AN: Thank you guys on for over 2.2K views! That is so awesome! I am going to try and update some more and move the story along a little faster. It still will be a long story. Hope you guys continue to enjoy it. Don't forget to favorite and add this story to get notified when I post an update.

I do NOT own Naruto or any the characters.

This story contains mature content.

SASUKE'S POV

I felt the bright light of the sun peak through the window pointing directly into my closed thin eyelids. I held back an annoyed groan when I felt the weight of a warm soft body pressed firmly against mine. I peeled back my eyelids slightly to peer over at the woman on my chest. I felt a blistering explode in my body when my eyes focused on her angelic face. Sakura. Her pink waves of hair fell perfectly around her face pouring out around her on my chest. Her eyelids closed lightly and face smooth of any worries. I sighed to myself, finally truly feeling at peace with my life at the moment. I broke my train of thought to glance over at the alarm clock to check the time. We needed to be up to meet up with that Yuri asshole. But that still wasn't for a few more hours. I carefully kissed the top of Sakura's pink head and slid slowly out of the bed setting her bare-naked body down. I stretched for a moment before making my way to the bathroom to relieve myself and get ready for the day. I combed through my hair and placed a band around my head securing a thick portion of my dark hair over my rinnegan eye.

I walked back into the bedroom and opened my drawer pulling on my boxers while glancing over to the bed where Sakura lay. She was still soundly sleeping, and I envied her for that. I smiled before tugging on my pants and fastening them. I then put on a black thermal shirt and coat. I walked over to Sakura kissing her head once more before exiting the room quietly. As I walked down the hallway, I heard the hallway bathroom door creak open and watched as a shirtless closed eyes Naruto came walking zombie-like out. I shot him a dirty look as he crossed my path bumping into me. "Watch where you're going dumbass." I hissed, continuing forward. "Hey! Good morning to you too, Teme!" Naruto whined rubbing his shoulder I had hit with mine. I rolled my eyes and stood by the door putting on my shoes. "Where are you going so early?" Naruto questioned looking at me confused. He is always so nosey I groaned. "Just to go check out this village. See what I am working with." I muttered, fastening the strap of my boot. "Oh sweet! I'll go put on my clothes!" He yelled retreating back down the hall towards his room. I sighed again propping up in the doorway while waiting on him. A few minutes later he pulled me out of my train of thought by running loudly down the hallway. "Do you have to be so loud all the time. People are still trying to sleep." I said feeling annoyed. He better not wake Sakura up I thought as I pictured her peaceful face lying asleep in our bed.

"Relax Sasuke, I doubt after all that uh... exercise you guys did last night she will be waking up anytime soon." He chuckled nervously, bending down to put on his shoes. "Shut it." I growled, grabbing my cloak and fastening it while opening the front door. He quickly followed behind me, shutting and locking the front door. We quietly bounded down the multiple floors of stairs and down to the front foyer. I let out a huff of annoyance as I caught sight of the thick snow covering the ground completely outside. I pulled my cloak tighter before opening the door and being blasted with a gush of crisp icy air. Naruto groaned, pulling on his snow hat over his wild blonde hair and tightening his cloak as well around his body. We walked silently besides his random outburst of statements he for some reason feels the need to make. I sometimes grunt in response, and we continued on. We passed a few people who were out doing their morning patrols as they eyed us suspiciously. We made our way around the whole town's border in under 45 minutes while just strolling. It wasn't much to look at. The tallest/biggest buildings are what I assume to be the hospital and our housing building. They had a path that led along the middle of the town with various vendor stalls set up with few civilians already starting to set up shop for the day. There was a small cafe located in the heart of the town near the area in which we had met the head Samurai yesterday. It was a large, cleared area that was slightly elevated with stone pillars encasing it. In the very center was a large fire-like pit that stayed burning 24/7. In the far distance the town was surrounded by high mountains everywhere you looked.

Upon walking around longer there was a small library attached to a schoolhouse. Children of all ages lined up sleepy and shivering while waiting to enter the building. I wonder why children are at school this early no less on a weekend. Something seems off about that. Across the way from those buildings stood a large stone like monument of a man holding a katana over his head. The building to the side of it was labeled something I couldn't read but I assumed it was the Samurai training building because behind it were signs pointing to what was labeled as the training grounds. Naruto and I locked eyes and with a slight nod we headed off in that direction to check it out. We walked through the woods along a slightly less snowy path until we came to a massive clearing. There were groups of men scattered about it sparring with only swords. We watched for a few moments before our presence started to be known. The first to approach us was the man from yesterday, Yuri. I held back my annoyance at the thought of him so openly flirting with Sakura in front of everyone. I wasn't used to feeling any emotions other than hatred for so long, but I wasn't dumb enough to not know what I was feeling right now was called jealousy. Though I would never admit that to anyone. "Good morning, Naruto and ... Sasuke was it?" Yuri asked, rubbing his hands together coming to a standstill, still in front of us. I rolled my eyes and Naruto greeted him. "What brings you guys out here this early?" Why does it concern you? I thought angrily, staring off to watch the men who continued to train against each other, swords clinging loudly as they held their own. "Oh, me and Sasuke like to explore the villages we're staying in, ya know? Just scope out everything and see where everything is!" Naruto said loudly, smiling away.

