An: Thank you to those that review as always. Your humble author S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.

Chapter 4: Distant

Creeping through the forest Naruto and the others found the base that Kurotsuchi had escaped from. They found it atop the Black Hills in Grass Country. The building itself was a cross between a mansion and a prison. When Naruto saw the building he cussed to himself, having seen it once before when he was traveling with Jiraiya. Although when they had been here the place had been decommissioned. They had been camping in these very woods while on their way to Bird Country. Thinking back on the memory brought a smile to his face as he indulged himself and remembered it.

Sitting around a camp fire Naruto said, "Man that's one creepy building Pervy Sage."

"Indeed it is Kid," Jiraiya had said. "If it hadn't of gotten dark there is no way I would have camped here."

"Really why?" Naruto asked.

Getting a spooky voice Jiraiya said, "Because of the spirits that inhabit that building."

"Spirits," Naruto said slightly worried.

"Oh yeah kid," Jiraiya had replied, "Black Woods Prison is filled with spirits. Hundreds possibly even thousands of people died in that place in agony."

"O come on, you're just trying to scare me," Naruto replied dismissing Jiraiya's claims.

Losing the joking tone is his voice and looking serious at the building Jiraiya had said, "I wish I was. But I ensure you, that place is filled with evil. During the Second Great Ninja War many poor souls had their lives destroyed by the mad man that ran that prison conducting experiments that even Orochimaru would consider inhumane." Gaining the light tone in his voice again he said, "Well sleep tight Naruto," and he promptly went to bed. Needless to say Naruto didn't get any sleep that night.

Climbing a tree Naruto began scouting out the defenses of the prison. He could see a few shinobi walking the grounds as well as a few men with dogs but he didn't think they were nin-dogs so they would pose no problem. He wasn't surprised that the building wasn't enclosed by a fence or a wall seeing as they wouldn't even slow down most ninja. But he did see a big problem when a Shinobi wearing the brown and gold half-cloak of a Deathseeker stepped out of the prison to walk the grounds. Naruto instantly recognized the man having had more than one run in with the organization that he was a legend of. The Deathseekers' name was Katsuro the Immortal.

Climbing down the tree Konan asked, "How does it look?"

"Impenetrable," Naruto said calmly.

Konan smiled saying, "It wouldn't be the first time. So how do you want to go about taking it down?"

Naruto shook his head saying, "I'm serious this time Konan. It's bad. Not to mention Katsuro the Immortal is here."

Not only did Konan look shocked at that bit of news, but so did Kurotsuchi and Karui. Sakura on the other hand embarrassedly said, "Who?"

Karui stared at Sakura saying, "Where have you been, under a rock?"

Sakura looked like she was about to snap back, but Konan stepped in sensing the start of another argument between the two saying, "He is a legend among the Deathseekers. You do know what that group is, don't you?"

"Some kind of special Grass unit, right?" Sakura replied.

"An oversimplification," Konan stated. "They are a group that vows to either achieve their objective or die."

"Isn't that something that most Shinobi do," Sakura said lightly.

"Not to this extent," Konan replied, "they see themselves as already dead, so if they were ordered to storm a heavily defended fortress they would with exploding tags strapped to their chests. Figuring one way or the other the objective will be achieved. It was Kyo's killing of twenty such men that earned him the name Desert Fox."

"You mean defeated don't you," Sakura said.

"No she means killed," Naruto replied unemotionally, "Didn't you hear what she said. They don't quit until they are dead or the objective is complete and Katsuro is the strongest. He has been in that group for over twenty years, which is why they call him the Immortal."

Sakura flinched slightly at the cold tone Kyo, or as she thought of him now Naruto, had addressed her but remained quiet. Changing the subject Konan said addressing Naruto, "Still if I know you, there is a plan floating around in that head of yours on how to take this place down."

Using a light tone in which Sakura could hear the smile on his face as he addressed Konan, making her slightly jealous, due to it having used to been her who had heard it, Naruto said, "I might have half a plan, but I'll need the Kages' permission and help to pull it off. Besides at the moment it is more important that we get the information to the Five Element Village."

The others nodded their heads in agreement, so they backtracked back the way they came before heading east towards the Land of Fire. During the journey Sakura tried to speak to Kyo several times but each time was rebuffed. Not harshly, but more of a subtle hint, such as while tree hopping she would try to pick up her speed to pull up next to him only to find the distance never decreased and they would soon pull ahead of the others. However the only thing that made her feel okay about it was that he was keeping his distance from Karui too. Although the Cloud-nin wasn't exactly trying to start a conversation with him like her, the only person he interacted with socially was Konan.

