Naruto: Shadows of the Divine Flame

Another day, another D-rank mission. This time, we were fixing an old fence for a farmer on the outskirts of the village.

Naruto groaned loudly as he hammered in a wooden plank. "I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!"

Sasuke ignored him, efficiently reinforcing another section of the fence. I worked silently, finishing my part with minimal effort.

Kakashi, as always, was reading his book nearby. "Patience, Naruto. Hard work builds character."

Naruto threw the hammer down. "What kind of ninja work is this?! We should be out there doing real missions!"

I wiped the sweat off my forehead. "Finally, something we agree on."

Naruto blinked at me. "Wait… really?!"

I nodded. "This is a waste of time."

Naruto pumped his fist. "See?! Even Raiden thinks so! Kakashi-sensei, come on, we're ready for something better!"

Kakashi sighed dramatically before closing his book. "Alright, alright. I suppose we can ask the Hokage for something… more exciting."

Naruto cheered.

After wrapping up the fence, we headed straight to the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his desk, pipe in hand, glancing over some paperwork. Iruka stood beside him, looking exasperated as Naruto started ranting about how he wanted a real mission.

Sarutobi chuckled. "You're quite eager, Naruto."

Kakashi lazily scratched his head. "They're getting restless. Perhaps a C-rank mission?"

Iruka frowned. "Are they really ready for something like that?"

Sasuke scoffed. "Obviously."

I didn't say anything, but I met the Hokage's gaze evenly. He studied me for a moment, then exhaled. "Very well."

He shuffled through his scrolls before pulling one out. "There's a request from the Land of Waves. You'll be escorting a bridge builder to his home. It should be a simple protection detail."

The door opened, and an old man with a bottle of sake stepped in. He eyed us critically. "These are my bodyguards? A bunch of brats?"

Naruto bristled. "Hey, who are you calling brats, old man?!"

The old man took a swig of his sake. "I'm Tazuna, the greatest bridge builder in the Land of Waves! And I need you to keep me safe while I finish my masterpiece."

I leaned against the wall. Finally, something interesting.

Kakashi clapped his hands together. "Alright then, Team 7. Pack your things—we leave at dawn."

Excitement buzzed in my chest.

This mission would be different.