Kakashi, slumped against a tree laughed deviously while reading a book, his attention completely lost. As a raven haired male walked past him a cold breeze cooled the brutal summer heat for a moment, sending a chill down the ex-ANBU's spine. Looking up Kakashi blinked, his uncovered eye widening in amazement as the male met his gaze - a smirk plastered on his pale face. "Hello, Kakashi-sensei.." the male spoke slowly, watching his former sensei stare in amazement. "Sa-Sasuke!" Kakashi blinked, immediately closing his book as he moved over to his former student. "Yes, it's me" Sasuke laughed softly before being restrained. "What have you come here for?" Kakashi said lowly, his forehead protector pushed up as his sharingan was exposed. "I've decided to return.. Madara had no use for me, or Konoha for that matter" Sasuke replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Well.." Kakashi began until Shikamaru appeared before the two, arms crossed over his chest. "We expected as much" he spoke with a darkened tone, though had a goofy grin on his face. "Lady Tsunade would like to see you, Sasuke" he said as he motioned for the two to follow.
At Tsunade's office Sasuke was shoved into a chair, surrounded by ANBU and jonin who were carefully inspecting him. "Think it's just a diversion m'lady?" one jonin said, his eyes not leaving Sasuke who sat there - clearly annoyed. "He will be put into isolation for a week, please keep this secret until I figure out what to do" Tsunade said, both inspecting groups understanding immediately. Meanwhile at the academy Naruto sighed, eying his students carefully. "Hello class, and welcome to the academy" he said, running a hand through his blonde hair. "I know you!" one boy blurted out, his finger pointing at Naruto somewhat fiercely. "Oh..?" Naruto said, raising a brow curiously. "You're the boy who saved the village two years ago!" the boy then said, his eyes lighting up as the other students gasped. "That's right, my mom told me that story!" as girl squealed. "Uh.. yes, I am" Naruto said, a grin appearing on his face. "You're.. awesome" the students said in unison as Naruto laughed. 'I'm awesome!' he thought to himself before crossing his arms over his chest. "Alright class, time for your first lesson!" he then grew serious, the room going silent.
"Naruto-sensei.. Where are we going?" a group of girls asked as Naruto walked the class on the outskirts of town. "We're going to be practicing something really cool" Naruto replied, his forehead protector gleaming in the sunlight. Eventually he and the students came to a stop within a small sized field. "I want you to pair up and practice the clone jutsu" Naruto then spoke up, eying the disappointed faces in an amused manner. "Whaaat?" a boy groaned before the students fanned out into groups of two. "Don't worry, I wasn't good myself when I was your age" Naruto laughed, waiting for the groups to settle before doing an example. "The trick is to own your chakra, imagine creating a being exactly like yourself" he explained slowly, watching each individual try. Some got it, while others failed miserably. "Keep trying!" he said, cheering on the ones remaining until the day came to an end. "We'll meet back up at the classroom tomorrow" he smiled to his students as they left with their parents. Sighing Naruto turned, to face the dimming field until a hand came to rest on his shoulder. He turned around once more, his blue eyes gleaming happily as they came to rest upon a familiar figure.
"Sakura!" Naruto exclaimed, the pink haired female immediately jumping into Naruto's opening arms. "Hii Naruto!" she giggled, placing a kiss to his cheek as he blushed. "Seems your first day went well" she said, entwining her fingers with his as she led him back into the village. "Aha yeah, they're determined little guys.." he said, a beaming smile on his face. "Seems you enjoy being an instructor huh?" Sakura said, staring up to the blonde haired male as he nodded. "If I finish a semester with these guys then I'll be promoted to Jonin" Naruto replied, staring straight ahead. "Look at you, Mr. Naruto Uzumaki.. Great Shinobi!" Sakura giggled as Naruto wrapped an arm around her waist. "Yes but not as great as you" he said, gazing down to Sakura lovingly. "Naruto.." Sakura said softly, her cheeks flushing a dark red as she leaned up to kiss him. "NARUTO!" a voice stopped them from kissing as their heads jerked towards the voice. "Ahh, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto said happily as his former instructor walked over to him. "I heard about your first day at the academy, how was it?" Iruka asked, nodding his head to Sakura before gazing back to Naruto. "I loved it, the kids are really great" Naruto responded with a goofy grin.
