Chapter 6 .. -Innocence Lost-

Disclaimer: Noah & Red don't own Naruto or Highschool DXD (Dragons of Dragons) or any other series possibly referenced. We do own all OC's and techniques mentioned in the story unless stated otherwise.

XBreakX

A very deep forest. The trees were tall and thick enough that at ground level it was difficult to even properly tell if it was daytime or nighttime.

Unexpected quietness.

These thick trees that gave the image of an imposing forest, untouched and unmarred by the hand of man, were unnervingly quiet. There was neither the usual liveliness, the sounds of nature, of the many native animals.

At this time of day, slightly before evening even if one couldn't tell from inside this fortress that didn't let no more than a drop of light in, the sound of animals should be abundant.

Not even insects like mosquitos could be heard.

Not even the rustling of lea-...

Wait, that's wrong.

The rustling of leaves could certainly be heard from afar. It was frantic and careless, unlike the calm and relaxed pace of an animal already accustomed to such terrain. As a true expert in animal behaviour could guess at the characteristics of the sound, rather than an animal it was a human who was moving around.

It was sloppy at best, his ability to move in this forest that is. Instead of an efficient movement that maximized the harmony between a constant but fast enough pace, and the least number of movements in the most effective way to conserve energy properly, he was stumbling around and almost running his face into a tree every few dozen seconds. The way he was going from branch to branch made one think he didn't even know where was he going. Almost slipping in a few occasions, and even hitting his face with a small branch he had been too careless to even notice.

As said before, this movement was certainly human, but at the same time it perfectly fit this place, away from civilization, where animals and nature thrived and nothing more.

Yes, the sound of a cornered animal frantically trying to escape an unknown predator.

The heavy panting, the heavy breathing, the countless mistakes as it tried to run and tripped more times than he should have had he calmed down first.

How did they not notice?

In this deep forest where the light barely even reached, yet the deep green of leaves and countless tree trunks spread everywhere, how did they miss something that could stand out so much in this place?

''W... We are... d-d-dea-''

*BOOOM!*

''...Gyaaaaaahhh!''

Something exploded.

In some other part of the forest, to the right and a bit to the back. About 150 meters away, something exploded. A blood curling scream followed just after.

Either the one caught up in the explosion had miraculously survived and screamed after realizing his current state, or someone else nearby had gotten the privilege. Anybody would scream when they saw someone else consumed and ripped apart in the wake of an explosion. Any who didn't was either dead inside or was just plain weird.

Such thoughts only clouded his mind. He ran even more clumsily, so the fact he hadn't fallen to the ground already could almost be called a remarkable achievement...

But who the hell would care for such a thing in this situation!?

''That demon... I'm gonna die, i'm gonna die, i'm gonna die... That damned demon...!''

*BOOOOOOOOOMM!*

''That one... was way closer...''

Way closer, about 80 or so meters closer than the last one. This one didn't come with a scream. Was that a bad thing or a good thing? Did anybody truly knew by now anyway? He himself surely didn't.

''If only... it wasn't... for that red haired demon...''

Yes, that red haired demon.

That damned beast of hell that couldn't be equated to nothing more other than a bloodhound from the very underworld...

You must be somewhat confused about the present situation, so kindly let me do a brief explanation.

This man right here, along with about 11 more, were on route to a certain village. It laid about north-west from the Fire Nation, near the border with Amegakure, Takigakure, and Kusagakure. The area around this place couldn't be called no more than a lawless area.

Due to a number of reasons, most of which were rumored to be 'off-the-records' scuffles and skirmishes between Ame, Kusa, Taki and Konoha shinobis due to border problems. These weren't taken very seriously however. Ame was pretty much paranoic around everyone, with most of their outside interaction consisting of the ninja coming in and out for missions alongside the occasional cargo of goods, which was thoroughly inspected in every single occasion, in or out. Kusa was relatively peaceful, and wasn't exactly at odds with any power, being in friendly terms at best or in a silent agreement to ignore each other at worst. Taki was more or less holed up in their villages. Different from Ame that still held some grade of relations with the other countries, Taki could be said to have gone full-on NEET mode. They were more or less self-sufficient, so they didn't need exportations from other larger countries. They still did missions though, just ones that didn't have their shinoi attracting much attention. Their isolation policy also made it very hard to even request for missions.

All in all, there was no reason to think such rumors held any truth to them. But the true of the fact was that the situation in the north-west WAS bad, so most skeptics found themselves doubting their previous beliefs.

Any way, these 12 men that could be considered mercenaries had gotten a job in the nearby area of that zone. They were to act as bodyguards and extra manpower for a certain business that was being run there. Apparently they had run through some competition and wanted a hand in resolving this problem before it escalated. Maybe give an extra hand in their activities, in exchange for extra pay.

A good deal.

They were on their way there, after being slightly held up trying to figure out how to traverse this forest. A map had been provided for easing their travel burdens since the moment the deal had been made a few days ago in another village way south-south-east.

After a few days, they finally made some progress in passing this forest.

Then came that... demon.

...Or maybe an angel?

From between the bushes, something appeared. An humanoid appearance, and it looked to be wearing clothes, so they thought it was a definitely a human. They still put their guards up, for they found no imaginable reason for a person to be traversing this rough terrain alone.

Then, something happened.

'Something', vague isn't it? Doesn't really tell you much.

Do bear with us, as the poor man which knowledge we are using to provide this explanation has no better way to sum it up aside from 'something'. In the first place, considering the unsightly condition he is in at the moment, you could even call this explanation a big bonus.

To try and explain better, as they took up arms ready for whatever the intruder would do, which was slowly getting closer with a very calm walk, a ray of light, one of the few that barely reached the surface, bathed his body in light in the middle of this dark place.

They all gasped.

That appearance...

Skin so perfect a pampered noble's daughter skin would look blemished and not cared for in comparison. Thin, soft looking lips, almost making you unconsciously lift your hand to try and trace their form with your fingertips. Beautiful eyes that looked sharp and focused, but had a certain mellow softness that seemed inviting, a high and defined nose that looked in perfect harmony with the rest of the face.

There was, undisputedly, under this heaven and on this earth, not one being that called itself human that could be so beautiful while holding a human form.

They lost themselves in the deep blue of those ethereal eyes, deep blue that reminded one of the unknown deeps of the ocean. The very same deeps that instilled an unsurpassable sense of fear on so many living things, yet held an inexplicable allure that was almost seducing.

Such allure pushed people to do things anybody sane enough would call plain suicidal or unreasonable. But alas, that unending drive was humanity's greatest trait, alongside with their curiosity.

You would do well to hear this little advice reader. The man who follows his drive as he chases such alluring things may achieve great things one day, but the fly that mindlessly approaches a venus trap is one certain to meet an early demise.

They might have gotten off better had they followed such advice.

2 men.

Suddenly, two mans were eaten by the very earth. They were sucked into it like a hole had just opened and swallowed them whole. One of them was the leader of the mercenaries.

Another 2.

Something descended from the tree tops, entangled itself around the two adults necks, and in a moment's breath they disappeared into the canopy of trees far above. One of them had the map.

Lastly, 2 more.

Out of a sudden, the sounds of explosions reverberated. They weren't far off, rather, they were just in front of the mercenaries. Why would they think they were far off? The answer was simple. Even under the thundering noise of explosions that instinctively told them something had blown up close enough that the vibrations hurt their bodies and the sound made them lose their balance, they were unharmed. Not one wound, not even any fast debris had hit them.

At least the shock wave should have impacted them, no matter how weak.

The 6 who were left looked around, and to their horror found the pieces and bits of two of their companions. Apparently the explosion had some effect, but why only those two? But with their present state of mind, it's not like the thought crossed their minds. After all, everything, from the first two being swallowed to the strange explosions, had taken at most 2.3 seconds.

They then scrambled around, simple as that.

20 minutes had already passed. This man, his companions done for and not even sure of his own survival, desperately ran, even if to advance 1 more meter, even if it meant running 1 more second.

But even that last second or meter was far too much already. He had done well to hold 20 minutes in these conditions. Nobody who knew his circumstances had the right to say otherwise.

*BOOOOOOOOOOMMM!*

''Gaahhh...''

The explosion caught him. How and where did it even come from were entirely unknown to him, but as he realized the end of his life was quickly approaching him, such thoughts lost their meaning.

He landed roughly on the ground. It wasn't a perfect landing, and he had struck some rocks to boot, so uncomfortable was the first word that entered his mind. Being as dazed as he was, whether it was the explosions or being high off the pain in his legs, which had been blown off to almost his knees in said explosion, he didn't particularly knew.

Laying half dead, nothing much to say. Not knowing the fate of his companions and not even aware of the identity of his assaulter, this kind of death couldn't be called anything but unsatisfying.

At the least, if he had seen some spirit of good fortune seeing him off, or maybe even the goddess of death warmly welcoming him into the afterworld...

Faint steps.

''Finally... I'm beginning to feel my legs already, and they are killing me. At least give me the final hit... it would be much better than lying around here till i stopped breathing...''

He who was so scared for his life seconds ago, was welcoming his death so openly right now.

How weird, that in such an uncomfortable place, with such a disappointing end, he didn't feel any particular regrets...

Nah, that was a lie. He really wanted to atleast be seen off. Fuck any male god of the otherworld or whatever, a goddess with the tender and innocent look of those shrine maiden that made one's heart skip a beat would be heaven. Literally.

''Pfft, what the hell?... Did i have it in me to crack a joke in my death bed?'' Laughing at himself, the man thought why hadn't the pair of footsteps already finished him off.

Then he realized, something was blocking that dim ray of light that had been striking his face since he fell down to the earth. A figure lay erect over his head, and he could recognize that same red that had froze his heart as he thought it was chasing him around the forest.

The figure knelt in one knee, making his face come closer. He was hovering about a meter above him, and was rummaging through what looked like a shuriken holster.

However, that at the moment didn't matter a bit to him.

That beauty, once again, had bathed in the golden light of the sun. Up close it was even more sublime, the unwonted element that was it's face. Was it even male or female? Could it even be called human?

Unconsciously, as if escaping his dry throat, he blurted out unknowingly.

''An angel... has come...''

The so-called angel jerked it's shoulders in apparent surprise, and looked back at the man with slight curiosity. After a few seconds, it adopted an amused look on its face, with a sarcastic smile that could only say 'how ironic'.

Like that, a kunai firmly rested in the fallen man's neck.

''Heeh, not so bad... I wouldn't say it was quite seeing me off...''

And in one swift movement...

''...But that smile, as a parting last image...''

...the frail looking neck was cut, letting red blood splurt up, shining under the thin ray of the sun that barely penetrated to the ground from the canopy of trees far above.

''... It wasn't... half bad.''

And so, an unknown and unrecorded individual, the name of which will be lost to the sand of times eventually, exhaled it's last breath.

Relaxed, satisfied, void of regrets...

Another nameless death, and not a soul to remember it's passing.

Barring maybe, a certain not quite human redhead.

XBreakX

''Heh, that ain't quite the face of a dead man if i say so myself.'' A voice came from behind. Naruto turned around as he recognized the voice, and found as expected a certain white haired cyclops whose mouth Naruto doubted hadn't been seen even by his parents.

Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake.

''That's quite the happy face.'' Kakashi said as he approached the recently made corpse with quite a natural look in his face. Dead bodies were just another part of his life by now. ''Congratulations, your face has gone past my expectations. Now even rivals and enemies die happy if they get just one look at you before going limp.'' Kakashi eye smiled, obviously joking to try and lighten the mood. Of course, the joke was of bad taste in Naruto's opinion, but Kakashi was kinda awkward about these kind of things, so he appreciated the effort either way.

Killing.

Imprescindible for any Ninja worth it's salt. You could be assigned somewhere where the chances of you ever murdering someone during your whole life as a ninja could be as low as a 1 in a million chance, yet if you hadn't even the slightest ability, no matter how low, to fight and kill an opponent, and the strength of mind to not let yourself be affected negatively by it, either you had a very special ability in some other area or you wouldn't even be considered worth anyone's time.

Naruto, under Hagoromo's smart(hellish) guidance and training, had learned to cope with it even if he hadn't actually killed a human before today.

