Naruto: Nine And Seven

Chapter 17

Team Naruto, accompanied by Sora, arrived at the front gates of Konoha. Sora whistled at the sight. While they weren't as impressive as the gates of the temple he called home, they were far larger.

"So, this is Konoha, huh?" Sora said, standing with his hands behind his head. "Che, 'village', yeah right. I haven't left the temple much, but I've seen towns half this size."

"Well, I've heard Konoha has the greatest population among the ninja villages, but all major villages are like this. Even most of the minor ones are larger than most towns." Shikamaru commented.

Naruto turned to Sora as they stepped into the village. "Come on. We need to see the Hokage, and then I'll show you around." The monk glanced at the blond whose expression turned serious. "And Sora, listen closely, I know you've got a problem with authority and respect, but don't insult her, in any way, understand?"

Sora scoffed. "Relax, I'll be sure to pay my respects."

Fu stood before Tsunade in her office, Shizune standing to the side. After arriving in Konoha, her team separated and she went to deliver her report to their leader. She had just finished giving the slug Sannin their findings.

"So, you found no evidence of the culprits aside from the symbol of Ame?" Tsunade inquired.

Fu shook her head. "No. And along the way back we heard that other villages along the border were attacked in the same way. We investigated another nearby village and found the same thing. All we know is that there were four attackers. They could have actually been loyal to Ame, or they could be trying to provoke a war or distract us. Speaking of them, do you have any word from Ame?"

"None…" Tsunade said, her eyes narrowed. "Although, we do have reason to suspect they're involved with the Akatsuki, we don't have any evidence to support those beliefs yet."

"Do you know anyone who would be trying to start a conflict between our nations?" Fu asked.

"Only one. Someone close to home, too." Tsunade replied.

"Danzo?" Fu guessed.

The Hokage nodded before her gaze shifted to her first apprentice. "Dispatch a reconnaissance team of jonin and ANBU to investigate the border. Since we don't know the situation, their mission is to be kept secret. Make sure to tell them their mission is strictly observation right now, so they're not to engage. I'll personally report the situation to the Daimyo."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

"Fu, you and your team are on standby for now. You're dismissed." Fu nodded and walked out.

She took ten steps away from the door when a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind. She briefly tensed, before the familiar and comforting presence and scent of the one holding her washed over, bringing a warm smile to her face as she placed her hands over the ones on her stomach. "Naruto."

The girl turned her head to see her boyfriend's face, giving her a smile to match her own, before turning her whole body in his arms. The pair stared into each other's orbs for a moment, both seeing the longing they had for each other as Naruto raised his right hand and cupped her cheek, before closing their eyes and bringing their lips together, sharing a gentle but passionate kiss, enjoying the taste of each other. Naruto's right arm rejoined his left at her waist and pulled her to him while she wrapped her arms around his neck, their bodies pressing together as they held each other close. After a few moments, they pulled their faces away from each other. Naruto gave her a warm smile. "I've missed doing this."

"You can say that again." Fu whispered while placing her forehead to his. The orange eyed Jinchuriki ran her hand through his hair. "We should do more missions together, otherwise I might get lonely and may have to hunt you down."