“Yes, Kakashi-sensei.”
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura immediately straightened up and responded loudly.
Except for Sakura, who still wore a slight look of worry.
Even Sasuke, usually stoic, showed a hint of excitement. The chance to gain real combat experience in a mission was a significant step up from the previous D-rank missions. Although they hadn’t set off yet, Sasuke had already resolved to complete this mission as perfectly and impeccably possible. Only by doing so could he enhance his evaluation and secure more C-rank and even B-rank missions in the future!
Naruto quickly adjusted his mindset in this short time.
Eliminating bandits is still a rare opportunity for real combat experience.
It would be a good chance to hone his combat skills further.
Even though they were just lowly bandits.
It would still serve as useful training.
“Alright then, dismissed!”
Kakashi nodded and then waved his hand suddenly.
“Whoosh”
“Whoosh”
“Whoosh”
The three vanished simultaneously, each heading home.
“Pack a change of clothes, some compressed food, and sufficient ninja tools. Oh, and don’t forget the sleeping bag. Judging by the distance, we might have to spend a night out there, just in case we don’t reach a town…”
Back in his dorm, Naruto quickly packed his backpack with all the necessary items.
“Just a bit more mission reward money, and I can get those custom clothes…”
He glanced at the orange jacket he stuffed in his bag.
Naruto mumbled softly, calculating his needs in his mind.
As mentioned before.
Whether in this life or while reading the original story in his past life.
Honestly.
Naruto always thought the orange outfit looked tacky.
Previously, he didn’t have the means or the option. Now that he was a ninja with a stable income and shops that wouldn’t refuse him service (such was the status of a ninja), Naruto definitely planned to change out of this orange outfit.
And not just buy any clothes, but get custom-made ones.
“Maybe the reward from this C-rank mission will be enough.”
Naruto finished packing his belongings, and took one last look at his room.
“Alright! Let’s go!”
Naruto slapped his cheeks, his face lit with enthusiasm, and left his room, heading toward the gate of Konoha Village.
No matter what.
This was his first C-rank mission.
And it also meant leaving Konoha Village, and going to a far-off place.
Seeing different scenery.
If Naruto said he wasn’t excited, he’d be lying.
At the gates of Konoha Village.
The usual gatekeeping duo, who were arguably the most recurring minor characters in the early series—Izumo and Kotetsu, both Chunin.
When Naruto arrived at the gate.
He could distinctly sense that these two Chunin tensed up when he appeared “alone” at the village gate. It looked casual, but Naruto could clearly feel their attention was entirely on him (unlike the malicious intent sensing in Nine-Tails mode, this was Naruto’s personal sensory ability, similar to sensory-type ninja’s special sensing. Naruto couldn’t explain the principle, but he had it from birth before he even refined chakra. After refining chakra, especially with mental enhancement, Naruto’s sensing ability became more precise and accurate. He thought of it as his ‘golden finger.’ He wondered what it would be like if this could overlap with the malice sensing in Nine-Tails mode in the future!)
They seemed ready to subdue him at any moment.
The next moment.
Kakashi appeared behind Naruto.
Upon seeing Kakashi.
Naruto sensed the two Chunin’s previously tense muscles relax completely.
“Hmph, the reactions remain the same no matter who it is. It’s just a matter of capability.”
Naruto kept his expression unchanged, but he laughed coldly inside, thinking to himself.
“Yo, Naruto, you’re early.”
As mentioned before, Kakashi was never late for missions or important matters. He might be lazy, but he took his duties as a ninja seriously. The mission, no matter how simple, was his responsibility. From the moment they received a mission until it was completed, Kakashi was always with Team 7.
Naruto turned around, giving a light smile without any exaggerated emotions or pretense.
“After all, it’s our first C-rank mission. I’m a bit excited, Kakashi-sensei.”
Naruto expressed his feelings honestly at that moment.
Someone once said.
The best lie is ninety-nine truths mixed with one lie.
The same goes for wearing a mask and pretending.
To deceive others, you often have to deceive yourself first.
When you don’t think you’re pretending at all.
That’s when you’ve reached the pinnacle of deception.
Of course, Naruto wasn’t at that level yet.
But having worked in the business world for several years in his past life, even having been deceived a few times, this level of verbal control and emotional expression was no problem for Naruto. Moreover, after twelve years of “acting practice,” Naruto could easily handle it even in front of Kakashi or the Third Hokage.
Getting into character and out of it.
Just in an instant.
“Hmm, well, this C-rank mission suits you guys. Do your best!”
Kakashi, naturally unable to see through Naruto’s disguise, or rather not believing Naruto would be pretending, smiled lazily at him.
Or rather, no one in Konoha would think Naruto was pretending.
After all, he had been under the highest level of surveillance since birth.
If he could really fake it.
He must have started at birth.
Naturally, no one would think that way.
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