The day passed uneventfully for the genin, not so for Kakashi. Kakashi with only a few hours of sleep, he was summoned for a second debriefing with the Hokage.

Kakashi was feeling a bit nervous about the meeting if he were to be honest with himself. Instead of just the Hokage, the entire ninja's council had come to hear about the events of last night. Not only was the Hokage there, but his two advisers, Danzo, the heads of the various clans, and the representative to the Fire Daimyo. In addition, Ibiki was charged with handling the debriefing.

Kakashi had just told the council about the parameters for the test when Shikaku Nara interrupted "Hiashi, Why did you set such a difficult test for Saber?"

Hiashi stood and spoke calmly. "Saber displays a unique body. To our eyes, he looks like a being of pure chakra. Clan records tell of a few individuals like that. The records indicate that each member looked like a chakra based entity, and were said to be as strong as the bijuu. Each instance tells that these people performed miraculous abilities unmatched by any other. Our archives have recorded three such beings before, referred to as Lancer, Caster, and Archer. The archives mention, that the ultimate one is supposed to be refereed to as Saber. It was decided by our elders that we needed to determine if such records were exaggerated."

Hiashi smirked, "It appears that they were telling the truth."

It was then, that Shikaku Nara remembered something. "I seem to recall that the third Mizukage once had a woman who went by the name of Rider. It was said she was beautiful and deadly. She hasn't been seen in years."

"While this a is fascinating topic," the representative from the Daimyo said, his tone claiming otherwise, "Might we not return to the topic at hand?"

Kakashi continued to explain about Saber's impromptu interrogation of the guards when Ibiki interrupted.

"You say he started to become angry?"

"Yes," Kakashi answered. "He seemed to be taking the test personally."

Hiashi broke in "According to him, someone who was like his little sister was abducted once like my daughter"

Danzo snorted "So...he lets his emotions control him."

"No," Kakashi countered. "If anything, he seemed to push his anger aside and focused on the mission."

"A professional then," Danzo said. This was looking better for him. A professional would be easier to control once leverage was found. Of course, it would be a simple matter to use Naruto to force Saber to work for them. 'Yes, if I can convince Naruto to come under my protection, I could convince Saber to go on missions for the continued safety of the boy.'

"How would you rate his tracking skills?" Ibiki asked.

"He's good. He glanced at bushes and could tell where they had moved and how long ago. He can tell if someone doubles back with a flick of his eyes. He can spot a small bit of cloth in tall grass. I swear, he was almost sniffing the air like my ninja dogs." Kakashi said. "If I were to classify him, he's on the similar level of hunter nins."

There was a murmur of conversation in the council. Hunter nins had to be the best. Their job was to hunt down rouge ninjas and dispose of the bodies. No village could create more than half dozen hunter nins from lack of prospective talent. Yet, this man was on their level.

Kakashi continued to tell about the premature tripping of the traps.

"He purposely set the traps off?" Danzo said not truly believing what he had heard. This wasn't professional behavior. A true pro would have evaded the traps, not announce to the world his location. Not to mention entering the traps once set. Saber was becoming difficult to classify. 'He's starting to sound the the Fourth.'

"Indeed," Kakashi affirmed. "He refused to slow down and continued charging through the explosive tags and kunai."

Hiashi felt proud at Saber's behavior. He had charged in heedless of the danger for his daughter, regardless if this was a test at the moment.

Kakashi ended his account with the finding of Sanada Hyuga and the pursuit to keep up with him.

The Third called in the next witness to continue the account. Miyata, formerly of the Hyuga clan, now stripped of name and rights was dragged in. He was bound in chains with four guards posted around him.

Miyata recalled with horror as his allies were cut down in front of him. While the ninja's were used to death, the gruesome details made the Daimyo's representative puke. Many of the clan heads were impressed at the skills described. Making swords appear instantaneously, accurately throwing a sword from dozens of meters away, impressive strength, controlling thrown objects like a puppeteer. The man was sounding like an elite jonin, possibly a sannin. A few wondered if Saber was stronger than the Hokage.

Kakashi took up the story explaining how he found Saber comforting Hanabi and the silent walk home.

"Hiashi," the Hokage spoke, "Did your daughter say anything to you that you might want to add?"

"Yes," Hiashi responded, "She spoke of how much hate he had for the Cloud. According to her, he wore the scariest face she had ever seen. According to her, the Cloud seemed shaken in his presence."

