AN: Going to do some edits to the previous chapters, so far Chapter 5 and 6 will be combined and 5 will be replaced with an interlude chapter to so some scenes. Nothing important, just to lay out some relationships some more and hint and new things. However that will be after this chapter is posted, and then I'll continue with this arc.

Hawaiian Pizza the best, and always will be the best!

Don't own Naruto.

Go check out 'Common Sense' by Stone Elbow. Their story really inspired me to write this, same thing with 'Better Left Unsaid' By Kenchi618.

It was raining, actually that was not the correct term.

It was pouring which usually meant an ill omen, that something bad had happened. Looking down at the report which lay on his desk, he knew he was proven correct as he gave a long sigh. Hiruzen had many regrets, not being able to save Minato nor his wayward student, Orochimaru, both of those which topped his list. Until now...

But this, this easily took the cake so to speak, he hadn't smoked this much in years. Raising his pipe he inhaled deeply, worrying about the newly graduated class that consisted of Gennin with very high potential to become valuable assets for Konohagure in the future. After these events... some might not be able to carry on being Shinobi once news had spread across the village.

It was a common occurrence in the Shinobi world, however once could never be prepared for when it happened to friends, or family even. And this one was a special case, one that never should have happened. It was his fault.

He looked behind him, watching the village drenched by rain. It was not everyday rain from Amegakure seemingly travelled to Konoha, however he thought that it was appropriate. If it was all sunshine, with villagers frolicking about he would have had to keep in check his sanity.

'I'm sorry Itachi,' Hiruzen thought as he went back and re-read the report for the umpteenth time.

Mission Report: Gennin Team 7 - C Rank Mission & C Rank Assistance.

Jounin: Hatake Kakashi

Gennin: Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke

Casualties: 1

Two Weeks Prior

"Man, I hate these D Rank missions! I swear, if I have to chase that damn cat again, I'll kill it!" Naruto complained to his teammates. The last Uchiha smirked as he sarcastically replied "Not good enough for the 'future Hokage', my lord?" Naruto scowled as he picked up some of the soil he was working on, and threw it at the raven haired boy.

"Yes, and as the future Hokage I request that you do my work for me!" Naruto demanded with a grin. Sasuke snorted as he ignored his blonde friend, making him recoil in mock anger. "You- your ignoring me? Oh no, what ever shall I do?!" He said as he dropped to the floor dramatically. Sasuke still paid no attention to his friend making him shout "YO, SASUKE!"

THWACK!

Naruto rubbed his head in shock as he turned around and saw a smiling Sakura. "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. On the floor. While we are trying to do some work. My Lord," Naruto gulped as he got up from the floor and apologised, causing Sakura to giggle a little. "Who would have thought a future Hokage was apologising too little me. All the other Hokage must be rolling in their graves." She added.

Naruto grinned at the thought, no doubt the Senju brothers would probably be pissed, or maybe they would have been happy? He wasn't alive when they were alive, so who could tell? But, he would like to think that his father would have laughed with him, and considering his last memoir from the Yondaime, it was probably the truth. What could he say, badass and kind runs in the genes, and from what Naruto could tell he was a lot like his father, and he hoped he could become even more so in the future!

However, something that was not cool was working on a farm for some merchants. Helping with gardening was a boring and useless task, not only did it get him all dirty but it was long and hard. And for someone who had a very short attention span, this was a living hell.

"Please Kami, save us!" Naruto complained once again. The heat was really starting to get to him.

"You called?" A voice said. Naruto turned around to see his team sensei, Kakashi, as always reading a book. This time he was eating an apple, most likely given to him from the owner of this land. Sakura raised her brow at the sight of Kakashi eating something without lowering his mask, however to her two other team mates it seemed as if they had already been used to it. And they had, years with spent with the man had driven them insane a long time ago.

Sasuke once again ignored them, however this wasn't because he was a cold person. No, he merely just wanted some peace and quiet. Something that was not allowed in Team Seven. Sakura, bless the girl, had massive anger issues that flared every so often. Her skills with a blade were remarkable and always kept the Team on their toes, if not... well it was best to say goodbye to those toes.

Kakashi, a closeted pervert, regularly read adult content nearby them. Often reacting to what he read causing Sakura, the only girl in the team to react accordingly. By that, he meant by trying to castrate Kakashi who seemed amused as he quoted the infamous Icha-Icha series.

