2/2

Naruto looked down "I see, well at least everybody's okay. That's good."

"And what about Sasuke?" asked Dosu.

"He's in surgery right now, he lost a lot of blood and had a lot of injuries, not to mention a big hole in the chest. How's Kin taking it?"

"She's been really worried ever since he was taken, and Zaku took a bad stab to the gut but he's bounced back. I think he's visiting Kiba or Tatsu right now."

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Ino had met up with Choza outside of where Choji was being worked on "So they're still not letting anyone in to see him?"

"No, but they say he'll be regaining consciousness soon." Choza told her "He'll be alright, don't worry."

"Well that's definitely a relief."

"It was a fortunate day in this village when Lady Tsunade agreed to come back, if it weren't for her then Choji would've…"

'Lady Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage… I'm gonna go check on Tatsu, let me know when they're letting people see Choji." and she left.

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Tsunade was quick to find Ino outside Tatsu's door "Here for a visit?"

"Yes…" Ino muttered quietly.

"New travels fast I see."

"I heard about the mission to bring back Sasuke and rushed here as fast as I could, they weren't letting anyone see Choji so I came to see Tatsu and see how he's doing."

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Tatsu was explaining to Zaku about his fight "I'm serious man, Kimimaro was one tough customer."

Zaku nearly freaked at what was hearing "You beat Kimimaro?!"

"Barely but yeah."

"He was the strongest one Orochimaru had, just being in the same room as him made my skin crawl!"

"I see why."

"I'm surprised." then Tsunade came in, with Ino right behind her "I'm surprised, you seem to be doing well all things considered. I'd heard your injuries were pretty serious, but you seem to be doing well. Well I'll leave you two to your conversation then."

"Actually Lady Tsunade, I have a request."

"What is it?"

"Awhile back, you offered me a chance to be a tokubetsu jonin, the same rank as Hayate-sensei is right now. Is that offer still available?"

Tsunade blinked, same with Zaku and Ino "What brought this on?"

"This mission just helped me prove something to myself, that's all."

Tsunade gave a small smile "Well you did help me defeat Orochimaru and kill the last of the Kaguya clan. I don't see why not."

"Thank you. Also, how's Sasuke doing?"

"He was messed up pretty badly but he'll be just fine, though he'll be out of it for quite awhile."

"I see, that's good."

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Naruto was resting in his hospital room, having already heard from Zaku about Sasuke 'I see, so he'll be alright.' then he heard a huge crash outside his room "What the f*ck?" he opened the window "Pervy Sage?"

Jiraiya sat outside the hospital on top of a giant toad "Hey there, heard about your mission. Nice work."

"I didn't really do that much though, Sasuke was the one who got the win in the end."

"Yeah I heard, I didn't think he'd unlock the power of Raijin though. Anyway listen, what I have to tell you is important and can't wait."

"Hold on a second." then Tatsu came in, supporting an injured Lee "I heard the crash and sensed your chakra Jiraiya, what's going on?"

"You guys feel free to listen, but this mainly concerns Naruto." he turned to Naruto "From now on you're my only student, I need to make a full-fledged shinobi out of you in 3 years and I'll do it."

"Why 3 years?" asked Naruto.

"We've received some disturbing information regarding the Akatsuki."

"You mean that group Itachi and Kisame were part of?" Lee guessed.

"Exactly. We have reason to believe Naruto has been chosen as their next target, and we have 3 or 4 years before they come after him."

"And we've still got the Orochimaru issue to deal with." Tatsu pointed out "He tried to get his hands on Sasuke's body, who's to say he won't try again."

"I see you guys already know all the gruesome details of Orochimaru's little scheme."

"You knew all about it too?" asked Naruto.

"Of course, don't you think I've been studying that Immortality Jutsu of his? That's also how I know our good friend Orochimaru won't be able to reincarnate himself in another body for at least 3 more years, so Sasuke's safe until then. Fortunately, he ran out of time and had to take over another body, so you've all got time to train and get stronger before then." he leapt back onto his toad "We've got a lot of work to do when you get out of here, so be ready to hit the ground running. See you then." and he and the toad disappeared in a puff of smoke.

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Tsunade heard a knock on her door "Come in."

Ino entered, a determined look in her eyes "I'm here to make a request milady."

"What is it?" she didn't bother looking up from paperwork.

"I would like to be your apprentice."

Tsunade actually dropped her paperwork and stared hard at Ino 'So that's how it is, poor thing must really be desperate. Ino Yamanaka, I'm told you have a fine mind and that your will is strong. Very well, but be warned, I won't go easy on you."