After several days they arrived at the Five Element Village. When they had been about an hour away they had sensed several shinobi patrols that had probably reported their coming. So they weren't surprised when they were met at the gate by a group of shinobi who escorted them to the Central Tower and Kage meeting room.

Entering the Kage meeting room, Sakura saw Kakashi but was surprised and pleased to see Karin sitting behind him next to Rock Lee. She wasn't quite sure where she should stand however Kyo marched right to the center of the room without hesitation with Konan and Kurotsuchi following him. She noticed that Karui went to sit behind her Kage so she followed suit sitting next to Karin. Leaning towards her fellow kunoichi she whispered, "What are you doing her Karin?"

Shrugging her shoulders Karin replied, "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure. The Hokage summoned me here and then said to scan Kyo's chakra. But if you ask me it seems to be a rather silly reason to piss off the Raikage. He was less than pleased by my showing up."

"How did he manage to convince the Raikage to let you stay?" Sakura asked.

"He didn't really. The Raikage ranted about me being here for almost an hour while we waited for you guys to arrive. When the Raikage paused to ask if the Hokage understood where he was coming from he simply asked him if he had said something. That kind of took the wind out of the Raikage's sails," Karin said with a small smile.

Sakura flashed a big one having seen the same tactic used by Kakashi many times in the past during his dealings with Gai. But then she began to wonder if Kakashi suspected the same thing she did. Which was that the man standing in front of the assembled Kages, was indeed Naruto, she was about to get up and ask him when Mifune started the meeting.

The Raikage started things off by saying, "So this is the famous Desert Fox. I somehow imagined you'd be taller."

Turning to the large man Naruto said, "Well you should have seen me a few years ago."

"Cute," the Raikage replied, "But on to business, what have you found out about Iwa?"

"It has been completely destroyed," Naruto replied.

The room erupted into hushed whispers until the Mizukage asked, "Did you see this destruction with your own eyes?"

"Not exactly," Naruto replied, "Unfortunately, a new and troubling situation had arisen that required me to change the mission. However, Kurotsuchi here is a member of Iwa and was present at its destruction."

"Yes, I remember her. She was one of the bodyguards of the Tsuchikage," the Mizukage replied slightly disappointed in the mercenary, "But your mission was to ascertain Iwa's fate. Not to take the word of one of its ninja."

"With all due respect Mizukage, I said I didn't see it exactly but I did ascertain Iwa's destruction," Naruto said. "I have means to in a sense be in two places at once, so I assure you what Kurotsuchi says is true. Iwa is no more. But as distressing as that is, I'm afraid it gets worse. Akatsuki is experimenting in giving soldiers the Curse Mark."

Again the room exploded in noise as people talked amongst themselves until Mifune called the meeting to order. The leader of the Samurai then asked, "How can you be sure?"

"I faced one of their experiments when we found Kurotsuchi," Naruto answered.

"That isn't what I mean," Mifune said, "How can you be sure it is a Curse Mark and not some other form of experimentation? After all, while Grass and Sound may be allies, I don't believe Sound would hand over Orochimaru's data on the matter. Do you have some previous experience with the Curse Marks of Orochimaru?"

Naruto flinched; he hadn't been able to help it. Instead of lying he said, "You'll just have to take my word on the matter."

Sakura picked up on the flinch and then she knew. No matter how coolly he played it, Sasuke always brought out strong emotions in Naruto. Raising her hand she said, "I attained samples from the creature. With Karin's help we should be able to figure out if this is based on Orochimaru's work."

Karin chimed in next saying, "Although, it is very likely seeing as Juugo was the original source material for the Curse Marks."

Hearing that many of the Kages looked worried so Naruto said, "It's not all bad news though; we found where they are conducting the experiments so we should be able to send a team in to destroy the place." Naruto then began to outline everything they had learned about the complex. As he finished he could see the Kage still looked less than thrilled.

Naruto was waiting for one of the Kage's to suggest a plan of action so was surprised when Mifune said, "May I suggest we move on to other business?"

That didn't fly with Naruto who said, "What? That's it. You're just going to let them keep experimenting on people and do nothing about the base."

"It isn't that simple," the Raikage snapped.

