However, it wasn't the Third himself who waited for them, but his trusted elders, Homura and Koharu. They stood solemn as usual, as Guy and his students filed in. Neji's ears pricked up as Lady Koharu opened her mouth to speak. What mission was so important that they had chosen to deploy Guy's cell, against all odds?
"Master Might Guy, thank you for coming," she began. "As you know, you will be traveling to the Land of Grass for this mission." Well, Guy hadn't known their destination until right this minute, but his students were too loyal to admit that. "There have been some skirmishes along the border," Koharu explained.
"These kinds of disputes may indicate signs of unrest within the Land of Grass," Lord Homura added. Was Neji imagining it, or was the elder's tone rather ominous?
"You'll just be doing routine ambassador tasks," Koharu said, her voice dismissive. She shot her companion a sharp look, one which Neji's eyes didn't fail to notice. Was she trying to shush him up? "You're simply traveling there to demonstrate to them Konoha's determination to keep our borders secure. We won't stand for shinobi crossing into our land unannounced." Her mouth tightened. "Konoha is one of the five great nations. We won't condone impertinence from nations like the Land of Grass." The barest hint of scorn rankled in her tone as she mentioned the smaller nation. Guy, Lee, and Tenten nodded in complete agreement. Neji alone felt indignation rise within him. He knew what it was like to grow up with the so-called "stronger" individuals looking down on, and controlling, the weaker ones. But Koharu was the advisor to the Hokage himself, and Neji was merely a genin. He was smart enough to keep his mouth shut. "It is a simple mission," Koharu was assuring them now. "Level D, a perfect learning opportunity for your apprentices. You should be able to return within a few days' time. I don't expect you'll have any trouble." For the second time, Neji found himself failing to believe her.
He still kept his silence, though.