ALL NOVEL Chapter 49: Completely different attitudes
Chapter
49: Completely Different Attitudes
"Since you've admitted it, you
should know that the difficulty of a mission involving ninjas is entirely
different. These two are ninjas from Kirigakure Village, making this mission at
least B-rank. Considering the potential future risks, it could even be A-rank.
Yet, you've provided only C-rank payment to the village. You understand the
discrepancy, right, Tazuna-san? We have the right to abandon the mission
directly," Kakashi said, looking at Tazuna seriously.
Kakashi's words were firm. Lying
about a mission's rank is an unforgivable mistake in the ninja world because it
puts the mission team in unpredictable danger. Failure is the least of the
risks; often, it can lead to complete annihilation.
Tazuna, understanding the gravity,
responded, "Of course, I understand, but, Ninja-sama, I had no choice. Our
Country of Waves is small and impoverished, especially after the businessman
Gato took control. The villagers pooled their resources for this mission, but
it's far from enough for a B-rank payment, let alone A-rank. This was my only
option!" His expression was sad, his voice tinged with desperation.
"I understand if you want to
give up the mission, but I held onto the last glimmer of hope to build a bridge
of courage for the people of the Land of Waves. Ninja-sama, I'm not afraid of
death. I'm worried about my country, my young daughter, and my very young
grandson." His voice trembled slightly.
Naruto and Sakura were visibly
touched. The new generation of Konoha ninjas had grown with unnecessary
sympathy, a real taboo for ninjas, which can harm not only themselves but also
their comrades. Menma couldn't tolerate this behavior. Should others pay for
Tazuna's lies out of pity? What Tazuna did might be for his country, but his
lies endangered Team 7, betting their lives on his dream and his country's
future without matching compensation.
"Since Tazuna-san has admitted
it, Kakashi-sensei, let's follow the village's mission regulations and give up.
We aren't responsible for abandoning the mission under these
circumstances," Menma stated firmly. Although Menma knew that the enemies
behind were Zabuza and Haku, with him in Team 7, they could defeat them more
easily than in the original story. However, Menma saw no reason to continue the
mission. It wasn't the only chance to leave the village. Menma had no intention
of being a martyr. He wouldn't help someone who had morally kidnapped them and
deceived them.
"Well, indeed, giving up the
mission is the most appropriate decision," Kakashi nodded. His team wasn't
composed of ordinary individuals. There was Uchiha Sasuke, the last of the
Uchiha clan, Namikaze Naruto, the son of the Fourth Hokage, and Uzumaki Menma,
the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—important individuals with potential for accidents.
When a mission exceeds expectations, decisive abandonment is needed.
Sasuke, though silent, had a look of
agreement. Continuing this mission felt unnecessary.
Tazuna's eyes widened in panic.
Without Team 7's protection, he knew he would die. Tazuna wasn't afraid of
death if it meant completing the bridge and freeing his people from Gato's
control. But dying now was meaningless. He had to consider his young daughter
and grandson. His heart clenched.
"Ah? Are you giving up like
this? I don't think it's right. Brother Kakashi, this old man is so pitiful. I
think we can help him, right?" Naruto displayed his inherent compassion,
willing to help Tazuna. Menma frowned at Naruto's words, hoping his brother
would differ from the original Naruto, but his 'cheap brother' seemed the same.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei, I think
Gato is despicable. Let's help Tazuna-san, just to protect him until the bridge
is built. It's totally doable!" Sakura echoed Naruto's sentiments, looking
hopefully at Kakashi.
Their words brought a glimmer of
hope to Tazuna. His eyes fixed on Kakashi, knowing the decision rested with
him.