First of all, this is part of the Fall of Pein, Rise of the Whirlpool Series. If you want to catch up, read this first: Fall Of Pein, Rise Of The Whirlpool.

This is not my work. I want to get this clear straight away. I tried my best, and I hope you guys appreciate it, but that’s all I can promise. Anyway, let’s start!

23998, 23999, 24000! – Naruto

Naruto, you sound like Lee. Why are you doing this? your a chunin now. You have responsibilities, why does being Jounin mean so much?! – Sakura

I….must….save…my….friends – Naruto says as he puts his shirt back on.

Naruto. I know the ANBU squads dissapearing has bothered you, and so does Kakashi-sama, and that is why he has asked to meet you. Naruto, you have a mission. – Sakura

WHAT?!! A mission? I don’t have time, I have to get stronger then the ANBU if I want to save Sasuke, and the village.

Just, please Naruto. Forget Sasuke, I know it’s hard, I really, really do. But we have to. Noone can bring him back. – Sakura

 There is an awkard silence as Naruto releases the weight packs from his arms, legs and even his neck. He picks up his Kunai pouch and with only a small wave leaps out of his window. Now, running quicker then he has ever managed, he sprints towards Kakashi’s office.

Naruto leaps straight through Kakashi’s window and looks up to see a crowd of people he hasn’t seen in a long time. It’s then he realises that his friends have also changed in the last few weeks, they all seem stronger, though he is not sure how, there is a feeling of mutual strength and everyone sits in a strange silence, awaiting the new Hokage’s word….

Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, Shino and Hinata. Thankyou for turning up. You 6 are the current strongest ninja in the village – Kakashi

But?! – Naruto

Naruto. Rank does not mean anything at the moment. Shutup. Or ill bounce you back to the academy. – Kakashi slyly winks

It’s good to know someone never changes…. – Murmered Naruto.

Anyway. You all know of the squads of ANBU dissapearing lately. Well we have recieved word. Sasuke and Akatsuki have taken the 8 tails beast. And now need only one. We still do not have a real idea of their intentions. Only that without Pein, and thanks to you, Naruto. They are having trouble. And that is why, we are going on the counter attack. Sasuke, his team and Akatsuki are sitting recovering from their last fight, and planning their next move. We want you, to meet with them. Alone. And stop their plans. You will be the main attack force. You know Sasuke better then anyone else. You must stop him. We have backup for you. They will show up roughly 20 minutes after engagement to clear up. I have never made a decision so hard, but you all have been picked especially for this fight. We have used our rough knowledge of his forces to formulate a plan. 1 on 1 fighting. And don’t worry, I will be coming along as well. There is something I have to do. I will not be with you, but when it begins. You will see me.

Kakashi-sensei…are you sure? I mean, I think i’ve grown in the last few weeks, I know i’m stong, but Akatsuki are something else. Do you really think we can do it? – Naruto

This is the biggest risk this village has taken, but no matter what, you will come back alive. I guarantee. Now. GET OUT! Get ready! And meet me at the gate in 1 hour. I have a few surprises. – Kakashi

YES SENSEI! – The newly formed team Gaiku said in unison as they launched out of Kakashi’s room.

Naruto knew this was it. Now or never was his chance to bring back Sasuke. He would do it. He must do it. And now, more then ever, he was smiling at the thought.