129. Katabami Gold Mine

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After sneaking out of the house, Naruto ate his sandwich in a few bites and jumped onto the roof in his usual ninja style.

Suddenly, several familiar figures came into view. Naruto jumped down, picked up Hinata, and turned around: "Hinata, did you miss me?"

"Ah, Naruto-kun!" Hinata responded, shy and happy. "You're back!"

"Yeah, I just got back yesterday," Naruto said as he greeted the other two. "Yo, Akamaru, Shino, long time no see!"

"Woof!" Akamaru barked happily, wagging his tail while lying on Naruto's head.

Kiba grumbled: "Hey, Naruto, even Shino noticed me, but you're ignoring me on purpose!"

Shino adjusted his sunglasses and said, "Kiba, don't take it personally. People can only focus on so many things. We should just be glad Naruto's back. If you want to know why..."

"Because he called you but didn't call me! You always go on forever!" Kiba interrupted, jumping in frustration.

Shino didn't respond, his expression unchanged. He simply thought it had been a while since he'd sparred with Kiba.

Since his control over the bugs had improved recently, perhaps he'd practice with Kiba after today's mission.

"Those two haven't changed at all," Naruto said, taking Hinata's hand and following behind the pair.

"They have a close bond," Hinata commented, unfazed by their usual interaction. She then asked, "Naruto-kun, are you going to the gathering too? Is it alright if you come with us?"

Naruto shrugged. "It's fine, I'll just tag along."

"Huh? But I didn't tell you where we're going," Hinata replied, confused.

"Doesn't matter. Wherever you go, I'll drop by," Naruto answered casually.

...

After accompanying Hinata to her destination, Naruto slipped away before Kushina arrived. Watching Kiba jump ahead, Naruto thought, Maybe he'll end up getting scolded in my place today—hope everyone's alright.

By the time Naruto reached the training ground, Sasuke's morning practice was nearly finished.

Sakura, who was leaning against a tree, raised her head from her book and asked, "Naruto, why are you late?"

Naruto pulled his forehead protector down to cover one eye, mimicking Kakashi's lazy tone: "Ah, I lost my way on the road of life."

A vein appeared on Sakura's forehead, and she snapped, "Don't copy Kakashi-sensei for stuff like this!"

Speaking of Kakashi, he appeared just then, one hand in his pocket and the other holding Make-Out Paradise. "I could've sworn I heard someone badmouthing me."

Sakura, unfazed, retorted, "Kakashi-sensei, you're late again."

"Sorry," Kakashi said without an ounce of remorse, "but this time I was taking on a mission. We're here for business."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What kind of mission? Is it helping another princess restore her kingdom?"

Kakashi, looking slightly embarrassed, replied, "How many princesses could there possibly be? It's just a C-rank mission to help drive out some bullies."

That sounded easy enough. Naruto couldn't think of any particular bullies to watch out for, except maybe someone from the Hidden Rain Village.

Regarding the Akatsuki in the Hidden Rain, Naruto had suggested to his father once that they take a team and wipe out the organization in their base. But it couldn't be that simple.

If Konoha were to invade based on mere suspicion, other Villages might think, Oh, if Konoha suspects a terrorist group in the Hidden Rain, will they suddenly invade the Hidden Cloud or the Hidden Stone next? (Like oil)

International politics are tricky. One wrong move and it could escalate into a full-blown conflict.

Naruto asked, "So, where is the mission?"

"In the Land of Rivers."

The Land of Rivers is located southwest of the Land of Fire and northeast of the Land of Wind. Though it's not a large or powerful nation, it often assigns missions to either Sand Village or Konoha.

"Alright," Kakashi said, waving at three people nearby, "the clients are here. Let's hear the details from them."

Sakura looked surprised. "Wait, aren't you the three who fainted at the village entrance yesterday?"

"Yes, that was us," one of them, Liusuke, said. "We're so grateful for your help!" The six assistants bowed in gratitude.

Kakashi nodded. "No need to thank us. Please explain the mission in more detail."

"Certainly. We're villagers from the Katabami Gold Mine in the Land of Rivers," Liusuke began. "Although we were heavily taxed and oppressed by the local officials, life was still manageable."

Liusuke's face darkened as he continued. "But then a group of rogues calling themselves Kurosaki Family drove out the officials and seized the mine. They kill indiscriminately. Just the other day, they buried our companion Kanpachi alive! If this goes on, the entire village will be wiped out!"

"We risked our lives to escape. Please, you must expel them!" the three villagers pleaded in unison.

Sakura clenched her fist and smashed a nearby tree with a punch. "That's outrageous!"

Naruto whistled in surprise. Something about the situation felt off. "What did you say the family's name was again?"

"The Kurosaki Family" Liusuke replied.

Naruto pressed further. "Do you know the name of their leader?"

Liusuke thought for a moment. "I believe his name is... Raiga."

Kakashi's eyes widened. "Raiga Kurosuki?"

"Who's that?" Sakura and Sasuke asked, unfamiliar with the name.

"Raiga Kurosuki," Kakashi explained. "Like Momochi Zabuza, he's one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. He wields the Thunder Sword, and it's said he can harness lightning from the sky for his attacks."

Kakashi rubbed his temples. I just picked up a simple C-rank mission, and now we've got another headache on our hands.

Sasuke, however, was excited. The last time they faced Zabuza, it took all three of them to work together. Now, with an opponent of a similar calibre, it would be a perfect opportunity to see how much they had improved. He was ready for the challenge.

"Is the Seven Ninja swordsman really that strong?" Liusuke asked, awestruck by the title.

"They are indeed powerful. They once boasted that the seven of them could take down an entire nation," Naruto said, adding in his head, Though later, some of them were beaten by Gai's dad, leaving only the Three Lucky Treasures.

Fortunately, our team took on the mission. Naruto shuddered at the thought of Hinata's team or his brother's team taking it on—though, come to think of it, they'd probably be fine too. Naruto mused over how strong Konoha's teams had become.

Kakashi agreed. "This mission has escalated beyond a simple C-rank. At least an A-rank now."

Liusuke and his companions were horrified, imagining seven people who could destroy a country.

They fell to their knees and begged, "It doesn't matter! As long as you can save our village, please help us!"

Naruto felt a bit guilty. It almost felt like they were extorting money from the villagers.

Kakashi helped them up. "There's no need for that, Mr. Liusuke. If it's just Raiga, we can handle it. Let's set out and gather more information as soon as possible."

Naruto thought Kakashi was being too modest. Be more confident, Sensei! Even if all seven of them show up, you can handle it.

...

By the evening, the team arrived at a small shop in the Land of Rivers. Its sign read, "Curry of Life Shop."

Naruto recognized it immediately. The Curry of Life, one of the infamous dishes in the ninja world, was made here.

After eating it, Lee once became so energized it was like he was on stimulants. However, the dish was known to be too much for normal people.

Kakashi asked, "The village isn't far from here, is it?"

"Right," Liusuke confirmed. "Just three or four kilometres west of here, by the Gold Mine."

"Alright, let's rest here for now and gather more information tonight," Kakashi decided.

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