---

The Shimagunikage looked up from his files at the two Jonin ninja before him. He smiled kindly and gestured to the seats. "Sit both of you. I have some disturbing news to report."

---

Sit. Tall order for some people in this room right now, and Tsu wasn't sure which one felt it more. She settled down carefully however, her cat like face serious. Which was novel in itself because she was usually grinning in the worst circumstances.

---

Ishiaki didn't waste any time with his usual feign at blindness. He sat down promptly and looked across the desk at the Leader of the Coalition.

---

With a sigh, the Shimagunikage set down the files he was glancing at. "There's been an attack in one of our protectorates. The Island of Eternal Frost has fallen under assault by a group of renegade ninja."

---

"What is our response?" Tsu asked. She guessed attack, since that was the most intelligent thing in her mind; they'd only just started out, if you didn't protect the people who were there for you then you might wind up losing others trust. This was a chance to flex their muscles, so to speak.

---

"Both squads will be deployed immediately. Squad Beta, you will be deployed to handle the attacking ninja. We want them stopped, captured, and brought back here for interrogation." He informed Tsu, then turned to look at Ishiaki, "Squad Alpha will be deployed for Civilian Disaster Relief. I am correct in assuming that your team has been training in the medical arts, Hirameki?"

---

"That is correct sir. Kami has shown aptitude at herbology and Akane has taken well to the medical arts." Ishiaki explained proudly. He had been training Akane very hard to drill the medical arts into her head. She was thick headed, but a fast learner nevertheless.

---

"Good. Along with your own medical techniques, the three of you will offer healing to any who need it. The puppet ninja will be your back up should any of the attacking ninja make it past Squad Beta." The Shimagunikage replied with a polight nod. He passed the two their copies of the mission briefings. "Both squads will be outfitted with winter attire immediately. A ship designed by the R&D squad is waiting at the docks. There is no time to waste. Have I made myself clear?"

---

"Yes sir" Tsu was a little nervous about this. Sending the kids out there to deal with rogue ninjas. Her lads were powerful, certainly, but there was training... but there was always training. This would test them, and she could always activate... that part of herself... if they were in trouble that is.

---

Ishiaki was a little angry that his squad was going to be playing second fiddle here, they were Alpha squad after all. But he understood what was happening. They were medically trained and the people of the Island of Eternal Frost needed that more than they needed them out attacking the rogue ninjas. He nodded and replied, "Yes sir."

---

"Gather your squads, get them equipped and head out immediately. The longer we wait, the worse the chances are of capturing any of these ruffians." The Shimagunikage ordered them, revealing in his choice of words just how old the man actually was.

---

Tsu's eyes lidded for a second, as if trying not to roll them at the person in charge. Instead she bowed, then disappeared in a blur of speed. She had to get them prepared. Knowing her lot, some were still asleep and some hadn't slept at all.

---

Ishiaki bowed to the 'kage and left his office in his usual manner of a POOF!