"Weeding?"

For once, Orochimaru didn't have his trademark smirk on his face, a disappointed look in its stead, "Sadly, outside of training, I'm only allowed to give you D-ranks, believe me, I'm just as bored."

I looked up to the sky, taking a deep breath in, focusing on the clouds dotted across it.

That's fine.

Orochimaru's brow rose, "Care to tell me what that was?"

Deadpanning at the mission log with a blank look, my mouth twitched, "It's an exercise I was shown with my old teacher to not exude too much killing intent."

His brow furrowed, more confused, "And why is that an issue?"

I shrugged, "Something about scarring allies? I can't really remember."

Anko and Hayate shuddered, while Orochimaru paused, analyzing me.

Not off-putting at all…

"I see," he crossed his arms, "We'll have to look into that."

Oddly serious of him.

Anko took a step back as if I would snap at her, "Sure, but could you do that, anywhere else but near me?"

"I second that," Hayate mimicking Anko's recoil.

Rolling my eyes, my mouth twitched once more, "Calm down you two, I'm not a ticking time bomb or anything."

They both took another step back, "Mmhmm…"

Sighing, I turned to Orochimaru, massaging my temples to ease my growing headache, "So in other words, we'll be doing chores for the elderly?"

He nodded.

I stared at the man, my face a blank slate except for pursed lips and tired eyes. Looking up exasperatedly, I relented, "Might as well get it over with."

"Do either of you mind telling me why Orochimaru isn't at least supervising us?"

We were on someone's porch, crouched into their garden. Anko glared back at me, "Orochimaru obviously has more important things to do than babysit us," she looked up with a smirk similar to the man's, "and plus, it could also be a sign that he trusts us."

Blanching, I met her glare with the most condescending look I could muster, "Because I'm sure he isn't just off in his lab studying his experiments."

She huffed, going back to pulling at the ground.

I shook my head.

Alright… back to busywork.

My eyes rose up to my teammates, hands mindlessly roaming the ground for weeds. Gazing at Hayate.

…Might as well…

~Hayate's POV~

These two need to cool it, kami. Why am I always the peacekeeper? …I swear I'm too nice sometimes.

Shifting myself up to balance the sword on my back, I glanced at Ton. He was focused in on his task, and surprisingly, so was Anko. Although, she was doing it in an overtly promiscuous stance, so I peered at the ground to hide the redness of my face.

Thank kami.

Letting out a breath in my head, I leaned forward to continue, a relieved smile on my face, the blush receding. I already had the stress of my parents and my personal training, so this is a very welcome change. A much-appreciated silence, save for the wind, began, reigning over our work. Ton stood up wiping the sweat from his brow; he pulled a bandana out of his back pocket, tying it over his forehead.

That's new… at least he had good taste...

We worked quietly, my hands sifting through the soil for the pesky parasitic cause of the mission. A soft ching brought my attention up from the ground to…Ton?

Is that a scabbard?

A cool breeze ran through my hair. My eyes widening, I reached up feeling for my bandana-band, realization adorning my features.

"Oh sonuva bi-."

~Ton'neru's POV~

"Language."

Pointing Hayate's sheathed sword at him, I smirked, "Come on Hayate, you must have expected this at least once."

He glowered at me, snatching the blade out of my hand, "Well I was hoping that since we were, y'know," He gestured to the garden, "On a mission, you'd drop it for once."

I rolled my eyes, "We are weeding. You think this is actually entertaining?"

Anko stood, a skeptical look on her face, "Missions aren't supposed to be fun. No matter how much this sucks, we have to do it."

My mouth twitched, and I glanced to her, "You're speaking up about this? Really?"

She rose her hands in mock surrender, Hayate cutting in, "Cool it, Ton."

Sighing, I slouched, "Sorry, it's just, just so boring. I can feel my very being dissolving away."

Hayate rose a brow, "Alright, isn't that a bit dramatic?"

My face grew cold as I stared at him, "No."

He leaned back, an inquisitive look on his face, "Really?"

I kept staring.

"Oka-a-ay then…," He backpedaled, crouching into the small brush.

