“Hehe – well if you don't just keep the thought in mind that you're still surpassed by someone younger then you and at this point... still … stronger... then YOU!”

At that moment he went completely still, the smirk still remained yet his features were completely strained as if he was holding himself back from making any irrational decisions. The audacity of her, calling him out like that when she knew full well how protective master was of her after the state she had been recovered in; There was no telling when their master would return from her summons from Lady Raikage and they would likely be scolded if they were discovered fighting, again. ' although...I could just say it was just a sparring match this time ' He had decided. He knew he would have to learn to back down from a cahllenge one day because it's that reason alone that he's not a chunin as well, but today wasn't that day.

CLAP!. Benkai stopped just as he was about to take fighting stance and turned to see their master had returned, and her hard expression told him it was time to back down, she had saved Prishe a serious beating.

"I've been called to the tower as you know, and for one reason mainly." She paused. That familiar grin had already revisited his expression for he knew what she would say next " A mission. Which involves Konoha " He crossed his arms and nodded, as if it say it's about damn time.

" Of course we're ready! I've been itching for a good mission; I was starting to thinking Lady Raikage was getting too afraid for her pet to send us out of the village. So when do we start, I can start preparing right away! " he was pumped for a new mission. Though he knew it was foolish to hope that the escort goes nothing but smoothly he could not help but almost pray for some opposition, he had some serious steam to blow and was dying to prove himself.

Daichi's moment of cheerfulness ended sooner than he expected as his two comrades once again began to exchange their normal verbal blows. Disappointed Daichi flipped the brush in the air before hurling another swipe of paint towards the target.
Daichi soon grew bored with this distraction and decided that rest was the better part of valor. Daichi located a comfortable looking tree and sat under its shade.

Prishe seemed to be nearly fully recovered as far as Daichi could observe from the speed and elegance of her response to his challenge. It was these little sometimes strange actions which allowed Daichi to see the state of mind and being of his comrades.
At last Katsumi Sensei returned finally putting a stop to the rapidly heating atmosphere of the camp and filling the three youngsters with barley controlled eagerness and curiosity.

Daichi chuckled at the thought of the scene; it seemed to resemble the reaction of puppies to the return of their mother. The serious consideration of the situation also crossed his mind; All three youngsters where only beginning their professional careers and for the time being their training, their future… their very lives where in the hands of this one individual.

Such incredible responsibility sent shudders down Daichi's spine, how could the adults of the village bare it? How could a master train three young shinobi when one or two of them may very well die while at this stage of their training?

Only one month had passed since the three unlikely candidates became a team and yet Daichi already felt more at home in the group then he ever did in the past. Daichi trusted and even adored each and every one of the people on this team to the extent he could not imagine a world without them. If one month was enough to bind him so closely with the team what would a year bring?

Prishe was Intelligent, Rational, and a fantastic fighter. Daichi could see that beyond her sense of independence there was more of an indication of her potential to become a future leader.
Benkei was courageous, unrelenting and possessing of an iron will. Daichi despite his fallouts with this very anti-social individual saw a warrior who could go on until the end even when others have given up.

Compared to them Daichi was nothing and he knew it. Daichi could still stand his ground in a fight of skill but for each leap they made he could only manage a petty half. It was only his age and greater experience which were keeping him on their level but in the long term Daichi knew he could only fall behind and become a liability to his comrades.

After all, what could he offer? His Chakra control was less than satisfactory, his fighting skills where limited to hit and run tactics since his own body could not take punishment like most of the human species.

If Daichi didn't have his responsibility to the village to adhere to he would have given up a long time ago. After all, who was it that saved him from the life of the wanderer? Who gave him hope? Who trained him? And who finally made his lifelong ambition a reality?
The village, the only home Daichi could ever call home.

All his past seems like a lie, a fraud and a hypocrisy yet here in the village these past few years Daichi has found something real in this world. In the past when he grasped the waters of the ocean he could only see the ocean yet he felt nothing; not the coldness of the liquid nor the gentle winds of the west. Now Daichi could feel all those things! It was as if his past was in black and white and then when he came to the village the world filled with color.

