Chapter 29

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters in this story. Lament with me my friends :-(

Chapter 29 – Helping the Sand

"Tsunade-san, I heard you have a priority mission for me" Naruto says.

Tsunade looks up at him from the files she was reading at her desk.

"Sit down Uzumaki, it's not a mission for the Leaf Village" Tsunade tells him.

"Then what is it?" Naruto asks.

"The Hidden Sand was attacked yesterday by a group that calls themselves the Four Celestials. They challenged Gaara to a fight and then took a student he was teaching" Tsunade informs him.

"Student?" Naruto questions.

"Yes, the Sand decided to follow our model of training and set up an academy. They chose the Sand Siblings to be their instructors" Tsunade tells him.

"So that means Temari is involved" Naruto surmises.

"I thought that would interest you, it's been awhile since you have taken on a mission for the village once the mission load decreased and got back to normal" Tsunade says.

"What are you talking about, didn't I deal with that old fool Gennō recently when even your ANBU didn't recognize him as a threat?" Naruto reminds her.

"And how long ago was that?" She reminds him.

"Wasn't that long ago" Naruto remarks.

"Look the Sand are asking for our help and we are trying to reestablish our relationship with them. I could ask someone else, but I thought since you had had some kind of relationship with one of the Siblings would be the best person for the job" Tsunade says.

"Alright, alright so you say they call themselves the Four Celestials and challenged Gaara?" Naruto responds.

"They took off from the Land of Rivers and are said to be headed towards the Land of Fire. As of now only Temari, Gaara, and Kankurō have been assigned to pursue them ..." Tsunade tells him.

"Why would the Sand send out Gaara knowing the enemy wants him?" Naruto asks cutting her off.

"I don't know, that's all the information they have provided" Tsunade says.

"So that's it?" Naruto asks.

"Yes, it's important we maintain our relationship with the Sand" Tsunade says.

"Alright, so who I am allowed to take with me?" Naruto asks.

"None of the other jōnin or chūnin are available as they are out investigating a threat from the Artisan Village" Tsunade tells him.

"Then who is available" Naruto asks.

"Shizune" She calls.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade" Shizune responds handing Naruto a clipboard with a roster of gennin.

"You can select any of the gennin who are on that list, but time is of the essence so you need to gather them together and be on the road in 30 minutes" Tsunade tells him.

"What about if I take my group along with my mother along" Naruto offers.

"No, this has to be an official Leaf mission you'll have to leave them behind" Tsunade orders.

"What if I just take Karin, her sensor ability could come in handy" Naruto says.

"No, just Leaf ninja and that's final" Tsunade stands firm.

Naruto then looks at the list of gennin on the clipboard.

"I see Sakura isn't on here" Naruto says after looking at the list.

"She's busy training to become a medical-nin and working on her medical ninjutsu" Tsunade tells him.

"That's fine, I wouldn't have used her anyway. I just found it curious, didn't know you were searching for a new apprentice" Naruto remarks.

"The girl came to me and expressed her desire to get stronger, I think the recent string of failures she's been apart of and Sasuke's rejections have shaken her and have made her become more serious about her career" Tsunade says.

"Hmm ... is that so, please send Hawks to the following gennin" Naruto says as he tells her who he wants.

Main Gate

"Uugh, why are we here. I didn't even have a chance to eat before we left" Chōji complains.

"You read the same mission scroll I did" Shikamaru reminds him.

"Hey is that Naruto?" Chōji says suddenly.

"Yes it is" Shikamaru answers.

With him was a growling Kiba, Sasuke, Tenten, and Rock Lee. Both Squad 10 members rush to get answers.

"Naruto what's going on, why were we summoned?" Shikamaru asks after reaching the group.

"The Sand Village has asked the Leaf for assistance. Their village was attacked recently and the target is Gaara" Naruto tells them.

"What psycho would go after that maniac?" Kiba asks.

"It's a group calling themselves the Celestials, they captured Gaara's apprentice to lure him out and are heading towards the Land of Fire" Naruto answers.

"Do you know what their purpose is and how are we supposed to find them without a tracker?" Shikamaru asks.

