Kakashi walked to a local restaurant and grabbed a booth for both him and Ellainna, who was still riding on his back. The waitress gestured to their table and Kakashi walked towards it, leaving the waitress to giggle at them from the front as she grabbed menus. Kakashi stood by the table, waiting for Ellainna to get down off his back.

"Are you gonna sit down or just hold us up," he asked her.

"Oh," she said, surprised. She didn't think she was supposed to stay with him for his meal. She climbed down and sat on one side of the booth and Kakashi sat on the other. The waitress set the menus down and Kakashi immediately began perusing it, holding it so that it blocked his face from view of Ellainna. Ellainna looked around nervously before she too looked at her menu.

"Just call me over when you're ready to order," the waitress said cheerfully, winking at Ellainna. She smiled sheeplishly back and perused the menu. The waitress left them alone.

"Is it okay if I get...the pork buns? And rice," Ellainna tenderly asked.

"Sure," Kakashi said cheerfully.

Ellainna had no idea what was going on or what to think. Was it a date? Did she really make that big of an impression on him? She doubted it and was confused as to how she was supposed to act. Something felt off but she couldn't place what exactly. She didn't know how to react. She was thrown for a loop.

A few more minutes pass by and Kakashi sets his menu down and waves the waitress over. She quickly walks over and Kakashi spouts off his order. Ellainna looked at Kakashi, mystified. She took him in fully for the first time, realizing just then that she hadn't before. The soft light from the setting sun fell on him and highlighted every feature, every sharp line, everything. Time seemed to slow down for her and everything in the background went silent and blurry. The only thing that was for her was Kakashi and her gaze upon him. He seemed to shine and sparkle in the sunset.

"Damn."

"Ma'am?"

Ellainna snapped out her thoughts and looked up.

"Hunh?"

Kakashi and the waitress were looking at her. The waitress smiled and said, "Your order?"

"Oh! Uhm..." She scanned the menu again, trying to hide the blush forming on her cheeks. "The uh...Two orders of pork puns! And a side of rice. Oh! And the dark sauce, please."

After she wrote it down, the waitress looked at them expectantly, a wide smile on her face.

"First date?"

Ellainna went red and freaked out a bit. "No! No, no, no, no, no! It's not-I mean-He's just-like-no! My master-eh-No! My sensei-" She hid her hands in her face while the waitress giggled. She leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry. I'll keep your secret." She motioned she was sealing her lips and locking the secret away and winked before she turned on her heel to put their orders in.

Ellainna glanced at Kakashi, trying to read his expression, but she was unsuccessful. She looked at the table and picked at the peeling sealant, thinking about what she was going to do. She scolded herself for losing her cool. It was supposed to be a silly crush, a joke even. She tried to rationalize and tuck away her feelings. She tried to talk herself out of it by listing all the reasons it would be a mistake. The impropriety, the age difference, the dynamics it would create between them and in the team, etc. No, she decided. This was just a product of confusion and assumption on her part. This isn't anything but a late lunch. Probably because he thinks she hadn't eaten earlier. She reasoned the only reason she was there was because she had jumped on his back earlier. That had to be it, she decided. He was going here anyway and she had just tagged along for the ride.

She sighed in relief, figuring that she had worked it all out and disppelled any true feelings she had for him outside of her joking attitude from that morning. She looked over to the kitchen, trying to determine how far along they were in preparing their food.

"So," Kakashi said, breaking the silence. Ellainna turned to him, smiling. She had gotten back in her groove. "I brought you here-"

"Because I'm so irresitable," she said, cutting Kakashi off and batting her eyelids. She was definitely back in her old headspace.

"-so that we could discuss your place on this team," Kakashi continued, unphased by Ellainna's joke.

"Oh," she said. "Okay!" She sat up, eager to hear what he was going to say.

"You are obviously further behind your teammates since you have been doing mostly solo missions for so long." Ellainna's expression fell.

