Kakashi packed extras of everything. Kunais, shuriken, there was not one thing on his battle belt that would not be utilized in the coming fight. The manilla folder was laid out on his bed, filled to the brim with pages of information. This was three years in the making. He had gathered every piece of information that he could find on the man he was assigned to track. So many close calls behind enemy territory.

The mission had been given the green-light. A one-man assignment. Failure was not an option.

Strapping his trusty straight blade katana, that he earned from his days in the ANBU Black Ops Division, to his back, Kakashi was finally ready to go. He put the folder back together, took one last look at his home, and shut the door.

"I'm leaving. I'll be back soon."

There was no one inside. It seemed he was always speaking to the dead.

-Naruto's apartment-

The smell of cinnamon and a radio playing music caught the groggy teenager's attention. He was partially awake because the person he shared his bed with had already woken up and left. With the lose of comforting heat and smell of cherry blossom hair, Naruto was forced to slowly wake up.

He slipped on a pair of shorts and a shirt to walk into his kitchen to see what was being cooked. He stopped, however, when he saw that the cook was doing.

Sakura, wearing a loose-fitting shirt that partly covered her pants less legs, was dancing around the small kitchen as she dipped pieces of bread in whisked eggs and cinnamon and placed them on a pan over a small flame on the stove. She danced and moved around without a care in the world. Naruto was watching in awe, not bothering to look away or hide his blushed cheeks. Though being embarrassed was a bit absurd in hindsight, they had just taken each other's virginity the day before.

Sakura noticed Naruto standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "Good morning, Naruto. Come dance with me!"

That question seemed to surprise Naruto more. "Y-You want me to dance?"

"Yeah! C'mon!" Sakura placed the egg-soaked bread in the pan, wiped her hands clean, and pranced over to Naruto. She took his hand and continued to dance as he stood there flabbergasted.

"Sakura…I don't know how to dance." He said sheepishly.

"You don't have to!" She replied cheerfully. "Just move with the music. Let it take you over!"

Naruto was unsure of what to do. He stood motionless for a few moments, watching Sakura continue to move gracefully. She was with the beat, moving with the music as her guide. It was as she said. Silently releasing a breath, Naruto began to move and dance around with Sakura. His movements were not as gracefully or coordinated as his teammate's, in fact they were clunky and he nearly tripped a few times.

"There you go!" Sakura cheered happily on as she removed the cooked bread from the pan. "You got this, Naruto!"

The two danced, laughed, and created a wonderful memory until the song had finished playing over the radio. The world filled with death, war, and pure gruesome events, having small moments like this was special. And then sharing these moments with someone else made the moments perfect.

Sakura placed two plates on the table. "Here you go, Naruto. I hope you like it!"

Naruto looked at the meal before him. "Um…I don't mean to sound ungrateful or anything…but what is it?"

Sakura took no offense. She had a feeling that Naruto grew up eating a small amount of different foods that he only knew how to cook, or simply strictly ramen from Ichiraku. "It's called French Toast. All it is just bread dipped in whisked up eggs and cinnamon and fried in a pan. You can drizzle some syrup on it to make it sweeter." She explained as she grabbed the syrup. "This is probably my favorite breakfast meal. My mom would always make it for me…" Her voice trailed off, catching Naruto's attention.

"Sakura? Everything alright?"

The teenage girl sighed. "Yeah, it's just my mom. My relationship with her hasn't really improved."

Naruto was able to piece together some things. From what he remembered about their argument back in the hospital, he assumed it all started there. "What happened?"

"After you left to train with Master Jiraiya, my mom would not stop telling me how much she hated me being on the same team as you. Let alone, being friends. We would constantly argue, and we never got along like we used to. I reached my limit and left."

Now, Naruto saw the whole picture. "Ah. I see. Then that's why you moved in here. Baa-chan gave you the key."

Sakura nodded. "Yeah. Lady Tsunade told the landlord I had the key for cleaning purposes only, so that he wouldn't report me for living unaccompanied as a minor." Losing her appetite, Sakura played with her food. "I just miss the way things used to be. My mom could get on my nerves, but I could always go to her with anything. She was like my best friend."

Naruto could understand that. He had a similar relationship with Jiraiya. "Then why don't you go talk to her? I really don't know what your mom is like but I'm sure you two could work things out."

"You don't get it. The things she's said about you, I can't forgive them." Sakura said passionately. "You're my friend! You're important to me!"

