Chapter Seven: Change Of Plans

"Well, now that Sasuke is back, I suppose you can go back to your apartment…"

Sakura and Naruto were walking away from the Training Grounds and in the general direction towards their homes. As per usual, since their introducing to Konoha that they were indeed a couple, their arms were comfortably linked together, small smiles on their faces as they talked about anything and everything that came to mind. Their stride was steady and without hurry, and those that passed by were now looking on with small smiles, rather than the surprised and appalled looks of before.

"Uh yeah, that's right," Naruto chuckled although his expression was sheepish, "I hope he doesn't get mad with the mess……I haven't been home since Kimiko got here and I think I left all my stuff lying around…"

Sakura laughed as she scrunched up her nose in mock disgust, "…I hope nothing grew in there…Like mold……Yuck!"

Naruto playfully nudged her causing the Medic to laugh again, "Yeah, now I really think Sasuke-teme's going to be mad when I get home…"

"You think you can handle him alone?" Sakura grinned, "You know, we shouldn't be lying to him…And despite what you say, I know the two of you are really close so I'm sure you're dying to tell him what's going on? So, why don't you?"

Naruto gave a half smile as the couple turned onto his block, "I'm not going to tell you yet Sakura-chan…Just trust me okay? I want to tell him, but there's something I want to do first…Something that has to do with him not knowing…I think I can pull it off, I mean, I have the motivation to."

"And what motivation would that be?"

Naruto grinned, "Nuh-uh Sakura-chan, not telling."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Alright, alright…I won't press any further."

"…So the rumors are true…"

Naruto's and Sakura's conversation was cut short as the smooth voice carried on the wind towards them. Sets of emerald and sapphire eyes looked meters ahead on the darkened and deserted street and landed on a shadowed figure, leaning casually against one of the sign posts. Un-threatened, Naruto only smirked as Sakura felt her cheeks heat up in slight embarrassment, watching as the newcomer pushed off the post and slowly walked towards them.

"I was wondering when you would be turning up," Naruto stated with a short laugh, "Have a mission did you?"

"I've been busy, yes," The figure remarked with a smile, dark eyes glancing between the couple's faces before they landed on their linked arms, "But such as is when dealing with a war…"

"…Well I'm glad to see you aren't hurt," Sakura spoke as she eyed the boy before her, medical expertise taking the forefront of her mind as she searched for any injuries.

"Don't worry Hag," The male replied with a smile, "I'm not as careless as Dickless over there…"

"Hey!" Naruto protested.

"Anyways," Sakura interrupted, hoping to avoid a brawl, "Did you need anything from us, Sai?"

The dark-haired boy remained quiet as he silently analyzed the pair standing before him, causing Naruto and Sakura to become a bit edgy with his critical gaze.

"Uh, Sai…?" Naruto started.

But Sai had already looked up once more from their linked arms and smiled one of his fake smiles again. Sakura raised a single brow as Naruto narrowed his deep-blue gaze.

"The two of you seem to interact differently than before," Sai observed, "Hag usually tries to enact violence when Naruto initiates physical contact. The rumors are that you are a couple…Ino explained to me that a 'couple' is when a man and a women show physical and emotional affection towards each other. Now that I have seen this for myself I should believe these rumors are true then?"

Both Naruto and Sakura were left speechless, gaping at the smiling shinobi standing before them.

"…And if those rumors are true…" Sai continued airily, "I think you're going to have a little trouble with Uzumaki's impotency, Hag, being that he doesn't have a pen-"

"Okay!" Sakura rudely interrupted, a deep blush on her face from embarrassment as she nervously chuckled, her powerful arms keeping a fuming Naruto in place from pummeling the dark-haired shinobi, "I think that's enough Sai. Yes it's true Naruto and I are going out and I think that's about all you need to know."

Sai only smiled, "And I wonder why someone would ever want to choose Ugly as a potential spouse…"

"Why you-" Sakura shouted furiously as she stomped forward, only to be halted by Naruto's arms around her waist, the pink-haired kunoichi flailing about as she burned red with anger.

"I think you should be on your way Sai," Naruto suggested with a frown, groaning in pain when Sakura's elbow connected with his stomach.

Sai nodded once, smile not slipping from his pale face as he began to walk away from the murderous couple, "Of course. I suppose I'll see the two of you around. Farewell."

And the tall boy waved a hand of parting before he disappeared in a puff of smoke, both Naruto and Sakura glaring at the spot he once occupied before shaking their heads and continuing to make their way home.

"The bastard…" Naruto grumbled.

Sakura sighs as she fixes her pastel hair, "Forget about him Naruto, we should have expected it…You know how he is."

"Still…"

"You're fine Naruto," Sakura smiled, "Don't worry about him."

"…I guess you're right…"

"Of course I am!" Sakura laughed, taking his larger hand into her own and leading the blonde boy the last few meters to his and Sasuke's shared apartment.

When the couple reached the front doorstep they stopped in their tracks, emerald and sapphire eyes gazing almost unsurely at the lone wooden door. It was simple apartment complex, with a Ramen Bowl-shaped 'Welcome' Mat courtesy of Naruto, which Sasuke despised, and the curtain-covered windows on each side of the door. Through the gossamer drapes, light could be seen which made it clear that somebody was home.

And they both knew who that somebody was.

Naruto gulped.

"Well…Go on then Naruto," Sakura urged with a weak smile.

"I know…" Naruto whispered as he took a small step forward, before immediately whirling around to face her in panic, "But…What if I screw up?"

