A Month of D-Rank Missions
Team 7 had been together for a month, and every day felt like a repeat of the last for Naruto. From pulling weeds to chasing stray cats, the D-rank missions assigned to them were anything but challenging.
To the world, Naruto Uzumaki was still the hyperactive and impatient child he had always seemed to be. He made a show of complaining loudly about the boring missions, whining to Kakashi about wanting something exciting. It was all an act, of course—a carefully crafted persona to keep his true capabilities hidden.
"Sensei! Why are we always doing these stupid chores? I want a real mission! Something awesome like catching a bandit!" Naruto complained loudly after yet another mission involving cleaning up a civilian's backyard.
Kakashi sighed, his nose buried in his book. "Naruto, these missions are important. They build character."
"Character?! I'm gonna die of boredom before I build any character!" Naruto yelled, flailing his arms for dramatic effect.
Beside him, Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Tch, idiot."
Sakura glared at Naruto. "Stop acting like a child, Naruto! This is part of being a shinobi!"
Inside, Uzuhiko's voice echoed in Naruto's mind. "You're doing well to keep up the act, Naruto. They'll never suspect how much you've grown."
Naruto grinned internally. "Gotta keep them guessing, right?"
---
Demanding a High-Ranking Mission
One day, after completing yet another D-rank mission, Naruto decided it was time to push for something more significant. He stomped into the Hokage's office with Team 7 behind him, his voice ringing out before the door even closed.
"Old man! We've been doing these boring missions for a whole month! I want something real! Give us a high-ranking mission already!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow, amused by Naruto's outburst. "Naruto, you're still a genin. D-rank missions are meant to prepare you for more serious tasks."
"But we've been doing them forever!" Naruto protested, slamming his hands on the desk. "Come on, just one! Please?"
Sakura groaned. "Naruto, stop embarrassing us!"
Kakashi scratched the back of his head. "Well, Lord Third, they have been working hard…"
Hiruzen chuckled softly. "Very well. I suppose it's time to give Team 7 their first C-rank mission." He turned to his assistant. "Bring in the client."
The door opened, and an elderly man with a scruffy beard and a bottle of sake in hand entered the room.
"This is Tazuna," Hiruzen said. "He's a bridge builder who requires an escort back to the Land of Waves."
Tazuna took a swig from his bottle, looking at Team 7 skeptically. "These brats are supposed to protect me? I'd better get a refund if I die!"
Naruto's eye twitched, but he forced a grin. "Don't worry, old man! We'll keep you safe!"
---
Suspicions Arise
As the group prepared to leave the next morning, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Uzuhiko had been quiet, observing the situation carefully.
"Naruto, there's something unusual about this mission," Uzuhiko finally said.
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked silently, his face neutral as he tied his headband.
"Tazuna's behavior doesn't match that of someone with nothing to hide. He avoids eye contact when questioned, his hands tremble slightly, and he clutches that sake bottle as if it's a lifeline."
Naruto frowned. "So, you think he's lying?"
"It's likely. Remember what I've taught you about human behavior. Watch his body language and listen to his words. The truth often lies between them."
Naruto nodded. "Got it."
As the team gathered at the village gate, Naruto observed Tazuna closely. The old man's casual demeanor seemed forced, and there was a nervous edge to his voice whenever he spoke.
"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said, pretending to be curious. "What kind of dangers do you think we'll face on this mission?"
"Probably just some wild animals or bandits," Kakashi replied lazily.
Tazuna flinched ever so slightly at the mention of bandits. It was quick—barely noticeable—but Naruto caught it.
"There it is," Uzuhiko said. "He's hiding something about the mission's true nature."
Naruto smirked internally. "Let's see how this plays out."
---
The Journey Begins
The team set out on the road to the Land of Waves, the atmosphere light and uneventful. Naruto maintained his act, laughing and joking with Tazuna, occasionally annoying Sakura, and bickering with Sasuke.
But beneath the surface, his mind was sharp and focused. Uzuhiko continued to feed him subtle observations about their surroundings, ensuring Naruto stayed alert.
"Hey, Tazuna!" Naruto called out during a break. "Why do you need a bridge built in the first place?"
Tazuna hesitated, scratching his head. "It's to help my village. We rely on trade, and the bridge will connect us to the mainland."
Naruto nodded, pretending to accept the answer, but Uzuhiko's voice chimed in. "He's deflecting. He didn't answer your question directly."
Naruto grinned inwardly. "Got it. I'll keep digging."
---
The Attack of the Demon Brothers
The calm journey was shattered when two shinobi burst out of a puddle on the road, chains flying toward Kakashi.
Naruto's instincts kicked in, but he forced himself to act as the scared genin everyone expected him to be.
"Kakashi-sensei!" he shouted, stepping back in mock fear.
Sasuke sprang into action, intercepting the chains with a kunai and delivering a swift kick to one of the attackers. Kakashi reappeared moments later, having faked his death to observe his students' reactions.
"Well done, Sasuke," Kakashi said, subduing the attackers.
Naruto watched silently as Kakashi interrogated the shinobi.
"Who sent you?" Kakashi demanded.
The attackers remained silent, but their eyes darted toward Tazuna.
Kakashi's gaze hardened. "Tazuna, care to explain why rogue shinobi are after you?"
Tazuna sighed heavily, finally revealing the truth. "Fine, you got me. This isn't a simple escort mission. A man named Gato is trying to take over our village, and he'll stop at nothing to kill me and stop the bridge's construction."
Naruto glanced at Uzuhiko's interface in his mind. "You were right."
"Of course. Stay alert, Naruto. This mission just became much more dangerous."
---
Naruto's Resolve
That night, as the team set up camp, Naruto sat by the fire, deep in thought. Uzuhiko's voice broke the silence.
"What are you thinking, Naruto?"
Naruto stared into the flames. "I'm thinking about what Tazuna said. His village is suffering, and Gato is making it worse. I know it's not our job to fight his battles, but… I can't just stand by and do nothing."
"A noble sentiment. But remember, you're still hiding your true strength. Be careful not to reveal too much."
"I know. I'll stick to the plan. But I won't let anyone hurt Tazuna."