Author's Note:

Just letting you guys know I still read all your comments and take on your suggestions if it works with the story. 

Ps. Some of you need help though... 

___

Tsunade often found herself drinking to keep her demons away. Even before becoming Hokage, she had dealt with her PTSD as quietly as she could but there were times she lost control and relived the nightmares she'd experienced. 

She wondered if team Kakashi would eventually give her some form of PTSD as they stood before her, calm as ever except for the screaming coming from the bag slung over Sasuke's shoulder. Let's not even mention the headless body struggling against its restraints on the Jounin's other shoulder.

Tsunade couldn't help but stare at him as if he'd grown three heads. They were shinobi, sure. They'd seen some weird things but this was just weird. Even for ninja. 

"Lady Hokage?" Kakashi called gently, not wanting to upset her and go on the run again. 

"Uh..." Tsunade slowly looked away from the stoic Uchiha before her eyes landed on the leader of the group "Yes. Kakashi. Thank you for coming" Tsunade sighed as she walked behind her desk and sat down, crossing her fingers and leaning forward in concentration as she always did.

"I'll get straight to the point." Tsunade narrowed her eyes at the team, making Sakura nervous "Your actions have, for the time being, been pardoned under the justification that you somehow got yourself appointed as the leader of the United Nations" The Hokage glared at Kakashi who simply stared at her in return, almost daring her to try something.

Tsunade sighed as she closed her eyes in, what seemed to be, painful concentration "You've caused quite the commotion in the village. I will warn you some civilians were...upset when you were pardoned." 

Naruto raised a brow at the woman, it wasn't anything he wasn't used to already from the villagers.

"In any case, you will be monitored by the Anbu until the time comes to go to war. Until then, roam freely." Tsunade stated as she eyed each of them carefully before her eyes landed on Itachi "Itachi" She announced his name.

The older Uchiha internally tensed at what was to come. Would he be imprisoned again? he did escape last time thanks to Kakashi. Would he be kicked out of the village? killed even?

"It seems a file was kept from me that explained, in detail, your involvement in the Uchiha Massacre. The Village Hidden in the Leaves recognizes your sacrifices and loyalty to Konoha. Upon further discussion with the council and Konoha's shinobi force, we have declared you free and hope you will continue your path as a Shinobi of the Leaf" Tsunade smiled.

Itachi couldn't but let his mouth drop open a little as he slowly nodded. He had been vindicated. He glanced to his little brother only to see him staring back at him with wide eyes, surprise shining clear in his eyes.

Sakura and Naruto grinned and congratulated Itachi as Kakashi smiled at the man. Finally some good news!

"I would have told you sooner but someone broke you out of my very expensive prison" Tsunade glared at Kakashi who tilted his head.

"I don't think I broke anything" He muttered.

"That's not the point" Tsunade muttered with frustration before clearing her throat "Before I dismiss you, mind telling me what's in the bag? or who?" The Hokage questioned, curiosity burning in her eyes as she eyed the bag.

Sasuke glanced at his sensei who nodded before he ungracefully dropped Hidan's body on the floor. He untied the cloth bag and pulled out a struggling silver-haired head. Luckily, the cloth Sasuke had shoved in Hidan's mouth was still intact so they didn't have to hear his...creative words.

"Is that-"

"Hidan of the Akatsuki" Kakashi finished for her.

"We ran into them on our way back to the village" Naruto continued as he poked Hidan's cheek with a smirk. He would get answers to his questions about Jashin eventually. The man was immortal, after all, he would crack.

Tsunade leaned back in her chair with raised eyebrows "Them?"

"He and Kakuzu. They were partners, known as the Zombie Combo" Itachi informed as he watched Hidan with his usual stoic expression. Sasuke joined that expression.

"Did he escape?" Tsunade asked with furrowed brows.

Naruto chuckled "No way! Kashi-Sensei defeated him." The blonde stated.

"Well technically, you and Kashi-Sensei defeated him" Sakura pouted, crossing her arms.

"Are you still sulking about that? If you hadn't landed that hit, he would've escaped my Rasenshuriken" Naruto sighed as he glanced at his teammate.

"He won't be a problem anymore, Lady Hokage" Kakashi interrupted their arguing before it escalated as it always did. 

