*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*
The night air was cool and silent as Naruto ran through the empty streets of Konoha. Tonight's weather was a special treat since the nights in Konoha were usually as hot as the days were. Naruto could see the village gates come into view so he picked up his speed. He arrived to find Ino and Sai waiting patiently.
"Hey guys," said Naruto.
"Hi," chirped Ino.
"Hello Naruto-kun," replied Sai.
"Have you guys been waiting long?"
"No I haven't been here that long, but Sai was here first," said Ino.
Naruto looked at his pale friend and smirked.
"How long have you been here Sai?"
"For about ten minutes in total. I was only waiting for about five minutes before Ino arrived. Over time I've learned Kakashi's habits and being on time isn't something he's known for, so I figured there was no point in getting here early."
Naruto was speechless, Sai was usually always on time, or he'd make sure he was early if anything, but to hear him say that there's was no point in being punctual was mind blowing.
"Looks like someone is actually behaving normally for once," said Naruto as he playfully shoved his friends shoulder.
"Yes, well I'm working on becoming a more laidback individual, so I'm trying to go with the flow. Is that what they call it?" Asked Sai innocently. "I'm certain it is, at least that's what I remember reading."
Naruto burst out into laughter.
"How could I think you'd ever change Sai."
Ino giggled at her two teammates. She was really looking forward to working with them. Naruto turned towards her and cleared his throat.
"So Ino your team was the only one that wasn't sent out as a search party, right?"
"Well sort of, you see Shikamaru is the ambassador for Konoha when Suna is involved. So he's staying here helping Tsunade-sama with relations between both villages. Chouji was sent on a mission with his dad, and of course I was chosen to help Team 7."
"Well to tell you the truth I'm glad you're on our team. You're a really great medic."
"That's really sweet Naruto," said Ino as she drew closer towards him.
"Well it's the truth," chuckled Naruto.
Ino couldn't help but notice that Naruto was in good spirits, he looked like if last night's events hadn't even occurred. She didn't want to bring it up last night's drama, but she had to get something off her chest.
"Listen Naruto...I'm really sorry...about last night. I feel absolutely horrible, I mean I'm partly responsible since I was the one that got us all together in the first place," sighed Ino.
"You have nothing to apologize for Ino, really. In reality I owe you, and everyone at the party an apology. I acted like an ass."
"But for a good reason," replied Ino.
"Thanks, but I should have had better control of myself."
"Maybe, but I don't think you were over reacting. Kiba really put himself in the line of fire. He's lucky Hinata was there to save his ass."
"Don't even get me started on that," sighed Naruto.
"Fair enough," giggled Ino. "So how's Sakura doing?"
"Better, she was able to fully heal her arm, and she got a clean bill of health at her doctor's appointment. Which reminds me I have something to show you guys."
Naruto carefully removed his forehead protector and pulled out the small piece of paper that was behind it.
"Feast your eyes on this," said Naruto proudly.
Ino took the piece of paper and notice that it wasn't paper at all, but a photograph. Her baby blue eyes lit up when she noticed what she was looking at.
"Awe Naruto this is amazing," said Ino as she looked at the ultrasound picture. "I'm getting all emotional just looking at this. I can't believe Sakura is really having a baby!" Cheered Ino as she jumped up and down.
"Come here Sai you have to see this."
Sai drew closer and took the picture. He looked at it and smiled at Naruto.
"I'm very happy for you and Sakura-san. Now you have proof showing everyone that you aren't dickless. You obviously have a dick since you conceived a child," said Sai innocently.
"Ha Ha," muttered Naruto as he yanked the photo from Sai's pale hand.
He placed the ultrasound photo behind the silver plate on his forehead protector, and wrapped it tightly around his head.
"Yeah Sai leave Naruto alone, I'll have you know he's far from dickless," said Ino as she slapped Naruto on the back. "Sakura maybe a little shy to share certain intimate information with me, but let me tell you she has told me that he isn't lacking in that department, no sir. Isn't that right Naruto?"
Naruto could have died of embarrassment right then and there. Before he lost it and passed out from utter humiliation he felt someone's hand on his left shoulder. He turned around to see Kakashi looking at him.
"Sorry if you've all been waiting long. So what are you talking about?" Asked Kakashi.
"Oh hello Kakashi-sensei we were just having a discussion on how Naruto-kun is…"
Sai was unable to finish his sentence due to Naruto coming up from behind him and covering his mouth.
