35 The Teammates

An hour was all that I had left for the ten days to be over. Twenty-four hours before I had already mastered the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style. I was currently working on perfecting the most minute details of it so that nothing could go wrong... and I was already there. Just a few more minutes later and I felt as if I had decades of experience with Fuinjutsu.

'Status'

[Name: Ryota Inuzuka Age: 12 Level: 49

STR: 495/500

AGI: 500/500

CHA: ?/500

<Suiton (Water Style): Water Beast - Suishōha - Bakusui Shōha - Severing Wave - Great Waterfall> (NEW)

(NEW) <Fuinjutsu: Eight Trigrams Sealing Style> ]

I had grown a lot since the last time I checked my stats. Perhaps number-wise it wasn't really noticeable, but if I thought of the Jutsus I had learned together with the actual experience in battle, I could feel proud of myself.

It was after checking my status that the lack of sleep and mental exhaustion settled in, causing me to... well, faint.

*

When I woke up, I was at my room in the Inuzuka Compound. I felt like a new person after properly resting, instead of just taking a short break to, instead of tiring my mind, tire my body. Guremaru wasn't anywhere to be seen, so I guessed it was already quite late and he was with the Ninken. Getting out of bed and gowing towards the bathroom, the place felt extremely quiet.

I had done my entire morning routine, bath included, so I decided to go and get some breakfast -or brunch, whichever was more apropriate. Alas, I didn't get either.

"Surprise!" x20 (A/N= Guess who exactly all the twenty people are. Just to entertain myself reading comments)

Everyone was there, waiting for me in the living room. I had been in my head so much that I had forgotten the date and what had happened that same day. It was my fucking birthday!

"Thank you everyone! I had forgotten it was my own birthday"

After that, a long celebration came. That day I didn't train or thought of my mission. I was back to being a twelve year old who just wanted to have fun and enjoy his life. Playing around with the gang was really fun, even more so seeing Neji wearing a party hat against his will and trying to smile for the pictures. It was a nice moment of relaxation.

'It is a pity that this is only the calm before the storm'

*

The following day I was called by the Hokage to his office. Waiting for me there were the Shinobi I would be working with for the length of this mission, which was unknown. I had a few guesses of who I would be working with and I was sure of one of the members of this team, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. As such, I made my way there with a calm mind.

"Ryota-shounen. It's good that you're here already, and I wanted to with you a happy birthday, even if it is late"

"Thanks, old man. I have heard that you already picked those I'd be working with?"

"Indeed. Come inside"

It was quite a nice thing to see Yamato walk inside with his stoic face that literally gave away nothing. I could feel nothing but seriousness from him, so I didn't focus on him too much -it was enough to know that he would give his best for the mission. The other person was none other than my previous proctor, Anko Mitarashi. From her I could feel a mix of annoyance and surprise, the latter being probably at seeing such a young Shinobi taking part in this mission.

"This one here is Yamato, a Jonin of high rank and one of my most trusted men. I suppose you already know, her but she is Anko Mitarashi, Tokubetsu Jonin"

"It is a pleasure to meet you both formally and I hope we get along well"

"Hokage-sama, what is this brat doing here?"

Feeling a bit insulted at Anko's attitude, I couldn't help but try a little trick that I had come up with in the ten days I spent learning Fuinjutsu. It was nothing but an imitation of what Tobirama and Hashirama did to Sasuke and Orochimaru. Releasing Chakra. The surprise shown in both Anko's and Yamato's face was priceless. Call me arrogant, I didn't care.

"That's enough, Ryota-shounen. Anko, Ryota here is pretty much a Jonin in level, the only reason why he isn't one yet is because he lacks the merits and the experience. It was he who helped me fight Orochimaru, Shodai-sama and Nidaime-sama"

"Ok, ok. I get it already, the kid is strong. But why is he participating in this mission?"

"That would be because Ryota might be the best sensor and tracker in Konoha currently. Besides that, he can feel emotions, which makes him extremely good at finding Bijuus or Jinchurikis"

I could tell that she was still a bit reluctant to have me participate in the mission, but I knew it wasn't because she was underestimating me. She was worried of what could happen to me. Funnily enough, I was worried about her. I knew I could escape a Bijuu if I wanted, but I wasn't so sure about Anko. I promised myself to do my best to keep her alive, since I quite liked her personality.

"Ok, you're dismissed. I want you to meet at the west gate in the night to depart"

*

I didn't really want to say goodbye. I hated it. Even more so because I wasn't sure when I would be back or if I would be back at all, considering all the dangers that were our there. Still, it was better to part than to not do so. As such, I first went to my mom and, luckily, Tenten was already with her.

"Hey... I'm going to be off in a mission for I don't know how long"

"Is it... too dangerous?"

"Might be more or less dangerous. It depends on circumstance"

"*sigh*... That's ok then, Ryota. Just take care, ok?"

"Ryo-kun... you will be back, right?"

"Hey, don't go killing me so quick Tenten! I have a high rank Jonin and Anko working with me for this, so it shouldn't be too bad"

All I received in answer was a hug and a short sentence.

"I'll wait for good news then"

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm going to be honest here ok? I don't care if people don't like Tenten, I'm giving her the love she deserves.

First: I read a comment I don't even remember in which chapter that said she didn't deserve Ryota because of how weak she was. Now, going by that logic, a poor man or woman doesn't deserve a rich one, because they live in worlds apart, right? It's simply stupid.

Second: To those who recommended Guren, Anko and whatnot, are you dumb? They are a LOT older than Ryota. Guren's age is unknown but she must be around Anko's, which is 24-25 in the first part. Ryota just turned 13 this chapter.

Third: I'm tired of seeing Ino as the love interest. I'm just sick of it. Besides, I don't like Ino's personality until The Last, so just... NO.

Goodbye and I hope you enjoy this story.