Chapter 1: An Era of Peace...
Konoha had gone through many years of peace. Naruto had finally become a Chuunin, but of course, he was still behind while the rest of his friends were either Special Jounin or Jounin. Naruto was proud of his position though. Naruto had decided to stay as a Chuunin for a good while, and to take his time training, and learning more ninjutsu, as well as improving his genjutsu and taijutsu. Sakura was the leader of the medical core, having surpassed Shizune and Tsunade a few years after the Akatsuki threat was finally over. Sasuke was out training in the mountains. He would only return to the village if there was a serious mission, or the village had to deal with hostile nations, or issues with the other villages.
Kakashi had returned to the ANBU with Yamato and Sai, they were rarely seen in the village, they only returned to have meetings with Tsunade once a month, or maybe to check in on Naruto and Sakura. Neji was very ill, catching a usually fatal disease while on a mission. Sakura had to bring his weekly mission. Sakura was starting to become worried, as the medicine supply was running low. Neji was told he had about three months left on the earth. Neji said. "It is...my destiny."
Hinata and Naruto had been going steady for about three years. While, even though they wouldn't admit to just anybody, Sakura and Sasuke were also a couple. Shikamaru and Temari were getting married in one month. Rock Lee, Kiba, TenTen were all single, hoping to find love when the time was right. Ino and Choji were an on-off couple. Ino was still after Sasuke, and Choji didn't like that. Naruto called Ino and Choji: 'The most unexpected couple in all of Konoha, if not the world."
The Era of Peace: Konoha, and the world, had enjoyed was most likely one of the greatest era's in all of history. But there were rumors that there was going to be another huge Shinobi War following the era of peace. The Sand Village was starting to stir up trouble. Gaara was starting to be run over by the village's officials. Tsunade was getting very old, but she remained to look young. Sakura and Shizune feared that anyday could be her last. There was also rumors that a new breed of shinobi would invade from another large body of land. Most people laughed at that rumor. But some people questioned: What if it is not a rumor?
Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru were assigned a new mission unexpectedly in the middle of the night. They rushed to Tsunade's office. Once they got there, Tsunade seemed worried as she stood by the window. Shizune was biting her bottom lip. Sakura quickly joined her. Naruto and Shikamaru stood quietly.
"The Land of Water...was attacked just a few hours ago." Tsunade finally said. Naruto's eyes grew wide. Inari? What if they got to Inari's house? Tsunade turned around, holding a piece of paper in her left hand.
"The jutsu the attacker's used...had never been seen before. We must not let the villager's know...that there IS a New Breed of Shinobi...and here comes the worst part. Their next stop...is The Hidden Sand.'
"Temari! I have to bring Temari back here!" Shikamaru yelled. Tsunade closed her eyes. Shikamaru paused.
"Suna has been told, and they are on complete lockdown. Nobody is going in...and Nobody...is going..." She paused and closed her eyes. A few tears were coming in Shikamaru's eyes.
"Tsunade-Sama...please don't say...that nobody is going out either!" Shikamaru muttered. Tsunade opened her eyes and nodded. Shikamaru burst into tears and punched the walls.
"They will all die! Me and Temari are getting married in one month! I..I have to...I have to get her out of there!" Shikamaru yelled. Tsunade stood up straight.
"You will get your chance Shikamaru. Suna has requested that the three of you immediatly come to the village and back up their shinobi. They also have permitted that if you can help them and get most of the villagers to safety. Temari will be the only shinobi permitted to leave. If Temari is told to leave, escort her back to the village. Your mission will end there, and the ANBU will take over." Tsunade explained. Naruto smiled a little. Shikamaru's eyes filled up with hope.
"So...do we have a leader?" Shikamaru asked. Tsunade smirked.
"I thought you would never ask...You quickly realized this would need to be at least a four man cell. Well, I do have a leader for you three. You know him well. ENTER!" Tsunade yelled. The door slowly opened. Naruto and Sakura gasped.
"Sa..su..ke." Sakura muttered. Sasuke was standing in the door, a smirk on his face.
"Sakura...Naruto...Shikamaru...are you ready?" Sasuke asked.
