Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.

Chapter Twenty Eight:


Suna: Konoha Embassy…

After a week of travel Hashirama's party arrived in Suna. Sasuke and Sakura were both surprised when Koga had told them they'd taken the long route. Hashirama had countered that since it wasn't an emergency they could take their time getting there. Yugao kept the peace by reminding Koga that neither she nor Sakura was up for a two day hard run through the desert.

They were greeted at the gate by the new Kazekage Gaara. He and his siblings welcomed them to Suna then informed them there'd be a welcoming feast that evening in the Kazekage Mansion. Until then they were asked to relax in the recently reinstated Konoha Embassy.

The Embassy was a two story building, built in the Suna style of architecture and had the Konoha symbol over the door. As they entered three men approached the group and bowed. The leader of this group was an elderly man dressed in the robes attributed to nobles of the Fire Daimyo's court. To his left was a Land of Fire Shinobi his headband baring the Daimyo's symbol, on his uniform instead of the Whirlpool Country symbol he had the Konoha emblem. To the nobles right stood a Konoha Nin with a mask similar to Kakashi's but his hair was black and laying flat, his eyes revealed him to be of the Hyuga Clan.

The Noble bowed to them, "Welcome Senju-sama, we have been expecting you. I am the Fire Daimyo's representative in this embassy."

Hashirama nodded, "Thank you. I and my party will be remaining here until I feel the Kazekage no long needs my services. Your men are to not interfere with my mission, nor should they interact with my subordinates."

The Noble bowed again, "Of course Senju-sama. I was informed you wished your stay to be kept rather secret, as one who accompanies you is still under punishment for his actions. I merely wished to greet you properly; my security chief and advisor on Ninja Affairs are at your disposal."

Hashirama motioned for Koga to step forward, "Hyuga-san do you know the identity of that man?"

Koga nodded, "Yes…but I cannot speak his name. He was branded and exiled from the clan many years ago."

The Hyuga bowed, "I deeply regret my actions…mayhap you have news of my family…"

Koga glared, "Your father's dead, as are two of your brothers, and your sister married and had three children before she was killed in the Kyubi Attack. Your own son just started the academy, but as a branch member."

The Noble looked surprised, "So blunt."

Sasuke frowned, "Koga-sensei, why did this man get exiled from your clan?"

The Unnamed Hyuga bowed his head, "I attempted to place the clan's curse seal on Koga when he was a child. My family lost our status as Main House, my wife and I were forced to live outside the clan, but after my son was born six years ago she was offered the chance to return to the clan. I took up a post in the political arena after she left me."

Sakura looked to Koga, "Koga-sempai…your clan actually did that?"

Koga kept a harden stare on the man, "His attempt nearly cost me my life. This fate is merciful compared to what some wanted done."

Yugao nodded, "Surprised he wasn't killed for it."

The Fire Country Shinobi crossed his arms, "He would have been if the Hokage hadn't stepped in. I was still a Konoha Nin back then, it wasn't pleasant situation."

Hashirama shook his head, "Hyuga-san, please take our squad to our rooms then I order mandatory rest for everyone before the feast."

Koga bowed then lead the group toward a set of stairs that led to the second floor. A servant met them on that floor and directed them to the proper suite. It was a moderate sized cluster of rooms with four bedrooms two full sized baths, and a meditation room, along with the main room.


Sakura was just finished putting her clothes away when she heard a knock on her door. She turned to the open door to see Sasuke standing in the open doorway. She nodded her head, "Sasuke-kun…is there something you need?"

Sasuke wasn't sure why he was there. He'd finished unpacking and was just sitting around when he got the urge to find Sakura. They hadn't talked much since their return to the village. In fact the only time they'd even seen each other before departing on this mission was when Kakashi had met them to let them know Team 7 was officially disbanded until further notice, because Naruto was gone for an indefinite period of time.

