Well. I was wrong about having good Wifi during my vacation, but oh well. I'm back in the states now, so here's this one! The separate one-shot will have to wait a while, but it is in my plans. Once I get back into the swing of both of my jobs I should be able to pup chapters out again, so hopefully, I'll see you guys more often.

Enjoy this thing I don't own.

Sasuke woke up in his room, alone for the first time in weeks. He couldn't lie to himself as he sat up to wipe the sleep from his eyes: he missed Sakura's warmth sleeping next to him. Sasuke simply sat in bed for a full minute, contemplating what had occurred over the last mission. He had killed a lot of people, and his only consolation of the fact was that none of them were innocent. But every time he allowed himself to think of it as killing people instead of killing enemies of Konoha he felt the all-too-familiar darkness cloud his mind.

Standing now and looking for a clean shirt, Sasuke allowed his thoughts to drift to his teammates. He was more worried about Sakura for more than just relationship reasons. She was new to the whole 'trauma and destruction' thing, something Sasuke figured Naruto would be totally fine dealing with by now. But Sakura had only just gotten on board with Team 7's methodology, and Sasuke was worried about how well she was holding up. Maybe it was time for another one of the team's interventions at Kakashi's?

Sasuke paused in his search for clothing as he scratched at his hip. The waistline of his sleeping shorts had bunched up during the night, something he was going to have to get used to again. Although they hadn't 'sealed the deal', sleeping with Sakura usually meant sleeping naked.

"Oh darn, I was hoping you would sleep naked!"

Sasuke spun to his now open window, his heart and adrenaline spiking at the intruder's voice. He got halfway through what few hand signs he needed for a fireball, but a strong snake entrapped his arms. His first frantic thought was Orochimaru again, but he calmed after remembering that the voice was feminine. Anko.

"Damnit, Anko! Don't just come into my room like this! I have a girlfriend!" Sasuke did his best to cover up his embarrassment with blustery anger.

Anko simply laughed loudly, licked her lips, and looked at the rest of Sasuke left exposed. "And I can see why! And don't worry, I also have a boyfriend, which is why I'm here."

The snaked released Sasuke and then retracted into Anko's… arm? "What are you talking about? I don't know you well enough for a double date, and if you ask for a threesome, I'm asking Naruto to put a seal on me to keep you at least a hundred yards away from me."

Anko couldn't help herself at that, and she sat heavily on the windowsill to laugh. While holding her sides and ignoring Sasuke's angry glares, she wiped a tear of mirth and spoke again, "The double date idea might not be too bad since you know your brother well enough!"

Sasuke completely forgot his half-nakedness after hearing Anko was dating his brother. "Back up! What?!"

"Live with it, Princess! I'm boning your brother."

"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THIS!"

"Do such large dicks run in the family I wonder?"

"GODDAMNIT ANKO LEAVE!" Sasuke had his hands clasped over his ears and his eyes screwed shut, but her piercing laughter could be heard anyway.

"Ha! I was just considering helping out my future little brother is all! Do you have a summoning contract, by chance?"

This piqued Sasuke's interest, and he slowly lowered his hands from his ears. "Not yet, no. When Itachi gets back he promised to take me to the vault and look into maybe getting the Hawks to accept me."

Anko snorted at the idea, "Hawks? That's hardly suitable for one of the Next Sannin! How would you like a pact with the Snakes? Keep the streak going, and all that?"

Sasuke stared at her in dumbfounded awe and confusion. "But Orochimaru is the main holder, isn't he the only who can offer the contract?"

Anko waved off his question. "The Snakes are pretty particular about that stuff. They acknowledge the person who is both the strongest and who commands the most respect from them as the main holder. Orochimaru may be stronger than me, but he's an inverted shit pipe so I get all the respect!"

Sasuke was still a bit shocked, so all he could do was nod.

"Great, so just sign this here in blood," Anko produced an ancient looking scroll with a poof, "and then you should be all set! Oh, and since you'll need training in the actual Hebi style, I'll be coming with you on your next mission to torture you!"

"You mean train me?"

"I'm gonna say yes."

