I have a feeling that one person used 7 different personas to review... There were 7 reviews from 'Guests' last chapter and 3/4 of them were telling me to 'update, update, update'. Well...
To be honest, I would prefer someone who actually logs in/creates an account to review my story/other stories. I don't usually take reviews from site guests seriously, unless they're really long, lengthy and meaningful-looking. Of course, I take the praise seriously, but the people who keep telling me to 'update, update, update', well, it's a tad bit tiresome to read.
Tests are next week so I might not have the time to update daily for awhile.
Aurora-chan: Ah, I see. And believe me, I liked that part too.
Charrmed: Your analysis on Shikamaru is a hundred percent accurate! :p Sasuke being an emo jerk was one of the reasons I disliked him a little in canon, so I went ahead and made one in which Sasuke is a nice guy! For once. :D
The True Not Important: Thank you! To be honest I was feeling like Sasuke in the story was feeling at the moment. What did I just write? But I couldn't think of anything better to say, so I did that. ;)
Rain Dove: 'Fast pace writing' is just something I like to go by... I'll be looking to slow that down from now on. Thank you for finally allowing me to use your pen name in replies. You have no idea how annoying it was to reply to someone named 'Sorry'. Rain Dove sounds so much better.
tamu: No shit, Sherlock! ;)
Pyr00tje: There's a difference - Sasuke used his speed to help power his finishing move :)
Thanks to merry1995, Chilly, Guest, Guest, tayuya-chan, missyami, sasukitten, Guest, Aurora-chan, Charrmed, The True Not Important, Rain Dove, Swordianspeed, tamu, Guest, Pyr00tje and Revolutionpunk for the reviews!
Jesus, the amount of reviews last chapter.
Naruto stared at Hiruzen, who stared back at his favorite Konoha Genin with a serious look on his face.
With a grim sigh, the Third decided to repeat his earlier words.
"Guards manning the village gates at approximately 8 o'clock last night were attacked and knocked out by a group of four. Sasuke Uchiha is now missing from his village. We have cause to believe that these four shinobi were sent by Orochimaru to kidnap Sasuke."
Beside Naruto, Sakura growled angrily. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Sasuke, kidnapped.
"Damn it!" Naruto slammed his fist on the table of the Hokage. "Just when he got made Chunin too... Damn it!"
"Naruto. Sakura." Hiruzen addressed the two new Chunin with seriousness in his voice. "This will be your first mission as a Chunin. Listen up."
The two immediately straightened up.
"The both of you will each lead a four-man team, comprising of one Chunin and three Genin. Find the six strongest Genin you can think of in the village. When the teams are formed, both teams will split up and hunt for the whereabouts of Sasuke separately. Collectively, these two teams will be known as the... Sasuke Retrieval Squad."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Sakura said. Part of her was greatly frustrated by the kidnapping of her beloved Sasuke, but another small part of her was excited. She was leading a team.
"Wait. Old man." Naruto frowned. "One Chunin and three Genin?"
Hiruzen sighed. "The village has been greatly short-staffed following the invasion. Despite the failed attempt, shinobi are still working hard on repairing some areas of the village and the missions are continuing to pour in. Even academy instructors are being sent on missions."
Naruto's eyes widened, as his mind flashed to Iruka for a second.
"That's why I can't allow you to take any Jonin along. Itachi is on an important A-Ranked mission, and I'm afraid he won't be hearing good news when he returns," the Sandaime shuddered just thinking of what his top Jonin's reaction would be.
"Fine," Naruto nodded. "But, what about Shikamaru? You said... one Chunin, and three Genin, on each team..."
"Shikamaru is on an important mission, as well, a B-Ranked one. It's a fairly short one and he'll be returning today. I will see if I can send him as backup then."
Naruto nodded again. His mind flashed back to Sasuke and he quickly charged out of the door to find his new teammates. Sakura followed after, also fretting over the absent member of Team 7.
Naruto glared hard at the ground.
Sasuke... wait for us.
He then started thinking about his team.
We need a strong team if we're going to rescue Sasuke!
