Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 67: Hidden Dream I - Nightmare

HIDDEN DREAM I - NIGHTMARE

Over the course of the next month, Teams Nine and Five pick up as many D and C-rank missions as they can, aiming to get as much experience as they possibly can.

Where previously D-ranks were seen as meaningless chores and busy work, they're actually now a welcome part of the work schedule. In-between the high ranked escort missions, guard duty, or monster subjugation, picking up litter is actually a breath of fresh air.

For one, they're actually recognized by the people they encounter more often on their D-rank missions and while it's nowhere near the fame Naruto-sensei has, it's kind of nice to have your work acknowledged and appreciated.

People wave to them, call out their names, even gift them something minor things like baked goods or apples.

Kotori and Kashiwama's now-official race, while tiresome at first, did eventually catch on to the others and they started more actively engaging in which team would perform their missions better. Naruto and Shino note both the positives and negatives of this little competition as it can lead to recklessness and rushing but it also motivates them to strive harder. With care from the sensei, the negatives were ironed out.

Hokage's Tower

For their next missions, both teams are actually taking their assignment directly from the Fifth Hokage rather than the Mission Assignment Desk.

Tsunade sits behind her desk with Shizune by her side, pressing two scrolls on the desk in front of her.

Naruto and Shino stand directly in front of her and their teams by their respective sides. Except for Kotori and Kashiwama who're clinging to the desk.

"Is it a good one!" Kotori hops in place as she looks her adoptive grandmother with pleading eyes.

"Give us the better mission!" Kashiwama urges his cousin.

Tsunade sighs and flicks both of them on the forehead. "Get back to your places, you two. You're in the Hokage's office. You need to learn exactly what that means."

Naruto chuckles and pulls Kotori to his side, while Kashiwama walks back in defeat.

"Your next missions will be of a diplomatic nature, to speak to two potential new members of the Shinobi Union. Team Five, you're to go to the Hidden Moon Village and Team Nine, you're to go to the Hidden Dreams Village." She hands them each a scroll.

Shino takes his while raising a quizzical brow. "Negotiations for the Union. Is that not something better suited for those more involved in its structure? Such as Hinata."

"The intent behind sending a team of Genin is to also serve as an exchange in experience; show them how our future shinobi are being trained and how the future is in safe hands. Team Five is among the elite so they're a good pick to showcase the Hidden Leaf." Tsunade explains.

Kashiwama puffs out his chest with pride. "Elite, huh? I guess that's not wrong."

"Be mindful, Kashiwama." Shino warns. "After all, confidence and arrogance are closely related."

"Yeah, well, we're being sent out, too, you know." Kotori crosses her arms. "So that means we're also elite, right?"

"Your assignment is more unique. Typically the founding members are to send out a team to potential members to negotiate, and the Hidden Leaf is sending Team Five. The Hidden Dreams, however, specifically request you, Naruto, so your team is going there."

"Me?" Naruto raises a brow. "Why me? I've never even heard of the Hidden Dreams Village, honestly..."

Shoto scratches his head. "I don't recall learning about it, either."