NARUTO: In the Era of Sannin

The first light of dawn crept over Konoha, bathing the village in a golden hue. The streets were quiet, with only a few early risers opening their shops or preparing for the day's work. 

Yuichi stepped out of his house, adjusting the straps of his backpack while rolling his stiff shoulders. The weight of last night's mental battle still lingered, but his head felt clearer than before.

'Let's focus on the mission.'

He took in a deep breath, the crisp morning air filling his lungs as he made his way through the village. The mission ahead was going to be a long one, but at least it was simple: escort a noble and his family to the Land of Tea, keep them safe, and return. No assassins, no high-risk encounters. Just a long, exhausting trip on foot.

Making his way through the street, Yuichi arrived at the village gates, where he spotted Mio standing alone, her arms crossed, her expression unusually cold. She hadn't acknowledged his presence yet, nor did she even look his way.

"Mio?" Yuichi greeted, but her eyes remained fixed ahead, ignoring him completely.

'Okay… that's new.'

Mio was usually the more composed one in the squad, but she had started to open up slightly over time. Yet, today she was radiating the same frigid aura from when they first met.

"You're early," he tried again, attempting to at least get a nod from her.

Still, nothing.

Yuichi sighed, rubbing his temples. He could already feel a headache forming.

Not long after, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the stone path, and soon enough, Sakumo arrived, looking fresh and energetic.

"Hey, what are you thinking so hard about?" Sakumo asked as he reached Yuichi's side, a slight smirk on his face.

Yuichi glanced at him before gesturing toward Mio. "It's nothing. Just daydreaming. But hey, look at Mio. She's not talking to me, and she's been radiating extreme coldness."

Sakumo blinked before turning his gaze toward Mio. He waved at her casually. "Yo, Mio! Good morning!"

She didn't react.

Sakumo leaned in closer to Yuichi, lowering his voice. "You're right… far from talking, she's straight-up ignoring my existence too."

Yuichi and Sakumo crouched down slightly, pretending to stretch while sneaking glances at Mio.

"What should we do?" Sakumo asked in a hushed whisper.

Yuichi crossed his arms, nodding seriously. "This is probably an S-rank mission. We need a high-ranking ninja's assistance."

Sakumo's eyes widened in shock. "Hah?! Since when did our mission turn into an S-rank one?! I thought we were just babysitting a noble!"

Yuichi looked at him blankly. "It's a pun, Sakumo. I was comparing the Mio problem to an S-rank mission. Where did your sense of humor go?"

Sakumo let out an exaggerated sigh. "Man, you need better jokes."

Before their playful banter could continue, Mio's voice cut through the air, sharp and irritated.

"Hey, you two, cut it out."

Both of them snapped to attention as Mio turned to face them, her usual calm expression replaced by an annoyed glare.

"I already have a bad temper today, so don't annoy me and make it worse," she warned.

Sakumo and Yuichi exchanged glances before immediately standing up straight, acting as if nothing had happened.

Yuichi knew he should probably ask what was bothering Mio, but considering her current mood, that was a mission doomed to fail.

At that moment, their sensei, Kagami, finally made his appearance. He walked toward them with an easygoing stride, his mouth stretching into a yawn as he scratched the back of his head lazily. His hair was slightly messy, and he looked like he had just rolled out of bed.

"Oh? What's with the gloomy atmosphere? Did someone confess and get rejected?" Kagami teased with a grin.

Yuichi let out a deep sigh, already expecting nonsense from their carefree sensei.

"You're late."

Kagami tilted his head. "No, I was just over there by that tree watching you three bond."

Mio narrowed her eyes on Kagami's comment and raised a question,"Then tell me, what were we talking about just now?"

Kagami's smile twitched before he placed a hand on Mio's head, shaking his head dramatically. "Mio, my dear student, there's something called privacy. Unlike some people *cough* -Haru- *cough* I respect my students' private discussions. I wouldn't dream of eavesdropping."

Sakumo snorted. "That's just a fancy way of evading the questions, you weren't even here sensei."

Kagami ignored the remark and clapped his hands together. "Alright, alright. We're already late because of you three, so let's move out!"

"We were all here before you." Mio muttered under her breath.

Ignoring that comment, Kagami took the lead, and with a mix of expressions- annoyance, amusement, and exhaustion, the team finally set off on their mission.