Author's Note: Hello all. Verrrrrry long time no see. Which is completely my fault. But I think I probably hate myself more than you hate me, so... yeah. Here begins Parto Threeo! This is going to be(?) my favorite part I think; mostly cuz this will much better fit my evolved writing skills and style. I hope the change isn't too dramatic for you. But feel free to throw things at me.

THERE ARE SO MANY ORIGINAL CHARACTERS IN THIS PART, I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU. But there will be links on my Profile to pictures of them (I have FIVE oc's now. FIVE.) and also the original Team 7 in "new" costumes (not that you or I knew what they were dressed in during Parts I and II O.o).

I cannot tell you when this will be updated again. Nor can I tell you how long until this story is finally completed.

Disclaimer: Not the owner/creator of characters you recognize. Nor did I draw any of the pics you may or may not view - I only borrow and colour change.

Part Three: The Mission of the Child

Chapter Twelve: The Tide of Time

The sound of the closing door first alerted Sasuke Uchiha that his son had returned home. Leaving the now-washed fruit on the countertop, Sasuke headed towards the front entrance, the sound of his footsteps causing Seiji Uchiha to look up and make equal pairs of obsidian clash.

"Hey," the twelve year-old greeted noncommittally, returning to the task of removing his footwear.

"Welcome back," the twenty-seven year-old returned. Taking account of the dirt on his son's hands and shoes, he commented, "You're home early."

Seiji grumpily snorted as he removed the ninja bandana on his head so he could better brush his fingers through his hair. "What'd you expect? It was only a few weeds."

"It took my team the whole afternoon when we did it."

Seiji raised a disbelieving eyebrow before shooting his uncle-turned-father a glare. "No it didn't. You're making that up to make me feel better about being stuck with D-ranks all day." Shoving past his guardian, Seiji took extra measure to bump aside his arm – just to get across how ineffective his father's 'cheering up' was.

"You forget that I had Naruto on my team." Sasuke's tone alone told Seiji how unacceptable his attitude was and it made the young boy freeze (and flush, just a little).

Suddenly embarrassed, Seiji coughed and tried to change the subject, "What's to eat tonight?"

Carefully, Sasuke replied, "Fish and rice."

"No tomatoes?" Sasuke glared at the grin he was sure was on the little guy's face.

"Just one. And an apple for you; I just washed them."

A lost moment of silence slipped into the conversation before Seiji sheepishly offered, "I'll cut them, then."

It was as close to an apology as either Uchiha would get.

During dinner, Sasuke kept a close eye on his nephew-turned-son as the boy reported the day's adventure with his team. Seiji was usually enthusiastic and entertaining when he told stories – especially about his team, though Sasuke imagined that was largely thanks to the influence of Mira Kagami, the female Genin – but he was strangely subdued tonight. And while fish wasn't Seiji's favorite food, it wasn't like him to push it around with such a sullen look on his face. He hadn't even touched his apple slices, a side dish that Sakura had served to Seiji every day when he had been in her care. Seiji had said it was weird, the first day he ate supper at Sasuke's and there were no apples to go with his meal. Sasuke now made it a habit to purchase a healthy supplement of apples along with his tomatoes every time he went to the village market.

Seiji's odd behavior continued through the evening. During their spar, Seiji delivered brutal offensive hits but his defensive was weak; squirming out of a defensive position and attacking again, never giving Sasuke a real chance to charge. Seiji often liked to prove that Sasuke couldn't touch him because his evasive maneuvers were sort-of-almost on par with Sasuke's offense. Seiji was the type to defeat an opponent by letting them exhaust themselves and then going in for a swift kill. But tonight he was taking every opportunity to lay harm.

When the boy activated his Sharingan, Sasuke took immediate action to trip and trap him – just as Kakashi had done in Team 7's first survival exercise. Seiji never activated his bloodline in the middle of a spar; it was either on or off at the beginning and stayed that way all through the duration. Seiji prided himself on honor and honesty when fighting a comrade; that included letting them know what they were up against, pulling no tricks in the middle to suddenly gain the upper hand, no toying with your friends.