"What do you mean? Shouldn't that mean I am more advanced? I have real world experience! I have-"

"-a lack of understanding with teamwork. You've got fighting skill, no doubt. You can hold your own against an enemy. But what about your teammates? Not every mission needs a strong armed lone wolf and your team has two!"

Ellainna nodded her head in understanding. Kakashi continued his lecture through their meal, discussing what improvements he would like to see in her and what the future looks like as far as her progressing to Jonin level. He continued until they're food was basically gone and he was all talked out.

"That is all. I will see you bright and early tomorrow morning."

With a puff of smoke and a blink of an eye, Kakashi was gone. Ellainna blinked a few times as she took in what he said before she realized what happened.

"Hey!"

Ellainna counted her change as she walked down the street. She shook her head in annoyance. She couldn't believe that he not only stuck her with the bill, but that she hadn't seen it coming or thought of it herself! She groaned in irritation but then smirked. She was going to enjoy paying him back for this.

As she walked home, she passed by a rice ball shop and thought of Sasuke.

"I guess it's a start on being a 'good teammate'," she sighed to herself. She walked up to the stand and bought an assortment of rice balls. As she walked to Sasuke's apartment, she contemplated whether or not she'd stay or just keave the bag with a note. She figured just leaving it would be easier. She didn't have to do a complete 180 in one night, right? Besides, slow and steady wins the race.

She gently rapped on his door and Sasuke answered fairly quickly. Seeing his confused expression, Ellainna held up the box and smiled. "Congratulations! You're a genin!"

Sasuke apprehensively took the box and looked back at Ellainna.

She waved and cheerfully said, "Have a good night!"

She promptly left and walked home, a skip in her step. Sasuke shook his head and closed his door, preparing to feast on the food she had brought.

The next morning, Team 7 and their sensei (who was late again) met up and began tackling various missions across the village. They were fairly low ranked missions so they were easy, but it was good. It would give them space to learn how to work together in a team. They tackled each one as though it were high staked and needed the most detailed plan of attack.

"Sasuke, I'm at Point B," Sasuke said into his walkie talkie.

"Sakura, I'm at Point C," Sakura said, following suit.

After a few beats, Naruto finally answered. "Naruto, I'm at Point A, believe it!"

"Go slow, Naruto," Kakashi advised. "Okay, Squad 7...hmm?!"

A shadowy figure leapt through the trees and took off quickly.

"The target has moved," Kakashi exclaimed. "Follow it!"

Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura steathily raced after the figure, making sure to be quiet and stay hidden. They peaked over the tree they were hiding behind, trying to catch a visual on their target. Kakashi, holding point with Ellainna a few meters back, asked the three genin how close they were to the target.

"Five meters," Naruto said. "I'm ready, just tell me when to go. Believe it!"

Sasuke and Sakura chorused their readiness as well and Kakashi counted them off before giving them the signal. The three of them jumped, lunging for the animal, with Naruto being the one to successfully capture it. As Naruto fought to hold on to the cat, Sakura breathed a sigh of relief and Sasuke stood a bit off, listening to Kakashi speak.

"Can you identify ribbon on right ear?"

The cat comically began scratching Naruto's face and stomping on him as Sasuke gave the all clear. "Affirmative. We got a positive ID."

"Right. Lost pet, Torah, captured. Mission accomplished."

Ellainna cheered in triumph and pumped one fist in the air, her other one tightly grasping Kakashi's shoulder so she wouldn't fall. Though, it was pointless because Naruto's subsequent screeching shocked her so bad she fell anyway.

"Can't we get better missions than this?! I hate cats!"

The feedback rung in her ears and the pain from falling on her back radiated through her upper body. Kakashi temporarily faltered too, the screeching hurting his ears as well.

"Naruto, you idiot," Ellainna screeched back, just as loud as she sat up. "These talkies are sensitive! You can't just go yelling into them!"

"No kidding," Kakashi said.

"Ooops..."

