"LET'S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!"

"So this grinning idiot over here wasn't lying. There are other people here. How annoying." Hearing Sasuke's voice was like a icy glass of water I had just gulped down. I looked at the expression on poor Sakura's face, she was utterly speechless but I could see the pain of dismay on her face when she realised how much Sasuke had truly changed.

"Sasuke-" Sakura finally whispered. Naruto charged forward to see Sasuke for himself, but instead slammed right into my back and crumpled to the ground.

"Motherf-" he cursed loudly. I turned at looked at Naruto, and offered my hand to help him to his feet.

"Woops! Sorry, Naruto. You alright?" I asked. Naruto grinned, embarrassed and accepted my hand as I heaved him to his feet. He rubbed his backside where he had landed heavily.

"Yeah. No harm done. Thanks." I squeezed his hand before letting go and stepping aside so that he could actually get out there and see Sasuke.

For this plan to work, I need to collect the chakra from Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke. When Naruto had slammed into me and fell to the floor, I collected his chakra from a simple touch of his hand as I helped him to his feet. All that was left was to talk to Sakura about my plan and collect her chakra and collect Sasuke's chakra by force. Naruto jogged out of the tunnel and came to Sakura's side staring up at Sasuke, who was standing in the most unfortunate spot – the sun was blaring down on the crater making it hard to look up at him.

"Sasuke. It is you!" breathed Naruto, but like Sakura was shocked at how much Sasuke had changed in both appearance and attitude. Sasuke's voice sneered when he greeted Naruto.

"So you're here too? This day just gets better and better." Naruto snarled at the insult.

"So I guess that bore Kakashi is here too?" inquired Sasuke, like he could care less. Yamato looked over at me and nodded, sealing the approval of my plan now that he actually heard Sasuke's voice and probably summed him up as insolent and heartless. Yamato stepped out into the open, his posture all business.

"No. I'm sorry to say that Kakashi is still currently hospitalised from the last mission he underwent with your friends here. With the exception of course of Sai here." I could just picture Sasuke raising an eyebrow at Yamato. Well, if he wasn't I'd certainly would have. Yamato was being way too formal.

"I've been assigned as his temporary replacement."

Sasuke didn't miss a heartbeat before he plowed on with his inquiries. He wasn't a fool, he knew I would be here too to bring him back kicking and screaming to Konoha.

"Really? I'm surprised Akima isn't here with you. Perhaps, an honourable and wise move?" he decided, below the belt. I reacted to that. "OI! There's a time and a place for sarcasm, Sasuke." I whispered to myself. I took a deep breath in to psych myself up and stepped out into the sunlight, turning to address my cousin who turned his cold gaze down at me. I shivered from looking at the black pools of nothingness that were his eyes.

"Oh? But you know that I wouldn't miss this opportunity for the world, Sasuke." I replied, in honeyed tones. Laying on the sugar thickly. Sasuke frowned deeper at my tone, I ignored that and strode casually over to where Sakura and Naruto was standing and draped my arm casually on Sakura's shoulder. I smiled sweetly and sincerely at Sasuke who was taken aback by how instantaneous it was. Considering how fast the expressions on Naruto and Sakura's faces had dropped.

God, I've missed you! I thought. The corners of Sasuke's mouth twitched slightly as he tried hard not to smile at my other greeting. But his black eyes had brightened and were alive and burning with the warmth and love for me that I thought had died the day he kissed my forehead and knocked me out on his way from fleeing the fight he had just been made victor over against Naruto. Movement next to me told me that Sakura had not gotten over the resentment she felt for me concerning Sasuke. I turned my head to look at Sakura who refused to look in my direction. I snarled angrily under my breath.

Shit! Let it die, Sakura! I wish I could tell you the truth and tell you how childish you're acting! I thought and turned my attention back towards an amused Sasuke. But then jolted with shock when Sakura started thinking telepathically. I could instantly hear every scorned thought Sakura felt and I wanted to both laugh and throw up at the same time.

Does she like Sasuke too? She obviously doesn't know that Sasuke is my boyfriend...

