The Perfect Duo

[Bluee]

Here we go


@Ycharley

 

[Ycharley]

Nari hated getting up early in the morning, but it simply couldn’t be helped. She had been told the day before to see the Hokage first thing in the morning to be assigned a mission. She didn’t know much about it, but got the impression it was of great importance, it would most definitely be at least a B rank mission. She stood in front of her mirror, trying to tame her fiery red hair as she pondered the details of what the mission might be. Who would she be working with, or would she have to carry whatever the mission was out alone?


She let out a deep sigh as she stretched and finished gathering her gear and headed out of the door. She was still half asleep as she made her way to where she was to get the details of her mission. She looked towards the morning sun, squinting with a yawn. How she would have definitely killed for a few extra hours of sleep. She could still feel the effects of the sake she had the night before, and it was definitely making her more groggy than she would have felt otherwise.


Finally, she entered where she was to receive the mission, the Hokage sat before her, and one other figure. Could it be who she thought it was? She shook her head slightly, trying to clear some of the fog that remained there.


“Sorry I am late,” She spoke simply.


She bowed her head in respect towards the hokage. She felt her heart rate increase, she was sure, it was him, it most definitely had to be Kakashi. Would she really be working so directly with someone so renowned.

 

[Bluee]

Kakashi didn't get much sleep last night. He was thinking about the summons, must be a new mission. He was excited to be out on a mission, it had been a while. He also was curious as to who will be his partner. He decided to read one of his favorite books to help pass time. He scratched the side of his mouth through the mask, even though he was alone he never removed his mask.


When it was about time for the meeting he grabbed his gear and was on his way to see the Hokage. He was the first to arrive, his partner wasn't here yet. "Good morning, Hokage."


"Good Morning, Kakashi, never late as always. Apparently I can't say the same about your new partner."


"Who is my new partner? If I may ask."


"You may not, you will meet them shortly."


When the woman entered Kakashi was a bit shocked yet he never let it show on his uncovered eye. It was Nari Kurama. He knew her ofcourse but he never really spoke to her beside the casual greeting once or twice. Kakashi couldn't help but admire her red hair and green eyes, They were a perfect match. He acknowledged here with a nod then turned his attention back to the Hokage.

 

[Ycharley]

Nari gave Kakashi a side glance. She knew of him, but hey, who didn’t. He was the prodigy trained by the fourth Hokage. She couldn’t let her attention linger on Kakashi though, she knew she had to pay attention to the mission, it had to be something very important for two jonin to be assigned to it.


“The mission is simple, you will be delivering a scroll to the land of water. Kakashi was specifically requested for this mission, but I think Nari could use the experience as a fresh Jonin and she counter balances your fighting style Kakashi,” The Hokage spoke as he looked between the two of them. Nari nodded simply.


Was she simply put on the team for the experience or did the Hokage expect them to run into someone that her abilities would come in handy with. She couldn’t complain though, she would be working with the best of the best. She would know that at least someone very capable would have her back, someone who could defend her weaknesses. She had heard stories of how brutal Kakashi could be in battle, and she definitely was glad he was on her side, though, she had complete faith she could get him with genjutsu.


“One more thing, as you probably expect, the scroll is top secret, and is not to be read, it must be protected and delivered at all cost. It is expected that you leave immediately,” The Hokage added.


"Yes Sir," Nari spoke with a respectful nod of her head.

 

[Bluee]

Kakashi nodded as the Hokage spoke. When he finished he summed up the mission. "Deliver a top secret scroll to the land of water. No one is to take a peak at the scroll. Seems straightforward enough. And..." He looked at Nara. "It will be an honor to work you Nara, I have heard about your genjutsu, I predict we will be able to finish this mission successfully with our combined power."


"Here is the scroll, now I don't want to tell you again how important it is for this scroll to reach the land of water safely." The Hokage said as he handed Kakashi.


Kakashi nodded as he took the scroll. "We shall depart immediately." He said then giving Nara a nod he flashed out of the Hokage room, he stopped in the forest just outside the village. Waiting for Nara, He thought he'd give her some time in case she wanted to do something before leaving. Taking out a book he sat on a tree branch, reading. He was really curious about Nara and her power. He couldn't wait to see what she can really do. He was also curious about the scroll, the Hokage must've wanted it delivered fast. Since he only assigned a two-man squad for the mission.

 

[Ycharley]

Nari didn’t move so fast, she was still very much hung over. She had picked the very worst of times to get a hankering to drink. Still, she figured Kakashi was waiting for her, he didn’t seem like the type to waste time. The time it took her to catch up to Kakashi was spent thinking about the mission. She thought about how unusual it was to have only a two man squad. She also remembered how the Hokage said that Kakashi was specifically requested for the mission.


Even with her thoughts it didn’t take her much time to make it outside of the village. She stretched lightly once again, her joints popping slightly as she did so.


“Well, it looks like we should get a move on,” Nari spoke as she looked up into the trees at Kakashi.

