Naruto: The difference a kiss can make

by Scribe of the Apocalypse

You have a large charming forehead makes me want to kiss it," Sakura had long to hear those words and finally did from her crush Sasuke Uchiha. However the fairy tale was exposed as false and she learns that it was in fact Naruto who told her those words

12. Chapter 12 The Test

An: Sorry for the long wait for the chapter but some equipment problems hindered my ability to write. Not to mention work and life in general, but on the bright side I've update the computer so should at least be able to get back to a monthly release schedule for this and Demon's Path. Again thank those who take the time to review as always your humble author, S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.

Chapter 12: The Test

Tsunade knew she was garnering lots of confused looks as she walked through the village with Jiraiya's unconscious from being carried over her shoulders. She was also keenly aware that quite a few of the looks were probably aware she had destroyed the casino as they seemed to be asking the question, "What has she done now?"

Ignoring them as best she could, Tsunade made her way towards the hotel that she knew Jiraiya and his charges had been checked into. Although she knew there was a chance that they had already checked out and were on their way to Konoha it appeared to not be the case as she approached the hotel and saw Naruto leaving the building as he dragged an obviously protesting Shizune by the hand.

She was near enough to hear as Naruto said, "Come on Shizune. The Pervy Sage might need our help."

"Naruto, I assure you Lord Jiraiya is more than capable of handling himself." Shizune stopped though as she noticed. Her apprentice must have known the danger she had been in as tears began to enter her vision. With the relief she felt evident in her voice she shouted, "Lady Tsunade," before quickly closing the distance between them and wrapping her arms around her teacher.

Tsunade smiled tenderly as Shizune cried her relief into her shirt although she was unable to return the hug due to her grip on Jiraiya. "There, there Shizune. As you can see I'm fine."

Shizune pulled back smiling weakly and was about to say something when Naruto said coolly, "What've you done to Pervy Sage." Shizune's eyes widened as if noticing Jiraiya for the first time and seeing some blood still coated Tsunade couldn't keep the surprise from her voice as she said, "Lady Tsunade, the blo…"

"Its fine Shizune," Tsunade said as she stared away from the two genin giving her dark stares. Explaining what she knew she said, "Jiraiya saved me from a bad situation but was hurt in the process. Now which way to his room he needs to rest."

"I'll show you," Shizune said quickly leading the way past the two teens that continued to glare at the Slug Sannin. Following Shizune to his room she laid him done and quickly stripped him of most of his dirty clothes. Tsunade tried not to blush as she stared at Jiraiya's chiseled frame which showed he still was living the active life of a shinobi. Moving to the sink, Tsunade cleaned the remaining blood from her hands before returning to his bed just as Shizune placed a bowl and a rag on the nightstand next to it.

Shizune began to dip the rag into the bowl to clean Jiraiya but Tsunade stopped her saying, "I'll handle it, Shizune." Shizune nodded before handing her the rag and began heading to the door. Just as Shizune began to turn the handle to leave Tsunade said, "Shizune…I'm sorry about everything."

Shizune turned to face her saying, "There's nothing to be sorry about Lady Tsunade. I'm just relieved you are safe."

Her apprentice quickly left the room and so turning to face her teammate who was only wearing a pair of boxers whispered, "Don't get any funny ideas about this," despite his being unconscious still.

Although used to giving sponge baths due to her time in the hospital Tsunade did admit that at times the one she was currently giving Jiraiya may have been pushing the lines of professionalism as sometimes her hands would linger in spots longer than necessary. She was running the rag over his chest again when she noticed that his eyes were open and staring at her.

"I must be dead," he said in all seriousness.

Tsunade smiled gently at him before replying, "No, not yet." Jiraiya tried to sit up but Tsunade placed a hand on his chest saying, "Don't. You still need to rest."

Jiraiya couldn't argue with her still feeling as if he had been caught peeping by a horde of angry women who had taken self-defense classes taught by Tsunade so relaxed. Once he did so she removed her hand and began dunking the rag in the bowl to avoid looking at Jiraiya as she asked, "How did you know I was in trouble?"

Jiraiya chuckled saying, "My apprentice isn't the type to give up. He created a clone to keep tabs on you for his next attempt to bring you back."

Tsunade was surprised she hadn't noticed being followed, but got over the embarrassment quickly in order to ask the question she really wanted to know the answer too, "Why'd you come after me? We both know the minute I took off you would have been well within your right to leave me to my fate."

Jiraiya was a little surprised by the question and almost replied with a light-hearted remark about her owing him money. However from the way her brown eyes stared at his face unwavering he knew she needed a real reason so said, "We've been through a lot together and while mission wise, you're right I could have left you to that fate. As a man and your teammate, I'd never do such a thing so long as there was a hope you'd rediscover the woman that I lo…used to remember." Tsunade stared wide-eyed at him and Jiraiya really hoped she hadn't noticed his slip but if she did he knew the perfect way to get her focus off the conversation so said, "By the way I couldn't help but notice you missed a spot."

Tsunade brow furrowed in confusion until she followed his eyes down and realizing he was talking about the area beneath his boxers felt a vein threaten to burst in her skull. "Jiraiya," she said dangerously as she stood fighting the urge to pummel him. Tossing the rag in his face she walked towards the door saying over her shoulder, "You're awake handle it yourself."

"Where's the fun in that," he called after her just as she slammed the door. Watching the door for several minutes he found a notepad and began scribbling in it as he thought up a new scenario for his newest book using it as an escape since in that world the hero always got the girl.

---

Tsunade continued to grumble about perverts and ruining touching moments but stopped as she came face to face with a fellow blond who was standing in the hall defiantly with his arms crossed. Standing to his side although appearing nervous despite the glare she was sending Tsunade's way was Sakura. Confused as to what the genin wanted, she asked, "Can I help you?"

"Where are you going?" Naruto asked challengingly.

"What's it to you?"

"If you think you're leaving this hotel for anywhere but Konoha think again," Naruto said his demeanor showing he wasn't bluffing.

Tsunade for her part had to admit she was impressed by the boy's spirit even if the way he was talking to her raised her hackles a little. Shaking her head though as her amusement far outweighed her annoyance since she couldn't believe the kid honestly thought that he could do better than he had the last time they clashed. However, she decided to put his mind at ease saying, "Fine, I'll go back to Konoha."

"Really," both genin said surprised although Sakura's tone made it clear she didn't believe the woman.

"Okay," Naruto said his entire demeanor changing as he turned on his heel heading to the lobby of the inn. "Now that that's settled I'm going to get some training in."

"Wait Naruto," Sakura called after her teammate, "you believe her."

Naruto stopped and said, "Why shouldn't I? She said before she wasn't going to go and she didn't. Now she's agreed to so I have no reason to think she won't follow through."

"Really, what about all the people she's defrauded," Sakura said. "I'm pretty sure they expected her to honor her commitment to pay them back."

"Yeah, but she healed Pervy Sage and brought him here. If she really didn't want to go back to Konoha she could have just left him lying on the road somewhere." Sakura still didn't look convinced so Naruto said, "She might be an old woman that likes to drink and gamble but that a least proves to me that she's not all bad. She hasn't broken Kakashi-sensei's rule about abandoning teammates."

"Hey…" Tsunade started to protest about the negative things he had said but it was apparent Naruto was convinced of his logic as he began running to start his training. Looking at his teammate, the Sannin said, "Look Sakura, about before I'm…" However instead of listening the pinkette turned to follow after the blond. Not sure why the girl not liking her was bothering her, Tsunade decided to try and make amends for tricking her.

---

"Ah Kabuto, I trust you have something good to report," Orochimaru said to his spy who had broken away from his team that was patrolling the Sound/Fire border. Of course his team wouldn't report him as missing since they were also loyal to the Snake Sannin so it made it easy for Kabuto to not only report to his master but also meet with the young man they were trying to lure away from Konoha.

Kabuto knelt in front of Orochimaru before saying, "He's accepted my Lord. He's also provided me with the details of his mission so we'll be able to easily extract him when the time comes."

"Excellent Kabuto," the Sannin said from his throne, "Tell me, how do you plan to go about handling it?"

"Well his mission is to help a defecting Grass-nin to escape to Konoha. I figure we'll let them succeed up to a certain point. However we wouldn't want it to be too easy for them so I've taken the liberty of informing the Head Council of Grass one of their kunoichi intends to defect."

"You aren't trying to betray me now are you Kabuto? It would be a shame should Sasuke die in this mission."

