Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Kishimoto does. :/

AN: Okay, I've just been thinking about it, and well, this idea sprung up, don't ask me how. I need to get this plot bunny out! This is just an experiment to see if this idea is any good. It's been killing me! I've been thinking about this story idea, when I should be finishing up A Favor! I haven't forgotten about my other stories… believe it. xD But yeah, hopefully this will help this story get out of my mind, because it's far too distracting.

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Different Life

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The life we could have had

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Chapter 1

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Naruto couldn't remember the last time he was in a panic. However, if he were to guess, it had to be in his younger years, because now, he was more calm and composed.

This was because a Hokage's duties required this type of personality. He wasn't normally one who took action based off of calculative logic.

No, he would take action based off of pure emotion and conviction. Yet, he had to change, because a Hokage needed to be strategic and logical to understand what would be best for the village as a whole.

He had to push his emotions aside and talk like a politician while looking for solutions like a scientist.

He practiced this for quite some time now. Working on concealing his raw emotions for the betterment of the citizens of Konoha.

Yet, somehow, he couldn't hide the emotions when witnessing the final stage of the chuunin exams.

He was excited, and felt reminiscent when he saw Boruto's team. He wondered what Boruto would come up with, for he didn't know the type of techniques that were up his sleeve. Sarada, he knew exactly what she was capable of, and knew no one should underestimate her.

She was trained by the Hokage himself, after all.

Coming to the chuunin exams, these in particular, brought excitement into him again. He watched intensely, eager to see his student and his son in action and see how far they both have come. He remembered when they were simply academy students. He recalled when Boruto would give his face a makeover on the Hokage monument (not too long ago, actually). But Boruto definitely came a long way from those days, and he couldn't have been prouder.

He was curious to see how much his son learned when under the tutelage of his best friend, Sasuke Uchiha.

However, he couldn't bring himself to recall what was happening after that first match. Two ninjas, who weren't even a part of the leaf village, were fighting, and his mind was too focused on it at the very end, everything in his mind drowning out the sounds of the stadium cheering.

He gaped attentively.

Kotetsu Nishino vs. Akane Uzake.

Akane Uzake. She was from Iwagakure, the shinobi village in the Land of Earth. He first noticed her during the preliminary exams, only because she reminded him of Sakura in looks. She resembled Sakura with her pink hair and her similar complexion. Her pink locks were pulled up into two pony tails, and she sported gear like every other genin in the preliminaries. Bandages covered her arms and legs. He quickly dismissed the thought, however, realizing that this girl only stood out because of her pink hair. She had piercing blue eyes, too, which he found glazed with determination and the will to not give up. He didn't think much of it, though.

But he still watched her, amused by her large outburst and her antics that reminded him of himself. She reminded him of when he was a genin taking the chuunin exams.

She had quite a few tricks up her sleeve, he noticed. Her arsenal was full of doton no jutsu's, which made a lot of sense, seeing as she was from Iwagakure.

He especially admired her resilience. He noticed, that his son and her became quick friends, oddly enough. He was reminded of team seven when he saw Boruto, Sarada, and this girl, Akane, interact. It was like a neo - team seven. It made him smile genuinely, relaying the past in his mind: old, halcyon days. Bygone days where all he wanted was to become Hokage to be acknowledged by the villagers and to get a date from Sakura.

Those were simpler days indeed.

He definitely noticed the blush etched on Boruto's cheeks when this girl spoke. She was extremely loud, making sure everyone heard who she was. What was interesting, he observed, was her preliminary fight a month ago.

She declared that her dream was to become Hokage, which was extremely strange, considering she wasn't even from Konoha.

He told himself then, that he would have to keep an eye on this girl, because she seemed way too familiar, and maybe because he liked the thought of a neo team seven.

He felt nostalgic.

Maybe something else. He felt drawn to this girl for reasons he couldn't quite grasp at that moment. However, as he inspected the first match of the chuunin exams, he knew he couldn't just keep watch of this girl.