"Oh well, you guys should have waited. I was going to personally show everyone around when we met again at noon to discuss assignments. Speaking of, is everything at your guys' residence to your liking?" Yuri inquired looking between us. Why did it matter if we looked on our own? This guy is more annoying than Naruto on a bad day. He continued looking at me and I realized Naruto had already answered and he was waiting for my reply. "Hn." I grunted, averting my gaze again. "Great! How are you comrades? Everyone has everything they need?" I sighed ready for this bullshit 20 questions game to end. "Yeah, everything is perfect. They're all great. The walls could be a little thicker, am I right Sasuke?" Naruto laughed, nudging me in my arm. My eyes shot over to him before I shoved him hard against the arm making him almost lose his balance. Yuri eyed me suspiciously but chose not to comment. He laughed slightly before checking his watch. "Well, it was nice chatting with you guys, but I need to get back to training. I'll see you guys at noon in the town square." He said before waving us a goodbye and turning around to jog back to the field. I watched him for a moment before turning to Naruto. "We need to keep a close eye on that guy." I informed him before turning and heading back up the path we had come from. Naruto caught up to me and looked at me confused.

"Why do we need to keep an eye on him, he seems kind enough? Is it because he was a little fresh with Sakura-Chan yesterday?" He questioned smiling slightly over at me. I rolled my eyes annoyed again. "No dobe. He seems off. Something about this place just feels suspicious and I definitely get the feeling that he has something to do with it." I explained walking out of the woods. "Well, I guess if you say so Sasuke." I headed towards the direction of the shop stalls I remembered seeing earlier hoping that they were open. When we arrived, I bought a few groceries as did Naruto. However, his were more along the lines of cleaning the lady selling cup ramen out. That man is a strange one, I thought, shaking my head and paying for my items. He quickly hurried behind me paying for his as well. I hoisted my bags trying to position them in a manner in which they wouldn't topple over to the ground as I enviously eyed Naruto grabbing his bags in both hands with ease. Somedays I wish I would have taken Tsunade up on her offer. I pulled myself out of my thoughts as Naruto approached me with a smile. This was my price to pay, my missing arm was a constant reminder of the path I had strayed from for so long. I would bear my reminder and that's that, I thought as we started back down the road.

We walked while chatting about our theories of this town quietly to each other headed to our house with multiple bags in hand. I felt my shoulders relax once the warm heat of the building flowed around us as we walked into the building. We climbed the stairs until we reached our floor. I had to set the bags down to grab the key out of my hip pouch and once I unlocked it I grabbed the bags once again. It was still quiet throughout the apartment. "Hinata must have gone back to sleep after I left." Naruto explained looking down the hall at his closed bedroom door. I nodded wondering if Sakura was asleep as well. I walked into the kitchen placing the bags on the island countertop before walking back to the door to hang my cloak and take off my boots. I strode quietly into the Kitchen to find Naruto boiling water and pouring it into his cup of noodles. "I am making actual breakfast you baka." I told him to open cabinets before finally finding the cutting board and knives. "Hey, I can eat both!" Naruto yelled, rubbing his belly and smiling down at his food. I chuckled to myself and washed off the vegetables before beginning to chop. About 20 minutes later I was pulling the pan off the burner and shutting it off while Naruto grabbed plates. We went our separate ways to wake up our girls. I opened the door and peered inside. Sakura was still soundly sleeping on the bed curled up on my spot. I smiled to myself and continued to watch her for a few more moments.

