Naruto: Can't Use Ninjutsu? I'll Create the Strongest Fighting Style

"C-Rank mission? Uh, alright then. The Hokage did mention that your team has clearance to take on C-Rank missions. Please, take your pick."

The Chunin at the front desk spoke in a bored tone, shuffling through a stack of mission documents.

His desk was cluttered with forms, scrolls, and half-finished reports, the smell of ink lingering in the air.

Garou swept his eyes across the list handed to them.

Most of the them were routine: escort caravans, deliver documents, minor protection jobs, and surveillance missions in small border towns.

Nothing exciting.

Then something stood out.

Escort Sakuraba Sadaki to the Temple of Fire.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

'Sakuraba... That's a noble name in the Land of Fire. And the Temple of Fire...'

"Kakashi-sensei," Garou said, tapping the paper,
"Let's take this one."

[Mission: Escort Lord Sakuraba Sadaki]

[Rank: C]

[Destination: Temple of Fire]

Kakashi glanced at the slip, then at Garou.

'This kid… he wants to go to the Temple of Fire?'

Of course he does. Kakashi had already seen how Garou's mind worked, always calculating, always seeking out something deeper beneath the surface.

Still, after a beat, he nodded. "Alright. We'll take it."

The Chunin hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck as if unsure whether to speak. "Kakashi-san, this mission requires you to rendezvous with Sakuraba Sadaki in the capital."

"There may be some... encounters along the road. Non-shinobi combatants, mostly mercenaries or bandits. Exercise caution."

There was a clear note of warning in his voice.

A suggestion.

"That's perfect!" Tenten chimed in, practically bouncing with energy.

Kasumi, as usual, stood quietly off to the side. In larger groups, she instinctively kept to the shadows, more observer than participant. Garou noted it, as always.

"We'll take it," Kakashi confirmed again, more firmly.

The mission officer reluctantly handed over the mission card.

Tenten and Kasumi exchanged excited looks, practically skipping out of the mission hall. Their energy was contagious.

Garou chuckled under his breath, slinging his small travel pack over his shoulder. "When things get dicey, don't go hiding behind me. At the very least, protect the client."

"Oh please, don't underestimate us," Tenten shot back. "You're the one who better not chicken out!"

The two girls spoke in sync, laughter echoing through the hall.

Their small group made their way toward the village gate under the morning sun, the pale blue sky stretching wide above them. The forest beyond the walls rustled softly in the breeze, birds chirping in the trees as if welcoming them to the first real mission of their genin careers.

Once past the final checkpoint, the girls' moods visibly brightened.

But Garou remained composed, silent. A compact pack was strapped to his back, and tucked into the top were three books, marked with notes.