Chapter: 10: missions, friends and family.
One weak has passed since team seven was formed and for their missions, well…
"So tell me again why we're doing these crappy missions," Naruto complained as he and his teammates were carrying brown bags of groceries, "I kind of pictured my ninja career to be more exiting."
"Now Naruto how many times have I told you," Kakashi asked, "the reason why is that you three need to prove yourselves more so that I may promote you to a c-rank mission."
"So stop complaining," Sakura said as she walked to Naruto's side.
"I have every right to complain," Naruto said as he was carrying the better bulk of food, "I'm carrying most of the food here."
"That what you get for opening your mouth," Sasuke said as he paced himself ahead of Naruto.
"Shut it, Sasuke," Naruto said as he glared at Sasuke and he glared back.
'Oy,' Sakura thought as she shook her head.
"Tell me about it," Sonya said observing though Sakura's eyes, "this is going to hamper or chances of gaining Kakashi-sensei's approval."
Sakura sighed as she stepped in-between the two and looked back at Naruto, "now you need to stop, Naruto you're going to blow our chance to gain Kakashi's approval. Plus you should pay attention more you almost dropped the food."
"Well he ain't helping," Naruto as he pointed his head to Sasuke since his hands are full.
"That's enough we're here," Kakashi said as he rung the front bell of their client. After a few seconds a women in crutches opened the door, "Hello we're here to deliver your groceries to you."
"Oh yes, thank you," the women said as she hobbled out of the way, "please put them in the kitchen."
"You've heard her," Kakashi said as they walk inside noticing the glare the women was giving Naruto. After they put the food away in the places the women directed, there mission was over, "good job everyone, a few close calls but still job well done," Kakashi said, then turned to the women and handed her a bill, "you have one week to pay." Kakashi then led his team outside, "we are not done for the day," Kakashi said, "I'm going report to the office on this mission, so meet me on the bridge in thirty minutes so I can tell you three your next mission," and in a puff of smoke Kakashi left.
"Thirty minutes, yeah right," Sonya said.
'More like two hours,' Sakura said as she turned to Sasuke, "so Sasuke-kun, do you want to have lunch with me?"
"No," the Uchiha said bluntly as he walked away making Sakura's face drop.
"I'm going to go walk around the village for a while then have some ramen, want to come, sis," Naruto asked.
"No thanks, Naruto," Sakura said, "I'm going to go see mom."
"Ok then, see ya," Naruto said as the two walked away.
Meanwhile team ten came out of a villager's house, "thank you for babysitting little Nena," a woman said as they stood in front of her house.
"No problem Ms," Asuma said he took out a cigarette and lit it up, "just doing our job."
'These missions for the past week have been real troublesome,' Shikamaru thought as he looked up at the clouds.
"Well we're off," Asuma said with a wave.
"Ok, have a nice day," the woman said as she walked back inside and close the door.
Asuma then turned to his students, "well, mission baby-sit little Nena is complete. Now you three have thirty minutes to yourselves, meet me at the usual place when times up for the next mission." In a poof of smoke Asuma disappeared off to the hokage tower.
"Well I'm going to have lunch; you two coming," Choji asked.
"No," Ino said, "I'm going to see if Sasuke has his break. Then I'll see if I can have lunch with him." Ino then walked off to find the Uchiha leaving her lazy team, 'and get him away from forehead.'
"Like he'll have lunch with her," Shikamaru said, "of anybody else for that matter."
"Tell me about it," Choji said, "so do you wan t to join me."
"No I'm not that hungry, so I'm going to that small roof park and look at the clouds," Shikamaru said as he walked away.
"Alright see you in half an hour," Choji said as he walked away to the nearest eating place.
"I'll have miso ramen please," Naruto said as he sat down at the Ichiraku ramen bar and laid some money on the bar.
"Coming right up," Ayame said as she took the money and began to prepare the ramen. Naruto then looked around the bar to see someone missing.
"Say Ayame-chan where is your old man," Naruto asked.
"Oh, he's feeling under the weather, so I'll be taking over for him," Ayame said as she poured the broth and noodles into a bowl and handed the bowl to Naruto, "Here you go."
"Thank you," Naruto said as he split the sticks and began digging in.
"I see Kakashi let you have a break at the same as me," Iruka said as he walked in and sat down in the seat next to Naruto, "I'll have the chicken please."
"Coming right up," Ayame said as she went back to the boiler.
"So Naruto, how your first week of being a ninja," Iruka asked as Ayame place his bowl in front of him.
"It's not what I expected," Naruto said as pauses between eating.
"Well what were you expecting," Iruka asked.
"You know real ninja missions not this labor work," Naruto said.
"Well you are just rookie genin," Iruka said then slurped up some ramen, "doing labor work is for all beginners, plus there is a hidden meaning behind it."
"Really," Naruto said as he stops eating, "what's that?"
