Disclaimer: I Don't Own Naruto S. this for fan based purposes only.

Author's Note: Let me first apologize for the extended wait. I haven't forgotten or abandoned the fiction. It's just been awhile before I had time to even write lately. At last normalcy has returned; so again I apologize. I hope you enjoy and as always reviews are welcome. – Kiba Blackfire

Chapter 03:

Let Go

*Naruto Centric*

In the confines of his house, Naruto's eyes gazed around his room, the wooden floor, ceiling, lastly the dresser. On that dresser was a note; a note he cherished. Suddenly, he felt hands grab him; Naruto wasn't very accepting of the touch but allowed it. Sai rested there next to him undressed; unclothed; sex already after only one date.

Already, Naruto was fucking him, using him to erase Kiba. A complete fail, Kiba wouldn't leave his mind. Naruto knew better than to do this to Sai; he knew better than anyone what it felt like to be used. He knew the consequences of using people for sex; Kiba showed him. Eventually, feelings emerge and fuck everything up. Though, he knew all this, Naruto still stole a method from Kiba's handbook. Maybe, he wanted to love Sai, that's why he had sex with him. That's how it worked with Kiba after all; they fucked every night for several months. That's all they did, nothing else, so that had to be what made him love Kiba so much. Why wouldn't it work this time?

What if there was more to it; something more than sex. Could there be anything more? Yeah, there was, now that he thought about it. Something about Kiba, that made him love the Inuzuka. They never just had sex; they shared laughter, they teased each other, made jokes; Kiba made it fun. It was a game, not sex. Neither of them viewed it that way. Just a game, like cards; Naruto loved games because of that he loved Kiba. He still loves him, what happened with Sai only made it more obvious.

While they were having sex; Naruto refused to be let Sai be one to fuck him. Naruto did it instead; nobody was allowed to take him like that. Kiba was the only person that could; he reserved that place for him. It felt like he was betraying Kiba if he did let Sai do it.

Naruto's mind was made up or so he thought. He wanted to stand by his decision. He didn't want to make Kiba choose. His decision, Naruto would simply let go of Kiba; hand him over to Ino. If only it were that easy, He got of the bed picking up the note on his dresser. This note; Naruto had read it hundreds of times. He was trying not to but he just couldn't help himself; these were Kiba's last words to him or at least he wanted them to be.

"Don't say that this is the last time, it's not. I'll figure this out somehow, I don't want to stop seeing you; I can't."

Why did he have to write that? Naruto hated this note; Kiba's note. The words were like lithium to soothe his pain. Those words, they made him love Kiba even more; if that were possible. Why?

Naruto didn't want to love him anymore. Yet, he wanted to see Kiba again. He wanted to belong to Kiba. No, he couldn't think like that. Kiba belongs with Ino; this had to be the end of it. No more seeing him; no more late night visits, nothing; Kiba had to flee his thoughts. You don't love him; Naruto repeated this in his head.

Kiba belongs to Ino; she's the one, she has always been the one. Ino can take care of him far better than he ever could. Ino is a medical ninja; if Kiba got hurt; she'd be there. She could cook; if Kiba got hungry; Ino would feed him and not just ramen actual home cooked food. Ino made a better partner, a better lover, a better…everything. There was no contest; he'd lose to her every time. Why not just accept it? Be happy for Kiba. You don't love him. These were the words to erase the feelings but, they never worked; Naruto still loves Kiba.

"Naruto," These words; Sai, Naruto hastily tucked away the note into his underwear drawer. He treated the note as if it were his guilt; he already felt as if he were cheating. So much for loyalty, Naruto was already keeping secrets from Sai only a day into the relationship. He was making mistakes; how could anyone love him? Naruto was already proving that he couldn't be trusted. Kiba, he had to let him go, it wasn't fair to Sai. "Is everything okay? You seem a bit, what's that emotion?" Sai began thinking.

"Where is it?" He scrambled around Naruto's room reaching underneath his bed. That's right, Sai was ignoring him last night; Naruto got fed up with it. He knocked his book out of his hands and undressed him. "There it is," Sai pulled out his book titled "Symptoms of a Troubled Mind." Naruto shook his head his mind wasn't troubled. He flipped through the pages. "Ah yes, depressed. It says here Depression, is often a huge sign if a person's mind is troubled. Naruto are you troubled? Do you wish to talk about it?"

