New Chapter! Sorry for the wait~! I hope you guys enjoy it! Also thank you all for reviewing and reading. Hopefully, I can update soon, but it is mostly unlikely at the moment. Sorry. Anyway. Enjoy the next chapter! As to the errors, hopefully, i will get to correcting them! =x

"Gato is the leader of the shipping company in Wave. But that is actually a front for smuggling illegal goods and dealing drugs. He took control of the Land of Waves' shipping routes and created a monopoly by isolating the country from the outside world. Many people have suffered, most losing their jobs… But if we can build he bridge then we might actually survive…So, please can you guys finish this mission?" Tazuna practically pleaded.

Kakashi looked torn between whether or not they should continue. He gave a sigh, "This was not reported…I think it is best that we should go back to Konoha to report this-.."

"Let's continue the mission," interrupted Naruto, a frown on his face, "We are already almost half-way through. Why stop now?"

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, "Naruto…"

"I won't go back Kakashi-sensei. It's against my code to do such a thing." Naruto interjected recklessly, looking as if going back was an insult. Inside, he was more worried about Haku and Zabuza. He had to make sure they would survive this time.

Kakashi looked irritated. "This is not your choice. I am the team leader. What if something happens to you and, you all are severely injured? What then? I am charged with your lives. I know you guys are talented, but the next time Zabuza comes he will have back up. What then?" said the jonin angrily, so unlike the normally nonchalant Kakashi.

The three time travelers were trying to hold back various degrees of shock. This was mainly because Kakashi was actually expressing so much emotion. Never had he really shown that he cared…well never openly: only subtly. What had changed this? Naruto's mind was racing….this was not expected.

'Do something about this: We can't go back!' thought Sakura shooting a look at Naruto.

Naruto shot the girl a glare before turning to his sensei, "I don't mean to disrespect your duties as a jonin and being our leader but I feel that we should continue." Naruto said calmly, though his eyes said otherwise.

"I think…No. I know that this will benefit us as a team. I know my limits and I am sure that Sasuke and Sakura know their limits as well. If you want us to back down then I understand," conceded Naruto.

Sakura widened her eyes as she traded a glance with Sasuke. Where was Naruto trying to get to with this?

Kakashi raised his brow as the blonde continued, "However, though we know that the position you're in now is delicate, I feel that continuing is a good idea. Not only can we develop more experience, we might also be able help this village. Like Tazuna said, it's in a bad shape. It's completely defenseless! Gato is killing innocent people! With our help, however small it is, they might have a better life! Think about how many people who suffered and those who still are. I refuse to let that continue to happen!" hissed Naruto in anger.

Tazuna were staring at Naruto like he had grown two heads while Kakashi was surprised. He could not wrap his head around it. How had Naruto changed so much in a matter of days? Where did this sudden drive come from? From what many people had said, Naruto at the academy was loud and much of a prankster. He had not a care for any one nor did he want to.

But what Kakashi was seeing right now was a whole different person. Sure, he still had that streak as a prankster which annoyed Kakashi to no end. Yet, the boy knew when to stop and be serious. In that sense, he seemed to be more grown up and mature. It was just like now; the way Naruto talked was something he would have never expected to come out from a genin, so filled with courage and compassion. The kid had the makings for being a leader. Plus the other two team member's reactions were also interesting.

They showed no surprise when Naruto took the lead. There was not a sound of protest that the blonde was speaking for them, just silent agreement. It was as if it were a normal occurrence. However, that couldn't be possible; the three only met a couple of weeks ago. Yet the more he looked at this the more it seemed that either the reports were completely fabricated or they did a good job hiding everything from the teachers.

But maybe the strangest thing of all was the fact that they all looked like they were carrying a burden, like they have experienced hardships. That couldn't be possible right; Maybe Sasuke, but certainly not Sakura. Yet why did they all have those haunted looks?

Flashback

The people lined in front of a towering monument, all dressed in black in the village of Suna. It had been a week since Konoha had been attacked by Akatsuki. The organization had grown profoundly, having legions of rouge ninjas at their disposal. Many villages had already fallen, completely overwhelmed by the forces. Konoha which was one of the last remaining villages was now also in ruins.

Originally, the plan was to evacuate all the people to Suna as it was heavily defended and well supplied. They had planned for the final battlegrounds to be in Konoha. The three were charged with taking the first group of villagers to Suna. When they arrived to the sand village, they were told of something that made each of them freeze upon sight. The plan was leaked. Somehow Akatsuki caught wind and led an ambush.

