Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke darted through the trees, as fast as they could. Silence here was essential. This Target would get away if even the slightest noise was heard. The three teammates his behind a tree each. The target was there.

"Team leader" Sasuke said, speaking into his headset. " target sighted."

Kakashi was in the other end. He remained in the village, and allowed his students to take this mission alone. "All ready?"

"Ready." Naruto responded.

"R-Ready." Hinata said.

"Go." Kakashi ordered.

The three ninja leapt for the target, at their top speed. The target looked behind , too late. "YYYEEEEOOOOOOW!"

Naruto crashed into the ground, grabbing the cat they had been sent to retrieve. The cat desperately clawed Naruto's face.

"Owwww!" Naruto cried. He grabbed the cat by the skin of its neck so it couldn't scratch him " ow... Is this the one?"

Sasuke inspected the cat. Blue eyes, black and grey fur, and a red collar. "This is the one."

"Good. I'm sick of hunting freakin' cats!" Naruto sighed. "They always scratch me."

"I wonder why." Sasuke turned on his radio. "Target acquired."

"Roger that. Return back to the village. " came the reply.

"Great." Said Naruto, picking himself up , holding the cat in front of his face" quite frankly, we have spent way too much of our day chasing this thing."

The cat began swinging at Naruto's face " MEYOOOOW!"

"Argh!" Cried Naruto. He felt at the marks. He was bleeding! He turned and shouted at the cat " Your lucky your a target or you'd be dead right now!"

"Can it , dope. Lets go." Sasuke said, making his way out of the forest.

Hinata walked over to Naruto and separated the cats claws from Naruto's face " give him here, N-Naruto."

"Are you crazy? This thing'll carve you up!" Naruto protested

Hinata put her hands around the cat " j-just give him here, o-okay?"

Naruto sighed, then let go of the cat " alright."

Hinata held the cat close to her. The cat seemed to like her, and snuggled up to her.

"Well, at least it likes one of us." Naruto said, wiping the blood from his cuts.

The two friends followed Sasuke out of the forest. "Man, I'm sick of getting D-Ranked missions. This is what? The fifth one?" Naruto sighed.

"W-We all have to start somewhere." Hinata said.

"Yeah, I know that, but I wish we could have some more... Challenging. " Naruto said.

"You have a point." Sasuke said from up ahead." We aren't gonna become good ninja if our most exciting mission is cashing down pets."

"For once we agree." Muttered Naruto.

CXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX

Kakashi laid back against a nearby tree as he inspected his team's portfolio. Each of them had completed 5 D-Ranked missions. As weird as it sounded, they had raised up quicker then Kakashi expected. Whilst finding a cat wasn't exactly a hard task, it was one of the higher- up missions in the D-Ranked section. Missions like digging up weeds and vegetables was the very beginning, whilst missions like babysitting and finding lost pets was the very end, as they needed to be taken with much more care. Team 7 had reached the far end of D-Ranked missions. They would have to move up to C- Ranked missions.

But hang on. Could they? Team 7 was fresh Genin, only 3 week old Genin. Surely they weren't allowed to perform such a mission with only 3 weeks of D-Ranked Mission experience behind them.

By then again, the team consisted of - The fourth Hokages's son, who was a Jinchuriki, the Last Uchiha, and the heir to the Hyuga clan. They had shown great skill and development. There was no reason why they COULDN'T perform a C-Ranked mission.

Kakashi sighed. Why did he agree to become a team leader again?

All this evidence would have to be shown to the third Hokage. A 3 week old Genin team to take on a C-Ranked mission? That had to be a new record.

CXXXXXXXXXXXXXXZXXXXCXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

Team 7 walked into the mission briefing office with the cat they had been sent to receive. Not that they had been told, but their contact had actually been Lady Daiyamo, the Daiyamo's wife. She was... A bit eccentric. As soon as Naruto and Hinata walked through the door, Lady Daiyamo snatched the cat from Hinata's had and began squeaking the thing so tight it looked like it was going to break the poor cats ribcage. "Oooo! Mommy was so worried!" She squealed.

Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke all sweatdropped. With a life like that at home, who could blame him for running away?

Even a couple of the Chunin and Jonin on duty sweatdropped. This happened pretty much every week. Apparently lady Daiyamo didn't know she was supposed to let the cat out everyday, so the cat stayed of longer, and if the cat wasn't in her sight for more than 15 minutes, lady Daiyamo ran straight to the mission centre crying her eyes out.

