[Graded][Mission] Desert Express

[Niro]

Yoshinori stood at the gates of Konoha, where a spacious, well-appointed carriage waited; its frame polished and sturdy, drawn by a pair of patient horses and managed by a coachman already busy with final checks. The cargo had been neatly loaded: carefully packed belongings, parcels, and supplies for the journey back to Wind Country. He’d been up before dawn, the first hints of light barely touching the village rooftops when he was already dressed and ready to go. His bag had been packed the night before with everything he’d need for the change in climate and the long mission ahead. He wasn’t about to be late, not today, and especially not when this escort involved Tsuki’s close friend, Momo. First impressions mattered.

Yoshinori stood beside the carriage, exchanging easy small talk with the coachman about the trip ahead. Their route would take them a few kilometers outside the village to a regional train station, where they’d board one of the southbound locomotives bound for Wind Country. While Konoha’s direct rail connections had been suspended due to the ongoing occupation, Yoshinori didn’t mind the detour. If anything, it added a few more precious hours to the journey and time was something he wasn’t in a rush to lose.

As the first warm rays of sunlight crested over the tree line, the coachman paused mid-sentence, his gaze shifting down the path. Yoshinori turned and felt his heart lift at the sight of two familiar figures approaching. Tsuki walked with effortless grace, her hair catching the morning light, and beside her, the girl he guessed as Momo. Yoshinori’s own smile grew without thinking, warm and genuine as they came close. "Hey, you," The mission hadn’t even started yet, but in that moment, with Tsuki approaching and the road ahead waiting, it already felt like a journey worth taking.

Yoshinori and Tsuki have been assigned to escort Momo, a civilian from Konoha, on her return to Wind Country. With active trade lines altered, she’ll travel by carriage to a remote station before boarding a southbound train toward the desert region. Though not a high-profile target, Momo is transporting valuable personal belongings, making her vulnerable to recent spikes in bandit activity along the rail routes. The duo’s objective is to ensure her safe arrival while navigating shifting weather, limited communication, and the threat of ambushes in remote terrain.

[Lunanana]

”...And then he kissed you!”
”W-Well, yes, but-”
”Ah, it’s so perfect! I’m gonna faint and throw up from the sweetness. You’ve grown, princess, haven’t you?”
”Momo, please, I-”
”Oop, I see him!”

Tsuki’s eyes immediately darted ahead, seeing Yoshinori. Her face lit up with a smile, reserved only for him, a face full of happiness. ”Hello… You.” Momo was almost as tall as Yoshinori, sun kissed skin symbolized her origins and neatly prepared clothing implied that while she was not of shinobi profession, she took the lead of her family’s tailoring business. They knew each other since they were kids, the Hyuuga trusted most important attire to be made by Momo’s family, so the girls would meet each other in Konoha quite often. The day Tsuki did tell her about Yoshinori, Momo almost shouted it all out for the whole village to hear. Loud, obnoxious but extremely friendly and always having her friend’s back is how Tsuki saw her. Both of the girls stopped just a step away from him.

While yesterday’s preparations were a little hurried (she still had to tend to the communal garden), Tsuki was prepared. More importantly, she also had lunch in her backpack, which took almost all of its space but she didn’t mind it since Suna’s clothing was light either way. ”Well, I am stoked! I finally get to meet the mysterious man she’s been yapping about day and night. I’m Momo.” Tsuki sucked in her lips and looked away, blushing. ”I’ll take the carriage. Oh, by the way,” She turned to look at the couple one more time before getting in. ”I might need you two in Suna for a day or two. I’ll have an event, it’s purely trade business. I’d appreciate some eyes on my belongings.” With a wink and a knowing look, she closed the door and shouted something to the man attending to the horses and he let them go with an eye roll.

Tsuki couldn’t help placing her hand on her lips, giggling and turning back to Yoshinori, her cheeks still slightly tinted. ”Well… I guess we’re off.” And with that, they started walking, Tsuki already trying to imagine what it will look like, how it will feel like to have sand beneath your feet. What the sun will be like? How does wind howl in the desert? So many questions…

”Oh!” Momo peeked out of the small window, finding them both. ” You’ll need head wear. We’ll give Tsuki a cowgirl one, just because she’ll look cute in it.”

Oh, god. Over my dead body!

[Niro]

Yoshinori blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the whirlwind of energy that was Momo. The idea that this vibrant, expressive woman had once convincingly passed herself off as Tsuki, his quiet and graceful Tsuki, was nearly impossible to imagine. A soft laugh escaped him, and a hint of pink colored his cheeks as Momo casually mentioned how often Tsuki had spoken about him during their time apart. "Nice to meet you, Momo," he said with an easy warmth, dipping his head politely as she swept into the carriage with the flair of someone used to drawing attention.

The mention of a longer stay tugged a smile to his lips. He turned toward Tsuki with a playful glint in his eyes, offering her a wink. A few extra days at an oasis in Wind Country, away from watchful eyes and daily responsibilities? It was a tempting thought and one that felt like breathing room for something more. "Sounds perfect to me," he called after Momo as she disappeared inside.

When her head reappeared at the carriage window with a cheeky suggestion, Yoshinori couldn’t help but laugh again. His eyes drifted to Tsuki, lingering in a look that said more than words, his grin softening into something more teasing. "Yeah… I think she’d look really cute in one," he said, voice low and fond. Without making a show of it, Yoshinori shifted closer, instinctively placing himself between Tsuki and the muddied edge of the road. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes.

They walked in a companionable silence for a few moments, the sound of wheels crunching on gravel and distant birdsong filling the space between them. Then, with a sidelong glance and a barely restrained smirk, he murmured, "And what do you think I’d look best in?"