And Naruto was... Well, he was Naruto. Seemingly causing trouble wherever he went, his blonde friend did. Over, and over again.

It was quite draining.

Not to say Sasuke didn't have his own problems, to Naruto and Sakura he was very overprotective. Too overprotective at times, with him suddenly 'protecting' them while they slept. Nothing weird of course, however, if one happened to wake up in the middle of the night to get a cup of water, chances are Sasuke had already had the foresight to deliver it, watching you from across the room to ensure it doesn't get poisoned randomly.

That led to all types of bickering, Sakura wanting to pummel him and Naruto asking if he wanted to play some Ninja games to make it easier to sleep. One consisted of near death experiences, while the other consisted of running through various highly improbable situations.

What kind of Ninja is caught by enemies in their home village and then tortured by said enemies, within their Kage's office?

Eventually Team Seven completed their manual work for today, Naruto grinning as he left the farm. "Oh yeah, one point for Uzumaki Naruto, zero for the dumb farm!" He shouted, making Sasuke smile a little. His friend, while completely exhausting at some points, always never failed to make him laugh. 'That's why I need to get stronger, to protect him. To protect them, from- from him...' Sasuke thought.

"Oh, will you shut it already? You are making my head hurt," Sakura said as she reached out to grapple with the boy, before throwing him on the ground, only to miss as he disappeared for a moment when he fell to the ground. "Ha, as if you could ever catch me," Naruto taunted a few metres away, angering Sakura even more. Kakashi watched his team in amusement as he gathered them up and praised them.

"Well done Team Seven, who knew Gennin were quite handy in handling manure, maybe we should repeat this mission more often. Thoughts?" Their leader said, despite the scared looks on his students' faces. "Nah, I'm just messing with you." He said as he ruffled Sasuke's hair, something which annoyed him to no end. "I actually think that we should..." Kakashi said, before turning to the next page. He said nothing for the next few seconds, leaving his students in tense anticipation something that could have been good or bad for the Team. Hopefully good.

Kakashi finally answered "...Do a C Rank Mission.", making Naruto cheer as he grabbed Sasuke in excitement, one jumping around like little children while the other had a small grin on his face. "Finally, now we get treated like real Shinobi!" Naruto said, and Sasuke had to agree, he didn't know how many more D Rank missions he could take. Sakura tried to act a little more mature, but even Kakashi could see the eagerness in her eyes.

"Yes, yes, I know a worthy cause to get happy about. However, we haven't accepted it yet, have we?" Kakashi said, causing the two boys to look at him confused. Kakashi sighed as he carried on lecturing his Team. "Anything could happen from now and tomorrow when we accept the mission. So please, do be careful." He warned. Sasuke and Sakura nodded, as Naruto gave him a thumbs up.

"You can count on me, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto said.

Naruto sighed. He knew what he was doing was wrong, not only had gramps forced him to promise to never even attempt it, but Kakashi-sensei was always worrying as to what he was practising. Hell, even the book from his dad had told him to stay well clear from this Jutsu.

It was different from the Hiraishin, no this was much worse.

While the 'Yellow Flash of the Leaf' was revered for his quick speed, he was also known for another Jutsu. Something he created, and one that no one had been able to pull off since his dad died. It was hard, after all it was the pinnacle of Chakra control, and Naruto had many, many problems with Chakra control. Even after walking up trees, and walking and fighting on water, controlling his Chakra was nigh impossible.

All thanks to a certain problem.

"Hey," Naruto said. "Kyuubi, are you there?" Of course most of the time he never answered, only seemingly popping up every now and then to threaten his friends and teacher. Maybe the Hokage if he was feeling particularly moody, however his dad had wanted him to get control over the Kyuubi. And while progress was really, really , really slow. Progress was progress after all.

"What do you want, brat?" A voice said, causing Naruto to grin. Oh yeah, I'm going to surpass you dad! And make mum proud as well! I will control Kyuubi! He thought as he took another look at the instructions. Water was spilt all over the floor, with lots of balloons empty but wet. It was hard to make water balloons, especially when he didn't know how to tie one up.

Kyuubi, Naruto thought. I need you to help me out here, give some of your Chakra so I can control it and learn this Jutsu.

"No," Was the simple reply, annoying Naruto to no end. "What do you mean no?" He angrily replied. "Brat, who are you talking to like that? When I escape, I will feed your Uchiha friend's throat to you, preferably dead however he could be alive, watching while you devour him, piece by piece." Naruto scrunched up his face. That was not food he wanted to eat. Food was sacred, a gift from the gods. Like Ramen.

