Forever Mine

Chapter 26

[1 Month Later]

"You wanted to see me?"

Sasuke stood in front of the Hokage's desk, waiting for whatever orders he'd called him in for. He expected something small like a checkup or a simple overnight mission. Instead, however, he was given something he hadn't expected, something he didn't like.

"What do you think about another long-term?" Kakashi asked once he set the paper he'd been scanning down.

"Long-term?"

"Yes, I need someone trustworthy to take this long-term mission. Someone who's used to being away and familiar with every corner of The Land of Fire."

"I'm sure I'm not the only one in this village with those requirements." Sasuke voiced.

"No, but you are the only one I know capable of succeeding in this mission by themselves."

Sasuke merely continued to eye him displeased, allowing him to go into detail about the mission.

"A-Rank mission. Could easily be turned into S-rank," Kakashi started. "You'll have to protect a princess that's next in line for the throne."

Princess? Just by mentioning the status of the client, he knew the whole thing would be a major pain.

Kakashi explained the princess came from a foreign land. They were the only country in the world that didn't believe in the use of chakra nor did they believe it would ever reach them. Stepping into the country was basically like stepping into the past before chakra ever existed. They never relied on it, never even asked shinobi villages for any help when it came to difficult issues.

"If they don't believe in the use of chakra then why call on shinobi to help?" Sasuke frowned. "Why now?"

"Because it's shinobi who want the girl," Kakashi stated. "Though it'd be safer and easier to bring her into the village, it's against their religion to step foot in such a 'sinful place' which leaves us no other choice but to watch her on the outskirts of The Land of Fire."

"Why do I have to be the one who does it?"

"We can't send multiple shinobi. They're already on edge for having to hire one, so I need a single strong shinobi who can handle the mission on their own."

"There's Naruto," Sasuke suggested.

"Well, yes, but I figured it's be better if you went."

"And why's that?"

"Multiple reasons."

Sasuke looked at him with an annoyed gaze, easily losing his patience.

"For starters, you're more than capable. You're also used to being away for long periods of time—"

"I haven't done a long-term in almost two years."

"You have done them though, which means you're used to them and know what to expect. Naruto, on the other hand, he's... a newlywed—"

"They've been married for four years."

"Try telling him that." Kakashi sweat-dropped.

Sasuke understood what he was talking about perfectly. Even though Hinata and Naruto had been married for years now, they still acted as if they'd just recently been married a month ago. In fact, there were still times when Naruto would pretend he didn't know Hinata and would flirt and try to pick her up at the bar.

"Anyway, don't think about him. Think about Hinata." Kakashi tried to guilt trip. "How lonely she might be if her husband—"

"I'll keep her company."