Chapter 3: Captured Civilian
The wind blew the leaves across the ground as Kakashi briskly made his way to the gates. The Hokage had undoubtedly handed him a rather difficult mission. The mission scroll, which he held securely in his left hand, held information that both angered him and worried him.
It would be much harder than he thought. Tsunade had asked him if he wished to refuse the mission, but he felt obligated to save her. After all, she left because of him and now she would have to come back for him.
Sakura was facing the yellow path before her, trying her best to not let her thoughts wander towards Sasuke. She smiled bitterly as she inevitably thought of her childhood crush and how easily he had left all of them behind. But, she didn't know what it meant to lose a family; she was fortunate enough to have two loving parents.
Sakura jumped slightly when she felt a pat on her head and slowly turned around to see her sensei's closed eye smile.
"What are you thinking about Sakura?"
Sakura smiled back, "Nothing Kakashi sensei. Are we ready?"
Kakashi nodded, beckoning a finger towards Naruto and Sai, who were bickering with one another.
"Sai, Naruto. We'll be changing our formation. Sai, you will lead us while I'll take up the end. Naruto you will stay behind Sai and in front of Sakura."
The three shinobi stepped into position while listening to Kakashi.
"How much has Tsunade-sama told you about this mission?"
Sakura answered, "Just that we are infiltrating Orochimaru's hideout."
Kakashi nodded, "He has recently kept captive a young Leaf civilian, who left Konoha several years ago with the Third's permission. She was living in a nearby town a couple hundred miles away. Our mission is to bring her back to Konoha."
Naruto growled, "Orochimaru, that bastard."
Kakashi glanced at Naruto, "We are to avoid fights Naruto. Her life takes priority."
Naruto nodded seriously, "Hai Kakashi sensei."