Prologue
One afternoon in the Leaf Village Konoha, a determined bushy browed shinobi looked out unto the waters running freely under a bridge beneath him, his arm resting on the railing and his head in his hand. He sighed happily. He was alone, not really thinking of anything, serine and peaceful. It was his most favorite place in the village, besides it's training grounds. He had just finished his starting training for the day when he came here. It was just so... relaxing.
Meanwhile in the streets of said village, the genin ninja weapons specialist Tenten was hopping from rooftop to rooftop looking for him on request of the fifth Hokage.
"Where is he?" she thought to herself, trying hard to complete the Hokage's orders, though she hadn't seen him that day.
Soon enough into her search however, she reached the bridge and found him.
"Lee!" she called to him, happy by her mini sucess.
He looked up and smiled to her. "Oh, hi Tenten, what's up?"
"Lady Tsunade wanted to see you. She said she has an important mission for you."
His smile widened. At last he had a new mission. It had seemed forever since the last one. He thanked Tenten and made his was towards the Hokage' s office.
.
.
He arrived before the door of Lady Tsunade's office. He paused his bandaged hand just before knocking, hearing someone's speaking to her. Unable to make out any words or sign of 'bad timing' , he opened the door.
"You asked for me Lady Tsu-" he stopped short. His eyes locked on the person she had been speaking with. "Gaara?" he questioned.
The red haired sand ninja faced him, arms crossed over his chest and gourd on his back.
"Hello Lee." He said in his distinct low monotone voice.
Lee stood in the door way for a moment, a little surprised, and confused.
"Yes, come in Lee," Lady Tsunade said, bringing him back. "close the door behind you."
He nodded and closed the door, then making his way over to her desk, standing next to the well-known and feared Suna ninja.
"Good," Tsunade folded her hands in front of her face, the way she did when she was serious. "now, I need to tell you about a very important mission you're going on." She looked at them both and continued. "There's been a string of problems occurring in a small town in the Land of Wind, ranging from the most being common thievery to what was assumed to be murder." She lowered her voice. "I've decided to send you two to stop it."
Lee moved. "But, Lady Tsunade, aren't there supposed to be three ninjas in a squad?"
"Yes, however," she dropped her hands. "All other shinobi I would send with you are busy with other missions they are capible of. That's why I called Gaara, knowing the reigion. I also believe if you two work together, speed, strength, and sand, I know you two can complete this mission with ease." She smirked.
Lee beamed with determination, Gaara seemed unmoved.
"Finally, I want you to return this theif here to the Leaf Village when you've captured him. Bring him to my office." Tsunade waved. "You two will leave as soon as you're ready. Is that clear?"
Lee nodded. "Yes ma'am."
"Good." Tsunade reclined. "Get to it."