Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters created by Kishimoto-sensei.
The funeral was sad as many had expected it to be. Sarutobi was a great man who garnered great respect within the shinobi communities. While many villages offered to send a delegation to pay their respects, the elders decided to make it a private affair, villagers only.
There were deeper reasons for that decision. I was not wise to show foreign nations that you had been weakened in any way or else they may choose to attack you themselves. It also opened the doors for possible spies to infiltrate the village and cause even greater disruption.
Unfortunately that is exactly what happened. Two shinobi disguised as monks infiltrated the village with only one goal in mind.
BREAK
"Thank you all for coming today," said Tsunade to the twelve assemble Genin and four Jounin instructors. "After today all of you will be placed on a different team and probably with a different Jounin instructor."
Some of the Genin and Jounin (Gai) muttered their disapproval but a stern look from Tsunade silenced them all.
"We are changing the structure of Genin Teams to four man teams from now on. Every team is to include one medic-nin," explained Tsunade, "That means that of the four teams after today there will be only three teams. I proposed this to the village a long time ago and the idea was declined by the Hokage due to a lack of skilled medic shinobi. That is no longer the case with the new training programs that were implemented eight months ago by our beloved Sandaime Hokage. Never again will there be a needless death because teams did not have the skilled personnel needed." Tsunade paused to make sure the information was sinking in with the assemble members. "So, today I want you to enjoy your last day with your current team. You will all report here tomorrow morning at 9:00 am to receive your new team assignment. The Genin may leave," finished Tsunade.
The twelve Genin all left the room. Some with their heads hung, others with a hopeful glint in their eyes.
Once the Genin left Tsunade prepared to address the Jounin, "Any of you want to volunteer to remove yourself from a team?"
None moved.
"Do any of you have a good reason for choosing to remain a Jounin instructor?"
Kakashi spoke first, "Hokage-sama, I believe I am best suited to instruct Sasuke in his use of the Sharingan. I also believe that he has begun to lose faith in this village after the attack. I have been only one yet to get through to him and so to remove him from my care would be foolish and probably dangerous."
Gai the whole time was chomping at the bit to say his piece, "Hokage-sama, I could not leave young Lee to the wilds of his passionate youth without my extraordinary and careful tutelage at his side."
Tsunade and the others sweat dropped.
"Hokage-sama," said the soft spoken Kurenai, "I feel that Hinata is just beginning to come out of her shell and to place her with a different instructor now would cause her to close up again."
"I'm just good at what I do," said Asuma as he puffed on his cigar. While the statement might have been a bit overconfident, Tsunade could not disagree. Asuma's record as a Jounin instructor was the best in the village. He'd guided more Genin to the ranks of Chuunin than any other Jounin in the village. More of his Chuunin went on to become Jounin than any other Jounin could boast as well. He was just an all around great trainer. Tsunade guessed that part of it was due to the fact that he was Sarutobi's cousin's son.
"One of you is going to be relieved," said Tsunade, "We just need to decide who. You all have valid reasons for wanting to remain instructors but we need to look to what the village needs and what these Genin need to become Chuunin. So, I want to fully evaluate what each Genin needs so we can decide how to put them together and how to enhance their abilities. After that I will decide who the Jounin instructors are. Gai, why don't you go first," suggested Tsunade.
"Neji is a Taijutsu master of his families style however is lacking in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. Tenten is a weapons specialist preferring to fight long distance. She lacks physical strength and her chakra capacity is lacking. She has rarely uses either Ninjutsu or Genjutsu though she is capable. Lee is a Taijutsu master. He completely lacks the ability to use either Ninjutsu or Genjutsu," Gai shouted out proudly.
"Okay, Kurenai," said Tsunade thankful for the quieter woman.
"Shino relies entirely on his family Kinjutsu and control of insects. He is lacking in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu but he is still a very capable shinobi. Kiba is loud and brash and often acts with little or no concern for his teammates well being. He relies heavily on his family Kinjutsu and Taijutsu. His Ninjutsu and Genjutsu are lacking due to his own disinterest in either skill. Hinata relies heavily on her family Taijutsu but because of her lack of confidence she makes many mistakes. Her Ninjutsu and Genjutsu skills are much like Neji's in that they don't really exist. She has shown a strong interest in Medical Jutsu."
