Summary: AU. Time couldn't be stopped, but it could be reversed. Naru, Shikamaru and Choji were proof of that. They were also proof that war even corrupted the kindest of people. Sent back to their genin days, they want to be prepared for the 4th War, something that is inevitable. But they now have the chance to make everything right. But hatred lurks everywhere. Beware. Fem!Naru.

He wasn't tired. Well he was, but he couldn't sleep. Leaping into the tree next to the Uchiha's, his eyes wandered over to the traitor, turned good, once again. It was a habit he had developed ever since the bastard had come back, waiting for the moment when the prick would just... snap.

"See something you like Nara?" It was odd now, not being able to hear the madness he had once associated with Uchiha.

His eyes darted down to the lumps below them, resting solely on a specific lump, golden hair escaping the sleeping bag, "Yeah, I do."

Sasuke sat up straighter and glared. Not realising that he had activated his sharingan, "Stay away from her."

Shikamaru snorted. He reached into his vest to pull out a cigarette and Asuma's lighter. He gave no attention to the other shinobi, but he was well aware of the glare he was receiving. Inhaling the sweet, toxic fumes of a brief escape from reality, Shikamaru leaned even further into his tree. His leg was dangling freely from the branch, before he casually glanced over to the other male.

"No."

The sound of bark cracking ripped through the air, "No?"

Dark eyes met red and Shikamaru smirked lazily, "Hell no."

Another war had begun.

Chapter Six

The atmosphere was tense as Hiruzen stared down his advisers and the cling on. Both Homura and Koharu flanked Danzo as they stood in his office, something that was becoming a habit for the three of them. A pesky habit that needed to be nipped in the bud. Chewing absently on the end of his pipe, he leaned back in his seat, face blank as he stared down the three. He could feel the ANBU feeling anxious, they always did around Danzo.

"I briefly remember calling for Danzo only," His two team mates stiffened, a brief scowl flicked across Homura's face. "While I appreciate the sentiment of a united front. I have something of a confidential nature to discuss with him. Do not disturb us."

Recognising a dismissal from their leader, both elders glowered at the man before retreating out of the room. Hiruzen tapped the desk three times, signalling that the ANBU guard give them their privacy. Dark eyes met his rivals, "No need for your shadow Danzo, what we'll be discussing is something above their paygrade."

Danzo narrowed his eyes, before smirking. His rival was still sharp as ever. Tapping his cane against the floor boards, a NE agent appeared his feet before disappearing. He watched as Hiruzen sealed the room before speaking, "What is it that you want Hiruzen?"

"You feel it don't you?" The war-hawk stiffened at his rivals cold tone, his eye widened as he watched as Hiruzen snarled, "war is coming."

"Akatsuki," Danzo spoke after a moment, he took the offered seat, it was clear he was going to be here for awhile, "They represent a danger to our jinchuriki."

The Hokage was unsurprised at Danzo's knowledge, he had agents everywhere, "I want you to start to looking into things unofficially, at least with more depth than usual. Other villages, mainly into the Mist. Word has spread of Akatsuki's involvement in their civil war. We need information and Jiraiya can only get so much as a public figure."

"And what are you going to?" Leaning back in the seat, Danzo appraised the man in front of him.

His views on running the village might be weak, but Danzo respected Hiruzen nevertheless. The 'Will of Fire', desiring peace, it was sentimental bullshit in his belief. They needed soldiers, shinobi who would do their jobs with the upmost efficiency. Konoha needed to assert their dominance as the strongest power. They couldn't do that by pandering to a civilian's every whim.

A smirk crossed Hiruzen's face, age disappearing with one glance, "I'm going to be cleaning house."

"Have you always hid your true strength?"

Naru slowly turned her head to glance at her male team mate before turning back to the camp fire, aware that his words attracted the attention of the others. Personally she was surprised that Kakashi hadn't sent Tazuna to bed yet. He was taking too much enjoyment out of sharpening his kunai slowly in front of the civilian, who honestly looked like he was at the point of wetting his pants.

"I wouldn't say strength," Naru mused quietly, she toyed with the end of her hair, having braided it a few minutes before. "But I have been hiding some of my abilities."

"Why?" Sasuke couldn't understand.

Why hide her power? Why not show that she was the strongest?