"I wouldn't have come if I thought you would."

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Sasuke's eyes shot open and he sat up, then let out a fierce pained groan and quickly laid back down, then noticed his heavily bandaged chest and, well, everything "Ow… Where the hell am I anyway?" he looked to his left and saw a white curtain, then a small stand for personal things right in front of it, the rest of the space around him being filled, but most annoying of all was the blasted light above him "Seriously, I'm gonna find whoever came up with the idea to put those things right above people's faces and shove a Chidori up their ass. No wonder 80% of the clan hated doctors." he saw a mirror on the far wall in front of him "I look like hell. How'd I get here?"

"Naruto and Kakashi dragged your sorry ass back from the Valley of End, if we didn't operate on you then you would've been dead the minute you got in here."

Sasuke glanced over to see Tsunade looking down at him "How long have I been in here?"

"A week give or take, the Raijin power you used at the valley sped up your recovery process but not by much." she came over, shined a light in his eyes, took his temperature and felt and moved Sasuke's arm, making him yelp from the searing pain "Still sensitive?"

"Very."

"You're incredibly lucky you know, if you'd been just a little later then we wouldn't be having this conversation and Naruto and the others would be crying over your casket."

"It was either fight or I get taken to Orochimaru, what was I supposed to do?"

"Fair enough. I'd say you're fine, but I want to keep you for observation for another just to be safe. And besides, I think she would probably try to kill me if I let you leave without letting her know."

"Her?"

Tsunade pulled back a curtain, revealing Kin asleep in the bed next to Sasuke's "She hasn't left your side this whole time, keeps asking me or Shizune how you're doing every damn time we come into the room. I don't think she's eaten or slept since you were admitted, she passed out in the hallway on the way back from the bathroom some time last night."

"She did?" Sasuke sounded surprised that Kin was so worried about him 'Then again, I'd probably do the same thing for her.'

"You're a lucky kid runt, be good to her." and Tsunade walked out of the room.

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Tatsu had been waiting in the hospital lobby "How is he?"

"He's awake, finally." Tsunade told him.

"He's tough, any normal person would be in a coma for months at least."

"And the Raijin power probably helped that."

"True. Anyway, Naruto wouldn't start training until he knew Sasuke was alright."

"I'll be sure that Jiraiya lets him know, then he'll head out in the morning."

"Right, and Ino?"

"She passed my test, I start training her tomorrow."

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Sasuke woke up the next morning, still but much more comfortable than the night before 'Looks like someone took off the bandages so I can breath again. Still bruised by the looks of it.' he then looked at the wound on his chest, which had turned into a bad scar 'Doesn't look like that's going away.' a quick poke made him jump "Still tender, okay." he looked down and saw Kin fast asleep at the side of his bed 'She's beautiful when she sleeps, even though she's drooling.' he felt a surge of affection for her 'Maybe it was meant for something like this.' he gave her a quick poke on her forehead "Hey Kin, wake up."

She stirred, but nothing more.

He poked her again "Come on Kin, wake up."

This time she did, her black eyes cloudy and unfocused "Wha-?" she looked up at Sasuke, then blinked a few times "Sasuke…" she threw her arms around him.

"Ow, watch the ribs!"

Kin just ignored him "You're alright…" she kept repeating that over and over until she finally broke down sobbing, clinging to Sasuke for dear life.

Unsure of what to do, Sasuke just cautiously wrapped his arms around her "Yeah, I'm fine… though I'd appreciate it if you let up on my ribs for a second."

Kin jumped back, blushing fiercely "Sorry."

"It's alright, better than yesterday anyway."

"Yesterday?"

"Yeah, Tsunade was in here and I happened to be up."

"And she didn't tell me? That old hag, she promised she'd tell me the second you woke up!"

"You know Kin, I'm pretty sure you don't wanna splatter against the floor because Tsunade heard the wrong thing."

Kin looked and saw Tatsu in the doorway "Tatsu… I didn't… it's not… crap…"

"It's alright, she won't hear it from me."

"Thank you."

"Sure." then he looked over to Sasuke "What's up Thunderclap?"

"So you heard?" Sasuke guessed.

"Yep, and I've gotta say. NICE!" then he turned serious "Alright fun's over, time to get down to business. Short version, Itachi and Kisame and the rest of their organization, they're called the Akatsuki, are gonna come after Naruto for what's inside him in about 3 years. You, me and Lee are all gonna train our asses off until then. Oh, and Tsunade wants to see you about something. Later." and he left.

