Chapter 8: Day one of survival week

"Tsunade-sama I don't understand why we have to sneak back into the village." A hesitant Shizune asked. It took a while before Tsunade answered. At first it seemed like she hadn't even heard the question. Finally she spoke, the angry undertone made Shizune almost wish she hadn't asked.

Jiraiya kept his distance, listening in. He too was curious about Tsunade's reason himself but didn't ask due to her temperament, he did not feel like being on the receiving end of another beating. He knew she barely contained her anger for being lied to all these years. Her godchildren were alive, Naruto and Naruko. She never got a chance to see them. He didn't blame her one bit that she wanted to sneak into the village, seeing the villagers that treated the twins so horrid might just be the last thing needed to set her of. While he fully wished she would, hell even he wanted to maim some villagers but becoming a missing-nin wouldn't help the twins. Besides hate only brought more hate, leading to more suffering. Still, the thought of killing them all was very alluring. Yet it would do nothing to alleviate his own guilt for not being there. His spy network was of immense importance and he only hoped that they would understand and forgive him some day. He had send them a birthday gift the rare time he was in the village and most of his earnings as a spy master went to their monthly stipend as well as a trust fund he set up for them. However, he knew that he failed as a godfather, miserably. Money didn't help for the lonely nights and suffering the twins had gone through. At the same time had he not been out there he would have not known about what was to come. The village was in grave danger and it was his job to protect it.

Tsunade shook her head in frustration. Shizune kept asking her questions as she never even knew she was a godmother. How could she have known? Tsunade did not talk about her past but it seems to have been a mistake on her behalf, Shizune was better informed about village matters, keeping the occasional contact. She cursed herself once more. She had been too far lost in wallowing in her self-pity. When she first heard of them being alive thanks to a chance meeting with Anko her first instinct was to beat up the villagers, the council and her old sensei. Anko, fully agreed with her and wished her luck. It did her well to know that the twins now had someone to look after them. Moreover, the Hokage seemed to finally be awoken out of his stupor and drastically changing the village. However, even hearing that from Anko did little to ease her anger. Only after meeting Jiraiya and his extensive urging did she promise to hear their sensei out. But if he didn't have a damn good reason she would make very clear just how angry and dangerous she was. Shizune seemed to get the hint that she wasn't in the mood to chat and stopped talking. Continuing their journey in silence.

They were still a long way away. It would take about another week for them to arrive. The distance wasn't that far, but stealth required time and caution. Jiraiya made it abundantly clear that they were not to be spotted by anyone, going as far as backtracking thrice and alternating routes so many times that Tsunade had lost track. She had been watching her old team-mate like a hawk, she didn't like her observations. He had always an aloof air about him, only serious in battle and even then at times he still had that goofy smile when excited. None of that was found now, well to a trained eye that is. To any outsider it would seem he was relaxed, she knew better. He was nervous. His entire body seemed tense, as if ready for battle any moment now. She signalled Shizune to be cautious. Something ominous was in the air.

Finally the day had come, stealth training. After weeks of boring lessons on maths, biology, history and what not they would have their practical introduction week. Naruto had been looking forward to this from the start. Barely could he remain still in his seat. Hinata fidgeting next to him, she too was excited. Being Hyuga gave her a huge advantage, the Byakugan was perfect for stealth and survival missions.

"Good morning, class" Iruka sounded cheerful. "Today is the start of the week long survival class. While some of you have waited for this and are excited" at this he shot a look at Naruto and smiled. Having warmed up towards the boy in the past few weeks "others not so much." This time he looked at Shikumaru.

"Anyway, let me introduce you to Mizuki. He will assist me in the forest. We will be training you all the first two days and assess your performance the following days thereafter. Now listen carefully to what Mizuki-sensei has to say to you."

"Thank you Iruka. I have here different scrolls, each of them have a number. This will randomly assign you a team mate. When I call your name I want you to come forward and grab one."

Naruto took his time to observe their new sensei. Mizuki had white shoulder-length hair with a slight hint of blue to it, offsetting his stark green eyes. The rest of him was ordinary. He wore the standard attire of a chunin, including the flak jacket and forehead protector that he wore like a bandanna. Yet, there was something in his smile that made Naruto on edge. It seemed fake, a bit too forced to be natural. However, he ignored it for now in favour of waiting for his name to be called out. He really couldn't wait to start this amazing week.

Once everyone had a scroll they were told to meet at the newly formed forest behind the academy.

"Haha Ino-pig you're stuck with Kiba!"

"Oh yeah, well at least he knows about nature and survival forehead. What will you do with Haruka? She hates nature!"

"Humph! Unlike you I am capable to look after myself and not rely on someone who smells like dog" With that Sakura stomped off.

Kiba had heard this and looked disheartened by the harsh words. Hinata being the gentle soul that she is tried her best at cheering the boy up. "K-Kiba-san, I don't thi-nk y-you smell" "Yeah dog-boy let the banshee talk, I wish I had you as a team mate instead I'm stuck with moody duck butt" Naruko assisted.

"Haha moody duck butt, oh man that's priceless" Kiba immediately felt better by their words. Hold on "oi, who are you calling dog-boy!" He ran after Naruko trying to catch her.

"Wow, I never thought I would see my sister goofing around." Hinata nodded in agreement. It did seem uncharacteristic for Naruko, but Kiba did look very upset and Naruko hates bullying. Actually, that would be the only time she would really speak up. Her friend was very withdrawn in general not really talking to anyone outside their little group well apart from Shikamaru at times when they played Shogi. Hinata was so lost in thought she almost missed what Naruto said next. I'm glad we are paired up Hinata." Immediately Hinata blushed. "M-m-e too Na-Naruto" Her stutter was back in full after hearing that from her crush. "Come on we should get going!" With that they sped off towards the newly minted forest.

"Good everyone is here. I'm going to give each team a map and a flare. Should anything happen you can fire it and either me or Mizuki will be there to help in no time. The map I will explain later for now let's go over some practical lessons. In front of you are all types of fruits that you may come across. Now who can tell me which ones are edible and which ones are poisonous?"

Immediately Ocha Ryokucha's hand shut up in the air. Iruka nodded indicating she could answer.

"Only two of them are edible sensei, the rest is poisonous. The Holly Berries with the glossy saw-toothed leaves could lead to vomiting. Although here they are red they can also be black, brown and sometimes even yellow or green. The Ivy berries aren't good either. They give you a nasty swelling and hurt your tongue and lips really badly. It's easy to recognize them by their five-lobed leaves, greenish-yellow flowers and orange-yellow berries. The other two are safe though." Ocha pointed towards the remaining two berries.

"Well done Ocha, you really know this very well. I'm impressed" Iruka applauded her. "Also although we will not find them around Konoha, I will provide you with a booklet identifying all toxic and edible plants. Learn these by heart as I will test you on them at any time." Iruka warned his class. A few nods indicated that they understood the importance of doing so.

"Alright, moving on. Mizuki will now show you all how to build a camp and everything surrounding it. Once that is done we will all spend the first night here and continue our lessons tomorrow."