During that first match, he observed her, but it wasn't until the end that he held onto the rails, eyeing the girl intensely. His expression intensified when her eyes darted towards him, attempting to decipher something he couldn't quite process.

He was shaking, his jaw clenching so tight.

This girl, this girl that resembles Sakura-chan, not only was able to use Kage bunshin no Jutsu, (which was already a bit terrifying because that would mean she had somehow accessed the sacred scroll), but she also used rasengan as her finisher. It was extremely similar to the way he performed it.

The stadium was full of cheer, except for the ninja that were just as confused as Naruto was with the pink haired girl.

Did Hokage-sama teach Sarada and this girl?

She's not a part of our village, though.

Why would he help her?

No ninja understood. The rasengan was Naruto's signature move, and only those of the leaf village would know it, those that he taught it to.

He never taught this girl.

Naruto looked over to Shikamaru, and he noticed that Shikamaru most likely reflected the same expression he did.

Fear and uncertainty.

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Naruto sighed with just a bit of relief, happy that the chuunin exams were finally over. He was anxious throughout the entire exam. He discussed it with Shikamaru, but he was already ahead of him, asking ANBU to bring her in for questioning.

It was when he finally got back to the Hokage's tower that the ANBU in charge of interrogation came up to him with news.

"Hokage-sama, she is not cooperating. She only agreed to speak to two people, one of them being you." At this, Naruto only nodded in understanding.

"Good. I wanted to speak with her myself. Could you get anything out of her?"

"Well, you told me not to resort to… other methods of interrogation, so I did not," the ANBU responded. Naruto nodded in understanding.

Naruto was eager to interrogate the girl himself.

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"Could I have some water, please?" she asked, her arms folded in defiance towards the ANBU next to him. She glared at him, and Naruto raised an eyebrow. He sighed.

"Yes, of course. Is there anything else you need?" he asked, as stern as he could muster. The girl that goes by Akane simply giggled a bit and said she was a bit hungry.

"I've been starving all day! These guys didn't let me eat after my match! I've been drained of chakra and I need proper nourishment if you don't want me to faint from chakra depletion," she exclaimed, pouting a bit.

He coughed, "I only have instant ramen."

"Perfect! I'm so hungry I'd eat anything. Ramen sounds really good right now," she explained, her mouth watering. He eyed the girl suspiciously.

"Before I give you food though: why didn't you talk to ANBU?"

"I wanted to speak with you directly, Hokage-sama. If I'm going to be questioned about the techniques I used today, it should be from the man who owns them," she explained, smiling gleefully. "Oh, but that reminds me. I have another request: get rid of mister grumpy over there, with the dog mask. He's been annoying me all day!" Her expression looked frustrated when she looked over to the ANBU, glowering at him. She turned to Naruto and beamed at him.

"I see," he said in thought. She seemed so happy. She smiled at him, and he couldn't bring himself to believe she was a criminal who'd steal sacred techniques. But he couldn't be fooled, either. But her smile, her giggle… He shook his head, bringing his hand to his forehead as he was too incredulous at the thoughts going through his head.

"You remind me too much of someone I know," he couldn't help but chuckle out.

"Haruno-san?" she inquired, and his eyes widened. She sighed knowingly. "It's not that hard to know the three sannin who ended the Fourth Great Shinobi War, who were disciples of the legendary sannin from the Third Great Shinobi War. Please, don't be so shocked," she giggled out, and then she smiled at him.

He was confused.

"You understand why you're being interrogated, correct?"

"I understand and I will cooperate to the best of my abilities," she reassured with a grin, but that didn't put him at ease. That smile reminded him too much of his teammate. "I still feel connected to Konoha, for some reason. I lived in Iwagakure, but I couldn't affiliate myself with them completely. Now that I'm talking with you, I understand why," she elucidated. His brows furrowed.

"Why is that?"

