I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 1: The Hawk's Return
On a clear blue sky in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, a group of kids were talking to each other over radio.
"Did you find it?" a boy asked.
"All clear over hear," said another.
"Target acquired!" a girl spoke up.
A figure covered in shadows jumped out of the leaves and through the grass fields. The three youths also covered in shadows ran after it.
"On no! It's heading for the village!" the second boy spoke up.
"No way it's getting away!" said the first.
As the three continued to chase the figure, they caused trouble all over wherever they went. Cups and plates where broken, containers of food where spilt, fences where broken. Eventually, the figure was cornered in a dark alley, claws scratching at the wall. As two of the youths slowly approached it, the creature began to hiss. The girl then reached for the collar around her neck that acted as a radio.
"Hey, Konohamaru," said the girl. "We got the target in a corner."
"Hurry up," said the second boy. "It's gonna get away."
"No problem!" the boy shouted as he jumped off the building roof. He landed on the target which, in turn, caused a small skirmish to take place.
"Konohamaru!" the two children spoke up in worry.
As the dust settled, it showed a 12-year old boy with short spiky brown hair, blue eyes, and was wearing a long blue scarf. In his arms was a cat with a ribbon on its ear, struggling to get free.
"Got the little rascal," he said with a smile.
"A ribbon on the right ear," said the second boy, who had short brown hair, dark eyes, and was wearing glasses. This was Udon. "No doubt about it you guys."
"Ebisu-sensei, the target has been acquired," said the girl. She had orange hair tied up, with red elastics, into very large pigtails. This was Moegi. "We have Tora in custody."
"Looks like another mission complete," Konohamaru said with a laugh. That laughter quickly turned to tears and screams as Tora started clawing at his face.
(The Mission Office)
"Oh thank goodness! My precious little Tora dear!" cried a women with joy as she rubbed her face against the cat's. "I was worried to death about you! Where have you been, you notty kitty!"
"If that old windbag was my master I'd probably run for the hills to," said Konohamaru.
"Quiet, Konohamaru," said the man named Ebisu.
"Alright, here's your fee," said the women. "Now come along shnookums, time to come home."
As the cat wined in agony from being carried away, Ebisu turned his attention to the three children.
"It was a simple case of a lost cat. Do you know how long you've been out there?"
"Yeah, but Sensei," said Udon. "That cat was faster than lightning."
"It was almost like it had run off before," Moegi added.
"I don't wanna hear it. A mission of this delicate nature requires speed and precision, which you three are sorely lacking in. You need more training."
"Well how do you expect me to push my limits on a lame mission like this one?" asked Konohamaru. The boy turned his attention to one of the four people sitting at the desk in front of them. "Hey, Anko-sensei, don't you have anything flashier for me?"
Anko was a fairly tall women with purple hair tied up in a ponytail and wearing an overcoat.
"A flashy mission? For a genin? Yeah, sorry, but not gonna happen."
"That's right," said Ebisu. "You three screw-ups only just made genin-level. No one's going to assign you to higher ranked mission right out of the gate."
The next one to speak was a beautiful women at the center of the desk that had blond hair and purple diamond mark on her forehead. This was the current Hokage, the leader of the Leaf Village, Tsunade.
"All you'll be getting is D-ranked for now," she said. Konohamaru sank down to the floor with his arms crossed in response to that.
"Hmph. I'm not taking no for an answer. After all, you're looking at the 7th Hokage."
"The 7th?" asked Tsunade. "What about the 6th Hokage?"
"That spot's taken. Sasuke's gonna get it." That answer surprised all the adults there.
The three were soon excused and were walking out of the Hokage's office.
"Yeah, speaking of Sasuke..." said Udon.
"I wonder where he even is right now," Moegi finished.
"I bet when he comes back, he'll have become an awesome shinobi," said Konohamaru. "I believe in him 100%."
As the three walked away, the four that were at the desk watched them.
