The First Outing Mission! (Ask for Flowers!)
After resolving Namikaze Minato's situation, Kaito exited the group chat and turned his attention to Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo, who were still restrained by Wood Style. With a clap of his hands, Kaito dispelled the technique, releasing them.
To restore the destruction caused during the battle, Kaito performed Earth Style: Earth Flow Wave, seamlessly repairing the damaged street. However, in the process, Hiruzen's arm became trapped beneath the reformed earth.
Hiruzen's eyes flickered with anger, but he held back, aware that any retaliation would be unwise. With no other choice, he and Danzo left in silence.
Once they were gone, Kaito exchanged a few words with Minato before both disappeared in a flicker, returning to their respective homes.
Upon arrival, Kaito dropped the Transformation Jutsu, collapsed onto his bed, and drifted into sleep. He slept soundly until morning, awakening refreshed.
After stretching, he got up and washed up before grabbing a quick breakfast. With that done, he stepped out to meet his team, ready for whatever mission awaited him today.
As soon as he arrived at the team meeting point, Kaito saw Naruto pestering Kakashi.
"Kakashi-sensei, isn't it boring to do these D-rank missions every day?" Naruto complained, crossing his arms.
"When are we going to do real missions outside the village? You know, like protecting a princess or defeating bad guys!"
Naruto was as energetic as ever, jumping around while making his case. Thinking back to what happened yesterday, he hadn't suffered much, so he had probably already forgotten about it.
"Morning, Kakashi-sensei! Morning, Naruto!"
Kaito greeted them as he approached, then casually found a spot to watch the scene unfold.
"With your current strength, leaving the village is too dangerous," Kakashi replied, not even looking up from his book.
He was about to lead the team to accept another D-rank mission when a voice interrupted him.
"Kakashi, I think Naruto has a point. They won't grow if they're stuck doing errands in the village forever."
Naruto's face lit up as he turned toward the newcomer.
"Teacher! You're here!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Kakashi turned around quickly, his lone eye widening slightly in surprise. Standing before him was none other than Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage.
"Kakashi, it's been a while," Minato said with a warm smile. "You've grown so much. Time really does fly."
Looking at Kakashi, who was now nearly as tall as himself, Minato couldn't help but reflect on the past. It felt like just yesterday that he had taken Kakashi under his wing as a ten-year-old prodigy in the Anbu.
Hearing his sensei's words, Kakashi scratched the back of his head and offered a rare, sheepish smile.
"Yeah… And now, it's my turn to guide my own team," he said, glancing toward Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. "But Sensei, are you really sure about this? Taking them outside the village for a mission so soon…?"
Despite his usual nonchalant demeanor, Kakashi harbored some concern. If something went wrong and Naruto got hurt, how could he face Minato and Kushina?
Minato's expression softened. "They can't grow strong if they're kept in a safe little greenhouse forever. They need real experiences."
Kakashi pondered this for a moment before nodding in understanding. "Alright, I'll take them out for their first mission beyond the village." His visible eye curved into a slight grin. "When I get back, let's have a drink together."
Minato chuckled. "I'll be waiting for that."
After a brief conversation, Minato's presence faded. It had been nothing more than a vision—a lingering impression of his late sensei's will. Kakashi exhaled, pushing aside his emotions, and refocused on the task at hand.
With his team in tow, Kakashi made his way to the Hokage's office.
Inside, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat behind his desk, engaged in conversation with an elder shinobi. As Kakashi entered, the aged Hokage glanced up, his eyes briefly settling on Naruto before he forced a smile.
"Kakashi, here for a mission?" Hiruzen asked.
"Yes, Lord Third," Kakashi replied, maintaining a polite but neutral tone. "I'd like to take my team outside the village for their first real mission. It's time for them to gain some field experience."
Kakashi didn't mention Minato. He was well aware of the complicated history between his late sensei and the Third Hokage. Bringing it up would serve no purpose.
The Third Hokage nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Very well. I'll approve the mission. Be cautious."
Kakashi inclined his head respectfully. "Of course."
With that, he led Team 7 out, ready to test them beyond the safety of Konoha's walls.
"Heading out for training? Well, just in time—this is Tazuna. He came to request an escort mission. You should accompany him."
As soon as the Third Hokage finished speaking, Naruto muttered, "What? We're escorting an old man? Why not escort a princess instead?"
At first, Tazuna felt like the Hokage was just brushing him off, but upon hearing Naruto's words, he immediately lost his temper.
"What? These little brats are supposed to escort me? Especially that short, loudmouthed, yellow-haired kid—he looks completely unreliable!"
Naruto initially laughed at the comment, but then he realized something. Among the group, he was the only one with yellow hair… and the shortest.
"Ha! A short, yellow-haired loudmouth? Wait, who are you calling short?! You wanna die, old man?!"
Before Naruto could charge forward, Kakashi grabbed him by the back of his collar, lifted him effortlessly, and tossed him behind him.
"Idiot, that's our client. You wanna kill our client?" Kakashi said with a sigh.
Seeing Naruto restrained, Tazuna grew bolder and scoffed, "Hmph! No way am I trusting my life to that kid!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly at Tazuna's complaints and replied, "This is the only available team at the moment. Besides, Kakashi is a Jōnin—more than qualified for this mission."
Noticing the Hokage's displeased expression, Tazuna hesitated before reluctantly nodding in agreement.