Chapter 8: Missions and Love

"Hokage-sama, Good Morning"

Hiruzen looked up from his desk and saw Umino Iruka. Who was he again?

Ahh, that's right. The head instructor from the Academy. He was the one who taught Naruto. Perharps he should reward him with a medal for sticking with the child.

"Hello Iruka-kun, I guess it is time ?" Hiruzen said to the Chunin. Iruka nodded

"Very well, let them in" he said. Iruka opened the door, and Team Gai entered

"TEAM GAI READY HOKAGE SAMA!" Gai shouted

"YOSH WE ARE HERE TO GET OUR YOUTHFUL MISSION HOKAGE-SAMA!"

Lee said as he did his good guy pose. Neji and Tenten flinched but didn't say anything

"GAI-SENSEI! I HOPE WE GET A B-RANK MISSION!" Lee shouted before getting punched at the top of his head by Gai

"YOU BAKA! WE DO NOT HOPE TO GET A SPECIFIC MISSION BECAUSE WE WILL TAKE ANY MISSION! WE WILL MAINTAIN KONOHA'S YOUTHFULLNESS!" Gai berated Lee while also shouting. Lee's eyes just filled with determination

"As punishment, you will do 50 laps around the village using your hands!" Gai said seriously. Iruka looked at the man like he was insane. "Gai-san, do not act rashly!"

"I'M SORRY GAI-SENSEI, BUT THAT PUNISHMENT IS LACKING! I WILL DO 100 LAPS WHILE JUGGLING WEIGHTS WITH MY FEET! " Lee shouted with determination. The Hokage looked at the scene, his mouth gaping, same as Iruka

"YOU ARE RIGHT, LEE! I AM SORRY! NOW GO ON MY STUDENT!" Lee shouted with fervor

"GAI-SENSEI!" As Lee's eyes became wet with tears

"LEE" As Gai did the same

"GAI- SENSEI!"

"LEE!"

Then the two pulled each other into a man-hug, as an illusion of waves hitting a rock go on behind their back. Everyone in the room, even the ANBU in the ceiling, turned away their heads from the scene, as the intensity was so strong.

The Hokage just sighed and looked for a mission scroll. This was gonna be a long day

—————

"Do you have a report for me?"

A Pale figure stood appeared next to Danzo. He was masked with a clear white ANBU mask with the kanji 'ROOT' in the side. He wore a black and gray jacket with Red Straps on his shoulders, as of all ROOT agents. He also carries a tipless tanto and a large scroll behind his back.

"Yes, Danzo-sama."

Danzo sat at his chair at the ROOT compound, eyes closed as he waited for his agent to report

"Uchiha Sasuke was last seen in the Hatake's apartment, with the Jinchuuriki. After a period of time, they went out. There relationship seems to be nothing like it was two days ago as the Uchiha and the Jinchuuriki are now on friendly terms."

Danzo opened his one eye with interest.

"His personality had also change. He is seemingly more open, and is relaxed whenever he is with the Jinchuuriki, Hatake Kakashi or the civilian girl"

Danzo raised his brow. "It seems Sasuke is growing up. Excellent. Initiate Plan Onyx. Remove your mask".

The Agent did as he was told, revealing short,straight black hair, and a face eerily like The Uchiha albeit his pale skin. 'This will be the perfect opportunity'

"You know your mission. You will now go on with the name 'Sai'. You will go and infiltrate the Genin ranks and go closer to the Uchiha. You will use all training that has been given of you, and learn. This will be a good experience for you"

Sai stood straight, his face showing no emotions, and smiled a fake smile "I will do what you command, Danzo-sama"

————

In contrast, doing D-ranked missions was somehow much more better than sitting and doing paperwork in the Hokage's office. But it was still so boring

"I cannot believe that the apprentices of the Three Sannin are stuck doing mind numbing D-ranked missions again-dattebayo!" Shouted Naruto as he dragged himself to the Hokage's tower

Sakura just glared at her Hokage while looking at the people's reaction on the street. Luckily their hatred for the blond just blocked of all sounds. She just sighed

"Well Naruto, apprentice or not, you're all genin... Technically" Kakashi said while reading a familiar book.

"Just deal with it" said Sasuke as he walked with boredom on his face.

Sakura then stopped on her tracks which was noticed by Naruto "Sakura? What's wrong?"

"Today is the day we receive the wave mission, isn't it?" Sakura said, her great memory exhibited.

Naruto's face darkened as he realized. Kakashi frowned as he remembered that day

He watched as the hunter-nin Sasuke was fighting suddenly formed a dome of mirrors.

He was more surprised when said Hunter-nin suddenly stepped in.

"What in the world?!" Sasuke shouted, surprised and aggrivated.

Sasuke felt from behind the mask, the hunter-nin smirked "Now... I will show you my true speed"

All at once, senbons from all directions flew at the direction of Sasuke, leaving small cuts from all over his body.

Sasuke screamed in pain and let go of his kunai as he crouched down to try to avoid the continuing downpour of senbons.

