A/N: Yes, the summary is a bit vague – they've never really been one of my strong points, but well, I'll alter it as the storyline develops. Now, to avoid any confusion; each chapter begins with a diary extract from Sasuke. Some relate back to the story and others are just rants and general space fillers.

In regards to any pairings: Hmm…

Enjoy!

Diary Entry 1

Isn't it weird? How things just carry on as normal - seemingly unaffected by what has taken place in the past? I've only been back for a few months, and already they've placed me back within team seven, and quite casually given out missions, without asking any questions. They're ever-so trusting…

How strange it will be working alongside those guys again – and gah, alongside that moron! I highly doubt he's matured much after my absence, not a chance. The other two have certainly changed; Sakura in particular… she's almost a different person – strong, focused – it's almost unbelievable. Kakashi-sensei has grown much darker and far more serious it seems. He's not the cheery, laid-back guy I remember… something must have happened. I'm curious, very curious and quite tempted to question him, though in my current position I guess it might be a bad idea to push my luck. Sigh.

Ah well.

I wonder if that idiot's changed at all… maybe he'll prove me wrong.

"This is your fault."

Sasuke heaved a sigh of frustration, glancing around unfamiliar surroundings. Only a few moments ago the group had been together; on their way back to Konaha, with their mission far behind and forgotten. Everything had been running nice and smoothly until a certain spiky-haired blond had sworn he heard a rustling from the bushes. Surely enough, he'd decided to go off and investigate, leaving his fellow team-members behind without a word. Kakashi-sensei had quickly ordered Sasuke to go after him, while Sakura patched up his bandages from the previous mission. Much to his disapproval, Sasuke had not been given a choice in the matter and so he began his search reluctantly, muttering obscenities as he picked up the aforementioned boy's trail. Within seconds he'd spotted a figure, clad in his renowned orange jump-suit. Venturing closer, Sasuke had noticed the silent stillness of his team-mate, who remained in his frozen position beneath the cover of several wind-swept pine trees. Somewhat puzzled by the other boy's behaviour, Sasuke had approached cautiously, wondering if he had fallen victim to another one of Naruto's irritating tricks.

"Follow me." Naruto had responded simply, upon hearing his name. He moved swiftly into the shroud of pine, forcing Sasuke to obliviously follow once more. After much dashing, jumping and dodging of the odd tree, Naruto finally came to an abrupt halt in the centre of a dimly-lit clearing. There hadn't been anything remarkable about the place – nothing that seemed out of the ordinary however, Naruto pivoted on the spot anxiously, as if rooted down by an unseen foe.

"Well?" Sasuke had asked, already growing increasingly impatient. It had to be a joke; there was no doubt about that. He'd put a lot of effort into to this one, Sasuke thought half-frowning. Heck, he'd even believed the idiot for a few moments back there. "Hn, just as I thought."

"Wait, Sasuke." Naruto gasped, assuming a crouched position and putting his head to the ground in anticipation.

"This has gone far enough, idiot." Sasuke replied sceptically. "How about you run around like a headless chicken once we get back instead, hn?"

"No, really, Sasuke – wait."

"I'm heading back – don't keep us all waiting." He'd turned around promptly, in disbelieving despair, giving the concentrated Naruto a final glance, hoping the crazed boy may see sense. Unfortunately he was ignored; as Naruto was far too caught up in his new and highly fascinating hobby - dirt-listening!

"What a waste of time." Sasuke muttered, attempting to retrace his tracks. The first few steps back had been easy; he'd remembered the various patterns of trees and foliage distinctively, but as it grew darker and the forest appeared to become slightly misty, he found himself a little disorientated. He leant against a nearby tree in contemplation, collecting his thoughts and trying to remember the way back. While deep in thought, Sasuke hardly noticed the sudden beam of light, radiating brightly over the seemingly deserted pine forest. Without warning, the ground below began to shudder quite violently, causing Sasuke to lose his balance and hit the ground with loud, ungraceful thud. The blinding light soon enveloped the forest, pulsating magnificently through the spindly branches of each pine. Half-dazed from his fall, Sasuke watched in awe as all around him was bathed in a pearly-white velvet – it was chillingly mesmerizing. At that very moment, he'd stumbled to his feet almost clumsily, dumbfounded in bewilderment. A voice called from within the vale of luminous haze, which sounded rather familiar.

"Sasuke!"

Such a familiar voice, yet he couldn't place a name to it. The voice continued to call his name in a desperate manner, occasionally shouting a few distorted words afterwards. Sasuke listened intently, trying to catch each of the blurred words as he staggered in the direction of the calls. He became somewhat apprehensive travelling closer to the voice; the mist now impossibly dense, fogging his vision and slowing him down. A trap? He wondered, gingerly treading through unfurling wisps, which were gradually tangling themselves affectionately around his body. It was likely to be. Assuming a more guarded position, Sasuke strode on relentlessly, ignoring the raging protests from his throbbing head – his last bump had clearly upset it. Despite the pain, he refused to stop; pushing on through the smoke, seeking out the source of the mysterious voice.

"Ow!"

Caught off guard once more, Sasuke comfortingly rubbed his pounding head, evidently sick of being knocked-around. Rippling waves greeted his vision and he had to blink several times before seeing clearly.

"Aah, found you!"

Sasuke found himself scowling in annoyance, as a foolish, idiotic face smiled happily into focus. Tightening his shoulders and gritting his teeth, he snarled angrily:

"Oh, it's you."

A/N: And onto chapter one, which should be up in a few days. Reviews make me write faster!