Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the introductions of Team Seven as well as the Bell Test, seeing that some things will be different and some things will be the same. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Entering the classroom, Sasuke saw the Shadow Clone that Naruto had sent in his place, though the Uchiha wasn't aware it was a clone, believing it was the real Naruto. Before Sasuke approached the clone, getting his attention as Naruto glanced at him.
"I told you, I wasn't wasting time with a prank." Said Naruto, thinking Sasuke wanted to make sure he didn't do anything stupid while transformed as him.
"I know, I ran into Sakura before coming here, and she told me everything she said to you. I'm…sorry that you had to hear all of that and learning that's what she thinks of you." Sasuke replied, making Naruto look at him in shock, not expecting to hear that of all things, let along from Sasuke.
"…Thanks." Naruto said, unable to even feel angry anymore, only feeling tired and emotionally drained.
Nodding, Sasuke went and sat down to wait for everyone else to arrive before their Jōnin Sensei show up to get them. With Ino soon arriving after the ravenette, the Yamanaka Heiress seeing that Naruto was also here, making her contemplate talking to him about what Sakura said. But just wasn't sure how to approach him or reveal how she even knew anything that was said, or the fact he disguised himself as Sasuke at all.
'I'll…try to think of something later, I doubt Naruto's eager to try talking to anyone, let alone someone that's never been nice to him. Not to mention, I don't think Naruto or Sasuke would appreciate learning that I listened in on their conversations. Especially Naruto, after what happened.' Ino thought, letting out a sigh before going to take her seat, figuring it'd be best to just give the whiskered blonde some space.
Though that didn't stop her from giving him a few glances, making sure not to look too long to avoid him spotting her looking at him.
Soon, more and more Genin began arriving and retaking their seats, with Shikamaru and Chōji returning as well and sitting beside Ino. Both boys looking at their teammate expectantly, unable to help themselves in wanting to know what happened after she followed Naruto. Only for Ino to shake her head, subtlely motioning towards Naruto, making the two look only to frown at the state he was in. Being able to guess that whatever Sakura said to him while he was disguised as Sasuke wasn't good.
With Sakura eventually returning, having needed some time alone to herself after Sasuke's harsh words to her. Before the pinkette winced at the looks not only Sasuke, but also Naruto and Ino were giving her. Though confusing her a little at the latter two.
'Is…is Naruto really that upset I said no to having lunch together?' Sakura thought, not knowing the reason why Naruto was looking at her like that, while guessing Ino's still upset she's on Sasuke's team.
Keeping her head down, Sakura took a seat, though made sure not to sit close to Naruto and Sasuke, doubting either of them wanted her next to them at the moment.
It wasn't long before all the Genin had returned, with the Jōnin Sensei showing up not long after and began taking their teams one-by-one. Before Asuma and Kurenai soon entering the classroom, with Naruto recognizing them from what he's read about the two Jōnin.
"Team Eight, you're with me, let's head out." Kurenai said, with Hinata, Kiba and Shino getting up before following the red-eyed woman out of the classroom.
"I'm here for Team Ten, let's go." Said Asuma, Ino, Shikamaru, and Chōji all got up and followed him as well, with the Yamanaka Heiress giving Naruto one last glance before they left.
Before long, everyone was gone except for Team Seven, making the three look at the clock, wondering what was keeping their Jōnin Sensei. Only hoping that whatever was keeping them wouldn't take too long.
*Later*
"Where the hell is he?! It's been three hours and our sensei still isn't here!" Said Sakura in annoyance as she paced in front of the classroom, not believing their teacher still hasn't arrived.
The pinkette looked at her teammates to see if they were as annoyed as she was, only to wince at the looks they were giving her. Making Sakura quietly go back to her seat, not wanting to do anything that'd further upset them.
'Who am I kidding? After what happened, I'll be lucky if Sasuke even says a single word to me ever again. And Naruto…' Sakura thought, glancing at the Uzumaki in worry, unable to figure why exactly he seems angry with her.
Only to think over everything Sasuke said to her, looking past how much his words hurt, Sakura was also now realizing just how unfair she was being to Naruto. She'd even intended to try and be nicer to him from now on, but is thinking he doesn't want anything to do with her now, either.
The three Genin then simply sat in silence, all of them being able to feel the awkwardness around them, though none of them intended to try saying anything.
'I swear at this rate, I'm gonna dispel myself out of boredom. Seriously, where is he?!' Naruto thought, annoyed that they've been here for hours and their teacher didn't seem to show any signs of showing up.
'This Kakashi guy better have a good excuse for wasting this much time getting here.' Thought Sasuke, starting to get annoyed as well that they've been kept waiting for this long.
Before the three Genin instantly looked at the door when they heard it sliding open, seeing Kakashi entering the room and looked them over.
"Hmm, how can I put this? My first impression of you all…you're pretty boring." Kakashi stated, with the Genin's annoyance only growing as they looked at him with deadpan expressions.
"Meet me up on the roof." Said Kakashi before vanishing in a swirl of leaves.
Looking at where their teacher once was, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all got up and exited the classroom before making their way up to the roof. Arriving to find Kakashi leaning against the railing, with the trio sitting on the steps in front of him.
"Okay, first off, why don't you three introduce yourselves, one at a time." Kakashi said while crossing his arms.
"Introduce ourselves? Well…what're we supposed to say?" Questioned Sakura, wondering how he wanted them to say about themselves.
"Things you like, things you dislike, your dreams for future, and hobbies, that sort of thing." Replied Kakashi.
"Then why don't you introduce yourself first, since you are our sensei after all." Said Naruto, still annoyed having to wait for three hours and then how seemingly dismissed them when he did arrive.
"Me? Alright, I'm Kakashi Hatake, some of my likes and dislikes…eh, they're not important. My dreams for the future…never really thought about it. And my hobbies…I have lots of hobbies." Kakashi said, making the three give him deadpan looks again that he didn't tell them anything.
"Now then, you go first blondie." Said Kakashi, pointing at Naruto.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki, I like the few people I trust and training, my dislikes are liars, traitors, my time being wasted or the people who waste it, and what I especially hate are ignorant fools that think they know everything. My hobbies are training, gardening, and learning new things. And dreams for the future…I don't have any at the moment." Said Naruto, with Kakashi nodding slowly at his introduction, while Sasuke and Sakura were shocked that he seemed to have given up on his dream to become Hokage.