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Once a quick check-up was over with, Sasuke was walking out the doors with Kin right by his side "Free at last, finally!"

Kin giggled "Sasuke, you were unconscious for most of it."

"What's the difference? Anyway, I'd better head over and see what Tsunade wants. I'll meet you back home. See you."

He was about to walk away when Kin's voice stopped him "Sasuke, hold on."

Sasuke stopped and looked back "What is it?"

Kin quickly rushed over, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek, then was gone before he could react.

"So… I should go then…" Sasuke then awkwardly made his way to the Hokage tower.

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Tsunade heard a knock on her door "Enter."

Then Sasuke came in "Tatsu said you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I did. Considering how you performed during that mission, even if you were only there because you were kidnapped, you still awakened the power of my Grand Uncle's sword. So I and the elders and many others agree that you deserve this." she held out a vest "As of today you stand a chunin, congratulations."

Sasuke took the vest and strapped it on, then bowed "Thank you."

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For Kin, there was only one person on her mind, and she'd just kissed him on the cheek and left, and now she had no idea how to tell him how she felt 'I'm pretty sure there's a festival coming up to celebrate the end of the Third Great Ninja War, in honor of those who'd died. Apparently some couples even start going out on that night from what the girls tell me. That could be the perfect place to tell Sasuke how I feel, the only question is how I'm gonna go about it. Every time I open my mouth I just can't get the words out. I'm hopeless."

"I wouldn't go that far, in romance sure but not in general."

Kin looked to see Dosu leaning on a wall "Hey Dosu, what's up?"

"You have that kicked puppy look you used to have during our time in the Sound, I thought I should come see what was the matter. Boy problems? Zaku being an idiot again? You catch him reading porn again?"

"No! Well, I guess you could say it's boy trouble, though I'm not really sure why I'm coming to you of all people for when it's more like a girl thing."

"Simple, I'm the smart one out of the three of us. Zaku's the stupid one/pervert and you're the kind-hearted cute little sister to us. I figured that'd be obvious."

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'Okay, here I am.' having entered Limbo, Sasuke was just aimlessly wandering 'Alright, where to look.' he saw a light and quickly ran towards it.

A lone figure sat by a fire, but didn't turn around "Is that you Sasuke?"

"Yeah, it's me." Sasuke sat down on a rock beside him.

"Did you die? Or is it that weird training with the dead routine?"

"The second one."

"Well would you mind telling me your tale first?"

"Sure, it's a bit of a long story though so let me take my time."

"Yeah, that's fine."

Sasuke let out a sigh "Where to begin, Shisui…"

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Kin finished explaining the situation "And that's about it."

"So let me get this straight." Dosu took another bite of the sweet dumplings he'd been treating Kin to when they were talking "You went and kissed him, then just ran away, and you're worried he'll laugh at you?"

"It's not like I meant to do it."

"Sure you didn't.

"I didn't! It just sort of… happened."

"Well how was it?"

"Huh?"

"It was your first kiss, how was it?"

Kin spluttered for a second "It was just on the cheek!" she blushed heavily "I don't get why it's such a big deal."

"You're basically my cute little sister, of course your first kiss is a big deal. If you're that out of it over this then I'll help you find a way to get your brain and mouth on the same page as your heart."

"Really?"

"Of course, when have I ever not kept my word?" he got up and dragged her by the hand "Come on, when we're done there's no way that bastard will be dense enough to refuse you."

"...You do know we're talking about Sasuke right?"

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Shisui looked up at the endless void that was Limbo "So that's it. Not gonna lie, never expected you to earn the power of Raijin."

"You knew about it?" Sasuke sounded surprised.

"Knew about it? I was the last one to have it." his Sharingan turned blue "I call this the Sanda Sharingan, it doubles my power and gives me all sorts of lightning abilities that I could use with my Mangekyo Sharingan."

"So I guess that makes this easier." Sasuke bowed his head "Please, I need you to train me."

"So you can kill Itachi?"

Sasuke looked up.

"I've been watching over you and I've gotta say, I'm proud of you. And if you want my training, you've earned it."

"Thank you."

"But first, I can sense that someone's approaching your body. You'd better go deal with that, we'll start training after the festival."

"Right. And Shisui, thanks. Itachi… I will get stronger, I will defeat you… but I refuse to become like you…' then he exited limbo.

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"Sasuke?" asked a voice.

Sasuke opened his eyes and exited his meditation and looked up "Kin, what's wrong?"

Kin sat down on the bench beside him, looking something Sasuke hadn't seen before: timid "I have to-"

"-tell you something." he said it the same time as her, then gave a small smile "You first, ladies first after all right?"

