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"All of life seems like that. Once we settle into some phase or other, and become attached to it, some unknown force makes us move on, only death obviously relieving us from these exhausting cycles."

- Jill Johnston

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"If the Uchiha clan massacre isn't going to happen in three years, I'll be damned if something else doesn't happen instead."

Everything had been going perfectly smoothly during Sakura's 9th year of life. It was currently May, two weeks before school ended again for break, and Sasuke and Naruto awaited their birthdays anxiously.

Sakura had recently been focusing on maintaining her 'smartest girl in her grade' reputation. Naruto, although smarter than most of the kids in his grade (Shikamaru was in that class... and no one is as smart as Shikamaru). Sasuke lived up to his family's expectations, getting the highest scores in the boy's section. If things went this smoothly for a few more years, they'd be all set to be on the same genin team. They'd gotten Kakashi to agree to be their genin sensei when the time came. It would work out great. Kakashi would be an excellent choice.

The Uchiha clan would want nothing but the best for their own, and Sasuke was borderline prodigal in their eyes. Kakashi would make him into a machine, and they'd want that. Not quite there yet, but above average still. Pity they didn't know the real power he wielded. Kakashi was also the ideal choice for Naruto, because not only was Kakashi the student of the fourth, but he was the only sensei of his time capable of taking care of the Nine Tails, protecting Naruto so he didn't lose control.

Jokes on them, the Kyūbi from the first timeline was sent back as well after a conversation with the Sage, he was their protection. Naruto and Kurama were still extremely close friends, and Naruto had released the seal a few years ago. Kurama was expected to act the way he did in the normal timeline so as not to change too much, but he didn't expect Old Man Third to die in the place of Minato and Kushina.

The only problem for him was, he was sent back so far in time that he woke up when he worked for Uchiha Madara. Against the First. Of course, he was more agreeable, and even attempted to change Madara as much as he could (Naruto was a bit... contagious). He got along well with Kushina and Mito, although he did make it very clear that he despised being trapped inside them. He did help them whenever they were in a bind.

But although he didn't appreciate being bound, being back with Naruto was the best thing about this whole ordeal. His predecessors were okay, as long as he behaved, but Naruto was more than okay. He was one of the only people Kurama would dare to call a 'friend'. If Naruto had died, Kurama wasn't sure he'd find another jinchuriki like him. And he sure would miss the little brat. It was nice to be back with his favorite jinchuriki again.

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"Are you okay?" Sakura asked, leaning forward to examine Kakashi, Naruto and Sasuke more thoroughly. If they'd done what they said they did, at least SOME bones must've been broken.

"We're alive, for now..." Kakashi exhaled, gripping his stomach. He stopped and rested his hands on his knees, breathing heavily. Naruto and Sasuke both collapsed on the floor outside.

Sakura nodded and unzipped the zipper for them. All three of them walked inside the tent, Naruto and Sasuke having to support each other. "Where does it hurt?" She asked, sitting down in one corner.

"Everywhere." Naruto gasped out, laying down on his sleeping bag. "I wasn't sure we'd make it out."

"Yeah. Aunt Kushina really was out for blood this time," Sasuke coughed, wiping the sweat off his brow. Then a cocky smile appeared on his face, and he held up the bag. "But we got the package."