Hey guys, so by popular demand this story is back! I've rewritten this chapter after my computer blowing up; it gave me time to think about the plot and flesh out some details of the story and change some the plot (quite a bit actually). Overall, I believe it's a much better storyline than before and I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to Shouldibedoingthis for reminding me that this story has potential and deserves some attention!

There is some slash in this Fic. To what extent remains to be seen. There is mention of NarutoxGaara (one-sided) in this chapter, and hints of NarutoxSasuke from both this chapter and the last. I'll talk about how I plan on deciding pairs later.

Enjoy!

CHAPTER II

"Well, I thought you guys wouldn't be ready in time for this... But I think you guys are ready for the Chunin exams." Kakashi said, giving his team an eye-smile. Nara Furasshu grinned, and pumped his fist into the air with an enthusiastic yell of triumph. Kakashi shook his head slightly; Furasshu was so unlike his cousin Shikimaru, it amazed his teacher every time. This kid was almost as energetic as Naruto was and tackled everything with just as much vigor.

Fumei quietly chuckled, pushing his shades back onto their perch on his nose. The kid acted a lot like his older brother Shino and respected him an equal amount, unlike the two Naras who just annoyed the hell out of each other. Fumei has a sense of humour, unlike his older brother, which Kakashi was grateful for. He didn't think his lateness or "lost on the road of life" excuses would be appreciated by another silent, no-nonsense kid like Shino.

Sakura was quiet though, causing Kakashi to mentally sigh. This would be a difficult exam for her. Her first Chunin exam since they disappeared. Even after two years, she still had not gotten over Sasuke's leaving and kidnapping of Naruto. All the others had at least accepted the fact that there was nothing they could've done, but Sakura... Kakashi had tried to help her, but much to their dismay, not even tutoring by Tsunade helped her out in this respect.

In fact, if anything, it was pushing her harder, faster, and more relentlessly. Sakura was one of, if not the, strongest genin in her class. She was constantly pushing herself harder, and harder. Her training with Tsunade made her incredibly strong and a great medic. It helped make their team the most versatile of the teams, able to provide support to any of the others. They could heal, suppress enemies to give others a breather, track enemies... They were able to give support in any case. Their team was, to some degree, better than the old one.

But Sakura couldn't see it that way. She only saw her teammates as temporary replacements for her old teammates. She really needs to learn to let go, Kakashi thought bitterly. If she didn't, and the Leaf got into another war... It would tear her apart of she couldn't learn to let go. It was a lesson they all had to learn at some point.

"Well, you guys are dismissed for now! Met at the front gate in two days so we can leave for Suna." With a cheer, Furasshu turned to Fumei and began badgering the kid about coming with him to Ichiraku's for lunch, Kakashi giving them all a cheery eye-smile. Sakura marched up to him and he mentally sighed again. He turned to her, keeping his expression happy, "Yes Sakura, what is it?"

She spoke lowly, as to not interrupt her triumphant teammate dragging his friend to Ichiraku's, Fumei struggling slightly as he was dragged along. "Are you sure we can trust them after the last exam?!" Kakashi sighed softly, "Yes Sakura, we can. We wouldn't be doing this if we couldn't." Sakura wasn't convinced.

"Are you sure-?" "Yes Sakura. We are ninja. Do you think Lady Tsunade would not check that this was safe after the last time? Do you think we would be naïve enough to not question Suna? Do you think we can be fooled by the same trick twice?" Sakura looked increasingly uncomfortable with each question. "We are going Sakura. Period."

Sakura still looked doubtful but let the matter rest, for now. Kakashi sighed once again, when an ANBU dropped down next to them. He turned to the masked man, eyebrow raised.

"Lady Hokage wishes to speak with you immediately." Kakashi nodded and the ANBU disappeared. He turned to Sakura, and nodded to get before jumping onto the rooftops and racing to the Hokage tower. Sakura watched him for a moment before heading off to continue to prepare for the upcoming test.

"You three ready?" Kabuto said with a small smirk. Fox had his gear already on, his mask covering his face, his wrapped up gear on his back (it looks exactly like Kankuro's from the Chunin exams). Raven quietly sat meditating off to the side, black cloak folded nearly next to him, his eye-mask on with the eye holes closed like always (a masquerade party style black mask).

"Of course we are," Sasuke said pulling his mask down over his face, throwing his cloak around his gray, sleeveless shirt, before grabbing his katana and his scabbard and put it over his shoulder. Raven looked up, his mask covering his eyes like always, "Don't be over confident Snake. This is going to be a delicate operation."

Fox agreed, "Delicate, but easy. We should have no issues as long if someone doesn't get offended," he said with a chuckle, shooting a meaningful look at Snake. Kabuto grinned as Snake just -tched. "That guy had it coming." "Which one? You killed so many!" Fox said, grin hidden under his mask.

Snake rolled his eyes as Raven sat up reaching for his cloak and pulling it on. "Enough chitchat. Kabuto, are we ready to depart?" The spy nodded, "Indeed. Lord Orochimaru will be leaving to head to the desert base with the Sound Four tomorrow."

"Excellent. Let's go then." They nodded. "Also," Kabuto said as he pulled up his cloak's hood after slipping on his mask, "Naruto's mentor would like to talk to him before we reach Suna. He said that he'd met us at the border of the desert surrounding Sunagekaru." Raven nodded, "So be it." They all quickly raced off towards Suna.