"If told you that it wouldn't be hidden now would it," Iruka said making Naruto moan, "but I'm sure you and your team will figure it out."
"Maybe," Naruto said as he lifted his bowl and drank the broth.
"So how's your team," Iruka asked, "you should be happy that you sister is on your team."
"I am but…"
"Let me guess, Sasuke," Iruka said.
"I will admit that he is good but, he just so moody and self-centered," Naruto said, "I mean he's thinks he is so great because he's an Uchiha."
"Well they are one of the best clans in the Konoha," Iruka said as he finished his bowl.
"So what," Naruto said, "that still doesn't make him better then every one else."
"True but still he was number one I your class and Sakura was number four," Iruka said, "and the one thing that passed you was your kage bunshin."
"Well I have been practicing that jutsu," Naruto said.
"That's good to hear," Iruka said.
A few minutes earlier at the dango shop, Sakura has just walked in and sat down at one of the tables by the entrance, "Oh Sakura," Yuri said as she walked up to her daughter, "so want some dango?"
"Of course," Sakura said.
A few minutes later Yuri came out of the kitchen area with two trays of dango and laid on the table in front of Sakura and then sat in front of her, "So tell me how your team is doing," Yuri asked.
"Well we seem to be getting along," Sakura said as she munched on of the balls, "but Naruto sometimes screws up on the missions."
"Really how so," Yuri asked as she took out a small bento and ate from it.
"In one mission we had to do some grass cutting and Naruto wasn't watching what he was doing and ran over some flowers," Sakura said as she finish one of the sticks, "and because of that we had to replace them."
"That sounds like him," Yuri said.
"Because of him we had to do more work," Sakura said as she ate more of her dango, "Sasuke and I have to watch over him most of time to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
"Well don't watch over him too much that you ignore your own duties," Yuri said as she ate some rice crackers from her bento, "and what do you think about your missions?"
"Well like Naruto, it wasn't like I thought," Sakura said as she was on her third dango stick, "and I think Sasuke was on the same line."
"What do you mean," Yuri asked.
"Like I said, we did grass cutting, plus we did baby-sitting and other things that require manual labor," Sakura said.
"More like cheep labor," Sonya said.
"Your aunt Suisun once complained about her missions," Yuri said as she as she bit into her rice cracker.
"That's right you told me that aunt Suisun was a chunin," Sakura said.
"Yeah, so," Yuri said.
"So can you tell me what her genin life was like," Sakura asked.
"Sure," Yuri said as she stopped eating, "now let me think. Well she did train her body every weekday and her mind every day. Though her whole ninja career she did 100 D ranked missions, which are what you are doing now, 30 C rank missions which are bodyguard missions from regular robbers and highwaymen, 5 B ranks, those are against other ninja chunin level. Let me tell you this she freaked out on her first B rank but, she and her team made it though, and one A rank."
"How did she handle her A rank," Sakura asked with interest.
"It was successful but, after that mission she stopped working as a ninja for reasons I can't tell you," Yuri said as she looked at her watch, "almost year after that A rank mission she died."
"How did she die," Sakura asked.
Yuri let out a sigh, "she died twelve years ago, on October ten along with other ninja that day."
Sakura look down, "I see," she said in a soft tone, "So tell me do you know any of her training methods?"
"Not really," Yuri said as she looked up in thought, "I know how she trained as a genin but as a chunin, I have no clue. You see, like I told you and Naruto I've never passed the genin test and my sister barely passed it."
"And that you didn't try again because you were out aging your academy peers," Sakura finished.
"Right," Yuri said, "so I took it upon myself that the ninja life was not for me. Sure I can pass the genin test now but, can you see me with twelve year olds doing the jobs your doing." Sakura pictured her mother in that position and then started to chuckle, "you now see my point," Yuri said and paused, "so you wanted to know her training methods, right?" Sakura nodded and Yuri looked in thought and then grabbed the tray Sakura's dango was on and laid it flat on her open hand. Then extend her arm over the side of the table, "if I were to turn my hand over, what will happen," Yuri asked.
"The tray would fall on the floor and brake," Sakura said.
"You would thank that wouldn't you," Yuri said as she turns her hand over only the tray didn't fall, "looks like you were wrong."
"How are you doing that," Sakura asked with interest she moved in for a close look.
"I use my chakra to make it stick to my hand," Yuri said as she put the tray back on the table.
"But I thought that chakra can only be used for ninja techniques," Sakura said.
"And sometimes it can be used for other purposes," Yuri said, "like how I picked up the tray. Plus chakra isn't always used by ninjas; some civilians can use it as well, just not as well."
"Iruka-sensei did tell use that back in the academy," Sakura said.
"And there is other group of people who use chakra as well," Yuri said.
"Who," Sakura asked.
