The streets were filled with people, hardly any space get through. Shops were busy with customers. Vendors for all ages had lines back twenty feet. Konohagakure was in the middle of her usual hustle and bustle.

Naruto set his tray of food down on the table. "Why did that take longer than usual?"

"Because its lunch rush, goofball." Ino smiled. She pulled apart her chopsticks and began to eat.

"I suppose. Teuchi is usually faster than that, though."

The two long time teammates silently ate their ramen, enjoying the taste with every bite. The spent time together always boiled down to something like this. With their schedules being as hectic as they were, making time to hangout was extremely difficult. Nearly impossible.

But, no matter what, Naruto and Ino would make enough time to get lunch together once a week. And it always had to be Ichiraku Ramen. A tradition they've kept since their genin days. Excluding mission exceptions.

"So, how are your genin fairing?"

Naruto shrugged slurping up the last bit of his noodles. "They've been doing decent. We've only been a team for a little over two weeks. It's hard to gauge progress in such a short amount of time."

Ino nodded in agreement. "Still, there must be something you're impressed with by them. Or, at least, something interesting."

Naruto pondered for a moment. "Well…I think it's gonna be a messy love triangle as they get closer."

That perked Ino up. "Oh, really? Do tell." She leaned forward and rested her head on her hands.

His mind went blank. When their eyes met, Naruto could only comprehend one single thought.

Beautiful.

Stopping himself from getting completely lost in his daydreams, Naruto took a moment to answer. "Kai is helpless head over heels for Konohamaru that's it so blatantly obvious it hurts. And Konohamaru is so blind to it. It's sad really. And I've noticed that Katsuro just loves to stare at Kai when she isn't looking. He's got a secret crush on her, that's my bet."

Ino smiled devilishly. "Ah. Young love. Remember when we were like that? The three of us?"

Naruto chuckled. "We weren't that bad. Me and Kiba were just two alpha males. And when in the presence of such an attractive female, such as is yourself, alpha males like to show dominance over the other. It's simple biology."

"Oh, so you're basing our entire relationship on biology? Is that it?"

"I mean, kinda?" He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "We're humans, right?"

Ino rolled her eyes. "The jury is out on you."

While only a joke for this instance, truthfully, Ino wasn't sure if Naruto was human when it came to his power. He was unbelievably powerful. There were some people out there, herself included, that he could possibly go toe-to-toe with all three Sannin at once. And after his heroics during the Kyūbi's attack thirteen years ago, nothing was out of the realm of possibility for Naruto. Who knew what he was able at this point?

"Heard from Sakura?"

Ino sighed. "Yeah. She's still pretty heartbroken about the whole thing. But she's been using her own genin team to distract herself from it. She's managing. What about Sasuke? Have you talked to him?"

"Not really. He left for that mission. I was able to catch him as he was leaving. Said we'd talk when he'd get back."

"What do you think happened? Sakura said that he dropped by and said it's over. No explanation."

Naruto shrugged, not bothering to comment. He had his ideas about what Sasuke was doing but he didn't want to say anything that wasn't true.

"Naruto?" Ino pressed. "You know Sasuke better than anyone. You have to some kind of idea what happened."

Damn. Naruto sighed, placing his chopsticks down. "Sasuke…he's confused, I think."

"Confused about what?"

"About being with Sakura. I know he loves her and all, but there's other things he's had to consider as of late."

"Like what?"

"…"

"He cheated?!"

"What? No! God, no, Ino. Sasuke can be a piece of shit sometimes, but he would never do that."

"Then what the hell are you talking about?"

"The Uchiha clan are strict, Ino. You know that. Fugaku can be relaxed on a lot of things but he follows their traditions and doctrine almost perfectly. Hell, it was a battle for him just to let me stay them as long as they did after my parents' died. The Uchiha aren't big on outsiders."

"I never understood that. He's the clan leader. He can bend the rules a bit."

Naruto shook his head. "That's why he's the clan head. The Uchiha come first before his own wife and sons. And that's how he's stayed the Chief of Military Police for so long. The role suits him best because of his discipline to the traditions." He took a sip his drink to wet his mouth. It was always so dry in Ichiraku. "Their tradition was, and always will be, the eldest son will succeed the father in leadership of the clan. And since Itachi said he'll outright refuse the responsibility because of his loyalty to the ANBU that only leaves Sasuke."

"Why is that an issue? Fugaku isn't stepping down as clan head, is he?"

"I don't know. I don't go around the Uchiha Compound as much as I used to. After I moved out on my own after my training with Pervy Sage, I stopped spending time there. So, who knows at this point? Regardless, Sasuke's next in line now."

"Sasuke will be the next clan leader." Ino whispered, as if it was some classified secret. "But what does that have to do with Sakura?"

"The clan head has to be married to a fellow clan member, arranged or not. It's, uh, keep it in the family type thing."

