Chapter 24 enjoy
Far from Konoha, a four-person squad of their elites is hidden within the trees on a forest edge.
Several hundred meters of wetlands separate them from their target.
The target location is a modest size mansion. This is one of many black market locations Naruto squeezed out of enemy ninja with Kurenai's squad.
"Quick recap, our mission to infiltrate and extract information from our target, if worse comes to pass, capture him, and retrieve anything of value like maps. Understood?"
"Hai"
"Remember to try and keep the body count to a minimum. the last thing we need is for the enemy to scuttle this location."
"So when do we start?"
"Just before dawn, trout, how's progress on the hidden mist jutsu?"
"I mastered it last week thanks to Zabuza."
"Good, with the cooler morning temperatures, we can utilize its full potential."
"I'll be our eyes in the sky."
"And me, Kitsune?"
"You take the spotter position. If any enemy catches wind of me, use your senbon to hinder them."
"Hai"
Naruto looks to the sun to see it touching the horizon.
"I'll take the first watch, so get some rest. We are going to have a busy day tomorrow."
After two hours, Naruto switched with Haku. Then, after a couple more hours, he changed with Deidara and finally Kukiko.
Just before dawn, the four watched over the wetland from their perch.
"We have 30 minutes till dawn, Kukiko. How long can you maintain the jutsu?"
"Won't be a problem with our food pills."
Deidara created a bird before flying high into the sky, radioing to the others.
"Let's head out" they all headed to their respective locations.
Kukiko hid within the tall, damp grass far away from any paths to avoid being spotted.
Right beside her is Naruto waiting for an operating time to head toward the mansion.
As for Haku, thanks to Zabuza's training, he turned into water, blending in seamlessly.
Just before the ray of sunlight broke through the cloud, Kukiko activated her jutsu.
"Hidden mist jutsu!" A thick chakra-filled fog formed, fusing effortlessly with the natural morning fog.
With speed rivaling a taijutsu master, Naruto bolted toward the mansion whose internal light turned on.
He jumped from a small outcropping of grass to another, keeping the line of sight to a minimum.
He's ten meters from the mansion, eyeing what looks to be windows to the basement for lack of a batter word.
He scans other sections of the mansion for a better point of entrance.
To his frustration, the window is probably his best bet. He radios his squadmates before bolting towards the windows.
With unrivaled skill, he Infiltrates the mansion with ease. If his experience from sneaking into other estates is anything to go off. In that case, buildings of this size should have gaps in the walls for easy access to the main support structure.
Sure enough, sticking to the shadows slipping past the enemy patrolling the building, he found a hatch.
He slips in quiet as a mouse. He takes a moment to catch his breath.
"Kitsune, I've seen what looks to be a coach heading toward the mansion one Click out," Owl informed through his radio.
"You may have to wait for them to pass, brother" this time, it's Trout.
"I'm inclined to agree."
"Damn, and here I was hoping this would be a quick op" he carefully navigated the internals of the mansion, taking notes of all the rooms and their contents.
The first floor has your standard kitchen, dining room, library, and closets.
The second floor had half a dozen bedrooms and half a dozen offices. Several of the rooms are used for storing what he can only assume is contraband.
The third floor contains the master bedroom and office with a balcony watching over the wetlands.
As for the basement, not only is it storing more contraband, it housed what looks to be a damn near-perfect laboratory.
It's obvious to him it is one of many labs producing narcotics and illegal performance-enhancing drugs, and so on.
A look at one of many clocks. It's been an hour since he entered the mansion.
"Status report of the guests?"
"From what I can see, all the roads are clear. The guests, unfortunately, are still on the premises. I speculate they're the owner of the mansion."
"I have to agree with Owl," Wolf added.
Naruto let out a sigh once again, traversing the internal structure of the mansion.
In no time flat, he found the occupant of the mansion. They're lounging about in the living room.
Now he has to identify which person runs this place. But, of course, that's easier said than done.
