AN:

Hello everyone! Long time no update, I just want to say I'm really sorry this took forever to update. I figured since this is the story that has gone the longest to update I would update it first before I did the others. So after this expect Son that could have been to be the next one to get an update!

Now the reason why it's truly taken so long to update is because of work. My fellow co-workers thought it to be smart and act like there is no pandemic and got covid-19 and added more tasks to my list to do. BUT the good news is, I found out I can skip an hour on one of the tasks, and I'm back to writing at work. It literally was impossible to write at home, and you're probably wondering, "Why's that bruins?" Well, I'm a gamer, and not only do I have a PS5 I also have a gaming PC. So what I'm saying is I'm easily distracted #ADHD doesn't help either.

Now the whole month of February was bad for me because I didn't realize my depression was getting the better of me and I barely left my bed. Anyways enough about me.

NOW BEFORE I CONTINUE ON WITH THIS STORY PLEASE FOR THE LOVE A GOD READ THIS PART.

I have very much stated before and I believe in the summary that this story is AU. MY Naruto will be smart, and you'll start noticing it in this chapter. Now also My Kage are going to be as strong as we were led to believe that they were supposed to be. I'm also stating this now, Sakura will have other jutsu's and that will also include Tsunade. When this comes up in my story there will be a flashback scene when it happens. Now you'll also realize that Naruto's tone has changed with Sasuke because let's be real if my "brother" tried killing me several times and then joined the organization that wanted to kill me, I would change my tone towards him too. So please don't leave reviews saying that Naruto isn't like canon, that's the point. Naruto should have been smarter. Also towards the end of this chapter is when it diverts from Canon a lot more, so please bear with me. It's one of the things I decided I wanted to do with this story. The War Arc WILL NOT BE THE END OF MY STORY! I want to Jonin-sensei Naruto. Anyways time for the story. Love you all

Chapter 4: Potential War

"Thank you, Lord Mifune. The reason I have called for a meeting of each leader of the five great nations is to discuss the Akatsuki. Just recently, a four-man team infiltrated our borders and attempted to kidnap the Hachibi jinchuriki. The leader of this group was Sasuke Uchiha, a rogue ninja from the Hidden Leaf village." Ay began.

"We need to think of a plan to stop the Akatsuki," Onoki said.

Before any of the leaders could pose a suggestion, one of Onoki's guards spoke up.

"If it's the tailed beasts that the Akatsuki are after, then why don't we just kill the remaining jinchuriki so they can't follow through with their plan?" Kurotsuchi suggested.

"You have some nerve girl. One of those jinchuriki you're talking about is my brother." Ay said.

"Though the Raikage and I have had our differences in the past, this is one case where I wholeheartedly agree with him. The jinchuriki of my village is very dear to me as well. He is the only reason I became Hokage and why the Hidden Leaf is still standing, albeit by a loose thread. He is also a close friend of the Kazekage, who was once a jinchuriki himself. Be careful who you threaten insolent girl. Not only would you have me to worry about, but I don't think either of my two guards would take kindly to what you're suggesting. If you so much as even try to lay one finger on him, I doubt they would hesitate to kill you, especially when one of them is his sensei and the other is his teammate." Tsunade said.

Kurotsuchi was about to speak up but held her tongue upon getting a look from her grandfather.

"Gaara, could you please share a little bit about your childhood, what it was like growing up in the Sand. The Raikage and I both know what it's like, but I think this is something that others need to hear, especially the brat from the Stone." Tsunade said.

"Very well lady Tsunade," Gaara said.

"Kurotsuchi was it?" Gaara asked, getting a mere nod from the Stone kunoichi. "A word of advice. You have no idea what it's like to be a jinchuriki. The way we're ostracized looked down upon and most of all, loneliness. My friend possesses the nine-tails, the strongest of all the tailed beasts. He has known the same pain as I once did. Unlike me though, he grew up alone. He had no one to rely upon but himself. Were it not for him, I probably wouldn't be standing with you all here and now. He was the one who made me wake up and see the world for every good thing it has to offer. He gave me a purpose and saved my life after Shukaku was extracted from me."

"Sakura, would you mind sharing with the other kage what Naruto is like? Lady Tsunade has told me that you are the person who is closest to him and knows him better than anyone else. Surely being on a team with a jinchuriki has given you valuable insight into what Naruto had to endure over the years?" Gaara said, making Sakura blush.

"Sure thing, Lord Kazekage. And Kurotsuchi, let me say this before I tell you all about Naruto. If you ever try to harm or kill Naruto, I'll destroy you myself. Naruto was bullied, insulted, and treated disrespectfully, even though it was the wish of the Fourth Hokage to have him be seen as a hero. The hatred everyone felt for the Nine-Tails was always taken out on him." Sakura began.

"All Naruto has ever wanted was to be noticed, and treated like everyone else. But we all shunned him. Our parents told us to stay away from him because he's dangerous. None of us knew that the real reason they wanted us to keep our distance from him was because of him being the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed fox. We all eventually grew to respect him, once the dead-last at the academy to end up being our hero. If it wasn't for Naruto, the Hidden Leaf wouldn't be around anymore and we'd all be dead." Sakura finished.

Kurotsuchi was stunned. How could one boy be so special? If she ever met this Naruto fellow, she was genuinely intrigued and wanted to see what made this guy tick.

"If I may Lord Raikage, now that we're done talking about what a Jinchuriki's lives are like, there is something I'd like to say," Gaara interjected.

