Chapter 15:

The sun rose high in the sky as Team Rescue Sakura made their way down the dirty path. They would soon be nearing their destination: Orochiasu.

All the drama that erupted over the course of a few days had completely pushed the rescue mission out of everyone's minds. It was only now, as they trudged ever closer to their goal, that they realised they needed to save her.

Naruto grimaced slightly. How could he have forgotten her? His own teammate!? His… love. He had spent all this time training, laughing and joking. Sakura never even crossed his mind. Kakashi's speech when they first became Genin rang in his mind. 'A person who doesn't complete his mission is scum. But, a person who leaves his teammates behind is worse than scum.'

It continually circled around his brain, over and over. He had pushed her completely out of his mind to have fun. While she was probably crying in a cell. It had only occurred to him as he reached camp that night. He had spent all his time with Hinata. Nobody really liked to be around him for long periods of time anyway. He did notice the occasional glance sent his way by her. Naruto wasn't stupid. He knew that Hinata was getting sick of being around him. The way she blushed when he came near most of the time. She was embarrassed to be around him. That was obvious. He stole a sad glance in her direction. She stood behind him, off to the side, her eyes darting around the tree line.

He turned his eyes towards the road and his pace quickened.

What he didn't know, however, was that Hinata was watching him silently, her eyes a mixture of worry and sadness. Of course he was thinking of Sakura, why wouldn't he be? He would rather be with her, anyway…

The rest of the group maintained a calm aura about them as they neared their target. Shikamaru was at the back, trailing with his hands in his pockets. Kiba and Shino were in the middle, the bug user being quiet as usual, while Kiba talked quietly with Akamaru.

Tenten was standing protectively near Lee, shooting dark glares at Neji. The Hyūga prodigy did not react to these glares, except on the inside. On the inside, he was so confused.

Gai was jogging passionately in front, just far enough that he would just lose the groups sight, but not far away enough that the group would lose track of him.

Ino as far away from Shikamaru as humanly possible, taking point on the left side along with Kurenai. The red-eyed Jōnin had taken a liking to all the female members that she had spoken to and made sure to speak with all of them. She was currently talking to Ino about Genjutsu.

Kakashi stood directly in the middle, Icha Icha in hand like always. He was, however, having a conversation with Sasuke. What they were discussing, was in such hushed whispers that most of the group couldn't hear them at all.

This allowed most of them to reflect on their training. Ino was now able to do the Genjutsu Kurenai taught her exceptionally well. Having tested it on Kurenai herself, she admitted it was fairly impressive. She then broke it easily.

Tenten's lightning channelling had been going tremendously also. She was, however, very disappointed. The large explosion she had managed to cause during her first try had yet to be reproduced. Sure, there were small explosions of bark and sparks, but that was it. But she could channel it decently and after only a day's training, she thought that was pretty impressive!

Kiba, however, was extremely frustrated. His Earth Wall Jutsu barely topped off at his height. Shino could make it much higher than his and was already working on a special jutsu that Kakashi was teaching him.

Of course, he knew it took ages to perfect something (except for Ino, who bragged about learning that Genjutsu so fast,), but still. He wished he was able to do it now.

Sasuke had progressed to a decent level as well. His Explosive Wave, while still nowhere near as powerful or as large as Kakashi's, was still deadly. Kakashi had explained that, with training, he would soon be able to send out smaller bursts of energy that would scorch those around him for a brief few moments.

The main reason most of the group were tired was because of Gai's intense Taijutsu training regime. That man could fight.

He had challenged all the Genin to a special sparring match using only Taijutsu. If they won, he would teach them a specialized Taijutsu move. They had all accepted, except for Shikamaru, who refused to participate. This resulted in Gai proclaiming him his 'Most Youthful Assistant!'

And so, they commenced the match. It took a minute and a half, but most were down. The only one's still up consisted of Neji and Sasuke. Then in less than five seconds, with a huge split kick to both their faces, they were sent flying.

So, with their induction done, Gai taught them some more advanced Taijutsu kata's and some specialized movements. Nothing overly spectacular, but something that would get the job done.

Lee felt like he was being abandoned. While he did enjoy watching his comrades train with his youthful sensei, it just didn't sit right. He should have been the one out there.