"Depressed, me?" Naruto laughed like it were a funny joke. "The only troubled mind here is yours." He teased. "I don't get depressed," He took a seat on the bed next to Sai as he read. "Hey listen," Naruto took his book from him. "Last night, the sex, we shouldn't have done it. Not on the first date; that's not how it works. I totally messed up." Naruto blushed. "So ugh, let's start over on that date."

"Start over?" Sai seemed confused. "Do couples do that just start over whenever they feel like it? Wait, how many dates are we supposed to have before we have sex? Is there some kind of rule?" Naruto chuckled; he needed to explain it.

"Relationships are ugh," He scratched the back of his neck. "Okay ugh, think of it like," Naruto grabbed a lone sock from the floor. "Like a pair of socks," He kind of wished he had a better example. "You're this one sock and you gotta find another sock that works. You don't want to walk through life with a looking like it's crazy sock day. So you find your other sock right well, here is the thing." Naruto still couldn't believe he was using socks to explain relationships. "Not all socks are the same size, not all socks are the same design. They are different. Like relationships Sai, every relationship has its quirks, its own design, it's own size; so there's no rules or anything. It's simply finding your other sock."

"Relationships are like socks," Sai questioned. "I'm going to need to read some more books. I'm pretty sure; your mind is beyond troubled. Naruto, you might need serious help? Should I tell Sakura?" Naruto shook his head; well he tried to explain it. "So ugh sex, we weren't supposed to do it but why? We liked it right? Why wait to do it if it's fun? Is sex like socks too?"

"Ugh, no, not exactly," Naruto cleared his throat. "Okay you see sex is fun, yes we love it. Feels great but see, if you do it on the first date like we did. It makes that person seem easy; how can I explain it?" He was starting to get a headache. "Okay, sex is ugh, it's supposed to be the one of the final stages of a relationship; like first you kiss, then you fuck. It's gotta be done in that order otherwise if you skip it. It's like telling someone, I'm only interested in sex not you. That's why you earn it. It's not nice, so you get it?"

"So we'd have to date a lot first, life is too short for that; I think we should do it whenever we want. I mean it felt really good Naruto, you are very passionate with your," Naruto cringed; no please don't say that word; this was a huge mistake. "Balls," Sai finished.

"Thanks I guess," Naruto grabbed his boxers off the floor. Sai watched as he slipped them on. His eyes mostly on his ass; he wanted to be Kiba; Naruto wasn't ready for that yet. "I ugh, I'd really appreciate if you said nothing regarding my balls in the near future though, it's a bit personal." He hinted. "You can talk about my chest, my stomach anywhere else. So next time: instead of saying I'm very passionate with my balls; you could say I'm very passionate with my body. Otherwise, people will think you're weird." Naruto started to put on his pants; again Sai focused mostly on his ass. His cheeks formed a light blush; curse him for having a nice ass why don't you.

For the first time, he hated that about his body. That part of him, it was Kiba's but how long did Kiba have reservations for it? When would it be Sai's turn? Naruto didn't know the answer; he just wanted to linger on it for awhile.

"But you are passionate with your balls." Sai got out of bed. Naruto felt chills as he placed his arms around his neck. It wasn't welcome, it felt weird. Still, Naruto ignored this feeling hoping it would fade away eventually. "I mean last night, you really proved that. You shouldn't be ashamed of your balls." Naruto shook his head; man this was getting even weirder. Why did it have to be balls? He'd settle for eyes, lips, teeth, anything but balls. "They are a part of your body and you use them well." Naruto cheeks got red; why balls? For the love of balls, why? Sai, you got to let this go? Naruto would die of embarrassment if Sai didn't.

"Naruto, if you don't mind me asking, who is your other sock?" Sai's question; it took him by storm. The answer or so he thought, Kiba Inuzuka. Why couldn't he just let go of him? You don't love him, Naruto let out sigh. Nope, he still felt something for the Inuzuka.