The week passed by swiftly, Naruto coming to adore his students more and more. Though as his happiness grew his depression did as well. "Sakura.. Why?" Naruto asked her, his blue eyes dimmed. "Naruto.. We.. I just can't be with you anymore!" Sakura yelled, holding back from crying before running into her house. "Ouch.." a voice came from behind him as he turned, eying Kiba closely. "Come on man, don't let a chick bring you down" Kiba said, lightly petting Akamaru's head as Naruto sighed. "Let's go, I was planning on getting some ramen" Kiba said, tugging on Naruto's jacket lightly. "Oh.. okay!" Naruto said, forcing himself to brighten up as they approached Ichiraku Ramen. "Did you hear who's back in town..?" Kiba asked through slurps of ramen. "Mmm, nope" Naruto said, swallowing some broth as Kiba blinked. "Oh.." he said as Naruto tilted his head. "Who's back in town..?" Naruto asked curiously but Kiba waved his hand. "Ah forget it, I forgot you don't know the person" Kiba laughed, trying so desperately to hide his uneasy tone. "Oh, someone from a former mission of yours?" Naruto asked as Kiba immediately nodded. "I see.." Naruto said before he and Kiba entered a long conversation.
"Thanks Kiba, see you tomorrow!" Naruto called before entering his apartment in silence. He instantly removed his jacket, stretching as his fishnet undershirt itched against his skin. "Hm.." he said, eying his kitchen table curiously. "A note?" he blinked, picking up the piece of paper as he read it over. "Naruto. It's short notice but we are removing you from instructing your class at the academy. You have been called to duty on an extremely important long term mission. Everything will be explained to you in the morning. -Tsunade" Naruto blinked, falling back into a chair as he re-read the note carefully. "Aw man, just when I was getting into teaching too!" he sighed, stripping down to his boxers before moving into his bedroom. "Oh well, might as well sleep.." he grumbled, his head falling back onto his pillow after removing his forehead protector. As he drifted off to sleep morning approached more quickly than he expected, grouchily awaking to the sound of a knock on his door. Eventually he got out of bed, his blonde hair a disaster as he yawned - heading to the front door. Unlocking it he turned the doorknob, opening the door until his blue eyes widened.
"Hey" the male with raven hair said, his slate eyes flickering as Naruto stared in silence. "S..Sas" he began to speak until pulling back his left fist. Quickly he landed a sharp punch to Sasuke's left cheek, the male skidding back against the wooden balcony rails. "What the hell?" Sasuke growled, clenching his fists as Naruto landed another punch. "Naruto!" Shikamaru spoke up, pushing him away from Sasuke gently. "Shikamaru look! It's Sasuke!" Naruto said, growling and glaring at the Uchiha. "Yeah, I know.. He came back a week ago" Shikamaru responded with an annoyed sigh. "What..?" Naruto asked, confusion coiling around his slow reacting mind. "Yeah, we just had him in isolation, didn't trust him" Shikamaru explained, watching Naruto narrow his eyes. "I see.." Naruto said after a few moments of silence. "You're in charge of reintroducing Sasuke to the village, also to keep him in order" Shikamaru said before leaving, a smile appearing on his face as he turned around. "Can I come in?" Sasuke asked after studying Naruto, his slate eyes gleaming with interest at the blonde male's half naked figure.
Inside Naruto leaned against the hallway wall, watching Sasuke snoop around like a cat. "A cat.." Naruto said after a moment, Sasuke perking to Naruto's voice. "What?" Sasuke said, raising a brow as he poked his head around the corner from the kitchen. "You remind me of a curious Cat" Naruto simply said, watching Sasuke scowl. "Idiot" he responded before entering the living room. "So, it's obvious you still suck at organization" Sasuke said as Naruto walked in behind him, smacking him across the back of the head. "Don't come waltzing into my house, insulting me" Naruto growled, meeting Sasuke's cold gaze. "Sheesh, Tsunade was wrong about you being happy to see me" Sasuke said, though smirking darkly. "Why did you come back.. After five long years..?" Naruto asked, his blonde hair falling in front of his face. "I lost interest in taking revenge, I already wrongly accused my dear brother of slaughtering my clan.." Sasuke said, a shaken tone to his voice at his last words. "I just.. Missed everyone, and missed living a normal life" Sasuke went on until the two males perked to a knock on the door. "I'll get it.." Sasuke said, carefully watching Naruto stand motionless.
