Chapter Text
Naruto ran excitedly to the Konoha border with Sasuke following him very close.
— We'll go out! We'll go out! Are you excited Sasuke! — he asked while laughing like a little boy.
— Of course... I was already getting tired of being with such simple missions... — he answered while a subtle smile formed on his face.
Naruto just closed his eyes as he gave Sasuke one of his dazzling smiles and they continued running together.
Sakura, who had been watching everything from behind, became a little irritated. It bothered her to see how easily they had become friends, how easily Sasuke smiled now next to Naruto. It bothered her quite a bit that things weren't like that with her.
— Who do you think we'll go with? — Naruto asked curiously.
Before answering, Sasuke stopped abruptly, looking beyond them. Naruto noticed him and looked in the direction Sasuke was looking.
His eyes opened wide when he saw who was there.
— They're the guys from yesterday... — Naruto whispered.
— Do you know them? — Sakura asked as she caught up with them.
— ...we met them yesterday by chance — Sasuke replied as he resumed his pace, his hands on the pockets in his pants.
— Hellooo! — Tenten greeted from a distance — it's good to see you again!
—Naruto-kun!, Sasuke-kun!, let's continue where we left off yesterday — Rock Lee shouted excitedly.
— It's not the time, Lee. Behave yourself — Neji asked.
— Hello! Why didn't you tell us we would be partners? — Naruto asked when the six of them were together.
— We didn't know, our sensei gave us the instructions last night — Tenten replied casually.
—Let's stop wasting time and move on— Neji asked— If we go at a good pace we'll reach that village before sunset.
— Where will we go? — Naruto asked.
— We're going to Tanzaku, we'll see our sensei there — Tenten informed — Well, we hope so...
— Wait! — Sakura asked nervously — Are we going there alone?
— Yes, is something wrong? — Tenten questioned.
— We're just Genin... our sensei said we'd go with someone more experienced...
— Well... we've been Genin for over a year, so we have experience, don't worry...
— Haruno Sakura... — Sakura replied, seeing Tenten's questioning face.
— Well, Sakura, don't worry, we will protect you — He assured with a kind smile.
— We're not babysitters — Neji commented — This mission isn't that big of a deal, we'll finish it quickly like we've done with others before, don't be a hindrance.
— Hey! Don't talk to Sakura-chan like that! — Naruto glared at Neji as he said this — Don't worry, we'll protect you...
— Naruto! — Sasuke stopped what his partner was going to say by calling his name.
Naruto looked at him with doubt for a few moments and then remembered the conversation they had had days ago, that conversation that implied being a more complete team.
— I mean... we are more than capable of doing this Sakura-chan — he commented, correcting what he was going to say.
Sakura sighed as Ten ten placed his hand on her shoulder in a sign of support.
They walked steadily for quite a while, Naruto and Rock Lee having silly competitions like who could go the furthest on their hands, who could do the most push-ups before reaching the others, things like that.
Sasuke watched them while rolling his eyes, those two were ridiculous, Naruto would arrive at the place with his hands bleeding from so many stones he found on the road, he was so clumsy that he couldn't dodge them in time and fell. Like now...jejeje
— Pff...stupid...— He muttered, still laughing.
— Yes, It is...stupid — Naji commented, standing next to her.
Sasuke looked at him reproachfully, only he could call Naruto stupid.
— Why are you looking at me like that? You called him that first...
— ...I'm not looking at you at all, just forget it and tell me... what's this mission about?
— We'll go over the details with Gai-sensei when we're with him.
— All right.
—Are you also worried about not having your sensei? —Neji asked with some mockery.
—Of course not, I just think it's weird that they require seven people for a mission, there are too many of us.
— I suppose you're right, I understand that it's a new idea from Yondaime-Sama.
— I hadn't heard of her.
— Gai-sensei informed us a few days ago. I heard the other two teams from your generation will also be doing a joint mission.
— Interesting... it seems like some kind of test for us — Sasuke commented thoughtfully.
