Naruto, Sasuke, and Tenten had been a team for three months, under the guidance of Yamato. They had completed twenty D-rank missions, which were the lowest and easiest missions available for genin. They had done tasks such as babysitting, gardening, cleaning, and delivering. They had learned the basics of teamwork, communication, and responsibility.
They had also learned more about each other.
Naruto had learned that Sasuke was not only a genius and a prodigy, but also a hard worker and a perfectionist. He trained every day, pushing himself to the limit, never satisfied with his performance. He was obsessed with his goal of killing Itachi, and would not let anything or anyone get in his way. He was also loyal and protective of his friends, especially Naruto. He would not hesitate to risk his life for her, or to kill anyone who threatened her.
Sasuke had learned that Naruto was not only a loudmouth and a troublemaker, but also a kind soul and a brave fighter. She cared deeply about her friends, and would do anything to make them happy. She was always optimistic and cheerful, despite the hardships she faced. She was also powerful and talented, with a vast amount of chakra and a knack for learning new jutsu. She was also stubborn and reckless, often acting on impulse and emotion.
Tenten had learned that Naruto and Sasuke were not only rivals and lovers, but also partners and soulmates. They complemented each other perfectly, balancing each other's strengths and weaknesses. They were always in sync, knowing each other's moves and thoughts. They were also deeply in love, showing it in their words and actions. They were also possessive and jealous, not liking anyone else getting too close to them.
Yamato had learned that Naruto and Sasuke were not only jinchuuriki and reincarnations, but also threats and assets. They possessed immense power and potential, that could be used for good or evil. They were also targets and weapons, that could be captured or killed by their enemies. He was also conflicted and conflicted, not knowing whether to protect them or control them.
They had also learned more about their sensei.
They had learned that Yamato was not only a calm and serious person, but also a friendly and polite person. He was a skilled and experienced ninja, who specialized in wood style jutsu. He was also a loyal and dutiful agent of the Hokage, who followed his orders without question.
They had also learned that Yamato had a secret.
They had learned that Yamato was not his real name.
They had learned that Yamato was a codename.
They had learned that Yamato was an experiment.
They had learned that Yamato was a clone.
They had learned that Yamato was one of the many clones of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage and the founder of Konoha.
They had learned that Yamato was created by Orochimaru, the traitor and the enemy.
They had learned that Yamato was rescued by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage and the leader of Konoha.
They had learned that Yamato was raised by Danzo Shimura, the leader of Root and the shadow of Konoha.
They had learned that Yamato was assigned to their team by Kakashi Hatake, the copy ninja and the former student of Minato Namikaze.
They had learned that Yamato was there to watch over them.
They had learned that Yamato was there to report on them.
They had learned that Yamato was there to control them.
They did not know how to feel about him.
They did not know if they could trust him.
They did not know what he would do to them.
But they did not have time to think about it.
Because they were about to go on their first C-rank mission.
A C-rank mission was a higher level mission than a D-rank mission. It involved more danger and more difficulty. It usually involved escorting or protecting someone or something from harm.
Their C-rank mission involved escorting an old man named Tazuna to his home in the Land of Waves. He was a bridge builder who was working on a project that would connect his island to the mainland. He claimed that he needed protection from bandits who wanted to stop his work.
It seemed like an easy and simple mission.
But it turned out to be anything but.