Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I have passed 100,000 hits for this story. Apart from that, someone mistaked this to be a sequel to Hands of Destiny. If you are reading this, it's not. This is completely separate from anything. Like i said in my first author notes, disregard everything from the manga. Everything about the story, past and present, will be shown by myself. Now, enjoy.

Chapter 27: Unforgiving Error

The sound of the clock ticking filled the otherwise silent room. Sakura was drawing circles with her finger on the wooden table, her hair partially covering her face. She was exhausted, but couldn't let herself sleep because she wanted to know the details of the current situation.

Sasuke had his eyes closed, resting on the cushions which surrounded the room. It was best to get some recuperation in case of something unexpected. His life had taken him on an adventure already, one which he still hoped hadn't happened.

Kakashi was the only member of the team who couldn't calm himself; the several questions rushing through his mind, and the desire to find their answers was overwhelming. He had spent so much of his life in regret and sorrow, and it seemed for naught.

The door across the room slid open before Hideaki and Sakumo walked through. Team 7 was alerted by their presence; Sakura sat up and Sasuke opened his eyes. Hideaki stroked his beard, watching the newest arrivals in the homeland, "For the time being, you will remain here."

Sakura asked the question on her mind, "What about Naruto?"

"I will be sending someone to take care of him." The old man moved towards the exit of the house.

Sakura was mulling over certain things, "I could look after him. I'm a trained medic-nin."

Sasuke was surprised at her request, considering her attitude towards the blonde while he was in Konoha. He remained silent, not interrupting the proceedings.

"Why would you want to do that?" Hideaki had a questioning tone.

Sakura couldn't help but shrink slightly under the scrutinising eyes, "I'm used to taking care of people. I have nothing else to do anyway."

Hideaki smiled, "Very well. If you notice anything abnormal, inform us immediately. I have a few things to attend to but I shall return later in the day." He exited the house, the wind blowing through the open door.

Kakashi hadn't taken his eyes off his father for the duration of the conversation. He had visibly gotten older, his skin slightly wrinkled. He still wore the same type of mask which Kakashi had decided to take up in respect for him.

Sakumo addressed the group, "Feel free to rest up. I'll have someone bring you food once you're ready." He hesitated momentarily before facing Kakashi, "Can I talk with you?"

Kakashi glared at his father, not replying for a few moments. He needed to know answers but also felt like avoiding the situation. Separating himself from the wall, he spoke coolly, "Where do you want to go?"

Sakumo walked through the open door, followed by Kakashi. They needed their privacy for the matters they were going to discuss. The door closed behind them, prompting Sakura to speak, "That was uncomfortable."

Sasuke stood up, walking around the room. He stopped at the beginning of a corridor, noticing that it was a spacious accommodation. "I'm going to rest. There's nothing we have to do for the time being."

Sakura yawned, stretching her arms and letting out a loud noise. She got up from her seat and walked inside the room where Naruto was. She looked at the figure of the man, covered in sweat. Bringing a chair closer to the bed, she sat down and rested her head against the mattress.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto let out a deep breath, rummaging though his pocket and retrieving his pack of cigarettes. Placing one of the sticks of nicotine in his mouth, he lit it on fire. He continued smoking, seated on the square.

Light observed the man, "When are you going to get up?"

"Why did it feel so real?" Naruto took the cigarette out of his mouth, facing the boy.

Light held his hands behind his head, "I told you that everything wouldn't fill you with happiness."

Shaking his head, Naruto glanced up the squares which acted like steps, "That didn't answer my question. Why did the pain seem so real?" He was still shaken from experiencing his first kill again. The emotions he felt that day and his regret was all so noticeable.

"When you walk through these doors, you're reliving the moments again. The emotions you felt on those occasions, whether they were good or bad, will also return." Light waited for a response from the jinchuuriki.

Naruto stood up, "Why didn't you tell me about that?"

"You figured it out on your own didn't you?" Light turned and began to walk.

Naruto placed his cigarette back in his mouth, following the young boy, "Reliving your past and watching it are two completely different things. You shouldn't have waited for me to figure it out."

Light approached the sixth door, "It's a double edged sword. You'll experience the joy but also the misery. Do you finally understand now?"

Naruto blew out some smoke, "Yeah, I do. What's behind this door?"

Light laughed, "You're worried, eh? This is part of the test; can you face the unexpected?"

