Chapter 5:
Naruto woke up feeling more rested than he had in years. He had stayed pleasantly warm throughout the night, only waking up once or twice to check his surroundings for predators. Stretching and shrugging off the extra layers he had on, Naruto made a quick breakfast. Time to continue his journey. The Fire Temple couldn't be more than another four or five hours away, he quickly glanced over the camp to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Satisfied that everything was as it should be, he headed out, a spring in his step and a smile on his face.
He didn't encounter much on his travels to the temple, just more trees and a small river that he used to refill his canteen. It was midday when he reached the outskirts of the temple. The area was pretty quiet, a few bald monks meditating on a section of grass near the grand staircase. Others swept the landing and more yet milled about the property. Naruto wasn't sure if he should approach, if someone from the village was sent to find him it would probably be safer to not engage with other people. He was disappointed he wouldn't be able to go see inside the temple or meet any of the people who dwell within. He noticed a small community garden off to the left of the temple and made note to come back later in the evening, when there were less people around. He explored a little more of the surrounding area and found a very suitable cave to rest in for the evening. The cave wasn't overly deep, but it was dry and fairly well concealed. He was certain it was far enough away from the temple that he could get away with having a small fire this evening. The thought of curling up to a warm fire and enjoying a hot meal made him smile. He set about collecting some dry tinder and foraging for some berries and other edibles. He set a small snare trap near the cave, with any luck he would catch something and have a feast fit for a king this evening. Twilight was starting to fall so he hastily made his way back to the temple. He scrutinized the area, it appeared that all the monks had turned in for the evening. He hurriedly made his way to the small garden he had noticed earlier and picked a few ripe peppers, some carrots and a tomato. He bowed his head and said a quick prayer, thanking Kami for the gifts. He checked the snare trap on his way back to the cave and couldn't believe his luck. He had caught a small rabbit. With a stupid grin plastered on his face, he quickly retrieved the rabbit and reset the trap. He was going to eat well this evening.
"He's not in the village, boss". "What do you mean he's not in the village? He has to be, where the hell else would he be?" Kakashi was flustered, Pakkun had been gone for about three hours before returning to his side to report back. The dog had checked the entire village, top to bottom and couldn't find Naruto. The only trail he came across was a very faint track, leading to the wall surrounding the village near his home but even that came to a dead end. The boy had either vanished or scaled the wall. "I want you to search the outer perimeter of the village walls, specifically in the area where you last smelt him. See if you can pick back up his scent, if you do, follow it and see what direction it leads." Kakashi directed the pug. The dog nodded his ascent and took off in the direction of the gates leading outside the village. Unsure what his next course of action was, Kakashi also walked toward the gates. Once at the gates he checked in with Izumo to look over the entry/exit logs over the past couple days. Naruto's name was nowhere on the list and neither Izumo or Kotetsu remembered seeing him. In fact they couldn't remember the last time they had seen the young man at all. With no leads there, Kakashi signed out of the village and started walking the perimeter of the walls hoping to meet up with Pakkun.
Pakkun materialized an hour later to report back. The ninken was able to pick back up the scent. It would appear Naruto had scaled the wall and headed out of the village in a south westerly direction. Pakkun suggested that this would have had to have occurred at least the night before given the faintness of the scent trail. Kakashi swore under his breath. So the young man ran away, and had been gone for almost the better part of a day. He had to go talk to the Sandaime and figure out what to do.
Puffing on his tobacco pipe, Hiruzen the Sandaime, digested what Kakashi came to speak with him about. "What do you think the village's course of action should be, Kakashi? This boy is an important tool for the village but more importantly he is someone special to you, yes?". Taken aback by the bluntness, Kakashi took a minute to collect his thoughts, replying. "Yes Sandaime-sama, Naruto is indeed special to me. I have done him a great disservice in my lack of presence in his life thus far. I intend to rectify this and hopefully help him. He is seemingly quite lost and has had a very rough life. I am hoping, for your leniency, to leave the village and find him and bring him home." A puff of smoke escaped the lips of the Third Hokage as he gazed thoughtfully out a window. "Yes, I will grant you leave from your duties as an ANBU squad leader, truth be told you have more than surpassed the duties required of you. In fact, I want you to consider becoming a Jonin squad leader upon your return. You are free to look for the boy, although I will request progress reports to keep me informed. These are dangerous times Kakashi, as I am sure you are well aware. I want you to prepare your gear, appoint a suitable leader for your ANBU team in your stead and get some rest tonight. You will head out in the morning." Bowing low before the Sandaime "Arigato Sandaime-sama, leave it to me."
Kakashi quickly set out to finish the tasks required of him. Where are you Naruto? Are you okay? Tasks completed he retreated back to his apartment and finished packing. He wasn't sure what he was going to say when he found Naruto, but he was determined to try and help the young man. Be the person he needed him to be all those years ago. He decided that his ANBU mask would probably be something he should keep on during this recovery mission to avoid any questions. He grabbed a quick shower and readied himself for bed. It was going to be a long evening of waiting for the sun to rise.