"O…kay, pinkie you're up." Kakashi said to Sakura, much to her annoyance.
"I'm Sakura Haruno, my likes are…um, my likes are learning new information, and I really like syrup-coated anko dumplings, umeboshi, and anmitsu. Uh…my dislikes are anything spicy and…my hobbies are playing trivia games and memorizing new materials to study. And my dream for the future…I-I supposed to become a great Kunoichi." Sakura said, making sure not to mention Sasuke or look at him after what happened.
"Right…and finally you, sunshine." Said Kakashi looking at Sasuke, the Uchiha narrowing his eyes at the nickname.
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I hate a lot of things, but I really hate naïve people that don't know anything. I don't particularly like anything. And I don't have a dream, I have a goal that I will accomplish, I'm going to restore my clan and kill a certain man." Said Sasuke darkly, with Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura all looking at him after his introduction.
'Okay…Sasuke's pretty much what I expected. Sakura, I half-expected to focus entirely on Sasuke, and Naruto…' Kakashi thought, intrigued and somewhat concerned with the introductions, especially with Naruto's own.
Along with noticing how he and Sasuke seemed to have a similar hatred for a certain type of people, not to mention the Copy Ninja could practically feel the tension between his potential students. Making him wonder if something happened during the lunch break or before he arrived.
'I'm beginning to understand the Hokage's concerns.' Thought Kakashi, remembering when the Hokage took him to the threes homes to get a better feel for them.
With Sasuke's and Sakura's homes being pretty expected from what he knew about them, the most shocking though was Naruto's apartment. Seeing how clean organized it was, all the food inside the kitchen besides ramen, the clothes he now had, and all the books. It wasn't what Kakashi expected, as everything he knew about Naruto was that he had basically the same personality as his mother.
Though Kakashi supposed it should also be expected, as the Hokage also informed him of what happened the night the Forbidden Scroll was stolen since he was out on a mission at the time. How Naruto learned about his Jinchūriki status, Iruka's death, and killing Mizuki. All of that happening could lead to anyone doing a complete one-eighty in terms of their personality and behavior.
'I may end up needing to keep an eye on him, there's no telling what could set him off, now.' Kakashi thought, before he looked at all three Genin.
"Good! All three of you are unique and have your own interests. And tomorrow, we'll be doing a very important survival exercise." Said Kakashi, making the trio frown.
"Survival exercise? We already did stuff like that in the Academy. Why are we doing more?" Sakura asked, having thought they'd be doing missions now that they were Ninja.
"This isn't like any survival exercise you did in the Academy. You see, out of all the graduates, only nine of you will be truly accepted as Genin. Those that fail will be sent back to the Academy. So, this exercise will serve as your true Genin Test, to decide whether or own you three will remain Ninja. And the chance to fail is at 66%." Kakashi revealed, much to their shock and worry that they could actually be sent back to the Academy.
"But we already graduated! What was even the point of the Graduation Test if we could just be sent back?!" Naruto demanded, angry that he could be sent back the Academy, making it so everything that happened could end up being for nothing.
"That was just to see who had the potential to become Genin, this test is to see if you really have what it takes. If you don't like it, then too bad, I'm the one who decides if you pass or fail. Now that's all, meet me at the Third Training Ground tomorrow at five a.m., and come prepared. Also, one last thing, don't eat breakfast or else you might throw up. That's it, you're dismissed." Said Kakashi, giving a two-finger salute before vanishing in a puff of smoke, leaving the three Genin worried and upset at the chance of being sent back to the Academy.
Sasuke was the first to leave, standing up and jumping off the roof, swearing that he won't fail whatever test Kakashi had for them, refusing to be sent back to the Academy. With Naruto getting up and preparing to leave as well to find a spot where he can dispel.
"U-uh…N-Naruto?" Sakura said, stopping the Uzumaki, hoping to find out why he's upset with her, only to wince when he looked at her coldly.
"What? Wanna yell at me that I better not hold you and Sasuke back? Or that I better not get in your way of your "true love"? If so, then I already said I don't like people who waste my time." Said Naruto, making Sakura wince at his hostile and annoyed tone.
"N-n-no, I-I j-just wanted to…to see if you were alright? I-if y-you're upset I didn't want to eat lunch with you, I-I'm sorry and…w-we could eat together a-another time, if you want." Said Sakura, with Naruto looking at her in disbelief before he scoffed.
"Oh? You're "sorry", is that it. You're sorry when all I was trying to do was be nice? Why not be sorry for all those times you hit me for just talking to you?!" Naruto retorted, making the pinkette frown.
"Well I'm just trying to be nice now! Isn't that what you always wanted?! For me to be nice and spend time with you!" Sakura said, refusing to let him talk to her like that.
"Yeah, I did! Now I'm wondering why I wasted so much time chasing after someone that hated me, when I always tried being nice to you! And what did that get me?! Getting punched, pushed aside, and seen as an annoyance! And now you're probably only offering to spend time with me to make yourself feel better! Or maybe you think you can make Sasuke jealous!" Said Naruto, with Sakura now glaring at him.
"No! I was just trying to be nice, but if you don't want to, then fine! Don't ever bother me again or try asking me to spend time with you, if you're just going to be an asshole!" Yelled Sakura, the whiskered blonde merely scoffing again.
"Don't worry, the last thing I'd want is to spend time with a shallow and sheltered bitch, like you!" Naruto retorted, much to Sakura's anger.
"What did you just call me?!" Sakura demanded, feeling angrier than she ever has been before.
"You heard me! You're nothing but a selfish, sheltered, and shallow bitch!" Shouted Naruto before leaning back and dodging the slap the pinkette tried hitting him with.
"How dare you! Where do you get off on calling me that?!" Said Sakura, only for Naruto to glare at her.
"I can do whatever I want! I don't have any parents that I can get in trouble with, no one to stop me from doing what I want! Isn't that right?!" Naruto said, making Sakura freeze at his words.
