Lady Tsunade walked into the hospital room at Naruto's urging and scanned the room, a bit shocked at all of the medical books that were opened and laying around. As she looked at the bed, she saw a little girl with auburn curls lying on top of Kakashi with a rather large medical book on top of her chest. Having must of fallen asleep while reading through all of these books. She smiled softly at the little girl before she started to heal Kakashi. Her brow forwarded slightly as she noticed that the process was halfway done already, looking down at the girl, curious now as to who she was.
"Disgraceful. Too think, you were taken out of the game by two little punks like that. I thought you were supposed to be the best, Kakaish." Tsunade said as she frowned down at him. Kakashi having sat up and gently moved Meng Ka to the side so as not to wake her.
"Well, sorry to disappoint." He said softly as he looked down at Meng Ka, noticing the dark circles under her eyes.
"Ok, just one more and you're all done!" Yelled Naruto as Guy practically dragged them out of the room, leaving the two alone.
Kakashi sighed and placed a curl behind Meng Ka's ear before getting up to stretch. The movement having woken up Meng Ka as she noticed Kakashi's warmth was gone and she sat up instantly, panicked about why he was gone. Then seeing him awake and standing beside the bed a huge smile spread across her lips as she leaped at him and hugged him, tears streaming down her face.
Kakashi stumbled back a bit, still needing some more rest before he was back to his old self. Smiling softly he hugged Meng Ka back as the two of them stood there not saying anything. Meng Ka had been so worried about Kakashi when he hadn't woken up. All of the books in the library weren't any help either as she had read through all of them twice, unable to find anything that would help her. She didn't want to experiment on Kakashi either, messing with the mind was a very complex and delicate thing. Mess one thing up and Kakashi could have never woken up.
"Ah, so you're Meng Ka. You came pretty close to healing Kakashi on your own, you know." Lady Tsunade said as she sat at her desk later that day. "Jiraiya spoke a lot about you last time we crossed paths. According to him you are very special."
Meng Ka blushed as the words and shook her head, feeling a bit strange being in the hokage's building. She hadn't stepped foot in it since the third hokage's death and now here she was with a different hokage sitting behind the desk. "I doubt I'd be anything special if my kind were still alive. For all I know I could actually be considered stupid according to my kind's standards."
Lady Tsunade rested her chin on her intertwined fingers on the desk as she studied the girl. She was mature for her age and seemed to very smart; Jiraiya wasn't lying when he spoke about this girl nor were the rumors far from their mark. She could see why the third hokage had taken such interest in the girl but she was rather shocked at the lack of information kept on her. There was only a small book that spoke of her kind and even then it didn't seem like the author knew too much about her kind either. The third hokage had known them personally, having befriended them on a mission once but this was the first time she had meet one before and now Meng Ka was the only one left.
Shizune cocks her head to the side as she watches the two, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Meng Ka was nothing more than an eight year old girl, almost nine. She found it amazing that she was already so high up in the ranks yet she could see why. Nothing seemed to pass Meng Ka, she was a sharp child who learned quickly and her chakra was different than anyone else's. Tonton sniffed the air towards Meng Ka and her phoenix, and she jumped down from her arms, walking up to her.
Meng Ka looked down at the pig curiously, he was rather cute in his clothes and she squatted down to pet him on the head lightly. Tonton sniffed at her again and then said something as she ran back to Shizune, who picked her back up.
"Perhaps you can be one of Lady Tsunade's students. You seem to have a very keen eye for details and the head nurse talks only of praises about you." Shizune spoke up as she looked between the two.
Meng Ka hesitated but looked over at Shizune, "I would be honored." She looked back at Lady Tsunade, "But I would not be able to give it my full attention as something tells me I'll be going on more missions than the third hokage dared to assign me."
Lady Tsunade watched the girl closely and met her eyes, the two watching one another for a long while before Tsunade stood up, "Then I'll expect you to do twice as much self-study." She said with a smile as she put her hands on her hips and towered over Meng Ka.