"7th Hokage, perhaps. But definitely another idiot. Not all that different from Sasuke actually," said a man with ash-grey hair kept in a ponytail. This was Kabuto.
Anko couldn't help but smile at the thought of the boy.
I sure hope you're doing okey out there, Sasuke, she thought. "It's been quite a while since any of us have last seen him. And to think, he's been training with Orochimaru-sensei this whole time."
"Yes, it's about time for him to come home, isn't it?" asked a young women with black eyes and shoulder-length black hair. This woman was named Shizune.
"The Leaf Village needs him to return," said Tsunade. "There's too much happening for him to be away now.
At that moment, at the Leaf Village's main gate, two male figures where passing through into the village. One a teenager and the other an adult. The two Leaf shinobi who were on guard had their attention caught by the two passing men.
"Hey now," said one. "Is that who I think it is?"
"Uh-huh," said the other. "No doubt about it."
In the village was a teenage girl with short pink hair and green eyes wearing red walked through the streets of the village.
"Hey Sakura!" called a voice. The girl looked back to see Team Ebisu.
"Oh, high Konohamaru," she said.
"So where are you off to?"
"The main gate. I have to pick up this morning's pedestrian traffic lessieur for Lady Tsunade. Do you wanna come along?"
On the road on the other side of the the buildings right next to them, the two men were walking towards the Hokage manoir.
"It's been about two and a half years," said the teen.
"So it has," said the man.
As the two walked, Sakura and the children unknowingly passed them.
"Then the cat went nutso and started scratching my face off," Konohamaru said, causing Sakura to laugh.
"We had missions just like that. Brings back a lot of memories."
"Hey, by the way, have you gotten word or anything from Sasuke?"
"No. Nothing yet."
"Aw, too bad."
"But he should be popping up around here pretty soon though."
They continued to walk until they reached their destination.
"Hey Izumo, Kotetsu," Sakura said to the two. "How are you today?"
"Well look who's here," said Kotetsu. "But it's not here you should be." This caused the kids to be confused. "Something's waiting for you back in town."
"Yeah, you'd have to see it to believe it," said Isumo.
"What are you guys talking about?" asked Sasuke.
Sakura suddenly caught on and turned her attention towards town.
"No way," she said.
Back in said village, the boy dropped his backpack and started running up to the top of a pole. The man who had white skin and long black hair couldn't help but chuckle.
"I suppose I can't blame him," said Orochimaru.
As he reached the top, he took a big, good, long look.
"This place hasn't changed at all," Sasuke Uchiha said with a smile.
(Opening: Hero's Come Back!: replace Naruto with Sasuke, Iruka with Anko, Gaara with OC, put another OC in with Kankuro and Temari, Sasuke with Naruto)
Sasuke was now wearing dark blue pants, over which hung a blue cloth that covered him from his stomach to his knees, which he secured with a purple rope belt, which was used to hold his sheathed sword. His outfit was completed with a white long-sleeved shirt kept open at the torso and black arm guards that cover his forearms. And of course, his black headband was tied around his forehead.
"Gotta say, this place sure brings back some memories." He then noticed something different when he looked up and the Great Stone Faces of the Hokage. "Look at that. They finally added Lady Tsunade's face up there."
Sakura and the kids ran up to see Sasuke standing at the top of the pole.
"Is it...Is it really him?" asked Sakura.
"Looks like!" said Konohamaru.
"Sasuke?! Sasuke, is that you?!" called Sakura. Sasuke looked down to see them. "When did you get back to the village, Sasuke?!"
"Oh, Sakura! Just know!"
Sasuke then jumped down off the pole. When he landed, he wasn't able to say a single word before Sakura ran up and caught him in a hug. They stayed that way for a few seconds before Sakura realized what she was doing and pulled back with a blush on her face, seeing that Sasuke's face was the same.
"Yeah...So...Uh...High."
