Deadshot: The attempt

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or its characters. They all belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I do not profit from this work. I merely enjoy writing. So I hope you'll enjoy as well.

Naruto and his team had been debriefed by the Hokage herself on the event that had transpired within Konoha ground itself. The man who assassinated the entire Hyūga council was no ordinary assassin. In fact, he did not even seem human, to have killed the Hyūga council, who had the Byakugan, giving each member a near 360 field of vision.

Naruto was trembling after the debriefing. Not normally shaken by even the most powerful of enemies, he seemed to be worried about this assassin. Tsunade could see that in the blond, even as he tried to hide it when Sakura had asked. He merely shrugged off the question with his usual smile.

"I won't give in to that guy! I will not die by his hands! After all, I still have to take the Hokage seat from you, Tsunade-baachan!" he said with his fox-like grin. The next moment, there was a very large dent on the wall, with poor Naruto imprinted and knocked out in it. Tsunade was visibly ticked, even though she knows an assassin was after someone she considers a son (A/N: or grandson?). Sakura did some minor healing and later Kakashi carried him out of the Hokage's office. Soon after, Tsunade began to ponder.

It only seems like the council was killed, while others were spared from this massacre. She even wondered why none of the Hyūga guards, with their extended field of vision, did not see the projectiles, nor the assassin. She decided she would do the autopsy of the Hyūga council members herself. But first…

She motioned for ANBU to appear and request them to observe and protect Naruto. After all, the assassin was interested in him, and this might be the best chance to stop him. With a quick nod, ANBU cleared the room.

"Tsunade-sama, let's not forget the survivors of the clan. They're still afraid. And there Hinata-san to be considered. She would be especially devastated to learn her father was murdered," Shizune spoke, Tonton wriggling in her arms. Tsunade massaged her forehead. God, this is when I hates being the Hokage.

~o~

Night had fallen, and Naruto was contemplating his options, especially now that there is an assassin after him. Yet, he was not one to run away from an enemy, even one as strong and as… gulp… inhuman as him.

What's the matter kit? Afraid?

This is none of your business, fox!

But it is. You see, if you die, I die. And I really don't want that to happen.

Oh hush up!

He really did not need a talk, especially from that damn Kyuubi. He turned to sleep. He needed to rest his nerves. This is really not like me, to be worried about an enemy, he thought as he drifted into a fitful sleep.

~o~

On the high walls of Konoha, ANBU and jounin alike had been assigned to guard the village. They were more alert, mainly because the assassination had shook the entire village. They could not let a repeat happen again.

Yet, Cross had managed to sneak past some of the guards, disabling the patrols with a few soundless tranquilliser darts. The side effects of his 'special' ability were affecting him already. He had used its powers too much at a single time. His vision blurred as he tried to focus. His chest ached from the pain. His pride kept him lying on the walls of Konoha, his rifle in his hands.

The kid is going to die.

He had to be fast. Patrols switch around this time and they were going to notice a few guards missing. Besides, the loud "BANG!" was going to tell them where he was. He took aim. The kid's head was in his scope. A smirk appeared on his face. His trigger finger tensed.

Then a wave of nausea and pain wrecked his body. His vision faltered. His hand jerked. His finger twitched. A loud "BANG!" soon followed. The projectile exited the barrel of the rifle, flew through the air, the glass of Naruto's apartment, and hit him. On the leg.

He screamed. Pain shot through his body. He rolled over besides his bed involuntarily, clutching at his calf, where the projectile had hit him. Fate was on his side today.

Cross cursed. He tried to re-aim. His target was gone – probably on the floor. He could not take another chance. Konoha ninjas had heard the sound. Some were heading his was, others to the kid's residence. He jumped, and landed on his legs with a soft thud. He cursed the pain, making his escape.

The kid gets to see another sunrise. Lucky…

Kakashi had appeared in Naruto's room with some of the ANBU assigned to keep an eye on him. He could not believe another attempt had happened, and on his watch. He rushed to the boy, asking him whether he was alright.

"I'm fine, Kakashi-sensei. But, something's wrong," he replied, pain evident on his face. Kakashi looked at where Naruto was clutching his leg, and saw a hole in his calf. Stranger still, the wound was not healing, even with his help.

"Come on; let's get you to the hospital. Tsunade-sama has to look at this wound. Maybe we'll be able to figure out this whole mess then," Kakashi lifted Naruto and carried him to the hospital, the ANBU following.

At that same moment, somewhere within the village, a scream echoed throughout Konoha.

~o~

A/N: Wow, I'm on a roll. Heh. Please RxR, if you can. Thank You.