They all made their way back to the Hokage's office to return the lost pet to its owner and complete their mission. The owner was very happy and grateful to have her cat back. Naruto and Sakura quietly remarked how suffocating an embrace the lady was giving her cat.

The Third Hokage read out the options for the next mission that squad 7 could take. Naruto cut him off and expressed his desire to go on a tougher mission. Ellainna peeked around from behind Kakashi and vehemently agreed.

"I'm passed all this baby stuff! I'm sure they can handle harder missions like I'm used to," she said passionately.

Iruka stood in indignation and scolded them for being disrespectful and overeager. Naruto and Ellainna both argued back, countering that the missions they were being assigned shouldn't even really count as missions. Kakashi cut them off, however, by knocking Naruto firmly in the head and pushing Ellainna's face into his flack jacket, the latter doing exactly was Kakashi hoped and put her in a daze.

"Will you put a lid on it," Kakashi said.

"Of course! Anything you need, Kakashi-sensei," Ellainna said in a daze, glancing up at him with glazed over eyes.

"Naruto," the Third Hokage began. "It seems you do not understand the tasks you have been given." Naruto looked at him from his spot on the floor and listened as the Hokage explained the significance of missions and how they're divvied up and also how ninja are ranked. Naruto, however, stopped listening halfway through, turned his back to the Hokage, and started telling his team a story about ramen.

"Silence," the Third Hokage yelled in frustration.

Team 7 looked back at him and Kakashi apologized flatly.

Naruto began making his case to the Hokage on why he should get a tougher mission before he turned back away from him. Kakashi lamented to himself on how he would get reprimanded later for his lack of control on Naruto.

The Third chuckled and yielded, granting Naruto his request.

"I'm going to give you a C-ranked mission. You'll be bodyguards on a journey."

Naruto and Ellainna cheered in victory, the former speculating who the client is to be. The Third Hokage stated that he wouldn't have to wait long to find out as he would bring him in immeadiately. He requested for the client to come in and Team 7 all looked at the door to see who it was. A drunk man entered and instantly insulted them, expected an older and more experienced team to escort him. Ellainna had goosebumps over her body as she instantly recognized who the man was. She had met him a few days ago and had sugared him up so she could get Sake and food from him for free. As he took 5 huge gulps out of the liquor bottle in his hand, she quietly sidestepped behind Kakashi. She tenderly gripped his sleeves, hoping to stay hidden. Kakashi peeked at her curiously but said nothing. Ellainna silently hoped that he wouldn't recognize her as she had worn a different outfit and hairstyle that night.

The old man pointed at Naruto and expressed his immense incredulity that he was a ninja, let alone a capable one. Not catching on at first, Naruto began laughing, looking to see who the man was talking about. Once he realized however, he started an uproar, declaring he was going to demolish the drunk man. Kakashi had a grip on Naruto's collar before he got upset, knowing he was going to act that way.

"You can't demolish the client, Naruto," he said. "It doesn't work that way."

The old man introduced himself as a 'master' bridge builder named Tazuna after taking another large swig out his bottle. He the explains where he's headed and what he's doing; essentially why he needs protection. He expressed his expectations to be escorted safely, even if it costs them their lives.

After preparing for their mission, Team 7 rolled out with their client in tow. When they pass through the front gate, Naruto stops to cheer in triumph. He's excited to be on a higher ranked mission that requires him to leave the village. Tazuna was still doubtful in Naruto's capabilites, though Kakashi puts them to ease by explaining that he, a Jonin, and Ellainna, a Chunin, would be with them. Naruto, however, doesn't let his comment go and decides to teach the old man a lesson. Turns around and points at Tazuna, calling him out.

"Don't insult a ninja," he began. "It's a big mistake! And I'm the greatest ninja of all time! Someday I'm gonna be Hokage and you're gonna have to look up to me! My name is Naruto Uzumaki! Remember it!"

