What if

by Teme of the year

What if Sasuke never left? What if Sakura loved someone else? What if they all met Sai at 13? What if there was another Uchiha? What if Naruto and Sasuke find love in each other? Surprises at every corner since Sasuke discovered secret family, not to mention discovering some feelings for a certain blonde. Yaoi, Narusasu, some Sakuhina, Eventual Narusasu. Enjoy! Discontinued...sorry

13. Chapter 13

I don't know if you'll like this one or not….meh, we'll see, alright, I was cut off from my computer for 2 weeks so that's why the this one and the last one came out late, sorry; but if it's any consolation, I'm going to put in motion the actual Narusasu! .! Yay! Alright, enjoy!

On with the story!

"Up you get!" A voice chirped loudly, Naruto groaned and shook his head, the voice piercing through his peaceful sleep.

Starting day two of hell.

"Come on, you need to go and fight for your love" The voice said again, Naruto hazily opened his eyes. Naruto tilted his head and let out a small sigh. He saw Sakura standing over him with a confident smile.

"What?" Naruto voiced confused.

"You need to go and claim your true love!"

"…" Naruto just blinked and attempted to adjust to the morning, Naruto placed his hand on his face and rubbed away the sleep. He took in a deep breath and let it out, preparing himself for the craziness of life; starting with his insane pink-haired friend, "Okay, I'm ready, what?" Naruto questioned, Sakura grinned.

"You said Sasuke has a boyfriend now, right?"

"Thanks for reminding me, go on"

"Well, you need to change that!" Sakura exclaimed, Naruto sighed and sat up, shaking his head.

"What are you talking about?" Naruto asked confused, Sakura tutted and made a gesture.

"Sasuke!" Sakura stated as if it was the most obvious thing, Naruto shrugged, not understanding her, "Sasuke! He has a boyfriend now!" Sakura huffed, Naruto blinked, his eyes still hooded and hazy.

"I'm know, in fact I told you that" Naruto replied, Sakura groaned and grabbed Naruto's shoulders.

"And. You. Need. To. Change. That!" Sakura said, shaking Naruto's back and forth.

"What? Why would I do that?" Naruto responded incredulously, Sakura huffed and put her hands on her hips.

"Because!" Sakura started, rolling her eyes "You should be the person moving in with Sasuke, not that guy!" Sakura finished, Naruto groaned and fell back, placing a hand over his eyes.

"Sakura-chan, it's too early in the morning for this" Naruto countered, Sakura took no notice of the tone and folded her arms.

"I'm just saying, if you don't do something soon then maybe Sasuke will end up marrying the guy"

"So?"

"Then they'll have kids!"

"So?"

"You really don't see where I'm going with this?" Sakura motioned, Naruto removed the hand from his face and sat up on his elbows.

"Look, if Sasuke is happy with this guy, who am I to change that?" Naruto stated almost reluctantly, Sakura bit her nail and tried to think of a way to motivate him. Sakura had a lightbulb flash above her head and a smirk made its way onto her face.

"Well…what if Sasuke isn't happy with this guy?" Sakura started, catching Naruto's attention "I mean…nah, forget it"

"What?"

"No no, I mean, if you're sure that Sasuke's happy…"

"Well, I didn't know for sure" Naruto responded, Got him…Sakura thought to herself.

"If this guy isn't right for Sasuke, then it might break his little heart…" Sakura suggested, making Naruto shift uncomfortably, thinking about that possibility "Or…"

"Or?"

"Or maybe they don't break up, they stay together forever, and that means…" Sakura trailed off, Naruto stared at Sakura wanting her to finish.

"Means what?"

"It means that they stay in a loveless relationship forever..." Sakura gave a fake sigh and shook her head "Poor Sasuke, stuck in a horrible relationship like that…and who knows? Maybe this guy is abusive-" Sakura implied, seeing Naruto shot up at that last statement, Naruto looked like he was figuring something out, before he made a decision.

"Say…that what you said is true…"

"Mm-hm"

"Someone has to make sure that doesn't happen…"

"Right"

"And maybe I could be that someone" Naruto shrugged, Sakura nodded innocently and grinned as Naruto got up and went into her bathroom, "Hey, Sakura-chan! Do you have-"

"Cologne?" Sakura answered, taking the bottle out of the bag she got this morning just for this purpose.

"Um, I was gonna say a spare tooth brush…" Naruto replied, Sakura cursed quietly to herself and decided to take matters into her own hands.

"Yeah, well….ya stank!" Sakura called out, trying to come up with an excuse to why she bought it, other than she wanted Naruto to wear it for Sasuke. Naruto popped his head out of the bathroom and raised an eyebrow.

"I do?"

"Yeah, um, take a shower or something!" Sakura ordered.

"Um…"

"Pass me your key and I'll go get your toothbrush, okay?"

"Okay…" Naruto voiced, "Just get me some clean clothes while you're over there" Naruto requested as he shut the bathroom door. Sakura smirked and chuckled evilly to herself.

"Oh don't worry Nardo, I'll get you clothes…" Sakura mumbled to herself, "Yes I will…"

…

Naruto stood there in a white towel around his waist, eyebrow raised and arms folded as he observed the clothes that Sakura had got him.

"I don't…remember buying these clothes"

"I do" Sakura lied, Naruto looked disbelieving at Sakura, looking for an answer "What? It's not like I chose bad clothes"

"You chose clothes that weren't mine"

"What? You think I just went out, bought new clothes, brought them here, and lie to your face about it like some crazy lady?" Sakura scoffed, Naruto blinked and gestured at the shirt.

"The price tag is still attached" Naruto pointed out, Sakura blinked and opened her mouth to speak.

"It's…apart of the shirt…" Sakura fibbed terribly, Naruto tried to hold back a laugh and nodded.

"Even the part where it says today's date?"

"Just put the god damn clothes on" Sakura snapped, turning around embarrassed, Naruto laughed and shook his head. Looking over what Sakura had bought him. A tight black t-shirt, black belt and loose light blue knee-length shorts. There was nothing particularly wrong with the clothing, he just didn't know why Sakura bought him new ones.

Naruto was about to get dressed when saw Sakura casually sitting across him in a chair, his eyes looked to the side and looked back at Sakura.

"Um, hi?"

"Yo" Sakura replied, Naruto blinked and made a gesture with his hand.

"Privacy?"

"Yeeeeah, you're not getting that"

"Excuse me?" Naruto responded, Sakura nodded her head.

"You got to see my chest, so I get to see what you're packing" Sakura explained, Naruto's eyes widened at the statement, his mouth hanging open slightly.

"What?!"

"You heard me, noooow drop 'em!" Sakura laughed, Naruto stared disbelievingly at Sakura who retained her mischievous grin.

"Are you serious?" Naruto questioned, folding his arms, Sakura nodded.

"Yup, fair is fair" Sakura stated, Naruto sighed and shook his head, he reached for his black briefs when he suddenly heard crunching. He looked up and couldn't believe what he saw.

"Are you eating popcorn?" Naruto questioned, Sakura shrugged and continued to eat her snack that came out of nowhere.

"Gotta enjoy the show" Sakura defended nonchalantly, "Now Nardo, I heard you can't pay rent, and I know a way, if you know what I mean" Sakura joked, Naruto couldn't help but snicker, placing and hand on his forehead.

"Oh what way do you know?" Naruto replied in a girly voice.

"Bowchicka-wow-wow" Sakura sang, Naruto burst out laughing, and shook his head, Fair's fair…Naruto thought. Naruto let his towel drop, and so did Sakura's smile. Naruto decided to pay her no attention and picked up his briefs, "Um…can I ask you a question Naruto?"

"Shoot"

"Why does Sai make small penis jokes to you?"

"Dunno" Naruto shrugged, pulling the briefs up.

"Because…he makes those jokes, but…you're very…um…"

"Thank you, pervert-chan" Naruto smiled, Sakura blushed slightly and turned her head away.

"I-I'm just saying…" Sakura stuttered "…y-you're well developed, well done"

"You're congratulating me?" Naruto asked as he pulled up the shorts, buttoning them as Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Listen, as a female I know the average size, and you seem to be…above average" Sakura complimented, Naruto slowly nodded his head, picking up the shirt and raising it above his head, "You know what, I don't understand why you don't have a girl or boy, apart from the fact that you belong with Sasuke" Sakura stated as she saw Naruto's abs flex as he put on the flattering shirt.

"You say that like I've never had a girlfriend before" Naruto stated, pulling down the shirt.

"Your girlfriends have all been crazies" Sakura scoffed, Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Not all of them, just Anna"

"AND Tina"

"Yes, and Tina" Naruto repeated, shuddering from the memory "I'll admit, she was bap-shit crazy" Naruto chuckled, Sakura placed her face in hand and mumbled something under her breath, "What was that?"

"I said that you have a thing for girls with dark hair and dark eyes" Sakura stated, Naruto picked up the belt and began to thread it through the loops.

"What? I don't have a thing for girls with dark hair and dark eyes" Naruto frowned confused.

"You're right, just girls who look like Sasuke" Sakura scoffed, rolling her eyes as he sat back and folded her arms.

"I do not" Naruto denied.

"Tina, Anna, Rachel, fucking Casey! They all had dark hair and dark eyes!" Sakura exclaimed, Naruto shook his head and picked up his blue stone necklace.

"Scarlet didn't have dark hair"

"Oh please! You didn't know she existed until she dyed her hair black!" Sakura accused, Naruto froze when he realised that was true.

"I didn't think I had a type…"

"Yeah, Sasuke!" Sakura called out, Naruto chuckled and shook his head. He sat on her couch and ran a hand through his damp hair, accidently slicking it back.

"You make it sound like I prey on girls with dark hair and dark eyes" Naruto chuckled, Sakura shrugged.

"You're hardly a predator when it comes to women, I mean, I doubt you've even been in a threesome" Sakura joked, but Naruto went silent, Sakura raised an eyebrow and stared at Naruto "Nardo?" Sakura voiced, Naruto remained silent and just gazed blankly in front of him. Sakura gasped and sat forward with the biggest grin, "You've been in a threesome!?" Sakura exclaimed.

"It was an accident!"

