Naruto was kicked out of the ninja tools shop.

For a moment, he was dazed. He hadn't expected Tenten's shopkeeper dad to be so fierce.

But he also knew Tenten's boyfriend was Natsuki. He had no hidden intentions following Tenten; he just wanted to know what was going on.

Was he misunderstood?

Fortunately, Naruto was used to being driven away. Compared to the hatred and rejection he used to face from villagers, this kind of misunderstanding was nothing.

He was very curious about Natsuki's situation. Tsunade's expression earlier had been really grim, and now hearing Tenten say Tsunade wouldn't let Natsuki act, it was obvious something extremely serious had happened.

He naturally worried for Natsuki, but his curiosity about what happened was even greater.

At that moment, someone smacked him on the head.

"Naruto, instead of training at this time, you're wandering the streets? Are you preparing for the next Chuunin Exams like this?"

"Kakashi-sensei!"

Naruto quickly reacted but then stammered,

"Of-of course I'm ready! The Chuunin Exams are no big deal, dattebayo!"

Kakashi rolled his eyes.

"Tsunade-sama told me, you, Kiba, and Hinata haven't been cooperating well. Last time, someone was assigned to test you all, and you barely passed. But after that, your missions were still a mess. Tsunade-sama is already thinking about having you skip this upcoming exam to avoid embarrassing Konoha."

Naruto panicked immediately.

"Kakashi-sensei! I can definitely work well with Kiba and Hinata, and I'll definitely pass the Chuunin Exams, dattebayo!"

"Heh, talk is cheap. You better put in the effort. Instead of wandering around, go spend time with Kiba and Hinata and practice your teamwork. You wouldn't want Sakura and Sasuke to become chuunin while you remain a genin, right?"

"Of course not! Then… then I'll go find Kiba and Hinata now."

Naruto lowered his head, turned to leave, but suddenly remembered something and asked,

"Kakashi-sensei, did Natsuki encounter some powerful enemy?"

Kakashi patted his head again.

"Yes, a very, very strong enemy. But that's not something you should worry about. That's a job for jounin. Focus on your own tasks first."

Naruto could only nod.

No matter how curious he was, it didn't matter. He was still just a genin. Many missions didn't involve him, and he wasn't even allowed to ask about them.

After watching Naruto leave, Kakashi entered the ninja tools shop.

"Shopkeeper, I need to see Tenten. She's home, right?"

The shopkeeper quickly replied,

"Oh, Kakashi-sama, yes, Tenten is home. But she seemed quite worried earlier. Did something happen?"

Kakashi told a kind lie.

"It's nothing major. She's just thinking about Natsuki."

"Ah, those two kids really are in their honeymoon phase. They stick together so much, it's like they want to tie each other to their waists! If it's just that, I'm relieved."

"All young lovers are like this. Don't worry, shopkeeper."

Soon, Tenten hurried out from the backyard, her steps quick and anxious, clearly still worried.

Kakashi didn't speak in the shop. Instead, he brought Tenten outside to a quiet place and explained the situation briefly.

Tenten became even more worried.

"Such terrifying enemies? Natsuki will be okay, right?"

Kakashi comforted her.

"He'll be fine. Don't you know that kid by now? He's always working hard to become stronger, but he's never reckless and has never disobeyed Hokage's orders. He'll be fine. He often says he has a cute and beautiful rich girlfriend waiting to marry and have kids with him in the future. That kid values his life too much to be careless. Don't worry."

Tenten nodded and asked,

"Kakashi-sensei, is there a mission for me?"

"Yes. Tsunade-sama plans to send a team for support, led by me. Contact Natsuki right away and get more intel."

"Okay! Kakashi-sensei, write it."

Tenten handed over pen and paper, then immediately locked onto the Flying Thunder God mark on Natsuki to send the message anytime.

(Kakashi) Natsuki, what's the current situation?

(Natsuki) The two have left the bounty station. It seems they're heading to find their next target. Kakashi-sensei, I think they're earning money for Akatsuki.

(Kakashi) Earning money? That might be true. Any other intel?

(Natsuki) Not at the moment. I'm still tracking them.

(Kakashi) Tsunade-sama plans to eliminate the Immortal Duo. I'll lead a team over soon. We'll discuss tactics in person. Be careful not to get spotted.

(Natsuki) Understood.

(Kakashi) Let's agree on a meeting location and time…

Kakashi was very satisfied with this method of contact. Flying Thunder God remote messaging really was amazing.

Tenten also read the messages and felt more at ease. She knew Natsuki was always cautious and would definitely wait for Kakashi's team before acting.

Still, she asked,

"Kakashi-sensei, can I come this time?"

Unexpectedly, Kakashi refused decisively.

"You need to stay."

Tenten was confused.

"Why? You know my strength. I won't drag anyone down."

"Don't be impatient. It's not that I don't believe in your strength. You need to stay by Tsunade-sama's side and maintain real-time contact with Natsuki. If anything unexpected happens, Tsunade-sama can immediately send reinforcements. Staying here is more important. Do you understand?"

"…Alright."

Tenten was convinced.

Indeed, their Flying Thunder God communication was too useful. Just like now, their instant contact allowed Konoha to respond efficiently. In the past, it would have taken at least half a month for coordination like this.

"Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to Natsuki."

Kakashi comforted her again and sent her back, then began considering who to take on the mission.

For that, he specifically found Shizune to confirm the list of available jounin and chuunin in the village. After several rounds of selection, he finalized the team and handed the list to Tsunade.

Tsunade looked it over, still hesitant.

"Though taking a team like this is reasonably safe, there's only you and Asuma as jounin. The other four are all chuunin. Will that really work?"

Kakashi answered confidently.

"Don't worry, Tsunade-sama. Natsuki will be there too. Besides, these four chuunin aren't weak, and they're good at working together. That's more important than anything. This time, we will definitely complete the mission and bring everyone back safely."

"Good. Then I wish you all success."

Tsunade approved.

Soon, the team assembled at the village gate.

In addition to Kakashi and Asuma, there were Neji, Sasuke, Shino, and Shikamaru.

The four chuunin were all curious about this mission. It must be a high-level task to require two jounin and them together.

(End of Chapter)

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