Happy 2024 everyone... Here is the newest chapter. I hope to hear some of your guy's critiques and if you could please review. If you do it gives me more ambition to continue this.
Chapter 3
Onward to Wave Country
A green glow emitted from Sakura's slender hands as she targeted the most damaged parts of Sasuke's body. The sweat was pulsating from her forehead as she was draining most of her chakra to heal her teammate. Kenji soon entered the room with a cup of tea for his wife. He walked up to her and would sit right next to her. He would grab a towel and wipe away the sweat from Sakura's brow and she looked back at Kenji with a smile.
"Hey Beautiful… I made you a cup of tea." He said, kissing her on the cheek.
"Thanks, Ken-kun... I needed this." She said, grasping the cup and taking a sip.
Kenji looked at her, he could tell she was doing all she could for Sasuke. But he knew that was all she could muster at this point. Once she put the glass down, she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You must be exhausted, why don't you take a break." He said, watching her start to nod off.
"That sounds like a good idea, this may sound a bit weird but could you carry me to the bedroom?" She asked her husband. Kenji looked at her with a smile and lifted her in his arms.
"You know Sakura, you shouldn't exhaust yourself. I mean I know you and Sasuke have history but he wouldn't want you to tire yourself out for his sake." He scolded her, with her sticking her tongue out at him.
"I know Ken-kun, but the extent of the damage he took was quite a bit to heal. But I believe at this point he should be fine. Maybe even waking up possibly tomorrow if I'm correct."
"Then I'll get ahold of Naruto and see if he'll come here first thing when Sasuke awakens."
Kenji gently places her on their bed, pulls the covers over her, and kisses her on the lips. He tells her that he will be in soon once Mafuyu and Kaito head to bed. They both say they love each other and she falls into a deep sleep.
Kenji would leave their bedroom and Kaito would approach his father. Kenji could see the worry in his son's eyes as he knew how much Kaito looked up to Sasuke.
"Daddy, is Uncle Sasuke gonna be alright?" He said, nervous about the potential bad news he would hear from his father.
Kenji placed a hand on his son's shoulder and gave him a big reassuring smile. "Don't worry Kaito, Uncle Sasuke will be fine, Mama Sakura said that he should awaken first thing in the morning. If you want you can sit by his bed and keep an eye on him."
Kaito smiled and entered Sasuke's room, he would sit right next to his bed and would keep vigilant over him, like a guard dog. As Kenji walked into the kitchen he noticed that Mafuyu was probably still on a mission and it was getting late. He sat and waited for his daughter to come home and shortly after he would sit and make a fresh cup of tea. He saw the door open and Mafuyu entered the house. She looked exhausted but she was elated to be home.
"Hey Princess, did you have a good day today?" He said, handing her a cup of tea.
"It was a pretty good day today... Thank you for the tea." She said, taking her boots off first before grabbing the tea and she went over her day with her father. She told him about the small missions they went on. Like Mowing grass for a few elderly villagers, helping out at Ten Ten's weapon shop, and then on a rescue mission that came out of nowhere.
"It started after we left the weapon shop and thought we could have lunch in the park. We noticed that the river was a little more rapid after the rain we had a few days ago but Ryuzan-Sensei didn't think much of it. After digging into the food Mom made me, Neji could hear the sounds of a few kids playing. They had to be younger than Kaito."
She told him about the kids playing on a tree, And how the branch began to weaken due to the weight of the kids. Hana was sweating bullets, fearing the worst that would happen. And sure enough before any of them could say anything… the branch would end up breaking, causing the kids to fall into the raging waters.
Ryuzan would go into Sensei mode. He would direct each of the ninjas into action. He would direct Hana into gathering some rope, Neji would use his Byakugan to keep an eye on the children, and Mafuyu would rush ahead of the kids down the river. With her speed, she could easily run fast enough to bypass the kids and get ahead.
Hana managed to find clothesline rope and throw it to Mafuyu, Neji would call his teammates and inform them that the kids were coming fast. Mafuyu quickly tied the rope to a tree and wrapped it around her waist. As soon as she saw the kids, and heard them screaming for their parents.
After securing the rope around her waist, Mafuyu leaped into the water and grabbed both children. Neji, Hana, and Ryuzan soon appeared and reeled Mafuyu and the kids back onto shore. The parents of the kids soon arrived and thanked the ninjas for saving their kids. The father was so thankful that he gave the group a couple of tickets to an upcoming concert in Suna. While Ryuzan, Mafuyu, and Neji declined the offer. Hana would take the tickets.
