Naruto moved from his bed. He hated the weather here – the sticky, moist feel of sand all over his body was enough to make him feel like going home. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option.
He had left Konohagakure two years prior, for political reasons. He felt like it was time to move on. In some ways, he did not know if what he did was right or if he should give up – but his choice was made, and it was done.
Moving around his room, Naruto scratched his head and slurped from a milk carton. Now 24, he felt ashamed at his lack of healthy eating habits. Currently wearing nothing but underwear, he pulled on white and red trousers, before donning a red shirt and ninja boots. He wore no headband.
He stepped out of his front door, and was immediately hit by the hard grit of sand and sweat, despite being under the shadow of his house. With a smile, his blue eyes darted to the figure stood against the opposing wall.
"Long time no see, idiot." Sasuke grinned. It had been a long time, and the visit was not totally unexpected to Naruto.
"Nice to see you to, Sasuke-kun. Is this a social call?"Naruto replied. They both walked forwards, meeting in the middle of the street. Naruto noticed Sasuke's juunin outfit and ANBU gloves – somebody had been accepted back home. The garb was slightly modified, however – there was an Uchiha clan symbol on the heart, and Naruto guessed there would be one on the back also.
"Business, as usual. You coming back yet?" Sasuke got straight to the point. Naruto motioned for him to walk at his side, turning onto a busy street, they both headed toward the kage tower.
"No." Naruto stated simply. "I like it here. And I'm not finished here, yet."
"We need you back, Naruto, as soon as you're ready. I'm not here to force you, this time." Sasuke stated.
"Need me back, Sasuke? What's the problem?" Naruto caught the anxiousness in Sasuke's voice for the first time.
"Konoha is... failing, Naruto-kun. Quite simply, the new generation isn't up to it. We're at the peak of our physical ability, but the new gennins and the academy students – they just can't seem to match up to our needs." Sasuke told the truth, and Naruto expected no less.
"Explain more?" Naruto asked. They were moving steadily through the street, and as the people knew Naruto, he occasionally smiled at passers-by. His attention was focused on Sasuke, yet neither stopped worrying about the surroundings.
"We aren't popular, anymore. Ninja's, I mean. There's not been a war between villages for nine years, and the villagers have settled. They think we aren't needed any more. The feeling has spread into the new gennins and the academy students – they are lazy. Parents have stopped pushing for the children to be protectors of the village, and would rather they followed into the family business. Look at the Yamanaka's – at least Ino went to the academy – her little sister isn't even bothering, she's just helping out at the flower shop. Its crazy. The worst thing is, its only happening to us." Sasuke looked at Naruto pleadingly. "I look around Suna and I see the academy here thrives. I'm told that Mist is stronger then ever. Wave has started its own militia – its only a matter of time before Konoha cannot protect itself from the other nations. We need you back, we need all the help we can get." Sasuke finished.
Naruto thought about the proposition Sasuke had not yet made. "So you want me to come back and beef up Konoha a little bit? I'm presuming, from the plight I hear you've got yourselves into, that I'm not the only one you're all out looking for."
"No, you aren't. Most of the juunins are out looking for missing-nins – we're offering full pardon for 'past atrocities' committed, if we can get more shinobi back home. Please, Naruto." Sasuke finished.
They reached the door to the kage tower in the hidden village of wind. Naruto deliberated what Sasuke had said, and finally reached his verdict. "I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun, but you may as well go home. I'm not ready yet – I still have work here to do. I'll be back when I feel I should be. Don't worry though – you can count on me!" Naruto smiled and slid the door open and walked into the tower.
Sasuke looked beaten. Running his hands through his hair, he had a thought – at least Naruto's still Naruto... "You can count on me!"... I know I can, brother. Sand flew as Sasuke flew off back home.