Ryoko set the children's expectations from their first meeting. Shino didn 't complain. Hinata couldn 't complain even if she wanted to. Shikamaru ' well, he grumbled like an old man, but still showed up at the hour Ryoko set for them to train. It was early. Still dark in the sky kind of early. She saw goosebumps on the children's skin from the light morning breeze.

'Today, we shall start your training. Only when I deem you ready, will you start taking missions. '

'Sen-sensei ' but you said we will do the D-rank missions in the afternoon? ' Hinata squicked as loud as she could, remembering Ryoko 's previous comments. At least the girl was not stupid and remembered what Ryoko asked of her.

The woman waved her hand dismissively. 'I mean

real

missions. D-ranks are nothing more than chores. But, ' Ryoko made a dramatic pause as she looked each kid in the eyes. 'That does not mean you are allowed to slack off. You

will