Chapter 5: S-Class Mission

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The Golden Fox by Nyce456

Anime » Naruto Rated: T, English, Adventure, Naruto U., Tsunade S., Words: 447k+, Favs: 6k+, Follows: 3k+, Published: Mar 19, 2006 Updated: Mar 19, 2008

4,233Chapter 5: S Class Mission

Chapter 5: S-Class Mission

On top of the Hokage monument, sat a lone young man who was looking off into the night sky. Sitting on the head of the Fourth Hokage, Naruto sat deep in thought. Naruto thought about Yumi, and what he said to her. Realizing what he said to her, he sighed. He also was aware of the fact that the council and everyone else in the village were going to hate him for what he did to their "precious" Sasuke-kun. No matter what he did for Konoha, he would always be seen as the demon. His thoughts also flashed back to his dream to become Hokage, or rather his former dream.

He clenched his dirt smudged fist. Everything he ever tried to work for, Sasuke seemed to get without trying. He hated to admit to himself but he was jealous of Sasuke. His thoughts drifted to when he first met Konohamaru. He remembered what he told the boy all those years ago. He remembered looking at Sandaime's grandson in the eyes and saying, "There are no short-cuts…" Oh how true that was.

For all the strength that he possesses he had to work hard obtain it. Sasuke had the Sharingan and could copy everything. He himself on the other hand, trained his body to the brink. Maybe that's why Kakashi trained Sasuke instead, he didn't really have to teach, Naruto wondered.

"I knew you would be up here." The perverted hermit spoke breaking his concentration. Naruto looked up to see his sensei giving him a warm smile.

"What do you want Ero-Sennin?" The blond questioned. He was now looking at his sensei with a look that gave off no emotion.

"To see how you were doing." Jiraiya answered. Jiraiya may not have been able to see the emotion on Naruto's face, but he knew that if he was on the monument then he was sad. This was one of the few places that Naruto went when he was sad. Jiraiya knew this after watching Naruto a few times.

"Naruto you can't lie to me. I know you're probably a bit angry but what you said to Sakura and Kakashi was wrong."

Naruto's eyes showed fury. He thought he was coming up here to talk to him about anything, but never did he think it was about his treatment to those two. If he had said Yumi, then he would not have gotten angry, but to say those two and expect him not to feel what he felt was absurd to him.

"Just when I thought you were here to talk to me about Yumi or something else you bring up Kakashi and Haruno. Every time I speak how I feel it's a problem, but others can speak to me anyway they feel and get away with it. Tough luck, if I hurt anyone's feelings, I don't give a crap." Naruto spat out in anger filled tone.

Jiraiya spoke, "So you don't care if you hurt Yumi?" Naruto's anger died down immediately. Naruto knew he was wrong for yelling at her but he was just mad.

Jiraiya just gave sigh, "Look Naruto, I'm not here to tell you to apologize to anyone, that decision is solely on you. But I will say this; grow-up Naruto."

Naruto's eyes widened at what his teacher said, and then they narrowed just as quickly as the widened. "Grow-up? I grew-up as soon as the woman I saw as the only mother I ever had kicked me out of the village. I grew-up when the girl I gave my all to please, saw me as nothing more than an annoyance. I grew-up when my friend shoved a Chidori through my chest. I grew-up when my sensei refused to train me to train another student. I grew-up when the day my dream was killed. I grew when I finally realized that no matter what I did for this village they would always see as nothing more than the demon that destroyed their families. Now you stand here and tell me to grow-up? I've grown-up, so don't stand there and say something like that to me!"

Jiraiya's eyes never broke contact with his student. "Naruto, you have grown-up into a strong, brave, and decent human being. I never doubted that you have grown-up, but you haven't grown-up enough to put the past behind you."

Naruto's eyes fixed on the ground. "Why should I put the past behind me? The past is a part of who I am." He pointed to the village, "They can't seem to put the past behind them so why should I?" Naruto looked at Jiraiya searching for the answer as if it was in the hermits eyes.

Jiraiya placed a hand on his students shoulder then smiled, "Because Naruto, you're better than them. I've watched you grow from an annoying, over-confident, loud-mouthed brat, into an annoying, over-confident, loud-mouthed young man; A young man that I'm proud of."

Naruto smiled. He always thought of Jiraiya as a grandfather. So for him to say that he was proud of him made the blond boy feel happy. Naruto's smile quickly turned into a look of sadness, "I'm glad that you're proud of me but how do I put the past behind me when it hurts so much?"

He just shrugged his shoulders, "Honestly, I don't know Naruto. However, I do know that hate will not change anything. Naruto the past is the past so don't let it hurt you. Look towards the future now. You have Yumi now; doesn't the future look better than the past? Also, you proved to everyone one is this village who called you a monster and a dead last wrong. You beat their Uchiha and when you did get strong enough you didn't take out your aggressions on them. So I know you could leave the past in the past. That's why you are better then them."