Meng Ka smiled back and nodded her head, "Can't say that I will but I'll try to do my best." She then turned around and started to walk out.
"I didn't say we were finished." Lady Tsunade's voice said as she looked at the girl a bit shocked.
"I know but I did." She called over her shoulder as she walked out and down the hallway, the sound of Lady Tsunade's amused voice drifted through the hall but she couldn't tell what she was saying.
Meng Ka wasn't trying to be rude she just didn't like being in that room anymore. There were too many memories and she was still grieving for the old guy. Walking out of the building, Tinktink chirped happily as she landed on her shoulder. Meng Ka petted the phoenix on the head for a bit as she walked down the street. After a few minutes she suddenly ran into Lee on one of the many bridges in the leaf village.
"Hi Lee!" She said cheerily as she stood next to him, smiling. She knew all about his medical status and that even Lady Tsunade wasn't sure if she could help but she didn't want to show Lee any kind of pity. If she were in his shoes she'd still want to be treated the same way.
"Oh, hi. Meng Ka right?" He asked as he looked down at the little girl as Meng Ka climbed up on the railing and sat down.
"Yep. Out enjoying the weather today? Shouldn't you be training?" She asked as she looked back at him and swayed her feet back and forth.
"I-I can't train, Meng Ka." He said in a small voice as his body tensed and he looked down at his own reflection in the water.
Meng Ka smiled gently and looked down at his reflection, "Sure you can. It's just not as intense or ninja like fighting like you're used to. It's more of a training to help build your muscles back up so that you can get back to where you were and even past it."
Lee sighed and shook his head, "No, Lady Tsunade even doesn't think I have a chance."
"Lee, I'm very disappointed in you." Meng Ka said bluntly as she noticed the happy act wasn't working on him.
Lee looked up at her sharply, "What?"
"I'm disappointed. Guy hasn't given up on your state and neither has Lady Tsunade. I bet right now as we speak they're trying to figure out a way to help you. And here you are feeling sorry for yourself." Meng Ka meets his eyes and narrowed hers a little, "If others haven't given up on you then why should you give up on yourself?"
Lee looked at her a bit shocked at what she was telling him, it was almost like he was being scolded by his mother. But then it hit him, he shouldn't give up, he would have to do even more training so that he can be strong again.
"Alright!" he said as he stood up on one leg with his crutch. "I'm going to train five thousand times more than what I used to!" he yelled and with a determined face started to head for the hospital.
Meng Ka looked at him with a bit of a worried expression, "Please tell me he's not serious." She looked at Tinktink who only chirped softly, not knowing herself.
"Meng Ka!" A familiar voice called out as she got down from the railing and she smiled, "Kiba!" Waving she laughed as Akamaru jumped in her arms and she gave the pup a big hug. "How are you today Akamaru?"
"Come on, Meng Ka. You still owe me from a few days ago with helping to rebuild the village. There's still a lot of work to be done." Kiba said with a big smile on his face making Meng Ka chuckle.
"Yeah, yeah. Fine. I guess I can help." She said playfully as she walked next to Kiba and the four of them headed over to the part of the village that still needed repairs.
Meng Ka jumped with a start as she sat up in her chair that she had made out of books, having agreed to help Lady Tsunade study on some medical things. Isumo and Kotetsu walked with each holding a huge stack of books.
Lady Tsunade was woken up as well as she smiled from her desk, "Good work…" She trailed off as she whipped the drool from her chin.
"Ah! Fifth hokage, you were asleep just now, weren't you?" Asked Kotetsu, getting angry, "When you made us go fetch the documents! And only you and Meng Ka got to sleep!"
Lady Tsunade laughed nervously but Isumo spoke up before she could say anything, "More importantly, Lady hokage, there's something I want to report to you." They both set the books down as Isumo straightened up, "Sasuke has joined the sound village."
"What did you say?!" Meng Ka as she suddenly sat up in her seat, Tsunade doing the same as well.
