Naruto / Tsunade's POV (Traveling to the Leaf - Land of Fire)

Naruto groaned tiredly as he woke up. His eyes were facing the sky and his entire body ached deeply. He could earnestly say he had never been as tired as he was now. But he was glad to see he was alive. His mind seemed to finally catch up. The thoughts of the battle previously held snapped into his mind. He attempted to race up to his feet, but realized he couldn't move! His mind raced, as he figured he was somehow restrained. His attack had failed and the man must've taken him! He once again attempted to move but his body was numb. Drugged, the captors had drugged him then! He wasn't in a building based on the moving outside sky. It was moving, he must be in the process of being carried away!

"Ino! Neji! Kakashi! Where are you? Are you okay? Some creep is carrying me off!" Naruto roared as he desperately attempted to move any part of his body.

"Hey bastard, don't make any assumptions. Especially when you're talking about the boss. At least if ya know what's good for you." A gravelly voice responded.

Naruto's eyes widened considerably as he realized he wasn't alone. Yet the voice didn't sound like the giant sword guy. His willpower allowed him to move his head to the side to stare at the man. He had short red buzzed hair. His eyes were green and heavy, underlined by bags. His features were sharp, sticking out amidst a flurry of freckles. A lit cigarette rested in his mouth, the man managing to puff repeatedly with no hands. He wore a kimono left undone tied at his waist and his upper body was covered in bandages. On his wrist was a scroll wrapped around it so the blank side was exposed. Showing a small seal in the center.

"Bastard, don'chu ya know it's rude to not answer?" He started angrily as he drew a dagger from the kimono as he approached the blonde. Naruto was helpless as the man lowered the point to his throat.

"Screw you, bastard! Where are you taking me!" Naruto demanded defiantly.

The man chuckled at Naruto's counter with his own tick. "I like your spunk ya bastard." He countered happily. "Ya can relax, Boss saved the lot of youse. Personally, I don't care much for shinobi. Would've let the bunch of youse die. But the Boss says we gotta help out the Leaf. So here we are." He flicked the small bit of cigarette off the white surface they stood on. Drawing another from the scroll on his wrist and lighting it with his finger. "The Boss told me to come grab her and youse. So I brought the manager to get youse home safe and sound."

"Manager? Boss?" Naruto asked, confused by the strange smoking man.

"She did mention you were unconscious. Shame you missed what was sure to be an epic ass kicking. Well shit, at least youse had the honor of being saved by The Big Boss Tsunade. I'm the number two man Dez the Smoker." He said with a smirk.

Naruto's eyes widened when he heard the name of their savior. He may have never been a book nerd, but there weren't many female shinobi in the world as renowned as Slug Sannin Tsunade. "Wait, so who's the Manager?"

"That would be me, young sir." A female voice quietly interjected. Naruto and Dez both turned to see a basketball-sized slug on the ground facing them.

"Mam!" Dez dropped so quickly to the ground that his cigarette went out.

Naruto merely raised an eyebrow at this, shocked at the man's reaction.

"Your manager is a tiny slug?" He asked, confused.

"I am indeed a slug, though I doubt many would call me tiny. I am named Katsuyu. This is merely a small portion of myself communicating to you currently. The rest of me is currently carrying you and your friends." Katsuyu explained.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"If you wouldn't mind Dez show him. It will be a bit simpler than explaining."

"Right away Mam!" Dez hollered, jumping up and picking up Naruto with both arms and holding him over his head.

"Put me down you…" Naruto was stunned into silence as he saw where he was. The team was riding on a glamorous white slug with three blue stripes on its back. Easily the size of a large mountain that was sliding through the forest they had traveled through to arrive at the mission. The slug looked fairly innocuous except for its ability to crush trees beneath it with no complaint. He had heard about summoning creatures. Even the tale of Katsuyu, the acidic slug known to be in the service of Tsunade. But the tales and reports did not do it justice. Something like this could destroy villages! His eyes strained as he looked for his friends. Seeing further up the slug were Ino and Neji both resting both sitting up and awake. Kakashi was there too but unlike the others was unconscious.

