Tazuna.
That was the name of the old man who appeared before Menma and the others at that moment. The mission stemming from his arrival was the beginning of the Land of Waves arc—a journey that, in the original timeline, would lead Team 7 to confront the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Momochi Zabuza.
Logically speaking, such a mission should have been ranked A-level.
Even without knowing about Zabuza's involvement, the fact that there were enemy shinobi should have pushed it to at least B-rank. Unlike small differences between D and C levels, the leap from C to B rank in the ninja mission system represented a serious change—one that separated civilian dangers from shinobi threats.
If other ninja were involved, the mission was automatically ranked B-level or higher.
If not, it remained C-level or below.
Tazuna's offered payment matched that of a typical C-rank escort. He had claimed to be targeted only by bandits and thugs, nothing more. Naturally, the Hidden Leaf Village categorized it as a C-rank mission.
After all, if it truly was just a matter of ordinary gangsters, the problem could have been solved by a small local guard force, or even a team of fresh genin under minimal supervision.
Of course, Konohagakure didn't take every client's word at face value.
Before assigning missions, the administration always performed basic background checks and risk assessments. But these investigations weren't exhaustive—they only confirmed surface details, never delving deep enough to uncover hidden threats or lies.
That's why some employers managed to deceive the system.
If the mission's real danger turned out to exceed the stated level, the assigned ninja team had the right to abort the mission.
It wasn't just about the reward.
The truth was that missions were designed so that the ninja's strength slightly exceeded the mission's expected difficulty. When that balance collapsed—when a task became far more dangerous than estimated—withdrawal was the only reasonable decision.
In the original timeline, Tazuna had been extraordinarily lucky.
He was assigned to Team 7, led by Hatake Kakashi, the Copy Ninja of Konoha.
Had it been any other ordinary chūnin-led genin squad, they wouldn't have stood a chance.
Forget Zabuza—just the Demon Brothers, the pair of Mist-nin assassins who struck first, could have wiped out an entire rookie team with ease.
But in this life…
Let's play along for now and deal with the rest later.
Menma's eyes narrowed faintly, his mind already working several steps ahead.
"I am the great bridge builder of the Land of Waves—Tazuna! You're the ninja assigned to protect me, right?" the old man said, his tone half-proud, half-wary, as he looked at Kakashi and the others seated before him.
At first glance, when his eyes fell on Naruto and Menma, both still looking like young boys, Tazuna's expression tensed. But as his gaze shifted to Kakashi, who stood calmly with his Leaf forehead protector and standard flak jacket, his nerves eased a bit.
As someone who had personally come to Konoha to commission a mission, Tazuna knew at least a little about the ninja ranking system.
He didn't recognize Kakashi by name, but the vest and presence spoke volumes—it meant he was at least a chūnin, possibly higher.
Tazuna had no clue what kind of monsters were actually waiting for him beyond the borders of the Land of Fire.
In his mind, the assassins hired by Gatō, the corrupt shipping magnate controlling his country, were just skilled mercenaries at best. So he comforted himself: A Konoha chūnin should be more than enough protection.
"Hehe! That's right, old man! Don't worry, our Team 7 will protect you no matter what!" Naruto said, thumping his chest proudly with his usual grin.
"Kid, you shouldn't talk so big," Tazuna replied dryly, glancing at Naruto with doubt. "I'll believe it when I hear it from your captain instead."
"What!? What did you say, old man!? Then I'll show you—!" Naruto shouted, ready to argue.
"Enough, Naruto," Kakashi interrupted calmly, raising a hand. "Tazuna-san, don't worry. I'll be leading this mission myself. For a C-rank escort, there won't be any issues."
Kakashi's words were confident yet understated—his tone steady, his face unreadable beneath the mask.
Hearing that, Tazuna's expression softened slightly. He gave a small, respectful bow. "Then I'll be in your care, ninja-sama."
"Good," Kakashi said. "Then let's depart tomorrow morning, at eight o'clock sharp. Please meet us at Konoha's main gate on time. That work for you?"
"No problem at all," Tazuna replied with a smile, before turning and leaving the Mission Hall.
Once the door closed, Kakashi turned to his team, his tone shifting into something more serious.
"All right, you four—go home and prepare. This mission will take at least three to four days. Pack your essential gear and supplies, and don't be late tomorrow. Understood?"
It was the first time Kakashi had addressed them with such firmness.
After all, this would be their first mission outside the village, and even a "simple" C-rank assignment could go wrong in the field. He wanted his team—especially Naruto and Menma—to truly understand the weight of what lay ahead.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!" the team chorused.
Before leaving, Naruto raised his fist toward the Hokage, his voice full of spirit.
"Just watch, Grandpa Third! We'll definitely complete this mission perfectly!"
"Haha, I'll be waiting for your good news," Hiruzen replied warmly, his pipe smoke curling faintly in the air.
Then, almost without meaning to, Hiruzen's gaze drifted toward Menma.
It was brief, subtle—but Menma noticed immediately.
His perception, sharpened by his growing control over the Nine-Tails' chakra and the heightened awareness that came with it, allowed him to sense even the faintest intent directed his way.
No matter how faint, no glance escaped him anymore.
Perhaps there were still many in this world strong enough to defeat or even kill him—but none could sneak up on him.
Hmph… this old man, Menma thought silently. But outwardly, his expression remained calm and composed, following Kakashi's lead as the group exited the building.
With that, Team 7 dispersed—each member heading home to make final preparations for their first journey beyond Konoha's gates.
Tomorrow, their story in the Land of Waves would begin anew.