192 It's time to Head Out - Part 1

In a certain cave located in the Hidden Mist…

Sounds of footsteps echoed around the silent cave as a figure slowly approached it. It was the Deva path pain (Yahiko) Who walked through the dark cave. After about a minute of walking, he came to a stop.

"Madara," Yahiko called out as he stared at the fourth Mizukage in the shadow.

"Nagato, You've arrived," Obito said as he appeared behind the fourth Mizukage.

"Here," Pain threw a folded paper that flew under the complete control of pain towards Obito.

"Hmm… This is?" Obito stared at Pain.

"The experiment you asked Deidara to do," Pain replied.

"Thanks, anything else?" Obito asked.

"Sasori is headed towards the Hidden Sand, and so is Deidara. They'll complete the last mission over there, together." Pain said, referring to the task to gather money at the sports festival.

"I see…" Obito said.

"Since we are almost done with Phase I of the plan, I want to know when do you plan to leave," Pain asked.

���It is not the right time yet…" Obito said in a low voice.

"I see…" Pain said.

"Now then, it's about time we talk about Phase II…"

___________________________________

"Naruto, the island is under attack!" Tazuna complained.

"Wha-, What do ya mean old man?" Naruto asked.

"Tell us what happened," Kakashi said.

"…"

"Ya see, after Hajime and Arata left for the chūnin exams…" Tazuna started to explain the entire backstory to what had happened.

"So the trackers have caught on to their identity…" Naruto sighed after hearing the tracker nins supported businessmen who like Gâto, also wanted to take over the island, just to get a hold of Zabuza and Haku.

"Yeah… I know if we were to ask one of you guys to take the mission, you could help us, but it's those two that need help the most right now," Tazuna said.

"…" Naruto stared at the ground silently as he mulled over how to deal with the current situation at hand.

*Sh!*

"Huh," Naruto felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto called out.

"Zabuza and Haku can handle it by themselves," Kakashi said with a smile.

"Mm," Naruto nodded knowing that the duo was already used to leading their lives on the run, as Gatô was only a temporary existence that sheltered them until they had to take him down.

("You're worried about the fourth Mizukage, Aren't ya?") Kurama asked from within.

("Yeah…")

("The fact that the trackers of the mist don't know that Obito is the one controlling him, Makes it difficult to communicate any orders to rescind the hunt,") Naruto said.

("Hmph, that brat was the one that started the bloody mist name. How do you expect him to cooperate?") Kurama asked.

("He has no choice, we're all in this together after all,") Naruto replied.

("We need to make a move as soon as possible, Obito will only control him for a while longer. As soon as he loses his purpose, Obito will kill him. Right now the Akatsuki is already withdrawing their presence, I need to make the best of this opportunity,") Naruto explained.

("So are we going to free that brat after the sports festival?") Kurama asked.

("I really don't have a choice, do I?") Naruto asked.

…

Naruto looked at Tazuna.

"Old man, I'll take you to the land of waves right away," Naruto said.

"Wait, what do you mean right away?" Tazuna asked.

"Don't worry old man, it's a transportation technique I use," Naruto explained.

"Oh…" Tazuna was surprised.

"Naruto," Kakashi called out.

"Yeah?" Naruto looked at Kakashi.

"Make sure to come back before tomorrow's trip," Kakashi said.

"Was already planning on doing that," Naruto replied.

"Naruto," Hiruzen called out.

"…" Naruto turned to face Hiruzen.

"Should you see those two anywhere… Let them know that the Leaf will welcome them with open arms," Hiruzen said.

All the jōnins present on the scene acknowledged Hiruzen's words silently.

"Thanks, Old man," Naruto said with a smile following which he turned towards Tazuna.

"Let's get going," Naruto said as held on to Tazuna's shoulders.

\u003c Flying Thunder God \u003e

(Whoosh!)

Naruto and Tazuna vanished from the spot they stood in earlier.

Hiruzen then turned towards the others.

"It's time to head out,"