"How the fuck do you fuck two people by accident?" Sakura cried incredulously, Naruto sighed and attempted to explain.

"Well, a month or two after me and Tina broke up, me and Rachel just got together"

"Right"

"We were chilling at my place, then suddenly Tina burst in and went crazy when she saw Rachel"

"Uh-huh"

"They started arguing who was best for me, then the subject got onto sex, both of them claiming they were better at pleasing me or something stupid like that"

"And?"

"And then they wanted to prove who was better…so…" Naruto trailed off, Sakura gave a snort of laughter and shook her head.

"And you just let it happen?" Sakura laughed, Naruto blushed and gave an embarrassed scowl.

"What was I supposed to do? Say 'No thank you, I don't want to have sex with two hot girls who are also crazy?'" Naruto asked rhetorically, Sakura chuckled and sat back.

"Why you break up with Rachel anyway? I liked her" Sakura enquired, Naruto groaned and sat back.

"Promise not to say anything?"

"Alright" Sakura promised, Naruto sighed and shook his head.

"She broke up with me, because she thought that…" Naruto trailed off, Sakura remained patient and waited for Naruto to finish, "…that I was cheating on her with Sasuke…" Naruto mumbled, Sakura opened her mouth to comment, but shut it because of the warning look Naruto gave her. "Which is crazy! I would never cheat"

"Meh, I never liked her"

"I thought you just said you liked her"

"I'm a woman, I change opinions" Sakura stated, Naruto shook his head and stood up.

"Alright, I better get going if I want to make sure Sasuke doesn't ruin his life" Naruto said casually, stretching and walking towards the door "I'll report to you later, see ya"

"Later, Nardo" Sakura waved, Naruto opened the door and saw Hinata, who was about to knock the door.

"Oh, hey Hinata"

"H-Hello, Naruto-kun" Hinata greeted, Sakura hopped up instantly and ran to the door, practically kicking Naruto out and dragging Hinata in.

"That's great Naruto, bye!" Sakura exclaimed, slamming the door, Naruto blinked and chuckled. Walking down to the street, he decided to find out where Sasuke was, Somewhere with Katsu I bet…Naruto scowled, oh yeah, he was never going to forget that name. He needed to know as much about his enemy as possible.

Katsu sneezed, Is someone thinking about me?...Katsu thought to himself, he shook his head and brought his attention to the sleepy Uchiha in front of him. Sasuke sat across the kitchen counter, yawning as his face rested on his hand. Katsu chuckled as he watched Sasuke's eyes close lightly.

"Don't go to sleep again, pint-size"

"Mm-hm" Sasuke responded, Katsu chuckled and began to make breakfast for him and Sasuke.

"Why did you go to sleep on the couch anyway?" Katsu asked, Sasuke slowly opened his eyes and shrugged.

"I…ended up reading the book a lot more than I should of" Sasuke answered, not exactly lying, but not the truth either. Katsu simply shook his head.

"Not healthy, pint-size" Katsu tutted, Sasuke scoffed in return.

"Says the one who is obsessed with books" Sasuke teased.

"At least I go to sleep at a respectable hour, and I actually get to my bed" Katsu replied, Sasuke made a non-committal sound in response. A comfortable silence casting over, the only sound was soft humming from Sasuke and Katsu cooking breakfast. The calm and peaceful atmosphere almost therapeutic.

Katsu poured some liquid into a small handless cup, he placed some powder and bits of dried fruit in the drink; mixing it in together and pushed it towards Sasuke.

"What's this?"

"Herbal tea, and not that discounted artificial sad excuse of a refreshment, proper herbal tea" Katsu explained, Sasuke took the cup and gracefully raised it to his lips. Taking in the hot liquid, he felt his taste-buds agree with the sensual taste.

"Mm, this is nice" Sasuke complimented calmly, Katsu gave a satisfied 'Hn' in return, placing breakfast on the plates.

"This is a traditional Gecia breakfast" Katsu introduced, moving the plate in front of Sasuke. Sasuke looked down to see an apple gracefully cut into pieces, a perfect circle of natural yoghurt; a sliver of honey and a portion of rice with cinnamon bits infused. Sasuke blinked and admired the beautiful portrayal of food.

"This looks amazing" Sasuke mumbled, Katsu began to eat his own breakfast.

"It's also healthy, not like the crap you have in your cupboards" Katsu stated "How much ramen does one person need?" Katsu asked, shaking his head disapprovingly.

"Huh? Oh, that's Naruto's" Sasuke replied casually, Katsu froze and looked up at Sasuke.

"Excuse me?"

"Yeah, sometimes we come from a mission really late and I just let him stay here, or when he had to hide from his crazy ex-girlfriends in the past" Sasuke explained, "So he stored some ramen here, saying that next time he didn't want to starve" Sasuke finished, eating his food. Katsu stared blankly, a hurricane of anger swirling within, but kept it hidden.

"I see…"

"Besides, when we make love, he gets hungry" Sasuke remarked nonchalantly, Katsu's eyes popped out of his skull, choking on air.

"What?!"

"Joking, calm down" Sasuke reassured, putting his hands up to gesture that he needed to chill. Katsu calmed his breathing and let out a puff of air.

"I didn't think you were one to make jokes regarding that nature"

"I'm not, but if it causes reactions like that, then I'm definitely going to continue; if fact, I see why Sai does it" Sasuke mused, drinking from his cup.

"You seem to be in high spirits" Katsu observed, seeing that Sasuke was in a good mood. Sasuke nodded his head lightly and gave a noise that sounded like 'Hn', "Any particular reason?" Katsu enquired, Sasuke bit his lip out of habit.

"You're going to think it's dumb, mostly because it is" Sasuke replied, Katsu frowned slightly and leaned forward on his forearms.

"I won't laugh" Katsu encouraged, Sasuke chewed on his bottom lip and looked to the side.

"It's stupid, but…" Sasuke trailed off, biting his lip again "…it's nice to wake up with someone there…" Sasuke mumbled embarrassed, Katsu blinked and smiled; ruffling Sasuke's hair.

"You're too cute for your good"

"S-Shut up!" Sasuke stuttered, Katsu chuckled and retracted his hand.

"After you finish breakfast we can go out, we can't stay cooped up in here all day"

"Why?" Sasuke stated, making Katsu chuckle.

"You know I would love to avoid the world at all costs, but it's best to get some fresh air and besides if I'm going to stay here for a while I should probably get to know the village's structure"

"Open a window and buy a map, there, now we don't need to go out" Sasuke responded in a deadpan voice, Katsu rolled his eyes and smacked Sasuke's on the head lightly.

"Don't get smart with me, eat your food and get ready" Katsu ordered playfully, Sasuke grumbled and continued to eat his food. When he was done he went upstairs and got ready. Sasuke picked out a simple long sleeved black t- shirt, white knee-length shorts and fingerless gloves. Sasuke walked out his room and meet Katsu's disapproving gaze.

"What?"

"Change" Katsu ordered, Sasuke made a confused expressed and looked down at himself.

"Why? Do I not look right?"

"That's the problem, you're not allowed to look that good" Katsu stated, Sasuke blinked and chuckled, walking pass Katsu.

"Thank you, but I'm sure I won't get jumped"

"If you do, you're grounded"

"Deal" Sasuke replied. They walked out of the Uchiha compound, seeing the new day shining over. They walked into the village's main street, so Sasuke could teach Katsu where everything was. Three hours later, in the middle of explaining, Sasuke stopped as his eyes zoomed in on a certain blonde who was coolly leaning outside a shop.

Sasuke blinked and by instinct walked over, Katsu voiced a word of concern, but was ignored as Sasuke was drawn to Naruto. Naruto turned his head and gave a small grin when he saw Sasuke; as Sasuke finally approached him he gave Naruto a look over. Blushing ever so lightly at Naruto's wet hair that was slicked back, Damn it…stupid blonde…Sasuke thought, hating the blonde fetish he retained.

"Hey, teme" Naruto greeted casually, a smirk in place that would melt anyone. Sasuke kept his composure, ignoring the weird flutter that he felt.

"Hey…" Sasuke replied dreamily, Naruto's smile dropped when he saw Katsu approaching them.

"Great, he's here" Naruto remarked, Sasuke rolled his eyes and gave a small smile.

"Yes, he's here, and you said you were going to get along" Sasuke reminded, Naruto mumbled something under his breath as Katsu approached and put an arm around Sasuke, resting his arm on Sasuke's shoulder. Katsu gave a smug look as Naruto narrowed his eyes towards him.

"Oh hey, er, what's your name again?" Katsu asked insincerely, Sasuke gave him an irritated look.

"Katsu…" Sasuke voiced in a warning tone, Katsu sighed and turned his head to the side.

"…hi, Naruto" Katsu mumbled begrudgingly, Naruto did the same and turned his head away.

"Hey Katsu" Naruto grumbled out, a moment passed where Sasuke internally begged the universe to prevent these guys from fighting.

"Now that we have said our hello's we can move on" Katsu suggested, Sasuke gave a small glare towards him for the comment, Naruto looked back at the two and tried to take matters into his own hands. "Besides, Sasuke was just showing me around the village, you know, so I might be able to familiarise with it, since I'm going to be here for a long time" Katsu stated, purposely to annoy Naruto.

"I understand, I can easily imagine you getting lost, so I suppose you do need Sasuke to walk you around like a bitch" Naruto retorted.

"Naruto!" Sasuke snapped.

"What? I'm just saying he needs to be shown around like a dog" Naruto remarked innocently, Katsu growled.

"Actually, I have completely acquired a sense of direction within the village" Katsu showed off.

"Oh really now?" Naruto questioned.

"Yes" Katsu answered with a smug expression, assuming he won.

"Well then, I guess you don't need Sasuke anymore to guide you and I can hang out with him" Naruto replied with a fake grin, Katsu's own smug smirk had dropped as he realised he played right into Naruto's hand, Sasuke chuckled and tilted his head up at Katsu.

"He's got you there, Katsu" Sasuke stated with an impressed smile, releasing himself from Katsu and standing in front of Naruto. While Sasuke appreciated the smart move on Naruto's behalf, Katsu did not. Katsu a step forward, so he was standing behind Sasuke.

