One month.
Thirty days of catching cats, pulling weeds, painting fences, walking dogs, delivering packages, and performing every other menial task the village deemed appropriate for genin. Thirty days of missions that had nothing to do with being a ninja and everything to do with being cheap labor.
Naruto had endured it without complaint—complaint required emotional investment he didn't possess. But he had also been analyzing the situation with his usual clinical detachment, and his analysis had reached a conclusion.
This was inefficient.
D-rank missions provided minimal compensation, negligible experience, and no meaningful challenge. They were, according to his research, intended to build teamwork and acclimate new genin to the mission system. But Team Seven had already demonstrated exceptional teamwork, and the mission system's mechanics were not complex enough to require a month of acclimation.
The only logical explanation for their continued assignment to D-ranks was institutional inertia—the tendency of systems to continue operating as they always had, regardless of whether that operation was optimal.
Naruto intended to disrupt that inertia.
The Hokage's office was busy when he arrived, administrative ninja hurrying through the halls with documents and mission scrolls. The secretary outside Hiruzen's door looked up as he approached, her expression shifting to the familiar blend of concealed disgust and professional neutrality.
"The Hokage is—"
"Available," Naruto finished. "I checked his schedule before coming. He has no appointments for the next three hours."
The secretary's eye twitched. "He may still be busy with—"
"He isn't. I observed the building's chakra signatures before entering. He's alone, reading what appears to be recreational material based on the fluctuations in his emotional state."
The woman stared at him, clearly unsure how to respond to having her gatekeeping so efficiently dismantled.
"I'll announce myself," Naruto said, and walked past her before she could object.
He pushed open the heavy doors to find Hiruzen Sarutobi exactly as predicted—seated behind his desk, pipe in hand, reading a small orange book that he hastily shoved into a drawer as Naruto entered.
"Naruto," the old man said, composing himself with practiced speed. "This is unexpected. Is something wrong?"
"No. I'm here to request a C-rank mission for Team Seven."
Hiruzen's eyebrows rose. "A C-rank? You've only been genin for a month. The standard progression requires at least—"
"The standard progression is inefficient and not applicable to our situation. I'm here to explain why and to request an exception."
The Hokage leaned back in his chair, studying Naruto with an expression that mixed curiosity with wariness. Their last conversation—the confrontation about Minato—still hung between them, an unresolved tension that neither had addressed.
"Very well," Hiruzen said slowly. "Make your case."
Hour One
"The standard genin progression assumes a baseline level of capability," Naruto began, his voice flat and analytical. "D-rank missions are designed to build teamwork and introduce new ninja to the mission system while minimizing risk. However, these assumptions do not apply to Team Seven."
"Oh?" Hiruzen's tone was skeptical but not dismissive. "And why is that?"
"Our team's combat capabilities significantly exceed the genin baseline. I personally have demonstrated the ability to fight on par with a jonin, as Kakashi-sensei can attest. Sakura has developed medical skills beyond typical genin level and possesses above-average chakra control. Satsuki retains the combat instincts and techniques of an Uchiha prodigy despite her... changes."
Hiruzen's expression flickered at the mention of Satsuki's changes, but he didn't interrupt.
"Additionally, our teamwork is already well-established. We train together daily under Kakashi-sensei's supervision. We have developed coordination patterns, communication protocols, and mutual support strategies that exceed what D-rank missions are designed to build."
"Training exercises are not the same as real missions," the Hokage countered. "The stress of actual combat, the unpredictability of real-world situations—these cannot be replicated in a controlled environment."
"Agreed. Which is why we require exposure to those situations through higher-ranked missions. Continuing to perform D-ranks provides no meaningful preparation for the challenges we will eventually face."
Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The mission ranking system exists for good reason. Throwing inexperienced genin into dangerous situations before they're ready has resulted in casualties throughout our village's history."
"I'm not requesting an A-rank or B-rank mission. C-ranks typically involve escort duties or protection against bandits and wildlife—threats that should be well within our capabilities."
"Should be. But mission rankings are estimates, not guarantees. A C-rank can escalate to B-rank or higher if unexpected complications arise."
"Then we will adapt. Our team includes a veteran jonin with decades of experience. If the situation exceeds our capabilities, we retreat and request reinforcement. Standard protocol."
The Hokage was silent for a moment, considering.
"Your arguments are logical," he admitted. "But logic alone doesn't determine mission assignments. There are political considerations, precedents, the expectations of other genin teams—"
"The expectations of other genin teams are irrelevant to our capabilities. Political considerations should be secondary to optimal resource utilization. And precedents exist to be examined and modified when circumstances warrant."
"You sound like a bureaucrat."
"I sound like someone who has analyzed the system and identified its inefficiencies."
Hiruzen almost smiled. "Your father was the same way. Always questioning, always pushing for improvement."
