Chapter 12 – The First Real Mission
The entire month of April passed in a blur of D-rank missions. Team 7 spent their days chasing runaway cats, delivering groceries, and helping farmers pull weeds.
Naruto had complained every single day, while Sasuke silently endured it. Sakura tried to stay positive, and Kakashi simply read his book as if none of it concerned him.
Finally, after another week of dull work, Team 7 stood once again inside the Hokage's office.
A thick cloud of smoke floated in the room as Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly puffed on his pipe.
Naruto's eyebrows twitched violently.
"Hey old man, there are kids in this room. Can't you puff your smoke after we are gone?" Naruto snapped while waving his hand dramatically.
"How many times do I have to tell you? You're a Hokage, man. Act like one. How can you be so careless with kids— huffhufg!"
Before Naruto could continue, Sakura and Kakashi quickly covered his mouth.
"Naruto!" Sakura whispered urgently.
"You're talking to the Hokage," Kakashi sighed while rubbing his temple.
Hiruzen awkwardly coughed into his hand.
"Ahem… Naruto is right. That was my mistake."
The Hokage quickly moved his pipe away and waved the smoke aside.
Naruto removed their hands with an annoyed look.
"Hey! What was that for? I was telling the truth."
He crossed his arms and glared at the old man.
"So old man, give us the mission already. Why are you making us inhale your smoke?"
Sasuke nodded slightly beside him.
"I agree. The smoke is irritating."
Hiruzen's face flushed slightly with embarrassment.
"Ahem… very well."
He shuffled through a stack of papers before tapping one on the desk.
"Your mission is to escort a bridge builder named Tazuna to the Land of Waves."
Just then, the office door opened loudly.
An old man holding a bottle of alcohol staggered into the room.
Everyone's mouths twitched.
Naruto looked completely unimpressed.
"Old people really have no manners," he muttered loudly.
"One is smoking and the other is drinking in front of kids. Shameless old men."
Both Hiruzen and the newcomer froze.
The Hokage's face turned red while the old man blinked awkwardly.
"Ahem… Mr. Tazuna," Hiruzen said with forced dignity.
"Drinking alcohol is not allowed inside the Hokage Tower."
Tazuna scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"Ahem… I apologize, Hokage-sama."
Then he glanced at Team 7 with a doubtful expression.
"But are you sure sending those kids will be enough?"
Kakashi stepped forward lazily with one hand in his pocket.
"You don't need to worry."
"It's only a C-rank mission after all."
For a moment, Tazuna stiffened.
Naruto and Sasuke immediately noticed the reaction.
Their eyes narrowed.
Naruto tilted his head slightly.
"Why are you complaining so much?"
Sasuke added coldly.
"Are you hiding something?"
The room grew slightly tense.
Kakashi and the Hokage had also noticed it.
Tazuna waved his hands quickly.
"Ah… ah… how could that be?"
"It must be because of the alcohol."
Naruto stared at him suspiciously.
"That sounds like a terrible excuse."
Kakashi shrugged casually.
"Well, if there's nothing to hide then there shouldn't be a problem."
He turned toward his team.
"You guys be prepared. We will meet at the Konoha gates in a few hours."
"Yes, sensei," Sakura nodded.
Soon after, Team 7 left the Hokage tower to prepare for the mission.
Naruto walked through the village streets calmly while muttering to himself.
"So it's time to meet Zabuza and Haku, huh."
His blue eyes flickered slightly.
"Should I leave them alive?"
Naruto rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"I don't remember much of their story."
He shrugged lightly.
"Well… let's see after meeting them."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Mai would love to have them back in Kiri after she becomes Mizukage."
He nodded to himself.
"Fine… for Mai's sake, I will leave them alive."
Just then Naruto spotted a familiar blonde girl training with her team.
"Yo, Ino!"
Naruto waved enthusiastically.
"Come here for a sec."
Ino raised an eyebrow but walked over curiously.
"What happened?"
Naruto smiled casually.
"Well, I will be going on a C-class mission."
"So I wanted to say goodbye."
Through their telepathy seal, Naruto added privately.
{Just wanted to see my Ino.}
Ino smiled softly.
"Good luck with your mission, Naruto."
Then her teasing voice echoed inside his mind.
{Ohh… Naruto-kun being romantic? Want a kissy?}
Naruto perked up immediately.
{Can I ? thank—}
{STOP!}
Ino's face turned bright red.
{I was joking! Seriously, you shameless guy! Shikamaru and the others are still there!}
Naruto smirked proudly.
{You think I fear them?}
{I can kiss my waifu whenever I want.}
Ino's cheeks burned.
{Sh-shut up and go to your mission, baka!}
Naruto chuckled.
{So a kiss after I return from the mission?}
Ino looked away but slowly nodded.
"Fine… but you better come back safe."
Naruto waved while walking away.
"You bet I will."
{See you soon, my mind princess.}
{You too, Naruto.}
Ino returned to her teammates.
Choji looked curious.
"What was Naruto saying?"
Ino replied calmly.
"Team 7 is going on a C-class mission."
"He wanted to say goodbye before leaving."
Choji immediately looked jealous.
"Hey Asuma-sensei, when will we go on C-rank missions?"
Shikamaru sighed deeply.
"Troublesome."
Asuma chuckled.
"Soon… when you are ready, Choji."
Meanwhile Naruto arrived at Team 8's training ground.
Hinata was practicing her Gentle Fist intensely.
"Hey Hinata!"
Naruto waved.
Hinata immediately stopped training and ran toward him.
Kurenai watched the interaction with a knowing smile.
Kiba looked completely confused by Kurenais reaction.
"Hey Hinata, you're doing really good."
Hinata smiled shyly.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun."
Inside her mind she added softly.
{Thanks for the Yang chakra and seals, Naruto-kun.}
Naruto chuckled.
"Well, I came to say goodbye."
"Team 7 is going on a C-class mission."
Through their mental connection he teased.
{Hey… you are hurting me with all these thanks.}
{As punishment, you gotta give me an extra kiss and a hug after I return.}
Hinata blushed deeply.
{As long as you come back safe.}
She said softly aloud.
"Be safe out there, Naruto-kun."
Naruto waved as he walked away.
Hinata returned to training.
Kiba finally asked.
"What was he saying?"
Hinata answered calmly.
"Team 7 received a C-rank mission."
"He came here to say goodbye."
Kiba jumped in shock.
"WHAT?!"
"Kurenai-sensei, when can we take C-rank missions?"
Kurenai laughed lightly.
"When you are ready."
"Now train harder."
Finally Naruto arrived at the Konoha gates, waiting for his teammates.
Inside his mind he heard two familiar voices.
{Be safe and don't get hurt.}
{Take care Naruto-kun.}
Naruto smiled warmly.
{I will.}
{Don't miss me too much, and master the jutsu I gave you.}
{Train nature transformation secretly.}
{And don't overwork or I won't talk to you.}
{Got it.}
{Yes.}
Naruto chuckled softly.
{I will miss you girls.}
Both voices answered together.
{We will too.}
Naruto looked toward the road leading outside Konoha.
The Land of Waves mission was about to begin.
And with it… the first real battle of Team 7.