Team 7 stood before the Hokage's desk, anticipation and excitement evident in their expressions. Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Ryuga waited eagerly for their first official mission as a team. Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, smiled at their enthusiasm but knew that their first tasks would be far from the thrilling adventures they imagined.
"For your first mission," Minato began, his tone both warm and authoritative, "you'll be helping around the village with various D-rank tasks."
Naruto's face immediately fell. "D-rank missions? Like what?"
Minato chuckled softly. "Catching cats, helping villagers with chores, things like that. It's part of your training to understand the importance of serving the community."
Naruto groaned loudly. "But Dad, that's so boring! We want real missions, something exciting!"
Kakashi, their jounin mentor, stepped forward with his usual nonchalant demeanour, his nose buried in his favourite book. "Naruto, these missions are necessary. They build teamwork and discipline. Every ninja has to start somewhere."
Sasuke, always calm and composed, nodded in agreement. "We have to prove ourselves before we can take on more challenging missions."
Ryuga, standing next to Naruto, gave him a supportive pat on the back. "We'll get to the exciting stuff eventually, Naruto. Let's just do our best for now."
Over the next few days, Team 7 embarked on a variety of D-rank missions around Konoha. They chased after a particularly elusive cat named Tora, who seemed to have a knack for slipping through their fingers at the last moment. They helped an elderly couple with their garden, which turned out to be more challenging than expected due to a particularly aggressive patch of weeds. They even assisted a merchant in organising his shop, which Naruto found exceedingly dull.
"This is so lame," Naruto muttered as he carried a basket of vegetables. "I want to fight bad guys, not do chores."
Kakashi looked up from his book and raised an eyebrow. "Patience, Naruto. The skills you're learning now will be useful in more dangerous situations."
Sakura, ever the voice of reason, added, "Besides, it's good practice for us to work together as a team."
Meanwhile, back at the Hokage's office, Minato sat deep in thought. The situation with Ryuga was proving more complicated than anticipated. With no other new genin teams available, finding a suitable arrangement for Ryuga was challenging. His unique abilities and the mystery surrounding his origins made it difficult to place him with just any team.
Minato rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. "There must be a solution," he muttered to himself.
At that moment, Kakashi entered the office, his ever-present book in hand. "Minato, I think you should just let Ryuga stay with our team for now. He's already working well with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. It would be beneficial for all of them."
Minato looked up, considering Kakashi's suggestion. "Are you sure? I was hoping to find a more permanent arrangement for him."
Kakashi shrugged. "We can reassess later, but for now, it's the best option. Besides, the bond he's forming with Naruto and the others is important."
Minato sighed, nodding slowly. "Alright, I'll keep Ryuga with Team 7 for now. But we need to stay vigilant. There's still much we don't know about his origins and his powers."
Kakashi gave a reassuring smile. "We'll keep an eye on him. Don't worry, Minato."
The next day, Minato called Team 7 into his office. This time, there was an air of anticipation and seriousness that hadn't been present before.
"I have a new mission for you," Minato announced. "It's a C-rank mission that will take you outside the village. You will be escorting a bridge builder back to his home in the Land of Waves. This mission will be more challenging than what you've faced so far."
Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "Finally, something interesting!"
Sasuke smirked, clearly eager for a real challenge. Sakura and Ryuga exchanged glances, both feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Minato continued, "Remember, this mission may have unexpected dangers. Stay alert and work together as a team. Kakashi will be there to guide you."
Kakashi, standing behind the team, gave a lazy wave. "Don't worry, Hokage. We'll handle it."
As Team 7 left the office, Minato watched them go, his thoughts lingering on Ryuga. He hoped this mission would give Ryuga the experience he needed and perhaps reveal more about his mysterious abilities. Little did they know, the Land of Waves mission would mark the beginning of a series of events that would test their strength, their bonds, and their resolve.