"Sakura…don't damage the relationship with your mom because of me. You're important to me, too. And I don't like to see you like this. I know I'm not one to talk about holding a grudge against a parent figure, but I do know it that you'll have a better appreciation for them after everything is out behind you. Just try, okay?"

Sakura sighed. She understood what Naruto was saying, but that was easier said then done. But she would try. She nodded. "Alright, Naruto. I'll try."

Satisfied with her answer, Naruto finally dug into his food. The taste was wonderful. He would definitely eat this meal again. The two ate in silence, enjoying the food. Naruto was the first to finish his food, he had always been a fast eater.

"Say…Sakura?"

"Hm?" She responded, swallowing the food she had in her mouth. "What's up?"

"So…uh…what are we…exactly?"

Sakura raised her eyebrow. "What do you mean? I don't follow?"

Rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, Naruto continued. "You just said that we're friends…and friends usually don't have sex, right?"

Sakura realized what Naruto was trying ask. "Well…you're correct about that. Friends usually don't have sex, unless it's a friend with benefits situation."

"What is that?"

Again, Sakura realized Naruto did not fully understand how society could work. He was isolated for most of his younger years and had no one to teach him about sex and how it can be normal for people to engage in it casually. Granted, sex was reserved for marriage and the union of a man and woman. But the way Sakura saw it, life was too short. They lived a life that had death was right around the corner. As long as two people were willing, Sakura saw no harm in it.

"Friends with benefits is usually an agreement between two friends who use each other for sex. It's casual thing between them. Those types of relationships are mostly for the release that sex offers. Usually, it never goes any further."

Naruto was starting to see the full picture. "So…we're friends who have sex?"

Sakura shrugged with an amused smile on her face. She had so much to teach him. "I don't know. You tell me."

"Huh?"

"It's customary for the guy to ask the girl to be his girlfriend."

Naruto stared blankly for a moment, processing the statement Sakura said. He cleared his throat. For a quick moment, Naruto thought how odd this felt. They already had sex. What was the point of asking her to be his girlfriend? But he ignored that and just went with it.

"Do…you want to be my girlfriend, Sakura?"

"Hm." Sakura faked a thinking pose, as if she already did not know her answer. She dropped the pose and smiled brightly, nodding profusely. "Yes! I would like that very much!"

Releasing the sudden nervous breath, he uncontrollably held, Naruto smiled brightly as well. "Great!"

There was a knock at the door.

"Who could that be?" Sakura wondered as she stood up and made her way to the door.

Naruto was more cautious. He quickly moved past Sakura to get to the door first. After years of being alone and having villagers trash his apartment, he would always hesitate before answering the door.

"Who's there?" He demanded.

"My name's Ujiro. The Hokage sent me to give you a message."

Sakura unlocked the door. "I know him. I talk to him at the Hokage's mansion all the time. He's a really nice guy."

Naruto slowly opened the door to see that, in fact, it was a Konoha chūnin. He opened the door fully, revealing both him and Sakura still dressed in their sleep wear.

"Oh, Sakura. I didn't realize you'd be here too." Ujiro's voice trailed off, realizing the situation. He seemed heartbroken for a moment. "I see…"

"What's the message?" Naruto questioned, seeing the man's saddened expression. He figured he should move this along.

Snapping out of stupor, Ujiro spoke solemnly. "Lady Hokage requested you and Sakura to meet with her in her office immediately. She must speak to both you."

Sakura nodded. "Thank you, Ujiro. We will get ready and head right over."

Ujiro nodded. He took one last glance at the two teens before leaving their sight down the flight of stairs he had walked up. Naruto noticed as he closed the door that Ujiro felt defeated, as if he lost something.

"I wonder what Baa-chan wants."

"Might be a new mission." Sakura answered. "We should hurry and get over there. Lady Tsunade hates tardiness."

"Trust me. I know."

-Hokage's Office-

"Are you sure about this, Kakashi?" Shikaku asked, continuing to look over the information that he presented.

"I am. I've studied his pattern and triple checked the information with some of Lord Jiraiya's informants in his network. I am certain of this is where he will be."

Tsunade closed up the folder and handed it back to Kakashi and she sighed. This was not the ideal situation. Kakashi was possibly her most versatile jōnin. There was hardly a mission that he could not handle. Only Jiraiya was the only other shinobi she would be comfortable sending on any type of mission. And with Iwa and Kumo moving their forces and attacking again, she needed his versatility more than ever. But then again, if he succeeded in his mission, it would deal a huge blow to Kumo's forces. This was necessary mission and she needed to remind herself that.