"I'm still trying to figure that out," Naruto answered. "Who knows it could be you, it could be anyone. Well," He smiled at Sai. "There was a guy; I thought he was it you know. The other sock, my other half, I was certain that well; this guy was all of those things. We had so much fun together, we really hit it off, I was so," Naruto stopped himself; he was talking about Kiba. He shouldn't have said any of this. These feelings had to be a secret; why did he tell Sai? Naruto knew better but he did it anyway.

"Forget I said anything," Naruto forced a laugh. "It's stupid, don't worry about it." Sai stood in silence thinking; this made Naruto a bit nervous did he say too much? Shit, does Sai know? Shit, Kiba's going to be so pissed off now. Why did he saying anything? Wait, Naruto didn't say his name. Naruto could tell Kiba that Sai figured it out on his own. Yeah, he wasn't the one who fucked everything up. Sai did it, blame Sai, and hide the evidence.

"This guy does he know?" Sai raised his brow at him. "It's to my understanding that he may not know these things. Naruto, if you tell him, this guy might view you the same. Perhaps, he already feels that way but is too prideful to admit it. Maybe he's scared that he'll be viewed as a weak person. It seems to me, telling him is for the best." He advised. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Tell him? Naruto nearly laughed at the thought. Kiba wouldn't want to hear that. Even if he did tell him, it'd make Kiba choose; he wouldn't do that to him. Naruto would never hurt him in that way; these feelings. He had to hide them away. Kiba belongs with Ino. "Nah, knowing him, he'd just tease me." Naruto joked.

"I may not understand much, I can tell when something is wrong when someone is hurting. It's easy to detect," Sai's eyes wandered into the kitchen; to be specific the trash can. Naruto stood there in silence; what could he say? Sai had caught his first lie.

Last night, Naruto took his first step to erasing Kiba from his memory. He took the food pills, Kiba left at his house for safekeeping. He poured all of them down the sink and washed them away. He told Sai; he was making a cup of water, lying to him of course. In the trash can, it was the vial that held the food pills.

"Naruto, whatever it is you are hiding from everyone." Sai placed his hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure, you have your reasons." He pressed his lips softly against his. "I enjoyed our date; it was nice bonding with you. I'm learning a lot." He escaped through the window.

A few moments later, Naruto heard a knock on the door. He answered though he was only half-naked, a good thing too. Sakura stood there for moment staring at his frame. She seemed a bit distracted by him. "Naruto," Sakura's eyes lingered there on his chest; what's with her? Sakura had seen him naked last night. Now she was checking him out; was that what she was doing? "Did you do something with your hair?"

"I don't think so," He spoke his voice puzzled. Sakura was defiantly not acting like herself at all. Naruto could tell, she was really checking him out. "Same hair," Naruto brushed his hair back. Man, her eyes, they were treating his skin like candy. Naruto had to be nice to her, give her an excuse. "You know I think I borrowed Sai's shampoo; that has to be it." A lie of course but he had to bail her out. Otherwise, he'd have to kiss her; her eyes were torture. He was already getting some serious reactions from his pride to her stares.

"That's probably it," Sakura bit her nail nervously. She recollected her thoughts. "Sorry, I was just ugh, nothing." She stroked her hair back. "Lady Tsunade, wishes to see you. Get dressed so I can escort you to her." Escort him? Naruto knew where she was? The Hokage's room, Naruto didn't need an escort but Sakura offered. What's a boy to do when his crush offers to walk with him? Go with her of course besides; Sakura was starting to notice him. No way, he'd pass this up.

"Sure thing Sakura," Naruto winked at her. "I'll be right out." He left the door cracked to tease her. Naruto slowly put on his mail and jacket on. He left it unzipped letting her see some skin. "Ready," Sakura forced a swallow. "Oh right, I forgot to zip up," He cinched his zipper but stopped himself. "Aw man it's stuck," He lied. "Sakura do you mind, I could use your help with my zipper."