Naruto looked towards the stars in the sky. He was contemplating on everything that Jiraiya had told him. He was right, Naruto didn't grow-up enough to put the past behind him. Also, he had Yumi and that was a gift from god in his eyes. He knew that his future no longer lied in Konoha, but he did have a few people here that cared for him. That was enough. So he made a resolution to just let it go. Everything would start off with a clean slate, as far as Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke was concerned. He would no longer hold grudges because he was better then that.

He looked back at Jiraiya, "You're right Ero-Sennin, I am better than them. I will put the past behind me. From this day forward, I will start with a new slate with everyone. Sakura, Kakashi, and Sasuke even Oba-chan. I won't hold a grudge, because in the end it was I who turned out for the better. I given my word and I never go back on my word, because that is my nindo. Thanks Ero-Sennin for making me see what I should have seen all along. Who would have thought a perverted old man could be so wise?"

"Well I do have my moments. Anyway, I think you should go talk to Tsunade." He dropped the smile and gave Naruto a look to illustrate his seriousness, "You should know that she didn't want to banish you."

"I know she didn't want too, but it just hurt. I know she has obligations as Hokage, but I just wished she was there for me. The council was against me from day one, they saw their chance to get rid of me and they did." Naruto said.

Jiraiya continued looking into his students eyes, "Naruto be careful. The council is against you. Even though the Hokage has the most power, her power is not absolute. If everyone on the council comes together, then they can overthrow even her rule. They will ban together and try to send you on suicide missions. So Naruto, be careful."

Naruto took it all in. "You're probably right. It did seem that everyone was against me in that meeting besides Oba-chan. I know they probably are trying to kill two birds with one stone. They're hoping that I can help end this war and die in the process. Well I'm going to take everything that they will and can throw at me."

Jiraiya smiled at his students comments. He knew how the council members hated Naruto. He knew that as soon as the get the chance they would send him into a suicide mission or at least it would be for anyone else. "They're going to be disappointed when he completes every mission that they throw at him." He broke free from his train of thought, "Naruto, it's getting late, maybe you should go to your hotel room."

Naruto nodded in agreement, "I probably should, Yumi is going to be worried sick. I just hope she didn't tell Mai-san, the last thing I need is her screaming at me. So Ero-Sennin, where are you going?"

Jiraiya gave his student a cheesy smile, "I'm going to continue my research. I'll see you before you leave for you're mission tomorrow. Later."

Naruto frowned at his Sensei's actions, "Perverted hermit… going to a whore-house isn't research it's just you getting pleasure." Naruto shook his head at the thought of Jiraiya and some poor lady. He then headed back to the town below. Before he went to the hotel, he had to do something else.

Uchiha District…

Naruto had walked in the Uchiha district. When he was young, he remembers it being full of life. As it stands today, it is nothing more then an eerie ghost town. Naruto walked to the house that housed the only member of the Uchiha clan.

Sasuke was sitting in his living room with Kakashi and Sakura. Sakura followed Kakashi to make sure that Sasuke was ok. Sasuke on the other hand was deep in thought. He couldn't fathom that Naruto had beaten him; not only that but Naruto had rendered Tsukyomi useless. "Just how strong are you Naruto?" This question ran through Sasuke's head until the sound of the door broke his concentration. Sasuke went to answer the door. He was surprised at who was standing before him.

Naruto looked at Sasuke, "Can I come in? We need to talk."

Sasuke thought about it for a minute. Should he let him in or should he just slam the door in his face? Sasuke decided to let Naruto in. Naruto entered the house to see Sakura and Kakashi standing in the living room. Kakashi and Sakura looked at Naruto, clearly curious as to why he was there.

Naruto decided to speak, "Great, you're all here. I won't have to track you two down."

Kakashi wondered what Naruto wanted, "Naruto, do you wish to say something that we all should hear?"

He shook his head, "Yes." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm just here to say that I'm sorry. Kakashi, I didn't mean what I said to you… well I did but I'm sorry about it." He then looked at Sakura "Look Sakura, I know what I said was wrong and maybe I shouldn't have said it but I only said it because I was angry. I don't wish death on no one and it was wrong to wish it on you."

Sakura smiled a genuine smile. She then walked up to the taller blond, "Naruto, it is I who should be apologizing to you. You were right about saying that I wasn't a good friend to you. You did more then I could ask any friend to do. What I said all those years was wrong and I truly am sorry. Please forgive me."

Naruto looked at Sakura, "Sakura, I forgive but I will never forget." He looked at Kakashi, then Sasuke before placing his eyes back on Sakura, "Although I may never forget, that doesn't mean we can't start fresh. From this day forth were going to wipe the slate clean. What do you say?"