And that was the end of that. I couldn't hold it in any more and just started uncontrollably laughing to the point where I had to turn away to maintain what dignity I had as I flushed beetroot red.

"Akima? Are you alright?" asked Naruto, putting a supportive hand on my shoulder. Sakura stopped frowning and she too looked over at me concerned. I nodded, fending off Naruto's helping hands and taking in large lungfuls of breath and wincing because my stomach hurt from laughing too hard. I turned back around with tears falling down my cheeks and I wiped them away with the back of my hand, grinning like a Cheshire cat. The following telepathic conversation between Sasuke and I is being juggled between Sasuke taunting and coldly rejecting a hurt and resentful Naruto and Sakura:

I've missed you too, Akima. But why the hell are you laughing? I subtly inclined my head towards Sakura's direction.

Sakura thinks I've got a crush on you as well. Sasuke groaned and would've face-palmed himself exasperatedly, if it wasn't for the fact that he wanted to maintain a fearsome persona in front of Naruto, Sakura, Yamato and Sai.

I would've thought that within two years she would've gotten over this pointless crush...

I rolled my eyes at Sasuke, giggling at his naivety when it came to the way women thought and felt about love and a desire for a relationship with somebody they care deeply about. I sighed when I thought this and looked over at Naruto, understanding where Sakura was coming from in terms of love. And my face fell a little.

You obviously don't know women very well, Sasuke. But just be thankful that's the only problem you have to contend with regarding her. I know why she believes that I fancy you. She doesn't know that we're cousins. And I'd much prefer to tell her soon.

Sasuke smirked at this but also looked as revolted about the idea as I did. We loved each other, that much was true, but it was the equivalent of the love shared between a brother and sister.

Well, now's a good a time as any. How about I do the honours?

I felt my eyes widen in horror.

I'm good with that, thanks!

Sasuke rolled his eyes and shook his head frustratedly.

Your loss. Now to business.

Sasuke turned his full attention over to Naruto who was shaking with hurt and fury, thankfully not the fury that Sakura and I dreaded. I turned to Sakura, who like Naruto was shaking from hurt and fury but thank god, was not for once crying over Sasuke. While the comments Sasuke made about Sakura's devotion to him were negative, they weren't as harsh as I had expected them to be.

Hmmm...

As Sasuke went into Naruto with full intent to sting, despite Naruto's attempts to get Sasuke to see reason. I focused on Sakura and proceeded to tell Sakura the details of my plan.

Sakura?

Sakura jumped like she had been shot when she heard my voice in her head, she turned to look at me incredulously.

Relax. It's just me.

Sakura went to speak, but I hastily placed a finger on her lips before she could speak and ruin all my plans, as any outburst coming from Sakura would get Sasuke highly suspicious.

Don't talk out loud! Just think what you want say to me and I'll be able to hear it...

Sakura frowned in confusion, but then closed her eyes and seemed to focus on something.

Uh? Like this?

Yeah. That's right.

What's going on, Akima? How can you do this? Sakura's voice bounced around in my head like a rubber bouncy ball. I placed a small calming jutsu on Sakura without her knowing.

First, you need to calm down. You're wound up tighter than a clock. Please, take a couple of deep breaths.

Sakura frowns at me but takes the two deep breaths and instantly looks calmer, due to the calming jutsu taking affect. I sighed in relief myself and snuck a look at Sasuke who was smirking at the expression on Naruto's face. Naruto was getting angrier and angrier.

Your funeral, Sasuke! I thought, bitterly. Resenting how badly Sasuke was treating Naruto.

Besides, Naruto and Sasuke aren't going to start fighting just yet...

Sakura frowned at me again.

See you said that before when the first explosion happened back in the tunnel. How on earth would you possibly know what was going to happen before it happens. It's like you're psychic.

I smiled triumphantly at her and Sakura's eyes widened in shock. Obviously, she hadn't expected to get that fact right. She instantly grabbed my hand and started shaking it in excitement.

No way! You're psychic?

