(A/N) Hope you lot had a good Christmas! TBNkurama: I know, right? Very catchy. So, you guys picked a three week updating schedule, so I have the schedule up on my profile, so maybe go see that, and the poll about which of the new stories you're most curious about just from the titles.

"I want to see you in Kiri in two months," Zabuza told his apprentice firmly.

Haku nodded. "Yes, Zabuza-sensei." Haku was stuck on a stretcher. He'd cracked a few vertebrae and severed a few nerves when he hit the side of the bridge, so Team 7 was taking him back for proper medical treatment. Haku would join Zabuza in Kiri to assist the rebellion when he was recovered.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of him! Believe it!" Naruto shouted.

Sakura just rolled her eyes. "Or rather, the medic-nin will."

"Speaking of, Haku, you don't have too much of a problem with hospitals, right?" Kakashi asked.

Haku shook his head. "I don't."

"Good!" Kakashi chirped. "Cause you'll be spending a lot of time there."

Haku rolled his eyes good naturedly. "Don't you think I already know that?"

"Have a good trip," Zabuza said, turning and walking off.

"You too!" Sakura called after him.

The trip back was about as quiet as it ever got with Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura and Haku conversing in quiet tones about medical stuff, and a couple of water jutsu.

There was a bit of paperwork involved getting Haku into Konoha, but luckily, he wasn't known, wasn't in the Bingo Books, and hadn't actually done anything, so it was easier than it could have been.

With Haku dropped off at the hospital, Team 7 went to turn in their mission scroll.

"Ah, Team 7, just got back?" A chuunin at the missions desk asked.

Kakashi nodded, handing over the scroll, and getting the envelopes that was their pay.

"Alright, hand in your reports later please. This isn't often done, but if you wouldn't mind taking one more mission…"

"Sure!" Naruto chirped immediately. "What is it!?"

"Ah, it appears that Team 13 has misplaced their jounin sensei, and requires an escort."

"You don't just… misplace a jounin." Sakura said flatly.

"She isn't dead, if that is what you're worried about," the chuunin reassured. "She has other business that she can't afford to leave, and it isn't safe for a group of inexperienced genin to travel on their own."

"So you're sending us to collect them," Sasuke concluded.

The chuunin nodded, offering the scroll. "Do the paperwork nin a favor and complete your reports on the way. Try and be back in under two weeks, if I'm correct in assuming Kakashi will be entering you into the chuunin exams."

Kakashi nodded, accepting the scroll. "We'll be back in time."

The chuunin chuckled. "I don't doubt it. See you."

Rumi greeted them with a nod as they approached.

"Where's your sensei?" Naruto asked immediately.

"Busy elsewhere. She regrets not being able to see you." Came the smooth reply.

Katana and Shinta walked up, with their bags on their backs. Katana handed Rumi's bag to her, and it was quickly donned. "Kakashi-sensei, if I may speak to you."

Kakashi nodded, following her to the side. Once they were far enough away that they would not be overheard, Katana began.

"Akiko-sensei did request that your team not be informed, given their tendency to… not think about consequences before rushing in. She did not want them in over their heads because of her."

Kakashi nodded. "Makes sense."

Katana nodded. "Good."

"So, what is your sensei doing?" Sakura asked curiously.

"Akiko-sensei didn't tell us," Shinta drawled. "I assumed it's because it is a higher ranked mission, and therefore, out of our current clearance level."

"That would be correct," Kakashi agreed, rejoining them. "It is indeed above your clearance level as genin."

Naruto pouted. "When'll she get back?"

"Hopefully, right after we do," Kakashi mused. "In time for the Chuunin exams."

"I don't think we were going to be nominated," Shinta said. "Would be rather troublesome anyhow."

Rumi adjusted her sunglasses, but didn't say anything.

"If she does not come back for more than three months, she will be labeled MIA," Katana said, "and search parties will be mobilized, if they can find her, or her body, she will be brought back to Konoha."

"Hopefully it isn't her body," Naruto muttered, looking slightly haunted.

Katana inclined her head. "That would be unfortunate."

(A/N) Good ending spot. Next chapter, back to Konoha, and the Chuunin exams! No, Akiko's team will not be participating in the chuunin exams, they'll be doing their own things. Doesn't mean people won't get blown up though! Do go vote on which story you're most curious about based on the title, wouldcha?