Sasuke only paused momentarily in his blood signing after hearing that, but he figured it would be worth it. "So I'm the second person on my team to inherit one of the legendary contracts…"

"Third, actually. Sakura had to sign the Slug contract before she could master Tsunade's seal thing. But now you're caught up!"

'What? Why didn't she tell me? Why didn't she summon during our mission at all?'

"Speaking of Sakura, she's probably already at that meeting with the Hokage you have scheduled for… four minutes from now."

"FUCK FUCK FUCK."

"I'd get dressed before you leave~" Anko sing-songed as she leaped back through the window.

Sakura sat impatiently in the large leather chair across from her Hokage and teacher. Sasuke was never this late to anything, being a firm believer of 'ten minutes early is five minutes late'. She could tell that Tsunade-sensei was also less than pleased, likely wanting to get whatever business this was out of the way this early in the morning.

"Sorry, I'm on time!" Sasuke strolled through the door, doing his best to discreetly smooth the wrinkles in his clothes she knew were from rushing over here.

"This isn't like you, Sasuke. What held you up?" Tsunade asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"… Anko."

"Oh, all is forgiven then."

Sakura rubbed her temples at the exchange, thinking to herself just how lucky Sasuke was that he was cute.

Sasuke took the seat next to his girlfriend and Tsunade began the meeting, "Now that we are all here, Naruto won't be joining us as he's already on another mission, we can begin."

That information definitely surprised the two remaining members of Team 7.

"I have already promoted him to full jonin based on the last mission's results, and now I'm considering doing the same for you two."

Both teens shifted with excitement, sharing a glance that conveyed the feeling almost simultaneously.

"I will be giving you each a pair of chunin to lead on the Kumo frontline, prepping our side for the war and intercepting any of Kumo's scouting groups that you may find. You'll each have a jonin advisor there to evaluate you, and I believe that you should have enough results in by the month's end for me to make a decision."

Sasuke gave a small, confident smirk and Sakura pounded one fist into her open palm, the fire in her eyes one that Tsunade had grown accustomed to over the last year.

"That being said, Sakura, you will be evaluated by Kakashi. He has assured me that your prior relationship will not interfere with his evaluation of you, so don't it to become easier."

Sakura felt a sweat-drop form, 'If anything it'll be harder to impress Kakashi-sensei than anyone else!'

"Sasuke you will be graded by Anko, who has informed me of her plan to give you the Snake contract. I assume she did so this morning."

There was a small whine that came from the Uchiha, and Sakura understood his apprehension. Anko was fucking nuts.

"I should also inform you of the new title your team now carries. There are more than a few people that are referring to you as the 'Next Sannin' along with a slew of monikers that Naruto used to be so excited about. Kumo, in particular, has started throwing around names... if Jiraiya's spies are to be believed. Sasuke, I suspect your performance along Frost's border that sprouted rumors of 'Konoha's Dark Angel'."

"What about mine?" Sakura asked with a hint of excitement in her voice. With Naruto being 'Konoha's Shadow Reaper' and Sasuke being 'Konoha's Dark Angel' they could be the coolest named team in History! Like, maybe the 'Shadow Stalkers' or something equally awesome! Naruto was really starting to rub off on her…

"Uh, I think you should maybe just focus on getting a few more, is all," Tsunade tried to dodge the question.

"No, I wanna hear this one! Do you know how cool it would be if we added onto the 'Next Sannin' as a team and became something like the 'Three Without Light' or something? Or 'The Dark Divines' if my name stays with the otherworldly theme?!"

Sasuke gave her a sideways glance, not expecting this Naruto-esque rant from his girlfriend. Granted she had a point, but it was still a bit different coming from her. Naruto was really rubbing off on her.

Tsunade scratched her neck and fidgeted. "Yes, that would be quite a boost for Konoha's fame. But… your current moniker, even in Kumo's updated Bingo Book… is the 'Pink Bitch'."

Sasuke couldn't restrain the single snort, and Sakura fell backward in her large chair, trailing a stream of tears as she did so.

Naruto was putting up a decent pace to Taki, slightly slower than he would with his own team since he didn't know Sai and Sho's limits, but since they were Root he still went faster than the standard travel speed.

He was also fighting a constant headache, Sho's incessant talking was driving him mad. There wasn't even any reason for it! And Sai wasn't stopping him or responding him, so the talkative Root member was simply speaking to the air.