"Sasuke!" a squeal made Naruto's head shoot up as he looked around the corner, staring down the hallway at his front door. "Sakura?" Sasuke blinked, falling to the floor as Sakura clung to him. "You idiot, you freaking idiot!" she said, smacking him multiple times before getting up. Soon the tears followed as she cried, making Naruto's stomach churn. "Make yourselves at home.. I need to get changed" Naruto then spoke up, entering his room as he slammed the door behind him. Sasuke took a seat on Naruto's uncomfortable couch, which Sakura refused to sit down on. "Looks like Team 7 isn't over with afterall..." Sasuke laughed softly, watching Naruto enter the living room. "Seems so" Naruto responded, leaning against the wall as he eyed Sakura. "Um, Sasuke.. Will you come out to dinner with me tonight, to catch up?" Sakura asked, her tone hopeful. "Well.. Sure" Sasuke said, his mouth curving up into a smile only slightly. "Naruto has to come though" Sasuke said as Sakura frowned, her green eyes shifting to Naruto. "He's in charge of me" Sasuke explained before Sakura stood up. "Well, um.. Nevermind then.." she said, walking past Naruto as she left the house in a hurry.
"What was that about..?" Sasuke asked, feeling the cold chill in the air. "She broke up with me" Naruto said, his tone emotionless as Sasuke gasped. "She was actually dating you?" he said, standing up as he stared wide eyed. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Naruto snapped, watching a smile appear on Sasuke's face. "Nothing, just surprised.. I mean she was always rejecting you" he replied, shifting his slate eyes towards Naruto's far wall. "Yeah well.. I'm assuming it's because you came back" Naruto said as Sasuke walked over to the wall, eying the cabinet curiously. "Is that..?" Sasuke's words ended with a tone of question as Naruto come over behind him, eying the middle shelf. "Yes, it's been in there ever since you left.." Naruto said, pushing Sasuke aside as he opened the glass doors - reaching in to grab the forehead protector. "It's definitely not going to fit you now but, want it back..?" Naruto asked, extending his hand out as he offered the forehead protector back to Sasuke. "No.." Sasuke said, looking away from Naruto. "Hey uh, Tsunade wants you to bring me to see her in an hour okay..?" Sasuke said after a moment, keeping his eyes off of Naruto. "Okay.." Naruto replied, confused before putting the forehead protector back in the cabinet.
"Ah Naruto, good to see you" Tsunade smiled as she eyed the two males in front of her desk. "What'd you want, granny" Naruto said in a gloomy manner as the female hokage laughed. "I've called you both here to explain the purpose of this mission" she said, pushing up from her chair as she walked around to the front of her desk. "I want you to show Sasuke around Naruto, get him reintroduced to the village" she said, pointing to Sasuke. "And you, I want you to re-take the chunnin exam.. You are after all still a genin" she smiled slyly, watching Sasuke lower his head in shame. "Seems Naruto has got you beat in that so far!" she laughed before motioning for them to leave. "Also Sasuke, please purchase some new clothes.." she said, gagging at the Uchiha's current outfit. "Hmph.." Sasuke said, growling to Naruto who bursted into laughter as they left Tsunade's office. "You heard granny, let's get you some new attire" Naruto said as they walked side by side down the flight of concrete stairs. "Fine.." Sasuke replied with an unimpressed sigh.
As the two entered the town they were immediately surrounded by people, those of the former teams back when they were younger. "Sasuke Uchiha.." Rock Lee said, studying Sasuke closely as Naruto backed up some - allowing the others to inspect Sasuke. "So, he's returned.. huh?" a voice made Naruto jump as he gazed over to his left, eying Gaara. "Yeah.." Naruto said then blinked, pointing a finger at Gaara. "Aren't you supposed to be watching over your village?" Naruto said as Gaara laughed lightly. "I am here on business, so don't worry" Gaara said as he called to Rock Lee. "Come on, we need to get going so Lady Hokage doesn't bicker" Gaara said as Lee perked, prancing over to Gaara's side. "See ya later, Naruto!" Lee said as Gaara waved, the two then heading off. "SASUKE?" a bleach blonde pushed through the crowd before clinging to Sasuke, a loud oof following soon after. "Don't smother him, Ino Pig!" Sakura growled as the two females began to nag at each other. "N..Narutooo!" Sasuke yelled.
