Apologies for any poorly spelled Japanese words, and inevitably poorly spelled English words, which I can pass on no blame to another on.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words I speak, not Yoda, nor any other Naruto ideas or characters, and sadly, also not own I do Kakashi. This story was in part based loosely on a book I read, and if after reading this completed story that person can guess the book they get… well actually I don't know what they get.

No bishounen were harmed during the making of this fan-fiction.

Part V

Sakura smiled despite the nagging pain she felt at Sasuke's departure. Naruto was seated beside her on the wall they had been meeting Kakashi at for the past month. She frowned, causing Naruto to momentarily hesitate talking about whatever it was he was talking about, she had tuned out at the mention of 'Ramen'.

Over the past month Sasuke had seemed a bit … off. She had not really stopped to consider it before but now his behaviour troubled her. He had been both more and less caring. She had caught him at times glancing most often her way but at times at Naruto and Kaka-sensei as well for no apparent reason. He had gotten into more fights with Naruto then was usual as well.

Sakura resolved that she would discuss the matter with her sensei if Sasuke's out of character behaviour continued after he returned. She turned her attention back to Naruto.

"… and so then this morning to top it all off I dropped my morning Ramen as well when Kaka-sensei showed up to tell me Sasuke had left on his 'important mission' and that I was to arrive here at eleven, even though it's half-past three and he's still not here, so I missed lunch as well as dinner and breakfast for no reason whatsoever!" Sakura smiled, it was a good thing that Naruto never changed.

Neither it seemed, Did Kakashi. He chose at that moment to swap positions with a log on the ground in front of them (a variation of his beloved body substitute technique). Naruto leapt up upon seeing his currently hated team leader.

"Useless teacher! You are late!" his feelings for his teacher were as bipolar as ever.

"I know, I stopped to admire a flower."

"For three and a half hours?" cried Naruto.

"There was a butterfly involved."

Sakura smiled when Kakashi winked at her as Naruto leapt for him, pouncing on the log that Kakashi had replaced to its earlier position. Training today would be finding Kakashi and attacking him it seemed, as was general practice when it was only Naruto and Sakura.

Perhaps they could kidnap his beloved book…

She smiled again, her remaining team member's antics were the surest cure for a sore heart.

Part V Finite.

Thankyou to wild-filly for her review of this story.


The Body Substitute Skill goes by the Japanese name Kawarimi no Jutsu, it is the one where a shinobi swaps their body with another object, generally to escape.