"Very well," Ay replied.

"When the Akatsuki launched a surprise attack on my village, I was kidnapped and taken to have Shukaku extracted. I nearly died from the experience." Gaara said.

"How is it possible that you're still alive?" Ay said.

"One of Suna's retired advisors gave her life to save mine. But much of the credit belongs to the Hidden Leaf, particularly a friend that risked everything to save my life." Gaara said.

"While that is very commendable, just what does this have to do with the Akatsuki's bold move to kidnap my brother?" Ay asked.

"Each of our villages has been victims of the Akatsuki attacks. I believe that the only way to combat the threat they pose is by forming an allied shinobi force." Gaara said.

"When the Akatsuki attacked my village, the only one to lend aid in our time of need was Lady Tsunade and my friends in the Hidden Leaf. Given how their actions continue to grow bolder, I think it would be a wise idea to share what information we have." Gaara continued.

"You've got some stones kid for suggesting such a bold move," Ay said.

"Indeed. Tell me, Kazekage. I will even allow you to ask one question." Onoki asked.

"Then let me ask you this Lord Raikage, Lord Tsuchikage. When did you both forsaken yourselves?" Gaara asked.

"What do you mean boy?" Ay growled out.

"You better start explaining yourself!" Onoki wheezed out.

"Okay, well let's start with Lord Tsuchikage. You have been known to hire the Akatsuki, so how do we know you aren't helping them out with this? Thankfully we know you aren't since they took your own jinchuriki, but you've done us all wrong by hiring them. You have forsaken your shinobi, and just paid the Akatsuki to do certain missions instead of believing in your own shinobi and Anbu." Gaara said, giving him a second to breathe before continuing.

"You, Lord Raikage, lost the two-tails jinchuriki. This no doubt prompted you to put your brother into hiding, scared they would take him away next. Not realizing your brother is probably the strongest shinobi in your village. So instead of making him your guard for anything you hide him away because you're scared. You have forsaken him to hide because you're a coward." Gaara finished.

Before either of them can respond Zetsu appears in front of all the Kage.

"Hello!" Zetsu greeted as he emerged. "Sasuke Uchiha has snuck in. Let's all go and look for Sasuke! Yeah!"

Ay grabs Zetsu.

"Where is Sasuke Uchiha!?" Ay growled in anger.

Zetsu ignoring Lord Raikage, "Answer me!" Ay growled, seething with anger.

"I'm sure you'll be seeing him soon! He is in fact here to kill you all!" Zetsu said, with a smile.

"I'd like to see him try!" Ay growled and barged out of the room to go look for Sasuke.

Tsunade looked at Kakashi, and Sakura, "We will not go charging after him. If the brat wants to try to kill me, he can come to me."

"But Lady Tsunade, what if they killed him?" Sakura said worriedly.

"SAKURA, DID YOU NOT LISTEN TO NARUTO AT ALL!? DO YOU NOT SEE ALL THE PAIN HE'S CAUSED, EVERYONE? IF HE DIES THEN HE DIES. STOP BEING A FANGIRL AND MOVE ON. THE BLONDE IDIOT CARES ABOUT YOU, NOT SASUKE!" Tsunade yelled, destroying the table in front of her with a punch.

"You're right, Lady Tsunade. I keep making the same mistakes over again. I made Naruto make that stupid promise to bring Sasuke back to me, and it's destroying him. It's time for me to be strong for Naruto, and show everyone how strong of a kunoichi I truly am." Sakura said.

The other Kage and their guards start hearing explosions nearby, "Sounds like Ay has found Sasuke. Kakashi, Sakura if he shows up let us handle him."

(Before Sasuke attacks)

Naruto, Sai, and Shikamaru could see the outline of the gate. Once they got close enough Sai started to lower them down towards the entrance.

The three of them landed on the ground and were promptly addressed by the guard at the gate.

"Welcome to the Land of Iron. I'm assuming by your Hitai-ate, that you're the three Leaf shinobi Lady Hokage told us about that would be joining us here?" The guard stated.

"That's correct. Are we allowed to enter?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, just don't cause any trouble while the Kage Summit is in session." The guard said, letting them through the gate.

Once they entered, they got stopped by a fellow Leaf shinobi.

"I'm assuming you're Naruto Uzumaki?" The bandana-wearing shinobi asked.

"Yes I am, and who are you?" Naruto asked.

"I'm Genma Shiranui. Lady Tsunade told me you would be coming to find me." Genma said.

"That's correct! Granny Tsunade gave me my father's things, and if you haven't guessed it comes with a certain Jutsu you partially know how to use." Naruto stated.

Before Genma could answer, Shikamaru spoke up, "Come on Sai, let's go check out the village while they talk."

"Thank you, Shika," Naruto said.

As Shikamaru, and Sai were walking away. Sai spoke up, "When did Naruto find out about his father? Do you know who it is?"

"Sai, it isn't my place to inform you who his father is. And besides, it's S classified information. I only know because Naruto trusts me and when he becomes Hokage, I plan to be one of his advisors." Shikamaru said, getting a nod from Sai as they continued to explore the village.

"I'm assuming that Sai kid doesn't know who your father is?" Genma asked.

"No. The only ones who know are the ones who were my father's guards, Kakashi-sensei, and Granny Tsunade. Shikamaru knows because I can trust him. I haven't even told Sakura yet and I don't know if I will anytime soon." Naruto said, getting a nod from Genma.

