Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

Chapter 20: Mission

"You wished to see me Hokage-sama?" Kira asked as she entered the office.

"Ah, yes, Kira. Have a seat please," Tsunade said, gesturing to the chair in front of her desk.

Once Kira settled into the chair, Tsunade folded her hands as she looked at the girl before her, "Kira, over the last six months, you've greatly improved your medical skills. I can honestly say that other than Sakura and myself, you are one of the best healers in the village."

Tsunade took out a scroll and opened it on her desk, "Which is why I will be sending you on this mission to Suna. The Kazekage requests aid for his hospital and medical staff. While they aren't terrible, their medical knowledge is still limited. He wants me to send one of my best medical shinobi to teach and help out in the hospital."

Tsunade looked up at Kira, "I'm unable to go, since I'm the Hokage, and Sakura is desperately needed in our own hospital. Because of this, you are the only logical choice for this mission. Do you have any questions?"

"Will I be going alone and how long will I be away?" Kira asked.

The Hokage shook her head, "No, I will be sending you with an escort, who will be with you during the duration of your stay in Suna. This mission will be a minimum of three months."

Kira nodded absently, "And who will be my escort?"

Tsunade sighed, "Now that's the question. I haven't figured it out just yet."

"How about Deidara?" Kira suggested, hoping to have someone she knew well as her companion.

Tsunade waved her hand dismissively at the thought, "No, no, definitely not. While Konoha is now fine with him, he tried, and succeeded, in killing the Kazekage. We want this mission to strengthen our bonds with Suna, not blow it up."

Kira nodded, remembering when Deidara had told her about the whole battle, "That's true. Plus he may need to stay here and help Shizune-san with the planning."

Tsunade's brow wrinkled in confusion, "What planning? I don't remember scheduling anything."

"He asked her tonight."

A mischievous grin lit the Hokage's face, "And she said yes? Oh, this will be interesting."

"Um, Hokage-sama? Before you continue, maybe Naruto-san would be a good escort."

Tsunade turned her attention back to the kunoichi before her, "And what makes you think so?"

"I heard that he and the Kazekage are good friends, plus he and I have worked together in the past," Kira pause a moment before adding, "And he's already been briefed on the details."

Tsunade froze for a second, then a look of understanding went across her face, "Naruto! Stop hiding in the damn ceiling! Get your butt down here!"

Naruto plopped down next to Kira. After straightening back up, he rubbed the back of his head and gave a nervous chuckle, "Hey baa-chan. Funny thing about that ceiling. I actually left something up there and if I didn't get it back at that exact moment-"

"Save it Uzumaki, you're starting to sound like Kakashi," Tsunade said, rubbing her temples, "Well? Did you hear the whole mission?"

"What, about Kira-chan going to Suna for a while? Yeah. I wouldn't mind going. Haven't seen Gaara in a while," Naruto said, a goofy grin spreading across his features.

"Well, I guess that settles that," Tsunade said with a sigh, "You two will be leaving tomorrow at sunrise. Dismissed!"

…

"Leaving! What do you mean you're leaving for a few months, yeah? Where are you going?" Deidara asked as Kira packed.

"Suna," came her monosyllable reply.

"Well why can't I go with you? I've been around you every day for a little over a year now, yeah. It'll be weird not seeing you for a few months."

Kira inclined her head in his direction, "The main reason you cannot accompany me on this mission is because there's bad blood between you and the Kazekage."

Deidara scoffed, "So, what, the guy can forgive his family and village for treating him like a monster cause of the Ichibi, but I get the cold shoulder for taking the little beasty outta him, yeah? Doesn't sound like a fair trade."

"You killed him," Kira stated bluntly.

Deidara waved a hand, "Minor detail, yeah. He's still alive isn't he? He should let it go already. It's been a few years since then, yeah."

"As it still stands, you are not going," Kira said, returning to her packing, "Naruto will be my escort. Besides, you will be needed here when Shizune starts planning the wedding."

Deidara blushed slightly, then sighed, knowing that there was no point in trying to argue.

"Fine, yeah. At least I can trust Naruto to keep you from getting hurt."

Kira rose an eyebrow at the statement and paused in her packing, inclining her head in his direction. Deidara scoffed slightly, "Oh, come on, yeah. I know you can take care of yourself. It just helps having a little extra insurance, yeah," Kira went back to her packing, not even bothering responding to the blonde bomber.

"So when are you leaving?" he asked.

"Tomorrow morning."

Deidara sighed and nodded, "Alright, let me help you pack, yeah."

…

At dawn, Kira was standing at the village gates, waiting for Naruto. She had already said her goodbyes to Deidara and her few other friends the night before.

"Morning Kira-chan," Naruto said as he walked up, covering a yawn.

"Good morning Naruto-san. Are you ready?"

A large smile lit his face, "You bet! I can't wait to see Gaara. It's been too long," he paused a moment as if coming to a realization, "You two will probably get along, you're both reeeally quiet."

Choosing to ignore the comment, Kira turned and started walking out of the village. Naruto jerked out of his thoughts and jogged to catch up to her.

The day passed uneventfully and night soon came. Kira and her escort made camp, ate a quick supper (which had to be ramen), then prepared for bed. Kira volunteered to take the first shift, and with little argument, Naruto fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow, a small trail of saliva slowly soaking it.

Kira shook her head slightly at this and scanned the perimeter. The moment she did, she froze. Why hadn't she noticed before? How long had he been following them? Which man was he? And most importantly, would he attack?

"Hello Kira-san," the figure said quietly, not wanting to wake her companion, "It's been a long time."

"Yes it has," Kira replied monotonously, mentally relaxing at the sound of his voice, yet still prepared for an attack, "Just over a year I believe…Itachi-san."

Oh Naruto, when will you learn that hiding in ceilings isn't very nice? O.O And Itachi is back! …at least it wasn't her dad... But what does he want? Is he taking her back to the base? After Naruto? Coincidence? Something else altogether? You'll have to wait till the next chapter to find out…cause I'm evil like that mwahahaha! ….Anyway…Review? Please? :D