Tears slid down the pink Kunoichi eyes. She immediately rushed and hugged Naruto. "Naruto… I don't know why you're doing this when you have every right to hate me but I promise that I will try to be a good friend."

Sakura let Naruto go to wipe her eye dry. Naruto then turned to Sasuke, "I hope we can put the past behind us Sasuke?"

Sasuke, who was leaning on the wall by the door, nodded, "Sure I guess we could do that."

Naruto then turned to Kakashi, "Is this ok with you?"

The copy-nin smiled behind his mask, "Sure Naruto, it sounds perfect."

Naruto looked at Sasuke, "Well I better head back to the hotel. We have a mission tomorrow and I'm getting tired." Sasuke opened the door as Naruto walked towards to head to the hotel. When Naruto was at the end of the walk way Sakura screamed out, "Naruto!" Sakura yelled. He turned to look at her; she was smiling at the blond ninja. "Thank you." Naruto gave her a slight nod then continued to the hotel. "Ero-Sennin was right, no need to hold grudges because I am better than that."

Naruto arrived at the hotel ten minutes later. Naruto was walking to his room when he saw Jiraiya coming out of Mai's room. Jiraiya turned to see Naruto and let out a breath in shock. "What are you doing here Ero-Sennin?"

"I was talking to Mai?" Jiraiya responded nervously.

"Well you better hope that Yumi doesn't find out that you're asking her mother for advice on your book; I would hate see what she would do you."

Jiraiya was shocked, "How… how did you know about that?"

Naruto snorted, "I have ears you know. When you visited last time I heard her offer to give you pointers. Yumi doesn't know that her mother is a pervert just like you. I won't tell her because it would devastate her. Anyway, I didn't see you and this little talk never happen so goodnight." Naruto walked pass Jiraiya and headed straight for his room.

Jiraiya scratched his head. He didn't think about it too much. Phase one of his information gathering was done, now it was time to start Phase two, which involved liquor, lipstick and waking up the next day rather happy. He exited to the hotel seeking what he dubbed "his inspiration".

Naruto entered the room. Yumi was laying on the bed with her back towards the door. He decided to slip out of his clothes and jump in the shower. 10 minutes later he exited the shower in his blue boxers and his white A-shirt. He decided to slip into bed without waking Yumi. Naruto slipped under the covers; he then placed his arm around Yumi.

"I know your not sleep Yumi-Chan. I just want to apologize for what I said to you. If I hurt your feelings it was not my intention. I love you too much to ever hurt you." He whispered the words in to her ear. Naruto got no response. He didn't expect one; after all he did call her an ass. Naruto put his hands behind his head and just looked at the ceiling. He felt an arm wrap around his waist and a head rest on his chest. "Let's just get some sleep Naruto-kun; it has been a very long day." He smiled at his girlfriend before they both drifted into land of dreams.

The sunlight cast itself on to the eyes of the female with brown hair. Yumi bought her hands forth to shield her eyes from the brightness of the sun. She opened her eyes slowly to adjust to her surroundings. She rolled over to place her arm around Naruto, only to find that he was not there. The focus in her eyes became clear. She could now see that the blond was no longer by her side. She saw him sitting in a chair a couple of feet away. He was fully dressed in a black jacket with orange lining, and matching pants. As he was slipping his sandal on his feet, he looked at Yumi and smiled.

"Good morning sleepy head." He said in a playful tone to the girl on the bed.

She sat up and looked at him, "Good morning Naruto, leaving so soon?"

"Yes, I have to be at the Hokage tower in 20 minutes. Obaa-chan is going to give us our mission today. I don't know what type of mission it is or how long I'm going to be gone." He informed the girl.

She got out of the bed and walked up to him and sat in his lap, "I hope you're not gone for too long." She kissed him on the cheek then got off of his lap, "Well I'm going to take a shower. You should probably get going, you don't want to be late, it gives people a bad impression you know."

Naruto stood up, "Yes, I know. Well Yumi, I'm off I'll see you."

Naruto walked to the door but before could open it to leave he heard Yumi speak, "Naurto..."

He turned to face his girl, "Yes?"

She walked up and kissed him on the lips. "Be careful ok?"

He gave her his one of his infamous grins, "Don't worry I'll be fine."

He exited the hotel room leaving Yumi behind. Yumi, who was still in her white pajama pants and sky blue tank top, proceeded to the bathroom to freshen up.

Hokage tower 20 Minutes later…

Naruto walked into Tsunade's office with no time to spare. He looked around and from what he could see everyone who was assigned to this mission was there. Everyone was dressed in the standard Chuunin and Jounin uniform. Tsunade looked at Naruto, who finally landed his eyes on her.

