Bright Eyes: The Unsung Ninja: A Naruto Story

by GeneralWildfire

A kunoichi's exploits have gone unsung in the world of ninja...until now! Sara Uchiha is a young ninja in the Hidden Leaf Village, trying to find her place in the world while keeping an eye on her mischievious friend, Naruto Uzamaki.

15. Bright Eyes: The Unsung Ninja: Part 15

DISCLAIMER: Some of the text and characters are from Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto, which I do not own. Only the characters & text that were not in the original manga/anime series are mine.

Recap: Kakashi and Sasuke have been put out of commission thanks to Itachi Uchiha and his companion, Kisame. Naruto and Sara are with Jiraiya, both of them hoping to help their comrade and teacher, by finding the legendary, Tsunade. Both have had very interesting experiences since they've been with Jiraiya and away from the Hidden Leaf Village, and they finally have a lead on Tsunade's whereabouts.

Tsunade

"All right, let's go!" Jiraiya shouted, pointing in the direction of the town they wanted to get to.

"Quit acting like a child and let's get moving!" Sara snapped, anxious to find Tsunade.

Naruto added, "Can we go already?"

"You two are in a foul mood," Jiraiya said.

"Well! Why not?" Naruto shouted, "I'm in the middle of training."

Sara muttered, "I'd like to see Master Kakashi again sometime this year!"

"Well, we'll hopefully be back in the village soon, if we can find Tsunade," Jiraiya said before he turned his attention to Naruto. "You can practice the third state while walking."

"Really?" Naruto said excitedly.

Jiraiya blew into a balloon and tied it up so the air wouldn't escape, before he tossed it to Naruto, "Here."

"What? An ordinary balloon?" Naruto questioned as he held the balloon.

Sara was looking at it in wonder also, what can Naruto do with that balloon that he hasn't done with the others?

Jiraiya explained, "The first state was rotation. The second state was power." He lifted up his right hand, that was holding a balloon, "And now THIS is the third state!"

Naruto and Sara stared at the balloon, waiting to see something happen, both were curious as to what the third state was. After several minutes of straining there eyes, Naruto asked, "What am I supposed to be seeing?"

Jiraiya chuckled, "On first glance, it looks lie I'm just holding this balloon in my hand, but let me show you with my left hand what's really going on!" Naruto and Sara watched in amazement as Jiraiya's chakra first became visible, and then it began to spin faster and faster, remaining in a tight ball.

"The same thing's going on in your right hand?" Naruto asked.

"Yup!" Jiraiya said happily.

Sara sighed; perhaps I should have tried to learn this technique. It looks like it would be a good one to have in one's arsenal…

Jiraiya said, "You see, in the third state, you put everything you've learned so far and contain it." Naruto looked worried. "In short, while you maximize your chakra's rotation and power you form an additional layer on the inside of the balloon and visualize compressing the chakra within."

"Oh! I get it!" Naruto shouted, excitedly, "I just have to keep the same rotations I've already mastered, but instead of breaking the balloon I need to keep it from breaking!"

"Hey, you caught on quick!" Jiraiya said, half sarcastically, half proudly.

Naruto laughed, and then looked suddenly serious, "…So why do I need to learn how to do that?"

Jiraiya snorted, "Well, watch closely!" Jiraiya approached a tree, "Watch closely! Up through the second state, this is what you can do…"
Sara watched as intently as Naruto, as Jiraiya formed a swirling mass and struck the tree. The tree now had a swirl pattern gouged into its trunk.

"Whoa," Naruto said.

Sara remained silent, unimpressed. The Chidori can do more damage than that!

"Now, if you've mastered the third state," Jiraiya attacked the tree again with the swirling ball of chakra.

Sara and Naruto's mouths fell open in awe, as the attack gouged out a sphere shaped trunk in the tree.

Jiraiya stepped away from the tree, "If you can keep the chakra compressed in your palm, it will stay together, rotations will speed up, the power will compress, and it will be that much more ultimately destructive!"

Sara glanced at the gouge in the tree, I believe him on that! That's a bigger hole than the Chidori would have made…I should have paid attention to the first two states! She was, literally, thrown out of her thoughts, as Naruto tried to keep all the power of his technique in the balloon and failed. After she collided with a different tree, she sat up and snapped, "Warn someone when you're going to do that!"

"Sorry, Bright Eyes!" Naruto said, having the decency to look embarrassed.

Jiraiya said to Naruto, "You can't hold back that power. You need to maintain a compressed sphere while going full force!"

Naruto thought, you're kidding, right? I don't have that kind of control over my chakra…no wonder it takes three states!

That is an advanced move, Sara thought. Even I would have problems mastering it…

Not that you're an expert, Phoenix chimed in.

I never said I was! Sara snapped. I am, however, better at chakra control than Naruto. She glanced at her friend, this is going to be more difficult then he thought.

Jiraiya saw Naruto's worried look, "I told you this was difficult. This is an A-ranked ninjutsu." He added cheerfully, "Now, no more shop talk! Go ahead and try it while we walk."

Sara sighed, if that jutsu of his keeps bursting forth, I might not be able to sit for a week!

Phoenix suggested, why don't you try landing on your feet?

I never would have that of that! Sara replied sarcastically. I think I'll be fine…as long as he doesn't catch me off guard.

After several minutes of walking, Naruto complained, "Can't we slow down? What's the hurry?"

"We've already waited spent one whole day waiting for you to recover," Jiraiya said. "There's no guarantee that Tsunade's going to stay in that town." Naruto tried to interrupt, but Jiraiya talked over him, "it's not like an old friend's conveniently going to show up and chat her up about the old days…Let's go!"

"Aw, all right," Naruto said, dragging his feet.

"Cheer up, Naruto," Sara said cheerfully. "The faster we find Tsunade, the sooner Master Kakashi and Sasuke will be on their feet again."

Naruto smiled, "Yeah, I know. It's just that this third state is so hard!"

After walking for awhile, Jiraiya stopped at a gambling house and showed Tsunade's picture to the owner. Sara and Naruto weren't paying attention. Naruto was trying to master the third state and Sara was watching intently, to see if he improved any. Sara kept her feet as the balloon burst open.

Naruto looked at her and she shook her head back and forth. "Drat!" He looked down at the floor and picked up a coin with a smiley face on it. He stuck it into the slot of one of the machines.

As they continued to walk towards the town, Sara was in a foul mood and so was Jiraiya. Naruto, however, was happily rubbing his face against his fat frog coin purse, now filled with money he had won from the slot machine. Naruto had enough good sense to know to keep quiet though.

They finally arrived at the town where Tsunade was, supposedly. Sara had placed her headband back over her left eye, as a precaution. A large castle in the town had been wrecked.

"What's going on?" Naruto asked.

Jiraiya replied, "No idea."

Sara asked, "You don't think Orochimaru was here for some odd reason?"

Before Jiraiya could answer he spotted a guy running and called out, "Hey! Stranger! Hold on a minute! What the heck happened here?"

The guy shouted, "You all ought to run too! There are monsters up there!"

"Monsters?" Naruto and Sara said in unison.

"What do you mean?" Jiraiya questioned, "What sort of monsters?"

"A-a giant serpent!" The guy replied. "It destroyed the castle!"

Sara muttered, "I hate my instincts."

Jiraiya muttered dryly, "I'm not too fond of them either at the moment…"

Naruto missed the exchange and called to the guy, "How big was it? One of those attacked my village too!"

"C'mon you two," Jiraiya headed towards the village. "I think someone's instincts are beyond right."

Sara and Naruto sprinted after Jiraiya and followed him as he leapt into a pathway where a wall had been demolished.

"Looks like we missed the party," Jiraiya muttered. "Come on you two." Sara and Naruto followed Jiraiya obediently.

It was already dark, the moon already high in the sky, when Jiraiya finally walked into a restaurant. "Let's grab a bite to eat here."

"This is a drinking establishment," Sara said, looking at Jiraiya darkly.

"This is the best place to get information…" He looked at a women with blond hair tied into two pig tails. Jiraiya shouted, startled, "Tsuande?"

"What? Jiraiya!" The woman said. "What the heck are you doing here?"

"She's drunk," Sara whispered to Naruto, taking in Tsunade's flushed cheeks.

Naruto didn't respond, he was lost in thought, she's seriously fifty?

"I've finally found you," Jiraiya said as he approached Tsunade's table.

After they were all seated, Tsuande said, "Been seeing a lot of familiar faces today."

"Orochimaru, right?" Jiraiya asked. "So what's up?"

Sara activated her Devil's Eyes as Tsunade glared at her companion, who was holding a pig wearing pearls. Tsunade's companion had black hair. What was that look for? I don't plan on missing any more of those looks, lady!

"Nothing really," Tsunade stated. "Just wanted to say hi." She changed the subject, "So, what's up with you? Whaddaya want from me?"

Naruto was inhaling his ramen, legend says she can heal any injury… Is it really true?

Jiraiya said, "I'll spit it out. Tsunade…the village requests you accept the title of the Fifth Hokage."

Sara turned her attention away from Tsunade as Naruto began to choke on his ramen. She could only imagine his thought process; even she was a little shocked.

"Did you hear about the Third Lord?" Jiraiya asked quietly.

"Orochimaru did him in, right?" Tsunade said bluntly. "I heard straight from the snake's mouth."

"Orochimaru?" Naruto shouted, echoing Sara's thoughts, "He killed the Third Hokage? Who the heck's Orochimaru?"

"The third member of our prodigal three," Jiraiya answered.

Sara asked, "I thought all three of you were from the Leaf Village?"

"Jiraiya, who are these brats?" Tsunade asked.

Naruto and Sara bristled, and turned to glare at her.

Jiraiya answered, "This…" He gestured to Naruto. "Is Naruto Uzamaki. And this…" He gestured to Sara. "Is Sara Uchiha."

Naruto couldn't contain himself, "Why did they want her for Fifth Hokage?"

"Just be quiet," Jiraiya snapped. He focused on Tsunade, "So…well? Do you accept?" Tsunade remained silent. "Well, Tsunade?"

"Sorry," Tsunade finally answered. "No thanks."

Everyone at the table stared at her, shocked.

Jiraiya smiled, "That line brings back memories. I remember you used it once before when I asked you to go out with me."

Naruto shouted in frustration, "So what was all that about in the beginning about doing some research, eh? What the heck's going on?" Naruto stood up, "you know what, I don't care! We're going to drag her back with us to the village and have her fix up Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei, right? Where did this Hokage thing come from? And worse! She turned it down!"

Tsunade said, "Kakashi? That brat? It might be a blessing if he's out of commission."

Jiraiya and Naruto both lunged madly as Sara tried to lunge at Tsunade.

"Calm down you two," Jiraiya whispered.

Sara practically snarled, "She insulted Master Kakashi!"

"Too bad," Jiraiya snapped, forcing Sara to sit back down. "She's the only possible choice for Hokage. Not only did she contribute greatly towards our village's victory in during the era of the great war… But there are still none who can stand shoulder to shoulder with her in regards to battle or medical ninjutsu. Furthermore, Tsunade is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, so she is a Leaf Village ninja of the most worthy bloodline…" Naruto looked interested at this, while Sara was still considering the best method of attacking Tsunade. "If she would agree to become Hokage, we can go home. And then, like you said, we can have her take a look at Sasuke and Kakashi. This is the decision of the village's elders. So the opinions of you two don't really count."

"It should," Sara muttered mutinously.

Tsunade laughed, "Unlike your last disciple, these two…"

Jiraiya pointed at Naruto, "He's my disciple, the other one's along for to bring you back to the village."

"Fine," Tsunade said. "This disciple has worse mouth, brains, and even mug."

"WHAT?" Naruto shouted.

"Aw, come on," Jiraiya said laughing. "Everyone pales in comparison to the Fourth Hokage." Naruto and Sara stared at him, incredulously. "As a ninja, his capacity was unparalleled, a true one-of-a-kind… He was overflowing with talent for jutsu and intelligence. He was socially popular…and well, he was quite a looker, just like me."

"But even with all that going for him, he died prematurely," Tsunade stated. "Sacrificing his life for the sake of the village. Life is not like money to risk and throw it away so easily is a fool's errand." Naruto and Sara glared at her. "They say both my grandfather and the Second Lord wanted an end to hostilities more than anything…and yet in the end, they died in vain for the village, while still in the midst of pursuing their dreams."

Jiraiya said, "You've changed, Tsunade. I don't know if these thoughts have been running through your mind the whole time, but to actually voice them…"

Tsunade snorted, "I am in my fifties. Time changes people. Same thing with Master Sarutobi…if a teetering old geezer tried to act youthful of course he's going to croak!" Naruto and Sara were barely containing their rage, plus Jiraiya still had a firm hold on Sara's jacket sleeve. "The title of Hokage is a joke. Only a fool would take it."

Naruto leapt out of his seat, and Sara struggled to join him. Jiraiya grabbed the back of Naruto's jacket with one hand, while still holding onto Sara's with the other.

"Let me go!" Naruto hollered.

Jiraiya said, "Down! This is a pub!"

"I'm not going to just stand her and let you insult the old man," Naruto said. "Or the Fourth Hokage!" He cracked his knuckles, "I don't care that you're a lady! I'll slug you with all I've got!"

Tsuande stood up and faced Naruto, "You got guts, I'll give you that...to say it to my face… Come on outside with me…brat."

"Lady Tsunade!" Her companion shouted.

"Fight me too," Sara said rising, her jacket the only thing Jiraiya was holding, showing her sleeveless blue T-shirt. "I don't take kindly to Master Kakashi, and the Third and Fourth Hokage's being insulted."

"Fine," Tsunade said smiling. "I'll take you on after your friend here."

They all stood outside, Jiraiya sighed loudly as Tsunade said, "Despite how I might look, I was once counted among the prodigal three. I don't need my full strength against a genin."

"What?" Naruto shouted, outraged.

Tsunade held up her right index finger, "This one finger will be enough."

"Give me a break!" Naruto shouted, throwing shuriken at Tsunade. Tsunade dodged to the left and as Naruto lunged at her with a kunai she ducked underneath it and knocked it into the air. She flicked his forehead and Naruto went flying.

Sara stared in shock, she's strong! I'm going to have to stay away from her if I can help it!

Naruto got onto his knees and stared in shock when his kunai and headband fell inches away from his head.

"Hey…kid…" Tsunade called to him. "I've just got one question for you before you pass out. Why…are you so sensitive about the title Hokage?"

Naruto answered, "Because, unlike you…I want that title someday! To be Hokage is my dream!"

Tsunade's eyes widened with sorrow and pain. She looked down at the ground, apparently lost in her own memories.

Now, Naruto! Sara thought silently.

Now's my chance, Naruto thought. Should I use that jutsu He focused his chakra and rushed at Tsunade who was jolted out of her thoughts.

