"So, in short, the situation is not all that well."

"So I see." Naruto hummed as he and Lee sipped on some tea courtesy of the bridge builder's lovely daughter Tsunami. "Four ninja? Against you two Junin? You're slipping in your old age, Kakashi."

"That's hardly fair." The white-haired man pouted.

"Yosh! My eternal rival's flames of youth have not diminished in the slightest!" Gai jumped up from his chair, yelling.

"That was a joke, Gai."

"Oh. Apologies then. I hadn't noticed."

"Clearly." Naruto sighed, elbowing Lee to keep him from making another youthful comment. "And what of your students?"

"Well, talented though they may be, they are still Genin, and probably not prepared for something like this."

"Yes, probably." Naruto deadpanned. "And what was your plan before we showed up, exactly?"

"Teach them tree walking and hope for the best?"

"But my youthful Genin already know tree walking, Kakashi."

"Do they?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "That's no good Gai. You're making me look bad."

"Oh, I'm very sorry my eternal rival. I will teach your own Genin tree walking by tomorrow night. And if I cannot do that, I'll swim around Nami with both hands tied behind my back."

Naruto shot a warning glare at Lee when the other samurai opened his mouth to add to the ridiculous challenges.

"Sorry Naruto-kun." Lee sighed.

"That's ok, Lee. You're doing better."

"Thank you. I think I will go on a walk to clear my head, and leave the planning to you. If you would inform me when I get back?"

"Of course." Naruto patted Lee on the shoulder as he watched him walk off. "Now then, on to other manners. Tell me the exact numbers of the enemy."

"Eh, I dunno." Kakashi shrugged.

"What? Ok then, their level of combat readiness?" Kakashi shrugged again. "Equipment? Location?" Another shrug. "This may be a bit harder than I thought."

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"It really is a pleasant day overall." Lee mused to himself as he walked among the trees.

"Yes, it is."

"Eh?" The voice was most likely female, and coming from dangerously close to him. Lee turned to see a young woman, looking maybe a few years older than he was, with long black hair and dressed in a pink sleeveless kimono. "Oh, hello there."

"Hello." She smiled at him. "My name is Haku."

"And mine is Lee. It's very nice to meet you. I'm sorry I didn't see you there. To atone for that mistake I shall…" He was interrupted by an arrow suddenly appearing out of nowhere, imbedding into the bark of the tree Lee was next to, a few inches from his left ear. The samurai noticed the red feathers on it and sighed.

"What was that!" Haku wasn't sure if this person saw her slip into a combat-ready stance, but she hurriedly relaxed just in case. "An arrow?"

"Oh, don't worry miss. It's just my brother." Lee took the arrow and unfurled the bit of paper that came with it.

Lee…

The samurai sweat dropped at the word written there. "How on earth did he know?" He turned the page and noticed some more writing.

P.S. Try to find out some basics about this Gato character we have to deal with, will you. These two are useless.

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"I'm sorry about that." Naruto said as he sat back down at the table after putting the bow away. "But trying to curb Lee's tendencies can be a full-time job sometimes. So you know nothing about our enemy?"

"Well, not nothing." Kakashi offered.

"Yes. For instance, we know he employs two former Kirigakure Chunin, Zabuza Momochi and an unknown masked ninja."

"And…?"

"Well, he apparently has a whole army numbering at least a thousand hidden somewhere on this island."

"A thousand?" Naruto raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly did you get that crucial piece of information, if I may ask?" Kakashi pointed to the boy that was putting away a plate with his back turned to the three warriors. "You, boy!" He jumped and turned around, glaring at Naruto. "Come here."

"What do you want?"

"Aren't you just a treat? How many men does this Gato character have?"

"He has a thousand thugs. They'll kill you before…"

"Yes, yes, you can spear me that part. A thousand?" Naruto glared at the boy. "Did you count them?"

"Well, ok, maybe not a thousand. But a hundred at least."

"A hundred? Only?" Naruto sighed theatrically. "Shame. I was hoping for more."

"More? MORE! You idiot, they'll kill all you ninjas before you can even spit at them."

"My brother and I are not ninja." Naruto said matter-of-factly. "So we won't be dying here. Sorry."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Our lord hasn't given us leave to."

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"Again, my apologies." Lee bowed to the woman.

"Oh, that's alright. But may I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Are you a ninja?" Lee looked down at his green kimono and katana strapped to the hip.

"What? Although I suppose I can see what might give you that idea, no. Myself, and my brother as well, are samurai sent here by the Daimyo of Hi no Kuni to deal with the situation. My brother is at our base while I take a walk and try to scout out our enemies." He grinned at her. "Would you happen to know where I can find Gato's fortress?"

"Oh, I'm afraid I don't, sorry."

"That is alright. But what are you doing here alone? I am led to believe it is not safe."

"No, it isn't. But my friend had grown very sick and needed some of these herbs immediately."

"I see. Would you like me to help you, then?"

"No, there is no need. I've just finished."

"Then at least allow me to escort you back home."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly keep you from your tasks." She gave a small bow which he returned. "Good day to you Samurai-san."

"And to you Haku-san."

Dammit. Haku thought when she had gotten some distance between them. And now samurai? Zabuza-sama will not like this.