Since then he'd been busy fulfilling his probationary duties, and training. He'd heard Sakura was also on probation, but she'd been assigned to the hospital. He expected she'd been training as well, as they'd headed toward Suna he saw her studying from scrolls every night, and during any rest breaks they made. They hadn't had time to talk either as Hashirama had Sasuke training with Koga during the trip.

Sasuke bowed his head, "We haven't…spoken in awhile. How've you been?"

Sakura glared, "I'm fine Sasuke, no thanks to you."

Sasuke internally cringed, "I'm sorry Sakura. I didn't know Orochimaru would do that to you."

Sakura turned fully to Sasuke, "I don't really want to talk about that with you Sasuke. I put it behind me, now you really should too. It's a part of what we do, it was the first time it'd happened to me, but it sure as hell won't be the last. Anko-chan told me about a lot of the missions she used to go on, and she wasn't much older than I am now. Kurenai-sensei was actually younger than me her first time, and Yugao-chan only got spared it because Hayate and Koga-sensei killed her attacker before anything happened."

Sasuke huffed, "Yeah, well Naruto and I should have been there to protect you…instead I nearly killed Naruto and blew your cover. Did you actually get close enough to act?"

Sakura shook her head, "Kabuto caught me before I got close enough to chance a strike. They found the poisons when they searched me, Orochimaru tortured me by injected each poison then letting it nearly kill me before giving me the antidote. That was one sick bastard you wanted to team up with."

Sasuke shook his head, "I didn't really want to…Koga-sensei said the combination of my anger at being beaten by my brother and my frustration at Naruto getting stronger than me caused the seal Kakashi-sensei put over the curse mark to fail. It allowed the curse seal to amplify the emotions of anger and frustration, and made me susceptible to that Oto Nin's proposal."

Sakura turned to the window, "I wonder what Kakashi-sensei and Naruto are doing now?"

Sasuke huffed, "Knowing Naruto he's driving those two old men that got sent with him crazy. As for Kakashi, I heard he had a mission somewhere out east, but nobody seemed to know where."

"That would be because it's above your rank." They turned to see Koga standing behind Sasuke. The Jonin shook his head, "Both of you should be resting. That was the order."

Sakura nodded as Koga turned and left with Sasuke following. Sasuke spoke as he stopped at his door, "Koga-sensei."

Koga turned back to the Uchiha, "Hn."

Sasuke frowned, "When Team 7 was disbanded…Kakashi-sensei…was it his decision?"

Koga nodded, "It was, but it was suggested by the other Jonin as well."

Sasuke turned to Koga, "What about us? Didn't Naruto, Sakura, and I have any say in it?"

Koga shook his head, "You were Kakashi's soldiers you would have to adhere to his decisions. Besides, you'll be reassigned to a team when the Hokage feels you're ready."

Sasuke turned back to his door, "Will…Kakashi still be our sensei?"

Koga shrugged, "That's up to Kakashi."

Sasuke nodded and entered his room as Koga headed toward his.


Back in Sakura's room she began thinking about when she first awoke in the medic tent…

-Flash Back-

Sakura's vision was blurry as she opened her eyes. She could hear people moving around her but couldn't distinguish anything more. She was confused as someone slipped their arm under her shoulders and raised her up; then a cup of water was pressed to her lips.

An unfamiliar voice spoke, "Here drink this. Lady Tsunade said you were to drink some water once you woke up."

Realizing she was extremely thirsty she tried to gulp down the water, but the person holding her and the cup allowed her only small sips at a time. After the cup was emptied it was set aside. Sakura turned to see the masked face of a Konoha ANBU. She frowned, "Who are you? Where are we?"

A light chuckled came from the ANBU, "You're in the medical tent of our encampment. My partner and I were left to watch over you and guard the Uchiha brat."

Sakura blinked, "How'd we get here?"

The ANBU's head turned slightly which allowed Sakura a brief glimpse of the ANBU's eyes. Sakura could have sworn the ANBU had the Sharingan, but pushed the thought aside. The ANBU lowered his voice, "Uchiha Sasuke carried you to camp after Hyuga Koga secured your release."