 

[Bluee]

Kakashi was silent for a few minutes, fully concentrating on what he was reading. Then he suddenly closed the book. "You have no idea how hard it is to stop reading these. I'm sorry about that. Yes lets get a move on." He took another glance at Nari, Her green eyes seemed to hold his attention. "Is this your first time on a mission like this?" He asked then began moving, expecting her to follow him. He was tempted to know more about her. Who she was and how strong she is.

 

[Ycharley]

Nari jumped into the trees and started to run through them along with Kakashi. She was definitely fast and nimble, she had clearly trained hard to be able to evade and dodge. She glanced over at Kakashi, letting her eyes linger for only a moment. She was highly curious about what he hid behind his mask. Were there more scars, or maybe a bad burn?


“What exactly do you mean, a mission like this? A mission with only a two man squad? A mission delivering something? Or a mission working with one of the most capable Shinobi in our village, where if we run into trouble, I’ll actually have to try so I won’t be outdone?” Nari asked her eyes refocusing ahead of her.


"You will have to be more specific with your questions," she added a moment later.

 

[Bluee]

Kakashi was very happy with her response. Usually people who went on missions with him just panicked when he asked them anything and directly answered. He was glad Nari seemed to understand that she didn't have to fear him. That in fact, he would die protecting her or anyone in the leaf village. Maybe this mission won't be so boring.


"Maybe I meant all three. And... you give me too much credit. I wouldn't believe too much in the stories about me, I'm not that skilled. And I will be depending on you to watch my back." He then raised his eyebrow when she told him to that he should be more specific with him questions. "From my point of view my questions was very specific. Lets see... What do you think I meant by my questions?"

 

[Ycharley]

“You asked a question that could have multiple meanings, a question that could be broken down and divided to cover multiple things. Though it seemed you did such a thing on purpose,” Nari responded, not answering his actual original question immediately.


After a few moments and a short glance over towards him, Nari began to answer him though.


“I have never been on a two man squad mission before, I have, on the other hand, delivered many things,” She spoke, leaving her answer simply at that before turning her full gaze onto Kakashi. Her green eyes a bit piercing. She had been told by others that her eyes seemed like they could bore into someones mind.


“Why is a man of your ability acting so humble? It is, refreshing, most with your skill and talent have no such qualities. Still, it is widely known that you are a force on the battlefield,” She paused,a hint of a smirk passing over her lips.


“And as long as you keep them at a bit of a distance from me, they will never know what hit them,” She spoke, her eyes flashing with what seemed like amusement before she turned her gaze away.

 

[Bluee]

Kakashi nodded slightly as she answered. He felt like the gaze of her green eyes was penetrating his mind. He was getting more and more impressed by her, he decided that it won't be wise to let his guard down around her. Then when she asked him about being humble he answered. "You've based your opinion about my strength on what you've heard, maybe when you get to see me in action you won't be so impressed." He knew that he wasn't fooling anyone, he was just avoiding the question. He took a deep breath then answered. "Being cocky draws attention, I don't like being a center of attention. And I wouldn't want my enemies to know what to expect when they face me. But as you can see, it's not working."


"So you specialize in long distance genjustu. Don't worry, I won't let you get a close look at an enemy's ugly face." Kakashi gave her his famous innocent smile with closed eyes then took out his book again and started reading, they were moving at a good pace. After a short while he asked "Have you ever been to the land of water?"

 

[Ycharley]

"Yes, that is my specialty, and as I said, few ever see it coming. Plus, I have never been a fan of letting someone get close enough to even give them a chance to punch me,” She spoke as they continued on their way. She was silent as she thought about what he said, and it was a smart move for the most part. If the enemies didn’t know what you were capable of it gives you an advantage, and advantage Nari knew well. It was like her sound genjutsu, she could have someone under its influence before they could even realize what was going on, before they realized that she was even there. Of course, Kakashi was right, he was definitely far too well known for that, of course, she was sure he had tricks up his sleeve hat people didn’t know about.


“You leave too many witnesses that can go tell stories of your strength and skill,” Nari spoke, keeping her gaze ahead.


“Yes, I have been to the land of water, but only once, it was brief, in and out type of deal. Why are you always reading that book. It can’t possibly be that good,” She questioned,wondering why he would be reading at such a time anyway. No, they hadn’t gotten far from the village, but clearly the Hokage and the person having the scroll delivered believed it was in great danger.

 

[Bluee]

He had to agree with her comment about leaving too many witnesses, but there was no helping it. "Most of the time these witnesses are my allies, the ones I was fight along side with or the ones I was protecting. There is nothing I can do about the stories they spread. I don't usually spare my enemy's life without a good reason." He then looked at her and gave her a thumbs up and a smile. "But don't worry, They call me the copycat for a reason. I have a few tricks that no one has seen, no one alive atleast." He said these words jokingly but there was a serious menace behind them.


