When the people of Konoha amassed in front of the Konoha Academy, Tsunade walked towards the crowd with a grimace set on her face.
"I know that many of you have lost your loved ones due to the Zombie Outbreak. I also know that you're all still grieving and I'm sorry. But we are running low on food and medical equipment. We need construction workers to help us fortify Konoha walls, to prevent more of the undead from invading. I also suggest, to you women, on not getting pregnant. I don't think you would want your children to live in this world in its current state. Plus, there would be even more mouths to feed."
The public started to panic and murmurs began to spread throughout the crowd.
"I understand that people that you've loved are now dead...or undead. I--"
A villager spoke out. "Did you lose any relatives during The Outbreak?" He spoke venomously, glaring at Tsunade.
Others who have lost people they cared about agreed.
"...No. I have not."
Then some resentment began to spread. Some of the civilians who agreed with him began to glare at their Hokage.
He scoffed bitterly, "Then you couldn't possibly understand."
"I have lost loved ones. Maybe not to the zombies but to war. The brave ninja that died during the Outbreak are heroes. The did their duty. And while that might not be by blood. They were family. And I loved them all the same."
The man grimaced and apologized. "Forgive me Hokage-sama."
"It is understandable. You are still in grieving. BUT WE ARE KONOHA! WE SHALL STAND TALL IN THE FACE OF DANGER!" Tsunade yelled, attempting to bring up the morale of the people.
"YEAH!"
"WE WILL DRIVE THOSE ZOMBIES OUT OF OUR HOMES!"
"YEAH!"
"AND WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS IN THE BATTLES AHEAD!"
"YEAH!"
"Now we need scouting parties! People who are willing to venture outside and scavenge for supplies. Who will volunteer?!"
It got real quiet then. Tsunade looked to the crowd miserably. "...Anyone?"
"I volunteer." Eyes moved to to the one who spoke. It was Naruto.
"I-I also volunteer." Hinata, shyly, rose her hand.
"Okay we have two people, anyone else?" Her eyes moved over to Sakura. She only avoided her gaze. Shino, Kiba, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Lee, Tenten and Neji. None of them moved.
Tsunade tried again. "...Anyone...?"
It remained quiet.
"...Alright then. Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga. You two are the scouting party. You are to find any food or medical supplies and bring it to Konoha. You will be further briefed in my office. Thank you for your time."
As the crowd dispersed quickly, Naruto and Hinata made their way to the Hokage Office. No one dared to meet their eyes in shame.
As they entered the room they saw Tsunade pulling out a bottle of sake. She looked up. There were dark bags circling her eyes, signaling a lack of sleep.
"...Your first mission will be..." Tsunade looked to Naruto. "...to Wave."
Naruto's hair shadowed his eyes.
"Even though it has been overrun, there should still be some supplies. Plus, because of the bridge the zombies are coming towards The Land of Fire. So it would be greatly appreciated if you could take care of them. Help out any survivors you find. You may begin tomorrow. Dismissed."
Naruto walked out immediately. Tsunade told Hinata to wait.
"Hinata, I know that Naruto isn't in the best mind set...but please watch out for him. It's obvious you care for him. Please keep him safe."
"Of course, Lady Tsunade." Hinata said, blushing on her way out.
--Konoha Gate--
Naruto walked to Konoha's gate. He just stood there, staring.
"Naruto-kun? What are you doing here? The mission is tomorrow."
"...I have to go. I can't just sit here doing nothing! I'd go crazy! I just..."
He sighed and walked through the gate.
"I-I'll come with you!"
He didn't stop walking. "I won't stop you."
They walked toward the bridge connecting the Land of Waves with the Land of Fire. Hinata tried some small talk, but Naruto wasn't in the mood for it. As they neared the bridge Hinata saw an old withered sign.
"The Great Naruto Bridge..." She looked to Naruto. "This place must mean a lot to you..."
"You have no idea." Naruto said bitterly.
"Ggyaa..." A zombie shuffled his way over to Naruto and Hinata. Naruto threw a kunai at its head, effectively killing it. Another zombie came and Hinata used Juken and made its head explode.
"Ahhh! So much blood!" She began to freak out.
"Hinata, relax Its just blood. Wipe it off."
"R-Right..." She then thought to herself. 'Did Iruka-sensei's death really affect Naruto that much?'
There were a few zombies in their way as they walked for Wave. They were taken care of easily.
They finally made it to Wave. And saw zombies everywhere.
"Hinata! Follow me! Tazuna's house is nearby."
He grabbed her hand and dashed for the house. Although they were surrounded by zombies Hinata couldn't help but blush. The zombies couldn't keep up since they were all originally civilians.
Naruto and Hinata stopped in front of the house of Tazuna. Naruto only stood there. Hinata knowing what he was thinking and what he was dreading.
Naruto knocked on the door. His heart felt like it was beating out of his chest. A crash from the inside was heard.
"Shit!" Naruto barged into the house to hopefully safe the family.
The entire house was completely trashed with blood on the ground.
Naruto was worried.
"Tazuna! Tsunami! Inari? You there?"
Hinata would have used her Byakugan to see where the were but felt she wouldn't have liked what she saw.
Especially Naruto.
A moan was heard. Naruto ran to find them and came across a corpse of Tazuna. He was bitten on his arm. A broken sake bottle was implanted in his head.
"No! Damn it! Tsunami! Inari! Where are you!"
They searched the house and saw Tsunami with a knife in her chest. Looked like a suicide. She had a chunk of her calf missing.
Naruto was about to lose hope until he heard that moan again. It came from upstairs.
He dashed up the steps to save Inari. He bust the door open and saw Inari just standing there. A shattered picture frame was on the floor.
Naruto was just happy that Inari was okay. "Inari, it's me Naruto! I'm here to get you out of here."
Inari looked up.
"Ggyahh..."
Naruto's heart dropped.