— Maybe it's for the Chunin Exams — Neji told him, bringing him out of his daydream.
— The exams...?, that's true, I hadn't made the connection but it makes sense, they're older than us, why haven't they taken the exam?
— Our sensei thought we weren't ready yet last time, since then we've been training to reach a good level and be able to become Chunin this year.
— I understand...
— If I were you, I wouldn't get my hopes up about participating this year.
— What do you mean? —Sasuke asked, already getting angry.
— Don't bother... it's normal not to advance like the others when you're a Beta. — Neji commented — Especially if there are two betas on a team.
— Excuse me? Are you saying I'll stay a Genin forever?
— Not forever, but longer than anyone else here, that includes your teammate.
Neji glanced at Sakura, who was behind them chatting with Ten-ten.
—My status does not define my performance as a Shinobi, at least not for me— he answered with suspicion.
— Betas like you don't amount to much more than being simple instructors at the academy or replacement ninjas here and there.
With every word Neji said, Sasuke got angrier.
— I guess your elite sensei has it tough. I feel sorry for him.
— Why? — Sasuke clenched his fists tightly as he asked, he had to calm his temper, after all they were in the middle of a mission.
— You know, him, an elite shinobi, a powerful alpha known throughout the villages, trapped with two simple betas and an untalented alpha, your partner, Naruto, may be the Hokage's son but he has nothing that makes him stand out, I realized that yesterday.
— Ha!... my gender won't stop me, alphas like you — Sasuke pressed a finger on Neji's chest with a threatening look — I'm going to shut them up when I'm more powerful than anyone — he stepped back after saying that and slightly overtook Neji in his stride — and about Naruto, I'm sure that one day he'll be your Hokage, he'll be better than Minato-sama.
Neji let Sasuke go ahead, he didn't want to upset him, he just wanted to show him how he was seen by the world, after all... that someone from the main line of the Uchiha Clan was a beta was something that took many by surprise, they didn't expect great things from him, he should know that no matter how hard he tried, his destiny wouldn't change, he would be a beta for the rest of his days and would be seen only as that.
They arrived at Tanzaku as expected, before sunset. They entered the place where they had agreed to meet with their sensei and Neji went to reception. It was a small but nice hotel, discreet despite its location.
— Oh yeah, the weird guy with eyebrows is your sensei? — the receptionist asked Neji.
— Yes, what room is it in?
"I'm sorry, but he's not here right now, but I have something for you." She handed him an envelope, which Neji took.
— Thank you...
Neji opened the letter right there.
*Neji, my dear pupil, your incredible sensei had a problem with our client's schedule. Please wait for me. I'll be back soon.*
There are two rooms reserved for you to spend the night. Neji, you are the most focused. Don't let the hormones of youth dominate you. Remember, everyone stays with their caste. I hold you responsible. Don't let me down.
*I'll arrive in the morning, so I hope you're ready at the Tanzaku entrance. Beware of the vices of this place. Gambling and late nights are not permitted. Good luck!*
*Sincerely, the best sensei in the world, Maito Gai.*
Neji sighed in exasperation. If he understood these instructions correctly, he'd have to stay in one of the rooms with the Hokage's son and Lee's ridiculousness. His partner was already very noisy, but with Naruto added to the mix, he'd discovered he was even worse.
Resigned, he addressed his companions and tiredly explained the new circumstances. The girls took it with excitement and talked about a sleepover for betas only. Naruto and Lee also got excited and said they would compete to see who got the best bed.
He felt a little relieved to notice that he wasn't the only one who didn't like the news, because as soon as he told him that the Uchiha would be sharing a room with the girls, he put on a sour face that surely surpassed his own.
— That said... I am responsible for ensuring that these orders are followed. Tomorrow we will get up first thing in the morning to see Gai-sensei at the agreed place.
— Great! Come on Naruto-kun, let's decide who's going to get the bed!
