Alrighty. So before we start. I do not own any of the characters in this fanfiction , except for Yuri Shinsen. And some more to come in the future. The rest are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.

Also this story is re-edited. If you have read the first chapters, before I re-edited, I suggest you read them again. Probably most of you have noticed that my native language is not English. I will have to apologize now if you will notice any grammar mistakes, as I do not have a beta-reader. Then again, I write fanfictions cause they help me to somehow improve my writing style and everything English based. That's why I apologize for any mistakes you find, I thank you for reading the story and hope that you enjoy it.

Chapter 1 - Incoming Party

The gates of Konoha were open for the arrival of Amegakure shinobis. They weren't far away since the Hokage received the notice that they would be arriving shortly around 30 minutes. Tsunade looked troubled as she re-read the piece of paper in front of her.

"What has you frowning Tsunade-sama?" Shizune asked her while glancing warrily at the blonde woman.

"The information I just received." Tsunade eyes Shizune before giving her a piece of her mind.

"She's returning." the words came out as a whisper, while Shizune realized the meaning of her words.

"You can't be...It's been 10 years since she was sent there. If she's finally coming back, than that means.." Shizune's was way too surprised that she couldn't hide her astonishment.

"Even if she was raised here, Amegakure was still her birthplace. She finally took control over the Village of the Rain, however this must stay between the two of us for now. No one must know that the Kouukage would be residing in Konoha. This is confidential Shizune and of utmost importance. I will let it be known only to Shikamaru Nara, Neji Hyuuga and Mikoto Uchiha. But I will tell them myself after I have consulted with the Kouukage as soon as she arrives." Tsunade was revising the current situation of the village as she spoke, swinging the cup of sake in her hand. "If anyone outside Konoha got word of this, then there would surely be another war and I do not want that happening. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am. But to overthrow the group of rebels, and form and alliance with Konoha, I never thought that such a thing could happen. But...is this alliance enough? After all it's just a pact on a thin string, that could always be broken." Shizune was thinking about all the possibilities that could lead to a disaster if anyone else was to know.

"And that's exactly why I'm wanting this between these walls, only the people selected knowing. I cannot risk getting her in danger, and complicate things. In a few weeks, it will be known all around the world of shinobi, but not now." Tsunade frowned at the mere idea of what would happen after everyone knew. She had to think carefully about the upcoming events.

"Have you ever met her after her departure Tsunade-sama?"

"Yes. Several times in fact. But you must know that she has changed. She's not anymore the little girl you used to know."

"Most likely, after living 10 years between comrades, but at the same time enemies. I just hope this pact was not a mistake on our side."

"It wasn't. Actually it was the best decision so far. Knowing her and the determination she has, taking care of the Oni, was a piece of cake. You will see. She actually might be a better Kage than me."

"You cannot mean that. She was but a child when she left. She couldn't have changed that much in that manner."

"Trust me. You will find out when you see her."

*knock knock*

"Dismissed Shizune. Come in." Tsunade yelled behind her desk pilled with documents and medical records.

"Hokage-sama. They will arrive in 10 minutes at the gate. Neji-san saw them, and they are approaching fast." Hatake Kakashi informed the Tsunade after closing the door behind him.

"Got it Kakashi. Restrain all Konoha squads from trying to attack them. I don't want any incidents happening on the first day of their arrival."

"Will you be coming also? After all your pupil is also returning home with the shinobi from Ame."

"Sakura will know where to find me. When you see her, tell her to come to my office. I want to talk to her about her new duties in Konoha. I will be having her admissed as an ANBU captain after all she's done for Konoha." Tsunade was quite proud of her apprentice and she almost boasted that she was the best one she ever had in all her life.

"Are you sure she is ready for taking that role? I know you trained her and all that, but still, it would be quite a burden for a girl like her."

"Hatake, have you forgotten that we're speaking about your teammate also? You know her as well as I do, and we both know that she's perfectly capable on taking a leadership role within ANBU. We both trained her. That should answer your question." Kakashi knew very well that Sakura was ready, but still had his doubts. However he couldn't deny that besides her medical and destructive abilities, Sakura was not a shinobi to be taken lightly, underestimated by anyone. In his oppinion she was on the same level with Uchiha Itachi, another captain from the ANBU squad.

"Well then, I will see to the arrival party. I suppose we'll hold a meeting later?" Kakashi already knew the answer to his question, but he still wanted to make sure.

"Yes. We'll need to talk about the incoming party. We must keep our guard up at all times regardless of who enters or exits the village. I will see you then and discuss more. You're dismissed." As she waved him off, another issue came up with which Tsunade had to deal. Leaving the office she turned towards the Uchiha compound to settle some affairs. The trust in Uchiha clan of the Village of the Leaf people has become a burden and she could no longer wave it aside. The Uchihas were not regarded properly as they should be, being one of the four noble clans that founded Konoha and were the most powerful clan within the village, but people didn't trust them. Eventually they were isolated from the village's affairs, which led to several of their deaths. She had to do something about it and she would.

Tsunade found herself thinking about the time when Konoha was founded once again. She read several books and another one dusted she found hidden within the depths of the clasified archives. After she read the files, she concluded that there was someone who wanted to hide that piece of information which was most vital at the current time. Only the previous Hokage knew, but kept it to himself. If the truth was to be known now by anyone else besides her, she wouldn't be able to avoid a coup d'etat incoming from the other powerful clans. Firstly she would need to think on this, on how to protect the village at any cost and threat incoming, and then would she inform the elders. She was sure they wouldn't like this when she informed them about her findings but it had to be done. The Haruno clan would not be forgotten, after they helped protect the village several years ago. In this matter she would have to put her faith in Sakura that she would be willing to help her keep the village safe once again. Finding her resolve, she entered the Uchiha compound.