Of course, learning how to kill and actually doing it are two very different things.

Now, he was one thing, but those two...

''It's decided. If we ever get an assassination mission aimed at some lord or renown noble, we'll let him take it and work as support. With luck, he may even feel so good before dying that he may order his vassals to reward us.'' A teenage voice was heard as it went down from the trees, closer to the white haired cyclops and the redheaded hideyoshi.

Sasuke Uchiha.

Behind him, the color of pink, a feminine figure that didn't exude the aura of a fighter, an out-of-place existance for this situation.

Sakura Haruno.

''At least you get the work done better than us.'' Sasuke scratched his head in apparent embarrassment.

Naruto could only look at him and Sakura with worry in his eyes.

Sasuke may have spit that joke a few seconds ago, but his normally strong and confident sounding voice had lowered to barely higher than a whisper and with almost no energy behind it. Sakura hadn't even looked at the corpse since she came down, and looked almost sick just being around it.

These two weren't used to killing. It wasn't weird at all, considering they had at most a week as genin by now. Sasuke wasn't weak willed or anything, so he was taking it quite a bit better than most, thought he opted not to involve himself when it came down to chasing the remnants of the group. He had, however, thought a little about it before giving any kind of answer. In Naruto's eyes, he had correctly weighted his usefulness versus how much of an hindrance he would be since he still couldn't deal with killing people easily. His slight brashness born from his superiority complex showed improvement, even if that damned tsundere idiot would never admit it outloud.

It had been only a week, but Naruto had already influenced on him so much. Was it the young mind of a 12 year old showing how easy it could be bent if done properly? Hagoromo's training for dealing with people bearing fruits? Whatever had it been, Naruto felt strangely proud, like a father seeing their son score better in their worst subject. Did Hagoromo ever felt this too, the redhead wondered.

He couldn't take all the credit however. Sakura had provided a surprising help. Looks like there's things women can do that men can't, no matter how much he looks like one.

Kakashi, who silently monitored them, had also been quite aware and as proud as Naruto in a sense.

Now the slight problem was Sakura.

''Haaaa... ahagh... ugh.. aaah...''

Even now, she looked like she could start hyperventilating any second now. Sakura was no battle-hardened warrior. Sasuke himself wasn't one either but he atleast had an easier time with these things.

Naruto and, surprisingly Sasuke who was admittedly worried for her, were not fooled by this apparent weakness however. Sakura was weak minded, that was the plain true. However, that could be said for all the students barring certain exceptions in their age group. Even then, Sakura was one of the weakest minded around when push came to shove, yet she was enduring it. After that one week period, the 'blubby and naive girl in love' part of her personality had been diminishing increasingly with time. Had it been the previous Sakura, complaint after complaint as if this was some outdoors picnic and fainting the moment she saw a corpse would've been more natural reactions. Naruto and Sasuke were quite aware of the effort she was putting into it.

''Haaa... haaaa... aah, ughuu!...'' For a second, Sakura looked as if trying to throw up, and lost balance in her feet so she wobbled a bit. Naruto and Sasuke quickly came to help her.

Naruto used his arms to keep her stable while Sasuke caressed her back soothingly.

From the sidelines, Kakashi watched in silent amazement. ''They got this close in only one week. Impressive. As they interact with each other and try to better themselves with the other's help, they grow fairly quickly. It's like Sasuke's and Sakura's undesirable or troubling traits have been getting trimmed down little by little. I don't really know Naruto's bad traits, but that brat most likely is the type who is good at restraining himself. This, too, is a positive experience for him.''

Deciding it was quite enough, Kakashi decided to get down to business. With a slight cough, he regained their attention. ''Well, the first part of the plan it's already dealt with. Now that the entire group has been eliminated, infiltrating using their names will not be difficult. It would've been bad if any of them survived and blew up our cover while we were on the work.'' Kakashi extended his hand towards Sasuke. ''Sasuke, if you could please.''

Sasuke understood what he meant and looked towards Sakura for confirmation that she was good now. She quickly nodded, making him nod back. He then went towards Kakashi and rummaged in his rucksack before giving him the desired item.

A piece of rolled paper.

Or rather, the map to go through the woods that had been in the possession of the mercenary group.

Kakashi looked at the roll of paper approvingly as he opened it up and checked at it's contents. ''Yup, yup. This is the one. I do believe you didn't have any kind of problems with this, did you?'' Kakashi asked with slight curiosity.

''Of course not.'' A bit of Sasuke's strong tone had come back to his voice as he slightly boasted. ''The moment the wire got around both of their necks, they didn't knew what hit them. Poor idiots ended up against the wrong opponent.''

''You sure about that? I think you were trembling up there when you brought them up.''

''And how in the hell would you know!? You were down in the ground being the center of attraction, you dubious excuse of a man!''

''Oho, Ara Ara. What's with this tone? Did i hit the nail in the head?''

''Why you...!''

''Okay okay. Sasuke, stop trying to imagine how will you strangle Naruto's neck while he sleeps. Naruto, stop teasing Sasuke. He's too much of a brat normally, don't increase my workload.''

''Okay~!''

''Can't be hel-... Wait, what was that at the end that you said!?''

*giggle*

This had already became normal in their group. Sasuke subtle(although sometimes not so subtle) boasting of any achievements he made, Naruto dragging them and his pride through the ground, Kakashi trying to make sure his team of three didn't become a team of two and one asphyxiated redhead, and a giggling Sakura enjoying the scene. Previously Sasuke boasts would be far more obvious and louder, and Sakura, would revert into her cheerleader mode or ogle the two of them at these situations. One week had made one hell of a change.

''Did we really have to do things this way?'' Sasuke frowned. ''I understand trying to not incur as much damage as possible to the map, but wouldn't it have been easier for you to use a jutsu on them all, Kakashi-sensei.''

''I already told you that Sasuke.'' Kakashi looked at him reproaching way. ''This way ensured effectiveness and minimum damage to the desired item, meaning the map in this particular instance. Plus, Naruto needed to test those seals he has been tinkering with.'' Kakashi pointed with his chin in the redhead's direction.

What Kakashi was talking about referred to the way they had approached the mercenary party, trying to maximize number of casualties on their side with their first strike will grabbing hold of the map in their possession without damaging it.

The strategy had been simple.

Naruto's unworldly beauty to distract them(Naruto didn't quite like this part in particular).
would use Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique and get rid of two of the mercenaries. They procured tailing them beforehand, so they had singled out the leader. Since Kakashi was a Jounin, it was left to him to make sure the main head of the group was dead. This also created discord and confusion.
and a Naruto clone would entangle wires around the necks of two others, one of them being the person in possession of the map, and zip them up to the tree tops. Out of the way of the main fight and the carrier asphyxiated by the wire, the map could be procured with minimum damage incurred to it.
, Naruto would use his brand new explosive seals and get rid of another two. This was for testing the explosive seals in particular, plus obviously to pile up some extra damage in the mercenary team side.

''Anyway, what are those explosives in the first place. The other guys were right there, not even properly half a meter away from each other, yet only the two in the middle got damaged at all. It's like the entire explosion had been directed only to the guys on the very center.''

''It's not like you would get it even if i explained it.'' Naruto coolly retorted.

''You don't know until you try.'' Sasuke stubbornly kept at it.

''...I'm also interested.'' A calmed down Sakura said with quiet interest.

Somehow, when she looked so meek and quiet, Naruto thought she looked cute. He had to restrain himself from patting her head and telling her 'give me the paw' like she was a household dog.

''Being near Hiei-nii corrupted me too much. Hana-nee is one thing, but not everyone is a dog on a human's body. Gotta restrain myself...'' Putting those troubling thought aside, Naruto decided explaining it a little wouldn't kill him.

They couldn't waste time, so they had to do it while moving through the forest.

''Does 'shaped charge' ring a bell in your head maybe?''

'' ''?'' ''

''Thought so...'' Not really surprised, Naruto decided to give a simple example. ''Imagine it like this. If i were to 'knit' the chakra into a solid shape, a bowl/conic shape to be specific, and then took the rest of the chakra, made it as volatile as possible, put it all inside the bowl or cone while leaving a hole in the base, then detonated it, what would happen?''

'' ''?!'' ''

''So you still don't get it...''

''If i could give my guess...'' Kakashi said from the front, surprising Naruto who didn't expect him to talk. ''... Then, if we thought of the volatile chakra as a explosive, and the solid, 'knitted' chakra with a defined shape, then wouldn't the force behind the explosion 'rebound' perpendicularly off of the walls, thereby concentrating all the energy behind it forward, meaning towards the hole? That would put all the power in an area immediately forward instead of in all directions.''

''...Are you a damn wizard?''

''What are you talking about? When you get as much time as me in this job, you are bound to be able to figure things out with a little thought.'' Kakashi spared a second to look backwards to his dear student, obviously smiling.

That cheshire cat-like smile which exuded a provocative aura as if mocking him from the sidelines really made him want to test his new explosives on him some day.

''Well, that's more or less it... or rather it should be if chakra followed the normal laws of matter, energy and force and their motion across space and time when in its pure state.'' Naruto muttered the last part annoyed.

''Pardon me?'' Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

''I mean, chakra in its pure state it's basically energy. However, what if in a completely undetectable level it's something based around particles like normal matter? Then would things like normal composite particles, like protons, neutrons, pions and kaons, plus elementary particles, like electrons, quarks, muons, etc... also exist? Or rather maybe they act in the same way as photons? No no, their behavior is nothing like photons in the first place, they don't even show having the properties of wave-particle duality, and that's if we could even think of chakra as a wave or as particles. In the first place, the workings of chakra easily put it in the category of 'supernatural', unbound by normal physical laws in a sense of the word, but that does not outright mean there's no set of stipulated laws it doesn't follow, nor whether there's any similarity between such laws and the common laws that reign over normal physics or not. If so, how can we find these laws? What kind of tests with what kind of procedures would be needed to uncover some shred of information? In the first place i never particularly liked physics, so my understanding of classical physics and modern physics it's barely passable at best. Even my understanding of normal nuclear or particle physics is subpar at best, but even then, that doesn't mean...''

''Emmm... Naruto?''

''Ah... Eh? Sorry, was i mumbling a bunch of incoherent stuff?'' Naruto scratched his head sheepishly.

''I almost felt you were muttering some kind of curse...'' Sasuke said with a pale face.

Sakura was at the back seeing stars and with her head spinning.

She was the one with the best grades in the theoretical parts back at the academy, so she had felt compelled to try and make sense out of what Naruto was muttering. The normally aloof blonde that didn't seem to mind things much as long as he wasn't out of his comfort zone lost complete track of the outside world when he began talking, so Sakura felt she wanted to catch even a whiff of whatever was he muttering. The result was those pretty little shiny stars going 'round and 'round her head.

''Ahh, no, that's... It's just matter of research me and Hiei-nii have been indulging on for quite some time. I always wondered about the reactions that chakra would suffer under a variety of situations and circumstances and how they related to each other. Also things like if they would be affected by heat, pressure, electromagnetic fields, radiation or if it would maintain the properties of a supernatural source of energy and be solely affected by other similar sources or materials of special composition. Also, if when ninja's use chakra, what goes on when chakra is molded and altered is purely supernatural in nature or maybe there's some metaphysical or biological reason behind it that can be recognized and altered. If it does end up being biological, how does something biological hold any kind of influence in the supernatural behavior and properties of something like chakra. Then it is entirely not supernatural? Or are there at least some laws? That's kinda what i'm... I did it again, didn't i?''

Surely enough, Sasuke had a plethora of questions marks flying around his head like pesky mosquitos. He hadn't gotten a damn about what Naruto had said.

Naruto couldn't blame him, since this place called the elemental nations, their understanding of some fields like physics was quite lacking, at least in some key parts.

Naruto's curiosity wasn't common in the first place. As much of a cannon his group said he was, Naruto main speciality actually resided in seals. The only reason his jutsus were so destructive and effective was due to his humongous quantity of chakra, and that was without taking the fox into account, and Hagoromo's theory that his body, possessing chakra AND demonic energy from his mother's side only made things even more terrific. Even then his techniques were only so good because of through experimentation on his part and Hagoromo hammering the fundamentals of precise chakra control onto him by force.

