Ah another day, another story with the possibility of changes in the plot! And the differences we'll be facing! I'm hoping I won't fail in my promise for some NarutoXSasuke action as we move along with the sequel of 'Aurora Borealis' where they faced off against the strangest of monsters, the quirkiest of people and saw the strangest of things known in the world of Fanfiction! But don't take my word for it, oh no, just read it for yourselves my faithful readers and prepare to be amazed 'cause otherwise I've reason to be prepared for poundings from flamers! The Jewish cows from chapter 2 are still making cookies and I'm still writing as you keep reading in: Aurora Borealis II: Festival Misfortune where things are bound to go downhill for anyone caught in the crossfire. In this case: the legendary ninja village Konoha! Read and review and I will write on! I don't own Naruto, its characters or content of any kind. And I thank for the lyrics to "Falling For The First Time" by the Barenaked Ladies.

"iii" speech

Iii thought

Iii spirit speech

Chapter 1: Photo Finish

Spring, summer and fall had long since passed and Naruto, now twenty, walked through the streets of his village, randomly enjoying a peaceful walk through the snow filled boulevards of the ninja town of Konoha. But his mind was elsewhere, reveling on memory lane on the past couple of months and their changes. Sakura and Lee were now engaged and Tenten had managed to snag Neji while Kiba practically blubbered like a fool whenever his girlfriend Hinata looked his way. Ino had managed to get passed Shikamaru's lazy exterior in order for them to start dating while Iruka struggled to keep Kakashi from doing anything embarrassing in public, even though the village knew of their relationship. Even Itachi, the original Uchiha prodigy had managed to find a girl worthy of his attention. Haruko (1) was her name, and her beauty was heart stopping, and was obviously skilled enough in the ninja arts to be seen worthy of the name Uchiha. His brother Sasuke approved of this woman in their house, though reluctant to allow a stranger in on his property, he silently accepted her presence nonetheless. Sasuke himself was still a bachelor and so was Naruto. And now that Itachi had found a bride, the younger Uchiha was being dogged less into marrying to produce heirs to revive the clan no thanks to some monstrous spirit from a different world. Naruto and the rest of the ninja gang had personally seen and held his newborn son, Makoto (2), already strong and full of life, healthy and ready for a possibly perfect life. And as usual Sakura and Ino now had something other than the remaining Uchiha member to fight over.

The blonde sighed as he watched the snowfall, gripping his scarf. It was the girl's scarf, navy blue and warm around his neck. Berna. So that was your name. He thought as he stared at the sky, wishing she had more time to get to know them. He remembered opening the black book for the first time.

--Flashback

He'd been reluctant in picking it up but managed to get it open without feeling the pang of regret in his chest. The pictures were old but well preserved, the book itself not so well. Each one was so full of color and life. Showing different angles of the same scenes at different parts of the year. Some were mainly scenes or just propped objects with paint smudges on the edges where the girl had been getting a better look at them, forgetting that she had paint on her hands and wasn't dry enough to touch anything. Others were groups of people caught in the act of doing something natural or just something random entirely. Some looked surprised or a little miffed at being caught on camera against their will while others just smiled their widest or took on a silly pose just for the hell of doing it. There were even pictures of the girl Berna standing behind a particular man or young boy. Both appeared to have the same traits as her, only others from a different person. The boy was close to eight years old, grey bangs with dark blue hair elsewhere, violet eyes and an innocent face. The man, obviously the boy's father, was tall and kind but appeared firm and self-confident, making the girl appear to be a walking brick wall compared to this man. There was another that appeared to be a family photo, featuring the boy, man and two other men and a woman. The woman was obviously the boy's mother considering how close the two stood while the other two looked like an uncle and the grandfather. At both the girl was glaring suspiciously at out of the corner of her eyes. But in every one of the other pictures, Berna refused to show any sign of having emotional attachment. But in some later photos she proved to be a bit astonished to see a camera pointed her way, surrounded by the boy and some other kids gathered around, looking happy and being as silly as could be.

In some she looked uncertain of what to do other than stand there and let it happen, the light flash and the gadgets to move. But the blonde came across only one picture that seemed more revered above the rest: it was fall and there were leaves falling everywhere, she and the boy had somehow been caught together, smiling. Berna was smiling, and it looked like a happy one. It was a turn of the page that changed everything about it all. Newspaper clippings speaking of a murder case involving the death of three people: the woman, the man and Berna. Pictures showed three large blotches of dried blood in what looked to be a business office, one behind the desk, another somewhere to the left of it and the third staining the area near the hallway, stretched to splatter the wall and on the floor out the door and into the hallway to fade into nothing. According to the reports, there was no sign of either the bodies of the deceased or the murder weapon. More clippings talked the remaining family, the younger man proving to be the first man's older brother and the elder the father of both. One clipping spoke of a third brother but how he'd gone missing some weeks after Berna's birth. Later one talked of the her mother's murder and how the woman had died of a gunshot wound to the head, and Berna though three and a half years old, was the only witness. The man responsible was reported found with the murder weapon in some bushes, appearing to have been mauled to death by a loose bear.

Wincing at the reports he skipped over them to come across snapshots of Evan and Ozzy after an experiment gone wrong, Ozzy looking to kill something while his brother looked dazed, both covered head to toe in soot except where their goggles had protected their eyes from possible damage. Another showed Chevy beating Gayle in an arm wrestling contest, Nunzio and Finley posing in silly positions in front of an old statue covered in small children and smiling spirits. Some were group pictures of birthdays, holidays, random events of growing people and living life to the fullest. There were even festival photos where they were surrounded by hundreds of unknown but smiling people, many with their own masks set aside in random places as they reveled and partied with ease and comfort. Never once in such photos did Berna have her face bare for all to see but was respected nonetheless. Games, contests, plays, music and talent acts, even the twins got on stage to do a dangerous act. Dancing, food, drink and smiles were shared in vibrant colors and designs, people with all sorts of traits and appearances having the times of their lives along side spirits and creatures in human forms, all capable of killing them all in a single move but decided to have fun instead. In nearly all the pictures it was hard to tell who was what until you spotted an animalistic trait sticking out. In other, they looked so normal it was almost scary.

