11 Chapter 11: Assemble

It had been three weeks since the formation of team 7. For the past three weeks life had changed for all the members of team 7.

They were all quite shocked when Naruto displayed his leadership capabilities and made them run through many different teamwork exercises. He also helped every member of his team in improving their personal skills.

Naruto helped Anko in improving her Taijutsu, when she started sparring with Naruto, he easily evaded her attacks with his sharingan and gave her tough hits. Naruto realized that the Hebi style Taijutsu was ineffective against a sharingan wielder, Hebi style depends on evading the enemy attacks quickly and counterattacking with tremendous speed but in a fight against someone with sharingan, it was pointless. As a result he had increased her training weights in order to increase her speed.

With Kurenai he helped her with her water affinity. She sure had a lot of talent with water, in a span of three weeks she had already learned 5 ninjutsu of this affinity. She was quite amazed that Naruto's control over water was on a totally different level.

Sasuke and Naruto trained together, Naruto trained Sasuke in his Sharingan genjutsu. He also helped him with the Uchiha Interceptor fist and helped him learn a fire style ninjutsu.

Naruto helped Sakura in improving her stamina and Taijutsu. Her chakra control was on par with Kurenai, as a result she was able to learn genjutsu. Naruto only knew some basic first aid medical ninjutsu and he taught Sakura that. To his surprise she was far more skilled and adept than Naruto in that art. Officially she was now the medic of the team.

Sakura also had a unique talent which no one in the team had, not even Naruto. She was skilled in archery, Sakura's father was a chunin and he had taught his daughter this art to help her and make her strong. Naruto found this ability to be extremely beneficial for the team.

Anko and Kurenai had made Sasuke and Sakura accept that they will have to kill during missions. Anko was an interrogator and as such knew how the human mind works, she skillyfully eased Sakura's hesitation.

All in all Team 7 was now ready to perform operations as a special combat unit.

So we found Team 7 standing in front of the Hokage ready for their first mission.

"Team 7 reporting for duty Hokage-sama." said Naruto sincerely. He was in his chunin vest and had a sword strapped on his back. His face was hidden by his facemask.

"I'm glad that your team is now operational. I have a mission which would require your specific skills." said Hiruzen seriously

"What is the mission Hokage-sama?" asked Naruto curiously. The rest of the members were silently listening to the conversation, it was a habit that only the team leader could speak for the team.

"I have been getting reports of several abduction cases in our towns and villages near the border of Water country. Kiri is in a civil war right now, and as a result many of their shinobi have taken this opportunity and have gone rogue. Specifically two of these shinobi are behind these abductions." explained Hiruzen briefly

"Do we have any identification on these culprits?" asked Naruto sternly

"Yes, they are Taro Kisaragi and Sasame Kisaragi. They both are B-ranked missing nin of Kiri, from our reports they are running a gang of bandits." said Hiruzen

"From what information we have, they seem to be related to each other and what type of people are they abducting from our country?" asked Naruto curiously

"Women and children." said Hiruzen angrily

The rest of the team flinched a little when they heard Hiruzen's harsh tone but they could understand why he was so angry.

"So we have a crazy band of brother and sister, missing women and children, less time to save them and a large number of bandits led by two B-ranked missing nin in our way." explained Naruto.

The rest of the team looked at him as if he was crazy, saying all of this as if it was a joke, but what they didn't know that he had already performed missions more dangerous than this.

"Yes that sums it up. Our estimates say there are 80 bandits but there can be more. You will not receive any reinforcements, you're on your own. Get the job done in 2 days." commanded Hiruzen

"We will take care of the enemy and rescue the hostages Hokage-sama." said Naruto confidently, he had faith in his team.

"Also you will be joined by another shinobi for this mission." said Hiruzen surprising Naruto

"Can you tell us the reason for this Hokage-sama, my team is more than capable to handle the enemy." argued Naruto curtly

"Yes that may be true, but the enemy camp is located in the mountains, that place is highly unstable and many times people have got lost. While you are a sensor and as such you can find the way. But we don't have time, if we delay the hostages will be out of our reach." explained Hiruzen briefly

"Who is this new member?" asked Sakura curiously. She just couldn't resist to know who this person was. Naruto just sighed, he knew sometimes he couldn't stop people from asking questions, he too was curious.