"Are you sure it's stuck?" Sakura asked. "I mean can't you do it yourself?" She crossed her arms. "I'm not your maid." Naruto let out a sigh zipping up his jacket; Sakura stopped him midway. "Fine, I'll do it." Naruto stood there as she toyed with his zipper; her hand was shaking as if she were nervous. "Seriously Naruto," He jumped as her hand touched his chest. "Have you been training a lot?" Naruto took her hand off his skin.

"A little here and there," He answered. "What's with you today?" Naruto placed his hand on her forehead; her temperature was a little hot. "Sakura, do you want to maybe," He forced a swallow. "Kiss me?" Sakura drew her fist back; oh no, she punched him directly in the stomach. He could feel the wind being knocked right out of him. "But why," Naruto dropped to the floor.

"Get up Naruto, Lady Tsunade is waiting." Sakura continued on; Naruto picked himself off the floor. Why did she have to hit him? Naruto was literally inches away from having a date with her. She was about to cave in. He had her, damn it.

"You were on a date with Sai weren't you?" Sakura asked him; okay so maybe she was still a bit hazed; Sakura chaperoned with him. She was there, so of course Sakura knew the answer. The good news is now that Naruto knew Sakura liked his shirtless body; he could stand to be half naked around his lovely Sakura chan more often. He'd get her to date him eventually. "I'm sorry I bailed on you half way, Ino needed a favor."

"Don't worry about it, Sakura." Naruto rested his arms behind his head. "Sai and I, we hit it off okay, we had sex," He drifted his eyes over to her; Sakura was getting nervous. "Yeah, we got naked and did some adulterated stuff, like pretty hardcore sex. It was great." Sakura punched his arm.

"On the first date, are you kidding?" Sakura screamed; damn, one minute she's getting all heated up for him in a sexual sense. The next, Sakura hit his arm; Naruto had a bruise thanks to her. Man, her mood swings suck. "So ugh, like what kind of stuff did you guys do?" Sakura whispered.

"Now Sakura, if I told you, I would be disrespecting Sai. Let's just say, he got a good ride by my friend the Nine Tails." Naruto winked at her; not really but he wanted her to think otherwise. Sakura's mouth dropped.

"On the first date," Sakura sounded astonished. "Is Sai okay? You are supposed to be helping him. Not having sex with him to the point, he could die. Damn, we are trying to introduce him to relationships not scare him half to death."

"You know," Naruto rubbed his chin. "I think me and Sai dating, is actually a pretty good idea Sakura. Sai could really use someone there to teach him, you know help him understand. The least I can do is to pound those ball references out of him." Sakura laughed.

"I bet those references make things awkward for you." Sakura paused for a minute as they walked. "I appreciate this Naruto, you volunteering to date Sai." Truth to be told, Naruto thought he was going on date with her. Naruto had no idea; Sakura was playing matchmaker and well, he walked right into it. Kiba was going to be upset; that's why the sooner he told him; the better. If Kiba found out on his own without him there to explain; he'd go berserk.

"I think I might just reward you, how about later tonight, we go on a date." She offered; Naruto stood there nearly stricken with disbelief. Did Sakura really just- That happened? - "Well you see, Ino thinks that it's a good idea for me to start dating. At first, I didn't want to but last week, I went on a date with Lee." Sakura went on a date with Lee. Bushy brow got a date with Sakura. Naruto could scarcely believe it.

"You should have seen it Naruto, I think Lee really enjoyed himself. It was just one date, nothing became of it. It didn't cost me a thing, yet, something simple like that really made me feel like I repaid him. Well, Naruto how about we go on a date tonight? I swear this time, there are no gimmicks. I'm not trying to ship you or anything." Naruto nearly died; Sakura just asked him out. Sakura Haruno just asked him out. Sakura and him, on a date together; this had to be a dream. He pinched himself, oh my kami, he felt it.

"Ugh yeah, date sure, you got it." Naruto cheeks reddened. This can't be happening but it is happening, Sakura and him, on, a, date, together– wow - "I'll try not to bring the Nine Tails." Sakura chuckled.

"Yeah, sex is off the table." Sakura added. "I may need to meet or date new guys. That doesn't mean I'm having sex with them." What was he going to wear? Should he wear a shirt, she liked him without one. Wait, boxers or briefs or neither; oh man, a date with Sakura. Kiba might die too just hearing it. "Anyway, I promised Shizune, I'd help her gather herbs. I'll see you tonight Naruto, Ichiraku sound good?"