Instead of watching his past from above Daichi could now feel what it was to be alive and it was because of this that he was willing to die for his comrades and for the village but more importantly he was willing to lvie for his comrades and for the village.
Daichi stood up and walked towards the group. Sensei had at long last come to tell them good news it seemed.

"I've been called to the tower as you know, and for one reason mainly. "A mission, Which involves Konoha." "The raikage requested for us, because she believes we're strong and capable of the mission. But don't grow too cocky as this mission isnt only going to konoha, its also an escort with the raikage.""However I trust you three we'll be wise during this time at konoha as its an experience and we represent our village.. I assume you guys are ready for this mission?"

Daichi was speechless, A mission to Konoha? An escort to the Raikage and they were getting the job? Daichi didn’t know how she did it, he never heard of a rookie team getting such a classy mission so soon after ending their initial training.
Daichi wondered; could they do it?

Daichi had traveled in the land of fire for a time in his youth but he had never passed near Konoha. That was irrelevant as ether Katsumi Sensei or the Raikage where bound to know the way to Konoha however Daichi hoped he could be useful in navigation so that he may win at least some appreciation on this otherwise probably uneventful mission.

The escort detail was of course nonsense since the Raikage was perfectly capable of protecting herself. In all likelihood all the team would do was provide some sort of honor guard and maybe get to know a few of their fellow rookies in Konoha for the sake of diplomatic relations.

Daichi didn't show his excitement preferring to keep it to himself however he had no objection to stating some eagerness and even impatience.
"Well, I have no objections. When do we leave?" said Daichi intrigued by this strange turn of events.

Prishe began to grin as she saw the easily taunted Benkei boiling up and getting into his fighting stance. Her eyes watched as his feet and hands began to move into the stance. Observing him close as if she were ready and expecting the actions and he easily matched each expectation until their Jonin came back.

"My my, It appears our over confident dimwit was saved from getting beat again and this time by one recovering from injuries..." She said with a taunting action of bringing her eye down and her tongue out until hearing Katsumi clap her hands. The girl's head turned before lowering her gestures and becoming more serious. Her eyes pierced upon the jonin as she began to speak. Her arms folded as her whole body turned. She only saw sensei's eyes beam down to her with wonder but shook it off. Prishe grinned as if she may have known what was on her mind and it only turned to a smirk.

"I've been called to the tower as you know, and for one reason mainly." Katsumi began only to begin forming a familiar smile as if they were going to be explained their next mission and as correct it never failed. The jonin began explaining the mission with seriousness in her tone.

"A mission. Which involves Konoha."

Prishe's eyes widened as did her grin. A mission that involves another country with the genin, this indeed was a rare chance and choice but to Prishe she had a feeling there was a bigger reason for her master to be giving such a mission to the team and herself but didn't mention anything. At the moment she could only wonder what the reason was for them to involve Konoha.

"The raikage requested for us, because she believes we're strong and capable of the mission. But don't grow too cocky as this mission isnt only going to konoha, its also an escort with the raikage." Katsumi then followed her explanation after letting her smile waver slightly. "However I trust you three we'll be wise during this time at konoha as its an experience and we represent our village.. I assume you guys are ready for this mission?" She asked finally, curious about their thoughts.

" Of course we're ready! I've been itching for a good mission; I was starting to thinking Lady Raikage was getting too afraid for her pet to send us out of the village. So when do we start, I can start preparing right away! " Benkei said obviously wanting to taunt Prishe but at the same time did have a good point. She too was rather interested in such a mission but this didn't move her thoughts when this was said.

"Please, I think it's more the fact that she knows I'm ready and someone needs to put the dog down when he messes up" Prishe countered obviously calling Benkei a mutt with a grin. Her attention then moved o Daichi who was the neutral and positive of the two. She always did enjoy his company playful, calm but skillful in his own way too.

"Well, I have no objections. When do we leave?"

"I'm ready, Hey sensei, when you report back to Lady Raikage, be sure to give my word that I'm good to go!"

The Uzumaki watched her students and mused at the widen eyes, and agape mouths. This is pretty new to leave the village for so long- defiantly as a group. Isnt this a treat?