You're doing it, Naruto! Sara thought happily, watching Naruto's technique take form.

"Take this!" Naruto shouted.

Tsunade struck the ground with her index finger and opened up a fissure in the ground. Naruto's jutsu broke apart as he landed in the ground.

"Are you all right?" Tsunade's companion questioned as she rushed towards Naruto.

"Jiraiya!" Tsunade shouted. "Was it you who taught him the Rasengan?"

"I am his mentor, you know, for the present…" Jiraiya answered.

Tsunade snorted, "The only ones who can manage that jutsu are you and the Fourth Lord. Playing mighty mentor by teaching him jutsu he has no hope of mastering? That's pretty cruel… That's how dreamy eyed brats get started on the whole 'I'm going to be Hokage' farce!"

"It's not a farce," Naruto shouted, rising to his feet. "Shut up! Shut up! Give me three days and I'll master this jutsu for you!"

"Nice words, brat…" Tsunade said. "But a man doesn't break his word."

"I never go back on my word, that's my shinobi way," Naruto announced.

Tsunade grinned wickedly, "Then let's make a wager. I'll give you a whole week, if you manage to master the jutsu in that time, I'll acknowledge that you are worthy of becoming Hokage…and I'll give you this necklace."

"Lady Tsunade?" Her companion shouted. "B-but that's!"

"No thanks," Naruto said, looking slightly appalled. "I don't want some old necklace !"

"Now, now," Jiraiya said. "That's not any ordinary necklace. It's made from a unique ore that belonged to the First Hokage. You could buy three mountains, if you sold it…"

"O-oh okay!" Naruto said.

Idiot, Sara thought. But…Tsunade just gave me an idea, something that I can bet…

Tsunade continued to talk, "However, if you fail to master the jutsu by the end of seven days…you lose! And all your easy cash," She produced Naruto's frog coin purse. "Is mine!"

"Hey! My froggie!" Naruto shouted.

"But why? The necklace is!" Tsunade's companion said.

"It's not like he's going to succeed," Tsunade stated. She turned on her heel, "Let's go, Shizune."

"Hey!" Sara shouted, taking a step forward. "You said we'd fight!"

Tsunade turned to face her, "I'd thought you'd be scared silly after you saw how I dealt with your friend."

"No, I'd actually like to make a wager with you," Sara stated.

Tsunade looked interested, "Well? I'm waiting to hear it?"

Sara swallowed nervously, "If I last an hour against you in a fight, you'll come back to the village and you'll heal Master Kakashi and Sasuke. However, if I don't last that long…"

Tsunade grinned wickedly again, "You'll admit to your friend that being Hokage is pointless."

Sara stared at her horrified at first, but she said, "Deal."

"Good," Tsunade said as she turned her back, "We'll fight tomorrow morning." She began to walk away.

Jiraiya asked, "Tsunade, won't you come drinking a bit longer with me? For old time's sake…" Jiraiya turned to Tsunade's companion, Shizune. "Shizune, would you take Naruto and Sara with you and go look for night's lodgings? That okay with you?"

"Yes sir," Shizune said, dipping her head, respectfully. Naruto and Sara were both confused.

They found a night's lodging and Sara had her own room, separate from Naruto and Jiraiya's. Her gaze rested on the ceiling. I'm going to need all my strength and wits about me tomorrow…or else I'll have to tell Naruto that being Hokage is pointless…which isn't true! And worse…Sasuke and Master Kakashi…no! I can't think like that! I will last an hour tomorrow! I've got to!

Tsunade's Choice

Sara awoke the next morning, before dawn and waited outside the hotel for Tsunade. I have to succeed today! I just have to!

Tsunade didn't keep her waiting. After a half hour of walking, they stopped in a clearing. "This is where we'll fight," Tsunade announced. "Shizune will time us!"

Shizune looked nervous as she held a stop watch. The little pig was standing beside her.

"Ready, Shizune!" Tsunade shouted, getting into a fighting stance.

Shizune nodded and shouted, "Go!"

Sara didn't expect the speed with which Tsunade came at her. Tsunade's punch sent her flying. She landed several meters away, winded.

"That's that," Tsunade said, as Sara coughed up blood. "Have fun telling your friend about the Hokage title."

Sara staggered onto her knees as she coughed up more blood, damn she's good, that punch did a lot of damage, but now I know what to expect. "Don't turn your back on me!" Sara shouted as she rushed forward, trying to punch Tsunade.

Tsunade dodged to the side and made to punch Sara in the stomach again. Thinking quickly, Sara made some quick hand signs.

"Too slow!" Tsunade shouted as she punched Sara in the stomach, sending her flying once more. As Sara hit the ground, she was surrounded by smoke. The smoke cleared to reveal a log.

Tsunade whipped around as she heard a distinct chirping sound, "I'm not done!" Sara hollered as she charged, her Devil's Eyes up.

Tsunade was obviously shocked to see the Chidori and the Devil's Eyes. Once she had dodged the Chidori she asked, "Does Jiraiya know that you possess the Devil's Eyes?"

"No clue," Sara said. "Quit changing the subject and fight!" She started another Chidori and charged.

Tsunade couldn't stop herself from smiling, this kid's got some will power, most people wouldn't be able to stand after my punch…Than again, she and that boy are definitely different.

She dodged to the side and punched Sara on the left side of her face. Sara's headband flew off as she went sliding away. Tsunade stared transfixed as Sara staggered to her feet and glared at her with both of her ice blue eyes.

Tsunade said, "You have quite the resemblance to Kakashi."

"Thanks," Sara said. "That's quite the compliment." Sara laughed at Tsunade's confused expression, "Perhaps I should tell you my full name, it's Sara Uchiha Hatake! Kakashi is my guardian!"

Tsunade looked startled, "Kakashi? He's your guardian? I never would have expected that of him! Not the Kakashi I remember…"

"He's different from before!" Sara shouted, feeling slightly like Naruto as she rushed forward, planning on knocking Tsunade for a loop. Tsunade easily blocked the blow, and sent her spiraling back to the ground, where she landed with a thud.

Tsunade was surprised, once again, as Sara staggered to her feet. What is with this kid? She shouldn't be able to stand after all of that! Looks like I'll have to take the kid gloves off!

So the fight continued, Tsunade sending Sara flying, while Sara continued to retaliate with all of the jutsu in her arsenal.

After what felt like hours, Sara glared at Tsunade, her vision making her see double. I need to end this now, but I'm only going to get one shot with my new jutsu, so I'm going to have to make it count! She performed the hand signs and touched the ground with her fingertips, she shouted, "Ignited Summoning: Hellhound Jutsu!"

The ground ripped open, spouting flames as two fiery hounds leapt out of the ground and began to run circles around a startled Tsunade.

Tsunade stood still transfixed by the two hounds, what jutsu is this? I've never seen such a sight in my life!

Sara was beyond dizzy now, okay, I'm going to have to rely on the hound to make sure that it reaches it mark! The two hounds merged into one large one and charged Tsunade, its jaws wide open. Tsunade watched the jaws close inches from her shoulder, and was almost blown over from the pressure that was released from the beast's jaws. Incredible! It is not so much the bite itself that is to be feared, but the pressure that is created inside the creature's maw! It's incredible…

Sara began to fall forward, her strength completely gone, no! I didn't win! There's no way we fought for an hour! I'll have to tell Naruto…and Master Kakashi and Sasuke…I let them down…

Tsunade watched as Sara fell forward onto the ground, exhausted. She turned to Shizune, "Shizune! How long did she last?"

Shizune had not been paying attention to the stop watch, she glanced down at it and said, "She lasted an hour and forty-five minutes."

Tsunade stared at the exhausted genin, a small smile crept over her face as she said, "You win, brat." She turned again to Shizune, "Shizune! Take her back to her room and monitor her. She probably won't wake up for four or five days."

Shizune looked bewildered yet relieved as she said, "Yes, Lady Tsunade!"

Five days later, Sara opened her eyes and looked around. She sat up and mumbled, "What the heck happened?"

She turned her head as Shizune said, "You lasted an hour and forty-five minutes against Lady Tsunade, so you won the bet!"

It took Sara's groggy mind a few minutes to comprehend what Shizune said, when it finally did, she grinned fiendishly and said, "Yes! That means she has to heal Master Kakashi and Sasuke! I've got to tell Naruto!" She stood up and found her clothes, which she was relieved to see, had been washed, and quickly pulled them on.

Shizune said to her, "He already heard from Lord Jiraiya."

Sara grumbled, "Stupid, Fat Toad ruined my fun!"

Shizune hid her laugh, and said, "He's busy trying to perfect the Rasengan."

"Oh," Sara said, feeling somewhat disappointed. "I guess I'll go do some training then."

"No," Shizune stated. "Lady Tsunade said you were not to leave this room until she checked you over. You sustained minimal injuries from your fight, but there were a lot of them. She just wanted to be sure you were okay before you began to do anything rough."

Rough? Rough? What type of training do I do that's rough…never mind! Sara sighed, "I guess I'll wait."

Two days later, Sara had already been cleared the day before, but she really didn't do anything. That morning, she walked into Naruto's room and found Shizune on the floor unconscious.

"What happened?" Sara asked.

Naruto replied, "I have no idea, I woke up and she was on the floor." He walked up to Shizune and said, "Hey! Hey you!"

Shizune shot up into a sitting position shouting, "O-oh no! Wh-what day is it?"

"Monday," Sara said. "Why?"

"What?" Naruto asked as Shizune gave him a strange look.

She asked, "You feel okay?"

"Yeah," Naruto replied. "Ever since I was a kid I've always been able to recover from practically any injury with a good night's sleep!"

Shizune made to stand, but winced in pain. Naruto continued, "But never mind me, where's that annoying old lady? Today's the promised day! I may not have perfected it in training, but there's nothing like game day pressure…"

Shizune leapt towards the window and shouted, "You two stay here." She had only gotten her head out the window when a kunai flew at her.

Sara leapt out of the window when she saw the kunai and looked around, she focused on the corner of a building not to far away, odd…I could have sworn the kunai came from over there…I'd better keep my guard up… Devil's Eyes! She turned as she heard Naruto say, "What?"

She saw Jiraiya standing on the same ledge as she was and he said, "Hold up, Shizune!"

Shizune and Naruto joined Sara and Jiraiya on the roof. Shizune propped Jiraiya against a porch railing and they listened as he said, "Tsunade drugged my drink! Not only can I not call up my chakra properly, but my body's so numb I can't even hold chopsticks properly!"

Naruto was infuriated at Jiraiya's lack of skill, "So, wrong man! You, who keeps bragging about how great a ninja he is? Did you fall for some pervy attack or something?"

"Shut up!" Jiraiya snapped. Naruto had hit a nerve. He continued, "Tsunade my be rust, but she's still a medic specialist… She's the only one who can compound a tasteless and odorless drug that can be used against other shinobi… Granted, I can't believe she was able to slip it to me, no matter how drunk I was!" Jiraiya stood up slowly, "So, Shizune, why don't you start spilling it? What all you've been chatting with Orochimaru about."

Shizune looked close to tears, "I wanted to trust Lady Tsunade, that's why I didn't say anything sooner. But now…there's very little time! Please come with me! I'll explain everything on the way!"

Jiraiya, Naruto, and Sara followed Shizune through the trees and listened as she explained about their meeting with Orochimaru, and how he had promised Tsunade that he would bring back her loved ones if she healed his arms.

At the end of her tale, Naruto said, "Of course she's going to say no!"

Sara looked at Naruto and nodded in agreement as she thought, I can't be as sure Naruto. I would hope Tsunade would realize that no one can bring back the dead, but sometimes…despair and desire can win out over reason, I just hope that's not the case!

Shizune led them back to the castle and they looked at the new damage on one of the walkways.

Naruto asked, "Wh-what the heck is this?"

"Well, Princess Tsunade went on quite the rampage, didn't she?" Jiraiya said smiling.

The pig with the pearls lowered its nose to the ground and began to sniff around. Shizune said, "Which way, Tonton?" The pig snorted and they followed the pig, Tonton.

As they followed Tonton, Sara's eyes widened with shock at the scene ahead of them, that's Tsunade and she's fighting…Kabuto! "Hey! It looks like Tsunade is fighting Kabuto about…oh hell! She's dead ahead and it looks like she may be in trouble!"

"Say no more," Jiraiya shouted. He made the hand sign for teleportation and everyone quickly followed suit, Shizune grabbing Tonton. They teleported in front of Tsunade, blocking Kabuto's path.

Orochimaru said, "It's been awhile, Jiraiya."

"Well, well, looking as morbid as ever Orochimaru," Jiraiya replied.

Kabuto smiled, "Naruto. Sara."

"You traitor!" Naruto snapped.

"Well," Jiraiya said. "It seems like you three know each other."

Tsunade suddenly rushed forward and shoved Jiraiya out of her path, "Outta my way!"

"Hey!" Jiraiya said indignantly.

Sara and Naruto's mouths fell open as Kabuto slashed his wrist and sprayed his blood over Tsunade, who stopped dead in her traps, her eyes wide with fear.

"I'm back in control," Kabuto said before he slugged Tsunade and sent her flying.

"Tsunade!" Shizune shouted as she caught Tsunade.

Naruto glared at Kabuto. Sara moved to stand beside Naruto, and Kabuto laughed, "You two try to act tough when you're together, but you're nothing but insects to me. If you two get in my way…I'll kill you."

Naruto rushed forward as Sara fell back, pulling out a kunai knife, so she could protect Tsunade.

Naruto made hand signs and shouted, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" I can't waste my chakra by creating too many clones, so I'll rush him with four at once! And he can't use his right hand because he cut it!

Naruto moved to hit Kabuto on his right side, but Kabuto swung his right arm and blinded Naruto. Blood! Kabuto kicked Naruto and sent him flying, Shizune rushed in before Sara could move and caught Naruto, shooting poisoned darts from her mouth at him. Kabuto used his headband to block the darts and he moved to stand beside Orochimaru.

Sara exchanged a glance with Naruto, who nodded. Good, we understand each other…he now knows that I'm not going to sit back any longer.

Jiraiya suddenly said, "Shizune, you take four-eyes. Orochimaru is mine. But before that I need Tsunade to do something about my condition."

Shizune said, "That medicine will last a few more hours, even I can't do anything about it."

"Oh well," Jiraiya said as he sighed, "I guess I'll just have to make do."

Sara said, smiling at Naruto, "That means you and I get to defend Lady Tsunade."

Naruto grumbled, "I'd rather be on the front line."

"You might get your chance," Sara said, eyeing Kabuto. He's better than we were in the Chûnin Exam, he was probably holding back then.

Naruto made to make some more clones, but Jiraiya said, "Shadow clones are useless in this case. It won't even work as a diversion against them. It's a waste of chakra."

