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Comrades

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It's a lazy morning for Kotetsu and Izumo.

Working as gatekeepers is an easy task but carrying stacks of paperwork to give to the Hokage is stressful because Tsunade falls asleep on her desk and forgets all about it.

"Aren't you being a little too laid back?" Izumo asked Kotetsu. His friend is resting his head on the table. "Oh, well, you know, things were pretty tense around here recently with the incident in Suna. Now that it's settled, I've suddenly become exhausted." The bandaged face man mentions the major event that happened in the Sand village. "Even so, we don't know what's going to happen next," Izumo adds in another part to the conversation. "Only by being cautious at all times are we able to prevent—" He gets cut off by Kotetsu. "You wouldn't stand a chance to survive." The other man countered. But good thing it didn't turn into an argument because they were tired.

Minutes later, they overhear a noise like feet rapidly pattering. It got louder and louder until,

"Last spurt! Goal!"

Kotetsu and Izumo are not surprised it was Guy with Kakashi on his back? He raises his left arm in the air and has a single finger pointing up, "First place!" Guy yells out loud. Then, another one comes through the gates; this time it was Lee. "Sadly, second place!" The boy puts his arms up with two fingers up on both hands. The two Jōnins have their jaws dropped, clearly unamused by them. "What kind of race is that?" Izumo asked. "Beats me," Kotetsu answered.

They also can tell that Kakashi is very uncomfortable or not even awake.

Guy also advises that Lee needs to train a lot more because he got third place instead. All because of Kakashi on his back, he counts him as second place. Lee gets all riled up with fat tears leaking from his big eyes as he scribbled down some notes. Then, the others have arrived as well. Guy tells the people they should head on over to the Hokage house and send a report. But, Misa is more worried about her mentor, whose neck hunched backward.

"Guy sensei, Kakashi sensei doesn't look too...good." She points out.

The man was a little confused about what she meant, but when he turned his head to look over his shoulder, Kakashi is unconscious. "Guess it's hospital first, then report last." He figured it was best to take care of the silver-haired man quickly.

They make a trip to the hospital where Kakashi can rest and recover his low energy from fighting. Tsunade and Shizune heard about the good news and are happy to know that they are back in Konoha after a rough week in Suna. The two women visit the hospital to see them crowding in Kakashi's room. "Since you all have achieved the mission, I am happy to see everyone is back. You people are free to do whatever you want until the next duty gets called. Except for you, Kakashi. Gomen." She gave him an apologetic look. "You'll be resting for a while, so don't push yourself so hard." The Sannin commend for the sake of his health.

"Hai, Tsunade-sama." Kakashi listened, and he gazes up at the ceiling. He knows it's going to be a long recovery.

"Well, that is all I need to say." Tsunade begins to leave with Shizune.

Misa nudges her arm at Sakura, "We have information." She reminded her about what the enemy told them. Sakura nodded in response. They exit out of the room to find Tsunade. Naruto has a baffled look on his face. He didn't quite understand the sudden hassle between his teammates. So, he sneakily follows them because it seems essential.

They meet with Tsunade and Shizune to discuss the topic on the rooftop of the Hokage House. Sakura talks first, "An Akatsuki member named Sasori, he said it was a reward for beating him, and there's more from what he stated." She explains to Tsunade about the claimed spy is one of Orochimaru's subordinates. "In ten days at Tenchi Bridge, huh," The woman perceived from the specific location that is isolated from other villages. "Four days have passed and six days left." Misa has spoken. "However, I feel a bit uncertain this is a bait that Orochimaru arranged. Plus, without Kakashi sensei, it would be unlikely to fight back." She professes about the team is short on members.

"We can only add another member and create a new team." Tsunade thought of an idea that might benefit. But Shizune steps in, "Why can't you send a different unit to investigate the situation?" She asked. Tsunade understood that her assistant is concerned for the girls if they go without their teammates. "Sakura and Misa, including you, Shizune, are one of the few shinobis whom I can trust from the bottom of my heart. I will let Team Kakashi go, mostly because these two are on it." The Senju relies on her students, but Shizune opposes it once again. "Wouldn't it be the same for my team?!" She asked garishly.