I finally walked over leaning down to kiss her pouted up lips. She stirred slightly before she realized it was me and kissed me back. When I finally pulled back, she cracked her eyes sleepily to peer up at me. "Where did you go?" She asked, her voice thick with sleep. She sounded so cute, and I felt my heart swell. "Naruto and I went to check out the town and we grabbed some stuff to make breakfast before coming back. Which reminds me, breakfast is ready." I told her, smiling slightly. Sakura thought about what I said before smiling widely and stretching, grabbing my neck and nestling her head into it while trying to pull me down towards her. I humored her for a few moments before reaching under the covers to pinch her exposed nipples. She yelped and pulled away. "Come on, we need to get up now." I chuckled standing up and straightening my clothes. Sakura groaned loudly, glaring at me. I chuckled again but stopped when she rose from the bed. Her naked body stood wobbly trying to get her bearings as she stretched on her toes. My eyes trailed her whole body, and I felt my blood rush down south. She turned to look at me and smirked for a moment before turning to bend over and picking up my shirt she's been wearing off the floor. My eyes darted to her perky ass and then to her sex that was poking out between her legs. My mouth ran dry, and I felt myself closing the distance to her. Before I reached her though she stood up and side stepped me with a smile, darting into the bathroom. I shook my head feeling played, closing my eyes trying to get my mind under control. A few minutes had passed when my eyelids slowly opened upon hearing Sakura come out of the bathroom clad in my shirt and a pair of gray sweatpants with her hair in a messy bun.

Sakura was a sight for sore eyes whether it be naked or fully clothed. I swear this woman would be the death of me. Sakura swayed her hips as she approached me, and I raised my eyebrows at her. She leaned up on her tiptoes kissing my unexpecting mouth before pulling away and walking to the door. "Are you coming?" She asked with a smile in her voice when I hadn't moved. I nodded quickly trying to pull it together still. We walked into the kitchen and a few moments later Naruto and Hinata joined us. Naruto was smiling and acting all giddy, more than his normal amount. Hinata wouldn't look up from her plate except to occasionally lock eyes with Naruto blush red and then back to her plate in a hurry. I wonder why they... Gross. Never mind I don't want to think about that. I knew he had to be a minute man. "So, uh... Sakura-Chan... I like your shirt." Naruto finally spoke, grinning at me trying to break the uncomfortable silence in the air. Sakura sneakily smiled at me and muttered a quiet thank you. "Does that mean you and teme are official now?!" He screamed, glancing between us. I glared back at him. Before Sakura could answer and as her face turned red, I huffed in annoyance. "It is really none of your business." I growled rolling my eyes and picking up another bite of my food hoping that did the trick. "Yeah, it's kind of is you and Sakura-Chan are my family. My family's business is my business." Naruto argued, sounding a little angry. Sakura began to hang her head and I realized it must have seemed like I was ashamed to say anything. I mean we haven't actually put a label on it. We are together. At least I consider us to be. I glanced at her again and once I saw the hurt faintly on her face waiting to surface, I sighed. It's just Naruto and Hinata. Everyone will figure it out sooner or later and I would rather NOT have Sakura thinking I am ashamed of her in any way.

"Well, if you need to know. Yes, we are together. Sakura is my... My girlfriend. I just don't like the idea of everyone knowing all about my... business." I answered quickly, pushing to my feet and starting to turn to wash off my empty plate, evacuating this uncomfortable conversation I had just thrown myself into. I caught sight of Sakura and her face was glowing. Cheek's pink and head raised high as she twirled a piece of hair in between her fingers and holding a bite of food with her chopstick in her other hands. I guess this conversation isn't all bad if it made her feel happy. "It's about DAMN TIME!" Naruto laughed, reaching over to lightly push Sakura's shoulder. Her hand shot back to push his quite rougher making him almost fall out of his seat. They both looked each other in the eye saying unspoken words and started laughing moments later. I still don't completely understand their relationship, but I am glad that they had each other to lean back on when in need throughout the years. I smiled a small sad smile to myself and continued to the sink as I began to wash. My heart still felt heavy however, thinking back once more to all of the milestones I had missed out on in both of my two favorite peoples' lives. It was my own fault no doubt, but it still tugged at my soul whenever I began to think about it in the slightest. So, I did what I always do. It's one of the first things they teach you in the academy far before any other lessons of weaponry or actual skill sets, how to compartmentalize. There is supposed to be a storage like closet inside of our head where you can just shove all the bullshit and hard to deal with traumas you surely run into as a shinobi in that closet. The goal is to keep them in there until it is a more convenient time to deal with them. Only problem for me... I never go back to check on mine. Maybe that is the reason the things I try to keep locked away always find a way to make themselves known. Maybe it's because if you don't deal with your problems and fears ever, you inevitably run out of room in the storage closet and then the time comes when you least expect it. They creep out to remind you of how you promised it, when you sent it in the closet, that you would be back to visit. Only to never return.

