Okay here's the next chapter of Another Chance. I hope you enjoy it. I'm going to try and make it different from other time-travel fics. I don't know if I'll succeed though. Thanks to all of you who reviewed. Or those who added me to their faves or author alerts.
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Another Chance.
Chapter Two – Things Are Definitely Different.
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Naruto and Sasuke got dressed. Sasuke was wearing the clothes he'd always worn when he was a teenager. He no longer wore black. Naruto was wearing an orange t-shirt with the leaf symbol on front, and black shorts. The two boys walked down the stairs and found their way to the kitchen. The aroma of pancakes leading their noses in the right direction. The two boys looked at who they knew had to be Naruto's mother. She gave them a huge smile and placed plates in front of them.
"Good morning boys. Tenshiko told me you two are acting a little weird today." The red-haired female stated in amusement. Sasuke and Naruto couldn't help but look at each other nervously.
"Naruto? Is something wrong?" She asked kindly.
"Uhm… nothing's wrong." Naruto said bluntly. The female gave another grin as she placed strawberries, chocolate chips, maple syrup and whipped cream on the table.
"I'm your Mom, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze. I know when something's wrong with you. So does Tenshiko. She's been with us since you were a tiny baby." The woman stated cheerfully.
"Naruto and I had a fight because he woke me up yelling about Ramen in his sleep." Sasuke shot out. It was true. At least it had been true in their time. They had had a fight just like that as Genin. That had been before Sasuke had left to join Orochimaru however. Naruto nodded in agreement.
"Okay. How many times are you going to argue about that now?" The redhead asked. A twinkle of amusement shone in her eyes.
"Sasuke? Your mom will be here to pick you up soon, so hurry up and eat your breakfast okay?" She added. Sasuke nodded and both boys ate quickly. They needed to talk before Sasuke's mother came to pick him up after all.
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Fugaku Uchiha looked at his wife as she cleaned the dishes from breakfast.
"Why do you let Sasuke spend so much time with that child?" Fugaku asked.
"Are you trying to tell me that you dislike Sasuke spending time with the son of the Hokage?" Mikoto replied. Not wanting to have the same argument with her husband again.
"If he were a normal child then no. But he isn't. He's the carrier of Kyubi." Fugaku hissed.
"Yes Fugaku. The carrier. Not the Kyubi. He's just a little boy. Both he and Sasuke have been best friends ever since they were babies. I don't know why it bothers you so much." Mikoto stated. Before Fugaku could reply, Mikoto left the room.
"I'll just go and talk to Kushina for a while." Mikoto thought to herself as she left the house.
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Sasuke and Naruto were looking at each other in what seemed to be Naruto's 'room' in a home the blond had never known.
"Apparently we're best friends." Sasuke stated.
"Well that won't be hard to act, because we were always best friends." Naruto replied.
"My family are still alive." Sasuke said softly.
"That's something we can make sure stays that way." Naruto stated.
"You have a cousin, who's on the same team as Itachi. Which means Itachi wasn't trying to be a genius at the academy. So things have definitely changed. I don't think Itachi is going to kill the clan. If he's on a team with your cousin, then he isn't in Anbu. Which means he'll never get the order unless he joins." Sasuke quipped. Naruto nodded.
"Unless he joins now. But if he's on a Genin team then it's not likely. Which means that the massacre will go ahead with someone else doing the killing, or that the Uchiha clan has never tried a coup on the village." Naruto added.
"We have to keep an eye on what is going on in both our homes. I mean, your father is the Hokage. If there are plans to take over the village, your father will know. You might hear something about it. I'll listen well at my home. My father is the head of the Uchiha clan. If there is a coup planned, he'll know about it. They'll have someone else within Anbu." Sasuke told Naruto wryly.
"We have to act like kids Sasuke. It's going to be hard." Naruto replied.
"But there are things we can change." Naruto added.
"Like what?" Sasuke asked.
"Well, obviously, the massacre of your clan. But also, Orochimaru giving you the curse mark. Haku and Zabuza. Maybe we can stop Neji's father from being killed." Naruto replied.
"We could cut Orochimaru down in that forest and make sure he doesn't kill the Third." Sasuke said softly.
"We need to know more first. We can't just act hastily. We need a plan and information." Naruto quipped. Both boys nodded. They hoped they could do the things they wanted to do.