Someone should REALLY teach her how to look after a cat.

All that aside, lady Daiyamo paid her fee, and left the room, the Hokage turned to team 7.

"That's team 7's fifth mission complete. Well done." The Hokage said, shifting through some more mission papers. " Next missions team 7 will handle will be... Digging out vegetables-"

"Lord Hokage, if I may interrupt."

The Hokage looked up at Kakashi. Kakashi never was one for jumping into conversations. Regardless, as he was one of the elite Jonin of the leaf village, he decided to allow it " by all means."

Kakashi cleared his throat, then spoke "Lord Hokage, it has come to my attention that team 7, in a matter if three weeks, has raised trough the spectrum of D-Ranked missions. 5 missions have been completed, and those are of high caliber for D-Ranked missions. I believe they are ready for a higher ranking mission."

Team 7's eyes lit up at the sound of that. A higher ranking mission?!

"Kakashi, you can't be serious!" Iruka, one of the Chunin on duty spoke up " only three weeks! That's nowhere near enough time for the team to develop!"

"We operate fine!" Naruto spoke up for the first time. Iruka looked at him.

"Naruto's right." Sasuke said, surprising everyone. "It's not taken much for us to grow as a team. I have a problem with the dope, but I'd trust my life to him."

Sasuke? Clearly stating trust? Of another human being? The whole room was shocked. Even Sasuke was. He was shocked as anyone else, but if he placed his life in Naruto's hand, Sasuke would trust him with it without question.

The Hokage looked between the two. A month ago, they hated one another with a passion, but three weeks of teamwork, had developed their relationship from mutual hate, to a friendly rivalry. The Hokage smiled. Naruto certainly had that characteristic about him.

"The team has shown incredible skill too." Kakashi said " they are the only team to pass my graduation test."

The Hokage shifted a price of paper to his desk. He checked over the details. A simple escort mission, defending from bandits and natural dangers. If the three Genin had beat Kakashi, a few bandits would be no problem. The Hokage took a puff from his pipe, and spoke " very well"

Team 7 looked up to the Hokage with hopeful eyes. Even Hinata was looking for a chance to prove herself.

"Since you've all put it that way, I will assign team 7 a C-Ranked mission. It will be simple. Just an escort mission, for a bridge builder. You will escort him until he is back in his home country. That's all. Defend him from natural dangers and bandits. "

Iruka turned to protest " lord Hokage-"

"Relax Iruka. Kakashi will be with them. That should ensure their safety. " the Hokage reassured him.

"Yes!" Naruto cheered to himself. Finally, a decent mission!

Sasuke gave a slight grin. Now he could test himself in combat.

Hinata was a little excited herself. Now she could prove to he father she was worthy of the Hyuga name.

Kakashi walked over to the mission desk, where he was handed a mission briefing. He checked over every word. This was perfect. This was the lowest section if the C-Ranked spectrum. Simple escort. The only reason it wasn't a D-Ranked mission was because it involved leaving the village. Defend against natural challenges and Bandit attack. No problem. Kakashi would easily deal with them, and his students had beaten Him. He was sure they could handle a few bandits.

"Well, this mission is perfect." Kakashi said, with a small smile. Honestly, he was glad to be , slowly but surely, getting back into his regular routine of missions.

The Hokage sighed and closed his eyes. The time was now.

"Team 7, all except Naruto are dismissed." The Hokage said "Naruto, go into my office for a moment, would you?"

Naruto looked shocked. Now what had he done? "...yes Sir." He said. He noticed everyone looking at him with faces that said " what have you done?" "What's happening?" To all them, Naruto just shrugged. He made his way out to the hallway and down into the Hokages office.

"I have a very... Sensitive subject I need to inform Naruto of. " the Hokage explained to team 7.

Kakashi's mind instantly clicked and knew what he was talking about. "Ah, I see. Of course, Lord Hokage."

Bandits, death, killing and fighting. The mission could very easily involve that. If that happened, Naruto deserved to know what happened.

The truth about Mizuki.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX

Naruto sat around the Hokage's office, wondering what he had done wrong this time. He managed to pass the time looking at photo's of the previous Hokages, and looking through Jutsu manuscripts. The Hokage wouldn't mind, Naruto knew. He had done this stuff before, when he had been called in for lectures on his pranks.