"I-I… I said I will cooperate to the best of my abilities with you, Hokage-sama. However, I don't know if you'll believe me. I'm not sure how much I should say. It's hard for me to believe it myself," she revealed, and Naruto raised a questionable eyebrow. She looked up to him, and her eyes showed fear, biting her lip and shaking a bit. His expression softened. He placed his hand on her shoulder, and she jumped a bit at the contact, her eyes widening.

"Please, Akane-chan, please just explain it to me," he figured that she was just a little girl after all, and she didn't seem harmful, despite all logic. He supposed he never really used logic when he was younger, anyways. He was simply going by his emotions now, something he had not done for quite some time as Hokage. But he did despite himself, maybe because she brought forth a soft spot in him that only one other could.

Either way, his feelings told him this girl would not be a threat. And he duly noted the endearing look she gave him, when he said her name with such an affectionate honorific.

"Well, I-I live in Iwagakure. You know this much. But, I always felt as though I didn't belong there. I received visions, visions of a different life. I was an orphan, and I didn't remember anything from my childhood. But I would get visions," she elaborated. "I would get visions of a different village, much different from Iwagakure. I had visions of a happy life, with my Mama and Papa, and… well, these visions are what I searched for. It was one day, when I was close to death, where an energy surrounded me, and revealed to me a lot of what I had forgotten, most at least." She looked to her right, starring at the plain white wall. She was flustered, hoping she would not sound too crazy. Naruto was simply taking this in, not entirely sure where she was headed, but her story raised more questions than answers. He watched her, noticing tears forming in her eyes. She began to bawl.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't supposed to use those techniques. I-I truly wasn't. I know using those techniques would raise a lot of suspicion."

"Who taught you those techniques, Akane-chan?"

"My papa," she simply answered, rubbing tears from her eyes. Naruto raised his brow.

"And who is your papa?"

"Well, this may seem a bit odd. But my papa is one of the greatest ninja ever. He is the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village," she declared with pride echoed in her voice.

Naruto was rendered speechless. Silence consumed them both, but her eyes showed nothing but sincerity. He excused himself, stepping out of the interrogation room.

"She is not going anywhere."

"But, her team-"

"I don't care. She's from a different village, claiming outrageous accusations. They're very far-fetched and unrealistic," he explained, but couldn't help but feel connected to that girl somehow. He wasn't sure how, but he did. She held a familiarity that made him want to grin a big toothy smile, and her attitude…

It was uncanny how similar they were.

"Like what?" Shikamaru asked. Naruto breathed, exhaling loudly.

"She thinks I'm her dad. But we make sure no one knows about this, alright? We will hold her here for questioning."

"Where are you going, though?" Shikamaru wondered.

"It's pertinent I speak with someone before I continue to speak with her," Naruto said, about to leave. "Oh yeah, and give her some of my instant ramen. You know where," he ordered before leaving in a breeze.

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He found himself at the Uchiha residence, where he was running over what he would say to Sakura. They hadn't been the best of friends like from when they were teens, but he hoped it wouldn't get too awkward. Their lives diverged despite being friends. He was the Hokage now, and she was a hard working mother. Their lives were much too busy. He couldn't bring himself to see her, anyways. He would feel too guilty.

He couldn't bring himself to see Sakura when he barely saw his own wife and kids.

He mustered up the strength to knock on her door, because as the Hokage, he had business to handle. This would not be a visit as old friends, but one for business purposes. This is what he kept telling himself. It was a mantra he would chant over and over in his head.

He waited until his eyes met emerald ones.

"Naruto," was all she could manage to whisper out, for she was too shocked to see him right there, in front of her. She shook her head, her stupor leaving as soon as it came. "I mean, Hokage-sama," she fixed, realizing that if he came here, it would be for Hokage business. Her lips pursed at the thought. Despite himself, he could feel an old grin creeping up like old times as he let out a short breath.

"Hey, Sakura-chan. What did I tell you about formalities?"

"It's weird seeing the Hokage here of all places, but I figured it was for Hokage business. What brings you here?" she asked with a soft smile. He felt a little offended by his supposed predictability, so he made a point to show his teeth as he grinned towards her.