Lee had barely finished saying that when both alphas headed to his room amidst excited shouts. Neji sighed.
— Come on Sakura-chan, it's still early, we can settle in calmly.
— Wait! — Neji asked — I can't be in his room so Tenten, you are in charge of the good behavior of your roommates.
— Calm down Neji, we're beta, the one who will have to deal with the pheromones of his teammates will be you — Tenten winked at him — Good luck with that.
She took Sakura with her while they whispered excitedly and only Uchiha Sasuke was left in the place.
— Is there any chance I could stay with you? — asked Sasuke.
— No, you're a beta, you go with the betas.
—Leaving that aside, I'm a boy and they...
— No, we alphas are territorial. Maybe you see the stupidity Naruto and Lee pulled in the bedroom as a game, but it isn't. They'll go crazy competing and let their scents out freely to see who's "stronger." I know betas aren't as affected by our scents, but I'd rather not risk it. Sasuke sighed and didn't insist, the bad thing about all this is that he was actually an Omega and Kabuto asked him to be careful when exposed to other scents, he had his doubts about how bad it would be if he was exposed but it was better not to find out.
However, the idea of being with Sakura and that other girl didn't sit well with him, he hoped that Tenten would keep Sakura so distracted that she would forget she was in the same room.
— I understand... Will each group eat separately? — Sasuke asked.
— I prefer that. I don't know when that pair will stop doing stupid things. — he answered, referring to his roommates.
Sasuke nodded and decided to follow the path the girls had taken, resigned to his fate.
As he entered the giggles stopped and both girls looked at him, Sakura with a blush on her face, Tenten with a smile that didn't promise anything good.
— Hi Sasuke-kun, look, we'll let you have that bed. I hope you don't mind.
Tenten pointed to a bed that was next to another, too close for her liking, on said bed were Sakura's things.
He rolled his eyes in annoyance, placed his things on his bed and walked to the door again.
— I'll go out and get something to eat... — without waiting for an answer, Sasuke turned around and left.
Sasuke left the hotel in search of a place to eat, he found a small stand, upon entering he took a seat without looking much around.
— What would you like to order? — a girl asked him on the other side of the bar.
— Do you have... tomato soup? — I ask hopefully.
—Sure, anything else you'd like to add?
Sasuke ordered a couple more things to go with it and waited patiently.
— Good afternoon, do you have anything with beans...?
That voice was Hyuga Neji's, he turned around in surprise and Neji noticed it too.
—Uchiha.
— We have these dishes with beans, customer, do you want to choose one?
Neji made his order and sat next to her.
—Are your roommates still scandalous? — Sasuke broke the silence with that question.
— Yes, I'll try to stay out as much as possible.
— Ha... yeah, I had that plan too.
—Does Tenten bother you? — Neji asked.
— It's not that... it's, it's nothing personal.
— I see...
Both their plates were placed in front of them, and upon taking the first bite, they both tasted satisfied. They looked at each other curiously and then at the other's plate.
— It's too much Tomato — Neji commented.
— It's too much Bean — Sasuke lashed out.
— I like them and I needed them.
— Then me too.
They ate in silence after that, the only sounds being the slurping of food, some murmurs of people coming and going, it was already sunset, the weather was cool and the soup was doing him a world of good.
Neji ate calmly, looking sideways at his companion, apparently his anger from the afternoon had gone, he ate without problem at his side, anyway, he was curious.
— I don't understand why…— Neji began, drawing Sasuke's attention. — You got angry when I expressed my point of view on the way here?
—Who wouldn't get upset when someone told them those things? —Sasuke commented— Why are you bringing this up?
— Curiosity... Rock Lee and you... reacted the same.
— Did you say something like that to your teammate?
— Of course, just like you, he should know his place. I respect him a little just for being an alpha, but as a shinobi, he leaves a lot to be desired; he won't get very far...
—He's very good at taijutsu. I don't know how he is on missions, but I'm sure he does his part.