"Pretty please Kyuubi, please. I know you want to help me!" Naruto pleaded, but the demon Fox would not budge. "No brat, I'm not the old man to give in to your many pointless requests." Naruto frowned, They aren't pointless you big, dumb Fox. He could here the Kyuubi growling, threatening to rip off his arms and beat him to death with them. No doubt a pleasant hobby, for one of them at least.

Please, Kyuubi. I- I need your help, I need to control my Chakra to get this Jutsu down. And if my Chakra won't do, then maybe if I can control yours it will happen. Naruto pleaded inside of him. There was a moment of silence, before he heard growling. "Fine, fine. But if you end up dying, I will kill your Uchiha friend. So please, die." Naruto smiled, ignoring the last part.

I promise, you won't regret it!

"Ow-Ow, OW! Can you cut that out!?" Naruto cried to an extremely irate Sakura, who was poking at his sides hard. "Cut that out?" She replied furiously. Because of him, Team Seven couldn't accept a C Rank Mission to Nami no Kuni, The Land of Waves. And because of this, it had halted their training into becoming higher level Shinobi even more so than before. Sasuke stood at the back of the room, his arms crossed.

"What the hell even made you get into the hospital into the first place, dobe?" He asked his blonde friend, who grinned as he replied "I was training with my kickass Jutsu, you know the one where I teleport around with the Kunai?" Sasuke sighed. This again? Naruto had been training for years to get the Hiraishin correctly, to be able to use it in battle however his friend could still only use it three times maximum.

Any more... Well it led to the situation currently unfolding. A severely depleted Naruto, who could barely stand up which by all accounts should have been impossible. He had the Kyuubi sealed within him, however he remembered what Kakashi had said. 'The Hiraishin is a very complex Jutsu, the fact that you can even pull it off astounds me. However, due to your... predicament, no doubt the marker for the Kunai isn't particularly geared towards you, and what's within you. And when Minato had made this, well you weren't exactly in the same position as you were now. It would take a Sealing Master to help you learn this, and Jiraya hasn't been in Konoha in years in order to train you how to make your own marker to perform the Hiraishin.'

Kakashi had warned Naruto not to over exert himself, however it has seemed like the warning went through one ear, and left from the other. Kakashi walked in, his one eye filled with anger as he went up to the blonde boy as he sat down next to him, pulling out one of his usual adult books. "So, I hear you over exerted yourself," Kakashi said. Naruto grinned as he replied "Yeah, that's why I'm in the hospital! Badass, am I right?" Sakura growled, reaching for a hidden weapon, but was calmed down by Kakashi with a look that spelt danger for the Kunoichi.

"I see," Kakashi finally said. "I suppose we could say, you were lost on the road of life and over exerted yourself by accident?" Naruto nodded as he replied "That's a great excuse Kakashi-sensei, now when can we go on a C Rank mission?" Kakashi ruffled the boy's head as he closed his book and put it away. Even though he was lying about what really happened, Naruto knew if he did tell them what happened, they might look at him differently. Mainly Sakura, as she was the one that didn't know his secret.

"Soon. Since the mission to Nami no Kuni was taken by Team Gai no less, we would have to wait a few days for one. Fortunately, a new mission was handed out today. A certain missing-nin was seen in Hi no Kuni, one hunted by Iwagakure and as such we will be meeting with a liaison from that village near the border in order to pass the information across as it is highly valuable."

Sakura smiled. Meeting with some Iwagakure bastards, she even remembered her father talking about them. While it was so long ago, she could distinctly remember the passion he had in his voice. Sasuke had a troubled look on his face, however it did not make him any less excited for the mission. He was going to be meeting a Ninja from a rival Village, a real Shinobi.

Kakashi then turned to look at Naruto. "A mission you will not be participating in." Naruto's eyes widened as he pleaded with Kakashi to take him, however the Jounin would not budge. "Naruto, I simply cannot in good conscience allow you to make a scene with the Iwagakure ninja. We simply cannot afford a war, and Iwa... Iwa are very prissy about this stuff. Trust me, I know from first hand experience. And while you are a good Shinobi, this mission does not suit your skillset." Kakashi said as he placed a hand on the blonde boy's shoulders.