"Yeah, well, I was hanging out with him first" Katsu stated.

"Yeah, well, I want to hang out with him now" Naruto replied.

"Maybe you should back off" Katsu remarked threateningly.

"Maybe you should" Naruto growled.

"Okay, maybe you should both calm down" Sasuke said standing in between them, putting a hand on their chests to keep them separated. They glared silently at each other before Sasuke tried to keep the peace "How about we all just hang out?" Sasuke suggested, both boys gave one final glare before grumbling in agreement.

"Uchiha-san! I was just looking for you, could you possibly sign off on these papers?" A random ninja called, Sasuke nodded.

"I'll be back in a sec" Sasuke stated taking a few steps forward, before looking back at both males, "And please don't kill each other" Sasuke begged before walking over to the ninja and sighing off on a few reports. Katsu looked at Naruto who seemed to be locked onto Sasuke and leaned forward.

"It doesn't matter if I know this village like the back of my hand, all I need to know is where Sasuke's bedroom is" Katsu remarked, Naruto scowled and ignored Katsu and his shit-eating grin. Sasuke returned a moment later and looked between them.

"So what do you guys want to do?" Sasuke asked, Kill him…Both Naruto and Katsu thought in unison, Sasuke sighed as if he read their minds loud and clear, "I'm kind of hungry, do you want to get something to eat?" Sasuke questioned, both boys seem to be able to agree and began to walk.

"How about Watame?" Naruto voiced, gesturing the Watame stand, Katsu screwed his face up in response.

"I'd like to live past 30, thank you" Katsu remarked, looking at the fried pieces of food with disgust, Naruto rolled his eyes.

"If it's any consolation, you look 30" Naruto insulted, Sasuke sighed he watched them glare at each other.

"Quiet, little boy" Katsu retorted, Naruto scoffed in response.

"How old do you think are?" Naruto replied disrespectfully, Katsu smirked and knew the answer would piss Naruto off.

"I'm 22" Katsu stated, Naruto's eyes widened, Isn't that fucking illegal?!...Naruto thought as Sasuke was still 16. Naruto kept his mouth shut though, since getting Sasuke's boyfriend arrested wasn't probably a good move; as tempting as it was…

"How about some non-lethal rice-cakes?" Katsu suggested, pointing to the rice-cake stand.

"You might want to live to 30, but want to live with some flavour" Naruto commented, Katsu glared at him in return.

"You like new flavours? A new one every week? Almost like…a flavour of the week?" Katsu implied, very obviously saying Naruto was a player, Sasuke frowned towards Katsu.

"Katsu…" Sasuke voiced, Katsu shrugged in response.

"Just calling it how I see it"

"Blind fool" Naruto mumbled under his breath, Katsu caught it and glared at Naruto.

"What was that?" Katsu growled.

"I said you're a blind fool" Naruto offended, Katsu took a step towards him in a hostile manner, Naruto was about to do the same when Sasuke intervened.

"H-Hey, why don't we just get some Taiyaki, you can get healthy and non-healthy versions of it" Sasuke suggested, both boys stared at each other hatefully for a moment before nodding, heading to the stand with Sasuke.

Naruto had one filled with chocolate, Katsu had one filled with red bean paste and Sasuke had one filled with the stand's special filling. They walked to a secluded area and began to eat their food; Katsu and Naruto glaring at each other the entire time. Naruto saw that a small amount of sauce was on Sasuke's cheek.

Naruto never knew where he got the balls to do what he did next.

Naruto leant down to Sasuke and licked his cheek; Naruto was more concerned with Katsu's reaction, therefore completely forgetting Sasuke's reaction. Sasuke blinked and looked up at Naruto, Katsu's entire aura turned black.

"Naruto?" Sasuke voiced confused, his cheeks peppered by a small blush.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" Katsu snapped, Naruto shrugged and stood straight.

"He had some sauce on his cheek, I got rid of it" Naruto answered, Sasuke placed his fingers on the spot where Naruto had licked him; still blushing slightly. Katsu growled at the response.

"Couldn't you have just told him that?!" Katsu barked, Naruto put on his best innocent look and tilted his head.

"What do you mean? Didn't I help?" Naruto asked in a confused tone, Sasuke sighed and shook his head.

"Geez you're naïve, I'll let you off, but only because you don't understand what you did" Sasuke stated, his pink face calming down. While Sasuke wasn't looking, Naruto gave a wink and sly smirk to Katsu which said 'I knew exactly what I was doing'. Katsu growled and took a step towards Naruto.

"Sneaky little fuck, get here" Katsu snarled, but Sasuke stepped in front of him.

"Whoa, calm down Katsu, he didn't know"

"He knows exactly what he did! He fucking smirked at me!" Katsu accused, Sasuke turned his head back to see what Naruto had to say about it; Naruto shrugged, acting like he had no idea what Katsu was talking about. Sasuke sighed and looked back at Katsu.

"Katsu, you're imagining things, Naruto wouldn't do that" Sasuke defended, Katsu looked at Naruto who stuck his tongue out. Katsu growled and took in a deep breathe.

"Fine…" Katsu grinded out begrudgingly, Sasuke let out a sigh of relief and stood away. They began to walk again, Sasuke's eyes were drawn to a book that was being sold by a man, who kept on rattling prices. Naruto saw Sasuke's spark of interest and smiled to himself.

"See something you like?" Naruto asked, Sasuke blinked and looked at Naruto.

"Oh no, it's nothing really, I just didn't think that book was available anymore" Sasuke explained, Katsu looked at the book and nearly fainted.

"Good god! That's the destiny edition 2nd class Mercy of lords!" Katsu exclaimed, Naruto blinked as he saw the longing expression on the book-lovers.

"Um…is that book important?…" Naruto asked, Katsu snapped his head towards Naruto.

"Is that book important? It's amongst the top 15 rarest books in the world! Not to mention being one of the most intricate storylines in history!" Katsu exclaimed again, Naruto blinked and raised an eyebrow.

"Then why don't you go buy it?" Naruto questioned, Sasuke and Katsu looked at each other like they hadn't thought of that.

"I don't have enough money" Sasuke stated, Naruto saw that Katsu was in the same predicament.

"I can get it if you want" Naruto offered, but Sasuke shook his head.

"You don't understand, that thing is probably the cost of a house" Sasuke sighed, Naruto looked sympathetically towards him and shrugged.

"Can't get them all, huh?" Naruto said, trying to cheer him up, Sasuke gave a small grateful smile and nodded.

"I guess so" Sasuke replied, a small moment passed between them, where only them two existed in the entire universe. The moment came to an end when Sasuke realised they were staring at each other, blushing a pink he turned away, "Um, let's get going, I need to get something from somewhere else anyway" Sasuke said.

They walked down the street a little more, Sasuke entered a shop and purchased a few minor things; the lady from the counter was going to give him a bag, but she couldn't find one.

"Oh! I apologise, sir, but I seemed to have ran out of bags" The woman apologised, Sasuke shrugged since it was only a few small things.

"It's fine" Sasuke stated, handing her the money, not really bothered by it.

Of course Naruto and Katsu came to the rescue.

"I'll carry it for you, Sasuke" Katsu offered, standing left to Sasuke; but before Sasuke could accept or decline, Naruto had jumped to Sasuke's right.

"No, I'll carry it for you" Naruto intervened, once again Sasuke didn't have time to say anything.

"If you're as ham-handed as I think, then I think it's more appropriate that I hold Sasuke's belongings" Katsu scoffed, Naruto growled slightly in return.

"And if you're as weak as I think you are then I should carry Sasuke's things" Naruto retorted, both protective males glowered each other down. Sasuke sighing between them.

"Guys, I'm not some weak princess, I can hold my own things" Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"No, I want to hold your things" Katsu claimed.

"No! Let me!" Naruto piped.

"For crying out loud" Sasuke snapped, he gave one thing to Naruto, one thing to Katsu and held one for himself, "There, now we all have something, happy?" Sasuke said annoyed, Naruto and Katsu blinked. Katsu suddenly smiled.

"Good show, Sasuke, great idea" Katsu complimented.

"Yeah! You're so smart, teme" Naruto flattered, Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm a genius" Sasuke stated sarcastically; they walked out the shop, but on the way out Sasuke saw a certain man that made Naruto's blood boil "Kenyo" Sasuke voiced surprised, seeing the man across the way. He beckoned Sasuke over with a seductive smile, Sasuke walked over.

Katsu looked at Naruto for an answer, he was surprised to see that Naruto's eyes were slit and red. Katsu was actually terrified by the glare that Naruto was shooting Kenyo, grateful to not be on the receiving end of that one. Yes, Naruto had glared at him, but not like that.

"Who is that?" Katsu asked, Naruto's eyes never left Kenyo, as if he did the man would take Sasuke away.

"That" Naruto snapped, Katsu jumped slightly at the change of voice, Like a demon…Katsu noted, "Is the scum you find on dead animals" Naruto growled, Katsu blinked.

"Um, a little more specific?"

"He is perverted mob leader, he wants Sasuke" Naruto spat out, Katsu glared at the man and took a step forward, but Naruto put a hand in front of him to stop him.

"What are you doing? I need to get Sasuke away from him" Katsu argued, Naruto let out a half-sigh, half-growl.

"As much as I would like to let you do that" Naruto spoke in his normal yet agitated voice, "You can't"

"Why not?"

"Because he gives Konoha information, it's one of the reasons that he's allowed to walk freely" Naruto started "In return for the information, he gets Sasuke for an hour, I don't know what they do in that hour so don't ask" Naruto explained, he suddenly scoffed and shook his head, "If you think you have me to worry about then you'll have a heart attack over that guy" Naruto stated.

"Kenyo, I couldn't possibly accept this" They heard Sasuke say, they tried to listen in as best as he could. Kenyo smiled and caressed Sasuke's cheek.

"Aw, but pretty baby, I got it just for you" Kenyo whined sexily, leaning close to Sasuke and smirking "And you'll look so sexy in it" Kenyo flirted, Sasuke blushed lightly as Kenyo went behind him "You know the drill baby, gotta hold up your gorgeous hair for me" Kenyo chuckled, Sasuke lifted the back of his hair slightly.

