Disguised Curses

A/N: I was tempted to make this bit and the next one one chapter, but ended up deciding to split them (even though I'm trying to make longer chapters.) I hope you enjoy getting two chapters in one. Thanks.

CH 9

 

 

Two days later they got summoned to the Hokage’s office. Naruto had a skeptical look on his face, he had been behaving and since the day he’d pummeled Sasuke after Tsunade had last checked on him, he hadn’t really had an issue with Kyuubi showing up. Granted, it was kind of worrisome compared to the trip home, but he wasn’t about to complain. Maybe the damn thing was relaxing. Tch. Yeah, right. Sasuke, next to him, looked bored. Actually, he was bored.

“What’s up, granny Tsunade?” Oh yes, she noted. Being around the Uchiha had definitely improved his attitude. “I thought I’d get the week off?”

“The Sand’s Kazekage, Gaara, has politely requested several of the Leaf’s best ninja of your age for a week-long trip to his village. You two were among those requested to come.” She held her hand up before the questions started. “Sasuke, you still have several weeks of probation before you’re supposed to have freedom outside the village. Since you have been ordered to stay at Naruto’s side, I’m being very lenient and allowing you to attend whatever it is Gaara has planned. Neji is also going and has orders to keep an eye on you as well should you ever need to distance yourself from Naruto. Sasuke, you will be going as a civilian, Naruto, you as a ninja. That means should anything come up while you’re there and the Kazekage needs your help, only one of you is permitted to be fighting. Sasuke, you are to do nothing more than what is permitted in self defense. If you cannot avoid the fighting at all, and cannot retreat, I want you to be very careful. No kills, understand?”

Both boys nodded. “So does this count as a vacation, Hokage?” Sasuke asked, curious. It certainly didn’t sound like they’d be on a real mission. But the thought of getting out and roaming without an official ‘tail’ – except Naruto, now- that would be good. He never felt like he could be himself under the eyes of some random ANBU.

“Officially? No. All of you know I can, and will, send for you at a moment’s notice should I need you. But unofficially, yes, this is a vacation. Get your stuff packed, you’re among the first leaving, bright and early tomorrow. I won’t call you back early unless something goes wrong, ok? So relax and have a good time. And you,” she glared at Naruto. “The only reason I’m letting either of you go right now is because both of you have been doing well. But keep Kyuubi under control. We don’t need to end up making things sour with the Sand because he decided to go joyriding in your body.”

“Hai!” Tsunade smiled softly. She was glad Gaara had made the request formal, it permitted her to let the requested ninjas loose without having to coddle the council. “Sasuke, I’d like to talk with you alone for just a second. Naruto, would you mind waiting just outside?” She watched the puzzled, skeptical look sweep Naruto’s face before he bowed slightly and walked out of the room. She turned back to her single audience to find him wearing the trademark Uchiha mask- cold arrogance and pride. “This isn’t about you, Sasuke. It’s about that brat and Neji.” He cooled even farther, to the emotionless mask he used to wear so long ago. He hadn’t told her about his little “talk” with Kyuubi and his request after the Hyuga.

“I have become privy to information I cannot share, but after what I have learned and the odd ‘incident’ that happened last time the three of you were here, I am concerned how Naruto will continue to act around Neji. While both of them will have orders to keep you under surveillance while you’re in Sand, you have the task of making sure nothing happens between those two. I doubt the Hyuga clan would be pleased if their current male prodigy came home in pieces. You understand, Uchiha? He may be acting all ok right now, but I know that Naruto under Kyuubi’s influence is not something to take lightly. And last time I saw that side, it was trying to pounce on the one and only Neji Hyuga.” She glared at the young man before her. “If you can’t handle the delicate balancing act, let me know now.”

“I can do this, Tsunade- sama. I will not disappoint you.” He knew he could. He had no doubt in his abilities.

Tsunade nodded and then handed him a scroll. “That’s the list of things I suggest you both take with you, even though you are going as a civilian. There are also the names of the people you are going with. Make sure Naruto reads over it, and that you show up at the scheduled time. Others may be following as time and missions permit. Kiba is due back in a couple days, if he decides to go he’ll bring along the next group heading out for this thing. If not, Sakura will be leading the group. That way you know who to expect and when to expect them. All right?”

Sasuke smirked. “Thanks, Hokage. We’ll be sure not to cause too much chaos.” He strode from the room and Tsunade sighed as she heard Naruto pounce on the last Uchiha. Well, at least they were out of her way for a couple days. She only hoped this trip actually went well. Her younger shinobi needed it.

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And to my lurvly reviewers since I transferred the story. Sorry for not giving any warning on changing the title, it turned out I practically had to repost the whole thing and I ended up getting a flash of inspiration as I was tweaking it. Bite me. Trust me, I really don't care if it frustrated you, as long as you like the story and keep reading. I know ya'll are smart enough to catch on quickly. Thank you.