A few more months had gone by for the two kids until they finally entered the foreign land of Lightning Country. Sound country had not given them any problem and crossing the border was easier than he had anticipated. They had to pass by an even smaller country, Hot Water country. It was relatively peaceful there and they didn't even come into contact with a single bandit of shinobi. Actually when Naruto thought about it, he didn't even know if Hot Water had any shinobi. The rumor was that Hot Water had a very strong alliance with Kumogakure so they never needed to establish a shinobi system since the people who lived there were mere merchants and fishermen who helped supply most food and clothing for Kumo.

The first steps into Lightning Country were interesting to say the least. The air itself was much different than Sound Country, and even Konoha for that matter. It felt almost thicker but it was much easier to breath and he found himself straining less and less as the days went by. The country itself was somewhat plain. Naruto had become used to Konoha's vast sea of trees in an almost ending forest with bushes or flowers growing in almost every corner giving off such a serene and pleasant aroma. But Lightning Country looked dull, the ground itself looked ragged and cracked for years of wear and tear. Mountains surrounded the borders as thick heavy clouds circulated the mountain peaks and ended up leaking downwards to cover most areas with a very thin layer of fog. But while looking dull the growing trees were a healthy shade of green and were taller than any of the trees Naruto and Kise had ever seen.

The sun would shine perfectly on the country making the grey appearance almost shine as it reflected the light onto the large bark structures making it almost peaceful. It didn't need flowers or an abutment amount of color, it's what it worked with and its simplicity that was awe striking.

Naruto again looked down at the map in his hands with heavy annoyance, tucked beneath his thumb and index finger was the note the masked man had given to him all those months ago back when he first met Kise. The note was directions once they got into Lightning Country to guide them to their destination. Naruto had spent many days and nights trying to locate their destination on the map but he didn't have any luck. The note was vague, it gave him almost no clear answer or even indicated where to go.

Apparently they were looking for a secret cave hidden in one of the mountains just before entering Kumogakure. The problem was the masked man never said which mountain it was but only said it was in the east side of the country. Naruto had already crossed out several locations that he and Kise had gone to that ended up leading nowhere. And the base must be incredibly well hidden, he hadn't caught a single glance at anything that looked suspicious or looked even remotely like a secret base, and it was really starting to piss Naruto off.

If this was so hard to find and would take so long why couldn't that masked man just take them himself? Naruto doubted they were busy and just did this as some kind of sick joke, and when Naruto found them he would make sure to give them a piece of his mind.

Naruto breathed a tired sigh as he rubbed his eyes, trying to wipe the sleep away as an equal, or even more tired Kise walked next to him. She was beginning to stumble around as her feet dragged on the ground beneath them with her eyes fully closed. She merely mumbled in Naruto's direction whenever he asked her a question and nodded, her sleep deprived mind not even trying to register what he was saying. Naruto chuckled before stepping in front of her, she bumped into him in surprise until she climbed up onto his back almost robotically and rested her head on his shoulder. Her breathing evened out instantly as her arms went limp as they hung off his shoulders, having passed out instantly the second her head made contact with his shoulder. Naruto couldn't help but smile as he adjusted her on his back and continued their walk into the only area left for him to check for the night.

This particular mountain was especially close to the villag's entrance and Naruto was amazed that no Kumo shinobi had come up to him to ask what he was up to. Isobu had also informed the blonde to refrain from using his chakra and his chakra, since they were close enough to the village for it to be picked up and would give away their location instantly. Also Isobu and Naruto were aware that Kumo was currently housing two jinchuriki, the Nibi and the Hachibi. So it's best to avoid them at all costs even though Isobu wouldn't have minded seeing his brother and sister again. The Nibi and Isobu were pretty close in the demonic family and always used to the ones who would tease and make fun of the Hachibi and Kyuubi.

Good times really.

Naruto ignored the Sanbi as he finally got to what he was looking for. It was the tallest mountain Naruto had ever seen before. He couldn't even see the top of it as thick clouds obscured his vision making it almost impossible to see where the mountain actually stopped. Naruto raised an eyebrow as a small little cabin situated itself just to the left of the mountain. Large size oak tree's surrounded the house and lined the rocky structure and Naruto marveld in the beauty. After picking up Kise's dropping head on his shoulder, he took a few quiet steps towards the cabin. Even outside he could sense a singular chakra signature, it didn't feel strong, or very big for that matter. Almost like a civilian who trained for about a month with chakra. A bright yellow light shined through the cabin's windows and twinkled onto the patches of grass beneath his feet.

