A/N: Something that's been bugging me and bugging me ever since I bought my new bracelet. Quite possibly the most weirdest thing I have ever written.
"Wah!! I'm gonna be late!"
Yes, it was another a gorgeous day here in Konoha.
"Stupid alarm clock! Why didn't you wake me up?!"
The sun was shining, the birds were singing...
"Sakura-chan is going to kill me!"
...And our favorite knucklehead ninja is once again, late.
"God, idiot. Must you be so loud?"
"Aah! Teme! What the hell are you doing here?"
"Kakashi told me to pick you up. He's already at the bridge"
"EH?!"
"Just hurry and get dressed."
"Bastard!"
Sitting on the windowsill, Sasuke watched amusedly as the dobe of his group, his so called "rival", rushed around the tiny apartment in search of clothes, weapons, etc. Its been nearly a year since the whole Naruto chasing Sasuke chasing Itachi chasing Naruto ordeal as well as the fall of the kickass organization, Akatsuki. All was peaceful, well as peaceful as a hidden village filled with ninjas, could be.
"Are you done yet?"
"No asshole, can't you wait?"
Sasuke and Naruto's relationship was more or less the same. At least Sasuke hoped it was. Naruto had forgiven him, but he hadn't exactly welcomed him with open arms either. It would seem that Naruto still has a few feathers ruffled concerning him.
"There, finished!"
"About time."
"I'm sorry I can't be as perfect as you oh great Sasuke-sama."
Leaving Naruto's humble abode, the two took off towards their meeting spot. They were running at quite a fast pace, that is until Naruto began to lag behind.
"What's the matter, dobe? Tired already?"
"No, it's just that Sakura's birthday is coming up and I was, y'know, trying to figure out what to give her."
"You still have a crush on her or something? Last I heard she was dating Lee."
As hard as it is to believe, Sakura is indeed dating the thick-eyebrowed, green-spandex wearing Lee. After Lee's 101th date proposal, Sakura finally took pity and agreed. Her plan was to let the guy down easy after the date was done, the truth was that she really wasn't interested in him. But she never got to say that because she had so much fun with Lee that night (and not that kind of fun) and planned another one with him the next Saturday. Before you knew it, the two were happily and contentedly an official couple. Not that anybody was complaining.
"I don't have a crush on her, jackass! She is a dear friend of mines and nothing more."
"Whatever, usuratonkachi. Just pick up your pace. Now's not the time to go window shopping anyways."
Finally arriving at the bridge, the two were greeted by Sakura and no one else.
"Sakura-chan? Where's Kakashi?"
"What do you mean? You should realize by now that he's always late."
"Sasuke-teme you lied to me! You said Kakashi told you to come get me!"
"Am I missing something?"
Before Sasuke could reply, a 'poof' was heard and Kakashi appeared behind Naruto, what seems to be a carefree grin plastered on his face.
"Good morning everyone."
"K-Kakashi! Don't do that! You scared me!"
"Naruto, your a chuunin now. If you still get surprised that easily then it will pose a problem for you later on."
Naruto merely chuckled and scratched his head in apology.
"Anyways, I hope you guys are ready. This mission is A-rank. We have to retrieve something that was stolen from our daimyo. Thing is this item in enemy territory. Watch your step and be on guard."
"Understood." the team chorused.
"Great, then we're off."
"I hope you brought all your weapons this time, Naruto. Remember what happened last time?"
"No worries Sakura-chan, its all here!"
Heading for the gates, the team passed through the market just as several stores were opening.
"Ne ne, isn't your birthday coming up soon Sakura-chan?"
"Yeah?"
"What kind of gift would you like?"
"I dunno, maybe a nice set of gloves or a pretty bracelet or something. Anything's fine Naruto."
"Oh, ok then."
Reaching the gates, Kakashi stopped his team one final time.
"Alright, we are heading for the village of Lightning. Don't forget, stay alert and be prepared for anything. So, off we go!"
Without much of a second thought, the team raced into the thick foliage of the forest and unto the dangers ahead.