"Why shouldn't I?" Naru tilted her head as she stared into the flickering flames, "Deception is a shinobi's best tool, no? Comrade or not, I'm not going to show you every trick in my book. Why should I? To prove myself? To best the 'Rookie of the Year'? Why?" Darkened sapphire clashed with the onyx eyes of the Uchiha, his brow was furrowed in thought. "Titles mean nothing in the real world. 'Top kunoichi'? It's a civilians game. In the world of shinobi, only two titles matter."

Even Sakura was focused on her, hairbrush frozen mid-action, "And what are those?"

"Dead or alive."

Silence reigned between them all, the crackling of the campfire was the only sound they could hear. Naru turned back to the flames, her back leaning against the log behind her as she thought of Sasuke. He wasn't evil that true enough, but he still carried the taint of his clan. 'The Curse of Hatred'. She snorted inwardly at the thought of the name. Personally she would have gone with 'The Super Evil Hating Curse of Doom'.

But that was just her.

"Maa Naru," Her eyes flew towards her sensei across from her, his eye was crinkled into a smile. It was funny how expressive the man could be with only three-quarters of his face showing, "Such morbid words from such a cute little genin." While he was appreciative towards her for giving both his other students some food for thought, she just seemed so bitter. "What's got you in such a mood?"

Snorting, she let her head fall back against the log, so she could stare up at the stars, "We got off easy with the attack earlier."

"Yes, we did," The rest of the group glanced at the jonin in shock as he agreed easily. "But that's to be expected when facing genin, you're going to underestimate them. Especially if they look fresh from the Academy." A thoughtful look crossed his face, not that anyone could see it. "Naru how good are you with fuinjutsu?"

Everyone watched as she lifted her head from the log, to stare at him suspiciously, "I'm adept enough to dabble in all aspects of the art. Why?"

"Can you create us a privacy barrier?"

"...sure," Naru frowned lightly.

Flaring chakra onto a seal burned into her belt, another scroll appeared in her hands that held all her sealing equipment. Kakashi was wide eyed as he looked even closer at the seals as she unsealed everything in front of her. Instead of of pulling out four tags for each corner of the barrier, she only pulled out the one, before preparing the ink.

"Naru how did you get those seals onto your belt?"

"I was afraid that the ink would wear off in time, so I used the the fingerspark jutsu to burn it in," Naru muttered absently as she sliced her fingers for a few drops of blood, mixing it thoroughly into the water, she then added the powdered charcoal, "I would have used a stronger katon jutsu, but I really only had the control to keep that jutsu steady." She glanced up, preparing to mix her chakra in with the ink, "Plus I don't have a katon affinity, mine is fuuton."

Slowly streaming some of her chakra into the ink, she smiled at how much control she had now. If she had tried to do this when she had graduated both times, the ink would have exploded in her face. It was also another form of chakra control, at least she found it to be. Calming was another thing, it gave her a sense of peace, even in the most tense of times.

"Affinities, that's a chunin level lesson," Kakashi eyed her sternly, it was no wonder Asuma had no problems with teaching her on the side, she was the only other fuuton user in the village.

"No, elemental manipulation is," Naru retorted easily, eyes resting solely on the wooden pot in front of her, "and I know for a fact, I neither have the control or ability to do that yet." Dipping the brush in the ink, she began writing out the characters, her hand moving fluidly. "Anyway for those who are new to sealing, the reason I used the fingerspark jutsu is because it leaves permanent chakra traces afterwards."

"What most people don't realise is that in sealing, you already need chakra in the ink for the seal to react. If I were to write the seals with no chakra saturated ink, then the seal won't activate or if it did, it would blow up in your face. There's a reason there are few sealers in the world, the bastards are too stupid to realise that," She glanced up from her work, "That and those that know enough information to teach the art, are too selfish to teach anyway. Sealing secrets of an individual are similar to clan secrets. They're jealously guarded."

"Why add blood?" Sakura was attentive, of course she was, learning was her forte.

"Apart from making the seal stronger? It can also be a security measure," Naru grinned, as she added the last stroke. "Blood changes things, if a seal has a blood component, generally only those whose blood has been added can activate or deactivate a seal, it also helps stop an enemy from de-constructing a seal. I got into the habit of doing that, because like I said." Her smile changed into a feral grin, "Sealing secrets of an individual is jealously guarded."

"But a lot of people know how to make storage seals or explosive notes and those aren't guarded," Sasuke scoffed.