"I can't just visit an old friend, just to visit anymore?" he teased, and her smile changed to the smallest of smirks.

"Well, it hasn't happened before," she mentioned, and to that, Naruto couldn't help but frown at the thought. He was busy, and maybe there were other reasons for not visiting her, too. He quickly dismissed this thought, however.

"Sorry about that, and you are right, as always. I have a request from you." Sakura's ears perked at this, wondering what he had to request of her and no one else.

"Here, why don't I make some tea for us while you tell me all about this request," she suggested, opening the door and gesturing him in while she went to the kitchen.

"Sakura…" he trailed off, scratching the back of his head.

"Oh, come on, Naruto. You at least owe me this," she urged, and smiled as she told him to stop acting so awkward and get more comfortable.

If at first the atmosphere was awkward, it then became a very comfortable one when Sakura came back with two cups of tea. He decided to ask her about her health, and make sure she has been alright as a single mother. She noted he used the term single, which she might as well have been. She was sure he didn't mean anything by it, but it said a lot to her. She dismissed it either way, and changed the subject to his life. He inwardly cursed to himself, hastily trying to correct himself, but she had already started talking of something else entirely.

They rarely had an opportunity like this, after all.

He got too comfortable. So comfortable, he asked her a question that he knew he'd get punched for if they were younger and if he wasn't the Hokage.

"Um… Sakura-chan… you never had sex with me without me knowing, did you?" he asked, eyeing her suspiciously. Her eyes widened, ready to punch the man despite titles.

"I'll kill you," she seethed, her face heating at the allegation. Of course she would never commit adultery, or anything of the sort. She couldn't believe he would even ask such a thing.

"Please don't kill your Hokage, Sakura. I was just wondering. I need a favor to ask you. Before we continue, you are to be sworn to secrecy, and you mustn't say anything to anyone. I want to keep this as hidden as possible." Sakura nodded, raising a questionable brow at the change in his voice and body language.

"What's wrong?" She sensed the immediacy he had with his words, how urgent this was.

"Come with me," was all he said before he turned to leave.

"You can't expect me to just leave and agree to your request when you haven't even told me-"

"Sakura-chan… please. I'm asking you as my friend," he begged, and she frowned at his words. Friend? The same friend who wouldn't even talk to her in who knows how long? The one who would easily side with her husband, Sasuke, and allow him to leave her own daughter for 12 years? Her lips pursed.

She didn't mean to harbor these feelings, but she couldn't help it. She devoted her life to her daughter, and to know what happened when she fell unconscious was something she was still upset about. Her daughter almost died, and was put through danger because her own husband didn't even recognize his daughter. She was not fond of this, but she knew it was silly to blame other people for what occurred. She sighed, her tense muscles trying to relax.

"Look, I can't say much here. But please, I beg you. I need you. I-I can't do this alone," he implored, and her eyes widened at the need expressed in his voice. She bit her lip, her hands moving to her chest as she realized how, whatever was going on, must have affected him deeply. His hands held onto her shoulders, and she placed her hand over his, a gentle smile forming as she looked at the man before her.

He was a man. There was no denying that. His hands felt big on her shoulders. His grip on her shoulders was tight, but she didn't mind too much. She noticed how tall he's become, how his stature reflected true diplomacy. He held himself like a true politician now, his smile, she had to admit, being extremely charming. This both made her proud, but scared, because this man felt so unfamiliar to her now. He looked at her straight in the eyes, with a pleading look right now, as if no one could help him but her. She wondered if this was the many tricks he learned as Hokage.

"Naruto…" she trailed off, and she knew she couldn't say no to him, not when he looked so vulnerable to her. "You haven't changed, yet you've changed so much," she said, and his grip loosened, looking at her with confusion tinted in his eyes.

