Leaf Shinobi

He was late. It made a sad grin appear on his face when he arrived to already find Kakashi-sensei there before him but he was only a few minutes late. "Sorry guys." Naruto said to all of them then moved to sit down next to Sasuke. They were on one of many terraces over looking Konoha.

Naruto had spent the night at Iruka's. At some point he'd fallen asleep on Tsunade's breast and woken to find himself in Iruka's bed. Grandma Tsunade had stayed over too, close by on the couch but she'd had to leave before he'd woken up. Actually he'd been surprised to find Iruka still there. The teacher had gotten a substitute to cover his morning classes so Naruto wouldn't wake up alone. Iruka didn't press him for information instead he made Naruto help him in the kitchen with breakfast. They worked well together and the simple act of following instructions and sharing a meal reassured Naruto of their bond with each other. Both had managed to forget for a little while the ordeal to come and lost track of time which was why Naruto was late. If he could have avoided this meeting, he would have.

Kakashi knew. He could tell Naruto knew. The teen's eyes were red rimmed and he wouldn't meet anyone's eyes. Kakashi got down from the railing and moved to sit next to Naruto. He placed a hand on the boy's head and patted it gently before telling Sasuke and Sakura what was about to happen.

Sasuke felt a thrill go through him. This mission was very important, Kakashi hadn't said but it sounded like an S class mission instead of an A class one. To succeed at this mission would be a serious plus in their favor. He looked at Naruto expecting him to share his excitement but Naruto seemed to be staring at his toes. Something was up with him and Sasuke wondered what.

"Okay then, we're leaving now. We're going into the forest as is. Several ambushes and traps have been set up for us – for all the teams. It's for real this time guys. Chunin and Jonin will be attacking, maybe not with deadly force but damned close to it so keep your eyes open." Kakashi adjusted his headband over his eye.

"Shouldn't we go get our gear?" Sakura asked as she stood. She was feeling the thrill just like Sasuke. Finally she would be able to prove how dependable she could be. She would back up and protect her teammates without fail this time.

"No gear, just what we're carrying. We'll be in the forest for three or four days. When we return, the scouts should be back with the Intel we need to take care of these rogue ninja. Listen everyone – this is a kill or be killed situation. Of course if you can capture the enemy that's fine but no one will say a word if the enemy dies. Understand me?" Kakashi's eye looked at each of their faces to see if they really understood. Sakura appeared nervous, Sasuke accepting and Naruto resolute. "Good, let's go!"

"Wait! Can I say something Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto spoke up suddenly.

Kakashi turned to him in surprise. Surely he's not going to tell them now? He folded his arms and approached Naruto. Lady Tsunade had talked with him this morning and he wanted to be supportive of Naruto but this wasn't the time. "Umm, what is it Naruto? We should get started."

"I wanted to say something to Sakura." Naruto saw Kakashi's eyebrow lift. "Look Sakura, I want to apologize for how I've been acting. Well not for all of it – I meant some of it but well, now's not the time to hold a grudge. We were both mean and uncaring to each other. That's over, let's be friends again. Okay?" Naruto stepped closer to her and held out his hand.

Sakura sniffed. She hadn't expected him to apologize or to forgive so easily. "Tell me you forgive me Naruto and then I'll take your hand. All of it was my fault but unless I know I have your forgiveness, I don't think I'll ever be a true friend to you."

Naruto tilted his head at her a smirk on his face. "So demanding - as always! You're forgiven Sakura. Umph!" She did more than take his hand but jumped him, circling his neck with her arms.

"Thank you Naruto! I promise to be there for you! You can tell Hinata that she'll have nothing to worry about because I'll always protect you!" Sakura pulled back so that he could see that she was serious.

"So you'll only protect Naruto? What about us? Are we just chopped liver?" Kakashi asked with a laugh.

"Well all I can say, is it's about damned time!" Sasuke walked over to them. To his eyes, Naruto still looked a little subdued but they were a team – this time for real. "Let's become Chunin!" He held out his hand, Naruto put his on top of Sasuke's and Sakrua put hers on top of Naruto's.

"Chunin!" They yelled out together. Kakashi put his hand on top of theirs then, "Squad 7 – Let's do it!"

