Chapter no.17

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"What's it say?" Jiraya Asked

Tsunadae gripped the piece of paper tightly in the palm of her hand. After then, she crumpled up the paper, tore it into pieces, and tossed the pieces onto the ground.

"It says that we should halt the search; however, I'm the Hokage, and I make the rules, not them," he said. "It says that we should halt the search." Tsunadae retorted, with a trace of annoyance in her tone, "Jiraya, would you kindly take care of this bird for me?" In response to Tsunadae's question, Jiraya extended out his arm for the hawk to perch on.

Tsunadae then responded to the message by taking the pen and a fresh piece of paper from his desk.

My sincere apologies.

NO!

I am the Hokage, and you are just some advisors of mine who are complete idiots. I will not put a stop to the search for Naruto or his class, and by "Naruto" I mean Naruto Uzumaki and not Demon, who is an SSS class missing nin.

You can argue with me all day long, but I will not give up the search.

And if any of you even consider the possibility of dispatching a hunting nin, all of you will be put to death for treason.

GOODBYE!

Following that, Tsunadae attaches the message on the Hawk's leg.

"Ok Jiraya, let it go." Tsunadae ordered

After that, Jiraya gave the Hawk some space to take off by raising his arm to a little higher position.

"What did you say Tsunadae-Sama?" A voice filled with concern came from Shizune as she asked.

"I have already stated that I am the Hokage, and I will not put an end to the search." Tsunadae retorted, displaying a hint of annoyance in her voice.

(We are in the middle of the woods somewhere.)

A Jounin of the Leaf was engaging in target practise by hurling Kunias at nearby trees. The Jounin appeared to be a young woman; she had violet eyes and fair skin, and her hair was wrapped in a bun at the back of her head, giving the impression that it was spiked at the ends. She wore a brown short skirt, a leaf headband, and a brown fishing net that looked like a T-shirt. However, you couldn't see the T-shirt because she wore a long brown and grey coat with no buttons and covered it with the fishing net. She went under the name Anko Mitarashi.

As well as being a proctor for the Chunin Exams, he is considered to be one of the best Jounins in the nation. She was a long way from the village because she wanted to do some target practise in a more private area. Additionally, she didn't want anyone to see her without a coat because the fishing net T-shirt she was wearing was tight and revealed some of her body size (Aswell as her breasts).

She was pleased with herself and the strenuous training she was doing, as evidenced by the fact that she was smiling after striking the exact place of one of the trees as she had wanted to.

The woodland was one of the few locations in the world that appealed to her want to visit. There are to be no locals, no interruptions, and most especially not any perverts. When she had finished a mission, all she wanted was some peace and quiet to relax in. This was a great place to be because it was quiet and there was no disturbances in the background noise.

On the other hand, things began to change as she became aware of some sounds.

Soon after, she heard someone calling a name or some other sound, and then she heard someone yell out "Naruto" in a loud voice. She slithered her way over to the area to find out what was going on there

(With Iruka)

Iruka was by himself and had no other option but to walk around and call out Naruto's name. This wasn't the most effective strategy, but he didn't have a choice and he was Naruto's first friend that he had made with him, and Iruka is also like a father to Naruto, so he was confident that Naruto would come to Iruka for assistance.

But, ever since Iruka left the hamlet in search of Naruto, he has been unsuccessful in tracking down his former student who is blonde. However, he did not give up because he knew that if Naruto was the one who was lost, he would never give up looking for him no matter what, even if he had to search for the rest of his life. This knowledge motivated him to continue looking.

Iruka's concern for Naruto's well-being began to grow at this point. What if it turns out that he never comes back to the village again? Has he given up on achieving his goal? NO! Iruka couldn't let something like that happen to his adopted son, Naruto, so he went looking for him and made sure he was all right.

Anko was hiding in the bushes and observing the Academy instructor as he searched for Naruto.

"NARUTO!" Iruka yelled out, using his hands to make a makeshift megaphone.