Kabuto pushed up his glasses before saying amused, "Nothing of the sort, Grass doesn't have anyone of Kakashi's skill so I believe at best they will slow him down and wear him down a little. Once they have their objective though I believe they'll want to escape to Fire Country as quickly as possible and there are only several avenues they can avail themselves of to escape that way."

"Ah, I'm beginning to see where you are going with this. But tell me how do you plan to handle Kakashi? Unless you or I go, I doubt't anyone else will be able to handle even a worn down Kakashi"

"There's no need for either of us to handle Kakashi, I planned to use him," Kabuto replied smirking at his master, "There's nothing I can do for him at this point and I'm sure he'll be more than happy to sacrifice himself for your new vessel."

"Alright then, give my regards to Kimimaro then," Orochimaru replied amused at how Kabuto seemed to enjoy manipulating the Kaguya's loyalty.

Kabuto stood to head to his lab where the sick boy laid to say the necessary things so that even though he had no chance of living afterwards the young man would certainly be more than enough to delay Kakashi so that Sasuke could safely reach the borders of Sound.

---

Sakura stood poised to throw some shuriken at a tree. Naruto was deeper in the woods at the moment in order to concentrate on mastering the Rasengan to Jiraiya's wishes. Finding his failed attempts more than a little distracting she had opted to find a quiet area herself to practice her shuriken techniques. Just as she threw the shuriken Tsunade stepped out from a bush in front of her although far enough that she wasn't endanger. When two distinct 'thunks' were heard, she could tell that Tsunade had been surprised that she had thrown two shuriken.

Tsunade did a double take of the two shuriken with one being buried just beneath the second before coming to the conclusion the second shuriken had been hiding in the shadow of the first. "Pretty impressive," the Sannin said to which Sakura responded with a non-committal grunt. Tsunade frowned before saying, "Sakura, I'm sorry alright. I was wrong to trick you like that…"

"Why are you apologizing to me," Sakura said retrieving her shuriken.

"Because of how I got you plastered," Tsunade replied confused at the girl's question.

"I don't care about that," Sakura replied turning to find a new spot in order to get away from the Sannin.

"It's pretty obvious you do," Tsunade replied causing the girl to stop.

Sakura turned to glare at the woman saying, "Really so you're a mind reader now. I don't even understand why you care what I think. It's pretty obvious all you care about is yourself."

"Now look here," Tsunade said her temper flaring. "I'm trying to apologize. I don't even know why you're this upset it's not like I…"

"Beat the crap out of my teammate," Sakura cut in angrily, "Or mocked his dreams."

"Look I might have roughed him up a little but why are you so bent out of shape? The kid's not even mad anymore as far as I can tell."

If anything her dismissing her treatment of Naruto made the pink-haired girl even angrier as she said, "That's because he's special…he doesn't hold a grudge like most people."

Tsunade smiled before saying, "Ah, I see you're sweet on him."

Sakura blushed and to Tsunade's surprise the girl said, "Yes, that's why I can't stand how you trashed his dreams of being Hokage."

"Trust me, if you do like him the last thing you want is him chasing that dream."

Sakura's anger faded slightly as Tsunade's words chilled her. Looking away she said, "Even if you feel that way it doesn't give you the right to talk about him the way you did."

Tsunade scowled at the girl not exactly sure why she felt her anger ratcheting up at her response but trying to remain calm said, "You're young so don't know the costs chasing after the title Hokage comes with. It's better if he just gives up."

"You might be right," Sakura said finally after a long silence but as she met the Sannin's eyes she noticed a smile appearing on Tsunade's face which faded as she added, "But then he wouldn't be Naruto."

Tsunade's anger peaked as she yelled, "And what good does that do him if he's dead? He's probably only hoping to be Hokage to be popular or something. The best thing you can do for him is to convince him to give up that stupid dream."

Sakura's smile faded in the face of Tsunade's anger and she was about to respond just as heatedly till she recalled the day when Team Seven first formed and they told each other their dreams. Breaking eye contact as she remembered how Naruto said, "My dream is to be Hokage so people will stop always disrespecting me." Sakura paused for a moment but then her smile grew bigger as her green eyes found Tsunade's again as she said, "That doesn't change the fact that he'll be a great Hokage and I believe in him."

Without missing a beat Tsunade replied, "Your belief in him will be cold comfort when he's lying dead in your arms," as she thought of her own experiences with the man and brother she had loved and who had died chasing after the title Hokage.

Again Sakura felt chilled by the older woman's words and had a sensation as if she was staring in a mirror for a moment. Shaking it off, she supposed her feeling was due to Tsunade being a possible reflection of her if things went wrong in her life. As she was beginning to realize that everything Tsunade had become had been a result of losing people precious to her and that they had shared Naruto's dream. Therefore Sakura said her voice filled with sympathy for the older woman, "I…I can't really argue with you on this. Anything I say will just be words to you because you've faced it and had to live with the consequences. But I don't think you can argue against the fact that whatever else you loved about the person whose death hurt you so, at some point you believed they'd make a great Hokage."

Tsunade's hand reached for the necklace around her neck as her mouth opened and closed as she tried to refute the statement. However Sakura didn't give her the chance as she gave a small sad smile before heading deeper into the woods where Naruto was training. Holding the crystal of her necklace so she could see it she remembered giving it to Dan and Nawaki.

Feeling her eyes tear up at the memories, she was caught off-guard by Jiraiya as he said, "You seem pretty invested in trying to get her to convince Naruto to stop chasing his dream. Any reason in particular?"

Wiping her eyes quickly as she kept her back to her fellow Sannin she deflected his question by saying, "Don't you usually sneak up on women near sources of water?"

Chuckling in amusement, Jiraiya said, "Depends of the woman."

Scoffing although she felt a small smile threaten to appear she said, "You should be resting."

"Plenty of time for that when I'm dead, I heard from Shizune you're returning to Konoha."

Tsunade nodded her head and again kept her face stoic as a grin split Jiraiya's own in order to hide just how glad she was to see his smile. Jiraiya began walking in the direction Sakura retreated although a little stiffly so she asked, "Where are you going?"

"To give the kids some pointers in their training."

Tsunade stepped in front of him though saying, "I meant what I said about you needing rest. I'll go watch over their training."

Raising an eyebrow Jiraiya asked, "You sure?"

"Go, or if you want I can drag you back and tie you to the bed."

"Sounds fun," Jiraiya replied but quickly complied with her order when he saw the familiar vein appear on her forehead signifying how close he was from being on the receiving end of her fists.

Sighing in annoyance at her teammate's antics she began heading deeper into the woods, while wondering why she was so interested in Sakura.

---

Sakura's kick was intercepted as Naruto raised his hands to block it from connecting with the side of his head. He then grabbed her ankle, and pushed her back. Sakura stumbled back several steps before needing to block herself as Naruto went on the offensive. As she avoided or blocked his blows and despite her being the one that had asked for the sparring match, she was forced to admit her heart wasn't really in it since her mind was still going over all Tsunade had said.

It was something Naruto noticed as he stopped attacking to ask, "What's wrong Sakura? You seem a thousand miles away." When Sakura didn't reply instead giving him a grim smile he said, "Its okay, you don't have to tell me."

Replying quickly as Naruto turned away she said, "Sorry, I was just distracted by something Tsunade said to me." Naruto nodded and since she seemed to no longer be interested in sparring was about to begin trying to master a one handed Rasengan like he had been when she had interrupted him in order to ask him to spar with her. He stopped though as she asked, "Naruto would you mind telling me what first made you want to be Hokage?"

Naruto was obviously surprised by her question, but nevertheless answered, "No, I don't mind." Dropping to his rear, with Sakura following suit he said, "It was my fifth birthday when I decided I was going to be Hokage."

"Really, I half expected you to say you were born with that desire," she teased.

Naruto smiled at her before replying, "Well it might have been if I had actually known what a Hokage was before then. I was only five years old and even though the Old Man would visit me and the other kids at the orphanage he never really talked about how important he was." Naruto's smile faded as he said, "Well even at the orphanage I was pretty lonely and people always tried to ignore me even on my birthday. The Old Man would always stop by to drop a gift off, but that year he took me out for ramen." Naruto's face took on a look between both the happiness of having someone like the Hokage in his life and the pain of being ignored by everyone else as he said, "It really stuck with me the way everyone looked at the Old Man. I mean everyone saw him and they looked at him with such reverence it was kind of hard for me to process why. I guess since everyone always tried to ignore me I figured that if I could be like him then everyone would finally start paying attention to me. So when we ordered our ramen and Teuchi called him Lord Hokage I asked him what that was. He explained to me what the Hokage was and I just sort of blurted out that he needed to watch himself because one day I was going to become the Hokage that replaced him."

