Ch10

I do not own Naruto

Notes: I have no idea if I should make Haku a girl or guy…I was thinking guy but I'm not sure now, if anything goes, I won't tell the gender when I write about shim and...The academy years are like a small vacation or a time to relax before they become a ninja, just saying. Oh, thanks for all the constructive reviews, they help me a lot with the story. ;) note the Drama and thanks for bearing with me.

"Are you sure you want to take this picture?" The camera man asked looking at Ami as if she was crazy.

Ami grinned as she stood up proudly in a unique position, "Just do it."

He sighed and turned back to the camera, muttering, "Whatever, I still get paid." He snapped the picture.

The 3rd Hokage Sarutobi sat at his chair; a small sweat drop graced his features as he stared at the ninja picture then back at Ami. The picture showed Ami raising a fist to the camera while her face was painted with white and black stripes…were those suppose to be brave colors?

"Take it again."Sarutobi sighed; he felt a headache coming up, trust Ami to make a simple task hard.

"WHAT!" Ami roared, hopping from her chair causing it to fall as she pointed at the picture, "That's a great picture!"

"Ami take it again," he ignored the outburst, turned away and motioned for the next meeting, "Next."

Ami grumbled, suddenly the door slid open and a boy missing his front tooth, wearing a large scarf and a beanie that made part of his hair stick up, not so subtly sneaked in. Sarutobi and Ami stared at the boy as he tried sneaking up on the Hokage, note again, who was staring at him…only to trip on his scarf.

Ami snickered as Sarutobi sighed for the umpteenth time; no one gives him a break, 'Not again.'

"Who, what!?" the kid picked himself up as his head shook around and his eyes locked onto Ami before narrowing, "You tripped me!" He stood up and pointed at her.

Ami just gave the boy a look as they watched each other "Are you retarded?" asked Ami as she stared dumbfounded at the boy.

"Deny it all you want, it was a trap to protect the Hokage from me!" The boy was jumping up in rage, his hands shook everywhere.

Ami couldn't believe the stupidity of the boy as she shook her head 'great, I'm facing a retarded boy,' she thought before saying, "Alright old man, I'll take another picture if I could leave now."

Sarutobi nodded to Ami before speaking to the boy, "Konohamaru," he shook his head disapprovingly, "why do you always do this?"

The boy never turned his gaze away from Ami as he answered "So I can become Hokage," he stared hard at Ami as she was exiting, then jumped in front of her and pointed, "But you stopped me."

Ami twitched at the boy in front of her, she was about to leave but this boy got in front of her, so she lifted the boy up by the scruff of his neck so his face was in front of hers, "You deserve a beating brat."

He stared up in defiance "Try it, do you know who I am…"The boy replied in confidence.

"Honored Grandson," a man with shades and bandanna appeared in the door, "There you are," spotting Ami holding on to Konohamaru, he glared behind his shades at her, 'It's her.'

Ami felt uncomfortable at the stare, she was used to people segregating her like that but it still always fazed her.

"Let go of the honored Grandson this instants." The man demanded.

Ami stared down at the smirking child, and let him go.

"Hah, see, you're scared of me." The boy declared in triumph.

Ami snapped at the boy, "You little brat, I don't care who you are," she slammed her fist down at Konohamaru's head; the boy's face smacked the floor, hard, as Ami walked out of the room as rounds of gasps could be heard.

She walked out of the Hokage tower, resigned to come back later to collect the mission with her team. It was morning as she wandered around, just buying some time until she had to meet her team until later she heard shuffling noises then quickly turned around…and spotted a square rock, with two eye- holes cut out in the front. She twitched as she stared at the poor disguise, rolling her eyes; she turned around, jumping on one of the building an attempted to flee from the child.

Most of the hour, the little boy had followed her all over the place, she tried frantically trying to lose him until finally she was walking down the street, trying to ignore the little box when she met Sakura along the way, she was holding a small package.

"Hey Sakura," Ami greeted.

"Oh, good morning Ami, we're not supposed to meet yet right?" Sakura watched her as Ami uncomfortably twitched.

"Nah," Ami looked behind her as Sakura followed her gaze.

A square rock still followed, Sakura had to sweat drop at the poor disguise.

"Umm…Ami, I don't know how to tell you this but…" Sakura started to motion behind them.

"I know…" Ami interrupted then started leaving, "I'll see you later Sakura, I have to lose someone."

Sakura watched Ami leave as the rock sped past her to follow. "Ami, what do you get yourself into?" she said as she shook her head while continuing her task.

