Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Naruto.
A/N: Ok after a hectic week of studying and finals I finally found the time to write another chapter. I am sorry for the inconsistent updates but schoolwork has kept me too busy to spend time on this fanfiction. After a period of writer's block I have been re-inspired by the healing powers of a full nights sleep! So because of my newfound ability to stay awake for more then five minutes I have written my longest chapter yet. This chapter will serve as a transition into the main plotline and the long awaited battles.
-----Naruto's Dream-----
Uzumaki Naruto is swimming in what seems to be an endless "sea" of Ramen. He is wearing an orange version of the Hokage outfit with the Leaf symbol replaced by a bowl of ramen. Floating on his back Naruto slowly drifts along with the endless amount of noodles and a wide variety of ingredients.
Suddenly the calm still "sea" starts to shake violently as waves swell up and thunder clouds block out the sun. The waves thrash into Naruto and as he struggles to keep his head out of the raging broth his legs get tangled in multiple strands of noodle. The deafening clap of thunder overhead slowly starts to form into comprehendible words and Naruto hears a familiar voice calling out his name.
"Naruto, Naruto wake up!"
-----End Naruto's Dream----
Naruto suddenly wakes up and find's himself in his bedroom. Shaking his head to wake himself up Naruto tries to recall what happened in his dream.
"I was dressed in my version of the Hokage outfit and I was swimming in a sea of ramen…but then waves formed and a thunderstorm started….wait I also heard a familiar voice…"
A series of knocks coming from the front door captures Naruto's attention.
"Naruto wake up we have a mission!"
"Oh! Kakashi-sensei!"
Quickly getting up and using his refined ninja techniques Naruto dresses himself in record speed. Then racing to the door Naruto swings the door open. Naruto finds Hatake Kakashi leaning lazily against the door frame while reading his perverted book. Pausing from his reading Kakashi looks up to see his student looking up at him expectantly.
Kakashi raises one hand in a laid back wave. "Yo"
"Good Morning Kakashi-sensei what are you doing here so early, do we have a mission?"
"Early? Naruto it's Ten in the morning…and I came to tell you that we have an important mission today."
The news on a new mission quickly grasps Naruto's attention.
"Important mission…wait has there been any new information on Sasuke?"
Looking up from his book Kakashi sighs. "Calm down Naruto I will explain everything once we get to the Old Bridge. Meet us there in exactly 30 minutes… oh and before you leave be sure to brush you teeth."
Blushing Naruto covers his mouth with his hand. "Uh sorry I knew I forgot something…"
"Ok I suggest you eat breakfast and I will see you in half an hour."
With a final wave Kakashi pops out of existence in a cloud of smoke.
-----Sakura's House-----
Haruno Sakura steps out of her bathroom, already changed into her standard ninja outfit. Stepping in front of her mirror Sakura starts to comb her hair, running the comb through her bubblegum pink hair.
'Ding Dong'
Downstairs Sakura hears the doorbell ring and seconds later hears her mother's voice.
"Sakura, Kakashi-san is here to see you!"
"Hmm sensei's here; we must have a mission…"
Stepping into her combat boots Sakura pulls on her black gloves. Then brushing a few strands of pink hair out of her face she fastens her forehead protector onto her head. Walking toward her bedrooms door and descending down the stairs the pink haired genin arrives at the main entrance.
Once again Kakashi is seen leaning on the doorframe reading the latest edition of 'Come Come Paradise'.
"Good morning sensei, do we have a mission today?"
"Good morning Sakura, yes I came by to tell you that we have a mission today so meet us at the Old Bridge in half an hour."
"Um ok sensei…" Sakura trails as she notices the book Kakashi is reading in plain view. A vein pulses on her forehead as Sakura starts to crack her knuckles.
Sensing a sudden hostile aura coming from his student Kakashi looks up to see a VERY angry Sakura
"…Kakashi-sensei…how many times did I tell you not to read that book in front of a lady!"
Using his lightning fast reflexes Kakashi quickly puts away his prized book.
"My mistake Sakura, but this is the 'Golden Limited Edition Version of the original Come Come Paradise!'. It was given to me personally by the genius writer Jiraiya-sama!"