Once he got to the front door a pleasant aroma of food graced his nostrils and he had to forcefully stop himself from drooling. It has been awhile since he enjoyed a nice meal since he adn Ksie would have been living off the wildlife and cheap restaurant food. So the smell of whatever was getting cooked was almost intoxicating for the young blonde. After finally composing himself he folded his map and placed it in his pouch and knocked on the door. Several seconds flew by and Naruto could hear someone shuffling around trying their best not to make as much noise. A muffled soft voice reached his ears as it told Naruto it would be just another minute.

Naruto waited patiently outside the door taking small glances in Kise's direction to make sure she was okay before a soft clicking echoed out. Naruto turned his attention to the door as it slowly opened up, Naruto was greeted with a comfortable smile from a somewhat short gentleman as warm chesnaught eyes looked down at him.

"Oh hello young man, did you need something?"

Naruto was surprised by this person's tone of voice. It was soothing, flowing past his lips peacefully as it held an air of relaxation. The man's eyes glanced between Naruto and Kise on his shoulder and his eyes immediately flashed with worry. Naruto ignored the look and smiled back, the man looked very young. He looked no older than 20 as his shaggy red hair was falling into his eye as it stuck out in many directions. It looked like he had just showered and refused to comb and let it just dry natural. His eyes reminded Naruto of Shisui for a moment, both sharing a vast amount of warmth that seemed to calm Naruto down significantly.

"No...I was just looking for a place to stay for the night, me and my younger sister here have been homeless for a few tears now." Naruto said, the man's eyes with concern and gestured Naruto inside. Naruto thanked the man as he stepped inside the warm wooden house. Lightning Country had always gotten almost unbearably cold during the night so it was a nice change of atmosphere for the two kids. Well Naruto didn't care since his blood jutsu always kept him warm but he was sure Kise had appreciated it, since she was currently wrapped up in his jacket.

Taking a look around the cabin was much larger than it appeared from the outside. The living room was not so small, it was large enough to fit a decent sized dining table with a connecting kitchen. A couch laid smack in the center of the room facing an old and rundown fireplace that hadn't looked like it was touched in years. The red-head walked over to the couch and flicked up a lamp in the corner. With a soft click light illuminated the small couch as he grabbed a few pillows and placed them at the end, once again gesturing Naruto forward. Naruto happily placed Kise down on the couch with some trouble. She refused to let go of his shoulder and it actually brought a laugh to the strangers face. After finally breaking free of Kise's grasp she pouted in her sleep before cuddling closer into the pillows, humming to herself with content.

"She looks exhausted, have you been traveling long?"

The man asked as he walked around the couch and back into the small kitchen. Naruto subconsciously licked his lips as he took a peak at what the man was currently mixing up in the kitchen. The smell of fresh noodles and broth floated in the air as the man mixed the contraption together. The man glanced back, giving Naruto a smile once again, breaking Naruto out of his stupor. Naruto smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head as the man offered for Naruto to sit. Naruto did so happily, sliding into the slightly uncomfortable wooden chair with ease.

"Not too long. Just for a few days but she hasn't been able to get much sleep."

The man hummed in understanding, nodding his head as he opened the cupboard and grabbing three sets of bowls and placing them on his countertop. "I see, I'm glad I could help out then. I don't get much visitors here. Hungry?" he asked, looking back at Naruto.

"No no I don't want to intrude more than I-"

"Nonsense. You look like you could use a nice hot meal."

His chesnaught eyes shined playfully as he placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of Naruto. The blonde fought back drooling again as he watched the smoke emitting from the scorching hot food as the noodles glowed beautifully in the broth. The red-head laughed as he slid a pair of chopsticks his way.

Naruto was hesitant at first, but it didn't take very long for him to snap the chopsticks away and start to dig in, thanking the stranger for the meal. The man chuckled and waved his hand in response before he got himself a larger bowl and sat down across from Naruto. They say in a comfortable silence as they ate into the night. Naruto felt like he was in heaven, this was the closest thing he has had to ramen in months! And he was really starting to miss that specific taste and this was a great substitute for his cravings.

