Holy crap, I've now officialy surpassed Gaara's Daybreak in terms of length. And i'm nowhere near done! I wonder if any of you spotted the easter egg in the last chapter, anyone who did will be my new best friend. As usual, it would be intersting to see where you think i'm going with this story, the guesses are always fun to read and help me decide waht's going to happen next. For example, some of the reviewrs said it was obvious Anko was just going to whisper something to Naruto. So of course, I knew what I had to do. I wonder how far I will go for the sake of humour? Aw who am I kidding, I'll go anywhere except Yaoi.

Disclaimer: Ring ring... ring ring... ring-...knock knock, who's there? Iowa, Iowa who? Iowa you a new doorbell. Just thought that up. yeah, I kicked myself.

The dust settles

It hadn't stopped raining since that day. It was like Konoha itself was mourning the loss of Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage. Naruto stood in his apartment, looking into his mirror. He'd hoped he would never have to wear these clothes, that they would go disused. He knew it was naïve, but it was a hope he felt that everyone shared. He heard his door slide open and knew Sasuke was there.

"You ready?" he asked, solemnly.

"Yeah." Naruto replied, turning to face him. It wasn't so bad for Sasuke, he actually suited his funeral clothes. But Naruto felt like his were made to be heavier than average, the weight was nearly unbearable. He followed Sasuke out of the apartment, locking the door behind them. They slowly walked down into the street, neither of them saying a word as they passed the rubble and destruction from the invasion that devastated the village only a few days ago.

The streets were empty, no one felt like going outside today. They would rather just stay inside and try to forget the tragedy that had befallen them. Naruto and Sasuke were on their way to the academy, where the funeral was taking the place. But first they needed to find Sakura, who was waiting for them outside her home. The only thing that seemed less bearable to Naruto than wearing his funeral clothes was to see Sakura wearing hers. He could already see her expression, it made his heart tighten. This was another pain he couldn't save her from, he felt like such a failure.

They walked into the street Sakura lived in, and true enough she had waited for them, her eyes on the ground and her expression of sadness was worse than Naruto had imagined. She heard their footsteps and looked up at them, attempting to smile, but failing. When they reached her, Naruto pulled her into a hug and Sasuke put a hand on her shoulder, something she was very grateful for.

As the three of them walked to the academy, Sakura tried her best to be as strong as Naruto and Sasuke were right now. To be honest, it wasn't that she was afraid she might cry, she actually might have preferred it to the numbness she was feeling now. It was as if things couldn't be worse, and couldn't possibly get better. She wanted to cry, her inability to mourn like she should made her feel subhuman, she was worried it would seem like she didn't care.

Naruto was glad it was raining.

They entered the courtyard of the academy, where other ninja were converging in their black clothes. Shino, Kiba and Hinata looked at them, Shino and Kiba giving small nods and Hinata the tiniest of waves. Naruto nodded back to them and they moved on, walking inside the academy, where the silence was even heavier without the sound of rainfall. They followed the crowd to the stairs leading to the roof, a silent procession walking to a sight no one wanted to see.

Two women stood at the doorway to the roof; the Hokage's former attendants. Their acting willpower was amazing as they greeted each person with a smile. Naruto and Sakura returned their smiles, very aware that these two women felt as cheerful as they did. Working with the Hokage on a daily basis, it was understandable that they would be saddened by his loss. Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke took their places next to Kakashi. Even he wasn't about to be so disrespectful as to be late for this occasion. He greeted them quietly, his only visible eye showing the understanding and patience that the three of them really needed right now. Naruto glanced to his right as he spotted two people who's sorrow was the greatest. Sarutobi Asuma walked with his hand on the shoulder of Sarutobi Konohamaru, both of them looking quietly pained. Konohamaru took his place in front of Naruto and Asuma stood with his team behind Kakashi. Sakura glanced back to see Ino put her hand on her sensei's arm, a sad look on her face that was met with a reassuring smile. Kakashi turned around and shook Asuma's hand, giving him his condolences. Naruto decided to do the same to the little guy in front of him.

"How are you holding up?" he asked.

"I'm fine." Konohamaru replied in a surprisingly sharp tone. Sakura looked at him sadly, knowing the relationship he and Naruto shared. It was clear he was in a lot of pain for him to talk to Naruto like this.

"Hey, you still wanna be Hokage?" Naruto asked. Konohamaru turned his head slightly, but not enough so he could see Naruto.

"I guess." was his reply.

