Summary: Originally sent on a voluntary mission, Izumo, Kotetsu, and Naruto find that the village of their destination is under more pressure than just poverty. Takes place after the timeskip.
Disclaimer: Naruto is copyright to Kishimoto, and this remains true for the entirety of this story.
A/N: Keep in mind this story only goes as far as this mission.
Note: Italics denote mental thinking.
Tsunade's fingers rapped at the desk as she leaned her head in the other hand. It had been a while since she sent Shizune to gather the four chuunins for her. A knock at the door signaled her attention.
"Come in."
The door creaked open as the four chuunins she requested stepped in with Shizune. Izumo, Kotetsu, Iruka, and Shikamaru.
"Ah, there you all are." She said picking up a stack of papers on her desk. "This is something different from other ordinary missions I would give you. It's also a voluntary mission, so if you choose not to do it I'll understand."
The chuunins remained silent as Tsunade made her way around the desk and handed the stack of papers to Shizune, who in turn handed the papers out to each of them.
"On these you will find the name of a village under severely poor conditions. It is my thinking that by pouring some time and work into these villages that we can initiate a strong relationship with them, thus helping us out in future needs."
Shikamaru looked up from his paper. "That's it?" The Hokage nodded and Shikamaru sighed. Man how troublesome, but on the other hand I don't mind taking a week off teaching. "It's been a while since I've left the village. Count me in." Tsunade eyed the others and they nodded as well.
"Alright. I'm going to pair you up to work in different villages. Kotetsu and Izumo. Iruka and Shikamaru. I want you to take one genin of your choosing with you. Head out as soon as you can." With that they were dismissed.
Tsunade eyed one of her chuunins. "Izumo. I want to talk to you." Kotetsu nodded to Izumo and left with the others.
"I want you two to take Naruto with you. I don't care if he doesn't want to go, I think he'll benefit the most from this."
Izumo's brow wrinkled in confusion, but he nodded.