"It may be better if she introduces herself." said Hiruzen

The door to the office opened and to everyone's surprise and Naruto's disappointment it was Hinata. Naruto liked Hinata as a friend but as a kunoichi he doubted her resolve, in this mission there was going to be a lot of bloodshed and for a kind girl like Hinata it will be horrible. Even he and Anko had to drill in Sakura's head for three weeks to make her accept killing.

"Hello..." said Hinata meekly, she blushed when she saw Naruto but gave harsh glare to Kurenai.

Naruto and Kurenai raised an eyebrow on such actions, Naruto just shook his head and Kurenai understood his message.

"Hinata have you been briefed about the mission?" asked Naruto seriously

"Yes..Naruto-kun" said Hinata shyly

"Welcome aboard." said Naruto with a small smile. The least he could do was make the girl comfortable, so he could handle her.

"I hope your mission is a success." said Hiruzen with a smile

All the shinobi bowed to the Hokage and the team then looked to Naruto.

"Alright we will assemble at the north gate in 10 minutes, pack light. Hinata since you are new to the team, I'll say this now...You will do what I say, when I tell you to jump, you ask how high, when I ask you to kill someone, you will do it without any hesitation or remorse. AM I CLEAR?" asked Naruto loudly

Hinata flincehd a little when she heard Naruto's harsh tone, she and the other Rookies were quite surprised when they heard he was made Chunin, but everyone accepted it except Kiba who was jealous. But the Naruto that was standing before her was completely different.

"Kill?" asked Hinata with a little fear, Kakashi had just not trained them enough and prepared them to kill saying that it would be time before they went on such missions, but it looked like it would be early.

"It will be alright, we have your back." said Sakura softly. She was in the same boat as Hinata a few days back but Anko was very harsh and made her accept to kill.

"Look Hinata it may sound cold, but we work as a team, if you hesitate it may put the others in jeopardy. I am the leader of this team and as such all of your lives are my responsibility." said Naruto softly, his training in Root had indeed made him very strict when it came to missions, the punishments he had suffered for hesitating were far less tolerable.

"Hai" said Hinata a little confidently

All the others nodded and left the room with their shunsihn, Hinata was quite surprised by this, she turned around and saw the Hokage having an amused smile on his face. Realizing she was getting late she hurried to her home to get her gear.

"You are a good leader Naruto, soft, gentle but also strict when it matters." thought Hiruzen proudly.

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(Northern Gates)

All the members of the newly formed Team 7 were standing at the gates in full battle gear.

"Alright, since everyone is ready.." started Naruto but then he saw Hinata was having a bag on her back. He frowned on seeing this.

"Doesn't she know a basic sealing technique? I guess Kakashi didn't consider her ready to teach it." thought Naruto

"Hinata why do you have a bag on your back?" asked Naruto seriously

"It has...my battle gear and supplies." said Hinata with a blush

"Kurenai-chan, please help her out." said Naruto softly to Kurenai

Kurenai gave a warm smile in return, the rest of the team had a little smile on their face. They had told their team about their relationship, Sasuke and Sakura were a little surprised by this but were happy for Naruto. While Anko teased him about having a taste in older women.

Hinata was furious by this, why did Naruto think she needed that bitch's help.

"Alright Hinata give me your bag." requested Kurenai. Naruto had told her that she had a crush on him, so she was trying to be gentle as the girl was new to the team.

'I'm fine Kurenai-san." said Hinata curtly

"Hinata that wasn't an offer, it was an order." said Kurenai firmly. She wouldn't tolerate insubordination in her team.

Hinata roughly gave her the bag, Kurenai then took out a scroll from her pouch, Hinata was quite surprised when her bag was selaed in the scroll.