"I know it's not simple, but you can't just ignore it and move onto other business."

"We'll address it when the time is right," the Raikage said.

Growling slightly Naruto replied, "The time is now."

Standing angrily the Raikage said, "Listen boy, just how do you expect me to deal with this huh? For one, I wouldn't be able to get a large enough task force to the base without them being detected and even if I could this undertaking would be ranked as a Z-class mission due to it taking place so deep behind enemy lines. In other words, it's a suicide mission. None of the Kages present want to sacrifice their men in such a way. So from which village will I pull the necessary man power, huh? Kohona, Kiri, my own, I would be willing to do it if I was sure the mission would be a success. But I doubt it would be."

Sitting back down he continued, "The team would have to travel behind enemy lines, get into the base, and then destroy it while having to escape or defeat the defenders during the mission and afterwards during the escape back to friendly territory. It can't be done."

"I can do it," Naruto said shocking everyone present.

It was at that point that Kakashi said while getting up and yawning, "How about a short recess?"

The other Kages looked like they wanted to hear what the mercenary was going to say but in the end agreed. Before Kakashi left the room motioning for his shinobi to follow he said, "Kyo, I would like to speak to you in my office during this break if you don't mind."

The masked mercenary looked at him for several seconds before saying, "Sure, give me a few minutes to talk to the Kazekage."

As the Leaf contingent walked to their part of the tower Kakashi said, "Well Karin?"

"His chakra was warm and sunny if you ask me," Karin replied, "and he wasn't lying about anything."

"How deep did you scan?" Kakashi asked.

"Um, not deep, why?" she replied.

"Please do so."

"Yes sir," closing her eyes she could feel him as he talked to the Kazekage. Feeling the chakra she had the vague sense she sensed it before but couldn't place when. Bothered by the feeling put pushing it to the side she began to scan deeper, that's when she felt it a chakra so menacing and evil it made her stumble. Opening her eyes she said, "He has a second chakra and it's so dark and menacing."

"Kakashi-sensei…"

"Not here Sakura, we'll talk in my office," Kakashi said cutting her off.

When entering the Hokage's office they found Kiba sitting there waiting on them sitting in the Hokage's seat looking out the window. Standing and looking slightly embarrassed he said, "Sorry sir."

Waving it off Kakashi took his seat and wasn't surprised that as soon as he sat down Sakura said accusingly, "You knew all along."

Correcting her he replied, "I suspected for some time. But I wasn't sure until just now."

"When?"

Understanding that she was asking him when he first began to suspect Kakashi replied, "Do you remember the hostage situation that arose when Kyo first showed up?" Sakura shook her head no, having not really paid attention to such things seeing as Akatsuki used the tactic of kidnapping high priority targets to force the Shinobi Alliance to concede to their demands several times. Explaining the exact one he meant Kakashi said, "Well the Land of Wind's Daimyo had been abducted and was being held in his own palace in attempt to get Suna to surrender. Gaara sent Kyo to deal with the situation. No Kage would send a mercenary to rescue his country's Daimyo, unless he was absolutely sure that the man was on the level. Since that was the first time Kyo worked for Suna it would imply that Gaara knew he could trust him, which in turn made me question how they knew each other. But I suppose your Master gave me the biggest clue."

Surprised Sakura said, "Lady Tsunade knew."

"Yes, but only recently."

The reason for Tsunade's sudden good mood suddenly became clear to Sakura as she said, "That's why she was so happy before we left for this village."

Giving an eye smile Kakashi said, "Exactly, when you have had so much taken from you like Tsunade you can't help but feel overjoyed when life gives you something back."

A little hurt and betrayed Sakura said, "Why didn't she tell me?"

Kiba tired of having no idea what anyone was talking about asked, "What the hell is going on? What are you all talking about?"

Addressing the Inuzuka, Kakashi said, "Well, it would appear that Kyo the mercenary of Suna is in fact Naruto."

Smiling Kiba said, "I knew that knucklehead wouldn't have gone out like a punk. No wonder you didn't want me in the meeting I would of sniffed him out huh."

"Exactly," Kakashi said lightly, "and knowing you. You would have blurted his identity out for everyone to hear, something he has taken great pains to avoid."

Sakura had retreated inside herself trying to figure out why Naruto was keeping his distance from her. Also because she felt betrayed by Tsunade and Kakashi for keeping this a secret from her, getting angrier and angrier she said in a calm voice that instantly had Kakashi on edge knowing that if he wasn't careful violence would erupt, "Why didn't you tell me you suspected he was alive?"

