A/N: Whew, another chapter done. I had fun writing this one, because it shows the after-effects of the small cuddle scene with Naru and Itachi. It also continues the Wave Arc, with the many, MANY changes from canon. In case anyone is wondering, the genin team that will be guarding Tazuna is indeed Kakashi's squad, though their part in this arc will come a bit later.

Time for some review replies! I really like the fact that I'm getting approximately four reviews per chapter (which is my unofficial goal for the moment), so I'll do my best to respond to any and all questions my readers might have. With that being said, I'd like to thank ddcj1990, Le Diosa, NUPhoenix21, xkayxvenx, and someone179 for their comments on Chapter 5 :)

someone179: I try, I really do. ;)

Le Diosa: I'm glad I could get that reaction out of you, because it was a real 'awwww' moment for me to write.

ddcj1990: Thanks for the idea on how Naru should learn Hyoton; I can't say if I'll use it just yet, but I'm glad for the suggestions :)

NUPhoenix21: glad you like my story! I can't say that it's the *most* original plotline out there, but it's certainly not overused.

xkayxvenx: Sadly, you won't find out who was spying on Naru/what their intent was until after the Wave Arc (or at least sometime in the middle of it, like in the next 1-2 chapters). As for the Itachi/Naru comment, she isn't that informal with him (I suppose you could say 'yet' at the end of that sentence), but, as you'll see somewhat with this chapter...well you'll just have to read to find out, won't you :)

Anyways, without further ado here's the key and disclaimer:

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, and probably never will. *Cries*

Key:

"This be talking."

'This be thinking'

"Bijuu/Higher Being speech"

'Bijuu/Higher Being thought'

Jutsus will be Italicized and Underlined

Flashbacks are in Italics only

**This chapter is currently Un-Beta'd**

Naru stared into the remains of the fire, absentmindedly poking at the embers with a stick she'd found. Their group of four had been traveling for just under two days now, heading to Wave Country to assassinate Gatou. Of course, given how...awkward...things had been between her and Itachi ever since she had passed out on his shoulder and subsequently woken up, it was no wonder she couldn't sleep. Granted, almost all of said awkwardness was on her part, but that didn't change the fact that her face seemed to heat up slightly whenever she made eye contact with him. Whether from embarrassment or something else, Naru wasn't certain, but she did know that his presence had started to agitate her recently.

And that only served to frustrate her more.

It was strange, really. She'd never been one to chase after boys, back when she and all her peers were just starting the Academy. So why? Why was she starting to feel...flustered—yes, that was the word—around Itachi? Sure, she could understand her initial embarrassment from being caught in that position, but that was over two days ago! Two. Freaking. Days! So why couldn't she just let the matter go?

With a sigh of defeat, she tossed her stick into the pile of still-glowing cinders, deciding to at least try to get some sleep. It wouldn't do to be groggy from lack of rest in the morning, especially considering they would be arriving at their destination tomorrow. Having that thought in the forefront of her mind, she lay down on her bedroll, staring up at the stars once she was comfortable.

All three of her traveling companions—as well as herself—had foregone the use of tents for the time being, given that it was both still rather warm, and not raining. Obviously they had packed said traveling implements in the case the latter ever happened, but there was a certain serenity in sleeping under the stars that you just couldn't get with a cloth over your head.

That being said, the next morning came far too quickly for Naru's liking. She'd eventually fallen asleep partway through the night, but her body was still crying out from lack of rest. However, seeing as she was both the first one up and awake enough that there was little to no hope of falling back into slumber, she eventually decided to make the most of her situation.

Twenty minutes and a rather cold bath in the nearby stream later, we find her wringing out her hair after getting dressed. Given that she probably wouldn't see another bath or shower for at least a few more days, Naru was pleased to be at least somewhat clean, even if she missed smelling like her usual soap and shampoo. Still, beggars couldn't be choosers, especially out in the wilderness like they were.

Grabbing some ration bars to munch on after returning to camp, she set about compacting up her stuff and sealing it away, the rather loud 'poof' from doing so waking up her companions. After pocketing the scroll of her belongings and pointing a still-groggy pair of kunoichi in the direction of the stream, Naru set about doing a few stretches to warm up her muscles. After all, it wouldn't do to get a cramp while they traveled.

Having closed her eyes shortly after starting her stretches, though, it was with a small amount of surprise that she found Itachi doing a similar workout when she opened them. For a few moments she watched him, admiring how fluidly he moved, though she quickly glanced away when he raised his head to meet her gaze. In doing so, however, she missed the slight frown that creased his facial features as he wondered why she was avoiding him.

It was no secret to the two elder two kunoichi of their group that Itachi was somewhat attracted to the young Hyuuga; indeed, he'd even confided as much in Anko before they'd left, seeing whether or not Naru's 'elder sister figure' would approve of him pursuing a relationship with said young woman. Of course, the Uchiha had been surprised when the tokubetsu jonin gave him the green light almost immediately, and had subsequently asked why.