"Well, I had to grow up sometime, you know. I had to become the Hokage everyone wants and needs," he stated, and for some reason, her eyes grew solemn because of his words. He seemed to need to be molded into the perfect Hokage. His eyes grew duller, and his smile was fainter to her compared to when they were children. It was charming, but tired. Like a true politician. She assumed hers would reflect something similar, more old and weary than anything else.

But just now, when he looked at her, asking for her help, she was reminded of the old Naruto, who was so determine to make his dreams come true. Sakura realized, she would always have a soft spot for that Naruto.

"I see," was all she said, before she took a step back and looked at him. She laughed. "When you came here, you seemed so panicked, and now you look too relieved," she scrutinized, and he gave her a toothy grin that she didn't expect to ever see again. She figured seeing him grin like that, would only turn to a fleeting memory as the years went by.

"That's because you remind me of our old team seven days, I guess," he assumed, and she smiled back, less enthusiastic.

"Well, if it was so urgent, then we don't have time to play catch up and reminisce about the good ole' days anymore," she reminded, folding her arms, and Naruto put two and two together.

"Thank you, Sakura-chan! Please, follow me."

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When they finally made it into the Hokage's office, he locked the door.

"Sakura, I didn't want to talk to you about this, because I was afraid Sarada-chan was-"

"She was eating out with her team. She wasn't home. You know this," she chided in, not wanting him to give her anymore excuses. Naruto chuckled.

"Yes, well, either way, I didn't want anyone overhearing us. What I have to say, as I mentioned, is top secret." She nodded.

"Okay, well, what do you need me for, and why me in particular?" she asked.

"There is this girl named Akane Uzake in our custody as we speak," he began. "She claims that I'm her father. I-I need you to run DNA test." Sakura's eyes widened.

"N-Naruto, what do you mean? I don't understand. That would mean you-"

"I know what that would mean. And… I know in my heart I never did anything with anyone else while with Hinata - I would never do something like that to her, but… I don't know, I just have this connection with this girl," he admitted. "I think you might too, Sakura-chan." She stared at him with confusion her head tilted to the side.

"What do you mean?" He sighed, not sure if he should really tell her his suspicions.

"I believe she is our child." She quickly denied this, knowing he was being ridiculous.

"Naruto, don't be stupid. That's- That's impossible," she laughed as if this were all a joke. He looked at her seriously with somber eyes, his facial expression saying to her that he meant what he said, and he wouldn't tease about something like this.

"Meet her, and then tell me it's impossible. Or don't, I just need you to run a DNA test. Of yours as well, to see if we're her parents." She spluttered, not even comprehending what he said, because it was all too much. It was all ludicrous!

"Naruto, that's ridiculous. You know we never did anything," she offered, looking down. He smiled bitterly.

"I know. But it's still possible, isn't it? I mean, there are other ways to have a child without, you know…" he trailed off, hoping she knew what he meant. She understood. "Although, what concerns me most, is she used my signature techniques."

"Maybe she has a kekkei genkai that allows her to copy certain moves, like with the Sharingan," Sakura offered, quickly denying the idea of such a thing. "Naruto, I don't know if you've been stressed, but you seem tired. I noticed that immediately when I saw you. Maybe you need some sleep, maybe you're feeling ill, because what you're telling me… Well, it can't be possible. You should go home and rest and-" she started, going to him and attempting to move him to his seat, when he stepped back, lashing out.

"Sakura!" He didn't mean to yell, his voice so deep and rigid to her ears, but he needed her to listen to him. She was denying, with good reason, but he wanted her to comprehend, and grasp why he was so adamant on her seeing the girl. "I lied, I actually want you to meet her. Meet her, please. Then you'll understand. I feel so connected to her. She reminds me of both of us. She's… she's everything I imagined our daughter would be," he confessed, and she stood stupefied at his words. "She looks just like you, Sakura-chan. Her smile, it's just like yours. She has my blue eyes, and she's extremely brash, you should have seen her at the chuunin exams. Everything about her, she's just so… so us." He laughed bitterly, "Maybe I am going fucking crazy. Maybe I'm just imagining it, maybe it's my desires that are making me see things that aren't there. But… but I just can't let this go."