But faced with the ground, Seiji stilled. An odd reaction, when he'd usually struggle or whine for Sasuke to get off him. Eyebrow raised, Sasuke finally asked him, "Seiji, what happened today?"

Seiji didn't bother feigning ignorance. "They're calling Mom a traitor."

Sasuke tensed. "Who is?"

"Some of the villagers. The woman whose garden we weeded; I overheard her talking to some others about it. She made sure I heard."

Sasuke briefly closed his eyes in a wince for his son. He'd never had it easy, being the bastard son of Konoha's greatest criminal and being raised by Konoha's second greatest criminal. Oh, Sasuke knew of the gossip, heard it every day he shopped at the market. Many people were uneasy about Seiji's presence in the village; waiting for him to turn criminal at any given moment. That was partly why Sasuke had pulled him out of the Academy to cancel out his earlier advancement before enrolling him with kids his own age. Having Seiji rise in the ranks as Itachi had… that would just be asking for trouble among the civilians – and some of the shinobi too.

"Just what are they saying?"

"That she abandoned Leaf. That she's never coming back unless she's got an army of our enemies behind her. That she's the reason our medical supplies have been getting cut off," Seiji's words grew more venomous as he listed off all he had heard. Hearing such awful things said about someone he held dear… It had been enough for him to activate his Sharingan and glare murderously at the women who had been gossiping. "They even said that she's whoring herself around so she can have the children of all the most powerful ninja. That -"

"Lies," Sasuke seethed. "Sakura would never do such things."

Even from his horizontal position, Seiji managed to glare at him something fierce. Though their anger was the same, there was something that his uncle didn't know. "Did you know she's already got two?"

Sasuke visibly tensed. "Two what?"

"Kids," Seiji spat, "she's been seen travelling with two girls! Twins! They said there have been reports!"

Even his many years of Uchiha reserve couldn't mask Sasuke's shock. While his mouth floundered for another question, a young male voice called from the front of the house, "Uchiha-san? Are you there? Do you have time to come with us to the Hokage Tower?"

An even younger female's vocals followed, "Kaka-kage-sama wants to assign us a C-ranked mission! Can you believe it, Sei-kun? C! Rank!"

"C-rank?" Both Uchiha's questioned aloud. Allowing Seiji to remove himself from the dirt, Sasuke shot a glance to his now-excited-but-still-troubled son, who shrugged his dirt-stained shoulders in reply.

"Sei-kun, c'mon; we don't have all night!"

Rolling his eyes in repressed affection, Seiji walked around the house to reach the front with a semi-fake grin, uncaring about Sasuke following him. As expected, it was the other two members of Genin Team 6 that stood out front the house, one as bleak and lean as shadows, the other as cute as a button. Mira Kagami, her warm amber irises shining as bright as her matching hair, with strands that were not tied up in red, red ribbons kissing the many freckles perked on smiling rosy cheeks; and Kako Hidoi, the tall boy's hair streaked with parts black and white, strands half-covering the ragged scar that stretched from his right temple to his chin, broken only by the black eye patch placed over his right socket which hid one of two crimson eyes.

"There you are, Sei-kun!" Mira chirped moments before she tackled the boy in a hug, though her feet weren't anywhere near the ground as she swung from his neck. Seiji, used to this, crouched down so that at least gravity couldn't further help her in strangling the life from him.