But she wasnt surprised by the responses, she actually smiled. It was expected of her team to give such answers- They were always energetic, and open to get stronger. Their will would always overflow, which is probably one of the many reasons that Megumi picked them. Katsumi couldnt say how proud she was for a team like them. Surely they knew that.

"Well, I have no objections. When do we leave?"
"I'm ready, Hey sensei, when you report back to Lady Raikage, be sure to give my word that I'm good to go!"

She nodded, and turned toward the sky for the moment- calculating the travel time. It would take a few days if they set off by sunset... but with their speed who knew. "Well, Im going to report back, so while I'm gone get ready for the trip, and meetme at the gates." Lifting her hand in a curt wave, Katsumi suddenly disappeared in speed and began to raced along the roof tops.

While she did so, she thought of the mission, and suddenly remembered her grandmother's face. The word Konoha always left her mouth and yet she had no idea why. That made her wonder. "Why." Maybe she will take advantage of the long week ahead of them to answer her curiosity. 'Wouldnt that be interesting.'

Slowing down near the raikage's office, she knocked at the wooden door with the utmost respect. "Raikage-sama, im back to report." When the leader allowed her in, she entered before continuing. "The team has agreed and we will be able to set out by tonight- Oh and Prishe" She resisted a soft chuck.le. "she wants me to personally inform you that she is "ready to go"

[Hopefully that works, sorry for the wait!]

Present day

"I do thank you for taking some interest in my proposal of taking Kairi. So far she is still in her shell but eventually she'll come out. As for the rest of the team, Interesting to the least I have four members as whole but the other three are incredible for what they can do from the files. There is no need to worry to the least, I'll be sure things are civil among the four, especially towards Kairi. They may even end up hating me after this hehe."

Akira grinned towards the Hokage with a thumbs up. She knew her being there wasn't needed for such types of reports but she did want to give her thanks before she headed off and as far as she having the nine-tails in her group this was a little more dangerous then other groups. Her head tilted towards the window where the sun seemed to come through as her hands lowered back down to her hips. She could feel the warm heat through the open window and in this moment she could only think about the first day but that soon ended when her eyes shifted back down to the Kage.



Previous day...

After their first meeting yesterday, Kairi had went back to grandma Kurenai's home. She had explained to her how the meeting went and how obviously nervous she had felt. It was only a surprised expression when Kurenai found her grand daughter had been placed in the same team as the Uchiha. It reminded her of when back then it was just coincidence that Naruto was placed in the same team as Sasuke Uchiha. It was only then that the grandma had smirked but never explained the expression.

That very night when it was time for bed, Kairi couldn't sleep. She was worried mostly of how cruel her team mates would be to her that very morning she would arrive. The girl had stepped outside and went on top of her home's roof before sitting down to look upon the stars and the village at night. It was apparent by the atmosphere of worries that she had no idea what would happen and what they would do. Were they going to hurt her? It only took a short amount of time before she shook it off. Kairi rose her hand into the sky and moved her fingers as if she were trying to close and pinch the star. It was something she had alway done. She only smiled when in her perception she was able to get one. Looking at her hand when she then formed a fist made her determined to get through the day as fast as possible and deal with whatever came to her.

Present Day...

That morning finally came when Kairi lifted herself up, showered and got dressed. She looked over to her sword and blinked. She wasn't quite sure if she really needed it at this point but then thought to herself "If I'm going to make it part of my style, then I definitely will take it!". With that said she strapped the blade, making sure the sheathed was fastened on her back and leaped out from her window.

She could feel the wind rush among her face as she continued dashing rooftops and streets to reach the training grounds. The kunoichi herself was rather surprised by how eager she was to start her actual training regardless of what the others thought of her. This only being until she was suddenly she was surprised kicked from the right side by Ishida lee! Luckily there she was in an alley way and only hit the wall. Her eyes widened suddenly shocked out of her excited moment as she fell upon the ground. She could hear her sheathed blade slide against the bricked building behind as she descended to the ground.

"We're ninja's now, come on! Get some awareness! You shouldn't even be in our ranks like that!"

