A/N: Welcome to the next chapter. :) Last chapter we left off with Mikoto finally agreeing to a reluctant partnership and now the three of them need to come up with a plan for it. But, if you guys remember, Sakura's still lying to them about some things and trying to do everything by herself in a way ... more issues with her spring up with this chapter. Mikoto's agreement is also not going to be easy at all ... that will also be further explored this chapter.

This chapter will also be fairly Naruto-centric again as well (which you should expect a lot now, he's going to be more of a regular). Last chapter he was put in a very interesting, complicated position ... Itachi ditched him to stop the Edo Tensei. Despite telling him a way to bring Sakura back, Itachi just couldn't agree with Naruto's line of thinking. He explained that very bluntly and now this chapter's going to cover how Naruto deals with it.

On another note, I'm bit disappointed Naruto's going to end before I finish this story. I was hoping to finish it before the series was over, but that's practically impossible for me now. But I guess it's alright. No matter if NaruSaku becomes canon or not, I'll still update this story and keep with it until I'm done with it! :)

I hope you guys enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the characters. Because if I did, Naruto and Sasuke would probably loose their god powers (Too overpowered at this point tbh), Sakura wouldn't have been a begging and crying mess in 693, and Sakura would have more of a role in the series instead of everything revolving around Naruto and Sasuke (I love those two, but Sakura IS the heroine and a part of T7. She should be treated better)

Constructive criticizism/OCC thoughts always welcome!

Things That Matter Most

~~Present: Naruto~~

Naruto glared after where Itachi had disappeared, seeing nothing but earth, sky, and demolished trees. Impatience to irrationally chase after Itachi itched in his body, but Naruto knew the Uchiha was long gone. He had taken advantage of the younger ninja's shock at his dismissal to vanish as quickly as possible. Even Naruto's advanced speed would not help him now.

Knowing this with painful clarity, Naruto's glare darkened in pure frustration. He clenched his fist so hard it hurt as his body trembled in fury. He had lost Itachi ... and he might have lost his only chance to bring Sakura back home.

I thought Itachi was supposed to be a good guy! He should've been able to help me and Sakura-chan! And now, because of this, Sakura-chan might actually be hurt somewhere in the past by that jutsu and if she dies there ...! The young ninja's thoughts raced, angry anxiety and betrayal swamping over him.

Bee was slightly frowning, staring in the same direction. " So Itachi gives you answers he thought he owed, then up and leaves you with nothing to use. So much for the bro code." He remarked quizzically. The Eight-tails shook his head. "Don't know why he even bothered telling ya if that was his plan ... not that nice, ya know." He said sympathetically.

Unable to help it, Naruto let out anoise of frustration. "He believed me, right from the very start. He knew a way to help Sakura-chan. And he could've. But instead he ignores it, just leaves me here! How am I supposed to help her like that-ttebayo?!" Naruto said angrily. "Why did he tell me at all, Bee? What was the point of even knowing he had that jutsu?! Why-dattebayo?! And now Sakura-chan might be ...!" The blonde broke off, closing his eyes as he was too frustrated to speak.

"Like hell I know what goes on in that Uchiha's skull, dumbass. Your guessin' is just as progressing as mine, ya fool." Bee responded light-heartedly, sounding amused a moment. "But don't go judgin' Itachi for leaving us in this fix. The guy had a few good points in the mix." The Eight-tails jinchuriki said.

Naruto stiffened. Shock rushed over him, but then more anger followed. The blonde-haired ninja gave his friend a sidelong glance, feeling ten times more tenser as he glared at Bee seriously. "What?"

"Taking down this crazy ass war before getting the girl, you dope. It can't be that hard for your mind to grope." Bee pointed out lightly. Despite his teasing tone, his expression was serious. "You heard what Itachi said. It was as clear and crystal, yo. And he ain't stupid like us, bro." The Eight-tails jinchuriki reminded him, forcing a smile.

The blonde couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Have any of you been listening to me-ttebayo?!" Naruto demanded, turning to glare at him in pure frustration. "I can stop this war and save Sakura-chan! There's no way I would let myself stay behind in the past-ttebayo!" The blonde-haired ninja argued impatiently. "I can't let my friends die in this war ... but I can't let Sakura-chan stay in the past either-ttebayo!"

Naruto couldn't understand why no one got how he felt. All everyone told him was how dangerous what he was doing was or how he was being unreasonable. There had been Yamato, Tsunade, Raikage, and just now Itachi. I'm not stupid. I know the risks. But I also know if I try my best, then I can solve them both. I know I can! Naruto's determination could not fail him. Not with his parents' wishes and his new promise.

"Still like 'em guts, Naruto. No one's gonna put a hole through that." Bee acknowledged in singsong as he started doing hand movements. "But one thing about Sakura and this war you're just not up to par..." The Eight-tails jinchuriki began, starting to dance movements. "Your words say one thing, but then your actions ring another."

The younger's anger left him a moment. Naruto frowned, staring at him puzzlement. "Huh?"

"Been noticin' this for a while, ya fool, but just didn't know to break it. Didn't wanna wreck you, y'know?" Bee rapped light-heartedly. He stilled his dance movements and looked back at the blonde's quizzical face. He forced a smile. "About Sakura, Itachi was preaching sacrifice in his assessment. Maybe you oughta put out in that investment."

Is he saying give up on her in this war? Naruto thought, finally thinking he understood. But all that did was make him angrier. "This is not sacrifice!" Naruto spat furiously, glaring at Bee fiercely. "All I see is abandoning Sakura-chan in the past to suffer! She feels all alone-ttebayo! She could be seriously hurt by the jutsu, just like Itachi said! And the longer I wait, the longer she might be in pain. She might really die, Bee-ttebayo!" The blonde told him urgently.

Bee stared at him in shock. "Hold up, Naruto ..." He tried to say, raising up his arms in a calming motion.

But Naruto was far too worked up to listen. "I promised Sakura-chan I'd bring back Sasuke to her. I promised her Team 7 would be together again." Naruto argued stubbornly, his angry anxiety having sunk in too deep. " And if Sakura-chan really is hurt from the jutsu and dies there ..." Naruto trailed off, his intensity falling. He lowered his gaze. Grief and guilt punctured him again. " ... Then she won't see any of that." He added more quietly, shaking his head.

The memory of Naruto's promise declaration popped up in his mind. He had promised himself that he would bring Sakura back. Naruto had more than promised, even. Bringing Sakura-chan back is my new 'Promise of a Lifetime' ... I will never go back on those words. The blonde still thought to himself, still strangled with sadness. As set on it as he was, his fear for Sakura would not go away.

Meanwhile, Bee was silent. His shock wore off as he stared at the young blonde with unreadable expression. After a few moments, a strained but sympathetic smile crossed his face. "That's what Itachi meant, Naruto." The Eight-tails jinchuriki told him simply.

Naruto raised his head, completely lost at what Bee was trying to say. Seeing his attention, Bee's smile became more sympathetic. "Time Manipulation Jutsu tryout is havoc, that much is true. But timing makes it more than a skew." He rhymed matter-of-factly. "The 'sacrifice' is risking a Sakura death and her needs by helping out the alliance first ... though it sounds like the worst." Bee explained more clearly.

The blonde ninja's eyes grew huge. Clarity finally flowed over him. That had been what he was trying to say? Naruto hadn't even thought about that, making him feel a bit guilty somewhere in his numb mind. He wished he could say his epiphany made him feel any better though.

Anxiety and uncertainty whirled within the younger ninja even more strongly. Sacrifices of my friends ... of the girl I love even ... I'm never good at these type of things. Naruto thought worriedly, shaken. There was a reason he could never go for those type of sacrifices. All he ever wanted to do was help both sides. He had done that with Sasuke and protecting the village. And now with Sakura and the alliance ... was this really an exception?

The younger ninja looked back at Bee. "But I don't need to do that. I'm gonna help Sakura-chan and this war equally, all at the same time. That's why Itachi didn't need to leave-ttebayo!" Naruto couldn't help but protest, trying to look firm. "I'm not sacrificing anyone-dattebayo!" He argued with more vehemence, slowly gaining confidence.

"You say equal, but doesn't really seem that split, ya fool, ya fool." The Eight-tails rapped in singsong, doing hand gestures again. "Wanting to set out on a wacky time-travel experience for a girl that might trap you when this war is where it's at. Itachi said it best in that chat." Bee explained lightly. "Taking the risk makes it look like you're putting her above this, y'know."

Sheer frustration surged in Naruto. "I can do it 'cause I believe in myself!" The blonde-haired ninja shot back, his tone sharp as he glared at Bee. "I'm not putting anyone above anything! I just want help all of them, that's all! I won't risk anyone dying!" Naruto argued fiercely, finding his fire again in his uncertainty.

Bee paused, stopping his hand gestures. He frowned at Naruto, still looking skeptical. "But what Itachi said was true, bro. We can't say you'd come back as a fact." The Eight-tails pointed out doubtfully. "I'm on your side all the way. I just can see Itachi leaving you hanging the way he did ain't that insane." The jinchuriki continued. "Maybe it's not fair, but sometimes life's just bare, ya fool, ya fool."

Naruto narrowed his eyes guardedly. "You're saying I need to put the war above Sakura-chan. That's what you're saying, right?!" The blonde prompted him impatiently.

Bee shrugged. "We've already been left hanging by Uchiha dude. I don't see how taking up on the war first is that crude." The Eight-tails pointed out reasonably. A sudden smile was on his face. "Besides, we don't even know if she's hurt. She might not even be dying. Don't lose your cool just 'cause you worry, ya fool."

"But what if she's not?" Naruto responded sharply. "If I wait ... if I wait and she does dies, then ..." The blonde shinobi reiterated anxiously, breaking off again in emotion. He looked away, unable to ignore the desperate fear for Sakura's safety in his heart. "You don't understand, Bee. I can't let that happen to her. I ..." Naruto tried to say, stopping himself. I'm scared.

The Eight-tails jinchuriki stared at him sympathetically. "I get it, Naruto. I'm not trying to pressure you, aight? And I know I don't really know the girl, but ..." Bee began, looking at his blonde friend quizzically. " ... Would Sakura want you to risk being trapped in the past instead of stopping this war just to bring her back?" He asked with a frown.

The weight of such a simple question nearly made Naruto flinch. The blonde immediately lowered his gaze, suddenly finding it unbearable to look Bee in the eye. Guilt and sadness pierced Naruto. He knew the answer to that. He knew it so strongly it was painful. Sakura-chan would never put herself above everyone else ... a part of her would hate me for doing this. He acknowledged sadly.

As much as Naruto hated to admit it, he could see now that Itachi and Bee were right. Maybe it wasn't right for him to take a chance like that if the jutsu had been so unstable. The war was still far from being under control and he had only just entered it. He had to do more before he could risk something like that. Naruto glanced at the far-off distance anxiously, remembering the clones he had sent out to help his friends earlier. He still needed to send more.

Naruto understood now why Itachi had dismissed him. Why he had talked down on him so disapprovingly about going through with his risky jutsu immediately. Itachi destroyed his entire Clan for other peoples' sake ... the Clan he loved. So someone like me, trying to convince him I can run off and bring back Sakura-chan with a war going on ... he can't be sympathetic to that. Naruto realized sullenly.

Itachi could never understand how he felt. For him, the choice was simple. No amount of conflict would change what he thought was the "greater good". And now that Naruto remembered this about Sasuke's brother, he suddenly felt bad for being so furious with him on abandoning helping Sakura after everything Itachi had sacrificed.

But still, even if a part of him saw Itachi was right, Naruto's irrational fear for Sakura's condition still plagued his decisions. He was so scared at the possibility she will die from the Time Manipulation Jutsu's injuries Itachi had spoken of so gravely. Could that still happen to her if he put things off? The blonde truly meant earlier when he had said he couldn't let anyone he loved die.

As if he could see all the emotions Naruto felt (and maybe he could), Bee smiled at him understandingly. "All this fuss and worry for one girl ... hard not to notice." Bee remarked a bit lightly, though his expression didn't change. " ... You really love Sakura, don't you?"

Shock at the straightforward question jolted Naruto, but it didn't last. He really didn't like ever talking about his feelings to Sakura to other people, but he was too worried and exhausted to care this time around. Naruto lowered his eyes, anxiety overflowing on him. "I do a lot, Bee." Naruto admitted tiredly, his orange gaze shadowed. "That's why there's no way I can leave her behind there."

The blonde sighed, closing his eyes as he braced himself for his next words. As conflicted and worried as he was, Naruto knew now what he had to do. It wasn't going to be easy, but he had to believe he could pull it off.

