Chapter 4: Leaving Again: Mission Kamikage

I do not own Naruto. All creative rights belong with it's owner.

Naruto stretched his arms, enjoying the return of full use of his arms. He picked up his bag, thinking back to the early morning with Sakura. Neither had said a word to each other when they got to Sakura's home. Sakura had untangled herself from Naruto, gave him a quick wave good bye, and went into her house. Naruto had watched her, and used Hirashin to return to his apartment.

Upon waking up and taking a quick shower, Naruto was clearing up the mirror to shave his face, before he caught sight of his shoulder, noting it was still pink, but for the most part completely healed thanks to the efforts of Sakura and Kurama. Naruto grinned slightly as he stretched his arm, reveling in the full mobility he had regained. As Naruto reached for his razor, he noticed something that stopped him in the process.

Adorned on his shoulder were three black tomoe close together. Naruto scratched at his skin thinking it was just dirt or his mind playing tricks on him, but that was not the case as he felt slight pain when he scratched at the spot, and Naruto began to think.

Okay, no one was in my apartment as far as I know, I would have felt their presence if they walked through the door, so it's not a tattoo. My skin had been reformed early this morning, and Sakura didn't noticed it after she healed me, and hasn't attained any new abilities from what I know of. What is it? Kurama, did you do anything funny in marking my body? Kurama woke up from its slumber and yawned.

What are you talking about Kit? I healed you. Your body should be unblemished.

Then explain to me how I have three tomoe on my left shoulder, and it hurts when I touch it. Naruto thought as he leaned into the sink.

He waited for a while as Kurama inspected the sudden marking on his holder's shoulder. He heard the Bijuu hum in his mind. Then Naruto felt a sharp pain in his shoulder that made him jump in shock at the sudden pain.

What the …? Kurama, what did you do? Kurama growled.

I didn't do anything Kit. I felt it too. It's a seal of some sort, and it's emitting an evil aura around it. Somebody got you. Naruto raised his eyebrow as he rubbed his shoulder.

Who though? I haven't been in the proximity of anyone to give me a proper seal. Sakura doesn't know how mark a person with seals, it can't be her. And why is it evil anyway?

I don't know, Naruto. I'm getting the feeling that it has to do with your recent encounter with the Uchiha. I even think your little angry outburst is connected.

Naruto paled as he thought back to the outburst Kurama had mentioned, where he had lost control of his senses like he had fought Orochimaru and Pain with.

That's not good. Is there any way you can remove it?

Why do you think we were in pain, idiot? I tried, but it's too strong. It's connected to both me and you, and there's no simple way to remove it. Naruto growled.

"That's not good. What if I get angry while we're out finding Sasuke? What if I hurt Kakashi and …" Naruto grimaced as he recalled to the mission where he had hurt Sakura unintentionally through Kurama's chakra. "I don't want to hurt them. But if there's no way to remove it, then we'll have to control our anger issues to ensure we don't hurt them."

It's the only way, Kit. That means you need to act without negative emotions. I fear this is how the seal preys on us. There is another aspect to it … it amplifies our strength. The seal must have been designed to use such emotions as weapons. But who?

It has to be Orochimaru. It would make sense seeing that he and Sasuke are in the same league, I don't know of any other person who specializes in these kind of seals.

Whoever it is Kit, stay in control.

Naruto mentally agreed, and pushed the thought away and resumed his schedule.

Dressed and ready to go, Naruto left his jacket on the chair in the kitchen, as he planned to travel light. He reached in and pulled out a scroll and a few of the Hirashin tags, leaving a few in there. Slinging the bag over his shoulder he left his apartment.

Locking his apartment, he rushes towards the forest. Waiting for him just outside the boundry was Konohamaru.

"You set for the mission?" he asked, arms crossed. Naruto nodded.

"Yeah. You know what you have to do." he said as he bit his thumb drawing blood and handing his scroll to Konohamaru.

"Will I know the signal?" he asked as he took it and Naruto smeared his blood onto it.

"No signal; more like fire at will when you feel the moment is right. But make sure everyone is ready to go. Got it?"

