Later then I planned to but here's the next chapter to this story. Consider it something to do during the Thanksgiving holiday. Disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 7
Mole

"So the mission turned out to be a failure."

"Afraid so." acknowledged Hinata. Returning to Konoha she had gone home and told everything that happen. "Sadly the Bikouchu had to be killed."

"At least it didn't' end up in the hands of ROOT." consoled Naruto. ''Things would become complicated if they were able to use the insect to discover who Fox really was. Honestly, I would've preferred to be on your mission than the one I had to go on."

The mission in question was Team Anko having to visit the Diamyo and getting involved in preventing a kidnapping of his daughter. Unfortunately in the process the daughter fell for Naruto but luckily that was resolved before the team returned to Konoha.

"Probably was a good thing that I wasn't on the mission." Understanding the roundabout meaning behind her words, Naruto laughed. "No need to get jealous Hinata. There's no girl out there that can take your place." He followed the proclamation by giving his girlfriend a kiss on the lips. That did the trick as the Hyuga gave him a thankful smile.

"Kind of a coincidence though. ROOT showing up the same time your team was. Almost as if they-" Naruto stopped when things started to come to him. "They knew about it. Damn it. Why didn't I see it earlier?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I'll explain everything, Hinata. But we need to talk with the Hokage right now." Hurrying out of the room, Naruto headed for the Hokage tower with Hinata following close behind.

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"That's nonsense." From her office, Tsunade gave her visitor a unpleasant look. "You must be mistaken."

"Why is it so hard to believe." argued Naruto. Soon after leaving home he rushed over to inform the Hokage of what he deduced. "It would clear a few things. When you think about it, it makes sense."

"But the allegations that you're making are a bit much." voiced Hinata. She had accompanied her boyfriend when he suddenly took off and much like Tsunade; she was finding what was said hard to believe. "To say that there's a possible mole within the council is unimaginable."

"You think I want this to be true?" Naruto threw back. "Think about it. Danzo would want to know what goes on in the council meetings. Since the place is swept for any listening devices, having someone on the inside is the next best option."

It looked as though Tsunade was starting to consider what was being suggested. "If what you say is true then it would indeed explain things. But how do you suppose we do to confirm this allegation?"

"We can already eliminate most of the suspects." Naruto began to deduce. "Most of them would never betray the village. I've had my suspicions but I don't have any idea on how to reveal the truth."

"Actually…" Hinata started to speak up hesitantly. "I might have an idea."

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Days Later…

"Is that you? You're early." Turning around Fox was surprised to encounter a squad of ANBU. "What is this? I was supposed to have a meeting with the Hokage in private. Why are you here?"

"We were given strict orders to bring you in, Fox." acknowledged one of the masked men. They tried to not show it but all of them were ready to grab their weapons at a moment's notice. "If you'd come along quietly it would be greatly appreciated."

Instead of responding in a physical manner, Fox gave a somewhat mocking smirk. "My, did I detect hostility behind that request?" Although he kept a claming tone, it caused the men there to be more tensed. "Despite all this, I wish to tahnk you all for showing up. You helped to confirm something for me. Bye, bye, now." Right before the group's eyes, Fox disappeared in a puff of smoke.

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In a chair within the Hokage's office, Naruto's sat there with his eyes close. They suddenly snapped open with realization. "They encountered my shadow clone. As predicted, they were ROOT agents disguised as ANBU." Naruto informed the Hokage. "Afraid the suspicions were true."

The news was one that Tsuande took no joy in. With a displeased sigh she called out to outside of the office. "Shizune have Ibuki Morino report in. There's something that needs to be taken cared off."

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As the Fifth Hokage requested, Ibuki was called in after being told the reason. Both he and two ANBU squads followed their orders. With precise swiftness they accomplish their objectives and currently the ones that were apprehended were being questioned. However, cooperation was nonexistent.

"What is the meaning of this? I demand an explanation." Completely immobile due to his bonds Konoha elder, Homura Mitokado could do nothing but voice his mind. Likewise was fellow elder, Koharu Utatane.

Along with Ibuki and ANBU there, two other people were also occupying the room. One was Fox as he stood back and leaned against the far wall as the other person took the lead. "Before we commence, is there anything that you wish to confess?" Neither elder heeded the advice of the Hokage.

"It has come to my attention that there's a possible mole within the council and providing information to Danzo. This has proven to be accurate and they are Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.

"Nonsense!" Kokaru quickly denied. "How dare you accuse us of such an act." Homura was also adding in his own two cents in. "What proof do you have to make such a claim?"

"I'll answer that." voiced Fox. He remained where he stood but was on alert. Although the ANBU were instructed by the Hokage to do nothing he wasn't going to let down his guard. "Last night I was to have a meeting with the Fifth Hokage. However, before she arrived, I was met by a group of ROOT agents."

"What does that prove?" Homura was quick to question. "You were probably just followed to the meeting place."

"Thing is I was sure that I wasn't followed. Plus, there was one key thing about the meeting." Before he could elaborate, Tsunade took over.

"Only a few people knew about the meeting. But I've always changed the location." They tried to hide it but the elders exchanged glances between them. "Have you anything to say for yourselves?"

"Why do we have to defend ourselves?" Koharu retorted as all the pretenses of innocence gone. "The mere notion of trying to integrate the likes of him is inexcusable."

"That didn't stop you from trying." Fox shot back. "I heard you continually wanting me to be brought into the fold. Also, it was you two that requested I be assigned to Danzo."

"It would've been the best use of you." Homura declared. "Using you as a weapon would've secured the prosperity of Konoha. Something that Sarutobi should've considered instead of being such a passives."

The vase majority of those in the room didn't appreciate the criticism of the late Third Hokage. Surprisingly, the person who would express them physically was the current Hokage as she stomped her foot hard enough that it left a sizeable impression in the ground.

"Watch what you say. Sarutobi's ideals were passed down from my grandfather and great uncle, the First and Second Hokage. It's those that helped to maintain the foundation of Konoha."

"You believe that such things will last?" ranted Homura. "One day outside forces could one day attack the village." He stopped to stare at Fox. "Maybe they'll be a day he'll become one of those forces. You think you can actually trust him?"

"I trust him more than either of you at the moment." was Tsunade's simply retort. "Take them away." Following their orders, the ANBU escorted the two elders out of the room. While the whole situation was a success, it felt shallow at the same time.

Will admit that this chapter is a short one but it fits for what I was trying to do. To make up for the shortness and lateness I'll try to post another one in two weeks. Definitely before Christmas. See ya until then.