Time Away

Chapter 2: The Journey

Naruto hoisted his pack over his shoulders and walked out of the front door. Last night's events had shaken him up a bit, and he certainly wasn't looking forward to what was going to happen when he returned from his mission. Tsunade was very angry with him. In her opinion, he should have come and gotten her himself before storming the Hyuuga mansion alone. While it was true that the guards would have let in the Hokage without any questions, Naruto was almost too late as it was. There was nothing he could have done.

"Quit sulking. We have a mission, and I think we are going to need to be on our toes for this one," Kit said at Naruto's feet as they walked the deserted path toward the town. Not many people were out and about this early in the morning, and Kit didn't have the spare chakra to mind-speak, unless it was something really important, or Naruto was supplying extra chakra at the time.

"Why will we need to be on our toes? The target isn't even a ninja. We can sail over, whack the guy, and be back in less than a month," Naruto replied.

"I think it's going to be more complicated than that. I've been around for a while, and these things are rarely that simple. Besides, you haven't got the heart for an assassination mission," Kit said.

"I've killed before. If this guy is a rebel and is attacking villagers, I won't have any problem ending his life," Naruto said. They paused their conversation for a moment as they passed a townsman setting up his shop for the day. Once he was out of earshot, they continued.

"Ah, but he isn't your enemy. What if he has a family? What if he has a reason to be rebelling? Only a fool believes he can end lives so simply. Well, a fool or a demon," Kit said, with what passed for a chuckle.

"Well, then we can just do a beast transformation and let you take care of it," Naruto said with a smile. "Problem solved."

Kit looked like he was about to say something, but at that moment a Hyuuga clan member limped out in front of him. Naruto stopped in his tracks. A quick glance at his surroundings let him know that he was standing outside the hospital. Naruto didn't really recognize the man, but it was clear that whatever damage he had suffered was Naruto's fault.

"Uzumaki-san," the man said, bowing slightly.

"Hyuuga-san," Naruto responded, also with a bow. "Forgive me for your injuries, I only wished to stop your master from harming Hinata."

To Naruto's surprise, the Hyuuga gave a slight chuckle. He reached up slowly and moved his head protector aside, revealing the mark of the branch family. "You did the right thing. It's just my bad luck that I was on guard duty," he said.

"Thanks," Naruto replied. "Spread the word that I am sorry for hurting you all. I'm afraid that I am on my way out for a mission, and won't be able to speak for myself for awhile."

"Sure," the Hyuuga said. "Good luck."

Naruto watched the man limp off towards the Hyuuga mansion. Idly, Naruto wondered how many other ninjas were going to get double duty because he had put most of the Hyuuga clan out of commission. He didn't think he was going to be terribly popular when he returned.

Rock Lee and Hinata stood at the front gates of the hidden village of Konoha. Lee had been waiting for Hinata when she walked out of the front door of Tsunade's house. He had gotten a note yesterday informing him of the mission and asking him to watch over Hinata until Naruto arrived. It wasn't like Naruto to be late.

"What do you know about the mission?" Lee asked "My note only said that we would be abroad for at least a month, maybe more."

Hinata jumped when Lee spoke. "Sorry," she said, shaking off the daydream she had been having. "Naruto didn't tell me much about it. He just told me that we would be gone for a while, and that we were going to a far off land. Last night there was a foreigner that I am assuming is the man who hired us. He apparently had followed Naruto to the mansion."

Lee nodded. He had heard all about Naruto's foolhardy attack on the Hyuuga clan mansion. If he had heard soon enough, he probably would have helped. Over the last year, he had grown closer and closer to his new team in a way he never had with Neji and Ten-ten. Naruto had saved his life many times over, and trained him into a better ninja than he thought possible. If Naruto asked him to jump off a cliff he would probably do it.

Thinking back on when he first met Naruto, Lee could only chuckle. Back then, the only thing they had in common was their zest for life and boundless energy. Well, that and they loved to train. Naruto had been foolish and brash. He bragged all the time, and constantly did things that everyone thought were stupid. Then he had disappeared. For four years Naruto was presumed dead, and Lee and his friends mourned his passing. Then one day Naruto returned, years older than he should have been.

