Changing the River of Time

Meeting Team 7

Tsunade was the third of the Kage to go, about a year before Gaara. The one day she wasn't in the medic tents or in the strategy room with the other Kage, she was ambushed.

She didn't go down easily.

Thousands of Zetsu clones attacked all at once, never-ending.

She lasted three days of straight fighting before she knew she was too worn to win. All that time using her full chakra to heal took its toll, coupled with sleepless nights focusing on what she lost. She was too far from any camps to request help without endangering anyone, so she summoned Katsuyu in a mini form and left messages to her godson, apprentice, and their best friend and newly-spouse when she got a second to breathe.

That night, Katsuyu came to their camp, tears raining from her eyes. Everyone knew what that meant, and some took the loss harder than others. But those that knew her knew it wouldn't be long after Shizune and Jiraiya died that she'd lose- either in battle or to herself.

The three on Team 7 listened to her last words alone in their tent, comforting each other to the best of their abilities.

"Sakura, my beautiful and wonderful student... You've done well. You rival me in strength, medical talent, and your wonderful brain. I know you'll take the mantle as Head Medic wonderfully."

"Sasuke... Hurt my cherry blossom or sunshine, and I'll come from the grave to kill you. Don't think I don't see the look they have when they look at you, and you them. Protect them... with your life, if you must."

"Naruto... I never told you this, but... you gave me hope. You shine when others wither, and I know you'll wether the storm. Live. Don't let me break you down- don't let anyone. You're stronger than you know, don't forget."

.

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The next morning, Aki got called to the Hokage's office just like every other potential jonin-sensei. He was there in case one of the other jonin were simply that against teaching or to double up on a team. Hiruzen wanted to help the time-traveler in his quest as much as possible, so he allowed the red-head to choose what action to take, to the annoyance of the civilian Council. But the Third Hokage was no longer the spineless coward he once was. He would do his part to keep Aki's past from becoming their future- even if the council suspected brainwashing. Those gathered watched the students through the glass ball thing in the office and commented on how the kids interacted with each other. Some obviously made good rivals, possibly good teammates. Some should obviously never be put together in a million years. And some... well, it was hard to tell for some.

Aki was the only one to openly laugh at the Kiss Scene™ and the following... events- everyone else in too much of a state of shock. Though, to be fair, Aki was in the same boat when he first experienced it. And to think, his first and second kisses were to the man he later called a husband, but at the time would rather die than spend time with outside missions.

How time changes people, huh?

After quite a bit of discussion, looking towards Aki for suggestions and comments (in a not-so-sly attempt to ask if they were the right decisions), and some bullshit excuse over why Aki was called on so often, the teams and leaders were announced with minimal complaints. All the important teams were as Aki remembered, with himself and Kakashi on the same squad with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. After the meeting, Aki approached Kakashi for their first interaction in this timeline. "Hi. I'm Aki Uzumaki. When do you want to pick up the kids?"

Kakashi simply whipped out his book while responding, "5 hours. We'll meet on the roof."

Instead of reacting to the inappropriate reading material, Aki nodded with a thoughtful look on his face. "Y'know... they'll set up at least one prank if you're that late."