"Listen to me, I wish this wasn't;t the case but this came from the Hokage himself. If it were up to me, I'd have you coming with us to deal with them yourself. Again, this is orders from the Hokage. Probably because of reluctance to allow you to leave, because of the thing, okay. So... Don't be sad. We will be back before you know it, plus there are plenty of C rank missions in the sea." Kakashi said to him quietly.

Naruto frowned, that wasn't the reason. The only reason he was not allowed to come was due to his parentage, more specifically his father not the Kyuubi being sealed within him. Naruto being there would only alert Iwagakure of the son of their most hated enemy, Namikaze Minato, the 'Yellow Flash' off the Leaf. And that would lead to warfare, maybe not open, but tensions would rise considerably. And that was the worst thing that could happen.

Naruto sighed, however he wasn't going to give up. If he wasn't officially allowed to go on the mission, he would have to come unofficially. Looking at his raven haired friend, Naruto thought of an idea that internally made him smile. 'Oh, this is going to be perfect!' Naruto thought to himself as he gave a sad thumbs up. "I understand," He lied to his mentor, a plan swirling around in his mind.

Sakura said goodbye to Sasuke and her sensei as she walked home, hand on the hilt of her blade, ready to strike at any moment. While it was a short walk, anything could happen at any moment. It was one of the things that she had forced herself to learn after her father's death. Being a Kunoichi meant having to be on guard at all times, even friends could turn to enemies.

And dangerous things happened when one let their guard down, even for a second. While she was friendly with Sasuke and Kakashi, her true friend, Naruto was in the hospital. Naruto was the one that usually walked with her, considering he lived closely. Plus, she always invited him over for dinner, despite her mother's reaction which made her smile vindictively.

It was always a joy seeing her mother's disapproval for Naruto being her friend, something that also annoyed her. Naruto was a good person, despite the reactions people gave to him he always held his head high and tried to do his hardest to achieve his dream. Not only that, but he helped to encourage other people. Sasuke being one, a boy that by all accounts should have been seeking revenge was instead seeking to protect those he had that remained.

She opened the door to her house, as always her mother never greeted her. Instead, Mebuki was as always, sitting down on the table drinking alcohol while looking at pictures. Sakura took off her shoes and put them away as she cleared her throat, capturing the older woman's attention. "Sakura, your home," The woman said with a smile. Sakura frowned as she tried to ignore her 'mother'.

Mebuki grinned as she tried to show her a picture of the family when she was younger, at the park all smiling. Sakura could smell Mebuki's breath, and it smelt like Sake. Cheap sake. "Mebuki, please I don't have time for your drunken antics tonight, nor any night. Just... just leave me alone." Sakura said, pushing past her hurt mother. Like she ever cared about me, she thought to herself.

Mebuki frowned as she shouted at her daughter. "What do you think you are doing young lady? When your father gets back home-"

Sakura snapped. Now she brings him up?

"Shut up!" She screamed at her. "He is dead, father died years ago and here you are drinking your sorrows away while you left your daughter alone to feed herself. Do you have no shame? Or, were you always like this?" Mebuki swallowed as she looked at the floor, tears starting to come out. Great, now she acts like this? Why did you leave us- No, why did you leave me dad? Sakura muttered to herself.

"Just... Just leave alone, Mebuki. When I get enough money I'm moving out anyway, so just for a little but can you please endure. Not that you are any good-" Sakura was cut off as her mother quietly interrupted between her sobs "Since when was my daughter so cold towards her mother?" Sakura felt guilty, if only for a quick second as she felt anger come towards her.

"Since when?" She mocked her drunk parent. "Is your brain turned off dear 'mother'? Since you left me, me. The one that knew how you felt, but instead I handled everything you were supposed to do. Mother's should be looking after their daughters, not the other way around. So don't lecture me about coldness, you created me so at least own up to it." Mebuki dropped to the floor, clutching the photograph in anguish as Sakura fell silent towards her own words.

While she hated to be the one to tell her mother this, it was the truth. She couldn't stand her sober, and while drunk it made things even worse.

Sakura sighed as he shook her head, her free hand rubbing her eyes from going to sleep. "I- I have a mission tomorrow, outside the village. I'll buy food early tomorrow before I go to last you two weeks, not that it will be that long. Just... don't make a mess, alright Mebuki." She finally said as she walked up the stairs and entered her room. Why, why did it turn out like this dad? Why couldn't you have gone to the shops the next day? She thought as she trashed her room, throwing books and blankets everywhere in anger.