But before she could answer, a fallen tree loomed ahead with its broad trunk sprawled across the road, a casualty of the recent storm. It blocked the path forward and threatened to make them miss their train if they didn’t act quickly.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki walked essentially between them with a pout for some time, before she herself chuckled softly, shaking her head at how light the mood now was. Her eyes slowly drifted to Yoshinori’s feet then back at him, her gaze soft and the one she held just for him. She looked at him, thinking for a moment, blushing terribly, and then thinking of something else. ”I think you’d look great in a wedding suit.” Her voice was barely above whisper, a desperate attempt at a tease just to get a reaction out of him.

The horses halted and so did they, all of them now looking at the troubled path ahead. Tsuki furrowed her brows, looking at Yoshinori and just as she did, Momo peeked out again, looking at the road. ”I’ll scout ahead. We need to measure our time for the train.” Focused duty voice. With a swift nod, she darted ahead, jumping on the log and looking further down the path only to frown. Her Byakuugan only confirmed her concern. While there were not many trees blocking the way, there sure were some and she understood that the carriage had to go. While she and Yoshinori could run fast and catch it, Momo couldn’t. And the weight of her luggage would also prove as another obstacle. Just as quickly as she left, she returned, rummaging around in her backpack. Taking out a worn map, Tsuki straightened it on the carriage wall, Yoshinori placing a hand on one side and she on the other, her fingers trailing the road and possible turns they could take to still make it in time. ”No… Yoshinori, Momo, we either have to run or-...”

”The hell we are! We’ll take the horses and use them.” Tsuki parted her lips in protest only to close them just as quickly, raising her eyebrows. That was actually not a bad idea, considering the horses could carry them and Momo’s items. ”...There’s only two.” She pointed out, her voice silent. She didn’t even know how to ride one and yet Momo and Yoshinori were already discussing who takes which horse, making Tsuki retreat to the back and start packing the items in sacks they could tie to the horses.

[Niro]

Yoshinori's jaw dropped, closed, and dropped again in a comical loop as his brain failed to form a single coherent sound. A deep crimson blush swept over his face, loud and undeniable. Well, that had backfired spectacularly. Still, he couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out. He was proud of her; Tsuki’s teasing had grown sharper lately, and she was definitely getting good at it. His amusement only faded when the coachman called for a halt. Fallen trees blocked the road, and Yoshinori stepped onto a thick log to assess the situation while Tsuki moved ahead. His frown deepened when he saw the extent of the damage. Dozens of trees downed by the storm and far too many to move by hand without missing their train entirely.

Tsuki reappeared moments later, swift and focused, already rifling through her pack for the map. He joined her without hesitation, one hand anchoring the page against the wind while he offered a confident and steadying smile, even if the situation was starting to unravel. When Momo chimed in with her suggestion, Yoshinori just shrugged and looked to Tsuki, letting Momo choose between the horses. He didn’t care which he rode, what mattered was who he rode with.

"Yeah, and? You're riding with me, of course," he said matter-of-factly, slinging packs onto the saddles as the coachman got the horses properly prepared for once, reins tightened and stirrups checked. Once everything was ready, Yoshinori turned toward Tsuki with a smirk playing on his lips and extended his hand to her. With one knee lowered beside the chestnut mare, he offered both support and something unspoken in his gesture.

“Ladies first,” he said warmly, his gaze lingering on hers as if, in that small moment, there was no fallen road only the journey ahead, together. Yoshinori waited until Tsuki had settled into the saddle before placing his foot in the stirrup and pulling himself up behind her with a practiced ease. The horse shifted slightly under their combined weight, but he adjusted quickly, letting his arms loosely encircle her as he took hold of the reins. With a gentle nudge and soft click of his tongue, he guided the mare forward, careful as they approached the first set of fallen trees.

"So, Momo," he called out, his tone teasing as his eyes flicked ahead to where she rode. Then he glanced down at Tsuki, a playful warmth in his voice. "You two have been friends for a long time? Any fun stories I should hear? Maybe the kind that would embarrass her just a little?" He grinned at the back of Tsuki’s head, fully expecting a sharp elbow or a pointed sigh... and secretly looking forward to it.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki blinked at him a few times, her cheeks already heating up again. She couldn’t figure out how he could be so gentle and at the same time so powerful but she admired that about him to infinity. Her hand landed on his gently, as she used his help to get onto the horse, stilling with a silent gasp. For one, she was higher up the ground than usual and she never rode a horse before. She seemed to shrink a little into herself, only stirring again once Yoshinori was right behind her. He clicked his tongue and the horse started moving. She didn’t show her concerns and yet, her hand found his very quickly to ground herself.

Soon, a worried face was braced with a smile. It wasn’t so bad… Actually, it was pretty fun! She slowly relaxed her muscles, letting the conversation go on without her, as her hands settled on the front of the saddle, keeping herself steady alongside Yoshinori’s arms around her waist. Loosely but there. That’s all that mattered. She was about to express her gratitude, when Yoshinori asked about some embarrassing stories and Tsuki looked as if a shadow ran through her face. Her expression turned impassive, not the Hyuuga im-a-cold-person-and-i-dont-like-anyone impassive but you-are-a-dead-man impassive, as she turned her head and met his eyes. Yoshinori was looking for blackmail!

”HA!” Momo laughed, excitedly stopping her horse just a little so they heard what she was about to say. ”In truth, she was always very well behaved, the training and all, and yet, there were moments where I seriously considered that she had an evil twin. Right, Tsuki?” Tsuki almost let out a pained groan, opening her mouth but Momo cutting her off. ”She once placed paperbombs in-”


”They were making fun of her!” She defended herself, leaning forward a little as if to give more weight to her claim. Momo’s laugh echoed through the forest. ”Alright, alright, some boys were making fun of a girl she knew, so she placed paper bombs in their most common meeting spot. Should’ve seen their faces! Or hers, when I tell this story, for that matter…” Tsuki’s head was not handing low, a hand on her forehead. Momo’s gonna tell everything now. ”Oh, and once I tricked her that we were eating her koi fish. Poor girl hasn’t touched salmon since!” Tsuki was now red, embarrassed and mute, as she crossed her hands over her chest, looking ahead. Momo went on about the salmon story for some time, as they crossed the fallen trees.

