DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO!

MORE THAN A MISSION

Summary: Because of sheer "luck", Konoha and Suna are to merge forces in a way one cannot escape the other. With a young handsome Kazekage and a firece pretty medic nin, Suna and Konoha will be bonded in ways one could never imagine. GaaSaku

CHAPTER 1: The day before I leave

KONOHA

It's a bright sunny day in Konoha. The sun is up high above the sky, shining brightly. Right after the war, Konoha has recovered greatly under the regime of the Godaime Hokage, Tsunade. Its economy is greater than ever and one can't deny that Konoha is indeed one of the strongest shinobi villages that ever exist. It has undoubtedly produced the best and most fearsome shinobis the ninja world has ever known.

Sakura's Apartment

Lying on the bed is an 18 year old ANBU. Her name: Haruno Sakura. Sakura is not your typical kunoichi. Aside from the fact that she has a rare waist-length cotton candy colored-hair and soft green eyes, her shinobi skills are beyond normal. Being the apprentice of the Godaime Hokage, she has inherited and learned the inhuman strength her sensei possesses. Tsunade has also taught her every ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu she knows. However, that does not end there. Sakura, having the excellent chakra control, is now the best medic-nin Konoha has ever met. Yep, she has surpassed her Tsunade-shishou and Tsunade is more than proud of this achievement. Her relationship with Sakura is more than just a mentor-apprentice relationship. Tsunade loves Sakura like her own daughter because of the fact that Sakura has already lost her parents.

The young kunoichi is sleeping peacefully not until a blonde hyper 19 year old ninja came along sitting by the window.

"OHAYOU SAKURA-CHAN! WAKE UP!" shouted that hyper blond ninja. Because of this Sakura quickly got up infuriated and punched that loud ninja.

"DAMN IT NARUTO! WHY THE HELL DID YOU WAKE ME UP? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE AND HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE?" Sakura shouted.

"neh…neh… Sakura-chan, calm down! I've been knocking at your door for an hour already but you haven't answered so I checked through the window just to make sure you are alright. As to why I am here, Tsunade-baachan wants to see you IMMEDIATELY." Naruto said, while rubbing his now almost-blackened right eye because of Sakura's punch.

"Ehh? Immediately? Fine. GET THE HELL OUT OF MY DAMN ROOM SO I CAN FIX MYSELF! WAIT FOR ME IN THE LIVING ROOM! NOW, UZUMAKI NARUTO I'M WARNING YOU! TRY TO ENTER MY ROOM AND I'LL MAKE SURE THERE WILL BE NO MORE LITTLE NARUTO IN THE FUTURE! OUUUUTT!" The pink haired threatened as she went through her closet and get some of her ninja clothes and other stuff.

Naruto gulped in fear and he hurriedly went to the living room and sat in one of the sofas. "Dang, Sakura-chan is really really scary. I better tell baa-chan to never ask me again to wake up Sakura-chan. Geeezzz, I don't want to see the side of Sakura-chan again."

Yep…our favorite kunoichi is never a morning person. AS IN, NEVER. Try to wake her up and you'll be receiving one of her ultimate punches.

Uzumaki Naruto, our ever hyper and loud mouth ninja, is also an ANBU. 19 years of age, he is basically one of the strongest ninjas, if not, the strongest in the whole Konoha and shinobi world. Our favorite Jinchuuriki has perfected the control of the Kyuubi and has actually grown both physically, mentally, and emotionally over the years of his rigorous training. Just like Sakura, he was trained by one of the legendary sannins, Jiraiya-sama. He is now a full grown shinobi capable of protecting himself, his loved ones, and his village. His dream to become the Hokage has not changed. Despite the fact that he has now earned the respect of the whole Konoha people, ninjas and civilians, he still wants to prove himself and improve as much as he can. Because of his strength, unwavering determination, loyalty, and love for the village, everyone knows that Naruto is the next Hokage in the making. In two or three years, as Tsunade has planned, Naruto will then be known as the Rokudaime Hokage.

After 20 minutes of showering and fixing herself, Sakura locked the door of her room and apartment and she and Naruto started jumping from roof to roof and in a matter of 5 minutes or so, they arrive at the Hokage tower. Heading straight to the Godaime Hokage's office, Naruto and Sakura are now standing in front of Tsunade's desk and of course, our ever favorite Hokage is doing her favorite thing (aside from drinking sake): Sleeping.

Of course, who else is to wake up her up. "BAA-CHAN! WAKE UP! SAKURA-CHAN'S HERE!" Naruto shouted.

And yes, you guess that right. The blond ANBU received another deadly punch on his so called handsome face. Naruto flew out the window and god, who knows where he landed. Oh poor boy…always to receive the deadly punches.

