Training field the next day
Kakashi had just arrived in the training field. A few hours too late...
"Good morning!" said Kakashi.
"You're late!" yelled Sakura.
Kakashi just ignored her and put down a clock. "I've set this alarm to go off at noon. Your challenge is to steal these two bells from me before it sets off. If you fail to get a bell then you'll be tied to that tree stump and are not allowed to eat lunch." explained Kakashi.
'So that's why no we were implied to eat no breakfast... Heh' thought Naruto.
After Kakashi saw the funny faces the students made he continued. "All you need is one single bell. Since there is three of you and only two bells, one of you is definitely getting tied to that tree stump and also head back to the academy,"
Naruto was pretty confused at this point but decided not to ask any questions for now.
"Come at me with intent to kill or else you don't stand a chance," said Kakashi.
"B-but that's too dangerous," said Sakura with a worried face.
"No, he's a Jonin. A high-rank ninja. Shouldn't be much of a problem to handle three students." explained Naruto while shaking his head.
"Exactly. Now START!" declared Kakashi.
Sakura and Sasuke went into hiding while Naruto stayed in one place facing Kakashi.
"Well, I had high hopes for you," said Kakashi as he pulled a book out.
Naruto put his hands behind his head and laughed a little. "You know, I've been thinking since yesterday,"
"Have you now?" said Kakashi completely uninterested.
"Yes. I fail to understand how they expect three students to defeat the legendary copy ninja..." continued Naruto.
Kakashi then looked at Naruto wondering if he had figured it out. He didn't respond back.
"I think I might've figured it out but I'm not sure. If I did then it's pretty dumb for you to expect us to get along so soon. Especially with an arrogant guy like Sasuke." said Naruto as he saw Kakashi change his facial expression. Then a poof was heard from a little far away from the direction Sasuke was hiding. As soon as the poof was heard Naruto shook his head.
Kakashi was confused as to what that poof was. Seeing how Naruto reacted to the poof and that it came from where Sasuke was hiding he got an idea as to what that was. "So, what now?" asked Kakashi.
"Well, I'll do my best to show my skills." As soon as Naruto said that, something grabbed Kakashi's feet from underneath the ground. Immediately after that, another clone of Naruto was rushing with his arm encased in rock aiming at a stunned Kakashi's stomach.
'Impressive' thought Kakashi as he substituted with a Log.
'That's not all' thought Naruto as another clone this time with dark red lightning surrounding him headed for the bells.
'He expected the substitution? And what is that lightning?' thought Kakashi. Naruto was really close to getting the bell as he was about to touch them but then Kakashi just poofed.
'Of course' thought Naruto. Kakashi then just came out of the forest.
This all had happened while Naruto, the original, stayed in one place with his hands behind his head. As if he wasn't trying.
'Was hoping that would work' thought Naruto. Naruto then pulled out a Kunai. It was the Special Kunai he bought before. He had pretty much gotten used to fighting with them.
"Naruto?! T-that's... Don't tell me you can use it..." said Kakashi totally surprised with what Kuani Naruto was using. The same Kunai, the man he respected used.
"Well, we are about to find out aren't we," said Naruto as he started rushing at Kakashi.
Naruto was trying to stab him but Kakashi was easily able to predict and dodge him. Naruto went in for a punch on the face as Kakashi blocked. A clone appeared before Naruto kicking Kakashi and pushing him a couple of meters away. Another four shadow clones immediately rush Kakashi. After a few moments, Kakashi had dispelled all the clones of Naruto.
Naruto pulled out several of the Special Kunai and threw them all around Kakashi.
"So, you can use it..." said Kakashi shocked at the young boy's skill.
Naruto then again started rushing Kakashi. After throwing in a few punches, Kakashi was about to counter. Naruto then without Kakashi noticing activated the dark red lightning mode and Shunshined to the nearest Special Kunai and then deactivated it. Leaving a red flash behind making it seem as if he had teleported.
Kakashi was beyond shocked at this point as he was looking at Naruto. Then suddenly a clone of Naruto came from the underground again but this time surrounded by that lightning. Kakashi couldn't react in time due to the shock that a student was using his Sensei's main Jutsu. The clone barely managed to get a bell.