I sighed pulling myself out of my never-ending thoughts of anguish and placed my plate on the drying rack. Everyone was done eating and Hinata gathered the plates insisting it was her turn to wash up. "I would have... cleaned your plate Sa-Sasuke but you were a little fast." Hinata said shyly to me. "Ah. Don't sweat it." I replied walking to the living room, checking the clock as I passed. We still had 3 hours until we had to meet so I grabbed a book and began reading to try and get out of my head for a while before bringing my mood to shit so early in the day. Not wanting to think about the things I couldn't stop going back to. I sat on the love seat and slowly felt myself get lost in the book I was reading. It was an educational textbook about Samurai, and I wanted to be prepared, should my name be one of those chosen to learn the craft. I felt Sakura come into the room followed by Naruto and Hinata trailing them both. Naruto and Hinata sat on the couch while Sakura stood in the middle of the room debating on where to sit, I supposed. Her eyes glanced between the seat next to me and the other open loveseat. I glanced up with a raised eyebrow and shifted my weight to make more room for her. I smile crept across her plump lips as she wasted no time coming to sit alongside me. I rolled my eyes at her giddiness as Naruto turned on the TV to some kind of drama. Sakura leaned her weight into me while turning to face the TV. Everyone in the room minus me had their eyes glued to it. I shook my head, continuing to read.

SAKURA POV

I felt as though my heart might explode as the world girlfriend left Sasuke's lips. I tried to keep it together so as to not make it a big deal, I know how he absolutely loathes when people make big deals. But I had waited nearly my whole life for this. I mean sure we knew each other cared deeply for one another but we never put an actual label on it. I just didn't want to push him into anything that he wasn't comfortable with. Naruto laughed, pushing my shoulder like he always did and telling me it was about time. I returned the shove attempting to downplay my excitement; however, I think I just channeled it all into my shove almost causing Naruto to fall from his chair. Our eyes locked and spoke their silent words 'You finally got what you had been trying for all this time Sakura-Chan, I am happy for you.' his crystal blue eyes spoke. 'I couldn't have done it without you Naruto, so thank you times a million.' mine replied with such enthusiasm. We both channeled out and laughed hard after our telepathic conversation. I heard Sasuke sigh and before he could fully turn to the sink, I saw a flash of something in his eyes. Was it sadness? No, maybe pain? I couldn't quite pinpoint it and I felt slightly frustrated that after even how close we have grown it was still difficult to read his expressions. He stayed quiet more so than normal as Hinata, Naruto, and I continued small conversations. After 5 minutes of him scrubbing on the same already clean plate he finally placed it on the dish rack as Hinata stood and spoke to him. He brushed her off politely and exited the room to the living room. Was he mad at me? Did I do something wrong?

The rest of us decided to watch some TV for a while to pass time until it was time to meet in the town's square. Once we walked into the living room Naruto and Hinata walked hand and hand to the couch, causing me to pause when thinking about where to sit. I stared at where Sasuke had sat, a decent sized loveseat that was large enough to fit two people. That would be the case, but Sasuke sat in the middle, so I assumed he wanted his space. I glanced over to the empty love seat while trying to fight back the voice in my head telling me to dart to the room out of pure uncomfortableness. I started to shift my weight towards the right to opt for the empty chair when Sasuke lowered his book and raised an eyebrow at me as if saying 'Why aren't you coming over here already?' and then I realized how irrational my concern had been. I sighed in relief, relaxing my shoulders and letting my happiness show with a big grin and crossed the distance to him. He made room for me, and I nestled into his side while beginning to watch whatever show Naruto had put on. It was actually good, and I found myself zoning out to the real world and falling under the TV's trance.

After four and a half episodes, Sasuke closed his book and I turned noticing he had completed it. He slyly brushed his hand along my thigh and stood gracefully. "It's time to go." He informed us stretching and walking to put on his cloak. I looked at the clock confused and noticed we had about 20 minutes until noon. Hinata, Naruto, and I all gave each other bummed looks like our show was not over but we knew we had to put it on the back burner. We hurriedly scrambled to our rooms to change out of our PJs except that didn't give us much time. I quickly braided my hair back into two french braids and pulled on a jounin vest over my shirt and replaced my sweats with nude fleece stockings and black ripped jeans. I grabbed my toboggan putting it on my head and ran down the hallway to slip on my boots. Hinata doing the same and Naruto running down the hall to catch up. Sasuke rolled his eyes at us and I just chuckled, clasping my cloak around me. Sasuke's eyes sparkled slightly as he caught sight of the shirt under my vest, but he said nothing, turning to open the door. We all followed behind him catching up with the rest of our teammates in the foyer as we began our cold walk to the town square.

