Me: Well this is Chapter 4.

Zero: I'm surprised you didn't post this sooner.

Rendan: Meh. So... what's this about?

Me: You'll find out. Also there will be a few more characters introduced here. Basically every character that I add that wasn't in canon died by this point, before the canon for the actual show started. By that I mean when Naruto was still in the academy, not the Kyuubi's attack. As for why? Well, after I flesh out the characters, their motivations, and whatever else I'll explain, but that won't be for a while. Also, as to why Rendan got his Sharingan? He'll explain that himself in Chapter 6.

Zero: There's a lot of explaining going on.

Rendan: Gotta to keep the fans from complaining... that or doubting the possibility it could have happened.

Me: Right. Disclaimer time. I don't own Naruto. Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. All I own is basically anything and anyone that's not canon.

Zero: It's a lot more confusing this way.

Me: What are you still doing here anyway?

Zero: Just along for the ride.

Me: Okay. Well, read and enjoy.

Chapter 4: Operation Innocence

Two more years flew on by. Rendan had attempted and only partially succeeded in controlling his emotions while Naruto remained the ever crazy prankster that he was. After vigorously training with his Sharingan for the past two years, Rendan managed to attain the second tomoe in each eye thanks to Naruto's help. Naruto and Rendan, just like any other Saturday afternoon, headed over to their favorite ramen bar. They rushed inside and sat on their usual stools only to see Teuchi pacing back and forth nervously.

"Teuchi-san, is something wrong?" Rendan asked.

"Yeah, you seem kinda... off today," Naruto added.

"Actually boys, I am a little concerned. My little Ayame is on... a date!"

"What?" Rendan's outburst rivaled Teuchi's, much to Rendan's embarrassment when Naruto gave him that all knowing look.

"Wow Rendan, I knew you cared about Ayame, but I didn't think you were that lovestruck yet," Naruto said.

"Shut it Naruto," Rendan droned. Teuchi smiled.

"I have a favor to ask of you boys," Teuchi said.

"We're listening," Naruto said.

"Hold on a minute, Naruto," Rendan began. "This is Ayame's choice, if she likes this person the least we can do is support her."

"Normally I'd agree with you Rendan, but something's off about that boy she's with."

"How so Teuchi-jiisan?" Naruto asked.

"Well, he seems to be... I guess shifty is the word. Almost like he's constantly expecting something bad to happen."

"Maybe he's a ninja," Rendan suggested. "Ninja are cautious by nature."

"He's no ninja," Teuchi continued. "He wasn't wearing a leaf Hitai-ate, so he couldn't be a ninja. From here anyway."

"Think he could be a spy?" Naruto queried.

"I'm not sure boys. But, I just want to keep my baby girl safe." Rendan sighed after Teuchi finished.

"Okay, I'm in," Rendan finally agreed. Naruto gave him a feral grin.

"See Teuchi-jiisan? All you had to do was mention keeping Ayame-neechan safe and suddenly he's in."

"Shut up, Naruto!" Rendan yelled.

"Anyway boys, I want you to tail Ayame and her new boyfriend and report back to me with what you find. I want her to remain innocent if only for a little longer." The two boys nodded their agreement. "Begin Operation: Keep Ayame Safe From A Potential Bastard!"

"Isn't that a little wordy Teuchi-san?" Rendan pointed out.

"Do you have a better one, Rendan?" Teuchi questioned.

"How about, Operation: Innocence?" Rendan suggested.

"Sounds good to me!" Naruto and Teuchi voiced their opinion.

"You should be able to find them at that fancy restaurant by the Hokage Tower."

"Alright then! Naruto, let's go!" With that said, the two boys leapt away leaving Teuchi at the shop with a small smile on his face.

"They won't fail me," Teuchi said to no one in particular. "I know they won't." The two boys rushed as quickly as they could to the restaurant. They took positions across the street and spied inside. Ayame was wearing a pretty looking civilian dress, something that brought out the features of her eyes and her face, something Rendan didn't fail to notice.

"Hey Rendan," Naruto poked him. "Focus on the mission." Rendan shook himself out of his thoughts and continued surveillance. Ayame's date, however was different. He wore a well adorned civilian suit, had brown hair and green eyes. There was something about that look in his eyes, however, that made a shiver go up the boys' spines.

"What's up with him?" Rendan asked.

"I'm not sure," Naruto admitted as he ran adjusted the green goggles he'd become accustomed to wearing. "Something about him rubs me the wrong way."

"I think I see what bothered Teuchi-san."

"Me too." Ayame and her date both left the restaurant as he walked her back to the ramen stand. They said goodnight with a simple bow and went their separate ways. "Now what?"

"I say we follow him," Rendan suggested.

"You're just trying to find something wrong with him aren't you?" Naruto asked with a grin. This comment was met with Rendan's fist hitting Naruto on the back of his head. "Ow!"