The attack was the most devastating blow in the whole war. It could not even count as a battle; it was a massacre. It was one of the harshest in the whole war. Only a miniscule amount of villagers survived; the ones that were already in Suna. Help had not arrived on time. When they arrived to the scene it was already too late. Though the people of Konoha that remained fought hard, there was only so much they could do against so much ninjas.

The once proud village was now stained red with the blood of its own inhabitants, lying lifelessly on the ground: mangled by weapons of the enemy. The faces of the Hokage were gone, blasted into ruins leaving only rubble. There were no survivors…even children and mothers, who were defenseless and powerless, were brutally killed. But topping it all; was the horrifying death of the Fifth Hokage. In just one day Konoha was annihilated, with over half of its ninja population death, and only ten percent of its villager's inhabitants remaining.

The monument that now stood in Suna listed all those dead. The remaining people stood in mourning. The silence lasted for what seemed like hours but merely minutes. Yet, no one wanted to speak. They were all losing hope and drowning in a growing hole of despair. Hinata was being held by Neji; she had lost her father and sister as well. She was not the only one as virtually all them, lost their dearly beloveds. Naruto, who was standing in front of the monument, turned around and looked at the crowd, an uncharacteristically solemn look on his face.

"We are all here today…to honor those that die." he began and faltered as his voice echoing out into the silent crowd. After a small pause he continued "Konoha has fallen. We all know that and there is no point going around it. BUT that does NOT mean we give up! WE are still alive. By us being alive, we show that Konoha is still alive and we still carry it in our hearts!"

Naruto paused looking through the crowd, some of them had lost some of the initial fear as they listened to the blonde speak, "We have a reason to fight back. Despair and sadness destroys us and tears us apart. WE must fight this as well as Akatsuki! I will fight for the one who have died! I swear on this monument that I will not stop till Akatsuki is destroyed. I will bring them down!"

He took a breath, before speaking softly. His voice carried through the silence. "I ask you all to cooperate with me to fight our enemy!" Sasuke and Sakura stood beside him, reinforcing the image. Soon they were joined by the rest of their friends and fellow ninjas. The people erupted into a cheer. Konoha was still alive and it would fight till their very last breath, whether they win or lose. Leading them would be the younger but equally strong generation. These people will be their ray of hope in their despair. And he, Naruto, would lead them to victory.

From then on, Naruto took the role as a leader along with Gaara and Shikamaru, planning out all the attacks and devising strategies. Sasuke formed a strike force with Shino, Kiba, Neji, and Lee. They took it upon themselves to train civilians to defend and fight. Sakura, Ino and Hinata led the hospital workforce and teaching women and children that were too young to fight medical techniques. That left Tenten, Temari and Kankuro to keep track of weaponry and regular supplies. Together, they slowly fortified Suna and its people. Naruto was constantly around the village helping where he could and then return to working on strategies with Gaara. He was not the only one as every single one of them threw themselves into anything they could to keep the remaining people safe.

But…

End of Flashback

Kakashi sighed, "….I will allow it this once. Since your reasoning seems doable, I guess we can continue. However, you will listen when I tell you to back out." said Kakashi, a frown evident even with the mask on.

"Alright," Naruto conceded; a triumphant smile on his face. Sakura and Sasuke traded smug looks while Tazuna gave a small sigh of relief.

"Come on, old man, you have a bridge you need to finish building. Leave Gato to us. We will protect you," said Naruto with a grin.

Meanwhile hidden a distance away, someone listen to the conversation with rapt attention. He watched the whole scene with a contemplative look. What a strange group of people. He had better report this. Without another second wasted, the person disappeared from view.

The remainder of the trip was smoothly without an incident. They were ferried to the inland and led to a small house at the edge of the village. There, they were greeted by a young lady who had been waiting for their arrival, "Father! I am so glad you made it back!" she said, giving him a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek before turning to the Konoha ninjas.

Tsunami gave a small bow and greeted them, "Hello, my name is Tsunami. It is a pleasure to meet you all. Please come in! I am sorry, but the accommodations may be a bit tight." They all nodded their greetings and followed her into the house.

It was as the three time travelers remembered it: small, but spacious; sparse, but homely. The house had a 'welcome home' feeling that was comforting and inviting. They all loved it.