Naruto decided to ignore the young boy. Without thinking too much, he walked through the blinding light.

Naruto sat underneath the familiar tree, picking the blades of grass. He wasn't paying attention to what he was doing, his eyes blank. It had been a week since his first mission and he could still feel the blood on his hands. The idea of ending someone's life was hard to think about, yet he had done it.

Yuudai walked onto the cliff top, watching Naruto from afar. He could hear the sea crashing against the rocks below. Walking towards the young jinchuuriki, he sat down beside him. He took the scroll off his back and placed it to a side. "It's time you made a decision."

Naruto stopped plucking the grass, "About what?"

"It was hard for you, staining your hands. But this is the existence of a ninja; there will come times when you have no choice but to take a life." He leaned against the tree, "Since I'm the leader of the encampment now, I have the time to train you myself. The second step will be completed while you are under my care, if you choose to go ahead with it."

Naruto understood what he was saying. With Yuudai being the leader, he would be in the encampment for long periods at a time. He sighed, resting his arms on his knees, "You're the one who requested me for this training because you felt I showed courage. But if I back out now, does that make me a coward?"

Yuudai brushed his hair, "When I first killed someone, I was confused. But I continued since I believed it was necessary. Your reaction was different from my own. If someone stands up for what they believe in, I don't think it makes them a coward."

Naruto stared at the man, shocked by what he had said. "This is the first time you've spoken like that."

Yuudai faced the ninja, "Like what?"

"A normal person." Naruto smiled, "It's different from what you usually sound like."

Yuudai was slightly surprised, "I didn't realise."

"It's a good thing." Naruto scratched his head, "I can't give up now. My dream can only come true as a ninja."

Yuudai nodded, acknowledging his answer, "The second step will focus on your body; how to make the most of it in terms of your speed, strength, flexibility and reactions. You've trained your mind a great deal; this step will help your body catch up."

Naruto tried to digest all the information, "What about techniques?"

"That's also included; the understanding of the different elements, being able to perform them to the best of your ability. It's going to be hard and taxing on your strength. However, for you there is one more thing."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"

"Control over the Kyuubi." Yuudai could see the stunned expression adorning Naruto's visage, "Having trained your mind, you should be able to concentrate your chakra and understand exactly how much you want to use. With this second step, you will learn not only how to use the Kyuubi's chakra, but how much of it your body can withstand."

Naruto shook his head, sighing, "That's a lot of things."

"It's difficult because the ones who are capable of finishing are not ordinary. They have talent which makes them one of the best. Do you have that talent?" Yuudai reached to his side and picked up the scroll.

"What's that?" Naruto was curious about the item.

Yuudai placed the scroll down, unravelling it, "A summoning contract."

"Summoning? I was taught about this. What animal is it for?" Naruto tried to read the names on the parchment.

Yuudai moved back, "The dragons. Go ahead and sign it."

Naruto's mouth fell open, knowing how big this was. He had been educated of the summons and their structure while on the homeland. He bit his thumb, before grabbing the scroll. He could make out the names of Yuudai and Hideaki, but between them was another he didn't recognise. He signed his name in blood after Yuudai's on the contract.

Yuudai picked up the contract and rolled it up, "I trust you know how to do a simple summoning technique?" Naruto nodded in response, "I want you to use as much chakra as you can to summon. It will be a good measure of how far you've come with your previous training and your overall chakra strength."

Naruto performed hand seals before slamming his hand into the ground. A cloud of smoke covered the air. A voice made itself apparent, "Here I come! Witness my strength!" The smoke cleared revealing a dragon standing with his claws above him.

Yuudai was taken aback, "Genkei?"

Genkei turned to face the man, "Are you still as boring as always? So, what's the assignment? That is what you always talk about." He started mocking the shinobi, "No Genkei, we shouldn't peep on these women. I know I read those sex novels but this isn't right. Wait Genkei, what are you doing? It's all about the mission, you should know that."

Naruto burst into laughter; startled that the impression was very accurate. Yuudai addressed the dragon, "Why do you do that?"

"Why are you always so serious?" He looked at Naruto who was still laughing, "Who the hell is this?"

Yuudai stood up, "He's the one who summoned you."

Genkei looked at the jinchuuriki who calmed down. "A new summoner but he's a kid." He continued staring for a while.

Naruto scratched his head, "What's your problem?"

"Your height amuses me." Genkei smiled.