The forest was getting even more dense now. This served good for the lack of obstacles, however, the refuge had its own disadvantages and Tsuki already started scanning around with her Byakuugan from time to time, just to make sure no one was after them. While some light chatter was still happening, her hand gently slid on Yoshinori’s arm. ”Yoshinori, two, by twelve and eight. Don’t seem to be very well prepared combat vise, at least, not from their chakra.”

[Niro]

Yoshinori looked down at Tsuki, feigning innocence as if he couldn’t imagine why she was giving him that look. His grin betrayed him, and before she could say anything, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her temple. Momo’s voice carried easily between them, full of energy as she launched into the first of what promised to be many entertaining stories. When she got to the part about paper bombs, Yoshinori halted their horse with a light pull on the reins. He wanted to hear this properly. His eyes widened, jaw slackening with disbelief, and he instinctively tightened his hands around Tsuki’s thighs to steady her when she leaned forward. He couldn’t help but laugh in part shock and part awe.

“A little domestic terrorism to deal with some bullies? Tsuki~” he teased softly, his voice brushing against her ear like a secret. A low hum of amusement followed, equal parts impressed and smitten. He listened as Momo barreled into her next story with no less enthusiasm, and winced in sympathy at the infamous salmon incident. “At least I know what not to cook for dinner now,” he whispered playfully, hoping to ease any lingering embarrassment. His voice was warm, teasing, but affectionate.

As they continued, the forest grew thicker, the light dimming beneath the canopy. A noticeable chill replaced the earlier warmth, and Yoshinori’s demeanor shifted with the change. He nodded at Tsuki’s quiet observation, then gently pulled the reins, bringing their mare to a stop. Carefully, he handed them off to her, brushing her fingers in the process. “Just hold them steady so she’ll stay still. I won’t be long,” he murmured before dismounting.

With a graceful leap, Yoshinori vanished into the treetops. Moving silently, he located the first man lurking at their eight o’clock and dropped down on him with fluid precision. One swift blow to the head sent the would-be ambusher crumpling. He checked quickly; no forehead protector, no rogue affiliation. Just a bandit. He was gone again in a whisper of motion.

The second man didn’t see him coming. Yoshinori walked effortlessly along the tree’s side, rounding the trunk until he was face to face with the man’s stunned expression. A sharp kick to the jaw dropped him instantly. With the threat dealt with, Yoshinori landed lightly and jogged back toward the road, a triumphant smile on his face until his eyes flicked to the sun overhead.

They were running late. “Let’s get moving!” he called out, springing up onto the horse behind Tsuki in one smooth motion. “Last thing we want is to miss your train! No more scenic detours, promise.”

[Lunanana]

Tsuki stared at the reins in her hands now, panic setting in, as she turned to him. ”Wha-... What do you mean, wait, what do you…” She tightened her hold on them and then immediately released, unsure what to do now. Momo clicked her tongue. ”Tsuki, don’t worry. Just hold it and don’t do anything else.” Tsuki nodded, sitting there like a statue, her eyes fixed on the reins, careful to not make even a single move. There was something about horses she couldn’t quite place, some people say that horses see ghosts and that they are extremely intelligent beings, which… Made her also feel like she was a guest that was just accepted for now. ”Don’t you need to help him? Like, ninja style?” If Tsuki was not as good friends with Momo as she was now, she’d cringe internally. Instead, she straightened her back just a little, pride swelling in her chest. ”No… He’s perfectly capable of that himself. Speaking of…” Her Yoshinori was already appearing from the woods. She met him back with a soft gaze and a proud smile. Didn’t take him five minutes. What a man.

They were set to go again and now Momo was a little panicked as well. ”Yoshinori’s right, we need to get going and do so fast. And I mean fast . You’ll need to hold on, Tsuki.” Eh? Tsuki looked back at Yoshinori and his reassuring smile grew trust in her chest and she nodded, holding on tighter. Momo was already off, her horse galloping ahead. They eased into the sprint, at first the speed increase was slow, letting her get used to it, before the horse was sprinting full speed ahead. The forest ended so soon, replaced by meadow fields, and the sight of a train in the distance. At first, Tsuki was holding on very tight, her eyes closed, before she imagined Yoshinori’s radiant smile when she started to enjoy herself. So, in the spur of the moment, she let go of her hold for just a little bit, feeling her hair streaming behind her. Once she opened her eyes she saw how slow the world had become around them and a raw, honest laugh escaped her lips. ”This is great!”

Her eyes narrowed, seeing Momo flail her arm to the wind, incoherent through the wind in their ears. She was pointing repeatedly to the train, that was, in fact, leaving. ”Oh no!” Tsuki’s expression turned to terrified from happy in a mere second.

[Niro]

“Hold on,” Yoshinori murmured into Tsuki’s ear, his voice low and steady as he gently took the reins from her hands. He nudged his heels against the horse’s sides, coaxing it forward until it broke into a full gallop. The trees thinned, giving way to wide, open fields, and the rhythm of hooves against earth echoed around them like a song. He kept his head close to hers, tucked just over her shoulder, catching the wind in her hair and the sound of her laughter, light and infectious. It made him smile and his chest tighten in a way he wasn’t prepared for.

But then Momo’s frantic waving jolted him back to the moment. “Shit,” he breathed, seeing the train begin to pull away from the station. He urged the horse forward. “After it!” he called, the urgency in his voice sharp now as the platform blurred past. They thundered down the track, gaining on the slowly accelerating caboose. With one final push, they came close enough.

“Hold on!” he said again, standing in the stirrups. In one fluid motion, he lifted Tsuki and tossed her toward the rear platform of the caboose. His breath hitched until he saw her land safely. Relief passed over his features just as Momo’s horse pulled up beside him. “You ready?” he called, reaching out to her. As soon as her fingers found his, he gave her a strong boost, launching her toward Tsuki who, thankfully, caught her with surprising steadiness.