Why did you die you bastard?

It was morning as Kakashi stretched out his legs at the gate, it was an early start compared to usual. Sakura was next to him, inspecting her sword making sure it was in top quality condition. Ever since getting it, she had been practicing with it and was now itching to get into a real fight. Not a spar, but one with real danger involved. And a mission was the best way to scratch this itch that had been building since yesterday.

The two waited for their other team mate to show up, and eventually Sasuke did show up... carrying a very big bag.

Kakashi's brow rose as Sakura looked at the ridiculously big bag, it was as if... as if he was carrying a human- She whacked the bag lightly on the head, causing for a voice to be heard. "What the hell, are we in a fight already?" A familiar voice said.

It was Naruto's, and Sasuke face palmed. "That was never going to work," The Uchiha said as he opened the bag, revealing Naruto who was clutching his head. "Hey man, I thought you promised not to tell Kakashi?"

Sasuke smirked as he replied "This is for your own protection, nothing more." Naruto frowned. "How can you be protecting me if I'm weak?" Sasuke nodded at that, as if it was a line rehearsed he replied instantly "Well Kakashi-sensei, we will have another mission, right?"

The Jounin nodded causing Sasuke to grin even more. "See Naruto, now I have to go do a mission." He said, leaving the blonde behind as his team left the village, gates closing behind them. Naruto smirked as he disappeared in a puff, leaving a cloud of smoke behind.

The remaining members of Team Seven walked towards their objective, the Border of Hi no Kuni, close to Kusa where the liaison would meet them. An old outpost from the war, one not used since due to the destruction it had been through. However, Sakura could not shake the feeling that someone was following her, and when she told Kakashi he merely smiled.

"You can come out now Naruto, we are at a safe distance where you will not be brought back to the village." Kakashi said, and from a tree behind her Naruto came out rubbing the back of his head. "So, you caught me," He replied causing Kakashi to smile. "What, did you think I wouldn't notice you? Honestly Naruto, I'm a little hurt at that. Now come, all my cute Gennin's have reunited." The man said as he continued to walk forward, Sasuke followed.

"Aren't you going to send him back? He isn't supposed to be here!" Sakura asked, however Kakashi merely waved it off as he quickly responded. "Those who break the rules are scum. But those who abandon their friends-" Sakura cut him off' "They are worse than scum, I know." Kakashi grinned at her as he continued "Besides, what's the worst that can happen? You have me here, Hatake Kakashi. The Hatake Kakashi, I'll protect you from everyone and everything. Plus, we are so far out from the village that it would be annoying to have to make sure he goes back, and then come back and complete the mission."

Sakura complained about lazy sensei's, but kept up with her Team causing Kakashi to smile, she was learning the tricks to the trade.

"Ok, but what if one of us dies because Naruto came along with us?" Sakura asked, leaving Kakashi to think of an answer. "Easy," He replied a few seconds later. "I won't let you die, after all who would I tease if my cute, little Gennin died?" Sakura shook her head. "No, but I mean for real? What would you do?"

Kakashi once again ruffled his students' hair, something the three of them were starting to get annoyed by, they were Shinobi not children! "As I said," Kakashi replied once more. "I'd not let you die, it's as simple as that. Even if it meant my own death to save all of yours." Sakura frowned at his last comment, the last thing she needed was someone that would let themselves die in order to 'protect' her.

She wasn't going to allow anyone to sacrifice themselves for her, that's why she had a blade. To kill any target that could be a threat to her, or those she cared about. Nothing screamed love more than cutting off an enemy's head that would have killed a friend. And if that meant that people were going to attack because of Naruto being here, she would purge those people from existence.

Naruto grinned as he ran up to them, staying beside the pink haired girl while Sasuke went up ahead with Kakashi. "Hey Sakura, I promise you everything is going to be fine."The blonde boy said, giving her a thumbs up that made her smile a little. "I know, I know. It's just- Anything can happen Naruto, and things can go very wrong in the blink of an eye."

Naruto nodded as he replied "Then I won't let it go wrong in the first place. Kill before being killed, right? Shinobi can uses stealth, so that's what I will do." Sakura gave a short giggle. "You? Says the boy wearing a bright orange tracksuit, honestly, that does not look inconspicuous at all." Naruto grinned as he unzipped his top... to reveal the exact same version of it but in black?

