No, it did not take me weeks to get this chapter done. I just like to torture my readers. That's what you get for not leaving enough reviews.
A few days later after the grocery shop incident, Sasuke was taking another meaningless walk around Konoha. He just really likes walks, even if they have no real purpose. It was as sunny as always in Konoha, and the Uchiha's thoughts were once again focused on the event that happened a few days prior.
Why do I feel so guilty? I always make girls cry after they confess to me! What makes that any different?
No matter how hard he tried to get her out of his mind, his efforts would always be fruitless. It was such a corny love story; the popular guy falling in love with the girl that doesn't care about him. Sasuke decided to give corny love stories some slack, as they were somewhat realistic in his case. He stopped trying to fight the thoughts, thinking that they'll pass after they've flowed. However, his logic was wrong.
Once again, his thoughts were interrupted by another member of Team 7. Sasuke was turning around a corner, when a blonde boy bumped into him. Secretly, Sasuke was hoping that it'd be the Hyuuga girl.
"Oi! Sasuke-teme! There you are!" Naruto practically yelled when he noticed who he bumped into.
"Can you be quiet for at least one second, dobe?" Sasuke requested.
A second of peace passed by, with Sasuke savoring it.
"Tsunade-baa-chan wants to see us in her office! I bet it's a mission, dattebayo!" Naruto shouted after the second passed by.
"Tch, whatever..." Sasuke muttered as he rolled his eyes, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Naruto walked beside Sasuke as they made their way towards the Hokage's office. Sasuke didn't appreciate this, but he never objected. The two were the kind of best friends that would deny the fact that they even know each other. Hinata was already in Tsunade's office, waiting for the two other people that were supposed to accompany her on the mission. She was drinking water from a paper cup that was provided for her by Shizune.
The door was slammed open, creating a loud entrance for Naruto and Sasuke. Hinata started to choke on her water after it was revealed who her teammates would be.
Naruto-kun!
"Woah, Hinata, are you okay?" Naruto asked when he noticed Hinata choking.
"N-naruto-kun..." Hinata managed to say between coughs.
After Hinata was settled, she cleared her throat. She noticed that Naruto was staring at her intently, which caused her to blush.
"A-ano... I-I j-just choked on some water..." Hinata shyly explained, trying to avoid her crush's gaze.
"Okay, as long as you're fine," Naruto replied, flashing a smile.
Hinata began to blush again. Sasuke glanced at Hinata, then at Naruto.
It's so obvious that the Hyuuga girl has a crush on him. Does that idiot even notice?
"Oh hey, I don't think you two have met before..." Naruto noticed.
The Hyuuga and Uchiha knew they have met the other, though they decided to keep quiet about it.
"Hinata, this is Sasuke-teme, Sasuke-teme, this is Hinata," Naruto introduced.
Though they have met, they only knew each other's last names, so in a way, this was their first meeting.
"N-nice to meet you, Sasuke-san," Hinata greeted Sasuke.
"Hmph..." Sasuke responded.
"Looks like you're both off to a good start!" Naruto joked.
"Now that the introductions are done with, it's time to tell you three about the mission," Tsunade told them.
Naruto and Sasuke sat down in the chairs in front of Tsunade's desk, waiting for Tsunade to fill them in about the mission.
"I've noticed that Hinata and Sasuke have never been on any missions together for some reason, so this mission will be good for strengthening their... Err... 'Bond'... Anyways, Naruto will be helpful for keeping the peace between the two. By that, I mean making sure Sasuke doesn't lash out on poor Hinata," Tsunade explained.
"The mission itself, however, is very important. It's a C-rank mission, but may be an S-rank if the conditions change. You three are in charge of guarding a sacred scroll in the Village Hiddan in Mist. Konoha isn't exactly on good terms with them, so this mission will help gain their trust. Mess it up, and face the wrath of my finger," Tsunade warned them.
All three nodded in response, confirming that they won't mess up.
"There's been some rumors about the Akatsuki wanting to steal the scroll for its knowledge..." Tsunade informed them.
Sasuke curled his hand into a fist at the mention of his older brother, his knuckled turning a deathly white.
Itachi...
"...so I urge you all to keep your guard up at all times."
Hinata glanced at Sasuke, noticing that he got tense at the mention of the Akatsuki. She then turned her attention back to Naruto, and started to blush again. Hinata looked away before anyone noticed.
"It will be a three days travel there, and you'll be there for one week. Meet tomorrow at 7:00 A.M. at the village gates. Asuma will provide you with money for a hotel, the map, and answers to any questions you might have. Are we clear?"
"Yes," the three verified in unison.
"Also, please don't break anything while you're there. That means you, Naruto..."
"What? I am completely stable, believe it" Naruto argued.
"You're as stable as rabid monkey with ADHD, believe that..." Sasuke commented.
Naruto stuck out his tongue at Sasuke, not too fond of his humor. The three exited the Hokage's office, going down the stairs until they finally exited the building. Naruto, with his arms crossed behind his neck, said his goodbyes, and walked off to who-knows-where. Hinata and Sasuke stayed behind. It was when Naruto was out of sight when Sasuke finally spoke up.
"Hyuuga girl..."
"Uchiha boy..."
"Looks like we'll be working together," Hinata mentioned with a smirk.
"Seems like it," Sasuke agreed, with their eyes meeting.
The two turned around, so that their backs were facing each other. Their shoulders were almost touching.
"I guess I'll see you later, Uchiha boy," Hinata said to him.
"Same with you, Hyuuga girl," Sasuke replied.
The two went their separate ways without another word. Hinata was glad that they didn't have a repeat of the grocery shop incident. Neji must have been very persuasive. Hinata sighed, knowing that she'll have to inform Hiashi of the mission she was going on. She really hated talking to him.
And there's the third chapter! Hope you liked it. To the person that asked why I center my paragraphs, I just think it looks fancier that way. Remember to review!