Especially after the previous battle that led to the formation of Team 7.
Sakura realized that compared to Kakashi, or even Naruto and Sasuke, she was nothing but a burden to the team. Even the weakest Genin could complete most C-rank missions. Why? Because a ninja is always a ninja incomparable to ordinary people. Most C-rank missions only involve fighting regular people, and encountering rogue ninjas on such missions is the highest level of difficulty. Therefore, even Sakura, theoretically, could easily defeat numerous bandits and thieves. However, this is just in theory (after all, factors like lack of combat experience and a weak mindset can affect actual performance. Throughout the history of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, there have been instances of Genin being killed by regular people due to poor mental fortitude and lack of readiness).
As there are theories, there are also real-life examples.
Sakura, a flower that grew up in a greenhouse, is even weaker than most. For her, C-rank missions might be a stretch. Fortunately, Sakura was self-aware enough to realize this. Almost immediately after the Third Hokage finished speaking, she adjusted her mindset. She didn’t know that this special C-rank mission was something Naruto was determined to secure!
“Exactly, Naruto! You should remember everything Lord Hokage said and understand your current position! Do you get it!?”
Iruka, following up on the Third Hokage’s words, looked at Naruto with a very serious expression and said.
“Yes, I understand, Iruka-sensei. But we are no longer children in the academy. I believe our team is fully capable of taking on a C-rank mission. D-rank missions are no longer meaningful to us. If a fledgling stays in its nest forever, it will never soar through the sky, right, Grandpa Third? Moreover, as far as I know, Kakashi-sensei graduated from the academy when he was five or six, and by our age, he was already a Jonin!”
Naruto looked at the Third Hokage and Iruka seriously, then turned his head to look at Kakashi behind him, winking and smiling.
Naruto’s words.
Surprised both Sakura and Sasuke to varying degrees.
A 12-year-old Jonin?
Graduated at five or six years old?
What?
Sasuke’s eyes were wide with astonishment as he stared at Kakashi.
Even Kakashi couldn’t help but show a hint of surprise.
“This kid…”
Kakashi shook his head with a faint smile, amused by Naruto’s comparison.
“A fledgling? Soaring through the sky?”
The Third Hokage, seated at his desk, looked at Naruto. His slightly cloudy eyes seemed to clear as he thought of a golden figure from his past. Nostalgia and deep contemplation filled his gaze.
“Minato, your child has grown up. He will undoubtedly become a remarkable ninja of Konoha like you.”
The same smile, the same confidence, the same golden figure.
At this moment.
The Third Hokage couldn’t help but see the shadow of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, in Naruto.
“Is that so? Very well, I understand your determination, Naruto. However, the mission isn’t solely for you to decide. Your team is a unit, so I must ask the opinions of your teammates. Do you both feel your team is ready for a C-rank mission?”
The Third Hokage nodded to Naruto before turning his gaze to Sakura and Sasuke, speaking in a gentle yet firm tone.
“Yes!”
Before Sakura could voice her hesitations.
Sasuke answered decisively, his tone firm and expectant. His eagerness and excitement were palpable, making it impossible for Sakura to refuse. Seeing her beloved Sasuke’s stance, Sakura could only nod in agreement, even if she was internally reluctant.
“Fortunately, with Kakashi-sensei, a C-rank mission shouldn’t be a problem…”
Despite feeling anxious, seeing Kakashi reassured Sakura.
In her view.
A low-rank mission meant for Genin should pose no problem with a Jonin like Kakashi.
“In that case, I see your determination. I will assign you a special C-rank mission.”
After a brief pause, the Third Hokage nodded and spoke with a serious expression.
“Lord Hokage…”
Before the Third Hokage could continue.
Iruka, showing a worried expression, stood up and spoke hastily.
From Iruka’s perspective, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto were still children who had just graduated from the academy. Unlike D-rank missions, C-rank missions often involved bloodshed, including but not limited to escorting caravans (often encountering bandits), eliminating bandits, or dealing with rogue ninjas causing trouble in border areas.
Of course, missions involving rogue ninjas were the highest difficulty for C-rank missions, and Iruka knew the Third Hokage wouldn’t assign those. However, even easier C-rank missions often involved bloodshed.
Are they allowing freshly graduated Genin to undertake such missions?
Iruka felt it was highly inappropriate.
At this moment, Iruka completely forgot or willfully ignored that Naruto had already experienced bloodshed during graduation, having almost single-handedly killed a Chunin-level rogue ninja.
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