Chapter 3: First Mission

A/N- This will be a rather basic chapter, even maybe boring to some degree. Also to the reviewer, your right, I totally messed up. Asuma and Kurenai would be 15 when the attack happened. They are 27 at the start of the Naruto and Naruto is 12. Way to young to be raising a kid. I mixed up his dead age with his part 1 age. He was 31 when he died for the record. So I am just going to continue with the view of him and Kurenai being born 3 years earlier. So he would be 18 when the attack happen. Given it is already messing with canon, best I can do. Thank for the reminder though. Have a good day, and hope you can find some enjoyment from this chapter.

The sun rose over Konoha, signaling the start of a new day and a new chapter in Naruto's life. As he made his way to the designated meeting spot, his heart was a mix of excitement and curiosity. Today, he would officially meet his new team members, Hinata and Mirai, under the guidance of his own mother, Kurenai Sarutobi.

As Naruto arrived at the training ground, he spotted his mother and sister waiting for him. A warm smile spread across his face as he approached them. "Hey, Mom, Mirai," he greeted them, his voice filled with a blend of familiarity and enthusiasm.

Kurenai's eyes twinkled with a mixture of pride and affection. "Naruto, good morning," she replied, her tone carrying a motherly warmth. "I hope you're ready for a productive day."

Mirai beamed at her older brother, her excitement palpable. "Morning, Naruto! I can't believe we're finally a team!"

Naruto ruffled Mirai's hair affectionately. "Yeah, it's gonna be awesome, Mirai."

As they chatted and exchanged fond glances, Hinata arrived at the training ground. Her gaze briefly met Naruto's before she lowered her eyes, a faint blush gracing her cheeks. Naruto's presence was both comforting and overwhelming – a tangible reminder of the admiration she held for him.

Kurenai cleared her throat, drawing their attention. "Good morning, Hinata. Let's get started, shall we?"

Naruto took a step forward, addressing his team with an enthusiastic grin. "Alright, guys, let's introduce ourselves! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I guess you could say I'm all about finding my own ninja way and chasing after my dreams."

Mirai chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm Mirai Sarutobi, and I want to make my family proud and become a strong kunoichi like my parents!"

Hinata's voice was soft but steady as she introduced herself. "I'm Hinata Hyuga. I want to prove to myself and others that I can be a strong ninja and protect those I care about."

Kurenai nodded with approval, her gaze shifting between them. "Great introductions. Remember, we're a team now, and teamwork is crucial in our world. Naruto, Mirai, you two already know each other well, but take the time to get to know Hinata as well. Building trust and understanding among your team members is essential."

Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Got it, Mom! We'll make sure to have each other's backs."

As the day unfolded, the newly formed team engaged in a variety of activities. They trained together, sharing techniques and strategies. They also took breaks to get to know each other better. Hinata's initial shyness slowly melted away as she found herself drawn into Naruto and Mirai's friendly banter.

They laughed, shared stories, and learned about each other's strengths and weaknesses. Naruto's energy and positivity were infectious, easing the tension in the air. Mirai's enthusiasm was a constant source of encouragement, and Hinata found herself opening up more than she had anticipated.

Naruto was pleased with the progress they were making. The connection between them felt genuine and promising, and he was confident that their teamwork would only grow stronger with time.

As the sun began to set, signaling the end of their training day, Naruto looked at his teammates with a renewed sense of determination. They were a team now, bound by shared goals and a commitment to support one another. And as he glanced at Hinata, he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie that extended beyond their roles as teammates.

The following day brought a new sense of anticipation as Naruto, Mirai, and Hinata gathered outside the Hokage's office. The prospect of their first mission had them all brimming with excitement and a touch of nervousness. Naruto's heart raced with a mix of determination and curiosity – this was the moment they had been training for.

As they stepped into the Hokage's office, Naruto's gaze wandered around the room, his eyes lingering on the towering figure of the Third Hokage. The room was steeped in a sense of history and authority, a reminder of the weight of their responsibilities as shinobi.

Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at them with a mix of pride and wisdom. "Welcome, Team Sarutobi. I trust you're all ready for your first mission?"

Naruto grinned and exchanged glances with Mirai and Hinata. "Absolutely, Hokage-sama! We're ready for whatever comes our way!"

Hiruzen nodded approvingly. "Good. Your mission is straightforward but important. A village located about a day's walk from Konoha has been hit hard by flooding. They're in dire need of essential supplies to aid in their recovery."

Naruto's brow furrowed with concern. "That sounds serious. What do they need, exactly?"

Hiruzen's expression softened. "The village requires basic provisions – food, clean water, medical supplies, and construction materials. Your task is to escort a caravan carrying these supplies to the flood-affected village and ensure their safe arrival."