"Jiraiya-SAMA a genius? Says Sakura, emphasizing the –sama. "I don't care who gave you the book, if I see you reading it in front of a lady again I will personally burn it! And why the hell would you call that perverted hermit a genius!"
Recalling the earlier event with the Hokage's death glare Kakashi decides to heed his student's advice and leave before any damage is dealt to him or his precious book.
"Um ok Sakura I'll meet you at the bridge in half an hour…"
Waving to Sakura Kakashi once again disappears in a poof of smoke.
-----Hyuuga Residence----
In the center of the Hyuuga Residence is the well renowned private garden of Konoha's noble family. In this garden are many plots of flowers and plants as well as pools and a manmade waterfall. It is in this very waterfall that Hyuuga Neji is seen doing his morning exercises.
The Hyuuga prodigy is meditating under the rushing flow of the waterfall. It is apparent that he is not wearing his headband since the infamous seal of the Hyuuga branch family is clearly visible. Closing his eyes Neji takes a deep breath as the cool water rushes past his body. Relaxing his body Neji begins to release a steady amount of chakra from all the chakra holes in his body. The manifested chakra begins to push against the rushing flow of the waterfall slowly cutting upward through the water until the whole waterfall is split in two.
Two sets of familiar screaming voices break Neji's concentration causing his chakra to waver and the whole waterfall to reshape itself and rush down on him.
"OH NEJI MY WONDEROUS STUDENT, IT BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES TO SEE YOU DOING SUCH HARD YOUTHFUL TRAINING!"
"OH NEJI-SAN I CANNOT ALLOW YOU TO SURPRASS ME, I SHALL DO FIVE-HUNDRED ONE FINGER PUSHUPS"
Opening his eyes Neji grunts in annoyance. In front of his are two individuals with identical green spandex, bowl shaped haircuts, and fuzzy eyebrows. Both are wearing orange leg warmers and their headband around their waist like a belt.
"Gai-sensei, Lee what are you doing here this early in the day?" says Neji emphasizing the 'early'.
"Neji my beloved teammate, I have the most outstanding news for you today!"
Gai steps up to Lee and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Now, now Lee let me tell our outstanding teammate the news"
"Oh Gai-sensei I am so sorry, my exuberant youth has led me to disrespect your authority!"
"Oh Lee, fear not for there is no punishment for the innocent actions influenced by the burning of your youth!"
Now begins one of the more disturbing scenes in Naruto. Out of nowhere appears a background of a sunset in a beach. Gai and Lee stand on opposite ends of the background facing each other with outstretched arms.
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei:
"Lee:
Running up to each other the two 'beautiful green beasts' of Konoha embrace themselves in a 'manly' hug.
All the ensuing commotion causes various members of the Hyuuga clan to arrive and bear witness to the 'unusual' scene. Two of these individuals are none other then Hyuuga Hiashi and Hyuuga Hinata.
Stepping forward Hyuuga Hiashi addresses Maito Gai in a stern manner.
"What is the meaning of all this commotion and your vulgar behavior!"
"My apologies Hiashi-san, the Hokage has sent me to inform Neji and Hinata of a very important mission they will be taking."
Gai takes out two folders and give them to Hinata and Neji respectively.
"The Hokage has organized a classified mission to counter some recent Sound activity. All the members of Team's 7, 8, 10 and my team have been chosen to participate with their original teams. Kurenai asked me to inform Hinata to meet her team in the usual spot."
"Hmm am I correct to assume that the Hokage is sending in these teams instead of Jounin or ANBU because she fears that the traitor Orochimaru will attack?"
"Yes, we cannot spare any Jounin or ANBU in these circumstances"
"Very well thank you for the information. Hinata, Neji I suggest you prepare for your upcoming mission"
Hinata bows to her father.
"Yes father, I promise I will not fail you.
Hiashi nods in acceptance.
Hinata leaves toward the direction of her quarters; Neji starts to go toward his when he is stopped by Hiashi.
"Neji I want you to protect her, don't let any harm come to her…"
Neji formally bows in front of Hiashi
"Ok Hiashi-sama I will protect her with my life…"
"Thank you"
After the two cousins prepare for the mission Gai, Lee and Neji head off toward the house of their last member while Hinata heads toward her teams meeting spot.
