Disclaimer: I do not own any wrights to Naruto or Shadow Skill. I merely use their characters and themes for entertainment purposes.

Naruto stood patiently as the three Jounins that were sent to Cloud informed the assembled group of the forces they were to expect. "From the information that we have obtained the attack planned on the village will take place with in the week," Kurenai said. "We were unable to determine which country will be attacking first."

"So that means we will have to divide our forces to cover a two front war," a Jounin spoke up.

"That is a fair conclusion," the Hokage said. "Please continue Kurenai."

"Yes Hokage-sama," Kurenai complied. "But we suspect that they will attack only as one village."

"Why is that?" another Jounin asked.

"Because they aware of the treaty between Konoha and Suna," Jiraiya answered. "They know that the treaty states that the village will only come to the aid the other if more than one village attacks either Konoha or Suna."

"So we suspect that they will attack in waves," Genma joined in. "First, one village will attack then retreat and the other will follow up. It's a way to keep the pressure on us and still attack with only one village at a time, thus keeping Suna out of the fight."

"As stated earlier we will have to divide our forces to counter attack on two fronts," the Hokage took over. "Jiraiya and Tsunade will each take command of forces at each border. The forces will be made mostly of Chunin and Anbu, there will also be a few Jounins assigned as the field commanders. Most of the Jounins will remain in the village as back up incase there is a diversion and the enemy attack the village directly as their first target. As a result of the formations, each of the three areas will have 'Runner Squads,' the squads sole purpose will be to send messages to the other forces and will be the most important of the duties. If no messages can be sent between the forces than one can be easily become isolated and destroyed." The Hokage stopped to gauge the reactions of those present; every person in the room had face like stone, "That is all for now, report to the administration office to receive your individual assignments."

"Yes Hokage-sama!" came a chorus reply from the assembled shinobi.

As everyone filled out Sasuke and Sakura soon joined up with Naruto. "So what assignment do you think you two will get?" Naruto asked.

"I'll be at the front lines," Sasuke said, "They said that the front lines will be made up of mostly Anbu and Chunin that combined with my Sharingan it will be the most logical choice."

"I'm pretty sure I'll be left in the village," Sakura stated, "I may be a Jounin but I don't have much experience leading squads."

"The real wild card out of us is you Naruto," Sasuke said. "You're powerful enough to be at the front lines, but have no experience leading. Your fast enough and have the stamina required to be a Runner but…"

"Runners will require trust in your teammates," Naruto finished, "I'm still not all that trusted by a lot of people." Naruto then thought for a minute, "I wonder what assignment Hinata-chan will get?"

"They'll probably have her up at the front lines," Kakashi answered as he joined his former students. "She has experience with battle field medicine and is quite the capable fighter."

"What about you Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked, "Where do you think you'll be placed?"

"Hard to say," Kakashi answered. "But I'm guessing either a Runner or be at the village. They'll still want Jounins with experience back at the village." Kakashi then stopped forcing the other three to stop as well. "No matter what assignment you get always be on alert. Especially you two," he pointed at Sasuke and Naruto, "You both know that you're being targeted by some powerful people. And one more thing, from experience I know that losses are inevitable. That means you will probably see some of your friends and comrades die. The battle field is no place to mourn the lost, there will be plenty of time afterwards so don't get distracted." The three gave an affirmative nod and continued on their path to administration office.

Naruto stepped out of the administration office with his assignment in hand. He was one of the last to receive his orders among the Jounins. Sakura and Sasuke got the assignments they figured they would. Sakura would stay in the village as a gate guard. Sasuke would be at the front line near the border with Stone under Jiraiya's command. Kakashi did not get what he assumed, it turned out that he would be at the front lines under Tsunade's command. Naruto was about to look at his assignment once again when a voice stopped him, "Naruto-kun did you get your assignment?"

Naruto turned to the voice and noticed it came from Hinata. When he saw her he immediately smiled, "Yeah, turns out I'm going to be a Runner stationed here in the village. Apparently they want people with a lot of speed, power and stamina as the village Runners incase the need to break through a siege line around the village."

"I think it was a wise decision Naruto-kun," Hinata said.

"Thanks Hinata-chan," Naruto replied, "So what about you do you know where you'll be going?"

"Not yet," Hinata answered. "I should get my assignment soon though." No sooner than she finished her sentence her name was called.

"I'll wait here for you," Naruto said. Hinata nodded and went up to the assignment desk. It only took a few minutes for her to return. When she got back Naruto asked, "Well?"