"NARUTO!" Iruka repeated her previous call.

Anko now remembers who Naruto is; he was one of the Genins that wanted to advance to Chunin, and he was known as the Devil of Konoha due to the fact that he contained nine tails within him. She does not harbour any ill will towards Naruto, other than the fact that he once ate her lunch, but more than anything else, she understands the anguish that he has been experiencing throughout his entire existence.

When Orochimaru betrayed the Leaf, the villagers despised Anko because he was Orochimaru's student. This hatred stemmed from the fact that Anko was Orochimaru's student. Her owner had betrayed the town he had once called home and had pledged to protect, but the leaf Shinobi did not hate her because it was not her fault that her master had done so.

She felt as though Naruto was exactly as Iruka thought of Naruto, which was as her adoptive son, but she did not show it because if she did, the Jounins would not believe that the Anko Mitarashi was feeling sad for once. She did not show it because she did not want the Jounins to believe that she was feeling sad for once. But on the inside, she was sad, very sad for the blond Jinchuriki. He hadn't deserved any of this, and if the Kyuubi hadn't attacked, he would have had a significantly better life than he did before.

Where on earth could she be? Iruka said to himself, "NARUTO!" Iruka carried on further.

Anko felt sorry for Naruto and wanted to do what she could to make things better for him. She also thought it would be fun to assist in the search for Naruto.

It would be best for me to follow him. Anko contemplated the thought to herself.

(Together with Sakura and Ino)

Together, Sakura and Ino set out on foot in the direction of Naruto. After Ino agreed, she knew that her Sensei and her teammates wouldn't let Sakura help, so she knew that she would have to split up. She didn't mind that she would have to help Sakura on her own, though. Since the two of them graduated from the Academy together, Ino has also stopped having romantic feelings for Sasuke. These days, she considers Sasuke more of a friend than someone she loves. Since then, she has been working hard to restore the friendship between them, which is why she is assisting her now.

In spite of Ino's assistance, Sakura continued to be distressed. However, Ino now understands that Sakura's true affection lies with Naruto, not Sasuke. Ino felt obligated to assist her close friend because she was aware that Sakura was going through a difficult time and needed assistance.

Sakura beamed a grin at Ino after she encouraged her and cheered her on. She knew that no matter what she could do, she would never be able to cheer Sakura up. She knew the only way to cheer Sakura up was to assist her in locating Naruto, and she hoped that doing so would make her happy once more. However, Ino is able to see through Sakura's act; she is aware that the smile on her face is an act.

Ino had heard some grumbling while she and Sakura were headed in the direction of Naruto's hiding place.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" Someone heaved a sigh.

"Sakura, have you been listening to that?" Ino Asked

"Yes, Ino, I did hear it." Sakura replied, wide eyed

Ino and Sakura both heard the groan, and both of them knew it came from Naruto.

"Naruto." They then both mumbled something, and then went in the direction that they had heard Naruto groaning at earlier.

(Alongside Naruto)

Naruto continued walking until he reached an open field. He was thinking that he was far away from the Leaf at this point, with the Kyuubi's Chakra, and he could hear the villagers cheering and celebrating that he's finally gone. Naruto continued walking until he reached the open field. Even after everything he had done for them, Naruto was not surprised; he knew that they would celebrate and be delighted that he was gone.

After the fight that he had with Sasuke, Naruto was still experiencing some discomfort. He, on the other hand, chose to disregard the discomfort and proceeded to walk regardless of the circumstances.

"Oh, well, it certainly seems like they are enjoying themselves, don't they?" The Kyuubi smirked

"Shut up, you damn fox! * Groans in pain* It's all your fault why my life is like this, why did you have to assault the village? * It's all your fault why my life is like this. The question was posed by Naruto, who wore a frown over his face.

"DO YOU THINK THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE I WANTED TO DESTROY THAT VILLAGE?!" Kyuubi yelled in an angry manner.