Bruises, scrapes and open wounds happened during the training. All the Genin were well and truly put through their paces. As night fell that first day, they sat quietly looking at each other and eating whatever they could find edible. One thought ran through their minds – If training was this bad, then how much worse was the mission going to be?

It seemed they'd barely gotten any sleep before Kakashi was waking them. It was still dark and he held a finger to lips indicating that they were not alone. Using his hands, Kakashi pointed them in the direction he wanted them to go and the training continued.

They were sloppy at first and gained more scrapes and bruises but by the end of the third day, they were finally in sync. Sasuke could count on Naruto to read his mind and back up any action he took. Naruto could count on Sakura to reason out his moves and be there to cover him. Kakashi was surprised to find that not only were they there for each other but they often appeared at his side protecting him!

On the fourth morning they headed back into the village. First stop was the hospital to have their injuries taken care of. "Right, once you're released, go home, clean up and grab some food. At noon all the squads will meet at the academy for a meeting to see what our spies were able to come up. We'll spend the night in the village but we're heading out again at 0400 hours. Got it?" Kakashi looked at their dirty, tired faces and held back a laugh. They'd been worked hard but they had improved.

"Right!" They spoke in unison and watched as he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Naruto's wounds had already pretty much healed so he took off first. He wanted to see Hinata. There was dread in his heart at seeing her because the secret weighed heavily there but she also rested in his heart and his love for Hinata pushed the dread aside to a tiny corner. Besides these may be the last intimate moments he spent with her.

But she wasn't home yet. Apparently Kurenai's team was still out in the forest. He thanked Hanabi and was about to leave when Lord Hiashi appeared.

"Naruto! A moment please?" Lord Hiashi noticed how tired and worn the boy looked – he'd been training hard. "Excuse us please Hanabi." The two of them watched as the little girl went back into the house. "How are doing?"

Naruto knew what he meant, the clan leader wasn't talking about his health. "Terrible if you really want to know." He sighed and jammed his hands in his pockets. "I just spent three days with my squad and we're better, closer than we've ever been. It's like we think with the same mind and it could all end by this time next month." Naruto kicked at a pebble.

Lord Hiashi had really come to care for the boy since he'd been coming around and was surprised how much he hurt for Naruto. "When will you tell her?" He asked softly.

"Not until we come back. She wants you to be proud of her skills so I won't do anything to distract her." Naruto looked at up him silently begging the man to take notice of his daughter's hard work.

Lord Hiashi smiled. "I am proud of her. She's changed so much. Hinata's stronger now than ever and I can tell that without seeing her ninja skills. You've had a lot to do with that Naruto which is why I believe she'll stand by you."

Naruto gasped surprised by the support and blinking he looked away. "I hope so, I've just got to get to her before Kurenai-sensei does. That's the problem." He looked around at Hinata's home as he talked seeing her there in his mind.

"I might be able to help with that. My daughter listens to me from time to time. I'll just convince her to talk to you as soon as you're both back home or maybe I'll talk to Kurenai. Is that satisfactory to you Naruto?"

Again he felt overwhelmed, "I'd appreciate anything you could do Lord Hiashi, thank you." Naruto took the man's hand and shook it firmly.

"You're welcome and what of your friends? Will you tell them personally?" Lord Hiashi thought that maybe he should go talk to either Lady Tsunade or Iruka to see how else he might help Naruto. This was a lot for a teenaged boy to handle.

A harsh laugh escaped Naruto. "They'll find out the normal way." He hung his head. "I'm too much of a coward to face all of them with the truth. This way, by the time I see them, they'll have had time to think and make up their minds. …I should know where I stand as soon as I see them." Naruto shook his head. But Sasuke, I'll tell him too. I've started to think of him as a brother and I hope…he feels the same. Problem is he was betrayed by his real brother – I don't know if he can take me betraying him as well." Naruto rubbed his chest as if he was feeling pain there.

Lord Hiashi placed an arm around Naruto. "You've betrayed no one. This burden was placed upon you Naruto and you've handled yourself well – better than anyone ever thought. It was your secret, one you yourself should have never found out until this time but you were told and it didn't break you, only made you stronger. Whatever happens, know that you did nothing wrong by trying to live a normal life. There are many of us who've come to like and respect the young man you've become. Remember that Naruto." He saw the boy's eyes were wet but he didn't let the tears fall. Lord Hiashi hugged his shoulders then let him go.