"Got it Boss." Konohamaru said yawning. Naruto chuckled and rubbed his students head.

"I'll be back soon. If I die -"

"You're not going to die. You're too good" Konohamaru interrupted. Naruto bit his lip and nodded.

"Right. See you later kid." Then Naruto blinked and appeared on top of the Hokage Monument.

He breathed in the air, looking over the village as activity rose. He thought about his old friend and the seal on his shoulder, sighing as he fought to keep his emotions in check.

Sakura sat on her bed as she thought of her best friend and the previous night's events. She still blushed at thinking of the sudden kiss Naruto gave her, and questioned her feelings for him. Was she falling for him as she had fell for Sasuke many years ago?

What would happen if Naruto died and there was nothing she could do to help him? That was her biggest fear at the moment, and after seeing Naruto's wounds from the Chidori the previous night, she didn't want to watch her two closest friends fight again.

"Would Sasuke kill Naruto?" Sakura asked out loud. She heard a knock at her window, and got up to open the curtain, only to see Kakashi standing outside the window with his bag, dressed in his regular attire. Normally she would have screamed, but this wasn't the first time anyone had popped out in front of her.

"Good morning Sensei." Sakura said as she opened the window. Kakashi turned towards Sakura, and smiled.

"Good morning Sakura. Do you mind if I come in?" Sakura sighed, looking around her apartment, seeing it to be a big mess.

"If you don't mind messes." Sakura replied. Kakashi chuckled.

"Compared to last night's scuffle and the paperwork I had to deal with, it's safe to say your apartment is quite clean." Sakura didn't laugh at the comparison, but proceeded to let her Sensei in. She saw that he had his bag on his back, as if he was ready to go.

"Are you set to go already? You're never this ready." Sakura commented. Kakashi didn't laugh. Sakura noticed that he felt at unease.

"Are you alright Sensei?" she asked. He nodded, turning his back towards her.

"I heard what you just said before I walked in Sakura. It's coincidental that you brought that it, since it's part of the reason I'm here as well." He turned back towards his former student. She opened her mouth to say something, but retained it.

"What I'm going to say is in the hopes that we don't get anything similar to what happened in the Land of Iron." he said. Sakura grimaced as her mind went back five years to the events leading up to the war. Pain's Invasion, Naruto's battle with Pain, the Five Kage Summit, her mission to stop Sasuke, being a complete failure with her false confession to Naruto and the failure to kill her old teammate. Twice.

"I thought I was protecting Naruto." Sakura said, as she suddenly felt depressed at the thought of her teammate who did his best to protect others to the point that he didn't care for caring himself. "When I looked at the wound in his shoulder earlier, he told me that it didn't matter whether or not he got hurt. He was going to honor his promise regardless of any wounds he got." She said as she felt a tear go down her cheek, but she wiped it away and cleared her thoughts. Kakashi sighed.

"I know." he said. Sakura whirled around, Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. "Naruto also kept in touch with me. But he immediately informed me of his injury, and told me not to tell you; in fear that you would try to pull him back from his mission. But he was also afraid that you would go after him, and cross paths with Sasuke. I think he feels responsible for not being strong enough to get Sasuke back, and he wants to protect you from being hurt like last time. But that's the disadvantage of love isn't it? You become reckless when you go all out defending the people you care for, and he's done it in the past. I know he loves you Sakura, and I think you love him too." Sakura paled as she thought over Kakashi's words.

'I know he loves you … and I think you love him too.' Do I really love Naruto? Sakura thought to herself as she touched her lips. The feeling she experienced when Naruto kissed her … was that what Kakashi was talking about?

"But why are you really here." Sakura asked, pushing her thoughts aside. Kakashi turned towards her.

"You know full well that Naruto and Sasuke are going to lash out at each other again. I'm asking that you don't interfere." Sakura was about to retort, but Kakashi raised his hand. "This is for Naruto's sake. If you put yourself at risk, Sasuke is going to see you as an advantage and lash at you. Naruto would put his life on the line again to see you unharmed. Like he did when we all reunited." Kakashi moved back towards the window. Sakura looked down in shame.