"How did you do it?" asked a surprised Hinata

"Enough talk, we need to get moving." said Naruto sternly. They didn't have any time for idle chat.

"What should be our formation Naruto-kun?'' asked Sakura curiously

"Hinata will be in the front and will scan the area for enemy and the correct path to the enemy camp." instructed Naruto and Hinata gave a nod.

"Sasuke you will be on the left flank and I will be on the right. Our job is to protect Hinata." said Naruto and Sasuke agreed, Hinata blushed a little when Naruto said he would protect her.

"Sakura, you are a the medic of the team. You shall be in the center, Anko will be in the back and will cover you and us." said Naruto and both the females agreed.

"Kurenai, you will be our trump card. You know what to do." said Naruto with a smile, Kurenai came forward and gave him a soft kiss on his cheeks, Naruto blushed a little.

"Bitch, stay away from MY Naruto-kun" thought a furious Hinata who was clentching her hands tightly.

"Meisaigakure no Jutsu (Hiding with Camouflage Technique)"

Kurenai quickly performed the hand signs and camouflaged herself. It was Naruto's plan in any case they got ambushed, one member could surprise the enemy and attack them or fall back and get reinforcements.

"Let's go" said Naruto firmly

"Right" said the team in unison.

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Team 7 had started moving towards the target in the formation which Naruto wanted. It had been a few minutes and there was no presence of any hostiles.

Hinata was already scanning the area since the last few minutes but there was something wrong. Naruto saw her eyes were getting strained and as such decided to find out.

"Hinata are you alright?'' asked Naruto in a concerned voice

"Hai..I'm fine." said Hinata in a strained voice, she was trying to give a smile but Naruto saw her smile was fake.

"Her eyes are straining, running towards the target and maintaing her byakugan at the same time is taxing. Her chakra level and stamina are very pitiful for a person with a Kekkai Genkai." thought Naruto with a frown

"Hinata deactivate your byakugan, you don't have the stamina. Gather your strength back, and don't even think about opposing it. I am the team leader and I don't want any member of my team collapsing from chakra depletion before our fight with the enemy." commanded Naruto firmly

"I couldn't even live up to Naruto-kun's expectations. I'm a failure just like Tou-san had said." thought a sad Hinata.

"Naruto can you give us more information about the enemy?" asked Sasuke curiously

"Taro was a chunin and so was his sister Sasame. Both of them are skilled in water style and Taro is skilled in Kenjutsu. In the bingo book it was mentioned that Sasame was skilled in genjutsu." explained Naruto briefly

"Then, that would make me the best choice to fight her." said a camouflaged Kurenai.

"Yes, you will be the best opponent for her. Your genjutsu skills are one of the finest in our village, I believe you can handle her." complimented Naruto with a smile, Kurenai blushed but fortunately she was camouflaged.

"We should increase our speed and reach the target quickly. It would be good opportunity to attack them at night. Today will be new moon, so it can work as our advantage." suggested Naruto

"That can also work against us." advised Anko

"Anko-san is correct Naruto, only Hinata's byakugan could see clearly in such darkness, you and Sasuke-kun could also manage. But it would be very difficult for the rest of us." said Sakura a little worriedly

"I have the proper gear so you don't need to worry about that. Now let's speed up we must reach the target in 5 hours." said Naruto and the others nodded.

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(Few Hours Later)

The team had reached the outskirts of the mountains behind which the enemy camp was located. They had been travelling continuously for the past few hours, it was already evening and the team was a little tired.

"We'll make camp here, rest up for a few hours. I'll make clones to keep guard, we'll be moving at midnight." instructed Naruto

Everyone nodded a little tiredly, Sakura and Hinata instantly sat down as they were pretty much exhausted. Meanwhile Anko and Kurenai were talking about something. Naruto formed 20 shadow clones and sent them in different directions to keep guard.

Sasuke was sitting alone, he had a perplexed look on his face. Naruto got curious and went to find out what was troubling his brother.

"What's on your mind?" asked Naruto silently and sat beside Sasuke.

