While Mamoru teased Naruto, Hiruzen unhurriedly unrolled scrolls at his desk, lifting his pipe for an occasional deep puff and letting gray smoke curl through the air.
After a moment he clamped the pipe between his teeth, lifted an open scroll, and spoke through the faint haze, "Team 8's mission this time is C-rank: bodyguard duty."
"What?!"
The instant the words left Hiruzen's mouth, Naruto sprang from the floor, shouting in protest, "Why do they get a C-rank while we're stuck with D-ranks?"
Kakashi quickly pressed Naruto's messy blond head down, muttering, "Naruto, shut up. You don't question Hokage-sama's decision."
Iruka stood as well, scolding sharply, "Idiot Naruto! Do you know who you're talking to? Even brats have limits!"
At Naruto's rudeness, Hiruzen showed no anger, merely replying calmly, "Naruto, Team 8 has already completed a C-rank mission. Complications pushed its actual difficulty above B-rank, and most importantly, they succeeded."
He took another pull on his pipe and exhaled a perfect smoke ring.
The moment he finished, everyone in Team 7, except the still-stoic Sasuke, gaped in shock. At that instant, they clearly felt the gap between themselves and Team 8.
Kakashi's single visible eye slid toward Mamoru, who was casually draped over Sasuke's shoulder.
He suddenly remembered Guy mentioning, almost off-hand, that he'd taken a student whose strength already rivaled a Jonin. At the time he'd thought it mere fond exaggeration, now it seemed no idle boast.
As a seasoned Jonin, Kakashi knew better than anyone how tough a B-rank mission could be, especially while taking care of Genin.
Fresh graduates from the Ninja Academy could hardly contribute in such a scenario.
But if what Guy said was true and Mamoru really possessed Jonin-level strength, then everything made sense.
Still, a genius emerging from the Uchiha clan was hardly surprising. After all, one had become an Anbu squad captain at thirteen, and that man and the boy before him were brothers.
While Kakashi studied Mamoru, Mamoru met his gaze without flinching.
Kakashi suddenly asked, "So you're Guy's student?"
Mamoru answered crisply, "Pretty sure that's me."
Kakashi said, "Looks like Guy picked a talented disciple."
Mamoru agreed without modesty, "He does have an eye for people."
Then he poked Sasuke's cheek. "This kid's gifted too."
Kakashi nodded. "Yes, he's outstanding."
Sasuke turned his face away, embarrassed.
Ignored off to the side, Naruto refused to be overlooked and pestered Kakashi repeatedly, "Kakashi-sensei, what about me? Am I great too?"
Kakashi sighed in resignation, fudging an answer. "Mm, you're... special. In your own way."
As if he had gained immense satisfaction, Naruto immediately broke into a foolish grin. "Really? Haha, I knew it! No way I'd lose to Sasuke!"
Sasuke muttered, "Idiot."
Sakura said with a look of disdain, "Naruto, you idiot! Don't you know you're making things difficult for Kakashi-sensei?"
"How could I be?"
At this point, Hiruzen, not intending to let their nonsense continue, raised his voice toward the door. "Please come in!"
A few seconds later, the door was slowly pushed open, and a drunken old man appeared wobbling at the entrance. His face was flushed red, he reeked of alcohol, and he squinted his eyes as he surveyed everyone in the room.
"What's this? Why is it just a bunch of brats?"
After speaking with a thick tongue, he raised the sake bottle in his hand and gulped it down. As his Adam's apple bobbed up and down, liquor spilled from the corners of his lips, wetting the front of his clothes.
"Ahhh!"
He exhaled a satisfied alcoholic breath and pointed drunkenly at the group. "Especially the shortest one there, he looks super stupid. You... are you really a ninja?"
As those words fell, Mamoru subconsciously let go of Sasuke, and the two brothers straightened their backs almost simultaneously.
