The next morning, Kazuku arrived at the Hokage Building.
All of Konoha's mission requests were processed here, sorted by dedicated ninja, then assigned.
Today was Kazuku's second day as a genin, but his first mission.
He was pumped.
He ate two extra bowls of rice and wore a new outfit.
"If I recall, D-rank missions are trivial tasks."
"From finding pets to picking up trash or weeding, anything goes."
"When Kakashi led Naruto on D-rank missions, Naruto was so frustrated."
"He complained to Sarutobi Hiruzen for half a day to get a C-rank chance."
Kazuku mused.
When Tobirama formed Team 7 with him, Sarutobi, and Sakumo, he thought of Naruto's team.
Both Team 7.
But his starting point was much higher than Naruto's.
His first mission was C-rank!
However…
C-rank missions involved personal tasks, like escorting people or delivering confidential documents.
At this level, enemy ninja were unlikely.
At worst, they'd face bandits.
"Naruto's first C-rank was escorting Tazuna to the Land of Waves."
"But Tazuna, short on funds, hid that Zabuza was after him."
By mission standards, Naruto's task was at least A-rank!
Though a fluke, it helped Naruto forge his ninja creed, understanding what it meant to be a true ninja.
Even Kakashi said…
Team 7's first foes being Zabuza and Haku was a blessing.
"Speaking of my ninja creed…"
Though Kazuku gained Hashirama's chakra and the Eight Gates via the check-in system, passing Tobirama's exam to become a genin…
He hadn't deeply considered his ninja creed or will.
" Kazuku."
As Kazuku sank into thought, Sarutobi's voice came from behind, pulling him back.
"Mr. Sarutobi." Kazuku turned, greeting politely.
"Haha, no need to be so formal. We're mission teammates now. Call me Hiruzen or Big Bro," Sarutobi laughed.
Though a team, Sarutobi wasn't their jonin leader, but a teammate.
Calling him "sensei" felt off, and "mister" too formal. Hiruzen or Big Bro was friendlier.
Kazuku nodded. "Got it. I'll call you Hiruzen. And drop the ''—just Kazuku."
Though his body was seven, his mind was twenty.
Calling a kid like Hiruzen "Big Bro" was tough.
"Alright, Kazuku."
As Sarutobi spoke, he noticed another figure out of place, waving them over.
Per Tobirama's system…
The academy's entry age was six, with graduation at twelve.
So, mission-takers here were over ten.
Kazuku and Sakumo, as geniuses, stood out.
"Hello, Teacher Sarutobi." Sakumo jogged over. "I'm Hatayama Sakumo."
Sakumo was polite, lacking the arrogance some geniuses had.
In truth, he was approachable, valuing teammates.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have abandoned a mission for their lives.
In a way, he was a respectable ninja.
But the era's context wasn't kind to people like him.
"Sakumo's fate…" Kazuku's gaze sharpened, sizing up his new teammate.
He'd heard a conspiracy theory.
Sakumo's fame rivaled the Fire Daimyo's esteem.
The only one threatening Sarutobi's Hokage seat.
His death… was tied to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Kazuku glanced at Sarutobi.
Of course, the truth was unclear.
Kishimoto didn't draw it—these were fan theories.
But Naruto's details supported conspiracies.
Like Hizashi's death.
The Uchiha massacre.
In such cases, Sarutobi always seemed weak, yielding, yet…
He was the biggest beneficiary.
Even Danzo was ousted with one word.
Scariest of all, no Konoha higher-up ever questioned him.
"Wait, if I think like this, would he eliminate me to secure his position?" Kazuku wondered.
"Kazuku… why're you looking at me like that?" Sarutobi asked, puzzled by Kazuku's odd gaze.
"Nothing, just remembered something unimportant. Let's go meet the client," Kazuku deflected, realizing he hadn't introduced himself.
He turned to Sakumo. "I'm Kazuku."
"Hi, Kazuku," Sakumo smiled, following Sarutobi toward the mission desk.
He kept sizing Kazuku up.
He'd thought he was the only early graduate, but here was a peer.
"Never saw him at the academy."
Sakumo recalled every academy face—Kazuku wasn't among them.
Curiosity grew for this kid his age.
"He's probably like me, far beyond peers."
"Maybe…"
"We'll be great rivals, Kazuku."
Sakumo kept it to himself.
Soon, they reached the mission issuance area.
Tobirama was waiting.
"You're here."
Tobirama stood, arms crossed, serious, then called to the side, "Come in."
As he spoke…
A door opened.
A man in his twenties entered, with a girl around Kazuku's age.
Seeing Tobirama, the man nodded respectfully, his eyes showing deep admiration.
The girl had long, beautiful red hair, a hairpin on the right, and bright, curious eyes.
To Kazuku…
She looked exactly like Kushina!
(End of Chapter)