Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Departure to the Land of Waves
Outside Konoha Village.
Kakashi said, "Mr. Tazuna, we'll be leaving now."
Tazuna replied, "Alright, I'll be counting on you."
An hour earlier, Tazuna had caused a commotion in the Hokage Building, prompting the Third Hokage to personally intervene and resolve the issue. After negotiations, the task of escorting Tazuna back to the Land of Waves was assigned to Team 7, which included Sasuke.
In reality, escort missions are typically C-rank and not usually given to rookies fresh out of the ninja academy. However, Tazuna didn't have much money, and the commission he offered was too low for others to accept, giving Sasuke and his team the opportunity.
As they traveled, Sakura and Naruto were in high spirits, treating the journey like a fun outing. Several days passed without incident. They were still half a day's journey from the coast, but Tazuna seemed unusually solemn, lacking the joy of returning home.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, "Mr. Tazuna, is something bothering you?"
Tazuna hesitated, "It's nothing, just... that loud blonde kid is a bit much."
Something felt off; it seemed like Tazuna was hiding something, prompting Sasuke to remain vigilant. Kakashi noticed Sasuke's awareness and silently praised his attentiveness.
Kakashi, being as perceptive as he was, had already sensed something was amiss with Tazuna, but he was confident in his abilities and remained unfazed.
Naruto, walking ahead with Kakashi to clear the path, didn't hear Tazuna's evasive comment. Otherwise, he would have protested, insisting he wasn't short.
Suddenly, Naruto passed by two puddles, unaware of the lurking danger. Sasuke's eyes widened in realization—those puddles were a transformation technique, and they were being targeted.
With a soft bang, a shadowy figure launched an attack, slicing Kakashi in half with a single strike. Naruto stood frozen in shock, unable to move.
Sakura screamed in terror, "Kakashi-sensei!"
Tazuna fell to the ground, "I knew it... they're here."
Sasuke remained calm, assessing the situation, "A rogue ninja from Kirigakure?"
Meanwhile, Kakashi was observing from the sidelines, evaluating Sasuke and the others' response capabilities. Naruto and Sakura still had a long way to go, but Sasuke impressed him with his composure and leadership qualities.
The rogue ninja from Kirigakure taunted Naruto, "Konoha ninjas are pathetic. Now it's your turn to die!"
Naruto watched the enemy approach, paralyzed by fear. Sakura attempted to throw a kunai to help, but her hands trembled, rendering her powerless.
In a critical moment, Sasuke sprang into action, kicking the enemy away with a swift aerial maneuver, then flipping back to safety.
The rogue ninja snarled, "You dare interfere, brat? You're dead!"
Ignoring the threats, Sasuke deftly manipulated his hands in the air. Shurikens flew towards the enemy, who dodged hastily.
Sasuke smirked coldly, forming hand seals with lightning speed, "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
The rogue ninja was taken aback, "What? He formed seals so quickly—this kid can't be a Genin!"
But it was too late. With a loud explosion, the rogue ninja was severely injured by the blast.
Sasuke seized the opportunity, pinning the enemy down, "Don't move, or you'll die."
The rogue ninja sneered, "Do you have the guts to kill me, kid?"
Sasuke's expression hardened as he drove a kunai into the enemy's arm, "Keep provoking me, and you'll face the consequences."
Feeling Sasuke's lethal intent, the rogue ninja cowered, "Don't kill me! If you do, Zabuza won't spare you!"
At that moment, Kakashi appeared, "Sasuke, leave the interrogation to me. Stay alert and protect the client."
Sakura cried tears of relief, "Kakashi-sensei, you're alive!"
Kakashi scratched his head sheepishly. Sasuke wasn't surprised by Kakashi's reappearance; he knew Kakashi wasn't dead.
After Kakashi left, Sasuke approached Naruto, "Snap out of it, coward."
Naruto blushed, unable to argue, "I... I can't believe I was so scared!"
Sakura comforted him, "Don't worry, Naruto. I was just as scared. Thank you, Sasuke!"
Sasuke nodded slightly, then focused on his new entry: Kirigakure Assassination Technique (Blue).
Kirigakure Assassination Technique (Blue): A powerful assassination technique developed by Kirigakure Village.
"Not bad," Sasuke thought. "System, integrate!"
Soon, Kakashi returned alone, looking serious, "I declare this mission temporarily suspended."
Tazuna sighed but didn't object. Kakashi addressed him, "According to protocol, if a client lies about the mission details, the team can refuse to proceed. I'm sorry, Mr. Tazuna."
Tazuna smiled bitterly. Sasuke stood up, "Abandoning our first mission? As an Uchiha, I can't accept that!"
Sasuke also had personal reasons. He envied the "Demon" entry and wanted to merge entries to grow stronger and eventually avenge Itachi.
Naruto clenched his fists, "I want to continue too. I need to prove I'm not a coward!"
Sakura, initially relieved by the mission's suspension, now felt compelled to support Sasuke and Naruto, "I... support Sasuke's decision."
Kakashi smiled wryly, proud of his fearless subordinates. Tazuna was deeply moved.
Kakashi urged, "Mr. Tazuna, for my team's safety, please tell us the truth."
Tazuna confessed that he planned to build a bridge to free his country from the grip of the corrupt businessman Gato. Enraged, Gato hired rogue ninjas to assassinate Tazuna.
Sasuke pondered, "Gato won't give up. He'll send more assassins."
Kakashi added, "Yes, Zabuza is likely to come."
Naruto was determined, "Bring it on! I won't be a burden this time!"
Kakashi advised, "Mr. Tazuna, Naruto, and Sakura, stay close if Zabuza attacks."
He turned to Sasuke, "Be careful. Zabuza is a renowned Jonin, not to be underestimated."
Sasuke felt a warmth in his heart and nodded, "I understand, Kakashi-sensei."
Three hours later, they safely crossed the strait. As they landed, Naruto clutched his stomach, "I'm starving, Kakashi-sensei. Can we take a break?"
Kakashi sighed. Just then, Sakura noticed, "Why is it foggy?"
Tazuna was puzzled, "There shouldn't be fog now."
Sasuke sensed danger, "Be careful, we're not alone."
Kakashi nodded, impressed by Sasuke's keen insight. Almost simultaneously, Zabuza's deep voice echoed, "Konoha has fallen, only two of you are worth anything..."