Disclaimer: Naruto is the property of Kishimoto Masashi

A/N: Hello minna-san! Hakujou-no-sakeme here! I know, it's been a long time and I suddenly went off-air without explanation. I've been very busy with work so I want to apologize for the delay. I'm a newbie regarding this drama stuff and my sister Crimsonbutterfly21 isn't helping either. Please enjoy the chapter and don't forget to leave a review so that I will know what you guys think! Enjoy!

IZOU

Part 2: On the Field of Daisies

Chapter 5: Training Menu 2: The Retrieval Mission

Recap: Naruto has passed his first test. Will he be able to pass the next one?

The sun shone brightly in the morning sky. Birds chirped and the people of Konoha hauled themselves out of their comfy beds to start a new day. As the townsfolk get themselves ready for their daily routines, the shinobis head out for their designated missions. Bearing the Leaf-engraved symbol in their forehead protectors, they stepped out of the village gates with pride and dignity.

…………

Meanwhile, in the Hyuuga household…

Hinata stretched out her arms as she sat up in bed. The morning light filtered through the thin shoji screen in her bedroom, giving her a warm greeting. Wrapping a pure white haori around her shoulders, she started preparing for her next mission. After being clad into her full ninja gear, she went downstairs for breakfast. She bumped into Neji. She immediately sidestepped to give him more room.

"Ohayou, Neji-nisan," she greeted.

"Ohayou," he replied nonchalantly, focusing more on reading his scroll. Hinata bowed her head and about to leave when he spoke. "I heard you were appointed as Naruto's instructor." Neji raised one brow when she flinched.

Closing the scroll, he turned to face her. "Hinata-sama, I won't go against your decision. However, don't you think that it's now time for you to take over duties as the Head of the Main Branch?"

The azure-haired heiress placed a hand on her chest. "I understand your concern, Neji-nisan. I'm sorry, but I'm assigned by Hokage-sama to supervise Naruto-kun's training. The advisers are in doubt of Naruto-kun's ability and if this continues, he won't be able to cope up with their expectations."

"Hinata-sama…"

She clasped his hand tightly, the one that was not holding the scroll. "Neji-nisan, I know that you're deeply concerned about the clan's future. Please understand that I have to walk my own path. Just this once, I want to be free from the responsibility as the next head of the Main Branch. Until Naruto-kun becomes Hokage, I'm staying by his side."

Neji stared at her, as if reading the truth within her eyes. Sighing heavily, he gave her trembling hand a gentle squeeze. "As you wish, Hinata-sama. I'll do best to hold Hiashi-sama at bay. Go and provide Naruto the training he needs."

Then he leaned down, their eyes mere inches from each other. "However, what I'm worried about is not you supervising him but the other one. Are you really sure that you're going to overlook that matter?" he asked in a quiet voice.

Hinata avoided his gaze. "I-I don't know…"

He released her hand, satisfied from her response. "Think about it, Hinata-sama. Once the clan knows about this, they'll stop you. And they're not the only ones. Don't you think the soon-to-be Hokage would let this pass once he finds out?"

She didn't answer. Neji patted her head in a brotherly manner. "There's still time. Back out while you still can." Before Hinata could reply, he already turned his back on her then walked away.

Raising a hand at the spot where he patted her, she sighed. "I know you're worried. I'm sure everything is fine. Naruto-kun is the rightful person for the Hokage's position. I'm going to prove that to you and to everyone."

She went on her way, though still troubled by her cousin's last words.

…………

"Oodama Rasengan!"

A huge ball of chakra struck a huge boulder, reducing it into a pile of rubble. Naruto huffed as his clone dissipated, after using up its chakra. Staring at the burn on his hand, he heaved a sigh. He had to practice more in order to conjure up his technique without toasting his hand.

The bright rays of the sun hit his bronzed cheek. He grinned.

"Whew! Training done! Now to tidy myself up and have free breakfast at the Ichiraku!" Naruto gathered his ninja gear then dashed out of the training grounds. He greeted passersby a good morning.

"Ohayou, Izumo-san! Kotetsu-san!" he waved at the Hokage's assistants. They were carrying a huge pile of documents in their arms. Naruto sprinted and caught some of the files Kotetsu was holding.

