Full summary -

Sakura meets Itachi and Sasuke on their way to stop Kabuto and the Edo Tensei. Itachi and Sakura are sent on a ride they would never expect that changes their entire world and everything they know, as they plummet through time with a mission to complete. They didn't expect everything to be so different now though…canon then moves to non mass

Written, read through, posted - Unedited. Apologies for any mistakes. They will be fixed once the story is complete. Proof readers are welcome to apply.

Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto

TIME FOR A CHANGE

The air is thick and muggy as nurses and med-nin of all ranks bustle around the medical tents, tending to wounds and keeping up the general house keeping. There are people strewn everywhere upon makeshift beds and stretchers. By this point, the triage has reached a severe level 10 and they are almost at capacity. Thankfully, there is one room free for the medical staff to compile injury reports should they be able to pass the information on to their Leaders.

Outside, a war rages on that no shinobi could ever foresee. The Fourth Shinobi War has taken many casualties, and even the medic area's are beginning to over flow with the injured. Soon they will be way passed their quota and the hurt and dying will have to go untended.

Uchiha Madara and his Moon Eye plan has really put a number on the ninja race. Haruno Sakura, one of the head medics of the team, is not sure if they will even emerge from this war. Let alone claim victory over the ancient Uchiha. Though, the pink haired kunoichi must have faith in her fellow ninja. That, coupled with the very discrete knowledge that her best friend and jinchuuriki, Uzumaki Naruto, is flying towards the battle field at top speed. Naruto has never done Sakura wrongly and always kept his word. That is his way of the ninja, and the pinkette will just have to have faith in the blonde hero of Konohagakure.

The Allied Shinobi forces are doing their best against all threats, however, news has recently come to light that the enemy has infiltrated their defences. It is a scary thought, to know that an enemy could be watching at any moment. That you could die in the next second and never see your home town again, never say goodbye to your friends and family.

Unfortunately, that is the life of a Shinobi and the honour must be worn with pride. People are trained at the cusp of adult hood to kill upon command and battle to the death. It is all in the name of protecting each Shinobi Village and the families and children within. Putting your mark on the world through violence is a ninja's calling card. The philosophy: Kill one, save many, has always rung true in Sakura's mind. Though, for this pink haired Chūnin, shinobi life is also about healing. The young woman is in her element when the green glow of her healing chakra saves the life of a comrade or loved one. With fists of steal and a heart of gold, Haruno Sakura is both ninja and healer. It is a deadly mix that commands respect from her peers and superiors.

Sadly, it will all be for naught if Madara succeeds.

Pink hair shines vibrantly amongst the sea of khaki and deep green of the ninja uniforms. The second best Medic in all of the Shinobi Nations bustles through the halls of the main Medical Tent with a determined gleam in her bright emerald eyes. Sakura has just healed three broken arms, reconstructed a rib that was brushing a ninja's lung and performed an ocular reconstruction. It is time for her break, but the woman can sense disharmony like she can read patients needs. Something is not quite right.

All medical tents have stopped the influx of people upon the news of the covert threat. White Zetsu clones have managed to get through the Shinobi forces, disguised as comrades and friends. It is disgusting. Sakura agreed with Shizune in saying that no people will be allowed in until the threat is resolved. It is clearly the most tactical choice, in order to keep the people they have under their care safe. It does not mean that the pinkette likes leaving all of those who are actually injured out on the cold dirt. Who knows how many of their people will die because of this precaution.

As the woman in her late teens rounds a corner of the hall, a man she was tending to earlier bumps into her lightly.

With widened eyes, the plain Iwa nin stutters a 'hello' and bows his head in apology. Sakura does not feel that this man is a threat, though, she must remain on guard.

"Hello shinobi-san." The medic greets with a bright smile. She hopes the ninja does not see the discomfort in her green gaze.

"It is lovely to see you again. Sakura-san. You have been very helpful to me." The nin admits with a shy smile. His broken arm is held within a sling and has been mended partially. Though, the medics need to save as much chakra as possible.

"Thank you. It was my pleasure." Sakura replies politely, keeping a respectable distance from the man. Her hand hovers unknowingly around her kunai holster.

"Ever since you treated me. I haven't been able to get you out of my head." The man hands Sakura a piece of folded paper and she looks up at him questioningly.

Opening her mouth to respond to the gesture, the Iwa-nin shushes the medic with his next words.

"Listen, I don't know if I will survive this war…So I wanted to…" The ninja is so nervous he is shaking. If this is an enemy, he is playing his part very well.