Sweating nervously Kakashi said, "I didn't want to give you false hopes."

He breathed a silent sigh of relief that she seemed to accept his excuse, which lasted until Kiba said, "Why are you so upset? Do you want another stab at being the one to get him killed?" Kiba never even saw the fist that knocked him into the middle of next week as he was violently ejected from the room by going through a wall.

Kakashi was both happy and dismayed at the return of the fiery Sakura. He was happy that she was now defending herself from such verbal attacks and dismayed that he would probably be next on the end of those fists if she was upset with his keeping his suspicions from her. Karin for the most part having only ever seen the meeker Sakura who would allow her fellow shinobi to belittle her tried not to make a sound for fear of arising the pinkette's ire and Rock Lee just stood as straight as a board hoping he wasn't next.

She rounded on Kakashi next but stopped when she heard Kyo saying, "This must be the right place," while stepping through the hole Kiba had made. "You wished to see me Lord Hokage."

"I did," Kakashi answered then making a hand-sign a privacy barrier sprung up around the room. "There now that we can talk freely, so let me ask you. How long do you think you can keep up this deception Naruto?"

"Who?"

"Come now Naruto," Kakashi said, "you've never been a very good liar."

Sighing Naruto said while reaching for his mask, "Can you really blame me for never developing the skill after all the horrible lies you used to tell after making us wait for you to show up for training and missions."

As he pulled the mask free, Sakura upon seeing his face again for the first time in over a year stared speechlessly. Not sure what to say. But Lee didn't have that problem quickly closing on Naruto sweeping him up in a massive bear hug saying, "My eternal rival it pleases me to see that you are still among the living. Your youth must know no bounds to have survived such horrorable injuries."

Being squeezed to death Naruto said, "That and I have a demon sealed in my gut that isn't ready to kick the bucket. Can you put me down please? The normal people are beginning to stare."

Lee complied putting him down. Naruto then turned back to Kakashi but not before his eyes met Sakura's and to the medic-nin it looked like they dimmed slightly before saying impassively, "Sakura."

Sakura raised a hand taking a step towards him but stopped when Naruto took a step back. Dropping it lamely, feeling as if she had been stabbed she said, "I'm so glad you're alright." He merely nodded, causing the stabbing sensation she felt to worsen as the Naruto she remembered would have brashly put her mind at ease by declaring how he wasn't going to die until he became Hokage.

Kakashi watched the exchange between the two slightly worried. He was about to speak when Naruto said, "So, why call me out here, and not in front of the other Kages?"

"For the same reason that I didn't send Hunter-nin after you after your little visit with Tsunade," Kakashi said. Seeing the surprise on Naruto's face and figuring he would come to the wrong conclusion added, "No she didn't tell me. However the joy she exhibited did. But if you need a reason it's simple. I don't share the same belief that it is wise to hide you away. I mean look how much good you've done for Suna."

Seeing Naruto nod his head in agreement Kakashi said worriedly, "However, my opinion on that matter may change unless you have a good explanation for volunteering for a suicide mission."

Naruto stood there thinking for a moment before saying, "When you were training me in my wind element, you said you believed I could surpass the Fourth Hokage. Just believe in me for a little longer and decide after I explain my plan to the other Kages."

Kakashi closed his visible eye while folding his hands in front of his face before saying, "Very well, but if I don't like it you'll find yourself on the same Island as Killer Bee understand."

Naruto shook his head no saying, "I'm afraid not Kakashi-sensei. I have no intention of sitting this war out. That isn't why Jiraiya died for me."

"Then what's stopping me from telling the Raikage right now," Kakashi said.

Turning away and replacing his mask he said in a light tone, "That'll you'll never take me alive," and then walked out of the room."

Sitting in shocked silence, which Kakashi could see mirrored on those who knew Naruto's faces, they remained like that until Kiba stumbled in saying, "What did I miss?" Quickly mentioning to them to keep quiet about Naruto's return he dismissed them while pondering just what he should do about his old student.

Sakura was all over the map emotionally speaking. Naruto was alive, which undoubtedly made her happy but if his attitude or a better explanation being a lack of one being any indication. To her at least, it was like he was still dead, which naturally was an especially low point for her.

She was following behind Kakashi as they made their way back to the Kage War Room when she thought, "I knew it. He despises me."

