The next day, the Third Hokage assigned another mission to Itsuki.
This time, he wouldn't be the captain—Tenzo was in charge.
That alone was enough for Itsuki to realize: the Wave Country mission was about to begin.
Sure enough, in the Third Hokage's explanation, both Tenzo and Itsuki were ordered to hide in the shadows, follow behind Team 7 led by Kakashi, and ensure Naruto's safety.
This was Naruto's first mission outside the village since becoming a genin, and the Third was not at ease.
Itsuki was more capable than Tenzo, but Tenzo was more experienced.
With both working together, nothing should go wrong. And with Kakashi leading Team 7, there was even more security.
"I was actually planning to spend some time today helping you build your house!" Tenzo scratched the back of his head. "But hey, this is our first mission together—it's kind of exciting."
Itsuki smiled. "Don't worry about the house, Teacher Tenzo. There's no rush."
After eating at Kurenai Yuhi's house yesterday, Itsuki returned home to find all his belongings moved into the west yard, where he spent the night.
Tenzo had already demolished the main courtyard, laid the foundation, and even built part of the new structure according to the drawings.
Itsuki had designed a three-story villa with a mix of postmodern Western style. He didn't like traditional designs much.
But Tenzo, no matter how many times he was persuaded, always did things his own way—and enjoyed it.
This time too, Tenzo ignored the subject and switched topics:
"The destination is the Land of Waves. Team 7's mission is to escort a bridge builder named Tazuna home and guard him until the bridge is finished."
"The mission might take a while, but the Land of Waves doesn't have shinobi. Even if there's conflict, it'll only be with ordinary people. It won't be difficult."
"What we need to focus on is Naruto. Keep an eye on him, prevent emotional outbursts, and if necessary, use force to stop him. Of course, you don't need to worry too much with me here. My Wood Release isn't as good as yours, but it's more than enough to keep Naruto under control at this stage."
The Third had already explained the concept of a Jinchūriki to Itsuki and revealed Naruto's identity as the Nine-Tails' host.
After all, Itsuki was being trained to act as a shackle for the Nine-Tails.
"I understand," Itsuki said with a nod.
He was very familiar with the Wave Country mission.
At this point, there shouldn't be any butterfly effects that would disrupt the original events.
The only difference now was Sakura being part of the Itsuki harem chat group.
Unfortunately, she hadn't gained anything from it yet.
At best, her personality had grown a little more stable, but the overall story hadn't changed.
The journey from Konoha to the Land of Waves normally took two days at their pace, slowed by old man Tazuna, who was just an ordinary person.
A shinobi at full speed could cover the distance in half a day.
Itsuki wanted to head to Sasaki Castle and use that time difference to his advantage.
But he couldn't exactly tell Tenzo that.
So when Tenzo wasn't looking, Itsuki quietly left a Wood Release clone behind, while his real body slipped away.
[Haruno Sakura: Great! We've got a C-rank mission! We finally get to leave the village!]
[Hyuga Hinata: Congratulations, Sakura.]
[Yamanaka Ino: Don't get too excited. Try not to drag your teammates down.]
[Haruno Sakura: Tsk, we're just protecting some cranky old man. They say there aren't even any shinobi in the Land of Waves. There's no danger at all. It's basically a trip.]
[Tenten: The Land of Waves is pretty far. You won't be back for days.]
[Yamanaka Ino: Don't underestimate things. Remember our last mission? Looked easy at first, then turned into a mess. Be careful.]
[Haruno Sakura: There's no way something like that will happen again. But speaking of which, back on your missions, wasn't Itsuki always with you guys? And with Tenten too? So… maybe he's following us now?]
[Yamanaka Ino: You're overthinking it. That was just coincidence. Besides, why would Itsuki protect you? You don't even have a group level!]
[Uzumaki Karin: I… I don't have one either. T_T]
[Tenten: Don't worry, Karin. Just wait for Itsuki to come to you next time. Be good and he'll notice you.]
[Yamanaka Ino: Exactly. Unlike a certain big-foreheaded idiot who talks about quitting the group while shamelessly trying to get benefits here. Life doesn't work like that.]
[Haruno Sakura: Hey! I was just talking! I'm not really quitting! And I know Itsuki is following us this time. My proof? @Uzumaki Karin.]
[Uzumaki Karin: ??? What does that mean?]
[Haruno Sakura: You're almost done with your ninjutsu training, right? So Itsuki should be visiting you soon. But he left the village already. Why? Obviously because he accepted a mission—to protect me!]
[Tenten: Perfect logic.]
[Yamanaka Ino: Bullshit!]
[Uzumaki Karin: Itsuki-kun is coming? Really? That's amazing! No—my Diamond Seal isn't ready yet! I need to keep working hard!]
[Haruno Sakura: Ino, you're just jealous! And let me tell you, this mission isn't just a few days. It's going to take over a month.]
[Haruno Sakura: With that much time together, anything could happen. By the time I get back, I might have the highest group level!]
[Yamanaka Ino: Why not say you'll come back with a kid already? You didn't even consider whether Itsuki likes you. Idiot!]
[Haruno Sakura: !!! Shut up!]
[Tenten: A C-rank mission lasting over a month? That's just a waste.]
[Yamanaka Ino: Right? Our mission only took half a day, even with danger.]
[Haruno Sakura: Can't help it. We have to guard this bridge builder until he finishes the bridge. If it wasn't for Naruto insisting, we'd still be on D-rank errands.]
[Tenten: So when you get back from the Land of Waves, the Chunin Exams will almost be over.]
[Yamanaka Ino: The Chunin Exams? You mentioned that when you delivered the letter to Kusagakure. Tell us more!]
[Tenten: The Chunin Exams are how genin advance to chunin. If you pass, you get promoted. Our team is also joining.]
[Tenten: Usually the exams are held twice a year in Konoha. But this time, it's different—it's a joint exam across multiple villages. There'll be way more participants, and the difficulty will skyrocket.]
…
Itsuki glanced at the chat group and realized Sakura had guessed most of it right.
He really was following Team 7 from behind—but in truth, he was already on his way toward Karin's location.
Too bad his mission was to protect Naruto, not Sakura.
And yet, Sakura still felt so damn good about herself.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Konoha Harem Chat Group: I Can Fabricate the Future (Completed) is now on Patreon!
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