"My father's characteristics are not relevant to this discussion."
The smile faded. "No. I suppose they're not."
Hour Two
The debate continued, each of Hiruzen's objections met with systematic counterarguments.
When the Hokage raised concerns about Naruto's emotional stability affecting mission performance, Naruto pointed out that his lack of emotions was actually an advantage—he couldn't panic, couldn't be provoked, couldn't be manipulated through fear or anger.
When Hiruzen suggested that the girls' obvious devotion to Naruto might compromise their judgment in dangerous situations, Naruto countered that their devotion made them more reliable, not less—they would never abandon their positions or act against the team's interests because their primary motivation was his wellbeing.
When the old man expressed worry about Naruto's tendency to work alone, Naruto presented evidence of his improved teamwork over the past month—specific instances where he had coordinated with his teammates effectively, modified his approach to accommodate their capabilities, and supported rather than superseded their efforts.
Each argument was delivered without emotion, without passion, without any of the persuasive techniques that normally characterized such requests. Naruto simply presented facts, countered objections, and waited for the next challenge.
It was, Hiruzen realized, like debating with a particularly well-informed wall.
"You've clearly prepared for this conversation," the Hokage said finally, a note of resignation entering his voice.
"I anticipated your likely objections and developed responses in advance. Efficiency requires preparation."
"And if I simply refuse? Exercise my authority as Hokage to deny your request regardless of your arguments?"
Naruto considered this. "Then I would accept your decision and return tomorrow to make the same request. And the day after. And the day after that. Until either you relent or provide an objection I cannot counter."
"That sounds like harassment."
"It sounds like persistence in pursuit of a legitimate goal. The distinction is semantic."
Hiruzen stared at him for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, he laughed.
It was a tired laugh, worn around the edges, but genuine.
"You know," the old man said, "I've faced down S-rank criminals, survived three wars, and negotiated treaties with hostile nations. But I don't think any of those experiences have been quite as exhausting as arguing with you."
"I will interpret that as a compliment."
"Please don't." Hiruzen sighed, reaching for a stack of mission scrolls on his desk. "Very well. You've made your case. I'll assign Team Seven a C-rank mission."
Naruto observed the concession without any sense of triumph. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"Don't thank me yet. C-ranks may seem routine, but they can still go wrong." The old man shuffled through the scrolls, selecting one and examining its contents. "This one should be appropriate. An escort mission to the Land of Waves. The client is a bridge builder who needs protection during his journey home and while he completes his construction project."
"What threats are anticipated?"
"Bandits, potentially. The region has been economically depressed, leading to increased criminal activity. The client has requested protection primarily as a precaution—there's no specific intelligence suggesting organized opposition."
"Understood. When do we depart?"
"Tomorrow morning. Report to the main gate at seven AM with your team. I'll have the client meet you there."
Naruto nodded and turned to leave.
"Naruto."
He paused at the door.
"Be careful. I know you don't feel concern or fear, but try to remember that your teammates do. Their lives may depend on decisions you make out there."
"I'm aware of my responsibilities."
"I know you are. That's what worries me."
Naruto didn't respond. He simply walked out, leaving the Hokage alone with his concerns.
The news of the C-rank mission was met with varying reactions from Team Seven.
Kakashi, informed through official channels, expressed cautious approval. His teaching had improved dramatically over the past month, and he recognized that his students needed real challenges to continue growing. A simple escort mission seemed like an appropriate first step.
Sakura was excited, her green eyes bright with anticipation. A real mission, outside the village, with actual objectives and potential dangers. It was everything she had imagined when she decided to become a ninja.
Satsuki was enthusiastic in her typically bubbly way, bouncing on her heels and clapping her hands. "A mission! A real mission! With Naruto-kun!" She immediately began planning what to pack, what techniques to prepare, and how to best position herself to protect Naruto during the journey.
Ino and Hinata, informed by their respective teammates (Sakura had developed the habit of updating them on all Team Seven activities), were less pleased.
"But you'll be gone for weeks!" Ino protested when she arrived at Naruto's apartment that evening. "What are we supposed to do without you?"
"Continue your own training and missions," Naruto replied. "Your development should not be dependent on my presence."
"That's not the point!" Ino's impressive figure heaved with frustration. "The point is that we'll miss you!"
"I will be returning. The separation is temporary."
"But anything could happen out there! What if you get hurt? What if something goes wrong? What if—"
"Ino." Naruto's flat voice cut through her spiraling concerns. "I am capable of handling the anticipated threats of a C-rank mission. Excessive worry is unproductive."
Hinata, standing quietly beside Ino, spoke up. "W-We know you're capable, Naruto-kun. That's not what concerns us. We just... we want to be there. To help. To protect you."
"Your desire to help is noted. However, you are assigned to different teams with different missions. Our separation is an organizational necessity, not a preference."
