NARUTO: In the Shadow of the Clans

Naruto woke up with his usual boundless energy. After a good night's sleep, he was ready to take on the day. He stretched long and yawned loudly before starting to prepare for his morning training with Neji. Grabbing his jacket, he put it on in one swift motion and headed for the door when loud, urgent knocks echoed through it.

He frowned, surprised by the apparent urgency. "Who's pounding on my door so early?" he muttered. As he adjusted his jacket, the knocks grew more insistent and forceful.

"I'm coming, I'm coming! No need to break my door down!" he grumbled, exasperated. He opened the door quickly, and his expression shifted from annoyance to surprise upon seeing Sakura standing there, hands on her hips, visibly angry.

Naruto stared at her for a moment before a teasing smile spread across his face. "Still as brutal as ever, huh?"

Those words were enough to ignite Sakura's temper. Her face turned red with anger, and she instinctively raised her fist. "What did you say, you idiot?!" she shouted, swinging a punch at him.

But this time, Naruto was ready. With agility that reflected his training, he dodged her punch and firmly caught her wrist. His expression turned serious, and he fixed her with an intense gaze. "Don't ever do that again," he said in a calm but icy tone. A faint yet palpable aura of bloodlust emanated from him. "Next time, it won't end here."

Sakura's eyes widened, stunned by Naruto's tone and expression. She yanked her hand away, stepping back. "Who do you think you are, Naruto?!" she retorted, but her voice lacked its usual strength. Troubled, she stood still for a moment before turning on her heel and walking away, forgetting entirely why she had come.

Naruto sighed, closed the door, and went back inside. He didn't want to be distracted. After all, he still had to prepare his meal before training. He boiled water for his instant noodles, going about his well-practiced routine. As he poured the water into the bowl, another knock came, this time softer and hesitant.

Raising an eyebrow, a grin tugged at his lips. "Ino, maybe?" he thought, already picturing his friend stopping by. He walked to the door, but his grin disappeared as soon as he saw Sakura standing there again.

"Sakura… you again?" he said, his voice laced with exasperation. "What do you want now?"

This time, Sakura seemed much calmer, almost hesitant. "The Hokage wants to see you. Right now," she said simply before leaving without waiting for a response.

Naruto watched her walk away, crossing his arms. He thought he might have been too harsh, but remembering her arrogant and aggressive attitude, he convinced himself he had been right. "She got what she deserved," he murmured to himself.

He quickly finished his noodles and prepared to leave. Once ready, he headed to the Hokage's office, curious about the sudden summons.

---

The Hokage's office was bustling, but the atmosphere was heavy. Upon entering, Naruto noticed Kakashi, casually flipping through a book, Sakura standing off to the side, and Shizune, who looked worried. Tsunade, seated at her desk, looked more serious than ever.

"Yo, everyone!" Naruto greeted with his usual enthusiasm, trying to lighten the mood.

"Naruto, you're finally here," Tsunade said, rising from her chair. "We have an urgent mission."

Naruto stepped forward, intrigued. "A mission? What's it about?"

Tsunade took a deep breath before replying. "Gaara… has been kidnapped by the Akatsuki."

Those words sent a chill through the room. Naruto felt his heart tighten. "Gaara… Akatsuki…" he repeated, his expression hardening.

"Our mission is to find him and bring him back before they do anything irreversible," Tsunade continued gravely.

Naruto clenched his fists. "We can't let this happen. Not to Gaara. When do we leave?"

Kakashi spoke up, closing his book. "We'll leave as soon as everything is ready. Pack your things immediately. Sakura, Naruto, you're under my command for this mission. Shizune and I have already set up a departure plan."

Naruto nodded with determination. "Got it! I'll bring him back, no matter what."

Sakura, though still shaken by their earlier exchange, regained her focus. She glanced at Naruto, who seemed ready to do whatever it took to succeed.

"Then don't waste any time," Tsunade concluded. "Every minute counts."

Naruto hurried back home to pack his belongings. His mind raced, filled with memories of his first encounter with Gaara. He remembered the shadow of loneliness he had seen in him, a shadow he knew all too well. "I won't let you down, Gaara," he murmured, clutching his bag tightly.

A few moments later, he returned to the meeting point, where Kakashi and Sakura were waiting. The team, now ready, prepared to leave the village.

"Be careful," Shizune said, her worried gaze following them as they passed through Konoha's gates.

Naruto, casting one last look back at the village, clenched his teeth. "This time, it's my turn to protect Gaara."