Promises Made

Kurenai was running late to team training that morning. She hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, Ziren's words constantly ricocheting through her head like a pinball. Naruto was not the Kyuubi, she knew that but whenever she looked at him she just remembered her parents. But dwelling on this wouldn't help her for now because she had just arrived in the clearing and had been spotted by her team.

"Morning!"

"G-good morning Kurenai-sensei."

"Salutations." Her team greeted her. Kurenai shook the cobwebs from her mind and focused on what they were going to be working on today.

"Do any of you know what this is?" She asked her team holding up a small square of white paper.

"I would assume from the last few days' discussion that what you are holding is not a normal piece of paper but is in fact chakra paper." Shino answered.

"Correct Shino this is chakra paper. What can the three of you tell me about it?" Kurenai asked.

"I know that it is illegal to transport it across national borders." Naruto said studying the small white square.

"Why in the world do you know that?" Kurenai asked giving Naruto an incredulous look causing the blonde boy to fidget.

"Umm...reasons?" Kurenai just stared at Naruto for a few moments before she decided she didn't want to know.

"Different question do either of you know what chakra paper does?" Naruto's hand shot up immediately.

"I'm probably going to regret this, but Uzumaki go ahead."

"Because the paper is filled with chakra it's very resistant to aging and degr…degi…dego…?"

"D-degradation?"

"Thanks Hinata. Since chakra paper is resistant to aging and degradation many like to use it for long term documents such as marriage contracts or peace treaties. Also when dipped in non-chakra water it grows adhesive and is popular with ship captains to plug leaks temporarily. The smoke made when burned can also help soothe sore throats and upset stomachs. Oh and something to do with natural affinities." Naruto stated from memory.

"Can it really do all that?" Kurenai asked looking at the piece of paper in her hand.

"Yep, it became illegal to transport across borders because the people who grew the trees sold the paper to everyone except the Hidden Villages."

"Well can anyone tell me how we're going to use this piece of paper today?" Kurenai asked.

"W-we're going t-to use them to find our n-natural affinity."

"Correct Hinata. Aside from its other myriad purposes when you infuse chakra into this special paper it shows you what element your chakra can most easily assume." To demonstrate this Kurenai applied her chakra to the paper causing it to burst into flames. "As you can see my natural affinity is fire. Now I have some paper for each of you so we can see what jutsus you can more easily learn." Kurenai said handing a slip of chakra paper to each member of her team.

"Alright let's do it!" Naruto shouted holding his paper up and pumping chakra in to it. The paper split cleanly in two and Naruto just stared at it for a moment. "Ha! Did you see that!? I cut it in half! That's awesome!" Naruto shouted jumping up and down before he stopped and looked quizzically at the two halves he now held. "Hey Kurenai-sensei what does splitting the paper in half mean?" Naruto asked causing Kurenai to face-palm.

"It means that you have a wind affinity Uzam…Naruto," Kurenai said checking herself. She wanted to make an effort to treat Naruto nicer and she was going to do it. "Wind is actually a really rare affinity here in Konoha," Kurenai explained however she immediately regretted that last part as Naruto's face assumed a smug expression.

"Well yea I am kinda awesome," Naruto strutted. "No that just means there are fewer ninjutsu that I'll be able to teach you." Naruto's smug expression immediately dropped. But immediately brightened again.

"I can just ask Sensei. He's picked up quite a few jutsus over the years." Naruto stated turning towards Shino.

"What's yours Shino?" Said Aburame lifted his slip of paper and channeled his chakra into it. Shino watched as the paper disintegrated in his hand. "If my reading was accurate crumbling into dust indicates an earth affinity." Shino said dusting his hand off. "I will ask my father if our clan library has any earth element jutsus that are designed to assist my comrades."

"That sounds like a good idea Shino. Hinata just you left." Nodding Hinata held her piece of paper in both hands and concentrated. For an instant nothing happened and Hinata was suddenly terrified that she didn't have an affinity. The next instant, however, water started running down her hands as the chakra paper became soaked.

"Hey you're water, I think. Sensei also has a water affinity I bet he's got a bunch of kick-ass jutsu he could teach you!"

"Uzumaki! Language!"

"Heh, heh, sorry Kurenai-sensei." Naruto apologized. "But anyway wanna go see Sensei later and ask?"

"S-sure that sounds g-good."

"Now that that's out of the way I'll bring some beginner justsus tomorrow. For now I'm going to teach you guys about my favorite subject, Genjutsu. Take a seat." Naruto calmed down and dropped to the floor patting the grass next to him where Hinata sat and Shino on her other side. "Genjutsu is the act of using your chakra to disrupt the five senses of your enemies often resulting in making them see, hear, taste, touch, or smell something that isn't actually there. It is a highly precise art that requires a great deal of concentration and chakra control. Any questions so far?" Kurenai asked her team.

"What genjutsus are you going to be teaching us?" Naruto asked excitedly bouncing in his seat. The idea of inflicting illusions on people ignited his pranking passion.

"Unfortunately I won't be teaching you guys much in the way of genjutsu. Battle ready illusions require a great deal of control and you just have too much chakra to be able to control it properly." Kurenai explained as Naruto's expression fell. "Shino do you remember a time when you weren't connected to your insects?"

"No I have hosted my hive for as long as I can remember."

"In order to create a truly convincing illusion you have to use your own experiences. And since most people don't know what it feels like to have insects crawling through their skin your illusions wouldn't be as believable to them.

"Interesting. I had not thought of that, but your analysis does seem plausible." Shino said deep in thought.

"Hinata has the best chance of learning genjutsu but since she would be the only one I don't think it fair to the rest of you, so I'll teach how to recognize when you're under a genjutsu and how to break them. Since you three all have some form of sixth sense I don't believe you will have trouble knowing when an illusion's been cast on you. To help you guys practice I will place you three under illusions randomly. I'm actually looking forward to that bit." Kurenai said with a smile unnerving her students.