Opening his eyes, the younger stared at Bee straight in the eye. "The people in this war need me. We gotta take down those white things as soon possible. Help everyone out." Naruto stated firmly, his gaze serious. "Itachi already left. There's nothing we can do about that. And maybe ... how he handled this wasn't bad."

Bee looked surprised. But Naruto wasn't finished. "But I'm not Itachi." He pointed out sharply, his orange gaze filled with sudden fierceness. "I won't give up on Sakura-chan no matter what happens. I'll find her and I'll bring her home." Naruto swore stubbornly, not leaving any room for argument. "But for right now ... thinning out the bad guys in this war comes first."

The Eight-tails jinchuriki stared at him, looking a bit puzzled. But then a slow, satisfied smile crossed his face. "Alright, blondie. That's the way to prioritize ... only you could come up with that compromise." Bee rapped in singsong with hand gestures. He had a more light and easygoing expression on his face that Naruto hadn't really seen since they set out.

The younger ninja thought a second, then glanced back at Bee seriously. "The Masked Guy is the one was behind all of this. He started this war and he trapped Sakura-chan in that time." Naruto began slowly, his serious expression lighting as smile started to came to his face. "I don't need to give up on anyone. Because if find that guy, I can help Sakura-chan and end the war-dattebayo." Naruto said confidently, his optimism starting to return again.

It was then it suddenly occurred to Naruto that the Masked Man had done so many things to make him suffer. He had been the cause of his parents' death on the night of his birth. He made him orphaned and an outcast for being a jinchuriki. He intended to hunt him down for his Tailed Beast. He had manipulated and corrupted his best friend's torment to the point Naruto hardly recognized anymore. And now he had taken the girl he loved as well.

Soberness and a steel resolve flashed over Naruto. The memory of Shikaku's words that Madara couldn't be redeemed echoed in his mind. That guy ... he's responsible for so many things. I'll definitely find him in this war. You can count on it. Naruto vowed determinedly. If there was anything he was most confident about, it was that.

The blonde closed his eyes, bracing himself a moment. When he opened them, seriousness and optimism overlapping him all at once. "Back to the original plan, I guess!" Naruto said energetically, raising his arm in a fired up gesture. "We find the Masked Guy and solve all this!"

Naruto paused a moment, thinking back to his mother and everything he had found out from Itachi. Somehow Kushina was with Sakura right now and knew everything that was happening to her. She would know if Sakura was hurt or not. That fact felt strange to him, his dead mother knowing the girl he loved, but it wasn't in a bad way. Naruto just hoped they were alright.

Mom ... take care of Sakura-chan until I get there. Naruto thought earnestly. He knew Sakura was lucky to have her by her side for now. Naruto trusted Kushina would keep her safe.

Pushing aside his thoughts, Naruto took a step forward in the opposite direction where Itachi had gone. "Come on, Bee-ttebayo!" Naruto called still in Nine-tails Chakra Mode, his serious gaze fixed on the horizon. "Let's go!"

~~Sakura~~

Sakura, Mikoto, and Kushina retraced their steps back to where they had originally met. Mikoto had been stumbling at the start, still wounded by Sakura's chakra punch, but the Uchiha had been too proud to accept Kushina's offers to support her. Now she was walking more steadily, though the pinkette suspected some of that was just for show.

Back at the outskirts of the village, the medical ninja let out a breath and turned around to face the two of them. "Okay. So now that Mikoto's on our side ..." Sakura began, her gaze serious as it swept over them. "We need to figure out a way inside the Uchiha compound. One that has the least likely chance to get us caught." Sakura pointed out confidently, but inside she was cringing. That sounds really, really hard ... and it's not like we have the Hokage's support either.

As if voicing her thoughts, Kushina frowned in concern. "That's probably not gonna be easy. The Uchiha Clan must have really high security with their abilities." The red-headed Uzumaki told her a bit doubtfully.

"I know." Sakura responded. She fixed her eyes on Mikoto who was standing stiffly beside Kushina. "Mikoto ... do you know any way in there?" She asked her slowly. Sakura still felt bad asking such personal questions about the Uchiha Clan to Mikoto, but she kept reminding herself there was nothing she could about it.

Mikoto grimaced, looking particularly uncomfortable. But then she let out a breath and forced herself into thought. After a second of thinking, the dark Uchiha focused back on Sakura. "I might know one passage that will lead you to our Clan secrets, but it has to be at specific time. The Uchiha Clan are good at keeping their guard up." She admitted reluctantly.

Interest sparked in Sakura. "What specific time?" She pressed, staring at her intently.

The Uchiha hesitated again, doubt and suspicion reflecting heavily in her eyes. Sakura knew how hard it was for the girl to talk to her about something like this. She would never have even agreed to this if it hadn't been for Kushina and Sakura knew Mikoto didn't even trust the medical ninja herself. But she couldn't feel bad about it now. Danzo posed too much of a threat.

Kushina elbowed her friend. "Come on, Mikoto! Tell her-dattebane!" She hissed impatiently, staring at Mikoto in disapproval.

Mikoto glanced at her uncertainly, but didn't argue. She looked back at Sakura. " ... Lately, the Uchiha Clan have been finding ways to reinforce our skills in the police force. Sometimes train younger ninjas like us in groups and educate us on the force. Other times important meetings at the police station." The dark-haired girl explained, avoiding her eyes with a somewhat guilty look. "That's what they're doing today ... tomorrow too." Mikoto elaborated more quietly.

Sakura nodded thoughtfully. "If most of the more powerful Uchihas are in one place, then that leaves the rest less guarded." She noticed seriously, seeing the logic in it. "That's good. I think that's the best way to do this." She continued, looking back at the Uchiha with probing eyes. "What time do they meet? How long is it?"

"Late. At around five o'clock tomorrow for about three hours." Mikoto answered matter-of-factly, but her gaze was cautious. "Don't think that will make this easy though. We still make sure to guard the place. Breaking in like this still won't be simple." The dark-haired girl warned, the look in her eyes now hard to place.

"Of course it won't." Kushina agreed, her tone sounding as it if was obvious. "But it's our best chance to get in there, isn't it? Anything else won't work for Sakura." The red-headed Uzumaki reasoned matter-of-factly, her navy-blue eyes sparkling with resolve. "We need to try it, Mikoto."

Mikoto let out a sigh, sudden frustration crossing her face. "This is so dangerous. And unethical and wrong ... the things my Clan and the Hokage would say about this!" She said in annoyance, seething with tiredness at the ordeal. "But I guess I'm already in this. There's not much I can do now to change it." She remarked resignedly, looking back at Sakura. "But still ... if we go through with it, what will happen if we get caught?"

Sakura wanted to say something comforting, that there was something good out of that scenario, but the truth was she couldn't think of anything. The situation would look inconceivably bad no matter how much they tried to make it look better. Danzo wouldn't show mercy ... he'd probably want me killed if I failed in it. She reflected grimly, deeply intimidated by just what would happen if they got caught.

The medical ninja settled for the only thing she could say. "If we do all of this right, then it won't come to that." Sakura told Mikoto firmly. "That's why your cooperation is so important. You know that place better than any of us. I'm relying on you." The pink-haired girl told her meaningfully. "I know this isn't easy for you and that it's a lot of pressure, but it really can't be helped." She continued, her emerald gaze stern and serious.

Mikoto lowered her gaze and said nothing, her onyx eyes unreadable. Sakura let out a breath, taking a moment to clear her head again after how exhausting all this planning was. When she looked back at them, her gaze was clear. "Okay. So we have about three hours to do a successful infiltration tomorrow while the Uchiha Clan are meeting." Sakura said calmly. "If things go well, then I'll get some information and give it right back to your Clan, Mikoto. I promise."

Sakura still wasn't quite sure how she was supposed to do that. Danzo made it absolutely clear how much he wanted the secrets of their jutsu to know their weaknesses. It wouldn't be easy to elude Danzo and give the information back to Mikoto, but that was only way she could protect the Uchiha Clan and earn Mikoto's trust. She would figure it out ... somehow.

Mikoto narrowed her eyes at Sakura. "Let's hope you do." She replied a bit gruffly, her voice edged with distrust.

The medical ninja felt somewhat uneasy again at the female Uchiha's obvious skepticism, considering just how much more difficult that would be than Mikoto even imagined, but she didn't say anything and did her best to act unaffected.

I have a plan now ... I have a time, I have good circumstance, and I have a guide. That's already a lot better than how I started. She went over mentally, getting more confidence and a clear head. She had come a long way from when she just been forced into it by Danzo and at least she had a chance now to do this right. Now there's only one more thing I have to do ...

Sakura's gaze shifted towards Kushina. Right when the red-head had found out what she was doing with the Uchiha Clan, the medical ninja had resolved to make sure Kushina had no part in it. But she was stubborn and because she had needed her help winning over Mikoto, she had made her believe she would be involved. Now was the time to make sure she wasn't.

Her options weren't a lot. Kushina already knew the time and place they would be ready to break into the compound. She couldn't get her out of it by lying, but Sakura had never intended to. She had a plan now for keeping Kushina out of it. The only problem with that plan was that it made her feel terribly guilty. But to protect Naruto's mother ... there was nothing else she could consider.

Knowing it wouldn't help her at the moment, Sakura pushed the Kushina thought aside. "We're definitely starting the mission tomorrow night. If we wait any longer, then we might not get a better chance." The medic said resolutely.

At the meaningfulness in Sakura's voice, Mikoto stared at her with unfriendly, suspicious eyes, but otherwise didn't say anything. The pink-haired girl ignored the look. "We have about one more day to prepare for everything. Make sure to get supplies, ninja tools, whatever you have just in case." She reminded them sternly. "Rest up and get ready."

Kushina suddenly scowled at her. "We're ninja too. We don't need to be told that stuff, Pinky-dattebane."

Sakura let out a exasperated breath. "Look, whatever, just do it! And stop calling me that." The pink-haired girl replied, though she felt more tired than impatient. Choosing to ignore the red-head, the medical ninja turned back to Mikoto. "By the way, you said you knew a path to take. What's the safest place to meet you?"

The Uchiha paused, her dark eyes unreadable. " ... There's a path near the very back on the left side of the compound. It leads to that passage and won't have as much security as the other ones. Meet me there." Mikoto answered steadily. She looked like she was making more of an effort to be agreeable on the situation.

"Okay. Tomorrow at four o' clock." Sakura agreed, nodding her head. Her eyes surveyed the two kunoichi, giving their bodies a critical eye for any visibly serious injuries. Kushina seemed stiffer than usual, was bruised in some areas, and Sakura had caught her rubbing her ribs a few times but nothing else.

Mikoto, however, seemed worse. Her step was unsteady when she had walked, she had even more bruises than Kushina, and her long, dark hair that had previously been so well-brushed was straggly and dull. While no severe injuries were visible on Mikoto, Sakura just knew she had broken a bone or two somewhere in her body because of her punch.

"That was a big fight. Do you ..." Sakura began, moving one of her arms unconsciously. A sudden, sharp shockwave of pain riveted all the way up her arm. She made a noise of pain, lowering her arm again as she held it delicately with one eye closed. She had forgotten the wound inflicted on it earlier. " ... Do any of you need to be healed?" She asked a bit more shakily, trying to ignore it.

Kushina stared at her with a frown, a suddenly concerned look in her eyes. "That arm again ... you did hurt yourself in that battle, didn't you?" The Uzumaki asked her, sounding certain.

"It's not really anything." The medical ninja answered automatically, shaking her head. She didn't quite believe it herself, but she'd rather heal Mikoto and Kushina first.

Her red-headed friend didn't look that convinced either. "It is something! I haven't even seen you punch with that arm since Mikoto hit it." Kushina insisted, her dark blue eyes stern. She looked back at Sakura's arm with a scrutinizing stare. It made the medical ninja wish she could hide it, but it hurt too much to move it even behind her.

After a moment, the jinchuriki's sharp gaze softened. "Sakura ... your arm's still bleeding." Kushina pointed out meaningfully.

Sakura nearly winced. She wished she could deny it, but she had felt the sticky sensation flowing down the arm the whole time. She had just tried to ignore it for the more important planning.

Kushina looked up at her, a somewhat worried look on her face. "I'm no medic, but too much blood loss isn't a good thing. Maybe you should heal yourself first before worrying about us." She suggested seriously.

Mikoto, who had been silent, was also frowning deeply now. "I don't know how you're hurt that badly. I barely grazed your arm when I kicked you." The dark-haired Uchiha mentioned, looking bewildered. She also looked at the wound more closely, her eyebrows knitted together. "Hold on a minute ... underneath the blood, it looks pretty raw and red. Almost like a burn." She observed, raising her troubled eyes to Sakura. "Did one of my fireballs hit you?"

