"Well here we are, waiting to get our mission, and our sensei isn't even here." I growled out. "Kakashi won't be here at all." Tsunade voiced. I looked forward to see her and Shizune walk in. "Grandma Tsunade." Naruto and I said in unison.

"Stop calling me that will you?" She grumbled, taking a seat. "Uh, Lady Hokage. What's this about Kakashi-Sensei not coming?" Sakura asked.

"You know our forces are stretched thin. All of our Jonin are already busy on other missions, including Kakashi. You four will just have to handle this on your own." Makes sense.

I mean we're still a team of four. And we're pretty strong. We should be fine. "It's a B-Rank escort mission. Someone important."

That's strange. A B-Rank mission for four Genin? That is a bit . . . sad I guess. "Who's this important person?" I asked. Tsunade smirked. "Of course it could develop into an A-Rank mission if you run into trouble."

I see. We must really be stretched thin. "Are you going to answer my question?" I asked. She closed her eyes. "I don't know."

.

.

.

"You got dementia there grandma?" I dodged a kunai she threw. "NO! Every four years our neighbor, the Land of Tea, holds a dedication ceremony at the great Todoroki Shrine. Each time we're asked to escort a runner who will participate in the race that's apart of the ceremonies. This year, the messengers who were bringing the request were attacked before they could get here."

I see. "If that's the case, shouldn't you have a stronger, more capable group like Guy's students?" I asked.

Naruto looked at me in disbelief. Tsunade smiled at me. "Sadly, they're still out on their mission. You four are the next best thing."

Flattering. Really.

"Don't worry about the details now. When you meet Boss Jirocho he'll explain everything."

Wait a minute. "Boss Jirocho? That guy that was there when Naruto was kidnapped?" I asked. Sasuke and Sakura looked at me and Naruto questioningly. Tsunade smirked and nodded.

"Now no wasting time. They're expecting you in the Land of Tea by the end of the day. So get moving." I rolled my eyes. "Got it."

With that we headed out.

This will be our first official mission without Kakashi. A B-Rank, possibly A-Rank. This is a bit worrisome. We quickly packed and headed out.

"Hey Sakura, you hungry at all?" Naruto asked after a long time of walking. "A little bit." His face lit up. "Hey great idea! Lunch break! And look, there just so happens to be a tea house right there!" He rushed to it.

I sighed, shaking my head. "Idiot. Well, lets make this quick." I muttered. We went inside, sat down and ordered a small lunch. I stayed on alert.

"What's up Miyu? Why are you so tense?" Naruto asked. I kept my eyes, ears, and nose on alert. "Idiot. If the messengers were attacked, don't you think we'd be attacked as well?" I asked.

He tensed and looked around. I smiled lightly. "It's alright, no one threatening is nearby. I just want to make sure." He frowned and looked at me worriedly. "Shouldn't you eat and relax?" He asked. I shook my head and motioned to the bag on my back. "I'm not hungry. Besides, I have emergency water and rations in here. Don't worry."

He looked hesitant. The tea house is empty besides one guy who's about a year or two older then us. I sat next Sasuke, across from Sakura and Naruto.

"I just hope we get some fighting in!" Naruto gushed. I sweat dropped. "Don't you dare go making trouble Naruto, not this time." Sakura warned. I mean, I like a nice fight every now and then too, but I'm not sure picking a fight without Kakashi isn't going to bode well for us. The guy stood and started heading out, but stopped by our table.

"Just sitting around in the shade, sucking down sweet bean soup? A ninja's life is pretty cushy." The guy spoke. Hm. Naruto glared at him. "What did you say?" He demanded of the stranger. "I guess you don't get much action in the leaf village. Judging by how out of shape you look." He glanced at us.

This little punk. Naruto slammed his hand on the table and stood. "That does it!" The guys eyes drifted to me and Sakura before smirking. He turned his undivided attention to Sakura.

"Hey. Where'd you come from sweetie? I didn't see you sitting here. I didn't mean you of course. Or you." He glanced back at me, a sly smirk still intact as he turned his gaze back to her. "Thank you." Sakura said, hint of bitterness. He leaned down, laying his arm across the table while still staring at her.

