"Ita!" Naruto yelped when the bodies of his teammates unexpectedly landed on his back, his eyes shut tight as he was propelled towards the rough ground-- face first.

"Is everyone okay?" Naruto heard Sakura groan out after a few seconds of recovery, with him heaving out a quick 'fine' the moment he felt his team's weight lift from his back.

Pushing his body from the hard surface, his blue eyes immediately took notice of his non-bandaged right hand that has the original shade of his tanned skin.

What the hell?!

Recollecting his senses, Naruto immediately jumped up with a squawk of surprise, and searched for the source of why they're at wherever they were; his eyes easily landing on the back of the nostalgic navy blue of Sasuke's high-collared shirt, with the noiret hunching in exhaustion, and-- did Sasuke's arm grow back too?!

The blond's sight then landed on his female teammate who was still clutching her head from the impact, noticing how her hair grew longer, like it originally did back in their academy years.

They both looked smaller than he remembered.

Weren't they both seventeen? They don't look seventeen.

In fact, they both look--

"Naruto?! You look like a twelve-year-old!" Sakura instantly pointed out the moment she regained her senses, the blond's eyes then quickly landing on his arms-- specifically, his bright orange sleeves.

And indeed, he was wearing his old attire back when he was newly a genin, as his twelve-year-old self.

Which means he's back on being the shortest of the team.

Damn it!

There's only one possible explanation that can clarify everything.

"KAI!"

"It's not a genjutsu, dobe," Sasuke finally spoke up, gathering both his and Sakura's attention, as the Uchiha was slowly wobbling up with shaky legs. "The whole point of a genjutsu is for you not to suspect it's a genjutsu; you don't normally point it out after a few seconds in it."

"Teme, what did you do?!" Naruto was quick to grab the collar of his teammate, now glaring at the heterochromatic-eyed boy, except he noticed the eyes were not right.

Instead of seeing the Rinnegan, in place of it was the familiar dark eyes of an Uchiha, while the implanted eye spun Obito's familiar Mangekyou Sharingan.

"I didn't do anything. The sharingan acted on its own and brought us here," Sasuke defended with a huff, sweat lining on his brows-- he seemed paler than usual. "The Kamui won't work even with the Mangekyou Sharingan permanently activated. Plus, my chakra reserves are drained,"

Naruto then deemed that Sasuke was experiencing the ailments of chakra exhaustion.

As quick as he grabbed the noiret, he let Sasuke go.

With the intent of asking for medical help, Naruto turned to face Sakura, only to find her on the edge of wherever they are, gawking at whatever she was looking at. Just when Naruto was about to ask what caught her attention, he then looked at his surroundings-- really looked at it.

Buildings of different sizes-- some made out of glass and in different shapes and sizes; unknown machinations flying in the air; the sounds of foreign urban noises; the most distinct difference was the chakra-- specifically the lack thereof. He can't sense chakra around them.

Not because he was unable to, but because there is no chakra to sense.

Slowly, he approached the railings where Sakura was standing by, realizing that they were on top of a building. Based on the kanji design placed on the middle of the structure, they were on a hospital.

"Ne, Sasuke, do you know where we are?"

"I don't know. The eye just transported us here."

Something tells him they were very, very far away from home.

As if to act like the light at the end of the tunnel, hope sparked in Naruto's eyes when he felt two familiar chakra signatures that belonged to his two precious people.

"Guys! I sensed Kakashi and (Y/n)-sensei's chakra not too far from here 'ttebayo!"

"What? But, weren't their chakra still be somewhere at Konoha?" Sakura inquired skeptically, a bit off-put by how easy it was to track their two teachers.

"Who knows?! Maybe they'd have an idea where we are! Let's go, let's go!" Just when Naruto was about to jump off, Sakura was quick to grab his collar to halt him, instantly turning his momentum against him, which led his hide to skid on the ground.

"Wait, you idiot! Our physical forms changed! It might be possible our Yang chakra are no longer balanced with our Yin!" The pinkette explained in haste. With how oblivious Naruto's stare continued to be, Sakura knew that he didn't understand what that entailed. "It means we have to adjust our chakra control or you fall!"

And with how huge the trio's Yin chakra ratio difference in comparison to their Yang, they feel like it would take a while to recalibrate their usual chakra output. However, due to their history of overcoming almost-impossibles, it would be an insult if this were to hinder them. They've done this before in the Land of Waves, after all. Chakra control was Team 7's first bonding exercise other than the bell test.

"Oh..." Was all Naruto uttered out.

Sasuke hid his smile of fondness for both of his teammates. With their younger physiques, it just adds more feeling of nostalgia; as if he's living in a memory.

As expected of Konoha's best, the team managed to re-master their basics in less than an hour with Naruto's indifference to his already unnaturally large storage, Sakura's proficiency in chakra control, and Sasuke's active Mangekyou Sharingan to check his chakra output.