Naruto looked offended, "Who did you call extremely short that it's pathetic?"

Genkei's eyes were wide, "I never said that."

Naruto pointed at the dragon, "But that's what you meant!"

Yuudai ignored the bickering, surprised that Naruto was able to summon the King of Dragons. He must have had a huge chakra supply already. He turned serious, knowing it was time to get the training started.

Naruto blinked a few times, walking outside of the door. "I sometimes forget how different it was between me and Genkei. He used to make fun of me all the time but that changed when I grew older." He laughed wholeheartedly. Upon calming down somewhat, he noticed Light was smiling at him, "What is it?"

Light shrugged, "You're beginning to change. That's good."

XXXXXXXXXX

Lee travelled through the corridors of the hospital. Team Gai along with Chouji and Shikamaru had come to visit their injured friends. It had been over a day since the mission Shikamaru led had been accomplished.

Ino was at the front of the large group, leading the way. She had been assigned to hospital duty for a while now, but wasn't as bothered as she was initially. It did get boring on occasions and she managed to gather some entertainment from the patients. There were many young men who would attempt to flirt with her only to fail miserably.

"How are Kiba and Hinata?" Lee's eyes darted across the hallway while he walked.

Ino brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "I don't see the point in coming. They're going to be discharged later on today."

Tenten nervously laughed, "That's true, I guess."

Shikamaru had his hands in his pocket, "It's the gesture that matters."

Ino shrugged, having arrived at their destination. Before she could open the door, Tenten spoke again, "Is Hinata here?"

"Yeah, she's in better shape than Kiba. She's spent more time here than in her own room." Ino opened the door and moved inside, followed by the rest of the group.

"I was wondering when you all would come!" Kiba was sitting up with hand on his knee, "It's been a while since I've had to stay in the hospital."

Hinata was seated on a chair near the bed. She waved at her friends with a smile. "Thank you for coming."

Shino was also present, standing near the window. Lee rushed to the bedside, "You lost pretty badly."

"Yeah, kind of." He clearly didn't want to discuss it, slightly embarrassed of his failure.

Neji nodded at his cousin, he had already been to visit her and the Inuzuka a day prior. He approached one of the walls and leaned against it, becoming comfortable.

"You should be glad you're alive. Most shinobi wouldn't miss an opportunity to kill their opponents." Shikamaru was reflecting on his own loss.

Kiba grabbed his pillow and tucked it under his arm, "That was weird. I'm actually surprised I'm still here." He shook his head, "Enough about that. Have you heard the good news?"

The silence answered the Inuzuka's question. Ino was prompted to speak, "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Hokage-sama has recovered; she left the hospital this morning."

"What?" Tenten shouted out suddenly, "Why didn't you tell me?" She had idolised the woman and would've wanted to hear any news of her recovery.

"I'm sorry, it slipped my mind." Ino folded her arms.

"Slipped your mind? This is the Hokage!" Tenten was slightly eccentric.

Lee realised something, "The Godaime must already be planning to take action." He turned and walked to the door, "Neji, Shikamaru, come with me."

Shikamaru was less than pleased but knew he would ultimately have to follow, "Why are you so troublesome?" He bid farewell and left the room along with Lee.

Neji was still standing against the wall, being stared at by the remainder of the group. Kiba waited for him to shift, "Aren't you going too?"

Neji closed his eyes, "There's no need."

"NEJI!" Lee's shout resonated through the air.

Ino was alerted by the sound, "That idiot. You're not supposed to be shouting in here." She faced Neji, "You better come too; I don't want him screaming again."

Neji detached himself from the wall and exited with Ino stomping off ahead of him. Chouji was eating his packet of crisps, "Should we go?"

Tenten didn't even reply, leaving the room as she was eager to see the Hokage. Kiba was startled by how quickly the number of people had declined, "I thought you all came to see us."

Chouji sat down, "I'll stay; I doubt they'll need me. Besides, Lee's plans always lead somewhere I don't want to be." He made himself comfortable, not wanting to get involved with whatever his friend might do.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kakashi leaned against the wooden railing, staring at one of the many beautiful ponds. They were full of life, bright green plants and colourful fish within. He didn't feel like saying anything, waiting for his father to initiate the talk.

Sakumo had been gazing at his son unknowingly for a few minutes now; it was pleasing to see him again. He walked closer to the wooden structure separating the garden from the house, "I don't know where to start."