"He hates kidnappers," Tsume, the head of Inzuka clan spoke. "This is a sentiment that our clan approves of." Tsume smirked a bit. "He's not bad on the eyes either...I wonder if he's available..."

"I hate to tell you," Kakashi interrupted her musings with a sheepish smile, "But he claims to have someone he loves already."

Tsume sighed, "Why are all the good ones taken... ah well, it makes the hunt all the better if they run." she said with a seductive smile.

Somewhere else...

Shirou had to suppress a shudder as he dodged attacks 'What was that? Rin better not be thinking of necromancy...'

Back in the council

Kakashi was question for another hour before he was dismissed.

The council continued to debate on what to do with Saber. Several members wanted Saber to swear an oath of loyalty to the village or be removed. Hiashi, Hiruzen, and surprisingly, even Danzo rejected that.

Hiashi declared that Saber was a friend of his clan and he would take it poorly if anyone attempted to harm Saber. The Hokage argued that Saber was already helping the village free of charge. Any attempts to antagonize him could be disastrous. Danzo coldly pointed out that there were other methods available to keep Saber in line. While he made no mention to the specifics, everyone understood that Danzo was referring to blackmail. Only Danzo and the Hokage understood he was referring to Naruto.

The council eventually decided to leave Saber alone as he had too much backing between various powers. For the moment, the plan was the standard wait-and-see approach.

Training ground seven

The afternoon had passed, and Saber had called it time to end the training for the day. Again, Shirou offered dinner with the other genins, but Sakura and Sasuke both had other things to do. Shirou was sure that Sasuke had no-one waiting for him and decided on a plan.

When Sasuke was far enough away that he couldn't hear Saber's plan, he turned to Naruto "Naruto send a bushin after him, but make sure that he's not seen. I need to know where he lives."

Naruto looked confused, but obeyed.

The clone was about to set off when Shirou grabbed it. "Is it possible to change your looks?"

The shadow clone nodded. "Good," Shirou said, "Turn into an animal. He won't pay attention to you."

The clone turns into an orange dog.

Shirou glares, "Not funny"

Naruto chuckled a bit sheepishly but nonetheless complied.

Finally, the Bushin turned into a black dog and chased after Sasuke.

Shirou and Naruto ran home. Once there Naruto was ordered into the showers while Shirou made tempura and dim sun. Naruto had just gotten out of the shower when Shirou had finished cooking. Naruto noticed that Shirou was wrapping the food up. "We're going out again?"

"Yep" Shirou replies as he finishes packing the food

Naruto sighs "Sasuke?"

"Yep." Turning to Naruto he says, "Look, I know he's your rival, but right now, you're more fortunate than him."

Naruto blinks at that "Fortunate?"

"He's alone Naruto" Shirou said waiting for the clone to show up "You have me, Iruka, and Ichiraku, but who does he have?"

Naruto was stunned by the revelation. Not too long ago, he was the one all alone. Naruto felt a bit of shame and sympathy.

Naruto's head suddenly jerked up

"What is it Naruto?" Shirou asked

"Sasuke, he hit my clone" Naruto said.

Shirou had heard about shared experience with replicas, but he wasn't sure if it was real or not. "Do you know where he lives?"

Naruto nodded, his face a bit pale from the experience he had received.

Shirou motioned for Naruto to lead him to Sasuke.

Again, the pair heads out in the street. The two are interrupted on their way to Sasuke's when they pass Ichiraku. The place is packed. Yet, Ayame calls out to them as they pass. "Hey you two." She calls out. "How are you?"

Shirou watches as the customers all turn to see who Ayame is calling to. When they see Naruto, their expressions darken. Shirou is half tempted to draw weapons. The hostility these people display is tremendous.

Ayame is having none of that though "Knock it off you lot. That's Saber, the one who gave us our new special."

Several customers brighten at this. It's clear that they are enjoying the new menu item. Yet, many other still gaze with hostility.

'There's just no way to please some people,' Shirou thought exasperated. Truth be told, he remembered too many people from his past that had hated his guts because their homes were destroyed as he saved their lives.

"Hey Ayame," Naruto calls out "Business looks great from here"

"Business is booming" Ayame replies "The customers can't get enough of Saber's Special. Several other restaurants are begging for the recipe."