"C'mon, we're wasting time, let's go!" And with that, Naruto leapt off, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, with the other two following right after.

While not far behind, Sasuke can endure his exhaustion if it meant he gets to see you again. With his Mangkeyou Sharingan forever-active for a while, he ought to cover it somehow, like how Kakashi does to preserve his reserves. With his hand fondly reaching for his forehead, there lies the familiar accessory he once abandoned, along with what it represented.

Just when he covered his right eye with his hitai-ate, the last thing the eye saw was a child aiding an old lady towards an unknown machine that he suspects that serves as transportation.

~*~*~

"Don't move! Those are villains!"

Huh, you didn't expect they would make a move so soon...

And so open.

The moment Thirteen finished their speech, that familiar Killing Intent you sensed earlier appeared right after, sourcing from the misty purple portal which started releasing enemies-- villains-- at the middle of the plaza. Your group was outnumbered, that much was certain. You guessed that they played off their strengths in numbers, either because:

a.) The school has an ANBU equivalent of security and the enemy is hoping to match your hidden numbers or,

b.) They don't know what to expect from the group of future heroes and brought as much reinforcements as they can, hoping that it's enough.

It's probably the latter, otherwise they would've taken an ambush approach... or they're just that confident in neutralizing all of you.

You've still yet to figure out whether they were right to be confident or not.

Blocking out your classmates' incessant chattering, you were then snapped out of your thoughts when the raven-haired adviser just jumped into the battlefield brimming with enemies of unknown threat categories, right after telling his associate to take care of all of you, which was plain and utterly stupid and suicidal!

However, after observing your fellow classmates, they were all fearful and frozen, like a genin experiencing real life-threatening combat for the first time.

Aizawa was trying to reassure all of you.

How thoughtful.

It still doesn't change the fact that it was a reckless move. The strategy the villains were trying to play were obviously through numbers, and to separate from each other would pave way for the opportunity of 'Divide and Conquer'.

You will admit that you're impressed with how smoothly he maneuvers himself in hand-to-hand combat, which would make him an exceptional jounin if he were to have chakra as part of his arsenal. While his erasure quirk does make up for the lack of it, you're aware that all quirks have drawbacks, and it's only a matter of time before you get the answer to the question:

How long can he last?

'Remember the drill,' You reminded your inner companion.

'Trust you, and stay quiet unless told otherwise,' Mina responded automatically, as she recalled the last time you encountered villains, and knew that you would do your best to keep yourselves safe. 'But... You will protect my classmates, right?'

'I'll do my best,' You couldn't ask for a better scenario, as this would only solidify your publicized resolve to Mina's friends earlier regarding her last villain encounter. Once you show the people in her life that she's serious in not being incompetent to repeat history, it would clear all doubts and would excuse her and Kaminari's sudden change of personalities.

Half-truths are easier to exploit than pure lies.

If you and Kakashi really were to pretend to be like Kaminari and Ashido, one out-of-character moment from either of you would have them suspicious and would risk involvement of higher authority.

In contrast to having to act out-of-character in the first place, one in-character moment would give the image of two teenagers slowly recovering pieces of themselves from their trauma. All you have to do is play your cards right. There is only so much trauma can excuse and cover.

"I won't allow that."

Suddenly, the misty portal that was once in the middle of the plaza transported itself in front of your class in a blink of an eye. It was then you realized it had glowing yellow eyes; it was a living being. A transformation or mutation quirk, perhaps?

Warping, huh? Surely this guy must have been involved with the-- oh...

They broke in the main campus to gather information regarding the class schedule and perhaps USJ's setting layout, as USJ is their most advantageous battlefield due to it being distanced away from the main campus; meaning: away from reinforcements. And it's not hard to guess that they may have already sabotaged the place to get a head start.

Though, you don't sense that Killer Intent from him; he may have had company.

Subtly grabbing your wrist, Kakashi immediately started tapping with his index finger to send you strings of morse code for your next course of action, followed by eye contact to show further instructions; his role as ANBU captain taking over.

You test tangibility

He eyed the purple fog.

You'll be in charge of finding out the portal's weak spots and see which parts of him are tangible. The portal-user has a fog-like appearance and it gave the impression that he cannot be touched, but he should have a weakness somewhere like all quirks have, as Mina told you. In all that fog, there must be an anchor to hold him down; something that makes him distinguishable as a human.

I incapacitate

Once you find the portal's vulnerable spot, with Kaminari's quirk, Kakashi can shock him unconscious.

Low chuunin skills only

The moment Kakashi lets go of your wrist, you charged towards the target, with him observing behind you, preparing to follow afterwards.

