The firewood in the bonfire was about to burn out, and the Kakkō were gradually dying down. However, the mushroom soup in the iron pot was already bubbling enticingly, and the delicious aroma stimulated the taste buds, making people unconsciously salivate to relieve their cravings.
Before the steaming iron pot, a small figure held a pair of chopsticks made from tree branches in both hands, silently reciting:
"I'm going to eat." (I'm about to start eating)
Then I picked up a large piece of mushroom and put it in my mouth. The freshly cooked mushroom was delicious, but it was too hot to handle, so I could only chew it a couple of times before swallowing it.
While the small figure sat in front of the fire enjoying his meal, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been watching from behind for a while, put away his pipe before slowly walking out.
" Naruto, it's been a long time!"
Naruto Uzumaki was gasping for breath from the heat, turned around at the sound and saw that familiar figure. He exclaimed with delight:
"It's Grandpa! Long time no see."
Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't wearing the Hokage hat. Although he wasn't deliberately hiding his appearance, the Hokage Rock of the previous Hokage were all carved with their younger selves, and the Third Hokage was no exception. Naruto naturally didn't recognize that this old man who occasionally chatted with him was the Third Hokage who ruled the village.
"Is the old man out for a walk again? If he hasn't eaten yet, would you like some mushroom soup?"
Naruto took out a pair of chopsticks that he had prepared beforehand and handed them to the Third Hokage. In Naruto's mind, the Third Hokage only went out for a walk to relieve his hunger because he was hungry, since he often did the same thing.
Yet this elderly man, who was often hungry, still gave him his meager savings. Although it wasn't much, Konoha's allowance would be delivered to him on time the next morning every time the old man appeared.
However, his appetite has increased recently, and the subsidies provided by Konoha are no longer enough. He still needs to occasionally go into the forest to find some mushrooms, wild fruits, or fish for extra food.
Despite the dangers of the forest, with its many hidden venomous snakes and ferocious beasts, they had no choice but to do so.
"Hehe, little Naruto, Grandpa isn't out for a stroll this time. I have a ninja-specific mission for you."
"Ninja, mission!" Naruto Uzumaki's eyes practically lit up. You see, the most popular game at the Ninja Academy is playing as a ninja. From freshmen to graduating sixth-year students, everyone is enthusiastic about playing as a ninja.
"That's right, it's a mission exclusively for official ninjas, and you even get a reward for it."
The Third Hokage squinted, a kind smile on his face, if one ignored the detail that he was deceiving a child.
"Don't worry, grandpa. Naruto Uzumaki, a full-fledged ninja of Konoha. I'll definitely complete your mission." Naruto patted his chest, oblivious to everyone else, and loudly promised.
"Okay, then I'll entrust the task to you. The details of the task are as follows..."
The Third Hokage leaned close to Naruto's ear and entrusted the excited Naruto Uzumaki with this intelligence mission, which could only be carried out by a formal ninja.
The next morning, Princess Tsunade, who usually slept until noon, was dragged out of bed early by Shizune and reluctantly dressed.
" Lady Tsunade, today is Lord Naoki's first mission. Shouldn't you go and see him off?"
"Oh, Shizune, he's not a child anymore. What's wrong with him carrying out a C-level mission... Okay, I understand."
Despite complaining, Tsunade quickly got dressed and tidied her messy hair in front of the huge full-length mirror.
Then, with the help of Shizune, she washed her face with water and walked out of the room with a bare face, just in time to meet Naoki Senju, who was about to leave.
Guren stood next to Naoki Senju, her face full of envy. For her, staying in Konoha under close surveillance was definitely not as convenient as going out on missions. Most importantly, only by leaving Konoha could she have the opportunity to contact Lord Orochimaru.
" Sister Tsunade, your casino is about to move to Konoha, you'd better hurry up and get the casino operating license."
Tsunade was surprisingly calm, nodding peacefully before giving Naoki Senju a tight hug.
At the same time, he whispered in Naoki Senju's ear, "Be careful, watch out for Danzo."
Both of them knew perfectly well that this mission was both a test by the Third Hokage and an opportunity that Danzo and Root could not afford to miss. Inside Konoha, under Hiruzen Sarutobi's watchful eye, Danzo had no chance to act recklessly, but outside the village it was a different story; outside the village was Root's domain!
"Don't worry, Sister Tsunade. If that old dog Shimura Danzō dares to come, I'll twist his head off and use it as a football."
"You're just showing off. Remember, safety first! In a ninja battle, running away isn't shameful; what's shameful is failing to escape."
Tsunade playfully patted Naoki's chest, but her expression didn't seem angry at all; it was more like she was being affectionate...
"Yes, Konoha Genin Naoki Senju, I will obey Lady Tsunade's orders."
"Pfft~" Tsunade couldn't help but laugh, patted Naoki Senju on the shoulder, and said:
"Alright, let's get going. It wouldn't be good to keep my teammates waiting on our first mission. Bring that little girl named Tenten next time so I can meet her. I never thought that after so many years away from Konoha, Konoha would still be such a young generation who admire me so much."
Tsunade adjusted Naoki Senju's Forehead Protector, then pushed Naoki to the door and waved goodbye.
Naoki Senju turned around and saw Tsunade, Shizune, and Guren standing at the door saying goodbye. Guren's expression seemed a little conflicted and reluctant, probably because she was sad that she had lost someone who could help her keep watch.
At the Konoha Gate, Guy and Rock Lee were doing push-ups side by side, each with one hand, while Tenten was idly spinning a Kunai, counting them as they went.
"367, 368, 369..."
Arriving late, Naoki Senju walked somewhat apologetically to Tenten's side and said, " Tenten, have you been waiting long?"
Upon hearing the heavenly voice, Tenten instantly forgot about counting and was finally free from staring at the watermelon-skinned master and apprentice!
"No, no, we just arrived a little while ago, and Neji hasn't arrived yet either."
"I've been here for a while." Neji, who never smiled, emerged from the nearby grove of trees. Judging from the sweat on his face, he hadn't been idle while waiting.
Every day, inspired by the youthful and passionate duo of Rock Lee and Might Guy, even Neji, a believer in 'destiny,' began to work twice as hard. As Byakugan genius, he couldn't possibly be overtaken by the bottom-ranked student, could he?
However, Naoki Senju really wanted to add, "How about you learn about the ultimate secret of Taijutsu, the Eight Gates Released Formation?"
Filling the plot holes Kishimoto is truly exhausting.