A/N: For those of you who aren't clear on this. Neji is the only Jounin in the Konoha team, while Lee, Tenten and Hinata are still Chunins. Gaara is a Kazekage and the rank of his two siblings are unknown.

The South Irishia Sea is something that isoriginal in this fanfiction. Therefore, don't flame me on the geographical aspects of this chapter. Thank you and hope you'll enjoy this chapter.


Chapter Three: Across the Irishia Sea

The mission was given a very brief outline. Even Hinata wasn't satisfied with the lack of information given. And Tsunade-sama didn't seem like she was going to explain any further.

Hinata had expected to be in Neji's team since this was her first ever important mission but it turned out that Tsunade-sama had other plans.

"Hinata, you will be in Gaara's team." Tsunade-sama said, and before Hinata had the chance to react to the surprising news, the hokage continued speaking, "The scouts said she seemed to be moving west, towards the Country of Lightning. The Akatsuki Organization must be on her tail now. All you have to do is…"


Lee sighed. Something still puzzled him about what the hokage had said. It didn't seem like her.

Her life over all of yours…

"Why did Tsunade-sama said something like that? Aren't the lives of comrades more important than the mission itself?" Lee asked, folding his arms as he watched Neji and Tenten packed their weapons and equipments.

Neji appeared to be at a loss for words. Finally he sighed and shrugged. "This is an S-rank mission. While we must protect our friends, we must also rescue this person."

"Who is she, Neji-kun?" Tenten asked, peering up at their leader. "Tsunade-sama did not leave a name…"

Neji paused, "Uh, I'm not too sure myself."

The two chunins stared at Neji, who only gave them a helpless smile.


The entire team was spread out in groups of two. Team A was made up of Gaara, Hinata, Temari and Kankurou. Team B included Neji, Tenten and Rock Lee.

Even Hinata could tell this was sort of an "all-out" mission. Is this missing-nin really so important?

Tsunade herself mapped out the routes that they were going to take. Because the South Irishia Sea separated the Country of Lightning, therefore they were to take separate ships.

This was to reduce the chance of an all-out ambush, likely to be set by the Akatsuki Organization.

When they arrived at their ship, they were pleased to note that everything was well prepared before hand.

"I hope none of you get sea-sick easily." Neji said to his teammates as he began to unload the sail.

"No way!" Lee answered enthusiastically for the others. He was excited to be part of this important mission, yet he could not help but feel too ill informed of what is really going on.

Somehow, he was getting a bad vibe from this mission itself.

"Excellent." Neji replied and set the sails. The ship began to move.


South of Team B's ship, the three Sand Nins and Hinata began to unload their sail. Kankurou cast a glance at Temari. It was weird to have a Konoha Nin in their midst. They were so used to working together in three. Now that there was a fourth team member, things just felt different.

Hinata herself, never felt more uncomfortable than right now. She quietly unload the sail, very aware of the strange awkward tension in the air.

"She didn't even bother explaining the details fully to us." Kankurou suddenly said, referring to the Hokage.

Temari did not reply straight away. She could understand what Kankurou was trying to say. It was true that the hidden village of Sand and Leaf had re-signed a new alliance under the new Hokage and the new Kazekage's names. However, this mission was slightly puzzling to her as well.

"Gaara," she couldn't help but asked, "What did her letter really said?" Temari was referring to the letter Tsunade had sent to them two days ago, requesting for their allied help.

"She needs our help." Gaara replied simply. His sea-green eyes cast out towards the endless deep blues of the Irishia Sea.

Hinata watched him out of the corner of his eyes. Gaara seemed serious, as usual. But she tried to tell herself that there must be a reason why she was assigned to Gaara's team instead of Neji's. Maybe the hokage thought she could be of useful help to the Sand Nins.

Hinata was determined not to be a burden.

"Umm…excuse me," Hinata suddenly said. The three Sand Nins turned around to look at her. She felt cold dark-rimmed eyes watching her so she quickly looked away. "I mean…I'm Hyuuga Hinata." She said, bowing her head politely. "Nice to meet all of you."

Temari smirked loudly. "As long as you don't get in our way, we'll be more than grateful."

"She won't." Cold, unfeeling voice said.

Hinata looked up, widening her eyes when she realized it was Gaara who had spoken.

Gaara…

Kankurou shrugged. "Just stay behind us at all times."

Hinata nodded, somewhat embarrassedly. She knew the three Sand Nins were powerful, and she was weak.

I'll…I'll try not to get in the way, she thought, lowering her eyes.

Standing a few feet in front of her, Gaara turned around and stared out into the ocean. He didn't think much of this Hyuuga heir. But he didn't like the way his siblings made fun of her just because she was weak. It somehow, reminded himself of his childhood, where he was discriminated due to his strength.

Their ship began to move and the clouds above them seemed to thicken.

A bad omen, Gaara thought.


Filler: Meaningless Filler Part one
Lee: Neji! The ship! It's won't move!
Neji and Tenten: OMG! 00
Lee: Oh man, what are we gonna do now? TT
Tenten: Call the hokage!
Neji: I'll use my Chakra to push the ship!
Gai: (suddenly appears): A problem, my dear Lee-san?
Lee: Gai-SENSEI! TT
Gai: LEE! TT

Read and review, ne?