"Shut up, Naruto! Dammit this isn't about that!" Rendan yelled. "You said it yourself, something about this guy rubs me the wrong way."

"So we should tail him then." It was a statement, not a question.

"Definitely." The two boys followed the young man who couldn't have been more than fifteen as he entered an abandoned building near the red-light district. "That can't be good."

"Maybe he lives there?"

"I don't think so. Silent entry and spy. Keep notes on what you find out." Naruto nodded as the two took different paths into the building. They rushed to the center of the building where at least thirteen others were waiting.

"Welcome back, so how was your date?" The one who the boys assumed was the leader asked.

"Perfect," the date said.

"How goes the progress then, Kinji? Does she suspect anything?"

"Not a damn thing Hiro," Kinji informed him.

"Excellent. Our employers will pay a fine sum for one as pure as her." Rendan and Naruto's hands were a blur as they wrote down what was being said. "She's a bit young, but with a little 'training' she'll make just as much money as the older ones. Sure are some sick fucks that like 'em that young." The boys' eyes widened.

"How much longer before we move? After all, our loan's due soon. I happen to like my legs, boss," Kinji said.

"We'll have to move tomorrow at the latest. The last thing we want is Mura and Sume to be after us."

'Mura and Sume? Those two thugs that work for Kuwamano Ihira? What the hell does a loan shark like him have to do with this?' Rendan thought trying to piece things together. The only thing he figured out was a plan. 'All I know is I'm going to need to get a picture of the two of them. Besides, Ihira owes me.'

"If all goes according to plan, she'll be at the brothel by tomorrow afternoon," Hiro stated. Rendan rushed over to Naruto.

"Don't do anything stupid," he told Naruto. "If you're getting too pissed leave and I'll keep watching. Meet me by Ichiraku's at midnight." Naruto nodded and rushed off.

"Well, we have a lot of planning to do," Kinji said. "By your leave, boss."

"This meeting is adjourned then," Hiro concluded as the members dispersed.

"Son of a bitch," Rendan growled. He rushed off to a different address not too far away from the Hokage Tower. A large man with black hair wielding a katana blocked the entrance.

"What business do you have here boy?" He asked in a deep, powerful voice.

"I'm here to call in a favor that Kuwamano-san owes me. Just tell him Uchiha Rendan is here to speak with him." The man nodded, walked inside and returned minutes later.

"You may enter." The man opened the door and led Rendan to a large room that was obviously owned by a man who was extremely well off. Sitting at a desk by the window was Kuwamano Ihira. He was a tall, lean man of thirty five years with short silver hair and gray eyes.

"Well well, what can I do for the young son of our late, greatest gambler?" Ihira asked.

"I'm here to call in a favor owed to my family based on the actions of my mother."

"Prove it," Ihira stated.

"My mother posted bail for you after you were wrongly incarcerated for the apparent breaking of an S-class law. She also defended you in open court and because of her testimony you were able to go free."

"You know more than you let on."

"A ninja's got to have his secrets."

"Indeed, so what will it take for you to consider the debt between us fulfilled?"

"First, I need a picture of Mura and Sume to use for henge purposes as well as permission to do so in order to protect someone important to me."

"Easily given, and what else?"

"I request protection given to Ichiraku's Ramen Bar at my expense while I am not around to protect it." Ihira grew a knowing grin on his face.

"Any reason you want this place protected?"

"The people that work there are good friends of mine and one of them is being targeted by someone that owes you money."

"How so?"

"Some guys named Hiro and Kinji with their gang are planning on selling the daughter of the owner to a brothel."

"Such an ugly way to make money," Ihira said honestly. "I despise people like that. Consider the protection of the stand and the family given to you, and to completely call us even, this protection comes at no charge to you or them. Also, I'll make sure none of my younger boys hit on your girlfriend."

"Arigato... wait, what?" Rendan gawked while his face once more flushed beet red.

"I highly doubt that you'd go through all this trouble to protect one family when notifying the ANBU would be just as efficient. The ANBU would capture them and possibly execute them but nothing more. Although, if they had more allies the ANBU wouldn't be there to protect them and if these people got hurt you'd feel it was because of you. Having people like us protecting them, which will be at all times, we can keep them safe even if affiliates of these scum come around," Ihira explained. "So how about you tell me how much this girl means to you?" Ihira grinned.

"She's one of my precious people," Rendan replied. "I'd do anything to protect them. Even give my own life to do so."

"And that's the main reason why we're helping you. You've got a good heart kid, also, just for you, we're going to collect as soon as possible. I doubt they'll ever move again after we're done with them."

"Arigato Ihira-san."

"No problem. Now if you'll excuse me, there's the matter of a debt I need to collect on."

"Of course," Rendan said as he turned to walk out.

