Two Days Later...
We finally made it back to the Leaf Village from the Sand Village after hanging out there for a couple of days to help Kakashi-sensei recover. Honestly, the guy was totally wiped out.
Even though he's still not 100%, he insisted we head back because of the Akatsuki threat looming over us. You know the drill – gotta protect the village and all that jazz.
Guy-sensei ended up carrying Kakashi-sensei on his back the whole way. Man, that was a hilarious sight.
Anyway, I just got back to my apartment after that insanely long trip. I'm exhausted, so I'm gonna crash for now.
Meanwhile, Kakashi-sensei was admitted to the Konoha hospital and is getting treated.
Okay, time to rest for a bit.
Some hours later...
I strolled outside and headed to Ichiraku Ramen shop in my simple black T-shirt and pants.
"I'm here, old man Teuchi," I called out as I walked in, but there was no sign of him.
"Dad's not here, Naruto-kun. Did you need something?" Ayame asked from the other side of the counter.
"I was craving some ramen, but I guess the old man's not around, so..." I said with a hint of disappointment.
"Why the long face? I'm here now! Let me whip up some ramen for you. How do you like it?" she asked.
"Alright then, I'll have a Miso Chashu Ramen, please," I replied with a grin.
"Got it. I'll get that ready for you in no time," she said as she started cooking.
"So, you just got back from a mission today, huh?" she asked while working.
"Yeah, I just got in this morning," I answered.
"You should really take it easy for a bit. I heard it was quite the mission," she said, concerned.
"Yeah, it was a big one. Plus, it was my first mission in over two years," I added.
"So, how does it feel to be back in action and home again?" she asked.
"Feels great. Heh, but let's talk about you. What's up with you these days, got any plans?" I asked with a smirk.
"My plans? Well, I'm all about cooking. I want to become a top chef, you know," she said, placing a steaming bowl of ramen in front of me. "I'm still learning, so give it a taste and let me know how it is!" she added with a hopeful smile.
"I'm sure it'll be amazing," I said, picking up the chopsticks. As I took my first bite, I noticed something different.
"Is there a problem?" she asked, watching my reaction.
"No, it's just... different from what I'm used to," I replied, intrigued.
"Well, I tweaked the recipe a bit. Added more spice. Don't you like it?" she asked, a bit anxious.
"Like it? I absolutely love it. It's fantastic, Ayame," I said, diving back into the bowl. As I finished, I couldn't help but ask, "Another bowl, please."
"You really don't change. No matter how much you grow, your love for ramen stays the same," she said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, but don't forget, my love for ramen is what brought us together at the academy," I reminded her.
"Of course, I remember. You saved me because I was the daughter of your favorite ramen shop owner back then," she said with a smile.
"You're exaggerating. I didn't save you. I just got myself into trouble, and you helped me out of it," I replied, shaking my head.
"Now that you mention it, it was funny how you got all beaten up and still asked if I was okay," she laughed, and I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.
"Good times," I said, reminiscing.
"Yeah... but you're not finished yet," she pointed out.
"Are you kidding? This tastes so good I could eat it all day," I said, savoring the flavors.
"Well, I didn't make enough for the whole day, but there's some more left," she offered.
"That's perfect," I said, diving back in.
After finishing my meal, I got up and said, "That was really good. I should get going."
"So, where are you headed now?" she asked.
"To meet Granny," I answered.
"Granny? You mean..." she started.
"Oh, I mean Granny Tsunade," I clarified.
"You're talking about Lady Fifth! Shouldn't you be more respectful since she's our Hokage?" she asked, a bit shocked.
"Yeah, whatever. She's the Hokage, big deal," I said, waving it off. "Anyway, I'll go now. See you soon."
"Okay, take care," she said.
"I will," I replied, turning back with a smile.
At the meantime, in the Hokage's office,
"Did you tell this to Naruto?" Tsunade asked, her eyes narrowing with concern.
"No, I wanted to consult with you first," Sakura replied, her voice steady but filled with urgency.
"Tell me everything then," Tsunade said, leaning back at railing behind her.
"It was Sasori, one of the Akatsuki, who told me this. As I landed the final blow on him, he mentioned it as a reward for me," Sakura began.
"Ten days from now? By the Tenchi Bridge?" Tsunade exclaimed, her expression turning serious.
"It has already been three days since that encounter, so seven days are left," Sakura clarified.
"But can the source of the information be trusted?" Tsunade asked, her brows furrowing.
"They were his last words. I don't think he was lying," Sakura said with conviction.
"What if it's a trap? What if Orochimaru is just bait, and the full Akatsuki force shows up?" Tsunade pondered, her mind racing through the possibilities.
"Even if it's a trap, we'll fight them," Sakura declared confidently.
"Yeah, that's right. But with Kakashi out of action for over a week and only six days left, Team Kakashi is seriously undermanned since Sasuke left," Tsunade pointed out.
"Yes, that's true," Shizune agreed.
"The only solution now is to find a new member and assemble a new squad," Tsunade continued.
"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune interrupted.
"What is it?" Tsunade asked.
"If that's the case, why not deploy a different team to investigate? And even if you send Sakura, Naruto shouldn't go on this mission," Shizune suggested.
"Shizune!"
"Yes, my lady!"
"Like you, Shizune, Sakura is one of the shinobi I trust. That's why this mission has to involve the remaining members of Team Kakashi," Tsunade explained.
"Wouldn't my team serve just as well, my lady? Why not send us?" Shizune pressed.
"It wouldn't be the same. Sakura and Naruto are driven by a desperate need to find their lost teammate. They will put their lives on the line to rescue him. That kind of desire is what sets them apart and why they will succeed," Tsunade said.
"Yes, I understand. But still, I believe that Naruto..." Shizune began.
"What about me?" I said, jumping onto the railing beside Granny Tsunade with a smirk.
"Naruto, you..." Sakura started.
"Making plans without me? That's a bad habit, you know," I said with a playful grin.
"Naruto, when did you get here? I didn't even sense your chakra," Shizune remarked, surprised.
"Actually, I missed it too. How much has he grown?" Tsunade thought to herself.
"Okay, I just hid my chakra presence. Pretty easy. Anyway, what were you saying about new teammates?" I asked, leaning in with a curious look.
"Yes, as I was saying, there will be new team members to accompany you two on this mission," Tsunade confirmed.
"Who will that be?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Lady Tsunade, who's the new member?" Sakura chimed in.
"I haven't decided yet, but I'll inform you before tomorrow morning. For now, you guys should rest up because you'll be heading out soon," Tsunade instructed.
[A.N: THANKS FOR READING, DON'T FORGET TO DROP POWERSTONE TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THIS SERIES, AND IF YOU LIKE IT ADD YOUR LIBRARY THAT YOU DON'T MISS ANY NEW CHAPTER FROM IT , THANKS]