"To end the life of All Might, the Symbol of--"

Yellow eyes widening, the portal-user was unprepared for a student to deliver a flying kick directly to his head while he was still talking, narrowly missing his high metal brace; he was luckily unaffected, as you only passed through his dark purple wisps. However, he could barely recover from his shock, as he didn't expect you to quickly find balance on your landing to reposition yourself to kick his unguarded-- solid-- back to push him towards your blond partner who has his hands sparking with dangerous yellow.

Grabbing for the portal's metal brace, Kaminari sent a powerful but quick electric shock, which was enough to disable the current hostile-- the purple mist shrinking back to his body which resembled a man rather than the fog he was a few seconds ago.

Landing with a 'thud', the warp-user was out of commission.

Facing your wide-eyed classmates, you looked at the supposed current authority, who was as equally astonished as the students.

Shit, was your performance really that impressive compared to a standard hero student? Or were they just comprehending Mina's sudden change of caliber?

You need to subvert their attention.

"Thirteen-sensei, we need to call for back-up!" You exclaimed, which seemed to have snapped the whole class from their stock-still daze of processing what just happened.

"R-right!" The Space Hero then faced Iida who straightened in attention to the call of his title. "Class president,"

"Yes!" Iida immediately responded.

"Your job is to run back to the school and report what's happening." Thirteen instructed, but the bluenet refused.

"As class president, I can't abandon my class. We all should go together."

The thing is, it's not their safety he should be worried about, but rather the speed of conveyance for reinforcements. Aizawa is the one who needs help the most.

Iida's misplaced nobility is admirable, but it is what it is: misplaced. The order was sensible; getting help would increase the chances of lesser casualties, and it's not like the class would remain inside the joint filled with villains. The alarms are active outside, which means the disruption of alarms are only applicable inside the infrastructure, however, if any of the villains step outside, the alarms would blare accordingly.

Besides, it's not like anyone can stop any of you from escaping, now that the gatekeeper is unconscious.

"You're not abandoning anybody. We'll be safe the moment we exit USJ; the enemy can't follow us outside without triggering the alarms," You stated confidently. "Your speed quirk is the most suitable for the job, as time is limited. That said, do your job well,"

...

Thirteen then stared back at you, along with the other students, assessing you with the hero's white eyes. With the accessory covering your eyes, it's hard for Thirteen to discern the emotion you're displaying, but your message was still sent across. You had a point, and it got the desired effect, seeing as Iida is now determined to follow through your expectations. But...

Thirteen can't help but interpret that you addressed Iida not because you have faith for his capabilities, but rather because you may have felt like no one would do anything unless instructed otherwise. Your compulsion to act as leader did not go unthanked, however.

The hero won't lie; they only specialize in search and rescue. Dealing with villains was not part of Thirteen's role, as their battle prowess is even lower than an average hero. Showing such confidence to the class, it gave the reassurance that you have the capability to lead; especially after showing faultless cooperation with Kaminari. The class trusts you to take care of them-- even the class president. And frankly, Thirteen, themselves, too.

They can't explain it, but... you radiate authority. You know what you're doing, they deemed.

Thirteen admits that they're useless in this scenario; support is nothing without the main fighter. Though, the Space Hero can wallow in self-pity later; now, they must do everything they can to ensure their students' safety. Hence, they can only follow your example.

Approaching the flight of stairs to apprehend villains who would dare climb up to intercept the class' escape, Thirteen addressed Iida for the last time, before the bespectacled student's departure.

"Please use your quirk to save us all."

"Just like in the cafeteria, we can provide all the support you need and we will!" Uraraka cheered enthusiastically.

And with that, Iida ran.

Now, as for the rest of the class...

"Everyone huddle up and exit the facility! Retreat to the main campus!" Thirteen instructed, to which the class instantly obeyed to, however some hesitated.

And some flat-out refused.

"Thirteen-sensei, we'll assist Aizawa-sensei." Nodding at Kaminari, you ran towards the direction of the battle.

"H-huh?! Wait--" Before Thirteen can stop either of you, you and Kaminari jumped down from the flight of stairs to apprehend the villains downstairs.

"FUCKING HELL LIKE I'D HAVE RACCOON EYES AND DUNCE FACE OUTSHINE ME!" And with that, Bakugou followed not long after the pair, with Todoroki and Kirishima coming right after the ash blond.

"What-- no!" Once again, Thirteen was unable to stop the defying students. Stupefied, the Space Hero can only threaten to stop any more students to follow after the rebellious group. "Whoever follows after them will be expelled!"

Ah, well, that's the best threat Thirteen can think of.

~*~*~

Hawks is no stranger to kids who imitate their idolized heroes; the enthusiastic young who wish to follow the majority's dream. It starts small, with those kids who help the elderly cross the street; children who subvert others' bullying to themselves, and occasionally, he catches troublemakers who intentionally look for fights to 'train'.

Though, it is his first time to see children hop over roofs without supervision.