"But how do you break a genjutsu, I hear you asking. One of the easiest and most surefire ways to break any illusion is to have someone who isn't under the genjutsu disrupt your chakra, this will almost certainly break the illusion. You can do this to yourself but it isn't as easy to perform. Inflicting pain on yourself is also a good way to snap yourself out of genjutsu. However that is a more risky way to do it, as you usually need to cut yourself or crush your hand to inflict enough pain. And if the genjutsu that you're under relies on pain inflicting wounds to yourself sometimes doesn't work. But I've talked enough on to what we will be doing today. I have hidden a scroll somewhere in this forest that has a sealing matrix in it. Inside is your guys' lunch. If you don't find it then no food." Kurenai said surveying her team's reactions.

"Do you mean this scroll Kurenai-sensei?" Naruto asks pulling a scroll out of his jacket.

"Uh…Yeah. Why do you have it?" Kurenai asked perplexed.

"I sensed it on my way here and decided to just grab it."

"W-well there is also a hidden dummy enemy hiding and you three need to work as a team to locate him."

"One k-kilometer that w-way hiding in a hollow c-created by a tree deadfall," Hinata said pointing east.

"Really?" Kurenai asked incredulously, Hinata just nodded. "Fine if you guys really want a challenge I also hid a small package with some candy in it. If you guys can find it it's yours." Kurenai had spent quite a bit of time on this challenge and was quite proud of where she had hidden it. She was brought out of her thoughts when Shino reached into his trench coat and produced a small cellophane wrapped bag. "Oh come on!"

"My comrades smelled it and they couldn't resist." Kurenai just buried her head in her hands and sat there for a full minute before looking up and taking a deep breath and sighing.

"Okay let's go do some missions."


Kurenai wandered through the village the setting sun turning the village rooftops a blazing shade of orange. She had a note clutched in her hand, not that she needed it though, the concierge at the hotel had given very clear instructions. She rounded the corner and found the person she was looking for. Ziren was standing in front of an apartment complex talking to a man in coveralls. "You're all set Mr. Adair the beds are assembled and in place. Just sign here." The man said handing a clip-board to Ziren.

"Thanks for all this, have a good one." Ziren finished signing before waving the man off. "What do you need Kurenai?" Ziren asked his back to Kurenai. Said jonin started before reminding herself that this was the man who taught Naruto his sensory capabilities.

"Uh actually I wanted to talk to you," She said hesitantly. "I just wanted to thank you for what you said last night. It was something I needed to hear."

"No thanks necessary, I just did what I believed best. But I feel that there is something else you wanted to say." Ziren said peering at Kurenai.

"Yes actually, I want to take my team out on C-rank missions soon. They have proven themselves capable and even managed to find all the objects I hid in the training grounds before I even got there." She was interrupted in praising her team when Ziren started chuckling. "What's so funny?"

"They didn't find them this morning, they found them last night after you hid them and kept them to surprise you this morning. Congratulations you are now a member of the extremely large 'Got-Pranked-By-Naruto' club. I'm in the process of making jackets," Ziren said in between his chuckles.

"What!? I can't believe those three and I was so proud of them." Kurenai fumed. "Wait you were with me last night how do you know what he was doing? Naruto doesn't seem like the kind of guy that would tell others about his pranks before pulling them." Kurenai asked turning back towards Ziren. In answer the merchant reached down his shirt and pulled out a copper medallion that was inscribed with multiple fuuinjutsu seals overlaid on one another. Kurenai tried following one of the seals but the attempt made her head spin.

"Yea I tried that too and I almost threw up."

"Where did you get it?"

"After the fall of Uzushio the shinobi who were involved in the ransack sold some of their spoils. And then the people who bought them traded with other people, and then those people traded with some more people. Throw in some unscrupulous craftsman who think they can make some quick cash by producing fakes and presto, you can buy a masterwork of fuuinjutsu craftsmanship for a pittance of what it would actually have cost." Ziren explained looking at the medallion. "Naruto has its twin and one of its abilities is allowing the wearer to know where the sister medallion is at all times. What? You thought that I just let Naruto run wherever without any sort of supervision?"

"Actually, kind of."

"We've been separated in cities far larger than Konoha. I need some way to keep an eye on him."

"You said one of it's abilities?"

"I'm sure this thing has more uses but I couldn't for the life of me tell you what those were." Ziren said tucking the medallion back into his shirt. "Did you want to come up to my apartment and have some tea?"

"No thanks I need to get going I just really wanted to thank you."

"Before you go, do you still plan on taking your team on C-rank missions now that you know the truth?"

"I don't know. What do you think?"

"Well Naruto and I both suffer wanderlust, goes with traveling so much. We've been staying in this village for longer than we have anywhere else and Naruto is getting restless, I am too to be honest. If he doesn't leave this village soon he's going to start getting extra creative with his pranks. And believe me, you do not want to have to clean up after an extra creative Naruto goes wild." Kurenai opened her mouth to respond but then took a moment to think about it. This was the kid that in one morning had talked the shy Hyῡga heiress into going on a rampage across the entire village and almost got the Hokage caught in one his traps. The idea of giving him time to actually plan was downright terrifying. Kurenai's shudder was all the answer Ziren needed. "Besides your other two students are clan heirs right? They've probably never been outside the village. Going on a C-rank will be a good experience for them."

"That's what I was thinking too. They need some real world experience. Plus it's after their first mission outside the village that a team either makes it or breaks."

"That's what I heard too. I hope you guys get a good one then."

"So long as no one gets hurt it will be."