"GGGAAAHHH! STUPID UZUMAKI! WAKING ME UP JUST WHEN I'M ENJOYING MY SLEEP." Tsunade replied groggily.

Knowing her shishou, Sakura could only laugh and shake her head. Sakura, now remembering why she's called, spoke to her shishou, "Eh..Shishou, why do you need me by the way?"

Tsunade now with a straight face answered, "Errrr.. I have an S-class mission for you. Actually beyond that. Anyway, you are to go the Land of Wind, in the Sunagakure to be exact. The mission in details will be explained to you there. When you arrive, head straight to the Kazekage Tower and from there, they'll lead you. And oh before I forget, here are 3 scrolls. One black, one blue, one green. The black one's for you. DO NOT OPEN THE SCROLL, NOT UNTIL THEY GIVE ALL THE DETAILS OF YOUR MISSION. I REPEAT, DO NOT OPEN UNTIL THEY TELL YOU EVERYTHING. Now for the blue one, give this to the one who will be briefing you. There's a circle in here, tell to whoever will brief you to press a small amount of chakra so they can open and read it. Lastly the green one, give this to the Kazekage as soon as you see him. You will be leaving tomorrow, 6 o'clock in the morning. A representative from Suna will come and pick you at the main gate. Do not come to my office anymore as I have now briefed you. That's all. You may go now." Tsunade explained.

"Shishou, I have one major question. How long will this mission last to be exact? Just so I know the no. of clothes and tools I have to bring." Sakura asked curiously. It was weird for her since Tsunade, of all the details, FORGOT TO MENTION HOW LONG WILL THIS MISSION LASTS.

Tsunade, trying to appear calm and composed, only answered, "This mission will last as long as needed. Now, for the clothes and tools, bring only what you can. You don't have to worry. And oh another thing, here's ¥500,000 for your allowance and such. I have asked the Kazekage to open an account for you in Suna. Extra money will be deposited there."

"Ehhhh? Shishou, isn't this too much? I mean a hundred thousand yen just for this mission and I get to have an account and extra money in Suna? " Sakura asked, now she couldn't help but ask.

"Trust me Sakura, you will need this. Just take it and rest. You will have a long day ahead of you now." Tsunade replied. Sakura nodded, even though she has a different feeling on this. As she heads to the door, on her way exit, Tsunade out of the blue said, "Sakura…" Sakura stopped on her tracks and listen carefully to her sensei. Tsunade continued, "Sakura…Take Care! Ganbare! I'm so proud of you and you know I will always be, whatever happens. Konoha will be alwaysproud of you. Now go!"

A startled Sakura was speechless. It seems that there are no words that can explain her feeling after her shishou's praise/speech nor there can be words that can serve as her reply. By that, she faced towards the door once again then left the place for good.

As she was walking on the streets of Konoha, she can't help but really think that something was up. In her thoughts, "Now that was TOTALLY WEIRD. TOTALLY strange. Shisou becoming emotional…shishou forgetting one specific detail of my mission, actually scratch that. The whole detail. She's the Hokage herself, she could have told me EVERY SINGLE DETAIL but no, I wouldn't find it out not until I reach Suna. Plus, what's with the escort and a huge amount of money and account? It's not like I'm not coming back here anymore and staying there for good." Lost in her instincts, Sakura didn't notice that she bumped into a brown-haired ANBU whose hair is tied up in a pony tail.

"Oopss. Gomen! I wasn't looking where I'm going" Sakura said. As she look up to whom she accidentally bumped, Sakura recognize immediately the boy. It was none another the lazy genius. Nara Shikamaru.

Nara Shikamaru, just like her and Naruto, a 19-yr. old ANBU who specializes in strategy and tactics. Pure genius but really lazy. All he loves to do is cloud gazing. However, when it comes to battlefield and planning, no one can match this man's thinking. Heck, enemies will probably be dead before they could even figure out what Shikamaru has planned. Lazy Genius, indeed.

"Eh… troublesome but anyway, it's fine, Sakura-chan." Shikamaru replied. Sakura noticed that Shikamaru wasn't alone. Looking at Shikamaru's companion, she immediately recognizes the girl. Sabaku no Temari. 20 yr. old ANBU, sister of the Kazekage. A pretty sand-haired kunoichi whose hair is tied into 4 symmetrical portions. Sakura and Temari become friends since Sakura saved her 2 siblings. Sakura helped during Gaara's retrieval and she healed the poisoned Kankuro. If it weren't for Sakura, Kankuro would probably be dead and Gaara couldn't heal faster. Sakura was then in charge of Gaara's health until his full recovery. Thanks to Sakura's gifted skills, the 2 were back to normal faster than anyone could imagine. Because of this, Temari and even the whole Suna, was grateful to Sakura and Konoha. Temari treated Sakura as her little sister from then on.