As a demonstration, his level of skill on controlling his demonic power was way below his chakra control abilities due to having to spend so much time in getting it right. He was sure he could complete the necessary level of control training here, but it just goes to show that he couldn't master the two even under Hagoromo and with 7 years.

When he began to tamper with his better affinity with seals, Naruto was mesmerized by the enormous number of effects depending on the seal and the way he applied the chakra. But that same thing awakened a hungering curiosity in him.

What do the seals do that affects the outcome? What happens with the chakra? What process does it goes through to end as it does when the seal is finished? Can i manipulate the chakra beforehand to affect the outcome even more? How can i do that? What would even happen if a manipulate it in a certain way? What is even needed to make a change in the first place?

His young mind was mesmerized. Such infinite possibilities that he really didn't know what to think. He had a bit of a thing for variety due to how his Sacred Gear worked. Even if he were a bit of a Jack of All Trades, he was confident he had enough technique and pure power that he wouldn't lack in any area. However, since his Sacred Gear itself wasn't fully polished and he didn't want to recklessly use it here, he happily used his seals as replacement.

Naruto heaved a sigh. ''Haaa, doesn't matter. It's better if you don't know, the topic isn't simple in the first place?''

''Did you indirectly call me an idiot...?''

''I know you two love birds would love to keep going at it till we reached our destination,'' Said Kakashi in a sarcastic but authoritative tone. ''But i would like to make some time and arrive as fast as possible. Now zip yourselves for a couple of hours and lets first reach the area, ok?''

The two boys went silent.

After a couple of seconds, Sakura had remembered something she wanted to ask Kakashi, but was kinda hesitant due to his statement a few seconds prior.

''Ask away.''

Sakura flinched at Kakashi's unexpected voice.

''How many times do i have to say i have gone through these situations one too many times? You're easy to read, Sakura. Now ask.''

Sakura was hesitant, but after a second she said,

''This mission... what is it all about? I know we are tasked to impersonate this guys to infiltrate some kind of facility or group, but aside from that...''

No response.

The reason Sakura asked in the first place was due to Kakashi's apparent reluctance to answer any of their questions related to the mission, most of the specifics or even what were they meant to deal with in the first place. All he was willing to answer was the location and that they were meant to impersonate a certain group of mercenaries that were paid to lend a hand to whatever group was it they were infiltrating.

Sasuke had been trying to get info about the place at each one of the towns they had stopped by, but Kakashi interrupted him every time, like he was trying to stop him, thought Kakashi came up with any excuse possible to excuse his opportune appearance every time. Naruto had realized the strangeness of it all obviously, but he had preferred to keep quiet.

Kakashi was eerily silent after the question. Sakura thought that was meant to be her answer, and it didn't make her feel any better.

Kakashi however, unexpectedly spoke in a somewhat low voice. ''This mission... wasn't supposed to be given to you.''

''Eh?''

Sasuke had a look of obfuscation, while Naruto frowned at the tone of his teacher's voice.

''What... do you... Are you meaning to say it's too difficult for us or something?''

Kakashi's voice seemed to lower even more.

''Difficult is not the word. It's just...'' Kakashi directed a look in their direction. Tired eyes that seemed to look at them with pity were revealed for a split-second. ''You're still not ready for this... Not for this kind of thing...'' His eyes looked straight ahead again. ''Not ready at all.''

The atmosphere around the group turned heavy and strained. After that, no one could think of anything to say, and so, they continued towards their destination in silence.

Kakashi's mind however, was everything except calm and silent.

''I would have been plenty enough... Any high-ranked jounin or a pair of good enough chunin would have been more than enough. The area we are going to... If the reports are to be believed, this is no area for freshly graduated genin. Hokage-sama wouldn't ever put such a mission on these kids, so why exactly...!?''

Kakashi let out a breath to calm himself.

There was no reason to get riled up.

From the moment he received the mission and understood what it entailed, he decided to handle this to the best of his ability. There was no point in trying to fight it, and if it was gonna happen anyway, best to take the chance and use it as a life lesson for his students.

But still, it ate away at his mind, even if ever so slightly, during the entirety of their trip to their designated location.

Just what circumstances had forced such a mission into the hands of his team...

XBreakX

-Konoha, Hokage Tower-

In the quietness of evening, accompanied only by the relaxing sound of the wind caressing the nearby trees and the rustling of leaves as they danced lazily in the air, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, quietly addressed a mountain of paperwork that had piled up due to some minor but still annoying events that recently plagued the village.

A new brand of super laxative had somehow gotten mixed into the Akimichi food supplies. Terrifying quantities of catnip had made it's way into the the Inuzuka clan. Why oh why more than half of the feline population of Konoha had chokers on with bells on them, bells made to specifically ring at a certain resonance that would make any canine in a half-mile radius go literally crazy like they had gotten the rabies, was anyone's guessing. Someone had thought it very intelligent to mix hair dye of VERY diverse colors into the Hyuuga's hair care products a couple of days ago too.

Some people did find the change quite pleasant when it came to certain hair colors. Dark purple, pale blonde and, curiously, deep crimson were quite liked.

Nobody had dared to voice their opinion though. Hiashi's gaze that day looked mighty murderous, thought his exquisitely vibrant orange hair certainly made the scene hilarious.

His only saving grace was a small snack of sardine fried fish balls, some dango and a cup of warm tea given to him by one of his subordinates that had dropped by to give a simple report. Seeing the poor old man's plight, he brought those off to help him ward his tenseness a little.

Deciding a break was due, Hiruzen put aside the literal mountain of papers on his desk to the side and brought closer the plates with the fish balls and the dango plus the cup with the tea. Just as he was about to indulge on them, a knock at his door interrupted him.

''What now...?'' Hiruzen was a man of sagely wisdom and patience that you would expect of a man of his age and experience, but even he had a certain boiling point. ''I'll just tell them i'm too busy with the paperwork right now, but first let's see who it is.''

''Who may it be? I'm particularly busy at the moment.''

From the other side of the door, a familiar voice was heard. ''It's me, Hiruzen.''

''Homura...''

''Me and Koharu have something we would like to discuss with you.'' The voice said a bit anxious. ''It's urgent.''

Looking somewhat sad, the Hokage sighed as he put his evening snack to the side, knowing that whatever this was related to, he couldn't just ignore it.

''Come in.''

At the confirmation, the door opened, the Hokage advisers and his old teammates, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, entered the room. Their expressions were strained, and beads of sweat could be seen on their temples.

''What is the matter? What do you wanna discuss?'' asked the Sandaime in a serious tone.

Koharu and Homura looked at each other, as if trying to decide who would ask first. After a few awkward seconds, Koharu stepped forward. ''Hiruzen, we've been questioning your decision pertaining to a certain mission you have recently assigned. Two days ago to be more exact.''

''Mission? Two days ago?'' Hiruzen was at first confused, likely still groggy from the accumulated hours of paperwork he had been dealing with since morning, but steadily his mind cleared, and he got an idea of what Homura and Koharu were talking about. ''So they finally came to talk about it. Took longer than i expected.''

''I'll be honest and straightforward with you.'' Koharu placed both her hands on his table and brought her face closer. She looked furious. ''Hiruzen, may it be that you have finally gone senile!?''

The old monkey could only sigh tiredly. Koharu hadn't given him a chance to answer before she began talking again. ''You must be completely aware of the situation near the border in the north-west! How exactly did you come to the conclusion giving a group of fresh genin that haven't been on the job for more than a week this mission was a feasible idea!? What exactly...!''

''Koharu!'' Homura yelled, awaking Koharu out of her outburst. ''This certainly is a delicate matter we are discussing here, but remember who you are talking to. A respected elder such as yourself talking to Hokage-sama in such a tone is most unbecoming!''

That seemed to calm Koharu down as she stepped back, although reluctantly.

Homura then stepped forward towards Hiruzen in her place. ''Hokage-sama, i have known you for a lifetime. I'm sure a man such as yourself would not have taken such a decision without a good reason. Could you try to explain them to us?''

But Hiruzen didn't give an answer. He just looked straight ahead, with troubled eyes. He wasn't even looking at Homura and Koharu.

''Hiru-!''

''There was no reason really.''

The bodies of the advisers shock in surprise.

''No reason...?'' Homura said bewildered. ''Hokage-sama, stop with the jokes already and tell us...''

''Did you not understand Homura?'' Hiruzen stern tone shock the advisors to the core. ''It's just as you heard and just as i just said. There's no real, concrete and justifiable reason towards my decision. It's simple something i choosed. Is that really so hard to understand?''

''Hiruzen!'' Koharu yelled. ''Are you serious here!? No real, concrete reason!? I could have thought about it and even accepted your decision if you had some kind of believable reason, but what's with this response!?''

''Well, i will not say it was a simple decision made on a whim.'' The Sandaime calm and collected demeanor contrasted the labored breathing and bewildered expressions of his advisors. ''If i had to describe it... Intuition. Yeah, that's exactly it. My intuition told me they needed to be assigned this mission, that it was the best for them somehow.''

The Sandaime Hokage, filled with a lifetime of experience and being one of those special beings one could not simply call normal, inspired a feeling of respect and benevolence to the people around him. To his ex-teammates especially, them who were saved in countless and innumerable occasions based on the baseless and superstitious beliefs born of this man 'intuition'. They would bet their life on such baseless ideas, sure of their success no matter the insurmountable odds.

But your own life and another person's life are two very different matters.

''Hiruzen!'' Homura frowned. ''You must be lying right? Come on, whatever it is, just tell us! What exactly...''

''Silence.'' Said the Hokage in a dark tone that shut the mouths of his advisors right off. ''I'm the Hokage. Even if you two are my advisors, there's a still a limit to what you can do. If you can't change my mind all this will be futile, and i have already decided about this, so case closed. Now, since i doubt you have anything more of importance to inform me about, i would request you two to kindly leave if at all possible. I have been working on this mountain of paperwork since morning and was just on my way to indulge on these snacks to relieve my stress and take a well deserved break until you two interrupted me. Could it be possible for me to continue?''

The two advisers were speechless.

Hiruzen, as Hokage, certainly took on a cold and collected persona when he thought it was truly necessary. They were no idiots. If it was for the safety or the good of the village, they wouldn't hesitate for even a second to take very dreadful decisions themselves.

However, this was different. There was no appreciable reason. No objective, no goal, no nothing. Just Hiruzen's so called intuition. That's why it didn't sit well with them, why they just had to consult with Hiruzen about this, and they decided they wouldn't back down from this. But from Hiruzen's tone just now, even they couldn't...

Within less than 30 seconds, the monkey Kage was again alone within his office, the deep fried odour of his sardine fish balls and the lukewarm warmth of his tea the only companions.

''Haaa, seriously.'' The Hokage tiredly complained. ''Why must an old man like myself deal with so many troubles. Wherever you may be Yondaime Hokage, i truly do not like this extended work period you have imposed on me.'' A sigh escaped his shriveled lips.

Hiruzen hadn't been lying. This decision had truly been made based on intuition. It hadn't been, however, his own intuition that had made the choice.

''No, that's incorrect. With that man there's no such thing as intuition. I don't know how, and i'm afraid to say i would never like to know, but he knew about this. When he told me to do this, there weren't any ifs or maybes, he knew exactly the outcome from the outset.''

When Hiruzen had said that man, he obviously referred to the enigmatic entity, Hagoromo.

To try and clear things up, the day before assigning the mission, Hiruzen had been dealing, like always against the worst enemy his aged visage had the misfortune of ever meeting: Paperwork. Something about an awful lot of 'incidents', 'pranks' and inexplicable 'inconveniences' all around the village. And as concentrated as he was, he was very surprised to find the company of a certain immortal that he hadn't seen or heard off about since the Mizuki incident one week prior.

He futility tried to strike up a discussion with the man, having found him somewhat fascinating since meeting him. Hagoromo obviously didn't have the same thoughts as he unhesitantly told him he was the culprit of all the mess in the village. Long story short, a couple of tries at incinerating a certain immortal's body, a smuggling of questionable photos that certainly weren't related in any way to the largest kunoichi exclusive public bathhouse in the village, and some plates of smoked mackerel plus some drinks later had to pass before the hokage calmly returned to his seat.

