Chapter 49: Some Down Time
"Are you all really going on a mission without me?" I asked pouting staring towards Ren-sensei, Reno, Hayner and Hinata.
"Sorry Yuna but since you haven't had much practice in healing jutsu Lady Tsunade decided Hinata would join us." Ren-sensei said making me frown as she said, "I'm sorry..."
"It's okay means I'll have to find something else to do… where are you guys going anyway?" I asked seeing Hayner look around hesitantly before saying, "It seems there was an attack on the Hidden Cloud and the Two-tailed Jinchuriki has gone missing."
"She thinks Akatsuki is behind it?" I asked worried seeing Reno nod pointing to Hinata replying, "With her Byakugan maybe we can find out more."
"I see…" I said quietly thinking about the picture that had fallen last night saying worried, "Please be careful all of you."
"We will." Reno said with a thumb up while Ren said, "In the meantime keep the village safe while we're gone."
"Roger that." I said smiling towards them as they began walking out of the gates saying a silent prayer for all of them.
Deciding to head to where I knew Naruto and Kakashi were training I jogged over seeing Kakashi leaning against a tree reading his perverted book. Beside him was the man Naruto had mentioned named Yamato while Naruto was up on a tree branch with a bunch of shadow clones.
"Yuna what brings you here?" Kakashi said not looking up from his book while I replied, "I thought I'd come join you guys."
"You're Kakashi's apprentice?" Yamato asked as I nodded sitting beside them replying, "Yes he's been training me for a few years."
"He's a good teacher you're very lucky." Yamato said with a smile making me smile back replying, "I think so too… though could do without knowing you're reading that around me."
He moved the book so I could see his eye before closing it putting it back in his pouch grabbing something else.
"I recall telling you I'd teach you something else." he said tossing me a scroll as I eyed it replying, "Is this what I think it is?"
"Yes… but I only want you to agree to it if you're 100% sure." he said as I looked it over saying, "I'm sure, I have to keep getting stronger any way..."
He was quiet for a moment before saying, "Your teammates will be fine."
"What?" I asked looking up as he smiled under his mask replying, "I know they left this morning due to possible Akatsuki activity in the Hidden Cloud village, have faith that they will be okay."
"I'm trying too… it's just… I have a bad feeling and I'm not sure what's causing it." I said opening the scroll pricking my finger, so the blood dripped while Yamato said, "Perhaps something else is bothering you and it's manifesting superstitious thoughts."
"Maybe..." I said signing my name closing the scroll hearing from above, "Yuna!"
Looking up Naruto jumped down beside us making me smile saying, "Hey Naruto, how is training going?"
He crossed his arms replying, "Slow but I know I'll master this in no time."
"What are you trying to do?" I asked while he pointed to his clones saying, "I'm using my wind technique to slice the waterfall in half."
"Wow that will be amazing once you do it." I said staring up at the giant waterfall, that was going to take a substantial amount of chakra to do.
"What are you working on?" Naruto asked leaning towards me as Kakashi said, "You know if Sasuke was doing this waterfall trick, he'd probably be done by now."
Tilting my head, I knew Kakashi was egging him on but I still frowned, I knew Naruto was upset about not getting Sasuke back. However, I also knew that even though he wasn't around he still considered him a rival. Though I didn't understand the need for a rival I could understand the push they gave one another… even if it was silly competitions.
"Ready?" I asked looking towards Kakashi as he nodded turning my head to Guy saying, "Ready?"
"Yes!" he said excitedly putting my hand up yelling enthusiastically, "GO!"
Quick as a flash they both began shoveling food into their mouths, moving so fast you wouldn't have even known Kakashi took the mask off. Moving my eyes between them I watched the plates quickly begin to pile up seeing the last one land with a clink.
"Stop!" I said putting my hand down as they both looked up replying, "The winner..."
"Yes?" they both said giggling lightly replying, "Kakashi-sensei."
I began laughing to myself, I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy watching their constant contests against one another. Looking up I saw Naruto go back to the waterfall looking down at the scroll in my hand, perhaps I could live up to being someone's rival someday.
Walking along the village I had my hands stuffed in my pockets still not having any word on Ren-sensei or the others. A few other groups, including Asuma and his team along with other Jonin had gone off hearing of an attack from the Akatsuki. From the reports they weren't opponents we'd faced before so I was instructed to stay should Itachi decide to invade.
Shino was away but was due back any day and I had successfully completed Kakashi's assignment he had for me. Hearing footsteps coming in my direction I turned to see Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon smiling towards me.
"Hey Yuna-sensei we need your help!" Konohamaru said as I tilted my head saying, "What's wrong?"
"Ebisu-sensei is helping out some of the other Jonin looking for Akatsuki so we need someone who can be our captain and I knew you'd be the best for the job." Konohamaru said with a wink seeing Moegi grumble muttering, "I wanted Reno but he's not here..."
"Sure, it will give me something to do, what's the mission?" I asked as he pumped his fist saying, "We have to find a missing necklace!"
"That's it?" I asked slightly disappointed as he frowned saying, "I know it's lame but what if someone stole it and we got to fight them?"
"The lady said her husband was working near the forest of death when he lost it." Moegi explained as I nodded replying, "No doubt an animal could have gotten a hold of it."
"That's a possibility too..." Udon said as I tapped my chin saying, "Well I just need an item that the lady had then we can start tracking her."
"She filled out this scroll." Konohamaru said handing it to me as I put my thumb up saying, "Perfect."