Chapter 2

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"Master Gaara, come on."

The Kazekage stared at his Soldier from across the desk, fingers intertwined and resting against his lips. They were in a heated conversation, determined gazes not letting up on each other.

"This is a serious mission," he pressed.

"And I'm a part of ANBU," she pointed out. "This is an A-Ranked mission. And let's face it, Master Gaara, no one else is available or equipped to take it on."

Azmaria had a point, but there was another reason he was hesitant. Months had passed since her revival. Both of them had regained what was lost in terms of combat and skill, thanks to the Akatsuki. Still, it was the fact that something could happen that worried him. Given his duties here in Suna, he wouldn't be there to assist in any way. Watch over the Soldier on her first A-Ranked mission in the field. Things were becoming more and more difficult for their forces, due to Akatsuki's movements. They were attacking the Tailed Beasts at a quicker rate from the information that passed between the Kages. Something needed to be done. This was getting out of hand.

For the time being they agreed to send out scouts to track the Akatsuki and gather as much information as possible. It was a dangerous task; some teams returning with less people than they left with or being gravely injured. Gaara had seen the carnage that came into the hospital, viewing the reports by Tamahome whether the patients recovered or not. This was bound to happen eventually. The advisors, along with Baki, nominating the Soldier for the job now at hand. The teen didn't like it one bit, but really couldn't have a say in the matter with so many in favor of it. Besides, he'd hear about it from Azmaria later if she found out that he'd sidelined her. The Kazekage had been keeping the Soldier to C and B-Ranked missions, minors ones, and she was starting to get restless at the fact that he was purposely doing it.

The Soldier sighed heavily in front of him, head shaking. "Master Gaara, please allow me to go on this mission."

Gaara knew he could never hope to win this agruement. "If I allow you to go, you have to promise me that if gathering the information proves useless or unattainable you will turn around and come back to Suna immediately. Andyou are not to overexert yourself."

"You and I both know I'm in top condition again, so there's no need to worry about the latter."

"I can't help but do that because I know how you work at times," referring to her rash decision to go after himself when he was kidnapped. "You'll need a team, so keep them in mind."

"You're just assigning more people with me because then I'll have to consider them as well, not just my own well being."

He smirked lightly, causing her eyes to roll.

"Nice play, Master Gaara. Do I at least get to choose my team?"

"The Council wanted to elect some possible candidates, but I figured you'd have two in mind already. And based on your track record working together they could not disagree with the facts."

"Ginta! Keep your hands up, otherwise you'll give Kat an opening," Sanchi ordered. "Let's try again. And Yasutora, stay on the balls of your feet in order to attack with more speed."

"Yes, sensei," the children answered. Ready for another sparing session.

There was a gust of wind, the older teen smirking and glancing to his right. "I'm surprised to see you all the way out here, Az."

The students became immediately star struck at seeing the ninja at their sensei's side. "Hate to break your training short, but we have a mission," Azmaria answered.

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