He silently creates several shadow clones, each tailing a member of the five people who showed up in the coach.
Just over two hours later, he received the memories of all his clones, the mastermind of this location is a middle-aged man on the top floor of the building.
He heads up there to see the man in question passed out on the bed. Naruto radios the other he's found his target.
Unfortunately, they need to avoid killing anyone or risk this location being abandoned.
That means coming up with means to extract the information and leave without a trace, so they're none the wiser.
"Kurama, do you have any ideas?"
"Only one, channel my chakra into his head, giving you unrestricted access."
"That works"
He stealthily walks up to the man holding his hand centimeters off the man, Kurama's red chakra forming Naruto's hand before scanning his mind.
It took a couple of minutes, but he hit the Jackpot extracting all relevant intel he needed and a few minor details.
Now it's time to search a map without alerting anyone. It didn't take Naruto long to find and duplicate a map.
The map showed safe houses, a black market, a storage area like the mansion he's in now, and finally supply lines.
He went back to the lab to see if there was any more intel he could gather.
Sure enough, he found a detailed notebook of all the ingredients they use and farm location and vendors. So he makes a copy for himself.
With the same skill that got him into the mansion, he exited with the occupants being nun the wiser.
He met up with his sister, Trout. Then radio in Owl. The four regrouped at the forest edge before heading back to the village.
It took them ten hours at top speed to reach the village using a secret entrance.
Once inside, with the help of Kurama and his dad, he wrote down every bit of information he extracted from his target.
He handed it, and the lab notes off to Ibiki and Anko for further analysis and counsel with the village elders on how to proceed.
Like every time he returns from a mission, Naruto heads to Ichiraku Ramen with his squad mates in tow.
Once they placed their order, Naruto remembered the chunin exams were one month away.
His thoughts quickly drift to subbing for both Kurenai and Gai as their squad's sensei.
He subbed for both of them once since Kurenai was discharged when her ankle injury finished healing.
For Gai's team, it is running another C-rank bodyguard mission. Kurenai's squad, however, is a different story.
Flashback start
It's a C-rank mission being a bodyguard, nothing special, except the hitch was the person the squad is guarding is a pretentious prick.
He is always ranting about how great he is and how their squad should be honored to work for him.
Naruto tuned it out like it was nothing. It seems all that time guarding Yukino had its benefits.
Shino was stoic as always. Hinata stayed silent most of the time, clearly trying not to make things worse.
Kiba, however, was having significant problems getting offended every time the client made a snide comment about how most ninjas are talentless hacks.
The only thing keeping him in check is Naruto's hand hanging beside his kunai knife.
Speaking of ninja, the client didn't think too highly of the genin. However, that is a different story since he's an Anbu agent.
On top of this mission, the cherry is escorting him to the feudal lord of the land of fire.
Learning of this, Naruto had a sneaking suspicion why he was heading to the feudal lord palace.
Especially when he learns that this man named Lucien is the same age as Deidara.
His mind going over the last few missions he did with Kurenai's squad, he saw their mission history.
Eight D-ranks and three C-ranks missions, a look to the other squad of their year reveal they have the most assignments completed.
However, the Kakashi squad C turned A-rank mission is still counted as a C-rank mission for security reasons.
A quick look at the time revealed then they had another hour before they reached the feudal lord's home.
Before they knew it, they reached their destination to be greeted by one of the feudal lords' many advisers.
"Lucien, I see you made it in one piece. Thank you, Konoha's ninja!"
"Don't know about the genin, but with an Anbu here, I had little doubt I would make it here without getting a scratch." He said with a chuckle shared by the advisor, who's named Jiro.
Naruto and Hinata shared a glare at the man, fully aware of Yukino's thoughts on this advisor.
He may be a slimy weasel, but his advice has proven to be invaluable when the need arises.
"Now, where is my darling Lady Yukino Jiro?" The four ninjas glared at the two men.