Shino and Naruto were sitting in their usual clearing waiting for their teacher and female teammate. Shino, in anticipation of Kurenai's meeting with Hinata's father taking longer than expected, had brought his travel magnetic chess set and was in the process of checkmating Naruto's king for the fourth game in a row. And because the set was magnetic Naruto couldn't even take out his frustration by flipping the board. "Checkmate." Shino declared moving his knight to threaten Naruto's king.

"What!? Come on!" Naruto shouted pulling at his hair.

"You lack awareness of the board Naruto and because of that you-" Shino was interrupted when Naruto's head snapped up and towards the clearing entrance. "What's wrong Naruto?" Shino asked worriedly as he noticed Naruto's eyes widen and his complexion pale considerably.

"Kurenai-sensei's here, and she is pissed!" Naruto said turning towards his teammate eyes wide.

Sure enough in a few moments Kurenai stormed into the clearing her face a thundercloud of anger. Hinata timidly following in her footsteps looking quite downcast. The Heiress walked over to join her teammates while Kurenai walked across the clearing and stood in front a tree still fuming. "Um…How did the meeting with Hinata's dad go Kurenai-sensei?" Naruto asked hesitantly.

"Naruto!"

"Y-yes," Naruto squeaked flinching back.

"Cover Hinata's ears!" Kurenai shouted.

"Wha-"

"Now!" Naruto immediately covered Hinata's ears with his hands causing the poor girl to become confused as Kurenai took a deep breath. "That arrogant, pompous, self-righteous SON OF A BITCH!" Kurenai shouted punching the tree in front of her sending a crack running along its trunk. "Who the hell does he think he is?" Another punch creating another crack. "What kind of jackass treats his own daughter like that?!" Kurenai continued punching the tree and shouting obscenities. Shino, being a member of the Aburame clan, who generally considered vulgar language to be a sign of low intelligence and poor vocabulary, was slack jawed and had his glasses hanging halfway down his face at the display his jonin sensei was presenting. Naruto, who had traveled via ship multiple times and had grown an immunity to uncensored language, wasn't as gob smacked as Shino. Though he did remember one grizzled old salt who had once told Naruto that a man wasn't a sailor until he could cuss someone out for two minutes straight without repeating himself, and apparently Kurenai passed that test with flying colors. Poor Hinata could understand the gist of what was going on despite not being able to hear.

Kurenai finally stopped shouting and stood in front of a pile of kindling, which had been a tree not two minutes ago, breathing heavily. "To answer your question Naruto, it went well." Kurenai said straightening her hair and dusting herself off. "You can let Hinata go now." Naruto did just that. "Begin your warm-up exercises you three," Kurenai ordered her team.

"Uh Kurenai-sensei?" Shino began.

"I said warm-up exercises!" The three genin took off on their laps without another syllable uttered.

The team finished their stretches but were too scared to talk amongst each other. Which was very difficult because Naruto was dying to ask if Hinata was okay. The heriress had looked so crestfallen when she walked into the clearing. He was about to break the tense silence when he felt something on the edge of his senses. "Um…Kurenai-sensei?" Naruto tentatively asked.

"Yes Naruto?" Kurenai responded, with a sharper edge to her voice than she had intended.

"Uh...there are some people coming this way." Naruto said pointing in the direction he felt the chakra signatures.

"Oh good they've arrived."

"-sigh- How troublesome." A rather tired and bored looking genin said as he walked into the clearing. He was wearing a mesh shirt and black pants with a grey half jacket, though the most notable feature was his incredibly spiky pony tail.

"Is there anything that you don't think is troublesome?" He was quickly followed by a female wearing a purple blouse and skirt with whose midriff and calves were covered in bandages spoke up.

"*munch*munch*munch*" A boy followed the girl out, he was rotund with a green over shirt and a bandanna on his head, he was eating a bag of chips and ignored his other two teammates.

"Don't start Ino," And finally their jonin sensei walked into the clearing. He was tall grizzled man wearing a flak jacket and basic jonin garb, a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth. "Hey Kurenai sorry it took us so long but someone didn't want to get out of bed this morning," the jonin said motioning towards the boy with the spiky pony tail.

"It's alright we just finished our warm-up." Kurenai smiled at the man before turning to her team. "This is Asuma Sarutobi the jonin sensei of team ten. I've asked him and his team here for a team vs. team fight today."

"Do we have to? Can't I just forfeit?" The spiky hair boy whined to his jonin sensei.

"How about instead of complaining you introduce yourself." Asuma sighed.

"We were in the academy together we already know each other." The boy said trying to come up with an excuse.

"Ok what's his name?" Asuma asked pointing at Naruto. The boy stared at Naruto trying to work out his name before he finally just gave up.

"Dang it, fine. I'm Shikamaru Nara."

"*munch*Choji*munch*Akamichi*Munch*," The boy with the bandana said pulling out a second bag of chips.

"Ino Yamanaka," the girl introduced herself.

"Glad to meet ya I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Sensor and swordsman extraordinaire!" Naruto boasted.

"Nice jumpsuit," Ino joked looking at Naruto's color choice.

"Thanks," Naruto said genuinely. "Sensei doesn't like it but I think that's because he just can't pull off orange like I can. It's a shame too because orange is the coolest color." Naruto said popping his collar. Ino just looked at him before shaking her head.

"So what's with this team fight?" She asked Asuma.

"One team will start in one part of the forest and the other in another part, when we say go you fight. When one team surrender or gets knocked out it's over." Asuma said lighting a new cigarette.

"That's it!?" Ino shouted.

"What? It's not like a real fight has a bunch of needlessly complicated rules. Fight to win and do what it takes. That's it." Asuma answered

"What a pain," Shikamaru sighed.

"And because I know you three so well if you don't take this seriously I will get us the Tora mission every chance I get." Every genin in the clearing paled at the thought of taking the Tora mission so constantly, even Kurenai's team who the threat wasn't even aimed at.