Sakura could easily picture the young Naruto telling the Third Hokage, who had once been called the Professor, how he was going to take his place. She could also see the kindly old man being pleased by Naruto's desire to become Hokage. However in light of Tsunade's own pain and disdain for the title feared Naruto's whimsical desire to be Hokage wouldn't survive the cruel reality's earning the title seemed to inflict on people.

Her concerns were somewhat calmed as Naruto unaware of her thoughts said, "You know it's funny. I wanted the title to just be noticed. Even as short a time ago as when we first became Team Seven. Now though I understand why everyone looked at the Old Man the way they did. It's because no matter how bad things get the villagers know that they can count on him. In light of that it sort of makes my reason seem pretty pathetic, but now I realize that a person becomes Hokage so he can protect those precious to him. Of course since he's the Hokage that means everyone is precious to him and they know that which is why they look at him the way they do. Now that I know that, I understand I'm going to have to become amazingly strong to become Hokage."

Standing and now really pumped up due to his reconfirming his desire to be Hokage, Naruto began to walk towards a tree where he had been practicing his Rasengan. Sakura though stood as well and with her mind put at ease about Naruto's chances of fulfilling his dream asked, "Where are you going? We aren't finished yet."

Naruto turned to her and seeing that her worries seemed to have been banished smiled at his story seemingly putting her in a happier mood. Dropping into his stance he waited for her to do so as well before engaging her.

---

As the two genin pushed each other they both were unaware that their conversation had been overheard by Tsunade, who walked away not wanting to disturb the two or allow her own conflicting feelings to ruin the moment between them. Walking back to the inn, she couldn't help but marvel at how Nawaki and Naruto were so similar to each other. Or how they both shared the same dream for what appeared to be similar reasons.

But as she thought about it she supposed she shouldn't be surprised especially in light of what Sakura had said about how at one point she had believed that Nawaki and Dan would make great Hokage. Lost in thought as she was, she thought she was walking aimlessly but soon found herself standing in front of the door to Jiraiya's room. Knocking on the door she didn't wait for a reply before entering and found him in the process of trying to get back to his bed without alerting her.

"Jiraiya," she said threateningly as her fellow Sannin's eyes went wide with fear.

"Now princess," he said holding up his hands, "I was resting but just sitting in bed when I'm not tired is boring so I thought I'd do a little writing that's all."

"Fine, whatever," Tsunade replied calmly since as far as injuries went she knew he'd suffered much worse in his life.

"Everything alright, those brats didn't run you off did they?" he asked as he sat at the edge of his bed. Crossing his arms he added, "Because if I know Naruto he's still out there training since there's still light outside."

Tsunade sighed as she replied sadly, "I never let them know I was there. I thought I'd watch them a bit but then they took a break."

Jiraiya nodded but didn't ask why as he figured that one way or the other Naruto's dream of being Hokage had been brought up due to Tsunade's current emotional state. He watched his old teammate as she took the seat at the desk he had just vacated as she seemed to collect herself before she asked him, "How is it you have no problem with his pursuing that title? Of the four that had held it only Sarutobi-sensei has managed to live past a handful of years." Looking at her hands she added in almost a whisper, "Not to mention all those who died chasing after it."

"True," Jiraiya said his tone solemn as the death of Minato was still a bitter memory. Meeting Tsunade's eyes he smiled sadly as he added, "But it was through those deaths that so many more get to live today and I know that each of the Hokage met their end bravely and although some may have had some regrets knew their actions served a greater purpose."

"A small comfort to those they leave behind," Tsunade replied bitter-sweetly.

"Maybe, but we can sit here to talk about these things only because of their sacrifices. I simply choose to remember that it's through their actions that there is a Konoha for a new Hokage to be chosen."

"It doesn't lessen the pain I feel or the pain she will should Naruto end up dying while chasing that dream."

"I know," Jiraiya said pleased that Tsunade seemed to be taking such an interest in Sakura, "But all I can do is train him so that he can meet the many challenges he will face. But there is one thing I think you are forgetting."

"What's that?"

"Dan and Nawaki didn't die because they wanted to become Hokage. They died because they were shinobi. I know you believe that necklace around your neck is cursed, but it isn't and it may sound cold blooded of me to say this but even if they hadn't shared that dream there is a good chance they still would not be here today."

"You can't know that."

"You're right of course," Jiraiya replied with a grim smile, "Just like I can't know if Naruto will live to see his dream through to the end, or if he'll become another life that you believed to have been claimed by the title of Hokage. But I have faith in him and I will continue to have it until reality proves me right or wrong."

Standing Tsunade said, "You are a fool Jiraiya. Your faith in Orochimaru didn't pan out, now did it?"

"No you are right about that," Jiraiya said a little offended but understanding that the current conversation tended to make Tsunade harsher than usual. "Still wasn't it you who told me then there was a chance he might one day rediscover the man we thought him to be."

Tsunade looked away and despite her being the one that brought it up said, "Still it's hardly the same thing."

Jiraiya smiled at her as he replied, "That's where you are wrong. Faith is simply believing in something despite there being no evidence to support it. Sometimes it lets us down and sometimes it meets and exceeds our expectations. Mark my words the kid's definitely going to be the latter. He has the most important quality anyone chasing a dream needs."

"And that would be?"

"The will to never give up."

As Tsunade met Jiraiya's determined gaze and despite her own past history found herself hoping that Jiraiya's faith would be rewarded.

---

"Come on, come on," Naruto said as he pushed Jiraiya towards the door of the inn.

"Hey relax, let me digest breakfast a little," Jiraiya protested.

Sakura following behind smiled at the two especially as Naruto said, "You had plenty time to digest yesterday so no slacking today."

"I was following the doctor's orders," Jiraiya replied, "Besides I was poisoned how about a little sympathy."

Sakura smiled as Naruto ignored the Toad Sannin's remarks in favor of pushing him towards the door again. It faded slightly as she noticed Tsunade falling into step with her causing her to ask, "Where are you going?"

"Jiraiya asked me to look in on your training," Tsunade replied, "I thought I'd oblige him and see if you have as much potential as he claims."

Sakura was surprised by the Toad Sage's behind the scenes praise, but her cheeks went rosy as Naruto chimed in his opinion saying, "You bet Sakura has potential so you better be set to be impressed." A warm feeling began to grow in the pit of her stomach but as Naruto managed to get Jiraiya out the door she felt it turn to a lump of ice as she saw who was waiting for them outside.

"Yo," Kakashi said giving his other two charges a smile as he held up his hand in greeting. A small dog in a jacket and headband was near his feet while Sasuke watched them out of the corner of his eye not even bothering to say hello.

Naturally, Sakura was pleased to see her teacher as was Naruto but her feeling of dread was from their teammate who was watching them coolly in what she perceived to be a judging manner, as if to gauge whether or not he could defeat them.

"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto exclaimed happily apparently oblivious of their teammate's cool reception. "What are you doing here?"

"An excellent question," Jiraiya said coolly which surprised Sakura until she noticed his gaze quickly switch to Sasuke for a moment.

"Sorry, I know we discussed this mission to retrieve Lady Tsunade was meant to remain a secret." Kakashi said carefully which Sakura believed was meant for Sasuke's benefit. "However the Hokage was most insistent that Naruto was needed for my team's next mission."

As she watched Sasuke stand next to Kakashi never even bothering to face them or take his hands out of his pockets, Sakura was surprised he didn't have any type of reaction to their being with Jiraiya for the several months they had been looking for Tsunade. Especially due to the way his head whipped towards Kakashi upon hearing how integral Naruto was supposed to be to the mission they had been assigned.

"Is it because the Hokage knows what an awesome ninja I've become these past couple of months," Naruto asked causing Sasuke's gaze to turn towards the blond and his eyes to narrow much as Sakura would have expected from the get go.

Kakashi chuckled saying, "Not that I am aware of. Mainly the reason is because you helped convince the kunoichi we are supposed to extract to defect so she'll recognize you."

Hearing that Sakura couldn't help her own eyes narrowing as she began to suspect who they were supposed to help defect. "Really," she said icily which she noticed caused Naruto to shiver in part due to her gaze resting on his back, "And who would that be?"

"A kunoichi by the name of Karin," Kakashi answered either unaware of the way his own kunoichi team member reacted to the name or amused by it since his jovial tone never wavered. "In any case," Kakashi continued on, "With Naruto present it should be a simple matter since she is apparently a sensor so as soon as Naruto approaches the village she should suspect something is up."