At night, he stole himself away to the woods and began practicing one armed push ups. He continued for as long as possible before Gai found him, scolded him and helped him back to camp.

Lee was currently hobbling along as Tenten watched him like a mother hen. He was enjoying the attention that she was giving him, though. It was pleasant.

And so, on the group travelled.

Kakashi's eye slowly rose from his book. The path was slowly getting more and more civilised. It was turning from the dirt roads that crisscrossed the Land of Fire to something more concrete. Of course, with the large amount of merchandise that was transported to and fro from Orochiasu, it was not surprising.

Apart from Konoha, and Kesennuma, one of the largest port towns in the world, Orochiasu was up in the top five places for trading and commerce. It was a huge bustling hub of energy that seemed to reverberate all over the surrounding woodland. It was a shame he wasn't going to go into the town.

The scouting group would move about the outskirts of the town and the grassy plains that surrounded it. Orochiasu was unique in the fact that it was one of the only towns in the Fire Country not squashed in by trees. Plain, open fields.

This led for Kakashi to believe the main base where they were holding Sakura must have been in the actual town itself. Unless, of course, there were some underground-

"Kakashi."

The Copy Nin turned his head to the side. Kurenai walked slowly over to him, eyeing the Genin surrounding them. "Can I have a word?"

Oh Kami. This wasn't going to be good. Kurenai's words never ended well. How Asuma coped, he would never know. But, he nodded anyway, shutting his book and shoving it into his pocket.

"Kakashi and I are going to scout the surrounding woodland quickly."

Mutterings of agreement circled through the group, and she along with Kakashi, leapt into the trees.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Kakashi inquired as they rushed at a decent place through the foliage. Kurenai's wine red eyes softened.

"You know about Hinata's crush on Naruto?"

Kakashi nodded, having no idea where this was going. What did that have to do with him?

"Well, another student of yours came and demanded I help get them together." Kurenai's eyes glinted humourlessly. Kakashi let out a small chuckle, but quickly wilted under the Genjutsu mistress' stony glare.

"Wait, as in Sasuke?!" The thought occurred to the Copy Nin. "As in, brooding 'Hn' Sasuke!?"

"How many other Sasuke's do you know?" Kurenai deadpanned.

"Hmm," Kakashi tapped his masked chin in thought. "Well, there's the Sasuke from the Land of Rivers, and Sasuke from the Land of Snow, and- Oh! The Sasuke sisters from the Land of Tea!"

"…Right. Anyway, your brooding student demanded that I help get them together, as I have already explained. So, for your scouting group, I would like you to take Neji instead of Hinata."

Kakashi's eye crinkled in thought for a few moments, before he shrugged. "I don't know Kurenai. Neji's in the main group because they may run into trouble. It's most likely that the base is inside the town itself, and they will need all the help they can get."

Kurenai's brow furrowed. "What's the problem? They have me and Gai with them. We're both Jōnin in our own right, you know."

"Yeah, but the kids…."

"Kakashi, we just spent all of yesterday training them. While they haven't perfected anything, they've come a very long way. You know that. Do you doubt their abilities?"

"Yes, I do. From what we saw, that Cloud Nin took down Naruto, Hinata, Kiba and Shino; after all of that managed to fight Sasuke and escape. That was one ninja. We would have trouble with him Kurenai. We don't know how many there are of the kidnappers or how strong they could be…"

"Kakashi," Kurenai exhaled deeply, "These kids are young, yes. But, they're Genin. Shinobi of the Leaf. They'll do fine."

"I know. But, I've already lost one student; I don't want to lose another."

The Genjutsu mistress' eye's widened slightly. He was worried about losing his students? Of course, that made sense. But, this was Kakashi. The cool calm Copy Ninja. And he was worried.

"You're really worried about this, aren't you?"

Kakashi nodded. "They're my responsibility. Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke. They're my Genin. I refuse to lose another of them."

"You haven't lost Sakura. We'll get her back," She stopped and placed a comforting hand on Kakashi's shoulder. She had never seen him so… emotional. Not since his team…

Kakashi had always been a blank slate. Even with his mask, the only things you could gleam from his eye were humour, knowledge, and cold, hard, rough determination. Now, his eye portrayed a sense of sadness she had only now just witnessed.