Ino knew that was a common practice in most major clans. While some clans had forgone the ways of the old traditions and embraced the forever changing modern society, like her own, some clans stuck by the traditions set by their ancestors. In her opinion, the Hyūga clan was, by far, the strictest in their traditions. And completely ruthless to their own.

Poor Hinata.

Even after all these years, Ino would never get over what happened to her. It was during their Chūnin Exams final round. She had made it far. Hinata wasn't the most confident girl but this was what she needed to finally build her up and realize her potential as a shinobi. But her cousin, Neji, also made it this far.

Hinata was the first born daughter of the clan head, cementing her future as the next Hyūga clan leader. And Neji was born into the Branch family, cementing his future their servants and protectors. Their fathers' were born minutes apart. One into the Main House, the other to the Branch House. Twins were not allowed to be in the same House family.

Neji didn't like that future. Not one bit.

Neji's skill, talent, and confidence far outmatched Hinata's, even with Hinata's special Main House training. The poor girl put up one hell of a fight once she got serious, but by then it was too late. Neji completely decimated her, with absolutely no remorse. It took the proctor and two other Jonin to stop him from killing her right there.

It made Neji's defeat against Sasuke all the sweeter. Maybe even humbling.

After that, Hinata was practically forgotten about. She dropped her status as a shinobi due to the injuries she sustained from the fight. She lost her right as heir to the clan in favor of her younger sibling, Hanabi. Hinata was reduced to a housewife, unable to do anything about it.

"So, Sasuke broke off the engagement because of tradition? That doesn't sound like him at all."

"Sasuke's pride in his clan is stronger than most know. I remember one time, when we were training together as genin, I insulted something about the Uchiha. I honestly don't remember what I said because it was so stupid, but Sasuke lost it. It took him awhile to forgive me."

Ino was surprised. Sasuke had a bit of rebellious side to him. She really didn't peg him as the traditional type. "I still can't believe that's what caused him to call it off. There has to be something more."

"Probably is. But we won't know until he gets back from his current mission."

Ino nodded. "Do you happen to know anything about said mission?"

Naruto shook his head. "Not really. But he and Itachi are on it. So, it's a Joint Task Force mission. Must be pretty important if an elite Jonin and ANBU Commander are leading."

"Yeah, must be."

If Naruto didn't know anything, then it really was something classified. He was considered the top Jonin in Konoha's active roster, with only Sasuke to match. ANBU had their own ranks and officials that they were in their own bracket. Not even Ino, who was a captain in the Intel Division, didn't have as high a clearance as he did.

"So, what you do have your love stricken genin doing now?"

"I have them going through gauntlets of different styles of fighting and sparring matches with my Shadow Clone. I'm trying to teach them the basics while advancing their styles. My clones make things a lot easier. Divide and conquer."

"A little early for that, don't you think? I'm not telling you how to run your team but don't be too hard on them this early. They're still kids, y'know."

"I'm aware of that. But they're Shinobi now. Soldiers. They have to disciplined, physically and mentally tough. Remember how Hayate trained us? Hours and hours of running the same battle drill until we got it right. You and I were so disciplined when it came around to the Chūnin Exams that they let us take it as a two man team. That was all because of Hayate sensei. I want my team to have the same mentality as we did."

"Our situation was vastly different. But I guess you have a point."

Ino didn't like to bring up the past. She loved talking about their memories with their lost sensei and teammate, but it always made her heart ache. And then, after Akamaru's passing, the past was just too much to think about.

Naruto looked at his watch. "Shit, I get to my briefing. You gonna be at home tonight?"

Ino nodded. "I was gonna stop by Sakura's and check in on her. Maybe see if she wanted to get drinks. I'll let you know."

"Sounds good." Naruto leaned for a quick kiss, which wasn't that quick. "Love you."

"Love you too."

With a smile that could never be rivaled, Naruto vanished from sight. Ino could sit there for hours and get lost in the warm feeling that Naruto always left her. But he stuck her with the bill. Again.

Jackass.

But she still loved him. More than anything.

-Briefing Room-

Hiruzen slowly tapped his pipe on the large conference table, growing slightly more impatient with each passing minute. He hated when briefs started later than scheduled. It was a very strong pet peeve of hisand he made that known.

"What time is it?"

"12:09 sir." The female Chūnin aid responded. "He's nearly ten minutes late. We should move on to the next appointment so that we don't break schedule."

"I'm aware, Reva. Thank you."

Shikamaru let out a loud sigh. Being grandfathered into his position as an advisor to the Hokage, thanks to his father, he grew an annoyance for tardiness, like the Hokage had. But after many years in the position, the shinobi learned not to be late. Or they would face administrative punishment. And the Hokage did not go easy. He would bring the hammer down with no remorse for who it was, or what the reason. No mercy.

Troublesome, you are, Naruto.

The door opened and Naruto Namikaze waltzed in, like he wasn't ten minutes late. "Afternoon, Lord Hokage and my fellow shinobi. How may I be of assistance to you?"

