"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Jutsu"

'Flashbacks/ memories'

"Summon/Biju talking"

'Summon/ Biju thinking'

Naruto of the Flash Step

Chapter 3: Escort


One month has passed since the formation of Team Shisui or like the Konoha's population liked to call them, 'Team prodigy'. The reason why they were called was that all three members of the team were prodigies in their own area's.

For Naruto, it was Taijutsu, Fuinjutsu and Ninjutsu.

For Itachi, it was Genjutsu and Shurikenjutsu

For Shisui, it was Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu.

While the three Shinobi were training for the last month, the news about such a team reached even the Village hidden in the mist, which was the most isolated of the great five Hidden Villages.

But is there something to be surprised of? It is not every day that a team full of prodigies is formed. Add to it the fact that two of them are Uchiha's and the third one is the son of the Yondaime Hokage.

As for the team, the first week they spend on training together and creating various formations for all types of fights. Of course, they all trained individually as well to become stronger and since they all were good in one or two fields, they helped each other out, becoming stronger even faster.

In the second week, they started doing D-Rank missions, seeing how Naruto needed to gain the 'experience' to be allowed to get a C-Ranked mission. So the second week went with training and doing the chores.

When the third week rolled in, they were finally allowed to do some easy C-Rank missions, where most of them were some simply D-Rank mission but outside Konoha.

The fourth week was also spend doing C-Ranked missions, but this time, they got a mission which included fighting. They were sent to deal with bandits that harassed a nearby Village. It was also the first time that Naruto had to kill.


Flashback

Team Shisui waited quietly in bushes, observing the camp full of bandits. As they waited for a good opportunity to attack, Shisui turned to look at his two companions.

"Alright, remember what I said before. Stick together and look for each other backs. We know that there are about 60 of them, but it is possible that there is a missing-nin or some Samurais, better be safe than sorry," Whispered the Jonin, getting two nods from the younger members of his team.

"How do we enter?" Asked Itachi, who already had his Sharingan activated, as did Shisui. The older Uchiha was quiet for a moment until he answered.

"We will go with formation D, remember, the missions said that we have to exterminate them all," Reminded Shisui. They waited for another ten minutes until Shisui nodded to Naruto who went through Hand sales at lighting pace and then inhaled.

"Suiton: Water Platform," Naruto spat out a stream of Water which started to create a small platform of water under the camp, but before anyone could see it, Shisui made several hand seals.

"Magen: False surrounding Illusion," The older Uchiha said, making the water disappear from the bandit's view, they turned to Itachi who just finished his own sequence of hand seals.

"Raiton: Lightning current!" Itachi shouted and touched the platform made of water and pushing his Chakra through it, making the electricity to course through the water, shocking all the bandits. The combo was rewarded with multiple cries of pain and curses from the bandit camp.

"Let's go!" Shisui shouted and the three jumped out from the bushes. By the time they were by the first bandit, the rest of the camp was out of their shock, which slightly surprised the group, seeing how this was supposed to make them shocked much longer.

As they neared the first two bandits, Shisui took out his Tanto and quickly slashed at the bandit's throat killing the first, while Naruto took out a single shuriken and threw it, hitting the other bandit perfectly into the throat as well.

They saw a group of three bandits with swords rush at them from left. "I will take care of them," Said Itachi and started going through a set of hand seals. When they were close enough, he exhaled large orb of fire which burned the three bandits.

Naruto and Shisui went against a group of bandits who were brave enough to attack them, making quick job of them. When they were about to join Itachi, they had to jump away as three spikes of earth tried to impale them.

When they looked over to where it came from, they saw a male bandit who had a Kunai and was smirking at them. "Well, well, well, who do I got here," Said the bandit, who Shisui now recognized.

"Ryusa Juro, a B-Ranked missing-nin from Iwagakure," Shisui said, preparing for a fight. Juro grinned at being recognized.

"Well, I don't know who the hell you are, but this brat has to be the son of the yellow flash," Juro said and started to walk towards the two of them.

"Naruto, take the bandits, I got him," Shisui said, getting a nod from the youngest member of team Prodigies.

"Hn, do you really think you can match me, brat!?" The missing-nin shouted and rushed at Shisui with a single Kunai.

Seeing the older Shinobi rush him, the Uchiha took a defensive stance and blocked the first attack, dodged the following thrust, rolled away as Juro tried an Ax-kick to his collarbone and ducked under a spinning kick.

Seeing an opening, Shisui trusted his Tanto at Juro's chest, but the missing-nin parried the attack and got inside the Uchiha's defense. Juro launched an uppercut to Shisui's gut and the moment his fist connected, Shisui vanished, springing the missing-nin.

Suddenly he heard Shisui voice behind him. "Shunshin no Jutsu!" The missing-nin tried to turn around but at the moment he moved his head, he felt a searing pain in his chest. Looking down, he saw the tip of Shisui's tanto.