Lee still had problems wrapping his mind around what Naruto had called a 'chakra tear.' The end result was an older, more mature Naruto. Lee's respect had grown by leaps and bounds after he heard about the way the village had been treating Naruto. The fact that the demon fox had been bound in him for his entire life put a new shade on all of the memories that Lee had of Naruto. Now a competent leader and a hero of the village, Naruto inspired Lee to be an even greater ninja.

"Here he comes," Hinata said, interrupting Lee's trip through the past. "That man is with him." She stood up and shouldered her pack. She had been on enough missions with Naruto to know that he didn't like to waste time. She smiled as he waved at her from a distance. When Naruto reached the gates, her and Lee fell into step with him. They left Konoha at their backs.

Naruto began the mission briefing on the road, like he usually did. "Kitano Harashi, this is Hyuuga Hinata and Rock Lee, my team. This is Harashi, a high ranking samurai in Kitano Gozu's court. He has hired us as a representative of his lord, Gozu. He will explain the mission."

"A pleasure to meet you all. I had my doubts when I first met Uzumaki-san. However, he has shown that he is an honorable, and capable warrior. My lord Gozu is the new ruler of Swan country, however, his ability to properly lead our country is being hampered by the rebel Tanaka Hiro. Lord Gozu has tried to call out Hiro, but the rebel hasn't gotten the summons, or wisely refuses to face him in battle. It is dishonorable for a samurai to have people assassinated, but my lord feels that it is necessary to eliminate Tanaka before he destroys everything that Gozu has worked to build. He insists that the mantle of leadership is sometimes heavier than honor," Harashi said, his voice growing disdainful towards the end.

"Question," Lee said almost immediately.

"Yes," Harashi replied.

"When Tanaka turns up dead, won't everyone suspect Gozu hired the ninjas who did it? The end result it that your lord is dishonored," Lee asked.

"That is why you can not kill him in a way that anyone will suspect was murder. When we reach the port city, you will dress in peasant's clothing, and will pretend to be my servants. Once we get to Swan country, you will attempt to locate and eliminate the target with no trace of your activities," Harashi said. "These are the wishes of Gozu-sama."

"What about the language? How are we going to track down Tanaka and infiltrate his camp if we stick out as foreigners?" Hinata asked. "Surely you have ninjas of your own who could do this?"

"We do not. No offense meant, but Swan country would never lower itself to killing another honorable man in the night. We fight like men, face to face and with honor! As for the language, you will have to be secretive so that you do not have to speak with people. You do specialize in being secretive, do you not?" Harashi replied.

"No offense to you, but Swan country has already 'lowered' itself to killing another man in the night. You hired us yourself," Naruto said.

"I will atone for what I have done. I have told you everything you need to know to complete your mission. You will be given a drawing of the target when we reach Swan country so you will be sure to eliminate the right man. When you have completed your mission, return to Gozu-sama and he will arrange for you to return to Konoha," Harashi said.

I am beginning to see what you were talking about, Naruto said to Kit. I think there is more to this than Harashi is letting on. I am interested in speaking with this 'Gozu-sama' when we arrive in Swan country.

The overland journey was uneventful and short. Within a week, they had reached the port city they had planned to launch from. The smell of the sea and fish filled the air, along with the shouts of the men at the market. Naruto negotiated for lodgings and the group prepared to sleep for the night. The next day they would board a ship that was captained by a friend of Harashi.

In the morning, Harashi had them all dress like servants. Naruto ordered everyone to hide their head protectors deep within their clothing. Naruto didn't think that they would need their kunai, since this was a mission that didn't involve other ninja's, and he wasn't going to risk them getting discovered if he could help it. Since they were dressed as servants, they were going to have to act like servants, and that meant that almost anyone could search them.

Fully prepared now, the group followed Harashi to the docks. Hinata and Lee almost openly gaped at the bigger, more modern ships. Kit gave a chuckle as they headed farther and farther down to the dock, towards the older vessels. Finally, Harashi stopped and pointed at an old sail powered junk. "That is our ship," he said.

The ship had been painted a dull shade of red, although it was obvious that the paint had been applied many years ago. Three masts lifted three large sails off of the decks, although they had been pulled in while the ship was in dock. The large mast was about half as tall as the ship was wide. It was far from the modern ship that Hinata had been hoping for. She had never been at sea before, but she didn't think she was going to like it.

