was twelve."

I scowled. "Just leave, you dunce. I'm not going back, and you can't make it happen."

Naruto smiled and walked out, "That's what you think," he called as he disappeared beneath the flap.

I pounded my hand down on the ground in frustration. It was shocking. Naruto had kept his cool while I had lost it. That never happened. But I guess things change.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She hugged Naruto tightly, ecstatic for his safe return. Her face had that same light I remembered. Only this time, it lasted for only a few moments before she stepped back and surveyed our party.

A look of serious concentration enveloped her delicate features as she scanned the line of men before turning back to Naruto. I was shocked that she didn't notice me. Well, I guess Sakura didn't know everything after all.

"We have been able to fight them off somewhat. But they've been finding their way into the village and causingsome problems before we can reach them. People came in wounded and poisoned nonstop until we finally had to issue lockdown over the town. People can not leave their homes, andwe have to bring them supplies every day. But they blame us and are not very cooperative. We had to stop a riot the other day, and we're able to keep them inside for now, but it won't be along until the next mob andwe will need more people," she reported to Naruto in a rich voice that held traces of her old tone, "I've assigned the Sand Genin to bring people supplies and patrol the streets. Kakashi-sensei and the Jounin aare out looking for traces of The Akatsuki or Gaara, and the Chuunin are led by Temari-chan and Sasori-san in fending off attacks. I've been managing the Genin, the Hospital, and all the Leaf nin that have come to help, and somehow, I'm stuck running this place with Temari-chan and Sasori-san. But I can only do so much. On top of this, the last of the medics in Kakashi-sensei's group, along with several of the fighters have come back wounded, and they need me and some nin to join them. It was anarchy here for a while, and I fear I must leave."

I looked around. Despite Sakura's grim description, he town was rather silent and peaceful. Several young nin patroled the streets, and the chuunin at the gates were very professional and cautious. It looked as though she had done a good job. However, I felt the need to speak.

"Sakura-san," I said, feeling weird calling her that, she looked at me, not showing any signs of emotion whatsoever, did she recognize me? "How is it possible you can go on with Kakashi-sama's group. I believe you are only a chuunin? How can you be qualified to take on so much responsibility?"

"Uchiha-san, you will address me as Haruno-sama, I have been elevated to jounin since stopping the riot. Currently, the council has made me a temporary leader here, and as such, you will show me respect due to your commander."

I was shocked. She remembered me, but it seemed Naruto was right. She no longer felt the same way about me, and she had changed greatly.

I was shocked, actually. She had the same short pink hair, thought it was slightly longer. By the looks of it, she had not had much time to cut her hair recently. She had it up into two messy buns with the lengths hanging out and into her face slightly. Her pale skin was now tanned. She was much taller, and her figure was much fuller. She was dressed in a burgundy sleeveless top, a short black slitted skirt above black shorts, and black knee-high boots with slight heels. Her leaf head band was perched in the old area. Her pretty face had on the other hand grown to become more exquisite and delicate. But her eyes held a wise, hardened look that made you feel as if she knew all. Her aura commanded respect and it seemed she carried almost none of the girl I had known.

I bowed. "Forgive me, Haruno-sama. I and my team are at your command and are willing if you wish to be your companions to join Kakashi-san."

Her gaze softened and her jaw relaxed. "Yes," she said thoughtfully, "I see you have more than enough medics and fighters amoung you, I would be pleased if you would come with me. Of course, I cannot only take Sound nin with me, I will have to leave some of your party here and bring some from the other villages. But your offer is exceptional. We will meet in the town hall in three hours to discuss this. But only bring three of your party," she turned to Naruto, "I will escort you and your party to the house reserved for you, please be at the meeting later, and bring the officers from the other villages."

She brought us to a huge building, which turned out to be a former ANBU barrack that connected to the hospital. The care units had expanded into the building. We were rushed upstairs, but not before I saw the wounded nin moaning in pain in beds as frantic doctors tended to them. Sakura quickly left after we were shown to our cramped quarters and ran to help heal three young wounded Genin. It seemed there really was a war going on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enter: Sakura

I sat in my chair next to Temari and Sasori, trying to get the image of that screaming young boy out of my head. It was awful, just awful. Thank God for Naruto's quick arrival, we needed those nin desperately.

It felt odd being in a place of power, but I was forced. After arriving in Sand, The council sent Naruto and Kakashi on their missions instantly, practically weeping in relief over some help. Two days afterward, The Akatsuki began launching atacks, keeping me busy in the clinic. For several days I stayed there alone, save for some medics I did not know. Blood and Gore was my world, and cries and moans became the tune to it.