--End Flashback--

He thought about showing these pictures to everyone else, but he decided against it. The girl trust him with the book and he was gonna make sure he did the job right. He sighed again, thinking back once again about his emotions about a certain person he'd first to come see as a rival, then a friend, and now was trying to take it up to a different level of friend but things were still a little… uneasy between them. As if he'd accept me like that anyway. Naruto thought with a deeper anxious sigh. Sure they'd tried it out but there still were some issues that needed to be cleared out of the way. Deep in thought Naruto was oblivious to some of his friends coming up behind him, rushing to catch up with him. It wasn't until Sakura was screaming in his ear that he noticed that someone was 'attempting' to talk to him. "ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION NARUTO?" the pink haired girl was screeching at him as he just blinked in confusion at her. "What? Say somethin'?"

Huffing in anger the chunin tried to resist the urge to strangle the blonde as she repeated what she'd tried to tell him before. "I was saying: Lee and I thought you looked a little lonely and thought you'd want to go for ramen with us. So are you coming or not?" the couple prepared to be blasted with the usual enthusiasm only to be surprised by a kind smile and shake of the head. "Nah. Think I'll pass. Maybe later okay?"

The two stared in shock before Sakura stammered. "Are you sick or something or just an imposter of some sort? Naruto never turns down ramen! Especially when someone else is paying for it! Quick Lee! Grab him! We need to find Kakashi-sensei and fast!" the green clad man saluted and dramatically snatched the blonde off his feet before he could protest, not without politely letting Sakura to take a seat on the opposite shoulder, to zoom away in search of the silver haired pervert of a teacher.

Meanwhile Kakashi was causing his chunin companion some trouble in their kitchen, having trapped the man under the table, trying to bribe him out with a fresh mug of coffee. So far the man was resisting and Kakashi was on edge of the 'desperate attempt time' category of getting some that morning. Iruka had been grading papers and made the older man wait and now Kakashi was running low on patience. A loud thunder like noise reached their ears as Lee approached the house with Sakura and a protesting Naruto in his unrelenting grasp. Careful not to break the door Lee let himself in, taking the time to let Sakura onto her own feet as the two headed toward the kitchen, allowing Iruka time to come out from under the table and Kakashi to back off, acting casual, leaving his bribe on the table. "Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura's familiar voice made their ears ring as an indignant Naruto was set down at the table as Lee took his much self-celebrated post some distance near Sakura. "Naruto's acting strange! He… he turned down ramen!"

Kakashi's eyebrow went skyward as Iruka choked on coffee. "He what?" the man gasped between coughs. Naruto, indignant to how he was being treated like a sick person angrily stood up, vein pulsing and actually on edge of getting angry with Sakura but held some back for friend's sake. "There's nothing wrong with me Sakura! I was just 1) in thought and you interrupted is all and 2) I'm not hungry! At least not yet but still there's nothing wrong with me! No clones, no imposters, no diseases no nothing! Can I go now that I've been dragged by your super soldier of a boyfriend?"

"Geez Naruto you had me worried that's all. What the hell were you thinking about that you didn't answer when I first called on you anyway?" she said, curiosity filling her tone as she stared in concern at her former teammate. Naruto tried not to let anger get the best of him as he answered. "I didn't know you were talking to me until you started screaming me and what I was thinking is my business thank you very much so now can I leave?" he growled, indignant and frustrated that all this commotion was occurring a bit too early in the day than he'd rather it would. Not waiting for an answer he stomped out of the house and back into the streets, heading back to where he'd been when the entire ordeal began. The four stood in shock as Naruto's footsteps and the slam of the front door faded, Sakura frozen as her mind replayed the look on the boy's face before he left. The last thing he said was significant to her suspicions. First the face had been angered or frustrated at the misunderstanding, next it was reluctant, shy and slightly blushing, even sad. Something was bothering that boy and she needed to know what. "That does it. THAT'S JUST IT!" she declared, eyes sharp with determination. "He's hiding something and he's not gonna keep it from me! Hell no he's gonna get it off his chest whether he likes it or not! Who's in?" Sakura pronounced as she turned on the three-trapped males in her sights. "Now Sakura maybe you're taking this a bit too far…"

He never got the chance to finish as Sakura turned her sharp eyes on the man, making him quiver from her gaze, Kakashi and Lee paling at the sight. Making Sakura angry usually wasn't a good idea, and some people found that out the hard way. She spoke dangerously soft in response. "I've dealt with two lovesick boys who've been in denial for over six years and you think I'm taking things too far? Those two are getting things together now before they drive everybody crazy."

"Too late." Kakashi whispered under his breath, making the female turn on him as she glared in question as he shook his head, waving a hand as he breathed in relief when she turned away. Picking up the phone from the counter, Sakura started dialing, putting it to her ear as she waited for the ringtone to end. "Ino? It's Sakura. Get everybody together and meet at Kakashi and Iruka's place. We've got some planning to do."

Naruto walked once again down the same path as before, wary now of unwanted people disturbing his walk in the hopes of gaining peace and quiet. Something in the air told him that something was gonna happen sometime that day, and he wasn't going to like it. Not at all. Hoping the feeling would pass he walked further down the path, unwittingly walking past an unknown face hidden by a newspaper, and hidden from the human eye. Little did both notice a man taking pictures of the trees and other scenery, the light flashing periodically as he either switched positions or turned the lever to the next open slot. Neither knew of the calm figure standing casually near the path, reading columns and randomly working on the crossword. Little did anyone know how powerful a little camera with a flash could be now did they?

I'm so cool, too bad I'm a loser
I'm so smart, too bad I can't get anything figured out
I'm so brave, too bad I'm a baby
I'm so fly, that's probably why it
Feels just like I'm falling for the first time

Sasuke wasn't getting along in his day that much either, now that his brother was home, was married and now had a two week old baby to worry about, let's just say Sasuke wasn't in the best of moods thanks to some real annoying disturbances in the middle of the night. He also had an inkling that something out of the ordinary was going to happen that day and things were bound to go from bad to worse for the Uchiha. Strolling down the path almost aimlessly, Sasuke was surprised to see Naruto pass him by without so much as a single glance, eyes clouded and far away in thought. Blinking his confusion, the Uchiha decided to see what the boy was pondering about to where he was ignored so successfully. "Hey dobe!" he called but the blonde kept going, like he hadn't heard anything. Fuming now Sasuke took things up a notch. Picking up some snow to pat it together and with a well-aimed toss, got the blonde on the side of the face, sending him crashing to the ground. But the Uchiha was surprised when instead of hitting the earth, the boy flipped in midair to land on his feet, turn and glare at the other in full blown fury. "Is it just me or does everybody not want me to think in peace today?" he growled, his anger held back by recognition of his would-be attacker.

