Naruto's eyes bore into the golden eyes of the Hokage, "You've got to be fucking kidding me," he growled quietly as he stared into her eyes. "They haven't even left the village without me!"

Tsunade held up a file and sighed, "There's a lot of things you haven't been paying attention to, Naruto," she muttered at he swiped the file from her hands. "Tamori's been leaving every four days, Takemaru every two."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he slowly stepped next to his best friend, "And the other?"

Tsunade rubbed her temples, "Kamiko's been leaving every other day, twice a day the past few weeks." Naruto's eyes widened as he looked at the woman, "I know, Naruto, you cant believe it… but the facts are there."

Naruto was silent as he looked through the file: pictures of his students, days and times on when they'd left the village, first-hand accounts of their reactions when confronted, and even proof of Kamiko and Takemaru using their bloodlines to escape being followed. There was no denying that he had missed something about their actions. The blonde rubbed his eyes and sighed softly, "What can we do," he groaned quietly, his tone quickly becoming defeated.

Tsunade's eyes closed slowly as her fingertips massaged her temples softly, "Naruto, just go home, relax." Sasuke's eyes sharpened as he looked at the woman. "The ball is in a few days… Team seven has to be ready at all costs." Naruto looked up in confusion, feeling Sasuke's chakra twisting inside of him. "Despite the threat of a traitor… one of you will be the next Hokage."

The woman's smile curled up into the happiest smile they had seen in years. Sasuke narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean?"

Tsunade stood up and did something that no one would have expected. She bowed. "Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke," she started as she straigtened herself, "You are two of the three candidates for the position of Hokage."

Naruto's eyes slowly grew, glowing as he took her words in. Sasuke, feeling humbled by the woman in front of him, could only close his eyes. "Wait," Naruto muttered softly as his brows frowned together, Tsunade's smile slowly growing into a smirk as the wheels turned within the man's head. "Sakura-chan!" He screamed happily.

Tsunade smiled proudly, "That's right, all of team seven is up for the position." Naruto's eyes became the size of saucers as he stared at the woman in pure shock. Slowly, as the seconds ticked by, Naruto's eyes glistened with tears that threatened to fall. Tsunade smiled at the boy with a proud motherly smile before whispering, "Come give me a hug, baka." Naruto jumped across the room and wrapped his arms around the woman, nearly crushing her with his force. Sasuke just shoved his hands into his pockets, chuckling softly at the sight of his teammate.

"Only a few more days," Sakura whispered to herself as she walked out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her chest. Her emerald eyes slowly looked over at the dress hanging on the chair. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she felt a weight on her shoulders. I shouldn't have told him that was my dress… she thought to herself, He'll call me a liar the second he sees Ino-pig wearing it.

Another sigh escaped her lips as she ran her fingers through her hair. "You sigh a lot, Sakura-chan." Sai muttered softly as he sat in her window sill.

Sakura turned and glared at the man, "Coming into someone's home without being invited is rude," she growled quietly in a matter-of-fact tone.

Sai smiled, giving a simple nod, "Ino-chan sent me." Sakura's brow rose in confusion, "She said you can keep the dress, she found a new one." The confusion was quickly replaced with concern as she looked over at the black dress uncertainly. Sai stepped inside the house and looked at the woman with a soft look, "You're the same size as Ino-chan aren't you?" he asked simply.

Sakura's fingers pressed against her lips as she held her hand above her mouth and confusion, "Yes, why?" she asked quietly as her glowing eyes turned to the cobalt ones held by her teammate. Sai silently walked to her closet, pulling out a green A-line dress, "Was this what you were going to wear?" he asked simply.

"T-That's none of your business!" Sakura gasped out as a blush slowly covered her cheeks. Sai gave her a blank stare, waiting for her answer. "Yeah, it is," the pinkette whispered in a defeated tone.

Sai gave a smile and tossed the green dress into the trash, "Wear the black one," he stated simply as he walked back towards the window. "Kakashi-san will actually fight for you when Uchiha-san gets protective."

Sakura's blush darkened as her eyes fell to the floor, "How do you know about that?"

Sai gave a quiet chuckle, "Word's already spreading, Sakura-chan," the false grin on his face became real as he teased, "Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura, huh?"

Sakura grinned, "You know it," she chuckled to herself, her hand reaching for the black dress, "Do you really think he'll like it?"

"I like it." Sai said simply, "And that's saying something." Sakura's hand clamped over her mouth as she tried to hold back the chuckle erupting from her chest.

Kakashi adjusted the jacket of suit, quickly pulling up his mask as the door opened. Genma walked in with a grin tugging at his lips, "There's a lot of ladies out there…" he grinned to himself, a well-known perverted grin, "You could find the future Mrs. Hatake out there." The man teased feeling his companion's discomfort but Kakashi could only roll his eye. Leaving the doorway, Genma strode into the room, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "You actually look decent," the man complimented as an honest smile tugged at his lips.