Not one to leave things behind, Yoshinori grabbed as many bags as he could from the horses’ sides before making the final leap himself. He landed hard, stumbling once but catching himself on the railing. Leaning there, catching his breath, he cast a grin toward the girls. “We should ride horses more often,” he said between pants, glancing back at the two steeds that had stopped and stood in the field. Hopefully, they knew their way home.

[Lunanana]

”Yoshinori?!” Her voice cracked, surprise, fear and excitement playing to be main emotion on her face and in her heart. While Momo caught his idea quickly, it took Tsuki a little more time to understand what was really happening. The next second she was in his arms and then in the air, the kunoichi instinct kicking in quick as Tsuki landed with ease, turning around and catching a terrified Momo in her arms, sliding backwards just a little from the impact.

She gasped, her hands tightening around Momo as Yoshinori landed too. He caught himself and she breathed out, the adrenaline bubbling in her veins. She hurried forward, almost ready to leap into his arms from the excitement but stopped herself just a step from him, slowly lowering her hands back to her sides. ”Wow… I-” Her eyes searched his, full of awe and girlish enthusiasm.
”Well, it’s official. You really are our hero now… You got a brother?” Momo asked, clapping her hands and laughing, clearly making the best out of the situation. ”Either way, I’ll go give our tickets and settle down.” The Suna girl tapped her finger on her temple and turned around, grabbing the bags, as much as there were left now.

Tsuki stood beside him, her hand gently stroking his back as he got back his breath and her head rested on his shoulder. Resting her other hand on the railing, she watched the scenery change and unfold before her eyes. ”You did very well. Quick decision making is your strong side… And the ability to toss a human while on a horse?...” She smiled, finding his eyes again. She was impressed. Plus ten points to Yoshinori Tei. One thing she will never say aloud, though, was the fact how her breath hitched when she heard him swear.

[Niro]

“Nope, just me,” Yoshinori panted with a grin, catching his breath. “And I’ve already got my cowgirl, thank you very much.” He cast a wink in Tsuki’s direction, a teasing warmth in his eyes. As Momo took the bags and mentioned tickets and seating, he gave her a grateful nod before shifting his attention fully back to Tsuki. With the countryside sweeping by behind them, he leaned into her side and slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her gently against him. For a fleeting moment, it almost felt like they were just another couple on a simple vacation. A different life, maybe. But a beautiful thought all the same.

“Thanks,” he murmured sheepishly when she complimented him, the blush on his cheeks betraying just how much it meant. His gaze lingered on hers before he dipped his head to steal a soft kiss, lingering just long enough to leave them both breathless. “That’s my reward for throwing people off horses,” he whispered against her lips with a crooked smile before drawing back. Then, like the perfect gentleman, he opened the door to the train car and gestured for her to go first, following close behind.

Inside, the train was alive with chatter and motion. People moved between compartments, laughter and footsteps echoing through the narrow hallway. Yoshinori’s brows furrowed slightly as he scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face. His hand found Tsuki’s, fingers lacing through hers as he gently tugged her along beside him. “Keep close,” he murmured, eyes still sweeping. “Can’t lose my favorite travel companion now.”

[Lunanana]

The way her face turned crimson in that one millisecond should be studied. She was stunned, him pulling her closer, probably enjoying the view of the countryside, while she was just staring blankly at the space in front of her for some time. His soft kiss brought her back to the land of the living but not entirely there either… She walked through the door on autopilot and once he asked her to stay close, his hand grounding her, she smiled and nodded behind him, grasping his hand a little tighter than usual.

Partly from curiosity, she activated her doujutsu and almost gasped, the train was very tightly packed, it was basically a blur of all the chakra networks around them. Her eyes trailed to the one before her, noticing a more dense spot right near where the neck meets the back. It took Tsuki just a little chakra to touch the spot, relieving the tension for him. ”...Better?” She asked with a smile to her face. ”O, Momo!”

Momo was practically lounging on the seat, reading the Suna newspaper. She looked up at them both and smiled, patting the seats in front of her. ”Ah, you made it, great! Once we disembark, we’ll grab some lunch, we got a few hours here anyway.” They sat down and Tsuki shifted a little in her seat, tapping her knees. ”I, uh, I made food. So, we’ll be able to-” The newspaper flew up. ”WHOA! Great, great news. Good!” Momo caught the paper with one hand and dived right back into it. Tsuki smiled at Yoshinori with a little shake of her head and rested her elbows on the small wooden windowsill, arching her back a little to stare at the view, her hands holding her cheeks. It was beautiful out and this was her first time being so far from Konoha, at least, first time without any other Hyuuga.

While Momo was loud or had some interesting comments, it was just who she was. The bond they carried throughout the years never wavered because both Tsuki and momo had their hearts in the right place. Another person, more important person, the most important person in her life, became Yoshinori. That she could only consider a miracle. Her gaze slowly drifted to him and she blushed, quickly darting her eyes back to the countryside.

[Niro]

Yoshinori’s grip on Tsuki’s hand was firm but comforting, his thumb lightly brushing across her knuckles as they wove through the crowd. The memory of the festival surfaced; how Momo had been there too, how the press of bodies had almost sparked a fight when someone had jostled Tsuki. This crowd wasn’t nearly as intense, and still, he stayed close, quietly protective, guiding her with ease.

A light touch against his neck startled him but it was just Tsuki’s fingers brushing softly as she adjusted whatever had been out of place. The unexpected warmth of her touch sent a ripple down his spine, his skin tingling where she’d grazed him. He let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, his vision clearing as the tension in his shoulders melted away. He blinked and turned to her with a grateful smile just as she spotted Momo ahead.