The blonde thought back to a conversation with his sensei. In Wave, Naruto had casually asked about shinobi teams and Itachi had explained that a four-man team would always need to be balanced. Naruto closed his eyes, recalling his words.
"So you're asking about search teams now, huh? Well, it's good to see you're keen to learn. Anyway, firstly, a team designated for seeking out a captured ally or an enemy with vital information must be balanced, like every other normal team."
"In such a team, first up, you have a tracker. The tracker is vital for the search team. With his abilities, the one given the role of the tracker has to seek out the target. Without a tracker in the team, it will be impossible for the mission to be completed."
"Next up, is the one known as the fighter. The fighter is primarily in charge whenever a battle occurs and if needed, he'll be the one given the role of buying time when an enemy appears to start a battle that is unnecessary to your mission. As the fighter, one must be skilled in fights and battles, obviously."
"Then, the thinker. Skilled in strategy-planning, this member will be handed the responsibility of outlining the plans of a mission. What to do and how to fight if an enemy surfaces, how the mission is completed, and even the route of the mission - this guy must plan it all. Usually, if you need someone in this role, you find a Nara, who are known for their genius minds."
"Last but not least, the leader. This member role is usually given to a Jonin, and occasionally a Chunin. As a leader, one must of course be leading the team and have good leadership and communication skills. Preferably, his abilities and personality should also be balanced between a fighter and thinker."
Opening his eyes, Naruto quickly made plans.
He was obviously going to be the leader. Naruto didn't know how much of a thinker he was, but what he did know was he could fill the boots of the fighter with ease.
However, with him in the role of the leader, he would have to find a 'fighter', a 'thinker', and a 'tracker'.
With Shikamaru out of the question, Naruto had no idea where he would find a 'thinker'.
First thing's first, let's find... a 'fighter'...
An energetic, jumpsuit-wearing, self-proclaimed beast popped up in his mind.
After searching in six of the Konoha training grounds, Naruto finally found his desired Genin in the Eighth Training Ground of the Leaf.
"It's Naruto-kun!"
"Bushy Brows." Naruto acknowledged. He wanted to smile but he couldn't bring himself to. Lee was in the middle of his set of one-handed push-ups. Naruto hated to disturb him, but decided the matter at hand was more pressing.
Explaining the situation to Lee, Naruto finished with extending an invitation to Lee to be the first member of his team.
Although in genuine shock, the green beast nodded and pumped his fist into the air. "Yosh! What a youthful mission you have been handed! Of course, I, Rock Lee, the Beautiful Green Beast of Konoha must accept your invitation!"
Naruto nodded. "Good to hear! Meet me at the village gates in fifteen minutes."
His next target was the tracker. Who could track? Naruto was about to ask Kiba, but then his mind flashed to a certain someone.
Walking towards the Hyuga Compound, Naruto navigated his way through the mini-village that housed only white-eyed citizens.
Seeing a house marked with 'Branch' and 'Neji Hyuga', Naruto knocked.
Neji opened up, decked in his ninja attire. From the sweat on his face, Naruto could tell he'd been training.
"Oh, it's Naruto," Neji frowned. "I don't usually get visitors. This must be something important."
"It is," Naruto sighed.
Neji's frown turned deeper after understanding the mission.
Then, the Hyuga boy smiled, something Naruto didn't really think he was capable of.
"It is an honor that you have chosen me for this mission. Of course I will go."
"You are going to be the tracker. To be honest, you're going to be the tracker, the fighter and the thinker all rolled into one, but primarily, the tracker, with your ability... what's that called, again?"
Neji sighed. "The Byakugan."
"Ah, yeah. The Byakugan," Naruto said sheepishly.
A Hyuga clan member walking past shot him a glare.
"You do not know what the most powerful dojutsu in the world is named? Pitiful," the man snapped, and continued on his way.
"Bastard," Naruto snorted. Then he turned to Neji. "Thank you for agreeing, Neji. I'll meet you at the village gates in ten minutes."
Nodding, Neji closed his door, and started preparing himself.
I don't know him well... but even I know that Naruto isn't usually this polite, Neji thought, grabbing his ninja tools and leaving them on the table. This mission is an important one for him.