"H-H-How do you do, Uchiha-sama?" Kako addressed Sasuke, bowing straight and low. The lanky teenager was always anxious whenever Sasuke was around – or, well, when any ninja was around. Being dumped back to the Academy again and again for failing numerous Jounin's private tests for four years in a row had stunted his confidence and he was always trying to prove himself. It was this worse-than-Naruto record that had landed the sixteen-year-old with the two most prestigious Genin of the year: Seiji, who excelled in defense and was the unspoken leader of their threesome; and Mira, who was actually only ten years old but excelled in setting and detecting all kinds of traps and illusions. She also possessed immaculate control of her chakra, which had been responsible for her breezing through the Academy's curriculum in three years instead of the standard five.

When they had first been introduced, Sasuke didn't think he'd ever seen a stranger team. They seemed to suit Naruto-sensei quite well, though.

Nodding to the still-bent-to-the-ground boy, Sasuke politely replied, "Well, thank you," even though he wasn't; the news of Sakura's travelling companions was still troubling his mind. Straightening, Kako stood rigidly, not quite so bold as to meet onyx eyes. "I suppose Naruto pressed for you all to receive this mission?"

"Yep, yep, yep!" It was Mira who answered him, no sense of shame or embarrassment as she met him eye-for-eye (all the while jumping on the spot in sheer excitement). "Na-to-sensei was bored of accompanying us to all our D-ranks so he got us a C-rank instead! Kaka-kage-sama smiled really big when Na-to-sensei asked! Isn't that great, Chiha-sama?" Childish though she may be – especially considering she nicknamed every single person she met – Mira had a… restricted semblance of respect for the formidable shinobi in front of her.

Sasuke smirked. Kakashi had probably been remembering the last time Naruto had claimed to be above D-ranks and demanded a higher ranked mission. Sasuke silently hoped that Seiji's mission would turn out better than his first C-rank.

"Kagami-chan," Kako started nervously, "are you sure you aren't hurting Uchiha-san?"

Mira tilted her head in a cute 'Heh?' before she realized she had been all but choking Seiji in her euphoria.

"Ah!" she yelped, quickly unweaving her arms from Seiji's neck, worried tears welled up in her eyes as she watched the red in the boy's face slowly decline. "I'm so sorry, Sei-kun!"

Straightening his spine, Seiji reassured her, "Not a problem Mira." Rubbing his neck, he glanced at each of his teammates. "Well? Are we going or not?"

"Squa!" It was Mira's own made-up word that she cheered whenever she was excited. She had several made-up words, in fact, and used them all quite frequently. "Let's go! Ko-san! It's your turn to piggyback!" And before anyone could blink, the little girl had clambered up to rest on Kako's willing back. She giggled with glee and snuggled into his hair when he not-so-reluctantly supported her under her knees and began to walk. As irritating as she could seem to outsiders, both Kako and Seiji appreciated Mira for her innocent, childlike behavior. It was easy to like her when she made them feel so adored all the time. It was easy for all of them to get along actually, Naruto included… because all of them were orphans. More than that, all of them were outcasts. Well, not Naruto so much anymore but still.

Sasuke placed a sturdy hand on Seiji's shoulder. Seiji, though he met his caretaker's eyes, did not question what his hand was there for; he could guess what Sasuke would say.

"Be smart. Keep everyone safe out there."

"Sure thing."

Nodding in approval and giving a single squeeze to his shoulder, Sasuke released his son; giving a quiet, rare smile as Seiji jogged to catch up to his teammates who had stopped to wait for him with smiles of their own. Sasuke was reassured yet again, that holding Seiji back had been the right thing to do.

"Mei! Kei!" Where had those two run off to now?

Giving a half-hearted sigh, Sakura sat on a nearby bench and looked around the town's rather impressive marketplace. She didn't really mind so much, that the girls liked to play their games with her every chance they got, but she was hungry and she had just bought fresh fruit for them all, thinking she would treat today because her mission's end was finally in sight.