"Be careful!" he added, rearranging the papers so that it wouldn't fall again then gave the relieved chuunin a wide grin.

"Whew, thanks Naruto-kun," Kotetsu said gratefully. "It's the Godaime's fault! She wants these documents right away! Next time, she should find other men to do her stupid orders!"

"Heh! Granny Tsunade put her faith in you sempais carrying out her errands," Naruto joked. If the buxom Hokage heard any complaints, she would send them off flying into space by her chakra-filled punch. The young Hokage-in-training winced as he recalled the times he experienced her wrath.

Izumo chuckled, balancing the pile in his arms. "I'd say. Right now, I couldn't help but notice Hokage-sama rushing off things. For the last three days, she didn't stop working. It's as if she was possessed."

Kotetsu nodded, affirming Izumo's story. They resumed their walk towards the Hokage's office, Naruto by their side.

Izumo continued talking. "She's getting ready for the big day. However, the advisers are constantly badgered her around. I remember last night she even ordered Shizune-san to bring her five cases of sake because she stayed over at her office."

Naruto replied. "Tsunade-bachan? Working her ass off? That's too good to be true!" Then he faltered. "But it's not her fault why she's pushing things too far. It's because of me."

Before, whenever he stopped by at her office, she'd give him a wistful stare then wish him good luck. He clenched his fist. He had to do his best for the people who had faith in him.

The two chuunin didn't say a word. For the entire walk, silence accompanied them.

Upon reaching their destination, Kotetsu stopped. "Well, we're here at our stop. See you around, Naruto-kun."

The Kyuubi heir blinked at the realization. He was so consumed by his thoughts that he didn't realized that they'd arrived. "Ah, okay. Looks like I'll see you guys later!" He turned his back on them then gave a cheerful wave. "Thank you for the time, Izumo-san! Kotetsu-san!" Afterwards he continued on his way.

When Naruto was out of earshot, Izumo cocked his eyebrow. Did Naruto just thank them? And since when did he learn to be grateful to others? "It must be Ebisu-san's doing," Kotetsu answered his partner's unanswered question. When Izumo looked at him with confusion, he clarified. "Etiquette. Naruto-kun is Tsunade-sama's Hokage-in-training, am I right?"

"Yeah. So?"

"Ebisu-san's training menu seems to be working. Naruto-kun now looks every inch the shinobi the advisers wanted," Kotestu added. They were now climbing the stairs, the papers adding weight to their every step.

Izumo smirked. "If that's the case, then I'm happy for Naruto-kun. If he becomes the next Hokage, then we'll be looking forward to that."

"But right now, we have to suffer from the Godaime's evil rule," Kotetsu commented as they neared their goal.

He could've sworn he saw his partner gulped. "Right."

…………

"Ohayou!" Naruto said lastly to the peddler who was selling fake amulets as he rounded to another corner. At last, he reached his apartment. Jiggling with the lock, he sensed a presence coming from behind him.

He turned around quickly.

Then smiled.

"It's been a while. Ohayou, Rin-san!"

Rin smiled warmly and returned his greeting. "Ohayou, Naruto-kun! I see you're still as cheery as ever." She ruffled his hair playfully. "Looks like you had some hard training. Way to go."

The Kyuubi heir blushed as he nodded. "I know! It's a bit lame but I want to get stronger! I don't want Ebisu and Hinata nagging me about training more in order to pass. This time, I'm doing it in advance so I can surprise them once we move on to the next test!"

"Haha, that's such big words. Keep it up, Naruto-kun. I know you can do it," she smiled as she patted him on the head. "Since you're here, I want you to have this. Before leaving for a mission, Kakashi told me to cook you a homemade meal if I have time. So, since I had time, I whipped you up a big lunch!" She showed him a huge bento box wrapped in blue-checkered cloth.

The blond teen was moved into tears. For the first time, someone gave him a home-cooked meal aside from Sakura-chan. He accepted the bento with heartfelt thanks. "Arigatou for the bento, Rin-san. Why don't you come in for a while? Let me offer you a cup of tea as a token of thanks."

