Chapter 36: The Mission in Kamurodate!
Chapter Summary: Naruto joins Team 8 on a journey to a nearby city in pursuit of a mysterious thief.
Words: 2,249
Published: 11/5/23
Sakura's House
First thing in the morning, Naruto set out to inform Sakura of his mission. He figured that, as he promised to be a unit with her, she should know where he would be.
He rang the bell on her door, and was greeted by a gentle, if tired, Mebuki.
"Oh, hi, Naruto! How are you? Would you like to come inside?"
Naruto replied, "Oh, I'm fine. I actually came here to tell Sakura that I'm gonna be away from the village for awhile."
Mebuki responded, "Oh, really? I hope it's nothing bad. As for Sakura, she's off training at the 'usual spot', she said."
Naruto told her, "Nah, it's just a mission. And thanks, I'll go and see her now!"
They fared each other well as he left the house.
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Team 7 Training Ground
Naruto found Sakura at the usual training spot, a serene grove near the Namikaze Bridge. She was practicing her medical jutsu on a fish in a bucket, a calm expression on her face. As he approached, he waited for an appropriate moment to interrupt her.
"Sakura," he said as she finished a set of healing jutsu, "I've got a mission to catch a thief in Kamurodate with Team 8."
Sakura turned to face him, her emerald eyes meeting his with a warm smile. "Naruto, that's great! You're moving up in the ranks. But you also know it means you have to be extra careful, right?"
Naruto nodded, appreciating her concern. "Yeah, I know, Sakura. It's a bit different being second in command, but I'll make sure we don't break any eggshells."
Sakura's smile remained, but there was a hint of solemnity in her voice. "I'm sure you will, Naruto. Just... promise me you'll come back in one piece. I'm still on a recovery period, and I need you to be careful out there."
Naruto's expression softened, and he nodded. "Of course, Sakura. I'll be careful. And if you ever need anything while I'm away, just send a message, okay?"
Sakura appreciated his offer, feeling a sense of comfort in knowing that she had friends who cared for her well-being. "Thank you, Naruto. I'll be fine, but I'll take you up on that if I need anything. Now go, and do your best on that mission."
With a heartfelt smile, Naruto left the grove, knowing that he had the support and well wishes of his friend as he set out on his next adventure.
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Village Gates
Naruto stood at the village gates, ready to join Team 8 on their mission to Kamurodate. As they gathered, it felt like a significant moment for him, knowing that this was only his second mission under the rank of Chunin, and that he would be serving as the team's second in command.
Kurenai's warm greeting and teasing put Naruto at ease. He grinned in response to her playful banter, "Don't worry, Sensei. I might be a Chunin now, but I'm not gonna let that get to my head or nothin'."
Hinata, Shino, and Kiba welcomed Naruto with nods and friendly smiles, knowing that they were in the presence of a ninja who had overcome many challenges to reach this point. Beyond their camaraderie, they respected his abilities and were eager to work alongside him.
Kurenai's expression turned more serious as she offered her warning about Kamurodate. "Naruto, you should know that Kamurodate can be quite different from the village. It's a city where status and appearance often matter more than one's abilities. It can be a bit of a culture shock, even for seasoned shinobi. Be prepared for that, and stay vigilant."
Naruto took her words to heart, recognizing the complexities they might face in the city known for its elitism. He nodded with determination, "I appreciate the heads-up. Sounds like all the more reason to catch that thief and get out of there as fast as possible."
With a sense of unity and a strong team spirit, they embarked on their mission, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. For Naruto, it was not only an opportunity to further prove his status as a Chunin, but also a chance to get back into the spirit he had when he had first become a ninja.
The team set out on their walk toward Kamurodate, and as they journeyed, they engaged in small talk to pass the time. Naruto, Kiba, and Shino shared stories and anecdotes, their conversation filled with energy and camaraderie. Meanwhile, Hinata, ever the quiet and observant member of the group, remained silent, occasionally offering a shy smile or nod in response to the others' chatter.
Naruto, decided to take the conversation into a deeper direction. "Hey, Shino, Kiba, I never thanked you and Akamaru for helping us find Sasuke."
Kiba chuckled. "It's all good. Akamaru knows you appreciate it."
Shino, the reserved member of the group, offered a subtle smile. "It's important to keep your allies close."
As the conversation continued, the topic eventually shifted to Sasuke and his upcoming trial. Naruto couldn't help but bring it up, feeling the weight of recent events. "I wonder how Sasuke's trial is going to go. It's been on my mind a lot since I found out."
Kurenai, who had been listening attentively, chose to cut off that line of discussion. She spoke with a note of authority, "Let's focus on the mission, Naruto. Sasuke's trial is a matter for the village authorities, and our priority is to catch the thief in Kamurodate."
Naruto, ever-rebellious in nature and strong in his convictions, felt the temptation to argue the point further. He cared deeply about Sasuke's fate and believed that justice should be served. However, he also recognized the wisdom in Kurenai's words and trusted his better instincts.
With a deep breath, he let go of the urge to push the issue and focused on the mission at hand. He knew that they had a responsibility to catch the thief in Kamurodate, and it was a duty he would not take lightly.
Naruto's determination to succeed in their mission remained undiminished. He trusted in his ability to make a difference and was committed to supporting his team and working together to accomplish their goal.
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Kamurodate
As Naruto and Team 8 arrived in Kamurodate, they couldn't help but notice the stark contrast to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of their own village. The residents of the city carried themselves with an air of unapologetic elitism and a noticeable lack of politeness.