Sakura was confused, "How?"

A new voice spoke and Sakura turned to find a second ANBU, this one physically larger than the first, "We heard he broke into the base you were held at and escaped with the both of you while Orochimaru was busy handling another problem."

Sakura swallowed nervously, "Where's Orochimaru?"

The first ANBU spoke as he laid Sakura back down, "Don't worry, he's probably long gone. From what I heard he fled the country and is in hiding once again. No doubt we'll find him soon."

Sakura watched the pair of ANBU leave as a new pair entered. The new set merely nodded at the pair they were replacing then took up posts. She looked around and saw one screen was open revealing Sasuke sleeping on the cot next to hers. He had some bandages wrapped around his torso and arms, otherwise he looked unharmed.

-End Flash Back-

Sakura never seen those particular ANBU before and hadn't seen them since. She did remember hearing quite the argument when a pair of ANBU was found to have been knocked out and their gear stolen. She didn't think much of it, but was soon roused from her thoughts as Yugao knocked on her door and told her it was time to prepare for the feast.


Madara's Hideout…

Madara watched as Itachi and the other three entered the hideout. He'd only just called them as he'd only recently received news about them being spotted near Rice Country before the war. He sighed, "Itachi? What reason did you involve yourself with Orochimaru again?" I thought you were done with that snake."

Itachi frowned, "We were merely passing through when we heard of his base. We decided to try and dispose of him."

Madara crossed his arms, "Yet you were unable to best him? How did he escape four of you let alone Zetsu?"

Sasori huffed, "When the three Konoha Nin left Orochimaru slipped away. We pursued him but one of his lackeys diverted our attention. He said he knew where to find some Jinchuriki, but when we went to investigate we discovered the location was the Iwagakure camp."

Madara rubbed the lower part of his mask, "What were Konoha ninja doing in Orochimaru's base? They haven't forgiven that bastard have they?"

Itachi crossed his arms, "No they haven't. Apparently a Genin was coerced into joining Oto, another Genin attempted to assassinate Orochimaru but the first Genin interfered and inadvertently blew the second Genin's cover."

Madara became thoughtful, "That explains the first two, what about the third?"

Zetsu grinned maniacally, "It was that Hyuga Koga…I'm sure he really wanted to kill Itachi, but didn't. Maybe it was because Itachi's baby brother was right there?"

Itachi frowned, "Highly doubtful. Koga-sempai is normally quite ruthless; I have seen him kill Chunin that stood no chance against him without even blinking."

Madara nodded, "Though that is interesting, what did Zetsu mean by your brother?"

Itachi glared at Madara, "Sasuke was the Genin that was coerced by Orochimaru, he has placed the Curse Seal of Heaven on him."

Madara huffed, "Despicable…I take it Orochimaru intended to take over Sasuke's body to gain the Sharingan."

The four members remained quiet.

Madara turned away, "We'll make our first move soon. I'll send out orders and who's to apprehend which target, and when."

The four Akatsuki members bowed then left. After they were gone Madara turned to where one of Path's of Pain stood alongside Konan. The Deva Path narrowed his gaze on Madara, "I'm surprised, I thought you'd keep the guise of Tobi for a little longer with those who don't know the truth."

Madara huffed, "Do not think so highly of yourself, without me you'd still be struggling against Hanzo, if not dead."

The Deva Path turned away, "Don't forget, I know your secret."


Kazekage Mansion…

The feast was held in a seldom used dining hall that was created at the Wind Daimyo's command during the reign of the Shodai Kazekage. Since then the chamber had seen little use as more recent Daimyo haven't deemed it fitting to visit their Shinobi village, instead ordering the Kazekage to come to them.

Sakura looked at the large statues of the previous four Kazekage that surrounded the table they were glaring down at those seated at the table.