"I already sent Hinata and Shino along with Neji out to find their trail, we have the general direction they're heading so it shouldn't be that hard since they want to be found. As to their purpose, my guess is they somehow intend to trap Gaara and use him as a weapon" Naruto answers.

"Great, how are we supposed to help" Tenten asks.

"Lady Tsunade wants to reestablish the Leaf's the relationship with the Sand through this mission, you are all here to help with that purpose" Naruto tells them.

"That's it, what about the bad guys?" Rock Lee questions.

"Honestly, I figure the enemy has a way to at least neutralize Gaara so your also here to back me up" Naruto answers.

"And you need all of us to do that?" Sasuke remarks snidely.

"Honestly no, but I'm not stupid. You all have your own strengths that could be valuable in a situation like this. I don't know what we're going to be up against so there you have it. Come, don't come, but we're leaving now" Naruto says and takes off through the tree line.

Kiba and Sasuke as well as Lee and Tenten take off after him.

"Great so we have to follow that guy and go on some crazy mission against an enemy we don't know or understand" Shikamaru complains.

"Come on Shika we don't want to get left behind" Chōji rushing to catch up.

'Great what's got him so fired up all of a sudden' Shikamaru wonders as he runs to catch up with the group.

"So what's the plan fearless leader?" Shikamaru asks as he moves besides Naruto.

"I already told you I don't know yet. Shino and Neji's group will meet up with us when they figure out where the enemy is located, we'll figure something out then" Naruto tells him.

"UGHHH! your so pig headed Naruto, you should never go into battle without some form of strategy and why didn't you ask for Sakura or Ino to be on this mission?" Shikamaru responds negatively.

"Tsunade say's she's busy training and didn't want her disturbed, besides just like Ino she would only get in the way" Naruto says.

Truth was that what Naruto said about Sakura was true. Tsunade didn't want her newest apprentice to miss out on training, plus she felt it was too soon to send the girl out on such a mission. As for Ino, it was petty but Naruto still remembered the Finals and what the fangirl managed to do. Unlike what Shikamaru thought, Naruto didn't believe she was weak. No he just didn't want her on the mission or near Temari. He was just grateful that Tenten had finished the mission she had with another team earlier than expected.

"That's not true, I hear Sakura is training to become a medical-nin under Lady Tsunade and Kaito-san's direction. A medic would have come in handy in case of injuries, and regardless of what you think of her Ino has gotten a lot better. We don't know what the enemy has planned remember, what if they take you and Gaara out what are the rest of us going to do?" Shikamaru complains.

"Your ninja right, if things get to difficult for you you have my permission to fall back and retreat" Naruto answers.

"None of us are going to do that, you might not like it but we are your friends Naruto!" Shikamaru responds.

"Look I may not say it, but you guys are pretty good ... for gennin anyway. I trust that those on this mission can handle things if the worse happens, remember Temari and their brother are there. I was informed the three of them were recently promoted to Chūnin, shouldn't need more than that to deal with four enemies no matter how strong" Naruto remarks.

"Gee thanks for the vote of confidence, still doesn't change the fact that we don't know what the enemy has planned and the more that are with us the better" Shikamaru responds.

"Tough luck, this is what we're working with. I was only told 20 minutes ago about this mission and couldn't bring any of my group with me or my former teammates. On the way instead of complaining you could be thinking up a plan for the just in case" Naruto remarks.

Shikamaru fell back as he contemplated a plan and the rest of the journey through Fire Country was pretty silent save for Chōji complaining about not having any food and Kiba growling at Naruto's back. That is until they very close to the border of Fire Country and the Land of Rivers.

"Naruto we should stop here" Shikamaru suggests.

Naruto looked back at the Nara heir.

"Alright, let's stop everyone" Naruto says.

"Why are we stopping!? Sasuke shouts.

"Because Shikamaru suggested it and I agreed, plus it allows me to do the 2nd phase of my plan" Naruto says.

"What's that?" Shikamaru asks.

Instead of telling them Naruto uses his trademark jutsu the Shadow Clone.

"Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu - Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu" Naruto calls.

Instantly their are eight shadow clones surrounding the group that just as suddenly disperse in pairs going in four different directions.

