opop sasuka

Are you sure you want to take this picture?" The camera man asked looking at Ami as if she was crazy.

Ami grinned as she stood up proudly in a unique position, "Just do it."

He sighed and turned back to the camera, muttering, "Whatever, I still get paid." He snapped the picture.

The 3rd Hokage Sarutobi sat at his chair; a small sweat drop graced his features as he stared at the ninja picture then back at Ami. The picture showed Ami raising a fist to the camera while her face was painted with white and black stripes…were those suppose to be brave colors?

"Take it again."Sarutobi sighed; he felt a headache coming up, trust Ami to make a simple task hard.

"WHAT!" Ami roared, hopping from her chair causing it to fall as she pointed at the picture, "That's a great picture!"

"Ami take it again," he ignored the outburst, turned away and motioned for the next meeting, "Next."

Ami grumbled, suddenly the door slid open and a boy missing his front tooth, wearing a large scarf and a beanie that made part of his hair stick up, not so subtly sneaked in. Sarutobi and Ami stared at the boy as he tried sneaking up on the Hokage, note again, who was staring at him…only to trip on his scarf.

Ami snickered as Sarutobi sighed for the umpteenth time; no one gives him a break, 'Not again.'

"Who, what!?" the kid picked himself up as his head shook around and his eyes locked onto Ami before narrowing, "You tripped me!" He stood up and pointed at her.

Ami just gave the boy a look as they watched each other "Are you retarded?" asked Ami as she stared dumbfounded at the boy.

"Deny it all you want, it was a trap to protect the Hokage from me!" The boy was jumping up in rage, his hands shook everywhere.

Ami couldn't believe the stupidity of the boy as she shook her head 'great, I'm facing a retarded boy,' she thought before saying, "Alright old man, I'll take another picture if I could leave now."

Sarutobi nodded to Ami before speaking to the boy, "Konohamaru," he shook his head disapprovingly, "why do you always do this?"

The boy never turned his gaze away from Ami as he answered "So I can become Hokage," he stared hard at Ami as she was exiting, then jumped in front of her and pointed, "But you stopped me."

Ami twitched at the boy in front of her, she was about to leave but this boy got in front of her, so she lifted the boy up by the scruff of his neck so his face was in front of hers, "You deserve a beating brat."

He stared up in defiance "Try it, do you know who I am…"The boy replied in confidence.

"Honored Grandson," a man with shades and bandanna appeared in the door, "There you are," spotting Ami holding on to Konohamaru, he glared behind his shades at her, 'It's her.'

Ami felt uncomfortable at the stare, she was used to people segregating her like that but it still always fazed her.

"Let go of the honored Grandson this instants." The man demanded.

Ami stared down at the smirking child, and let him go.

"Hah, see, you're scared of me." The boy declared in triumph.

Ami snapped at the boy, "You little brat, I don't care who you are," she slammed her fist down at Konohamaru's head; the boy's face smacked the floor, hard, as Ami walked out of the room as rounds of gasps could be heard.

She walked out of the Hokage tower, resigned to come back later to collect the mission with her team. It was morning as she wandered around, just buying some time until she had to meet her team until later she heard shuffling noises then quickly turned around…and spotted a square rock, with two eye- holes cut out in the front. She twitched as she stared at the poor disguise, rolling her eyes; she turned around, jumping on one of the building an attempted to flee from the child.

Most of the hour, the little boy had followed her all over the place, she tried frantically trying to lose him until finally she was walking down the street, trying to ignore the little box when she met Sakura along the way, she was holding a small package.

"Hey Sakura," Ami greeted.

"Oh, good morning Ami, we're not supposed to meet yet right?" Sakura watched her as Ami uncomfortably twitched.

"Nah," Ami looked behind her as Sakura followed her gaze.

A square rock still followed, Sakura had to sweat drop at the poor disguise.

"Umm…Ami, I don't know how to tell you this but…" Sakura started to motion behind them.

"I know…" Ami interrupted then started leaving, "I'll see you later Sakura, I have to lose someone."

Sakura watched Ami leave as the rock sped past her to follow. "Ami, what do you get yourself into?" she said as she shook her head while continuing her task.

Ami ran to a secluded area as the rock followed, when the rock was near enough, she turned around and ran towards the rock, slashing it open, to reveal the same boy from the office.

"Why are you following me?" Ami stared at the boy in annoyance.

Standing strait, his eyes sparkled as he stared up at Ami "You, I heard about you." Konohamaru grinned, "you stole the forbidden scroll and got past through my grandpa with a special technique….teach me please." He begged.

She stared at the begging boy on the ground before deciding "Uh, no," Ami started walking away as Konohamaru ran to her, "Please, please, boss." He gave his best innocent look.

'Hmmm, boss… I like the sound of that." Ami looked back at the boy, "Fine, I'll teach you the basics."

"Woohoo!" the boy jumped up, "So what are we doing sir?"

"Sir?" Ami twitched, "I'm a girl."

He stared wide eyes at her as he put his arms up in a defensive position, "Of course, of course...ma'm, sorry ,sorry," he apologized profusely. He did think she was a boy since her hair was short and her clothes were a bit baggy…plus he had seen her with that girl. Ami rolled her eyes as she led the boy; at least she found something to do in the morning.

There she spent the most of the morning teaching the boy. First, it was through lecturing about chakra, then magazines, then practice, then more magazines, then more practice, until finally, they returned to the field to practice once more.

"Ok Konohamaru, think of the figure and try again." Ami told the boy who concentrated on his chakra.

A poof of smoke and another failed attempt, Ami groaned out loud as a figure in the trees woke up from the sound.

Sasuke was sleeping on top of the tree trunk after a little workout, only to awake when he heard a noise. Looking up, he saw Ami yelling at a boy who attempted a jutsu…only to turn into a hideous woman. 'Is that Konohamaru?' He chuckled as he jumped down, greeting Ami.

"Oh, Sasuke," Ami greeted him back, "What are you doing here?" Konohamaru stopped to watch the exchange.

"I was training earlier, fell asleep, and woke up to you guys." Sasuke looked at the boy then at Ami, "You're not teaching him that jutsu, are you?"

"Yup, I sure am," she replied, proud of herself, "Konohamaru, get back in there and try again." She told the boy.

"Yes boss!" He formed the seal again and concentrated on his chakra.

"SEXY JUTSU!" he yelled out, disappearing in a puff of smoke, another girl appeared…not as ugly as the first but still ugly.

Ami sighed in disappointment, "Take a break."

"Sorry boss," the boy agreed a little sad.

"Ami, I was wondering, how did you come up with that jutsu?" Sasuke sat down on a log nearby as Ami joined him while Konohamaru quietly settled down in the ground near them, listening clearly.

"Oh," Ami thought back, "Well, I have seen men pass out at the look of a near naked woman, so I thought, why not. It makes a good prank too." She grinned as she looked at him, "And I found out, it helps to weed out the perverts…"

One of Sasuke's eyes twitched, 'It is kind of bad if people thought of you as a pervert.'

"Really then," he looked at the boy, "So I take it you are Konohamaru?"

"Yup, got a problem?" the boy replied smugly.

"Nope, I remember you from the Hyuuga party; you're grand father told me about you."

"Yeah," Konohamaru shrugged before standing up, "So what are you guys," he grinned as he lifted up his left pinky, "a couple?"

"WHAT!?" Ami smacked the boy again, "He's my team mate got it?" she stared hard at the boy rubbing his head who nodded in response.

Sasuke just laughed at how kids could come to conclusions so easily, "Konohamaru, try it again but think of not only the looks but why do you think it would be appealing to men in particular. Think what men would want to see in women."

Konohamaru had frozen in a thought, "Oh yeah, I remember reading this strange book I found at my grandpa's desk, it had some pictures in it, let me try something." He got into position again.

'Book?' Ami thought before rubbing her forehead, 'don't tell me the Hokage reads that book…it is so made by a perverted man, it just needs a woman's touch to lighten it a bit.'

Konohamaru tried again and this time it worked as a vixen of a girl appeared, making a kissing gesture before turning back. "YAY! Did I do it?"

At Ami's nod he smiled again. He looked up at Sasuke then back at Ami before asking, "Why didn't it work on Sasuke?"

"Oh," Ami answered as if it was nothing, "because he is a closet perv…"

"What the hell Ami!" Sasuke's face was red, "Is that what you think of me?"

She shrugged, "Maybe…don't think I forgot about the first time I used the jutsu at the academy."

"And I said I was just shocked!" Sasuke defended but it soon died as Ami chose to ignore it by saying, "they don't forget," and spoke to Konohamaru.

"So, you've learned it, what now?" Ami had asked but Konohamaru couldn't answer as a figure appeared in a puff of smoke.

"Honored grandson! What have you been doing with this" his mouth quirked in distaste, "… questionable person?" Ami grew angry at those words as Sasuke twitched in irritation.

"SHUT UP EBISU, I was training," Konohamaru turned into the lovely women as Ebisu stared in shock, sputtering he took his arm.

"She has tainted your training, come with me now." Ebisu pulled against the boy as he held on to the boy's arm.

"No, let go!" Konohamaru fought hard against being held.

"Hey, let him go," Ami started as she got up, "Konohamaru, let me introduce you to my new technique."

