MiLoCo

Author: Ladelle

Rating: M

Comments: Sorry for the lateness! Thank you for all fo the reviews!

Despite the fact they had just vowed to be truthful with each other, Neji seemed intent on burying any information concerning the person he was searching for. Naruto had managed to get out that it was a woman, which Neji seemed embarrassed to admit. His reaction had been somewhat amusing to Naruto, mostly because he wasn't used to men being intimidated by women… and whatever this one had going for her must have been big, because he couldn't once remember seeing Neji self-conscious.

After a short trip to the shooting range Naruto managed to escape back to his apartment, surprised to find the building nearly empty. It seemed like the only time any people were inside was at night, but he didn't mind. The less paranoid he felt about people looking over his shoulder the more apt he was to research some more about Sasuke on the internet—and at this point in time, Itachi, too.

As he sat curled in his computer chair he noticed his icon blinking, an indication that he had just received a message. He flipped up the top latch to read it, surprised when it was a message from Morino. It looked like he and Neji had another assignment, though the details were sparse.

As the light from his window began to fade into night there was a knock on his door and he jumped up, wondering who would be visiting so late. A soft swell of cool evening air breezed in through his opened balcony door, and his bare feet tingled against the cold hardwood floor of his living room as he padded to the door.

"Naruto, it's me," a voice said, and the blond shook his head, wondering how Neji had heard him approach the door. It seemed like the man had a sixth sense half of the time, and the other half he was just a sponge, soaking up information.

He unlocked his door and opened it, allowing his partner in before catching a weary glance from Raidou in the outer hall. He looked angry about something but Naruto only frowned—Raidou always seemed to be angry about something.

"Hey, you're over kind of late," Naruto said, although it was only around eight. He didn't feel nervous about having his computer out with articles on Itachi pulled up as Neji drifted into his home, looking observant.

"Did you get Morino's text?" he asked, and Naruto glanced down at his icon with a look of bewilderment.

"I guess. It didn't make much sense to me," he said, and Neji ran a hand through his long hair, craftily pulling it up into a ponytail. He wandered over to Naruto's balcony door and closed it, signaling that in some way the information they were about to discuss was important.

When Neji turned back around to him his eyes were narrow and focused and it made Naruto feel skittish under the scrutiny. "What… did something happen?"

Naruto sat down on his couch, wondering what exactly their next mission entailed. He hardly felt like it could be anything that dangerous, especially considering the fact he had barely had any assignments at all. Visiting two houses didn't really count for ground work in his book, but he wasn't going to argue if something more exciting was put on the table.

"Morino's on the fence. From what I've been able to gather, someone from the Akatsuki is in town… and Danzo is pushing for immediate action."

Naruto stared for a minute, processing the information. Why was someone from the Akatsuki out in the open? A small surge of fear went through him as he wondered if it was related to him. He opened his mouth to ask, but Neji cut him off.

"It's all related to the traveler Shizune is hiding," he said smoothly. "Whoever it is, they're in town… and as expected, the Akatsuki is making a move."

The other traveler, not him. He wanted to let out a sigh of relief but paused, realizing the danger that put Shizune's acquaintance in. He frowned.

"So, what? Morino wants us to visit Shizune again?" he asked, confused. Neji shook his head.

"Worse. He wants us to get the Akatsuki member directly," his voice was clearly disagreeing and even cold. Naruto jumped up from the couch.

"What? That's crazy—us? As in you and me? I thought I needed to stay hidden!" he said, and an image of Raidou's frustrated expression breezed through his mind. Of course the other high ranking officers would know about this type of case—and of course they would be upset about it. Especially the ones that didn't trust travelers.

Neji snorted. "I thought the same thing," he stated. "I think Morino's hands are tied. If he doesn't get rid of the danger, he risks Danzo coming here to investigate himself. If that happens… well, you're here." His explanation was perfectly simple and almost made complete sense. Almost.