Sasuke looked at Naruto for a while, Naruto was the only family he had left, he had always been there for him and understood him as a person and they both had shared similar pain. Naruto was the person whom he trusted the most in the village.

"How strong am I?" asked Sasuke silently and looked at the sky.

"Honestly, you have come a long way. You are easily a chunin level shinobi. The reason you have developed your skills so quickly is because you want to protect your friends, you may not admit it but I know you do care a lot about Sakura and the team." explained Naruto briefly

Sasuke's eyes widened on hearing this, he thought he had hidden his feelings well. Sakura and Naruto were precious to him, he was even starting to accept Anko and Kurenai.

"You can see through my deception?" asked a shocked Sasuke

"These eyes of mine see everything Sasuke, I'm an Uchiha too, so I can understand you better." said Naruto deeply.

'You know, I always want to become like you." said Sasuke with a short smile

Naruto had a pained look in his eyes, he too cared about Sasuke, he was his family.

"Sasuke, I'll tell you this once. Don't follow my path, there is nothing but loneliness and pain. Become a man who would protect his friends and village, just like your parents would want you to become." said Naruto seriously

"But you are everyone's hope. People look up to you, I look up to you. Why are you saying all this?" asked Sasuke a little loudly. A little fear had started to build in his mind, the memories of that night coming back with full force.

"I am following a path where you can't follow. Sasuke, I want you to promise me one thing" requested Naruto in a soft voice

"What is it?" asked Sasuke doubtfully, he didn't know what was going in Naruto's life.

"No matter what happens Sasuke, protect the village and revive our clan. You are the hope of the Uchiha clan, and take care of our team." said Naruto sadly

"Naruto, what's the problem?" asked Sasuke desperately

Naruto looked at Sasuke through pained eyes, what should he do?

"Should I tell him? By telling him would things change? I guess there is no point now." thought Naruto deeply

Sasuke was just about to ask the question again when Anko suddenly jumped in front of them.

"Naruto, I need to talk to you now." said Anko sternly

Naruto gave a nod and followed Anko, leaving behind a desperate Sasuke.

"Something is wrong" thought Sasuke worriedly

"Naruto, while I'm sure about our team handling the enemy. I'm not sure about the Hyuga." said Anko doubtfully

Kurenai stepped beside Anko, they both were experienced Jounin and as such knew Hinata wasn't ready for all the killing.

"She is too shy and kind. Maybe if we had more time we could have drilled it into her head like Sakura. Right now if she steps in the battlefield, she may not be ready and as a result it would put her life in danger. The enemy already have great numbers in comparison to us. We don't need any of our team member getting captured or killed in such situation." explained Kurenai briefly.

"But if we don't allow her to fight, we lose our strength, our information about the enemy maybe wrong, there could be more than 80 bandits. But you'e right, instead of using her in the offense we shall use her as a support." suggested Naruto

"What do you have in mind?" asked Kurenai curiously

"Anko you are skilled in infiltration, after we collect information about the enemy I want you to rescue the hostages while the rest of us will distract the enemy. You will need help in protecting those hostages and finding your way in dark, Hinata can assist you in protecting the hostages and getting you out of there with the help of her byakugan." said Naruto analytically

"But that would leave you 4 to deal with the enemy force alone." said Anko seriously. She didn't want any of them to get hurt, all of them were precious to her even Sasuke.

"Yes, that is why I want you to be as quick as possible, our success will depend on how fast you will be able to provide us assistance." said Naruto firmly

"I guess you are right, I'll leave the hostages with the Hyuga and will try my best to assist you quickly." said Anko softly

"That's all I ask." said Naruto with a grateful smile

"I'll go check on Sakura and Hinata, make sure they are ready." suggested Anko

Naruto and Kurenai nodded and Anko went towards both the girls.

"You okay?" asked Kurenai softly and hugged Naruto from the back.

"Let's go somewhere else." said Naruto tiredly, he saw Hinata eyeing them strangely. Kurenai saw that too and they both shunshined away.

