Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and this is a fanfic based on others hard work and ideas.

Speaking

Thinking

Chapter 6

They stood on the bridge with wide eyes as Shikamaru read the sign out loud.

"The Great Naruto Bridge

Welcome to the Great Naruto Bridge, it is here on this bridge a young boy Naruto Uzumaki stood against overwhelming odds and with the rest of his team, Kakashi Hatake, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha, taught this town what it means to stand for what you believe in and fight for it. We dedicate this bridge to Naruto's bravery and unyielding courage."

"Wow, is this true Kakashi?" asked Hana.

"Well, there was an equal participation between all the team, but I cannot refute the spirit Naruto gave them. He did inspire the villagers to stand up and they did just that" replied Kakashi.

All of a sudden the nin-ken were making a sound that was hard to distinguish, but could be taken as snickering. Hana turned to them with flushed cheeks and told them to shut up. Everyone else was wondering what the joke was. What they couldn't figure out was that Hana was releasing pheromones unintentionally thinking about the "hero" she didn't even really know. Let's be honest, all Inuzuka females want an 'alpha' male and a 'hero' would be considered an 'alpha' male. Too bad for her when she can't control her own pheromones.

As the team arrived at the town Hana turned to her Nin-ken. "I want you three to search the town. See if you can locate Naruto or his scent."

"Alright team, let's go to Tazuna's house first." Said Kakashi.

As the team was walking through town they noticed the 'not-so-friendly' glares they were getting. Shikamaru turned to Kakashi, "If I didn't know any better I would think we are not welcome here."

Kakashi just nodded and continued to eye smile and wave to the town's people.

The team finally arrived at the house and Kakashi knocked on the door.

"Coming" was heard from a feminine voice.

As the door opened, Tsunami saw who was there. Kakashi held up a hand in a waving fashion and said "Yo, long time no see."

The atmosphere changed immediately. "What can I do for you" said Tsunami with venom.

Kakashi was taken aback by this, "We haven't checked on you all in a while and we wanted to stop by and see how things are going."

"Wait here, I will get father" Tsunami replied and closed the door.

"Well, that was less friendly than I was expecting," said Kakashi. The rest of the team just nodded and waited since they were new here.

The door opened and Tazuna appeared and he looked even less happy than Tsunami if that was possible. "What can I do for Konoha."

Kakashi stuck to the original greeting, "We haven't talked to you in a while and we wanted to check on you."

"We're fine. By the way, here is a scroll for your Hokage. We do not need Konoha's help anymore. You can leave now." Tazuna was closing the door when Kakashi put his foot in the door frame.

"So is this how Konoha treats people. Helps them out at first then forces their way into their homes. What's next, you going to banish us from our homes," Tazuna spat out.

Everyone on the team caught on now.

"Clearly Naruto is either here or has been here. Listen Tazuna…"

"No you listen, Kakashi, that boy meant the world to us in this village. To see the state he was in when he arrived here and to hear what the great Konoha did to him. It was outrageous and we will not stand for it," Tazuna practically screamed at Kakashi.

Hinata taking her conversation with Tsunade and Jiraiya to heart, built up her courage and pushed Kakashi out of the way. Much to the surprise to every there.

"P-Please Tazuna-san, what happened to N-Naruto was a big mistake that was made by people in our village that usurped L-Lady Hokage's rule in a moment she couldn't s-stop it. We are all hurting because of this decision. We want to make sure he is s-safe and we have a place he can go to be safe from harm." Hinata pleaded with the man and he could see something in her eyes. It was clearly love. However, his anger could not be calmed.

"I'm sorry young lady, but I am not inclined to tell you anything. However, I will tell you this, he is safe from you all specifically. He is long gone from here and I doubt you will ever find him. Now, you have our village's decision in that scroll. You may all leave now" and Tazuna slammed the door.

"Alright team, let's find a clearing outside of town and rest and regroup. I'll send a message to Lady Hokage in the morning and we'll get back" said Kakashi feeling a little defeated.

It was at this time the three nin-ken of Hana showed up. She was 'talking' with them and she gasped. Turning to Kakashi she said, "Kakashi, the triplets told me that Naruto's scent is heavy down at the docks. I think it is safe to assume that he took a boat from here."

"Very good Hana. Shikamaru and Hinata, I want you to go to the docks and see what you can find out if anything. However, do not annoy the people. If they are giving you a hard time then just leave. Let us hope we can rebuild a relationship here and get more information in the future."

Xxxxxxxxxx

Down at the docks

Shikamaru and Hinata were attempted to ask questions but of course no would say anything. Shikamaru was studying the shipping schedules and noticed something about the shipping destinations. He decided to keep that information private for now. All of a sudden Hinata took off down the docks. Shikamaru wondering if something was wrong followed her. She jumped off the docks and into the water at the end of the pier. She finally came back clutching something. It was Naruto's orange jacket.

Xxxxxxxxxx

At the campsite.

Kakashi was drafting the letter for the Hokage when Shikamaru and Hinata approached.

"Where's Hana?" asked Shikamaru.

"She and her Nin-ken are getting us dinner." Replied Kakashi.

Hinata stepped up and gathered her resolve (somehow it just got a little easier this time) "We found this at the docks."

Kakashi started to reach for it and Hinata held onto it. "I'm sorry, but I will take this back myself." Kakashi just nodded as he finished his report adding in Hinata would be bringing back Naruto's jacket. Kakashi summoned another one of his dogs and told it to get the report back to Lady Hokage and then after dinner the team got some sleep.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Back in Konoha – Hospital

Sasuke was beyond angry at this point. That bitch of a Hokage just informed him of his seal and his "probation". What a joke. All this time wasted when he could have gotten stronger so he could kill his brother.

As he sat there Sakura came in. She smiled and tried to greet him. He just "Hn" as usual. This broke her spirit a little bit. She though he would be happy to be back in the village with her. She proceeded to tell him all about Naruto (mind you breaking the law) and the nine-tailed fox and told him to be careful because this was an S-Class Secret.

After some heavy contemplation Sasuke formed a plan in his head. "Sakura, I must tell you what has happened to me. My chakra has been sealed due to my treachery. I am truly sorry, but if you will help me I think we can be 'happy'. Do you think you can 'help' me?" he asked.

Inside Sakura was screaming and dancing. She finally had won him over. "Sure Sasuke-kun, I can help you with whatever you need."

Inside, Sasuke had an evil smile and thought, "I just need to be patient and play this just right."