Tsunade watched the introductions between the two, and it was hard to tell whether she was disappointed, or annoyed, at the fact that both were so blunt and to the point. In tone, Hikari was a bit more friendly the way she'd said her name, opposite to the cold and rather unfeeling way that Kuronotsurugi had said his own. She wondered why he was in such a bad mood that day. She'd had enough interaction with the young man to know the slight differences between his 'moody days', and this day was much more foul than any other day she'd witnessed. Maybe it had something to do with his home life...she wanted to look in to it, but that really wasn't her job as the Hokage, to butt in to people's personal lives. No, her job was to lead the village, and keep the peace.<br/><br/>Hikari's question shook her from her thoughts, and both of the young Jonin were looking at her, wondering what she had brought them there for. She had in fact pulled Kuronotsurugi from a mission he had already been on, no doubt he was angry about that too. "Right, the mission. Shizune, the scroll." Shizune walks over, holding a rolled up piece of paper, sealed with a string. She then hands it to Hikari. "I'm going to have you two do some reconnaissance near the Hidden Sound, Otogakure. I've been getting lots of notices about a band of people gathering there that look like trouble, and want you to look in to it. Knowing your strength, if you should run in to any hindrance, I know you'll be able to take care of it. You're to leave when you both are ready, but it better be by the end of the day. That scroll holds the details of your mission, and a map of the places where it has been said the sightings took place. Even though it's an A rank, it'll be no problem for you two. You're dismissed."<br/><br/>A flicker of annoyance appears in Kuronotsurugi's eyes, but was gone in a flash. He nods, and turns to leave, but Tsunade calls to him. "Kuronotsurugi, will you wait a moment? I have something to speak with you about." He stops in his footsteps, his hand reaching out to the handle of the door, but his arm drops. Slowly he turns to face the Hokage again, and nods once more. "Sure." He walks past Hikari, approaching the desk. They wait for Hikari to leave, and surprisingly Tsunade dismisses Shizune as well.<br/><br/>With just the two of them in the room now, Tsunade gets a serious expression on her face. "Kuronotsurugi, are you alright? You seem a bit more troubled than usual...is something wrong?...the beasts...they aren't bothering you, are they?" A frown was on her lips, and her eyebrows press together, as she looks at the white haired male. Kuronotsurugi had a blank look on his own face as the words of concern hit his ears. For a moment he was silent, but then shakes his head. "No, I'm fine. There isn't anything wrong. They aren't bothering me." He finally says, his voice monotone. "Oh...well, that's good. Are you sure you're okay though?" Why did she have to be so pushy? A rush of annoyance goes through his body, but was calmed down in an instant. He didn't want to lose his cool here of all places. "Yes, I'm sure. Am I dismissed?" He wanted to leave so he could get this damn mission over with. Even though Tsunade was sure that there was something wrong, she sighs, and nods. "Yes, you're dismissed."<br/><br/>With those words, Kuronotsurugi turns on his heels and walks away, leaving the room, and soon the building behind him. He makes his way back to the Uchiha compound, reaching it in about ten minutes time. Heading to his own home, he goes to his room, which was rather plain in appearance. A futon lay on the floor, a small table in the corner. A small bookshelf held scrolls, and next to it was a set of drawers, with his clothing. On the wall were two ornamental swords, and on the opposite wall was a scroll painting. On the table was an unfurled piece of paper, an ink brush, and a jar of black ink. There were only four words on the paper so far. Lastly, was the small but longer table on the opposite wall of the bookshelf and drawers, and on top of this lay all his ninja gear. His swords, shuriken, kunai, pouches, etc. Going over to them, he places them on his body, putting each sword in their place. His headband he wore on his glove. He really didn't need much time to prepare, and left the compound not fifteen minutes after arriving, not even bothering to tell his mother that he was leaving. She probably thought he was still on his mission from before.