Fire Red (Naruto)

C Rank Mission, Aiko Goes off to Suna!

Wind blew through the trees overhead, creating a rustling sound that muffled the sound of feet hitting wood. Several shapes moved through the trees, following after a dark shape that ran below.

"I'm locked on target," came a feminine voice through the headpiece on Aiko's head.

"Great, than catch it before it reaches the village." Said another voice, this one masculine.

Said target had slowed to a stop, and was now creeping along the underbrush of the forest. A dark shape shot out, with thin arms wrapping around the now screeching animal.

"Pink bow, yep this is definitely him." Aiko said, amusement dancing in her cerulean eyes at Akemi's struggles.

"Let's get him back to the village and report to the Hokage," Riichi spoke then, appearing from his perch above them. "I'm ready to get home and rest a bit."

With that said, the trio took the screaming cat back to his overweight and overbearing owner. When they got in, the woman hugged the poor animal to her breast, scolding him for running away again.

"I'm sure Naruto's team caught this same cat a few weeks ago." Aiko muttered, shaking her head as she watched. 'Granted, if that woman was my owner I'd run away too.'

Speaking of, Naruto was away from the village on a mission to the Land of Waves. He'd left two weeks ago, and it wasn't expected that he'd be back for another week or so while the man they were protecting finished building his bridge. Or at least, that's what she had been told.

The Hokage's raspy voice brought her out of her thoughts, "Congratulations on another mission well done." He began, eyes scanning the three of them. "I have another mission for you all, this one a bit different than what you're used to."

Aiko perked in curiosity, though she knew better than to speak up.

"The Village Hidden in the Sand is expecting their new water shipment in three days time, and I want your team to escort the group there. It's ranking is only C, so your lives shouldn't be in danger."

"A C rank? Are you sure they're ready for that?" Came another voice from his side. Turning, Aiko locked eyes with Iruka as he continued, "They're only a couple months out of the Academy! Surely they should have more training before-"

"Silence." The old man interrupted, "A shinobi needs experience out in the field in order to grow, Iruka. They'll be fine. I've already informed Anko of the details. Meet her at the gate tomorrow at 9am. You'll leave then." He paused, smiling at each of them, "Make sure you pack enough for your trip. It's three days to Suna. Good luck to you."

With that the three were dismissed, and they exited the building soon after. "Wow! Our first C rank! We're moving up in the ranks now, right guys?" That was Akemi. Over the past couple months, she had prove to be the 'voice' of the squad, with Aiko and Riichi being quieter. Riichi, much like Aiko, preferred to stay silent and observe. Well, that and sometimes Aiko assumed he was too lazy to talk.

Akemi was the tallest of the three of them, as well as the friendliest. Her primary focus was Genjutsu, as well as Taijutsu on the side, and from what Aiko had gathered from their training, she was good. Really good. She focused on Genjutsu involving sight, and she had beaten Aiko several times during their spars.

Riichi, however, was the laziest of the three. He was the middle height, standing nearly two inches taller than Aiko. He really only used Ninjutsu, specifically the Kenichi Clan kekkei genkai; the ability to control a black tar. During spars it would come out of his mouth (Aiko found it really gross if she was honest. She imagined it tasted pretty bad.) He used it to trap his opponent and take them out with a weapon. His Taijutsu and Genjutsu skills were severely lacking though.