Sakura blinked, frowning. None of the fireballs had hit her. She had made sure to dodge them. "No, but ..." She answered uncertainly, starting to get seriously confused by this herself. Her arm was throbbing with pain. Was Mikoto misjudging her power and it had actually broke a bone in her arm? But it wouldn't be bleeding this much ...

"The burn would be worse than that-dattebane!" Kushina responded to Mikoto impatiently. But immediately after, the red-head paused. After a few moments, her eyes widened. "Wait a second ... burn?" She repeated, sounding shocked. She turned her head back to Sakura, her expression filled with realization. "Burn-ttebane?! Isn't that the same spot where-"

"It probably just got broken." Sakura responded quickly, cutting off her friend entirely. Kushina clamped her mouth shut, her navy-blue eyes wide with shock and concern. "Anyway, Mikoto ... you look pretty banged up. Let me heal you so ..." The pinkette tried to change topic, but another jolt of pain went up her arm and she stopped speaking with another pained sound.

"I swear Pinky, if you don't stop that bleeding right now, you'll turn the whole ground red-dattebane!" Kushina suddenly growled, glaring at the medical in frustration.

The medical ninja became more conscious of just how profusely the blood was dripping from her fingers and how she was starting to feel a bit light-headed. She was not stupid enough to ignore that.

Reluctantly Sakura funneled her chakra into her hand (avoiding Kushina's still stern stare) and placed it on her lower arm. Stinging pain sparked from pressure, but the medic forced herself to ignore the discomfort. As her chakra did it's work, Sakura looked back at Mikoto and Kushina. "Do you two still need to be healed too or not?"

Kushina scowled again and didn't say anything. Ignoring it, Sakura looked over her wounds again. "Kushina ... I've seen you holding your ribs a few times. They might be bruised, maybe broken."

The red-headed Uzumaki looked reluctant to answer, but after a moment closed her eyes dismissively. "It's not a big deal. I heal fast." She answered gruffly. Sakura remembered then that Kushina had the Nine-tails inside her. She must've had the same accelerating healing factor as her son.

Taking her friend's word for it, Sakura turned to Mikoto. "What about you? I'm sure you have a bone broke somewhere."

"It's not anything serious." Mikoto responded coolly, though it didn't particularly match how she looked. Sakura stared at her uneasily and opened her mouth to say something, but Mikoto stopped her with a stubborn stare. "I say it's nothing. And if it isn't, then I'll have one of the Uchiha medics look at it." She reiterated adamantly.

The medical ninja wasn't quite convinced, but couldn't decide whether Mikoto didn't want treatment or just didn't trust her enough. Either way, she's proud ... like Sasuke-kun. Sakura thought a bit wistfully. It was really quite surprising to her. Mikoto seemed so different from her future son, but they had more similarities than she first thought.

"Well, alright ..." The medical ninja agreed reluctantly. "Your injuries shouldn't be too bad. I only used a little of my chakra." Sakura pointed out, giving her a firm look. "Just make sure you're well-rested and that wound doesn't get in the way for tomorrow." She advised her seriously, her emerald-green gaze stern.

Mikoto stared at her, looked even more serious than Sakura. "That won't happen." She answered steadily.

The medical ninja nodded, a little comforted by the Uchiha's more obvious firmness in taking part. Her attention drifted back to her wounded arm, still being healed by her medical ninjutsu. It was still stinging uncomfortably from the healing chakra. It's still bleeding. Normally minor wounds usually stop that by now ... Sakura reflected. It wasn't bleeding as much as before, but it certainly still wasn't normal.

Just what exactly is this? The medical ninja thought, mystified. It was definitely a second-degree burn, but one that bled like this? It was so strange. The way it's hurting ... it's almost like ... Sakura started to conclude, but she shook off her thoughts. She didn't want to think about that now. But for the first time, the medic felt truly worried.

"Anyway. If you two think you're okay, then I guess we should get going." Sakura changed the topic, managing to keep her voice normal.

Mikoto lowered her gaze, a stern expression on her face. "I still need to meet with my Clan for training lessons. I've wasted way too much time out here already." The dark-haired Uchiha said matter-of-factly, grimacing in displeasure.

"Right. You should do that." Sakura agreed. "Just make sure you meet us on time tomorrow. We only have three hours." She reminded her seriously. The medical looked back more hesitantly at Kushina. "And Kushina ... I want you to meet me at my house first. We need to talk about some more planning." Sakura told her, making a gigantic effort to hide her feelings.

Kushina blinked, looking puzzled. "Well ... okay." The red-headed Uzumaki responded a bit awkwardly. Unwarranted shame singed Sakura's heart at the curious and trusting look in her eyes. Kushina was always so quick to believe in her.

Mikoto observed Sakura through narrowed eyes, looking far more suspicious than Kushina. But before they could see if she would say something, Sakura spoke first. "See you two tomorrow." The medical ninja told them dismissively, taking a moment to stare at them seriously. But before any of them could take even a single step, a familiar voice sounded.

"Tomorrow, huh?"

Shock rippled through Sakura. Turning, the medical watched as a spiky-haired form jump down from a tree. His expression was very, very serious. The pink-haired was too dazed to speak.

Kushina's eyes were saucers. "Minato-dattebane?!"

Mikoto was the only one who looked calm. "Minato-kun?"

Finally the medical ninja's shock receded a bit. "W-What ... how much did you-" She tried to question, a part of her steadily starting to panic over the implications this was getting.

"What are you doing here-dattebane?!" Kushina demanded furiously, cutting off Sakura entirely.

Minato walked calmly in the clearing. "So you're taking Mikoto with you two into the Uchiha compound ... tomorrow, four o' clock. Isn't that right?" The blonde repeated matter-of-factly, his tone extremely hard to read. When he was close to them, his blue eyes locked on Sakura. "You're breaking into the Uchiha compound to find a time-travel reversal jutsu, aren't you?"

Mikoto was frowning at Minato. "You mean you don't know all this already?" She realized, sounding thoroughly puzzled.

Sakura stared in shocked horror at the blonde ninja, stopping her healing on her arm in the process. He had heard that much? "How did you get here?" The medical ninja finally asked, staring at her friend in bewilderment. Was Kushina's excuse earlier of "introducing" Sakura to Mikoto not enough?

"Did you follow us-dattebane?" The red-head accused contemptuously, taking a few steps toward him.

"I came this way after talking with the Hokage about the Chunin Exams. I was just walking back." Minato explained levelly, his expression slowly showing hints of displeasure. "Then I saw a few knocked down trees and went to check it out to find you three." He finished, a stern look developing in his eyes. "Kushina ... you're involved in this?"

"So what if I am-ttebane?" Kushina shot back defiantly.

In the face of Kushina's obvious temper and Minato's seriousness, Sakura felt herself grow more and more uneasy. She had to do something. Before she could take any further action, Mikoto stepped forward first. "Minato-kun ... you didn't know about this? Why?" She asked again. The Uchiha sounded like she really couldn't wrap her mind about that.

Minato's gaze swept over the other two kunoichi, resting particularly on Kushina. "That's what I'd like to know." He responded simply, slightly narrowing his eyes.

Getting more and more worried, Sakura finally acted. "Minato, listen." She addressed urgently, staring at him almost desperately. "Maybe we are trying to get into the compound, but it's a lot complicated than you think! It's ..." The medical ninja tried to explain, struggling to think of a good reason that he would at least try to understand.

"I think I understand it fine." The blonde replied steadily. "You're invading the very recesses of a powerful Clan without any protection of the Hokage. A direct disobeying of his council." He described bluntly. "That means if you got caught ... do any idea how dangerous this is for you and Kushina? Especially in your case, Sakura." Minato reprimanded warningly. "And Mikoto ... your Clan didn't agree to this, did it? You're taking a risk too."

The medical ninja stared at Minato helplessly. It was going just as Kushina said it would should Minato ever found out about what they were doing. What made it worse was that Sakura had no idea what she could say to him to alleviate his concerns. Lie to him, tell him it wasn't as dangerous? Minato would never believe that.

Beside them, Mikoto was avoiding Minato's eyes a bit guiltily. Kushina, however, was still just as angry. "Minato, we are doing this-dattebane. Sakura needs to find a way back home." The Uzumaki argued passionately, her navy-blue gaze filled with challenge. "If you don't like it, then stay out of it-dattebane!" She stated fiercely.

"But Kushina ..." The blonde-haired jonin responded disapprovingly, looking a bit annoyed.

"Shut up-ttebane!" The jinchurki snapped angrily, momentarily silencing her best friend. "This isn't the place to talk about it." She stated curtly, her navy gaze glancing sideways at Sakura and Mikoto. "Mikoto, Sakura, you two should go home. I'll deal with this." She promised tensely.

"Are you sure?" Sakura asked worriedly.

Kushina nodded, glaring back at Minato. "We'll go to the Uchiha compound tomorrow, no matter what Minato says." The Uzumaki swore adamantly, her tone tinged with defiance.

The medic was still hesitant. "But-" She tried to protest, reaching out with her unwounded arm as she took a pace toward them.

Mikoto, however, held the pink-haired girl back. She turned to see the dark-haired girl's serious expression. "No. Kushina is the best person to do this." She told her quietly. Though her tone was steady, Sakura thought she looked uneasy herself for a moment.

"Don't worry, Pinky-ttebane." The jinchuriki addressed firmly. When Sakura looked back at her, she saw a small smirk playing on her lips. "After all, when it comes to me and Minato, I practically always win our fights." Kushina bragged confidently, wicked amusement glimmering in her eyes.

Minato stared at her in plain frustration. "Kushina ... !" He addressed impatiently, ready to continue the argument. However, Kushina's piercingly stubborn and meaningful glare stopped him. After a few moments, the blonde ninja gave a resigned sigh. "Fine, Kushina. We'll talk about this somewhere else." He agreed reluctantly, looking it was extremely hard for him to say.

The blonde jonin's attention drifted slowly back towards Sakura. "And Sakura ... whatever else happens, I think you should take care of that arm of yours." Minato suggested seriously.

The medic jumped slightly, then looked back uncomfortably at her arm. While not dripping in gigantic waves anymore, it was still oozing fresh bleed. Of course Minato would know about it and he was right. She needed to do more to heal it, no matter how ridiculously difficult it was for reasons a part of Sakura didn't wish to understand.

Meanwhile, Kushina turned and walked a few paces. She paused to glance at blonde, staring at him bad-temperedly. "Come on. Get going, Minato!" She ordered impatiently. She was already marching in the opposite direction without another glance. Minato hesitated a second, his eyes flicking back to Mikoto and Sakura, but he followed after Kushina.

Sakura watched them go, trying to figure out what she was feeling. Minato finding this out could be either very bad or very good. There was a still a part of the medical ninja wondering if she could use him to get Kushina out of the way after all, but she didn't know if that would work. Minato, as Kushina clearly said before and just proved, would never like her doing such a dangerous thing either.

"Don't worry. Kushina will get through to Minato-kun." Mikoto promised, the confidence in her voice surprising Sakura. "She really wasn't lying. She does usually win their arguments." The dark-haired girl elaborated, hints of a wry smile on her face.

The medic frowned thoughtfully. "I hope so ..." She murmured, her attention drifting back to her wounded arm. "With Minato knowing, things could go either way. But I guess all we can do is rely on Kushina." Sakura agreed, bringing back some of her remaining chakra into her palm and applying it to her wound to try and staunch the rest of the bleeding.

The shadow of amusement in Mikoto's face slowly faded. Her gaze was unreadable again and she looked away a moment. " ... I have to go back to my Clan now. If we take Kushina's word for it, we'll be start the infiltration tomorrow." The dark-haired Uchiha responded seriously.

However, she didn't make any attempt to move. She looked back to Sakura, her obsidian eyes getting an intensity to it that the medical ninja had often seen in Sasuke. "I did agree to help you and Kushina do this. I know that. Even though I can't say for sure it's the right choice. Even though I don't particularly trust you." Mikoto acknowledged reluctantly, looking ahead of her again.

The pink-haired girl stared at her questioningly. Mikoto began to walk away, but paused one more time. The dark-haired Uchiha glanced over her shoulder, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm taking a risk for you. I chose to help you. Don't make me end up regretting it." Mikoto warned, her voice edged with meaning.

Before Sakura could respond, the Uchiha rapidly walked away without even a second glance.

The pink-haired girl stared after her tiredly. With the burning of her arm wound even while being healed, Mikoto's distrust, finding a way to keep Kushina out of this plot, and now Minato's knowledge to add on to everything else, the pink-haired girl couldn't help but wonder not for the first just how all of this had happened.

The medical ninja sighed. Forcing to apply even more chakra to her wound and wincing somewhat at the increased sting, Sakura's restless and worried thoughts settled on only one thing. Kushina ... I'm counting on you!