Tsunade sighs before she speaks, "Naruto, Sakura, and Misa are all desperately trying to seek out Sasuke. They wish to save him more than anyone. That strong desire will lead the mission to success." She answers Shizune's question. Her assistant acknowledges how the Uchiha is very close to them, and they're more than a squad. Shizune has a subtle expression, "I see. For this mission, Naruto should—" She gets off when Tsunade spoke with a smirk on her face. "Now that he's heard this," The Sannin raises her head, "what would Naruto say?"

"Let's search for our new team members immediately!"

He is satisfied with everything. Misa whirls herself to look up at her friend. She smiles gleefully, and he agrees to let in newcomers and go on the search for Sasuke. Her hand clutches the moon necklace. She gets to see him again.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

Hours have passed, and it's early afternoon.

Misa begins heading home because she didn't have time to do so in the morning. The neighbors welcome her back. Misa was delighted by their greetings. Not to mention, she is relieved to step into her humble abode. "Tadaima!" She doesn't know how long it has been since she said that phrase after a mission. Misa puts her shoes on the shoe rack and walks around to discover Koichi in the kitchen.

"Onee-chan!" He sprung himself into her arms.

"Koi-Koi!" Misa giggles a sweet sound. She also noticed his growth spurt. "Say, have you gotten taller?" She could barely rest her chin on his shoulder, or she is just tiny.

The boy separates from his sister. "I guess I have been." He chuckled merrily. Misa's eyes glimmered; he has become more handsome like a true gentleman. "Please don't grow up fast!" She hugs him again with her dear life. "You sound like okaa-san right now." Koichi squirms to get out of her tight grip. Then all of a sudden,

"Oh my! You're back!"

Reiko came from the backyard. She was staggered to see her daughter's unexpected appearance. Misa runs her little legs and embraces her mother. "Okaa-san! I hope I didn't worry you  too much when I was away." The girl graces her lips with a content smile. Reiko shook her, "No, I wasn't, but we all missed you." She gently cups the side of Misa's face. There were dark circles under her eyes, indicating that she must've been lacking sleep. "Why don't you take a break, and we'll meet at the table later on," Reiko suggested. Misa should relax first before they can hang around together.

She lets out a yawn, "Is otou-san at work?" Rubbing her eyes and asked about her father. "Hai. He is with the Jōnins for the rest of the day. But he'll eventually come home at night." Reiko gingerly brushes her silky locks. Misa nodded, then speculates a spill of flour is on the countertops. "Did you make something?" She asked the two with her head tilted like a confused puppy. Koichi rubs the back of his neck, "I was baking some crepes, and I made a mess." He blushed, feels a bit guilty.

"I never knew you learned how to cook." Misa laughs softly. She then skips her way to her bedroom, where she can lay on her comfy bed. She takes her teddy bear and snuggles it. The beauty began thinking about the formation of the team. Who are they? Naruto and Sakura will remain as the original members. Tsunade is in the process of recruitment. It's going to be five like the beginning of Team 7.

Something abruptly popped in her head. She looks at her nightstand and finds an item that she has not touched for a while—her songbook. Misa went and grabs for it. She skims through from where she left off. There was a song without a title. Misa remembers it was the unfinished one that she sang to Sasuke. Her fingers lightly graze over the moon charm. About a minute, it finally came to her mind.

Misa decides to continue writing the song.

Silence. Nothing but silence.

Kakashi has been in the hospital for six hours and feels like his condition is slowly improving. Up until a visitor comes. He hears the door creak open. Akemi is the one who enters the room. "I see it was a rough mission." He spoke with a smirk on his face. Kakashi sits up against the pillows. "Yeah, apparently. Naruto, Sakura, and Misa are hoping for me to get well soon." The man gives in a light-hearted response. Akemi stood by his bed. He crosses his arms, "I mean, you are a reckless person." He remarks. Kakashi has a smile under his mask, "Teasing me again like when you were younger." He chuckled at his former Anbu captain.

"Well, I have gotten a little old. Marrying the love of my life and raising two children that are uprising shinobis. My daughter is your student, which is quite astonishing, I'd say." Akemi gave a thankful look. Kakashi can tell that man's life joyful. Suddenly, a question comes across his head. "Akemi-san, you don't mind if I ask you about Sasuke?" He is curious to know some details. Kakashi reads his placid expression that doesn't seem bothered about mentioning the Uchiha.