"I'll be at the front lines under Jiraiya-sama," Hinata said reading her assignment paper.

"That means you'll be with Sasuke," Naruto said. Hinata only nodded in response. Silently Naruto was glad she would be on the same force with Sasuke. He knew that his friend would do everything in his power to protect her. "Why don't we go get something to eat and relax, tomorrow they'll shipping everyone out."

"Ok Naruto-kun," Hinata replied and the new couple went off.

The next day Naruto stood at the main gates with Sakura by his side. They were there to see their friends and loved ones off, like many of those staying in the village. Tsunade's forces left just before and to the surprise of many Naruto and her gave each other their best wishes and promised to come back alive. It was now time for Jiraiya's force to leave and Sasuke and Hinata greeted Naruto and Sakura. After the two pairs said their good bys Naruto went off to the side with his best friend. "Don't worry Dobe I'll take care of Hinata."

"Thanks Bastard," Naruto replied, "And the same goes to you, I'll take care of Sakura-chan." Sasuke nodded in thanks and left to rejoin his team.

Not far away Sakura and Hinata had made similar promises as well. When Naruto came to Sakura's side he got one last look at Hinata before she left with the rest of the medics that were going. "I hope they'll be alright," Sakura commented as she watched the last group leave.

"I wouldn't worry Sakura-chan," Naruto assured. "Their both very strong and can take care of themselves." Sakura turned and smiled at Naruto's assurance. Inside of Naruto's mind however he could not help but have a bad feeling about the next week.

After the gates closed every one began to disperse including the two friends, "I should go begin my patrols," Sakura said.

"And I should me up with my Runner Squad," Naruto said.

Not long after Naruto left Sakura, he went to spot where he was to meet his team. As he approached, he hoped that he would be with people that he could work well with. The first person he came upon had their back turned to him. He appeared to be a Chunin with his hair tied in a ponytail at the back. "Guess you're the first one here," Naruto commented. The Chunin turned around and a recognizable horizontal scar across his face appeared, Naruto smiled, "Iruka-sensei, guess that means we'll be on the same team."

"Looks like Naruto," Iruka greeted in return.

"But I thought all the Chunins were to be at the front," Naruto said.

"Most of the Chunins, yes," Iruka confirmed. "But a few were selected to remain in the village or be Runners. I was selected to do both."

"But why?" Naruto asked.

Iruka was about to answer when a deep voice spoke for him, "Because he is quick and very good at henge."

The two shinobi turned to the voice to see two more people approach. Both were surprised to a middle aged man with pale eyes and long dark hair along with a boy about Naruto's age wearing a green body suit. "Hyuuga-sama?" Iruka asked with surprise. "I thought one such as yourself would be part of the village defense force not a Runner."

"I was selected because of my experience in the Anbu squads," came Hiashi's answer. "Now down to business. I'm sure you know the Rock Lee here," he said pointing to the teenager to his right. "I will explain our duty and chain of command. We will be responsible for the messages that will be sent to Tsunade-sama's forces. We were chosen for our individual skills. Lee for his speed and power, Iruka for his henge incase of stealth, Naruto also for his speed and power and me for my leadership." He glanced at his three new subordinates and saw they nodded in agreement, "Now Naruto, although you are ranked as a Jounin, Iruka will be the second in command. The reason for this is because he was much more experience than you. You will be on equal level with Lee unless both Iruka and myself are incapacitated. Is that understood."

"Yes Sir," all three answered.

"Our duties will not begin until Tsunade's forces are in position," Hiashi informed. "And that will not happed until at least tomorrow. So until then you are on your own time. But I suggest you get some rest while you can. And remember to stay in contact with each other. I'll be with the Hokage at his office incase word comes in." With that he turned and walked off with out another word.

"Naruto I hope you don't take it the wrong way that I'm your commander," Iruka said.

"Don't worry about Iruka-sensei," Naruto waved it off, "He's got a point, experience is more important than rank right now."

"Hyuuga-sama told us we are on our own for now and we should rest," Lee spoke up, "But he also said for us to stay in contact, what should we do?"

"I suggest we stay close together during our times off," Iruka answered. "It will be easier and faster to find us if we are close together. And also, neither of you should do any training, I know you both train a lot but you need to be well rested at any moments' time." The two teenagers nodded in understanding, "So now that that's out of the way, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do?"

