Time to Leave

The sun had only been up for a couple of hours, and the day's light had not fully lit the streets of Konoha. Swinging down from an upper balcony, Naruto's feet hit the ground with a solid thump. Once he landed he didn't stop running. He dodged the early risers beginning to fill the streets, and out of the corner of his eye he noticed Ichiraku Ramen opening. No time to stop there today, he thought, he was in too much of a hurry. He was not normally good at rising early, but this day he had been summoned to see the Hokage.

Amid all that was going on, he needed something to occupy his time. He was too restless, and he imagined any mission would do; on second thought, he knew that was unlikely. After all he had been through lately, chasing the Sound ninja and eventually, confronting Sasuke, he could never be satisfied with mundane missions again.

He neared the Hokage building, still he did not slow. Instead he took a deep breath. The morning air was fresh and it carried the unique fragrance of the Konohamaru Forest.

He slowed only slightly once entering the building, and only because people were walking the corridors. Bounding into the last hallway, he bumped into a slower moving figure. She toppled forward and he was quick enough to clasp onto her arm. Luckily for her, his rapid momentum had elapsed.

'Hinata-chan,' he said, as he lunged closer, '…I'm sorry.'

She blinked and steadied herself. 'Naruto-kun…' Her eyes turned away from his stare.

He let go of her arm. 'I'm on my way to see the fifth,' he stated, and he stood impatiently. 'So, I'm kind of in a hurry.'

Nodding slightly, she said, 'I'm also seeing the Hokage.'

'You…' He stared blankly. 'are?'

'We'd better hurry,' she said, with a small smile.

The door was at the end of the corridor, and it did not take long for Naruto to barge in without a warning knock.

'Objii-sama, Tsunade!'

The Hokage was seated at her desk, and she did not raise an eyebrow at Naruto's loud entry.

Standing by Tsunade's desk was Shikamaru, and he nonchalantly glanced over his shoulder at Naruto and Hinata.

'Shikamaru!' said Naruto.

'Naruto, Hinata,' Shikamaru said in greeting.

Tsunade turned her startling gaze on Naruto. 'Now that you are here, we can make a start.'

While she spoke, Hinata softly closed the door.

'Tsunade-sama,' Naruto started brashly, 'I don't want any old mission. I want something important.'

Shikamaru butted in sternly, 'shut-up, Naruto.'

Tsunade nodded, and frowned at Naruto. 'If you will be quiet, I'll tell you what it is.'

All eyes were fixed on her, and once she was assured of their attention she went on, 'it is a mission, a B-rank mission. You will be providing an escort for a notable,' she paused, '…official, to the Land of Marsh.'

As if sensing Naruto's restlessness, she eyed him fiercely. 'It is an important mission. You will be representing the Land of Fire, hence,' and her glare at Naruto grew stronger, 'you must be on your best behaviour.'

'Who is this official?' Naruto burst out, 'and where is he?'

'His name is Hayato-sama,' said Tsunade quickly, 'and he will meet us by the front entrance.'

Shikamaru nodded thoughtfully.

Tsunade responded to his look. 'He is not here, because I wanted to talk with you privately.' Her gaze fell on the three, but it especially lingered on Hinata. Hinata blushed under her piercing stare, and she continued, 'Hayato is not like the usual diplomat you might have escorted in the past.'

They all reflected stares of puzzlement.

Tsundade went on, almost reluctantly, 'there's not much I can say, except watch yourselves around him, and be aware that he is different.'

Naruto interrupted, 'what's that supposed to mean?'

Tsunade leaned forward, and she rested her head in her hands and sighed lightly. 'He can be manipulative at times and he might not seem to be what he says he is. On occasion he has been known to work to his own agenda.'

'Tsunade-sama!' shouted Naruto.

'Sound's like you know him,' said Shikamaru.

'I do,' she replied, and not willing to elaborate she added, 'and that's why you can trust me when I say,' and she suddenly grinned happily, 'I'm sure you will all be fine.'

Naruto frowned darkly, and said, 'and whose leading us?'

Her eyes shifted to the adolescent leaning against her desk. 'Shikamaru-kun will be your captain.'

Shikamaru gave her a lazy nod.

'Shikamaru?' Naruto questioned suspiciously.

He fidgeted uncomfortably. 'Yeah, it's me.'

