Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. This is just fan work for other fans and not for profit in any way.

Chronicle One: Shinobi in the Mist (Version 1.93)

Chapter 1

Sakura sighed as she walked along the streets of Fukaku town. She disliked these covert missions, even though her skills made her well suited to them. At least today she was wearing one of her more preferred outfits, an elegant pink dress parted at the sides to allow ease of movement. The ensemble provided greater mobility but it was still slightly longer than she would have preferred. Unfortunately, due to her alias, it was necessary for her attire to be more formal.

Fukaku town was an important trading port located on the south side of a large island between the three countries of fire, water and lightning. Like most coastal communities, it had numerous docks where many ships berthed. Most of the harbor side areas were filled with rowdy taverns and inns where the sailors frequented. However, the trade from three countries brought a significant amount of wealth to the town and there were many finer establishments as well.

The Dolphin's Dive was a quayside restaurant that tended to more refined patrons. The two storey building was elevated above the water and it offered a stunning view of the sea. Built along the beautiful harbour-side walk, it was a favoured drinking place for the wealthy.

Sakura's mark happened to be a Jounin from the hidden village of mist. Intel stated that he carried top secret information concerning a large tactical operation to be carried out in the next couple of months. The elders back at Konoha were concerned about the large scale activities of mist ninjas in the area. Sakura was tasked by the Hokage to obtain the secret plans and return them to the hidden village of leaf.

Bright lamps lit up the harbour walkway, illuminating the path for the pink haired girl. Across the water, the lights danced over the waves as the sea quietly washed against the piers. As Sakura arrived at her destination, she could smell the salty tang of the ocean wafting up from the waters below. Looking up at the establishment, the shinobi took a deep breath. According to her intel, the mist ninja usually entered The Dolphin's Dive for a night of drinking before leaving at around midnight.

"Show time," she whispered quietly to herself as she walked up to the large front doors. Upon entering the building, Sakura found herself in a lavish restaurant. Large clear windows offered magnificent views of the harbour and the pristine decor of the tables hinted at a prestigious clientele. Due to the late hour, only a few scattering of tables were still occupied. She avoided the tables and headed for the bar upstairs. The attendant at the top greeted her before showing her in. The bar was as finely furnished as the restaurant downstairs. All the seats were leather and the couches were done in velvet and so were the cushions. There was an open air balcony and comfortable alcoves against the walls. Sakura saw a few wealthy merchants and ship captains enjoying a late drink. She did a quick scan of the room and soon found who she was looking for.

Like her, Kane Shikara was disguising his occupation as a ninja. The man was in his late twenties and was wearing rather formal business style attire. His manner at this hour was somewhat laid back. His short black hair seemed slightly ruffled and the top few buttons of his shirt were undone. He was seated at the bar in the centre of the room, seemingly relaxed and enjoying his drink. Sakura quietly and discreetly made her way towards him. Seating herself next to him, she ordered herself a strong brand of sake. Kane watched as she downed the strong alcohol in one go before ordering another one. Sakura glanced over at the man and gave him a half smile before proceeding to drink two more glasses. The man gave her a curious expression before deciding to speak up.

"Not many young ladies come at this hour to drink," he commented to her.

Sakura finished another shot. "Don't people drink late at night to drown out their sorrows?"

"Well sure," Kane replied. "But the last time I tried what you're doing, it did not end well for me. I ended up in a casino, taking off my pants and trying to place them as a wager."

The young woman laughed. She couldn't help but feel slightly charmed by this man. Composing herself a bit, she ordered another shot of sake.

"I have some relationship problems," she confided to him as she accepted her beverage from the bartender.

"That bad eh?" Kane replied in exaggerated sympathy.

Sakura laughed half heartedly. After a slight pause, she turned to face the man, her eyes slightly unfocused. "Have you ever had someone your parents arranged on you that you didn't like and when you tried to end it, they clung on to you like dirt?"

"Hmmm," the man thought for awhile. "I've never had anyone my parents arranged on me but I've had plenty of relationships where my partner refused to accept that it was over."

"Well my ex is the rich son of wealthy merchant parents," the pink haired girl explained. "He hopes to make me his obedient housewife but I want to be successful by my own rights, you know what I mean. Not some trophy to be paraded around. I mean when I got my nursing degree, I though my parents would support me in my future career but nooo." Turning back to her drink, the girl shook her head. "Instead of being happy for me, they arrange a marriage between me and this pompous ass."

"I understand what you mean," the man replied, nodding his head and seemingly sympathizing with her.

Even in her slightly inebriated state, Sakura could tell that Kane didn't understand at all, he was just pretending that he did. 'Men' she thought to herself. At least Naruto used to be honest and admitted that he didn't understand. She drank some more and turned to face the man again. "Anyway, enough about me. What do you do for a living?"

"Me? I work at a bank."

"Why the hell are you in a bar by yourself?" Sakura asked with a slight slur in her speech. "I'd be beside myself if I got a job like yours."

"Actually I was here celebrating." He explained, "I just got promoted. People come to bars to celebrate as well you realize."

"But it's so late, and it seems rather lame to celebrate by yourself," she pointed out.

"Well I like my alcohol so I stayed back a bit after all my friends left."

'His friends,' Sakura thought as she finished her sake. Maybe he had fellow ninjas here earlier in the evening and he had gotten them their secret instructions by getting them all raving drunk... Sakura's inner self slapped herself. The alcohol must really be getting to her.

"Would you wait a tiny second?" she asked Kane, "I need to go to the ladies room."

"Sure thing," he replied, "I'll mind your seat."

Sakura gave him a lopsided grin and pretended to stagger off to the bathroom. After she nearly fell and had to steady herself against a wall, she decided that she didn't really need to pretend to be drunk.