A young Genin came in, shrieking in pain, poisoned to delirium. Several kunai were lodged into her body deeply for me to yank out. I healed the wounds as fast and as best as I could, but a shuriken had to dug out of her lower stomach. She was pregnant, but when I pulled the shuriken out, which I had to, she lost the baby. Her uteris was completely destroyed, and she could never have children. But all the time I tended to her, she was out of her head. She called me an angel and Mama and thought sometimes I was fairy queen or nymph. I grew to love her greatly.Four days later, she came to.

Her name was Mio, she told me. She was twelve.She had beenraped by her teammate Shiva. Shiva had been a handsome, intelligent boy, and she had been hopelessly in love with him. But he had never felt the same way. During their battle, he was bribed by The Akatsuki and turned on her andher other teammate Chiyo soon after their Sensei had been killed. He had attacked them and left them for dead. Shocked, I told her the story of me and Sasuke. For the first time, I cried. We both cried ourselves to sleep. But she never did wake up.

She had been so pretty. White hair and pale blue eyes, dark tan skin and a hardened frame. The second I knew she was comatose, I saw red. I was horrified and angry at what had happened to her and to what had happened to me. I had been Mio. But now Mio was in a coma, and I still was living. I knew then I had to do something.

I marched out of that hospital and gone to the battle ground. I strode throught the fights, unhurt and angry, my eyes forward. I found Shiva. I knew him by the picture Mio had shown me. Chocolate brown hair, amber eyes, pail skin. Next to him stood a man in a long robe who smirked at the death going on around us.

"You Sir," I called to him. He looked at me, shocked at the fact I was standing in front of him, ina clean outfit,unhurt. He opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off.

"You Sir, are you the one who recruited this boy from our army?" I asked sweetly. He smiled in what I suppose he thought was a seductive manner.

"Yes, this is Shiva, my new son," he said, patting the boy on the shoulder. Shiva leered at me. "Would you like to join him? Only I wouldn't make you a daughter, I would of course make sure you were a 'special' associate."

I ignored his offer, and looked at Shiva, smiling sweetly. "Mio-chan is in a coma. Even if she wakes up, which she probably won't, she'll never be able to bear children thanks to the shuriken that plunged into her. And she lost a child thanks to you raping her."

Shiva's face fell into utter horror. With a swift movement I knocked him out. Ten seconds later, his old companion was dead. A second later, The Akatsuki had fled. Seems the man was their leader.

I brought Shiva back to the hospital to discover that he was posssessed. A heavy exorcism took place and soon he was back to normal. Once concious, he saw Mio in her coma. Now he works continually in the Hospital, tending to her.

We still have not found Chiyo.

After I killed the general, the council found out and Temari and several leaf nin arrived. They decided that I should rule with Temari and Sasori until they founda replacement. Of course, there was anger amoung the citizens of Sand over a leaf kunoichi taking power, however limited and temporary. But I quickly quieted them.

Of course, now, Kakashi is in need of help, and Anko and Narutoare here to take my place. Now I will lead a team to aid Kakashi and look for Gaara.

Of course I recognized Sasuke. I was not to surprised at his presence, in fact, I was counting on it. I do believe I still feel the same for him, but I will not act on it. I know better. Perhaps I'd still act slightly odd because of what he did to me, but with the return of Shiva, I also washed away the hurt an anger of my own past. And now I know I can treat Sasuke like any other visiting soldiers.

You don't think I can, but I can. I am much stronger now.

He enters with Naruto, Neji, Tenten, Ino, Lee, A sand Ninja, two people from rock and cloud, and shockingly, Kin. Kin, remember her? Chuunin Exam, held me by the hair intending on making me watch her friends kill Sasuke, Lee, and Naruto. I cut my hair short because of it and later she was attacked by her own teammates when Ino possessed her? Of course you do. Well, her hair is still long, only it is shinier and put up into an elaborate bun. She smirked at me and extended her bow more than necessary to show it off. It looked especially good when you consider the fact my hair has been in the same mess for several weeks. It was growing longer again. But in the end, she is still under Sasuke's and my command. Funny how life works.

She sensed it as I gave her a quick, absentminded glance, like she was nothing. Her jaw clenched, and she spoke. "I understand, Haruno-sama, that you killed one of the Akatsuki's leaders a few days ago. You must have become so much stronger."