"Alright! I can see that it was built with love, and must sail with a fiery determination! I couldn't have picked a finer ship!" Lee said enthusiastically.

"I could," Hinata said under her breath with a sigh. Naruto caught her eye with a little wink.

"Looks like fun," Naruto said moving to lead the group towards the boat. Harashi laid his hand on Naruto's shoulder to stop him.

"From here on I lead, and you must remember you are lowly servants that I have hired here in my travels. You must walk several steps behind me, and carry my bags. Always refer to me as 'master' and be respectful of everyone you see. Not many can speak your language, but act as though everyone can," Harashi said.

"Sure," Naruto said, stepping back and lifting Harashi's bags with ease. "Master," he added at the end with a bow. "Lead on."

"Gozu-sama, I am happy to report that a messenger bird arrived yesterday. Harashi is in the company of three ninja's and is most likely setting sail very soon."

"Damn him. I said one ninja. Three is too many. See to it that our pirate friends are aware of their location. Harashi must be dead before he reaches our ports. Once that is complete, summon the winds and smash both of their ships on the rocks. We will conveniently 'find' one of the ninjas, the others can drown."

"Of course my lord. It shall be as you say."

Naruto and his team had been below decks for almost the entire journey. The ship had set sail over two days ago, and they had only been permitted to walk around freely once. With all the crew busy on the upper deck, there wasn't enough room for mere servants to wander around, or even sit in the air.

"I realize that we are supposed to be servants, but doesn't this seem a bit odd to you? It's like they don't think we are people," Naruto said to his teammates. Lee nodded his head.

"It is a bit stuffy down here. I could use some fresh air," he said.

"I could too," Hinata said, rolling over and vomiting again into the bag Harashi had provided for her. She had not taken to the sea very well.

"All right, this has gone on long enough. I am going above decks to talk to Harashi, secrecy be damned," Naruto said, standing up. Kit took the opportunity to stand up and trot alongside him.

Naruto walked up the steps and opened the hatch that lead above. It didn't take him long to be stopped by a crewman. The man was talking rather animatedly, and pointing down to where Naruto had come from. Unfortunately, everything that the man said was in a different language. Naruto shook his head 'no' and then said, "Harashi, take me to Harashi."

The crewman opened his mouth and said something else rapidly, then pointed below decks before drawing a sword to nudge Naruto along with. Can you understand what he is saying? Naruto said to Kit, and sent some chakra for the reply.

Something about you not knowing your place. It is the same language I learned hundreds of years ago, but it has evolved since I knew it. He is threatening you though. I don't think servants have much worth here, Kit said in Naruto's mind. Naruto moved to comply with the man, when there was a great shout from the other side of the deck. The man who had previously been so interested in keeping Naruto out of sight was now running away, ignoring him completely.

"What was that?" Naruto asked aloud.

"Well, assuming the word still means the same thing, pirates," Kit replied.

"Of course! Pirates! Why wouldn't we be attacked by pirates? I swear we have the absolute worst luck," Naruto grumbled as he walked across the deck with purpose. Naruto noticed the other ship almost immediately. It bobbed in the water, almost taunting the crew with the knowledge that they would soon be under attack. It was obviously larger than the ship they rode on now. The captain shouted some words and the crew all got to work at the same time, drawing out more sails to try and outrun the enemy.

"Naruto, what are you doing? Get back below deck!" Harashi said as he turned around, noticing Naruto for the first time.

"We need fresh air Harashi. Besides what is this here, a pirate attack?" Naruto asked. It seemed that Naruto and Harashi both caught sight of the captain watching them at the same time.

"What insolence!" Harashi boomed, slapping Naruto in the face with the speed of a turtle. Naruto almost laughed, but resigned himself to playing his part.

"My apologies Master, it is just that my friend is sick, and she wishes for fresh air," Naruto said, bowing his head.

"She will get it then, but not now. We are being trailed by pirates, and your master must fight them," Harashi said loudly. Then he said more quietly, "Stay below decks, and under no circumstance are you to help fight. It would give you away before we even reach Swan country."

