The next day, Naruto received his first real mission as a member of the Akatsuki. Konan handed him a sealed scroll, her cold eyes staring at the young boy.
"Listen carefully, Naruto. Your mission is simple: infiltrate a guard post in Iwa and bring us information. If you fail, you won't come back."
Naruto grabbed the scroll without hesitation. "I will succeed. No matter what it takes."
Obito accompanied him in the shadows, but said nothing. He was no kind master... he wanted to test whether Naruto was worthy of surviving on his own.
Infiltration
Night covered the mountains of Iwa. Naruto, hidden beneath a black cloak, advanced silently. His heart pounded. This was his first real mission... his first step as a shadow member of the Akatsuki.
Two guards were talking at the entrance to the station. "Have you heard about that kid from Konoha? The one with Kurama inside him…" "Yeah. A monster. If it were me, I would have eliminated him long ago."
These words plunged a blade into Naruto's heart. His fists trembled. But instead of giving in to rage, he took a deep breath. "Not now… I have to stay focused."
He used a kage bunshin to get the guards' attention. As they pursued the clone, Naruto slipped into the shadows and entered.
Cruelty Awakened
Inside, he found the plans he was looking for: a map of Iwa's defenses. But just as he was about to leave, a young Iwa ninja surprised him.
"Who are you?!"
Naruto pinned him against the wall, his kunai at his throat. The boy was no more than 15 years old, perhaps even younger than him.
For a moment, Naruto hesitated. This was his chance to prove his loyalty… but also a test.
Kurama growled in his mind, "If you hesitate, you will die. Show them you are no longer the rejected child."
Naruto's eyes turned red, his fangs lengthened. With a roar, he struck down the ninja and disappeared into the night with the scrolls.
The Return
Back at the hideout, Naruto threw the documents at Konan and Obito's feet. "Mission accomplished."
Konan looked at his hands, still stained with blood. "He killed without hesitation…"
Obito replied in a low voice, "No. He hesitated. But he chose to move forward. And that's what matters."
Naruto looked away, his expression closed. Yet deep inside him, a dull ache persisted. He had just crossed a line he could never erase.