Konoha
Under the clear blue sky with white clouds,
"Sasuke, arriving at Point B."
In the forest, Sasuke whispered into his earpiece, staring at the target.
"Sakura, arriving at Point C."
"Naruto, arriving at Point A."
Soon, Sakura and Naruto's location information came through the earpiece.
"Naruto, you're too slow… you've missed the best timing, the target has moved!
Everyone, move! Chase it quickly…"
Following Kakashi's command in the earpiece, Sasuke's Chakra erupted, and he swiftly lunged at the target.
"Meow…"
Accompanied by a tragic meow, Sasuke grabbed the cat by the neck, holding it firmly.
"Sasuke-kun is so cool…"
Sakura appeared right after, exclaiming in a sweet voice, once again showing her ability to set the mood.
"Finally caught you, little kitty…"
Naruto arrived beside Sasuke with a whoosh, snatched the cat, and chuckled.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Naruto…"
Seeing this, Sasuke was happy to be at leisure, letting go and handing the cat to Naruto.
At the same time, he pressed the earpiece by his ear and began to report:
"Brown fur, a black 'King' character pattern on its forehead, and a red bow on its right ear.
Confirmed to be the mission target cat, Tora."
That's right, Sasuke and his team were currently on Konoha's famous Genin mission—the lost Tora capture mission.
At this time,
It had been almost a month since Sasuke and his team last had dinner together… As Sasuke expected, no rewards were triggered during that dinner.
As for his target, Hinata, Sasuke temporarily gave up after a brief interaction!
The current Hinata was even more introverted and self-conscious than she was after the Chunin Exams.
Even if he could come up with some effective advice, her current personality would prevent her from speaking it… So, Sasuke had shifted his target to Neji.
During this month,
Aside from two more 20,000 ryo cash tickets and 0.1 units of Chakra, Sasuke received no further rewards.
However, in terms of Ninjutsu, he had already learned Lightning Release: Lightning Serpent and Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire… Besides that, he had intermittently completed 6 D-rank missions.
Hokage Building
"Tora~~
Ahaha, my adorable Tora is finally back… I was so worried, my Tora~~"
To the dumbfounded expressions of Sasuke's three-person team, the feudal lord's wife embraced and manhandled the cat, Tora.
This sent shivers down the spines of all three… even Sasuke, who knew the plot, felt the same way!
Knowing and experiencing it live were two different feelings… "Alright, the D-rank mission to find the lost cat is complete.
So, Team Kakashi's next mission is…"
After the feudal lord's wife left, Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a smoke ring and began to search for the next mission.
He muttered the names of those boring and tedious D-rank missions, causing Naruto to clench his fists, ready to explode… "No… I don't want to do these boring and unchallenged missions anymore!
Are there no other missions?
I want to take on more difficult, more exciting, higher-ranking missions…"
To Sasuke's anticipation, Naruto finally couldn't hold back and burst out shouting.
This caused the Third Hokage, Kakashi, and Iruka's expressions to change simultaneously… [It's starting… the long-awaited Land of Waves mission, Team 7's first battle of transformation!!]
Watching the passionate Naruto arguing with Iruka, Sasuke couldn't help but sigh softly.
Sasuke had no intention of changing the plot for this mission, which would pit them against an Elite Jonin!
Having become Sasuke and knowing the plot… if he didn't even dare to face someone like Zabuza, how could he covet the Ōtsutsuki's power!
"I see… Naruto, are you no longer that mischievous brat…"
At Naruto's insistence, the Third Hokage pulled down his Hokage hat, his tone complex.
A Jinchuriki leaving the village was inherently a dangerous act.
But since he allowed Naruto to graduate and become a Ninja, he had been mentally prepared for this day!
During this time, he had also witnessed the rapid growth of Sasuke and Naruto… especially Sasuke, who already possessed the strength of an Elite Chunin.
It was probably time… "Then, please come out!
Mr. Tazuna…"
Under the expectant gazes of Naruto and Sasuke, the Third Hokage's expression turned serious, and he called out.
With a creak, the nearby door was pushed open.
A strong smell of alcohol instantly wafted out… "Huh? Who is this drunk old man??"
Seeing Tazuna appear, Naruto fanned away the heavy smell of alcohol and asked excitedly.
"He is the client for your mission, Mr. Tazuna… Naruto, this is a C-rank protection mission.
The rest is up to you, Kakashi…"
After a brief introduction, the Third Hokage subtly gave Kakashi a special look.
Kakashi naturally knew it was because of the Nine-Tailed, and he nodded silently, indicating he understood!
"What? You're having them take on a mission to protect me?
They're all just little kid Ninja… Especially that short, dumb kid, can he even be a Ninja?"
Hearing this, the reeking Tazuna looked at Sasuke's team of three and began to speak venomously.
He knew his own situation.
He was afraid that Sasuke and his team would be unreliable and get him into trouble… As soon as he said this,
Naruto became enraged and shouted again, only to be ruthlessly suppressed by Kakashi… "I am Tazuna, the super famous bridge builder from the Land of Waves.
So, I entrust my safety to all of you!
Until I finish building the bridge, please risk your lives to protect my safety."
A moment later, Tazuna took a big swig of sake and said, resigned.
Anyway, he didn't have money to upgrade the mission rank, so he could only make do with what he had… "Don't worry, Mr. Tazuna.
Although they are young, they are all elite Ninja of Konoha… Besides, with me, a Jonin, there's no problem!"
Kakashi reassured him with his usual lazy demeanor, not sensing any danger.
This made Tazuna realize, and he was secretly delighted!
Hiring a Jonin for a C-rank mission's price was a huge gain… "Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura.
Now go back and prepare your weapons and daily necessities; we'll gather at the village entrance in half an hour.
Mr. Tazuna, too. Dismissed…"
Stepping out of the Hokage Building, Kakashi turned to everyone and said.
His figure flickered, and he disappeared with a Body Flicker… "Next, it's my time to shine…"
After Kakashi left, Naruto excitedly shouted, his blood pumping, and quickly ran home without looking back.
"Let's go, Sakura…"
Sasuke smiled helplessly, called out, and turned to walk towards his home.
However,
Sasuke didn't go straight home; instead, he changed direction and stopped by a weapon shop.
Just in case, he had to prepare some trump cards to be fully prepared… Half an hour later,
Team Kakashi, fully prepared, gathered again and met with the client, Tazuna, at the village entrance.
"Let's go, everyone…"
The excited Naruto, after everyone had arrived, pointed and shouted excitedly.
He had never left the village before in his life… "Let's go…"
Sasuke had a similar expression; he was also looking forward to the outside world.
However, what he was looking forward to was the impending battle… [Which of these two is actually the Squad Leader Jonin… ]
Kakashi looked at Sasuke and Naruto, who were giving orders, and a row of crows flew over his head as he was speechless once more.