Naruto moaned. Jiraiya and Orochimaru moved quickly and summoned creatures simultaneously. Orochimaru summoned two giant snakes, and Jiraiya summoned a small toad.

"Please tell me you didn't summon that on purpose?" Sara shouted.

Orochimaru called down from his position on top of one of the snake's head, "There's still no cure for stupidity, Jiraiya. Time I made my move!"

Sara turned her attention to Naruto as he made to do the summoning jutsu, is he going to summon that Chief Toad he told me about? She stared at the small toad Naruto had summoned and sighed, maybe I can help…

She sliced her thumb and made some quick hand signs, Summoning Jutsu! Alpine and Streak appeared before her, she pointed at Jiraiya, "Help him anyway you can!"

Alpine and Streak barked and ran over to Jiraiya and stood in front of him, their hackles raised as they faced the two giant snakes bravely.

Jiraiya looked over at her confused. She shouted to him, "Just tell them what to do if you need them to do something!"

The two giant snakes lunged, one carrying Orochimaru, which was headed for Jiraiya, Alpine, and Streak and one carrying Kabuto who was heading straight for Naruto, Shizune, Tonton, Sara, and the two toads. They all leaped out of the way of the snake's jaws.

Sara focused on Naruto, who had somehow managed to get inside the snake's mouth and was barely managing to hold its jaws open.

Before Sara could move, Jiraiya shouted, as he nearly tripped over Streak, who was living up to his name, "Would you get these things out of here! There in my way!"

She quickly made the hand-sign so Alpine and Streak would go back to the kennel. She turned her attention back to Naruto who had escaped the snake's jaws and had been pinned by its tail.

The snake lowered its head to eat Naruto and Sara teleported in front of him and made some hand signs, Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu! The snake reared back and hissed in pain as the flames began to eat away at it. The snake crumpled to the ground. Sara turned her attention to Naruto, who was lying very still. She made to move towards him, when Tsunade cried out in pain. She whipped around and saw Kabuto kicking her mercilessly as Tsunade just took the kicks, her arm raised as if to ward off Kabuto.

Sara felt rage rear up inside her towards Kabuto and she shouted, "Pick on someone your own size!" She charged him with her Chidori.

Kabuto turned around and caught her by the wrist and said, "You are becoming a nuisance." He threw her as hard as possible, but before she hit the ground he hit her in the stomach, and so this process continued until she couldn't rise from the ground. I can't move…!

Kabuto smirked as he kicked her one last time before he turned his attention back to Tsunade. As he made to strike her again, Naruto appeared and blocked the punch with his forehead, his headband taking the brunt of the blow.

The Leaf Village Duo!

Sara watched from her spot on the ground as Naruto shouted, "That's enough!"

He quickly formed the Rasengan and charged Kabuto. Kabuto dodged the blow, and tapped Naruto's leg.

No! Sara thought as she began to slowly rise, her body trembling from the damage it had sustained. I can't let him do this alone! We've always fought our best together! And no matter how badly injured I am, I will fight by Naruto's side till my last breath!

"Whoa!" Naruto gasped as he hit the ground, he clutched his right leg as it throbbed. It failed…it's not easy to hit moving targets… He glanced at Sara and was shocked to see her trying to get up. Heh…maybe I'm going to get a little help here…maybe Bright Eyes can get Kabuto to hold still…if she can stand. His eyes widened in amazement as Sara managed to get one knee under her trembling body, come on Bright Eyes! I really need you to help me here! We are the Leaf Village's Duo, or at least that's what Iruka-sensei said…but maybe he meant we were just a couple of practical jokers…that doesn't matter, I need help here! He turned his gaze away from Sara and glared at Kabuto.

Kabuto said, "It seems as a result of your battle with the snake…your left femur is fractured… If only it were just the bone, you'd still be able to move… But not now. I cut the lateral vastus muscle in that leg…

Jerk! Sara thought as she managed to prop herself up slightly with her left elbow. Hang in there, Naruto, I won't let you down!

Naruto was trying to think quickly as Kabuto prepared to attack him, what do I do? I need both my hands for that jutsu…if even one hand is taken out I can't do it.

"You scared?" Kabuto asked, "You wanna run away?" Naruto glared at Kabuto. "Naruto," he said as he pulled out a card. "Remember what I said with such bravado at the first test of the exam… 'Never underestimate me…I don't quit, and I won't run…I'll accept your stupid question! Even if I remain a genin for the rest of my life…I'll become Hokage, even if I can only make it by pure stubbornness. I don't care! I'm not afraid of you!' Even now…do you still feel so brave?"

Naruto risked a quick glance at Sara, who was struggling to her feet, her body trembling; no…I'm not afraid…not when my best friend is willing to stand beside me!

"You're not a child anymore," Kabuto continued, missing Naruto's glance. "You'd better cut the bravado…based on the situation when you want to give up and run away, just do it." Naruto intensified his glare at Kabuto. "Now, now. What's that look for? You're going to die! If you die you won't be able to accomplish your dream or anything else. Kids think everything is easy…"

Maybe in your world! Sara thought as she stood doubled over. Almost there!

"That's why they go on about their stupid dreams," Kabuto continued, unaware of Sara rising behind him. "Why they don't give up…and then they die."

"Straight up," Naruto said, looking down at the ground, unwilling to look up in case he gave Sara away. "I never go back on my word…that's my ninja way!"

Kabuto struck Naruto and sent him flying towards Tsunade.

Tsunade asked him quietly, "Why?" Naruto started to stand. "Why? Why are you…?"

"Granny Tsunade…" Naruto said as he stood before her. "As promised in our bet, I'm gonna take that bad luck necklace of yours… Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Tsunade said quietly, "Enough already…" Her eyes widened when she saw Sara advancing on Kabuto's exposed back. She shouted, "Don't protect me…Naruto…don't!"

Kabuto lunged forward towards Naruto as Sara propelled herself towards him. Kabuto shouted, drowning out the sounds of a small Chidori, "I told you, that kind of stubbornness will get you killed!"

Tsuande shouted again in a vain attempt to stop the pair, "If you die, everything…dreams and everything else is gone! Get out of the way! Run!"

Naruto grinned, "Heh…it's okay…" Naruto blocked Kabuto's kunai with his left hand. "Until I become Hokage…there's no way I'm gonna die!" He grinned at Kabuto, "You can't escape!" Naruto began to perform the Rasengan.

As Kabuto released the kunai he felt an electrical shock go up his back. He turned his head slightly and his eyes widened as Sara glared at him, "You should have been more careful! You really can't move now, not with the Chidori being run up your spine!" Sara grinned at Kabuto's shocked expression, I didn't have enough chakra to perform a full blast Chidori…but I had enough to produce a palm sized one, even if I'm not running the Chidori up his spine, he can't move!

Naruto thrust the perfect Rasengan at Kabuto, Rasengan! Sara felt herself fly backwards with Kabuto as she released her Chidori. She went skidding away and hit a boulder and blacked out.

Reunion…

Sara opened her eyes and wondered, why am I so comfy? She looked towards Naruto's voice as he began to talk.

Naruto was sitting up in a bed, which Sara assumed she was also in one, he said, "Do you know what stinks, Bright Eyes?"

"What?" Sara asked as she sat up. She was surprised when she felt no pain.

"We miss all the good battles," Naruto stated, nodding his head seriously.

Sara smiled, "I thought ours was pretty cool!"

"It was," Naruto said grinning. "But we missed seeing Chief Toad, Orochimaru's largest snake, and Granny Tsunade's giant slug!"

"And how do you know all this?" Sara asked.

"Granny Tsunade was in here a minute ago, she said we've been out cold for about a day, and she told me what happened," Naruto's grin widened suddenly, "I won the bet!" He displayed Tsunade's necklace, which now hung around his neck.

"Congratulations!" Sara said, as she turned her attention to the room door as it opened.

Tsunade walked in and smiled, "Good. You're both awake, we'll be heading back to the village soon. Naruto, why don't you change into your clothes in the bathroom across the way?" Naruto nodded and grabbed his clothes and headed towards the bathroom. Tsunade looked at Sara, "I'm glad to see that you're okay, you might be a bit stiff, but otherwise…you should be fine."

"Thank you, Lady Tsu- I mean…Lady Hokage," Sara said respectfully.

Tsunade seemed to size her up, "I'll let you get away with calling me Lady Tsunade, deal?"

"Deal!" Sara said happily as Tsunade walked out of the room. She changed as fast as her stiff body would allow and headed down the stairs and to the restaurant where they had first met Tsunade.

After they had all enjoyed a decent lunch, Naruto said, "Granny Tsunade becomes the Fifth Hokage today?"

"You don't look to happy, Naruto," Jiraiya said, eyeing him warily.

Naruto said in a serious tone, "Well…compared to the Third Hokage, it's just that…she's brash, and kinda selfish…and she throws money around, she's sneaky, and stupid…"

Sara sighed, I think Naruto crossed the line there…

"You sure she can be Hokage?" Naruto asked, "I'm kind of worried."

Shizune watched as Tsunade's left eyelid twitched and said hurriedly, "Let's order something else…"

Naruto continued, "First of all, an old woman in her fifties changing her looks to look like she's in her thirties…should the Hokage be like that?"

"Outside, brat! Now!" Tsunade shouted, unable to contain her rage any longer.

Jiraiya sighed and thought, the more things change the more they stay the same…

Once they were all outside, Tsunade said, "However I may look, from today on, I'm the Fifth Hokage. I don't have to take some pipsqueak kid seriously in a fight. This one finger is plenty!" She raised her left index finger in the air.

"Quit making fun of me and calling me kid!" Naruto shouted, "Whatever I am now, I'm gonna be Hokage someday!" Tsunade smiled slightly. Naruto rushed forward and shouted, "I will take you on, Granny!"

Tsunade knocked him in the forehead with her index finger sending his headband flying.

Not again! Naruto thought as Tsunade made to flick him in the forehead. He closed his eyes. He quickly opened them again when he felt a kiss being planted on his forehead.

Tsunade pulled away and smiled down at him, "Become a good man, okay?"

Naruto blushed slightly, then he grinned happily as he said, "You got it!" He turned around and called over his shoulder, "Okay! Let's get back to the village!"

Once they were back in the village, Naruto and Sara were shoved aside as the elders came to greet Tsunade. Tsunade followed them to the Hokage's Mansion, Naruto, Sara, and Jiraiya were forced to follow.

Sara was focused on Tsunade and the deal that they had made, I didn't fight you for nothing Lady Tsunade, you better be true to your word.

She came back to reality as the female elder said, "We must call our Daimyo immediately and hold a celebration for her appointment. Genma, Aoba," she said addressing two jônin, one of which had been their Third Exam proctor.

"Yes, milady!" They said in unison.

"Hold on a second!" Naruto shouted, "Tsunade's got something to do first!"

Tsunade looked embarrassed as she asked, "Jiraiya, who was it again?"

Naruto quickly grabbed Sara's jacket sleeve as she made to lunge at Tsunade.

Jiraiya said, "I told you on the way back! It's Kakashi and that Uchiha kid…and Guy's pupil, Lee."

Sara calmed down, once Tsunade gave her an embarrassed smiled. She's lucky I'm forgiving!

Tsuande led the way as she began to descend the stairs. Sara was startled when she saw Shikamaru as he said, "What're you two doing here?"

"Me?" Naruto said, "What are you doing here? All that's down there is the ninja registration room, right?"

Shikamaru grinned, "Actually, things got a little complicated."

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

Shikamaru's father suddenly said, "It's been a long time…Tsunade. Jiraiya."

"Hey!" Tsunade said excitedly, "You're Nara all grown up? And is that your kid? You're still taking care of those deer I hope; the antlers are very useful in making good medicine."

"Yes, milady," Shikamaru's father replied.

Shikamaru whispered, "Who's this bossy lady?"

Sara replied, "Lady Tsunade, she's the new Hokage."

"You're kidding, right?" Shikamaru asked.

Naruto chimed in, "Nope! But we gotta get going, well be seeing ya!"

"Uh…right!" Shikamaru said, waving at their retreating backs. Shikamaru suddenly shouted, "Hey! Sara! The elders wanted to see you in the ninja registration room when you're done with whatever you're doing!"

Sara gave him a confused look but said, "Right!"

At the hospital, Tsunade made her way into Sasuke's room first, "I'm coming in."

Sakura looked at her, startled, "You're-!"

Naruto said, "Sakura! Everything's going to be okay now!"

Sakura smiled at Naruto and looked at Sara. Sara smiled at her. Sakura bowed her head and said to Tsunade, "Guy told me. Please…please help Sasuke!"

"Of course, don't worry," Tsunade said as she placed her hand on Sasuke's forehead. Tsunade moved towards the door and said over her shoulder, "He'll wake up soon…" Naruto stayed in the room as Sara followed Tsunade to Kakashi's room. Tsuande paused in front of the door and said, "Wait out here until I call you." Sara nodded reluctantly and leaned against the wall and lowered her headband over her left eye, he doesn't need to have a heart attack right away…

Tsuande healed Kakashi and said as soon as he looked halfway awake, "Being beaten by a couple of punks…I thought you were better than that!"

Kakashi said, "Sorry to disappoint you…"

Sara was listening as she heard Tsunade's muffled voice and a faint reply from Kakashi. Tsunade soon opened the door and said, "Come in."

Sara walked into the room and stared at Kakashi, who seemed half with it. She didn't know what came over her as she ran forward and tackled him with a hug. Kakashi didn't move, but she didn't care. She felt stupid as tears stung the corners of her eyes, she whispered, "I missed you so much!"

Tsunade watched as Sara cried into Kakashi's chest, are you as heartless as ever, Kakashi? Do you not return her affection?

Tsunade turned to leave to follow Guy who was waiting eagerly in the hallway for her to come and see his student. She stopped her hand on the doorknob as she heard Kakashi say, "I missed you too…" She turned her head to look over her shoulder and smiled as she saw Kakashi embracing Sara. Kakashi tilted Sara's chin up and asked, "What's with your headband?"

"I'm making a fashion statement!" Sara said, as she cuddled against him. Tsunade left the room, deciding that she shouldn't intrude on the pair any longer.

Kakashi said to Sara, once the door had closed, "I highly doubt that you're making a fashion statement, but I'll buy it for now."

Sara smiled up at him as she continued to cuddle. As Kakashi laughed and hugged her a little harder, she said, "Oh yeah! Shikamaru said the elders wanted to see me in the ninja registration room…but I should really see how Sasuke is doing…"

Kakashi said, "Let's not keep them waiting…" He stood up and walked over to the closest, where his vest was hanging. He quickly put it on and herded her out the door.

"Shikamaru said the elders wanted to see ME!" Sara said, trying to get Kakashi to go home and rest some more.

Kakashi continued to smile, "I have a feeling they won't object to my presence."