Yeah. I grew up in a family full of psychics. They had different special chakras that I also inherited.

Sakura had latched onto a special word in my explanation. I was hoping I wouldn't have to further explain this to her.

What do you mean 'had'?

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry and looked up at Sasuke, who occasionally looked at me and subtly smiled before returning to his 'conversation' with Naruto. Sasuke was apart of a family that was half of me and even that half had died, leaving behind him and Itachi. Luckily, I was closer to Sasuke than him. But I didn't reveal this part to Sakura yet.

I'm an orphan. My parents were murdered when I was a little kid.

Sakura's face twisted in shock. Sasuke gave me a look as if to say 'what are you doing?' I ignored him.

Oh shit! And you've lived by yourself ever since?

Uh...no. I was taken in by another family.

I sneaked a look at Sasuke, who was shaking his head disapprovingly at me. But then both of us recalled the day with I came to live with him, Itachi and the Elder Uchihas. I was a scared, injured little girl (I had blood down my neck) who had no memory of what had just happened to her. Possibly because she was traumatised.

Sakura, I have a plan that may help us convince Sasuke to come back with us by his own choice...

Sakura's eyes widened with excitement.

Really!

Again, Sakura's voice echoed painfully in my head and I cringed from the pain. The sound sort of reminded me of what a microphone would sound like if it got too close to another microphone and it started that ear piercing whining noise.

Sakura! Calm down, you're busting my eardrums!

Sakura immediately calms down and clutches my hand in an iron grip.

Oh! I'm sorry, Akima!

That was one of the few things that annoyed me about Sakura. When she's remorseful for doing something bad to you, it really hurts. I carefully removed my hand from Sakura's. And glared sternly at her, flexing my fingers to get the feeling back in them. I started to explain the plan to Sakura, rather exasperatedly.

I'm planning on taking Sasuke, Naruto and you back in time to relieve our memories in person...

You can do that? But isn't that impossible?

I resisted the overwhelming urge to strangle Sakura. Sasuke started laughing in my head. I turned my head and glared at Sasuke, who smirked back at me.

Obviously it's possible or I wouldn't be suggesting it.

It appeared Sakura didn't like the tone of my voice. Well, tough. You piss me off, you get a smart aleck answer back. And believe me, Sasuke can vouch for this. He'd experienced me in one of my moods before.

Okay, okay. Geez, sometimes you sound rediculously like Sasuke!

Uh oh. Time to change the subject. Uncomfortably, I look heavenward and looked at Sasuke who in turn was looking at me concernedly. I Iooked away and tried to stop my cheeks from flaming up.

For my plan to work, I need you to transfer some of your chakra to me, so I can visit your memories.

Okay...

I'll be getting some from Sasuke as well.

How do I give you my chakra?

Touch my hand with your ungloved hand. It's as simple as that.

Alright.

Sakura takes off her glove and reaches out to squeeze my hand. I instantaneously felt a serge of power as Sakura adds her chakra to mine. But then Sakura frowns at me.

What is it now?

How are you getting Naruto's chakra?

Already done. He slammed into me back in the tunnel and I helped him to his feet.

Sakura shook her head and looked amusedly and fondly at Naruto who was still arguing with Sasuke. Suddenly, Yamato interrupted our conversation – causing Sakura and I to jump 50 feet into the air.

Akima. Sasuke and Naruto are about to start fighting.

Way ahead of you, Yamato!

Sakura, Yamato and Sai watched in horror as Sasuke, with amazing speed and agility leaps off the lip of the crater and appeared in front of Naruto, who froze in shock. Sasuke placed his arm in a 'comarade style' fashion on Naruto's shoulder and had his other hand on the hilt of his Kusanagi No Tsurugi (Kusangai Grass Cutter) Katana sword. I felt my mouth drop open, feeling stunned.

"Woah! Turbo drive." I couldn't help but feel immensely impressed. Sakura immediately went on red alert.

"Oh no! Naruto!"

But Naruto was too busy to reply. It appeared that Sasuke was whispering to him, but there was no warmth in Sasuke's eyes as he spoke to Naruto.