Naruto suggested that they go get something good to eat because of the idea that they will have to rely on field rations once their duties start. The others nodded in agreement at this, but when Naruto suggested ramen both denied the suggestion. When asked why, Lee said "I really don't like ramen."

And before Naruto could ask why Iruka simply said, "Not every one likes ramen Naruto. And I'm in the mood for something different right now." He then turned to Lee and asked, "And what do you like?"

"Udon," Lee answered.

"Then I know just the place," Iruka said, "They have a good verity of food, including udon and ramen."

"Well as long as the place has ramen I don't care," Naruto said.

"Then shall we go?" Iruka asked. He got an affirmative nod from both of the others and the three new teammates went off.

The next day the team met up the same place as yesterday. There, Hiashi, informed his team that a Runner Squad arrived late last night and informed the Hokage that they were in position at the border to Cloud. Another team of Runners had already been sent off with a message confirming they received the message. As a result the team was to be put on stand-by incase anything happened. So after they got their equipment they were to meet at the Hokage Tower and await orders.

Naruto after returning to his apartment to get his extra equipment made his way to the Hokage Tower. On his way there Sakura stopped him for a brief moment. They only discussed what their current duties were and left it at that. After the exchange Naruto made his way to the Tower. As a result of getting stopped by Sakura he was the last to arrive, fortunately he was still on time and did not receive anything more than a question of why he was last. He answered a Jounin stopped by to discuss his current duties and after that the subject was dropped.

The four were then sent to a room that was designated as the Stand-by room for Runner Squads. There they went about their own devises to pass the time. Hiashi staked our a corner and entered a meditative state; Rock Lee went to the center of the room and began doing simple katas, after he moved some of the furniture of coarse; Iruka went and looked over some of the current students at the Academy, he was still a teacher and after his assignment here he would go back to teaching; and Naruto simply laid down on the couch that Lee had moved to get some sleep. After about three hours Naruto and Hiashi open their eyes and stood up facing the door. Their actions caught the attention of their two other companions causing them to stop and look at the door as well. A few seconds later the door opened and Gai walked in. Before Rock Lee could greet him Gai spoke, "Report to the Hokage immediately, there is a mission for you."

In front of the Hokage the four assemble waiting for their mission, "The time for the Runners from Tsunade is up. We must assume that either the Runners from Tsunade were ambushed or delayed because of an attack. If ours were delayed then Tsunade would have sent a team to investigate and would have sent word to us. You are to head to Tsunade's camp and assess the situation and inform her that the last message we received was the confirmation that she was in place. Then you are to wait there for further instructions." The Hokage handed Hiashi a scroll and he then passed it on to Iruka.

The team left the Hokage's office for the north gate. Along the way Hiashi told them that their primary objective was to get to Tsunade's camp. However if they ran into any advanced parties then, depending on their numbers, they were to take them out and search for any useable information. Once they left the village Naruto was instructed to take point. He was chosen because he had proven to have superior senses to Iruka and Lee. Hiashi would take the rear because he could keep watch for pursuers and his squad with the Byakugan. Iruka was positioned behind Naruto because he was the slowest and would set the pace for the group. Rock Lee took the third position because of his speed, so he could come and support any of the others faster than anyone.

For two hours the group traveled non-stop until Naruto signaled for a stop. Immediately the three others joined him and began scanning the area. Hiashi was the one to spot the intruders indicating that three Stone-nins were close by. After a glance from everyone asking the unspoken question to attack, Hiashi gave the go a head to attack. The attack on the Stone-nins was quick and decisive. The Stone-nins had already been injured and were out numbered and out skilled. Hiashi had taken out the leader by closing off the chakra holes near the heart, Naruto took out the one to the right of leader with a kick to the neck and Lee killed the last by punching him in the chest crushing his rib cage. Upon closer inspection of their gear, it turned out they had a correspondence from Konoha to Tsunade's forces. Meaning they were the ones to intercept the Runners. "Konoha must be informed that Stone scouts are in the area. I do not wish to do this but I must split up the team," Hiashi ordered. "Iruka and Lee will return to Konoha and inform them of the situation. Naruto and I will continue onto the Cloud border." The three subordinates complied and Iruka and Rock Lee left towards Konoha. "We must make up for the time we spent here."

"Not a problem," Naruto said and the pair took off.

