Under the bright blue sky of Konoha, Team 7 geared up for a new mission. In the forest, Sasuke received commands through his headset. "Sasuke, head to point B," ordered Kakashi. He whispered a quick acknowledgment, then relayed commands to his teammates: "Sakura, get to point C." "Naruto, go to point A." Their responses came back immediately, confirming their positions.
However, Naruto lagged, and Kakashi's voice came over the headset, "Naruto, you're moving too slowly. You missed your best opening—now the target is on the move! Go full speed and intercept." At Kakashi's direction, chakra surged into Sasuke's legs, and he sprinted to the target location.
Soon, Sasuke heard a soft "Meow…" Startled, he quickly grabbed the terrified cat by its scruff. Sakura appeared, eyes wide and admiring, murmuring, "Sasuke-kun looks so cool…" Naruto soon arrived, grinning as he reached for the cat. "Gotcha, little furball!" he said, laughing. Sasuke nodded, releasing his grip and handing the cat to Naruto.
Satisfied, Sasuke pressed his earpiece and gave a mission update. "The target's confirmed. Brown fur, black markings on the forehead, red ribbon on the right ear. Identified as Kingsu, our missing cat."
This minor mission was a D-rank request: capturing Kingsu, the runaway pet of a noble family in Konoha. Though it had been nearly a month since their last mission together, Team 7 handled this one smoothly. Despite Sasuke's hopes, the team didn't receive any unexpected rewards for their work this time.
In recent weeks, Sasuke had focused on improving his skills. Though he'd once thought Hinata a potential training partner, he decided she was too shy and hesitant for now. His attention then shifted to training with Neji, though he held few expectations for significant progress. Despite this, his recent missions had helped him accumulate a small sum and he'd mastered two new techniques: Thunder Release: Thunder Snake and Fire Release: Dragon Fire. He'd also managed to complete six D-rank missions.
Later, in the Hokage's office, they handed over Kingsu, and the cat's owner nearly smothered it with affection. Sasuke and his teammates stared in astonishment, taken aback by the noblewoman's enthusiastic display. Even Sasuke, who knew the mission's details, was surprised. It was one thing to know, but seeing it in person was different.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, resumed his work, sifting through mission requests and muttering about various low-level tasks. Growing impatient, Naruto finally lost his composure and burst out, "No more of these boring, easy missions! Can't we get something harder, something more exciting?" Sarutobi, Kakashi, and Iruka all looked surprised, sensing Naruto's frustration.
Sasuke observed Naruto's outburst with mild amusement. Team 7's long-awaited first significant mission—the mission to the Land of Waves—was finally close. He knew they would soon face true challenges, and he was not about to shy away from them. Sasuke was eager to test himself, fully prepared to stand against even seasoned opponents.
Hiruzen, aware of Naruto's growth, put aside his Hokage hat and spoke in a calm but grave tone. "Naruto, you're no longer a child who merely plays around," he acknowledged. Hiruzen had anticipated this day since granting Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki, the status of genin. Witnessing the progress of Naruto and Sasuke, especially Sasuke, who already displayed the skills of a chuunin, he realized the time was approaching.
After a moment, the Third Hokage called for their new client. "Come in, Mr. Tazuna." At the sound of the Hokage's serious tone, the door opened, and an elderly man with a strong smell of alcohol entered. Naruto, confused, asked, "Who is this old drunk guy?" The man's scent was unmistakable.
Hiruzen introduced their client. "This is Tazuna, your client. Naruto, this is a C-rank protection mission. From here on, Kakashi will be in charge."
The Third Hokage shot Kakashi a significant look, and Kakashi nodded, understanding the implications. They had to be cautious, considering Naruto's Jinchuuriki status.
Hearing that these young shinobi would be his guards, Tazuna looked skeptical. "They're just kids, aren't they?" he muttered, glancing at Team 7 with open doubt. "Especially that short, dumb-looking one," he added, pointing at Naruto. The team's youthful appearance made him question their abilities.
Naruto bristled, but Kakashi stopped him from speaking out in anger. Tazuna, meanwhile, shrugged and took a swig from his flask. "I'm Tazuna, the famed bridge builder from the Land of Waves. I'll be putting my life in your hands. Make sure you protect me until my work is done."
Tazuna's frankness stemmed from his financial struggles. He could only afford a low-ranking mission, knowing he'd be risking it all on this gamble.
Kakashi assured him with his usual nonchalance, "Don't worry, Mr. Tazuna. They may be young, but they're all trained Konoha shinobi. Plus, I'm here as a jounin, so you'll be in good hands." Tazuna seemed slightly more convinced, realizing he was getting a bargain by having a jounin on a C-rank mission.
Kakashi then turned to the team. "Alright, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura. Head back to your homes, gather your equipment, and meet at the village entrance in thirty minutes. Mr. Tazuna, come with me."
After dismissing them, Kakashi vanished. Naruto excitedly declared, "It's finally my time to show off!" He dashed toward his house, eager to prepare for his first real mission outside the village. Sasuke, smiling, gestured to Sakura to go on ahead. Instead of heading straight home, however, Sasuke stopped by the weapon shop to stock up, making sure he had enough supplies for the journey.
Half an hour later, the team gathered at Konoha's gates, ready to embark. Tazuna joined them, and Kakashi confirmed everyone's readiness. "Let's go, everyone," Naruto shouted, his arm raised, eager for his first mission outside the village. Sasuke, sharing Naruto's excitement, was ready to leave and prepared for the challenges awaiting him. He wasn't just excited for the journey but also the chance to face real battles.
Kakashi glanced at his two enthusiastic students and the calm Sakura. He saw a flash of determination in both Naruto and Sasuke's eyes, though he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as they set off.
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