I sneakily clutched Sasuke's lone hand in mind as we made our way up the stone snow covered steps and came to a stop as we caught sight of Yuri and a few other villagers. They were clad in their Samurai gear and eyeing us all weirdly minus Yuri who had locked eyes with me, smiling brightly. Until his eyes trailed down to my hand which was still held firmly in Sasuke's making his smile drop. Once we all were in front of him, he began talking loudly and Sasuke squeezed my hand once before pulling his hand away placing it back under his cloak. The cold air burned my hand and I quickly placed mine under my cloak as well. So, I guess that answers my question on whether Sasuke still takes his missions seriously I thought, chuckling quietly to myself. He looked down discreetly at me and I shook my head to him smiling slightly as if to tell him it was nothing. He must've understood my thoughts because I watched a ghost of a smile touch his lips before it disappeared quickly, and his focus went back to whatever Yuri was saying.

"Alright everyone, thank you all for joining us. I hope all of you are getting settled in nicely and got an adequate amount of rest." Yuri started eyes drifting to everyone but resting on mine at the last line. What was he getting at? "I went over everyone's names and skill set and matched them to the assignments that I think would best suit you to assist us in. If for some reason you do not agree I am a very understanding man and if you try it out and still feel as though it is not the right match for you, then I will try and find a better suited position. " Yuri said, reaching for the paper in his front coat pocket and opening it to read.

"Naruto Uzumaki, Kiba Inuzuka, Rock Lee, Sai, and Sasuke Uchiha. You five are to teach Shinobi basics and beyond to our men. You will work with them Monday through Friday at the training ground teaching them all you can on Shinobi rules, stances, and techniques. You will meet around 7 AM on those assigned days until 5 PM.

Shino Aburame, TenTen, Neji Hyuga, Hinata Hyuga, and Chouji Akimichi. You all will help with the education of the children to these instructors. Including incorporating basic level shinobi skills into their lesson plan. Our school system is set up a bit differently here. Our children go to school 7 days a week. Most of them, including the older students, have been nomads before settling here. This means the majority of them have had no proper education. In order to teach them as much as possible and catch them up we have opted for the schedule that we now have in place. That being said, you will only be required to assist Monday-Friday from 7 AM-3 PM. You will meet at the schoolhouse located across the street promptly at your assigned time.

Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka." He paused briefly locking eyes with me, and I felt Sasuke stiffen as did I, noticing the strange glint in his eye when speaking my name. He then continued. "You ladies will obviously be assisting at the hospital. Our hospital is very small however I plan on expanding in the spring, as more people will be settling here by then. You two will help teach our hospital staff proper techniques and skills. Sakura. You have been named one of the best, if not THE best medical shinobi of your time. Our clinical staff can learn loads from you. I would like you two to report to the hospital Tuesday through Friday as well around 6 AM until whenever you are no longer needed for the night. You may have off weekends except in the case of an emergency. Monday's, I would like you to report to the training ground and go over the very basic skills of medical ninjutsu with my fellow subordinates in order to make sure that they have the proper tools if need be, in an emergency while in the line of duty. You will need to stay until 5 PM when your other teammates assisting there are completed as well.

Shikamaru Nara and Temari. You two will be sitting in with our appointed officials. We would like your help to better establish communications with other villages to work out more treaties and other diplomatic situations. Seeing as to how the both of you are very well equipped in those areas. It should be the perfect fit. It too will be scheduled Monday-Friday from 9 AM until 6 PM. It has been known to run a little over due to problems arising suddenly, however we are sure to get matters solved quite quickly and efficiently.

If at any point, you feel as though you assigned jobs are becoming too... stressful or you need a break, like I said before. I am a VERY understanding man and would be more than happy to accommodate any of you." Yuri finished folding the paper back up, sticking it into his pocket once more. He showed each of the locations we would be meeting at starting Monday and who we would report to. He also explained that along with Kakashi Sensei paying us our wages the village would be paying us as well biweekly as an extra way of saying thank you. The strange feeling of concern filled my chest once more as I started to think about how a very new, and very small, underdeveloped village was able to not only pay our village the pricey amount for this lengthy mission, however ALSO pay us directly a rather large wage. Something with this didn't sit right with me and I could tell by the looks on Sasuke, Naruto, and Sai's face as well that they were having their own doubts as well. Hopefully I was just reading too far into this, but my gut told me that I definitely wasn't. I made a mental note to discreetly bring it up to them later as Yuri continued touring us around the village occasionally glancing in my direction. I could tell by Sasuke's tense demeanor that it was done not so discreetly.