This is my tribute to Sasuke.

Things to remember:

A) I began writing this in '06, and it is awkward. I have a beta, but I asked them not to chang much because I wanted this story to remain as young as possible, so my readers could watch me grow as a writer.

B) I call this my 'Narutoland' universe. This will be helpful if you read my other stories.

C) This baby will seemingly go on forever. I will update it once a week, and I'm not sure how many chapters it will span.

D) My OC's will appear down the line, please respect them as such.

E) If you consider yourself a talented artist, and wish to visualize some scenes in here, please feel free to do so(but contact me so I can appreciate your amazing artwork).

F) I will insert quotes that are relevant to the Uchiha family in between scene changes, so don't ask. You'll find out later.

Notes from your Captin: this chapter is significantly shorter than last, but that's how life goes. Originally, Sasuke's return was just one piece. I've decided to break it down. The chapter sizes will vary, so please just deal with it. See you next Sunday!

Thanks for reading, and please enjoy.

Tsunade sighed for the fifth time that afternoon…which had only just begun. Naruto, the boy she would chose as her successor, and his girlfriend Hinata, had blindfolded her. Shizune and her bodyguards were out to lunch, and had been persuaded to go at Naruto's argument that he and Hinata could protect her.

"Why do I have to be blindfolded, you brat?" She asked. Naruto let out a nervous laugh.

"Eh, it was Sakura-chan's idea you see." He explained sheepishly.

"Don't listen to him Tsunade-sama." Sakura sighed as she entered the room, Sasuke behind her. He was wrapped up in so many cloaks he was unrecognizable. Shikamaru and Ino walk in behind them. When Neji and Tenten entered 15 minutes later, Shikamaru locked the door, Sakura closed the blinds, and Hinata took off Tsunade's blind fold.

"Tsunade-sama, this is simply a precaution. After I have your word that nothing negative will come from this, we'll open the place back up again." Sakura explained. Tsunade's brown eyes narrowed at the cloaked figure.

"Who the hell is this?" She asked. Sasuke quickly pulled off his robes. Tsunade groaned, sitting back in her chair. She knew it was something like this. Neji and Tenten were both frozen, staring a Sasuke in an almost daze.

"Why am I not surprised." Tsunade sighed. "Sakura, Naruto, I suggest you work this out amongst yourselves. I don't feel up to dealing with this." The Hokage said. Naruto beamed.

"Sure thing baa-chan. Come on Shikamaru, let's take the teme and Neji out for some ramen!" He exclaimed, dragging Shikamaru out of the room. Sasuke and Neji followed. Standing, Tsunade patted Sakura on the shoulder.

"I'll leave you in my office." She said softly. Sakura smiled.

"Thank you Tsunade-sama." She said softly as she left. Sighing, she turned to her girls.

"So…you just came back?" Neji asked softly. Sasuke nodded, just having repeated his tale. The foursome had walked to an abandoned part of the academy.

"Ah." He replied. Neji chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well, I suppose we should be grateful you are safe." The brunette said. Naruto snorted.

"Safe, yes. But he's also the same arrogant prick." Naruto teased. Sasuke glared. Before an argument could break out, Shikamaru sighed.

"So Neji, what's up with the glow?" He asked. Neji frowned.

"What glow?" He asked. Naruto nodded.

"Yeah, you're happier than normal. Did you get some last night?" He asked. He was crouching on the ground a minute later, having just dodged a kunai…with deadly accuracy. Ignoring Naruto's pout, Neji answered Shikamaru.

"I am getting married." He said simply. Naruto gasped, Sasuke's eyes widened, and Shikamaru nodded, having already guessed that.

"What?" Naruto shrieked.

"Congrats." Sasuke said.

"Hopefully your marriage will not be troublesome." Shikamaru said. Neji chuckled.

"You're getting married? To Tenten?" Naruto asked. Rolling his eyes, Neji nodded. The blond beamed.

"Sweet! I love wedding cake!" Naruto exclaimed. His friends simply sighed and shook their heads. Leave it to Naruto to only care about the food.

"Congrats Sakura. I'm guessing having him back makes you happy." Tenten said, clapping her on the shoulder. Sakura smiled, nodding.

"It does." She said warmly. A loud gasp had them looking over. Ino was wide-eyed, poiting at Tenten's finger.

"That's an engagement ring. Neji proposed!" She squealed.

"What? I'm so happy for you!" Sakura exclaimed. Hinata giggled, nodding.

"Welcome to our family, Ten." The shy konouchi said, hugging her friend. Tenten smiled.

"Thanks Hinata."

That night, a certain medic nin watched the moon quietly. Shivering slightly as a cold breeze swept in, she moved to close the windows. Pulling them closed, she jumped when she spotted her housemate in her doorway. Turning, she smiled.

"Sasuke-kun. How long have you been standing there?" She asked. He smirked, walking over to her. Gently gripping her shoulders, he smiled.

"Long enough to decide you need a patio. I think, once I'm fully healed, I'll build you one." He said softly. She grinned, standing on her toes to press a kiss to his lips.