Once they were in the ninja registration room, the female elder said, "From what we saw of the reports handed in by Chûnin who were watching the exam, strictly to judge it, it seems they all believed that you should pass."

The male elder handed her a chûnin vest and said, "Congratulations."

Sara accepted the vest with a heavy heart, I don't deserve this vest, I didn't do anything spectacular or anything like Naruto or…Sasuke…

Kakashi once again herded her outside. Once they were away from the Mansion, Kakashi beamed down at her, "Congratulations! I'm very proud of you!"

Sara looked away from him as she said, "I don't think…"

"Obviously you did something that impressed the other chûnin or they wouldn't have given you that vest, now put it on," Kakashi said sternly.

Sara sighed, "I really don't-!"

"It is a mark that you are considered an adult ninja, only until you reach the special jônin or jônin rank are you able to choose whether or not you want to wear it," Kakashi said sternly, once again.

Sara grumbled as she zipped up her new vest, "I can see how you might have been all about rules and regulations back in your youth."

Kakashi looked at her with a curious expression, before he asked, "May I see that journal you received from the Third?"

"Why?" She asked, thinking that was a random change of subject.

"Something's been bothering me for awhile and I just wanted to see if my suspicions were well founded," Kakashi answered.

Sara shrugged and tossed the book to him, and was shocked when a picture fell out of it. How many times have I thrown that thing around and it chooses now to drop something!

Kakashi stooped down and picked up the picture, his eyes widened and he flipped, to what Sara assumed was probably the last person to enter any entry in the book. Kakashi suddenly looked very thoughtful as he began to pace as he muttered, "Sitka…Sitka…where have I heard that name before?"

Sara answered, "Sitka Hatake? He was an Anbu Black Op, he was also known as the Striking Shadow of the Hidden Leaf Village…why?"

"Well…" Kakashi said searching for the right words to use. He decided to put it bluntly, "It seems that he was your father…" Sara nearly tackled Kakashi as she snatched the journal away from him and stared at the page, he's the last person to enter anything in here! Could he really be my father? She looked up at Kakashi who didn't look nearly as thrilled as she felt. "What's wrong?" She asked him.

Kakashi replied, "I know what branch of my clan your father came from, and I can imagine that they weren't probably happy about him marrying an Uchiha, since your mother said she was one in her letter to you." Sara nodded, not quite following. Kakashi sighed, "To put it simply, there are some people in my…our clan that would prefer to see you dead, since they still hold a grudge against the Uchiha."

"I think you need to elaborate more," Sara said.

Kakashi explained, "At one point in time, some of the Hatake clan were on terrible terms with the Uchiha, and vice versa. If your father married an Uchiha, well…some of his side would prefer that you were dead or didn't exist." Sara noticed that Kakashi still looked uneasy. Before she could ask him a different question he continued, "And then there are others in the village who don't think two ninjas from different clans should marry, they would call you a half-breed."

"I'm not worried," Sara said, hoping to cheer him up.

Kakashi managed to give her a weak smile as he said, "But I am…" He changed the subject, "Go see how Sasuke is doing, and we'll talk later, okay?"

"Sure," Sara said as she walked towards the hospital while Kakashi headed home. She thought happily, I now know who my father was, and I know my mother was an Uchiha…but why is Master Kakashi so worried? If what he said was true, wouldn't my father's side of the family tried to have killed me already?

Sara entered the hospital and nearly ran into Naruto. Naruto turned around and gaped at her. When he finally recovered he said, "When did you get that? Scratch that, when did you become a chûnin?"

Sara said, embarrassed, "Just today, the elders said that I passed the exam…I don't really think I deserve this vest though."

Naruto tried to hide his emotions, he didn't like the one that had started to rear its ugly head. Am I…jealous of Bright Eyes?

Sara said, trying to ignore the look that had entered Naruto's eyes, "Let's go see how Sasuke's doing."

Meanwhile, back at Kakashi's house, Kakashi was getting ready to rest a bit more, when he heard a tapping noise on his window. He looked at it to see a small bird tapping it. A mission already, huh?

As Sara and Naruto entered Sasuke's hospital room, Sara quickly assessed the situation. Apple slices are lying on the floor and Sakura looks hurt…this isn't going to be a happy little squad reunion!

Sasuke noticed both of them, but he turned his most ferocious gaze on Naruto.

"Wh-what?" Naruto asked. "Wh-why are you staring at me like that?"

"Naruto…" Sasuke said quietly.

"What?" Naruto couldn't help asking.

"Fight me!" Sasuke said.

Naruto looked bewildered, "You're still recovering. What're you talking about?"

Sasuke's Sharingan activated as he said, "Shut up and fight me!"

Sara glared and her own Kekkai Genkai activated, I don't like where this is going!

"You think you saved me?" Sasuke spat, "I don't care if she's the Fifth Hokage, you shouldn't have let her."

"What?" Naruto snapped.

Sakura said, looking flustered, "Sasuke…what's going on? Say something, Naruto! This isn't…"

"The timing couldn't be better!" Naruto said, "I want to fight you too."

"Naruto!" Sara shouted, but before she could continue, Naruto rounded on her.

"Just because you wear that vest doesn't mean you can boss me around!" Naruto shouted.

Sara was slightly taken aback, as Sasuke led Naruto out of the room, they were followed closely by Sakura. Sara shook off any misgivings she had about what Naruto had said and followed them. Sasuke led Naruto up to the roof and stood facing him, ready for battle.

Naruto laughed. Sasuke asked, "What's so funny?"

"Nothing's funny," Naruto replied. "I'm just happy. To think I can finally beat you!"

Sasuke practically growled, "What'd you say? Sounds like something a loser would say!"

Sara eyed them both as they continued to talk, her Devil's Eyes up still, if things get out of hand, I'll have to interfere…but for now I'll let them both blow off some steam…

Sasuke and Naruto both lunged at each other, each planning on throwing a punch. The words that had been exchanged between the pair had obviously been painful. Sasuke and Naruto each blocked the other's punch and they leapt apart.

Naruto quickly made a hand sign and shouted, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

At least one hundred clones surrounded Sasuke, and all of them charged forward. Sasuke maneuvered himself quickly around and up into the air, and made the sign of the tiger. Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu! The clones were quickly destroyed apart from one that was helping Naruto to perform the Rasengan. Sasuke, quickly activated his Chidori.

Sara was too stunned to move, both of those moves could kill the other!

Sakura said, as Sara was lost in her thoughts, "Stop…both of you…STOP!" She shouted as she ran forward.

Shit! Sara thought as Sakura placed herself between Naruto and Sasuke. Sara teleported in front of her, and shoved her aside, her eyes blazing, ready for either of the blows to strike her. I won't let you harm our comrade!

She was amazed when Kakashi appeared directly in front of her and Sakura, who had fallen onto her behind. Kakashi grabbed Naruto and Sasuke's wrists and flung them into the two water containers that were atop the roof. They hit the containers with resounding thuds.

Kakashi was furious, those two *&%^%$! What were they thinking? They could have killed Sakura! And Sara! What was she thinking? Throwing herself into the path of two deadly jutsu! Kakashi realized how stupid these last two thoughts sounded and focused on calming himself down before he spoke. Naruto was using the Rasengan…did Jiraiya teach him that? "What are you two doing up here? That was a little much for just a fight. What's wrong with you two?"

Naruto pulled his hand away from the water container to reveal a trickle of water coming out of it, while Sasuke had to rip his arm away from his water container, and water gushed from it. Sasuke smiled in satisfaction when he saw the difference in the power of their attacks.

Kakashi teleported to the top of the water container, leaving Sara to deal with a distraught Sakura.

Sakura began to cry and sniffed, "Kakashi-sensei…"

Sara tried to act comforting, "Hey! Sakura! Sasuke and Naruto…" She turned as Naruto approached them.

He said to Sakura, "Next time, don't interfere." Sakura looked as if someone had struck her.

"That was uncalled for!" Sara said turning around fully to face him.

Naruto taunted, "And what is the great chûnin going to do about it?"

"Is that what this was about? My stupid vest?" Sara snapped.

"You even said that you didn't think that you deserved it!" Naruto shouted, "Why is it that you did nothing and yet you got a vest?"

Sara was trying to control her anger, her fingernails were digging into her palm, "I'm not the one who decides who passes and who doesn't."

"Good thing," Naruto said. "Next time don't get in my way!" He turned on his heel and left.

Sakura asked in a scared voice, "Sara…?"

Kakashi landed beside Sakura, and heard her question and he saw Sara's livid expression, "Sara? What's wrong?" He turned to Sakura, "Everything's going to be fine!"

Sara gave him a look of contempt, before she leaped over the fence on the roof and down into the streets below. As she walked, her mind was racing, how could this happen? Naruto and I have been friends for years and he's going to let this stupid, little thing break it? And Master Kakashi…he's blind…Nothing's fine!

She turned as she heard Kakashi call out her name, she stopped and waited for him to catch up, "Hey! What was all that about up there?"

"Nothing," Sara said, realizing with a jolt, that her guardian was hoping his words to Sakura had been true. "Don't worry about me!" Sara said forcing a smile onto her face.

Kakashi smiled at her and place his hand on her cheek, "I worry about you because I'm your guardian." He yanked her headband off her head, and stared in horror at her scar. He stuttered, "Wh-when….h-how…?"

"Master Kakashi, it's fine," Sara said, gazing into his horrified expression. "Itachi…"

"Itachi!" Kakashi shouted, his voice now laced with rage. "He did that to you?"

"Yeah," Sara said, cowering before Kakashi's wrath. "He said he could make it…"

"I don't need to hear anymore," Kakashi said as he gently touched the bottom of her scar with this thumb. "I just wish that this didn't happen…"

"It's not so bad," Sara said. "I can still see."

Kakashi sighed in relief and laughed, "I was afraid that you couldn't…" He suddenly looked serious, "How is Shikamaru going to react to that?"

"Don't know," Sara said simply. "He probably won't even notice."

Kakashi practically snarled, "If he doesn't like you just because of it…!"

"I know!" Sara said quickly, before her guardian could work himself into another rage. "I know…"

He smiled at her, and pulled her against his side, "I'm going to go talk to Sasuke and then I have to head out on a mission."

"Already?" Sara asked incredulously, "But you just-!"

Kakashi interrupted her, "Our village is short on ninja so, since I'm back to my full health, I have to do missions." He began to walk away, "I'll see you later."

"Bye," Sara said as she turned to walk home.

Kakashi turned his head and watched Sara walk home. He sighed, now, as promised, I have to talk to Sasuke… He teleported; Kakashi found Sasuke sitting in a tree and wrapped some thin wire around him to keep him from running away.

"What's all this about?" Sasuke asked.

Kakashi answered, "If I didn't do this, you'd run. You must admit, you're not the type to take a lecture willingly." Sasuke struggled, futilely against the wires. "Sasuke, forget about getting revenge…" Sasuke glared at him. "Although," Kakashi added absentmindedly. "In my line of work, I've seen a lot of kids like you. The fate of those who speak of revenge is never good… It's quite tragic actually. You'll only end up hurting yourself more. Even if your revenge is a success all that'll come of it is emptiness."

Sasuke shouted angrily, "What do you know about it? You think you're a genius?"

"Calm down," Kakashi said.

Sasuke got an evil glint in his eyes, "I could kill the person most precious to you, then you'd know just how wrong you are about me."

Kakashi laughed, startling Sasuke, "You are not in the same league as Sara. And if you weren't planning on her, then you're out of luck, since everyone else who was precious to me are dead. I've lived longer than you and I know the pain of losing somebody…more than I'd like to. But! Neither you nor I can be called lucky…that's for sure. But we're not the most unfortunate either." Sasuke looked at him incredulously. "You and I have both found precious friends, haven't we?" Sasuke lowered his head, lost in thought, "You realize it after you lose them…Chidori was a power I gave you because you found something important. That power is not to be aimed at a friend or used for revenge. You ought to know what that power should be used for. Think about whether what I said hit the mark or not," Kakashi teleported to the entrance of the village to start his assignment.

…An Interesting Dream…

Sara yawned and glanced at the clock, it's only six o'clock and I'm this tired… Maybe I just feel tired because I've got nothing to do and Master Kakashi isn't here. Her thoughts drifted to the events that had occurred that afternoon and slammed her fist on the kitchen table, damn that Naruto! My day was going pretty well until he decided to be jealous of a stupid vest! She pulled out the journal from her pouch and flipped to the page where she had placed her father's photograph, at least I know who my father was now… I wonder what happened to him? She glanced at the clock again, I guess I'll go to bed, it's not like I have anything else to do…

Sara changed into her pajamas and lay down, falling, instantly asleep.

Sara sighed as she found herself in the white mist again, she looked around expectantly for Obito. When he didn't appear right away she called out, "Obito?" She continued to look around and was startled when a man with silver hair, a scar on his throat, and a scar under his right eye. Sara couldn't quite place where she'd seen him before.

"I'm sorry," Sara said cautiously. "I feel like I should know you from somewhere…"

The man looked a little affronted, but his expression soon changed to one of a parent who couldn't believe their child was being so silly.

As that expression crossed the man's face, Sara said in disbelief, "Dad?"

Her father nodded and she bolted forward and tackled him with a hug. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him as he kissed the top of her head. He pulled away and held her at arms length and looked her up and down, smiling all the while.

Sara couldn't help asking, "Can't you make yourself younger, like Obito, so you can talk?"

Her father whacked himself in the head, and Sara assumed that he had completely forgotten that he could do that. In a blinding flash her father stood before her, younger then she had expected him to be, he can't be younger then eighteen!

As if he read her mind, her father said, "Yes, I lost my voice box at a young age, this is how I looked when I was eighteen." She looked more closely at him, he did not have either of his scars, and she had to admit, her father had been good looking.

Her father pulled her into a hug again and he whispered, "I'm sorry you never got the chance to know me, and I'm sorry I didn't appear to you sooner…but…you had to figure out who I was before I dared to show myself…"

Sara asked, cautiously, "Um…Dad…how did you well…you know…"

"Die?" He supplied.

"Well…yeah…" Sara said embarrassed.

Her father smiled at her, "It's natural that you would want to know that…Let's see…" He looked very thoughtful, "I guess I'll just tell you how I died instead of showing it too you, that would take too long…" He smiled at her. "First, you should know your mother's name, her name was Selene Uchiha, and she was very beautiful." He looked her over, "Her eyes were a bit darker than yours, and her hair was black and very long, and she had a very quick temper and I usually received the brunt of it." He sighed, "It's a shame she died that night as well…" He noticed Sara's look, "No, Sara, she will not come to you in your dreams, she chose to move on… Anyway, on September 9th, your mother went into labor, she stayed at home only because she was too damn stubborn to go to the hospital," Sara noticed her father's eyes showed how much he had loved Selene. "As she was giving birth to you, some enemy shinobi came, I don't remember what village they were from, but they stabbed me in the heart right away, knowing that I was The Striking Shadow of the Hidden Leaf Village." Sara expected her father's tale to end but it didn't. "You may not have read this, but I was VERY well known for having extreme willpower…but I'm not sure if that was what kept my heart beating…for all I know, it was in my genetics…"

Sara asked, utterly confused, "What do you mean by it was in your genetics?"