"Ahahaha... who are you talking about?" Naruto laughed foolishly, looking left and right. "The shortest one, the one who looks the most dazed..."
However, his smile gradually froze on his face as he realized everyone around him was looking at him with sympathetic eyes.
"What!?"
Only then did he realize, somewhat belatedly, that he had to look up slightly to see everyone around him. This shocking discovery was hard for him to accept for a moment.
As if to confirm this cruel fact, Sasuke and Sakura moved closer to him in unison. By comparison, he looked exceptionally small.
Mamoru stood behind Naruto, who had to tilt his head back just to see Mamoru's condescending gaze.
When Naruto finally confirmed that he was indeed the shortest one, his entire body seemed to be struck by lightning. He froze on the spot with a blank expression, as if the sky had fallen.
But the next second, he snapped back to his senses and pounced out like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, roaring with flailing limbs, "I am going to kill you!"
Kakashi was quick and nimble, grabbing Naruto by the back of his collar and pulling him back like a kitten. "This is the mission client. What's this about killing him? Are you an idiot?"
He sighed helplessly, the strength in his grip tightening slightly. "Calm down, don't be impulsive."
Then, Kakashi smiled awkwardly at Tazuna. "Sorry, this kid's brain is a bit slow."
Tazuna took another swig of liquor, completely ignoring the farce, and introduced himself, "I am the super-famous bridge builder, Tazuna."
He let out an alcoholic burp, his cloudy eyes scanning the group. "During the time I return to my country to complete the bridge, you must put your lives on the line to protect me properly."
While Tazuna was introducing himself, Mamoru rubbed his chin, lost in thought.
He was weighing the pros and cons of this mission.
Firstly, this mission didn't have to be taken by their team. Although Team 7 would suffer a bit, they should be able to handle it.
Secondly, this old man actually couldn't afford the commission for the mission's true difficulty.
Moreover, Zabuza was no small fry. Even knowing the plot, there was no guarantee that everything would go perfectly.
Finally, and most importantly, Haku is a guy. Who the hell would go for that?
After a moment of silence, Mamoru made a decision. He stepped forward, stopping only when he reached Hinata's side.
He placed his hand gently on her small head and said with a worried expression, "I don't think our team can take this mission for the time being."
He deliberately emphasized his tone. "This child has had problems with her training recently—very serious problems. Not only physically, but also psychologically. If not addressed in time, it might have a serious impact on her future growth."
Mamoru laughed inwardly. By bringing up Hinata, Hiruzen should consider it carefully.
After all, no matter what, Hinata was the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Main Family.
Although Hinata wondered why Mamoru was lying like this, she chose to trust him unconditionally. She stood there silently, her ears turning slightly red.
Hiruzen didn't respond immediately, but turned his gaze toward Kurenai, asking with his eyes if it was true.
Kurenai thought for a few seconds and nodded decisively.
Since the trip to the Land of Grass, although she felt annoyed whenever she saw Mamoru, she still trusted him in her heart. Even though he usually liked to cause trouble and act willfully, he would always restrain himself at critical moments and wouldn't drop the ball for no reason.
Most importantly, the strength he possessed was enough for her to feel safe entrusting her back to him.
Since he wanted to decline this mission, he must have his reasons. It wouldn't be too late to ask for details later.
Hiruzen closed his eyes in thought for a moment, then spoke, "Since Team 8 cannot take this mission, let Team 7 carry it out."
"Eh? Really? Are you really letting us do this mission?" Naruto jumped up in excitement.
Finally, there was a chance for him to show off.
Hiruzen said meaningfully, "Yes, that's right. This is also a test for you. Even if it's a regular escort mission, do not let your guard down. Do you understand?"
"Yes. I will definitely complete it perfectly." Naruto struck a boxer's pose, threw a few punches into the air, and replied confidently.
Mamoru's expression was calm, but he was complaining in his heart. 'Don't get so scared that your legs go soft once you leave the village.'