Disclaimer: I don't own the unparalleled Naruto. I am not making money off this fanfiction story.
A/N: Finished a week ago, 12/23/11, as a Christmas present for my twin. I apologize for the sometimes ludicrously short chapter length. The parts of the story that are in italics signify a flashback or memory that took place anywhere from a week ago to several years previously. Horizontal dividers indicate a change in "scene" or time, or occasionally POV. The setting of the story is sometime during one of the Great Shinobi Wars. I'm still trying to figure out which one. XD Please review if you decide to read!
Rated T for blood/violence/intense imagery. If you think the rating should be higher, do please let me know.
Mission: Infiltrate!
"The success of this mission is very important to Konoha," the Hokage stated to the three shinobi who stood before him. "It requires the greatest skill and secrecy. That is why I chose to deploy you three—because I know you're the best Konoha has to offer."
"You flatter us, my lord," murmured Orochimaru.
"You must return by the time of Konoha's raid on Iwa," the Lord Third reminded them.
"Twelve days to get there, get the intel, and get back," Jiraiya said, and grinned. "We can do it."
"There's one more thing," Lord Sarutobi added. "I want you to take your apprentices along." His order surprised Tsunade.
"The stealth and speed of a cell decreases proportionately to the number of ninja it contains," she pointed out the well-known rule. "Are you sure you want to send them with us, Sensei?"
"The apprentices cannot be allowed to linger in the village," the Hokage pointed out heavily. "It's wartime, and every available shinobi—genin or jonin—is required to be on duty if at all possible." He stood. "Those are my instructions. Be on your way. And be careful, all of you."
"Yes, sir!" Jiraiya and Tsunade replied.