"But why you and I?" Naruto asked, feeling anxious. He wasn't afraid of the Akatsuki, but anything that cause a potential detour from his simple 'work-get papers-meet Sasuke' motif made him uncomfortable.

Neji looked downcast as he pocketed his hands, an attractive black button-up dress shirt falling loose around his waist. It brought attention to a rather nice studded belt that sagged along his hips, making Naruto feel like he was dressed for a night out rather than official police business.

"Morino thinks… you're the only one who can get close to him, whoever it is." Neji explained briefly and the brunet's warning about Itachi from earlier slipped through his head. Akatsuki members weren't easy to find—and were almost impossible to come into contact with. Unless you were the right person.

Naruto took a long breath and let his eyes dart around the room, as if searching for the right words to say. Neji was watching him carefully before he spoke.

"I don't want you to be afraid—" he began, but Naruto's head snapped up, surprising him with a wayward grin.

"This guy will know where Itachi is, right?" he asked, and Neji's expression changed from something concerned to something a little more stunned and disbelieving.

"Assumably…" he said, and continued, "But Naruto, this man will be dangerous, and there will be specific guidelines we'll have to follow. Even though we'll be the center of this assignment… your branch will be backing us up."

Naruto nodded, a new wave of thoughts overcoming him. Yes, it was dangerous and of course he had no idea what to expect. But they said to keep your friends close and enemies closer, and if he could manage to get information about Itachi, it would be well worth the danger.

"I'm not afraid," Naruto answered Neji's comment from earlier, and ran a hand through his disheveled blond hair. "Isn't the one cardinal rule to life 'stay one step ahead'?"

Neji looked like he wasn't sure how to answer but Naruto smiled. "Just tell me what I have to do. If Morino wants an Akatsuki member, we'll get him one."

Naruto expected Neji to give him another shocked expression, but it seemed as though he and Neji were finally finding themselves on the same page when it came to missions and goals. Neji understood exactly what Naruto was aiming for, and also had complete faith in him. So instead of looking surprised, the long haired brunet simply cocked a grin to match Naruto's.

"Right," he said, and then, "Tomorrow afternoon is check-in at the main facility. Morino's making arrangements now, and tomorrow night, we'll be infiltrating wherever it is this member is hiding."

Naruto nodded and glanced out of the giant window that doubled as his balcony door, watching as a thick set of clouds revealed a disturbingly whole moon.

He couldn't contain the raw excitement that jolted through him at the thought of getting closer to Itachi. The faster he worked to catch the older Uchiha, the sooner he would be free to be an independent citizen in the future world.

And that in itself was enough to risk his life for.

The next morning came too quickly, and Naruto drank a few bottles of water before he went out for an early morning jog. His mind was restless and his body was beginning to grow adjusted to the constant exercise, almost craving it when he wasn't at morning practices.

His entire dormitory seemed to be completely empty again, but he was sure that everyone was taking advantage of the mission at hand and sleeping in at the promise of no practice. Apparently when a whole department worked together on an assignment that became the primary focus, and other priorities were downplayed.

Naruto heaved a sigh as he rounded the corner of the main building, not used to seeing it so dead. The sun was already out and the campus was beginning to become active, but he had grown accustomed to seeing the main offices crowded and busting with employees, detainees, and abrasive bosses demanding deadlines.

He breathed in the fresh morning air as he circled back to his housing unit, leaning over to catch his breath as he slowed to a halt before the miniature stairwell leading to the front door.

"You went running?" a voice asked, and he squinted against the sun as he peered up, recognizing Kotetsu's loud voice. Sure enough, the muscular officer was perched on the sidelong mantle, looking amused. He was missing a shirt and it seemed intentional, and Naruto wondered if he was trying to tan.

"I was restless," he admitted, although he corrected himself. "I'm excited to do something a little more dangerous than interviews."

Kotetsu laughed and leaned back, making it clear to Naruto that the man indeed was trying to catch some rays. He smirked.

"I don't think there's enough sun for you to tan," he chuckled, and the other officer frowned at him, almost looking surprised that his intentions had been revealed.

