Ch-14 'Scroll of Seals' stolen.

Sasuke arrived at the Hokage building and, after receiving permission, was granted access to the Hokage's office.

"What brings you here, Sasuke?" inquired Hiruzen.

"Hokage-Sama, I have an urgent matter to report," Sasuke replied. He proceeded to recount the conversation he had overheard between Naruto and Mizuki to Hiruzen in meticulous detail.

"That Naruto is a naive fool. He doesn't grasp the significance of the 'Scroll of Seals' for Konoha, yet he agreed to Mizuki's terms. He simply desires to graduate from the Ninja Academy as quickly as possible," Sasuke explained.

"Wasn't Jugram with you?" Hiruzen inquired further.

Sasuke responded, "He was, but he suggested that I inform you about this matter. He believes there may be more accomplices working with Mizuki. He emphasized that we will comply with whatever orders you issue."

Hiruzen nodded and remarked, "Jugram's thinking is absolutely correct. Let's proceed as follows: you and Jugram will monitor Mizuki's movements closely, intervening only if Naruto is in imminent danger. Understood?"

Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Yes," he affirmed.

"And there's no need for concern. Your efforts won't be in vain. Once you pass the personal examination of your Jonin teacher, this incident will be recorded as a B-rank mission in your record. Additionally, upon successful completion of the mission, you will receive compensation according to its classification," the Hokage assured.

With another nod, Sasuke exited the Hokage's office.

"Ensure constant vigilance. Nothing must happen to Naruto or the 'Scroll of Seals,'" Hiruzen instructed. As his words trailed off, a ninja with white hair and his left eye covered materialized behind him, kneeling on one knee. After acknowledging the order with a quiet "yes," the ninja, none other than Kakashi, departed.

----

Sasuke finally located Jugram using the signs Jugram had left behind. Jugram had been keeping a close watch on Mizuki and tailing him.

Sensing Sasuke's arrival from behind, Jugram asked, "What did the Third Hokage say?"

"He agreed with your approach," replied Sasuke, "and mentioned that we shouldn't take action unless Naruto's life is in danger. Additionally, we need to investigate if Mizuki has any accomplices."

Jugram nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, then we'll proceed accordingly."

Subsequently, both Jugram and Sasuke continued trailing Mizuki until evening. Eventually, as evening fell, Naruto stole the 'Scroll of Seals', prompting a sneer from Mizuki as he witnessed the act.

Watching Naruto's departing figure, Jugram said to Sasuke, "You go and follow Naruto. I will continue to keep an eye on Mizuki." Sasuke nodded and trailed behind Naruto.

Meanwhile, Jugram maintained surveillance on Mizuki. When Mizuki informed everyone that Naruto had stolen the 'Scroll of Seals', it stirred up a lot of dissatisfaction among the Konoha ninjas. They demanded that the Hokage execute Naruto. However, Hiruzen ignored their demands and ordered them to capture Naruto instead.

After informing Iruka that Naruto had stolen the 'Scroll of Seals', Mizuki left for the location where he had instructed Naruto to wait for him.

His motive for doing this was apparently very clear: he wanted others to believe that Naruto stole the 'Scroll of Seals' and fled. By killing Naruto, he hoped to not only obtain the 'Scroll of Seals' but also to eliminate any doubts surrounding his involvement, given that he was the one who informed everyone about the theft.

Finally, after much contemplation, Mizuki arrived at the secluded location where he had instructed Naruto to go. However, to his surprise, before he reached Naruto's designated spot, Iruka, with a look of concern etched upon his face, was already present there, casting an unforeseen obstacle in Mizuki's plans.

Jugram reached the location where Sasuke was. However, as soon as Jugram approached Sasuke, he immediately sensed the presence of more than three ninjas in the darkness. One of them seemed even more formidable than Asuma, whom Jugram had encountered earlier in the day. Jugram surmised that this person could be Kakashi because he hadn't personally met Kakashi before. If he had, he would have been able to confirm with confidence whether or not the individual was indeed Kakashi. The other two ninjas were likely Anbu tasked with monitoring Naruto.

Jugram and Sasuke observed the entire confrontation between Iruka, Mizuki, and Naruto. Sasuke was taken aback by the revelation about Naruto; he had never been aware of such experiences Naruto had faced.

Sasuke wrestled with the urge to intervene in the unfolding situation. The severity of Iruka's injuries loomed over him, with the possibility of Iruka's demise if the conflict persisted. However, Jugram's firm restraint held Sasuke back. He grasped the significance of the moment, recognizing its pivotal role in Naruto's fate.

Finally, as Iruka acknowledged Naruto's true nature, the young ninja stepped forward, a determined resolve etched across his face. Addressing Iruka, Naruto proclaimed, "I won't hesitate to take you down if you harm Iruka-sensei."

"You fool," Sasuke interjected, appearing beside Naruto with a sense of urgency. "You've caused enough chaos today. Leave Mizuki to me; the Hokage has entrusted me with his capture. You retrieve the 'Scroll of Seals' and return it to the Hokage," he instructed, his voice firm and resolute as he laid out the plan.

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