The Hokage glared at the Jōnin. "Naruto…how many times have I told you to not be late to these briefs?"

He shrugged. "Dunno. Lost track after thirty or so. What's up? I got a team to train up."

Ignoring the disrespectful nature, Hiruzen pressed on. Though, he assumed Naruto was acting like this because of their conversation after he administered the bell test to his team. It always put him in a sour mood for a while. "A mission came up and you've been requested for it."

Naruto's demeanor changed completely. "Hold on, a mission? It's against Konoha Regulation for Jōnin Instructors to be assigned solo missions in the first six months after being assigned their Genin teams. I'm not taking it."

A well-played card.

Hiruzen knew Naruto could cite the entire doctrine front to back without missing a beat. "I understand that, Naruto. Don't jump to conclusions either. You know better than that. It's a favor…from an old friend of yours."

Naruto's brow rose suspiciously. "Old friend? Who?"

The Hokage motioned for his female aid to hand over the mission scroll. Taking the scroll from the young Chūnin, who he believed was bumping uglies with his childhood friend behind her, Naruto whipped it open with a flick of his wrist.

"…You're fucking joking…"

"You know, out of most people, I don't joke about mission assignments."

"She requested me? Why?"

"You helped her father all those years ago. You're also a worldly famous shinobi now. I don't see how it could be confusing. Besides, I'm sure she forgave you by now. "

"But I was, like, fifteen. And she was too!"

"Actually, if I remember right, you were fifteen and she was eighteen."

Naruto glared at Shikamaru, sporting a shit eating grin. He was enjoying this much. Naruto logged a note in the back of his head to get him back for that.

"…Thanks, Shikamaru…"

"Moving on from your exploits in youth, you will take the mission. She's already paid for the mission, double the running rate for a C-Rank." The Hokage usually loved to hear the juicy gossip, but this needed to be sorted out. They were behind schedule.

"What about my team? It's against regulation."

"You're team will be assigned. This will be Team Thirteen's first true mission. And that regulation was put in place so that teams could build trust without the looming threat. It's not absolute. It'll be good experience for them."

Naruto could only sigh. It was useless to fight this. The old man made up his mind. It was near impossible to change it.

Though, something doesn't feel right. This mission feels off…why would she come back now?

"…Is that all, Lord Hokage?"

"Yes. Dismissed, Naruto."

Naruto quelled his anxiety and left the office.

-With Team Thirteen-

All three Genin were hunched over on the ground, practically dry heaving from the gauntlet of battle drills. Sweat filled their clothes and dripped off their bodies. They were simple drills, nothing that weren't too advanced or complicated. But the sheer amount of times they completed each drill was exhausting.

"Run it again."

"You can't be serious?!" Konohamaru shouted. "That was three hours of constant drills!"

"Good job, Konohamaru. You can keep track of time." If they weren't as tired, Kai and Katsuro would have laughed.

"What do you expect to happen? This is insane!"

"I expect perfection to happen. Now run the drills again or face the punishment."

Too defeated to argue more, the young Sarutobi dropped his head. A lesson he had learned was to not argue with his sensei. There wasn't much Konohamaru could say that would win him an argument against his sensei. He just had trouble keeping his mouth shut.

Kai was the first to make it her feet. "C'mon…get up you two."

Katsuro was slow but he was able to make it to his feet on his own. He looked like he was going to pass out, but forced himself to remain standing. Konohamaru seemed to struggling the most. His body simply wasn't responding to his commands.

"Fuck…!" He silently swore to himself, trying to dig deep but was coming up with nothing.

It wasn't until Kai and Katsuro each grabbed one of Konohamaru's arms and pulled him up that he was able to stand on his own feet. Even then, they had to hold him upright.

"We're ready…Naruto sensei."

Naruto couldn't hold back his smile. His team had a lot of things to improve on and learn from. But one thing they grasped very quickly was their ability to pick each other up, regroup, and keep moving forward. They wouldn't allow one to fail. Or else, they all failed.

With that as a foundation, Team Thirteen would be a force to be reckoned with.

"Take a break. You've earned it."

Konohamaru dropped to the ground. Both his teammates let go of him simultaneously from shock. In the two weeks they've been under Naruto, those words were never spoken. The tempo had been so high and unyielding that the Genin were convinced that their sensei never relaxed.

"Say what?" Kai needed to hear it again.

"If I have to say it again, I'll double the time for the next gauntlet." Naruto's innocent smile betrayed the authoritative and threatening tones in his voice.

Allowing their tension to quickly fade away from their bodies, all three were laid on the ground next to each other. Sore muscles ached with each movement. Hearts pounded with heavy breaths. But the relief that they felt was one of the best feelings in the world. None of them would trade it for anything right now.

"Let's do a little assessment of your first two weeks as a team." Naruto joined his team on the ground. "Give me some feedback."

Kai was able hold herself up on her hands. "Feedback on what, sensei?"

