Since being acknowledged by Kakashi.
And officially becoming Genin of Konoha, executing missions as a team.
During this period.
All the missions that Team 7 executed were D-rank. Compared to other ninja villages, Konoha had more missions, and for the same missions, Konoha’s ninja could earn higher rewards, both in quantity and quality (this was one of the reasons for the three previous Shinobi World Wars, along with greed for territory, rich resources, tailed beasts, etc.).
Even though the rewards were relatively high.
D-rank missions—finding lost items, babysitting, capturing animals, and weeding—still didn’t pay much. Moreover, as a team, Naruto’s group had to follow Konoha’s rule: a Jonin-led team’s mission reward distribution gave 40% to the Jonin, and the rest was split among Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
So the money they received wasn’t much.
Given Naruto’s necessary expenses.
Naturally, any increase in mission rewards, no matter how small, was crucial. The fat cat in his arms was like a cooked duck about to be served, and Naruto wouldn’t let it escape!
“By now, the timing should be just right, shouldn’t it?”
As Kakashi led Team 7 back to the Konoha mission center, Naruto’s thoughts drifted to the plot of the Land of Waves from the original story.
Naruto couldn’t recall the exact time.
But he clearly remembered that it was after capturing this fat cat.
Most importantly, this mission wasn’t taken through normal channels.
In the original story, it was Naruto’s persistent pestering that led Team 7 to accept it.
In this life.
Naruto also wanted to take on this mission.
But he wouldn’t use the unreasonable methods of his original self. Aside from the embarrassment, the current Naruto didn’t have that kind of personality.
If he acted that way now.
He’d be surrounded and scrutinized by everyone, wouldn’t he?
On the way back.
Naruto pondered how to secure this seemingly C-rank but actually A-rank mission.
There was definitely a risk.
Zabuza was one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.
His strength was among the top of Jonin.
And the boy named Haku, who could use Ice Release, was currently stronger than both Naruto and Sasuke.
But precisely because of this.
Naruto was even more eager to take on this mission.
In a close match, the potential risks, even life-threatening dangers, would push someone to their limits. After the life-and-death battle with Mizuki, Naruto had a deeper understanding of what such battles meant for a ninja!
Fighting strong opponents.
Is the true way to hone oneself.
And grow stronger.
Ninjas constantly walk the tightrope between life and death.
Especially someone like Naruto, with Asura’s chakra, the Fourth Hokage’s legacy, and the Nine-Tails sealed within him. There was no avoiding the world’s grand whirlpools, and Naruto didn’t want to avoid them.
Only by diving in could he realize his ambitions.
And the worst outcome? Death.
Having already died once, Naruto naturally felt fear, but he also had the resolve to face death. This mission to the Land of Waves was something he was determined to achieve—not just because of Zabuza, but also because of Gato, a man as wealthy as a nation. Gato was also a target for Naruto. Naruto needed essential funds to achieve his future goals, and Gato was currently the best target.
Although this might involve the Daimyo of the Land of Waves and even some nobles of the Land of Fire.
To Naruto.
These were minor issues.
“Alright! I’ve decided! I’ll try to secure that mission to protect that drunken old man!”
As they neared the mission center.
Naruto took a deep breath, making a firm decision.
“Ah! My beloved Tora, I finally found you! You had me so worried! Darling! Don’t run away next time!”
At the mission center.
A middle-aged woman, who fit Naruto’s expectations of a noblewoman, rushed over when she saw the fat cat in Naruto’s arms. She quickly snatched the cat, hugging it tightly, pressing her round face against it.
Watching the cat’s expression of despair.
Naruto couldn’t help but twitch a smile.
Although he expected it, seeing such a “beautiful” scene in person almost made Naruto lose control of his facial expressions.
Even Sasuke, usually cold and aloof, couldn’t help but let a slight smile tug at his lips. Seeing this scene, even he felt a bit sorry for the cat.
With an owner like that.
It’s no wonder the cat tried to escape.
Behind Naruto, Sakura’s shoulders shook as she tried not to laugh, murmuring softly.
“No wonder the cat wanted to run away. Who wouldn’t?”
“Hey!”
Behind them, Kakashi, though also finding it amusing, maintained his composure and gently reminded Sakura.
Realizing the client was present, Sakura stuck out her tongue in embarrassment.
“It really takes all kinds.”
Watching the noblewoman confirm her beloved Tora was unharmed, pay the mission reward, and leave under guard, Naruto couldn’t help but shake his head, thinking to himself.
It’s surprising someone like her could become the wife of the Fire Daimyo.
How strange must the Daimyo’s tastes be?
Imagining certain scenes.
Naruto shivered again, shaking his head vigorously to clear the disturbing images.
Sasuke, standing nearby, gave Naruto a curious look.
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