She formed a seal, "Shadow clone jutsu." Amis covered the field as Konohamaru stared at all the clones in amazement while Ebisu smirked and lifted his shades, "Maybe I'll teach you a lesson, little girl."

Ami smirked as the clones each transformed. Girls that would have been in every pervert's dreams appeared, all had hugged Ebisu as he tried his hardest to contain the blood trying to rush out of his nose. A few others had to turn away…Sasuke who looked down at the fields with a blush and the Hokage who watched through his crystal ball.

"T-This can't work on me…" Ebisu fought hard.

"Ebisu" a sultry voice spoke from one of the vixen clones hugging his leg.

"N-N-No, I am a gentle man." He fought harder.

Ami still smiled, "I call this, exploding sexy harem," distract and destroy, she grabbed Konohamaru as Sasuke stepped back.

Suddenly, each clone smirked as each exploded one by one, not enough to kill, but just enough that it would still hurt.

Taken by surprise, Ebisu had no time to perform a jutsu as he took the full blast, flew up in the air, and landed with a thud on the ground floor, a small smile graced his unconscious form.

"Well, at least I think he enjoyed it." Sasuke had commented his hands in his pocket, and walking up to the body he observed it with a kick while Ami talked to the boy who stared at Ami in admiration.

"Just to let you know, Konohamaru, becoming Hokage doesn't take a day, you're grandfather wasn't chosen to become the Hokage because he wanted it, he worked hard for it, he is the strongest ninja in the village and you don't earn that by just wanting everything. Besides," She towered above him, "if you want to become the Hokage, you have to beat me." Ami looked down at him as Konohamaru listened intently to each word before turning away.

Basically, the way he had been acting now isn't the right path to becoming the Hokage, he had to become stronger with hard work and now he finally understood "From now on, we are rivals then," he started walking away, "I will train hard to defeat you just wait."

"I'm looking forward to it." Ami said, watching the boy go as Sasuke appeared beside her, his lips quirked upward before speaking, "Ami, I think it's time to get our first mission."

Ami continued watching Konohamaru leave "Yeah," she replied happily, she had never had a person look up to her and it actually felt invigorating. "Sasuke, I'll race you to the tower," she said quickly and without warning as she sped off.

Sasuke watched her go, not even trying to catch up and when he was sure Ami was farther gone, he went over to Ebisu's body. Ebisu groaned in pain as Sasuke spoke coolly, "Ebisu."

The said person looked up to see the Uchiha looking down at him.

"Ami is a wonderful person despite what this village had done to her, If you are teaching Konohamaru to hate her, then I don't think you should be teaching him at all." He peered down at him with a patented Uchiha glare, "And to let you know, I am not the only one who notices how the villagers treat her, there is something going on and none of you guys are being secretive enough to hide it." Glaring one more time, he formed a sealed and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Sarutobi watched the scene from his crystal ball, he wondered what Konohamaru was doing with Ami and was skeptical about him learning the sexy jutsu, then felt sorry for Ebisu as he had fallen for the jutsu, and now he rubbed at his temples, his old age was catching up to him. Sasuke noticed what had happened, and being the smart boy he is, he might figure it out sooner about why the villagers hated Ami but maybe Sasuke was right about Ebisu, if he was teaching Konohamaru to hate her then…he sighed again, 'I'll deal with that later.' He wasn't proud at the way the villagers had treated Ami but there was so little he could do about it, but he was happy for the girl, she had found a good friend, in the Uchiha no less. He knew the boy wouldn't mind if he knew about the Kyuubi…Ami just needs to find a way of telling him. He paused for a moment 'Oh yeah,' He started packing up, 'they're coming here soon, better hurry.' He stood up and left the room.

Sasuke reached the tower before Ami as she complained when she saw him. Smirking, Sasuke just disappeared in a puff of smoke for his answer; it left a grumpy Ami walking up inside the tower.

Meeting Sasuke at the hall, she had found Sakura and Kakashi there waiting.

"Sasuke, using that jutsu was no fair in a race," she complained as Sasuke looked at her and answered, "Well, you didn't really set up any rules, just sped off and announced it was a race."

'Oh, good point," Ami thought sheepishly as the others just watched in amusement.

"So, let's get our mission, shall we," Kakashi spoke before turning to Ami, "By the way, you still need to take a picture later."

"Yes, I know sensei," Ami answered back as they walked towards the room.

"What happened to your picture?" Sakura asked as Ami gave her a look that said she didn't want to talk about it.

Reaching the destined room, they entered and reported to the Hokage, who was sitting in his seat reading mission scrolls as an assistant helped organize his desk.

"Team 7 reporting sir," Kakashi stated.

"Oh, first mission I see," Sarutobi chuckled at the eager look Ami let out.

'Here we go,' Sasuke thought as he looked around the office, 'Ami's probably going erupt all enthusiastic and ask if we are stopping some bandits somewhere…'

"Hey, hey, what is our mission, are we going to some faraway place to stop a bunch of bandits?" Ami asked excitedly.

'Then she would ask if we were going to escort some one important,' Sasuke thought as he scratched his neck.

"Or how about protecting a noble family on an escort mission?" Ami again spoke.

'Then Sarutobi will chuckle and tell us our mission which is probably something like clean up the park or something, and then Ami will freak out then someone will explain the whole low mission thing.'

Sarutobi chuckled at the girl, "Sorry Ami but your first mission is…to help weed out Mrs. Nayaru's garden." He tossed the scroll as Kakashi caught it.

Ami roared in protest, "IS THAT ALL!?"

"Ami, we are not handed high ranked missions yet," Kakashi explained, "First, a team has to build on its teamwork, then it has to build on its success rate, then we move up and attain better missions."

Sasuke sighed, yup, typical, always bandits, then royalty. Looking up he stopped them from arguing more, "Alright, alright, can we just do the mission already? Maybe we'll finish early then we can complete another mission." He started heading out the door as the others stared at him leave.

Kakashi was smiling as he followed, "You heard your teammate, let's go." He directed them out as Sakura followed and Ami grumbled on the way out.

The rest of the day was spent doing meaningless chores that often tested the patience of people. Being able to do the Shadow Clone jutsu helped a lot, so the team completed missions faster than expected.

This was how they had been spending their days, returning for low class missions and completing many in a day. Sasuke had a lot to think about these days, realization had finally hit him as he started to see that things were starting to become serious. Soon they would undertake the mission that would change their lives and he wondered if they were ready. He had thought about, watching Ami through these years, she really wanted to become the Hokage but he knew it would be hard without facing the trials ninja's face to become the Hokage. He decided then that he would do all he can, to shape Ami into becoming the perfect Hokage. He had enjoyed the break from the Academy but now, it was time to be serious…even if he had to act a little like the old Sasuke.

Ami had had enough of these pointless missions, this time, when there team went into the mission room she complained. Walking with her teammates, they entered the room and waited for their mission debriefing.

"The next mission would either be walking…" The Hokage started but stopped, interrupted by Ami.

"NO, NO MORE OF THESE MISSIONS!" Ami roared out to the silent nods of her teammates.

"Ami, watch your tone!" Iruka stood up from the desk.

"No, give us a higher ranking mission, we've been completing all these D rank missions, I just can't take them anymore." Ami was practically pulling her hair out.

Iruka felt bad for her but none the less spoke, "Ami, these missions are given to recent graduates from the academy, to build teamwork and en….."

Ami was scratching her ears as she chatted with Sakura; Sasuke stood back, quietly observing with Kakashi.

"AMI! YOU AREN'T LISTENING!" Iruka roared out from his seat.

The Sarutobi chuckled, "Iruka calm down, I think they deserve a C ranked mission."

"Lord Hokage, are you sure?" Iruka asked back.

"Yes Iruka, I am…" He waved his hand in the air, "Bring out the client."

The door soon opened and the team turned to see the client.

There stood on the door way was a drunken old man with glasses, holding a sake bottle.

Burping, he spoke in a loud voice, "I AM THE GR..SUPER BRIDGE BUILDER TAZUNA," he gulped another round of his bottle, "I need an escort to my village."

"Ah yes," the Hokage nodded towards team 7, "This team is assigned to you and will be escorting you to your village."

Tazuna looked at the group and groaned, "These guys…they look too weak to protect me."

The group twitched in agitation as Sasuke rolled his eyes. Kakashi defended, "Now sir, I assure you that we are more than enough for this mission, and I am a Jounin ranked ninja."

"Hmm…" Tazuna peered at the kids, "They look weak to me…especially your smallest member, that little boy."

Ami laughed as she pointed at Sasuke, "Sasuke, are you just going to let him say that to you?"

Sasuke and Sakura held back a laugh as they moved to Ami's sides comparing heights…she was the smallest one.

Dawning in realization Ami glared fiercely "I'M A GIRL YOU SON OF A…." Ami leapt but Sasuke and Sakura firmly held onto Ami's shoulders as Kakashi covered her mouth.

"Tazuna, please don't make fun of my students, they are the ones protecting you." Kakashi spoke pleasantly.

Tazuna sighed, muttering, "Whatever."

"Alright then," Kakashi spoke to the team, "Meet at the main gate in an hour, and don't be late…Tazuna, please come with me." Kakashi lead Tazuna out as the three students walked out of the building.