"Thank you, Kurenai." He said after a few moments, his posture straightening and his eye regaining that cool tone.

"I don't get why you're worrying in the first place. You've got Gai and I on the team, remember?"

"Yes. But, this is Gai. He'll have them dressed in green spandex and running around Orochiasu doing a hundred laps."

They both let out a small chuckle, the evidence of the tender moment erased. "On the topic of green spandex," Kurenai began, her eyes changing into a darker tone, "Lee's been steadily getting worse."

Kakashi nodded. It was true, after Gai had found Lee in the woods training, his health had decreased. He was moving slower, looked a little paler and seemed… Less Lee-like than before. It was worrying.

"What can we do though?" Kurenai inquired to her senior Jōnin. He let out an audible sigh and shook his head before turning back.

"Not much. We could send him back with somebody, but we need all the help we can get. We'll simply have to keep him busy in an inn or something."

"Yeah, that's probably for the best. I'll keep an eye on him."

Kakashi nodded as Kurenai began following him back towards the group. "Also, keep an eye on Sasuke for me. He's feeling…. More vengeful recently."

"Why?"

"I… can't say Kurenai, I'm sorry. Orders from the H- Former Hokage," he added solemnly. She frowned slightly, but nodded.

"All I can tell you," He began after a few moments, "Is that there was a reason we needed this big a team."

Then, something clicked Kurenai's mind. A wave of fear shot over her, and she unconsciously shivered.

"Itachi…" The word sounded foreign and so wrong. Almost as if it was a taboo to be said aloud. Which, it was. Back in Konoha, it was strictly frowned upon to mention Itachi.

Kakashi didn't respond, but she noticed the subtle change of his eyebrow furrowing slightly. So, she was correct.

That just made the mission a lot more complicated.

"Yosh! The town is in sight my comrades!"

Gai's booming voice scattered a flock of birds. Neji looked up from his thinking and nodded his affirmation. Yes, this was good. The sooner they found Sakura, the sooner they could go home. The sooner he could focus on this feeling coiling in his gut that he hated with a passion.

As the group reached the top of a hill that the now concrete path lead up, they stopped and surveyed their surroundings.

The town was indeed in sight and it did look rather quaint. Homely, was the word he was looking for. Over a large stream that's water was crystal clear and seemed to glide onwards was a bridge. A dark brown bridge that looked as if it could withstand twenty Akimichi's standing side by side, bouncing up and down. Perched next to it was a sign leading left and right to other destinations. It seemed that you would have to go through the town, rather than round it. And, after following the road for a few more minutes longer, you would come across a decently sized wooden wall. While not necessarily sturdy, by any means, as a simple Fire Jutsu could easily set it ablaze, it was decent enough to protect from bandits.

From the distance Neji was at, he could just make out silhouettes marching to and fro along the wall. Neji remembered what Kakashi-sensei had mentioned to them as they walked one day. This town had its own garrison of troops. While nowhere near the strength or speed of a ninja, they were formidable to the common people. However, they were also said to be corrupted. Backhand bribes usually led to them looking the other way when an average merchant is killed and his goods absorbed by another. A sickening act, but it was business and politics. Not that Neji liked politics.

A large iron gate blocked any from breaching the wooden walls. This would prove problematic.

While they could simply sneak in, if they were spotted (and considering Naruto was with them, that was highly likely,) then they would have no reason being there. Of course, since Konoha ninja had the power and authority to go anywhere within the Land of Fire, the guardsmen would surely report them to the corrupt merchant's that ran the city. For all they knew, they could have been behind this. Kidnapping a ninja and using her as a ransom tool was a good move, but a very foolish one. Unless they had help.

The group had finished surveying the area, and continued to move down the hill and towards the crossroads and sign.

Gai beamed brightly as they drew nearer, striking a nice guy pose. "Yosh, we have reached the destination!"

Tenten rolled her eyes at her sensei's loudness, but nodded. "That's good. This journey was really grating on my nerves." She shot a glance at Neji. A cold glance.

Neji grimaced.

Everyone, however, seemed to nod in agreement with her.

"Ah, the cute little Genin managed to reach the destination without me."