"You have two weeks."

"Copy that. I'll be off." The jōnin turned to leave.

"Kakashi…"

"Hm?" The man turned back to his Hokage.

"Come back alive. Got that?"

Kakashi conveyed his smile through his one visible eye. "Please, don't bet on me, Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade scoffed as Kakashi closed the door behind him. A stupid comment that carried so much weight and meaning. Another knock came.

"Enter."

Both Naruto and Sakura entered the office one after another. They walked up to the desk and stood before their Hokage and Jōnin Commander.

"Good morning, ma'am. You wanted to see us, master?" Sakura greeted cheerfully.

Tsunade noted Sakura's cheerful mood. It was as if she was glowing, like she just had one of the best experiences of her life recently and was still feeling the high of it. And being a woman, herself, and having life experience, the Hokage could easily piece together what had transpired. Besides, Sakura usually was an open book with her. Tsunade would learn at some point.

"Yes. Team Seven has a new mission."

"Then shouldn't Kakashi sensei be here with us?" Naruto questioned. "We just saw him leave with a different mission."

"About that." Shikaku began. "Kakashi has a different mission that needs to be accomplished. So, for now, you'll be under a different leader. His name is Yamato. He's transferring from the ANBU so you will address him as Captain. He will be making contact with you today."

Both Naruto and Sakura nodded in understanding. "I assume our mission brief will come from him?" Sakura asked.

Tsunade nodded. "Yes. But there is one more piece of information that you two need to understand. Since the capture of Sasuke Uchiha, Team Seven has been down a man. That place has been filled for this mission."

Naruto instantly reacted. "Sasuke's being replaced?"

"Until he returns, yes." Shikaku answered. "This is war, Naruto. A team's personal and dynamic both are interchangeable to suit the mission's needs."

Sakura nodded in understanding, but Naruto was not happy about this. He wanted to say more but knew it was pointless. There was no arguing with these two. Tsunade and Shikaku held a lot of power, collectively, in Konoha. There were not many decisions that could be overturned when they decided.

"Is there anything else, m'lady?"

Tsunade shook her head. "Negative. You are dismissed. Captain Yamato will be making contact with you two some time today, so don't go far."

The two nodded and turned to leave the office.

"Naruto. Stay back a minute. We need a word with you."

The boy in question stopped and turned back to have the Hokage and Jōnin Commander. Sakura waited for a moment before continuing on. She closed the door behind her and sat in the nearby waiting room. She pondered what Tsunade and Shikaku wanted to say to Naruto that could not be around her. Though, she figured she would learn eventually.

"What's up, Baa-chan? Am I in trouble?"

The woman shook her head. "No. Far from it actually. The council wants to extend their praise for the success of rescuing the Kazekage. They read the reports and were greatly impressed." Tsunade smiled oddly.

"What's with that smile?" He immediately saw right through the façade.

"What about my smile?" Tsunade continued, keeping the odd smile plastered on her face. "What's wrong with it?"

Naruto glanced at Shikaku and the Nara man merely sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "She's just avoiding what she has to ask you." The Nara leader stated.

"Ask me what?" Naruto demanded. "What's going on?

The female Hokage sighed dejectedly, dropping her odd smile. "This is classified info. Don't say a word to anyone until Captain Yamato briefs your team." The blonde chūnin nodded. "There was an emergency council meeting this morning. Sometime in the last week, we lost contact with the platoon stationed over in the Land of Waves. We sent a team of ANBU to investigate, and they discovered that they were all of our shinobi were captured by Iwa and Kumo shinobi."

"Seriously?! But the Land of Waves is a neutral country. Why would we have shinobi stationed there?"

"It served as a warning platform incase they ever tried to enter the Land of Fire by water. Also, Konoha provided protection in exchange for their trade." Shikaku answered. "It was never intended to be a military outpost for us. But it seems our presence drew them there."

Naruto saw the logic behind the notion. "So, that's our mission? We're going to free our captured shinobi and take back the Land of Waves? That's a lot to ask for a four-man cell."

"You're right. Team Seven will be attached with Delta Company and they'll carry out the main assault. But that's not what you should be worried about." Tsunade stated, confusing Naruto more. "The intel we received from the ANBU scout team says that one of Kumo's jinchūriki is there."

Naruto stared at the two with great confusion. "One of Kumo's jinchūriki?"