In the compartment, Yoshinori settled into the seat by the aisle, the worn leather molding comfortably to his frame. For the first time in hours, he allowed himself to relax. As Tsuki took her seat beside him, he leaned slightly into her, the warmth between them quiet but grounding. Momo was already talking, animated and bright as always, and Yoshinori cast a sideways glance at Tsuki, shooting her a wry, amused look in reaction to their ward's usual energy.

Then he heard it. The mention of food. Momo said something about ordering from the train, but his attention snapped back to Tsuki the moment she quietly revealed she’d packed lunch. She turned to look out the window, but his fingers tapped gently against her knee, drawing her gaze back to him. His eyes sparkled with boyish delight, the corners crinkling with a sudden grin. “You brought food?” he whispered, voice low and eager. “You’re seriously saving the day.”

[Lunanana]

”Oh, yes, I did.” She looked at him with a smile and then at Momo, both of them eager to eat. Tsuki chuckled, taking her backpack on her lap and handing Yoshinori two bento boxes, one for Momo and one for herself. ”Oh boy, this is gonna be good!” Momo said, clapping her hands together and then taking the box gingerly. Tsuki smiled but her eyebrows furrowed as she opened up her backpack more, looking for chopsticks. Two, four, five… Five. Capturing her bottom lip between her teeth, she handed them both their set of chopsticks and opened her own box to see what she could eat with her hands.

Momo was already diving in, no second wasted and Tsuki smiled at her reaction, the girls exchanging a sentence or two about the rice. For dessert, there were a few strawberries in Yoshinori’s box and some grapes in Momo’s, respectively. ”Excuse me.” Tsuki murmured, standing up and carefully walking to the bathroom area to wash her hands. Just as the door behind her closed, she turned on the tap. Someone tried to open the bathroom door and she was ready to say that she’ll be right out but the voices started whispering between each other. She couldn’t quite make it out, the only thing she gathered was that it was a man and a woman and they were talking about fabric.

”Yeah, maybe then… Eitherway, Chinese silk…” Was all she really gathered. Coming back, she sat down and glanced at Yoshinori, her face a little more tense. With a lick on the lips, Tsuki turned to Momo. ”Say, Momo… Are you, um, bringing silk back?” She asked, leaned in, whispering. Momo perked her head up, blinking for a moment and then nodding, catching up on her question faster than Tsuki imagined. ”Yeah, why? It’s Chinese.” Tsuki’s jaw tensed. Just as they were getting comfy…

Whatever the plan was, she was certain nothing will happen now. Not with so many witnesses. When the train stops, well… That’s another story.

[Niro]

The look Yoshinori gave her when Tsuki handed him a pair of chopsticks, paired with that quiet implication she’d eat what she could, spoke louder than words. Deadpan, unwavering, and ever-so-slightly exasperated, it made one thing clear: he wasn’t about to let her nibble around the edges of something she’d worked so hard to prepare. She still picked here and there with her hands, but Yoshinori, stubborn and sweet, kept offering bites with his own chopsticks, his focus gently, insistently, on her. By the time lunch was nearly over, his chopsticks were buried in her bento box instead of his own.

Conversation flowed easily among the three of them, light and content. Yoshinori would occasionally interrupt just to offer Tsuki another bite of something smal and thoughtful. It filled him with an almost ridiculous amount of joy to see her eat, especially when she remembered his favorite: strawberries. The soft fruit was the perfect final note to the meal, cool and refreshing after the warmth of lunch, and seeing her provide them with a knowing smile brought that familiar flutter to his chest.

When Tsuki excused herself to the washroom, Yoshinori nodded, leaning back as he and Momo drifted into easy talk; idle bits about the paper, the political tension between nations, nothing too heavy. But time ticked on, and she didn’t return right away. The suspicion was fleeting until he saw her face. She entered quietly, but the tension in her jaw was immediate, unmistakable. Yoshinori’s mood shifted in an instant. The softness in his gaze hardened, the playful lift of his brow replaced by quiet calculation. He ran his tongue along the roof of his mouth, thoughtful. Something had happened.

“Do you want to sit with her?” he asked, his voice lower now, more serious. The warmth that usually carried through his tone had been replaced by something calmer, steadier, efficient. Protective. With Tsuki sitting between Momo and the aisle, their ward would be guarded, and Yoshinori would be at the door, ready to intercept anything or anyone that tried to get too close. His eyes tracked every person walking by, his senses sharp now, all warmth tucked behind watchful awareness.

For a while, things stayed quiet. The rumble of the train beneath them, the soft murmur of passengers, the calm before the -

A streak of lightning burst down the aisle. Screams followed. “Everyone back in their seats! This is a robbery!” The man at the head of the cart barked the words with a snarl, while a woman beside him held out a sack, collecting belongings from frightened passengers. “Personal items first!” he demanded, shoving one woman roughly back into her compartment as he yanked her bag away with a grin full of cruel satisfaction.

Yoshinori’s eyes immediately snapped to Tsuki. He gave her a quick wink, cool, effortless, almost like a joke, but his body was already tensed, ready. Whatever came next, they’d face it. Together.

[Lunanana]

She wasn’t about to protest but Yoshinori’s heavy gaze warned her that misbehaving will not be taken lightly and she stood up, more quicker than she’d like, sitting next to Momo now. Immediately, her friend looked at Yoshinori who was just standing up and to her, a little confused. ”Is… Everything alright?” Momo asked and Tsuki nodded slightly, smiling. ”Yes, don’t worry. We’re on a job, remember?” Tsuki for one did not worry at the slightest. Time ticket and the normal chatter resumed. When the voices were heard, she slowly looked up to Yoshinori, her heart skipping a beat (or two) at the wink.