The clone threw the bell at the original and poofed. Naruto then smiled as he saw the shocked face of the legendary copy ninja.
"How did you learn the Hiraishin, Naruto?" asked Kakashi shocked.
"I didn't," said Naruto while he rubbed the back of his head.
"What?" asked Kakashi again, now confused.
"I only used the Kunais to confuse you. When I "teleported" I actually used the lightning mode to Shunshin to the nearest Kunai. It worked though huh," said Naruto as he then laughed a little.
Kakashi was really shocked at his skills. A student managed to trick him and steal his bell. "And what is that lightning mode you used? Is it really what I think it is?" asked Kakashi.
"Yep. Although on a much lower scale," replied Naruto.
"And that poof earlier?" asked Kakashi again.
Flashback to a few minutes ago*
Naruto's clone went to where Sasuke was hiding. He wanted to convince Sasuke to work together.
"Listen, you can't defeat him alone," said Naruto while he hid near Sasuke.
"Shut up. I alone will get those bells," replied Sasuke.
"Look, I know you're a proud Uchiha and all that but if you want to become a Shinobi then we have to work together," continued Naruto.
"You're a clone right?" asked Sasuke to which Naruto nodded. "Good," said Sasuke as he stabbed Naruto with a Kunai. "Great, now I have to find a new hiding place."
Flashback end*
"I see... Well, you can wait here I guess. And don't you dare eat the lunch" ordered Kakashi.
"Oh, don't worry I don't need to," replied Naruto.
"So, you've also already eaten lunch?" asked Kakashi.
"Of course. Important meal of the day, so much so I was going to risk throwing up," answered Naruto.
Kakashi smiled as he headed out to test out the other two students.
Sasuke and Sakura were really shocked at the skill Naruto displayed. He actually managed to steal a bell from an elite Jonin. They were stuck in one place waiting for Kakashi to drop his guard.
'What is that? How did he move so fast? And that power... How is he so strong?' thought Sasuke jealous of the power Naruto had just shown.
Sakura was amazed and shocked at the same time. She thought Naruto was just an average student. She never got to talk to him so she had no idea who he was.
'Maybe I should've gone with him' thought Sasuke. Sasuke then heard Sakura scream. 'He got her?!'
Sasuke then looked back as he noticed Kakashi behind him.
Without saying a word Sasuke decided to attack. He threw Shuriken at Kakashi to which he managed to dodged to his right. The Shuriken Sasuke threw though hat set off the trap Sasuke prepared before. The trap shot a few Kunais in Kakashi's direction. Kakashi realizing the trap also managed to dodge them. Sasuke went behind Kakashi as he did a spinning side kick to which Kakashi managed to block with his left arm. Kakashi then grabbed Sasuke's leg with his right hand. Sasuke tried to punch with his right hand but Kakashi also managed to grab his hand. Kakashi had now grabbed both his right hand and his left leg. Sasuke then used his right leg trying to kick Kakashi in the head but Kakashi had also blocked that. At that moment, Sasuke was so close to getting the remaining bell. He just barely touched it as Kakashi then let go of Sasuke and jumped away.
After a few hand signs, Sasuke said "Fire style: Fireball Jutsu" as a hot ball of fire came out of Sasuke's mouth seemingly hitting Kakashi. Sasuke was now confused as to where Kakashi was.
'Behind me...? Above?' thought Sasuke
"Below you," said Kakashi as he grabbed Sasuke's foot and pulled him underground only leaving his head out. Kakashi then left Sasuke there.
Sakura had just woken up from the Genjutsu Kakashi had put her in. As she walked around, she finally arrived at where Sasuke was. "Oh NO! Sasuke's head has been severed" scream Sakura to the top of her lungs and fainted.
Sasuke was confused as to what just happened and got out. A moment later Sakura got up to see Sasuke up and alive again. She screamed "Sasuke, you're alive" and hugged him tightly.
