ᗰOᑎᔕTEᖇ [🧡 ᑎᗩᖇᑌᕼIᑎᗩ 💜] [Ɱҽէąʍօɾքհօʂìʂ] Bσσƙ Oɳҽ

Tension

"What's that got to do with anything?"

His old teacher sighed.

"You're not exactly known for your restraint, Naruto, and until we return to the normal functioning of the village, I need you to be careful. Despite your role in the war, even you are subject to suspension, demotion and removal of duty. My own position is tenuous under the current climate. The information I'm at liberty to share is limited based on the new mandates."

"That's bullshit!"

"I don't disagree, however, several of the Kage of the Alliance have voted to follow the guidelines. My hands are tied."

"Gaara wouldn't agree to this."

"Nor has he. The Raikage, Tsuchikage, and the Mizukage are firmly on the side of the daimyo. Suna and Konoha have been outvoted."

"And you have to go along with it?"

"Diplomatic relations, international pacts are critical. As I've said, we are not a dictatorship, nor are we an island. Should Konoha or any Fire Country village ever need the assistance of our surrounding neighbors, the health of the relationship between Nations will carry great weight in determining whether help will be sent or not. But for now, let me worry about that. Even with the outside forces, I'm far from completely helpless. Now that you've encountered these humanoids yourself, and demonstrate some ability to detect them, you've been cleared to receive reports pertaining to these creatures. You'll receive a briefing when you return, in the mean time, Sakura and Hinata can give you a few more details on your way to the mission site."

His dark eyes sharpened on Naruto.

"Naruto, you'll be team lead for this mission. Your ability to detect their approach puts you a unique position to make quick decisions to avoid ambush and direct the group closer to the target even if you aren't able to pinpoint their location completely."

He turned to Sakura.

"Sakura, there may be civilians that need your help. I've read the recent report you submitted. So far, even with the help of Tsunade-sama and Shizune, you haven't been able to figure out a cure for the black substance they secrete or reactivating seared tenketsu, but even so, the research you've done may become useful in saving lives. The area I'm sending you to has been hit particularly hard and we've received reports of strange illnesses and injuries stemming from the attacks."

His attention shifted to Hinata.

"Hinata, Juuken has had some success in incapacitating them. If you can use that technique instead of physical force, that will increase the chances of recovering these creatures alive and intact. However, don't take any unnecessary risk. If you can't do it safely, don't do it at all. Understood?"

Hinata nodded, as did Naruto.

Kakashi-sensei may have been speaking to his girlfriend, but the love sick blonde would personally make sure she didn't take any unnecessary risks. The two had gone on missions together before and managed to keep things professional, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't keep his eye on her whenever they were assigned to the same team. He had confidence in her abilities as a fellow shinobi, often trained with her in their down time, but that didn't stop him from worrying even when he was fighting along side her. He didn't make it overly obvious, but he knew she was aware that he was on edge when she faced danger and that she indulged his sneaky overprotective behavior gracefully, often pretending nothing was amiss.