"Ugh yeah, great," Naruto watched as she left. The second the coast was clear; he charged up for the loudest yell ever. "I GOT A DATE WITH SAKURA," Right, now that was out of his system. Naruto needed to see Granny Tsunade. Man, him on a date with -Please for love of Ramen, tell him that he's in the wrong room-

Naruto forced a smile at the beautiful blond standing in the Hokage's room with Granny Tsunade. This just couldn't be happening. Him and Ino Yamanaka on a mission together, well at least it can't get any worse than this.

"Hey Ino, man you've really," Naruto eyes lingered on the smoking hot Yamanaka body. Those curves were just incredible; her breasts man they really filled out. She's way prettier than he remembered; no wonder Kiba likes her. In order to compete against that body; Naruto had to train more.

Okay remember Naruto; he isn't supposed to know that Kiba and Ino are seeing each other at night. Likewise, she has no idea that he and Kiba also see each other at night or they did. So all he had to do was keep it from her and play dumb. He could do this, after a few bowls of ramen. Whatever this mission was he would finish it before nightfall and have his date with Sakura. Oh man, a date with Sakura.

"Ahem, I've really what?" Ino's brows narrowed. "Grown, flourished, Come on Naruto." She put her hands on her hips. "You can't just say something like that and not finish the comment. Sakura's right, you haven't changed at all. Oh well," She patted his shoulder. "You can always impress us next time." Ino encouraged him.

"Nice to see you too, Ino," Naruto cheeks turned red. "Oh yeah, I am taller you know." He placed his hand over his head. He compared to the height he was back then. "See, not so scrawny also I have learned a lot of Jutsu. I've gotten way stronger." He boasted.

"Well, I'm not so-," The entire conversation got quiet; the room shrouded in silence. Well remember when he thought it couldn't get worse. He was wrong, way wrong. Talk about awkward situations; why Granny why?

"Oh fuc-," Kiba cut his words. "Hey guys, it's been awhile." Naruto and Ino were staring at him. The silence was there; awkwardness there. "Naruto, look at you, you've real-," He grabbed Naruto pulling him close. "What the fuck is going on?" He whispered. Kiba's guess was as good as his. "Wow, I mean look at you. Still weak as ever I bet."

"Like you'd know," Naruto retorted. "Do I really have to be here with him?" He pointed at Kiba. "Where's Kakashi, where's Sai? And Where's Sakura?" Seriously, Granny, where are they? He'd much rather be where they are; herb gathering with Shizune was it? Sakura might need some help.

"This is bullshit," The Inuzuka slammed his hands on the Tsunade's desk in anger. Tsunade glared at him for spilling her coffee. Kiba's hands retreated in response. "I demand to be put with my squad Team Kurenai. I can't go on a mission with Naruto, he'll ruin everything." Kiba yelled. Tsunade eased back in her chair; her glares were staring to scare him. Kiba think here; you're making demands to a lady with monstrous strength. She might kill you. "Oh I get it; I must be the wrong room. Sorry about that, let's go Akamaru." Akamaru barked ready and eager to leave.

"Lady Tsunade, you can't be serious." Ino drifted her eyes over to Tsunade. "You want me to work with those two? This is a disaster waiting to happen. These guys are total screw ups."

"Enough you three," Tsunade turned her attention to him. "Kiba, you're in the right room." She urged him to take his spot in middle between Naruto and Ino. He put his hands in his pockets doing so.

"Wait Granny, hold on," Naruto took a step forward. "Is this mission a long one? I really need to be back before nightfall, I got a date with Sakura." He really didn't want to miss his chance. Sure it was just one date, but still, it's Sakura.

"Sakura is actually taking my advice," Ino seemed a bit shocked by this. Naruto turned around; Ino advised Sakura to date him. She made the date happen? She's playing match maker too. Not that he was complaining; Sakura made a better fit for him than Sai.

"Wait, Ino, you got me a date with Sakura?"