Temari noticed her gaze and spoke, "They're copies of the statues in our council meeting chamber. Father had them placed here as a sign of the Kazekage's might to visiting dignitaries. When I was very little mother complained that he should have at least lightened their expressions some."

Hashirama overhearing the comment frowned, "Actually your father was right to keep them the way they are. Remember I knew the Shodai Kazekage well; the alliance between Konoha and Suna is very old. Though it has been broken and mended several times throughout history."

Koga snarled, "Yeah the murdering bastards."

Baki who was sitting across the table from Koga and Yugao bowed his head, "I've repeated that I'm deeply sorry for that, but I must repeat I believed I was following the Kazekage's will."

Gaara frowned from his seat at the head of the table, "Baki-sensei what are you talking about?"

Baki turned to Gaara, "During the Chunin Exams at Konoha, prior to our invasion alongside Oto, I killed a Konoha Shinobi named Gekko Hayate. I learned later he was a close friend to Hyuga Koga and even closer to Uzuki Yugao. They informed me shortly after the invasion was thwarted."

Gaara bowed his head, "Have we paid retribution for his death?"

Baki shook his head, "Hyuga Koga…collected the payment directly from me."

Gaara understood, "I see." Gaara turned to Hashirama, "I hope we can put all the unpleasantness from that time behind us, and move forward to a working peace."

Hashirama nodded, "I see no reason we cannot." Hashirama took a drink then continued, "Though I must wonder, when the Tsuchikage is arriving?"

Gaara sighed, "I'm sorry for not informing you earlier. My councilors felt Iwa would be angered by my turning to Konoha in this situation. They invited him to send a delegation to oversee what transpires while your team is here. Onoki learned the true reason for your visit, and insisted he come himself as there are no previous Tsuchikage alive. I believe he feels I'd benefit more from his experience, since he's not only the oldest Kage, but also the one to hold the position the longest."

Hashirama seemed uninterested in this information, "Well, I will keep him from being to annoying. In truth I accepted this request to force certain ninja from my village to relax. Koga and Yugao tried doubling their mission load since learning of Yugao's pregnancy, Sakura doesn't even realize she completed her probationary time due to overtime at the Hospital, and Sasuke does nothing but work and train. I require him to still do the D-rank for his probationary work, but I'll moderate his training more than his superiors in our village have."

Gaara nodded, "Of course…I know handling the work of the Kazekage is in truth my duty to learn, but when I was forced into the position I didn't want the other Kage to think I was a naïve child. My councilors believed if I learned from a past Kage I could improve my status with the others. Konoha being our natural allies, plus the way I heard the villagers speak of you during my stay in Konoha made my decision clear. Even the Honorable Siblings agreed."

Koga looked confused, "Lady Chiyo is still alive?"

Baki frowned, "How do you know Lady Chiyo?"

Koga glared, "She's the one that dropped that whole seal mess on me back during the conflict with Kumo. Do you realize how swamped I was back then. Handling that mess with the Uchiha Clan, fighting a war, protecting my sister among others, and cleaning up after the Yondaime Kazekage."

Sasuke frowned, "Koga-sensei, what was that about my clan?"

Koga looked toward Sasuke, "Hn…oh that, nothing to worry about now. It was cleared up ages ago."

A Suna Elder spoke up, "Many years ago the Uchiha Clan was being framed for a multitude of nefarious crimes within your own village. We learned of this after Lady Chiyo assisted in teaching one of the perpetrators a much needed lesson."

Sasuke thought for a minute, "Why haven't I ever heard about this?"

Yugao answered, "Because you were three at the time, and as Koga said it doesn't matter anymore. We learned who the real culprits were and cleared your clan's name."

Hashirama turned to Koga, "You said you had to clean up the Kazekage's mess. What were you referring to?"