"Ah, I forgot to change into my real clothes." The boy said as he got rid of the orange to reveal an all black tracksuit. "Much better, don't you think?" The boy said as he folded his clothes, or more accurately bundling them into a ball, and shoving them into his bag. Sakura sighed as she said "No, no stop! You are doing it wrong, here let me show you," She said despite the boy's protests as she showed him how to fold properly.

"Thanks Sakura," He said, looking at the neatly folded clothes that much easily fit his bag. "No problem Naruto," She responded. "Didn't anyone teach you how to fold?" She asked, causing the boy to shake his head. "Nah, no one taught me. Why?" He asked, causing Sakura to give him a soft smile. "Nothing, just asking you know." She felt sorry for her friend, no one ever taught him anything.

Making her feel guilty of her past experiences with the boy when they were younger, no doubt he forgave her, but she didn't forgive herself. I'll make it up to you Naruto, one day She promised to herself as they followed Kakashi towards the destination. Eventually, day became night as Team Seven set up camp, Kakashi being put on guard. "W-Why me?" The Jounin protested.

Sakura rolled her eyes at the antics of her sensei, sometimes he really was annoying. "Because you are the leader, not to mention a Jounin. And as you said it yourself, you are that Hatake Kakashi, right?" Kakashi nodded, however she could see a grin developing behind his mask. "Than this should be no problem," She finished, rushing to her tent to catch some sleep as she heard her sensei say to himself "Wow, these kids have grown pretty damn good."

It was morning, and after eating breakfast which consisted of small packets of rations they had packed they made their way to the border once more. "We should be a few hours out," Kakashi said to his team. Sasuke silently groaned as he got up. Sakura was up and ready, no doubt wanting for something unexpected to occur. He was watching the pink haired girl since yesterday, she felt anxious and angry at the same time.

Naruto on the other hand was practically still asleep, throwing water at his eyes in order to keep them forcibly open. Sasuke himself was tired, he had never gotten used to sleeping on the ground. He would have much preferred to go to a hotel, renting a room for the night. Alas, here he was, in the middle of nowhere going to a destroyed meeting place to hand out information.

"Come on Team Seven, the mission isn't over yet," Kakashi said as he clapped his hands, no doubt wanting to annoy him and Naruto. It reminded him of someone else- No, he wasn't going to go there. He was on a mission, an important one by the looks of things. If he lost concentration, and he came, he wouldn't be able to protect his friends. And that would make him lose it.

Ever since that day- That cursed day- Revenge was always on the back of his mind, never influencing his actions directly. This was mainly because of Naruto, that lovable idiot always got himself into trouble. No doubt on purpose to make Sasuke happy, something that he is grateful for. While he and Naruto never had a direct talk about what happened, indirectly Naruto helped him move past it.

Not that he would never forget it, but revenge wasn't his main goal, nor would it ever be a main one. Instead, protecting those he held dear was one he stood by. He had seen his parents, his family- And even his brother leave him once. He wouldn't allow people to leave again, even if it led to some uncomfortable situations. However, his brother wasn't exactly quiet.

Causing trouble every now and then, and when it reached Sasuke's ears it made his blood boil. Itachi couldn't just be happy with ruining his own family, no he needed to go ruin other families as well. And Sasuke wasn't going to stand for it, he was bringing other people to this. Innocent people, ones who had never even seen an Uchiha before. If only he had his Sharingan, not that he would go out and fight him right away.

But it was a better form of protection than nothing, and he would need everything to be able to protect people from Uchiha Itachi, and potentially defeat him.

However, he wouldn't be alone. Naruto, loud mouthed as always, and braver and bolder than most Kage would most certainly go and fight Itachi given the chance, something which made Sasuke anxious and happy. Anxious that he would be fighting an S Class missing-nin, but happy that he wasn't alone in going against the elder Uchiha. No doubt Kakashi would join, despite his exterior, the man had always been nice to him and Naruto. Teaching them, and even looking after him after that night, checking up on him and forcing him to talk about his issues.

And then there was Sakura, someone arguably more cold than him. She had done a complete turn from the bubbly girl that had a secret-crush-on-Sasuke-kun that she was at the academy, now being a fierce warrior with the blade that he admits is going to become a problem. And someone just as close to Naruto as he was- Not that it made him jealous or anything. He was happy people were starting to like his blonde friend, he deserved it.

