Important information (A.K.A. Author's rant): I ASK THAT PEOPLE READ THIS WHOLE SECTION BEFORE DECIDING IF THEY REALLY WANT TO READ OR NOT READ THIS STORY. After reading a lot of fan fiction (Not just Naruto) from several sites, including at least the first chapter of almost all NaruHina fics on this site (I have not reviewed because I copy them all to word documents and read them when I have a chance), I have come to several conclusions. Full blown AU's don't have to be bad, but often are. OC's don't have to be Mary Sue's, but again, often are; and are also not often good. Crossovers can be very annoying, because even if the story is good, not all readers know who the characters are. If the story is not good it makes sure everyone knows it. That being said, this fic takes place right as Sasuke and Naruto are fighting, could in no way happen, and has a different outcome than the manga therefore it's AU (Wait, don't run away). It has an OC, who is a bit of a Mary Sue (Hold on). It is a crossover too (Just one more sentence, please). However none of these are in the traditional roles that many fics have given them, and each aspect has an actual purpose to the story. I will explain all that is not Naruto to the best of my ability, as I am pretty sure that not everyone is familiar with the other worlds (unless some out there are Working Designs fans). I am hoping to correct everything that traditional AUs, OCs, Mary Sues, and crossovers have done wrong. I am sorry if I have offended anyone who writes these styles, but in looking at you have to agree that there is a whole lot of crap out there mixed in with the good. Anyway, I ask you to give me a chance and I will do my best to give these topics a place among good fan fiction.

Saving Sasuke's Soul

Chapter 1

A Strange Visitor (literally)

"Stop," one of the Anbu guards yelled to the figure before the door. It had been a peaceful day in Konoha up until then, which was a pleasant change considering they were in the middle of a war with the Hidden Village of the Sound. Now a strange figure, with a small backpack tied off at the top was standing outside of the large doors to the Leaf village.

"State your business."

The figure looks up at the two guarding the door. "I've come to see the wizard." The guards exchange looks. "The wonderful Wizard of Oz . . . Oh crap. Did I take a wrong turn again? Oh well, I guess I'm here for lunch then."

"You wish to enter Konoha for lunch?" asked the first Anbu.

"Well, thank you. Don't mind if I do." Much to the surprise of the guards, the figure proceeded to grab hold of the massive doors and pull them open. In a puff of smoke, the Anbu were in front of the figure blocking his way.

"Who are you?" asked the one on the left.

"Some call me . . . Techno." He extended his hand.

-

There they were finally facing each other. Rivals testing their strength; testing their worth. Determination flashed in Naruto's eyes. Sasuke eyed the boy, his cursed seal having fully taken over.

Naruto loosed an unearthly yell as chakra surged through his whole body. He lunged at his opponent. In a split second he was nearly on top of Sasuke. Immense chakra concentrated into his fist. Sasuke glared at his former teammate, calling forth as much power from the cursed seal as he could. He too watched his former friend with his Sharingan, determined to come out on top.

Both lunged toward each other for what they knew to be the deciding blow. Immense chakra welled in the fists of both Sasuke and Naruto. The blow was to be more than just a battle between the two boys, but a power struggle between the Kyubi and the Cursed Seal, as well.

The air around them shook with power as the combatants came closer. As both threw the punch to end the fight, the power released, and a massive explosion engulfed the whole area. Then there was silence.

-

A pink haired young girl let go a sigh as she watched the gates of Konoha, from her perch on the hospital roof. "Sasuke-kun," she sighed. Since Naruto had left, Sakura had spent hours just watching the gates for any signs that any from the team had returned with news. She had come to see Lee, only to find out that he had disappeared. 'Where would he go? Where could he go? After being injured so badly . . ." Her stare and thoughts were interrupted as the click of the door made her aware of her surroundings. Sakura looked back to see one very surprised girl with dark hair and pure white eyes.

"A-ano . . . ano . . .Gomen. I-I didn't know . . . a-anyone would b-be here." The girl turned to go.

"It's okay," Sakura replied, turning back to the gate. "I don't mind company."

The young Hyuuga stopped. "Ano . . .Y-you're waiting for S-Sasuke-san . . . aren't you?"

"Yeah." Sakura smiled to herself. "Naruto-kun promised to bring him back." If Sakura had looked back at that point she would have seen Hinata turn bright red at the mention of Naruto's name, and begin playing with her fingers. Sakura's smile turned into a frown. "Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I have a bad feeling about . . ."

Sakura's head shot up as the Anbu guards at the gate seemed to be talking to someone on the outside. Hinata saw this too and raced to the edge. Both girls watched, hoping it was someone from the search team. Their shoulders quickly fell as a lone figure wearing shorts, a light blue t-shirt, glasses and a backpack came through the door. The guards were in front of the stranger in a second. One of the Anbu grabbed the stranger by the arm and both disappeared.

Both girls let out a sigh. Sakura looked over at her companion. Hinata never really showed any interest in Sasuke. She then remembered the team sent out to find the boy.

"I'm sure Kiba-kun will be fine."

Hinata looked at Sakura, confused. Then as if realization suddenly hit her. "O-oh . . . yeah." It was obvious that this wasn't the reason Hinata was worried.

"And Neji-san, too." Hinata only nodded. "And . . ." Sakura tried to think about who the young Hyuuga girl could be so worried about.

". . . Naruto-kun, too," she ventured. Hinata looked over at Sakura, blushing madly; a shocked, almost scared look on her face. 'Bingo' Sakura grinned.

Author's second rant: Thank you to all who have given this fic a chance. I realize this is a rather short first chapter, but once I get all the Genin I need, together, the chapters will get longer. If you like this story I have a favor to ask. I ask that you please spread the word. The only fics I've written that have received reviews from more than 15 different people, were my two songs about Pong. Until next time.

"May you live in interesting times."

Ancient curse(Terry Pratchett)