At the Hokage's Office.
Kakashi had come to speak with the Third Hokage about arranging a B-rank mission for his team—
but instead, the old man seemed to be dealing with an entirely different kind of trouble.
"Grandpa Hokage!"
"No."
The Third's expression was perfectly blank.
"Ugh, looks like I'll have to use my ultimate technique! This is the jutsu I created myself—it totally deserves to go into the Book of Creation! Please watch carefully!"
"…"
That voice—Naruto?
Kakashi froze for a moment.
He created a technique?
Truly, people should never be judged by appearances…
A bit intrigued, Kakashi slid the door open to see what kind of "original jutsu" Naruto had come up with.
Inside, Naruto was already forming hand seals.
Chakra began to swirl around him.
Wow… that's a lot of chakra, Kakashi thought to himself.
But before he could finish the thought—
Naruto's body suddenly changed shape.
"Grandpa Hokaaage~~!"
"Pffft!"
"Shhh—!"
The Third Hokage toppled backward out of his chair.
Kakashi managed to react in time—covering his eyes to shield himself from the trauma of what he had just witnessed.
A moment later—
"Naruto! Don't show such an idiotic technique in front of the Hokage-sama!"
Thud!
Iruka punched Naruto straight into the floor.
"Hey! How is this idiotic? I knocked Grandpa Hokage down—that proves it's a great jutsu!" Naruto protested, rubbing his head.
"Naruto, that kind of thing doesn't count as ninjutsu innovation."
The Third Hokage sat back up, face stern.
"No way! It's absolutely new—no one's ever used a jutsu like this before! It's innovation!"
Naruto shouted indignantly.
Iruka was about to scold him when he noticed Kakashi approaching.
"That technique of yours is still just the Transformation Technique," Kakashi said flatly. "You only added a stupid twist to it. It's not that others can't do it—they just don't want to."
"Wha—! Who even are you!?" Naruto glared at him.
"kids who haven't graduated yet should step aside and stop interrupting grown-up business with the Hokage."
Kakashi's tone was icy.
Iruka immediately bowed. "My apologies! Naruto's still young—I'll take him in hand properly. Sorry for causing trouble!"
He grabbed the struggling boy and dragged him out of the room.
The door shut.
Kakashi and the Third Hokage both fell silent for a long moment.
Sins upon sins.
If Kushina were still around and saw what her son had become, she'd probably kill them both.
Kakashi's hand twitched as he reached for his pouch.
The lady's definitely going to think I'm the one who corrupted him…
After a few seconds of silent mourning, the Hokage coughed lightly.
"Cough—Kakashi, what brings you here?"
"Ah, yes." Kakashi straightened. "I believe Chiba and his teammates have reached the level suitable for B-rank missions. I'd like to request permission for them to take one."
He forced his mind away from Naruto's "jutsu trauma." The important thing right now was his team.
B-rank missions involved genuine combat with enemy ninja—something new genin teams were never assigned.
However…
After a moment's thought, the Third Hokage said, "Chiba shouldn't have any problems. The main concern is the other two kids—but if you believe they're ready, then I'll approve it."
He signed a document of authorization and handed it over.
Kakashi accepted it—but didn't immediately leave. He looked as if he wanted to say something, hesitating.
Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke.
"Lord Hokage… I'm not sure yet whether I'll be able to take Naruto as my student next year, so please… keep an eye on him. His enthusiasm is good, but that kind of ninjutsu is, uh… a bit much."
"Cough, cough—don't worry. I'll keep a closer watch."
The Third's old face flushed with embarrassment.
Honestly, he hadn't done that kind of thing in many, many years! Naruto's "technique" had nothing to do with him whatsoever!
Fortunately, most people who did know the backstory were no longer in Konoha.
That thought was both comforting—and a little sad.
Kakashi left the office with a complex expression.
Back at the mission hall.
"Wasn't that the kid from the lower classes?" Tenten whispered.
"Naruto. Hardworking and smart—but maybe aiming in the wrong direction," Chiba said with a small laugh.
He didn't know exactly what had happened, but from the way Iruka had dragged Naruto out while scolding him nonstop, it was easy to guess.
So he's already invented the "Sexy Technique"… and used it right in front of the Hokage, huh?
What a pity.
A legendary scene like that—and he wasn't there to witness it!
Chiba sighed regretfully.
"What is it?" Tsukikage Kaza asked softly.
She rarely spoke in public, but she was an observant girl—and she'd clearly noticed the subtle shift in Chiba's mood.
"Nothing. Just a feeling that something really entertaining happened."
No sooner had he spoken than a flicker of chakra flashed through the hall—Kakashi had returned in an instant.
He approached the desk and handed the authorization slip to Hiraga.
The chūnin double-checked it, then, with a conflicted look, pulled out the B-rank mission list for Kakashi to review.
Kakashi patted Chiba on the shoulder.
"Your pick."
"Me? Alright."
Chiba stepped up and skimmed the mission board.
There were plenty of listings—spanning from the Land of Fire to the Land of Hot Water, the Land of Rivers, and others.
Most were requests from smaller nations.
After scanning through, one caught his eye immediately.
"Sensei, let's take this one."
Kakashi glanced at the entry. "Assist in capturing a fugitive from the Land of Iron? Hiraga, what's the story here? Normally missions like this are handled by the ANBU, not posted publicly."
"Lord Kakashi," Hiraga explained, "this one wasn't issued by the Land of Iron's government. It was commissioned privately by the Kiyoda Clan. The client is currently in the village."
"A family commission?" Kakashi frowned.
Tsukikage Kaza spoke up quietly, "The fugitive must be an out-clan samurai who stole a weapon—or maybe a sword technique—from his masters. That would explain the bounty. Still, it's strange the clan is handling it directly instead of the Land of Iron's authorities."
"Probably because the thing stolen isn't something they want made public."
"Most likely," Kakashi agreed. "Anyone capable of escaping from the Kiyoda Clan isn't ordinary. This mission could be dangerous—think it over carefully."
The room went silent.
Chiba looked at Tenten and Tsukikage Kaza—neither spoke. He smiled faintly. "You two decide. I'll support whatever you choose."
"I'm interested in the swordsmanship of the Land of Iron," Tenten whispered. "But… I'm worried this could drag us into something messy."
"Kiyoda Clan," Tsukikage Kaza said simply, her tone firm.
"That's not something you need to worry about," Chiba said. "You're just curious about their swordsmanship, right?"
Both girls nodded.
Chiba turned to Kakashi. "Sensei, what do you think?"
Kakashi gave his trademark half-smile. "As Konoha shinobi, this type of mission technically isn't our jurisdiction. But as someone who once held a certain position… I have other factors to consider. So there's no need to hesitate."
He turned to Hiraga. "We'll meet the client."
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
https://www.patreon.com/Mindsmithstudio