"But your not selling" Shirou said grinning. He knew that recipe was under heavy lock and key

"Darn tootin" Ayame called out.

"You made this?" a robust man called out. His hair was red and hes had two wave tattoos on his cheeks. Beside him was obviously his son with two swirl marks on his cheeks. Shirou recalled seeing him at the academy. He was one of the few that didn't hate Naruto "You sir are a culinary genius." the man said

Shirou scratched his head, embarrassed by the compliment "Not really," he said, "I personally know several people who are far better than me." 'Rin, Illya, Sakura...'

The robust man laughs heartily. "Well if you see them, ask them to cook for me" He said laughing harder at his idea of a good joke

"Hey Choji" Naruto says

"Hey Naruto" Choji answered

Shirou crouched and offered his hand out "Hello Choji, my name is Saber"

Choji gripped his hand "Nice to meet you, you know some good food"

Shirou could feel a great deal of muscle in those pudgy hands. This kid could deliver one hell of a punch if he desired.

"Well," Shirou said as he stood up, "It's been nice meeting you mr...?"

"Choza, Choza Akimitchi"

"Mr Choza, but Naruto and I have to be somewhere." Shirou bows slightly and the two head for Sasuke's residence.

Uchiha comound

The Uchiha residence was more than a home. Heck, the Hyuga's residence looked small compared to this place. It was more like a section of the village. (1) Shirou took in the look of the place. There had clearly been combat here. Much of the place looked broken down, shabby. 'This...this is wrong.' Shirou thought. A boy shouldn't live in this ghost town. There was too much bad energy around. The last time he had been in a place like this, he had run into ghouls. No wonder Sasuke was always negative, this place stank of blood. Like a battlefield right after the bodies have been buried. No one would move in here. This place was destined to fall apart and be destroyed before life would return here.

Naruto was frightened of this place. He kept feeling like the walls had eyes. There was no sound except some crow cawing. Every step seemed like a drumbeat. It's only the presence of Saber that keeps him moving forward, every muscle in his body is screaming to run away.

They finally stop at a home that looks moderately livable. Shirou could hear the sound of thrown weapons hitting a target.

Shirou calmly knocked on the door.

The weapons stop flying. Sasuke comes and opens the door. "What do you want?" He demands

Shirou waves the food in front of Sasuke's face. Shirou restrains the smirk that threatens to surface as Sasuke almost drools over the scent.

"We've brought dinner," Shirou said, "And we need to discuss the future"

Sasuke glared at Saber, but he was tired of TV dinners.

Dinner was quiet. Naruto was terrified of the atmosphere. He swore he saw something flicker in the side of his eye. Sasuke was determined to eat the food and kick the two interlopers out. Shirou was content to nibble a bit and wait till the other had eaten.

When the meal was finished, Shirou begins using Sasuke's sink to clean the dishes. Sasuke begins to feel aggravated that Saber dares to use his house. "What are you doing?"

"Cleaning," Shirou replied unconcerned with the boys outbursts.

"Get out" Sasuke growled. Instinctively he knew that Saber was up to something.

Saber ignored him and finished with the dishes. Turning back to Sasuke he said quietly "I can't allow this to continue."

Sasuke stood up "Get out"

Shirou smiled "Look at you." he pointed "You act like a cornered rat. You live like a scavenger. Is this the honor of the Uchiha?"

Sasuke charged Saber. Saber calmly tripped Sasuke and pinned him beneath his feet.

"Look at you, you act like a brat. You show no form of hospitality to guests, you offer no refreshments, you act like your the only person who's suffered."

"Who are you to judge?" Sasuke glared

Saber shook his head "I'm not judging, I'm telling."

Sasuke tried to rise, but Saber pushed down harder. "Now listen boy," Saber said scornfully, "I'm here to make you an offer."

This silences Sasuke. The room grows silent for a while Saber waits for Sasuke to speak. Finally, the boy growls "Talk"

"This place is falling apart. For all your wishes to restore your clans, you can't maintain a single building" Shirou waves his arms at the compound. "I can help you, but only if you let me."

Sasuke mulls it over. It's true, his home is wearing out. Sasuke doesn't know any thing about maintenance, he's only twelve. Finally "You can fix it?"

"Yes, I know quite a bit about machinery and maintenance." Shirou was very experienced maintaining his old home. "But it comes at a cost"

Sasuke snorted, "Let me guess, you want me to give up on revenge."