"After three years of intense training, I should hope so."

A couple people snorted in laughter, and she looked a bit taken aback for a second. "Yes, but still, it was a great feet, how did you manage?"

I smiled. "Though a kunoichi's greatest danger are her emotions, sometimes, they are a weapon of the greatest strength, and when coupled with employing certain charms, they are unstoppable."

Smiles from everyone, save for Sasuke. He looked at me very impressed, shocked, and calculating all at the same time.

"As I have learned," Kin said, somehow taking down her elaborate bun and letting her silky hair flow free. "Though, it seems since our last encounter, you have not taken to that fact with as much attention. Did I leave an impression?"

What she meant was I looked like shit. Everyone knew what she was saying, and everyone was laughing at her for it.That fact was, I didn't. My clothing and skin were clean, I was dressed nicely, and I have a lovely face that show to an advantage. I am not bragging, I am stating a fact. The only thing displeasing was my messy hair, which didn't look so bad, unless compared with her shining mane. However everything else about my appearance outdid her considerably, she seemed to think it was the hair that mattered. Idiot.

My smile grew wider. "I am afraid I have not had the time to devote myself to my hair recently, I have been to busy running a town, settling riots, and helping people. But do not fear, after this meeting I plan on taking care of it. Though I think I will cut it short again. After all it suits me well. But, much like every other true shinobi,we have more important things to discuss than hair. So I suggest we start the meeting."

It was decided I would take Lee, Tenten, Neji, Sasuke, Kin, three rock medics, and three jounin from Sound and Cloud. I had to later explain Kakashi's instruction about what to bring and what we would be doing.

"The Akatsuki are spread out through three closely located cities, a mountain, and a large tropical forest. They have nin stationed in several locations, but only to keep watch. They need fighters, healers, and spies."

"Spies?" Tenten asked.

"The Akatsuki are not some two-bit mafia as you very well know by the carnage. They have agents in high society areas, in corporations, and underground squads. We will need people to infiltrate these areas and seek them out. So basically we're going to channel the spirit of James Bond, or in Lee's case, Austin Powers."

Everyone laughed again, and Lee blew me a kiss.

Oh did I mention we are dating? Weird. I'm not in love with him, but I am fond of him, and we get along really well. He loves me, but I am afraid I don't feel the same. But I am trying. Oh and just so you know, I got him OUT of the spandex and into black shorts and green t-shirts, so it is not creepy anymore.

"So basically, all us ladies will have to look nice and spy and shit, same with the guys. We will have to do many things, and won't stick to one activity. You may be in some party shatting up some big Kahuna and then the next second beating the crap out of someone, so be warned.We'll have a lot of money and food, so that is taken care of, but bring your own tents, flashlights, weapons, etc.And bring plenty of clothing, and a ton of types. Fancy, work, exercise, casual, everything. And ladies? Make-up. I'm sure Kin would love to supply the hair accessories."

Laughs again. Kin glared as they filed out slowly. Sasuke remained though, even after everyone was gone. I pretended not to notice him for a second before acknowledging his presence.

"Yes, Uchiha-san, what do you want?"

He looked at me fiercely again. "I want several things. First, I want to apologize for Kin's ridiculous behaviour, it was embarrassing. Second, I want to congratulate on your promotion and your work here. Third, I want you to know that I do not wish to be harrassed by any of our old classmates concerning my departure, I would prefer it if my personal affairs were kept confidential."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, Uchiha-san. Anything else?"

Sasuke suddenly became very hesitant and unsure. Immediately, I was hit by that wave of frission, he still had that cute look he used to have whenever he was nervous. He looked good, actually, though I suppose Orochimaru made sure of it so his body was pretty enough for him when the time came. Sasuke's hair was the same spiky style, only it spiked out more in the back so it did not look so much like a chicken. His skin was paler, his features more prominent and handsome. He was extremely tall and well built. And thanks to the jeans he wore with black tee shirt and jacket, I could see how nice of an ass he had when he turned around.

"Ummmm, yes... I need some clothes..."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AN: Okay, I'm going let this go for a while and see how it works. If there are enough good reviews, I'll continue. Oh, and just so you know, Sakure STILL loves Sasuke, but her feelings have changed a bit and she's a little alienated. But wait, this will be fun. Oh, and I'm going totally Fall Out Boy in terms of chapter names, and also very My Chemical Romance. Basically I'm using a lot of mainstream Emo.