"Thank god, I was worried about them. Are they hurt?" Naruto asked as he finally relaxed a bit."

"Well, youse all had been thoroughly beat down by the time Boss ran off the bastards." Dez added as he held the blonde. "Time to put you down."

"Hold on, at least bring me to my friends!" Naruto hollered as it looked that Dez prepared to slam him.

"No way in hell ya dirty shinobi bastard!"

"Dez please help the boy." Katsuyu interferes softly.

"Damnit, yes mam." He said grumpily as he continued carrying the immobile blonde. Now walking him over to them as the miniature Katsuyu faded into the original. "Ya lucky the Manager is so kind."

"Whatever bastard." Naruto replied with a smug grin. He expected a poor reaction from the temperamental man but instead he merely dryly chuckled.

"Not bad brat. But that's my word! Ya, absolute bastard!" Dez replied as he threw the blonde savagely into the resting Ino and Neji. The three turn to a ball of limbs as their instincts fail them in their exhausted bodies. They manage to untangle in a couple of minutes all three glaring at Dez. The man merely smiled as he walked towards the back of the slug. Joining Tsunade who was standing on the back seemingly prepared for some kind of ambush.

"Naruto! You're ok! I'm so glad." Ino called as she hugged the prone blonde. As she held him close to her she whispered into his ear. "We do need to talk about what you did. But I'm going to let it go for now. I'm simply too happy we're all ok." She seemed to almost cry before letting go of the blonde. And sitting back seemingly allowing Neji some chance.

"Naruto… I'm sorry." He said simply looking down ashamed. "Before I had failed you both as comrades simply due to my arrogance. Now I fail due to incompetence. I left Ino to battle a Jounin on her own. Arrive after you have been beaten down. Just to be shut down as if I'm nothing. I'm supposed to be some genius, yet it seems I'm nothing more than an arrogant failure."

"Neji… I'm sorry too Naruto if it wasn't for you getting back up we would've all died." Ino said dejectedly.

Naruto felt lost for a moment. Before he smiled slightly. "Guess we're all failures then huh?" Neji and Ino both stared back stunned. Before Ino smiles back.

"We'll have to work harder to make sure next time that bastard comes we can kick his ass!" Ino is now fired up. She didn't truly feel better but recognized that Naruto was attempting to uplift them. Neji looked confused by the two before he gave an exhausted smile.

"I suppose that is logical… if not a bit simple." Neji added. The three then grew silent. It wasn't necessarily awkward, more of there was tension in the air. All three young adults seemed to be inside their minds.

"I… I don't know how to go about this sensitively. But I can't stop thinking about it." Naruto broke the silence.

"What do you mean blondie?" Ino asked.

"I-I was outnumbered, and I kept giving them outs. I tried to let them go… But they wouldn't back down. So I killed one of them. Some woman, she couldn't stop me, and I… I killed her… just because it was easier. I could've tried to restrain them. But I was too worried about you guys so I cut her down like some kind of sick fuck!" Naruto yelled, his voice breaking throughout the shout.

"I… I did too…" Ino mumbled simply. "I was so terrified I did what it took to get out. I didn't even realize I intended to kill until I did. But we did what we had to do, Naruto." She finished softly.

"She's correct. It seems we all did. We were prepared for this day though." Neji added. "I agree it was incredibly painful. I never expected it to be so surreal myself. But we must steel our hearts as shinobi. We will be expected to kill when told." Ino nodded quietly at this.

"Sure if you have no other choice but… just because they're from somewhere else we should kill them?" Naruto dejectedly asked, some level of disgust in his voice.

"It's the job Naruto. I agree it's not ideal but… Well they were going to kill us."

"We must do what the village asks us to do." Neji finished simply.

Naruto seems to stare up into the sky at that statement. "Well, when I become Hokage I'll make things better." He said simply.

"What are you gonna achieve world peace?" Ino asks with a smile. Neji seems to be just staring a bit intently at Naruto when he starts.

"If that's what it takes, believe it." Naruto stated confidently.

"Hmph and here I thought your task of changing my clan would be hard. Now you intend to end all wars?" Neji inquired.

