A/N: I wanted to create a story that felt real to me. Something that I could actually see being part of the story line. Of course, I lack the natural talent that the manga and anime creators have, so this is my own twist on a story with my favorite pairing (SasuSaku), but I'm sure you'll see some other familiar faces along the way. And, as always, I do not claim any ownership or rights over Naruto the anime, manga, or any other merchandise. This is simply a fiction story that I created.

Chapter One: Words I Couldn't Say

Rain pounded on the rooftops throughout Konoha. On dreary days like this, only those who had to be out could be found around town. Lifting the curtain to Ichiraku, a nin sat down, water droplets falling to ground. Pulling her hood down, she took a seat next to Naruto, who had beaten her arrival only momentarily.

"Only on your second bowl, Naruto?"

"Sakura-chan! Mm, Ayame-san, another bowl of ramen for Sakura-chan."

"Hm!" Ayame replied, smiling. Sakura gave Ayame a smile and a small nod.

"Do you think Kakashi-sensei will be on time today?"

"Well, I wouldn't count on it," Naruto slurped, "Four years running, and the only time he was early was for the chunin exams when he was training Sas-"

Naruto stopped. Sakura picked up her chopsticks quietly. They finished eating quietly and thanked Ayame before heading back out into the weather.

"I still think about him too," Sakura whispered.

Naruto stuffed his hands into his pockets.

Sasuke-teme… where are you?

Naruto glanced over at Sakura, "We are going to find him, Sakura. He's going to come back. Don't give up hope."

Sakura nodded. Arriving at the bridge she sat down and cried. Naruto sighed.

"Hey guys," Kakashi appeared walking over the bridge. "Sakura, get up."

"H-hai, sensei."

She is still taking this so hard. Kakashi thought to himself.

"An exciting mission today, Naruto,"

"Yes!" Naruto jumped, "I am ready, Kakashi-sensei!"

Sakura rolled her eyes, but smiled at the two conversing. Naruto had many faults, but he was determined and he was loyal… and that kept her going. She knew that if ever there was a chance to bring Sasuke back, Naruto would never hesitate.

"Kaka-sensei, where are we going on our mission? We haven't all been together for some time," Sakura asked as they blitzed through the trees.

"We are going to be paying Gaara a visit. Although, Tsunade has made it very clear that I am not to keep you from your work at the hospital," he smiled through the mask. Although, I'm not so sure I should have asked for her to come. Judging by her expression this morning, she's not ready.

"Haha! Catch me if you can, sensei! Sakura-chan!"

"You are dead meat, Naruto!" Sakura called speeding up.

"You have to catch me first!"

Kakashi smiled to himself, keeping up with his students. Truly, they had both grown and not just in strength since studying under the Sannin.

They traveled for several hours more before reaching the edges of the Hidden Sand Village. In juxtaposition to the Hidden Leaf Village, there was no rain. No water visible in any direction. Naruto trotted behind, beginning to complain about his hunger.

"If you wouldn't have been so quick to show off your speed, you would have more energy right now," Sakura scolded.

"Nyah, but Sakura-chan..." he whined, still trailing behind.

"Sakura,"

"Hm?" the kunoichi looked up at her teacher as they journeyed.

"I need you completely focused on the mission at hand."

"Yes, of course. Hai, I am, sensei."

"Sakura," Kakashi said knowingly. He stopped to look her in the eye, "Sasuke is not here. He left the village willingly to go to Orochimaru. He has his own path to follow, as do you and Naruto. All of your training, all of my teaching, your missions and experience is needed right now. The past is to be learned from; it is not for you to live in."

"I understand, Kakashi-sensei."

He nodded and they continued.

"But Sakura, we will find him."

With Kakashi's promise, a warming comfort spread through Sakura's belly- a renewed hope. She looked over her shoulder at Naruto dramatically dragging his feet. If they could believe, then so could she.

The wind blew. Sand grit against their clothing.

"We made it," Kakashi announced.

"Finally!" Naruto exclaimed, "Now I can get some chow! Erm, Sakura, do you think they have Ramen here?"

