Stellar

13. Disdain

Kiba, foolish young Kiba, thought that he could actually catch a break.

He had three weeks before he had to leave for the Fire Temple for two months, so he planned on taking it easy and working through more seal theory.

It had only been a day of blissful freedom before he was called to the Hokage's office, along with Shino Aburame.

Grumbling, he arrived with Akamaru beside Shino. Knocking on the door firmly, a soft 'come in' allowed the Inuzuka to open the door, Shino following behind him closely. He scanned the room to find the Hokage, as well as Kurenai, and some random girl he had never seen before.

She wore elegant silks, her skin clear, glittering jewels clipped in her blonde cascading hair. She stood from her spot on the couch as soon as Kiba entered, ruffling her traditional kimono as a smile quirked its way onto her red-painted lips.

"Yes!" The girl squealed. "I'll have those two!"

Before anyone could say anything, she rushed past Kiba and out the door, skipping happily. "Bye cutie~" She sang, her voice fading away as she left.

"Eh-what?"

Hiruzen sighed and folded his hands. "That was the Fire daimyo's granddaughter. I believe she's around your age."

Kiba cocked his head to the side. "So what was that all about? And where's Hinata? Aren't we doing a mission?"

Shino seemed to glower behind his dark glasses, and Kiba had the feeling he was staring at him, annoyed.

"Ah, yes." The Sandaime Hokage was ever-so patient. "Miyoko-chan has..er..explicitly insisted upon having two male bodyguards around her age. She's actually already sent away two different pairs we have offered her." He admitted.

Kiba scratched the back of his head. Great, she was annoying. "So Hinata's not coming? Or Kurenai-sensei?"

The Hokage nodded and beckoned the two boys closer to his desk. "You two will escort her to the Fire daimyo's palace. This will be challenging, but I trust you both to complete it."

Shino glanced at Kiba with uncertainty.

"Of course, Hokage-sama." Kiba ignored him. If Shino doubted Kiba's ability, he couldn't care less.

"Good. Meet Miyoko-chan at the gates in 30 minutes. Dismissed, and good luck." The Hokage smiled warmly.

::

Kiba was ready. He stepped away from the mirror to admire the storage scrolls strapped to his waist, an extra kunai holster attached to his leg holding some basic sealing tags.

While he had bought most of the sealing tags, it was still difficult adjusting them into his fighting style and figuring out the best uses for them. The storage seals were of his own making, though the Inuzuka was a bit unsure of if they would actually hold.

Akamaru gave a bark of approval. "It'll be fine!" He wagged his tail happily.

Looking up, he made eye contact with Sasuke through the reflection of the mirror. The Uchiha leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. A smile spread across Kiba's face.

"Ready to go?" Sasuke murmured.

Kiba nodded, though abruptly stopped in his tracks half-way out the door following Sasuke. "Wait!" Sasuke turned to him, confused. "You can't walk me and Akamaru to the gates."

The Uchiha's eyes narrowed. "And why not?" Sasuke countered.

A blush blossomed on Kiba's tan cheeks. "Um," He looked to Akamaru for help, who just shook his head. "Shino-san and I are escorting this girl, and she's really flirty and would probably become a fangirl the moment she sees you."