"What was the point in that?" Sasuke asks not understanding.

"I can't just rely on Shino and the Byakugan, my clones can go out ahead and if they run into them they can relay the information directly to me and also do some scouting on their own" Naruto answers.

"Great, now can we get moving?" Sasuke asks.

His sole motivation to going on this hunt was to fight strong individuals, there was no way he would hang back and allow Naruto and Gaara to do the fighting. There were four enemies, Naruto would take one, Gaara another, and he would challenge the strongest foe, the rest can sit back or fight the last remaining enemy together.

"In a minute" Naruto says.

He reaches into his pouch and takes out two scrolls. He unfurls one and unseals the content.

"Here Chōji" Naruto says as he throws the unsealed scroll to the Akimichi.

"What is it?" Chōji asks.

"Just put some chakra into the scroll and find out" Naruto directs.

"Ok-ay ...WOW!" Chōji exclaims.

What was in the scroll was a Katsu-sando, a breaded pork cutlet sandwich, which the Akimichi heir wasted little time in devouring.

"As for the rest of you, do you need any weapons. This mission was short notice, but if you need anything this scroll here has standard weapon sets" Naruto asks.

No one seemed to need anything, but what they didn't know is that the Naruto with them was a clone. Naruto had already run ahead having switched a places with one of the clones he created. He also had his own eyes, maybe not as good as the Byakugan but he could see the 4 Celestials splitting up with the leader heading south of the waterfall with Gaara's student strapped to his back. That's when the clone beside him dispelled giving the clone with Shikamaru and the others the message and telling it to give Shikamaru the sent bag Shino gave him. As he was closing in on the Leaders position he received the memories from the clone he switched with telling him that Shikamaru and the others had split up joining the fight against the three remaining Celestials with Temari, Kankurō, and Gaara.

Just as he caught up with him the leader climbed a tree running up to the top so he could see the progress of the other Celestials.

"I wouldn't have expected anything less. They don't call him the ultimate weapon for nothing" Naruto hears him say as he takes position on opposite tree top.

"The ultimate ... weapon" squeaks out his captive.

"However, he's no match for ninja weapons forged in the Village of Artisans"

"So that's where your from" Naruto marks.

"What?" "Who are you?" the brown haired Takumi village ninja asks.

"My name is Uzumaki, Naruto from Konoha here to help the Sand Siblings" Naruto answers.

"Why are you interfering, this has nothing to do with your village" The man questions.

"You attacked the Sand and the Leaf has an alliance with them, not to mention the sand siblings are good friends of mine" Naruto replies.

"Then I'll have to deal with you quickly" He responds.

Holding his sword out in front of him he directs chakra through it and a stream of fire at Naruto who jumps out of the way as it lights the tree on fire and setting it a blaze.

"Interesting sword you have there. I've been looking forward to fight like this" Naruto remarks.

Taking out a scroll Naruto quickly unseals the contents to reveal his black sword.

"Hahaha, you think that pathetic sword can match my sword crafted by the best artisans from my village" He retorts.

"I guess we'll find out, but first why don't you introduce yourself" Naruto directs.

"I'm Hōki, leader of the Shitenshōnin (Four Celestial Symbols Men, and I will be the instrument of your death" Hōki responds.

Instantly he unleashes another stream of fire forcing Naruto to run back down the tree to give him some space to maneuver. Hōki rushes after him sending more fire his way. Naruto rolls out of the way as the fire scorches the ground that he stepped on. In an instant he used the Tiger hand seal coming out of the roll with two water clones that rushed at Hōki with their swords. Hōki quickly dispatched them with more fire from his sword. As soon as Hōki jumps down off the tree Naruto is in front of him slashing his word down to cut him two forcing Hōki to block with his sword, as the two fought a battle of strength the Artisans ninja showed off another trick as the sword became in engulfed in flames surprising Naruto and allowing Hōki the upper hand as he used that moment of surprise to knock Naruto's sword away from him and stab him with the flaming sword setting Naruto aflame.

"Huh, such trash thinking he could be best the might of the Village of Artisans Weaponery" Hōki gloats.

"And your a fool for believing some tool from a long forgotten village was enough to beat me" Naruto says from behind him.

