READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 30: C-rank mission
As instructed, we went to the village training ground the next day, but not without a little twist. We knew Kakashi well enough to predict he wouldn't show up on time, so we ate breakfast and leisurely arrived around 9 a.m., much later than his 5 a.m. command. Despite being late ourselves, we still had to wait another half an hour before Kakashi finally showed up.
"Good morning, Kakashi," we all greeted casually, skipping the formality of "sensei" since we were close enough not to bother with it.
"Good morning, guys," he responded with his usual relaxed tone.
"Why were you late? If we hadn't eaten, we'd have starved by now," I remarked, not missing the chance to tease him.
"Sorry, Naruto, I was just helping an old lady," he said sheepishly. "But wait, you ate already?"
I smirked, "Did you really think we'd wait until you got here? We know you too well, so we ate before coming."
Kakashi chuckled under his mask, knowing he couldn't argue with that logic. "Well, smart move. Now, let's get started with the real work."
After our brief chat at the training ground, we made our way to the Hokage Tower to receive our first official missions. I couldn't help but ask Kakashi something that had been on my mind.
"Kakashi, isn't there supposed to be a test? I've heard that many Jonin mentors test their teams after graduation, and only if they pass do they officially become genin," I asked, curious about why we hadn't gone through one.
He gave me a calm look and said, "I know you guys well. You're all as strong as me, or maybe even stronger, and more importantly, you're close friends. So, there's no need for a test."
With that settled, we began our usual E and D-rank missions—mundane tasks like catching stray cats and doing domestic chores around the village. It was good for some basic experience, but it quickly became boring. These small tasks weren't exactly what I had in mind when I imagined life as a ninja.
"Kakashi, can't we take on more challenging missions? Something where we can actually fight?" I asked, eager to push beyond the routine jobs.
"Let's see what's available," Kakashi said, searching through the mission scrolls.
That's when my eyes caught a specific mission—one labeled as a C-rank, involving an escort to the Land of Waves. I knew exactly what this meant. This mission was tied to Zabuza and Haku, and it would be our first real test in the field.
"Kakashi, let's do this C-rank mission," I suggested, pointing to the scroll.
Kakashi glanced at it, and after a moment, nodded. "Alright, if that's what you want."
Everyone was on board with the decision. With that, we accepted the mission to the Land of Waves, unaware of the real dangers and challenges that awaited us. This wasn't just another task—it was the start of something far greater.
The mission we picked was straightforward: escort a bridge builder to the Land of Waves. It was classified as a C-rank mission, which meant it was supposed to be relatively safe, with no real threats expected. But I knew better, having already heard the stories of what was truly waiting for us.
We headed out to meet the builder, Tazuna, a gruff and hot-headed old man. He wasn't exactly the most pleasant person to be around, and his demeanor was anything but polite. Still, I was prepared for it.
As we approached him, I could already see the irritation in his face.
"So, you brats are supposed to protect me?" Tazuna grumbled, sizing us up. "You don't look like much, especially you, redhead."
I just smirked, letting his words roll off me. I knew exactly what lay ahead, and I wasn't going to let his attitude get under my skin.
"We're more than enough to keep you safe, old man," I replied confidently, trying to keep things light.
Kakashi, as always, stayed calm and composed. "We'll take care of everything, Tazuna. Let's get moving."
And with that, we set off on our mission to the Land of Waves, the true adventure just beginning. Though Tazuna didn't know it, this journey was about to get far more dangerous than he had ever imagined.