A/N Just a short prologue to get this up and running. SasuSaku with mature themes closer to the end of the fic.

Don't expect love at first meeting because it isn't realistic. It will happen though.

Let me know what you think so far anyway :)

Reviews keep me going!

As always. Happy reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

PROLOGUE

THE MISSION DURING THE WAR

The forest is alight with sound, as the wood land creatures live out their natural lives. They are unaware of the havoc that has befallen the human world. The animals and the trees do not know what the fourth shinobi war is, or why it is happening. They are unchanged by Uchiha Madara and his senseless battle for the Moon Eye plan. The wind blows softly as the leaves of the tall trees rustle. There is nothing but bare land for miles.

Or so it seems...

Below the earth two days travel from Konoha, sits a hidden safe house that harbours Uchiha Sasuke and his two remaining comrades. No one is aware of the Uchiha's presence and the small team plan for it to stay that way. There have been reports from villagers, sighting the snake sannin not far from Southern Boarder of Konoha. Before disappearing into thin air like a ghost. Some say that he is not real, but a smarter person would know different. For now Orochimaru will sit and wait to reclaim what is his from Kabuto, a threat he did not see in his future. He should have foresaw the jail cell and chakra limiters in his future, made possible by the boy whose body he longs to steal.

Uchiha Sasuke has requested answers from Konoha's past kage and was not disappointed. The raven haired angel of death has made no further movement in his plans, aside from putting a stop to the snake sannin. He has made it clear to Orochimaru that he has killed him once and will do so again. He is much stronger and will not be manipulated any more. To Sasuke's surprise the former Hokage's were able to give the him the answers he sought and confirm that his brother Uchiha Itachi is a true hero. Next, the Uchiha will find out who gave the order and put an end to them nice and slowly. Once he has ripped the beating hearts from their sagging forms and destroyed Madara (if the shinobi alliance does not stop him first), then he will consider his brothers wishes. Though, Sasuke is not sure if that is even possible any more.

"Leave."

The one word spoken in that familiar curt tone makes the silver haired man almost melt into a puddle of his own goo. Instead, he keeps his head lowered and turns to exit the cast iron door that leads onto a very long hallway. Hearing the door click shut, Suigetsu bounds quickly down the hall, not allowing his leaders sour attitude to ruin the spring in his step. Today feels different to the others, perhaps there will be an abundance of rain for him to soak up. H20 is never as satisfying through a tap but the five showers he has daily keep him fit as a fiddle. Coming to a halt at the main area door, Suigetsu pushes the iron open to reveal a room less cold. This room is the entrance to their safe house and resembles a small cottage, fire and all. Avoiding the flames and subsequent dehydration, the rogue nin moves over to the sink and pours himself a very large glass of water.

Turning to Juugo he says, "Something feels different."

The red head nods pausing in thought before replying. "The animals can sense something as well. I wonder if it has to do with the earthquake before?" The gentleman laments.

"Earthquake? Man I miss everything cool. Where was I?" His face scrunches up in annoyance. Trust him to miss something new happening.

"Probably where you always are...asleep." Juugo smiles at his friend and continues to read his book.

"If you were Karin I would be so mean to you." Suigetsu glares.

"It's a good thing I am not, my friend. Why don't we go secure the perimeter? There is no knowing what is coming our way." The sharp toothed nin turns towards the secure entrance, nodding in assent.

"Perhaps we can get some information from a helpful animal." Juugo walks ahead of the smaller man.

"Your abilities are so strange but it does come in handy."

"You can't talk you morph into a puddle."

If anyone happens to pass the genjustu laden area, the bickering sounds of rogue shinobi can be heard throughout the evening air.

The light of the lamp flickers once, then twice, fizzling out to leave darkness in its wake. The lone shinobi does not falter and continues to sharpen his Kusanagi. The silver glint of the blade cannot even be seen in the darkness. Sasuke does not need to see to tend to his weapons, he knows them like they are one with his hands. Once he is finished with the ritual task, the man sheaths his weapon and walks over to the lamp unhindered by the darkness. The blaze is reignited with a huff of his breath, illuminating his alabaster skin revealed by the low hanging hakama.

It has been days since he has left the confines of this small room, but he does not feel restless. The darkness is a place where Sasuke feels content. It is the light of day that feels unnatural to the raven haired teen. He is well aware that there is a battle going on above ground but Sasuke does not care about a trivial war, let them all die for all he cares. If anything, he hopes they succeed in killing Madara as well as bringing the shinobi worlds numbers down just a little more.

Since travelling the Uchiha has learnt that people are stupid and many shinobi are useless.

For a moment his mind flashes of the colour pink and he cringes avoiding the route his thoughts were about to take. Weaklings. They are ALL weaklings.

He has an objective and Sasuke is a firm believer in staying on task.