"What if we don't reach Swan country because you wouldn't let us help?" Naruto asked with a whisper.

"The Pirates will not be expecting a Samurai. They believe that have found a fat merchant vessel. I will be the wall that the pirates will smash against in vain. If I die, I will do so by the sword. It is the way of the Samurai," Harashi said, a tinge of sadness in his voice at the end.

"You sound like you want to die," Naruto said, already turning to walk to the door that would lead back down to his friends. When he was far enough away that Harashi didn't think he could hear him he mumbled some words in his own language. Kit translated.

If you only knew how much.

"Pirates! You have to be kidding me?" Lee boomed. "We will defeat them, with our fists of justice."

"We will not," Naruto said. Hinata and Lee both gasped. "We are servants here. To fight would give away our cover. Harashi insisted that they could handle it." Hinata made to protest, but Naruto silenced her with a hand in the air. "If it looks like they can't handle it, then we will fight, and to hell with what Harashi wants. If the boat doesn't survive to port, then we are going to have a hard time getting home." That brought the satisfied nod that he was looking for.

"How much time do we have?" Lee asked, already doing push ups to warm up.

"I would say less than an hour now and they will be on us," Naruto said.

Harashi finished putting on his armor, and strode out on to the deck. The other ship was close enough that he could already hear the plink of arrows as they hit the water next to their own vessel. The captain was shouting orders, and men were taking refuge behind poles and makeshift cover. Only Harashi and the captain stood out in the open.

"Are you prepared to die old friend?" the captain said, walking up to stand next to Harashi.

"A Samurai is always prepared to die, Taka" Harashi responded without thinking.

"Ah, but are you prepared to die in Gozu's service?" Captain Taka asked. Before Harashi could frame an answer, he continued, "I can read the sadness in your eyes. I have known you far too long. What is this terrible thing he has asked you to do? Does it concern our exiled Lord Tanaka?"

"Careful how deep you dig Taka, lest you cover yourself in my shame," Harashi said sadly.

"It won't matter soon. My men are not fighters. They know how, but I can see now that we are outnumbered, and no matter how hard you fight, we cannot win this battle." Taka said.

Harashi smiled, "Then let us take many of them with us. At least I will die close to my homeland. I am sad only for my new servants."

"They aren't servants Harashi. I saw how the blond one spoke with you. He has known command. He is a leader," Taka said. Their conversation was taking place over the shouts of men as some arrows found lucky marks. It was getting to be dusk now and the enemy archers could only shoot in the direction of the shadows on the deck.

"You must pray that we die in this battle as you say we will. You have guessed too much and I must do my duty." Harashi said. He drew his Katana now, as the Pirates were close to boarding.

"Where does duty end and honor begin, my friend?" Taka asked quietly.

"It is easy for you to ask these questions, since you have not sworn your blade and soul to someone else. These are not questions for me to answer. I am but a lowly samurai doing his Emperor's bidding. You know my heart Taka, I would not follow Gozu if he was not family. As a Samurai I must do the duty laid before me by my family. If I survive this battle, I will wash clean my shame with my wakizashi. The questions you ask are questions for someone else, and I can only hope that he makes the decision I hope he will," Harashi said. Men were screaming in earnest now, the battle had begun. With a cry, Harashi threw himself into battle.

Captain Taka watched for a moment, knowing he had few of them left. Drawing his sword, he charged forward on the cramped deck. His men gave a hopeful shout as he joined the melee.

Authors Note: Firstly, let me apologize for this chapter taking so long to be released. I probably couldn't have picked a worse time to start a new Fan Fic than mid December. Aside from the distractions of shopping and traveling, one of our two cats died two days after Christmas, while she was getting fixed.

It is out now, and I hope you all enjoy it, and drop a review to tell me what you think. If you haven't already picked up, this story will be going in a slightly different direction than Time Apart did. Let me go ahead and give you the heads up, if you want to read about the Akatsuki or Kabuto then you should probably stop now and go somewhere else. This fic will from this point be set almost entirely outside of Konoha, so if that isn't your bag, jump ship now. You have been warned.

I hope the next chapter is released much faster than this one, and of higher quality. I always find transition chapters hard to write. Thanks for reading, and see you next time.