Ch-32 I have heard a rumour.

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Kakashi didn't look at Naruto and Sakura. Instead, he directly turned his gaze to Tazuna and said, "What they did was absolutely correct. Even I refrained from taking action, wanting to ascertain the true target of these ninjas. The two ninjas who attacked you are rogue Chunins from Kirigakure, known as the 'Demon Brothers'."

"Why are you looking at me like that then? If these ninjas are rogues, they must have attacked us for money," Tazuna said, sweat dripping profusely as he spoke.

"If their goal was money, they would have targeted all the ninjas in the group from the very beginning. However, their actions prove that their target is none other than you," said Kakashi.

After hearing Kakashi's reasoning, Tazuna could only sweat profusely and was unable to say anything.

Kakashi sighed, "I understand you may have reasons for what you have done, but you shouldn't have lied to us. Lying is taboo. If we had known that ninjas would attack us, this mission would have at least been classified as a B-Rank mission."

"Yes, we are too young to handle a B-Rank mission, not to mention Naruto has been injured," Sakura added.

Kakashi also agreed with Sakura, saying, "Yes, you are right. Naruto is also injured. And this injury is not light. The claw with which they attacked Naruto was imbued with poison. It seems that we need to return home."

Naruto, who was listening to all this, only harbored raging anger inside him, not directed towards anyone else present but himself. He thought, "Why am I so useless? Just because of me, we will have to abandon our first mission."

In his frustration and anger, Naruto took out his kunai and stabbed his hand where the injury from the claw attack had occurred.

"I will not give up on this mission. Bridge builder, I promise you that we will complete your mission, and I will protect you," vowed Naruto, determination burning brightly in his eyes as he spoke.

"That's all well and good, but your hand injury is now even more serious," said Kakashi, his tone tinged with concern. After saying this, he carefully examined Naruto's injury, furrowing his brow as he noticed the severity of it.

"It seems the Nine-Tails' healing power is already in action," thought Kakashi, a mixture of relief and curiosity crossing his features as he observed Naruto's injury healing automatically.

"Then it appears that you all are not going to protect me," said Tazuna, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment as he looked at the group with a sad expression, his shoulders slumping slightly.

After hearing this, Naruto and Sakura felt a wave of sadness wash over them, their shoulders slumping in disappointment. Sasuke, too, wore a crestfallen expression, his usually stoic demeanor betraying his inner turmoil as he realized they would have to return to Konoha, leaving their mission unfinished.

Tazuna decided to strike while the iron was hot and said, "At most, I will be killed and my grandson will become an orphan. That's all."

Hearing this, Naruto and Sakura's expressions grew even more despondent, their eyes darting towards Kakashi with a plea for reassurance written all over their faces.

Kakashi, catching the glances of Naruto and Sakura, turned towards Jugram and Sasuke and asked, "What do you guys think?"

"I don't have any problem with helping him," said Sasuke, his voice carrying a hint of resolve.

Jugram's response was measured but firm, his tone carrying a hint of pragmatism mixed with concern. "I think you are all being emotional after hearing this person's explanation. But remember, he hid the truth from all of us. It's fortunate that it was we who took on his mission. Imagine if some ordinary team of Chunin had taken it. Then all the members of that team would be dead. So, I won't suggest that we continue this mission. And if we really have to proceed, then there must be a price to be paid, or else I am against it. Whatever decision you all make, I don't mind."

Tazuna's response was tinged with a touch of desperation, his shoulders slumping slightly as he spoke. "But we, the 'Land of Waves,' are poor and don't have much money."

Jugram's remark carried a weight of seriousness, his expression stern as he emphasized his point. "You have only met the ninjas from Konoha; that's why you are speaking like this. Ask Kakashi-san what would happen if it were ninjas from another village. If, because of you, they lost some important ninja, they might go as far as slaughtering your entire country to recover their loss. So, think before you speak."

Kakashi also nodded in agreement, his demeanor grave as he chimed in, "What Jugram said is correct. But before that, first tell us why the ninjas are after you. Only then can I decide anything further."

After Kakashi posed the question, Tazuna's expression shifted to one of solemnity as he recounted how Gato had seized control of their country, and he vividly described the cruelty of Gato's reign.

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