It didn’t take long for them to arrive but Yoshinori and Tsuki were already standing up. She was nervously patting her thigh, revealing you’re a shinobi in front of all these people posed its own risks but more importantly there were many eyes on them, and even if some of them won’t notice, she couldn’t afford a slip up. ”Ready?” She prompted him just as the burglars were near enough. Initially, Tsuki went for the woman, when her eye caught a hand coming to her neck. She slowed down, strategically, leaving just enough room for her to turn around and hit the man on his side. He fell back, slamming into the wall, gathering himself just for a moment. ”Scary bitch, ain’t ya?” He spat, taking out a knife and Tsuki almost smiled at that. Well, how could he know that shinobi will be onboard the train? Adrenaline rushed in her veins, as she took a few steps closer, patiently waiting for him to get up.

Tsuki was mocking him, just a little. Silently, of course.

[Niro]

Yoshinori blinked in confusion when Tsuki moved so suddenly, like a scolded child trying to recover her composure. He hadn’t meant it like that, whatever she thought. A pang of regret stirred in his chest, but now wasn’t the time. He’d explain later, he promised himself. For now, danger moved closer. The robbers were progressing compartment by compartment, snatching wallets, jewelry, and anything else that looked valuable. Most passengers surrendered their belongings in frightened silence, cowed by sharp threats and the flash of weapons. But Yoshinori waited, calm and quiet, as they drew closer. His expression was unreadable, but his fingers subtly flexed, ready.

When Tsuki gave the signal, he answered her question with a grin. “As I’ll ever be.” Then everything erupted. He threw open the compartment door so suddenly that the two robbers jolted in surprise. But Tsuki, gods, she was fast. One moment she was beside him, the next she was a blur of motion. The male assailant didn’t stand a chance. He slammed into the train’s hallway wall and dropped with a grunt.

Yoshinori pivoted smoothly as the female attacker lunged at him, knife flashing. He caught the blade effortlessly between two fingers, the steel glinting as he locked eyes with her, a smirk curling at the edges of his mouth. She screeched, furious, and lashed out with sharpened nails aimed for his face, wild and desperate. He slipped aside, the motion fluid and controlled, and used her momentum to flip her over his shoulder. She collided with her partner mid-rise, sending them both tumbling back down the aisle in a heap.

“Watch your mouth,” he said, his voice cool but sharp as glass. He stepped forward, gaze hardening. “That’s my woman you’re talking to.” The warning in his voice was unmistakable, low and protective. And as the robbers scrambled to their feet, bruised and breathless, Yoshinori didn’t flinch. Not once.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki stood there, a soft smile, practiced smile on her lips, her face beaming with confidence. Just behind her stood Yoshinori, killing both of the burglars with his gaze. ”That was not very nice, was it? What do you think?" Tsuki looked at Yoshinori over her shoulder, blinking slowly once at him, her gesture with the same intent as Yoshinori's wink before. Those two on the ground were angry, that was for sure, and yet Tsuki didn't find an explanation good enough for them to be behaving like this. Sure, maybe this was out of poor life choices but it was still unacceptable, not on their watch. Her gaze returned to them as she took a few steps closer, sqautting and delivering a precise poke on the back of their necks to knock them out.

She straightened again, turning back to her Only and tilted her head in thought. ”Do we have any rope? I'm sure once the train stops someone will take them in, just... For now?" Her curious eyes caught Yoshinori's and excitement lighted up like a flare in hers. She liked it, this was not only cool but also they undeniably made a good team. There was something about going on mission with a person you knew well, listened to their preferences, allowed them to make decisions and more often than not communicated without words.

The people around them finally started stirring again, Yoshinori handing out the bag with belongings that were just taken. She stood behind him, watching him and for a moment seeing only him, until Momo brought her back to reality. Her friend not only mentioned how cool this was but also brought their attention that they were almost there. Her fingers found his with ease and she guided them back to their seats, taking the one beside him again.

[Niro]

“No, it wasn’t very nice,” Yoshinori agreed softly, watching Tsuki move past him with focused determination. There was something graceful, almost poetic, in the way she crouched and expertly struck with swift, precise jabs. In seconds, both burglars slumped unconscious, their chakra sealed, their limbs rendered useless. His brows lifted slightly in impressed awe. He glanced around for something to bind them and noticed an elderly gentleman already tearing down the curtains from his window. The gesture earned a crooked, grateful smile. “That works. Thank you,” Yoshinori said warmly as he accepted the makeshift bindings.

Returning to the subdued criminals, he propped them up back-to-back and secured the curtain tight around their torsos with practiced ease. They’d stay that way until the authorities arrived. With a small huff of breath and a dusting of his palms in half ritual and half amusement he retrieved the sack of stolen goods and began the slow but thoughtful process of returning each item.

One by one, he read names written inside, matching possessions to shaken hands and worried eyes. For the bloodied and bruised, he bowed his head in apology, his voice low and sincere. “I’m sorry they hurt you.” He handed back purses, watches, and cherished trinkets like they were treasure. When the last item was gone, he felt Tsuki’s fingers quietly slip between his, grounding him. Without hesitation, he wove his fingers through hers and looked down at her with a warm, relieved smile that softened his entire expression.

They returned to their seats together, and Yoshinori offered a nod to every kind word or thankful glance from the other passengers. Settling back into the comfort of the bench, he let the rush of adrenaline melt away and glanced toward Tsuki, eyes full of something gentler now. Then, turning toward Momo with a faintly mischievous grin, he asked, “The kind of excitement you were hoping for?”

[Lunanana]

”Good work, Yoshinori.” She complimented his shinobi instincts and overall skill twice today. These ones were not as soft or loving as those she usually mentions to him - they were delivered with a sense of pride and praise, timed just right. Tsuki's mind lingered on how honest and heartwarming his interactiond with the other passangers were, making something swell in her heart, as if it was her subconscious saying that she had chosen right. Before she could continue her train of thought, his words brought her back and her eyes darted to a now very excited Momo. Tsuki leaned back a little, her head gently resting on Yoshinori's shoulder. She could finally grasp a bit of relaxation herself. ”You're joking! This was not only what I did not expect but also ten times more cool. I've seen Tsuki train and all but seeing ninja in action has never been this exciting. Good job!” Momo was practically jumping in her seat like a firecracker and it brought a soft chuckle from Tsuki's lips too. "Besides," Momo finally calmed and eased into her seat. "You both work seamlessly together."