"Then I trust this isn't the first time you've been acting like a zombie and ignoring people when they talk to you today?" the brunette said coolly in response to the red-hot anger emanating from his rival. Naruto just glared at him, rage close to a boil but was soon dissipated by a calming breath. "I'm just trying to think okay?" the blonde said, sounding exhausted. Sasuke's curiosity and concern grew as he carefully positioned himself closer to the other. "About what?"

But the boy just shook his head, and tried to walk away. Only Sasuke wasn't giving up that easily. "Why not talk to Sakura, or Iruka-sensei? Maybe they can help straighten that jumbled mind of yours. If you have one."

Naruto punched his shoulder, trying not to smile at the last few words. Not much had changed between the two. But it was replaced by a sad frown as he stared at the sky again. "I'm just… wondering if she's going to come back soon. She was so helpful but she wouldn't let us help her. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah." Sasuke said softly. "I know." The two stood oblivious to the numerous observers in the bushes not far off. The rest of Rookie Nine hid in well-chosen positions as the two boys stared at nothing, too deep in thought to notice their own friends were watching them.

I'm so green, it's really amazing
I'm so clean, too bad I can't get all the dirt off of me
I'm so sane, it's driving me crazy
It's so strange, I can't believe it
Feels just like I'm falling for the first time

"If you guys feel like spying so much go peep on somebody else. And make sure Choji brushes his teeth next time 'k? His breath reeks!" Naruto said casually as he turned to walk away, leaving an angry Uchiha to deal with snooping ninja in the nearby plant life. Choji along with everyone else in hiding paled as Sasuke turned on them, Sharingan in full spin at his friends now trying to think of a good way to escape the Uchiha's wrath. No such luck. Pouncing with lightening speed the Uchiha prodigy glared at those in his immediate range growling. "Now who's idea was this? Seeing if you couldn't cause bigger problems?" but Sakura wasn't going to give in to her friend's anger. Instead she calmly stood up, walked over and gave him a good hit to the head. "Itai! What the hell was that for?"

"For getting pissed when we're trying to help you, you asshole! When are you two going to get it together? Hmm? Answer me that Uchiha?"

He blinked at the girl, holding his aching head as he looked away, eyes now normal and full of uncertainty. "I don't know. I don't even know if he even likes me like that. Let alone if he'll try to make it work. And who knows what my brother will think." His rambling was cut short by another hit to the head. "STUPID! I've been stuck with you two for a little over seven years and I know for a fact he wants to make it work but doesn't have a clue how to get it done and done right. Now you going to take our advice or not."

He looked reluctant, unsure if what the girl was planning was the right thing but if he wanted to feel like he had when they'd first tried, so whole, so… complete, then some things had to be tested before the desired results came forth. Sighing in defeat he only nodded as inner Sakura did her victory dance. Dragging the boy closer into the huddle, plans were made, traps concocted and schemes hatched between the combined effort of friends and a seemingly desperate lovesick Uchiha.

Anyone perfect must be lying, anything easy has its cost
Anyone plain can be lovely, anyone loved can be lost
What if I lost my direction?
What if I lost sense of time?
What if I nursed this infection?
Maybe the worst is behind
It feels just like I'm falling for the first time
It feels just like I'm falling for the first time

Naruto headed back to his apartment, sighing as he collapsed against the door knowing his chance to tell Sasuke how he felt was totally shot now that his friends had butted in on what possibly his only chance to talk to him in private. Dammit Sakura why'd you interfere? I was so close. I've been closer than ever and you shot it down to the ground in ashes! Now how can I face him? Now his brain was truly scrambled more than ever on what to do about his present situation. Hanging up his scarf and coat the blonde headed into his kitchen for lunch, and a big surprise.

And surprised he was to find a cool and collected stranger sitting at his kitchen table, sipping coffee from a travel mug, reading a newspaper with a pencil behind his ear when he thought of the answers to the crossword. "What the hell? Who are you and how'd you get into my house?" Naruto stammered as he fell back on his ass in surprise at the unwanted guest. The paper was lowered as the familiar scarred face of Chevy stared calmly back at him with a raised eyebrow, his mouth a thin line on his face. "What? Can't a friend visit every now and again? Geez Naruto no need to freak. I'm just here for a little chat, a good sit and then I'll leave okay? Besides, I thought you'd have moved in with Uchiha by now considering how close you are."

Naruto's eye twitched as his pent up emotions got the better of him. "What the hell do you know? How'd you get here anyway? I thought the gate thingy was closed!"

"Oh it's closed but not to Guardian personnel. I'm just here for observation and intelligence purposes. Nothing too deep into people's private lives but merely into the basic condition of the people reported missing by your government's law officials. Just in case they gain symptoms related to something the Ravens would plant in an unsuspecting individual for their own gain. Nothing more, nothing less." He said, bringing the newspaper back up, moving on to a different column. "How did you get into the village without the patrols seeing you?"

"Humans tend to be blind even when they can see everything else all too well. You're the only one out of the entire village that can see or hear me. At least until I choose otherwise that is. Other than that, technically I'm not even here, breathing your air, eating your food, walking on your earth, or living in your houses. Like in my world, it's as though I never existed in the first place. So for now I'd like to stay a secret okay? You can keep secrets can't you?" Naruto nodded, not knowing what else to do. "Well, it was good to see a familiar face. See you around. Uzumaki." And in the blink of an eye he was gone, just as someone knocked on his door. Forgetting lunch entirely and snapping out of his daze, the blonde got off the floor to answer the door. Unfortunately the blonde was in for another surprise of the day.

I'm so chill, no wonder it's freezing
I'm so still, I just can't keep my fingers out of anything
I'm so thrilled to finally be failing
I'm so done, turn me over cause it
Feels just like I'm falling for the first time

"Naruto."

"Sasuke."

The exchange was calm and collected, Naruto looking away, not wanting to meet the other boy's gaze. Sasuke stood nervously at the door, trying to get Sakura's plan to stay in the front of his mind before it was blown away by being close to his crush again. He already felt that her idea was an instant crash-and-burn. Shifting he spoke up. "So… can I come in?"

