Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Of course.
In the morning ANBU squad find their companion calmly waiting for them outside. All team have their mask on and after short breakfast they was ready to go. They leap through forest on top speed. When they was just mile from their destination Kakashi gives signal to stop. He looked at Aerth.
"How long you can stay in this other dimension?"
Aerth shrugged.
"No limit. For me it is safe to be there as long as I want. You have something in mind?"
"Yes, I have. I think it will be the best if you remain hidden this whole mission. If there are enemies then no doubt they will do some scouting and gathering information before strike. If they will think that only three of us are hired then we can surprise them."
Aerth nodded, this sounds logical and was quite good plan.
"I understand. I will stay near you, so I know what's going on the whole time. See you later."
Three ANBU members and now invisible Jounin rushed toward city.
Immediately after entering the capitol Kakashi's team go to meet with client. It wasn't hard to find the right address and whole team was quickly brought to father's study. Kakashi spoke to the man.
"We are from Konoha and are send here to perform mission you requested. Hokage told us all about our task but maybe you can add something."
Man nodded.
"Konoha has my deep thanks for responded so quickly. I am really worried about my daughter. He and her soon-to-be fiancée are both sixteen now and arranging this betrothal and marriage required a years of preparations and negotiations. But family of one of suitors wasn't the one to admit defeat. I think they will try to ruin things by kidnapping my daughter or killing the boy. Now betrothal ceremony will take place after week from now and two days later will be the wedding. After marriage even the most stubborn will admit they lost and leave couple alone. Currently both of them are in their respective rooms and under watch, but with you there it should be safe to let them go out now. Can you assure their safety?"
Kakashi nodded.
"Yes, I can assure that nothing will happen to them when under our watch. We will became their shadows without them currently knowing it."
ANBU squad left study and start their work. In The Maze Aerth sigh. This is going to be a hell of annoying mission.
The couple go for a walk, carefully followed by Kakashi's squad. Boy and girl seemed to like each other, something rare when the things are arranged by parents. There wasn't any physical affection as it would be improper, but it was obvious that they was happy. As they walk by the streets no one noticed figure watching them from the shadows.
The whole day went without any accidents. As squad from Konoha was preparing for night shift, four figures assembled in other part of city. Leader spoke.
"Report."
"Looks like her father suspect something, now they have protection of Konoha's ANBU. It will be harder that we assumed."
Leader nodded.
"It is really inconvenient. Tomorrow is off limits then, we will stay hidden and make a new plan. Then we will strike. I will contact you later."
All figurines leapt away.
Aerth was awake in the Maze. He was protecting the boy . It was already midnight, Kakashi's supposed to change him around two. So he still has some time to use. So he simply stares in direction of Konoha and think. There was no danger of missing something, Pacman will snap him out of thoughts if needed. So he use ability of opening "windows" in his sanctuary walls and stare into the night's sky.
"Man, you takes it bad"
"I don't know what you are talking about, yellow ball."
"Sure you doesn't. And it isn't "what" but "who". You know I can read your mind, so no chance of fooling me. She is all right, don't worry."
"I know, I simply miss her. It can't be helped. I wonder what she's doing right now."
Konoha, Hyuuga compound.
Yukiko was in her room, staring into the sky. Her mind was far away as he thought about one very special person. She could only prays for his safety. She didn't stop staring when door to her rooms was opened and her mother steps inside.
"You should rest, my daughter. Tomorrow you're supposed to take Lady Hinata to the park and you can't fall asleep then."
Yukiko shook her head.
"I can't sleep mother. I will be fine, don't worry."
Her mother, Hyuuga Ayumi has a knowing smile
"You think about him, don't you? I never saw you falling for someone so completely and quickly, so he really must be special."
Yukiko sighed.
"It is okay, mother, to fall for someone so quickly? I know him only week and I already feel that if he will propose in this moment I will accept without second thoughts. And I am so afraid that something will go wrong and he will never return."
Ayumi put hand of her daughter shoulder.
"It is, Yuki-chan. No one will blame you for loving. And it is great you are so confident about your feelings towards him. He is shinobi, his life won't be easy. You both can't waste time for long romances, because you never know how much time you still have. As for your worries I understand, I feel the same anytime your father must go. I won't lie to you that this feelings disappear. I still fell them anytime your father must go. But if you really loves him, you will endure this. Have faith in him and be the first one he will see after returning. And always offer your support, no matter what. From what your father told me, he is a great man. You have our full support in this relationship."