Naruto glances at Hinata, her expression telling him she uses all her willpower not to Juken strike Lucien where he stands.
"Shinobi, feel free to make yourselves at home after a long journey," Jiro said, getting a ticked-off expression from Lucien.
"Hai" is all they said before heading inside.
Naruto, however, shunshinned out of sight. His squad assumed he was writing out his report thus far.
It is valid to some extent as he sits outside on the highest point hidden in the evening shadow of the palace.
He reluctantly charged up some Kurama chakra for a few moments before sending a call.
"Yukino, you there?"
"Yes, Naruto, what is it?"
"We just arrived with this Lucien guy mind filling me in?"
"Jiro's attempt at presenting another suitor for me!" Didn't take a genius to pick up on the venom in her voice.
"Hinata, so good to see you again!" Naruto's cut off the mental link thanks to Kurama's chakra.
For three days, they stayed there while Lucien pranced around, buttering up everyone he could to convince them he was the right man to stand by Yukino's side when she came of age.
Ironically the only person he couldn't is the feudal lord himself since it's clear to him his niece only has an eye for Naruto.
Speaking of Naruto being 13 and a guy, he's dense to the fact Yukino has a thing for him.
He chalks up her behavior around him to having someone she can talk to about her hidden jutsu.
On that note, he's going over everything that happened since that first mission he did as an official ninja.
He wouldn't admit it, but he does care about her safety and well-being to a certain extent. He has to since it's because of him she unlocked her Kekkei Genkai.
He hopes someone doesn't use her against him in the future. However, this possibility tempted him and his kage to teach her how to defend herself if the need arises.
He put those thoughts aside for the time being since he is still on a mission. Then, he jumps down to meet up with the others.
Flashback end
He sees no point worrying about it for the time being. He has another mission to do in a couple of days, and he wants to make the most of his downtime.
He finished his fifth bowl of ramen before heading out, giving the others goodbyes.
With Hiruzen
Hiruzen, like every day, is going over all the mission reports and new requests.
"Lord Hokage?" He looks to see Yamato standing before him.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Something has been on my mind for a while now. Why do you always give Naruto and his squad? I hate to say the word the no-kill mission. But, eventually, they will have to kill."
"They may be Anbu, but there are still children. Is it so bad I want to protect them from the dark side of the shinobi life even if it is only for a little while longer?"
"I understand, sir, that is all I needed to know," he sunshine away.
Hiruzen quickly pulled out a letter he received the other day about the chunin exams.
It seems the fourth Raikage plans to attend the final exam alongside the Kazekage.
Kumo, for the most part, is willing and able to extend the olive branch. The question is, are the ninja of Konoha willing to accept it.
With the Raikage showing up, that means much to his annoyance. Killer Bee will be there.
That brought up the fact it won't take him long to know Naruto is anbu. He has a little doubt he will keep it. It's Killer Bee that worries him.
His mind goes over Naruto's concerns for Yukino's safety if the enemy learns of her gift.
He's tempted to send Naruto, but the boy needs time to recharge since his last mission involving her was two weeks ago.
He'll have to send someone else, preferably with a well-rounded skill set.
The only person who comes to mind is Kakashi, but he's busy with his squad.
Unable to come up with a suitable ninja at this time, he shelved it for later.
He has to make sure everything is set up for the chunin exams one month from now.
Two weeks later
Naruto, in his off-duty chunin gear, stands before five Kumo ninja. One was a blonde-haired woman, the other black guy with blonde hair.
And presumably three genins, one is a black girl with red hair and two boys with the same blonde hair as the older male.
"You wanted me?" That is all he can say as the five Kumo ninja stare him down.
"This is the kid A help trained in lightning nature," the oldest male deadpanned.
Naruto started to get nervous, especially since they came a whole week before other foreign ninjas appeared for the chunin exams.
"I don't see anything that would pique lord Raikage interest." The blonde-haired woman added.
"Pardon me for interrupting. Since you know mine, what are your names?" He asked with a sheepish grin.