— He's only good at that... he can't do anything with Chakra.
— What? That's not possible.
— See, even you find it absurd, a ninja without Chakra, what nonsense, just like you, he won't get very far, that's why I don't understand... what I'm saying is the truth, you don't have to bother.
— I prefer it when we ignored each other and didn't talk. Do you say that because you think you're important? Is it because of the clan you belong to? No matter how strong you are, at some point someone will appear who will make you see how weak you are.
— I'm not talking about strength, I'm talking about destiny, a mark that won't fade no matter how powerful you become.
— Destiny?...
— Since you... are part of your Clan's main family, the second son of the leader, everyone expected you to be something else, and what did you end up with? A mere Beta.
— Again with that? — Sasuke stood up furiously from his place — You are also part of the Hyuga Clan and from what I have seen a prodigy, my place in the Clan represents how good I should be.
—Why? At the end of the day, it won't change who you are.
—And you? Are you telling me that you are not important in your clan despite how skilled you are?
— Exactly, I belong to the secondary branch, no matter what I do, my destiny is written.
Sasuke didn't know what to say, Neji had an expressionless face as if it didn't matter, as if it wouldn't affect him, but he looked at his manis, they were tightly clenched on the chopsticks.
— I don't know why you think that way and I don't care either. If that's how you've decided to see life, it's your problem. I repeat again, my caste doesn't define me. I will be stronger than anyone and I will serve alongside the Hokage as a trusted Ninja.
With that said, Sasuke left money on the table and stormed out, leaving Neji alone. He was looking for a moment of quiet before sharing a room with Sakura, but no, Hyuga had to appear and ruin his appetite. He had to admit that he was curious about Neji's words, but he wasn't going to put up with his beliefs on these topics every time they talked.
Their food was so good, it was a shame the good atmosphere didn't last long.
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Meanwhile in Sakura and Tenten's room.
Sakura sighed in defeat as she saw Sasuke leave.
— Maybe you make him nervous, Sakura, and besides, we're on a mission. He'll focus more on that than on you.
— Do you think so? — Sakura asked hopefully.
—Sure, what I don't understand is why you're so desperate to get his attention?
Sakura, who until then had been lying down staring at the ceiling, sat up and crossed her legs in front of Tenten.
Tenten lay on her side so she could observe her partner and pay attention to what she was going to say.
— Sasuke-kun is a Beta — Sakura declared.
— That's obvious and surprising, he's quite striking for a Beta, handsome, tall, strong and belongs to an important Clan.
With every word Tenten said while describing Sasuke, Sakura felt nauseous in her stomach and grimaced, something Tenten noticed.
— Hahaha, don't be jealous, that doesn't mean I want something with him.
— You don't like Sasuke-kun?
— Well... I didn't say that either. After all, he's a Beta like no other I've ever met. It's hard not to notice him. However, I wouldn't come between you.
— We're nothing really, he's focused on his ninja path.
— Like everyone else, but I think there's always room for love, you just have to know what moments or places are conducive to certain things.
— I know but... I'm a little nervous since... since an... acquaintance said she would do anything to have Sasuke-kun.
— Like I said, he's striking; it's normal for them to notice him.
— But she's an Omega. Omegas go with Alphas... this person only wants to have Sasuke-kun to show off, as if he were an object.
— Wow, that's... not right. He's a Beta. He should be with someone like us.
— Right? What makes me feel worse is that he's become strangely close to Naruto, an Alpha. They couldn't stand each other before.
— Leaving aside the fact that Naruto-kun is an Alpha, it's good that they get along, right? They're teammates.
— I'm not saying I'm not good... but... I feel like I'm being left out a little, and... Kakashi-sensei said he'd be watching me because he hasn't liked my behavior lately.
— You should talk to both of them. Maybe you're doing something that's making Sasuke-kun uncomfortable, which is why Naruto is also distancing himself. And about your sensei... Why did he say something like that to you?
