Chapter 232 - 12

Chapter 12: Let Me Show Off a BitThe next day, at the Konoha Main Gate."You're actually not late today, Kakashi-sensei."When Naruto ran over with his bag, he found that the rest of the team was already waiting there, and even Kakashi was present."After all, I made an appointment with the client; I can't keep him waiting for half a day."Kakashi had his hands in his pockets."You admitted it, didn't you, Kakashi-sensei? You usually be late on purpose!"Sakura caught the loophole in his words and accused him dissatisfiedly.Kakashi glanced at her without refuting: "This is Team 7's first C-rank mission; everyone must take it seriously.""Don't change the subject!""*Cough cough*, you must be the client, Mr. Tazuna?" Kakashi coughed and turned his gaze toward an old man appearing nearby.The newcomer looked to be about sixty years old, wearing a bamboo hat, his hair already gray, and his steps somewhat staggering."That's right, I am the super famous Bridge-building expert Tazuna. Until I return to my country and finish building the bridge, you must protect my safety even if it means risking your lives!"Tazuna walked over, and as soon as he spoke, The Three Little Ones couldn't help but frown."Such a strong smell of alcohol, plus that unsteady gait... This guy didn't get drunk first thing in the morning, did he?"Naruto tilted his head and whispered his speculation to his companions."I think it's very likely!" Sakura nodded in agreement.Sasuke curled his lip: "Is someone like this really a Bridge-building expert?""Hey, hey, hey, I heard everything you said!" Tazunawas very displeased to hear himself being discussed. "Honestly, is this how Konoha treats its clients? These three are clearly just brats; can they really protect me?""I feel like this guy is even more annoying now," Sakura complained in an even lower voice.Sasuke didn't speak, but the chill emanating from him grew as he was underestimated.Naruto spoke up without backing down: "Before complaining, you should at least calculate your own commission fee. This is the standard staffing for a C-rank mission.""That's what I'm saying; Konoha's fees are way too expensive. It costs so much money for three brats." Tazuna rolled his eyes."Where is it expensive? Konoha's rates have been the same for years; don't just talk nonsense with your eyes wide open. Sometimes you should look for the reason within yourself. Since you're a super famous Bridge-building expert, don't you have any savings after all these years? How is it you can only afford a C-rank mission?"Naruto retorted sarcastically.However, to his surprise, the aggressive Tazuna fell silent upon hearing this."Eh?"Naruto was stunned for a moment, not expecting this kind of reaction at all."Naruto, regardless of the circumstances, it's very rude to speak to a client like that. Apologize immediately."Kakashi also realized the atmosphere was off and immediately spoke to defuse it."No need," Tazuna spoke first before Naruto could say anything. "Let's go."After saying that, he ignored the others and walked straight out of the Konoha gate.Watching Tazuna's slightly dejected back, Narutofroze in place.What is this old man doing! Things weren't supposed to go like this!Aren't you supposed to get furious after hearing my deliberate provocation and rush up to try and teach me a lesson?Then I would subdue you with one hand and say coolly, 'Don't worry, with my strength, completing this mission is more than enough.'And then shouldn't you exclaim, 'As expected of a Konoha Ninja,' become my fan, only post missions here from now on, and become a loyal customer of Konoha?Why did you just turn around and leave! I don't accept this!"Naruto, apologize to Mr. Tazuna later."Kakashi patted Naruto's shoulder."You messed up, didn't you, dead last?"Sasuke sneered and walked past him."Actually, I was on your side."Sakura offered a word of comfort and followed them."Why am I being made out to be the big villain!"Naruto's mouth twitched....What happened at the Konoha gate was just a minor episode.The group officially set off on their journey to the Land of Waves, and the atmosphere eased up quite a bit along the way.It was the first time for all The Three Little Ones to leave Konoha, especially Sakura, who turned into a curious child, asking questions non-stop.Although Naruto didn't speak, he silently listened to Kakashi's explanations, summarizing information about the Ninja world.First of all, there are many countries in this world, but the main ones are the Five Great Nations: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Lightning.Aside from small countries like their destination, the Land of Waves, many nations have their own Ninja Villages.Among them, the Villages of the Five Great Nations are collectively known as the Five Great Ninja Villages, and their leaders are called 'Kage'.And the Hokage, Mizukage, Kazekage, Tsuchikage, and Raikage are the 'Five Kage' who stand above all Ninjas."You were doubting Hokage-sama just now, weren't you?"Kakashi's words made The Three Little Ones give awkward smiles.It couldn't be helped; the Third Hokage usually looked like a gentle old grandfather and had even been defeated by Naruto's Sexy Jutsu.In the children's minds, it was truly difficult to associate him with the words'strongest Ninja'.Especially Naruto, who had personally seen the Third Hokage in Sage Mode letting out an 'Ohohohohohoho'."By the way, what are the Ninjas from other Villages like?"Naruto suddenly asked."Why ask that? Don't worry, the enemies for a C-rank mission are at most bandits and ronin; there won't be any Ninja duels."Kakashi thought Naruto was worried about encountering battles between Ninjas, so he spoke up.Tazuna's footsteps faltered, and sweat broke out on his forehead."I don't think that's necessarily true."Naruto turned around and, while speaking, looked at a puddle of water by the roadside.Through the constantly circulating Hamon, Narutocould clearly sense two life energies within the puddle.Judging by the depth and area of the puddle, these two must have used Ninjutsu to hide inside."Oh, it seems you've already noticed."Kakashi also stopped in his tracks.Sasuke also looked at the puddle, a slight smirk playing on his lips; he had clearly discovered something as well."What are you guys mumbling about?"Sakura looked confused, and Tazuna wore the same expression."It's nothing."Naruto smiled at Sakura.Just then, with a splash, two figures burst out from the puddle.The iron chains in their hands clinked as they launched an attack at Naruto: "There's an opening, kid!"These two were wearing cow-patterned bodysuits with black cloaks over them, and their arms were equipped with iron claw gauntlets.Chains with blades attached extended from their gauntlets, connecting the two. Driven by their movement, the chains wrapped toward Naruto's waist.One could imagine that if this hit solidly, Narutowould surely be cut in half."Naruto, watch out!"Sakura let out a scream.Sasuke pulled two Shuriken from his waist but was in no hurry to help.Because after their time together, he knew Naruto's strength well; an attack of this level posed no threat at all.Moreover, Naruto had already sensed the enemies' presence, so it was naturally impossible for him to be easily defeated.However, to everyone's surprise, facing the enemy attack, Naruto actually stood there with his hand on his chin, not dodging or moving.This overconfident behavior instantly made everyone's hearts leap into their throats."What on earth is this guy... doing?"Seeing this, Sasuke also became a bit unsettled, raising his hand, ready to throw his Shuriken at any moment.Just then, Naruto suddenly turned his head, met the panicked gaze of Tazuna, and gave him a thumbs up: "Don't worry, old man, with my strength, completing this mission is more than enough!""Death is at your doorstep, and you're still bragging!"The attackers rushed close, issuing a cold declaration of death.However, as soon as they finished speaking, their eyes widened. In a blur, Naruto's figure disappeared from the spot.Instantly, a trace of panic flashed through their hearts.Especially when they heard Naruto's voice ringing in their ears, their expressions changed drastically."Since the employer is watching, let me show off a bit."In the next second, a highly impactful punch landed on their cheeks.The two attackers had no power to resist; they were sent flying several meters away, hitting the ground hard and rolling several times before stopping."It seems Ninjas from other Villages aren't that big of a deal after all."Naruto turned around leisurely, spreading his hands and smiling at his companions.