Naruto: Bonds Unbroken

The streets of Konoha bustled with life as merchants set up their stalls, shinobi moved swiftly to their assignments, and children ran through the village laughing. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura made their way toward the Hokage Tower, summoned for an important meeting.

Sasuke walked slightly ahead, his hands in his pockets, deep in thought. Though he had found a home with the Namikaze family, the weight of his clan's massacre still lingered in his mind. Naruto, on the other hand, was beaming with excitement.

"Do you think it's an S-rank mission? Maybe we have to take down a rogue ninja!" Naruto exclaimed, fists clenched in anticipation.

Sakura sighed. "Naruto, we're still Genin. It's probably another D-rank mission—picking weeds or helping an old man with groceries."

Sasuke scoffed. "Whatever it is, let's just get it over with."

As they entered the Hokage's office, they found Minato sitting behind his desk, reviewing mission scrolls. Kakashi stood beside him, his signature book in hand, while Kushina leaned against the wall with a knowing smirk.

"You're here," Minato said, setting down the scroll. His gaze was calm, but there was a hint of seriousness in his voice. "Team Seven, you've completed enough D-rank missions. It's time to test your abilities in a C-rank mission."

Naruto pumped his fist. "Finally! No more boring chores!"

Kakashi cleared his throat. "Don't celebrate too soon, Naruto. This mission will take you beyond the village."

Minato nodded, his expression firm. "Your task is to escort a bridge builder, Tazuna, back to the Land of Waves and ensure his safety until his bridge is complete."

A drunken-looking old man stepped forward. He took a swig from his bottle before eyeing the young shinobi skeptically. "You sure these brats can protect me? They don't look like much."

Naruto bristled. "Hey, old man, don't underestimate us! I'll be Hokage one day!"

Tazuna snorted. "Sure, kid. Whatever you say."

Sasuke crossed his arms. "Let's just get this over with."

Minato exchanged a glance with Kakashi. Something about this mission didn't sit right with him, but he chose not to voice his concern. He trusted Kakashi to handle anything unexpected.

"Prepare yourselves," Minato instructed. "You leave at dawn."

---

The next morning, the team gathered at Konoha's gates. The air was crisp, the sky painted in soft hues of orange and pink as the sun began to rise. Naruto, brimming with excitement, adjusted his headband, while Sakura made a checklist to ensure they had everything they needed.

Sasuke, however, remained silent, his gaze lingering on the village behind him. This was his first time leaving Konoha for an extended mission, and though he didn't say it aloud, he felt a sense of unease.

Kushina arrived just before they left, ruffling Naruto's hair. "Be careful out there, brat." She then turned to Sasuke, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Watch over Naruto, okay?"

Sasuke simply nodded.

Minato approached Kakashi. "If anything feels off, don't hesitate to retreat. Something tells me this mission isn't as simple as it seems."

Kakashi gave a lazy salute. "Understood, Hokage-sama."

With that, Team Seven set off, their journey to the Land of Waves officially beginning.

---

Hours into their journey, the forested path was peaceful. Birds chirped in the distance, and the cool breeze rustled the leaves. Naruto yawned. "This is boring! Where's the action?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Be careful what you wish for, dobe."

Just then, Kakashi's eye sharpened. His foot barely hesitated as they passed a small puddle on the road—an unusual sight considering the clear skies.

Sakura, unaware, continued walking. "Sensei, when do we get to—"

Before she could finish, two figures erupted from the puddle, chains whipping forward.

"Too late!" one of the masked shinobi sneered as they lunged toward Kakashi. The chains wrapped around him, tearing his body apart in an instant.

"N-NO WAY!" Naruto yelled, frozen in shock.

Sakura gasped, while Sasuke's eyes widened in alarm. But Kakashi's voice cut through the moment.

"Too slow."

In the blink of an eye, Kakashi appeared behind the enemy ninja, his blade resting against one of their necks. The Kakashi that had been "killed" vanished in a puff of smoke.

"A substitution?" Sasuke realized, gritting his teeth.

Naruto, still trembling, clenched his fists. He hadn't even been able to react. He felt useless.

The two enemy ninja struggled but were quickly subdued. Kakashi turned to Tazuna, his tone calm but firm. "You lied about the nature of this mission, didn't you?"

Tazuna hesitated, avoiding eye contact. "I… I had no choice."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "What aren't you telling us?"

The old man sighed. "The truth is… I can't afford a higher-ranked mission. But if the bridge isn't completed, my people will suffer."

Kakashi exhaled, his gaze darkening. "This mission is more dangerous than we were led to believe. We should turn back."

But Naruto suddenly stepped forward, his voice steadier than before. "No way. We're not quitting. We protect people, right? That's what shinobi do."

Kakashi studied him for a moment before sighing. "Alright… but from now on, stay sharp."

As the team pressed on, Sasuke glanced at Naruto. Something about his resolve had shifted.

For the first time, Naruto looked like a true shinobi.

---

From the cover of the trees, a lone figure observed the group. His mouth curled into a grin, his massive sword resting on his shoulder.

"So… the infamous Copy Ninja is here."

Zabuza Momochi's sharp eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"This just got interesting."