In a flash Naruto had removed Sasuke from the growing crowd, disappearing within a nearby clothing store. "Thank you.." Sasuke sighed, but was soon lost in finding the perfect outfit. Naruto stood back, watching his old friend in silence. "Hey.. Sasuke" Naruto spoke up, eying the outfit Sasuke had so happily chosen. "Hmm..?" Sasuke said, barely paying attention as he entered the changing room. Naruto waited for Sasuke reappear before blinking, his jaw dropping open at Sasuke's clothes. "D..Don't you think those pants are a bit tight..?" Naruto said, gulping as he eyed the leather pants. "No, why?" Sasuke blinked, then clued in to how the pants clung to spots some may like to keep hidden. "Oh.. right.." Sasuke said, immediately running back into the change room. "Let me find you a pair of pants.." Naruto said, looking through a rack of jeans until setting his eyes upon a pair of black ones. "Try these.." Naruto said, tossing them into the room over the opening in the door. "Hmmm.." Sasuke said, clearly observing the pants until shuffling to try them on.
"How do I look?" Sasuke said, opening the door as Naruto nodded. "Nice" he said, eying Sasuke's shirt. It was somewhat tight, clinging to Sasuke's perfectly toned body. "Something wrong?" Sasuke asked as Naruto shook his head. "Nope, just hurry up" he said before Sasuke went to the cashier to purchase his clothes. "Oh my.." Naruto heard the cashier giggle as she watched Sasuke closely. "Ugh.. That'll never change" Naruto grumbled before they both left the store. "Okay, now I need to get some groceries.." Naruto said as he led Sasuke to the grocery store a few blocks away. "What are we having for dinner..?" Sasuke asked as he watched Naruto pick out certain ingredients and packages. "Since I have to babysit you, you're going to be the cook" Naruto said, gazing back over his shoulder at the raven haired male. "Oh.." Sasuke blinked, falling silent behind Naruto as he watched his every move. Soon the two were back on the street, walking in a dark silence while the same group as before followed.
It wasn't long before they both reached Naruto's apartment, where the group stopped at the door. "Sasuke isn't allowed out, so go away" Naruto said, slamming the door before locking it. With a sigh he sat the grocery bags down on the kitchen table before disappearing into the washroom. "I'll start dinner then.." Sasuke said, beginning to put away the ingredients he didn't need for tonight's meal. Meanwhile Naruto stripped down to nothing as he sat his forehead protector down on the sink. He had a lot to take in, his bestfriend returning after five years and now having to babysit him? Eventually Naruto turned the tap on, stepping in to a warm shower to clear his thoughts. After 40 long minutes Naruto blinked, raising his head up to the now cold water. A smell caught his attention, one that urged him to investigate immediately. Turning the taps off and wrapping a towel around his waist, Naruto walked out from the washroom and into the kitchen. "Oh, you're finally done?" Sasuke asked, watching Naruto inspect the stove curiously. "What is this..?" Naruto asked, reaching to dip a finger in the goop. Quickly Sasuke slapped his hand away, pointing a wooden spoon threateningly. "Don't touch!" the Uchiha said as Naruto blinked, grinning slyly.
Sitting down to dinner Naruto continuously mocked Sasuke's girly outburst, something Sasuke knew he'd never live down. "Don't touch, I'm a little house wife who worked so hard on preparing a meal!" Naruto laughed, slurping back the delicious soup - though he'd never tell Sasuke that. "Shut up, idiot!" Sasuke growled, flinging a napkin at the blonde haired male. "Hey now, don't get more girly Sasu" Naruto mocked Sasuke some more before being flung to the floor. In an instant Sasuke was ontop of Naruto, gazing down into his blue eyes as the blonde stared into cold slate ones. "Shut.. up" Sasuke said, his black hair just barely touching Naruto's cheeks. "Sasuke.. Get off of me!" Naruto said, struggling beneath the male's weight as he successfully sat up. Sasuke stumbled slightly, coming down on Naruto's lap at the two locked eyes. "Uh.." Sasuke gulped, quickly standing up as he began to put the dishes in the sink. "Go shower, I'll handle the dishes.." Naruto said, smacking Sasuke upside the head as he growled - following orders.
