Naruto's enthusiasm was nearly too much. Team 7 finally received their first C-rank mission after completing a tonne of D-rank missions, the majority of which were weed clearing and capturing stray cats.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stated, "Your mission is to escort bridge builder Tazuna to the Land of Waves."
Naruto grinned. "Finally! "A real mission!"
Sakura let out a sigh, and Sasuke smiled. Kakashi, as always, didn't care and had his nose buried in a book.
A gruff old man with a flask glared at Naruto. "Are you sure this brat is a ninja? He looks like an idiot.
Naruto's eye twitched. "Hey! I will tell you that someday I will be the Hokage.
"Pfft," Tazuna sneered. "Yes, child."
None of them aware that there was hazard lying ahead, Team 7 embarked on their journey to the Land of Waves with their mission.
The journey was initially peaceful, sun shining brightly as they walked on the dusty road. But then—
*SPLASH!*
Unnatural waves created a puddle in the road, and before anyone else could move, two figures in shackles appeared.
"Demon Brothers!" The two masked ninja attacked Kakashi, who shouted.
Kakashi was surrounded by chains tightening like a vice. His body relaxed in a nauseating *snap*.
"Sensei!" Sakura's scream of horror echoed through the air.
Naruto's blood turned icy. Was their teacher dead?
"Hey!" "One down!" One of the Demon Brothers sneered as he rushed forward at Tazuna.
Something snapped inside of Naruto. His hands acted without thought. "Thunder Shock!"
Sparks flew between his fingers and electricity snapped. The foe was struck in the middle of his chest with a bolt of lightning that hurtled outward. His body shook and fell, smoke billowing from his body as he shrieked.
Not to be outdone, Sasuke came running and kicked the final ninja, knocking him out.
Then—
Kakashi muttered, "Nice reaction time," as he appeared behind them, unharmed.
"Wha—?!"/ "However, you were—"
"A replacement." Kakashi's single eye creased in mirth. "Good going for being so quick to react, though. That was a stunning jutsu, Naruto.
The praise sent Naruto's heart racing.
However, Kakashi's expression turned somber. "This was supposed to be a C-rank mission. But these were trained assassins. Would you care to tell me, Tazuna?"
The old man sighed deeply. "Alright, you caught me. In real life, this mission is much more dangerous than I made it out to be. There's a ruthless businessman named Gato who wants me killed.
Sakura gasped. "Does that mean that we should return?"
Kakashi thought about it for a moment, but Naruto spoke up first.
"Not at all! We're not in a hurry! A real ninja never goes back on his word.".
Sasuke grinned at Naruto. "Now. Dobe, I agree for once.
Kakashi sighed and grinned behind his mask. "All right, then. We go on.
They were unaware that a shadow lurked in the distance. A man with a massive sword draped over his shoulder.
"Interesting," Zabuza Momochi whispered. "Let's see what these brats can do."