Tsunade sighed with relief "Good work." She stated before signaling two of her Anbu to take the body and head to T&I. 

Naruto noticed something familiar about one of the Anbu before it clicked in his mind "Y-Yuki?!" He exclaimed, drawing the attention of his teammates to the Anbu as well.

She paused as she was about to pick up Hidan's body before straightening "Ohayo, Naruto-kun" She bowed in a respectful greeting before removing her mask and smiling at the Jounin.

"No way! You're with the Anbu now?" He grinned.

"Hai, Lady Hokage enlisted me when she caught me attempting to break into the Hokage tower." Yuki stated with a sheepish tone. She glanced back at the Hokage to see her watching Yuki with an amused expression.

"You mean again?" Naruto cheekily stated.

"What?" Tsunade questioned with a frown.

"Ahhh...It's good to see you, Naruto-kun. All of you" Yuki quickly changed the subject as Tsunade hadn't known she'd broken in before.

Sakura smiled fondly at the girl, happy she was living her life while Sasuke nodded, still holding a mild dislike toward the girl. 

Yuki stared at Sasuke for a moment before sighing and turning back to Naruto and Sakura "We'll catch up soon. I still have to work, ya know" Yuki chuckled before placing her mask back on and continuing to pick up Hidan's body.

"See ya later, Yuki!" Naruto waved goodbye to his friend.

As the other Anbu took away Hidan's head, Naruto grinned cheekily as he waved to Hidan to which he glared fiercely at the blonde.

"Now, go ahead and get some rest. I'm sure you've had a tiring journey. Kakashi, please remain. I'd like to go over some details for the upcoming war" Tsunade ordered.

Kakashi nodded as he made himself more comfortable against a window sill while the rest of Team Kakashi quietly and quickly took their leave.

___

Naruto sighed heavily with content at walking the village paths again, his arms crossed behind his head.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm heading to Ichiraku's Ramen!" He exclaimed as he glanced at the others to see what they would do.

"Itachi and I are going to the Uchiha Compound. He's got some belongings to collect" Sasuke stated as he walked away without another word, Itachi following shortly after he smiled at the other two.

Naruto stopped walking as he watched them go with a raised brow before glancing to his pink-haired teammate "Whaddya say, Ra?" He grinned.

Sakura shook her head "No way. I've more than enjoyed the break from Ichiraku's. I'm going to go see my parents and catch up with the others" She stated "See you later, To" Sakura left with a wave.

Naruto sighed as his team abandoned him in the middle of the village. "That happened so quick." He muttered, wondering if they found him annoying to be around.

"N-Naruto-Kun" A soft voice called out to him from behind. 

Naruto glanced behind him "Eh?" His eyes widened as he realized Hinata stood before him causing him to quickly straighten up "Hinata! Hey!" He grinned as he came closer to her.

"I-It's good to see you're back" The purple-haired woman shyly smiled.

"It's good to be back" He smiled before his expression dropped "I'm uh...sure you heard the rumors?" 

Hinata's eyes dropped to the ground "Um..." She glanced back up at him "Hai." 

Naruto's expression became serious as he stepped closer to her, making her even more nervous "I won't ask what you think of me then. Just tell me" The blonde paused as he watched her "Have your intentions changed for me?" He questioned quietly, scared of the answer.

Hinata's cheeks burned a bright red at being asked such a question upfront like that.

"Uh...Um...N-No, Naruto-kun" She stuttered but seemed to gain some confidence as she said his name while intently looking into his eyes.

Naruto smiled softly at the woman, he was glad he knew such a kind woman. 

"In that case, would you like to continue our date? We never got to finish it" He chuckled nervously.

As if it were possible, Hinata's whole face grew red "S-Sure" 

Naruto grinned as he confidently took her hand and lead her to Ichiraku's Ramen.

___

Sasuke stepped through the threshold of his old home.

"You've kept it clean" Itachi muttered from behind him as he eyed every detail of their home. He wasn't sure about coming back but he owed his clan to own up to his past. 

 Sasuke dragged a finger across a nearby cabinet "Hn" He glared slightly at the small amount of dust on his finger before continuing further in.