Ami ran to a secluded area as the rock followed, when the rock was near enough, she turned around and ran towards the rock, slashing it open, to reveal the same boy from the office.

"Why are you following me?" Ami stared at the boy in annoyance.

Standing strait, his eyes sparkled as he stared up at Ami "You, I heard about you." Konohamaru grinned, "you stole the forbidden scroll and got past through my grandpa with a special technique….teach me please." He begged.

She stared at the begging boy on the ground before deciding "Uh, no," Ami started walking away as Konohamaru ran to her, "Please, please, boss." He gave his best innocent look.

'Hmmm, boss… I like the sound of that." Ami looked back at the boy, "Fine, I'll teach you the basics."

"Woohoo!" the boy jumped up, "So what are we doing sir?"

"Sir?" Ami twitched, "I'm a girl."

He stared wide eyes at her as he put his arms up in a defensive position, "Of course, of course...ma'm, sorry ,sorry," he apologized profusely. He did think she was a boy since her hair was short and her clothes were a bit baggy…plus he had seen her with that girl. Ami rolled her eyes as she led the boy; at least she found something to do in the morning.

There she spent the most of the morning teaching the boy. First, it was through lecturing about chakra, then magazines, then practice, then more magazines, then more practice, until finally, they returned to the field to practice once more.

"Ok Konohamaru, think of the figure and try again." Ami told the boy who concentrated on his chakra.

A poof of smoke and another failed attempt, Ami groaned out loud as a figure in the trees woke up from the sound.

Sasuke was sleeping on top of the tree trunk after a little workout, only to awake when he heard a noise. Looking up, he saw Ami yelling at a boy who attempted a jutsu…only to turn into a hideous woman. 'Is that Konohamaru?' He chuckled as he jumped down, greeting Ami.

"Oh, Sasuke," Ami greeted him back, "What are you doing here?" Konohamaru stopped to watch the exchange.

"I was training earlier, fell asleep, and woke up to you guys." Sasuke looked at the boy then at Ami, "You're not teaching him that jutsu, are you?"

"Yup, I sure am," she replied, proud of herself, "Konohamaru, get back in there and try again." She told the boy.

"Yes boss!" He formed the seal again and concentrated on his chakra.

"SEXY JUTSU!" he yelled out, disappearing in a puff of smoke, another girl appeared…not as ugly as the first but still ugly.

Ami sighed in disappointment, "Take a break."

"Sorry boss," the boy agreed a little sad.

"Ami, I was wondering, how did you come up with that jutsu?" Sasuke sat down on a log nearby as Ami joined him while Konohamaru quietly settled down in the ground near them, listening clearly.

"Oh," Ami thought back, "Well, I have seen men pass out at the look of a near naked woman, so I thought, why not. It makes a good prank too." She grinned as she looked at him, "And I found out, it helps to weed out the perverts…"

One of Sasuke's eyes twitched, 'It is kind of bad if people thought of you as a pervert.'

"Really then," he looked at the boy, "So I take it you are Konohamaru?"

"Yup, got a problem?" the boy replied smugly.

"Nope, I remember you from the Hyuuga party; you're grand father told me about you."

"Yeah," Konohamaru shrugged before standing up, "So what are you guys," he grinned as he lifted up his left pinky, "a couple?"

"WHAT!?" Ami smacked the boy again, "He's my team mate got it?" she stared hard at the boy rubbing his head who nodded in response.

Sasuke just laughed at how kids could come to conclusions so easily, "Konohamaru, try it again but think of not only the looks but why do you think it would be appealing to men in particular. Think what men would want to see in women."

Konohamaru had frozen in a thought, "Oh yeah, I remember reading this strange book I found at my grandpa's desk, it had some pictures in it, let me try something." He got into position again.

'Book?' Ami thought before rubbing her forehead, 'don't tell me the Hokage reads that book…it is so made by a perverted man, it just needs a woman's touch to lighten it a bit.'

Konohamaru tried again and this time it worked as a vixen of a girl appeared, making a kissing gesture before turning back. "YAY! Did I do it?"

At Ami's nod he smiled again. He looked up at Sasuke then back at Ami before asking, "Why didn't it work on Sasuke?"

"Oh," Ami answered as if it was nothing, "because he is a closet perv…"

"What the hell Ami!" Sasuke's face was red, "Is that what you think of me?"

She shrugged, "Maybe…don't think I forgot about the first time I used the jutsu at the academy."

"And I said I was just shocked!" Sasuke defended but it soon died as Ami chose to ignore it by saying, "they don't forget," and spoke to Konohamaru.

