Konoha: Naruto, Taught by Aizen

The group resumed the mission. During this time, Kakashi curiously asked Naruto in a low voice, "Naruto, are you really continuing the mission just because you want to fight strong opponents?"

Naruto shook his head and said softly,

"The Land of Waves is situated in a remote location and will sooner or later be annexed by a larger country. But they haven't given up hope; they've been constantly working hard, hoping to use their own insignificant power to change their country. Possessing such courage, in my opinion, they are worthy of respect. What reason do I have to refuse their request?"

"After all, they are also the kind of people I've always wanted to become. Although my power is small, I also want to change Konoha, to change everyone."

Warm sunlight sprinkled down. In Kakashi's eyes, Naruto's gentle, smiling face was so dazzling.

So much like his own sensei.

Kakashi suddenly felt a sting in his nose. He quickly turned his head and said in a slightly flustered tone, "It's quite good that you think that way."

But inwardly, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion:

"To protect the other party's pride, Naruto used 'fighting strong opponents' as an excuse. Born in the powerful Konoha, he has also inherited Konoha's gentle Will of Fire."

"Naruto is my most outstanding disciple."

Kakashi was very gratified.

Naruto, who had a dark childhood, still maintained his original intentions, steadfastly holding onto the kindness in his heart.

The reason Kakashi had given the decision-making power to Naruto's trio was also because he believed they would choose to continue the mission.

Although the difficulty of the mission might be quite high for them.

But Kakashi was confident that with his own strength, comparable to Kage-level, he could protect them well.

Most importantly, in this mission, he had seen a more mature Naruto.

The mission continued. This time, everyone was much more cautious.

After all, the enemies they might encounter next could be beings surpassing Chunin level.

Considering Kakashi's usual way of doing things, he would definitely stand by and watch.

Throughout the journey, Tazuna stuck closely by Team Kakashi's side.

Sasuke, on the side, though disdainful, would still subconsciously guard Tazuna.

Naruto maintained his smile, walking at the head of the team as if strolling leisurely through a courtyard. He appeared casual and easygoing, but in reality, his entire being was impeccable, without any weaknesses.

This was also something he had learned from his battle with Guy.

Naruto's eyes flickered, a myriad of thoughts racing through his mind.

He looked forward to sparring with a Jonin from another village; this would also allow him to more accurately gauge Konoha's strength.

"The Demon Brothers are dead." Within the forest, two figures shuttled rapidly. One of them was completely wrapped in bandages, carrying an Executioner's Blade on his back that was as tall as an adult.

He was the Jonin Naruto had been longing to meet.

Kirigakure missing-nin, Momochi Zabuza.

"They went to Konoha for reinforcements? Tch, just right for some practice. Haku, I'll go on ahead." Killing intent boiled in Zabuza's eyes. He sped up, disappearing from the sight of the handsome youth behind him.

Since defecting, he had rarely fought against stronger Jonin.

Konoha was, after all, the number one most powerful ninja village; the Jonin there were by no means weak. He hoped they could give him a good fight.

The handsome youth sighed softly, a trace of reluctance in his eyes, but he still quickened his pace and followed Zabuza.

Due to Tazuna's lack of stamina, Naruto and the others rested on the spot for a moment. Smoke curled up from the cooking fire. No one spoke; only the crackling of sparks from the campfire and the pervasive aroma of grilled fish filled the air.

Along the way, Naruto had been constantly thinking.

The entire mission was riddled with suspicious points.

With Konoha's capabilities and the importance they placed on him, there was no reason they couldn't have investigated Tazuna's background.

Yet, they still allowed the squad to accept the mission. All of this was very thought-provoking.

Connecting this to Gato, the wealthy merchant who controlled the Land of Waves' waterways, Naruto felt like he had grasped some key point.

Even as the most powerful ninja village, Konoha's monthly expenses were still enormous.

There was no true altruism among the ninja villages in this world. Coupled with the tense relations between villages, all ninja villages, even Konoha, were constantly accumulating power.

Under such circumstances, small, neutral countries like the Land of Waves were bound to be gradually annexed. And Gato, whose wealth could rival a nation's, was a coveted prize in the eyes of all ninja villages.

Perhaps Konoha wanted to use this opportunity to control Gato's wealth, or perhaps, to give a warning to Kirigakure, which neighbored the Land of Waves.

Naruto looked at Kakashi, just as the latter was also looking at Naruto. Their eyes met.

"Don't worry." Kakashi seemed to sense Naruto's doubts and said softly, "Rest assured, everything is under control."

Looking then at Sasuke and Sakura, both were inevitably a little nervous, especially Sakura, whose hands gripped her kunai so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.

This little lass really is... Naruto chuckled softly, thinking of comforting her, but his expression suddenly changed. "They're here!"

He stood up, looking gravely into the depths of the forest.

Sasuke and Sakura beside him also scrambled to their feet, their faces tense and grave.

"Naruto's sensory abilities are also quite astounding," Kakashi watched quietly from the side, inwardly quite surprised.

He saw Naruto staring intently in one direction.

The Reiatsu within his body spread out like a vast net, seeping into the surrounding air, meticulously mapping out the rapidly approaching presence not far away.

"This movement speed and chakra capacity... it's already Jonin level." An excited glint flashed in Naruto's eyes.

"Be careful, this might be a Jonin," Naruto said with a smile to Sasuke and Sakura.

Tazuna, at the side, looked completely bewildered.

He really couldn't understand Naruto's emotions.

The opponent was clearly a Jonin; why was this boy still smiling?

Just as his words fell, with a sound of parting air, a figure appeared on a large tree branch not far away.

His entire body was wrapped in bandages, even covering half his face. He carried a huge Executioner's Blade on his back, and his forehead bore a Kirigakure forehead protector.

Also a Kirigakure missing-nin.

"Hmph, interesting. This opponent is mine," Sasuke said arrogantly, crossing his arms.

"You should still leave him to your teacher," Tazuna said, hiding behind Sasuke, his legs trembling uncontrollably.

"Hmph, annoying," Sasuke snorted coldly.

"The Copy Ninja, Kakashi?" Zabuza, standing at the treetop, had a wary look in his eyes.

He hadn't expected a simple assassination mission to involve the renowned Copy Ninja.

In terms of strength alone, he really wasn't Kakashi's match.

But this was Kakashi while leading Genin students.

He would need to divert his attention to protect his disciples while fighting him.

How could such a Kakashi possibly defeat him?

Zabuza let out a cold laugh, his voice resonant, "Konoha's famous Copy Ninja Kakashi, the ninja who has copied over a thousand jutsu, a top-tier existence even among Jonin. Looks like this will take some effort."

"What a pain. A Kirigakure missing-nin, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, wielder of the Executioner's Blade, possessing formidable silent killing abilities, Momochi Zabuza. Looks like this mission is quite troublesome," Kakashi said, slapping his head in exasperation.

After the exchange of "business pleasantries," the people on the side looked at each other in confusion.

"I've long wanted to fight you. Now, my wish is finally granted," Zabuza said coldly, a confident look in his eyes.

"You three, step back." Kakashi, with a grave expression, took out a kunai and said in a low voice to Naruto and the others.

"This is a battle between Jonin."

For a moment, the atmosphere was sharp with confrontation; a battle was imminent.