'Thought'

"Speak"

'Kyuubi thought'

"Kyuubi speech, Inner Sakura or Izzy(AN: they are the same person to lazy to type inner Sakura all the time.), and jutsu"

Naruto was sitting next to Sasuke on the back porch both drinking water after a grueling training session with Anko and Gai. Everyone was spread around the backyard completely beat. Naruto was currently thinking about what could go wrong on Suzuri's and Hinata's patrol. He knew that Asuma and Shino were them but still. Something didn't sit right with him. He glanced at his watch again for the seventh time in five minutes and Sasuke seemed to notice and understood what was up.

"They're fine you know. Asuma is there and so is Shino. And you know full well they won't let anything happen to them and if something did, Shino would send us a message. You should stop worrying about it so much. You can't keep them from the battlefield and you know it." Sasuke said in reassurance.

"I know but still. Something doesn't sit right with me. If anything, you would think that Kumo would have given up by now but they haven't. It's not like when they were 3 and were impressionable." Naruto said as he stared forward.

"You're paranoid."

"Maybe but I still think something is wrong."

"You're probably right. And when those Kumo Nin do come, we'll just have to capture at least one alive for interrogation." A voice said behind them.

They both turned to find Anko standing there, leaning against the doorframe. They both had the same thought, 'Glad we weren't talking about anything top secret.'

"You know, Kurenai is worried for the two heiresses and so am I. So I'm going to ask you guys now. Is there anything that you two, Kakashi, and the Hokage are involved in that in any way puts them in harms way?" Anko asked with all seriousness.

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other before looking back at Anko. "No. We are not involved in anything that might harm them in any way. If anything we are trying to stop and keep them from being harmed. But we….we can't divulge any information on what's going on." Naruto answered with seriousness much like Anko.

"So there is something going on?" Kiba said from behind Sasuke and Naruto.

They turned toward Kiba and saw everyone standing there with serious face on. "Yes there is…but we are unsure of what it is. Now please. Stop asking about this. It was decreed by the Hokage himself that we can't say anything about this, to you and especially Suzuri and Hinata." Naruto answers quickly.

"But why? Why is it so important that no one finds out about this?" Kurenai asks having come out of the house.

Sighing Naruto looked at her dead in the eyes. "Look Kurenai, I know you're worried about them but you aren't the only one. I am, Sasuke is, Kakashi is, this entire class is so don't think for a second that you are. Now the Hokage has discovered something that would be dangerous if this secret was to get out. This time I am not asking, I am telling you to stop asking about this."

"But…."

"Stop it Kurenai, even you no better than to go against the Hokage. You keep asking and I will be forced to report to the Hokage and he will punish you for this." Kakashi says having come out as well.

"Kakashi…" Anko starts

"Anko don't start." Kakashi said cutting her off before she could get any farther. "This is a SS-rank secret and will be a result of treason if we say anything."

Just then a black mass appeared in the sky. "Naruto what's that?" Daisuke asked looking up.

"What's what?" Naruto says turning towards him. He notices everyone looking up and follows their gaze. It was a swirling black mass that seemed to be coming down towards the ground. Naruto noticed it was a mass of bugs. "It's a…a message form Shino."

"What's it say?" Kurenai asked.

"They got into a fight and a bandit got a way. He's heading towards the bridge and they need help." Naruto says quickly. He turns toward Kakashi. "Kakashi, if that bandit gets to Gato it will change everything. By now Kumo and Gato have probably found a faster way of communicating and if he finds out about Suzuri and Hinata now…there is no way our back-up will arrive in time."

"You're right; Naruto, Sasuke head towards the bridge with Gai. You two are the fastest of your class, and if we're lucky you three will be able to cut him off. Take care of him and do it quickly. After that split up and search for any other bandit that might have gotten a way from Asuma and his squad. Anko you stay here with Natsuki, Riku, Kiba and Tenten. Kurenai you come with me as well as Sakura, Daisuke, Shikamaru, Chouji and Ino. We are going to back up Asuma and his squad." Kakashi barked out. Everyone nodded and moved to grab their stuff and move out. "And Naruto." Naruto turned toward him. "Everything is going to be alright. We can stop this." Naruto nodded his head and jumped off into the trees with Gai and Sasuke following. They sped off quickly heading towards the bridge, the three moving as fast as they can to get to the bridge to cut off the bandit.

'Will we make it or are we going to be too late?' Naruto thought as he stared ahead. Even after Kakashi had said that everything was going to be alright, he still felt uneasy. After so many attempts on his life and Suzuri's and Hinata's, he's learned to trust his instincts. He's had plenty of bad feelings but this one was different.

"You should not worry Naruto-san. Suzuri and Hinata have many people who are willing to lay down their lives for them. I for one give you my word I will do everything I possibly can to keep them safe." Gai says, sensing Naruto's train of thought.