Although not exactly pleased at who they were going to get, Sakura did feel a small amount of relief as Sasuke's gaze returned to its normal uncaring one due to Naruto's role simply being to act as a beacon of sorts. Sighing at the fact that her and Naruto's talk would also be postponed she asked, "So when do we leave?"

"Immediately," Kakashi replied, "Grass is just about a five day journey from here. We might make it six to get reacquainted as a team but I'm not expecting this to be a long drawn out mission."

Sakura nodded as she began to head in to collect her things for some reason strangely apprehensive about the mission. Some of her concern faded though as Naruto following after her placed a hand on her shoulder saying, "Don't worry Sakura I haven't forgotten about our talk and once this mission is out of the way I promise we'll have it."

Sakura smiled but couldn't shake the feeling that things weren't going to go nearly as smoothly as Kakashi believed.

---

Sakura watched the match between Sasuke and Naruto closely as her two teammates sparred with one another. As she had expected the reunion had been more than a little awkward since she really had no idea how to talk to Sasuke now. Naruto didn't share her problem since he had often pestered Sasuke about what Kakashi had taught him in the intervening months. But Sasuke never really answered and that coupled with the fact that he seemed disinterested in the fact that Naruto and she had spent the time learning from a Sannin bothered her.

Sakura sighed before concentrating again on the match since she hadn't fared very well when she had been paired against Sasuke. Spending a moment to look at Kakashi, she understood that one reason Sasuke was sparring against both her and Naruto was due to his having spent a greater time with Kakashi so knew what to expect from him. But as Sasuke sent Naruto tumbling to the ground she couldn't help but feel another reason for the matches now that they were a half-day from Grass Country's border was to allow the Uchiha a chance to see that the Jounin could train him as good as Jiraiya could Naruto. Seeing the self-satisfied smirk that was beginning to appear on Sasuke's face along with the almost apologetic one on Kakashi's almost confirmed it for her.

Having spent the months sparring with Naruto, she couldn't help but notice that the blond's timing was off. Not a great deal but just enough that he telegraphed what he was going to do. Guessing it might be a genjutsu that Sasuke was casting with the help of the Sharingan she knelt behind Naruto and helping him stand she whispered into his ear, "Create some clones and feint from the front but make sure to attack from the side or behind."

It made her smile that Naruto didn't even question her why instead after standing he made three clones. The sudden appearance of the clones caused Kakashi to stand straighter as he said, "Naruto, this is a sparring match. No ninjutsu."

Naruto was about to dispel them when Sakura said, "Kakashi-sensei you said this was a chance to see what we've learned during the mission with Jiraiya. Naruto's taijutsu did improve but he really needs the clones to show you by just how much."

From the way Kakashi fretted over the decision to let the clones stay it proved to her that her hypothesis was right. Feeling a little angry that the Jounin was massaging Sasuke's ego at the expense of Naruto's, she was about to accuse him of that when the matter was settled by the Uchiha who said, "Let him use the clones. It won't change anything."

Sakura couldn't help the triumphant smirk that appeared on her face, but it faded due to the worried one that appeared on Kakashi's masked visage. Realizing she had in a sense trapped Kakashi now due to the fact that if he told Naruto to still get rid of the clones it would make Sasuke feel as if he hadn't faced his male teammate at his best. She also realized due to the open concern Kakashi wore that the reason he had stacked the deck in Sasuke's favor was because when Naruto lost he just pushed himself to do better. But for Sasuke a loss seemed to feed something darker inside the boy, something that needed to prove he was the best and wouldn't accept anything less.

Sighing Kakashi nodded his head towards Naruto letting him know the clones could stay. As Naruto and Sasuke moved across from each other the clones formed a semi-circle around Sasuke so that he could only meet one of their eyes at a time. Focusing on the one in front the Uchiha asked, "Ready to eat dirt again."

"If it happens," Naruto replied.

Sakura felt her cheeks color slightly as the Naruto lined up behind Sasuke winked at her. Figuring that one was the real Naruto, she marveled at the fact that he seemed to almost instinctually shuffle himself among the clones to get his opponents to focus on the wrong one. Lately though she found herself able to generally pick out which one was the real Naruto even when they were the ones sparring against each other. She had surprised him on more than one occasion by often attacking the real him during their spars. Truthfully, she wasn't sure how she did it but figured she was just beginning to understand Naruto's thought process.

Focusing on the clone in front of Sasuke she wondered if he knew that he was staring at a clone. She wasn't sure but she believed he did. Still as the clone facing Sasuke charged much as she expected its timing was way off compared to the Naruto's attacking from the sides and behind as it delayed its attack almost a full second longer than the others.

Sasuke took advantage of this by charging that clone whose face registered the surprise it felt that one second the Uchiha was standing still and the next he was in its face. Sasuke grabbed the clone by its shirt and tossed it directly at the Naruto who had been right behind him. Sakura felt a little smile as the clone and Naruto appeared to collide right as they were obscured by the smoke of the other two clones which Sasuke dispatched easily. The reason for her amusement was due to the clone flying from the smoke cloud and grabbing Sasuke around the waist. It spun the two of them around to disorient the Uchiha. Once Sasuke was facing the real Naruto again the blond struck and scored a direct hit to the Uchiha's chest causing him to fall back several steps.

Sakura was proud that instead of the knockout blow she knew he could deliver in such a situation that he held himself back so that their teammate only staggered back several steps. Quickly switching her gaze to Kakashi, she noticed that he seemed impressed by Naruto's teamwork with his clones. She also noticed some concern appearing on the jounin's face as Sasuke said, "Hn, figures you'd need more than three clones to score a hit against me."

"He didn't," Sakura said quickly surprising her dark-haired teammate with her frosty tone, "He simply made good use of the ones he already had. He caught the one you threw at him and simply threw it back."

Sasuke sent a glare her way which she ignored in order to congratulate her teammate. Kakashi stepped between the glare and the kunoichi saying, "Well I think it's evident that all of you have grown since we've last had a mission together. From here on out we're going to need to be at our best if we're going to cross the border undetected. Once across Naruto and I will proceed to the village while Sakura and Sasuke will guard the bridge we'll cross to get back to Fire Country."

"Isn't that a little risky Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said a little concerned not only at the idea of it just being Naruto and Kakashi approaching the village but of it being Naruto and Karin as they left, "Shouldn't we stick together in case something should go wrong."

"Normally I'd agree with you," Kakashi replied, "However Grass Country is lined with many deep ravines and bridges. If something goes bad they'll try and cut us off there. You and Sasuke will be in charge of making sure that doesn't happen." Sakura nodded although Kakashi knew she still didn't like it eye smiling at her, he added, "Don't worry Sakura. I'm rather positive we'll be able to make contact without alerting anyone." He was confused for a moment why his words didn't really comfort her until she directed a gaze towards Naruto that showed she wasn't exactly concerned with the mission per say but how it could affect her relationship with the blond. Still Kakashi knew that it wasn't his place to put her at ease so said, "Alright let's move out."

---

As Naruto fell in step with the rest of his team as they began leaping through the trees he spared a moment to look at Sakura. She apparently sensed his eyes on her as she turned and smiled at him. However he noticed that it was rather lacking as many of them had been since they had been assigned to the mission to help Karin leave her home village.

At first he had thought that maybe it was because it had delayed their talk. But considering that Jiraiya and Tsunade were probably taking a leisurely pace back to Konoha if anything it probably meant that if everything went smoothly they'd be arriving before they would have originally. Therefore and much to Naruto's hope it was because of Karin. Remembering how the Grass kunoichi had continuously found him, Naruto was hoping that meant Sakura was afraid she'd be facing competition for his affection. Although he liked the red-head, there was only one girl for him as far as his heart was concerned.

Deciding to see if his theory was correct, as well as testing the waters so to speak in order to see if Sakura was open to a new development in their relationship pulled up next to her. "Hey," she said although her tone was rather flat, "You must be pretty excited about the idea of sneaking into Grass."

"A little," Naruto admitted, and thought about admitting it would be good to see Karin again. However considering what he was about to ask refrained before saying, "Sakura…you know how we were going to talk once we got to Konoha."

Sakura nodded guardedly and a little anxiety appeared in her eyes making him guess she was afraid he was backing out. Rubbing his head nervously he nearly collided with a tree since he wasn't focusing on where he was going but after recovering decided to just go for it and asked, "Would you mind if we had it on a date? A date, date I mean."