Kakashi could see his father's reflection in the water, "An explanation would be helpful."

Sakumo nodded, resting his arms on the railing, "I was rescued by the man you saw inside. His name is Hideaki; he is the leader of the Confederation."

Kakashi could picture his father's corpse, "How is that possible? I saw your body."

"Forbidden medicine; I was given a pill which made it appear like I was dead." Sakumo didn't look at Kakashi while explaining.

Kakashi didn't understand, "What about the wound? You stabbed yourself."

"The medic-nins took care of that. My wound was swiftly healed and you buried me." His hair fell over his face.

Kakashi's heart beat faster, "You're telling me you died and were brought back to life?"

Sakumo resumed, "The pill I was given had a lasting effect of 1 day. After my burial, I was dug up by Hideaki and Genkei. That was the last I saw of Konoha."

"Was it all planned?" Kakashi looked at his father.

Sakumo sighed, a little hesitant to continue, "It was on that day I met both Hideaki and Genkei. I had been planning something else but they managed to sway my mind, promising to help me."

Kakashi's eye widened, realising what he meant, "You were going to kill yourself."

Sakumo felt the jolt of regret pierce his heart, "Kakashi, it was hard. The hate and degradation I received."

Kakashi's heart ached, "So you were willing to leave me behind? I grew up without anyone to support me. Did you think people believing you had committed suicide helped me?"

"Kakashi…" Sakumo was stopped from finishing.

"I lived so many years without the respect of those around me. My friend died believing you were a hero." Kakashi's pain was visible in his eye, his voice wasn't as steady as it was normally, "What kind of hero fakes his own death and runs away?"

Sakumo was deeply affected by his words. He had wanted to see his son for so long but it was hard facing his own mistakes, "I didn't want anyone to think of me as a hero." He looked at the jounin, "I wanted to take you with me."

"You still don't understand." Kakashi shook his head, "I wouldn't have left your side, but you were willing to kill yourself to escape everything."

Sakumo was left speechless, not knowing how to reply. He stared at his son, noticing the pain he was in. Kakashi turned around and opened the door, entering the house. Sakumo was left alone, his thoughts numerous in number. He gazed the pond, the sting of sorrow within him. A tear escaped his eye before he whispered, "I really am sorry."

XXXXXXXXXX

Tsunade glanced at the Hokage monument, the wind blowing silently. She would come to observe the carved faces of her predecessors whenever she needed to think. There had been many sacrifices throughout the short history of Konoha. Sacrifices which were made in order to let the people of the village continue with their lives.

It was an amazing sight which reminded her of exactly what was important; the willingness for a person to toss their happiness aside for others. It was a slightly frightening concept at times. But her grandfather along with the other leaders of Konoha had all been prepared to do this. She hoped she was as strong as them in her heart.

"You don't stay in one place." Jiraiya walked onto the balcony along with another person.

Tsunade was surprised to hear the frog hermit's voice so soon. They had just talked a few hours ago. She turned around, "Why did you come back?" She noticed the other shinobi with him, "And why is he here?"

Jiraiya folded his arms, "You needed answers; he has them." He looked at the special jounin, "Go ahead Aoba. Tell her what you told me."

Aoba cleared his throat, "The Confederation has extended an invitation to you."

Tsunade raised her eyebrow upon hearing the fabled name, "How would you know this?"

"I am a spy of theirs. My family, since the birth of this village, has been working for them." Aoba was worried about any unexpected retaliation.

Tsunade glared at the man, "Do you think it's wise to reveal yourself as a spy?"

"Maybe it wasn't. But there are extremely important matters at hand, things which will affect everyone in this world. We need Konoha's help." Aoba hoped his words would reach the woman.

Tsunade was surprised with the information. It was worrying to know that someone had been keeping track of them for so long, "Why don't I just have you captured? What's stopping me from doing that?"

Aoba knew the Godaime could do whatever she wanted and he wouldn't be able to stop her. He quickly spoke to clarify everything, "Team 7 and Naruto are in the Confederation's hands right now. I'm just a messenger and will take you there too. This isn't a trap."

Jiraiya decided to add his own thoughts, "I agree with him. This could be our chance to find some answers. There's more going on here than we know."

Tsunade grunted, "So the Confederation isn't a myth. Fair enough, when will you take us there?"

Aoba was glad to know they were cooperating, "I would prefer we leave immediately. It is urgent."