"Is this true?!" Tsunade asked as she looked over at Kotetsu.
"Yes." He said, confirming what Isumo had said.
"According to Sakura Haruno, it appears there is no mistake." Isumo added as the room became quiet.
"Izumo! Kotetsu! There's someone I want you to bring here." Lady Tsunade said as she slowly sat back down in her seat, gaining control over her wondering thoughts.
"Yes!" The two said as they raced out of the room and Meng Ka sighed, walking over to the nearest window as she looked out at the rising sun. She knew that Sasuke was struggling to get stronger since he was rather impatient but she never thought he would go to such lengths to gain more power.
"As dangerous as it is to have you going near Orochimaru and his gang. I need you to be there for the group. You're the only Jonin left in the village that is up for the job." Lady Tsunade's voice drifted over to Meng Ka.
Sighing she looked back over to her, "I understand. I'll only interfere in the fighting only if necessary."
"Bring Sasuke back. That is your mission. But don't interfere unless you know for sure that you won't be captured by them as well." Tsunade said sternly and Meng Ka nodded her head. She understood the mission, Sasuke's life was a great value to them but her own was even greater than his. It wasn't the ninja way but in a time like this, it was their only way to make sure that they get Sasuke back.
"I'll be the medic and nothing more." She said simply before there was a knock on the door.
"Come in!" Lady Tsunade yelled as she watched the door open and Shikamaru walked in.
"You wanted to see me, fifth hokage?" He asked as he stood there and nodded towards Meng Ka who smiled softly back at him.
"Sasuke Uchiha apparently slipped out of the village late last night." Lady Tsunade said gravely, "And there is no mistake, that he is headed for the village hidden in the sound."
"Slipped out! Why?" Shikamaru asked, almost in a state of shock as he couldn't believe that Sasuke would do something like that.
"Because he was enticed by that Orochimaru." Meng Ka said as she came to stand by Lady Tsunade's desk, the smile gone from her face.
"W-W-Wait a moment!" Shikamaru stammered for the first time in front of Meng Ka. "What does Sasuke have to be enticed by a risky guy like that?"
"The reason doesn't matter." Lady Tsunade said sternly, "In any case, we don't have time. You will perform your first mission as a Chunin."
"So all I have to do is bring Sasuke back?" Shikamaru asked, gaining his composure once more.
"Yes, however, not only is time of the essence on this mission, but it might turn into something quite difficult." Lady Tsunade said as she folded her hands and looked at Shikamaru with a deep frown on her face. "There is a strong possibility that those under Orochimaru are guiding Sasuke."
The room fell silent as Shikamaru took in the information and seemed to think about it. It didn't take him long though to reply, "In that cause, please give me a team composed of only Jonin and Chunin." He said.
Lady Tsunade looked down, "I'm afraid I can't do that…" She said in a small voice, the stress of the situation evident in her voice. "Meng Ka is the only one I can spare at the moment. In the next 30 minutes," Her voice became stronger as she turned to the side to look out the window, "gather all of the Genin you consider the best and leave the village!" She ordered.
"It's a drag but I'll do it." He said as he turned around to leave, Meng Ka following after him.
"There is someone I want to recommend." Lady Tsunade said suddenly before they could leave.
Meng Ka banged on the door in front of her, "Kiba! Wake up!" She yelled as she banged on the door again.
Suddenly the door flew opened and Kiba stood there in his pjs holding onto a sleepy Akamaru, "What?" He asked a bit dazed.
"No time to explain, get dressed and I'll tell you when we're on our way!" Meng Ka said as she dragged him back to his room and started to throw clothes at him. Once he was dressed, the two of them were more awake and Akamaru barked excitedly as they ran down the street to meet up with Shikamaru.
"So he's a traitor then!" Kiba said angrily as Meng Ka finished telling him everything.
"No, just confused. We have to bring him back, Kiba. He's one of us so he's family." Meng Ka said annoyed but understood his reaction.