"Hokage are powerful and wise," Tazuna refuted after taking another swig of his bottle. "You are puny and brainless. The day you become Hokage is the day I'll sprout wings and fly."

Naruto argued back that he will become Hokage and that he would have to respect him. Tazuna fires back that even if he was, he'd still consider Naruto a loser. Naruto growled and Kakashi grabbed his collar as he tried to once again charge Tazuna.

"I told you, you're supposed to protect the client, not attack him," Kakashi said sternly as Naruto fought against his hold on him. Naruto barked at both Tazuna and Kakashi in frustration.

As they trekked towards their destination, Sakura striked up a conversation.

"Say, Mr. Tazuna. Your country is the land of waves, right?"

"Yeah," Tazuna responed.

"Kakashi sensei, aren't there ninja in that country too, right?"

"No, there are none there," Kakashi replied. He then explained how other lands and villages work, both with and without ninja military strength. He explained the importance behind Kages and why only some places have them. He reassured her, though, that regardless, C ranked missions don't have ninja battles. Sakura was relieved that they wouldn't run into any foreign, enemy ninja.

As they crossed over a small creek by bridge, Ellainna took the opportunity to grab onto Kakashi's arm affectionately. Fully used to her antics by now, Kakashi ignored her and they all kept going. As they passed a large clearing, she and Kakashi made eye contact, both having sensed something was up, before continuing on.

Suddenly, two ninja appeared, seemingly out of nowhere! They took their shuriken chain weapons and wrapped it around Kakashi and Ellainna's bodies. The other four were stunned into inaction as they watched the enemy ninja pull on the chains, ripping them apart.

"No," Sasuke shouted out in shock. Sakura screamed in fear and Naruto called out in disbelief. The two enemy ninja appeared behind Naruto and he froze in fear.

"Now it's your turn," one of them said as they both reared back, preparing for attack. Sasuke, not wasting a second more, leapt into action. He threw a shuriken at the enemy's chain, following it up with a kunai, effectively locking it into a tree. They yanked but were unable to free themselves. Sasuke landed on either arm of the enemy ninja and used them as support beams as he kicked them both in the face. The chain broke off of their arm gauntlets and they immeadiately took their chance to go for Naruto and Tazuna. Sakura got in front of Tazuna, kunai in hand, as she prepared to defend her client. Sasuke got in front of her protectively, opening himself up to attack.

Suddenly, Ellainna appeared, who kicked the guy in the face. It launched him into Kakashi's clothesline, effectively taking him down. Kakashi stood with one enemy caught on one arm and the other one underneath his other arm, both subdued. Ellainna was crouched in front of Sasuke before she too stood, swinging a kunai around her pointer finger. She placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder and leaned against him. Naruto looked up and they simultaneously said, "Hi."

Sakura cheered, grateful they were okay, and Sasuke made an annoyed face, masking his relief that they (especially Ellainna) were okay. Naruto looked around in confusion, trying to understand what happened. Ellainna turned to Sasuke and stuck her tongue out at him.

"You didn't think I'd be beat that easily, did you?"

Sasuke turned his nose up at her. "No, of course not. Any idiot could've seen what happened."

Kakashi began walking but stopped and turned to Naruto.

"Sorry for not helping you sooner, Naruto. I didn't mean for you to get hurt. I just didn't think you'd freeze up like that."

Tazuna internally sighed in relief. He was worried that was going to be it for him. Kakashi praised Sasuke and Sakura for their fast thinking and skills. Ellainna clapsed her hands together and cried, "What about me, Kakashi-sensei?! Didn't I do well, too?!"

"Yes, you did well, too," Kakashi said dryly. Ellainna raised both hands and cheered, taking joy and delight in her half-hearted praise. Naruto scolded himself as he realized he had froze up and was useless in the fight. He couldn't believe that Sasuke was so much more calm, cool, and collected than he was. Sasuke turned to Naruto and proceeded to tease him. Naruto growled in frustration, prepared to charge Sasuke when Kakashi instructed him to stop and stand still. He explained that there was poison in the enemy ninja's claws and he would have to stay immobile until it was extracted.

