Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I'm back again with a new chapter. There isn't much background information in this chapter but things are picking up now, enjoy.

Chapter 6: Pervert Pursuit

The birds could be heard singing as their soothing sound echoed through the air. Rays of light illuminated the forest as the sun was awakening and rising into the sky. Naruto stretched as he felt uncomfortable, his shirt on the ground.

"Why didn't you rent a room somewhere?" Genkei's tone displayed his confusion.

Naruto walked towards the stream of water near their camp, "I told you; I only have a small amount of money left. I need to use it wisely."

Genkei shook his head as he tended to the fire he had created along with the fish hanging on top which looked to be nearly cooked. Naruto had spent the night in the forest near the Hokage monument along with his summon. The blonde had found it irritating to sleep on the ground due to the rainfall which had soaked everything contrasting from Genkei who wasn't bothered and only rested for a few hours.

Naruto washed his face, giving him a feeling of freshness before staring at his reflection in the water. His sapphire eyes had a crimson ring around them which seemed to be spreading towards his centre while his whisker marks were thicker and more defined. Opening his mouth, he moved his hand to his teeth and ran it over them, feeling the sharpness.

Standing up, he grabbed his shirt and placed it on his back before making his way over to the fire and taking a seat in front of it. The smell of the roasted fish strengthened his appetite as he closed his eyes.

Genkei grabbed the two sticks which had the fish stuck on them before throwing one to Naruto who was quickly alerted and caught it, "Easy there, you nearly ruined it."

Genkei ripped into his fish as he spoke, "How are you going to get into the Hokage's residence then?"

Naruto took a bite out of his fish, enjoying the taste, "I'm not sure, I was going to go to the hot springs and think it over there."

Genkei had a questioning look, "And why is that?"

Naruto looked towards the dragon before laughing, "I'm going there to relax myself. I'm not going to do any research or anything."

Genkei finished eating his fish, "By the time you get there, half the day will be over. But even then, it depends on how many times you might end up losing your way."

Naruto had an offended expression, "Hey, I'm not that bad."

Genkei threw the remaining bones of his food into the fire, "You're right, it's a lot worse. You probably won't even find the hot springs."

The blonde continued eating his fish, "Don't worry about me. Just make sure you stay out of sight."

Genkei waved his tail swiftly, decimating the fire along with the stones and sticks used to create it, "It's hard not to worry; the change is becoming more visible as time goes on."

Naruto burped, throwing his meal into the stream of water before removing any signs of them being there. "Yeah…it's close to breaking. I can feel it."

Genkei walked alongside the retired shinobi as they neared the clearing where the Hokage monument was, "Meet me back here once you've thought of what you're going to do."

XXXXXXXXXX

"So, we're assigned to village missions as long as the Tsuchikage's here?" Sakura's voice was full of curiosity.

Kakashi nodded as they made their way up the stairs towards the Godaime's office, "Although Konoha and Iwa have come to an agreement; there is still reason to take precaution."

"The Godaime is keeping her strongest shinobi in the village in case something was to go wrong." Sasuke's input was unexpected as he spoke.

Kakashi had his hands in his pockets as he approached the door to the Hokage's office, "That's about it."

Sakura knocked on the door before receiving the go ahead to enter. Opening the door and moving in, Team 7 stood opposite the Hokage.

Tsunade was seated at her desk while her assistant Shizune stood by her side. The only other occupant of the room was the Tsuchikage whose hat was placed by his side, leaving his dark red hair exposed, "Ah, we meet again."

Kakashi looked at the Tsuchikage, "Our stay will only be for a short time."

The Tsuchikage acknowledged his answer as Tsunade addressed the shinobi, "Your mission is simple. There have been reports for a few days now that someone is causing the women problems at the hot springs. He has been caught peeping on one occasion but managed to escape from them. You are to catch and bring this peeping tom to me."

Sakura had a puzzled look across her visage, "Jiraiya-sama?"

The Tsuchikage had an intrigued expression as he heard the name of one of the legendary sannin while Tsunade shook her head, "No, not him. I'll expect results soon."

Sasuke's arms were folded as he turned to leave, only stopping as he heard the Tsuchikage speak, "For such talented individuals, this seems like a waste."

Tsunade felt herself grow a little angry at his opinion, having never asked for it but managed to keep a calm exterior, "We have shinobi to spare and the only missions remaining are that of a low rank." She lied to the Tsuchikage, hiding her true reasons.