Shirou removed his foot "I have three conditions. One, Naruto and I are allowed to own one of the buildings here"

"What?" Naruto and Sasuke yelled both their eyes went wide at this

"Naruto, this is your chance to have a home, instead of an apartment. For the repairs of this place, it's cheap. Second, you will join me and Naruto for breakfast and dinner everyday when you are not on missions. "

Naruto and Sasuke were confused by this demand. Saber had no intention of telling them that this would force them to act civil to each other. "Finally, you will treat me and Naruto with respect or we will leave. You need us, we don't need you."

Sasuke wanted to tell Saber to go to hell, but the truth was he couldn't. Several people were trying to tear down his clan's compound. Their excuse was the place was falling apart, but the truth was ,they wanted the real estate. If the place could be repaired, there would be no question that Sasuke owned the place.

Sasuke snorted "Fine, you have a deal"

Shirou merely looked at Sasuke, waiting. It took a bit, but Sasuke finally realized why. Bowing his head slightly, he said "Would you please help me?"

"Of course," Saber spoke cheerfully, "What are good neighbors for?"

"Wait," Naruto interrupted, "Don't I get a say in this?" he was clearly nervous of living here.

Shirou looked at Naruto "Not really Naruto, the apartment is wearing out, with this, I've secured you a house for the future."

Naruto was still nervous about living here.

"Cheer up, We'll be living in the first building on the right, by the entrance." Shirou said

Naruto was happy he didn't have to live deep in the compound. Shirou turned to Sasuke and said,

"We'll begin the moving process in a few days. Afterwords, we'll begin securing funds for the repairs. It would help if you would secure any tools you find and bring it to our new home"

Sasuke grunted. Shirou glared at Sasuke.

"Understood" Sasuke amended. Itachi may have scared him when he killed his family, but Saber could be scarier when mad.

With that, Shirou and Naruto left. 'Operation sledgehammer is a go' Shirou thought smugly. With this, he could begin working on softening Sasuke. Oh, Shirou knew that Sasuke would never give up the thoughts for revenge, but it is surprising how easy it is to cover up one goal with another. Now, Sasuke would be concerned with his legacy. Revenge would have to wait till repairs were finished. 'Then I'll begin phase two' Shirou thought.

Back at the apartment, Naruto quickly chucked his clothes, set his alarm and fell asleep. Shirou quietly put the dishes away and headed out for several locations. He had a lot of ground to cover. Shifting to spirit form, her headed for the Hyuga compound. Before he came within view of the compound, he shifted back to his physical form. The guards recognized him immediately, and granted him access.

Shirou didn't get more than ten paces inside before he heard "It's you!" Hanabi came running towards Shirou. It was clear that she was getting ready for bed, but Hanabi ran towards him regardless. Shirou went down to his knees and held his arms out waiting for the inevitable.

Hanabi performed a flying tackle yelling "ONII-CHAN" Shirou almost staggered from the force Hanabi exerted.

'Did Illya die and get reincarnated?' Shirou wondered This was too similar to Illa for comfort.

Laughing Shirou said "It looks like you're doing better"

"I am now Saber nii-chan"

From a distance, Shirou saw Hiashi watching over his daughter.

"It looks like it's time for bed Hanabi," Shirou said mournfully

"No," Hanabi cried, "You can't leave me, you just got here"

Shirou appeared to consider something then said "How bout I tell you a story to help you sleep"

"A story?" Hanabi asked excitedly. She hadn't had a bedtime story in ages

"Once upon a time," Shirou began. He began the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs while he picked her up like a princess. He walked over to Hiashi who understood what Shirou was implying. Hiashi showed Saber to Hanabi's room where he tucked her in to bed. Shirou sat by her side holding her hand until "...and they lived happily ever after." Shirou finished. Hanabi could barely keep her eyes open any more "Good night onii-chan' she said sleepily

"Good night, you're safe tonight" Shirou responded

Hanabi was fast asleep. Shirou quietly walked out and followed Hiashi.

"Thank you for coming Saber" Hiashi bowed.

"Keep someone by her side tonight" she'll probably have nightmares."

"Hinata has volunteered to sleep by her tonight" Hiashi responded.

"Good, it's better to have company when one has nightmares. I'll keep coming by for a while."