"Of course he does," a part of her said back. "Why shouldn't he. The last thing he heard you say to him was how much you loved Sasuke right before your true love tried to stab you in the heart."

"It was a ploy," Sakura thought back vehemently.

Mockingly the part of her she was fighting with said, "Sure it was. Just like it was a ploy when you offered when he first left the village, remember."

"That was different," she lamely reasoned.

Laughing disdainfully, the voice said, "Different how? Did you love Sasuke any less then than you did the second time? No you didn't, and who did you turn to when Sasuke left you behind on the bench huh?" To answer, the voice played back her begging Naruto to bring Sasuke back and then said, "Now that I think about it those Chidoris that he took back then were for your sake too weren't they. It's only natural that he should despise you. How many more times do you think he was going to come back half-dead for you? It's not like you've ever done anything for him now have."

"That's not true I went to kill Sasuke for him," Sakura tried to argue with herself.

But her inner voice said, "Really and if Sasuke had said, 'I'll come back to Konoha with you.' At what point as you were popping out Uchiha babies would you have remembered it was for Naruto? But hey you should be glad at least he finally learned, right? Think about it, would you really have cared what happened to Naruto if he had succeeded at bringing Sasuke back after their battle at the Valley of the End? Would you expect Naruto to remain faithfully by your side smiling his little smile as you lived your happily ever after with his supposed best friend? Would you have put three hard years of training in with Lady Tsunade if Sasuke was at home waiting for you? Would you even care that Akatsuki was looking for Naruto if you didn't believe he was paramount to bringing Sasuke home? Would you…"

"Be quiet," she vehemently thought to her inner self and while it listened she thought she could hear its mocking laughter. Taking her seat behind Kakashi she prayed the meeting would start soon so that she wouldn't be left alone with her thoughts.

Mifune took his seat as did the other Kages and then said, "Before the recess you claimed you could take down this complex, I would like to hear how."

"Well it seems to me that your biggest hang up is that you don't want to spend the personnel necessary to take the base," Naruto said. "I figure with three four man teams we could destroy that base."

"But where would you get the man power?" the Mizukage asked. "Even with those teams it would still be a Z-ranked mission. Nobody wants to spend their forces like that unless they are guaranteed positive results."

"Agreed," Naruto said, "But what if the shinobi you sent are ones you wouldn't mind if they didn't make it. Say like prisoners."

The idea on the surface was ridiculous to most of the Kages but it did hold a certain appeal. The Raikage leaned forward saying, "How could we trust them to do the mission?"

"Well for one I'll be there," Naruto said, "Furthermore, I'll plant a variation of the Cage Bird Seal on them to keep them in line. The final piece will be that any man or woman that makes it back receives a full pardon."

Leaning back the Raikage said,"You still wouldn't be able to trust them you know. Why would you risk it?"

"Because, it needs to be done."

Giving a small nod of respect to the mercenary he said, "I think it is worth a try. What do you think my fellow Kages?"

"I concur," the Mizukage stated.

"I don't like it, but will go with the majority vote," Gaara said not wanting to sign off on a mission that almost certainly would lead to his friend's death.

"I believe it is worth the risk," Mifune added.

All eyes turned to Kakashi, who was rather nervous. Not for his student he truly believed that if anyone could pull the mission off it would be Naruto. No the reason he was panicking was the two holes he could feel being drilled into the back of his head by Sakura's eyes. He knew what she expected him to say that the mission was too dangerous and that Kyo was in fact Naruto, but all he said was, "I believe it's worth a shot."

As the words left his mouth he could see the gratitude that Naruto felt at Kakashi's show of support for him. Just like he could feel the cold chill of death on his back from his other students gaze for what she perceived as him saying it was okay for Naruto to go off and die again.

With the Kages' blessing to precede Naruto said, "I'll like to draw the prisoners from the Land of Fire since it is closest if you don't mind."

"Not at all," Kakashi said, "You may accompany me back to Kohona to go over the files of the prisoners we have."

Clearly not happy with that arrangement, since if he knew Kakashi, he would have Sakura with him, Naruto said, "Can't you just send them here?"

"I could," Kakashi said lightly, "But I won't."

Realizing Kakashi wouldn't budge on the matter Naruto simply nodded his head in acceptance. The Raikage then said, "How long do you think this operation will take to put together?"

"I figure about a month," Naruto replied, "Picking the shinobi will be easy, but giving them time to train and getting used to working with one another will take some time."