"So, you've learned it, what now?" Ami had asked but Konohamaru couldn't answer as a figure appeared in a puff of smoke.

"Honored grandson! What have you been doing with this" his mouth quirked in distaste, "… questionable person?" Ami grew angry at those words as Sasuke twitched in irritation.

"SHUT UP EBISU, I was training," Konohamaru turned into the lovely women as Ebisu stared in shock, sputtering he took his arm.

"She has tainted your training, come with me now." Ebisu pulled against the boy as he held on to the boy's arm.

"No, let go!" Konohamaru fought hard against being held.

"Hey, let him go," Ami started as she got up, "Konohamaru, let me introduce you to my new technique."

She formed a seal, "Shadow clone jutsu." Amis covered the field as Konohamaru stared at all the clones in amazement while Ebisu smirked and lifted his shades, "Maybe I'll teach you a lesson, little girl."

Ami smirked as the clones each transformed. Girls that would have been in every pervert's dreams appeared, all had hugged Ebisu as he tried his hardest to contain the blood trying to rush out of his nose. A few others had to turn away…Sasuke who looked down at the fields with a blush and the Hokage who watched through his crystal ball.

"T-This can't work on me…" Ebisu fought hard.

"Ebisu" a sultry voice spoke from one of the vixen clones hugging his leg.

"N-N-No, I am a gentle man." He fought harder.

Ami still smiled, "I call this, exploding sexy harem," distract and destroy, she grabbed Konohamaru as Sasuke stepped back.

Suddenly, each clone smirked as each exploded one by one, not enough to kill, but just enough that it would still hurt.

Taken by surprise, Ebisu had no time to perform a jutsu as he took the full blast, flew up in the air, and landed with a thud on the ground floor, a small smile graced his unconscious form.

"Well, at least I think he enjoyed it." Sasuke had commented his hands in his pocket, and walking up to the body he observed it with a kick while Ami talked to the boy who stared at Ami in admiration.

"Just to let you know, Konohamaru, becoming Hokage doesn't take a day, you're grandfather wasn't chosen to become the Hokage because he wanted it, he worked hard for it, he is the strongest ninja in the village and you don't earn that by just wanting everything. Besides," She towered above him, "if you want to become the Hokage, you have to beat me." Ami looked down at him as Konohamaru listened intently to each word before turning away.

Basically, the way he had been acting now isn't the right path to becoming the Hokage, he had to become stronger with hard work and now he finally understood "From now on, we are rivals then," he started walking away, "I will train hard to defeat you just wait."

"I'm looking forward to it." Ami said, watching the boy go as Sasuke appeared beside her, his lips quirked upward before speaking, "Ami, I think it's time to get our first mission."

Ami continued watching Konohamaru leave "Yeah," she replied happily, she had never had a person look up to her and it actually felt invigorating. "Sasuke, I'll race you to the tower," she said quickly and without warning as she sped off.

Sasuke watched her go, not even trying to catch up and when he was sure Ami was farther gone, he went over to Ebisu's body. Ebisu groaned in pain as Sasuke spoke coolly, "Ebisu."

The said person looked up to see the Uchiha looking down at him.

"Ami is a wonderful person despite what this village had done to her, If you are teaching Konohamaru to hate her, then I don't think you should be teaching him at all." He peered down at him with a patented Uchiha glare, "And to let you know, I am not the only one who notices how the villagers treat her, there is something going on and none of you guys are being secretive enough to hide it." Glaring one more time, he formed a sealed and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Sarutobi watched the scene from his crystal ball, he wondered what Konohamaru was doing with Ami and was skeptical about him learning the sexy jutsu, then felt sorry for Ebisu as he had fallen for the jutsu, and now he rubbed at his temples, his old age was catching up to him. Sasuke noticed what had happened, and being the smart boy he is, he might figure it out sooner about why the villagers hated Ami but maybe Sasuke was right about Ebisu, if he was teaching Konohamaru to hate her then…he sighed again, 'I'll deal with that later.' He wasn't proud at the way the villagers had treated Ami but there was so little he could do about it, but he was happy for the girl, she had found a good friend, in the Uchiha no less. He knew the boy wouldn't mind if he knew about the Kyuubi…Ami just needs to find a way of telling him. He paused for a moment 'Oh yeah,' He started packing up, 'they're coming here soon, better hurry.' He stood up and left the room.

Sasuke reached the tower before Ami as she complained when she saw him. Smirking, Sasuke just disappeared in a puff of smoke for his answer; it left a grumpy Ami walking up inside the tower.

Meeting Sasuke at the hall, she had found Sakura and Kakashi there waiting.