"I don't want to repeat that mistake." Sakura whispered. Kakashi turned his head back around.

"And you learned from that mistake. All I'm saying is not to do anything reckless like Naruto does all the time. He won't listen to anyone when someone is in danger, and would risk his life for their safety." and with that, he left, leaving Sakura to ponder on her sensei's words.

Naruto stood at the gate waiting for his companions to arrive. Knowing Kakashi, he would arrive late, even if he was asked to do this mission and to actually be there on time.

He looked out towards the forest, thinking of where the traitor was.

Just watch Sasuke, Naruto thought to himself. I'm going to give it my all to bring you back to the Village. Then Sakura will be happy again.

He heard footsteps coming from behind him, and he turned around to see whom they belonged to. Seeing Sakura, he remembered that the seal on his shoulder acted on his negative emotions, and Naruto grinned, waving at her, noting that being happy would keep the seal in check. She waved back with a smile. Though Naruto knew she had a mask on, as if she didn't want to talk about last night.

"Afternoon Sakura!" Naruto said. Sakura walked up to Naruto with her grin.

"Hey Naruto. Are you ready?" she asked. Naruto nodded.

"Been waiting for this mission for a little while. Though after this, I plan on settling down for a little bit." He placed his hands behind his head and grinned sheepishly. Sakura chuckled.

"Someone's ready to become Hokage." she commented. Naruto's grin grew a bit smaller, and started to look away.

"Yeah." Naruto said. Sakura noted that Naruto was acting a little bit funny.

"I half expected you to be jumping up and down in joy Naruto. What's up?" she asked. Naruto sighed.

"Nothing. Just the fact that my goal is soon approaching, and I'm finally getting to become the person I dreamed of." He put on his mask again, showing off his grin. Sakura shook her head.

"You obviously don't like the idea of being Hokage Naruto. If you're going to put a mask on, I suggest you find a new one, because I can see through it. Now tell me, what's wrong?" Sakura stood in front of Naruto, getting him to stare her straight in the eyes. Naruto hesitated as he was lost for words, though karma seemed to be siding with Naruto and against Sakura, as Kakashi approached the gate. Naruto sighed.

"Kakashi Sensei!" he called out eagerly, his face showing relief in front of Sakura. Sakura cursed, thinking to beat her Sensei when Naruto wasn't looking.

Kakashi raised his hand in greeting, holding the familiar worn book that Naruto only knew so well. He sighed at his old teacher.

"When do you plan to stop reading those books?" Naruto asked as he pointed at the book. Kakashi looked at it, and shrugged.

"When there's something equally good or better." He simply stated as he put the book away. "Though for this mission, I don't think I'll be reading the story until we are finished. So I hope that this is quick." Kakashi commented. Naruto chuckled.

"That's assuming Sasuke slowed down. I'll explain more as we go hopping along. But for now, we need to go." Naruto strolled over to pick up his bag. Sakura looked at the forest, still fuming over Naruto's response. Naruto shouldered his bag, and looked out into the forest. "Kakashi Sensei, would you like the honors." Naruto asked. Kakashi laughed.

"I think you get the honors this time, Naruto. You're leading the mission. Plus, you need the experience if you're going to become Hokage." Naruto laughed. Sakura couldn't help but smile.

"Alright!" he shouted at the top of his voice. "Team Naruto, forward! Mission Kamikage has begun with one small step." But as Naruto walked forward, he tripped on a small hole that was in the ground, fell forward and landed with an "umph!" Sakura and Kakashi looked at each other, before bursting out laughing. Sakura walked over to pick up her teammate.

That's my Naruto, making a scene at the beginning of the mission. Hopefully that never changes. Naruto looked up to his friend with a grin on his face.

"I learned something just now." Naruto said. Sakura glanced at Kakashi, who still was laughing.

"What's that?" she asked, as she pulled him up from the ground. Naruto got up on his feet, and looked at the ground.

"Gotta watch out for those small steps." All three laughed, and they finally set off into the forest to look for their lost teammate.