"Oh nothing Kakashi-sensei we were just talking about tonight's mission is all" said Naruto.
Kakashi looked around suspiciously at the three of them. He decided it was best not to inquire any further on what they were really discussing, and instead he'd focus on the task at hand.
"Well Naruto I'm happy to see that you look more enthusiastic about tonight then you did earlier today. Is it safe to say that you'll be on your toes tonight? Asked Kakashi.
Naruto slowly let go of Sai and nodded.
"Yes Kakashi-sensei, you can count on me."
"Good, now listen up everyone here's what's going on tonight, and every other night until we are given different orders."
"..."
"Each one of us is going to be patrolling an area on the borders of the village. I'll be taking the North side, Sai you've got East, Naruto you're South, and Ino is West. I'll be contacting you all every hour for an update on your area, and for roll call."
Kakashi removed some headsets from his knapsack and handed everyone a pair.
"Make sure they work and that you're all on channel 1, and please no goofy off with them, that means you Naruto," warned Kakashi.
Naruto gave his former sensei a sheepish grin and nodded his head.
"Now listen closely because this is very important. I want you all to report anything suspicious, even if you think it's nothing. Tsunade-sama is very worried about what's going on. That's why she's done so much to keep the villagers safe. If you do encounter anyone call it in informing the rest of us. If you need backup set these off," said Kakashi as he handed everyone flare tags. "Attach these to your kunai's before we head out. Keep in mind you'll need to smear some of your blood to activate them."
"What happens if we aren't able to set our flares off, what's the procedure then?" Asked Ino.
"If for whatever reason you can't set off the flare Naruto will find you. His ability to sense chakras and his heightened sense of smell is key to our team's success rate. If all else fails my ninken aren't far behind, they are patrolling within the village walls, so they can be called as backup if need be. Now please double check your equipment and let's get going."
"Hey sensei, there's something I need to let you and the rest of the team know."
"Is that so, well what is it Naruto?"
"My right arm got banged up last night. I tore a few muscles and broke my wrist, but Sakura-chan fixed me right up, but I'm still a little sore. I'm not healing as fast as I normally do."
"Is everything ok?" Asked Ino "You usually heal rather fast."
"Well the Kyuubi and I aren't seeing eye to eye at the moment so I don't have his help right now. However this isn't going to hinder my performance tonight. Believe me, I wouldn't put my team at risk if I thought otherwise," said Naruto.
"Thank you for letting us, just be careful. I know Sakura wouldn't be please if you came back home with your arm in worse shape than what it's in right now," said Kakashi.
"Yes sensei, I'll be careful."
"Alright then, is everyone ready?"
"Yes, "said everyone in unison.
"Right then let's head out, and remember, I'll be contacting you all in an hour. Be safe and alert, we can't afford any mistakes," said Kakashi.
With that said everyone dispersed silently into the forest.
It was 3:00am when a slight hiss of static buzzed in Naruto's ear.
"Report," said Kakashi.
"Everything on the East side is clear," said Sai.
"West side is clear too," replied Ino.
Naruto pressed his communicator and sighed.
"All clear here in the south."
"Right, only four more hours to go everyone stay sharp," ordered Kakashi.
"Right," said everyone.
Naruto yawned and stretched his body as he relaxed high on a tree branch. He looked around the forest surveying his surroundings. It was cool, silent, and surprisingly eerie. He looked up at the sky through the canopy high above him. Midnight blue adorned the clear sky, there wasn't a cloud was in sight.
The stillness of the night was interrupted when Naruto's stomach growled. He reached into his knapsack and pulled out an energy bar. He began to eat, when an all too familiar voice spoke.
"Remind me not to talk bad about that Nara kid anymore," muttered the Kyuubi.
"Oh, and why is that?" Asked Naruto doing his best to keep his voice neutral.
"He did what we couldn't."
"Yeah, but don't worry, I'm not letting Kiba get away the next time I see him.
"Is that so?" Inquired the Kyuubi. "It isn't like you to hold a grudge."
"This is different, Kiba really crossed the line."
"..."
"It also doesn't help that his loud mouth mother told a good junk of people about Sakura-chan pregnancy. This whole situation with people vanishing is making me worry. If word gets out of the village that she's carrying my child she could be a prime target."
"This whole thing really does have you rattled, but why, humans disappear all the time, usually at the hand of another human."