"Well, not everyone can be naturally crispy like you," he retorted, and Naruto nodded. It was the truth. But hey, he had come from a long line of Coloradoans and Californians so it was in his heredity to be a healthy shade of sun-shaded brown.

"There is always overcast here," Naruto said, glancing up at the clouds. "But hardly ever rain. It's weird."

Kotetsu snorted and the front doors jerked open, revealing Haku and Zabuza. Haku looked surprised to see Naruto, but he smiled and jogged down the steps anyhow.

"You weren't out running, were you?" he asked, and Naruto stood up, wiping sweat from his forehead. He nodded, and Haku frowned.

"You're not supposed to overwork yourself before a big assignment!" he exclaimed, and Zabuza grunted from behind him. "You should go and get dressed since we're meeting in a couple of hours. Don't do any more unnecessary training," he supplied, and Naruto nodded in understanding.

He supposed it wasn't the smartest thing to exert himself before making an effort to catch someone so dangerous, but he couldn't help himself from wanting to stay on top of the game.

"Alright, I'm headed in. I'll see you guys in a couple of hours," he supplied and he dodged up the stairs with too much energy for someone who had just circled the complex three times.

"I don't know if I should be concerned that he's so energetic about all of this," Haku said as he watched the door click closed, and Kotetsu laughed from the side.

"I think it's endearing. I'd rather him be confident about something this big than afraid," he said, and Zabuza remained quiet. When he had told Naruto that he didn't care abut his past, he had been honest.

Slowly but surely, he was beginning to wonder if not knowing was a mistake.

Naruto and Neji knew each other—and they knew each other well. Aside from the fact it had been a year—or two years depending on the person—that they had seen each other, they were still able to read each other like books when it came to anything concerning the mission at hand.

So it wasn't surprising that they discussed things between themselves as Morino spoke, carefully making every step concrete in their plan to capture whatever member had surfaced in the heart of Denver.

And even though Naruto was anxious to get a lead on Itachi Uchiha, the more he sat in the focused atmosphere of the academy lecture hall, the more he began to wonder if he was in over his head.

"I think that, in order to ensure success in this assignment," Raidou was confronting the question of how many officers would tail Naruto directly, "one—maybe two people should tailgate him."

There was a hushed set of whispers as people ran over the possibility, and Neji sounded completely wise when he retorted.

"Even though I'm sure the idea of leaving Uzumaki completely unaccompanied may sound pleasing," he was attacking Raidou's dislike for travelers, "we have to think ahead. If things get out of hand and he needs backup, will two people honestly stand against an Akatsuki member?"

Raidou grumbled from the other side of the rounded lecture hall, looking slightly bitter. Neji merely licked his lips, looking casual and in control as always. From the front of the room Morino let out a deep breath and clapped his hands together.

"This is our situation," he began slowly, "and it's a tricky one. We're not going someplace dangerous—we're going someplace crowded. The Purple Martini is always swarming with guests, so even if there are tailgaters… unless they keep close proximity—which would appear very suspicious—they serve virtually no purpose."

Naruto sat quietly as more people rummaged through thoughts, the discussion turning into a list of bullets on a digital blackboard as they decided what actions to take. When someone volunteered that he merely be used as bait to lure the suspect outside, he frowned and turned to Neji.

"Why do I feel like this entire project is being rushed?" he asked honestly. It made him feel even less confident when his own department thought of him more like a lure than an asset. Neji sighed.

"Because it is. We've only got a lead on this guy for tonight," he answered softly and quickly, and from beside them, Zabuza's deep voice took control over the small whisperings of wiry conversation.

"Instead of thinking about what we don't need, let's discuss what we do," he commanded, and Haku perked up from beside him.

"We need officers waiting to make the arrest with a vehicle that is inconspicuous," he said, and Zabuza nodded in approval.

"Uzumaki will need wires," Raidou said automatically. He seemed thoughtful for a moment before speaking again. "Two people should enter with him, and both should have ear-bugs for the wires. If we can't see the kid, we'll hear him."