"Very well, how much do we owe you for this and the last mission?" the Raikage asked.

"Do you have anything to eat and a place to stay would be nice?" Naruto asked.

"That's it you truly only work for room and board," the Mizukage said incredulously.

"Money won't be worth a whole hell of a lot if Akatsuki wins now will it, but a good meal is always priceless," Naruto said causing a few of the people to chuckle.

"Very well, I'll have someone show you a room," the Raikage said.

"That's okay," Naruto said while walking to the door, "I'll be sharing the one that Konan was assigned."

Temari was talking to her lover and fellow strategist Shikamaru. Although the truth was she was talking and he was half-ass listening, giving the occasional grunt at the appropriate places to make her think that he was. Getting fed up she said, "I want you to throw me on your desk and ravage me."

"That's nice."

"On second thought maybe I'll go have that mercenary Kyo do it?"

"Okay."

Vein sticking out from her head she shouted, "Dammit Shikamaru, listen to me when I'm talking to you."

Focusing on Temari he said, "Sorry."

Realizing that her outburst didn't get her a, 'Troublesome Women,' comment from the chunin she said concerned, "Hey, what's the matter."

"That meeting today bothers me," Shikamaru said, "It also raised some possibilities that I have to consider and if I'm right, I'm not sure how I should behave."

"Tell me what is troubling you maybe I can help," Temari said softly.

Looking at her pointedly he asked, "Do you know who Kyo is?"

Surprised she answered, "No."

"Would you tell me if you did?"

"If I could," she replied a little defensively, "But you know we can't always tell each other everything."

"I know."

"What brought this about if I might ask?"

Getting up and opening the window to the room they shared he lit a cigarette and said, "I have suspected that Kyo is Naruto for some time. However, today's meeting all but confirmed it for me."

"Really how?"

"Sakura," Shikamaru said, "When she first arrived here before the mission with Kyo, her eyes looked dead. However, when she arrived here after the mission, hope shown in them, which was replaced by pain after the recess. As if she found out what she hoped was true was. But it hurt her all the same."

Taking a drag from the cigarette he said, "My problem is, should I take my concerns to the Raikage? Right now I'm acting as his Chief Strategist. Therefore I have the responsibility to inform him of such developments. On the other hand, I'm a Leaf Shinobi and it seems my Kage wants to let Naruto play his little game. So whose will should I follow?"

"Your own," Temari replied, she then walked up to him and pulled the cigarette from his mouth and threw it out the window. Cupping his cheek she made him look her in the eye and said, "Who do you believe in?"

"Naruto," Shikamaru answered, "But…"

"Then that's who you should trust," she said kindly, "After all, if you are right then my brother undoubtedly knew and he kept quiet. I also think that is why if Kakashi knows he hasn't told you, so it wouldn't put you in a difficult spot. It's obvious the Hokage respects you. "

Smirking at her, he said, "I guess you're right. No sense taking only theories to the Raikage without any proof to back them up. I guess I know why I keep a troublesome woman like you around now."

Stepping back playful and heading to the bedroom she said, while reaching for the sash of her battle dress, "I can think of a second." Pulling it she let the kimono fall to the floor before stepping into the bedroom, with Shikamaru following behind likewise shedding clothes to engage in the only physical activity he didn't find to troublesome to perform.

The trip back to the Leaf was a lesson in pain for Sakura as she idly wondered if this is how Naruto felt growing up watching other people interact with each other while he was all alone. It wasn't that Naruto was rude to her during the trip back with Kakashi and the others it was quite the opposite in fact he was almost painfully polite. He would respond to her questions but only to say as much as needed to get his point across. It reminded her of how Sasuke used to talk to her during missions and such. She hated it.

Especially as she followed at the rear of the group and Naruto was regaling Lee and Kiba with tales of some of his exploits as Kyo. He was moving his hands around adamantly as he told them about some of his battles just like he used to with her. His voice would rise and fall with the excitement he felt while imparting his tale to the two. She had tried to ask him some of the same questions that Lee and Kiba had while waiting at the gate for Kakashi to show. And while he had replied it was nowhere near as animated. Now that she thought about it he had kept his hands at his side and his voice never changed from the same unemotional one that he had been using with her.

As the gates of Konoha pulled into view Kakashi stopped them and said, "Remember the fact that Naruto is Kyo is now an S-Class secret."