"Okay now that threats have been leveled why don't we get started?" Kurenai said clapping. "My team will start at the great oak. Asuma's team will start on a knoll that is that a ways a bit. You cannot move from those spots until we give the signal," Kurenai said pointing west.

"Well you heard the lady get going!" Asuma shouted shooing his team out of the clearing, Naruto, Hinata, and Shino rushed off into the woods while Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji trudged off.

"Despite their lack of enthusiasm I think my team's going to win," Asuma said turning towards Kurenai. She looked at Asuma and quicker than a bolt of lightning plucked the cigarette out of his mouth and ground it into the dirt.

"You're in the forest, you're going to set something on fire. Besides my team has fantastic teamwork, your team doesn't stand a chance." Asuma looked forlornly at what used to be his cigarette before looking back at Kurenai.

"Is that so? Then the usual wager I presume?" Asuma said holding his hand out. Kurenai looked at his hand curiously before grasping it,

"You're on!" She said grabbing his hand. When Kurenai grabbed Asuma's hand he smirked before pulling the genjutsu mistress closer to him and pressing his lips against hers. Kurenai melted into the kiss for a moment before she quickly pulled away and playfully swatted at Asuma. "You do know that one of my students has telescopic vision right?"

"Eh you looked like you needed it," Asuma shrugged. "Rough meeting with the Hyῡga?"

"I'll tell you about it later, but yeah it was pretty rough," Kurenai sighed.

"Drinks afterwards then?" Asuma asked.

"Sure sounds good. I think the kids have had enough time let's get started," Kurenai said. Asuma nodded before pulling out an air horn. He gave Kurenai a chance to cover hers ears before he sent the horn's shrill call reverberating through the trees.


Naruto, Shino, and Hinata were moving through the forest towards their starting point.

"Hey Hinata, can you use your Byakugan to spy on the other team right now?" Naruto asked his female teammate.

"B-but Kurenai-sensei said n-not to start until a-after the signal," Hinata replied timidly.

"No Kurenai-sensei said not to move from the starting spot until after the signal," Naruto corrected arriving at the tall oak tree. Shino moved to lean against the tree before looking at Hinata.

"Naruto's reasoning is indeed sound in this regard, besides early information could prove effective in this fight."

"O-okay," Hinata said activating her dojutsu. "I see them they're-eep," Hinata squeaked turning tomato red.

"What is it Hinata? What do you see?" Naruto asked worriedly.

"Nothing, nothing," Hinata said calming herself. "A-anyway I see th-the other team." At that moment an air horn broke the tranquil silence.

"I believe that is the signal. Since we have visual on our opponents I believe that the best course of action is to wait and observe, and when we find the chance to strike we take it and finish our enemies off in one smooth surprise attack." Shino said slamming one hand into the other.

"Sounds good, Hinata what are they doing?"

"Th-they've moved to a d-defensive position a-against the r-river and are s-setting up traps," Hinata said drawing a map in the dirt.

"Heh, heh, heh, don't they know that a trapper's trap can easily trap the trapper. They don't know we learned water walking," Naruto said a mischievous glint entering his eyes. "We can cross the river and come in from behind pushing them against their own traps." Naruto explained scribbling arrows on Hinata's map. "What do you guy's think?"

"I-I think th-that's a g-good idea."

"Indeed, however I must ask Naruto have you finally gotten around to studying the clans of Konoha and their specialties?"

"I…wha…you…I…you sound just like Sensei," Naruto huffed folding his arms.

Shino sighed "Very well let me give you a quick lesson on the jutsus used by the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akamichi clans."

"Fine," Naruto sighed sitting down."

"Good Hinata please keep an eye on our adversaries until I have finished informing Naruto."

"O-okay."


"Shikamaru are you sure about this? You know I'm not very good with traps," Choji said trying to wrestle the ninja wire into a proper working form.

"Yeah why don't we just set up an ambush?" Ino complained trying to get tree sap off her hands.

"The traps don't need to be good so don't worry too much about them, they probably won't be used anyway," Shikamaru sighed.

"Then why are we even bothering?" Ino asked outraged.

"Because we can't ambush them. They have Hinata on their team remember?"

"Yeah they have Hinata but she wasn't that strong in the academy." Ino said perplexed. Shikamaru sighed again "She has the Byakugan which means she's probably watching us right now."

"What!?" Ino shouted looking around.

"And because she has the Byakugan we can't ambush them. Asuma-sensei told me that they learned water-walking, but they don't know we know that. So that means that they will attack from across the river. Since we can't ambush them we simply just need to know where they are going to attack from." Shikamaru explained. Ino looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding

"That actually sounds like a good idea."

"-sigh- Now that you agree let me tell you the rest of my plan."


Naruto waited in the shadows of a tree, padded sword in hand. even though he couldn't see his teammates he could feel them nearby waiting. Shino's chakra flared, the signal. Naruto rushed out Hinata on his right and Shino on his left. They hit the river at a sprint and ran along its surface closing in quick on Team Ten. It was when Naruto's foot hit the opposite bank when things started going south. "Choji Now!" Suddenly Naruto felt a surge of chakra as what looked like a boulder shaped human appeared to his left. Naruto didn't have time to ponder this as the "boulder" starting rotating at high speeds and rushed towards him and Shino.

Naruto had to dive forward just to avoid the attack. However he then felt an unusual chakra source snaking its way along the ground towards him. Naruto glanced over and saw an elongated shadow being cast by nothing shooting towards him. Naruto jumped out of its way only for the shadow to double back in his direction. Naruto, remembering Shino's impromptu clan lesson, hid himself in the shadow of a tall tree. "Watch the shadows!" Naruto shouted a warning to his teammates. He sensed Hinata coming his way fast and turned towards her to see what she needed, only to get sucker punched in the jaw. However since Hinata's fighting style relied on finesse more than it did strength the attack left Naruto more dazed than hurt. "What the hell Hinata!?" Naruto shouted jumping back, in response Hinata just assumed a combat stance.