— He said something about me being too close to Sasuke-kun, that I should focus more on missions and things like that... I guess you're right. I've made Sasuke-kun uncomfortable. — Sakura looked down, embarrassed, as she said this last thing out loud.
— If you've already figured it out, do something. Complete this mission successfully. Put aside your love for him and focus. When they see that you can do it, you'll attract more attention. Maybe Sasuke-kun will come closer when he sees your change.
— ...Do you think it will work?
— You have nothing to lose by trying, your sensei will see that you can do it and your teammates... talk to them, tell them your feelings as a teammate, not as someone in love with one of them.
Sakura smiled as she blushed, realizing Tenten was right. Due to her jealousy, she had unnecessarily mistreated Naruto, and Sasuke was growing increasingly distant from her. Yes, she would talk to them. She hoped to get closer to Sasuke properly with that.
— Thank you... Thank you for listening to me Tenten, even though we barely knew each other... — Sakura smiled.
— It's nothing, I thought you were very nervous, I just wanted to calm you down so the mission would go well, count me in too once we're done. — Tenten also gave Sakura a sweet smile.
She understood a bit of the pressure she felt; after all, she was on the same team as three alphas, two with excessive energy and one who was a prodigy. Sometimes it was overwhelming being the only beta, so she was glad to be teamed up with them—two betas, one of them a girl.
When they met earlier, she noticed Sakura was very nervous about going on a mission without her sensei. Not only that, she was constantly looking at Sasuke, and she immediately understood what was going on.
Those sighs, pouts, frowns when someone was near the person of interest, Sakura was in love and hurt at the same time, she started the conversation casually and her companion opened up without much insistence, she told her her feelings and asked for discretion even though she wasn't being very discreet hehehe.
Fortunately, her love interest was a beta, very different from her case, falling in love with an alpha was doomed to failure, that's why she didn't try, she was in love too... she had such bad taste that she liked an alpha of all things, she had understood a long time ago that nothing would happen because she had already been rejected, she had gotten over it but there was something that didn't stop hurting.
It was obvious that she would be rejected, alphas would never see her as something serious and omegas were even more difficult, no thanks, she decided after that rejection that next time she would look for a beta. Someone just like her.
That's why I wanted to help Sakura, she was a sweet girl, a little distracted but not bad, I hope her partner looks at her with good eyes soon.
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—Where did your partner go? — Naruto asked as he looked around for a food stand that caught his attention.
Once he and Lee stopped competing, they realized their roommate was nowhere to be seen, so they decided to go out and look for food, hoping to run into him.
— Neji's a bit unsociable. He probably came here to get food alone.
— Hehehe, just like Sasuke... — Naruto mentioned.
— Do you and Sasuke-kun get along? — Lee asked curiously.
— Yes! We recently became friends — Naruto shared happily.
—That's great, it's clear that you're well-matched. In our confrontation yesterday, I also noticed that he was very careful with you.
Naruto was a little embarrassed, he scratched the back of his neck nervously.
— Our parents asked us to train together and... I think it's helped us get to know each other better, hehe...
— That's great, Naruto-kun! I wish Neji was willing to train with me more. He only does it when I demand rematches to beat him. I always end up on the floor and then he walks off like nothing happened.
— He's very unfriendly, he reminds me a bit of Sasuke, Naruto commented with a pout.
Just then, Naruto saw his aforementioned friend coming toward him with a sour face.
— Hey, Sasuke! Naruto shouted with a smile.
— I'm not in the mood, Dobe...
Sasuke walked between the two alphas, causing Naruto's smile to falter at Sasuke's stern attitude. He frowned when Sasuke didn't stop, and they watched him head toward the hotel.
— See? When he wants to be, he's as unpleasant as Neji.
— Hahaha, something must have bothered him.
—Maybe, I'll ask him later.
— I like the way he smells!— Lee commented out of nowhere.
Naruto's eyes widened at that statement and he stared at Rock Lee.
— Do you like Sasuke?!