''This was certainly enjoyable,'' Said the old monkey as he deposited the smuggled goods on his personal safe while weeping his nosebleed. ''But i would still like to inquire as to the reason of your visit.''

When Hiruzen turned back around, he saw Hagoromo snooping around with the documents on his desk, looking at some particular files with interest. Some drawers were open, so he must have been looking for something specific.

''What's that you have on your hands?'' Hiruzen got closer, and in doing so, recognized that the bundle of paper Hagoromo was reading with interest corresponded to a bundle of missions between Rank C and A.

''Ah, are you perhaps interested in doing some missions? I do truly do not understand under what set of rules your behaviour works, but i have the certain feeling you're one of those that would do things more for entertainment than anything else. I'm sure you're a capable individual so-''

Suddenly, a paper with information related to some random mission was thrust into his chest. Hagoromo had not said another word since he started fiddling around the bundle of papers and documents on his desk, so Hiruzen didn't really know if he was asking to get the mission or for something else.

''That mission.''

He pointed at the paper resting in the old man hands.

''O-Oh...'' He looked at the paper with the information about the mission, and put on a displeased expression. He recognized the mission. He looked towards the immortal with some hesitation. ''This request... Did it peak your interest in some way? Do you perhaps desire to-''

He began walking towards the window.

''Give it to the kid.''

And then Hiruzen froze.

''Eh...? What did you... just...''

And after that, it was complaint after complaint. Hiruzen protested and asked, trying to understand what was Hagoromo thinking. For the longest time, almost 40 minutes, he tried to ask one way or another what was Hagoromo's goal, but the man repeatedly evaded the question. He also went into a long explanation into the details of the mission itself and the condition of the area where it was meant to be taken, but Hagoromo didn't mind it the least. He then even began to talk about the situation of team 7, since Hiruzen was damn sure Hagoromo wasn't just referring to Naruto, and how it could be mentally detrimental for them if this were not to be handled with care. Even then, he still didn't say anything,.

And then came the last question.

''Are you perhaps... helping him?''

''...''

''You're no normal men, of that i'm sure. You know it somehow right, he and his group coming back after somehow toppling this obstacle, you had some way of seeing it right?''

''Hiruzen.''

''Eh?''

''Please don't misunderstand me.''

''What...?''

Hagoromo turned around, and Hiruzen took a good look at his eyes as he looked at him.

''I'm not some genie in a lamp that fulfill your heart's desire. I'm not some strange traveler telling you the way through the maze. I'm not some magical animal that knows the way to a magical kingdom with a cure-all tonic. I'm not a fundamental truth that will help you overcome your internal struggles and sorrows. I neither show you the path nor do i promise you riches at the end of the long and arduous road. I will certainly 'lend the boy a hand' from time to time, but what you consider 'lending a hand' definitely isn't what i have in mind, you know? ''

He put one foot outside the window, apparently ready to depart, but he certainly wasn't done talking.

''I'm no more than an eternally bored librarian looking for the next page where upon my long wornout bookmark will rest. When you read so much, there comes a point where you just cannot hold back anymore and want to paint the world in the books with your own unskillful worlds, no matter if you degrade a masterpiece into a laughing stock with them. I already put down my own two sentences, and my door is no more than one within the vast number of them. If even after i showed it to him he does not desire to open it, that will be his choice. Of course i don't desire that, since things would get boring if he did.'' The immortal let out an amused snicker.

Hiruzen stood there, agape, not really knowing what to say. Was there ever something he could say in this situation in the first place?

''Now, will you open your own door, Hiruzen Sarutobi?''

The Hokage's body shock and he looked at the immortals being face with surprise yet again.

''To assign or not assign the mission, it's your choice rather than mine. If you desire to take a peek at my own two sentences, be ready to put your own two as well. A tale cannot be two sentences long after all.''

The immortal jumped out, already done with his business, but some echo with a bone-chilling tone to it remained still for but a few seconds more.

''Think well before you grab that doorknob. As not everyone is lucky, some of them are smeared in blood.''

XBreakX

The sea of forests opened up, and before them a wide meadow expanded forth. A wide line of mountains that spanned to the corners of one vision before drowning in the sea of trees at their back, completely surrounding the area as far as one could see. They must have really traveled more than they thought, since team 7 certainly didn't remember having sighted any prominent mountain ranges when they went into the forest.

''This immense mountains cover almost the entirety of our borders with Kusa. Makes traveling a pain.'' Kakashi scratched his head, as if he had first-hand experienced the troublesome steep ground and dangerous cliffs of the rock formation.

''Then how exactly merchandise is able to pass through there? If i remember correctly, Konoha exports goods towards Kusa quite regularly.'' Asked Sakura curious.

''Well, we are in good enough terms to trade some goods after all. If it's about the way...'' He pointed with his finger to a somewhat specific location in the span of the mountain range. ''About there? There's a big chasm right around that area. We believe the earth had eroded quite sometime ago by the action of some long dried up river that passed by a relatively low area of the mountain, the walls of the chasm aren't that tall compared to the rest of the range after all. Anyway, the thing wasn't really deep enough back in the day, so a conjoined effort between Konoha, Kusa and Taki before their isolation policy began to get fiercer began to make it bigger. Now it's traversable.''

''It's that so...'' Sakura looked somewhat mystified at the direction Kakashi pointed. Looks like she had enjoyed learning something new.

Kakashi response to her gesture was a sour expression, or what could be recognized as one through his mask.

Sasuke and Naruto felt worried.

''Ah yeah, Naruto.'' Being called suddenly, Naruto's shoulders jolted. ''We'll be coming in contact with settlements from now on, and we don't know how many of them have lookouts meant to inform if something happens. Better for them to notice us now rather than to see us appearing out of the woods right from the middle of nowhere.''

Naruto nodded his head, and made a hand seal.''Kage Bushin no Jutsu.'' And then 8 clones were made. 9 Naruto's, each close to the other. Sakura Haruno dropped to the floor while holding her nose that was dripping blood.

''Sasuke...''

''I know, i know! I was supposed to shut off her eyes before you used kage bushin so she didn't have another fit. I was distracted, my bad.''

Sasuke helped Sakura get up while wiping her bloody nose, as the pinkette was too busy muttering something about ''nine redheaded hunk butlers is the highest of heavens'' and ''If i put him on a dress, it would be lovely! But, but... i may end up eating him up! In a dress he will... look like a girl, but, but...!'' and also ''haaa, maybe i'm just weird like that... or maybe it's because it's Naruto-kyun! Gufufufufu...!''

All nine Naruto's shuddered on the spot. The freaky thing was that none had heard particularly well whatever Sakura had muttered. That plus the fact they all shuddered regardless, made them tremble even more.

''Stop already with the games and get ready.'' Kakashi said authoritatively.

Naruto again made another hand seal. A puff of smoke appeared around the nine Naruto's. As it dissipated, the clones had taken new appearances. They looked like 9 of the mercenaries they had killed.

''Okay, now our turn.'' Kakashi commanded as he also transformed, looking like the leader of the mercenaries. Sasuke and a calmed down Sakura also transformed.

''You alright there?'' Said one of the transformed clones.

''Sasuke may only need some rest, but won't you get exhausted Sakura?'' Added another one.

''We can invoke one more clone and get you to do a double transformation with one of the clones to look like one person. He'll take the burden.'' Cheerfully suggested yet another one.

The original Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi had expected her to have a nasal blood explosion at the prospect of traveling while clinging to a hotty, but surprisingly she declined with a straight face.

''No. Due to my low quantity of chakra, my only redeeming trait right now is my above average chakra control ability.'' She looked sadly to the ground. ''That by itself will not be enough. Not at all... that's why...'' She looked straight at her teammates. ''Please don't pamper me. Even if i get hurt, let me take it by myself. I'm not the mascot of the group or anything like that''

''Sakura...''

The other integrants of her team looked at her with dumbstruck awe, even the clones. They certainly didn't expect it.

The original Naruto got closer and put his hands on her shoulders.

''Sakura.''

''Y-Yes?'' Asked Sakura puzzled.

Naruto lifted his face that was almost looking to the ground, slowly... and revealed a teasing(more like diabolical) smile. ''Your feet are trembling. If you really are so brave, then you're body is not showing it. Heh, how cute.'' Sakura's face was dyed red, ear to ear, from embarrassment. ''Don't worry, you can lean on us. Little, cute but naive Sakura has nothing to be afra-''

And so, a transformed furious pinkette red from embarrassment, transformed semi-tsundere with a dubious expression, transformed cyclops with his nose buried in his book, transformed pack of 8 clones laughing like madman, and finally transformed redhead with a quintuple bump on it's head being laughed at, slowly walked forward towards their destination.

XBreakX

They passed by at least three decently sized villages along the way. They had actually arrived around evening when the sun had already been dropping, so they settled for a common meal and staying at an inn by their second village. They ate breakfast, got some snacks by the third village just in case plus some extra provisions, and then went to the site of their mission. They arrived around 2:30 PM, meaning the day was still clear.

Where they had reached was a city very near the mountain range they had seen when they first came out of the forest. The place had a normal size, and looked plenty okay without anything unusual.

Well, mostly not unusual.

The houses and stands had a... worn out look to them, like they hadn't been taken care of regularly. There was a heavy air in the area, and the place didn't seem particularly lively.

Oh there were people out, walking about and what not. There were some haggling and buying by the stands and stores, kids were out playing, people talked while walking.

But there was some... heavy atmosphere hanging around. Like everyone was a little strained, scared, on edge.

''Let's go.''

The genins didn't quite like the place, but they continued forward anyway.

''We are looking for a very big warehouse-like building painted in black. We will head to the middle of the city and then split into 4 groups. Me, Sakura and a Naruto clone. Sasuke Naruto and another Naruto clone. Then two groups of three Naruto clones. If anything happens to any of the groups and the clones dissipate, we will be informed quickly through Naruto.''

'' ''Yes.'' ''

''If we are employed by someone, wouldn't it be easier to find some local lackey and have him guide us?'' Sasuke asked curiously.

Kakashi's eyes became strained. ''I would prefer if we didn't rely on that method...''

His tone made Sasuke clam up, and they walked for a few minutes like that, before something caught the Uchiha's line of sight, which made his face make an expression of surprise.

It quickly changed to absolute anger.

Naruto caught the change on his face, and looked at where sasuke's hateful gaze was directed. There appeared to be some kind of stand in front of a very modest house. Looks like they sold dango, plus other snacks. That was all well and everything, but the main problem were a group of five man harassing the post.

No, harassing may have been putting it too lightly...

'' 'Please, give us more time. Our sells are not good enough'. Blah blah blah.'' A man grabbed a woman that looked about her mid twenties by the hair, pulling her up like she was at animal with a collar. ''You have already 3 fucking weeks without paying. Are we a boy scout group or something? Maybe a bunch of kids playing games? Do you think this is a mother fucking game, bitch!?''

'''Ghuuaaahhh!''

He trashed her around without letting her hair go, obviously hurting the woman. He suddenly stopped moving her around, but after putting on a look of disgust for some reason, delivered a kick clear to her torso.

''Buuha...guuggh!...kaha!''' The woman was left short of breath, and even looked like she was about to throw up.

''Hey, that pay must be done by the end of the week, or i can assure you nothing. You know that if you don't want your sisters to enter the business, you gotta pay the weekly quota.'' He then put on a sly smile full of disgusting pleasure. ''Thought if you wanna form part, i wouldn't exactly mind. You are quite a looker yourself, if i may say so myself.'' His gruff hands began caressing near her navel, all the while making one or two short passes by her bountiful chest. ''There's pleeeeeeeenty of space on the business for you.''

The woman was certainly a looker. She had an height were she could be at eye level of above average man in height, had a charming face worthy of an Older Sister type of character, with a very curvaceous and enticing body. Her hands were kinda rough, she must have done most of the housework in the house. Her hair was also chestnut color and had it in a high ponytail, and her eyes were a sparkling light blue. She wore a standard kimono.