The fact was that Konoha, although nearly completely recovered from the attack 6 years ago, had to still make sacrifices in terms of how many people were allowed to go on missions. Jounins would repeatedly receive high ranked missions and some would only get little time for resting. Additionally, mission requests continued to pile in and only increased as the reputation of some of the younger generation grew.

Team 7 bid their farewell before leaving the office. The Tsuchikage folded his legs as he spoke, "When that young lady mentioned Jiraiya, she was talking of your former team mate?"

Tsunade rubbed her head, "Yes."

The Tsuchikage leaned back in his chair, "I never knew he visits Konoha."

Tsunade began to look through her paperwork, "He's here from time to time."

Shizune listened to the conversation between the two Kage's as she held the pig in her arms more tightly. For a while now, she felt as if Tsunade was losing the drive to remain as Hokage and the Tsuchikage only struck her as being strange and someone who demanded respect merely by his presence in a room. Looking towards her mentor, who was now busy with a pen, she hoped everything would turn out fine.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto stared at the streets which all seemed to look the same. The smoke at the end of his cigarette disappearing into the atmosphere, he wondered how long it had been since he went to search for the hot springs. Looking towards the sky, the sun was out in full force; an unexpected sight considering the downpour the day prior.

"Moegi, Udon! Hurry up!" The screaming voice garnered the blonde's attention as he turned to find a boy with a long blue scarf tied around his neck waving to his comrades.

"Konohamaru-kun, maybe we should just leave it. We don't know where he is and running around the town like this doesn't seem right now. We're chuunins." The orange haired girl stopped in front of her friend.

Konohamaru folded his arms, "That's why we need to find him. The Godaime won't let any team leave the village for a mission unless it consists of 4 people."

The boy with glasses put up his hand as he spoke, "Actually, Team 7 regularly takes missions outside of the village and they're only 3 people."

Konohamaru raised his eyebrow, "They're 3 of the strongest people in the village. Of course the Godaime won't mind." He had an annoyed expression as he spoke, "Damn that Ebisu."

Udon looked past Konohamaru towards Naruto who was amused by the team's conversation, "Uh, can we help you?"

Naruto resumed smoking, "You shrimps are shinobi, huh?"

Konohamaru pointed towards his chest, "Not just any shinobi. We're the future best of this village."

Naruto nodded quickly, not paying attention, "Have you checked the hot springs?"

Moegi shook her head, "No, not yet."

Naruto blew smoke causing Konohamaru to cough, "Maybe you should head there."

Konohamaru felt his irritation grow at the smoking individual before turning to his friends, "He's right. Ebisu's a pervert, he probably went there."

He took off abruptly, catching his team by surprise as they quickly recovered and followed. Naruto smirked as he saw his plan of receiving a guide to the hot springs work. Not wasting any time, he ran after the trio receiving awkward glances as they looked back at him. The Uzumaki ignored them as they shot through Konoha's streets before slowly coming to an area which was covered in water and plants.

Konohamaru stopped as Moegi and Udon were careful not to crash into him. Turning around, he pointed at Naruto, "Why are you following us?"

Naruto halted next to the younger boy, "I needed directions." Patting him on the head, he smiled, "You did well."

Konohamaru brushed his hand from his head, "Don't mock me. I'm a shinobi of the Leaf."

Naruto walked away from the younger boy, a smile across his face, "And why are you a shinobi?"

Udon and Moegi looked at their friend who was clenching his fist tightly, "Why is that any of your business?"

Naruto stopped, taking his cigarette out of his mouth, "It's not but most times, those who truly take pride in being a shinobi have a reason." He faced the chuunin, "I thought you were one of them."

Konohamaru shifted his eyes to the ground, "I do have a reason…" Naruto nodded and turned to head into the main part of the hot springs but stopped as he heard the young boy continue, "My grandfather died protecting this village and my uncle died protecting what was most precious to him. I'm the last Sarutobi of this generation."

Naruto's eyes widened as he heard the name. He left his back turned to the chuunin as he put his cigarette back in his mouth, "You're the grandson of the Sandaime?"

Konohamaru looked at the steam rising from the water, "To protect what's precious to me, I will become the next Hokage. But at this time, there are so many strong shinobi in Konoha; it seems like an impossible mountain to climb."

Naruto had a calm demeanour as he spoke, "Then what makes you think you're capable?"

