Hey ya'll! I adopted this fic from a good pal, RamenLoverNaruto. They told me they killed the fic, and I stepped in. Vola~ My new fic.

Pairing:
NaruHina
SasuSaku
ShikaIno
?(Surprise Pairing later! x2)

Chapter Four: Punishment and Reunions

Tsunade was a little bit ticked off that Sasuke would show his face in the village after causing so much trouble, but Naruto convinced her of the reasons why Sasuke did what he did. The Hokage sighed and shook her head. "It's not just me you have to worry about, Naruto... The other Kage even said that he is an international criminal now. Even if they saw reason, they would punish him severely." She explained, tapping her fingers on her desk while she looked at said Uchiha.

"But, Granny-" Naruto began.

"Don't start Naruto! I understand what you're saying, but look at all the trouble he caused! If you EVER want to be Hokage, you have to think of these things." Seeing the determination on Naruto's face, Tsunade sighed. "He blew up the village... After it was starting to rebuild..."

"Hn. It was Kabuto that did that, not me." Sasuke said, keeping his level-headedness about him.

"Still... I hope you understand, Sasuke, that IF I convince the other Kage to let the charges drop, you'll be stuck doing D-ranked missions for a few years... Maybe a C if you don't complain." Tsunade said, raising an eyebrow.

"I get that."

"Course you do. You are a Uchiha, after all." Tsunade sighed. "Well, until I inform you of the status, DO. NOT. LEAVE. You too, Naruto. I'll have you watch over him."

"A.. Babysitting job... Watching teme? Yessss!" Naruto said, clearly excited.

Sasuke, on the other hand, was not as thrilled. He knew he would have to be watched, but he never figured he'd be watched by the dobe of all people. His expression showed his annoyance. "If it's not too much, I could track down a few Akatsuki members. I can see their chakra from here."

Tsunade grimaced. "It's orders of the elders, but I'll let the sentence slide IF you manage to help against the Akatsuki." She explained. "Until they are all gone, I withdraw the elder's sentence. You are free to go... But one mess up and you're doing community service with Kakashi Hatake."

Naruto chuckled and tugged Sasuke out of the Hokage's office, running into Sakura and Hinata. "Teme got off easy.. Well, he has to help in the Akatsuki hunt and show his loyalty to Konoha. But, Granny pulled the sentence of the elders off the table until all the Akatsuki are gone."

Sakura inhaled and smiled slightly. "Listen, Naruto.. I was a real jerk when you left three years ago.. I'm so sorry I said all those things. I was just... afraid that... you might not have wanted Sasuke back badly.. I was wrong and I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Sakura-chan! It gave me even more motivation to get stronger." Naruto said, accepting her apology. "Besides, it made me realize I wasn't the only one who missed teme around."

Sasuke looked lost at the whole conversation and looked at his old sensei for some sort of clue as to what happened. What he got was a 'I'll explain later' look, which confused him even more as the four started walking around the village, helping out where they were needed from the battle.

Two men walked around, finding Karin's body. One was a lean-built young man of average height, straight white hair with a light-blue tint to it, purple eyes and pointed teeth. "Maan. Karin. Looks like you went through a shredder."

"S-shut it, Suigetsu.. A-and help me u-up." Karin sputtered before pointing. "Orochimaru-sama... an-and Kabuto-sensei... Ar-are over there."

The second man, a tall, muscular young man who has spiky orange hair, red-orange eyes and a calm face, helped Karin up, carefully watching her wounds. "You alright, Karin?"

"Jeez, Juugo... I've been impaled by Sasuke-kun's Chidori.. What do you think?" Karin snarled.

Suigetsu glared slightly. "Calm down, will ya? Once I get those two back to base, I'm sure Orochimaru-sensei wouldn't like your tone. What happened anyway?"

Karin sighed, which led to her wincing. "Sasuke was just using Orochimaru to get power and turned his back on us to favor the damned Leaf Village. Alright, I think I can walk now, Juugo." She stated, showing that, indeed she could walk as they found Orochimaru's head and body. "Gosh. I'll have fun patching you up, Orochimaru."

"Jusssst do it!" Came the order.

"Alright already. Juugo, go get Kabuto and we'll retreat to base." Karin said, seeing the two go get a very battered up Kabuto as they retreated.

Orochimaru glared at the Leaf Village as they vanished. 'Sasssuke... You will pay for that! Mark my wordsssss.'

Word of Orochimaru's attack on the Leaf quickly spread to the neighboring villages and lands. One village, the Hidden Sand, took the news as a shock. Their Kage, the Kazekage, especially took it hard and set out for the Hidden Leaf with his sister and brother by his side.

