Chapter 1: A Dangerous Mission

Tsunade drank her sake slowly, eager for a temporary relief from her stressful work as Hokage. She asked Shizune to assemble the Konoha 11 in her office as well as Kakashi, Might Guy and Captain Yamato. Naruto was the first to arrive on the scene, anxious for a new mission. He exclaimed, "Grandma-Tsunade, I can't wait to start on this new assignment!" Everyone else arrived and walked inside to meet with the Hokage. Upon seeing Naruto's face, Hinata's face beamed with joy and she kissed him on the cheek. Sakura looked away from both of them out of discomfort. While the rest of Konoha 11 had accepted the new couple, Sakura was still adjusting to the change.

Tsunade stated, "Listen up, everyone! This is a highly ranked mission. Shizune will explain the situation." Shizune said, "Someone has attacked two villages on the borders of the Land of Fire. One village is near the Sand village and the other is near the Land of Lightning. We have only heard from the former and no one was killed or injured. However, their strongest ninja were taken away. Out of fear that their attackers would return, the villagers have asked us for our assistance."

Capt. Yamato interrupted, "How many ninja did the enemy have?" Shizune responded, "It is estimated to be around 100 mercenary ninja led by a mysterious man as their commander." Kakashi interrupted, "are there any details about him?" Shizune answered, "Yes, Kakashi. He wore a black wolf mask with red markings and also killed some of his men with your lightning blade technique." Kakashi flashed a look of surprise from underneath his mask. He thought, "Only Sasuke and I should be able to use the chidori technique. This is a powerful ninja indeed."

Naruto interrupted, "What is the problem if this guy can use chidori? We have dealt with worse enemies before." Tsunade snapped, "Naruto, one more word and you will be taken off this mission and left behind." Naruto clammed up immediately at this comment. Shizune continued, "The leader also possesses a powerful dōjutsu that we have never encountered before. Everyone, please be vigilant and careful against this enemy.

You will be placed into two teams: Team 1 will be Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, Sai, Captain Yamato, Hinata, Shino, Kiba and Akamaru. Team 2 will be Might Guy, Rock Lee, Tenten, Choji, Ino and Shikamaru." Might Guy exclaimed, "Not that we can't handle this mission, but don't you think that 14 vs. 100 has slim chances of success?" Tsunade responded, "We have thought about that as well, Guy. Each team will rendezvous with reinforcements at a location near the assigned village. A squad from the Sand village will join Team 2 while Team 1 will have a squad from the Land of Lightning.

Shikamaru asked, "Lady Tsunade, what are our objectives after we receive reinforcements and reach these villages?" Tsunade answered, "Look for any survivors to get eyewitness accounts, find any evidence of the enemy's whereabouts. If you are engaged, defend ourselves. However, this is not a search and destroy mission. We need more info on these rogue ninja before launching a larger force against them. Everyone is dismissed." After everone had left, Tsunade asked Shizune for a favor. Tsunade said, "Shizune, can you get all the books on the Hygua family's byakugan as well as the Sharingan from the Uchiha clan?" Shizune was puzzled by this request and asked, "Why, milady?" Tsunade answered, "I want to do some research on that leader's dōjutsu." Tsunade was so engrossed in her research that she failed to notice a miniscule fly on the wall, taking every detail into view.