"High yourself," she said. There was an awkward silence between them before Sakura spoke again. "So, um, what do you think? Do I seem more like a woman to you now?"
"M-More like a woman?" Sasuke asked with a deepening blush. "W-Well you definitely seem more...grown up since the last time I saw you," he managed to say, causing Sakura to chuckle.
"Nicely done there, Sasuke," Orochimaru said with a sly grin.
"Oh, don't you start, Master," Sasuke said, irritated but still blushing.
"Master Orochimaru, good to see you again to," said Sakura.
"A pleasure to see you as well, child," said the snake sannin.
"Hey, Sasuke!" said Konohamaru. Sasuke turned to see something that took him, Sakura, and Orochimaru by surprise. "Well, what do you think?" he asked after turning back. He got his answer when Sasuke delivered a hard chop to his head.
"I think I told you to stop doing stuff like that!" he said with an irritated look on his face. "You keep up doing lewd things like that and the only thing your gonna do is embarrass yourself and your team!"
"It's not lewd! It's my secret weapon!"
Oh, Sasuke, thought Sakura with a dreamy look on her face as she looked at him as he scolded Konohamaru. I don't know how it's possible, but you've gotten even cooler!
(At the Hokage's manor)
"It's been a long time you two," said Tsunade. "Your training proved to be fruitful, I hope."
"You think I would have brought the boy back with no results?" asked Orochimaru.
"You don't need to worry, Lady Tsunade," said Sasuke. "I have grown stronger, make no mistake on that."
"Huh, I'm glad to hear it. Show me what you got, kid," said Tsunade.
"Ok. How so?"
"I have someone I'd like you to go up against. I've kept him off missions that last few days so he'd be ready for just this moment. You're opponent will be..." before she could finish though, there was a knock on the door. "Come in."
As the door opened, they turned to see two people come in. One was a teenage boy with black hair and had a bored expression on his face while the other was a girl that was a few years olders with blond hair tied in four pigtails and had green eyes.
"Hey, Shikamaru, Temari, look what the cat dragged in," said Sakura as she pointed to Sasuke, who they were surprised to see.
"Is that...It is! Sasuke, it's you," said Shikamaru.
"Well now, if it isn't Shikamaru," said Sasuke with a smile.
Is that the same little emo? thought Temari.
"Well well, you're back, huh?" asked Shikamaru.
"Yeah, just got back today."
"Look at you! Who would believe that you're the same emo from class?"
"...Hold on! Who are you calling an emo?!" Sasuke growled, causing the others to laugh. "Hold on, so then does this mean you're my opponent, Shikamaru?"
"Opponent? What are you talking about? I just came over here to drop off some paperwork."
"So then…" He turned his attention to Temari.
"Don't look at me."
"Sasuke, you won't find your opponent in here," said Tsunade. She then pointed to the window to her right. "He's out there."
Sasuke walked towards the window and looked around until he saw a familiar face sitting on the lower roof.
"So, Sasuke. You went and got all grown up," said a man with spiky white, wearing a mask and had his headband covering his left eye.
"Kakashi," Sasuke said with a smile. He jumped onto the roof and walked over. "Look at you. You haven't changed a bit. By the way, I went and got you something."
"Hm?"
"Just like old times, huh?" Tsunade asked Sakura.
"Yeah," said the pinkette.
"NO WAY!" cried Kakashi in surprise. "It… It couldn't be… But it must be… Is that… Is that really…"
"Make-Out Tactics," said Sasuke as he handed the book over to Kakashi. "Master Orochimaru and I discovered its completed manuscript during our travels in Master Jiraiya's things. He passed before he could have it published and released. Although, I still can't understand why you like reading these porn novels."
Yes, that might very well be the only downside to Jiraiya's righting, thought Orochimaru.
Kakashi was laughing in joy like a little kid as he opened the book.