Yukiko smiled at her mother.
"Thanks, kaasan. It helps a lot."
"You're welcomed my daughter."
It was hour after Ayumi's left the room when Yukiko finally fall asleep.
Six days later, evening.
Kakashi summoned whole team, including Aerth, to room assigned for them by client. For last six days nothing happened, but they all know that mission isn't over yet. So they assembled to come with a plan for tomorrow. Kakashi spoke.
"Our mission is to protect this couple, so at first sight of trouble they must be evacuated immediately. Aerth, it's your job. You can instantly appear beside them and cover retreat with Hidden mist technique. My squad will take a fight. Remember that we have no information about enemies appearance and abilities, so if we will forced to fight be extremely careful."
They all nodded.
Somewhere in the city.
Four figurines stood in the circle. They discussed last details of their attack plan. Leader eyed all of them.
"Tomorrow."
Next day
Whole family gathered in the garden and was watching on the mansion terrace. Now young couple are in family chapel, where betrothal ceremony takes place. After ceremony, couple will appear on terrace and will be presents to everyone here. Kakashi's squad was already strategically deployed and hidden. Aerth will provide security in chapel and between chapel and terrace. As for now, nothing happened. Terrace doors starts to open.
Tenzo observed walking couple when someone landed nearby. In the same time Kakashi and Yugao have company as well. All three strangers was shinobi, but without hitai-ate, so there was no way to tell from what village they come. All three stars to work jutsu without warning.
As fighting begun, one more man leapt from the crowd and tossed two shuriken at the boy. "This was too easy". Smiled from his face disappeared when both missiles was deflected and between him and his target strange man with white mask appeared.
"Both of you, inside. You aren't safe here anymore."
"Do you really think I will let this two escape?"
Ninja quickly works jutsu and wall of earth blocked the only escape rout. Suddenly Aerth found himself in difficult situation. Behind him was scared couple that must be protected. In front of him stood large ninja that obviously was earth type. And looking on his body anyone can say that man is strong even without jutsus, when Aerth's posture was far from intimidating.
"So you are the one that stood behind all of this?" Aerth asked, trying to buy some time.
Man laughed.
"I am leader of this group, but we was simply hired to break this engagement. So be nice and let me kill this boy, after his death we has no other business here and you and this ANBU can go free."
Aerth smirked
"Your offer is very generous, but I will pass. Our mission is protect this kids and I'm not going to screw this. Besides, I don't think your men have any chance against this squad.". He drop into jyuuken stance.
"They must buy me only enough time to deal with brat. If you want fight it's fine, I will deal with you first."
Aerth assaulted his opponent, not giving him any chance to work jutsu. Earth type shinobi dodged some attacks, he was surprisingly fast. Aerth can't land a single blow on him and must be focused to avoid any counterattacks. He tried once again land a combo on enemy's shoulder, but this time large man was prepared and Aerth found himself flying after strong receiving strong blow. He landed safely, but enemy was already working a jutsu. River of mud appeared on terrace. Another series of hand signs and dragon head rose from river. Aerth immediately know that it isn't good. He jumped in front of couple just in time. Dragon opened his mouth and spit several mud missiles toward boy. Aerth act instantly.
Kaiten
All missiles was deflected by spinning dome of chakra. Aerth stops spinning and was eyed his opponent. Man laughed.
"Well well, looks like I underestimated you. But now I'm getting serious and fight is over. You are exactly there where I want you to be." He smashed his palms into earth.
Earth barrier clay prison
Dome of Earth surrounded jounina from Leaf and young couple. Earth-nin smirked.
"Now I will drink all your chakra. After your death killing this brat will be peace of cake."
Aerth smirked beneath his mask. With kids in this dome he can use his full abilities and not worry about anything. This fight really is over, in this part his opponent was right. In instant young couple found themselves completely alone.
