It is a beautiful morning in the village of Konoha as the sun slowly rises off the mountain with the carved faces of the five Hokages. The dew is still fresh on the grassy hills along both sides of the stream that cuts through the town.
On one of the hills we see two people lying next to each other, enjoying the peaceful calm of the morning. The singing of some robins in a nearby tree, the gentle breeze moving the leaves, and the rush of the water are the only sounds.
"Ahhh, it's moments like this that make me love this place even more," the blonde-haired ninja says. "A wonderful breakfast, a nice early morning stroll, and relaxing with the person who means the most to me."
"Aww… who knew you could be romantic this early in the morning, Naruto-kun," Hinata says as she lets out a stretch and repositions her head on Naruto's chest. "I couldn't be happier this early either. So what do you want to do later?"
Naruto rolls himself over above Hinata and looks deep into her eyes. "I know what I want to do right now. I want to make time stand still." Hinata begins to blush a little as she places her hand on Naruto's cheek, "Oh, Naruto-kun…"
The young blonde ninja lowers his head and presses his lips to those of his violet rose. Both close their eyes as they bask in the love they share, almost making time actually stand still. Naruto releases his kiss and moves his eyes upward.
Hinata notices a shadow being cast across half of Naruto's face. "What do you want?" Naruto asks the figure creating the shadow. "We were trying to have a little moment before the village got busy." The figure just gives a sly little smile and laughs.
"Heh, you guys have been doing nothing but making little moments since Hinata's father accepted you," Shikamaru says. "You two have been dating for two years already. Can't you guys take a little break from each other," he says as he lets out a yawn.
"Hey, we still have a year to catch up on compared to you and Temari," Naruto says as he rolls off of Hinata. "Hehe, what can we say? We just really love each other that much," Hinata replies. "Besides, it isn't like you to be up this early, anyway."
"I know, trust me when I say I would rather be in bed right now, but I am here on business. Troublesome, I know…" the cerebral jounin replies. "You two are last two people I need to round up for the Fifth Hokage. We have a mission."
Naruto rises from the ground and stretches out his arms. "Alright! It has been a few weeks since we have had one," he exclaims as he helps Hinata up. "Who knows, maybe this time we can be on the same team." Hinata smiles in agreement.
"Well, let's head over to the Hokage's office and you can find that out," Shikamaru says as he turns to head down the path. Naruto and Hinata follow behind, holding hands, as they head off to see Tsunade.
The trio finally make to the office. Shikamaru opens the doors and inside are the Hokage, Shizune, Sakura, Neji, Rock Lee, Tenten, and Temari are waiting. "Sorry it took a little longer than I thought," Shikamaru replies.
"Heh, Heh… Sorry Granny Tsunade, we were out an about, so that is why it was harder for Shikamaru to find us," Naruto comments. "Well at least he found you two together," Tsunade says as she stares down where they are still holding hands.
Hinata notices and quickly removes her grip, blushing brightly. Naruto gives a little laugh as he scratches the top of his head. "Ok, now that everyone is here, let's go over the basics of the mission I have you all here for," says the Fifth.
"It appears that the Akatsuki is starting to make some rumblings again. Since we have been able to deplete their numbers over the past two years, we thought this would have stopped their goals. Alas, new information proves otherwise."
Tsunade leans forward in her chair. "New intelligence is showing that they have recruited some new members from an area we have little information on. What we do know is that there are 4 in total, two men and two women."
"What else we know is that they are currently residing in the Village of Steel at the far end of the country. They are stationed there in an attempt to capture another chakra powered being."
Naruto's face is now showing anger, his eyes filling with rage as he places his right hand over his sealed stomach. "So you want us to protect the person sealed with this chakra and take down the new recruits, right?"
"Not yet," Tsunade replies. "I just want you all to survey the new recruits and gather information. I do not want you to engage in combat with them just yet. If they do go after the sealed person, rescue him or her and return to the village."
"So for this mission I am breaking you up into two teams," the Fifth says. Naruto and Hinata stare at each other hoping that they can be on the same team. "The teams will be of all the men, lead by Shikamaru, and all the ladies lead by Sakura."
"The female team will be working undercover at the local resort spa as employees to watch the female recruits. The male team will be working at the local restaurant and gather info on the male recruits."
"The catch with this mission is that the two teams can never interact with each other while in the Village of Steel. You cannot act like you know each other as it will probably compromise everything we are working on."
Naruto has a look of sadness on his face. "Darn, and I was hoping Hinata-chan and I could work together," he says to himself. "I know this probably wasn't what you expected," Tsunade comments, "but don't worry. I have good news."
"According to the information already gathered, we have two months before any big moves happen. Therefore, we will not be moving out for a week. This should give you all enough time to take care of all your personal things."
Tsunade looks over at Naruto and gives a little wink. Naruto notices and nods that he understands. "Thank you Granny Tsunade," Naruto says to himself with a smile on his face, "I need to make the last night before the mission special."
Tsunade stands up from her chair and places her hands on the desk. "Alright, that is all. Get your things in order and see you at the main gate in one week. Dismissed." With that the ninjas head off to make their preparations.