Sakura was surprised by his request but it made her heart beat a little faster as well as brought a genuine smile to her face as she realized that even though they were going to collect Karin it appeared Naruto only thought of her as a friend so said, "I'd love too."

Naruto felt as if he could take on the world at that point since it appeared one of his dreams might be coming true. Falling back into his spot in the formation he began to plan where he'd take her and didn't allow the small voice in the back of his head that often accompanied the dread he felt about talking to her about the Kyuubi to dampen his mood.

---

Karin was beginning to fear she had been forgotten about. It had been several months since the chunin exams and still she had received no word from the Hokage. However every morning she still held out hope that her dream of relocating to the Leaf Village would come true so would activate her Mind's Eye of the Kagura to look for unfamiliar chakra signatures either already inside the village or approaching.

Slowly getting out of bed she sleepily headed to the bathroom and began brushing her teeth since she no longer bound out it as her excitement had faded. In the midst of her brushing she realized she had forgotten to scan the village that morning and for a moment almost didn't unwilling to be disappointed again. Bracing for the disappointment however she opened her ability up and almost immediately felt the powerful presence nearing the village. Feeling like a princess whose white knight was coming to rescue her from the tower; she darted from the bathroom and ran to her closet where after dressing reached into a pile of stuffed animals in the closet's corner to pull out a bag filled with the few meager possessions she wanted to bring with her.

Strapping it to her back she almost grabbed up her Grass headband but staring at it felt no attachment so let it slip from her fingers to the floor. Turning to the window she opened it spending a moment to look at the lonely apartment where she had lived most of her life. Turning her back on it she leapt from the window in order to sneak out of the village and hopefully into of the arms of the boy she had come to admire.

---

As Karin leapt away she did so under the watchful gaze of the tenants from a recently rented apartment across the street. One of the tenant's reached up to his throat to activate the walkie-talkie he wore to report, "We have unscheduled activity from target four. It looks like she plans to leave the village from the east."

"Shit, it had to be her. Well it looks like the tip we received is true. Alright sit put, if you try and follow her it may tip her off. We'll wait until she leaves the village to make contact with the Leaf to begin the operation." Aware that his part in the plan was over the Grass-nin switched off his mike and was just grateful he was assigned to an observation team as taking on a shinobi of Kakashi's repute was something he never wanted to do.

---

Kakashi didn't like the mission he had been given despite how easy it had gone thus or perhaps in spite of it. Years of experience told him that approaching a shinobi village even an allied one should not have been so easy. Granted it wasn't especially hard to get near a village since most tended to rely on their defensive walls or natural terrain to keep hostile visitors out, however during the entire trip he'd found no signs of any recent patrols in the area. To him it almost felt like they were being invited in, which had him on edge. He wondered briefly if the mission was merely a rather convoluted trap to cause an incident between Grass and Konoha. Considering Grass's reputation as masters of the political arena he didn't doubt that they'd be able to squeeze Konoha for some valuable concessions in the future if his team was caught or killed in the process.

Knowing it was too late to worry and trusting that his Hokage could read the girl's true intentions he pushed his concerns out of his mind due to their proximity to the village. He was about to give the signal to stop when he noticed a red-head leaping madly through the trees heading right for them. He was about to order Naruto to hide when he shouted, "Hey Karin overhear."

Shaking his head and wishing Jiraiya had taught the blond about stealth during their time together. Karin hadn't needed the shout to locate them however upon landing on the branch the two of them were on instead of greeting Naruto or Kakashi said worriedly, "We have to leave now."

"What is it?" Kakashi asked warily aware it could be a trap.

However if it was, he was certain Karin wasn't part of it as she looked around the forest nearly panicked. "Almost as soon as I left the village it was like a silent alarm was tripped and dozens of squads were mobilized to search for me," she replied able to feel the many shinobi descending on them. "We have to go, now! This way, it's still clear of any search parties."

Kakashi nodded aware of the girl's sensing abilities still instead of giving into the desire to flee, he said, "Hold on a moment. Naruto create three dozen clones then have twelve of them henge into me and another henge into Karin. Then form them into squads that will scatter from this point through the forest towards the Fire Country border."

"Right," Naruto said quickly following his orders.

As the clone squads formed up and began scattering Kakashi said, "Alright that should sow some confusion among those pursuing us. Karin do you think you can scout us a path to the Mushroom Forest Bridge to link up with the rest of our team?"

The former Grass-nin nodded and adjusted her glasses before saying in a calmer tone of voice, "This way."

Kakashi allowed Naruto to go first before summoning Pakkun. Although trusting in the Third's belief the girl's desire to defect was genuine only fools trusted blindly so informed the canine that he wanted him to keep his nose open to the possibility that they were being led into a trap before following the two younger shinobi as well.

---

Sakura was really beginning to wish she had been allowed to go with Kakashi as well. Team Seven had arrived at the Mushroom Forest Bridge, one of the many bridges which connected Fire Country to Grass, upon nightfall the previous day. Naruto and Kakashi had continued on and if they kept to the timetable then would arrive sometime early morning and considering that sunset was a few hours away she full expected them to be returning soon.

That had meant it had just been her and Sasuke for almost an entire day and while aware in the past that would have been something she dreamed of now just wished the rest of her team would hurry up. The primary reason for that was the unease she felt being around Sasuke now. Spending a moment to look at him as they sat atop one of the giant mushrooms that gave the bridge its name she wondered why her opinion of him had changed so drastically. For a moment she considered if the fact that she believed she had begun to fall in love with Naruto had something to do with it, however she quickly rejected it. She even doubted it was due to the hurtful things he had said about her at the team's formation almost seven months ago.

"Seven months," she thought to herself rather shocked at how little time actually passed considering all she had seen and did since becoming a part of Team Seven. A short span of time but she believed she had done most of her growing up during it and reasoned that was the cause of her being uneasy around Sasuke.

As she spared him another look and saw he was sitting at the edge of the mushroom with his hands folded across his face staring off into the distance she thought back to how she often thought how cool he looked and how she had been sure he was contemplating something deep. Now though she understood he wasn't. Instead he was simmering in anger as he thought about the only thing that truly mattered to him, the death of Itachi.

Turning her gaze back to the west where she expected her teammates to appear from she wondered briefly why Sasuke's gaze never left from the Northeast as if expecting something to appear but ignored it as being unimportant. Seeing no sign of her team, she again turned her attention inwards and felt she understood the true reason behind her unease which was Naruto and Sasuke were truly similar but it was where they differed that worried her. Both boys had lonely childhoods but where Naruto had tried to find friends and attention, Sasuke had only craved the hatred his loneliness brought about. However upon thinking that she realized it wasn't entirely true as Sasuke had craved attention as well which is why he had tolerated her and the other Academy girls' affections for him while all at the same time believing he was above it.

Another reason they were similar was because they both desired power and although at first she would have to say Naruto's reason was almost as selfish as Sasuke's. Now that Naruto was beginning to understand just how heavy a burden being Hokage was it seemed to redouble the effort he put into achieving it. Sasuke on the other hand as far as she could tell hadn't changed in the slightest; what's more she believed he would do anything to achieve that power. Even his goal of killing Itachi left her with the belief that while the young Uchiha believed he was gathering that power for some noble goal of avenging his clan he was really doing it for his own selfish reasons caused her to be concerned about what he would do after he achieved his dream. Although during Team Seven's formation he had said next he'd revive his clan and while at the time she had hoped that meant taking a wife, which she had hoped would be her, as well as starting a family. Now though with her current train of thought recognized his words could have far darker implications.

Realizing she was thinking some pretty dark things about her teammate she tried to ignore them. It proved difficult though due in part that she had come to think of Naruto and Sasuke as reflections of one another and if Naruto was all that was good that could come about despite his troubled past then it was hard to ignore that Sasuke seemed to be the bad.

Still upon thinking that Sakura realized that in a sense she may be turning into what the civilians of Konoha were to Naruto when it came to Sasuke, closed minded and intolerant. Although she had tried several times to get him to speak since Naruto and Kakashi left she had to admit she was content in her failures so figured to combat this she should try harder. Therefore in an attempt to get him to open up she said, "You've gotten really strong since we last sparred. I was hoping I'd do better."

Sasuke's eyes shifted to her for a moment before returning to stare towards the Northeast. Still she was surprised when he said, "Not strong enough."

Trying to capitalize on his response she said, "Still you managed to beat me in our spar pretty handily."

Although trying to get him to open up she had a hard time not being insulted and just ignoring him again due to his response of, "You make it sound like I shouldn't have been able too."

