Occ: i know i suck at making names, i hope you like!

-Scene.- A Month less than three years after the Chuunin Exams, Shikamaru was sitting on a hill, watching the clouds pass by((what else does he do?)) When Sakura walked up to him with a scroll which he reads-

"How troublesome.." Shikamaru was reading a scroll that was brought to him. "Why me?" he says with a slight sigh.

Sakura looked down at him. "You're the only Joinin available, the rest are unavailable or on a mission. Now go report to Tsunade-sama" She didn't say another word she just walked away. Shikamaru sighed and walked to the Hokage's office where he knocked.

"Enter." Tsunade's voice was clear as ever, but held a bit of annoyance. Shikamaru entered the office and saw the others were already there, in the two seats in front of Tsunade's desk was Kiba, with Akamaru by his side, and Hinata sitting in the other chair.

Shikamaru looked up. " I thought you said it was a 4 man job?" He stood there wondering if he made a mistake.

Tsunade looked up. "Yes, we're waiting for the other to return from his mission." Yelling was heard from outside. "There he is."

Faint words were heard. "Gai sensei if I can't make it in 3o seconds its 10 laps are Konoha for me!" a group sigh was over the group. It was obvious who their last team member was, and he appeared in the window. "I'M SO SORRY FOR BEING LATE! THAT'S 1,000 PUSH-UPS FOR ME!"

"Rock Lee." Tsunade looked at him. "Just sit down and I'll explain your guy's Mission."

Rock Lee looked at her with defeated expression on his face.

Tsunade actually looked a bit proud but then talked. "Since our alliance with Suna, we are obligated to help them in times of trouble. Like now."

The others looked at her, except Shikamaru who was staring blankly at her desk. Hinata spoke up, as much as she usually did. " wha-what is the situation?" she said in a small voice.

"The Kazekage is sick, with a unknown sickness, so our specialist cannot help, but they need reinforcements to help protect their country. And they've called upon us."

She paused. "Now, Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Rock Lee, and your leader Nara Shikamaru, to assist the Kazekage and his siblings, GO!"

With that they were sent off on a three day journey to the Land of Sand.