"Like, if an amphibian grew scales would that make them a reptile? What's even the line of distinction in the first place? It's ridiculous! They both lay eggs, but have you noticed that we don't really eat either of them?"

Sai seemed content to ignore the blabber, but Naruto had had enough. "Pull up!"

The three stood on a branch high above the ground, and before Naruto could begin to speak to his team the Root members seemingly switched roles. Sho had silenced himself and Sai began speaking.

"Why are we stopping, Naruto? I was under the assumption that as our leader you would choose a pace you could handle for at least as long as us."

Naruto's eyebrow rose in mild surprise, he wasn't sure if it was simply a blunt question that Sai had trouble phrasing due to his condition or a thinly veiled jab at Naruto's competency. Either way, Naruto knew he would have to address the pale teen's words.

"Hell, it could have been both! In that case, just beat the snot out of him. Root or not he'll get the message." Kurama went mostly ignored.

"I figured now would be as good a time as any to give you a teaching moment. Sho, during your hour-long talk, who responded to you?" Naruto asked.

"Well, I did, of course! I'm a great conversationalist, I all agree."

Naruto almost felt a vein pop in his forehead. "Nonetheless, it's generally considered rude to hold one ended conversations while traveling with others. We were remaining silent out of both politeness and annoyance"

Sho smacked a hand to his forehead, a look of utter surprise on his face, "Well why didn't ya say so! If I could read minds it wouldn't matter, but holy hell I'll need you guys to tell me if you want in on my conversations!"

Sai shook his head, "He means that a lack of a conversation would be preferable. Your incessant talking has made him upset."

"And you, Sai, have a bad habit of making everything you say sound insulting."

"Who's to say I'm not just insulting you?"

"I like him."

"Seeing as I'm your commanding officer, I say you aren't insulting me."

Sai looked contemplative for a moment, but the words eventually seemed to sink in.

"Oh! Oh, I know this one!" Sho yelled with his hands in the air. "Naruto, you're upset right? It's okay, I know you don't like showing it so I can do it for you."

"No, really Sho it's fine," Naruto started.

"Sai, you stupid piece of shit! You shut the hell your mouth when you're talking to me! That's what Naruto is thinking, anyway."

Naruto closed his eyes, doing his best to keep his temper in check.

"I see, I apologize for any ill intentions I may have involuntarily given off, Naruto," Sai bowed in apology, thoroughly confusing the blond jinchuriki. "I will do my best to learn these 'social cues' that seem so important."

Sho pat Naruto on the shoulder good-naturedly, "See? Don't you worry about a thing, Boss. I've got your back, I'll be upset for you whenever you need it!"

"This is going to be a long mission, isn't it?"

"Can you kill me from in there?"

Sakura sat in the lounge area of the makeshift base with the small team she was leading. They had just finished their shift of patrol, and they were given free rein of the limited facility. The room currently consisted of one actual couch, one leather chair, and several stumps used for additional seating. At least it was out of the sun, though.

"So, Sakura, how're things with you and Sasuke?" Ino asked as she walked in with a bowl of rice. It was the first she had asked about her relationship, and Sakura was curious as to why she was bringing it up now.

"I'd say pretty good, why?" the pinkette responded slowly. "Why do you ask?"

Ino waved off what she assumed was suspicion, "Don't worry about me going after him, I'm set on someone else… but I was just wondering how you guys 'handled' the sleeping situation during missions."

Sakura laughed lightly, the stress of possibly arguing with Ino over old shit leaving her body. "Naruto's been really cool about it, and he knows that we won't do anything too inappropriate during a mission. He does like to tease though." For some reason, Ino's eyes seemed to haze over at the mention of Naruto.

"Wait, so that means that you guys haven't… you know?"

"We haven't had sex if that's what you're asking. We almost did a few times, but Itachi or my parents usually interrupted us," Sakura said bluntly, only a hint of blush on her face. While different, girl talk could be fun.

"Well, it's great to hear things are going well for you guys! I guess I've also brought it up because of the new guy. I think he's got a thing for pink hair," Ino whispered.