Naruto glowered at the man, knowing that Sasuke didn't need to lift his hair, but Kenyo took a sick pleasure in it. Kenyo placed a thin gold and silver patterned choker around Sasuke's neck, a small purple diamond in the shape of a heart being the centre piece.

"Kenyo, it's beautiful, but I told you, you don't need to get me all these things" Sasuke explained, Kenyo hummed and leant forward, so his mouth was near Sasuke's ear.

"That's one of the things I love about you baby, you ain't looking for no money, no material things, you just real, not no gold-digger, nah, you my sexy baby are special, one in a million, no, one in a billion" Kenyo flirted, gently taking the shell of Sasuke's ear into his mouth. Naruto and Katsu were practically surrounded in angry fire at this moment. Sasuke shivered slightly at the contact.

"Um, Kenyo…" Sasuke voiced nervously, Kenyo chuckled and released Sasuke.

"Sorry baby, you just get me so worked up" Kenyo apologised in his usual soft tone, Kenyo stood in front of Sasuke and smiled "Can I get a kiss, pretty baby?" Kenyo asked, Sasuke frowned slightly. Katsu needed to be held back by the equally furious Naruto.

"Kiss?"

"Hai, I've always wanted to kiss a princess" Kenyo replied, stroking Sasuke's hair. Sasuke knew that Tsunade had told him to do as Kenyo asked, for the sake of Konoha, so rejecting him wasn't an option.

Sasuke went on his tip toes and gave a quick peck to Katsu's lips, but Kenyo was sneaky and snaked an arm around Sasuke's waist and pulled him against him. Making it so they're lips stayed together, Sasuke's eyes widened and squirmed in the grip.

"Mmpf! Mmph!" Sasuke complained, Kenyo release Sasuke's lips, but kept a firm grip around him.

"Sorry baby, I couldn't possibly resist, you taste really good you know" Katsu winked, Sasuke pouted in response "Mmm, sweet like honey"

"Y-You got your kiss, now let me go" Sasuke demanded, trying to escape the tight grip, even tighter when Kenyo wrapped his other arms around him. Sasuke opened his mouth to protest, but Kenyo timed it perfectly and stuck his tongue down his throat.

Sasuke's eyes shot open and he gasped, accidently letting Kenyo gain more access. Sasuke struggled, but it was no use. Sasuke knew he wasn't allowed to hurt the man, or it would cause the mafia to come after Konoha, so he was in the horrible predicament. He just closed his eyes and hoped it would be over soon.

Naruto and Katsu's eyes widened and they stood horribly aware they couldn't do anything, Naruto was about to stomp over and kill Kenyo. Not caring if it would start a war or not, but suddenly a poof of smoke appeared next to Kenyo, revealing a man. The man put a hand on Kenyo's shoulder.

"That's enough, Kenyo" The man said gravely, Sasuke opened his eyes to see a familiar face.

"Jiraiya-sensei" Naruto gasped happily, Kenyo tensed, for some reason Kenyo was particularly scared of him. Kenyo took his mouth off of Sasuke and looked at Jiraiya, who was giving a deadly glare at Kenyo. Kenyo smirked at Sasuke and gave a wink.

"It seems like I gotta go baby, but don't worry, I'll return" Kenyo promised, his released Sasuke and walked off. Sasuke's left hand latched onto his right elbow and looked to the ground humiliated. Jiraiya stepped in front of Sasuke, so neither Katsu nor Naruto could see them.

"You alright kid?" Jiraiya asked concerned, placing a hand on either of Sasuke's shoulders, Sasuke nodded and kept hidden behind his bangs.

"Yes, Jiraiya-sensei, arigato" Sasuke responded formally, but his voice was quiet and slightly hoarse. Jiraiya never understood why Sasuke was so formal with him, Sasuke didn't act like that with anyone else. In fact, Sasuke only began to act like this when he found out that Jiraiya would be Naruto's sensei.

"Are you sure? Do you want to talk about it?" Jiraiya questioned worriedly, Sasuke gave a small nod.

"No, Jiraiya-sensei, you don't need to worry" Sasuke replied robotically, Jiraiya frowned.

"You know you don't have to act like this with me" Jiraiya spoke kindly, giving a smile "You can talk to me"

"I'll keep that in mind, Jiraiya-sensei" Sasuke stated as emotionless as before, Jiraiya sighed and let Sasuke go.

"Right, well I hope you do" Jiraiya tried to say enthusiastically, Jiraiya noticed Naruto's aura not far behind him and chuckled "I think you should go and reassure Naruto, he's having a heart attack" Jiraiya laughed, Sasuke nodded his head and walked back over to Katsu and Naruto.

"Teme, are you alright?!"

"Sasuke, are you okay?!" Sasuke nodded his head.

"I just want to forget it" Sasuke requested quietly, both Naruto and Katsu looked sympathetically toward Sasuke, who looked shamed. Sasuke began to walk, not really paying attention, a sharp corner caught his arm and sliced a cut along his arm. "Ow" Sasuke mumbled in a deadpan tone, not really feeling any pain.

Of course, both males shoved each other to be the one to inspect it.

"Move it Neanderthal, you probably don't know the difference between blood and ketchup" Katsu hissed.

"Excuse me? I'm the ninja, I know how to treat a cut!" Naruto proclaimed, Katsu looked at Sasuke for some help, but he shrugged.

"He's right Katsu" Sasuke stated, Katsu grumbled as he stepped back, Naruto smugly ordered Katsu to buy some gauze. Katsu did so and returned, Naruto took the gauze and faced the cut. Shocking Katsu with what he did next.

Naruto placed his tongue on Sasuke's cut, Sasuke flinched slightly, holding up his sleeve. Katsu grabbed the back of Naruto's shirt and yanked him back. Glaring burning daggers at Naruto who just looked surprised.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Katsu yelled, Naruto for once was actually confused.

"Huh?" Naruto voiced, Katsu pulled back his fist and was only stopped by Sasuke.

"Katsu wait! You don't understand!" Sasuke exclaimed, Katsu narrowed his eyes.

"He was licking you again! What is there to understand!?" Katsu questioned.

"He's has healing qualities! He can pass it through his saliva, that's why he was licking my cut!" Sasuke explained quickly, trying to avoid Naruto being punched in the face. Katsu looked back and forth between Sasuke and Naruto.

"Really?" Katsu asked suspiciously.

"R-Really!" Sasuke confirmed, Katsu stared at Naruto's bewildered expression for a moment before letting him go.

"Hn" Katsu voiced, Sasuke let out a sigh of relief. After Naruto got out of his shock, he continued to lick Sasuke's cut. He placed the gauze around the cut, deeming it to be treated. Naruto noticed Katsu giving him a disapproving stare, obviously not happy with how the cut was looked after.

"What?" Naruto snapped at Katsu who glared at him.

"What kind of appalling job was that?" Katsu scoffed, Naruto stood straight and stepped to Katsu.

"It was my job, and I did it just fine" Naruto snarled.

"Pfft, a five year old could imitate what you did, then again you seem to have the capacity of one" Katsu insulted.

"I don't need to be a genius to kick your ass" Naruto threatened.

"Can you two just shut up!?" Sasuke snapped, silencing both boys, "What's wrong with you guys? You can't go five minutes without arguing?!" Sasuke yelled, both boys blinked in surprise at the outburst. Naruto was the first to recover and attempted to smooth things over.

"Sasu-"

"No! I don't want to hear it!" Sasuke exclaimed, "You know what?! You guys can argue, fight or kill each other for all I care! I'm done!" Sasuke barked, swishing around and stomping off.

"Sasuke!"

"Wait, Sasuke, I'm sorry!" They called out, but it was no use, Sasuke kept on walking. They sighed and looked guiltily to the ground. Sasuke passed Kakashi who didn't know what just went on.

"Why hello there Sasuke, how-"

"You know Kakashi, I never gave you credit for putting up with me and Naruto fighting all the time, I have no idea how you do it!" Sasuke stated as he walked passed the startled jounin. Kakashi blinked as he watched Sasuke stomp off fuming.

"Thanks…?"

Sasuke sat in the leather booth on Shen's boat, his forehead resting on the table in front of him in annoyance.

"They. Just. Won't. Shut. Up." Sasuke groaned irritated, Shen gave a sympathetic smile.

"It just means they care about you"

"It means that it gives me a headache" Sasuke replied, Shen chuckled and shook his head.

"It seems that our little Naruto-kun is jealous" Shen stated, Sasuke raised his head and looked puzzled at Shen.

"Jealous? Why would he be jealous?" Sasuke questioned, Shen just raised an eyebrow and leaned forward on his arm.

"A mysterious older man moves in with you? I can't imagine he'd be happy about that" Shen said, Sasuke blinked and tilted his head slightly.

"I…never thought of it like that…"

"For all he knows, he's your boyfriend" Shen replied, taking a sip from his non-alcoholic beer "Besides, if he knew that he was only a brother to you then I don't think he would argue with him, do you?"

"I suppose…" Sasuke agreed, thinking it over, "I mean, he did react strangely to Katsu's age…" Sasuke mumbled.

"Did you give any implications that you were together?" Shen enquired, but Sasuke shook his head.

"No, I don't so, I mean…Katsu kept putting his arm around me, and acting protective…and I told Naruto he moved in with me, and that I wanted them both to get along…" Sasuke worked out, putting a hand over his mouth and looking at Shen startled "Oh god, he thinks we're together, doesn't he?"

"From that description, ya, I think he does" Shen responded, Sasuke groaned and ran both his hands through his hair.

"This idiot, even if we were together, he has no right to get jealous over me" Sasuke huffed, Shen tilted his head at the statement.

"He doesn't?"

"No, of course he doesn't, it's not fair to be jealous over me and then not want to be with me, what does he expect? That I'll just be solo all my life, just so it makes him comfortable? I don't think so" Sasuke scoffed, Shen shrugged and leant back.

"What if he did like you?" Shen asked.

"He doesn't"

"That's not what I asked you" Shen replied, "I asked you, what you would do if he liked you? If he asked you out?" Shen questioned, Sasuke went silent; he looked over to gaze at the beautiful sea. Trying to think of an answer for once and not avoid it.