"It was nothing really; I just told her that I thought you were hot. I went on about it for couple days, Sakura ate it like candy. You're basically a sex god to her now." Ino crossed her arms; Naruto put on a self assured smile; a sex god huh? He liked the sound of that. "You aren't that bad right Kiba?" She glanced over at Kiba. "I mean if you were a woman you'd have sex with Naruto right?"

"Gross, no way, not ever, Naruto, you got to be kidding." Kiba stuck his tongue out. Ino laughed playfully. "Damn Ino, why would you even imply something like that?" Ino was only teasing; Naruto was sure of it. There's no way she could know the truth yet. "So ugh, Naruto you got a date with Sakura. I never thought that would happen," He laughed. "Sakura with you, man she must be getting desperate."

"Your date has to wait," Tsunade answered. "In fact, you might need to cancel it," Cancel, Naruto frowned. Why Granny? Why? "I have an important mission for you three. One I think, will interest all of you. Sasuke," She began.

Sasuke; that name so many memories; it brought so much nostalgia. There was also sadness resting there; Naruto failed to bring him home. He failed Sakura, this was another chance. Sure, he was teamed with Kiba and Ino. Sure they might have some unresolved issues but this is Sasuke. Naruto refused to fail whatever it was; just tell him what to do and he'll do it.

"Sasuke," Ino voice grew soft. He nearly forgot but seeing her face. That sadness when his name was said. It was as if it were being said to Sakura. Her eyes filled with sorrow; her entire body cold; like winter washed over her skin. It was in that moment, he remembered.

Ino loves Sasuke. Despite that, Naruto never recalled her having a chance like this before. She wasn't there during the mission to retrieve Sasuke. She didn't get to stop Sasuke. She didn't even get to say goodbye, he just left her. But then, sadness faded. Naruto couldn't help but be impressed. It was as if Ino's entire mood just shifted; everything about her focused.

"I understand." Ino eye's beamed up at Tsunade; the determination in her voice. Was this really the same Ino? Naruto was starting to wonder. Perhaps, being on a mission with her wasn't a bad idea. Her determination so strong; it rallied the team. It was like just Ino being there, the mission success rate tripled in percentage.

Kiba's presence had the opposite effect on the team. There was no sign of determination; normally Kiba was always fired up. This time, it was different, he was worried. Naruto didn't blame him, the moment Sasuke left; he left scars. Kiba was the one, who tried to fix it using his body. Kiba did fix them; he failed back then, just like Naruto. Maybe that's why Kiba used his body to mend scars. He just wanted to correct his failures apologize for them. Kiba helped Naruto forget and maybe he was doing the same for Ino too.

Sasuke's return, it probably bothered him a bit. If Sasuke came back, Kiba would lose Ino; she'd run back to him. It would be as if, Kiba didn't exist. Naruto felt the same; he'd lose his date with Sakura, everything would go back to normal. What if Sasuke left again, Kiba would have to mend the scars all over again; he'd have to see them at their lowest; Kiba would have to pick up pieces again.

There had to be a side of him; that didn't want Sasuke to come back. Naruto was sure of it but that smile. Kiba's lips formed a brave smile; a hungry smirk. For someone who had so much to lose from this mission. He acted like he was unfazed by Sasuke's possible return. Was it just that an act? Or was this smile real? Naruto had no idea; Ino was even caught off guard.

"Sasuke huh," Kiba spoke as his entire body radiated with excitement. "Alright Lady Tsunade, you got my interest; let's hear it. I'll get Sasuke back for ya count on it." Akamaru barked fired up; the flames were back. Kiba was determined almost as much as Ino. "I'm not the same as I was back then. Akamaru and I have gotten stronger; I'm ready to prove it." He slammed his fist into his hand. "Right Akamaru," The ninja hound let a bark of excitement; they treated this mission as if it were a challenge "Where's Sasuke at? I'll catch that bastard if it's the last thing I do, running off like that. I'll smack him good for that." Naruto smiled at him; his thoughts exactly.

"Focus, you guys, this is important." Ino scolded them. "I'm not going to lose my chance to get Sasuke back because of you." Naruto and Kiba agreed giving Tsunade their full attention.