"Samurai," Yuri said, "But the way they use chakra is though their katana or their wakasashi or any other samurai weapons and they are frowned upon by ninja villages. But enough about that let me tell you how this type of training will help you." Yuri then looked at her watch then look back at her daughter, "which I'll tell you and maybe Naruto if stays before he goes off train after diner or before."
"Aww," Sakura said disappointed, "how come?"
Yuri then held up her hand and pointed to her watch, "Because your thirty minutes are up." Sakura then sat up instantly and dashed out of the shop yelling good-bye in fast pace, "I wonder what type of ninja she'll become," Yuri muttered as she watched the dust cloud made by her daughter.
Around seven-o-clock team seven finished their last mission for the day, "well congratulations," Kakashi announced to his pupils, "you three have finished a weeks worth missions, and I will say that it's still shaky but, I think we're making progress."
"So when will we move on to harder mission," Naruto asked.
"Well since this team might show potential it's still got a long way to go," Kakashi said, "Maybe later in the month."
"Fine," Naruto said disappointed.
"Ok then, team seven dismissed," Kakashi said as he disappeared.
"I really got to learn that," Naruto said and turned to his team, "well I'm going to do some light training and then have dinner."
"Would you like to come over for diner Sasuke-kun," Sakura asked.
"No," Sasuke said ever so bluntly.
"Come Sasuke," Naruto said, "You might like Kosumo-tousan's cooking."
"I said I'll pass," Sasuke said as he walked off.
"There he goes again act so superior," Naruto said as he walked off to he train area.
"Hold on Naruto," Sakura said make the orange boy stop, "mom wants to meet us back home she going to show us something."
"Really, what," Naruto asked.
"You'll see when we get home," Sakura said
Haruno residence
"Mom we're home," Sakura said as she and Naruto enter their home.
"In the dining room dear," Yuri yelled from the said room. The two genin entered the dining room to see Yuri sitting down in one of the chairs looking a bit serious. "Have a seat you two," Yuri said and the two genin did so, "what I'm about to tell you is real important so listen up."
"BURP, what's going on here," Kosumo said as walk in from the kitchen making Naruto chuckle.
"Not now dear, I'm in the middle of discussing something important with the kids," Yuri said, "now shoo."
"Fine I'll shoo, but I'll shell return, and when that happens, it'll be time to eat," Kosumo said as he walked to the den.
"Now we was I," Yuri said with pause, "oh yeah, I about to tell you how my sister trained during her times as a genin, but first a bit more background." Naruto then moaned, "I know I'm eating away at your train Naruto but bare it, ok."
"Mom, could you show Naruto that trick you did with your chakra so he won't be so jumpy," Sakura said.
"Alright then," Yuri said as she picked up her plate off the table and laid it flat in her hand and extended it to Naruto, "Naruto, try take the plate from my hand."
Naruto look at the plate then at Yuri then back the plate, "ok," Naruto said as he put his hands on the plate and pulled, only the plate didn't budge. Naruto then try to use a little more force but it still didn't budge, he was about to pull harder when, "ok that's enough Naruto," Yuri said making Naruto stop, "I don't want you breaking it."
"How did you do that," Naruto asked.
"I used my chakra to hold the plate so that you couldn't move it," Yuri said as she put the plate back in front of her, "when Suisun figured out how to use her chakra this way she became more efficient in her use of chakra."
"But how did that make her stronger," Naruto asked.
"It didn't," Yuri said making the two confused, "well, not until she decided to become chunin, then she figured how to use this to become stronger."
"How," Sakura asked.
"Don't know," Yuri said making the two moan, "sorry."
"So tell me how you did that with the plate," Sakura said.
"Well you see like I said, I focused my chakra to my hand and the plate so that it will stick, the trick it not to use too little or too much," Yuri said, "if too little it won't stick and if too much the plate will break."
"but enough about that it's time to eat," Kosumo said as he walked in carrying four plates in his arms and then place them in front of the three as they grabbed them from his arms, "there is one more thing that she forgot to show you." Kosumo then grab the his plate by edge and turned it over, only the food on the plate stayed in place, "Chakra is also good at holding things in place," Kosumo said as he place his food back and started eating.
"You really shouldn't play with your food dear it embarrassing," Yuri said to her husband.
"You're the one to talk," Kosumo said earning him a slap to the back of the head.
"You're to never to speak about that," Yuri said.
"Fine," Kosumo said as he continued to eat.
'Out of all the parents in Konoha these have to be mine,' Sakura thought.
"I find them quite funny," Sonya said.
"Kosumo-tousan where is Kosumosu," Naruto asked.
"Yeah I thought he was eating with us," Sakura said.
"Oh, he eating with a new friend his," Kosumo said.
"Who," Naruto asked.
"I believe you call him Iruka," Kosumo said
"Why is he talking to Iruka-sensei," Sakura asked.
