Thread: The Story of the Bird and the Flower. (xxplaywithmexx & MiroKitty)

It was still strange to see Kakashi behind the great desk of the Hokage. Neji Hyuga knew the man was capable and had proven as much already, time and time again, but his gaze often showed disinterest at, well, everything. Thats how he knew this mission to be different. The Copycat Shinobi held a stern gaze with him as the briefing came. I dont have to tell you that this stays between us. You wouldnt be ANBU if you couldnt be trusted to keep your mouth shut. Kakashi said as he stood up and walked around to the front of the desk, apparently feeling better to stand as equals before sending his former students on their way to objectives that could very well result in deaths. Every time the Hokage sent ANBU away, it might be the last time hed see them. After the war, ANBU was underutilized, all obvious and major threats were eradicated. Konoha and the other hidden villages found a peace. They all stared down ultimate destruction and survived it, there was now a bond between all the current leads that the shinobi world had never seen before. Of course, as always, it wouldnt last. Varying reports of concern begun to pour out once again and it seemed they were finally reaching the doorstep of the village hidden in leaves. No one expected these to be anywhere near as dire as Madara and the dimension hopping Kaguya, but they were troubling all the same. In this case, it seemed a small village was having trouble and managed to call upon Konoha and its shinobis for help. Neji was one The other. Youre not going alone, however. Kakashi said as he finished explaining the situation and threat. Who then? Neji questioned, coolly, his arms folded across his chest, his mask to the back of his head. Ino Yamanaka will be your partner in this. She should be here any minute. Shes already been briefed. I was biding time to find the right match in abilities and Ive chosen you. Kaskashi spoke like this should all make sense, and Neji was already analyzing, thinking up strategies and maneuvers that he and the Yamanaka girl could benefit from. My defense and eyesight will ensure her safety if she needs to transfer bodies. Neji offered, speaking of Byakugun. He remained every bit the stoic, collected, shinobi but inside he felt irritated. Ino was not the person he would have chosen, but it was less to do with her abilities and more to do with her personality. How much it had changed since before, he couldnt say, but he was already preparing for the inevitable headaches and annoyances. Well, that is true. But theres more to it than that. Ive deemed the two of you compatible. I've compared your strengths and weaknesses and also, to put it bluntly, shell handle herself much better when dealing the locales. Youve never had much of a knack for diplomacy, Neji. Having influence in battle is different than having influence with people. Kakashi explained, as if still trying to teach him something. Neji was fully aware that he was hardly the conversationalist. Point taken, Hokage. Neji spoke shortly, though perhaps it sounded more annoyed with the Hokage than he actually was as Kakashi sighed, as if remembering now that Neji was a man grown and had been through much. Will we set out today? As soon as Ino arrives, youll make your preparations for travel together and be off as soon as you can. This matter is urgent. Neji nodded at Kakashis words. All he could do now was wait for the flower girl.