"Before we discuss more about the Jutsu, I just want to apologize for never telling you who your father was. Like Kakashi, I was sworn not to tell anyone, and that includes coming to you also." Genma said

"It's fine. I can understand why Lord Third did what he did, but he pushed away Pervy Sage from me until he made me his pupil, when I could at least have him somewhat in my life when I was younger." Naruto said.

"Who's Pervy Sage?" Genma asked.

"My master, Jiraiya of the Sannin, was also my father's master," Naruto said with a sad look.

"I'm sorry for your loss kid. Anyway, I only know how to do the Flying Thunder God Formation, I don't actually know how to do the full Jutsu like your father." Genma said

"I understand. It's a very complex fuinjutsu, which thankfully during my training trip with my master he taught me fuinjutsu. But from reading my father's notes, I don't really understand how to actually pull off the Jutsu." Naruto said.

"Hm, if you can do the fuinjutsu seal, then the only thing I can help you with is how to potentially activate the Jutsu. From my understanding from what your father Minato had told me, is that you search for the seal with your chakra, and once you feel the seal you concentrate your chakra on the seal, and then boom you "teleport"." Genma explained.

"Hm, that does make sense, but I'm gonna have to go to a weapon shop back in the Leaf Village to get the three-pronged kunai made. I want to use it like how my father did. I'm going to need a lot of training for this. I can already tell." Naruto finished, saying with a slight pout.

'As much as I love training, I can already tell this Jutsu is potentially going to be a bigger pain in the ass than the Rasengan… Thanks, dad.'

As Genma was about to reassure Naruto he'd be there to help him, an explosion came from one of the buildings he was assuming where the Kage Summit was happening.

"What the hell is going on!?" Genma shouted.

"Damn it! I warned Granny that I had a feeling something was going to happen during their summit!" Naruto said.

"Let's go Naruto. They might need our help if it's the Akatsuki or Danzo attacking." Genma said as they started running towards the source of the explosion.

After escaping the crazed and powerful Raikage, Sasuke found Karin and asked her where the other Kage were while they were running down a hallway.

"Sasuke, I sense a bunch of chakra signatures down here at the end of this hallway!" Karin told him, receiving a nod as he rushed to the room at the end of the hallway.

Sasuke burst through the door looking for Danzo, but when he finally got to see everyone there, he didn't see Danzo. In the seat reserved for the Kage of the Hidden Leaf was none other than the Godaime Hokage herself.

"Where is the bastard Danzo! I thought you were in a coma you old hag!" Sasuke yelled.

"Well as you can see, I'm very much alive and kicking, you impudent spoiled brat! After I found out what that conniving old bastard was planning to do, declaring himself the sixth Hokage without winning the support of the Jonin, there was no way in hell I was going to sit idle while he drove our village further into the ground. Now as for you, Sasuke, the village would have given you the world, and all the training you need since you were the last Uchiha, but you thought it was better to become a rogue ninja. I should have issued a kill on sight order the moment after I learned what you had done in Kumo. Let me be clear, if you even set foot in Konoha again with the intention of capturing or killing Naruto, I will personally see to it myself that you are never heard from again. I don't care whether the elders want to bitch and complain about the last of the precious Uchiha bloodline being killed off." Tsunade said.

Sasuke ignored Tsunade's insult and charged forward with Kusanagi in his hand. As he went to strike Tsunade down, Tsunade grabbed Sasuke's wrist and spun him in the air, throwing him through a wall.

As he got up and walked through the hole he made, he noticed the hole had been sealed up by lava. That's when Mei, the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist, decided to make her presence known to the rogue ninja.

"Too bad you're a rogue ninja, you're quite handsome. It's a shame we have to defeat you here, are you sure you don't want to come back to our side?" Mei said, revealing a little bit more cleavage than she usually would.

"Stay out of this," Sasuke said, his Mangekyo Sharingan flaring to life.

"No? What a shame, at least I can give you a kiss that'll melt you away."

Unbeknownst to everyone in the room, the redhead Karin also followed Sasuke into the room.

"WHO AND WHAT ARE YOU, YOU WITCH!? AND QUIT MAKING EYES AT HIM YOU OLD HAG!" Karin yelled, surprising the pink-haired Kunoichi in the room, and upsetting the Mizukage.

"Lord Tsuchikage, if you're not going to participate, keep your head down," Mei said, as she was slowly going through hand signs.

'Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique' Mei thought in her head, not saying her technique out loud. Spewing out a beam of lava over Sasuke and Karin's head.

Sasuke being quick knocked Karin out of the way of the attack as he formed a small portion of Susanoo's rib cage to protect him.

As the lava fell off of Susanoo, Sasuke saw at the last second Tsunade release a punch on Susanoo's protection, and he once again felt himself go flying through the wall. As he was going through the wall, he saw Karin follow him.

'Danzo isn't here and this has become a waste of time. We should leave, and regroup. Look for Danzo another time.' Sasuke thought.

As Sasuke got up from the last wall he went through, Karin was beside him.

"Karin, we should leave and re-group. My target isn't here and it wouldn't be wise for us to stay. It would be suicide if we stay any longer." Sasuke said, receiving a nod from Karin as they started to make their escape.