"I don't just intend to become a Hokage or be a famous one. I intend to become the best Hokage. Make this place I love the best it can be. Earn people's admiration and trust. Whatever it takes. So if I gotta end war or change the traditions of some old-fashioned clan I will. I refuse to give up or back down when it comes to my dream. Never giving up is my nindo, ya know?" The two teammates smile as this and the three settle into a comfortable silence.

Tsunade's POV

Tsunade and Dez stood at the ready at the back of Katsuyu. Both were tense as if they were waiting for an inevitable fight. A small Katsuyu formed out of the slug next to them.

"They still appear to be tracking us Tsunade-sama. Their chakra is potent and foul, as such easy enough to detect. Should they choose to attack us, things will become difficult." The slug reported.

"Ain't that the truth, youse are the strongest Big Boss but those two are truly dangerous. Not to mention that even if Katsuyu and I worked together, either one of those bastards would likely make short work of us. It'd be two-on-one. After only a short while." Dez informed, taking a big drag as he and Katsuyu waited for Tsunade's opinion.

"First off, stop calling me boss you damn chimney." Tsunade said with a glare at her number two. "Secondly we should be fine, they likely are just observing to see if they get a second shot. Once we get close they will fall back." As if the words were prophecy all three relaxed as they felt the two powerful signatures falling back. Apparently not willing to risk the trouble.

"I know those Leaf dudes are supposed to be some kinda big shots. But what kinda kid is worth the trouble of tangling with Big Boss?" Dez pondered.

"It is rather strange, Tsunade-sama. If they wanted to kill them it seems odd that they would manage to last until we arrived." Katsuyu agreed.

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"The blonde is a jinchuriki. I believe the son of Kushina Uzumaki." Tsunade replied with a small frown. "I always hated sticking those destructive beasts into kids."

"Hmm, I've hearda of them, they are quite powerful. But the two of them were infamous S-rank shinobi. Seems odd they would want him when they are already on top of the world. Not to mention those cloaks. Weren't we looking into a group with black cloaks with red clouds? Bastards are supposed to be real tough guys." Dez continued.

"Akatsuki is their name. We're looking into them due to the criminal world having info that all of their members are S-rank missing ninjas. Shinobi in their caliber gathering would be a red flag to all the villages and our own business. But considering how hard it is to get substantial info on them, the fact they want at least the Nine-Tails, and the power they already yield. It's doubtless they are something we should look out for. We'll have to report this to sensei." Tsunade concluded.

"Ah the old bastard himself, wonder how good his tobacco is. The rich guys always have the nicest smokes." Dez said with a crooked smile.

"You're lucky I don't break your spine for smoking those around me. You realize how incredibly toxic they are to your health right?"

"Smoke if you got 'em. What's my old man always told me anyway." Dez said as he removed his spent cigarette and replaced it.

"Well, then you got guard duty. Katsuyu, you are not keeping him company." Tsunade ordered annoyed.

"Oh come on Big Boss! Don't be such a cruel dame!" Dez called out pitifully.

"For that last comment, you are banned from smoking for the rest of the day!" Tsunade hollered as she stomped to the front of Katsuyu.

Dez whined as he sat and held up a hand sign. Sadly throwing the lit cigarette he had. "Smoke Style: Drifting Smokey Gaze!" As he said this he exhaled his last drag. It came in clumps that somewhat resembles eyes. He was annoyed with the punishment but Big Boss ran a tight ship. He should've known to keep his head down. The nail that sticks up gets hammered after all.

"There! Now no bastards will sneak up on us! Big Boss is gonna be proud of me!"

"I'm sure Big Boss will…" Katsuyu said politely as her smaller form merged into the larger one.

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Juzo's POV (Nearby Tsunade's Group - Land of Fire)

Juzo growled as he and Kisame sat back as their targets retreated. Juzo wanted to scream in rage. He was normally a careful man, but he had gotten arrogant against the Genin. The target had been the only one of them to even touch him. Yet he had landed quite the blow. Then that damn bimbo had gotten involved!

