I make my way into the Hokage office this afternoon and close the door after me.
"What's up, Naruto?" I stop in front of his desk.
"Hey, Denizu-sensei," he sets down some papers. "I've called you in for a mission."
"I know this isn't ideal right now," Shikamaru says. "Especially when you want to spend your last couple of weeks with your family before you set off back with Sasuke…But this needs to be taken care of immediately."
"Whatever you need me to do," I respond.
"This S-rank mission requires someone will special abilities and a high level of experience," Naruto explains. "With Sasuke not here, you're the only option since you're available in the village."
"There are reports of a terrorist group forming in the outskirts of the Land of Fire," Shikamaru hands me an envelope. "They have been terrorizing small villages and the Fire daimyō and Elders deem the group a threat as they are expanding."
"How long have they been active?" I look at a picture of a man taken in secret from afar.
"The last year or so," Shikamaru replies. "We thought the group eventually dissipated after no activity for months, but it seems they were working on gathering numbers."
"What's the number of the group?"
"We estimate it to be no more than fifty. Though small, the group proves to be skilled."
"They recently blew up a mine after raiding it for valuable stones," Naruto explains.
"Are valuable items what they're after?" I ask.
"The stones are only for money," Shikamaru says. "They need to acquire funds for their weapons. Their main motive seems to be a threat to peace."
"And who's this guy?" I hold up the picture of the man.
"That's the group's leader," Shikamaru replies. "His name is Kenta. He's a highly skilled swordsman that specializes in genjutsu."
"So that's why you need me for this mission," I continue to study Kenta's picture. "He's quite the large fellow."
"He's known to have monster strength, which is how he can wield that massive dadao sword of his," Shikamaru says. "But that's about all the intel we have on him."
"Everything else you must find out on your own," Naruto says. "That's why a skilled shinobi of your caliber is needed for this mission."
"Not a problem. When do you want me to depart?" I slip the photo of the man in my pocket.
"Immediately," Shikamaru responds. "The sooner the better."
"Alright, I just have one request."
"Hm? What is it?"
"I'll need to take another shinobi with me on this mission."
"Who do you have in mind?" Naruto asks.
"Are you thinking of Kakashi?" Shikamaru wonders.
"Good guess. But I need someone with a specific skill set," I reply. "I request Mizuki Might aid me on this mission."
"Ah yes. She's a highly skilled medical nin," Naruto says.
"Her medical skills will come in handy," I explain. "It's never a bad idea to have a medic nin accompany you on a mission. She can handle her own, too."
"It's settled then. Mizuki will accompany you on this mission."
"I'll let her know myself," I walk to the office door.
"Denizu-sensei…" Naruto calls out at me.
I turn and meet his serious gaze.
"Be careful," he says.
"Take care of things here," I give him a reassuring smile. "See ya!"
With that, I exit the office.
"This Kenta guy looks like a real piece of work," Kakashi examines the photo as he sits at the kitchen table.
"He does look rather scary," I bite my apple.
"You sure you can take him on?"
"Hey, I said he looks scary. It doesn't mean he scares me."
"Is there anything that scares you?"
"Well, yes…" I gaze down as I lean on the kitchen table.
"Really? I didn't expect that from you," he teases.
"It's not what you think…" I'm a bit flustered.
"Then what are you afraid of?"
I gaze down at the floor in thought.
"I'm afraid of ever losing my family," I finally say.
Kakashi's brows rise at my response. He gets up from his chair and stands in front of me.
"I'm sure you feel the same…" I keep my gaze down.
"Of course I do," Kakashi says. "That's what happens when you have loved ones."
I look up at Kakashi. It amazes me how far he's come. He'd pushed me and others away, afraid of creating bonds that he'd lose. And now after all these years, he's become my husband and the father of my children. He's become an even better man.
"What are you thinking about?" Kakashi wraps his arms around me.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" I give him a slight smirk.
"Of course," he leans his face to mine for a kiss.
We peck each other on the lips repeatedly until we hear Sora's cries from upstairs.
"I'll take care of her," Kakashi reassures me. "You gotta head out for your mission."
"Thank you," I smile up at him. "Tell Takashi where I'll be. I'll be back as soon as I can!"