"Oi, oi, what do you guys think you're doing?" Hawks coolly hovered over them with a glide of his crimson wings, smiling, as the trio gawked at him with mixtures of awe, disbelief, and suspicion.

"Woah! You have wings!" The blond exclaimed.

"How is that biologically possible?" The pinkette followed, eyeing his flight assets with curiosity.

"What do you want?" Lastly, the ravenet glared at him, to which the hero can only charmingly smile at them to ease their... scrutiny.

"Relax," Hawks waved them off airily. "My wings? It's just my quirk. I'm surprised you haven't heard of me," The Wing Hero eyed them carefully, noting how the most expressive of the three (the blond) contort his face with confusion. "Not to brag, but I'm kind of a well-known hero. Y'know? Hawks?"

"A hero?"

"Quirk?"

"Hawks?"

O... kay. Not the reaction he expected. Why do they sound like they never heard any of those words?

"Hawks, the Number Three Hero? Quirk: Fierce Wings? Ring a bell?" The children's curiosity suddenly looked guarded, as they looked at each other with... He doesn't know honestly. It's like they realized something and now they're telepathically communicating with each other-- is that their quirk, perhaps? Maybe they're siblings? Only one way to find out. "Um, alright, do you know where your parents are?" Because seriously, he's gonna have to send the police to investigate their family if they're this neglected to the point where they don't even know the basics of their world.

The girl answered first, then the orange-clad boy, with the one-eyed kid being last; and with each and every answer, it was eliciting whatever the hell Hawks' expression was wearing right now.

"My parents are dead."

"I was an orphan ever since I was a baby."

"My family was murdered."

... What the actual fuck.

But... that does explain things.

"Okay, how about I guide you guys to the precinct, and let's see what we can do from there," Hawks offered, and if it's any more possible, their guarded expressions turned even more guarded-- almost hostile, if need be.

Ah, that can be a problem.

"How about you tell me your names first, sound good?" Hawks tested the water he was on, trying not to let his casual character morph into being of caution as well. It would not be received well by his young audience.

"Sakura-chan! Sasuke-teme! Don't tell him anything!" And like that, the tense atmosphere shattered, and Hawks was now looking at the blond in disbelief-- borderline amused.

"Naruto!" Sakura-- fitting name for the pinkette-- scolded, to which she then realized her mistake and slapped her mouth closed as if to vindicate her impulsive exclamation.

Sasuke just face-palmed in disappointment, only highlighting his exhaustion.

Hawks wasn't sure if they were trying to lead him on by faking that slip-up, but the hero can discern intent from accidents.

"Dobe, Sakura, carry me after,"

"Huh?! Wh--"

The moment Sasuke lifted his headband from his right eye, all Hawks could see was the hypnotizing pattern of swirling black and red.

He hovered in his place in seconds? Minutes? Hours? He can't tell.

...

Hawks snapped out of it, and he forgot why he was just there.

What was he doing again? The last thing he remembers..?

Ah, right, he was about to get lunch from his favorite fried chicken joint. Although, he can't help but be bothered by blurry memories of yellow, pink, red and black.

For some reason, naruto popped into his mind.

He can go for chicken ramen, he shrugged.

~*~*~

Dear diary, i was today-years-old when i learned that brunet is for male and brunette is for female, and this goes for other-hair-colored people and now i gotta call kakashi silveret now asfghjkl; lots of editing have to be done.

People forget that naruto is a natural sensor, based on the wave arc. It's a misconception that he 'missed' and almost killed a white rabbit. In actuality, the white rabbit was used for the substitution jutsu/kawarimi for Haku. ALSO, there is ONLY platonic NaruSakuSasu-- no pairings. Why? They're wholesome that way. I just see them as siblings and ur the responsible mom and kakashi is the dad that-never-returned-from-the-convenience-store-but-thanksgivings-are-exceptions-because-its-free-food.

Also Sakura's parents are dead in this fic, because im not sure if they survived the 4th shinobi war. All i know was that they were at least a low-level chuunin (apparently, sakura being born in a civilian family was only fanon; a lot assumed because of little to no screen time of her parents). its about time for sakura to join the orphan club-- all team 7 members are orphans; no exceptions. so, they adopted each other.

I will also be publishing another book regarding your life in konoha, and it will explain your background if you're interested in that. And of course there will be more kakashi moments because im fucking whipped like that. The book will feature your relationship with other canon characters, your specialties, reputation, why/how you survived the Uchiha massacre, etc. I'll publish it after I finish telling yall my surprises in this book. There is an important revelation here that will be spoiled just at the beginning of the other book lmao. So for now, wait for my announcement.

Lastly, sorry that the update took a while, but me and the chapter were brawling and it was winning. I won because it took pity on me and forfeited, so i won by default. i also have a long list of good reasons why the update was late, so lets get started:

1.