Sakura looked at the door, fully expecting to see Dray, the other member of the temporary team, waltz in. He didn't. "You think he's been flirting with me on the way here?"

Ino's eyes rolled, "Listen, Billboard, if you weren't constantly daydreaming about your emo boytoy you'd have been smothered by how hard he's trying to come on to you. Unprofessional if you ask me."

A tick mark appeared on Sakura's forehead, her irritation at both the comment at the old nickname almost physical. "What's wrong, Pig? Upset that I actually got the guy I wanted?"

Ino scowled and looked away, likely coming up with a retort. The girls were interrupted, however, when Dray actually came in.

"There's the rest of my beautiful team! Sakura I've been looking for you in particular, actually!" the slightly older teen greeted. He was eighteen, if Sakura remembered correctly, almost a full three years older than both her and Ino, and he was still a chunin. Granted, that was standard for most people, but considering the company Sakura kept, she was a little underwhelmed.

"Hello, Dray. Are you enjoying our time off? We've only got another three hours before we're back on duty," Sakura greeted, now listening closely for any signs of the flirtation that Ino was talking about.

"I could think a few better ways to spend a couple of hours, but I've been surviving," the gray-haired chunin said with a smile. If she thought hard enough about it, Sakura could see how that could be suggestive… but she didn't want to jump to conclusions or anything.

Sakura decided to play it safe and try to subtly throw it out there, "I hear you. Ino and I were just talking about girl stuff, we used to do it a lot as kids, but it's become more and more infrequent the older we get."

Ino picked up on the silent hint, "Yeah, but it was nice hearing about your boyfriend again." Ino made sure to draw out the word 'boyfriend' for her friend's sake.

Dray's eye seemed to twitch, but he regained his composure rather quickly. "So, you two knew each other before this mission?"

Sakura nodded as Ino told him, "We actually graduated together. Seems like forever ago, but it hasn't even been two years… and Sakura's already going for her Jonin promotion!"

'Way to toot my horn, Ino.'

"That's amazing!" Dray exclaimed, and Sakura was starting to get skeptical of his supposedly unsavory motive. Maybe the knowledge of a boyfriend deterred him? She could definitely respect that.

"You know," Dray started, a sly smile growing on his face, "I could give you a celebratory present early if you wanted. I know someone as pretty as you will get the promotion."

And there went most of the respect Sakura had for him. Boys.

"Are you… hitting on me? Your superior officer who has a boyfriend?"

Ino remained silent, opting to see how the scene would play out.

"Well, we're on break and all, and what he doesn't know won't hurt him… but it could do the opposite of hurt you."

'That was pathetic!'

"Do you know who I am, Dray? Who my boyfriend is? And by extension, who my OTHER extremely protective teammate is?" Sakura asked. She knew that plenty of rumors were circulating. Stories about her team along with a few other up and coming teams. Naruto made sure to get their names well known.

"You're Sakura, but how am I supposed to know your team? And why should I care?"

"Okay, let's try it this way. Who's my supervising officer for my promotion?"

"Kakashi of the Sharingan, everyone knows him."

"And who was his most recent and ONLY genin team?"

"Team… 7?"

"Who consisted of Naruto Namikaze, Sasuke Uchiha, and…?"

"Oh fuck. The Shadow Reaper?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, fuck. And the Dark Angel?"

"Mhmm."

"Let's fuck."

"That's ri-, WHAT THE HELL?" Sakura went from smug to outraged in less than a second.

Dray looked ecstatic. "I would give anything to sleep with someone as famous as you! No one would even believe me if I said I stole the girlfriend of an Uchiha!"

"Probably because it'll never happen, and if you keep pushing the subject, I'm going to crush you."

"With your thighs, hopefully!" Dray laughed a crude laugh.

"Let me tell you something, Dray," Sakura stood up and took a step towards him, "I've picked up a few things from my team. One, I don't make empty threats. This is your last warning. Two, it would literally take my one finger to finish you in any fight we may or may not have."

Dray smirked, obviously not taking her seriously despite her closing proximity. She only came up to his chest, and she just didn't look all that intimidating. "And I can promise you that I would only need two fingers to finish you."

Sakura gave a flat smile, her lips folding inwards between her teeth as she brought a hand up to his chest.

