Hello there! Here's the next chapter! Enjoy and read and review!

Chapter 10: Rations

"Kakashi-kun!" Asuma called. "Can you give me a hand?" He was struggling to restrain a crazed Choji. The chubby boy was sprinting on the spot, kept in place by Asuma. The sensei was desperately hanging onto a pole with one hand and holding Choji's scarf with the other.

Kakashi briefly enjoyed the spectacle of the man slowly being pulled apart before grasping the offending boy with both of his hands. The force behind the run was nearly enough to make him lose his grasp. Taking a better hold, he hauled him back a few inches, just enough for Asuma to tie his scarf to the post.

Choji finally screamed to a stop as the scarf tightened round his neck. The two jonin collapsed beside him, panting. "What happened?" Kakashi gasped.

"He heard Kanashimi-san was having a feast over by her apartment. We have a mission and I couldn't let him skip it just for food." Asuma gave a signature grin. "It sucks a little. I've heard about Kanashimi but I still haven't had the chance to meet her. You know they say she almost took down you, Kakashi-san."

Kakashi ignored the last sentence. "Why would she be having a feast?" he asked.

"I guess she needed to get rid of the food in her apartment before she goes on that big mission."

"What mission?" Kakashi was even more confused.

"For that answer, you'll have to ask her yourself." Asuma patted Choji on the back. "Ready to do our mission now?" Choji nodded, face purple from strangulation. "Are you sure?" He nodded even faster. Asuma got out his kunai and cut the scarf off Choji. The boy immediately turned tail and made a run for it.

As the two remaining shinobi watched his rapidly retreating back, Kakashi said, "Why don't you take some other genin along? It would be easier than getting Choji again." Asuma nodded and gave another smile. With a half-salute and a relaxed "See you!" he turned and walked off leisurely.

Another knock thudded on the door. "Coming!" Kanashimi hurriedly put down her spoon and made a dash for it. Opening it, she saw Naruto waiting outside. "I smelt the ramen," he explained bouncily, tapping his quivering nose. He froze. "Hey aren't you the lady who came to the village with Kakashi-sensei?" he exclaimed. She nodded.

"My name is Arashi Kanashimi."

"Then maybe you know what happened to the wolf?" he asked. Kanashimi chuckled, "I am the wolf." Naruto looked at her blankly. "I was using a special type of transformation jutsu."

Naruto breathed out, "I still don't really get it but, whatever, just as long as there's ramen." She nodded and ushered him in. Inside, Kiba, Choji, Hinata, Haruka and Shino were sitting by the kitchen counter. "HEY GUYS!" Naruto shouted enthusiastically, before taking a seat next to Kiba.

Kanashimi hurried back to the kitchen and continued her cooking. Chatter filled the air as Naruto nattered about his favourite kinds of ramen. Glancing over her shoulder, Kanashimi surveyed the genin. Shino was Shino, serious and silent. Hinata was equally so, but blushing a deep scarlet. Naruto and Kiba were arguing, the loudness of the conversation blurring the words. Haruka was watching them. Choji was dead still, eyeing the food in the kitchen greedily.

"It will just be a few more minutes," she told him. She swept the prawn tempura onto a platter and plonked the sushi beside it. She rapidly filled a little cup with sweet chilli sauce and placed that on the platter as well. She set the ramen beside it. Putting everything on the counter, she admired her handiwork. "Well, dig in!" Kanashimi exclaimed.

The genin grabbed chopsticks and piled into the food. Munching filled her ears. Suddenly there was a banging on the door. She strode over to the handle and turned it. Pulling the door open, she surveyed the man in front of her. "Kakashi." He ran his fingers through his hair.

"Hi."

"Oh, uh...come on in." She stepped aside and allowed the jonin to pass. Closing the door behind him, she eyed his back. "Can I get you something to eat?" she asked. He turned.

"I'm good thanks." At the sound of his voice, the genin turned, curiosity on their faces.

"What are you doing here Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto sounded peeved at the idea of sharing more food. Kakashi waved his hand dismissively. "I just came to talk to Kanashimi-san," he told the annoyed blonde. He focused on her. "Privately please," he told her softly. She nodded and escorted him into the laundry room. "What is it Kakashi-san?" she asked and her eyes seemed genuinely confused.

"I heard you're leaving on a mission."

"Yeah," she exhaled. "The Hokage-sama let me start participating in normal village life early because of the circumstances."

"You mean your sister?"

"Yep. The elders figured I wouldn't run as long as they had her." She sighed. "I guess I was hoping people would trust me on my first mission. Instead the ANBU are going to be watching me the entire time."

"What is your mission?"

"The ANBU has a new lead on Orochimaru. I'm going to be assisting with any tracking. It's basic enough. Why are you so concerned?" She was aware of the confines of the room, of how Kakashi was uncomfortably close. "No reason," he shrugged and walked back into the kitchen area before she could question him further.

I hope you enjoyed it! I'll try and update soon. :)