"Hmm? Oh sure. Sorry." Both were on edge, nervous and unsure of what to say, but Naruto decided to be a good host since he did have a guest. "Do you… want some tea? I think I have some in here somewhere." He said, his voice trailing as he headed back into the kitchen, knowing for sure that Chevy was no longer in the apartment. Sasuke was almost half listening, trying to get his thoughts together as he hung his coat and scarf on the hooks next to the door. Looking around he saw Berna's black book sitting on the coffee table; curious he sat down and started flipping through it. He almost forgot what he was there for as he sifted through, soon coming across the one picture of the girl smiling for the first time. Sasuke froze as that contented face looked up back at him. Almost as though she was actually staring back at him in real life and not some photo in an album. When he turned the page, he finally figured out what she'd meant when she said it wouldn't be the first time if people left. And didn't come back.

Searching the cupboards he found what he was searching for, filling the kettle with water and hunted for some cups they could use. The kettle screamed for relief as steam shot from the spout, bringing the blonde's attention back to the stove. Putting the bags in and grabbing all the other necessities that came with tea, Naruto carried a tray into the next room, hoping he hadn't been waiting too long. "I hope you like… jessamine." But the other boy wasn't listening having found the black leather-bound book to flip through its pages, staring curiously at all the smiling faces before him. "Sasuke?"

The boy jumped to turn to see Naruto standing nearby with the tray, concern marring his beautiful features. "Huh?" he asked dumbly, knowing that things were bound to go downhill now. "Are you okay? You were zoning."

"Oh sorry it's just… I've never looked inside this thing before… and well…" he trailed off, reluctant to go on. Naruto didn't say anything as he set the tray down on the table, seating himself on the other side, pouring them both a cup and handing one over to Sasuke who took it with a nod of thanks, still staring down at the captured world of color. All the smiling faces surrounded one unchanging one somehow stuck in the middle of an odd world where she seemed to feel she didn't belong to. For many years he felt the same way. Could being with Naruto change all that? Can being with this boy make all the wrong things right again? He just didn't know anymore. Clear your head Uchiha! Stick to Sakura's stupid plan and you just might live to see tomorrow! He mentally screamed at himself, snapping himself out of his own daze to look at the blonde. Naruto had taken to staring at the floor, trying to avoid any and all eye contact. "So… is your head clear enough yet? I mean, you're not gonna go zombie again are you?" His mind could've sworn that was the wrong thing to ask, especially the tone that went with it. But surprisingly he didn't get the response he though he'd get out of the blonde. Instead Naruto just shook his head and mumbled. "I was just thinking about… about what happened… at her place is all. Did… did you--?"

He paused, almost scared of the answer as Sasuke waited seeing how hard the blonde was finding it to speak. "Did I what?" he couldn't help but ask, speaking softly as he watched his friend and rival search for words. "Did you… feel anything?"

Sasuke couldn't help but stare at the blonde avoiding his gaze. Putting his cup down and coming quietly up behind the other, Sasuke gently wrapped his arms around the boy, breathing in his scent and resting his chin in the crook of boy's neck. Naruto froze, tensing at the feel of arms entrapping him in place, heat rising in his face and other places. Naruto was thankful he hadn't opened his blinds that morning as he sat there waiting for his answer. The Uchiha finally whispered in his ear and what he heard made his heart stop. "I felt… everything. That everything was… fulfilled. Complete. And there was order to the chaos from what you told me had happened to my brother and to my family. Now he has a family starting and I have nothing. Nothing to show for… anything I'd tried to accomplish over the years of thinking that he was responsible for it all and nothing else. But you showed me I'm still capable of something and that something is the ability to love and forgive. Maybe even forget what happened."

Anything plain can be lovely, anything loved can be lost
Maybe I lost my direction
What if our love is the cost?
Anyone perfect must be lying, anything easy has its cost
Anyone plain can be lovely, anyone loved can be lost
What if I lost my direction?
What if I lost sense of time?
What if I nursed this infection? Maybe the worst is behind

He paused, wrapping his arms tighter, pulling the blonde closer. "Can you say the same? Can you say… that you felt something that time? When we were there trying to make it work? To start something that just wouldn't begin in the first place?" he waited, wanting. No needed to hear Naruto's response, anything that said the same thing that he was trying to express. Naruto on the other hand didn't know what to say or do except sit there frozen, stiff as a statue as he heard Sasuke breath anxiously into his ear, only making things heat up more. Finally he moved to grasp the thin pale arms that held him, leaning his head back, accepting the embrace. They stayed that way for what seemed like hours before Naruto rubbed his cheek against Sasuke's, making him shiver with anticipation and before he could stop himself the brunette was attacking the other man's neck. They flopped over the end up on the floor, Naruto turning in the embrace to hold the man better as Sasuke continued his barrage on Naruto's neck, making the boy moan from the feeling.

The Uchiha didn't need a better invite as he brought his head higher to give the boy a chaste kiss. It was more of a peck but Naruto followed when he pulled away, using a hand to hold his head in place as he did some attacking of his own. Sasuke could've sworn that he was about to pass out from how talented the blonde was with his tongue, invading his mouth and sending his mind to oblivion. He could only stare bleary eyed and dazed as Naruto pulled away to smirk at him as he gazed back almost sleepily. "Does that answer your question teme?"

Sasuke grinned like a fool at the question. He only leaned in again to capture those lips he'd come to love so much, knowing for a fact by now his own were bruised as it got more intense and possibly passionate. Naruto's hands seemed to work their way around, making every part of him go numb, almost feeling like a massage. "Don't fall asleep on me now." Naruto teased when he pulled away, dark and dazed optics somehow finding the sense to mock-glare back at the blonde. Naruto just chuckled at that face as he pulled them both off the floor, the Uchiha surprisingly limp and cooperative to his touch. "Are you that tired?" Naruto asked in concern as Sasuke felt himself drifting off. "If your brother had a baby that screams like no tomorrow in the middle of the night, you'd know exactly how I feel right now." Sasuke felt light-headed and woozy. Not enough sleep and not eating as much as he should have seemed to be jumpstarting its side effects.

Settling the Uchiha on the couch Naruto went to put the tea away and went in search of a blanket for him. Just as he was about to leave the kitchen, the phone on the wall rang loudly, echoing across the place enough to make the Uchiha stir in protest before rolling over and passing out entirely. Quickly picking up the receiver Naruto put it to his ear with a "hello?"

"Naruto-san? Have you seen my brother? He hasn't come home yet and I was just wondering if you've seen him."