"Yes, I'm fine. You can let me go now," said Sasuke. Sasuke then stood up and went in Kakashi's direction as he said, "Time's almost up. I already almost got the bell but I will get it next time"
Sakura was worried. Naruto had already gotten a bell somehow and Sasuke was close to getting it too. At this rate, she was going to be the one left out. She was about to say something but noticed that Sasuke was already gone. A moment later, the alarm rang.
'Damn it. I was close too' cursed Sasuke.
A few minutes later as everyone gathered*
The three students sat down and before them was Kakashi.
Kakashi sighed. A student was able to get his bell and trick. He was pretty upset about that. "You all fail" declared Kakashi.
Shocked faces came from Sasuke and Sakura. Naruto had managed to get a bell so at least he should pass. But he's failing too?
"But Naruto managed to get a bell," said Sakura.
Naruto knew why he was failing but didn't bother explaining because Kakashi was about to.
"This test... did you ever stop and wonder what the point of this test was? If not that then, why the teams were divided," asked Kakashi. He saw Sakura's confused face and then continued. "Obviously not. Because you never stopped to think why there were teams, you missed the point of this test from the beginning which is also why you failed. The point of this test was... teamwork," said Kakashi.
'What?! So, if I had accepted Naruto's offer I would've passed?' thought Sasuke pissed off at this.
"But, because Naruto brought off a good point I will give Naruto and Sasuke a chance. Because they were the ones who showed the most skill," said Kakashi as he tied Sakura up on the tree stump. "If you two can follow simple orders and eat launch without giving any to Sakura, then you two pass," declared Kakashi. With that Kakashi leaves the training field.
Sakura was pretty upset. She had guessed this was coming. 'At least I'm helping Sasuke pass, no matter how little help that is' thought Sakura as her stomach growled.
After countless growls from Sakura's stomach, Naruto decided to step in and feed her. "What are you doing? Stop, didn't you hear?" said Sakura.
"Just eat. I already ate so I'm not hungry anyway," replied Naruto.
"Wait, what do you mean you already ate?" asked Sasuke.
"By that, I mean that I ate breakfast," answered Naruto
"But didn't-" Sakura was about to continue but was interrupted by Naruto.
"I know what he said but he only implied to not eat. He didn't order us. And why would anyone order you to skip an important meal of the day," said Naruto shaking his head but then feeding her.
After that Sasuke also offered his lunch. Sakura was screaming about how happy she was that she was about to be fed by her crush but that all came to a drain because of one guy... Naruto. "No need. As I said I already ate while you haven't eaten since yesterday," said Naruto, and then Sasuke continued eating his lunch.
Sakura was furious at what Naruto had just done and yelled but stopped as she then thought a little. 'Sasuke hadn't eaten so he needs all the food he can get right now.'
After one bite of Naruto's lunch a big puff of smoke appeared and out of it came Kakashi saying, "You all... pass!"
Naruto had although guessed this was what would've happened. He wouldn't just pass us for not giving lunch to someone.
"We all pass? But why?" asked Sakura shocked.
"You three have just take a giant step forward. Up until now, all any of you have done is listen unquestioningly to everything I say... like mindless, little drones," said Kakashi. He looked at the three students for a moment and then continued. "A true Shinobi seeks for the hidden meaning within meanings... In a ninja's world, those who violated the rules and fail to follow orders are lower than scum... however, those who do not care for and support their comrades are even lower than that."
The three students, now Genin looked at their Sensei and how cool he was.
"That's all. Team 7, your first mission will commence tomorrow" said Kakashi with a thumbs up. "Now let's go home..."
Almost two months passed since Naruto had become a real ninja. Team 7 had gone in countless D-rank missions. And they had grown tired of it. During the two months, Naruto wore the chakra weights and adding more weight every now and then. He trained every time he had the chance to. He had also managed to pull off the Hiraishin with the help of Shadow Clones. But it was still really useless in battle. He couldn't use it efficiently and it took way too long to pull off. But it was still progress in his eyes.
Team 7 was coming back after finishing another D-rank mission and ready to take on another mission.
"Now the next missions for Team 7 will be hmm... babysitting... run errands to the neighboring village..." said Hiruzen.
