Kakashi: Godless Ascension

As Team 7 escorted Tazuna through the forested path to the Land of Waves, Kakashi's uncovered face scanned the surroundings, his senses heightened.

The sealed Sharingan beneath Kushina's intricate seal remained dormant, yet his vigilance never wavered.

Suddenly, a puddle on the dry path caught Kakashi's attention. His eyes narrowed. He knew what it was. Without alerting the team, he subtly signaled them to be cautious.

He wasn't about to do it like in the original plot. He knew that after those weeks of training Team 7 had grown a lot. So there was no need to test them.

In a flash, two figures erupted from the puddle Gōzu and Meizu, the Demon Brothers of the Hidden Mist. Chains with poisoned claws shot towards Kakashi, aiming to incapacitate him.

Kakashi was ready. He sidestepped gracefully, evading the chains, and countered with swift taijutsu, forcing the brothers to retreat momentarily.

"Team 7, engage!" Kakashi commanded as he prepared to watch.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Fire Jutsu!" Sasuke moved first, and his Sharingan activated. He weaved hand signs rapidly. A barrage of small fireballs targeted the brothers, forcing them to dodge.

Naruto followed, creating multiple shadow clones that surrounded the enemies. From the midst of the clones, he charged a Rasengan, its swirling energy illuminating the area.

Meizu attempted to counter, but Naruto's shadow clone feinted, allowing the real Naruto to land the Rasengan on Meizu's chest, sending him crashing into a tree, unconscious.

Gōzu, enraged, lunged at Sakura, who stood her ground. She formed hand signs taught by Kurenai. "Genjutsu: Illusory Mist!" Gōzu's vision blurred, disoriented by the illusion.

"Water Style: Water Needle Jutsu!" Seizing the opportunity, Sakura performed a water-style technique. Sharp needles formed from nearby moisture, striking Gōzu and incapacitating him.

With both enemies neutralized, Kakashi approached, nodding in approval.

"Well done, everyone. Your training has paid off."

"I didn't expect such strength from a genin team," Tazuna said after witnessing the display, was visibly shaken.

Naruto crossed his arms and grinned. "Heh! Told ya! We're not just some normal genin team."

Sasuke stayed quiet but glanced toward the trees, watching for more attacks. Sakura smiled proudly, glad that her training had been useful.

Kakashi walked up to Tazuna. "Now that we've taken care of those two… tell us the truth. Why were ninja-like them after you during a D-rank mission?"

Tazuna scratched his head, then sighed. "Alright, alright… I lied about the mission rank. But I had no choice. Our country is poor. We couldn't afford a higher-ranked mission.

"Go on." Kakashi's eyes narrowed. Although he knew what this mission was about he still didn't like this old man. Had it been another team that had a weaker Jonin as a teacher they would probably die.

"There's a man Gatō. He's a dangerous businessman. He's trying to take control of our land. The bridge I'm building is our last hope. If we finish it, he loses power."

"So that's why people want to stop you…" Sakura looked worried.

"This is no longer just a D-rank. We're walking into enemy territory." Kakashi thought for a moment.

"Do we go back?" Naruto asked.

"No. We go on. We're already involved. But don't worry I am here." Kakashi said as he smiled at the three.

"Thank you," Tazuna said as he looked both guilty and hopeful.

They continued walking down the path together. Naruto and Sasuke occasionally argued, but Sakura kept them in line. Kakashi walked ahead, alert.

He was constantly using his senses to scan the area as you never know when Zabuza might strike.

He looked at three arguing and playing around and shook his head. They didn't know yet, but their true test was still waiting for them stronger than the last.

Though he left Haku for them, as for Zabuza he was going to beat him himself. He wanted a good fight to test his Shiden.

As they walked along the path through the trees, Naruto kicked a stone and looked up at Kakashi.

"Hey, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura asked, "how do ninja villages actually work? Like… who gives the missions? And why do we do them?"

"That's a good question, Sakura." Kakashi looked back at her with a small smile.

He slowed his pace a little so the others could hear too.

"Ninja villages, like ours Konohagakure are hidden villages run by a leader called the Hokage. Every village has its own leader. Ours is the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi."

Naruto on the side nodded, listening carefully.

"The village is full of ninjas who protect it and take on missions. These missions come from people who need help. Sometimes from inside the village, sometimes from other lands. The Hokage or mission desk assigns missions based on the team's level."

"What about the Ryo part?" Naruto asked a question.

"Missions are paid," Kakashi said. "That's how the village earns money and supports its people. The harder the mission, the more it pays. And sometimes, like with Tazuna, people can't afford the right rank."

"So it's like a business too?" Sakura blinked.

"In a way, yes," Kakashi nodded.

"But we're also protectors. Our job is to keep peace, defend the village, and serve the Village." Kakashi said. Though to serve the Hokage but he didn't say it as it is unnecessary.

Sakura nodded her head. Understanding Kakashi's explanation.

"Man… being a ninja is more complicated than I thought." Naruto on the side complained. He just wanted to become Hokage why are there so many complicated things to do as Hokage?