Ignoring her desire to lapse into silence since Sasuke had already said more to her than he had probably during the entire journey to Grass, she tried to brush off his comment by saying, "That's not what I meant. I'm just saying I wish I had shown as much improvement as you."

"Hn," Sasuke replied. Guessing he was done talking she tried to think of a new approach but was surprised when he asked, "Do you believe Naruto's become stronger than me?"

Although on one level she wasn't sure if the answer she believed in her heart was true on another she knew that even if not capable of besting Sasuke now, one day he would. Still despite her mind giving Sasuke the slight edge in ability she couldn't say no for the simple reason his "Will of Fire" wasn't nearly as strong. Another reason she hesitated to answer was because although Sasuke wasn't facing her she believed that his face held a barely contained anger at the idea the Academy's dead last student may not only have caught up to him but very well may have surpassed him.

As a result she kept her answer uncommitted as she said, "That's kind of hard to answer from just one spar."

"Yet you seemed to believe that I couldn't beat him if he used his clones," Sasuke replied a hint of anger entering his voice as his body began to tense.

"That's not true," Sakura replied quickly, "It's just I didn't think it was fair that Naruto wasn't getting to use something he had been working on while you weren't handicapped against using the Sharingan. Naruto incorporated his clones into his fighting style just like you did your dojutsu. I didn't know he would win but I did know he'd do better."

"Barely, but I do admit I shouldn't ha…"

"Kami, can't you just admit he's grown as a shinobi," Sakura snapped as she stood up suddenly to yell at him unable to take Sasuke's dismissal of all the hard work Naruto had put in to achieve his current level. "Seriously how does Naruto being better change anything in your life and if it does bother you then work harder to surpass him."

"So you do believe he's better than me," Sasuke replied angrily standing to face her as his glare filled Sakura with an uneasy feeling like looking into the cold unblinking eyes of a serpent.

"I answered you honestly," Sakura replied though despite her unease as her temper kept her from being intimidated, "But if you want to know who I believe has the greater potential then Naruto beats you hands down."

Sasuke's face twisted into a mask of jealousy and rage to which Sakura believed was her first glimpse of the man that had always been behind the calm and collected boy in the Academy. She realized that in truth Sasuke just had never been really pushed before. Granted he was driven to achieve his goal but ever since the Academy none of the other kids that would become genin could ever match up to him. As a result he had come to believe he was well on his way to challenging Itachi. But that all changed upon graduation and being paired with Naruto. She believed it was because it was easy to see that Naruto had set surpassing Sasuke as one of his goals. Sasuke must have been aware of this as well so upon seeing Naruto actually stood a chance of succeeding; it called into question all that he had come to believe about his own chances of killing Itachi.

Again Sakura was struck by the similarity between the two boys as each was jealous of the other but where Naruto applied it to working harder to achieve his goal of surpassing Sasuke. The Uchiha however channeled his into his anger causing him to push the world away and as a result blamed others for his own lack of progress.

Her reading of Sasuke seemed true as he mockingly said, "And why the sudden belief in Naruto, Sakura? Is it because he pays attention to you?"

"No Sasuke," she replied her voice mixing with the contempt she was beginning to feel for the Uchiha as well as the warm emotions speaking of Naruto filled her with, "It's because I've been paying attention to him. You could stand to learn a thing or two from him as well."

"What could I stand to learn from him," Sasuke sneered barely able to contain his desire to attack Sakura. Only the fact that he was told a Sound team was to link up with him to delay Kakashi prevented him from simply giving into the anger that was quickly overwhelming him.

"Compassion and forgiveness are just two," Sakura said quickly. "Don't you see the reason you are falling behind is because you won't let us help you get better. Naruto didn't improve overnight but was open to receiving help to become better."

"I suppose then you believe if I forgive Itachi then everything will just fall into place and weaklings like you and Naruto will help me be a better man."

"Only you can become that Sasuke. But maybe with friends the world wouldn't look like such a dark and foreboding place. Besides you aren't after Itachi for anyone but you no matter what you've told yourself. The only person that will feel better after you kill Itachi is you Sasuke."

Sasuke's glare hardened if such a thing was possible but his eyes drifted past her as a cold smile appeared on his face while he said, "You know what your problem is Sakura. You think you can sit here and judge me, but you've never had anything you've cherished ripped from you." Sasuke looked down at his hands as he flashed through several hand-signs and as the area filled with the chirping of birds Sakura took a step back as she met his Sharingan when he looked up. Before she could even defend herself, he charged holding his powerful electrical jutsu back as if to jam it into her chest. However, he leapt over her at the last second causing her to spin to see that he hadn't been aiming for her at all but upon seeing who he had felt her world shatter as Sasuke buried his fist in his target's chest.

---

It was clear to Kakashi that Naruto didn't understand why he had summoned the small dog in light of the fact they had Karin with them. Still he was glad that it turned out he had merely been overly cautious due to both Pakkun and Karin almost at the same time shouted out warnings that they were surrounded.

Kakashi could hear the confusion in Naruto's voice at how it had happened as he shouted while dodging a kunai, "How'd they get around us so suddenly?"

"They didn't," Kakashi replied pulling his headband up to reveal the Sharingan, "The search parties deliberately left holes in their formations that they knew we'd exploit to lead us into an ambush team." Avoiding a sword swing, he kicked the man away and followed up with a fire jutsu that incinerated him as well as caused several of his fellow Grass-nin to scatter. Taking advantage of the opening, he motioned both Naruto and Karin to follow him through before turning to face the reassembled group. Looking over his shoulder at the two genin he said, "Naruto, I want you and Karin to continue on ahead. We're close enough to the others that you shouldn't need to concern yourself with another ambush team since they could know for sure which holes we'd exploit so need to account for other directions."

"What! No way Kakashi-sensei we aren't leaving you."

"Naruto, part of being a shinobi is knowing when to take orders in order to accomplish the mission. My job as your teacher is to insure that my students are safe as well. Have you ever heard the story of how the Third Hokage was chosen?" When Naruto shook his head no, Kakashi smiled saying, "Have Sakura tell you sometime."

"Tell me yourself after the mission," Naruto said but knowing his teacher was serious grabbed Karin's hand and began leading her away.

Surprised the Grass-nin were making no effort to follow, Kakashi said, "Hmm, you don't seem very interested in getting her back."

"The girl is of no consequence the only thing that made her special was her chakra sensing abilities. Although her's was more developed then most we have plenty of sensors. No you are the true prize; with your death we'll gain the Sharingan not to mention the concessions that weak-willed Hokage of yours will give Grass in order to keep the peace."

"You shouldn't go banking on such things when you haven't even seen through the most important part of your plan yet."

Pulling his blade as did the rest of his fellow shinobi the Grass-nin said, "Forgive me for the oversight. Allow me to correct it right now."

"Well you'll certainly try," Kakashi replied nonchalantly as he avoided the man's swing to throw a kunai into another's throat. As he avoided a third Grass-nin's attack from behind he really hoped he didn't share the same fate the Second Hokage had in the story he had mentioned to Naruto.

---

Naruto and Karin had quickly reached the Giant Mushrooms that had marked Team Seven's entrance into Grass Country. He planned to turn back as soon as they got Karin across the bridge confident that Sasuke and Sakura would be able to escort her to Konoha. He knew Sakura might put up a fuss so planned to create a shadow clone and only hoped it would confuse Karin's chakra sensing ability or Sakura's uncanny knack to pick him out from among his clones.

However he put it on hold as he noticed Sakura and Sasuke who from the looks of things were in the mother of all arguments. Although still some distance away and she was facing away from him, Naruto could tell just from the way she was standing that Sakura was as mad as he had ever seen her. He was glad that for a change it wasn't directed at him. Sasuke seemed to notice his and Karin's approach but instead of pointing it out fired up a jutsu Naruto had never seen before and after charging at Sakura leapt over her. The Uchiha closed the distance faster than Naruto had ever seen him move causing the jinchuriki to fear a Grass-nin had followed them. He looked over his shoulder and seeing nothing of concern was about to turn to ask Sasuke what was the matter when he felt something tear through his chest.

Staring into Sasuke's red unblinking gaze he only had time to ask, "W-why?" before everything went dark.

Sakura could almost see the light fade from Naruto's eyes and realized the horrible high-pitched shriek hurting her ears was in fact coming from her. Sasuke quickly turned to face her pulling Naruto body around with him which went flying from the top of the mushroom to the ground below. Finally able to move she leapt after him and catching him rolled along the ground but lost her grip rolling several feet further than him. Upon stopping she crawled on all fours towards Naruto begging anything that would listen that she'd wake up to find out it was just a nightmare brought about by eating too many sweets before bed like her mom had always told her.