"What happened to the motivation?" Sakura inquired with a quirked brow, before she closed her eyes and shook her head, "Just try not to…Sasuke's already going to be mad that we lied to him but blurting it out without even getting your mission across – whatever that might be – is going to be pointless. We've already lied to him…Put those shinobi skills to use."

Naruto sighed wearily, glancing up at the foreboding door, "…Alright, alright."

Resigning to his inevitable, and hopefully not painful, fate, Naruto walked up to his apartment door, the foreign feeling of fear settled in his stomach of going home, and knocked quietly on the wood. Sakura's sigh could be heard behind him, exasperated because, hey, so what if no one might have heard the knock, he was only testing the stability of his own front door, you know, with robbers and stuff.

"Naruto…" Sakura admonished.

"I-I need a minute," Naruto whispered frantically, not at all looking forward to his confrontation with his best friend.

But Naruto went stiff as he heard the lock click on the door, cursing silently Sasuke's keen hearing from having even heard his poor excuse of a knock. From his peripheral vision, Naruto could already see Sakura begin to move away, probably also nervous with having to continue to lie to their Team Seven comrade, and Naruto knew just how much Sakura hated to lie to anyone, let alone the Uchiha Sasuke, the man she loved.

The door swung open. Cobalt eyes fearfully met with deep, obsidian black.

"…Dobe…" The Uchiha muttered as he glared at him, the usual frown on his face as Naruto chuckled timidly, scratching the back of his neck, "You left this place a mess."

Naruto offered a sheepish grin, "Sorry…I forgot where I left my keys, you see…"

But Naruto's explanation was cut short as Sasuke's dark eyes left his and drifted behind him, narrowing a fraction further. Confused, Naruto followed his gaze and found Sakura to be standing stock still, a weak smile on her face before she offered a small wave.

"…Uh…Hi Sasuke…"

"…Sakura…"

"…Um…Just dropping off Naruto…You know, making sure you opened the door for him…" She trailed off into a weak laugh.

"Hn."

'Awkward…'

And then Sasuke shifted away from the door, leaving the entryway wide open for Naruto to enter but nothing else. The blonde watched as Sakura's shoulders slouched in both disappointment and sadness towards the less-than-friendly treatment, because usually, Sasuke would at least offer a 'Good-Night' when she dropped by.

"Sorry about that Sakura-chan," Naruto whispered, anger bubbling in his chest from his best friend's behavior, which probably gave him a bit of a boost of confidence in facing him.

Sakura looked up and only shrugged her shoulders, "Nothing to worry about…Just finish up your plan soon…I hate it when we're all mad and uncomfortable with each other…"

"Okay…"

Sakura turned to go, but she looked back again and smirked, "And don't forget, bright and early, Tsunade-shishou wants to meet with us again."

Naruto grinned, "I'll remember."

"You'd better. Good-night!" And she waved a hand in departure, Naruto copying her gesture.

"Nighty-night Sakura-chan!"

Once Naruto had lost sight of her around the corner, Naruto turned and entered into the apartment, closing the door behind him and reveling in the feel of being home again. Azure eyes lazily looked around the unkempt living room, sheepish for having left his clothes and some of his Instant Ramen Cups lying around.

"Home Sweet Home!" He sighed blissfully.

"I'm here! I'm here!! I'm not late! Who said I was I late?!"

Naruto breathed in deeply, catching his laborious breath after having run about a mile from his apartment to the Administration Building, just so he could make it to his meeting with the Hokage on time. After running about ten flights of stairs and pushing the Hokage's large, heavy, wooden door open, Naruto had his hands on his knees trying to make his breathing regular before he looked up and scanned the spacious room.

Sakura was leaning against the window sill, her body positioned so that she could view outside the pane of glass, but her head was now facing him from his loud emergence, viridian eyes shining with amusement as the corner of her lips quirked upward.

"You're not late Naruto," A strong feminine voice stated, "Although you're not entirely dressed either…"

Naruto turned his gaze from Sakura towards the Godaime Hokage, the blonde woman smirking as she watched him through entertained hazel eyes, fingers tented together, elbows resting on her cluttered desktop. Confused, Naruto looked down to find he was wearing his usual orange and black attire, although sloppily and hastily thrown on that morning. Scratching his head, the boy then found the source of his problem as he came in contact with wool, so unlike the cool metal of his shinobi hitae-ate. With a deep blush on his face, Naruto pulled his night cap off and hurriedly stuffed it into his jacket pocket.

A quiet giggle enters his hearing and Naruto's ears turn red when he realizes he and Sakura are not the only company in the Hokage's presence.

"Dobe."

Panning his gaze to the other side of the room, Naruto is surprised and slightly embarrassed to find Sasuke, Hinata, Shino, and Kakashi congregated also near the window. Sasuke's arms were crossed, indifferent as usual. Hinata was red, blushing as she smiled at him kindly. Shino was quiet, expression hidden under glasses and hood while Kakashi leaned against the sill, grinning from what Naruto could tell by the crinkling of his visible right eye.

"…Oh…"

Sakura laughed which, fortunately, directed all attention on her, "Alright so Naruto's here…What did you need us for Shishou?"

Thankful for Sakura's interruption, Naruto moved towards the Medical Jounin, a lot more comfortable in her soothing and friendlier presence, as well as continuing to play his part as boyfriend.

His move did not go unnoticed by the other occupants of the room.