*Sigh* "I know but still. I can't shake this gut feeling that something is wrong. I've learned to trust this feeling after so long but this one is different. Something feels out of place here, almost like we've missed something….something important." Naruto responds still staring ahead.

"Like what Naruto? You and Kakashi have been extremely thorough with thinking up every possible scenario even having Shika help you. What could we have possibly missed?" Sasuke asked.

"If there's anything I can teach you that's a guarantee is there are no guarantees in the life of a shinobi. No matter how many scenarios and strategies we think up there is no guarantee that any one of them will apply to a situation. So there are many things we could have missed." Naruto answers. "Hey we're here."

The three of them stop at the edge of the forest looking out towards the bridge. Their eyes scanned the surrounding area, searching for the runaway bandit. Sasuke spotted movement on the bridge.

"Hey over there. There's more than one person." Sasuke whispered to the other two. Naruto and Gai looked towards the area Sasuke indicated.

"Looks like a meeting, but Kumo shouldn't be here yet so I wonder why Gato is meeting at the bridge." Gai asked quietly. "Come on let's get closer so we can hear what's going on."

The three of them suppressed their chakra and moved down to the base of the tree they had hidden on then snuck closer until they could hear.

"….repeat that for me again please." A deep masculine voice said.

"It appears that the backup that Konoha sent contains both the Hyuuga and the Uchiha heiresses. I know this because I was on of the bandits that were sent to try and get close to the bridge builder. But there was a team of the Konoha ninjas that cut us off and the heiresses were in that team." Another voice answered. This one was masculine as well but it was shaky as if he was scared.

"And how do you know they were the heiresses when they have never been out of the village and you didn't even know what the Uchiha and Hyuuga were?" asked a feminine voice.

"Because your leader who was taking to Gato showed us some pictures of them to see if the Hyuuga he reported about was one of them. I was in the room so I saw the pictures and it's them." That scared voice answered again.

"Hmm….well the Raikage is going to be extremely happy. Ha isn't that a laugh. We come here looking for one Hyuuga, one that's probably part of the branch family and we end up getting a chance at the Uchiha and Hyuuga heiresses; the two girls that the Raikage specifically wants." The masculine voice spoke cheekily.

The feminine voice giggled at the man's antics. "You should calm down Kaimon. Captain doesn't want us revealing ourselves to the Konoha ninjas just yet."

-back to the three-

Gai tapped Naruto on the shoulder and pointed back towards the way they came. Naruto nodded and turned to Sasuke doing the same thing. Sasuke nodded and the three of them headed back to the forest where they first spotted the group.

"This is bad, real bad. What's Kumo doing here so early?" Sasuke whispered.

"I have no idea but we're too late on trying to keep them from finding out about Suzuri and Hinata" Gai answered quietly.

"So what do we do? Do we leave and warn the others and hope our back up arrives by the time they show up or fight and hope we can take care of them before they report back?" Naruto asked as quietly as the others.

"We can't fight. We don't know their abilities enough to be able to walk away with little injury. So our best bet is to retreat now, report our findings, and hope our backup arrives soon." Gai responds. Naruto and Sasuke nodded and the three headed off back to the cabin to report to Kakashi. They ran on foot to avoid using chakra so they won't be detected. It took them twice as long to get back but if they avoided detection and the Kumo ninja following them they did it. Once there they immediately went inside to find everyone was there except Gai's patrol team and Kurenai who probably went with them so they have a sensei.

"Where's Kakashi? We need to speak to him now." Gai said urgently.

"He's upstairs talking with Zabuza and his apprentice for intel now that they have woken up." Anko responded curious about what's going on. The three bolted up the stairs heading towards the makeshift infirmary. They burst through door scaring the crap out of the inhabitants.

"What the hell guys? We're in the middle of something." Kakashi asked startled.

"Kakashi, we need to talk to now. It's about the SS-rank secret concerning the unknown matter." Naruto panted out.

Kakashi's eyes widened and he turned towards Zabuza and Haku. "Sorry but we'll have to finish this later." Kakashi said quickly as he stood up and headed towards the door. The now four headed towards another room where they locked the door and silenced the room.

"Alright report!" Kakashi said sharply.

"Kakashi…Kumo is here and they know about Hinata and Suzuri. We need to know when our backup will arrive and someone needs to let them know what's going on." Naruto says quickly.

"Naruto are the seals still set up in this room?" Kakashi asked. Naruto nodded. "Get the jutsu going. The Hokage needs to be told immediately."

Gai quickly closed the blinds and stood where directed as Naruto begun a string of hand seals and when he finished the Hokage came into view.

"Hokage-sama, we have an important update for you." Kakashi says.

The Hokage looked up from his paperwork. "And what's that?"

"Kumo's here and they know about Suzuri and Hinata." Sasuke says.

"That is serious. Your backup left late last night after I told them. They should be half way there. Kakashi you need to send someone to let them know and help them sneak in. Can the place your staying at hold them?" the Hokage responds.