As Naruto walked in with everyone, he noticed a small boy watching them through a crack of a door in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. When their eyes met, the boy glared and closed the door with a slam. Naruto frowned.

Tsunami heard the slam and turned to everyone with a sad smile, "I'm sorry. That was my son, Inari. He's not that talkative but he's really sweet once you get to know him…."

She looked a bit downcast but it disappeared as quickly as it came. She looked at the ninjas critically, "Were you guys hungry during the trip? It must have been very long! Why don't I cook you guys something now…. "

The three traded amused looks while Kakashi simply kept reading, though they could have sworn that he was just as amused by Tsunami as they were. "She reminds me of someone I know very well; don't you think so Sasuke?" muttered Sakura, a thoughtful look on her face.

Sasuke gave a small smirk "That idiot? Of course," replied the Uchiha.

"Hey!" cried Naruto, indignantly. The laughter heard seemed to brighten the whole room.

It was a good while later that the team managed to slip out of the house. Tsunami had been rather fussy about them, in the end forcing them to have lunch that amounted to two servings too much. All the fussing around was endearing, but there was a limit to how much the team could stand.

"I'm so glad we are out now." Naruto sighed with relief. He couldn't remember Tsunami being so active.

"She's giving you a run for your money Naruto!" teased Sakura.

"Why are you being so mean!" complained Naruto with a pout.

Kakashi who was reading his precious book, acted indifferent to the squabble. Internally, however, he was once again struck by the dilemma of his genin. He had gone through the records for his three students and he reread all of it. None of it added up. For one, the levels of combat were completely wrong. There was no way Sakura was incapable of taijutsu as she was completely fine in terms of keeping up with her two teammates while Naruto was not incompetent in ninjutusu as most people were inclined to think.

Reading the reports on their academic levels, he found that it was mediocre at best while the notes on behavior were completely shocking. Sure, there was the Uchiha was quiet but that was about it. But he found it surprising that Naruto was a class clown, constantly going against teachers and getting in trouble for misbehavior. Sakura was written up as a rather vain girl, worried more about her looks then her training. The three were said to have a great hate for each other and were constantly causing trouble.

When he had initially looked through the reports, he hadn't really given it much thought, just that it was a waste of his time. He was sure that they were going to be unsuccessful. When he had given them the test he had expected them to fail with flying colors. But instead he was thoroughly beaten and humiliated, much to his embarrassment.

Upon close inspection, he realized something strange. They seem to be incredibly close to each other: as if they had known each other for years. It was particularly during the exam that he noticed this. The way they fought was very fluid in terms of collaboration; each knew what he or she was supposed to do without any words being exchanged.

Kakashi had gone to see Iruka after the test and found information that did not match the current genin before him. Apparently, Sasuke isolated himself from everyone and never talked unless asked a question. Sakura was a fan girl hopelessly in love with Sasuke and she downright hated Naruto. Naruto was an attention seeking boy with no regard for rules and what not, the class dunce.

It was as if they went through a metamorphosis right before his test. They were nothing close to what they were said to be. They trained with determination that he never thought to see in anybody their age. Watching their mock battles further showed their strengths. Though they never really hurt each other, their attacks were definitely worth watching out for. What was odd to him was the feeling that they were withholding something be it strength or information.

Then there was that incident with Sasuke. How he managed to get him out of the water prison alone was suspicious. The technique that he used was strange in that he himself had never seen it before. When the boy went for Zabuza, Kakashi could have sworn he saw sparks forming on Sasuke's hand. But that was impossible right? When he asked the Uchiha about it, the kid steadily looked away and stayed tight-lipped.

Something was up. He knew it. He needed to find out.

The grayed haired ninja was soon interrupted by a pinked hair girl, "Kakashi Sensei, if you only brought us out here so that you could read your vulgar book then we might as well go train ourselves," muttered Sakura.

The girl looked like she wanted nothing more than to rip the book to shreds and burn it to dusk. Kakashi slowly closed his book and tucked it away as he eyed the genin warily. Naruto and Sasuke snickered at Kakashi, who glared at the two boys causing them to sober up instantly.

He gave a light cough, "Hmm, today we are going to have mock battles. You guys will fight each other and then switch in and out every two minutes. Loser has to stay out and keep watch for the night"

The three Genin traded looks at each other and smirked. Naruto began stretching, "Don't you guys chicken out," taunted the blonde with a grin.