"From what I hear, they mainly talk about life and solving the world's problems," Kosumo said, "plus I'm sure they're talking about you, and I'm sure they're good things."
"You think so," Naruto asked.
"I know so," Kosumo said.
Meanwhile at Ichiraku ramen; "So tell me Iruka, how the new batch students coming along," Kosumosu asked.
Iruka let out a big sigh, "Not so well, I now have to deal with Naruto number two, Konohamaru," Iruka as he shook his head in his hand.
"Oh the hokage's grandson," Kosumosu said as he pried his chopsticks, "I heard that even the hokage has trouble with him."
"Not just the hokage, even Ebisu sometimes has problems controlling him," Iruka said, "how do you and brother handle someone like Naruto."
"With a smile trail and error, plus a slap to the back of the head now and then," Kosumosu said, "and one important thing."
"And what's that," Iruka asked.
"Communication," Kosumosu said after he slurped up some noodles.
"I see," Iruka said.
"You look like a man doesn't like to give up on his students," Kosumosu said.
"Of course not I refuse to give up on them even when they become genin I still refuse to let them go," Iruka said as his bowl was place in front of him, "sometimes I worry what their jonin instructors are doing to them."
"Don't worry," Kosumosu said as he finished, "I'm sure they won't push to the point of death but, I do expect Naruto and Sakura to work their hardest."
"Well Uchiha Sasuke, with the best scores in his class, is on their team and Hatake Kakashi is their team jonin, both of which are the best at what they do," Iruka said.
"And that is what worries me," Kosumosu said as he put his money on the bar and slid off his stool, "It's been nice talking with you Iruka maybe some other time."
The next day team seven was waiting for their sensei yet again, "You know what," Sakura said, "I now come to see if sensei will show."
"Tell me about it," Naruto said.
"Mean will it kill him to show up on time for once," Sakura said in outrage.
After one more hour, "Hello how's it going," Kakashi greeted.
"Your late again sensei," Sakura and Naruto yelled.
"Sorry about but, I was washing my clothes this morning so I had to wait for them to dry," Kakashi said with a smile if you could see it.
"At least his lies are becoming believable," Sonya said.
"So what's on the agenda today Kakashi-sensei," Naruto asked.
"Well how does farming sound to you," Kakashi said.
"Ah man," Naruto moan while Sasuke a face of disproval, "one of these days we're going to get better mission then these D-rank ones."
"Yes but for now, off to the rural area of Konoha," Kakashi said as he motioned the three to fallow.
"Don't worry Naruto," Sakura said, "I'm sure we'll get a higher one soon."
"Who are you kidding; you're just about eager he is," Sonya said, "you just want to try that new genjutsu."
'You're right,' Sakura said, 'and when I learn that kage bunshin it'll be a ninjutsu.'
"That's right and I'll be real," Sonya said with a smile.
At the east gate an old man with a bottle of sake was talking to the guards, "well everything seems to be in order," the chunin on duty said, "I don't suppose you care to state your biasness."
"I am looking to hire some ninja for protection," the old man said, "and maybe some people to help me on a project back home."
"I sure are ninja can help you with your problem," the chunin said as hand back the old man's papers, "the hiring of ninja are take place in the office area of the hokage tower, which is as the base of the plateau."
"Thank you," the man said as he walks inside the village.
"I swear these missions are driving me nuts," Naruto said as he ate his ramen on his lunch break, "I know I didn't want to be a ninja doing these types of missions."
'here we go again,' Iruka thought, "Like I said before Naruto there is a point in all these D-rank missions that you and your teammates are doing."
"Then why don't you tell me," Naruto said.
"If I told you that would defeat the purpose of the whole thing," Iruka said, "and also look at the lighter side of these missions."
Naruto stopped to think, "Well, I do have more time to train and we're finely getting Sasuke to say more then a three word sentence," Naruto said as he finished his meal.
"See, there you go," Iruka said, "Just have a little more faith and your chance will come."
"That sounded cheesy," Naruto said
"Cheesy but, true," Iruka said as he look at his pocket watch, "and you better hurry back your time is up."
"Oh, ok then see you later Iruka-sensei," Naruto said as he left the stand and into a white haired man.
"Naruto watch what you're doing," Kosumosu said.
"Sorry Kosumosu but I don't want to be late," Naruto said then dashed off and Kosumosu sat at the bar next to Iruka.
"So how is he doing," Kosumosu asked Iruka.
"Good so far but he being a little impatient and want a harder mission," Iruka said.
"So why don't you give him one," Kosumosu asked. "Naruto loves a challenge."
"True but still it feels too early for the genin teams to attempt one," Iruka said.
"Didn't you say you have faith," Kosumosu asked.
"Your right but still," Iruka said
"Well you won't know until try," Kosumosu said.
"Maybe your right," Iruka said, "I'll talk with the hokage about it; but don't you feel concerned about Naruto and your niece,"
"A little but I'm confident," Kosumosu said as he order his ramen.