Gaara answered, "He was referring to me. As you already know I'm the Jinchuriki of the One-Tail. Lady Chiyo was the person who sealed Shukaku within me. After some time my father noticed I wasn't handling the Shukaku very well and thought I'd failed as a Jinchuriki. Lady Chiyo believed a student of the Yondaime Hokage would be able to analyze and correct the seal as she'd heard rumors at least one of them was a seal master. She journeyed to Konoha in secret to meet with the Hokage and this student; she met Koga-sempai and informed him of my state. It took him three years to modify the seal."

Koga chuckled, "Actually it took me one with the assistance of Master Jiraiya it took me another two to build up the chakra stores necessary to alter it without assistance."

Kankuro turned to him, "But Temari and I helped you?"

Koga nodded, "Yes you did, I needed you two to focus Gaara and distract the Shukaku while I altered the seal. During the process there was a one tenth of a second where Shukaku could have escaped. Yet still I didn't use any of your chakra to do the seal work."

Hashirama nodded, "Seal work is very tricky. Many Shinobi don't realize the complexity of seals since they merely use the most basic for containers and exploding tags. Seal work while using multiple peoples' chakra can be quite difficult, especially if they're strangers to either the sealer or the person the seal is being placed on."

As the conversation ended the doors opened allowing Onoki and his small entourage to enter. Along with him he'd brought Roshi and Han as well as his granddaughter. Gaara stood and offered them seats at the table.

Onoki sat in the offered seat and spoke, "Ah, what a troublesome journey through the desert. You should really place some rest stops out there."

Hashirama frowned, "Lord Tsuchikage, I'm surprised you didn't beat us here. It is quicker flying than walking after all."

Onoki glared, "Well, I couldn't very well leave these three to wander that blasted wasteland aimlessly. So, Senju-sama how has your new life been since we freed you from that pedophiles control."

Hashirama's gaze narrowed after a glance at Sakura, "I'd appreciate if you'd not bring that snake up in such a casual manner."

Onoki frowned but caught the gaze and nodded, "Hmm, I see. We'll talk later no doubt, but now we should eat."


It was after sunset when the group from Konoha returned to their quarters. Hashirama ordered the Genin to bed then turned to the pair of Jonin, "I have meetings with Onoki and the Kazekage all morning tomorrow. It is merely to see how well the boy has been doing."

Koga crossed his arms, "This whole thing stinks, I mean he led Suna during the war in Rice Country just fine."

Hashirama nodded, "Exactly my point. I feel there is an element within this village that isn't happy with the current leadership. I would like you Koga to investigate the situation. While Koga is handling that Yugao will keep an eye on the two Genin."

Koga and Yugao nodded and after being dismissed retired to their room.


Iwa Embassy…aka a classy hotel…

Onoki looked out the window to see the Konoha Embassy across the street, "I can't believe they have a private embassy while we're stuck in this hotel."

Kurotsuchi sighed, "Grandfather, how we can have an embassy if we attack them nearly once a decade? Our Daimyo and theirs don't get along."

Roshi frowned, "Besides you've already heard from Lady Hokage that the Earth Daimyo requested an embassy in Konoha. You've even offered Kurotsuchi the post there."

Kurotsuchi huffed, "Why would I want to be stuck in that place again? It is way too green, too many annoying civilians, and as many perverts as there are trees."

Han looked confused, "Is it that bad?"

Kurotsuchi crossed her arms, "While Koga was protecting me he had to scare some of them half to death to get them to back off."

Roshi nodded, "Ah so he merely looked at them." Roshi turned to Han, "While digging yourselves out of that hole in the ground did you teach him how to glare properly or what?"

Han shook his head, "I think he gets it from one of his sensei. Kushina and Minato both had scary looks when they wanted."

Kurotsuchi frowned, "I forgot you guys knew his sensei…why'd they have that much effect on him?"

Onoki answered, "Because they might as well have raised him themselves. I remember hearing the rumors, his birth threatened to destabilize the unity of Konoha's clans. The Sandaime Hokage had to step in; otherwise we might have actually had a chance during the Third Shinobi World War."

Kurotsuchi looked surprised, "One child had that much effect?"

