Well it seems the Jonin this year have been exceptionally tough on their genin. Teams 1-6 have all been failed" Sarutobi mused as he studied the reports in front of him, before looking up at the remaining Jonin in the room.
"Ah Kurenai how did Team 8 fair?" he asked before running a hand through his beard.
"Their cohesion as a group leaves a lot to be desired, Sakura for quite some time seemed to lack any desire to work with her teammates, I was this close to failing all three of them, however they managed to come together as a team when it matters most. I passed them and intend to began working on team building excercises immediately Hokage-Sama" she said as she bowed her head towards Sarutobi.
"Hmm very well what about Team 10 Asuma?" he asked as his gaze fell to his son who stood there with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.
"I don't think I've ever seen a more unmotivated, chaotic bunch of slackers in my life. That being said each and everyone of them has a great amount of potential. By just a faint margin I passed them. I think with time I can make something great out of Team 10." he stated.
Sarutobi simply nodded as he jotted something down on a piece of paper.
"Very well that just leaves Kakashi and Team 7 unaccounted for." he said.
Kurenai sighed before rolling her eyes. "Always late as usual." she said in a disapproving tone.
"It's not like it matters there's no way Kakashi will ever pass a team anyways. I just feel bad for those kids." Asuma chuckled.
No sooner did he finish speaking then the door opened up and in walked Kakashi reading his favorite book intently.
Sarutobi coughed. "Kakashi report in" he said sternly.
The Cyclops Ninja looked up from his book for a moment before speaking.
"Team 7 passed" he said simply and for a long moment only silence filled the room before a faint sound could be heard as Asuma's cigarette hit the floor.
He quickly knelt down and picked it up before shaking his head still slightly shocked.
"Well now I've seen everything" Asuma admitted before he shook his head and after offering a wave he walked out the door leaving only Kakashi,Kurenai, and Sarutobi left in the room.
"Hokage-Sama may I have a word regarding the Team Assignments?" Kurenai asked.
Sarutobi sighed having already anticipated this conversation. "I'm guessing this is related to Hinata's placement in Team 7 rather then Team 8?" he asked quirking a brow.
"Yes I was under the impression that I would be receiving Hinata for Team 8. Beyond being Hinata's guardian I also was expecting to have a full team of trackers." she a slight amount of irritation creeping into her tone.
Kakashi closed his book as he gave the other two his full attention.
Sarutobi took a deep breath. "Allow me to explain." he said pausing a moment before continuing.
"Kurenai it was discovered before the team assignments that Hinata,Naruto, and Sasuke have become close as of late, but beyond that their progress improved greatly after they began spending time together as a group. If Sakura had been put into team 7 instead there was a concern that her fawning over Sasuke and the way she treated Naruto would become an issue that would hurt the team as a whole. With Sakura on team 8 instead however she can focus on growth as a Ninja and beyond she has an affinity for genjutsu. She could make a great apprentice for you if you give her the chance. Furthermore I'm sure that Hinata is quite happy where she is now" he said before folding his hands together a small smile creasing his aged face.
Kurenai's eyes widened. She had no idea just how much underlying history there was with some of the Genin, that Hinata had actually managed to forge a bond with some of her classmates. She was concerned about Hinata as always, but the thought of her adoptive daughter being happy was the most important thing to her. "I understand thank you and Kakashi...you take care of her."she said as she held out her fingers before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
Several weeks passed in the leaf village as the newly minted Genin squads took one D rank mission after another. With the only bright spots throughout this time period being basic squad training. After a month had passed Team 7 finds itself growing anxious for something beyond another tedious D-Rank mission.
"I swear If we have to chase that devil cat again, I'm going to scream...I still have scars from the last time we chased it" complained Naruto as Team 7 began to climb the steps leading into the academy.
Sasuke grunted recalling all to well their last run in with Tora. "Ugh I'm with you on that one..." he muttered before shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Ano...I thought Tora-chan was rather sweet" said Hinata smiling timidly as she brought up the back.
Kakashi was silent as he continued reading after a few moments though he paused to look over his shoulder at the Genin.
"I think Hinata here is the only person that cat likes...it can't even stand the Daimyo's wife...hence why it keeps running away"he said offering an eye smile.
After sharing a laugh Team 7 finally entered the Academy and arrived at the Mission Assignment desk where the Third Hokage, Iruka, and several other Ninja were seated with several stacks of books and mission briefings stacked in order from lowest to highest priority by rank.