Then she flicked him. Her middle finger found his sternum, and before he could even scream out in pain he found the opposite wall. Dray crumpled to the floor in a heap, likely a heap with a few broken bones.

"Breaking your team isn't generally the best move to make while on a mission, Sakura," Kakashi said from behind both girls. Neither of them bothered wondering about his entrance as it was Kakashi of all people.

"I can fix him up an hour before we go back on duty, let him suffer for a while. It was that or file for sexual assault, send him home, and then be one man short on the next patrol."

Kakashi hummed in approval, "Okay then, good choice."

Ino laughed, finally breaking her self-induced vow of silence, "Sasuke would be so proud."

A hundred miles down the border, Sasuke smirked to himself for a reason he didn't understand. Was this feeling… Pride?

"Watcha smiling about, Pussylips? Wet daydream about your girlfriend?" Anko asked him.

Sasuke's lips returned to their preset scowl, "No, and can you pick a different name for me?"

"Nah, it works because every time you talk I want to punch you in the mouth so fucking hard you shit teeth."

"... You have no idea how concerned I am about your mental health."

"What about your health in general?"

"… Fuck."

"Anyway! We have two hours to get you all chummy with the snakes you'll be summoning. I made sure that Lee and Ava won't bother us, so you have my… undivided… attention…"

Sasuke was almost used to her constant sexually charged tone, but he was still worried for Lee and the new girl. She just became a chunin in the last exam, she didn't deserve to be forced to team up with Anko just yet.

"Please tell me you didn't tie them up somewhere."

"Do you want to be upset or lied to?"

Sasuke just shook his head and went through the signs needed to summon his first sake.

"Oh, you're an eager one! Here's the deal, don't think about how much chakra to use, just yank a snake out of your ass and find out which one you'll be partnered with," Anko said something actually helpful for once.

Sasuke did just that, but he was surprised at the drain he felt to his chakra. Before he knew it, he was several dozen feet up in the air. Scales met his hands when he tried to steady himself, and Anko had a pleased look on her face.

"Anko, you had better hope for your sake that it was the new summoner who called me here."

Sasuke coughed to get the snake's attention. "It was me. My name is Sasuke, and if I'm not mistaken you are my partner?"

The snake exhaled in a short, sharp hiss; something Sasuke likened to a chuckled or snort. "One so young partnering with one of my bloodline? You intrigue me, human. I am Ryu, son of Manda and next to inherit the title Boss of my kin."

Sasuke had a stunned look on his face, and Anko's showed only pleasure. Not the perverse kind, surprisingly enough.

"Really? I can't say I expected that… so, how does this partnership thing work?" Sasuke asked, sitting down cross-legged on Ryu's head.

There was a deep rumble within the snake before he spoke again, "We must agree on terms of our contract before you are allowed to summon me to battle. What do you offer me in return for my service?"

Sasuke sat dumbstruck, not prepared in the slightest for a negotiation.

"I assume Anko did not warn you of this?" Sasuke shook his head in response. "I figured as much. Her nature is one of the many reasons I never agreed to work with her, although many of my kin find her intriguing. I for one dislike the constant tarnishing of my kin's name."

That gave Sasuke an idea, "In that case, I offer you respect."

Another hissy laugh, "You would have to give me that regardless!"

"Not just from me," Sasuke continued, "From the Elemental Nations. From the other Summons. I will bring honor back to holders of the Snake contract, and in turn to the Snakes themselves."

This made the large Ryu think. "I am indeed intrigued, young Sasuke. How do I know you will uphold your end of the bargain?"

"Each of my teammates has one of the other two Legendary Three summons. Alongside the Slug and Toad summoner, I plan to erase the evil Orochimaru has added to the Snake's name. We will outshine the Sannin, and I want to do it with you as my partner."

"You are good with your words, Sasuke. That is a good trait for a serpent to have… very well! I accept your proposal provided you simply do not summon me in a battle against my father, Manda. I may rescind this limitation in a year or so when I am closer to fully grown, but as of now I refuse to fight a battle I cannot win."

"I accept, Ryu. I look forward to working with you."

"Hey boys!" Anko called out, "You two have fun meeting the other snakes, I'm going to go untie Ava and Lee."

