Disclaimer: Still don't own them

So uni has me very busy, these two chapters were pre-written, expect slow updates for a while. I was originally going to hold off on posting this chapter but couldn't do it. So here it is.

Chapter 1

Sakura blinked slowly, staring up at a ceiling…a ceiling. She bolted upright, looking around with wide eyes before slowly smiling. It had worked! She got out of bed and moved to the full-length mirror on the back of the door. Ugh, pre-teen her was a mess. First thing to go would be the ridiculously long hair, she was not waiting till the chūnin exams to cut it. She moved to the scroll and book covered desk, finding her calendar, sighing in relief as she took in the date. She winced, October tenth, that was both good and bad, good since it meant they had over a year till graduation, bad because it meant Naruto was going to wake up on his birthday in a Village that still hated and feared him. Still, as much as she wanted to leave and run to his apartment, she couldn't.

Sakura opened her closet and got dressed, glad today was a free day, she was heading out before her parents woke to start on the necessary changes. She couldn't do it all at once, it would be too big of a change in her to pass without comment and suspicion. Just like Naruto and Sasuke would have to change slowly, though they were under a lot more scrutiny than she was.

She grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl as she left the house, she'd get something better later. No more dieting for her! She made her way through the streets, pushing down the shock of other people, ignoring the pain and grief. She would focus on her mission and deal with it once they were together. She walked into the store she'd been looking for and began browsing. She'd loved her dress the first time around but it hadn't exactly been practical. Her clothing after she started learning from Tsunade-sama had been a lot more practical so she went looking for something similar.

She found a red top and black shorts easily enough but she couldn't find an apron skirt or the kind of elbow protectors she preferred. Fingerless gloves were easy too though they'd need a lot of reinforcement to last is she used her full strength and really for that it was better to use full gloves for the protection but she had class still and it'd be harder to do things with full gloves since this body wasn't used to having the thick fabric in the way. She got new black shinobi sandals, not the heeled boot style she preferred either but those would seem out of place at her age. Once she had everything she wanted she paid and left the store, heading for a hairdresser, she was not making a mess by cutting her hair with a kunai this time.

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Sasuke blinked up at something he hadn't seen in so long…his bedroom ceiling. He took a deep, calming breath, even as he activated his Sharingan, just to make sure it was real. It was. He sat up, seeing everything exactly how he remembered it. He made his way to the window and looked out at the abandoned Uchiha district, that would need to be fixed. He wanted them to have a proper home, not a crumbling memory. It didn't take him long to figure out when he was, hands clenching into fists, and then he froze.

Sasuke looked down, lifting his hands…hands. He'd known academically of course, but it was very different to see. He'd actually gotten used to only having one arm, he'd been stupid to think they had her and she could do nothing. They were lucky her destroying his arm hadn't stopped her from being sealed away, thankfully. It had been too late to stop what was happening and he'd survived, thanks to Sakura. It was just too late for the world when they sealed her, the damage had been too great, too many had died while in the Shinju…well, death would have been better than what that thing did to them.

He shook his head, that was all in the past, er, future. It wouldn't happen this time, they would stop it. He leant against the wall, closing his eyes, seeking them out, smiling softly as he felt Sakura moving to leave her home and Naruto…not moving in his apartment, still asleep? He chuckled, figured.

Well, since the Academy wasn't open today, he had work to do. He dressed, had breakfast, and then dug out the cleaning and gardening equipment. He could feel his Anbu guards amusement and confusion as he went on a cleaning spree. Pity he didn't dare risk any Kage Bunshin with them around. If he had a guard, then Naruto would have his as well, they'd had them until they'd graduated which made things more difficult.

At least cleaning up was giving him some physical training. He'd been good at this age, especially compared to his agemates, but he needed to be even better. They all did, not just their team but all of them. Getting the other teams up to scratch was not going to be easy, especially Shikamaru's since he was too content to do the bare minimum and the other two weren't any better. Heck Ino in some ways was worse than Sakura had been at this age the first time around.

Honestly, he just wanted it to be tomorrow, so he could see Sakura and Naruto, make sure they had really all made it back. He wouldn't put it passed Naruto to have used everything he had to send them back so far at the cost of not coming back too. He wouldn't have told them either because he would have known they would say no. He didn't think he'd seen that kind of nervousness or sadness in Naruto before they activated it, but Naruto had gotten a lot better at hiding things over the years.

Maybe he should 'accidently' run into Naruto later, to see if it was really their Naruto…but it was his Birthday. No, Naruto wouldn't be going anywhere. Could he come up with a reason to go to his apartment and explain how he knew where it was?

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Sakura wandered into the park and sat down out of sight, leaning against a tree. She felt so much better without the weight of her hair down her back. She was kind of dreading going home and her Mum's reaction to her hair cut, not to mention her more practical ninja clothing. Her parents wanted a lady, not a shinobi but she couldn't give them that. Maybe her closeness to Sasuke would make them a little happier? They wouldn't like her closeness to Naruto but she didn't care. She'd be moving out as soon as possible anyway.