"Don't know but we can use some makeshift tents if we need to." Kakashi answers.

"Good…and all of you be careful. Kumo is up to something and I have Jiraiya looking into it but it will be a while before he checks in. Dismissed." The Hokage states.

"Hai" the four of them says.

Naruto lets the jutsu drop and turns toward Kakashi. "So who's going to warn them?"

"You are, Naruto. You're the fastest of the genin and we can't spare any jounin." Kakashi answers.

Naruto swallowed. He knew this is the best possible choice because it was the truth but it was still hard. He knew how Suzuri and Hinata gets and this could be a real big problem; especially now that Kumo is actually here. He knew that Sasuke could take care of Suzuri but he wasn't sure about Hinata. She was a little more vulnerable than Suzuri was and that's what worried Naruto.

"Don't worry; I'll take care of them both." Sasuke says.

Naruto nodded. "I know; you'll let them know right? Since I can't."

"Yeah but why can't you tell them?" Sasuke asks

"Because in order for this to work, I need to leave as soon as possible." Naruto answers.

"Right, I'll tell them once you leave." Sasuke pulled his brother into hug. "You be careful, ya'hear? I'll never hear the end of it from Suzuri." Naruto nodded and separated. Sasuke turned and left to go and gather the class to update them.

"Alright Naruto you need to get ready. Bring your weapons and that's it. You'll need to be light to move fast." Kakashi said. "Also take your weights off, that way you have some extra speed."

Naruto nodded and moved to his pack. He grabbed a scroll and bit his thumb, drawing blood. He swiped it across the scroll and out popped a beautiful Katana. The scabbard was an oceanic blue with golden swirls. The handle was wrapped in blue cloth and the hilt was made of pure gold. The blade itself was a shining silver with a navy edge.

"That's a very beautiful blade Naruto-kun. My student Tenten would be very impressed." Gai states as he admires the blade.

"You're bringing that with you huh? Looks like you plan on going all out." Kakashi says.

"Yeah…well doesn't hurt to be prepared and thank-you Gai, I'm sure she would." Naruto says as he slings the Katana around his back. "I should get going."

"Right be careful. I'll probably be beat down by both Suzuri and Hinata if you don't come back." Kakashi says as he gave Naruto a hug.

"Yes Naruto-kun, do not let those unyouthful Kumo ninja snuff your flames of youth." Gai says pumping his fist in the air.

"Thank-you both. I'll be careful, I promise." Naruto says. The three of them left the room and headed downstairs. They met Asuma at the bottom of the stairs about ready to come up.

"What's going on? Sasuke came down looking disgruntled and upset." Asuma asked as they came down.

"Sasuke and Gai will fill you in. Naruto and I are going for a walk." Kakashi answers.

"You sure Kakashi? I could go as well." Gai asks.

"Yeah I'll need to make sure Naruto isn't followed and Sasuke will need someone to help make his report. C'mon Naruto let's get going. I'll take you to the bridge and you're on your own after that."

"Alright, take care of everyone." Naruto says to Gai and Asuma as he walks by them towards the door with Kakashi. The two then disappeared through the door and into the night.

"sooooo…I'm guessin your mission didn't bode well then?" Asuma asked.

"No it did not. Come Sasuke by now has gathered the genin and he needs to know that it is ok to begin the meeting." Gai says as they headed toward the kitchen where everyone was most likely at. Once there they spotted Sasuke standing with his back to them facing the gathered kids.

Gai came up beside him. "Go ahead Sasuke they've left."

"They? Where'd Kakashi go?" Sasuke asked quietly.

"He's gone to make sure Naruto isn't followed." Gai whispered back.

"What's going on now?" Kiba asked abruptly.

"There's been a…a complication. As you all know earlier today we had a problem where one of Gato's thugs got away in the heat of battle to report to Gato on his findings about Hinata and Suzuri. As such Naruto, Gai-sensei, and I went to cut him off at the bridge…but when we arrived we found that the thug was not reporting to Gato. He was reporting to two Kumo ninja." Sasuke answers solemnly.

"What but how is that possible? Kumo is farther away than Konoha and our backup hasn't arrived yet. Shouldn't they still be trying to get here?" Tazuna asks worried.

"They probably cut across the sea." Gai answered.

"Sasuke, where's Naruto and Kakashi?" Hinata asks, noticing the absence of her crush and his brother figure.

"Umm…yeah, after learning of this we immediately returned to report to our findings to the Hokage. He…"

"Wait Gai as well? I thought whatever was going on was classified." Kurenai asks rather upset that he was told and not her.

"Gai is one of the few who is privileged to this information Kurenai. After all he was one of the people who discovered the connection." Kakashi answers, walking into the kitchen.

Hinata and Suzuri stood up suddenly. "Where's Naruto-kun?" they both asked.