Anko huffed from the side, "Can you at least help us finish it faster?"

Grimacing, I shot a look over to her, "Fine."

I suppose I am being childish.

Once again, I found myself on one knee in an elderly lady's garden with the sun high in the sky, and my only respite the tranquil buzz of cicadas. I glanced at the trees, seeing the little bugs playing their song in chorus.

I suppose its mating season then. At least for these few.

I sighed, a soft, almost imperceptible smile on face.

Might as well get back to work.

We were released early, apparently, Orochimaru had some experiments he just had to do in the middle of the day. Not like I wanted to be trained or anything, that'd be too much to ask from my teacher of all people.

I mindlessly walked throughout the streets, my eyes searching through the crowds and buildings for something interesting.

The usual I suppose. Pretty much nothing to do that I haven't done before. Maybe I could screw with Hayate?

Thinking back to everything we did today, I paled.

That'll definitely end with me on a fucking kebab. Still not as scary as Anko though.

My ears caught the telltale sounds of cicadas.

Damn, I can still hear them? Well, I'm not going to complain.

Turning the corner, I spotted a ramen stand with a few people eating. My stomach sang the song of its people. Looking around to make sure no-one heard, I sighed.

Ichiraku's huh? Might as well I suppose.

A chill ran down my spine, and a pressure built around me, constrictive like I was stuck in a vice grip tightening. I glanced back to a building behind me, my face hardened. Nothing met my gaze as I surveyed the rooftops, the feeling dissipating shortly after. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

Odd…

I shook my head to clear up my thoughts, food, yes, that's what I was doing. My feet carried me into the small shop, right to an empty seat up front, a man behind the counter, "Hey."

He turned, a warm smile on his face, "Yes, what can I do for you?"

Reciprocating his smile, I rested my head on my hand, "I've never been here, so just surprise with whatever. I can pay."

He nodded, turning to serve someone else. My smile fell the second he looked way, disinterest taking its place.

"Ton'neru! You eat here?"

Confused, I swiveled towards the voice, Obito meeting my look. He seemed to be in a group with three others, an apathetic-looking teen with silver hair that didn't make sense and a face mask, a bubbly girl with purple cheek marks, and an adult with blonde hair and soft blue eyes, he actually looks familiar…

I closed my eyes, "Not usually, but I'm hungry, so I don't really care."

His smile faltered slightly, the girl leaning around to see me, "Ohhh, who is this Obito?"

"He's the guy I told you about, y'know, the one who stole my headband."

Bringing a hand up, I cut in, "Don't forget about your goggles."

The girl covered her mouth, giggling, and Obito spluttered, his face growing red, unsure of what to say, "Hey! I-uh, jus- uhm, you cheated!"

I smirked, "How? We weren't playing or anything?"

He crossed his arms indignantly, huffing.

The man laughed, looking down to Obito, "Well why don't you introduce your friend Obito?"

Glancing over to me, he sighed, "Yeah, sure," He brought up a hand as if presenting something, "Meet Ton'neru, uh…Ibooli?"

Yeeeaaaah, that warrants a theft.

I winced for him, an annoyed look on my face, "Iburi, ouch, I thought I was at least a little memorable."

He turned away, ignoring my comment. As he glared off at a wall, I finished a quick genjutsu, not unlike the first one I threw his way when we first met.

Still smiling, the man rubbed the back of his head, "I'm Minato, these three's jonin instructor," He placed a hand on the dead looking guy next to him, "This is Kakashi, and the girl giggling is Rin."

The newly dubbed Kakashi spared a look in my direction before turning back to his food, a look of complete and utter disinterest on what portion of his face was visible…Am I like that?

Rin only nodded a bright smile on her face, "And Obito is just being 'tough' right now. So don't worry about it, alright?"

Shrugging, I leaned back while closing my eyes, "I wasn't."

Minato turned to face me, looking over Obito, "Are you training to become a ninja?"

I brought my glove up, the symbol of the leaf engraved into it, "Yep, my teacher is just slacking off doing other things instead of doing what he's supposed to." Because he's just that great at his one job.