This shocked Naruto and he glanced at his wound, contemplating what to do and fearful of the poison moving throughout him.

"By the way, Mr. Tazuna," Kakashi said, turning to face said person. "We need to talk."

"You bet we do," Ellainna tagged on, wagging a finger in his face before she remembered she was avoiding his gaze. She 'eek'ed and turned on her heel, whistling as she side stepped away.

After the enemy ninja were tied up, Kakashi explained who they were and their training. They were concious by now and asked how their ambush attack had been given away. Kakashi remarked the unusuality of the puddle they were hiding in. Tazuna chastized Kakashi for leaving the fight up to his less experienced students to handle. Kakashi explained he waited to gather intel: their mission and their target. Trying to play it off, Tazuna asked Kakashi to elaborate.

"I wanted to know if they were attacking us, ninja attacking ninja, or if they were after you, the Master bridge builder. When you put in your request, you neglected to mention that there were ninja looking for you, hunting you down."

Kakashi explained annoyed and angrily that his deceit not only caused the mission to be improperly staffed, it also caused it and his squad to be put danger. Genin are not supposed to be charged with B-ranked or higher missions, which is exactly what this is. Sakura repeated what Kakashi said in a nicer and more concise manner, urging him to let them turn around and return to the village. She tried to convince him by citing Naruto's wound as important and urgent to be treated. Kakashi agreed, angering Naruto. He took a kunai and stabbed his wound with it, shocking everyone. He mumbled to himself, griping about his inability to keep on par with his peers despite his intense and consistent training. Naruto pledged on his wound to complete the mission they'd been assigned and protect the bridge builder.

Kakashi informed Naruto that however cool it may have been to remove the poison by stabbing himself, if he continued to bleed out, he'd die. Naruto began to freak out and Kakashi walked over to him, instructing him to allow Kakashi to treat his wound. Ellainna walked over and gave Kakashi some first aid implements to treat Naruto with. He took them from her and studied Naruto's wound, surprised in the vast amount of healing it's already done in such a short amount of time.

Ellainna sat on the ground and decided then was as good a time as any to drink some water and eat some of the fruit that she had brought along with her. After bandaging Naruto's hand, Kakashi stood up and sighed in exasperation.

"When you're done with your picnic..." he said.

"Well, sorryyyyy," Ellainna responded indignantly, throwing her hands in the air. "A girl gets hungry sometimes." She packs up and goes to stand by Kakashi, sensually massaging his arm. "I have to keep up my looks or someone wouldn't be interested anymore." She giggled and began walked, sashaying the whole way. She didn't get three steps ahead of her before she tripped over a rock and dramatically fell to the ground, clutching her ankle as though she was in pain.

"Ow! My ankle! Ow," she procclaimed. Kakashi sighed again as he watched her performance. Ellainna looked up at him, pouting. "I can't walk on it! Kakashi, you have to carry me! Ow! It hurts!" She laid back on her back and screamed out in false pain again.

For the sake of continuing to move forward and keeping the mission going, he let Ellainna think she had won. He walked over to her and leaned down as though he was going to pick her up. He dropped his bag in her lap and whispered in her ear.

"Don't think this is cute or that you are getting one over on me, but just know that this is going to come back on you later."

Ellainna shivered and looked up at Kakashi as he reached out to lift her. She shook her hands and her head in refusal. "No, nevermind, I changed my mind! I can walk just fine! Look, my ankle feels better already!" She shook her leg as Kakashi lifted her.

"Oh no, we don't want you walking on an injury! That could hurt the mission and we don't want that, do we?" Kakashi hoisted Ellainna on his back and she hung her head guiltily. They all started walking again, making their way to the border where the docks and harbor were. They rented a bpat and set off for the Land of Waves.