"Continue Sasuke." Kakashi says avoiding the question.

"Right…well the Hokage told us that our backup was approximately half way here and that someone would need to go and warn them of the situation.." Sasuke pauses here to regain semblance. He was a little shaken with his brother out there alone.

"So Naruto is the one going to warn them?" Natsuki asked quietly. The realization that Naruto was out there alone with the chance that he'll face someone whose stronger than he is and in turn imminent death silenced all of them. They all knew it would happen one day but not this soon.

"That is correct. While I wish there was some other way we could have done this, there isn't. Naruto was the logical choice to go out there. He is the fastest of the genin besides Lee but we need him to keep the squads balanced and with Kumo being here we can't spare the jounin we do have." Kakashi says hoping to spare himself Hinata's and Suzuri's wrath.

Suzuri and Hinata plopped down in their chairs, tears glistening in their eyes. Everyone in the room was silent thinking of Naruto in danger. "Wh….when is he supposed to come back?" Suzuri asked quietly looking at the table trying and failing to keep her tears in.

"He'll most likely lead the backup here, so sometime tomorrow afternoon." Kakashi responds just as quietly.

-With Naruto-

Naruto stalked silently through the forest moving as fast as possible without using too much chakra. He was worried that something might happen to Hinata or Suzuri while he was gone. He knew he shouldn't be worried but he couldn't help it, he was over-protective of Suzuri and Hinata. 'C'mon Naruto! Snap out if it! They're fine and back up is on its way.' Naruto thought to himself as he ran through the trees to catch their back up. 'Ok I'll need to tell them all that's happened and…' His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a twig snap behind him. He ducked as he barely avoided a kunai aimed at the back of his neck.

"Pretty good for a kid, but you won't be going any farther." says a gruff voice behind him. Naruto turned and saw the same guy from the bridge. The man was massive compared to Naruto. He stood at least 6'6" by Naruto's guess and had arms that could out strangle a python. He had short black hair that spiked up and dark obsidian eyes that shined in the dim moonlight. He wore a skin tight tank top that showed off his massive muscles and black ninja pants like Kakashi's, with black boots. He had white medical tape wrapped around his wrists and the Kumo hitae-ate around his head.

'Damn it. I thought Kakashi was going to make sure no one followed me. This guy must be better at stealth than his size suggests.' Naruto thought as he crouched starring at the big kumo nin he saw at the bridge. His hand on the hilt of his katana ready to be unleashed and taste blood once more. "And what makes you think I'm going to be that easy to beat. For all you know, I could be as strong as you are." Naruto replies trying to sound confident.

"Haha. I like you kid you got spunk, but I hardly doubt you'll be able to take out one of Kumo's elite jounin." the big man said clearly entertained by Naruto's brave words.

"What's one of Kumo's elites doing here? Gato only reported for one Hyuuga." Naruto asked surprised and worried.

"We were in the neighborhood when we caught wind of a Hyuuga nearby. So we spared the Raikage sending out like 3 teams to come and secure a single Hyuuga. Besides our previous mission was rather boring and we were looking for some fun." the big man answered shrugging. "By the way, names Kaimon."

"Naruto, wish I could say it was a pleasure."

Naruto launched himself forward, unsheathing his blade and slicing downward at Kaimon. Kaimon jumped aside, slightly surprised by Naruto's speed, and launched kick at his stomach. Naruto flipped over it while lashing out with a quick strike that cut Kaimon's arm. Who then jumped back out of range.

"You're a lot better than I gave you credit for kid, but you still won't beat me." Kaimon says as he put a hand on the shallow cut on his arm noticing blood.

Naruto stayed silent as he stood in a defensive stance waiting for Kaimon to move. He knew that he couldn't beat the big man but he knew where he was. If he could just maneuver them closer to the road than he could just stall until his back up showed and helped him out. 'I just have to get us to the road and I'll be fine hopefully. I'll have to release some more of my weights.'

Kaimon smirked thinking Naruto was going to be an awesome fight. He then launched himself at Naruto, throwing a punch at his head. Naruto ducked under it, reciprocating with a horizontal slash at Kaimon's stomach. Kaimon jumped back and lashed out with a kick as he was in the air which Naruto dodged. The two landed and then launched themselves at each other again. Naruto angled himself so his back was to the road. He then slashed downwards which was dodged and returned with a left jab. Naruto dodged backwards.

This continued with Naruto continuously dodging backwards until they broke through the trees on to the road. 'Perfect' Naruto thought.

'How did we end up over here? Wait don't tell me this kid was leading me here all along. Che, I need to kick it up a notch then.' Kaimon thought as he narrowed his eyes on Naruto who was panting slightly.

"Humph, never thought a kid would make me work up a slight sweat but I'm going to have to up the ante here." Kaimon says as he dropped into a new stance.

"Well then allow me to do the same, if we are kicking things up." Naruto says as he sheathed his blades and put his hands in the ram seal.