"Well you don't get points for being cold." Naruto said, "Everyone knows how much you loved your grandfather, there's no need to pretend."

"I said I'm fine!"

Naruto fell silent, deciding it was best to leave Konohamaru in peace. He looked at Sakura, who looked back at him. Then a bell chimed and everyone straightened up, facing the front.

"We are here today to pay our last respects to our beloved Hokage…"

"How are you doing?" Kakashi asked, glancing at Naruto form the corner of his eye.

"I guess I can't complain." Naruto replied quietly, "Other people are hurting worse than I am."

"That's good to hear." Kakashi said, nodding.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"How come the old man never stepped down? Why didn't he get someone to replace him?"

Kakashi looked up, staring into a photo of the old man that was placed on a pedestal, before looking back down to Naruto.

"He kept his position because he hated to see young people get hurt." he said, "Namikaze Minato was the youngest Hokage ever, and he died not long after receiving the position. The Sandaime decided he would never allow young people to die while there were old men like him that could give their lives instead."

Naruto blinked a couple of times, taking in these words. He looked at the monument to the old man, feeling a bitter sense of relief in knowing that he was definitely not in league with Madara. It made him feel guilty about all the trouble he'd caused the Sandaime while Naruto was still just a student in the academy. He'd been a brat, he knew that. He was spoiled and cared only about drawing attention to himself. But the old man had always forgiven him, although he was sometimes stern.

"I heard about what you did." Kakashi said, "It was very brave of you to take on that snake like you did. I'm very proud of you."

Naruto allowed himself a small smile. It felt good to hear those words from his sensei, even if he wasn't entirely sure about him.

* * * * *

As they left the academy, the sun broke through the clouds, an impertinent smile upon the village. Naruto looked up at the sky and took a deep breath, before turning back to Sakura and Sasuke, who were just behind him.

"What do we do know?" he asked.

"I guess we just wait for a mission to turn up." Sasuke replied, "Until then, we just let loose."

"There's a lot to do." Sakura added, "The village is going to need serious work if we're going to get back on our feet."

Naruto nodded, his heart still heavy.

"But first, I'm getting the hell out of these clothes." he said, without smiling. Sakura did, however, cheering him up slightly.

"Me too." she said, "I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, see ya." Naruto replied, as Sakura walked home. Naruto and Sasuke watched her leave, both of them silent.

"So that was Orochimaru?" Naruto asked. It was the first time his name had been mentioned since that day.

"Yeah, ugly bastard, isn't he?" Sasuke replied, smirking. Naruto laughed, brightening up a little more.

"We're gonna kick his ass?" he asked, as they headed for the apartment.

"Isn't that thinking small?" Sasuke countered, "I'm gonna take his snakes and shove them so far up his ass the damn things will lay eggs in his intestines."

They both started laughing, it was rare for Sasuke to show any signs of humour, other than sarcasm. Naruto actually liked Sasuke's dark sense of humour, he said things no one else would dare.

"Guess our little arrangement is coming to an end." Sasuke said, "The exams are over, I'll be finding my own place now."

"Now way!" Naruto exclaimed, "You're moving out already?!"

"Yeah, that was the agreement." Sasuke replied, "Besides, there isn't really room in your apartment for two people."

Naruto had a glum look on his face as they climbed the stairs to his small apartment. They walked inside and Sasuke headed straight for his room, closing the door behind him.

"I've already found a place." he called out, while Naruto went into his room to change, "I'll take my stuff over there soon as I've changed out of these clothes."

"How did you manage to find a place so fast?" Naruto asked.

"It was easy." Sasuke replied, "The landlord actually has a few empty apartments that no one's using."

"How many are there?" Naruto asked, "Hey, you know what would be cool? If you, me and Sakura all moved into apartments that were side by side, then it we'd all be neighbours!"

"Naruto, I can't even begin to tell you how stupid that is." Sasuke replied, "We're gonna be going out on missions all the time, hell most of the time we'll be sleeping near one another. What's the point in all of us moving if we're already living like that?"

"I dunno, just thought it would be fun is all." Naruto said, stepping out into the hall now he was changed.

"Besides, the way you and Sakura are together, do you really want to be that close?" Sasuke asked.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"If you guys see each other all the time, then it won't be exciting when you see each other." Sasuke said, opening his door.

Naruto scratched his chin, "You think so?"

"That's how it looks." Sasuke replied, shrugging, "I see couples all over when I'm taking a walk. It's always the ones that have to say goodbye at the end that have the most fun."

