Kuri Hikawa was standing with her team in the office where they received their missions. As she watched, Naruto was making a big fuss about not being allowed on a more important mission.

"We're the special team!" Naruto said. "Why can't we go on better missions?"

"Well if you are so adamant, we'll send you on a C rank mission to guard this bridge builder Tazuna on his way back to the Land of Waves." Hokage said.

"Sounds amazing!" Reiko said, pulling on Naruto. "Isn't it great!"

"Yeah!" Naruto said.

"To be honest," Kuri turned to the others. "I think we were all feeling the same as Naruto. Sick of all the easy missions."

"She's right." Sasuke said. "If I had to rescue another cat..."

xxx

And on they went, headed outside the village on their way to the Land of Waves.

"Hey Mr Tazuna what do you like to eat?" Reiko said. "I packed cup ramen, onigiri, and sandwiches."

"Sandwiches sound just fine, girl." Tazuna said.

"Do you think you could let me see the plans for the bridge when we get there? I love to sketch!" Kuri said.

"I suppose...if your sandwiches are good...I can't say no." Tazuna said.

Naruto giggled. Suddenly Kuri's head jerked.

"Protect Mr Tazuna!" She shouted.

Understanding, Sasuke got in front of Tazuna protectively.

Kakashi got in front of her but then the Demon Brothers appeared and destroyed him. Sasuke knew instantly that it was an illusion, and didn't lose his head. He looked around. It looked like Kuri had kept her heads, though Kuri was shaking. Naruto on the other hand was frozen.

Together, Sasuke and Kuri fired. Sasuke fired two kunai, and Kuri fired an arrow that's head was also glowing. The kunai hit the Demon Brothers and they were down. The arrow hit the chain between them and knocked them together.

"DIE!" One of them shouted, and fired a poison weapon at Tazuna. It missed, and hit Kuri. She went down.

"That's enough." Kakashi finished them off. "I'm sorry I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt, but I didn't think you would freeze up, Naruto."

"Are you ok, scaredy-cat?" Sasuke laughed, then suddenly realized Kuri was hurt. "Kuri!"

"Kuri!" Sasuke looked over at Kuri, going to run to her but Reiko was there first.

"We don't have time for this. She won't make it back to Konoha. Everyone! Get back and away, I think she'd want privacy!" Reiko shouted.

She very seldom raised her voice, so even Kakashi backed away, hoping she knew what to do.

Working swiftly, Reiko removed the offending weapon and pulling tools, removed the poison. She then gripped Kuri's hand and put it on the wound.

"Purify it." Reiko said. "You are a miko, I know you can."

Kuri shuddered. "No...'An it harm none, do what ye will.' I must never use my power for personal gain, even if it means my life."

"Don't be a fool! Think of everyone! We can't lose you now!" Reiko said. "Purify it!"

Kuri took her bloodied hand away. "I won't forsake my nindo."

Reiko sighed. "You have sacred flesh. I cannot heal your wound. It will remain a hole in your chest until it heals. I'm so sorry."

Reiko bandaged, and the pain made Kuri scream.

"This is your fault Sasuke. You were right next to her and didn't protect her! How can you say that you care about her!" Naruto shouted.

Sasuke looked away.

After a few minutes Kuri returned.

"Naruto you were injured too. Let me see." Reiko said.

"No." Naruto said. "No!"

"It's poisoned too!" Reiko said.

Naruto stabbed himself with his kunai. "I promise on the pain in this hand that I will protect the old man and my comrades! I won't let anyone get hurt ever again!"

Reiko beamed at him.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Let's get going."