"Kakashi-sensei, when can we take on some higher-ranked missions? We've been doing D-Rank missions for three months. When is it ever going to end?" Sakura complained, tossing another empty can into the bamboo basket on her back.
Kakashi lay on a large tree beside the river, holding Icha Icha Paradise. "You're still Genin. This is the time to build experience and learn to work together, so D-Rank missions are all you can take. So, Sakura, stop getting ideas and finish this mission like you're supposed to."
With that, Kakashi settled back down and continued reading Icha Icha Paradise. They want to leave the village again? Last time, we ran into Zabuza, and now they want another trip. These brats really don't know how to enjoy life. What could be better than lying here with a book you like? They just have to make life difficult for themselves. There's something wrong with them.
Seeing that Kakashi was ignoring her, Sakura turned to Naruto and Sasuke beside her with a troubled frown. "Hey, Naruto, help me out here. Wouldn't it be great if Kakashi-sensei took a few missions outside the village? Doing D-Rank missions in the village every day is so boring."
Naruto glanced at Sakura, then at Kakashi. "I'm not wasting my breath. Kakashi-sensei won't take them." He lowered his head and went back to picking up trash from the river, his face full of helpless misery.
It had been several months since Naruto had last seen Mitaraishi Anko at the Dango Shop. He had asked Kurenai about her and learned that Tsunade had sent Anko away on a mission after becoming Hokage. In fact, Anko wasn't the only one. Many of the village's Jonin were away.
The reason was Tsunade becoming Hokage. Naruto had plenty of complaints about that, but