The Forgotten Hero (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 1

Team 7 wandered the woods surrounding the Hidden Leaf. Occupying them were two jonin - Kakashi, their sensei, and Iruka, their academy sensei. They were no more than a days walk from the Hidden Leaf, but out in the woods it felt as though it was light years away. The team of chunin had been sent by Lady Tsunade on a C-rank mission to investigate reports of rouge ninjas sighted in the village woods. They knew, of course, that this mission could easily change into an A, or even S-rank mission, depending on who they encountered. Because of this they were all walking quietly, watching out for any signs of other shinobi. If anyone knows Team 7 - they know that's a big lie. As they walked, Naruto was his usual loud self with the added addition of Sakura constantly yelling at him to stop being so annoying. Luckily for them, Kakashi, Iruka and even Sasuke were being vigilante and were aware of their surroundings. The five of them walked until nightfall, but had yet to find signs of the rouge ninjas in the area. As the sun touched the horizon, Kakashi stopped.
"It will be dark soon, let's make camp while there's still some light left."
Shrugging off everything they were carrying, Sakura unloaded and set out the sleeping bags whilst Naruto and Sasuke walked off in search of firewood.
While they were doing this, the two sensei's stood off to the side, watching.
"They've really grown since I last taught them." Iruka commented.
Replying Kakashi said, "Yes, they have grown into fine young shinobi."

They got the fire lit, just as the sun disappeared, submerging everywhere but around the fire in a deep shadow. All five sat around the fire, eating a meal consisting of who-knows-what.
Standing Iruka walked over to a nearby tree and sat at its base. "I'll take first watch."
When no one complained, the other four got into bed and fell asleep. Well Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura did. However, Kakashi lay awake - unease settling in his gut. Turning over, he covered half his face with the sleeping bag - you never knew when Naruto would try looking at your face. Closing his eyes, he tried to fall into, at very least, an uneasy rest.
After 30 minutes, Kakashi still hadn't managed to fall asleep. Sighing, he sat up and decided to go for a quick walk.
As he walked away, Iruka called after him. "Where are you going, Kakashi?"
Without turned back, Kakashi replied. "I'm just going for a short walk - be back soon!"
With a shake of his head, Iruka watched as Kakashi passed the tree line and disappeared from sight. A few minutes later, Iruka glanced up at a slight rustling sound. He became slightly worried as he looked around and saw that Kakashi had still not returned. A bit on edge, he kept watch over the sleeping chunin. Every now and then, Iruka thought he heard mumbles of conversation. After 10 minutes of Kakashi not returning, Iruka was very on edge. Just as he was about to get up and go looking for him, Kakashi walked back into sight. Iruka was relived - but only for a second as he then spotted a man standing behind Kakashi. Tensing, Iruka jumped up, ready to attack the stranger.
Seeing his reaction, Kakashi spoke up. "Don't worry, Iruka - he's with me."
Iruka relaxed slightly - but not by much. Studying the man, he noted the absence of shinobi gear and a headband showing which village he was from. Of course, this could have been hidden behind his strange, bright-orange, swirly mask. Looking back over at Kakashi, he saw him shake Naruto awake.
Confused, Iruka question Kakashi. "What are you doing?"
Instead of answering Iruka, Kakashi spoke to the stranger. "You can explain," before he moved over and woke up Sasuke.
The stranger looked over to Iruka and spoke. "Two members of the Akatsuki are coming for you."
Startled, Iruka yelled slightly, "What?!"
Unfazed by his reaction, the man continued. "Their names are Deidara and Sasori. Kakashi is waking up your team because you need to leave now."
Slightly shocked, Iruka froze for a second, before walking over to Kakashi and helped him pack the rest of the supplies. Once everyone was packed, they all got up and left. Turning to look behind his shoulder, Iruka watched as the masked man stood in the clearing before turning around and walking out of sight.
They all walked at a quick pace, in the direction of the Hidden Leaf. Still worried, Iruka spoke to Kakashi. "Do you really trust his word?"
Looking at Iruka with a blank stare, Kakashi answered. "Iruka - I would trust that man with my life. If he says that the Akatsuki are coming after us, they are coming after us."
Iruka nodded, but his worry was still not lowered. "Yes, but, how did he get that information?"
Glancing around Kakashi whispered to Iruka, "Don't tell anyone this, but he is a spy for us."
More trusting of the man's word now, Iruka straightened his back and kept walking.

They walked for 20 minutes, but no one had yet to appear and attack them. Iruka had relaxed more, but Kakashi was still on edge - glancing around as they walked, reacting to every little sound.
"Calm down, Kakashi." Iruka said, putting his hand on Kakashi's shoulder, "Maybe we just got away in time, and there's nothing to worry about."
Looking at Iruka, Kakashi shook his head. "It's the Akatsuki. Even if we got away, they would have come after us. No, their just waiting for the right moment to strike."
They walked for a bit further before a fallen tree appeared out of the gloom. Even though it lay across their path, it wasn't the tree that stopped them in their step. It was the figures standing on top of the tree. Two people were looking down at them - one had long, blonde hair and the other short cropped red hair and both were dressed in a black cloak with red clouds patterned on. The Akatsuki had arrived.