Mirai's eyes shone with determination. "We won't let them down, Hokage-sama. We'll make sure those supplies get there safely."

Hinata nodded in agreement, her voice unwavering. "We understand the importance of this mission. We'll do everything we can to protect the supplies and help the village."

Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Naruto. "Naruto, I have a feeling that your resourcefulness and determination will be crucial in ensuring the success of this mission."

Naruto straightened up, a fire burning in his eyes. "You can count on me, Hokage-sama. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

Hiruzen's smile held a mix of fondness and reassurance. "I have faith in your abilities, Team Sarutobi. Remember, your success as a team will depend on your cooperation, communication, and adaptability. This mission will test your skills and teamwork, but I believe you're more than up to the challenge."

As they left the Hokage's office, Naruto's mind buzzed with a mixture of excitement and determination. This was their chance to prove themselves as a capable and united team. As they set out to prepare for their mission, Naruto couldn't help but feel a surge of pride – he was ready to face whatever obstacles lay ahead, alongside his trusted teammates, and fulfill their duty as shinobi of Konoha.

Kurenai stepped into her role as the team leader, her demeanor a mix of authority and guidance. She had taken the time to meticulously plan out the logistics of their mission, considering each member's strengths and abilities. She had already studied up on Hinata's capabilities and engaged in conversations with the Hyuga family to gain insights into their newest team member. She knew that Hinata possessed an impressive blend of gentle determination and hidden strength, making her a valuable asset to the team.

As they gathered to prepare for their journey, Kurenai's voice carried a sense of purpose. "Alright, team, gather around. We have an important task ahead of us, and I want to ensure we're well-prepared and organized. Hinata, you'll take point as our scout. Your keen observation skills will be crucial in spotting any potential dangers along the way."

Hinata nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "I'll do my best, Kurenai-sensei."

Kurenai's gaze shifted to Naruto. "Naruto, you'll provide cover and keep an eye on the caravan from a distance. Your agility and resourcefulness will be key in fending off any threats."

Naruto's grin was infectious as he saluted. "Got it, Kurenai-sensei! I'll be the ninja in the shadows!"

Finally, Kurenai turned her attention to Mirai. "Mirai, you'll stay close to the caravan, assisting with any necessary tasks and ensuring that the supplies are well-protected."

Mirai's determination mirrored her brother's. "You can count on me, sensei. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

Kurenai's plan had been well-thought-out, and she could sense the camaraderie and trust growing among her team members. However, she couldn't help but wonder about the circumstances that had led to this particular team assignment. The fact that the Hyuga clan had taken an active role in forming this team was intriguing, and Kurenai had her suspicions.

She had her own theories about the motivations behind this arrangement. Hinata's presence on the team could signify the clan's desire to expose her to a broader range of experiences, allowing her to step out of her comfort zone and develop her confidence. And Naruto's inclusion could potentially serve as an opportunity for Hinata to learn and grow from his unwavering determination and unique outlook on life.

As Team Sarutobi embarked on their mission to deliver essential supplies to the flood-affected village, the journey unfolded without any major incidents. The caravan moved steadily along the well-worn path, and the team members executed their assigned roles with precision and dedication.

Hinata's keen observation skills proved invaluable as she scouted ahead, ensuring the safety of the route and alerting the team to any potential obstacles. Naruto's vigilant presence provided reassurance as he discreetly kept watch from the shadows, ready to spring into action if needed. Mirai worked tirelessly to assist with the caravan, making sure that the supplies were secure and well-organized.

The village, a day's walk from Konoha, came into view as the sun began to set. The signs of the recent flooding were evident, but the villagers' spirits seemed to lift as they saw the approaching convoy. The gratitude in their eyes as the team handed over the supplies was a testament to the importance of this seemingly simple mission.

Kurenai observed her team with a sense of pride. They had demonstrated not only their skills and capabilities but also their willingness to work together for the greater good. This mission had given them a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of being a shinobi – that their duties extended beyond combat and flashy jutsu.

As the villagers gathered to express their thanks, Hinata's eyes sparkled with a mixture of humility and contentment. Naruto's infectious grin mirrored their happiness, and Mirai's sense of accomplishment radiated from her.

Back in Konoha, as Team Sarutobi reported the successful completion of their mission to the Hokage, Kurenai couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This mission had been about more than just delivering supplies – it was about imparting a lesson to her young team. It was a reminder that their roles as shinobi involved contributing to the well-being of the village and its people in various ways.

As the day drew to a close, Kurenai reflected on the journey. This mission had indeed been uneventful in terms of battles or grand feats of ninja prowess, but it had served its purpose. It had shown her team the importance of their work, the impact they could have on people's lives, and the sense of fulfillment that came from aiding others.