"You'd better go on home and rest up a little. Maybe you'll get to spend some time with Hinata before your training starts again. Good luck Naruto." Lord Hiashi smiled warmly at him.

Naruto brushed at a stray tear, straightened his shoulders then bowed. "Thank you." He stood up then turned to leave but looked back, "Hinata's lucky to have such a great father! See you later!" Smiling now he ran home.

"And this village is lucky to have you Naruto." Hiashi said to himself, folding his arms watching the young man. "Lord Naruto with Lady Hinata at his side…yeah, I'd love that for both of them." Hiashi walked back towards the house trying to think what kind of wedding his daughter might like.

Hungry, Naruto made a detour at Ichiraku's and filled his belly with ramen before finally going home. Checking the time he saw he only had about two hours before going to the academy, which wasn't enough time for a nap so he decided to take a long hot bath. As the water ran, he pulled out fresh clothes then checked his face. He grinned to see a light shadow along his jaw. Using a razor Iruka had helped him buy, Naruto shaved while the tub filled. Then with a long sigh he settled down into the hot water. In moments his eyes drifted shut and he relaxed all his tired muscles.

Hinata slipped inside the apartment. She was still smiling and a little bemused. She'd gone home to clean up before the meeting but her father met her at the door with a change of clothes and ordered her to go see her boyfriend. He'd looked a little embarrassed and had quietly told her that they wouldn't have time to do…anything more than spend a few minutes together but thought they would both benefit from that time. People in love needed to see each other often; he'd told her then kissed her forehead and pushed her out the front gate himself!

She put down her bag and stripped. Naked she looked at the clock – an hour and a half. Not a lot of time, true but enough to be held by him. Quietly she moved to the bathroom and turned the knob.

Naruto was on his feet staring at the slowly turning knob. He was amazed that he knew someone was there. All that training had made him aware of the slightest movements. One wet, dripping leg was already out of the tub and he stood poised to attack. The door opened and he lunged only to pull up short at the sight of his naked girlfriend. "Hinata?!"

"Hey, is the water still hot?" She looked him up and down, moved close to kiss his cheek then tested the water. "Aww, it's already gotten cool. I'll just have to add more." Hinata let out the water then began to refill the tub. "Soap me?"

Naruto stood with his hands on his hips staring at Hinata. "You shouldn't be here! We've got that meeting in a little while and –and what would your father say? You should have gone home! There's no telling when you'll see him again before we have to leave on this mission!" He couldn't keep his eyes off her and despite his protests; Naruto really wanted her to stay.

"I did go home and he sent me to you." She'd picked up the soap and was lathering her hands. "No we don't have time do anything but spend some time together. My father thought that spending time with you was important and I agree with him. A simple bath Naruto, that's all I'm asking – honest! I promise not to sex you up, well not too much." Her smile was sexy as she looked him up and down.

Naruto shook his head. Lord Hiashi had sent her to him?! It was humbling the acceptance that man gave him. Still amazed he smiled at Hinata. "So let's take a bath!" He took her hands to gather some lather then placed them on her breasts. "I do promise to sex you up though!" Their laughter rang out in the small bathroom.

They played as lovers would. Being naked together, it was hard not to get aroused but they didn't take it too far. Once in the hot water they took turns massaging sore muscles and just lying together but time was not on their side so they hurriedly got out and dressed. Naruto fixed Hinata some light snacks for unlike him, she didn't get back in time to eat. Luckily it was stuff she could eat on the run.

At the academy they were directed to one of the unused classrooms and holding hands they went inside. The teams had already grouped together but Hinata's and Naruto's were sitting together so they were able be with their squads and each other.

Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai and Asuma all stood against the wall as Ibiki and two of his men stood before the room. The scarred man looked at the assembled Genin. He remembered each of their faces from their first try at becoming Chunin. They'd grown older and had more knowledge in their eyes. He hoped it would be enough to get them through this mission.