"Well," Her father looked thoughtful. "My branch of the Hatake clan was so…for lack of a better term…inbred, that we all began to have unique Kekkai Genkai that were recessive traits, one of my younger brothers had one of those… No, I won't tell you his name! Back to the story…" Sara tried to contain her laughter, and barely succeeded. "Whatever the reason, the enemy shinobi didn't expect me to still be standing. I used that to my advantage and killed them all… I couldn't let them harm either of you… Well, your mother, being the way she was had somehow managed to give birth to you in that entire mess and had the strength to make sure you were as healthy as she could tell, not being a medic, and had wrapped you in a blanket…" He laughed half-heartedly, "The look in her eyes when she realized I was dying…she placed you in my arms and I only held you for a few seconds before I had to hand you back to her…I blacked out and that's that…"

"Dad," Sara asked looking up at him. "What were you going to name me?"

"Ironically, we were going to name you Sara. It was pure luck that Kakashi picked that name for you," Her father said, his eyes beaming down at her. "Speaking of Kakashi, I don't want you to dwell on me or that journal. I'm not in the world you live in; I'm in the world of the dead, or not even! Do you understand me? Do not ignore Kakashi; he needs you as much as you need him…" Sara nodded, hearing the resentment and pain in her father's voice. He wishes that he didn't have to say that…

"Dad," Sara began. "I'm always going to love Master Kakashi, because he raised me and he understands me…and the loneliness I've felt… But I'm always going to have a place for you and mom…especially now that I know how much you both cared about me."

"No…" Her father said, startling her, "You don't know how much we loved you, even before you were born… Selene and I were ready to be parents, we were ready to get out of the Anbus and ready to raise a child…"

Sara went up to him and hugged him, "You're right…I don't know how much you loved me, but I'm definitely getting an idea of how much you did."

Her father smiled down at her, "It's getting late; I'm going to leave you for now, so you can sleep peacefully. I'll see you another night, so you can learn some more about your mother and I…" He kissed her forehead, "Goodnight, my beautiful daughter…"

Sara slept peacefully the rest of that night…

The Retrieval Squad

Morning came all too soon as Sara awoke to someone knocking on the front door. She walked down the stairs groggily and opened the front door to find Shikamaru, covering his head with his arms, as if he expected to be punched.

Sara knew exactly who he had been expecting to answer the door, "He's not here, Shikamaru. Master Kakashi is out on a mission, what's up?"

Shikamaru sighed in relief, but his expression turned to that of extreme seriousness, "Bad news…Sasuke's gone to join Orochimaru, and I'm supposed to form a squad to-!

"Be back in a flash!" Sara shouted from the top of the stairs that she had teleported up. She quickly threw on all her clothes, including her Chûnin vest. As she dashed down the stairs she thought, this can't be happening! Sasuke wouldn't go with that Orochimaru guy…would he?

As Sara locked the door behind her, she asked Shikamaru, "Who else have you got in mind for this squad?"

"Well, first I only have a little less then a half hour to form the squad that I think is necessary, however it was recommended that I take Naruto…And I'm going to ask Choji…what's that look for?" Shikamaru look at her, concerned.

"It's nothing," Sara said as they dashed towards the village. "Naruto and I aren't on the best terms at the moment."

"Never thought I'd hear that," Shikamaru muttered. "I was also thinking Shino would be a good addition to the squad."

"Sounds good," Sara said, smiling.

Shikamaru glanced at her vest, "You made Chûnin too?"

"Yeah, and that's why Naruto and I are on unstable ground," Sara murmured.

Shikamaru looked confounded, "You mean he's mad at you because you made Chûnin and he didn't? That's stupid!"

"I know," Sara grumbled. "I'll wait outside while you recruit him." Sara said as she leaned against a wall. They had arrived at Naruto's home.

Shikamaru nodded and walked up the stairs, man…I really hope Naruto can get along with Sara for this mission… He knocked on Naruto's door.

Naruto opened the door wearing his nightcap and pajamas. After Shikamaru had explained what happened, he shouted, "Whaaat? You're kidding me!"

Shikamaru wondered, why him?

Naruto shook with anger, that moron! "Wait just a minute!" Naruto shouted as he charged back into his room, "I'll just change quickly!"

As Naruto followed Shikamaru down the stairs he spotted Sara and he glared, "Couldn't you have picked a more exceptional team member?"

Before Sara could tear Naruto apart, Shikamaru snapped, "I'm lucky I found another chûnin and unlike you, I'm not about to complain about who's on the squad, as long as I know that they'll help get Sasuke back!"

Naruto said, "I'm not sure she won't let Sasuke go…"

Shikamaru made a mad grab at Sara's jacket sleeve and managed to catch it before she could get very far.

Sara shouted, "I'm just as determined to get Sasuke back as you are you-!" Sara couldn't think of any words that would describe Naruto and his behavior. She grumbled, "Let's just find the other people we want on the squad."

Shikamaru nodded and released her sleeve, as he led the way to Choji's. Shikamaru explained to Choji what was going on and finished off by saying, "Okay, Choji. Gear up pronto, and be at the front gate in ten minutes." Choji nodded groggily and closed the door behind him.

Naruto exclaimed, once the door was closed, "I thought you said on the way here that you had some excellent genin in mind! I thought you meant Shino!"

Shikamaru said, "Choji's been my teammate for ages. He's the best for any team…" He whispered, "You used to be the same way with Sara."

Before Naruto could make a retort a puppy barked, and Kiba said as they turned to face him, "Shino's off on a special mission with his father. Catching that early stroll is beginning to pay off…"

They all turned around to face the other way as Lee said, "I couldn't help overhearing. It sounds like you can use some help, and I think I have the perfect person in mind."

Ten minutes later, at the front gates, Shikamaru had managed to assemble a six person team consisting of: himself, Naruto, Choji, Neji, Kiba, and Sara.

Naruto shouted, ready to go, "On your marks, get set…! Follow me!"

No one moved except Shikamaru, "Naruto, look…I'm the leader of the squad. I mean it's a drag and all but…"

Naruto interrupted, "You sure you can handle it? Some how I have my doubts…" He pointedly looked at Sara.

Before either, Shikamaru or Sara could reply, Kiba said, "Like you being the leader would be helpful? Still…being ordered around by someone whose heart clearly isn't in it bothers me too."

Shikamaru was perfectly calm as he grabbed Sara's shoulder, restraining her. He glanced at her, his look saying, "it doesn't matter".

Choji said, glaring at Naruto and Kiba, "Look! Shikamaru is a chûnin already! You have to recognize his authority. If the top brass sees him as someone who can lead, it's not our place to question it."

"Fine," Neji stated. "So detail us some plan or strategy that shows us what they see in you. From what I understand, we're facing a likely ambush."

Shikamaru released his grip on Sara's shoulder and turned to face Neji, "Since we're the pursuer. That means it's easier for the enemy to anticipate us. We need a party formation that can instantly react to an assault." He shot a glare at Kiba and Naruto, "If you ignore me and start acting on your own…we'll all die." Kiba and Akamaru had the decency to look ashamed, Naruto merely looked insulted. "We'll go out single-file. First, the most important forward guard will be…you, Kiba." Kiba was startled. "You spent all year wandering the Land of Fire with Akamaru, so if anyone knows the terrain better, it's you. Plus, given your acute sense of smell, we can track Sasuke by scent. You can even detect and disarm booby traps, where the enemy has touched them. Also, a single-file formation is vulnerable to frontal attack, your pairing with Akamaru makes you doubly effective. And then I, platoon leader, come next. Whatever the situation, I can respond by ordering Kiba directly from behind, meanwhile I can use hand signals to communicate with the rest of you."

He turned to Naruto, "The third is you, Naruto. You've got the best initiative, so you're best placed at the heart. You can support either the front or back, as needed. You're the hinge of our backup, especially given your Shadow Clones."

"Choji," Shikamaru said turning to him, "You're fourth. You don't have speed, but you have great striking power. Once Kiba, Naruto, and I launch a surprise attack, you take the stage and clobber the enemy with a fatal blow. In other words, your job is the follow up strike."

He turned to face Neji, "You bring up our rear guard, Neji. This is the second toughest job. With you Byakugan, you can ensure that our squad has no blind spots."

He finally turned to face Sara, "I'm giving you the hardest job of all…" Sara looked a little nervous. "You're to trail quite a distance back behind us and…"

Sara laughed, "Bring in a surprise if you guys are caught in a mess, right?"

"No," Shikamaru said in a serious tone. "If, for some reason, we're caught, you're to go on ahead and get Sasuke. You are not to stop. You have to leave us behind if necessary."

Sara stared at him, horrified, I can't do that! I can't leave my teammates behind, why is he giving me this job?

Shikamaru smiled at her, "I know you'll have to make split second decisions, and I know you'll make the right choices as the mission unfolds."

Sara sighed; he has more faith in me than I do…

Shikamaru looked at everyone, "I need to see all of the ninja tools you have on you. It'll only take three minutes."

Three minutes later, "Any questions?" Shikamaru asked. Everyone stared at him, willing him to go on. "If you're all with me so far, let me tell you the most important thing. It's not that Sasuke is my best friend… I don't even like him really…" He got some startled looks from Neji, Choji, Kiba, and Naruto. "But like us, Sasuke is a Leaf Village ninja. He is our comrade! Therefore, I will stake my life to rescue him. That's the Leaf Village way… Beyond that, even I can't complain, when all of your live have been entrusted to me."

Kiba laughed, "Now you're starting to sound like a chûnin.

Shikamaru said, "All right, let's get moving."

"Wait!" They all turned around to see Sakura standing next to Lee.

Naruto and Sara said in unison, "Sakura?" They then proceeded to glare at each other for a second, before turning their attention back to Sakura.

"Lady Hokage told me what happened," Shikamaru said. "I'm sorry, but I can't take you on this mission… Even you couldn't persuade Sasuke, right?" Naruto and Sara were startled to hear this. "Our only recourse is to persuade him with force… Sakura…your role has ended."

Sakura's eyes filled with tears as Naruto said, "Sakura, does that mean you…?"

Sakura began to shake as her tears spilled down her cheeks, "Naruto, this is my wish of a lifetime…please…please bring Sasuke back…" Naruto was startled. "I couldn't do it…I-I couldn't stop him! So now…now the only person who can…stop him…save him…is you…Naruto."

Sara sighed, why is it that she always turns to the guys for help and not the other girl member of her squad?

Naruto looked a little sad for a moment before he smiled at her, "You sure do care about Sasuke… I know what you're going through now. I know all too well…"

Sakura hugged herself as she sobbed, "Naruto…thank you…"

Naruto gave her the thumbs up, "It's okay. I'll bring Sasuke back! That's my promise of a lifetime!"

Kiba said, half joking, "Hey, Naruto! Are you sure you want to make such big promises?"

"I never go back on my word, that's my ninja way!" Naruto said grinning. He punched the air, "All right! Let's get on with it!"

Shikamaru sighed, and said, "We've lost some time, so we'd better get moving."

Naruto looked a little put off as he said, "Yeah."

Sara was practically tap dancing in place, her Devil's Eyes up, as she watched her comrades move out, while she had to wait for them to get at least a mile head start. Please be careful guys…

Blood Faces Off!

Sara kept on eye on her teammates using her Devil's Eyes as she began to slowly follow them, keeping a mile between them. Suddenly, a large hemi-sphere of soil rose up and surrounded them, and she was still keeping a mile behind them. What the-? I hope they're okay… As she finally came on top of the mound of soil, she waited, hiding behind a tree…if they don't get out of there in five minutes…I'll leave them behind as Shikamaru ordered…

After three minutes, all of them emerged, as the soil around them collapsed. She focused on the guy in front of them as he said, "That's pretty good, kids."

Naruto and Kiba got into offensive positions. Kiba said, "Now that we're out, we've got the upper hand!"

"Let me at him!" Naruto shouted.

"Hold it!" Neji snapped. "It's risky to fight him head-on right now. We may have the advantage in numbers, but he drained our chakra. He can draw out this battle longer than we can fight it. If we take too long, Sasuke will cross the border. And if that happens, our power will be useless on its own."

"So what're we supposed to do?" Naruto shouted, exasperated.

Kiba practically snarled, "We broke his barrier… We can beat him!"

Sara continued to watch, resisting the urge to leap in and help her comrades.

The guy in front of them said, "Wrong! You're my meal, is what you are! Well, more like an appetizer, but anyway." He made a hand sign.

Shikamaru shouted, "Look out, guys! We're in for something big!"

Naruto, Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, and Kiba, along with Akamaru, were all thrown back. As they all stood up, they were looking around wildly for their opponent. Kiba sniffed the air and shouted as he whipped around, "Behind you!"

Their opponent held a huge chunk of the earth over his head.

"You gotta be kidding me!" Naruto shouted.

You guys have to get out of there! Sara silently shouted.

Choji made a hand-sign as their enemy threw the large pile of earth at them. He rolled forward with his Human Boulder technique, destroying the projectile. He charged on towards their enemy, who managed to catch him, and stopped his rolling.

Their enemy kicked Choji up into the air, like a soccer ball, and sent him flying with a shoulder slam. Choji skidded to a halt.

Naruto, Kiba, and Neji, all prepared to engage the enemy, but Shikamaru said, "Guys! Hold it! We're running out of time. Let's split into two groups… At this rate, we won't be able to catch Sasuke." He added silently, and Sara isn't about to go ahead of us, if she thinks we're all in danger… "Neji, I'm making you in charge of the second group. You take Kiba and Choji, and track Sasuke. As for this guy…Naruto and I will manage."

Their opponent said, "The Shadow Possession Jutsu again? It's a useless technique. It's no better than a cheap stage trick. And you're the squad leader? Do you honestly think splitting up puts you in a better position? Having an imbecile for a leader sure makes things tough for his subordinates." Choji stirred, from where he was lying. "Well, scumbags, given the shadow-loving, depressing, moron you work under…I'll be nice and kill you before you even notice what you're suffering."

Sara began to pull out a kunai knife, but stopped as she glanced at Choji, who was rising to his feet, a look of pure fury on his face.

Naruto shouted, unaware of Choji, "You pig! Shut your mouth! I'll kick your…"

"He's mine!" Choji shouted, causing Naruto to turn around. "I'll take him!"

"Choji…" Shikamaru said, startled.