"Huh! Hey, you want me to help you with those?"

"It's a tatami mat and a bag, it's not exactly a massive load." Sasuke replied pointedly.

"Oh. Well at least let me walk you to your new place." Naruto said. Sasuke smirked at him.

"Alright." he replied, walking out. Naruto followed him and locked the door behind. Then, just as he put his keys back in his pocket, Sasuke pulled a key out of his own.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Naruto asked.

"I'm unlocking my door." Sasuke replied, in an obvious tone. He put the key into the door next to Naruto's and opened it, stepping inside.

"You're moving out… next door?" Naruto asked, his eyes half closed.

"Why bother going a distance when there's empty rooms this close?" Sasuke countered from inside. A sweat drop formed on Naruto's brow.

"What was it he said about not being neighbours?" he thought, before sighing. He leaned over the railing and looked down in the street, instantly spotting someone who looked rather lost.

"Uh, Sasuke?" Naruto called back.

"What?"

"Didn't all the Genin who came from other villages leave already?"

"Yeah, it think so."

"So why is Gaara still here?"

Sasuke was out of his new apartment in moments, frowning. He looked at where Naruto was pointing, a surprised look on his face. True enough, Gaara was standing down there, looking form left to right with his brow furrowed.

"HEY GAARA!" Naruto yelled, making Sasuke cringed. Gaara looked up, spotting Naruto and Sasuke instantly. They both leapt down, landing in front of the Suna Genin.

"Uzumaki, Uchiha." Gaara said, acknowledging them.

"Drop it, you were calling Naruto by his first name a couple of days ago." Sasuke ordered.

"Very well."

"How come you're still here?" Naruto asked, putting his hands behind his head.

"That's actually something I wanted to talk to you about." Gaara replied, his face expressionless, but his stance saying different. He appeared relaxed, which was something unusual for him.

"You wanna talk?" Naruto repeated, before grinning broadly, "Well, there's only one place to do that!"

* * * * *

"Ah!" Naruto exhaled, lowering his empty bowl of ramen. He glanced to his right, where Gaara was picking at his own bowl thoughtfully, "So what did you want to talk about?"

As he said this, Sasuke put down his chopsticks, leaning forward so he could see Gaara.

"I have decided to leave Sunagakure." Gaara replied, staring into his bowl. Naruto nearly fell off his seat.

"You did what?!" he exclaimed.

"I take it you have other plans then?" Sasuke asked. Gaara nodded, without looking up.

"There is no reason for me to stay in that village." he said, "There is no one there worth remaining for… I intend to stay here, in Konoha."

This time Naruto really did fall off his seat. But this time when he got back up he had an ecstatic expression on his face.

"Seriously?!" he exclaimed excitedly, "You're gonna join Konoha?"

"Yes."

Naruto whooped loudly, making Teuchi and Ayame smile. Even when he'd settled down, he had a massive grin on his face.

"I wonder what team you'll be put in?" he said.

"Let's see." Sasuke muttered, "Team Kurenai specialises in tracking, Team Asuma deals in restriction, Team Gai focuses on Taijutsu and our team is mainly Ninjutsu. I guess Gaara could be put into any team from the rookie 9. I think you'll probably get put in team Asuma, your defensive abilities is just what that team needs."

Gaara, having no idea what that meant, just nodded.

"Who is in that team?" he asked.

"Shikamaru, Choji and Ino." Naruto replied, still grinning.

"The dark haired Genin from the third exam?" Gaara said, his brow creasing, "However, his comrades were pathetic."

"Team Kurenai's got Shino, Kiba and Hinata." Sasuke added.

"Shino was defeated by a mere head butt." Gaara replied, "Kiba surrendered out of fear… but this Hinata, she had quite some ferocity in her."

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other. They had never expected to hear "Hinata" and "ferocity" used in the same sentence.

"Come again?" Sasuke asked, confused.

"During her fight with Neji, he aimed to block her chakra points." Gaara explained, "She, however, aimed for his vital points. She was determined to hurt her cousin, maybe even cripple him."

Naruto and Sasuke stared at Gaara for seconds, neither believing shy Hinata capable of such a thing.

"You know, it could be that she just wasn't well trained at the Jyuken." Sasuke said, "Maybe the vital organs were the only target she could hit."

"From what I heard, she is the heir to the Hyuga throne." Gaara countered, "Her training would be much more vigorous than that of the branch families. Besides, I could see it in her eyes."

