"Shikadai! Inojin" The Ino-Shika-Cho group turned as one as they heard their names being shouted across the hall.
It was Boruto. The blonde boy was racing towards them waving his arms with Sarada and Mitsuki following closely behind.
"Are you guys also heading to the Lord's office?" asked Sarada as the group stopped in front of them.
Shikadai nodded, "Moegi sensei said to meet her there. We're to be given a special assignment."
"Konohamaru sensei said the same to us."
"Do you think that we'll be teamed up together again?" asked Cho Cho looking excited. "It's such a drag being around boys all the time. Don't you think so, Sarada-chan?"
The Uchiha heiress looked uncomfortable as she rubbed the back of her head smiling awkwardly.
"You're not exactly a pleasure to be around yourself, chubby." Inojin interjected.
ChoCho stuck her tongue out at him and started pulling Sarada away. She really did miss her. Sarada was and would always be her best friend but between training, missions, and family outings they almost never saw each other now. She reached into her satchel and pulled out a packet of potato chips. "Here" she said handing it to her. It was the newest flavor. She won the 'create your own flavour' competition and decided on salted cheese. She was sure Sarada would love it!
"Thank you, Cho Cho" said Sarada smiling softly.
"Did you see last week's episode?" A couple of months ago, they were assigned as bodyguards to two actors of a popular t.v. drama. While on duty, Cho Cho was asked to do some scenes with male lead – Tamaru. She jumped at the opportunity – which teenage girl won't want to do scenes with the television heartthrob. Of course, she can admit now that she did get a bit carried away for a while, but it all worked out in the end anyway.
"I can't believe they actually left in some of the shots with you and Tamaru-san. You were fantastic in them!"
"Of coursed they would," she said confidently. "Acting comes naturally to me. In fact, if I wasn't such a good ninja I would have become a superstar instead!"
"You are unique." Mitsuki said interrupting their conversation with a smile.
Cho Cho lifted an eyebrow and glanced back; "Sorry Mitsuki. I don't date friends." she said as she knocked on the Lord's door.
The two teams and their senseis stood around the room facing the hokage and Shikadai's dad.
"As you know, the Sand village is our closest ally." began the Hokage. "It is necessary to further nurture and strengthen the relationship that we have. The Kazekage and I have discussed various ways to ensure that the younger generation – your generation – not only learn about but, understand and respect each other's culture. For your next mission you will be stationed in Sunagakure for a month. While in Suna you will be under the guardianship and protection of two of the Kazekage's most trusted advisors and their own teams. You will join these teams as additional members and will follow their instructors' orders. Remember, you are representatives of the Leaf village and as such, we hope that you are disciplined, respectful and well behave throughout your time there. But most importantly." He held his breathe here and looked around the room to each and every one of the young ninjas. "Have fun and make friends!" he finished off with a big smile.
Shikadai raised his hand.
"Will Moegi sensei and Konohamaru sensei be staying with us?"
"Yes" replied Moegi "But we won't be your instructors for the month. We will be training with the Kazekage himself." Moegi said looked extremely excited.
"We will be staying in the same compound as you. So, if you need anything or have any question just ask" add Konohamaru.
"We have already spoken with your parents and they have agreed. However, you would still need to take home these slips and have them signed. Shikadai and Boruto, yours have already been signed. You will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. Go home get your slips signed and pack any belongings you deem necessary to make your stay easier. Tomorrow, gather at the gates by 6 a.m. You should set off by 6:15. Understood?" asked Shikamaru.
Everyone nodded.
"Good. The younger ones are dismissed. Konohamru, Moegi, stay. I need to discuss some more details with you." said the Hokage.
"Can you believe it!" Cho Cho exclaimed happily as they left the building.
"The benefits of maintaining a close relationship is undeniable. This sort of program was inevitable." stated Mitsuki.
Cho Cho rolled her eyes.
"Why do you think out of all the teams our two teams were chosen?"
"Well Boruto is Lord Hokage's son, and a young genin so it makes sense that he would be expected as a representative of the village." Shikadai said matter-of-factly.
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
"But why do you think Team 10 was chosen?"
"Because Shikadai's uncle is the Kazekage" Inojin said.
Cho Cho shook her head in dismay. "You are all so blind. It's that handsome boy from the Chunin exams. He was so obviously into me and he's the Kazekage's son. I mean it's a bit unconventional but, the fact that he would go through all of this trouble just to get to know me. I'm speechless." Cho Cho said as she twirled around.
Everyone but Mitsuki cringed looking at each other.
"You really are unique." Mitsuki said again smiling.
"Sorry Mitsuki. I don't date friends. Anyway, see you guys tomorrow!" Cho Cho said as she ran off waving. "I need to make sure that I pack all my best outfits."
"Somehow her symptoms have gotten even worst since our last mission together." Mitsuki turned with a bright smile to the group cocking his head to the side.