"Sakura, Kakashi go after Sasuke and that girl. Don't worry about me, I sense Genma, Sai, Shikamaru, and Naruto heading this way. Once they get here, I'll debrief them quickly on what has happened, and I'll send Naruto, and Sai to back you two up just in case." Tsunade said.

"Okay, Lady Tsunade. Tell them if they need a short break to regain some stamina from their trip here to take it. I'm sure we can hold our own just fine." Kakashi said with an eye smile.

"Sakura, let's go. We can't give Sasuke time to get even further away from us." Kakashi said, receiving a nod from Sakura as they left Lady Tsunade.

Tsunade watched her pupil leave with her sensei. About ten minutes later Naruto, Sai, Genma, and Shikamaru entered the room.

"Granny Tsunade, are you okay?" Naruto said, scanning the room for any potential threats.

Unbeknownst to the knucklehead idiot, Tsunade walked over and punched him in the back of the head knocking him to the ground.

"HOW MANY TIMES DO I NEED TO TELL YOU NOT CALL ME THAT! ESPECIALLY IN FRONT OF THE OTHER KAGES YOU IDIOT!" Tsunade yelled at him.

Onoki looked at the scene playing out in front of him in disgust at what he was seeing. Mei and her group were laughing at the interaction between the two blondes.

As Onoki was looking at that blonde leaf shinobi, he couldn't help but think he looks a lot like the yellow flash of the leaf.

"Boy, who is your father?" Onoki asked Naruto.

"Tsuchikage, Onoki, he doesn't know who his father is. He's an orphan," Tsunade said, giving Onoki a glare to back off.

"Lady Tsunade is correct, Lord Tsuchikage. I was orphaned because of the Nine-Tails attack, and I have a name, It's not boy, It's Naruto Uzumaki, the future Hokage. Remember it old man," Naruto said.

"How dare you call the Tsuchikage old man! He'd crush you!" Kurotsuchi said.

Naruto let out a small growl, "And who do you think you are saying something like that? I by myself killed and defeated the leader of the Akatsuki known as Pain. What is your village doing to stop the Akatsuki?"

"Well Leaf shinobi, if you want to know what they're doing about the Akatsuki, they're hiring them to take out some of their enemies." The Raikage said, rejoining the group.

"WHAT!" Naruto yelled.

"Naruto, calm down!" Tsunade said, trying to make sure the Nine-Tails stayed in check.

"How can I calm down!? They're helping out the enemy, and we want to make a shinobi alliance with them?" Naruto said, as his features started changing.

'So this is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?' Ay thought.

"Naruto, Lady Tsunade said calm down. We don't need you to lose control, my friend." Gaara said, now entering the room also.

"Gaara, how can I keep calm? They might as well be the ones who paid for you to die and for all of us Jinchuriki's death warrants." Naruto said, with red bubbling chakra showing around him.

'Damn it! I just sent Kakashi away who has suppression tags on him. This could be bad.' Tsunade thought, 'Hm, maybe this will work instead.'

"Naruto, I need you for a mission right now, and I can't have the Nine-Tails running amok. Especially since this mission has to deal with being back up for Sakura and Kakashi who went after Sasuke." Tsunade stated.

"Wait, Sasuke was the one that attacked? Not Danzo?" Naruto said while the red chakra started to dissipate.

"Yes Naruto, and I need Sai to rest up before you two go and meet up with them. Genma, Shikamaru, you two will now be staying with me as my guards. Welcome back to guard duty Genma for this short time." Tsunade said

'How troublesome, why did I have to follow the blonde knucklehead?' Shikamaru thought

"Sure thing Lady Hokage, it's been a while since I last did it for Lord Fourth," Genma said, giving a look towards the Tsuchikage.

"Thank you, you two. Sai rest for about an hour, but I would send some of you Ninja Art to start tracking Sakura and Kakashi." Tsunade suggested.

"Understood, Lady Hokage," Sai said, bowing before he left the room to go rest.

"Naruto, go with him. While we finish our meeting and hopefully can get an alliance formed against the Akatsuki." Tsunade said.

"Sure thing, Granny. But if the Tsuchikage even thinks about betraying us, or any of them for a matter of fact think about betraying us. My clan has a debt to collect, and that'd be for killing off my whole clan." Naruto said before releasing some of the Nine-Tails killing intent and leaving everyone in the room sweating as he left.

"One day, Mizukage, Raikage, and Tsuchikage you'll explain to me why your village's decision to wipe out my grandmother's and Naruto's clan," Tsunade said.

"Wait, he's an actual Uzumaki clan member?" Onoki said in disbelief.

"Yes, although he has his father's hair, he has his mother's personality," Tsunade said, giving Onoki a shit-eating grin.

"Who are his parents Tsunade?" Ay asked.

"Sorry, but I can't tell you that. If we all agree to an alliance, however, I'll ask Naruto if he's willing to tell everyone who his parents are." Tsunade said, with another grin as she shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, let's get back to work then," Gaara said, as everyone found a seat to sit in that wasn't destroyed.

(With Sakura and Kakashi.)

As Kakashi and Sakura were going after Sasuke and that red-headed girl, Sakura's mind was elsewhere after what she just witnessed at the Kage Summit.

'Sasuke really has changed since he's left the village. Attacking the Kage Summit? I guess Naruto's information was correct… He did join the Akatsuki after all. What am I supposed to do now?'

'You move on. There's nothing left of that childhood crush. He's dark now, and I'm sure if we could sense his chakra color, it would be dark. You know there's someone else out there that you love, but don't want to admit it. Especially after making that stupid promise of a lifetime. We've put him through so much.'