I'm about to walk off but Kakashi pulls me back to him.
"Hey…be careful out there," he stares own at me.
"I will," I give him a nod and sweet smile.
"Where will your first stop be?"
"I've got old friends of ours in the Land of Snow who may have some intel on Kenta."
"Makes sense."
With that, I give him one last peck, grab my messenger bag and cloak, and head out.
I'm standing in front of a door to a home as I ring the doorbell. After a few moments, Mizuki finally opens the door.
"Denizu…" she's surprised to see me.
"Hey, Mizuki," I greet.
"What brings you here?"
"What? I can't visit my close friend unannounced?"
"You do it all the time so we've gotten used to it."
"Right," I chuckle. "Anyway, I'm going on a mission."
"Hm? What kind?"
"S-Rank. Got to put a stop to some small-time terrorist group."
"Sounds terrifying. But why have you come to tell me this in person?"
"Because you're coming with me."
"Ehhh?!"
"Go on and pack your bag. We'll be leaving now," I walk past her into the home.
"But! When? How?"
"I asked permission from the Hokage to add you to my mission as my aid."
"But why me?!"
"You're the only one available with your valuable skill set."
"Aunt Denizu!" Kaito and Miyoko excitedly run to greet me.
"But no one else can go with you?" Mizuki seems unsure.
"You're the only one I trust for this mission right now," I turn my gaze to her.
Mizuki sees the seriousness in my eyes and comprehends.
"Hey, Denizu!" Gai walks through the doorway of the living area.
"Well it's a good thing Gai is retired," Mizuki turns to him.
"Huh? What about me being retired?" Gai is puzzled.
"Mizuki is accompanying me on a mission," I explain. "You'll be with the twins in her absence."
"I take it Kakashi will also be by himself with Sora and Takashi."
"I'm sure you'll keep each other company."
"Are you sure you'll be alright, Gai?" Mizuki worries.
"Don't worry about a thing, hun!" Gai gives her a reassuring grin.
"If you say so…." Mizuki heads off to pack her bag.
Mizuki and I have made it a few miles outside of the village gate. I'm wearing my black cloak while Mizuki wears the standard beige cloak.
"Why'd you have me wear this cloak?" Mizuki asks.
"It'll be getting colder where we're heading," I reply.
"I've got a bad feeling about this…"
"It won't be so bad."
"How do you know this?"
"I haven't died yet."
"Really?"
"Have you died yet?"
"No, but…"
"See? We'll be fine."
"Let's hope…"
We eventually reach the Land of Snow. It is late in the afternoon as we make our way through the area. People are bustling about their business as they carry on with their errands.
"All this snow…" Mizuki pouts. "It's all I've seen since we got here…"
"Here it is," I stop in front of a tall building.
"Where are we?" Mizuki gazes up at the building.
"We're here to speak with some old friends of mine."
We walk forward to the front doors where two guards stand.
"Please enter, Lady Denizu," the guards bow their heads a bit.
"Wow, they know who you are," Mizuki is surprised as we walk through the main doors.
"I'm surprised considering how often I'm gone," I joke.
"Please follow me," a woman in glasses escorts us to the elevator.
She escorts us to the elevator and brings us to the top floor. We exit the elevator and see a woman and girl sitting in a living area.
"Ms. Kazahana," our escort calls to her. "Your guests are here."
"Denizu!" Koyuki rushes over to me.
She greets me with a hug.
"How long has it been?" she's in awe.
"Too long," I chuckle a bit. "I hear you met my son a while back."
"Yes, he's so much like you. Oh! You've got to seem my daughter."
She turns and gestures to the shy girl behind her.
"This is Gina," Koyuki puts a hand on her shoulder. "Gina, this is Lady Denizu, Takashi's mother."
"Hello, Lady Denizu," Gina gives me a sweet smile.
"Denizu hasn't seen you since you were born," Koyuki continues.
"You've grown so much!" I exclaim. "How old are you now?"
"I turned seven-years-old last month in September," Gina shyly responds.
"Wow! Takashi is going to be eleven in January. How time flies!"
"How is Takashi doing?" Gina's face lights up with a slight blush.