The Hokage opened the door, and walked in. Naruto put the manuscript back on the shelf he had found it on. The Hokage walked to his seat and sat down, to face Naruto.

"Naruto, do you know why I called you here?" The Hokage asked

"I honestly have no idea." Naruto said, confused. Genuinely. He had no idea what was going on.

The Hokage sighed. No one had told him. This would be a but more tricky than he had hoped.

"Naruto, do you remember when Mizuki attacked you a month ago?"

"Yeah, course I do." Naruto said, trailing his mind back to that day.

"Naruto, after you beat him, he was rushed to hospital. Some of his injuries were very lethal." The Hokage said "Mizuki died in hospital."

Naruto paused. Mizuki was dead? God... He hadn't meant to kill him.

"Mizuki was a traitor, so you shouldn't feel too had to be taken out either way. You may well have saved may lives by killing Mizuki. I felt like I should tell you now, because tomorrow, your mission may require you to kill again." The Hokage continued.

Naruto nodded. He understood. He didn't feel too had about it strangely. Mizuki was a traitor, so he would have been killed either way, right? Still... He never meant to kill him...he felt... Guilty... But if that was what tomorrow could bring... He would have to... Huh?

Naruto looked at his left hand. He turned it upside down, then back round, then back again. "Sorry... I keep feeling like something should be there..."

"What?"

"Blood."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

The day of the C-Ranked mission saw Team 7 waiting by the gates to the village. No one had seen Naruto since yesterday, and Hinata, above all people, was worried.

In actual fact, Naruto was fine. He felt a bit of guilt, but it had been drowned out, as he did know that killing was part of a ninjas life.

Naruto walked down the path to the gate, just taking it easy. He needed a bit of time to himself. As soon as team 7 was in sight, he gave them a wave. Hinata was , more than anyone else, relieved.

"Sorry I'm late. Just needed a bit of time to myself." Naruto said, with an embarrassed grin.

"Whatever dope. Doesn't matter. The client isn't here." Sasuke said.

"We got any information on this guy?" Naruto asked

"His name is Tanuza. He's a bridge builder from the land of Waves. He's building a bridge from his country to the Land of Fire." Kakashi said " with permission of both our governments of course."

"Okay." Naruto said. He was glad he knew what he was working with.

It was weird... Though Naruto felt guilt for killing Mizuki... He also felt... Almost proud. He had eliminated a threat to the village. Potentially saved many lives. The leaf had no idea where he would have taken the scroll. He could have taken it to an enemy nation, and it could have been used to wage war. It made Naruto want to do a good job, to defend his village and his friends.

While Naruto was wrapped up in his thoughts, their contact, an old, mid 50's looking man had shown up. He had a sort of wooden sun hat, used to shelter from the rain in his home country, and also carried a walking stick.

"Is this the team assigned To protect me?" He asked. Everyone nodded in unison.

"I thought I paid for a team of Shinobi, not a group of moronic children. Especially the midget. He looks like a complete idiot. "

Naruto almost snapped.

"Um, Mr Tanuza, " Kakashi said, bringing his client to one side " that 'midget' is the Son of our revered Fourth Hokage."

Tanuza's jaw almost dropped. "That child?"

"Yes, that child. And he actually has accepted the way of the Shinobi, and taken a life."

Tanuza gulped.

"Naruto can be eccentric , and a bit daft at times, but I wouldn't take him lightly. Nor any of those Genin. They all come for legendary clans, and are revered for their particular talents." Kakashi gestured to Sasuke, who was calmly waiting " that one there is of the Uchiha clan. The only survivor of the massacre, and already has access to his clans Sharigan." He then gestured to Hinata, who was timidly talking to Naruto. " and she is the heiress to the Hyuga clan."

Tanuza was pretty surprised that a Genin team would had such talent. He should probably stop yapping off.

"Ah. " he said. "My apologies."

The Genin team stared confused at him. None of them had heard Kakashi. Still, now they had a job to do.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The party of 5 walked further from the village, and further into the wilderness. Naruto acted calm, but deep down he was dying to explore every single thing. It was his first time out of the village.

The five travellers passed a puddle of water. Nothing unusual in itself. So they carried on walking. Kakashi patted Naruto and Sasuke on the back " keep it up you two." He said.

Naruto then patted Hinata on the back " you okay? Your looking a little Woozy."

"I-I'm just a bit tired..." Hinata said.