"Hello there. I'm Idate Morino. So uh, what do they call you?" I blinked at his natural way of flirting. "He's pretty good. Bravo." I commented. "Don't encourage him! Are you going to punch this guy in the nose Sakura, or do you want me to?!" Naruto's jealousy was showing as he screamed. The guy leaned his gave in his hand, ignoring Naruto.

He's not bad looking. They'd make cute babies. "Sakura huh? That's a beautiful name. Well then, since fate has brought us together isn't it about time we talk about our future?" He closed one eye in a natural wink, and even I stared at him.

He's not extraordinarily handsome, not are his words classic, but he's pretty flattering and his tone of voice came so natural and a little sweet.

He doesn't look like a player, but he sure is flirtatious. Sakura's cheeks flushed and she struggled to respond. "I-I'm not sure that- what future?" She asked. Idate closed his eyes and was grinning a bit. "Oh you know. The part where you give up this ridiculous ninja business and run away with me?"

I blinked. "Got to give him props." Sasuke elbowed me and Naruto let out a furious sound. "Quit hitting on her or I'm going to start hitting on you!" Naruto screamed, rolling up his sleeve and clenching his fist.

Idate lost his playful exterior and stood. "Don't worry, I was just kidding around. But the rest of it, that's no joke. If there's one thing I can't stand it's a ninja! You better go on back where you came from or there'll be trouble, I'm warning you."

"Yeah?! Well why wait?! Bring it on tough guy!" Naruto retorted. The two glared at each other, you could feel the static of it all.

Morino? Where have I heard that name before? I know I've heard it somewhere. Deciding to ignore it, I sighed. "Stop. We're not here to pick fights." I chastised my brother. Sasuke sighed. "She's right. Just ignore the punk we don't have the time." I glanced at him briefly before a chill went down my spine. As Naruto shouted at Sasuke, I glanced back at Idate, only to see him gone.

My eyes widened a bit. What the . . ? The others turned and were confused at his disappearance. That kid, his name, his chakra level. Could he be . . ? I see.

Naruto started throwing a fit but stopped once the lady brought us our food. Tch. I need to focus on the mission. The lady put two receipts on the table. "Huh, what's this? Why two bills?" Sakura asked, catching onto it as well.

She glanced at us. "Yours, and your young friend that just left. He said you'd be paying for him." My temple flared and I stood, trying to get a lock on his chakra. That brat! Now I have to pay the lady! Naruto and Sakura seethed in anger.

I focused on his chakra, but it's already faint. This kid, he's no ordinary person. He just proved my theory. The little bastard.

Naruto put his back pack back on. "That's it, he's crossed the line, making fools of us! I'm going to catch that stupid jerk!" He ran out the door. I quickly grabbed my back and chased after, totally ready to pummel the kid.

Sakura and Sasuke ran after us after Sakura paid the bills. "I don't know what this kids training has been, but he's incredibly fast." Sasuke spoke as we picked up his trail. "Who could he be?" Sakura asked.

I bit my tongue to stop the words from coming out. "Who cares? He's toast when I catch up with him. I ran beside my brother and Sakura and Sasuke ran behind us.

Sasuke's right, the kids fast. But so are we. "There he is!" I shouted. He was just up ahead, not aware of us. Before I could speed up, he tripped over a tree root, tumbled through some bushes, before falling off a small hill and landing roughly in the trees.

Naruto and I jumped down on a tree branch not far from him and Sasuke and Sakura jumped on the one across from us on Idate's other side.

Idate flipped and landed on the ground when Naruto laughed. "Serves you right." He gloated. Idate's head snapped over at us and he back up towards Sasuke and Sakura. "You've got a lot of nerve. Did you think you'd get away with it?" Sasuke spoke, making Idate turn to look at them.

I watched Idate carefully. When I thought he'd scream profanities or try and fight, he went to the ground, bowing a bit. "I'm sorry!"

.

.

.

"Huh?" Naruto and I asked simultaneously. "I couldn't pay the bill! All my money has been stolen and then you guys came, I shouldn't have done it, but I didn't know what else to do."