Tsunade nodded but didn't move as she felt someone else in the vicinity. She shook her head, "Konohamaru…"

A few moments passed without anything happening, before the chuunin finally revealed himself. He didn't let them say anything, "I want to come too!"

Tsunade walked towards Jiraiya and Aoba, "You're in no position to tell me what you want. The next time you do something like this, I'll have you punished."

Konohamaru spoke in a more sincere tone, "Please, I need to see Naruto-niichan."

Jiraiya analysed the shinobi, "Why do you need to see him?"

"I don't mind if he comes." Aoba blurted out, receiving questioning looks in return, "Sorry, it's a habit."

Tsunade sighed, "I guess it won't hurt."

Konohamaru grinned, "I won't disappoint you. I'll meet you all at the gates." He vanished from sight.

Tsunade stared at the two shinobi near her, "I'll inform Shizune of this. We'll leave after that."

Aoba acknowledged her stance, understanding the need for such an action. He followed the Godaime and her ex-team mate into the mansion.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto saw the smoke from his cigarette ascend, his thoughts roaming around in his past. There was so much he had done but he was being shown only particular parts. What was the reason and where was it leading to? He didn't bother asking the young boy he was following any questions, since he never received an answer.

"We've come quite far. I was worried you wouldn't even make it here." Light was holding his hands behind his head.

Naruto spoke coolly, "How much is left?"

Light pointed to the top of the step like squares, "We've come halfway now. By the time we get up there, I'll know whether you're ready."

Naruto resumed smoking, having reached the next door. He gaped at the radiating light, wondering what he'd see next. Taking a deep breath, he hoped it wouldn't be anything distressing. He walked through passage, leaving behind the young boy.

Naruto was standing near the edge of the cliff, his body covered in a shroud of red chakra. His eyes were closed while he concentrated on how much chakra he wanted to use. Opening his eyes, he revealed the crimson and fearsome glare. "I think I've got the hang of it now; two tails is my max. If I try and use more, it feels like I'm changing."

Genkei whistled, "That's good at this point. I don't think you should be using the Kyuubi's chakra anyway, we don't know anything about it."

"But Yuudai-san believes its okay." Naruto defended himself.

Genkei shrugged, checking his claws, "Over the past year, how many times have you lost yourself to more chakra than you could handle? Your emotions get the best of you and that's dangerous. Yuudai wants you to be able to defend yourself, and though this is a beneficial route, it may be a little too much for you to handle."

Naruto sighed, the shroud of chakra vanishing, "I'll get better."

Genkei nodded, "I think you can but you should be careful." The dragon waved his tail over the grass, "Naruto, why do you insist on me being here?"

The 14 year old boy stared at the summon upon being asked the sudden question, "I like the company."

"Yuudai is present at most times." Genkei waited for a response.

Naruto scratched his head, "Yeah he is, but he's reading his book most of the time. You talk a lot and sometimes we even get him involved."

Genkei glared at the boy, "You're using me to get Yuudai to speak more?"

Naruto waved his hands, laughing nervously, "Not entirely. I enjoy you being here."

"Really?" Genkei wasn't amused.

Naruto walked towards the tree and sat down, "Your stories about the summoning realm are interesting. What's wrong with that?"

Genkei nodded, looking behind him, "Yuudai is back from Iwa. I can feel him in the encampment."

Naruto leaned against the tree, resting himself. It had been a year since he had began the second step of the training programme. He hadn't completed it but he was going at a steady pace. He had learnt a lot about techniques and the elements. It was physically taxing and he'd find it hard to move on some days.

"This is interesting, there's someone with him." Genkei was running his tongue over his sharp teeth.

Naruto was intrigued by the news, focusing. "They're coming here."

A few moments later, Yuudai entered the cliff top along with a woman of 18 years. The leader of the encampment was still wearing his mask, approaching Naruto and Genkei. "You've stopped training."

Naruto was looking at the woman next to his teacher as he clarified, "I needed a break."

Yuudai rested his hand on his sword hilt, "This is Yuka, the daughter of the Tsuchikage. She's one of the Confederation's shinobi now."

"The Tsuchikage's daughter?" He looked at the woman who was very attractive. Why was he finding her so familiar?

Yuudai started to take off his mask, "You're the only ninja at the moment who doesn't participate in missions because of your training. I'm leaving the job of getting her accustomed to everything to you."