"Wh-what?" Sakura said, not believing he just said that, the same thing she told Sasuke about what she thought about the Uzumaki.
"What's the matter? Surprised I know that. How about that I'm lucky that I don't have parents to get in trouble with? Or maybe how I'm selfish and bratty! That I don't know right from wrong! That I'm all alone!" Yelled Naruto, glaring at Sakura, with the Kunoichi shaking at his expression and that he knew what she said.
"H-how…" Said Sakura, wondering how he knew all of that.
"I heard you talking to Sasuke on the way back to the Academy, everything you said about me and my parents, like you know anything about them or me! So…I'll ask you, where do you get off talking about me or a family I never got to know, like that?!" Naruto demanded before dispelling himself, the clone being too angry to care about keeping its cover.
Leaving behind a shocked and stunned Sakura looking at the spot where the clone was, before her expression turned into one of guilt and dismay. Before the pinkette slowly left the roof to make her way back home.
'I really messed up.' Sakura thought sadly, seeing that now both of her teammates hated her, and she didn't have anyone to blame but herself.
*With Naruto*
Meanwhile, the real Naruto hadn't left Yakumo's home, with neither of the two having got up from where they were sitting against the wall. Eventually ending with them falling asleep, while their hands were still intertwined and Yakumo's head now resting on Naruto's shoulder.
Before the Uzumaki was jolted awake at the sudden rush of memories from his clone dispelling, taking a moment to process them before groaning in annoyance.
'Great, now I have to pass another test if I want to stay a Ninja.' Thought Naruto, annoyed that there was another test, only for his attention to turn to his side when he heard a yawn.
Only to blush at seeing Yakumo's head resting on his shoulder before she began waking up, with Naruto freezing as the brunette lifted her head and looked right at him. With it taking a few moments before Yakumo blushed as well, seeing the position they were and the fact they were still holding hands.
"S-s-so-sorry!" Yakumo said as they both scrambled to get up and put some distance between them.
"N-no-no-no, no! I-I-I-I'm s-s-so-so-so-sorry! S-si-since, i-i-i-i-it's m-my-my f-fa-fault y-yo-you w-we-were on the floor!" Said Naruto, not used to being that close to anyone in such a way, even with Ayame who's more of a big sister-figure.
"No, no! I should apologize, y-you are m-my-my-my g-g-g-gu-guest a-an-and sh-sh-sh-shouldn't h-h-ha-have t-t-to sl-sl-sl-sleep o-on the-the fl-fl-flo-floor." Said Yakumo, having never really been used to being touched by anyone due to her weak body, she was always treated delicately to avoid the chance of hurting her.
"St-st-still, I-I'm s-s-sorry." Naruto said, scratching the back of his head while looking anywhere but at Yakumo.
"I-i-i-it-it's f-fi-fine. N-no-no h-ha-harm do-done." Yakumo replied while looking at her paintings.
The two only being able to give a few quick glances at each other before looking away just as quickly.
"S-s-so, um…w-w-what m-m-ma-made y-you wa-w-wake up?" Questioned Yakumo, given how suddenly the whiskered blonde woke up.
"I-I-I u-um-um…I got the me-memories back from the c-clone I sent to the Academy, I-I l-le-learned there's another test I-I need to pass to officially become a Genin." Said Naruto, making the Kurama Heiress glance at him before nodding .
"W-well I-I'm s-sure y-you-you'll pass w-without a problem." Yakumo said, with Naruto nodding in thanks.
"Y-yeah, I hope so. A-and…thanks again Yakumo, it really meant a lot, having you to talk to." Naruto said, finally turning back towards Yakumo, with the brunette doing the same and nodded with a small smile.
"I'm glad I could help, Naruto. That's what friends are for, right. Helping each other when they need it, even if it's just listening to them venting some frustration." Yakumo said with Naruto smiling as well.
"Yeah…friends do help each other with anything. And that's why I'm promising that one day, I will get you out of here, Yakumo." Naruto said seriously, with Yakumo looking at him in surprise and concern.
"You'll…get me out of here? But…what about the Hokage and the guards? If I try leaving, the guards will stop me and anyone that tries helping me, before telling the Hokage. And if I somehow do get out of the manor, they'll come after me." Said Yakumo, worried of what would happen if she did try leaving the manor, or if Naruto was discovered helping her escape.
"I don't give a damn what the Hokage would think, he has no right keeping you locked up here like a prisoner and living in fear of being killed one day. You don't deserve being trapped here for the rest of your life, Yakumo, and I am going to get you out of here one day, no matter what." Naruto replied, surprising the Kurama Heiress again, with part of her unable to help but feel hope that he really would get her out of here.
"If…if you do, where would we even go?" Yakumo asked, since Naruto would likely be considered a criminal if he helps her escape and they'd both be hunted.
"Wherever you'd want to go. I'll even take pictures of all the places I go to on missions and bring them to you, so you can see some of the places in the world before I take you to see them all, in person. I'll show you everything there is to see, if that's what you want." Said Naruto, wanting to help Yakumo see and experience everything she's missed out on while locked up in here.
With Yakumo being unable to help but blush at how far Naruto would go to help her, despite how they've only known each other for a short amount of time. He was willing to risk himself to help her get out of this manor and take her anywhere she wanted, even willing to bring her pictures of places to see them for herself.
"Thank you, Naruto." Yakumo said, smiling at the whiskered blonde, happier than ever that they met, with Naruto returning the smile.
"No problem, Yakumo. But I should probably leave now, so I can get ready for whatever test Kakashi has planned." Naruto said, with the brunette nodding in response.
"Okay, and good luck." Said Yakumo, waving to Naruto as he left the room, which the Uzumaki returned.
Sneaking out of the manor and past the guards, Naruto made his way to his personal training ground, intending to get some last minute training in with the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Clone Great Explosion. Knowing those two Jutsu may be his aces in the hole, since he didn't have much time to work on the Jutsu he got from Iruka and Mizuki before the test.
With the whiskered blonde intending to make sure he was as prepared as he could be for anything Kakashi would throw at them.
*Timeskip-One Day*
The next day Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all met up at the Third Training Ground when the sun was just beginning to rise. With the pinkette feeling tired and exhausted, not only from having to wake up so early but also having to skip breakfast. While the Uzumaki and Uchiha looked fine, due to Sasuke being used to getting up early to train and Naruto from his training recently to stay awake.