"Glad you could join us Naruto. Now that you're here I will go over the mission briefing. This mission is an A-rank mission with the possibility of turning into an S-class mission. Your mission is to infiltrate a Cloud ninja outpost on the outskirts of Lighting Country. You are to recover a blue print layout to a ninja base in Lighting Country."

Naruto spoke first, "What is so important in the ninja base that would force you to assign a mission to recover to blue prints for it?"

The fifth leaned back in her chair, "In one of our previous missions, we obtained a prisoner from the Cloud. After being tortured by Ibiki he gave us some info but not entirely enough. So I had Yamanaka Ino search his memories and she discovered that the base had battle plans that they intended to use on us. Ino also discovered that the blueprint to this base was located where I previously stated. Do you understand why this mission is so vital?"

Naruto shook his head, "Yes."

Tsunade spoke, "Good. Sasuke will be acting as team leader for this mission, Sakura you will be head medic, and Udon will be lead strategist. If there is nothing else then you guys are dismissed."

Naruto looked directly into the Hokage's eyes and spoke, "There is something that I wish to request."

Tsunade eyed him suspiciously, "What is your request?"

"I request that you make me squad leader on this mission." Naruto stated his request, which shocked everyone.

Sasuke glared at Naruto. In his mind Naruto was questioning his leadership and he didn't like it. He was an Anbu captain, and his team was by far the most successful Anbu squad in the leaf with a zero casualty rate. By Naruto asking to lead this mission made him furious, "Hokage-sama, I am more than capable of leading this squad. My mission success rate proves that fact." Sasuke spoke in a tone that hid his anger.

Naruto looked at Sasuke, "I wasn't question if you were capable or not, I just thought that I would be the best option for this particular mission."

Hanabi decided to speak, "Why, because you beat Sasuke-sama? Just because you won that little fight, doesn't mean you're qualified to lead."

Naruto turned to the person who spoke, "That's not it. I'm sure Sasuke could lead this mission perfectly, but my connections in Lighting Country are well suited for this mission."

Tsunade was deep in thought. Naruto did have a point, he probably was fit to lead, but she didn't know how well it would go over with everyone else. Thinking it over for a while she finally came to a decision, "First, I would like to ask everyone here who they think should be leader? Based on your votes I will select the leader for this mission."

Hanabi quickly responded, "I elect Sasuke-sama. "

Udon was next to respond, "Sasuke."

Konohamaru followed, "Naruto."

Hinata spoke a soft voice, "Naruto-kun."

Sakura was the last to respond. She looked at both Naruto and Sasuke, then back to Tsunade, "I choose Sasuke."

Naruto just shook his head then looked at Tsunade, "Fine, I thought that it would be best since I have been to Cloud a number of times on missions but if this is the decision then I will comply."

Tsunade spoke once more, "Ok, you have your mission. You are to meet up at the gate at noon and head out. Dismissed!" Naruto was heading out then he heard the Hokage's voice, "Naruto wait, I want you to stay."

The blond stopped and turned to face the fifth. He walked up to her desk, "What do you want?"

She leaned forward with her chin resting on the back of her hands, "Are you mad that Sasuke is leading this mission"

"No." Was his only response.

She looked at him again to read his emotions. The old Naruto would have been mad that Sasuke was leading, but this Naruto wasn't. She wondered, "Naruto you have to understand that they trust Sasuke so that's why majority thought he would be best to lead this mission." Naruto gave her shrug, "Whatever, I don't really care. You're paying me to do a job so that's what I will do. I thought it would be beneficial that I lead because I know the geographical terrain and I also have a spy network. Anyway I will do what Sasuke requires of me. No more no less."

Tsunade shook her head pleased with his statement, "Good, I just wanted to clear that up because the mission success is vital."

Naruto headed to the exit, "Yeah I know. Well I'm going back to the hotel, later Oba-chan"

Tsunade's eyes widened in shock as he exited her office. A smile formed on her face and a tear slid down her cheek, "He called me Oba-chan. Naruto, you may not officially be the leader of this mission, but it will be you who will lead them to success."

Naruto went back to the hotel. He entered his room to find Yumi and her mother sitting on the bed talking. Naruto smiled, "Hey Mai how is everything."

The brown hair women smiled, "Pretty good, Yumi was telling me about you beating up some guy yesterday. She also told me you had a mission, I thought you weren't coming back today."

"Well Mai-san, I do have a mission but I don't have to leave until noon. I have two hours to prepare for my mission and get everything I need. Since I have all of my equipment I have two hours to blow." He answered his girlfriends mother.

"Oh…Ok. We're waiting for Ino, she promised to show me more of the village. Yumi is coming with us since you're going on a mission." Mai explained.

Yumi looked at Naruto, "Mother convinced me to tag along so I decided to do so." "I'm sure your going to have a good time." Soon as Naruto finished his words, there was a knock at the door. Naruto opened the door to find it was Ino, "Hey Ino, how is everything?"