Hōki got no further warning as Naruto's black blade sliced through the bindings carrying Gaara's student freeing her.

"Go to your master" Naruto directs and the girl wasted little time in complying.

Hōki used this to get away from Naruto.

"You fool, it doesn't matter if you rescue the girl. I will have the ultimate weapon and bring the so called great 5 to their knees!" Hōki threatens.

However with the girl gone Naruto is now able to stop restraining himself.

"Haha, you know what's funny, your here to capture Gaara because he's the holder of One tail demon" Naruto laughs.

"What's funny about that" Inquires Hōki.

"It's funny because your fighting the holder the Kyūbi" Naruto says.

Naruto uses Kyūbi's chakra and quickly uses 4 tails worth of chakra. The new development shocks the Artisans ninja, but only for a moment as he develops a sinister grin.

"Even better" Hōki responds.

However, he had no time to initiate his trap as Naruto was in front him before he could realize and thrust his clawed hand through the chest of the Artisan ninja. His sword clanked away from his body as he lay face up with a shocked expression on his face. Naruto then created a clone and had it go through through his clothes checking for seals, instructions, scrolls, and items before sealing it all away along with the body and sword then headed to see how the other battles were going.

Naruto arrived just in time to see Gaara finish his battle by throwing a spear of sand into his opponents chest.

"Nice work Gaara" Naruto says announcing his presence.

"Naruto, is that you?" Gaara questions.

Instead of answering immediately Naruto formed another Shadow Clone and had it deal with the falling Artisans ninja the same way had the other do with the leader of the group.

"Well, when Tsunade told me about the mission I had to come. I was hoping we could fight together, these guys were weak" Naruto comments.

"Speak for yourself Naruto, that guy had some insane armor. It stole the chakra of any attack, taijutsu or ninjutsu" Sasuke complains.

"Hmmm ... chakra leaching armor that I'm guessing gives it to the wearer or adds to it's defensive capabilities, interesting" Naruto responds.

"What are you doing here anyway Naruto, I thought you had run ahead to fight the leader" Lee asks.

"I found him and freed Gaara's student before beating him" Naruto answers.

"Matsuri ... where is she?" Gaara asks.

"She should be here, maybe the trail team found her first and took her to safety" Naruto theorizes.

"We should meet up with the others, if they're anything like this guy the others might be in trouble" Sasuke warns.

As they prepared to leave Matsuri came out of the bushes a bit winded and together they all went off to help the other. Of course once they got there they witnessed Kankurō finish the guy off using his puppets to trap the guy and then impale him like it was an iron maiden. Kiba and Chōji came down out of the trees. The puppet released the bloodied body and Naruto had another clone go tend to it.

"Glad to see the three of you could work together" Naruto remarks.

"There is nothing we can't handle!" Kiba boasts.

However the looks on Chōji's and Kankurō's faces told a different story.

"What about you, running off by yourself and not telling the team. Did you finally get your ass handed to you" Kiba remarks.

Naruto just gave a little smirk.

"As fun as a recap of my fight would be, we should find the others" Naruto answers.

"No need" came a familiar voice from the foliage.

"Glad to see you are okay Temari" Naruto responds.

"Gee, we're fine too" Tenten remarks.

"As if I'd let some third rate ninja from a forgotten village get the best of me" Temari remarks.

"Really, I seem to remember someone almost dead before Shikamaru saved your ass blondie" Tenten responds coldly.

'Seems as if someone hasn't gotten over what happened during the Exam' Naruto thinks.

"You guys should get to a medic, let's head back to the Leaf Village. I'm sure Tsunade wouldn't mind patching you guys up before you head home" Naruto says.

"And this is why we should have had a medic like Sakura here with us" Shikamaru remarks.

"Your not letting that go are you?" Naruto asks.

"A medic is a valuable resource for a team to have and you could have pressed Lady Tsunade into sending her with us" Shikamaru argues.

"Look we're all safe and victorious, if your really that upset about it lodge a formal complaint in your mission brief" Naruto says over the whole situation.

The Leaf gennin all looked at each other with knowing smirks.

"Fine, let's go. The sooner we get back the sooner I can relax" Shikamaru comments.