With the Genin standing in the center of the training ground, looking for any sign of Kakashi, only to grow annoyed to see he wasn't anywhere in sight.
"He's going to be late again, isn't he." Sasuke stated, annoyed that out of every Jōnin, they had to be stuck with the one who seemed to purposefully arrive late.
"Mostly likely." Said Naruto, also annoyed since he could've been using this time for some last minute training, rather than waiting for Kakashi to arrive.
"If he makes us wait three hours again, I'm gonna…" Sakura said while scowling, only to stop and hold her stomach when it growled, groaning that they couldn't eat anything, even worse since she'd also skipped dinner last night as well.
'Why did I choose now of all times to go on a diet?!' Thought Sakura, knowing how bad of an idea it was to go on a diet now.
Sasuke grunted when his own stomach growled, pushing the feeling of hunger back, knowing the sooner they finished this test, the sooner they'd be able to go eat something. Though Sasuke and Sakura then turned towards Naruto when they didn't hear anything from him. Seeing the whiskered blonde looked perfectly fine, making them narrow their eyes.
"What?" Said Naruto, raising a brow at their looks.
"Did you…did you eat breakfast?" Sasuke asked, feeling even more annoyed if he did actually eat breakfast.
"Of course I did, I'm not doing any test on an empty stomach, let alone after getting up this early." Naruto replied, doubting it'd be a good idea to do Kakashi's test while they were hungry.
"Kakashi-sensei told us not to eat breakfast!" Sakura said, only to wince when Naruto narrowed his eyes at her.
"And if Kakashi-sensei told us to jump off a cliff, would you do it? He suggested that we don't eat breakfast or we'd throw up, I chose to ignore the suggestion and eat. And even if he ordered us not to eat breakfast, I'd still ignore it, because it'd be a dumb order and one I wouldn't follow." Naruto said, refusing to obey an order like that no matter who gave it to him, he's not going to purposefully weaken himself just because someone ordered him to.
With the ravenette and pinkette only being further annoyed at that oversight, realizing that Naruto was right and that they should've eaten breakfast, and Sakura's case also eaten dinner. But knowing there wasn't anything they could about it now, the Genin sat down to simply wait for their teacher to arrive.
Before long, the sun had fully risen and still no sign of Kakashi, with Naruto pulling out a scroll he made containing all the Jutsu from Iruka and Mizuki. Figuring he could take the time to study then for when he can get started on learning them. While Sasuke pulled out a few shuriken and began randomly throwing them around the training ground, before catching them when they came back to him. And Sakura simply sat down to wait until Kakashi showed up, though glanced worriedly and sadly at her teammates.
The pinkette honestly wasn't sure what she could say or do right now, given everything that happened yesterday, everything she said. Feeling like she was the odd one out among them, making her feel even worse that her teammates didn't even want anything to do with her.
'Maybe I could see if I can ask the Hokage to put me on a different team or somewhere else, if we even pass Kakashi-sensei's test that is.' Thought Sakura, saddened that she isn't even an official Ninja and she's already messed things up with her team.
More time passed until finally Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke, getting the Genin's attention as they stood up, looking at him in annoyance.
"Morning, everyone! Ready for your first day?" Kakashi asked casually, as if not seeing his potential students annoyed expressions.
"Can you at least tell us why you were late this time?!" Said Sakura while gritting her teeth.
"Well a black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way to avoid any bad luck." Replied Kakashi while closing his eye in a way that told them he was likely smiling beneath his mask.
"Now then, let's get started." Kakashi said before going over to the three wooden stumps and setting a clock down on the middle one, with him then pulling out two bells.
"The timer is set for noon, your objective is pretty simple, you just need to take these bells from me. If you can't get them before noon, then you'll go without lunch and you'll be tied to those posts while I eat my lunch in front of you." Explained Kakashi, making them frown in realization of why he told them not to eat breakfast.
"But wait, there's only two bells and three of us. What happens to the person who…doesn't get a bell?" Sakura asked nervously, with Kakashi eye-smiling at them.
"The person who doesn't get a bell will be tied up and disqualified for failing to complete the objective, and then sent back to the Academy. Of course, there's a chance all three of you will fail." Kakashi revealed, with the trio tensing that one of them was basically guaranteed to fail and the chance all of them could fail.
"Let me make this very clear, unless you come at me with the intent to kill, you will never get these bells if you don't." Warned Kakashi while looking at all three of them, but internally he had his doubts they'll realize the true purpose of the test.
'I can tell there's a sense of camaraderie developing between Naruto and Sasuke, but the tension between them and Sakura is clear as day.' Kakashi thought, not expecting to be able to pass the real test as they were.
"That's it then, now, get ready. And…begin!" Said Kakashi as he began the test, with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura quickly jumping away and disappearing into the brush.
The Copy Ninja looked around for any sign of where they could be hiding, impressed when he couldn't see any sign of them.
'They at least understand the basics of being Ninja, they've hidden themselves well.' Kakashi thought, as all three Genin observed him, thinking of how they'd be able to get the bells.
Only to tense when he reached into his weapons pouch, wondering what kind of weapon he was going to pull out, before they deadpanned in annoyance he pulled out an orange book.
'You've gotta be kidding me? Is he even planning on taking this seriously or is it just game?' Sasuke thought, not believing Kakashi was now reading during the test.
'Why is he reading now of all times? Is he really not going to try and stop us from getting the bells?' Thought Sakura, not sure what to make of the Jōnin's behavior.
'I actually recognize that book, the Hokage usually reads that. Icha Icha Paradise, I think, or something like that.' Thought Naruto, recognizing the book from when he's seen the Sandaime reading it, back when they were close.
With the Genin being annoyed that Kakashi didn't seem to be taking them seriously, only to remember the fact that he's a seasoned Jōnin. While they're only three Genin fresh out of the Academy, so it's unlikely any of them were actually a threat to him.
'Well let's see how he likes this.' Naruto thought, pulling out several kunai and attaching Explosive Tags to them, intent to make Kakashi regret telling them to come at him with the intent to kill.