'And how the fuck do you want to go after the blond knucklehead now? Especially after what he said when we last saw him alone together. He hates me, and probably would rather be with someone else like Hinata or Ino. I've caused him so much pain, why would he want to still be with me?'

'You really are an idiot, y'know! Naruto has been in love with you ever since he first laid eyes on you. You're Naruto's love at first sight, the boy would do anything for you still. Naruto isn't an idiot anymore, Master Jiraiya actually trained him on his three-year training trip. Remember when we first saw him when he returned?'

(Flashback)

Sakura was finishing picking up reports from Izumo and Kotetsu when they informed her that she might recognize a certain blonde has returned.

She was now running through the village if she could sense or find that certain blonde they were talking about. She finally found him when she looked up to see him on top of a telephone pole.

"Naruto is that you?" Sakura called out, getting her blonde-haired teammate's attention.

The blonde-haired whiskers boy looked down on her and couldn't help but smile. He jumped down from the telephone pole.

"Hey, Sakura-chan! It's been so long!" Naruto greeted his old friend.

"That it has Naruto. It's been three years just about! So what do you think, Naruto? Have I become more womanly?" Sakura asked with rosy cheeks.

"Sakura, you look more beau…" Naruto didn't get to finish what he said because Konohamaru and his group ran into him.

"HEY, WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!" Konohamaru yelled.

"Konohamaru is that you?" Naruto said, looking down on the fallen Konohamaru.

"Big bro Naruto? Is that you? It is! Look at this! Sexy Technique!" Konohamaru yelled while standing up, turning into a beautiful busted brunette woman.

"What do you think, Naruto-kun?" Konohamaru seductively asked.

Naruto could only shake his head as heard his pervy sensei fall over with a massive nosebleed, and then he could feel the destructive cold aura coming from the pinkette next to him.

"Konohamaru, please release that Jutsu. I'm not the same brat that I once was three years ago. I've changed thanks to Pervy Sage's training and mentoring. I surprisingly have matured and gotten smarter. Plus if you don't reverse the Jutsu, Sakura-chan will kill you, and I wouldn't want that." Naruto said with a smile.

Sakura couldn't help but think how much this three-year training trip did to help mature and smarten him up.

"Well Naruto, I have reports to bring back to Tsunade-shishou. I'll see you two later!" Sakura said as she turned away from Naruto to head to the Hokage's office.

"Actually, Sakura, we need to go report into Tsunade-hime as well. Do you mind if we join you?" Jiraiya asked.

"Oh sure, Master Jiraiya!" Sakura said with a smile, as Naruto walked by her side to head to the Hokage's office.

"So Naruto, what did Master Jiraiya teach you?" Sakura asked with curiosity.

"Well, he's a hardass when it comes to training. I learned a lot, especially improved chakra control! I can now do the Rasengan with one hand instead of needing a clone. I discovered I have wind and water elemental affinities, and although I don't know who they are because Pervy Sage isn't allowed to tell me yet, he said those are my parent's affinities. He also said I might have a potential kekkei genkai, but we haven't discovered it yet. I also spent a lot of time learning fuinjutsu. He said it's my clan's specialty so it's not surprising that I have an affinity towards it. I've learned some ninjutsu to my elements, and the next step is to try to incorporate my elements with the Rasengan! Uh, what else is there? Oh! When I'm ready, the toads want me to become the next Toad Sage! Anyways, I think that's it for now on what I learned! What about you? I'm assuming Tsunade agreed to take you as an apprentice?" Naruto said

"Well, let's see. I've been learning a lot about medical ninjutsu. One of my goals is to surpass Tsunade-shishou as a medic-nin. We worked on improving my chakra reserves, and control. I also have water as my affinity, and Lady Tsunade said we can check to see if I have another one also soon! I've learned quite a few water ninjutsu to help improve my arsenal so I'm not just taijutsu, which by the way I also have Shishou's strength now and her taijutsu style. I spent a lot of time with Gai and Lee to improve on it and get faster. My chakra pool has increased significantly since I've taken my training seriously. It'll never be as big as yours, but Shishou said it's about the size of a typical Jonin's pool now which has me excited. Oh, and I'm Chunin, you're the only one besides Sasuke-kun who isn't a Chunin in our group! But I think that's it, so what were you going to say to me before Konohamaru interrupted us Naruto?" Sakura said

As Naruto was about to answer his Master spoke up, "Unfortunately, you two will have to talk later about what he was going to say since we're at Tsunade-hime's office"

(End Flashback)

'You know Inner, you might be onto something about that. He definitely is a lot more intelligent than he once was, and before Konohamaru interrupted us I'm pretty sure he was going to call me beautiful.'

'YOU THINK? You know, for being one of the smartest shinobi/kunoichi from the academy, sometimes I think you're not that smart. Yes, he was going to say that, and also remember when Hinata confessed her feelings towards him, but he didn't return them? He's always defended you and would do anything for you. Wake up before you make the biggest regret of your life and continue ignoring his feelings. Also, it seems to me Sasuke and that red-head are more than just "team-mates".'

As Sakura was about to angrily retort back to her inner self, especially about that red-head who was with Sasuke, she heard her sensei call out to her.

"Sakura, I know we don't talk much when we're going after someone especially since that someone is Sasuke, but I can tell things are on your mind. Would you like to talk about it?" Kakashi said, receiving a heavy sigh from his student.