"Geez, does your lazy ass think of anything productive" Temari remarks.

"I saved you didn't I" he responds back.

Temari just blushes too embarrassed to say anything more. She still couldn't believe the power of that weapon, she hated to admit but she was done for had backup not arrived. On the journey back the trail team caught up with them and they all made it back to the village. Naruto, the Sand Siblings, Matsuri, and Shikamaru were the ones that went to Tsunade's office to give their reports.

"I see from the reports that there were some issues with Naruto's leadership" Tsunade questions with a gaze towards the Nara.

"Sakura should have been included in the mission. Her abilities as a medic would have been invaluable in case someone got hurt and we couldn't make it back in time" Shikamaru argues.

"You do remember Naruto has a nifty little jutsu that allows him to transport himself and others if need be and I told him Sakura is busy. She's got a long road ahead and having her stop her training to go on a mission would have been detrimental to her future" Tsunade counters.

"With all due respect Lady Tsunade, whatever training Sakura was doing would only be helped by some real in the field experience" Shikamaru argues.

"Be that as it may, you all got back safe and sound and the mission was other wise successful Good job Naruto" " Now if anyone needs any medical attention Shizune here will escort you to the hospital" Tsunade says dismissing the complaint.

"Your all dismissed, except for you Naruto" Tsunade says.

Shikamaru, Matsuri, and the Sand Sibs head out except for Temari who gives Naruto a look.

"Go ahead, I'll catch up with you before you leave the village" Naruto says.

Nodding Temari also leaves.

"So what's this about?" Naruto asks.

Instead of Tsunade it was a male voice that answers.

"I had Tsunade here arrange for the two of us to go on a little trip" Jiraiya says coming through the window.

"What makes you think I'd go anywhere with you?" Naruto asks.

"I was about to find out through some contacts of mine that the Akatsuki are taking a two year break before they resume going after the jinchūriki. We should use this time to make sure you up to snuff for when they attack again" Jiraiya responds.

"That's nice Jiraiya-san, but I don't need to go anywhere. You say they're done for two years, then that means I am safe for the next two years" Naruto counters.

"Naruto, as much as I agree with you the Toad boy here is agreeing to teach you and let you explore out in the world. It's a very generous offer, most ninja would give anything to train with a Sennin and especially Jiraiya whom trained your father and became Hokage" Tsunade interjects.

"Be that as it may, I decline. He offered the same thing once before, but my mother is here and the girls are here. I have no need or want to leave any of them for what 2 years?" Naruto questions.

"Actually I was thinking three years just to keep you off their radar a bit longer, maybe force them to go after other jinchūriki before coming after you" Jiraiya reveals.

"Well then let me ask you something Senju-san ... what happens to my deal if I'm out with Jiraiya for three years?" Naruto questions as stares her down.

"Well naturally, you would agree to suspend the deal for the intervening time until we got back and then finish out your remaining two years" Jiraiya interrupts.

"Is the Toad speaking for you and the village?" Naruto asks Tsunade.

"Yes, we all feel that it's in the best interest for you and the village if you went with Jiraiya" Tsunade answers directly.

"Huh, well the answer is no" Naruto says firmly.

"Think about what your giving up brat, training from me the one who trained your father a former Hokage!" Jiraiya shouts.

"Yes, be reasonable Naruto. Your already a jōnin ..." Tsunade starts

"Tokubetsu Jōnin" Naruto corrects.

"Fine Tokubetsu Jōnin, the people admire and respect you already. If you went with Jiraiya ..." Tsunade is stopped.

"I'd what, be considered for your replacement whenever you want to throw the hat down or be considered stronger than most already think I am or what help the village?" Naruto interjects.

Both Sennin nod.

"But I don't want to be Hokage and I thought we talked about this already Senju-san but I don't care what happens to the village. I have a little over 2 years left on the deal I signed with Sarutobi-san backed by the Daimyō and then I'm gone. Which also means that I will cease to be the village's problem when the Akatsuki decide to come after me again so there is no security concern for you or the village" Naruto responds.

"Also, I want to remind you that while I do work under you. The deal specifically states that I am not obligated to do anything and that I can easily serve my time at the capital should things fall apart here. Now I'd hate to do that, but if I must ..." Naruto threatens.

