A/N: Okay, so the story's up for adoption, but if I'm in the mood, I'll continue writing regardless. Just so you know.


The following years were thankfully peaceful. While some Uchiha – mainly the older generations – tried to revert back to their old ways, the younger and middle aged members made sure that they didn't.

The elders arranged a meeting with the Hokage and the village council to present their findings, including the heads of the culprits. This almost led to an inner war. The ensuing investigation turned up more than enough evidence.

While Homura and Koharu were only reprimanded, and left in their positions, their influence diminished so much it didn't matter. From there on, no shinobi took missions from them.

All in all, the clan and the village flourished.

Itachi took time to dote on his little brother every day.


Naruto had the time of his life with Akatsuki. Leaving Konoha turned out to be the best decision he could've made.

He gained new parents. Nagato always caught any mischief he was up to – that made a whole new level of stealth training – and Konan taught them art, healing and camouflage. Haku took to Konan's teaching like fish to water; the only difference was that he used ice instead of paper. Naruto gained a good friend with him.

There was Kisame and his weapon training – it was 'try not dying while the mad shark-man chases you around' most of the time, but it worked out – increasing the kids' speed, agility and endurance, and their weapon handling some. Tough the crazy cackling was disturbing to the others while the lessons were conducted.

Then there was Sasori, who specialized in poisons and puppets, therefore delicate chakra manipulation. He was half-puppet and the only reason he didn't turn completely into one was an innocent "But you won't feel it when I hug you anymore if you do that". He also took care of the initial chakra training for all of them.

He was the silent support of the kids, mainly Gaara, who developed a close relationship with him – and generously offered his hugs to Sasori and others he trusted.

Gaara learned close and long ranged combat mainly from Sasori and found understanding with Naruto, with who they thought of each other as brothers. Sasori's poisons were incorporated with the healing branch of the training.

Naruto's main mentor was of course Obito. They were so similar; it was easy to pick up knowledge from the Uchiha. They worked on ninjutsu, genjutsu and taijutsu even if Naruto had a hard time with the second. He took time to take the kids for trips into a forest, a mountain, an island or into the desert to show them survival skills. They took Konan and Nagato too for safety measure – effectively giving a holiday to the other members.

They ran into a half-fish girl in one of these outings and she soon became one of them. They also picked up Utakata, the Jinchuuriki of the Six-Tails. He was silent most of the time, but the kids flocked to him from time to time for his bubbles. He didn't change much from the time they met, but he became content with people like him, with others who cared. He finally gave a bit to the kids in the form of his knowledge in herbs and herbal remedies.

With Gaara, Naruto and Haku having wind, and Haku and Isaribi having water as their chakra type, Kisame, Utakata and Nagato took on their training in that aspect.


"…I dearly recommend that you stick to the plan! If there's even one small explosion before the assigned time your life is forfeit!"

"There's no fun in that, un!"

"I don't care, there's too much at stake, and with those Uchihas patrolling all over the place and those Hyuugas we can't afford to be found out before we're ready to attack! Now settle down, everyone! We're going to gather at…"


"Team Seven, will be under the Jounin Hatake Kakashi. The members are Uchiha Sasuke – "Hmph,"-, Haruno Sakura - "Yay, Sasuke-kun," - and Yakushi Kabuto – "You're joking". Team eight is with Sarutobi Asuma. Members are Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chouji.

"Team Nine is still active under Maito Gai, so Team Ten is Yuuhi Kurenai's. Members are Inuzuka Kiba, Hyuuga Hinata and Aburame Shino. Your sensei will pick you up from here and tell you everything you'll need to know from here on out. Congratulation on graduating!"


"Raikage-sama! We just got the intel that another Jinchuuriki disappeared! This time it's the Rokubi. He was a nukenin trailed by the Kiri ANBU, but they lost track."

"How many is that?"

"Three. The Ichibi was first, and the Kyuubi the second. Both young, but the last was an adult Jinchuuriki."

"Start with two scouting teams. I want to know what happened to them. I won't risk Yugito or B!"

"Hai, Raikage-sama! Do you want bounty on the head of whoever is doing this?"

"Yes! And make it the most we can afford!"


"Okay kids, we're going to the Land of Waves! (1) Your mission is to blend in and gather information without being found out. We're going in pairs and will meet up in a week. The one with the most and/or most important information will have one wish!"

"Utakata, if you would accompany Haku. Umm, let's see. Gaara will be with Nagato and if you two promise to behave, I'll let Naruto go with Kisame. Don't forget, behaving means no unnecessary damage, deaths or pranks!"

"You're no fun! What about small pranks?"

"If you're discovered, you lose by default! We leave tomorrow morning and travel together before each pair goes their own way, so get packing and don't forget to increase the weights on your arms and legs by one!

"How the time flies. I can't believe they're on their last adjusting period. I'll have to buy them new weights. (2)"


A/N:

(1) Nami no Kuni. Yes, where Gato is and all.

(2) I'll make it easy. 3 months between increases. That means they had 5 years (60 months) in Akatsuki to reach the 20kg maximum weight on them. So when Naruto was 7 he started and now he's 12. Haku's 15 according to wiki, and Gaara is 12 too (if a bit older than Naruto). Isaribi is 15-17 I think.

Just so you know, Kabuto is not evil here. Losing Orochimaru, he decided on gaining rank and trying to blend in, maybe even going back to his orphanage.

Sasuke is full of himself as ever, but without the dark 'the only reason of my life is to kill Itachi' side. He's a pampered prince.

Also, because there's no Naruto I don't think team 7 will have that C Rank mission.

2013.12.10