"By the way I want to ask you something," Iruka said.
"What is it?"
"You said that you and your brother came to Konoha fifteen years ago," Iruka said.
"That's right," Kosumosu replied.
"So tell me where you came from," Iruka asked.
"Me and my brother came form a city that's to the west of sand," Kosumosu said.
"I don't think is any town out there," Iruka said.
"How far west of sand have you gotten," Kosumosu asked.
"I've been to the sand but never had I herd any place west of Suna," Iruka said.
"That depends on far your willing to travel," Kosumosu said as the old man placed his ramen in front of him.
"And how far would that be," Iruka asked.
"Well the terrain is tough but there are certain ways to get there," Kosumosu said.
"Like what," Iruka asked.
"Well west of Suna there's a glass desert, you try crossing that," Kosumosu said, "or you can go far east of land of Mist and go though the storms."
"So how did you get here," Iruka asked.
Kosumosu then slid off the stool but turned to face Iruka, "to quote an old saying, practice man practice," Kosumosu said as he was on the other side of the small certain, "maybe when we talk again will talk about life and solving the world problems instead of trying to probe me for information." Kosumosu then left the stand.
"Man I got to get home and cook," Kosumo said as he locked up his biasness, and then walked home. 'I wonder what we should have,' Kosumo questioned in his mind, 'something quick and plain or something with timing in it?' Kosumo turned a corner and bumped into an old man causing the old man to fall down, "Oh, I'm sorry about that," Kosumo said as he extended his hand the old man.
The old man took Kosumo's hand lifted himself up, "don't worry about it," the old man said as he dusted himself off, "I've been though worst."
"Judging by your clothes, you look like you're not from around here," Kosumo said.
"Your right I'm here on biasness," the old man said.
"What kind of biasness, mister," Kosumo said.
"Oh, I'm Tazuna, from the land of waves, and I came here for protection," Tazuna said, "and maybe some help on a project."
"Well I'm Haruno Kosumo, and what do you need protection for," Kosumo asked, "and what's this project?"
"Well it's something that will bring hope to my homeland," Tazuna said, "and there are people who'll want to crush that hope."
"I see that's why you came to this village," Kosumo said.
"Yes, I'm going to get a ninja team escort for the time I work on my project," Tazuna said.
"Well then you have nothing to fear," Kosumo said, "Konoha ninjas are the best. I even a daughter and son who are one. They became ninjas about a month ago."
"Isn't that dangerous for them," Tazuna asked.
"No they handle the jobs they're doing," Kosumo said.
"And what do you do," Tazuna asked.
"Well, me and my brother run a shop and we fix and maintain some of the mechanical and some electrical problems that some of the people go though," Kosumo said.
"So you and your brother are good with machines huh," Tazuna said and Kosumo nodded, "then why don't you come with me tomorrow back to my home help with some of the equipment problems we've been having?"
"Tomorrow no can do," Kosumo said and Tazuna drooped his head, "but my brother might."
"Is he as good as you say," Tazuna asked.
"Sure he is," Kosumo said, "but how about money. I may be nice but, I'm not easy."
"Oh," Tazuna said as he dropped his head, "I'm sorry but, I can't pay you right away."
"I see," Kosumo said as he paused in thought, "you said that this project off yours will bring hope, will also bring money."
"Of course," Tazuna said, "it'll open new trade for our village."
"Let me guess, it's a bridge, right," Kosumo said and Tazuna nodded, "ok then how about this; I invest in this bridge of yours."
"You do that," Tazuna asked, "I can't promise anything."
"I heard about the land of waves and that it a good fishing village," Kosumo said, "and that its fish production is high, but the shipping company overwhelms that land with high costs."
"I see your well informed," Tazuna said, "are you sure you want to invest this bridge?"
"I'm confidant that you'll complete it, especially with Konoha ninjas watching your back," Kosumo said, "So when are you leaving tomorrow?"
"Well, the hokage said that he'll have a ninja team ready at one p.m. tomorrow," Tazuna said.
"I'll talk to my brother about it," Kosumo said, "I'll tell him to wait outside the hokage tower at that time?"
"What does your brother look like," Tazuna asked.
"You'll know him when you see him," Kosumo said as he walked away, "and that concludes that and I wish you good luck on your project."
"Thank you very much," Tazuna said and Kosumo gave a back wave.
"Uncle, you're up early," Sakura said.
"Yeah an outside job came up," Kosumosu said, "and I maybe be gone for awhile, so I'm packing for the trip."
"Why are you going away," Naruto asked.
"Let's just say that your father found an investment and I'm going to take a look at it," Kosumosu said, "by the way when I get back I want to hear your travels and then I'll tell you mine."
"We will," Sakura said as she and Naruto put on hip packs, "Well we're off to do are missions."
"More like grunt work," Naruto said as the two sibs left the house.