It was all they needed. They had developed a system. One that Kakshi had emplace . they noticed something, a pat on the back, then say something casual.

It meant 'be ready to fight'.

Behind then, quiet as a feather hitting the ground, two figures emerged from the puddle of water, forming the shape of two mercenaries. Their plan was simple, and the fact it was just a but of children defending their objective made their plans so much simpler.

They would kill their leading Sensei first, then the kids, then finish off their target.

The first one , reduced his blade. He signalled to his partner, to get ready to attack.

The mercenary resided his Jutsu. 'Iron Serpant Jutsu!'

Several metallic chains threw themselves from the bushes, entrapping Kakashi Sensei, ridged to the spot " what?!"

As soon as Kakashi was immobilised, the second mercenary readied his massive Chain blade. The first on tightened his grin on Kakashi, while the second Merc swung to strike.

KER-SPLUT!

"One little piggy..." The first Mercenary taunted.

Team 7 and Tanuza watched in horror as Kakashi's body split into quarters and hit the ground. While they were locked to the spot in horror, the second Merc had snuck up behind them.

"Two little piggies..." Taunted the second Merc.

He swung straight for Naruto, aiming for the neck. Thinking fast, Naruto jumped into the air, just skimmed on the back of his hand by the blade. "Agh..." Naruto shuddered, but carried on.

The first Merc made its way to strike Tanuza, but Sasuke kicked Tanuza into some trees so he wouldn't get hit " out of the way!"

Hinata then ran between Sasuke and the first Merc, aiming her gentle fist attack for the Mercenaries left Lung.

TWAK!

The attack hit, but due to all the armour these Mercenaries were wearing the attack had less effect that it should have done. The Merc then swung for Hinata, which Hinata was able to dodge. Sasuke then ran up the body of the Merc, then slammed his elbow right into the back of the Mercenaries neck. " argh!"

Naruto focused on his fight. The original Mercenary aimed for this face with his massive blade, but Naruto was able to dodge that .and countered by running for the Merc. Naruto grabbed for a kunia and aimed to kill. He had killed before. And now not only his, as i was before, but 3 other lives were at risk. He had to strike to kill to protect them. He steadied his breath ,And leapt for the target.

The Merc threw several Shuriken at Naruto whilst he was in the air, but Naruto was able to deflect or evade all of them. He then

Aimed for the Merc, and fell down into him.

Splat

Naruto landed into the ground, and pivoted around to see what happened to his target. He hid hit the neck. If he was lucky, the Merc would survive. But for Now, the Merc fell to his feet, and fell flat on his face into the mud.

Sasuke however, had not finished his fight. The second Mercenary grabbed Sasuke by the cuff Of his collar, and threw him right into the air. Sasuke had however, grabbed ahold of the Chains around the mercenaries body, and pulled on the hard, flinging him into the air. When the Merc came flying into Sasuke, Sasuke slammed his right foot into to mercenaries face, sending him crashing back down to earth.

"Are they dead?" Tanuza asked.

Hinata checked the pulse of Sasuke's enemy. "This one is unconscious." She ran to check the one Naruto had fought. " this one is as well. He's lost some blood."

'Thank god.' Thought Naruto ' I didn't kill him.' He wasn't ready to be like those ninja that could kill without hesitation. He had unwittingly killed Mizuki. He didn't want to kill anyone else, unless it was absolutely necessary.

"Well done you three."

The three Genin turned to see their Sensei, calmly walking towards them, completely fine!

"The art of substitution." Sasuke muttered ." Of course."

"And where were you?" Tanuza demanded.

"Those three looked after you didn't they? " Kakashi said " besides, I couldn't intervene at the risk of injuring these kids." Kakashi then turned to his students " great work. Sorry I didn't jump in earlier."

Naruto grabbed hold of his hand. It stung. Kakashi inspected the mercenaries gear. "Quick! Did anyone get hit by them?!"

"I got grazed." Naruto said, holding up the mark.

"Naruto, those mercenaries had poison on their blades. That cut if infected with poison."

Naruto stared at the cut. Crap.

"If we cut you, and your blood flows, the poison may come out with it..."

Naruto needed no more " a cut eh?" He grabbed a kunia and twiddled into his right hand. He then slammed his hand into a tree. "How's this?" He then plunged the kunai towards his hand.

SPLAT!

"Argh!"

"N-N-Naruto! " Hinata cried, horrified at the sight.