I narrowed my eyes on him. We all jumped down next to him, but I stayed on guard. I don't trust this kid. "You're kidding? All of your money?" Sakura asked, feeling sorry for the kid. "Well why didn't you say so in the first place?" Something fell on Naruto's head and bounced off onto the ground.

It landed near Idate, who looked at it, and his eyes widened a bit. Naruto reached towards it. "What's this thing?" Idate quickly snatched it. "Hands off!" He barked before flipping away. He landed in front of us a bit, facing us.

"This belongs to me." He firmly stated before putting it in his shirt. He bent down and unlatched his leg warmers.

Wait, those aren't leg warmers. They're- "On your marks, get set, go!" He dropped them, and do to the weights on them, it hit the ground roughly and dust arose from the sudden disturbance and blocked our view of him.

The dust started disappearing and we saw him, already far ahead. "Son of a- hey! Get back here you creep!" I shouted, running after him. My friends soon followed and w chased down our perp.

"Is this guy for real?" Sakura asked, since we couldn't catch up to him. "I told you, he's fast." Sasuke grumbled. This little brat! "He's getting further away every second!" Naruto said astonished by it.

We stopped and watched as he became farther away. We were panting a bit, not expecting this at all. "There's just no way. We'll never catch him; he's out of our league." Sakura spoke.

I nodded. As much as I pride myself about my speed, I'm not on this kid's level. He's as fast as Lee. Of course with his leg waits off, Lee is definitely the faster.

But sadly, I'm not Lee. I sighed and rubbed my head. "Come on, it's not worth it." I grumbled and headed in the direction of where our mission will take place. "Okay, but I ever see that stupid jerk again, watch out." Naruto grumbled, following after me.

After a bit of traveling, we finally made it to Jirocho's estate. Standing in front of the man. "Welcome. And thank you for coming all this way." Boss Jirocho greeted. Naruto stepped up, kind of bowing with his hand out.

"I bid you greetings and offer up my services. I have come from the Village Hidden in the Leaves which is also the place of my birth. I was raised on ramen and hard work. And given the family name of Uzumaki but I'm known to everyone-"

"As the knucklehead." Sasuke interrupted. Naruto on a roll with his attempt of polite talk, took his answer. "As the knucklehead." He stiffened, realizing what happened before stomping in place. "Ah! Very funny!" He grumbled.

Jirocho only laughed at it. "You haven't changed at all I see." I smiled at him. "Well it hasn't been too long." I inputted. Naruto nodded. "You haven't changed all that much either big guy."

"Watch it Naruto." Sakura whispered. Jirocho didn't mind though. He chuckled. "No it's alright. The boy has spirit. I like that."

Sasuke chose to get down to business. "Now that we're done with the greetings, maybe we should get down to it." I sighed and elbowed him roughly before turning to him.

"Grandma Tsunade said you'd explain the details of our assignment. What exactly do you want us to do?" I asked. The old man nodded a bit. "You know about the dedication ceremonies held at the great Todoroki Shrine every four years don't you?"

Naruto threw his hands behind his head. "Oh, well, uh, not really." He answered honestly. To be honest, I don't know either.

"Go on, have a seat." Jirocho said. We immediately did so. "It all started long ago." He began.

"The legend goes that in ancient times there was a terrible storm. In desperation the people dedicated the reunion Ryuko Jewels to the great Todoroki Shrine. It worked. The stone subsided and now the ceremony is repeated every four years. At first it was a rededication of the jewels. Then it became a festival. And a race. With the winner of the race becoming hailed as a great hero."

"But in recent years what once was a friendly race has taken on a more troubling aspect. For generationsPort Degarashi has been divided by two families. The Wasabi, and Wagarashi. Two rival gambling organizations. Both families wanted control over the town, which naturally led to disputes. These disputes became increasingly violent. Sometimes resulting in all out battles"

"The townspeople were often caught in the line of fire. Many were injured, or worse. Finally, in an effort to end the cycle of violence, our district leader called on both sides to get together and come to an agreement. Henceforth, control of the town would be decided, not by street brawls, but a competition."