"Sasuke, using that jutsu was no fair in a race," she complained as Sasuke looked at her and answered, "Well, you didn't really set up any rules, just sped off and announced it was a race."

'Oh, good point," Ami thought sheepishly as the others just watched in amusement.

"So, let's get our mission, shall we," Kakashi spoke before turning to Ami, "By the way, you still need to take a picture later."

"Yes, I know sensei," Ami answered back as they walked towards the room.

"What happened to your picture?" Sakura asked as Ami gave her a look that said she didn't want to talk about it.

Reaching the destined room, they entered and reported to the Hokage, who was sitting in his seat reading mission scrolls as an assistant helped organize his desk.

"Team 7 reporting sir," Kakashi stated.

"Oh, first mission I see," Sarutobi chuckled at the eager look Ami let out.

'Here we go,' Sasuke thought as he looked around the office, 'Ami's probably going erupt all enthusiastic and ask if we are stopping some bandits somewhere…'

"Hey, hey, what is our mission, are we going to some faraway place to stop a bunch of bandits?" Ami asked excitedly.

'Then she would ask if we were going to escort some one important,' Sasuke thought as he scratched his neck.

"Or how about protecting a noble family on an escort mission?" Ami again spoke.

'Then Sarutobi will chuckle and tell us our mission which is probably something like clean up the park or something, and then Ami will freak out then someone will explain the whole low mission thing.'

Sarutobi chuckled at the girl, "Sorry Ami but your first mission is…to help weed out Mrs. Nayaru's garden." He tossed the scroll as Kakashi caught it.

Ami roared in protest, "IS THAT ALL!?"

"Ami, we are not handed high ranked missions yet," Kakashi explained, "First, a team has to build on its teamwork, then it has to build on its success rate, then we move up and attain better missions."

Sasuke sighed, yup, typical, always bandits, then royalty. Looking up he stopped them from arguing more, "Alright, alright, can we just do the mission already? Maybe we'll finish early then we can complete another mission." He started heading out the door as the others stared at him leave.

Kakashi was smiling as he followed, "You heard your teammate, let's go." He directed them out as Sakura followed and Ami grumbled on the way out.

The rest of the day was spent doing meaningless chores that often tested the patience of people. Being able to do the Shadow Clone jutsu helped a lot, so the team completed missions faster than expected.

This was how they had been spending their days, returning for low class missions and completing many in a day. Sasuke had a lot to think about these days, realization had finally hit him as he started to see that things were starting to become serious. Soon they would undertake the mission that would change their lives and he wondered if they were ready. He had thought about, watching Ami through these years, she really wanted to become the Hokage but he knew it would be hard without facing the trials ninja's face to become the Hokage. He decided then that he would do all he can, to shape Ami into becoming the perfect Hokage. He had enjoyed the break from the Academy but now, it was time to be serious…even if he had to act a little like the old Sasuke.

Ami had had enough of these pointless missions, this time, when there team went into the mission room she complained. Walking with her teammates, they entered the room and waited for their mission debriefing.

"The next mission would either be walking…" The Hokage started but stopped, interrupted by Ami.

"NO, NO MORE OF THESE MISSIONS!" Ami roared out to the silent nods of her teammates.

"Ami, watch your tone!" Iruka stood up from the desk.

"No, give us a higher ranking mission, we've been completing all these D rank missions, I just can't take them anymore." Ami was practically pulling her hair out.

Iruka felt bad for her but none the less spoke, "Ami, these missions are given to recent graduates from the academy, to build teamwork and en….."

Ami was scratching her ears as she chatted with Sakura; Sasuke stood back, quietly observing with Kakashi.

"AMI! YOU AREN'T LISTENING!" Iruka roared out from his seat.

The Sarutobi chuckled, "Iruka calm down, I think they deserve a C ranked mission."

"Lord Hokage, are you sure?" Iruka asked back.

"Yes Iruka, I am…" He waved his hand in the air, "Bring out the client."

The door soon opened and the team turned to see the client.

There stood on the door way was a drunken old man with glasses, holding a sake bottle.

Burping, he spoke in a loud voice, "I AM THE GR..SUPER BRIDGE BUILDER TAZUNA," he gulped another round of his bottle, "I need an escort to my village."

"Ah yes," the Hokage nodded towards team 7, "This team is assigned to you and will be escorting you to your village."

Tazuna looked at the group and groaned, "These guys…they look too weak to protect me."

The group twitched in agitation as Sasuke rolled his eyes. Kakashi defended, "Now sir, I assure you that we are more than enough for this mission, and I am a Jounin ranked ninja."