"He's doing well. Busy as always with his missions."
"Gina hopes to see Takashi soon," Koyuki chimes in, causing Gina to blush a bit more.
"I'm sure you'll get to see him some time," I smile.
"Gina is also considering to become a kunoichi."
"Is that so?" I place my hands on my hips as I glance down at Gina.
"Yes," she nods. "My father has been training me."
"It seems she's inherited her father's ice release," Koyuki adds.
"You know, the Academy can offer her the chance to develop her skills more," I turn to Koyuki.
"We've discussed it and plan on sending her to the Academy when she's ready," Koyuki nods.
"She'll be welcomed there," I smile down at Gina.
Gina stares up at me with her ice blue eyes and returns the smile.
"Anyway, what brings you here?" Koyuki asks.
"I'm on a mission with my friend here," I gesture to Mizuki.
"I'm Mizuki Might," she bows her head a bit.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Koyuki greets.
"I was hoping to speak with Takeo," I say. "I hope he has some intel that would be useful to our mission."
"He should be back at any moment."
"We're back!" we hear a familiar voice from the elevator.
We turn and see Takeo and Tsutomu exit the elevator and head over to us.
"Hm? Denizu?" Tsutomu is surprised. "Well I'll be damned!"
"Hey, Tsutomu," I chuckle as I give him a hand shake.
"It's a rarity to see your face!"
"Nice to see you, Denizu," Takeo greets.
"Likewise," I give him a smile.
"So what brings you here?" Tsutomu asks. "And who's this?" he turns to Mizuki.
"Oh, I'm Mizuki Might," she bows a bit. "It's nice to meet you."
"Don't bow to him," I joke.
"Hey!" Tsutomu hears me.
"Takeo, Denizu wants to speak with you," Koyuki tells him. "I'll take Gina to her room while you guys have time to talk."
Koyuki leads Gina away through double doors and closes them after. The four of us then make our way to the couches in the living area. Mizuki takes a seat to my right while Takeo and Tsutomu sit across from us.
"So what do you wish to discuss?" Takeo asks.
"I've been sent on an S-Rank mission," I explain. "I need to put a stop to a terrorist group."
"There are still some out there, huh?" Tsutomu remarks.
"I was wondering if you knew the leader who goes by the name Kenta," I say.
"Kenta?" Takeo is surprised with Tsutomu.
"So you do know him?" I ask.
"He's a highly skilled swordsman known for his violent nature," Takeo replies.
"How do you know him?"
"Back during the days of when I was used for my ice release...Kenta was also one of the ones used for his special skills. He worked his way up to a gang leader until he broke off on his own. Hadn't seen him since."
"There's been activity of his terrorist group recently. It's believed that he and his group are a threat to peace."
"I'm not surprised. Kenta was never about peace."
"Maybe I can talk to him."
"Whoa, you won't get anywhere with that guy!" Tsutomu exclaims. "Trust us when we say this: Kenta is a dangerous man."
"How do you know him?" I ask.
"I've only heard stories of the guy," Tsutomu explains. "Never got to see him in person but hearing the horror stories was enough for me."
"So he's really no joke, huh?" I wonder.
"Denizu, if you're going to face him," Takeo is serious. "You have to be extremely careful. He's proven to be deadly."
"I don't like the sound of that…" Mizuki is worried.
"I'll see about that when I run into him," I brush it off.
"Please, heed my warning, Denizu," Takeo pleads.
I see how serious he is.
"In fact, I'll offer to assist you," Takeo says.
"What?" I'm surprised. "No, you don't have to."
"I'm still indebted to you and Kakashi for giving me a chance at a better life. It's the least I can do."
"Well, if you're going, I guess I have no choice to tag along," Tsutomu shrugs.
"You don't have to," Takeo glances at him.
"With you gone, I won't have much company."
"You sure you can handle it, Tsutomu?" I ask.
"As best as I can."
"Are you two sure about this? I don't want you joining me in the face of danger."
"I wish you'd thought of me that way…" Mizuki mutters with a pout.
"Whatever we can do to help," Takeo insists. "We want to ensure the peace that's been settled."
"Alright then," I see no other choice. "We'll bring down Kenta together!"