Ami started chatting with her teammates as they exited.

"Our first C ranked mission and we get this guy?" She huffed in anger.

"Well, at least we don't have to walk a dog or garden today." Sakura answered back as they continued walking. Sasuke looked at them, then spoke coolly, "Guys, pack up and be ready for anything. I'll meet you at the gate." He jumped on top of a roof and sped away.

Ami and Sakura watched him leave; each confused at Sasuke's attitude lately. Sasuke slowly became secluded through the days, it was as if he was worried over something but he wouldn't say, and they respected him enough that they wouldn't pry into it.

They each knew it but rather wait for him to come to them so they separated and went to prepare.

With the passing hour the team had met up at the main gate, each carrying a bag. Sasuke had worn his black leathered armor to the meeting, the Uchiha fan insignia picture on his back identified him as a friendly but he did scare the hell out of Tazuna when he arrived.

They each had made sure they were prepared before they left the village and started down the road. Ami was excited as she looked all around her, making comments while Sakura admired the scenery. Sasuke watched everyone in silent contemplation as they continued traveling. They had to slow down since they were escorting a non ninja, which would make travelling longer than expected.

Ami continued looking around as she walked. It was the first time she had left the village and she had to admire how big the world really was and had to wonder how many other places she would go, how many other adventures would she have. She turned to look at her teammates; Sakura seemed to be enjoying it as much as herself, Kakashi continued reading the perverted book as he walked…she shook her head at their sensei's perverted openness. Then she turned to Sasuke, she frowned as she watched him. He had latched on that mask of his but the eyebrows of his showed he was in deep concentration, as if he was pondering over something. It worried her because Sasuke had never acted like that, she always trusted him when she had a problem but what about if he had a problem. Why couldn't he turn to them, to his teammates, to his friends? She grew worried by the minute as they continued down the road.

It was mid afternoon as they continued their trek; the sun shined in the skies as they had perfect weather throughout the entire trip, the group spotted a puddle down the road. Walking the path, they passed the puddle without a second glance but already Sasuke and Kakashi had unnoticeably shifted in their position.

Two ninjas slowly rose up from the puddle; they each had a clawed gauntlet in one hand that had a chain which connected to each other's gauntlet. Breather masks and a horned slashed hiate covered their faces.

"Him first...go." the one with the larger horn commanded. They sprung up from the puddle, each one on different sides as they wrapped the single chain around Kakashi.

The group watched in horror as they pulled the chain, Kakashi had been split to pieces.

"One down," they spoke as they stared at the next target.

Despite the gasps of the group, Sasuke pulled out two of his 3 bladed Uchiha shurikens from his sides in each hand, quickly getting control of the situation.

"Sakura, guard Tazuna!" Sasuke pulled his arm back then threw one shuriken towards the chain as they came closer.

The strength and speed of the shuriken slashed through the chain as the little horned ninja met Sasuke, Sasuke had brought up his hand containing the dagger sized shuriken in time to meet the clawed gauntlet. Steel sparked as he held the position, watching a drip of poison leak out of the claws. The bigger horned one ran past him, towards the client. Sasuke quickly kneed the ninja he was up against, pulled the nin close and threw him towards the other nin, they connected, the ninja in the air met the older one and they went tumbling pass the client and Sakura, hitting a tree at the end. Sasuke turned his head to watch Ami, she was frozen in spot, this was her first ninja attack and he knew how she felt. "AMI SNAP OUT OF IT AND HELP ME!" Sasuke knew it was sudden but Ami needed to get over this now. She snapped her eyes at him, they look scared and unsure…he knew what he needed to do. "Crap…" Sasuke dashed towards Sakura as the nins attempted another strike, this time, one went after the client while the other decided to pick on the weakest link…Ami.

Sasuke stood in front of Sakura, his Uchiha shuriken returned to his side slot as he held both arms out, one towards the incoming nin and the other aimed at the nin dashing towards Ami. He knew Kakashi would appear soon but just to be safe, fire started appearing in front of his reached out arms as a small ball of fire was forming at the center of his palms, a jutsu already waiting in his mind.

Suddenly, Sasuke sensed a shift in the air, and Kakashi blurred in, each of his sides holding onto the head of the enemy nins, each passed out due to the pressure Kakashi had placed on their heads. He nodded an approval at Sasuke before turning to look at Tazuna. "We need to talk."

From there on out, after securing the captured and calling for the hunter nins, Tazuna had explained the economic depression his whole village faced and how it was ruled ruthlessly by a man named Gato. Tazuna explained that he needed to build a bridge to connect to the mainland if they have a chance to succeed…then he ruined the whole sad story by saying about how his daughter and grandchild will miss him dearly once he died.

Kakashi looked at his students, "This is now officially a B ranked border lined A ranked mission. A Jounin might attack us next, should we continue our mission?"

Sasuke stood impassive, waiting on one main person as Sakura started to speak.

"Kakashi, I don't know…" Sakura had spoken while looking at her teammates. She looked at Sasuke and followed his gaze to Ami…who was looking down in defeat.

'I froze…' that one statement ran through Ami's head as she replayed the situation over and over again.

'My team had counted on me and I failed,' Ami didn't want to look up, she grew angry at herself, angry at her failure. Suddenly, she felt an arm at her shoulder and without looking, she knew who it was.

Sasuke leaned close to her ear as his face mask was released and hanging at the side. "You've got a glimpse of the ninja life…do you really think you have what it takes to become Hokage?" he had whispered.

The words stung her as she contemplated, 'What kind of Hokage would she make." Ami felt herself becoming more depressed.

Sasuke continued whispering, "Will you give up now? Just over this…if you do, then you really are weak." Sasuke got up and stood back, his arms folded as he stood strait, eyes closed.

Ami's eyes were wide open at Sasuke's words, 'Give up?' she clenched her teeth; she never gave up, not over anything. Her fist clenched as she stared up and looked at Sasuke, her eyes were filled with determination, small tears sprouted as she shoved her fists towards Sasuke, her eyes briefly flashed red, "Never again…this will never happen again, I promise I won't give up." She spoke darkly as she rose up, "Kakashi sensei, Tazuna's village needs help, and I will continue this mission even if I have to do it by myself."

Sasuke still had his eyes closed but a small smile graced his features as he nodded in agreement. Sakura rose up with Ami, "Me too, I can't leave my teammates alone."

The group had decided and Kakashi had to give each one a proud smile as he too, nodded, "Then it is agreed, Tazuna, we will continue to protect you but we'll discuss the mission payment later. If a Jounin appears, let me handle it."Agreeing and laying out the terms, they had packed up and continued on their way.

It was close to nightfall as they had covered enough ground that they might reach the shores the next day. They settled down, unpacked and prepared camp for the night, Sasuke had changed to his regular outfit and set out to collect wood for burning; Ami helped Sakura set up the tents, taking out special sealed scrolls that summoned the materials for the tents. Kakashi watched over Tazuna as the camp finally settled. Sasuke lit the logs with a small fire jutsu as they each prepared their food. Dinner was a quiet affair, each one cautious as enemy Nins could be anywhere, only the spark of the flames could be heard until it was time to sleep.

Kakashi looked over at each one of his students, "We will take shifts for the night, I'll take first watch, then Sakura, then Ami, and finally Sasuke." He explained the time limit for each shift as each one agreed to the order, except for Sasuke, he spoke up, "Kakashi sensei, if it's alright, can I have first watch?"

Kakashi peered at him for a moment then nodded, "Alright then, Sasuke's shift is first then I'll take last…unless any one wants to switch?" Ami and Sakura agreed to the schedule then they gathered their things and prepared for the night. As soon as they went off to the tent, Sasuke summoned a few shadow clones and ordered them to guard a section near their camp. The clones each chose a spot and headed out to the direction as Sasuke sat up on a rock and watched the night.

He had been sitting there now for a while, contemplating what to do. So far, things had been the same as his world, despite the little differences; he knew the ninjas they would be facing next, it was just like his world. It was just hard trying to think of what to do, how can he stop Haku and Zabuza from dying this time? In his world, he had found that Zabuza and Haku grown tired of always being hunted by the Hunter nins of their village. They showed compassion at the end, showed how tired they really were at running…Haku had been the first person who had taught him the meaning of precious people and now, he had another chance to set this right…he just needed to figure out how.

Sighing, he resorted to one of his favorite past times…star gazing. The stars always comforted him, even as a child, he would lay at the fields staring up at the sky, watching each star flicker in and out; it always left him feeling small and unimportant in the world.

Lying down, he let go of his problems, his body relaxed as his eyes glazed over. He felt comfortable enough to even start humming a small tune he had remembered, sometimes singing along to the chorus as he continued watching the stars. Nothing moved in the night, only the clones that shifted slightly to investigate little noises that appeared.

…

Kakashi and Tazuna slept in one tent with space to spare for Sasuke as the girls slept in another. The camp was quiet as the breathing sounds from the men's tent could be heard. Ami lay awake at night, she couldn't sleep, especially after today; it would leave anyone awake at night. She tossed and turned, shutting her eyes, trying to force herself to sleep only to open her eyes. Then she saw Sakura next to her, watching. Sakura offered a comforting smile "Can't sleep?"

Ami sighed and rolled on her back, "No."