At the front lines with Tsunade, events were become rather confusing. The message from Konoha has been late by several hours. In response she sent out a team to investigate what happened. And now no word has come from them. On top of that her scouts reported the sighting of the enemy camp just across the border, but when she sent an Anbu squad to confirm it, the camp had vanished. Causing her more worry, if they made their position then her camp would be open to attack but if she moved, it would give a good opening for the Cloud to invade. "Kakashi has any word come in from our scouts on where the enemy camp could be located?"

"I'm afraid not Tsunade-sama," Kakashi informed. "Because of the rain storms that continue to occur here, it is hard for the Inuzukas and their dogs to track anyone for very long. Even the Aburames and their bugs are having a hard time with all the wetness."

"Damn I don't like this," Tsunade said shaking her head. "The scouts reported a good sized camp that probably had close to a hundred shinobi. It's not exactly easy to move a camp of that size in only an hour's time."

"If the camp had been covered by an Genjutsu then the Anbu would have been at least able to detect it," Kakashi said, "There was a Hyuuga with in that squad and he should have easily been able to spot one."

"I know," Tsunade sighed. "I just wish I had more information."

Tsunade was about order Kakashi to send out another Anbu squad when a Chunin came up to her, "Tsunade-sama, one of the patrols ran into Runners from Konoha. It looks like they went all out to get here and are extremely tired."

"How many and who are they?" Tsunade asked.

"Two," the Chunin answered, "They are Hyuuga Hiashi and Uzumaki Naruto."

"Take me to them," Tsunade ordered, "Kakashi come with me." She did not even wait for a reply and left to find Naruto and Hiashi. Once she arrived where the two Runners were being kept, she immediately called out to the Hyuuga Clan Head, "Hyuuga-sama what news do you bring?"

Hiashi turned to Tsunade and began to recant their mission from beginning to end. He told of her the messages not making it to Konoha, the run in with the Stone shinobi and the subsequent split of the squad. Followed lastly by the decision not practically sprint the whole way here. Tsunade then intern informed the him what their current situation was, and told the pair to rest up and meet her later.

Two hours passed and the two Runners from Konoha were in a meeting with Tsunade discussing what should be done. "I have already sent two Runner squads back to Konoha, we are currently waiting for a squad from Jiraiya's forces as well."

"Are they over-do?" Naruto asked.

"No," Tsunade answered, "But the normal travel time is coming up soon. And considering your report of Stone-nins already in Fire Country they may be delayed."

"If they become late I would not hesitate to send a recon team to find them," Hiashi suggested.

"I agree," Tsunade nodded, "Kakashi, tell Asuma's team to be on stand-by." Kakashi nodded and left.

"In the mean time what do you want us to do?" Hiashi asked.

"I would like you to remain and help with any strategy sessions while you are here," Tsunade answered, "Naruto I want you to get some rest, we may need you incase of a fight or we need an extra Runner." Naruto nodded silently and left.

After Naruto got something to eat he decided to wonder around the camp for a bit. Being that half his squad was back in Konoha and his leader was helping with strategy sessions meant that he was kind of the odd man out for a while. One thing he did appreciate about the whole situation was that no one was giving him any cold stares. He figured that it was because everyone had too much on his or her minds to pay attention to him. Regardless of the reason he was still thankful for the reprieve from the usual looks he received. After a bit of wondering he had a good idea of the lay out of the camp and figured he should get at least some sleep and made his way to his tent.

As he was about to enter his tent a voice called out to him, "Hey Naruto!" turning Naruto spotted Shikamaru coming up to him. "I heard you were in camp."

"Yeah I arrived about half an hour ago," Naruto said. "Shouldn't you be in the strategy meetings, I mean that's what you were brought here for right?"

"Yeah that's why I was dragged along," Shikamaru sighed, "But the meeting ended a few minutes ago. And since there's nothing more me to do and watching the clouds isn't as relaxing in wartime, I figured I could hit you up for a game of shogi."

"I guess one game couldn't hurt," Naruto thought out loud, "But afterwards I will need to get some sleep." Shikamaru nodded in agreement and the two entered the tent to play a quick game. After a game of about a dozen moves Naruto surrendered seeing that he could not win, Shikamaru left and Naruto lay down to get some sleep.

He was not asleep long before he was awakened by some commotion outside his tent. Getting up to investigate he saw a squad of scouts running through the camp. Like everyone else who was disturbed, Naruto got up to join the others follow the scouts. He followed them directly to Tsunade's tent and overheard them saying, "The Cloud are on the move!"