-----Nara Deer Range-----
Nara Shikamaru is lying back against the wired fence that marks the end of the Nara family property. Bending his head back to face the sky the lazy chunnin lets out a sigh of annoyance. Above him is a clear blue sky without a cloud in sight.
"Tch, such a boring day…not a single cloud in the sky…"
Bringing his arms to support his head Shikamaru closes his eyes and prepares to drift off to sleep. A slight rustling off to the side signals the entrance of a single fawn. The fawn creeps up to the shadow user and begins to lick his hand. Surprised Shikamaru pulls back his hand but puts it back to pet the young deer.
"Hey you want some sugar huh? Tch now you're going to make me get up, too troublesome."
Getting up Shikamaru walks over to his backpack and takes out a couple of cubes of sugar and offers one of them to the fawn.
"Aww that's sooo cute!"
Looking up the lazy chunnin sees a girl with a platinum blond ponytail wearing a purple sleeveless button-up shirt with a short mini-skirt and fishnet over her elbows and knees. The girl named Yamanaka Ino is sitting on a tree branch. Jumping down from the tree Ino walks up slowly to Shikamaru and the fawn.
"Hey Shikamaru can I feed it?"
"It's a him and sure just take a sugar cube and approach is slowly, it might not accept it from you since it does not recognize your scent."
The blonde chunnin takes a sugar cube and approaches the young deer very slowly. At first the fawn is cautious and slowly backs away but soon the desire for sugar is too great and the fawn steps forward to eat the sugar out of Ino's hand.
"Hehehe it tickles" giggles Ino petting the fawn on its head. "Its fur is so soft, Shikamaru you are so lucky that you get to take care of deer."
"Meh they are actually to troublesome, I have to get up early in the morning to tend to them which means I get less sleep..."
"I would love to have a fawn as a pet, they are sooo cute! That's it Shikamaru I am coming here more often so you can show me the deer."
"Tch too troublesome…anyway why did you come here? And how did you know where to find me?"
"Oh yeah I almost forgot! Asuma-sensei sent me to find you, it seems we have a very important mission and he wants all of us to meet at the training area."
"Mission….man this day is starting to get really bad first no clouds now this…."
After Ino fed the fawn a few more sugar cubes the two chunnin led the deer back to its herd. After that Ino and Shikamaru head off toward their training area to find out more about their mission.
(Ok many of you will no doubt be very confused by the next few dialogues. What is essentially happening is that Kurenai, Asuma, Gai, and Kakashi are briefing their respective teams at the same time. To save time the conversation between teams will overlap one another since they are basically talking about the same thing but in different places.)
-----Team Eight's Training Area-----
Hyuuga Hinata enters the clearing where her team regularly meets up and trains. Already there are her teammates as well as her former sensei. Walking up to Kurenai, Hinata formally bows to her sensei.
"Good Morning Kurenai-sensei, I was informed that we had a mission?"
"Yes Hinata we have an S-Class mission from the Hokage herself."
The news of the S-Class mission causes all three chunnin to snap their attention to the Genjutsu specialist. Kiba jumps up from his sitting position while Hinata gasps and even Shino flinches, even though it is barely visible.
"But Kurenai-sensei, why would they send us chunnin for an S-Class mission? Just a week ago the Hokage wouldn't even let us go on a lower level B-Class mission!"
"Calm down Kiba let me explain; according to the Hokage recent ANBU reconnaissance has informed us that the Sound has once again started military activities …"
-----Team Ten's Training Area-----
"…this leads us to believe that Orochimaru is probably planning to mount an attack on Konoha again." states Asuma to his former students.
"Wait Asuma-sensei! Why doesn't the Hokage send in Jounin's or ANBU for this mission?"
Shikamaru lets out a sigh. "Because Ino, if Tsunade-sama send in Jounin or ANBU and Orochimaru attacks while they are gone we will be..."
-----Team Gai's Training Area------
"…completely defenseless." replies Neji to Lee's question.
"Great job my wonderful pupil, as always your insight shows the limitless power of youth!" praises Gai.