Gaara leaned forward, his fingers steepled.

"Being in a team with her would be… interesting." he said. Naruto really had no reply to that.

"Maybe that's not such a bad idea." Sasuke said, shrugging, "Maybe having you on her team will distract her from Naruto."

Naruto frowned, turning to Sasuke, "What?"

"What?" Sasuke asked back. Gaara got off his stool, his ramen untouched.

"I have to go make arrangements." he said, "I'll see you around."

"Bye." Naruto and Sasuke said as he left. When he was gone, Naruto turned back to Sasuke.

"What?!" he repeated. Sasuke just shrugged, giving him a blank stare.

* * * * *

An hour later, Naruto was walking through the streets, Sakura by his side. Things were relatively quiet, the street they were in had managed to go undamaged in the attack. It was the main reason Naruto picked this street to walk in. he found himself constantly glancing at Sakura, who was smiling to herself, looking incredibly peaceful. His gaze dropped down to his hand, wondering what he should do with it. Should he take hers? Were they like that yet?

He suddenly found himself becoming very nervous, as a rare case of uncertainty hit him. What if he reached out and she thought he was going to do something else? Then again, if he didn't, would she think he didn't really care? But then both his question were made redundant as Sakura grabbed onto his arm, hugging it tightly. Both of their smiles widened in that moment.

"So what do you wanna do?" Sakura asked, looking at him happily.

"Huh? Oh, well I've already eaten, so that puts Ichiraku's off the list."

Sakura nearly tripped over her own feet. She never thought she'd hear those words. Then she was suddenly struck with an idea.

"Hey, you wanna have some fun?" she asked. Naruto stared at her in surprise.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked. As he looked her in the eye, he was very aware that she had a look he constantly recognised in Yako. This was going to be really strange for someone.

* * * * *

Sakura walked into Yamanaka flowers, looking like she'd just wandered in. Ino was at the cash register, with a look of relief that suggested incredible boredom before Sakura appeared.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" she asked brightly.

"Oh, I was just bored, thought I'd drop by." Sakura replied, looking at the flowers on display, "You look like you could use some fun as well."

"Tell me about it!" Ino groaned, slumping onto the counter, "the only order we've had recently are for the flowers used at the Sandaime's funeral."

Both of their eyes dropped to the ground as they remembered that that had only been a few hours ago.

"So what's new?" Ino asked, determined not to become depressed about that ordeal.

"Oh, not much." Sakura replied, taking a seat on the stool next to the counter, "Sasuke's moved into his own place now, Naruto's back to living on his own."

"You know, you could always keep him company!" Ino said, winking.

"Ino!" Sakura squealed in shock. Ino giggled, giving her a knowing look.

"I take it you haven't told him yet?" she said, resting her chin on her hand.

"What makes you think that?" Sakura asked nervously.

"You're so clingy, if you did have a boyfriend I'd bet you'd latch on his arm and not let go!"

"Well as you can see, I'm not latched onto anyone's arm!" Sakura said huffily, although she felt slightly embarrassed remembering the way she'd hugged Naruto's arm just a few minutes ago. She hadn't let go 'til they entered this street and split up.

"Afternoon ladies."

Sakura glanced back. Asuma had just walked in, looking his usual relaxed self.

"Asuma-sensei!" Ino exclaimed brightly, "What are you doing here?"

"Just thought I'd drop in on my favourite kunoichi-in-training." he replied.

"I'm a Genin, not an academy student!" Ino shot back hotly.

"I'm only teasing!" Asuma chuckled. Sakura stared at him, a look of realisation dawning on her face.

"Was there anything you needed Asuma-sensei?" she asked innocently. Asuma glanced at her, a slight grin on his face.

"Actually, I was looking to buy some flowers." he said.

"Well this isn't exactly a bookstore!" Sakura giggled. Asuma laughed as well.

"Yeah, thank goodness, it'd look bad if someone my age was getting lost!" he replied.

"So what kind of flowers are you looking for?" Ino asked, probably unaware that she was smiling brightly.

"I want to get a gift for a certain lady who hasn't been in the best spirits lately." he replied, looking Ino in the eye. Sakura had to stifle a grin, he was very convincing.

