Naruto walked boldly through the Hokage's front door, forgoing the expected pause of respect by the entrance. "What's on the mission list today Baa-chan?"

Tsunade glanced up from her papers in annoyance. "Is knocking a dead reflex to you? Show some respect for your Hokage, brat."

Naruto responded with a cheeky grin. "Ah, I know you'll knock some sense into me one day Baa-chan. So, where do you need me?"

The annoyance mark on Tsunade's forehead got bigger but she responded all the same.

"We need a shinobi in the western part of the fire country for a special stealth mission. Now, I know stealth isn't one of your fortès Naruto, but its a pretty straightforward assignment, you should have no trouble with it. The difficult part would be handling conflict if it arises. Which is why I picked you for this mission."

Naruto looked slightly thoughtful "A stealth mission, huh? What's the objective?"

"Villagers in that area have reported suspicious activity amongst the new visitors. Word on the street is, some of the new arrivals are ninja. But instead of declaring their village and requesting permission to enter fire country, they've slipped in disguised as wandering traders. I need you to get in there and find out what they're up to."

"What do we know about the enemy?" Naruto was all business as he began thinking through the new assignment.

"We know little about the enemy save that they are less than jonin rank. We wouldn't have gotten word of them so early if they were as careful as jonin. However, there is always the risk they WANTED to be found. In which case, you should proceed with care, and call for backup if necessary. Discovering their intentions and preventing any trouble they have planned is what I'm tasking you with. If capture is possible, that would be a bonus.

Naruto frowned thoughtfully. "Will I have any teammates for this mission?"

"Just one. A squad of three is too noticeable in a village, even with diguises."

"Who will it be?"

Tsunade stared seriously at him. "I want you to pick whoever you think is most suited to accompany you."

Naruto looked up in surprise. "Why do I get to pick?"

Tsunade maintained her serious tone. "A number of reasons. Firstly, you are almost of Jounin rank. The only thing standing between you and that title is the Jounin exams which I am fairly confident you would pass. Despite being chuunin you haven't had many opportunities to lead a squad of your own. Once you become Jounin your leadership responsibilities will only increase. I want you to be prepared when that time comes. Choosing teammates for an assignment is often part of a squad leader's job. You must gain practice at balancing the strengths and weaknesses of a team and choosing shinobi most suited to each particular mission."

Naruto paused consideringly, then nodded in agreement. "That makes sense." He paused again. "You said 'firstly'. What's the other reason?"

Tsunade smiled. Time was Naruto wouldn't have been able to focus for this long, let alone pay attention to phrasing. The little brat has grown, Tsunade thought with a touch of pride. It's high time he started leading squads of his own.

"The other reason is, this mission relies on inconspicuousness. The story will be that you're travelling to the village for the 'Gensooteki no Tsuya'; a festival native to that region and which that particular village is famous for.

Naruto cocked is head in confusion. "I don't get it."

Tsunade smiled, a touch of humour in her eyes. "The Gensooteki no Tsuya is a festival for couples. You will need to bring someone you get along well with."

Naruto's breath caught in surprise. "C-couples?!" He backed up a step, eyes wide and mouth gaping. Tsunade rolled her eyes at Naruto's reaction.

He may have grown, but some things never change. "Yes Naruto, couples. The better you get along with your teammate the more convincing it will be. I assume you will bring a Kunoichi. Though, of course, if your preferences swing the other way, a fellow Shinobi would also be acceptable." Tsunade smiled slyly. She had made that last comment to get a reaction out of Naruto. The kid was entertaining to mess with. She wasn't dissapointed, as Naruto began to make vulgar choking sounds, face beet red at her insinuations.

"A fellow kunoichi will do just fine! Jeez, where did that come from?" Tsunade continued to watch Naruto, entertained by his response. "Well, you've never been in a serious relationship, and I've known you since you were a little brat."

"Were you blind to the passes I made at Sakura?!"

Tsunade shrugged with another smile. "They never went anywhere and boys have been known to do that to cover their real preference."

Naruto started sputtering again. Tsunade, now grinning, decided she'd been entertained enough.

"The point is, if you want to be convincing, think about which Kunoichi you could pull this act off with."

Naruto stared at her, still wide-eyed.

"You're dismissed. Read through this mission report and come back if you have any further questions. You have 3 days to prepare, assemble your team and move out."

Naruto nodded dumbly at her, picked up the report and walked out.

Tsunade stared after him in concern. She hadn't overdone it, had she? The gay joke had just been her little bit of fun. No.. that wasn't it. He'd left the room looking preoccupied, as though something heavy was weighing on his mind. The brat couldn't have gotten himself a girl? Come to think of it, he had been spending more time with the Hyuuga woman lately. Tsunade smiled slyly, before returning her attention to the piles of paperwork on her desk. This new development could prove interesting...