— Oh, don't get me wrong Naruto-kun, it's a perception of his smell, usually we alphas don't like the scent of a Beta very much, however I can say that Sasuke-kun's scent is different... I don't know how to say it.
— Tenten doesn't smell bad either but... I guess I understand you, Sasuke's scent is... unique, it's not like I like it or anything! — Naruto said nervously.
— Hahahaha, it's normal that some aromas catch our attention more, Naruto-kun, and... it's even more curious since Sasuke-kun is very strong.
— Yes, it is... one day I will defeat him — Naruto declared — He didn't like finding out that he was a Beta.
— I imagine, the important clans of Konoha have other expectations with their heirs and his brother is a recognized alpha in the village, it must be difficult to be a Beta next to him.
— His brother is scary — Naruto said shuddering — but he takes care of him a lot, so I don't think anyone would dare to be mean to him within the Uchiha Clan, it's different with our classmates — Naruto scratched his cheek with a finger, embarrassed — We were difficult with him on purpose when we studied together hehehehe.
— You too? — Lee asked curiously, he couldn't imagine Naruto being an annoying child.
— We didn't get along very well but... I never bothered him for the reason most people used to make fun of him, it was other things, I mainly looked for him to measure my strength against him, now that we spent more time together and I know him better... I feel like I didn't do anything to stop the others.
— ... I don't like that, I've also been bothered a few times for, for certain things, I didn't let it affect me but... I've never bothered anyone for anything, even so, if Sasuke-kun held a grudge against you he wouldn't be your friend Naruto-kun, so I don't think you've done anything wrong.
— Maybe... fighting with him gave me some normality, when I was included in the academy everyone was dying to please me, you know... the Hokage's son and all, Sasuke was the only one who treated me normally, it was fun to mess with him even though he always left me on the ground hahaha.
— Oh, yeah... I heard you got in when you were nine or so.
— Huh? Oh yeah! When I got in, they already treated Sasuke differently. I never understood the reason, and no one could tell me.
Lee pondered the information for a bit.
— ...mmm... I think it has to do with his Clan, they say... well, they're just rumors. — Lee covered his mouth with his hand, leaned into Naruto's ear, and whispered. — They say the Uchiha Clan had something to do with the Kyubi attack years ago.
Naruto was surprised by this. His parents hadn't given him the details of why they were locked up in that place at any point, and they never mentioned that the Uchiha might have had something to do with it. Kurama had told him that an unpleasant man was holding them there hostage, but he didn't know much more. He only informed him that and told him halfway how he had ended up inside.
— I didn't know that. My parents trust Sasuke's parents a lot.
— As I said, they're just rumors, but it may be one of the reasons why they harassed your friend Naruto-kun. I remember that before the Yondaime-sama took over again, everyone was more cautious around the Uchiha.
— I see...
— By the way... there are also many rumors about your whereabouts. Where were you before, Naruto-kun?
— Me? Well... it's...
What was he saying now? His dad told him never to talk about that place, to pretend it never happened. What had his father told him to say?
*YOU'RE A FOOL, YOU SHOULD SAY THAT BECAUSE OF YOUR FATHER'S HEALTH, THEY DECIDED TO HIDE YOU FOR SAFETY, THAT YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING ELSE*
Kurama told him in a bored tone of voice.
*Thanks, Kurama, hahaha*
*ANSWER NOW OR HE'LL LOOK AT YOU EVEN WEIRDER*
—Well, it's like he said...— Naruto said distractedly.
—Who said what?— Lee asked, confused.
*IDIOT* Kurama muttered while Naruto sweated coldly, forgetting that only he listened to his inner friend.
— Hahaha, I mean... my father was a little unwell after controlling the Kyubi, and they decided to keep me safe for safety, if that's the case...
— Aaah, I see, Naruto-kun.
— I'm very hungry, let's keep looking for a place!
Naruto didn't wait for a reply and continued on his way, Lee followed shortly after and the matter was forgotten.
