Counterclockwise
Summary: I'm almost certain that this was the Fourth Shinobi War moments ago, so why am I waiting for Kakashi-sensei with Naruto and Sasuke-kun? – SasuSaku
Author's notes: This is very loosely based off of one of my older stories, Fill in the Blank. It was deleted a few years ago and I decided to rewrite it since we know more about Naruto and I'm no longer a middle schooler who can't write for the life of her.

忍道

'We're in this war to protect Naruto. Failure is not an option!' I remember the scent of the field. It smelled like blood and death. The looks of pure horror on the faces of my comrades, and the looks of pure defeat of the corpses being used – I remember all of it.

'That's Kabuto's technique! That monster…' the screen of smoke that covered the battlefield. The metal clanking of the shuriken and kunai; I can still feel the gust of wind rushing through my hair as I leap to Kakashi-sensei's aid. Our enemies, old friends who we never wanted to meet again in this sense. They have no choice; they are simply weapons in this cruel shinobi world.

'Sakura, watch out!' I remember falling down a deep hole. Falling…falling…I believe a nearby explosion blew me into Kakashi-sensei's mangekyo-created wormhole. I passed through many dimensions; to here, wherever here is. The fighting has stopped. I can't hear anything, just the sound of the crickets and the birds. It's gotten colder; I should have been fine…

I can't sense any chakra; I am alone.

When I open my eyes and sit up, it is early morning. The sun has not yet risen and I am sitting in the Yu no Kuni, in the spot where I had last seen Kakashi-sensei.

"…what happened?" I ask myself. I sit amongst the stars and the grass, the trees, the birds, the insects…the wind blows again and I feel my hair brush against my shoulder and back.

'My hair isn't that long to begin with…'

It wasn't even cut. My hair is not cut at all and my uniform has somehow reverted back into the original one-piece red dress I wore as a genin. I still have the kunai I used in battle and my forehead protector from the war. I leap up onto a nearby tree branch and see that the meadow is cleared.

"I must have been sent back two years ago…but what time is it?" Judging by my hair and my clothing, I am certain that this is between the time of my first mission and the first phase of the Chuunin exam. I figure that returning to Konoha would help me.

The Yu no Kuni is northeast of Konoha, quite some distance away. I'm actually grateful that I woke up at this hour; what is it? One, two in the morning? Anyway, as I leap through the thick forests and run through the gleaming pastures, I keep wondering to myself: how is it that I am here? And what has Kakashi-sensei's mangekyo have to do with it? It must have played a large role since I fell into his Sharingan dimension.

Perhaps a look at Konoha's ninjutsu scrolls will help me somewhat.

忍道

The front gate is currently guarded by two jonin; it's about seven in the morning. Knowing Kakashi-sensei, he won't show up at the meeting spot until eight forty-five or at least nine. One of the guards yawn and his partner stares at him with distaste.

"Why can't you pretend to look alert?" he snapped. His partner shrugged and leaned on the table, his elbow propped on the surface, "Because. It is seven in the morning. We have been here since midnight."

I'm actually surprised that they haven't sensed me yet; and they call themselves jonin. Then again, I can still perform medical ninjutsu and other techniques of high caliber because I still have that information. In the midst of their bickering, I take this time to transform into a cat, since I always see fugitive pets run back and forth between the gates.

"And what are you going to do if Sandaime comes out and sees us?"

"Pretend to be at attention, of course!"

I pass them smoothly and then I sprint to the streets. It's so strange seeing Konoha intact for once; all the faces of those who have died the past few years, it's wonderful to see them. No one even notices the tabby cat stealthily jumping onto windows and balconies. Finally, I arrive in my own room and quickly transform back into myself.

'Now, where's the calendar…?' I hide my forehead protector and kunai between my mattresses and turn up at the calendar.

"The Chuunin Exam starts tomorrow," and that means that Sasuke-kun is still with us.

Sasuke-kun is still with us. Sasuke-kun is still with us. I can feel my heart thump wildly at the thought that he is still safe from the corruption of Orochimaru and Madara. Though I want to run to him; run to him and warn him about everything, I must practice restrain.

I must be stealthy.

I walk to my mirror and stare intensely at my 12-year-old self. I point at the kunoichi staring back and say very sternly, "You will not jeopardize this."

This is a mission. A rare mission only given to those who just so happen to stumble upon the opportunity. Though I know not what the objective of this task, I am willing to go and find out. And to do that, I must restrain myself and try to not bring attention.