The three Genin were getting tired of this but didn't want to say anything, except one. "Jij- Lord third, I think we are all ready for at least a C-rank missions. We have finished countless D-rank without fail and I'm sure we qualify for a C-rank. Ask Kakashi-sensei too," said Naruto.
"Hmm... Kakashi, do you think that your team is ready for a C-rank?" asked Hiruzen.
Kakashi then looked at the three young Genin and said, "Yes, Lord third."
After a moment of silence, Hiruzen finally decided that he would give them a C-rank mission. "It's decided then," said Hiruzen.
Iruka didn't even know what to say. Hiruzen already made a decision so he just stood quiet. Also proud of his students.
"I will permit you to a C-rank mission. The protection of a certain individual. Please invite him in," ordered Hiruzen.
An old man came in through the door. He was grey-haired, with a large beard and dark eyes. Hee wore a sleeveless v-neck shirt with an obi, pants, and a pair of sandals. He also carried a towel around his neck and wore a pointed hat on his head. He was drunk and had a bottle of liquor with him."What's going on here? It's a joke right? Those wet-nosed brats aren't really ninjas, right?"
Naruto then looked at him. Observing the old man and then deciding not to say anything. He was still really excited for the first C-rank mission.
Tazuna then getting no reaction says, "I am Tazuna, a bridge builder. Until I am safely back in my own country where I'll be completing my next bridge you'll all be expected to protect me even if it costs you your lives!"
"Alright! My name is Naruto Uzumaki. Let's go on our first C-rank mission" said Naruto excitedly.
Team 7 and Tazuna were leaving the village. For a moment Naruto stopped and suddenly looked at the left side up on the trees. Naruto didn't see anything unusual but he definitely knew he sensed something for a moment. Seeing as there was nothing there Naruto caught up with the rest of the team.
Sakura, Tazuna, and Kakashi were chatting about the Land of Waves.
After a few more moments of walking and after passing a small puddle of water, something happened. naruto realized too late. two shinobi came out of the puddle and attacked Kakashi with a chain. they wrapped Kakashi with the chain and sliced him up. "first one," they said. The Genin were terrified. they just saw their sensei get sliced up.
Naruto lost focus for a moment and the two Shinobi appeared behind him. Reacting fast Naruto used the substitution Jutsu and appeared behind them. Naruto quickly made a Shadow Clone and threw it at them. The two Shinobi slashed it with their metal claws they had in one of their hand. Naruto giving them no room to react and move, rushed through the smoke the Shadow Clone made and with his arm encased in rock tried to punch them. The enemy blocked with the metal claw he had but it was crushed due to the forced of Naruto's punch. He wasn't holding back... Immediately after crushing the metal claw, Naruto did a spinning hook kick that land on the other Shonobi's face. The two Shinobi were both on the ground and after one look at each other, they rushed at Tazuna completely ignoring Naruto. Naruto was about to jump in and help him but then stopped when he noticed someone else jump in. Kakashi.
"Kakashi-sensei?!" said Naruto shocked. He then looked at where Kakashi was sliced and saw small pieces of wood. 'Of course, should have known that. I was too shocked and that clouded my mind completely' thought Naruto cursing himself. 'So this is a real battle...'
Kakashi then grabbed the two Shinobi by their necks in a flash rendering them unconscious. "Good job, Naruto," said Kakashi.
Sasuke was pretty pissed now. He wanted to jump in and fight but Naruto didn't let him. 'He was faster than me...' thought Sasuke as he clenched his fist.
"Sasuke, don't worry. Mr. Tazuna," said Kakashi.
"Wha... What is it?" asked Tazuna.
"Our attackers Appeared to be chuunin level ninja of the Kirigakure clan mist ninjas. They are shinobi Renowned for their willingness to fight on until their goal is achieved even at the cost of their own lives... Obviously, They were watching and waitings for us," said Kakashi.
"If you knew all that, why did you even let those creeps attack you?" asked Tazuna.
"I could Have killed them at any time... but... I wanted To find out who their real target was..." said Kakashi.
"what do you mean by that?" asked Tazuna again.