"Please do, I haven't seen her smile like that in a long time."

Shirou bowed and excused himself. He had places to go, and things to do, and the night was still young yet. Next stop, the Hokage's office for some more research.

That night Naruto dreamed, not of Saber, but of a girl

Rin was busy pouring over various texts. She had spent a month trying to decipher Zelretch's riddle. Luvia, upon hearing about the promise of seeing Shirou again, had joined in. For some reason, possibly divine intervention, the two had few arguments. For the most part, but were too busy in their studies.

"Ah moh" Rin groaned. "Not even a hint of where to look. Damn him, he even refuses to teach us anymore until we figure it out"

"This is truly frustrating" Luvia agreed.

A slight knock on the door distracted the two. Rin suddenly felt an urge to kill whoever dared to bother her.

"Begging your pardon mistress, but you have a package"

Rin sighed and opened the door resisting the urge to shoot the messenger.

Rin quickly took the package and slammed the door.

Ripping the package, Rin found a letter and two boxes inside. Seeing who the letter was from, she sat down preparing for the worst

To: Tohsaka Rin, a loyal friend and ally

From: Me, your humble servant Emiya Shirou (it had been a running joke between the two since Shirou looked too much like Archer for comfort.)

Rin, if you are receiving this package, then I am dead or missing.

(Rin choked, this was a letter he had written knowing he was going to die)

I find the words hard to put on paper as I am still alive at this point. It's funny, but I remember the two of us fighting for our lives in the Grail War, and yet... what lies behind for me seems to pale in comparison of what lies ahead. I suppose I should tell you why I am sending this to you. Not too long ago, Zelretch told me that I was going to die soon. The way she said it, I knew he was doing more than warning me. It almost seemed like a prophecy. He said I had to return something to you before my end. At the time I wasn't sure of what he meant. It was only later that I figured it out. Back before I was a master, you saved my life. You used one of your jewels to save me from Lancer. I didn't know at the time, but the jewel I found next to me, well, I kind of kept it.

(Rin gasps at this. Putting aside the paper for a moment, she opens the smaller box. Inside is her old ruby arrowhead. It had been meant to be used as a trump card, but she had used it to save Shirou's life instead. She continued reading)

I don't know what you need with this gem, it has no magic left in it as far as I can tell. I always felt it was some sort of lucky charm, so I always wore it. I'm not sure what you can do with it...

(Rin and Luvia both slammed their heads on the table. Rin was so occupied with the letter she had failed to notice Luvia looking over her shoulders.'IDIOT' they both thought. This changed everything )

...but you were always better at magecraft than me. I just wanted to say, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I had to put you through such pain. I knew you would be devastated, but I can't let the innocent die. I want to be the hero everyone wishes me to be. I can't stop, I can't flee, I can only go forward. When you get the chance, check with Luvia, I sent her something too. (Rin and Luvia both look at each other, they both plan on finding that second package.)

Yours truly,

Shirou.

ps. I still think I look better than Archer.

"You-You asshole" Rin screams pointing her arm, she blows her door open. Rin stands to confront Zelretch, when the second package falls from her lap to the floor. Rin picks it up. Opening it, she sees it's the Jeweled Sword. No, It's a copy, but a better copy than what Shirou made last time with Illya. Inside was a small note.

Dear Rin,

Zelretch said make two more for your training. With his help, I made them better than before. Use it well.

Shirou

Rin and Luvia were frothing at the mouth. As soon as they opened the other package to Luvia, there would be a reckoning.

Naruto watched the two, and suddenly felt more fear than when Berserker attacked. Naruto felt a renewed respect for Saber for keeping those two as friends.

Author's note

As far as I can tell, the Uchiha residence is left alone after the massacre. I figure it probably was destroyed from Orochimaru and Pein's attacks, but for the moment, it's still there. I figured that it was left alone, as technically Sasuke is the heir to it all. If there is any evidence to the contrary, let me know, but I haven't seen any evidence of it's existence after the massacre. I figured no-one would want to live there as no-one likes living in the homes where horrible murders occur.

I'd like to thank all my reviewers and L33t Horo as my beta. The next chapter will be a 'filler/transition' but unlike the anime, I don't plan on it taking hundreds of chapters, more like one or two, then we move on to the wave arc. From there, expect big things. Until then REVIEW my mistakes and what you liked.