Naru shook her head as she sealed her equipment away, picking up the tag she waved it around, "Correction. Some people know how to create standard storage seals and explosive notes, and even then their work is a bit iffy. It's the shit that fuinjutsu users modify or create that is jealousy guarded. Like this tag here, a wee creation/modification of mine."

"Only one tag?" Having a basic understanding, Kakashi leaned forward in interest, his book entirely forgotten.

"Yep," The girl smirked as she placed the seal back on the ground, hands ready to push her chakra into the seal, "Generally a privacy barrier would need four tags, but instead I modified it into one tag thing. Instead of a barrier rising, it's sort of like a bubble expanding. The more chakra you use, the bigger the bubble. Honestly I just got sick of placing down four tags."

Tazuna who had been listening quietly, gasped as he watched as a bubble did rise from the inked paper. He felt a wash of energy pass over him the exact same time the bubble passed through them. Blinking furiously, he reached for a half empty sake bottle and chugged down the alcohol as fast as he could. Ninja were weird, their magic paper included.

"This will stop people from hearing what we are discussing and blurs the vision of those who try to look from the outside in," Naru smirked, "Pretty handy tag and can be reused at least twice in paper form. But it mucks with your chakra if activated for longer than two hours, nothing permanent, but those within begin to feel dizzy and I haven't tested it on anyone with a dojutsu yet."

Tazuna was clutching his sake closer to his body, "Dojutsu?"

Naru wiggled her fingers at him, "Magic eyes that can suck out souls." She scowled when Sasuke clipped the back of her head and glared at the boy. "What? It's well known in Konoha that the potential of the Sharingan hasn't been fully explored and the day you suck out someone's soul, pink eyes. I'll waiting with a big fat 'I told you so' on my lips."

"Naru, don't encourage Sasuke to suck out someone's soul," Kakashi muttered absently as he moved to study the seal, he paused, "Don't encourage Sasuke to suck anything."

"Well there goes half my material," the blonde muttered, ignoring her teachers snort and the glare from the Uchiha himself.

"Sasuke isn't gay!" Sakura snapped at Naru. "Take that back!"

"Sakura," Naru sighed, dodging Sasuke's hand once more as he moved to hit the back of her head, "Dear little Sasuke-kun can defend himself. Hence why I insult him, because I know he can take it. Plus, do you ever see him pay attention to females? Yes, he might need help restarting his clan. But he doesn't need to get wifed up, he can have a surrogate mother."

It seemingly horrified Sakura when Sasuke suddenly contemplated about not having a wife and glared at Naru, "Stop it! They ended that practice during the Warring Clan era!"

"Actually," Kakashi added even more misery to Sakura's dilemma, "It's becoming more popular, with clans or noble families who are dying out. I know I've been approached by the inner council about this, my family is only second generation, but apparently they think I can pass on something worthy."

Groaning, Sakura buried her face in her hands. She wanted to be Sasuke-kun's wife dammit!

"It's okay Sakura!" Naru moved to pat her back lightly and glanced at her teacher, "So why did you want me to activate this seal?"

"Hmm? Oh right," Kakashi pulled out his book and sat down next to Tazuna, who had finally passed out from drinking too much. The scarecrow could tell that the man didn't drink often, it was probably from all the stress, he'd have to ban him from drinking for the rest of the mission. "I honestly just wanted to see some of your talent."

The blonde narrowed her eyes into slits, "Sealing is an expensive art Kakashi-sensei, do not have me waste my materials."

Sakura edged away from the girl, the tone she was using slightly scared her and she glanced at Sasuke quickly. His hand had automatically gone to his kunai pouch, as if he deemed her a threat. She wanted to scoff out loud, Naru wasn't a threat. She was a dobe that had gotten lucky. The image of Naru slashing the nin's throat from earlier popped into her mind and Sakura winced. That wasn't true, Naru was much more than she let on and she was only beginning to see that.

"Maa, maa Naru," Kakashi waved his hand, warding off her glare easily, "no need to be upset." He grinned, "I think it might be time for bed anyway. We'll take turns on watch. Sakura, you can have first watch, wake me up in two hours. I wake up Naru and then she can wake Sasuke. Am I clear?"

"Hai, sensei," Naru yawned cutely, she rubbed her eyes, "When do you think we'll have back up?"

"Pakkun is fast, he would have arrived a few hours ago, we can expect someone to show up tomorrow night at the earliest."

"Sounds great."