"Well, I guess I should start with myself looking for Naruto when he was avoiding all of us to let him know Lady Tsunade had woken up from her coma. Naruto went out to find the Hidden Cloud Shinobi that was asking for information on Sasuke. Well, I followed Naruto and he explained the last information he heard about Sasuke's whereabouts and told them that he was originally going to bring him back for me for the team to be whole. He now sees Sasuke as a lost cause because of him joining the Akatsuki."

"We ended up in an argument and things escalated pretty quick. Naruto admitted he was in love with me, and that I've been hurting him ever since we were in the academy together because that's when he discovered his feelings for me. He told me if I want Sasuke back to do it myself and he's done trying to please other people and instead of going to look what's best for him instead of trying to live in a fairytale world and hope I would have feelings for him." Sakura said, with tears starting to come down her face.

"Well, after this argument, Lady Tsunade summoned me to inform me I'll be a part of her guard for the Kage summit, and during that, we talked about it. She told me I should give up the fairytale of being with Sasuke and should focus on the one who's been by my side this whole time. She said it's obvious I have feelings for the blonde knucklehead too, and the two of us are like her and Master Jiraiya, dancing around our feelings until it was too late."

"I honestly have no clue what to do, because on one hand I love Sasuke and always have this what-if feeling, but then there is Naruto who literally is always by my side and pushes me to be a better Kunoichi and a better person. I just don't know what to do anymore!" Sakura finished.

Kakashi looked at his student, and couldn't help feeling sorry for her. He finally decided he should give her some advice on the matter and point her in the right direction.

"Sakura, listen to me carefully on what I'm going to say. You're in love with an image of what you have in your mind of Sasuke, but not what he actually was. The boy had always had dark thoughts of revenge and killing since the fall of his clan. He's never been kind to you really and only saved you knowing it would be wrong not to. Open your eyes Sakura, you know nothing about the boy, I've tried very hard to break him from this path before he left and I failed. He nearly killed Naruto when they fought, and to be honest he shouldn't have been able to."

"Which makes me think Naruto was holding back during that fight. Now he joined the Akatsuki, the very group who are after Naruto. You need to let go of this image of Sasuke and look at your future specifically with a certain blond knucklehead. Sakura, we both know Lady Tsunade is right, you have feelings for Naruto and are scared to admit it. Now as much as I'd like to keep talking about this, we're about to reach Sasuke and his companion." Kakashi finished

"You're right Kakashi-sensei, and thank you for the advice and listening to me. I'll think about everything, but when we get to Sasuke, I know you're going to fight him, but I'm going to want to have at him too." Sakura said, with a sad smile.

"You're welcome Sakura. I have faith in you, and you'll do the right thing, but make sure you capture that redhead. I only know of one clan that has red hair like and if I'm right on my assumption I think Naruto will be able to get her on our side. Before you say anything, you'll see why when Naruto and Sai get here as back up." Kakashi said

"Head's up, Sakura. I see them straight ahead of us now. They're by that bridge up ahead," Kakashi informed her.

Sakura wiped away her remaining tears, and took out a couple of kunai and threw them at Sasuke and the redhead not that much farther ahead of her and Kakashi stopping them from reaching the bridge.

Sasuke and Karin jumped to the side to avoid the kunai coming at them from behind. They turned around to see who was coming after them. To his surprise, it was his old teammate and his sensei.

"Kakashi, Sakura, what do you two want?" Sasuke said.

"We're here to bring you two in on your crimes against the Hidden Leaf, and against other villages too," Kakashi said.

"Well unfortunately for you, I don't plan on coming silently," Sasuke said, his Sharingan spinning to life once more as he unsheathed his sword from its holster.

Kakashi moved his hitai-ate from his left eye, showing his own Sharingan, and took out a kunai.

"Sasuke, I won't go easy on you, Sakura, handle the red-head," Kakashi said.

Sakura took out a kunai and charged Karin, who barely dodged the pinkette's strike!

Karin threw an explosive tag at the pinkette just for her to step out of the way and this time get hit right hook from the pinkette. The redhead jumped back after receiving the punch.

"Ow, that hurt you bitch! Why do you guys keep chasing after Sasuke-kun? He doesn't care for any of you and clearly doesn't want to come back!" Karin said.

Sakura ignored the question and charged back in on the redhead, leading her next attack with a fist. Sakura continued her pressure on the redhead trying to land a blow, but surprisingly the redhead was able to dodge most of her punches until she landed a roundhouse kick to the stomach sending the redhead over the edge and into the water. Sakura jumped down to follow her.

"Why do we keep chasing Sasuke-kun? Well for starters, he is a Leaf Shinobi, and we want our teammate back. I also wanted him back, because I thought I loved him, but now I have too many questions. If he doesn't care for us anymore, so be it, but he still needs to pay for his crimes." Sakura stated as she started going through hand signs.

At that moment Karin was going to respond, and defend herself from whatever Jutsu the pinkette was going to use until she got distracted. She could sense two more chakra sources that just appeared in the tree line watching Sasuke-kun, and the gray-haired shinobi fight, while also watching us fight.

'Who are these two chakra sources? I don't recognize either of them, but one of them is so bright like the sun and full of warmth.' Karin was going to continue with her thought until she was broken out of it by Sakura's Jutsu.