After she finished the story, Kenji would compliment his daughter on a job well done.
"Mafuyu, every day you keep getting stronger and braver. I am so proud of the woman you are becoming. Keep up the amazing work."
"Thanks, I do appreciate it. But if you excuse me I gotta go and sharpen my sword." She said, heading to the back of the house. Leaving Kenji to sit there. He would soon think to himself… "She's gonna make one hell of a kunoichi, and swordswoman."
Naruto pondered in his office for a while. He has been like this for a while since Sakura told him about the condition that his best friend was in. He swirled the glass of water in his hand. Someone would knock on his door to interrupt his train of thought. He would signal whoever it was to enter. It was Hideki with a folder of papers.
"Here you go Mr. Hokage, the papers you asked for." He said, placing the folder on his desk. Hideki noticed that Naruto was stuck in thought. Normally he wouldn't intrude, but he felt he knew what was on the Hokage's mind. "Hey listen Naruto, I know that you are worried about Sasuke like we all are. But Kenji and Sakura are treating his injuries, so I know for sure he'll be fine."
"I know Hideki, but you can't blame a guy for worrying." He said, looking at the paperwork. He starts to go over some information from Wave Country about a budding crisis.
"What seems to be the problem, sir?" Hideki asks him, as Naruto ponders if this was the cause of Sasuke's injuries.
"A potential crisis, I wonder if this is what Sasuke was looking into before being attacked?"
"What would the plan be if that's the case?"
"I'll cross that bridge once Sasuke awakens."
Ryuzan is walking home after a long day of missions with Team Seven. Neji is walking by his side. Both had a smile on their faces due to Hinata making their favorite dinner tonight.
"You did great today son, you came up with a nice resolution to saving those kids this afternoon."
"It wasn't too troublesome if I can be honest. It was all teamwork with me and Hana-Chan and Mafuyu-San." Neji responded, with a blush on his face.
Ryuzan took notice of his son's modesty. He was so proud of his son and was happy to be his Sensei. They slowly approached the Hyuga Compound and Hinata was waiting for her boys to come home. Neji ran up to his mom and hugged her.
"Hey Neji, I heard about your guys' mission today." She said, returning the hug. Ryuzan approached her and kissed her. Hinata grabs Ryuzan by the hand and the three of them soon enter the Hyuga compound for dinner.
Morning soon arrived, and Sasuke soon awoke after being out for a week. He saw Kaito sleeping on the chair next to his bed. He wondered why he was at Kenji and Sakura's home, he went to get up but his body was still a tad bit tender from the battle he had with the mysterious man.
He endured the pain, he would pick up Kaito and bring him to his room. As he left the room, he saw Kenji leave the bedroom to get a glass of water. Kenji caught sight of Sasuke.
"Yo, how are you feeling doc?"
"To be honest, I've been better."
"Then let's sit and talk for a bit if you don't mind?"
Sasuke and Kenji soon entered the guest room and Kenji brought him some food and Sasuke would down the plate of chicken stirfry. It's been a little over a week since he ate anything. After eating the stirfry, Kenji and Sasuke took the time to catch up since it was still too early for Kenji to get Naruto over to their place. Sasuke showed him pictures of his daughter Sarada, he also showed a picture he took with his daughter and Momoko. Kenji smiled at the picture to see the family smiling like that.
"Sarada is growing so much these days, she's about Kaito's age isn't she?"
"Pretty much... Momoko wants to move to Konoha within a year so we can enroll her in the ninja academy."
"Well if you guys decide to move to Konoha, I can always step down as captain of the Elite Guard and have you take over."
"That's fine Kenji, besides your doing a good enough job as it is. Besides, I would like to be a Sensei to a Genin team like Kakashi."
"I think you would make a great Genin Sensei if I can be honest Sasuke."
"Maybe, but hopefully it will be soon we arrive here."
Sakura soon made her way downstairs and saw Sasuke awake. She walked up and sat next to Kenji.
"Great to see you up Sasuke-Kun."
"All thanks to you. if it wasn't for you I don't know if I would even be here."
"Well of course, I would suck at being a medical ninja if I didn't do my job." She says, with a boastful expression on her face. This would cause them to laugh before Kenji would ask Sasuke a question.
"So what happened exactly Sasuke, I mean it's not like you to get your ass handed to you on a silver platter."
Sasuke didn't answer at first, he took a sip of juice that Kenji gave him with the meal he ate.
"No offense Kenji but I'm gonna wait for Naruto to arrive before I can relay any information I gathered."