"Now, the thinker." Naruto said to himself, exiting the Hyuga Compound. "Shikamaru is out, so..." He recalled Itachi's words once more.
"Eh, Itachi-sensei! What happens when a Nara refuses to help? Like Shikamaru! He's always so lazy and muttering about things being troublesome. I doubt he would want to help out on a search mission."
"You need to have more faith in your friends, Naruto... I don't think a Nara would refuse to help if the mission was important. But if that really happens, just get a really, really smart ninja. Maybe a Rookie of the Year, like Sasuke. He's a fighter and thinker mixed in one. A good leader in my opinion."
"Me too, right?!"
"Uh... no, not really, Naruto."
"Hey! You're just being biased because I'm not your little brother!"
"Hahahaha, no, that's not the case..."
The words echoed in Naruto's head.
A Rookie of the Year, like Sasuke.
But Sasuke wasn't here, so what was the next best thing?
The runner-up for Rookie of the Year.
With a determined expression on his face, Naruto ran towards one of the clan compounds once more.
He reached his destination soon enough. To the blonde's relief, Shino Aburame was walking out of the compound as Naruto arrived. He didn't want to venture into the Aburames' dwelling place. It was probably full of bugs.
"It's Naruto," Shino noted to himself. "Hello, Naruto. I was just leaving to train for a bit."
After being told about everything he needed to know, Shino thought for a moment. "So you want me to be... the brains of the team."
"Yeah. You aced every test in the academy, didn't you? So you're probably pretty smart! Besides, Neji will be present and he's also a really smart guy, so he'll be helping you out in that area."
Shino frowned. "I can't say I'm as smart as Shikamaru or that other guy, Neji... but of course I'll help you on your mission. Sasuke is a shinobi of Konoha, and since I have been handed the task to rescue him, who am I to refuse?"
"That sounds great. Please meet me at the village gates in five minutes."
"Alright."
Returning home, Naruto fumbled through his closet.
Hidden in the wave of similar orange outfits, Naruto found the one he'd purchased just yesterday, after officially hearing of his promotion to Chunin.
A customized orange undershirt.
Laying it on his bed, he took off the orange jacket he always wore, his signature outfit. Replacing it with his orange undershirt, Naruto cast a glance towards the wardrobe change that came with being a Chunin.
The Konohagakure flak jacket, or Chunin vest.
Putting it on, Naruto strapped on his tool bag to his waist.
It was time for the mission.
"This distance should be enough."
Jirobo nodded, and grabbed the unconscious Sasuke off his back, laying the Uchiha on the ground. Sakon walked over with a pill in hand, and forced it into Sasuke's mouth, making sure he swallowed it.
As soon as he did, Sasuke's eyes flew open and he jerked forward.
"Where am I...? Gaaaahh!"
"Jirobo!" Sakon roared.
Jirobo hauled Sasuke up and quickly placed him into a container, with him screaming and all.
"Now!"
All four members of the Sound team clapped their hands into hand seals.
"Four Black Mists Formation!"
The container released a whirlwind of purple smoke.
Getting out a seal tag, Sakon bit his thumb, drawing blood, and with it, wrote on the paper. Attaching it to the container, the grey-haired shinobi did a hand seal.
"Ninja Art: Dark Seal."
The seal glowed.
Sakon smirked.
"It is done."
Naruto showed up in his new outfit. His new Chunin vest and orange undershirt, complete with his original orange pants. The three Genin in front of him were visibly impressed by his new look.
He nodded to what he newly-dubbed Team Naruto. Neji, Lee and Shino were in their ninja attire.
Sakura then appeared, with her formed team behind her.
Naruto observed them closely, and smiled brightly as he saw Kiba waving at him with a smirk on his face.
"I knew it... you picked Kiba."
"My nose is just too great, I guess," the Inuzuka laughed, and Akamaru barked in agreement. "I'm just disappointed you didn't pick me, Naruto!" He growled. Naruto chuckled sheepishly.
The rest of Sakura's team included Ino and Choji. Naruto was a little surprised at her choices, but looked at his team and figured out he'd already picked the best anyway, so there was really little room for Sakura to pick.