"Ah Team 7 here for a Mission ? Let me see we have we have need of a baby sitter and it seems that someone in town needs helps help harvesting their rice fields." stated the Third Hokage as he raised his pipe to his mouth before taking a puff..
"That's It JiJi! We've been doing nothing, but stupid Rank D missions for a month! We're ready for a super cool mission! We can handle it believe it!" Naruto exclaimed.
Sasuke shook his head but spoke up as well.
"I've gotta agree with Naruto, we can handle a higher ranking mission." he stated confidently.
"Ano...I-I agree with N-naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun" Hinata added quietly.
Iruka's eyebrow twitched as he stood up looking intensely at the the trio.
"The three of of you are fresh Genin...this is the way things work starting ou-" he wasn't able to finish as Sarutobi spoke as he looked amused by the whole situation.
"Kakashi what do you think ? Are your Genin ready for a higher rank mission ?" he asked raising a single brow.
Kakashi still looked bored as he scratched his chin though he spoke after a moment. "Hai I believe it would be good for them to have the experience and they've already demonstrated that they can work as a team."
"Very well thenl" replied Sarutobi to which Iruka looked utterly shocked.
"Team 7 you are here by assigned a C-Rank escort and protection mission to the land of waves." he stated.
"Yippee" exclaimed Naruto as he hugged both Sasuke and Hinata. The first growled before pushing him a way while the later blushed furiously and barely managed to avoid fainting.
"So who are we protecting ? A princess or some sort of big wig Noble ?" asked Naruto as he was practically bouncing in place.
"A bridge builder actually" stated Sarutobi to which Naruto crossed his arms clearly his first awesome mission seemed much less spectacular now.
After a few moments an old bespectacled man was lead into the room. His hair was grey as was his mustache and beard,he was wearing a sleeveless v-neck shirt with an obi, pants and a pair of sandals. Around round his neck rested a simple white towel and on his head sat a pointed tan colored hat. However the most distinct aspect the group noticed was the thick stench of sake that wafted around him. His eyes seemed partially glazed as it was clear he was far from sober.
"Who are the kids ?" he slurred.
Naruto's eyebrow twitched at the comment.
Sarutobi cleared his throat " These are the Ninja that will be escorting you home and ensuring you remain safe while you finish building your bridge." he stated.
The man grunted as he eyed the 'kids' clearly unimpressed.
"These brats are suppose to keep me safe ? Can you not spare any more competent Ninja?" he asked.
Hinata dropped her head feeling as if she'd been slapped.
Sasuke kept his cool, but leveled a glare at the man.
Naruto on the other hand growled.
"You drunk Bastard...I'll show you who's capable" he cried as he darted forward only to be stopped as Kakashi grabbed him by the collar of his jumpsuit.
"Now Now Naruto no killing our client" he chastised like a parent talking to a child.
Naruto grumbled but relented though he kept a glare focused on the man.
"I assure you these Leaf Ninja are more the qualified to escort you and keep you safe from any bandits you seem to fear may cause you trouble" he said smiling though beyond his pleasant demeanor there was something else that the genin likely missed...it was veiled suspicion.
"Alright Team 7 we'll meet in an hour at the front gate. Make sure to bring only what is essential and nothing that will slow you down" Kakashi advised before he nodded at his team and disappeared within a swirl of leaves.
The Mission started off on a strange note as Kakashi arrived on time, something no one in the group had seen in their time together.
As the group sat out the strange vibe from earlier seemed to be lifted as most of the group began to talk with one another.
"I'm so excited Hinata this is the first time I've ever been out of the village...well I mean this far out and I can't wait to see more. " he exclaimed happily as he looked at his shy friend who couldn't help but giggle and smile.
"Ano I'm glad N-naruto-kun I hope you get to see a lot of the world..I mean before you b-become Hokage" she said timidly but sincerely.
Sasuke remained silent watching the pair with slight interest.
Naruto looked away a moment as he felt his throat catch and found himself caught off guard a moment.
No one had ever told him that they believed in his dream...sure there were those who had sarcastically when they had laughed and ridiculed him, but this was different. This was sweet and cute...sometimes strange, but honest Hinata. She actually believed in him when no one else usually did. He looked over at her seeing her concerned look and felt his cheeks flush as he remembered that night after the bell test in which he had almost kissed her. She was so precious to him...but to what degree he wasn't sure...he had little to no experience with people especially understanding the concept of love. He shook his head deciding to bury those thoughts at the moment as he looked back at her and smiled.