~~Minato~~

After getting a safe distance from Sakura and Mikoto, Minato and Kushina stopped near a more run-down building. In front of Minato, the red-head Uzumaki stood still with her back still facing him. Then Kushina whipped around, staring at Minato with narrowed and unfriendly eyes.

"Minato." Kushina addressed tensely. "We don't have to argue. You can just let this whole thing go and have Sakura do what she has to." The jinchuriki told him steadily, her tone almost even. While she sounded sincere, Minato could see from the look on her face she was have difficulty trying not to lose her temper again.

Minato gave her a long look. He never liked arguing with Kushina, especially because of how horribly she often reacted (There was rarely ever a calm argument from her). But right now he just couldn't back down to what she wanted. This situation wasn't like regular ones. It was too serious and dangerous.

He suddenly remembered what he had told Kushina when they had argued over Shinosuke's death. That she was never always right about everything. And apparently, judging from what he had seen today, neither was Sakura. I can't let those two do something that will only get them hurt ... I'm sorry, Kushina, Sakura. He thought, a bit sad but certain.

Gaining his resolve again, Minato meet her gaze unflinchingly. "There's no way I can do that, Kushina. This is just too unsafe." The blonde-haired answered adamantly. Frustration surged within him and he glared at the Uzumaki. "Even you must know that. Why would you put yourself and those two at risk?" He demanded.

"To help Sakura go back to the future-dattebane!" Kushina responded instantly, her dark blue eyes fierce. "Somewhere in that Uchiha compound is a scroll that just might be the key to bringing her back home. Maybe something even better-ttebane!" She justified firmly. "If the Hokage can't help her do it, then me and Mikoto will-ttebane!"

"What are the chances of this even working, Kushina?" The blonde challenged. "You and Sakura don't even know what you'll find. You don't know if they'll be anything in there to help her. That's too much risk on too little information." Minato argued. "I don't want you or anyone else getting punished over something that you never had any real reason to do."

"Not a real reason? The reason is hope-ttebane!" The jinchuriki retorted in outrage. "If we don't find anything, we don't find anything. But I'm not just gonna do nothing when a person so obviously can't do it all on her own. You know how much Sakura been through, more than most-ttebane!" She pointed out sternly, narrowing her eyes. "What I don't understand is how you can just stand there, denying her maybe only route to go home, when she barely even has any hope anyway!"

"I care about Sakura too, Kushina. She's our friend. But that is exactly why we can't let her do this." Minato argued back steadily, his blue eyes just as stern. "Her place in this village is bad. And the Uchiha Clan would be furious over this. If she's discovered by them, she ... and anyone else with her, will undoubtedly be wanted killed." He warned, desperate for her to understand. "And since she doesn't have consent of the Hokage, she doesn't have his protection. She'd be vulnerable to whatever happens to her."

Kushina was silent, looking more serious. Unbidden, some of the fight went out of him there and Minato sighed. "I do know what Sakura's gone through. I know she's been lonely, but to think she would ignore this ..." The blonde fretted with a frown, feeling troubled. "I don't like crushing anyone's hopes, but I hate endangering comrades even more."

"We're not idiots, Minato. We know this is dangerous." Kushina answered curtly, not looking impressed. "Do you think I was ever comfortable with this? I just know that it's only option Sakura's got. All I'm doing is making the most of it." The Uzumaki justified stubbornly. "You don't even know if we'll screw it up. Pinky said it herself. If we do everything right, then it'll work out. A little faith would be nice, ya know." She added, sounding a little annoyed.

"All I'm doing is looking out for you guys." The young jonin repeated solemnly, feeling more and more concerned. "Kushina ... if you were caught with Sakura and Mikoto, you'd be put at just as much risk. The Uchihas won't be easy on you." Minato pointed out worriedly. "I don't want anything to happen to you for something like this."

"Oh, so this is about me-ttebane?" The red-head accused immediately, a furious light entering her eyes.

"It's about all of you!" Minato corrected in frustration. As much as he loved Kushina, he would never favor her life above everyone else. "It's just that you and Mikoto are putting yourself at unnecessary risk. It's not like you or her have to do his." He closed his eyes. "I wish Sakura wouldn't think she had to do this either ... there has to be a more safer option." Minato said added seriously, feeling disappointed.

"Like what, Minato?" The jinchuriki shot back, her expression filled with defiance. "You're supposed to be 'the genius', right? What else can she possibly do?" She demanded meaningfully, her gaze sharp with intensity as she waited for his answer.

The blonde looked away, sudden guilt seeping through him. He had thought of that question many times and not even he could think of answer to that. Even though Minato had sworn to help Sakura go back to our time, he could admit that nothing for that result looked too promising. Minato truthfully couldn't blame her for being desperate.

"Exactly. There's nothing." Kushina continued firmly. "Even Pinky knows it. Half the time she acts like she already gave up. And you're just gonna let her feel like that-ttebane?" She said, looking scornful. "She literally has no hope for herself, Minato. And if this break-in is the closest thing that might bring that hope back, then I don't see what's the problem." The Uzumaki said seriously. "Of course Sakura's our friend. And friends help each other." Kushina finished stubbornly.

Minato stared at her tiredly. If Sakura really is giving up ... then I can understand why Kushina is fighting so hard. He acknowledged more understandingly, feeling sympathy over the pink-haired medic's plight. He didn't want her to feel that way either, but he couldn't erase his misgivings. Friends' safety was more important than anything.

Though, at the same time, he was also unimaginably concerned about Kushina's well-being. He didn't want lose the woman he loved from this either, no matter what had happened between them lately.

Yet, when he saw that relentlessly stubborn and righteous look in her eyes, he couldn't help but felt a flicker of pride and affection. She always had such a willingness to stick to whatever she thought was right.

The blonde jonin lowered his eyes, desperately fighting between his conflicted feelings. "Kushina ... why didn't you tell me about this?" He finally questioned softly, unable to stop the tinge of disappointment from creeping in his voice. On some level, that really did hurt and frustrate him.

"Because I knew this would happen-ttebane!" Kushina hissed, her face contorted in frustration. "I knew you'd never want us risking our lives. And Sakura doesn't need you getting in the way and ruining it for her. The better question is why would I tell you? " She justified challengingly, sounding as if it was obvious.

Minato's own frustration slipped through. Kushina truly did know him well. " You still should have told me."

"Why, so you can stop us?" The red-headed Uzumaki countered. "You really need to stop trying so hard to protect everyone, Minato. Let other people do what they want for a change-dattebane!" Kushina retorted. "We're ninja. Ninjas are supposed to put themselves in danger. We have just as much as chance as dying on a mission as we have do doing this." The kunoichi argued.

"It's not the same, Kushina. You know this is-"

"It's the truth!" She interrupted impatiently. "All of us can die at practically any time from a mission. Maybe breaking into the Uchiha compound is dangerous, but at least it has a chance of working. There are some missions don't even that for some ninja." The jinchuriki reasoned matter-of-factly, still giving him a frustrated stare.

Minato gazed at her uneasily. He remembered that Tailed Beast attack and how a jinchuriki died from having it removed. Hearing Kushina speak so easily about death when it very well be her facing that ten years down the line was incredibly unsettling. "I don't see how this is supposed to convince me, Kushina ..." He replied tiredly, lowering his eyes as worry rushed back.

The Uzumaki still glared at him, but seemed calmer. "The point, Minato, is that no matter how dangerous it is, Sakura's going to do it. I doubt I could change her mind even if I tried to." Kushina said evenly. "So what's better? Letting her do it by herself and probably get herself killed or go with her so it doesn't happen?" She said, her gaze sharp. She shook her head. "The answer's obvious to me. I don't care if Pinky's being stupid. I won't take away her last chance to go back when we don't even know it'll as end as badly as you say it will."

The blonde-haired ninja lowered his eyes, feeling a cascade of guilt and uncertainty. No matter what the logical side of him said, he could see Kushina's line of thinking wasn't entirely without fault. It wasn't like she truly liked the danger and agreed with Sakura's actions. For her it was only the option the medic had. Could he truly judge the red-head's loyalty?

As if she knew what he was thinking, Kushina's gaze softened. "I know it's only because you care, Minato." She said gently. "But you have to have faith in Sakura. She doesn't have anyone here. We can't stop her and maybe leave her alone the rest of her life. It's not right." The Uzumaki repeated, her tone soft but firm. "I made a promise to help her. So did you."

Minato's eyes widened a second in realization. She's right. I did promise to help Sakura go back home. And if go back on that ... that would be wrong of me. He acknowledged, feeling a rush of guilt. He hadn't thought of it like that. All he had been thinking about was their safety. What type of person would he be if he went back on yet another thing he said?

Conflict raging within him, he still couldn't entirely erase his doubt. "Still, Kushina ... something like this ..." He protested worriedly.

"Stupid Minato. Stop trying to act like you know everything for once, will you-ttebane?" Kushina responded teasingly, her voice laced with affection. "I'll be alright. And I'll make sure Mikoto and Sakura don't get themselves killed either. Knowing them, they're gonna need it." The Uzumaki added, her dark blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

Minato hesitated. He still couldn't erase his concerns on just how dangerous this was. But he knew there was absolutely nothing he could do to sway Kushina's mind. The only hope would be Sakura and the blonde doubted that happening nearly as much. At this point ... there was only one thing he could do.

The young jonin sighed, his shoulders hunching in defeat. "You're right, Kushina. We did promise to help her. Honestly ... when it comes to that, it just wouldn't feel right doing otherwise." Minato admitted, forcibly pushing away any of his remaining worries. He raised his head and looked at her more seriously. "That's why I won't you do this alone."

The Uzumaki's eyes widened in shock, looking suddenly horrified. "Absolutely not, Minato-ttebane!" Kushina replied in flash, her tone fervent. "This is just way too dangerous for a another person!" The red-head denied, sounding very concerned.

Minato gave her a look. "That's what I thought. But I guess it's only okay if you're the one going, right?" The blonde answered dryly, his tone filled with pointed meaning.

Kushina pulled back as if she had been hit, her expression instantly filling with frustration. "That's not- Shut up-dattebane!"

The blonde-haired ninja stared at her levelly, quickly getting serious again. "You said you promised so you're going. I promised the same thing. We don't go back on those things. So I'm just as obligated to be involved in this as you are." Minato reasoned steadily. His blue gaze intensified. "I won't let get hurt in there, Kushina. Not Sakura or Mikoto either."

The red-head was quiet, staring at him in more frustration than words could ever describe. Minato meet her gaze unflinchingly. If the girl he loved and two of his friends were going to be exposed to such danger and he couldn't stop it, then the second best thing would be there to protect them. As Kushina herself had said, better to stick with them then risk them dyinh when he could've stopped it if he had been there.

Finally Kushina lowered her eyes, making a noise of impatience. "I guess I got no choice. If I say no, you're probably just come anyway." The Uzumaki acknowledged reluctantly, looking very irritated.

Despite the Uzumaki's obvious annoyance, Minato smiled at her in a wave of gratitude. "Thank you, Kushina."

Kushina glanced back at him in minor irritation, then closed her eyes. "Whatever." She grumbled, still some signs of scowl on her face. Opening her eyes, she turned her back to the way they had come. "We should probably tell Sakura pretty soon. Pinky will have a heart attack if you just show up tomorrow unannounced."

~~Present: Naruto~~

Jumping down from the air, Naruto finally spotted something promising. A huge, red rectangular-shaped barrier stuck out with several Edo Tenseis trapped among them. Ninjas on each corner where keeping it up. A few bodies of those white enemies Naruto had been chasing were scattered on the ground. The other ninjas, most of which looked ragged and exhausted from battle, were sitting or standing nearby each in circles traced on the ground. Among them, Naruto recognized Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji.

It had been some time since Naruto had decided to stay and take care of this war while delaying finding Sakura. Nearly all of his clones had split and reached all battlefields by now as they identified the White Zetsu. More and more progress was being made by him every time but Naruto knew better than to celebrate yet. There was still plenty of those shape-shifters in the army.

As Naruto got closer, Choji was the one who saw him first. His eyes widened a moment. "Here he is!" Choji called to them, a smile crossing his face as Naruto landed near him.

The blonde ninja smiled back happily. "I'm here, finally-dattebayo!"

Shikamaru turned around, looking relieved. "Oh, there you are."

"Naruto!" Ino greeted more loudly, a bright smile on her face as she waved at him.

Naruto studied his three friends. They seemed more or less okay, even though they looked tired and a little rough. The blonde glanced more seriously at the White Zetsu bodies. At the very least they had managed to get a few. And there's more ... I have to do my best to single them out. Naruto thought solemnly.