Shikaku nodded. He handed a personal folder over to Naruto. "According to the intel, it's Yugito Nii. Sealed in her is the Two-Tailed Beast. From our information, she's a formidable opponent that can transform into the beast."

"Just like Gaara…" He stood there and looked over the file on the jinchūriki. He recalled his fight with Gaara. It was such a difficult situation. Never before had he fought something like that. And he did not want too again. His stomach churned uncomfortably. "So, what exactly are you asking me?"

Naruto could see Tsunade's hesitation, making his uncomfortable feeling worse. "Naruto Uzumaki…on behave of the council and of Konohagakure, we are asking that you fulfill your role as a jinchūriki and eliminate that target."

There was no initial reaction. Naruto stood motionless as he looked over the file. He contemplated his next words, trying to figure out how to articulate his answer. Even more, the Tsunade's words echoed in his ears.

'Fulfill my role as a jinchūriki…'

Hearing the word jinchūriki sounded odd coming from Tsunade. Naruto knew that his godmother would never think of him in way sort of the way the name means, but it was unavoidable to ask him to do the duty that jinchūriki were created to do. He knew Tsunade was against this completely but had no other choice.

Tsunade took her godson's silence as his answer. She was quick to dismiss the mission and was ready to throw it to the next team available. "…Well, I'll take that as a no…"

"Tsunade!" Shikaku interjected. "You've barely given him any time to answer!"

"It's obvious he doesn't want-"

"I'll do it. I'll take the mission."

Tsunade was stunned, flabbergasted even. When the idea of Naruto facing off against Kiri's jinchūriki was suggested in the emergency meeting, she immediately tossed the idea aside. She knew that Naruto, her godson, would never allow something like this. She knew his stance on being a jinchūriki, or at least she thought she did.

"Y-You will?"

Naruto closed the folder and handed it back to Shikaku. "Like you said, it's my role as a jinchūriki…I'll do it."

Tsunade could hardly believe it. "…Naruto…"

Pulling his hood over his head, Naruto turned to leave the office. He opened the door and left silently. He walked down the hall and past the waiting area that Sakura was in. She was surprised that he did not stop but quickly caught up.

"Hey, what was that all about?"

Naruto was silent.

"Are you okay?"

Naruto stopped in the middle of the hallway as Sakura stepped around to look into his eyes. She wondered what Tsunade could have said that would have upset him like this. She could see it in his body language. He was bothered by something.

"I have to fulfil my role, Sakura."

Sakura stared into his solemn eyes. "What do you mean? What role?"

Naruto was silent, not wanting to say anything out loud. Sakura thought critically for a moment and realized what he was talking about. There were not many roles that Naruto fell into as a shinobi. No special job or skill. He had only one other classification other than his rank.

"Jinchūriki…?" Sakura said barely above a whisper.

Again, Naruto said nothing. He desperately wanted to tell Sakura at the very moment, but this was classified information. Besides, she would learn soon. Right now, he needed to let out some frustrations. "C'mon, let's go."

-Later in the day-

After leaving the office of the Hokage, Naruto and Sakura decided to pass the time by going to the training grounds to train until their new team captain found them. It was a centralized enough location that it would be easy for the new captain to find them.

A few hours had passed of them working out and sparring and the new captain had not shown up yet, not even this new teammate came around. It was odd. Even though Tsunade said that it would be at some point in the day, both chūnin assumed it would happen relatively soon.

Naruto relaxed tree trunk, soaking in the cooling shade. "That was some good training."

Sakura relaxed against the same tree. "I'll say. It's been a while since we've trained like this. It feels just like the old days."

"Yeah."

The two sat in silence as the breeze cooled their sweat drenched bodies. The day was hot, and the sun was beating down. It was beautiful.

"You do realize we are being watched, right?"

Sakura looked down at her long-time teammate in confusion. "Huh?"

"That new team captain of ours? He's been watching us the whole."

Sakura blinked. "How do you know that?"

Naruto closed his eyes. "Nature told me. He's over there." He turned his head towards a strong branch that was well hidden by heavy brush. "You can come out now!" He called out as he stood up.

A figure landed with a graceful thud. Coming out of the wood line was their new team captain, Yamato. His outfit was a standard for that of a jōnin. The only noticeable difference was the happuri-style forehead protector, which was reminiscent of the Second Hokage. Yamato strolled up to the two chūnin causally. "Hello there!"

Sakura smiled. "Good afternoon, Captain Yamato! My name is Sakura Haruno."

