Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! This chapter is much shorter than the usual chapter length I write, but it also sets up for what's to come later. So, without further ado.

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After Naruto finished his training for the day, he and Orochimaru headed for the Hokage Tower, for the boy to receive his first C-Rank mission. With Naruto being excited for the chance to finally go out on a mission. Though Orochimaru did say he would be going with another team, given the Sannin's work kept him the village, most of the time.

So he wouldn't always be available to accompany his apprentice on missions.

Once they reached the Hokage's Office, and went inside, Naruto saw that along with the old man, there was also Team Eleven, and Suigetsu Hōzuki.

Suigetsu was a member of the Hōzuki Clan, from Kirigakure, but had left the village, to escape the Bloodline Purges, that were going on. And to achieve his dream of collecting the seven swords of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, and then become leader of the new incarnation of the team.

At one point, he had been found by Orochimaru and Kabuto, who brought him back to Konoha. where he became a Ninja, given it'd be a good chance find where the seven blades are, while on missions.

Naruto also knew Suigetsu personally, the Hōzuki having been on the same team as Karin before they were promoted in the Chūnin Exams. With Karin transferring to the Medic Corps., while Suigetsu became a Chūnin.

He is also Karin's on-and-off boyfriend. Which was a source of many bets between him and Tayuya, betting on how long they'd stay broken up, when they'd get back together, how they'd get back together, and when they'd break up again.

So far Naruto has the lead with it being 46-15, with Tayuya cursing that he had the devil's luck, when it came to gambling.

"Hey Suigetsu." Naruto greeted, with Suigetsu giving a smirk, showing his shark-like teeth.

"Sup runt. Tell me, is the crazy redhead missing me, yet?" Suigetsu asked.

"No, but she does have a picture of you pinned to the wall, that she uses for target practice." Replied Naruto.

"Then it's just a matter of time." Stated Suigetsu, not at all perturbed at hearing this.

"If you're quite done, Naruto. We're here for a C-Rank Mission, Sarutobi-sensei." Said Orochimaru, with Naruto immediately standing beside his sensei, while the Hokage nodded.

"You're timing couldn't be better, Orochimaru, I was actually about to call for you and Naruto." Hiruzen said, before tossing a scroll to Genma, who'd be serving as team leader for the mission, being the highest in rank.

"The mission is from Tanzaku Gai, which has been dealing with a spike in bandit activity, recently. It's gotten to the point they've sent a mission request to Konoha, asking for Ninja to be sent to deal with the bandits. Your mission, is to hunt down any and all bandits, and see that they're dealt with." Sarutobi said, with Genma and Suigetsu nodding, along with the Genin.

"We'll see that it gets done, Hokage-sama." Genma replied, before looking at his students and Naruto.

"You four, head home and start packing, bring as many supplies and weapons as you would, for a long-term mission." Genma ordered, not knowing how long this mission will last, or just how many bandits they'll encounter.

Nodding, the Genin exited the office, to go pack for their mission.

"Genma, Orochimaru, Suigetsu, stay for a moment." The Hokage said, with the three standing in attention, while having Orochimaru stay as well, even if he won't be part of the mission.

"I take it there was more information in regards to this mission, sensei." Orochimaru guessed, with Sarutobi nodding, as he clasped his hands together, in front of his face.

"Yes, the mission request wasn't given to us in the normal procedure but was passed along in secrecy. Meaning that these bandits that have taken up residency near Tanzaku Gai, are there for more than just a change of scenery." Sarutobi said.

"You think it's an inside job." Stated Genma, with the Hokage nodding again at his words.

While Tanzaku Gai was a lively town, that attracted many adults for its casinos and women, it was also a hot spot for local Yakuza gangs, and other such people.

"Indeed, it's possible they are actually being brought in by the Yakuza. This worrying, given the number of bandits said to be appearing, and the rumors of the Yakuza being run by Missing-Nin. Along with the chance that the bandit camps are being run by Missing-Nin, themselves." Said the Hokage, with the three frowning as the more they heard about the mission, the less it sounded like a C-Rank.