"Your overall experience, my teaching, and the few missions we've completed. Stuff like that."

"Those missions sucked! Painting fences is not befitting of a shinobi!" Konohamaru shouted. "And fuck that cat! She lets that damn thing out on purpose!" He was obviously still upset about the cat peeing on him after they finally caught it after four hours.

Naruto chuckled, seeing that all three Genin were in agreement. "Actually, you're right. She does. Lady Miso says that's how her cat gets exercise. She's done that for years now. My Genin team had the same mission with the same lady."

The Genin's head perked up.

"The same mission?"

"The same lady?"

"That stupid cat has been alive for that long?"

Naruto shook his head. "Thank God, no. The one we hunted down was practically a tiger. We had to tranquilize that thing to capture it. I think I still have a scar from where it scratched me."

Katsuro was able to push himself to a seating position. "Sensei, when will we start taking missions outside the village? Like into other lands?"

Naruto shrugged. "When I determine the team is ready. But, I think, in maybe another few weeks, we'll take on an escort mission."

Katsuro nodded, satisfied with the answer. He wanted to get out in the world but knew they needed to be prepared for that next step first. Personally, he didn't feel ready yet.

"Is that all? C'mon guys, I know there must something about my way of teaching you don't like. Be honest. You three are my first Genin team as a Jōnin Instructor. Give me something to work with here."

Glancing between each other, none of the Genin wanted to speak out. Like they were going to get in trouble for voicing their opinion. And it seemed they were thinking the same thing.

Konohamaru was the first to get over his hesitation. "Why are you putting us through the most basic battle drills? We learned most of this stuff in the Academy."

Naruto knew it was coming. "It's all about the basics. To put it simply, our doctrine as Konoha shinobi are like building blocks." Naruto used stacking hand gestures to help demonstrate. "The basics are the bottom block, the strong base. Then we move to the advanced, more elaborate drills and techniques. It continues on and on. Having a good understanding of the basics and having them perfected make learning the advanced stuff so much easier. Even as a seasoned Jōnin, I fall back on what I learned as a Genin just as much as I do my experience and gut instinct. My Jōnin Instructor from my Genin days was one of the most disciplined shinobi out there. Every technique, every battle drill he knew was mastered and could be done without question in the heat of battle. That's how you get killed quick. You can't second guess what your body is doing. That's what he instilled in me and my team. That's what I want for you guys."

When explained in that manner, everything clicked in their brains. The constant berating was about making it muscle memory. In battle, there was no time to question whether you were doing something right or not. If you questioned yourself during battle, you were good as dead.

"When will we learn more about elemental manipulation?" Katsuro questioned.

"Probably not for another few months." Naruto chuckled. "You have a step up on your teammates here, but we need to get the basics done first. Trust me. Elemental Manipulation and personalized techniques to fit your chakra nature will come. Everything builds off each other."

"You should listen to him. He knows what he's talking about."

The real Naruto had appeared behind the Genin. All three jumped in shock and disbelief.

"Two Naruto senseis?" Konohamaru questioned. "What the hell is going on?"

"It's a Shadow Clone, Konohamaru." Katsuro stated. "Remember the bell test? We only fought a clone."

"Which begs the question, which one is the real Naruto sensei?" Kai questioned out loud. And going off the bell test, she had a pretty good idea. She drew her kunai and launched at the 'Naruto' that had been with them the whole time. The sunk deep into the neck. No blood, only a plume of smoke where he once sat. "I thought so."

"Jeez." Naruto rubbed the part of the neck where his clone was stuck. "What's with you and throwing kunai at everything?"

"I like to throw stuff."

"I've noticed that." Naruto decided he should get straight to the point. No reason to beat around the bush, especially since he wasn't interrupting much. "Something's come up. I need your undivided attention."

Straightening up and instantly focused, Team Thirteen were ready for whatever their sensei was about to say to them.

"I was just in a briefing with the Hokage and some other higher ups. There's a mission that needs to be completed. A C-Rank mission. It's an escort mission and the client personally requested me for it. And you three my team now. Where I go, you go. But, I also understand it's early to be taking up a mission like this. It's under Lord Hokage's orders I take you with me. But I don't fully agree. So, I'm giving you three the choice. It has to be unanimous. You can come with and keep training with me on the road, or stay here and have supervised training with one my comrades. "

Katsuro instantly raised his hand like he was back in the classroom. "I'm coming with!"

Naruto chuckled. Knew it.

Konohamaru rested his hands on the back of his head. "A mission? I could go either way. It could be fun and we could learn a lot, but I don't want us to be in danger. If we do this, I better not be catching any more freaking cats."

Naruto nodded. That he could guarantee.

"Kai? What is your stance? It seems you're the deciding vote."

The lone female felt mixed emotions. She was confused. One part of her was excited about the opportunity for taking on a mission like this. But, the other part of her felt unprepared and uneasy. Anxiety filled her stomach and drowned her excitement.