The Leaf Shinobi nodded their heads to their Kage and then followed him into the village. As they walked many in the village began to stop and look at the mercenary they had heard about. Several children had even stopped them asking for his autograph. As the approached the Hokage's mansion Naruto said, "I'd like to get started on searching for the prisoners I'll be recruiting right away."

"Of course," Kakashi said, "Sakura can show you the way."

"I know the way," Naruto said quickly.

"True, but Kyo isn't a Leaf Shinobi which you will need to be accompanied by in order to get into the Record Hall," Kakashi said giving a small eye smile.

Sighing in defeat Naruto said, "After you Sakura," which he meant literally, as he walked several feet behind her, during the short trip to the building.

Gaining access to the building she led him to the room the records were kept in. Pulling a big book from one of the shelves she began to open it saying, "What exactly are you looking for?"

But got as far as saying, "What…," when Naruto put his hand on the book cover preventing her from opening it as he said, "You escorted me here, I'm sure you have other duties to attend to."

Naruto was glad for the mask he wore as the hurt his words inflicted on Sakura reached her face. But he stomped down his gut reflex to say he was sorry. Especially when her voice wavering a little with the emotions she felt said, "I don't really have any at the moment."

When she said, "I would like to help," Naruto could hear the note of desperation in her voice. However he coldly said, "That isn't necessary. I would like to be alone for a while."

Nodding her head sadly, she made her way to the door but stopped saying, "I never got the chance to thank you for all that you've done for me."

"You don't need to thank me," he said in the same detached tone he had been using with her as of late, "I didn't do it all for you." He then turned to the book opening it while doing his best to ignore her presence until she left the room.

After the door closed as she left the room, he sat in a nearby chair his mind turning to Sakura. He knew his being distant hurt her, but he felt he had no choice. She was a weakness he couldn't afford. When she had confessed to him even knowing she didn't mean it there was a moment in which his heart surged in happiness before reality set in. However that single instant of pure bliss exposed a chink in the armor he had built up over the years from when she had begged him to bring Sasuke back during the retrieval mission. Yet three little words shot right through that armor to pierce his heart and thus he couldn't be the smiling fool at her side anymore. Because of those three words he was afraid of her. Afraid that if he remained by her side she would one day take possession of his heart, and should Sasuke ever wake up from his coma she would toss it aside for the Uchiha. That would kill him more thoroughly than any Chidori ever could.

Looking over the list of prisoners he mused it probably didn't matter any way. He was living on borrowed time. That was the only reason he figured that both him and Sasuke were still alive. One day they would meet in battle of that he was sure and on that day they would both die. Until then however, he had a war to fight. So putting all such concerns aside he began looking through the list in earnest.

Sakura left the room and then with shoulders slumped walked to the Hokage's office. Knocking she waited until she heard Kakashi say enter before pushing the door open and walking to his desk. Standing in front of it not letting any of the pain she felt show on her face she blurted out, "I would like to volunteer to go with Naruto on this mission."

"Oh did you run that by Naruto," Kakashi said leaning back in his chair.

"No"

"I didn't think so," Kakashi said, "But even if you did and he said yes. Which considering how he kept his distance from you during the trip back I would highly doubt. My answer would be no."

"Why," Sakura said agitated, "Why would you allow him to go on this suicide mission but stop me?"

"Two reasons," Kakashi said, "One Naruto isn't a Leaf Shinobi he's acting as a mercenary right now. So as long as we are acting along with his rouse he's outside my jurisdiction."

Crossing her arms in front of her Sakura asked, "And the second?"

"The second is Naruto volunteered for this mission because he believes it needs to be done." Kakashi pause a moment as Sakura looked like she was about to say something but she stopped herself so he continued, "You want to go in the hope that by spending time with him it will help heal the rift between you two and in a mission this dangerous any distractions will not only lead to the mission being a failure, but to the deaths of everyone involved."

Sakura wanted to scream and maybe punch something. Instead she rounded on her heal and as she left the room slammed the door so hard it rattle the window and left the door hanging barely on its hinges. Walking towards the hospital she was quite angry at Kakashi but herself as well, yet mostly Kakashi. She knew it had been rather selfish to try and have Kakashi put her on the mission but what choice did he leave her. Naruto turns up alive and instead of trying to convince him to come back and accept protection. Kakashi goes and lets him volunteer for a suicide mission. Why couldn't he understand that she needed to heal the rift between them? To let Naruto know how important he was to her and how sorry she was for playing with his heart as she had.

