Naruto turned to Sasuke. He had an intense look on his face. "Sakura-chan has always been someone I can trust and rely on. This is the first time I can't do what I was planning because of her."

"What do you mean?"

Kakashi spoke. "Sakura was supposed to report back to me two nights ago. I was going to send her up to the daimyo's palace to meet Naruto. When she didn't check in it was Naruto who let me know why. Apparently she had contacted Lady Tsunade with this situation." Kakashi gestured around himself at the cottage. Sasuke grunted, he already knew all of that. "He also told me to keep my distance for two days." Kakashi's eye was calm but Sasuke knew perfectly well it noticed every detail.

"You found my cottage right away."

"I found the field where Sakura fought the Iwa shinobi right away. We found your genjutsu after that."

"Hn." Sasuke could imagine his teacher contemplating just what the space he granted Sakura had allowed. "And yesterday?"

Kakashi glanced at Naruto. "Once I was sure there weren't any foreign shinobi around who could be a problem I told everyone to keep clear while you and Sakura went for a walk. I imagined you would keep a look out for shinobi, but probably not for pug who can hide his own chakra. Pakkun had orders to stay far out of your way and let me know if you were in trouble."

Sasuke felt a muscle in his jaw jump. What had the dog heard?

"Nothing Pakkun reported to me indicated you were keeping her against her will. He said she was recovering from injury. He said you helped her when she became too weak to walk on her own."

Sasuke was silent, staring hard at his former teacher.

Kakashi sighed. "He could hear some of your conversation, but since it was of a private nature we decided not to share the details with anyone else."

Sasuke's forehead twitched. It wasn't quite noon yet and already this day was turning out to be extremely aggravating. "Alright, so what does it mean that Sakura couldn't join Naruto?"

Naruto looked back and forth between Kakashi and Sasuke, aware there was information to which he wasn't privy, and yet would be fascinating to know. When neither one looked at him or moved to explain he grumped and answered Sasuke's question, "The way things are going it means it'll take another week for the treaty to get signed. When Sakura's around people act fast. They don't want her mad at them, and that includes the daimyo!"

"But in this case the Land of Earth needs that week to pressure the daimyo of the Land of Fire," Kakashi added. "There is territory to the West that they want to claim as well, but would take away a chunk of our border with the Land of Wind."

"Yeah, signing the treaty the way it stands right now is the best for everyone. But the Earth daimyo wants a lot more territory and the Tsutchikage is happy to start a fight over it."

Sasuke gritted his teeth. This was a distraction, something completely unrelated to finishing the task before them. "Who cares about land, Sakura is-"

"A kunoichi of Konohagakure," Kakashi finished. "Konoha values this territory as important to the continued friendship with Sunagakure. Letting it go so easily would insult our allies in Suna. A few years ago when we cemented our bonds it was Sakura and Naruto who pushed to define that Fire territory as shared for the purposes of joint training and patrols."

"It's the only place me and Gaara can spar! We learn a lot from each other there. And that's why the Tsutchikage would love to take it from us." Naruto looked intent, like he was determined to solve this puzzle.

"So it would be slightly more convenient for Konoha if Sakura were there." Sasuke felt his rage build up again. "But since she is a prisoner of the Iwa a delay in settling the treaty means she will be taken away for torture. And if she's taken away for torture then they can delay the treaty." He wanted to smash something. No. He wanted to charge on the Iwa and kill everyone in sight until Sakura was at his side.

Kakashi cleared his throat. "Clearly I missed something. Torture her?"

"Yeah. Bastard says that the Iwa who caught him wanted secrets about Konoha. And Kiba told me they have boats to get across the river not too far from here."

"Ah. So if they had Sasuke they would take his Sharingan and secrets about Konoha, and with Sakura they get Konoha secrets and more territory for their daimyo." Kakashi had an obvious frown under his mask.

Sasuke could no longer sit still. He pulled his feet under him and stood. "Then why are we still here?"

"We could go in there and kill all of them, that's true." Naruto spoke while sitting perfectly still, eyes closed. How was this the same Naruto that he grew up with? Sasuke started to see how he had startled Sakura so much by the change to his personality.

Naruto opened his eyes and wore a small grin. "Five years ago I think I would have said let's just charge their camp and make sure that Sakura-chan is safe and sound." Naruto let a smile linger on his face as if remembering good old days. "And I know a lot of the guys outside want to do the same thing to chase the Iwa back over the river."

Then he sobered. "But at the daimyo's palace they would rip up the treaty and Iwa would have a good reason to invade the Land of Fire. The Tsutchikage wants to prove himself to the daimyo of the Land of Earth and he thinks he has to do it by starting another war."

"This territory, that village that you like will all become a battleground." Kakashi added.

