𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 [𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞]

𝟏.𝟏𝟎 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

        Her days are a never-ending cycle of missions, updates with Shin regarding Neji, and her meetings with the ANBU members currently working in the standard forces. The year is almost ending and it doesn't seem like the flow of missions is ever going to stop, but today is slightly different. She's assigned with Kakashi.

        He yawns, "We went to the trouble of rushing here. To think it'd be over..." 

        Kakashi and Hanai stood side by side, gazing at the group of injured genin. A group of shinobi from the Takumi Village planned to resurrect their leader by using the power of Shukaku, a tailed beast that resides inside Gaara.  They call themselves the Four Celestial Symbols Men and specialize in shinobi weapons. Afterword reaches Konoha that Gaara and his team need help, the entire Konoha 11 (minus Tenten) under Shikamaru's command are sent. 

        Kakashi and Hanai had been sent right after they arrived from another mission. 

        "It seems the inexperienced knuckleheads have grown a teeny weeny bit..." Jiraiya whisks. 

        Hanai laughs, "You're very strict."

        Jiraiya scoffs at the two. 

        When they return to Konoha, the rookies are brought to the hospital to recover. With Jiraiya officially back from his investigation about the Akatsuki, it's time to take Naruto away from Konoha. After Sasuke's deflection, Jiraiya promised Naruto to take him away from Konoha for three years of training; as both the Akatsuki and Orochimaru will be unable to move forward with their plans for three years, meaning this is the perfect opportunity to prepare Naruto for the next time he faces them.

        Regardless of the fact that Konoha is heavily understaffed, Hanai and Kakashi are able to see the two off. In the distance, a few feet away from the main gate, Naruto and Jiraiya walkthrough. It goes without saying that the main attraction, Naruto, is ecstatic to start his training with the Sanin. 

        Interestingly enough, Naruto's departure is fueling all the Genin to grow stronger. 

        "Eh? White-Hair Lady, there you are!" Naruto shouts, furiously running to Hanai.  "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

        She blinks, confused. "Me?"

        "Yes you, White-Hair Lady—Ah!" Naruto suddenly bolts, hiding behind Hanai. He's confused and afraid, piercing blue eyes glaring at Kakashi. "You're not going to electrocute me are you?"

        Kakashi's gaze slides to Hanai, her expression didn't change. "She doesn't seem to mind, so no."

        She's confused. The implication of Kakashi going out of his way to lecture Naruto on his silly nicknames got her senses all over the place. What is meant, but not said, hangs in the silence. Kakashi's scent slowly drifts away, as Naruto hastily pulls her sleeve. She turns her head, eyes layering on Jiraiya and Kakashi. She was never close to the young boy, so why is Naruto going out of his way to speak to her? 

        "Um, well—I was wondering if you'd...do me a favor?" He murmurs and mutters. He's so nervous that he can't look her in the eye. It's adorable to see him hide behind a timid posture. 

        Her clear eyes know who it is about. Gently, she squats down to be at eye level with the blonde genin. Lips curling upward, head tilted to the side. "Sure!"

        The warmth in her smile breaks Naruto's storm in his eyes. "Can you keep an eye on Sakura-chan for me, please?"

        She quietly listens to him.