"My name is Samui, the man next to me is Darui. Our three genin are Karui, Omni, and Z." She informed.
Z is the person of interest as he has a striking resemblance to the fourth Raikage A with a similar outfit as his male squad mate.
"Nice to meet you, so why the request to see me?"
"We wanted to see the ninja our kage trained to help master lightning Nature!"
"I hate to say this, but can you please move? You're blocking the village gate entrance," one of the guards informed.
"Sorry," Darui said.
Naruto led them to a nearby tea shop at a table and enjoyed holding all six of them.
The Kumo ninja refused to let up on their gazes.
"So a mind explaining why you have two jonin for your squad?" He asked.
"Our squad consists of me and the genin. As the Raikage assistant, he came with us to make sure everything was up to A's expectations."
"Ok" just then, their food arrived, they ate in comfortable silence.
To no surprise to Naruto, his squad stopped by hearing about Kumo ninja requesting him.
Naruto led them to a training ground away from the prying eyes of the village.
They continued to stare Naruto down, determined to see what was so special about him.
"Let's see what my father saw in you to teach Lightning Nature!" Z said
The Konoha ninja took a double-take. This kid named Z is the son of the Fourth Raikage.
Naruto complied with his request "lighting style Lightning needles!" he unleashed a barrage of needles toward a tree.
As soon as they made contact, they exploded, sending electric sparks everywhere.
"Is that the best you can do?" This time its Darui.
Naruto did another set of hand signs before jumping into the air. Lightning kunai and shuriken formed in between his fingers before unleashing them.
They all headed toward a prominent-sized builder, the shuriken sliced clean through. The kunai exploded on impact. All in all, the boulder was reduced to gravel.
"Clever, but I've seen better," Z added.
"For this next one, you're gonna have to nail me with some lighting," he said casually. The five Kumo ninja all shared a reluctant look in their eyes.
"I know you don't want to ruin the relationship we worked so hard to heal. But, it doesn't have to be a lot, remember I'm the one who asked!"
"Fine," Darui walked forward, getting into his stance, "let me know when you ready."
"Hai," Dauri started to build up his chakra before unleashing a medium-sized bolt of his black lighting, sending it toward Naruto.
Naruto held out his left arm, acting as a lightning rod, and as soon as the bolt struck him, it got absorbed into his body.
He channeled the black lighting through his body to his right arm, his respective hand pointed toward another boulder.
Moments later, the black lightning arced from his arm, striking the boulder to leave a sizable crater.
Naruto faces his audience for some kind of reaction, only to see all their eyes the size of dinner plates.
The Kumo ninja tried to find words, but when they opened their mouths, nothing came out.
After about five minutes of waiting, Dauri found the words, "ok, now that is impressive!"
"It wasn't easy to develop this, but it's worth it."
"Why did you create this?" Karui asked.
"We had a major forest fire last year caused by lightning. I'm sure you can figure out the rest."
"Nice to know the A's efforts weren't in vain," Darui stated.
"Unfortunately, I still have a lot of kinks to work out, ow ow ow," he said that last part walking away from getting chuckled from everyone.
For the remainder of the day, he showed them around the village. Unfortunately for them, the only people treating them like usual are jonin and anbu.
His team went off on their own, no doubt to work on new jutsu.
He ended the day at Ichiraku ramen. By that time, the pain had subsided from redirecting Darui lightning.
To no one's surprise, they were enjoying the heavenly broth and noodles. Even Dean joined in on the meal.
Not far into their meal, they all felt eyes on the back of their heads.
They turn to a few members of the Hyuga Clan standing before them with Hiashi at the front.
Hiashi had a neutral expression. However, those behind him showed rage in their eyes.
From what Naruto could tell, there were members from both branches of the family. This concerned him.
It often doesn't happen that the two branches can agree on something, and it's their disdain for the Kumo ninja beside him.