"Thank you Hinata-chan...I hope you're right" he said offering her a sincere smile.
Before she could respond they heard a grunt from the bridge builder in front of him.
"I hire protection and I get a bunch of brats" he grumbled.
Naruto's eye twitched as he piped up.
"Oi say that again gramps" he cried as he lunged forward at Tazuna.
Sasuke and Hinata just sighed just shaking their head as Kakashi had to stave off the blonde from attacking the old man for a second time in one day.
"Meizu perhaps we should send the disposable sacks of flesh after the old man and his contingent of Ninja" whispered one of the Demon brothers as he studied the group from a distance with a trained eye.
"What's wrong Gozu afraid of a bunch of children and an old man ? Perhaps the cyclops older in front would pose a challenge, but not if we caught them off guard" he suggested as he was eager to attack.
"Don't be foolish brother, your making an assessment born of ignorance. Look closely if you will, one of those four ninja bear emblems of the Uchiha clan and the young girl has a Hyuuga emblem on her jacket and if I'm not mistaken the Cyclopes is none other than Kakashi Hatake ... that just leaves the blonde midget unaccounted for. Though I swear I've seen that emblem on his jacket as well. We're dealing with opponents that carry a powerful reputation...it would be best for us to rally the few rogue Ninja that Zabuza has granted us and test the waters with these four. At best we eliminate our target...and worst case scenario we are able to gain valuable insight that we can pass along to Zabuza.
Meizu grunted acknowledging his brothers wisdom.
"Fine Gozu...but I say you take too much stock into what you hear...these people whoever they are can be caught unaware like anyone else" he said as he and Meizu began to pull away from their vantage point.
Naruto walked with his hands behind his head occasionally glaring at the bridge builder in front of him.
'Old bastard' he thought before he groaned as they reached the top of another hill only to see another long stretch of road.
"Oi old man how much longer until we reach the Sea ?" he asked.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. 'he really needs to work on his tact' he thought before shaking his head.
The Bridge builder grunted but after a moment spoke.
"We have at least three more days before we reach the sea...then we'll be on a boat for several hours before we finally reach my home." he said. Though it was subtle something seemed hesitant in his tone or more so like concern laced his words.
Kakashi said nothing but the man's hesitation was apparent to him.
"Ano...Tazuna-san this bridge must mean a lot to you and the Wave if your hiring protection to make sure your escorted safely." she said softly.
Tazuna tensed for a moment before relaxing something which wasn't missed by Kakashi. He relaxed as he looked back for once smiling at Hinata.
"Yeah kid it means a lot for me and the Land of Waves, this Bridge will finally connect us to the mainland. The Land of Waves has seen better days and this bridge will bring hope to a lot of people" he said before falling silent.
"I-I'm glad that we can help then" offered Hinata with a small smile before she too fell silent.
Sasuke kept his thoughts to himself but looked over noticing Naruto seemed particularly quiet all of the sudden.
"Something wrong Naruto ?" he asked quirking a brow.
Naruto looked over at his friend with anime tears in his eyes.
"I just realized what I forgot to pack...Instant Ramen" he cried.
Sasuke face palmed. 'Why do I even bother' he wondered to himself.
"Ano...N-naruto-kun I could make you some Ramen w-when we stop for the night" stuttered Hinata as she looked at her Crush.
Naruto began to sniffle before he reached over and hugged Hinata tightly.
"Hinata's the best! Ramen!" he cried happily realizing only moments later he was now completely supporting an unconscious Hinata.
Several hours had passed and Team 7 had made camp shortly before the sun had set on the horizon. Their campsite was about half a mile off of the road within a small clearing in the woods.
Kakashi sat with a bored expression on his face as he continued to reach his favorite book.
Tazuna sat in the midst of the camp drowning himself within another bottle of Sake.
Sasuke sat with an amused smirk on his face as he watched Naruto drooling with hearts in his eyes as he watched Hinata prepare his favorite food in the world. Hinata herself was just trying her best to not faint from the blonde's attention.
"RAMENnnn" he purred as he took a deep breath before grinning happily.
Several minutes later the energetic blonde had take his first bite and stopped in his tracks.
Hinata looked down fearing rejection.
"H...Hinata...this is... AMAZING" he screamed.
Sasuke covered his ears before shooting a glare at the blonde.
"R-really ?" Hinata asked as her pale violet gaze returned to the blonde.