Flashback no Jutsu

Anko gave him a rather penetrating glance, as if searching his soul for something. Itachi merely returned her gaze with an even stare, idly wondering what she was looking for. When the purple haired woman finally spoke, however, her reasoning threw him for the loop.

"...I guess it all boils down to the fact that Naru needs more male figures in her life. Think about it for a sec...her own father cast her out of the family when she was just a babe, and while he has been trying to make up with her, Hiashi has basically stolen his role as her 'father'. Unfortunately, the Hyuuga clan head is basically the only non-female role model she has; with no teammates to speak of, she's slowly drifting away from the rest of her peers, a fact that is only magnified by the growing gap in their respective skill levels. And with me as her sensei...I think you get the point."

Here she gave Itachi a tired smile.

"I worry about her, I really do. She pushes herself far too hard when training, because that's basically all she has; her social life has become almost nonexistent. Aside from me and her adoptive families, she essentially doesn't have anyone else. So it's an immense relief to me that you've taken an interest in her, though I would suggest starting off as her friend and working your way up from there. Can't be too cautious, after all. Though with that being said, I need to get packing. Ja ne!"

With the small smile still on her face, Anko stepped back, shunshin-ing off to her apartment moments later.

Flashback no Jutsu Kai

Needless to say, that had been a rather interesting, if one-sided, conversation. Itachi had done some soul-searching since then, looking to see whether the motives behind his initial attraction to Naru were enough to consider pursuing a relationship. He'd managed to come up with a few reasons, though whether or not they were enough was in the eye of the beholder.

First, she had been somewhat of a mystery to him, though he was constantly learning more and more about her as time went on.

Second, she had a level head on her shoulders. By no means was the girl rash when she made decisions, which was a big plus in his book, as it meant she was less likely to get killed in their line of work.

Finally, Naru was a kind person, if a bit introverted. The few times they had played each other in shogi he'd noticed that she never bragged when she won, or even complained when she lost. This was perhaps the most important of the three, as he wouldn't want to spend part or even all of his life with someone whose actions grated on his nerves.

Those three reasons aside, he also found her quite—dare he say it—pretty, even beautiful. Seriously, he didn't understand why she had absolutely no one chasing after her for her looks. It just didn't make sense.

'All the better for me, I suppose. Though I just wish I knew why she keeps avoiding me when I try to meet her eyes or talk to her...' He sighed, standing up just as Anko and Yuugao came back into their makeshift campsite. As much as he would have liked to continue ruminating over his love life (or lack thereof), he had been the one placed in charge of this mission by the Hokage. So, after signalling for the others to fall in step behind him, Itachi took to the trees, shoving the restless thoughts back into the recesses of his mind with practiced ease. He could think on such matters later, after they had completed their job.

Three hours later and we find the group of four Konoha shinobi water-walking across the channel that divided Wave from the mainland. A heavy mist was in the air, blanketing both shorelines and everything in between with its ethereal qualities. With that being said, though, all of their small squad were hard pressed to see where the others were, much less the water directly in front of them. Still, they managed to make it all the way across eventually, ending up at one of the many small ports left unattended on the other side.

"What now, taicho?" Yuugao asked, keeping her voice barely above a whisper.

"Now we head into town. If the intel I got from Tazuna is correct, today is the day that Gatou's thugs do their weekly extortion of Wave's citizens. We'll need to follow some of them back to their base, so keep your eyes peeled." Itachi got three nods in return, signaling everyone to spread out moments later. Keeping to the shadows, the four shinobi ghosted over the land, making as little noise as was humanly possible.

It took them a few minutes, but eventually they reached the outskirts of Wave's main town. However, if the state said outskirts was any indication of what the rest of the town was going to be like, then the ninja were in for a rough stay; most of the buildings were dilapidated, and there were homeless people sleeping on the streets.

While no stranger to poverty—she knew Konoha had its own Red Light district, after all—Naru was still appalled at the level of uncleanliness these people presented. From what she could see, most of the homeless were covered in rags held together by the thinnest of threads, something that made her slightly uneasy. It wasn't that she felt pity for them, but to be forced to live like that was...despicable, to put it mildly. Still, the sight of so many people living on the streets was enough to remind her that her life could have been similar, had the Hyuuga clan not welcomed her with open arms.

Mentally shaking herself for getting lost in thought, Naru focused back on the task at hand. She was here for a job, and would do her damnedest to complete said job, because it would make these people's lives that much better. Only moments after she steeled herself, however, she heard the sounds of a scuffle break out at what appeared to be the market district. After signalling her comrades, who nodded, she took off, heading in the direction of the noise. When Naru arrived at the scene, though, the sight that met her eyes was enough to make her blood boil.

