It's Not Really A Date, but is sort of kinda (Boruto x Sarada)

Part 10

[18:58 (2 Minutes before the official start of the Festival)]

They were nearing the gates of Konohagakure, and the invisible Chakra detection barrier he knew surrounded it. The 5th Mizukage Chojuro. His attendant Misuno. And his personal guard of four there to escort him. Others of his village's citizens wanting to attend the Cross-Cultural Festival would be arriving over the next couple of days under Court Guard Escort. Not that he wanted to be seen as separate from his fellow citizens, but doing things this way rather than arriving in mass convoy was the surest way to maintain secrecy, and ensure his people's safety.

Recently he had been informed by the 7th Hokage Naruto Uzumaki of a suspected bomb plot that may be taking place in the Hidden Leaf during the Festival, but that as of yet there was no way to confirm the persons or targets involved. Only that they shared some connections with outside enemy insurgents labelled as 'Outers' by the elusive terrorist organisation 'Kara, the Husk'. And also that the plot was to be kept Top Secret until the culprit or culprits could be identified and apprehended. As things stood with his own court, only he and his aide Misuno were aware of the present threat, the rest of his small guard there only for general security.

"I hate Festivals. Especially in other Lands. Whole place is full of noise and reeks of grease and body odour." one of the guards complained loudly. "You mean you're not used to that in the barracks?..." the masked kunoichi retorted in a snippy tone. "..We're all tired and irritable from the journey without you constantly whining!" The guard in question growled threateningly back at her. Chojuro's own patience was starting to wear thin much as he tried to hold it together. This was uncharacteristically offensive of Misuno, Chojuro thought to himself. But he couldn't really blame her right now.

It had been a long arduous journey and tensions were high. Especially for Misuno who bore the added burden of knowing their party could be attacked by a mad bomber at any moment. Luckily Chojuro managed to keep his head in the same stressful situation, seeing as someone had too.

"Look everyone. We're almost at the gates, and as promised one of the Hokage's Top Jonin will be along shortly to lead us through and be our guide through the village...", "I still don't like one of them watching us the whole time like they're the guards and we're the prisoners!" the earlier offending guard voiced his thoughts aloud heedless of everyone else. "Like one of us is a Ticking Time-Bomb or something-", "SERIOUSLY!! SHUT UP!!", "OKAY!! EVERYONE PLEASE JUST-Oh look!! One of them's here already!"

Chojuro couldn't have been more relieved for a reprieve from the tension in the air, even for a brief moment. And the sight of the pleasantly smiling brown-haired Leaf Shinobi approaching them certainly put the Mizukage in a more amiable mood at the end of their long journey, even if not so much for his companions.

"Lord Mizukage. And his Escort. Welcome to Konohagakure! I am Konohamaru Sarutobi, grandson of the 3rd Hokage and Former Captain of Team 7 of our Young Genin and Chunin Division. And it will be my privilege to be your guide during your stay in our village during the '5 Great Nations Cross-Cultural Festival'!", "The pleasure is ours Captain Sarutobi." Chojuro responded politely, assuming his entourage would be lacking the politeness to answer as graciously at that moment. "Team 7's aid in bringing an end to our war with the Funato was invaluable. Particularly with Young Boruto as a remarkable Ninja and Ms. Uchiha as an exceptional leader. But I trust a lot of that character came from an excellent former Captain, and teacher."

Konohamaru rubbed the back of his head, bashfully at the lavish praise. "Ahhh, you know.... I can't take all the credit,... you know. Those kids have had a lot of good influences over the years.. But then they're not really kids anymore, making tough calls that some adults couldn't handle! They really are the pride of our village, and I'm just proud I could do my small part to start them along, you know.. Heh heh..."

Though the two had never personally met before in any official capacity, Chojuro had heard about some of the exploits of Master Sarutobi. And a fair few from back when he was still a child! Like his Legendary Standoff against the notorious terrorist Pain of the now disbanded terrorist group the 'Akatsuki', and not to mention his fearless leadership and defence of the people of Konohagakure during the Fourth Great Ninja War! Modest as he was acting, the man assuredly lived up to the legacy of his grandfather Hiruzen Sarutobi, and that of his Uncle Asuma of the Twelve Guardian Ninja!

The following polite aire and awkwardness between the two Shinobi however was stifling, but Misuno and the rest of their guard managed to remain neutral. At first. "So... You showing us in or what?" the guard from before grunted impatiently, making Chojuro sideways glance at him nervously while Misuno narrowed her eyes disapprovingly. Konohamaru winced nervously before straightening up and clearing his throat.

"Ahem. Yes. Right. Of course you must be weary from your long travels. But if you will indulge our community hospitality a little longer, permit me to escort you to one of our many fine establishments here in Konohagakure to replenish yourselves. Lord Raikage and Lady Tsutchikage have not yet arrived but I can confirm Lord Kazekage is with us being entertained at a certain Barbecue House that I would personally recommend! And once you have had the chance to dine and take in the Festival sights it would be my pleasure to escort you to the Leaf's Finest Hotel Suite for the remainder of your stay."

'Laying it on a bit thick now isn't he?' Chojuro thought to himself discreetly, personally wanting nothing more at this point than a bed for the night after a nightmare journey. But then he knew it was his diplomatic duty to engage in at least the bare minimum of pleasantries with his fellow 'kage and his gracious hosts. On the other hand it was also possible that Master Sarutobi likewise knew nothing of the suspected bomb plot or that any of them could be in grave danger at any given time. Chojuro doubted he'd be getting any real rest that night anyway. He sighed softly. "Please, do lead the way."

Konohamaru smiled graciously at the accepted invitation. "Of course, please, walk this way."

And so they followed, permitted entrance on official invitation by the Hokage and following the veteran Jonin's lead. An hour or so passed in which they were met with many enchanting landmarks of Konohagakure and the whimsy of the many stalls coming alive with lights, colour and music. Most of Chojuro's guard looked mildly impressed whilst that one remained looking irritable and Misuno maintained her reserved composure. The Misukage himself however couldn't quite relax as he was all too aware what was at stake here, and unable to tell anyone before receiving further word directly from the Hokage.

Still he did his part in keeping his companions pleasantly distracted, even exhibiting 'great interest' in a random fabrics stall a way off from some buildings where he thought he caught sight of a familiar figure, leaping across the rooftops. A figure who along with the Hokage's son did him a great service not so long ago. That one who he had been informed would be undertaking his own investigation and could do without unnecessary attention.

And in his haste one of the Misukage's guards haphazardly bumped into two random youths who promptly fled quickly afterwards without another word. Chojuro couldn't shake the feeling he'd seen the ginger boy and the long-black-haired girl somewhere before.