The Hunt for Tsunade

Chapter Six: Penance! End of the Hunt!

Team Guy had finished healing themselves and was now assembled before their sensei. The Sound Ninja were tied up next to a tree. Meanwhile, Guy himself was walking with a crutch for now. Even so, he was beaming.

'You've all performed exceptionally.' he said with a thumbs up. 'Every last one of you performed with all the youthful spirit I could have expected.'

'But Guy-sensei, we failed to rescue Tsunade.' said Rock Lee.

'Yeah.' said Tenten. 'Tell me about it.'

Guy put a hand on Lee's shoulder. 'Lee, Tenten, in time you'll learn that failure is the best teacher. When you lose, don't mope around. Stand tall and use it to motivate you to get stronger. So the next time you have a task, you don't fail in it.'

'Buy Guy-sensei, what will happen to Tsunade?' asked Tenten.

'You don't need to worry, Tenten.' said Guy. 'Lady Tsunade is in good hands. The Fourth Hokage always has a backup plan and set out to take care of things personally right after we left. He'll handle things from here. And you don't need to worry about your records. This mission became an A rank the moment we had to fight Zabuza.

'Now for the lessons;' He looked to Neji. 'Neji, you demonstrated great skill. But your inability to adapt to changing circumstances led to defeat. If you're going to beat that Haku girl next time you'll have to learn to do better. From now on you'll focus on perfecting your chakra control until you can use kaiten on open water.'

'As you command, sensei.' said Neji. His face was impassive.

'While wearing weights.' said Guy. Neji flinched. 'Rock Lee wears weights, and it has done wonders for his speed.'

'Understood.' said Neji.

Guy looked to Tenten. 'Tenten you demonstrated superb mastery of missile weapons.'

'Thank you sensei.' said Tenten.

'Which is why you're going to start practicing with explosive tags.' said Guy. 'You need to become more versatile if you're going to be a splendid ninja. I want you also to practice your taijutsu as well.'

'Lee.' He looked to Rock Lee.

Rock Lee saluted. 'Yes, Guy-sensei! I'll wear even more weights!'

'That'll be more of the same Lee, and that's not what you need.' said Guy. 'You're plenty fast and well on your way to becoming a splendid ninja. But your weak point is your lack of ranged ability. If you'd faced off against any of the other Sound Ninja, you'd have been defeated.

'Tenten will be teaching you the use of missile weapons while wearing weights. That goes for you too, Neji. You can teach her a few things about taijutsu as well. While you're fighting on water.' Finally, he slashed the air with his hand. 'Now, with a job well done, let's take the prisoners and go home.'

Sarutobi Hiruzen was surprised at the place where Banker Gortel resided. It seemed far too much like the Leaf Village. He was even more surprised when the door opened, and Gortel peered out. The man took off his hat. 'Ah, the Hokage of the Leaf Village in my home. Please, please come in. What brings you here?'

'I think you already know why I am here, Gortel.' said Sarutobi. 'I thought I might discuss the matter with you personally.'

'Yes, yes a most unfortunate business.' said Gortel, leading him inside. 'I don't have anything personal against Tsunade. But there comes a point where you have to respond to these things.'

'I am aware that Tsunade was far from blameless.' said Hiruzen, liking the man's style. 'She owes you and many others a great deal. I was hoping I might be able to pay off the debt in return for her freedom.'