Tsuki's face softened with a genuine smile as she looked up at Yoshinori for a moment and then returned her gaze to the outside. The train was finally slowing and the sun painted them all in hues of golden and yellow. "Oh, golden hour already?" She straightened her back, stretching just a little and with a glance at them both, slowly stood up. They waited a moment or two for the main crowd to exit the train, leaving just behind everyone to have more space for themselves as they did. Tsuki remembered the horses and wished them good luck as a silent prayer in her mind.

"We should find a place to sleep. It's not night yet but we could spend some time together." Momo nodded and looked at them both with a grin and a wink. "I brought a card deck. We could do a little bit of gam-"
"Momo!" Tsuki almost pleaded.

[Niro]

“We do make quite the team,” Yoshinori said, his voice tinged with a quiet warmth as he basked in Tsuki’s compliment. The pride in his chest buzzed pleasantly, but he let Momo carry the conversation, offering a few thoughtful nods as she spoke with her usual energy. Her words filled the compartment with ease, allowing Yoshinori to simply enjoy the moment. A beam of sunlight angled through the window, catching him across the eyes and making him squint as the golden light spilled over everything inside. He turned his head toward the landscape coming to a stop, momentarily caught in the dreamlike haze of it all.

When the train came to a halt, he let the women step out ahead of him before lifting the surviving luggage and following behind them. The heat of the Sunagakure desert hit him like a wave, dry and fierce, and the wind swirled sand in small, dancing spirals down the busy streets. Despite some new signage and updates to the infrastructure, the city was still alive in familiar ways with bustling vendors engaged in vibrant conversations and everyday movement echoing through the sun-drenched roads.

He was still adjusting to the heat when Momo suddenly produced a deck of cards, her mischievous grin impossible to ignore. Yoshinori turned to Tsuki, his eyes lighting up with playful enthusiasm. “I mean… we’re here, right?” he said, giving her a hopeful look that leaned more charming than pushy. “Why not visit one of the newer casinos? See if Lady Luck’s on our side today.” He shifted the luggage in his grip with practiced ease and added, “Let’s just find a hotel and freshen up first. I want us to look our best before we win big.”

[Lunanana]

”But-” Tsuki turned back to both of them, unsure, her eyebrows slowly knitting together. "Come on, Tsuki. We will be fine, just for a few hours. Yoshinori said it himself, you're already here." Momo rubbed her hands together and Tsuki sighted. Their Suna guide will get them in all kinds of trouble. The sigh was a defeated one but with a notion of acceptance of the situation. She turned around again, now ready to take in the village. Her eyes trailed the different architecture, taking note of how much sand was present everywhere. It really was the village of the desert - even if it was nearing the evening, the heat was undeniably something that made her rethink her wardrobe.

They all started walking together, listening to Momo pointing out something here and there, yapping about cactus vodka and noting some gentleman clubs. Tsuki couldn't hold in her amusement, her smile always present, a laughter escaping her from time to time. She glanced at Yoshinori more than once, Momo and her were two different worlds but somehow it worked. It started feeling more like a vacation rather than a mission and she held onto that feeling. They were jounin, even if they get caught off guard, they had the skill to maintain their composure and carry out their mission.

"I guess I leave you here. Your mission is already done for today. I'm in Suna, am I not? I'll meet you here." The Suna girl waved to them with a wink, taking her luggage from Yoshinori, perfectly capable of carrying it herself and murmuring something about putting a request to retrieve the lost cargo. Her frame faded under the street lights and Tsuki raised her head to look at Yoshinori. Her eyes narrowed. "Gambling, really?... Alright, alright." Her laughter echoed through the street and Tsuki blushed at the sudden sound, clenching her teeth a little, only to smile and chuckle softly moments after.

[Niro]

Yoshinori grinned when Tsuki finally relented, with thanks due to Momo’s gentle encouragement. Normally, he’d take Tsuki’s side and lean toward caution, but there was something about being in Suna together that made him want to seize every moment. Who knew when they’d get a chance like this again? Making sweet, lighthearted memories in a place like Sunagakure wasn’t something every shinobi got to do, and he wasn’t about to waste it. “We won’t get too wild,” he promised with a teasing wink in Tsuki’s direction, his voice playful but sincere as the three of them began strolling down the sun-soaked strip. The energy of the village buzzed around them; bright colors, scents of spice and perfume, laughter from passing strangers, and the low hum of street musicians filling the air.

Momo’s cheerful chatter filled the silence between them as always, her words hopping from one subject to another until she landed on cactus vodka. Yoshinori perked up at the mention. He hadn’t known such a thing existed, but now the curiosity had him. When else would he get to try something so uniquely local? That spirit of spontaneity tugged at him again. Trailing just a step behind the two women, Yoshinori’s gaze swept the surroundings, taking in the lively atmosphere with a watchful eye. A showgirl tried to pull him aside with a sultry smile and a hand a little too bold, but he politely and firmly slipped his arm free, his eyes already back on Tsuki before the moment could linger.

Soon, they turned away from the bustling street toward a quieter residential stretch. When Momo darted off with her usual confidence, Yoshinori handed over the luggage he’d been carrying for her, leaving only the two bags he shared with Tsuki. He almost commented on how easily Momo whisked her things away, but then he caught Tsuki glancing at him. Her eyes softened something inside him.

“I mean… I’ve got my lucky charm with me,” he said, voice lower now, more intimate, as he leaned in and gently kissed her. It wasn’t showy or rushed, just a quiet moment between the two of them, now that their mission was complete and the pressure was off. “Let’s go get cleaned up?” Yoshinori gestured toward a three-story hotel nestled between the edge of the residential and commercial zones. Close enough to everything, but far enough to feel like a retreat.

