Chapter 15 – First D-Rank Mission: The Troublesome Cat
The morning sun in Konoha shone upon the towering Hokage building, at its peak fluttering the leaf emblem that symbolized the pride of the village.
Kazuki Akihiro ran swiftly toward the mission room with burning spirit.
Kazuki (in his heart): "Yosh! Today I will get my first mission. Whatever it is, I will definitely prove myself!"
He arrived in front of the door, panting. Hinata was already standing there, her face red upon seeing Kazuki arrive full of energy.
Hinata: "Ka-Kazuki-kun… you're very enthusiastic…"
Shikamaru sat lazily on the stairs.
"Hhh… whatever this mission is, it'll definitely be troublesome. Why do I have to be involved…"
Not long after, Kakashi appeared from the corner, as usual with one hand in his pocket and his Icha-Icha tactics book in the other.
Kakashi: "All of you are on time. Good. Let's go in, the Hokage is already waiting."
---
Hokage's Office
Inside the room, Tsunade sat at her desk with a slightly irritated face as mission papers piled up in front of her. Shizune stood beside her holding Tonton, her pet pig.
Tsunade stared sharply at Kakashi's team.
"Alright, this is the new team, huh? Hmmm… Kazuki Akihiro, Hinata Hyuuga, Shikamaru Nara… and led by Kakashi Hatake. I want to see how far your abilities go."
Kazuki bowed energetically.
"Lady Hokage! Please give us a dangerous mission! I am ready to face bandits, enemy ninjas, or even protect nobles!"
Shikamaru immediately let out a long sigh.
"Hhh… predictable…"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, then slammed a scroll onto the desk.
"You will capture… a pet cat named Tora that has run away again from Madam Shijimi's house."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Kazuki: "…Eh? A cat?"
Hinata looked at Kazuki nervously, trying to hold back a small laugh.
Shikamaru held his forehead.
"I knew it. The most annoying D-rank mission…"
Tsunade glared at the still-stunned Kazuki.
"What? You don't like it? Listen carefully, brat. If you can't catch a single cat, don't dream of defeating real enemies."
Kazuki gritted his teeth, then clenched his fists.
"Fine! I will catch that cat even if I have to risk my life!"
Tsunade stared at him for a moment, then chuckled while leaning back in her chair.
"Hahaha! This kid… reminds me of someone."
---
The Hunt Begins
Tora, a fat cat with a red ribbon, was seen running through Konoha's market.
Kazuki immediately jumped from rooftop to rooftop.
Kazuki: "Oi! Don't run away you fat cat!!"
BRUK!
He crashed into a bamboo clothesline pole. A giant pair of underwear stuck to his head.
Villager: "You troublemaker!!"
Kazuki: "I'm sorry!!"
Hinata activated her Byakugan, her face red with embarrassment watching Kazuki's chaos.
Hinata: "Kazuki-kun… the cat turned right… near the ramen shop…"
Shikamaru sighed deeply, walking casually.
"Hhh… this is such a waste of energy."
---
Chaos Strikes Again
Kazuki made three Kagebunshin to surround Tora.
Kazuki: "Triangle of death strategy! This time you won't escape!"
But his clones crashed into each other and fell onto a basket of vegetables. The produce scattered everywhere.
Vendor: "Who's going to pay for this?!"
Kazuki laughed awkwardly.
"Hehe… sorry sir, I'll replace it!"
Hinata tried to approach Tora gently.
Hinata: "Come here… I won't hurt you…"
But Tora scratched her cheek. Hinata jumped back in surprise, covering her face.
Hinata: "Ahh… sorry, I failed…"
Meanwhile, Shikamaru finally used his Shadow Possession Jutsu. His shadow almost caught Tora, but the cat leapt onto the head of an old lady with a cane.
Old Lady: "Oh dear! Don't step on my head!!"
Shikamaru covered his face.
"Hhh… such a bother."
Kazuki, full of spirit though battered, waited for the right moment.
Kazuki: "If jutsu fails… there's only one way: courage!"
He leapt directly toward Tora. The cat scratched his face repeatedly, but Kazuki held it tightly.
Kazuki (shouting proudly despite his scratched-up face):
"I… DID IT!!!"
Shikamaru looked at him casually.
"Well… as long as the cat is caught."
Hinata gazed at Kazuki in admiration.
"Kazuki-kun… you're amazing…"
---
Report to Lady Tsunade
They returned to the Hokage's office. Madam Shijimi immediately hugged Tora excessively, while the cat struggled to escape again.
Kazuki, full of bandages and scratches, stood tall.
"Lady Hokage! We succeeded in completing the mission!"
Tsunade looked at his wound-covered face, then suddenly burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! Look at yourself! Just catching a cat already looks like you returned from a great war!"
Kazuki laughed awkwardly.
"But… still, this mission was a success, right?"
Tsunade finally nodded with a warm smile.
"Correct. This mission was a success. Remember this well, kids… even small tasks can train you for the harsh world of shinobi. Never underestimate little things."
---
Ramen Ichiraku
Kazuki smiled widely, though his face was full of bandages.
"I can't wait for the next mission!"
Shikamaru yawned.
"Hhh… that was really troublesome."
Hinata lowered her head shyly, her cheeks red.
"I… will try harder so I can help Kazuki-kun."
Kakashi closed his book.
"Alright, team. First mission successful. Tomorrow, let's see what mission awaits us."
"As a reward for your hard work on this first mission, I'll treat you to ramen as a form of great teamwork."
---
Hokage's Office
Tsunade thought about Team 7, curiosity rising in her head.
"Hmm… if they can barely survive with just a cat… I wonder what will happen if I send them on a more 'challenging' mission…"
"Will they succeed…"
TO BE CONTINUED…