Sasuke growled, "They want to torture Sakura! Do you want to let them?!"

"No!" Naruto's hands twitched, giving away that he wasn't as calm as he wanted to project. "I need to get that treaty signed."

"Tsch." Sasuke turned to leave. If these idiots wanted to wait on a damned piece of paper then it would just be up to him. He could not let this happen again. She was in trouble, and he could not fail another precious person again...

"I need your help."

"What?" Sasuke stopped with his hand on the door.

"I told you. Sakura-chan always got shit done. No one wants to argue with her when she lays down the law. You ever notice no one wants to argue with you? You're the same, like that."

Sasuke made a face. "You're saying I scare people."

"Yeah! You do! Only..." Naruto shuddered. "Don't tell Sakura-chan I said that."

From the look on Kakashi's face even he was unsure of Naruto's ploy. "You want to take Sasuke to the daimyo's palace with you?"

"Yes." Naruto gazed up at Sasuke. "Will you help me? We can get the daimyo to sign the treaty first thing in the morning and have Sakura-chan back here by lunch time."

That sounded hugely implausible to Sasuke. Also, he was starting to feel a bit used. He understood Sakura's plan to make him take a stand. And perhaps he didn't mind it as much because it was Sakura's plan. But standing at Naruto's side as some kind enforcer...? That was not how he had ever envisioned himself.

"Sasuke, you should understand a little of how Konoha has changed since the war. And how the Five Nations are changing since Naruto became Hokage. Naruto is trying to change the world."

"Uh well, I guess I am trying." Naruto blushed and scratched his head. "I just can't let things get so crazy all the time. We both saw what war is like and I can't let it happen again. I figured out how hatred and resentment makes it all happen, and I learned that from watching you, you bastard. And that's why I figure, who knows the price of war better than you?"

Sasuke studied Naruto's face and then Kakashi's. Finally he spoke. "Out in the world they hate shinobi for the wars we bring." A shiver went down his spine. He hadn't meant to say 'we.' "The village where Genmei lives is half the size it used to be before the war. I think I am more like them. I hate shinobi too."

"That is a conundrum." Kakashi remarked.

"Hn."

"You hate what you are, bastard? Then change what it means to be a shinobi. Instead of making people think of killing and destroying, make them think of the will to do the work it takes to change the world."

Sasuke made a fist. A diplomatic mission was the last place he belonged. "How will I do that when everyone is afraid of me? They only know what I did years ago. Why would anyone listen to me?"

Naruto got to his feet and walked to Sasuke. "They'll listen to you because I listened to you." He put a hand around Sasuke's fist. "I started listening to you way back when we were kids. Remember that fight in Final Valley? I've never forgotten it."

Sasuke wanted to push Naruto out of the way and walk out of the cottage and never look back. But he didn't dare back down from the look in Naruto's eye. It forced him to remember. Naruto continued. "I haven't forgotten a single one of our fights, and especially not the last one."

Sasuke could only see Naruto's eyes, they way they glittered. He could recall the smell of smoke and dust and ozone from his chidori. Even now he could feel an ache in his eyes from how hard he had pushed his Sharingan. And he knew then as he knew now that Naruto probably understood more about him anyone living did. More than anyone, Naruto grasped the powerful pain in his heart and unlike anyone, Naruto accepted it as it was.

"I learned a lot from you because of that I started to understand other people better. Anywhere out in the world that I went, when I saw people frustrated and angry I could see they were also suffering. They suffered like you did. I'll make them listen, I'll make them see you have already been there.

"To handle this right I need your help." Blue eyes, hopeful and completely free of guile stared into his own. "You're the guy, Sasuke."

Sasuke's felt a muscle in jaw pop. Back then, when the thought came to him that Naruto could be someone who changed the world, who could relieve some of the pain in his heart, Sasuke had run. This time, as the same thought ran through his mind, he recalled Sakura's words, "have some faith in Naruto and help him out." Was this what she meant? Had she planned things out this far? He shook his hand out of Naruto's grasp.

Naruto leaned in and spoke softly. Sasuke noticed that the way they were positioned Kakashi would have a hard time overhearing or reading his lips. He said, "I never told anyone, not even Sakura-chan, what you said. But I'm glad you said it, bastard."

Naruto stood back and grinned. "That's all. I'm gonna go get Kiba and the others to block the Iwa from crossing the river. We can hold them for maybe a day. Any longer and they will probably fight. Think about helping out me and Sakura-chan." Naruto pulled open the door. "Let me know so we can get started."

Naruto exited and Kakashi got to his feet to follow. He paused for a moment at the door and gave Sasuke a careful look. But he left without another word. Sasuke was left alone in his tiny cottage with his thoughts.