"It's good. How are you doing?" Ino asked.

"Fine, well I guess I should get out of here and let you girls enjoy your day. Later Ino, I'm sorry about holding that kunai to your neck." Naruto stated before he ran off.

Ino looked at Mai and Yumi, "So you girls ready to go?"

"Yes Ino, I think we're ready." Mai responded.

"Let's go, I'm off for a week and I plan on enjoying myself; the life of a ninja is hard you know." The blond kunoichi stated.

Mai gave a slight laugh, "I suppose, well let's go so we can have some fun. Besides I promised Jiraiya-san that I would meet up with him to discuss some matters."

Yumi wondered what her mother had to talk to pervert about, "What do you have to discuss with Jiraiya mom?"

Mai didn't want to let her daughter know what was happening so she decided to bend the truth a little. "I'm not sure, but he said he needs my advice on something, although I am clueless to what that might be."

Yumi looked at her mother sideways; she didn't buy that for a second that lie for a second. Unknowing to her mother, Naruto, and Jiraiya, Yumi knew that her mother was helping Jiraiya write his dirty novel. When Jiraiya visited them for a week, she remembered waking up late to go to the bathroom. While going to the rest room, she heard her mother and Jiraiya discussing his book. She was giving him suggestions on what should be in the book and what should be omitted.

"I can't believe that my mother is giving Ero-Sennin some ideas to write that smut. Well the book isn't all that bad, it did reveal some positions that I performed on Naruto that was very satisfactory. Blah…what the hell am I thinking, that book is smut plain and simple. Naruto probably knows and doesn't want to tell me. Fine I'll play stupid." Yumi thought.

"Just watch yourself around him mom, he's a pervert." She warned her mother.

"Don't worry Yumi, I'm a big girl, I'll be ok." Mai assured her daughter. With that being said, the ladies were off to tour the town.

Hyuuga compound…

Hinata was packing some clothes and extra tools for her little expedition. She looked over her stuff to see if she had everything. Once she saw that she had everything she needed, she placed her back pack on her back and decided to head the ramen stand to grab a quick meal before she left for the mission. While she entered the court yard, she saw her father and her sister talking. Her father was alerted of her presence and signaled for her to join them.

She became nervous as she got closer and could the look on her fathers face, "Father, is there something that you wish to talk to me about?"

He looked at her with disgust, "I heard about your mission from Hanabi, don't screw this up."

She looked down, "Yes father, I will do my best to not be a burden."

"All you ever do is try and fail miserably. Just don't screw this mission up. What's this I hear you wanting that de…delinquent as the leader of this mission. Your sister said you voted for him instead of Sasuke, what is the meaning of this?" He stared at her waiting for an answer.

"Father, Naruto-kun knows the geographical layout of Lighting Country. I thought we would benefit from his vast knowledge if he was to take lead, that's all." Replied the pale-eyed girl.

Hiashi still eyed his eldest daughter with disgust, "Like I said before, don't fail the mission. You should be a Jounin now but you're still a Chuunin. In my eyes you are pathetic. Hinata, you should be more like Hanabi. She'll probably become a Jounin on the next exam and surpass you once again. Sometimes I wish she was the oldest." Hinata wanted to cry but she told herself not to. Her father had always favored Hanabi over her, why couldn't he see the things that she was good at. She might not be the best fighter, but she was gifted with making medicine. She also was kind, caring, and selfless but none of those qualities mattered to her father. Sometimes she wished she wasn't a Hyuuga, maybe then life would have been better. She cleared her thoughts and did what she normally did in this situation.

"I'm sorry for being weak father. I will try my best to become as strong as Hanabi father." She bowed and headed to the exit.

Hanabi bowed to her father and followed suit. The young Hyuuga smirked; she was the reason why her father belittled her sister. Hinata deserved it for suggesting that blond idiot lead the mission. That would show her to side with shinobis that are not of this village. She finally caught up to her sister.

"Hinata, where are you heading to?"

Hinata didn't want to speak to Hanabi right now. However, she didn't want to be rude either so she turned to Hanabi, "I was just heading to Ichiraku ramen stand. Do you wish to join me sister?"

Hanabi wore the same expression of disgust that her father had on earlier, "I'll pass, I wouldn't be caught dead in that place; it is so beneath a Hyuuga."

Hinata knew her sister would decline. Most of the main family felt that they were better then everyone and her sister was no exception. "Well Hanabi, I guess I will see you at the gate at noon. Goodbye sister."

Hinata walked off leaving Hanabi behind. Hanabi was about to take a step but realized that she didn't have anywhere to go. She didn't have any friends because she chose not to associate with people weaker than herself. She looked at Hinata walking away. She made a decision, "Hinata, wait up!"

At Ichiraku Ramen stand…

Naruto and Konohamaru were sitting on a stool eating ramen. "Bro don't sweat it. At least we're on a mission together, eh?"