Not far away, five cloaked figures approached a rock. The thinnest approached the rock and placed their hand on it. Another figure approached it.

"Is this it Karin?" the person next to the thinner person asked. That person nodded.

"This is the first clue." the person named Karin said, her voice in a whisper. The tallest of the five chuckled and turned towards another figure who had lead the group.

"We found your clue my friend." The person said nothing. Another figure next to the bigger guy sighed.

"The birds don't really come by here much. The power this place holds frightens them. So obviously we are at the right place." The person next to Karin turned towards the figure that spoke.

"No offense Jugo, but I personally trust Sasuke's eyes. It's bad enough we had to rely on Karin." The person stood up and walked over to Jugo. Karin quickly stood up and violently turned towards the figure that had stood next to her.

"What's that supposed to mean Suigetsu?" She yelled. Suigetsu laughed, Jugo shook his head. Though the other two figures did not even pay them any attention. The lead person walked up towards the rock, raising his left hand, an aura of electricity suddenly appearing around it, and he drove it into the rock. From the smoke, a hole appeared. The lead person walked in, the others following him.

It was like a chamber, and at the opposite end of the room, was a scroll. The lead moved to pick it up, and opened it. The other four surrounded him, but he quickly closed it and placed it back on the pedestal. One of them sighed.

"And that's why Sasuke is here. Far more useful than Karin." Suigetsu said. Karin growled. The lead figure brought up his hand to silence them. He turned around, revealing his black and red eyes.

"Suigetsu, stay here. I fear that we are being followed, and I want you to finish them off." The cold voice said, as he walked past them. Suigetsu raised his hands over his head.

"Why me!" He yelled. Karin laughed as she walked past him.

"Because your pathetic and have to pick up the trash." She stuck her tongue at him, and preceded out of the cave. Though Sasuke turned back around.

"There's a reason why. Everyone will end up guarding a ruin, in case you do happen to die. But I highly doubt that. They will most likely end with Orochimaru, but Karin will finish them off when they get to her." She glared at Sasuke, but he ignored her. "Though consider yourself lucky. The person coming after us won't even kill you." The group looked at Sasuke like he was mad.

"And why wouldn't that group kill us?" Jugo asked. Suigetsu laughed as he took off his cloak, revealing the pale shinobi.

"I see where you're going with this. This is going to be fun." He picked up a scroll from the cloak, and threw it onto the ground, going up with a poof, and revealing the large executioners sword. Sasuke turned towards Jugo.

"Naruto Uzumaki is after us." And with that, Sasuke turned towards the trees, and jumped forward. Orochimaru, Jugo, and Karin followed. Suigetsu laughed as he picked up his sword which once was owned by the infamous Zabuza Momochi.

"Let them come."

Author's Note:

Four chapters already, and I'm thoroughly enjoying this project.

To those that reviewed or are following this story, thanks! It's nice to read your reviews and it gives me the motivation to keep this project going. I actually have the next three chapters edited, and are technically ready to go, though I'd rather wait and see what reactions you guys have to this weeks two chapters.

I strongly encourage reviews on this story, and any future projects I publish here, seeing that it helps improves the stories (and why I'm waiting for next week to release the next two chapters) and my writing. Though I ask that you refrain from insulting me, even if it's tempting you. I strongly dislike negative insults, and it demotivates me from writing and may impact the flow of chapter releases. On the note of insults, please respect one another and don't start arguments on what is correct and what is incorrect. This site gives writers (and even critics) the opportunity to express themselves, and it doesn't need to be ruined by people who sport negativity. You are free to write your opinion, I won't hold you back, but please write with the mindset that it is for the better of the story and the author. I'm sorry if I'm being restrictive, but I want this to be an enjoyable experience for myself and more importantly, for you and the other readers. If you enjoy tearing down people, I kindly ask you to simply not review.

If you guys have questions you want to ask, write them in your review and I'll answer them to the best of my ability. As I said above, I encourage reviews. Constructive criticism is welcomed.

So, hope you guys enjoyed the stories this week, and I'll write again next week!