However, Tsunade got straight to business, rifling through a few of the folders on her desk, "Well…As we all know, Kakashi and his Team had been given a Mission to track down a thief who had stolen one of our scrolls from one of our frequent messengers, who was found quite brutally attacked. The scroll was supposed to be delivered to Kazahana Koyuki in Snow Country; one of our alliances…Kakashi informed me that it was retrieved just outside of the Rain Country Borders…"

Tsunade sighed, removing from her desk another scroll, which was covered in splotches of blood. She held it up for everyone to see.

"This scroll was recovered just yesterday by Mitarashi Anko and her Team…This is the same scroll that had been taken from Ebisu-san and his Squad, the scroll that was supposed to be delivered to Kazekage Gaara, another of our alliances…Although it was Rain Ninja who had attacked this Squad, Anko's Team had recovered it in Water Country, not far from the Hidden Mist Village…"

"Peculiar…" Shino offered.

Tsunade nodded her head in agreement, "But one thing is for certain, Rain Ninja are involved and I am not entirely sure of their aim, they may be in a Civil War but we do have an alliance with them…Also, both scrolls that had been targeted had also been for alliance purposes…" She turned serious hazel eyes on Sakura and Naruto, "You have both been assigned the Mission of escorting and protecting the Lightning Country Delegate and although I personally value your safety more than his, we will need his Country's Alliance for the upcoming War with the Akatsuki…You two will need to be extra cautious, especially with Akatsuki hunting after you, Naruto…"

The blonde shinobi nodded his head, fists tightening with determination, features steeled and azure eyes bright.

"Is it wise to be sending them alone?" Shino inquired, "Surely more protection or ANBU perhaps…"

"I trust in their abilities," Tsunade answered firmly, both Sakura and Naruto smirking with pride, "Besides, Raito Masaru has only approved of Naruto and Sakura since he has met them before…And as my apprentice, I believe Masaru thinks his eyes on Sakura will give him leverage should anything go wrong…"

Tsunade took a deep, tired breath as she began to straighten out her folder, a frown gracing her lips as she returns the bloodied scroll back to the drawer she produced it from.

"I thank you Hatake, Uchiha, Aburame, and Hyuuga for this information you have presented, as well as a job well done on your Mission, it will help with Naruto's and Sakura's indefinitely," Tsunade supplied, "Your pay will reach you by the end of the day," She turned her gaze to the couple, "As for the two of you, you will be joining me to see Raito-san, he requests a meeting with us…Afterwards I advise you to train for your Mission…"

"Of course Shishou…"

"You got it!"

The Godaime glanced back at the rest of the shinobi in her room, "You are dismissed."

Everyone, besides the Uchiha bowed respectfully, much to Tsunade's annoyance, before a knock on the door sounded, leaving Kakashi, who was closest to the door, to open it after a nod from the blonde woman. Nara Shikamaru stood lazily outside the door, a few folders tucked under his left arm.

"Hokage-sama, the Lightning Country Delegate is waiting…"

Tsunade nodded and stood from her desk, motioning for Sakura, Naruto, and Shikamaru to follow her out. Hinata offered a polite smile to both Naruto and Sakura before they left as Kakashi waved a hand.

"When you're done," He called out, "Meet me and Sasuke at Training Ground Three…We'll get you prepped for your Mission."

Naruto and Sakura gave one last nod and wave before disappearing behind the corner.

"…What a drag…"

"Why are you still here, Shikamaru?" Naruto asked as they walked down a few narrow hallways, Sakura and Tsunade conversing just feet ahead of them.

The Nara Genius shrugged, "Hokage-sama assigned me to look into all the Rain Ninja attacks…Supposedly your and Sakura's group is next, being that you've got some pretty important baggage to protect…"

Naruto frowned, "I'd rather not though…"

The Tactical Ninja glanced at him, knowing full well what bothered the blonde male, "It's troublesome, yeah, but it's only for a week…I doubt you'll be seeing any more of them after that. Lightning Country is pretty far anyway."

"…I guess you're right."

"Alright…" They heard Tsunade sigh just as the group reached the end of the hall where a large, brown double door with the Hidden Leaf Emblem resided, "Just let me do the talking, understood?"

Sakura, Shikamaru, and Naruto nodded their heads, watching as the Hokage took a deep breath while putting her hands on the door, schooling her tired and slouched expression and posture. The Jounin easily recognized the Hokage's distress, a little concerned, but it was pushed aside when she opened the double doors.

"Tsunade!!"

As the three Jounin walked in with matching frowns because of such disrespect, Tsunade only repressed her anger and nodded her head, "Raito-san."

Sakura, Naruto, and Shikamaru each took a seat at the rectangular table situated in the middle of the room as they silently observed the figure that was Raito Masaru. He was a strong-looking man, with a tall and muscular physique that could belong to that of a shinobi, with broad shoulders and large hands that were pounding against the tabletop while he shouted his loud, booming voice at the Hokage, much to their displeasure. His hair was a reddish-brown that reached down to his shoulders, much like his son's and he had a well tamed beard and mustache that connected together. His stern expression epitomized that of a trained and experienced diplomat, dark blue eyes shining with challenge.

Tsunade, who had moved to the front of the room where Masaru was shouting, was clearly trying to cling desperately to her patience, hazel eyes hardening with annoyance, though she was unable to lash back, because the alliance meant a lot to Fire Country.

"I suggest you calm down Raito-san," Tsunade stated evenly, "Please, take a seat."