''Of course, your two sisters could also suffice, They aren't quite bad themselves.''

Now that one looked, behind the stand into what looked like an open area of the house filled with chairs and tables, most likely for anyone that desired to seat instead of hurrying along while eating, there were the other 4 mans. They were packed together into a tight group, and in the middle, were two other girls. One early twenties, the other mid-teens. The men were harassing and groping them all around.

The older one had a more conservative look, with some kind of working shirt with long sleeves, a dirt brown long skirt underneath, and a long, white apron that almost completely covered her skirt from the front. Her brown hair was in a bun, and her deep turquoise eyes seemed calming. She had a mellow face with an sweet feeling to it. Her figure wasn't as voluptuous as her older sister, but it was refined and pleasing to the eye.

The younger one had what Naruto would call this world equivalent of a black t-shirt, a somewhat tight one at that. Shorts on her logs that exposed her legs made it quite a dangerous outfit. Her face wasn't quite so alike compared to the other two, having more of a sharp expression, most likely a tomboy, with dirty blond hair in pigtails. She was somewhat short, but her body was a more lithe, 'tight' type of body, like the one of a woman that works out.

''No! Wait wait! I understand! I really understand now! W-Will find some way to pay you, and if not i'll go with you, i promise! Just please, leave them alone!''

''Hmm, that so? I don't sound really convinced. Right boys?''

The man harassing the sisters let out a perturbing, wicked snicker escape.

''A-Aiko, please h-help... I ca-Aaannggg... N-no, don't... touch, aaghh!''

''Aiko-nee-chan, please!'' The tomboy girl struggled a bit more than her sister, but it was futile. ''Hey, get that hand off...! Abuuhh...! aahhgg..! aahh, Aaahhh!''

''Please...'' The oldest sister named Aiko begged.

Looking from a distance, was team 7. Sakura had been gaping while covering her mouth since a while ago, trembling. Kakashi's expression had turned grim, if only ever so slightly. Sasuke was fuming with such fury Kakashi was surprised he hadn't activated his sharingan with this. This certainly counted as an stressful moment. Naruto was...

''Halt, Sasuke.'' Naruto put his arm between Sasuke and the shop, stopping the Uchiha before he almost rampaged. ''Don't go like this.''

Sasuke's frown digged deeper into his face, his rage apparent. ''Whatever the fuck are you referring to, Dove? You certainly aren't telling me to stop my hand and do nothing, isn't that right!? Or are you really-''

''Look.''

''?''

''Look around you, and you will see.''

Sasuke looked around, still seething with fury, before realizing something he didn't see before.

Nobody was looking.

They went about their merry ways, without even sparing a look or trying to do something. No, they did look, but it was quick and dismissive. They weren't even thinking of trying anything, that was the farthest thought on their minds evidently.

Through their eyes it was clear. Fear, trepidation, hesitation.

This incident hadn't been the first time, and likely they thought it wouldn't be the last.

Sasuke's anger boiled even further, and he directed his burning gaze towards the redhead. ''So what? Because they wouldn't do anything, we shouldn't also!? Don't tell me you were always that class of scum, Do-''

However, Sasuke had been immensely wrong.

From his eyes a piercing glare that seemed determined to erase anything in it's gaze. If Sasuke's anger was a burning fire that burned everything, his was a deep cold that dragged you to a never ending black. His piercing blue eyes, that shouldn't have been blue due to the transformation, that even under the light of the sun seemed to shimmer with animalistic but controlled urge for blood. Even Sakura began trembling profusely, and Sasuke had all but forgotten his rage at the scene over his momentary fear of the redhead.

From the four, at this moment, without a doubt, Naruto Namikaze Gremory was by far the most angered.

He soundlessly shook his head, meaning to tell Sasuke to calm down. He himself had not even blinked since a while ago, and his eyes were becoming even more intense.

No talking at all. The Naruto right now decided not to say even a word for the moment, lest he release himself and cause a bloodbath of disgusting proportions in the middle of the streets.

''O...O...Okay...''

He directed his gaze towards the silver cyclops. What should be do, Kakashi-sensei? He was asking.

''Hmmm, i did say i wanted to not deal with them, but...'' he sighed. ''What the heck. Possible failed missions, imminents dismemberments of epic levels, and untold quantities of dispatched bodies lying around the floor after being surrounded by a couple hundred enemy soldiers. Just what i call a thursday.'' Kakashi had tried to use his unsavory jokes to lighten the mood. It had sadly not worked.

Kakashi's group approached the five men, with him putting on big smile. ''Hello, hello. Would you happen to work for whoever is the boss around here?''

The main man, the one that had been 'talking' with the eldest daughter, Aiko, looked displeased in their direction. ''Who are you? Ah, those clothes...'' He seemed to remember something. ''You must be the new guys, the one meant to give some needed military power.'' The man kicked down the head of Aiko and held it to the ground with his boot. For the slightest of seconds, the man felt a shiver that made him want to run, but as soon as it came, it was gone. Even some of the people on the street and the mens inside the open area of the house flinched for a moment, and some kept trembling like the temperature had dropped twenty degrees for a while.

Before approaching the group, Kakashi had put himself at the front alongside a Naruto clone, and behind the clone was Sasuke. Behind him were about another three clones, Naruto and Sakura, and then another 4 clones.

Maybe it was because their creator was raging collectively for all of them, but the clones kept themselves controlled. They put Naruto in the middle to calm himself down and not cause some nearby old man a cardiac arrest with his aura, with Sakura trying to calm him. Of course, she was more terrified of him than actively helping, but nobody could blame her.

When the man had stepped on Aiko's body and Naruto had flared up, Sakura had instinctively hugged him. She needed to do something, but out of fear she was hugging his midsection, putting her head firmly against his stomach, not being able to see him face to face.

The terror wouldn't let her.

Still, she needed to do something.

As everyone was confused, Sakura felt something touching her head and she shook like roller coaster in surprise, but didn't let Naruto go. After a couple of seconds, something once again touched her head, but unlike what her frightened brain expected, something soft began gently caressing her head. She looked up, still glued to his midsection, and saw an still transformed Naruto looking down at her, calmed down. He then lightly smiled. Sakura was shocked for a couple of seconds, before letting out a sigh of relief, before noticing her pink hair was back.

Her transformation had undone itself due to pure fear.

Her mind became disarrayed and complex in thoughts, and her control over her chakra disappeared. Looks like there was something else to add to the list of 'Things to Improve', making her sigh dejectedly.

Naruto's only response was a small, amused laughter plus an expression that said 'Don't Worry'. His tense hands and strained muscles didn't go unnoticed by Sakura, however.

''What... that was...?'' The leader of the harassers stroked his arms, filled with a feeling of goosebumps like he was inside a freezer.

''Eh? Ara? What could you be talking about?'' Kakashi said with a look of innocence, as if telling he had no idea what the men was talking about. ''Sorry sir, but i can't really understand what are you referring to. That aside, could you guide us towards your headquarters? We aren't acquainted in the least with this remote place, so we're kinda lost at the moment.''

''Eh?'' The man looked up puzzled. ''Ah, is that so? Tch, this is why i don't like getting outside help. They don't even know how to find something within a city of this size.''

''Hahahaha! Whatever may you mean?'' Kakashi said in a carefree tone, trying to sound amicable. ''This city isn't certainly one of the main villages, but it's big enough nonetheless.'' He then casually glanced towards Aiko, her sisters further back and the men that had stopped harassing them in interest at their conversation. ''Oh yeah, could you try to stop this?'' He pointed towards Aiko and the two girls.

The man put on a displeased face. ''Stop this? Whoever the fuck are you to be ordering me around?'' As expected, he didn't take the suggestion very well. He looked plenty ready to bloody his hands already.

''Aahahaha. Please, please. Calm down!'' Kakashi acted frightened as he raised his arms in mock defence. ''I'm not trying to spoil your fun or anything, it's just that-''

''Shut it, you arrogant bastard!'' The man bellowed, interrupting a troubled Kakashi. ''You just arrived and you're already patronizing someone you don't know!? What were our recruiters doing, employing such idiots who don't even know their proper place!''

''Ahahah... well, like i just said-''

''Not like i care though!'' The man interrupted yet again. He had missed the tick mark developing on the head of the transformed cyclops. ''This is just perfect for me. If we hired someone who isn't even worth their salt...'' The man cocked back his fist... ''Better for us to realize sooner than later! Show me what you can do!'' Threw a punch with all his might!

Of course, Kakashi easily stopped it by grabbing him by the wrist. He almost let out a snicker from the so-called 'punch' of this guy.

The other 4 harassing the 2 sisters got up and raised their arms, ready to fight. The 8 Naruto clones, however, took a step forward and moved their cloaks to the side a little, letting the mini arsenal of weapons they had apparently hidden inside their clothes be seen. To the shocked man that didn't know what to say, one of the clones held up a hand tentatively, pressing his index finger against his lips, his eyes almost showing a glimpse of sadistic glee while doing so.

''Well, well, you see these guys...'' Kakashi put pressure on his wrist, and the man winced while leaning forward in pain. Kakashi's face had gotten a whole lot closer, and with his finger he pointed to his 'subordinates'. ''These guys here, those three, they are fresh meat, new recruits. They aren't used still to these things, so i implore...''

He pressed the wrist tighter.

''Muuuh..!''

''...from the goodness of my heart...''

Tighter.

''Ughh..!''

''...could you please...''

Tighter.

''Ghufuu...!''

''...i don't know...''

Tighter!

''Aghh!''

''...tone it down a bit?''

Tigh-!

''Alright, alright!'' The man broke his wrist free and stroked it in pain with his hand as he eyed Kakashi full of hate. ''I understand...'' He talked to his men, without stopping to look at Kakashi. ''Stop it already, we've got job to do.''

''But, sir-''

''Do i need to repeat myself, you pieces of shit...?''

''Ugh... N-No, sir.''

''Good.'' He then began walking, his other hand massaging his hurting wrist. ''Let's go. I'll show you the damn place.'' The hostility on his tone was so evident that Kakashi would consider it an achievement if nobody tried to kill him in his sleep during the night.

The man began walking.

His men followed.

Kakashi reluctantly copied them, with the 8 clones on his tail.

Aiko, still in the dirt of the ground, struggled to get her hurting body up. ''Ughh... *Cough* My chest... h-hurts...''

Just as she was going to fall back down again, a hand grabbed her and kept her up, before helping her sit up in the ground. Raising her face, she found one of the mercenaries from the group helping her out(Naruto). His two companions (Sasuke/Sakura) were helping her sisters also.

''Th-Thank you... because of yo- Ugh! *Cough*'' She tried getting up again, but fell down almost immediately.

Naruto, having extensive medical knowledge due to his training(Not at the level of an actual medic nin or a normal medic thought), realized the internal damage that she had suffered when the bastard had kicked her, no more than 3 ribs had to be broken. So he took the best action he could think of.

He lifted her princess carry style.

''Eh!? Sorry mister, what are y- Agh!''

As she tried to move around, uncomfortable with an stranger picking her up like this, her chest hurt her again. She suddenly felt something in front of her lips, and saw the strangers middle finger in front of them. Stop moving, he was saying. You will only make it worse.

He put her on one of the chairs, and her sister rushed to her in a skip beat.

''Aiko! Aiko-nee-chan! are you alright!? You aren't hurt right!? That stupid man didn't do anything right!? Aiko-nee-chan!''

''Natsumi, calm down!' Your sister is not feeling well at all. Give her some space.''

''Natsumi, Kaori, calm down. I'm alright, My body is-''

A certain index finger appeared, interrupting her. It was from the mercenary that had princess carried her. The finger moved from left to right. Your body isn't alright, he meant. Don't lie.

''Eh? But...''

Interrupting the young woman again, he presented a small bag. Taking it suspiciously and investigating its contents, Aiko and her sisters found herself eyeing various very small cubes of some material. They had a very strange color, a mixture of pale pink and green that melted together, with miniscule spots of chocolate-brown here and there.

