In an empty hall,
Among several civilian staff responsible for assigning missions, stood the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, of Konoha.
"You said you would handle this important matter yourself and weren't afraid of exhausting yourself to death."
Although Naruto had always seen the Hokage in the anime,
He originally thought the Hokage only appeared in scenes involving the main character.
But now it seemed the Hokage truly handled everything—from D-rank to S-rank missions, big and small.
Thinking about it, controlling mission distribution was also a way for the Hokage to maintain power.
He could prioritize low-paying or high-paying missions for ninja from his own faction.
Yamato, standing nearby, suddenly widened his eyes when he heard Naruto's words.
"Ahahaha~ sorry, Lord Hokage, I'll teach him proper etiquette when we get back."
Yamato scratched his head awkwardly in front of the Third Hokage, who, to him, was a benefactor who saved him from Root.
He didn't know that the Wood Style cell experiments were done with the Third Hokage's approval.
In the end, the only Wood Style user Danzo managed to cultivate ended up under Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Hiruzen smiled and waved his hand, showing he was in a very good mood.
"Don't worry, kid. I'm glad you're concerned about my health."
Yamato quickly smiled back.
Naruto rolled his eyes. He had no expectations for this so-called mission. After all, as a Jinchuriki and a resident of the village, he normally wouldn't be sent on missions outside Konoha.
Even the Land of Waves mission before—it was unclear what kind of mistake Hiruzen made by sending Naruto.
Genin usually start with D-rank missions, like finding lost pets, helping villagers, or babysitting.
The Third Hokage slowly took out a scroll and smiled.
"There's a newly issued mission—a C-rank escort mission. I think you're strong enough for it."
Naruto froze when he heard that.
"What? Did the sun rise from the west?"
His first mission was an escort mission?
Naruto leaned toward Yamato and asked:
"Yamato, what's going on? Is this really an escort mission outside the village?"
Yamato, holding the scroll, couldn't help but smile. Ever since they met, Naruto had given him that nickname—calling a Wood Style ninja a gardener.
He handed the mission scroll to Naruto.
It turned out a wealthy merchant from the Land of Rice Fields needed protection while traveling to Kusagakure for trade, between the Land of Frost and Takigakure.
None of those countries were peaceful, so the merchant wanted to rely on the Fire Country's influence, since it bordered both regions.
The real reason for the mission was simply paying Konoha for protection.
After all, ninja from other countries entering Konoha's territory for missions would often be targeted unless they paid certain fees.
So this "escort mission" was more like monitoring the caravan to make sure they had no bad intentions.
The merchant had also hired many mercenaries from the Fuma Clan. Although the clan had declined, it still had several Jonin-level fighters.
The Fuma ninja used unique ninja tools, but unfortunately, their strength had declined due to war.
Now they had to take dangerous missions to survive. When Jiraiya once traveled the ninja world, he even fought Fuma ninja hired for wars.
Naruto's team mission would begin once the merchant crossed into the Land of Fire and end at the border of the Land of Grass.
Naruto nodded. He had been born and raised in Konoha and had never left the village.
To many locals, that was normal. Wars were common outside, and killing and robbery happened often.
Konoha was so safe that civilians rarely left it willingly.
But for Naruto, who came from a more connected world in his past life, it felt like being trapped in a mountain village.
Konoha felt like just a small town.
Anyone in that situation would feel restless.
Inuzuka Hana and Uchiha Izumi, who had never left Konoha, were also excited.
Under Yamato's lead, the three of them prepared supplies for the long journey.
Soon, full of excitement, they arrived at Konoha's gate.
At that time, Izumo and Kotetsu were already guarding the gate. After registering their departure, they headed to meet the merchant.
At the same time—
In the Hidden Rain Village.
"Where there is light, there is always shadow. If there are winners, there must also be losers. These two sides are connected."
Obito, wearing his spiral mask, spoke to the person in front of him.
"But creating a world with only winners—a world of peace and love—is not impossible."
"Just help me, and I'll show you how."
Before him stood the Six Paths of Pain, fully completed.
"First, we must start a revolution to end the civil war in the Rain Village once and for all!"
He pointed toward the tall Rain Tower and said:
"Move out. The plan for peace begins now."