When she asked him about the book he started answering before he realized he was. "Oh but it is that good. It is written by the great master Jiraiya. It has stories about..." His cheeks turned red with embarrassment. He was thankful for the mask covering his face. "Well... you know, stories." He then closed the book and hid it. He thought that it was rude of him to read and ignore his squad-mate. "I see, a short trip the land of water is enough to give you an idea about the area. well the Hokage seemed quite insistent that the scroll arrives safely and sealed."

 

[Ycharley]

Nari let out a brief, but genuine laugh.


“Oh, stories, mhm,” She mimicked before offering a smile. The smile slowly faded from her face though. Her mind returned to the scroll. Who could possibly be after it that it would require two Jonin. Walking into the unknown was always the hardest part. Just the simple information about exactly who was after the scroll would have been amazing information to have, because at least then she would have some idea of what to expect as far as attacks go.


“That means this mission will probably not be as simple as it sounds. When he insists on things like that, it seems to be his way of giving a heads up that you’ll have to watch your back,” She spoke with a sigh. They would both have to keep their eyes open and ready. She expected they would get ambushed before they ever made it to the land of water.

 

[Bluee]

((So sorry about not posting for a few days, was in the hospital.))


"Yes I'd expect us to face some trouble along the way." Kakashi was silent for a little while, lost in thought. "Something else worries me too, why did they request me specifically? It's strange, and I don't like that." He didn't have a lot of missions where he was specifically required. In fact, it's been ages since the last time this happened. Ofcourse he could do things nobody else can do so it's not all that strange. But it still leaves so many questions. It has to be someone that knows him, or have heard of him at least.


"I've never been a big fan of the Land of Water, So lets get this done and over with. And if anyone thinks about getting in our way. I'll leave it to you to take care of them while I read a few more chapters of my book." He found his sense of humor strange. He usually is preserved around new people he meet, and mistrustful. But it wasn't the same with her, he felt that he could fully trust her.

 

[Ycharley]

((Hey, no problem, just hope you are okay!))


Once again, Nari let out a small laugh.


“Well, I am really only good at a distance, up close battle has never been my style. Actually, I much prefer taking out my enemy before they ever know I am there. Though, I guess beggars can’t be choosers, and in this case, we will probably be the ones ambushed. And hey, take it as a compliment, being requested specifically,” Nari spoke with a sigh.


She just hoped that when it came down to it, she wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of such a great Shinobi.


She knew though that it was her luck, that he would have to save her ass. The thought of him saving her wasn’t that bad, who didn’t like a knight in shining armor. She just couldn’t stand feeling like dead weight. If the battle came down to up close and personal fighting, well she would be in trouble.

 

[Bluee]

"So looks like I'll be forced to join in the fun." Kakashi said mockingly. If he was to be honest with himself, he was starting to like this woman, so far she was the best partner he had had recently. And he liked her confidence in long distance combat, he couldn't wait to see what kind of jutsu she uses.


He was thinking about what she said to him, He never was flattered to be wanted specifically to do a mission. Because that meant that it's not gonna be an easy one and there is much more pressure on him to succeed. But one thing he was sure of, whatever it takes... he will see this through. He then looked at Nari. "It seems you know quite a bit about me but I know next to nothing about you, tell me a little about yourself."

 

[Ycharley]

Nari chuckled to herself.


"Well a lot of people know about you, so the fact that I know about you shouldn't come as a surprise," She said simply as they continued to make their way through the trees.


"Hmm, about me. Well, my name is Nari Kurama. As many in my clan I specialize in Genjutsu, and as the Hokage mentioned, I am a fairly new jōnin," She paused, thinking if there was anything else she wanted to share.


"There isn't much more to say I don't think, well, I guess I could add I have spent most of my time as a jōnin in the Torture and Interrogation Force, my skills in genjutsu come in handy there." She finally spoke after a moment of silence. She sighed deeply, thinking back to some of the faces of the people she had tortured, she could still almost hear their screams of pain and cries begging for it to end.

 

[Bluee]

"The Torture and Interrogation unit huh? Not a fun unit to be a part of." He looked at her face and could see that she didn't like being a part of it. "Hurting people to extract information from them, It effects you deeply. And leaves scars the may never heal. But it is necessary for the protection of the village hidden in the leaf. And this probably means nothing coming from me but... By being a part of that unit you were doing a great service and I thank you for it." His eyes then indicated that he gave her a small smile.


They were nearing the borders when Kakashi suddenly stopped in his tracks, Closing his eyes and focusing. He could feel some kind of presence in front of them. "Is it just me or do you sense something ahead of us? I do get paranoid at times and imagine things."

 

[Ycharley]

"Yeah, being in that unit its stressful, and not in the way that doing these missions are stressful. One never knows what a person really knows and what they don't. What they are hiding and what they are making up just to satisfy your questions," Nari replied simply with a sigh. The time she had spent in the unit had left scars that had changed her, and not all in a good way. She now understood what it could mean if caught by another nation, what she could possibly have to endure. Honestly, death sounded like a better option.


Nari stopped behind Kakashi, preparing herself, she knew something must not be right.


"No, listen," She spoke before pausing to allow him to listen.


"It is too quiet."