"Well, we don't have any clues regarding his location but," Tsunade's lips formed a self assured smile. "We do have a lead; it could bring us one step closer to getting Sasuke back to the village." Seriously, Naruto was at a loss of words. Granny Tsunade really was keeping tabs on Orochimaru. She wasn't giving him the run around. "There's no guarantee; it's accurate either. It's a gamble," Tsunade tapped her finger on her desk. The room got quiet as she thought to herself; her finger still tapping. Naruto counted three before she spoke again.

"The chance is still too great to pass up," Tsunade let out a sigh. "Ino, Naruto, Kiba, listen well, I am hereby handing this mission over to you understood." They nodded. She walked up to them handing Ino the file. Naruto could hardly believe his eyes; a B rank mission.

Naruto unlike them; he was still a Genin. He shouldn't be going on missions this high class was he going to complain? Heck no, this is way too exciting. Forget the date, Naruto couldn't wait to show off his strength; his training with Pervy Sage was finally going to pay off.

"Lady Tsunade," Shizune approached her. "This mission is too dangerous for Naruto. You should wait for Kakashi, or send another team. What if he," She was whispering in Tsunade's ear. Naruto knew what had her worried; the Nine Tails; Shizune doubted him. "Please I beg you,"

"Enough Shizune," Tsunade yelled. "I'm giving Naruto this mission. He can handle it; he's not a kid anymore. I'm done treating him like it; you three listen well," She glared at them. "Normally, I would have sent Team Kakashi on this mission. However, I'm in a position where I can't do that. Kakashi and Sai are on a mission as we speak. Yamato is with them as well; however I can offer," A knock on the door was heard. "Come in Sakura."

Sakura; Naruto's heart raced. This mission was going to include her as well. He was glad to have her with him but, this made things worse. Kiba and his secret; It was now at a greater risk to exposure. Still even with Sakura around, this mission could not end in failure; Naruto refused to fail. Sasuke was on the line, his promise to Sakura; he'd keep it no matter what.

"You summoned me," Sakura took a few steps inside. The tension in the room, so great, it could shatter any minute. "What's going on? Why is everyone so quiet?" She asked. No shock here, Ino was the first to approach her.

"Sakura," Ino took hold of Sakura's hands. "We have a mission it involves Sasuke," She answered. Naruto watched as Sakura's depression eased in; the sadness; Naruto hated it. "Listen Sakura," She spoke calmly to her. "This mission is important, so we have to keep our emotions in check. This is no time for us to be mourning Sasuke. Instead we need to focus. You understand?"

"I understand," Sakura released Ino's hands. She slipped on her gloves facing her master. "Lady Tsunade, tell us more about the mission." Naruto didn't know how but Ino handled Sakura so well. In an instant she was able to turn Sakura's sadness into strength. How'd she do that? That was incredible.

"First let me say this to be clear, this mission is a B rank." Tsunade stressed. "I would much rather a Jounin be there to accompany you. We don't have that option nor do we have the time to make that option available to us." She walked over to the window overlooking the village. "That's why Sakura," She turned towards her student. "You're going with them. You may not be a Jounin but you are a medical ninja and my pupil. It's time we put your training to the test. Prove to me, that training you wasn't a waste of time."

"Yes malady," Sakura bowed her head. "I won't fail, you have my word."

"Naruto, Kiba," Tsunade's eyes shifted towards them. "You have been given two medical ninja for this mission. They are your lifeline, if things get messy. It's up them to heal you; that places you both in the position of having to protect them. Therefore, Teamwork is essential." She stressed. Naruto and Kiba nodded. Piece of cake; if anyone wanted to hurt Sakura; they have to go through him and a ton of shadows clones first. They wouldn't lay a finger on her.

"Here's your objective," Tsunade sat on her desk. "There is a group of bandits that have been known to make shady deals with Lord Orchimaru; illegal herbs, drugs," She hinted; Naruto laughed he couldn't help it; hell Sakura and Ino had the same idea in mind. Their eyes remained on Kiba; if this was to be a drug sting; they had their dog. "My thoughts exactly," Tsunade smirked.