Before they could ask anything more, Naruto began making a number of strange hand gestures somewhat fast, leaving the three sisters completely befuddled. They had barely understood something about a 3, no something and something going pretty fast.

Naruto looked troubled that his message hadn't gone through.

''Ingest 3 each day. Nothing more, nothing less, or it could be bad for your body.'' To everyone's surprise, one of the mercenaries(Sakura) began explaining the strange instructions. ''Before meals. Don't exert yourself nor move much. Laying in bed for 3-4 days should be enough. Zero work, zero moving, zero anything except resting. That's what you meant, right?''

A poker faced Naruto moved his head up and down energetically. It was a bizarre sight for the two teammates that had just seconds ago seen an expression that seemed to call for blood.

''Eh...? Eh? Eh!?'' The three sisters were somewhat slow to receive the message, but when it reached, all three were gaping in disbelief.

All in all, a good deed. They saved the three girls before things turned sour, and Naruto even gave her special medicine to take her out of her pain and back to best condition as fast as possible.

Happy ending!

Or not...

''You said 3 to 4 days, right...?'' Kaori, the middle sister, inquired. The same poker faced Naruto nodded vigorously. ''Then... If it's grave enough that you recommend absolutely not moving, it must be something really grave. But for something that bad, 3 to four days for a complete recovery sounds unexpectedly short. This medicine... it's some kind of special medicine, right?''

Naruto again nodded vigorously. It was truly freaky, but nobody said anything or it would have been awkward.

''Then, it must be... expensive right?'' Her body began trembling, and the three genin had easily noticed it. Sasuke and Sakura shoot a troubled expression to each other, but Naruto kept his gaze straight ahead, looking straight at Kaori. ''Expensive... No, more than expensive, it must be... a real hassle to obtain it... Why would... anybody...'' Her eyes became moist. ''Give something like..*hic* this to...*hic* *sniff*... people like... us...''

''Kaori...''

''Kaori-nee-chan...''

Under this circumstances, Sakura and Sasuke were truly troubled. They didn't know what to say, what to do or even why things came to this.

Unimpeded by such thoughts, a certain transformed redheaded idiot walked straight to her, and knelt in one knee to be at about the same eye level, seeing as Kaori had fallen to her knees crying. The approaching feet seemed to stir something, as the trembling from the crying changed to something more. A feeling far too well known by Naruto.

Trembling due to fear.

It may have been due to not really trusting him in the least, or maybe even a natural response to his figure merely approaching, but that distinctive way of trembling, he wouldn't miss anywhere.

What a nostalgic scene.

Had he just replaced this beautiful woman with a dirty blond, his clothes filled with dirt and his body soaking wet, his expression even more despairing, and the look of a malnourished body that hadn't touched food for days on end, it would have fitted perfectly with a certain distant memory of his, except the image wouldn't have been but a reflexion in the unclean surface of an unremarkable abandoned mirror, one stormy night as the rain poured endlessly.

Naruto swept aside such useless thoughts, though an strained expression had certainly been on his face, if for a couple of seconds. He put his hand on her shoulder, making her body go rigid. Maybe out of even more fear or out of curiosity that briefly surpassed the fear, but Kaori lifted her face to try and read the mercenary's expression. What she saw was a celestial face of deep red hair, white porcelain-like skin and deep blue eyes that seemed to pull her.

''Wait, Naruto...!'' Said a worried Sakura, low enough that nobody except them could hear here ''This is a cover op- I mean, we aren't supposed to show ourselves! If you do something like-''

Sakura was cut short, as Sasuke put his arm in front of her, telling her to let it go. His expression also looked worried and even somewhat pale, but he didn't withdraw his hand.

Ah, i forgot. Sasuke was pretty angry with what was happening here the moment it entered his sights. He's most likely worried too, but... He's believing in Naruto. If we leave things like this he will not feel satisfied, so he's betting on Naruto even if it may affect our mission.

Naruto however, didn't really do anything much. He just smiled, plain and simple, with sincere kindness and warmth, and nodded with his head. In their cruel reality, where hope should not be held and a miracle couldn't be expected, he was telling them that the hope that was him showing this kindness was neither a lie nor a cruel prank.

Kaori and her sisters, had been pulled in with this simple gesture. Naruto was still Naruto when he had his true face out, so the three girls were profusely blushing, even though the face of this attractive redhead was attached to the body of what could only be a thirteen-year older. Granted it wasn't his true body, but is what he disguised it as. They apparently hadn't minded at all, or maybe they still hadn't realized.

Finally, the redhead got up and went towards Aiko and Natsumi, with Kaori still looking at him intensely as he moved. Aiko looked like she would fall over from her chair any moment, and Natsumi seemed close to fainting. Naruto put a hand on the bag he had handed them, took one of the cubs, and promptly swallowed it.

'' '' ''?!'' '' ''

After audibly gulping down the cube, he gazed towards them and made a face of accomplishment, along with making a thumbs up. They still were dazed, so the three sisters didn't get the action at all.

'' 'This certainly doesn't have poison or anything of the sort. I'll eat one and show you', that's more or less what he is saying.'' Said Sasuke, translating this time in Sakura's stead.

This surprised the three sisters, which looked again towards the strange redhead that felt like a fairy tail to them. Said redhead however, had already transformed yet again, walking towards the rest of their group that had already left them far behind. Sasuke and Sakura shortly followed him as well.

''W-wait!'' Kaori called to them, and the three genins looked back with perplexed expressions on their faces. Kaori talked with a clear voice, as if her chance would slip if she didn't speak clearly. ''Please, tell me your names...''

Again, the three youths looked at each other, troubled expressions on their faces. At the end Naruto made a 'Ah, fuck it' expression, and somehow his teammates reciprocated the feelings.

''Sasuke. My name is Sasuke Uchiha.'' Sasuke said with as much smugness as his teammates had expected of him.

''I-I'm Sakura Haruno. Sorry if i don't seem really reliable, unlike these two...'' Sakura's answer was full of her nervousness, but it felt honest and fresh.

The last one, Naruto, didn't seem like he would talk. The three sisters must have not realized, but Naruto had not uttered a single word since his rage picked a few minutes ago. This had not been coincidental. Feeling agitated, the half-demon fidgeted around, not knowing what to do.

Lucky for him, his teammates were better than he honestly thought.

''Naruto.'' Said Sakura, perplexing Naruto.

''Naruto Uzumaki Gremory, if you want the full version.'' Sasuke added in, drawing Naruto's still startled gaze towards him.

''Naruto...Naruto Uzumaki Gremory...'' As Kaori repeated under her breath like a chant, a small snicker escaped her lips. ''It's really weird.''

An embarrassed Naruto shot her an angry glance, making his two teammates and even the three sisters laugh. But it was enough, they had done what they wanted to do, and so with one last wave, the three genins that had acted certainly out of expectations resumed their walk back to their original group.

All the while before their figures disappeared between the dozens of other persons walking the city, Kaori, Aiko and Natsumi kept looking in their direction. They certainly wouldn't forget this anytime soon.

As for our trio of idiot genins...

''Hmmm~~, we were basically in front of the street where everyone could see, but nobody said anything about us. If such an intense event happened between strangers all of a sudden, it should have drawn some eyes. How suspicious that it didn't happen~~~! Right, Sakura~?''

''Exactl~~~~~y, Sasuke-kun! It's likeeeee~, i don't know, someone very good at using seals somehow sealed the area by using special-made seals that make anybody outside incapable of gaining interest or awareness of the sealed of areaaaa~! Hmmm, how very strange...''

An certain flustered and blushing transformed redhead directed his murdering glare to what may very well be his next targets for those brand new explosive seals. The Hokage had already warned him about the many reasons why 'blowing up half of the forest of death at 2 AM' is something that will not repeat itself, so he needed new targets...

''Ahahaha, don't put on such a glare. It's just a joke, consider it revenge.'' Sakura patted Naruto's head. He really liked when people did that, so Sakura learnt to use it as a trump card to calm him down. To Sakura he wasn't more than a big cat with the potential to kill them all, but still fun to pamper and tease. He more or less treated her like his personal dog when he thought she acted cute and meek, so he couldn't really say anything.

''Thought that wasn't for consideration for them, was it...? Naruto, was there something there that maybe riled you up?'' Sasuke asked carefully. ''I mean, we understand you are like this when you deal with things that disturb you, but... this seemed, i don't know, personal to... you?''

Naruto went unnaturally quiet. Sasuke and Sakura decided they were inching closer into the mine zone, so for now it would be better to put the issue aside.

''Well, whatever.'' Sasuke put his hand into Naruto's shoulder. '' We are in theory a team, so you can talk about it when you can. If you drags us down with your stupid sentimentalism, my name will get nothing but mud on it, you know? Keep yourself together, geez.''

A minute of silence.

''Sasuke-kun... If you are trying to tell Naruto he can confide on us, at least trash the tsun tsun and just leave the dere dere. It isn't cute.''

''Who the hell is tsun tsun or dere dere or whatever the hell is that bloody word this fucking Dove has been saying non-stop since he met me!''

''Tch, tch. Not cute at all.'' Sakura shook her head from side to said, seemingly disappointed in Sasuke.

Naruto perfectly copied her, his mouth still sealed.

''Ahhhh! Fuck you! Fuck me! Fuck them!,'' Sasuke pointed with his index finger to a random couple going down the street, who promptly distanced themselves from the transformed Uchiha in pure fear. ''Fuck each and everyone of YOUUUUUUUUU!''

''Damn, he snapped...'' Said Sakura almost apologetically since it was technically her fault.

Almost.

She watched Sasuke disappear down the street, chasing Kakashi. They had caught up with them, so they could see them from far away, meaning there were no chances of him getting lost.

''Well, there isn't much to it but... let's try our best. Okay, Naruto?'' She directed a reassuring smile towards Naruto, and he realized instantly she was lying. Her face muscles were tense, he could clearly see the beads of sweat on her forehead and neck, and her tone of skin looked moderately pale.

She obviously, like all of them, had gotten nervous about this mission. The state of considerable disrepair of the village, the heavy pressuring atmosphere, and the scene they witnessed no much longer after setting foot inside.

Certainly, there was something wrong.

However... he had been trained for that. When one said he had received training from hell from Hago himself, it was, by no means, an exaggeration, to put emphasis on hell. To put a LOT of emphasis on hell.

He was trained for unexpected situations, had the abilities to pull these off, and companions that were reliable in one way or another.

He would be alright.

They would be alright.

Everything would go well, and they would go back safe an-

XBreakX

-Somewhere undisclosed-

''Back safe and sound... Maybe i didn't get him to read TVTropes enough. That flag it's so high it even sickens me, ahahahaha!'' A voice sounded from somewhere, and said to no one in particular.

''Sorry boy, take this as a test, for you and your little friends. Party is only gonna get louder from here on out, so see a piece of the embodiment of hell that are humans. You will deal with them closely later on, so don't hate me for this sneak peek in advance...'' The voice sounded ecstatic yet melancholic, happy yet sad, overjoyed yet mournful.

Truly, the world is a cruel place.

This mere trifle couldn't be compared to the horrors of the universe and beyond, to the hungry dark that made a lightless night seem cozy, and the despair inducing truth that laying places that shouldn't be ever reached, yet he felt bad for them as much as he felt he was genuinely helping them.

What war veteran suffering from PTSD would feel bad about a child crying as his toys were wrecked by the school bull, or a teeneger despairing about scoring badly in tests he has plenty of opportunities of re-doing?

Why, the lost voice that didn't talk to no one in particular asked curiously, why didn't you just break me fully and made my senses fully numb.

XBreakX

They walked and walked, until the noticeable appearance of a big building like a warehouse, painted black that contrasted the burning sun up in the clouds. Now that they were at the site itself, Kakashi apparently loosened up and began explaining some core information that was needed. The sour look on his face didn't make the atmosphere any lighter.

The henchman which wrist Kakashi had almost broken, was talking with the guy guarding the complex door about something. ''Basically, the boss of this place and all his men make a living in illegally trafficking goods.''

''Black market...''