"Why can't Naruto-kun see that I love him." thought a dejected Hinata

"HINATA!" snapped Anko

"What?" asked Hinata fearfully

"Listen girl, this isn't a picnic, we are in enemy territory, we have a mission to complete. Frankly you are not fit for the mission at all, the only thing you are useful is guiding the team. So listen to me carefully, you and I are going to rescue the hostages, if I find you hesitating or distracted I'll kill you myself" said Anko furiously and leaked her KI making Hinata cower with fear. Anko had enough with the girl's fangirl habits, lives were at stake here.

"Please calm down, Anko-san, I'm sure Hinata will do alright." said Sakura calmly. She was trying to calm down the tension, she knew Anko was short tempered and had made it very clear to her.

"Sakura, make sure she understands." said Anko with a frown and walked away.

Sakura looked at Hinata's fearful face and sighed.

"Guess it's going to be a long chat."

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Naruto and Kurenai were sitting in a field. Kurenai was resting on Naruto's shoulders, there was pitch black darkness as there was no moon in the sky.

Naruto was looking at the sky with his sharingan ablaze, it was as if he was searching for something.

"You know, you look very handsome with your sharingan." said Kurenai with a small blush

"Your Ruby eyes are more beautiful than my sharingan." said Naruto with a smile

Kurenai then leaned a bit and kissed Naruto gently, Naruto happily kissed her back. Kurenai's lips were so soft and delicious that he just couldn't resist kissing her.

Naruto then gently pushed Kurenai a little making himself get on top of her. He kissed her cheeks, then her ears, he then slowly started kissing her neck.

Kurenai was moaning loudly, Naruto's kisses were making her a lot more aroused and excited. She then gently started exploring her hands on Naruto's chest and unzipped his chunin vest. Naruto smiled a little.

He then decided to do something unexpected, he gently gave a soft bite on Kurenai's neck earning a loud moan from her. It wasn't an animalistic bite, but was just a simple hickey.

"Ah" moaned Kurenai loudly as Naruto again gave her a hickey

Naruto then gently put his hands on Kurenai's breasts, he hesitated a little and looked at Kurenai asking for her approval to touch her. She gave a warm smile to him and he gently caressed her right breast.

"It feels so good." moaned Kurenai with pleasure.

She really liked when Naruto was making love to her. Deciding to return the favor she then gently took off his chunin flak jacket and the black shirt beneath it. She started kissing his chest gently sending jolts of pleasure through Naruto's entire body.

She then gently started kissing his neck, Naruto was in a world of pleasure, he loved the feeling of Kurenai's soft lips kissing his neck, he was quite surprised when she gently gave him a hickey too.

Kurenai's hands then slowly reached towards Naruto's pants, realizing where this was heading he then gently grasped her hand.

"What's wrong?" asked Kurenai confusedly

"This isn't the time. We should get back with the team. I'm sorry I got carried away." said Naruto with a sheepish smile

"You're right, we should get back. You shouldn't be sorry, it was I who started it, besides I enjoyed it a lot." said Kurenai with a naughty look in her eyes.

"I enjoyed it too." said Naruto with a warm smile.

He then gently put on his black shirt hiding his well toned chest much to Kurenai's displeasure. He chuckled on seeing that look on her face, if they weren't on a mission he wouldn't have stopped, only he knew how much he had to restrain himself from just taking Kurenai right there.

She was a true goddess, her beauty was unparalleled, it was as if every part of her body was just perfect.

"Should stop perverted ideas." thought Naruto firmly and shook his head.

He then offered his hand to Kurenai and made her stand up. She got up and gently kissed his lips one last time before he put his facemask back on.

They both started walking back towards the team, Kurenai had a few questions in mind and thought now was the time to ask them.

"Naruto, do you and Hinata have a past?" asked Kurenai doubtfully. As far as she knew Naruto had not been in any kind of romantic relationship before.

"No" was Naruto's simple reply.

