Chapter 28: Chapter 27:[D rank Missions]
The weeks that followed were filled with the typical grind of D-rank missions: chasing after lost pets, pulling weeds from stubborn gardens, cleaning storage rooms, and other mundane tasks.
To most genin, these missions were tedious, but for Naruto and Hinata, they were an opportunity to maintain their cover while honing their abilities in subtle ways.
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Their first assignment of the week was to retrieve the notorious Tora, the feisty cat belonging to the Fire Daimyō's wife. It was supposed to be a simple mission, but Naruto used it as a chance to test their teamwork.
"Alright," Naruto said as they stood at the edge of a forest where Tora was last seen. He knelt down, studying the faint paw prints on the ground. "Hinata, activate your Byakugan and get an aerial view of the area. Sasuke, take the left flank and cut off any escape routes. I'll handle the bait."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You're taking this a bit too seriously for a D-rank mission."
Naruto smirked, his tone calm and intelligent. "Every mission is practice. We can't afford to slack off, even on the small stuff."
Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning the area. "The cat is moving west, near a stream," she said confidently.
Naruto nodded, forming a single Shadow Clone. "Let's box it in."
Within minutes, they had cornered the cat. While Sasuke attempted to grab it directly, Naruto used the clone to distract it, allowing Hinata to calmly approach and catch it with a gentle yet firm grip.
"Got it," Hinata said, holding the squirming Tora with ease.
Naruto grinned. "Nice work, Hinata. That's another one down."
Sasuke frowned but said nothing, silently impressed by their teamwork.
Another mission had them repainting a village elder's house. Though straightforward, Naruto approached it with a plan.
"Hinata, check for any structural issues with your Byakugan. No point painting over problems," he instructed. "Sasuke, take the higher sections; your reach is better. I'll handle the prep work."
Hinata nodded, scanning the house and pointing out areas that needed repair. Naruto used his clones to patch up the damage, ensuring the paint would last.
Sasuke worked efficiently, his movements sharp and precise, but he couldn't help noticing how easily Naruto and Hinata communicated without words.
By the end of the day, the house was not only painted but also reinforced in areas that had been weak. The elder was so impressed that he gave them a small bonus.
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One of their more chaotic missions involved babysitting twin toddlers who were determined to cause trouble.
While Sasuke struggled to keep the twins from climbing furniture, Naruto quickly assessed the situation. "Hinata, can you keep them entertained with something creative? I'll make snacks and set up a game."
Hinata smiled and knelt down to the children's level, using her chakra to create small glowing butterflies that danced around the room. The twins were immediately captivated.
Naruto set up an obstacle course using pillows and cushions, turning their boundless energy into a game. By the end of the day, the twins were exhausted but happy, and the house was still intact.
Sasuke, sitting on the couch with a scowl, muttered, "You two make it look too easy."
Naruto chuckled. "It's all about strategy, Sasuke. Even babysitting has a system if you think it through."
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Despite the simplicity of the missions, Naruto and Hinata used each one as an opportunity to sharpen their skills. The gravity seals made every task more challenging, forcing them to build strength and precision with every movement.
Naruto's analytical approach allowed him to turn even the most mundane task into a tactical exercise, while Hinata's growing confidence made her a more effective partner in both planning and execution.
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Sasuke couldn't ignore the way Naruto and Hinata worked together. Their coordination was almost instinctive, and they completed tasks with an efficiency that often made his own efforts feel redundant.
One evening, as they finished a mission, Sasuke spoke up. "You two… It's like you've been training together for years. What's your secret?"
Naruto glanced at him, his expression calm. "No secret. We just work hard and pay attention to the details."
Hinata added softly, "And we trust each other. That makes a big difference."
Sasuke didn't respond, but the thoughtful look in his eyes showed he wasn't convinced.
Like this days passed in the frenzy of missions and growth.
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Author's notes.
Please give me power stones for extra chapters.
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