"Yeah," Sakura agreed. They both felt the effects of today, a final realization that they were ninjas and how their life was at the line; they would have to fight if they wanted to live.

They laid there in silence, contemplating as neither one of them could sleep.

"Have you noticed how quiet Sasuke has been lately?" Sakura broke the silence by asking.

"Yeah, you would have thought it matched him but…yeah" Ami couldn't finish it; they both had known Sasuke now and him staying quiet on a matter means that he had a problem.

"He is trying to be all macho again solving it by him-self, I mean, come on, why can't he tell us?" Ami shifted again from her position.

"Well, think about it," Sakura responded, "Did you see him today? He battled like he was used to it…he has seen bloodshed before, maybe he is used to keeping things to himself?"

"Then he is such a liar, he says we shouldn't hold it in and yet he does?" Ami huffed as she sat up.

"Then you mean hypocrite Ami…what are you doing?" Sakura also sat up.

"I am going to find out why." She stood up and went near the tent opening, inserting her sandals. Sakura had to admire how forward Ami was sometimes, she followed.

Slipping on their sandals, they each walked out of the tent into the quiet camp, walking towards the spot they suspected Sasuke would be.

…Don't try… to live so wise…the words were sung slowly without a care.

Ami and Sakura's ears perked up as they looked at each other mouthing, 'did you hear that?'

…don't cry… 'cause you're so right…

They silently walked towards the sound as the soothing voice continued to fill the air.

…don't dry with fakes or fears…'cause you will hate yourself in the end…

They arrived at the source of the sound only to find Sasuke who sat on top of a rock; he was looking up, in the skies quietly singing, repeating the words.

'Cause you will hate yourself in the end…'cause you will hate yourself in the end.

His lips moved slowly with each word and rhythm sung; his voice had a sound of sorrow and contempt, which matched how he looked; a sad smiled grace his face as he stared upon the starry sky.

They continued watching for a moment until someone had tapped them on the shoulder.

Ami and Sakura had jumped up in fright as a Sasuke clone watched them amusedly. The original Sasuke on the rock quickly pulled out a Kunai and pointed it at them. The girls looked back at him sheepishly as the clone went back to guarding. Sasuke let out a sigh as he placed his kunai back in his pouch. "Shouldn't you be asleep…you're shift is next Sakura." He spoke to them, resigned to sitting back on top of his rock.

In response, they walked up to Sasuke and sat near the rock, Ami spoke, "Sasuke, I…we wanted to ask you something?"

Sasuke didn't respond, just continued sitting, staring up at the sky; Ami continued, "You've been quiet recently, we want to know why?"

Sasuke thought about it, why was he really worried recently…well, not counting the whole confrontation that is about to occur tomorrow, then that left worrying about his teammates. He didn't know if he should start teaching them himself or continue what he has been doing, offering them advice in their training methods and occasionally teaching them some jutsus. He hasn't really been showing them any of his training styles yet, and he felt bad for that, especially if he wants to help them succeed.

"Hn," was his quiet response.

One of Ami's eyes twitched as she looked at Sasuke, her mouth quirked sideways, she was a bit put out by his reaction. Sakura decided to intervene before Ami said something that she would regret.

"Umm, Sasu," she spoke quietly and moved uncomfortably, worried etched in her voice, "we're just concerned, that's all and well, if you need to talk…" her voice was left trailing as Sasuke turned to face her, then Ami. Sighing again in defeat, he started speaking.

"I'm just concerned about you guys." He spoke the truth as the girls peered at him in confusion.

"I don't know what I'm doing most of the time, I just follow my gut feelings when things happen," he continued with a thought, 'like I always have been doing.'

The girls continued to listen to him speak, his voice sounded so unsure of himself, the confidence was lost in each word. This was Sasuke, the boy they all grew up with, who always knew what to do, always had a plan for everything, and was always full with confidence that everyone found it hard not to believe him.

Ami was the first to speak afterwards, "Why are you worrying about us, we can take care of ourselves."

"I know, I know," Sasuke softly spoke in reassurance, "but I think I haven't been a good friend lately."

They both looked at him, giving him a 'you can't be serious' look as Sakura spoke.

"What are you talking about Sasuke, you've helped a lot of people, you never let anyone down, and you've been the kindest person I have known." Sakura's hands were counting off the reasons as Ami nodded.

Sasuke offered them a smile, "I mean, I don't know if I trained seriously with you guys, I mostly kept my trainings a secret, maybe I should have showed them to you..."

"Sasuke," Ami started in irritation, "Stop being so depressed, you can't watch out for all of us, that's just hectic. Yeah, sure I'll always help my friends but I actually believe they can get stronger on their own, with their own training methods. You've helped me, sure, but I rather not depend on you, I want to grow stronger myself and if I need advice…well I'll turn to you or someone else."

Sasuke listened listened carefully and nearly kicked himself, all this worry for nothing…he felt bad, he should have trusted them more, trusted that they would become stronger on their own…then he remembered that they were all still kids or at least they are…mentally, they were going to become powerful when they grow up, even if he hadn't helped them.

"Sasu," the voice of Sakura brought him out of his thoughts, "You worry too much, you are a great friend to have, leave the worrying to the girls please." She stuck her tongue out as Sasuke had to chuckle along Ami's giggles.

"Alright then…thanks guys." He resumed his spot, calculating the hours he had left until Sakura's shift. Hopping down from his rock, he ruffled both their hairs as they quietly protested.

MY HAIR!

Sakura scowled as Ami swatted his hand away. Sasuke chuckled again, "Guys, I appreciate this but go to sleep; the next shift is in a couple of hours." He looked at Sakura as she got the point.

"I'll help you a little Sakura, I'll leave a few clones to help you patrol."

Sakura had to ponder first, she replied, "Wait, don't your clones poof away once you're unconscious, or asleep?"

"Yeah, but if I disconnect my connection with my clones, then they only run on the chakra I stored in them. I can reconnect their link to you if you want so you would know if one was destroyed, or I can make them connected to each other so if one pops then the other clones would know right away and contact you, it's up to you really." He shrugged as he stretched his arms and legs; having to use the jutsu most of his life, he had understood the concept of the shadow clone jutsu and since no one had enough chakra to continually cast the jutsu, not many knew about using the shadow clone jutsu this way.

Sakura and Ami stared in amazement at his abilities, they knew he was a genius but they never heard of anything like that. Ami's mouth had a little drop of drool near the corners, she had to ask, "Sasuke…you must teach meeee." She leaned close to him as he stopped her with an awkward smile and hands against her shoulder, "I will, I will, promise. I also need to teach you guys the gravity seal, it's very useful for training, it's a lot like wearing weights to make you stronger, "he rubbed the back of his head, "and I still feel bad for not showing it to you guys sooner."

"It's alright Sasuke, just teach us when you can." Ami spoke, excited about learning.

Sakura was also excited, she often thought of herself as weak and now Sasuke is going to help them become stronger with a jutsu…she was determined to become stronger.

They bade each other a good night as the girls returned to their tents, each feeling a lot better as Sasuke returned to his spot. Someone else had been listening, and he knew who it was. His clone had spotted him and Sasuke had given a mental command to leave the figure alone as Sasuke went back to staring at the sky, another tune in thought.

The shadowy figure in the background nodded his head in approval; his students are far advanced than the other teams. He knew Sasuke had spotted him, the clone that passed over him had stopped for a second then left the spot, even when he had been hiding, the clone still found him which spoke a lot of Sasuke's skills. The gravity seals…he wondered where Sasuke had learned it, maybe the Uchiha libraries?

If his team did well on this mission, then maybe they might be ready to take the Chuunin exams coming up next month…sure they would be the youngest members attending but…that might be good for them.

The figure grinned underneath its mask and soon popped out of existence, Sasuke was good at watching the camp so his help wasn't needed, so he returned all the info and chakra back to its master who laid half asleep in the tent. He too, grinned at the idea before finally falling asleep; assured the shifts would work out well.

The next day, the group had packed up quickly, ate a brief breakfast, and headed out. It was still early in the morning as the group stretched out their morning tiredness with yawns and head shakings as they resumed their travels.

Sasuke had once again adorned his leathered suit; he was guarding the rear as Kakashi lead the front. Ami and Sakura were to the sides of Tazuna, alert in their jobs of protecting. They would be walking the rest of the day, and if they were lucky enough, they would make it to the shores of Wave Country, Tazuna's home land, by the end of the day.

While walking, Sakura had thought back to the battle the other day and she had to wonder how strong Sasuke was. In the battles and spars she had seen him in, he never used his sharingan. She was sure Sasuke could be even more devastating once his sharingan was activated, casting genjutus without hand seals throughout a whole battle would be good against any ninja…except maybe the Hyuuga's eyes.

Her head turned slightly back, watching Sasuke move silently with them, he was calmly scanning the area, as she said, "Sasuke?"

His head snapped to hers in a second as Ami had also turned to look.

At first, you couldn't see Sasuke's facial expression underneath his mask until he tilted his head sideways, his eyes curious as they stared at her…Sakura smiled at how cute he looked in that expression. "I was wondering why you never use your sharingan?"