He scratched his cheek, "Well that's not the best situation to be in."

I shrugged again, "It's whatever, I mean, really I've still only been training myself. Outside of one jutsu…," My eyes lit up as I trailed off, "Hey, mind if I tag along for the rest of the day?"

Immediately, Obito spun towards me, yelling, "There's no way you're coming!"

"Sure, I don't mind."

At that, Obito jumped out of his seat, stamping his foot against the ground, "WHAT?!"

Ichiraku's grew silent after that, its patrons all staring at the young Uchiha. He shrunk into himself, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "Heh..heh."

My mouth twitched as I held back a smirk. Minato waved to everyone to continue eating, casting a look at Obito, "It would be a refreshing change don't you think? Plus, he's already a genin like you guys, maybe he'll bring something new?"

He placed his hands on his hips, leering at me, "I guess…"

Rin stood up from her seat, "Also, someone new to train with would be pretty fun right?"

At an inhuman speed, Obito's entire demeanor changed from a standoff-ish and irritated teen to a blubbering mess, a pink coat dusting his cheeks, "Y-yeah, of course, it would Rin."

The server finally came back with a bowl of ramen, hot and ready for dining.

Right when I was about leave too…

I leaned over the counter as the man went off, "Could I get this to-go?"

He nodded. "Thank you, sir."

After I got my box of ramen, I hopped off my seat, finding myself about an inch taller than everyone except Minato. Huh, the more you know.

Bringing up a finger to my lips to let them know to be quiet, I casually stalked my way up Obito's face, untying his headband for a second time, hanging it in front of his face for a few seconds. Kakashi actually looked up from his bowl, his eyes widening a small bit, meanwhile, Rin attempted to stifle her laughter, a futile endeavor and Minato settled with a small smile on his face.

What to do… just giving it to him would be too boring. Oh! Why don't you tie it to him?

Ignoring the fact that I was talking to myself, I adhered to my inner voices advice, quickly tying the headband around his left arm. I chortled on the inside, my eyes locking onto his goggles.

Should I? …Definitely should.

Shortly after, I was wearing a pair of goggles with orange lens. I walked up to Minato, a blank look on my face, "So when do we leave?"

Surprisingly, after Minato got verbally assaulted and very nearly maimed by a woman with bright red hair, we made our way to their training ground, number three I think, I wasn't paying attention, sue me.

As I expected, Obito still hadn't realized he was in my genjutsu, so I still had his goggles wrapped snugly around my eyes.

These are surprisingly comfortable for their coloring.

My thought was cut off as Minato flicked his wrist to the side, an oddly shaped kunai blurring past my vision into the tree line.

I blinked.

"So," I put my hands in my pockets, "What was that?"

He only smiled, "Just a set up for training, nothing to worry about."

Mmhmm.

I peered to the side at Obito's team, Rin rolling on her heels, Obito glaring at Kakashi and Kakashi succinctly ignoring his existence. Hmm.

My face blanked, "Alright." I'm not about to argue with a jonin, even if Minato seems nice.

Kakashi stepped forward, his tired gaze only sparing time for his teacher, "What will we be doing today teacher?"

Minato bent over to reach Kakashi's height, a slightly hardened look on his face, "Just call me Minato alright?"

Although stiffly, Kakashi nodded.

With a smile, Minato stood up, gesturing to the field surrounding us, "Even though we have an extra person, our plans haven't changed," He placed his hands on his hips, "We will be simulating a bodyguard mission."

My brow rose. Really? Bodyguarding?

Obito seemed to share my sentiment, recoiling with a sour look on his face, "But why though? I mean, I get that we haven't done one yet, but why do we have to? It sounds so boring!"

Stated like a champion Obito, a champion.

Minato waved his hand dismissively, "It's what we have planned, and our little friend here can help with it."

I leered at the man, "I'm only younger by one year."

He ignored me. Awesome.

Sighing, I placed a hand on my hip, "So what am I doing?" Might as well get it out of the way.

His face hardened, "You'll be the client that needs to be protected. Kakashi will be protecting you while Obito and Rin try to reach you," He turned to my three seniors, "To be considered a success you only have to reach Ton'neru here and touch him, as in a real scenario, that would be the end."