"There's no time to stop now. Gaara is expecting us," Kakashi continued forward. Naruto grumbled, but was excited to see the new Kazekage. His temper had reformed since his battle with Naruto during the chunin exams, but he was still a shinobi to be treated with the utmost respect. There didn't need to be any need to bring out the sand coffin jutsu.

"Kazakage-sama, ninja from the Leaf Village have arrived to see you."

"Send them in," Gaara replied from his spot at a window. He watched people bustling in the streets. Vendors selling, children playing, and something akin to a smile pulled at his lips.

"Kazekage," Kakashi greeted.

"Hey, Gaara!" Naruto called. Sakura smacked the back of his head.

"Naruto, you idiot. Gaara is Kazekage now. You need to greet him with respect like Lady Tsunade-sama," Sakura corrected.

"You mean Granny Tsunade?"

Sakura dead-panned. Kakashi sweat-dropped and sighed at the two.

"I see some things never change," Gaara turned to face them.

"Yeah, long-time no see, Gaara. So what's it like being a kage?!" Naruto inquired leaning forward anxiously.

"Naruto, we are not here on a social call. The Kazekage is a busy guy," Kakashi sighed.

"It is all right, Kakashi. But there are important matters to discuss. However, Kakashi?" Gaara chimed.

"Hm?" the jonin answered.

"It may be best if we talk in private."

"Right," a serious gaze passed between the two, and silence ruled briefly. "Ok, Naruto. You win. Gaara and I are going to discuss a few things. Why don't you and Sakura go find something to eat in town? I know you're famished."

Naruto danced in excitement. Grabbing Sakura's wrist, he ran.

"Rioshi, the doors," Gaara ordered. The ninja that had introduced them, now closed the doors leaving the Kazekage with his private audience.

"The Hokage said you requested team seven for this mission." Kakashi stated, bringing a tea cup to his mouth.

"Our scouts have seen rouge nin at the edge of the Land of Wind. They sent word, here to the Sand asking for instructions. Several identifications were made. Sasori of the Red Sand, as you know, had the misfortune of running into Sakura-san and Lady Chiyo," Gaara paused, "Yakushi Kabuto was seen but disappeared before a capture could be made… along with Uchiha Sasuke."

"I see."

Gaara returned to the window.

"I spent much of my life in fear of those who would come for me. This village was not kind. My duty, as Kazekage, is to protect it—and I have grown fond of it. Kakashi, I brought your team here as a favor from a friend. Sasuke has created many enemies within the Land's. He is being hunted, and he will not be able to hide forever."

Kakashi stood. Taking a last glance at Gaara, he bowed and excused himself. Some guilt swept over him as he walked. Pausing outside the building, the experienced shinobi breathed deep and stared at the sky.

Rogue ninja in the Land of Wind. I hope you don't aren't tied up in this… Sasuke.

"There you guys are," Kakashi said as he stumbled upon the two.

"Thank goodness," Sakura sighed in relief. Naruto smiled with cheeks full of what could only be guessed as ramen. Kakashi stood quietly.

Naruto swallowed, "What did Gaara want?"

Kakashi peaked around before tipping his head in another direction. The three trailed off towards the sleeping quarters that had been arranged for them by the Kazekage himself. Once inside, Kakashi closed the screen to one of the rooms and leaned against the wall.

"What gives, sensei?" Naruto jostled, leaning back on a floor cushion.

Kakashi studied his pupils. They were stronger, smarter, stealthier shinobi that any teacher would be proud of, but he knew their compassion would be their weakness here.

"We are going to rest here for the night and group up with Sai tomorrow. If his mission went accordingly, he should be crossing through the Sand Village tomorrow with Ino, and Shikamaru. We are going to need him," Kakashi trailed.

"But… sensei, I thought we were going home?" Sakura quirked her head.

"Yes, that was the plan. But as you both learned during our first mission together with Zabuza and Sasuke, things do not always go according to the plan. The Kazekage has spotted several rogue ninja around the Land of Wind border."

"Akatsuki members?"

"Some," Kakashi answered. Hesitating, he finally gave them the bait, "and Sasuke."