After Naruto finished his bowl he gave a heavy sigh of happiness. Isobu himself felt a smile grace his lips, tasting the phantom food through Naruto. Overall it was shaping into a good day.

The red-head laughed happily as he picked up Naruto's bowl and his own before walking over to the sink. Naruto was quick to offer his assistance but was instantly shut down. Naruto thanked the man again before getting up to go check on Kise who was still fast asleep on the couch. Looking down at her Naruto smiled, running his hands through her long brown hair as she smiled in her sleep. Subconsciously leaning into his touch as she snuggled closer to the pillow she was laying on.

Naruto felt the stranger walk himself over to the young kids until he stood on the opposite end of the couch. He was drying his hand on a dish towel as he smiled, his eyes once again glowing with warmth.

"It's nice to see you care so much for your sister, it's very sweet."

Naruto smiled embarrassedly as he scratched the back of his head again. If he was honestly speaking he would have never thought he would wind up getting so close to Kise. At first he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her, she was just a mission that was in his way for keeping Kurenai safe and finding out who killed Shisui. But now, at the mere thought of losing her, being separated from her tore at his heart. And he couldn't even imagine a world anymore without her being near him. Kise was there for Naruto through a tough time and had no idea how much she had actually helped. Keeping his fingers tangled in her hair, smiling again and he nodded.

"Yeah, she's very special to me."

"And I assume her magnet release is progressing nicely?"

Naruto felt his entire body freeze as his blood ran cold. He tried his best to keep his emotions schooled as he snapped his head upwards to stare in the glowing chesnaught eyes of the red-head. Naruto fought back a gulp, that was the last thing he was expecting the man to say. He felt the cogs turning in his head, he was getting ready to start channeling his chakra if the man acted on the throat. The man did nothing before taking a seat on the grooves of the couch, reaching up and twirling a stray red bang that fell into his eyes as he side glanced at Naruto, his expression neutral. Naruto removed his fingers from Kise's hair as she groaned in displeasure as it echoed in the suddenly tense room.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"Sure you do."

Naruto was slightly off-putt at the man's incredibly fast response. The man was still twirling his hair as he smirked in Naruto's direction. Naruto could feel the temperature drop several degrees as he racked his brain to think of an appropriate response. Seconds passed and they felt like hours as the man stared at Naruto with amusement.

"Please Naruto-kun, I am not a fool. Did you like dinner?"

"How do you know my name?"

Naruto's heart pounded in his chest with anxiety, he almost took a step back as his brain screamed at him to leave. His body felt like it was in turmoil as his name left the man's lips.

"Did you like dinner?"

He asked again, standing up straight as he flung his rag over his shoulder. His smirk never left his face as he pushed his hair back but it didn't help as it just fell right back down. His voice was still soft and it held genuine curiosity, confusing Naruto greatly. Naruto took a defensive stance in front of Kise, ready to wake her as soon as the man made the first move.

"I did."

"Wonderful! Itsumi-kun said you were a ramen fan, sadly I didn't have all of the ingredients to make authentic ramen." the man said, smiling kindly at Naruto as the tension in the room evaporated instantly. Naruto blinked in surprise as the man turned his back to him and walked back into the kitchen.

"...huh?"

"Itsumi?"

"Oh my apologies Naruto-kun for not telling you." the man said sheepishly, twirling his strand of hair again as he laughed to himself. He threw the dirty towel onto the counter before taking his previous seat back at the table. Leaning his head on his open palm he smiled pointing at the seat across from him. Naruto didn't move from his standing position as he stared at the red-head, making him frown. He retracted his hand and softly drummed his fingers on the wooden table.

"I guess you would know Itsumi-kun as the masked man. The one who gave you this mission."

Naruto and Isobu both felt their eyes widen in shock. Naruto's body tensed considerably again, this was certainly not what he was expecting his night to go. He was expecting to see if the house had anything special for him to take and possibly get away with some goods. The man seemed weak and he could barely sense any chakra within the man, but if he knew that masked man-Itsumi, then he had to at least be strong. The man smirked again, he was having a fun time watching Naruto's eyes flash through so many emotions.