Yamato waved his hand. "Don't worry about introductions, I know who you two are." His black eyes showed nothing, but Naruto could tell he was masking. Deep down, Yamato was a good man and Naruto could see that. "I worked with Kakashi during his time in the ANBU, it's an honor to take over his team in his absence."

"You worked with Kakashi back in the ANBU?" Naruto questioned. That was one part of his sensei's life that interested him. "Was he still a pervert reading goof like he is now?"

Yamato seemed confused by the question, though did not show it much. "Well…I don't know about pervert reading. Let's just say he was…in a different mindset back when I worked with him." The statement confused and interested Naruto, and Sakura for that matter, to know more. "Regardless, since introductions aren't needed, we can move on to explaining the mission."

"Hold on, isn't there supposed to be a fourth member? Lady Tsunade said there was going to be a fourth." Sakura brought up. Naruto internally sighed, he was not going to say something about the new addition.

"Don't worry about him, he'll be here later. And I'll brief him then. For now, I'll catch you two up on what's happening." Taking a breath to talk longer, Yamato continued. "At some point in the last week, the platoon of shinobi that's stationed in the Land of Waves was all captured by an invading force. An ANBU recon team confirmed early this morning. Delta Company out of the First Battalion is being rerouted from their current directive to rescue our captured shinobi and take back the Waves. We will be attached to them. We will provide any and all aid we can." His attention fell on Naruto. "You're clear on your objective, correct?"

Naruto nodded, though he was not thrilled about it. "Yeah, I know what I'm doing."

Sakura hated being left out when it came to information. "What's Naruto's objective?" She asked the new team captain. She had tried to get Naruto to tell her but he did not budge. Though, he did seem more relaxed after their training.

"Among the invading force of Iwa and Kumo is the jinchūriki of the Two-Tailed Biju, Yugito Nii. It's Naruto's mission to take on and eliminate the target."

It clicked in Sakura's head from earlier. She understood why Naruto was bothered when he came out of her master's office. But she was still confused. "Why does Naruto have to fight her? Being a jinchūriki means nothing."

"Well, in this instance, it does. Jinchūriki are valuable in war times." Yamato answered, noticing Naruto's slight change in demeanor. He could see the small shift, Naruto was watching him carefully. As if he was waiting for him to say something wrong. Yamato continued without hesitation, noting to watch his words so that he would not offend his new subordinate. "During a war, especially like this one, jinchūriki's are essential to victories. The power they hold can turn the tide in any battle. So, when there are two jinchūriki's on the battlefield, they fight each other."

"They have to fight each other?" Sakura questioned further.

Yamato shrugged slightly. "It's kind of like an unwritten rule. And from my experiences, jinchūriki are usually drawn to each other in large scale battles. It's inevitable, to be honest."

Sakura looked at Naruto was concern, almost feeling his bitterness and anger towards what Yamato was saying. She was feeling the same feelings and urged herself to defend her beloved. She turned back with fire in her eyes. "Naruto isn't some weapon or ultimate trump card! He's a person with feelings! I don't understand why people can't get that through their heads!"

Sakura would have continued her rant, but Naruto put a stop to it. He placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to stop and looked at him.

"It's okay, Sakura. It's like I said, I understand my role even though I hate the idea of it. I can't change what my father did. I just have to live with it."

"But-"

"Sakura." Naruto was more stern with her. "It's okay."

Seeing the clarity in his eyes, Sakura sighed and nodded. She accepted the notion since Naruto did. She trusted him. She looked back at their superior. "I apologize for my outburst, captain. I'll do my best to not let it happen again."

Yamato waves his hand. "There is no need to apologies. I understand. The two of you have a close bond, I have no problem with you standing up for him. In fact, I encourage it. Commodity is key to a successful team. I'm sure Kakashi drilled that lesson into you as genin."

"Our whole first exercise as a team was about teamwork." Naruto answered. He reminded himself of Sasuke. "Though, we had our original three members back then." Sakura looked away in sadness for their missing teammate.

Yamato knew of Sasuke Uchiha's missing status. He had his own reservations about that from his own dealings with Orochimaru, but he would keep those thoughts to himself. No need to upset or cause problems with his new team. Hopefully the third would be easy like these two.

"Be as it may, we have a mission." Yamato continued on, diverting the conversation back on track. "We will be leaving tomorrow morning. Get packed and rest up." And without another word, Yamato disappeared to his own accord.

Sakura let out a sigh. "Well, he seems like a good leader. I hope we don't have issues with this new guy."