"Fair enough, I understand completely." Kenji said as the three ninjas conversed for the rest of the early morning about everything that happened since the last time they met.
Eventually, Kaito and Mafuyu would make their way downstairs and are elated to see Sasuke up and about. Kaito more than any of them. He would run and hug Sasuke. Mafuyu did the same. Sasuke would congratulate Mafuyu for becoming a Genin and would comment on how big Kaito was getting. Kaito was elated by Sasuke's compliment.
Hideki was getting ready for the morning, he put on his formal attire and soon made his way downstairs. Tenten was making breakfast per usual, and it was Hana's day off today so she was lounging on the couch, she also took the time to prep her weaponry. Hideki quickly looked at the chair to see if there were any kunai or shuriken on the cushion. He breathed a sigh of relief to see none on the chair this time. As he sat down, Hana would tell him about the mission they had last night.
"Amazing that you helped those kids yesterday. I'm so proud of you."
"One thing that also happened is that the father of the two kids is a concert promoter. And he gave all of us v.i.p concert tickets to a show that is happening in a few weeks. And Ryuzan-Sensei said that it would be something you might find interesting."
Hana gave her father the tickets and he started to freak out. Hana raised her eyebrow, wondering why he was freaking out.
"I have a question Dad, why are you excited? Seems like some novelty act to me?"
"This is one of my favorite pop stars from when I was a kid. And now I have a chance to meet her. Her name is Kaname Kobayashi."
Kaname Kobayashi was at one time, the ninja world's most popular musical act. She is still pretty popular due to the downtime after the fourth great ninja world. Hideki has always been one of her biggest fans. Even having at one point, a little fan shrine at one point when he lived with his Mother.
He was as excited as a kid on Christmas, giggling like a schoolgirl. All Hana could do was look on as her father was embarrassing himself.
"Master Ryuzan was right about how much of a fanboy my dad was towards her."
But a smile formed on her face. She was happy about giving him the tickets and making his day.
"That's my Dad, he's a bit goofy… but I love him regardless."
Kenji would send the news to Naruto that Sasuke was awake, and he would make his way to his home. He knocked on the door and Sakura soon opened the door.
"Hey Sakura-Chan, can I come in?"
"Of course Naruto, don't be so silly." She said, allowing him into the house.
Naruto entered the living room and took a seat. He saw Sasuke in a somewhat bandaged state. Sakura brought him some juice.
"You look like you were in one hell of a fight. What exactly happened?"
"I thought I had him, but he was just too strong." Sasuke said before he could describe what he saw. "There's a powerful force that's creating some sort of weird vortex in the sky. From what I can gather, he's finding a way to create a bunch of soulless bodies to extract something from them to increase the strength of the vortex."
Kenji sat there, overhearing the information. Naruto soon added some of the information that was given to him.
"Some information came last night, this could be very dangerous if this vortex continues to grow uncontested."
Sakura felt uneasy about all of this. Another threat that could be even worse than Kaguya herself.
"How do you think we should approach this Naruto?" Sakura asked with a concerned tone in her voice.
"Well Sakura-Chan, we will have to gather up some ninjas to at least get a general idea of what we can do or how far we can engage it without us entering another potentially volatile situation."
However, before Naruto would leave, Kenji cleared his voice loudly to gather everyone's attention.
"Correct me if I'm not mistaken Naruto, but isn't most of your reserve ninjas currently disposed at the moment?"
"You're right Kenji, I guess I might have to outsource some of my elite guard ninjas."
"Most are gone for now, due to helping out Gaara train up some of his sand Anbu. I will probably have to take a look at this Vortex."
"You think you should Ken-kun? I mean what if it's too dangerous?" Sakura asked her husband.
"This threat could come towards Konoha if we don't act up, and as the captain of the Elite Guard, it's my job to protect this village and everyone in it. I don't have a choice in the matter."
Naruto smirked at his friend's request. He nodded his head in agreement.
"If you think that's the best course then Kenji I will sign off on your request. But don't you need anyone else for this mission?" Naruto inquired the captain of his Elite Guard.
"You just might Kenji, like I said, he might be stronger than Kaguya herself." Sasuke would add to the discussion.
Kenji thought for a moment. And a nostalgic smile formed on his face.
"I think I know the perfect soldiers to accompany me on this mission."
Hideki soon arrived at the office, he put down his cup of coffee, sat down, and waited for Naruto to enter the Hokage's office. Naruto's secretary, Yuki Hirano. A blue-haired young woman wearing a beautiful dress soon entered the room.