"Hmm…" Tazuna peered at the kids, "They look weak to me…especially your smallest member, that little boy."

Ami laughed as she pointed at Sasuke, "Sasuke, are you just going to let him say that to you?"

Sasuke and Sakura held back a laugh as they moved to Ami's sides comparing heights…she was the smallest one.

Dawning in realization Ami glared fiercely "I'M A GIRL YOU SON OF A…." Ami leapt but Sasuke and Sakura firmly held onto Ami's shoulders as Kakashi covered her mouth.

"Tazuna, please don't make fun of my students, they are the ones protecting you." Kakashi spoke pleasantly.

Tazuna sighed, muttering, "Whatever."

"Alright then," Kakashi spoke to the team, "Meet at the main gate in an hour, and don't be late…Tazuna, please come with me." Kakashi lead Tazuna out as the three students walked out of the building.

Ami started chatting with her teammates as they exited.

"Our first C ranked mission and we get this guy?" She huffed in anger.

"Well, at least we don't have to walk a dog or garden today." Sakura answered back as they continued walking. Sasuke looked at them, then spoke coolly, "Guys, pack up and be ready for anything. I'll meet you at the gate." He jumped on top of a roof and sped away.

Ami and Sakura watched him leave; each confused at Sasuke's attitude lately. Sasuke slowly became secluded through the days, it was as if he was worried over something but he wouldn't say, and they respected him enough that they wouldn't pry into it.

They each knew it but rather wait for him to come to them so they separated and went to prepare.

With the passing hour the team had met up at the main gate, each carrying a bag. Sasuke had worn his black leathered armor to the meeting, the Uchiha fan insignia picture on his back identified him as a friendly but he did scare the hell out of Tazuna when he arrived.

They each had made sure they were prepared before they left the village and started down the road. Ami was excited as she looked all around her, making comments while Sakura admired the scenery. Sasuke watched everyone in silent contemplation as they continued traveling. They had to slow down since they were escorting a non ninja, which would make travelling longer than expected.

Ami continued looking around as she walked. It was the first time she had left the village and she had to admire how big the world really was and had to wonder how many other places she would go, how many other adventures would she have. She turned to look at her teammates; Sakura seemed to be enjoying it as much as herself, Kakashi continued reading the perverted book as he walked…she shook her head at their sensei's perverted openness. Then she turned to Sasuke, she frowned as she watched him. He had latched on that mask of his but the eyebrows of his showed he was in deep concentration, as if he was pondering over something. It worried her because Sasuke had never acted like that, she always trusted him when she had a problem but what about if he had a problem. Why couldn't he turn to them, to his teammates, to his friends? She grew worried by the minute as they continued down the road.

It was mid afternoon as they continued their trek; the sun shined in the skies as they had perfect weather throughout the entire trip, the group spotted a puddle down the road. Walking the path, they passed the puddle without a second glance but already Sasuke and Kakashi had unnoticeably shifted in their position.

Two ninjas slowly rose up from the puddle; they each had a clawed gauntlet in one hand that had a chain which connected to each other's gauntlet. Breather masks and a horned slashed hiate covered their faces.

"Him first...go." the one with the larger horn commanded. They sprung up from the puddle, each one on different sides as they wrapped the single chain around Kakashi.

The group watched in horror as they pulled the chain, Kakashi had been split to pieces.

"One down," they spoke as they stared at the next target.

Despite the gasps of the group, Sasuke pulled out two of his 3 bladed Uchiha shurikens from his sides in each hand, quickly getting control of the situation.

"Sakura, guard Tazuna!" Sasuke pulled his arm back then threw one shuriken towards the chain as they came closer.

The strength and speed of the shuriken slashed through the chain as the little horned ninja met Sasuke, Sasuke had brought up his hand containing the dagger sized shuriken in time to meet the clawed gauntlet. Steel sparked as he held the position, watching a drip of poison leak out of the claws. The bigger horned one ran past him, towards the client. Sasuke quickly kneed the ninja he was up against, pulled the nin close and threw him towards the other nin, they connected, the ninja in the air met the older one and they went tumbling pass the client and Sakura, hitting a tree at the end. Sasuke turned his head to watch Ami, she was frozen in spot, this was her first ninja attack and he knew how she felt. "AMI SNAP OUT OF IT AND HELP ME!" Sasuke knew it was sudden but Ami needed to get over this now. She snapped her eyes at him, they look scared and unsure…he knew what he needed to do. "Crap…" Sasuke dashed towards Sakura as the nins attempted another strike, this time, one went after the client while the other decided to pick on the weakest link…Ami.

