Blanket Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. This applies to …. Forever or when I can earn a bazillion dollars to buy the copyrights to it.

Previous chapters can be found on my homepage/livejournal. Just click on my profile link!

Previously in Chapter 2

Sakura gets set at home. Ino spends time with Shikamaru. Naruto and Sasuke spend some moments bonding. Each prepare for their mission.

Chapter 3: Mission Start!

The freedom of nature, the thrill of the chase, the ultimate rush:, the overall feeling, this is why I love being a ninja. It's been a while since I've actually thought about it. My way of the ninja. I'm getting closer to becoming the Rokudaime, many already acknowledge my existence, and I have kept my promises. Sometimes I wonder how it all happened. Do I deserve this sense of peace? Albeit, the inner peace I have attained was so hard to accomplish. So many pathways that one could choose. Sasuke's pathway was different from mine, but we each gained what we wanted, right? If so, how come I feel a little empty. It's peaceful, yet…..empty, like a void. I guess I'll have to think on that after the mission.

Hmm, maybe I'll ask Sasuke. A day for guy bonding again. Naruto smiled. That was nice. I wonder if that is the feeling of having family is like. It feels warm, though not the same warmth I get when with Sakura. Hmm…more things to think about. ARGH! Don't think about such things now! This is a mission! Concentrate! Don't dwell on figuring out emotions until later. With firm resolve, Naruto continued onward.

Melding into the night, the four man team began the hunt.

Konoha Forest

"Well, I'll go gather some firewood. Ino, want to come with me?"

"Sure thing. Naruto, can you NOT eat your ramen tonight? I swear, how can a person live off of that? Anyways, I brought something and I'll cook it for you, ne?"

"Alright, alright Ino. Wakata. How can I pass on home cooked meals by Ino? Shikamaru raves about your cooking, so I must try it." Naruto gave Ino an amused look as she blushed profusely. Both girls turned around and started to gather wood.

"Hn. I'll pitch the tents. Two okay?"

"Yeah, we'll share one and the girls can get the other. Of course, if you want….you can share with Sakura, I don't think she would mind. You can start rebuilding your clan!"

With a death glare, Sasuke threw a rock at Naruto. "Don't think so dobe."

"Hmm? Why not? We're at the age where we should be indulging ourselves and thinking about meeting our significant other. Hopefully we'll find our soul mate soon. Mmm…that would be great."

Naruto looked over at Sasuke as he was working on the tents. "Ne, Sasuke?"

"Hn." Not turning around he glanced at the fox while continuing with the tents.

"I was talking to Iruka-nichan and he said something interesting. Life is short. As shinobi we should get what we want whenever we can. The sooner the better. You know what I was thinking?"

Sasuke finished up pitching the tents and sat down next to Naruto. Sakura and Ino joined them setting the wood in a pile. After lighting the pile, Sakura turned to Naruto.

"We heard what you said Naruto. What is it that you were thinking about? Maybe we can help you with it." She smiled gently at Naruto and patted his head before sitting across from him next to Ino, who was preparing dinner.

"Hmm…I was thinking that after the mission, I want to go looking for my soul mate." He looked at his companions and smiled. "I was thinking about what Iruka said and thought that he's right. When I look at Ino and Shikamaru or Kiba and Hinata I feel warm, but also lonely. Not the same as when I was a kid, because I have all of you guys there, but a different kind. I want that warmth and happiness that they have. Hmmm….but maybe I'm being silly and too sentimental. Hehe." Naruto scratched the back of his head.

Sasuke glanced at the blond boy and frowned a bit. Why does he all of sudden want this? Is Team 7 not enough? Am I not enough? All I need is Naruto…and Sakura, in a sense. Slightly frowning, Sasuke sat silently contemplating his line of thought as he started eating.

"Naruto, you want what we all want. Every person has a special person for them. Most of the time we are right next to the person who we are meant to be with." At this, she looked meaningfully at Sasuke. Continuing, "Ahh, how about I introduce you to some girls Naruto? After the mission, we can have a Goukan. What do you think Ino?"

"That would be great! It will be so fun! Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, and Lee! Tenten, Sakura, Temari, and some other girls too! What a perfect way for matchmaking!"

"Sounds like a great idea! I can always use a party. Oi Sasuke, you up for it? It'll be fun. We both can look for someone to start our own clan! Mmm…this food is great Ino!"

"Hn. Annoying. As if I don't have enough fangirls. Gathering them all in one place will be a disaster."

"Hmm, I guess so, but it won't hurt. We'll just invite a small one at, hmm, where should we have it?"

"Ichi—"

"No."

"Why not?"

"No. We'll have it at the Korean BBQ restaurant." That said, Sakura began eating her meal.

Sticking out his tongue and pouting, Naruto consented. "It'll be a good welcome home type of party."

With a loud yawn, Naruto added, "Anyways let's get to sleep; we have an early start tomorrow. We'll be in Sand by nightfall tomorrow. I'm excited! I'll get to see Gaara again! Man, it's been so long! Too bad we can't spar. I have to pick up some disguises for us before we get to the village in Wind. We'll discuss the plan afterwards." Focusing on the upcoming visit to Sand, Naruto missed the flinch on a certain Uchiha.

This did not go unnoticed by a certain platinum blond. Ino raised a brow as she got up to go to bed.

"Oyasumi Naruto. Sasuke-kun."

"Oyasumi." Both boys replied. Looking at each other, they turned to head to their own tent to rest.

Girls' tent

"Ne, Sakura?"

Turning around while brushing her hair, green eyes directed themselves at the Cauliflower blue ones. "What is it Ino-pig?"

"Maa, Sakura, at the age of 24 and you still call me that? Oh well, I guess I have to stick to calling you Forehead girl!" Both girls started giggling.

"Anyways Sakura, I was wondering. How have things been with you and Sasuke and Naruto?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask? I guess things have been going okay so far. Naruto and I have become like brother and sister. It's great. I kinda miss when he followed me around, but I wouldn't give up what I have now with him for the world! As for Sasuke, well, we get along better. Not as well as he and Naruto, but I think it's a guy thing though. You know, like Shikamaru and Chouji. But I don't mind right now. Sasuke talks to me more than any of the other girls, so that makes me special to him right?"

Ino glanced at the pink haired girl and frowned a bit. "Yeah, you are definitely special to Sasuke-kun." Hmm, I wonder. It seems more brotherly, but who knows. Although I am a bit suspicious about his and Naruto's relationship. Giving Sakura a small hug, "Oyasumi Sakura."

"Oyasumi Ino."

Boys' tent

"Man, what a tiring day! Hey Sasuke, something a matter?"

"Hn." Shifting his bed roll, Sasuke turned around to face the other boy. "Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering, Felt like something was a matter." Giving his regular grin, "Well, whatever, I'm bushed. Night Bastard."

"Hn." Sasuke looked at his companion and turned around to exit; he was first watch. Hmm…I wonder what's a matter indeed. Strange, how come I feel uncomfortable whenever he's happy to see another person. I'm happy when I am with him and he shows me that he feels the same when with me. Could this be jealousy? That could be it. He's my best friend and he'll forget about me if he finds another. Well, I'll set that aside to think about later.

Settling himself outside in a tree, Sasuke watched the stars.

A/N: I've been wondering, is this story captivating enough to keep writing? I haven't gotten much feedback, so I'm leaning towards no. I've a few more chapters to post, but since it's not too many hits, I've slowed down. That's why this chapter is about 2 weeks late. Well, I'll see what to do in the next chapters.