"I don't live here anymore but I come by once a month to maintain it. I haven't had time to do it in a while though" The young Uchiha stated as he led Itachi to the backyard where they'd often bonded over any little thing. He sat on the patio as he watched a small fountain running.

Itachi sat beside him and stared at him "I understand. I wouldn't expect you to have stayed here for long. Where do you live now?"

"In the Hatake clan house with the others" He muttered.

"I see" Itachi stated before a comfortable silence flowed over the two. 

Apart from the Sharingan, the two had always shared their love for silence. The peace and tranquility of it were similar to meditating for them. 

"I never thought I'd be able to come back after what I did" Itachi muttered suddenly before turning to his little brother with a soft smile "It's because of you that I'm here, Sasuke. Thank you" He said with emotion in his tone.

Sasuke felt all the emotions from the past rush through him suddenly as if he only realized now that he had his brother back. His eyes watered as he turned away.

Itachi smiled before turning to look at the pond before them "I bet you caused a lot of trouble while I was gone. You always seemed to find trouble wherever you went" Itachi chuckled.

"Hn. That wasn't my fault." Sasuke stated as he composed himself.

"Wasn't it? Remember when you followed Shisui and me to training and almost got hit by a stray kunai?" Itachi smirked.

Sasuke's cheeks brightened slightly at the embarrassment of the memory, he hadn't handled it as well as he should of. Shisui went home with a bite mark on his forearm after the man tried to help.

"Or the time you threw a bucket of water over Shisui when he slept over?" Itachi continued.

"Hn, I was a jealous kid" Sasuke smirked at the memories. There were some fun ones he had forgotten all about since the massacre.

Itachi smiled at him before growing quiet with a somber expression. Sasuke raised a brow at the sudden change.

"Tell me, Sasuke. Are you happy in the village?" He questioned.

Sasuke glanced away from him with a thoughtful expression. He hadn't thought about it since they left. In fact, he was ready to leave the village behind for good before they were called back.

"I'm happy with my team" Sasuke stated.

"I see" Itachi seemed sad as responded. 

Sasuke sighed "We have a mission and it involves the village." The young Uchiha revealed.

Itachi figured something underneath had to be going on for them to work so well together.

"What is the mission?" Itachi questioned with a curious expression.

"Hn..." Sasuke hesitated. Itachi was his brother but his team and himself had promised never to reveal their plans.

"Oh, I've overstepped. I apologize" Itachi smiled.

Sasuke stared at him for a moment, debating but leaning toward letting him in.

"We...wanted to fix the village but things haven't exactly gone to plan..." He stated. Saying it out loud like that made it sound silly but there were finer details to it than that "First, when the village is ready, Kakashi will become Hokage." Sasuke revealed he stared ahead with determination.

Itachi raised a brow, from what he'd heard, the man turned the position down.

"Then, Sakura will take over the hospital and with it, the civilian council" He continued, surprising Itachi. 

'Sakura? The civilian council would be a big move to take on for a woman so young' Itachi thought to himself with a thoughtful expression.

"Naruto will begin his training as the next Hokage under Kakashi and...If things go according to plan, I will take over the shinobi council" Sasuke muttered the last part, unsure if he could do it anymore with the political warfare happening around them. 

Itachi's eyebrows raised as he thought about their plan "I see...In doing so, your team would have control over the main aspects of the village and influence over the other clans. It's certainly ambitious" Itachi mused.

"Hn" 

"I believe you can do it, Sasuke" Itachi smiled "I'll help where I can" He added.

Sasuke stared at his brother with a surprised expression, fully expecting to be berated for the seemingly impossible goal. He smirked at Itachi "Thought you wanted to keep traveling after the war?" 

Itachi smiled "Well, I said I believe in you but your goal will take years to obtain. I'll have time" Itachi cheekily smiled.

Sasuke's own smirk fell at his brother's teasing "I liked you better when you poked my forehead and went on missions"

Itachi chuckled as Sasuke smiled. The older Uchiha turned and poked his forehead lovingly "Want to go train?" He asked.

Sasuke shook his head at the man "Sure" he said with a smirk.

The two stood and continued on their way, feeling lighter after their heart-to-heart. 

Perhaps things would turn out the way they wanted them to in the end. Although a war loomed over them, the future looked bright with Itachi on their side.