I don't own Naruto.
Naruto and the others were at the Konoha gate early the next morning. The problem was that, Team 8's client was nowhere to be found! Ludicrous? I know! Naruto was pacing back and forth, mumbling under his breath.
"Don't tell me you're still mad at Tazuna for his side comment?" Shikamaru laughed.
Naruto had a good half mind to hit Shikamaru upside the head but decided against it. It's not worth it, he kept repeating to himself.
For this mission, Naruto had packed a few extra shirts and pants, with an extra set of kunai and shuriken. Naruto's current outfit consisted of a pair of baggy black pants, with a black and orange shirt. His trademark orange jacket was tied around his waist, due to the hot weather.
Still, despite the hot temperatures, Shino refused to take off his jacket. Shikamaru shook his head, as Naruto fought Shino to take off his jacket.
"You're making me hot Shino!"
"That's unfortunate Uzumaki-san."
"What a drag."
5 Minutes Later...
Asuma and Tazuna arrived at the gates five minutes later, bewildered by the current scene. All three boys sitting calmly sipping tea, like they had all day to wait for their late sensei and client. Still, it was a very comical sight. Naruto poured himself another cup, before turning to Asuma.
"You're late Sensei. I do hope you won't make this a habit. Tazuna, good morning to you as well."
Asuma's and Tazuna's eyes widened as Shino and Shikamaru greeted them calmly. Asuma and Tazuna were still confused, when they heard a distant noise. Thanks to years of ninja training, Asuma was able to dodge multiple incoming kunai and pie. Tazuna...wasn't so lucky. What a great morning…
"All right everyone! Let's get going!"
The boys formed a triangle formation with Asuma as the group started moving. Naruto held up the rear, with Shikamaru and Shino on either sides of Tazuna. Shino pushed his black shades up further to his face, when he spotted a puddle on the side of the road.
Immediately, he tensed slightly, trying to get the other's attention. Winking, Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head. Shikamaru messed with his jacket for a few moments, before pulling out a small jug.
"Sensei, I forget to refill my bottle. Is there a stream nearby?" Asuma frowned.
"You should have taken care of that, before we left. Besides you know that there aren't any rivers near by." Naruto decided to add in his own two cents.
"But Sensei, there's a puddle here and it hasn't rained for weeks!"
Everyone, including Tazuna tensed as they passed the puddle. Now that they were closer, Asuma could see two shapes moving inside the water. Team 8 passed the puddle and nothing happened after a few minutes of silence. Naruto felt his chest loosen in relief as the puddle got further and further away with each step. Maybe the worst was over…
Naruto felt a "swoosh" sound by his head, and his body moved on his own. Luckily, Shino used his kikai bugs to distract the unknown ninja while Shikamaru and Asuma moved in a defense position in front of Tazuna. Naruto narrowed his eyes, as the ninja with the gauntlet on his right hand, tried attacking Shino behind his back. Running, Naruto kicked the ninja in the side, landing next to Shino with a huff.
The men slowed down as the bugs began working their magic. Taking this opportunity, Naruto ran over to both ninja, and dodged both of their gauntlets. He tried punching the closet one but the enemy only blocked it in return. His companion used his left hand to try to swipe at Naruto's face. Bending backwards, Naruto slid to the ground, as Shino appeared and kicked the ninja back a few feet. Pulling Naruto up, Shino threw a few kunai at the other ninja, forcing him into the shadows as well.
