Desert Flower

Bijuu Bomb

  "Let's see.... 'With regards to the state of emergency in the Five Great Nations, in preparation for the coming Fourth Ninja War, for support of the shinobi and samurai forces, I hereby order the creation of a third force: the Animal Corps. With regard to that, due to his great skill in understanding animals, I appoint the jinchuriki- uh- animal lover, Naruto Uzumaki to select personnel and organize the Animal Corps.'" A ninja read from a scroll, and I glanced over at Guy-sensei still on the ground.

  He looked terrible after opening the 8th Gate, and it was only made worse by Naruto and Bee poking at him earlier. Each poke had caused him extreme pain, but the two idiots didn't seem to fully grasp that.

  "'The first task of the Corps is to investigate the ecosystem of the island. This is a Super S-Rank secret mission. Take measures to keep this matter secret. Hokage of Konoha, Tsunade.'" The man rolled up the scroll. It was quiet for a few seconds as birds chirped in the distance.

  "This....This is the kind of mission for clever people I've been waiting for!" Naruto had tears of joy. "It's like when Shikamaru, like, commands people!"

  "It's animals...." The ninja replied, and I made eye contact with Yamato. I knew the ninja had been lying through his teeth. I knew there was no damn 'Animal Corp'.

  "Granny Tsunade finally got it! This is to test my leadership skills. That makes you my subordinate, Sayuri!" Naruto laughed, but I was still staring right at Yamato, and the man was beginning to nervously sweat under my gaze. "Okay! Let's get this mission started!"

  "Well, I'll use the time to come up with some new lyrics." Killer Bee stated, and Yamato sighed before waving me over. Leaving Naruto's side, I stood in front of Yamato while crossing my arms.

  "Should have known that story wouldn't work with you." The man muttered while rubbing the side of his head.

  "So the truth is?" I raised a brow at him.

  "You're here to train." Yamato replied. "With the war coming and the Akatsuki after the Jinchuriki, here is the safest place to do so."

  "Naruto and I are similar in various aspects, but intelligence is not one of them." I popped off, not buying Yamato's bullshit. "If we were here to train, you'd tell Naruto that."

  "Okay, look. Sayuri, we need you to play along with this. The truth is, there's tension among the Kages, and they still aren't certain whether or not the Jinchuriki should be a part of the war. You're all here to keep you safe until a decision is made." There seemed to be more truth to Yamato's words this time around. And that would explain why they weren't telling Naruto- He'd try to argue and fight with the Kages to get on the battlefield.

  Which would only show how impulsive and headstrong he is, and that would have the opposite effect of intended. His attitude would confirm he shouldn't fight in the war.

  "Why not tell me the truth from the beginning, then?" I narrowed my eyes.

  "We couldn't risk you telling Naruto."

  "I've been assigned missions I've had to keep from Naruto before. If it's something this important, I know how to have discretion."

  "Of course. We should have told you." Yamato nodded.

  "I'll play along. But the Kages should make their decision fast. Naruto's not a complete idiot."

~

  "I said form a line! Whatever, just go into the tunnel!" Naruto was yelling at the massive animals from the island. "We'll begin with the ecosystem investigation in there. Cut that out!" He made a face while trying to push away the nuzzling armadillo. "What? You want some more?" He shot a look at the bandaged gorilla, penguin, koala, and hippo.