"I dunno…" Sasuke mumbled.

"You 'dunno'?" Shen repeated, Sasuke blushed a light pink.

"Well, what do you say to the person you've known all your life suddenly asking you out?"

"Yes?" Shen suggested, in return receiving a dry look from Sasuke who sighed.

"It's not like I would say no straight away, but it's one of those things were you don't know what you would do until it happens" Sasuke tried to explain, but Shen wasn't convinced.

"Do you find him attractive?" Shen asked casually.

"D-Dad!" Sasuke squeaked, blushing slightly.

"Just a question, do you?" Shen repeated, Sasuke thought about his answer and it kept on coming to the same conclusion.

"I guess so…"

"Do you trust him?"

"I suppose…"

"Is he important to you?"

"Of course"

"Then what stops you from saying yes?" Shen questioned, Sasuke blinked and thought about it seriously. What did stop Sasuke from saying yes? Sasuke thought about what would happen if they did go out. Everyone would probably say 'I told you so!', Sai would never stop with the jokes; god knows how many fangirls would have a nosebleed.

Sasuke…had fun with Naruto, Naruto was a fun guy. Sasuke thought that they would have great time together, they understood each other, so they didn't need to waste time with awkward small talk. The idea of being with Naruto became ever appealing, since no one would put up with Sasuke like he did. No one could rival Sasuke like he did. No one made Sasuke…feel the way Naruto made him feel.

On the contrary.

What if they broke up? They couldn't exactly avoid each other, they were on the same team. Sasuke would lose one of the most important people in his life, he could only imagine how it would affect Naruto. The poor boy would blame himself, he'd give Sasuke everything in return. The friends, the favourite spots to hang out, the training grounds. Naruto would give it all in guilt. It would be horrific to watch.

"What if we broke up?" Sasuke asked, Shen shook his head.

"I doubt you would, but then again it's a risk with every relationship" Shen answered, though Sasuke didn't find any comfort in that answer. Shen sighed and decided to talk from the heart, "Because it's worth it" Shen spoke quietly, grabbing Sasuke's attention.

"Huh?"

"Sasuke…with your mother, I knew that there was no chance that we would live happily ever after, even when she told me she loved me, even when we were together, I knew that our affair couldn't last forever…it was the most painful thing to carry, there's no sting like it…" Shen murmured, Sasuke felt his heart ache, he shook his head.

"How the hell is that worth it?" Sasuke whispered out, his voice breaking, Shen shot his head up at Sasuke in response.

"I don't regret it" Shen stated strongly "Because the time I did spend with her was irreplaceable, it was magical…it created you" Shen said with a smile, "If I had the chance, I'd do it all over again, knowing that she was supposed to be with Fugaku, knowing that I'd lose her, knowing all that I would still go for it" Shen proclaimed, Sasuke sat stunned, he shook his head once more.

"How? How can you…how can you love someone knowing you'll lose them?...how…?" Sasuke trailed off, at a loss for words.

"Because it's better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all" Shen answered, Sasuke fell silent with those words. Thinking over the meaning and understanding a new significance to the phrase. Sasuke rested his face in hand and looked across the sea.

"Do…do you think that me and Naruto…we could be…?"

"Let's put it like this, the way he teases you is the same way I used to tease your mother" Shen chuckled, putting a gentle hand on Sasuke's, staring deeply at him "And I think it's for the same reasons…" Shen smiled, Sasuke bit his lip out of habit.

"So why doesn't he ask me out?" Sasuke allowed himself to enquire, Shen chuckled and smirked.

"The same reason you didn't know if you would say yes" Shen answered, he saw Sasuke's face look as if on the edge of an epiphany, he chuckled and retracted his hand. He fished something out of his pocket and handed it to Sasuke. Sasuke looked down to see the shark-tooth necklace and gasped quietly.

"My…"

"Yes, why did you leave it here?" Shen questioned, Sasuke looked shamefully to the table.

"I…was returning it to the owner" Sasuke mumbled, Shen smiled and took it out of his hand. He placed it over Sasuke's head.

"Wha…"

"You are the owner, I gave this to you to let you know how important you are to me" Shen stated, Sasuke held the tooth in his hand, smiling slightly.

"I'll…I'll wear it proudly from now on" Sasuke promised, Shen smiled. He stared at Sasuke for a moment before speaking.

"Have you got your memories sorted yet?" Shen asked, Sasuke blinked and shook his head.

"No, but I'll get right on it" Sasuke assured, Shen shook his head and looked at Sasha who was gazing at Sasuke. She suddenly jumped up and growled, she swiped a paw at Sasuke who gasped at the attack, "Ah!"

"Sasha!" Shen snapped, Sasha had swiped the choker on Sasuke's neck, she growled at the jewellery and hissed at it. Sasuke blinked and looked at the choker.

"Huh? The choker?" Sasuke voiced confused, Shen shrugged and picked it up, he hovered a hand over it and shrugged again.

"There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it" Shen reported, he tried to give it back to Sasuke, but Sasha swiped at it; growling at it as if it would burn Sasuke, "What's wrong, girl?" Shen asked, Sasha gave a growl and grunt, Shen gave a disapproving expression "Sasha doesn't like the scent on it, whoever gave it to you, she doesn't like them" Shen explained.

"Really?" Sasuke asked surprised, Even Sasha can sense the type of person Kenyo is…Sasuke thought, Sasha jumped down and gazed expectantly at Shen. Shen raised an eyebrow at Sasha in return.

"And what do you want?" Shen asked, Sasha gave a noise in response, "You've already ate today" Shen stated, Sasha made another sound "You're going to get fat" Shen said, Sasha made an angry noise at that one "Of course, I don't think you're fat" Shen replied, Sasha made another noise "No, I'm not just saying that" Shen assured, Sasha made another noise "Yes, you're just as fit as you were 3 years ago, yes" Shen answered, Sasha made another noise "I would never look at another puma" Shen said, as if he was a boyfriend. Sasha gave one final huff and strolled off, "Women, huh?"

"Can…you understand her?"

"Yes"

"How?"

"Years of friendship with her and reading body language" Shen answered, Sasuke blinked in surprise.

"No special jutsu?"

"Nope!" Shen piped happily before it faded, seeing the look on Sasuke's face "I'm kind of an odd fruit, aren't I?"

"The oddest"

Sasuke had just arrived back in Konoha, he hopped out the train and was about to go find Kakashi. Though when he saw the silver-haired jounin leaning on the wall, he knew his short search was over. Sasuke saw Kakashi wave at him, Sasuke blinked and walked over, How did he know I was here?...Sasuke wondered as he approached Kakashi.

"Kakashi, what are you doing here?" Sasuke asked, Kakashi just smiled with his eyes and stopped leaning on the wall.

"Well, when you passed me earlier you seemed angry" Kakashi replied, Sasuke sighed and placed a hand behind his head.

"About that"

"Naruto?" Kakashi guessed, Sasuke gave a small nod in return, "I also was told what happened with Kenyo" Kakashi said, Sasuke sighed at the statement "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I'm fine, I'm used to this kind of behaviour from him anyway…" Sasuke replied, Kakashi frowned at that.

"That's not fine, we should ask Tsunade if she'll change the agreement between Kenyo and you" Kakashi offered, Sasuke shook his head.

"It's fine, really, besides he told me that he was going to be stepping down from being the leader, so we won't get information from him for much longer" Sasuke informed Kakashi, Kakashi nodded and changed the subject.

"Why were you and Naruto arguing this time?" Kakashi asked, Sasuke groaned and shook his head.

"It wasn't us who argued, he kept on arguing with…someone important to me, it pissed me off; they just wouldn't stop" Sasuke complained, Kakashi chuckled.

"Is that why you passed me saying you didn't know I put up with you and Naruto?" Kakashi enquired, Sasuke nodded a little embarrassed.

"Um, sorry about that, I wasn't in a good mood" Sasuke apologised.

"It's understandable, dealing with two people constantly arguing is stressful" Kakashi empathised ironically.

"I assume its karma" Sasuke sighed, Kakashi chuckled and shrugged.

"Perhaps" Kakashi replied, a moment of silence passed before Kakashi broke it "You went to see Shen?" Kakashi asked, Sasuke blinked and nodded.

"Yeah…in fact I told him who I was" Sasuke confessed, Kakashi seemed slightly surprised at that last comment.

"You did?"

"Mm"

"Good" Kakashi replied happily, at peace knowing that Shen was relieved of his pain. At the mention of Shen, Sasuke remembered why needed to find Kakashi in the first place.

"Kakashi, I actually…need your help for something"

"Hm?"

"There's a barrier that's blocking my memories, I need it removed and my dad said you'll be able to get rid of it" Sasuke explained, Kakashi took a few steps forward and placed a hand on Sasuke's forehead.

"How long has it been there?"

"About…10 years" Sasuke answered, at that answer Kakashi quickly retracted his hand, gaining a confused look from Sasuke, "What wrong?" Sasuke asked, seeing the strange look in Kakashi's eye.

"10 years…is a long time for a barrier to grow attached, to grow strong, it may be dangerous to remove it suddenly" Kakashi observed, "If it was made in the last year or so it would be a simple eradication, but when barriers like this have been there long…" Kakashi trailed off for a moment "It's…difficult to remove them"

"So it's impossible?"

"No, just…trickier" Kakashi replied, "I'll consult Tsunade, we'll see then"

"Can we do it now?" Sasuke asked quickly, before biting his lip at how desperate he sounded. Kakashi raised an eyebrow at the keen requested.

"Eager are we?" Kakashi chuckled, Sasuke looked to the side embarrassed, "It's understandable, come on, let's go"

They proceeded to the Hokage's office, when they arrived they explained the situation to Tsunade. Tsunade sat in her chair resting her face on her interlocked hands, thinking over the explanation given to her. She gazed at Sasuke and began to speak.

"10 years, huh?" Tsunade voiced, Sasuke nodded in response, Tsunade sighed and rubbed her temples, "It's doable, but to make sure we don't damage your mind, we'll need you Kakashi, and Jiraiya…and one more person other than me…" Tsunade trailed off before nodding to herself, "I say it's time that Uchiha Shen returned to the village, don't you?" Tsunade asked.