"Naruto, what are you saying?" she asked, a frown etched on her face. Her heart, she couldn't believe his words. Why would all this be happening now? She couldn't believe him. She had desires too, but she pushed them down, burying them as deeply into the depths of her heart as she possibly could. Any could've, would've, should've, were only in the past, she would tell herself. They both chose their paths, and they both needed to look at the future with the lives they chose. He couldn't just exhume these old feelings, everything she hoped for in the past. No, her regrets would remain locked up in chains. But his words, she wasn't sure if she truly wanted to hear his truths, his true desires.

His desires could jeopardize everything.

Naruto's hands were clasped over his face, shaking his head.

"I don't know what I'm saying anymore, Sakura-chan. I just… This has to be a sign, right? I feel like I've made so, so many mistakes. I'm a horrible person."

"Naruto, please. Don't talk poorly of yourself. It doesn't suit you. You're one of the greatest people I know. You know that."

"But… I shouldn't have doubts, like I do now. Sometimes, regret would be at the forefront of my mind, but then of course I don't think much of it. I'm the Hokage, I'm supposed to live with it for the sake of my family and village. But with this girl, with my thoughts becoming reality…. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be talking to you like this. I just really need you to do me this favor. Please, could you just run the blood test, just to humor me, if for nothing else?" Tears formed in her eyes.

"And what about afterwards, huh? Let's just say, the results come back positive, then what? Naruto, you realize that all this is absurd, right?" she tried to reason. And he scoffed a bit, knowing all too well that it was absurd.

"I realize that. She could very well be lying. But, I believe her. And I don't know what will happen or what I expect to happen, I just have to know. I have to know for sure." He seemed so desperate, so troubled. She stared at him, trying to figure out what was reeling through his brain. It boggled her mind to see him in such a state over something that seemed too ludicrous for her to even grasp the concept of. It took a few moments, hearing his heavy pants and his vulnerable expression, but she soon sighed, deciding she would relent. It was the only way to put his mind at ease.

"Okay, Naruto. I'll humor you. I'll meet her, and I'll run blood test for you. But I'm telling you, that it's not possible. You know deep down, that that's the truth. You have a wife, and two kids for crying out loud!"

"I know."

"I'm married to your best friend, and have a daughter that you trained yourself."

"I know."

"So then, what are you hoping for with all this?" she asked, urging him to tell her the truth, yet afraid of the answer.

"I don't know," he simply said. "Sakura, I don't know why, I just have this strong feeling. I just, have to know." Sakura frowned, looking at the desperate man before her. She knew there was no possibility that any child could be theirs. Her teeth gnawed at her bottom lip.

Sakura then scoffed, "Geez, the things you have me doing. This is insane, Naruto." He laughed bitterly at her teasing nature.

"I realize that more than you know."

She giggled, "You know, next we're going to have to run some psyche test on you. Make sure those endless stacks of papers aren't getting to you." He gazed up to her and genuinely grinned at her. He was so tired, but relieved.

He didn't mention it to her, because he knew she'd say how crazy he was and deny it. Maybe he was going crazy, but he could have sworn, both Sakura's and Akane's giggle were nearly identical, with the same soft expression and the same look in their eyes.

He was crazy for believing, without a doubt, that Akane Uzake was their daughter.

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AN: I was going to use Mai-chan, from my one-shot, Mockingbird, but I thought against it, haha. Different times. xD I was going to make this into a one-shot, but this would end up getting waaaay too long, so this will be a multichapter fic (I'm sorry! X_X).

Either way, I hope you guys found this enjoyable, and I hope you review to tell me what you think! This is mostly experimentation, so let me know if it's any good or not, or if I should totally nuke this idea and be ashamed for writing this. Sorry if it seems a bit rushed, but I wasn't intending for this fic to be too long. If this is a waste, I'll delete it, but I just wanted to get it out there and share my idea because I wanted to show a different life they could have had. xD