"Come to think of it, wasn't it always your dream to become the Hokage someday? All of the time you spent chasing after me, would have been better off spent in training...wouldn't you agree, Naruto?" Sasuke sneered, I had to practically nail my feet the ground to prevent myself from going to Naruto's aid. I knew that Sasuke was supposed to say these things to Naruto, because someday it would be a inspiration for Naruto to get Sasuke back and keep his promise to Sakura.

"How can I become Hokage if I can't even save my friends? What do you think, Sasuke?" retorted Naruto, coolly. It was clear he wasn't in the mood to deal with Sasuke's bullshit.

"How witty, Naruto. And deeply touching. But that won't save you, unlike that whim I had the last time we fought and had spared you..." Sasuke slowly slid the katana out of its holster and I heard Naruto gulp from where I was standing. So I could hear it, then Sasuke certainly could hear it.

"But this time...my whim is telling me, to finish what I started." Sasuke prepared himself to impale Naruto on the end of his sword like a shish kabob.

It was time to act on the plan. Quickly, I turned to Sakura and took her by shoulders trying to get her to focus.

"Okay, Sakura. Listen to me."

"But Sasuke's gonna-"

"I know Sakura, I have a plan remember?"

Sakura nodded, understanding. Her anxious eyes focused on the terror and helplessness in Naruto's.

"Sai is going to intervene in a moment and this will cause a fight to start between Naruto, Sasuke, Sai and Yamato. Sasuke is then going to attack Yamato to kill and when Naruto goes to rescue Yamato that's when I'm going to get you to go to Naruto's side and explain my plan to him. I'm going to restrain Sasuke and that will give me his chakra."

"Then what are we gonna do?" asked Sakura. Still focusing on Naruto and Sasuke in their defensive stances.

"That's for me to know and you to find out, Sakura." She nodded.

"You ready?" I asked. And just as I accurately predicted; Sasuke in swift movements swung to kill and to everyone's astonishment, Sai blocked the movement by grabbing Sasuke's wrist. Sasuke turns and looks at Sai with a slightly impressed glare.

"That was the correct move." he complimented Sai. But then Sai tried to remove the sword from Sasuke's hands and is immediately shaken off by him. Sasuke focuses all his attention on Sai whom he dumped on the ground and was now moving in for the kill. He raises the sword in a defensive move.

"That was the wrong move" and stabs down. Yet again, Sasuke is blocked, but this time by a kunai blade held by Yamato.

"That is enough!" Yamato ordered, his eyes hard as steel. Sasuke laughed in Yamato's face and belts him across the jaw with his fist. Yamato crumples to the ground and roars in agony as Sasuke stabs Yamato in the shoulder with his sword which was now crackling with an electric blue aura.

"Sasuke! Stop it!" yells Naruto and goes to Yamato's aid. I saw my chance.

"Now, Sakura!" and the pink haired konoichi flew to a thoroughly confused Naruto's side and hastily whispered my plan in his ear. I landed behind Sasuke and brandished a very sharp kunai blade at his throat as I pressed my cousin's slender body to mine. Sasuke went to slice me in half but I pressed the point of the blade in the little nook of his throat and Sasuke, not being an idiot, froze.

"Don't fuck with me, Sasuke! Put your sword back in its scabbard now!" Sasuke started chuckling deep in his throat as he complied with my request. My cousin then did something that he knew I couldn't resist – taking my hand and tenderly holding it in his.

"Didn't know you had it in you, Akima. It's taken you all this time to become bloodthirsty and ruthless." I whispered in Sasuke's ear.

"That was just a ruse, sweetie." I looked at Sakura and shouted:

"Take my hand and Naruto's!"

Sakura immediately grabbed Naruto's hand and mine in an iron grip. Sasuke didn't have time to react except to snarl at me.

"DON'T YOU DARE, AKIMA!" I ignored Sasuke and formed my sharingans. The space around the four of us flashed and suddenly we felt as though somebody had fastened a hook around our waists and yanked us off our feet and propelled us screaming into darkness.