Kakashi gave the man a shy smile under his mask, an unspoken thank you floating between the two men. "Kakashi! You're the picture of youth!" Called out a man from the doorway; his usual green jumpsuit replaced with black pants and a black suit jacket over a forest green undershirt. Gai ran into the room with pure joy, excitement in every step. "Pride must be coursing through your viens!" he glowed happily as he grabbed Kakashi hands and held them with glistening eyes.

Kakashi rose a brow in confusion, not for the intense jester but for the words that the overly excited man spoke, looking to Genma for answers. Genma chuckled, writing Kakashi's confusion off as a joke. Moments passed as Kakshi stared blankly and Genma could only gasp out, "You really don't know?" He asked quietly as he stared at the man with pure bewilderment. "All three of your students are in the running for the next Hokage." Genma grinned happily as he continued, "And they're choosing who tonight."

Kakshi's eyes widened as he stayed frozen in his spot, My students? All of them? His brain wondered as he thought, My students, his mind repeated as shock dulled releasing the flood gates of his pride. Never had there been a moment quiet like this; yes there had been pride when Naruto saved the village from Pein, when Sasuke and Naruto had beaten Madara while Sakura single handedly healed the village… but all three of his students were in line for Hokage. The only students he had ever passed as genin were now strong enough for the title of Hokage. Guess they're not students anymore.

"That's pride," Genma laughed as Kakashi stood frozen in his thoughts.

Kakashi, finally snapping out of his shock, suddenly asked, "Even Sakura?" It had been a few days since the silver haired man had seen the woman and he was aching for her. Part of him just wanted to hear about the pastel haired woman while another part of him still questioned her abilities in comparison to Naruto or Sasuke, besides her medical ninjustsu.

Both Genma and Gai looked at each other and chuckled, "Sakura-chan? Are you kidding?" Genma chuckled as he thought about the woman's brute strength.

Gai rested his hand on the silver haired man's' shoulder in pure reassurance, "Haruno-san is a fantastic shinobi. Before she quit missions, she was the finest tactician on my team. With medical expertise she was a fantastic assassin. She's saved many lives with just her quick thinking alone."

Kakashi felt something inside him ache as he listened to his friends talk about a woman he didn't know; she was nothing like the kind hearted medic. She wasn't his Sakura. What kind of Hokage would she be? He questioned quietly in the depths of his mind, feeling the ache for the woman grow at the thought of her. Sakura… Kakashi looked down pretending to check his clothes once again as he thought about the pinkette, I wonder who she came with tonight… in that dress.

Genma adjusted the senbon in his mouth as he looked at the clock on the wall, "Look at the time," he muttered softly as a grin curved his lips. The ball was starting beneath them; music beginning to echo through the halls of the hotel. A greedy smirk played against his lips, "Time to have some fun."

"The flow of you begs us to!" Gai screamed happily as he shot his fist into the air. Kakashi, standing behind the two, couldn't help but laugh to himself; some things would never change.

As they walked down into the gala hall, Kakashi's eyes widened. He hadn't seen this many shinobi since the war. Every village had at least 100 people attending the celebration of the end of the war; as well as to see the next Hokage. Familiar faces that he could put a name to, all dressed up for the biggest party of the year. With so many people, Kaksahi couldn't help but groan; he was never good in crowds. I guess I'll just have to stick around Genma and Gai until I find other people I know… The reluctant thought was already causing the man a headache. KAakshi followed the dark haired man through the crowds, his grey eye scanning the crowd of happy people looking for someone he was slightly more comfortable with.

"Kakashi," Genma laughed, "Since you haven't been here before, let me buy you a drink." Kakashi felt a sudden weight on his shoulders as he watched the man walk towards the par. After asking for the drinks, Kakashi's suspicion was rewarded when Genma looked at him and grinned, "Get ready for one hell of a hang over."

Naruto's heart beat in his ears as he waiting at the front door. Today was the day he had waited so long for. "Urg!" he growled out as he began pacing back and forth, his hands running through his hair.

A quiet giggle shocked him from his thoughts, "I've never seen him so nervous!" Sakura cooed as she stepped forward out of the darkness. Naruto's sapphire eyes glistened in the dim light as he looked at the woman, silently admiring her beauty as she floated closer, "Let me fix your tie."

Naruto felt his jaw threaten to drop as he watched the woman walk closer. A silk black dress clung to her body in all the right places. The simple cut of the V neck stopped right in the center of her perky breasts, allowing the perfect amount of cleavage to show. As Naruto's eyes scanned the woman he couldn't help but look her up and down. At the hem of the dress, that ended an inch above mid high, was a layer of simple black lace that added an extra bit of flare. Long, toned, alabaster legs were only amplified by the 3 inch strappy heals that she wore.

