Naruto: Boundless Potential

Naruto tugged at the dark blue mask Kakashi had given him, adjusting it carefully over his face. It felt weird—snug but unfamiliar, covering everything except his bright blue eyes. He still wasn't used to it.

"Man, this feels so weird..." he thought, rubbing his face.

But the moment he remembered his reflection from this morning—his whiskers gone and his face looking way too soft—he shuddered.

"Nope. No way. This mask is staying on."

He sighed, shaking his head. Just then, Kakashi's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Naruto, let's go. It's time for your first mission."

Naruto looked up to see Kakashi standing near the doorway, hands in his pockets, as lazy as ever.

"R-right! I'm coming!" Naruto quickly responded, trying not to fidget with the mask too much.

Kakashi gave him a brief nod before disappearing in an instant.

A gust of wind brushed against Naruto's hair.

He blinked.

"...HEY! Sensei, that's so unfair!"

He groaned, stomping a foot on the ground before breaking into a brisk walk toward the Hokage building.

As he moved, his mind wandered.

For the first time in his life, nobody was glaring at him.

He glanced around, cautiously observing the people on the street. Usually, he'd get nasty looks or be completely ignored. But today? Nothing. Not even a glance.

"Is it because of the mask?" Naruto wondered.

To test it, he ducked into a small food store and grabbed a steamed bun.

Normally, he'd get kicked out before even setting foot inside. But this time, the shopkeeper just took his money and handed over the food, no hesitation.

Naruto stood frozen at the exit, holding the warm bun in his hands.

"...So they can treat a stranger normally… but not me?"

A complicated feeling swirled in his chest. He should've been happy. This was what he'd always wanted, right? A normal interaction. No glares, no whispers, no one shooing him away.

But the fact that it only happened because they didn't recognize him…

Naruto clenched his fist around the bun slightly, then sighed, forcing a small smile.

"Forget it."

Taking a quick bite, he shook off the thoughts and continued toward his destination.

The Hokage Building

By the time he reached the Hokage building, his thoughts were still swirling. He stood in front of the entrance, taking a deep breath to shake off his unease.

"Alright, Naruto," he muttered to himself. "No big deal. You're a ninja now. Focus on the mission."

Squaring his shoulders, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

As he walked toward the mission briefing room, he spotted his teammates already gathered.

Sakura stood near the window, arms crossed, looking impatient. Sasuke leaned against the wall, cool as ever. And Kakashi?

Not here yet.

"Of course he's late," Naruto thought, rolling his eyes.

Sakura turned at the sound of footsteps, her brows furrowing.

"Who are—?" She paused, eyes narrowing as she studied him. Then her gaze dropped to his headband.

"Wait… Naruto?"

Naruto grinned beneath his mask. "Heh! Took you long enough!"

Sakura's mouth fell open. "Wha—? What's with the mask?! Are you copying Kakashi-sensei now?!"

Naruto snickered. "Nah, it's a long story."

Sasuke barely spared him a glance. "Hn. Looks stupid."

Naruto bristled. "What'd you say, you emo duck-head?!"

Sasuke ignored him, shifting his gaze back toward the window.

Sakura groaned. "Can you two not start this early in the morning?"

Naruto huffed, crossing his arms. He was about to snap back when—

Poof!

A cloud of smoke appeared near the door, and Kakashi materialized with his usual lazy posture.

"Yo."

Sakura sighed. "You're late, Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi waved her off. "Maa, maa, let's not focus on the little details." His visible eye crinkled as he finally looked at Naruto.

"...I see you're keeping the mask."

Naruto shrugged. "It's kinda cool, I guess."

Kakashi hummed. "Well then, let's get to your mission."

He pulled out a small scroll and unfurled it.

"Your task today is simple: Find and capture a missing cat named Tora."

Silence.

Naruto twitched. "...A cat?!"

Kakashi nodded. "A very important cat. It belongs to Lady Shijimi, the Fire Daimyo's wife."

Sakura clapped her hands together. "Oh! I've heard about her! She adores her cat!"

Naruto groaned. "Aghhh, we became ninja for this?!"

Kakashi ignored him. "The cat was last seen in the marketplace. I expect you all to work together and complete the mission efficiently."

Sasuke crossed his arms. "Hn. Let's just get this over with."

Naruto sighed. "Fine, fine… but if this cat scratches me, I'm so throwing it."

Sakura gasped. "Naruto!"

He grinned. "Kidding, kidding!"

Kakashi clapped his hands. "Alright then. You have your mission. Go find that cat."

And with that, Team 7 set off.