It should be noted.
Konoha’s strict surveillance of Naruto was most intense from his birth until he was six or seven years old.
After all, that is when a child begins to develop self-awareness, and it is considered the most critical phase (remember, this is a world where five—and six-year-olds can go to war).
The Third Hokage allowed Naruto to enter the ninja academy because, during those years, the ANBU’s surveillance results on Naruto were satisfactory. Especially through various observations and simple tests, the Third Hokage concluded that although Naruto harbored some resentment and a bit of hatred towards those who ostracized him, he mainly desired recognition from everyone in the village. His statement, “I want to become a great ninja and be acknowledged by everyone,” deeply moved the Third Hokage. He believed Naruto was sincere, and indeed, Naruto’s words were not a lie. This was not only to gain the Third Hokage’s trust but also Naruto’s genuine goal. From the age of six, when he started at the ninja academy, the level of surveillance on Naruto from Konoha, or rather from the Third Hokage, was downgraded. During that time, it was more about protection than surveillance.
Although it seemed similar to the previous years.
In essence, it was a significant change.
Until this year, when Naruto graduated.
After twelve years of disguise.
Naruto had truly gained the trust of the Third Hokage, and the direct ANBU surveillance on him was lifted. Although it helped that the Seventh Team was led by Kakashi, specifically assigned by the Third Hokage, the most important reason was that Naruto had earned trust!
Of course, as this moment approached.
Naruto’s vigilance only increased.
Countless examples have shown that the closer one gets to the moment of success, the higher the probability and risk of failure.
Until Naruto fully realized his first-phase goal.
He wouldn’t relax or let his guard down in any aspect of his disguise.
Standing in front of Naruto, Kakashi had no idea what thoughts were flickering through the mind of his teacher’s (technically his superior’s) son. Kakashi was more focused on the upcoming C-rank mission, which held a certain significance.
While Naruto and Kakashi were lost in their thoughts.
Not long after.
As the agreed meeting time approached.
Sasuke and Sakura appeared near the gate.
“Sorry, I’m late. Packing took a bit longer than expected.”
Sakura, the last to arrive, clasped her hands together, her face showing an apologetic expression. Although it seemed like she was apologizing to all three, her eyes were almost entirely on Sasuke from the moment she spoke. Being the last to arrive, she wondered how long Sasuke had been waiting and feared he might be annoyed by the delay.
Ahhhh!
Sakura felt the urge to dig a hole and hide in it out of embarrassment.
Fortunately, Sasuke didn’t seem impatient.
Sakura stole another glance at Sasuke, secretly relieved. Of course, she didn’t realize that Sasuke simply didn’t care about her timing as long as it didn’t affect the mission.
Naruto, of course, noticed Sakura’s little actions.
But he didn’t care.
“It’s fine, you’re right on time.”
Naruto smiled lightly and responded.
“Well, for a girl, Sakura, you’re pretty quick. Besides, you didn’t miss the time.”
Kakashi, raising an eyebrow and smiling, spoke with a bit of humor.
“Since everyone is here, let’s head out!”
“Yes!!”
With a wave of Kakashi’s right hand, a flash of cold light appeared.
“Thunk!”
A kunai pierced through the mission departure slip, embedding it deep into the wooden post at the gate.
“Whoosh”
“Whoosh”
“Whoosh”
“Whoosh”
Several figures leaped forward.
Led by Kakashi, Team 7—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—hurried towards a location near the eastern border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves.
Meanwhile, just as Naruto and his team left the village.
Having just completed a D-rank mission and returned to the mission center, Team 8—under the urging of Kiba Inuzuka and the approval of their now more confident sensei, Kurenai Yuhi—also took on a C-rank mission. This mission was to escort a disheveled-looking man to the Land of Waves.
Had Naruto been there, he would have recognized this man immediately.
The man Team 8 was tasked with protecting.
Was none other than the key figure in the Land of Waves’ storyline, the bridge builder—Tazuna!
The butterfly effect caused by Naruto’s arrival had once again changed the direction of the story.
Team 8 set off on a potentially deadly and unknown path the next day.
However, at that moment, none of them knew that this seemingly simple C-rank mission concealed risks akin to, or even exceeding, those of an A-rank mission!
The only one aware of the hidden dangers in this mission was Naruto.
But at that time, he was far away from Konoha, embarking on his first C-rank mission.
A ninja’s travel speed is not something an ordinary person can match.
While it would take a regular person a day to travel from Konoha to the eastern border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves, a ninja at a normal pace would take only five to six hours to cover the same distance.
Regarding this C-rank mission.
The mission briefing provided a thorough description, including details about the location and distribution of the bandits’ forces.
Originally, this was a mission for the military of the Land of Fire.
But since the nearby garrison had been redeployed for other tasks.
And the local defense units were unreliable.
With the bandits becoming increasingly rampant.
The local lord decided not to wait for the garrison’s return and instead hired Konoha’s ninjas to eliminate the bandit threat.
This is a common practice not only in the Land of Fire.
But in every country with a ninja village.
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