She felt movement and tensed without seeming to move. Then she relaxed and turned her head to see Sasuke staring at her, dark eyes taking her in…looking for something, and she smiled softly. "Sasuke," she reached out a hand to him, and he relaxed, moving over to her side.

"Sakura," he knelt beside her, a hand caressing her cheek, and she leant into his touch.

She didn't hesitate to throw her arms around him, smiling when he hugged her back. "It worked."

He pulled back and smirked, tugging on her newly cut hair. "Needed a change?" he teased.

"It felt too weird long but at least I got a proper cut this time around," she laughed. "Your guards?"

"Ditched them," he shrugged. "I had to see one of you and there's no way to explain my showing up at Naruto's apartment to his guards. When I realised you were here alone, I had to see you."

"Sap," she whispered, closing her eyes as he kissed her forehead. "I hate not being able to go to him, especially today," she admitted, shifting to rest against his side, feeling two arms wind around her. That would take a little getting used to but she wouldn't be complaining about it. This time he would not be losing it! She would kick his ass if he did and she knew Naruto would be right there with her.

She felt Sasuke tense slightly and looked up at him. "What is it?"

"We're back further than planned," he murmured, lowering his voice even further than they'd been speaking.

"Naruto did say it wasn't exact." Why was he so worried? No… "You don't think….Naruto?"

"It's something he'd do," Sasuke admitted.

"And we won't know till tomorrow."

"Will we? We'll be in class."

"We'll know if it's our Naruto or not, we will," she told him, she had to believe that. Surely he would give them a sign.

Sasuke sighed and held her close, it felt good but not quite like it used to, then again their bodies were very different to how they were in the future. She was too skinny, with very little muscle, they were both shorter, he had both arms…and they were eleven which meant they lacked the hormones to make it feel like it should. Still, she felt safe in his arms.

Tomorrow…she shivered and pressed closer to Sasuke, feeling his grip tighten, his lips press to the top of her head. How could they hide this? She couldn't just suddenly stop all fangirl behaviour without any reason especially with the changes she'd made to her appearance. She was just thankful her seal hadn't come back with her…or had it? She could feel her chakra reserves were larger than they had been last time, but was her control as perfect? She might simply need to refill the seal with chakra for it to reappear. She needed it by the chūnin exams if they wanted to take out Orochimaru, then again if Sasuke and Naruto were anywhere near their future levels they could handle him alone let alone together. And how would she explain it or a lot of her skills without being Tsunade's apprentice?

She wished they didn't have to be so careful in their own home but there were dangers even within the walls of Konoha. It had only been after Sasuke killed him that the truth of everything Danzō had done over the years had begun to come out. They needed time to work out what they'd come back with, to train their younger bodies to use it, gaining Danzō's attention too soon could be the end of everything. They needed Naruto to come up with a way to counter the Seal he'd used on his Root agents; Yamato would then be free to pass on everything he knew of the organisation. Surely with that, the Sandaime would act, if he didn't then perhaps they would need to put in the Godaime sooner than before. And it would mean a lot to Shino and others if they could bring the organisation to light and free those within it. Would Sai be as damaged at this age as he had been when he'd been placed on their team? Had Shin died yet? Could they save Sai's brother?

"I can hear you thinking," Sasuke murmured.

"Root," she breathed in return, and he nodded in understanding.

All their plans for the organisation hinged on Naruto having come with them.

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Sasuke was reluctant to let go, to leave her side, but he had to. It wasn't safe to dodge his Anbu guard for too long, he couldn't afford making them suspicious so soon. No matter how much Naruto had once looked up to the Sandaime…he'd done too many questionable things over the years for Sasuke to trust him and Anbu answered to him. Besides, there was probably at least one Root member on his guard and the last thing he needed was Danzō breathing down his neck. How hard would it be for the man to make him vanish into Root at this point? Arranging a training accident wouldn't be all that difficult and Sasuke wasn't positive he'd be able to get free on his own. Yes, his eyes had come back with him but could he keep them active long enough for a fight? Could his current body handle that level of stress? He didn't think so.

He knew Naruto and Sakura would come for him, just like they would Naruto if Danzō targeted him. though Naruto would be a lot harder to take and hold thanks to Kurama, and he'd make a massive mess if he had to rescue Sasuke too. That would be one way to reveal the bastard.

So in the end, he pressed a last kiss to her forehead and slipped away, wandering the streets aimlessly, hiding a smirk when he sensed his guard and their relief at finding him. he did some shopping, the kitchen was very bare and while mentally he was used to surviving on almost nothing, his growing body needed proper nutrition, all three of them did. The sooner he and Naruto could begin showing a friendlier relationship the better and then he could start bringing the blond lunch as well.

He honestly didn't understand Naruto's unfailing loyalty to Konoha, not after how he'd been treated and all the secrets that had come out over their teenage years. His own loyalty was to certain people, some within Konoha and some with other Villages. He hadn't loved the Village since the massacre. He did wonder if they'd be better off out of Konoha, maybe look into rebuilding Uzushiogakure and reaching out to those the villages had treated badly last time, like the other Jinchūriki. Then again, that could cause a war, but together they could fend off Akatsuki more easily.