"Then why does she always glares when I'm close to you? I think she has more than a crush on you." suggested Kurenai

"That's because she wants to be in the place you are in." said Naruto curtly

"You haven't tried to convey it to her that you don't like her that way?" asked Kurenai curiously

"Its different Kurenai-chan. Hinata has always admired me since the academy, she would do whatever I say, would listen to anything I say. She admires me so much, that her admiration has become something more. I am not blind to her feelings but I just don't like her type of girls." explained Naruto briefly. He was being honest with Kurenai about Hinata.

"If there was any other man in your place, they would have bagged her long ago." said Kurenai analytically

''If you look at it that way, suppose I would have ended up in a relationship with her, it wouldn't have any future. She is the heiress of the Hyuga clan, that clan preserves their Byakugan to death, they even sacrifice their own siblings for that. They wouldn't let any outsider marry one of their clan less the clan heiress, they will preserve their kekkai genkai, so chance of me and Hinata ending up as a married couple would be impossible." explained Naruto briefly

Kurenai was a little surprised by what Naruto had said, what he said made complete sense. Even if he did love Hinata, there was no way he could end up with her as the Hyuga clan wouldn't allow that in order to save their byakugan.

The Uchiha clan did allow some people to enter their clan but only those of noble blood, however the Hyuga were such stuck up pricks that they branded members of their family with seals and made them branch family members in order to protect the main branch. In the history of the clan, there was not a single incident when an outsider was allowed to marry someone from the clan. So Hinata's wish in real life would only be wishful thinking on her part.

Her dream could never be a reality.

"Besides I don't love Hinata, I love you. I do care about her but only as a friend. I don't want to break her heart so I am not telling her straight away that I don't like girls like her as my partner. Maybe one day she will realize this herself." said Naruto seriously

"I understand" said Kurenai calmly

The couple just remained silent on the rest of the way, instead were enjoying the calm night.

They both arrived at their camp and saw the entire team was ready in their battle gear. They had rested for quite some time.

Naruto put his hand in his pouch and took out 5 ration bars. Anko and Kurenai got the message, while the younger members were curious.

"What's this Naruto, is that a ration bar?" asked Sakura curiously

"Yes, it is. It will help you all to replenish the energy you have lost. It'll taste like shit though." said Naruto with a chuckle

He then tossed the five ration bars to his team, he and Kurenai had already taken them. He watched in amusement when Sasuke, Sakura and Hinata took their first bite. Sakura and Hinata instantly threw it up, while Sasuke's eyebrows were twitching.

"My, my someone sure didn't like it." Joked Anko mischeiviously

"Eat it up fast, we don't have much time." commanded Naruto

"Hai" said the three irritatingly. Anko had already eaten her share, she and Kurenai were Jounin and were used to this but it was fun to see the look on the new genin's faces.

After a few moments the team was finally ready and were now standing in a circle waiting patiently for Naruto's orders.

"Alright, right now we have the information that there are supposedly a force of 80 bandits led by a two chunin ranked missing ninja from kiri. Both of them are brother and sister. Taro is skilled in water ninjutsu and Kenjutsu while Sasame is skilled in water ninjutsu and genjutsu. The number of hostages they have are currently uncertain. Is this much clear?" asked Naruto seriously

"HAI" replied all of them in unison

"Now before we attack the enemy I want to reconfirm this information, so we are going to spilt up in pairs with the objective of collecting more information of the enemy." explained Naruto briefly

"But Naruto-kun...we already have the information given by Hokage-sama, it must be efficient." argued Hinata

"That may be true, but it is better to have no information at all rather than having wrong information. Trust me on this." requested Naruto

"I trust you" said Hinata with a smile.

"Now Anko and Hinata I want you two to scout out the enemy camps. Your primary objective is to locate the hostages and try to find out the exact number of hostages. Hinata, I want you to do your best. I am putting my faith in you, do whatever Anko says." instructed Naruto

"I won't let you down." said Hinata a little confidently

"I'm holding you to that, now Sasuke and Sakura." said Naruto and looked at the two genin.