Sakura had to admit, that although her Shishou had quite the temper, she could tame it when the time called for it.

Masaru complied, lips pursed together angrily as he plopped down into his seat, Sakura feeling that it seemed quite childish coming from a man like him. But she had heard the rumors; Raito Masaru was a famed diplomat of Lightning Country and did his job well.

Leaning forward in his seat, Masaru watched as Tsunade took her own across from him, his right hand index finger jabbing onto the tabletop which, Sakura and Naruto noticed, had a large-scale map of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, "Don't take me for a fool Tsunade! I've heard the rumors; attacks have been enacted on your shinobi, concerning your alliances! How can I be so sure that my family and I will be safe under your protection?!"

Tsunade frowned, "I never once took you to be a fool Masaru–"

"That's Raito-san to you!" He fumed.

"And that's Hokage-sama to you," Tsunade countered evenly, causing the man to glare and the Jounin to smirk, "Now that our titles have been straightened out…My Village and I are trying to create the best possible route for you and your family to return safely home…As you have so approved, Haruno Sakura and Uzumaki Naruto, are skillful shinobi that will follow their duties and risk their lives for your safety."

The Godaime motioned her hand towards the two and Masaru followed her gaze, eyeing them critically as they bowed. Turning deep blue eyes back to the blonde, Masaru frowned.

"Alliance is on the line here Hokage-sama, and if anything were to happen to my family and I you can immediately say good-bye to that agreement," He argued, "If it's Akatsuki we're dealing with I highly doubt that only two shinobi will succeed, despite one of them being your apprentice."

Both Naruto and Sakura visibly bristled with indignation.

"I want at least ten shinobi to escort us home!" Masaru demanded.

Tsunade frowned at this, "You know I cannot give you that…I'm already giving you two of my best, I need to keep my Village protected as well."

"Two of your best?!" Masaru exclaimed incredulously, "What can a young woman under your apprenticeship do Hokage-sama, heal my injuries with their spectacular medical abilities? I'd rather have protection where I wouldn't be injured at all!"

Again, Naruto and Sakura frowned deeply, the Medic clenching her hands together while Naruto moved to give the Delegate a piece of his mind, only to be stopped with a hand on his shoulder from Shikamaru. Even Tsunade's coffee eyes burned with fury.

"And the other," Masaru continued, "Trained under Jiraiya himself. What will he do? Read and write porn for me to read?!"

"You bastard!" Naruto yelled, standing up breaking free from Shikamaru's grip, intent on giving the man a good Rasengan to show him his true abilities, only to be stopped by a firm strong hand from Sakura, the woman also standing, frowning, and glaring viridian daggers at the older man.

Tsunade was also glaring, "Had you not remembered Masaru that these two shinobi rescued your daughter from your enemies, risking their lives at 13 years old for your mistake. Give them the respect that they deserve!"

Masaru watched the two Team Seven comrades, eyeing them guardedly, though surprisingly, there was no anger in his stare, from what Sakura noticed, just pain and deep concern. He was only worried for his family. And after all the previous attacks so far, who wouldn't be?

"If you want your family safe, you need small numbers to get by the enemy," Tsunade reasoned, "I'll give you three guards."

"Nine," The man rationalized, although not as demanding as before, perhaps his features looking even older than he was.

"Six," Tsunade countered, "That's all I can offer you…If trouble comes your way, then I will send more…"

After a moment's deliberation the man sighed and nodded his head, knocking his hand onto the table, "…Fine."

Offering a weak smile, Tsunade placed her hand on the table, pointing on the enlarged map where Konohagakure no Sato lay, "You and your family will be leaving in five days as opposed to the end of the week in three days, just in case the enemy received word of our plans…The route you are taking will be……"

As Tsunade continued to explain to Masaru the plan, Sakura and Naruto returned to their seats, exchanging a look with Shikamaru before they listened in on the plan as well.

"Wow! Did you see Tsunade-baa-chan in there?! I can't wait until I can do that when I'm Hokage!"

"Things might not be as easy as it was in there…Raito-san seems like he's a reasonable man…" Sakura pointed out as she and Naruto exited the Administrations Building, making their way to the Training Grounds where they would be meeting up with Kakashi and Sasuke.

"So…Who do you think the other four shinobi will be to help escort the family?" Naruto asked; his hands behind his head in a relaxed posture as he walked.

Sakura shrugged, "I don't know…Maybe Kakashi-sensei since Raito-san knows him too…Or Shikamaru since he's been assigned to investigate the Rain Ninja attacks…"

"You think Sasuke-teme will be asked to," Naruto inquired just as the couple passed over the Red Bridge Team Seven frequently met up on.

"It's a likely possibility," Sakura responded, "Although, it's awkward enough as is with Kimiko and Kiyoshi already there…"

"But it fits into my plans!" Naruto replied with a grin, to which Sakura rolled her eyes, refraining from asking any questions because she knew she wasn't going to be getting an answer.

The two were passing through a few clearings and pathways to reach their destination, enjoying the bright sunny day and the cloudless skies, despite the fears and talk of war. Being it was a summer day; the sun was beating relentlessly down on the lands, causing Naruto to pull at the collar of his jacket with a pout.

"So, she's not pregnant?"

The simple question reached the couple's ears and it was soon followed up by a loud bark. Sakura immediately knew who it was and who the question was referring to. When they reached the next clearing, Naruto and Sakura came upon the sight of Team Eight training; two Jounin figures crouched in their own stance of battle as the third practiced throwing kunai at a nearby tree target.