His mind was in turmoil so he set his hands to the usual busywork of cleaning. Help Naruto? What business did he have helping Naruto? Why should he? He had always said Konoha had no claims on him.

Sasuke looked down at his hands. He could feel the exact shape of Sakura's palm as it lay on his hand after hearing about Meiko. She didn't try to hug him or otherwise hold him. She didn't try to tell him she understood. She just quietly let him know she was at his side.

He had started his day trying mightily to think of traveling and once again being on his own, an uninteresting man on a dusty road between mighty nations. He tried to clear his head of how easily he had gotten used to Sakura's presence and how comfortable he found himself around her. What thin connection had started to build between them he was desperate to undo. And then... he couldn't let her go. He just...couldn't.

Sasuke dumped out the wasted tea and ruined rice balls. He straightened his pallet and remade the pile of medicine Genmei had given him. It occurred to him that the Iwa shinobi didn't know Sakura was injured and it was perhaps best if it stayed that way.

He picked up a pack of bandages and had another thought...

-傷-

The noon sun rose high overhead and Sasuke stared down from his vantage point at the top of the tallest tree he could find. Two Konoha squads casually stepped out beside the Iwa shinobi contingent headed back to camp. There were two carts pulled by cattle. With his Sharingan he could see bars around the sides of one and a chakra aura that could only be Sakura's.

His hand flexed as he ached to dive in and destroy the cage she was in. He forced his hands into his pockets and continued to watch. Kiba led the squads and took a jocular attitude while reminding Captain Touru that Konoha would not like it if he left the Land of Fire quite so quickly.

Sasuke could see the groups of shinobi standing tensely. Here and there one or two Iwa would try to go around, but Konoha ninja easily cut them off.

After a short time they seemed to come to an agreement and the Iwa were allowed to proceed to an encampment at a point where the river made a sharp turn. Sasuke guessed that hidden among the trees and marshes was enough material to spring up a jetty and that the two carts could convert into small boats.

He kept his eyes trained on the cage but it was lifted off the cart and carried by four men into a large tent. Two of the men remained inside. Presumably they would stand guard. The other two took up positions outside the tent. Sasuke watched as Touru stepped into the tent. While he was in there Sasuke saw the guards flinch twice. He couldn't hear what was happening but he could guess the Iwa captain had received an earful from Sakura.

When Touru stepped out of the tent his face seemed a little more red than when he had first gone in. Sasuke smirked.

Sasuke was aware that he wasn't alone. He said nothing to Kakashi because he had nothing to say. Some hundred feet away Kiba's squad was setting up camp. Sasuke could see Naruto talking with him.

Kakashi finally broke the silence. "Long time, no see, Sasuke."

Sasuke let silence hang for a moment, then, "That's how I wanted it."

"Good to know that hasn't changed, at least."

"Hn."

"So. I heard you were caught by a nasty genjutsu. Here it seemed like no one could get the drop on you."

Sasuke made a face. "Sakura was always the one who was better at genjutsu. And I've been trying to avoid using my Sharingan. Anyway, I thought the attack was a physical one against Kouki. I thought I was protecting him."

"You left nothing for protecting yourself."

Sasuke tsked. He had been half way to lighting up a chidori when he got stuck. That was not nothing.

"Sakura said you were different and implied you might come back this time. But no one really knew what that meant. She might have just been seeing what she wanted to."

Sasuke kept his face bland at the implication that his change wasn't good. "You haven't changed at all."

"Oh?"

Sasuke was quiet, eyes pegged on Naruto. In all honestly he couldn't say anything about Kakashi one way or the other but talk of people changing was beginning to wear him out. Or maybe he was tired of explaining himself.

Kakashi "hm'd" softly and put a hand into his hip pouch.

Sasuke glanced at him and quickly looked away. "I'm surprised you didn't pull out your book sooner."

For a moment Kakashi didn't move. Then he slipped his empty hand from his pouch. "I was trying not to be rude."

"You're trying to see if I'm still your enemy."

Kakashi sighed. "Sasuke, I think it's fair to say we're both on completely new and unknown ground."

Sasuke looked at him and narrowed his eyes.

"The last time I saw you with Sakura, you were about to kill her. But the last time I saw you at all, you were battling Naruto. I have to admit, Sasuke, you didn't look like you were truly trying to kill him, only to test your strength."

"Hn."

"That was a while ago. Sakura is an adult now-"

"You'll never trust her opinion of me."

Kakashi looked impatient. "Sakura has had to make hard choices; I don't expect her to be a naive fool now. At any rate, she has my Hokage's respect, and you have his trust."

"Hn." Kakashi respected Naruto as well. Sasuke returned his attention to the Iwa camp below.