He reached down and laced his fingers through hers, his hand warm and familiar, grounding them both. As they stepped inside, he glanced around the softly lit lobby and murmured, mostly to himself but loud enough for her to hear, “Now, that feels right.” They checked in, the world outside slowly falling away as they made their way toward the comfort of their room and the promise of an evening filled with fun.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki was caught off guard with his kiss, composing herself for a moment after. She blinked a few times, following right behind him, her face a little surprised only for it to melt away to something more timid with a smile. In the back of her head, she wondered what he meant by the lucky charm – did he mean the one on his kunai? However, the sight of the lobby pushed those thoughts aside and she fell into step with him on the staircase, little hints of excitement brewing in her chest. People here were different – a little taller, more confident, more open. It was like a gust of fresh air compared to her own compound.

And that was a little infectious. Before Yoshinori could unlock the door to their room, Tsuki was a little faster and slipped right between him and the door. ”...Did you refer to me as your lucky charm or…” She wondered along with a chuckle. ”Anyway, ladies first,” she said with honest playfulness in her tone and turned the key behind her back, slipping into the room. The room itself carried the feel of Suna itself – earthy tones mixed with hints of white, a comfortable and big bed, no rugs or unnecessary decorations, minimalistic but cozy. Once their bags were placed, she took hers and stood by the bathroom door, biting her lower lip in thought. ”I, um, won’t take long.” She was avoiding his gaze, clearly unsure of her decisions but since it was, in her mind, a time they will enjoy each other’s company, why not side with the weightless way people here carried themselves.

She emerged from the room after a longer time than expected. First the doors were opened and only after some time she decided to show herself. It was nothing too special or different aside from the plain black dress she decided to wear for the occasion. It had a subtle slit on one side, still not too revealing but might keep him guessing. He would never know how much convincing it took Momo to finally persuade Tsuki to have it, it’s been a few week discussion, pushing and pulling and she finally did it. She was hugging herself, looking away, everywhere but not at him, Tsuki was very sure that if she did catch his eyes she’d just faint. Her voice wavered, the blush on her face more evident than before. ”...Ready?”

[Niro]

“Yes, you’re my lucky charm,” Yoshinori said without hesitation, voice steady with quiet conviction as he slid the key through the lock. The door clicked open, and Tsuki slipped inside the moment it gave way. He laughed softly under his breath at her enthusiasm, the feeling warming his chest. Their room was cozy, inviting in a way he hadn’t expected. Muted, earthy tones filled the space, grounding it with a sense of calm. A single bed sat nestled against the far wall, plush and inviting, while a paper-paneled sliding door led to a small balcony just beyond. Yoshinori gave a small nod of approval as Tsuki disappeared into the bathroom, and he crouched down to pull a change of clothes from his bag.

He didn’t stray far from his usual color palette, black and deep blue had always suited him, but he decided to lean into something a touch more refined for the evening. A black button-up shirt with subtle gold embroidery along the collar and sleeves fit snugly against his frame, understated yet elegant. With a quick swipe of his fingers through his longer hair, he pushed it back, letting it fall in controlled waves. Everything important was where it should be with room key in his pocket, their bags secure.

He heard the bathroom door creak open and glanced over, expecting her to rejoin him only she didn’t appear right away. The moment she did, everything else faded. Tsuki stepped into the room wearing a form-fitting black dress that stole the air from his lungs. The world stilled as his gaze took her in, the way the fabric hugged her curves, the way the light caught the softness of her skin. His mouth opened, then closed again as a wave of heat rushed to his face, a crimson blush blooming over his cheeks. His words, for once, abandoned him.

“I, uh, wow,” he stammered, blinking rapidly as if trying to make sure this wasn’t a dream. His tongue ran absently across his bottom lip while his eyes, wide and awestruck, lingered on her. She was breathtaking. Utterly, devastatingly beautiful. He coughed softly into his hand to collect himself and gave a sheepish smile that slowly turned into something more sincere, more heartfelt. “You look… ravishing, love.” His voice was softer now, tinged with reverence.

Stepping forward, he offered her his arm, fingers curling open in invitation. “Shall we? Momo’s probably already halfway through her first drink.” There was mischief in his smile and affection in his eyes but beneath it all, a quiet awe that said exactly what he hadn’t been able to: she had absolutely taken his breath away.

[Lunanana]

His words sent her to another dimension for a moment and she hid her face with her hands, like that would help her alarmingly increasing blush. With a gulp, Tsuki finally gave in and looked at him only to hide her face again. He looked like a painting. A work of art, carved from the night itself. Stealing looks here and there was one thing but she got comfortable with that as time went, even voicing it sometimes. Tsuki wished she could do it more often, let him know but there were walls she desperately tried to crack as time went.

Finally collecting herself, she stepped closer, hands gently sliding to his collar to make sure it sat right from the back. Her eyes caught his and she smiled, sincere and affectionate. Tsuki’s fingertips finally rested on his chest after sliding gently along it – it took her some time to finally speak. ”You look really good in black. Candy.” A look to the left then to the right and finally back at him. A soft kiss landed on his jawline and she pulled away slowly, her hand finding his again. ”Let’s go… Before-” I change my mind ”...Before we’re being looked for.”

Tsuki and Yoshinori successfully completed their escort mission, delivering their assigned target safely to Sunagakure. Midway through the journey, the team boarded a passenger train headed for Suna. During the ride, a pair of disguised criminals attempted to hijack the train, targeting passengers for valuables and attempting to instill chaos. Thanks to Tsuki’s quick reflexes and Yoshinori’s coordination, the culprits were subdued with precision and restrained until authorities could take custody upon arrival. Upon reaching Sunagakure, the escort target was delivered unharmed and on schedule. Both shinobi maintained a low profile while demonstrating strong teamwork and situational awareness throughout the mission. The client expressed gratitude for their professionalism and effectiveness. Mission classified as a complete success.