Choji pulled out a pouch and held it out to Shikamaru, "Shikamaru, divide these military rations pills and raise your chakra."

"Wait, Choji, you…" Shikamaru said, bewildered. "You don't mean…"

Choji smiled at him, "Yeah, exactly. I've got my special reserve…"

Sara wanted to tell Choji to go on ahead, and she'd take care of the idiot who had insulted Shikamaru. But, Shikamaru, the leader, said I have to stay behind them, until I deem it necessary to pull on ahead of them…

Sara watched as Shikamaru reluctantly handed out all of the military ration pills, and left Choji behind. Sara reluctantly followed them shortly after, as Choji charged the enemy. She smiled every now and then as she kept a half mile distance between herself and the others, she stopped when they stopped, as they marked several trees, leaving arrows, so Choji would follow them when he defeated his opponent.

As they proceeded onward, Sara soon had to dodge around, Neji and Kiba's fight. As she passed Kiba, she wondered, having lost sight of Shikamaru and Naruto, where on earth could those two have disappeared-! Holy *^%%*)#! She came to an immediate halt, as she saw, what she could only describe as three massive corpses, standing behind a red-haired girl, with a bandanna over her head. She darted behind a tree and peeked out cautiously as the girl began to play a flute. The massive corpses moved. Not good! Shikamaru dodged the three corpses and hid behind…her tree.

Shikamaru stared at her, dumb-founded at first, he then whispered angrily, "What are you doing? You're supposed to be following Naruto!"

"Don't you think I know that?" Sara snapped, "I need to figure out a way to get past the three stooges first!" She gestured at the corpses.

Shikamaru looked at her and said, "Give them a wide berth…you'll lose some time, but I'm sure you'll be able to pick up Naruto's trail, or at least see him with those eyes of yours."

Sara sighed, "Right." Shikamaru leapt out from behind the tree and began to talk, as Sara slipped away, unnoticed.

She quickly slit her thumb with a kunai knife, once she was a good distance away from the three corpses and summoned Smokey. She said, "Track Nar…Sasuke!" Smokey nodded and began to run, his nose in the air as he led the way.

After a few minutes, Smokey stopped abruptly and whined. Sara looked up and stared in awe at the field of bones that seemed to span for quite a ways.

She glanced at the Beagle, "We'll have to go around, that's all." Smokey woofed in response and began to run, full sprint.

Several minutes later, they were running as fast as they could towards the Final Valley.

Meanwhile, in the Hidden Leaf Village, Kakashi had just gotten back from his mission and was reporting to Lady Hokage. She soon explained the situation to him.

"What?" He shouted. "You sent rookies after Sasuke?"

"I had no choice," Tsunade said, as Kakashi placed one hand on her desk as he slumped forward. "I did all I could to give them a decent chance of success." Kakashi pushed himself away from her desk, and headed towards the door. "Now hold on! You've already got your next mission."

"Yeah, well, I'll be back," Kakashi said, trying to rein in his temper.

Once he was at the village gates he summoned his entire pack of ninja hounds. He said to them, "Scatter like the wind. Locate the scents of Naruto and Sasuke. The moment you're sure you've traced them, call out. I'll be there… Now…scatter!" His dogs leapt away. He thought of Sasuke and Naruto's fight the previous day, I was naïve. They…they really could kill each other… A howl split the air. Good! He headed towards the howl, please let me make it in time.

Sara bolted towards the Final Valley, and allowed Smokey to leave. I have to help Naruto! I know he's facing Sasuke! She looked up at the sky as it began to pour. She spotted Naruto lying on the ground and stared at him, Naruto… Her gaze drifted to a silhouette that was retreating into the shadows of a tunnel. Rage reared up inside her as she hollered, "SASUKE!" The silhouette began to run. Sara sprinted after him and smiled in satisfaction as she blocked his path to the border. "You won't get past me!" She spat.

Sasuke said, "I have a dream too, Sara!"

Sara stood frozen to the spot as Sasuke maneuvered around her, how many times have I said that to Naruto…? How many times has Sasuke heard me say that…? But…this dream I can't let him pursue. She turned around and charged after Sasuke, unaware that she had also crossed the border. "Sasuke!" She shouted. Sasuke whipped around, obviously startled by her chasing him. "I'll drag you back if I have to!"

Sasuke snorted, and Sara watched in horror as his skin darkened, and his hair grew longer as it lightened in color, and hand-like wings sprouted from his back. What the hell is this? "You want a fight?" Sasuke shouted as he activated his Chidori. "Then you got one!"

As he charged, Sara activated her Chidori, and charged him too. Both of their Chidoris collided, burning their arms as they both were sent backwards. Sara recovered first and charged him, using a Chidori on her other arm. Sasuke's eyes glinted as he anticipated where she was going to strike with his Sharingan. At the last minute, he whipped out a kunai and threw it at her.

Sara dodged to the side, but the kunai found its mark in her shoulder. She grunted in pain, and pulled it out and threw it right back at him. Sasuke threw two more, each finding their mark. One in her lower left arm, and the other on her right thigh; she closed her eyes for a minute as the pain shot through her. When she opened her eyes, Sasuke had disappeared. Where did he-!

She cried out in pain as she felt something rip through her side, she glanced down, and saw that Sasuke had managed to hit her right side, and she assumed that he had grazed her liver.

He confirmed her suspicions as he stabbed a kunai into her right shoulder blade as he pulled his arm away from her side, saying, "I just hit your liver. You're not going to make it back to the village!" He turned around and used his grotesque wings to fly as far away from her as possible.

Sara coughed up blood and watched his progress, one thought going through her mind, he can't go to Orochimaru… He can't go to Orochimaru… She willed her injured leg to take a step forward, followed by the other one. Soon, she was somehow running to try and catch Sasuke.

Sasuke glanced over his shoulder as he landed and stared incredulously at Sara, how can she keep going? She's obviously still bleeding! What the hell is going on? He took to the air once more.

Sara was ready to continue onward, but Phoenix screeched, what are you thinking? You need to get back to the village so they can fix you up!

Sasuke…Sara tried to argue.

Forget that dingbat! He just tried to kill you, and he still may succeed if you don't get back to the village! Phoenix snapped.

Sara slowly turned around, suddenly, it doesn't seem like that easy of a task…to get back I mean…and I crossed the border…I'm technically a rogue…just like Sasuke…

Tsunade will understand…now…MOVE!

With encouragement from Phoenix, (mainly screeching) Sara managed to drag herself back to the village. She avoided going through the main gates, since she was unsure if anyone would have heard that she had crossed the border, and instead, managed to jump over the walls. She landed heavily, causing the Anbu on gate duty, to look around.

Sara pushed herself up and began to stagger towards the Memorial Stone, her mind no longer focused. The only thought in her mind was, Master Kakashi's most likely to be at the Memorial Stone…

She walked up to the Memorial Stone, and collapsed on top of it, her blood slowly pooling around her as she blacked out…

Mission Failed!

Kakashi carried Naruto into the hospital and was met by one of the medics. The medic said, as he took Naruto from Kakashi, "Good! This only leaves one member of the squad unaccounted for…"

Kakashi said, utterly bewildered, "I was informed that there were only five members to the retrieval squad!"

"There was one more," the medic said, suddenly looking uneasy. "Sara Uchiha…"

Kakashi felt his whole world come undone with those words, "Sara…Uchiha? You mean to tell me no one has found her yet!" He snapped, suddenly angry. "Has anyone even tried-!"

The medic said, "We still have people looking, don't worry, we'll find her!"

Kakashi watched as the medic carried Naruto to a nearby room. He walked over to a chair and collapsed into it. Young one…where are you?

Meanwhile, Asuma and Kurenai were following a trail of blood that was leading into the village. Asuma asked the Anbu on gate duty, as he examined the blood, "Hey! Did you see anything over here?"

The Anbu answered, "No, but I did hear something, I assumed it was an animal, why?"

"We're looking for a chûnin who was apart of the retrieval squad who hasn't been found yet," Kurenai replied. "We've been following a blood trail that we found just over the border, but it led us here."

Asuma motioned for Kurenai to follow him as they continued to follow the trail of blood. "Odd," Asuma said as they neared the training area that contained the Memorial Stone. "Why would she go here?"

"She probably isn't thinking clearly with all the blood she's lost," Kurenai replied.

Asuma stopped dead in his tracks as he gazed at the Memorial Stone horrified. Kurenai gazed at him quizzically and followed his gaze, she gasped, "Oh my-!"

Sara lay sprawled on the Memorial Stone; blood surrounded her and continued to fall to the lower part of the Memorial Stone, giving the look of a bloody fountain. Asuma bolted forward and sighed as he said, "Well, the bleeding's stopped and she's still breathing…" He gazed at the Memorial Stone, "She sure gave me a fright."

Kurenai said, "She's not out of the woods yet, let's get her to the hospital, now!" They both sprinted to the hospital, neither willing to try and teleport, with Sara so injured.

As they sprinted in Kakashi stood up and stared, horror stricken. "Asuma…" He said weakly.

Kurenai stopped, while Asuma kept going, "She'll be okay, Kakashi, we found her lying on the Memorial Stone… Why? We don't know…she's lost a lot of blood." Kakashi nodded and followed Asuma slowly, afraid of hearing that the medics would be unable to save her.

Shikamaru watched Asuma bolt past with a bloody mess in his arms, and he stared at the ground.

Temari, who had helped him fight off the red haired girl, said continuing their conversation, "Look at mister delicate? You call yourself a man? Grow up! This is the world of shinobi!"

Shikamaru stood up, "As squad leader…all I could do was watch…and put my trust in them. I was too naïve…inadequate for the task… This is all my fault."

"So you're afraid of getting hurt?" Temari asked, her eyes glaring at him.

Shikamaru walked out of the area she was in and around the corner, where his dad was standing. His father said, "Hey, Shikamaru! So when a girl whips her tongue you turn tail?"

"I don't have the energy for quarreling right now, okay?" Shikamaru said bitterly. "I'm not a woman."

His father said, "But you're not much of a man, either." He watched as Kakashi walked past, ignoring both of them. "Whether you're here or not, the missions will go on. And someone has to carry them out. They'll still send your friends, just under a different leader. It's the way these things work. They'll be no less likely to die then… But maybe…if you're their leader…your friends will survive. You made it back. Reflect on what happened this time, and learn from the experience. Then your next mission will be perfect. If you really care about your friends… Then instead of running away…you should set your mind to improving yourself. Isn't that the way friends behave? Milksop?"

Tsuande walked out of Choji's surgery room, "He's okay now." Shikamaru twitched. "His medication had a side effect that was eating away at his healthy cells…but I found an antidote that worked. I thank you, Shikaku. The Nara clan's sacred medicine guide helped big time. It took tremendous effort to put it together. It's the sweet fruit of your labor."

Shikamaru's father, Shikaku, said, "Thank you really!"

Shizune came out of Neji's surgery room, "Lady Tsunade! Neji Hyuga is out of the danger zone! And two more things, Kakashi Hatake brought in Naruto earlier and he's injured but his life's not in danger… But Asuma brought in Sara… and well…you should probably…" Tsunade was up instantly and running down the hall.

Tsuande called over her shoulder, "The mission failed, yet all of you have survived! I can't ask for more!"

Shikamaru had tears in his eyes as he said, "Next time…the mission will be perfect." He turned to follow Tsunade; he wanted to see if Sara would truly be okay.

Kakashi watched as Tsunade went into Sara's surgery room and he sat waiting. His eyes closed. Please let her be okay… I can't lose her…not now…Please…not now!

A few minutes later, Tsunade opened the door and said, "Kakashi, I need to speak with you." Kakashi stayed seated, expecting the worst as Tsunade approached him. "Relax, she'll be fine, her life's not in danger." He released a sigh of relief. "However, you need to talk to her about a surgery that I could perform on her left leg." Kakashi looked at her, his eyes hopeful. "Since I noticed her bones in that leg are hollow, almost to the extent of that like a bird's. I could perform a surgery to put it back to how it should be. But… it would be extremely painful for her when she woke up… Go and discuss it with her." Tsunade moved out of his way.

Just before Kakashi opened the door to Sara's surgery room, Tsunade said, "Do not pester her for information on what happened, I already know, and she's not in trouble."

Kakashi nodded and walked through the door. Sara smiled at him weakly, as she lay on the bed; she had no strength to sit up. He smiled back at her and sat on the edge of her bed.

Sara said, "Master Kakashi…I'm sorry…I don't want-!"

"I know. You don't have to tell me anything until you're ready. I'm just glad that you're okay," Kakashi said as he moved her bangs out of her eyes.

"How are the others?" She asked.

"They're all fine," he replied. "I need to discuss something with you…" He explained the surgery to her.

"Do it, I'm fine with it," Sara said once he had finished explaining. "If I wouldn't need to wear a brace anymore it'd be great."

"You'd still need to wear a brace," Kakashi said. "But, it would only be as a precaution instead of being a necessity."

"Okay," Sara said.

A knock sounded on the door, and Kakashi stood up and opened it. He was shocked to see Shikamaru, looking small and insignificant as he asked, "Can I see Sara?"

"Sure," Kakashi said, walking out of the door as Shikamaru stepped in looking confused.

As the door closed behind him, Shikamaru asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I've been better," Sara said, a trace of her humor showing through. "But I've been worse too."

"I'm sorry, this was all my fault," Shikamaru said.

"Don't sweat it," Sara said.

"I guess I'll let Kakashi back in before he kills me," Shikamaru said smiling. "I'll see you around." He walked out the door and sighed as he faced Kakashi, the door closing behind him.

"I'm sorry," Shikamaru said. "This was all my fault, if it wasn't for me…"

"I would have lost two members of my squad," Kakashi said gazing down at him. "Shikamaru…let me tell you something. You're lucky all of your teammates came back alive, and on your first mission…" Kakashi got a wistful look in his eyes, "On my first mission as a jônin, I lost my best friend… You did great, Shikamaru." Kakashi walked back into Sara's room.

Shikamaru walked outside the hospital where Ino and Asuma were waiting for him, he asked, "Hey, Asuma?" Asuma looked at him, "Is it a good thing if Kakashi tells you something about his past?"

Asuma smiled, "I would think it is, but hell, what do I know?"

Shikamaru sighed, "I was afraid you'd say that…"

Later that night, as Kakashi left Sara's hospital room, her surgery planned for the morning, he was surprised to see Enaki leaning against the wall outside her room. "Enaki? Why are you here?"

Enaki sighed, "Kakashi…I have to tell you something, you may not like…" Kakashi gazed at him uncertainly. Enaki looked him straight in the eye and said, "I'm Sara's uncle by blood, my last name is Hatake."

Kakashi stared at Enaki and said, "You—how?"