"Oh hello Itachi-san! Yeah I've seen him! He's right here and he's just fine. He looks a little tired though. Has he been sleeping right 'cause he just up and collapsed on my couch like a sack of potatoes. And I distinctly remember him saying your baby had something to do with it. Care to explain?"

The voice as the other end just chuckled as Naruto's questions, understanding the boy perfectly. He clearly remembered his little brother kicking him out of bed at three in the morning in time for him to notice the baby was crying and his brother stomping out of the room looking pissed as hell. "My guess is that he's not used to having such a thing bothering him in the middle of the night. Can I talk to him? I have a list of things I need for him to get from the market and Candra wants to go walking before the day is out."

"No I don't think you'll get to. The guy's out cold and I don't think he'll be getting up for chores but if you want me to I'll come over and get Candra and we can go to the market for you. How about that?"

"Hmm I don't know. I wouldn't want to intrude on anything you may have scheduled for today…" Itachi said, uncertain of what to say to the offer but Naruto didn't let him argue. "Nonsense! I'm free for the rest of the day and I probably know the village better than anyone else. And to top it off I can have Kyuubi watch the place and your conked out brother while I'm out okay?"

Itachi couldn't help but chuckle again at the boy's enthusiasm. Finally he gave in to the offer. "If you insist Naruto-san, be sure to get here in the next thirty minutes. I'll have Candra meet you at the gate with the list and the money."

"Right. I should be there in twenty tops. Goodbye."

"Thank you and goodbye." The line went dead as they both hung up, Naruto heading toward the door to put his jacket and Berna's scarf back on. He went down the hall and into his room to find Kyuubi reading on the floor and looking a little bored out of his skull. Looking at the blonde he smirked. Are you two done trying to mate?

Naruto blushed and glared at the spirit man. "Very funny. I'm going out to get groceries for Itachi-san since Sasuke passed out on the couch. I want you to watch him while I'm gone. Oh and Candra may be coming over later when I'm done so no trouble you got my Kyu?"

Rolling his eyes and turning back to his book in time to turn the page he only grumbled impatiently. Yeah whatever. Just don't be stupid and get lost or something.

"As if!" Naruto scoffed with indignation as he left the room, opening a closet to grab a blanket and return to the living room where Sasuke lay oblivious to the ruckus going on around him. Draping the blanket over him Naruto tenderly rubbed a pale cheek with the back of his hand. Sasuke shifted and groaned at the touch, leaning into it as it continued. Reluctantly Naruto brought his hand back and went out the door.

Sakura tapped her foot on the concrete and snow covered street corner as she waited for Sasuke to come back out to tell her of his success or failure only to see Naruto instead. Spotting her he waved happily as he jogged over. "Hey Sakura! Where's Lee to cart me away again?"

"Have you seen Sasuke? I could've sworn I saw him here last." She lied but Naruto was already seeing through it and kindly laughed at her. "I don't know how you convinced him Sakura but we're okay now." She gaped as he patted her shoulder as she stammered. "You mean you… and him… and…."

"No we're not that far just yet. He kinda passed out on my couch saying something about Itachi's baby keeping him up at night though. That and Itachi called and so I'm going shopping with Candra for him since Sasuke isn't exactly available. You want to come too?"

"How did you…?" she continued to stammer in amazement but he just laughed at her again. "Oh c'mon Sakura! I may act dumb but I'm not that stupid. You coming or not?" he demanded, giving her an amused look as she punched his arm but he was too busy laughing to care. They walked toward the Uchiha estates where Candra stood in human form, waiting for Naruto to come. Since she couldn't exactly go walking around town in her animal form she was ordered to be human in public to avoid arousing suspicion amidst the villagers. She'd even been given her own backpack when she needed to carry something especially heavy or awkward and needed her hands free to complete other tasks. Her face lit up when she saw them, her wolf cub attributes getting the best of her as she happily greeted them.

Two and a half hours later Candra followed Naruto back to his apartment after dropping off the groceries back at the Uchiha estates, Sakura at her place as she rushed to call Ino and her news on the situation and finally heading down the ways back to his apartment. Candra anxiously waited as Naruto opened the door to let her pass in wolf form to explore, sniff and search the place as though it were a cave leading to some long lost treasure. Naruto could only chuckle at her giddiness as he hung his coat and Berna's scarf on the hook before checking the couch. The Uchiha had moved but still wasn't awake yet, peacefully snoozing away even when Candra climbed happily on top of him, her tail swinging like a bat. He only shook his head smiling, heading toward the kitchen to get dinner started.

Sasuke's enhanced nose twitched at the smell of something cooking. He struggled to open his eyes but sleep seemed to be a better and blissful option. But something nudging his side made him groan in protest, rolling over and covering himself with the blanket better. Wait. Blanket? What blanket? His mind queried as it tried to get back into gear as he was nudged again this time followed by a familiar voice. Sasuke. Sasuke get up! Naruto-kun says dinner's almost ready. Oh c'mon Sasuke get up. I'm hungry! Please? The voice begged as he was nudged a third time, this time off the couch and onto the floor where he landed with a thud and a pained groan. "Damn it Candra did you really have to do that? Itai. Fuck! That hurt."

I'm sorry but you wouldn't get up. Can we eat now? Please don't tell me you're sick again.

"Not sick Candra, just tired. Just… five more minutes okay?"

NO! She thundered at him making him sit up in surprise and shock. YOU WILL AWAKEN AND EAT! IF YOU WON'T I'LL STUFF IT DOWN YOUR THROAT! Now come before I drag you. She growled as she padded away grumbling about stubborn people and their defiant ways. Fully awake but still on the sleepy side, Sasuke pulled himself to his feet, trying not to let the fading warmth of the couch lull him back into another catnap. Letting the blanket fall to the floor the Uchiha stretched with a yawn as he headed toward the kitchen, hands lazily hanging behind his head in time for Naruto to come sneaking up behind him and entrap him in a playful embrace. "Hey there sleepyhead. You hungry?" Sasuke felt his brain jumpstart at the sound of the man's voice, his tone sending anxious chills up his spine. Electrified and fully awake Sasuke could only nod as Naruto gave an innocent smile as he let go, playfully prodding the Uchiha's back with a gentle finger. Shocks of pleasure and anxiety spread, making him do a full body shiver, thankful the blonde had his back turned. Sitting at the table Sasuke tried to act normal as Candra happily sat to his right, Kyuubi lazily slopping himself on his left while Naruto remained standing to serve the food before taking a seat himself across from the brunette. The two boys ate in silence as Kyuubi started explaining some odd subject to Candra who practically hung from every word as the fire fox started to go into detail on some attack or other. What he said next caught everybody else's attention: … so you move in for the final attack right?