"You know him?" Sasuke questioned, Tsunade gave a snort of laughter.

"Everyone knows who Shen is, he was the number one fun-loving genius in the village" Tsunade smirked, "Get ready Sasuke, because when he returns he'll be swamped by people" Tsunade chuckled, Sasuke looked at Kakashi confused, but in return he just nodded. Sasuke looked in between them still confused.

"What do you mean?" Sasuke enquired, but just received all-knowing chuckles from both adults.

"You'll see, Sasuke" Tsunade snickered, "In fact, since you're so keen to do this, Kakashi will go get Shen now, wait at the gate when they return, see how people react" Tsunade instructed, Sasuke was puzzled by the order, but did as he was asked.

…

Sasuke was leaning against the side of the large opening to Konoha, waiting for Shen and Kakashi to return. In the meantime, Sasuke had a chance to think about everything had happened; Naruto, Katsu, Kenyo, his memories…he had a chance to process it all. Sasuke started off with his memories.

What would he remember? How much would he remember? Who would he remember? Would he be able to remember all the stories that everyone told him? A lot of questions were swirling around Sasuke's mind, thinking if he would remember anything that could possibly change his life. Sasuke scoffed at that last thought, Right, because it's not like it's not already been tipped upside-down…Sasuke thought sarcastically.

His mind wondered onto the next thing that he had refused to talk about. Kenyo. Sasuke couldn't figure that man out; one minute he was a sweet prince charming sweeping Sasuke off his feet, then the next he was a perverted molester yanking Sasuke off his feet. Sasuke sighed; how can a man give him beautiful gifts and treat him like a royalty, then suddenly stick his tongue down his throat and treat him like an object? Sasuke didn't know whether he liked the man or despised him, it was like he was dealing with two separate people.

Speaking of two contrasting people…Sasuke sighed, he was reminded of Naruto and Katsu, reminded of how they acted towards each other. Sasuke didn't regret stomping off. Not at all. They shouldn't have acted the way that they did. Sasuke thought that as soon as he left that they probably went at each other's throat, he couldn't understand why they hated each other so much.

Well, that was a lie.

Naruto hates him because he thinks Katsu's my boyfriend and Katsu hates him because he thinks that Naruto wants to be my boyfriend…Sasuke thought, Fucking idiots…Sasuke sighed, Sasuke's mind wondered to what his dad had said earlier.

I wonder what I would say if Naruto asked me out…Sasuke pondered, I mean…he never would, but…still…Sasuke's mind tried to work it out, but like he said to his dad; he would only know if he was in that situation. Sasuke tilted his head and thought about if he'd say yes, what would their first date be like?

Where would they go? A restaurant? A training field? At the other's place? Sasuke blushed lightly at that last suggestion, That be fast…since we'd be right next to a-Sasuke shook his head of that last thought.

When would the time be? Day? Night? Sasuke frowned slightly at the last one, A night date is a little soon too, because usually at the end of a night date-Sasuke shook his head once again.

What would they do? Talk? Spar? Do…couple stuff? Sasuke disagreed with the last one, since people don't become a couple after the first date, and what did 'couple stuff' even mean? The only thing Sasuke could think was-Sasuke shook his head again, What's with these perverted thoughts today?!...Sasuke scolded himself.

After thinking of all these things, he suddenly noticed the increase of people at the gate. He raised an eyebrow and saw that people were gazing out the gate expectantly, a lot of them were whispering to each other. Sasuke noticed that most of them were either Kakashi's age or older. He listened in to see if he could find out why they were there.

"Do you really think he's coming?" A woman whispered to her friend.

"He must be! A ninja heard from the Hokage's office that he's coming here!" The woman replied, Sasuke blinked and tried to listen to another conversation.

"This is unbelievable! I can't believe he survived" A man whispered to his friend.

"He wasn't here during the massacre, so maybe the rumours of him being alive were true!" The friend whispered back. Sasuke creased his forehead, Surely they're not talking about…Sasuke's thoughts trailed off as he heard more and more talking.

"Do you really think it's him?"

"I can't wait!"

"I've always loved him"

"Do you think he'll become the next Hokage now?"

"I hope so!"

"Do you think he'll give out kisses again?"

Sasuke kept on hearing all of them, everything they were saying. More and more it reinforced the idea that Shen really was something. He even saw that Asuma, Kurenai and Gai had shown up, Sasuke suddenly heard a woman shriek.

"He's here!" She called out, Sasuke looked forwards and saw Shen walking breezily with his hands in his pockets. Kakashi following behind, Kakashi gave a nod to Sasuke which said 'Watch this'. Sasuke watched as Shen approached the crowd coolly.

"Yo!" Shen greeted, giving a causal wave, the audience watched silently as if he was a ghost, Shen looked left and right and smiled "Aw what, no welcoming party?" Shen joked, everyone then suddenly went into a happy uproar, people cheering and greeting Shen; patting him on the back, shaking his hand, the whole welcome package.

Sasuke watched amazed by the reaction, seeing the people revive him as some sort of god. Sasuke was really surprised that he had never heard of Shen before this. Kakashi stood next to Sasuke, watching the same scene.

"I told you so" Kakashi chuckled "He's very popular" Kakashi said, Sasuke nodded his head still watching Shen get all the attention.

"Why is that?"

"Well, he developed a lot of techniques, helped a lot of people, he's saved lives, he's very charismatic, it's hard not like to like him" Kakashi explained, Sasuke gave an 'Hn' in response, Shen suddenly noticed Sasuke and smiled. He walked over and wrapped an arm around his shoulder and pulled him close, Shen gave a loud to whistle to get everyone's attention.

"Listen up guys! You might know my son here, Sasuke! The number one ninja!" Shen proclaimed loudly, a silent moment passed where everyone was shocked by the statement, including Sasuke. A few whispered sentences before someone from the crowd spoke up.

"Is that a joke?" A lone voice asked, Shen shook his head, smile still in place.

"Nope! Sasuke is my son, so you better have been treating him right!" Shen laughed, it was silent again before another voice spoke up.

"How did you have a son?" A voice asked, Shen smirked in response.

"Didn't your parents ever tell you about the birds and the bees?" Shen joked, causing a moment of laughter from the crowd.

"Does this mean you're taken?" A woman called out, Shen sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

"Heh heh, kind of, yeah" Shen replied, Sasuke looked nervously up at Shen, Shen saw the look and gave a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, it's going great" Shen whispered.

"They're staring at us like animals in a cage" Sasuke whispered back.

"Don't worry, I know the perfect way to win them over" Shen whispered back, Shen faced the crowd with his dazzling smile and called out "Drinks on meeeeeeee!" Shen bellowed, and as Shen promised, he won them over.

"Long live the Uchiha!" A man cried out, shocking Sasuke, since he never thought he'd hear such respect for the Uchiha name again, the crowd cheered in response and started to chant.

"UCHIHA! UCHIHA! UCHIHA!" They chanted, Sasuke stood completely thrown, watching as everyone cheered them on; Shen turned his head to look at Kakashi.

"Hey Kaka-chan, I have absolutely no money" Shen said happily, Kakashi sighed and shook his head.

"I'll sort it" Kakashi replied.

"Thaaank you" Shen sang, Shen smiled down at Sasuke who still looked uncomfortable, "You okay?" Shen asked, Sasuke nodded and released himself from Shen's hold.

"Yeah, you just are so different" Sasuke replied vaguely, Shen tilted his head and smiled.

"Different? What'd you mean?" Shen chuckled, Sasuke just gave a small smile in return.

"Nothing, come on, you need to tend to your admirers" Sasuke smirked, gesturing the females who had hearts in their eyes, Shen chuckled as he saw the females swoon.

"I guess I do, but as soon as Tsunade makes the preparation, we'll restore your memories, okay?" Shen promised, Sasuke nodded, Shen smiled "You know, if you come, you'll probably get to hear some stories" Shen offered, Sasuke smiled and nodded.

"I'd like that"

"THIS man, Sasuke, single-handedly took down the 'Chameleon'!" A ninja informed Sasuke, Sasuke sat next to Shen in a large booth; everyone was surrounding them and talking. Sasuke took the information in and looked at Shen surprised.

"Wasn't he a master genjutsu artist?" Sasuke asked, Shen gave a nod of his head.

"He was nothing when Shen was through with him!" A ninja laughed, the rest of the crowd laughing with him. Shen chuckled lightly and closed his eyes.

"Mm-hm, I did teach him a lesson" Shen spoke, Gai leaned forward with a grin.

"You never told us how you did it! How?!" Gai asked enthusiastically, everyone else wanting to know the same. Shen gave a cool hum and tilted his head, slowly opening his eyes halfway.

"Well, I noticed that every time he attacked, the water we were standing in seemed to decrease" Shen began "I thought 'How can he not be running out of chakra?', then it hit me" Shen continued, everyone's attention firmly on him "He hides in the water, then he attacks from underneath, so it seems like you were in a genjutsu" Shen explained, "Knowing this, I used a technique that I had developed recently; I calmed myself, I kneeled down…" Shen spoke mysteriously "I placed my hands into the water…the water begins to bubble beneath me…" Shen leant forward, his hands making slow gestures, "He suddenly asks me 'What are you doing?!'" Shen chuckled and shook his head "The water begins to bleed red, he freaks out and tries to run, but then suddenly he realises…" Shen trailed off, making everyone lean forward expectantly, "The water…has a life of its own, he begins to engulf him, controlling his movements; leaving him defenceless…" Shen suddenly slammed his hand against the table, making everyone jump "Then I make him dance…" Shen finished, a ninja blinked and titled his head.

"Dance?"

"Yup!" Shen replied happily, completely contrasting the aura he had from before "I made him do the tango, ballet, waltz, it was freaking hilarious!" Shen laughed, shaking his head "He begged to be released, saying it was too embarrassing, I said I would if he be good from now on I would let him go, he promised to do so and I let him go"

"You let him go?!" They called out, Shen nodded his head.