Nodding in understanding, the pinkette raises her hand to stop the young man's proclamation. It is nice of him but it is definitely misplaced.

"Thank you. But there is someone else I…" The woman trails off unable to think of that painful man.

"Oh well, I figured as much." The out of luck ninja replies, he looks a little down now.

Gazing around the hall as if he is lost, the Iwa shinobi rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. An awkward smile adorns his features as he continues on, "Well it would be pretty uncouth to start prying into who this other guy is…So I guess I'll get going."

Sakura feels genuinely bad for the man. Still, there is nothing she can do. "I'm sorry." The woman intones.

The man sighs lightly and smiles like it isn't the end of the world. "I hope it all works out for you. He must be a really great guy if you're in love with him." The nin moves to the side and continues to slouch down the hall, leaving Sakura all alone.

Unable to help herself, the pinkette closes her eyes, a cloudy image of Sasuke's pale crazed face enters her minds eye. She shouldn't do this to herself, but Sakura can't help it. Love is love and despite all of the bad things that have happened to the young Uchiha, all of those events and horrible quirks are all part of what makes her feel this way about him. If only things were easier…

Shaking herself out of the unhelpful thoughts, the pinkette strides easily down the hall to the small medic room available for her use.

Upon entering the small room through the door flap, the kunoichi is happy to note that everything is in order. The noise outside has died down a little and the long hours spent awake are really starting to hit home. Perhaps, it would not be too bad to sit down for five minutes.

Turning to the medical table, the woman begins to prepare another first aid set up in case any injured need help that requires non chakra use and for sanitation purposes. Then she will have a sit and possibly eat her first meal in a day. Sakura really needs to look after herself better.

After a moment, the woman realises that she's not alone. Quirking her head to the side, Sakura sees Hyuga Neji from the corner of her eye. The medic just sighs to herself and continues what she is doing. Neji will not hinder her progress.

"I don't blame you for being upset." Neji says walking closer to Sakura. It is not every day that the Hyūga Jonin is in such close proximity to the girl, but she welcomes the comfort all the same.

She swivels around and faces the dark haired man, marvelling once more at his empty blue eyes. Neji has always been a friend but never a close one. Though, maybe that could change.

Then, he begins to talk about vigilance and the unknown intruder and a red flag goes off in Sakura's head. Only Shizune and herself and a small cluster of people have been briefed about this piece of information. Sighing, the woman knew a friend would be too good to be true.

"May I ask where Shizune-san is?" Neji asks with a passive expression. That is even more suspicious! Sakura makes sure to keep her face in perfect order as the man gazes upon her form. As he turns though, she cannot help letting her eyes narrow for a split second in calculating thought.

"Yeah, I think Shizune is in tent B2. Right now, she is taking a look at Tonton. She twisted her leg pretty bad." Sakura informs testingly.

"Better than a hand injury." Neji holds up his injured arm. "Will she be able to return to battle?" Neji asks almostconversationally.

A cloud covers the woman's eyes for a second as she replies, "I think so…Her hands are fine, so at least she can form seals." A smile covers her heart shaped face, eyes crinkling deceptively.

"That's a relief…" The man that is not Neji replies. Moving closer, he asks the medic to view his arm again and takes another step forward.

"Sure. Have a seat." Sakura says professionally, turning away from the intruder. To anyone else, she would seem oblivious to what is going on. As the man pulls a kunai from his pouch ready to strike, an evil gleam covering his pale face, an onlooker would be scared for her. Sakura continues to look down at the counter, as if she is waiting. Then, just as the intruder is about to strike the kunoichi moves at an astoundingly fast rate. She slams him into the earth with her intense brute strength. Blood pushes from 'Neji's' mouth and he is pressed deeply into the cold earth.

Then, very slowly, Neji begins to change into the form of white Zetsu.

"How did you know?" The clone sputters.

"Pigs don't have hands!" Sakura exclaims, balling her fists at the incapacitated being.

In the next moment, two shinobi come running in to check the ruckus.

"You two handle this guy. I need to contact HQ right away!" The pink haired medic orders as she rushes out of the room, to find the exit of the tent.

This information must be relayed and soon!

xxx

"Thank Inoichi for me." Sakura says with a smile, shaking the communications team members hand and turning to go back to the tent. It is cool outside, on the fringes of the medical camp, and the kunoichi realises she has not been outside in a very long while.

Taking in a deep lungful of air, the pinkette exhales slowly and satisfyingly. Now to go back to regular duties.

