"I never imagined things would go this poorly." Itachi said. "With Kisame dead our entire plan will be delayed."

"Who are you?" asked someone from behind Itachi.

"Me, that's not something you should concern yourself with." Itachi said before turning to see a girl with brown hair painting the leaf village. "You're quite the artist."

"Thanks, I've had a lot of time to practice. I recognize that headband, wait you're Itachi Uchiha." The girl said. "Could I ask you something?"

"What is it?" Itachi asked.

"You're a great ninja, so would you be able to help train me?" the girl asked. "It's not like anyone here is willing to help."

"You're asking me to help you work on your ninja abilities, you do understand what that means don't you?" Itachi asked.

"I understand, but your partner died didn't he?" the girl asked. "I'll just serve as his replacement."

"Alright, you've got a deal." Itachi said walking over to the girl. "Just remember you wanted to join."

"I know, and I intend to help you out however I can." The girl said before Itachi took her arm and the two of them teleported away.

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"Wait, are you kidding me?" Naruto asked. "We're replacing the old man already?"

"The leaf village suffered several casualties as a result of the invasion. The elders decided that a new hokage is needed as soon as possible." Kakashi said calmly. "That's why everyone is gathering for their decision"

"I guess, but shouldn't we have a funeral first?" Naruto asked.

"The plan is for the funeral to be the first thing once the fifth hokage is selected." Kakashi explained before three people stepped out on the roof of the hokage mansion.

"Citizens of the leaf, as you are all aware Hiruzen Sarutobi, your third hokage, died defending this village against Orochimaru and the hidden sand village." said an old man with glasses.

"As such the immediate concern is to find a suitable replacement." said an old woman standing next to the man.

"There was an extensive discussion on the matter, in order to ensure the fifth hokage is capable of following in Hiruzen's footsteps." said a man with bandages on his arm and over his eye.

"To that end, we…" the man started to say before Jiraiya appeared next to him.

"Pardon my intrusion, but there's something you need to know." Jiraiya said suddenly.

"Jiraiya, I'm glad you're here actually." said the woman. "We need you to lead a specialized squad on a vital mission for the village."

"Vital mission?" Jiraiya asked. "Wait, you want me to take a group of ninja and get her don't you?"

"Precisely, while you would be the first choice to be the fifth hokage you have more pressing matters that require your unique skills." said the man with glasses.

"I get it, so I'm guessing you have a team in mind?" Jiraiya asked.

"You're her teammate, so you should pick a squad that can effectively find her." said the man wearing the bandages.

"Alright, I think I know just who to take along." Jiraiya said. "I'll let them know tonight and we can leave tomorrow morning."

"Very well, in that case we'll leave this in your trustworthy hands." said the woman.

"Right, I'll be sure to get her." Jiraiya said calmly.

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"Wait, what are you talking about?" Naruto asked. "Why do you need me and Hinata to go with you?"

"I already told you, I'm going on an important mission and I'll need your help." Jiraiya said. "Plus after the invasion I'm curious to see your skills."

"Naruto, you two should go with lord Jiraiya." Kakashi said.

"Kakashi sensei, alright don't worry we'll get this lady and be back before you know it." Naruto said with a grin.

"Well that settles that, I just need to do a few things, we'll leave tomorrow morning." Jiraiya said calmly. "Oh and Hinata I'm very impressed with that jutsu you learned."

"The summoning jutsu?" Hinata asked. "Well I'm sure there are other people who can do that."

"Maybe, but not lions." Jiraiya said. "You could have a lot more potential than your father."

"Are you sure?" Hinata asked.

"Absolutely, that's part of the reason I want you to come with us." Jiraiya said. "I may not know the Hyuga clan techniques, but I do have a few things to teach you."

"Alright, in that case I'll go prepare." Hinata said.

"Oh yeah, I should get ready too." Naruto said running towards his house.

"Are you sure you don't want anyone else to go with you?" Kakashi asked.

"We'll be fine, after all I know her well and the more people who go the less likely she'll agree." Jiraiya said calmly.

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"Lord Orochimaru, this medicine should decrease the pain in your arms." Kabuto said calmly.

"This is only a temporary solution, although I have something in mind that can provide a permanent solution to my problem." Orochimaru said.

"Wait, what are you talking about?" Kabuto asked.

"Kabuto, I need you to look into something for me." Orochimaru said calmly. "An old friend of mine has the skills necessary to heal my arms."

"Wait, you mean your old teammate, but why would she help you? You didn't exactly leave on the best terms." Kabuto said.

"That may be true, but once we find her I'll be able to negotiate an arrangement." Orochimaru said.

"Of course, I'll have a search go out immediately." Kabuto said.

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"Hinata, are you alright?" asked her mother. "Does your squad have a mission?"

"Not exactly, Lord Jiraiya wanted me and Naruto to go with him to find the fifth hokage." Hinata explained.

"Lord Jiraiya, that's impressive." her mother said. "I'll let Hiashi know what's going on."

"Hinata, I'm so glad you're home." Hanabi said. "I have great news."

"Really, what is it Hanabi?" Hinata asked.

"I've been enrolled at the academy." Hanabi said.

"That's amazing." Hinata said. "In that case I'm looking forward to going on a mission with you."

"So am I, that should be awesome." Hanabi said with a smile.

(A mission to locate the fifth hokage has been assigned. Next chapter Jiraiya, Naruto, and Hinata will head out to begin the search. As always any reviews or critique is appreciated.)