"I-I'm not sure. I want the experience but it's overwhelming. I'm not sure we're ready."

"I'll be honest, you aren't." Watching the shocked disbelief come across their faces, Naruto nodded. "You're fresh Genin that have only been through about two weeks of training. There's no way in hell you are ready to face the possible horrors of the real world, no matter who your teacher is." Naruto knelt down and looked at his three Genin at eye level. "But you're my students. I can see the potential you have. That's why I'm even considering the idea of bringing you guys along. You have my word. Nothing will happen to you guys. I promise."

Kai looked at Katsuro, his eyes practically begging for her to say yes. This was a part of his dream to travel the world. It would hurt him to not go. And it would crush her for being the one to stop him from it.

She looked at Konohamaru. His face was full of acceptance, letting her know he would support her decision. Kai felt some comfort that Konohamaru would side with her no matter what she decided. That quelled some of her anxiety.

Then there was her sensei. Naruto Namikaze. She fully believed that they weren't ready for a mission like this. They were barely responsible for themselves as Genin. How were they going to safe guard whatever it was they were escorting?

But he would be there. A promise he made to not anything happen to them. To keep them safe. Kai knew Naruto wouldn't allow them to be hurt. He would stand in their place in a heartbeat.

The feeling in her stomach just wouldn't go away.

She made decision.

"…What's the mission, sensei?"

Katsuro silently yelped with excitement, his dream of traveling the world was taking its first steps. Konohamaru took in a deep breath and let it out, mentally preparing himself for what could be a dangerous mission.

Naruto nodded. "Very well. Your mission is….to go see a movie."

There was silence for about two seconds.

"See a movie?!"

"That's it?!"

Naruto belted out in near hysterical laughter. He had tears in his eyes from laughing so hard. "No! But I couldn't resist!" Taking a moment to gather himself, he continued. "I'm serious. Go see the movie Snow Princess. It's a decent film from what I've heard."

"Why?" Konohamaru questioned. "What's a stupid chick flick have to do with our mission?"

"Quite a lot actually. We'll be escorting that main actress from the film, Koyuki Kazahana, back to her home in the Land of Snow. And, for your information, it's not a chick flick. It's action adventure."

"Hold on a minute." Katsuro needed a moment. This was too good to be true. "We're going on a mission to another land and we're escorting the Koyuki Kazahana?!"

Oh boy. I had a feeling one of them would fan boy over her.

"Yes."

"YES!" Katsuro shouted to the heaves. "This is going to be the best mission ever!"

"Who is Koyuki Kazahana? I've never heard of her."

"Never heard of her?!" Katsuro has never shown so much emotion in his life. He was appalled that Kai even asked the question. "You must be joking."

"I'm not." Kai wasn't really a big movie person. Theaters were too crowded for her liking and it was hard for her to sit through an entire full length film.

"She's probably the most famous actress out there." Konohamaru added. He was not upset about this mission at all. Koyuki was hot. He could watch her movies for hours. "And isn't she the actual princess for the Land of Snow? Like the daughter of the leader or something?"

"Correct." Naruto interjected. "Actually, after I was promoted to Chūnin, I was sent to help aid Lord Sosetsu, her father, to fight off an insurgence led by his brother, Doto. That's where I met Koyuki for the first time. We became really good friends after all the fighting was done." As he talked, the memories of his time in that country came flowing back, like a dam that had been cracked and busted open. Especially the night he spent with Koyuki after the fighting was all done. "Hehe…good times."

All three Genin noticed the odd sounding chuckle from their sensei. It was like he was thinking about something he shouldn't have been.

"You okay, Naruto sensei?" Konohamaru asked.

"Huh?" Naruto snapped out of his memories. Explaining his adventures to them would accomplish nothing. "I-It's nothin'. Don't worry about it."

Shrugging, Konohamaru continued on. "When do we leave, sensei?"

"In the morning. Sandayū, Koyuki's assistant, said the crew needed time to get everything together before departure. It'll take about three or four days at sea to reach the Land of Snow. If all goes smoothly, we should be returning home in about two weeks' time. It's going to be cold. Really cold. So pack accordingly. Bring your cold weather wear that was issued to you from central issuing."

"Yes, sensei." The three responded together.

"There will be official memorandums sent to your families and caretakers, informing them of the mission. I know it's easy to be overwhelmed by this. Just take things as they come. It makes things easier that way. Oh, and the movie starts in an hour. Enjoy."

Naruto's smile vanished with the rest of his body, leaving the Genin along in the field. They looked between each other, realizing that this was reality.

Kai was the first to move. "C'mon. We better go watch this movie."

-Naruto's home-

The smell of spice and flowers filled his nostrils. Naruto loved Ino's cooking. The concoctions she created were so mouth wateringly delicious that Naruto was convinced she was a chef in her past life. Every day, the world proved to Naruto that Ino was the right girl for him.

