Ambition

After the meeting came to an end, everyone proposed to celebrate Naruto's return with a small party. Left with no other choice, Naruto gave a silent approval before he vanished with a flicker.

"Woah! He's fast!"

Ino yelled with a tinge of excitement. Shikamaru nodded at her.

"Yeah...and he's completely changed"

Sakura came and stood beside him, staring at the spot where Naruto previously stood. A hint of admiration flashed through her emerald eyes.

"Yeah. He's not the same at all... He always seems composed, calm and a lot more mature. If I didn't know his face, I wouldn't have recognised him at all", She said with a chuckle, Ino agreed and nodded with a faint smile.

They shared a minute of silence, then Shikamaru turned his head toward her.

"Has... He mentioned him?"

Sakura lowered her head, her expression hidden under the shadow of her hair.

"No... Naruto doesn't even seem bothered by it... Almost as if..."

"He forgot Sasuke?", Ino finished it with a somber expression, and the others' expressions also turned gloomy.

"That's great!", Kiba's voice attracted their attention, he was grinning like a madman with anger visible in his eyes. "It's good that Naruto stopped caring about that wretched traitor!"

"Kiba!", Neji shouted with a stern face, making him flinch. Everyone gazed landed on Sakura, who silently walked away. Ino gave Kiba a death glare before rushing to catch up to Sakura.

"...Now that she's gone", Neji spoke again, he gazed at Kiba. "You're right, Kiba... It's good that he has forgotten about him. After all, former teammate, friend or not... He almost killed him. That is proof enough that Sasuke no longer sees him as a comrade, and Naruto has no reason to as well"

The cold, rational logic made everyone shift uncomfortably. But he was right, there was no need for Naruto to care about him anymore, and they didn't either.

They pity Sakura, that's the only reason they acted like they cared about Sasuke in front of her. In reality, they didn't give a damn if he died, or lived... Except for Ino, of course... Her feelings for him still seemed to linger, but it was slowly fading away.

Out of all the people they expected to agree, it was TenTen. "He's right, he's a traitor... While he's away for personal revenge, Naruto is trying to stop a whole catastrophe and save our Hokage"

Hinata nodded her head. Now that Naruto was not there, all of her shyness washed away.

"TenTen's right... And Naruto-kun even trusted us all to share it with us, even though if any of us leaked it by accident, he's the one who'll get... K-killed"

A shiver ran down their spine as they realised the true meaning behind her words... It was true, they were just part of the 'cause', whereas Naruto was the main guy. Even if the information were to be leaked by accident and got into the ears of the man Naruto speaks of, there was a chance they'd get spared and only he would be killed.

After all, a mass execution of Chunin's might attract attention, and it would start investigations... So it was not favourable for the 'man' who was inside the village from what Naruto said, so only the mastermind would die.

Which was Naruto.

Their heart wavered... They were putting their friend in potential danger by agreeing to it.

Seeing a hint of hesitation appear in their eyes, Shikamaru stepped forward and raised his voice.

"What are you guys thinking? Are you doubting him?... Huh? He put his life on the line by trusting us! You are not kids anymore, not Genin's anymore. You are now capable Chunins! Get your mind straight, Naruto is entrusting us with his very life on our hands, so it's our duty as his friends to not disappoint him!"

His words ignited the slumbering ambition in their eyes once again, and they all nodded firmly. Satisfied, Shikamaru nodded and walked away with a few parting words:

"Naruto said to get prepared, we have a month... Train like a madman if you have to, but get ready"

"He'll give us instructions in the coming days, don't hesitate to fill your role"

"Yes!"

They gave a resolute shout before disbanding, they left the 'Silent Formation' and departed to their respective homes... or tasks they had to complete.

***

Naruto appeared from the shadows and started to walk beside Shimamaru. His eyes were forward, but a thoughtful smile was on his lips.

"Thanks for stepping in... I thought I had to hold another meeting to convince them again, but you prevented that", He gave Shikamaru a side eye and smiled.

"You are a good friend, Shikamaru... You can trust me, I won't fail any one of you in this mission" he stopped to give him a confident smirk. "We will succeed"

Shikamaru gave a confident smirk back.

"I know you won't let us down. I trust you, Naruto"