A few hours later team seven has finished their latest mission of chasing a cat though out the northern wilderness and are now witnessing the reason it ran off, "That's what it gets for scratching my face up," Naruto said as the team watched the cat get smothered in a fat woman's bosom.
"I almost feel sorry for that feline," Sakura thought out loud.
"No joke," Sonya said.
"Well catching Toma the cat mission is complete. Now let's see what's else we have for your team," the Hokage said as he thumbed though the D-list, "We have a client who's son three year old needs babysitting, plus a farmer needs help on his farm, and a whose deliveries need sending. So which one do you want?"
"I chose D, none of the above," Naruto said sounding outright annoyed, "can you give us something a bit more difficult, like maybe a C-rank?"
'He does have point,' Sasuke thought.
'He's going to get me in so much trouble,' Kakashi though with a sigh.
'He could at least present the proposal better,' Sakura thought.
"Who cares, as long as he ups the difficulty of these missions," Sonya said.
"True," Sakura replied.
Iruka let out a moan, "now look Naruto, you're not ready yet. It takes at least two months before we assign C type mission to genin strait from the academy," Iruka said.
"He's right Naruto, or do you want me to explain the rank system again," the hokage said.
"No," Naruto said dejected, "I don't feel like sleeping on this floor again."
'I know,' Sakura thought, 'even I'm bored when this old man starts explaining things.'
"I think we found a cure for insomnia," Sonya said making Sakura giggle.
"But come on old man surely you have a C-rank ready for us," Naruto said, "These D ones are getting quite boring."
The hokage paused to think, "Humm, what says the rest of you, what do you think, and be honest," the hokage said.
"Well I believe I'm ready for a challenge," Sasuke said.
"I'm confident that we need something harder but not overkill," Sakura said.
"And you Kakashi," the Hokage asked.
"I say that we give them a simple c-rank like a simple escort mission or guard duty," Kakashi stated, "if one's available."
"Well it just so happens that we got one in yesterday," the hokage said as he switched to the C rank scroll, "a man is working on a bridge back home and has come under attack by thugs and hooligans. It will require you to leave the village for at least a month."
"That's ok we need to get out once in a while and see the world," Naruto said.
"Ok then the client that you'll be protecting will give you more information," the Hokage said as he signaled for some one to come in.
Out from the door was an old man in his seventies wearing ragged clothing and carrying a bottle of sake, "so this is the team that's suppose to protect me huh," the old man said as he took a swig from the bottle, "they look like a bunch of children, especially the short stupid looking one."
"Why is everybody always picking on me," Naruto said.
"Because it's true," Sakura said.
"That hurt sis," Naruto said.
"Well I'm Tazuna an architect engineer for bridge that will bring hope and prosperity to my home," Tazuna said with feeling, "I hired you to protect me with your lives so expect you to do that."
"Don't worry I'm the jonin of this team so you won't have to worry," Kakashi said.
"Good," Tazuna said, "Oh, before I forget there will be another person joining us."
"Really, who that," Kakashi asked.
"I don't know, I'm supposed to meet him outside at this time," Tazuna said, "he's suppose to look at my bridge and help with the construction and maybe invest in it."
"Then let's go meet him," Kakashi said.
When team seven walked out of the hokage tower, Sakura and Naruto saw a familiar white hair man, "Uncle Kosumosu, what are you doing here," Sakura asked before Naruto.
"So you're the brother of Kosumo," Tazuna asked.
"and you must be Tazuna the bridge builder," Kosumosu said as he extended his hand an Tazuna shook it, then looked at team seven, "so luck may have it that my niece's team will be the one protecting us."
"So this pink haired girl is your niece huh," Tazuna asked, "I can see that this is going to be an intrusting trip already."
"True," Kosumosu said adjusting his backpack, "and since no intros are need let get under way. Kakashi how long will it take for your team to get ready?"
"About thirty minutes," Kakashi said.
"Ok then we'll meet you four at the east gate," Kosumosu said, "in the mean time, Tazuna why don't you show me the plans for this bridge." Kosumosu and Tazuna walked off.
"Well, get going you three," Kakashi said, "and don't be late."
"Follow your own advice sensei," Naruto said as the three left the area.
Thirty minutes later team seven and the two engineers were at the gate, "Alright everyone let's go," Naruto said with much gusto.
"Well you seem eager today," Sakura said.
"The same can be said for you," Sonya said.
'It's the first time I get to leave the village,' Sakura said.
"It's the first time I get to leave the village," Naruto said making Sakura giggle.
"Are you sure we'll be ok with him," Tazuna said as he pointed at Naruto.
'What's with this old man,' Naruto thought as he turns to Tazuna, "Hey stop looking down on me, because I'm going to become hokage some day."
"You hokage, ha," Tazuna said as he drank some sake, "Kages are wise and powerful and you are weak and stupid."