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Kushina heard a knock at the door, and opened it to see Mikoto.
"Hi Mikoto! Come in!" Kushina exclaimed happily. Mikoto nodded and the two walked into the kitchen.
"How are things?" Kushina asked.
"Horrible. I don't understand why Fugaku is so against the two boys being friends." Mikoto stated.
"Naruto is a good boy. I'll wager there are worse behaved children around, but Fugaku seems dead set against Sasuke even talking to Naruto." Mikoto added sadly. Kushina sighed.
"I have to admit that I'm glad Minato isn't like that. Naruto and Sasuke are like a pair of brothers. I wouldn't want to see them torn apart. I know Fugaku dislikes Minato. I didn't think it would spread to Naruto." Kushina said gently.
"No. He says… He says it's to do with the Kyubi. He says he doesn't like the idea of Sasuke hanging around with a Jinchuriki." Mikoto replied. Kushina stared open-mouthed and Mikoto sighed.
"I know it's ridiculous. Naruto isn't a demon. He's not a regular kid, obviously, but he's definitely not a demon. I've told Fugaku he's being ridiculous. But he won't listen." Mikoto added. Kushina looked devastated.
"I hate that people think that way. Obito-Kun gave his life to complete that jutsu. He even knocked out Minato so that he couldn't interfere. I wish Fugaku would appreciate that sacrifice. Obito was his nephew right?" Kushina questioned. Mikoto nodded.
"Don't worry Kushina. I won't let Fugaku split them apart. Sasuke never had a real friend before Naruto. I'm not taking away his only friend because Fugaku is being stubborn." Mikoto stated sternly.
"There are rumours of a coup being planned Mikoto." Kushina whispered. Mikoto nodded.
"I've heard. If Fugaku is planning something like that, he hasn't told me. I would definitely advise him against such an action. It would bring disgrace to the Uchiha name. Plus the very idea of them betraying the village makes me feel sick inside. I dread the day something like that happens." Mikoto replied, also whispering.
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Naruto and Sasuke had heard the whole conversation. They had heard the door and had snuck down to listen to their mothers talk. Now they snuck back upstairs to discuss what they'd heard.
"There's no way I'm letting my father take away any friend of mine." Sasuke hissed angrily.
"Sasuke your Mom won't let that happen." Naruto replied.
"I know my Father. He'll try something. There's something bothering me though." Sasuke stated. Naruto waited for Sasuke to continue.
"My Mother was in on the coup in our timeline. I suppose my Father didn't trust her in this timeline. She's on too friendly terms with your Mother." Sasuke finished. Naruto nodded, looking deep in thought.
"I don't think she was lying about it. You know your Mom better than I do. Do you think she's lying?" Naruto asked. Sasuke shook his head.
"No. She wasn't lying. She doesn't like to lie. She would've tried to steer the conversation elsewhere." Sasuke replied. Naruto nodded.
"It looks like maybe your Dad isn't planning on doing anything that involves your family. Maybe that's why he doesn't want me hanging around with you. I am the Hokage's son. If he's planning to overthrow the Hokage, maybe he thinks it'd be best for you not to be with me." Naruto stated calmly.
"I'm going to listen out for anything until I see you. If it's that important, I'll sneak over here. Make sure to leave your window open in case. If you hear anything, I'll have my window open." Sasuke stated.
Naruto nodded in agreement.
"We're in the academy together. We'll be able to sit next to each other. If there's anything weird going on, we'll be able to write it down and pass it to each other before lessons. Discuss what we found somewhere during break or lunch. I have a bad feeling about all this Sasuke. Like something is going to go badly wrong." Naruto quipped. Neither boy wanted to speak about such things after Naruto's statement.
"Well we know you still have Kyubi inside of you. Maybe we can ask him some questions." Sasuke said softly.
"If I get the chance I'll ask him. Otherwise we'll have to wait until we're by ourselves. Apart from the fact that it'll look weird around other people, we also have to determine the strength of our own bodies. We're kids again Sasuke. We need to figure out what we can and can't take." Naruto replied. Sasuke nodded in agreement.
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"Tenshiko, you're not throwing your kunai straight." Tenshiko turned to look at Anko Mitarashi.
