Disclaimers: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the other characters. I just come up with side stories and situations that I like to think of them in .

Overview: Christmas is approaching, but will Naruto make it home? What happens when he comes up missing? What will Tsunade and the others do?

There was a blinding blizzard out as Naruto was on his way home from going to the sand village. He had gone to deliver some important documents to Gaara from his Hokage. It was December, only two day until Christmas. With Naruto's ability to be fast, Sakura needed in the hospital and others out on missions, Tsunade had decided to send Naruto on the mission alone, warning him to leave fast before there would be a protest about sending him, especially alone. With Naruto being a "Jinchuuriki" the elders were not happy about him going on missions often with Akatsuki still out there trying to get him and the nine tailed fox sealed inside him.

While Naruto was naturally fast and in this case, excited to get back to report to 'Granny' Tsunade and finish last minute details for Christmas. However this weather had other plans for him and he was barely moving forward. Looking for some sort of cover from the weather he was looking for any sort of cave. He was freezing and in hopes to find some shelter from the fierce wind as well. He was trekking around in knee deep snow and his feet were going numb. …

Mean While in Konoha…

Shizune burst into the Hokage's office out of breath and panting. "Sorry Lady Tsunade, but we just received a message from the sand village reporting that Uzumaki Naruto left the village as of two days ago." Tsunade's eyes widen as she looked at her assistant who continued with more. "By the looks of their messenger bird it was caught in this storm and is currently being looked after. If Naruto-kun is caught out in this weather he could be in serious danger from nature itself."

Tsunade turned her back to Shizune and looked out the window as she thought a moment. She couldn't request Iruka to go in search for him because he was currently on a mission with Shikumaru's group. Gai and his team were due back later today themselves. Sakura could be called from working in the hospital, but aside from that the others were busy with tasks that had to be done, not within close proximity of the village, or recovering in the hospital. She turned around, "Go to Sakura and Kakashi and tell them to meet me in my office in two hours prepared to leave. If Naruto is not back by this afternoon we must search for him." "Yes Hokage-sama." Once Shizune had ran off to fulfill her orders, Tsunade turned back to the window with a worried expression on her face. Don't you dare let me down Naruto, I believe in you so please come home safely.

Back to Naruto a while later…

Naruto was stumbling on as he had not found shelter and the cold was getting to him. His clothing was soaked, he was shaking and chattering his teeth uncontrollably, his skin was pale, and his lips had a tinge of blue. He knew he couldn't go on like this for too long but he also knew that he couldn't give up. If he gave up he'd collapse and guarantee death without a fight. There was no point in trying to run through the trees, they were coated in ice and snow and even with chakra he couldn't keep from slipping off. The snow was getting deeper and had already accumulated another foot since he started looking for shelter a couple hours ago. …

In Konoha…

Sakura and Kakashi stood in front of the Hokage's desk while Shizune stood to the side near the Hokage. Tsunade was explaining the situation to them and informing them that they would go in search of the missing blond. Shizune had put up protest to Tsunade going due to her responsibilities, saying it was irresponsible of her. However Tsunade had refused to back down and claimed responsibility since she had sent Naruto on this mission without even one companion not to mention he was practically family and a member of the village she swore to protect, she was not about to leave him out there.

They left the tower and headed in the direction of the sand village. They had agreed to spread out from each other in order to cover more ground. If they found him they were to use some exploding notes to cause a signal in the sky and if it seemed to fail they were ordered to cause a disturbance instead. If there was no word then they were to meet back up every hour to avoid anyone else to go missing. …

Somewhere Lost…

Naruto was starting to give in as his stumbling increased and he was starting to get delusional from hypothermia setting in. He was starting to wonder what would happen if he didn't make it back as he fell down. He just didn't feel like he had the strength to get up again. His body seemed numbed almost everywhere and where he had feeling he hurt. "I'm sorry ….", with that he fell unconscious.