"I-Impossible.." Juro said in disbelieve as he looked the sword with wide eyes. After a moment Shisui took out his weapon and murmured under his breath.

"That is what happens when a Chunin goes against a Jonin," He said and was about to rush into the fight until he felt his Shinobi instincts scream at him. He turned around to see a shouting bandit rush at him with a Katana. 'Shit!' was the only thought of Shisui, but before he could he anything, he saw a Kunai fly past him and hit perfectly into the man's forehead, killing him instantly.

The Jonin looked to where the knife came from and saw Itachi with his right hand still outstretched. The two nodded to themselves and went to finish the rest of the camp

Flashback end


Now we find our three prodigies walking towards the Hokage's office since the Sandaime Hokage wanted to meet with them for their next mission, which was confusing since they took all of their mission from the mission assignment room.

As the group walked the streets of Konoha, Naruto couldn't help but ask. "Ne, Itachi, Shisui, do you know what type of mission the Sandaime might have for us?" He asked as the unusual team neared the Hokage tower.

"Honestly, I have no idea, but it must be pretty important if he wants us to meet with him," Shisui informed, getting a nod from Itachi. Soon the trio entered the Hokage office and waited for their leader to speak.

"Good morning, boys," Said the old leader from his place behind his desk, which was full of unfinished paperwork.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama," The three young Ninja's answered in unison, making the Hokage raise an eyebrow and smile slightly.

"PLease take a seat, we have some things to discuss," Hiruzen said. A few moments later the three Ninjas were seated in front of their leader who by now gave them all a cup of tea.

"As you all know, news about your team have spread some time ago. And while people are not talking about your achievements, more about your backgrounds, you boys got pretty famous. That is the reason why many clients wished to hire you so they can see how strong your team is," The third Hokage said getting nods from team Shisui.

Hiruzen couldn't help but chuckle seeing the three boys watching him quietly, not daring to speak without permissions.

"I have a mission for you three, an A-Ranked mission. While I would never allow a Genin or even most Chunin on A-Ranked mission, I know that the three of you will be able to do it. Do you accept?" He asked seriously, the three boys looked at each other for a second and then turned back to the Sandaime.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," They said once more in unison, getting a few snickers from the ANBU's guarding the room, making Hiruzen's eyebrow to twitch that his personal protectors were so easily distracted.

Clearing his throat, Sandaime took out a scroll from his desk and handed it to Shisui. "Your mission is to meet with the Kazekage, his daughter and his personal escorts at our border and ensure that their trip to Konoha is without any incident. Do you have questions?" Asked Sandaime as he took a sip from his teacup.

"Forgive me, Hokage-sama, but how many escorts does the Kazekage has with him?" Itachi asked.

"Kazekage-dono has four ANBU-level Shinobi with himself," The old man answered.

"Why does Kazekage come to Konoha and for who should we be prepared?" Asked Shisui.

"Kazekage-dono comes here to discuss the details of our new alliance treaty and the upcoming Chunin exams," Explained Hiruzen. "About who might attack you, I don't think any bandit will try anything, but there is always a possibility that an arrogant missing-nin will try to attack you. Some may try to kill the Kazekage, some to steal his daughter and sell her," The old man said, getting nods from the three.

"What about the daughter?" Naruto asked, making everyone look at him. He turned his head sideways to hid his mild blush. "Hey! That is also intel!" he reasoned, making the rest chuckle and in SHisui case, to laugh.

"Her name is Sabaku no Temari, the oldest child of Kazekage. From what I can remember, she is five by now and is coming here to see how politics are dealt with," The old man answered and dismissed the team who used Shunshin to appear outside the Hokage office.

"Alright, the Kazekage and his escorts are supposed to be at the border in two days. Go homes and pack for a week-long mission. We are meeting at the gate in 30 minutes and will be heading towards the border at a bit slower pace. If everything goes right, then we will have a night to rest before the Kazekage arrives," Shisui said and after getting affirmative from his team they dispersed.


Two days later, Wind and Fire country border

Team Shisui have just finished their quick breakfast and were going towards the location they were supposed to meet with the Kazekage. once they entered the clearing they had to wait a few minutes until the saw a carriage pulled by a horse, which was led by the front ANBU. There were three other ANBu, one on each side and one on behind.

A few moments later the carriage stopped and the front ANBU walked over to the middle of the clearing, as did Shisui. The Uchiha took out the mission scroll and gave it to the ANBU who inspected it and the opened it. After reading the whole scroll he gave it back to Shisui and nodded to the Uchiha.

"My codename is Taka, leader of the team Alpha. These are Gama, Tanuki, and Tokage. Kazekage-sama and Temari-sama are inside the carriage," Taka said getting a nod from Shisui.

"My name is Uchiha Shisui, those two are Uchiha Itachi and Namikaze Naruto," The leader of Konoha's team said. Suddenly the door of the carriage opened and the Kazekage came out with his daughter following him.