"Sorry Anko-Sensei. I'm a little distracted today." Tenshiko replied. Next to her, Itachi gave his friend a strange look. On her other side was her other teammate, Hana Inuzuka. Usually, it would be two boys and a girl on a team, but of course their team had been uneven. That didn't stop the three working together well.
"In a real battle your opponent would kill you with your 'distraction' Tenshiko. You need to be more prepared." Anko replied. Tenshiko nodded her head, as she looked down at the ground, shame-faced. She knew her teacher was right, yet somehow, the look on Naruto and Sasuke's faces, when she'd walked into the room, had really gotten to her.
"It was almost as if they didn't have a clue who I was." Tenshiko thought to herself.
"Okay team four, you're dismissed for today." Anko said kindly. The group nodded and Anko left. Hana gave Itachi and Tenshiko a grin.
"Hey are you two coming to the academy today? I'm coming with my mother to see how Kiba's been doing." Hana stated. Her dog barked happily next to her.
"Of course. I can't miss Naruto's first review right?" Tenshiko replied. Itachi also nodded in acknowledgement. Hana nodded.
"I'll see you two later then." Hana stated, before running off.
"Something's bothering you Tenshiko." Itachi commented.
"I'm worried about Sasuke and Naruto. They were acting strangely this morning." Tenshiko stated.
"Things are strange at my house also. My father has meetings with the other clan members. But he orders me to stay at home. I followed him one night and..." Itachi trailed off. He looked at Tenshiko, who waited for him to finish the sentence.
"They're discussing a coup Tenshiko. They want to kill your Uncle and take over. I don't know what to do Tenshiko. I don't know whether to tell Hokage-Sama or just keep my mouth shut. My father hasn't involved my mother, but I'm scared of him involving Sasuke. He wants Shisui to help with the coup, because he's in Anbu, but Shisui refused." Itachi looked at Tenshiko, a tortured expression in his eyes, hoping she could help him face this dilemma.
"We should tell my Uncle. If we don't then he might be killed, and that is something I don't want to risk. Uncle will know what to do about this better then we will. Besides, if he knows, casualties can be avoided." Tenshiko said softly. Itachi nodded.
"You know I trust your opinion above all others Tenshiko. I stayed back in the academy so we could graduate together. You and Shisui were my first friends. I don't want this to get out of hand." Itachi stated. Tenshiko nodded, and the pair walked off towards the Namikaze home.
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Naruto and Sasuke had spent time discussing how to code their messages to each other when Naruto's bedroom door opened. Naruto and Sasuke looked up to see Tenshiko and Itachi standing there.
"Hi Aniki." Sasuke said softly. Itachi gave him a strange look.
"We're going to go train for a little while. Then we're coming back so that you, Mother and I can go with Naruto, Tenshiko, Auntie Kushina and Uncle Minato to your academy review." Itachi stated. Sasuke nodded and got up, dusting his shorts off and getting ready to leave.
"Sasuke? You didn't ask if Father was coming." Itachi stated.
"Why ask when I know he isn't coming?" Sasuke said coldly. In his head he felt like slapping himself for talking without thinking first. Itachi's eyebrow raised and he looked at Tenshiko.
"How about Naruto and I come with you? We can all train together." Tenshiko stated. Naruto grinned widely and nodded. Sasuke moved closer to Naruto which practically counted as agreeing. So the group left the house after shouting out a goodbye to Mikoto and Kushina.
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Naruto and Sasuke were watching carefully as Itachi and Tenshiko gave them training instructions. Neither Itachi nor Tenshiko knew how well Naruto could hear when he wanted to. He had always had sensitive hearing but he had no idea why. So while he and Sasuke pretended to spar, Naruto listened to Itachi and Tenshiko's conversation.
"Do you think that bloodshed can really be avoided Tenshiko?" Itachi asked softly. Tenshiko nodded.
"I think so. Uncle wouldn't want to see anything truly awful happen. I'm not sure about Danzo though. That old bastard is practically evil. It would suit him for the Uchiha clan to be wiped out. I'm almost glad that you held yourself back. If you hadn't you'd have graduated at age eight and probably ended up in ROOT. You know Danzo has complete control over ROOT and never discusses their actions with Uncle Minato." Tenshiko whispered back. Itachi nodded this time.