Looking closer Naruto noted that the stance Hinata was in was not her usual one as well as the fact that her Byakugan was inactive. Her chakra was also different than usual, not entirely different but there was something not quite right. 'So the Yamanaka really could control the minds of others,' Naruto thought to himself conflicted. On one hand he wanted to win, on the other hand he didn't want to hurt Hinata. Ino didn't seem to mind as Hinata's body charged Naruto aiming at his head with a high kick. Naruto blocked the clumsy attack with the flat of his blade easily. Ino either wasn't bothering or didn't know how to use Hinata's strengths to their fullest making her attacks awkward. Even with that advantage Naruto was still being pushed back because he didn't want to hurt his teammate. For now all he could do was bide his time until he could think of what to do.


Shikamaru clicked his tongue in annoyance as Naruto managed to avoid his jutsu. "Watch the shadows!" the overly energetic blonde shouted. He had hoped to get Naruto in his shadow because he was the only unknown in this fight. Ino had managed to succeed in taking over Hinata and was currently keeping Naruto busy. Now all that was left was to take care of Shino. The Aburame was trying various methods to fight Choji including shuriken and Kunai throwing, but when the Akamichi got rolling there was very little that could stop them. Still there was something off about this whole situation but Shikamaru just couldn't put his finger on why. No matter the battle was as good as won anyway.


"Watch the shadows!" Shino heard Naruto shout. That was easy for him to say he didn't have a sentient boulder doing its best to flatten him. Running to avoid the aforementioned boulder Shino ran up a tree and flipped over the human rock before turning and flinging a handful of shuriken at Choji. They merely bounced off as his body was spinning too fast for the weapons to find any sort of purchase. Choji stopped dead in his place before spinning in the opposite direction heading back towards Shino. This gave him an idea as he turned and raced away trying to put some distance between him and his impending squashing. When Choji was just a few paces away Shino once more ran up a tree and leaped over Choji releasing a few kunai just to affirm the illusion, a handful of shuriken at the ready. Shino landed and waited, sure enough Choji stopped in order to reverse directions giving Shino an opening. He swung his arm out wide about ready to release his deadly barrage at the perfect moment when his whole body froze up.

"Shadow possession complete," Shikamaru said smirking as he watched Shino's body being forced to mirror his own. Choji shrunk back down as per Shikamaru's earlier instructions.

"This is most embarrassing, and Naruto even gave me a warning. Seems I've been slacking in my training." Shino said disappointed in himself. "Don't be too hard on yourself," Shikamaru said pulling out a handful of shuriken and moving in such a way that Shino grabbed some too.

"I planned all this out from the beginning. She should be here soon."

With a rustling of the brush Naruto leapt back avoiding the Ino possessed Hinata's attack putting him dead center between Hinata, Shikamaru, Choji, and Shino. "Eh, what?" Naruto asked confusedly looking between the four people surrounding him.

"I am afraid that I have been caught by Shikamaru's jutsu and that my body is not under my own will." Shino explained.

"Really!? You too!?" Naruto shouted.

"Do you have to shout all the time?" Shikamaru asked. "We have you surrounded, just forfeit so we can be done."

"Naruto I believe that what you said is indeed true that a trapper's trap can easily trap the trapper." Shino said trying to move his hand to adjust his glasses before remembering his predicament.

"Really Shino? Now?" Naruto asked incredulously.

"I am merely pointing out the irony of the situation." Shikamaru sighed watching the back and forth between the two, he really just wanted this to be over.

"Yeah well that's why we have plan B," Naruto replied raising his sword. Shikamaru's mind began racing when he heard this trying to figure out what the unpredictable blonde had in store. It was then that his eyes widened as he realized what had been bugging him about the fight so far.

"To answer your unspoken question Shikamaru no, I do not need control of my limbs to order my Kikaichῡ."

"KYYYAAAAHHHH!" A high pitched shrieked filled the air.

"Ino!" Shikamaru shouted looking towards the direction the scream came from. Movement from the corner of his eyes drew his attention as Hinata charged him Byakugan active and palms flaring with chakra. Shikamaru had always put in the absolute least amount of effort necessary when practicing his close quarters combat, as such he was unprepared to fend off the Hyῡga's assault. He put up a valiant effort but his blocks were useless as Hinata's Gentle Fist strikes blocked the chakra pathways in his arms, cancelling his jutsu. Hinata struck Shikamaru's forearm causing his whole limb to fly wide, with a final burst of chakra Hinata slammed both palms into Shikamaru's chest sending him flying.

As soon as Hinata attacked Shikamaru Choji expanded his body and retracted his arms and legs resuming his boulder-like shape and began rolling at Shino again. However Shikamaru's jutsu ended and Shino managed to dodge the attack. "I grabbed something on the way towards the river that I think will help us," Naruto said jumping towards Shino aid. "I just need one of your Kikaichῡ." Shino nodded before having one of his insects fly over to Naruto. "I need you to apply chakra through it when I tell you."

"Understood." Shino said avoiding Choji's latest run at them. Naruto sprinted through the woods putting himself in the perfect position for Choji's next attack. But thinking up the plan and enacting it were two very different things as Naruto found himself in the path of a charging Akamichi. Naruto slammed a paper tag onto the ground and waited for the perfect moment to dodge the attack. Choji was almost on top of him when Naruto substituted with a nearby log.

"Now Shino!" Naruto shouted. Shino channeled chakra through the one Kikaichῡ he gave Naruto, which was on the paper tag Naruto had lain down. The tag activated and a large rock sprang out of the sealing matrix right under Choji. The new obstacle disrupted the Akamichi's path and sent him spinning out of control right into a large tree. Choji ground against the tree for a moment before screeching to a stop. A puff of smoke later Choji deflated looking stunned. Naruto was there in an instant, his sword at the large kid's throat.