'Oh,' Sasuke shrugged, It's not like he didn't enjoy it…he just forgot he had it sometimes. He was used to fighting without it but maybe he should use it more, especially if he wants to master it. He knew enough, and his battles with his Sasuke had given him insight in some of the abilities…especially since his Sasuke had the ability to control demonic chakra, which only one other person in the world was known for. "I will not depend on my sharingan Sakura but I'll use it when the time calls for it." The answer was brief and to the point, Sakura felt he was leaving something out but never the less nodded and looked ahead.

Kakashi nodded in approval, the sharingan is a strong tool to use, but to rely solely on it, well, it doesn't really make a true ninja…a strong one, sure, but still, you can't always trust your eyes, some nins could always have a jutsu to counter it.

The walk was long but pleasant, even with the threat of enemy nins, the group grew excited with what they would face next. Being a ninja is without its risk, they would have to battle and survive to become stronger, and the two girls were beginning to understand that concept.

As they traveled, Ami had become twitchier with each passing second, often bringing out her kunai dagger to the littlest of noises. Sakura sighed in exasperation, yes they should be alert but there is a difference between alert and paranoid…and Ami is crossing the borderline between them. Sasuke just watched Ami like an amused older brother, chuckling at the childish antics that he remembered doing once upon a time ago…it was a good breather really.

When lunch had come, they did not stop or settle, they just unpacked a ration bar from their equipment and ate along the trail. They had been travelling for hours now, briefly stopping when Tazuna needed the break and quickly covering their trail. The group noticed that the further they travelled, the cooler it became as little mists could be seen.

"Ooh, we're close now," Tazuna looked down their path, "Just farther down and I have a boat waiting to take us to my home."

The group sighed in relief, travelling was fun and all but you can only look at trees and rocks for so long until you get bored.

When they finally reached the giant shores, like Tazuna said, there was a boat waiting for them. Entering the boat they travelled across the lake, the man controlling the boat spoke how dangerous these waters were, ever since Gato had decided to cut off people coming in and out of the village. Tazuna continued explaining the depression his village faced and ended with a sad story about himself.

Once they reached the shore, they quickly exited and continued to travel.

"Don't let your guard down," Kakashi had told them when he noticed a heavy fog ahead…something didn't feel right. Sensing a little chakra shift, Kakashi peered through the side of his eyes at Sasuke; the boy seems to feel as uncomfortable as he did. Sasuke had just released a few blocks of chakra that he figured came from the boy's gravity seal located on his arms and legs. Kakashi continued peering at Sasuke as the one of the boy's hand twitched near those packed shurkiens on his sides, He knew that Sasuke was expecting a fight and he feared that it was true…were they really ready for this?

'It's now or never,' Kakashi thought as he mentally prepared for anything, his book was placed away as he continued walking, 'If we have time, I am going to need to re-asses the abilities of my team and teach them what they are lacking.'

"Is it always this foggy where you live?" Ami asked her nose scrunched up at the misty fog that covered her face.

"Hmm, sometimes, but it's strange since we don't usually get them this thick until later." Tazuna had answered thoughtfully.

'Crap' the word rung through Sasuke and Kakashi's head as they smelled a trap. Let's check, missing nins sent to hunt the client…check… strange thick fog appears right before they arrive at their destination…check… a swishing sound in the air…their eyes widened.

"GET DOWN!" Kakashi roared pulling down the closest members, Tazuna and Sakura.

Sasuke had tackled Ami to the ground as the group either crouched on the floor or laid on the ground. A huge sword flew across them, spinning rapidly in the air like a boomerang, missing the group. It continued through the air until it embedded itself into a tall tree near the lake. A sudden blur then a figure stood above it, a slashed Hiate slanted across his head as bandages covered the bottom part of his mouth. His arms were folded against his chest as his eyes glinted with excitement once he saw Kakashi. He let out a dark laugh, "Ha Ha, no wonder the demon brothers had failed, Copy Cat Kakashi, or shall I say, sharingan Kakashi?"

Kakashi lifted up his hiate that covered his left eye, a matured sharingan now visible as he stared right back at the nin, "Zabuza Momochi, Devil of the Hidden Mist."

The group had already surrounded Tazuna, watching the confrontation between the two ninjas. Sakura watched each one in anticipation, she never knew Kakashi had the sharingan…he wasn't an Uchiha but wisely, she kept her questions to herself as she watched the strange man, Devil of the Hidden Mist.

Zabuza let out an ominous laughter, his hands formed a single seal as the mist thickened and covered the whole place. They couldn't see through the thick mist but Kakashi let out parts of his chakra to form a small space so they could see each other. He signaled them to stay quiet as they listened.

"I am the master of the silent killing technique…" Zabuza's voice spoke in the mist.

"I can attack you from anywhere… you'll be dead before you realize it." Zabuza let out another round of sadistic laughter as the whole group tensed.

Sakura was scared at hell as she waited but continued to hold on to her kunai. Ami gritted her teeth as she refused to show how scared she was, she continued looking around, a kunai in her hand.

Sasuke stood a little ways out. He had released a few blocks on his gravity seal earlier, just so he would have a faster time to react. He decided against releasing all of the seal since the sealed weights added more damage to his punches and kicks. Silently, he knew Zabuza wouldn't kill the genins unless he really had too, that was one reason they had survived their first encounter with the man. Instead of outright killing them, Zabuza had tried to scare them away, even offering them to escape if they leave the old man. Just that one gesture and Sasuke knew Zabuza had a soft spot for kids…inside that entire demons personality thing... somewhere dark and spooky.

Sasuke had just watched the scene, trying to figure out what to do. He guarded the back of Tazuna as he pulled out one of his Uchia shurikens ; his other hand was twitchily moving in the air, waiting for the next move.

Kakashi looked at his students, giving them an encouraging look, "Don't worry; I'll protect you with my life."

That one sentence had an effect on the team, whether it hardened their will or soothed their worry, the effects could be seen as each one steeled their nerves.

"That was touching, Kakashi," Zabuza appeared in the center of the group, his huge sword was held behind him, ready to slash Tazuna, "But I'm already here."

Sasuke had already acted along with Kakashi, Tazuna was moved by Sasuke as Kakashi had already appeared and stabbed Zabuza with a kunai. Ami and Sakura moved back and watched in surprise as the Zabuza disappeared in a burst of water.

"A water clone?"Kakashi asked as Zabuza appeared behind Kakashi.

"Yes," he had replied pulling his sword down and slashing Kakashi into pieces.

Ami and Sakura had cried out to their sensei only to find out it was also a water clone and the original Kakashi appeared in front of them.

Zabuza stared back at Kakashi, surprised how Kakashi had known the water clone jutsu. Zabuza's eyes soon widened as it burst into water.

Sasuke stood behind the downed water clone; he had just slashed the clone. Suddenly, Sasuke flipped away from a quick sword slash in the mist, he landed besides Tazuna as Ami and Sakura snapped back into reality and headed towards Sasuke, Kakashi warily looked around. The team regrouped as Kakashi stood in the front, trying to see through the thick mist.

"I'm surprised that little brat snuck up on me," Zabuza had spoken through the mist, "But no matter…this will soon be over."

"Zabuza, quit hiding and face me," Kakashi answered back in irritation.

"As you wish," suddenly Kakashi was bombarded with sword strikes. Kakashi had to duck and dodge each attack; Zabuza was striking then quickly retreating into the mist before Kakashi could try to counter the attack. The attacks left Kakashi with little time to prepare a jutsu as he had to quickly dodge another cleave.

'He is trying to wear me out,' Kakashi thought as he ducked another strike.

Sasuke watched the attacks Zabuza was throwing. The mist nin was cautious against Kakashi, no doubt he had heard all the effects a sharingan could do against an opponent, but sooner or later, Kaakshi was going to get tired.

Sasuke quickly unlatched his mask, returned the shuriken, and started forming hand seals. Ami and Sakura watched as Sasuke quickly went in front of them, finishing his jutsu he yelled out, "Wind release: Great Breakthrough!" He let out a large gust of air through his mouth.

Kakashi and Zabuza watched as a gust of wind blew towards their direction, the mist was blown away revealing Zabuza standing on top the waters, his water clones each looking at Kakashi, then to the genins.

'Good job Sasuke,' Kakashi thought, quickly he blurred from the visions of his opponent. The water clones had burst into water as Zabuza jumped away in time from Kakashi's kunai slash.

"No more hiding," Kakashi stared at the nin, both of them standing on top of the lake. For a second, no one moved, each one gripping their weapons, Kakashi his kunai and Zabuza his giant cleaver.

'NOW,' they both disappeared in a high speed battle, each blurring into the eyes of the watchers only appear when an attack had connected, then to disappear again.

The group watched in amazement at the speed the two Jounins where battling in. Sasuke took a little breather, he didn't have an affinity for wind anymore so he had to add a little extra chakra to the jutsu; he kept up with the battle though, he could see perfectly. The two jounins were engaged in a fast taijutsu battle as Zabuza tried slashing Kakashi only to miss then block either a kick or a punch that was thrown back.

He had to watch as Zabuza had missed a slash but continued with a kick, Kakashi blocked only to be pushed into the water. Zabuza's hands quickly formed a set of hand seals as he towered over Kakashi who emerged from the waters.