Naruto nodded vigorously. "This is the best ramen I've ever had ! Believe it! just don't tell old man Teuchi I said that!" he said before diving back into his meal with gusto.
Hinata blushed and smiled at his praise.
Sasuke who was eating some himself nodded as he sat his bowl down before looking at the Heiress. "I don't have an addiction to this stuff like the idiot does, but I have to agree with him on this. It's very good Hinata Arigato" he said before he turned his attention back to his meal.
Hinata smiled again before murmuring a thanks to the raven haired ninja.
"Yaeh Hinata is going to make such a great wife one day" exclaimed Naruto between bites.
Sasuke just shook his head as he began a countdown in his head. '3...2...1...' he thought before he looked over to see the redfaced Hinata faint.
Naruto blinked in confusion before he looked at Sasuke and back over at the slumped over Hinata.
"Was it something I said?" he asked before scratching the back of his head.
"Kami your stupid" muttered Sasuke before he raised another bundle of noodles to his lips.
It was now late at night with the only one awake being Kakashi.
Kakashi popped his neck as his head craned around the perimeter lazily.
'Hmm looks like we have company...but just how many are there...I'd say no less than three maybe as many as six.' he thought to himself.
'Probably won't be long till they attack...time to wake the team.' he decided as he flipped out of the tree he was sitting in before he whistled as long as he could. Immediately he heard stirring within each of the tents as well as movement around him as the enemy circling began to grow closer.
As Kakashi watched intently he turned on heel to see several giant shurikens emerge from the treeline all meant to devastate the campsite and those who still remained vulnerable within their tents.
"Shit" cursed Kakashi as he began forming several handsigns.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall" he yelled before slamming the ground with his hands. Immediately a large wall of earth rose up in front of the incoming Shuriken's stopping all of them dead in their tracks.
'It seems I'll have to be careful...they almost caught me off guard' he mused to himself just as several silhouettes emerged from the treeline.
There were 4 of them in total...each of the Ninja that stood before him wore concealing black uniforms that hid all but their eyes. Each of the four was of a different build, but what really drew the Copy Nin's interest was the fact that each of the Ninja had a mist headband with a scratch through it and on their uniforms each of the four bore a different Kanji one for each elements all except water.
"Rogue Ninjas" he murmured as his eyes trailed over each of them.
"Kakashi of the Sharingan...to kill you or die in the process would be an honor" stated the Ninja standing in the middle. He was a head taller than the next tallest member of the group and seemed to exert some extent of Authority. On his uniform the Kanji for lightning could be seen...
Kakashi's expression was impossible to discern as he took a unique Taijutsu stance.
"Very well then since you have no honor in life, perhaps you'll find some in death" he said as his one visible eye narrowed.
"Go kill the others ...kill the bridge builder" the rogue ninja ordered, immediately the other three darted off towards the center of the camp where everyone else was.
Before Kakashi could make to stop them, he found the leader of this assault already upon him making strike after strike. Kakashi was finding it easy to predict and block his opponents strikes even without his secret weapon, it was clear these were low chunin level opponents. Despite the gap in strength he didn't dare expose an opening, though this man lacked experience and the knowledge he possessed, his strikes were being enhanced with chakra. Kakashi could see lightning coursing off the man's hands at each failed hit. He knew that one well placed hit could potentially paralysis him leaving him open for a death strike. He would have to leave the others to fend for themselves at the moment...this would be their first real encounter with an enemy...he prayed his faith was not misplaced...
A few moments later back at the center of the campsite Naruto and Sasuke now stood side by side trying to block the enemy ninja's incoming strikes. Behind them Hinata stood in her gentle fist stance directly in front of Tazuna.
The Genin were currently having to deal with three of the ninja while Kakashi dealt with the leader.
Sasuke smirked as he kicked one the Ninja square in the chest sending him flying backwards.
"These guys are a joke" he commented only to stop dead in his tracks as a Kunai stopped but inches from his face. He looked down to see Naruto gripping the man's wrist as hard as he could.
"Dammit Teme stop bragging until we're done kicking their ass" he said between gritted teeth before the man took his other hand and backhanded Naruto sending him tumbling.
Sasuke quickly reacted as he dropped down and swept the guys legs out from under him. As the guy was falling he dropped his weapon ...Sasuke felt his heart race as he followed through with what needed to be done...he caught the falling Kunai and as the man landed on his back, Sasuke brought down his arm in a swift powerful motion as he plunged the kunai into the Rogue Ninja's chest, killing him instantly. He felt immediately disgusted as he felt his hands covered in the man's blood. As Naruto made his way back to his feet he began looking around for the second Ninja they'd been fighting. His eyes widened as he turned at the same time as Sasuke to see the Ninja had used this opportunity to come up behind Tazuna and Hinata.