"It's a good thing you came here." Shikamaru addressed him, looking serious again. "We made these barriers around us to stop in case any one of the shape-shifters are around ... or one of us." The Nara explained meaningfully. "But if you're able to point them out, then we can be free and start planning our next move."

Choji looked troubled. "I still can't believe they managed to infiltrate themselves in our own army like that. It's pretty nerve-wracking." The Akimichi commented a little uneasily.

Ino nodded slowly. "Yeah. The worst part was medical unit though. It was under attack by those white things before we even knew they were there." The light blonde added. Her eyes suddenly clouded. "Some of our medics were killed, a lot of the patients too from what the HQ said. And Shizune was almost one of them ..." Ino elaborated, a depressed and subdued look on her face.

Shikamaru looked tired. "Common attack strategy. If you take down the healers first, then the rest won't have much as resistance. It makes the army weaker." The chunin explained. "That's especially the case for the more skilled ones ... Shizune was probably the best target." The Nara pointed out a bit resignedly. "A lot of injured didn't make it from that raid ... and we still don't know much about these things. But we still have medics."

Ino sighed. "I know! I just wish we didn't have lose that much medical ninjas! We need as much as them as possible in a war like this." The Yamanaka mentioned in disappointment. "I mean, I'd almost go up there myself but ..." The blonde muttered, looking ruffled and a little annoyed.

Naruto listened to them, feeling himself steadily get more downcast and more downcast. He hated hearing that other people died, but what stuck out to him most was how he wasn't wondering if Sakura had been okay in the medical unit. For what reason would he? She wasn't even in this war. She wasn't even in this time. That reminder still hurt all the same.

" ... I guess things would be better if Sakura-chan was here." Naruto said out loud sadly, staring at the ground and not meeting their eyes.

Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru turned back to him instantly. They had identical expressions of shock and horror on their faces.

Shikamaru was the first one to calm down. " ... So you know about it." The Nara responded simply, looking more and more exhausted. He rubbed the back of his head with his arm. "I guess I can't really be surprised." He admitted resignedly, avoiding meeting the blonde ninja's eyes.

Ino's icy blue gaze lowered as well. She looked miserable. "I'm so sorry, Naruto ... I miss her too." The blonde Yamanaka responded quietly, her tone choked with sadness. Naruto remembered that Ino was Sakura's best friend.

Observing the plain pity in his friend's faces, Naruto didn't need to hear it to know all of them already thought Sakura was dead. A pang hit Naruto, remembering the danger Itachi had said about the after-affects of the time-travel jutsu, but he choked it down. He just couldn't think if that jutsu was killing Sakura. All it would do was slow him down.

Shikamaru looked back at Naruto again with a very serious expression. " We were going to do whatever we could to find Sakura, Naruto. But with the way this war started and how many of the ninja we needed, there wasn't anything much else we could do." The chunin told him levelly. Shikamaru looked away again. Naruto detected regret in his eyes. "I was the one who personally convinced our group to let it go. It wasn't something I ever wanted to do ... I'm sorry."

You just gave up too easily. Naruto thought a little bitterly, feeling a wave of disapproval for a split second. But when he saw the guilt in Shikamaru's face, his protest quickly ebbed way. Shikamaru felt personally responsible on giving up on finding Sakura. It wasn't like he was betraying her or Naruto himself. He just did what he thought he had to, just like when everyone decided to kill Sasuke.

Resignation consumed Naruto. More and more, he was finding that he didn't have the heart anymore to blame anyone for giving up on Sakura. Itachi, Tsunade, Shikamaru, his other friends. All they were doing was put the war at higher priority than finding Sakura because it needed to be done. They didn't care any less. They just knew better than put one's life above a war, even if that meant sacrificing that person.

Naruto took in a breath, feeling mentally tired. "I ... understand." The blonde-haired ninja replied as firmly he could, shoving away that lingering part of him that still wanted to scream in protest. Nonethelesss, Naruto shook his head. "But she's not dead." He refuted, his tone absolutely final.

Shikamaru frowned, exchanging a doubtful glance with Choji. Ino looked conflicted. "Sakura disappeared just when the war was about to break ... we had to call off the search parties. " The Nara explained uncomfortably. "And with this war going on, by now ..." Shikamaru tried to say reluctantly, trailing off as if it was struggle to get his words out.

"Shikamaru." Ino interrupted warningly, her tone quiet but firm. Shikamaru glanced back at his teammate, then looked away with a exhausted expression and was rendered silent.

Naruto's gaze intensified. "I mean it. Sakura-chan is alive. And I'll find her soon." The blonde insisted determinedly, not allowing himself any more room for doubt. Whatever Itachi said about the consequences of the jutsu, he wasn't going to let it get to him. He will bring Sakura back home alive and he will stop this war.

Ino sighed. "I really want to believe that, Naruto ..."

Choji stared at him doubtfully. "All our searches didn't find any signs of her. Just that she was attacked. And it's been a while since then." He pointed out, his expression creased in a frown. He hesitated. "Are you sure ... well, are you sure that you're not ..." The Akimichi tried to say uneasily, breaking off as he withered under Naruto's piercing stare. He turned to Shikamaru urgently. "Help me out, Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru's expression was serious. "Are you sure you're not just telling yourself she's still alive?" The Nara questioned straightforwardly, his voice even as he stared at him searchingly. "I mean, it is Sakura we're talking about. Denial can be a pretty powerful thing." Shikamaru added more sympathetically, looking uncomfortable.

Naruto closed his eyes. "It isn't denial. I have proof Sakura-chan made it." He answered seriously, opening his eyes and staring at him unflinchingly. "Look it's really hard to explain right now, but I swear it's true. We'll all see Sakura-chan again as soon as I bring her back." Naruto promised confidently.

Shikamaru regarded him doubtfully. "Do you actually have proof?"

Ino stared at him intently, burgeoning hope appearing in her eyes. "Do you really think you can, Naruto?"

Naruto smiled at her. "Of course I can-ttebayo! It's just another promise of a lifetime-dattebayo!" The blonde-haired shinobi swore warmly, meaning it with every fiber of his being. His promise of a lifetimes were something he would never turn his back on.

Both Shikamaru and Choji's eyes instantly widened, sounds of shock escaping their throat. Ino was starting to look more and more hopeful.

His Nara friend calmed down, a deadpan expression on his face. "So you're going back to that again, huh?" Shikamaru noted somewhat dryly. But after a few seconds, the look on his face became more searching. "But what exactly do you think you know about this whole thing?" He prompted again, his small eyes narrowed.

Naruto paused, having to think this over. He could tell them the whole truth. That Sakura had been transported to another time period this whole time by the very person who instigated this war. But explaining how he knew that and what Itachi had added on top of that? He had promised Itachi to keep his status as a good ninja a secret and passing the message his mother gave him just didn't seem like the right time.

"All I can say is something weird took place when Sakura vanished. She didn't just die, and she's not like a typical missing person either. " Naruto answered matter-of-factly, his expression thoughtful. "It's really confusing. Even I don't understand it all that well, but just trust me on this. I'll definitely bring her back alive."

Shikamaru still looked skeptical. "You seem really sure about this ..." He noted, raising his arm to rub the back of his hand. "I suppose stranger things have happened, but it's been almost two months. I don't see why she would be around this long unless she was captured by the enemy as prisoner of war." The Nara theorized, frowning. "But I also remember Kiba saying Sakura didn't leave behind a scent at the scene. Just another thing that makes no sense."

That must've been the Time Manipulation Jutsu. It sucked Sakura up so a scent didn't go anywhere. Naruto guessed. It was really no wonder even the best tracking groups hadn't been able to find her. He shoved the thought aside. "Something weird happened, I tell you-ttebayo!" The blonde insisted passionately.

"Maybe, but ..." Shikamaru acknowledged, still looking troubled. "I hate to say it, but the odds might still be against us. The longer this war drags on, the less likely it is to find Sakura. And in a time like this, we can't afford to drop it." The Nara reasoned matter-of-factly, looking back at Naruto questioningly. "Naruto ... are you sure there really is a way to bring her back?"

Naruto's confidence didn't waver. "Even if there isn't a way, I'll find one-dattebayo." He responded stubbornly, looking at him determinedly. "I don't give up. So I won't give up on Sakura-chan." He said adamantly, gazing at his friends in utter seriousness.

Shikamaru was quiet, lowering his eyes with a thoughtful expression. Ino looked back at Shikamaru urgently. "Maybe we should believe in him, Shikamaru. Maybe he really will find a way to bring back Forehead." The light blonde argued.

Choji gave a small smile. "Ino might be on to something. I mean, it wouldn't be the first time Naruto did something impossible, right?" He offered optimistically.

Shikamaru gave them one more doubtful glance, then sighed. "How troublesome." He muttered, rubbing the back of his head with a slight frown. After a few moments, he looked back at Naruto. "If anyone else tried to pitch they could do this to me, I probably wouldn't believe it." Shikamaru admitted. He dropped his arm. "But you obviously know more about this then we do. I have no idea what it is or how, but ... I guess that means something. Maybe you can bring back Sakura." He acknowledged seriously.

Naruto smiled warmly, gratitude swelling inside him. It was nice to hear that someone actually believed him for once in hope for Sakura. And it wasn't like Itachi, who had believed him but shunned his plan and went on his own; even though now he couldn't really judge him. While there was a part of him still anxious over Sakura's safety no matter how confident he tried to be, his friends' support certainly helped.

Ino stared at Naruto gratefully, her smile widening. "Thanks so much, Naruto. Because of you ... there might be hope for hopeless old Forehead after all." The light blonde said in hopeful amusement, her expression sincere.

The Uzumaki nodded, the optimistic and confident smile not leaving his face. And ... the sooner I stabilize this war, the sooner I'll be able to find Sakura-chan. Naruto thought to himself solemnly, feeling his focus return at full force. There was no more room for distractions if he was going to complete those things. It was time to get serious.

Consciously aware of the White Zetsu bodies surrounding him and his friends, the blonde jinchuriki raised his fist in a fist-pump. His expression was screwed up in determination. "Alright-ttebayo! Let's take on these shape-shifting things together-dattebayo!"

~~Sakura~~

Sakura took a left turn to the direction of her apartment, dragging her feet listlessly as her mind whirled with thoughts. It was nighttime now and hardly anyone was outside. A full moon shone brightly up in the sky, frosting the buildings with a silvery, almost ghostly sheen. But Sakura scarcely noticed. Her exhaustingly complicated thoughts blotted out everything else.

Sakura and Kushina had won over Mikoto. They had a passage and a appropriate time to carry it out. Most of all, there was room in that compound with all the Uchiha Clan's forbidden secrets to protect. It was finally going to according to plan. It all seemed so easy. But the minute I get into that compound, then everything will change. They'll be no more time for second chances. Sakura thought apprehensively, her expression serious.

The medic knew she didn't have much choice anymore. She had accepted it. But something about this was still getting under her skin. This was not the same as when she had purposed going into the Uchiha compound for records of a time-travel jutsu. The Hokage and the Uchiha Clan had not given her consent. If she made one mistake, the danger would be higher than it's ever been.

And it wasn't just for her. If Danzo really did succeed in getting information on the Uchiha Clan's weaknesses, then she would be condemning so many people in the Clan to suffer undeservingly. The Clan Sasuke had loved so much, destroyed because of her from in the inside out. Sakura would never forgive herself if that happened to such innocent people ... and to Sasuke.

Almost unconsciously, Sakura turned her head at her injured arm. It was stiff and uncomfortable, but she had stopped most of the bleeding. However, while the bleeding had ceased, the intense stinging remained. In fact, it felt like it was steadily getting worse. Instead of just sparking from the burn on her arm, it was hurting all the way up now.

While the pink-haired girl was trying to ignore the arm injury, her medically trained mind wouldn't entirely let her. There was something ... off about this wound. It wasn't normal. But the more she thought about what was off, the more it got to her. This injury ... it feels so familiar ... Sakura recognized apprehensively, feeling a sudden sense of foreboding.

Instantly, Sakura shook it off. Even if it is something like that, I can't let that get in the way of the Uchiha compound break-in. This is just too important. She told herself resolutely, pushing aside her uncomfortable apprehension. One tiny mistake could ruin this entire thing. Sakura would have to find a way to treat this arm immediately. No matter how difficult she was beginning to see it as.

As the medic-nin trekked the rest of the way, she finally saw her small apartment in sight. The pink-haired girl was just about ready to walk up the staircase to her room when a smooth voice stopped her dead.

"Sakura."

Sakura drew back in shock, turning around to look into the face of none other than her biggest problem in this time period: Danzo. The shadowy man was staring at her with narrowed eyes, his obsidian eyes as intimidating as ever. The streetlights enhanced the shadows on his face, intensifying his stern and serious expression.