Kaimon watched as Naruto closed his eyes and concentrated. Naruto's chakra surged around him as seals appeared on his body. Then suddenly he shouted "Kai" and a blast of energy caused dust to kick up. When it cleared Naruto had his blade unsheathed once again. He had his weight on his back left leg while his right leg was in front. He held the blade up near his face sharp edge up and pointed towards Kaimon. Naruto's eyes now had a slight silver glow to them and his breathing was even and he stood calmly again waiting for Kaimon's move. Kaimon smiled liking Naruto more and more.

'That power surge should have been felt for miles. I just hope that back up felt it and that whoever jiji sent knows my signature.' Naruto thought.

'What's he doing? Every Ninja in a 50 mile radius could have fel…" Kaimon thought as his eyes widened in realization. 'He's not going to get backup. He was going to meet them and do an update. Sorry kid but I can't allow that to happen. Our own backup is coming and I can't allow more Konoha ninjas to interfere.'

"I must admit kid you were a strong opponent but I can't allow your back up know what's going on. I'm going to have to kill you before they show up" Kaimon said as he dropped into his stance once more.

Naruto tensed at Kaimon's words. He was hoping it would take a little longer for Kaimon to figure out what he was doing but beggars can't be choosers. His eyes widened as Kaimon disappeared and ducked under a punch only to be kicked in the face and sent backwards. Naruto flipped in the air and landed on his feet and quickly moved forward using his newly gained speed to try and get in Kaimon's guard. It didn't work as Kaimon used his own superior speed to dodge out of the way and punched Naruto in the ribs feeling a few snap under his knuckles.

Kaimon then brought out two kunai, one in each hand and launched himself after Naruto's flying body. Naruto righted himself and immediately blocked the kunai aimed at his head with his katana but didn't see the other kunai coming from the opposite direction and felt it leave a deep gash in his side. He jumped back out of range, clutching his bleeding side. Naruto's breathing became labored as he knelt there trying to stop the bleeding. He had to dive out the way as a fist came down cracking the ground where he used to kneel. Lashing out with a wide swing at where he felt Kaimon was, he felt slight resistance before it vanished and he was stabbed in his back. Naruto quickly rolled to the side trying desperately to get some breathing room but Kaimon wouldn't let up and launched 3 kunai after Naruto. Naruto blocked one but the two others got past his guard and sunk into his flesh; one in his shoulder and the other in his stomach.

-At the bridge builders house during the power surge-

Everyone felt the massive power surge as they were eating dinner. They all looked in the direction of the surge and realized it was coming from the direction Naruto had left.

"What is that? It's familiar to Naruto's signature but it's so much stronger." Kurenai asked wide-eyed.

Suzuri and Hinata jumped to their feet ready to bolt out the door. "You two stay put." Kakashi shouted as he stood also.

"But Kakashi, that's Naruto's signature and he wouldn't release the seals if he wasn't in trouble. He could be seriously hurt." Hinata says trying to argue.

"Don't you think I know that? But if you leave you might be captured and everything Naruto is currently fighting for will be in vain. Besides, our backup is closer than we are." Kakashi says with all seriousness.

"But…" Suzuri started.

"Kakashi is right, Suzuri. In any case if you go to help him Naruto will be too distracted, worrying about your safety it might make things worse. Naruto is strong and he won't go down without a fight" Sasuke says cutting off his sister's objection. Both girls looked at each other before looking in the direction the surge was.

"He'll be fine. If I can guess who the Hokage sent as backup then Naruto will be safe." Kakashi says while putting hands on their shoulders in reassurance.

"This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't sent him in the first place. Naruto is just as skilled as Lee is." Suzuri said angrily.

"So you're saying you would rather have Lee out there with the possible chance of dieing than Naruto? That's real rude of you don't you think? Naruto would definitely not like that." Kiba says.

"SHUT-UP. You don't know what you're talking about." Hinata yelled tears pouring down her face.

"Maybe I don't, but I do know that you two aren't the only ones worried about him. Everyone in this room is. The only difference between you and us is that we have complete faith in him and his abilities, you two are standing there yelling and screaming like he's already dead. If you really care about him like you say you do then sit down shut up and let him do what he has to do." Kiba replies back gruffly his eyes narrowed on the two of them. That seemed to do the trick slightly as they both ran upstairs crying.

"I'll go talk to them before they do something stupid like sneak out." Sasuke says as he stands and goes up after them.

-back to Naruto-

Naruto saw Kaimon come at him and kick him in the jaw launching him into the air. Naruto quickly gained semblance and gathered chakra into his blade and swung horizontal to his body downward where Kaimon was following him up. Kaimon unable to dodge out of the way crossed his arms and took the blow. He was sent flying back down where he landed in a crater. The dust cleared to show that Kaimon's arms were cut up and useless.