Hinata was caught off guard until the last moment as the incoming ninja was in her blindspot of her Byakguan, but she reacted as fast as she could when she finally sensed his presence. She turned on heel and immediately pushed Tazuna away from her just as the Ninja brought down his Kunai...The weapon pierced deep going right through her jacket and through her soft porcelain skin. The only thing that was heard next was an ear piercing scream...
Hinata stiffled a cry as the kunai tore through her previously flawless skin and went deep into her left shoulder.
The ear piercing scream heard however didn't come from her...it came from Naruto as he dug his fingernails into his own palm breaking the skin. His teeth gritted together as his entire frame shook.
Hinata using what strength she could muster struck the ninja in front of her in the stomach with her good arm with a palmstrike, forcing him backwards several feet.
Naruto disappeared in a red blur before reappearing in front of the Ninja some 30 feet away.
The man couldn't retaliate in time before he found himself caught by the much shorter boy. Naruto eyes were far from the calm cerulean blue normally seen. Now they were dangerous and crimson red with a predatorial slit in the middle. He gripped the mans throat with a single hand...his fingernails that were now claws dug into the mans neck drawing blood.
He spoke in a guttural deep voice that was laced with a powerful killing intent.
"For what you've done I can't forgive you" he growled before he clenched his hand and a loud snap could be heard as the Rogue Ninja's neck was broken with relative ease.
Naruto stumbled back as he dropped the guy's body and immediately collapsed. As the light faded from his eyes there was only one thing on his mind.
'Hinata'
Kakashi growled as he pulled his hand out of the man's chest. His opponent had proven no match, but had still wasted precious time and had distanced him from the others. He quickly began darting back towards camp hoping for the best, but fearing the worst.
When Kakashi arrived he found the other three rogue Ninja laying dead on the ground.
Naruto was collapsed on the ground though there was no obvious injuries on him.
As Kakashi grew closer he could see Sasuke kneeling beside Hinata with Tazuna sitting nearby with a shocked expression on his face. As he moved closer they could see a Kunai buried deep within the young girl's left shoulder and blood staining her entire jacket from the deep wound.
Sasuke clenched his fist as he observed the wound.
"Dammit it's in there deep...Hinata I need you to look at me" he said with a sense of urgency in his voice.
She blinked back tears as her pale lavender eyes looked up at the raven haired ninja.
"This is gonna hurt..but we have to get that out immediately" he said.
She gritted her teeth as she slowly nodded her head.
"H-hai I'm ready." she said weakly
Kakashi dropped down to check on Naruto a moment after seeing that he was only passed out, he continued his way over to Sasuke and Hinata.
"Sasuke when you remove that it's going to start bleeding rapidly. Hinata I need you to stay awake until we can stop the bleeding alright?" he asked as he knelt down beside his students.
"Hai Sensei, is N-naruto-kun alright ?" she asked.
If the situation wasn't so serious Kakashi would have laughed. It was just like Hinata to be worrying about the blonde when she was one in danger.
"He's just fine Hinata...it looks like he just overexerted himself" he lied realizing from a quick observation knowing what had likely happened.
"I'm s-sorry for being so useless " she whispered to which Sasuke seemed instantly upset over.
"Hey none of that...if was my fault for not taking these guys seriously. If anything I'm to blame for you getting hurt" he admitted.
Tazuna who had been sitting quiet looked like a wreck as guilt was clear on his face.
"Now let's get that Kunai out" Sasuke added after a moment as he took a deep breath before gripping the hilt tightly.
Hinata took a breath as well as she focused her attention on Sasuke and Kakashi as Sasuke with one powerful yank pulled the Kunai out.
Hinata winced as Kakashi instantly began applying pressure with a towel.
Sparing a glance over at Tazuna for just a moment Kakashi had a very serious glint in his eye.
"You and I are going to have a nice long chat when I'm done here" he said in a serious tone.
Tazuna only nodded his head numbly in response.
What none one saw was the two Demon brothers that slipped away into the night, to deliver their findings to Zabuza...
A few minutes passed before Naruto's eyes flew open and he sat up before he bounded over to where Kakashi,Sasuke,and Hinata were.
"Hinata-chan are you ok ? " he asked worry reflected clearly in his cerulean gaze.