"Danzo is dangerous. Shisui isn't in ROOT thankfully. But this is all dangerous Tenshiko. We haven't the choice but to tell Hokage-Sama about all this. He's clever enough to know how to avoid bloodshed. Hopefully we won't need to worry about Danzo. At least for now." Itachi replied.
Naruto gave Sasuke a blink, then a wink, to signal that he'd found out something interesting from the conversation.
"Naruto, Sasuke, we'd better head back. Your reviews will be happening in an hour or so." Tenshiko said kindly. Naruto and Sasuke both pretended to be excited about the prospect but they really wanted to talk about what Naruto had heard.
"Come on Sasuke. Mother will be at home now. You need to get changed out of those clothes, they're covered in mud." Itachi stated stoically. Sasuke nodded.
"See you later Naruto." Sasuke said. Naruto nodded.
"Yeah see you later Sasuke." Naruto replied. Both of them were led in opposite directions.
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That evening, when Sasuke and Naruto saw each other again, Naruto was dressed in a clean pair of black shorts and a white t-shirt exactly like one Sasuke remembered him wearing when he was younger. Sasuke was dressed in his usual outfit of course. Itachi had carried Sasuke on his back to the academy. Sasuke could see Naruto being carried on Tenshiko's back.
"Things have definitely changed." Sasuke thought to himself, as Itachi let him down and he ran over to Naruto. Naruto grinned as Tenshiko let him down. The two boys stood together and looked around. The outside of the school was filled with students that they'd known as children. Naruto took note of Hinata standing next to her father, blushing furiously, as always. Shino was with his parents being silent. Shikamaru was on his father's back, sleeping as he usually was. His mother stood beside them. Chouji and his father were eating while Chouji's mother watched over them. Ino, however, seemed to be anxious and looking for someone. Naruto gave Sasuke a nudge.
"She's looking for Sakura." Naruto whispered. Sasuke nodded.
That was when Ino started jumping up and down happily, and pointing out to her father. Inoichi Yamanaka ruffled the girl's hair and sent her off. Sasuke and Naruto watched as Ino ran up to Sakura and hugged her. Sakura was stood with her mother. Neither boy could see her father.
"I wonder where Sakura's Dad is?" Naruto asked Sasuke. Both boys felt a hand on their shoulders. They looked up at Minato.
"Boys, be nice to Sakura. She lost her father in a mission a few weeks ago. So don't tease her." Minato said softly. Sasuke and Naruto both felt shock overwhelm them, but they refused to let it show. They nodded and Minato ruffled their hair affectionately.
"Good boys." He said happily.
Sasuke and Naruto walked away from their families a bit before they started talking.
"Things are totally different. I mean I don't remember Sakura's father being a ninja." Sasuke said softly.
"She never mentioned her father Sasuke. She mentioned her Mom all the time but never her Dad. Do you think we could've missed it? All that time and we never knew she'd lost her Dad?" Naruto asked. Both boys felt a sharp stab of guilt within them as they wondered how well they had known their teammate.
"Well this time around we can do better Naruto. You said it yourself." Sasuke stated. Naruto nodded.
"There is a coup planned. Your brother knows about it and he and Tenshiko are going to tell my dad." Naruto stated formally. Sasuke nodded.
"We need to try and find out how they're going to deal with it." Sasuke whispered to Naruto as someone walked past them. Naruto nodded.
"I wonder if Iruka Sensei is here." Naruto said sadly.
That was when the pair saw their old Sensei. Iruka Umino was talking to the Sandaime. Naruto couldn't help but grin and run over, with Sasuke in hot pursuit.
"He better not say something totally stupid." Sasuke thought to himself.
"Iruka-Sensei! Jiji!" Naruto ran up and hugged them both. Iruka ruffled Naruto's hair affectionately, as Sasuke had always remembered the Chunin being with Naruto. Sandaime just laughed.
"Naruto! You shouldn't be calling Sandaime-San Jiji." Minato said.
"But he is!" Naruto stated then slapped a hand over his mouth. The three men just laughed. Sasuke shook his head.
"Hey Sasuke. Are you coming with us to get some Ramen later?" Minato asked the Uchiha boy kindly.
"Itachi's coming too if you want to go." Minato added. Sasuke looked at Naruto who nodded and grinned.