"Well I'm going to become hokage but not over night, first I got to make a name for myself and this mission will be a starting point for that," Naruto said.
"Well then I wish you good luck," Kosumosu said as he adjusted his pack.
"Is everyone ready to go," Kakashi asked and everyone nodded, "then let's go!"
"Hey mister Tazuna," Sakura said as the group of six walk along to the Land of Waves.
"What is it," Tazuna said in an impatient tone.
"You said that you came from the Land of Waves, right," Sakura asked.
"He didn't have to sound impatient," Sonya said.
"Yes, what about it," Tazuna replied in the same tone.
"Kakashi-sensei, are there any ninja in the Land of Waves," Sakura asked.
"No, because it doesn't have the finance or manpower to have one unlike the other four nations or the other small nations," Kakashi said.
"What do you mean other five nations," Naruto asked as he walked backwards.
"Well as you three should know that on this continent there are the five great shanobi nations, fire, water, lightning, earth and wind. Each of these five nations have a kage or shadow; the kage in each village is suppose to be the most powerful ninja in their village," Kakashi said.
"So you're telling me that the lord hokage is the most powerful ninja in Konoha," Sakura asked.
"That's right," Kakashi said.
"Wow that's amazing that he's so strong," Sakura said.
"That old man sure doesn't look all that powerful," Sonya said.
'I know,' Sakura said.
'What is Kakashi-sensei talking about,' Naruto thought, 'that old man falls for my sexy no jutsu and then faints.'
"Hey," Kakashi shouted making the two sibs stop, "you just doubted the lord hokage just now didn't you?" The two then shook there heads nervously.
Kosumosu then placed his hand in Kakashi shoulder, "go easy on them, I didn't think much of the third when I first met him."
Kakashi then made a smile under the mask, "to tell you the truth neither did me, till I saw him in action," Kakashi said as he walked behind Sakura. "But since this is a C rank mission neither of you three should encounter ninja on these missions," Kakashi said he petted Sakura's head.
Sakura turn to her uncle, "So uncle, before you came to Konoha were have you been," Sakura asked.
"Oh let me think," Kosumosu said as he looked up to collect thoughts, "I've been all over the west of this continent."
"How far west," Kakashi asked.
"Far," Kosumosu said simply as he stepped in a puddle as he advanced to the front of the group, "great now my shoe is wet."
After the party passed the puddle two men rose out of it, with one of them mumbling curses as he jumped to the side of Kakashi wrapping a spiked chain connecting the two men around the mimicry surprised jonin. The two rouge ninja then tightened the chain so it hugged Kakashi; the rest of the party turn around to see the display.
"One down," both ninja said as they gave their chain a final tug making Kakashi's body fall to pieces.
"Kakashi-sensei," Sakura and Naruto said in surprise.
"Huh," Kosumosu and Tazuna said they turned to see the two ninja run to the side of Kosumosu.
"Now you're going to pay for stepping on my head," one of the ninja said as he ran by making the chain come close to his head.
"Kosumosu-ojiki," Naruto said as he tackled Kosumosu to the ground before the chain lobbed the white haired man's head off.
"Two in one, lucky us," one of the ninja said they rewound their chain for anther pass. A shuriken then whizzed between the two ninja and taking their chain with it. The chain was now pined to a near by tree; before the ninja could yank their chain loose Sasuke then jumped in the air and threw a kunai though the center hole of the shuriken he threw.
The two ninja pull on their chain but couldn't pull it out of the tree. Sasuke then landed on their extended arms and gave the two a mule kick to their faces. "Split now," one of the ninja said.
"Rodger," the other said as they both grabbed their clawed gauntlets and gave it twist. The chain then broke from their gauntlets and then one ran towards Naruto and Kosumosu while the other to Tazuna and Sakura.
'Here we go,' Sakura thought as she got into stance in front of Tazuna.
"Let's kick his ass," Sonya said as Sakura ready her hands but, then Sasuke ran in front of her before her hands came together.
Before the two made it to their targets, they let out a small cry of pain as they were being head locked by a familiar masked ninja.
"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said in surprise as looked back to where Kakashi's remains should be only to see a cut up log, 'I see it was a replacement jutsu.' Naruto then got up but felt a stinging in his hand.
"Naruto," Kakashi said gaining the boy's attention, "their claws were poisonous, so don't move around to much the poison will be in your system faster."
Naruto then began to panic a little, "don't worry Naruto I'll fix it up," Kosumosu said as he rummaged though his pack and pulled out a medium sized med kit, "how come here and give me your hand." Naruto complied and Kosumosu his hand, Kosumosu looked it and Naruto a small smile, "don't worry the cut wasn't that deep so the poison hasn't entered your system completely," Kosumosu said as he pulled out a small spray can, "could you please form some of your chakra to your hand." Kosumosu then sprayed some of the contents on Naruto's hand after which the liquid hissed and steamed, "there you go all better," Kosumosu said he started to wrap his hand when he notice the wound start to heal faster then norm, 'well, well, it seems that he's up and running.'