"H-hai...I'll be fine" she said weakly offering her crush a smile.
Sasuke and Kakashi were still applying pressure to her shoulder when Kakashi spoke.
"She'll be fine Naruto, but I doubt she'll be able to fight at full capacity for a while" he said before he pulled the towel off of her arm and began wiping the dried blood away.
Naruto clenched his fist, much like Sasuke he was taking her injury upon himself.
Kakashi stopped when he looked in surprise at her shoulder.
'This must be the work of the Bijuu. Incredible.' mused Kakashi.
"That's impossible" whispered Sasuke as he looked at her shoulder noticing something bizarre or rather nothing at all. The skin on her entire left arm and shoulder was flawless, without as much as a single scratch or scar. For all the blood that they had cleaned off of her there was no sign as to any wound in the first place.
Naruto's eyes widened as he fell silent. He'd seen this before...There was something that few...well no one knew save the fox. Naruto the happy go lucky goofball had a much more serious and clever side. At one point at the lowest moment in his life, he had nearly been killed by mobs on his birthday on several occasions. The first time it had happened and no one had been there to protect him, it was the fox who had saved him...that was the day he and fox had first met. He remembered laying beaten and broken in an alleyway. He just knew he was going to die...then he had met his demon and when he had returned to reality his wounds were gone. His throat caught as the insane possibility crossed his mind...but his thoughts were interrupted by Hinata.
"Ano one of the ...Elders of my Clan once told me I inherited a rare bloodline limit. I've always healed like this" she said softly.
Naruto took a deep breath pleased that his crazy thought had been just that.
Sasuke just smirked. "Well that's good for our team...since you and I will end up taking a lot of hits keeping this idiot alive" he said gesturing towards Naruto though he smiled.
Naruto's eye twitched at that comment. "Oi that's not funny teme" he said crossing his arms.
"Well I didn't laugh about it now did I ?" challenged Sasuke.
Hinata just watched the boys go back and forth with a tired smile on her face.
Kakashi studied her another moment before shaking his head.
"Alright enough you two...we have something to discuss" he stated as his eyes focused on Tazuna.
"Primarily why you deceived us" stated Kakashi.
The genin turned their attention to Tazuna as they waited for the old man to explain.
"I didn't mean for this to happen...The Land Waves just doesn't have enough to afford a higher grade mission." he said bowing his head as he hunched his shoulders.
"I'm sorry" he added after a moment.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed.
"You endangered my entire team because your too cheap ?" he asked his tone taking a deadly edge.
Tazuna shook his head as he looked down ashamed.
"I'm sorry...If the money was available we would have gladly paid the difference, but it's not...I'm sorry for putting your team in danger, but my entire country is being suffocated by a man by the name of Gato. He and his thugs are destroying the wave economically and anyone who stands against them ends up dead shortly there after...but his power would be broken if this bridge could be finished. He tried to buy me off and then he tried to threaten my life...I won't back down, but I can't do this without help" he said clenching his fist at his side as he bowed his head low to the ninja before him.
Kakashi shook his head.
"I don't think you understand the gravity of the problem...if this mission was assigned properly we would have had at the very least two entire teams with at least a couple of Jonin. I can't let my team be put in any further danger" he said.
"Ano...Sensei...but what about all those people...they need us." Hinata said softly.
Kakashi closed his visible eye. "Hinata regardless of the fact your fine now...you could have been killed...do you all really think your prepared for this ?" he asked opened his eye and studied everyone.
Naruto spoke first "Sensei I'm not about to back down! Sure it might be dangerous, but Hinata-chan's right! There's plenty of people counting on us, we can't turn our backs on them! I'm in all the way" he declared.
" I'm with N-naruto-kun !" added Hinata as a looked of determination could be seen in her eyes.
"As am I" added Sasuke before he nodded at Naruto and Hinata.
Kakashi sighed as he realized this was a dangerous course, however he realized what his Sensei would have done in this situation. "Very well against my better judgement we can proceed forward...but if it becomes too difficult we will pull out period." he said sternly.
"Thankyou all so very much" said Tazuna as he again bowed his head low as a sign of respect to all of the Ninja.
Kakashi sighed again hoping he wouldn't regret this decision.
"I know it's late, but I want everything packed up and ready to go within the hour, I don't think it safe or wise to rest here tonight"
'I guess this means I won't have much time for reading along the road...and I really wanted to read chapter five again.' he thought, before frowning.