In Naru's mind, the encounter with Zabuza was simple. He was the bad guy, he wanted to kill her client for money and that money may have been going towards the rebel front in Mizu. Then Kakashi would wear him down, Haku will step in and put him into a death state. They will be happy and then hurry onto Tazuna's house with a chakra exhausted jonin-sensei.

She didn't account for one thing though.

"Holy shit, when did you become good looking?" She had acknowledged her hormones earlier than she had in her last life and what Zabuza had, was a deluxe set of abdominals, "Where the fuck have you been all my life?"

The killing intent that had flooded the area instantly disappeared and she found herself on the receiving end of disbelieving stares. Even Zabuza looked at her weirdly, before he let out a menacing chuckle. His eyes narrowed as he took in her appearance and her confident posture. It was the eyes that had drew him in. A blue that has seen death by their own hands.

"Naru," Kakashi subtly took a step in front of his student, to block off her sight, "Protect Tazuna."

"Already on it," She pulled out four tags she had prepared earlier, passing two to Sasuke, who quickly caught on and placed them evenly apart from each other. Making sure that Tazuna was within the barrier layout, she sped through the required handseals, sliced her palm and pressed it to one of the tags with a large burst of chakra, "Uzumaki fuinjutsu: Ketsueki Kanmon!"

"Impossible," They heard Zabuza mutter under his breath.

"Stay within the barrier," Naru spoke quietly to Tazuna and on a lesser note, her team mates, "Once you leave the sealed area there is no way you can get back in I will not endanger our client by letting down our defence." She wiped her hand on her pants, getting rid of the excess blood, "This is one of my strongest defences, nothing short of a seal master can get past it."

Kakashi, however, had already launched his attack at the nuke-nin and was cursing his body. He had let himself go since he had left ANBU and so far he was feeling the results. Leaping back, while avoiding an overhead strike, he pushed up his headband, exposing Obito's eye. Zabuza paused, a menacing chuckle passing through his lips.

"So you've found me worthy of the sharingan eye," He leaned against his sword, "Part of my time in ANBU was spent looking at your bingo entry, Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan Eye. Copied one-thousand jutsu. Such... power."

Kakashi's voice was void of emotion as he answered back in kind, "Zabuza Momochi. Demon of the Mist. Slaughtered a class of academy students before he had even joined. Has bathed in blood ever since."

Everyone else, sans Naru, shuddered at the factual tone. Naru roved her eyes over the trees and extended her senses. She could feel nothing, that must mean Haku hadn't arrived until the very end. He must have gone back to check on the two Demon brothers. Or what was left of them. She tuned back into the situation at hand, confident that Kakashi had no need to worry about his genin.

And she was right.

Until a tidal wave broke the shore and Tazuna had foolishly panicked, leaping out of the barrier towards a tree. Snarling, she took after him, grabbing him by the waist and hoisting him awkwardly over her shoulder as she leapt up to high ground. The tree shivered as the water broke against the trunk, the spray hitting them as she kept jumping upwards. Dropping him onto a thick branch, she rapped his head and pointed to where the other two genin were.

"Stupid man!" Naru hissed under her breath, watching as the barrier held strong against the waters, "We would have been fine! Now I have to keep an eye on you, to make sure you don't do anything more stupid!"

"I-I," Tazuna gulped, his face was panicky and she immediately relaxed her stance to reassure him, "I didn't know!"

Drawing a kunai, Naru sighed and crouched beside him, "I know, but if you had listened we would have been safe. That being said, from now until we are clear of danger, you are to listen to what I say." She got a shaky nod in response, "Good, because I can sense someone running through the trees towards us."

Immediately, she grabbed Tazuna once more, undeterred by the fact that he was larger than her and jumped straight out of the tree. She landed in front of the barrier and let him collapse against it. She shook her head at Sasuke who immediately went to move forward, her eyes flicked over to the trees where she could sense another presence. Catching on, Sasuke kept an even closer eye on the area. Sakura was shaking like leaf, her eyes focused on their sensei.

Naru could see in her peripheral vision exactly what had happened last time, Kakashi moving in time with Zabuza as he copied each move. When Zabuza had been slammed into a nearby tree trunk, Naru tensed as Kakashi stalked forward. Eyes cold as he stared unforgiving at the shinobi. It was a comfort to see part of the man she fought with in the war.

"Can you see the future?" Naru held back a snort at Zabuza's question.