Sasuke rubbed his temples as she left. "Would you mind staying here and introducing me to your kinsmen? I know that introductions with the more powerful summons can get… confused, especially if someone my age is the summoner."

"I assume you are referring to the toads?"

"Yeah."

"The fact that you can already summon multiple high-tier snakes is impressive, Sasuke. I have no doubt that you will be accepted for your strength, and I have a feeling that you may one day wrench the contract out of Orochimaru's hands."

"Oh, I will. I just haven't decided if I should kill him first or not."

"Ha! Yes, I find you very intriguing indeed, Sasuke."

Gaara stood straight, stock-still as he looked over the forces below him. Roughly four thousand Suna shinobi had gathered, and they had gathered under him. He knew that some of them were still wary of him and Shukaku, but the majority of them had trust that he would keep them safe. And by Kami, he would do his best.

The leaves rustled with the wind, and Gaara felt a presence coming his way. He knew it was Naruto, Kurama to be more exact. Gaara would never forget the feeling of those two, and he could feel them getting closer by the minute. Once Naruto showed up with his backup, Suna would move in and meet up with the Taki nin.

"Bring my siblings here, our guests will be here soon," Gaara said aloud, trusting that the ninja around him would do as told.

He didn't have to wait long, and Temari led Kankuro onto the rocky outcrop that the youngest sibling was stationed on. "You called, Gaara?" she asked as she approached.

"Naruto will be here before too long, we have to get everyone ready to move."

"We can have them all ready in ten minutes," Kankuro said.

"That will be fine."

The two left, and Gaara allowed a small amount of his Biju's chakra out, trusting Naruto to pick up on and find him. Gaara would be lying if he said he wasn't excited to see his first friend.

Naruto didn't make the stoic teen wait long, and he showed up in half the time Gaara thought he would. "Gaara! I thought that was you leaking chakra!"

Gaara raised an eyebrow, "I would hope that no one else has Shukaku's chakra to throw around."

"Was… was that a joke? From you?" Naruto's eyes were as wide as his smile.

Gaara ignored the question despite the mirth hidden behind his eyes. He turned and addressed the two shinobi behind the blond. "Hello, I am Gaara of the Sand, jinchuriki of the Tanuki."

"I am Sai," was the first curt response.

"The name's Sho! Nice to meetcha, Red!" Naruto had to actively try and avoid knocking out the hyperactive teenager.

Gaara didn't comment on either of their odd behaviors and instead asked Naruto, "Is this all of the reinforcements you were sent with? I was expecting you to be leading a few more to help our cause."

Naruto looked puzzled, "Originally I was going to be all that was sent, I'm stuck with these two to teach them how to people. You know how it is."

"Tsunade wanted to send you alone to help me with my four thousand shinobi?" Gaara asked lowly.

Naruto choked on his inhale, causing Sho to laugh at him and his misery. "Sorry, Gaara, I thought you said four thousand!"

"I did."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I can pop out a few thousand clones at roughly chunin strength. Maybe that's what she had in mind?"

That seemed to placate the other jinchuriki. "Fine. I'll send her a message when I get back to Suna. Temari and Kankuro will have the forces ready to meet with Taki in a few minutes."

"You aren't staying?"

"I came out mainly to personally greet our Konoha forces and thank them on behalf of Suna, but also because I knew you would be part of them. I didn't know you were to be the majority, but it is what is. Besides, a Kage shouldn't be in the field unless necessary."

"Okay yeah, that makes sensssssswh-wait. What?" Naruto stuttered to a halt.

"I'm the Kazekage, Naruto. I figured Tsunade would tell you. Temari and Kankuro are both Commanders under me, and they each have two thousand shinobi here, I'm only here as a figurehead."

"CAN WE BACK UP TO THE KAZEKAGE PART?" Naruto screeched.

"Red's in charge of everyone, and he picked two people he's in charge of to be in charge of other people. Don't you know how this thing works, Boss?" Sho interrupted calmly.

"Pretty much what your socially inept comrade said, yes," Gaara confirmed, laughter dancing in his eyes.

"But you're like, my age! How come they picked you?" Naruto redoubled his questioning.