He turned the corner and stopped. Admiration for the beauty before him. A short blue summer fell just shy of the mid to upper thigh. Leaving little to the imagination to what lied underneath. Her long, creamy legs were glistening from the sunlight. And that irresistible long, platinum blonde hair. Untied, it reached to her ankles. But when in that perfect pony tail, Naruto could only think about pulling it as hard as he could and slamming against her perfect…

"Oh hey! You're home early. How was the briefing?"

"It was a mission briefing." Naruto sat at the table with a grunt. "The old man gave me an escort mission. And has directed me to bring my team along with me for experience."

Ino wiped her hands on her towel. She poured a glass of water. "An escort mission for a Genin team? This early? That's against regulation." She took a drink and handed it to him

"He knows that. He's writing a memorandum to exempt it so they can come. Says it'll be good experience for them." Naruto wet his mouth to keep talking. "I don't like it though. But, I talked to my team and they're excited about it. Except for Kai. I think she only agreed to it because of Katsuro and Konohamaru."

"I can see why." Ino joined him at the table. "She didn't want to disappoint them. It's a big opportunity for them."

"I know it is. It just doesn't feel right, y'know? I've only had two weeks with them. I haven't even covered proper chakra control yet."

Ino smiled. It was refreshing to see Naruto's mindset change. When the Third Hokage first told him of his new assignment as an instructor, Naruto was completely against it. He wasn't ready for that kind of responsibility yet. Training Genin was a full time job. He was going to be with them every day for the next however many years it took for them to become Chūnin. Even then, they would still run missions together they could lead on their own. He would practically be raising them.

But his attitude changed after that bell test. Seeing them struggle and come together to take the bells from him was the exact jolt he needed. It was like Ino was looking someone completely different.

Ino reached across and grasped Naruto's large hand. "I know you're worried. But you're doing an amazing job so far, Naruto. There's no one better to teach those kids."

His grip tightened. Confidence filling him. "Thank you, Ino. I love you."

"Love you too."

Table be damned, Naruto planted a strong kiss on the Yamanaka's soft lips.

"So, who's escort for?" Ino questioned, returning to her cooking. It was almost time to plate.

"Koyuki Kazahana. That famous actress." Naruto's mouth was watering from the smell of the meal.

"Koyuki? Isn't that the princess you saved like ten years ago?" Ino set the plates of food to eat. She remembered that name.

Naruto nodded. "Yeah. She requested me to be her escort. Not really sure why. The mission scroll didn't say much."

"That's not unusual." Ino stated, cutting up her food. She always felt gratitude when she cooked. Seeing Naruto enjoy so thoroughly was so rewarding. He was like a little kid. "Did you meet with her already?"

"No. Koyuki and her entourage already left for the docks at North Port. The crew needed time to get the ship ready. They depart in two days."

Ino rolled her eyes. It too obvious. "Hey goofball. Koyuki wants you."

"…Yeah? That's why she requested me for the mission?"

Ino lightly smacked her forehead. "No. Like wants you. I knew she never got over you." The jealously and protective tones saturated Ino's voice.

Oh…

"That can't be it!"

"Uh, yeah it is." Ino played with her food, only to slide the plate away. "I'm not hungry anymore."

"Hey, hey. C'mon. That was a long time ago. And you and I weren't together then."

"Still. How'd you feel if an old flame of mine requested me for a solo mission?"

"But it's not a solo mission. My Genin are coming with me." Naruto stated factually.

"Not the point, dumbass." Ino huffed. "How would you feel?"

"…Not well, I'd imagine." It had taken years, but Naruto had overcome his petty childhood jealously when it came to Ino. Naruto was, and still can be, extremely protective of her when they were younger. He just didn't want lose another precious person. He had gone through enough of that.

"Do you trust me?"

With her life. No question. "Of course! It's her I don't trust."

"I'm sorry but I can't control her. I can only do what I can."

"I know…"

Naruto smiled. "I promise you, Ino, I would rather cut my dick off than sleep with anyone else but you."

Despite her trying to keep up the jealous mood, a laugh broke through. Naruto always knew what to say to help her. And hey, a promise is a promise. She would make him follow through on that if he broke it. "Deal!" Ino chuckled.

Naruto smiled harder and rolled his eyes. Yeah, she's the one for me.

"Crap. If you're leaving, we should spend the rest of the day together. I need to call Sakura and cancel."

Naruto waved her off. "Nah. Don't worry about it. It's only two weeks. I still need to pack and stuff. Go have fun. It's a miracle you got her to go out. We'll see each other before I leave."

"It did take some convincing." Ino promised Sakura a night filled lots of drinking so that she could forget the broken heart in her chest. "Maybe I'll just bring her here and we can all hang out. Like old times."

Old times…

Memories of that wild night came soaring back. So many screams. Moans. They had to throw out the sheets the next morning. Naruto's perverted chuckle gave away what he was thinking.