He did his shopping, fighting the urge to turn down the streets that would lead to where he could feel Naruto. How had he never put the things people were saying together to realise Naruto's secret? They weren't exactly subtle about it, not today anyway. He was grateful that he hadn't been to the celebrations since his family was killed, the idea of having to go now made him feel sick. He had to be patient and wait for tomorrow to see Naruto, he had to.

Sasuke forced himself to walk back to the Uchiha compound where he put everything he'd bought away before he began cooking simply but filing and nutritious meals that could be kept for days. That way he'd only have to add extras to them later, saving time. He then checked he had everything for class the next day, finding several errors in his homework and then hesitating over fixing them. He'd been top of the class yes, but even he hadn't been perfect. Sakura's test scores had actually been better for the theory. He'd been top because of the combination of all his scores. So should he make those scores even higher? Naruto's scores could improve without affecting his class standing because of how far behind his theory work had been the first time. It had shocked him the first time they'd had to turn in a written mission report, after Wave, to see how much Naruto had struggled with it. For once he hadn't insulted or teased Naruto over it, he'd helped him instead. it wouldn't be like that this time, if…if Naruto hadn't come then they would find a way to tutor him before graduation.

In the end, he sat down to redo his work, ignoring the sound of the fireworks going off in the village. Kurama's sealing wasn't something to celebrate, it just made him easier for the Akatsuki to eventually grab if things had gone their way. He figured that was why they had all been sealed away in the first place, whispers from Zetsu to make his job easier. If Hashirama hadn't captured, sealed, and then handed several of them off to the other villages they would have been a lot harder for Akatsuki to grab. It didn't take him long to redo his homework and then had dinner before going to bed to toss and turn. His mind was spinning with too many thoughts, hopes, and fears to find sleep easily.

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"Welcome…what have you done?!"

Sakura didn't cringe even as she met her Mum's eyes, slipping out of her shoes, taking a deep breath. It was a relief when her Dad appeared, he was the more accepting of the two. He'd been a chūnin once after all, but that was also part of why he hadn't wanted her to be a shinobi. Her Mum on the other hand…

"It's just a haircut Mum, it was too heavy and giving me headaches," and that wasn't a lie, she'd just put up with it the first time in order to get Sasuke's attention. Pity she didn't know then that Sasuke liked her hair short a lot better.

"And your clothes?" she demanded.

Sakura thankfully had her story ready. She put on a smile as she gushed about a group of older girls who had graduated two years ago, acting upset when she spoke of their teasing but then how they'd told her about how a real kunoichi should dress and how clan boys like Sasuke-kun would be a lot more impressed by her looking the part even as a student. "I couldn't find an apron skirt I liked but isn't this top cute?" She grinned.

Needless to say, dinner was a bit uncomfortable that night but there was nothing more said about her change in clothes and hair style.

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Sasuke dressed in his normal outfit, forcing himself not to stare at his reflection. It had been a long time since he'd worn it or kept his hair so short. He taped his lower legs and strapped on his kunai holster before grabbing the small bag with his lunch and homework. He locked the house and began meandering towards the Academy, forcing himself to act disinterested in everything, to keep his heart from racing in anticipation and fear. It had been so long since he'd been in Konoha but somehow he still remembered where everything was, not like he'd ever memorised the layout with the Sharingan after all. He made it to the Academy and went to their classroom, which seat was his? One of the window seats…he picked one towards the middle, people sat behind and in front of him so it was the safest bet.

He fought the urge to freeze as Naruto walked into the room, forcing himself not to stare. Naruto was early…was he ever so early? His heart was pounding, he couldn't control his reaction at the sight of Naruto so short and dressed in that horrid, oversized jumpsuit. He lifted his gaze and his eyes locked with bright blue, hoping…praying…

Naruto wandered his way, hands shoved in his pockets, to hide shaking? Naruto sat in front of him, slumping down, but then he began fidgeting, tapping his pencil…and Sasuke relaxed, hiding a smile of relief. With no one looking he stretched his leg to tap his lower back with his foot. It was really him! Their Naruto had made it too so he hadn't sacrificed himself to send them back further.

And a few minutes later Sakura strolled in, Ino following her, seeming a little puzzled. Her eyes met his and his lips twitched even as he nudged Naruto again. Green eyes widened slightly but then she was darting to his side.

"Take that Ino-pig!" she crowed before sitting beside him, their arms brushing as she did. She smiled as she heard the rhythm Naruto was absently tapping out with his pencil.

Then Iruka-sensei was calling the class to attention, seeming briefly surprised when he took in Sakura's change in appearance. Mizuki-sensei was running late…then again Naruto seemed a little too pleased. Just what had he done?

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Mizuki snarled as he finally got free of the traps in his apartment, covered in something sticky. That damned demon brat, it had to be him. Iruka didn't pull pranks anymore, nothing this size anyway.

TBC...