"No, it's all right…"

After fumbling with the door, he opened it. Walking up to the older woman, he grasped her wrist. "I insist. You don't have to be shy, Rin-san. You're Kakashi-sensei's friend and practically, you're family. Besides, it's nice to have some company since Sakura-chan and Kakashi-sensei are away."

Rin smiled lightly as she allowed herself to be pulled inside the apartment.

Meanwhile…

In the Hokage's office…

Tsunade rubbed her temples, easing the onset of headache. Earlier, Shizune burst in with another huge pile of paperwork in her arms. After dropping the papers on the desk, she reminded the blond Hokage to take a short rest once in a while then left. Now staring at the never-ending stack of incomplete documents, Tsunade craved for more bottles of sake.

But she restrained herself. "Now's not the time for idleness. I have to finish these before the end of Naruto's training. From the looks of things, I'm going to stay here again tonight," she muttered angrily, plucking sheaf of papers from the pile. Reading, she huffed at its contents.

The first document was about the last war against the Sound Village. Flipping the first page, she read the contents of the month-long report made by Hatake Kakashi. "Ho-hum, nothing but boring reports. Guess I have to skip just this once," she said to herself, skimming the pages. Reaching the middle page, she stopped halfway then began reading the entry.

…………

12th Night

"We're almost at the Sound border. As always, apprehension is gripping my chest like a tight vise. My team also feels the same way, especially my two remaining students. I knew that they've been waiting for this as long as I can remember. Even I have been hoping for this day. The day that I will see my other estranged student."

"Yamato and I are taking care of the battle plan. Gai's team will take out the enemy frontlines and Shikamaru's team will take the left border. As for our team, we will divide our team into two factions. Yamato will take the right border with his team, Hinata, Shino and Chouji. The rest will sneak into the hideout and take the enemies from the inside. Once we're inside, Naruto, Sai and Kiba will split from us. Then Sakura and I will be on our own as well, with Pakkun as our tracker."

"There's a big chance we'll encounter Orochimaru and the Sound shinobi. However, the most important for all of us is that we'll be able to get to him and beat him to his senses. Since will be the first move for our group, we have to be prepared for all possibilities. This will be our chance to defeat Sound and to get Sasuke back. We can't afford to make mistakes."

…………

"This was…dated back during the time we last attacked Sound!" Tsunade exclaimed as she re-read the entry. Actually, she never bothered with the reports that her shinobi would submit to her but this was a first. She then continued reading the journal.

…………

14th Night

It was raining heavily.

We commenced the operation and it is refreshing to say that the battle was in our favor. Gai and Shikamaru reported no casualties from their team. Yamato said the same. That also leaves with my team.

Now since Naruto's team already separated from mine, I had nothing much to report. But, I noticed that Sakura grew quieter during the entire mission. As their sensei, I know they are getting ready themselves for the fight that will either declare them as winners or losers. I don't play a major role in this mission, but I'll support them in any way I can. After all…the dreaded reunion between my students will be nothing more than a heartbeat away…

…………

With her eyes scanning every word and detail, the Godaime heaved a sigh. She didn't know that Hatake Kakashi would be this in-depth on mission reports. Now, if she could just convince him to throw away his wretched book…she was halfway through the page when something caught her eye. She stopped.

"Damn it!" she cursed, examining the scroll.

The bottom part of the scroll was ripped out.

Tsunade cursed again and placed it back on her desk. Just when she thought she could finally unravel the mystery of last time's war, she had hit a dead end. She opened the bottom drawer then stashed the scroll inside. Slumping back to her seat, she watched the clouds as they turned grey.

Rain was fast approaching just like that time…

A knock from the door broke her free from her thoughts. She swiveled her chair around and raised a brow at the newcomers. "Shouldn't you guys be around here a bit earlier than this?"

Kotetsu raised a hand. "My apologies, Tsunade-hime. It's rather unbelievable that you're now taking care of things seriously." He closed the door behind him then bowed his head in respect.

The Godaime ran a hand through her blond locks and waved a hand dismissively. "It's all right. By the way, did you get all of them?"

Izumo placed the documents on her desk. He wiped sweat off his forehead then paid his respect. "Every single piece of document that you wanted is all here, Hokage-sama. Homura-sama would not approve of this once he finds out we're snooping around Konoha's confidential reports."