"That's a good idea," Kotetsu threw in, "especially because they'll most likely be sitting for most of the time. As long as we know their location, it doesn't matter what our vantage is," he continued.

Naruto felt like it was a decent resolve, except for the wires part. He couldn't feel at liberty to question about Itachi if his fellow officers were listening to his every word. Neji seemed to feel the same way, or maybe he just saw a loophole in the idea.

"While that's a very good idea, the Akatsuki are smart," he said coolly, "Too smart for wires."

Raidou locked eye contact with the long haired brunet and it took only a minute before Naruto came to the conclusion that they didn't like each other very much at all. "Well, what do you suggest?" his tone was completely cynical.

Neji looked calm, though Naruto saw a spark of irritation glitter in his pale blue eyes. Deciding he had been sitting quiet for too long, he cut off his partner to speak.

"It's not that it's a bad idea… it's just that there is a lot for me to have to get right for it to work," he explained. "I mean… how am I supposed to find this person? I can't just go in, announce I'm a traveler and be escorted to him, can I?"

And in his mind it made sense. The more suspicious he was, the more they'd suspect him of being wired. If he managed to get in calmly and inconspicuously, he would have more of a shot at making it with the wires.

And at this point in time, with the awkward hostility between Raidou and Neji, he didn't mind the wires. He knew enough about electronics to figure out a way to 'accidentally' lose one to reach his own means.

"Naruto, if there was ever a time for you to use tact, its tonight," Morino stated, and it made everyone glance to Naruto momentarily. He wondered if anyone was curious as to why Morino used his first name as casually as he did, and decided it was a subject better left untouched. If no one else said anything, he most certainly wasn't going to.

"If you all can get me in," Naruto said confidently, "I can figure it out from there. Wire me and send two people in… and the rest should be to restrain the guy when we leave… or if he figures it out."

Neji glanced over to him with a focused gleam in his eye and the rest of the officers seemed appeased, even if the plan was very watery. It seemed like they didn't have much of a choice.

"Naruto, you're not going to be able to carry a weapon," Genma said from across the table. He had been quiet and assertive during the whole meeting, leaning back in his chair with his hands crossed peaceably in his lap. When he glanced up and met eyes with Naruto, it was almost as if he was concerned, thinking the blond was in over his head.

"I figured as much," Naruto said truthfully, and he leaned forward in his chair. "I'll be fine. You forget that I'm a traveler, too—he won't want to kill me."

There was a moment of silence in the room while everyone chewed on his words, realizing that they were very true. Morino sparked another topic.

"Which brings me to my next point, and possibly the most important part of this entire assignment," he said, and his voice was more serious than Naruto had ever heard it. The attention of everyone in the room was commanded towards the lead officer in the front, transfixed by his tone and dangerous stance.

"Even if something goes awry, and the Akatsuki member gets away," he said carefully, letting his eyes wander knowingly around the room, "I expect all of you to put your lives on the line to make sure that Naruto doesn't end up in his hands."

His voice was grueling and particular and it made a few of the officers—mainly Kotetsu and Izumo—glance around a little nervously. Izumo had been quiet for the majority of the meeting, so seeing his face look so intent made Naruto feel butterflies flutter a bit in his stomach.

"Yes sir," Neji answered belatedly, as if acknowledging the request. He saluted, and the other officers followed, all looking determined and aware. Raidou's eyes were narrowed lucidly at Naruto as he glanced around, and Morino saluted in return.

"All of you, go and get prepared. The two officers that will tail Naruto will be Haku and Kotetsu, due to the atmosphere of the Purple Martini. Dress accordingly. Neji, you'll be on ground control for the exit—Izumo, Genma, Raidou—follow his leadership. Zabuza, you and I will work according to our own discretion in the situation. Are there any questions?"

There was a slight shuffling of papers and Naruto could feel Neji bristle beside him, most likely because he had wanted to stay by his side. The fact Raidou was working under him didn't seem to help matters either, because the bulky other officer looked like he was ready to change careers.