"Gai-sensei will we be doing this mission alone, or will other teams be participating as well?" asks TenTen.
"A wonderful question TenTen, the Hokage has arranged it so that our team will be working with and supporting teams Seven, Eight…"
-----Team Seven's Training Area-----
"…Ten and Gai's team. " Team Eight and Ten have their own mission but Team Gai will be working with us."
"Kakashi-sensei what exactly is our mission?" asks Sakura.
"Our mission is to infiltrate Orochimaru's main base and inflict as much damage to the enemy as we can. We will be using hit and run tactics to maximize the damage as well as minimize casualties. Jiraiya-sama will be joining us on this mission to fill in the fourth spot in our team…"
The mention of the fourth member of Team Seven causes both Sakura and Naruto to go silent. Sakura stares off into the distance as Naruto clenches both his fist and closes his eyes. Naruto slowly reopens his eyes and stares directly into Kakashi's visible eye.
"Kakashi-sensei I want you to tell us the truth, will Sasuke be there?"
The copy-nin looks up into the sky a distant look of regret and sorrow on his face. Closing his visible eye Kakashi lets out a sigh.
"We are not certain where exactly Sasuke is…but his most probable location would be in Orochimaru's lair. Our top priority is the success of this mission but we do have a side objective. If we come across Sasuke we are to bring his back to Konoha. However if he resists we will have to…" the silver haired Jounin drifts off, the message already clear in everyone's minds.
"It won't matter…" mumbles Naruto.
Sakura looks toward a trembling Naruto; her sorrow is quickly replaced by concern.
"What do you mean Naruto?"
"It won't matter because no matter what I will drag that bastard back…"
Sakura and Kakashi both look at Naruto, a newfound determination in their eyes. Sakura walks up to the blond genin.
"Your wrong Naruto, you won't bring him back…we all will…"
Surprised Naruto looks toward Sakura. All signs of sorrow and worry are erased from her face, replaced by the solid determination of the Hokage's apprentice.
"Thanks Sakura, we will bring him back, I know we will…"
In the shadow of the trees a figure with long white hair and a scroll on his back recalls a past very similar to his apprentice's and words that reflect exactly what Naruto had just said…
"Good luck kid, I just hope that fate doesn't repeat itself…"
-----Konoha South Gate-----
After the teams are briefed on their respective mission's all the members of each team go home and prepare for their mission. Afterwards they each spend their last few hours in Konoha in their own ways the same thought in the back of everyone's mind, "we may never come back…" As the golden sun sets in the horizon, the rise of the moon signals the beginning of the mission. All the teams are waiting at the gates for a few stragglers.
Tired of waiting Naruto begins to shake his fists at the sky. "What the hell is taking them so long? Kakashi-sensei I can understand but Ero-sennin to!"
Sakura smacks Naruto in the back of the head. "Naruto shut up everyone's waiting patiently so why can't you?"
"Um that's not entirely true Sakura..." Neji speaks up pointing at two of his teammates.
Maito Gai and Rock Lee are doing one pinky handstands while balancing their equipment on their feet.
"Come on Lee if my eternal rival and Jiraiya-sama do not arrive in the next five minutes we will do 10,000 pushups!"
Lee continues his idols rantings.
"And if they don't come in 10 minutes we will do 5,000 laps to Sound and back!"
Every one sweat drops at the unusual way to pass the time.
Suddenly in a swirl of smoke and leaves two ninjas appear. Once the smoke clears Jiraiya and Kakashi are revealed.
"YOU'RE LATE!" screams Naruto and Sakura as usual but also joined in with Ino, Kiba, TenTen and the barks ok Akamaru.
"Um sorry everyone I dropped my shuriken in a jar and couldn't get my hand out…"
"LIAR!" replies everyone mentions above.
Jiraiya rubs his forehead in annoyance. "I went to find him because I knew he would be late..."
After close inspection Hinata notices a bra stuck to the Perverted Hermits sandal. She points out this information to Sakura.
"You went looking for Kakashi-sensei right?"
"Yes Sakura…"
"Then why is there a bra stuck to your sandal?"