Shino was the closest to Sakura and Naruto, arms spread out as insects congregated around his body. Across from him, Hinata was poised to attack, her opalescent eyes bulging with chakra, lips quirked downward with concentration. On the other side of the clearing, Inuzuka Kiba lay on his back, hands absently playing with a kunai and two shuriken as he lazily threw them at a tree about five meters away in both distance and height. Akamaru, Kiba's loyal and large companion, was curled at his Master's side, seemingly asleep.

"No Kiba…" Hinata answered before she made a strike for Shino and then gracefully ducked away from his bugs, "Sakura-chan isn't p-pregnant…She and Naruto aren't getting married either…"

Kiba laughed, "Then I guess that leaves time for you, Hinata, to win Naru–"

It was then that Hinata's all seeing Byakugan caught sight of both Sakura and Naruto, and her eyes widened with alarm on what Kiba was about to reveal. However, Sakura had immediately intervened, clearing her throat and effectively cutting off Kiba's sentence.

"So is this where the pregnant rumor started? Kiba…?" Sakura asked expectantly, her emerald eyes shining with amusement as the brunette stiffened and immediately sat up.

"It wasn't me Sakura, honest!" He explained, "I heard it from a group of old men by the Ramen Shop!"

"And you believed them!?" Naruto frowned, shaking his head.

"Hey! You would have too with everyone else talking about it!" Kiba countered.

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Well, for clarifications sake Kiba, no, I am not pregnant."

Kiba laughed, sheepishly scratching through his blonde locks as he grinned, "…I knew that."

"Uh-huh…" The Medic responded, unconvinced as she smirked.

As the two continued to talk, Naruto turned his sights back onto the Hyuuga Heiress, the raven-haired woman smiling as she watched the banter. When she noticed the blonde's gaze on her, she immediately blushed and looked to the floor, twiddling her forefingers together by habit. With a friendly smile, Naruto walked over to her, causing the Byakugan-User to fidget around uncertainly.

"Hey Hinata-chan," He greeted, his smile dimming a little with concern, "How are you feeling?"

Confused, Hinata looked up at him, "F-Feeling?"

Naruto nodded his head, "Yeah…Yesterday, when I saw you at Ichiraku's…You looked a little upset…It wasn't me was it?"

Thinking back to that moment of time, Hinata's pearly eyes widened with realization and she immediately shook her head, "N-No, it wasn't you Naruto-kun…Um, I was just a little w-worried for Sakura-chan…"

The incident yesterday was quite a shock for a lot of people and Naruto didn't like having to lie about his relationship with Sakura to kind and sweet Hinata-chan. He thought Sakura wouldn't like to either, since they were close friends…Maybe he should tell her.

"Hinata-chan…"

"I-I know about your secret…" Hinata whispered, loud enough for only Naruto to hear but still surprising to the blonde-shinobi.

"…You do?"

Hinata nodded her head, "I s-suppose I understand. Don't worry, I w-won't tell anyone…I am really s-sorry for your problem though…With the Raito Family…But I'm sure you and Sakura-chan will make it through…" She smiles sweetly at him and Naruto can't help but grin, "Y-You're both strong like that."

"Wow…Thanks Hina-chan!"

The Heiress blushes and Naruto can't help but think that she looks kind of cute. She pulls stray strands of long, ebony hair behind her ear and offers another small smile just as a chuckling Sakura walks over and gently takes Naruto's arm.

"You know I won that round Kiba," The kunoichi calls out before turning to Naruto, "Let's go, Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke are probably still waiting for us."

A little disappointed, Naruto nods his head before offering Hinata another bright grin, "Let's talk again soon, alright Hina-chan?"

The woman blushes but nods her head shyly, offering a wave good-bye, "Bye Naruto-kun…Bye Sakura-chan."

Sakura smirks as she eyes the interaction, pulling Naruto along as she winks back at Hinata, who blushes crimson again, and waves, "I'll see you later Hinata!"

When Team Eight is out of earshot and the couple is making their way back towards Training Ground Three, Sakura hugs Naruto's arm tight to her chest and grins cheekily at him. Confused, Naruto looks down at his best friend, brows furrowed together.

"…What?"

"Hina-chan?"

And so the blush emerges and Sakura squeals with delight.

"You like Hinata-chan, don't you?!"

"I never said that!" Naruto protested.

Sakura smirked, "You didn't have to Naruto…I just know. That is so adorable!"

"She might not even like me, Sakura-chan," Naruto pouted, blue eyes a little defeated, "She always faints when she's around me…"

The Medic rolls her beautiful, green eyes, "You are so dense Naruto!"

"Hey!"

"I think you should ask her out on a date," Sakura suggested pointedly, a dreamy grin overtaking her features, "How romantic…"

Naruto frowned, "I could…But we're still going out Sakura-chan…"

The frown was matched by his 'girlfriend', "Oh…right. It still doesn't mean you don't have a chance after all this is said and done with. And she knows about our plan already."

"Yeah, she told me…" Naruto sighed, "But even if that's the case…I don't even know what I'm supposed to do to get to know someone like her…I mean, I know I'm dating you but this is fake…It's easier when it's fake…"

"You got that right…" Sakura grumbled, absently thinking of a certain dark-haired Avenger.

"Want to train me?" Naruto suggested, his blue eyes hopeful as he took Sakura's hand into his.