Kakashi hadn't expected Naruto to instantly to straight for the slash. That should do it... Actually, it would overdo it. But he was the Jinchuriki of the nine tails. The foxes power would heal him. "A bit much but yes, It will do." Kakashi said.

Hinata dashed over to see if Naruto was okay. Sasuke had took it upon himself to tie up the prisoners. That left Kakashi and Tanuza.

"How did you know they were there?" Tanuza asked.

"There was a puddle of water, even though it hasn't rained for several days." Kakashi admitted. "But also... I had another agenda."

Tanuza raised an eyebrow.

"I wanted to know who their real target was."

Tanuza's eyes widened ever so slightly.

"Was it you they were after? Or one of us Ninja? A recon force sent to kill our ninja to weaken us for an invasion? Or simply bandits?" Kakashi said "those ninja, however, are a long way from home. They are from the village hidden in the mist. They're known for carrying on their orders, even at the cost of their lives." Kakashi continued, pointing at the headband of four squiggly lines. He then turned back to Tanuza. " in any case, it's clear to me that if they were specifically targeting you, this is a more B-Ranked mission. You may have had your reasons, but the leaf village has made deals with other travellers requesting more experienced ninja." Kakashi looked as his team went about their business " those three are just kids, regardless of thei backgrounds. To ask them to face professional assassins is suicide for both you and them."

Tanuza looked to the floor. While it was true he had his reasons, he had not expected a Genin team. A Chunin team would have been fine, but a Genin team wasn't even supposed to be taking those missions in the first place!

"Don't worry Hinata. " Naruto reassured Hinata, pulling the knife out " argh... I'll be fine... I'll just need a few minutes till I'm all healed up. Power of the fox, Eh?"

Hinata nodded slowly and sadly. She hated seeing Naruto like this.

Sasuke finished tying up the mercenaries and began to root through their pockets, seeing if they had anything worth taking. A few Kunai, a paper bomb, and some Shuriken stars.

"Kakashi." Tanuza spoke up. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at Tanuza.

"It's true that I lied about the dangers of this mission. There is someone who wants me dead." Tanuza admitted ".

Kakashi was perplexed. This man couldn't hurt anyone. Why would someone want him dead.

"You've probably heard of him. Gatö."

Kakashi's one visible eye widened " GATÖ? THE GATÖ?! They say he's the richest man in the world"

Tanuza nodded " Yes, THE Gatö. " he had a bitter taste of resentment in his voice. "That's the one."

The Genin all raised an eyebrow. Who the hell is Gatö?

"On the outside, he seems like a legit businessman, but he's a cruel man, enrolling in gangs, corrupt politicians and just about every horrid trick known to man." Tanuza explained "He starts by taking over small companies. Then ends up ruling entire COUNTRIES." Tanuza clearl had a deep resentment for this man. You could hear it in his voice. " about a year ago, he set his sights on the land of waves. Before long, he had taken over. Now thieves, gangs and murderers rule the streets. His personal mafia makes sure no-one interferes with his interests. Anyone who doesn't obey his rules dies on the spot."

Naruto gulped.

"You'd think with all the precautions taken he'd be safe. But no. Before he took over, me and my company were given a contract to build a bridge by our governments. The leaf has said anyone who interferes will be prosecuted regardless of status. So Gatö can't attack us directly..."

"I see." Said Sasuke. " for his interests to spread, he needs the people of your country to fall in line."

"And that bridge your building is a threat to him. Any inspectors will find out about his ways and he'll potentially be put to death." Hinata continued

"So your very much in his way." Naruto ended

Tanuza nodded " the Land if waves is such a poor country. Even our landlords are poor. That's why I couldn't afford an elite team."

It all made sense now. Tanuza was poor, so he couldn't afford an advanced team, but to travel alone would be suicide.

"I see." Kakashi said. "Very well then, I have a solution."

Tanuza raised his head and listened intently

"We will escort you to your home, and send a message to the village asking for a more advanced team to be sent. Then we will leave, and leave you to your buisiness." Kakashi said. " my team was able to take out those merc's. they will be able to protect you."

Tanuza nodded and bowed "I appreciate it."

Naruto put his rucksack on his back. His hand was still stinging, but he could deal with that. This was going to be a long trip. Hinata looked at him with concern. Naruto have her a grin and a thumbs up, with the hand he had stabbed.

He was ready to go.