The pinkette's shock subsided. A wave of pure frustration siphoned through her, but this time she kept it in check. "I was wondering when you'd show up again." Sakura responded tensely, half-glaring at him with an unimpressed expression.

"Apologies for the wait. I've been tied up with other matters more recently." Danzo answered back coolly, his voice filled with sarcastic sincerity. His expression became even more somber and stared at her sternly. "So I suppose you know why I'm here." The dark-haired man prompted a little warningly, his voice filled with meaning.

The medical ninja paused, taking in a breath to control her outrage. " ... It's like I said. It's all going according to the plan." Sakura replied almost evenly, but her emerald gaze was hard. "You don't need to pull any drastic measures. In fact, by tomorrow I'm going in there."

Danzo still looked wary. "So it seems you were in fact going through this after all." He recognized. From his tone of voice, Sakura got the feeling he hadn't thought she would go through with it. "But still ... Uchihas are not easily won over. Be careful in the one you chose. They must trust you." The Root Leader warned.

Sakura hesitated. She couldn't help but remember how Mikoto had immediately made it clear she didn't trust her, but in the face of Danzo she shoved it firmly aside. "It was the best Uchiha I can find. They will definitely help me pull this off." The medical ninja stated firmly, staring at the man unflinchingly.

The shadowy man observed her guardedly. "So you still insist on not telling me who the Uchiha is." Danzo noted with a grimace, a flash of displeasure erupting on his face again. When Sakura said nothing, the dark-haired man looked even more suspicious. "Why is it you're trying so hard not to disclose their identity?"

Anger flowed over Sakura again and this time she couldn't hide it. "Why does it matter?" The pinkette countered sharply, staring at him fiercely. "Knowing who the person is won't effect how this all turns out. It won't make the plan better." Sakura argued a little impatiently, tired of Danzo trying to push this topic just because he wanted control. "The point is, it doesn't matter."

Danzo was silent, giving her narrowed stare full of dislike. " ... Don't overstep your boundaries in this, Sakura. You're in a very precarious place in this partnership." The Root leader threatened almost impassively, but his tone filled with meaning.

We don't have a partnership. Sakura denied bitterly. But she remembered what she had discovered the last time they had seen each other. There was more to what Danzo was saying, more than what he would admit. He needed her as much as she needed to obey him. For the moment anyway, she was his best tool. Even this verson of Danzo wouldn't be so quick to cast that tool aside.

With that motivation, Sakura stared at him challengingly. "I'm doing everything you want, aren't I? You said you won't kill anyone else if I do this so I will." The medical pointed out, her tone steady and firm. At least until I figure out a way to get those Uchiha secrets away from you. "And I'm doing this as soon as tomorrow night. No one else knows about this."

Danzo looked unaffected. "Yes, I suppose by now no one would." He remarked drolly, seeming suddenly bored.

The one sentence would've been nothing, but Sakura knew the truth behind it now. Fresh resentment spurred inside her. She had to resist the urge to touch the hidden curse mark on her neck. The one Danzo had personally given her to stop her from revealing his more questionable actions. He knows what he did with this ... he knows he stopped me from talking so inhumanely and he doesn't even care!

The temptation to call him out on what he did to her and furiously express the cruelty of it burned on her tongue. However, Sakura knew better than to make a bad decision with Danzo twice. Even if she even talked about the seal, he would know she had tried to betray him. And as unfriendly and plainly bad their relationship was, Sakura couldn't afford to extinguish the off-chance he might trust her.

So Sakura held back and Danzo continued speaking. "If you're holding up your end of this deal, then fine. What's most important is that the mission is done." He brushed off matter-of-factly. "Do not reveal yourself to any of the Uchiha in the compound. You will be killed on the spot. Let the Uchiha lead you to the room where the secrets of the Uchiha jutsu are and bring me back their weaknesses." He ordered, his voice so annoyingly unaffected it was as if he was talking about how his day went.

The pink-haired girl stared at him, not quite hiding her unfriendliness but still choosing to compose herself. That was still the part she needed to figure out. How she was ever going to keep those jutsu records away from Danzo and protect this Clan? But she ignored her inner turmoil and nodded gruffly. "Understood."

"After the job is done, meet me back at the Root hideout. But I'm afraid our meeting will have to be delayed more than few days this time ... just make sure you don't lose the information." Danzo continued on seriously, his expression looking more and more stern.

Sakura regarded cautiously. " ... Delayed?"

Danzo's expression darkened. "It appears one of my Root ninja became sloppy." He answered reluctantly. He hesitated a moment and he looked around him. "Ever since then, the Hokage's been keeping track of my movements. He's even been stationing ANBU to watch me." The dark-haired man admitted grudgingly, his expression impassive.

He must mean what Lady Tsunade found ... that seal of Root. Sakura recalled, thinking this conclusion over. This must've been a big mistake of his if he's being put under watch by the Third Hokage already. She wondered not for the first time if that in any way made it possible that she really could reveal him despite her place in the village. Even with her new curse seal, was there even a small chance?

The dark-haired shinobi was already starting to walk away. But at the last moment, he paused and turned to look at her. His expression became more dark. "And Sakura ... remember. Do not fail in this operation. No matter how much you may try to avoid it, the consequences will be most unpleasant." Danzo warned matter-of-factly, his expression threatening.

The medical ninja didn't respond. She just watched as Danzo turned back to leave until she saw his form steadily slip away into the shadows.

After she was content Danzo was truly gone, Sakura sighed. Tiredness seemed to seep into her bones. Danzo isn't joking. I need to figure out how to keep those secrets from him without him knowing I am. The medical ninja thought, frowning thoughtfully. There were still those same options she had brainstormed earlier to do that. Danzo was under suspicion now. Maybe ... just maybe, I can reveal him.

It wouldn't be able to be done by just telling the Hokage and anyone else. Or, to be more precise, she technically couldn't anymore. The only way she could expose him was by showing visible proof of it. That might be doable ... it'd take a lot of work though. Danzo is not the type of person to not have his guard up. And he could just as easily turn it on me, knowing my bad spot in this village. This is gonna be tough. Sakura reflected seriously.

She wished she could say she felt confident enough when so many people still didn't trust her despite trying to save Shinosuke. However, Sakura still wasn't comfortable about it. Even revealing it by not talking about it was tricky in itself. There was also still the risk that revealing Danzo too early would cause negative consequences which she could not afford to have happen.

The more Sakura thought this over, the more tired she was becoming. There were only so many things that could wrong but so many other things that can go right. Whenever I'll end up with Danzo and the Uchiha secrets, I need to have a solid plan by tomorrow. No more worrying and no more doubting. I have to do it. Sakura told herself stubbornly, ignoring her lingering doubts on that topic.

At the thought of the Uchiha secrets again, Sakura remembered something. Going into this compound under "Danzo's mission" might not be the only thing out of this. There was still the Madara scroll that Kushina had mentioned, probably located in that very place. It had documented his abilities and his weaknesses in detail, even if it was ancient.

I might find a way back home with that ... or maybe I'll find something even more helpful in there. Sakura considered hesitantly, her expression screwed up in anxiousness. Kushina had been so sure about this idea. It wasn't entirely without fault either. Even if the Madara scroll wasn't in there and ended up useless, they really could be other things that might bring her back to the present.

Sakura dared to imagine what it would be like finding a way home in there. She would finally be able to be with her friends again. See her parents. Help out in the war as a medic as much as she possibly could. There would be no need to worry if the war was low on medics or if all their friends were alive and more or less well-cared for. She would be were she needed to be.

But, most of all, Sakura would be able to see Naruto again. That strange emptiness and fear of never seeing her best friend again would be lifted. There were just so many things left unsaid between them. Now she deeply regretted she never had the courage to address it with Naruto before. Even more so if she ended up trapped in this past timeline forever.

Deep longing swelled in Sakura's heart. She would give anything for those things to happen. But at the same time something inside the pink-haired girl was holding her back. Something she couldn't understand. But ... what if I actually do find something? I'm not doing this to go home. I'm just doing this because Danzo forced me to. She told herself, crippled with uncertainty. Thinking about doing this just made her so ... uneasy? Confused? Maybe guilty?

As Sakura's tumultuous thoughts collided, the medical ninja uncomfortably tried to push that aside. I don't even know if I will find anything useful in there ... I don't need to think about this now, do I? Sakura thought, frowning in discomfort. But even though she knew the possibility of that logically, it didn't stop that stab of pain strike her heart.

The medical ninja looked back at her apartment, her thought clashing chaotically more and more. It was sinking in fully now. She really was going to break into a classified Clan's compound without permission, possibly putting herself and Mikoto in danger if she made on mistake, and was going to trick Kushina into not participating all for reasons more complex than she truly liked to think about.

Sudden guilt pierced Sakura to a painful degree. Tricking Kushina was going to be the hardest part out of this. After everything Kushina had done for her, the risks she was taking, how she trusted her without even a hint of doubt, Sakura was still denying her involvement. It felt so wrong. It was like she was betraying her. All she's ever done for me is help ... tricking her like this ... is like I'm spitting on that. She admitted shamefully. What kind of person was she if she could lie and lead her on so much?

The medical ninja remembered what Tsunade had said to her once just before she had been put in the past. She had told her that she couldn't do everything on her own and that lying about such serious things wasn't the way. They were supposed to trust their friends. Tsunade had disapproved so strongly of her mistake with Naruto and trying to kill Sasuke then. She would probably say the same thing about this now.

Sakura knew this. Her failure in the Land of Iron had blown up so badly in her face she thought she would know better by now. Still, the medical ninja couldn't erase this feeling that keeping Kushina out of this was the best thing to do. She couldn't bear the idea of Kushina would get punished for this if they were caught when it was never her burden to begin with. Sakura had no choice but to include Mikoto. She was a vital part for the success of the infiltration.

Is it that wrong to protect her? Sakura asked herself, utterly torn. It was Naruto's mother she was talking about. Why could she expose someone like that unnecessarily to such danger that was never even in the original timeline? That was never even her fight to do? Even with what happened in the Land of Iron, she just couldn't find the heart to actually involve her.

An image of Naruto, strong, carefree, and confident in himself no matter what, suddenly flashed in her head. Emotion flooded over her painfully. Naruto ... he always takes other people's burdens. He tries so hard to take care of everyone, even if he runs himself into the ground doing it. And he does it ... while all I do is worry and cry, always ending up on depending on someone else. It's humiliating. Sakura reflected guiltily.

There were only so many times she admired that about Naruto, even with her concerns his blind selflessness only just hurt himself. Sakura wished she could be as strong as he was. In comparison, she felt selfish and useless. She made so many bad choices and either Naruto was the one to pull her out or handled himself with his own problems way better than she ever did hers.

The pink-haired girl thought back to Kushina and just how dangerous it would be to have her go with her. With the reminder of Naruto's actions and her own will, new resolution flowed over Sakura.

All I've ever done is get in the way. I always end up slowing everyone down ... just this once, I want to be the person who takes responsibility so other people don't have to. Sakura thought meaningfully, remembering her mistakes, both recent and past, with a pang. I don't want to be selfish anymore. I just want to do something right.

Feeling more sure of herself than she had for a while, Sakura starting walking back to her apartment. Finding an antidote for her arm, breaking into the Uchiha compound, protecting the Uchiha Clan's jutsu secrets, and shielding Naruto and Sasuke's parents from danger from Danzo no matter what she faced in the process ... she would do all that by herself.

~~Present: Naruto~~

Naruto launched himself off a tree trunk, whizzing the air with steady speed. Bee was right at his shoulder, nearly matching him step for step as they travelled. Naruto's eyes were fixed dead ahead determinedly, all distractions long gone as he made his way in pursuit of Madara. He was still in his Nine-tails chakra mode and while he could admit it was getting tiring keeping the form up, Naruto was not slowing down.

By this point in time, Naruto's plan was working well. All the updates from the HQ have told him that his clones arrived to all the battles and were successfully beating back every imposter White Zetsu. No more of his friends were dying so far and even though the medical ninja group was a lower on manpower than it should've been, it was nothing serious.

Meanwhile, Naruto's real self here with Bee were still in pursuit of Tobi. Naruto didn't particularly know at the moment what his clones were doing other than updates from HQ, but it was enough to give him a good feeling. Just like he had thought, now that he could be here and help his friends, everything was going for the better.

Now all that's left is finding that Masked Guy ... I gotta step on it! Naruto thought urgently, his expression screwing up in concentration as he increased his speed. He couldn't explain it, but he felt like he was getting closer. The strange sensation of empty, hopeless, evil intentions he had felt earlier in the Sand village path was rushing over him. It was all leading him to Madara.