'Four years…' she thought, 'I wonder how everyone is doing…'

Hearing giggling come from her left, Sakura chanced a glance in that direction just in time to see a familiar braid of hair fly behind a crate. Looking to her right, Sakura saw a suspicious-looking cap ducking into a fruit stall – the one Sakura had only recently left. The vendor, an intimidating, middle-aged woman who wore a black apron and looked used to handling all sorts of foolishness but generously gave her a discount when she learned Sakura and the girls were travelers, startled at the appearance of her sudden guest. She soon snuck Sakura a quick glance and a secretive smile; Mei must have just explained her purpose and probably asked to remain hidden. Sakura smiled back at her and leisurely backtracked towards her.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but have you seen two little girls of mine? They seem to have snuck off on me." She threw in a wink, just to make sure the lady understood her game.

"Why no," she replied, her country accent not as heavy as some of the others, "I've not seen no child 'round these parts. So sorry I couldn't help ya, Miss."

Sakura waved a hand, sure that Kei was spying on her from her own hiding place. "Oh, it's not a problem at all. It only seems a shame to let such wonderful fruit go to waste," Sakura removed the ripe peach and plump pear from her bag of purchases, holding each in one hand so both girls would see their favorite fruits. Smiling when Mei inconspicuously peeked from underneath the counter, Sakura continued with her threat, "Perhaps I ought to trade in these for more of my own favorite fruit?"

The vendor, still glowing from Sakura previous compliment about her self-grown stock, nodded in vigorous agreement, "Yes, yes. Such a shame it is, to eat such fine delicacies and not enjoy 'em. Though, if you'd be happier with two more o' my apples…"

"NO!"
"WAIT!"

Sakura and the lady laughed as both Mei and Kei spontaneously appeared to grab their precious fruit from Sakura's traitorous hands. The girls, with identical pouts in place on their faces, sulked a little about how unfair Sakura had been. Bribing, pssh! Who even did that nowadays?

Smiling apologetically at them, Sakura turned back to the vendor and took her up on her offer for more apples – so long as she could purchase two more pears and peaches as well.

Hinata was worried. It was only her and Naruto's laundry that she had been doing, but she was still worried. Terribly so.

It was about Naruto. Ino, had she been present to witness Hinata's fidgeting might have drawled, "It's always about Naruto." And true enough, Hinata was one to err on the side of caution and Naruto's tendency to rush head-first into risk and adventure drove her mad with panic sometimes. Given her timid nature, it wasn't like her to assume things and jump to conclusions, and she always looked before she leapt but... Well, what was she supposed to think after finding a ring box in the pocket of one of Naruto's pants?

Okay so she was more than worried. Hinata was freaking out!

And checking all pant pockets before washing them was a habit she'd developed when Naruto accidentally left a couple smoke bombs in his pockets and her favorite white pajamas had come out dark purple (which she resigned to wear only after Naruto told her she looked pretty in purple and the smell had dissipated); it's notlike she was snooping around for proof of Naruto's love for her! No! Hinata knew much better; the fact that their relationship had lasted for nearly four years, and they'd moved in together this time last year (a brand new apartment, a little larger than his old one had been and far away from her father), and that they'd even talked about living out the rest of their lives really and seriously bound to each other by law was more than enough proof for her, thank you very much! They'd even gone looking at engagement rings once or twice but hell, she didn't know he'd bought one!

Overcome by a sense of calm curiousness, she wondered which one he had selected. She recalled trying on numerous rings and taking note of many likes but not so many favorites. Hinata wasn't very decisive when it came to expensive things like diamonds – mostly because she was aware that they weren't the easiest for Naruto to afford. On anniversaries and special occasions, she'd been more than happy to accept single white roses, soft plushies, and the several kisses on her cheek that he'd sneak in while they spent the day together. She didn't once think Naruto was cheap – it wasn't just her gifts that he'd cut down on spending after all; ramen had been rationed to one bowl a day now for months and he kept sharpening his getting-old ninja gear rather than buying new ones. But despite the lack of spending, he kept pushing Kakashi for more missions. She had suspected for a while now that he was saving up for something but she hadn't really thought all that effort would be for a ring! And by the weariness of the velvet covering, Naruto had been carrying it around with him for a long time.