Kakashi walked out from the trees, followed by a chuckling Kurenai. Naruto frowned and pointed an accusatory finger at Kakashi. "You're late you bastard! We need to save-"

A loud smack echoed across the area as Kurenai's fist connected with the Kyuubi container's head. "Ow!" He groaned as Kurenai glared at him.

"Don't swear in a ladies presence, brat."

"Sorry Kurenai-sensei," Naruto grumbled.

Sasuke smirked slightly. "Hn."

"What did you say asshole!?"

Another smack.

"Ow!"

"Right," Kakashi began, unfazed by his Genin now on the floor, clutching his head while Kurenai seethed over him. "Shall we begin?"

"Begin what?" Ino chirped in.

"The plan," Shikamaru answered, turning his bored eyes onto her. She frowned at him, her eyes icy and cold. He sighed.

"Shikamaru is correct. There has been a slight change of plans. Neji," The Hyūga prodigy perked up at his name, "You will be accompanying the scouting group."

He frowned. "With all due respect Kakashi-sensei, Hiashi-sama wished me to stick with Hinata-sama. It would be-"

"No! What a most youthful idea! Neji, your expertise will surely help our most youthful comrades in their scouting. I promise to keep Hinata safe at all costs, Yosh!"

Gai slapped the Hyūga heir on the back, causing her to stumble forward and blush.

Neji grumbled under his breath but nodded in agreement.

"Right, now that's settled, I'll go over the plan quickly once again. Shikamaru, Shino, Neji and I will scout around the forested areas and the grassy plains. The rest of you will infiltrate the city itself. If you spot any signs of enemy ninja, or anything remotely associated with Sakura, you send someone to find us. Kiba, your sense of smell will be extremely important in this one. Make sure you stay focused."

"You got it!" Kiba exclaimed loudly, a wolfish grin on his face as Akamaru barked approvingly.

"Good, Kurenai and Gai-sensei will be in charge of this mission. Do what they say without fail, okay… Naruto?"

"Wah!? Why are you looking at me!?"

"Because you never follow orders, idiot."

"I'm not an idiot, Teme!"

Kakashi continued without a second glance at his arguing Genin team. Luckily, Kurenai bopped them both on the head, eventually shutting them up. "Now, we need to discuss disguises. While most of your attire right now is decent, a few of you will need to make changes. Sasuke, your jacket makes you hard to recognize, you'll need to change it. Tenten, would you unseal the scroll with the clothes in now."

The brunette nodded her affirmation as she dug into her pocket. She pulled out a scroll, unravelled it, and with a poof of smoke some clothes appeared.

"Here you are Sasuke," Tenten smiled, handing him a black jacket coated on the inside with protective meshing. He grunted in response, before taking off and handing his Uchiha jacket to Tenten, who placed it back into the scroll.

"Hinata, because of your distinctive eye qualities, it would be best if you kept your eyes hidden. I'm going to ask you to keep your hood up at all times and try and obscure your face as much as possible, okay?" She nodded, and smiled slightly. "Y-yes Kakashi-sensei."

"Good. Also make sure to carry this particular blindfold with you."

Tenten chucked Hinata a dark blindfold that would fit perfectly around her eyes, effectively blocking them from the world.

"If you need to use your Byakugan and are not in the middle of a fight, make sure to place this on before you use it, okay?"

She nodded once more. Kakashi eye smiled. "Excellent. Now, for our backstory. For the group that is moving into the city, here is your backstory: Kurenai and Gai-sensei are a married couple," Kurenai shivered violently and Gai shouted something about youth. "The rest of you are all orphans that are travelling through here to Taki. Normally this wouldn't work, as most shinobi use this tactic often, and will usually end up being reported to the merchants anyway. However, because there is such a large group of you, and since you are so young, it would make sense. Everyone clear on that?"

They all nodded their affirmation, before Kakashi continued, "Great. Now, there is the slight problem of your headbands. I need you to relinquish them to Tenten's storage scroll, all those going into the city."

"What!? No way Kakashi-sensei," Naruto piped in loudly, "This show's we're proud Konoha ninja. I refuse to take mine off, believe it!"

Everyone sweatdropped in exasperation. "Naruto, the whole point is that people don't know that we're Konoha ninja. That's the point of an infiltration mission."

"Oh, why didn't you say that in the first place?"

Everyone ignored him as Kakashi finished off. "Right, we'll be heading off soon. You have ten minutes to say your goodbyes."