Entering the hospital the staff knew better than to get in Sakura's way as she was walking, 'the walk'. Which was something she had picked up from her master, the walk was when either of the two ladies were angry they would stomp their feet with shoulders hunched and fist closed. While giving off the air that if anyone crossed their path they would be obliterated. Sakura hadn't used 'the walk' since Naruto died so Tsunade was slightly worried as she saw Sakura cross the lobby and then upon entering her office slam the door so hard she cracked the frame.

Tsunade knocked on her door receiving an angry, "What!"

Taking that as permission to enter, she did so hoping to calm her apprentice down. Sakura seeing her unwanted visitor was Tsunade and still feeling betrayed by the woman said, "What do you want?"

Slightly taken aback by the venom in her words Tsunade said, "I wanted to see if you are all right."

"As you can see I'm fine," Sakura said then pointing to the door added, "So there's the door."

Turning to it Tsunade then looked back at her apprentice and said, "What's left of it anyway. So why don't you tell me what's bothering you."

"What's bothering me is that both you and Kakashi knew my teammate was alive but neither of you could be bothered to tell me."

Tsunade was surprised by the revelation that Sakura knew about Naruto's survival which showed on her face. Tsunade quickly said, "I'm sorry but Naruto made me promise not to tell anyone."

Hearing that pacified her somewhat knowing how serious Tsunade took anything related to Naruto, with her anger diminished she looked sadly at her master and said, "He hates me now doesn't he?"

Knowing for a fact that Naruto didn't she said as much adding, "I think he just needs time Sakura. Give him a little time and show him how much he means to you and I'm sure things will return to normal between you two."

Sakura sadly said, "Time might be a luxury I don't have," which caused Tsunade to raise an eyebrow.

Outside the office people had gathered in the lobby fearing what would happen with an obviously upset Sakura and a calm Tsunade in the room together. After all everyone knew about the bad blood that existed between the two for the past year. Had Sakura finally snapped under the constant abuse and was Tsunade berating her even now for her little outburst? However the last thing the people expected was to hear Tsunade screech, "WHAT!!!"

A second later she exited the office using 'the walk' making her way to the Hokage's office. Reaching the Hokage's office she finished the job her apprentice started on his abused door and stomping up to his desk said, "You've got some explaining to do."

Kakashi just sighed and taking a line from Shikamaru thought, "What a drag."

Tayuya of the Northgate was surprised when she was pulled from her cell in the middle of the night and shoved into an interrogation room of the Leaf Maximum Security Prison. The room was totally dark with just a single light pointing at a chair that she assumed they expected her to sit in. Instead she said, "Whoever you fuckers are, you can go to hell. I told you I'm not giving you shit on Lord Orochimaru."

"There's no need for such course language," a voice she found slightly familiar said. "As to Orochimaru that book has been closed permanently."

"You lie," she said disbelievingly.

"The fact that the little hickey he gave you has disappeared should be all the proof you need." The voice paused letting that sink in before adding, "In any case it doesn't matter seeing as even if he was alive it's obvious you've been discarded. Therefore, your information has no value and is painfully out of date."

"So what the fuck do you want from me then?" she asked after a minute.

"Your life"

She instantly was on the defensive looking into the darkness for some sign of where the man would attack from. However instead of attacking he said, "Tayuya, no last name. Birthdate unknown, but age is guessed to be at approximately eighteen years old. Sentenced to life in prison, for aiding in the defection of Sasuke Uchiha. By the way, we should probably be thanking you for that as he was the one to kill Orochimaru."

"Go fuck yourself," she snarled, "is there a fucking point to this."

"The point is you are going to spend the rest of your life here for a man that left you to rot as soon as he got his precious Uchiha. I can offer you a clean slate."

"What's the catch?" she asked cautiously.

"You'll probably die in the process of earning it," the voice replied, "But I figure that beats slowly dying in prison for a man who is no longer among the living."

"How do I know this is on the up and up?" she asked.

A manila folder slid across the floor hitting her feet. Picking it up, she saw a pardon signed by four of the five great Kages. The surprise must of shown on her face because he said, "It's real and all it needs is your signature and for you not to die on the mission that it says you promise to do. After that you are a free woman."

Thinking it over she decided the voice was right the idea of fighting for a chance at freedom was better than wasting away in jail so she said, "Got a pen."