"Gaara, what's the rush?" The woman asked. She had green eyes and blonde hair, which is gathered into four ponytails. She wore a short-sleeved, black kimono that reaches down to her legs, with slits along the side and a more revealing neckline.

"Yeah." Came the other's question. He wore a black outfit consisting of a long top and trousers with a red sash around his waist, his face painted a cross-like design, a line going across his eyes and a T-shaped design below his upper lip.

The one called Gaara, the Kazekage, looked ahead. "The Leaf was ambushed." Was all he said. Gaara wore full-length dark trousers, with a pair of laces on each leg, respectively a few inches below the waist and the knees, a long-sleeved crimson coat with flaring hemlines on the front and the back, a grey holster vest held in place by a single strap over his left shoulder and by two buckled belts which he uses to carry his gourd. He also wears another pair of casually worn belts around his waist.

"What?!"

"Temari, Kankurō. Naruto is there and I need the details from the Hokage." Gaara said. "It was brief and I want to see if he's alright."

Temari nodded. "I understand, Gaara." The three continued on their way, passing right by four others. "Who were those people?"

Kankurō blinked and looked back. "What people?"

Temari looked and frowned. "Thought I saw something. It's nothing."

Naruto and the others just finished rebuilding his house and were heading to the gates for a break when he saw a old friend. "Gaara! What're you doing away from the Sand?" He asked, even though he was happy to see his friend.

"We heard of the attack and came for some details. Is everything alright?" Gaara asked.

"Just fine. Teme helped us defeat Orochimaru and has agreed to help us hunt down the Akatsuki." Naruto explained, pointing behind him to the Uchiha.

"Hn."

"I see. You haven't changed, yet there is light in those eyes again." Gaara said, nodding as Shikamaru walked up.

"What's the Kazekage doing here? Business or something?" Shikamaru asked lazily before seeing Temari. "What a drag. Brought her with?"

"Watch it, Nara!" Temari threatened as Ino showed up and caught the threat.

"Now, now, Temari. We're not here to cause trouble." Kankuro reminded.

Shikamaru sent a grateful look at Kankuro as he was hugged from behind by Ino. "You mind showing a little restraint? Such a drag." He complained.

Ino shrugged and patted his shoulder. "Shika, relax. I'm just saying hi to you."

Temari saw how at ease Shikamaru got around Ino and was wondering what happened. "Anyway. We wanted to talk to Lady Hokage about the situation."

Naruto nodded. "Sure. I have to gu-" He was whacked by Sasuke as a hint to shut up. "I mean we were just helping the village rebuild." While he explained, he led his friends around the village before heading to the Hokage's place.

Somewhere deep in an unknown location, another group was planning another capture. Their leader, Pain, looked to the members before speaking.

"The Four-Tails has been successfully removed. Itachi, you and Kisame are to collect the Five-Tails, Hidan, you and Kakuzu will go after the Two-Tails." He ordered, getting the four to nod. "Once they succeed, we'll do this again."

"Ohohoh!" A childish man said, raising his hand.

"... Yes, Tobi?" Pain asked, clear annoyance lacing his response.

"Why are we collecting the Tailed Beasts again!?" Tobi asked.

"We are bringing peace to Amegakure and the world on a large scale. Using the power of the Tailed Beasts, anyone that opposes us will fall." Pain explained for the umpteenth time before ending the meeting.

Itachi and Kisame came out of their meditation and headed off to Iwagakure to collect the Five-Tails, Kisame noticing Itachi's silence. "What's with the face, Itachi? We get to go after the Five-Tails. Surely you'd like that. We've been partners for a long time, so what's up?"

Itachi looked to his partner and looked ahead. "Just thinking of what to do once the Leader's plan happens. He reminds me of someone I fought."

"You mean the blonde kid?"

"Yes. Naruto Uzumaki... He has me thinking of quitting after the Leader's plan comes to be." Itachi said, staring at the sky. 'Perhaps he also saved Sasuke from falling into darkness. I want to fight him once more. Little brother, you shall soon get your wish to avenge our parents and clan.'

Well, NightAngel0Ex, you gave me the inspiration I was waiting for! Yes! Kabuto, Karin and Orochimaru are not dead! SURPRISE! *throws confetti as Deidara appears* EEEK! Dei-senpai!

Deidara: Why wasn't I mentioned? *Pouts*

Me *hugs*: Aww! Don't fear, my love! I have plans for the entire Akatsuki! 8D Anyway...

Deidara: Review and she will write more! Hopefully include me this time *depressed raincloud over head*

Me: Thanks! Arigato! *Hugs Deidara-koishii*