Naruto was walking through the Leaf Village with a content smile on his face. Despite the earlier troubles of that day, he was feeling much better. After his little chat with Anko, he felt he had one more precious person to protect.

Pausing for a second, Naruto took a minute to reminisce about his first C-rank mission. He had nearly lost Sasuke back then.

"It's not like back then matters, he's gone now, anyways." He mumbles.

"Who's gone now?" Apparently he didn't mumble quiet enough. Then Naruto remembers someone had spoken to him. He turns around to come face to face with none other than…

"Um, who are you?" Naruto asks.

Naruto looks up to see a man close to ten centimeters taller than himself. The man is wearing a long coat, with it's hood up. A high-collared shirt, dark glasses, regular shinobi pants, and sandals.

Realizing Naruto didn't know who he was, the man started to sulk.

"Hey, are you okay, dude?" Naruto asked worriedly.

"I'm just upset an old friend doesn't recognize me." Said the man.

"Well who are you?"

"It's me, Naruto. It's Shino."

"Wait, what? You're Shino? No wonder I didn't recognize you. I can't see any of your face."

"I knew who you were before I saw your face." Replied Shino.

"Well, uh…" Naruto was saved from replying when Kiba and Hinata ran up to the pair.

"Hey, Shino, sorry we took so long, Hinata had to, um, get something from the market. Yeah, that sounds good." explained Kiba.

"It is okay, Kiba. I was having a friendly conversation with Naruto here." Replied Shino.

"Oh, hey, Naruto. I hadn't seen you there." Admitted Kiba.

"Hey, Kiba, how have things been going since we got back?" Asked Naruto.

"Pretty well. Hinata and I have been hanging out a good bit." This comment making Hinata blush, though it went unnoticed by everyone. "And we just got a mission with Kurenai-sensei." Finished Kiba.

"Oh, wow, that's pre-" Before Naruto could finish, Kurenai jumped from a roof, interrupting him.

"Sorry I'm late, guys. Also, I can't go on this mission." Stated Kurenai, as quickly as she could.

"What!? Why not?" Asked Kiba.

"Something just came up. I'm going to need a replacement. I trust you'll be able to find one. It can be anyone of any rank, as long as you trust their strength. Remember, it's only a B-rank." With that, their sensei jumped back off towards her house.
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"Man, that sucks. Who are we going to fin for a mission at such short notice." Complained Kiba.

"Well, I'm free." Explained Naruto.

"Are you sure you're up for this mission, Naruto? You're still only a genin." Asked Shino.

"Of course. I trained with a sannin for three years."

"That's perfect. We can still go on this mission!" Exclaimed an excited Kiba.

"Naruto, go pack for a three day mission. We've been assigned to take out a camp of bandits a day's worth of travel away. We're meeting at the west gate in one hour." Explained Shino.

"Understood. I'll see you guys then!" Naruto said, then he took of running towards his apartment.

*Time Skip*

Naruto showed up to his house within five minutes. He started rummaging through all his stuff, just dumped on his bed.

"Man, I really should have organized." He said to himself.

"Tell me about it. Did you accidentally use a wind jutsu in here?" Someone said.

"Who's there?" Asked an on edge Naruto.

"It's just me." Said Anko, revealing herself.

"Oh, hey, Anko. I'm just packing for a mission." Explained Naruto.

"You're already going on another mission?" Asked Anko.

"Yeah, with old team 8, minus Kurenai-sensei." Explained Naruto.

"Lucky. What's the objective."

"We're just going to be taking out a camp of bandits."

"Lucky."

"You just said that."

"Doesn't mean it not true."

"I guess so."

"Well when you get back, we should go out and have some dango."

"I'm down." As Naruo said this, he shut a book, and started heading for the door. "Come on, Ankp, I'm heading out."

"But you don't have a pack?"

"It's all sealed away in this book. I traveled with a seal master for a few years. Of course I'm going to pick up a few tricks."

"I guess that's true."

"Now come on, I only have about forty-five minutes to get to the west gate, and I intend to take the scenic route."

"Mind if I come along?"

"If you want."

They both head out, going through the park to get to the gate.

*Time Skip*

"Wow, the cherry blossoms are you beautiful this year." Said an amazed Anko.

"Tell me about it. I haven't seen 'em in a while." Replied Naruto.

As their walking continued, so did their talking. It ranged from favorite candy, to favorite killing method.

"And I say that a straightforward throat slice is easier!" Exclaimed Naruto, drawing a bit of attention.

"Quiet it down a bit, you're going to make people think we're psycho serial killers." Scolded Anko.

"We kind of are, though. We're shinobi after all." Explained Naruto.

"Good point..." Replied Anko.

"Well here we are. This is the gate." Announced Naruto.

"Then I guess I'll see you in a few days." Said Anko, albeit reluctantly.

"Yeah, I'll make sure to tell you when we get back." Stated Naruto.

"Good, well, see you later." Said Anko.

With that, Naruto walked off to meet up with Kiba, Shino, and Hinata. After a quick greeting, they all headed off toward their destination. One thought played throughout Anko's mind.

'Hurry back.'