The Uzumaki then began throwing them all at Kakashi, making sure to throw them in a widespread area to make it more difficult for him to dodge. With Kakashi catching one of the kunai without looking up from his book, only for his eyes to widen when he saw the Explosive Tag on it. Making the Jōnin quickly throw it away and jumped back, only to see more kunai with Explosive Tags coming at him.
'Okay, I know that said to come at me with the intent to kill, but even I didn't expect them to start throwing bombs!' Kakashi thought, knowing this was the first time one of his potential Genin Teams used Explosive Tags against him.
Putting his book away and pulling out a kunai, Kakashi began deflecting the other kunai when they got too close, while continuously jumping out of the way to avoid the explosions when the tags detonated. Once he was away from the barrage of kunai, Kakashi looked to where they came from, knowing that's where Naruto was now hiding.
But before the Copy Ninja could get to the Uzumaki, several Shadow Clones all jumped out from the foliage towards him, much to Sasuke's and Sakura's confusion.
'What's he doing using clones? Those won't fool a Jōnin and they can't even attack. No wait…' Sasuke thought, looking at the clones only for his eyes to widen in shock when one threw a punch at Kakashi, which he blocked.
'Those aren't illusions, those are solid clones?! That was a clone yesterday!' Thought Sakura in disbelief that Naruto knew a solid clone Jutsu, having thought he learned the Shunshin Jutsu when he disappeared yesterday, only to realize it was a clone.
'To think he can already make this many Shadow Clones. Is this Chakra from the Kyūbi or his Uzumaki heritage?' Kakashi thought, not expecting Naruto to be able to make so many Shadow Clones already.
Before he slammed his elbow into the clone that tried punching him, then ducking down from another clones spin kick. Reaching up and grabbing the clone when it passed over him, Kakashi threw it into another clone. With the Jōnin blocking another clones kick and grabbed its ankle, before pulling it in close and slamming his fist into its face.
Kakashi then jumped up into the air when three clones rushed him, smashing his foot down on one of the clones head. Using the clone as a spring board to flip over the other two clones, stabbing a kunai into ones back, while giving the third a chop to the neck. Grabbing two clones fists when they jumped at him from his sides, pulling them close and smashing them together. Only for Kakashi to then frown when he noticed the clones he hit were still around.
'Why aren't they dispelling? I've hit them more than hard enough to destroy them, yet they're still around. Is Naruto somehow making them stronger with more Chakra?' Thought Kakashi, only for his eyes to widen in shock when all of the clones began glowing, making him mentally curse that they were exploding clones.
'Are they really trying to kill me?! Is it because I was late?!' Kakashi thought, not believing Naruto also knew the Clone Great Explosion and that he's actually using it on him.
Remembering how the Sandaime and Gai both told him on separate occasions, how his tardiness would get him killed one day. Kakashi just never thought it'd be against a couple of Genin.
'Gotta get out of here, fast!' Thought Kakashi seeing how many clones there were and knew the explosion will be much bigger than the Explosive Tags.
The silverette quickly jumped away from the clones just as they began exploding, making Kakashi grunt as he held his arms up to shield himself from the explosion as he rushed towards him. Luckily he just barely managed to escape the blast zone, but could see his clothes were singed in some parts.
'That was definitely a close one. I can't even be sure if the real Naruto is in that spot when he threw those kunai or if it's just another exploding clone. I'll need to actually be-" Kakashi thought, only to gasp in pain when numerous shuriken and kunai came flying out of the trees at him, impaling his body and throwing him off to the side.
'I got him!' Thought Sasuke upon seeing that he managed to hit Kakashi, having seen his chance to attack the Copy Ninja while he was escaping those exploding clones.
Only for Sasuke's eyes to widen when Kakashi vanished in a puff of smoke with a log now being in his place, making the Uchiha curse before quickly jumping through the trees away from his hiding spot.
'Damn! He used a Substitution Jutsu! I thought his guard was down after those clones almost him, but he was probably even more prepared! And now he knows where I am, I gotta move fast now!' Sasuke thought, knowing he needed to get to another spot and better prepare for Kakashi.
'And Sasuke just revealed himself and likely is moving. Which means I need to move too in case Kakashi-sensei decides to see if I'm still here.' Thought Naruto, jumping away as well to avoid being discovered and try to think of a plan to get a bell.
'Oh no, now Kakashi-sensei knows where Sasuke is! I need to move and try to find him before Kakashi-sensei does! Naruto's probably moved too, maybe we could try making a plan to get the bells!' Sakura thought, moving from her hiding spot and running through the forest, not wanting to risk Kakashi taking out or trapping Sasuke, hoping that maybe she could find Naruto as well and see if they could make a plan together.
Though the pinkette quickly stopped and ducked down when she spotted Kakashi, staying as quiet as possible, mentally sighing in relief when he didn't move.
'That was a close one, thank Kami he didn't hear me.' Thought Sakura, knowing she really wouldn't stand a chance against Kakashi alone.
"Sakura, behind you." Kakashi whispered, making Sakura freeze in shock and horror before she spun around, seeing Kakashi crouching down behind her, making her scream in panic.
"Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Jutsu." Said Kakashi before Sakura could react, causing a large amount of leaves to suddenly rise up around her as she fell under the Genjutsu.
Before the Kunoichi found herself alone in the forest, making her look around wildly for where Kakashi could have gone.
'What happened?! I know Kakashi-sensei was just here! And what was that I felt?! Did he use some kind of Jutsu?!' Sakura thought.
"Look at that forehead!"
"Wh-what?" Sakura muttered, turning around at the sudden voice as she noticed that the forest started to become more dark and twisted, before numerous shadows began rising from the ground.
"Yeah, it's bigger than a billboard!"
"That's what she is Billboard Brow!"
"Billboard Brow!"
"Billboard Brow!"
"Billboard Brow!"
"Billboard Brow!"
"N-no, stop calling me that!" Sakura said, looking around while unconsciously raising a hand to cover her forehead as the shadows began to take shape as they laughed and jeered at her.
"Now look at her! She's trying to hide it with her hair!"
"Yeah right, you can't hide a billboard with a little hair!"
"Now look, she's gonna cry now!"
