Naruto: War Shift

Chapter 1: Back from the Sand! Tsunade's Decision!

The wind blew in the village of Konoha. Naruto and Team Kakashi had returned to Konoha to report on the situation in the village hidden in the Sand. Their Kazekage, Gaara, had been kidnapped and taken to well hidden cave that was sealed shut with a boulder in which no one could move.

"What do you mean you couldn't move it!?" Tsunade, Konoha's hokage, shouted at them. Tsunade is 50 years old and has blonde hair that goes down her back. She wore green clothing. "A boulder shouldn't be causing these types of problems for you, Kakashi! Are you growing weaker with age?"

Kakashi sighed and began explaining the situation. "The boulder has a seal on it that is making it impossible to shatter or budge. None of us could break the seal. Usually I'd have no trouble removing it, but my jutsus were just wastes of chakra. This seal is a special one. We reported back to you to see if you knew how to remove the seal."

Tsunade stood up and stared out of the mirror of her office. "A special seal, eh? Figures that the Akatsuki would go to such measures. Right now Gaara's inner-monster is probably extracted from him and in the Akatsuki's full control. This poses a huge threat. Next they'll be after Naruto. I'll keep him in Konoha for the time being while I go with you and Gai back to the cave where the Akatsuki are."

Kakashi bowed to Tsunade and left the office. Keeping Naruto here would, in most cases, be a wise choice, but we have no way of knowing if the Akatsuki are still there or if they're heading to Konoha already. We must keep some Chuunins and Jounins here to protect Naruto. If the Akatsuki get a hold of him and Kyuubi we'll all be doomed.

Kakashi met up with Naruto at Naruto's usual hang-out, Ichigo Ramen. "Naruto, I just spoke with Tsunade-Sama."

Naruto put down his chopsticks. "What did she have to say? How are we to get into the cave?"

"She's going with me and Gai back to the cave." Kakashi ordered some Ramen for himself after speaking that sentence. "You are to remain in Konoha as the Akatsuki may be well on their way here and having you tag along would only ensure your capture. With you here there'll be people to protect in case you get in trouble."

Naruto was depressed at this. He had hoped to be joining them on this task. "What will I do until you return?"

Kakashi had no answer to that question. "I'm sure there will be tasks for you to perform while were away, but for the most part, Tsunade wants you within Konoha's borders until we come back. We're keeping Lee, Shikamaru, Sakura, and Neji here to protect if the Akatsuki get past us. Though if they do get past us, do not fear. We'll return immediately."

Naruto got up and left. He had a lot on his mind. This Kyuubi inside me is causing more trouble than anything. If it was dead then I'd be a freeman, but with it inside me I'm like a chained prisoner. Sure, it gives me more stamina and power, but what's the point if I can't use it?

Naruto entered his apartment home and switched into his pajamas and crawled into his bed when there was a knock at his door. "Whose there?" He asked he got out of the bed after just get comfortable.

"It's me, Tsunade!" Tsunade stood outside of Naruto's apartment home. Naruto opened the door slowly and greeted Tsunade.

"What's up? It's a bit late, isn't it?" Naruto asked tiredly. "I heard from Kakashi that you wish for me to remain in Konoha. If that was the message you were going to relay me."

"No, that isn't it, Naruto." Tsunade informed the genin. "Would you come with me please? I must talk with you at my office."

Naruto changed into his regular orange and black jumpsuit and put on his Konoha head band and followed Tsunade to the office. "What is you want to talk about, granny?"

Tsunade ignored the granny comment and answered the question at hand. "It's concerning Kyuubi."

End of Chapter 1