Perfectly Imperfect Love

The Gala

- Five Months Later -

He hit the ground with a thud, panting harshly. His whole body screamed in pain and protest as he attempted to move, but he rested his head on the cool, damp earth, staring at the sky through his porcelain mask.

"Come on, kid. Get up." A man said. He looked over to see Genma twirling his katana around, chewing on his senbon in anticipation.

Naruto was five months into his ANBU training; every day was both a wonderful experience and hell on earth. When he began, he had instantly taken to and grasped the ideals of the organization.

He got to his knees, trying to regain control of his breath. Kakashi had Genma begin his kenjutsu training. Due to the restrictions of using jutsu as an ANBU, he had to rely on utility techniques and his weaponry. Needless to say, Naruto dearly missed his kage bunshin and rasengan.

"I...can't...go on...anymore..." He said in between breaths, gripping his own sword tightly. He heard Genma sigh and walk over. The weapon master picked his new student up, and supported him as the two walked back to the ANBU headquarters.

"Naruto, you're the Kyuubi jinchuuriki. Aren't you supposed to have more chakra and stamina then anyone in the village?" He asked.

"Yeah...but Baa-chan, er... I mean, Hokage-sama altered the tattoo; it's also a seal for masking my chakra. If I was to go on missions, we would be found instantly. Anyways, the seal cuts my chakra by more than half, and prevents me form using any of Kurama's powers." He said grimly. He got exhausted way faster than he ever had, and was always weak at the end of the day. But, both his ANBU trainers and the Hokage said it would be good for his body to work without his normal reserves.

They arrived at the outpost within a few minutes; it was located near the Forest of Death, a little bit out of the village. After showing their identifications, they entered the large underground base.

They were greeted by Yamato and Kakashi, both donned in their ANBU uniforms. Naruto moved his featureless mask to the side of his face, a small grin on his lips. "The seal is givin' me a pain in the ass." He said.

They chuckled lightly as they walked to their living quarters. Genma set the blonde down on the sofa, and handed him a water bottle. Naruto nodded in thanks, and promptly guzzled the whole thing.

Sighing in relief, he jumped slightly when a folder was thrust into his face. "What's this?"

"A mission; count it as part of your training. There's a gala tommorow evening. Hokage-sama wants you for this." The copy-nin started, plopping himself down next to his old student. He opened the folder, revealing a whole slew of information.

"Your job is to kiss up to the Daimyo of the Land of Demons. Word is, he's carrying some highly classified documents, and he's making an exchange with a man from Otogakure. You are too make friends with him, and while you've gained his trust and we set up a...erm...distraction, you're to steal those documents."

"Oto is still active?"

"Hai. Some of Orochimaru's old subordinates have taken control of their forces; they're growing increasingly prominent. It's going to be hard to ignore them."

Naruto sighed. Of course. After I attain peace, someone has to go and fuck it up.

"Do I have to..kill him?" He asked warily. He still had yet to experience his first kill.

Kakashi shook his head. "No. He's not a threat; nor is his contact. We don't want an international dispute on our hands. Just...keep a weapon on you, in case something does go wrong.. You never know."