"You have a lot of nerve showing up here!" One member shouts. Going off his headband location, he's a lower branch member.
He's backed up by several other members throwing insults their way. It didn't last long when at least a dozen Anbu surrounded them.
Hiashi stepped forward only to be blocked by the Anbu. They had their weapons drawn.
"Let him through!" Naruto said they reluctantly complied with his orders.
"Clearly, I don't speak for my clan on this matter. But, just to let you know, We'll be keeping an eye on you while you stay in the village. But, beyond that, I truly want to move past what happened all those years ago."
"I can confirm the Raikage intends to fulfill his end."
"Thank you, we'll be leaving now," he said with his clans in tow.
Naruto walked them to a nearby inn, which they could use as a home while staying in the village.
With a yawn, he headed home for the night, intending to get some much-needed sleep after a long day.
The following day news has spread to every ninja about the Kumo ninja and their desire to mend the wounds of the Hyuga affair.
Naruto is extra happy since he has the week off alongside his squadmates.
He plans to take this time to sit back and relax and work on lightning Nature.
Before he can start, it takes time to visit the village's hot springs.
In the men section, he sinks down to only his nose just above the water surface.
"Damn, this beat anything back on Kumo Darui."
"I'm inclined to agree."
Naruto looks to see Omni, Darui, and Z not too far away enjoying themselves in the warm water.
"Take it this relax after a long journey?"
"Yes," the three said in unison.
"Assume Samui and Karui are in the women section?"
"Yep," Darui responded.
Women section
Unknown to Karui, she down to her nose as well, with Samui resting against the rocks.
Many of the other women in their section started to feel insecure about themselves after seeing how significant Darui assets are.
They weren't the only female ninja there. Yugao, Anko, and Kurenai were there as well, enjoying their day off.
"Nothing beat a day of hard work like a nice relaxing bath," Anko stated, getting nods of agreement from her fellow ladies.
"OW!" several loud yells from the men section shouted.
"What the hell Omni, you're not supposed to use jutsu in the hot spring on top of lighting jutsu," Darui shouts.
"Yeah, what he said," the other joined in, getting giggles from all the ladies.
"It was an accident!"
"Accident, my Ass, you did that on purpose because I beat you poker yesterday," Z shouts.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
The ladies look to Karui and Samui for an answer.
"As Z said he won against Omni in poker, Onmi is forced to be his slave for the remainder of the week," Samui informed
Suddenly loud splashing before was heard and what they assume in the flesh hitting flesh.
They heard the door open "Rules say no jutsu Out now, both of you!" the owner of the hot springs shouts. The boys continued their fighting.
"That's it shadows, clone jutsu" the noise escalated for a few more moments before silence.
"Sorry, those two can be a handful sometimes" they recognized the voice as Darui.
"I'll make an exemption this time, Naruto, because you stopped them from fighting. As for you two, OUT NOW!"
"He started it," they accused the other.
"WELL, I'M ENDING IT OUT NOW!"
Many of the women giggled, having a good idea of what went on in the men's section.
Twenty minutes later, Samui and Karui walked out of their section to see Omni and Z resting against the fence on the running stream.
Omni Has a black eye and some cuts, Z has a few bruises not long after Naruto and Darui walked out.
Darui towered over the two Kumo genin with an annoyed expression backed up by Naruto.
"We are guests here. The last thing we need is to cause a problem for the Hokage and Raikage!"
The two just looked away, refusing to admit their mistake.
"You good here, Darui?"
"Yes, Naruto, sorry you had to get involved in another petty fight."
"Don't worry about it. It's not the first time I had to break up fights," he shunshinned out of sight.
Yugao, Kurenai, and Anko walked just in time to see the exchange.
"I'll never forget this day even if I tried," Anko said loud enough to get everyone's attention.
"Agreed," Kurenai and Yuago said in unison.
Hope you enjoy finally being able to tackle the chunin exams
credit to discord friend for his OC Z son of the 4th Raikage.
as always, make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review