"Likely as I am the strongest fighter, son of the previous Kazekage, and already have everyone's respect in the form of fear. I am currently working on eliminating the fear aspect of my leadership, but my council says that it's not too big of an issue."

Naruto smiled then, "So I technically beat Suna's strongest fighter, eh? I beat a Kage?"

Gaara's arms crossed in amusement, "A lot has changed since the exams, Naruto. I have changed."

"That makes two of us," Naruto laughed. There was a bit of a rivalry between the two, and Gaara becoming Kage before Naruto only fueled the fire.

"Everyone is ready to move, Gaara," Kankuro called out as he approached. Temari was trailing not too far behind him, and Naruto noticed that they both walked with the new confidence he would expect of new officers.

"Naruto, it's good to see you again!" The fan wielder said as she approached. "Where are you hiding your forces?"

"Holy hell!" Sho screamed, making everyone present jump. "Hey Boss, if everyone in Suna looks like her can I get a transfer?"

Reactions were… varied. Temari herself was more taken aback than anything, but Kankuro showed all the anger she was lacking. His painted face was drawn back in a fierce scowl, his teeth bared at who he assumed was an idiot. Gaara remained cool in his indifference, but the twitches from his fingers and the shifting sand betrayed him. Naruto, of course, reacted the most visibly. He dropped into a seated position, hanging his head in hands as Kurama laughed his ass off.

"Naruto, you might want to inform your friend that hitting on my sister is not the brightest idea at the moment," Gaara said flatly, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

Before Naruto could say anything Sho opened his mouth again, "What? I didn't hit anybody, but Mr. Painty over there looks mad enough that he might hit me. How come he's allowed to hit on me?"

Kankuro relaxed when he found out that Sho was a completely different kind of idiot.

"I'm sorry, Temari, both Sho and Sai here are socially inept. They're here to try and learn how to integrate back into society," Naruto explained as he stood up.

Temari nodded in understanding, looking between the two pale shinobi. "Long-term deep cover missions?"

"Something like that, yeah."

Now satisfied if not put off by Sai's silence, Temari asked, "So where is everyone again? You never answered me."

Gaara spoke then, "Naruto is the backup Tsunade sent us. The other two are 'accessories' or 'add ons'."

Both of Gaara's siblings looked shocked for a second, and then Kankuro asked, "Why did she send us one person? I don't mean to be rude, Naruto, and I don't want to question the strength of one of the Next Sannin… but how are you going to help our four thousand shinobi?"

Naruto felt his insides stir at 'Next Sannin'.

"Looks like your team is starting to get famous."

"Well," Naruto started, preparing to both brag a bit and reassure the puppet master, "I can summon the Toad Boss, his two Brothers, and the Kyuubi into battle. I have a technique that technically gives me unlimited chakra given time to prepare, or I can merge with Kurama for a more destructive set of techniques. And I guess if I really wanted to I could pop out a few thousand clones before dipping into my chakra reserves, but that seems unnecessary."

"Point taken, no need to show off," Kankuro grumbled and threw a friendly punch at Naruto's shoulder.

Sai, bless his ignorant soul, lunged when Kankuro moved to knock Naruto's shoulder. Naruto sighed and caught Sai before he could attack Kankuro. "No, Sai, friends like to slug each other like this. Watch," Naruto threw a fist into Kankuro's shoulder. The large teen didn't rock hardly at all, but he was more than a little amused with Sai's antics.

"I see. I apologize for my ignorance. I will attempt to also punch what friends I make."

Before Naruto could correct or add onto that Sho jumped in place. "Sai! Hey, we're friends right?"

"I don't believe so, no," Sai' response was as flat as ever.

"Good! Then let's become friends!"

Sho threw a heavy punch at Sai, and the usually alert teen was so dumbfounded that he didn't try to avoid it. Instead, the punch landed with full force on his cheek, throwing him several feet and completely knocking him out.

Naruto dragged his hands down his face as both Kankuro and Kurama laughed boisterously. "God DAMN it, Sho…"

The teen in question looked from Sai's unmoving body to Naruto repeatedly, his wide smile looking for some form of approval.

Naruto turned to Temari, "Let's just get moving. Sai will catch up when he wakes up."

Well, the war is about to really kick off. Stick around and see who gets kicked