Naruto couldn't say anything else, his years in that place were something he hoped to forget, today when he saw his mother he realized how much being confined had damaged her, that made him sad, realizing how much damage had been done to them, fortunately his father was in better health and could now protect them.
He didn't know much about his time there. They had refused to tell him about it until now, and for now, he accepted it. However, he wished he could talk to someone about that place... maybe... in the future... maybe.
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Once night fell, Sasuke fervently ignored Sakura in the room. Curiously, she hadn't insisted much, and that also helped. In the other room, Neji demanded that they let him rest and stop making noise, to which Rock Lee and Naruto reluctantly agreed.
Morning arrived without incident. Everyone got ready and walked together to the entrance of Kanzaku.
—And what is your sensei like? — Naruto asked curiously.
— Gai-sensei is great, he's strong, powerful, skilled, amazing, he's the best sensei ever! — Rock Lee commented enthusiastically.
— Don't talk nonsense — Neji commented
— Hahahaha... don't pay attention to them guys, Gai-sensei is... is... peculiar but a great sensei.
Team 7 was confused and only one thing was clear to them, team nine's sensei was weird.
— Do you think he's already at the entrance? — Naruto asked.
— Gai-sensei is punctual, if we arrive first he will surely arrive shortly after.
— Someone punctual would be something new... — Sasuke muttered.
— Hee hee hee... as long as it's not like Kakashi-sensei — Naruto laughed amusedly next to Sasuke, who returned an equally amused smile.
Sakura, as always, saw this interaction strangely and her stomach felt uncomfortable. Tenten, noticing this, placed her hand on her shoulder in a sign of comfort.
— Lee, Tenten, Neji, my boys! This way! Your amazing sensei has arrived!
Those shouts caught the boys' attention. Team Seven was surprised to see a man exactly like their teammate, Rock Lee, with large eyebrows, a ridiculous green outfit, and a bowl-cut hairstyle.
— That's our sensei — Neji muttered, taking the lead.
Everyone approached Maito Gai, Lee visibly more excited than his classmates.
— Sensei! How did it go? Are you okay? — Rock Lee asked once he was in front of his teacher.
— Of course my boy, some inconveniences with our important client but everything is resolved now, Hello Kakashi team! — Gai enthusiastically greeted the new kids.
— Wow... you are really weird, your eyebrows are bigger than Lee's — Naruto commented bluntly, Sasuke hit him with his elbow to shut him up — ouch, Teme!
— He's an idiot Jounin, don't talk to him like that... and he'll be our captain on this mission — Sasuke muttered to his partner.
— I know, I know... — Naruto answered with a pout.
— My name is Maito Gai, the green beast of Konoha — Gai introduced himself, kicking and punching the air, while everyone stared at him uncomfortably.
— Can we start this mission now? — Neji asked, already fed up with his sensei's attitude.
Gai took him by the shoulders to bring him closer.
— Neji, my boy, always so formal, don't worry, I was going to get to that, first let me introduce you to our important client.
A man who had remained aloof until that moment approached. Most of his body was covered by several layers of clothing. Only his eyes could be seen because he also wore a mask that covered half of his face. His clothing seemed more suited to a more extreme climate than a forest. Only his long blue hair, tied in a high ponytail, was noticeable. He looked small and seemed thin. With so many layers of clothing, it was hard to tell.
— He will be part of our mission. We will take him safely to his village, where we will deliver the valuables found in this box. — Gai pointed to a box next to the man. — His name is Mochizuki Koji...
— Nice to meet you, thank you for your help...
The boy had a soft voice and bowed respectfully to them.
—Well, why don't we start this mission and get to know each other along the way? I'll explain where we're going! —Gai lifted the box without any problems, carrying it over his right shoulder, and they began their journey without wasting any more time.
Who was this mysterious boy? What did the trunk contain?
Sasuke felt this strange mission didn't need so many people, so what were they doing there?