Chapter 12

Two weeks later,

'Wonder what we're gonna do today? Maybe find another lost cat?' Karma wondered as Team 12 walked to the Hokage's office for their next assignment. So far, it had been easy going, something Karma took pleasure in. Every day after doing easy missions he could go back home to sleep, sometimes going to eat ramen with Kushina. Though, she had recently been complaining that the D-rank missions they were doing were too easy.

"Himari-sensei!! When are we going to do a REAL mission?! We're ninjas!! Why do we have spend several weeks tracking down missing pets and doing other miscellaneous tasks? We should be hunting down bad guys!! We have let everyone know Team 12 is here!!" Kushina suddenly said.

"Wouldn't that make us a target for assassination?" Ailane asked.

"We're strong!! We can fight them!"

"I don't know if we can. We would be effortless beaten by Himari alone. What if they sent an assassination squad at her level?" Karma asked.

"Didn't Himari-sensei say she was one of the most elite jonin? Like Kakashi-sensei? How could other villages have enough jonin of their level lying around to hunt us down?" Kushina asked.

"They don't." Himari said confidently.

"See?! You just don't want to do anything! How are you suppose to be strong enough to protect our- I mean- your family by being lazy? I know you're strong enough to be chunin with your senjutsu, but do you think that's enough?" Kushina pelted Karma with questions. "You don't even have the resolve to not be lazy!"

"Fine, we'll take the hardest mission we can." Karma mumbled. By his side, Ailane snickered.

"That's not your decision to make, Karma. However, I do believe it is about time we began to perform difficult missions. We will take the hardest mission the Hokage allows us to." Himari stated.

After their conversation finished, they finally arrived at the Hokage Office where Team 7, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi were. Team 12 watched everything, from Naruto throwing a tantrum about wanting to go on harder missions to them receiving a C-rank mission; to guard a bridge builder, Tazuna, back to his home village and guard him until he completes the bridge he's building. During this entire time Team 12 went unnoticed since they were silently standing behind Team 7.

"Were you also going to throw a tantrum?" Ailane asked Kushina.

"Maybe." Kushina blushed.

"Karma!!" Sakura exclaimed, running in front kf them. "What are you doing here?" She asked, trying to start a conversation.

"We're here to pick up our next mission. We want the hardest mission we can get." He replied.

"Karma, that could be dangerous..." Sakura worried.

"Well, I'm at least as strong as a chunin."

"Wow! Karma, you're so cool!!"

"Hnmph! As if you could have that kind of power. You're inability is well known. You even lost to Naruto during spars in the Academy. If I'm not at that level yet, how could you be?" Sasuke challenged.

"Hey, Sasuke! Don't be so mean!! You don't know what kind of training they've had..." Naruto said.

"Yeah, Sasuke, you don't know them, so shut up!" Sakura agreed.

Sasuke clenched his teeth. "Itachi told me the Chunin Exams are in 5 months. I'll take care of you then, unless you're too scared to participate."

"Sure, be ready!" Said Karma. He was tired of Sasuke constantly looking down on him, so he figured it was the perfect opportunity to teach him a lesson. He was confident to beat him now, and in a few months he would most likely be stronger. How could Sasuke possibly have a chance?

"Alright, let's get going." Kakashi told his team. "Good luck." He told Team 12 before exiting with his team and Tazuna behind him.

"Karma!! When I get back would you like to train together?!" Sakura called out.

"Sure." He replied, and Sakura ran out excitedly.

"Hokage. We have come for our next mission. I am sure my team can handle a B-rank mission at least." Himari informed the Hokage, who was now looking at them.

"Indeed, Yoruichi-san has informed me of the capabilities of the twins. I have no doubt they are ready, but is Kushina ready?" The Third Hokage asked.

"You don't have to worry about her, Hokage. Even if she's not the strongest now, she has the drive to become more powerful at a rapid pace. Plus, she's not an idiot like Naruto." Karma said.

"Karma will protect her." Ailane said.

"Hahaha! Very well, then I'll give you this B-rank mission. Investigate the situation in the Hidden Sand Village. As you know, they are our allies, and will be attending the Chunin Exams, hosted by us. While we do exchange information about our genin, it's natural to keep much of it to ourselves. You have to act as ambassadors, checking in on the sand to see if they require any assistance. You will use opportunities when you're free to spar with sand genin."

"Okay. But why? We're allies!" Kushina said.

"We have an unsteady alliance currently, and I don't know how long that will last. It is important for us to know any threats before they pop up." He explained. "Plus, we'll share this information with all your instructors. Maybe it will help them train you for the Chunin Exam. Maybe seeing how other villages' skills will inspire some new ideas for you. The only danger is if the Hidden Sand Village catches on, but it's unlikely. Thus the B-rank of this mission, going up to A-rank or even S-rank if you get caught.

"Alright, let's go!" Himari accepted the mission.