"Yes and I have foreseen your death," She cringed, hearing that same reply the second time, made her realise something, Kakashi had to work on his one liners.

There was the clanging sound as four senbon hit both the tree and ground and Naru was immediately by her sensei's side, more senbon in hand. Her place had been taken by Sasuke, who immediately stood guard over their client. Her eyes narrowed as a masked figure leapt out of the tree. She kept the fact that she wanted to smile sadly, quiet.

"Stand down Naru," Despite his own words, Kakashi stood even straighter, "It's one of Kiri's hunter-nin." A delicate hand shot out and two senbon were embedded in Zabuza's neck, Kakashi moved forward to check the pulse, predictably not finding one. "He's dead."

"I don't think so," Naru murmured as she blocked off Haku's access to him, "I can still sense his chakra. Whoever this is, this is no hunter-nin and they reek of Zabuza!"

"Are you sure?" Kakashi's tone was sharp and fatigued as he spoke, Naru nodded, "I don't have much chakra and we don't know how strong this person is."

"What are you saying?" Naru sounded disbelieving and if Sasuke had spoken up, she was sure that he would sounded the same.

"Zabuza is down for the count," The masked figure spoke, "If you let us go, I can promise you that your client will not be harmed for a week at the least."

She snarled, it didn't matter that she knew that Haku was a kind person. This Haku was still his master's tool and was still a threat. She flinched when her sensei's hand came down her shoulder, dragging her away back to Tazuna. With glaring eyes, she watched as the boy picked up sword-nin and shunshined the hell out of there.

"Tazuna is our priority Naru," Kakashi sounded chiding, but understanding. He too, didn't trust them, but he was right. Tazuna was their priority, "We need to hurry."

He then proceeded to fall face forward into the dirt with a groan.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naru's arm shot out just in time to stop Sakura from running to the man, "Naru what are you doing!"

"Stopping him from accidentally killing you!" She snapped back, "Never rush up to a shinobi, especially jonin, even when they're unconscious. They might not recognise your presence and could lash out." Approaching him slowly, she crouched and extended her chakra towards him, letting it brush against her own. "I watched someone rush up to Hokage-jiji once when he was dozing and he nearly got his head ripped off. If it weren't for the fact that Hokage-jiji is awesome, that person would be dead right now."

"Someone was stupid enough to rush at a Kage?" Sasuke snorted condescendingly, even Sakura nearly giggled at the thought with tears running down her face.

"Chunin messenger," Naru chuckled as she created a few clones to carry the jonin, so if he woke up, at least he wouldn't be hurting someone who wasn't a chakra construct. Moving to the barrier, she sliced her palm open and touched the barrier. "I think he retired quickly after that and now works on a farm. Kai!"

The other two watched as the barrier flashed red, before it disintegrated in front of their eyes and blinked incredulously at the sight. Ignoring them, she helped Tazuna to his feet and draped one of his arms across her shoulders. The old man grumbled about being fine, but didn't complain much as he let some of his weight fall on her, clearly her carrying him had awakened him to the fact that she was stronger than she appeared.

"Boss," All eyes turned to one of her clones, "Do I really have to carry him? What if he stabs me?"

"You'll dispel and I'll get the memory," Naru spoke slowly, "You're a clone. It won't hurt you."

"But it still doesn't mean I liked to be stabbed!"

"We shouldn't have to be dealing with this right now," Naru growled, "Just carry him! Or I'll have Sasuke beat your ass!"

"Fine!" The clone threw her hands in the air before stomping back over to the other clone and everyone watched as they hauled Kakashi up into the air, "You happy?"

"Stupid fucking clones," Naru muttered before glaring at her team mates, "Sasuke take point, you're more likely to spot anything odd with your eyesight. Sakura take the rear and for kami's sake. Stop snivelling!"

Hearing this, Sakura burst into tears and Naru frowned. The large difference between her Sakura and this Sakura was growing even more and she had no idea what to do. Had her Sakura been this scared last time or had she just been too keyed up from the battle to see it? Sasuke glowered in disgust before turning his back on her, causing the girl to cry even more when she saw him turn away. Sakura really was just a twelve year old girl not realising what she had signed up for.

An idea came to Naru's mind, "Hey Sakura, can you recite the shinobi code for me as we walk."

"W-What?" Sakura, rubbed her eyes and met Naru's blue gaze, "Why?"