The words echo'd as Ishida spoke to Kairi, her strapped and bandaged hand rose to hold her head as she winked looking up to Ishida but not saying anything. She didn't want to fight, she had to get to her team. Who knows what would happen if she were late. The jinchuriki shook her head and Ishida smirked.

"Weakling… You'll probably fail your first test…" She said walking off. Kairi only sat there obviously dirtied by the dirt of the ground. Her fist were formed as her body shook from being upset. She was now torn between going back home and going to her team. Was this the treatment she would get with her team there? Certainly not with her Jonin but… what if she wasn't there… what if she were the first? was she just getting into a trap. Kairi shook her head before lifting herself from the ground.

"No..way, I'm going to just go…"

During the previous day

Tsukiya returned home just in time for dinner; his grandmother and grandfather from his mother's of the family had turned up to look after him. It didn't happen often since Tsukiya hardly needed looking after anymore however with his parents away for a while his grandparents had decided to be there for him.

He specifically avoided talking about his team; instead Tsukiya talked of the day's beginning and his new Sensei. His grandparents grew weary presumably noticing that Tsukiya was stalling the conversation and this continued until his grandfather asked him outright… ever so politely of course.

Just as Tsukiya thought once he had mentioned her name both his grandparents froze and looked first at Tsukiya and then at each other with uncontained fear and even horror. Tsukiya often pondered the reason why adults seemed to take the Yuhi so terribly seriously; whatever crimes her parents had committed, they must have been quite terrible.

Only Tsukiya seemed to have an appetite after the mention of the Yuhi's name. Tsukiya cursed; did that name have to ruin everything?

Tsukiya said his farewell's to his grandparents half an hour later. Both had advised him to avoid any contact with "that girl" unless completely necessary.

Tsukiya felt strange; he was used to being left on his own for long periods of time however on this calm night Tsukiya felt both relieved and uneasy. Tsukiya climbed the stairs reaching the house's balcony then climbed the walls until he reached the roof.

The celestial sky was staring down at him and Tsukiya felt calm at this confirmation; at least the heavens hadn't changed.
Tsukiya gazed at the stars for a few moments but his eyes where soon drawn to his mighty namesake, the moon.

"What do you have to say about all this… sister" asked Tsukiya pondering the significance of the previous day.

No answer came of course and Tsukiya eventually returned to his room and fell into a deep sleep.

The old dream returned just like the night before but Tsukiya once again thanked his guardian and dismissed it as nerves.

Present day

Dawn came and Tsukiya woke up as usual. He washed, clothed and fed himself before departing the empty household towards the training grounds.

Nothing out of the ordinary occurred during his journy, Tsukiya unsatisfied with his snack meal decided to enter a small bar where Ramen was usually served. Ramen wasn't Tsukiya's favorite dish however as breakfast it suited just fine.

Tsukiya eventually found his way to the training grounds just on time. Students from other teams had also gathered here however Hayato didn't seem to have turned up yet.

It only took a few seconds for the uneventful atmosphere of the day to be broken. From what Tsukiya could see Ishida Lee had kicked the Yuhi girl and then demanded that she respond to her challenge. The Yuhi did not however and instead let herself be pushed around and ridiculed by the likes of "her majesty".

Tsukiya thought for a moment to step into the quarrel since Yuhi was after all a team mate now and any dishonor to her name was bound to reflect on his own however this pathetic sight was enough to sober him.

Why should he put his hard earned reputation on the line for the likes of that girl? Tsukiya had once been just as weak and pathetic as she was now but he had fought and had carved out his place in the academy while she did nothing at all.
Maybe she enjoyed playing the victim.

Tsukiya passed near his "comrade" but paused only to examine the sword she carried. Tsukiya didn't know what she hoped to achieve with it but made no comment and carried on walking.

Darn... this problem will only reoccur at a later date" thought Tsukiya, he turned around and for the first time today looked at his team mate.

"What would you have done had this been a genuine attack?" asked Tsukiya thoughtfully, Tsukiya did not appear sympathetic however his usual look of distain to the Yuhi was safely concealed for the moment .