Chapter 3:

AN: Thanks to all my readers and reviewers. I really appreciate your support. Sorry for the long break between updates. I've started university and a job and having been playing far too much TF2. Btw I loved Meet the Pyro ("Do you believe in magic …" ). The 'Meet the Series'; in my opinion is one of the best advert series ever. Check it out!

Onto the story!

Sakura stifled a yawn behind her hand as she lazily walked towards a set of rooms just east of the Forest of Death. She savoured the crisp air of the pristine Konoha morning as the buildings came into view. Sakura prided herself on her punctuality and she was surprised to see that most of her childhood friends had already gathered outside the door to the set of exam rooms she was walking towards, and were idly chatting amongst themselves.

"Ohaiyo Sakura!" Ino called, waving her arm in the distance.

Sakura walked closer to the group of young ninja before returning the greeting.

"Ohaiyo Ino. Isn't it a wonderful morning." Sakura smiled happily.

"You bet it is," Ino grinned. "Especially since Ibiki is giving us our guidelines today. I can't wait to torment those innocent little children." Ino rubbed her hands together. "And we have to think of something to trip up Naruto too! Maybe genjutsu or a physics question or maybe…"

Sakura train of thought left Ino's ramblings, which quite frankly were scaring her a little. The gusto with which she had approached this new mission was an attitude Sakura had never quite seen before.

A hush fell over the group as the doors to the exam rooms opened outwards and Ibiki emerged, before wordlessly ushering them inside.

The Konoha ninja immediately recognised the classrooms as being the ones they first sat their own written sections of the chuunin exams in. Ibiki began.

"I'll get straight down to business. The exam is typically broken into 3 parts. A written exam, a team challenge and individual fights. Each section is design to assess different qualities required to be a ninja. The written exam is less focussed on the questions, as you know, and is used to assess an applicant attitude. Each village has their own trick which is used to put the applicants under stress and test their decision making skills under the pump. The second section is designed to test teamwork and survival skills and the final showcases each applicant individual fighting ability.

The tests you devise must assess these skills. In addition to this, the tests must have a minimal risk of death or permanent injury, but should simulate some of the more challenging aspects of ninja life. Once you have decided on your tests, they will be preliminarily authorised by me before ultimately being signed off by the Hokage. You all have been given free schedules today and tomorrow to finalise your plans. Good luck and any questions?"

The young Konoha ninja stood their dumbly, as the attempted to digest the information which had been shot at them in rapid fire succession. It didn't take long for them to realise that they had learnt nothing new and short silence succeeded Ibiki's lecture.

"Very well then, if you want to run anything by me I will be in my office," Ibiki concluded before walking away anticlimactically.

"Well let's get started!" Ino squealed with excitement.

"Ohaiyo Hokage-sama," Kakashi eye-smiled.

"Kakashi," Tsunade sighed. The silver haired man had been such a help to her over the years. She could only hope he would do an even better job as Naruto's advisor. "Things have been quiet the last few years, but I have another S-class mission for you."

Kakashi immediately became serious. It had been over a year since Tsunade had last given him an S-rank.

"Hai, Hokaga-sama. What do I need to do?"

Tsunade looked sternly into Kakashi's one visible eye – analysing him. Sasuke had once been Kakashi's favourite student. He had felt indebted to the Uchiha clan and had helped shape the monster that Sasuke had once been. Would he have the discipline to kill the young ninja if the worst should happen? To Tsunade Sasuke was still a wild card, not to be trusted. He needed to be watched. He needed to be reintegrated. He needed help. After a long pause Tsunade replied.

"I have order the conditional release of Uchiha Sasuke."

Kakashi's eye went visibly wide. It was so soon. What did she want to accomplish from this? What did he have to do with it?

"I want you to watch him. I need you to ensure that he is truly not a danger to this village. The knowledge of his release has not been made public and is still currently a secret. Up until a week before the chuunin exams he will live and train with you. He is not to leave your sight. Get him back to fighting shape; he will be participating in the chuunin exams with Naruto. Whether I like it or not, if Naruto is to become the Hokage, Sasuke will hold considerable political power in the village. If it is going to happen anyway I may as well start integrating him into the village now."

Understanding, Kakashi nodded. "Having him publically participate in the chunnin exams will be the best way to illustrate to the other countries that he is no longer a danger."

"That's just it Kakashi. Is he really no longer a danger?" Tsunade let the question hang in the air. An uncomfortable silence grew, and the senior Jonnin was not able to answer. Tsunade continued.

"If you see even the slightest hint of his madness, or anger returning place these on him." Tsunade said as she handed Kakashi a set of the blue chakra restricting hand and feet bindings. "If restraining him is not possible…" Tsunade took a breath. It had to be done. "Kill him."

Kakashi nodded. He had seen what Sasuke had once become. He had once had the determination to kill his student, and if he needed to he could do it again.

"I also strictly prohibit the use of Mangekyo Sharingan, you know the power and madness it brings" Tsunade continued. "Also, keep him hidden from the village till I publically announce his freedom."

Kakashi nodded his agreement. Only the formalities remained.

"Kakashi Hatake, do you accept this mission?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Very well. Shizune!" The Hokage called. "Bring him in."

A few moments later a sullen Shizune walked in half carrying the atrophied Sasuke behind her. In the daylight he was an appalling sight. Dried blood had caked around his ankles and wrists where the restraints had bit into him over the years. He was frighteningly thin, his ribs visible through the thin, soiled shirt he was wearing. His sharp cheekbones accentuated his sunken, dark eyes which were mostly covered by his over grown hair. His appearance was somewhat reminiscent of his cursed seal form.

"Hello Sasuke," Kakashi gently smilled.

Sasuke was in turmoil. Entering the Hokage's office he had noticed the silvered Jonnin and was unsure how to respond to his suspiciously warm greeting. He had tried to kill Kakashi on more than one occasion. How did he feel towards him? Was it safe? Sasuke made up his mind. He had to change if he wanted other to see him differently. He had been given a second chance, and if not for himself he would do it for Naruto and Itachi. The reply left his cracked lips without irony.

"Good morning, sensei"

Kakashi did not let the shock show on his face and continued smiling. He liked this new Sasuke already.

AN: Sorry for the short chapter - it just provides a bit of context. The next chapter is the start of the chuunin exams and will be up within the week :).