Sasuke stood in front of Sakura, his Uchiha shuriken returned to his side slot as he held both arms out, one towards the incoming nin and the other aimed at the nin dashing towards Ami. He knew Kakashi would appear soon but just to be safe, fire started appearing in front of his reached out arms as a small ball of fire was forming at the center of his palms, a jutsu already waiting in his mind.

Suddenly, Sasuke sensed a shift in the air, and Kakashi blurred in, each of his sides holding onto the head of the enemy nins, each passed out due to the pressure Kakashi had placed on their heads. He nodded an approval at Sasuke before turning to look at Tazuna. "We need to talk."

From there on out, after securing the captured and calling for the hunter nins, Tazuna had explained the economic depression his whole village faced and how it was ruled ruthlessly by a man named Gato. Tazuna explained that he needed to build a bridge to connect to the mainland if they have a chance to succeed…then he ruined the whole sad story by saying about how his daughter and grandchild will miss him dearly once he died.

Kakashi looked at his students, "This is now officially a B ranked border lined A ranked mission. A Jounin might attack us next, should we continue our mission?"

Sasuke stood impassive, waiting on one main person as Sakura started to speak.

"Kakashi, I don't know…" Sakura had spoken while looking at her teammates. She looked at Sasuke and followed his gaze to Ami…who was looking down in defeat.

'I froze…' that one statement ran through Ami's head as she replayed the situation over and over again.

'My team had counted on me and I failed,' Ami didn't want to look up, she grew angry at herself, angry at her failure. Suddenly, she felt an arm at her shoulder and without looking, she knew who it was.

Sasuke leaned close to her ear as his face mask was released and hanging at the side. "You've got a glimpse of the ninja life…do you really think you have what it takes to become Hokage?" he had whispered.

The words stung her as she contemplated, 'What kind of Hokage would she make." Ami felt herself becoming more depressed.

Sasuke continued whispering, "Will you give up now? Just over this…if you do, then you really are weak." Sasuke got up and stood back, his arms folded as he stood strait, eyes closed.

Ami's eyes were wide open at Sasuke's words, 'Give up?' she clenched her teeth; she never gave up, not over anything. Her fist clenched as she stared up and looked at Sasuke, her eyes were filled with determination, small tears sprouted as she shoved her fists towards Sasuke, her eyes briefly flashed red, "Never again…this will never happen again, I promise I won't give up." She spoke darkly as she rose up, "Kakashi sensei, Tazuna's village needs help, and I will continue this mission even if I have to do it by myself."

Sasuke still had his eyes closed but a small smile graced his features as he nodded in agreement. Sakura rose up with Ami, "Me too, I can't leave my teammates alone."

The group had decided and Kakashi had to give each one a proud smile as he too, nodded, "Then it is agreed, Tazuna, we will continue to protect you but we'll discuss the mission payment later. If a Jounin appears, let me handle it."Agreeing and laying out the terms, they had packed up and continued on their way.

It was close to nightfall as they had covered enough ground that they might reach the shores the next day. They settled down, unpacked and prepared camp for the night, Sasuke had changed to his regular outfit and set out to collect wood for burning; Ami helped Sakura set up the tents, taking out special sealed scrolls that summoned the materials for the tents. Kakashi watched over Tazuna as the camp finally settled. Sasuke lit the logs with a small fire jutsu as they each prepared their food. Dinner was a quiet affair, each one cautious as enemy Nins could be anywhere, only the spark of the flames could be heard until it was time to sleep.

Kakashi looked over at each one of his students, "We will take shifts for the night, I'll take first watch, then Sakura, then Ami, and finally Sasuke." He explained the time limit for each shift as each one agreed to the order, except for Sasuke, he spoke up, "Kakashi sensei, if it's alright, can I have first watch?"

Kakashi peered at him for a moment then nodded, "Alright then, Sasuke's shift is first then I'll take last…unless any one wants to switch?" Ami and Sakura agreed to the schedule then they gathered their things and prepared for the night. As soon as they went off to the tent, Sasuke summoned a few shadow clones and ordered them to guard a section near their camp. The clones each chose a spot and headed out to the direction as Sasuke sat up on a rock and watched the night.

He had been sitting there now for a while, contemplating what to do. So far, things had been the same as his world, despite the little differences; he knew the ninjas they would be facing next, it was just like his world. It was just hard trying to think of what to do, how can he stop Haku and Zabuza from dying this time? In his world, he had found that Zabuza and Haku grown tired of always being hunted by the Hunter nins of their village. They showed compassion at the end, showed how tired they really were at running…Haku had been the first person who had taught him the meaning of precious people and now, he had another chance to set this right…he just needed to figure out how.