Sakura arched her brow in mild amusement, "Bring it," she said as she put on her gloves.

Kakashi clapped his hands, "Alright, first up Sasuke and Naruto."

The two boys moved to stand in front of each other. "Hey, want to go all out? Or are you scared?" said Naruto with a feral smirk. The blonde was itching for a battle.

Sasuke raised his brow, "Don't blame me if you end up losing, idiot."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, "Very well then."

Sakura frowned. Just what were they planning to do? Kakashi in the meantime, could not help but notice that there was a strangely serious tone. All of a sudden, Sasuke stretched out his hand, waiting for Naruto to the same. Naruto looked at Sasuke strangely, before he realized what it meant. The blonde gave a soft smile, something so strange on his face that Kakashi could only stare in confusion.

The blonde chuckled, "So you remembered…" said Naruto as he clasped the Uchiha's hand.

The raven haired genin raised his brow, "Of course."

Flashback

It had been months since Konoha had fallen. Suna had been under siege. Though most of the attacks were failures there were still many casualties. Thankfully, there was only a small amount of deaths, nothing ever over ten or twenty.

After one such attack, Team 7 and the Kazekage took to the roof of the Kazekage's tower, mourning for the ones that died and enjoying one more day of living. It was quiet as they all staring up at the countless stars that littered the sky in silence.

It was Naruto who spoke first, "I wish…I were a genin again…" mused the blonde, a look of longing in his eyes.

"Well, technically you were never made chuunin so you're still a genin," teased Sakura, a small smile on her face. Sasuke and Gaara chuckled at the comment. Naruto cast an irritable glance at Sakura before continuing, "You know what I mean."

His three friends traded looks of confusion. Naruto frowned, "Oh Come on!" said Naruto before giving an exasperated sigh. "I mean before this whole war."

Naruto moved to stand at the edge leaning against the ridge. At the bottom, he could see some kids playing with a battered ball while adults sat around trading drinks and chatting, "I miss when we use to have just mock fights for fun. All we had to worry about was carrying out stupid missions," whispered the blonde with nostalgia.

That look remained but for another second before changing to despair, "Now we are practically leading a war. Us kids, leading people to die!" Naruto waved his hands towards the monument as if to emphasize his point.

The other three looked at each other as they realized just what Naruto was doing.

Sakura got up and moved to give him a hug, "Naruto, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault that they died…" started Sakura quietly.

However, Naruto simply moved away to look at all of them, "Then whose fault is it? I'm leading all these people to death. They trust me to get them through this but we are getting nowhere! Every day the death piles up! How much longer before we lose everyone?"

Naruto's eyes looked lost and dark with sorrow, "I'm so sick of seeing people die, of killing."

The blonde sighed dejectedly, covering his face with a hand tiredly. The three traded looks of shock. How long has this been building up in Naruto for him to have such an outburst?

Gaara could only give Naruto a look of sympathy. He knew exactly how Naruto felt. As the Kazekage, he too had reached this point of thought, many times over.

Suddenly Sasuke spoke, breaking the silence, "You are being more of an idiot than I am giving credit for," The Uchiha captain stood before the blonde, a look of anger in his eyes.

The raven haired man sneered, "Look at yourself; so just because a few people die you're going to just give up? This is pathetic."

Naruto growled angrily a flash of crimson streaking through the blonde's eyes, "Watch it bastard,"

Sasuke pointedly ignored both the glare and the threat. Instead he grabbed the blonde by the shoulder and punched him, sending the blonde to the ground.

Naruto narrowed his eyes, "What the hell?"

Sasuke glared right back at the blonde, "There are still people who are alive. They are not stupid. It was their choice to follow you. We, they, all knew that there would be plenty of casualties. Nobody expects you to save every single person."

Sakura interjected, "Naruto, this is a war. People will die, but they all fighting to contribute to winning this war. Even the children are doing their best to help,"

"Are just going to let that go to waste and give up?" asked Gaara who had been silent up until now.

Sakura gave a small smile at Naruto, "We are all in this together. If we fall then we will fall defending our hopes and ideals. You don't have to shoulder the burden alone." She gave Naruto a small squeeze on his shoulder. Naruto looked from Sasuke and Sakura before turning to face Gaara. Gaara gave him a small nod. He, too, would be there for him.