"Thank you Kurenai," said Tsunade with a smile at her friend, "Kakashi."
"Sakura excels in Genjutsu and her medical skills are improving steadily. She has absolute perfect Chakra control but lacks a large Chakra capacity. Her Taijutsu has begun to improve slowly now that she has been learning Medic-nin Taijutsu but she still has a long way to go. Her Ninjutsu is awful due to her lack of Chakra. Sasuke excels in all areas thanks to his Sharingan, however that often makes him over confident in his own skills. Because of the curse seal his emotion are a bit unstable and his prone to fits of depression and extreme jealousy. Naruto . . . I'm not sure how to rate Naruto because he hides so much of his skills from me and his team. In all honesty he is probably borderline Jounin/Chuunin for skill from what I have seen. I would suggest that however you split the teams you should not put Naruto and Sasuke on the same team any longer."
"I know Naruto's skills quite well and I will take your advice under consideration," said Tsunade with a smirk at Kakashi's evaluation of her son. "Asuma," she motioned to next.
"Shikamaru is a genius and outstanding strategist but he relies entirely on his family Kinjutsu. He is lazy and puts no effort into his training and therefore his Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu suck. Ino is a strong leader if a little bossy. She is very proficient in her family Kinjutsu but shows interest in learning other techniques and has shown some development in Genjutsu and Ninjutsu. She is completely lacking in Taijutsu. Choji is constantly eating because of his family Kinjutsu. His Taijutsu is mediocre but his medical skills have proven an asset. He lacks Ninjutsu and Genjutsu techniques. He is also very lazy like Shikamaru but that may be because they are best friends. For them to grow they should probably be separated."
"I see," said Tsunade. She was forced to consider this matter very carefully, "I will have to think it over carefully. You are all dismissed until 7:00am tomorrow."
"Yes Hokage-sama," said the four Jounin instructors before they vanished.
BREAK
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all split off from the other Genin to spend time together though Sasuke was so much more distant that he'd been before the exam and subsequent war.
"I can't believe they are breaking us all up," said Sakura, "We work so well together."
"There is always the chance they'll just add a person to our team," said Naruto trying to lift her spirits even though he knew that wouldn't happen. Naruto was aware of the fact that because he and Sasuke were so strong they would not be aloud to stay together any longer as it made things unbalanced with the other teams. Naruto could see by the look on her face that she knew as much herself. Sasuke didn't appear to care at all.
"She just wants you to have the best instructor," said Sasuke angrily.
"I don't think I'll be put with Kakashi," said Naruto sadly, "Kakashi is the strongest Jounin in the village and the only other person with the Sharingan eye. You'll get to stay with him because he can best help you."
"The other instructors are strong though," said Sakura, "I think we'll all be lucky no matter who our instructors are even if I will miss my Sasuke-kun."
"Yeah," said Naruto trying to be up beat but failing miserably.
"Uzumaki Naruto," said a cool voice from behind the group.
Naruto and the other two turned to see two men with oversized wicker hats that hid their faces.
"Who wants to know?" asked Naruto getting an uneasy feeling from these two men.
"We are from a certain organization," said the one on the left. He was taller than the man on the right and you could see a bit of bluish skin below the brim of the hat. "We have come to take you."
"Take me where?" asked Naruto suspiciously.
"With us, you are needed for our plans," said the same man.
"No thanks," said Naruto he was about to turn away when he felt a hand on his shoulder. The hand was blue and scaly and most importantly it was very fast.
"We don't need you in perfect condition," said the man threateningly, "You would still live without a leg or two."
"That won't be necessary," said the other man.
Naruto could instantly feel the killing intent radiate from Sasuke upon hearing the other man's voice.
"Itachi," he whispered.
"It has been a while little brother," said the other man, Itachi.
"I'll kill you," whispered Sasuke as he charged forward only to be kicked away like a rag doll.
"Show me what you've learned little brother," challenged Itachi.
Sasuke stood with his Sharingan blazing. He performed a few quick hand seals causing his hand to glow blue and the sound of birds to fill the air. Sasuke locked eyes with his brother before charging in with his glowing hand held out to the side. Sasuke was moving fast to attack his brother. Sasuke reached the striking point only for Itachi to vanish and take hold of his wrist.
