Chapter 8

As the sun rose above the village hidden in the leaves, its radiant rays beamed down upon the land below. The golden light bathed the scenery, illuminating the lush forest. Fluffy clouds glided across the sky, casting fleeting shadows on the verdant canopy and causing the leaves on the trees to sway in response to the gentle winds.

Within the depths of the forest, a group of four individuals was engaged in a mission. Two among them exhibited visible enthusiasm and determination. Sakura, with her distinctive pink hair, cautiously peered out from behind a tree, her eyes fixated on a mysterious feline creature. Sasuke, concealed within the bushes, stared intently at the same target, his piercing onyx eyes focused and alert.

Meanwhile, Menma stood atop a tree, his arms crossed in front of him, emanating an aura of impatience. He tapped his fingers rhythmically, clearly annoyed by the current situation. Their team's jonin sensei, Kakashi, reclined on a free branch, engrossed in his book titled "Make Out Paradise." He occasionally spared his students a brief glance, but his attention remained primarily captivated by the pages of his book.

Sakura peered at the tree where Menma stood with a complicated expression before turning her attention back to the feline. In the bushes, Sasuke shifted his position slightly, readying himself to lunge at the creature.

In the midst of the vibrant forest, a nerve-wracked feline crouched, its back arched defensively, while its keen catlike eyes scanned the surroundings for any signs of danger. Suddenly, Sasuke burst forth from the bushes, lunging with outstretched hands in an attempt to capture the creature. Yet, by a mere hairsbreadth, he missed his target as it swiftly evaded his grasp, scurrying towards Sakura's hiding spot.

With a triumphant smirk, Sakura swiftly reached out and seized the feline by its tail. Startled, the creature let out a surprised yelp and retaliated by scratching furiously at Sakura's face with its sharp claws. Recoiling, Sakura released her grip, instinctively raising her hands to shield her face from further harm. Seizing the opportunity, the feline darted into the nearby bushes, with Sasuke hot on its heels.

Meanwhile, Menma's patience wore thin, his brows furrowing in frustration. In a split second, he vanished from his perch atop the tree, reappearing in a blink with the feline firmly clasped by its head in his grip. The creature snarled and continued to struggle, scratching in a desperate attempt to break free. Unfazed, Menma's tone turned menacing as he issued a threat.

"Keep this up and I just might kill you," Menma warned, tightening his hold on the creature's head to establish his dominance.

The feline, sensing the gravity of Menma's threat, visibly shrank into itself, its previously defensive posture giving way to a submissive stance. Menma, his annoyance still evident, scoffed with a tinge of superiority as he pivoted on his heel and strode purposefully toward Sasuke, who had caught up to the scene.

Without sparing a glance at the creature, Menma approached Sasuke and nonchalantly deposited the cat into his outstretched arms.

Sasuke gritted his teeth in frustration, his inner turmoil evident as he watched Menma effortlessly capture the elusive feline. The contrast between his own struggle and Menma's ease left a bitter taste in his mouth. Even Sakura had managed to lay her hands on it, albeit briefly. With his scowl firmly in place, Sasuke couldn't help but sulk inwardly, feeling the weight of his inadequacy.

Not interested in Sasuke's internal struggle, Menma continued walking, confident and assured. Sasuke trailed behind, his gaze fixed on Menma's retreating figure. Together, they made their way back to the clearing where Sakura and Kakashi stood waiting. Sakura's face lit up with a wide smile upon seeing the feline finally captured.

Kakashi closed his book, tucking it away into his pouch, and addressed the team. "Well done, all three of you. The lost pet 'Tora' search mission... complete!" His signature closed-eye smile accompanied by a thumbs-up gesture expressed his approval and satisfaction.

-In the Hokage's office-

A plump woman adorned in lavish clothing cradled the captured cat, Tora, in her arms. She pressed her round cheeks against the feline, who let out a silent cry, its failed escape attempt foiled. Overwhelmed with affection, the woman tightened her grip on the already suffocating cat.

"Oh, my precious little Tora-chan! I was so worried," she cooed, oblivious to the cat's discomfort.

Menma couldn't help but smirk at the cat's plight. After all, the mission had been quite tiresome. Sakura sweat-dropped, understanding why the feline had chosen to run away in the first place. The woman thanked Team 7 and promptly left with her cat still showering it with much (un)needed affection.

As everyone settled down, Hiruzen cleared his throat and took his seat behind his desk. He began to speak, intending to assign their next mission. However, before he could continue, Menma abruptly interrupted, shocking everyone in the room except for Hiruzen and Kakashi.

"Oi, old man," Menma spoke assertively, crossing his arms and demanding attention.

Hiruzen's brow furrowed slightly, taken aback by Menma's boldness, while Kakashi inwardly sighed, familiar with his student's impulsive nature.

"I want a C-rank mission," the young Uzumaki declared, with a tone of finality.

All eyes turned to Menma, displaying varying degrees of shock and surprise, awaiting the Hokage's response.

Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe, his gaze locked onto the unwavering blues of Menma's eyes. He sighed, well aware of Menma's stubbornness and persistence.

"Alright," he finally conceded, "I will assign you a C-rank mission."

A triumphant smirk spread across Menma's face, pleased with his successful demand. Sakura was bewildered, astounded that anyone, apart from Menma, would dare to make such a bold request much less demand it of the Hokage no less.

Kakashi, unfazed by the turn of events, chimed in, his voice laced with resignation. "What are the details?"

Hiruzen cleared his throat before responding. "It's a protection mission involving a certain individual."

As Hiruzen uttered those words, the office door creaked open, revealing a gray-haired man with a bushy beard, spectacles perched on his nose, and piercing dark eyes. He wore a V-neck shirt with an obi, pants, and a pair of sandals, with a towel casually draped around his neck and a pointed hat adorning his head. Holding a bottle of sake in one hand, he leaned against the doorway, his other hand resting on his hip.

"What's this? They're all just a bunch of super brats. Especially that one," the man grumbled, his disapproving tone directed at Menma as he narrowed his eyes.

Menma's expression shifted, a mix of annoyance and curiosity evident on his face as he assessed the newcomer.

As the tension filled the room, Hiruzen gestured for the man to step forward. "Please come in," he invited, signaling the start of their mission briefing.

The man strode into the room, his presence commanding attention as he halted before the Hokage's desk. He turned to face the team, his voice filled with irritation as he introduced himself. "I am the super expert bridge builder, Tazuna," he began, his tone grumpy. "I expect you to provide me with super protection until I safely return to my country and complete the bridge."

"Now then, all of you should gather your daily necessities and meet up at the village entrance," Hiruzen declared, his voice carrying authority. "This mission is expected to last up to two weeks at most."

As the group was dismissed, Menma joined the others in leaving the Hokage's office. The village streets were alive with activity, filled with villagers going about their daily routines. Some cast curious glances at the young shinobi team, while others sent hateful glares in Menma's direction. He met their animosity with a glare of his own, refusing to be intimidated.

Upon reaching his home, Menma entered his room and began packing the essentials for the upcoming mission. He carefully selected weapons, supplies, and scrolls, ensuring he was fully prepared for any hidden dangers.

Before concluding his preparations, Menma left a note for Naruto informing him of his mission and the expected return date. He knew that Naruto would keep an eye out for any developments in his absence, aware of his brother's unwavering support.

With his gear packed and his mind focused, Menma set out on his mission.