"Fine your dismissed" Tsunade says giving up.

Instead of walking out Naruto is surrounded by darkness that pools beneath his feet and vanishes without a trace.

"Damn, I forgot he could do that" Jiraiya comments, before focusing back on his fellow Sennin.

"What the hell was that Tsunade, you know it benefited us both for him to leave the village. Hell even those old farts in the senior council agreed" Jiraiya says.

"And yet we can't force him, I gave you all the help I could in swaying his decision" Tsunade responds.

"And it was no where near good enough, he has to come with me. I believe the fate of the world is at stake here Tsunade!" Jiraiya yells.

"Oh stuff it you old Toad, I'm done with hearing about the stupid prophecy. If something like that was real, the Toads wouldn't be the only ones raving about it!" Tsunade yells back.

"The Toads are the only known summons that have Sage abilities!" Jiraiya yells.

"It doesn't matter, the boy wants nothing to do with you so move on and get out of my office. Oh and if I hear about you peeping on anyone I will hunt you down and give you the beating of your lifetime!" Tsunade threatens.

"Fine, be that way! Don't cry to me when the world ends because that brat didn't play his part!" Jiraiya yells storming out.

A few hours later at the village gates

"Thanks for your help Naruto" Gaara says.

"No problem, what are friends for" Naruto responds as they shake hands.

"Ummm ... th-ank y-you for ummm ... saving me" Matsuri says.

"No need to thank me, your Gaara's precious student. I couldn't let him lose someone he cares about if I could do something about it" Naruto responds.

"M-Me ... precious ... t-to Gaara-sensei" she stammers with a blush.

She looks over at her mentor and see's he's looking at her and turns away.

"Hmmm ... she reminds me of someone, take care of her Gaara and be well my friend" Naruto says giving him a light hug.

"Thank you my friend, you as well" Gaara says returning the hug and then moving away.

"Kankurō" Naruto greets.

"Naruto" Kankurō returns.

They bump fists and Kankurō goes over beside Gaara and Matsuri.

"Temari" Naruto says.

"Naruto" She responds.

They quickly hug and kiss.

"I hope our next meeting is less business and more pleasure" Naruto says.

"Me too, Naru-kun" Temari responds resisting the urge to let go.

"I don't know when we'll see each other again, but I hope it's soon" Naruto says.

They break away and Temari joins her brothers as they head out. That's when Naruto notices he wasn't the only one there anymore as Temari looked back and waved towards him, but he noted it wasn't really him she waved towards although the blush was his.

"When did that happen" Shikamaru asks.

"During the exams, why are you here exactly?" Naruto asks.

"I also, wanted to see them off" Shikamaru answers.

"Them or a certain blonde with a flirty yet dangerous vibe about her" Naruto asks.

Shika shakes off the question and then turns to Naruto.

"I won't lose to you" He declares.

"So you are interested in her" Naruto responds with a grin.

"No, I mean we won't lose to you" Shikamaru clarifies.

"Okay, I'm confused" Naruto declares.

"We of the Konoha 10 are going to train hard so that one day we will beat you" Shikamaru declares again.

"You sure this has nothing to do with Temari-chan?" Naruto questions.

"No you idiot, this has nothing to do with her" Shikamaru responds close to raising his voice in frustration.

"Well that's nice, but it doesn't matter" Naruto responds.

"Why not?" Shika asks.

"Because in 2 years I won't even be here" Naruto says walking away.

Shikamaru watches him leave and then looks towards where the Sand Sibs went and noticed they were out of sight before looking back to see Naruto is also gone. Thinking on what to do next Shikamaru looks up at the clouds, all around the village others are looking up as well making vows to get stronger. Looking at the road ahead, Shika starts heading home. It was going to be a long 2 years, might as well get some rest and do some cloud watching while he was at it.

As soon as he was out sight a certain blue haired, white eyed clan heir stepped out from behind a post. These days it felt like she was moving backward not forward, hiding from her beloved and staying out of the fight.

'No more, I need to be willing to fight. I won't lose either' she thought before heading find Kurenai for more training.