"Okay Hokage-Sama." Sasuke said formally. He judged his reply on what he knew his father and mother would've expected of him. Well, more his father then his mother.
"How many times Sasuke, just call me Namikaze-San if you can't call me Uncle Minato." The male said jokingly. Sasuke's face went bright red at that comment.
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Sasuke and Naruto listened carefully to everything that was said about them. Both weren't too surprised by what they heard as they listened to what Iruka was saying to their families.
"Sasuke is top of the class in everything Uchiha-San. He's very bright and very skilled." Iruka stated to Mikoto.
"Naruto is bright and skilled but lacks motivation. He's always good at any physical training but he never applies himself in class." Iruka told Minato and Kushina. The boys gave each other a nod. Both signalling that they wanted to keep things the same way. After all, they wanted to be put on the same team again. They saw Sakura's mother speaking to one of the teachers. Girls and boys were separated for certain classes. Naruto once again started listening out.
"Haruno-San, Sakura seems to be very shy. Her intellect is second to none but she isn't confident enough to just use it. Her physical training is average, but she's not applying herself physically." The woman said. Naruto looked at Sasuke.
"It's the same as before." Naruto whispered. Sasuke nodded, knowing that Naruto was talking about Sakura's grades. They both knew she hadn't been the most physical person in the academy.
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Naruto snuck downstairs to listen to his parents talking. They were in the kitchen and Naruto had promised he'd listen out for any information. He snuck into the corridor and to the kitchen as quietly as possible and listened outside the kitchen.
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"So it's true then?" Kushina asked sadly. Minato nodded.
"Yeah it's true. Fugaku Uchiha is planning a coup. Itachi says he's going to try and figure out what their plan is exactly and tell me." Minato replied.
"He shouldn't have to choose between his family and Konoha." Kushina said softly.
"I know Kushina. I know he shouldn't have to. I think he wants to avoid bloodshed as much as we do." Minato quipped. Kushina nodded.
"I just hope that we can avoid bloodshed. I don't want Naruto and Sasuke torn apart by this. I don't want to lose my best friend." Kushina uttered.
"You didn't mention Itachi and Tenshiko's friendship." Minato said.
"I don't need to. Those two have been friends ever since Tenshiko came to live with us when she was two. They'll never lose each other." Kushina replied. Minato nodded.
"I think we both need to go and get some sleep." Kushina said softly. Minato didn't even need to answer. Both of them stood up from the kitchen table. Kushina blinked in confusion and Minato gave her a strange look.
"It's nothing. I just thought I heard something creak. It must be the wind outside." Kushina said softly. They went up to bed and were soon fast asleep.
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Naruto quickly got himself back to his room and crawled into bed.
"Maybe because Itachi has a friend outside the Uchiha clan, he's better off." Naruto thought to himself as he heard his parents going to bed.
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Naruto and Sasuke were at the academy, waiting for their lessons to start. They were sat in their same old seats. Sasuke was next to the window, and Naruto was sat next to him. No matter how many girls seemed to want Naruto to move, one glare from Sasuke was enough to shut them up and make them move on. Ino and Sakura sat behind Sasuke and Naruto. Shikamaru sat next to Ino. Naruto saw that everyone was sat where they had sat before. That was when Iruka came in and everyone started paying attention. Naruto sat up straight and listened to what Iruka was saying. He felt Sasuke's hand clasp his and Naruto felt the piece of paper left behind. He peered at the note and gave the barest trace of a grin.
Hey Dobe,
You never used to pay attention in class before. Why are you interested all of a sudden?
Naruto quickly scribbled on the back of the note while Iruka wasn't looking.
Don't worry Teme.
I won't blow our plan. But I think I should've paid more attention to what Iruka-Sensei was saying. Besides I kinda miss hearing him talk. After he died I really missed him, so spending time paying attention is the least I can do right?
Naruto gave Sasuke the note the same way Sasuke had given him the note before. Sasuke read it and smiled. He nodded and used the tiniest flame to burn the note. Nobody needed to know that Iruka had died in their time. A lot of people had died in their time. Naruto and Sasuke wanted to concentrate on making things right now.
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Okay all, that's the end of chapter two. I hope you enjoyed it. Please R&R and let me know what you think and I'll try and update as soon as possible.