Attack

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In the Hidden Leaf Village, life continued to move forward, even in the aftermath of intense battles and dramatic confrontations. 

Ninjas went about their daily routines, tending to their duties, and maintaining the peace they had fought so hard to preserve. Among them were the members of Team Kakashi and Team Guy, who had recently returned from the Kazekage rescue mission and were now taking a well-deserved respite.

Sakura Haruno, the accomplished medical ninja and a key member of Team 7 had a request that she had been contemplating for some time. 

During her fierce battle with the enigmatic puppet master Sasori, he had divulged crucial information to Sakura about a spy under his direct control. 

This spy, if Sasori was to be believed, held knowledge about Sasuke who left the Hidden Leaf Village. 

Now, she stood before the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, to report to her what she knew.

"Hokage-sama," Sakura spoke up with a respectful tone. 

"This I what Sasori had told me before he died. It seemed like that place might be where Orochimaru and Sasuke were hiding"

Tsunade, renowned for her wisdom and leadership, considered Sakura's words carefully.

'This girl… somehow she's different, she's not even hiding it' Not to mention the change in that she looked more mature than before and even sexier if she could say, the most striking change to her was how her tone held no adoration to Sasuke. To Tsunade that was the biggest red flag. But she was a high ninja and she knew for sure that this was Sakura and not someone else.

'Let's see what happened later, for now, let's take care of this mess of Orochimaru'

After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "Very well, Sakura. You are going to take this job. But you'll need your team for this mission." Tsunade wanted to make sure if her guess was true so she was going to send Sakura.

Sakura, already thinking something like this was going to happen just sighed, and then turned to Naruto Uzumaki, her steadfast comrade and fellow disciple. 

"Naruto, it seems like we have a new mission right after we returned"

Naruto scratched his head, a perplexed expression on his face. "Well, Sakura, I'm not sure if I'm up for another mission right now. I mean, we just got back, and I was looking forward to some relaxation time." It was like he didn't even care about Sasuke.

But actually, Naruto did. It was just now that he had been trained by Hayato, he managed to understand that Sasuke was his own person and had made his own choices.

It wasn't like he was going to change him and bring him back if he just said so, no? But deep down, he still didn't give up on him and knew that one day he would return on his own.

Sakura gave him a determined look. "I share the sentiment, but orders are orders."

After a brief internal struggle, and a glare from Tsunade who was thinking to herself why were these kids suddenly so unconcerned about Sasuke, Naruto sighed and relented. 

"Alright, alright, Sakura. I'll go. But do we really need a whole team for this? You and I are pretty strong, you know. And who's going to be our leader? Since Kakashi-sensei is resting after overusing his technique"

Sakura considered his words for a moment before shaking her head. She didn't seem to find a reason for a third member.

Tsunade saw this and didn't know when Sakura had become so… confident.

But then she noticed the same pin on her clothes like the one Naruto had.

'What the hell happened on the last mission?'

She massaged her temples.

"These are the leaf village rules, Naruto Sakura, you can't just go around them"

The two sighed as they considered her words.

With their resolve solidified, more like both giving up, Naruto and Sakura set out to assemble a team for their mission. 

Once they left the office Tsunade sighed once again and drank a cup of water.

But it seemed like today was going to be quite hard for her, as there was a knock on the door.

"Lady Tsunade, the advisors requests an audience"

**********

Naruto's first stop was at the training grounds, where he encountered Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka, and Hinata Hyuga of Team 8, who were in the midst of their own training.

"Hey, guys!" Naruto called out with his signature grin. "We've got a mission, and Sakura and I need one other person to join us. You in?"

The three that were called turned to look at Naruto and Sakura, and couldn't help but notice how different the two were.

But soon, Shino, always the enigmatic figure, replied first. "I'm afraid we already have a mission scheduled, Naruto."

Naruto's enthusiasm waned slightly at the rejection. "Oh, really? Well, that's a bummer."

Kiba chimed in, "Yeah, sorry, Naruto. We can't back out of our mission now."

Hinata, who had been watching silently, spoke up shyly. "I wish we could help, Naruto."

As Naruto turned to leave, he heard a familiar voice from behind. "Hold on, Naruto. I'll go with you."

It was Chouji Akimichi, a member of Team 10, led by Shikamaru Nara. Chouji, known for his love of food and his unwavering loyalty to his friends, had stepped up to the plate.

Naruto grinned appreciatively as he slung his hands over his shoulder. "Thanks, Chouji! You're a lifesaver!"

"Sakura, it seems we have our final member, now let's go see if that guy had gained the strength he was searching for or not"

Sakura was about to reply but she was interrupted.

Shikamaru, the strategic genius of Team 10, had some reservations. "Chouji, you can't just volunteer for a mission without considering the consequences. We have our own mission to attend to."

Chouji, undeterred, replied, "I know, Shikamaru, but Naruto and Sakura need our help. I can't let them down."

As the two, Chouji and Shikamaru, exchanged words, an enigmatic person, watched from afar, an ink brush poised and ready for action was on his hands.

From the shadows, this person sent forth some ink lions, stealthily directing them toward Naruto, Sakura, and Chouji.

*Fouish* 

The ink lions materialized and lunged at the trio with startling speed.

Naruto's instincts kicked in, and he moved swiftly to confront the sudden threat. "Watch out, guys!"

As the ink lions closed in, Naruto readied himself, preparing to face this new adversary. 

He didn't yet know that the source of the attack was a fellow Leaf Village ninja. At this moment he thought they were under attack.