Surprised, Sakura responded, "Train you? You hardly wanted to train with me and Ino about this…"

Naruto weakly smiled, "But this is for Hinata-chan…A real girlfriend…Pretty please Sakura-chan!?"

Unable to say 'No' to a face as adorable as Naruto's, she smiles and nods her head, "Fine…How about tonight? We'll pretend to go on a date as a couple when we'll really be masterminding your own romance!"

"Yes!" Naruto cheered, "Thanks Sakura-chan!"

"But don't forget the plan," Sakura reminded, "How should we approach this training with Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke-kun?"

Naruto grinned as he rubbed his hands together, the Medic eyeing him warily, "Leave that to me…All you got to do is play along."

'Time for the Number One Prankster to get to work!'

"Sorry we're late!"

"Yeah," Naruto grinned, "We 'Got lost on the Road of Life'."

Both Sakura and Naruto broke into a fit of laughter as they held on to each other to prevent themselves from falling over and looking like complete idiots. Kakashi was sitting in a tree, reading his infamous orange book, one eyebrow quirked as he watched his two former students continue to laugh and joke around. Panning his gaze downward, Kakashi was amused to find Sasuke narrowing his obsidian orbs at his Team Seven comrades, the grip on his Kusunagi sword tightening a fraction.

"Oh Kaka-sensei," Sakura sighed as she wiped away tears of mirth, "I've always wanted to see that being used against you…" She pouted, "…But it didn't work. You know, you're supposed to say 'Liar' really loud…"

"…And obnoxiously," Naruto finished knowingly, causing the pair to look at one another again and break into another round of hysterics.

The Copy-Cat Ninja can't help but grin as he jumps down from his perch and pockets his favorite novel, waiting patiently for the laughter to subside and silently entertained by the fact that Sasuke's glare was becoming more annoyed and murderous by the second.

"…Annoying," The Uchiha muttered, effectively catching the other two's attention, who quieted down.

"Sorry Sasuke."

"What's up with you, teme?"

The ex-traitor didn't respond as he swiftly moved away, turning his back on the couple and moving towards the middle of the Grounds, ready to begin training. Silently, Sakura and Naruto began to follow, the kunoichi looking guilty and Naruto staying observant, a grin plastered on his face. Kakashi sighed, feeling that this new development would cause some problems, before he followed his three former students.

"Why not we start with some sparring…Two groups of one-on-one," Kakashi suggested.

"I call Sakura-chan!" Naruto shouted as he bounded towards the kunoichi, wrapping his arms around her waist, her back to his chest, the girl chuckling, "She can help me with my chakra control…"

As he said this, Naruto buried his nose to her neck, and being slightly ticklish in that spot, Sakura giggled. The display of affection was even surprising to Kakashi, who was used to Sakura hitting Naruto on the head for even touching a hair on her. With one wide eye, the silver-headed man watched as Naruto whispered in her ear to which she nodded to whatever he was saying.

Still too shocked to protest, Kakashi turned to Sasuke, whose eyes were flickering between red and obsidian, before he cleared his parched throat, "…Shall we Sasuke?"

The Uchiha's head snapped towards him, a deep frown on his face before he tilted his head in a nod, throwing one last glare at the laughing couple before he walked off, sword in hand, the blade sizzling with electric energy. Kakashi eyed it warily, glanced once more back at Naruto and Sakura, to find them goofing around, before he followed the Uchiha Prodigy to the other side of the clearing.

It didn't even occur that Kakashi should have reminded the well-respected Jounin that they should be training for their Mission. He was just still too stunned.

"Naruto!" Sakura laughed, "Come on, you need to concentrate!"

The next chorus of laughter had Sasuke inwardly cursing as he threw a kunai harder than he intended, causing Kakashi to dodge past even faster so he wouldn't lose anything important from the impact of such a small but dangerous weapon. The two were drenched with sweat, not only from the intense training but from the hot day in general, with no soothing winds of comfort and coolness from such heated torture.

The Avenger's eyes were bleeding with a red passion and the strong force of his determined blows weren't exactly directed to his former sensei, but in his mind's eye, the irritable and incessant laughter and togetherness just radiating from the couple on the other side of the Grounds from him.

But why? Why was he feeling such anger? Kami, shouldn't he be happy for them, as a teammate and as a friend? But he was feeling annoyed! Shouldn't there be happiness for his best friend for having gotten his long-sought-after crush? Shouldn't he be happy that his number one fan girl had stopped bothering him, even if she had stopped years ago? Was it because he was feeling left out? Was it interfering with their teamwork?

Because he sure as hell wasn't jealous!

Another bought of laughter and Uchiha Sasuke couldn't stop his dark eyes from trailing. Naruto had long since removed his heavy, black and orange jacket from the heat leaving him in a short-sleeved black tee-shirt with the Uzumaki swirl on the front. Sakura had easily discarded her red vest, leaving only a black, fishnet top, strapless and exposing her flat stomach. He noticed with a frown that what they were doing wasn't training at all! Sure, Sakura was positioning his hands to the proper concentration method, but they were smiling, laughing even!

And then, he watched Naruto pounce, the blonde shinobi pinning the pink-haired woman beneath them before they started to tumble around, fighting for dominance and continuing to laugh and smile! Their hands were entwined together as they finally came to a stop, Naruto on top, both breathing heavily, before the boy leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers, talking in voices he couldn't hear.

"Sasuke! Pay attention!"