"Hahaha, not a bad fight at all. Well for me anyway, it looked like you not only got your ass kicked by a woman but the kid seems to have teed off on you. Bad day I assume? HAHA!" Kisame gut laughed as he pointed at Juzo. Juzo growled as he looked down at his chest. Leader-san had given them all substantial power-ups once they had joined the team. Most of them were incredibly hard to kill. Yet alone injure significantly. Even the legendary busty Sannin's powerful hit had healed quickly. Yet a dark red scar had settled on his chest where the kid's attack had landed. Somehow it wouldn't fully heal. As a shinobi he was no stranger to scars. The fact that it was given by a Genin was shameful.

"Stop badgering me Kisame-san. I think that damn kid will be trouble in a couple of years. I think we risk it against the Sannin. Better than letting him get stronger." Juzo said angrily as he gripped Kubikiribocho hatefully.

"You're just mad a woman beat you around. I'm jealous, a woman who's that powerful is a rarity. To trash you she must've been a tougher nut than Kakashi. Hell, she puts most men to shame. Samehada was begging for a taste." Kisame replied. "But she is powerful and worse yet difficult to put down. I've heard her healing techniques are the only thing that surpasses her physical strength. Besides, I know you sense she has brought another Jounin with her. Just not worth the risk. Leader-sama ordered us to withdraw if we met substantial resistance."

"Damn whore landing a cheap shot on me… fine. She's dead next time though." Juzo replied. He then eyed the former swordsman of the mist. Deciding to be blunt he started. "I remember when we were first partnered I feared for my life. Few shinobi in the world can stand up to the Tailless Beast. Yet you respect that man to the highest degree. I've followed him since he's made us rich and safe. Life as a missing ninja isn't glamorous. But what on earth makes you follow? A wild beast who betrayed his own master. Being a loyal shinobi for another just doesn't make sense to me."

"That's right you haven't met him in person yet. Before him, I thought I was the strongest shinobi. Even as I met the rest of you. All of you were more than a fight. Yet I was confident if it came down to it. I would kill any of you." Kisame said casually. Juzo flinched at the reminder his partner could likely kill him without much of a struggle. "But then I met him. I had demanded a meeting with him. Pushed the issue when he tried to dismiss it. A challenge of leadership it was, if he had allowed me to get away with it then, the smaller group back then would've likely fallen apart. We finally met, just his chakra alone was imposing. For the only time in my life, Samehada wanted no part of tasty chakra. But I've never been a coward, nor do I fear death. I charged him, unleashing my power. Every trick Samehada and I had was used. Even a few new ones, once I realized there was no chance at victory. But he crushed me thoroughly. Had me at his mercy, I never felt so ashamed in my life! But then he asked me one question, my dear Juzo. He asked me: Will you serve as God intended for you? Such a pompous statement and yet I believed him. That's why I serve because I know as long as someone like him is leading this thing. That no goal will be too high, that no law can hold us, and more than anything else…" Kisame said with a maniac smile as he faced his ally. "He'll just let me do what I love to do. Kill powerful opponents and allow Samehada to feast on their substantial chakra!"

"What about the Sound shinobi being confirmed to be under the Snake." Juzo asked.

"Truly? How did you find out? They're just some pipsqueak village after all." Kisame questioned.

"They were marked with scales. A subtle design, but the Snake can't help but mark his property."

"Interesting so one of our two traitors formed their village. Leader-sama will love to hear this." Kisame said with excitement.

Juzo was silent as he pondered both situations. Kisame was no normal shinobi, he may very well be the most powerful shinobi to come from the mist in the current days. Known across the world for his powerful mastery of water ninjutsu, unique and powerful blade, and endless chakra. Juzo was truly dumbfounded on the Leader had defeated him with ease. At the very least he was sure he had made the right choice when he had joined.

Kisame and he settled into a meditative pose. It would not be fun to discuss their failure among their peers, but it was merely a minor setback. At least now he could push for a more substantial attempt next time.

Orochimaru's men being there had certainly been a surprise but he had managed to kill at least one of them. Doubtful it would hamper the man much. But the leader had insisted if they run into Orochimaru or someone related they kill them. He had no gripe with him. But knew the value of dealing with threats. Though he'd ensure get his revenge against the Brat Blonde and the Busty Blonde. Kubikiribocho would taste both of their blood.