"I wasn't really worrying about that Konohamaru. He leading the mission doesn't affect my abilities. Anyway, why did you vote for me?"

Konohamaru sucked up the noodles that were hanging out his mouth, "Well, you seem like a better fit to be leader. You said you know your way around Lighting Country right? I'm sure your knowledge is more vast then Sasuke's so that's why I thought you should lead."

"Oh, ok that seems reasonable." Naruto replied.

Hinata walked up to the stand, "Hello Naruto-kun."

Naruto turned to see Hinata, "Hello Hinata, how are you?"

After what her father said how could she be ok. She didn't want him to see that she wasn't so she gave a fake smile, "I'm good." She sat on the stool to the right of Naruto, "Ichiraku-san can I please have one miso-ramen." He looked at Hinata and smiled, "One miso coming up for the pretty young lady."

Everyone turned to see who it was calling Hinata. Everyone saw that it was her younger sister. Hanabi finally arrived at the stand, "Hinata, didn't you hear me calling you?"

"Sorry Hanabi, I didn't hear you." Hinata clearly was lying. She chose to ignore Hanabi; right now she didn't want to be bothered with her sister.

"Hi, Hanabi-chan." Konohamaru greeted the young Hyuuga with a faint blush on his cheeks.

She turned to look at who spoke to her only to see the thirds grandson, or "monkey boy" as she called him, "What do you want monkey boy?"

Konohamaru looked at the ground. She never was nice to him no matter how much he tried to be nice to her. Naruto didn't know her long but he knew he didn't like her. Every Hyuuga in his opinion, with the exception of Neji and Hinata, were stuck up snobs.

"Konohamaru, don't waste your energy being nice to people who always look at you like your dirt, it's not worth it. Besides, you could do much better then that ugly Hyuuga." Naruto said this trying to get a rise out of Hanabi, and his plan worked to perfection.

"Who are you calling ugly you maggot. I am the Heir to the Hyuuga, and I'm currently the strongest Chuunin in the village, how dare you speak ill of me?"

Naruto stopped eating his ramen and turned to face the Hinata's sister, "You don't wish for people to speak ill to you but yet and still you speak to others in the way that you wish not to be spoken. Calling Konohamaru a monkey boy is an insult to him. It is not only an insult to him but it's an insult to his grandfather who gave his life for you unappreciative villagers. By you calling him monkey is mocking his grandfathers legacy. Now if you were joking with him then it wouldn't be problem, but you clearly think your better then him and that's a problem."

She smirked, "So what if I think I'm better, it's not as if it isn't true. I'm a genius he's a pathetic "monkey boy", I will always be better then that loser."

Naruto shook his head, "I hate that word genius. Everyone think that being born with the ability to pick up things quicker than others makes them superior. Neji was a genius and I beat him. Sasuke was a genius and both Rock Lee and I beat him. Both of us were dead-last in our graduating class. I came across a lot of so called geniuses and in the end they all lost to me. You want to know what being a genius means… it means absolutely nothing. The only thing that means anything is hard work. Lee understands, Hinata understands, and Konohamaru understands that hard work will surpass a genius any day."

"It was luck that you beat Neji and Sasuke. I'm sure you can't beat them again if you tried. Once a loser, always a loser is what I say." was Hanabi's response.

"Whatever you pale-eyed freak, I think I just lost my appetite by looking at your ugly face. Sorry Hinata-chan, but you're the prettiest Hyuuga female I know. It's sad because you seem to have taken all of the looks leaving her with the short end of the stick. Well I'll catch guys later." Naruto walked away.

Hanabi had her fist clenched. "How dare he insult my eyes? He insulted me and my family with that statement. No one defiles the name of the Hyuuga and insult our blood-line. Who does he think he is to insult our legacy…" Hanabi's eyes widened at what she was about to say. She realized that it hurt when he called her a pale-eyed freak. She wondered if this is how Konohamaru felt when she called him monkey boy. Hanabi closed her eyes. She prepared herself for to do what she was about to do. She then opened her eyes then turned to Konohamaru, "I'm sorry for calling you monkey boy." Hanabi turned to Naruto and Konohamaru, regretting what she was about to ask, "Would you two like to join us as well?"

"Sure, I'm in." Konohamaru said with excitement.

"I'll pass." Naruto said heading towards the exit. He looked at Konohamaru, "Tell Sasuke I'll catch up with you guys if I'm not here by 5 am."

Sakura wondered if Naruto was mad at her choosing Sasuke for being team leader or mad at the fact that Sasuke rejected his idea, which in her opinion was not that bad. "Naruto, where are you going?"

