"The three of you have proven to be truly remarkable Genin, your mission history attests to that. Escorting the Fire Daimyo is an important task, one that must be treated with extreme caution and sensitivity." The Third Hokage explained from his chair, peering up at the three of us lined up before him. His gaze was intimidating. "It's as much political as it is physical. Though you all possess great skill, the fact that two of you have clan names attached also went into consideration. The Fire Daimyo will be pleased to have prominent members of the Uchiha and Inuzuka, it would be in the best interest of the village and your respective clans, to stay in his good graces."

The Third's message was loud and clear. I was a bit curious as to why a Genin team was being given such a sensitive mission, but now it made sense. It always seemed to boil down to politics, one of the downsides of being a 'prominent' clan kid I supposed. A downside to me at least. It was a little like being minor royalty, funny considering how poor I was Before, how minuscule and unimportant.

"I sure hope he likes dogs!" I chirped, feeling my Sensei's eyes burning holes into the back of my head from the intensity of his glare. He'd probably chew me out about my lack of respect later, not like it would be the first time, nor the last. Just because Sensei didn't think I was charming didn't mean that other people didn't, and by the amused expression on The Third's face, I could guess where he stood on the subject. I figured it would go over well since he had a soft spot for Naruto's shenanigans.

"I do believe that he has a few dogs of his own," He said and my grin widened.

"Perfect!"

"We're honored to be chosen Hokage-sama," Itachi interjected with a bow and I followed suit, as did Tenma. I wasn't going to push my luck on how informal I could be just yet. "We won't disappoint."

"I'm sure you won't. You're dismissed." To his credit, Yuki-sensei waited until we were outside of the Hokage building to let his displeasure be known.

"Just because you're a clan kid doesn't mean you have the right to speak to Hokage-sama so informally." He spat before a malicious smile spread across his face. Uh-oh. "Ten laps around the village."

"Oh c'mon!"

"Fifteen."

"Are you fucking-"

"Twenty."

Itachi's hand clamped down on my mouth before I could protest again. Sensei smirked down at me, no doubt seeing the defiance in my eyes. "You'll never be a good enough kunoichi if a boy always has to come to your rescue."

Every muscle in my body coiled tight in response to the burning anger that his snide remark caused. I could feel the warning in Itachi's grip. Sensei wanted me to attack him, to give him a reason to punish me even more, I knew that. I just hated that he knew exactly where to poke to get a reaction out of me.

I took a deep breath and tapped on Itachi's hand. I could feel his hesitation, but he removed his hold on me. "I'll gladly do those twenty laps, Yuki-sensei. Wouldn't want to get sloppy and end up as a glorified babysitter."

I was running before my beloved Sensei had a chance to increase the lap count even more. The exasperated look on Itachi's face did nothing to dull the delight of seeing Sensei's face twist into a scowl. Despite working together as a team for almost two years, he hadn't warmed up to me or Itachi at all. He was holding onto that clan kid grudge for dear life. Tenma more or less just treated us with indifference, he was stuck with us and he knew it. If he grew on me the tiniest bit, that was neither here nor there, but the way he actually laughed at my jokes let me know it was mutual.

A sudden presence brought a smile to my face despite the physical exertion. "This is my punishment, not yours."

"As the team leader, your actions reflect on me," Itachi replied diplomatically and I rolled my eyes. It did make me happy that he chose to be in my company. Despite being friends for as long as we have, it never failed to blow my mind that I had somehow, successfully befriended the Itachi Uchiha. I had managed to keep up with him in the Academy, to progress at his insane level, graduate early, and be put on his Genin team.

My fellow clansmen lauded me as a genius. They greeted me with smiles and praise wherever I went. The Inuzuka was one of the more forgotten about clans, they hoped I was going to change that. It was a lot for them to put on my shoulders, but wasn't that what I wanted? To be loved? Adored? Respected? To be someone? Well, I was.

I had accomplished my mission at the ripe old age of eight. When I was eight years old Before I was in second-grade learning how to spell and do basic division. Thinking about the disparity for too long gave me a headache.

"I'm sure you have more important, clan duties to attend to."

He faltered. I knew it. "I don't like politics, besides, when I tell my father about our new mission he'll be overjoyed."

Of course, he would be. If Itachi could win over the Fire Daimyo it would be a win for the Uchiha clan. "He already doesn't like me enough as is, if he thinks I'm taking you away from clan duties, that's not helping my case."

"It's not that he doesn't like you," Itachi immediately responded and I laughed.

"It's that he views the Inuzuka as mongrels." I supplied and he just shot me an apologetic look. It wasn't until the third time that I met Fugaku that I realized he didn't like me. He was good at hiding his distaste, he was a ninja after all. The fact that I could pick up on it showed me the extent of it. Him not having the decency to make it discreet showed just how little consideration he had towards me.

At least it didn't seem to be anything against me specifically. If anything, it was my personal achievements that won the minuscule of respect he did show me. I assumed it was the 'undignified' way the Inuzuka fought and conducted themselves that he took issue with.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, no offense but he's kind of a dick anyway. Your mom loves me and that's all that matters." Itachi managed a chuckle.

Mikoto was truly an angel. One of the many times I was at the Uchiha residence, she confessed to me that she always wanted a girl. I was happy to indulge her. "Speaking of, she told me to invite you to dinner soon. Maybe after the mission?"

"That works with me!"

With Itachi there to keep me distracted, the twenty laps went by much faster.

A/N: Surprise I'm actually not dead! Sorry for the long break, life kinda hits you hard when you're an adult. Please look at my profile for information about the move I'll be making to Ao3. Anyway, this chapter it kinda short but I wanted to give you all something since it's been so long. Hope you enjoyed!