After everything he had got before he had met Sasuke, and everything after, it pleased him to no end to see the boy finally getting what he deserved. Love. However, not everything was good. Sakura was unaware of his secret, and he had no clue as to how the girl would react, something that Naruto and Kakashi were concerned about as well. He would hope that she would be accepting, maybe even brush it off as something unimportant between them, however anything could happen.

Suddenly, he was taken out of his thoughts as an arrow whizzed past him, Sasuke narrowly dodging it. An attack! He thought as he grinned and pulled out a Kunai and flipped it around his hand. This was a test, a test of how far he was willing to go in order to protect his friends, one he would not be failing as he dragged Naruto to the ground to avoid an arrow that would have pierced his skull, instead piercing the tree behind him.

Kakashi had already moved into place, making hand signs and disappearing just like that while Sakura ran head on to an enemy that was charging them, a knife in his hand. Sasuke watched as Sakura dispatched the man quickly, even with her wooden sword, knocking him out as if it was nothing with a sharp strike to the man's head, causing him to flop to the ground unconscious, like a fish.

Sasuke got up from the ground, wishing he had his Doujutsu activated. Then he would have been able to- Sasuke quickly dodged another arrow, watching as it stuck the the place he was in previously. Growling, he followed the line of sight and saw a man on top of a tree, no doubt trying to snipe them, causing Sasuke to grin. Got you now, He thought as he pulled out a few shrunken from his bag.

Using his aim, three of his Shuriken hit the man's arm while the other broke the bow's bowstring, rendering it useless. However, Sasuke didn't have time to think as three men came running from the trees closest to him and Naruto, forcing their back to be pressed together. "You good, Naruto?" Sasuke asked with a grin. Naruto nodded sharply as she replied "Never been better," Before rushing out to the man closest to him, delivering a sharp jab to the man's throat, causing him to fall on the ground.

Sasuke used his Kunai to add extra distance to his swings, cutting his opponents cheek before quickly flashing through six seals. Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger - "Katon: Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke said as he breathed in and out, releasing a fireball scorching at his opponent causing loud screams of pain to be heard from the man, rolling about on the floor.

Sasuke didn't have time to dodge as he felt a sharp sting from his back, causing him to be sent sprawling on the floor, the third man didn't enjoy seeing his two friends be dispatched so quickly like that as he rushed towards Sasuke, however Naruto, using his immense strength grappled against the man, picking him up and throwing him on the floor before flashing through some hand signs as well.

Naruto went through Tiger, Ox, Dog, Rabbit and Snake as he shouted "Futon: Great Breakthrough!", a great wind coming from the boy's mouth pushing the man on the floor strongly towards the tree, resulting in a sickening crunch as the man's arm was broke by the force of the collision between himself and the tree. Naruto grinned as he faced Sasuke, and they ran towards Sakura who was in a fight with a woman holding a real Katana, slowly chipping away at her wooden one.

Sakura was in trouble they thought as both boys nodded towards each other before combining their Jutsu's, Fireball and Great Breakthrough to create an even larger flame than before that rendered Sakura's opponent down for the fight. Sakura nodded gratefully at the two boys, mouthing a thank you as she ran towards them and swung at a man trying to sneak up on them, the man that Naruto fought first.

He clutched his private parts as Sakura kept wailing on him with her sword, most likely something that was going to cause a lot of bruising when the man woke up after he fell unconscious after a devastating blow from Sakura, who plunged her sword on the ground and pivoted her body, using this momentum to kick him in the head. Sasuke grinned as he looked around, all of their opponents were defeated, either on fire, clutching a broken arm or unconscious.

Kakashi shunshined to them a few minutes later, his uniform blood stained a little. He looked around, impressed at his students' work. "Wow, you really did exceed my expectations my cute, little Gennin." He said as he ruffled Sasuke's hair, annoying him once again. Sasuke slapped his hand away as he complained "Gah, can't you just... do something else but ruffle my hair?

Kakashi grinned underneath his mask, his only eye showing great amusement as he replied in a fake voice "Aw Sasuke, have I hurt you?". Sasuke scowled as he turned to look away from his sensei, muttering underneath his breath "One day I'll get you back, Kakashi." The Team Leader smiled at his, as he motioned for his students to continue following their paths.

While they had just finished a fight, it did not mean that their mission was over. "Come one Team Seven," Kakashi said to them.

"We have a mission to beat!"