"Listen up," He nodded to one of his men and a map dropped over the chalk board. "We have located the rogues' village. They've gone to a lot of trouble to make it appear as if it were any other small village with ordinary villagers but it's hard to hide ninja skills in some. It's in the way we move and walk and too many of them move with cat-like reflexes. We sent in a Kunoichi who was accepted readily, too readily for a small village trying to make it. If anything thing they should be wary of traveling strangers. Yet they acted like they were expecting her and treated her well. She was allowed to stay for two days and noticed that this building," He pointed to it on the map. "Was always guarded, not in an obvious manner with armed men but there was someone always sitting outside of it guaranteeing that our spy could never get inside unnoticed. Another thing, at night and at all hours of the night, the villagers went to this building, stayed for a few hours then came out again. They could have been having meetings, training or preparing weapons. We have no idea what – the bastards. We did manage to capture one of them and with a bit of persuasion got him to tell us exactly how many of them there are." Ibiki said with a grim smile but it faded as he told them the numbers which shocked them. "Its way more than those we saw about the village. There must be several rooms and tunnels underground to hide that many people. As for weapons, well we should be careful. As I said they could be preparing them in those underground tunnels. It's like they're preparing for a full scale war. That probably includes bombs people so you'd better be up on you're knowledge about paper bombs and how to counter them." Ibiki looked at the Genin as well as the Jonin, including them all.

Ibiki moved to sit on the edge of the desk. "We've also got maps of the capital and buildings where the leaders have gathered. The idiots seem to think that if they're all in one place, they'll be safer instead of moving constantly and giving false reports of their whereabouts. We'll have to take care of that once we get there." He looked to the Jonin. "I think it's better for you guys to decide where best to use your teams. You know their strengths best. My Anbu teams are watching the village to see what their next move will be. We couldn't get that information from our captive, apparently they aren't told until the last minute when an attack is going to happen. I also have lookouts on the main roads leading to the capital and each leader has some Leaf Shinobi guards even though they are unaware of them."

"So we have no idea when they'll attack?" Kurenai finally spoke up.

"No, I suggest we take out the village first. Hopefully we can catch them before they make a move. If not then we can cut off their escape routes and take the village for ourselves – set a trap. Once the village is under our control, we can join the other teams in the capital taking out the assassins. Still, I doubt it will be that easy. We came upon a few obvious traps in the forest so there's sure to be more and those well hidden. We'll have our work cut out for us." Ibiki again looked to the teens focusing on Hinata, Neji and Sasuke whose eyes would be a benefit in finding hidden traps.

"You mentioned that the Black Ops are undercover in the capital. Will we be going in that way too?" Guy wanted to know.

Ibiki stroked his chin. "It's really up to you but I think it best or at least have only one team go in to protect the leaders and the rest remain hidden. They won't know they're against Genin so they won't be looking for young men and women on a sight-seeing tour or a teacher showing her students around the capital or two lovers on a romantic getaway." All eyes went to Naruto and Hinata and both blushed.

"Right, get the enemy to focus on one group while the others go unnoticed. That place is always busy so newcomers in town wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary." Asuma said nodding.

"But the biggest problem is when they'll attack. We won't know so it will be hard to back each other up." Kakashi said. "Just how many of us are involved in this?"

"Enough." Said Lady Tsunade as she entered the room. "And more than I would like. You'll make do Kakashi. This mission is damned important to us – to the village. First it will show the leaders that Shinobi of the Leaf are strong and able to pull off the impossible. Second that our next generation can carry on our ways because their skills are second to none." She walked among the Genin touching each of them briefly. "By all rights, none of you should be on a mission of this magnitude until you were Chunin but how well you do during this mission will make that a reality. I'm taking a risk by giving you extra time to train so don't disappoint me. Become a cohesive team and follow your sensei's lead. Think before acting and use your chakra wisely." Her hand lingered a moment against Naruto before moving to stand before the Jonin.

"As always, their lives are in your hands. Bring them back alive with honor and glory for Konoha." Tsunade's hands were on her hips as she stared them down.

"Of course My Lady!" They promised.

"Good, I'll let you get on with your meeting." Tsunade turned nodded to the Genin then followed by Izumo and Kotetsu, she left them alone again.

"Well, we can't fail now can we?" Ibiki laughed ruefully. Okay let's go over these maps again. The next part of your training will include mock-ups of these two places to give you a feel for them. Kakashi you and Sasuke use your Sharingan – memorize them!" Ibiki picked up a pointer and dissected the maps for them.

