A/N: Thank you all for the comments, you all are the best. I love reading them. I got super busy last week so I was unable to upload at least one chapter. Hope to post more soon and thanks for holding tight.

Chapter Four

Mission One Begins

Shikamaru stopped at the tall gates behind the Hokage Residence. Walking through the peaceful afternoon village towards the Hokage office gave Shikamaru time to think to himself. The main road led from the A-unmain gates; the main entryway to the village that lead straight towards the Hokage Residence. The road ended right at the Residence; behind the monument with the faces of each individual Hokage carved into it. The first Hokage, Hashirama Senju, was hailed as the 'God of Shinobi,' with his vision of world peace greatly taking shape towards the entire great shinobi world. After the first had died it was led by his brother Tobirama, the second Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi as the third Hokage was also hailed as a 'God of Shinobi' and the teacher of the three great Sannin generation. The fourth being Minato Namikaze known as the Yellow Flash. The fifth Hokage was Sarutobi's pupil, Tsunade, a descendant of the Senju clan and one of Konohagakure's greatest Sannin. She was best known for her medical ability, but she was also known as the strongest kunoichi with her terrifying unhuman strength. The sixth Hokage was led by Kakashi Hatake, the mentor of Team 7. A talented ninja who was famed as Kakashi of the Sharingan; his advice and leadership was well looked upon. The Hero of the Hidden Leaf, who won the Fourth Shinobi World War; Naruto Uzamaki was now the seventh Hokage.

Shikamaru sighed as he walked towards the back of the Hokage Residence. The walk was making him feel nostalgic of his secret mission to the Land of Silence. He stopped just before reaching his meeting place with Sasuke and Naruto. A shinobi given a mission would usually sneak out of the village through the normal main A-un gates where there were two guards were posted on the lookout. Where Shikamaru stood, were where the Anbu usually were frequently assigned on top-secret missions. They used the back gates that was in the corner of the Hokage Monument behind the Hokage office. Using this entrance gave the Anbu the chance to leave the village without being spotted by people. His meeting with Sasuke was now a top secret mission where only those who were on the mission and the Hokage and a few other higher ups knew of their mission, but Shikamaru couldn't keep the mission secret from his wife, so he had told her that night after she had told him she was pregnant. He felt awful for just telling her about the mission on what was supposed to be a happy evening. He came home only to get a pail of water to the face and an angry wife who could easily send him flying after he told her.

Shikamaru saw Sasuke Uchiha from a distance in his traditional black cloak wrapped around him, with his katana sticking on the back of his back. His small bag for travel was carefully placed on his shoulder as he waited for Shikamaru. His right dark eye were alert for any signs of eavesdroppers; his long shoulder length black hair hid his other eye that held his Rinnegan. His companion on the other hand was not dressed as darkly. The yellow haired man waved over towards him, his face serious and not childish. Crystal blue eyes held a look of fire as he waited for the lazy Nara. His three lines striking across both sides of his face seemed to be darker than it usually was. He was fully clothed in an orange long sleeved jacket with long black pants. He wore a white cape that reached towards his lower thighs, with symbols spelling out 'Seventh Hokage.' Grimacing at Naruto's lack of dressing, Shikamaru sauntered lazily over to their side.

"Yo," Shikamaru said, half greeting.

"'Bout time you came Nara," Sasuke replied darkly.

"Che," Shikamaru snorted. "I came as fast as I could. Maybe we should focus on the main reason we're here and not focus on how slowly I got here."

"Guys!" Naruto held his hand up stopping any other snide reply the other males were going to throw at each other. "We need to leave soon. Let me fill you in Shikamaru."

Shikamaru listened as Naruto explained the details. They were to infiltrate the headquarters that Sasuke had discovered on his travels back from his secret missions. The headquarters to the possible enemy, bore a similar marking as Boruto's from the outside of it. It was hidden between the Land of Silence and Land of Fire on the far east of Konaha. Sasuke had reported it being wedged in between cliffs near a waterfall with shrubs and trees hiding it very well. Shikamaru had a great feeling this was a trap, sending out three people that village needed out.

"This sounds like more of a trap than an abandoned hideout," Shikamaru interrupted Naruto before he could go into a plan. "We should be careful. I feel as if the enemy wouldn't just leave their hideout that easy to find."

"Are you implying that my missions have been useless?" Sasuke asked, slightly annoyed.

"No," Shikamaru sighed. "All I'm trying to say is that, we need to be careful and cautious."

"Anything else to add Shikamaru?" Naruto asked.

Shikamaru paused, looking at the clouds in envy. What a drag and here I thought I could have some breakfast with my wife and kid before heading to work, not go investigate a base, that could or not harbor enemies. When did he start to stare at the clouds again? He blinked quickly to look back at the two waiting men in front of him, speaking carefully.

"I think Sasuke and I should check this out," he explained. "Naruto you have a responsibility to watch the village. If Sasuke or I fail to complete this mission or even die, you should be here in case of any attack that could happen within the village. Sasuke and I can easily investigate. I know you want to protect Boruto, but I think it'd be best for you to stay."

Naruto stared at Shikamaru and Sasuke, his eyes conflicted. Shikamaru could sense a dark feeling from Naruto.

"It'd be for the best," Sasuke agreed as if reading Shikamaru's mind.

Naruto nodded once slowly, before turning towards the Hokage tower. He set his hand on both Shikamaru and Sasuke's shoulders, gripping them firmly.

"Alright, but you both promise me that you'll come back in one piece?" the blonde haired man asked, fear slightly lacing in his voice.

"We cannot promise you that," Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. "We should leave now."

They said their good-bye's to Naruto and leaving out to from the back gates like shadows creeping fast and silently. Once they hit the back road, both Shikamaru and Sasuke sprinted out to their destination. Shikamaru felt as if something was watching them as they ran and he was feeling uncertain.

As they headed out, neither of them knew what was waiting for them, hiding away far enough, that even a shadow could not even touch them.