"Now please, care to sit down?"

Naruto slowly nodded as he carefully took the opposing seat yet again. The seat still warmed up from previously as the red-head traced his finger along a chip in the table letting his fingernail scrape against the table.

"It took you two much longer to get here, we were expecting you both in a month. It's been almost 5."

Naruto thought about not answering the man, the situation was far too strange for him. Not saying he wasn't put into awkward and strange perdicements, but this was completely unexpected. But the man was aware of the now named Itsumi and his mission with Kise. Itsumi had never spoken that he would meet another person in his group, if this red-head was even a part of. Naruto guessed that he was though, they seemed to be on friendly terms and had been expecting Naruto all this time. So Naruto swallowed his nervousness and nodded.

"Yes well, we had done some training along the way, along with sightseeing." he answered back.

The man hummed again as he glanced back over to the sleeping girl, noticing a bright gold stuffed rabbit she was holding close to her chest with a small content smile on her face. He nodded his head in understanding, accepting his answer, turning his attention back to Naruto, he smiled before offering his hand forward for a hand shake. Naruto stared at it quizzically.

"Where are my manners? My name is Sasori and I'm the person you were supposed to drop Kise-chan off too."

Naruto's heart felt like his heart had dropped several stories in his chest. He put on a fake smile as he took the now dubbed Sasori's hand in a firm shake. Isobu stayed silent as he sensed the blondes obvious discomfort at the situation. But the demon himself would be lying if he said he wasn't sharing the same thoughts with Naruto.

Sasori grinned, he didn't mind having to wait extra time for the two of them. In fact he actually enjoyed the peace and quiet of the cabin. It was remotely out of anyone's way barley anybody had even come to visit him. Itsumi seemed to talk very highly of Naruto and Sasori was excited to see the young man.

"W-well glad you meet you Sasori-san."

"The feeling is quite mutual Naruto-kun, not lets wake little Kise-chan shall we? I'm sure you both would like to hear what exactly you came here for."

Naruto nodded after a moment's hesitation before he went to go wake up the sleeping Kise as Sasori stayed in his seat patiently. Kise's eyes fluttered open as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. After fulling waking up she tensed as he didn't recognize where she was. She looked at Naruto and instantly calmed down, but was slightly confused at the expressionless look in his eyes.

After about 20 minutes until Kise was fully awake and she finished her soup, which sadly was warm and not hot, but she didn't mind as she gobbled the food up happily. After she was finished eating she sat on the chair directly next to Naruto. She looked up at Sasori apprehensively as she scooted closer to Naruto, the blonde boy smiled as he rubbed her hair affectionately. Sasori watched the interaction with a small glint of his eyes as Kise melted under his touch. Sasori waited as both the kids' eyes turned back to him and he smiled warmly at Kise.

"Hello Kise-chan, my name is Sasori, I'm the person that you and Naruto-kun were supposed to meet."

"H-hello S-sasori-san." she said timidly, sinking closer to Naruto.

"Well now to tell you both about the mission. You see I am already aware of Kise's magnet release which is the reason you both are here. You see I am the world's strongest puppet master, and I have been searching for a certain individual to pass my teachings along too. And I think you are exactly what I've been looking for."

Both Naruto and Kise looked up at Sasori in surprise. Kise actually felt her chest tighten at the idea of training in the puppet arts. She had been interested in that ever since she had controlled a puppet about a year ago. Sasori's eyes glinted again in excitement, if what Itsumi said about Kise was true then he was going to be one happy man.

"That is why I wanted to meet you and make you my apprentice."

Kise digested it words as she looked up at Naruto, slightly worried as his eyes remained void but he did smile at her. The room was quiet as Naruto reached out and pinched her cheeks slightly, Kise yelped in surprise and glared at Naruto. Naruto laughed,

"Why are you looking at me Kise? This is what we came all this way for." Naruto said,

Sasori nodded his head before resting in it his open palm. Still tracing his hand over the wooden table. He smirked as Kise watched in amazement as a thin blue colored chakra string formed from his finger tip and made its way over one of the closed doors next to the couch she was previously laying in. Kise felt her eyes start to sparkle as the chakra spring opened the door and escaped into the room, she couldn't tell what was happening and almost laughed in joy as a small puppet that the chakra string now conneved to ran out of the room.