Snake came up alongside Fox, "Are you ready for this?" Fox was silent for a moment. "We're going into direct conflict with Konoha this time. I hate them, but..."

"I hate them too," his friend said quietly as the vaulted through the trees. "Not as much as you, nor do I seek power as fiercely as you do Snake." Fox looked straight ahead as Snake watched him, "But they have do unforgivable things. They are not perfect, far from it. And if any of our old friends," Snake snorted a bit and Fox grinned a bit at him, "my old friends go against is... The only one to blame is the village."

Kakashi landed outside the tower and looked around. As he stood up, a yell erupted from behind him, "DYNAMIC ENTRY!" Kakashi ducked quickly as Gai soared overhead, his foot grazing Kakashi's silver hair. Kakashi stared at the man as Gai stood straight up and gave his trade mark grin and thumbs up, "The flames of youth shine brightly in you today Ka-kashi!"

Kakashi face-palmed, "Really Gai, really?" "But of course! We must always fan the bright flames of YOUTH!" Kakashi shook his head, "So why are you out here Gai?"

Gai grew serious. Slightly serious? Not very serious at all, really. "Lady Hokage called me here and I rushed here as fast as possible." Kakashi turned thoughtful, "You too huh? I wonder what's going on?" Gai shrugged, and they walked into the building together.

"How are you guys?" Kurenai said, standing up alongside Asuma. "Greetings, my fellow Shinobi, may the flames of Youth shine brightly in you today!" Kakashi cocked his head to the side, "You guys here to talk to the Hokage as well?" The other two nodded.

"Something big must be up," muttered Kakashi, Asuma nodding his agreement as he lit a cigarette. "It's pretty big," said a new voice. They turned to see Yamato standing there. "The Hokage is waiting," he said, motioning for them to follow him. They all moved after him, entering Tsunade's office, where she waited, Shizune off to the side.

"Good afternoon everyone," She as they lined up in front of her. "You have been summoned here because some new intel about the upcoming exams has come to light." This caught their attention and they looked at each other.

Tsunade sighed, cleared her throat, and continued, "We've received information that Oto will be participating in the upcoming exams." There was a shocked silence.

"Are they trying to pull one on us-?!" Kurenai said angrily. Asuma and Kakashi were silent, while Gai muttered something along the lines of "most unyouthful". Asuma took out his cigarette, "Surely they wouldn't trust Oto after last time? This could only be a declaration of war. They wouldn't be stupid enough to ambush our genin."

Tsunade sighed, "Agreed, but it's not war. Someone got convinced to let them come. Supposedly, they don't plan to do any harm; they claim that they simply have a lack of Chunin. As a Pseudo-village, their claim isn't entirely a lie. I believe Suna can be trusted. It would make no sense to declare war when we're in their village."

She leaned forward, "In addittion, this could be used to our advantage. Naruto and Sasuke have been missing for two years in the possession of Oto. We've had no leads on their location. If we can capture them outside of the exams, we might be able to find out where they're keeping them."

Asuma tentatively spoke, "Lady Tsunade, Sasuke willingly went with them." Everyone was silent. It was almost a taboo to say this in front of Kakashi or Sakura. "Is it possible that he could be coming?" Tsunade sighed, "It's a high possibility. Keep an eye out for him." They all nodded, still silent.

"I have already sent a message to their new Kazekage about our concerns." Tsunade said, leaning back. "Hopefully this will all turn out correctly and we'll all meet back here safely."

"Lord Kazekage," The redhead looked up as an ANBU walked up with a scroll, "It's a message from Konoha." Gaara accepted the scroll irritatedly. He read it quickly, eyes narrowing. He dismissed the ANBU before calling for his sister,Temari.

"What's up baby brother?" Temari said with a smirk. Gaara glared at her and she mentally sighed. Ever since Naruto disappeared, Gaara had gotten worse in some ways. Sure, he was getting better, especially with the village, but when it came to Konoha...

He absolutely hated them. After all, Naruto was his only friend, and had saved Gaara from his mental and moral crisis. Gaara (though he would never admit it, Temari could tell) was majorly crushing on the boy. It would be cute if Naruto hadn't been taken. The redhead cared deeply about the loud blond and hated that he was in so much danger.

Then, to find out they sent Naruto after Orochimaru's men, only for him to be taken. It ticked him off, especially since at the very least the village should've been worried about their Jinchuriki being missing, let alone that it was Naruto!

"Why is Oto coming to the Chunin exams?" She blinked. His eyes narrowed. "Konoha asked about why they were coming. Why are they coming? Who let them participate?" Temari shook her head.

"I'll check, but we weren't aware someone had allowed them. Perhaps they had a spy help process the paperwork." Gaara growled, "In that case, investigate this thoroughly. Find out who let the bastards that stole Naruto come to this."

Temari nodded, "Sure thing." She left, Gaara looking out the window. "I'm so sorry... Naruto..." He glared in the direction of Konoha, "I will find you."

So I'm a bit undecided about the whole pairing thing. I have my own personal preferences, but this story isn't just about me. Since it was you readers that got my ass back to work on this fic, you should have a say in it at least! I'll use a poll system and make my decision from those votes.

So review and vote (the poll will be on my profile)! See you next time!

~FS