Naruto, looking at his uncle, started to worry, "is every all right," Naruto asked snapping Kosumosu out of thought.
"Yes it is," Kosumosu said as he resumed wrapping the hand.
"So how's he doing," Kakashi asked from behind Kosumosu surprising Naruto and Kosumosu.
"I hate it when you ninjas do that," Kosumosu said as he got up from the surprise.
"Sorry about that, but I just finished getting intel from the two rogue ninja and Tazuna," Kakashi said.
"The two ninja I under stand but, what's this about Tazuna," Kosumosu asked.
"It seems that Tazuna lied to about the danger level of this mission," Kakashi said.
"What are you talking about," Kosumosu asked.
"Well you see that if this was a C-rank we be facing regular bandits and highwaymen but, since we faced chunin level ninja this mission has been bumped up to a B-rank," Kakashi stated.
"Oh I see," Kosumosu said as he looked up in thought, "so what now?"
"I say we keep going," Naruto said from behind the two.
Kakashi gave a small smile from under the mask, "that's what Sasuke said."
"What does my niece say about this," Kosumosu asked.
"She seems undecided," Kakashi said.
"Let me talk to her, while you all get ready to start again," Kosumosu said as he walked over to Sakura.
"How is Naruto doing," Sakura asked.
"He's doing fine," Kosumosu asked, "the poison has been removed."
Sakura then let out a sigh of relief, "how about you," she asked.
"Well thanks to your brother, I get to keep my height," Kosumosu said in joke.
"This isn't a time for joking things can and may, will get serious," Sakura said.
"Really," Kosumosu said, "well I'm going on ahead, so what do you think?"
"I don't know," Sakura said as she looked down, "I just don't know if I'm prepared for this type of mission."
"Well, your teammates seem eager," Kosumosu said.
"I figured as much," Sakura said with a smile then fell, "but still these types of missions we can die."
"Well then just don't die," Kosumosu said.
"Oh sure make it sound simple," Sakura said, "but this is my life we're talking about here."
"True," Kosumosu said, "but the final decision goes to you."
"I just can't decide," Sakura said, "I wanted a C-rank mission but to go from D-rank to C-rank then to B-rank in day is a bit much and by judging from these attackers this mission might jump higher."
"That is a dilemma," Kosumosu said as he pauses to think, "I have an idea." Kosumosu then put his hand on her shoulders to relax his niece, "I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath hold it and then let it out," Kosumosu requested and Sakura did, "good now want you to search inside yourself and come up with many different thoughts on the situation and then ask yourself do you want to continue are return home and wait for anther opportunity to present yourself."
In a field of cherry tree two similar girls were talking about a current plight, "well what do you think," Sakura asked her inner self.
"Even I'm not sure," Sonya said as she looked up at the blue false sky, "we both wanted to go on this mission to practice the new jutsu on opposing regular people but now we might be facing enemy ninja."
"That's true and we also wanted to get brother to teach me that kage bunshin jutsu so that you might have a real body on the outside instead of just an illusion," Sakura said.
"True and even then we might have problems," Sonya said.
"So question of the day is, should we go back or go forward," Sakura said.
"Well the befit is that we might put or jutsu though it's paces and get Naruto to teach you kage bunshin," Sonya said.
"The only down side is that we might die on this mission," Sakura stated.
"But if this mission is success we have something to brag to Ino about," Sonya said making the two's eyes light up. There was pause for a moment and then the two looked at each other and having the same thought.
"Worth it," the two said as the same time.
Sakura then opening her eyes and looking at her uncle, "well," Kosumosu asked.
"Let's go forward," Sakura said as she adjusted her pack.
"Well that took all of but on second," Kosumosu said with a smile as he turned to find Kakashi appear in front of him and spooking him making him jump, "must you ninja do that."
"Sorry it's part of the job description," Kakashi said jokingly and then looked at Sakura, "well are you sure?"
"Tallyho," Sakura said as she walked forward to her teammates' side.
Kakashi looked back at Kosumosu, "what about you," Kakashi asked.
"What about me," Kosumosu replied.
"You can head back to Konoha if you want," Kakashi proposed.
"No, I'm going with you guys," Kosumosu said, "I've got to see this investment my brother has got me into and besides." Kosumosu then looked as his family behind Kakashi, "I like to see what they learned."
"I see," Kakashi said turned around back to his team with Kosumosu fallowing, 'the hokage told me to watch you.'
'I'm here incase you fuck up,' Kosumosu thought, 'till then I'll watch see how well you trained them.'
End
AN: Well then there you have it chp10
Please R&R and offer any advice and if you believe this story sucks please give reasons so that I may improve.