Right, energy at medium and spirit blades at hand ready to disable the target, aiming mainly for the chest or stomach unless the source is of a different origin. Then what?

Then you, with the assistance of your partner of course, come at the target from the left and you go straight for the rib cage. But if that doesn't work fake a right and go for the left again. Such a plan has been known to backfire so it's usually best to retreat to try again later before you kill yourself or your partner.

"Kill your partner? And you say this from experience how?" Naruto said, looking up from his plate and appearing a bit skeptical of this fact. Kyuubi just sighed and sent a bored look at the blonde. We've been in harsh battles before brat. What do you think? I'd let you get killed because of a little stupidity. Had to have you use that brain of yours sometime sooner or later.

"I take offense to that." Naruto grumbled as Candra snickered, trying to hide her giggles behind her human hands. Sasuke just tried to keep a straight face. But they were interrupted by a familiar voice coming from the kitchen counter. "Well isn't this cute. Double pairs. If this wasn't a bad time I'd either be hurling or laughing." The voice drawled as four heads turned to see Ozzy leaning on the counter lazily, a smirk playing on his lips; arms crossed and only chuckled as they stood up. "The time to fight has come. Testing skills, sharpening minds and blades, the list goes on. Ah the smell of a battle on the rise. Doesn't it smell great?" he smiled, teeth sharp, cat irises with golden pupils staring back almost in excitement.

What are you talking about hawk man? What battle? Who comes to fight Konoha and its warriors? But his question was left unanswered, Ozzy just shaking his head at the spirit fox, smiling even though he looked deeply serious now.

"It's time for the Fire Fox to prove his worth to the Leaf village and its occupants. Little brother would love to join and all but we're restricted from interfering with official business of this place and its officials, citizens and whatnot. Oh well, have fun with it!" then he was gone, as though he'd never been there to start with. Before any could move or speak, a loud explosion threateningly close to the building rocked the earth, making ears ring and people to fall over. Things fell and shattered or simply thudded onto the floor. Disoriented and confused Sasuke gripped the table's edge to stand on his own two feet, Kyuubi and Naruto heading toward the windows to look out into the street filled with panicking and screaming people. In the distance dark figures hopped and jumped cackling evilly from building to building, decaying cloaked forms moving against all laws of life and physics. Not caring who saw, both Naruto and Kyuubi leaped into the streets below and took on defensive stances, ignoring civilians running past and confused ninja trying to organize things. The things suddenly focused on Naruto and Kyuubi standing in range and in the open. Seizing the opportunity they leaped at him like mosquitoes to an all out blood buffet only to be burned to ash in midair. The rest, angered into an all out frenzy, attacked regardless of the danger, wild eyes flashing as teeth and claws were bared for all to see, people screaming as they ran out of the way. A woman tripped and was caught in the path of one of the creatures, taking advantage of her vulnerability by jumping off course and headed straight for her. But a pissed winged wolf landing perfectly on its head stopped the thing short.

Candra howled, her anger boiling in her veins as she ripped the demon spirit out of her target and attacked as fiercely as before. Sasuke followed her, stopping only to check on the unconscious man and the astonished woman. The man's mask, a monkey with light green markings, stared forward at nothing; the man's uniform was spotted with mud, dust and dirt as he lay on the ground unmoving except for the rise and fall of his back to show he was still breathing. Ignoring them both Sasuke decided to put his new skills to the test. Wings sprouting proudly he took to the air, hands glowing as his new vision and Sharingan combined to spot the invaders in the dark. It was an all out invasion and the Ravens were storming the place as they stampeded and caused havoc unchecked. Not tolerating this Sasuke swooped in for the kill, creating kunai and shuriken with his glowing hands as he took nearly eight of them down in a single stroke. But more only took their place as they laughed at him. He was punched harshly, making him spit up blood as they pounced. Almost desperate he called out. Naruto now would be a good time to call for back up!

I know! I know! But I'm kinda busy here. Can't that wait? Indeed Naruto was having problems of his own. He and Kyuubi were surrounded from all sides and there was no sign of letting up, even with different ranking ninja assisting in the mix. But Sasuke wasn't in the mood for excuses.

I'm getting the shit beat outta me and you want to wait? Call now! He mentally screamed as he was being pinned to the ground, blades rising to fall on his vulnerable wings being held down hard enough to break bones. He quickly sent an image of his own problems to the blonde via mental link. Naruto proceeded to search his pockets, smiling as he found what he was looking for, holding it to his mouth and blowing as hard as he could. It didn't really make a sound, though a small whistling of some sort could be picked up and the creatures didn't like it one bit, screeching and holding their heads in agony in hopes of avoiding the odd sound.

Those around Naruto saw he'd pulled out a long flute-like whistle, carved out of what looked to be ivory, two heads branching off at the end, one human, another that of a combination of animals, mouths open and screaming to be heard. All in the village witnessed what happened next and still didn't believe it to be true. The ones freed and comatose on the ground rose as though hearing alarm clocks, looking around in confusion, asking those closest where they were, what had happened and how they'd gotten there. Such questions went unanswered when they noticed so many of the enemy around them and went into battle mode. Gasping for air Naruto noticed one of them had walked up to him and asked. "Your orders sir?"

The blonde and those around him blinked as they turned to stare at him but Naruto pulled himself out of his stupor. Scowling he only said two things: "spread the word and give them hell."

"Yes sir." Behind that mask anyone could hear he was grinning as he saluted, raising his arm, hand glowing and firing what looked to a be a makeshift flare where it exploded, the response instantaneous. Masked men and women, all with distinctive animals and markings rushed to get into groups of four or five before taking on the unorganized forces of the enemy, making them scatter in the hope of escaping their wrath. No such luck. Ninja fought to protect their village only to find help from an unexpected place: masked strangers dispossessing their opponents of their demonic qualities to reveal more reinforcements or the previously deceased brought back to life by some unnatural force.

