Sakura waited at the entrance gates. She placed her hands on her slightly wide hips and huffed. Naruto was late. As always. Sai sat on the ground a little ways from her sketching and paying the pinkette no mind for he knew Naruto would be late.

"I don't know why you're so surprised he's late, Ugly." Sai says calmly as his hand glides over his sketch paper. "This is Naruto we're talking about. He'd be late to his own funeral."

"Sometimes I like to think he has matured, Sai." Sakura says crossing her arms. She turned and stepped over to the pale raven. Peaking over his shoulder at his drawing. It was a portrait of a girl. Her facial features have not been drawn yet, but she may have a small idea who the girl may be.

"So uh, how's things with you and Ino?" A small smirk appeared on her face.

Unfazed by her messy antics, Sai continues his sketch. "About the same as you and Uchiha." He answers back after a few seconds of silence.

Sakura pales. "Th-There's n-nothing going on between Sasuke and I!" She frowns.

"That's not what Naruto says." He answers. "In fact, he tells me the Uchiha asks about you all the time as if you're his girlfriend."

Sakura's breath got caught in her throat. Her face flushes red as she turned away from Sai and walked back to her original position. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"You don't wanna know what he says?" Sai raises an eyebrow, not looking behind him at the girl.

"No!" Sakura quickly snapped his way. "All I did was ask about you and Ino."

"All I did was just tell you our status." He shoots back.

"By saying something about Sasuke and I." Sakura frowned once more. The smug raven finally looked over his shoulder at her.

"You're actually alot more ugly when you scowl like that." He closes his eyes as he smiles. "You should smile more often. It sometimes makes you look better."

Sakura's eye twitched. Quickly, she snatched Sai up.

"Wanna say that again?" She grits through her teeth. Sai chuckled nervously.

*****

"Shouldn't you be on a mission, Idiot?" Sasuke asks. "At this point you're asking for Sakura to break you in half."

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he leaned against the mud wall. His left leg supporting himself on the wall as his arms were crossed over his chest.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." The blonde answers. "I dunno, I guess I just always thought the original team seven would go on their first mission together. How ironic is it that it's in the Hidden Mist village." 

Sasuke twisted his lips. "What's going on there?"

"Hm, the bridge needs to be rebuilt." Naruto says slowly. He unfolded his arms to stick them into his pockets. "Sakura, Sai and I are going."

"It's still team seven." Sasuke smirks.

"Yeah, but I wanted you to come along too." Naruto smiles. "It would've been so nostalgic."

"Hn."

Naruto sighs. "Well I better get goin." Naruto pushes himself off of the wall and picks up his backpack slinging it over his shoulder. He then walks up to the cell and stared in, finding Sasuke in his typical spot. On the bed. "Dude, you need a haircut."

"Why don't you cut it for me then, Moron."

"I pass." Naruto cringes. "I'll be gone for a few days so I'll come by when I get back. Hopefully you don't be in such a pissy mood, girl."

"Whatever." Was the raven's answer.

Chuckling, Naruto took that moment to make his exit. As he walked out of the Konoha Police department he began walking down the dirt roads towards the main entrance. He smiled looking at the new Genin running around and practicing new jutsu. The village elders cleaning the walkways. The adults in their shops working. Some of his former classmates littered around the village doing whatever it was they were doing. Naruto always enjoyed walking around his home. He knew that at one point the older shinobi would often look at his class the same way. Except him that is. He was too busy pulling pranks and slightly damaging property to even get that kind of acknowledgement. At twelve Naruto was known as the ninetails jinchuriki. His father, the fourth Hokage, risked his life to ensure the safety of the village. He sealed half of the ninetails within himself and the other half within Naruto. The village steered clear of the young boy thinking he was a monster. When in actuality, he was their hero, their savior. He saved them from darkness and he saved their lives during the war. Now, he was greatly appreciated.

He was slightly uncomfortable with his new found fame, with girls wanting to eat or train with him. Giving him gifts and bringing him food they cooked. None of it made sense to him, but he never questioned it. He wondered if this is what Sasuke felt like before he left the village. He'd have to ask him that when he returned from his mission.

Up head he saw the tall entrance gates wide open. In the middle, stood Sakura chewing a helpless Sai's ear out. Naruto smirked at the sight. He knew that whatever it was, Sai absolutely said something to piss Sakura off. It was just how he communicated. He was trying though now, that's all that matters.

"Sorry I'm late I was down in the confinement talking to Sasuke." Naruto says once he's in earshot. Sakura quickly glared at him from arguing with Sai. She leaned down and grabbed her backpack and slung it over her shoulder.

"We're already behind schedule, let's get moving now." She says as she fully walked out of Konoha's gates. Sai and Naruto looked at eachother.

"What did you say to her?" Naruto whispers as they step in stride behind Sakura. Although the girl was running, Naruto and Sai decided to walk it for a little while.

"Nothing that I normally wouldn't." Sai replied. "It must be that mood swings girls have once a month that I read about." Sai placed a hand on his chin thinking about the exact term for it. Naruto felt an uncomfortable shiver going down his spine.