The sound of Kakashi's reprimanding voice pierces through Sasuke's thoughts as well as snaps Naruto's and Sakura's attention towards them. But before Sasuke can return his focus, he is on the ground, his own sword pointed at his throat with the Copy-Cat Ninja above him, frowning with disapproval. Sasuke frowns too, annoyed, and sits up, trailing his hands through sweat-damp hair.

"Take a break," Kakashi declares as he moves to the edge of the clearing, where a few water bottles lay and turns to Sakura and Naruto, "You two especially."

Both of them bow their heads in shame, "Yes Kakashi-sensei," But Sasuke doesn't miss the small secretive smiles they share.

The Uchiha stands, unable to take any more, with his body turned to leave.

"Alright, new partners," Kakashi calls out with purpose, "I'll work with Sakura…Naruto, you and Sasuke will spar."

"Aww!" Naruto whines, but Sasuke doesn't miss the challenge in those sapphire depths.

Obsidian eyes narrowed, Sasuke readies his sword.

"So what's going on Sakura…?"

The Medical Kunoichi looks up from her meditative stance to see Kakashi take a seat in front of her, easily copying her posture and joining in on her concentration.

"Sensei…?"

Kakashi watches her expectantly, to which Sakura only returns the stare with innocent confusion. With a sigh, the older Jounin pans his gaze to the other side of the clearing, finding Naruto and Sasuke already to be deep into their spar, eyes alight with defiance while they hurl physical and verbal insult at one another. He notices immediately that there is more to this spar than just training, but he knows his students and he knows that they would never intentionally harm one another.

"It's strange…" Kakashi began again as he returned his stare on his only female student, "I go off on a Mission for three days with the notion that you still cared deeply for Sasuke," She blushes and looks away, "…Only to return to find you involved with Naruto…"

With a weak smile, Sakura looks up again, "Is that so hard to take in Kakashi-sensei? Naruto and me?"

"…Honestly?" He asks and she nods, "Yes, I do find it hard to take it…I initially thought the two of you were affectionate as family would be…I suppose my assumptions were wrong. Old age must be catching up with me…"

He sighs wistfully as he runs a hand through his unruly, silver – or grey – hair.

"…So, is there anything that you want to share with me?" The man asks, his lone eye crinkling kindly as he watches his only female student lower her hands to stare at him.

"…Share…?" The kunoichi asks timidly as she pulls a few blades of grass to play and fiddle with.

Kakashi nods, "Yes, share. I find it interesting that it takes only three days to go from you hitting Naruto on the head to you rolling around in the grass with him…"

Sakura shrugs, "I suppose I've just realized that he's fun to be around…We wanted to give it a try…"

But even as Sakura said this, her statement seemed so uncertain. But it was always uncomfortable for her to lie. Sure it was easier to lie to Kimiko and Kiyoshi and most of Konoha about her relationship because it was for hers and Naruto's sake. But lying to Sasuke was hard enough and lying to Kakashi was just torture. He was like a father to her, a man who had watched her grow and had taken care of her that she, of course, felt horrible to keep up a charade with him.

"…Sakura…" Kakashi responded expectantly.

And when Hatake Kakashi's smile disappeared and he used that tone with her, Sakura knew that he was not fooled and only trying to continue to pretend would just be insulting his intelligence. And Sakura in no way wanted to insult her Sensei. Biting her lower lip with anxiety, she glanced up with apologetic jade eyes.

"…How did you find out?"

The smile returned and Kakashi removed his Icha Icha Paradise Book, "Just recently…I actually believed you two the first day, when I saw the kiss," Sakura blushed crimson again, "But I know my students and I know you and Naruto…You don't love each other in that way…"

"Are we that obvious?" Sakura winced.

Kakashi shook his head, "Only to me…I would think that Sasuke would have figured it out, but I suppose something else is blinding him from seeing the truth…" He turned to look at her over the cover of his novel, "So, why are you and Naruto pretending…And why are you failing to tell Sasuke?"

Guiltily, Sakura looked to the side and threw her blades of grass away, only to pluck a few more, "Naruto and I came across this problem while you and Sasuke-kun were away…And surprisingly, this was the solution……We want to tell Sasuke, really we do, but Naruto has something to figure out first, whatever that might be, but once he finds that out, I promise we'll tell him the truth!"

Another explosion and a multiplied shout from Naruto caused Sakura and Kakashi to turn the two shinobi's way, watching as they continued their barrage of attacks while continuing to yell at one another. Sakura frowned with distaste with the amount of injuries she was going to have to heal, while Kakashi silently observed the friends, a small smile curling his lips as realization struck, before he gave a small glance in Sakura's direction.

'I see…'

"So what is your and Naruto's problem, may I ask?" Kakashi inquired, tilting his head to the side.

Sakura gave a pout before taking a breath, "Well you see…It's our Mission and–"

The Medic's explanation was cut short as a loud, piercing scream echoed in the air.

"Naruto-kun?!"

Several flocks of birds took flight and Sakura's head snapped in the direction where the voice had originated. From her peripheral vision, Kakashi had also followed her gaze, brow quirked, as Naruto and Sasuke stopped dead in their battle, Sasuke looking annoyed and Naruto looking pale. Sapphire eyes easily met with emerald and Sakura sighed.

"And who might that be?" Kakashi asked with interest; never had he heard Naruto's name screeched so desperately.

"Our problem," Sakura answered in a clipped tone as she stood up, facing where she knew Kimiko would emerge as she cast a short glance in Naruto's direction.

"Must you be so loud Kimiko?!" A male voice complained, causing Sakura to groan.