"Water prison jutsu," Zabuza's hand was outstretched as water gathered around Kakashi. The water gathered all around him to form a sphere which connected to Zabuza's outstretched hand; Kakashi was trapped in the sphere prison, unable to move.

"Wh-what," Kakashi struggled in the prison, something seems to be hindering his ability to form chakra.

"Ha ha, you're mine Kakashi", Zabuza turned to the rest of the ninjas as a clone materialized from the water and appeared before them.

The clone Zabuza smirked at the genins, the fear in their eyes gave him a sense of satisfaction, "I'll tell you what…" Zabuza spoke, "If you run now and leave the old man…I'll spare your pathetic lives."

Sakura was shaking, their sensei was caught, and after the battle they witnessed…they didn't stand a chance.

Ami likewise watched in a morbid sense of dread, she too was scared at this man; she didn't know what to do.

"RUN, YOU CAN'T BEAT HIM!" Kakashi yelled from the prison.

"Ka-kashi?" Sakura spoke, her whole body was shaking. Ami watched her sensei struggling in the prison, unable to escape, and then back to the smirking water clone; again, she stood, unable to move.

Time froze as a body ran past Ami and Sakura, slowly through their eyes; they saw him run up to the clone. The clone in response smirked and brought his sword down…only to hit air as the figure quickly dodged and sliced through the head of the clone…it dispersed.

Sasuke stood towering over the defeated clone, his Uchiha Shuriken on one hand as he glared through his masked covered face. "Don't underestimate me," he spoke before turning to Ami. "Are you going to give up again…Chicken?"

Ami stopped, her mind clicked with rage that showed her promise. She will never go back on her promise, she will never freeze again…and Sasuke called her chicken. 'Sasuke, I am kicking your ass after this.' Ami thought as she smirked, "Sasuke, let's do this, he's not the only one who can produce clones."

Ami stood next to Sasuke as Sakura hardened her will. Sakura ran in front of Tazuna, kunai in hand as she lead him out of the way, casting a low level genjutsu around the area.

"Ooh spunky little brats here," Zabuza chuckled, "Let's see what you can do…" More clones emerged from the waters as Sasuke and Ami got into position.

Sasuke turned to Ami, "These clones aren't as strong as the original," He grinned underneath his mask, "Want to introduce them to some exploding personalities?"

Ami grinned in anticipation, despite the life threatening situation, this was kinda exciting. Her hands formed the familiar cross shape seal. "KAKASHI SENSEI, WE'RE COMING TO SAVE YOU!" she roared out as Kakashi was torn on the inside; 'yes save me but save yourself' his thoughts didn't make sense, in spite the situation.

"MULTIPLE SHADOW CLONE JUTSU!" the whole field was covered with kunai wielding Amis as Sasuke had thrown his shuriken across the field only to explode in a burst of fire in front of one of the mizu clones, the battle started.

Clones met clones as swords and kunais clashed, Sasuke raced through the field, avoiding sword strikes with jumps and leaps. Already, his hands started glowing as fire collected at the palm of his hands. Strafing right, he dodged a sword slash, "Fire ball," Sasuke spoke as he threw the fire at the clone's face. The fire dispersed the clone as tiny mists could be seen, Sasuke continued heading towards the edge of the lake as he watched Ami clones try to overwhelm the mizu clones. Ami's clones were everywhere, helping each other take down a clone by either attacking in greater numbers or exploding once slashed. The original Ami was busy trying to dodge strikes, while directing which clones to explode. She wasn't as fast as Sasuke but she still managed to dodge a few strikes. She had to grind her teeth when one of the mizu clones had grazed her in the arm, she summoned more clones and joined them in attacking.

As Sasuke dashed to the end of the field, the small army of mizus became more frequent that it was almost impossible to reach the lake. Thinking of an option, he retreated back yelling, "Ami I need your help!"

Sasuke helped destroy a few more mizus with well placed fire jutsus before Ami came to his side.

Sasuke peered at her, she was sweating tired from producing all the clones, she wouldn't last long. He looked back at the field, there were fewer clones now, and a huge jutsu could probably destroy all of them. He then whispered into her ear as Ami looked back at him in surprise before turning back to her clones, little beads of sweat continued to appear on her forehead as she had to concentrate hard on detonating the clones.

Sasuke released the rest of his gravity seals, the chakra from the seals returned to him as he started on a set of hand seals. This jutsu was going to cost him mostly all of his chakra, but he hoped it would work.

His karyuu spread was activated as fire erupted all around Sasuke, he poured all his chakra into the jutsu. Finishing his seals, he ripped of his face mask as he outstretched both his arms out, aiming at the small field of clones.

"NINJA TECHNIQUE: WAVE OF FIRE!" Blazes and blazes of fire erupted all over him as fire shot out of his hands and mouth; a blanket of fire covered the field, burning the everythin gthe fire touches and drying the air as the pops of clones could be heard.

Zabuza stared at amazement at the technique as did Kakashi; the tiny field was covered in fire as Zabuza could feel the heat of the blast.

'Sasuke just poured all his chakra into one attack. He won't be able to stand after this.' Kakashi thought.

A blanket of smoke obscured the land as Zabuza couldn't see, suddenly a giant wind shuriken sprung out of the smoke and forced him to release the sphere and move his arm away from becoming sliced.

Sasuke smirked from the back as he coughed up smoke; he spoke to Ami, "catch me…" everything went black.

He fell to the ground as Ami just stared in amazement before snapping out of it, "Sasuke!" Sakura had watched and came running towards them with Tazuna in tow.

"Damned brats," Zabuza muttered before he was sent flying across the water, hitting a tree. Kakashi had risen from the waters, staring at down at the ground, he looked pissed. "You guys did good…now leave the rest to me."

Kakashi watched as Zabuza stood up, his hands already forming symbols. Kakashi mimicked him, matching every hand seal with hand seal as Zabuza started to worry.

"Water dragon projectile jutsu!" they both exclaimed, finishing the jutsu.

Twin giant serpents of water emerged from the waves as they attacked each other and dispersed.

"Wh-what.?" Zabuza stared back at the face of Kakashi, he gritted his teeth, "Those damned eyes!"

He started forming more seals, "You won't beat me, I won't lose to you!"

Kakashi again followed seal after seal as Zabuza lost more and more of his confidence, suddenly; he saw an illusion of himself as Kakashi's eyes were spinning madly.

'Th-that's me? No, an illusion,' he stopped before he could finish the hand seal, 'No, I can't beat him like this, I need to get close."

Kakashi finished the seal and roared out to the shock of Zabuza, "Grand Waterfall jutsu!"

"WHAT!?" Zabuza only replied before a swirling vortex appeared around Kakashi and launched against him. The vortex smacked him right in his chest as he was sent spinning around a huge wave of water , suffering from the pressure of the attack until finally slamming against a tree. Defeated and exhausted he didn't notice the kunais that pinned him against the tree.

"Zabuza, I see your death," Kakashi spoke darkly; ready to give the final blow.

Kakashi then watched as a few senbons were thrown into the neck of Zabuza. Quickly looking up, he spotted a masked nin with standing above the tree. "Thank you for your help, I will collect his body and destroy the secrets he holds." The nin jumped down and collected the body before disappearing.

Kakashi let out a sigh of relief, he was glad the hunter nin didn't stop to ask questions, he would be too tired to answer back. Putting away his kunai and covering his sharingan eye, he walked back to the group who had watched the whole encounter; he explained what had happened before falling to his knees.

"Kakashi sensei, are you alright?" Sakura worriedly asked.

"I'm just exhausted," he chuckled as he watched Ami and Sakura steadily helping a half awake Sasuke walk.

"Quickly, quickly, my house is near, we'll have you patched up in no time," Tazuna directed them as he helped Kakashi walk. The group helped the wounded out of the burnt field, they had to hurry since Kakashi and Sasuke were about to pass out, the wounds they faced would take a while to heal as Sakura could already spot the burnt marks on Sasuke.

They would rest now and gather their strength for what was to come next.

Note: And before you tell me that the jutsu is too powerful, think about what he did first before casting the jutsu and also that he has the affinity of fire (also lightning but that's later). Think of Yamato and all those big jutsus he had done with Naruto. Sasuke has knowledge of this so he can create all kinds of devastating jutsus just referring back to those trainings. I hope that was ok, not really good with fight scenes.

Sasuke awoke with a burning sensation throughout his body. Sitting up, he stared around the room he was held in, noting the window and door's location for safe measures. He then noticed his shirt and pants were missing as bandages covered his body; burn marks stung his body as he gently lifted up his arm, he winced at the pain while trying to concentrate on his chakra. His reserves had slowly recovered, but they were far from full but he still had enough chakra that the jutsu being performed could still work. 'I thought I would never use this…' he thought wincing at each movement; he stuck two fingers out, tracing over the burn wounds as green chakra appeared. It wasn't as good as how the med nins had done it, but it was the only healing technique he knew. Performing the jutsu, the pain had subsided but prickly sensations still lingered each time he moved the limbs.

Standing up, he spotted his burnt leather outfit in the corner, next to his shorts and blue shirt; he walked towards it. Sighing he muttered, "I guess I won't be wearing that, anytime soon," quickly, he slipped into the shirt and shorts before heading out the door, off to find out what his teammates were up too.

Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter, had been shocked when her father had come home with injured guests…ninjas no less. Quickly, she had brought them all in as the mask nin and the dark haired child collapsed at her living room. It was then, they spent time bandaging up the two injured nins and checking the others if they had wounds. With the help of the two girls, they lifted the injured nins, one by one, to separate rooms upstairs to heal but when she spotted a trail of burnt marks leading deeper inside the boy's body, she had to get him out of that suit of his. Gently, she had taken off the suit and started spreading ointment on the half naked boy. When she turned to the girls, she had to stifle a little laugh at their red faces…but they still stared, albeit worriedly, and she had to admire that. Fixing up the injured she told the girls that they would be sharing the room with the boy…half naked boy to be exact which understanding the implications she almost had to stop herself from saying, 'behave.'

She giggled, 'girls are girls, no matter what profession.' She had learned each one's name last night as she had chatted with them.

Washing the dishes, she heard a noise from the stairs. Turning, she found the boy who had the girls blushing and smiled, "Oh hello there, how are you feeling?"

Sasuke smiled responding, "I'm fine, thank you for the hospitality."

'Such a polite boy,' She thought, "Well, I should thank you guys, since you are protecting my father."

Sasuke smiled politely at the answer, nodding his head he looked around a bit and asked, "Have you seen my team?"

"Yes, I believe they are out back. Your sensei said it was for training or something, which I find it hard to believe since your sensei looks extremely exhausted," She set the dishes down and gave him a smile, "how about you eat something first then go meet them?"

He watched her for a moment, unsure before deciding, "Sure," he answered, seating himself in the table as Tsunami prepared him some food.

If someone would have said tree climbing would may a strong ninja, Ami would have laughed at their face…but if they said it helped in chakra concentration so you could have better effects in jutsus thus becoming a strong ninja…then she would have to think about it.

Now Ami cursed as she attempted the tree climbing exercise Kakashi sensei had showed them. She lacked control of her chakra and she hated it. Looking up at Sakura, she sat up in the trees as she had already figured out how to do the exercise.

Kakashi went back inside the house; he looked tired just showing them the jutsu but they had to learn this and quick, if they wanted to know more jutsus in the future. This morning, Kakashi had just figured out the hunter nin was an accomplish who carried Zabuza away to heal and now they needed to master this jutsu because they would have to face him and the hunter nin, next time.

Concentrating again, she watched as Sakura had to continue walking up and down the tree to build up her chakra levels.

This exercise was supposed to make her more efficient with her jutsus, so making her clones explode won't be as hard as before, renewing in determination, she ran up the tree.

"Oh Sasuke, you're awake," Kakashi had greeted Sasuke once entering the house, spotting him as he was helping Tsunami clean up the table.

"Hey Kakashi sensei," Sasuke greeted back while wiping the table with a cloth.

"Shouldn't you be resting?" Kakashi lazily asked as he spotted the bandages.

"Shouldn't you?" Sasuke smirked as he placed the cloth near the sink.

"Ah, touché," Kakashi had a hand pointing a finger upwards as if an idea had occurred.

"I had assigned the team to work on their chakra control with the tree climbing exercise, now, the exercise is ab…"

Sasuke interrupted, "Yes, I know, concentrating chakra into the bottom part of your feet yadda, yadda. I have done this before."

"Oh," Kakashi looked surprised, "What else do you know?"

"I know a lot of things sensei…water walking would be one also since I had extra training when I was young." Sasuke answered dismissingly as he thanked Tsunami for the meal and prepared to leave.

Kakashi stood in thought, wondering what to do with the boy.

"I'll help them learn it, among other things," Sasuke spoke vaguely before heading out the door.

'Sometimes I wonder who is teaching my students…me, or Sasuke?' Kakashi thought a little bit saddened that he hadn't helped his students much…'I'll make it up to them when I can,' he thought before heading to his room to rest.

When Sasuke arrived at the field, Sakura was laying down on the grass, exhausted, while Ami was still trying to run up the tree, only stopping halfway to the top.

"Darn," Ami had muttered as she marked her spot on the tree, she almost had it down that time.

"Hey guys," Sasuke had greeted, entering the field. Sakura sat up to face him while Ami had turned her head.

"Sasuke!," Sakura yelled out as she stood up…only to fall. Sasuke quickly caught her, "Wow, you're exhausted." He chuckled as Sakura blushed at the contact.

Gently setting her down Ami had asked, "Shouldn't you be resting, Tsunami found those burn marks all over your body."

Sasuke just shrugged in response, "It doesn't hurt much, besides, I wanted to help you guys train, like I said remember?"

"Are you sure?" Sakura had asked as Sasuke nodded again.

"Okay, from the looks of it, Sakura has the best chakra concentration…correct?" he asked.

Ami grumbled as Sakura nodded in embarrassment. "All right, we'll start with you Sakura. You've learn how there are different types of chakra, right?"

At Sakura's nod he continued, "Well, let me show you a healing jutsu I've picked up." Taking out a kunai, he brought his left wrist up and, to their horror, slashed it.

"Sasuke!" Sakura and Ami yelled out as Sasuke held up a hand to stop them.

Concentrating, he held his right hand over the wound as green chakra appeared. The group then watched as the wound slowly closed until finally nothing was left except the blood stain. Sasuke wiped it.

"Sakura, you'll be learning this. Here are the hand seals for the jutsu," Slowly he started performing them as Sakura mentally copied them down, "It's called the Mythical hand jutsu, If you understand the concept, then I am sure you won't need to perform the hand seals every time. But Remember, this concentrates on the healing aspects of chakra, it requires a good mind to know how to fix an injury. If you need a test subject, I'll be happy to be one."

Sakura nodded as she started practicing the hand seals, trying to get them down quickly. Sasuke then directed Ami to follow, "I'll be back, ok Sakura?" She agreed, resting her strength and practicing the seals.

Reaching an area filled with trees, he stopped and faced Ami, a thoughtful look in his face, "You're having problems with the tree climbing exercise," he stated as Ami agreed.

"Let me show you something," he concentrated on his chakra, a jutsu in mind, he spoke out loud, "Shadow clone jutsu." Another Sasuke stood in the fields as Ami stared intently at him shouting out in surprise, "You didn't use any seals!"

Sasuke shrugged in response, "You can do it too, it just requires a lot of concentration…anyways, summon one clone." Sasuke spoke as Ami started to gather her chakra, then executed her cross shaped seal, and performed the jutsu, yelling out, "Shadow clone jutsu!" another Ami appeared in a puff of smoke.

"Ok, let your clone follow mine and release when I say to." Sasuke directed as Ami curiously complied.

The clones walked out of the clearing, the Ami clone waving a good bye to her master as the Sasuke clone chuckled at her antics.

Once the clones disappeared, Sasuke just stood in spot for a bit as Ami waited patiently, she turned to Sasuke, "Hey, does your burns still hurt?"

Sasuke faced her, "Yeah, sort of."

"Oh, okay," she went up to him…and grabbed his arm, "Does that hurt?" she asked innocently.

Sasuke held back a yelp as his eyes twitched," "N-no."

"Alright then," she let go as Sasuke sighed in relief…only to yell once Ami slapped his back.

"Ami, what are you doing!" he rubbed his back.

"That's for calling me a chicken." Ami had a satisfied smile on her face as she looked back at the direction their clones left.

"Hn," Sasuke grumbled, as Ami's mouth continued to quirk upwards.

A few minutes later, Ami had started to complain but stopped all of a sudden. She blinked before turning to Sasuke, "You destroyed my clone?"

"And how did you know?" He asked, already a smile was etched on his face.

"I…don't know," Ami answered back as Sasuke asked.

"What was my clone teaching your clone?"

"Oh that," Ami reached into her clones memory.

…a few minutes ago…

"So Sasuke, what are we doing?" Ami's clone asked as the Sasuke clone stopped in the secluded area.

"It's an experiment, I want you to attempt the leaf exercise Iruka had taught the class," Sasuke spoke as Ami sighed in annoyance.

"But that's boring," she started to complain but the look Sasuke gave her made her stop.

"Fine," she complied, placing the leaf on her head, she repelled her chakra. The leaf shot high above her head, then it flew to the side and fell to the floor.

"So, I never tried it before." She told him.

"Try it a few more times until you get the hang of it."

"I still don't know what the point of this is," the clone said but tried it a few more times.

Sasuke had watched her attempt the exercise, offering little advice until Ami got the hang of it. She made the leaf float a little above her head until she lost control again.

"Ok, I think that's enough…good bye." The Sasuke clone smirked.

"Huh?" Was Ami's respose before Sasuke smacked her in the head, causing the clone to disappear.

…present time…

"Wait, how is this?" Ami was confused. She knew what happened, just how did she know?

"That's what makes the shadow clone so special," Sasuke lectured, "Once the clone becomes destroyed or expelled, the information goes back to its master."

"Cool, but why did you want me to do that jutsu?"

"Well, try out the exercise I had asked the clone to do."

Picking up a leaf, Ami placed it on her head and concentrated. The leaf made it halfway again before falling as Ami just stared back at a grinning Sasuke.

"I still don't…"she looked back at Sasuke, head tilted.