The two girls exchanged glances—a moment of shared frustration that was becoming increasingly common among the four devoted females.
"Fine," Ino said finally. "But you have to promise to come back safely. And to tell us everything that happens when you return."
"I cannot promise safety—unpredictable variables exist in all missions. But I will provide a detailed debriefing upon my return if that satisfies you."
"It doesn't, but I guess it's better than nothing."
Hinata moved closer, her impressive form brushing against his side. "P-Please be careful, Naruto-kun. We couldn't bear it if something happened to you."
Naruto observed her concern with his usual detachment. "Your emotional investment in my wellbeing is noted and acknowledged. I will take reasonable precautions during the mission."
It wasn't the reassurance they wanted. But it was all he could offer.
Morning came, gray and cool, with mist hanging low over the village streets.
Naruto arrived at the main gate precisely at seven, his supplies sealed in storage scrolls on his forearms. Sakura and Satsuki were already there, having apparently arrived even earlier—their eagerness for the mission evident in their bright eyes and ready stances.
Kakashi appeared moments later, surprising everyone by being on time for the first time in recent memory.
"Don't get used to it," he said, noticing their shocked expressions. "I figured our first C-rank deserved punctuality."
"Sensei is growing," Satsuki said cheerfully. "Soon he might even be early!"
"Let's not get carried away."
They waited for several more minutes before their client arrived—a gray-haired man with a weathered face and a bottle of sake in his hand. He walked with the slightly unsteady gait of someone who had started drinking before breakfast and had no intention of stopping.
"So these are my protectors?" He squinted at them with bloodshot eyes. "A bunch of kids and a guy who looks half asleep?"
"Tazuna-san, I presume," Kakashi said mildly. "I'm Hatake Kakashi, jonin in charge of this escort. These are my genin—Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Satsuki."
Tazuna's gaze moved across them, lingering perhaps a moment too long on Sakura and Satsuki's exaggerated figures before moving on with a grunt.
"Great. The fate of my country rests on kids and a scarecrow." He took a long pull from his bottle. "Well, let's get moving. The sooner we start, the sooner this nightmare is over."
"You seem confident in our abilities," Kakashi observed dryly.
"I'm confident in alcohol. Everything else is a disappointment." Tazuna started walking toward the gate without waiting for a response. "You coming or not?"
Team Seven exchanged glances—Sakura's annoyed, Satsuki's amused, Naruto's as blank as ever—before following their client through the gate and onto the road beyond.
The first few hours of travel passed uneventfully.
The road wound through forests and fields, well-maintained and frequently traveled. Other travelers passed them occasionally—merchants, farmers, the odd ninja moving at speed through the trees. The sun burned off the morning mist, revealing a clear blue sky.
Tazuna walked in sullen silence, drinking steadily from his seemingly bottomless bottle. Sakura and Satsuki flanked Naruto, maintaining their usual protective positions. Kakashi brought up the rear, his orange book in hand, one eye constantly scanning their surroundings despite his apparent inattention.
Naruto observed everything.
The rhythm of Tazuna's footsteps—slightly uneven, suggesting old injuries or habitual intoxication. The tension in the client's shoulders—subtle but present, inconsistent with someone who had hired protection "as a precaution." The way his eyes occasionally darted to the treeline—watchful, wary, as if expecting something to emerge.
Data points. Variables that didn't fit the stated mission parameters.
"Tazuna-san," Naruto said, his flat voice breaking the silence. "You are anticipating threats beyond bandits."
The bridge builder stumbled slightly, his eyes widening before he composed himself. "What? No. I just... it's dangerous out here. Anyone would be nervous."
"Your nervous behaviors are inconsistent with generalized anxiety. You are watching specific angles, suggesting knowledge of likely attack vectors. Your drinking has intensified since we left the village, indicating an attempt to manage acute stress rather than habitual consumption. And your original mission request understated the threat level, which would reduce the cost of hiring protection."
Tazuna's face had gone pale. "I don't know what you're—"
"You lied about the mission parameters to obtain cheaper protection than the situation warranted."
The statement hung in the air, brutal in its simplicity.
Kakashi's book had disappeared, his full attention now on the client. Sakura and Satsuki had tensed, their hands moving toward weapons.
"Well," Kakashi said mildly. "That's a serious accusation. Care to respond, Tazuna-san?"
The bridge builder was silent for a long moment. Then, slowly, his shoulders slumped.
"You're right," he said quietly. "I lied. I didn't have a choice."
"Everyone has choices," Naruto observed. "You chose deception."
"Because the truth would have cost more than my country could afford!" Tazuna's voice cracked with sudden emotion. "Do you have any idea what's happening in Wave? What Gato has done to us?"
"Gato?" Kakashi's eye narrowed. "The shipping magnate?"