The fighting had spread to near the middle of the village, Ravens still trying to attack the Hokage tower, taking everything by storm even with Jounin and ANBU to stand in their way. But much to everyone's surprise a huge figure climbed his way out of the ground, panda mask in place as his gigantic frame towered over even the tallest ninja. Ravens shot arrows and other projectiles at the colossal creature, only to make him agitated, swinging his huge hands at them like clubs, sending many of them flying deep into Guardian conquered areas to be dealt with accordingly. Some other Guardians came to help detain the invaders from reaching the tower, even as the Fifth Tsunade came to do some fighting of her own. Spotting her two of the strange warriors came skidding to a halt in front of her, a lizard and a coyote holding up their human arms to keep her back. "What is the meaning of this? Who are you and what are you doing in my village?" she demanded angrily as she tried to get past them but they wouldn't yield.

"We've been ordered by Uzumaki Naruto to protect all occupants of this village from the Enemy threat that has invaded in violation of Guardian laws. As ordered the guilty are being dealt with to rid the innocent and victimized of the issue."

"Uzumaki? How do you know him?" Tsunade asked bewildered. Now this was a first in her book. What was going on in her village? "Only that he called upon our services in response to this threat of home and country. We don't know him personally but only he holds the Whistle of Calling and to whomsoever has that is of great respect and standing amidst us and ours. Do you wish to speak with him at this time?" Coyote asked, sounding calm and unconcerned that there was battle and occasional bloodshed going on behind him. The woman huffed angrily. "Yes I do. I've much to say to him now that I have some idea what's going on in my village. Now what about the villagers? Are you taking care of them?"

The two blinked at her, obviously not knowing what she meant. But in response to her first request lizard went running to find Naruto, leaving coyote to sweat buckets as he was faced with a miffed Hokage. It just wasn't this guy's day. And just when his existence was about to end the departed warrior returned with the requested person of the moment. Turning on him, Naruto could tell that Tsunade had questions, and he had to give answers. But before he could say a word, another large explosion rocked the city, dust, dirt and debris rocketing into the air to come crashing down as deadly rain, more of the cadaver creatures running amuck in lunacy, movements erratic and without actual focus. Masked warriors pounced upon the new offenders, ridding the place of their presence in the hopes of bringing order back to the town. Meanwhile Sasuke was having troubles of his own.

Having been released by his captors thanks to warriors of familiar origin, Sasuke and Candra continued to fight alongside them, giving assistance to those on the ground from the air and making sure that the attackers went through hell as the night rolled on as houses were set ablaze only to be doused and the occupants cared for. It wasn't until some time during the fighting he realized he'd forgotten one thing: the Uchiha manor, his brother and his family were exposed to attack without any way of knowing how to fend them off. "Candra! We need to head back! Brother may need our help!" he yelled over the roar of battle, chaos and bloodshed. The wolf only nodded as the two took to the air, soon followed by a crowd of masked warriors. "Allow us to assist Uchiha-san! We may be of service to you." One called from afar, holding his hands to his mouth in order to be heard, even though his owl mask hardly muffled his words.

"All right, let's hurry! I don't know if they've gotten there already!" Sasuke yelled over the howling wind, flapping his wings as fast as he could to reach the mansion. Please don't let me be too late. I don't want to loose my family again. He thought as thoughts of dead bodies and spilled blood filled his mind, recalling when he'd come home to a dead family and a crazy brother. Shaking such thoughts away, attempting to clear his vision of tears he flew against the wind and clouds of arrows sent his way to stop him from getting there. All that time practicing with Candra had really paid off.

Itachi really was having a hard time fending off the supposed undead creatures from reaching his ancestral home and his new family, kunai and sword barely holding the things back as he saw another pillar of flame and smoke erupt from where the rest of the village stood, praying that his only brother was okay. He was distracted by a terrified scream from somewhere inside the house, diverting his attention to where it had originated. Haruko. He thought in horror, mentally slapping himself for leaving her alone whilst fighting off unreal opponents in the front yard. Making a split second decision Itachi turned and ran back into the house in search of his loved one, hoping he too wouldn't arrive too late.

Running throughout the halls and corridors he twisted and turned as displeasured screeches and war cries came from one of the top floors. Busting down doors and taking down any opponent in his way, Itachi rushed in time to take another down before it even came close to touching his wife who held their baby in a protective hold. Makoto cried in displeasure as his mother uttered another scream when a creature purposely busted the window next to them, smiling with sharp teeth and a rotting face as a bony hand reached for the two but was in for a big surprise. A shadow with glowing eyes, silvery red Sharingan emitting an eerie light, closed in and landed harshly on the creature, hands and eyes glowing as Uchiha Sasuke made his entrance, wings and tail in full view, wolf ears swiveling to hear anything as he growled at the retreating figures, his own sharp teeth glinting in the light. He and Candra had come back together in midair just in time to save his sister-in-law and his nephew before another attack could ensue. Masked and winged warriors, swarming to spread through the house, soon followed Sasuke through the window like bees rushing to escape rain. More masked warriors took the places of the maniacal monsters, one by one cured or killed as the Guardians pounded them back and out of the house. But one slipped past, pushed Itachi aside, ignoring the man's wife and went straight for the younger brother who was too distracted in taking down the ones already in the room, making them dust or reinforcements. One of them hit him from behind, sticking an odd object into his back, but he barely noticed said change and killed the thing off anyway. It wasn't until he turned after finishing the last one that he noticed his situation had just gotten a whole lot worse. "Sasuke! LOOK OUT!" Itachi managed to yell, but he was too late.

One of the creatures roared angrily and pounced on Sasuke, sending them both flying out the window and into the snow, Sasuke working hard to fight back. He pounded and struck against his attacker, causing it damage and harm as they landed in an embankment and rose to take each other on hand to hand. Sasuke fought the thing with nearly everything he had but this opponent was too much, and was soon followed by nearly ten more, crowding as they hit and kicked the man into submission before kicking him in the head thus knocking him unconscious. The young man was sent into a world of black, wings, tail and other features fading away as he finally fell to the ground, and he didn't get up. The creatures cheered and laughed evilly in their triumph only for it to be cut short as Itachi and some of the masked strangers to come running at them from the house, making them scatter and run. One tried to pick the fallen boy up only to be shot in the head with a shuriken, making the thing hiss and stumble, clumsily dropping the load and running into the tree line. The masked warriors followed with intensity, one or two staying behind to help deal with injuries that may have been inflicted.