"HELP! HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!" A panicked voice cries out over yonder.

The voice causes the woman to pause, a war raging inside of her mind.

Oh fuck…Someone is hurt.

Protocol says not to leave the area, but they are so close!

Looking around the immediate zone, Sakura makes the choice to break protocol just this once. She is a kunoichi and can handle herself just fine.

Leaping over the makeshift boundary, the pinkette darts off in the direction of the voice. Hopefully they are not too far gone for Sakura to help them.

Reaching the area, the pinkette slides to the dusty earth beside a pale shaking boy. The ninja doesn't look older than herself, but there is a gleam of maturity in his eyes that Sakura cannot pin. Leaning over his pale sweaty form, the medic gets to work looking for internal injury. It seems that the person has begun to murmur to himself now and is starting to shake violently. Palms glowing green, Sakura places them over the boys ribcage and begins to inspect.
Then it suddenly hits her, much too late for her own good…This is not a boy. This is a Zetsu!

Shooting backwards, Sakura is not quick enough as beady yellow eyes flash open that don't match the pale person's body at all. Oh no! A shark like smile adorns the seemingly 'sick' boy's face, as a hand holds her in place deathly tight. Feeling a bit woozy, the woman realises that the Zetsu is draining her chakra! If she exhausts her reserves, there is no telling what will happen.

Forcing chakra into the being won't work and she can't get away! Ripping herself backwards as hard as possible, the Zetsu moves with Sakura. She punches it in the face quickly without chakra and grapples as much as her body will allow without the use of her helpful glow.

Then a miracle happens and Sakura can't believe her eyes.

The Zetsu let's out a high pitched screech as the creature is taken into an elaborate genjutsu. The Tsukuyomi, to be exact. Yellow eyes cloud over with dark fear as a kunai slices over a pale throat, blood spurts in disgusting quantities at an alarming rate.

Uchiha Itachi stands above Sakura, blood covering his hand and weapon. Red sharingan swirl lazily as they gaze down into wide emerald orbs.

"Kunoichi." Itachi says lazily, with narrowed eyes.

"Uchiha Itachi." The pink haired medic gasps in surprise.

With a wisp of wind. Itachi is gone.

Staring off into space, Sakura does not know how to react to the previous situation. The fact that she almost died is put to the back of her mind as the man who saved hers face swims in her vision.

She is absolutely mystified as to what just happened. Though, there is no time for the woman to think on it as Sasuke darts past her in a flash of colour and wind. There is no mistaking it though, her Sasuke-kun is going after Itachi.

What is going on?

Scrambling to her feet, the pinkette masks her chakra and leaps into action with chakra laced steps.

xxx

Sasuke's chakra is erratic and the pink haired kunoichi is surprised that she can even get a reading at all. Usually, the stoic Uchiha has a better handle on his chakra masking. He must really be upset. Sakura has taken a chakra pill since leaving the bloodied Zetsu, to help with her dwindled reserves. Now safe and hidden, the pinkette shivers again at the thought of dying out on the field.

It was such a foolish thing to do. If Itachi wasn't there she could be severely injured, or worse.

Making sure that her presence is completely undetectable, the woman is hidden from view of the small clearing. Itachi stands in the center with Sasuke and both look extremely stiff. Leaning closer, Sakura tries to hear their hushed tones. Thankfully, the younger Uchiha's emotions are getting the better of him as his voice slowly begins to incline.

"Aniki I know that you didn't want to do it. I know that the elders ordered you to. That you had no choice…" Sasuke wracks in a large breath. "Please, tell me that it's true." The spiky raven haired teen gazes at his brother imploringly. The older of the two is as impassive as ever, despite being a reanimated corpse.

Upon hearing this revelation, Sakura almost gasps. She almost does a lot of things, like give away her cover. Still, with resolute feelings, the girl continues to peer on…Very quietly.

Itachi seems to be getting flustered. It is hard to tell because his face does not change at all, the blackness of the Edo Tensei eyes give away nothing at all. Though, hands are beginning to turn an even deathlier shade of white, as he clenches his fists unknowingly.

"There is no time to talk of this now Otouto." Itachi tries, but Sasuke will not hear any of it.

"You are running away from me even in death Itachi!" The living Uchiha growls, emotion covering his entire being.

Itachi huffs, turning to gaze sides ways at Sasuke. "Look. I cannot tell you now. We must -"

"Just give me something! Who knows what will happen in there…" Itachi stops his movement and it seems that Sasuke has gained some leverage.

