III

I wrinkled my nose, watching the blonde. Even the way he walked annoyed me. Everything from the top of his blonde head, to each individual thread on that hideous orange jumpsuit. 

He obviously wouldn’t be any good on any type of information mission, infiltration, etc. Naruto was Naruto. And, from what I’ve gathered, he liked to be heard. 

“Champion, is it?” He called over his shoulder, slowing down a bit to keep my pace. 

Hoping to discourage any form of conversation, I merely nodded- not even bothering to look at him. His kind were bad for missions. Put more stress on the squad leader. The exact type Tsunade knew I hated. 

So, why would she choose me?

And, it was almost instantly that I realized it was because everyone else would be too busy looking for the infamous Sasuke Uchiha. Because, they were all too stubborn to realize former Mr. Popularity had gone rogue. He didn’t want to come back. 

If he really loved Sakura, he’d be here, with her. 

If he really felt some sort of connection with Naruto, he wouldn’t of tried to kill him. 

If Sasuke truly was a ninja of this village, he’d be out protecting it, not ruining Konoha’s reputation. 

I grumbled, crossing my arms- completely ignoring the hand waving in front of my face. Tsunade had said (well, hinted, really) that I was an important asset to this village; a fine ninja in the making. But, if she truly believed that, why didn’t she let me prove it?

I could be just as much help in looking for Sasuke, more so than the famous ‘rookie nine’; not that that title really applied to them anymore. With Sasuke gone, and well, Naruto- with me. 

But, no, here I was- stuck. Babysitting Naruto Uzumaki; because he wasn’t disciplined enough to control his stupid emotions. 

Shinobi my ass. He was about as useful as Aureate, or Sabel. Thirteen year old twins still studying in The Academy. 

But, then again, they were my siblings. So, perhaps, they were better. 

“Champion Kohana, huh?” Naruto breathed, mainly to himself. And, if I weren’t mistaken, I may have heard him mumble something about me being a stuck up bitch. 

I couldn’t help the small smile that had befallen on my features. Good. Maybe now he’ll shut up long enough for us to reach our destination. 

~      ~     ~                                                                                                   ~          ~        ~

I let my eyes roam; letting the unfamiliarity of the place soak in long enough so that I wouldn’t feel completely uncomfortable. At least so that I could sit through this meaning. 

Naruto, on the other hand, was completely ill at ease. 

“How can you be so relaxed?” I hissed, swatting at his sprawled out figure. “We’re here on a job, not vacation!”

“Oh, relax,” he yawned, “don’t be so damned uptight.”

I huffed, quickly turning away from him. If only we weren’t on a mission, and I hadn’t of sworn to keep him safe…that little monster would be dead. 

“Oh! You must be Champion and Naruto. So glad you came! So glad you came!” A little woman beamed, running quickly to shake either of our hands. Trying my best to shake off the bad vibe, I politely smiled at her, slipping back into my business façade. 

“Don’t s’pose you’ve got something to eat?” Naruto asked. 

I hissed. 

“Oh, oh!” She chirped. “You must have come a long way!  We’ll prepare something immediately while you wait on Lady Mingyu to arrive.”

“Mingyu?” 

She paused to smile, “Yes ma’am. You’re client. She’s the one who called for you, yes ma’am.” And, just as quickly as she came, she left. 

Again, I let my eyes roam the small room. Sliding paper doors, wooden floors, woven mats that covered the floor. It was a traditional, ordinary Japanese house. 

And, it confused me. 

“Sorry to have kept you waiting.” A sweet voice sounded, bringing with it a young woman. “It wasn’t too long, was it?” Silently, both Naruto and I shook our heads, making her rose colored lips pull back into a pleased smile. 

The small, tanned girl eloquently sat in front of us, dragging along what seemed to be an expensive golden, silk robe. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun, stray strands framing her browned face. 

And, if that weren’t strange enough, the young woman proudly held red orbs on her face, framing them perfectly with think lashes and baby pink eye shadow. 

I clicked my tongue. 

Was it normal for a lady of her status be so dark? Or independent?

Her smile dimmed, bringing along a more grave expression. “I’m worried,” she finally admitted. “The men in my village…the seem to be disappearing. No trace. Poof! Just gone.”

“Have you considered the fact that they could have simply moved on?” I offered. 

Mingyu shook her head. “I don’t think it’s like that, Lady Champion- is it?” I didn’t have time to correct her. “Why, Ling just had a baby! I doubt he would leave him, and his poor wife. Don’t you agree?”

I sighed, rubbing at my temples, the nurture the headache that was forming there. When Lady Tsunade had said this mission would be bland, she didn’t mention it was genin-leveled, as well. 

Lady Tsunade would definitely be hearing from me when we got back. 

!~*~*~!

DundunDUUUUN. Lolnotreally. Pic on side is Mingyu c: Yes, I did take the time to draw her #NoLifePaige. Can that be a thing, because I fear it already is. Uhmm, I don’t know about you guys, but I loOOoOooooOOove Champion. Idk she’s so…like…idk . Not perfect, but like…strict and hates everything (mostly Naruto[jkjustnaruto]) I don’t know anymore. Sorry if the mission idea isn’t really original that’s just what happened. Oh well.