"Alright." Sakura nodded. "Let's go."
"Wait." Naruto walked to the front of the squad. He fixed all of them with a serious look, an uncharacteristic act of the Uzumaki. "I know a few of you here do not know much about Sasuke, nor do you feel like doing so."
No replies came, so he continued.
"However!" Naruto roared. "He is a shinobi of Konohagakure. He is one of us! He is our comrade! And what do we do when we have a comrade in trouble?" The Kyuubi Jinchuriki paused, allowing the question to sink in.
"We rescue that comrade!"
Sakura smiled. Naruto...
Choji's jaw hung open at his friend's speech. That was... so cool!
Kiba's smirk only grew wider.
"So, as the overall in charge of this entire squad," Naruto folded his arms. "I expect every single one of you, to give your hundred percent into this mission!" Placing his hand forward, letting it hover in mid-air, he continued. "Now who's with me?!"
Sakura placed her hand on Naruto's first. The two members of Team 7 looked at each other and nodded.
They were soon joined by six more hands.
As Naruto and his team got ready to move, Sakura addressed him.
"Since we're likely to be heading the same way, my team will be a few meters behind and act as backup. You go on ahead first and when we are fifty meters apart - stop for five minutes to draw up battle strategies and a plan."
"Good idea," Naruto nodded. Punching the air, he yelled to his teammates. "Alright! Team Naruto sets off now!"
At his call, Neji, Shino and Lee disappeared, all jumping into the air along with their new leader.
Team Naruto entered the forest, and stopped after five minutes of running.
"Alright, Shino, Neji." Naruto nodded.
"Right." Shino stepped forward. "So here it is. Of course, as Naruto has explained to all of us the roles of the tracker, fighter and thinker - I'll just have to explain it again. In this case, I am the thinker, but a mix of a fighter and a thinker. Neji is the tracker of the team, and his dual role is as the fighter. Lee will hold up simply one role, as the fighter, and Naruto will be the leader of the team."
Neji nodded. "My Byakugan can stretch far, and I'll be using it to track down and look for Sasuke and his captives. We are likely to be able to reach them easily - the only problem is the fact that we will have to fight enemy shinobi, and I'm pretty sure Orochimaru wouldn't send his weaker subordinates for this."
"Of course," Naruto frowned.
"Alright, so here's the plan."
Kidomaru turned and glared at the trees behind him.
"We are being followed."
"Yeah, I noticed." Sakon revealed.
"Followed?" Jirobo asked. He'd not sensed anything.
"Yes." Sakon closed his eyes. "A four-man team... No... wait... not just four... five... or six... I can't make out the exact number... but it looks like it's a four-man team, with a few others following behind for backup."
"How can you predict it so accurately?"
Sakon smirked. "Chakra sensing. Maybe if you practice and stop being lazy, you can do it too."
Jirobo grunted in response.
"He's right, you know, fat ass. Maybe you should stop eating too," Tayuya snickered.
"I believe it's your turn to carry the container, Tayuya," Jirobo growled, tossing the container over to the redhead. Tayuya caught it, as the four continued their journey forward.
"Here's the plan," Sakon told the team. "I think we'll be able to take all of them out, but we cannot delay the delivery of the vessel. I believe they have a tracking ninja within their team, so Jirobo and Kidomaru will split from us once we reach that branch over there."
"Ah, I get it," Kidomaru smiled. "You want to throw them off. Fine, let's see what these Konoha shinobi can do."
"I'll be seeing what I can do to mask our scent." Sakon looked up. "Jirobo, Kidomaru. Now."
The two Sound ninjas stopped on the specified branch, and made a right turn.
"You think that'll throw the fuckers off?" Tayuya asked.
"It will," Sakon proclaimed confidently.
Longer than the last one, so I'm happy enough. Naruto, Lee, Neji and Shino. What do you think? In the next chapter, the Sasuke Retrieval Squad meets their first adversary of the mission. Stay tuned.
A simple question to end off today's chapter, the most asked question of the Naruto universe: Sakura or Hinata?
Leave your interesting responses in the reviews.