"Okay, Okay, we surrender!" Shikamaru shouted holding his hands out to Hinata, trying to keep the Hyῡga from continuing her attack.

"Woohoo we won!" Naruto shouted jumping for joy before extending his hand towards Choji to help him up.

"Geez that hurts," Shikamaru groaned rubbing his various welts.

"S-sorry," Hinata apologized.

"Would. You. Get. These. Things. Off. Me!" Ino shouted walking from around a tree covered in Kikaichῡ. Shino raised his arm and the multiple insects crawling on Ino flew off of her and into Shino's sleeve. "How the hell can you stand having those…those…things crawling on you?" Ino shuddered. Naruto swore he saw Shino's eye twitch when she said that.

"They are my treasured comrades who aid me in my ambition to becoming a powerful shinobi, and I ask that you treat them with the same respect you would one of your clan's justsus." Shino said tersely.

"My clan's justsus don't involve having dirty bugs crawling all over you!" Ino yelled.

"Your clan's jutsus involve invading people's minds and robbing them of their free will. I do believe that is far creepier than the use of insects." Shino said his calm façade slowly crumbling.

"You want to say that to my face." Ino threatened moving to get into Shino's face.

"That's enough you two break it up," Asuma said appearing in a puff of smoke and bodily lifting the two genin off their feet. "Both your clans have their own quirks and both contribute greatly to Konoha. Got that?" Ino and Shino both nodded. "Good," Asuma said dropping the two. Shino adjusted his trench coat and sunglasses before moving to stand next to Naruto and Hinata.

"Well I think that went quite well," Kurenai said appearing next to Asuma.

"I agree you guys really worked together well." Asuma nodded agreeing. "And you guys took this seriously, which means no Tora mission today." Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino sighed in relief at that.

"Okay we're going to go over the battle and discuss the details together so gather round." Kurenai said motioning to the six genin. They sat on the ground in a semi-circle Ino and Shino as far apart as they could be.


Hinata happily nibbled at a cinnamon roll as she and Naruto walked down the road, enjoying their after missions treats. "Hey Hinata you want to hang out at the park for a bit?" Naruto asked motioning towards a nearby empty park.

"I-I don't kn-know, it's laundry n-night at the c-clan compound. The Hokage l-limited when w-we could do our l-laundry because we always use t-too much water." Hinata answered seeing Naruto's confused expression.

"Please," Naruto pleaded giving Hinata his puppy-dog eyes. Hinata quickly crumpled under the pressure of a cute Naruto and agreed on going to the park.

"So what happened this morning?" Naruto asked taking a seat on a park bench and motioning for Hinata to join him.

"M-my father isn't th-the easiest m-man to get along w-with." Hinata said pressing her fingers together.

"And that caused Kurenai-sensei to flip out like that?" Hinata looked away trying to fight back tears. She opened her mouth to start before closing it a few times trying to figure how to answer Naruto's question.

"I-I'm not w-well-liked by m-my f-family." Hinata whispered. "I-I'm r-really w-weak, and the H-Hyῡga aren't w-weak."

"What do you mean you're weak? You're not weak at all!" Naruto shouted jumping to his feet. "Your father said that?!"

"N-no," Hinata said a tear finally running down her cheek. "H-h said h-he doesn't c-care what h-happens to m-me." Naruto stood there stunned as Hinata trembled trying to keep her emotions in check. Naruto just couldn't fathom how a father could say something like that to their daughter. Unable to think of something to say Naruto just sat down and put his arm around Hinata, offering what comfort he could. Hinata leaned into him and released a few quiet sobs her will bent under the weight of years of her family's treatment. Hinata calmed down after a few minutes and separated herself from Naruto wiping the tears from her eyes.

"S-sorry Naruto."

"Don't worry about it," Naruto said keeping his arm around Hinata. He was a little lost in thought trying to process what had just happened, when an idea popped into his head. A mischievous and brilliant idea. "Hey Hinata I know something that will cheer you up." Hinata looked at her teammate who was sporting the most devilish grin she had ever seen.

"W-what?"

"A prank, but I'm going to need your help with it."

"I-I don't know, I d-don't think th-that's a good id-ea"

"Please, I can't do it without you. You have the most important part, come on please." Hinata looked at Naruto then to the ground thinking. She didn't want to do anything that would make her father more upset with her, but she always had fun when she was with Naruto and he never judged her or looked down at her.

"O-okay." What could she say? Naruto was a bad influence on her.


Ziren was sitting at Ichiraku Ramen enjoying his dinner. What? You couldn't live with Naruto for eight years without developing an appreciation for the food. Although he would rather jump off a bridge than tell Naruto that, kid already idolized the stuff too much as it was. But it seems like he wasn't going to be able to enjoy his peace as an ANBU level chakra source was approaching the stand at a breakneck peace. "Ziren Adair the Hokage has ordered your presence immediately." The ANBU said stepping under the flaps that served as the entrance to the food stand. Ziren finished off the broth left in his bowl before dropping money on the counter.

"Lead the way."

The ANBU operative and Ziren sped along the rooftops quickly making for the Hokage Tower. Like a good ANBU, Ziren was led through the front entrance instead of the window. "Adair close the door." Ziren did as ordered and felt the silence seals located in the walls activate.

"You needed me Lord Hokage," Ziren said turning around. That was when he noticed a small brown pug wearing a vest and a headband sitting on the Hokage's desk.

Ziren moved to scratch the dog behind his ears as he sat down when "Pet me and lose a finger." Ziren jumped as the pug spoke in a deceptively gruff voice considering the dog's size.

"There's a talking dog on your desk!" Ziren told Hiruzen.