"Yeah, in fact he gave up his evil ways and began a vegetable company, very good lettuce, good tomatoes" Shen replied, Kakashi chuckled and shook his head.

"What else are we to expect from you?" Kakashi voiced, murmur of agreement went through the crowd, "You still retain your idea that anyone can change" Kakashi stated, Shen pouted and nodded.

"Everyone has a good heart within, we all deserve second chances; no one should be left behind or killed just because we think they're lost" Shen proclaimed, making everyone smile, and at what he said next made Sasuke's heart stop "What kind of person can I be if I can't save just one person?" Shen asked, Sasuke's eyes widened, a memory came to his mind.

"What kind of Hokage can I be if I can't save one friend? That's why I came after you Sasuke, that's why I brought you back"

"Dobe, what does that even mean?"

"It means you're my friend, believe it!"

Sasuke sat there and looked at Shen, thinking over the new understanding he had for the conception to never leave a person behind. Shen leant back and put an arm around Sasuke, smiling down at him.

"I bet my son has been even kinder!" Shen stated happily, an awkward silence filled the room; no wait! Someone coughed. Sasuke shifted uncomfortably and looked to the side.

"Um…about that…" Sasuke started, knowing he'd have to tell Shen that he was a mean, sarcastic, boy who cared little for people's emotions and well-being. Sasuke was about to confess when Kakashi intervened.

"I remember when Sasuke sacrificed himself for his team mate" Kakashi voiced, Shen and Sasuke looked at Kakashi who spoke again "We were fighting an enemy who had the upper-hand, the enemy saw that Naruto was down and went to finish the job, but before he managed to throw his deadly needles into him, Sasuke had stepped in front of them, knowing that each needle would hit his vital spots" Kakashi spoke, everyone's heart aching at the story "And when Naruto asked 'why?', hn, Sasuke said 'His body moved on its own', and when he fell down, as Naruto watched his friend die before him, Sasuke told him 'That you better not die'" Kakashi finished, a few of the females and even the males had acquired a tear in their eyes.

"Wow…" Shen breathed out, he looked at Sasuke and smiled "I'm so proud…" Shen spoke softly, a heart-warming moment passing between them; everyone nearly squealing at it. Sasuke turned his head away, slightly embarrassed. Shen chuckled and pulled him closer "But…don't go getting yourself killed, please?" Shen said with a nervous smile, Sasuke just gave a small nod, hiding behind his bangs. Uwa…Everyone thought at the cute reaction from Sasuke.

"Hey!" Shen suddenly called out "Who wants to hear another story?" Shen asked, in return gaining cheers of agreement, "Alright, what should I tell? Hm, the princess and the pea? Hansel and Gretel? Maybe sleeping beauty?" Shen joked.

"Aw, come on man! Tell us how you defeated Minato in a sparring match!" One ninja called out.

"No, no! Tell us how you saved Killer Bee from that assassin!" Another ninja requested.

"I've heard that one! I wanna know how he escaped the high-security prison with only a single piece of metal string!" A different ninja begged, as Sasuke listened to all the amazing feats that Shen had accomplished, he noticed one thing.

He never killed anybody.

Not once. He always found another way or he gave his opponent a second chance. It was strange, usually shinobi had to embrace the cold factor, but Shen seemed to be powerful without it. As if it made him stronger.

"Alright guys, how about this time I tell the story of how I pulled off the greatest prank ever?" Shen asked, everyone seemed to get excited at that one.

"Yeah, you never told us how you managed to turn the Hokage Mountain invisible" Kurenai stated, Sasuke looked at Shen in shock who just shrugged.

"What? I was a prankster when I was young" Shen admitted, Sasuke began to listen to the story "Alright, well, I developed a new formula for invisible ink, because usually invisible ink washes away with water" Shen explained "But I made my formula so that when combined with water, it turns water into invisible ink as well" Shen enlightened, gaining 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the crowd "I then lifted an entire lake's water and carried it with me"

"So that's what happened to lake Takanowa" Asuma snorted, Shen gave a guilty expression.

"Yeah, heh heh, mystery solved" Shen chuckled sheepishly, placing a hand behind his head "After that, I carried it to the Hokage's Mountain and made a barrier over it, I then poured the invisible ink into the water, it spread and it looked like the Hokage Mountain had disappeared" Shen finished with a smile.

"Someone so brilliant yet senseless, I'll never understand" Kakashi remarked, Shen gave a fake hurt look and pouted.

"Uwa! Kaka-chan is still so mean!" Shen cried out, making everyone guffaw, including Kakashi who chuckled. Sasuke laughed quietly to himself, Sasuke saw how comfortable Shen was here. It made Sasuke comfortable, being able to relax as he heard tales of his father. Like a child being told a bedtime story. Suddenly, another presence that demanded respect entered.

"Uchiha Shen" At the call of his name, he turned his head to see Tsunade standing there with Jiraiya by her side. He smiled and stood up, he gave a polite bow.

"Lady Hokage, a pleasure" Shen spoke softly, Tsunade smirked and shook her head.

"Alright, alright, smartass, get up" Tsunade laughed, Shen stood up straight with a signature smirk. Showing that it was an inside joke between the two, Shen acknowledged Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya, how's the porno books coming along?" Shen asked jokingly, Jiraiya chuckled and nodded.

"Heh heh, good" Jiraiya replied, Shen gave a gentle smile and tilted his head.

"I always liked your originals though" Shen stated softly, Jiraiya smiled back and gave an 'Hn'.

"Sasuke?" Tsunade voiced, Sasuke sat up at his name, "You ready?" Tsunade asked, Sasuke nodded his head and stood up, Tsunade smiled "Let's go then".

Sasuke took in a deep breath as he laid down against the metal table, above him seeing a light. Beside him a few tools he couldn't name. Biting his lip as Kakashi, Jiraiya, Tsunade and Shen stood over him.

"You ready, kid?" Jiraiya asked, ready to knock Sasuke out with a jutsu, Sasuke nervously nodded his head. Shen gave a reassuring smile and placed a tender hand on Sasuke's head.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you" Shen calmed "I swear" Shen promised, Sasuke allowed a small smile to grace his lips, looking up at the ceiling as Jiraiya placed him under a jutsu.

Sasuke was out like a light.

Sasuke's midnight eyes fluttered open, he blinked and saw a white ceiling above him. He slowly blinked a few more times, trying to adjust as if he had been in a long slumber. He let out a soft sigh, noticing he was against a soft material of some sort, it was positioned so he was sitting up.

"He's up"

"Finally" Two voices spoke, Sasuke didn't really acknowledge them. Sasuke suddenly saw from the corner of his eye a blurred face. The face came into focus as it came closer. Sasuke recognised the face to be Shen's, he also saw the miserable expression.

"Sasuke…I'm so sorry" Shen apologised, Sasuke's hazily hooded eyes looked confused at him.

"What?…" Sasuke replied quietly in a hoarse voice, puzzled by the apology.

"The barrier removal…it went wrong" Shen answered, Sasuke's heart began to thump a little louder and faster, What happened?...Sasuke thought, "You have been in a coma for five years, Sasuke…" Shen explained, Sasuke's eyes blinked quickly.

"W-What?..." Sasuke stuttered, Shen's face looked like it was struggling to look the way it was. Sasuke tilted his head ever so slightly, "Wha…"

"Pfft! Bwahahaha! I'm so sorry Sasuke, but I couldn't resist!" Shen cackled, his head thrown back in deep laughter, Sasuke blinked a few times "Ohhhh! You should see the look on your face!" Shen guffawed.

"If you're quite done torturing your own son" Tsunade voiced annoyed, Sasuke turned his face to face in front of him. He saw Kakashi shaking his head at Shen and Jiraiya snickering at the end of his bed, along with Tsunade who was looking at Sasuke.

"I've…not been in a coma for five years?..."

"More like five hours" Tsunade replied, Sasuke sat up properly and looked to see Shen holding his sides in loud laughter. Sasuke tilted his head and looked around confused, "You okay?" Tsunade asked seeing Sasuke's panicked expression. Shen saw the freaked expression and calmed down.

"Sasuke?" Shen voiced, a half smile still on his face, but it was quickly fading as Sasuke's panic grew.

"I-I-I..." Sasuke stuttered scared, Shen's smile dropped and he stood close to Sasuke.

"Sasuke?"

"I can't see!" Sasuke cried out, everyone's eyes widened, Shen trembled and held Sasuke's face; staring deep into the ebony eyes as if it would show him what's wrong.

"Oh god, Sasuke, I'm sorry! This was all my fault! I-"

"Got you" Sasuke responded, Shen blinked.

"W-What?" Shen asked, Sasuke chuckled and smirked.

"Got you, as in I tricked you" Sasuke answered, Shen released Sasuke and took a step back, his face blank.

"Eh?" Shen voiced, Sasuke smirked and shrugged.

"Hn, I've, er, got a thing for revenge" Sasuke snickered, Shen gave a nod.

"Oh, well, if you'll excuse me I need to faint" Shen stated before effectively fainting. Sasuke raised an eyebrow and looked over to see Shen passed out. Sasuke looked over at Tsunade who sighed, rubbing her temples.

"He'll be fine" Tsunade stated, she looked back up at Sasuke and spoke "It was actually a complete success, when you have the time you'll be able to think about all your memories" Tsunade informed "Just not right now, allow yourself to wake up" Tsunade advised, Sasuke nodded and sat back against the hospital bed, realising now that's where he was. "I'd stay longer to double check you're okay, but I have other duties to attend to, so Jiraiya will make sure you're fine" and with that, Tsunade left.

Sasuke fell silent as Jiraiya asked him questions regarding his state, Sasuke replied like a robot to Jiraiya. Jiraiya sighed and turned to Kakashi.

"He acts like a machine to me, maybe you'll have better luck" Jiraiya stated, walking out the room. Kakashi went to Sasuke's side and observed him.

"Why do you act like that with him?" Kakashi enquired, his hand glowing (A/N, I don't really know if Kakashi can do this, just play along) and checking over Sasuke, "I see how nervous you get around him, you never acted like that to him before, then suddenly you did" Kakashi said, before smirking "When he announced he was going to be Naruto's sensei is when you started acted strictly with him" Kakashi observed, Sasuke tensed, "As if you're trying to impress him…" Kakashi drawled out, Sasuke turned he head away, his face red, "Like he was an in-law…"

"Are you quite finished?" Sasuke snapped, Kakashi chuckled.

