Tsunade was waiting for the father and daughter when they entered the Hokage's office. Aya and Sasuke bowed and looked at the Fifth quizzically. Neither had any real idea as to why they had been called there.
"Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Aya. I am going to tell you something that is not to leave this room. When I wish for the disclosure of this information, I will do so myself, understood?"
Both shinobi nodded and waited for the sensitive information.
"The Snow Country has declared war on Konoha. All peace negotiations have failed. We are to begin preparations for conflict immediately. The first thing we must attend to is a series of reconnaisance missions that will be necessary for victory. From now on, anyone from the Snow Country is your enemy. You are not to associate with them in battle, or during your reconnaisance missions. Is this crystal clear?"
Aya nodded. Sasuke was still a bit taken aback but nodded along with Aya.
"Very good. Now, there is to be a reconnaisance mission that will begin today. Aya, I wish for you to do it. Alone. This is a solo mission and you are the only shinobi in our village who has the ability to do such a mission by themselves."
Aya's eyes held a great deal of surprise. "Shouldn't I at least bring one other person, Tsunade-sama? It is a spy mission in an enemy country after all."
Tsunade shook her head. "No. There is need for the greatest stealth. One person is pushing it. Two is far too many. I must ask you to trust me on this, Aya."
The Hokage turned to face Sasuke. "I hope you approve of this?"
Sasuke nodded. "It will not be too dangerous, will it, Tsunade-sama?"
The Fifth sighed. "I don't know. We're sending our best. I hope she will come home safely. We will need her for actual battle."
Aya nodded. "I understand. What information am I supposed to gather for you?"
"Any information about their battle preparations, or their weakest spots. No one will know you are on this mission, they are simply to know that you are on a mission and might be gone for awhile. Do you understand, Aya?"
"Absolutely, Tsunade-sama."
"Very good. Now, Sasuke. I called you here because I wish for you and Sakura to head for Suna. We will need the help of the Sand in this battle. Gaara knows you two and since he is now Kazekage, it will be our best bet to gain their support. Do you understand?"
Sasuke nodded in affirmation.
"Alright, Sasuke. I would like to speak to your daughter privately now. Please leave my office."
Sasuke raised his eyebrow just a little bit, but bowed and left accordingly.
Tsunade sighed. "Now, Aya. I must tell you something that not even your father must know about. This mission...it's not really a reconnaisance. It's an assassination mission. Of the highest secrecy."
Aya stared. "An assassination...but...who am I supposed to...?"
"There is supposed to be a shinobi in the Snow Country who is as powerful as you are. I chose you for this mission because you are the only one strong enough to take him on. This particular shinobi is the Snow's secret weapon. They don't even realize we know about him."
"Who is this ninja?"
"His name is Hiromi. We don't know his last name or if he even has one. You are to seek him out and kill him as quickly as possible. Your mission begins as soon as you can leave Konoha."
"I can begin in ten minutes then, Tsuande-sama."
"Excellent. You may leave now. Remember, not a word to anyone. And Aya..."
Aya had her hand on the doorknob. She turned to face the Hokage.
"This is a mission where your feelings cannot get in the way. Do not make the same mistake your aunt made. She would still be alive today if she did not allow her emotions to cloud her judgement."
Aya grimaced. There it was again. The comparison. The yardstick she never seemed able to escape. If Kari did not do what she did, I would never have existed... Aya, however, did not betray her thoughts. "Understood, Tsunade-sama." With that, Aya made a quick exit. Her father was waiting for her.
"I must leave immediately, Father."
Sasuke nodded. "I know."
"I might not see you for awhile."
Her father smiled at her. "It's about time I learned how to let you go, Aya. But before you leave," Aya stopped and turned to look at her father. "I just wanted you to know," he continued, "that I am very proud of you. If Kari was alive, I think she would be as proud of you as I am. As someone stronger than she ever was. And as a niece worthy of knowing. Aya, I hope you know that I love you and I think that, without the pedigree, you are the finest young woman I have had the privelege of being related to."
Aya's eyes brightened considerably. Her father saw her as...well, as Aya. Not as Aya the niece of Kari, but as Uchiha Aya, one of the most powerful kunoichi in the world. She ran to hug her father.
"I'll be home soon, father."
Sasuke hugged her and smiled. "I'll look forward to seeing you again, Aya."
With a smile and a wave, Aya turned on her heel and whisked away to her house to grab her pack, say good-bye to her mother, and start off on her mission.