2 days later...

Naruto's Bedroom

Naruto was currently resting on his bed as his thoughts swirled around his first ever mission. Oddly enough he wasn't that scared about going outside the village for the first time ever. In his mind this was his chance to prove to those council monkeys that he had what it took to protect this village. It also didn't hurt to have Maki and Chi as they diligently did everything they could to prepare him for this mission. It was a good two days hanging out with these girls for sure he thought.

His serene smile broke into his normal non expressive self. His eyes focused back on the empty ceiling as dark feelings entered his body. His thoughts became violent and visions flooded his mind all pertaining to death and fire. Suddenly a loud bang rang through his house.

"Naruto-kun! Wake up its time to go!." Two female voices sounded outside clearly waiting for Naruto.

Naruto wiped the cold sweat from his brow and calmed himself from his nightmares. 'What the hell was that...?'. He thought as he got out of bed and began to dress himself. After that was done he went to the door before his neighbors hated him even more from all that racket.

"Big brother Naruto!." Chi jumped excitedly as Chi gave him a calm smile. "Did we wake you Naruto-kun?."

Naruto stretched a bit and began to walk down the stairs as both girls followed behind. "Nah I was already getting up anyways Maki-chan."

Maki looked at him with a serious face. "Did you dream about that again?."

Chi looked in worry noticing her big brothers face seemed sad.

"Yeah..." Was the only thing Naruto could say about that. Even he wasn't sure what it all meant but those dreams were messed up to say the least.

To his surprise Maki caught his arm and proposed something. "Let's go get something to eat before you go Naruto-kun!."

Chi was also excited for this. "Please big brother! Let's eat!."

Naruto already had a backpack for this trip but eating before would be a good idea he guessed. Plus he couldn't say no to these two even if he wanted to. "Alright."

It didn't take long to finish their meal that morning but if you asked Naruto how it was he would tell you it was the best moment of his life. Family was everything to him even though he didn't have one.

"Good morning my boy. I see you're ready to go." Hiruzen asked his grandson.

Naruto nodded and smiled back at the old man. "Yeah well."

Hiruzen did not want to waste anymore time knowing the importance of this mission and who exactly would be participating in it. Taking a scroll in his hands he handed it to Naruto. "Guard this scroll with your life Naruto. It contains everything you need to know about the mission."

Naruto grabbed the scroll and stuffed it into his backpack. His eyes lingered on the Hokage's expecting more.

"That is all my boy and remember to watch your back and everywhere around you. Do not engage in unnecessary fights if you can help it. You are to complete the mission and come back in one piece understood." Hiruzen really did care about his well being and his body language showed.

Naruto showed a rare smile to the old man and gave him a thumbs up. "I'm strong you know. I'll definitely come back old man."

Maki's eyes were watering for some reason. She walked up to the blond and gave him a hug. "Stay safe Naruto-kun." Her eyes had nothing but honest worry for his life. "You don't need to be a hero all the time. Me and Chi need you."

Naruto was taken aback by her sudden hug but nevertheless accepted it with all its warmth. With confidence in his voice he declared. "I promise Maki and you too Chi-chan."

Chi joyfully jumped as she heard her name being mentioned. "You better come back so we can do things together big brother!."

Naruto's throat tightened a bit as he fought a bit of emotion swelling inside him. Still he smiled at the little girl who now saw him as her big brother.

The next moment Naruto focused on Maki's eyes remembering the warning he had given her about Danzo's scheming. "Until I come back stay on your toes Maki-chan. You never know..."

Maki nodded firmly knowing what the alternative was. After that she was given a key to his place if she so wished to go. "See you Naruto…"

Naruto gave them all a look over for the last time until he passed through the gates of the Leaf and began his trek towards the Sound Village.

A Few Hours Later...

Trail through Forest

It had been approximately 12 hours since he had departed for his mission. The sun was gone and the night was in full effect. He was currently resting in a make shift campsite around a bonfire he had created. So far everything had gone smoothly. A peddler here or there sure but nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly a lone figure appeared silently ahead of his vision.

"Being too relaxed can be hazardous to your health...Naruto."

Naruto gazed at the masked man with both curiosity and a bit of fear. "How do you know my name?."

The mysterious foe spoke with almost no emotion coating his words. "That is not important."

Suddenly Naruto saw a familiar sight. Bright red Sharingan eyes below the foes mask. He would've questioned him further if not for the kunai heading straight for him. Luckily his lightning shield reacted fast enough and protected him from harm.

The next moment the figure was gone and appeared right behind him. "Fight or die..."