Okay the panic was back! What was she supposed to do now? Now that she had the worn, little, velvet box in her hand, what was she to do with it? Would he know that she'd seen it? Was she supposed to hide it? Where? Should she pretend she hadn't seen it? What if she had just ruined his whole proposal plan?

Beginning to breathe in a quick and shallow pattern, Hinata reached for the home phone. This called for emergency assistance.

"Bad time, you!" Thank Kami her sister had picked up!

"Oh, sorry, Hanabi!"

"Sis?" Then there were some shushing sounds mixed along with pleads and violent threats. Then she was back, "Hinata-nee! It's been a while; how are you?"

"Well… See, the thing is, I've got a problem."

"You're pregnant?"

Hinata innocently flushed. She could not believe the influence Kiba was having on her little sister!

"N-No! What on-on Earth gave you th-that idea?" Naruto had helped cure her stutter ages ago – he'd made such a big deal about it when they'd shared a full dinner conversation without her stuttering once, and had proceeded to drag her to an ice cream vendor in cause of celebration. And it wasn't just him; she could talk to nearly anyone without uttering a single stutter now. Unfortunately, it had a nasty trick of reappearing whenever she was on the verge of fainting.

Uh oh.

"Nee-san? You're stuttering; are you going to faint?"

She never got a chance to answer; she was too busy moving to sit on the floor so that when she did eventually pass out, she wouldn't have an injuring fall. Deaf to the urgent calls of her sister calling her name and saying she'd be right over, a red-faced Hinata closed her pale eyes and fell back, that little box still clutched tightly in her hands.

"Wait. Hold up."

Everyone in the room looked expectantly towards Naruto who was posing dramatically with a hand in front that just said 'stop'.

"Are you telling me that you've upgraded us from looking for lost cats to looking for lost kids?"

Kakashi – almost four years in the Hokage position and he was already set to retire – gave a heaving sigh. "In a way, yes, Naruto, I am telling you that."

Naruto sputtered. "But-But-But you said we'd get a C-rank mission! Not a Lame-rank mission!"

"Naruto, searching for missing persons is C-rank."

"But there's no adventure to be found in hunting down kids!" ('Good to know you're not a pedophile,' Kakashi thought before he could stop it from crossing his mind.)

"But isn't it a pleasant step up from weeding the grass or cleaning up animal droppings?" Kakashi tempted, a large grin residing under his mask. "Several, even?"

Team 6 laughed at the memories while Naruto simply flushed and crossed his arms in a pout. "I still haven't forgiven you for that."

"Regardless," the Hokage continued, falling into business mode, "can I trust that you and your team will successfully complete this mission or should I hand it off to another? Kiba's perhaps?"

Naruto bristled. He hadn't forgiven Kiba either. Rolling his eyes, Naruto made his groan of annoyance extra loud – just to make life harder on Kakashi – and snatched the mission scroll from Kakashi's outstretched hand.

"Wipe that stupid grin off your face," Naruto only half-threatened, his blood beginning to pump with the idea of stretching his legs outside village walls. "Well team," gesturing invitingly towards the office door, "are you ready to put your tracking skills to use?"

"Hai, sensei!"

Ah, Naruto beamed, being called 'sensei' would never get old.

Author's Note: I had tons of fun writing this chapter! If you're in the mood to review, I'd really like to hear your thought on each section, even if it's just a sentence or two:
-Sasuke and Seiji interaction / Team 6 interaction
-Sakura and Mei and Kei interaction
-Hinata (I never knew she was so much fun to write!)
-Naruto and Kakashi interaction (and yeah, I follow the anime so I don't know if Kakashi ever does become the Hokage. But for argument's sake, in my fic, he officially came into the position shortly after Sakura left - Sakura's mission was the last one Tsunade ever assigned.)