"Yes his name is Pakkun," Hiruzen said calmly. Ziren looked back and forth between the Hokage and the talking dog before finally sitting back down trying to regain his composure.

"So long as you're aware."

"What do you know about a man named Gatō?" Hiruzen asked.

"Isn't he that man from wave? Not too much I'm afraid, although I know he's the reason I'm one of only three people who still bother maintaining a trade permit in Wave." Hiruzen nodded and pulled out a folder and started leafing through its contents.

"Is that so Mr. Joseph Williamson. You see I have people who also know how to find information that others would rather them not know."

"Okay you caught me." Ziren said holding his arms up. "I'm two of the three people who still bother with a Wave trade permit."

"So why don't you tell me what you actually know about Gatō."

"Well I'd call the man a slug but I wouldn't want to insult the poor gastropods. He's created a monopoly on Wave exports through cut-throat business tactics, shady dealings, and bribing the Daimyo himself. He's completely choked out the natural trade coming out of the country, when was the last time you saw Wave coral jewelry or Wave's famous Whitewood? This man has so much trade potential at his fingertips and instead of doing anything with it has decided to grind it into the dust." Ziren finished getting somewhat emotional over the subject. "Is this related to the talking dog? Because he is really distracting."

"I haven't said anything," Pakkun said perplexed.

"You're a talking dog. That in and of itself is distracting." Ziren informed the animal.

"I'm getting around to that." Hiruzen said pulling more papers out of the folder. "I sent a genin team into Wave-"

"You did what!? What the hell were you thinking? I could've told you that anything having to do with Wave would be at least B-rank." Ziren shouted surging to his feet.

"I know that now and I assure you that the person responsible for vetting the request will be severely punished. In fact I've had him stewing outside my office for the past two hours. I will deal with him after you leave." Hiruzen answered revealing the anger he felt over the whole situation. "And that brings me to why I called you here." Hiruzen said as Ziren sat back down.

"Allow me to explain," Pakkun interjected bringing the attention of the two men towards him. "I'm the personal summons of Kakashi Hatake, he is the jonin sensei sent on the mission. He encountered a missing-nin pair called the Demon Brothers but was able to take care of them easily. The problem came when he encountered Zabuza Momochi."

"Zabuza Momochi!? As in the Zabuza Momochi of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist?" Ziren asked worriedly.

"One and the same," Pakkun nodded. "The battle ended in a stalemate both he and Kakashi too tired and wounded to continue the fight but another missing-nin was waiting to extract Zabuza in case anything happened. Kakashi was more hurt in the fight than he thought and won't be at full strength when Zabuza returns. So he sent me here to request back-up."

"Wait I'm the back-up? Why am I the back-up?" Ziren asked looking to Hiruzen for an answer.

"The path Team Seven took to get into Wave is closed to us. That and the Wave Daimyo has drastically strengthened his border patrols under the guise of a training exercise, most likely at Gatō's behest. That leaves you and your passports as a means of easy and quick access. I want you to infiltrate Wave and aid Team Seven in any way you can." Ziren looked back and forth between Hiruzen processing what was being asked of him. Hiruzen had expected confusion, anger, even incredulity. He had not expected the ex-merchant to burst into laughter.

"You want me to fight The Demon of the Mist?" Ziren managed to get out between laughs. "In a hostile country run by the definition of a bottom-feeder. While protecting a wounded soldier and his three green-horned recruits." Ziren continued laughing until tears ran down his cheeks. "You really know how to test people Lord Hokage."

"Have you calmed down?" Hiruzen asked once Ziren finally managed to stop laughing. "I once met a wise old man who gave me this gem of advice: when faced with only madness I did the only thing I could, I laughed." Ziren answered wiping the tears from his eyes.

"I am not forcing you to-"

"I never said I wouldn't accept the mission. The Gatō situation needs to be solved, with force. Plus it's been too long since I last fought a true sword master." Ziren said grasping the hilt of his sword. "What's the time frame we're dealing with?"

"Not good," Pakkun answered. "We only have a few days before Zabuza returns and Kakashi won't be fully healed in time. Zabuza got a lucky hit, really hurting him. Kakashi's been training the kids as best he could but-"

"Won't really make a difference against someone of Zabuza's level. So what we need is to buy time." Ziren finished thinking over his options. "I have an idea." Ziren pulled out a map of the Elemental Narions and a pencil and drew a circuitous line between the Land of Waves and the Land Water. "Gatō's most lucrative venture is smuggling weapons to the Suna rebels. War is good for business after all. This path here," Ziren said pointing to the line he drew. "Is the path the payments for the weapons take. A payment is scheduled for delivery soon. If that were to disappear then Gatō would be forced to send his best men to retrieve it.

"Which would be Zabuza and his mystery assistant." Hiruzen said tapping his chin in thought. "How do you know this? And how reliable are your sources?"

"Like I said Gatō's been a problem that's needed fixing for a long time."

"And you were going to fix it?"

"For the right price maybe."

"You still didn't answer how you know this."

"I know people. People connected to other people. The only reason I haven't yet done anything to free up trade in wave is because Gatō has a death hold over it and he is the only person who is supplying weapons to the rebels."

"And if he's removed then the situation in Suna could change drastically."

"Precisely."

"I wish you hadn't told me that. Now I have to contemplate how this move could affect the set up dominoes that is the Elemental Nations." Hiruzen turned his chair around and stared at the Hokage monument in thought.

"You can't really be thinking of leaving Kakashi and his team to their fates, can you?" Pakkun asked in disbelief.

"Of course not! Ziren you will still be sent to extract Team Seven. That is all."

"With all due respect, Lord Hokage, I do not think that will be possible. Gatō is a very paranoid man. I do not think he will allow foreign shinobi to leave so easily. The situation in Wave is unsustainable, has been for a long time. This simple C-rank mission has thrown a spark onto the powder keg that is Wave. There will be ripples.