"I don't think you need this," said Itachi before there was an audible snapping sound of Sasuke's wrist breaking. "Is this all the stronger you've gotten little brother. I thought you'd become more, was I so wrong to think you'd be able to ever truly test my capacity as a shinobi? You are weak and pathetic just like this village." Itachi finished his speech glaring hard into Sasuke's eyes. Sasuke suddenly dropped to the ground screaming and shouting in pain and anguish.
Naruto and Sakura both wanted to help but were prevented by the fish looking man.
"Now, Naruto, you will come with us or we will be forced to kill your teammates," said the fish man.
"Come Kisame, we're leaving," said Itachi.
"What?" asked the fish man, Kisame, "We've got him right where we want him. Why don't we just take him?"
Suddenly four Jounin and one Sannin appeared on the scene.
"Uchiha Sasuke," said Kakashi, "S-class missing-nin. Surrender yourself now or we will kill you."
"I think that unlikely," said Itachi as he locked eyes with Kakashi. Kakashi foolishly stared right back before he too dropped to the ground holding his head in agony.
"No one look him in the eye," said Gai, "He has the Mangekyou Sharingan. Watch his waist and feet to see what he's going to do next."
"Itachi, this one seems to know how to fight you," said Kisame, "I guess I can kill him and you can get rid of the rest."
"We need to leave now," said Itachi, "That is Jiraiya, one of the three."
"Damn," said Kisame, "Don't worry Naruto, we'll be back for you and you little furry friend."
That one line put things into shocking perspective for Naruto. As far as he knew no one had the slightest idea about Kyubi but these two seemed to know about him and more than that they wanted Kyubi for something that didn't necessarily include Naruto staying alive for very long.
"We have to stop them," said Kurenai.
"No, let them leave," ordered Jiraiya, "If we fought them here and now we would lose. Naruto is the only one that has a chance of fighting the Mangekyou effectively out those of us left standing and he wouldn't last five minutes in his current state against him. No, for now we get out people healed and then we speak with the Hokage about this."
The group nodded. The Jounin collected their downed comrades and ordered Naruto and Sakura to follow them.
Naruto and Sakura followed behind them at a distance so they could talk.
"Naruto, why were they after you? What was that about a furry friend?"
"I don't know," lied Naruto unconvincingly. Sakura could see that he was lying but she could also see that he was really shaken up by the encounter.
"So that was Sasuke's brother?" asked Sakura seeing that Naruto wanted to change the subject.
"Yeah, he's the one that killed all of Sasuke's clan," said Naruto, "He's the one that has really messed up Sasuke's mind the most. Not even that snake freak could compete with the trauma Itachi has caused him."
"Do you think Sasuke will be okay?"
"He'll be fine," said Naruto confidently, "Kaasan will fix the damage to his mind in no time."
"I still don't understand what that was," said Sakura.
"It's an illusionary technique," said Kurenai, "I have only ever read about it because no one has possessed the Mangekyou Sharingan in more than a hundred years. The technique only lasts one second but in that time you live through 72 hours of whatever torture the user can think of."
"That's awful," said Sakura as tears came to her eyes.
"It is truly an evil thing to do," said Kurenai, "The only known defenses is the Kirameki or another Sharingan wielder."
"So that is what Jiraiya-sama meant," said Sakura thought fully trying to wipe away her tears.
Naruto got really quiet after that explanation. He didn't like what it implied for him and his future. He like even less what it suggested about his ability as a shinobi.
BREAK
"Damn it Jiraiya," yelled Tsunade the moment she was alone with him in her office, "How the hell do they know?"
"I don't know," said Jiraiya, "I know that they are part of the Akatsuki organization we've started hearing about. I know that they are seeking very powerful shinobi to join their cause. I know that Orochimaru was a part of them at one time. I don't know how they found out about Naruto. The secret has been limited to you, me, Shizune, and the old man."
"You're forgetting Orochimaru knew," said Tsunade, "He found out during the exam."
"I suppose he could have tipped them off after he found out. He would probably see Naruto as a danger to his plans. Maybe he hoped they would come for him before he attacked a few weeks ago," said Jiraiya.
"Damn you Orochimaru," said Tsunade angrily then she looked to Jiraiya with tears in her eyes. "They are after my little boy Jiraiya. I can't protect him if unless I take him and leave but I can't leave Konoha."