"I know, but there's something odd about this whole thing."
"If that's the case then we must always be on guard."
"Agreed, so we're good then?"
"…."
"Well?"
"As much as I'd like to ignore you some more I can't. Especially if there is a threat. We need each other in order to make sure Sakura stays safe. So as you put it we are good. Your arm should be back to normal in a few hours."
"Fair enough, and thanks," replied Naruto.
He was relieved that the Kyuubi had finally forgiven him, or at least come back to his senses. It would be good to have his arm back to normal. He took his last bite of his energy bar and stood up. He decided it was about time to make his rounds, when a foul odor assaulted his delicate nose.
"What the fuck is that smell!?"
"It seems we have company coming our way doesn't it Naruto?" Chuckled the Kyuubi as it disappeared into his subconscious.
Naruto pressed his communicator and spoke rapidly.
"This is Naruto I've picked up on something."
"What is it Naruto?" Asked Kakashi.
"I'm sensing some shinobi heading towards the South. They're moving fast, and they're just a few miles away from you Ino."
"How many are there Naruto?" Asked Ino as she prepared herself.
"I'm not sure exactly, two maybe three."
"What you mean you aren't sure?!"
"I'm sorry, but there's a hideous in the air, and it's fogging my senses."
"Smell what smell?" Asked Ino.
"It's the smell of death Ino, and it's heading your way!"
"Ino don't let your guard down let us know if you need backup," said Kakashi.
"Roger that sensei."
Ino surveyed her surroundings doing her best to try and feel out the approaching intruders. She jumped up into a nearby tree for extra cover. She slowly removed a kunai and crouched down ready to strike at any moment. A few minutes passed by, with no activity, but Ino didn't dare let her guard down.
Then something shiny caught her attention and in an instant Ino swiftly moved her body to the left just in time to dodge several shuriken. They viciously became embedded in the tree trunk behind her. Ino back flipped from the tree and landed gracefully in front of three shinobi. She looked at the intruders and stepped forward in a defensive stance.
"You're trespassing on the borders of Konoha, we don't take kindly to trespassers. Please state your business now!"
The three dark skinned shinobi weren't phrased by Ino's threat. They slowly began to circle the young kunoichi.
"Do you hear that boy's this little lady wants to know what business we have with Konoha," chuckled one of the men.
"Well princess how about we introduce ourselves first. After all it's rather rude of us not to, don't you think?"
"..."
"My name is Kenju, and these are my teammates Renji, and Yukon. We're simply here to drop off some cargo for Konoha."
"Dropping off cargo, seriously?"
"That's what I said sweetheart."
"Well then why aren't you on our trading route?"
"..."
"Just as I thought," said Ino.
She gently pressed her communicator and alerted her teammates.
"There are three of them, I repeat there are three intruders."
Before she could hear a response back one of the men dashed towards her. She braced herself for the impact, there simply wasn't time to dodge. She felt his weight crash into her midsection, and without missing a beat she grabbed a hold of her attacker. He looked surprised when Ino brought him closer to her body.
He soon realized that he had given her the upper hand with his attack. Ino pierced his back with her kunai and inhaled deeply. Four poisoned senbon shot out from her mouth, and each one met their mark as they swiftly struck her assailant's cheek. He yelled in pain from both of Ino's attacks. She roughly pushed him away and kneed him in the stomach. Her attacker skid across the floor convulsing from the poison that quickly circulated through his body.
"That was such an amateur mistake Renji," said Kenju as he shook his head in disappointment. "Looks like the kunoichi's here in Konoha are feisty. I like that in a woman.
Ino bit her thumb and reached into her knapsack. She grabbed her flare kunai and began to pull it out when she suddenly felt someone grasp her throat and knock her to the ground. Yukon straddled her and pinned her to the floor. He grasped her wrists tightly as he made himself heavier on her tiny frame.
"Go ahead and have fun with that little firecracker Yukon. Just make sure you get rid of that communicator around her neck. Oh and be careful with that mouth of hers," warned Kenju.
"No worries, if she had any other surprises I'm sure she would have used them by now," replied Yukon.
"Whatever just watch her. I'm heading out to finish dropping off our cargo, and don't have too much fun, leave some for me," said Kenju as he left Ino alone with his teammate.