"I'm so glad you're back." She whispered against his cheek. He nodded, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Ah." He replied simply, turning them to stare out at the night sky.

"Ino? What are you doing up this late?" Shikamaru yawned as he entered the greenhouse. His girlfriend shrugged, continuing her watering of the plants.

"The plants needed water." Ino said softly. Shikamaru frowned at the slightly detached statement. Walking forward, he noticed that water was dripping out of the pots. Deciding to take pity on the poor plants, he gently took the watering can away from her. As he placed it on the counter, she began to sob.

"Shh, it's okay." Shikamaru said softly as she cried into his chest.

"Oh Shika, it's so hard. I can't believe they're gone. Really gone." She sobbed. He nodded, pulling her closer still.

"I know, I know." He agreed, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"I tried so hard not to cry. I had to be strong for Sakura, and I…I failed." She sighed. He shook his head.

"You didn't fail. Crying is what makes us human, Ino. Sakura has other people who can support her. It's your turn, okay?" He asked. She nodded, tightening her grip around his waist.

"Yeah. I'm so happy you're here, Shika." Ino smiled slightly, looking up at him. He chuckled, cupping her cheek. Gently brushing away a stray tear with his thumb, he nodded.

"I know. I love you, Ino." He whispered fiercely. She nodded.

"I love you too." She replied, pulling him down for a kiss.

"Eh, Hinata-chan, what do you think of Neji getting married?" Naruto asked. Hinata shrugged, walking over to the couch.

"I'm happy he has found someone who can make him happy. He's been alone since his face died." She explained, smiling when Naruto pushed her hair behind her ear.

"Well, it's not like this is a surprise. He's only been in love with since forever!" Naruto chuckled. Hinata giggled, leaning against him. As she traced his necklace, she let her mind wander.

"Naruto-kun, Tsunade-sama seemed worried about Sasuke's return. Is there a big reason for concern?" She asked, glancing up at him. He shrugged.

"Well, I think it's just cause she's unhappy about it. She's worried he'll hurt Sakura-chan again, but kept her mouth shut because Sakura-chan was smiling. Reallysmiling." Naruto sighed. Hinata nodded.

"She does seem much happier." She agreed, her thoughts going to Sakura's huge grin. Yawning, Naruto pulled Hinata closer.

"Well, it's getting late. Time for bed." He said, standing. Hinata nodded, allowing him to pull her into their bedroom.

Across town, Tenten was sitting on the bed she shared with her new fiance, looking through the bingo book. Neji sat beside her, looking through a report on the political struggle in Kumogakure. As she turned the next page, she frowned"Neji, who is this?" She asked, showing him the book. Neji sighed as he recognisd the mask and dark hair.

"His name is Haku. Why?" He asked. She turned the next page, nodding to herself.

"I knew it. I've seen him before. I think Mom has a picture of him at the house. We have the same nose." She added, pointing to the picture. Neji's frown deepened when he noticed she was right. Sighing, he wrapped an arm around her. If he was related to her, then his death would hurt her.

"They say his parents died when he was very young. Orphaned, he was taken in by the demon of the mist, Zabuza. Both were destroyed by Team 7." He explained. She nodded, frowning.

"Huh. I'll have to go and ask Mom about him sometime." Tenten said, standing up to put the book onto it's shelf. After sitting the book down, she paused.

"Tenten?" Neji asked, concerned. As she slowly turned to him, Neji became overwhelmed with a sense of dread. His eyes widened when she suddenly dropped to her knees, dark brown eyes wide.

"Ten!" He exclaimed, jumping up.

"Neji…" She whispered weakly, gripping onto him. Wrapping an arm around her securely, he helped her over to their bed.

"What's wrong?" He asked, eyes softening with concern. She put a hand to forehead, closing her eyes. "Ten?"

"I don't know. I just became so light-headed." She explained helplessly. At his concerned stare, she sighed. "I think I'm just overwhelmed." Tenten sighed, wrapping her arms around her legs. Neji frowned, gently rubbing her shoulders.

"Is it because of me?" He asked. She shook her head, smiling slightly.

"No. It's just…well, now that Sasuke's back, I'm a little uneasy. And lately…I've been wondering things about my family. Tonight seemed to conform my worries about my family too." She sighed. His eyes widened slightly.

"What are you talking about?" He asked, that ealier sense of dread coming back full force. She sighed, shaking her head.

"It's just…I look nothing like my parents. Now, out of the blue, I find a guy who looks similar to me. It just made me wonder if I know everything about them." She explained, brown eyes staring out in front of her, but not seeing. "When I was younger, I sound a picture of myself in the attic. I was standing next to a woman who did look like me. Since Mom is older than most, I just assumed it was her when I was 3 or 4...but then, a few months ago, I found a picture of Haku with that woman, and what I assumed was her husband. The woman was pregnant."

Neji sighed, leaning against her back.

"I'll look into it for you." He promised, kissing her cheek. She smiled, nodding.

"Okay. Thanks, Neji."