"Oh! Well I think I know just the thing!" Ino said, her face a shade redder. She ran around the counter and grabbed Asuma's arm, something that Sakura found annoying, and led him into one of the corners of the shop. They were talking, but Sakura couldn't quite hear them. Then Asuma barked a laugh and they returned moments later, Asuma carrying a bouquet of flowers that just so happened to be Ino's favourite. Ino took her place behind the register, still smiling, and Asuma handed over the money. Then everything went silent as Ino bounced up on the balls of her feet and Asuma just smiled at her. It took every ounce of self control to keep Sakura from falling off her chair laughing, but she managed.

"Well… see you later!" Asuma said, turning around and leaving. Sakura watched him leave, before slowly turning her head to look at Ino. She fell off her seat, her sides aching as she contained her laughter. The look on Ino's face!

"I- uh- I'll see you later!" Sakura said, in a rather squeaky voice. She hurried out of the store before she completely lost it, rounding a corner as soon as she could. When she was sure she was out of earshot, she let it out. Ironically, her laughter was silent, she was out of breath from running and holding it in.

She gasped for breath, fighting through quiet giggles. When she finally got over it, she straightened up, looking back at the shop. She could still see 'Asuma' walking off, how far did Naruto intend on taking this?

"Sakura!"

Sakura's grin dropped. Turning around, she saw Naruto running towards her, an urgent look on his face. He reached her and stopped, hands on knees and panting.

"Sorry- ha, I'm late." he said, "I was on my way when I bumped into Ero-Sennin. He wants me to go with him on this mission he has."

Sakura stared at him blankly. After a few seconds, she glanced back. Asuma was still walking away.

"So that wasn't a prank?" Sakura thought aloud, sweat dropping. Then Naruto's words caught up with her and she whipped her head back round, "Wait a minute, Jiraiya wants you to go on a mission with him?!"

"Yeah, he says he has to look for someone, and he wants to bring me along." Naruto confirmed, his breathing returning to normal.

"Awww!" Sakura complained, "I thought we'd get a little time off before missions would start up again!"

"Yeah, but thing is, there hasn't been any Genin teams to do the D-ranks lately, so they've been piling up." Naruto replied, sharing her sentiment.

"So when are you leaving?" Sakura asked, feeling disappointed.

"First thing tomorrow."

"Oh… well in that case." Sakura said, grabbing his arm again, "Why don't we take Zenko and Yako out to the forest?"

"I pity the poor rabbits that'll be there when Yako shows up." Naruto sighed, before grinning, "Sure, all right!"

The two of them ran off, giggling madly. They passed Yamanaka flowers, were Ino's expression hadn't changed in the slightest.

* * * * *

Thud… thud… thud… thud.

"Is that you old man?" Orochimaru asked, smirking to himself. Kabuto looked up at the doorway, his entire body tense. The door opened, a shadowy figure stepping inside.

"So this is where you're hiding." the figure said, in a voice that suggested age, "This place is filth, I always thought you to have higher standards than this."

"I'm sorry it displeases you." Orochimaru replied.

"I'm sure it does." the figure said. He was fully aware of Orochimaru's mannerisms, he wasn't about to fall under false sincerities.

"So how was the funeral?" Orochimaru asked, his charm wasted on this man.

"Detestable. A Hokage should receive greater honours than a simple memorial."

"Indeed." Orochimaru agreed, "I assume that your coming here is more than a social call?"

"Of course it is. The damage you did to the village will cause disorder, do you realise how much work is to be done to repair this?"

"I hope you don't expect me to feel guilty?"

The figure narrowed his eyes.

In your weakened state, it would be so simple to kill you." he said.

"It is ill advised to threaten Orochimaru-sama in my presence." Kabuto said, daringly. The figure glanced at him, and Kabuto immediately fell silent.

"I ought to whip impudent little Shinobi like you." the figure growled. He then looked back to Orochimaru, distaste evident on his face, "Jiraiya has taken Uzumaki Naruto to seek out Tsunade. It should be an opportune moment to take him."

"Jiraiya seeks dear Tsunade as well?" Orochimaru asked, "Oh my, this could become a touching reunion. But of course, that would only be half an opportunity exploited. As you know, there is another in Konoha that we need."

"That person is unnecessary. We have more than enough viable subjects to continue."

"Is it because of that persons lack of a Biju?" Orochimaru asked, sneering, "That doesn't make that person obsolete, we still need all of it."

"Whatever you decide, do not jeopardise the mission!" the figure barked turning and leaving.

"I'll do as I can… sssensei." Orochimaru said, emphasizing the 's'. The figure stopped for a second, before closing the door behind him.