Gai winced in pain as he was brought up to his feet by his students, Lee and Tenten. After watching Zabuza, a missing-nin from Kirigakue his other student, Neji, had told him he wondered how he had managed to not see it. No doubt about it, that Hunter nin was a fake and Zabuza would be out for more. He silently cursed himself, his students were not ready for this.

However, at least a more experienced team was handling it. If his rival had taken this mission, who knows what would have happened. However, he was not able to take down Zabuza alone as seen by his many injuries, blood pouring out from his side. He would live, but if Zabuza would show up again... His team would be screwed. "Gai-sensei," Lee said, his eyebrows showing his emotion. "What shall we do now Gai-sensei, if we cannot proceed I shall do one hundred laps on my hands around Konoha. And if I can not do that, I-"

Gai interrupted his beloved student, while it pained him to admit it, not even Lee with his gates on would be able to protect Tazuna and his teammates. "No need, Lee. Right now we need to find a safe place before sending out a signal for help for Konoha. I fear this mission may have got even worse." Lee nodded as he put his sensei's arm around him. "Yosh," Lee said. "To a safe space we shall go!"

Gai felt tears come to his eyes, his student was helping him. How youthful, the springtime of youth was shining brightly down on them this day!

Naruto sighed. It had been nearly three hours since they had beaten up the bandits, however nothing new had happened since then. He and Sasuke had argued about who was better, mostly to cheer Sakura up who was lost in her thoughts, no doubt feeling guilty about not being strong enough to beat the Kenjutsu woman she faced against. Kakashi was reading his book, as always, however he stopped the two boys once he reached a 'good bit' in his book.

The forest was slowly getting smaller, with fewer trees surrounding them showing that they were close to their destination. They were close to the border, and the Ninja they were going to give information to. Kakashi grinned, as he turned to them. "We are close, so keep your head up and your skills sharp. Iwagakure might not be in a war with us now, but in the future..."

Sasuke and Sakura nodded, reaching for their weapons as Naruto matched his sensei's grin. "Don't worry Kakashi-sensei, we got this." Naruto said as he walked in front of his sensei. It was an abandoned outpost, nearly destroyed. Buildings were blown up, with some even collapsed, and towers leaning forward with massive holes in them. "Woah," Naruto said as he took in the sight.

The landscape was beautiful, yet at the same time made him feel uneasy. So this is the aftereffects of war, huh? He thought to himself as he followed Kakashi, walking beside Sakura. It was a steep hill which they were going down, however Kakashi was fine and Naruto simply walked down it like normal, apart from tripping near the end causing him to roll down to the bottom.

He sat up glaring at Sasuke who was laughing. "Oh shut it Sasuke, or else do you want me to remind you what happened a few weeks ago?" Sasuke shut up in embarrassment as he turned red and kicked a rock. Kakashi grinned as he focused and saw the Ninja they were supposed to meet. He was seemingly sitting down near the middle of the road. "There he is, our target." Kakashi said as he pointed towards him.

Naruto looked at him. The man wore red, and had red hair and a beard. On his head, he wore a large headpiece consisting of a three pointed crown-like ridge, which showed off his Iwagakure hitai-ate nicely. Naruto could feel how powerful he was from a distance, just by his posture and everything. He cracked his knuckles as walked forward. "Let's do this," He said to his team.

He took a few steps forward before a loud voice warned him. "Wait brat," The Kyuubi said, startling Naruto. What? Naruto though back. "This person, I can feel him. My brother is in him, like I'm inside you," The Kyuubi said as Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. Like- Like me? There are others like me? He thought to himself as Kakashi tapped him on his shoulder.

"What's wrong Naruto?" Kakashi asked. Naruto turned around in panic as he replied "Kakashi-sensei. The guy we are meeting, he's like me." Naruto said, causing Kakashi to take a step back in shock and Sasuke's eyes to widen. "No Way..." Sasuke said, however Kakashi quickly moved Naruto aside. "It doesn't matter, we are simply trading intel. If a fight does breakout, run, got it?"

Sasuke and Naruto quickly nodded. "Okay," Kakashi said. "Let's go."

Chapter 7 done for this arc! I'm planning for three more chapters of this.

The newly updated chapter 6 has been posted and the new chapter 5 will also be posted soon, so don't worry about that.

Thank's for reading once again, and thanks to PK! A LEGEND!

Now time to go, peace!