Standing over the prone form of a middle-aged man were a group of four thugs, and they were taking turns beating the poor soul across the back with the flats of their blades. And the worst part? They were laughing while they did so. It took every fiber of her being—as well as a hand on her shoulder, courtesy of Anko—to not jump out and slay the brutes where they stood. Her mind screamed at her, berating her for not saving the guy, but she locked that part of herself away. Detaching herself from her emotions, she let logic take over. It still hurt, but the life of one man was not enough to compromise the mission.

When the thugs finished up their beating, having lost interest in the now-dead target, the four shinobi trailed behind them as they continued on their way. Naru sent a prayer to whatever god or kami that would listen, begging for forgiveness for not saving that man from a painful death. Oddly enough, however, a small wisp of wind seemed to caress her face as the breeze picked up, though whether it was only her imagination or not she couldn't tell. Still, she took it as a sign that her prayers had been answered, resolving herself to end Gatou's reign over this poor country as quickly as possible.

Luckily enough, the four Konoha shinobi didn't have to witness any more beatings, as the three other places Gatou's henchmen stopped at were able to fulfill the weekly quota. Once they finished collecting, the thugs took off into the woods on the outskirts of town, taking only a quick glance behind them to see if they were being followed. Of course, said glance wasn't enough to detect their pursuers from their hiding places in the shadows, so they were unaware that they were bringing some of the very people Gatou didn't want to have visit directly to his personal keep.

As they stalked the thugs from a safe distance, Anko, Yuugao, Itachi and Naru all wondered what sort of place Gatou actually lived at. According to the intel given to them by Tazuna, none of the people of Wave had actually seen the man's base of operations, though it was said that some had tried to find it and failed. Still, from what they could glean off said information the man liked to have his material wealth close at hand, so the thugs they were currently shadowing should be leading them directly to his keep.

They would have been correct in that assumption.

Although the ruffians did take precautionary measures that would have fooled civilians, it was nothing the four ninjas couldn't track. So, approximately fifteen minutes later, they arrived at their destination.

Their target was by no means modest, if the sheer size of his home was any indication. Indeed, it was with sweatdrops on the backs of their heads that Naru and company craned their necks, seeking the top of the massive structure.

"That has got to belong to the most vain man I have ever had the displeasure of meeting..." Yuugao drawled out in a whisper. "Though with any luck he'll feel so safe in his castle that security will be lax."

The other three merely nodded, seeing the logic in her statement. Anko was the next to speak up, though she too kept her voice down.

"If I were him, Kami forbid, I'd most likely place my bedroom or whatever in the highest portion of the building. That way anyone who stormed the place would have to travel through each and every floor below that to get to me, most of which are probably swarming with guards. Cowardly, but it's the most likely scenario."

Once again, the other three nodded.

"We'll strike in about an hour. Before we do so, though, we'll meet back here..." Itachi dropped a kunai into the soft earth by his feet, "In the meantime, fan out and commence gathering intel from the outside. Don't engage anyone, and keep yourself hidden; we don't want any casualties, since we can't expect backup."

All four of them split up, each taking a wall of the keep to study. Itachi took the front, Naru the back, and Yuugao and Anko the two sides. While it was a mostly boring hour for Naru, she did manage to overhear some of the ruffians on her side the castle talking about heading to bed, as well as a few creaks from boards groaning as weight was placed upon them. That could only mean that the thug barracks, or whatever you wanted to call them, were on her side of the keep. Granted, she didn't gather much else in the way of information, but that piece of intel was pretty important, considering that they wanted to avoid an all-out fight at practically any cost. As such, when she relayed this information back to the others just before it was time to go after Gatou, they all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"Okay, we'll avoid the back- and front-sides of the keep, then. Anko, Yuugao, anything interesting happen on your sides of things?"

"My side seems to contain the mess hall of sorts, though I could be wrong." Anko whispered, getting a nod of acceptance from Itachi. Yuugao chimed in when the lone male of the team looked her way.

"And mine has the treasury, if what the other sides contain is any indication. That, and the telltale clink of coins kinda gave it away."

Nodding once more to himself, Itachi then outlined the plan he'd devised, adjusting it slightly in accordance with the new information.

"Alright, here's the plan. We're going to climb up the side with the treasury, heading towards the central tower where Gatou is ASAP. That being said, we'll most likely have to fight our way there, so Yuugao you'll head in first. Since you've got a katana, you'll be the brunt of our offense, with me covering your back. Anko and Naru, your job is to dispatch the thugs on the lower levels as quickly and silently as you can. I don't care how you do it, but we need to kill every single bandit in this fortress so the thugs don't take it out on the nearby town. Let's move!"

Silently skirting around the outside of the keep, the four Konoha shinobi started the ascent up the treasury wall, unaware that even the best laid plans can go awry...

A/N: OHOHOHOHOHO! Yes, I'm evil. But where's the fun without the occasional cliffhanger? That aside, next time we'll see what actually happens in the storm of Gatou's keep.

That being said, here's to curbstomping the plot bunnies,

-ZGS