Kakashi stood to the side, observing without interference.
In response to Naruto's question, the two ninjas remained silent, averting their gazes. They certainly wouldn't easily divulge intel over a single inquiry. Yet, their resolute demeanor spoke volumes. They did not seem surprised by Naruto's straightforward question, nor did they instinctively deny it; rather, they appeared to acknowledge it with reluctance to answer.
The silence that ensued hinted at a simple truth: the answer was "yes."
Naruto tilted his head and looked over at Kakashi. The enemy's target was basically confirmed as Tazuna, and now it was up to the responsible parties to make the call. Kakashi waved his hand with interest.
Naruto responded with an "Oh," redirecting his attention to Tazuna. This time, Kakashi wasn't shirking responsibility; he was intrigued to see how Naruto would handle the situation.
"Mr. Tazuna, their target is you," Naruto said, producing a scroll documenting their mission details. "This doesn't match the intel you provided us."
"We need an explanation."
Tazuna sighed, scratching his head. He reiterated his grievances for the third time, this time with more detail, detailing the true villain behind the sabotage—the wealthy and powerful man known as "Kado."
Naruto nodded, making a judgment call. "In that case, please come back to the village with us."
Tazuna's face darkened. "Are you saying you want to abandon the mission?"
"If I die, my ten-year-old grandson and my daughter…"
"Are you backing down now, Naruto?" Kakashi interjected.
Surprised, Naruto shot him a glance. That wasn't something a team leader, let alone a ninja, should say.
"It's about being responsible for the team, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto replied earnestly before continuing towards Tazuna. "This isn't about abandoning the mission; it's about changing the ninja assigned to it."
"When we left the village, I noticed a lot of chakra gathering nearby, many of which were keeping an eye on us." He gestured towards the two figures ahead. "Among them were these two."
"There's no doubt that if we continue, we'll encounter more enemies." He paused, his gaze sweeping over his teammates. "These two ninjas? Kakashi-sensei and I can handle them easily."
"In a one-on-one, Sasuke could probably manage as well."
"But Sakura…" he continued, his voice dropping. "I'm afraid she could be killed after just a few exchanges."
Sakura's eyes widened as her complexion dropped.
"And they come from the Mist," he said, lifting his blade and tapping it against the forehead protector of one of the ninjas. "No scratches indicate they're not rogue ninjas."
"There's a chance they may be concealing their identities."
"But, after all, they originate from the Mist, the Land of Water. It would be better to let our village handle this."
Kakashi raised a hand to support his head, appearing deep in thought.
"I can barely afford to pay you," Tazuna tightened his grip on the bottle in his hands. "I can't offer any more money."
He was indeed poor.
Naruto glanced at him. "Cut back on the drinking a bit, and maybe you can afford to hire another Chūnin."
"There are no hidden villages in the Land of Waves. Clearing the path might also be beneficial for our village."
"Clarify the pros and cons, and you might gain Konoha's support."
"If that doesn't work, I could lend you some money. Once the bridge in the Land of Waves is completed, you'll have more opportunities to earn, not worrying about repaying the debt."
He paused a moment, glancing at Kakashi.
Kakashi remained silent, his awe at Naruto's handling of the situation apparent.
"Being independent and demonstrating a certain level of leadership ability is one of the requirements for becoming a Chūnin."
However, the qualities Naruto exhibited surpassed even some Jonin. His regulations were clear, and his objectives were precise. What warmed Kakashi's heart was the last remark.
It was clear that the softest and brightest parts of his master and mistress' hearts had also been passed down to him.
But why was he so exceptional?
Handling affairs was not something one could tackle recklessly by sheer talent like "ninjutsu practice." Every ninja, regardless of their gifts, had to learn step by step how to manage these situations.
This was an issue of recognition, not talent.
Even the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had gradually learned until he became qualified and remarkable.
"Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto called, bringing him back from his thoughts.
"What you said is correct, but since ninjas have accepted a mission, they shouldn't abandon it lightly. Moreover, you should be able to protect your companions, right?"
Naruto nodded.
"Then it's settled."
Kakashi bit his thumb, formed a series of hand seals, and thumped the ground with his palm.
The summoning technique expanded.
"Summoning Jutsu: Eight Ninja Hounds!"
White smoke billowed, then dispersed at an accelerated pace, revealing eight dogs of various colors, sizes, and appearances in the center of the summoned formation.
"Hey, Kakashi, what's with summoning us all at once?" yawned the plump Pakkun, lounging atop the largest black bulldog. "Doesn't seem like there's any fighting going on, and you don't look too anxious."
"Pakkun, I'm leading students on a mission; how could I not be anxious?" Kakashi corrected him. "Now, I have a task for you all."
Pakkun responded with a bark.
"Take these two Mist ninjas back to Konoha."
"When you see the Hokage, tell him that our mission intel was incorrect and that we might encounter a larger number of ninjas, so we need reinforcements."
Pakkun nodded, leaping off the black bulldog. "Got it."
Kakashi tossed the two mist ninjas onto the bulldog.
The ninja hound took off.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Then let's continue our journey."
Uchiha Sasuke didn't protest. He longed for real combat to test his strength.
Sakura felt uneasy; Naruto's earlier statement about someone being "killed" made her heart race. But with Naruto and Kakashi-sensei—both so powerful—along with Sasuke, everything should be fine, right?
Naruto cast a curious glance towards Kakashi.
This was a decision that defied logic somewhat.
Setting aside the fact that "changing personnel" didn't equate to abandoning a mission, using summoning hounds to send someone back and relay messages was a good option, though not the optimal one.
This method made him feel as though Kakashi was urging them onward with this mission.
He kept these thoughts to himself, choosing to observe instead.
As they resumed their journey, Tazuna expressed his immense gratitude. Thanks to Naruto's persuasion, he was now open to the idea of changing ninjas, but this arrangement, which involved spending no extra money while continuing to hire someone he trusted immensely—Naruto—was clearly the best outcome.
Until they reached the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves, no new enemies appeared.
They boarded a ship and crossed the sea.
Upon nearing the Land of Waves, thick mist enveloped them, rising and swirling aggressively.
They slipped through the national gate via the sewer, making their way through the twisting path.
The group soon landed on solid ground, familiar terrain surrounding them. Tazuna stretched comfortably. "Thanks to you all, I can finally get home safely."
"But it wasn't as dangerous as you all said. Up until now, we haven't encountered any new obstacles."
As he spoke, Naruto suddenly turned his head, gazing into the dense forest not far off.
"Enemies?" Sasuke quickly drew his kunai, gripping it tightly.
Naruto nodded. "Yes, someone has been watching us for quite a while without leaving."
"The chakra isn't weak."
"Just slightly below Kakashi-sensei."
Slightly below a Jonin? That meant their enemy...
Whoosh—
A fierce wind ripped through, and a shadow lunged from the forest. It tore through leaves and underbrush alike.
It struck the trunk of a tree, embedding itself within.
It was a blade, enormous and oversized.
As the jarring thud resonated, leaves fluttered down. Before the first leaf had even touched the ground, a figure stepped onto the blade, declaring, "That blonde kid really is perceptive. A sense of perception, perhaps?"
"No wonder the brotherhood of the Ghost failed."
"And the Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake."
"I didn't expect to meet you here."
Undoubtedly, he was a Jonin.
(End of Chapter)