"Sure. Ask away." Akemi answered politely.

"Do you still trust him after he left the village and possibly hurt Misa's heart?" Kakashi asked him a personal subject.

The Akiyama rests his hands on his hips. He looks through the open window, where he sees the beautiful view of Konoha. "It's difficult because we all know how he is, but I believe you understand him more clearly than I do, including Misa as well. There was a time when she admitted that she deeply fell for a boy who made her happy. I didn't realize it was Sasuke out of people. But around those days, I catch her in a bright spirit, and I see how love affected her." Akemi looks back when Misa came home with a very crestfallen aura because of Sasuke's departure. He held her in his arms, trying to erase the pain.

Furrowing his brows, "I don't know if I can trust him with my daughter." Akemi is full of mixed emotions. Kakashi starts expressing his words, "It must be tough to watch your child creating a relationship with someone. Considering they're strangers to the parents at first. But, Akemi-san, I feel like if you meet Sasuke, you'll be able to understand him a little better." He tries reassuring the perplexed man. "That would be good." Akemi nods his head of agreement.

He might give the Uchiha a chance.

As mid-afternoon arrived, Tsunade is at her desk with a member of the Anbu Corps. She informed them about organizing new people for Kakashi's squad to begin a mission in a short period. It was complicated speaking to the elders about how there are so many restrictions for Naruto. Tsunade argued that letting him go out on this mission prevents the Akatsuki from coming after him if he stays in the village. The elders respond that it would cause calamity. However, the idea got approved of starting the new formation.

Tsunade accepts the person to be the substitute leader and taking over Kakashi's position. "It's an honor to be able to work in Kakashi senpai's stead." The Anbu with a mask on is well-pleased with the request. "This isn't an Anbu Black Ops mission. It will be a regular mission. So, therefore, remove your mask, and I'll give a codename." She ordered them. The person will be known as Yamato.

In the streets of Konoha, Misa is reenergized after a nice nap and eating Koichi's homemade crepes. She is going to find Naruto and Sakura because their squad has additional members. Earlier, she received a message from a bird, and it's pretty exciting. On her way there, Misa comes across a few of her other friends that she hasn't seen in a while. Shino, Kiba, and Hinata.

"You're tiny as ever, Misa-chan!" Kiba is pleased to see her, and his dog Akamaru barks happily. The canine became gigantic that he passes her waist. "You're always loud as I remember, Kiba-kun." Misa sends him a sly smirk. "Ahh, don't be like that." Kiba ruffles her ebony head. Hinata gave Misa a sweet greeting and a hug. She has become so beautiful like a goddess but is the same shy girl. Lastly, Shino is still a quiet person and has a never-ending love for bugs.

"So, your squad has new shinobis. That's what I've heard from Naruto." Kiba wondered. Team 8 encountered him not too long ago, and it was interesting. Misa nods her head, "It's not going to be the same as before, but we'll develop a companionship." She stands positive for her squad. "G-Ganbatte, Misa-chan." Hinata gave her best wishes. "Arigatou, Hinata-chan." Misa thanked the lovely girl. Shino faces the petite beauty, "Me too. I believe you'll do great." He was hopeful like everyone else.

Misa excuses herself that she is in a hurry to see Naruto and Sakura.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

Minutes later, she found the location.

Misa also spotted a blonde boy and a pink-haired girl standing by a building. "Naruto! Sakura!" She yelled out their names ecstatically. They both veer themselves and are glad to see their little friend. "Is this the place?" She asked them. There's nobody else in the area besides them. "Yeah, no doubt about it." Sakura was definite.

"I hope they don't turn out to have the habit of showing up late like Kakashi sensei." Naruto stretches his head, not wanting to deal with another person like his mentor. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps was tapping on the cement building. The three have a look on the person; a pale-skinned boy with jet black hair, a Konoha headband on his forehead wearing an article of all dark clothing, and has a short-length sword placed on his back.

His face has a calming smile.

"Konichiwa." The mysterious boy greeted in a friendly yet odd manner.

