══ ❀•°❀°•❀ ══

THE DAY after the bridge incident, Yuri and her team were set to travel back to Kirigakure. Her team stood before the villagers and Team 7 from the Leaf.

"You didn't need to make such a fuss over us, really!" Yuri smiled, embarrassment etched into her tight smile.

"Nonsense! You helped save us from those nasty brutes! You least you deserve is a nice hot meal for the journey and a send-off." Tsunami hushed as she pushed another box of hot food into Sezaki's hand, making sure each member of Yuri's team had at least three boxes.

Tsunami stood before Yuri, bringing her into a bone-crushing hug. "Thank you very much for all your help. Not only for saving the day but also around the house! My home has never been so clean and organised!"

Yuri chuckled, releasing the mother from the embrace. "It's not a problem at all! You should tell your son and father to start helping more too. It's not just the woman's job, you know?" She tilted her head towards Inari and Tazuna who flushed shamefully.

Tsunami laughed. "I'll keep that in mind!"

"Now, we must get back to our village and let the Mizukage know what happened here," Yuri announced, bowing her head in respect.

"Wait!" The shrill voice belonging to Naruto called out. The genin of Team 7 came running up to Team 4. "Will we see you guys again?" His voice was dripping with hope as a large grin plastered his face.

Yuri cringed at the question. "I'm sure we will!" Sezaki happily answered in her quieter voice. The six genin hugged and it nearly broke Yuri's heart, especially when Inari joined in.

Yuri looked to Kakashi who stood by Tazuna. She approached him as he looked toward her. "I'm sure we'll meet again soon. For their sake."

He nodded. "It's a shame they had to get along so well. It makes hating you harder."

Yuri laughed, her head falling backwards. "Who knew that our soft spots would be our genin squad members, huh?"

Kakashi smiled as he bent down to be face-to-face with Yuri. "I'm still going to destroy you when we meet again."

The ombre-haired ninja chuckled as she brought her face closer to his in a sort of staring contest. "We'll see about that. Don't think your precious genin will stop me from cutting you in two."

The two backed away. Kakashi held his hand out to her, waiting for her to shake it, which she did. "It's nice to see you again, Yuri. 'Til next time."

"You too, Hatake." The two broke apart. Yuri bowed to Tazuna and waved at the villagers. "Come on now, you'll see each other again soon, I'm sure. It might be sooner than you think if we get home soon." She teased her genin. They waved at Team 7 before walking to the docks where their boat was waiting for them with their sensei leading them.

Kakashi and his team watched as they disappeared into the fog. "Sensei?" Sakura called out to Kakashi who was still looking over into the distance where they left.

"Hmm?"

Sakura gasped and jumped up and down in excitement. "You have a crush on Yuri-Sensei!"

Kakashi burned bright red. "What?! No, I don't!"

Tsunami chuckled as she patted Sakura on the head. "I think she's right."

Kakashi groaned in embarrassment. "Who could love such a heartless woman like that?"

Naruto scowled. "She's not heartless! She's a nice lady who helped us out when she didn't need to! Plus, despite your differences, she's letting us see Doremi, Sezaki and Yaragi again!" Naruto cheered.

"You forget that she ordered Doremi to kill you when you first met," Kakashi grumbled.

Naruto's eyes widened as she scratched the back of his head. "Well, that was a long time ago."

"It was only a week ago."

Naruto groaned. "It was your fault anyway, Kakashi-Sensei!" The blonde boy pointed up at his sensei, accusingly.

Sasuke nodded. "Yeah, what did you do to make Yuri-Sensei hate you so much?"

Kakashi looked back at the river where Yuri and her team had ventured off. "That's a topic for another day, I think." He spoke as he patted Sasuke's hair, walking off to follow Tazuna back to his home.

The three genin watched Kakashi sulk off. "We'll have to ask Team 4 when we see them again if Yuri-Sensei has said anything to them," Sakura suggested.

"Good idea, Sakura!" Naruto agreed with a nod.

══ ❀•°❀°•❀ ══

AFTER A day of travelling, Team 4 was back in Kirigakure. "You three did very well on this mission. I'm proud of all of you." Yuri spoke as the four of them walked through the reconstructed streets of Kirigakure. The village was undergoing a fresh redesign after the death of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi. The new Mizukage was a young woman called Mei Terumi. The Fifth Mizukage promised the village a new start, free from the Bloody Mist that the Fourth reigned upon Kirigakure. "You can all go back to your families whilst I hand in the report." She had managed to complete the report on the boat ride back to the Land of Mist, meaning she could relax immediately when she got home.

"Sensei, when do you think our next mission will be?" Doremi asked.

Yuri furrowed her brow and turned around. "You just got off one of the hardest missions we faced and you sound like you want to go back out there straight away!"

Doremi bowed her head. "It's just... we would like to see Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke again!"

Yuri closed her eyes and blew out a breath she didn't know she was holding in. "I'm sorry, you three. But I am not in control of your missions or whether we will see those guys again. I hope we do so you six can catch up, but for now, I want you to go back to your families and rest up, please."

The three nodded and disbanded. Yuri sighed heavily as she made her way to the Mizukage's office. She knocked on the door. "Come in," A voice called. Yuri opened the door, expecting to be greeted by the councilmen but Lady Fifth was there instead.

"Oh! My Lady! I apologise, I wasn't expecting you to be here," Yuri stumbled out as she bowed quickly.

"You didn't expect me to be in my office?" The brunette teased gently causing Yuri to curse under her breath fi her stupidly. "Stand up straight, darling. No need for that. You are my best shinobi after all, I should be bowing to you!"

"Thank you, My Lady," Yuri smiled. "Here's my team's report. Zabuza and rogue Haku Yuki are dead. They have been buried in the Land of Waves, but I have brought you the Demon Ninja's sword." Yuri presented the Executioner Blade to the Fifth Mizukage.

"Thank you, Yuri. But I'd like you to keep the sword. I believe you will keep it safe." Mei smiled up at the younger woman.

Yuri bowed her head. "Understood, ma'am. Is there anything else?"

Mei nodded. "There is. While you were away, the genin squad leader held a meeting about the Joint Chunin Exams. I'm sorry it was held in your absence, but I thought you would've been back sooner. Not to worry, though. I would like to know if you think your team is ready to advance to the Chunin level?"

Yuri thought for a second. "Where would the exams be held?"

"In Konohagakure. Your answer?"

Yuri sighed deeply. She was worried they would be placed there. Team 7 would no doubt participate in the exams. After seeing the team's abilities and drive, Kakashi would most certainly push them to go further, giving Yuri the perfect opportunity to grant her team's wishes to see Team 7 again.

With another deep breath, she answered. "My team is ready."