Orochimaru's mind also turned to Tayuya's last mission, and of the secret meetings between Iwa and Suna. Along with the current tense relations between Konoha and Suna, now the appearance of these bandits, that are possibly connected to the Yakuza.

"Sir, with all due respect, this seems like a mission for either a team of Jōnin or Anbu to take care of." Genma said, not liking the idea of taking his students into what could be a potential Gang War.

"Maybe, but right now, all we know is that bandits are taking up residency near Tanzaku Gai, no proof if they are connected to the Yakuza, or if they indeed have Missing-Nin amongst their numbers. And even if we did send Anbu and Jōnin to take care of this, it might tip the Yakuza off that we might be onto them, if they are involved. So, for now, the team will remain the same, while having a side mission to confirm the Yakuza's involvement. But if you do discover that more is going on, than just a spike in bandit activity, call for backup, immediately." Sarutobi said, with Genma and Suigetsu nodding.

Given once this mission started, there's a good chance they'll be pulled into conflict with one of the largest crime syndicate in the Land of Fire.

"I believe we're still overlooking an important detail. If the Yakuza is in fact involved, and the team sent manages to either cripple or destroy it, it could lead to a power vacuum with even more gangs showing up, or even being formed, to fill the void." Said Orochimaru, crossing his arms, while the other three nodded in agreement, knowing what would happen if the Yakuza was crippled, or wiped out.

A Crime War happening, right in the middle of the Land of Fire.

"I'm aware of such an event occurring, Orochimaru. But right now, I believe something is happening within Tanzaku Gai, and if left alone, it could lead to something much worse than a Crime War." Hiruzen said, his instincts telling him that something was happening in Tanzaku Gai, and it'd be better to cut the head off the problem now, before it grew out of their control.

"I agree completely, sensei, I'm just making sure we're all aware of the ramifications this mission will involve. I'll also be on standby, should the situation escalate beyond the team's control." Said Orochimaru, while planning to increase his work on a certain project at the R&D Department, that may prove useful, should things grow out of control.

Nodding at his student's words, the Hokage then dismissed the three, with Genma and Suigetsu going to prepare themselves for the mission. While Orochimaru returned to the R&D, to continue his work.

*Tanzaku Gai*

Meanwhile, within Tanzaku Gai, the ones who had sent the mission request to Konoha, to deal with the bandits, could be found locked within a makeshift dungeon. At least, their bodies could be found hung within the cells and cages.

It was after they had managed to send their mission request, that they had been captured, before being beaten and tortured to death, to find out where they had sent a mission request to.

Looking over the corpses were Chōseki, a local crime boss, and a supposedly Missing-Nin from Iwagakure. With him, was his right hand man and main enforcer, Gantetsu, also a supposed Missing-Nin from Iwagakure.

"Dispose of the bodies, but put the heads up, as a message to anyone else, who thinks they can change the status quo. And have our guys be on the lookout for any of those tree huggers, that try showing up." Chōseki ordered, with Gantetsu nodding.

"Should I send a message to Iwa about sending a team to assist us?" Asked Gantetsu.

"No, as far as anyone here knows, there's only more bandits showing up. A team from Iwa would only set Konoha on edge, and ruin everything." Replied Chōseki.

In truth, neither of them were really Missing-Nin, and had just staged their defection from Iwagakure as part of a plan. A plan that involved Iwagakure getting a foothold within the Land of Fire's criminal underworld. Allowing them to destabilize the Land of Fire, especially Konoha, from within, while making sure nothing could be traced back to Iwa.

With their current objective being to gather up all the nearby bandit camps within the Land of Fire, to help destabilize Konoha, and have their attention focused on the bandits. And with Konoha's focus being on the bandits, it'll be that much closer for climax of the plan.

Iwa's and Suna's eventually invasion of Konoha.

So, what did you think, good. Yep Naruto is joining Team Eleven and Suigetsu on a mission, with it also being revealed the Hōzuki has an on-and-off relationship with Karin (Naruto's relationship with Tayuya and Karin is purely familial). Not only that but it seems there's more to the mission than they all think, with Orochimaru being on standby in the event things go south. Finally we get a look at Tanzaku Gai and see just how bad things are, and that's just the beginning. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.

Storm out