Ino glared at the man above her, he was right, she was out of poisoned senbon. They were her desperation move, and she had already used up that technique. Yukon leaned in close and inhaled Ino's floral scent. His rough hands tighten around her delicate wrists. He leaned in towards the nape of her neck and ripped her communicator off with his mouth. His suffocation breath made her skin crawl.
Static hit the rest of Team 7's ears as they lost connection with Ino.
"This is bullshit, she hasn't used her flare yet, she's in trouble."
"Agreed, now get going," said Kakashi.
"Right, I'm making a shadow clone to watch over my section while I'm gone."
"Affirmative."
"Kage bunshin no jutsu!"
One of Naruto's shadow clones appeared from the cloud of smoke.
"Go I've got things covered here," said the clone.
"Right."
"Remember don't kill them Naruto. We need them alive so they can be interrogated," said Kakashi.
"Oh I won't kill them, you can still live with a body riddled with broken bones," growled Naruto.
He ran off in the direction of Ino's chakra signature. The smell of death still hung in the air like a disgusting veil of impurity. He knew he was getting closer when he could feel the intentions of the shinobi Ino was dealing with. Their disgusting thoughts clouded his mind. Naruto clenched his teeth in anger.
"Hold on Ino, I'm on my way."
Yukon laughed as Ino struggled beneath him. With each attempt of escape Yukon put more of his weight on her wrists. Ino whimpered and did her best to show she was no match. Her attacker was dumb enough to underestimate her and fell for her trick. She pried her wrists free by pulling her arms to her side. This caused Yukon to lose his balance. As soon as he lost his center of gravity Ino raised her right leg and kneed him in the stomach. He fell forward even farther leaving his right rib cage open for her to elbow him. Ino heard Yukon grunt as she dug her elbow deep into his floating rib. He fell to his side allowing her room to roll under him.
She quickly got to her feet and grabbed yet another kunai from her knapsack. Yukon desperately tried to get away from her, but Ino swiftly went after him. She swung her kunai at his chest, but Yukon grabbed his side and blocked her attack with the metal plate on his gloved free hand. As a desperate attempt to keep her away he threw several shuriken in her direction, but they missed their mark. He was having difficulty recovering from Ino's previous attack, and thought of losing to her boiled his blood.
Ino could see his vulnerability, she had him right where she wanted him, but before she was able to deliver her finally strike a searing hot pain shot through her head. Kenju had returned and he had grabbed her ponytail just in time to save his comrade. Ino screamed as she was abruptly brought to a halt. Kenju yanked on her long blonde hair and dragged her towards him.
"Now you need to settle down little girl," chuckled Kenju as he dragged Ino behind him.
Ino's neck hurt from the sudden whiplash, she felt her scalp burn as she was lifted from the ground by her blonde locks. Kenju let go of her hair and pinned her by her wrists up against a tree. He couldn't help but smirked at his prize.
"Looks like I was right about you princess. You really are a little firecracker," said Kenju as he pried the kunai from Ino's hand. He made use of it by popping the buttons off her top. "I like a woman who can pack a punch," growled Kenju as he plucked the last button on Ino's top, exposing her breasts.
Ino spat at Kenju, he winced as her spit hit him directly in his left eye. He raised his hand to strike her when suddenly he heard a bone crunching sound from behind him. He turned around to see Yukon's head being driven into the ground causing the earth to split. He looked on in terror as a blonde haired shinobi dressed in orange and black shoved his teammates face deeper into the ground.
"That's impossible, we were told he wouldn't be here," whispered Kenju in a shaky voice.
"Oh he's here alright and you've gotten him mad," purred Ino sadistically.
Kenju's attention remained fixed on the threat he was facing. He didn't let go of Ino, nor did he move, he was frozen with fear. Ino took advantage of her attacker's distraction with Naruto and kneed him roughly in the crotch. He let go of her as the pain from her attack balled up in his stomach. Ino quickly retreated and hid behind a bush. She watched from the safety of the foliage as Naruto lunged towards Kenju.
He quickly clotheslined him and brought him down roughly to the ground. Blood erupted from the shinobi's mouth, his eyes wide as pain encompassed his body. Naruto stood up and looked down at the crippled man, he pressed his foot on Kenju's chest.
"Not so tough now aren't you asshole!?" Snapped Naruto.
Kenju's eyes rolled back into his head before he passed out. Naruto kicked his limp body and turned around looking for Ino. He saw her peeking from a bush not far.