Sighing, he resorted to one of his favorite past times…star gazing. The stars always comforted him, even as a child, he would lay at the fields staring up at the sky, watching each star flicker in and out; it always left him feeling small and unimportant in the world.

Lying down, he let go of his problems, his body relaxed as his eyes glazed over. He felt comfortable enough to even start humming a small tune he had remembered, sometimes singing along to the chorus as he continued watching the stars. Nothing moved in the night, only the clones that shifted slightly to investigate little noises that appeared.

…

Kakashi and Tazuna slept in one tent with space to spare for Sasuke as the girls slept in another. The camp was quiet as the breathing sounds from the men's tent could be heard. Ami lay awake at night, she couldn't sleep, especially after today; it would leave anyone awake at night. She tossed and turned, shutting her eyes, trying to force herself to sleep only to open her eyes. Then she saw Sakura next to her, watching. Sakura offered a comforting smile "Can't sleep?"

Ami sighed and rolled on her back, "No."

"Yeah," Sakura agreed. They both felt the effects of today, a final realization that they were ninjas and how their life was at the line; they would have to fight if they wanted to live.

They laid there in silence, contemplating as neither one of them could sleep.

"Have you noticed how quiet Sasuke has been lately?" Sakura broke the silence by asking.

"Yeah, you would have thought it matched him but…yeah" Ami couldn't finish it; they both had known Sasuke now and him staying quiet on a matter means that he had a problem.

"He is trying to be all macho again solving it by him-self, I mean, come on, why can't he tell us?" Ami shifted again from her position.

"Well, think about it," Sakura responded, "Did you see him today? He battled like he was used to it…he has seen bloodshed before, maybe he is used to keeping things to himself?"

"Then he is such a liar, he says we shouldn't hold it in and yet he does?" Ami huffed as she sat up.

"Then you mean hypocrite Ami…what are you doing?" Sakura also sat up.

"I am going to find out why." She stood up and went near the tent opening, inserting her sandals. Sakura had to admire how forward Ami was sometimes, she followed.

Slipping on their sandals, they each walked out of the tent into the quiet camp, walking towards the spot they suspected Sasuke would be.

…Don't try… to live so wise…the words were sung slowly without a care.

Ami and Sakura's ears perked up as they looked at each other mouthing, 'did you hear that?'

…don't cry… 'cause you're so right…

They silently walked towards the sound as the soothing voice continued to fill the air.

…don't dry with fakes or fears…'cause you will hate yourself in the end…

They arrived at the source of the sound only to find Sasuke who sat on top of a rock; he was looking up, in the skies quietly singing, repeating the words.

'Cause you will hate yourself in the end…'cause you will hate yourself in the end.

His lips moved slowly with each word and rhythm sung; his voice had a sound of sorrow and contempt, which matched how he looked; a sad smiled grace his face as he stared upon the starry sky.

They continued watching for a moment until someone had tapped them on the shoulder.

Ami and Sakura had jumped up in fright as a Sasuke clone watched them amusedly. The original Sasuke on the rock quickly pulled out a Kunai and pointed it at them. The girls looked back at him sheepishly as the clone went back to guarding. Sasuke let out a sigh as he placed his kunai back in his pouch. "Shouldn't you be asleep…you're shift is next Sakura." He spoke to them, resigned to sitting back on top of his rock.

In response, they walked up to Sasuke and sat near the rock, Ami spoke, "Sasuke, I…we wanted to ask you something?"

Sasuke didn't respond, just continued sitting, staring up at the sky; Ami continued, "You've been quiet recently, we want to know why?"

Sasuke thought about it, why was he really worried recently…well, not counting the whole confrontation that is about to occur tomorrow, then that left worrying about his teammates. He didn't know if he should start teaching them himself or continue what he has been doing, offering them advice in their training methods and occasionally teaching them some jutsus. He hasn't really been showing them any of his training styles yet, and he felt bad for that, especially if he wants to help them succeed.

"Hn," was his quiet response.

One of Ami's eyes twitched as she looked at Sasuke, her mouth quirked sideways, she was a bit put out by his reaction. Sakura decided to intervene before Ami said something that she would regret.

"Umm, Sasu," she spoke quietly and moved uncomfortably, worried etched in her voice, "we're just concerned, that's all and well, if you need to talk…" her voice was left trailing as Sasuke turned to face her, then Ami. Sighing again in defeat, he started speaking.

"I'm just concerned about you guys." He spoke the truth as the girls peered at him in confusion.

