superior naruto

The Team Gathers

Naruto and Hinata joined Kakashi and the others. Tazuna, the bridge builder they were escorting, glanced at Naruto and muttered, "Still just a kid… and a short one at that."

Tazuna, an old man with a bottle of alcohol in his bag, looked worn out. The alcohol was more to calm his nerves than anything else. He was terrified that his secret—that this mission was far more dangerous than a C-rank—would come to light.

Naruto glared at Tazuna, his voice cold. "Who are you calling short?"

Tazuna flinched under Naruto's gaze. The boy's eyes were sharp, filled with disdain and a hint of hesitation, as if he knew something Tazuna didn't. No way, Tazuna thought. He's just a kid. He can't possibly know.

But Naruto did know. The mission to the Land of Waves involved a powerful underground force led by Gato, a corrupt businessman who monopolized the country's shipping industry. Tazuna wanted to build a bridge to free his people from Gato's exploitation. In a way, Tazuna was a hero—brave and selfless. But the problem was Gato's hired muscle: Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, and Haku, a prodigy with the Ice Release kekkei genkai.

Kurama's Voice: "I sense fear in your soul. What could possibly scare you, the kid who uses clones as suicide bombs?"

Naruto: "Of course I'm scared. I'm scared of dying."

Kurama: "Oh? But that girl said it's just a C-rank mission."

Naruto: "Call it a hunch… Master Kurama, can we make a deal? If I'm in real danger, can you lend me some chakra?"

Kurama: "Fine. But this time, I'll decide when to step in. You can't rely on me for everything. How else will you grow?"

Sasuke: "Naruto, why are you carrying a sword? Since when do you use one?"

Sasuke had seen Naruto's fighting style—chaotic and unpredictable, with no formal training. So seeing Naruto with a sword was surprising.

The sword was one meter long, with a 38.2-centimeter hilt and a 61.8-centimeter blade. Naruto had insisted on the longer hilt for better grip, though the shopkeeper had secretly cut corners during the forging process. The blade and scabbard were matte black, perfect for stealth.

Naruto: "I didn't use one before, but I'm learning the Leaf Style Swordsmanship now."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.

Kakashi: "Now that we're all here, let's move out."

Naruto took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. If I can't face Zabuza now, how will I handle stronger enemies later? There's no safe place in this world. I can't rely on luck—I have to get stronger.

On the Road

The team left Konoha under a clear blue sky. Kakashi tried to lighten the mood.

Kakashi: "Relax, everyone. C-rank missions don't involve ninja combat. Think of this as a vacation."

No one responded. The tension was palpable.

Naruto: "Hey, Kakashi-sensei, do you have any explosive tags?"

Kakashi's eye twitched. "What do you need those for? I told you, no more suicide bombs!"

Naruto: "Just… in case, you know?"

Kakashi: "No!"

Sasuke, however, pulled out two explosive tags and handed them to Naruto.

Sasuke: "He looked nervous. Now he seems calmer."

Kakashi: "Sasuke!"

Naruto: "Thanks, Sasuke. I feel much better now."

Kakashi sighed. Who feels better because of explosive tags?

Kakashi: "Listen, Naruto. Multiple Shadow Clones aren't just dangerous because of the chakra drain. The pain from the clones' injuries transfers to you when they dispel. It's not something to take lightly."

Sasuke and Hinata looked at Naruto with concern.

Naruto: "It's only half the pain. It's not that bad."

Half the pain of being blown to pieces? Sasuke shook his head, while Hinata looked even more worried.

Kakashi: "Also, explosive tags need to be stored in special explosion-proof scrolls or non-chakra storage scrolls. Otherwise, a stray chakra spark could set them off. And if you're buying them, make sure they're the high-safety type. They're more expensive but worth it."

Naruto: "Don't worry, I've got an explosion-proof scroll."

He pulled out a red scroll from his bag.

Kakashi: "How many tags do you have in there?"

Naruto: "Huh? What did you say?"

Before Kakashi could react, Naruto formed a hand seal. "Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Three Narutos stood side by side, grinning. "Guess which one's the real me."

Kakashi: "Forget it. Just be careful."

He dispelled the clones and appeared behind Naruto, snatching the scroll.

Naruto: "Hey! That's cheating!"

Kakashi: "As your captain, I can't let you blow yourself up."

He opened the scroll, only to find it empty.

Kakashi: "This is a clone too?"

Naruto: "Uh… what are you talking about? I don't understand…"

Kakashi punched the clone, dispelling it. The scroll in his hand vanished as well.

The team stared in silence.

Kakashi: "…"