"Oh! Temari-chan! How are you? What are you doing here in Konoha? Are you and Shikamaru-kun out on a date?" Sakura asked as she teases the 2 nins happily and gives the sand-nin a hug.

The other kunoichi then hugged the girl back and replied with a blush on her pretty face, "EHhhhh! Sakura-chan! I'm fine. And no, we're not out on a date. As the ambassador of Suna to Konoha, I'm here for an official mission and business. Shikamaru-kun here is my official escort. We're actually on our way to the Hokage's office."

Before the pink haired kunoichi could even reply, Shikamaru interrupted the conversation, "Hey girls! Sorry to break it but we're running on a tight schedule. We have to see the Hokage immediately. We don't want to see her pissed off, do we? Ja, Sakura-chan!"

"Whatever Shika! You don't have to make the Hokage as an excuse just to be solo with Temari-chan! Anyway, ja ne! See you soon! " Sakura said. And before the two could reply and be defensive, Sakura puffed out leaving the two nins awkward with each other.

Oh hell, why can't they just admit it that they like each other? They look good together anyway. Sakura thought as she appears near the Ichiraku ramen stand. And before she could think of her thoughts were distracted once again by the ever foxy boy.

"SAKURA-CHAN! Over here!" Naruto shouted.

"BAKA! DON'T SHOUT. MY EAR DRUM WILL EXPLODE!" Shouted another boy.

Sakura walked to where Naruto and there she sees the Team 8. Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, and Hyuuga Hinata. All of them are ANBU levels. Inuzuka Kiba, a dog lover who equally matches Naruto's loud mouth but then he's strong too. Aburame Shino, as oppose to Kiba, this man is really quiet. He barely says a word unless necessary. His speciality lies with the insects. Hyuuga Hinata, the Hyuuga heiress who loves and admired Naruto since their genin days. Over the years, Hyuuga Hinata has also developed into a formidable kunoichi. The Hyuuga clan, especially her father, now acknowledges her and respects her. She developed her self confidence, she no longer stutters, unless she's talking to the man of her dreams buut then again, Naruto is extremely dense to notice this and it would probably take the hell to freeze over before he realizes Hinata's feelings for him. There is no other way but to tell him due to his ignorance. Sakura and Hinata were close friends. They consider each other as sisters in fact with TenTen, Ino, and Temari (despite her distance). The five of them are inseparable as much as possible. The bond of friendship and sisterhood are unbreakable.

"Ohayou, minna-san!" Sakura uttered with a bright smile on her face.

"Ohayou, Sakura-chan!" replied Team 8. Sakura then seated beside Hinata and ordered her beef ramen.

"Ano….Sakura-chan… Ino-chan and TenTen chan are planning to hold a sleepover tonight at our compound. You should come. We haven't hanged out for a long time now. It's time to catch up." Hinata said.

"Sure, Hinata-chan. Temari-chan is around Konoha too. I just saw her a while ago. I'll invite her too!" Sakura said excitedly. However, her happy face turned gloomy when she remembered that she has to leave tomorrow for a mission at a very early time. Hinata not failing to notice Sakura's change of mood, then asked, "What's the matter Sakura-chan?" "Nothing Hinata-chan. I just suddenly remembered that I have to leave early tomorrow for my mission. I have to leave by 6 in the morning." Sakura replied.

Naruto then butted in, "EHHH SAKURA-CHAN! What mission and where?" "In all honesty, I really don't know what my mission is. Tsunade-sama never told me. As to where, all I know is my mission is to take place in Suna." Sakura replied.

"Ahhh Suna! Say "hi" to Gaara for me! Tell him, I'll be a good Hokage as just he is a good Kazekage! Believe it!" Naruto exclaimed. Kiba and Shino nodded knowing that what Naruto said and declared is true. Although Kiba and Naruto fight often, they consider each other true friends. And same for Shino.

Over the years, all of the rookie nine plus Team Gai and Suna trio have been friends with each other. It may not be obvious because of constant bickering, teasing, and arguments, and some like Neji, Shino, and Gaara barely say a word, but when one of them needs companion and ally, they got all each other's back.

"Don't worry, Sakura-chan. We'll accompany you to the gates in the morning so you won't feel really sad. I'm sure Ino-chan, TenTen-chan and Temari-chan will agree. And speaking of Temari-chan, maybe she knows your mission there." Hinata said pointedly.

