Chapter 8: Reporting Home

                                    

                                          
The four shinobi of Konoha returned to their village quickly and without incident. Naruto couldn't wait to get the best ramen in town. As he was about to dash off Kakashi reminded him they had to report back at the Hokage tower first.
                          
"Ahh but ramen!"
                          
Kakashi's one visible eye twitched violently. Every time he thought he was making progress…
                          
The three reported directly to the Hokage. Sarutobi had a pipe in his mouth as he saw team 7 enter to make their report. The first report had led to the mission being upgraded to a rank B mission. The 2nd report after the battle that led to the death of Zabuza turned it into an A ranked mission. Hiruzen had great confidence in Kakashi's abilities but really this was a bit much for a young genin team's first mission.
                          
Kakashi made his report efficiently and effectively. The Hokage's eyebrows shot up at having the genin kill so quickly. He had wanted them to retain their innocence a little longer. He shook himself out of his thoughts as the elite jonin continued the debrief. When Kakashi finished the third Hokage smiled at the four shinobi.
                          
"You've exceeded my expectations, well done."
                          
Kakashi took the praise in stride while his genin team basked in it. Kakashi could tell even Sasuke was effected by the words, though he hid it well. Naruto's smile was an ear to ear grin. Sakura was more demure but she positively glowed at the praise from the village's legendary leader.
                          
The Hokage dismissed everyone but Kakashi. Naruto invited the other two for ramen. Sasuke shrugged and agreed. Kakashi would expect him to be part of the team. With Sasuke going it made Sakura's choice a foregone conclusion. All three of the genin headed to Ramen Ichiraku. Hiruzen looked at Kakashi, "I understand you don't want it in writing that Sasuke has unlocked the Sharingan?"
                          
"Hai, if no one knows Sasuke has developed the Sharingan he will be better protected. A live Sharingan can make him a target. Furthermore it always helps for a shinobi to be underestimated."
                          
The Hokage chewed on his pipe in thought. "I'll keep it out of the written reports, I understand caution but only a few people have access to the reports. Sometimes your wariness is more like paranoia Kakashi-san. The masked jonin looked at the Hokage and replied with simple logic, "If I take precautions that aren't needed it is a minor inconvenience. But if I take precautions when it is needed it could make all the difference. Any edge no matter how small that will help them survive I will give them."
                          
He couldn't find fault with the argument so he agreed to do as his jonin asked. The written copies of the report were different then what had been orally communicated. Most everything was the same but the Sharingan was absent completely as was any mention of the genin helping Kakashi deal with Zabuza. With a bow Kakashi left Sarutobi alone with his thoughts.
                          
Kakashi took the pay for the mission and also turned in the sealing scroll that had Zabuza's head. Zabuza's blade was also given up but instead of using it as part of the bounty it would go to the care of Konoha where it would find a worthy wielder. Kakashi would split the money with his team in the next morning. For now… it was time to see if the latest Icha Icha had arrived while he was gone.
                          
***BREAK***
                          
Naruto was ecstatic! Not only was he finally getting his favorite food at Ramen Ichiraku but both of his teammates would be with him! Naruto introduced them to Teuchi and his daughter Ayame. Sasuke said little while Sakura introduced herself properly. Soon they were all eating delicious ramen, while neither was as enthusiastic as Naruto it was tasty and they enjoyed it.
                          
After completing the ramen they went their separate ways. Naruto returned to his home. Since placing a few traps the home had not been vandalized. The fact that he was a shinobi now meant that he could legally assault someone for breaking into his residence. Naruto made a dozen clones that began reading books.