"Sure." a ghost of a smile passed over her face, but that timid aura didn't go away. If anything, it just got stronger when she looked away and grabber her arm nervously, her face turning redder and redder with each passing second "Well… the thing is…"

"You know what, the hell with it. We're probably thinking the same thing so I say I just make the first move and go for it." having finally had enough of avoiding his feelings up until this point, Sasuke gently wrapped his arms around her, his black eyes meeting hers.

Kin could see the emotions swirling around in his heart. Fear, hesitation, uncertainty, anger, frustration, but all of it was buried by resolve, determination, caring, tenderness, even love.

Sasuke's breath hitched in his throat, he could tell just by looking into her eyes how she felt.

She looked into his eyes and saw understanding and comprehension.

He knew how she felt as well, no words needing to be said. He made his way in first.

She followed him, her eyes slowly fluttering shut.

His lips gently pressed against hers, and Sasuke Uchiha and Kin Tsuchi kissed on that moonlit night on that very bench. It was awkward and juvenile and neither of them had any experience in that area, but the emotions behind it nullified any awkwardness.

They broke apart and Kin smiled, her cheeks burning deep red "Sorry, I'm really not that good at this."

"Really? I thought you did well. I'm not good at this either, but practice makes perfect right?" he gently embraced her again.

Kin rested her head on his shoulder and leaned against his chest, blushing as she felt his arms around her waist holding her to him. She felt safe in those marble-chiseled arms "Thank you Sasuke."

"For what?"

"For everything. For saving me, taking me in, promising to protect me, always being there for me, never turning me away…" her eyes fluttered shut, she was content.

"I should be thanking you, by meeting you I know that my desire to protect you is what gives me strength…"

Kin let out a giggle "Just returning the favor I guess, you've already given me more than enough strength as it is."

Sasuke smiled softly and held her closer 'For now all I have to do is wait and see what tomorrow has in store for us…'

A week passed, and the festival was in full swing.

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Sasuke was waiting outside his compound, clad in a dark blue yukata 'How the hell did I let her talk me into this?'

"I'm coming!" a voice called.

"Bout time, I was-" whatever snarky comment Sasuke had been saving died in his throat at what he saw before him 'Damn!'

Kin looked absolutely stunning, wearing a green kimono with lilies on it, her hair tied in a high-ponytail. She blushed when she saw Sasuke staring at her "What? Do I look bad?"

"N-No…" Sasuke fumbled over the words "You look… absolutely amazing."

Kin blushed further "Well… shall we go?"

"R-Right…" Sasuke gently took her hand in his, and they made their way.

Tatsu and Lee immediately appeared with huge shit-eating grins, but Sasuke quickly dismissed them with his Sanda Sharingan.

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The festival was well underway.

Sasuke and Kin, hand-in-hand, were strolling through the village and casually taking in the sights of the festival.

Naruto had found out about them a few days prior and had promptly given Sasuke a friendly congratulatory slug and then proceeded to follow them around the village, making kissy noises and fish-faces at them the whole time.

Kin had managed to laugh it off, finding the antics cute.

Sasuke was another story, Kin had taken a few steps away from him when she'd notice the subtle tension and his Sanda Sharingan flaring into life. Finally Sasuke had snapped and subjected him to something he wouldn't have wished on Itachi himself: a Raijin-powered One Thousand Years of Death.

Kin immediately put it on the list of techniques to use on Zaku when she caught him reading porn, she almost wanted to find him then and there but didn't in favor of staying with Sasuke then and there.

Sasuke was about go for strike number 7, but stopped when he saw that evil glint in Kin's eye.

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Next morning, Tatsu met up with Dragon and Izumi at the village gate "I honestly didn't think you guys were still around after you helped Lee and the others."

"You can't come to this village right before the festival without enjoy it." Dragon pointed out dryly "You and your friends undoubtedly earned it after a mission like that, the Uchiha boy in particular. What about the other one?"

"You mean Naruto? Today's the day he's leaving the village to begin his training with Jiraiya."

"Jiraiya? One of the Sannin?" asked Izumi, eyes wide behind her mask.

"Yep, and when he gets back he'll be stronger and more hyper than ever. Me, Sasuke and Lee are all gonna have to work hard so he doesn't outclass us."

Dragon nodded "I see. Goodbye then, you will see us again." and they left.

"I guess my business here is wrapped up." and he disappeared. See, it was actually a Shadow Clone.

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Iruka had met up with Naruto at Ichiraku for one last bowl "Well well, you've got quite a journey ahead of you."

