Naruto-Excalibur

Episode 2- Kakashi's Defection

Honestly, I didn't think I'd make it this far in the story. Not many people who doesn't wish to be an author makes a second story. But since I've received so many messages asking me to continue on with the story and I have time to kill, I might as well. Thanks to everyone who decided to read my story and a bigger thanks to people who came back to read more. I promise you guys that I won't disappoint you, although most wanted a continuation of the battle. Speaking of the battle, there will be a continuation of it but the only reason why I didn't make it part of the title or big on the summary was because the major factor of this episode will be Kakashi joining the Akatsuki. Of course a couple times I'll go back to the action so I won't be totally doing what you guys wouldn't want but still be getting the aspect of what I'd want for this story to consist of. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do and thanks for the support.

Disclaimer: I've said this many times so I'm just going to do this once per episode if I get tired of repeating myself. Anyways, I don't own the Naruto franchise or anything involving it.

What I Would Have Done Differently: If I owned the Naruto series, Naruto would have been the 8th Hokage. Just saying.

*Previously on Naruto Excalibur*

Jiraiya comes back after Naruto just settled in the Leaf Village after his 2 and a half year training. He tells Naruto of an A-Ranked mission the two are assigned on and Naruto agrees and asks to bring Sakura which Jiraiya had no problem in doing. On the way, Naruto gets another companion to go and he was no other than Konohamaru Sarutobi who begged Naruto to come along.

Once the group finally formed up and met up with Jiraiya outside the gate, they finally sent off to the Star Village. Meanwhile, upon hearing rumors that the Akatsuki might be nearby Jiraiya's team, Tsunade sent a backup unit consisting of Shikamaru, Neji, and Kiba to go help them in case of an Akatsuki attack. On their way there though, they are ambushed by a familiar looking boy and no other than Sasuke Uchiha.

"Alright, is everyone ready?" Gai asked. Team Gai met up in front of where Anko had stood as she introduced the Forest of Death to the genin. Guy planned on using the training grounds to test his students and their ability to defeat him in it.

"Of course sensei, but it seems that Neji has disappeared!" Rock Lee replied, saluting.

"Yeah, where is Neji? It's not like him to not show up for something like this." Tenten said., worried.

"I thought he was running late." Gai said.

"That's another thing Neji wouldn't do" Tenten added.

"Well why don't we ask the Hokage," Guy suggested and the two nodded.

"You guys good to go?" the delivery supplier said. An industry that makes certain rare artifacts had a special delivery to get the Orb of Chaos ready for a pickup by the Akatsuki. The pickup cost happened to be very pricey but manageable. Outside the industrial building happened to be the delivery supplier and two workers.

"Yeah, the truck is ready. All we need is to get a destination from the Akatsuki." the nearby worker answered. The delivery supplier grinned wickedly.

"Good." he said, watching as the the men finished setting up.

"So, I heard you sent my students on a mission with Master Jiraiya," Kakashi said. "An A-Ranked mission, right?"

"Yes," Tsunade responded. "If it's their safety you're worried about, don't worry. With Jiraiya with them, they should be fine."

"Good to hear." Kakashi said. Tsunade stared at Kakashi then looked at her desked. After a long sigh, she spoke.

"Kakashi, I know for a fact that your students isn't the reason why you came here. Is there something I should know about?" Tsunade asked. Kakashi looked around the room only to see her and Shizune who stood obediently like she always did. He walked closer to the two and finally spoke.

"My lady, I received word from one of our spies who claimed to have seen three Akatsuki members heading for the Land of Rivers." Kakashi explained. "Rumor has it, they might be after Naruto but I doubt it."

"But why? Didn't they try to get him before?" Shizune asked. Kakashi nodded.

"Yes, I know. But even though they're near Naruto, I think that they might have another objective." Kakashi said, sounding very serious. In fact serious enough to make Shizune tremble.

"Another objective? What do you mean?" Tsunade asked, trying to figure out what Kakashi meant.

"Think about it. You know where the Tenji Brothers Delivery Service is right?" Kakashi questioned. Tsunade's face relaxed signaling that she finally understood. Shizune still look puzzled though.

"Um, can anyone explain what's going on?" Shizune shyly asked.