He looked at Sakura, "I'm going to get some information from a friend about the activity of the Cloud and Rain nins in this country. Sasuke may want to select the best route, but he forgot to factor in that we might encounter enemy nins. Maybe he did factor it all in and just wants to fight, I however, wish to end this mission as quick as possible without having to fight. Anyway, I probably won't be back here tonight so I'll see you guys later."

Before he left, he performed a henge, transforming into a brown haired man, with brown eyes and civilian clothing. He turned to Hinata, "Hinata-chan, I think it would be wise if you and Hanabi were to transform. Being Hyuuga main members you guys might be recognized. Sakura, you and Konohamaru might want to change too, incognito is the key here. We don't want to alert any nins, and if they see Hyuugas then our cover is as good as blown. Well I'll see you guys."

Naruto headed out of the hotel with his new look, and headed to south of the village. He was heading into Fuuma territory. As he was walking, he noticed shurikens flying at him. He jumped out of the way to avoid the metallic projectiles. Before he could do anything he was surrounded by a group of Fuuma clan members. The girl with the long orange hair spoke, "You are trespassing on Fuuma territory, state your business or leave."

Naruto smiled at the girl he recognized, "I'm surprise that you don't remember me Sasame-chan, it hasn't been that long for you to forget me."

A smoke cloud surrounded the person, in front of her. When it cleared she was smiling from ear to ear, "Naruto-kun!" She ran jumped into the arms of the man standing before her. When the other Fuumas saw that he was no threat, they stood down.

She looked up to the man who was taller than her, "It's good to see you Naruto-kun, what brings you to here?"

"Well I'm here on a mission. I going to Lightning Country; my group just stopped to rest. I have to leave in the morning, but I couldn't pass through here with out seeing you. So how is everything?" The blond shinobi questioned.

"It's great. Ever since Sound fell two years ago, everything has been good. However, this war between the Leaf and the Cloud is making things worst. My grandfather fears that we might have another ninja war on our hands if Kiri gets involved. So far they've remain neutral, but you never know."

Naruto spoke, "Yeah you're right, I hope that there won't be a war, but either way I'm in it now."

"So, what village are you working for?" Sasame questioned.

His expression became serious, "Konoha." was all that he said.

"So helping your home village how noble of you." She said proud of him.

"I'm not really helping, it's more like their paying for my services." Naruto corrected the girls assumption.

"Really, how much did are paying you? Let me guess… 10 million ryou, 20 million ryou or what?"

"90 million." Naruto simply said.

Sasame mouth was hanging open. 10 million was high, 20 million was pushing it, but 90… that was just beyond anything she could conceive. "Wow, they must really want your services. They probably only paid you that much for what you did in Rain and Rock since those two are allied with Cloud. So I know your not here on a social call, so what do you want?"

Naruto scratched the back of his while smiling, "Well I do wish it was social call", he removed his hand from his head and gave Sasame a steely gaze, "However, my mission is a dangerous one. I know you guys keep tabs on all the nins in this area, care to give me a break down on where they patrol and an estimate on how many to expect?" Sasame facial expression became serious. "The nin's are patrolling the borders between Rice and Lighting. There are a few Cloud, Rain, and Rock nins patrolling about a couple miles west of here. Some have set up camps about 10 miles north of here. The way their setup, it seems as if their expecting Konoha nins. Let's go inside my house so I can give you their locations on a map."

Sasame led the blond to her two story house. They entered the two story flat, which consisted of a living room that was furnished decently enough and the kitchen was a regular green colored kitchen. Naruto didn't get to see the rest of the house because Sasame offered him a seat on the burgundy couch. Naruto took a seat while the orange haired girl headed up stairs. She came back downstairs about 3 minutes later with a map and a red marker. She laid the map on the coffee table.

He came closer when he saw that she was about to give him the location of the enemies. She circled a spot on the northern part of the map, "Ok, this is where the camps are exactly; it's just past this pond." She circled an area on the side of the map that indicated west, "This area is where they're patrolling." She drew a line from where the camp was located to where the patrol area was located. "They only patrol west of the camp site."

"Why would they do that? It doesn't make any sense." Naruto wondered.

"It makes perfect sense. Whoever passes by the patrol team will more than likely run into the border patrol teams which patrols the border of Lightning Country. Naruto, getting into Lightning is not going to be easy." Sasame pointed out.

Naruto studied the map to find an alternative route. "Damn, if only Sasuke would have listened to me, we could have been in Lightning Country already. Now we got to do this the hard way."

She shook here, "Your task is most certainly not an easy one. I wish there was away to avoid the border patrol but I don't think there will be a way to do so."

Naruto looked at the map more carefully, he smiled when his eyes landed on the enemy camp, "There is a way but the chance of it being successful all depends on my teams speed."

"Hmm, what do you mean by that?" She question.

