A/N: I'm working on my Boosh stuff too, I promise, just for now I have Naruto on the brain.. I apologize for the shortness, but I have bigger plans for next chapter. Typing ahoy!

"So let me try and understand this." A very impatient Lady Tsunade rubbed her forehead in irritation. "You want me to send a squad of my ninja with you, for next to nothing, to take out a major assassination that you have barely any details about."

"Yes ma'am, but please understand, this is all I can offer right now." Ayako dropped the small pouch of coins onto the Hokage's desk. "I can pay for the mission in full once I have my throne back. I can access my father's treasure and pay you double, or triple, whatever you want."

"Hm.." Lady Tsunade leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. "This isn't a charity service I'm running here kid."

"Yes I understand.."

"But, I'm also not heartless. I understand your situation and am willing to offer you some help." She smiled and stood. "If you can find volunteer ninja, who will work without pay until you can get more money then I'll send them with you to help you and your village."

The dark look on Haru's face changed suddenly and he smiled. "Well that's perfect-"

"The princess found volunteers already Grandma Tsunade." Naruto swung the door open and made his way into the office, leaving Lee and Sakura standing awkwardly in the doorway. They had all obviously been listening just outside the door waiting to argue in favor of the mission.

"Naruto!" The Hokage snapped at the blatant disrespect. "Get out of my office."

"Lady Tsunade, we ran into the princess earlier and she told us what was happening to her people. We'd be more than happy to help out." Sakura explained with a smile.

"There is a great injustice being done! I will do everything in my power to bring this villain down!" Lee added.

Lady Tsunade sank back into her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. "What's the plan of attack then? What exactly is the situation you're leading my ninja into?"

Ayako took a breath. "Right. Well Takeshi is the leader of a rogue band of shadow ninja who were altogether strong enough to take down the most powerful ninja in our village, including my father. But I think if we can sneak in and take him out by surprise, his lackeys will be no problem.." She trailed off.

"That's sorta vague there princess." Naruto crossed his arms, his tone full of doubt.

"The best information we can provide is that we'll have to see what's best when we get there.. Ma'am." Haru answered.

"Hm." Lady Tsunade narrowed her gaze at the three Leaf ninja who stood determinedly before her desk. "You three do understand the risks a mission like this entails, right?"

They nodded in response.

"And you accept you could be killed by an enemy we have no information on, in a village where we have no allies. You could be wiped out and no one would ever know." She added darkly.

After a moment of silence, Ayako glanced over her shoulder nervously. Sakura had had the confidence wiped from her face. Her eyed were glued to the floor and her hands were balled into tight fists. Naruto seemed to be thinking, really hard. She felt hope slipping through her fingers. Where was the next ninja village? Her eyes met Lee's who was staring at her. She pleaded with her eyes for him to understand the situation, and he nodded to her. Finally, he broke the silence.

"I cannot allow the Princess to leave without the help I promised." A brilliant smile lit his face and after a moment he turned to Lady Tsunade. "I accept the mission, risks and all."

"Well fine. I can't let Bushy Brow take all the glory. I guess I'm in too." Naruto decided with a smile.

Sakura nodded. "Looks like we're all in then."

"Thank you so much." Ayako felt weak in the knees, but let out a relieved breath.

Lady Tsunade nodded. "It's settled then. You can stay here for the night in the rooms on the first floor. Leave in the morning and good luck." She stamped a paper and slipped it into a white folder before shaking the small coin pouch and scowling.

"Thank you so much Lady Hokage!" The Princess and Haru both bowed and they backed towards the door, following the three Leaf ninja into the hallway.

"Just get out of my office." She dropped the pouch onto her desk and sighed.

The sun had begun to set as Haru and Ayako settled into their generic looking room with one bunk-bed and grey walls.

"Well this is great." Naruto said sarcastically, setting his hands behind his head and peeking into the room.

Ayako smiled. "It's only temporary. And besides, it's better than the street, right?"

Haru collapsed on the bottom bed with a groan. "And I have never been more grateful for a mattress before."

"Aren't you hungry or anything?" Ayako asked him. "I was going to go find something sweet since we have some free time."

"I will show you the best place for sweets in the village if you are interested, Princess." Lee said from behind Naruto.

"Yeah that sounds great actually." She tossed her bag up to the top bunk and patted Haru on the back. "Get some rest and I'll bring you something back for later."

"Thank you Princess." His muffled voice answered.

"When will we leave in the morning?" Sakura asked.

"As soon as the sun rises would be best.." Ayako spoke as they made their way down the hall. "Meet at the gate at sunrise, does that sound reasonable?"

"More than reasonable." Lee said and Sakura nodded in agreement.

Naruto grumbled. "I hate mornings, but I'll be there. Count on that."

They split ways and Ayako turned to Lee with a soft smile. "Now how about that sweet shop."

"Follow me Princess!" He answered enthusiastically.