"What do you need us to do?" asked Sasuke seriously

"I want you two to find out about the enemy's front line defense and a vantage point." said Naruto analytically

"Vantage point?" asked Sakura confusedly

"Yes, I have a plan in mind and for that you need to find such position. I and Kurenai will get all the information regarding all the enemy fortifications." said Naruto seriously

"But for that you will have to infiltrate the camp." said Sasuke firmly

"Not necessarily." said Naruto and performed a couple of hand signs.

''Those hand signs." thought Anko and Kurenai in shock as they recognized what jutsu Naruto was doing.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu"

Black marking appeared in the ground and there was a puff of smoke. When the smoke disapperead everyone was shocked of what they saw.

There was a large black crow about the size of a medium tree standing in front of the team.

"Well I guess that takes care of that problem." said Naruto a little sheepishly with a nervous chuckle

"You have a SUMMONING CONTRACT?" said the entire team in shock. Even Hinata didn't stutter.

'Kind of." said Naruto nervously

"Well, now is not the time for such questions, we'll talk about this later. Let's get moving." suggested Sasuke but he gave a firm gaze to Naruto saying he would like to have an explanation later. Sasuke and Naruto were best friends so in a way Sasuke considered it his right to know things which were going on in Naruto's life to some extent. Naruto knew if he didn't want to say how he got the contract then Sasuke wouldn't push it, but he would atleast try to ask once, and Naruto was sure about that.

"Thanks Sasuke" thought a relieved Naruto

Sasuke and Sakura went of their own way, while Hinata and Anko went to fulfill their objective leaving Naruto and Kurenai alone.

Naruto turned around and saw Kurenai looking at him a little expectantly

"Well..would you like to tell me, how you have a crow contract Naruto?" asked Kurenai calmly. She had understood from her mistake, Naruto had some rights to hide some very personal information and she had decided she would just not lash out at him like before.

"This contract was given to me on the condition that I wouldn't reveal from how, where or who gave me the contract. I had made a promise to that person so I cannot tell you. I'm sorry." said Naruto apologetically. Danzo had warned him not to tell anyone how he got the contract, and he was doing just that because if he answered one question many would follow.

"You don't trust me?" asked Kurenai sadly

"No I do trust you with my life but I cannot break my promise to that person. I never go back on my word, have I ever asked you about that mission which almost sent you into depression a few years back." said Naruto calmly

Kurenai remembered the mission with Yakumo, Naruto had never even asked once what did she do, he understood her, he knew he could easily convince her to let her feelings out but he didn't do that. He understood her and gave her some personal space.

"Guess I should return the favor." thought Kurenai warmly

"Its aright, I understand." said Kurenai with a smile

"Thank you, Kurenai-chan." said Naruto gratefully

"Now let's finish this mission." said Kurenai seriously

"Right" said Naruto

Both of them then hopped on the crow and took off in the air in order to complete their objective.

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(2 Hours Later)

The entire team was assembled back at the camp. Everyone had completed their objectives and were eager to report what they had found.

"Alright so did everyone accomplish their objectives?" asked Naruto firmly.

Everyone nodded, Naruto then motioned for Anko to speak as their first priority were the hostages.

"There are 10 hostages, 6 women and 4 Kids, the women are in a very bad condition. You know what I mean." said Anko a little angrily. Hinata was still shocked after what she had seen in that camp, those women were given the worst treatment ever and were raped.

"I see, where are they located?" asked Naruto harshly. He would make those scum pay, to do such things to women were despicable for him.

"Eastern side of the camp, third tent from the left. The kids are in the next tent. Also there are 70 bandits and not 80, our estimates were wrong." said Anko seriously

"Good job Anko, Hinata." complimented Naruto

"There is a large 20 feet wall in front of the camp, it has been heavily fenced and electricity runs through the fence to prevent any form of escape from the prisoners. There are roughly 15 guards guarding the gate." explained Sasuke briefly

"Also we have found a vantage point on the north side, although it is a little high and it would be very difficult to see in such darkness." said Sakura doubtfully

"Nice job, Sasuke, Sakura-chan. Don't worry I have the gear we need." assured Naruto and both the genin nodded.