Jiraiya softened for a moment seeing his long time friend start to cry. It was not something he'd seen from her since Dan and Niwaka. In that moment he steeled himself to do something he swore he would never do again, "I'll take him."
That seemed to shake Tsunade out of her thoughts, "What was that?"
"I'll take him as my apprentice," said Jiraiya, "I owe it to him. I should have known this was coming sooner. I'll take him for a few years. I'll train him and prepare him to fight Itachi should that bastard come calling again."
"But you swore after . . ."
"I'm allowed to change my mind or would you rather I left the brat here?" asked Jiraiya knowing her answer.
"Thank you Jiraiya," said Tsunade actually bowing gratefully to her extremely perverted friend.
Despite the perfect view Jiraiya had down Tsunade's blouse he steeled his resolve to follow through, "Yeah, yeah. Don't waste your words of thanks. There is nothing to thank me for."
"Jiraiya, I'm warning you though. If my son becomes a pervert I will ensure that you will never have the ability to make children or attempt to make children again. Keyword here is 'eunuch'," said Tsunade coldly causing Jiraiya to swallow nervously.
"I wouldn't dream of it," said Jiraiya.
"Well, this has resolved the problem I was having with deciding teams," said Tsunade, "Now that Naruto is going with you I can apprentice Sasuke to Kakashi for specialized training. I can take Hinata on as my apprentice and apprentice Aburame Shino to his father per his request."
"Isn't that the bug boy?" asked Jiraiya.
"His father wants to take over his training permanently," said Tsunade, "The Hyuga heiress has the most potential to become a medic-nin because of her Byakugan, or at least that's my theory."
"That should be interesting," said Jiraiya, "Just don't turn that sweet little girl into an alcoholic, gambling addict."
It was after that comment that Jiraiya made a rather abrupt exit from the building . . . through a wall . . . or two.
BREAK
The next morning Tsunade assemble all the twelve elite Genin and the four Jounin instructors as planned. She also had Shino's father present as well much to the confusion of most. Kakashi and Sasuke were present but neither was looking their best.
"Good morning," said Tsunade cheerfully, "I'm pleased to inform you that the decisions have been made. We will have only two new teams. Shino, your father has requested to take over your training and I have agreed."
Shino nodded as did his father before they both left.
"Sasuke, you will be apprenticed to Kakashi to help you perfect your Sharingan and to help you prepare to deal with your brother," said Tsunade hoping that would spur him on. Little did she know what was truly going through his mind.
"Sasuke and I will be gone for a month then with your permission," said Kakashi.
"Granted," said Tsunade trusting Kakashi to look after the boy, "You both may go."
Kakashi put a friendly hand on Sasuke's shoulder and guided the disturbed youth out of the office.
"Kurenai, you are a Genjutsu master and because of that I feel that both teams could benefit from your instruction so you will be training with both teams once a week when you do not have missions," said Tsunade.
"I request permission to take Hinata as my apprentice then," said Kurenai.
"Request denied," said Tsunade with finality.
Kurenai bowed respectfully though everyone could see she wasn't happy about it.
"Asuma," began Tsunade, "Your team will be Hyuga Neji, Tenten, Inuzuka Kiba, and Akimichi Choji. You are to teach them Ninjutsu and hopefully a bit of Taijutsu."
"Yes Hokage-sama," said Asuma, "Let's go team." He led the four students out of the building all the while chewing on his cigar.
"Gai," began Tsunade, "You will keep Lee as I doubt he'd do well anywhere else. You will also get Haruna Sakura, Yamanaka Ino, and Nara Shikamaru. This group is in need of very strict training and discipline. You will teach them Taijutsu and do what you can to increase their Ninjutsu skills."
"The fire of youth burns strong through their veins and they are bursting with pride at their great fortune to be taught by Konoha's Green Beast, Maito Gai," shouted the man far too loudly.
"Right," said Tsunade as she cleaned her now hurting ear, "I expect the Nara boy's laziness to vanish quickly. Never let that boy be lazy for a second while he's training with you. His free time is his but training time is for training. If I ever find out he's been lazy I will punish not only him but his entire team. Clear?"
The three other Genin and Gai nodded while Shikamaru just sighed, "This is going to be too troublesome."
Gai was about to shout something before Tsunade cut him off, "Take your team away Gai."
Gai bowed and led his team out shouting all the way.
"Right, I suppose that only leaves you two," said Tsunade looking to her son and Hinata.