Sasuke slapped his forehead; "Ami, think, you never done it before and now you can do it decently…what does that mean?" he asked in a teacher's voice to a student trying to figure out an answer.

"Oh…"her lips quirked sideways in thought before her eyes widened, "OOOH...that's awesome!" she was ecstatic, thinking of the possibilities.

"Yeah it is. I think it is a unique training style for you, since you can produce a lot of shadow clones without tiring." He rubbed his chin in thought, "Yeah, it has to do with your chakra levels."

"W-what about my chakra levels?" her body twitched once he mentioned them.

"Oh, it's just that they are higher than a regular ninja's own."

"Is that bad; is something wrong with my chakra?" Ami started freaking out; maybe Sasuke had noticed something that could connect certain secrets together.

Sasuke watched as Ami nervously twitched, he knew she was worried about a certain secrete being known but he continued as if nothing was wrong.

"No, nothing is wrong with your chakra. I just noticed you have more chakra than the normal ninjas." One of his brow rose as he gazed over her, "Why, is there something I should know?"

She stood there, frozen as her heart pounded. She thought back to the night, she held the Great Demon Fox… the Kyuubi.

"If they were your true friends…then it wouldn't matter to them."

The voice repeated in her head but still, she felt scared.

"No Sasuke, I was just worried you know," she rubbed the back of her head, a nervous habit of hers as she grinned, "Just wondering if I should be concerned about my chakra."

'Riiight,' Sasuke thought before continuing, "Okay then, produce clones and direct them to do the tree climbing and leaf exercises, it should help you a lot with your chakra concentration.

He started walking away, "If you need me, come and find me, I'm going to check on Sakura, ok?"

Ami looked towards the trees before picking up a leaf, 'One day I might tell them but I don't think I'm ready to tell them now…or anytime soon'.

"Ok Sasuke," she answered a bit quietly before heading out towards the trees and disappearing in the shadows.

Sasuke sighed watching her leave, 'the Kyuubi secret was always hard to reveal… it had taken him more than three years until he finally told one of his friends and it was still hard telling the others.'

For the rest of the day, Sasuke had helped them learn and master each exercise. Sakura had practiced on Sasuke for a bit but stopped when she ran out of chakra. It was then; Sasuke had started to lecture Sakura thoroughly on the injuries that the jutsu could heal when the user had enough knowledge and concentration. Throughout the whole lecture, Sakura had to marvel at Sasuke's knowledge over the jutsu as Sasuke currently explained how the legendary Tsunade could use this jutsu to heal mental attacks. It was close to night fall as Ami came walking out of the forest, smudged dirt and bits of twig covered her body as she had the widest grin on her face…she had mastered the exercise. They each agreed that they would continue training the next day, so they returned to the house as Tsunami had already prepared a meal for them.

"Hurry up and eat, you guys look tired," Tsunami ushered each of them to their seats; her only goal was to feed them as Tazuna, Kakashi, and a young boy presumably Tsunami's son, sat with them.

"Kakashi sensei, I mastered the exercise!" Ami exclaimed excitedly as she dug into her bowl of food.

"Oh really?" Kakashi had replied a bit skeptical before remembering who had helped them.

"Yeah, Sasuke had showed me a great training method. I'll be stronger in no time!" Ami exclaimed as she finished her bowl and started for seconds, "This village will be saved in no time."

The group had to chuckle at her response. Ami's confidence was hard to ignore, she really believed she could save this village, and that brought hope to these people.

Suddenly, someone slammed the table, the whole group turned to stare "You're wasting your time, you can't stop Gato!" The boy yelled out.

"Inari!" Tsunami reprimanded but the boy didn't listen.

"Don't you get it!? He kills without mercy…no one can stop him," Inari had left quickly, running up the stairs as the group watched the young boy Inari go.

Tazuna had a tired look as he apologized for the boy's action.

He explained how Inari had lost his father to Gato. How the boy's father was viewed as a hero for saving the village once but then Gato came and gruesomely executed the man…in front of the whole village. Ever since that day, Inari had lost all hope in heroes, he had lost hope in everyone.

The group then retired for the night, each one sad in thought at the story and the boy. Passing by the boy's door, they heard the crying sobs of the child, crying for his father; each one renewed their spirits to make a difference for the boy.

Sasuke turned out the lights as Ami and Sakura laid down in the mat placed for them. Taking his place, Sasuke laid in his mat set in the middle between the two, silent in thought. Seeing Inari like this again…he felt sadden to hear the story again and yet, he felt renewed in the fact that he was here again, this team will make a difference, and they might make a few allies while they're at it.

The next day, it was the same activities. Each one training or regaining their chakra levels as they now had the main goal in mind. Not only protecting Tazuna but also freeing the village of Wave. They trained hard. Kakashi felt well enough that he accompanied Tazuna to the bridge so he could continue building it; this place needed the bridge badly if they wanted to free themselves from Gato.

"Ok you two let me show you something new," Sasuke had gathered Ami and Sakura together as he held an ink filled paint brush. He was going to show them the gravity seals so it would help them become stronger. The gravity seals placed on him were all released after the battle, but he had added a few levels back for now and planned to fill them up later.

Directing them both to show him their arms and legs, he drew the seals and directed them to pour chakra into the seals. The seals glowed as a star tipped point showed the level of weights that were sealed into the jutsu. Sasuke then directed them to place only enough and not to overdo it on the weights or it might be too heavy for them to move…he gave Ami a long stare.

"What?" Ami stared back as Sasuke continued.

He showed them how to release the blocks and mentioned the benefits of having the seals on. The girls thanked him as Sasuke directed them to train again. Sasuke exited to a secluded clearing to practice his own training for the battle to come.

That night, again, during dinner it was depressing as Inari had spoken.

"Why do you guys try so hard, you're only going to die in the end."

Ami had enough of this, "At least we aren't cowards who cry all day in their rooms."

"Ami!" Sakura yelled out in disapproval.

"What, the boy needs is to see that there is hope, that people will never give up…who does he think will save his family?" Ami countered as Inari spoke up again.

"They will all die."

"What about your mother?" Ami countered as Inari began to look unsure of himself.

"She'll die too," he said quietly as the group looked at him in shock, as did his family.

"How can you say that about your own mother?" Ami glared at the boy, grinding her teeth.

"How dare you ask me that, you don't know how much I suffered!" Inari roared out loud as Ami saw red.

"I don't know what it feels like?" her voice was quiet in rage as the group watched her, "Maybe I wouldn't have been a coward and wish my own mother's death. If I lost my father, I would be damned if I just stood by and watched my mother's death."

"You wouldn't say that if you lost your parents," Inari countered a bit harshly.

A sad looked crossed Ami's face as she stood up, her chair falling over, "I wouldn't say that even if I knew who my parents where you stupid little brat." She walked towards the door, "Sensei, I'm going to train." She slammed it shut as she left, leaving the group even more sullen.

Kakashi sighed as he spoke to the boy, "Ami's been an orphan all her life, she had to take care of her-self growing up and well, she never really knew her parents throughout her life." The group grew sad at the thought as Inari got up and left out the door.

"Sensei, I'm going to check on Ami," Sasuke spoke as Kakashi nodded.

Sasuke left too, leaving them alone.

Inari sat down at the docks, listening to the waves crash and staring out into the ocean…like what he did with his father. He heard footsteps behind him and turning around, he saw the boy from the group. Inari turned back, facing the ocean.

"Come to tell me you have no parents too?" Inari spoke.

"No, I wasn't," Sasuke sat down next to him, "I just had to watch over and over again how my whole family was murdered right in front of me..."

Inari had to shake as a small shiver ran down his spine but he had to wonder, why do they still fight, why do they continue?

"I just thought you needed company," they sat for a moment before Sasuke spoke, "you know I heard your father was a brave man…a hero of the village actually."

Inari just listened as he shed silent tears for his father.

"In a way, I admire that," Sasuke looked at the boy, "he died a brave man, he didn't fear Gato, not the slightest bit and for that, he has my respect."

Inari slightly smiled at that, a ninja complimenting his dad. A glimpse of his father smiling before being executed crossed his mind again as he had to shed tears. 'My father was a hero…he died fearing no one.'

"Someone told me once," Sasuke looked up at the skies, watching the stars in fond memories as Inari peered up at him, his eyes already wet from tears, "I can't bring back the dead…but I can continue living in their memory. I can pass down what I've learned from them to my friends, sons, daughters and it will continue, even when I die. So a part of me and my friends' memories will always be living in this world either through me or the people that I touch. They never died in me; they're always here…"he pointed at the boy's chest, "In the heart."

Inari frowned as his hand was placed over his chest, "but what about the pain...it still hurts."

"It will always be painful, but time will lessen the pain and living for that person will help you along the way," he ruffled the boy's hat that covered the boy's hair as Inari just sniffed in response, "Never give up Inari, I'm sure your father wanted you to stay strong for your family."

Sasuke rose up, placing his hands on his pockets, "Now, I need to find a certain teammate of mine." He waved a goodbye as he left.

Inari continued sitting on the docks, watching the dark ocean. 'Ami doesn't even know her parents.'

'She had it worst,' Inari contemplated while fixing his hat, 'To not even know how it feels to have parents…I don't know what I would do.' Inari stayed there for a few more moments before heading back inside, he had a lot to think about.