As Naruto and Bee trekked though the forest, Naruto constantly increased his pace in urgency and apprehension. He was so close! So close to solving all of this! But after a few more minutes of nonstop travelling, the blonde ninja noticed something dark out of corner of his eye.

Naruto paused on one of the higher branches, knitting his brow in a frown. Bewilderment flooded over the young ninja as he looked to the sky from under the branches. What ... was that? He asked himself, searching in vain to see the dark shape he had caught that had so rapidly disappeared.

Bee stopped too. He blinked at Naruto from underneath his sunglasses, looking curious. "What's wrong?"

The young ninja was still eying the sky, wondering if he had really caught what he thought he caught. "Did you ... see that, Bee?" He couldn't help but ask, wanting some confirmation his eyes hadn't been playing tricks on him.

The Eight-tails jinchuriki finally looked up, his expression thoughtful. "Hmm ... all I see is greens and leaves. Don't see what you perceive. " He remarked lightly. He glanced back at Naruto. "Maybe your skills are so tight, they make you see every trick of light." Bee teased good-humoredly, a small smile on his face.

The blonde still wasn't convinced. "No ..." He answered distractedly, still frowning. I swear I saw something, but ... Naruto pondered in confusion. He couldn't really explain what he thought he saw because it didn't make much sense anymore. Maybe he just wanted to believe that had been there?

Mulling that over, the blonde gave his head shake. "Um ... nevermind. Let's keep going." Naruto stated awkwardly, forcibly pushing aside the weird image. He needed focus on finding Madara, not this.

Bee hadn't questioned him anymore. The two jinchuriki continued their journey through the forest in silence, passing through it with nearly the same quickness as before. When Naruto and Bee reached another open clearing with an outcropping a short time afterwards, Naruto had nearly dismissed earlier from his mind.

Yet, some things don't always stay that way. As Naruto was prepared to head back in the deeper parts of the forest, he finally saw it. Naruto stopped abruptly on the ground, his orange eyes widening. "There! I see it-dattebayo!" The younger ninja exclaimed in shock, pointing to the sky for Bee to look. "It's Itachi's crow!"

The large, feathery bird circled above the two jinchuriki. Naruto could see it's Sharingan more clearly than ever. But with his recognition came puzzlement. I knew I saw the crow for a second ... but what's it doing here? He thought, frowning a little. It could've sworn it had followed Itachi before he had left to do whatever it is he was going to do.

Right then, the bird suddenly dived towards Naruto and Bee. The blonde tensed, moving back and raising his guard up out of habit, but the crow only perched on one of tree branches beside them. It faced them, it's wings tucked to it's sides as it stared at the two of them. It blinked, looking aloof but strangely friendly all at the same time.

Bee looked surprised. "So you weren't just being dumb after all. It was Itachi's bird ... how glum." The Eight-tails jinchuriki acknowledged half-jokingly, but he seemed almost as questioning as Naruto felt. "The crow just tagged along? Unleashed on us ... doesn't that dead Uchiha have a leash?" The older ninja rapped badly.

Naruto cocked his head a little, feeling pretty confused. "Hey, creepy little guy." The blonde-haired ninja greeted awkwardly, forcing a smile in an attempt at being friendly. "You're not gonna by any chance shove yourself down my throat again, are you?" He questioned out loud, frowning a little at the idea of reliving that.

"No. That would in fact entirely defeat it's purpose."

Sudden recognition of the voice flooded over Naruto. Immediately, blonde-haired ninja turned around so quick it could've given himself whiplash. He watched with widened eyes as Itachi Uchiha stepped out from a tree on the right of his crow. He met the jinchuriki's gazes steadily, not a trace of composure lost in the face of their shocked expressions.

"Itachi-dattebayo?!" Naruto exclaimed, utterly stunned. This was the last person he expected to see with the way they had parted. "What are you doing here? How did you even find me?! Didn't you leave-dattebayo?!" He asked him instantly, totally confused.

Itachi stared at him blankly. "My crow was inside you earlier. Because of that and my genjutsu affinity, I was able to track you." Itachi explained matter-of-factly. After a few moments, Itachi's expression became hard to read. He closed his eyes. "And yes, I did leave ... but it seems I have one more thing left to do here." He mentioned vaguely, his tone meaningful.

The meaning of Itachi's presence here caught up to Naruto then. "You mean you'll ... " He realized in shock, his voice softer but his frown not leaving. He expected he probably should've been happy, but all he felt was confusion. Naruto shook his head. "But you said you had something else to do-dattebayo! You couldn't be bothered with something like this!" He reminded him a little loudly, starting to get worked up. "And all the consequences crap and stuff you kept spouting, that I shouldn't do this ...! Why would you come back now-datttebayo?"

Itachi was silent a moment, utterly unfazed. "All I have said is still valid. Using the Izanali to bring that girl back now would most certainly be a foolish endeavor." The dark-haired Uchiha answered bluntly, his tone unwavering.

Not quite the explanation he was looking for, the blonde ninja was even more perplexed. "Then why ..."

The dark-haired Uchiha lowered his eyes, immersed in his thoughts. After a few more moments, Itachi spoke. " ... You once told me that, should Sasuke ever stand against the village, you would protect it without killing him. Even if every logical option told you not to." He mentioned seriously. "In the face of possibly losing your friend or your village forever, you still refused to give up." The dead Uchiha stated meaningfully. "Ever since that time ... I chose to trust you will save Sasuke."

Naruto calmed down. He observed Itachi skeptically, waiting for the point Itachi was trying to make. The Uchiha looked thoughtful, a distant look in his eyes. " ... I realized that this situation with your missing friend was the same. You should sacrifice and focus solely on the war instead of risking everything bringing her back when there may not even be hope. Again, you convince yourself you can do it all perfectly, however foolish it may be." He continued levelly.

The blonde ninja listened more seriously. Itachi's Sharingan eyes suddenly intensified. "With such similar scenarios, I shouldn't judge you. If I can put my faith in you to help Sasuke find who he once was without death ... then I should believe in you to stop this war and save your friend." Itachi reasoned matter-of-factly. He looked away, closing his eyes. "I still can't approve of this. I would never make decisions based solely on faith." Itachi admitted firmly. He opened his eyes, revealing a hint of sadness in them. "But perhaps ... that's why I've failed."

"Itachi ..." Naruto said, not knowing what to say. A sudden stab of pity hit him. Itachi had gone through so much in his brief life and blamed himself for so much of it. He had his own ideas and way of doing things yet here he was casting aside his reservations about the dangers of Naruto's plan because he was trying to have faith in him. Something the Uchiha had never had for himself.

Naruto truly saw then just what Itachi was offering. That one shot of bring back Sakura through Itachi's crow was finally at arm's length. He had no obstacles to his path. Right now, at this very moment, he could try to activate this jutsu and find Sakura. Yet, unlike the first time, Naruto couldn't be blindly happy. He understood better there was more than just Sakura at stake in this.

I really want to find Sakura-chan. But if I leave now, what about the war? I still need to find the Masked guy and if I get stuck in the past with Sakura-chan, then I can't help anyone else here. Naruto thought worriedly, familiar conflict roaring to life. He had made up his mind before to do everything by finding Madara, but the temptation to take Itachi up on his offer was so strong.

Itachi must've noticed his doubt. He stared at him levelly. "I will gladly leave if you've changed your mind on this." The dark Uchiha stated upfront, his Sharingan gaze intense. "But I will say this. If your concern is the rest of the Edo Tensei, I do know how to dispel the jutsu. And I will do it shortly." Itachi reassured hm.

Naruto hesitated, struggling to fought off his temptations and doubts. He looked at him hopelessly. "But why aren't you doing that now-dattebayo? Instead of something like this ..." He couldn't help but point out uncertainly. Naruto was completely split between his love for Sakura and his responsibility to stop this war.

"That's still exactly what I'm doing." Itachi pointed out matter-of-factly, his expression calm. When Naruto just frowned a second, the dark-haired Uchiha sighed. "With your constant use of this technique, your obliviousness is rather ironic." Itachi remarked a bit tiredly, looking unamused. Naruto's eyes widened in realization. "My real self is locating the Edo Tensei user. When he does find him, this Edo Tensei jutsu will end. All I am is a clone."

"Just a clone?" Naruto repeated, a little surprised.

Itachi looked at him sternly. "I haven't changed my mind on what I said. I won't waste my time on something like this when I have far more pressing responsibilities to take care of." The dark-haired Uchiha reminded him a little sharply, his Sharingan eyes firm. "I'm still helping you ... Be grateful I even send a clone." Itachi told him seriously.

Naruto didn't say anything, a thoughtful expression on his face. He was grateful, but he still didn't know if he should do this. But even with his doubts, Sakura persisted strongly in his thoughts. Was she really alright? Itachi had warned so seriously about the consequences of the time-travel jutsu. Naruto still couldn't stand the possibility she was dying while he put everything off.

Suddenly the blonde felt a hand on his shoulder. Naruto turned to see Bee. He gave him a comforting smile. "Hey, don't sweat it, bro. You've done more than enough with those white freaks of nature. Me and your friends can take care of the rest 'til you come back ... do your martyr ass a favor." The Eight-tails told him lightly.

The blonde ninja stared at him doubtfully, but couldn't help the hope blossoming in his chest. Could he really do that? Try out Itachi's option, bring back Sakura, and come back just in time to stop this war? He's right though. A lot of those things are already pretty much down and most of the Edo Tensei's are starting to get sealed. I mean, it's not totally over, but it's better. That counts for something, right? Naruto reflected hesitantly.

Realizing there was that stubborn part of him that still wanted to take care of everything else for his friends, the blonde-haired ninja immediately stopped himself. He needed to stop thinking like that. He couldn't do absolutely everything by himself, even for the people he loved. And when did him of all people get suddenly doubtful about returning home or finding Sakura alive?

"Don't forget your friends ..." Naruto repeated to himself thoughtfully, reminding himself of his reality check. He turned to Bee, giving himself a confident smile. "That sounds great-dattebayo! You guys hang tight and take care of the rest. I'll be right back in time to help some more. And with Sakura-chan too-ttebayo!" The blonde shinobi declared determinedly, raising his fist in a fired up gesture. "Like hell I'll let myself get caught in that time-dattebayo!"

Bee's smile widened. "There's the stupid spunk I'm looking for. It's not as fun seeing it become a chore." The Eight-tails jinchuriki said light-heartedly, sounding entertained.

Itachi closed his eyes, a still serious look on his face. "So ... I assume you've finally made up your mind." He said, saying it more as a fact.

"Yeah!" Naruto replied energetically, his orange gaze filled with fiery determination. Optimism and yearning, the types for once lately not strangled down with conflict and doubt, filled his being. He wasn't going to worry if he couldn't do things. As he once said himself, he ever doubted himself on what he could do, then he would never get anywhere.

Itachi's expression became more solemn. "Well, first things first ..." The dark-haired Uchiha started seriously. "Remember the risks of this jutsu. It's certainly not reliable or easy to accomplish. And even when it is, it usually causes serious injuries as after-affects." Itachi warned stoically. "You must be aware of what you're walking into if you go through with this."

"You already told me all that stuff." Naruto responded a little impatiently, his resolute expression not wavering. "I still need to do it. I need to try it if I'm ever gonna find Sakura-chan." The blonde-haired ninja argued stubbornly, dismissing all his suspicions. No more doubting at this point.

Itachi blinked. "Very well. But there's also an added setback to this now." The dead Uchiha suddenly referenced, his Sharingan gaze grave. "I'm sure you probably already know this, but any type of Shadow clone only works at half-capacity of the real one. Meaning that this jutsu, if even done successfully, will only last half as much to how it would have with my real self."

Naruto looked down, grimacing despite himself. "Yeah ... that means the jutsu won't hold very long. That won't leave me a lot of time." He acknowledged reluctantly, already seeing how much worse it would be if it took him forever to find Sakura even in the right time. He looked back at Itachi. "Is there any way to control the portal? Leave it open or ... maybe open it again later?"

Itachi paused, his Sharingan eyes slightly narrowing as he thought. "I may be able to ..." The dark-haired Uchiha responded cautiously. "I'll do all I can to make sure you're not trapped in the past. If nothing else, you're still too important to lose in this war." Itachi told him matter-of-factly. "However, I can't promise it will all go smoothly. And if you don't find her, then you don't her. I won't be able to do this again."

Naruto wasn't deterred. "Got it! I'll just do my part and you do yours-ttebayo!" He responded determinedly, his orange gaze fixed on Itachi's face. But as the thought of this whole thing suddenly occurred to him, there was more thing he didn't quite have an answer to. "But there's something I never got. We know Sakura-chan's in the past, but not the exact year. Is there any way the jutsu can figure that out too?"