The downpour only stopped when a kunai suddenly flew in at the direction of the hunter-nin

Kakashi looked at where the kunai came from and was surprised when he found it was Sakura

Not that it mattered though, the hunter-nin was now holding it his hands. He looked at Sakura before then getting hit with a shiruken at his right, which he avoided. Then a shiruken at his left and at his chin, which only managed to deflect from his mask. But somehow the impact was enough to let Hunter-nin fall out from his mirror

Smoke suddenly enveloped the bridge.

"I'm sorry, but the hero of the story is always late!"

As the smoke dissipates a familiar blinding orange jacket, blonde boy was at the center

"Uzumaki Naruto, is here!"

He looked at Naruto and thought how much he had change throughout the years. Never would anyone thought that this boy right now is the strongest ninja in the villag- no, the world. People would just laugh at the thought.

Yet he was.

And he taught him.

He became hokage against all odds, and achieved his dreams. Become Hokage and getting acknowledged by the village. He smiled at the thought.

"-need to plan. Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked. Kakashi just shooked his head and concentrated on the matter beforehand.

"Yeah?"

"I have a plan. One I think would benefit us now, and in the future." said Sakura as she told them of their plan

••••••

"We're gonna do it." Naruto said with a look of determination

"And risk being caught by a Hokage? This plan is risky and would end us into a Hokage knowing." Sasuke said to the blonde

"I think Sasuke is right Naruto, this is a risky plan" Kakashi said, taking Sasuke's side

"Yet, if we do this, we gain allies, strengthen future bonds and most importantly, friends" Naruto said to defend his side.

"Plus, this'll also help you gauge your skills" said Sakura knowing how to pull the Uchiha into her plans

Sasuke sighed. The plan was risky as hell, but an oppurtunity to gauge his skills was something he wanted to do for a while without alerting anyone in the village. And the best course of action would be outside the village.

"Alright, I'm in. But I'm warning you, this plan is risky" said Sasuke. Sakura couldn't help but smirk 'hook,line, and sinker!'

"Well, I guess I can't leave my kawaii Genins behind huh?" Kakashi said playfully as he gained glares from all three of them

————-

"Zetsu". A white man with green hair slowly rised from the ground in front of the man.

"You called?"said White Zetsu as he played around with his hair

"I want you to spy the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki"

"What is the purpose of this unneeded spying?" Black Zetsu asked

"It will be important. If he is weak, we take him easily as our first to the statue. If he is strong, we fight him and have the same result. I need you to spy him and determine his skills so I may assign the best person for this task"

Both Zetsus just nodded "It shall be done, Tobi"

Tobi looked at the thing before him slowly disappear into the ground. He notice suddenly a man was behind him, and unsheated his sword stopping just before his neck

"Oh, Sasori-senpai! Don't scare me like that!" Tobi said, putting on his child act

"It is of no matter fool, I am in a puppet. I have come to inform you that there is a mission that is required of you" Sasori said in his deep voice

"Ooh! A mission! Is there candy?" Asked Tobi

"No. And do not ask again" replied Sasori

———————

"Who is next, Iruka-kun?" Hiruzen asked, his faced showing his tiredness.

"Team seven, Hokage-sama" Iruka replied with a small smile on his lips

Hiruzen just nodded and took a small puff from his pipe. "Let them in"

The door opened and four figures entered the room, who which the two he was really familiar with

"Team Seven, ready for a mission, Hokage-sama" Said Kakashi.

Hiruzen nodded and looked at a couple of scrolls "Well, there is a lot of D-rank missions that you can take Kakashi-kun-"

"Im sorry Jiji, but I want a higher ranked mission" Naruto suddenly asked as he walked and stood next to Kakashi, standing in confidence

"Oh, why is that, Naruto-kun?"

"I know we are ready for a C-rank mission. Kakashi-sensei trained us and improved our teamwork. I know we are ready, Hokage-sama"

Iruka wanting to tell the berate his student about him being too fresh of a genin to take C-rank missions suddenly died on his mouth. 'How is Naruto acting so mature and so firm?' Iruka thought

Hiruzen was having the same thoughts as he looked at his foster-grandchild. He had also caught on that Naruto had called him 'Hokage-sama' which shocked him, knowing his streak of not respecting people properly. He looked at the boy with an amused but calculating look. "Is that right? I guess I'll give you a fairly easy C-rank mission then Naruto-kun" he said to Naruto, who had a look of determination on his face. He picked up a scroll and opened it "You are to escort Tazunaa-san to the Land of Waves and protect him from mercenaries for one month"

The door opened as a drunk old man entered the room

"Eh? Is this the team that's gonna protect me? They're just kids and the short one looks stupid!" Tazuna asked in a drunken state

Hiruzan and Iruka expected Naruto would have suddenly burst in anger because of the carpenter's comment, but was surprised as they saw him smile

"Do not worry Tazuna-san, we are not just simple kids" Naruto said as his eyes filled a knowing glint. "Alright, let's meet up tomorrow near the gate at 8:00 AM." Said Naruto to his teammates and Kakashi who nodded in reply, before leaving the room

Iruka's mouth stood open to the scene he had witnessed just before.