Naruto landed heavily and collapsed to his knees. Finally getting a chance to breathe, he removed the kunai in his chest and back. 'If this continues I really will die. Kami, where are they?' Naruto thought as he stared in the direction of Konoha where his backup was coming from. Suddenly he was launched back as Kaimon had recovered. Naruto skidded across the ground before he was able to right himself and stop.

Kaimon was just about to launch himself after Naruto, when he felt cold steel run through his shoulder. He jumped to the side barely avoiding another blade trying to cut him in half.

Naruto sighed in relief as he say Anbu finally arrive to save his hide. One of them he recognized as Neko, landed in front of him. "You alright Naruto-san?" she asked.

"I am now." He answered breathing heavy as he clutched his side. Neko turned to check on him and saw blood pooling at his feet. She immediately rushed to his side to run a diagnostic. After doing so she healed up what she could while the medic team caught up. The two of them looked up to see Kaimon slip away and the other two Anbu come towards them.

"Is he going to be alright?" an Anbu wearing an Itachi masked asked.

"The damage is extensive and I'm doing what I can but the medics will have to finish up. Plus his healing factor is helping also." Neko responded quickly, knowing how protective Itachi is of Naruto.

Just then the medic team showed up and began healing up what Neko and Naruto's healing factor didn't.

"Naruto why are you all the way out here? Shouldn't you be back with the others?" Itachi asked. Neko and Hebi, the other Anbu, nodded wondering also.

"Well after we found out Kumo was here and that they knew about Suzuri and Hinata being here we reported to the Hokage. He told us to send someone out to warn you and lead you to where we're staying, and I was chosen." Naruto answered as he felt the deep gash in his side close up.

"I see. How is everyone then?" Itachi asked.

"Fine as far as I know. I don't know if anyone was injured in the recent battle because once Gai, Sasuke and I returned we immediately reported to Kakashi and then the Hokage. By that time it was night and I had to leave as soon as possible to be able to get to you guys before you fell into a possible trap." Naruto replied. "Zabuza and Haku are conscious but still down with injuries."

"Alright we'll need to move fast then. Can you manage after a fight like that?"

"I should. I still have chakra and I can feel it replenishing as we speak, but the fight still tired me out. Also there are three Kumo ninja that we know of. There might be more coming if the way Kaimon reacted was any indication."

Neko's eyes widened. "You fought one of the Kumo elite?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah but as I am, I'm no match for him. The only reason why his arms are injured was because he was in the air and had no way of dodging out of the way. If you guys didn't show up when you did then I would be dead right now. Thanks"

Hebi grunted. "Glad we can help Naruto-san. But if the bridge isn't finished how did you get across?"

"There are floating platforms on the water that lead to the bridge and then a scaffold that then leads to the top." Naruto answers.

"Alright Naruto-san you're all healed. Just take it easy for a while." The medic says cutting off the flow of chakra to his hands.

Naruto nodded as he stood up slightly wobbly. He would have fallen if Hebi didn't catch his arm. " Thank-you" Hebi nodded in response.

"Naruto, maybe Hebi should carry you. You just fought a grueling battle and you lost a lot of blood." Neko says worried for the young makeshift genin.

The medic nodded his head. "That is an excellent idea. Running may prove strenuous on your body right now."

Naruto nodded as he allowed Hebi to kneel down to allow him to crawl on his back. Now that the adrenaline wasn't coursing through his veins, he felt rather tired. "You can rest while we run. We'll wake you when we need direction." Hebi says looking over his shoulder. Naruto nodded and his eyes closed without his prompting.

The group then took off running and a while later they reached the bridge. They saw the floating platforms that Naruto was talking about and quickly hopped across them and up to the top of the bridge. After thoroughly checking that no one was there they climbed up and ran to the end of the bridge.

Itachi shook Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto where are we going from here?"

Naruto looked up at where they were and pointed southeast. "About 12 miles that way" Naruto says groggily. The group took off running again. Several minutes later they arrived at a clearing with a semi-large house in the center. Hebi bent down and let Naruto off his back.

"They are probably around back training." Naruto says leading them towards the back of the house. Once they rounded the corner of the house they heard the sounds of clashing weapons. The group saw Anko and Gai running the MSgenin into the ground with training. Kakashi was standing on the porch over-looking the entire process.

Sensing Naruto's chakra signature, Kakashi looked over in their direction. "So you made it? That's good to hear. Hinata and Suzuri were worried into tears when we felt your chakra flare." Kakashi says as Naruto, the Anbu, and the medic team walked forward.

Hearing Kakashi's voice speaking the kids turned to see who he was talking to. A resounding twin yell of "Naruto-kun" was his only warning as he was tackled to the ground in a hug from Hinata and Suzuri.

"Naruto-kun we were so worried about you" Suzuri yelled into his chest as she cried. Hinata just sobbed into his chest unable to say anything. Naruto wrapped his arms around the girls in comfort and whispered in their ear trying to get them to stop crying. After a while they stopped but they refused to get up.

