A/N: Hi everybody! Ready for chapter 4? I apologize that it's so short, but that's just where the story happened to break. Are you wondering who's waiting in the office with Tsunade, besides her regular helpers? Time to find out. And I can't remember how to correctly spell her pig's name, so I'm spelling it as one word - Tonton. If this is incorrect, at least it will be consistently incorrect. But enough of that, let's get going. Enjoy!

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Tsunade sat behind her desk, with the ever present Shizune and Tonton close by. She said, "Anko. Kakashi. Genma. Come in. I've got an assignment for you."

Anko and Kakashi were speechless as they entered the room. Both their minds were going a hundred miles an hour as they stared at Asuma who was already there waiting in the room for them.

Asuma said, "Pardon me Hokage, but what kind of mission are you sending them on?"

Tsunade said, "You mean what kind of mission I'm sending you ALL on. You're going to be extermination cell number two, going out tomorrow."

Anko thought I'm going on a mission with Kakashi. At least I'll know where he is.

Kakashi thought Anko's coming with me. How am I going to keep her close without blowing it in front of Genma?

Asuma thought this is a totally bad idea.

Genma thought I wonder if Anko'll need someone to cuddle up to on the mission. I'd be happy to be of service!

Asuma said, "Are you sure you want Anko to come along with us on this mission Tsunade?"

Tsunade said, "Why not? She was one of the first to scout out the installations that were being built. She tangled with Kabuto. She knows who's out there and what to expect. She knows more than any of you do. Technically, she's the expert on what's out there. Give me one good reason why she shouldn't go?"

Asuma thought she's Kakashi's girlfriend, and she may be distracted with him being there! This could be dangerous! He said, "I just worry that she's not completely healed from the last time."

Anko said, "You know I am. I'm going."

Tsunade said, "It's settled then. Asuma, here are the coordinates. Your group will be team two. Team one will go to another location that I will not disclose to you in case you meet with too much opposition. That way you won't be able to reveal any information that you don't know. Also, I'll be sending out four three-man Anbu squads. Two will to flank either side of you and keep any other enemies away from you while you do what you have to do. The other two squads will flank team one. You won't know they're there unless you run into too much trouble. Take out the installation. I want it gone and all of you back here as soon as possible. Watch out for each other and be careful. They probably know you're coming, so be ready."

All four elite ninjas nodded to Tsunade. They'd accepted their mission.

Tsunade said, "Good. You're all free to go. Pack and get ready. You leave tomorrow morning."

Again, all four ninjas nodded, and then they turned to go. Genma again jumped to the door and held it for Anko. She almost punched him in the stomach because his chivalrous actions were starting to annoy her. But she walked by him and didn't hit him.

Once they were in the hall, Asuma said, "Kakashi, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Kakashi turned and said, "Sure."

"In private?"

Kakashi looked at Anko, who returned his suspicious look. He said, "Ok." Then he followed Asuma to a classroom that wasn't being used. They both walked in and Asuma closed the door.

Asuma said, "You can't do this you know. You know Anko can't go with us."

Kakashi said, "Tsunade has made her decision."

"But you KNOW she can't go!"

"Why not?"

"Listen. I know she's your girlfriend and all, and it'd be good to have her close, but it's NOT GOOD! You don't see Kurenai and me running off doing missions together!"

"But you have before."

"Not something this serious."

"Asuma, I know what you're trying to say. But Anko is the expert. We should actually let her lead."

"I can't believe you're doing this. You can't let her go!"

"Are you worried that she can't perform as the deadly ninja she is?"

"No, I'm worried that she'll jeopardize the mission!"

Kakashi looked at Asuma like he'd lost his mind. "What the fuck are you saying?"

"Come on Kakashi, don't be dense! Do you think for one minute that she's going to be able to separate her feelings for you from doing what it takes to complete this mission? Can you separate them? What if you get hurt? Do you think she'll be able to concentrate enough to get the job done? You know she can't just stop and take care of you if you go down! Or what if she gets hurt – badly. Do you want to watch her die?"

"I'd never let that happen."

"You say that, but things DO happen. You know it as well as I do."

Kakashi did know. He thought maybe Asuma's right. But it's too late now. We all have a job to do, and we have to do it right. Nobody's getting hurt, everybody's coming home, and the job will get done right. There is no other way. I don't have any other choice.

Kakashi said, "Asuma. I'll need your help then."

"What? What help?"

He turned and looked at his friend and said, "Remind me that I have a job to do if things get bad."

Asuma looked at Kakashi hard and said, "Are you sure you can do that? If something bad happens, can you do the job?"

Kakashi thought a minute and said, "I'll do what I have to do."

"You could lose her."

"You're so negative."

"I'm being a realist."

Kakashi paused and said, "I know."

Both of them were quiet for a minute. Finally Asuma said, "So that's it then. Anko goes with us. Listen Kakashi, I know she's no weakling. She never was. But you two need to be able to focus on the job so we can all get in and out of there quickly and safely."

Kakashi looked at his friend and said, "You have my word. In and out quickly and safely."

Asuma said, "I still don't like the feel of this, but it's going to have to do. Will you talk to Anko about it, or do you want me to come with you when you do?"

"No. I'll take care of it. Thanks man. I'll make sure everything goes right."

Asuma slapped Kakashi on the back and said, "Make sure you do. I'll meet you at the gates tomorrow morning."

"Ok."

The two friends left the classroom and went their separate ways. Asuma went home and to pack. Kakashi went to find Anko and let her know what Asuma had said.

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A/N: How dare Asuma question Kakashi, or Anko for that matter! But if you think about it, he does have a point. Can two people who are in the "honeymoon phase" of their new relationship separate their feelings from what they have to do? We'll find out soon.

Next up: Extermination team two moves out to start their job. What happens along the way, and why is Genma looking at Anko so often? Next chapter will tell. Time to ramp it up! See you soon!