Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. I also do not condone smoking in any way, shape or form. Don't do drugs kids.

Naruto, a bit depressed over what he had just witnessed decided to go to his favorite place to get away from everyone. He reached the hokage monument and sat upon the third's head. It was a perfect place, because it allowed for the best view of Konoha possible and nobody ever bothered to come up there. The last few days had seen a lot of change in his world. Hinata was waiting on his answer, and Sakura had completely rejected any romantic interest between them. He wondered what had happened that night in the hospital that night and why the last few nights had been the worst sleep he'd ever had. He pulled out the locket from under his shirt and untangled it from the first's necklace. He rubbed it as he thought about the possibility of Hinata. While he sat there, he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He quickly tucked the necklaces away inside his shirt as he turned around to see a smoking Shikamaru standing behind him.

"Yo."

"I thought Temari got you to quit those."

"What she doesn't know can't hurt me."

"How is she anyway?"

"More troublesome than ever. Seriously, the pregnancy is doing a number on both of us with her mood swings and morning sickness."

"Ouch."

"Yeah."

"What brings you up here anyway, the cigarettes? "

"Nah, I could do that anywhere but at home. Tsunade wanted me to find you and bring you to her office."

"Alright, let's go." Naruto said getting up. Shikamaru put the cig out on the cliff and tossed the butt into his pouch. The two went down the side of the cliff on chakra. It was quicker and a lot less exhausting than going all the way around. They reached the office in about five minutes and entered following Sakura. Tsunade sat at her desk with a stack of reports.

"We have a situation along the northern border of fire country. A large number of missing-nins have amassed and are attempting to raid the towns to our north. I've gathered all the available ninja already in the area and I'm having them rendezvous south of the enemy's location. I've called you three here to meet and help support them. Naruto, I know you have a couple days left on your restriction, but I'm lifting it in that the length was far longer than necessary. The extra days were meant to give you a break, because you won't take one yourself. Shikamaru I've gathered you here to manage the different teams that are gathered there, many of whom haven't worked together before. Naruto you are to offer scouting and general firepower. Sakura, there will probably be shinobi who have injuries before the battle even starts, please get them to fighting shape as best you can. Gather all necessary equipment and supplies and meet at the main gate. You are to leave immediately."

"Hai" the three said in unison.

Naruto was already pretty well set for the mission, because he'd had so much time to kill lately, and had counted his kunai at one point in an attempt to get to sleep, so his bag was well equipped. After doing a final check of equipment just outside the door of his apartment, he headed directly for the gate to wait for the remaining two.

Sakura went to the supply room and collected all the necessary equipment for treating the more common ailments of ninja: cuts, poison, and trauma to the limbs. After a quick packing at home, she went quickly to the gate to find the other two waiting for her. Shikamaru looked like he'd been hit by a tornado.

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Flashback

"What's this?"

"I picked up some litter earlier"

"BS"

"What?"

"We have a baby coming and I will not have you smoking around me or it. Frankly I'd prefer it if you stopped it all together if only for your own health."

"Alright. Alright."

"Don't give me that again. You better have gotten your priorities in line before you come back." With that, she pulled him by the ear and tossed him out the door along with his gear.

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"What happened to you?"

"Don't ask"

"Since everyone is here. Let's go!" Naruto said taking a big step forward. A mission would help settle his mind for a while.

"Do you have any idea where we're going?" the Nara said and Naruto face faulted. Shikamaru pulled out his map and plotted the route in his head.

"Okay, follow me." With that, the group disappeared into the forest surrounding the village.

The team moved quickly and arrived without much incident, excepting a couple broken tree limbs and running into a family of squirrels along the way. It was late in the evening when they arrived, so after tending to the injured the three of them set up camp next to the other teams gathered there.

Looking around Shikamaru noticed the motley crew gathered around him. The variety was astounding. Almost every clan seemed to be represented from an Aburame to even a few Hyuugas though he didn't know the ones that were in this particular group personally. He had a few of the more rested members take up guard positions and the group got some rest. Tomorrow would be troublesome.

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Alright, so I've gone a bit off the path that you probably expected, but fear not. Good things come to those who wait. I'm sorry if you don't like my portrayal of Temari or Shikamaru. If you know how I could do better please say something. I'm all ears… or eyes rather, but you get the point. Hope you enjoyed it.