"Were you really the one they were after? Or was it one of us Ninja? There has been no word of any shinobi seeking to take your life. The request That was relayed to Lord Hokage was that you have an escort to protect you against any roving bands of thieves and brigands. In any case, it's clear this is more than a B-rank mission. To protect you from ordinary danger until you complete the bridge you're currently constructing... would be a simple thing..." said Kakashi. Tazuna stayed silent. Kakashi looked at him and then continued. "But If you expected to be the target of a Ninja assault. then it is beyond question that this would have been classified- and priced as a mission for Chuunin or Jonin Ninja." Tazuna stayed silent again.
"Should we turn back? I mean we are still Genin, we aren't strong enough for this mission yet..." said Sakura.
"No! We are completing this mission no matter what. This is our first high-rank mission and we are completing it without fail. Old man, I promise you, I will protect you with all I have." said Naruto.
Kakashi looked at Naruto smiling at the fine Shinobi he has become. "Sakura?" asked Kakashi seeing if her mind changed.
Sakura thought for a little and then said, "If we are all doing it then I'm not going to be the only one staying back" said Sakura.
"It's decided then," said Kakashi.
"Mr. Sensei sir... I have something you need to know," said Tazuna catching everyone's attention.
Tazuna started explaining about the dangerous man who is after his life. Gato. It is said that he's the richest man alive. Tazuna then continued to explain why Gato wants his head. Gato didn't want Tazuna to complete the bridge. That was the reason why Tazuna had sent Ninjas after them and will probably send more. Tazuna then also explained why he didn't tell them this first hand. It was because their Land was poor, to begin with, and Tazuna didn't have enough money to pay for a B-rank mission. After Tazuna finished all this he said, "I get it if you want to return now... I'll be as good as dead if you leave though..."
"Old man, we have already decided to help you. Don't worry about it," said Naruto with a thumbs up. Kakashi also nodding.
Tazuna then cheered up. "Thank you..." he said.
Team 7 had to ride a boat to get to the other side. After arriving on land they thanked the man who took them there and took off. Naruto kept his senses up, even more than before. Another attack is probably happening and he wanted to be prepared for it.
Naruto then sensed something and quickly threw a Kunai in that direction. Kakashi had also sensed that but when they looked at what that was... it was a snow rabbit.
"Did you just..." said Sakura as she tried to punch Naruto for doing something like that to a poor rabbit.
Naruto raised an eyebrow at what she was trying to do and dodged her. "What?" asked Naruto confused.
Sakura then got pissed off and tried to punch him again but Naruto dodged again.
"You should stop," said Naruto.
Sakura seeing as she wasn't able to punch him, stopped.
Kakashi was looking at the rabbit. 'That's a snow hare. It's springtime. So why is it still wearing its winter pelt?' thought Kakashi.
Kakashi then sensed something about to attack but before he could want the others, Naruto did it first. "Take cover everyone!" yelled Naruto.
A big sword came in swinging but it stopped after it hit a tree. Standing on the sword's hilt was a tall and noticeably muscular man with light grayish skin, short spiky black hair, dark brown eyes, and small eyebrows. He was shirtless, with his chest only covered by a belt. He wore baggy pants with the striped pattern and mimetic wrist-warmers extending up to his elbows, with matching leg-warmers.
"Well, well... If it isn't Momochi Zabuza, the kid who ran off and left Land of the Mists," said Kakashi. Naruto was getting ready to fight but was stopped by Kakashi. "Do not interfere. I'll take him alone, he is far too strong for any of you," said Kakashi as he was pulling his headband up.
'He's going to use it? I should better stand back...' thought Naruto.
"This may get a little rough," said Kakashi.
Holy smokes. The longest chapter yet. But sadly not much of a difference from canon which also the reason why it's so long. The next chapter is of course going to be different from canon. Anyways hope you liked it. I tried to cut the dialogue as much as I could because it would probably bore anyone. The next chapter should be an interesting one though. It was annoying to write this though because of this barely having any changes from canon but as I said next chapter should be different. Something interesting will also happen in it...
Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy it. Please leave a review!
PEACE!