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Tsunade / Ino's POV (Nearby Hidden Leaf Village - Land of Fire)

Tsunade sighed as she watched over the three Genin who seemed quiet. It was to be expected, her team had reacted similarly after one of their missions had gone wrong, what Jiraiya would have excitedly said went "tits up". Truly she shouldn't be concerned. But she had a soft spot for kids. Especially after Niwaki had passed. She would have to keep a lot of them out of the dumps. If they got all sappy she wasn't sure how she would handle it. "So let me ask you all something." She started. "Why the hell were you all fighting instead of trying to escape? I could feel each of you engage him when it should have been obvious none of you stood a chance."

"I didn't even think I was just trying to protect Naruto." Ino answered quietly.

"I as well. I know we were likely to perish in the process but shinobi must fight to their last breath. And I will not leave behind comrades." Neji responded simply. Tsunade watches the last one as he seems to think.

"I…" Naruto started. "At first I had no choice. But when Ino and Neji arrived they tried to save me. I could tell they were trying to buy me time to escape, but I would never leave them like that." Naruto stated confidently.

"If I hadn't arrived the only thing that would've done is ensure all of your deaths. A shinobi knows when to retreat. I know your heart said you couldn't retreat and leave your comrades, but you have to be realistic." Tsunade countered.

"Realistic?!" Naruto counters angrily.

"Yes, realistic. We are shinobi. We risk our lives and take others' lives, as tools for our villages. All you can do is do your best to survive. Do you truly want to die?" She asked with a frown.

"So that's realistic huh…we're all tools?" Naruto started darkly. "No. I won't see it that way. Everyone is someone important. Perhaps I will be killed one day. But I won't live my life fearing my death!"

"Then you'll die!" Tsunade countered hotly.

"If I die from pursuing my dreams and beliefs then so be it!" Naruto countered as he somehow stood even in his exhaustive state.

"Why die for mere ideals?!"

"Because I will become Hokage! I'll protect the people I care about and will never kill unless I have no choice. I refuse to be some kinda tool!"

"THAT IS THE WAY OF THE WORLD!" Tsunade screamed as she lifted the blonde by the collar. Ino called out worriedly. Neji attempted to stand but was merely too tired to rise.

"Then I'll change the world." Naruto stated defiantly. Shoving his face toward the older woman. There was a tense standoff as the time glared into each other's eyes neither seeming keen on backing down.

"Now, please don't hurt my cute Genin. I've grown quite attached." A calm voice interrupted the tense scene. Kakashi walked up to the two and gently removed them from one another. Naruto fell to the ground, seemingly too excited to see his sensei to be angry now. While Tsunade seemed to be a bit stunned, barely reacting to Kakashi's interruption. Before she stomped off toward the head of Katsuyu. "I see my troublemaker is still making enemies… terrifying enemies." Kakashi said affectionately, rubbing the young man's angry head. Flawlessly dodging Naruto's attempts to bite him for it. "A few things Team Seven." Kakashi started, and immediately the group of young adults went silent. Naruto growling but settling down. "So let's discuss the mission a little bit. We're not too far off from home anyway. I'll handle the report, do not worry about failing the mission. There wasn't much we-"

Ino's POV

"Actually if you are referring to the bandit camp you all were fighting at. Then you should know I went to clear them out myself after I had arrived, but the runt's clones had already captured and restrained the bandits! Big Boss had already sent for a pick up for them so no worries" Dez called from his position about twenty feet away at the back of the snail.

"Hmm, well then my statement shall be even easier then…" Kakashi said as his voice took a grave turn. "Ino and Neji you both fought and nearly died trying to protect Naruto from a threat you could not stop. Naruto you could have escaped while your allies bought you time. You also decided on your lonesome to challenge opponents and even launched an assault on the camp during our ambush. I must say my cute Genin… you've all made me incredibly proud." Kakashi finished. "I'm sorry you all had to suffer due to me being unable to assist you." The three expecting a telling-off was shocked.