"Some more paperwork has come for you Lord Seventh… Oh, I see he's still at Kenji's."
"I'll take it for you Yuki-Chan."
"All right then, here you go." She said, handing him the folder.
"Thank you, Miss Hirano... I'll make sure he gets this paperwork."
She soon leaves, and he takes a seat. He knows that without Naruto here then work cannot get started. As he sat there, his eyes honed in on the Hokage's chair. He always wanted to know what it was like to sit in the Hokage's chair, and now it was a rare chance. He got up and slowly sat on the chair. He would spin around in the chair and place his hands behind his head. He felt like he was the boss.
"So this is how it feels huh, now I will enact a new rule that I will get all the BBQ pork I want." He chuckled like a lunatic. But before he could get more accustomed to his new "position," he heard the sounds of footsteps outside the door. He got up and leaped back into the chair he sat on earlier.
Naruto and Kenji soon entered the room. They stopped and Naruto noticed that his chair was spinning as Hideki sat there like nothing happened.
"I'm not gonna ask." Was all Naruto said, as Kenji shook his head and Hideki shrugged his shoulders.
"Hey Kenny, hey Naruto, Miss Hirano just gave me some paperwork to add to your load thus far."
Kenji places his hand on Hideki's shoulder. Hideki was pondering what Kenji was up to.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Hideki, you are coming out of retirement. We have a mission."
His eyes lit up, it's been a few years since he's been on a mission. Especially with one of his teammates.
"It sounds quite fun. But you know I've been out of the loop for quite some time Kenny, I might be a tad bit rusty to be honest."
"I know dude, but you are one of the few people I can count on. You are a great Genjutsu user and I can use all the help I can get. Seeing that the majority of my Elite Guard has gone to train some of the Suna Anbu."
"Count me in then, have you informed Ryuzan about this? Seeing that you're getting the band back together."
"By my estimation, he should be here in just a short bit." Naruto said, getting off the phone with Hinata. "All we have to do now is wait."
It would take about 15 minutes for Ryuzan to arrive in Naruto's office, and he would go over what the mission is. Kenji already knew what the mission would entail and once Ryuzan and Hideki were caught up to speed, he would ask the collective unit if they would accept the mission.
Hideki accepts the mission. However, Ryuzan is reluctant to accept the mission.
"No offense Naruto, as much as I want to kick some ass... I just got my first ninja team. I will have to decline."
"I can always get a substitute for your team. Sasuke is still recovering from the injuries he suffered during this same mission. So I figure you would be willing to help your old teammates. Plus I'm sure Sasuke would gladly substitute for you.
"If that's the case then, I guess I'll be joining up with you guys."
The members of Team Zero in unison raised their fists in the air and went "Woooo!" However, before they can plan out their mission, The telecom on Naruto's desk goes off. Yuki tells him that Sakura would like a word with him. Naruto signals for her to come in. Sakura comes in and is followed by Hinata and Tenten.
"Tenten, Sakura, Hinata… what are you three girls doing here?" Kenji asks the three kunoichi.
"I asked for them to go on this mission." Naruto answers Kenji's question. "I figure that with Sakura-Chan's healing prowess, Hinata's Byakugan, and Tenten's weapon mastery it would be a great compliment to you three. Plus Sakura-Chan said she would send me flying into Hokage monument if I declined."
"I hope you guys don't mind us coming with you?" Hinata says, looking down at the ground.
"We just can't let you guys have all the fun. Besides, it's been a while since we all went on a mission together." Tenten said, with a big smile on her face.
"And Ken-Kun, I know about how you three always wind up during a mission like this. So you need us, but more importantly, you will need me there to help you heal from any injuries." Sakura said, cracking her knuckles.
"I see no issues here." Hideki says next, knowing how bullheaded Tenten is when it comes to missions.
"Me neither, I would love to have you three with us." Ryuzan says, with Hinata letting out a woohoo.
"Alright, like Hideki and Ryuzan said… I find no problems with you gals joining up with us." Kenji said, walking next to Sakura and kissing her on the lips.
"Thanks, Ken-Kun I know we can do this." Sakura responded as they would go over when they would leave for Wave Country. They decided that around 5 am the next morning they would head out. Naruto would dismiss the 6 ninjas. And they would head home and start to pack for their long travel.
Kenji and Sakura soon would pack for the journey. Sakura would grab her new mission attire. A new version of her battle attire that she wore during the peace period after the fourth great ninja war. A red battle vest with black biker shorts, brand-new black gloves, and new combat boots, on the back of the battle vest shows the Hayabusa family crest. She put some kunai and shuriken into a holster attached to her left thigh. She would hang it up for usage tomorrow morning.