"I-I think it's time to change the subject before she realizes we're not running with her and waits for us to catch up." Naruto scratches his head.

"We can catch up to her anytime we want, Naruto." Sai smiled and held up his ink and scrolls.

Naruto smirks at the sight.

"So, what happend with Uchiha?" Sai asked looking ahead of them.

"Hm, nothing unsual." Naruto answered. "I just told him that I was going on a mission with you guys and how I wished he was coming with us."

"So how long does he have in there again?"

Naruto held up three fingers. Sai's eyes widened.

"I thought he'd be in there for longer than that." He says.

"He was suppose to be in there the rest of his life." Naruto informs. "But with Kakashi being Hokage and his former teacher, he had alot to say positively about Sasuke that got his sentence reduced."

Sai remained quiet. "Have you talked to the Hyuga today?"

Naruto blushed and cleared his throat to regain his composure. "Who, Hinata?" He chuckles awkwardly. "Um, no. Why?"

"Just asking." The odd teen says.

"I-Is there anyone you like Sai?" Naruto stuck his hands in his pockets and looked over at him.

"Hm, well I don't think so." Sai says. "I find someone attractive."

"Really, who?"

"That's not important at the moment." Naruto watched as the pale teen blushed.

"Seems to me like whoever this chick is, is really important to you." Naruto smirks. "I hope you get her."

Sai's eyes were trained on the ground before them. He tucked his bottom lip between his teeth and chewed softly. "Yeah, me too."

*******

Sasuke's ear twitched. Although he heard no footsteps or talking, he felt a presence. He knew someone was there. He tried to sniff around to see if he could get their scent, but it didn't happen. His nose wrinkled. Who was there?

"Are you gonna say something or just stand there?" He says frustrated. He knew he hadn't gone crazy. Because everytime he felt someone was there, it was always Naruto, who swore he was sneaking in there.

"Sasuke." The voice was familiar. "I have a proposition for you."

"I'm listening." The raven replies after a moment of silence. He heard a shift. Then keys jingling. His cell being opened, then footsteps. Sasuke's heart thumped in his chest.

"I need you to tell me something." They say again. "In exchange for any comfort ability you want."

"What are you talking about, Kakashi?" Sasuke asked his former mentor and instructor.

The lazy man squatted before the raven. His eyes lazily looking the raven in what should be his eyes, and Sasuke feeling that intense gaze through his bandages.

"What I'm saying is, you get to have either the straight jacket or the eye bandages removed in exchange for any information you can give me about Orochimaru." The grey haired man spoke. "He's still a threat to the village and I need to know how to handle this accordingly."

"Orochimaru has no intentions of doing anything to the Leaf." Sasuke replies. "How could he if he cannot use my body as a vessle to do so?"

"That is true." Kakashi placed a hand on his chin thoughtfully. "We still need to be cautious though. Afterall, he did kidnap you."

"I went on my own." Sasuke replies quickly. "You know that."

"Given the circumstances you were in, that's technically kidnap."

Sasuke frowned and Kakashi smirked seeing that.

"His only wish now is to follow around me honestly." Sasuke continues. "And well, since he can't do that, who knows what he's up to next. While I was with him all he did was train me and contort some experiment baby."

Kakashi cocked his eyebrow. "So you're saying he's no longer a threat?"

"I don't know what he is." Sasuke tried to shrug but the restraints wouldn't allow him. "After what I thought was killing him before my battle with Itachi, I was kept in the dark about any of his plans. Your best bet is going to the hideout and getting the answers yourself."

There was a silence. There wasnt any movement for a moment and that confused Sasuke.

"Fair enough." Kakashi finally speaks. "As a man of my word, I'll grant you what you want."

Sasuke thought for a moment. He knew either way Kakashi would give him his sight or mobility, so he began to think things through. He knew if he could see there would be a greater chance at seeing Sakura whenever she decided to come. Or look for Naruto. If he could move around, he'd actually be able to lay down and try to sleep. His back has been killing him and it would feel nice to just lay down and relax finally. He could feed himself.

Damn. I need to see to do that. He thought.

"Either or stops me from doing something." The raven says.

He feels the pressure being lessened on his eyes. They widened. He jerked back a little and before he knew it, the bandages dropped around his neck. He blinked, eyes adjusting to the new found light. His eyes fluttered and they locked o to Kakashi, who was squatting down in front of him smiling.

"Does that help you make a decision?" The older man says.

"The straight jacket." Sasuke says picking up on Kakashi's motive. Kakashi stood, bones slightly popping from old age. He pulled Sasuke up and carefully helped him to his feet. Putting his weight on his feet seemed new to Sasuke. He slightly stumbles, feeling his legs quickly give out. Snickers filled the room. Sasuke stared at the entrance of his cell, seeing two Anbu officers and two jounins.

"Do they have to be here?" Sasuke asked coldly.

"For the safety of the Hokage, yes." Kakashi answers as he begins to unbuckle the straight jacket once Sasuke got his balance together.