It was late evening before they left the academy. Dinner was served during the strategy meeting. Each went home minds filled with details and strategies. For the next few days the teams would work together sometimes as one unit, other times against each other as enemies.

Their aptitude grew over the week. Constant challenges and the threat of death, kept them on their toes but it was for Lady Tsunade and Konoha that they excelled.

Tenten injured many with her accurate weapons. Neji saw every hidden enemy and with his skills sent them flying. Lee demolished buildings with his strength and fought several enemies at one time. Choji's expansion allowed him to knock enemies out and to reach new heights. Ino forced enemies to fight each other while Shikamaru came up with the most devious plans and his jutsu combined with Ino's was deadly. Akamaru and Kiba could sniff out the enemy, find hidden traps as well as attack ferociously. Shino learned Intel from the enemy and drained away precious chakra using his bugs. Hinata used her sight to pinpoint hidden targets and her own special use of the Gentle Fist to protect her comrades. Sasuke used the enemies' jutsu against them and stayed one step ahead of them by reading their every move. Sakura used her versatility and cunning to get into sealed rooms, fool the enemy with genjutsu and by seemingly reading her allies was able to be in the right position to protect those about her. And Naruto was quiet. In uncharacteristic silence, he used his transformed clones to join the enemy ranks and take them out from the inside. He looked, listened and offered advice to his teammates and got them out of sticky situations. He trusted Sasuke, Neji and Shikamaru to direct his efforts and succeed in every endeavor. At the end of training, everyone looked at him with deserved respect and awe.

They were given two days to rest and be with their families before heading out on the third morning. There was no evidence that the enemy had moved and that worried Ibiki more than anything else. He and his Anbu squad left immediately.

Lord Hiashi invited Naruto, Tsunade and Iruka to his home for a good luck dinner for their kids. It was a jovial affair with Naruto being the center of attention as he told stupid jokes and funny stories. He also pretended that Hanabi was a dangerous woman-eater and playfully ran from her. No one brought up the mission until the evening drew to a close.

"I've no doubt you'll do well Naruto. I can tell the training has really had a great effect on you – on all of you!" He looked at Hinata and Neji. The three of them looked like they could take on the world.

"Thanks and it did." He turned to Tsunade. "It helped a lot. We won't fail you or this village." He said looking into her eyes.

Those blue orbs spoke volumes to her. He wouldn't fail his friends. Since he was waiting until after the mission for them to find out about the fox, Naruto wanted to prove to his friends that he was reliable, loyal and worthy of his trust. He hoped they would see what he was capable of and dismiss all thoughts and fears of the demon inside him.

"I know you won't." She took his hand and squeezed it. Looking back at her hosts, "You guys have one more day to rest or play as you see fit." Smiling she looked from Hinata to Naruto. "Enjoy it but be ready the following day."

"Yes ma'am!"

"Neji," Iruka shook his hand. "Do your old sensei proud and if you can, keep this one out of trouble." He nodded at Naruto.

"Don't fear Iruka-sensei. Naruto won't need much help; he's become an excellent shinobi." Neij's words were quiet but full of meaning. Of course he'd already known that Naruto was strong but there were hints of a leader in him as well. "He'll definitely become a Chunin."

They stared at him and Naruto let out a long breath. He went to Neji. "Thanks Neji. You too." Neji only smiled and nodded. Finally he went to Hinata, "Breakfast tomorrow?"

"Mmm, I'm looking forward to it." Naruto was going to cook this time. She raised her face for his kiss but they broke apart quickly. "'Night Naruto, Lady Tsunade, Iruka-sensei." She folded her hands before her and bent at the waist.

Everyone said their goodbyes and shortly the family of three left. Quiet enveloped them. Naruto's eyes looked everywhere; he was taking it all in. The homes, the stores, even the people who stared and feared him. The places he used to play and hide from Iruka-sensei. Hokage Rock.

"Seems you made an impression on Neji. Even Kakashi spoke of how hard you worked." Iruka said noting that Naruto seemed taller and that his arms and shoulders had filled out more.

"Yeah, course I did. I want to be a Chunin. I also want to protect my friends from harm." Naruto saw Ichiraku's in the distance and smiled. Maybe he'd have time for a bowl before they left.

"Naruto, I know you want them on your side when they learn the truth but don't put yourself out there too far. There's only so much you can do without making a mistake and getting hurt." Tsunade was walking with her arm linked in his.