In the shower Sasuke grumbled softly, the steam creating droplets of water on the shower walls. "Sasuke, hurry the hell up" Naruto said, shuffling outside the washroom door. "I just got in here, idiot" Sasuke called back to him until Naruto opened the door, growling. "Someone's at the door for you" he said which sparked Sasuke's interest. Soon he was dressed in a pair of Naruto's pajama pants, which were a bit baggy on him. "Oh, hello Sakura" Sasuke said, catching sight of Naruto from the corner of his eye. "Um, can I talk to you.. outside?" Sakura asked as Naruto sighed, nodding his head to Sasuke. "Sure.." he said, closing the front door as he stepped outside. "I don't mind if Naruto comes on a date with us, I mean dinner.." she said, looking to the ground. "I'll talk to him about it, he is in charge of me after all" Sasuke said, opening the door as he called in to Naruto. "Naruto, is it alright if we go out to dinner tomorrow with Sakura?" Sasuke yelled, receiving a muffled 'sure, whatever' from Naruto. "We'll meet you for a rice dinner at 6pm" Sasuke said, re-entering Naruto's apartment before closing the front door.
"Great, now I have to put up with her obsessing over you.." Naruto sighed, entering his bedroom. "I have to ask Tsunade something in the morning, so let me get some sleep" Naruto said, throwing himself down onto his bed as Sasuke shrugged. "Whatever loser" he said and laid down on the uncomfortable couch, tugging at the sheet he was given to cover up with. "Goodnight, idiot" Sasuke whispered silently, smirking at Naruto's low growl. Throughout the night Naruto tossed and turned, sleep refusing to meet his needs. Sitting up he stared out at the sky slowly brightening, the sun barely making it's appearance above the Hokage faces. When his alarm went off at 7am he groggily stood up, changing into the usual shinobi attire. "Sasuke, wake u-" Naruto began to speak until he poked his head into the kitchen, narrowing his eyes at the plate of breakfast on the table. Quickly looking around he moved closer to it, containing his urge to drool as Sasuke appeared, raising a wooden spoon at him. "Gah!" Naruto said, beginning to back up. "Eat, hurry up.." Sasuke then said, going to change into his new clothes. Sitting down Naruto blinked, but soon found himself stuffing his face.
When they entered Tsunade's office Sasuke took to standing behind Naruto, listening to what the blonde was going to say. "Granny, I want to keep teaching my class.." Naruto said, slamming his hands down onto Tsunade's desk. "Your duty is to keep tabs on Sasuke, not teach children" Tsunade replied, narrowing her eyes. "Can't I do both?" Naruto growled, watching Tsunade shift her gaze to Sasuke. "What will Sasuke do then, stand around?" she questioned Naruto who blinked, straightening up as he thought. "He can be my assistant" Naruto then responded which pricked at Tsunade's shell. "Assistant huh?" she said, resting her chin on her one hand. "Well.. It might make Iruka feel better, he doesn't want to be your fill-in" she laughed. "I'll agree to this Naruto, but please make sure to maintain focus on both things" she said before dismissing them. "Woohoo!" Naruto grinned, pumping a fist into the air as Sasuke sighed. "Assistant..?" he lowered his head, clearly annoyed. "Oh, Sasuke.. In a week's time you'll be requested to take the chunnin exam" Tsunade added before shoving both males out of her office.
On the way down to the academy Naruto seemed in his glory, his smile beaming as he greeted some civilians. Sasuke watched the blonde with close interest, coming to realize something particular. "You've changed.." Sasuke found the words exiting his mouth as Naruto blinked, turning to face the other. "What..?" Naruto asked, his smile disappearing slowly. "Everyone.. They're happy to talk to you, they're not afraid of you.." Sasuke said, his tone somewhat wavering. "Naruto saved the village" a voice came from behind the two as Kiba and Akamaru made their appearance. Sasuke blinked, remembering back to when Madara had brought something up like that. He remembered brushing it aside, but he did indeed clue in to the part of Naruto saving the village. "Everyone had faith in him, and now he's a hero of Konoha" Kiba said, patting Naruto on the shoulder. "He definitely earned everyone's respect" he smiled to Naruto who chuckled softly. "I'm just happy I've finally been recognized as an equal to everyone else.." he said, looking to Sasuke who could only stare at him. "Well, we better get going to the academy.. Classes start in five!" Naruto exclaimed as the three, including Akamaru entered the front building.