I see. So that's how it is. "What sort of competition exactly?" Sakura asked.

"The race run every four years. The Great Todoroki Shrine dedication ceremony. Four years ago, the Wagarashi beat us soundly by hiring a ninja, and we found out they did the same thing this year. That's why we sent messengers to you, seeking your help. It was our way of leveling the playing field."

I nodded. "But before they could reach us, they were ambushed. I see." He nodded and bowed to us, surprising all of us. "I beg you. Please lend our family your strength. If we lose again it means the Wagarashi will control this town for four more years."

Naruto hit his fist to his heart. "Not going to happen, I'm on the job." He reassured. I smiled at the man. "We will do everything to assist your runner." I added. Sasuke crossed his arms. "Speaking of which, who are we escorting anyway?" He asked.

He sat up and smiled at us before clapping twice. The door opened to reveal Idate. "Yes boss, you wanted me?"

My rage fired up and I did everything not to attack him. He looked over to us and his eyes widened. Naruto pointed at him and made a weird noise of shock and the two screamed.

"So you already know each other? That makes everything easier." The old man said. Idate and Naruto's glares clashed with each others and I sweat dropped. Oh boy.

"I wouldn't be so sure." Sakura murmured as she watched the two.

This is going to be a long mission.

~

I picked up a little key chain. Naruto and Idate were off arguing somewhere in the town. Sasuke, Sakura, and I were together, looking at some of the shops. "The price . . ." I sighed, tossing it to Sakura.

She looked at it and sighed. "I know. Too expensive. Believe me, I don't like having to charge that much, but the Wagarashi family set the prices." The lady shopkeeper spoke. Across from us, there was a crash.

Three men had thrown a shopkeeper through the door. Tch. Thugs. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." The shopkeeper apologized.

One of the thugs sneered. "What's wrong with you? When we want something, we take it, you got it? You woulnd't even be in business if it wasn't for the Wagarashi." My eye twitched in annoyance.

Who the hell do they think they are?! "I know, I know! It's just- to take it without paying me for it . . ." The man trailed off. One picked him up by his collar. "You're really not getting this are you? Okay then, let me make it easier to understand."

He swung his fist towards the poor man when Sasuke caught it, stopping his assault. "What the, who are you?" The thug demanded. "Why don't you and your friends take a hike." He warned.

The lady shopkeeper stood next to us, scared for him. "Get him out of here! Those are the Wagarashi men!" She shrieked, worried. I threw my hands behind my head. "It's fine." I reassured her. Sakura nodded. "Don't worry, it's Sasuke."

"You asked for it!" The three went after Sasuke, who in the matter of seconds beat them up. One of them was knocked unconscious. The other two picked up the unconscious one up.

"Aint acting so tough now, are you kid?" One asked. "That'll teach you a thing or two." I sighed at their big talk and walked over. "Stop right there." I demanded as they were about to walk away.

They glanced at me and I smirked sadistically. "Give me your money." One glared and lunged at me. Ever so swiftly, I punched him hard in the gut, making him fall. I then stomped on his back, still smirking. "Give it."

The two immediately gave me their wallets, fear in them. Still keeping my smirk, I continued. "Now, strip."

"Huh? W-Why?" One asked. A dark aura covered me. "Strip now, before I snap you in half." Out of fear, the two conscious men stripped. I nodded to the unconscious man and they gave me his wallet and stripped him as well.

Satisfied, I smiled. "Disappear before I make you." They immediately picked up their friend and ran off screaming. I tossed a wallet to the shopkeeper who was being picked on.

"Young man, young lady, whoever you two are, thank you." Sakura and the lady shopkeeper walked over to us. "Just look at those men run. Now if only the Wasabi family can win the race, we'll be through with them for good." She said.

Sakura looked at Sasuke and I and we nodded. She turned her gaze to me and sweat dropped. "Did you really need to do all that?"

I shrugged. "I don't like bullying. Those who bully deserves to grovel to me." I stated, making her and Sasuke sweat drop.

But still. I will not let those scum bags win this race. Nobody should have to live in fear.