Up ahead they saw Naruto, Shikamaru and Choji. Akamaru ran ahead up them as he saw the potato chip in Choji's hand, hungry he leapt for the food but Choji ate it before Akamaru could get it. Meng Ka chuckled as she picked up Akamaru and dug around in her pocket, pulling out a food treat just for him. Akamaru ate it happily while Naruto fired off questions.
"Shino is on a special mission with his father." Kiba said since Meng Ka was supposed to get Shino and coming back with Kiba instead was a bit confusing for Shikamaru.
Hey, don't tell me…" Naruto said as he pointed to the two of them.
"Right. They're in as well." Shikamaru said unfazed by Naruto's over reactions to everything.
"No way! Why Meng Ka?!" Naruto asked loudly as he became worried, "Kakashi-sensi is going to kill us if anything happens to her!"
Meng Ka rolled her eyes, "You forget Naruto that I'm of higher rank than yourself. Besides, you'll need all the medical help you can on this trip."
That seemed to calm Naruto down a bit as they began to race for the village gate. On their way there they ran into Neji and Lee. Thankfully Neji was able to join them and as they made it to the gate, they stopped to breath a little.
"We made it just at our time limit." Shikamaru said as he looked down the pathway. "And all I have are five people. Well, as a start since this is a rescue mission, we will be in the position of pursuit. In other words, the enemy can easily gain the initiative. Therefore, I will decide on a deployment formation that will respond quickly to any assault by the enemy. If you ignore me and move of your own accord, we will all die."
That seemed to get everyone's attention and Meng Ka smiled to herself. Already Shikamaru was starting on well, since these are his friends, they were most likely going to ignore him in the first place. He needed a way of taking authority and having them listen to him without complaint or else they would all die.
"We will go in a single file formation." Shikamaru continued, "First of all, the all-important spearhead will be Kiba, that's you. You and Akamaru go on walks year round and therefore well versed in the terrain and geography of the land of fire. And since your nose is very sensitive, you can follow Sasuke's sent."
He then turned to Meng Ka, "You will be right behind him Meng Ka. With your ability to lock onto chakra, you'll be able to let us know where Sasuke is as well and be able to tell us if the enemy is trying anything funny. With the two of you up front it'll be hard for the enemy to surprise us."
"Next will be me, the squad leader. I can give orders from my position directly behind Kiba and Meng Ka and give orders to those behind me using hand signals. And in the middle will be Naruto. The middle is best for you since you're capable of executing quick moves and able to respond to anything up front or behind." Shikamaru not breaking to let what he is saying sink in to everyone, "And fourth in line will be Choji, you don't have speed but your ability to strike is the best among the squad members. Line leaders Kibs, Meng Ka, I and Naruto will launch a surprise attack and I'll use you to launch on the deciding blow."
He then looked over at Neji, "On the tail end will be Neji, you are assigned to the most difficult position of rear lookout. You will use your Byakugan to constantly check that there are no loopholes in the ranks. Any questions?" He asked now that he was finally done.
"You're acting kind of like a Chunin, aren't you?" Kiba teased as he smiled over at Shikamaru.
"Alright, everyone take out your ninja tools. I will commit them to memory for later use." Neji said as everyone began to pull out their sacks of weapons.
Meng Ka looked over everyone's weapons and then rubbed the back of her head; she wasn't much for one to carry that many weapons. Neji looked over at Meng Ka, "Don't you have weapons Meng Ka?" He asked in a disapproving tone.
"Yeah, kind of." She said as she pulled out her two sai that were always at her hips and then flipped her long braid over her shoulder to show the small dagger at the bottom.
"That's it?" Neji asked as he looked at the three small blades.
"That's all she needs." Shikamaru piped in. He wasn't too sure of Meng Ka's skills either but the Hokage had her go with him as well. He figured if anything he would be able to see what she was capable of on this mission.
"Alright, let's go!" He ordered as the seven of them headed out to find Sasuke, Meng Ka locking onto Sasuke's chakra while Kiba and Akamaru sniffed him out.