"Tsunade, care to sum things up?" Kakashi asked. Tsunade turned to the clueless Shizune.

"Shizune, the Tenji Brothers or TBDS are known for shipping important stuff around the world. They specialize in careful delivery and usually hire guards to protect them. Do you get it now?" Tsunade summarized. Shizune relaxed and smiled.

"Oh, now I understand." she said.

"The reason I came here was to suggest that I go check it out myself." Kakashi suggested. Now it was Tsunade's turn to smile.

"Kakashi, I can tell you are someone who prefers to work alone, but you are too valuable a ninja to go send into enemy lines all alone. Take Shizune with you and report back to me quickly." Tsunade commanded. Kakashi sighed and nodded then took a quick bow.

"Shizune, I'll meet you at the gate." Kakashi said and left the room. Shizune turned to Tsunade and cocked her head.

"Um, Lady Tsunade?" Shizune asked.

"What is it?" Tsunade commanded.

"Nothing, its just that I was wondering...did Kakashi seem a little different to you?" Shizune wondered. Tsunade sighed and stared at the door. Shizune looked at her, wondering what she was thinking.

"Honestly, he did seem different to me too. Shizune, make sure you be careful and watch his every move." Tsunade ordered. Shizune nodded.

"Yes, my lady." Shizune bowed. She bowed again then left the room.

Kakashi, just what might you be up to, Tsunade wondered.

Just as Tsunade began to relax, there was a knock on her door. Tsunade sighed again.

Who the hell could it be this time, she thought.

"Come in." Tsunade commanded. Responding to that, the door opened slowly revealing the remainder of Team Gai.

"Tsunade, just the person we wanted to see." Gai gloatingly said. Tsunade let out another sigh.

"What's wrong, Lady Tsunade?" Lee asked.

"It's nothing. I'm just tired from all the stress today. I just sent Kakashi on the third A-Ranked mission today." Tsunade groaned.

"What?! What about me?!" Gai jealously said which made Tsunade let out another sigh.

"Gai you and your team don't need to worry. I have an S-Ranked mission for you to do once Neji returns." Tsunade explained which made Team Gai gasp.

"Neji is on a mission?" Tenten asked.

"Yes, he left with Shikamaru and Kiba a while ago. They're chasing after Naruto's team in case of an Akatsuki threat." Tsunade said before she let out a yawn.

"Are you sure you're going to be ok, Lady Tsunade?" Gai asked? Tsunade let out another sigh before nodding.

"For now I want you three to sit back and relax until Neji comes back. You guys will begin your mission that next day, depending on Neji's status." Tsunade summarized. "Is that all?"

"Yeah, thanks for letting us know Lady Tsunade." Lee said and the three left the room.

"You guys heard what she said, it's time to relax. Why don't we just do warm-up exercises today?" Gai suggested. Lee jumped up and saluted.

"Yes, Gai sensei!" Lee responded and Tenten let out a sigh.

Sometimes I wonder what Iruka was thinking when he assigned me to this team, Tenten thought.

"Ok, as long as it's not too long," Tenten said reluctantly. "There's something I need to do now that I have the time to do it."

The three proceeded down the hall and somehow didn't hear the snoring Tsunade that was drooling on her desk.

"Hmm...you sure took your time Shizune," Kakashi greeted as she finally came to the gate. "It's almost like you don't want to come."

"Don't want to come? Of course I do! I just stopped to get a couple of things before we left." Shizune explained. Kakashi let a grin out which Shizune couldn't see obviously.

Shizune. You're as good a liar as Naruto, Kakashi thought. Hmm...does Tsunade not trust me?

"Kakashi, you ready?" Shizune asked the dazed one-eyed ninja. Kakashi woke from his daydream and stared at Shizune.

"Oh, right. Let's go." he answered. The three left the village and headed north towards the Land of Rivers.

Not as long a chapter I wanted it to be but I'm all out of ideas. The next chapter will probably either continue the Kakashi-Shizune mission or continue the fight from the first episode. Whichever you want, just let me know in the reviews. I'm open to suggestions but I'll probably start continuing the second chapter. Anyways, thanks for reading and I hope you stick around for the next chapter. Also, let me know what you think about Kakashi joining Akatsuki. I'm curious to ideas.