Chapter 28: A Quest

The three of them strolled leisurely, the crisp air filled with the scent of fresh earth and blooming wildflowers. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds created a peaceful melody that seemed to echo through the endless trees. 

Naruto took a deep breath, stretching his arms as if trying to embrace the entire world. His eyes sparkled with childlike wonder as he observed everything—the fluttering of butterflies, the scampering of small animals, even the way the sunlight filtered through the canopy above. 

Tsunade and Shizune exchanged amused glances, their giggles soft but warm. Watching Naruto experience the outside world with such pure excitement was strangely endearing. 

"Tsunade, how much longer until we get there?" Naruto asked, glancing back at them. 

Tsunade stretched lazily, a smirk playing on her lips. "Hmm, I'd say a few more hours. Right, Shizune?" 

Shizune nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, Naruto, we still have a few hours ahead." 

Naruto let out a dramatic sigh before grinning. "Well, that just means a few more hours of fun, then!" he stretched his arms behind his head, a wide grin on his face. "Then we should enjoy the journey! No need to rush, right?"

Tsunade chuckled, shaking her head. "You really are something else, brat. Most people would be complaining by now."

Shizune smiled warmly. "It's refreshing, though. Traveling feels different when you're with someone who actually enjoys the little things."

Naruto turned his gaze upward, watching the sunlight peek through the leaves. "Well, what's the point of rushing when there's so much to see? The world is huge, and I've been stuck in the village all my life. Now that I'm out, I wanna take it all in."

Tsunade and Shizune exchanged glances, their hearts softening. Maybe, just maybe, this journey wouldn't just be about making money—it could be about something more.

But their joy came to an abrupt halt as all three of them tensed, sensing several chakra signatures approaching from the dense forest. The once peaceful surroundings now carried an eerie stillness, the distant chirping of birds fading as if nature itself was holding its breath. 

Naruto's carefree expression hardened instantly, his sharp instincts kicking in. "We're not alone," he muttered, his voice now calm and serious. 

Tsunade crossed her arms, her golden eyes scanning the treetops. "Hmph. Looks like some idiots are about to have a really bad day." 

Shizune subtly reached for her kunai, her normally gentle demeanor replaced with sharp focus."We should be careful. We don't know who they are yet."

Naruto smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Well then… let's give them a warm welcome."

Just as they were preparing for battle, a sudden ding echoed inside Naruto's mind.

[A Side Quest: Defeat the Enemies

Reward: Copycat (Can change into anyone the user knows)]

Naruto blinked, slightly annoyed. "Aurora, what's with this quest? The reward is pretty bland—I already have the Transformation Jutsu."

[Leo, this is an upgrade. Unlike your regular Transformation Jutsu, this ability is nearly undetectable. Even skilled sensory shinobi won't be able to tell you've transformed. It's similar to Mr. 2 Bon Clay's Devil Fruit ability.]

Naruto's eyes lit up with realization. " Oh, now that's interesting. So, do I have to take them down all by myself?"

[No, since this is just a tutorial-like mission, you can by yourself or defeat them with your team. Think of it as a warm-up for the real deal.]

A wide grin spread across Naruto's face. "Well then, let's get started!"

Naruto smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Well, if it's just a warm-up, then I'll handle it quickly."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "What's with that cocky attitude, brat?"

Shizune, on the other hand, was already preparing in case things escalated. "We don't know who they are yet. Be careful, Naruto."

Naruto nodded, but inside, he was already excited. A real fight outside the village—this is my chance to test myself.

The energy signatures got closer, rustling the trees as figures emerged from the shadows.

"Well, well, look what we have here," one of them sneered. "A bunch of travelers… or should I say, a jackpot?"

Tsunade's expression darkened. "You sure about that?"

Naruto grinned. "If you wanted an easy target, you picked the wrong people."

He could feel his blood pumping. His first battle outside the village, and a new ability on the line.

"Alright, let's get this over with."

With that, all three clashed with the enemies, who were about a dozen.

Amidst the chaos, one of the enemy's eyes widened in realization. His breath hitched as he whispered urgently to those nearest to him, "Guys… now I remember her… she's one of the Sannin—Tsunade."

But before they could react, Tsunade cracked her knuckles, a smirk on her face.

"Oh? Took you long enough to recognize me."

With that, she lunged forward, her raw strength sending one of them flying before he even realized what hit him. The ground cracked beneath her as she effortlessly took down another with a single punch.

Naruto, watching in awe, whistled. Man, she's terrifying.

Shizune, meanwhile, used precise strikes, taking down enemies with pinpoint accuracy, her senbons hitting vital points.

Naruto grinned, eager to jump in. "Well, guess it's my turn!"

He dashed forward, weaving between two enemies before delivering a powerful kick to one's gut, sending them sprawling. With swift movements, he ducked under another's attack and countered with a clean punch to the jaw.

The remaining enemies, now trembling, started to back away.

"W-We should retreat—"

But before they could, Naruto appeared behind them with a smirk. "Going somewhere?"

They gulped.

Tsunade crossed her arms. "I'd suggest you drop your weapons… if you want to leave in one piece."

Without hesitation, the remaining enemies dropped their weapons and ran, stumbling over themselves.

Naruto laughed. "Well, that was easy."

[Ding! Quest Complete!

Reward: Copycat Ability Unlocked.]

Naruto's grin widened. Now, this is getting fun.

After the fight, they resumed their journey in peace, the rustling leaves and distant chirping of birds the only sounds accompanying them.

Naruto, still buzzing from the thrill of battle, walked ahead with a carefree grin, while

Tsunade and Shizune followed, exchanging amused glances at his energy.

Soon, they arrived at a lively village, one renowned for its bustling gambling houses and extravagant nightlife. Brightly lit signs flickered in the evening light, the sounds of rolling dice, shuffling cards, and joyous cheers filling the air.

Tsunade's eyes gleamed with a familiar excitement. "Ahhh… this place brings back memories," she sighed, stretching her arms.

Naruto smirked. "Yeah, memories of losing all your money, right?"

Shizune stifled a giggle as Tsunade shot him a playful glare. "Hmph. This time, it's different."

Naruto's grin widened. "Of course, because this time, we are the ones making money."

With that, the three stepped forward, ready to begin their grand scheme.