"Oh my god Naruto I don't think I've ever been so happy to see you," said Ino as she ran towards him.
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"They didn't hurt you did they?"
"No, but that jerk did a number on my shirt," said Ino as she looked down at her torn top.
Naruto followed her gaze, sure enough her chest was exposed, her breasts were pressed tightly against his chest. Naruto was quick to look away. He unzipped his jacket and gave it to his teammate.
"Here put this on."
"Thanks," replied Ino.
She quickly put the jacket on, while Naruto looked the other way. She gave him the okay once she was covered up. Naruto slowly turned around, he was surprised to see how tiny Ino looked in his jacket.
"Thanks again Naruto, these jerks came out of nowhere."
"It's no problem, are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm a bit shaken up, but it's nothing I can't handle. I'll be taking a bit shower as soon as I get home, that scumbag left me feeling disgusting."
Naruto eyed the unconscious man, he couldn't help but growl in his direction. He was glad he had arrived when he did, their intentions had made his skin crawl.
"Did they say anything to you?"
"They told me their names, the one with the grey hair is Renji, the one you face planted is Yukon, and that pig you saved me from is Kenju. He told me they were here to deliver some cargo for Konoha."
"Cargo, seriously?"
"Yeah an obvious lie, but, Kenju did leave to drop something off, but I never saw what it was."
"Well we'll just have to find out now won't bunshin no jutsu!"
Ino watched as three of Naruto's clones appeared in front of them.
"Take these three to the village. Baa-chan's going to want to have them interrogated."
His clones nodded, and each of them picked up a body and left for the village.
"There we go, now to report," said Naruto as he reached for his communicator. "Kakashi-sensei, Ino's fine and the shinobi who attacked her have been neutralized. They're being taken to Konoha as we speak."
"Via clone?"
"You know me sensei."
"Is there anything else?"
"Oh yeah, Ino got their names, they're Renji, Yukon, and Kenju. Apparently they were delivering some cargo."
"Is that so…"
"I think I have an idea of where this so called cargo is. I'm heading over there now."
"Okay, stay alert, let us know what you find."
"Roger that sensei."
"So how do you plan on tracking this cargo down?" Asked Ino.
"By sniffing it out," replied Naruto.
He surveyed the area while sniffing the air. He had been so concerned with Ino's safety that he had blocked the putrid smell from his mind, but it was still there. He wasn't looking forward to hunting it down, but he had to pinpoint where it was coming from. After a few more reluctant intakes of air he finally narrowed it down.
"That's where that god awful smell is coming from," said Naruto as he pointed towards the forest.
"That's the same direction Kenju went, but I don't smell anything."
"Just be happy that you don't because it's fucking disgusting."
".…"
"Come on let's go check it out, it isn't too far."
Naruto led the way into the forest with Ino close behind traveled silently for a few minutes when Naruto suddenly stopped running. He looked around the forest and inhaled deeply.
"Keep an eye out, we're getting close," whispered Naruto.
Ino followed Naruto's orders as they searched the forest. She looked around, but she didn't notice anything special about their surroundings. Then it hit her, it was the scent of earth, and decomposing flesh. She quickly covered her mouth and nose.
"You smell it now don't you?" Asked Naruto.
"Unfortunately yes," coughed Ino.
"The scents really strong, there's gotta be something nearby."
The two friends walked through the quiet forest side by side as they scouted the area. Ino was beginning to get a headache, due to the smell, when something nearby caught her attention.
"Over there Naruto, look."
They both walked over to discover a body, or at least what was left of one, sprawled on the damp floor. Ino crouched down and looked the body over. She breathed into Naruto's jacket sleeve trying to filter out the stench. There wasn't much she could do but take mental notes of the body's condition and what clues it held. She finally turned around and looked up at Naruto.
"It's a man, in his mid 40's, he's been dead for at least a few weeks. We need to get him home where he can be properly examined."
"I'll let Kakashi-sensei," said Naruto as he stepped away from the source of the smell.
Ino noticed he looked pale, she didn't blame him, she herself wasn't feeling any better. She started to stand up when something grabbed her. She slowly turned around to see a rotting hand clasped tightly around her wrist. Ino watched in horror as the body tried to lift itself off the ground. It dragged its second arm over its torso in an attempt to reach her. The young kunoichi was terrified, she let out an ear piercing scream that broke the eerie silence of the forest that surrounded her.