Konohamaru had a mournful smile across his visage, "Ojiisan used to tell me of a boy he knew. He was hated and shunned for what he was but he never gave up trying to fit in." Realisation struck Naruto as he felt a wave of shame run through him from hearing the chuunin's words, "I was told the strength of a person lies in his spirit to never give up his dreams. For my family, their sacrifices…I'll make this dream come true."

Naruto sighed as he began to walk, "You will make a great Hokage."

Konohamaru diverted his attention to the blonde as heard him. Naruto's figure became indistinct as he went into the main section of the hot springs while the remaining chuunin and his team made their way to find Ebisu.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kakashi turned a page in his book as he landed in the hot springs of Konoha. His interest solely focused on his reading material, he didn't mind the ranting of the pink haired woman to his side.

Sakura had already put on her gloves as she kept clenching her fists repeatedly, "When I catch this pervert, I'm going to deliver some justice before taking him to Tsunade-shisou."

Kakashi's exposed eye moved one from side to the other as he read, "Sakura, we're not to step outside the bounds of the mission."

Sakura turned to the jounin, "I'm sick of all these perverts. They've been increasing ever since Jiraiya-sama has become a regular visitor here."

Sasuke was focused on where they were heading, "His books are famous. It's only natural there are people who want to take after him."

Kakashi had an amused expression as he looked towards his former student while Sakura was in disbelief, "Don't tell me you read the books as well, Sasuke-kun?"

The sharingan wielder closed his eyes as he uttered his response, "I have no interest in them."

The trio stopped as they arrived in the main section of the hot springs which was covered in bridges and steaming water. By standing in the vicinity, they could feel the increased temperature, causing a few beads of sweat to drop from their heads.

Kakashi folded his book and placed it in his vest, "Can't risk it being ruined." Turning to look over his surroundings, he observed the few people present, "It would be best to split up. Sakura can search the inner confines of the women's section while Sasuke and I search the outside." The jounin turned to his comrades for approval, finding the Uchiha giving him a stoic look as always while the pink haired medic seemed to be concentrating on something.

"I don't believe this." Sakura's voice was calm as she looked towards a certain bridge.

Kakashi turned in the direction she was facing to find a familiar blonde haired man looking over the steaming water. He seemed to be deep in thought as he smoked. The white haired ninja found the medic of his team quickly take off as he closed his eye, "This is bad."

Sasuke smirked as he followed in the kunoichi's path along with his former teacher though they were a lot slower in their advance.

Sakura ran as fast as she could, her anger slowly building before she shouted, "You!"

Naruto looked up, broken from his thoughts, "Me?" Turning his head to his side, his eye's widened as he saw the flash of pink hair, "Oh shit, you!"

Sakura didn't give time for the jinchuuriki to react as she pulled back her fist and drove it straight into his face, sending him flying through the hot springs before crashing into a small wooden hut.

Naruto landed hardly as the pieces of wood fell on top of him, burying him completely. Sakura felt her anger slowly drain before a tingling feeling took over.

Kakashi arrived next to the medic, "You shouldn't have done that." Sasuke looked at his team mates momentarily before heading towards the rubble.

Sakura brushed her hair backwards, "I might have hit him too hard." She felt a little worried about the damage she may have caused.

Kakashi sighed as he followed the Uchiha, "You'll be lucky if he isn't dead. Regardless, you're going to get in trouble with the Godaime for this."

The trio stopped at the rubble, observing the damage caused. They moved to pick everything up but halted in their actions as they could see some of the debris being shifted.

Throwing the pieces of wood off him, Naruto sat up while holding his face tightly. He was gritting his teeth, showing the sharp canines to the trio as he began to massage the spot where he had felt the punch. Looking towards the shinobi, he eyed them curiously.

Kakashi could feel himself frozen to the spot as he stared at the man whose blonde hair shone with the light. His whisker marks reminded him of a young boy but the eyes were different. Concealing his surprise, he spoke in a calm voice, "Are you alright?"

Naruto picked up his hat, brushing the dirt off it before placing it on his head, "That's a strong punch. She must be taking some kind of special drug."

Sakura felt offended by his remark as she inched closer, "What did you say?"

Kakashi quickly moved in the way of the kunoichi, "She's a little angry."

Naruto stood up, his jaw throbbing with pain, "I can feel that."

Sasuke curiously observed the individual, inwardly shocked by the fact that he was standing after taking such a punch. He knew one thing for sure which was that the blonde wasn't an ordinary civilian.

Clearing his throat, Naruto grinned at the trio, "So, how can I help you?" He winked at the pink haired woman, knowing it would incense her.