"Yes Hokage-sama," stuttered Hinata.
"How come I don't have a team?" questioned Naruto rudely.
"Be quiet for a few minutes Naruto and I'll explain," said Tsunade as calmly as she could. "Hinata, I am going to take you as my apprentice. I think you have an amazing talent for the healing arts and with your Byakugan you can see things that most cannot."
Hinata looked stunned at being given such an opportunity.
"Congratulations Hinata-chan," said Naruto loudly, "I knew you could be a great healer if you wanted to be."
"Thank you Naruto-kun," said Hinata blushing slightly before she turned to Tsunade, "Thank you Hokage-sama."
"From now on you can call me Tsunade-sensei," she said sharply.
"Yes Tsunade-sensei," said Hinata politely.
"Shizune," called Tsunade towards the door.
A moment later Shizune stuck her head in the door, "Yes?"
"Would you take Hinata to the supply shop and get her everything she needs to become my apprentice properly?"
"Certainly," said Shizune, "Let's go Hinata-chan."
Hinata bowed to Tsunade once more before hurrying to follow Shizune.
"And then there was one," said Tsunade looking to her son.
"Kaasan," said Naruto, "I don't get a team because of what happened yesterday huh?"
"You are correct Naruto," said Tsunade, "But it's not why you think. You would do really well on any team you were placed on. However, you would not develop fast enough on a team and therefore any team you were placed on would be endangered by the Akatsuki."
"What's the Akatsuki?" asked Naruto.
"Those two men yesterday," began Tsunade, "They were part an organization that calls itself the Akatsuki. They are very dangerous and now they are after your furry little friend."
"How did they know?" asked Naruto.
"We think that Orochimaru may have told them," said Tsunade sadly.
"That snake freak sold me out," shouted Naruto angrily, "When I get my hand on him, I'm going to . . ." but Naruto never finished his sentence, not that he needed to.
"I understand how you feel Naruto," said Tsunade, "and believe me when I say that I feel the same way."
Naruto calmed knowing that his Kaasan was on his side in all this. "So what happens to me now?"
"Jiraiya has agreed to take you on as his apprentice," explained Tsunade, "You are very lucky he is offering this. He has not taken a student since your . . . I mean since the Yondaime himself."
"Really?" asked Naruto excitedly, "But I thought you hated him?"
"I don't hate him but so help me if you become a pervert I'll hate you both," said Tsunade sharply.
"I would never," said Naruto, angry that his mother would even suggest it.
"Anyway, Jiraiya will collect you in a week's time," said Tsunade.
"What do you mean collect?" asked Naruto not like the sound of it.
"He will take you from the village for a few years to train and travel," said Tsunade, "You're not safe if you stay in the village for now."
"I understand," said Naruto sadly. In the short time he'd lived in the village he felt as though he really had a home and not some hotel room that they'd be moving out of in a month's times. "At least I have a week to say goodbye to my friends, right?"
"You do," said Tsunade not knowing exactly how to comfort her son this time.
"Can I go now?" asked Naruto as he started to leave, "I just want to be alone for a little while."
Tsunade could see how heartbroken her son was but she knew that she couldn't really do anything to comfort him this time around.
BREAK
Naruto found himself wandering through town trying to figure things out. He felt as though his mother wanted him to leave because he was dangerous to the Leaf. In his heart he knew it hurt her just as much but that didn't stop the feelings from coming.
"Why do you look so down?" asked a female voice.
Naruto turned, "Huh, oh, hi Ino-chan."
"I thought I told you before only my father can get away with that," said Ino confidently. Naruto knew she was trying to make him laugh be he just didn't feel like.
"Sorry Ino," said Naruto as he continued to walk away moping sadly.
"Boy, you really are down," said Ino, "Want to talk about it?"
"Nah," said Naruto as he continued walking. Somehow though that didn't stop Ino from walking along side of him.
"I can't believe Gai is my new sensei. That green spandex and those weird eye-brows," Ino stopped and shuttered, "But, he's supposed to be the best Taijutsu master in the village."
Naruto continued walking not saying anything.
"So did you get a team or were you apprenticed like some of the others?" asked Ino trying to get Naruto to talk.
"Oh, Jiraiya is going to apprentice me to him for a few years," explained Naruto sadly.