"Shipping magnate. Drug lord. Tyrant." Tazuna spat on the ground. "He came to Wave three years ago, bought up all the shipping companies, and now he controls everything—every boat, every trade route, every business. Anyone who opposes him disappears. Anyone who tries to leave without permission is killed."
"And the bridge?" Sakura asked, her earlier annoyance giving way to concern.
"The bridge is our only hope. If we can connect to the mainland, Gato's shipping monopoly becomes worthless. People could trade freely, travel freely, live freely." Tazuna's weathered face was lined with desperation. "But Gato knows that. He's tried to stop construction—sabotage, intimidation, murder. Half my workers have already quit or been killed."
"And now he's sending ninja," Naruto concluded.
Tazuna nodded miserably. "I couldn't afford a B-rank mission. Hell, I could barely afford the C-rank. So I lied about the threat level, hoping the protection would be enough to get me home safely." He looked at them with hollow eyes. "I'm sorry. I know I've put you in danger. But I had no choice. My country had no choice."
Silence fell across the group.
Naruto processed the new information, adjusting his tactical assessments. A C-rank mission that was actually B-rank or higher. Enemy ninja likely en route or already positioned. A client who had deliberately misrepresented the situation.
By standard protocol, they should abort. Return to Konoha, report the mission parameters had changed, and request appropriate reinforcement. That was the safe choice, the procedural choice.
It was also the choice that would leave Wave Country under the control of a tyrant.
"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said. "Your assessment?"
The jonin was quiet for a moment, his single visible eye fixed on Tazuna.
"By the book, we should turn back. This mission is now well beyond C-rank parameters." He paused. "However."
"However?"
"I've heard of Gato. He's known for cruelty, for greed, for destroying lives to build his empire. If Tazuna is telling the truth—and I believe he is—then abandoning this mission means abandoning an entire country to a monster."
"That's an emotional argument, not a tactical one."
"Sometimes emotional arguments are more important." Kakashi turned to look at his students. "This isn't my decision alone. You all have a say. If we continue, we're accepting higher risk than we signed up for. If we turn back, we're safe but we leave Wave to its fate."
Satsuki spoke first, her voice uncharacteristically serious. "I'm not leaving. If there's someone out there hurting innocent people, we should stop them."
"Agreed," Sakura added. "We're ninja. This is what we're supposed to do—protect people who can't protect themselves."
Both girls turned to Naruto, waiting for his response.
He considered the situation from multiple angles.
Tactically, continuing was risky. Enemy ninja were a significant threat, potentially beyond their ability to handle. The smart choice was retreat.
Strategically, however, there were benefits. Real combat experience would accelerate their growth. Defeating Gato's forces would demonstrate their capabilities to the village leadership, potentially leading to better mission assignments in the future. And if they succeeded, they would have an entire country's gratitude—a valuable political resource.
There was also the power consideration Kakashi had mentioned weeks ago. If Naruto could understand what was causing the girls' transformations, he might be able to enhance his own abilities. Extreme situations sometimes revealed hidden variables.
And there was one more factor, one that he couldn't quite categorize.
The girls wanted to continue. They wanted to help Wave Country, to fight for something meaningful. Their devotion to him made them willing to face any danger at his side.
He didn't care about Wave Country. Didn't care about Tazuna or his bridge or the people suffering under Gato's rule.
But he observed that his teammates cared. That their caring was valuable to them. That denying them this opportunity would diminish something important to them, even if he couldn't understand what.
Perhaps this was what Kakashi had meant by acting as if he cared.
"We continue," Naruto said.
Tazuna's eyes went wide with desperate hope. "You mean it? You'll really help us?"
"I will complete the mission I accepted. The parameters have changed, but the objective remains the same—escort you to Wave Country and protect you until the bridge is complete."
"Thank you. Thank you all so much." The bridge builder's voice was thick with emotion. "You don't know what this means to us. What it means to Wave."
"You're right," Naruto acknowledged. "I don't. But it appears to be significant."
Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder—a gesture of approval that Naruto noted without feeling.
"Alright," the jonin said. "If we're doing this, we're doing it smart. Tazuna, tell us everything you know about Gato's forces. Numbers, capabilities, known ninja. The more information we have, the better prepared we can be."
Tazuna nodded, his fear giving way to determination. "I'll tell you everything. And I swear, if we survive this, Wave will never forget what you've done."
"Let's focus on the surviving part first," Kakashi suggested. "We can worry about gratitude later."
The group resumed walking, but the atmosphere had changed. The casual journey of earlier had become something more serious, more purposeful.
They were walking toward danger now.
And Naruto, empty as he was, found himself noting a faint interest in what awaited them.
Not excitement. Not anticipation. Just... interest.
It was perhaps the closest thing to feeling he had experienced in a very long time.