'Shikamaru, is now a chuunin, and I feel he is more than capable.' She gave Naruto a warning gaze. 'But,' she said firmly, and the room fell quiet, 'before you obey Shikamaru, you must heed Hayato-sama.'

Shikamaru pursed his lips together.

Naruto shouted a confused question, and Hinata gasped loudly.

'As I said, this is a significant mission, and different from others you may have been on before.' She looked them over, and studied their acceptance of this. 'You have all been handpicked for this mission. Shikamaru is a good strategist, and expert at his skills with subterfuge attacks. Hinata's sight is Hyuuga, and Naruto has a great deal of man-power to offer.' She paused, and watched wide eyes, knowing eyes, and a set of proud ones, all absorbing her heartening remarks.

'I realize you have come from different teams, and have not worked together before, regardless, you are all Leaf Shinobi. As you travel you shall get to know each other better.'

She ended with a pleasant grin. 'Any questions?' She stared at Naruto in anticipation.

He asked, 'when are we leaving?'

She continued smiling, 'within the hour.'

The three members of the new team walked together to the front gate. They were loaded with packs and every type of provision for a long journey. Traveling to the Land of Marsh would take a few days. They would be able to stop at a couple of large villages, and failing at having any civilized comfort, they would have the means to camp.

Tsunade and the man they were to escort were waiting by the gate. Even at a distance, the man's deep blue robes and overlarge hat were unmistakable.

Naruto ran from the others at the sight of him, and with extra speed in his step he arrived to confront the man. 'You! You're the drunk!' With fire in his eyes, Naruto turned to Tsunade. 'Objii-sama, Tsunade, he's no one important. He's a pest.'

Tsunade smiled primly at Hayato, which went ignored by him.

Hayato faced the outraged Naruto with his own burning temper. 'How dare you! What business is it of yours if I choose to have a little drink, you ill-bred imbecile.'

The conversation had been yelled across the street, and by the time Hinata and Shikamaru arrived they were more than aware of the contention between the two.

'The middle of the day, you couldn't hold yourself up,' shouted Naruto, and turning back to the Hokage he said, 'how can we listen to what he says?'

Hayato yelled, 'you will listen to me, and I insist on you showing me respect.'

Tsunade rolled her eyes skyward.

Shikamaru also looked to Tsunade and said with irritation, 'do we have to put up with this for the next couple of weeks?'

'Naruto,' Tsunade cried, 'Hayato needs an escort, and you will provide this. At the least, you can keep him up.'

Hayato's fuming looked settled on her.

'Hayato,' Tsunade responded sweetly, 'Naruto was the one you wanted.'

Shikamaru contemplated Hayato with creased his brows, and all the while Hinata cautiously watched the exchange.

The two conflicting forces, adolescent and man, stood staring at each other. Despite his lack of stature Naruto stared defiantly up at Hayato, and both of them eyed each other, as if somehow an indication of their inner character could be glimpsed.

Hayato suddenly lightened the unyielding atmosphere. 'Granted, for a little ninja, you're very plucky…'

Naruto relaxed, only slightly, and his finger pointed in a threatening manner, and he warned, '…mmm, yeah, well… I'm a shinobi and I'll protect you with my life, no matter how drunk you are.'

'Humph!' huffed Hayato.

Hayato's gaze abruptly transferred to Hinata and Shikamaru, and he bowed his head. His attractive face presently wore a merry grin. 'My name is Hayato-sama, and I am pleased to meet you. You are Hinata-chan.' He nodded gracefully once more. 'And you are Shikamaru-kun, and all of you are very capable shinobi, no doubt.'

Hinata's voice rose, so she would be heard. 'I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Hayato-sama.'

Shikamaru added, 'yeah, it's good to meet you.'

A teasing smile played on Hayato's face. 'Well… Objii-sama,' and he chuckled, 'that explains much.'

Tsunade's cheeks brightened slightly. 'Hayato, I trust you will take care of these Leaf genin.'

'Oh, I will.' A seriousness entered his features. 'On that you can depend.' He turned to the three. 'We shall endeavor to have a splendid time… out on the road.'

Naruto grumbled, 'as long as we're not pulling you out of the sake bars…'

'You really are the rude mouthed one, aren't you?' said Hayato, and he turned a smiling face back to Tsunade. 'Take care, Godaime Hokage.'