The group dispersed into different areas.

Shino stood as stoic as ever against the backdrop of the woods. He had never been one for goodbyes, and since his father's death, the sheer thought of saying goodbye to anything made him internally shudder. He never wanted to say goodbye again. His teammates, however, had other ideas.

Out of the crowd came Hinata and Kiba. Hinata had a small smile on her face, while Kiba, while holding his usual wolfish grin… it didn't reach his eyes.

"Hello Shino," Hinata greeted, giving a light bow as she always did. Kiba rubbed the back of his head awkwardly and his grin intensified.

"Hello Hinata, Kiba," He greeted in return.

"W-we just wanted to g-give you a going aw-away present," She stuttered slightly, a pink tinge forming on her cheeks.

"Yeah," Kiba yelled just a little bit too loudly, "She-I-We thought it would be a great idea."

Shino frowned slightly at Kiba's behaviour, but nodded. "Of course. But it is not needed. Why, you ask? Because, while I appreciate the sentiment, I would rather give you a parting gift."

Then, Shino did something that they both weren't expecting. He slowly unzipped his trench coat.

Kiba's eyes widened. Under the grey trench coat was a mesh shirt that hugged at Shino's body. Oh Kami….

The Aburame Heir reached into the pocket of his trousers, and produced two necklaces. One had a butterfly on it, soaring through the air. And the other was a of a wolf, its head cocked upwards staring at the sky.

"S-Shino…" Hinata stuttered, cupping her hands together as Shino placed the necklace in her hand. "It's… beautiful…" she trailed off as she examined it closer. It was silver, with little red jewels incrusted in the rim of the butterfly's wings.

Kiba could only stare in shock as Shino extended his hand out. The wolf was a wooden carving, but so intricately detailed… it was as if the wolf could turn its head and snarl at the Inuzuka. Akamaru gave a yip of admiration.

"Kiba, are you going to take it?"

Kiba snapped out of his amazed stupor and nodded his head. "Y-yes, thank you Shino."

The Aburame nodded and placed it in the palm of his hand.

After he pulled back, Shino gave a curt nod.

"Where did you get these from?" Kiba inquired as he rolled the pendant around in his hand. For some reason, it held a deep value to Kiba. Not because of how beautiful it was (not that Kiba thought anything was beautiful. He was too rugged for that), but because it was given to him by Shino. He coughed awkwardly into his hand as Shino answered.

"I had them specially made for you."

"What, in a few days?"

Shino regarded Kiba with a small smile. "No. I requested these about a week ago. But… certain problems stopped me from giving them to you. I give them to you know, however, as a memento."

Hinata felt tears in her eyes as she clutched the butterfly to her chest. "Thank you s-so much, Shi-Shino."

Shino stopped for a second. He could see the unshed tears of joy in her eyes as she held the pendant. Did she really care that much for it? Perhaps it was because it was from him… her teammate. And, for an annoying reason, it bothered him that Kiba wasn't as sentimental.

"An-and this is fo-for you."

As Hinata took a small jar out of her pocket, it snapped the bug nin out of his thoughts, and she handed it to him.. "I-it's filled with a he-healing balm."

"Thank you very much, Hinata. You as well, Kiba."

"Everything okay over here?"

Kurenai slowly sauntered over, a smile playing on her lips. "Yes Kurenai-sensei," Shino answered. "I was just saying my… goodbyes."

Kurenai frowned. She had heard about Shibi's death and had wished to comfort her student. But, the mission had to take priority. After the mission, she would have a talk with him.

She softly smiled at him. "Of course. Take your time, you still have a while. Good luck Shino."

"You too, Kurenai-sensei."

The young Jōnin turned her head, a smile playing on her lips. She would leave her cute little Genin to chat amongst themselves for a little while. She certainly wouldn't have her team any other way.

"Yo."

Kakashi greeted his two students with an eye-smile as they bickered amongst themselves. Naruto turned his cerulean eyes up at Kakashi and grinned. "Hehe, just you wait Kakashi-sensei, we'll bring Sakura back in no time! Believe it!"