"If I had wanted her dead Kakashi I would have done it years ago, all those times you left her in my care, while you went on missions when you were Head Anbu, I have no desire to hurt her…" Enaki said, his eyes blazing. "I just thought I'd tell you now so I could offer any help I could give…"

Kakashi sighed in relief, "I know you wouldn't hurt her…that means Yusuke is her uncle to—E and Y! I'm not sure if I should thank you two or clobber you!" Enaki laughed. "Maybe you could help…" Enaki looked up at him, "Whenever she is released from here, maybe you can let her stay with you for a week or so. I don't think she'll willingly talk to me about Sasuke, but…maybe…maybe she'll open up to you. Plus, it'll be a good chance for her to get to know you."

Enaki smiled, "Thanks for giving me the opportunity, Kakashi. I owe you one."

"No," Kakashi said. "You owe me a lot!"

Bonding

Three and a half months later, Sara was finally released from the hospital, as were the others, granted, the hospital had to strap Sara to the bed when someone wasn't watching her when she had been there. Kakashi had informed her of how she would be staying with her uncle, Enaki, for the week, just so she could relax, and so she wouldn't be alone, since Kakashi had another mission.

Sara was beaming from ear to ear as she walked beside Enaki, Enaki finally asked, "What's got you so happy?"

"You," Sara said still smiling. "I didn't think I had any relatives apart from Sasuke…and I guess Master Kakashi…distantly. And now I find out that I have two uncles!"

Enaki smiled down at her as he added, "Don't forget you have an aunt as well."

"Tiégra was already an aunt as far as I'm concerned," Sara said.

"And what did that make me?" Enaki asked.

Sara looked thoughtful, "I guess what you are!"

Enaki's smile widened as he opened the gates to the Anbu area, "Today, I promised Yusuke he could hang out with you, just take it easy on him."

"Why?" Sara asked looking confused.

"Because my older brother worries about blind me," Yusuke said as he approached.

"Wait, what?" Sara asked confused. "I thought you could see."

"Yeah, thanks to an oddball Kekkai Genkai that allows me to see three hundred and sixty degrees around me…which I might add, get's me very dizzy sometimes!" He added, "It's a recessive Kekkai Genkai though…"

Sara studied his eyes, and realized with a jolt, that he was indeed blind, his eyes had a haze to them. I never even realized…

"I'm using that Kekkai Genkai now I might add," Yusuke said, smiling slightly.

Sara quickly looked away from Yusuke's eyes, embarrassed that she had been staring.

Yusuke said, ignoring her embarrassment, "I'm not sure how you feel about carnivals…but I thought it'd be a good place for us to bond."

"Just take it easy, Yusuke," Enaki cautioned.

"What are you, my mother?" Yusuke asked sarcastically as he led the way. Sara followed him quickly.

She asked as they walked out of the village, "Where is this carnival at?"

"The next town over," Yusuke answered. He added, "Sorry that we left so quickly…Enaki…sometimes gets too close to home with his comments." Sara gazed up at him, confused. "Whenever this Kekkai Genkai turns off…it takes a lot out of me to turn it back on…last time I was lying on my bathroom floor for an hour because I was so exhausted… The next time it goes out, that's it; I won't be able to use it again… I'll have to quit the Anbu Black Ops…and I know Enaki doesn't want that…"

"What are you planning on doing after the Anbus?" Sara questioned.

"I'm not sure," Yusuke answered. "Perhaps Lady Hokage will think of something for me to do…"

Sara couldn't help asking, "Did you know Master Kakashi when he was younger?"

Yusuke nodded, "I was the Head Anbu before him. He had, and still has, a lot of talent, that's why I chose him as my successor. He proved to me that I made the right decision later on, just by the way he ran things."

"Cool!" Sara said happily.

Yusuke smiled, "Enough about me, how about you tell me a few things about you?"

"Umm…" Sara said, "Like what?"

"Whatever you can think of," Yusuke answered.

Sara tried to condense all that had happened since she had been made a genin into a short synopsis, but she wasn't even to the halfway point when they reached the town. She stopped mid-sentence and gazed around in wonder, she had never been to a carnival before and she looked at all of the rides that towered above her and some of the buildings.

Yusuke smiled at her enthusiasm, "I'll be happy to pay for whatever rides you want to ride but, he pointed at a bird cage Ferris wheel. "That's the only thing I can ride with you."

Sara nodded, and decided that she would ride only three rides, before she chose to ride the Ferris wheel. Sara rode the Gravitron, a roller coaster, and a Scrambler, before she and Yusuke went into one of the bird cages.

As they were at the top of the wheel, Yusuke said suddenly, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell Enaki anything I told you…"

"Okay," Sara said nodding.

When they finally got off the ride, Yusuke suddenly grabbed her shoulder and gripped it tightly; he laughed half-heartedly and said, "Looks like I'm retiring tonight!"

Sara felt bad, knowing that her uncle had lost his sight when he had been with her, Yusuke startled her when he said, "Don't blame yourself, I figured it would be happening soon, it was just bad luck that it happened today. I'm just glad I got to spend a day with my niece." He pulled her against his side and rubbed her shoulder as they walked through the crowd, Sara guiding him.

When they were back at the Anbu area, the sun had already set; Sara wondered if she would have to guide Yusuke to his room, Yusuke waved her off and said, "I'll be fine; I've managed these stairs up and down before with no sight, so I'll be fine. Go distract Enaki for me!"

"Sure," Sara said smiling as she walked up the stairs ahead of Yusuke. It suddenly occurred to her, as she allowed Yusuke to pass her that she had no idea where Enaki's room was. She stood on the stairs thinking, if I was a veteran Anbu, who's most likely second in command…where would my room be?

A voice behind her said, "I was wondering when you two would get back."

Sara turned around and sighed in relief when she saw Enaki, "I was trying to figure out where your room was."

Enaki smiled and opened the door in front of her, "Sorry about the mess." He said as he walked in ahead of her.

Sara looked at the room confused at Enaki's words, what does he mean mess? This room is cleaner than mine or Master Kakashi's! There's only a thin layer of dust! Big deal!

As she shut the door behind her, Enaki gestured to the window, where there was a place for a person to sit, and a small person to sleep. "That's where you'll be sleeping, since I have nothing else for you to sleep on."

"That's fine," Sara said, noticing that her bags were already sitting there. "Thanks for bringing my stuff up."

"No problem," Enaki said as he looked in his small refrigerator. He closed it quickly and asked, "Do you mind eating out?"

"No," Sara said honestly.

"Good, because that's the only option we have," Enaki said. "One bad thing about being an Anbu, you forget to check/clean out your fridge!"

Sara laughed as he led the way out of his room, he asked, as they left the Anbu area, "What do you want to eat?"

Sara thought about his question for a few seconds before she said, "Pizza sounds good!"

"Okay, pizza it is," Enaki said.

He led the way to a place Sara was unfamiliar with, but he quickly turned a different direction, muttering, "There's no way I'm paying for blackened pizza!"

Sara glanced back at the stand and stared in horror at the blackened, triangular chunks they were passing off as pizza.

Enaki walked to Tiégra's and led her inside, seating himself at a table; Sara quickly sat across from him. Tiégra walked up to their table and she smiled as she looked from Enaki to Sara, she asked Enaki, "Does she know?"

"Yes, she finally knows," Enaki said, slightly exasperated.

Tiégra's smile widened as she asked, "What can I get you two?"

Enaki said, "Anything that's not blackened."

Tiégra bopped him on the head with her notepad and said angrily, "You went to that place down the way before you came here, didn't you? Some husband you are!"

Enaki laughed as she bopped him again, "Tiégra, you know I have to be fair to the other pizza businesses in the village! I have to give them a chance to try and beat your pizza."

"I suppose… I'll get your order started," Tiégra began to walk away.

Sara felt extremely out of place, especially when Enaki playfully slapped Tiégra on her butt. Tiégra shot him a flirtatious look, and walked to the kitchen.

Enaki said to Sara, still watching his wife, "I think you might be walking back to the Anbu area alone tonight, and I might just stay here…"

Sara sighed, and Enaki looked at her, puzzled. Sara explained, "It's obvious you and Tiégra love each other, but I can't figure out why you didn't have kids."

Enaki immediately stopped smiling and looked at the table top, "We tried…Tiégra…Tiégra had several miscarriages, and the final miscarriage took a toll on both of us…"

"I'm sorry!" Sara quickly said. "You don't have…"

Enaki interrupted her, "It's fine. When Itachi was Head Anbu…he put me on a lot of dangerous missions… Don't get me wrong! I'm fine with doing dangerous missions…but at that time Tiégra was pregnant and I didn't want her to be stressed. Well…Itachi refused to understand… I guess you could say that I still blame myself for the last miscarriage."

"But why?" Sara asked, utterly bewildered, "It wasn't your fault!"

Enaki looked up at her and smiled weakly, "But I can't see it that way… I should have tried harder to get out of those missions…" Sara felt terrible for her uncle's loss, but she couldn't put it into words. "The only thing that Tiégra and I both enjoyed after the miscarriage was managing to be apart of your life."

Sara blushed, "Thanks…I always appreciated that you two were kind to me…"

Enaki stood up and wrapped walked over to her side of the table, wrapping her in a hug, "We were happy to make you feel that someone cared about you, since we couldn't tell you who we were to you at the time."

Sara smiled up at him, and Enaki walked back to his seat, as Tiégra brought them their pizza.

"That was fast," Enaki commented as Tiégra set the pepperoni and mushrooms pizza in front of them.

Tiégra said, "It didn't take to long to make a thin crust with so few ingredients. I hope you two enjoy it, it's on the house!"

Once she was out of earshot, Enaki muttered as Sara put a slice of pizza on her plate, "Basically, I pay no matter what now!" Sara laughed.

Later that evening, Sara was walking back to the Anbu area alone, just as Enaki said she would be. As she walked up the stairs to Enaki's room, she was surprised to see Yusuke and Hanashi carrying boxes down the stairs. Yusuke stiffened when he came even with her and asked, "Sara?"

"Yeah," Sara replied. Yusuke sighed in relief, and carefully set the boxes he was carrying carefully down on the step and wrapped her in a hug.

"I'm going to miss seeing you," Yusuke said.

Sara looked up at him, "You won't see me?"

Yusuke laughed, "Well of course I can't see you!"

"Oh…right!" Sara said, feeling stupid.

Yusuke elaborated, "What I meant was, you won't be seeing me that often. I'm going to be on the other side of the village training some of the Leaf Villages handicapped to fight…"

"So," Sara said, making sure her tired mind had comprehended things correctly, "Basically you're going to be a Special Jônin, giving kids who didn't have a chance of becoming ninja a chance to do just that?"

"Yeah," Yusuke said as he stooped down to pick up the boxes he had set on the step. He smiled at her, his sightless eyes somehow managing to find her eyes before he continued on down the stairs. He called up from the bottom, "Don't tell Enaki, he'll find out soon enough on his own. Pretend you didn't know anything!"

Sara laughed quietly as she opened Enaki's bedroom door and walked over to the windowsill that she was to use as a bed. She found a blanket that she assumed she was supposed to use, and curled up and fell asleep.

Her dreams were haunted with the images of her friends fighting the sound ninja that had taken Sasuke alone, along with all of her friends accusing her of letting Sasuke go.

Sara woke up with a start and looked around the room. Sweat trickled down her neck, and she shivered, I'm getting really tired of having that dream!

She glanced up at the door as Enaki walked in, a smile on his face. Sara thought, I don't want to know at all!

Enaki was still smiling as he greeted her, "Good morning! Are you awake enough to come with me to get breakfast?"

"Sure," Sara said as she stood up. "Just let me change my clothes."

Enaki nodded and said, "I guess I should do the same… Don't exit the bathroom until I tell you to, okay?"

"Yep!" Sara said as she grabbed her usual attire out of her bag and walked into the bathroom.

Sara found the rest of that day almost unbearable, since Enaki was in a jubilant mood. It wasn't until later in the evening, when Enaki's good mood was finally wearing off that Sara dared to ask him any questions.

As Sara lay, curled up on the windowsill, and Enaki was in bed, she asked, hoping he wasn't asleep, "Hey…um…Enaki?"

"What?" Enaki asked, groggily.

"Um…would it be all right if I called you Uncle Enaki?" Sara asked timidly.

Enaki was silent for a minute. He finally replied, "Sure, but I wouldn't try calling Yusuke that..."

Sara wondered, did he find out already that Yusuke retired from the Black Ops?

She waited a few seconds before she asked another question, "Uncle Enaki…?"

"What?" Enaki asked, sounding slightly exasperated.

"Do…do you think my father would have loved me?" Sara asked, feeling stupid for not believing what her father had told her in her dream.

Enaki sat straight up in bed, Sara could just see his silhouette, "Of course he would have loved you! He wouldn't shut up about how happy he was that Selene was going to have a child! You would have thought HE was pregnant!"

Sara laughed a little, as Enaki lay back down on his bed. Sara wasn't sure how to phrase the last question, I want to ask him if he would be willing to listen to me explain about how I feel about what happened with Sasuke…but I'm not sure he'll listen… Well…here goes nothing!

"Uncle Enaki?" Sara asked tentatively.

Enaki sat bolt upright, and snapped, "WHAT?"

Sara cowered and said quickly, "Never mind!"

He sighed, "You had better tell me since you woke me up!"

"Well, would you be willing to listen to me talk about what happened when I tried to get Sasuke to come back?" She asked.

"Sure," Enaki said as he lay back down. "But not tonight…I need rest…"

Sara nodded, knowing full well he couldn't see her, and she lay down, her sleep peaceful.

The next afternoon, Enaki sat at one end of his bed, while Sara sat at the other, "Well, I started out by chasing him, after I found Naruto. I was ready to break every bone in Sasuke's body to bring him back…but then…he said something that made me hesitate…he said that he had a dream too. And I've said that to Naruto thousands of times…" Enaki nodded encouragingly. "He slipped past me across the border. When I realized what he had done, I chased after him. He turned around to face me and…and his skin darkened while his hair lightened and he sprouted hand-like wings…" Enaki looked disgusted. "We fought, but he managed to hit me with some kunai and eventually he struck me with a Chidori… Even after that I tried to chase after him…but…Phoenix finally persuaded me to head back to the village…"

Enaki looked at her sympathetically, "And you feel that it was your fault he went to Orochimaru?"

"Yeah," Sara stated flatly. "I allowed him to get past me, and I allowed him to get the better of me… I failed my teammates who put their trust in me to bring him back…!"

Enaki scooted towards her and wrapped her in a one armed hug, "You didn't let them down. You did your best…I think even more then your best. If they don't appreciate that, then…maybe you should reevaluate who your friends really are…"

Sara nodded and hugged Enaki back, "Thanks, Uncle Enaki."

"I can get used to you calling me that," Enaki stated, smiling.