"Calm down," said Tsunade. "This is no time to be fooling around Kakashi." Kakashi listened to her and put the book away.
"So then, you're my opponent?" asked Sasuke.
"Well, you're half right." Kakashi then walked over to the window were his other student stood. "Hm. Been a long time, hasn't it, Sakura?"
"Yes it has, Sensei."
"So as to who my opponent will be…" Orochimaru smiled, catching on to what Tsunade had planned. "It's Sasuke and Sakura. The two of you." This surprised both students.
"Huh? Both of us at the same time, Kakashi?" asked Sasuke.
"That's right," said Tsunade. "Kakashi will put you to the test. How well you do against him will determine your future statis."
"Hah. There future statis," Shikamaru commented.
"Sakura. It's time to show that your training with me wasn't a waste of time."
"Right."
"So, shall we get started?" asked Kakashi, getting their attention. "Ok. You're right. You just got back, Sasuke. You must be tired. We'll give you a chance to rest first."
"Rest? What do you mean? I feel fine."
"No, you take it easy. I'll meet you later at the training grounds. So long." With that, he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Well, that was odd," said Kabuto.
"Yes, he seemed in a hurry," said Shizune.
"Yeah, and I have a pretty good idea why," said Tsunade.
"Can't wait to read that book," said Shikamaru.
"Should have known," Sasuke grumbled.
"That explains it," said Sakura. "That gleam in his eye."
"Kakashi Hatake, the famous Copy Ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village, choosing to read a porn novel before anything else," saighed Orochimaru.
(In the village streets)
"How typical," complained Sasuke as he and Sakura walked through the village. "I should have waited till afterwards to give him that book."
"No accounting for taste," said Sakura. "At least now we'll have time to discuss strategy."
Sasuke then turned his attention to Shikamaru and Temari who were following them from behind.
"By the way Temari, what are you doing here in the Leaf anyway?"
"Since you obviously don't know," said Temari, "the Chūnin Exams are about to start. I've been busy running back and forth between your village and mine getting ready for them."
"Yeah, that's right," said Shikamaru. "And I'm her escort. It's a drag and don't ask how it happened, but I've been put in charge of organizing the Chūnin Exams."
"I see. The Chūnin Exams, huh? Man, that brings back some memories."
"Yeah, well speaking of which, what are you going to do, Sasuke?" asked Shikamaru.
"Hm? About what?"
"What do you think? About the Chūnin Exams. You're the only one in our year who isn't a Chūnin. Everyone is but you."
Sasuke was quite for a moment, allowing the new information to sink in. He then had a strained look of disbelief on his face. He slowly and mechanically turned his head towards Sakura.
"S-Sakura? Y-You're a...a Chūnin?" Sakura responded with a proud smile.
"That right," she giggled, flashing a peace sign.
"Oh, you haven't even heard the half of it," said Shikamaru. "Kankurō, Kogeta, Neji, and Temari here. They've even taken it a step further. They've already been made Jōnin."
"Wha…?! Jōnin…?!" A thought then came to Sasuke's mind. "Hold on. What about Jishaku? What's he?"
(In the Hidden Sand Village)
At the top of the central building in the village, stood a teenage boy watching over the buildings. He was about the same age as Sasuke and the others. He had short spiky black hair and violet eyes. Behind him, a man named Baki walked up and got down on one knee.
"Lord Kazekage," he said. "The meating is about to begin.
"Alright then. Let's go."
(In the Hidden Leaf Village)
"...I see. Kazekage already, huh?" The others were slightly surprised when they saw Sasuke smile. "That bastard. He got ahead of me. Well, I'm not about to let him outdo me just yet." He then turned his attention towards the Great Stone Faces of the Hokage. He reached out his hand towards them and grasped it. "Just watch, Jishaku. Next, it's my turn."
Sakura couldn't help but smile warmly at Sasuke.
Meanwhile, with Kakashi, he was leaning against a fence reading his new book.
