Hokage : My Nine tails are getting more and more

After some discussion, Naruto and his team decided to take on a new mission. On the way to the Hokage office, they encountered Haruno Sakura.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at her arrival. "Sakura-chan, are you sure you're ready for this? Have you even been training properly?"

Sakura confidently stepped forward, grabbing his arm. "Of course! I'm part of the team, after all!"

Naruto shrugged off her grip and replied nonchalantly, "Alright, fine. You can come along. It's just a low-level mission anyway."

Though he seemed indifferent, Naruto had his reasons. He knew Sakura's strength wouldn't grow significantly until she became Tsunade's disciple. However, some real-world experience before that might be beneficial.

The trio soon arrived at the Hokage's office, where missions were typically assigned only to new graduates for their first tasks. This allowed the Hokage to assess the abilities of fresh recruits and identify promising talents early.

As they entered, Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted them warmly. "Ah, Naruto, finally ready to take on a mission?"

Naruto shrugged casually. "I don't have much training to do, but the team could use some experience." He began sifting through a stack of mission scrolls on the desk, much to the Hokage's amusement.

Sarutobi didn't stop him. If Naruto was willing to accept a mission, it was a relief, given his unpredictable nature. His strength was undeniable—anyone capable of outmaneuvering Danzo twice and communicating with the Nine-Tails on equal footing wasn't someone to doubt.

After some consideration, Naruto picked out a scroll and examined it.

Task: Eliminate or drive away bandits in Ruhai Village, Fire Country.

Rank: A-level.

Reward: 750,000 silver taels.

Naruto frowned. "An A-rank mission that might take days for only 750,000 taels? That's barely worth the risk, especially split between us."

Nevertheless, he found the mission amusing. It reminded him of the novels he'd read in his past life, where protagonists often began their journeys by fighting bandits.

Naruto handed the scroll to Sarutobi. The Hokage hesitated. "Naruto, A-rank missions require a Jōnin leader. It's a strict rule."

Naruto scratched his chin. "So, if we can't do this, we're stuck chasing cats and babysitting?"

Sarutobi sighed, realizing Naruto's logic. "Alright, you've already broken tradition once by becoming an Instructor at your age. But I'll assign a Jōnin to accompany you for safety."

Naruto agreed without protest. Soon, an Anbu member summoned Kakashi.

When Kakashi arrived, he looked as disheveled as ever. Sarutobi couldn't help but scold him, "Kakashi, your perpetual laziness sets a bad example."

Kakashi responded lazily, "My bad. I'll work on it."

Sarutobi shook his head. "Kakashi, I need you to accompany Naruto's team on this A-rank mission. It's important."

Kakashi immediately agreed.

---

The team met with the mission client, a rugged middle-aged villager, at a nearby inn. After briefing each other, they decided to set out at noon. Before departure, Kakashi reminded them, "This is an A-rank mission. Be prepared for the possibility of fighting enemy ninjas."

Sasuke's eyes gleamed with excitement—this was his chance to prove his training had paid off. Sakura, on the other hand, looked apprehensive. But seeing Naruto's calm demeanor reassured her, and her fear subsided.

Naruto himself remained unfazed. His simulated training in the past had involved far more gruesome scenarios than this.

After two days of traveling east through the Fire Country, they reached Ruhai Village, a small settlement of about thirty homes.

The villagers, desperate for help, swarmed the team upon their arrival. The village chief, a frail old man, rushed to Kakashi. "Ninja-sama, our children are being taken by these bandits! Half of them are gone already. Please, you must save us!"

Kakashi, with his characteristic deadpan expression, pointed at Naruto. "He's your leader. Speak to him."

The chief blinked in disbelief. A child? He glanced uneasily at Naruto.

Naruto remained composed. "Tell us everything you know about these bandits—their numbers, their leader, their base of operations. The more information, the better our plan."

Reassured by Naruto's professionalism, the chief explained, "They're heavily armed and come from the nearby mountains. They raid us frequently, taking food, livestock, and children."

Naruto nodded. "Understood. We'll rest today and devise a strategy for tomorrow."

---

That evening, the team prepared for the mission. Naruto reviewed the chief's information and worked with Kakashi to finalize their approach.

The following morning, they moved out, guided by one of the villagers to the bandits' hideout in the mountains.

---

The hideout was a sprawling cave system guarded by sentries. Kakashi quickly neutralized one of the guards, allowing the team to sneak in undetected.

Inside, Naruto signaled the team to split up. "Kakashi-sensei, cover the entrance. Sasuke, check the left tunnels. Sakura, stay close to me."

The team moved efficiently. Sasuke encountered a group of bandits and engaged them confidently, his newly learned techniques proving effective.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Sakura stumbled upon the prisoners—terrified children locked in a makeshift cell. Naruto made quick work of the locks while Sakura comforted the children.

Suddenly, reinforcements arrived. Sakura froze momentarily, but Naruto stepped forward, his expression cold.

"Stay back, Sakura. I'll handle this."

Naruto's mastery over his chakra and techniques quickly overwhelmed the bandits. Those who weren't incapacitated fled in terror.

---

By the time they regrouped, the bandits were defeated, and the children were safe. The villagers greeted the team as heroes upon their return.

As they prepared to leave, the chief bowed deeply to Naruto. "Thank you, young ninja. We doubted you at first, but you proved us wrong."

Naruto simply smiled. "Protect your village better next time."

---

On the way back to Konoha, Kakashi couldn't help but comment, "You're shaping up to be a fine leader, Naruto. You handled that mission better than most adults would."

Naruto shrugged, glancing at his team. "It's not about me. It's about the team's growth."

Sasuke smirked. "I can't wait for the next mission."

Sakura, though still shaken, managed a smile. "Maybe I'll train harder before then."

Naruto looked ahead, his determination unwavering. "This is just the beginning."

---

With this mission complete, the young team had taken their first steps toward becoming true ninja, proving that even in the face of doubt, they were more than capable of handling themselves.

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