CHAPTER 2 - MISSION

"SAKURA-CHAN!"

Sakura cringed at the approach of the # 1 loudmouth of Konoha: Uzumaki Naruto. Despite his age, and his status as ANBU captain, he had, most woefully, not matured one iota since their genin days.

How could someone so immature lead people into danger? she thought.

"Sakura-chan!" yelled Naruto again, despite the fact that he was only two inches away from her right ear.

"What baka!" retorted Sakura. She was not a morning person, and was only up because Tsunade-sama had summoned both of them to her office.

"We are going on a mission with Hinata-chan! Isn't that great!" Naruto exclaimed. With a start, Sakura noticed the shy Hyuuga standing behind Naruto. Sakura smiled at her. Naruto had gotten over his crush on Sakura a while ago and had finally noticed that Hyuuga Hinata liked him. He had warmed to her and they had been going out for six months now. Of course, that still didn't stop Hinata from blushing every time Naruto looked at her, as was evident by her prominent blush at this very moment. Naruto hugged Hinata, which made her blush an even deeper shade of red, if that was even possible. "N..Naruto-kun…"

Sakura frowned. A mission? But they had gone on one only a week back. Albeit a C rank mission, but still…she wanted to enjoy the springtime in Konoha, plus, the cherry blossom festival was fast approaching.

"Well, I'm glad you're all here on time. Please sit down." came a voice from behind them.

"Obaa-san!" SMACK "That hurt Obaa-san!" SMACK "Oww…"

"Tsunade-sama" Sakura and Hinata chimed as they bowed respectfully.

"Your group has a mission," she said, getting down to business right away.

"And what would that mission be Obaa-san! Is it hard enough for a tough ANBU captain like me!"

"Ouch!" This time it was Hinata who had smacked him. Sakura was surprised and tried to suppress her giggle in vain. "Hinata-chan…that hurt."

Tsunade glared at him and he quickly sat up straight, eyeing her warily, afraid of anymore more assaults on his person.

"Stop acting like children," she said sternly, eyeing Naruto in particular, "this is no time to fool around."

"H..Hai." Naruto said meekly, shrinking away from Tsunade's glare.

Tsunade cleared her throat and eyed all three of them. They all waited expectantly for her to say what their mission would be. Would it take days, months, years? Members of the ANBU, which all three of them were, were often assigned to long term missions in other countries to keep the fragile peace that now existed.

Tsunade hesitated for a moment, and then she spoke. "Uchiha Sasuke has been sighted," she said blankly.

A/N: Read and review! Constructive criticism is much appreciated!