Naruto was dumbfounded by all the sudden information, "How did this happen?"

"This was negotiated 2 years ago, when we were in Iwa." Yuudai turned around and walked away from the area, having certain duties to finish.

Naruto felt his stomach plunge into the deepest region of his body, realising where he had seen the woman before. "You're…"

Yuka tilted her head, "You didn't get a good enough look last time then?"

Genkei added himself to the conversation, "I'm sensing some history here."

"You're not going to hold that against me are you?" Naruto knew he was off to a poor start. It had been his fault since he had deliberately tried to peek on the women's side.

Yuka closed her eyes. "No, but if you try something like that again, I'll be sure to do something about it."

Naruto cleared his throat, trying to smile as much as he could. With one move, his life had become a lot more complicated. Not only did he have training to do, he had to take care of someone who clearly didn't like him.

Naruto rushed though the light, escaping to where he was comfortable with being. He grabbed the cigarette from his mouth, "Damn, why didn't I know I'd see her again?"

Light could see a tear falling from the man's eyes onto the ground, "You didn't like the experience?"

Naruto gritted his teeth, "No, it's not that. I still find it hard to accept that she's gone."

Light smiled, "This is all about acceptance so it's a good thing you're here, no?"

Naruto was troubled by the recent memory. He had seen Yuka in one of the other doors but it hadn't caused him so much dread because it was a passing moment. Now that he had seen her fully for the first time, it hurt him greatly.

XXXXXXXXXX

Konohamaru rushed through the streets of Konoha. He had to share his happiness with someone and he knew exactly who would be glad to hear the news. He thundered into the Ramen Bar, "Hey, old man!"

The sound of dishes clattering entered the air; Teuchi's head became visible from behind the counter, "What are you doing?"

Konohamaru grinned, "I'm going to see Naruto-niichan! He's okay!"

Teuchi was surprised as well as his daughter. Ayame leaned over the counter, "How do you know?"

"That doesn't matter. I just wanted to tell you the good news." He turned around.

"Wait a second." Ayame moved back and started to search for something. She re-emerged and gave an item to the chuunin. It was wrapped in a cloth, "Give this to him and tell him we send our thanks."

Konohamaru pocketed the item and nodded, "I will." He left the food bar and made his way to the gates of Konoha. He travelled as fast as he could, determined not to be left behind. Upon arriving at his destination, he was surprised to find a few more shinobi than expected.

Lee, Neji, Shikamaru and Tenten were talking with the Hokage. Konohamaru came closer, listening to what they were saying.

"A few extra escorts would serve us well. We're going to have to travel through a few countries." Aoba now had a rucksack with him.

Lee gave the man a thumbs up, "The flames of understanding burn brightly within you."

Tsunade looked annoyed, "If you make these kinds of remarks along the way, I'd rather you didn't come."

Tenten clasped her hand over the jounin's mouth, "There's nothing to worry about. I'll make sure he doesn't annoy you."

Shikamaru sighed, "Chouji was right; following Lee is always a bad idea."

"This is cool!" Konohamaru was laughing at the newest development.

Neji stared at the chuunin, "Some may disagree." He turned around and walked towards the gates of Konoha.

Jiraiya put up his hands, "Enough standing around, it's time we set out. You should be honoured to be journeying with the legendary Jiraiya-sama!"

Tsunade slapped her head, walking ahead with the Hyuuga. She would have to endure the frog hermit's self praise and it would certainly be a hard task.

"Wait for me!" A flash of green appeared, "I shall accompany you!"

Jiraiya shouted, "The more people who witness my grandeur, the better!"

"Gai-sensei!" Lee had tears in his eyes.

"Lee!" Gai smiled, his teeth shining in the sunlight.

Shikamaru's mouth fell open, "Oh no." He turned around and left the village hurriedly with Aoba close behind.

The time had come for the group to voyage, but unlike most of the ninja's annoyances at particular individuals, Konohamaru was enjoying it. The chuunin was going to travel with some of the best and it was an exciting prospect.

Author Notes: Aoba is the spy, bet you didn't see that one coming either. It makes sense though doesn't it? He was a keeping an eye on Naruto without him knowing. Don't worry though, he's still very much goofy. Kakashi hasn't forgiven Sakumo and there's still a lot more to come. By the way, Naruto won't be out cold for much longer. See you all next time.