Naruto felt his anger simply wash away, replaced by a warmness that he had not felt in a long time. He smiled. "I'm sorry. I just felt so helpless."

"When this is all over, how about we settle our fight? We go all out, winner takes all. Though it is probably me who will be the victor," suggested Sasuke with a smirk.

Naruto narrowed his eyes at the challenge, "Don't think so highly of yourself, Uchiha. You know you are only second to me," said Naruto with a smirk.

Sasuke looked pointedly at Naruto, "We'll see."

Without another word, the two shook hands sealing the deal. Sakura gave a small sigh before smiling. At least Naruto was out of his dreary mood. Life seemed less bleak, if only for a moment.

End of Flashback

Naruto smirked, "Get ready, Uchiha."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes. Never had he heard the blonde call his teammate like that.

Sasuke scoffed "I have always been ready."

Sakura watched the exchange with reminiscent eyes, "So they are finally going to do it," she said quietly to herself.

Kakashi looked at Sakura. What did she know about this?

"What do you mean?" asked Kakashi.

She had been so caught up in the moment that she did not notice when she slipped until it was too late, "Well, during the war they had a deal and…Shit!"

Sakura spun to face Kakashi. The man arched his brow, suspicion in his eyes, "What war?"

Sakura gave an internal wail at her blunder. How could she have been so unaware! "Would you mind explaining what this 'war' is Sakura? While we are at it, mind explaining why you guys seem to know more than you let on?" asked Kakashi, eye filled with suspicion.

Sakura narrowed her eyes as her mind raced to say something. "Umm, Please Kakashi-sensei; can you just let them have this fight? I promise I'll explain…everything," said the pinked haired girl quietly. Kakashi made no comment instead turning to face the two boys. Sakura bit her lip and hoped dearly that things wouldn't get too overboard.

The two 'boys' did not hear any part of the exchange. They were too busy analyzing their situation to notice. When a twig snapped in the distance there was a clash of kunai sounded through the forest. It began. They blocked and attacked each other, nothing but taijutsu and their kunai.

Kakashi looked a bit put out. Was this the quote on quote going all out? This seemed to be a simple session. He was about to question Sakura once more when he saw a slight chakra flare… What in the world? Kakashi pulled up his headband and activated his sharingan. What he saw surprised him. Their attacks were all infused with chakra. This was not a small feat mainly because of the whimsicalness of chakra. He did not know many people who were able to keep such a concentration so steadily. But these kids! He was willing to bet that they probably had it since the beginning.

Soon, the two boys started to integrate their Justus with their attacks. Sakura stared at the fight before frowning, "Kakashi sensei, I think we should retreat a bit," suggested Sakura.

Kakashi eyed the girl who was watching the fight with calculating green eyes. "Why is that. I don't see any danger…." He started to say, when Sakura pushed him back.

"Move out of the way!" she said with shout. They were just in time as a speeding ball of fire, the size of a basketball, strayed from the battle.

The fiery ball passed them and straight into a tree, creating a hole where there was once a trunk.

"Where did he learn that?" asked Kakashi.

Sakura gave a small shrug, "He just modified the original jutsu. He found that if you alter the amount of chakra expelled you get very…different results. It comes in handy."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes "Then why has he never used this before? Your leaving something out, Sakura,"

Sakura looked at her teacher guiltily. She was about to answer but was interrupted when…they both felt a buildup of chakra from where Naruto and Sasuke stood.

They turned just in time to see two of Naruto's doppelgangers disappear leaving the original holding a blue spiracle of what seemed to be moving chakra and Sasuke, with his sharingan activated, holding onto his arm as sparks flew from it.

"What the hell do they think they're doing?" said Sakura, wide-eyed. They were not supposed to go that far! Kakashi could only stare in shock. Those moves…they were impossible. One of them was only known by two people and the other was that of his creation!

As Naruto and Sasuke charged at each other, Kakashi was intent on one thing. Before the two combatants could comprehend what happened, they were both sent flying in opposite directions. Their attacks aimed for each other were now aimed towards the ground, creating small craters. As they looked around to see what happened they were greeted with a not so pleasant sight. Kakashi was standing at the center with a cold blank stare. Sakura, who was behind Kakashi looked angry and a bit scared.

Kakashi glared at the genin, "Care to explain how you learned those attacks?" The two boys flinched at the tone and one synonymous thought ran through the heads of team 7. Shit.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to comment and critique! =)