"I can't believe there are people who actually read those books," said a voice. Kakashi looked up to see Orochimaru. They were soon sitting down together at a tea house. "I'm handing Sasuke back over to you, as promised."
"I can see he's grown alright, but has he grown up?"
"Are you implying I haven't done my job as a teacher? Go ahead then. Underestimate him. You'll be the one paying for it."
"Well, that sounds encouraging."
Orochimaru's face then became serious as he changed the subject.
"The ones we've been watching are close to making their move."
(The Hidden Sand's Council Room)
"Over the last few years, our village has enjoyed stability and prosperity," said Baki. "Largely due to our dealings with the hidden villages of the allied lands. To give one example of this, our recruits have better training thanks to new training methods. Methods learned from the Leaf Village."
"We'll see how much better they are," said an elder council member. "The Chūnin Exams are almost upon us."
"Correct," said a younger council member. "And that's why these nasty rumors are especially troubling right now."
"Rumors, Yūra?" asked Baki.
"Yes sir. Have you ever heard of a group called the Akatsuki? Rumor has it, that they've been working for a mysterious newly founded village. The Village Hidden in the Shadows."
Jishaku's face became stern upon hearing of that village.
(The Hidden Leaf)
"I see," said Kakashi. "So they're finally coming out of the woodwork."
"It's hardly a surprise," said Orochimaru. "It was only a matter of time before they made their move."
"The Akatsuki and the Shadow."
(The Hidden Sand)
"The Akatsuki is a mysterious organization," said Yūra, "comprised of a dozen or so shinobi. Everyone of its members is listed in the Bingo Book as ruthless S-Ranked criminals. Of those that have been identified, one is Itachi Uchiha of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. A man who anielated his own clan in a single night. As for the Village Hidden in the Shadows, they are a shinobi village shrouded in mystery that we know almost nothing about. It is believed though that the Akatsuki were once an enemy of the Shadow, but under unknown circumstances, they now have been known to do dealings with them. All we know for certain is that they have nine particular shinobi in their ranks. Shinobi that who we all are fully aware of."
Jishaku narrowed his eyes as he spoke.
"The Jinchūriki."
(The Hidden Leaf)
"So why do you think they're finally showing their hand?" asked Kakashi. "What are they after?"
"Their ultimate objective is still unknown," said Orochimaru, "but one thing is certain. For some reason that we are unaware of, they want Sasuke. Perhaps for the Sharingan, or perhaps for that mysterious Curse Mark that appeared on Sasuke out of nowhere. Whatever the reason, the fact is they want him. That's why I've been traveling, informing all our allies of them. Whatever it is, something is approaching, so they best prepare themselves."
(The Hidden Sand)
"That's right," said Yūra. "For whatever the reason, all nine Jinchūriki abandoned their villages just over three years ago. Including our village's oun Jinchūriki, Gaara of the Desert. Not long after, the Hidden Shadow was founded. But it's precise location, we do not know."
"I see," said Baki. "Yes, I've heard something of this myself recently. So they're finally making their move."
"We have this information from one of the legendary sannin. Master Orochimaru himself. So before this meeting was convened, I took the liberty of the village to be secured. And I've stationed Anbu Black Ops at key points on the perimeter. No matter how clever these shinobi may be, if they hope to take us by surprise, they're mistaken. We've heard that the Akatsuki members often wear distinctive black cloaks emblazing with red clouds. If our look outs spot such a cloak, they've been ordered by me to attack at once."
The other council members spoke their approval all around.
"Very well then," said Baki. "This meeting is adjourned."
(In the desert)
At that time, two figures were making their way towards the village. One was tall while the other one was short and hunched over. They both wore straw hats with paper curtains to cover their faces, as well as the cloaks of the Akatsuki.
"I still can't believe we're doing this," said the tall one.
"The pay is good, so it can't be helped," said the low hunched one with a gruff voice. "Are you sure what you've got in that pouch will be enough? Our enemy is the Kazekage."