Naruto observed the city's inhabitants, his eyebrows furrowed in mild surprise. "Wow, these folk don't mince their words, do they? It's like everyone's got a chip on their shoulder."
Kiba chimed in with a bemused expression, "Yeah, they're not exactly winning any awards for manners around here. Guess we're in for an interesting time."
Hinata, who had been silently taking in the surroundings, nodded in agreement. "It's quite different from the Hidden Leaf Village."
Shino, ever analytical, remarked, "The cultural differences are evident. It's essential that we adapt to the city's norms while we're here."
Kurenai offered a seasoned perspective. "Remember, we're here for a reason. Let's not let the city's mannerisms distract us from our mission. We need to catch that thief and accomplish our goal, no matter the challenges."
With a sense of unity and determination, the team continued to explore Kamurodate, fully aware of the unique complexities they might face in this city of elitism and snobbery. Their focus remained on the mission, and they were ready to adapt and persevere in their quest to catch the elusive thief.
It was decided by Kurenai to split the team up: herself, Kiba, Akamaru, and Hinata in one group, and Naruto and Shino on their own. They agreed to rendezvous at city hall in two hours.
Kurenai's group moved through the city's streets with precision and grace. Kiba and Akamaru's keen senses were put to good use as they scoured the area for any traces of the thief. Hinata's Byakugan, though weak, allowed her to observe the surroundings with clarity beyond the average shinobi, making her an invaluable asset in their mission.
Kurenai's experience as a seasoned jonin was evident as she directed her team's efforts. She encouraged them to engage with the city's residents, asking discreet questions and gathering information. Pushing past the city's haughty atmosphere, they maintained their ninja professionalism, careful not to draw unnecessary attention.
On the other side of Kamurodate, Naruto and Shino made an interesting pair. Naruto's outgoing personality and Shino's reserved demeanor created an intriguing dynamic. They explored the city's bustling streets, each of them using their unique abilities to their advantage.
Naruto, when he tapped into his self-esteem, had a natural talent for interacting with people. He struck up conversations, asked questions, and used his friendly nature to put others at ease. Meanwhile, Shino, analytical and methodical, observed the city's nuances, noting any suspicious behavior or details that might lead them to the thief.
Despite the city's snobbish atmosphere, Naruto's charm and Shino's subtlety allowed them to gather useful information without causing any disturbances. It was a testament to their adaptability and their shared commitment to the mission's success.
With their respective teams, the shinobi continued their search, each contributing their unique skills to uncover the identity and whereabouts of the elusive thief in Kamurodate.
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Two Hours Later
The team members, having completed their separate investigations throughout Kamurodate, gathered in front of the city hall as their rendezvous point. It was a striking building, ornate and imposing, reflecting the city's penchant for opulence.
Kurenai, Naruto, Hinata, Shino, Kiba, and Akamaru joined together and shared nods of acknowledgement, signifying that it was time to regroup and pool their gathered information.
They made their way to a nearby hotel, choosing a quiet and discreet room to gather and discuss their findings. As they sat around a table in one of the suite's private rooms, Kurenai took the lead.
"Alright, everyone. Let's hear what you've discovered," she began, her experienced eyes surveying her team.
Naruto started with a caustic statement of, "I learned that I'm riffraff, bottom-of-the-barrel, and a pissant."
Kiba chimed in with a chuckle, "Yeah, I think my eyebrows are permanently stuck in a raised position from staring back at all the condescending looks we've been getting."
Hinata, who had encountered her fair share of judgmental glances, added, "It's different from the Hidden Leaf, that's for sure. People here can be quite judgmental."
Shino's analytical perspective came into play as he mentioned, "The lack of politeness is certainly a noticeable aspect of this city's culture. It may be a defense mechanism, a way to maintain their perceived superiority."
Naruto leaned in when he said that.
He might be into something. Could all this snobbery be a symptom of fragility in their society?
Kurenai, ever composed and insightful, concluded, "Regardless of the city's atmosphere, our mission remains our focus. Let's use our unique skills to navigate the complexities here and bring the thief to justice."
Naruto sighed and stated, "I talked to a merchant who mentioned seeing someone suspicious lurking near the market. He didn't get a good look."
Hinata, her voice soft but determined, added, "I spoke with a local innkeeper who mentioned that a guest had strange behavior, sneaking in and out at odd hours. He couldn't describe the guest's appearance."
Shino added, "I observed a group of individuals acting covertly in a back alley. Their intentions weren't clear, but they may have had information related to our mission, though when we approached, they were just... Tweakers."
Kiba nodded and said, "Akamaru and I followed a scent trail that led us to the outskirts of the city. It seems the thief may have been hiding there, but we lost the trail."
Naruto shared one last bit of intel. "There's this bounty hunter, Sazanami, who's after the thief, too. He's a skilled swordsman, and they say he's been getting closer to the thief. It might be worth checkin' out."
Kiba raised an eyebrow. "A bounty hunter, huh? Sounds like we might have some competition."
Hinata, always observant, added, "It could be an opportunity to collaborate. If we find Sazanami, we might work together to catch the thief."
Kurenai agreed, "It's worth considering. Let's track down Sazanami and see if we can form an alliance."
The team, led squarely by Kurenai now, embarked on the search for Sazanami through Kamurodate's labyrinthine streets. Their quest led them through the city's bustling markets and hidden alleyways, following the trail of rumors and whispers about the skilled swordsman.
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Evening
After hours of inquiry and investigation, they finally traced Sazanami to a dimly lit back alley. There, they found him wounded, leaning against a wall, his clothing torn and stained with blood. His breathing was ragged, and his face was etched with pain.
Without hesitation, they rushed to his aid.
