A month later.
In Konoha's great Forest, a small black shadow leaped out of the undergrowth ahead, only for a hand radiating cool-guy confidence to catch it and hold it dangling in midair.
"Target captured by Sasuke-kun. Mission complete," Hinata promptly reported to their "commander," watching every movement around them with her Byakugan.
"All right! Another grueling mission completed. Thanks for your hard work, everyone!"
Naruto, who had somehow produced a pair of sunglasses and put them on, slapped his thigh and applauded Sasuke and Hinata from the sidelines.
"...Why do I feel like our missions have become completely pointless ever since you got promoted to chunin?"
Holding the cat in one hand with his other hand in his pocket, Sasuke walked over and gave the clowning Naruto a speechless look.
"Huh? Do you, a genin, have a problem with me, your chunin superior? Subordinates aren't allowed to question their superiors, understand?"
Naruto looked positively smug, then deliberately tugged at the green vest he had made a point of wearing over his clothes today.
It was a Ninja vest issued specifically to Konoha Ninja ranked chunin and above. It offered a certain amount of protection—better than nothing—and marked him as someone above a genin.
"..."
Sasuke said nothing, quietly watching Naruto put on airs. Then he suddenly loosened his grip, and the frightened cat regained its freedom and darted back into the Forest.
"Hey! What are you doing?!"
"Honorable chunin, I'm only a genin. My inadequate abilities allowed the target to escape. Please complete the mission yourself, as our chunin captain."
"You did that on purpose!"
Naruto ground his teeth at Sasuke's cocky attitude and rolled up his sleeves...
Ready to dive into the Forest and catch the cat.
After all, if they failed the mission, that middle-aged woman who