Sneaking into the Hokage tower didn't used to be this hard. Before, Naruto just climbed up the outside wall until he got to the Hokage's window. This time though, it's a lot harder. Like, a lot a lot harder. Every time he tries to go up, ANBU pop out of nowhere and tell him to stop. They never used to notice him when the old man was in charge. He's pretty sure the change is in them though, not him 'cuz it would kinda suck if it turned out all that studying he's been doing at the academy is actually making him suck more as a ninja. Though if you listened to Sasuke, that bastard, it would be pretty much impossible to suck more than Naruto did.
He's almost ready to give up and just try to sneak up through the inside when he thinks of a brilliant plan, probably the best idea he's had all week. Lots of ANBU climbed the walls 'n stuff all the time. If he can disguise himself as one of them, then they probably won't stop him when he tries to get in. Naruto can't believe he's never thought of such a brilliant plan before It just makes so much sense, and it's so easy. They even wear masks all the time so they won't be able to tell he's not one of them!
Punching the air, Naruto runs back to his apartment to get some supplies. He doesn't have anything super dark like ANBU wear, but there's a lady who always hangs her clothes outside in the mornings who has a son kinda his size. It shouldn't be hard to borrow something black-ish. The armor is going to be a little harder, but Naruto's pretty good with paint and it's never that hard to find cardboard.
About thirty minutes later, he's ready to go. While his armor is still a little wet (and he's got green paint on his face and hair from the toad mask he'd made), it shouldn't really get in the way. After all, if they get close enough to touch him, he'll probably already be caught anyway.
This time he manages to get almost to the Hokage's window before he's stopped. The bug faced ANBU who'd been such a pain before is gone. Instead it's the Hokage's little cousin or whatever.
"Toad," the other boy says in a kinda dickish voice, "I don't recognize your mask, what squad are you from?"
Naruto wants to glare at him, but he's too busy trying not to cheer that his disguise worked and trying not to lose his grip on the window sill. The ANBU is just crouched on the wall, his feet sticking to it like it was the ground or something.
The ANBU, who really isn't much bigger than Naruto, and probably isn't that much older anyway tilts his head to the side like he's inspecting him, but doesn't do anything else, happy to watch Naruto struggle for his life while he waits for an answer to his question.
Naruto's mind blanks. What squad is his on? What squads are there? Suddenly, he blurts out "Alpha Squad sir, under command of Dragon Fang." Apparently all those hours of TV are paying off. And who said watching The Adventures of Dragon Fang and Bolt were a waste of time now?
The other boy doesn't say anything for a moment. Just sorta stares at Naruto. Then, suddenly he nods. "Alpha Squad," he says his voice having become even more flat than before. "It's rare we see anyone of your caliber here. Was there something you needed?"
Naruto isn't sure how to respond at first, but goes with, "I have urgent news to report to the Hokage. Our outpost was overrun by Giant Mushroom Toads and we need backup!" Naruto thinks for a moment and then adds "Also I might need a hand up. My hands are slipping."
The ANBU doesn't respond for a minute, and Naruto is afraid the whole thing is lost because he's almost positive he sees the guy's shoulders shake like he's laughing, but when he speaks again, his voice is just as dead as always. "Of course Toad. That is most dire news." He gives Naruto a hand up and both of them are standing in the Hokage's empty office. Naruto is looking around when he catches the ANBU's hand suddenly go to his ear piece.
"This is Crow," he says, suddenly all business. ANBU must have some pretty amazing radios though, because Naruto can't hear whatever the other person is saying, and he's like, right next to the ANBU… Crow. "There's an someone in the tower disguised as an ANBU operative?" Crow sounds almost concerned. "Oh no! Impersonating a member of ANBU is a very serious crime. Once we catch the culprit they could be in prison for a whole month!... Okay… of course. I will sir."
Naruto goes cold. How can they know he's here already? Suddenly this whole thing doesn't seem like nearly as good of an idea. Especially since everything he's wearing is just cardboard. While he managed to trick Crow, he's not so sure the rest of the tower would be su gullible.
Crow turns to look at him, "I'm sorry that I won't be able to assist you further, Toad. But I'm afraid someone has infiltrated the tower disguised as ANBU. Maybe you should try reporting when things have calmed down some. I can walk you out, if you would like."
Naruto thinks. On the one hand, the more time he spends with Crow the more likely Crow is to discover who he is. But chances are, if Crow was going to notice he already would have. And if he's next to Crow fewer people are going to pay attention to him. ANBU always do stuff in groups, right?
As they walk down, out of the tower, Naruto can't help but notice how much room people give Crow. No one bumps into him or asks him what he's doing there. And while he's definitely a little taller, it's not that big of a difference. At least not compared to an adult. Naruto actually almost comes up to his chin. Next time, Naruto thinks, he should disguise himself as Crow. He bets even Shisui-ni would be impressed by that.