Jiraiya looks down at his feet and sees a black lace bra intertwined around his sandal. He starts to sweat furiously as the Hokage's apprentice cracks her knuckles.
"Um isn't it obvious? I was looking for Kakashi and one of the places I looked was a Brothel…"
"Suuure you did…"
All the girls run up to Jiraiya and beat the legendary crap out of him.
-----Five Minutes Later-----
"Okay now that we are all here and all last minute distractions have been taken cared of..."
At this point Kakashi peeks a look at the blob that resembles Jiraiya and thanks fate that they forgot about him.
"…we can finally begin our mission. I don't have to tell you all how important it is that we all complete our objectives no matter what. Failure will not be tolerated and neither will the death of one of your comrades. Protect each other with your lives and make sure everyone gets back home.
Everyone listens to Kakashi's pep talk with utmost respect, no doubt on their minds that he speaks of past experiences…
As all the teams divide into their individual groups, Kakashi walks up to Sakura to get her to heal the Frog Hermit.
"Sakura I think you should heal Jiraiya-sama there, we need him for the success of the mission."
Sakura lets out a mischievous sigh. "Ok alright but he is much more bearable like this…"
Naruto and Kakashi both deadpan at this remark.
-----Outside of Konoha's walls-----
The four teams dash through the night, silent as the shadows around them. As they near the trees start to jump from one tree to another. As they run or hop toward their destination two figures follow them silently. Without the slightest sound the two figures dressed in black and red cloaks follow the group, the red eyes of one of the pursuers silently watching every move a certain Demon Container makes.
-----Sound Territory, Hydra Swamps-----
After hours of traveling the four teams reach their destination, The Hydra Swamps. The swamp itself is a reflection of what awaits them inside. The wet marsh sticks to your boots, the air is full of green and purple fumes, and a constant foul smell radiates from the swamp. The whole scenery screams evil and dangerous, the perfect lair for a snake obsessed sannin.
Sakura takes off her backpack and takes out a box full of blue vials.
"Ok everyone this is the tonic that Tsunade-sama developed. It will immunize you from most of the aerial toxins in the swamp. Each of you should take an extra one in case of an emergency."
Sakura hands out the tonic evenly between all four teams. After everyone self administers the shot, some like Kiba and Akamaru took a little persuading, Kakashi takes out a map of the swamps.
Okay Asuma your team will attack these known bases on the southern side of the swamp. You may also attack any other bases that we do not know about. Remember to interrogate any higher level ninjas if you can.
Kurenai your team will cut through the swamp and sneak into the Hidden Village of Sound. Take the northern most path since that is the one with the least security.
Gai your team and mine will head directly into the center of the swamp and into Orochimaru's main base. From there we will plant explosive tags on key points and bring the base down.
After everyone confirmed their parts in the separate missions the four teams go their separate way confidence and determination on each individual face.
-----With Team Ten-----
Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, and Asuma quickly run through the swamps using chakra to prevent themselves from sinking into the marsh. Ino suddenly loses her balance when she jumps on top of a log and fall backwards. Fortunately Shikamaru is right behind her to catch her before she falls.
"Th-thanks Shikamaru"
"No problem, just be more careful next time ok?"
"Alright"
Choji walks up to the fallen log and moves it aside. Then turning back he takes the map for Asuma and examines it.
"Where is the closest target Asuma-sensei?"
"According to this map the closest target is five kilometers south-east from here."
Shikamaru peers at the camp, memorizing the various camps and landmarks.
"From the first target we should head east to this one and then double back to the northern one."
"Why?" asks Ino.
"They will most likely call for aid from the northern encampment. This way we can avoid the reinforcements and then take them out later on our terms."
"Good plan Shikamaru; ok let's head for the first camp."
Team Ten continues to head for their target unaware that they are being followed by a figure with a sound headband.
A/N: Finally this chapter took forever to write and would have probably taken longer if people did not constantly annoy me to finish. Anyway this chapter feels kind of rushed and some of the dialogue seems empty but I can't figure a way to fix it now. I might go back and edit this chapter later if I can figure out what about it is bothering me. Anyway next chapter Asuma's team gets a surprise visit from an unknown stalker.