"But Kakashi, we risked ourselves. I thought you would be upset." Ino asked as the other two still seemed shocked.

"Perhaps, ne? But if we were ambushed there was no way things were going to go easily. And yes by shinobi protocol you all should have acted less compassionately. But I believe my students should walk their own path. See while shinobi who risk the mission are scum. The true scum is those who would abandon their comrades. This is something that many shinobi, including myself, learn. Often in the worst way possible. So if you only learn one thing from today let it be that. Comrades are your greatest treasure and number one concern out in the field. Never let the mission compromise what you believe in. Such is my nindo." Kakashi explained as they approached the village. "Now head on straight home. Tsunade and I will report to the Hokage. Once we do and your pay is decided. I will bring it to you and let you know when our next meeting is." Kakashi commanded as the slug dispelled as they climbed off. Tsunade, Kakashi, and Dez all poofed as they body flickered away. The three stood for a moment seemingly just a bit conflicted on what to do. Neji started walking first.

"Farewell for now friends. I will be expected to report now that I am home." Neji stated as he walked. Before he stopped for a second. "I'm sorry once again Naruto. Next time you will not stand alone."

The two blondes watched as he walked away. The blonde didn't feel good seeing Neji like this. But knew from personal experience the Hyuga was tough. He would be alright. Naruto, excited to tell his mother about the mission, was about to say his farewell. But upon matching eyes with Ino was surprised to see quite the serious look on her face.

"Naruto, can we have that talk?" Ino asked seriously. Naruto, having a feeling what exactly she wanted to discuss nervously nods as he follows her up on the roofs of the Leaf village. The two landed on a decent-sized one that towered over the academy. The two were staring down at it while it seemed they both gathered their minds.

"There are two things I wanted to discuss. Firstly, I'm sorry we couldn't help you. I tried my hardest but he was too damn strong." Ino explained sadly. She felt so ashamed to have been that weak. She would convince her father to give her some extra training. Neji was never right again. Ino went to say as such but stopped as she met his blue eyes. She had always been confident but in moments like this, she could barely look the fellow blonde in his eyes. They were too honest, she could see too much.

"There's no need to feel bad. He was something else. Besides, I would rather it be me than either of you." He said simply. Seemingly missing, Ino tensed up beside him. She felt a flare of anger but pulled it back. Was this related to the pain Neji had mentioned before?

"Don't you know how scary it was to be helpless when he was hurting you Naruto?" Ino asked. "One of my friends was about to be mutilated and all I could do was scream for you to stand. I cried pitifully when I thought he was gonna hurt you. I never knew I could feel so useless. So I-" Ino was interrupted when Naruto suddenly hugged her. He had wrapped her up tightly. His grip was innocent; it didn't linger or roam as other men had attempted before. Somehow that made her blush.

"As I said, it wasn't your fault. And I think I get what you mean. I'm sorry but I can't back down when it's people I care about are getting hurt." Naruto countered gently.

"It hurts just as much to watch you get hurt!" Ino said now fed up with his Blaise attitude towards his own life. Pulling away from the blonde with an unnoticed anger.

"True but if I didn't live that way, I wouldn't wanna live." Naruto stated. This drove Ino into silence. She still felt strongly against it, but she wasn't sure how to counter his point. Naruto glanced over and saw the conflict on her face. "Look, how about this? I promise I'll get strong enough that something like that will never happen again!" Naruto said happily.

This confounded Ino even further but did knock her out of her silence. "How can you promise that? That guy was probably at least as strong as Kakashi. Possibly even stronger. How will you get that strong? How can anyone?"

"The answer is simple but not easy, ya know?" Naruto asked with a smile.

"Mom tells me you simply never give up. Besides you and Neji are super talented! We'll probably kick their asses next time!"

"You're such a momma's boy blondie." Ino said with a smile as she relaxed slightly. His answers were simple and seemingly arrogant. Yet unlike many she had known it was fully honest. She flinched as she remembered what she must ask him. She frowned as she went for it. "Naruto." She asked as she turned and faced him. "You're a jinchuriki aren't you?"