The puppet was very small, it was just over two feet tall and had brightly colored pink hair with a matching set of eyes. It wore a dark black gown as it's arm waved at Kise. Kise squealed as she jumped from her seat and ran to the puppet. Naruto tried to stop her from doing so but Sasori was quick to intervene. He pushed his free hand forward stopping Naruto, Naruto looked back at Sasori and almost glared. Sasori kept his face blank and was about to speak until the sound of Kise laughing broke the two out of their thoughts.

Naruto felt his eyes soften as she watched Kise laugh as the puppet did a little spin, his eyes were practically shining with happiness and Naruto's heart soared with warmth. He was oblivious to Sasori's watchful eye and just smiled at Kise.

"Now Kise-chan, if you would like I could train you to be the world's best puppeteer in the world. But it is your choice and if you would like to decline then you may, I will not force you."

Kise blinked as she hugged the tiny puppet in her arms. She looked between the calm chesnaught eyes of Sasori and the almost sad blue of Naruto. She felt her heart rate speed up in her tiny chest as she looked at the boy who had saved her from her inner demons. The room fell silent as she pondered Sasori's words, both parties waiting almost expectantly for her answer and she could almost sense Naruto's fear as she did so. He tried to hide it from her but she could see it in his eyes.

She looked back at Sasori, giggling slightly as the red-head twitched his finger making the little boy puppet salute to her.

"I will accept, but only if Naru gets to stay."

Kise said, making Naruto raise his eyebrows in shock, Sasori stayed completely normal. Kise felt naruto's questions gaze on her and blushed . She played with the hem of her shirt awkwardly before speaking again.

"I-i mean I know Naru was just supposed to drop me off but I don't want him to leave me. S-so I will o-only s-stay if h-he gets t-t-too!" she yelled, burying her head deep into her shirt in a feeble attempt to cover up her red face. Naruto felt incredibly glad to hear Kise's words, he smiled the biggest smile ever as he looked at the embarrassed girl in front of him.

Sasori merely smirked at the girl's display of confidence, from what Itsumi had told him Kise was an introvert and barely ever spoke unless it was necessary. Sasori almost wanted to laugh as he saw the pure bliss that had overtaken the previously sad blonde, it was adorable.

"Of course he can stay."

Both kids looked at him in shock and Sasori almost rolled his eyes. Kids could be so naive sometimes.

"I am perfectly aware of Naruto's hidden abilities, Itsumi-kun and Yuno-kun had informed me ages ago. Do you really think I would just throw Naruto-kun away after this?"

If possible Kise's face has gotten even more red and Naruto had the audacity to blush. He stayed silent as he looked away from Sasori, feeling a sad sense of guilt at the man's words. Naruto was 100 percent expecting Kise to get up and leave him like almost everybody else had in his life. He was terrified Kise was going to do the same, and he was dreading the moment after Sasori had asked the question. He was already preparing to leave and not look back as soon as she said yes.

But she had asked him to stay.

He felt like crying, and he was damn close to it too. It took everything in his power to stop himself from running and hugging the tiny girl in his arms.

Sasori this time rolled his eyes as he got out of his seat. His chair scraping against the floor letting the uncomfortable screeching sound echo out into the closed off room. He drew the attention of the two kids asking them to follow him. They both did so and Kise had walked up to Naruto, scooting closer to him as she was almost fully against his legs as they walked. She was still thoroughly embarrassed and refused to look up at him but he didn't mind. He was just glad to be here and stay by her side.

They watched with interest as Sasori then opened his fridge, Kise shuddered slightly as the cold air washed over her and he started taking everything out of the machine. After the fridge was completely emptied out he placed his hand inside the fridge not even wincing from the cool air. He channeled his chakra as the inside of the fridge suddenly caved in revealing a dark hidden pathway. Sasori chuckled at the stupefied expressions of Naruto and Kise, gesturing to the whole with the widest grin they had ever seen. His chesnaught eyes seemed to glow in the dark as he stared at them, he looked excited, barely able to contain himself anymore.

"Now, this is when the real training begins."