"Naruto," Morino said, and the blond jerked his attention towards the commander, "come with me so we can get you rigged. And again, everyone," his tone grew dark again, "Under no circumstances is Naruto to be compromised during this mission."

Morino ducked out of the lecture room door before anyone had a chance to reply, but as Naruto nodded goodbye to Neji and traipsed down the landing to follow the older man, Raidou's voice found its way to its ear.

"Looks like someone isn't an ordinary traveler," he whispered, and when Naruto glanced up to meet the other's cold gaze, he was surprised to see that as quickly as Raidou had commented he had disappeared from sight. Deciding not to worry himself too much about it, Naruto whisked into the hallway, his eyes darting around to locate Morino.

When he did he was surprised to see some familiar faces from the auxiliary department already prepared with miniature microphones—at least that's what Naruto assumed they were. They looked like sunflower seeds in the box they came in, and Morino motioned him over.

"These are really simple," Morino said and he held one up. "Put it on your tongue and stick it to the roof of your mouth," he directed, and Naruto looked at the small black chip quizzically. He followed the directions after an impatient sound from the base of Morino's throat and held the device against the upper muscle in his mouth.

He felt a tingling sensation and jerked backwards, surprised that when he removed his tongue the device seemed to be stuck. He rubbed it a little before glancing up at Morino, who looked busy fiddling with a laptop on the table. The two technicians leaned over him to press a couple keys on the keyboard, and Morino spoke.

"Is it connected?" he asked, and almost immediately afterward the computer sang out, 'Is it connected?'

Naruto glanced down to the computer and Morino stood up before grabbing a couple silver ear-bugs from the box. "Set these to the same wavelength for Haku and Kotetsu," he directed, and the two men nodded before typing up a storm on the computer.

Naruto couldn't stop tonguing the small device, feeling like a dog with peanut butter stuck on the roof of its mouth. Morino seemed to notice because he bopped him on the head.

"Stop that," he directed and Naruto frowned.

"How does this work?" he asked, completely curious. How anything inside his mouth could collect sound from outside of his head was beyond him. Morino smirked.

"While it's suctioned to your muscle, it intercepts your auditory functions through your nerves," he explained, and Naruto nodded. That did make sense.

"How do I get it out?" he asked, and the commander glanced around the hallway, following other officers as they shot around, preparing for the night.

"You gargle salt water," he said passively, as if his attention was elsewhere. He seemed to think of something though so he glanced down at Naruto, his expression serious. "Don't drink anything warm or it may fall out," he warned and Naruto nodded.

After a few minutes of not breaking eye contact Morino's expression lightened and he let out a long breath. ""Naruto, be careful."

The blond nodded, although he was surprised by the sudden change in personality. Morino cared for him a bit like a wayward son, it seemed, but he accepted it anyhow. He wanted to make it out of the ordeal alive as well, so trusting the commander was something he was willing to do.

"Haku," Morino shouted, catching the younger man's attention from the lecture hall. He came forward auspiciously, saluting his lead officer. "Yes sir?"

Morino handed him one of the silver bugs and Haku wasted no time in securing it into his ear—and Naruto assumed that it was the other end of his bug.

"I won't turn it on until later," Haku promised, even though hi sit it snug into his ear. He glanced up at Morino, and the older man gave another direction.

"Take Naruto back to the dorm and get him ready. I'm counting on you, him and Kotetsu to have full communication about what's to be expected, and signs you may have, and anything else that's relevant. So grab him on your way out."

Haku nodded and wrapped his fingers around Naruto's arm, leading him back towards the lecture hall door, most likely to grab Kotetsu and head out. Morino gave him one final glance before returning his attention to the technical equipment in front of him, and before Haku could pull him out of the building, Neji placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"I'm behind you all the way," he whispered in Naruto's ear and it made him feel comfortable knowing that he didn't have to worry about a lack of protection. He smiled at his friend and let Haku and Kotetsu lead him out, surprised to see the sun beginning to lower, and nightfall quickly arriving.