Naruto began to explain, "The border patrol usually patrols a certain area at certain times. It usually takes them about 5 to 10 minutes to come back to an area they previously checked. They tend not to come back because they plant traps that would be hard for the enemy to maneuver through. Avoiding traps should be easy enough, the only question is if my team is fast enough to get passed the area undetected. I know that me and the team leader won't have no problems, however I can't account for the others. I don't know, it's a slim chance but if it avoids fighting then it's a good choice."

"That might be possible." Sasame agreed. Yeah, I just hope my team is working on something better. I really don't want to have to kill enemy nins, that would only alert them of our presence which would compromise the mission." The blond stated.

Naruto rolled-up the map then slipped it in the inner lining of his jacket. "Well Sasame, it was really good to see you again. I wish I could stay but duty calls. Later Sasame-chan!"

Before Naruto got to the door, "Naruto, be careful. The Rain has not forgot what you did. They won't hesitate to hurt you so please, be careful."

Naruto turned to his friend and gave her a smile of reassurance, "Don't worry, I will be fine." Naruto henged back into the state he was in before he came to the Fuuma clan district. He headed back to the hotel. An hour or so had passed since he left his group to seek out Sasame. While walking thought about what Sasame said. "I don't only have to worry about Rain nins… I also have deal with Rock nins. They want my head for what I did a year ago and because I look like the 'Yellow Flash of Konoha'. It doesn't matter, I'm quite sure their Kages told them to flee on site after what happen in Rain and Earth Country. But still, someone will try to confront me to make a name. We have to go off the radar for this mission; my reputation makes me a liability." Naruto thought to himself.

After a few minutes of walking, Naruto found himself back at the hotel. He headed straight for the room the boy's were staying at. When he opened the door he found that everyone was in the room; All eyes turned to him.

"Where did you go? I called a team meeting 30 minutes ago." Sasuke stated.

Naruto walked up to the group, who surrounded a table with a map on it. He examed the map for a couple of seconds before picking it up and ripped it. Sasuke narrowed his eyes while the others wondered why he destroyed the map. "What the hell? It took us nearly thirty minutes trying to figure out the best route that would lead us closer to the target destination."

Naruto ignored Sasuke and placed his hand inside his jacket to retrieve the map Sasame gave him. He proceeded to unfold the map. He then laid it across the table so everyone could see. "I'm sorry Sasuke, but I could bet that you didn't take into account that they have a camp located here. You guys also didn't factor in that in taking the route that you suggested would lead us right into border patrol. I know we could take them, but that would result in the failure of our mission. The best plan that I came up with is that we try to slip past border patrol when they pass one of their check points. If you don't like my plan, then come up with something better, you have all of the information that you need there. I'm going to sleep wake me when we get ready to head out."

Naruto flopped down on the bed in the far right corner of the room. Udon looked at the map carefully looking for flaws. If the enemy camps patrols were located where this map indicated them to be, then Naruto plan was the only course action. He thought about another option then looked at Naruto, "Hey Naruto, you mentioned something about getting to Lightning on a boat; I think that would be our best option at this point."

Naruto sat up to look at Udon, "The opportunity has passed. There is only one boat that goes to Lightning from the dock I talked about and it leaves at 3 in the afternoon everyday. This right now is the only option. I did my part so I'll leave it up to you guys to figure it out."

Naruto was getting ready to lay down when Sasuke decided to speak, "Where did you get this map from? How do we even know that the information on it is even credible?"

Naruto sat back up looking annoyed by Sasuke's remark, "A friend of mine, who is a fellow ninja, lives here in Rice and knows this country pretty well. My friend, who has kept a close eye on the movements of Cloud, Rain, and Rock nins in this area, gave me this information. So that is how the information is credible. If you don't think so then don't follow it, it's your team Sasuke we will fail and succeed through you, so do whatever you want with it."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Naruto out of frustration. Naruto saw this and flopped back down to relax all the while smiling in his head. He knew Sasuke might not believe the info, but he was required to do right by the team; Naruto had just forced him to follow to his plan without throwing a punch. He just hoped that they could get through the border patrol with out being detected. He looked up at the ceiling until he fell into a deep slumber.

Sasuke and the others were still going over the plan. Udon looked at the map, "This is the only option that we have if the map is correct. The boat would have been a good idea but that isn't an option. Well I guess we'll go with this. I think we should get some sleep so we can move at the crack of dawn."

Sasuke regrettably shook his head in agreement. Hinata, Sakura, Hanabi, and Konohamaru all agreed as well. The girls left the boys and headed to their room to get some sleep. Both Konohamaru and Udon went to lay on the beds that they picked to sleep on. Sasuke stood by the table still looking at the map. He tried to find flaws in Naruto's plan but couldn't find anything. Even if he did, would it matter since his plan is the only option? Sasuke looked at the map one more time before walking over to his bed. He would need all the rest he could possibly get, this mission will be one of his toughest yet, that he was sure of.