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"Tsunade-sama?" Sakura glanced at the clock behind her. "How much longer do I have to wait? Couldn't you just tell me what the mission is? I'll go and tell my team!"

"No, the rest of the squad should be here momentarily. Ah! Speak of the devils..." She listened to the impatient pounding on her door. "Come in."

The door opened, and a gray-haired man was pushed through the door by a younger-looking blonde. "Kakashi-sensei! You knew what time you were supposed to be here! Why do you always make Sakura-chan wait?!"

Kakashi glared at the young jinchuuriki. "Naruto... You almost made me loose my book. I nearly had to murder you. Don't Do That Again. Understand?"

"Uh... Hai." Naruto's fearful face then cleared to his former cheerful demeanor. "Don't be late then, Kakashi-sensei! I want to get going on this mission!"

Kakashi sighed. "Naruto, you're too hasty. Calm down, stop and smell the roses."

Sakura looked at them both, then at Tsunade. "Can I take a different team instead?"

"I almost wish you could, but they are your teammates."

"I just wish they would grow up..."

"Me too... We aren't finished though. There are more arriving soon."

"Who?"

"You'll see." Just then, a not-so-impatient knock sounded at the door. "Yes?"

"Tsunade-sama, we got what you requested." Hinata strode through the door, accompanied by Shikamaru, trudging along behind, lugging a load of supplies.

"How troublesome... What's all this for anyway?"

Ignoring Shikamaru, Tsunade got down to business. "Okay, since you all have arrived, I shall begin the briefing - "

"'Bout time, Tsunade-baa-chan!"

"Naruto!!!! I'll get you later..." Naruto cringed. "Anyway...All five of you are going on a mission together." Looks of surprise were passed around. "I know it's unusual, but all of you are necessary. You will leave in one week for a scouting mission in Rice country. You will remain there for around 4 months, staying in contact via another team stationed on the border. The meetings will be arranged between your team leader and theirs. Any questions thus far?"

"Yeah, don't you think five is too many? Even if you say all are necessary."

"I'll elaborate. The two girls are experts in reconniassance and spy missions. I'm sending one strategist, you, Shikamaru, and one strong fighter..."

"What about Kakashi?" Naruto interrupted.

"...And one person to keep the fighter in line and ensure a smooth operation."

"That would be me." Kakashi sighed.l "Why can't I stay home on this one?"

"Because you are a key to this operation. Trust me." Tsunade gave him her 'no-excuses' look, then gazed at the rest of the team.

Hinata raised her hand. Tsunade nodded, and Hinata asked, "Why did you have us go ahead and get supplies?"

Motioning at what Shikamaru and Hinata had brought, Tsunade replied, "Look at this. How much of it do you think is fit for a four month mission? This stuff is for Shizune and mine's campig trip for a one week getaway!" Jaws dropped throughout the room. "Anyway, as I said, you have one week to prepare. Practice with one another, gauge your strengths, say your goodbyes, etc. You may go."

"Hai!" chorused the five-man team, who began to march toward the door.

"Shikamaru, you stay back."

"Yeah? You want to tell me what's really going on? You and I both know there's not much in Rice country, except for reports of Orochimaru and Akatsuki being in the region."

"How did you... Nevermind. You're right, as always. The second team will stay within a day's walk of your team. I am telling you all this under the confidence that you can keep your mouth shut. You are the unofficial leader of this team, alright? Good. Now, I'm expecting your team to be intercepted by Akatsuki first. Our contact in their ranks should stop you and possibly join your team. You will then travel further into the country and be checked by Orochimaru's forces. Do you understand?"

"One question. Who is the Akatsuki member we are expected to meet up with?"

"Uchiha Itachi. He has been on our side for a long time now, although he still wants Naruto for his own reasons. He's willing to give up on him, however, for getting rid of Orochimaru."

"So this is also a mission to save Naruto one final time."

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

"Final question. Why didn't you tell anyone else?"

"Because all of you are deeper in this than you may think, Haruno, Hatake and Uzumaki especially. You and Hinata are there because I trust you to carry out the mission, no matter what your teammates may do. Enough information?"

"I guess. This has to do with the massacre, doesn't it? That's why Uchiha Itachi is involved."

"Hai. Now go, I still have a full day's worth of missions to give out."
Shikamaru then walked out of the room, leaving Tsunade rubbing her temples. 'I hope I'm doing the right thing..."