"Hey wait, why's everybody lookin at me like that?" Kiba's cheeks started to match his Inuzuka Clan tattoo. "I don't do drugs, my Ma would kill me." Naruto chuckled followed by Ino and Sakura. This was just too funny; Kiba had no idea. "Quit laughin it's not funny, damn it, quit gawkin at me." Akamaru barked; he growled at them. Akamaru got it, Kiba still processing.

"Yeah, we got that part covered." Sakura scrubbed Kiba's hair as if she were petting a dog. "Kiba should find this guy no problem." Naruto couldn't help it; having Kiba act as a drug dog was hilarious. Kiba growled at her getting annoyed. "Go on,"

"I want you to track down their leader. He has several hideouts so he moves around frequently. He moves places every week giving you only a week to catch him. Less if he's onto you. Once you locate the bandit leader, Ino this is where you come into play," Tsunade shifted the room's focus to her. Ino eyes centered on Tsunade as she spoke; so focused. "I want you to infiltrate their hideout and using your Yamanaka style Ninjutsu to get inside his head. See if you can figure out Sasuke's or Orchimaru's location."

"Leave it to me," Ino assured her.

"That leaves only one more thing," Tsunade returned to her seat. "You have only three days to catch this guy." Three days, that's it. Talk about pressure, still Sasuke was on the line here. Naruto refused to let this opportunity pass him up. He's going to bring Sasuke back to the Leaf, back home. No matter what it takes; he'd catch this guy. "If he is not captured before then, odds are we won't get a chance like this again. Now then, are there any questions concerning your mission?"

Only the obvious one; who was leading this mission? They had no jounin, all of them Chunin but him. Like that mattered, Naruto's lips formed a witty smirk; he'd be the leader. As the next Hokage, it had to be him besides he's the strongest. His shadow clones were ideal for Ino's jutsu; ideal for protecting and fighting; he made the perfect lea-

"No more questions," Ino answered as if she owned the role. She tucked the scroll away into her ninja tool bag. "Naruto, Kiba," She called over to them; Sakura didn't seem to argue. Of course, she wouldn't mind Ino playing leader. Naruto stood his ground; not happening, he was going to lead this mission not her. Kiba crossed his arms staying put; damn he wanted to be leader too. "What are you guys doing? There's no time for this," Ino groaned. "Boys, seriously what's with you guys and leadership?"

"I don't know, I think it's because I'm better suited for it," Naruto hinted. "My shadow clones will be doing most of the work; I'm going to be the one working really hard. Plus, this mission pertains to Sasuke; I know him best. I should lead the mission."

"Are you kidding?" Kiba scoffed, "Naruto, you couldn't lead us to lunch. I'm leading this mission; Akamaru is our sniffer." Akamaru barked standing firm. "This guy is selling drugs. I'm the guy that's gunna find him. Without me, you have no idea where he is. If anyone is leading this mission it's me." Oh really? He figured it out just now; yeah some leader.

"Boys," Sakura called out to them. "If you keep standing around like that, you are going to be left behind." She pointed; Ino was already leaving them. Sakura chased after her; they were leaving them; typical Ino move. Abandon the team if she doesn't get her way. Yeah, some leader; Naruto groaned.

"Wait up," Naruto chased after them. "You guys need me."

"Aw man, this mission blows," Kiba shook his head. "Let's go Akamaru you know how Ino gets when she doesn't get her way." Akamaru barked.

"Hey Naruto," Kiba raced to get next to him. The ladies were still ahead of them; the coast was clear. "I shouldn't have to tell you this but, Ino and Sakura." He paused. "They can't know about us." What? Naruto stopped, how were they going to keep it a secret? Sure they fooled Sakura once, or well he fooled Sakura once. But now, Ino was there; how were they going to hide it from both of them? How many times could he use the streaking excuse? How many times could Kiba bail them out?

Naruto knew what needed to be done; he had let Kiba go before they found out. Could he really hurt Kiba like that? No, he had to hurt Kiba like that otherwise Kiba would lose Ino. Kiba belonged with her, she was better for him. You don't love him, Naruto repeated. He let out a sigh chasing after them.