Kenji would then grab his new mission attire as well, A brand new blue jacket with black sleeves. Black pants, A black martial arts belt, Black combat boots, Black Gloves. He then placed a new sword he just bought and placed it on his belt. On the back of his coat is the Hayabusa crest.
As Kenji put his gear aside, he noticed that Mafuyu and Kaito were standing in the door frame.
"Hey kiddos, what's up?" Kenji would ask his kids.
"Where are you guys going?" Mafuyu asked her parents. They didn't sugarcoat it and told them.
"We are going on a mission and will be heading out first thing in the morning." Sakura said, she then noticed Kaito with a look of worry in his eyes.
"Is it the same one Uncle Sasuke was involved in before he arrived here?" Mafuyu would ask her mother and father.
"Yes, that's the mission. Like your mom said, we'll be leaving around 5 am" Kenji said to his daughter. Kaito, having flashbacks to Sasuke's injuries when he first arrived at their home, would start to cry. Sakura would then scoop him up in her arms and he would start to cry as she would try to comfort him. Kaito remembered how bad Sasuke looked when he arrived at their house a few days ago and he would start to cry.
"But I don't want anything to happen to you and Papa." He said, sobbing uncontrollably as Kenji would go to his son's side as well.
"Hey Kaito, don't worry buddy we'll be fine." Kenji said as Kaito hugged both Kenji and Sakura.
Mafuyu would soon join in to reassure her brother. She would hug the three members of her family as they enjoyed a warm moment together.
"Yeah Kaito, have faith in Mom and Dad. They'll kick this guy's butt and be home soon after that. We promise you and your sister."
"Really?" Kaito said, wiping away some of the tears. He saw the confident smile on their faces. He would start to calm down as the family would gather together and bond before Sakura would get to work making dinner. The Hayabusa family would eat dinner before Kenji and Sakura would depart for their mission in the morning. Sasuke would sit this out so the family could eat together.
Ryuzan and Hinata soon start packing as well for the trip. Hinata decides to go with a more modest attire, something similar to the gear she wore after the war. While Ryuzan is going for his current attire. His Jounin gear with his sword strapped to his side.
"What do you think Ryuzan?" Hinata asks, with a blush on her face.
"Beautiful as always, and fierce as well. I say once this mission is done, let's go on a vacation."
"Maybe, did you talk to Naruto-Kun about who will replace you as Sensei for Team Seven?"
"I think Naruto told me that it will be Sasuke taking over my duties."
With the both of them ready, Neji pops in to see what all the commotion is all about.
"So... where are you two going if I may ask?"
"We're goin' on a mission to Wave country first thing in the morning. So be on your best behavior." Hinata said, knowing it was a silly statement because how Neji is always on his best behavior.
"What's the mission if you would be so kind to tell me."
Ryuzan relays the mission to his only son. While Neji trembles a bit, he knows that his mom and dad are two of the strongest ninjas in Konoha, so he hugs them. Ryuzan can see tears running down Hinata's eyes.
"We'll be home as soon as we can Neji." Hinata says, kissing Neji's cheek.
Neji takes a deep breath and tells his mother and father... "Good luck on your mission."
"We will, thank you Neji." Ryuzan responds to his son.
Hana sat there and watched her parents pack for their mission. She wanted to object to them leaving, considering what Mafuyu told her about Sasuke's condition.
"Hey Mom and Dad, can I say something?"
Hideki stops his packing for a moment. "Yes sweetheart, what's your question?"
Hana takes a deep breath and lets out her concerns.
"No offense Dad but you retired, and haven't been on anything close to a mission in years. As well as you Mom. I know that Uncle Kenji, Ryuzan-Sensei, Auntie Sakura, and Auntie Hinata will be part of your team. But I just don't want anything to happen to you." Hana said, with tears starting to form in her eyes. "If I promise not to tease you anymore Dad will you stay here, and if I help more in the shop will you stay here Mom… please stay here and don't go."
Hideki lifted his daughter's chin and looked her in the eyes. He could see them turning red due to the tears flowing like rain. He then gave her that Hideki smile that she always saw as reassuring.
"Hana, my dearest daughter, the light of my life. I know you're worried about me and your mother. I know that I'm rusting as all hell, and your mother will even attest to us not being in battle-ready shape like we should. But the thing is… it's our duty as ninjas of this village to protect it from any danger that may come our way. It's not only to protect this village and our friends and family, but it's to protect you, Hana."