Enemy shinobi was really surprised when suddenly kick in his jaw send him to the air. And this was only beginning. Using The Maze, Aerth kicks his enemy, sending him higher and in the same time avoiding any counterattack (you can't hit someone who appears and disappears in blink of the eye). After series of fifteen kicks, Aerth appears above his enemy and with drop kick on head send him in straight path to the ground. Before ninja hit the ground, he received palm strike to the chest and hit the earth dome. Amount of chakra that was forced into body was more than enough to destroy hearth. With his death, jutsus ended so couple was free again and wall of earth that was blocking door collapsed. Aerth quickly escorted young people inside and stays with them. After fifteen minutes rest of the team appeared. Tenzo peforms simple mukoton technique as proof that they aren't imposters. Aerth relaxed a bit. Kakashi looked at him
"We saw corpse on terrace, really good job. But I told you to escape with this couple immediately after attack."
Aerth frowned.
"Yeah, but this plan was ruined when this bastard blocked the door with wall of earth. And I can't take them to my sanctuary, they will die in five seconds. Fight was the only way. I'm sorry they was in danger, it wasn't planned. But they are still alive and he is dead, that matter. What with the rest of his team? I know they attacked you."
Yugao nodded.
"They escaped. All three of them fled after realizing that his leader is dead. I doubt they will come back after this."
"Probably, but our mission isn't over, we still must stay until the wedding. So not let your guard down." Kakashi spoke.
Two days later
Newly married couple kissed and gathered people cheered for them. Four Leaf-nins was waiting at mansion gate. They was invited, but politely refused. ANBU are personal weapon of Hokage, they can't waste time. Bride's father approach them.
"Thank you for your help. This wedding is possible only thanks to you. Konoha has great men and I will never forget what you've done." He produced envelope from pocket and give it to Kakashi. "This is full payment for this mission. Send my greatest thanks to your Hokage. I wish you safe return to the village."
Kakashi took item and soon whole team was in their way back home.
In the night, Aerth was on a tree branch looking in direction of the village again. He wasn't surprised when someone landed on the same branch. He looked at ANBU member.
"Hello, captain."
Kakashi took his mask off.
"It was really your first mission? It was really great job to defeat high jounin level opponent while protecting people in the same time. And this terrace wasn't that big." He shook his head. "When Hokage assign you to my squad, I was sceptical first, but you proved to be great addition. Continue this and ANBU will be interested in you soon."
Aerth smiled.
"Thanks, It is great honor to fight under famous Hatake Kakashi. And yes, this was my first mission, I'm glad it was success and I survived. Even if living in other dimension for whole week wasn't funny, but looks like it works – they really wasn't aware of my presence."
"This ability of yours is amazing, every assassin will give everything for having it. Now go rest, it's my turn."
Three days later
Naruto and Hinata was playing in the park. Yukiko and Neji was there watching. Hyuuga woman encourage him to join the happy couple, but prodigy refused. She sigh – she likes her cousin's son very much, but she wished he would be less formal. She was about to try her luck once again when she felt someone's presence behind and heard familiar voice.
"Well, just the right girl I hoped to find first. I've missed you, Yuki-chan."
Neji used his all strong will to not glare at newcomer. Yukiko missed obvious distress of the boy and smiled at man that suddenly comes. He was in black ninja clothing and has his jounin vest.
"Aerth-kun, you're back. I missed you too. How was mission, everything went fine?"
"I will told you everything about mission, but I prefer to do it at the dinner. Are you free tonight?"
Yukiko's smile widen.
"Yes, after returning Lady Hinata to her parents I'm free."
Aerth nodded.
"Perfect, so when the kids ends playing I will escort Naruto home and then pick you up." He looked at Neji. "You know Neji, playing sometimes with them won't kill you. And you pride won't suffer."
Boy glanced at him.
"My duty is protecting Lady Hinata. I will do it the best from this spot."
Yukiko shook her head.
Later
They walk around the park just like on their first date. When Naruto and Hinata was finally tired, he escorted boy to his apartment. Not surprisingly, Naruto was eager to learn about mission. Aerth promised to told everything tomorrow morning when they will eat ramen at Ichiraku. Then he returned to compound and took Yukiko out. She ask many questions about mission and he was happy to answer all of them. After dinner they decided to go for a walk. They was much closer to each other than before. Aerth looked in her eyes.
"You know, there was plenty of sleepless night there. And in single one I was thinking about you."
Yukiko blushed.
"I was thinking about you, too." They stop and she giggled. "You know, if you want to kiss me now I promise I will not hit you."
Aerth put his hands on her hips and pull her closer. He smirked.
"Well, then I think I will take my chance."
They closed their eyes as their lips meet.
.