Author's Note: Naruto is back in Konoha! So what has changed in the village since he went away? Just a short angst-y drabble, with a hint of SasuxNaru (if you have your eyes squinted enough). Read more and find out.

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Only this fanficcie is mine.

SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME

A new mission for the new team 7.

For two years, I have missed all of these. The big bowl of hot miso ramen at the Ichiraku, courtesy of Iruka-sensei, that powerful right punch of Sakura, the naughtiness of Konohamaru, the usual nonchalance of Kakashi-sensei, and yes, even the brawny bossiness of the fifth Hokage.

At last, I finally feel that I am back home.

It's so nice to see familiar surroundings once again. There is the academy where ninja-wannabes start to fulfill their dreams. Just beyond are the mountains where the Hokages' faces are silently watching over the village. A bit further and you can see the waterfalls in between the statues of the first and second…

The waterfalls…

"Ready to go, Naruto?"

"Uh, hai, Kakashi-sensei."

It's not the right time for reminiscing; we've got work to do. As we started on our trip to the Hidden Sand Village, I almost looked behind my back, expecting to see a solemn, raven-haired boy walking silently after me.

Ah, who am I kidding?

You are really gone now, aren't you?

You won't be coming back, are you?

And just when I am starting to feel comfortable to have someone to watch over me.

Where are you now, Sasuke?

Beyond the distant trees, the quiet sound of footfalls could be heard and a dark silhouette quickly flashes by. Intently watching team 7 as they trudge across the forest, his eyes, the three dots whirling on each red iris, were particularly trained on the blond-haired boy…