The man with long hair of ebony sighs deeply, it seems that he is very tired. Though, it is doubtful reanimated bodies feel such trivial things.

"All I will say is that you are right. I did not want to do it…You were spared as my only request and I one day wished that you would find me and let me atone for my sins…That you would avenge the clan." Sasuke looks confused. "They were not good people Sasuke. There were corrupting influences." The older man clamps up, evidently that is all Sasuke is going to get out of him.

"Why me. Why save me?" The pain in his voice hurts Sakura to her core and she feels bad for watching such a private moment.

"I loved you more than anything…I still do. You were pure and did not need to be involved in their corrupt plans. I did not think it would turn out like this…That you would…" Itachi's cloak moves in the wind as he turns away from Sasuke. "I will tell you more later Otouto. For now, I must stop Kabuto." In a flicker of sound and movement, ravens spurt from the place Itachi was once standing.

Sasuke is silent as he recovers from the genjutsu quickly. There is a pained look upon his pointed face and he looks almost forlorn. With precise movement, Sakura continues to follow the emotional ninja. Perhaps, she will be able to help.

xxx

The cave up ahead is dark and dingy. The pink haired med-nin is keeping her distance, for the moment. Sasuke has darted ahead long ago, and it is obvious that both brothers are inside the cavern about ten meters away.

Sakura cannot sense a another chakra signature, though, she could never sense Itachi's to begin with. He is too much of an elite for that.

Still, there is another presence inside with them. It is nothing that she can prove, but a shiver runs down the girls spine as her emerald orbs stare into the black abyss of the cave.

Kabuto is in there, Sakura is sure of it.

Narrowing her eyes with determination, the woman decides she will make a move. The right moment will make itself known soon enough. For now, she must get close enough to see the battle.

Itachi stands further into the cave as Kabuto sits upon the ground, Mitarashi Anko is wrapped up within a disgusting snake tail behind the silver haired medic ninja.

Sasuke's back is to Sakura but she knows that he is as determined as ever, if his aura is anything to go by.

"Ne, Sasuke-kun. You could join me?" Kabuto asks for the second time in the past couple of minutes. The young shinobi's shoulders tense, but he does not give Kabuto the satisfaction of a reply. Instead, he steps forward a couple of paces, halting much closer. In a flurry of movements, Sasuke sends a bout of shuriken flying his way. Kabuto cannot move at the moment and will be an easy target.

Though, the metal weapons do not hit their intended target, as Itachi deflects them easily. The little glinting stars clink to the cold hard floor.

"If he dies, the Edo Tensei cannot be stopped." His Aniki explains softly.

Then, it all happens so quickly. One moment they are standing there, facing the snake man. The next, Itachi and Sasuke fly backwards preparing to use a joint Genjutsu. Kabuto sees the trick though, and jumps up from his place on the ground. Anko falls to the floor unceremoniously and rolls to the side.

In a quick movement, Kabuto obscures the Uchiha's vision to prevent an ocular attack. Just as swiftly, his snakes spurt from his arms heading straight for the raven haired men.

Sasanoo is unleashed, both red and purple destroying the snakes easily, causing Kabuto to curl away in immediate pain. He jumps back as the snake's heads sever completely from their bodies.

In a move that is very sneaky, Kabuto flickers and suddenly, his chakra signature is everywhere. With Narrowed eyes, Sakura watches on as the brothers try in vain to find that rat of a snake.

Their Sharingan is unable to find the silver haired medic, but Sakura has perfect chakra control. Pinpointing the man within seconds, the pinkette darts forward and onto the battlefield. There is smoke throughout the entire cave, creating a screen between herself and the Uchiha brothers. In a roll and graceful dive, Sakura has disabled Kabuto's limb use, trapping him within a flurry of cherry blossom petals that are as hard as rock. Her cherry blossom defence is not usually used like this, but it is the only way to ensure the man stays in place. Kabuto is unable to move, body completely encased inside the pink prison. Though, the pinkette pierces his snake like skin with a senbon behind the neck, paralysing his entire form from the ears down.

"Ah Sakura-chan. I was wondering when you would come out to play." Kabuto's voice rings out throughout the cavern and as the smoke clears, two sets of Sharingan eyes stare at the pair glaringly. Sakura holds a kunai to Kabuto's throat as the man is held within the petals.

The woman wants to kill him so bad, as she sneers at his traitorous face. How could she ever think him a comrade? How could he disregard his home for power such as this?