Unsurprisingly, Obito and Rin nodded once in unison.

Turning to Kakashi, Minato placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling, "Your job is self-explanatory. Simply keep them from reaching Ton'neru, I'll give you a scroll with your destination on it, alright?"

Kakashi nodded uniformly, quickly walking to my side. I crossed my arms, plotting ways to sabotage the practice.

I could attempt a genjutsu on Kakashi and just watch how that goes. But I don't know his skill level, although I think I remember him being a prodigy… I'll try it later, but for now…

I glanced at my other two seniors.

Yep. Game plan secured.

I stretched, placing my hands behind my back as I molded my chakra, "So, when do we start?"

The blonde stalked over to us, placing a hand on each of our shoulders, his smile becoming softer. Almost… innocent.

Shit.

"Now."

My surroundings changed, pretty much instantly. Instead of the field, I found myself next to Kakashi in the forest, far from the edge of the woods, the odd kunai I saw beforehand lodged in a tree trunk behind us. Minato wasn't anywhere in sight, at least anywhere I could see. I sighed, at least it isn't like the shunshin.

Glancing over at Kakashi, I noticed a small scroll in his hands, I wonder when he got that? "Welp,"

I placed my hands on my hips, "Where are we going?"

He ignored me, settling for unrolling the scroll, his eyes darting across the paper.

I blanched, "Bud?"

"The stumps."

Stumps?

Right after that, he just pivoted and started walking off in some random direction. I took a deep breath, looking through the treetops at what little of the sky I could see, drowning out my surroundings with the buzz in my head.

This is perfectly-.

"Come on," Kakashi grabbed my shoulder, leading me forward through the brush at an annoyingly quick pace.

My mouth twitched, an almost unnoticeable manic grin on my face.

Fine.

I delved into the inner machinations of my mind, my grin only growing as I trailed behind Kakashi.

Good luck my angsty teenage friend. Good luck.

~1 hour later~ 3rd person POV

Minato continued watching the Stumps in the center of the field, a disconcerted look plastered on his face. He expected at least something to happen by half an hour, especially with Obito's progress and Kakashi's innate talent, but now he wondered if something had gone wrong. His thoughts went back to Ton'neru. Could he be the cause? What was his skillset again? Of course, he had that weird KI he showed in his academy days, and his clan's smoke technique, but what else?

"TON'NERU!"

Obito sprinted into the clearing, his face noticeably scratched up from the branches in the forest, but even more prevalent was the lack of both his headband and goggles. Rin appearing shortly after, only looking confused.

"Wait, Obito-."

Obito spun his head around madly, searching for the silver-haired teen, "WHERE ARE YOU?!"

Soon after, Kakashi calmly stalked out of the forest behind Obito, sneaking past the boy's sights to the Stumps, miming the actions of leading someone onto the top of the middle stump. He turned in Minato's direction, shunshining toward the man and landing on a tree branch next to him, "Mission accomplished sir."

Minato looked dumbfounded, glancing from Kakashi to the empty stump in the middle of the clearing and glancing back.

"Uh…Kakashi?"

The boy looked up to him, his eyes open in interest for once, "Yes Minato?"

He took one last glance at the log, seeing nothing but the woods behind it, "Where's Ton'neru?"

Kakashi paused, his face blanking before he looked over his shoulder at the log. His eyes slowly widened as he recoiled backward, almost falling off the tree, "W-what?"

Minato glanced back to the field, eyeing Obito and Rin, the former had at least calmed down a bit, while Rin healed his scratches, a tired look in her eyes. Minato rubbed his face, sighing, "What am I missing?"

He thought back to what he knew about the boy. From a newly introduced clan to Konoha with the ability to transform into smoke, an event in the academy where he released an abnormally high amount of Killing intent, and his tendency to steal from many in Konoha without them knowing what he looks like… Oh.

He took a breath, letting a small smile on his face as he turned to Kakashi, the teen looking around confused. He placed a hand on his shoulder, "Release."