"Wa-Was that really Naruto?" Asked Iruka in disbelief

Hiruzen just had a calculating look as he replayed the events that happened before him. Then he nodded

He would need to talk to Naruto after his mission.

—————

The next day

Sakura had prepared her stuff for the mission tomorrow, which left her with eating then leaving the house to meet up with her team

"Sakura! It's almost 7:00! You should probably go early!"

She had lived half of her life not liking her mother's constant orders, which she felt not responsible to do because she was a ninja.

Now she knew the truth

Dear kami, would she ever thought that she would miss her mother's constant reminders and strict rules. But living with a daughter was like seeing herself, then realised how her mother probably had felt.

It took her own fiber of will to not immediately crush her parents with hugs when she finally went home. Instead she took the safe approach and brought home bread. Something she used to with her own home back with Sarada.

Then she bonded with them. Relishing her parents as though they were the cure of cancer itself. Her parents were of course surprised by the sudden change, but they welcomed it with wide open arms.

"Alright, Mom! I'm just gonna finish some of this stuff!" Sakura shouted before a smile was plastered on her face.

It was a good day.

——————

"This brings back some memories doesn't it Sasuke?" Kakashi asked his student

"It does, in a way. This mission is where everyone's shinobi career really started. Where Naruto had found his nindo, Sakura, her will to help and Me?" Sasuke replied before he looked at the figures approaching them "The strength of others."

"I just found Tazuna-san at the bar like where you said" said Sakura as she carried the drunk at her shoulders

People looked at the bizarre situation with awe and shock. A young girl carrying an old, probably heavy, man like it was nothing. But for Kakashi and Sasuke, this was just normal.

"Please put down the client Sakura" Kakashi said to Sakura, who nodded and placed the drunkard leaning at a wall close to them

"You. Are one strong lady" Tazuna said in a drunken state. She glared at the old man before her hands glowed a green color and hit the man in the chest

The old man coughed hard before regaining his breath, then his eyes widening "I'm not drunk anymore?" Sakura just sighed and explained that she knows jutsus that are D-ranked which helps body reactions and state.

Kakashi was about to tell them that they were ready to leave before he noticed something that he didn't think would not come early

"Where's Naruto?"

———————

Naruto was sitting in Ichiraku Ramen, eating Miso Ramen, with what he considers the second...no the best thing after ramen!

Hinata looked at the boy with gladness in her heart as she watched him eat ramen

The last month, after years of looking up to him, dreaming of him, trying to be with him and be there with him, she had done something she thought that would never happen

The boy had noticed her back!

Hinata was so happy that Naruto had finally noticed her being, and deemed her existence as important. He had spenth the last month talking with her and knowing her better. Though the boy knew more than she though he knew, but that didn't matter.

Yet she knew they were only friends. Who would want to be a boyfriend to someone like her? It made her depressed but with Naruto just beside her, he had made her relax and safe just being there. The boy was like a Sunshine to her darkness, and she was grateful. She was grateful for his existence.

She looked at the boy's face feautures before landing finally in his eyes, the blue orbs that would make any woman melt from their fiery, yet soft glare. She found herself lost

"-oing to the mission to wave with Tazuna. Hinata-chan? Hello?"

Suddenly she snapped back to reality as she realized she was lost on her own little world.

"W-what is it, Naruto-kun?"as she picked up her chopsticks and ate her ramen

Naruto grinned. This was what he wanted. Hinata was stuttering less and less now, as a familiar confidence he knew too well grew in the kunoichi.

The future Uzumaki Hinata, first lady of the Nanadaime Hokage was starting to show herself

"I said that I'll be going out for a month for a C-rank mission at the Land of the Waves" Naruto said as he inhaled the ramen he ate

He saw Hinata face changed. She had gone from shock, sadness, guilt then neutral in under a second.

"I...see" Hinata replied as she put down her chopsticks

"Don't worry, Hinata-chan, I'll tell you inmediately when I'm back!" Naruto replied earnestly which gained a small smile from Hinata

"I think you should go now Naruto-kun, you said that the mission would start at 8:00. It's almost 9 now" Ayame said behind the counter of Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto's eyes widened as saucers as he realized that he was late

"I'm late! Sorry Hinata! See you later!" Said Naruto as he got out of his chair and procedded to kiss Hinata in the cheek out of habit before realizing what he had done

The girl's face was like a tomato as she blushed hard from Naruto's action. Then she fainted, her head just next to her ramen. Naruto sighed and scratched his neck "Ayame nee-chan! Keep an eye out of her for me!" Naruto said with a grin before running to the meeting place.

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That's Chapter 8, a lot of things are happening now! Anyways hope you're enjoying the read, and please forgive any future fight scenes I'll write. This is my first writing such awesome combat scenes that I feel I would need to reference some Naruto fights in youtube! Enjoy and remember! I don't own Naruto, or any related to Naruto! Now bye!