I'm back! School started and I had to give projects and files. Also, I had tests and so I couldn't find the time. But here is the long-awaited chapter!

"It seems that I'm like the moon that rose at noon,
If I was only by myself
If I didn't know you
Maybe I'd have given up
Lost at sea"

-Heartbeat by BTS

The Sun rose up slowly, its first rays falling through the window like feathers. The blonde stirred and realized something was keeping her from moving. She fluttered open her eyes and came face to face with Sasuke. A gasp left her lips and she involuntarily flinched away. Her face heated up as she felt his hand press her back and pull her closer. She untangled herself and slowly stood up. She looked at him with her vibrant blush and quickly moved into the bathroom to calm her beating heart.

With her back pressed against the door, she leaned on it. She had been so vulnerable. She had been so weak and he had comforted her. Just by his presence. Like she had, all those years ago. She walked ahead and washed up. After taking spare clothes from her sealed storage scroll, she made her way out of the room. Sasuke was still asleep. His face looked so peaceful. So different from his usual scowl. She smiled as she looked at him.

The Sun crept up, its rays illuminating his face. Her eyes widened as the light shone over his pale skin and inky hair. She quickly turned around and walked out. She didn't notice his eyes opening or his hurt expression.

Itachi looked up from his book as the blonde entered the kitchen. She wore an oversized navy blue T-shirt with black leggings. Her hair was pulled up from her face into a neat ponytail and her bangs rested softly on her forehead. She bowed in greeting and he followed. He motioned for her to sit for which she complied.

"Thank you for letting me stay, Itachi-san." She started and Itachi smiled. He shook his head and answered, "It's completely fine Naruto. You've done so much for us. This is the least we can do." He finished as he stood up. Her eyes followed him and they widened before she stood up herself.

"Itachi-san, it may seem rude but, are you sure?" She asked as she noted the ingredients he had taken out. Itachi tensed and turned around, his face marked with a sheepish smile. He chuckled nervously and she smiled at him.

"I'll do it." She said as she picked up an apron and tied it around herself. Itachi moved from the way and on her order to sit, he did do. He watched as she quickly prepared breakfast and served it to him. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed his brother. He had come down in the middle of her cooking and was now standing just behind her. She turned around and jumped up a bit.

"Sasuke!" She let out as she placed the pan back, looking at him sharply. Sasuke raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Good morning to you, too." He said as she very lightly punched him on the shoulder. He too sat down and soo, Naruto joined them.

"Um...Sasuke?" She said during the meal and her blue eyes met black ones. "Thank you." She said with a smile and Itachi swore he saw his brother blush before he returned to his food.

"The food is really nice, Naruto." Itachi complimented and she smiled.

Just as they finished, Naruto broke the comfortable silence.

"I'll be leaving then. Thanks for letting me stay the night." She said as she looked at the two brothers. Itachi just smiled a bit. While Sasuke questioned, "Where are you going?"

"Just…" She stopped, her eyes hidden by her bangs. "Just some work. Also, I have to submit a written application for our mission. In case we experience any difficulties."

Sasuke slowly nodded and she left quietly. Itachi turned to him. "Where do you think she's going?" He asked his brother. Sasuke shrugged. "I have no idea. And that's so frustrating."

Naruto walked through Konoha. Her steps quiet and calculated. She stopped as she reached the familiar house. She knocked and waited for the person to open the door. As the door opened, she was greeted by a black-haired female. She welcomed her in.

"What brings you here, Naruto?" Tsunade asked. Naruto sat down in front of her.

"I want you to remove the seal you put on me when I left." She stated. Tsunade's eyes widened and she asked, "Why? You know why I put it there."

"I want it removed or I will remove it myself." She said as she stood up. Tsunade was quick to her feet. "You can't remove it yourself! You know how dangerous that is!" She grabbed Naruto's arm. "Naruto, I have already lost Jiraiya to Pein! I don't want to lose you too!"

Naruto shrugged out of her grasp. "Then remove it, Baa-chan. I gave a promise to Kakashi-sensei that I would return alive. And I never go back on my word."

Tsunade looked into her eyes and after a few moments, she slowly nodded.

Kakashi stared at the team in front of him. The two Uchihas, One Hyuuga, an Akatsuki member and a Namikaze-Uzumaki. He looked at their faces, covered by their masks. He sighed.

"Fox." He ordered and a slender figure stepped up, their whole being hidden in the black cloak. "Take off your mask."

Naruto took it off and walked up to him. He stood up. "I am only allowing this mission because I know your ability and experiences. But if there is any difficulty, you will first inform me." She nodded.

"You may start your training and next week, you can leave." She bowed down and put on her mask. She exited and everyone followed after her.

Her face broke into a grin as she looked at her team getting into their stances. She walked upto them and started, "Team, we are going to track Pein, the former leader of Akatsuki and kill him." Her voice was venomous.

"And for that, we need to train first." She said as she disappeared and reappeared right in front of Neji, a kunai at his throat. He flinched back, baffled. The other had shocked faces.

"Let's get started?"

"But my heart's still on fire
With a burning desire
Gonna get you back like it's destined
I wish that you would love me
Just like yesterday, don't let go of this hand ever again
And every time my heart beats
Match your steps so you don't wander around ever again"