"Now we have scouted the entire camp and different routes of escape. The results are not much good." said Kurenai seriously

"What have you got?" asked Anko curiously

"The entire camp is surrounded by high walls. Even if we mange to destroy the wall and try to rescue the hostages we don't have many routes." said Naruto strategically

"How so?" asked Sakura curiously

"On the southern side there are dense forests where you could get easily lost with the hostages. We did aerial recon and the place is like a maze. So that route is impossible for rescue." explained Naruto

"What about the western and the northern side?" asked Sasuke curiously

"They aren't any good either. The main enemy force is on the northern side, so we cannot evacuate the hostages from that path. While the eastern side is too sloppy and the hostages are civilian so we cannot take them from that route either." explained Kurenai briefly

"So that leaves only the eastern side." said Anko as she understood the entire scenario.

"Yes, although it is the easiest way for escape the enemy may have set traps, so you will have to be very careful." suggested Naruto

"So what's the plan?" asked Kurenai curiously

Naruto then took out a scroll and when he unsealed it the others were quite surprised and curious on what they saw. There were 5 set of goggles and 6 set of communication devices.

"Now everyone one of you take these communication devices, it will keep us in contact. These goggles are a special type of goggles, they are able to read the thermal heat energy which is released from a person's body, this will help you to locate the enemy. Now Anko and Hinata will rescue the hostages, everyone else in that camp is hostile." explained Naruto in detail

"Such gear must be very costly Naruto. I haven't seen such goggles before." said Anko curiously

"Its because they are recently developed by our village's Research and Development (R&D) branch. We are a special team so the Hokage has given the first issue to us. Since Hinata has the byakugan, her eyes are more than capable for seeing in such darkness. Am I right?" asked Naruto calmly

"Hai.." said Hinata in a low voice.

Naruto then showed them how to operate the equipments, everyone was quite amazed by their effectiveness and how easy they were to operate.

"Now how many exploding tags do we have?" asked Naruto curiously

"20" replied Sakura. It was her responsibility to check the team's supplies and she had made sure that they had enough battle gear.

"Alright, Sakura you take 15 exploding tags while the rest of us will take one each." instructed Naruto seriously

"What do you want us to do?" asked Sasuke seriously. This was his first mission and he won't let anyone down, he had worked very hard to make himself strong in order to protect his team.

"Sakura, you will take position at that vantage point. Your primary objective is to cover Anko and Hinata through your archery while they rescue the hostages. You will also have to take out the sentries on the eastern side and with the help of these exploding tags you will destroy the wall and cover their escape. Some of the hostages are injured, so after they have been rescued you will retreat and join the hostages and will heal the injured. After that you will protect the hostages with Hinata." explained Naruto in detail

"Understood, but shouldn't I also cover you guys?" asked Sakura a little worriedly

"Do if you get the chance, but your main objective is the hostages' safety." said Naruto calmly. He knew she was anxious and as such was keeping her calm. No matter how much training they did, a first mission was always very important for genin.

"Right" said Sakura confidently.

"The enemy has the strength in numbers, but we have something that they will never have. Stealth." explained Naruto

Everyone understood what Naruto was trying to say.

"Ninja don't go in with flashy jutsu most of the time. We are known for our stealth." said Naruto confidently

Hinata was hesitating a lot, she was scared of dying on this mission? She couldn't die, she couldn't die before she lets him know her feelings and ends up with him.

Naruto saw the look in Hinata's eyes and sighed.

"Hinata don't hesitate. If you win, you live, if you lose you die but if you don't fight you will never win." said Naruto harshly, Hinata just gave a small nod in return.

"We will turn their numbers against them." advised Kurenai sagely

"Genjutsu" said Sakura on realizing what Kurenai meant.

"I guess we would be the ones who would face the enemy from the front, isn't it Naruto?" asked Sasuke with a smirk

"Right, but only stealth. The enemy must never know what hit them." replied Naruto curtly and Sasuke nodded.

"Let's do this." said Anko with a mad grin on her face.

The rest of the team got ready, Team 7 was ready to kick ass