"Shut up Kabuto!" The pinkette snarls into his ear, placing the blade closer to his throat. Allowing blood to form.

Then Sasuke speaks up, "Sakura. If you kill him, the Edo Tensei will not be able to be stopped." His voice is deep and rumbling and her name on his lips is oh so familiar.

"Sakura-san. Please do not do anything rash." The older Uchiha's voice is softer than Sasuke's, but the deep lilting tenor sends a shiver down her spine. Still, their words annoy her.

"I'm not an idiot." Sakura states, stepping away from the man and walking over closer to the older Uchiha. She is not certain why, but he feels safer than the younger man. Perhaps, it is because he has never tried to kill her.

Sasuke stalks forward, Kusanagi held tightly in his grasp.

"Sakura, release the technique." He orders quietly.

The pinkette complies quickly as the pink petals fall to the dusty earth. Kabuto should fall also, but Sakura finds herself gasping as the man is able to stand. He managed to heal the paralysis from within!

"You three are all fools." Kabuto states with a smirk, his glasses glinting with the natural light of outside. Though, it is his eyes that are most menacing. There is a deep evil within his obsidian gaze.

In a movement that Sasuke is unable to dodge, Kabuto sends out a small white rage jutsu, pushing the young Uchiha backwards. His eyesight has been compromised, and the snake man sends a similar attack towards Sakura and Itachi.

Sasuke yells, but it is unintelligible as Sage art: White Rage Technique envelops them completely. Sasanoo disappears as Itachi's eyes become unusable. The large 'BANG' that flies through the atmosphere almost makes them deaf as well. Nothing can be seen through the bright white light and Sakura screws her eyes shut as the ringing in her ears grows stronger. A foreign chest knocks against her back and it feels like they are spinning quicker than the speed of light. Arms lock around her form and it takes everything she has not to be separated from the man.

It feels like a long while until they are able to see again…

As emerald and Sharingan gaze around the area dazedly, both ninja realise something very pivotal.

They are in another location…

Gazing up at the sky, a loud yell is heard. Sakura's eyes widen in surprise as Itachi looks calculating. If their eyes are correct, Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama are battling it out at the Valley of the End. There are no giant statues in the vicinity, but it is an obvious location.

As Hashirama goes in for the kill, it is all glaringly obvious.

They are in another time all together…

xxx

"Itachi-san. How is this possible?" Sakura's voice is low as she keeps her chakra masked. There is no need to draw attention to herself.

There is a pause and the girl is not sure if the impassive man will reply. He does not seem to be affected by this event in the slightest. Though, looks can be deceiving.

"I'm not sure…" His reply finally sounds. "But, I know what we need to do." Turning to the pink haired medic, his face is a blank slate. The Sharingan swirl lazily in thought as he continues to stare into emerald green. "Are you up for a battle Sakura-san?" Itachi asks, his tone giving off a tiny lilt of excitement. He is so close to her, crouched upon the earth. He is sitting on his haunces, long ebony hair has escaped it's confines as it touches her knees unknowingly. She should be scared of this dangerous man. Sakura has never been very good at taking advice from past events though…

If the girl can remember correctly, Uchiha Itachi is an expert tactician. It would be stupid not to agree. "Hai. I am ready for whatever you think." She pauses before asking her next question. "You don't suppose we will be stuck here forever?" The look on her face is serious and a little worried.

Itachi's facial expression changes for the first time since meeting him. The corners of his eyes slightly tense as his mouth becomes a firmer line. "No. I don't think that is possible. If you look at my form, I am still in Edo Tensei. That suggests that we are currently in a law of stasis." The older Uchiha informs her as he begins to move into the forest around them. The area is vibrant and green and very much like the forest surrounding Konoha in their own time.

"That makes sense…A state of continuality, until something triggers a change." The medic states more for herself than anything. Following quickly behind, the two disappear into the greenery that is surrounding them.

"Where are we going Itachi-san?" Sakura gains the courage to ask softly.

He replies easily and it is a little bit of a surprise.

"To the place where everything began. The Uchiha underground." The raven haired nin replies, not bothering to turn and face her.

Sakura pauses in thought. He isn't planning to? If he is that could…

Her curiosity gets the better of her and she prays that she is not being annoying. "May I ask why?" The girls voice comes out meek, mirroring the feelings of within.

"Because Sakura-san…" Itachi turns to face Sakura, his aura intimidating as he stands straight and tall. "We are going to kill Uchiha Madara and change the sands of time…"

Why does she always have to be right?

…..

xxx