"They think I'll kill you?"

"Haven't you tried before?" Kakashi peeks over Sasuke's shoulder. The teen looked down embarrassed.

"I'm kidding Sasuke." Kakashi says lightly. "I know you're not gonna hurt me, but considering--"

"I know." Sasuke cut the grey haired man off. "I betrayed the village."

"And almost killing Naruto, Sakura, and I." The man tacks on.

"Hn." Sasuke frowns. "Keep it up old man."

Sasuke felt his arms loosening and he knew Kakashi was almost done. He began wiggling his arm to break free. The straight jacket flopped to the ground and cool air hit Sasuke's arm and shoulders. He shivered slightly before reaching up and touching his grown out hair. He looked over at Kakashi.

"Thank you." He says softly.

"No need to thank me." The man smiles. He looks over at the gaurds and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "May I have a moment alone with Sasuke please?"

"But Lord Sixth--"

"I'll be fine." Kakashi says waving them off. "Sasuke isn't gonna hurt me."

The shinobi stared and frowned at Sasuke before they slowly turned and walked away. Kakashi stuck his hands in his pockets and stared at Sasuke. His clothes were still torn, hair disheveled and touching his chin and slightly past his shoulders. His skin was alot paler than it usually was.

"I sent the new Team Seven on a mission." He says.

"I'm aware." Sasuke answers. "Naruto told me."

"As I knew he would." Kakashi nods.

"Kakashi, why did you send Sakura here after I bluntly told you to never give her my whereabouts?" Sasuke blinked slowly looking at his former instructor.

"Heh." Kakashi gave a closed eyed chuckle. "I thought it would be healthy for your relationship."

"What relationship?" Sasuke furrowed his eyebrows together.

Kakashi shrugged. "Whatever it is between you two that you keep trying to push away." He says. "You still haven't come to terms with your brother yet and maybe Sakura can fill that void."

"Shouldn't you be worried about filling your own void, old man?" Sasuke asked sitting on the bed. He looked around his cell. It was nothing but a bed and a toilet.

"It's filled with having kids like you and being the Hokage." Kakashi shifts his weight onto one leg and smiles softly at Sasuke who just turns his head.

"So are you gonna be my visitor untill Naruto gets back?" Sasuke asks.

"I can."

"No thanks."

Kakashi chuckles. Then his face got serious.

"So, how did it feel?"

"How did what feel, Kakashi?" Sasuke's lazy gaze met his teacher's as he raised his eyebrow.

"Avenging your clan." Kakashi sat next to Sasuke on the bed and watched as his whole aura changed. It became dark. Almost regretful.

"I'm not sure what to tell you." The raven replies.

"The truth for starters."

"Did you know my clan was forming a Coupe d'état?" Sasuke's eyes his teacher.

"What?" Kakashi eyebrows furrowed. "When?"

"When I was a kid." Sasuke turns his head and looks down at his hands. "They felt they were being treated unfairly, so they wanted to rebell and take over the village; put one of us on the Hokage's throne. Itachi being a black ops official and a member of the clan had to chose his path."

"So he slaughtered the clan, and left the village to join the Akatsuki." Kakashi tacked on.

"To spy on them for the Third Hokage." Sasuke says. "He bacame a traitor for a top secret mission. I-I was suppose to be dead too. But I-Itachi loved me so much t-that--"

"He couldn't bring himself to do it." Kakashi looks over at Sasuke. Seeing the boy so vulnerable broke Kakashi. He wanted to reach out to Sasuke, but he didn't want the boy to brush him off.

Sasuke trembled feeling the tears slip down his face. "I-I killed him because I hated him so much." He says. "He didn't deserve that. He never got the chance to have a family and be happy. Why should I?"

"You didn't know Sasuke." Kakashi furrowed his eyebrows in worry. "You couldn't have known. That's how the village heads wanted it. It would've weakened the mission if everyone knew."

Sasuke wiped his eyes. "Still, I didn't have to kill him."

"He wanted you to, Sasuke." Kakashi places a hand on the boy's shoulder. "He couldn't carry that burden."

The boy let out a shaky breath before sniffling back snot and looking up from his hands. "I loved my brother. I laid there for threw hours with his corpse trying to pull myself together. I hated him but I still loved him despite his wrong doing. He was my brother. The only thing close to Mom I had. And I killed him out of anger."

"Sasuke it's alright." Kakashi frowned watching the boy tremble.

"I don't deserve happiness either for betraying the village and leaving with Orochimaru. I'm willing to accept that."

Kakashi sighed. "So you're gonna push it away everytime the chance to be happy comes your way?"

Sasuke didnt reply. He just stared into space.

"You may feel like that now, but you'll meet someone who you don't ever want to lose." Kakashi speaks. "The thought of pushing them away sickens you and you feel empty without them being there. And when you feel that, it'll be too late."

Kakashi stood to his feet. "I'll have the guards bring you fresh clothes and some food." He says. "Think about it Sasuke. You may have won the war, but the battle is still in progress."