But as she stared down at his unnaturally still body she knew it was nightmare just not the one she'd ever wake up from. Placing his head in her lap her tears poured uncontrollably from her eyes cover Naruto's face which she wanted to stare at forever but the sound of feet landing in front of her pulled her attention to Sasuke who holding a kunai calmly asked, "Well Sakura feel like forgiving me."

A cold fury overtook her as before she even was conscious of what she was doing she reached into her pouch and whipping her arm around allowed two shuriken to fly although she was confident he only saw one. Sasuke proved her correct as with practice ease he battered the shuriken away but still found his head thrown back as the second impacted with his left eye. As his head slowly lowered back down she could see his remaining eye beginning to bulge out as he came to the realization of what had happened.

"Y-you you fucking bitch," he screamed as his already delicate grip on sanity loosened, "I-I'm going to kill you."

Lowering Naruto's head down Sakura was well aware that even as impaired as he now was Sasuke was still probably more than capable of doing so, but didn't care so long as she took him with her. Reaching into her pouch she grabbed a kunai for each hand and simply charged since there was nothing more that needed to be said.

Stabbing at him with the kunai in her right hand Sasuke easily parried it before lashing out with a punch that hit her in the side of the head. She could tell she surprised him as the punch barely fazed her as she turned her head to lessen the impact. As her head snapped back almost immediately she imagined something terrible most have been unleashed in her as it appeared that Sasuke was actually afraid of what he saw in her green eyes. Suddenly letting off the pressure she was applying against his kunai, she spun around and attempted to bury his other one in the middle of his back. However Sasuke rolled away and as he got to his feet threw his kunai at her as she charged him.

Aware he was trying to slow her down by making her dodge or batter it away she instead simply raised her arm in front of her and took the kunai in her left forearm. The pain made her drop the kunai she held in that hand but it was worth it as Sasuke's remaining eye widened in surprise at her willingness to receive damage if it meant hurting him. And hurt him she did as Sasuke's shock caused him to dodge a half a second too late to completely avoid Sakura's kunai as she swiped it across his face leaving a vicious gash across his left cheek and bit into his nose.

Sasuke clutched at his face but still managed to connect with a kick that knocked Sakura backwards away from him. Although she recovered quickly Sasuke seemed to realize that she wasn't really attacking with a plan but was just trying to overwhelm him with the ferocity of her attacks. Therefore he was better prepared as she charged again almost immediately and after blocking several wild swing lashed out with strike to her stomach and as she bent forward rocked her with a uppercut that lifted her off her feet.

Sakura landed hard on her back and stared up at Sasuke as he reached into his pouch to pull a new kunai out. Gripping it firmly he said coldly, "You're going to suffer for what you did to me?"

Staring up defiantly Sakura said, "At least I managed to take something you cherished as well."

Sasuke's face twisted in pure rage as he lunged forward but screamed in pain as a kunai bit deeply into his left shoulder. Sakura watched as he threw his own up at his assailant on instinct and saw it hit home in Karin right thigh causing her to let out a pained yell. "I'll deal with you next," Sasuke said directing his attention at the girl as she fell from the top of the mushroom.

Although Sasuke left himself open Sakura quickly got to her feet and ran towards the girl. Catching her before she hit the ground Sakura struggled to stand with the added weight and fell to the forest floor. Trying to stand she fell back down as she realized she had twisted her ankle due to her catch and fall. Sasuke slowly closed the distance she had opened between them and asked, "What did saving her prove huh? You're both still going to die at my hand."

"It proves even as much as I hate you I'm not willing to abandon others to fulfill my own selfish desire to see you dead," Sakura retorted.

Sasuke stopped before smiling at her and turning began walking away. "Where are you going?" she shouted angrily ignoring Karin's attempt to quiet her.

"Let's see just how long you keep that attitude. You aren't worth killing Sakura so keep your meaningless existence and live on hating me. Once you've realized we aren't so different then seek me out and I'll kill you then."

Sasuke made it a handful of steps when a large boy with white hair and two red marks above his eyebrows landed in front of him followed by two of the Sound Four that Sakura remembered from Konoha. "It's about time you guys sh…" Sasuke began seeing the Sound headbands but was cut off by a backhand from the large boy that sent him spinning and into the forest floor.

Sasuke glared up at him but the Sound-nin grabbed him around the throat saying cool and cultured in voice that barely concealed his anger as he lifted him in the air, "You're supposed to be the one that replaced me as Lord Orochimaru's chosen one. Look at you; you're barely able to handle this trash." He then tossed him to the heavy set boy with a Mohawk, who promptly knocked the protesting Uchiha out. Kimimaro sighed before saying, "See that this fool doesn't hurt himself any further as you escort him to Sound."

Walking towards Karin and Sakura he pulled a sword like bone from his shoulder as another the boy with two heads asked, "What are you going to do?"

"This was a one way trip for me, and we both know that. Sadly it appears it may be a failure but if Kakashi tries to interfere I will stop him so that Lord Orochimaru may find a way to salvage this mess. I will also dispose of this trash."

Both boys nodded before the heavyset one threw Sasuke over his shoulder like he weighed nothing and both took off Northeast. Realizing that was what Sasuke was searching for Sakura said, "So the bastard was planning this from the start."

Closing with both kunoichi Kimimaro said, "You don't sound surprised."

"That he'd betray us, no I guess not. But what does Orochimaru get out of it?"

"He will serve as the new vessel for Lord Orochimaru's reincarnation."

"Hah, serves him right," Sakura said bitterly.

Kimimaro stopped a moment to stare at her before nodding his understanding of her feelings as he said, "I'll at least make it quick."

Although Karin whimpered, Sakura simply nodded as although not in a hurry to die found she didn't really have the strength anymore now that Sasuke was outside of her grasp. Closing her eyes she hoped that at the very least she'd be reunited with Naruto in the afterlife as she waited for blow that would signal the end, but instead of death felt a sickening chakra wash over her that strangely filled her with a hope that her earlier prayers had been answered.

---

"Congratulation you've managed to get yourself killed," snapped the gravelly voice of the Kyuubi.

Naruto's eyes snapped open as he sat up to find he was in front of the cage of the Bijuu he contained. Getting to his feet he shouted, "What the hell am I doing here?"

"Why don't you ask Sasuke," was the fox's mocking remark. Confused at first, Naruto suddenly gripped his chest only to find that there was no sign of the damage he had suffered. "No, you aren't healed, at least not yet," the Kyuubi said upon seeing Naruto's relief at not having a giant hole in him.

"What the hell are you waiting for then?" Get on with it!"

"You don't get to order me around boy. But I see you can't sense what's going on out there. Too bad I've never sensed such fury coming from that girl you're always following around. Too bad she's going to die."

"What! No please let me help her."

The Kyuubi closed it eyes and almost seemed to sniff the air before saying, "Ah such despair it almost insures I'll wait till after he's finished her to heal you."

"Please…you have to let me help her. Didn't you say you'd lend me your chakra?"

"I helped you summon that disgusting toad because at the time it amused me. Now however your pain will benefit me and the real you."

"What the hell are you talking about," Naruto shouted at the ancient beast.

"It's talking about me," a spectral voice called out shocking the blond yet which caused the Kyuubi tooth filled smile to widen.

A circle appeared between Kyuubi cage and Naruto from which a figure began to rise. Although it looked like him, Naruto figured it was some sort of trick but before he could attack felt frozen as he met its eyes which were like his but black with red irises. It wasn't fear that stopped Naruto in his tracks but the eyes that seemed to radiate hatred. Naruto knew he wasn't without hate as he had often wanted to take it out on those around him. However thanks to people like the Hokage and Iruka, he came to the conclusion that his hatred would never truly serve his desires to be recognized. So instead he buried it down and looking at the doppelganger in front of him came to believe he understood where it had taken root.

"Ah finally the two of you meet," the Kyuubi said pleased. Lowering its head to the ground it added, "This is the real you. The one you try to keep hidden from the world."

"What's the matter?" the dark Naruto said, "You look like you've seen a ghost. You can't be surprised that something like me exists inside of you. That smiling fool you try and pass off as the real you is nothing but a front to try and get the villagers to like you."

"That… that isn't true," Naruto said taking a step back as his dark reflection took a step forward.

