Here is the continuation of Second Chances! Please read and enjoy!
Disclaimer: Don't own anything
Four years ago Jiraiya left with Naruko because she wanted to become stronger, now it is time for them to return.
Chapter 1
The massive gates of Konoha stand proudly in the bright afternoon sun, making the two weary travelers standing before them sigh in relief. It has been four long years since the two have laid eyes on the gates that stand guard to their home. And with newfound vigor they both walk through with smiles on their faces and high hopes. As they walk through the busy streets, many of their friends stop and greet them with warm smiles and kind words before continuing on their way.
"Nothing's changed at all. Everything is still as it was. Man it feels good to be home!" Naruko exclaims as she jumps onto a nearby electrical pole, her arms open wide at her sides, her eyes closed, and the warm afternoon sun kissing her cheeks. All of the sounds and smells of the village bring forth a rush of memories, the good ones making a smile form on her lips.
"Naruko! Enough dawdling, Tsunade wants to see us right away!" Jiraiya yells up to his student, a smile also finding its way on his face from seeing the happiness practically permeating from Naruko. When they left the village four years ago Naruko was a loudmouthed little girl who always did things without thinking. Now she is slightly quieter, thinks before she acts and overall has matured into a fine young lady and kunoichi. Needless to say he is more than proud of his student and cannot wait to see how much more she will grow.
"Alright sensei!" she yells back and after one last look at her home, she jumps from her perch and lands silently next to her teacher. "I wonder why Sakura and Sasuke haven't come to say hi…" she says to no one in particular as they continue to make their way to hokage tower.
"They might be on a mission, or they just haven't heard that you are back yet. Ask Tsunade when you see her, we are almost there."
"Right!"
A few minutes later they finally reach their destination and after knocking on Tsunade's office door they are admitted in. "Welcome back you two," Tsunade greets them. "During your absence Naruko, the third has officially retired and I am now the new hokage."
"It is nice to meet you Lady Tsunade," Naruko says politely with a small bow.
"I trust your training was fruitful?"
"Yes m'lady. Master Jiraiya has taught me a lot while we have been gone."
"Good to hear, but moving on to other matters. I know that you have just returned and are probably tired from your journeys but there is a pressing matter at hand. A week ago I sent Sakura, Sasuke and one other on a mission, but they have not arrived to their destination yet…"
"What was the mission?" Jiraiya asks, finally breaking his silence.
"They were to escort a nobleman's daughter to the land of stars in celebration of her betrothal and they should have reached their destination by now. But just a little while ago a message from the fiancée's guard was received asking about their whereabouts, clearly something has happened. So you along with Neji and Lee will leave immediately to find them and help to complete this mission. They have already been debriefed and are making preparations to leave. Take ten minutes to resupply before meeting them at the north gate."
"Understood, I'll find them!" Quickly Naruko runs out of the room and heads to the supply room before making her way to the gates to meet up with her teammates. Just as Tsunade had said, Neji and Lee were standing there waiting for her. "Neji! Lee!"
"It is Naruko! Now our team is complete and we can go and retrieve the others. Together with our youthful spirits we will succeed!" Lee proclaims as he strikes a pose, making Naruko laugh and Neji roll his eyes.
"Let's get moving."
"Right!" both Lee and Naruko say coming to attention before the small troop heads out.
Hokage's Office
"Now then Jiraiya, are there any new developments?" Tsunade asks once she and the white haired sage were alone.
"Recently the akatsuki have shown signs of elevated activity, but I believe that they won't make a move, well at least not just yet. I'm still unsure of their motives but I am sure that it has something to do with not just Naruko but the rest of the jinchuriki. I'm actually surprised that you sent Naruko on a mission with so few guards, Tsunade."
"They will be fine, I am positive that this incident has nothing to do with the akatsuki. But after this we will have to keep a close eye on her to make sure she is safe."
"She has become a lot stronger so we should give her more credit. With what she learned from Naru, Sasuke and me, she is no longer the number one hyperactive knucklehead girl we once knew. She has grown up a lot and understands what is going on around her. I have not kept her in the dark about the akatsuki and she is fully aware of the possible danger she is in."
"So I see you went behind my back and told her everything then," Tsunade says, a hint of anger in her voice.
"I believe she has the right to know, and like I said earlier she has matured greatly and understands the situation."
"If that is what you believe I trust your judgment. But when she returns from her mission I want her to prove that she has gotten stronger and that she actually does fully understand what is going on."
"You're the hokage, you can do whatever you want, but don't look so worried. Come on let's stop all this business talk and go grab some sake. These old bones of mine are weary from being away for so long, for a moment let's forget our worries."
Sorry this chapter is so short. I've been completely swamped with midterms and projects, but here is the first chapter! I really hoped you liked it! I'll have the next chapter up as soon as I can and it will be longer. Please review! ^_^