Immediately, Kakashi shook his head clear, an uncomfortable feeling rubbing at his back. He reached back, pulling out a small scrap of parchment with a note scrawled on it, as well as Obito's gear.

I got bored after screwing with you 3 after 20 minutes. Decided to go exploring in the forest for something to entertain me, might be back later, who knows.

-Ton'neru

Kakashi kept staring down, his hair covering his eyes, clenching the note between his fingers, meanwhile, Minato rubbed his temples thinking to himself.

Genjutsu. Of course, it's genjutsu. But how does a practically fresh genin have such skill to trick not only Obito and Rin but Kakashi as well? WITH an age gap?

He turned to peer through the forest, his trained eyes picking out all the details he could find. He let another sigh out, a small frown on his face. Something felt off.

~Ton'neru's POV~

The crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet was all I could hear as I ambled throughout what little of the forest I could traverse, the sun now lower on the horizon.

I probably don't have much time before they come to find me.

My eyes drifted around the landscape before me, lazily pointing out details I could use for a later time if there ever was one. The chirping of birds had stopped long ago, the green around me growing silent, however I wasn't worried, of the known creatures that call these woods their home, only two were worth worrying about, and if I somehow died because of a fluorescent red and blue frog the size of my thumb, then I'm fairly sure I deserved it.

Slowly as I trailed through, a faint buzz permeated the silence, drawing my attention.

Even here?

As I stalked off towards the sounds, I could definitely confirm that I was hearing the cicadas reverberating song. I thought they would be done by now…

The sound continued to become louder, edging on painful to my poor eardrums. My face became a stone mask as I went around a particularly large tree, maybe a meter or more in diameter when I saw it.

A small, feeble tree with black leaves. It's trunk a sickly grey, barely sturdy enough to support the few branches it had. However, that wasn't what left me confused.

The buzzing was coming from underneath the tree.

Don't cicadas only sing their song when they're looking for a mate? Above ground?

The ceaseless buzz had grown to a white noise by the time I had crouched down to the trees visible roots, skeletal in nature, however, a string of markings I couldn't decipher was barely visible on its brittle bark. My hand gently brushed along its surface, feeling no indentations, nor any signs of a man-made tool being used.

Is this… a seal?

A grin stuck itself on my face as I studied the markings. They didn't seem to match any type of seal documented beforehand, even the more archaic ones from the warring states period, but the markings did resemble a seal, so much so that it should be impossible for this to be natural.

I paused.

If this is an unknown seal, should I really be playing with it?

The 'seal' seemed to have some sort of attraction to my hand, as whenever my palm grew close enough, I could feel my fingers getting pulled to the dry bark.

On one hand, this is a possibly dangerous unknown seal with an unknown purpose, there is no reason I should attempt to do anything besides report it.

I bit my lip.

But on the other, it would be rather amazing to understand it, possibly even use it to some capacity if I knew what it did.

My wills fought, arguing about common sense over curiosity and vice versa, and I stared, my fingers transforming into smoke and reverting constantly.

Might as well…

I grazed the bark once again with my gauze covered fingertips, channeling chakra into the markings. At first, nothing changed except for the steady drain of chakra from my hand, the forest growing quiet once again, the buzz almost melting away. I scrunched my face in disappointment.

Well, that was anti-climactic.

No sooner than right after I thought that, the buzz returned in full, it's intense waves causing me to become disoriented as the buzz seemed to be in my head now. From the corner of my bleary sight I could make out a blur of silver, but the pressure only built, and built, and built in my skull, until…

POOF

And my world faded into nothingness.

A/N: To start off, I apologize, I made a promise I couldn't keep as I didn't think about the upcoming school year before formatting my schedule, and I've probably annoyed or disappointed you guys, and for that, I'm truly sorry. Now, with that out of the way, I've decided that the new schedule is at least one chapter a month. I know it's slow, but with school and the like… ah, I'm sure you've heard all this before. Anyway, feel free to leave a review pointing out any typos or mistakes in the writing, or with any criticism you believe is valid. Hopefully, you enjoyed this (Criminally overdue) chapter, and I hope to see you in the next chapter.