Naruto slurped down some ramen "Yep."

"Hey listen up, you keep focused out there. No goofing off alright?"

"Focused is my middle name sensei!"

Then Jiraiya poked his head in "Alright Naruto, time to hit the road."

"OK!" Naruto finished slurping it down "Thanks for the ramen Iruka-sensei, I'll pay you back! In fact, when I'm Hokage I'll buy you lunch." and he left.

Iruka watched him walk off with a small smile 'Good luck Naruto.'

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They soon reached the village gates.

Naruto looked back at the Fourth Hokage's face and held up a fist 'Just you watch, I'll surpass you someday.' then he looked ahead and saw three figures in front of him "Tatsu, Sasuke, Bushy Brow?"

"We figured we should come see you off." Tatsu told him "Don't forget, the three of us are gonna be training to in preparation for when the Akatsuki comes after you. We'll all be ready by then, so don't you dare slack off."

"Trust me, I won't."

"And before you go, I wanna try something my brother taught me, something he used to do before just about every mission." he held out his hand "All of you put your hands in."

Naruto did, then Sasuke, then Lee.

"As we approach the decisive battlegrounds, believe that the blades of our hearts and souls will never shatter! Believe that our resolves will never waver! Though our paths may diverge, our iron hearts will remain as one! Swear that even if the land itself may break asunder, we will return alive and well! Scatter!"

"Right!" and with that, Naruto charged out of the gates at full speed.

"Alright, later runts." then Jiraiya nonchalantly walked off after him.

Tatsu turned to Lee and Sasuke "Alright guys, you go ahead and do whatever you wanna do. I've got something to take care of." and he disappeared.

Lee blinked "So that was a Shadow Clone?"

"Makes sense, it was the same idea that I had. The real me is training somewhere else, I just use clones to multitask. Later." and Sasuke disappeared in a bolt of lightning.

"So that was one of those Thunder Clones. Well, I'd better-"

"Lee."

'Great.' Lee looked to see Kiba behind him, looking deadly serious.

"So Naruto's gone now?"

"Yeah, he just left. You need something from me?"

"Yeah." Kiba looked him dead in the eye "I need you to train me."

"This is kind of sudden, what brought this on?"

"Akamaru was almost killed by those freaks on that mission because I wasn't strong enough. I can't let him go through something like that again, and the only way I can do that is to get stronger. I originally thought about Tatsu but his training would probably kill me, and aside from him you're the strongest of all the genin of our generation, so please, I need your help." he actually bowed.

Lee studied him for a moment, then sighed "Alright, but don't think I'm gonna go easy on you for even a second."

"I wouldn't be here if I thought you would."

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Kakashi looked up from his book and noticed Tatsu leaning on the wall opposite from him "You need something?"

"I need to know something." Tatsu told him "About the Rasengan."

"What about it?"

"What's its change in chakra nature?"

"Actually it doesn't have one, Minato-sensei tried to add a change in chakra nature to it but wasn't able to before he died. Why? Do you have something in mind?"

"Well I've been brainstorming ever since we got back from the mission, and I think I have an idea. What I came up with is more suited to me and Naruto to be honest, or maybe it's more like it'll only work for me. In fact, if this pans out then my power may surpass yours even without my Tenseigan and Naruto will be the same once he learns it. I'll teach it to him when he gets back. Anyway, I'm not sure I'd be able to figure this out on my own, are you willing to give me a hand?"

"Well I've got nothing better to do, and if you think this'll work then I don't see why not. Alright, let's give it a shot."

"Thanks Kakashi, I owe you. These next 3 years are gonna be interesting…'

A/N:

Yes I gave Aoi the Curse Mark that Mizuki had in the anime, but he clearly wasn't strong enough to put up a fight against Naruto and Sasuke so I had to do something to even the playing field.

Yes I gave Sasuke the Raijin Blade and pulled a lot of asspulls for it, but that sword had way too much potential. I mean, it belonged to the Second Hokage and they had it destroyed after like 5 episodes, so now I'm trying to give it the screentime that it deserves.

Yes Naruto didn't do much during this mission, but let's be real for a minute. He gets way too much screentime as it is, it's about time some of the other characters got some of the glory for once, Sasuke for starters.

So yeah Sasuke's gonna be training in Limbo with Shisui. Think about it, he's probably the only one who could defeat Itachi in battle.

In case you guys haven't figured it out, it's a Sasuke x Kin pairing. I haven't been able to find a single fic that shows that pairing so if you could recommend one to me that'd be great.