Sasuke stopped in his tracks as he looked at the woman in front of him. Though he could only see her profile, he couldn't help but stand speechless. The low back of her dress went to the curve of her spine white it hugged along her backside. Her pastel hair gleamed in the dim light, pulled up in a messy bun with a clip; the only part of her outfit that was professional. Strands fell and framed her face, but as he looked at her face his eyes widened. I forgot how beautiful she is…

Sakura's bright emerald eyes were accentuated by the black and silver smokey eyeshadow that she wore, her long lashes fluttering as her eyes opened and closed, a light red gloss plumbing her lips, and her flawless skin glowed like an angel under the light. I'm in for a long night, Sasuke growled to himself as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Sasuke stepped closer, a silent grin on his face as he watched the pair. Sakura stood like a statue, glowing in the low light as she adjusted the fidgeting blonde's tie. "Dobe," Sasuke called, alerting the two to his presence, "Don't be nervous," he called nonchalantly, as his hands once again found their way to his pockets.

Sakura's smile softened at the man's words knowing full well that Sasuke was just as nervous but wanting to reassure his best friend that being nervous wouldn't solve anything. Naruto, on the other hand, did not see the Uchiha's true intent, "Teme! You have no idea how long I've waited for this!" he growled.

Sakura, sensing Naruto's tension, cracked her knuckles slowly to get their attention. "We have people waiting for us to arrive," she muttered softly, a soft smile tugging t her lips as the boys slowly walked to her side.

Naruto and Sasuke both took one of Sakura's arms and linked it with their won. A goofy grin played on Naruto's lips as he looked over at his teammates, "Never thought this would happen, did you?" The words made Sakura giggle and Sasuke smirk. Neither of them expected to be standing beside Naruto for the Hokage title. Sakura turned and looked at the cobalt haired man beside her, a secret message sparkling in her eyes, in which Sasuke returned with a soft nod. "Hinata-chan's waiting for me," Naruto beamed with a blush across his cheeks making Sakura laugh. "Oi, Sakura-chan?" he asked quietly as confusion replaced the happy glow in his eyes, "Did you ever find a date?" He asked curiously.

A soft blush painted Sakura's cheeks as her glossy lips curled. Her head turned towards Sasuke trying to keep her giggle to herself, "Not really," she muttered softly as she smiled at the man. The raven haired Uchiha only gave a small devious smirk.

Naruto gave a heavy sigh and looked at the two in confusion, "Teme, this is a bad idea."

Sasuke huffed quietly to himself as his grip around Sakura's arm got tighter, "Lets go," he snapped as he and Naruto pushed open the doors walking into the crowded room. As if on cue, everyone turned and looked at the trio, clapping loudly as they walked in. Sasuke scanned the crowd, watching as all the men kept their hungry eyes watching the pink haired goddess, It's going to be a long night.

Kamiko felt her breath catch in her throat as she watched her sensei walk into the ballroom. So many questions were running through her mind from the past few days. Her sharp purple eyes scanned the crowd looking for her teammates, Did Hokage-sama not let them free…? She questioned softly as she pressed her shoulder against the wall, cradling her arms. I've never felt so alone… Doubt crept through her mind as the world became silent to her. Suddenly, Kamiko was pulled through the dark doorway; a hand over her mouth.

Kamiko felt her back pressed against the wall as her shoulder was gripped tightly, a hand over her mouth, "Shh!" hushed a familiar voice. Kamiko stared wide eyed at the shinobi in front of her. "Are you done freaking out?"

Slowly, the shinobi moved his hand from her mouth, "Takemaru!" Kamiko gasped out loudly as anger bubbled benieth her skin, "What the hell?" she snapped darkly.

Takemaru's gold eyes glowed in the dark light as he glared at the younger girl, "Shut up," he snarled as he looked out to the crowd once again, "I need you to stay away from all the ANBU, okay? I know you know who they are."

Kamiko's brows frowned in confusion as she looked at her team mate, "Why?" she questioned hesitantly.

"Please, I need you safe," he muttered softly as he lowered his head, "I have to find Tamori-chan before anything starts."

"Starts?" Kamiko's eyes widened suddenly as she understood what was going on, "What's going to happen, Takemaru?"

"The Hokage thinks that we're traitors, all of us. She's going to have the ANBU execute us after the ball." Takemaru bowed his head once again as he looked at his teammate with pleading eyes, "I need to keep you both safe… so give me time to find Tamori-chan."

"Tamori-chan's missing? Isnt she with the other medics?" Kamiko asked as her eyes became sharp and calculating. Something's not right…

Takemaru shook his head, "I went to check, she's not there," he muttered with pure concern as his eyes continued to scan the crowd outside the doorframe.

He's lying, her purple eyes scanned the man once again, watching his body movements. Kamiko nodded, He's being honest about not knowing where she is though… seeing the confusion in the man's eyes was enough for her. Somehow, I need to find Kakashi-san before anything happens. Tamori-chan and Takemaru… they're both up to something.