A bit of a short one, but I’ve been so busy lately! I’ll try to get more done in the holidays though.
—

Ever since the disappearance of Kakashi recovery had seemed impossible in Konoha, the force of the elements was against them too. Thick mist blown in from the country of the wave engulfed the small town and the forests surrounding it.
Three young figures moved through the bushes to remain safe and hidden, but the inevitable rustling gave them away and one of them jumped out shouting loudly.
“…AndI’m sick of it! It hurts like hell every time we go through! The number of times I’ve crawled head first into a tree is unreal!”
A second one emerged pulling leaves out of her hair.
“Naruto’s right, there’s no one around and we’re drawing more attention to ourselves, that’s if there is anybody around”
Finally the last of the three appeared and dusted himself down.
“If you were able to keep quiet then it’d be easier. You should be used to this by now”
“I’m beginning to think this is a very bad idea. It’s so dangerous Sasuke” whined Sakura, linking her arm through the oldest and brushing up close to him. He instantly unhooked himself from her grasp and moved furhter down the path.
“But we have to find him. You can turn back as we’re not too far away from Konoha. Don’t let me stop you” Suddenly he jumped back without warning nearly crashing into Sakura.
“Sasuke!”
“You two be careful…” He said scanning his surroundings, knees bent ready to leap again should he need to.
“I don’t understaaaaagh!!!” the female ninja cried as Sasuke swept her off her feet jumping back a second time.
“This is no time to be play games, Naruto. Focus, and for gods sake don’t either of you get struck I can’t protect both of you at the same time” As good a ninja Sasuke may have been, neither of them knew what they were up against, and the fewer casualties the better.
“I have no intention of dying here” Said Sakura, determined to stay by Sasuke’s side.
“Me either, I’m going to take them down!” added Naruto, drawing two kunai’s from his belt and twirling them around his index fingers before taking them into a correct grip and adopting a fighting stance.
“I admire your courage, but you should know that we never leave leftovers behind. But if you think you can take us…” A lean figure emerged from the bushes holding a long scarlet rod at his side. His hair was dark and scars littered his face from battles. Alongside him lolloped a smaller child, his face appearing younger than the three rookie ninjas.
“You’ll have to go through me too” his voice, light and soft in contrast to the small and sharp knife he carried.
Naruto laughed,
“I’d like to see what you can do, Tiny!” At this comment a harsh crease appeared on his forehead as he lunged forward only to be pulled back by the scruff of the neck by the larger one.
“Do you want a deathwish!?” his companion cuffed him hard and set him down on the ground beside him.
“No…but I’m stronger than they think! I’m going to show them my real power!” After this remark, there was a small chuckle, Naruto turned to Sasuke only to find his small laugh was growing.
“What a fool! You must be incredibly stupid if you think that power alone will get you anywhere, you need to have skill and precision” the child began to scowl and took a step forward, but didn’t seem keen on the idea of being beaten.
“You’ll wish you’d never said that” the man with the pole grinned with pure evil showing in his eyes. It was obvious that play time was well and truely over.