Seeing their leader in front of them, the four ANBU quickly knelt in front of the Wind Shadow. "Kazekage-sama!" they shouted in unison. Seeing the leader of Sunagakure, team Shisui bowed to the older man, showing their respect.

"So Hokage-sama did send my requested team for the mission. I haven't truly believed that he would do it, but that is good," Rasa said.

"It's an honor to meet you, Kazekage-sama," Shisui said, making Naruto and Itachi nod, making the Yondiame Kazekage raise an eyebrow.

"From what I heard you are the only one who speaks openly in your group," Rasa commented, making Shisui grin.

"You see, Kazekage-sama, we decided that only one should act as the leader of the group and as the oldest and for now the strongest member of our team, I was chosen," The dark-haired Jonin answered honestly, making the Kazekage raise an eyebrow once again.

"What do you mean by saying 'for now the strongest?', Shisui-san?" The auburn-haired NInja asked curiosity.

"Well you see, Kazekage-sama, both Itachi and Naruto are learning at an amazing pace. I would say give or take three years and they will surpass myself," The Sharingan user said, surprising the leader of Sunagakure. He turned to the two boys.

"Itachi-san, Naruto-san, how old are you two?" Asked the Yondaime Kazekage, making the two boys to look at Shisui who nodded, allowing them to answer.

"I am eight years old, Kazekage-sama," Itachi was the first who answered the question.

"I am six years old, Kazekage-sama," Naruto answered honestly, making the Sunagakure leader be even more shocked.

'He is only one year older then Temari and he is already a Genin taking on A-Ranked missions!' Thought Rasa in his mind, not being able to comprehend how strong someone so young could be.

Before anyone could say something, they all turned to a new voice that entered the conversation. "Tou-sama, Tous-sama, the boy is no older than me, so why can he be Ninja and I can't?" She asked as she looked at the Kazekage, who closed his eyes for a second to think about how to answer this question.

"Their reason why he is a ninja by his age is that he is a prodigy, one that is found once in a generation and before you say me that you are also a prodigy, I have to inform you that he is teamed with two other prodigies and was trained by his father, the Yondaime Hokage," Rasa said with closed eyes, but he could feel his daughter glare at the Yondaime Hokage's legacy.

'So he thinks he is so great because he is a prodigy? I will show him that I am better than him!' She thought to herself with determination, still glaring at Naruto, who by now was sweating slightly.

"Well, I think we should get going if we want to be at Konoha's gates tomorrow morning," Shisui said, making the Suan leader nod and head back with his daughter to their carriage and the group soon started to walk towards the hidden leaf village at a relaxed pace.


2 hours later

The group of one civilian, one Genin, one Chunin, one Jonin, four ANBU, and one Kage has been traveling through the forest in the land of fire for two hours by now. The travel was spent in relative silence, which was only interrupted by the ANBU once. They decided that now they were seven instead of four, they could change their positions.

Naruto was now walking on the front and Shisui and Itachi were on the behind. The four ANBU spread, two on each side. Gama and Tanuki were on the left side of the carriage, while Tokage and Taka were on the right side.

As they walked through the silent forest around them, Naruto couldn't shake off the feeling that something is going to happen. He didn't know what it meant, or why he felt like this, but somehow, it gave him this uneasy feeling. Minutes passed and the feeling grew stronger and stronger, but it was as silent as always. The only noises there were, were the footsteps of the horse, himself, Shisui, Itachi, the four ANBU and there were too many footsteps!

Before Naruto could shout out the warning, dozen of Kunai were thrown at the four ANBU, which were too surprised to react in time. They all died instantly.

Gama had his heart pierced through by a Kunai.

Tokage got hit with two Kunai in his face, each drilling through his eyes.

Tanuki's whole body was obliterated with Kunai, which pierced four of the vital points.

Taka was killed by a single Kunai to his throat.

Suddenly four figures jumped in front of the carriage, making the three young Shinobi turn to them. They saw that they all had one thing in common. They all had a slashed Iwagakure Hitai-ate.

"What do you want?" Naruto demanded as he took out two Kunai and settled in a defensive, making the four missing-nin's from Iwa to laugh at Naruto. The blond was soon joined by Shisui who had his tanto unsheathed and Itachi who a single Kunai, now all of them were ready to fight.

"Well, normally I would tell you, but somehow I am not in the mood, so just DIE!" Shouted one of them, who the team Shisui declared the leader of the group. The leader flew through a few hand seals, making the three Konoha Ninjas to tense. When he finished he slammed his both hand on the ground and shouted. "Doton: Raising Earth Spikes!"

Large spikes rose from the ground at an amazing speed, catching the team prodigy of the guard and before any of them could move, they were impaled by the Jutsu. Blood sprayed everywhere while the last light of life vanished from the three pairs of eyes. Temari who was watching from the carriage shriek in horror and Rasa prepared himself for the upcoming battle.

'So much for an escort and a safe trip', He thought grimly.


And my first Cliffhanger!

I hope you enjoyed the episode! The next will be out in 2-3 days!

Ja Ne!