"N-no, no, no! I'm not crying, just shut up!" Said Sakura moving around, feeling like she's being surrounded by all her old bullies again, being laughed and called names.
"Awww, what's the matter Billboard Brow? You don't like your name? Then how about just Forehead Girl, cause that's all you are!"
"Forehead Girl!"
"Forehead Girl!"
"Forehead Girl!"
"Forehead Girl!"
"Stop it, please! Ino! Sasuke! Naruto! Please, someone help!" Sakura said, covering her ears and squeezing her eyes shut, desperate to block out the taunting and laughing.
"Pl-pl-ple-please…someone…" Said Sakura, wanting someone, anyone to help her, but knew no one was coming.
She was alone now.
*With Kakashi*
'Huh, her file said she already had pretty good Chakra Control, so either she doesn't know how to break out of Genjutsu or wasn't prepared.' Kakashi thought, looking down at Sakura, the pinkette having passed out from whatever she's now seeing in the illusion.
'Maybe I overdid it a bit, but…she's also gotta learn to see through these things. Better now than on a mission where she could be killed.' Thought Kakashi before jumping down from the branch he was on to go find Sasuke to test him next.
*With Sasuke*
Meanwhile, Sasuke stood in another part of the forest before he heard Sakura's scream from Kakashi finding her, before everything went silent.
'That was Sakura, meaning she's out. And since I don't hear anything else, I'm guessing Genjutsu must've been used. Now Kakashi may be coming after me.' Sasuke thought, tensing and preparing for what Kakashi might have in store for him.
"Well, are you just gonna stand there or do something?" Kakashi said from behind Sasuke, making the Uchiha tense and spin around, finding the Jōnin leaning against a tree.
"So…why don't we see what you can do, Sasuke." Said Kakashi, pushing off the tree and approaching Sasuke, who narrowed his eyes at him.
"You want to see what I can do, then here!" Said Sasuke before throwing several shuriken at Kakashi.
"There's no point using straightforward attacks like that." Kakashi stated, jumping out of the way of the shuriken, only for Sasuke to smirk and throw a kunai cutting a rope and triggering a trap he set up.
'Looks like Naruto isn't the only one using misdirection!' Thought Kakashi, dodging the barrage of kunai coming at him as they impaled a tree.
Only for Kakashi to be surprised when Sasuke appeared behind him, not expecting the ravenette to already be that fast. Before quickly raising his arm and blocking Sasuke's leg, grabbing his ankle to hold him in place. Though Sasuke then threw a punch at Kakashi, forcing the Jōnin to grab his fist to avoid being hit.
'Wait, was that…' Kakashi thought, thinking he just saw a flash of red, before he was forced to release Sasuke's fist and other leg when he maneuvered his body to kick on top of his head.
Kakashi's eyes then widened when he saw Sasuke was now in the perfect position to grab a bell, before quickly jumping back when Sasuke succeeded in nearly taking one of them. But Kakashi was further surprised the moment he released Sasuke, the Uchiha pulled out and threw a shuriken. With the Copy Ninja only being able to hear the sound of a string being cut as the shuriken flew back into Sasuke's waiting hand, with one of the bells hanging from it.
'He actually got one. But how?!' Thought Kakashi in disbelief at how Sasuke managed to get the bell, before looking in shock as Sasuke lifted his head, revealing his now crimson red eyes with a single tomoe circling the pupils.
'Sharingan?! He's awakened it now?! Then…when he threw the shuriken, he knew where I would be after jumping away, seeing where the bells would be, before managing to time it to cut one and send it back to him.' Kakashi thought, feeling impressed and shocked that Sasuke's Sharingan was already that strong to see his movements that clearly.
'I can see. I can see!' Thought Sasuke, not believing how clearly he was now seeing everything, realizing what that meant with the bell he now had confirming it for him.
Before the Uchiha began going through handsigns, knowing just because he had a bell didn't mean the test was over and he needed to make sure he kept it.
"Fire Style: Grand Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke said before unleashing a giant fireball straight at Kakashi to cover his escape.
'And a C-Rank Fire Style Ninjutsu?! They seriously are trying to kill me!' Thought Kakashi as he went through handsigns before sinking into the ground, using the fireball to hide his escape.
Sasuke soon ended the Jutsu and quickly jumped away to find a spot to hide in until time was up. Unfortunately the moment he landed on the ground, his ankles were suddenly grabbed by two hands shooting out of the ground.
"Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu!" Kakashi said, with Sasuke crying out as he was pulled underground until he was buried up to his neck.
With Kakashi pulling himself up out of the ground with an eye-smile, while reclaiming the bell.
"Congratulations Sasuke, you got a bell…for all five seconds." Kakashi said tauntingly before jumping back into the forest, much to Sasuke's annoyance, grunting as he tried getting out of the ground.
*With Naruto*
'I feel like I just missed seeing something very funny.' Naruto thought with a frown as he moved through the forest to find any sign of where Kakashi could be, only to stop when he caught sight of something.
Going towards it, Naruto's frown deepened when he saw it was actually Sakura lying on the ground unconscious.
'I'm guessing Kakashi-sensei used Genjutsu to take her out. Ugh, isn't she supposed to be good at that?!' Naruto thought in annoyance that the pinkette was taken out by a Genjutsu.
Looking at the unconscious Kunoichi, the whiskered blonde was tempted to just leave her where she was, not wanting to risk wasting time when he could be trying to get a bell. Only to stop when he heard Sakura start whimpering.
"Pl-pl-ple-please…s-s-so-so-som-someone…h-he-he-help…I-I-I-I-I d-do-do-don't…wa-wa-want t-t-to-to be-be-b-be…a-a-a-al-al-alone." Sakura whimpered while shifting around, making Naruto freeze at what she just said as he turned back towards her, with it not helping when he saw the look on her face.
'…Why do I still have to be nice?!' Naruto thought, cursing his good nature under his breath before going over and picking Sakura up and slinging her body over his shoulder.
Doubting he'll be able to get a bell at this point, Naruto continued on through the forest to try and find where Sasuke was to see if he had any luck getting a bell. With it not taking long for him to find where the Uchiha was, only to pause at the state he was in. While Sasuke looked at Naruto in annoyance, seeing the look on his face.