Naruto let out a small shrug. "As long as he's not a total asshole, we should be fine. Besides, I hope he can hold his own in a fight."

"I wonder who it is. We might know him or maybe have ran into him at some point."

Naruto shrugged again and turned to leave. "We should call it for the day, seeing in how we leave in the morning."

Sakura nodded in agreement. She gathered her belongings and followed her boyfriend towards the exit of the training grounds. Naruto was silently walking until he randomly stopped. He paused and closed his eyes, focusing. Sakura strolled past him and looked back in confusion.

"Everything alright, Naruto?"

Naruto opened his eyes and looked at Sakura. "…Yeah, it's nothing."

Sakura took the answer and continued on the path to the exit. Naruto remained momentarily, looking over his shoulder at a specific part of the wood line. He turned back and sped up his pace to catch up.

Off in the wood line, around the area Naruto was looking, was the same small ink mouse. The mouse watched the pair of teammates intently until they were completely out of sight. The mouse scurried back to its master, merging into the open scroll upon its arrival.

Sai rolled up the scroll and placed it back on his person.

"You're an interesting one, Naruto Uzumaki."

-Hours later, Naruto's apartment-

The ink mouse secretly appeared outside on the window ledge, peering inside of the recently updated apartment. It watched the night unfold for the two teammates. Everything from arrival to their intimate relations before they finally laid down for the night. Nothing abnormal took place for the mouse to report back to its master.

The small ink mouse faithfully watched the sleeping bodies for what seemed like hours, the eyes never swaying away. Sai was contemplating withdrawing his scout, seeing no further need for it. But he decided to stick it through. Good things came to those who were patient. Besides, it was not like he would go sleep.

The ROOT operative reached into his backpack to pull out his sketch book and pencils to relieve his boredom. However, he stopped he felt the sharp end of a kunai against the back of his neck.

"Who are you and why are you watching us?" Naruto demanded.

Sai remained still, knowing not to make sudden movements. "You knew I was spying on you."

Naruto held up the small ink mouse by its small tail. "I'll admit, this thing wasn't the easiest thing to sense." He crushed the mouse in his strong hand, ink seeped out of his fist. "Now, answer my questions."

Seeing no point in withholding information that he would know soon, Sai answered honestly. "My name is Sai. I am your new team member. I was watching you because I wanted to learn about you, Naruto Uzumaki."

There was a slight falter in Naruto's grip on his kunai, giving Sai the opportunity. He quickly drew his short tip less tanto and clashed with Naruto's kunai, sparks flying in the night. The two fought for dominance against one another.

"You're our new team member?! Just what the hell do you want, anyway?!"

Sai struggled to hold his own against Naruto's pure strength. He was simply outmatched. Sai ducked underneath a swinging fist and jumped high into the air, landing on the opposite rooftop.

'Lord Danzō may have been wrong about our strengths being matched. I was lucky to have gotten out of there.'

Naruto glared at Sai. "Why spy on us if you knew we were going to be teammates?"

Sai showed absolutely no emotion, giving Naruto nothing to go off. Then he smiled. And Naruto could tell it was fake. And creepy for that matter. "I wanted to gauge our strengths is all. I will see you and Sakura Haruno the morning, Naruto Uzumaki."

With the night sky, it was hard to see but, ink swirled around Sai and he disappeared completely.

Naruto remained for a few moments, waiting to see if Sai was actually gone. When nothing happened and he could no longer feel his presence, Naruto disappeared in a plume of smoke. The memories of the encounter were immediately transferred to the original, who was fast asleep with his girlfriend.

-With Kakashi-

The silver haired jōnin was perched on the cliff that towered over the small of village of Okoki. Okoki was a small, trading village near the border of the Land of Lightning in the Land of Frost. And true to the land's name, there was cold front that frosted the ground. The village itself served no real purpose besides trade. It was remote and quite isolated; it was a fair journey to reach this particular village. It would be a waste of manpower to occupy Okoki Village for military purposes.

But Kakashi was not here to scout for potential enemy bases. No, it was much more personal than that.

The Copycat ninja simply walked through the main entrance of the village, there was no one outside due to the cold so he was practically undetected. He knew exactly where to go. He stood before one of few buildings that still had the lights on at this time of night, the local bar. He could hear the multiple conversations inside, but only one person interested him.

Kakashi walked through the door, and it closed loudly behind him, causing all the patrons to stop and look at him. His lone eye locking on his target.

Darui.