Itachi, desperate and panicking turned his brother over to face him, skin pale and eyes closed, one gaining a large bruise from being hit so hard. The elder leaned closer to hear for signs of life and sighed in relief when he heard them, breathing a bit shallow and strained, pulse strong but erratic. Only matters got worse when he seemed to choke, blood out of his mouth, spraying to get his brother in the face. Groaning his brother's form flopped limply in his arms, refusing to respond to his brother calling his name. A masked stranger, face hidden by shadow and porcelain, knelt down and gently took the limp man from Itachi's grip as another came and pulled him away, soothing voice and calm words bringing peace to the man's mind as he watched the other work, Haruko watching in horror as her brother-in-law lay in his own blood in the snow. One of the masked strangers turned to another standing by. "Go get Uzumaki and Tsunade-san. This is of their concern." With a quick bow he was gone, running to disappear down the road.

A third came forward with a bag; gentle hands poking and prodding, twisting and turning limb and form to examine all injuries they could find. One pulled out the object still sticking out of Sasuke's back, looked at it with curiosity that quickly turned into shock then harsh swearing as they picked up the pace to administer medical attention to their patient. Bags were literally overturned and searched, mumbled and indiscernible conversation was shared, hand motions blurring in the air as the two worked. Snow fell softly in the din of fire, wind and screams of terror carried through the air from the village some distance away. The two newlyweds could only hope that their fallen family member could be helped before the new day came.

The creatures were retreating into the trees, hissing and cursing, roaring and howling as they were sent running into the forest, chased soon after by odd beings in masks, moving to become blurs to disappear into the trees themselves, all sounds of battle fading as they went further into the treacherous terrain. Naruto had already explained how they'd come to be in the village in the first place some five or so times to numerous numbers of people but was getting tired of explaining again to possibly the same one he talked to not ten minutes before. Needless to say some of the creatures were still causing problems with random surprise attacks in fewer and fewer numbers with each one until it all finally died down to just tracking them down and taking them out. But Naruto's day was about to stretch into the next as his life took another turn for the worse when another familiar face came to remind him of how far the cadaver creatures had invaded. "Uzumaki-san." A grim voice said, popping into existence next to him amidst the crowded and confused Rookie Nine, Team 10 and teachers. Having his attention he turned to face the man to recognize him almost at once. "Nunzio! How are you?" when he didn't answer Naruto had good reason to ask. "What's wrong?"

"It's most serious sir. You and Tsunade-san are requested to come with me immediately. It's about the Uchiha manor sir." Nunzio said, solemn and sorrowful as Naruto paled at this. He didn't need to be told twice as he ran with his inhuman speed toward the Uchiha estates, tears of pain and worry clouding his vision as he sped off into the night, the snow falling like powder to hide away the signs of battle with the rest of the group and the new Hokage following. Hoping deep in their own hearts that their prayers for the two would be answered. Now the question is: are said gods and goddesses done napping just yet? Or are they just goin' to keep on snoozin'?

My, that took a bit longer than I thought it would but who cares? The plot is probably better than ever and reviews might come in faster than before! Or at least I hope so… trapped in Loser Ville here people. Up and down, good to bad, light to dark all within a few sentences, oh how riveting things get when you're bored and you want to please readers worldwide! Wouldn't you agree? And to top things off: Naruto and Sasuke are finally TOGETHER! YAY ME! I would've done it in the last story but that's a bit cliché so I just kinda stretched it out for torture's sake. And I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience on Aurora Borealis's last chapter! As I was kindly informed by Nariki or other (memory sucks) it somehow ended up being numbers! How this occurred I'm fairly clueless and I hope by the time I finish updating will be the charm for all to see its conclusion! Anywho there are actually notes to speak of and here they are:

Haruko: I wanted Itachi's wife to have an Asian name to fit with the story and all that significance crap so I managed to track this one down, which I'd say is a good find. Haruko (hah-roo-koh) is incidentally Japanese for 'born-in-spring child' or 'tranquil' probably she's unusually calm in heated situations but I guess today wasn't her day.

Makoto: Decision-making is so hard sometimes it just sucks don't you think? And choosing this kid's gender and name really rocked my brain to bits! It was either that or it being a girl and named Sadira, Persian for 'the lotus tree', mainly indicating purity. But being as to how the clan does need some reconstruction done so I went with the guy's name and might put a few girls in later to make myself and possibly others feel better on the matter. Makoto ironically is Japanese for 'sincere and honest'.

Oh but what's in a name other than loads of history that's collecting dust 'cause it's so sad that lot's of people don't really care anymore anyway. How cruel some people can be, like me cutting everything off here just for the hell of it to get some opinions 'cause it feels like nobody cares at all for my creations which I've been slaving over a hot keyboard to give to the world to see and enjoy them as I have and it's like omg these people really don't care do they and I'm just going on 'cause I'm bored and my life sucks and college is coming up and lots of the authors from my favorites list still haven't updated and it's driving me crazy and now I'm in denial that they'll ever continue what they're doing like I have and it's all so confusing okay I'll shut up 'cause I've once again started to ramble and that's just wasting your time and my time and how I just keep going since it's like 12:30 in the fing morning and I need sleep waiting for my Mom to come home from a hospital in Austin after a year and a half of pain since some asshole decided to make a u turn in the middle of the highway, destroyed my Dad's car and here we are and she'll be better in a week from now so no worries people!

Damn that was a long sentence even for me! I guess it's just stress, pessimistic depression and all these different things changing at one time that it kinda has my mind spinning kinda sorta what living in this wacky world of the mortal realm has on one such as myself. It really sucks being human sometimes. But the plus is I got my work up and all's well with the world… except bad politics, writer's cramp and block along with that usual 'can't get signal' from the satellite when the weather's bad… how nature turns on you during the season premiere of 'SG-1: season 10'. Luckily for sci-fi fans that was just an example but it happened once whilst I was taping 'Full Metal Alchemist' overnight and one of my siblings was messing with the remote… they still breathe right at this moment since the image came back some seconds later… how I wish to punish them for such acts of stupidity… okay rambling stops now:

Next time: Chapter 2: To Be Or Not To Be Cured: Sasuke's Survival?

A good day turned bad by disturbed conversations later to become lemony yaoi goodness to once again bothered by bad events like lack of sleep and sudden invasion of the insanely indefinitely walking and attacking deceased! But it seems it doesn't stop there! Oh hell no it continues as Sasuke is once again put on the operating table with his life in the balance and his and Naruto's relationship threatening to come to a screeching and painful halt. Will he and Tsunade get there in time to administer much needed medicine? Or will our masked helpers pull through and save him before time runs out? Only the next chapter will tell in:

Chapter 2: To Be Or Not To Be Cured: Sasuke's Survival?