Plucking a piece of paper from the pile, Tsunade groaned. "Let him find out. That geezer always order people around."

"Just like the Hokage ordering us around," Kotetsu whispered in his partner's ear.

"But not in an annoying way like he does!" Tsunade fired back, surprising Kotetsu. Izumo chuckled. The Hokage went back to her seat and opened a drawer. Pulling a scroll out, she urged them to come closer. "Enough said. There's something I have to ask of you."

Kotetsu asked. "What is it, Hokage-sama?"

She handed the scroll to Izumo who accepted it with a puzzled look. "Give this to Hyuuga Hinata as soon as possible. While you're at it, tell her to come to my office. Urgent matter."

"As you wish, Hokage-sama." The two bowed then disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Alone, Tsunade sank back into her chair.

"Being Hokage took the age out of me. Once that Kyuubi brat is hailed as the new Hokage, I'll be able to pursue my gambling career. I'll leave Konoha behind, placing everything in his hands." She muttered then chuckled at the thought of Naruto sitting in the Hokage's chair, pulling his hair out while trying to finish the never-ending piles of paperwork.

The Godaime added as an afterthought. "That would be fun. It's nice to see him tackle responsibility for a change." Again, she was brought away from her thoughts when somebody knocked at the door.

12:00 NN

Naruto adjusted his hitai-ate for the umpteenth time. The noontime heat was starting to get on his nerves. 'Where the heck did my instructors go?' he thought angrily. Surely Ebisu and Hinata knew that first missions were very important, especially to him!

Cursing, he leaned back against the trunk of the cherry blossom tree to avoid the sun's blinding light. He was about to close his eyes when he heard the sound of footsteps. He straightened his back, seeing Ebisu and Koharu-sensei approaching his direction.

Stopping in front of him, Ebisu mused. "You're here early. I'm quite surprised."

The young man only glared. Instead of getting annoyed by his reaction, Ebisu coughed then stepped aside. Koharu-sensei went forward, a bemused expression on her face. She regarded Naruto with a small smile. "I'm surprised as well. But I'm happy that you thought of this mission as an important aspect to your training."

Naruto shrugged. "I don't want to let Tsunade-bachan down."

The two exchanged glances. Koharu smiled. "Very well. Before I give you your first mission, where is your other instructor?"

"Hinata? I haven't seen her all day. I'm the first to come here."

Koharu nodded in understanding. "That's all right. Since you're here, we'll just go on and announce the mission." She reached inside her sleeve and pulled out a scroll. With careful fingers, she handed it to Naruto. The Kyuubi heir accepted it, confusion shown in his blue orbs.

"The details of your mission are inside the scroll. Before you leave, pay a visit to the Godaime. She will assign you to your new team. I know you don't like to listen to an old lady babbling but caution takes full priority here. We will be expecting your report by the time you return from your mission. I wish you luck."

Naruto sighed. He stared at the scroll in his hand. Ebisu smiled as he scratched the back of his head. "Now that you're starting your first mission, why don't we head to the Hokage's office for team assignment?" he said.

The blond tucked the scroll inside his jacket. "Hmm. That would be great! I can't wait to see my new team." As he started to walk, he felt a hand latch upon his arm. He turned his head to find Koharu staring at him with a concerned gaze.

"What?" he asked.

The aged advisor didn't let go of his arm. "There's one more thing, young man. Now that you're recognized as Tsunade's successor, you have to be in proper etiquette especially when you visit some of our allied countries. As of this moment, everyone will look up to you as their next Hokage so you have to set a good example." She gave Naruto a stern look. "You're young of age yet thrown in the bottomless pit of reality. Konoha and its people will force you to mature and support them with your shoulders. I don't know what Tsunade-hime is thinking but I do hope she knows what she's doing."

Naruto waved a hand dismissively. "So, you're saying that no one's going to take me as their equal because I'm just a little brat?"

"What Koharu-sensei meant was that you have to act your part as the Godaime's successor. It doesn't matter if you're young, as long as you know how to do what you're supposed to do," Ebisu cut in.

The young man scratched his head again. 'Hmm, even on the first mission they still give lectures. They still don't trust me, I'm sure. I don't want Tsunade-bachan to get disappointed again…' he thought grimly.