"What are you sad about? That's great news. It's not everyday that a Genin is apprenticed to such a famous shinobi," said Ino.
"No that's fine," said Naruto, "It's just that I have to leave the village."
"What? Why?"
"It's not safe for me to stay here," said Naruto choosing not to elaborate much, "Plus Jiraiya likes to travel and wouldn't stay in the village long enough to train me. So I have to go with him."
"That sounds so fun," said Ino, "I wish I could travel around to different villages and learn from a Sannin."
"Yeah, maybe," said Naruto, "I guess I just feel as though I'm not wanted here and I'm being sent away."
"Oh, so is that it?" asked Ino sincerely.
"I mean, it finally feels like I have a home and now I'm being made to leave again," said Naruto sadly, "I've made some great friends here and now I'm being forced to abandon them and leave the village."
"We'll still be your friends when you get back Naruto," said Ino thoughtfully, "But think of it this way. When you get back you'll be the strongest Shinobi in the village."
That seemed to pick Naruto up a bit, "I didn't think about that. I guess I can protect everyone then."
"If that's what makes you happy," said Ino smiling.
"Thanks Ino-chan, I needed that," said Naruto with a small smile.
"What have I told you about calling me Ino-chan?" asked the girl.
"Only your father can get away with it. I may not get away with it but I'm not going to stop," said Naruto with a confident smirk.
"Idiot," said Ino smacking the back of his head with a light laugh. "So when do you leave?"
"In a week," said Naruto a bit saddened again.
"Well then, we'll just have to have a really good week," said Ino cheerfully.
"What about your team training?" asked Naruto.
"Gai is working on Shikamaru and probably will be for then next month," said Ino, "I'm not too worried, besides, I figure I can always tap you for another technique."
"Oh, so that's how it is," said Naruto with a grin, "Just using me for my Jutsu huh?"
"You'd better believe it," said Ino, "I mean, it's not as if you're good looking. You have to have some value for me to even be seen in public with you."
"Now that hurts," said Naruto a bit seriously, "Don't you find my whisker marks even cute?"
"Well, maybe a little," said Ino with a grin.
"Better than nothing I suppose," said Naruto in his usual joking manner. He instantly straightened though before he spoke again, "Thank you Ino-chan, you're a good friend."
Ino blushed slightly but brushed it off with another joke. She didn't make mention of the fact that Naruto called her Ino-chan again. Truthfully she was starting to like when Naruto called her that, not that she would ever admit to it.
Naruto's face changed back to his normal cheerful self again, "Want to get some Ramen with me?"
"Sure, why not," said Ino with a small smile. In her head she was asking herself if this could be considered a date but then decided not to label it and just go with it.
BREAK
"I hope you are ready to work hard Sasuke," said Kakashi, "If you are going to succeed as my apprentice then you are going to have improve a lot."
"Why am I your apprentice?" asked Sasuke unhappily. He knew he should be happy with this turn of events but in truth he just wasn't pleased. Deep down he had a feeling that Naruto was once again benefiting more from this than he was.
"Because of the Sharingan," said Kakashi simply, "and I've trained you before and know what you are truly capable of."
Sasuke agreed with that statement but in his head he was already questioning the logic of it. "What happened to Naruto?"
"It doesn't matter," said Kakashi trying to avoid the subject.
"Tell me," insisted Sasuke.
"He is being taken from the village for protection. Your brother wants him for something and because of that Naruto is in great danger. But more importantly his presence puts the village in danger of being attacked by your brother's organization," explained Kakashi.
"So he is just running away?" asked Sasuke, "I never thought he was such a coward."
"He is not running Sasuke," said Kakashi, "He has been ordered to leave to train and become strong enough to oppose the Akatsuki just like I am training you to fight your brother."
"Who is training him then?" asked Sasuke.
"No one special," answered Kakashi once again trying to avoid the topic.
"Quit trying to avoid my questions," yelled Sasuke, "Who is training him?"
"Jiraiya," said Kakashi hoping that Sasuke would not react badly.
At first Sasuke looked really angry to Kakashi but then the look in his eyes hardened, "Teach me everything. Hold nothing back."
Kakashi wasn't sure if he should be worried or relieved. Either way he began Sasuke's training that day in earnest. He knew very little of what Sasuke had planned in that instant. In three months things would change rather drastically for the village of the Leaf.