"Very well. I leave this to your discretion then. I'll send out some messages immediately, that money will disappear."

"Good that should buy us some time to prepare. This isn't going to be easy."

"No it won't, but Adair."

"Yes?"

"I want those children home no matter what, understood?"

"Absolutely Lord Hokage."


"Then after that step what you need to do is…" Naruto and Hinata were standing around the table in Naruto's new apartment's kitchen. He was poring over a large piece of paper with a hand drawn map on it going overt the plan he and Hinata had been working on.

"W-what about w-when I ac-accomplish step f-five?" Hinata asked.

"Well you'll…Sensei! Hi…hey…what're you…you're early." Naruto and Hinata jumped in surprise as Ziren leapt through the kitchen window. Ziren looked on in bemusement as Naruto tried, and failed, to stand casually in front of the table blocking Ziren's line of sight.

"I don't have time for this," Ziren sighed holding the bridge of his nose. "Hinata is what Naruto's planning going to cause mayhem and/or hysteria?"

"U-umm, no?"

"Is it going to cause extensive property damage?"

"N-no."

"Is it going to piss off an important and/or powerful individual?"

"V-very much so."

"Naruto do these people deserve what's coming to them?" Ziren asked turning to his apprentice.

"Definitely," Naruto said defiantly standing tall readying for a verbal battle with Ziren.

"Carry on then," Ziren waved off Naruto and walked into the other room.

"Wait that's it?" Naruto asked turning to Hinata, who just shrugged.

"A C-rank mission ran into complications and the team responsible for the mission needs back-up." Ziren shouted from the other room.

"W-what kind of c-complications?" Hinata asked.

"I don't know how much I'm allowed to say at the moment but it's going to be dangerous." Ziren answered walking back into the kitchen one of his emergency get-out-of-town-quick bags in hand. "Naruto where did I put my gummy bear stash?" Ziren asked rooting through the cupboards.

"The cupboard on your left, no down."

"What's this," Ziren asked holding up a bag of candy.

"Chocolate covered gummy bears, I found them at a store Shino showed us and got you some." Naruto answered.

"Thanks but why would you cover…nope, not enough time," Ziren said throwing the bag back into the cupboard and continuing to root through more cabinets adding more odds and ends to his pack.

"Are you going to be okay?" Naruto asked worriedly.

"Nothing short of the apocalypse is going to kill me off, Naruto. You know that" Ziren reassured Naruto ruffling his hair.

"How long are you going to be gone for?"

"I don't know but I'll be back as quick as I can. You remember the emergency protocols?"

"I remember the escape routes, the emergency stashes, and the pass phrases for the safe havens."

"We both knew this was going to happen, besides we've been separated before. Remember the Land of Rice?" Ziren said kneeling down and hugging Naruto. The young Jinchuuriki hugged back.

"Be safe okay." Naruto said.

"Hey that's my line," Ziren said standing back up.

"Hinata I need to ask you to keep him out of trouble while I'm gone. I know that's like asking you to keep the sun from rising but if anyone can do it you can." Ziren asked the favor of the Hyῡga heiress ruffling her hair too. He had one foot on the windowsill when he turned back to his apprentice. "Oh and Naruto, Kurenai is authorized to give you permission."

"Permission for what?" Naruto asked confusedly.

"You'll know if she gives it. Stay safe you two and Naruto don't just eat ramen okay, and listen to Kurenai if she tells you to do something."

"I make no promises."

"Hinata you can smack him if he acts up."

"I-I don't th-think that'll c-come up."

"Yes it will."

"I'll come back I promise. And what do we do with our promises?"

"We keep them, stay safe Sensei."

"You too Naruto." And with that he was gone into the night.


Kurenai was sitting on her couch reading a good book when someone started pounding on her door. She got up and peered through the peephole to reveal Ziren standing impatiently there suited up like he was about ready to go off on a mission. "I know you're there, I can sense you." Kurenai opened the door to see why Ziren was there.

"What do you want?"

"I'm being sent out of the village on a mission and wanted to go over a few things about Naruto before I left."

"Okay, what did you want to tell me?"

"I still think you should take Naruto on C-rank missions, he's getting restless and a restless Naruto is a creative Naruto. And a creative Naruto is difficult to clean up after. Just be careful what missions you take okay."

"Okay?" Kurenai said hesitantly.

"Also he's planning something and has roped Hinata into helping him so just watch your step for the next couple of days okay."

"Who's he targeting?"

"I don't know, time's not my ally and I need to get going. But there is one thing." For the first time since Kurenai saw him, Ziren looked nervous, and this was a man who nonchalantly pissed off the Hokage and didn't even blink. "I've taught Naruto a few unusual techniques over the years. Don't ask what they are I won't tell you and Naruto won't either." Ziren preempted Kurenai's question. "Needless to say they're extremely dangerous and I've forbidden Naruto from using them because he was reckless with them the last time he used one. If on the mission you guys get into real trouble you can give Naruto permission to use these techniques. But this has to be a last resort." Ziren said seriously. "I cannot stress enough how dangerous these techniques are."

"If they're so dangerous why would you teach them to someone as reckless as Naruto?" Kurenai asked. Ziren got a distant look in his face as though he was looking at something no longer in this world.

"I'm afraid I don't have time to answer that question now but I will some other time, I promise. Do you promise to keep Naruto safe?"

"I am a jonin-sensei of Konoha sworn to protect the genin put under my charge. I will keep them safe no matter what."

"That's a good answer. I have to go, there's a boat waiting for me. G'night, and just, thank you." Ziren turned and ran for the village gate where the guards had been alerted to his coming and waved him onto the path beyond. He leapt into the tree canopy and melded into the shadows.