Sasuke was walking around town looking for stuff to do. Today was really boring. There wasn't anyone to challenge him. Not even challenge him, but make him want to do better. He lived in such an uninspiring village. He doubted that most of its denizens had any real long term goals. Sometimes he even doubted if he did. Every dream he had was just a vague whisper in the future. A general idea or concept. He wanted to be the best fighter, he wanted to attain great power, he needed to have some distinction in Konoha. But here and now, when those notions were so far distant from reality, it was hard to dismiss them as anything but stupid ambitions.

He'd almost resorted to petty crime several times. It's not like there were enough law enforcement officers to actually prevent him from doing so. Being stronger than most people in the village simply meant he could do what he pleased, so long as what he did was not big enough to warrant the attention of the State. But he realized that even that trip would grow old, and after it he'd be stuck right back where he was. What he needed was an equal, someone to train with who could respect his capacities and reciprocate. …

Naruto and Sakura rushed into the Hidden Leaf Village Market.

"You said we can get the money here Sakura?"

"Yep!"

"Are you sure? This place looks kind of shady. More like the black market."

"Well..I mean..I've done some dealing here before and made a pretty good turnaround."

"Ok, I'll take your word for it."

Naruto and Sakura stepped into a dank looking wasteland of a building. Fortunately it was daytime or else Naruto would have been afraid of some husky looking, sex deprived vagrant jumping out of a dark corner and whisking him away to the land of pedophilic rape.

"Sakura! It's been awhile. I've got customers waiting upstairs if you want to turn some tricks." Said a one toothed lady behind the desk.

"Oh no Jill! Not today! Those days are weeeellll behind me. I'm looking to earn some cash while maintaining my dignity."

"I see. Well, why don't you go talk to Raoul over there at the table? He's got the newest list."

She directed them over to the table.

Naruto and Sakura sat down in front slim looking white guy with slicked back black hair and shades.

"So, you looking for some business eh? I've got a new body on the list. The going rate is 500. Dead or alive. Posted this morning by some fellow goes by the name Sasuke."

"Sakura what is this!?" Naruto asked baffled.

"We'll take it!" Sakura replied.

"Alright. I'll cross the name off. You've got twenty four hours. If you don't succeed by then I'll just assume you died or quit."

Naruto and Sakura walked out of the building.

"Sakura I'm not so sure about this. I mean, I wanted money, but I don't want a criminal record to accompany it!"

"Don't worry Naruto. We'll be fine. Just don't do anything stupid and follow my lead until we get to the fighting, at which point I'll be completely useless."

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