Roshi nodded, "Even the smallest things can have massive repercussions. Look at where we are, when I was a child the only reason Konoha and Iwa nin would be in Suna at the same time would have been Suna's destruction and we'd be fighting over the scraps left over."

Onoki turned to Kurotsuchi, "If I know Hashirama-sama, and I remember the stories well, he'll leave that Yugao with the two Genin. While I'm in the meeting I'll take Roshi with me, Kurotsuchi will join with Yugao and the Genin from Konoha, Han you'll assist Koga with whatever assignment he's been given. You don't send two elite Jonin like them on a do nothing mission like this for nothing."

Kurotsuchi smiled, "Hope daddy is enjoying his mission as temporary village leader while you're here."

Onoki sneered, "I'm just happy to be away from all that damn paperwork."


Elsewhere…

After a long day of training Naruto had collapsed on his bedroll without much fuss, while he slept his sensei and Arashi sat guard. Jiraiya frowned, "I think we should head toward Kumo tomorrow, we've been around Kiri for too long."

Arashi/Minato nodded, "I agree, but I'd like to make a stop in Whirlpool before we leave the Land of Water."

Jiraiya frowned, "If it's about teaching Naruto his heritage then you should know your students already handled that part."

Minato removed his mask, "Then I think his second trip there should also reveal just as much about his father."

Jiraiya narrowed his gaze, "Minato…you're not actually going to reveal your face to him. I haven't known the brat as long as some of the others, but remember you're the one who sealed that damn fox in him."

Minato looked sadly at his sensei, "Master Jiraiya, I remember what it was like growing up without a parent. Didn't you ever wonder why all my students shared that one common element? Sure Koga and Kurenai had family, but could you really call them that. Most of Koga's relatives wanted him dead, and Kurenai's father was disgusted that he had a daughter instead of a son."

Jiraiya frowned, "You'd had your eye on Kurenai earlier than when you recruited her didn't you."

Minato nodded, "Hiashi brought her to Kushina and I after her father showed his disfavor just after we'd moved in together. Kurenai stay with for about a week before Hiashi got her a more permanent place where Fugaku's MP Officers could keep watch over her. I heard later she'd moved back with her father, but Fugaku had Mikoto keep checking on her. She was pretty young back then, but he knew from all the times we let Kakashi, Koga, Rin, or Obito crash at our place that we had a soft spot for kids. Kushina was always worried she'd not be able to have a child because of having the Kyubi sealed within her."

Jiraiya chuckled, "So instead she got to stand in as the mother for a group of children who all lost their mothers when they were barely out of diapers."

Minato frowned, "A few of them weren't even in diapers yet when their mothers died. Remember we were both there when Koga was born. Doubt I've ever seen Tsume like that before, she basically went on autopilot."

Jiraiya became somber, "Back then…even for all the crap that was happening everyone was happy. Now Fugaku and half his clan are dead, S-class criminals are trying to destroy the world, and you're just recently back from the dead."

Minato nodded, "Koga, did he take Kushina and my death badly?"

Jiraiya frowned, "Besides blaming himself, no not at all. Sarutobi-sensei didn't exactly let him brood on it; the next day he had that brat make a run to Iwa to get me out of jail."

Minato chuckled, "I can only guess what you did to get yourself caught in Iwa."

Jiraiya huffed then became serious, "Truthfully though, are you sure about this? The kid has enough problems as it is, adding on that his old man is the Yondaime isn't going to make life any easier. I mean the whole reason your students have protected his identity all this time hasn't only been due to his Jinchuriki status, you still got some mighty powerful enemies out there."

Minato smiled, "Do you think it will matter any since most of the strongest and most dangerous will figure it out by just looking at him. The markings don't do much to hide it, and as he gets older he's going to resemble me more."

Jiraiya sighed, "As Tsunade said it's your choice whether to tell him or not."

Minato nodded, "Exactly."


End Chapter Twenty Eight

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed, now review.