READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 44: Soft and hard persuasion
Chapter
44: Soft and Hard Persuasion
Just as Naruto was about to give up
and hold on for a while longer, the five-person team of Team 7 stepped into the
mission building. A familiar figure caught Naruto's attention at the main seat
where missions were issued.
"Hey, Old Man Hokage, what are
you doing here today!?" Naruto exclaimed, looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who
was sitting in the middle seat, dressed in his Hokage robe and hat.
As the village leader, Hiruzen
Sarutobi usually stayed in his office to handle the immense and complex
governmental affairs. However, he occasionally inspected various departments in
the village. The Mission Center, being one of the most important institutions,
was regularly visited by Sarutobi Hiruzen. He would personally issue tasks to
some ninjas, a gesture considered a 'people-friendly act.'
"Haha, Naruto, I had some time
today, so I came over to take a look. How did your mission go?" Sarutobi
Hiruzen asked with a kind smile.
"Yeah, Old Man, we finished it!
That's why I want to take on a more difficult task. Give our team a C-level or
higher mission to make things more exciting!" Naruto said eagerly, seizing
the opportunity. After all, such chances were rare! What Naruto sought was a
challenge. His goal was to become the greatest Hokage, far surpassing his
father and even the greatest Hokage in history.
While handing over the task, Naruto
couldn't wait to speak up.
"Oh? Why the rush, Naruto?
There are regulations for which teams receive what level of tasks. For a newly
formed team like yours, you can only perform the lowest level tasks initially.
This is to better train you. Your instructor Kakashi is an experienced ninja;
he will know when it's appropriate to take on higher-level missions,"
Sarutobi Hiruzen explained.
"I get that, but it's been over
a month now. Neither you, Old Man, nor Brother Kakashi have shown any intention
of assigning us high-level tasks. D-level missions are neither challenging nor
meaningful for us. Ninjas need rigorous training and tests to grow. Our team
can handle higher-level tasks. Besides, we have Brother Kakashi with us,
right?" Naruto argued, determined as he confronted the Hokage.
"I think what Naruto says makes
sense. Our team can indeed handle more difficult tasks. After all, at our age,
Kakashi-sensei was already a Jonin!" Menma added, supporting Naruto's
argument.
For Menma, the difference between
high-level and low-level tasks wasn't significant, but he hoped to leave the
village. Familiarity with the terrain around Konoha was essential for future
plans. Descriptions from the original story and understanding on paper were
insufficient; personal investigation was necessary. Such missions required
leaving the village.
Seeing Menma speak up, Naruto's face
lit up with encouragement.
"That's right! Brother Kakashi,
you became a Jonin at the age of 12. We can definitely carry out higher-level
tasks!" Naruto said enthusiastically. Even Sasuke nodded in agreement.
"You guys..." Kakashi
shook his head in amusement.
Just as Kakashi was about to speak,
Sarutobi Hiruzen intervened. "Well, that does make sense. But Naruto,
Menma, consider this carefully. As task levels increase, so does difficulty.
Although you have Kakashi on your team, a mission failure will affect your
evaluation as ninjas. Are you sure you want to proceed?" he asked with
great interest.
Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen take charge,
Kakashi remained silent. As long as the Third Hokage didn't object, Kakashi had
no concerns. With his strength, there was little to worry about in most cases.
"Don't worry, Old Man, our team
will definitely complete the mission successfully!" Naruto's eyes sparkled
with determination as he quickly spoke, fearing the Hokage might change his
mind.
"Well, okay. I'll give your
team a C-level mission in advance. Naruto, Menma, you spoke up, so you must
complete it!" Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and nodded.
At that moment, both Sasuke and
Naruto displayed faint smiles of anticipation. D-level missions had already
annoyed Sasuke, feeling like a waste of time.
"This is what you said, Old
Man! You can't go back on your word! We will definitely complete it and show
you!" Naruto said confidently, patting his chest.
"Hehe, then I'll wait and
see," Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled. He motioned to an ordinary Konoha ninja
beside him to bring over a mission book. After glancing at it, he said,
"Let's assign you this C-level mission. It involves protecting a person
and requires travel to another country. It seems very suitable for you at the
moment!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen locked onto an
ordinary C-level mission and motioned for the employer to be led over.
"Yeah, yeah!" Naruto
nodded eagerly.
'Protect someone? It seems very
likely to be that mission again,' Menma thought, raising his eyebrows as plot
fragments from the original story flashed in his mind.
The next second, the side door of
the hall was pushed open. The figure of a sloppy man wearing a bamboo hat
appeared before Menma, Naruto, and the others. The moment Menma saw this
figure, a look of 'as expected' flashed in his pupils.