''Exactly, Naruto. They don't even have any kind of public face, like a trading company specialized in exporting the specials spices that grow on the surrounding soil or anything, they actually conduct their activities openly and in the public eye. Since this area has been a pain in the ass to administer since way back, they took advantage and established their main base of operations here. If they will not receive any kind of interference then the extra effort needed to mask their activities can be used for something else. Plain, old and simple business.''

''I-i can kinda... understand that.'' Sakura said with her hands kinda trembling and her face slightly paler. Now that she began to better understand what they were doing here, she began to get nervous. ''But... if that's wh- No, if that's the case, then what are we doing here?'' Her face suddenly stiffened. She must have thought she sounded like a really scaredy cat. ''I-I mean... after so long, suddenly being given a mission to deal with the problem... sounds kind of...''

''I can understand where you're coming from, Sakura. But let me remind you we are still in a covert mission. That isn't the kind of attitude i would expect from an experienced mercenary, and a grown man fidgeting around isn't normal at all. Pull yourself together.''

''A-ah! Sorry...''

''You're dealing with this better than i thought, so don't hold it against yourself.'' Kakashi waved his hand dismissively. ''About the mission objective...''

They would have kept talking, but the henchman guiding them finished talking and urged them to move their asses. To their surprise however, they didn't enter through the front door.

According to the guy, that door was used when the carriages that transported their goods to where they were going to be sold had to go in or go out. They were normally in an adjacent building that served as a maintenance area, but went inside the main building since the goods in question were kind of heavy on average and taking them from the main building all the way the carriages to be loaded was just too much of a hassle. Sasuke asked why couldn't they simply use equipment to more easily move them from place to place, to which the henchman replied that their goods were of the 'fragile' variety. Their value would drop immensely if they didn't look the part.

Or so he said.

They instead ascended a flight of stairs that was meant to take them to a suspended walkway inside the facility. From up there they could take any of the supplementary stairs down to ground level.

''Continuing from where we left before...''

Seeing as his genins wouldn't let the theme off, Kakashi swapped places with one of the clones when the henchman guiding them got distracted for a second. Now there was a Naruto clone transformed as the mercenary group leader, in front of the group, with Kakashi looking like one of the normal cronies of the team. This way they could talk easier.

''The real reason for this mission is to try and get someone's trail. A certain missing nin we have been going after for quite some years now.''

''A missing nin?'' Sasuke asked puzzled. ''Which of them? There are so many that's almost embarrassing.''

''Keep talking like that and you will end up on the bad side of quite a lot of jounin, Sasuke.'' Kakashi warned with a not-so-caring tone. ''This one isn't any normal missing nin. That guy is the kind of monster any of you shouldn't ever meet if you wanna live any kind of reasonable life. He slithers out of our fingers each time, leaving us only with his shed skin as a souvenir. Calling him outrageous is beyond an understatement.''

''Well, Orochimaru tends to be like that right? It cannot be helped sadly.''

''Eh?'' Kakashi asked bewildered. ''Naruto, you know about Orochimaru? I didn't expect that one.''

''Please Kakashi-sensei. You should be aware of my connection to Anko-san well enough. All the high-ranking jounin should be on the know after all.''

''Oh yeah, there was that.'' Kakashi had a look of sudden realization. ''Sorry for forgetting.''

''Anko... Do you maybe mean Anko Mitarashi? THAT Snake Mistress? Naruto, how exactly are you acquainted with that kind of person? She is one of the main members of the Torture and Interrogation forces, and since her return from some kind of unspecified long trip, has shown incredible ability in other areas of Intelligence Division like data gathering and information deciphering. There also rumors about her supposed fighting ability skyrocketing, even though there hasn't been any proof!''

''You sound like a crazed fan...''

''But of course!'' Sakura said in utter joy, still she remembered to keep her voice low. ''As a fellow Kunoichi, to see someone of her ability and fame reach such a level is nothing short of utter inspiration for me!''

''Anko, it has been a 2 fucking weeks... what the hell have you been doing for this kind of reputation?'' Naruto nervously thought.

As she began to babble about the also returning Yugao Uzuki and Hana Inuzuka, Naruto thanked the gods above and the demons below that Sakura didn't connect the dots on her crazed stupor of fangirling. Thought if she knew he was also related to those two, she may realize things. He wasn't still at the point of telling things unfortunately, so he didn't want that.

''Ahem, going back to what we were talking about before...'' Kakashi interrupted. ''This man, Orochimaru, has been known for his knack for experimenting, and it's known that he has a number of bases scattered all around the elemental nations. And don't bother asking what does that have to do with catching the man. Simply said, what he is doing costs obviously crap tons of money and materials. We are aware that he has played around with the market a bit to get funds, and his hands have reached underground organisations activities and all kinds of shady dealings. In other words...''

''This organisation is somehow affiliated to him?'' Sasuke hypothesized. ''Isn't that clue kinda vague?''

''That it is, but is the only trail we have got in months. That's also why we needed to infiltrate, seeing as simply dealing with this group wouldn't yield much. As a nice bonus we get to fuck with their organization from the inside. Even if we can't deal with most of the problems, lending a hand to this zone when we can will not kill us... probably...''

''i didn't quite like that last part...'' Sakura replied coldly.

''Heh, who would?'' Kakashi retorted.

However, Naruto had only gotten more tense. Kakashi's balled fists and the slight tension on his face told him all was not that simple. What was he not telling them?

But... if he thought a bit.

Black Market...

Exportation...

'Fragile goods'...

The incident on the town earlier...

The man had said 'if you don't want your sisters to enter the business'.

It couldn't be...!

''Shit, how didn't i realize sooner!''

''Kakashi-sen-!''

Kakashi, however, had already swapped with the clone, who was still bewildered as he had not expected the change. The man walking them up the stairs hadn't turned even once since the beginning, and from this height nobody would see them clearly, so the clone had the luck of having plenty of time to get his thoughts together after Kakashi forcibly swapped with him.

Naruto didn't even have to ask. He just needed to look at the ninja's back and he knew. Kakashi wouldn't utter even a single word more. Was he pitying them by not saying anything?

At last, they reached some door high above the complex that connected to some poorly lighted hallway that went deeper inside. The hallway wasn't really wide, so it feel oppressing.

But he didn't have time for that. He needed to tell Sakura and Sasuke. They were still young, and the kind of things he had trained for, they certainly didn't.

The least he could do, so that their mind and nerves could steel themselves, warning them about it, telling them beforehand.

But even that failed. They had reached their destination.

In front lie a door, and beyond it a open room, very very wide, tall enough that people on the ground would look small, and wide enough that Naruto could have runned from side to side and it would still take him an average of 6 seconds to reach the other wall.

A ninja's average running speed was truly incredible, and Naruto was already above such average, speaking volumes of the unexpected size of the complex.

But that sadly...

''Ughuuu!...fuaaah~~~!''

''N-No mor-Hyaaaa!''

''Ahh~! Deeper, deeper, deepe~~~er! S-some more... Ahhhh~~! Yeah, just like that! Ahhh~! Ahhhh!''

''F-Father... Stop that... w-w-... Why are y-Ahhh, Hyaaa...''

''Don'T touch me... Don't touch me, don't touch me, don't touch me, don't touch me, don't touch me, don't touch me, DON'T TOUCHH M-!''

...wasn't what caught their attention...

Below their feet, below the suspended walkway, on the ground...

''Neat ain't it. We prepare them so they are ready for shipment. Well, this is just the upper level were those that completed their 'training' are 'tested' one last time, so it isn't anything grand.''

Below them, countless cubicles, like the ones in modern offices, were spread around the floor. They were bigger than a standard cubicle, but at most were big enough for 3-4 people without being tight inside. And on each of them, lie a woman.

Some were on strange seats with belts, others on tables with lights flashing from above, others were just suspended in the air by multitude of belts and ropes holding them aloft.

Some of them were even...

Each individual cubicle was unique. Diversity of tools, different persons in each one, their expressions and movements, their clothes and their mannerisms, the obvious feelings splattered on their faces. Insidious instruments with unknown purposes were again and again used on the bodies that seemed to be without life, or sprang up and shock in either drowning pleasure or agonizing pain, or was it perhaps both?

And the tools they... Again and again they... penetrated, pierced, hooked, punched...

Bored, pricked, punctured, stamped, needled, embossed, dented, crushed, breaked, bruised, crumbled, mashed, squashed, squeezed, crunched, pounded, cleaved, drilled, gashed, probed, stabbed, grabbed, splattered, heated...

A body dropped to the floor.

Sakuro Haruno lay unconscious on the floor.

Sasuke Uchiha, heavily breathing, lay behind her, his hand lifted in a palm, as if he made a chopping motion.

''Good call.'' Kakashi complimented him, but it didn't held any weight for the Uchiha.

Hearing his sensei's voice only seemed to make him more miserable and distraught. It didn't even look like he had knocked her out by conscious thought.

''Well, don't worry. He(Sakura) is still a newbie, so i'm almost sure he was gonna yelp(Scream) in horror or something. Better to have him out of it than doing that, it would lower our reputation.''

Sasuke's heavy breathing didn't subside in the least. He didn't even sound disgusted at the scene, or angered at their teacher that didn't tell them anything. He just looked confused and out of it.

Naruto... was calmly standing there. His expression turned blank and his eyes looked empty.

Naruto ultimate course of action in the face of disturbing events, environments or memories that reached a certain threshold. A total disassociation with his feelings and sentiments, locking all brain functions related to emotions off, and killing his sympathy and empathy for others to cope with the pressure.

From now on, everything registered here is no memories, since memories hold emotions and subjective elements on them. This is just information, experience. Pure data and knowledge uncorrupted by misleadings sentiments.

In one small, forgettable place of his mind, Naruto calmly lamented about something.

Looks like my training, sadly, had not been enough...

XBreakX

Now you may wonder, why such a strong response?

Yeah, human trafficking and whore houses were a reality, one ninja hopefuls like genin were painfully aware of. If their conditioning training only got them so far in dealing with things in some simple whore house, such a training system had to be redone from scratch.

But this was not some simple whore house. To Sasuke, who had a clearer and much less naive head than most kids his age, what this 'testing' the henchman had been referring to entailed was something he would expect of an interrogation session directed by Ibiki himself.

And this was supposed to be for whores. What fucked up people were they meant to be sent to for them to require this kind of 'training'?

The henchman had also mentioned 'levels'. This wasn't all of it.

It certainly hadn't been all.

After Sasuke had calmed himself enough(It took him close to 40 minutes, making the man guiding them quite impatient.), one of the Naruto clones hoisted Sakura's body into himself piggyback style while another helped Sasuke support himself. They then, as an 'introduction' to the facilities and so they knew their way around, were given a tour of the place. As they found out, this place was even more massive than they thought. There were 6 levels on total, not counting the ground level one. The two at the deepest were the living quarters. They must really have thought they would never be attacked or anything of the like if they put their main living quarters on such a vulnerable location.

The other 4 levels were used for the conditioning.

There was an area where women received their 'normal' training, intermittently besieged by the sensation of their body being violated, from the inside to the outside. The workers also called it the 'happy playhouse' since they could have their way with many of the more resistant ones that didn't break easily. Sasuke was completely sure he heard a weak 'help me', drowned in ballings of forced ecstasy, inside a tent where they were training a particularly rowdy member.

He didn't look back.

His weak heart already felt like cracked glass...

...

There was also another area, where previous wives or widows were dealt with. Fucking these ones up was quite a hassle, so things like raping the members in front of their kidnapped family and closest friends was rudimentary. Unlike many of the woman in the first area, these had some kind of strong bond with another person, maybe many, so that's why there wasn't only wives and widows.

He didn't look back.

He didn't know these people, he didn't care for them, he couldn't help them... Repeating these words like a mantra, he kept moving forward.

...

Those were the areas of conditioning so they stopped resisting, but then there were the training areas...

There was the area for BDSM.

Many of the woman there were whipped in frequent intervals. These could escalate to the point where it was obvious some skin was getting ripped by the force used in the whip. Other had piercings in their nipples, on their noses, on their fingers(Sasuke just didn't understand what that had to do with any sexual play), even on the lower areas and the groin. Many suspended with chains, grabbing from these same piercings. The screams and strange ripping sound told him they put too much force accidentally quite a few times.