With another eye smile, the Copy Nin ruffled the blonde's hair, earning an angry, "Hey!" From Naruto. After a small chuckle, Kakashi turned his attention to Sasuke. "Naruto, I need to have a word with Sasuke." He stated, not taking his eyes off of the Uchiha Heir.

Naruto grumbled, swearing under his breath, before waving the two off. "Yeah yeah, whatever. I'm going to talk with someone else!"

And, with that, the orange clad Genin bounded off somewhere.

"You know, going into this city with Naruto dressed… normally won't be inconspicuous at all."

Kakashi shrugged. "That is correct, I suppose. Still, trying to get him out of the thing would lead to problems. Follow me."

Kakashi calmly walked over to the stream and gazed into it's clear waters. It really was a pleasant day, with the sun stretching it's hand over them to heat them up from the cold night. Sasuke trudged over to his sensei, and he too stared into the water. It reminded him of home. The stream that ran through the Uchiha complex. Only, this one was crystal clear, unlike the damp decay that filled his. If he could recall correctly, it was once beautiful and he remembered his mother taking him down there to play.

He clenched his fists as he thought about it. Everything he had was taken from him by that bastard. He would find and kill him.

Kakashi, ever the observant one, noticed the clenching of Sasuke's fists. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," The young Uchiha gritted, before he turned his obsidian orbs over to Kakashi. "If he's here-"

"I know Sasuke, I know."

Sasuke merely grunted as he continued to stare into the stream. Kakashi remained calm on the outside, but he truly was panicking on the inside. 'Sasuke's going to be an immense complication when- if we retrieve the target. He's making steady progress with the others, and finally trying to care about other people. This, if all goes to plan, in an essence, destroy him.'

Kakashi didn't know what he thought anymore. At the start of the mission, he had been dead set on ending Sasuke's life if he tried to leave. But now… he was making real progress and trying to get along with people in his funny little way.

With those things on his mind, Kakashi turned and eye smiled. "Sasuke, make sure to look after Naruto. And, since you seem to have taken an interest in her, Hinata."

Sasuke ever so subtly tightened up a bit. "I would also ask you to respect your authority figures, okay?"

The dark haired raven nodded his head in recognition. "See you later then, my cute little Genin." Kakashi ruffled Sasuke's hair and walked off.

Sasuke's face contorted briefly into a scowl as Kakashi touched his hair, but his face soon returned to a neutral expression. "Good luck… Kakashi-sensei."

While the goodbyes were going on, Shikamaru stood hastily to the side. He stood with his back against the wooden signpost, his eyes upwards towards the cloudless sky. Of course, it just had to be cloudless.

He sighed, and began to quietly bang the back of his head against the post. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

He had ruined things with Ino, he knew that now. That argument was intense, fierce and so full of malice, that he would be surprised if she ever forgave him. If he ever forgave himself.

Shikamaru took a deep breath. It didn't matter, though. He needed to focus on the mission. Needed to…

He trailed off as she stepped out of the crowd of people. Her blue eyes were fixed on him, soft and sharp at the same time. She strolled over, her hips swaying as she walked.

She stopped just in front of him. They both stared at each other for a moment.

He couldn't help but notice how soft and pink her lips looked…

"I-"

Her jaw seemed to mechanically shut and she looked away.

Shikamaru kept his gaze on her for a few moments, before shrugging. If she wasn't going to say anything, then neither was he-

Her arms wrapped around him as she pulled him closer. Shikamaru gasped slightly at the contact and stood there motionless. Her slender arms, wrapped around his shoulders, were soft. So very soft.

She seemed to mumble something under her breath, before she stretched upward and leaned close to his ear.

She hesitated briefly and he could hear the shaking in her voice as she spoke. The unshed tears that needed to be shed.

"Come back to me."

She moved away from his ear and rested her head on his shoulder for a moment. "Please."

And with that, she released him.

Shikamaru's mouth was open, his eyes widened. What the hell!? Troublesome women and their U-turns.

And then, to add to his confusion, she leaned in again. Another hug? Why? This wasn't needed-

A soft kiss was planted on his cheek. She pulled away, a pink blush adorning her features. "Stay safe. We need to… talk after the mission, okay?"

He nodded dumbly. With a sad smile, she was gone.

He leaned back against the post, and exhaled. Holy shit. He was so confused. So utterly, irrevocably, positively, confused. Yet, he couldn't stop the pink tinge that adorned his cheeks.