Nothing exciting happened over the next three days, since Enaki was busy with his Anbu duties. But on the fourth day, Enaki decided that he needed to restock his fridge.

As Sara waited outside the grocery store for Enaki, she was surprised when she heard someone call out her name, angrily. She turned towards the voice and saw Naruto glaring at her. He stormed towards her and shouted, "You let Sasuke go, didn't you?"

"What?" Sara shouted her anger building. "I didn't want him to leave either!"

"Bull shit!" Naruto bellowed, "You've always put Sasuke's needs above mine and Sakura's! He just had to say the word and you would have allowed him to pass!"

Sara practically snarled, "You've got a lot of nerve!"

"Bring it!" Naruto snapped, "Right here. Right now!"

Sara stared at him her Devil's Eyes already up, as Naruto unleashed his fox chakra. Sara thought to Phoenix, give me some of your chakra!

Gladly… Phoenix replied. Sara felt Phoenix's strength surge through her.

The air between them was like lightning as their blue eyes met, each showing loathing towards the other for the first time…

…Time…

Sara waited, her muscles tense, waiting for Naruto to make the first move. He didn't disappoint her. Naruto quickly pulled out some shuriken and threw them at her. Sara quickly drew a kunai knife and blocked them all. Naruto rushed towards her, kunai in hand and Sara easily blocked his strike.

Sara said through gritted teeth as she held Naruto's wrist that held the kunai, "Why would you think that I'd let him go? I don't want him to be Orochimaru's puppet either!"

"Liar!" Naruto shouted, shoving her backwards, "You always treated Sasuke like he was something special!"

Sara recovered quickly and charged him, as Naruto blocked her blow, she spat, "You have me confused with Sakura and Ino; they would have allowed him to leave!"

Naruto once again shoved her back and she easily landed on her feet, he snapped, "Sakura at least tried to keep him here! You probably allowed him to walk right past since you're related!"

"Bull shit!" Sara shouted, she threw the kunai in her hand at him. "I tried my hardest to get him to come back, and I nearly died because of it!"

Naruto easily blocked her kunai and glared at her, "You didn't even try! I know you didn't, you never do!"

"Enough talk," Sara said, pain showing slightly in her voice. "Let's just fight!"

Naruto rushed forward before Sara could brace herself for an attack and kicked her into the air shouting, "Na! Ru! To!" As Sara was in the air he kicked her downward with all his might, "Uzamaki Barrage!"

Sara hit the ground with a loud thud, and Naruto landed nimbly on his feet, smirking as the dust cleared thinking, she deserved that! He stared in horror at the log that was lying where Sara should have been.

Sara appeared behind him and held a kunai to his throat, "You're not the only one who has some tricks up their sleeves, I've gotten pretty good at Substitutions!"

Naruto disappeared in front of her in a cloud of smoke and she was sent flying by a kick from Naruto. Sara scoffed, "Shadow Clone…I should have known that!"

A crowd had begun to gather around to watch the pair fight, all of them finding it entertaining that the two most disliked children in the village where fighting. Enaki walked out of the store and was surprised to see the crowd; I wonder what's going on? He was startled when he saw Sara land a in the crowd, and he saw Naruto smirking. Please tell me they're just having a friendly spar! No…I guess not…they wouldn't be throwing weapons at each other if it was! Enaki tried to shove his way through the crowd, groceries and all but to no avail. He resigned himself to watching the fight from his spot; I'll have to intervene if things start to get out of control!

Sara stood up and glared at Naruto, "What are you? A one trick pony?"

Naruto rushed forward in response and tried to punch her in the face, but Sara easily dodged and kneed him in the stomach before she kicked him into the air and sent him flying with another.

Naruto landed skidding on all fours as he dug his fingernails into the ground, to keep himself from flying any further. He stood up quickly and made a Shadow Clone and began to perform the Rasengan.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya had moseyed into the crowd and had made it to the second row of people and stared dumbfounded at Naruto and Sara as they stood panting facing each other, as Naruto began to perform the Rasengan, what's that little idiot doing?

Sara stared, her eyes cold as she began to activate her Chidori, I'm just curious as to what happens when these two jutsu collide. I wonder if it's as powerful as two Chidori colliding… I'll pull back if it looks like I'm going to actually hit Naruto…

Naruto charged, his Rasengan perfect, Sara charged as well her Chidori ready. As they got closer to each other, Sara's eyes widened in panic as she realized her Chidori was going to strike Naruto full in the face. She quickly pulled her arm back and began to go into a flip to stop the Chidori from hitting Naruto.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion from then on. She was only halfway through her flip, her back to Naruto, when she felt something hit the lower right side of her back. She gritted her teeth as she felt her hands beginning to leave the ground as she felt the flesh in that area being ripped away and twisted from the force of the jutsu. The crowd part as she sailed through the air and she gasped when she struck the side of a building. She lay still, trying to catch her breath since the wind had been knocked out of her.

Enaki stared in disbelief between Naruto and Sara. His bewildered stare eventually turned into fury at what Naruto had done. That little *&%$! She stopped her attack and he didn't have the courtesy to stop his own? He charged, fully intent on wringing Naruto's neck.

Jiraiya was appalled at Naruto's behavior, but he quickly dashed in when he saw a familiar silver and white haired man lunging at Naruto, Enaki! If I know him, he's ready to kill that boy! Jiraiya quickly blocked a furious Enaki's path, while Naruto cowered before him.

Enaki shouted, having dropped his groceries after seeing what Naruto had done, "Out of the way, Jiraiya! I'll kill that boy! She stopped her jutsu to avoid hitting him and he repays her kindness by hitting her with a deadly jutsu!"

Naruto muttered, much to Jiraiya's disbelief, "She deserved what she got…"

Jiraiya had to keep a firm hold on Enaki as he tried to get at Naruto, ready to rip him limb from limb. Jiraiya said to Enaki, "It's not going to do Sara any good if you kill him, leave that to Kakashi, since he'll probably here about this in no time."

Enaki shrugged off Jiraiya, "I'll make sure he hears about this." He shot Naruto a nasty look, before he walked to where Sara was sitting up. Enaki squatted beside the somewhat dazed Sara and asked, "Are you all right?" He realized how stupid the question sounded and wasn't surprised with the response he got.

Sara gave him an incredulous look and said, "Do I look-!" She winced in pain. "All right?"

"I'd better get you to Tsunade," Enaki said as he gently picked her up, carefully avoiding the wounded area. I'll have to talk to Kakashi after I know the extent of the damage Naruto did to her… He watched as Jiraiya walked down the street, apparently yelling at Naruto.

Jiraiya snapped as he was walking away from the crowd that was still gathered around where Naruto and Sara had been fighting, "What were you thinking? You don't use the Rasengan against a friend! Haven't I explained that to you?"

"She's no friend of mine," Naruto muttered mutinously.

Jiraiya was utterly perplexed, "Now…hold on! What do you mean she's not your friend? Before Sasuke left you two were buddies."

Naruto said, "That was before she got promoted to a ninja rank she didn't deserve!"

"That's all that the fight was about!" Jiraiya shouted, exasperated, "Naruto! That's the stupidest thing to fight over; besides, Sara can't control other peoples' opinions. It was just the general opinion that she should be made a Chûnin! What's the real reason behind your 'sudden' dislike of her?"

Naruto wouldn't meet Jiraiya's gaze as he said, "I guess…I guess I've always been jealous of Bright Eyes abilities… I just…I just never realized how jealous I was…" He gazed at the stone faces. "When we were in the Academy, I noticed Bright Eyes was always doing better then I was, but I always argued to myself, 'As long as were the same rank, who cares'? Then we became genin, and Bright Eyes really began to blaze past me…but still I argued the same thing, 'We're together, it doesn't matter'… But…I didn't realize that jealousy had reared it's ugly head already and was just waiting for the moment to strike… Aw man, Pervy Sage! How am I going to apologize? You're right! It was stupid! She'll never forgive me after what I did!"

"I'm not going to argue with ya there, kid," Jiraiya said glancing at him. "But…perhaps…hmmm…" Jiraiya looked thoughtful, and then he shrugged, "I can't think of anything kid, sorry!"

Naruto grumbled, "Not as sorry as I am!"

Meanwhile, Kakashi had just finished a mission and was walking home. As he was walking, he kept hearing snippets of conversation as he walked past small groups of people.

"Did you see it?"

"Those two really went at it!"

"It was amazing to see those two fight, since their supposedly such good friends!"

Kakashi wondered, what two friends are they talking about? I guess it would help if I listened to one conversation! He was ready to eavesdrop on a group when he heard a familiar voice shout, "Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi turned to see Naruto running towards him, Jiraiya approaching at a slower pace. Naruto said as he stopped in front of him, "Sensei? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Kakashi said, still trying to hear what was being said by the group of people that was standing behind him.

Naruto looked sheepish as he said, "Say you got jealous of a friend of yours and eventually you and that friend got into a really bad fight and the said friend was injured and now you felt really bad and wanted to apologize…what would you do?"

"Well," Kakashi said, reluctantly turning his full attention to Naruto. I assume he's talking about Shikamaru, or Kiba, or even Neji… "If I was you, in this hypothetical situation; I'd just give the friend some time to get over your fight and hopefully you two can be friends again after some time has passed." He added, "It will be up to you whether the shinobi you meet later on will be friend or foe."

Naruto nodded thoughtfully, "Thanks, sensei!"

Kakashi nodded and began to head towards his house, since the small groups had dispersed.

Jiraiya muttered to Naruto, once Kakashi was out of earshot, "You better pray that you're out of the village, when Kakashi finds out that the situation you described really happened."

Meanwhile, in the Leaf Village Hospital, Enaki was in the waiting room, praying he wouldn't have to give Kakashi any bad news, now that I'm thinking clearly; I don't want to tell him anything! He may be younger then I am, but that pup still strikes fear into my heart some days! He glanced at the doors to the hospital rooms, I hope Sara's all right…that Rasengan really did some damage! Enaki perked up as the doors opened and Sara walked through, followed closely by Tsunade.

Enaki stood up and asked, "Is she going to be all right?"

"Yes," Tsunade said, nodding. "She'll just need to REST," she emphasized, giving Sara a meaningful look. Sara pretended not to notice.

Enaki laughed, "I'll make sure Kakashi is aware of that!" He embraced his niece with a one armed hug and led her out of the hospital and back towards the Anbu area so she could collect her belongings before she headed home.

Back at Kakashi's house, Kakashi was waiting patiently for Sara and Enaki to arrive, he even had some Garbage ramen cooking on the stove. They weren't late yet, but it was getting close to that point, making Kakashi edgy, I'm the one that's usually late and Enaki is always punctual…what's taking them so long? He sighed in relief as he heard a knock on the front door and it opened to reveal the pair, Sara sticking her house key back in one of her jacket pockets.

"It's good to see you again," Kakashi said happily, moving to embrace Sara.

Enaki stepped in front of him, and said quickly, "You're going to have to be careful when you hug her…"

"Why?" Kakashi asked, suddenly thinking of the conversations he had heard snippets of in the village. "Don't tell me she and Naruto fought?"

Sara asked, "How did you know?"

Kakashi sighed, "I should have guessed…but what made you two fight?"

"Something stupid…" Sara grumbled.

Kakashi said thoughtfully, barely controlling his rage towards Naruto, "You know…I don't think he and Jiraiya have left the village yet…I could always kill him and no one would notice…not even Jiraiya!"

"Master Kakashi!" Sara shouted, surprised at her guardian's attitude, "It doesn't really matter anyway…our friendship is probably over anyway…"

"All the more reason I should kill him!" Kakashi stated.

"Master Kakashi," Sara said hugging him. "It really doesn't bother me that we're not friends anymore…"

Kakashi said silently to her, yes it does, and you know it…

So? I can live with it! I'm not some little genin! Sara replied.

I know… Kakashi said half-heartedly, but you have to remember that you'll always be my genin!

Aw man! Sara said silently as she stepped away from him.

Enaki had completely ignored the pair; instead he had focused on a delicious aroma, "Kakashi?" He questioned when Sara had stepped away from Kakashi. "Are you cooking Garbage Ramen?"

"Yes," Kakashi said as he laughed. "You can have some."

Enaki smiled and said, "Boy, you no me too well!"

Sara laughed along with Kakashi and Enaki, as they all sat down at the table, waiting for the Garbage ramen to finish cooking.

When the Garbage ramen was ready, Kakashi got up and walked over to the pot, kissing Sara on the top of the head as he walked past. Enaki commented, "It seems like only yesterday that you were taking care of her when she was a baby…"

"Stop!" Sara moaned. "I don't want to hear about when I was a baby!"

Kakashi laughed and said, "Don't worry! I don't plan on torturing you with talk like that!"

Enaki sighed and muttered, "You can't indulge an old man?"

"You're not an old man," Kakashi said as he set down two bowls of Garbage ramen, one in front of Enaki, the other in front of Sara. Enaki brightened up at that statement. Kakashi sat down and muttered, "You're an old dog!"

Enaki tried to look angry but he didn't succeed. He said, "And I still say you're a young, idiotic pup, Kakashi!"

Kakashi shrugged and began to eat his Garbage ramen. Sara was already halfway through hers. They all ate in a companionable silence.

When dinner was over, Kakashi handed Sara a handful of money and asked, "Sara, would you mind going to the grocery store and picking up a few things? As you've probably guessed by now, our fridge is pretty empty!"

"Yeah, sure," Sara said as she took the money and headed out the door.

After Sara had finished getting some groceries, she was walking home, when she heard a voice call her name. She turned around and saw Naruto standing only a few yards away from her.

Sara asked in an indifferent tone, "What do you want?"

"To apologize…" Naruto said trying to meet Sara's gaze. She refused to look at him. "I'm really sorry! I'll admit it! I was stupid for being jealous! I've been jealous of you for awhile but I always ignored it thinking that everything was fine as long as we were the same rank and then-!"

"Enough," Sara said, interrupting him. "I really don't want to hear your reasons…" Naruto gave her a hurt look. She continued, "Before you even ask, I really don't know if we're still friends or if we could be friends again… You and I both need time to cool off from our fight and to think things through…"

Naruto said, "I kind of figured that…it's just…I'll be training with Pervy Sage for a couple of years and I…"

"I get it!" Sara said finally meeting his gaze. "But we still need time to cool off, all right?"

"Yeah!" Naruto shouted happily before he dashed off. He shouted over his shoulder, "See ya, Bright Eyes!"

Sara sighed, how could we not be friends? She thought happily. A different thought suddenly entered her mind; Sasuke, Naruto, and even Sakura are all being trained by the three legendary Sanin… I'm going to have to work really hard if I want to keep up with all of them! She headed home, already planning out all the training she would have to do.

Author's Note: I'll only be updating this once a week now, since we're almost caught up to the second half...which is just starting on it's third part, so we're going to slow it down here!