Chapter 15 - The 1st Date and Mission Start

Naruto and I met up with our dates and explained what we will be doing for the date. Naruto felt bad when I treated him and his family for his graduation so he pooled whatever he had to help chip in. I gestured that he would pay for little things and left it at that. I never liked the sandals but since its basic footwear, me wearing boots that actually covered my toes looked weird to many people. I wore my a black V-neck shirt with blue pants and my black boots. Naruto was going to wear a suit because Kushina was going to make him, good thing I stopped him. Naruto wore a blue T- shirt with his orange pants and ninja sandals. Hinata wore a light blue sun dress which made her look like a doll. Ino wore tight navy pants with a white crop top. The date went fine we had sushi, good thing I stuffed myself before the date hahaha, we saw a movie and finally stopped by a tea house. I hinted at Naruto to sit at separate tables so we can chat privately with our dates. Naruto and Hinata sat at table across Ino and I.

Ino: So Sage-san, what's it like being a Jounin?

Sage: Just Sage is fine. Being a Jounin is like being a Genin but without an instructor. Truth is I worked my way up from Genin to Chuunin and now Jounin without an instructor.

Ino: Wow, so you basically taught yourself what you needed to know? I also heard you graduated early.

Sage: Yes I did have to teach myself and I did graduate early. My training methods are a little unorthodox but I get results.

Ino: Maybe you can help me train. In class, Naruto told us that he improved quickly thanks to your guidance.

Sage: Sure, we can put a training session together but I mostly train with the body and the mind. Since you are a Yamanaka, this will most likely benefit you the most.

Ino: (Ino nodded) I know it may be rude but, were you born with a tail?

Ino: (Ino blushed) Was it hard growing up with a tail?

Sage: Well keeping it hidden from Sandaime was actually harder than growing up with it. My parents were very secretive about it and practically forced the hospital staff to omit it from my birth records. Even though we are part of the Sarutobi clan, no one came to congratulate my parents on my birth not even the Sarutobi clan head, the Sandaime, himself didn't come. That's how small my branch is.

Ino: (Intrigued by my story Ino leaned in) So how did the Sandaime find out?

Sage: My parents didn't know what to do with me. I had high vitality, so I eat a lot to keep up with my metabolism, I had abnormal strength so if I threw a tantrum it would have been hard to stop me without hurting me, worried, my parents needed to inform the Sandaime. Since they couldn't measure my strength they called in one of the Sannin, Jiraya. He determined that I had a deeper connection to Natural energy compared to standard chakra. My chakra stores were small but the Natural energy was more abundant.

Ino: Wow even the Sannin, Jiraya had to be involved. Can I touch your tail?

Sage: Sure knock yourself out. Before I trained it I hated people touching my tail but now it can even crush rocks and bend metal.

I moved my tail towards Ino. Ino grabbed my tail and started to pet it like a cat. I chuckled. I always maintained my self so I brush, condition and shampoo my tail as well so I had no problems with smell.

After another hour of conversing we took the girls home. I gave Ino a goodnight kiss, nothing deep. I told her to make a date for the training session and said my goodbye. I met up with Naruto after he took Hinata home.

Sage: So how did it go? (I said in a mocking way)

home so when she fainted her sister took her in.

Sage: Hahaha That's great.

I didn't take Naruto to be so bold as to sneak a kiss on Hinata. Good for him. After telling Naruto about the training session he got excited and was going to invite Hinata. I told him it was a great idea and told him to be prepared to sweat.

3 Days later I was called into the Hokage's office.

Minato: First off thank you for going with Naruto on his first date. Second, I know its short notice but I want you to go with Kakashi and his team on their first mission.

Sage: (Puzzled, I asked) Why do you need 2 Jounin on a small beginner mission?

Minato: There is something about this mission that doesn't show its proper rank. You are only going as insurance. Not only as the Yondaime but as a father, please help Naruto. (Minato made a small bow)

Sage: (I sighed) Nii-san, Naruto is my little brother, there is no reason for you to ask like this. You and I both know we can't baby him just guide him.

Minato nodded in agreement and I took my leave. I met up with Naruto in front of the village entrance where he was supposed to meet his team.

Sage: Yeah, with you.

Naruto: WHAT!?!?!?!?!WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!

Sage: Apparently Your dad got suspicious over the the person who posted the job. I'm only here to sight-see, so make sure to act cool and we can also put in some training.

Naruto: Sweet.