"I slept through that class," Naru shrugged as they began their trek in the direction Tazuna pointed out. "Perhaps if you were to say them, I'll listen. Same message, different messenger." Sasuke was shooting them glances over his shoulder, wondering the hell she was doing. "It might help Tazuna understand what we shinobi are about!"

Sniffing, Sakura smiled, realising what Naru trying to do, "Shinobi Code Number One, A shinobi will always be prepared for conflict."

Sakura was finally explaining one of the codes, when Tazuna's house came into sight and Sasuke glanced around before knocking on the door. A cautious face peeked around the door when it opened and was flung open when they saw the old man. "Father!"

"I'm fine Tsunami," The old man grunted, he stood up straight and wiped a hand over his face, "Just a bit of shock and a hangover. These are the ninja I had hired to protect me." His gestured to Kakashi, "Can you clear the guest room for this one?"

"Of course," Tsunami motioned to the girls that looked like triplets, "follow me."

"Sakura, can you go with her?" The pink haired girl looked surprised, "You're the best with first aid. Just make sure Tsunami-san doesn't get too close. I'm going to seal the perimeter." Naru glanced at Tazuna to see if that was alright with him and he just waved her off, grinning in thanks, she turned to Sasuke, "What are you going to do?"

His brow rose, "You're actually asking me?"

"I'm not the team leader and believe it or not, I trust your judgement."

He blanked his emotions, but she had known him long enough to know he was studying her, "I'll scout the perimeter and set up basic traps. We can use the roof for night watch."

"Good idea," An idea struck her, "Before you go, give me some of your blood." She missed his alarmed look as she unsealed her sealing gear and pulled out her ink bowl. "A few drops will do, Tazuna and Sakura, I'll need yours as well. I can get the others later." Hesitant, they let themselves bleed as she explained, "Generally, I would just use chakra signatures, but since this is a civilian home, I'll need blood instead as you guys don't know how to channel chakra like we do. It's just so you can get past the temporary security seals I'm going to set up."

Thanking them, she sat down and began getting the ink ready. The others watched for a few moments before disappearing. It wasn't until Sasuke had appeared back twenty minutes later that she had finished writing out six different tags. Making a shadow clone for each tag, she ordered them to place it a safe distance away from the house. Standing up, she moved to do the place the last tag and Sasuke followed.

"What happens if the seal doesn't recognise you?"

"You'll be pushed back or if you're being too forceful," Naru smirked, "You'll be shocked."

"Hn," He ignored Naru's growl at his typical response, "How did you get so good at seals?"

"It's in my blood," He gave her a dirty look and she rolled her eyes, "No really, it is. It's what make us Uzumaki so good at sealing. Our blood is made for sealing."

"Your clan was wiped out," Sasuke knew this was true, he had searched his clan's archives the day of team assignments and he was surprised at the ties the Uzumaki had with Konoha. He watched as Naru's face darkened, "You're like me."

"No," Naru bit her lip, "I used to be though." She blinked as she came to a stop and stared down at the tag in her hand, "I wanted to destroy Iwa and Kiri. Ruin them, like how they ruined my family. But I couldn't." She stuck the tag to a tree and glanced at him, "I couldn't become monster."

"What about vengeance or honouring your family?" Sasuke wanted to know.

"One day, I'll save them all," Naru smirked fiercely, "An Uzumaki will save them and when I do, they will feel the guilt of being saved by someone of a clan that had tried to destroy. Show them that they were so weak, a survivor was their only saviour. That is my vengeance." She made some hand signs and slammed her hand onto the seal, "It's also enough for me."

By the time Kakashi had woken up, he was surprised and pleased to see two of his genin on the other side of the room. Sakura was napping and Naru was sharpening her kunai lazily. She glanced up at him and grinned. He watched as that grin didn't reach her eyes and realised that she was worried. Kakashi then watched as she pinned him with a glare.

"Chakra exhaustion, mild concussion and bruised ribs," She waved a kunai at him as she moved to his side, "Sakura diagnosed you."

"Where's Tazuna?" He grimaced when he shifted, from his estimation he had been out for half a day at least. "And Sasuke?"

"Tazuna is downstairs, Sasuke is scouting," Naru sighed, "I have set up a perimeter seal. It's strong enough to keep a couple of jonin out, but I'll have to recharge it every day and while I'm all for you resting, at some point I'm going to need your blood."