Finally he nodded. "I understand."

Satisfied, Koharu stepped aside. "Well then. Don't forget the report. Even if you are Tsunade-hime's successor, I won't tolerate bad reports. And plagiarism." She turned on her heel then walked away.

After the Hokage's adviser left, Naruto sighed. "Whew, what a drag! She's also the same as that old man!" Running a hand through his hair, he stared at Ebisu who seemed to be amused. "What're you staring at, closet pervert?" he demanded.

The bespectacled elite smiled knowingly. "Even if she doesn't show it, Naruto-kun…I think she's quite fond of you."

The young man cocked his head to the side. "Eh? Really? I don't see why she'd be fond of me. She likes ordering people around, similar to that old man Homura."

"Of course, she has the right to. Koharu-sensei's the Hokage's adviser after all. Perhaps, this is the right time for you Naruto-kun to respect your elders especially the ones with higher ranking like them."

"Right." Naruto huffed as he stretched his arms out. Casting a wary glance at his sensei, his blue eyes bore no trace of hesitation. This is it. The start of a new mission. His second test to become Hokage. If he passed this one, he'd move on to the next test. He clenched his fist. There was no time for fear or regrets. He chose this path himself -- not Kakashi-sensei and certainly not Sakura-chan. They didn't force him. It was his and his discretion alone.

Ebisu didn't say a word as he saw Naruto form hand seals and disappear within a cloud of smoke. He did the same thing and disappeared as well. It was obvious where the lad was headed.

Hokage's office…

Tsunade stared at the fidgeting girl in front of her. Lacing her fingers together, she brought them up to rest her chin on top. Under her scrutiny, she noticed Hinata's straining effort not to look worried. She coughed out loud, catching the girl's attention. "As I was saying," she continued, her amber eyes meeting glassy ones. "This will be the most crucial time for you, Hinata. Are you sure about your decision?"

Hinata nodded. "Hai, Hokage-sama."

"Your father will not approve. You know how he feels when it comes to trifling matters like this. And training Naruto will take your attention away from your own personal growth," the Hokage added.

"I understand. Eight months is long. But I assure you, I'm going to be fine. What matters most is that Naruto-kun will be able to meet the standards of the elders and the Fire Country daimyo. I don't want to let him down," the Hyuuga heiress added with finality.

Admitting defeat for now, Tsunade leaned back against her chair. She raised a hand. "All right if that's what you wish. I'm not going to interfere with your decision, Hinata. However, you'll take responsibility in guiding Naruto throughout the training. I heard that he developed some kind of mean streak lately and he unleashed one on you."

Remembering the incident at the classroom in Konoha academy, Hinata winced. But she immediately repressed the thoughts in her head. "Yes. But it was nothing. Naruto-kun was stressed at that time. But he really didn't mean to do anything harsh to me. If he did, then I would've had no other choice but to teach him a lesson."

Tsunade gave a small laugh. "Can you really do that, Hinata? Can you really teach him a lesson?"

Instead of answering, Hinata blushed.

A loud POOF! brought their conversation short and Tsunade cocked her head to the side. "Idiotic brat. You know that we do have a door. Remember to use one next time!"

Hinata squeaked as she heard him speak next to her. "Sorry, 'bachan! I'm too psyched for my first mission to even think of using one! And besides, it's nice to surprise people for a change!" She turned her head around and saw Naruto's grinning face.

Blood rushed to her cheeks. "N-Naruto-kun!"

He grinned at her. "Yo, Hinata-chan! Or should I say, Hinata-sensei?"

Hinata felt her cheeks heating up. She didn't know whether she should be embarrassed or angry that he was teasing her. Unknown to her, Tsunade smiled slightly.

She stood up from her seat. "Now that you're here, let's get started."

A/N: Hello minna-san! Hakujou-no-sakeme here, filling in for my sister Crimsonbutterfly21! What do you think of the chapter? I apologize for the inconvenience and the temporary swapping of authors. This is my first time in writing a drama so please forgive me for any difference that you'll see in the story. You can help me too dear readers. Anyways, have to go now! Nice to meet you all! See you guys on the next chapter! Ja ne!