Naruto was dragged out of bed first thing in the morning, and the person who dragged him out was none other than Shikamaru. Shikamaru was feeling pretty hopeless himself. He had only just been promoted to Chunin, and now Sasuke had defected, leaving Tsunade to order him to lead a pursuit team. Tsunade had gathered the village's available Genin and put Shikamaru in charge, but the Anbu sent to fetch Naruto had been shut out by the barrier around his house and couldn't get inside.
When the Anbu returned and reported that a barrier surrounded Naruto's house, Tsunade asked curiously, "Hmm? You're saying you couldn't enter Naruto Uzumaki's house because of a barrier? What on earth is that brat doing? He even puts up a barrier just to sleep in his own home? Is there something wrong with his head? Who needs a barrier to sleep at home? I really don't know what that kid is thinking. Looks like you'll have to start the pursuit without him."
At that, Shikamaru said, "Lady Tsunade, I think I know why there's a barrier around Naruto's house."
"Oh? You know?" Tsunade asked curiously.
Shikamaru nodded. "Naruto mentioned it to me. Apparently, Karin has been practicing Sealing Jutsu lately. She goes out very early every morning to train, and because she doesn't want anyone waking Naruto, she puts up a barrier whenever she leaves. It doubles as practice."
Tsunade sighed helplessly at that bizarre explanation. Naruto was probably the only idiot who hadn't figured out how Karin felt about him. "Then do you know how to undo the barrier?" she asked.
Shikamaru nodded. "Yes, I do. Naruto told me how."
Tsunade slammed her hand on the desk and said loudly, "**Good! You'll go and bring Naruto Uzumaki here-no, take him straight to the Main