"Now ladies, I know you were worried about him but he really needs to get up so he can give his report and get some more rest." One of the medics says trying to rescue Naruto from the hard unforgiving ground.

Nodding the girls got up and helped Naruto to his feet. The others walked up and greeted and welcomed him back, glad he was safe now.

"You alright bro?" Sasuke asks as he gives Naruto hug.

"Yeah, I just need some more rest and I'll be as good as new." Naruto says noticing that Suzuri and Hinata hadn't moved from his side.

"Alright Naruto make your report so you can go inside and rest." Kakashi said butting in.

Nodding, Naruto began at the point where Kakashi left and recanted what had happened between him and Kaimon. Then finishing with him leading their backup here to Tazuna's house.

"Ok, Naruto go get some rest now while I talk with Itachi and his team." Kakashi says as he pats Naruto on his shoulder. Naruto nodded and walked passed him into the house with Hinata and Suzuri following.

Anko moved to tell them they had to stay but Sasuke stopped her. "Don't. They need the reassurance after worrying about him for so long. Especially now that they know he was harmed." Anko nodded at him and let it go.

"Right well now that that is taken care of, Itachi are you the only back up Hokage-sama sent or is there more?" Kakashi asked turning back to the Anbu and medic squad.

"No we're it but with all the man power Gato has and apparently Kumo sent for back up I think we'll need another two or three jounin." Itachi replies with all seriousness.

"Kumo sent for back up? Why?" Kurenai asks.

"Don't know. Naruto only heard it from Kaimon, one of the kumo elite, before he got beat." Hebi answered.

"Naruto stood up to a Kumo elite? Wow that's something." Anko said.

"Yeah well up until Kaimon got serious. Naruto wounded him but that's because Naruto caught him while he was in the air." Itachi responded. "He had to use his katana and even then he was still no match."

"How strong is Naruto anyway?" Kurenai asked. She knew Hinata was a big fan of Naruto's but she never actually talked about Naruto and his skills, and she had to admit she was curious.

"Well he could take on any of the genin and most of the chuunin. He can only win against a few of the high level chuunin if he went completely all out." Neko responds.

"Wow that's amazing" Anko said amazed.

"Yeah now get the kids back to training. They need to be better with this new revelation." Kakashi says. "Now let's fill you in on what's going on. I doubt the Hokage can send anymore ninja otherwise he would of sent someone else besides this class, so we'll have to make do."

-Over to Naruto, Suzuri, and Hinata-

"Naruto-kun, are you really ok?" Hinata asked quietly as she lay next to him.

"yeah -yawn- I'm fine. Incredibly tired and stiff but fine." Naruto responded while snuggling into the blankets. "You two should be training with the others"

"We don't want to leave your side Naruto-kun. Not after the scare you gave us last night." Suzuri says watching him carefully.

"I'm fine and I'll be here when you finish, get back to training." He told the two.

"No we aren't leaving your side." Hinata said stubbornly.

"This won't be the only time this happens you know? You can't be by my side all the time. It's best if you get over this sooner rather than later. I'm not saying this to be mean, I only want what's best for you in the future." He replies sternly. "Now get going"

The two of them hesitated but eventually got up and after giving a hug and a kiss to the cheek they left the room. 'What am I going to do? I can't have both of them right?' Naruto thought as he lay on his back staring at the ceiling. He let his eyes drift shut and went into dreamland filled with him, Hinata, and Suzuri and little kids running around.

-With the others-

Hinata and Suzuri came out the back door looking completely relieved.

"How is he?" Kiba asked from the top step of the back porch. Anko and Gai just let them off for a break.

"Tired but he's fine, thank Kami." Suzuri answers as she sits next to her brother whose leaning against the railing.

"That's good to know. He's like the glue that holds us all together." Daisuke said around a mouthful of energy bar.

"Daisuke-san, you shouldn't talk with your mouth full." Natsuki scolded shyly. Daisuke blushed and mumbled something incoherent. Everyone snickered at him while Natsuki simply looked confused.

"Well in any case, our leader is back, he's safe, and we all can put our minds at ease. Naruto would want us focusing on training and the upcoming battle." Riku stated wisely.

"He's right. Our main priority is to clear Gato out and secure this town's safety. We all know how tough our training is but it's just another challenge that we have to overcome." Sasuke spoke up from his place on the railing. The MSgenin nodded and finished their snack and stood back up waiting for instructions on what to do next. Just then Asuma and his team arrived.

"Welcome back. I hope all went well." Kakashi says without looking up from his book.

"Yup, no problems at all." Asuma responds.

"So what'd we miss?" Chouji says spotting Suzuri's and Hinata's happy grins.

"Naruto is back. He's upstairs sleeping to recover. We were just about to start training again." Sasuke answered.

