20 Million Ryo, Just For Vacation?

Kakashi arrived at the Hokage Building with Team 7 in tow. Along the way, the villagers and ninjas shot glares at Naruto, the distinctive blonde from the team. Their expressions were of disdain and irritation, some even appearing ready to pounce on him.

But Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi were unfazed. Kakashi had long grown accustomed to the resentful looks from his own childhood, and Sasuke, driven by his thirst for revenge, couldn't care less about others' opinions. As for Naruto, he'd been on the receiving end of contempt all his life. He joked to himself that those who had a problem with him could form a line stretching from Konoha's gate to the Hokage's office.

The only one visibly affected was Sakura, who kept close to Sasuke, seemingly unnerved by the hostile stares.

Hands in his pockets, Kakashi entered the Hokage's office with his usual nonchalance. The room was thick with smoke, courtesy of the Third Hokage, whose worry was evident in the smoky haze.

"Everyone's here?" the Third Hokage asked, casting a glance over the four of them. He picked up a mission scroll from his desk and tossed it to Kakashi, who caught it effortlessly and began to read.

Naruto, barely able to contain his excitement, kept trying to peek at the scroll over Kakashi's shoulder. Kakashi, with a sigh, gently pushed him back. As he read, a curious expression formed on Kakashi's face, one Naruto couldn't quite place. It was as if he was reading the most bizarre thing.

What's with the deadpan expression for a simple escort mission?

Naruto's confusion grew. He thought Kakashi might be reluctant to leave the village for the mission. But he was wrong.

Finally, Kakashi turned to the Third Hokage, skepticism lacing his voice, "Third Hokage-sama, are you sure this mission is legitimate?"

Naruto and the others perked up. From Kakashi's tone, it sounded like this mission was no ordinary assignment. Sasuke smirked, ready for a challenge. Sakura seemed indifferent, but curious.

The Third Hokage, puffing on his pipe, nodded. "It's unusual, yes... but it follows protocol." His expression mirrored Kakashi's odd look, adding to the mystery.

Naruto, impatient with the vagueness, tugged at Kakashi's pants, gesturing to see the scroll. After a brief hesitation, Kakashi handed it over.

Eagerly, Naruto unrolled the scroll. His excitement was palpable, expecting a mission to the Land of Waves or something similarly thrilling. But as he read, his expression shifted rapidly from anticipation to confusion, then disbelief, and finally... anger.

C-Rank Mission: The mission is to have all members of Team 7 from Konoha Village leave the village for a month.

Mission Reward: 20 million ryo.

Mission Issuer: Jointly commissioned by the villagers of Konoha Village.

Naruto's hands shook with the scroll, his face a storm of emotions. This wasn't an exciting mission. It was a vacation mandate funded by the villagers, essentially paying to get rid of them for a while. The amount—20 million ryo—was more than half of what Asuma might earn in a year.

His voice quivered with fury as he shouted, "Third Hokage! This is blatant bullying! Just because I used Shadow Clones to finish low-rank missions... Is that really so wrong? Why does it have to come to this?"

Sasuke, though initially disappointed at the lack of combat, wasn't as upset. Sakura, however, seemed delighted by the prospect of a paid holiday. The Third Hokage, trying to ease the tension, spoke kindly, "Naruto... You've grown. Don't you want to see the world beyond Konoha? This is a good opportunity."

Naruto fumed. This was supposed to be the start of their serious ninja career, not a glorified vacation. But the decision wasn't his to make; Kakashi held the final say. With a resigned sigh, Naruto accepted the situation.

Kakashi, patting Naruto on the shoulder, tried to comfort him, though his joy was thinly veiled. "Look at it this way, Naruto. It's a chance to experience life outside the village."

Naruto couldn't help but notice the air of laziness that clung to Kakashi like a second skin. He suddenly wondered if his mentor was secretly enjoying the prospect of a paid break from their responsibilities. Even Sasuke and Sakura seemed to catch a whiff of Kakashi's "vacation vibes."

Naruto, however, felt utterly betrayed. His dreams of intense training and epic battles were dashed against the mundane reality of a paid exile. But as they made their way out of the office, Naruto caught a whiff of something unmistakable—a strong, pungent smell of fish, far too potent for the middle of the village.

His eyes widened in realization. Scanning the area, he spotted a small, elderly man standing near the entrance of the Hokage Building, smelling distinctly of the sea.

Could it be...?

Naruto's frustration began to fade, replaced by a renewed sense of curiosity and the possibility of adventure. Perhaps this mission wasn't as mundane as it seemed.