"We can get that done tomorrow," He nodded, before ruffling her hair, "You did good."

Naru was about to answer, but felt a tug at her chakra. Kakashi froze when he saw this and went to sit up, only stopping when Naru forced him back down, "It's the perimeter, I think it might be our back up. I'll take Sasuke with me and check it out." Kakashi couldn't protest and watched as she kicked Sakura lightly, Naru grimaced when the girl groaned. "I'll be back soon."

Jumping out the window, she ran in the direction she felt the tug and could already sense Sasuke waiting for her. Leaping out of the tree and landing next to him, she nodded when he grunted in greeting.

"I came across them as they tried to get to the house," He narrowed his eyes, "They were shocked."

Naru grinned when Shikaku's face scowled at her and she could only guess that the ANBU beside him was doing this same. "While I know who you are, identify yourself please."

"Shikaku Nara, aided by ANBU Operative Beaver, here for requested back up of Team Seven under Jonin Hatake," He pulled out a scroll and tossed it to her, "That's a note for you guys from Hokage-sama." He waited for Naru to open the scroll and show Sasuke, "Are you going to let us in?"

"Depends," Naru's gaze narrowed as she tossed the scroll back, "What's the photo I have taped to the side of my fridge?"

"You and Choji passed out and drooling after inhaling too much food," He answered automatically, before nodding approvingly, "Good work, don't just assume that we are who we say we are."

"It's them," She muttered to Sasuke, "Want to go back to the house? Kakashi just woke up."

"I'll finish scouting," He grunted before disappearing into the trees.

Turning back, she waved them to follow her over to the main tag. Releasing the seal, she allowed them in before sealing it back up. She could feel the ANBU watching her closely as she worked, but seemed to relax as Shikaku yawned loudly.

"I'll need your blood for the identification," She bit her thumb and swiped the bottom of the tag, it disappeared with a puff of smoke. The scripture swirled and she pointed to a certain spot, "Put the blood there and make the ox sign. From now until I take down the perimeter seal, you should be able to pass through without any hassle."

Shikaku nodded before biting his thumb and making the sign, Beaver followed and turned back to her with an emotionless tone, "What's the chakra cost?"

"For a average genin," She squinted as she thought, "Probably half their reserves, depending on how well the seal is done, more if it's poorly written. I, however, have chakra and more to spare luckily. So I don't feel the difference, not until a jonin tries to force their way through. Even then, it'll take a couple of them to get past. Only downside, I have to recharge it everyday."

"I see," The ANBU cocked their head, "Nicely done, Uzumaki-san."

Naru studied them, "You're new to ANBU aren't you. You're the most emotional ANBU I have seen in awhile."

"Stop being so troublesome Naru and show us to the house," Shikaku sighed, "I've run all night to get here and want to have a seat."

"Well no one asked you to come old man," Naru sniped back at him, she frowned, "Why are you here anyway? Jonin Commander and ANBU is a bit too much isn't it?"

"If you had been a normal team, then we would have sent a chunin team instead," They stopped outside the door and Naru could sense everyone inside, "However due to the security risk of your team and the political nature involved, we had to be careful."

"Ah," Naru nodded and her fingers drummed against the side of her body, "The village weapon and the last loyal Uchiha. No chances could be taken." Her eyes flickered to them in understanding, well she glanced at Shikaku, "I personally think we would have been fine, but I rather have back up." Her eyes darted towards the ANBU, "do you have clearance to remove your mask? These civilians aren't well prepared like ours and even ours don't like ANBU. I don't think they'll take well to you."

"I'll appear when the civilians retire for the night, Uzumaki-san," The ANBU replied easily.

"Fair enough," Naru nodded and the ANBU leapt into the trees, she turned back to Shikaku, "Be prepared. The client is a drunk, his daughter is similar to Yoshino-san and her son is a brat. Kakashi-sensei will brief on what else has happened."

His brow rose in the same Nara fashion Shikamaru used, "On what else has happened?"

"We were attacked by Zabuza Momochi."

His brow shot up even more, "That's even more troublesome."

"Indeed."

A/N: Sorry for the late update. It's not as good as I thought it would be, but oh well and I feel it's rushed, but oh well again. If I ever edit it, I'll definitely fix it up. By the way? If you guessed ANBU or Shikaku as back up, props to you! No seriously, well done.

Favourite character from Naruto and why? No, flimsy excuse about how hot they are, proper answer required.