"So he's ok?" Sakura asks.

"Yup perfectly fine." Hinata says happily.

"That's good to hear." Shino spoke up. Everyone went silent as they stared at him oddly. Crickets chirped in the background as they eyed Shino suspiciously. "What? Am I not allowed to speak my relief that our captain is back and safe?"

"That's fine, but that's the first time you've spoken in a while." Kiba says surprised.

"Right well anyway, Sasuke, Natsuki, and Ino let's go." Kakashi says as he puts his book in his back pouch. Sasuke stood up from leaning against the railing and jumped down off the porch. Ino and Natsuki stood near by waiting on Sasuke and Kakashi. They soon leapt off into the forest to begin their patrol.

-Timeskip: just before dinner time-

Zabuza and Haku were now all healed up and were sitting down stairs with the rest of the gang.

"So let me get this straight. While Haku and I were out of action, Gato hired more mercenaries to try and probe our defenses to see if he could get through. He then, behind our backs, hired Kumo Nin to kill the bridge builder and kidnap the Hyuuga and Uchiha heiresses. You…" Zabuza says pointing a t Naruto. "think it's part of some bigger plan that Kumo has that involves the two of them."

"That's the gist of it yes. Apparently the Kumo nin here are expecting back up themselves. It is probably nothing more than a team of two chuunin and a jounin. Also, since we have several jounin level ninja ourselves, that's taken care of. It's the endless supply of mercenaries that Gato has that we need to worry about. Our genin can take care of them but they can only handle so much before they tire." Kakashi responds while reading Icha Icha paradise

"We have them working on their stamina but we only have so long before the back up gets here and Kumo gets impatient." Anko says.

"Yes well Haku can help with that but if Kumo does intend to act soon then we have to find a way to get them to do it on the bridge." Zabuza says.

"Why the bridge? Wouldn't a forest clearing be better?" Hinata asks.

"There's plenty of water and earth for water and earth users. Also it's a wide open space with room to move about. And if we play our cards right, we won't have to worry about civilian interference. Plus the open space aids Zabuza in his silent killing technique. That will be a great asset in fending off the mercenaries." Naruto answers her with his nose back in his magazine and sitting next to Kakashi.

"You know you're stuff kid." Zabuza compliments.

Naruto shrugs as he flips a page in his magazine. "Knowing is half the battle. If you know specific information that might help you in gaining the upper hand against an opponent, then a thousand different scenarios will just automatically form in your mind."

"Interesting perspective Naruto-san." Haku says his eyes shifting between Kakashi and Naruto as they flipped a page at the same time.

"Is there a problem Haku-san?" Kakashi asks his visible eye scanning the page f his small book.

"Are you two by any chance related?" Haku asks

"No, but we are close." Naruto answers. Just then Sasuke got bored and pulled out his own book titled, Katon for dummies joining in on the weird account of reading.

"So...what's the plan for the next few days?" Sasuke asks. Haku's and Anko's eyes widened in surprise as the three guys do the same thing.

"How is that possible?" Anko yells jumping up and pointing at the three of them. Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi look up from their reading material, look at each other confused, then shrug and continue reading.

"Don't know what you're talking about Anko-sensei." Sasuke answers as all three flip a page in their book/magazine.

"Stop it." Anko moans as she plops down in her seat. In answer the three of flip another page and Anko slams her head on the table in frustration. The MSgenin, Itachi, and Neko all chuckle at her.

"Don't worry Anko. It gets easier to ignore after a while." Itachi speaks up as he chews on a piece of pocky sitting on the other side of his brother between his siblings.

"But it's so weird. It's like they're doing it on purpose just to annoy me." Anko yells. Everyone looks at her funny as a page is flipped by the three. Anko eyes widened and she points. "See they're doing it on purpose." They all look at Naruto, Kakashi and, Sasuke to see them looking up from their magazine/book confused.

"You're paranoid Anko. You need to get more sleep." Neko says looking at her long time friend. Anko's jaw dropped as she looks between all of them and then glared at the smug grins on Naruto and Sasuke's face and the eye smile Kakashi was giving her.

"Dinner's ready." Tsunami speaks up as she comes out of the kitchen with several plates in her hands, Tazuna following with more food. After all had been served they quickly dug in. Naruto conserving himself so as not to be selfish

"Alright, after dinner everyone get to bed. We have lots of training to do and we need to write out a plan to draw Kumo to the bridge." Kakashi says having already finished his food. They all nodded and quickly finished eating, returned their plates to the kitchen and went upstairs to bed.

End. AN:Well that took forever. I'm sorry about taking so long on updating, but i just couldn't think of anything to pu in this chapter. Most of this chapter is filler for when i finally do get to the main fight, which will probably be in the next two chapters. Also this is the last chapter to vote for the Uchiha massacre and Naruto's three teammates. Make sure you vote if you want a specific person on his team. Until next time, Ja.