"Don't even think about that." Ino berated. "That was a onetime thing and you know it. Don't get any ideas."

Naruto wasn't one to sit and let the past bog down his present and future. But, man, did he wish for another night like that. It was after his second trip with Jiraiya and just in time for his eighteenth birthday. The legal age to drink alcohol for shinobi was eighteen. And as the youngest of all his friends, it was an absolute drunk fest.

Everyone had either stumbled home or passed out somewhere along the way, leaving only Naruto, Ino, and Sakura alone in his apartment.

It didn't take much, or long, for their clothes to be thrown on the floor.

"Understood…" Naruto was lost in the bliss of the memory.

Ino shook her head.

Men…

-Movie Theater Entrance-

Team Thirteen waited patiently in line for the ticket booth. Their master failed to mention that this movie was just released and everyone in the area was there to see it.

"Man, I hate waiting!"

"Don't complain, Konohamaru." Katsuro nudged. "We get to see a movie for a mission. I'd say that's pretty cool."

Konohamaru rolled his eyes. "You're just saying that because you've got a massive crush on Koyuki Kazahana."

Katsuro just shrugged, not bothering to deny it. In his mind, any male on the planet would have an attraction to that woman. He was fine with waiting if it meant he got to see Koyuki on the big screen. "She's hot. And I like to look at her."

"How can you say stuff like that so casually, Katsuro?" Kai questioned. "Do you view women as objects or something?"

Appalled, Katsuro stared at Kai. "What?! Of course not. I don't treat women, or anyone, like that. I was raised better than that. But all guys out there ogle at a good looking female like Koyuki Kazahana. It's only natural."

"All guys?" She questioned again, being more aggravated than she probably should be. "Konohamaru isn't saying stuff like that? You agree with me, don't you, Konohamaru?"

The young Sarutobi said nothing for a moment. Hesitation. "…I mean…he's kinda right."

"Konohamaru!"

"What? It is natural to be attracted to the opposite sex." He stated. "And we're growing…bodies changing…shit like that is normal."

Konohamaru's mind drifted back to the other night when took Katara to this same movie theater. Even though it was because of blackmail, Katara admitted to having a good time. She even agreed to another date. Even though she said she had to clear it with friend again. It had to be Kai.

"What's your deal right, Kai?" Konohamaru questioned. "You seem…uncomfortable."

Kai felt out of place. She wasn't used to being in such crowded places. Growing up, she stayed pretty isolated at home. Her father really didn't like it when she went out. He was big self-proclaimed introvert. Extremely overprotective.

But she wasn't like her father. Kai didn't want to watch the world from her window. She wanted to apart of it. Kai wanted to see the world. That's why she tried to be friends with everyone, in and out the Academy. It was the first time she could actually have friends. And she took full advantage of it.

"I-it's nothing…don't worry about it."

Shrugging, Konohamaru continued to grumble and pace impatiently. He hated waiting, it was unbelievably annoying to him. They were shinobi. They shouldn't have to wait for anything. They risked their lives every day and, in Konohamaru's mind, deserved all the gratitude they could get for it.

Man, if only these people knew who we were. Then, we'd skip this entire line. I bet grandpa never had to wait in lines as Hokage.

It was too simple.

Konohamaru loudly smacked his forehead. "I'm an idiot!"

"What?" Katsuro asked.

"C'mon! We're skipping this line!"

Leading the way, Konohamaru stepped out of line and marched him and his team to the front.

"Konohamaru!" Kai shouted, begrudgingly following.

"What the heck are you doing?" Katsuro asked once he caught up. He ignored the people they passed asking the same thing.

"I told you, we're skipping that stupid line. I can get us in right now!"

Konohamaru stopped directly in front of the ticket booth. The young adult, probably no older than twenty, inside it, decked out in a butter soaked vest and dress pants, looked at the young Sarutobi curiously. He watched him and his two teammates skip the entire line.

"Hey kid, what are you doing? You skipped that whole line. Get back where you were."

"Do you have any idea who I am?"

Not a moment's hesitation. "No. Should I?"

Katsuro snickered quietly. Got em!

Konohamaru faltered slightly, not expecting that response. He smirked. "Well, then I guess I'll just go talk to my grandfather and he'll come sort this all out."

Now the ticket master, as Konohamaru dubbed him,was getting annoyed. His boss would have his ass if he didn't get this line moving quickly. "Listen kid, I don't care who your grandpa is. Just get back in line before my boss comes in and…"

"What's the problem here, Leon?"

Damn it…

Leon, the ticket master, dreaded his boss. Too much of a hard ass for such a simple job. "N-Nothing, sir. Just turning away these budgers."

The large man, with a belly to match his size, literally looking down on the three budgers. "You three…you're shinobi right?"

Konohamaru smiled triumphantly. "Oh yeah! Konohamaru Sarutobi is my name and you're looking at the future Hokage!" Katsuro and Kai wished they could hide from Konohamaru's shouting. It was unbelievably embarrassing.