Itachi paused, his eyes narrowed as thoughts swirled silently within him. After a few moments, he closed his eyes. "I'm still not the best source for this jutsu so I can't say how well it will work ... but Shisui told me once that part is split into two steps." He explained seriously, opening his eyes and looking at Naruto meaningfully. "Firstly, what little do you know?"

Naruto paused in thought, his expression serious. "Well ... my mom told me about Sakura-chan, so it has to be at least 16 years ago." The blonde recalled, furrowing his brow at just how vague that was. After a few more seconds of thinking, he closed his eyes in a little frustration. "That's all I know-ttebayo! It wasn't like she was really specific about anything!"

Itachi stared at him calculatingly. "That's an issue. This jutsu must be completely precise, especially on years." The dark-haired Uchiha replied straightforwardly. He paused a moment, his expression completely impassive as he narrowed his eyes slightly. "But... in situations like this, there may be one way."

The blonde raised his head quickly, staring at him with wide eyes. "Yeah?" He prompted a little urgently, struggling to die down his anticipation and eagerness.

The dead Uchiha closed his eyes. "In order to pinpoint where she is precisely, we need an anchor. Something connected to her. Or at least that's what the legends say for those few who lost someone in another time." Itachi elaborated seriously. He opened his eyes and glanced at Naruto in the corner of his eye. "In your case you're lucky. Since my crow was inside you recently it's still enough of an anchor should we bring you back. It's lingering chakra is still present."

"Anchor? You mean like something of Sakura-chan's, right?" Naruto prompted steadily, understanding the direction this was going. He looked around, his mind whirling to think of something. "Wait, um, hold on ..." The blonde continued on more distractedly, deactivating his Nine-tails chakra mode to rummage around inside his pockets

As he searched, Naruto quickly found his efforts were starting to look in vain. Most of what he had on him was just typical ninja gear, some money (bad decision, considering that was probably going to get destroyed in this war), and more kunai and shuriken. It wasn't looking like he had anything belonging to his pink-haired teammate on him.

Frustration surged through Naruto. Ugh! Why would I even have something of Sakura-chan's?! It's not like she's my girlfriend! The young ninja reflected a moment in annoyance, hating the inconvenience of this situation. His irritation giving him determination, the blonde dug in his pockets more fervently. Come on! There's gotta be something!

Suddenly, at the very depths of his pockets, Naruto felt his hand touch a edge. Surprise flooding over the blonde despite himself, he got a firmer grip on it and tugged it out. Naruto blinked, watching as he pulled out a folded, slightly crumpled piece of a paper. Naruto's memory finally catching up to him, he quickly unraveled it and stared in face of the picture of himself with Sakura.

I don't know why I brought this ... it could've got destroyed out here. The blonde thought in some bewilderment, feeling slightly bad about that. He really liked this picture. It had been taken a few months ago after Pain destroyed the village. He had spent a lot of time with Sakura in his free time then. I'm usually careful with these type of things ... but I guess bringing this was a good thing after all!

Ignoring the thought, Naruto looked back up at Itachi and handed him it. "Will this work? I mean it's not hers, but Sakura-chan's still in it. You can make a link with that, can't you?" Naruto prompted hopefully, not taking his eyes off the Uchiha's face as he waited for answer.

Itachi took the picture cautiously. He stared at it a second through narrowed eyes, looking like he was thinking. " ... It's enough." The dark-haired Uchiha responded simply after a long pause, raising his Sharingan eyes up at Naruto.

Delight and happiness singed through the young blonde ninja. "Alright-dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly, his blue eyes sparking with eagerness as he failed to stop a grin from coming to his face.

Bee, who had been silent through the whole exchange, also smiled in amusement. "No more worry for a hopeless case. Go and get your stuff set in it's place already, ya fool." The Eight-tails jinchurki encouraged breezily. He no longer showed any argument or disapproval of what Naruto was intending on doing. Finally, Naruto couldn't help but notice, they were all starting to believe in him. And he was back to believing in himself.

Itachi paused a moment, staring at Naruto meaningfully. "It is time." The dark Uchiha remarked solemnly. If he had any lingering trace of doubt about this, he didn't show it.

The blonde ninja nodded, seriousness overlapping his excitement as he truly took in what was happening for the first time. I told you, Sakura-chan. I'm definitely bringing you back. You're coming home. Naruto thought to himself determinedly. He remembered all of his desperation since he heard of her disappearance and all the hidden doubts he still had on her safety along with his tangled responsibility on this war. And finally ... this was really it.

Resolve coming with renewed strength, Naruto gathered back his chakra and reverted back to his Nine-tails Chakra mode. "Let's do this-dattebayo!" The jinchuriki stated resolutely, staring back at Itachi with pure willpower.

The dead Uchiha met his stare with equal seriousness before handing over the picture again. "Here. Channel your chakra into this picture. Focus on Sakura. And then afterwards, put it against the crow. From there, I'll use your link and activate the Time Manipulation Jutsu to the time. Let's only hope you find the right one." Itachi ordered gravely.

The blonde ninja hesitated a second, staring at Itachi's outstretched hand doubtfully. "But won't the picture get destroyed if I do that?" Naruto asked. He knew full well how strong chakra was, especially in his case. He didn't see how would that help a link. He also didn't quite like the idea of one of his only pictures of just him and Sakura getting completely destroyed.

Itachi's gaze became more severe. "Do you wish to save your friend or not?" He challenged sternly.

Hesitating one more second and just deciding to take Itachi's word for it, Naruto took back the photo. Moving next to the crow on the side opposite of Itachi, Naruto looked back at Bee in front of them with a smile. "Take care 'till I get back, Octopops-dattebayo! I'll be right there with you guys in no time-ttebayo!" He reassured him confidently,

Bee gave him a thumbs up. "Yeah, bro! You better go and finish it all in a flash. 'Else I'll be the one to take out the trash." The Eight-tails jinchuriki replied light-heartedly, giving him his own half-grin.

Naruto smiled at him a moment more, then he glanced back more seriously at Itachi. The blonde nodded once, reassuring the Uchiha that he was ready. The dark Uchiha didn't need any further signals. He closed his eyes and formed one of his hands into a hand sign, still as a statue as he charged up his chakra for this nearly impossible jutsu.

The jinchuriki held up his photo to his face, staring at it seriously as he braced himself one more time. He gripped the photo tighter, closing his eyes as he channeled as much chakra as he thought was necessary into it. He felt the paper spark and modify at the action, but the blonde didn't pay any attention.

Naruto thought only of Sakura. He pictured her just as she always looked: pretty porcelain skin, her vivid green eyes, bright pink hair, and that happy smile he had always so much admired and loved. He remembered how she was stubborn, had a terrifying temper that somehow still managed to constantly intimidate him, was so easy to cry, and always worried too much about things.

But he also remembered her compassion and how much she cared about everyone. How much they had gone through together with Sasuke's absence and even before. Her responsible nature and how she always refused to give up, especially when it came to acknowledgment; just like him. Naruto didn't think he could ever properly express in words just how much he had grown to love that about her.

The young ninja screwed up his expression in even tighter concentration, keeping in mind of the time being at least sixteen years from now while he kept Sakura consistently rooted in his head. If he could, he would channel every ounce of emotion and love for Sakura into this chakra-linking picture. Naruto was not giving up.

Naruto opened his eyes determinedly. Swiftly, he slammed the chakra-consumed picture on the crow's side and risked a glance back at Itachi. The dark Uchiha's eyes were still closed, but blood was dripping in streaks from them despite his impassive expression.

The blonde jinchurki hadn't needed to say anything. Only a second after, the dead Uchiha opened them and the Mangekyo Sharingan appeared. Itachi placed his hand on the crow and looked it in the eye. Naruto only had one second to notice a slight difference in his Mangekyo Sharingan than the usual before he saw the crow stiffen and turn towards Naruto.

" ... Time Manipulation Jutsu." Itachi recited solemnly, his tone as steady as ever.

The minute the crow looked at Naruto in the eye, the blonde felt his blood freeze in shock. The Mangekyo Sharingan was now much, much different than Itachi's; Naruto just knew then it was Shisui's. He backed up a few paces unconsciously, but otherwise stayed routed in place as a huge, black void opened up in front of him.

He could only just make out Itachi's impassive face as the void started to consume him. "Naruto ... good luck."

What happened next Naruto would never fully remember. The only thing that clicked was a black hole swallowing him up and then dragging him powerfully into the seemingly nothingness. Strange sensations sizzled all over his chakra-clad body, but there was one last part Naruto remembered most clearly: a searing white light ...

~~Sakura~~

Sakura's eyes suddenly shot wide open, jolting out of a dead sleep in the middle of the night. The medical ninja sat up straight in a heartbeat, staring at the wall with wide and confused eyes for a moment. She was still in her bedroom at her makeshift apartment. She had gone to bed some hours before after she had made preparations for the Uchiha break-in and her side plans there ... what had waken her up now? Did she have a nightmare?

It was then the medical ninja fully felt it. A strange sense of uneasiness and anticipation was crawling under her skin, but there was something else too. More than just confusion ... not just worry? What was it? Sakura couldn't quite place it, but something inside her was telling her something. That something wasn't right ... something was going to happen.

Compelled by senses she hadn't understood at the time, Sakura's gaze slid towards her bed stand. Right beside her the picture of her and Naruto lay propped up there, untouched and in easy sight. The medical ninja stared at her, her focus particularly shifting to her best friend's smiling face. Another feeling of significance hit her at the moment.

Not taking her eyes off it, more apprehension wormed it's way into the pit of her stomach. Underneath her confusion, somberness fell over Sakura. She stared at the picture with a more serious expression. "What's this ... feeling?"

A/N: This update was a little delayed ... sorry, with Naruto ending this was a pretty hectic week. xD But I finally got the next chapter done ... but also the last one before we all know the ending of Naruto and the pairing resolution, whatever happens (Still hoping for NS tho!). I'm gonna let that that sink in. XD Somehow this chapter ended up being slightly shorter than my last one yet somehow had 6 and half viewpoints lol. Apparently from me that's possible now.

Anyway, a lot of Naruto just like I promised. You see that even after his angry moment of Itachi leaving him, he remembers the situation and how important the war is and that what he was doing might not be something he should do after all. Some character development there, right? :o But Naruto wouldn't be Naruto he still tried third options so him announcing he was still gonna save Sakura along with this was just him IMO. And for those of you who wanted to know how Sakura's disappearance affected the war ... did you catch the answer I gave? ;)

Sakura's planning for the Uchiha compound further explained. Sakura is still trying to keep Kushina out of it and even reflects on it to herself that that may not be right, but seems to be recycling old mistakes from the Kage Summit Arc anyway. Sakura's feelings on this in this story are very complex and what she's doing to Kushina may or may not be the right thing to do (that'll be revealed soon), but she does have her reasons; you can either sympathize with them or not. And Sakura's arm also seems pretty seriously injured too ... can you guys guess what's wrong with it? ;) I dropped some hints in there lol.

The last Naruto part was probably the most shocking one for some of you ... but also exciting! XD I debated on whether or not this option with Itachi should spring up so soon, giving how Naruto sort of tried to focus on the war before Sakura, but when I re-read the manga chapters of this time and analyzed the overall story I felt this was right. Naruto took down a lot of the White Zetsu around this part in the manga. It was also pretty important to me that Naruto tries out that "Don't do everything on your own" advice which made this flow well. I also thought Itachi would eventually trust Naruto in doing this, but of course only sent a clone. xD

I personally liked how I pulled off the alternate time jutsu way. I felt like it was unique with the whole linking chakra to something Sakura involved. What did you guys think of that? And this chapter ends on a pretty bad cliff-hanger ... did the time-travel jutsu for Naruto work? Is he going to the right time? Will he be hurt? All the answers are next chapter. :P

I'm really grateful to all who reads this story. Last chapter was apparently one of my more popular ones and I hope this chapter didn't disappoint either. Like I said, I'm pretty disappointed there's no possible way I can end this story before the last Naruto chapter and that 'll know for sure whether or not my opinion on NS's relationship or Sakura is accurate (remember I only ever write what I think fits canon), but I guess whatever. I'll still ship NaruSaku and continue this story, no matter if I'm wrong or not! Hold tight guys! :D

NEXT CHAPTER: The time of the Uchiha break-in is upon them and is finally set in motion. Sakura resolves to carry out her plans and see it through no matter the setbacks, but it becomes quickly apparent than not even all her plans could've predicted everything. Tension mounts, bonds are tried, and emotions are tested to their absolute limit ... culminating with a shocking end.

Thanks for the 188 favorites, 259 followers, & 258 reviews!