Naruto glares daggers at him and points his index finger at him. "Oi! It's you! You're the guy who was up on the roof earlier." He spoke under his breath angrily. Sakura and Misa gaze at him bewildered. So they somehow met each other. The jet-black-haired boy still has a smile on his face and remained silent. Then, a different person presented themselves. "As of now, I will be taking Kakashi's place in Team 7." The man in the name of Yamato announced to Naruto, Sakura, and Misa.

It appears these are the new members.

"Naruto, do you know him?" Sakura asked about the smiling boy.

He fumes, "He was the one that attacked me when I was with Shikamaru and the others!" His reply stunned the two girls and Yamato. Naruto pulled out a kunai knife, ready to fight, but the other reacted simultaneously by grabbing his sword. "Stop it, Naruto-kun," Yamato demands him before it takes a toll. He obeyed and have his attention on his new leader of the team. "So you are Kakashi sensei's replacement, Yamato-san?" Misa spoke to him curiously. She had seen him when she was a small child, and her father was part of the Anbu Corps. His skills are prodigious that everyone would not expect. "Hai. You'll be addressing me as captain." Yamato responded.

"You're comrades on the same team, so you guys need to get along." He could read the flabbergasted expressions. The man was pretty much referring to the pale-skinned boy. "I apologize about before." He broke his silence in a quiet voice. "Since we're going to be teammates from now on, I just wanted to find out how strong you were." His reason sounded unassertive. "You didn't have to go through the trouble of doing that," Naruto tells him and puts back his weapon.

The bizarre boy speaks once more, "But thanks to that, I now know you're a worthless guy with questionable 'equipment.'"

It went quiet for five seconds.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Naruto's voice outbursts, and Sakura tries to hold him back.

"We're going to be teammates! Don't start fighting right at the start!" She yells through his rage. Misa didn't understand when he said "equipment." Her innocent mind will get ruined if she finds out. Sakura is behind Naruto and stares straight at the unnamed member. "But you're a rotten guy, aren't you?" She is starting to dislike his rude attitude. "Is that so?" He chuckled. "People won't like you if you say stuff like that," Sakura speaks to him logically.

"I like nice...ugly women like you." He says out of the blue.

It got quiet again.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Sakura takes back whatever she said and sides with Naruto. He is a rotten guy. Yamato had to restrain her from mauling his face.

"She is right. We can't be friends if you continue to act like that." Misa stated in a serious tone. The jet-black-haired boy chuckles again, "You are a kind-hearted dwarf." He insulted her. She doesn't utter a word but felt a little offended.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO HER?!" Naruto and Sakura are ready to tear his face off. Yamato wasn't sure if he regrets this decision.

The shimmering sun has woken up the villagers of Konoha.

It's officially time for the mission—Sasuke's retrieval.

Misa packs some items to take for this trip. While packing, she thought about the recruits. She can get along with Yamato because he is reliable from the start. Though, there was one person that gave her suspicious behavior. Sai is his name. Naruto and Sakura, they obviously don't have a liking for the boy when they first encountered him. His smile looked fake that presumably hides his real emotions. Sai is now a teammate. They'll have to tolerate his strange personality.

The ebony-haired girl grabs for her shoes and straps them on. "I'll be going now!" She notified her family. "Wait, Misa." Akemi halts his daughter for a bit. "What is it, otou-san?" She asked. The man places his hands on her shoulders, "This is the moment where you'll get to see him again. Good luck on bringing him back." Akemi brought a smile onto his face. Misa gives in a nod, "My team and I will do our best." She replied, matching his smile. Akemi delivers a quick hug then he watches her venture off in the distance.

She stops by Nanami's bakery to pick up some sweet treats. She told her about the mission, and it shocked the other girl. Nanami hands over a batch of delicious cookies. "Sasuke in Konoha is going to be peculiar after almost three years. But I really do want to see you get a blushing face, and your heart starts to flutter." She teases, but she does care about her friend's feelings. Misa giggles mirthfully, "We will. That's all I need to say." The dainty girl puts the cookies into her bag. "Arigatou, Nanami-chan. Let's train once I return." Misa thanked the girl then skips to the entranceway. "Of course!" Nanami agreed and will be waiting for her.

At last, the new Team 7 are heading to their destination.

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Author's Note
Eee!! My bby Sai has joined the story! 😭 Also Yamato taichou hehe 😉 It's been so long since I remember their first appearance and I thought they were going to be dope