Sakura tried to subdue her growing rage, "He's the one we're looking for. I'm sure of it."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, getting ready for anything unexpected, "Looking for?"

Kakashi answered before the kunoichi could, "Can you come with us to see the Godaime?"

Naruto felt numerous jolts of pain run through his jaw. Staring at the team, he knew it wouldn't be a good idea to do something drastic. Keeping his mind on what his original plan was, he realised he could get into the Hokage's residence if he went with them. Walking out of the rubble, he looked at Sasuke, "I have no problem with that. I should probably ask her whether attacking people is a common practice of the shinobi here."

A feeling of dread encompassed Sakura but she refused to speak out due to her pride. Not wanting to apologise, she lead the way as Kakashi and Naruto followed with the Uchiha behind them all.

The Uzumaki pulled his hat further down, being watched by Sasuke. As he was escorted through Konoha, he eventually arrived at the Hokage's residence.

Team 7 didn't waste any time taking the blonde through the building, remaining quiet throughout everything. As they neared the office of the Godaime, they opened the door before walking in.

Naruto's eyes instantly darted to the Godaime who had a surprised expression on her face as she pocketed the green object she was holding. Tsunade rose from her chair, "Why don't you knock before you enter?"

Sakura scratched her head, "Sorry, Tsunade-shisou."

Kakashi looked around the room, finding they were the only people present, "The Tsuchikage isn't here."

Tsunade sat down, "Shizune has taken him on a tour of the village. They should be back shortly."

Naruto kept his eyes on the pocket of the Godaime, feeling a strong presence from within. Diverting his attention to the face of the woman, he felt amazed as he saw her young features, 'It must be genjutsu…but she does look…'

"Is this the one?" Tsunade's voice broke Naruto from his musings. Sasuke stood indifferently as she continued, "You've been peeping on the women at the hot springs then?"

Naruto felt a wave of relief but at the same time, some regret flowing through him. He was glad the reason for his presence was nothing to do with what he was while he knew being accused of peeping wouldn't be the best of things to happen.

Before he could answer, the sound of yelling could be heard as the door burst open and the Konohamaru corps walked in along with Ebisu. The glasses wearing man coughed as Konohamaru paused when he saw Naruto. Wondering what the blonde was doing there, he forgot his own purpose for coming.

The Godaime cleared her throat, "Why are you here?"

Konohamaru snapped out of his daze, "What do you mean? We want a mission."

Udon pushed his glasses upwards, "Yes, we found Ebisu-sensei."

Moegi had a disappointed look on her face, "He was peeping at the women in the hot springs."

Sakura's mouth was open as Kakashi nearly fell over, realising they had messed up such a simple mission. Sasuke closed his eyes, ignoring everything while Naruto smirked. The blonde was inwardly grateful for the eccentric chuunin.

Tsunade turned towards Team 7, "You screwed this up?" Rubbing her head, she addressed Naruto, "Sorry for the misunderstanding. If there isn't anything else, you can leave."

Naruto looked at the pink haired kunoichi momentarily, recognising the uneasiness in her eyes. He smiled at her before moving towards the door of the office, "This is goodbye then."

Kakashi looked on as the jinchuuriki left before turning to the Godaime who leaned back in her chair, "It eludes me how 3 of the best in this village could make such a huge mistake."

Sakura laughed nervously, "It's my fault."

Kakashi's thoughts remained on Naruto, "I have some important information to discuss." Tsunade had a blank expression before nodding as Kakashi turned to Ebisu, "Could you and your team excuse us for a moment?"

Ebisu, noting the serious demeanour of the Hatake, acknowledged his request before making his way to the door. The Konohamaru corps followed, slightly confused while Tsunade spoke, "Don't think you won't be punished Ebisu; I'll deal with you soon."

Ebisu gulped as he exited along with his team, the door shutting behind them. Kakashi focused on the Godaime as Sakura and Sasuke looked on, intrigued as to what the reason for wanting a private discussion was.

Tsunade rested her chin on her hands, "What is it Kakashi? This must be serious if you needed to discuss it with me right away."

Kakashi sighed, "The container of the Kyuubi has returned."

Author Notes: So, Naruto has been found out and he knows where one of the things he wants is. The reaction to Kakashi's news as well as the following actions will be revealed in the next chapter along with a visit to a part of Naruto's past. It's good to know people are enjoying the fic and i can only say; it will get even more interesting as it goes on.