Chapter 6: Mission
After forming Team 7 with Kakashi, Naruto knew their early missions would mostly be mundane D-rank tasks—pet retrievals, gardening, and errands. Still, he used every spare moment to pester Kakashi about ninjutsu.
Kakashi brought out a chakra nature affinity test paper and confirmed Naruto's base affinity was Wind Release, unchanged even after reincarnation. Kakashi explained that mastering your primary nature was the fastest way to grow stronger, but developing additional affinities was possible—though ten times harder. Naruto, as always, was undeterred. Difficulty only made things more interesting.
Following Kakashi's methods, Naruto started training in Fire and Lightning Release, the former inspired by Sasuke and the latter to enhance his speed and versatility. Using Shadow Clones, Naruto circumvented the natural limitations of chakra fatigue and memory retention—methods later seen in the manga when he trained for the Rasenshuriken. Within a month, he made noticeable progress in both new natures and went to Kakashi for elemental ninjutsu instruction.
Kakashi taught him three entry-level jutsu:
Wind Release: Gale Blade, which generated slicing gusts to impair visibility and movement.
Lightning Release: Static Surge, a current-based technique usable with metal tools to shock opponents.
Fire Release: Flame Burst, a more manageable variant of the Great Fireball Jutsu.
While basic, the effectiveness of ninjutsu depended greatly on the user's chakra control and creativity. In Naruto's hands—especially enhanced by dozens of shadow clones—these jutsu became real weapons.
Though the practice was fast, Naruto demanded mastery, not just memorization. He used clones for constant feedback and rotation to avoid burnout. Still, he found himself frustrated with Team 7's repeated D-rank missions. Capturing pets every day was not what a future Hokage should be doing.
During one such mission debrief, Naruto formally requested a more advanced task. Sasuke agreed, hoping for real combat, and even Sakura backed them. But Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, explained that mission ranks were assigned based on team capability—not impatience.
To make his case, Naruto calmly walked to the office window and released a Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique. The massive flame surged from his mouth and scorched the training field below, a feat that shocked even Hiruzen.
The Hokage puffed his pipe, muttering to himself, "To master a Uchiha-level fire technique in just a month—this boy is a true genius… perhaps even faster than Itachi." Relenting, he assigned them a C-rank mission: escorting the bridge builder Tazuna to the Land of Waves.
That evening, Naruto quickly packed. Unlike the original timeline, he avoided clashing with Tazuna and remained focused. Along the way, he talked amicably with his team—though his nerves kicked in when they passed a puddle on an otherwise dry road.
Recognizing the inconsistency—an early sign of trained observation—Naruto correctly guessed it was a trap. Just as in the manga, two Mist ninja, the Demon Brothers, launched a surprise attack using chained gauntlets. Pretending to be slain, Kakashi disappeared in a cloud of smoke—having used the Substitution Jutsu.
Naruto was momentarily stunned, not yet used to real bloodshed. But instinct kicked in, and he substituted himself away from harm. Sasuke, already exposed to violence from the Uchiha massacre, reacted quicker, flanking the attackers with kunai. The Demon Brothers changed tactics and rushed Tazuna, but Sakura froze in place—just like in canon.
Before they could strike, Kakashi reappeared and swiftly disabled both attackers using precise taijutsu, revealing that he had never been caught.
Upon questioning, Kakashi confirmed that the target was Tazuna—not a typical C-rank mission. He informed the team and the Hokage via messenger bird that the mission warranted a B-rank status and was outside their scope. Sakura, shaken, favored retreat. But Naruto and Sasuke firmly wanted to continue—especially Naruto, who saw it as a rare opportunity for practical experience. When Tazuna confessed he couldn't afford a B-rank team, Team 7 insisted on completing the escort anyway.
Kakashi, moved by their resolve and in line with Konoha's values, agreed. They took a short rest before continuing toward the Land of Waves. Naruto, despite his accelerated growth, still lacked battle-tested composure. Facing Zabuza Momochi, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, would be a brutal trial.
But at least they had Kakashi—the Copy Ninja, wielder of the Sharingan, and one of Konoha's strongest jonin.