Land of Waves Mission

Tazuna.

That was the name of the old man now standing before Menma and the others, and the mission connected to him was the Land of Waves arc from the Original Work, involving the infamous Demon of the Mist Zabuza.

Logically speaking, this should have been an A-rank mission.

Even if they did not know about a ruthless man like Momochi Zabuza, it should at least have been rated B-rank. Unlike the distinctions between other mission ranks, C-rank and B-rank missions were worlds apart in the ninja system!

Because the criterion for that division was whether other ninja were involved in the mission.

If there were, it was B-rank or above. If not, it was C-rank or below.

The reward Tazuna offered was just barely at the C-rank standard, and he himself had only claimed that the mafia was after him.

Thus, Konohagakure naturally judged the mission to be C-rank.

A mere mafia and some thugs could be easily crushed not just by ninja, but by deploying even a small number of national guards.

Of course, a hidden village would not simply believe everything an employer said.

They would still conduct their own basic investigation.

But note that it was only a basic investigation.

It was merely meant to somewhat verify the authenticity of the mission posted by the employer; it was impossible to investigate everything with one hundred percent certainty!

That was why some people could successfully slip one past them. But only at the beginning—because once the difficulty encountered during the mission was completely different from the initial assessment, the ninja had the right to abandon the mission.

Payment was naturally one consideration.

But more importantly, under normal circumstances, the ninja accepting a mission were only slightly stronger than the mission rank. If the difficulty rose without limit, they would naturally lose the ability to complete it.

Abandoning the mission would be the correct course of action.

In the Original Work, Tazuna had simply been lucky enough.

He had run into Team Seven led by Kakashi!

Otherwise.

If it had been a genin squad led by an ordinary Chunin, let alone Zabuza, the two Demon Brothers alone would have had a strong chance of directly wiping out the team that accepted the mission.

But in this life.

Let's take it first. We'll deal with what comes later when it comes later!

Menma narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly entertaining a different idea.

"I am the famous Bridge Building Expert—Tazuna. Are you the ninja assigned to protect me?"

The moment Tazuna entered, he cast an appraising gaze at Kakashi and the five others nearby.

When he first saw that Menma and Naruto were both just kids, Tazuna's muscles seemed to tense instinctively. But the next second, when his gaze shifted to Kakashi, he inwardly relaxed.

As an employer who had come to Konoha to post a mission, Tazuna knew a little about the basic circumstances of a hidden village.

He did not know who Kakashi was, but anyone wearing Konoha's standard-issue vest had to be at least a Chunin.

Tazuna had no idea how terrifying the people who were about to ambush him were.

He only assumed they were ordinary ninja hired by Gato. In that case, a Konoha Chunin should be enough to protect him!

Tazuna thought to himself.

"Hehe! That's right, old man. You don't need to worry at all—we of Team Seven will definitely protect you properly!"

Naruto slapped his chest hard and declared confidently.

"Kids shouldn't talk so big. I think it would be more reliable to hear that from your captain!"

Tazuna glanced at Naruto and spoke with undisguised distrust.

"!! What did you say?! Then I definitely have to—"

Naruto instantly grew anxious at Tazuna's words and was about to say something to prove himself.

"Alright, Naruto. Tazuna-san, please rest assured. With me leading the team, a C-rank mission like this will be absolutely no problem. You can relax."

Kakashi waved a hand, cutting Naruto off. Then he turned to Tazuna and, in the calmest tone, spoke with the greatest confidence.

Yet when Tazuna heard Kakashi's words, his heart sank slightly. However, being an old and shrewd man, he revealed no emotion on his face. Instead, he cooperatively gave Kakashi a slight bow. "Then I will be in your care, ninja-sama!"

"Then we will officially set out tomorrow morning. Eight o'clock sharp. Please meet us at the village's main gate on time. Is that alright?"

Kakashi stepped forward, accepted the mission Scroll from his companion, then turned and spoke to Tazuna.

"Mm, I have no problem with that at all."

Tazuna replied with a smile before turning and leaving the Mission Building.

"Alright, you four should go back and pack up as well. This mission will take at least three or four days, so prepare whatever luggage you need. Then meet at the main gate on time tomorrow. Understood?"

This was also the first time since taking charge of the class that Kakashi had spoken to the four members of his team with such a serious expression.

No matter what, this was his team's first time leaving the village. And unlike in their era, Kakashi felt it was necessary for Menma and the other three to have a clearer understanding of things, even if this was only a C-rank mission!

"Yes, Teacher Kakashi (Brother Kakashi)!"

The four answered in unison.

"Just watch, Grandpa Third! This time, we'll definitely complete the mission successfully!"

Before leaving.

As if trying to prove himself, Naruto clenched his right hand into a fist and swung it forcefully twice, looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen with complete confidence.

"Hehe, then I will wait for your good news!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen replied with a soft smile.

Then, seemingly unintentionally.

He gave Menma one extra glance.

Almost no one present noticed it, except Menma. Now that his Mind's Eye of the Kagura had grown increasingly mature and he had reached an agreement with Kurama within him, Menma could easily detect any special attention directed at him!

Even if it was only the slightest trace!

It could not escape Menma's perception.

In other words, there were indeed many people in this world who could currently defeat or even kill Menma, but absolutely no one could ambush him!

Unless they were fast to the ultimate extreme. But even then, Menma's body might fail to react in time, while he would still sense it on a mental level!

Hmph, that old bastard!

Menma snorted inwardly, but outwardly, just like Kakashi and the others, he revealed no unnecessary expression.

He turned and followed behind Kakashi.

The five members of Team Seven also left the Mission Building together, dispersing to return home and make the necessary preparations before leaving the village.