A/N: After an unexpectedly long hiatus, I'm back updating this story.

Disclaimer: All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Team 7 returned to Konoha the next day. Teams 8, 10 and Gai accompanied them. Their mission was to return the dead to home village. All of whom were being taken back in wagons from the port of the Fire County. Temari of the Sand also joined them as Suna's liaison. Many important shinobi had died. Gaara sent his sister as his representative for the many funerals of the coming days.

They returned to a village that was untouched by the war after being protected by genin and lesser Chunin.

"Mission accomplished," said Sakura to the group. "Anyone who wants to can help me bring these to the morgue?"

"I'll help," said a distantly familiar voice.

A vaguely familiar dark-haired young teen approached the party. He wore a long scarf with long sleeves and shorts. His dark hair was starting to cover his forehead protector.

"Boss!"

"You did a good job protecting the village," said Naruto.

"We don't need your help Konohamaru-kun," replied Sakura. "This is not a mission for a genin."

"It's okay. I kept the village safe!"

Sasuke blinked. This was the Third's grandson? He was almost as tall as Sakura now.

"He wasn't alone," said another voice. It was the Team 8 jonin-sensei. She had a child in her arms.

Shikamaru immediately reached for the infant.

"How is Hotaru-hime today?" he asked.

"She's doing well," answered the jonin. "Kept Konohamaru busy."

"She's more elusive than that evil cat."

Shikamaru chuckled before handing the infant Hotaru back to her mother.

"I've got to go home," he said, a dark look entering his eyes. "I need to tell my mom about the old man."

Sasuke was surprised to hear Shikaku was among the dead. The Nara clan leader was a clever man, who had a reputation for minimizing causalities. Shikamaru left quickly. Temari followed him. He smirked. He'd seen that one coming since the Chunin Exams.

"I need to do the same," said a familiar voice to his left. It was the annoying blonde Ino. Her expression mirrored Shikamaru's.

"Want me to go with you Ino-Pig?" offered Sakura.

"Thanks Billboard Brow, but I want to do it myself."

Ino left with Choji at her side. He smirked. He had actually liked Choji because the fat shinobi let him be as a child. Now he had apparently taken one of his greatest annoyances off his hands.

He turned to the remaining party. Hinata was talking to Naruto. Kiba and Shino followed the pair. Tenten, Lee and Gai were walking in silence. He'd ask later why Neji was missing. He didn't want to think his rival was among the dead. Soon his eyes settled on a familiar sight.

Sakura was the furthest from him. She was wearing a standard Konoha uniform. Dressed almost identically was Sai. They were speaking in low voices. She was looking at his replacement the way she used to look at him.

Soon they reached the hospital. Sakura led them inside through a basement entrance where they were met by Shizune and a kunoichi in a lab coat.

"Thank you everyone," she said. "We can take it from here."

The remaining teams scattered. Team Gai went towards the training fields. Shino and Kiba separated to go home. Naruto and Hinata disappeared together. Sasuke caught something about ramen. Shizune turned to the remaining three shinobi.

"You three need to see the Hokage."

Sakura took the lead as they walked the short distance to the Hokage Tower. Sai and Sasuke walked behind her in silence.

"Hello," greeted Tsunade, a bottle of sake in hand. "I called you here to take care of some business."

She turned to Sasuke.

"The Uchiha Compound was destroyed in an attack on Konoha. You'll be staying in the Hokage Tower until a more permanent solution becomes available."

He scowled. The Hokage's Tower was nice, but it was also highly secure. He was smart enough to recognize a jail when he saw one.

"Sai and Sakura will show you to your temporary quarters."

The duo nodded. Sakura once again took the lead as she lead them down a flight of stairs and into a hallway. On each side, rooms with plump pillows and silky sheets peeked out. It was a gilt cage. A flash of red caught his eye. Then he gasped involuntarily.

A body immediately collided with Sasuke. He saw a flash of red hair and purple cloth. There was a heavy weight on his back.

"Sasuke-kun."

"Meet your floormate Karin. The rest of your team is here too," said Sakura.

"Hn."