[b]“And we will,”[/b] Kakashi quickly responded on the subject of her weaknesses, [b]“together.”[/b]

The ninken – Bisuke, or ‘Biscuit’ among the others – was immediately halted by Sakura’s chopsticks and blinked in surprise and disappointment. It was becoming obvious that simple maneuvers were no longer cutting it, yet he did not anticipate she’d already be aware of his presence while she was meant to be eating. His tongue lapped along the chopsticks and he let out a low hum of pleasure at the taste. Sakura had next offered the rest of her meal, to which Biscuit knelt down without hesitation and began to consume with hasty enjoyment. Kakashi observed this small interaction and, as well as being impressed, was beginning to grow concerned that he’d have little to teach her within the next few weeks. Her reaction time was already improving. Whether by chance or not, Biscuit was subdued so casually that he was beginning to think he’d be offering her their summoning contract sooner than he initially expected.

The rest of the day continued standard yet fruitful. Sakura may have hated the repetition, but she’d thank him for it when she became a Chuunin and beyond. 

By tomorrow morning Kakashi had reported to Tsunade after a visit by Kotetsu and Izumo, the Chuunin duo. His availability prompted him for an assignment, and after meeting with Lady Tsunade in regards to a new mission he had agreed to mobilize soon. That wasn’t all – the subject of Sakura was raised, with her progress and confidence coming into question. Kakashi was very affectionate when it came to her, and Tsunade was not going to argue with Sakura’s involvement so long as Kakashi believed her ready. Kakashi’s confidence was never misplaced, and in order to prove that Sakura’s confidence was not to be questioned he intended to bring her back and allow Tsunade to brief her personally on the mission details. Leaving and ensuring he’d return shortly, Kakashi had made his way to Sakura’s home and was lucky enough to catch her only several feet away from her front door, likely heading to the training ground to meet him. Running to catch her with ease, a hand on her shoulder was the attention-getter, but his explanation was the attention-keeper. To prove herself on a mission and to acquire further experience, and so soon at that, was likely to appeal much more than his training exercises would. The pair set off shortly afterward.

Her awareness of the surrounding area was admittedly becoming cute to him. He was a tricky person and he could not blame her for additional caution when it came to being with him, but he would not openly admit he had nothing lying in wait for her. If anything this was going to teach her to be aware no matter what; as long as he said nothing, she’d always have to wonder in the back of her mind if he was up to something in order to improve her skills. Resisting the urge to smile about her glancing about, the topic of Lee’s recovery and that Gai was with him on a mission. He reflected to Gai’s anxiousness during Lee’s hardest time and was thankful – as much as it pained him to say it – that he did not need to see any of his students face their careers being potentially destroyed when they had so much potential within them. 

[b]“I ran into Gai yesterday after I dropped you off. It’s as you said: Lee’s recovery is pretty much over. If he didn’t run off to help the retrieval squad, it’s possible that he’d be at one hundred percent right now. He’ll be eager to impress his peers again – and you.”[/b] Kakashi had heard from Gai that Lee was hoping to become stronger and become much more dependable to his friends. He wished for Sakura to blow the minds of her peers too. 

The two shared small talk related to the duo and of Ino herself before they had returned to Tsunade’s office. Once there, Kakashi stood up straighter in her presence and ushered Sakura forward. Kakashi had the details already, it was Sakura who was about to be briefed. Although he ushered her ahead of him, he was still close enough to place a hand on her shoulder if need be. 

The Hokage looked Sakura over, hands clasped together on the table in a manner surprisingly formal. She was not busy this particular morning and had little else on her menu now other than handing the subject of Sakura’s preparation for become a stronger, matured kunoichi for the village. Her eyes looked to Kakashi and lingered for a moment before returning to Sakura. 

[b]“Sorry,”[/b] she suddenly spoke, her analytical expression falling immediately, [b]“I didn’t think he was serious about this, but I’ve still got a lot to learn about Kakashi and how ready he is to put his student’s life on the line. Now then,”[/b] Tsunade looked to Kakashi, [b]“Kakashi and I have spoken earlier this morning in regards to bringing you along on a mission. This person is both lethal and subtle, making him a foe no ordinary shinobi could contend with. Furthermore,”[/b] her eyes narrowed and returned to Sakura, [b]“we believe them to be connected to a string of kidnappings in the Land of Fire. We’ve narrowed him down to one territory in particular: Tanzaku Town.”[/b]

Tanzaku Town was a notorious location for gambling and women especially, and one she had visited frequently before she had become Hokage. The city was busy both day and night. People got their fill of drinks and drowned in the pleasures it offered. For that reason it was an ideal location to hide oneself, but one too many reports of missing children had prompted Konoha itself into action. The only man in the Land of Fire who had an active interest in children for anything had to have been Orochimaru, but it might be too hasty to make such an assumption. Still, it demanded investigation.  

[b]“I’ve sent two teams of Chuunin out to handle this, but none have come back alive. Through our intel, and the dry state of the bodies, we believe this man to be ‘Taro of the Dry Hand’. He abandoned Suna shortly after it was discovered the Kazekage had been murdered by Orochimaru, and given Suna’s crippled state they had no time to hunt him down. Why he’s emerged again in the Land of Fire, I don’t know, but he is quite a force to be reckoned with. He’s a new entry in the bingo book and worth quite a lot of money by Suna, but because of our alliance with Suna we’ll do this for the good of everyone involved. Subdue or kill him if necessary, but finding the children is the ultimate goal here. Because of the lethality surrounding the enemy, this will be an A-rank mission and one I don’t take lightly.”[/b]

Tsunade closed her eyes and leaned back in her seat, appearing exhausted at simply offering details to Sakura. It wasn’t explaining it that was the trouble, but allowing her to come that was weighing on her mind.

[b]“Additional details are something Kakashi can offer, but I don’t believe you should go. This man is obviously extremely dangerous. Should Kakashi engage him, I’m afraid you’ll get in the way. He disagreed. I think his affection for you as his student is influencing his judgment. So,”[/b] Tsunade opened her eyes again, [b]“I need you to understand the stakes here. Our resources are still spread thin, and all available jonin are on assignment. Kakashi is the best hope I can send right now, and while I’d like to send him additional support my hands are tied. This needs to be resolved immediately. You haven’t even been under his direct instruction for a week …but he’s good, he’s respectable, and I want to believe in his confidence. Do you believe you’re ready for an assignment of this level, just the two of you?”[/b]