'Sakura, are you still here? You're going to be late!' Okaa-san calls from downstairs. I glance at the clock on my wall, seven fourty-two. I guess I should leave to meet the others now.

"Okay, kaa-san! I'm leaving now!"

忍道

"Sakura-chan, you're late!" Naruto, still an idiot, runs up to me and grins. I roll my eyes and bonk him upside the head, "Idiot, it's only eight. Sensei won't be here until eight-fourty-five or nine!"

He rubs his head and laughs sheepishly, "Oh, that's right."

In all honesty, I find it rather difficult to act like I'm better than Naruto. It's difficult simply because he is the Child of Prophecy, the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, and the only son of Yondaime. It's much easier lashing out at his idiocy rather than his current incompetence. I'm actually a little upset at myself for thinking I was a shinobi of higher caliber than Naruto.

I shake my head at my loud team mate and pass him; Sasuke-kun is leaning against the bridge's railings, his eyes closed; the normal "cool guy" stance. Just watching him here, alive and well and away from any mortal danger, overwhelms me. I clear the lump in my throat and approach him.

"Good morning, Sasuke-kun," I say, knowing that he isn't going to give me a proper greeting. As expected, he scoffs and nods his head in my direction. I can't help but to smile because this is just like the old times.

Naruto scowls, "Ano ne, Sakura-chan! Why do only say hi to Sasuke, and not me!"

I turn around and summon my worst face, "Because Naruto. Mind your business, you idiot!" I respond. He pouts, but says nothing else.

Ah, acting like little Sakura is tiring. I haven't had sleep since before the last battle I came from. How troublesome…

'I don't think they'll say anything if I sit and keep silent.'

I move on the other side of the bridge and sit, sliding my legs out the railings, dangling from the water beneath. My arms are supporting my weight as I lean back on them; the sky looks so much bluer when we're all here as a team.

More time passes and I'm about ready to pass out from fatigue. I manage to consume a sugar pill while they aren't looking; and they aren't ever looking because they're both bickering with one another right now. They're probably still tense from our mission with Tazuna-san; I'm actually a bit surprised that we're working on our teamwork right now. But, we have just started, so I can't really expect much, now can I?

Too lazy to intervene-slash-take Sasuke-kun's side, I lay back onto the wooden surface.

The sun is so warm; I wonder if Kakashi-sensei will care if I'm sleeping when he comes…

'Sakura, we need your assistance on the Eastern front!'

'Yes!'

Kabuto has long ago cast the Impure World Resurrection jutsu and armies of dead shinobi were rising amongst the fields. As I dove through the clusters of brawls, I take note on each and every face I see, paying special attention to those I recognize.

I stop at my destination and see Kakashi-sensei. Fighting more Akatsuki members; as I advance closer to sensei, I see his Sharingan whirl and Kakashi-sensei weave the signs of Raikiri…

He charges…

"Sakura-chan, wake up!" Naruto shakes my shoulder roughly and I shoot right up, restraining my arm from punching him in the face; it's a force of habit. I turn around groggily and notice us on the bridge, still waiting. I stretch and rub my eye, "What time is it?"

Naruto looks at me almost as if I had the plague and then shrugs, "I don't know. It's been longer than usual, where is Kakashi-sensei!" he yells the last part, frustrated. I pull myself up on my feet and stretch. Sasuke-kun is still leaning on the opposite side, probably cursing our apparent incompetence. A spike of chakra punctures the air and I know Kakashi-sensei will soon be here.

忍道

"Hey guys! I got lost!" Kakashi-sensei emerged through the puff of smoke. We looked at him, and I prepared for the daily duty of chastising sensei for being so late. I cleared by throat and inwardly grinned; I missed doing this.

"Stop lying to us with a straight face!" I yelled, Naruto stood behind me, fully agreeing and Sasuke-kun remained in his spot, cool and silent, as usual. Sensei scratched his head and smiled sheepishly, not at all attempting to look apologetic.

Sensei waved my accusation off and hopped down to our level. I actually forgot how tall he was…or maybe I'm just short.

Not like Naruto though.

And as expected of my team mate, Naruto jumped up in Kakashi-sensei's face, begging him for an 'exciting mission' because all of the previous ones had been too easy, not that I remember them. Naruto was grinning to himself, probably fantasizing some absurdities and I raised a brow.

"I'm not even going to bother with you today…" I mutter. I noticed Sasuke-kun and Kakashi-sensei already moving, and I figured I'd have to act 'myself', just to keep tradition. I grabbed Naruto's collar and dragged him, "No, Sasuke-kun, wait!"

