A/N thanks for your reviews and support.
Shadow Wolf 15846: thanks for your review my friend.
DarkRavie: thanks for your review my friend.
Zandaino-Nova-Ari: thanks for your review. There isnt a guaranteed chapter length. It's just whatever I feel is best.
WhiteElfElder: thanks for your review my friend. Very true but if there is no hope for returning. What are the chances of someone doing something stupid?
Shioon's POV
Standing slightly to Hayate's left he watched the council warily. The old Hokage was deciding on what mission they should do next. There had been some quiet debating when the four of them entered. Which in turn became a silent debate so to show unity between them that didnt exist.
From his position Shioon could see the way Hayate was hiding a frown. It seemed he didnt like this anymore than the three genins did.
The Hokage said after another moment of silent debate, "We have a Rank C mission for your team. Out of the newest genin teams yours has worked the hardest to gain experience. Do not disappoint."
Naruto was barely withholding a shout of excitement. His energy had already bounced back from their training session. It was as if he had an endless supply of stamina. Even with the help of the One Moon Pill, Shioon didnt have that much energy. He like most living creatures needed to rest.
Hayate replied calmly, "We wont disappoint, Lord Hokage. What is the mission?"
"Your mission will be to protect an individual on the way back to his village and while they build a bridge to the mainland," answered Iruka, "As a team you will be heading to the Land of Waves. Pack a change of clothes and food for the trip. Your sensei will brief you on how much and what exactly the pack should entail."
As he finished there was a knock on the door. An old man entered reeking of alchohol. The smell made both Naruto and Shioon flinch back. Bad memories of the past best left forgotten trying to make their way forward.
The man slurred, "Wazz this? You're all a bunch of kids. There's no way you're supposed to protect me."
All three of them grit there teeth as Hayate replied diplomatically, "You requested a C rank mission. They are typically carried out by a team of genin with a Chunin or Jounin supervising. I am Hayate Gekko a Jounin of the Hidden Leaf Village. I'll be supervising them to ensure that things go to plan."
The old man growled, "Fine I'm the Bridge Builder Tazuna. You will be escorting me back to my village and protect me while I complete the bridge. Hope you brats are up to the task."
If Hayate had not been teaching them control both he and Naruto would have tried to kill the man. His arrogance was starting to piss them both off. Even Shikamaru's indifferent mask was starting to crack. None of them liked being treated as if they were less than human. Especially him and Naruto who had to go through it before.
To Tazuna, Hayate said, "We will meet you at the gate in an hour. My team needs time to prepare for the journey."
Tazuna grumbled, "Fine. I could use more to drink."
Naruto and Shioon bared their teeth but didnt say anything. Once the man was gone Hayate pushed them out of the office. They were out into the street a moment later.
Once there Hayate said, "You three need to get about a week's worth of food, a change of clothes, and any extra weapons. Naruto, Shioon, you two are authorized to wear the real swords."
Naruto questioned his blue eyes meeting Hayate's brown ones, "Are you expecting trouble, sensei?"
"There is something that man isnt telling us," answered Hayate, "I hope that I'm wrong but it isnt likely. So I want to be prepared in case I'm right. If I tell you to do something you do it. No questions or arguments. Understood?"
"Yes sensei."
With that they went their separate ways. Naruto and Shioon went to their respective apartments. It wasnt surprising to find that Ha Ill wasnt in the apartment. Most likely he was in the library studying jutsu.
Shioon penned a quick note to his retainer and left it under the other's favorite mug. He would probably worry about Shioon going on such a mission alone. His friend always worried too much. Then again he did have a knack for trouble. Especially if Hayate's hunch was right.
From there he moved towards his room where he kept his bag at. It was already packed with the necessary food supplies. Both he and Ha Ill had one constantly packed in case the village turned on them. It was unlikely from what he had seen but best be prepared rather than be caught off guard.
Pulling it from the closet his double checked the dates on the food before adding water bottles and a change of clothes. As an afterthought he put in a few extra kunai and shuriken. Then he pulled out the sword Hayate given him. Belting it over his shoulder to make it easy for drawing. The weight was more than he was used to. Even with the weights in the hilt of his practice sword he would need to adjust.
Once his bag was prepared he shrugged it over the opposite shoulder his sword was on. Shioon found Naruto waiting outside for him. The two headed towards the city gates.
Only to be stopped by Team 7 returning from their training. Ha Ill perked up at seeing them. The two shared a grin but it sisnt last long.
Uchiha remarked snidely, "You two going somewhere? Shouldn't you be training with your sensei? Not that you'd ever surpass me."
Shioon snarked back, "Oh really? Then I guess your team was assigned a Rank C mission? No. Too bad."
Uchiha grabbed him by his collar and snarled, "How did you weaklings get a Rank C mission? That should have been ours."
Shioon brushed away his hand as he said, "We have the most D Rank missions of the new genins. Maybe you should have worked harder. Come on Naruto we have to meet with Hayate sensei."
Before Uchiha could react he dragged his friend away.