"I'm going to be careful. I've got you guys to come home to and Hinata…We'll be okay, all of us." He looked into Tsunade's eyes then into the dark eyes of Iruka.

"He's right, we shouldn't worry so. Naruto will make us proud. Would you like to spend the night at my place?" Iruka wanted him close because while he didn't want to worry, it stayed with him constantly.

"Nah, I wanna go home. I haven't spent much time there lately and I want to go over the things I'm going take with me. More than likely I'll just hit the bed and sleep. So goodnight, love you and I'll see you tomorrow." Naruto hugged them both then sauntered on home. He never once showed them the nerves that were jumping inside him.

Naruto sighed heavily, relieved to be home then opened his door only to pause cautiously. There was someone behind him. "Who's here?" He knew it wasn't Hinata or his parents.

"Just me." Sasuke walked out of the shadows behind him. "I was just about to leave. You going to invite me in?"

Naruto looked at Sasuke's dark head bowed slightly and the hands tucked in his pockets. He didn't doubt that it was Sasuke but he was surprised to see him there. "Yeah, okay." Naruto walked in and cut on the light. "Want something?" He knew had some milk in the fridge and he could always make tea.

"Nah," Sasuke stared at him as he closed the refrigerator and gestured for him to sit down at the table then joined him.

"So what's up? Why come by so late? Kakashi forget to tell me something?" Naruto removed his headband and ran a hand through his hair.

"I want to know what's going on with you Naruto. This is the biggest mission we've ever received and with so much on the line, not once have I heard that laugh of yours or seen the excitement you usually can't hide. You didn't argue once with any of the sensei and you were quiet. Too damned quiet! What the hell is going on?" Sasuke thumped the table and leaned towards Naruto.

He blinked then one corner of his mouth went up. "Maybe I've just grown up?" He said not quite looking at Sasuke.

"Like hell!" He exploded then settled back in the chair. "You're scaring me Naruto. I can always count on you to act a certain way even in the worst of times. What do you know that the rest of us don't? Everybody worked harder, learned new techniques because they saw how you were killing yourself to improve. Is there something Lady Tsunade isn't telling us? Or is something going to happen you? Have you been asked to do something more than the rest of us? I can help, you know. Whatever it is, you don't have to do it alone." Sasuke's hand was next to his on the table and it lifted several times before finally settling on Naruto's wrist and gripping it.

It was hard for Naruto to breathe and he blinked to keep the tears in his eyes. The heat of Sasuke's hand burned. "…Sasuke…Sasuke…" It was all he could say for several minutes. "Thanks Sasuke but no, nothing's going on. I know what you know and they haven't given me a special assignment. I-I just want to do well that's all." He can't learn the truth yet!

Sasuke trapped him with his eyes and almost resorted to using his Sharingan but sighed instead. "Okay but there is something going on with you. Why can't you tell me? I thought we'd…we're friends right?" He'd never let go of Naruto and could feel the other boy's pulse beating quickly.

"Yeah! You're my – best friend Sasuke." Liquid dark eyes held shining blue ones. He couldn't lie out right to Sasuke yet he still felt it would be a mistake to tell him now. Maybe Sasuke would be satisfied with part of the truth.

"Okay there is something but it has absolutely nothing to do with this mission. It's been weighing on my mind and that's why I've been working so hard to keep my mind off of it."

"And you can't tell me or Hinata? What about Lady Tsunade or Iruka-sensei? It must be something pretty important because you've changed your whole attitude Naruto." Sasuke finally let him go but his face reflected his confusion and disbelief in Naruto's words.

Naruto pushed up from the chair. "I'm afraid if I told you guys it might distract you from the mission and this is too important for distractions. Grandma Tsunade and Iruka already know." He went to stand before his bed so that he could look out at the village. "If – if you can wait, I'll tell you and Hinata when we get back, after we become Chunin. Please Sasuke…trust me. I'd never risk you or Hinata over this. It's my problem and once we live Konoha, I'll leave it here too." Naruto turned back to look at Sasuke.

"I don't like it. I won't pretend to like it that this - whatever it is has changed you so! And I'm sure Hinata feels the same way or has she even noticed? She's been working hard too, oh never mind!" Sasuke stood and went to Naruto. "But I do trust you – with my life Naruto so don't fuck up!" He brought a hand down heavily on the other's shoulder.