Gai clapped Neji hard on the back. "Well, my youthful student, it is time for us to part ways!" Tears streamed down the man's face as he pulled Neji into a passionate embrace. The passion was, however, completely one sided. The branch Hyūga's mouth was curled into a ferocious scowl. Gai didn't react and continued to cry fondly.

"But fear not my student!" He boomed once more, placing a giant hand on Neji's shoulder, "We shall see each other again soon!"

The tears seemed to escalate as they tumbled over Gai's face and he slowly pushed his other two Genin forward. "Tenten, Lee, say goodbye to your youthful teammate as he fans his flames of youth without us!"

Tenten regarded him with a cool stare, her mouth resisting the urge to twist into a hateful snarl. "Good luck." She extended her hand out robotically. Lee watched her and his own frown intensified.

Neji looked at her hand with a mild sadness in his eyes, which he quickly quashed with a dose of Hyūga stoicism. "Same to you, Tenten."

They shook hands for but a second, before Tenten pulled back. Their eyes had locked for a brief second, the chocolate ones hard and hateful, while the sheet white eyes of Neji started with a cool calm aura.

Lee balanced on his crutches as he extended his hand out as well. "No hard feelings Neji. Good luck with your mission."

Neji, however, did something very un-Neji like. He let the smallest of smiles grace his lips, before he shook Lee's hand firmly. "Same to you, my friend."

Tenten and Lee both blinked owlishly. Friend? He called Lee… a friend?

Gai slapped Tenten on the back hard and slapped Lee on the back with a little less force. "Excellent! Those goodbyes were full of the flames of youth."

Although, Tenten could swear she saw Gai glance at her out of the corner of his eye sadly. "Good day, Neji! We shall see you soon!"

Neji nodded and bowed to his eccentric sensei, nodded his head in Lee and Tenten's direction and then marched to where Hinata was standing.

"Lady Hinata," He greeted respectfully.

"Hello Neji," She greeted with a soft smile. He noticed the butterfly pendant that she clutched to her chest and the tears that threatened to erupt from her eyes, but did not say anything.

"I am leaving now. I am intrusting your care to my sensei and teammates. Do not worry, they are all exceptional shinobi."

Kiba seemed to materialize near Hinata, standing close enough to show his protective side. "Hinata will be fine with us, Hyūga."

Neji did not respond to Kiba, merely bowed his head in respect. "Lady Hinata."

With that, he left. He could feel not only Kiba, but Shino's eyes boring into him. It was natural, of course. The way he treated her left no judgement in their minds that he would only do her harm. That was not the case, but now was not the time to argue. So, he calmly walked over to the neat line that was being back dropped by the trees that seemed to stretch in one direction.

All members of the scouting team now took their place at the forest edge. All had a look of determination on their faces.

Kakashi eye smiled, and gave a little wave, before he descended into the trees. "Have fun Sasuke. Naruto, don't anger the populace."

Naruto grimaced and went to argue with Kakashi, but stopped for a moment as he noticed Hinata, standing next to him, her eyes filled with tears.

Shino was next to bow out, giving a curt nod in his team's direction. "Goodbye," He said, before he too disappeared.

Hinata let some tears fall as her teammate left. While Naruto desperately wanted to reach out and hug her desperately, he couldn't. She was embarrassed enough by him already. "See you later Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto decided to yell instead.

"Meh, I won't miss your loudness Naruto. Troublesome… goodbye." Shikamaru shot Ino a sad and yet comforting glance. She met it with one of her own. Their intentions went unheard by everyone else, except for them.

Come back to me.

Neji was the last and as Gai whooped and cheered and cried tears of joy for his student, Neji looked intently at Tenten and Lee. The brunette kunoichi was holding Lee's arm in a comforting manner, as she still looked at Neji coldly. Lee was a little bit better, smiling weakly at him, although it seemed that Tenten's grip on his arm tightened slightly as he winced.

With an almost unnoticeable sigh, he too slipped into the trees. And that was that.

The remainder of the group turned their attention to the horizon. The sun was at its highest peak, signifying noon. The sky was crystal clear, with only a blue stream rushing across it brightly. With a small gust of wind, the group set off down the path to their destination. Orochiasu and Sakura.