*meanwhile at the gate*

Everyone heard that Sakura was returning from the Amegakure accompanying the party from Amegakure and they waited around to see a glimpse of her. Since it's been a long time since they last saw her, they felt joy for her arrival, but also a bit wary. They didn't know how she turned out after such a long time. Naruto and Sasuke were the most anxious as they haven't seen her since she left the village. Only Ino and Shikamaru saw her more often than not. Kakashi was by their side, together with the rest of her friends from the other teams: Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji, Hinata, Kiba, Neji and so on. When Kakashi saw the party approach he noticed that all of them were wearing masks.

"What are they up to? To go as far as to hide their faces..." But Kakashi couldn't finish his thought as Itachi landed by his side with Shisui.

"Kakashi." He nodded to the silver haired shinobi, and also acknowledged Kakashi's nod returned. Said a short hello to his brother and Naruto and focused on captain Hatake. Same as him, he was a captain of an ANBU squad, and one of the few people to speak so casually with him, which he allowed. Him being the heir to claim the leadership of Uchiha clan, had to keep to himself most of the time, with few exceptions.

"Itachi. Shisui. Is your mission over?"

"Yes. We just returned and reported to the Hokage when we were informed that Amegakure shinobi are to be guests here for a while."

"Aye. For how long, I do not know. Hokage-sama didn't say much about their purposes of coming here, but there will be a meeting later on and we will find out. Or so she said." Itachi listened his comrade but still found himself suspicious of the Amegakure people.

"Masks. For what reason?" Itachi asked.

"I am about to find out. Naruto, Sasuke, are you ready to meet your former teammate?" Kakashi chuckled under his mask knowing very well that they couldn't wait much longer. But as he surveilled the incoming party, he couldn't decide which one of them was her.

"Why are you asking, since you know?" Sasuke retorted.

"Sakura? Haruno Sakura? She was in Amegakure?" Itachi asked.

"Yes. Under strict orders from Hokage-sama it seems. She said that her apprentice would also be returning with the Amegakure Shinobi, but so far I don't see her."

"Hm...Weird." He focused again on the people approaching and waited. He was also curious to see how she turned out. The last time he saw her, was when she's been but a child, 9 or 10 years old. By that time he was 16 and mostly gone in missions as an ANBU captain. He was barely at home and saw even less Sasuke and his friends. He also recalled that she used to fawn a lot over Sasuke at that age, as most of the girls.

"Ah, here they are. Welcome to Konoha." Kakashi's voice startled him and settled his gaze on the people in front of him. There were only 6 in number, and noticed that two of them were females, but none seemed to be Sakura. "Just like Hatake said." he thought to himself.

"Thank you for having us here. By chance, is Sakura-sama with you? She separated from us and took at a higher speed towards the village. Unfortunately we were attacked yesterday by Mist shinobi, however she took care of everything in less than a minute. I hope she arrived safe and sound, even if she didn't have not even a tiny scratch." The one who spoke was a woman, and Itachi knew that she was of some import since none of the others tried to overspeak her.

"I cannot tell you that since we haven't seen her. In fact we were waiting for you and her, here at the gate." Kakashi responded to the woman with respect. "But if it's as you say, she surely is alright. After all she was trained as a medic-nin under the Hokage, Tsunade-sama. Please follow me this way, so that I can take you to your assigned quarters for the stay."

"Thank you. We're quite drained after a week of running continuously. For some reason, several people knew that we had departed for Konoha, and were ambushed 3 times already. But then again, Sakura-sama protected us very well."

"Wah, Sakura became that strong? I can't believe that. I will have to see for myself how strong she got when we will spar in the future." Naruto couldn't hide his astonishment and neither Sasuke. He eyed his brother, but Itachi's face wouldn't give anything away.

"Just a moment. I couldn't miss the fact that you keep using honorifics when saying her name. May I know why?" The one who asked was Itachi and the question took aback the Amegakure Shinobi, but they were quick to regain their composure and answered to the question.

"When Sakura-sama came to our village, we were wary of her, but when we saw her tending to the people in pain and hurt, our faith in winning the war against the Mist, was restored. She's very important to us as a comrade and friend. Thus we're only according her the respect due for all she's done for us. If it weren't for her, we wouldn't be here talking to you." The answer placated Itachi and the rest present at the gate, but also raised some more question for the Uchiha next leader to be.

"She sure is regarded well by these people." finishing his thought he stepped aside so that the party could pass through.

"Thank you for your kindness. Please lead the way..."

"Kakashi. Hatake Kakashi. I am sorry I haven't made the introductions, but we have plenty of time later."

"Yes. Please let Hokage-sama know that we've arrived well and we're waiting to meet her at long last." Kakashi was quite impressed with the woman's display and way of talking. He noticed that she was well raised and learnt.

"You can address me by the name Yuri. Shinsen Yuri." Nodding to her, Kakashi led the group to their quarters together with Itachi and Shisui, leaving the rest behind frowning.

"And I thought we could see Sakura. I wonder where she is." Ino sighed and turned to leave.

"Hey Sasuke, do you think she's alright?" Naruto asked warily.

"She's alright. Otherwise we would have found out by now if something was wrong. She'll come to us when she thinks it's time. I'm going home." Sasuke took his leave, jumping on the rooftops of the houses. Not longer after, the location was deserted and the gates closed, and kept in watch by Konoha Shinobi.