"When did you come to the conclusion that you needed to impress Jiraiya for Naruto?"

"Shut up!"

"For a while, then?" Kakashi replied as if Sasuke had answered his question, "Hn, I wonder if Naruto will act any different towards Shen?" Kakashi hummed to himself.

"He didn't act any different toward him" Sasuke responded, thinking he had the upper hand when he realised a horrible thing, he begged that Kakashi wouldn't pick up on it, but he was no such luck.

"Oh ho ho ho, so you told Naruto? Interesting, not something you would just tell…not unless they were very important" Kakashi teased, Sasuke sighed and looked forward, deciding to take another approach. One he had not done before.

"Until Naruto asks me out, you are no longer allowed to make those jokes" Sasuke stated, Kakashi stopped what he was doing and looked at Sasuke, who looked impassive.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, if he's interested then he can ask, then you can make your jokes" Sasuke replied, Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

"…"

"What?"

"Would you say yes if he asked you?"

"I already thought about it, don't comment on that" Sasuke ordered before Kakashi had a chance "I concluded that I would only know if he asked" Sasuke explained, Kakashi nodded and chuckled.

"Fair enough, I'll refrain on the jokes for now, but I can't speak for everyone else" Kakashi stated, Sasuke sighed and shrugged.

"It's one less annoying person making innuendos"

"For now, since it shouldn't be long until Naruto is down on one knee" Kakashi replied.

"Kakashi…" Sasuke warned, Kakashi put his hands in in defence.

"Just getting in one more joke before going cold turkey" Kakashi defended, Sasuke shook his head and looked down at Shen.

"What about him? I'm too tired to stay here" Sasuke asked, Kakashi followed his gaze and responded.

"You head home, I deal with him" Kakashi instructed, Sasuke nodded, he gave one final look towards Shen before leaving. Sasuke made his way home and went over his lost memories, smiling to himself slightly as pictures of his mother's smile went through his mind.

Sasuke finally arrived home and opened the door, he shut it behind him and walked forward. He saw Katsu on the couch, his head in his hands as if he was stressing something. Sasuke silently approached and Katsu snapped his head up.

"Sasuke!" Katsu exclaimed, he stood up and hugged Sasuke "God, where have you been? I was so anxious, I'm ashamed for making you so cross" Katsu bumbled out, Sasuke blinked as Katsu let go of him, Katsu placed his hands on Sasuke's shoulders "I shouldn't have argued with the Neander-I mean, Naruto" Katsu corrected himself "I gave you my word, then I blatantly spat on my promise to you, I'm sorry" Katsu apologised, Sasuke smiled in response.

"Peppermint" Sasuke stated, Katsu blinked and tilted his head.

"What?"

"Peppermint…you secretly borrowed a bottle of peppermint from Soma, we used it to throw catch, but I missed and then we were covered in peppermint…" Sasuke smiled, Katsu creased his face in confusion "And that's how Soma knew we took her bottle of peppermint…" Sasuke chuckled.

"You…remember that?"

"Yeah…I just got my memories back, that's where I was" Sasuke answered, Katsu stared at Sasuke, thinking of something to say.

"Does this mean you…I mean do you…" Katsu trailed off, Sasuke understood and nodded his head.

"I remember you…" Sasuke confirmed, Katsu smiled and squeezed another hug out of Sasuke. They sat down afterwards, calming down.

"So what do you remember?"

"Everything, Shen, Soma, Mitch, Tao, you…my mother…" Sasuke smiled, but it faded and he tilted his head confused, "And Naruto?...What's he doing there?" Sasuke asked himself, his expression dropped and he placed a hand over his mouth, "I remember…" Sasuke whispered.

"Huh?"

"How we met…the flower…the mistake…I remember how we…" Sasuke's eyes widened, "Oh god, is that how we met?!" Sasuke cried out.

"Whoa whoa whoa, calm down Sasuke" Katsu tried to reassure, Sasuke calmed himself, reminding himself that it happened years ago. Sasuke shook his head and sighed.

"Sorry, I just got a little…reactive…let's talk about something else" Sasuke suggested, Katsu nodded and thought to himself, he smiled and chuckled.

"Remember when you wanted to be the greatest pirate then?" Katsu asked, Sasuke rolled his eyes playfully.

"Yes, I do, and besides I'm still young I could do it" Sasuke joked, Katsu smirked.

"Hahaha, it sounds like something a little kid would come up with; Uchiha Sasuke, the pint-size pirate-ninja" Katsu laughed, Sasuke laughed along. Sasuke shook his head, with still a little laughter.

"It's better than what you wanted to be" Sasuke replied Katsu rolled his eyes and sat back.

"Alright, alright, you don't need to say it"

"A book!" Sasuke laughed, "Who wants to grow up to be a book? Hahaha!" Sasuke teased. That's how they spent the next hour or so, remembering stories about one another; telling them, a few Katsu forgot and a few Sasuke had forgot. Sasuke looked at the clock on his wall and let up on his laughter, "As fun as this was, I got to get up tomorrow" Sasuke stated, standing up.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I have a mission with my team, it's pretty important so I should probably head to sleep" Sasuke yawned and stretched, Katsu smiled as he watched Sasuke walk away, happy that he made things up.

"Night!" Katsu called, Sasuke gave a quick wave of his hand, disappearing upstairs. Though while things were nicely settled here, somewhere else there was a disturbance.

Naruto was face down on Sakura's couch, Sakura came in from the kitchen with a cup of tea. He sat at the end on the couch were Naruto's feet were, she crossed her leg over the other and took a sip from her drink. Naruto lifted his head with a pouting face.

"This is the worst!" Naruto cried out before letting his head fall back down, Sakura closed her eyes and remained calm.

"There there" Sakura comforted in a deadpan voice.

"He hates me" Naruto stated, his voice muffled by the pillow in front of his face.

"Sasuke doesn't hate you" Sakura responded calmly, taking another sip from her drink.

"He never wants to see me again" Naruto groaned into the pillow, Sakura patted Naruto's back robotically. It wasn't like Sakura didn't care, it's just like Naruto had turned up about an hour ago and told her what had happened. And now Naruto kept on whining about it.

"I doubt that" Sakura replied, Hinata came back into the room and looked sympathetically towards Naruto, the dark-haired girl still was as compassionate as when he first came.

"Oh, Naruto-kun, I'm sure things will work out between you and Sasuke-kun" Hinata tried to reassure, finally being able to talk to Naruto without stuttering. Hinata kneeled down so she was in front of Naruto's covered face, "You and Sasuke-kun have been friends a long time, I'm sure you'll make up" Hinata spoke kindly, Naruto lifted his face and faced Hinata.

"You think so?" Naruto asked, Hinata gave a sweet smile and nodded.

"Of course, Naruto-kun" Hinata responded, Naruto gave a small smile.

"Thanks Hinata" Naruto replied, Naruto snapped his head towards Sakura's impassive expression, "You see that's comforting! Why don't show some sympathy, eh?!" Naruto barked, Sakura blinked and looked unimpressed.

"Why don't you grow a pair and stop acting like a broken-hearted baby"

"Sakura-chan! You're so mean!" Naruto complained, Hinata smiled and tried to calm them down.

"She does care Naruto, it's just in her own way" Hinata comforted.

"It's hard to care for someone when they're acting like a little girl" Sakura mumbled, Naruto pouted at her, Sakura chuckled at the expression and shook her head, "I'm sorry, it's just that after an hour or so of this, it's hard to remain sensitive" Sakura explained, Naruto flipped over so he was laying on his back.

"Well, come up with some suggestions then" Naruto stated, Hinata stood up and went to sit next to Sakura, so she was positioned next to Naruto's stomach.

"How about you go and apologise to Sasuke-kun, then maybe Sasuke-kun will apologise too and you can make up" Hinata suggested, it was silent for a moment before Sakura and Naruto burst out laughing.

"Bwhahaaha! Good one, Hinata!" Naruto laughed.

"And that part where Sasuke apologises too? Comedy gold!" Sakura howled, Hinata looked between them confused.

"W-W-What's wrong with t-t-that?" Hinata asked, the laughter stopped. Sakura pinched Hinata's cheek.

"Aw, you're so naïve" Sakura cooed, Hinata remained confused, Naruto sat up on his elbows and shook his head.

"Me and Sasuke aren't like that, we don't talk honestly….we just…" Naruto sighed "Fight and forget"

"Well, have you tried talking to him?" Hinata enquired curiously, Naruto blinked.

"Huh?"

"Have you tried to talk to him and not fight?" Hinata repeated, Naruto's expression was blank, it said 'I never thought of that'. Even Sakura looked at little taken.

"I…didn't think that was an option…" Naruto answered, Hinata gave a small chuckle.

"Of course it is, talking is always better than fighting" Hinata replied, Naruto stared at her as if this was new information.

"Huh…" Naruto voiced to himself, "I'll…try that" Naruto said, thinking over how he always wanted to talk to Sasuke like that, complaining that they never talked properly; when it never occurred to him to just…try it…

"Come on, Naruto, you can have your epiphany at your own place, we have to get up for tomorrow's mission remember?" Sakura reminded, Naruto blinked, Right…we're dealing with something important…Naruto remembered.

"Right…see ya" Naruto said, he went back to his own place and collapsed onto his bed. He sighed and closed his eyes, "Just talk, huh?..." Naruto mumbled, he nuzzled his head into his pillow "I guess it's not easier said than done this time…" Naruto trailed off, falling completely asleep. Also completely unaware that the second day of hell was over for him, but also unaware of another thing.

Tomorrow would be the worst.

Did you like this chapter? I was kind of trying up loose ends with this one, I don't know if there are still some unanswered questions; so I need you to tell me if I left anything out that hasn't been explained! Hope you liked this chapter, it didn't have a lot of Narusasu, but that's why I added the lick at the last moment (shrug) anyway, review please! Moshi Mosh!.