"Don't tell me a lie, I know that you tried to ruin the town; it's what you do, and that's the only thing that you do," she said. As Naruto Explained It

"YOU BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY THING I DO IS DESTROY VILLAGES FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT TOOK PLACE ON THAT DAY!?" Kyuubi Demanded

"I am aware of what took place. You launched an assault on the settlement and made a vain attempt to wipe off everyone there. If you think you can get away with lying to me, you're mistaken. It's all your fault that I've had to go through this. At least you put me through it so I can be happy that you're suffering the consequences of your actions." Naruto's response was very serious.

"I WAS FORCED BY-." After then, Kyuubi was severed.

"Goodbye, I'm not listening to a demon like you." Naruto stated, "It's possible that I'll be able to draw the Chakra back into myself now." Naruto said to himself

After that, Naruto took a long, deep breath, and then he started bringing the Chakra back into himself. He was able to pull some of it back into himself, but the Chakra still wouldn't retract. As a result, he reduced the size of the Chakra range, which made it simpler for someone to locate him.

(With Kakashi and Sasuke)

Just now, Kakashi received the report from the very last dog he summoned, and it stated that only Pakkun remained.

Pakkun quickly arrived to Kakashi and Sasuke.

"So, how'd it go, and did you have any luck?" Kakashi Asked

"No, no luck at all." Pakkun answered

Pakkun quickly sniffed once more, and this time he was able to identify Naruto's fragrance.

"WAIT! *sniff**sniff* I FOUND HIM!" Pakkun yelled, after which he fled in the direction indicated, and Sasuke and Kakashi soon after him.

(Alongside Group 8)

Kakashi, Sasuke and Pakkun soon passed team 8.

"WE HAVE FOUND NARUTO! FOLLO US!" Sasuke yelled it out.

After that, Team 8 gave chase to Kakashi, Sasuke, and Pakkun.

(Alongside Gai's Squad)

Both Team 7 and Team 8 went by Gai and his crew and swiftly informed them that they had located Naruto after they had done so. After that, Team Gai took over.

(Alongside Group 10)

Where could Ino be right now? Asuma Asked

"It was a challenge when we first lost Naruto and then Ino. I've always been aware that women may be somewhat problematic." Shikamaru spoke up

A short while afterwards, Teams 7, 8, and Gai went through.

"WE HAVE FOUND NARUTO! HURRY FOLLOW US!" Sasuke yelled it out.

What about Ino, you ask? Choji Asked

Choji, Ino is a bright young lady; she will locate us very quickly. Shikamaru was the one who responded, and he, Asuma, and Choji all ended up following the teams.

(With Iruka and Anko)

Iruka wasn't too far away from team 10, and after overhearing Sasuke, he decided to follow him and the other members of the team. Anko did the same thing.

(With Jiraya, Shizune and Tsunadae)

When Kakashi was the first to pass, he told Tsunadae that they had found Naruto, Jiraya, and Shizune, and that they had then gone to follow Pakkun. Tsunadae then followed Pakkun.

(Alongside the Sakura and the Ino)

Ino had noticed that Sakura was running much, much faster than she was, and she knew that Sakura was happy that she had finally found Naruto. Both Sakura and Ino had run towards the location where Naruto's groans had been heard.

"Naruto-Kun, please be okay. I apologise for the things that I just uttered to you." Sad thoughts passed through Sakura's mind, but she forced a smile over her face.

(Alongside Naruto)

Naruto continued to walk until he heard a shout from behind him. At that moment, he stopped.

"NARUTO-KUN!" Someone let out an ecstatic yell.

When Naruto turned around, he saw Ino and Sakura emerging from the woods. The two figures that emerged from the woods were Ino and Sakura.

During the brief moment of stillness that followed, Naruto and Sakura were staring at each other. Naruto was perplexed as to why Sakura was here rather than with her boyfriend, whom she called "Sasuke-Kun."

Sakura was the one to finally break the stillness when she spoke "Naruto-Kun" while a tear trickled down her cheek.