I will not look...

I will not look...

I will not look...

If i look i will break, therefore i cannot look...

...

There was also the area where they were acclimated to a number toys and plays with them, and Sasuke finally reached the conclusion these people were sick fucks that almost didn't give a damn about sells and only went crazy on the feeling of torturing these women's. There was an area where some kind of device was fixed into the ground and the hand somehow was placed inside and held into place. He didn't see it well, he didn't desire to even more, so he didn't know how it worked. All he knew was that if the woman moved too much, the thing put pressure and pressure and pressure into the fingers until... They banged the woman's as tests to see how much they could resist moving around. As if sadistically grinning at their futile attempts at perduring, the devices had specials syringes, connected to a small part of the device that stored potent aphrodisiacs, making the women's move violently around by something as simple as caressing their skin a little. That's what he overheard from some of the guys working.

Fuck them all. To hell, to heaven, to the otherworld. Wherever it may be, just...

Fuck them all...

...

But there was that section, where Sasuke had finally truly vowed inside his heart, that he would find the way to burn the place down to the last beam and wall, along with all the bastards working in it.

The interest for the 'younger' area of this industry has allegedly augmented with the years, so Sasuke shouldn't have felt surprised to see a scared 9-10 year old walking into what looked like one of the tents, they had put earplugs so she couldn't hear anything, and instead of bandaging her eyes, had been very careful of not letting her see anything else as they brought her in. When she went inside, the only thing Sasuke had desired was jump at that sole moment and thoroughly torture the bastards that played the innocent part as they unrestrainedly brushed their hands around her young body like it was the most normal thing. The minute of quietness broke in a sea of screams that seemed a melted fusions of pained bellows and a try at what must have been pleasured moans.

Sasuke hadn't heard any of it still, as a Naruto clone behind him had preemptively covered his ears. Using wind chakra to interfere with shockwaves, he didn't let the sound pass.

And somehow, even though he burned with the desire to get the hands of him, not caring and even wanting to drown on the rage and liberating this swelling in his chest, he felt happy nevertheless.

Closing his eyes he shut off the world, and for a while, he desired for dear life that it would stay that way.

XBreakX

''Hinata!''

A gruff voice that sounded reckless and with a ting of childishness. Inuzuka Kiba called to his teammate, Hinata Hyuuga.

Behind him was the image of stoicness. A stiff aura that wouldn't fit even an adult. Shino Aburame.

They were calling towards their fellow teammate.

''O-Oh, K...Kiba-kun.'' Hinata said, her weak voice sounding like the jingling of broken bells. ''What m-may you be c-calling me...for?''

A weak atmosphere, a faint light that passed unobserved with ease. But in that faint light, something shined tenderly. A gaze that would calm any anxiety, a voice that could cure any wound, a smile that could lift a despairing spirit. Hinata Hyuuga

Even Shino in his quiet monotonous behaviour found himself wondering since the formation of their team if Hinata's strange, calming aura was some sort of hereditary trait or maybe a kind of strange power. Even the unbearable Kiba felt easy to handle.

Of course, her persistent awkwardness with others and difficulty in social situations did seem to hamper that natural ability in some way. His eternally objective mind somewhat grieved such a misfortune, seeing it as Hinata's ability would make her a must for political missions. Such a wasted talent.

''Eh!? What have i told you about getting so nervous so easily!?'' Kiba stopped dead on his tracks a feet and a half away from Hinata. He then pointed accusingly with his finger. ''Didn't. .Already!? We are teammates! That kind of attitude does nothing more than hurting us. We feel like outsiders!''

''S-sorry...'' Said Hinata in weak voice.

''Could you not include the word 'we', Kiba? It would be deeply troubling for me if you associated me into your weird misgivings. Also, nobody would be able to feel like an outsider with how high you voice your thoughts. We could be at the other side of the village and i feel we could keep conversing with you if we kept our voices at that outrageous level.''

''Shut up, Shino!'' Kiba lashed at the bug boy angrily. ''These are the kinds of moments where you lend a hand you know!? Man, and here i was hoping to get a te-''

''Kiba.'' Shino interrupted, making Kiba almost bite his tongue. ''I understand that keeping your mouth open till at least 20 words or more have escaped from it is like a requirement for you to keep living, but i do pray you haven't forgotten why did we come look for Hinata in the first place, or have you?''

Kiba yelped. ''Ugh! Damn...'' He turned back to Hinata with a grumbling look. ''Well... Here's the thing. We have just been given the notice that we are to take a very important mission soon, in about a week i think. The Hokage got all worried and all as he thought we wouldn't have time to organize things, but some shit happened and now the date for departing has been changed. Tch, what a pain, and when we finally got a good one to show off.''

''Don't get cocky, Kiba.'' Shino chastised him. ''Even if it's a mere C-Rank, we will be going quite far out. The chances of unexpected occurrences getting in our way and making things substantially difficult is very high... And what did i tell you about that vocabulary.''

''Can it man! Like i give a rat's ass about my damn vocabulary! You don't see me saying anything about that monumental stick on your ass, do i!?''

''Stop, Kiba. Little dogs who bark too much get their fair share of pain if their bite isn't up to par. I would heavily advise you to buy a new leash for that tongue of yours...''

''Y-y-you two, s-stop it...''

As you may expect, this was as common for this team as the sun coming out from the east. The stoic and strict Shino and the upbeat and bad-mannered Kiba just didn't see eye to eye. Hinata was the only one if Kurenai wasn't with them that could stop them, which obviously didn't always work with her extremely passive personality.

The two stared at the other intensely for some strained seconds. Finally Kiba gave in, scoffing angrily while looking away.

They sounded more excitable than normal, so Hinata decided she wanted to inquire more about the mission details.

''This mission... Where...?''

''Oh? You wanna know where?'' Kiba said curiously. ''Well, Shino did say we would go be somewhat far from the village. If i remember it was... Uhh...''

''Haaah...'' A quiet and almost inaudible, but obviously exasperated sigh escaped Shino's mouth, making an offended Kiba grumble in response. ''As Kiba's brain has shown once again being inadequate at holding important pieces of information for extended periods of time, i will take the responsibility of properly informing Hinata. I do believe there's no objection, right Kiba?''

The dog boy grumbled even more audibly, but had no say on this considering he had actually forgotten, so he kept quiet.

''Good. Then to properly explain, the location of our mission is South of the village, near the ocean and somewhat close to the border with the Land of Rivers. Why do you ask? Because we have been appointed as bodyguards for the man in charge of the construction of a bridge connecting an island to the mainland.''

''Island...? B-bodyguard?''

''Yeah, as bodyguards Hinata.'' Said Shino in matter-of-fact way. ''In other words, or next mission will be in the Land Of Waves.''

XBreakX

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND~~~!

END!

Yeah, that just happened. We just sended Naruto and group to somewhere completely different and unrelated to the Land of Waves while another team, and possibly the most poorly made for this kind of mission to boot, goes there instead. You already saw what happened the first time, so i wouldn't call it a stretch to see that this is a mayhem waiting to be unleashed.

Oh well, we needed some chaos anyway.

That aside, i'm... Yeah, i'm still not convinced. I have never written in my life, not for something like this, as i may have already say, so you could say i'm trying to find my style.

Yeah, it's not working so well.

Because it's mostly Noah's story(With my own ideas or changes added to a couple of things) and my adding the flavor by making the texts and how it flows, you MAY feel some sort of dissonance.

I don't know truly, you judge.

That said, you may also review my writing style. Grammatical errors aside, i would like you to tell me about the writing itself. Whether it's adequate for this fic is another matter altogether. I want you to judge or at least talk about the way i word things or i describe or just how i write. It really would help.

Oh yeah, i let the 'disturbing' things till last so i could more or less show how's a day to day situation in the team right now, and because i'm gonna take my time seeing how exactly can i fuck their heads up even more in the next chapter, which i may not do so well due to my poor level of talent regarding long-term planning.

Yeah, really need to fix that. Maybe i should take lessons for Fiction Writing...

Meh, i'll think about it.

If it's about the highly unnatural atmosphere and way of handling things of this... emm, 'facility', i'll just say Orochimaru didn't just sink his fangs in to leech off of their monetary gains. The guy is a mad scientist with a side of pedophilic tendencies(Or that's what we, the bastard fandom, love to pin on him) through and through, so the kinds of experiments that need to be done on mass, or are too time consuming for whatever freaking reason, he could just leave to a subsidiary to take care of. There's a reason he had a Kabuto(Yes, i just said 'a Kabuto'.) as assistant and people like Karin overseeing some of the facilities. The overworked bastard couldn't manage everything himself.

It's pretty easy really. If he wants to make mass tests of a drug, just hand it to the bastards in this place and say it's a new kind of aphrodisiac with severe side-effects being tested to see how to get rid of them. Nice and easy.

Believe me, with the number of 'goods' in that facility, even if they made 100 or something injections with a 90%+ mortality rate, they wouldn't lose a big part of their assets. For some undisclosed reason, they are that terrifyingly big.

Just to say it but, you may want to look out for Sakura. Things could get plenty hairy if they aren't careful...

Oh yeah, that aside.

Fate/Stay Night UBW.

Good do i love that thing. I just saw the 10th episode and on my way to the 11th with my sister. I almost thought i should get nervous for the ''make a connection with Rin for using UBW correctly'' thing, then remembered the MOTHERFUKCING NIGHTMARE blessing that were the almighty CG Dragon and CG Dolphins... however the fuck that thing could be called a dolphin...

But yeah, my sister dropped de- i mean, went to sleep, and i had the sole pleasure of seeing Gil using Ea to most probably wake up 2/3 of the whole damn city.

I must say, they are changing a good deal of things, but i personally see it for the best. The things changed make it appeal much more as show than as a novel, which IS kind of the point because it IS a show, not the original Light Novel. If they had taken their liberties in ANOTHER sort of way(I'm looking at you DxD...), things would be a whole different story. The part of the original VN readers that are shouting foul should understand that. Of course i'm not addressing all VN readers when i say this. I don't want undesirable misunderstandings.

What else, what else...

Oh yeah, i have been indulging in some books recently. The Percy Jackson series , which I personally call Pervy Jackass, i'm beginning to get into Harry Potter, shortly the Dresden Files, also finished The Great God Pan from Arthur Machen, plus planning on frying my brain by entering the dreaded black zone known as the Cthulhu Mythos. Let's hope the Great Old One doesn't mark my sanity as a target. Of course if he doesn't, the Creeping Darkness may not be so lenient...

Oh well, what i want out of these reads is, basically:

See the actual writing style of other actual writers. It may end up helping me heavily, since i do think i may end up shuffling my style depending on the story I or me and Noah will be working on. It may as well be one stale style with some changes here and there, but let's see how this ends.

Get more to date with the better know and very much used materials for other fanfics. I mean, for God's sake, Harry Potter is the second most prolific material used in FanFiction, just second after Naruto. This goes double with The Great God Pan and books of the Cthulhu Mythos, since graphical and mental horror of indescribable proportions it's something i would like, and may indeed end up, using in the future for other stories, most likely more in the parts where i reveal bits and info about the Multiverse as a whole. The frame of things that i see it's a little bit bigger than just creation and all of reality. If there's a creation, there's a creator. But if there's a creator, it's because he came up from somewhere. From where?

Well... i just like reading them. I, of course, will pick up some more books if at all possible, some of them recommendations from a friend of mine(To give and idea what kind of recommendations, go look for Psycho-Pass, the Manga Monster, Evangelion, Lain, etc... And you will get an idea what she reads) to further my view of such subjects applied on books. I also just recently remembered i had ended Angel and Demons and had still not read The Da Vinci Code. Dan Brown is a Master.

Well, that will be all for now. No new Jutsu or anything the like so no new info. Too bad.

Well, till the next time.

Now for the end..

Let's hear the reviews!
Let's see the comments!
Let's make Sasuke and Sakura shit their pants!
From where the fuck did Anko came from!? Wasn't she lost!?
Don't bully woman in front of our redhead!

And Let's REVIEW AGAIN!

TANK YOU ALL!

(Nop, this wasn't a typo..)