"Water release: Water Prison," Sakura said, causing Karin to be taken into a big ball of water, forced to hold her breath.

"Don't worry red-head, I'm not going to kill you. I'm going to wait for you to be close to drowning before I knock you out and tie you up. Then I'll bring you and Sasuke-kun back to the Hidden Leaf Village." Sakura stated, after a minute she noticed the red-haired was about to drown, she released the Jutsu and knocked the red-head out.

Sakura tied Karin up, and quietly brought her back up over the edge she kicked her off of and brought her over to the trees at the edge of the cliff they went over. Sakura noticed that Sasuke was too focused on fighting her sensei to see what happened.

(Meanwhile Kakashi vs Sasuke)

"Hello Sasuke," Kakashi said.

"Kakashi, why did you guys follow after me? I'm stronger than you now, why even bother?" Sasuke asked.

"Are you sure about that Sasuke? You never could defeat me, and I still don't think you can. We followed you because you're a Rogue Ninja joining an S-class rogue group called the Akatsuki. It's time for you to come home and face your crimes." Kakashi said.

"If you're so sure yourself, then enough talk. Let's fight, and let me prove to you, you're weak now." Sasuke said with a smirk, drawing his Kusanagi.

"I'm sorry for failing you as sensei Sasuke, but it's my job to bring you in, not Sakura or Naruto," Kakashi said, moving his hitai-ate from his Sharingan eye, and took out two kunai.

Sasuke charges at Kakashi, with both hands on his sword. As he gets closer in proximity to his former sensei, he jumps in the air and comes down with a forward slash.

Watching the movements of Sasuke's sword with his Sharingan, Kakashi readied his kunai to intercept the incoming blow just above his head. successful in blocking his opponent's move, Kakashi pushed back against Sasuke's sword with as much force as he could, forcing a stalemate between the two.

Deciding not to keep testing who was stronger, Sasuke pulled his sword away quickly throwing a kick to Kakashi's midsection making him step back a few feet.

Making sure not to let Kakashi catch his breath, Sasuke charged in again and sent a horizontal slash making an impact on Kakashi's arm. Thinking he succeeded in hitting his former sensei, he let out a smirk only to see Kakashi replaced with a log.

Sasuke started looking to see if he could sense his sensei anywhere, only to feel hands on his ankles and pull him into the ground.

"Tsk Tsk Sasuke, following for old…" Kakashi didn't finish what he was saying when the Sasuke in front of him disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Kakashi was about to look for his former student until he received a kick in the back, sending him towards the other end of the bridge. Kakashi was about right himself and landed softly until he was once again kicked, but this time in the gut sending him straight in the air, and once again receiving a kick on his back rocketing him down to the bridge.

Kakashi at the last second was able to right himself and land on his feet but went to one knee with a hand on his stomach.

'I'm getting too old for this shit' Kakashi thought to himself as he looked up to see Sasuke rushing through hand signs.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu," Sasuke said. (A/N Technique at the end really sounds stupid over it saying Jutsu)

'Damn it, I don't have time to counter this with my own, I'll just have to reveal Kamui.' Kakashi thought to himself, as his Sharingan changed.

"Kamui!" Kakashi yelled, forcing the giant fireball to be swallowed into a vortex disappearing.

"How the hell do you have a Mangekyo Sharingan Kakashi!" Sasuke said

'I'm really low on chakra right now, after using Kamui, I really need to get back to training to increase my stamina since war is on the horizon.' Kakashi thought to himself, panting ignoring his former student.

Sasuke was getting impatient with his former sensei, "Fine if you aren't going to tell me Kakashi, I'll just kill you and take your eye."

Unbeknownst to Sasuke and Kakashi, Sakura was sneaking up behind Sasuke with a kunai in hand.

As Sakura was getting ready to stab Sasuke, the redhead decided to wake up and see what Sakura was about to do to Sasuke.

"Sasuke watch out behind you!" Karin yelled.

Sakura knew she had to be quick, so she quickly thrust the kunai in Sasuke's back to only have him disappear in smoke leaving along in place.

"Ah, so one of the weakest Kunoichi in the village thought she could try to take me. Sakura when are you going to realize you're useless and always will be?" Sasuke said.

"If you think I'm so weak Sasuke, why not prove it to me and take me out right now?" Sakura said.

"Fine, you asked to die, just remember that!" Sasuke said, going through hand signs.

'Last time I checked, she never really trained, so she probably knows no Jutsus. This should be easy,' Sasuke thought to himself.

"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Jutsu!" Sasuke said, sending a huge fire dragon head at Sakura, not realizing Sakura was going through hand signs.

'I bet Sasuke thinks I decided to never train when he left! Guess I'll just use this to my advantage, I really need to thank Lady Tsunade to force me to learn more than just medical ninjutsu and her super-strength.' Sakura thought

(Flashback)

"Sakura I'll make you my apprentice, but you're going to have a long road ahead of you, besides teaching all my medical, and medical ninjutsu knowledge. I will be teaching ninjutsu based on your elemental affinity. The gaki's teacher aka Jiraiya made me realize that if I want to be an even stronger Kunoichi, I really needed to add ninjutsu to my arsenal." Tsunade said, taking a quick breath.

"Now we're going to find your elemental affinity, assign you ninjutsu scrolls of your elemental affinity that I want you to learn. While you're doing that, we're going to work even harder on your chakra control. I'm also going to help you increase your Chakra pool. You won't ever have one as big as Naruto's as no one will actually come close to him for specific reasons I can't tell you, but you'll at least be close to Sasuke." Tsunade finished as she handed Sakura some elemental chakra paper.