"Everyone of my Jutsu is a work of art. But just to be sure, I brought along my masterpiece. Hm." He opened up the pouch to reveal white clay. He stuck his hand in and allowed the mouth on his palm to starting eating the clay. "Like you said, we can't take any chances when our opponent is the Kazekage."
(In the Hidden Leaf)
At the old training grounds, Sasuke and Sakura were leaning against the wire fence. Sasuke with a very irritated look on his face.
"Why the hell does Kakashi do this to us every time?" he asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine," said Sakura.
In a puff of smoke, they turned their heads to see Kakashi crouch standing on the fence.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I, uh, ran into this poor old lady who needed help carrying some-"
"Would you give us a break?!" the two shouted in unison, shutting him up.
Soon, Kakashi led them to a place in the training grounds with three wooden posts. A place that was very familiar to them.
"It's been a while since I've been here," said Sasuke. As he looked at the posts, Sasuke thought back to the that time.
"Oh, that's right," said Kakashi. "This was the sight of your very first training lesson, wasn't it?"
"...It was Team 7," said Sakura as she looked down.
"The three of us together," said Sasuke as he did the same.
"That's right," said Kakashi. "We had Naruto with us back then, didn't we?" He looked up to see that the two were now on the ground moping, mumbling Naruto's name. He could have sworn he saw a dark aura bearing down on them. I guess Naruto's name is taboo to these guys.
At the sound of bells jingling, the two looked back up to see two bells in Kakashi's hands.
"Alright, show me how far you've come. After all, you haven't given up on your Naruto, have you?"
"Not a chance," said Sakura.
"What do you think I've been training for?" asked Sasuke.
Kakashi gave his mask smile as he but the bells on his belt.
"The rules are the same as they were that first day: I don't care how you do it, just get these bells away from me. And remember…"
"If we're not prepared to kill you…" said Sasuke.
"We won't get the bells, we know," finished Sakura.
"Hmph. Exactly. Show no mercy if you ever hope to get these bells. You've got till sunrise tomorrow." Sasuke grabbed the hilt of his sword while Sakura put on a pair of sparring gloves. At this, Kakashi shut his book. "Ok, shall we get started?"
"You gonna be reading that book the whole time like you did last time, Kakashi?" asked Sasuke as he activated his Sharingan.
"No he won't," said Sakura. "I bet he already finished reading it."
"Not quite, but I'm going to save that little pleasure for later. Besides, I've got a feeling I better keep on my toes. It's a whole new ballgame." Kakashi then reached up to his headband and straightened it out, revealing the Sharingan in his left eye. "This time it's serious."
(At the outer walls surrounding the Hidden Sand)
All was calm. As the Hidden Sand shinobi stood guard across the various levels of the wall, all they could see and hear where the deserts endless sea of sand and the winds carrying more sand. That was until one of them saw two shadowy figures walking towards them.
"What have we hear?" he asked. As they got closer, he was able to see them more clearly, and he didn't like what he saw. "Black cloaks with red clouds on them. It's them, it must be. Captain Yūra must be told at once." He turned to leave, but saw a person standing there that he did not recognize. "Who are you?"
It took a while, but the two eventually arrived at the entrance to the village. Standing before them was the person who was before the guard. He was a fairly tall young man, around the same age as Temari, with a rather fit physique and spiky taupe grey hair combed backwards except for two bangs. He also had a number of scars covering his body. On his green shirt to patches of blood, and behind him were numerous dead bodies of Sand shinobi.
"Good work, boy," said the hunched one. "You must be the inside contact we heard about."
"That's right. My name is Shira, and I am proud to call myself a servant of Lord Gaara."
(In the Hidden Leaf)
While the three of them were getting into their stances, Orochimaru, Tsunade, even Shizune and Kabuto were watching from the trees.
"Ready...Start."