Return to The Past : Naruto Fic

15

Chapter 14 – Mission to Kiri

Mei followed Naruto through the Hokage Mansion towards the secure meeting room. She had left Chojuro at the Uzumaki compound. With them, two Anbu with cat masks, a man and a woman were following them. Behind the Anbu were Team 7, Naruto's team.

As they reached a pair of large wooden doors, two hidden Anbu fell from the cieling. Bowing to Naruto, the Anbu pushed open the door before standing aside. Entering the room, Mei looked about and saw that it was quite large.

Behind a large wooden desk, sat Hiruzen and Hideyoshi with a place free on Hideyoshi's right. Mei noticed that Naruto didn't even hesitate as he took the free seat. Mei raised an eyebrow at the subtle power play.

"Team Gai and Danzō's team didn't here yet?" Naruto queried with a bit of annoyance.

"They will be here soon Naruto-kun. We are the ones who are early after all." Hideyoshi said with a smile while Hiruzen nodded.

"I was sure I was on time! Anyway, this is Terumi Mei-san. She is the leader of the Kiri Bloodline Rebel's. Mei-san, these are Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage and Hideyoshi-dono, the Fire Daimyō."

Mei bowed as she said, "It's an honor to be in your presence. I thank you for hearing my request!"

"Request! You didn't tell her Naruto-kun?" Hideyoshi asked only for Naruto to shake his head.

"Ah... It seems to have slipped my mind. I was discussing different tactics with Kakashi-sensei, Neko and Tora." Hideyoshi nodded as Naruto turned to Mei and said, "I didn't bring you here to make a request of aid. I have already taken care of it. Konoha and by extension Hi no Kuni are willing to offer aid. I brought you here to introduce you to the team and to brief the team."

Mei's eyes widen in shock before she bowed and said, "I am grateful for your initiative on my behalf Naruto-sama!"

Naruto was about to speak when the doors opened again revealing Team Gai being lead in by Gai himself along with a team of four blank masked Anbu with Danzō leading them.

"Ah... Danzō, Team Gai! Good morning, please take a seat everyone. We wish to get into the crux of matter." Hiruzen said as he motioned for everyone to seat.

Everyone bowed before taking a seat in front of the desk. After everyone was comfortable, Hideyoshi motioned for Naruto to continue.

Clearing his throat, Naruto said, "You all are here because Mei-san here has requested Uzu's aid in defeating Yagura, the Yondaime Mizukage. Konoha has decided to help. Mei-san is the present leader of the Kiri Bloodline Rebel's. Any questions? You may speak freely!"

The genin of team Gai looked at each other in confusion while Sasuke just looked focused. Sakura was looking determined with Kakashi looking at Naruto with boredom. Danzō and his men along with the two Anbu were stoic. It was Gai who spoke.

"If I may Hokage-sama, why choose my team? I can understand Kakashi's team and myself, but my genin as well?"

"I can understand your confusion Gai, but to be blunt, your commander recommend you and your team."

Gai nodded before asking, "May I assume that our commander will be Naruto-sama? I heard the rumors that he has been recently promoted to Jōnin."

Hiruzen nodded with a smile, "That's right! It seems that your information gathering g skills haven't dulled in the past year you have been a Jōnin Sensei. You will be joined by some Uzu shinobi as well."

"I see Hokage-sama and congratulations to you for your promotion Naruto-sama!" Gai said getting a nod from Naruto.

"Now I am sure you genin are wondering why you have been chosen to go help in a war." Hiruzen said getting a nod from Team Gai. With a smile, Hiruzen said, "Most of you have learned ninshu under Naruto-kun and mastered it to an appreciable degree. We are sending you to gain experience in real time. Since Naruto-kun will be there, he will evaluate and help you progress more."