"I'm not sure, Hinata-chan but we'll see tomorrow or later. Remind me to ask her later. For now, let's enjoy the ramen and after this let's go and prepare for the sleepover." Sakura said. "Hai, Sakura-chan. Uhmm, Na-na-Naruto-kun, maybe you and the other guys would like to join the sleepover." Hinata asked shyly.

"SURE HINATA-CHAN! I'LL TELL THE OTHERS! I'LL BE THERE LATER." Naruto said enthusiastically. However, Shino and Kiba won't be able to come since both have respective tasks to do.

At the Hokage Office: Shikamaru, Temari and Tsunade

Nara Shikamaru and Temari just arrived at the Hokage office. Standing in front of the door, Shikamaru knocked and after a few seconds, they heard a voice telling them to… "Enter!"

"Hokage-sama..good morning." Shikamaru and Temari greeted the Godaime respectfully, bowing their heads.

The Hokage nodded as a sign of acknowledgement and spoke, "Welcome to Konoha again, Temari-san." Just like her apprentice, the Godaime Hokage cheekily teased the two. With a huge grin on her face, she spoke, "I'm sure you enjoying your stay here. I know Shikamaru will not disappoint you in anyway."

Temari replied, again with a huge blush on her face, "Thank you Hokage-sama and yes, my stay here in Konoha as always is enjoyable." Shikamaru, finding it troublesome to reply, chose not to reply but then again, there's a huge blush on his face too.

Switching to her Hokage persona,Tsunade said firmly, "Now let's get down to business. Shikamaru, please do leave me and Temari for a while." With that the, lazy genius nodded and he went outside. Upon seeing Shikamaru gone, the Hokage continued, "Temari-san, tell me, are you fully aware of the mission? How much do you know?"

"Hokage-sama, all I know is that I am to escort a lady from Konoha to Suna. Who she is I have no idea. Although as to why, I have a hint-Hearing it from my brother. I know it's supposed to be a classified S-class mission due to possible threats and abduction once the information leaks out, but what can I say, the Kazekage is my brother. " Temari said with a smirk on her face.

The Hokage nodded and continued, "Not that I complain. In fact, I see it necessary for you to know her but then again YOU KNOW HER. Since you will be with her on her way to Suna, I can relax now a little now that she's in safe hands. I expect no less from Suna but to send one of their strongest ninjas."

Temari now wondering who the girl might be, then ask, "Hokage-sama, may I know who's this girl? You said I know her?" The Hokage even grinned more widely and said, "You'll find out soon enough. You will see her tomorrow, 6 in the morning at the main gate. However, once you find out, I forbid you to tell her anything about this mission. It's too dangerous. We don't know who'll be around by that time and we can't afford this leaking out to the enemies. It's safe to say when you reach the Kazekage Tower. But not until then, keep quiet about this. Pretend you don't know anything. A part of the success rate of this mission depends on you. If you have no more questions, you may go back to Nara now." Having said that, Temari bowed her head and bid farewll to the Hokage and went outside to see Shikamaru.

After the meeting with the Hokage, Shikamaru and Temari decided to eat at Ichiraku. Kiba and Shino are now gone, leaving Naruto, eating his 10th bowl, Sakura and Hinata chatting happily.

"Temari-chan, Shikamaru! Over here!" shouted Naruto loudly.

"Ohayou Naruto !" greeted the two. And upon seeing Hinata and Sakura, Shikamaru nodded in recognition while Temari greeted Sakura again and Hinata. "Hey! We're having a sleepover at the Hyuuga compound, You 2 should come! Unless you want to go solo of course," Sakura teased once again. Temarin then replied, "Geezzz, stop teasing us,Sakura-chan! We'll be there of course. Right, pineapple head. Say no or else, I'll strangle you to death!"

"Troublesome, but yeah, okay. Whatever," Shikamaru replied lazily.

After 20 minutes of chatting and eating, the 5 decided to part ways in preparation for the sleepover. Naruto and Shikamaru went to the other boys to inform about the sleepover and then headed back their respective homes. Hinata, Sakura, and Temari went to pick up Ino and TenTen. The girls decided to buy some stuff and food and went home to their respective abode to get clothes and stuff.

By 6:30 in the evening, all are now in the Hyuuga compound. Neji, Tenten, Temari, Sakura, Naruto, Hinata, Ino, and Shikamaru. Lee is not available since he is on a mission with Gai-sensei. Sai also, with Yamato-taichou. Chouji, for the same reason as Kiba and Shino, couldn't come because of a prior task assigned to him. With everyone around, it's now time for one-of-a-hella-sleepover!

To be continued….