Tazuna.
That was the name of the old man who had just appeared before Menma and the others. The mission stemming from him would lead to the famous Land of Waves arc in the original story, involving the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza Momochi.
By all rights, this should have been an A-rank mission.
Even without knowing that a monster like Zabuza was involved, it should have been graded at least B-rank. Unlike other mission ranks, the difference between C-rank and B-rank in the ninja system was massive!
The dividing line was simple: whether or not enemy ninja were involved.
If yes, it was B-rank or higher. If no, it was C-rank or lower.
The reward Tazuna offered was precisely at the C-rank standard. He claimed he was only being targeted by gangsters and thugs.
Naturally, the Hidden Leaf Village graded the mission as a C-rank.
Mere gangsters and thugs? Forget ninja; even a squad of regular soldiers could sweep them aside easily.
Of course, the village didn't just blindly believe whatever a client said.
They conducted basic background checks.
But note: these were only basic checks.
They verified the client's identity and general situation, but they couldn't possibly investigate every detail with 100% accuracy.
This was why some people managed to cheat the system. But that success was usually short-lived. During the mission, if the difficulty proved to be completely different from the initial assessment, the assigned ninja had the right to abandon the mission.
Reward was one factor.
But more importantly, under normal circumstances, the ninja assigned to a mission were only slightly stronger than the mission's grade required. If the difficulty spiked infinitely, they would naturally lose the ability to complete it.
Abandoning the mission was the correct and logical choice.
In the original story, Tazuna was incredibly lucky.
He ran into Team 7, led by Kakashi!
Otherwise...
If it had been a standard Genin squad led by an ordinary Chūnin, forget Zabuza—even the Demon Brothers would likely have wiped them out.
And in this life...
Let's just take it for now. We'll deal with whatever happens later!
Menma narrowed his eyes slightly, a different thought clearly forming in his mind.
"I am the super-famous bridge builder, Tazuna! Are you the ninja who are supposed to protect me?"
As soon as Tazuna entered, he looked at Kakashi and the four Genin with a scrutinizing gaze.
At first, seeing that Menma and Naruto were just little brats, Tazuna's muscles tensed up instinctively. But a second later, when his gaze shifted to Kakashi, he relaxed.
As a client coming to the Leaf to issue a mission, Tazuna knew the basics of the village system.
He didn't know who Kakashi was, but anyone wearing that standard Leaf flak jacket had to be at least a Chūnin.
Tazuna didn't know exactly how terrifying the people coming to ambush him were.
He assumed they were just ordinary rogue ninja hired by Gatō. A Leaf Chūnin should be enough to protect him!
Tazuna thought silently to himself.
"Hehe! That's right, old man! You don't need to worry at all! Our Team 7 will definitely protect you properly!"
Naruto slapped his chest hard, speaking with great confidence.
"Kids shouldn't talk so big. I think it's more reliable to hear that from your captain!"
Tazuna glanced at Naruto, his tone full of distrust.
"!! What did you say?! I'm gonna..."
Hearing Tazuna's words, Naruto flared up instantly, ready to argue and prove himself.
"Alright, Naruto. Tazuna-san, please rest assured. I will be leading the team. A C-rank mission like this will be no problem at all. You can trust us!"
Kakashi waved his hand, cutting off Naruto. He turned to Tazuna and spoke in a calm, confident tone.
Hearing Kakashi's assurance, Tazuna felt a slight weight in his heart, but as a seasoned old man, he didn't show any emotion on his face. He bowed slightly to Kakashi and said, "Then I'll leave it in your hands, Mr. Ninja!"
"We'll officially depart tomorrow morning. 8 AM sharp. Please meet us at the main gate of the village. Is that acceptable?"
Kakashi stepped forward, took the mission scroll from the clerk, and turned to ask Tazuna.
"Yes, that's fine with me."
Tazuna smiled and nodded, then turned and left the mission hall.
"Alright, you four go back and pack. This mission will take at least three or four days. Prepare your necessary luggage and meet at the main gate tomorrow on time. Understood?"
This was the first time since taking charge of the team that Kakashi had spoken to the four of them with such a serious expression.
After all, this was the team's first time leaving the village. Unlike in his own era of war, Kakashi felt it was necessary for Menma, Naruto, and the others to have a clear understanding of the situation, even if it was just a C-rank mission!
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei (Big Brother Kakashi)!"
Menma and the other three responded in unison.
"Just watch, Grandpa Third! We'll definitely complete this mission smoothly!"
Before leaving...
Naruto, seemingly needing to prove himself, pumped his fist twice and shouted confidently at Hiruzen.
"Heh heh. Then I'll be waiting for your good news!"
Hiruzen chuckled in response.
Then, seemingly inadvertently...
He cast a faint, extra glance at Menma.
Almost no one present noticed it. Except for Menma. With his Mind's Eye of the Kagura maturing and his synchronization with Kurama deepening, Menma could easily detect when someone focused special attention on him!
Even just a trace!
It couldn't escape Menma's senses.
In other words: while there were certainly many people in this world who could defeat or even kill Menma, absolutely no one could sneak attack him!
Unless they were fast to an extreme degree. But even then, while Menma's body might not react in time, his mind would still perceive it!
Hmph. That old fox!
Menma snorted inwardly, but on the surface, he remained as impassive as Kakashi and the others.
Turning around, he followed Kakashi.
Team 7 left the mission hall together, then dispersed to return to their respective homes to prepare for their departure.