"Sarutobi…" The man's brain seemed to work slower than most. "Sarutobi! You must be the Third Hokage's grandson!" The boss hastily fumbled with the ticket machine. "A-Apologizes, Honorable Grandson, if I had known you and your friends were coming, I would have escorted you in myself! This is such an honor! What movie would you like to see?!"

"Snow Princess."

"Of course, of course!" The boss shakily handed over the three tickets. "Please enjoy! Popcorn and drinks are on the house! E-Enjoy!"

Konohamaru snatched the paper tickets out of the man's hand. And quite like a snob, he huffed and walked in. Kai bowed in embarrassment while Katsuro quickly followed suit behind his teammates.

"What the hell, Konohamaru?!" Kai yanked on the Sarutobi's arm. "Why did you do that?"

"I hate lines."

"You embarrassed us and made that man act like a damn fool."

Konohamaru shrugged. "So? We got in for free and complementary popcorn. I think it was a good deal."

Kai couldn't believe it. How could he completely take advantage of someone like that? All because he was related to someone of importance? That was unacceptable.

What did she see in him?

"Konohamaru Sarutobi!" It felt odd saying his full name like that. "Shinobi do not use their position or authority to obtain things of pleasure or profit! What you just did goes against our morals as shinobi! You should be ashamed!"

"Relax, Kai." Konohamaru waved off the girl's feelings. "It's not that big of a deal. People wanna give me free stuff all the time. It's their way of showing their appreciation for my grandpa as the Hokage. Who am I to deny them that?"

"You should be a little more appreciative about it and not expect it from people. You're the grandson of the Hokage. Act like it." Kai snatched her ticket out of Konohamaru's hand. "I'm only taking this because Naruto sensei assigned us to see this movie." And she marched off.

Konohamaru could only stare. "What the hell was that about?"

"Oh, don't act stupid, Konohamaru." Katsuro berated. "You know exactly what that was all about."

Konohamaru could only stare dumbly. "No, I don't."

Katsuro just rolled his eyes. "She's pissed because you're not who she thought you were."

"…What does that mean?"

Gritting his teeth, Katsuro held back. It wasn't worth his effort to try and get Konohamaru to see the error of his ways. He was too stuck up to want to see it. "Whatever Konohamaru. Just don't pull that shit again. Not everyone agrees with it." He turned and followed behind Kai.

Konohamaru watched as his two teammates left him. "But…I thought I was helping…"

Are they…mad at me?

This was a new feeling. Konohamaru never had someone to get mad at him before. Both his parents died when he was super young. It was hard for him to remember their faces without a picture. And being left in the care of the entire Sarutobi clan, specifically his uncle Asuma, life was not easy for him.

Being the lone grandson of the Hokage was a perk he used vigorously. It was the one of the only things Konohamaru had that was unique. Something that he could control. He wanted to feel important to someone. If that meant he needed to remind people of his status, then so be it.

Why does it feel so bad now?

It's been only two weeks. Two weeks together as Team Thirteen. How could they be so important to him that he would start questioning himself like this?

Dejected and embarrassed, Konohamaru made his way into the theater and joined his teammates.

-Northern Port-

"Get the supplies loaded!" The captain shouted orders.

"Yes sir!" The entire crew responded.

The captain smirked, turning to look at his client for this trip. "See, Sandayū? My crew is the best in the business. You made the right choice."

Sandayū smiled kindly. "I'm glad to hear that, Captain Makino. I look forward to seeing them in action once we set sail."

Captain Makino nodded. "You'll be impressed. Don't you worry about that. Say, when are those shinobi you hired going to be here again?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. It takes roughly half a day to travel to this port from Konohagakure. That gives us plenty of time to load all the necessary supplies."

"More like luxury." The captain commented in a snarky tone. "I've never seen so many clothes for one person before. Let alone those tracked motor vehicles. You're lucky my ship can handle the weight."

Sandayū chuckled, slightly embarrassed. "Those vehicles were specially outfitted with tracks to traverse the snow in our land. It makes traveling much easier. And Princess Koyuki has a sense of fashion."

Makino could see that Sandayū was also annoyed by the amount of supplies the Princess had, but, being her assistant, he could never say anything about it. "Heh. I can see that." The two continued to watch the crew hoist up one of the tracked vehicles. "Those Konoha shinobi…why'd you hire them? Expecting trouble?"

Sandayū was unmoving, unreadable. "Captain, the last thing I would do is put your crew in danger. I took the necessary precautions to keep Princess Koyuki and your crew protected."

"Protection? Protection against what, per say?"

"…Just worry about your crew, Captain Makino. I'll worry about Princess Koyuki and the Konoha shinobi we hired." Sandayū left the deck and returned to his Princess.

A feeling of dread for this job filled the captain. If experience taught him anything, an ambiguous client always led to trouble.

Those Konoha shinobi...they better be ready.