The mission wasn't very difficult or strenuous; we just had to run a few errands for various villagers and for almost all of them, Naruto overdid each of the jobs. I ended up having to support Naruto as he limped back with us.

"You shouldn't have pushed yourself so hard, you moron," I scolded. Naruto, sporting a swollen cheek and eye, merely responded with a "haahh".

Sasuke-kun clicked his tongue and turned ever so slightly in our direction, "Can't you take care of yourself?" he asked, rather arrogantly. I inwardly sighed, knowing that Naruto was going to get worked up about this and that they were going to fight like an old married couple.

"Ack, teme!" he clenched his fist and waved it at Sasuke-kun, who was already walking away from us. Kakashi-sensei sighed, opening his trademark orange novel, "It seems that their teamwork has been suffering lately." He said.

Naruto agreed while hostilely adding, "Yeah! It's your entirefault, Sasuke! You always want all the attention!"

Though it would have been my cue to take Sasuke-kun's side and abuse Naruto, I sat back and watched with Kakashi-sensei, both of us tired of their childish behavior.

'We still are kids, after all' I told myself.

Sasuke-kun snorted, "That's you, idiot. If you want me to stop making you look bad, then why don't you become stronger than me? Moron."

Naruto and Sasuke-kun glared ferociously at one another. I fought the urge to shrug, and decided that I should enjoy this. This was much better than any old flashback. A bird cawed and sensei looked up; Sandaime was probably calling all of the jonin together to discuss the Chuunin exams. We just had our Chuunin exams four months ago, Shikamaru was a proctor.

Sensei looked back at us rather calmly and snapped his novel shut. "We'll stop here for today; I have a report to submit."

"I'm going home then." Sasuke-kun declared and he began to walk away from us. I remembered this was when Sasuke-kun told me that my abilities were worse than Naruto's; in my free time, usually, I would go assist Tsunade-shishou or Shizune-san, but seeing as they aren't yet here, I have a choice: I can either go to bed or go to the library to read the scrolls.

"I guess I'm going to the library then," I said, waving to Naruto and Kakashi-sensei before heading in the same direction as Sasuke-kun. I could hear Naruto calling after me, "You're gonna ask Sasuke out, aren't you, Sakura-chan? Sakura-chan?"

I turned the corner and suddenly, I heard the pitter patter of zori on the cobblestone; Probably Konohamaru and his friends ready to bombard Naruto. Deciding that the coast was clear, I jumped up on the fence and ran its perimeter; the library was just on the other side. When I arrived, I was surprised (and a bit irritated) to see that Naruto, Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon had somehow gotten in trouble with Kankurou and Temari.

Konohamaru was being held by the cape and Naruto was cursing at Kankurou; I expected Sasuke-kun to intervene at some point. I walked to the library door, which was behind the two Suna shinobi; I couldn't open the door. When I looked off at Kankurou and Temari again, they were looking at me.

"Can I help you?" I ask, a little bit irritated at the fact that I knew Kankurou had jammed the door with his chakra strings. Kankurou glared at me and dropped Konohamaru, "Get lost."

I couldn't help it, I really couldn't. Acting is not my forte and as Tsunade-shishou's second apprentice, I have somewhat of a shorter temper than I had before. In a normal situation, I would have run up to him and punched him in the face, but I remained still and tried my best to look intimidated. Kankurou grunted and approached me.

"Hey! Hey you! You'd better not touch Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled, running at Kankurou. Kankurou stopped and shoved Naruto onto the ground and he turned back to me. I watched as the puppeteer came close to me, and I shook, to add the dramatic effect.

He reached out and, as I predicted, Sasuke-kun threw a rock at his hand from the tree. Everyone looked up at the branch Sasuke-kun was currently perched on, and if you paid close attention, you could actually sense Gaara sneaking up on us all.

"What are you doing in our village?" Sasuke-kun asked impolitely. I realized Sasuke-kun had distracted Kankurou from the door, but I couldn't just yet enter it without looking suspicious. Instead, I looked at Sasuke-kun and summoned my best infatuated expression. Naruto glared at him as he tried to comfort Konohamaru.

Kankurou scowled, "Hey you, get down here! I hate show offs the most…" he said. Temari yelped as Kankurou yanked his puppet off his back. I took this as the cue to enter the library; they didn't even notice me either.

"They sure do keep busy," I say to myself as I browse through the sections.