"Naruto, I swear, don't you dare-!" Sasuke warned, only for Naruto to start laughing at the sight of the Class Prodigy and Rookie of the Year buried up to his neck.
"Well, everyone always did say you were ahead of the rest of us!" Said Naruto, unable to help himself at making a joke out of this.
"I. Hate. You. Now get me out of here!" Yelled Sasuke, glaring murderously at the Uzumaki, with Naruto getting his laughter under control but still smirked at Sasuke.
"Yeah, yeah, no need to lose your head." Naruto said as he set Sakura down before going over to help dig Sasuke out of the ground.
"Why'd you bring her?" Sasuke asked, now taking notice of Sakura and the state she was in, making the whiskered blonde frown as he glanced at Sakura.
"I…found her unconscious, likely from a Genjutsu Kakashi-sensei used on her. I was tempted to just leave her, but…whatever the Genjutsu is making her see…she was scared and alone, and…I couldn't leave her." Replied Naruto, surprising Sasuke that that he was willing to help Sakura despite everything she said yesterday.
But he could also understand his reasoning for helping, as well as feeling his respect for the Uzumaki go up a few notches. Given that most people, himself included, weren't able to look past their own personal feelings to help someone that wronged them, yet Naruto was able to.
It wasn't long before Sasuke was able to climb out of the ground, unfortunately before either of the Genin could do anything, they heard the timer go off. Making them frown and curse that they ran out of time and failed to get a bell.
*Later*
After returning to the main training ground, Kakashi tied Sakura up to a post, given she failed to get a bell or make an attempt to get one, and dispelled the Genjutsu on her. The pinkette gasping as she woke up, only to see where she was and her current position, with Naruto and Sasuke sitting on either side of her.
"Did…either of you…" Sakura said, wondering if they managed to get a bell, only for the boys to frown in response, making her lower her head that they all failed.
"Well, it looks not a single one of you managed to get a bell, and keep it. However after everything I saw, I've decided not to send you three back to the Academy." Said Kakashi, surprising the Genin and relieving them that they weren't going back to the Academy.
"Instead…all three of you are being dropped from the Ninja program, permanently!" Kakashi added, much to their shock and anger.
"What?! You said if we couldn't get the bells we'd be sent back to the Academy! Not being dropped entirely!" Said Naruto, angered that he's now making it so they could never be Ninja.
"Because none of you think like Ninja, you think like little kids, like brats. You think it's all about yourselves. Did any of you for one second ever even consider why exactly you're put on teams of three?!" Retorted Kakashi, with the Genin frowning at what he meant.
"You said we needed to get a bell, using any means necessary!" Sasuke said, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes, I did and clearly none of you are smart enough to think beyond what I told you! It's the simplest thing, teamwork!" Kakashi said, making their eyes widen before realization dawned on them.
"You mean…we just…needed to work together?" Sakura asked in disbelief.
"That's what I mean. You three were meant to work together to get the bells, instead Naruto and Sasuke, you two thought you could do everything on your own. Sakura, you didn't even make an attempt to get the bells. While individual skills are good, teamwork is the main aspect for any team to work at all, if you can't work with your teammates then your doomed to fail. To put oneself above the rest of the team can put everyone in danger and lead to death." Explained Kakashi before turning towards the Memorial Stone, where the names of deceased Ninja were carved into it, looking at a specific few in particular.
Minato Namikaze
Kushina Uzumaki
Rin Nohara
Obito Uchiha
"…Okay, despite everything, Naruto's actions in carrying Sakura while she's incapacitated, as well as searching for and digging out Sasuke has shown me that this team isn't completely hopeless. I'm gonna give you three one more chance." Kakashi stated, turning back towards the Genin, with the three looking hopeful that they're getting another chance.
"But I'm gonna make it much harder on you. You'll have three hours to get a bell, so eat lunch now to build up your strength. But Sakura doesn't get any, it's her punishment for failing to even try and make an attempt at getting a bell. And if either of you try feeding her, you'll immediately fail. I make the rules here, understood." Kakashi said with a warning expression before vanishing in a puff of smoke, leaving the Genin alone.
Before Naruto and Sasuke grabbed the bentos left behind, opening them up and began eating, only to look at Sakura when her stomach growled, making the pinkette lower her head.
"I'm fine, really. You…you guys just eat, I'll be fine to do the test again." Said Sakura while trying to ignore how hungry she was, with Naruto frowning at her.
"Have you even eaten anything since yesterday?" Questioned Naruto, noticing the difference between her and Sasuke when they arrived, with the Uchiha having looked fine despite not eating breakfast, while Sakura looked ready to collapse.
"I…may have also skipped…dinner, last night." Sakura revealed much to her embarrassment, while Naruto and Sasuke looked at her in disbelief.
"Why would you do that?! Skipping breakfast is one thing, but two meals! You should be lucky you could even come here at all!" Naruto said in disbelief and annoyance that she'd do something like that.
"I was going on a diet okay! I didn't think Kakashi-sensei would tell us to skip breakfast!" Said Sakura.
"That's even stupider, a Ninja going on a diet. Our training makes it so we burn through calories faster and need to eat more so we always have plenty of energy. Eating any less is just foolish and a good way to make yourself an easy target. If Kakashi was a real enemy, you'd have been the first one dead." Said Sasuke, just as annoyed, with the pinkette only lowering her head at their words.
"…For the love of Kami, here, you need it more than I do." Naruto said, holding out his bento to Sakura, much to her disbelief.
"But, Kakashi-sensei said-" Sakura said, not wanting them to get in trouble by giving her food.
"Kakashi's not here. And if we're gonna get those bells, then we'll need to work as a team. You being hungry will only make you ineffective, which will hurt all of us and jeopardize the mission. So, eat." Said Sasuke, holding out his bento as well, knowing they'll need Sakura for their rematch against Kakashi.
"But-" Said Sakura, only for Naruto to hold out some food for her.
"Sakura, just eat the food before he comes back." Said Naruto, surprising the pinkette, and making her blush in embarrassment at being fed, before taking the bite gratefully.