"I don't know what I'm doing most of the time, I just follow my gut feelings when things happen," he continued with a thought, 'like I always have been doing.'

The girls continued to listen to him speak, his voice sounded so unsure of himself, the confidence was lost in each word. This was Sasuke, the boy they all grew up with, who always knew what to do, always had a plan for everything, and was always full with confidence that everyone found it hard not to believe him.

Ami was the first to speak afterwards, "Why are you worrying about us, we can take care of ourselves."

"I know, I know," Sasuke softly spoke in reassurance, "but I think I haven't been a good friend lately."

They both looked at him, giving him a 'you can't be serious' look as Sakura spoke.

"What are you talking about Sasuke, you've helped a lot of people, you never let anyone down, and you've been the kindest person I have known." Sakura's hands were counting off the reasons as Ami nodded.

Sasuke offered them a smile, "I mean, I don't know if I trained seriously with you guys, I mostly kept my trainings a secret, maybe I should have showed them to you..."

"Sasuke," Ami started in irritation, "Stop being so depressed, you can't watch out for all of us, that's just hectic. Yeah, sure I'll always help my friends but I actually believe they can get stronger on their own, with their own training methods. You've helped me, sure, but I rather not depend on you, I want to grow stronger myself and if I need advice…well I'll turn to you or someone else."

Sasuke listened listened carefully and nearly kicked himself, all this worry for nothing…he felt bad, he should have trusted them more, trusted that they would become stronger on their own…then he remembered that they were all still kids or at least they are…mentally, they were going to become powerful when they grow up, even if he hadn't helped them.

"Sasu," the voice of Sakura brought him out of his thoughts, "You worry too much, you are a great friend to have, leave the worrying to the girls please." She stuck her tongue out as Sasuke had to chuckle along Ami's giggles.

"Alright then…thanks guys." He resumed his spot, calculating the hours he had left until Sakura's shift. Hopping down from his rock, he ruffled both their hairs as they quietly protested.

MY HAIR!!

Sakura scowled as Ami swatted his hand away. Sasuke chuckled again, "Guys, I appreciate this but go to sleep; the next shift is in a couple of hours." He looked at Sakura as she got the point.

"I'll help you a little Sakura, I'll leave a few clones to help you patrol."

Sakura had to ponder first, she replied, "Wait, don't your clones poof away once you're unconscious, or asleep?"

"Yeah, but if I disconnect my connection with my clones, then they only run on the chakra I stored in them. I can reconnect their link to you if you want so you would know if one was destroyed, or I can make them connected to each other so if one pops then the other clones would know right away and contact you, it's up to you really." He shrugged as he stretched his arms and legs; having to use the jutsu most of his life, he had understood the concept of the shadow clone jutsu and since no one had enough chakra to continually cast the jutsu, not many knew about using the shadow clone jutsu this way.

Sakura and Ami stared in amazement at his abilities, they knew he was a genius but they never heard of anything like that. Ami's mouth had a little drop of drool near the corners, she had to ask, "Sasuke…you must teach meeee." She leaned close to him as he stopped her with an awkward smile and hands against her shoulder, "I will, I will, promise. I also need to teach you guys the gravity seal, it's very useful for training, it's a lot like wearing weights to make you stronger, "he rubbed the back of his head, "and I still feel bad for not showing it to you guys sooner."

"It's alright Sasuke, just teach us when you can." Ami spoke, excited about learning.

Sakura was also excited, she often thought of herself as weak and now Sasuke is going to help them become stronger with a jutsu…she was determined to become stronger.

They bade each other a good night as the girls returned to their tents, each feeling a lot better as Sasuke returned to his spot. Someone else had been listening, and he knew who it was. His clone had spotted him and Sasuke had given a mental command to leave the figure alone as Sasuke went back to staring at the sky, another tune in thought.

The shadowy figure in the background nodded his head in approval; his students are far advanced than the other teams. He knew Sasuke had spotted him, the clone that passed over him had stopped for a second then left the spot, even when he had been hiding, the clone still found him which spoke a lot of Sasuke's skills. The gravity seals…he wondered where Sasuke had learned it, maybe the Uchiha libraries?

If his team did well on this mission, then maybe they might be ready to take the Chuunin exams coming up next month…sure they would be the youngest members attending but…that might be good for them.

The figure grinned underneath its mask and soon popped out of existence, Sasuke was good at watching the camp so his help wasn't needed, so he returned all the info and chakra back to its master who laid half asleep in the tent. He too, grinned at the idea before finally falling asleep; assured the shifts would work out well.