Hana felt her Mother place her hand on her shoulder and smiled at her as well. Hana hugged both her parents, knowing that there was no way she would be able to persuade them to stay.
"If anything happens to you two, I will be so mad at you guys." She said, as they all laughed.
Kaito would sleep with his mom and dad that night. He was in the middle as his parents slept. He knew that in a few hours, they would head out towards this threat. While they tried to calm his anxiety, he was still scared. He got up to get a glass of water and after drinking at least two cups he would head back to his room when his attention caught Sasuke sitting outside, looking up at the night sky. Kaito didn't want to interrupt him, but he wanted to catch some fresh air.
"Hi, Uncle Sasuke. Your still awake?" He asked the Uchiha. He sat down as Sasuke didn't veer away from his gaze. "What are you thinking of if you don't mind me asking?"
"Just thinking of my wife and daughter. Wondering if they're alright."
"I think they are Uncle Sasuke. I don't think I've ever met your daughter yet?"
"I believe that she should be around your age Kaito?"
"I didn't know that, what does she look like?"
Like a proud dad, working at some lowly office he showed a picture of his family. It was a picture of him, a villager he saved and got to know and marry named Momoko Hachibana, She had shoulder-length blue hair and black eyes, in the picture she had a red longsleeve shirt on with white sleeves, and last was a cute girl with glasses, she had black hair and a white shirt, her name is Sarada Uchiha. Kaito blushed at the sight of the Uchiha princess.
Sasuke noticed that Kaito's voice had sounds of worry to it. He could see Kaito looking down at the ground.
"You're worried about your parents going on that mission tomorrow aren't you?" He asked the young Hayabusa.
"After seeing how you were before Mom healed you, I just worry about them so much."
"Don't fear for them Kaito, your Mother, and your Father are two very strong ninjas. They can handle themselves very well. Your mom is one of the strongest kunoichi I know and your father is one hell of a swordsman. And unlike me, they will have reinforcements as well. So I have faith that they will succeed where I failed."
"You think so, Uncle Sasuke?"
"I am sure of it, don't ever doubt your parent's strength Kaito. If you and your sister are in trouble, then they'll fight against the devil itself to protect you guys. Keep the faith alive."
This reassured the young boy, he was still worrying about their safety but Sasuke's words filled him with relief. Sasuke ruffled his hair and smiled at him. Kaito returned a smile and headed back to bed.
"Thank you, Uncle Sasuke. You are right, I have to believe in my parents."
"I'm glad I could help you."
He hugs Sasuke and soon heads to bed. Sasuke looked up at the moon and thought about his friends going into the battle against the threat he had to endure.
"Kenji, Sakura, good luck tomorrow. Because you are gonna need it."
In the morning, everyone gathered at the front gate. Naruto and Ino soon arrived to wish them safe travels. Kenji and Sakura with Mafuyu and Kaito arrived at the gate. Ino and Sakura hugged while Naruto shook Kenji's hand.
"Good luck Kenji, no pressure but Konoha's counting on both you and Sakura-Chan to see this through."
"Hey come on Naruto, you know we'll do our best." He said, giving Naruto a thumbs up.
As Kenji and Naruto shook hands, Ino and Sakura exchanged a bit of chatter before Ino gave Sakura some big news.
"We're expecting another baby."
"Awesome news Ino I'm just so happy for you, when we get back from the mission we will have to talk more about it." Sakura said as she hugged her best friend again.
Hideki and Tenten soon arrived with Hana. Hideki was sweating bullets, but Tenten was cool and calm.
"Sorry guys, I thought we were running late." Hideki said, with a stutter.
"Hideki slept in, so it took me and Hana a few moments to wake him." Tenten said, with a huff.
"It's just like dad to sleep in before a big mission."
Hideki rubbed the back of his neck with a beat red blush on his face. As Sakura and Kenji just chuckled.
Last to arrive was Ryuzan and Hinata with Neji tagging along. Naruto would thank his 6 friends for going on this mission and would wish them the best of luck.
The parents would hug and kiss their kids goodbye and they would grab their bags.
The kids would bid their parents goodbye as the party of six soon made their way out of the village. Mafuyu looked down at her locket that Sakura gave her and opened up to look at the picture.
"Mom, Dad, come home safe, we love you."
Kenji and Sakura as well as the others looked back at the kids and waved to them. As they would head out towards a battle that would potentially change their lives.
Next stop, Wave Country.