"Of course it is," Dark Naruto replied, "What do you think you did with all the anger being ignored created inside of you? Instead of lashing out like you deserved too, you buried your true feelings deep and allowed foolish ideas like one day being accepted to float into that vacant mind of yours. Worst of all you even deluded yourself into believing she could come to love you."

Naruto couldn't exactly fault his darker half's beliefs but hearing his own doubt about Sakura he came to a realization which he voiced saying, "It was you. You're the part of me that would always speak up when I thought about telling Sakura the truth."

For the first time since appearing something other than anger and hate appeared in the Dark Naruto's eyes which caused him to look away as he said, "Trust me it was for the best. Once she knows the truth she'll treat you like everyone else."

"Don't say that about her. Sakura wouldn't abandon me, she's… she's my most precious person."

"Hm, you say that but you don't believe it yourself. Why else do you think you listened to me all this time?"

Looking away Naruto admitted, "Because I was scared she would do exactly as you say." Meeting his darker self's eyes he added his resolve growing stronger, "But the truth is so were you." The dark Naruto looked shock at the revelation so Naruto continued, "Why else would you continue to influence me against revealing the Kyuubi to Sakura. If you wanted me to reveal my true self as you put it then having her react as you expected would be more than enough to do so." Taking a step closer his darker half took a step back causing Naruto to smile as he said, "But the truth is you are me and that means you love her too so didn't want to face the pain of being right yourself."

"Hmm, you really believe that. Would you be willing to put it to the test?" Dark Naruto asked trying to shake Naruto's resolve.

"If it'll help Sakura then yes."

"Fine the fox will heal you but in return you have to let him have control of your body."

"No way," Naruto shouted, "It's as likely to hurt Sakura as save her."

"He'll save her alright but here is the test. I want her to feel the Kyuubi's power not just hear about it from you over dinner. If she reacts in fear then the fox keeps your body until someone subdues it or kills us. If she reacts as you believe well then we'll relinquish control back to you."

"How do I know you'll honor your side of the bargain?"

"You don't," Dark Naruto replied, "You'll just have to trust you're right about me too."

"Do it," Naruto said immediately trusting not just in Sakura but the love he felt for her.

Smiling darkly as red chakra began spilling from between the bars the Kyuubi said, "This might hurt a little," before the chakra covered both Naruto.

---

As red chakra began pouring out of Naruto's wound Sakura felt like an insect in the face of some massive unknowable power. But seeing Naruto being lifted to his feet by it felt the pain and anguish she was sure would become a permanent part of her heart begin to slip away. His eyes met hers for a moment causing her to gasp at the red they now were, which caused her to notice his increasingly more feral appearance. "Get away from her," he said his tone low and foreboding.

He dropped to all fours and for the first time she noticed the three chakra tails that were swinging wildly behind him. A fourth one grew and then she and Karin were sent flying as a powerful shockwave erupted from where he was crouched. What stood in his place was something that barely resembled a human as Naruto was no longer visible beneath the dense shroud. The white eyes focused on her for a moment and a vicious smile formed on its face before directing its attention on the Kaguya.

"Interesting it still appears there is some life in you," Kimimaro said before pointing his fingers at the transformed Naruto, "Digital Shrapnel." From his fingertips bone projectiles appeared which quickly closed with Naruto who didn't seemed concerned in the least. It became apparent why when the bones all hit their target but bounced harmlessly off.

Naruto reared his head back roaring which caused another shockwave to pass through the area causing all those present to fight to remain standing. Kimimaro managed but just barely and pulling a whip that had once been his spine charged at Naruto. The Kyuubified Naruto reared back with his arm and swinging extended it to reach the Kaguya. Kimimaro leapt over the elongated appendage and continued to avoid it as Naruto swung it back and forth. Still he was caught by surprise when another arm sprouted out of it grabbing him by the ankle and tossed him away through one of the giant mushrooms. As it fell to the ground white and black spears began appearing from its body which formed into a ball above it which the Kyuubi Naruto then swallowed. Sinking into the ground it fired at where the Kaguya had flown scarring the earth for miles.

Roaring in satisfaction the Kyuubi possessed Naruto was caught by surprise as giant shards of bone began shooting from the ground around it. A shard hit him in the chest lifting him from his crouched position and depositing him on his back. Appearing from the bone was Kimimaro who leaping into the air formed a bone blade from the palm of his hand that he jammed into the prone Naruto's chest. Sakura could see the Sound-nin surprise when not only did his attack fail to penetrate but Kyuubi actually grinned up at him before the chakra of his chest shifted into an arm an arm which picked the Kaguya off his feet and smashed him into the ground. Then instead of getting to his feet the chakra around Naruto shifted so that it appeared to be crouched instead of on its back.

"Impressive, I wonder if you can still be considered human at the moment. Still I can't help but feel this is a truly fitting end to my service to Lord Orochimaru," Kimimaro said covered in burns from where the Kyuubi had touched him. His skin grew darker as he activated his Curse Mark saying, "Still although in this form you are probably as much a danger to your allies as to me. Your continued existence endangers Lord Orochimaru's more far reaching plans so I will grant you a release from this tortured existence."

Now in his second state, Kimimaro formed his most powerful bone on his right arm which resembled an overlarge drillhead. Charging the possessed boy he shouted, "Now die for Lord Orochimaru's ambition," as he pulled back his arm to stab into the smiling creature's face. Bringing it forward with all his might he was shocked as the Kyuubi easily caught it one handed and almost as an afterthought ripped it from his body along with the arm it was attached to. As he reared back in pain, the Kyuubi pressed its advantage stabbing both hands into the Kaguya's stomach easily bypassing the layer of hardened bone they encountered so that its long fingers appeared from Kimimaro's back.

Kyuubi Naruto lifted the young man in the air giving him enough time to whisper, "L-lord Orochimaru," before being ripped in half by the possessed jinchuriki. Tossing the two halves behind him, Kyuubi screamed towards the heavens in triumph.

Sakura watched terrified as instead of reverting to normal it appeared he was searching for more targets. Fearing he was becoming lost to his Bijuu and thinking herself the reason for it much as she had been during the Sound Invasion found herself running towards the transformed boy. With tears in her eyes she shouted, "Naruto, please stop that's enough. We're safe now please come back to me."

The transformed Naruto turned his head towards her and his eyes narrowed before shooting one of its tails at her. Just before it smashed into her she closed her eyes but when nothing happened opened one to see the tail had stopped inches from impaling her face. Looking beyond it she saw the still chakra covered Naruto with his hands pressed to his head as he shook it back and forth as a blue light of his chakra began to appear as if battling against the Kyuubi's.

---

Meanwhile inside the seal Naruto was glaring at the fox as he flared his chakra combating the Bijuu as he tried to reassert control. "Give it up boy," the ancient beast said about to flare its own chakra but found its ability to do so hampered as the Dark Naruto began pulling the chakra away from the true Naruto and absorbing it. "What are you doing? This isn't what we planned."

"No," Dark Naruto replied, "But then again I never really liked you either. You shouldn't have tried to hurt Sakura."

"Bastards," the fox roared, "I'll get free and when I do I'll torment you with her screams for years."

Naruto stared up at the fox and vowed, "You just guaranteed your never getting out you bastard fox. As long as you're a threat to my precious people you're staying put right here in my gut." Ignoring the fox's curses he turned towards his other half and said, "Thank you."

"I didn't do it for you," Dark Naruto said nonchalantly and was surprised when Naruto suddenly wrapped him in a hug.

"I know," he replied, "You did it for us."

"Get out of here," Dark Naruto said breaking the hug as he began to fade away, "and make sure nothing happens to her."

"Don't worry that's a promise."

Everything went dark again but he knew he was alive as it felt like he was cooked from the inside out. Despite his eyes protesting against it, he managed to open them to see Sakura staring down at him with worry and relief evident in her own. Trying to smile brightly despite the flaring pain it caused him he said, "Hey…um I can explain I promise."

Sakura's eyes filled with tears as she suddenly lurched forward wrapping him tightly in a hug that sent shockwaves of pain through him but truthfully was sad he couldn't endure more to feel her arms around him as he lost his battle to maintain consciousness.

---

Karin watched Sakura cry into Naruto's chest and despite her being glad she was alive felt sad at the fact she knew the blond was already off the market. She didn't feel bitter about it since when torn between the desire to run too or away from him, knew that if she hadn't been rooted to the spot by fear would have chosen away even as Sakura charged forward. Sighing at the lost opportunity for love, she swept the area with her ability and finding Kakashi closing with them decided to make herself scarce until he showed up to give what she suspected would soon be a fledgling couple some room even if one of them was passed out.