88: Chapter 88 Determination! The Continuing MissionKakashi paused for a moment, then turned his gaze to Naruto, his tone softening slightly: "Naruto, you reacted very well this time, you protected yourself."
However, remember that when you have relatively sufficient strength and the situation is under control, you can try to obtain more useful intelligence rather than blindly and quickly defeating an unknown opponent.
Intelligence is often key to mission success; we should pay more attention to this next time.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto nodded earnestly, keeping those words firmly in mind.
Then, Kakashi's gaze once again sharply locked onto Tazuna, and the invisible pressure made Tazuna involuntarily take a step back.
"Alright, Mr.Tazner, now it's your turn to explain."
Kakashi's voice was like ice water being poured over you, "You didn't inform us, the client, beforehand that there would be enemy ninjas attacking you during the mission!"
The request you submitted is simply to protect you from 'thieves and armed groups such as organized crime,' which falls under the standard C-level mission category!
Kakashi stepped forward, staring intently at Tazuna: "But the situation is completely different now!"
There are hostile ninjas, and they're Chunin from Kirigakure, specifically targeting you for assassination!This means the mission's risk level has jumped to B or higher!
Our mission is to protect you until the bridge is completed.Being exposed to the threat of hostile ninjas for such a long time will definitely be classified as a high-value B-rank mission!
He looked at Tazna's flickering eyes and pale face, his tone icy and all-knowing:
"I know you may have some unspeakable difficulties, but if you continue to hide the truth from us and refuse to tell us the facts, it will not only be a sign of distrust towards us, but it will also put us all in great and unknown danger!"
This will greatly trouble us and may prevent us from truly and effectively protecting you!
Kakashi's words struck Sakura's heart like a heavy hammer.
She recalled the fear of death she had felt just moments before, and her body was still trembling slightly.
She immediately stepped forward, her voice filled with fear and anger: "Kakashi-sensei is right!Mr.Tazuna, you have deceived us!"
This situation is far too dangerous for us!We're just newly graduated genin!
I think.we should abandon this mission!Let's go back to Konoha now!This isn't our responsibility!
Kakashi deliberately echoed loudly, but his eyes were fixed on Tazuna's reaction:
"Yes.To protect a client who was concealing the truth, he unwittingly lost his life in a mission that only paid a C-level reward."
"This is so unfair!Let's go!"
"don't want--!"
Before Kakashi could finish saying "Go," Naruto's resolute and powerful roar instantly drowned out all other sounds!
Everyone looked at Naruto in surprise.
He clenched his fists, his blue eyes burning with unwavering determination, meeting Kakashi's gaze without flinching, and also looking at the astonished Tazuna and Sakura.
"Kakashi-sensei!Sakura!We.can't go back!" Naruto's voice was strong and clear.
Naruto's earth-shattering "No!" sent a jolt through Kakashi and Sakura.
A rare hint of approval appeared on Sasuke's cold face.
"This is our first real mission since we left the village!"
Naruto straightened his back, his blue eyes burning with an unwavering determination."I don't know what price I'll have to pay, what difficulties I'll have to endure to become the kind of 'Kage who surpasses all other ninjas' that Kakashi-sensei spoke of!But—"
He took a deep breath, his voice as firm as a rock, "I know that if I give up so easily because of this small setback or some unknown danger."
He glanced around at his companions, his gaze sweeping over Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke, before finally settling on Tazuna: "It's absolutely, absolutely impossible for him to achieve his dream!"
His smile returned, dispelling the tense atmosphere: "So!Mission continues!"
"Good lad!"
Tazuna was the first to jump up excitedly, patting Naruto on the back with a broad, approving smile."I knew I hadn't misjudged you!You're definitely Hokage material!You've got guts!You've got guts!"
Tazuna selectively forgot that just a few minutes ago he was mocking Naruto, saying he could never become Hokage.
Sasuke crossed his arms, his deep voice carrying the coldness and decisiveness characteristic of the Uchiha clan:
"That's right!If I have to shrink back from even this little setback.when will I ever gain enough power to avenge my people?"
He looked at Kakashi, his eyes resolute: "I also support continuing the mission."
Sakura's lips twitched first, and she mentally cursed Tazuna: 'When did you say you thought Naruto was good?You were just calling him the shortest and dumbest, okay?'
But when she heard Sasuke also express his determination to continue the mission, and the heavy resolve in his words made her heart tremble, she immediately and without hesitation stood beside Sasuke and said loudly:
"Me too!Wherever Sasuke goes, I'll go!"
Kakashi: "."
His lips and eyes twitched a few times beneath his mask, and he inwardly groaned: 'Idiots!Three hot-blooded idiots!'
I said I was abandoning the mission to put pressure on Tazuna, to force him to reveal the hidden truth and the real threat!With you all making such a scene, how can he possibly tell the truth?
But seeing the burning fighting spirit in the eyes of the three students and the silent bond that formed between their comrades, Kakashi felt a long-lost surge of warmth.
Well.the atmosphere is already this tense, forcing me to ask any more questions would seem unreasonable.
He sighed helplessly, but his resolve to protect them only grew stronger.
'Never mind.With me here, I will never let anyone truly harm my studies.'Life.The truth.will always come to light.
"All right..."
Kakashi drew out his words, his languid voice returning, yet carrying an undeniable authority, "Since you all agree to continue the mission, then, Team Seven."
His gaze swept over everyone."Continue the mission!Target—the Land of Waves!"
"Ooooooooooo!"
Naruto was the first to cheer, excitedly waving his fist.
Sasuke's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.
Sakura also showed a relieved smile.
Only Tazuna, amidst the cheers of the crowd, secretly wiped away a bead of cold sweat, a complex worry hidden deep in his eyes.
The setting sun cast long shadows of them, and the sea breeze carried a salty, fishy smell.
Naruto ran excitedly at the front, his orange figure standing out in the afterglow, as if he could really dispel all the gloom.
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