First he will kill the elders and then Madara if he is not already destroyed. Then he will think of his brother. Scoffing, Sasuke tries to imagine a life without hatred where he can be happy. His mind spits out the word like it is poison and he shakes his head.

'It's impossible.'

Suddenly, the iron door to his room slams open. His least hated henchman stands before him with a startled look upon his usually gentle face.

"Sasuke-sama. There has been a break out at the Konoha prison. What are your orders?" Juugo enquires seriously.

The Uchiha breathes in deeply, turning towards his comrade with crimson eyes full of excitement at the thought of battle.

A feral smirk graces his regal features as the red fades to intimidating onyx.

"For now, we wait." He replies. The smirk staying in place as the red head nods and bows his head in respect. Then he is gone, leaving the avenger alone once more.

It won't be long before Karin reunites with them, she is a fool that will keep coming back.

A fool with a use.

xxx

Miles from the rogue shinobi base, the battle rages on with the Zetsu clone assault in full swing. Naruto has joined the fight and peoples hopes are rising once more.

Kakashi and Gai continue on valiantly as the duo fight with all they have. The green wearing Jounin yells of their youth as they succeed in yet another double take down. The sealing team is no longer needed with the help of Uchiha Itachi, though they have their other uses. Inoichi passes through his orders for the communication team as the Raikage along with Tsunade and Shikaku, formulate their next steps. Gaara of the sand leads the shinobi alliance with such grace and determination, it is a wonder he is so young. The rookie nine can be seen making history all over the battle field putting their hard training to the test. Team 8 and Team 9 have had some hard times already but their spirits are yet to dwindle.

Haruno Sakura is putting her immense chakra to use, healing as many injured shinobi as possible. Her time in the field has not been as ground breaking as the rest of the Rookie nine but she is doing something that no one else can do. She is saving lives instead of ending them. That does not mean to say that her time during the war has been less fruitful. Already has she stopped a Zetsu clone in it's tracks with her powers of trickery while gaining invaluable information about the Zetsu's inner workings. She has received a love letter from an unknown shinobi and saved countless lives.

At this moment, the pink haired medic leans over a flesh wound to the leg. She has stopped the bleeding and is now pulling out the pieces of debris as gently as possible. Once the task is complete, her hands run over the man's thigh. The green chakra heals the wound, meshing the skin together, until the it is a light pink hue. She is thankful for her abilities, for the man was pierced very close the femoral artery. Had it been a millimetre to the left, he would have been a goner on the battle field. Leaning back and wiping the sweat from her brow with her forearm, Sakura smiles to the man and pats him on the shoulder. He will wake up soon but she will not get the chance to speak with him. The woman beckons the orderlies over and they take the stretcher away, a second pair of orderlies placing down another injured shinobi before her. Triage is a busy area but Sakura likes the nitty gritty. Though, she has lost three lives so far and each has tugged at her heart. But this is war and she is a shinobi of the Leaf and will do what is needed of her.

Looking down at the new patient, the woman gets into gear.

A hustle and bustle can be heard from outside the tent as a messenger runs through the door flap with great speed, coming to a halt before Sakura. She raises her hand for a moment concentrating on the patient before her. The green glow of chakra fades from her left hand and she turns to the messenger. Her current patient is now ready for recovery.

"Sakura-san there, is a message for you from Tsunade herself." The non descript nin informs the pinkette hurriedly.

Sakura nods to the man with serious features, "What is it?" She asks. Praying that nothing has befallen her most precious people.

"There has been a break out at Konoha prison. Ibiki-sama's men stationed within the village are doing their best but some shinobi have escaped. Tsunade-sama requests you travel with the team assembled to assist with medical treatment." The man finishes, bowing his head.

Sakura takes in a deep breath, a nervous smile covering her pale features.

"Time to gear up then." The woman stands. Another medic sits down in her place and a new patient is placed upon the makeshift bed.

"They will be resupplying in tent A before heading out. You should do the same. You are required immediately." Without warning, the man turns and runs off at his fearsome pace.

Entering tent A the pinkette smiles heavily at the ANBU and various Jounin preparing to set out.

"Ah Haruno-san nice to see you under these circumstances." Raido nods to the medic and continues to holster his shuriken.

"Aa. You too Raido-san." Turning to look at the team before her, she scans each body for injuries.

"Raido-san you are injured." She reaches forward and touches the Jounin's forearm relieving him of the deep gash that covered from elbow to wrist. The man sighs and thanks her silently.

The two shinobi of the Konoha gates smile back at the girl as she gives them a small wave. Sakura wishes to see them back at home lazily waiting for village entrants, but will be a long time coming...If it comes at all.

"I'll grab my pack then." The pinkette says after greeting everyone solemnly.

Sakura cannot not predict what awaits her back at the village.

xxx

A/N Thanks for reading. Will see you next time!

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