"YOU!" Kakashi shouted, appearing in a cloud of smoke, glaring at them furiously with gusts of wind swirling around him, making the Genin freeze at his sudden appearance, with Naruto and Sasuke getting ready for a fight.
"You broke the rules, I hope you're ready for the punishment!" Said Kakashi as he went through handsigns, while storm clouds appeared overhead with lightning.
"Any last words?" Kakashi said, with the Genin not believing he'd actually planned to kill them.
"B-bu-but…y-you said…you said that there's three of us! That we're a team!" Said Sakura, doing her best to hide her fear that they might actually die.
"This is supposed to be a three-man team, meaning we're supposed to look out for each other!" Sasuke added, now understanding teamwork was important in being a Ninja.
"That's right! You said teammates are supposed to look out for each other! Well Sakura's our teammate and she needed our help!" Said Naruto, narrowing his eyes at Kakashi.
"The three of you are a team? That's your excuse?" Demanded Kakashi, with the three nodding while preparing for the worse.
"Well, then I just have one thing left to say...you pass." Kakashi declared as his expression turned into an eye-smile, with the weather clearing up as he did so.
"Uh…what? We…passed?" Sakura asked in confusion, with Naruto and Sasuke sharing her confusion.
"You passed, you're the first team that ever succeeded. The other teams I had always did exactly what I said and fell into every trap, they couldn't think for themselves. A Ninja must see through deception and look underneath the underneath." Explained Kakashi before turning towards the Memorial Stone and pointed at it.
"This is the Memorial Stone; it has the name of every Ninja that's died defending the village and are honored as heroes. The names of my closest names are engraved here, including the names of my own teammates and sensei. I lost my teammate who was my best friend, and he passed on an important lesson to me just before he died. Those who break the rules are trash, that's true, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash." Kakashi said, making the three look at the Memorial Stone and think over those words, having a lot to think about with them.
Especially Naruto and Sakura, given everything that's happened between them, along with the Uzumaki frowning at how he would've left her if she said she didn't want to be alone.
"The test is now over and all of you passed! Starting tomorrow, we're now officially Team Seven!" Kakashi declared, making Naruto and Sakura smile that they passed while Sasuke smirked.
"Now…let's go home." Said Kakashi throwing a kunai at the ropes around Sakura freeing her, before he and Sasuke took their leave.
With Naruto about to do the same, only to be stopped by the pinkette.
"Uh, Naruto…I…I just wanted…I wanted to thank you…for not abandoning me, earlier. But…why didn't you? I…I thought, after what I said, that you…hated me." Sakura said, feeling confused and sad at why he didn't abandon her.
"I was tempted to leave you there, since yeah, you burnt a lot of bridges with me after everything you said." Naruto admitted, making Sakura wince and lower her head.
"But…I couldn't, after hearing you say you didn't want to be alone, while you were under the Genjutsu." Added Naruto, with Sakura perking up at this with a hopeful look.
While the Uzumaki realized that he wasn't petty enough to just abandon her like that. As maybe he still had some lingering feelings for her that hadn't fully died off yet. Or maybe hearing her say she didn't want to be alone resonated enough with him, that it gave him a change of heart.
"I may not like you, Sakura, and it'll likely be a very long time before I even consider forgiving you, if I ever find myself capable of doing so, and give you a second chance. But we're a team now and I won't abandon you, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need help, I will." Naruto said before he began leaving the training ground, while Sakura watched him leave in surprise, as she started seeing him in a new light while now reconsidering her prior views towards the Uzumaki.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Sasuke apologizing to the Shadow Clone Naruto sent to the Academy, unaware it is a clone, for everything Sakura said to him. Along with seeing Ino contemplating talking to Naruto, but decides against it, doubting he or Sasuke would appreciate learning she eavesdropped on their conversations. While Sakura now has to deal with all three being hostile towards her, though isn't sure about the true reason Naruto and Ino are angry at her. Before the Jōnin begin arriving and picking up their students until only Team Seven is left, all three growing annoyed at Kakashi's lateness.
Then we see Kakashi finally arriving and has everyone introduce themselves, with the introductions being very different for Naruto and Sakura due to what's happened, while Naruto and Sasuke now have a similar hatred for naïve and ignorant people. With Kakashi being concerned and intrigued by this, especially Naruto's after everything the Hokage told him. Before he then explains the true Genin Test, telling them where to meet tomorrow to do it and see if they'll pass. Though then Sakura asks Naruto why he's upset with her, only for the conversation to start getting heated until Naruto insults her and reveals he knows what she said, leaving out the part he was transformed into Sasuke, before dispelling himself in anger, leaving Sakura feeling saddened and guilty.
Before we see the Naruto still at Yakumo's, with the two having fallen asleep, before Naruto's awakened from his clones memories, which also awakens Yakumo. With the two becoming embarrassed at the position they're in, showing their lack of experience with intimate interactions. While also admitting that not they're officially friends, with Naruto then promising he'll get Yakumo out of there one day, not caring what the Hokage will think only that he won't leave her trapped alone and take her anywhere she'd want to go.
Next we go to the next day where Team Seven meets at the Third Training Ground, with Naruto having also eaten breakfast, ignoring Kakashi's suggestion to do so and still would have even if it was an order, much to Sasuke's and Sakura's annoyance. Before we see some of Sakura's thoughts, with her even contemplating asking the Hokage to put her on a different team if they pass. With Kakashi eventually arriving and explaining the Bell Test, as well as the consequences of failing, before starting the test.
With the test going very differently as Naruto gets close to injuring Kakashi with his explosives, Sakura still being taken down by a Genjutsu only to see something very different due to recent events, and Sasuke actually succeeds in getting a bell for a short time after reawakening his Sharingan, due to the anger and disgust he felt towards Sakura helping to reawaken it. Only for all of them to still fail, with Sakura being tied up this time.
Finally we see Kakashi explaining the true purpose of the test and is willing to give them one more chance after seeing Naruto help Sakura and Sasuke. With Naruto and Sasuke disobeying his orders to not feed Sakura, leading to them passing and officially becoming Team Seven, while also seeing that despite not liking her, Naruto isn't petty enough to abandon Sakura and will help her if she's ever in trouble, much to her surprise and revaluating her previous views on the Uzumaki. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out