"Push your chakra into the paper and we'll figure out what elemental affinity you have. As you get older you have a chance of having a second element, so when you turn 15 we will check again." Tsunade said as she watched Sakura push her chakra in the paper making it damp.

"Well Sakura it looks like you have one of my elements, you have a water affinity. Alright Sakura let's get started shall we," Tsunade said with a smirk.

"Yes, Shishuo!" Sakura said excitedly.

(End of Flashback)

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!" Sakura yelled, sending a massive water dragon towards the fire dragon's head.

Sasuke was in shock seeing the water Jutsu let alone it was as strong as his Jutsu and could have easily overpowered his Jutsu if she drew on some of the water around her.

As Sasuke was dumbfounded at his former teammate, he didn't pay attention to her charging forward with a chakra-enforced punch, that proceeded to hit him in the stomach forcing him to his knees in front of Sakura with a kunai at his neck.

"I don't know if you noticed Sasuke-kun, but I'm not weak anymore. I didn't even put full power in my water Jutsu since I didn't use the water around us, and I barely used any of my chakra for my enhanced punch. Maybe it's you that's weak now instead of me. Lady Tsunade trained me to be able to surpass her eventually, although I don't think I will. It is nice to have someone putting confidence in me besides Naruto. You know Sasuke I loved you and would have done anything for you, but I don't think I can continue living in this fantasy world with having you come back and realizing you love me. I recently realized my mistakes and have been pushing away and turning down the one person who sees me as an equal, and love's me for who I am. I was denying his advancements every chance I could because of you, and since I did I potentially lost that friendship, and the one person I realized I also have true feelings for." Sakura said, with tears in her eyes.

"Maybe you don't have to live in that fantasy world anymore Sakura? You showed me how strong you are now, and you're clearly not useless anymore. How about instead of going back to the village, why not come with me instead?" Sasuke said.

"What did you just ask Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked, shocked at what she just heard not realizing the grip on her kunai was loosening.

"I said you don't have to live in that fantasy world anymore, be mine Sakura. You'll, unfortunately, have to leave the Leaf Village, but we can finally be together like you wanted." Sasuke said with a smirk.

She couldn't help but be in shock and couldn't understand what Sasuke was trying to say.

'Does he mean it? Does he want to be with me now that he doesn't realize I'm useless?" Sakura thought

'If you do this, you'll forever lose Naruto and your parents. Not only that you'll become a rogue ninja also. Don't do this Sakura,' Inner said

Sakura was about to respond back but forgot about Sasuke being in front of her. He took advantage of her being in shock from what he said by stealing her kunai, punching her in the stomach, and then grabbing hair and holding her up.

"Nope, you're still useless Sakura. Letting a few words distract you, and retreating back into a fangirl. I'm assuming the person you denied advancements to is Naruto. He's a fool to think you'll ever love him because all I have to do is say to you that I want you to come with me and you get all confused. No worries though, I'll end all this now by killing you." Sasuke said, making a horizontal slash with kunai towards Sakura's neck.

"Sakura fight back!" Kakashi said, trying to get to her.

'I'm not going to make it, Sakura is going to die here today. Damn it, if Sakura somehow survives this I seriously need to train again.' Kakashi thought

Sakura closed her eyes, 'I can't believe I let his foolish words have this effect on me. He's right Naruto doesn't deserve this, I wish I could go back and change everything. I'm sorry Naruto.'

The last thing Sakura heard was a kunai slicing through skin.

A/N: (PLEASE READ I DO HAVE A LINE IN THERE SLIGHTLY EXPLAINING MY ACTIONS WITH SAKURA AT THE END)

Well, that's the end of the chapter! Sorry for the cliffhanger. I'm sorry if my sword movements aren't good. It's my first time writing them, and if you have any tips on sword fighting please let me know!

Like I said in my earlier Author Note, this is AU, and a lot of the side characters are going to be as strong as they should be. Sakura should have been significantly stronger than she was, and same with Tsunade, but they never learned Ninjutsu. That is changing with my fic.

Yes, I had Sakura revert back to a fangirl right there, to finally destroy the fangirl part of her… Also the reason Sakura keep's tossing and turning on Sasuke and Naruto is because for starters she's around the age of 16... She's supposedly been in love with Sasuke since the academy days, so she started the fangirl/infatuation at the age of 8 and didn't want to give it up... I'm sorry if she seems like a mess this chapter, but that was to show her thought process on learning a lot of stuff and learning about her feelings for certain blond knucklehead in such a short period time. If you don't like that I did that, than I'm sorry. Or did I kill Sakura? is she dead? Or in Critical condition?

Kakashi really does run out of stamina and or chakra way too quickly because of the Sharingan and yes I know it's because he's not an Uchiha but still.

Also, I used Grammarly for a lot of mistakes or potential mistakes. They also kept capitalizing Jutsu so I stuck with it lmao.

Now I don't know when the next chapter will be out, but since I'm back to writing I still have two other fics that need to be updated. I'm sorry it's taking so long but thank you for not giving up on me, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

If you're a NaruSaku fan and want to join our discord feel free to pm me.

Now feel free to review or follow, but don't be toxic. It's 2021 there's no need for that. So be excellent to each other and party on!