Relief flooded him to know that Sasuke was going to trust him and let this go. "Thanks man."

"Yeah, sure. Look it's late and we both could use sleep. I'll see you tomorrow Naruto." As he took back his hand, Sasuke lightly tapped Naruto's cheek. "You'd better be on the level with me Naruto or I'm going to kick your ass when we get back - Chunin or no!"

"Like you could! You'll be in my dust as always." Naruto gratefully played along.

"Ha! In your dreams!" They argued as Naruto walked him out to the steps then with a wave his friend was gone.

Suddenly drained, Naruto hit the lights and prayed Sasuke would understand and forgive him. He prayed they all would.

He managed to make breakfast a humorous affair only burning half the dishes. Naruto got cooking lessons by following behind Hinata and helping her prepare more food. Afterwards they lay quietly in his bed for a time doing nothing more than holding each. Both of them felt certain restlessness and before long were out walking the village. As it happened, the others were feeling the same and every single one of them ended up back at the academy going over the maps and plans.

With understanding smiles their sensei showed up to do the exact same thing followed by Lady Tsunade. She looked over her people with pride burning in her heart. Each of them was displaying their dedication by being here on their last free day.

There was also fear for Naruto and Hinata and for the storm that would follow this all important battle. She just had to trust that she and his friends would stay by him. The shinobi of Konoha were strong and little could make them falter. The fire burned deeply within their hearts and she hoped they burned for her son as well.

In the morning with a just a hint of the sun appearing in the sky, four Genin teams and several other Chunin and Jonin gathered outside the gates of Konoha. It was unusual for there to be anyone there to see them off but Lady Hokage, Iruka-sensei and Lord Hiashi were there.

Uncaring of watching eyes, Naruto went first to Lord Hiashi to shake his hand but the man embraced him warmly before letting go without a word. Hinata and Neji followed suit and both received hugs as well though Neji's cheeks were a little rosy when he stepped back and in his embarrassment, he missed some last minute advice from his uncle.

Hinata moved to stand with Naruto as he faced the man and woman he now called his parents. "We'll be back as soon as we can. Be sure to have lots of Ichiraku's ramen waiting on me, okay?" There were several people laughing at those words.

"Done! I'll have so much even you won't be able to eat it all! Show me what you can do Naruto." He jerked the teen close and slapped him heavily on the back before just holding him to feel Naruto's heartbeat.

"Oww! That hurt!" Naruto got more laughs as intended so no one would hear. "I'll be back…Dad." He patted Iruka's chest as the man gasped. Naruto grinned and turned to Tsunade while Hinata said her goodbye.

"This is damned unfair Naruto! I'm not supposed to worry like this!" She grabbed him by his jacket and jerked him to his toes. "If you don't come back to me – I'll follow you to Hell and beat the crap out of you! Do you hear me boy?!" She shook him but her hands trembled.

"Sorry?" He asked impishly. Naruto took one of her hands gently and held it against his heart. There beneath his shirt was their necklace. "I gotta come back right? You just keep my seat warm for me, okay?" He watched as a tear slid down her young cheek and he wiped it away.

Tsunade took a deep breath then gave up trying not to hug him and buried her face in his neck. "Where's that stupid, brash brat I first met? Who's this man before me now?" She pulled back and framed his face then lightly kissed him on the lips, "Be safe baby and come back home."

Naruto nodded. "Sure thing, Mama T." He said in her ear as he kissed her cheek and pulled away quickly before he gave into his tears.

"I'll keep him out of trouble Lady Tsunade." Hinata promised and dared to give the woman a hug.

Tsunade sniffed loudly as she flushed from the warm feeling of being called Mama. "See that you do." She looked around at the waiting shinobi. "So what the hell are you waiting for?! Don't you have a mission?" Hands on her hips – the Fifth Hokage addressed her troops.

They all stood at attention and bowed. Then acting more like himself than he had since he'd learned of this mission - Naruto smiled widely, raised one hand and yelled, "LEAF SHINOBI RULE!" Many were startled at first but seeing Naruto's enthusiasm the words were repeated loudly and strongly before squad after squad disappeared.