Kakashi looked below as well. "Did you know you have a certain look on your face? I saw it once or twice back then when you were a kid. When you were trying not to admit how jealous you felt. Naruto worked for everything he has. He got the acknowledgment he always wanted but it came with many challenges. I admire his attempt to change Konoha, but he's had to recognize that he can't do it alone."

"I just wanted to be left alone."

Kakashi grunted. "Didn't I tell you? The nail that sticks its head up will get hammered down."

"Hn." Sasuke recognized that everything he said to Kakashi was an attempt to push him away. But Kakashi wouldn't go. Below Touru pointed at Sakura's tent and gave instructions to an underling. The underling visibly quivered and shook his head. Touru pointed vigorously and finally the underling walked into the tent, albeit while dragging his feet.

"Captain Touru honestly thought Sakura would be easier to control than you."

"Do you think I'm easy to control?"

Kakashi tsked. "You used to be, for the people who dared." Then he turned to Sasuke, there was a smile in his voice. "But you've grown up a little bit. You're not led around so much by your anger and hatred. It's good to see, truly."

"So, you've come up here to see what does control me. You're not sure of my intentions."

"On the contrary. I am certain you are uncertain about your intentions."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Kakashi was always cagey, even when he was trying to say something directly. Largely because what he was usually trying not to say was the honest truth.

"Mmh. You want to do whatever is necessary to protect those you care about. That's a good idea, as far as I'm concerned. But you're finally experienced enough and wise enough to see that the methods you often choose are more destructive than you ever meant."

Sasuke curled his hands into fists. He wanted to be angry but he could only remember Meiko's lifeless face and the despair that he had carried for years. Trying to think of anything else only brought to mind turning over Sakura's unconscious body.

Kakashi continued to speak. "I taught Naruto and now I follow him because I believe in him. A long time ago I thought I couldn't be trusted, every time I tried to do what I thought was the right thing I hurt more people I cared about. Relying on my comrades is how I finally stopped being such a disaster."

Sasuke drew in a long breath and let it out slowly. He glanced at Kakashi. "You don't want me to hurt them."

Kakashi cleared his throat. "I would like that, yes. But they're adults. And as hard as it may be to understand this, Sasuke, I don't want you to be in pain either. You set yourself apart out of habit and you don't have to."

"You want me to go with Naruto."

Kakashi chuckled. "The truth is, I don't know. Sometimes believing in him means going along with crazy stunts that don't make any damned sense." Kakashi caught Sasuke's eye, making the younger man look away quickly. "But I think I see a little of what Naruto is thinking. Sometimes we shinobi get so caught up in what we think we need and want we forget about the land and the people of our countries who have nothing to do with our quarrels."

"Hn." That was exactly what Sasuke had seen for the last eight years.

"That's why Naruto wants you at his side, you know. Because you won't forget. And you won't let Naruto or anyone else forget. That kind of insight is absolutely necessary for diplomacy."

Sasuke's mouth twitched on the verge of a frown. "There you go again, acting like my teacher, trying to give me advice."

"Can you blame me? Let me tell you a story, once long ago I had a student. I watched him struggle to grow up and I thought it was my job to help him. But the way I did it... my mistakes limited him in a way for a long time."

"Your mistakes?"

"Even though he and I were alike in many ways, I underestimated the depth of his pride. And frankly, I took him to be a little bit smarter than he was. A better teacher than me would have shown him how much more powerful he was with teammates. In the end I never managed to teach him a lesson that took me entirely too long to learn myself. At this point, all I can really do is apologize, and hope he forgives me one day."

Sasuke blinked at that. He hadn't expected such words from Kakashi. He would have never even considered it.

"Well..." Kakashi continued in his laconic tone that carried just a touch of sarcasm. "If I had realized teaching would be this much of a pain in the butt I never would have agreed to it."

Sasuke snorted. Team 7 had turned out to be some handful, hadn't they? He looked at Kakashi and considered his words. He said, "thank you."

Kakashi started. He hadn't expected those words himself. "Hm?"

"I remembered some of your lessons." Sasuke spoke haltingly. Praising others did not come naturally to him. "They helped me sometimes. And..." He looked at the tent where Sakura was held. The underling stepped out with a perfectly white face and walked away as in a daze. Sasuke swallowed. "I would have killed her back then. I know I would have. You and Naruto stopped me. Thank you."

Warmth came into Kakashi's face. Then he narrowed his eye and gave Sasuke a look loaded with suspicion. "You aren't going to do anything foolish, are you?"

Sasuke smirked. His old teacher should know better than that.

"Hm. I've seen tons of guys like you, about to go off and do something really stupid to impress a girl."

Sasuke tsked. That wasn't worthy of a response. He turned and leapt through the branches. Behind him he heard Kakashi groan, "I am getting too old for this shit."

-傷-

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