'It was ninjutsu; very advanced ninjutsu, so I suppose I am supposed to look under…let me just pull out advanced-ancient ninjutsu and forbidden ninjutsu'

Of course the "forbidden ninjutsu" scroll did not have the signs and circumstances under which you are able to use the jutsu, but there were brief discriptions. I looked through each section until I was able to find what I was looking for:

Han Tokei Mawari

Though this technique is not necessarily a jutsu of any type, it is a maneuver that naturally occurs in the shinobi world. No shinobi can harness the power of this powerful art, but many can stumble upon the opportunity it grants. So far, there has only been one report of this jutsu being witnessed, though there is no exact proof. However, the science and mechanics of its inner-workings have been deciphered.

Apparently, when the natural balance of the shinobi world has been greatly overthrown, if a neutral plane has been suddenly added to this unbalanced atmosphere, a ripple in the time space continuum can be triggered. Naturally, those who pass through the neutral plane end up at the source of the issue. It is the job of that shinobi to fix the issue in order to balance the future's natural equilibrium. This is, if you will, a do or die mission; failure is absolutely intolerable. When the mission is successfully delivered, the shinobi assigned the task will return to their own time.

That must have been the cause of it all. When Kabuto cast the Impure World Resurrection jutsu, that must have done the trick. And since the mangekyo opens up to another dimension, that would have been the neutral plane. Now, what is my mission?

"I assume that you've found the reason we're stuck here?" a sudden voice asked me; I jumped, and it felt like my heart was about to go into cardiac arrest. I sprawl out over the scroll and turn to my speaker.

Gaara watched me with an unfathomable expression. "Well? There's no point hiding it, Sakura. I know you were sent here too."

I remained silent for a few moments, not knowing if I should trust the former jinchuuriki of the shukaku. Gaara, not breaking eye contact, held up his own headband from the war. I yelp and flip the forehead protector over, checking to see if anyone saw, "Okay! Okay! I believe you, now will you put that away, before someone sees it?"

He did as I asked and sat there. I assume he was waiting for my answer; not wanting to risk exposure by talking, I pushed the article towards him and Gaara silently read the passage.

"How did you get here? I was pushed into Kakashi-sensei's mangekyo." Gaara's head remained downcast, but his eyes moved up to meet my curious stare. "Naruto and I were fighting Uchiha Itachi and he used his own mangekyo; there was an explosion and we both fell in."

Naruto? That didn't make any sense…Naruto was not the Naruto from our time; I stared at Gaara skeptically, "I'm assuming you saw how he acted. There's no way he could be here."

Gaara pointed at the passage, "Maybe he is. It might take longer for him to awaken since he has the Kyuubi; we just don't know when."

I frowned. It would be very helpful if Naruto were awake right now. "Ne, Gaara," I said, "Do you have the Shukaku in you right now?"

Gaara shook his head and clutched his stomach with his right hand, "No. It's probably because we are mentally our older forms; the Shukaku does not exist inside of me as my older form and since I took over my younger body, because I don't have a tailed beast, I don't have to struggle with the monster at all."

"Oh," I said; we both fell silent. I could hear Naruto yelling outside the library and Sasuke-kun responding to his verbal attacks, "I wonder what our mission is?"

"Well," Gaara started; he sat back in the chair and folded his arms, "Can you think of any drastic changes occurring anytime soon?"

The answer came rushing almost immediately to my mind. It was too obvious; how could I not see the opportunity before? Gaara nodded as my eyes widened; I shut my gaping mouth and rolled the scroll back up. He followed after me as I went to put the scrolls back, "How would that change the whole 'natural balance of the world'? It seems absolutely irrelevant!"

"Maybe not," Gaara said; we stood by the library exit. I noticed nobody was inside, probably preparing for the exam tomorrow; Gaara lowered his voice, "as of right now, Uchiha Madara's ultimate weapon is Uchiha Sasuke, not to mention Yakushi Kabuto. If you can prevent Orochimaru from attacking him in the first place, he won't be so vulnerable; we also have to take out Kabuto before he can do some real damage."

It makes sense and Gaara is a rather intelligent person, when he isn't being morbid or murderous. I nodded, "That makes sense…I'll have to plan for his arrival in the forest tomorrow; can I count on you if it gets out of hand?"

Gaara stuck his fist out and I could tell he was trying to grin. I smacked his fist with my own and grinned, "Let's get him."

つづく

Author's notes: I am being completely honest with everyone right now; these kinds of stories are probably the hardest to write simply because you have to have your research down and the characterizations and whatnot. I am hoping that I can sculpt Gaara's character better and that I can have Sakura establish a certain behavior similar of her 12-year-old self. I literally have the Naruto manga in my face as I type these chapters. Thanks for reading!

Reviews are always appreciated.