"One more thing, my friend." Rendan turned to look at Ihira. "You've always got a friend here should you need anything else. We may not operate by the books one hundred percent, being the loan sharks we are, but we're completely legal in our ways of doing other business. We can help you with anything you need. Consider it my way of honoring your family's memory."

"Arigato, again."

"Think nothing of it." Rendan turned and walked away. He received the photo from one of the guards and made his way to the ramen bar. He took a moment to glance at the photo and get a better idea of who he'd choose. Mura and Sume had similar body types, both had muscular frames and cold, calculating brown eyes. The main difference between the two was that Mura had dark tan skin and short, spiky black hair while Sume had light skin and blue hair that reached to his shoulders. By the time Rendan made it to the ramen bar Naruto was already waiting there for him.

"Teuchi's gone for the day, Rendan," Naruto stated angrily. "They won't hurt Ayame-neechan! I'll protect her even if it's the last thing I do!"

"You mean if it's the last thing we do, and don't worry I've got some extra help from an old family friend." Rendan handed Naruto the photo and pointed to the blue haired Sume. "Meet me here at seven sharp tomorrow and henge into this guy. His name's Sume. I'll be henged into the other, named Mura. You'll know it's me. Trust me." Naruto nodded and left for home. Rendan, however, waited in the shadows for the next morning. At first light he henged into the spiky, black haired Mura and waited. Naruto arrived shortly after and saw 'Mura' rub the back of his head the way Rendan always did.

"Good to see you again Naruto, you ready?"

"Definitely!" Naruto exclaimed as he henged into Sume. They both watched as Teuchi opened the shop and tensed when they saw Kinji approaching with a sickening grin on his face. Kinji didn't see them and sat down at the bar.

"Good morning Teuchi-san, is Ayame here?" Kinji asked putting on his best 'nice guy' act.

"She's getting ready for work, how can I-" Teuchi found himself unable to continue as two large figures entered the stand, both with katanas strapped to their backs.

"What's going on?" Kinji asked as a hand tapped him on the shoulder. "Can I help yo- oh Kami! M-Mura-sama, S-Sume-sama, w-what are you doing here?"

"We're here to have some breakfast," 'Mura' began.

"Got a problem with that?" 'Sume' finished.

"N-no of course not. I-I'm just here to-"

"We know why you're here, Kinji," 'Mura' stated. "You have no more than ten seconds to leave before we break every bone in your body!"

"Leave now and never come back!" 'Sume' shouted. Kinji wasted no time and raced away as fast as he could. The two men sat at the stools most often used by Teuchi's favorite customers and grinned at him.

"C-can I help you?" Teuchi nervously asked.

"No worries Teuchi-jiisan," 'Sume' said as he transformed back into Naruto while 'Mura' turned back into Rendan.

"Naruto! Rendan!" Teuchi sighed in relief. "Good to see you lads. What did you find out?" The boys looked at each other grimly as Rendan pulled out a file and handed it to Teuchi. Teuchi opened it and paled as he read what was inside. "They were going to do that... to my little Ayame?" He asked practically leaking killing intent.

"They were. You were right about him, Teuchi-san," Rendan said.

"You have my thanks." Naruto and Rendan gave each other a thumbs up before giving one to Teuchi.

"Anything to keep Ayame safe," Rendan stated.

"Yea, we'd do anything to protect Ayame-neechan."

"As a show of my gratitude, you both can have free ramen for a month!"

"A month? Arigato Teuchi-jiisan!" Naruto shouted. "Let's get started then!" Teuchi and Rendan laughed to themselves as Naruto began to gorge himself on his free ramen. Amongst the celebration however, Rendan couldn't remain calm. Something told him that wasn't the last time he'd see that scum. Only time would tell.

Me: And that'll do it for this one. It's shorter, but more of a filler/setup chapter.

Rendan: For much later right?

Me: Yep. Basically as Ihira, Sume, Mura, Hiro, and Kinji get fleshed out I'll end up explaining why they never showed up. Also before people start bitching about ages, here they are.

Rendan - 12

Naruto - 11

Ayame - 14

Kinji - 15

Hiro - 24 (Sick son of a bitch, ain't he?)

Ihira - 35

Mura and Sume - 22

Zero: Trying to keep it realistic?

Me: Yep. Some people say that Ayame should be older, but according to the Naruto wiki, she's 17-18. However, in the manga she never showed up until Shippuden (unless you count the first Databook), leading me to believe she was 17 or 18 at the start of Shippuden when she first appeared in Chapter 238. Since her debut was an Omake (extra) in the Databook and can be pretty much ignored because most Omakes are things that never happened or are done for extra laughs, that would make her about 2 (3 if it's before Naruto's birthday and after hers) years older than Naruto at the time, since he was about 15-16. Factor out the ages for the past, and there's her age at this point in the story. Even if she is actually older, my story my rules. Hehe.

Rendan: That's one way to do it I guess.

Me: I guess. Well that'll do it for this week. Be good and be safe, everyone!