"Oh, shut up Nii-san, Naruto's worthy of my call," Kimiko argued, a few patches of foliage rustling near the edge of the clearing, "As opposed to that ugly, pink-headed wench you pine after!"

"I think I understand now…" Kakashi offered with a sympathetic smile, watching as Sakura clenched her fists with a frown while Naruto walked over, leaving Sasuke, bloodied and bruised and a bit confused.

"Naruto-kun?!"

"Maybe we should just leave Sakura-chan…" Naruto suggested as he reached her, "I don't feel like dealing with them right now…"

"No," Sakura growled, "They need to get it through their thick skulls that we're nothing more to them than protection. We do our Mission and then it's good-bye­ forever!"

Never had Naruto and Kakashi seen her so annoyed with anyone before. Not even Ino. Her green eyes were just burning for blood. Naruto was just so sure that when Sakura saw a flash of red, she wouldn't waste time to run in with fists flying. Thinking as fast as he could, Naruto took Sakura's arm and spun her around to face him, earning perplexed expressions from Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke.

"Uh…Let's go out tonight Sakura-chan!" He stated loudly, "There's a new restaurant that just opened and I think we should try it out!"

"Naruto…?" Sakura asked, a little confused.

"Yeah, another date!" Naruto continued, and Kakashi couldn't help but smirk behind his orange book.

An indignant shriek echoed from the clearing's edge which was instantly muffled as 'shushing' noises were made. Understanding dawned on Sakura as her eyes widened and thinking quickly to continue the act, she smiled and hugged Naruto close.

"That would be wonderful Naruto! I can't wait!"

And as she hugged her best friend, her chin resting comfortably on his broad shoulder and his hands wrapped around her bare waist, Sakura's eyes couldn't help but land on Sasuke's worn-out figure, those dark eyes of his narrowed on her and Naruto. With a frown, she watched as he stood up straight, sheathed his Kusanagi sword, and turned his back on them, walking away and disappearing into the shadows of the forest.

'…Sasuke-kun…'

It was then that Sakura noticed that Naruto's grip had slackened and that the rustling in the brush was moving farther and farther away that Sakura pulled back, that small frown still on her face. Naruto was scratching the back of his head as he looked guiltily at Kakashi, who was silently telling him that he knew exactly what was going on.

But then the Copy-Cat Ninja's gaze fell away to the pink-haired, downcast kunoichi and his expression softened, noticing her gaze was still trailed where Sasuke had vanished from.

'Why did I ever doubt you had stopped your feelings for him…?'

Turning his gaze back to a babbling Naruto as he waved crazy hand gestures in the air, Kakashi let a small smirk touch the corners of his lips.

'I hope your plan works, Naruto…'

A/N: OMG, It has been AGES since the last time I had updated this story and I am SUPER SUPER SUPER SUPER SORRY!! You see, graduation and birthdays, and summer and all these other things came up that I had to put Fanfiction aside for a while. Plus I had some writers block for this chapter and my computer crashed so I lost some stuff and I've been hammering to get everything back on track!! But here I am today, giving you your newest chapter!! Yipee!

So, I hope you liked, a little slow maybe, not a lot of Sasuke insight but you can tell he's in denial and jealous. I just had to let Kakashi in on the secret because I think his character can't easily be fooled and would probably figure it out after the initial shock, he's just smart and cool like that. So, the plot thickens and will continue to thicken!! Kimiko and Kiyoshi for a week, more shinobi on the mission (who?) and Naruto wanting to ask Hinata out when this whole things blows over! Do you think it's gonna be that easy? Tune in next time and find out!!

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Naruto and company, but sadly, no…

Spoiler: Who keeps up with the Naruto Manga!! Oh my 'effin Gosh, I cannot believe what is going on right now…Oh the suspense…So many twists! Ahh!!

Thank You to ALL of the Reviewers!! I Love You So, You're The BEST!!

Special Thanks to Reviewers: lulus-love, empty-spaces, Michiko Kaori, kyo12591, Ceridwen Inari, Princess Pika, sasusakufan2357, Inu-ru831, kt.1z.awesome, les-liaisons-dangereuses, CrazyGirlofManyNames, marileibis, pink-strawberries, hieiashke, and byakugansharinganweaponhott...

Next Update: Not sure yet…Still need to type it up…Hopefully in a week and a half to two weeks…Maybe less…I still have other stuff to update too. Note to self: Don't take too many projects on at once, BAD IDEA!

Next Chapter: Sakura and Naruto plan "Ask Hinata Out" while something is revealed about the Couple's Past. And, Introducing the New Shinobi on the Job! More NaruSaku Friendship, SasuSaku Jealousy, and KimiKiyo Annoyances coming your Way!!

By the way: What do you think of the Dad? Raito Masaru? And who liked Sai's appearance?

LiveJournal: Len83

Upcoming Updates: (Today)

The Lord And The Leader – Inuyasha (Two Chapters) InuKag, MirSan . (Anyone see the Final Chapter of Inuyasha, by the way!!)

Kind Of SEQUEL To 'With All My Heart' – except, with NaruHina instead of SasuSaku called 'Promise Of A Lifetime.'

AND SOMETIME SOON: A NEW MORE SERIOUS STORY OF LIFE AS A SHINOBI: SasuSaku, NaruHina!!

LOOK FOR IT!!

AND PLEASE REVIEW!! I LOVE YOU!!

Luvinukag83

(Soon To Be Known As Len83…Maybe…Possibly…)