Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto the anime or manga. This story is based off the world of Naruto. All rights go to Masashi Kishimoto.
Chapter 8 - Hidden Meaning
"So, this is Sasuke's place. It's pretty clean for a kid that lives by himself," Kakashi said as he scratched his chin.
"His father, Fugaku was a strict father and his mother Mikoto was already a neat person as far as I can remember. It makes sense that their son would pick up on their habits," The Hokage said as he took a small suck on his smoking pipe.
The two men were at the Uchiha district, specifically Sasuke's apartment. Kakashi had asked to see their rooms, to see what their personalities could be from the looks of their house instead of what their reports said.
"We don't need to go to Naruto's house, do we? I'm sure you know what it's already like," The Hokage asked as he went for the apartment front door.
Kakashi shook his head, "Nope! I'm happy for now, Sakura's parents were nice, her father was a bit eccentric but who isn't here in Konoha," Kakashi said with his eye-smile.
Hiruzen just sighed as he left Sasuke's home with Kakashi right behind him. They were walking peacefully through the desolate Uchiha compound.
The Hokage then looked at one of his most trusted ninja. "Kakashi, I granted your wish to have Naruto on your team. The council and I have decided it's for the best if you trained Uchiha Sasuke. After all, he needs someone to help train him with his Sharingan. I have been told many times by Naruto himself that both boys don't see eye to eye. I trust you can have them on civil terms while you train and do missions with them, that's if they pass your test," he said as he rubbed his weary eyes.
Kakashi himself yawned, "I'm hoping they will. I have high expectations for both boys. Sasuke is a natural prodigy and we know Naruto will pack a punch."
"Because of his brother?"
"And his Father."
Hiruzen went silent after Kakashi said his bit, still not comfortable with the half-truths and covering ups he did to prevent Naruto from finding out. "I do too. I say Naruto will be a very unique ninja when he grows up," he said. "A very precious ninja for Konoha for the future."
"Hm, you know what? I have to completely agree with that. If he has really been training under his brother's guidance under these last two years, I would say those report cards are completely false," Kakashi said as they were now walking to the Hokage tower.
Hiruzen could only nod and agree. "True. Kakashi, I'm only going to warn you once. If this team succeeds, don't let them die, especially Naruto!"
"Oh, I know! That man would hunt me down if Naruto comes back dead!" Kakashi said as he shivered at the thought of an angry redhead beating him to a bloody pulp. Hiruzen chuckled as both men entered the Hokage tower to see the other Jōnin.
Konoha Academy
"Naruto? Why are you so spaced out?" Chōji asked Naruto, sitting in their usual seats in the academy classroom.
Naruto focused on his two friends on the right and rubbed his face, "Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts ttebayo. I was just thinking what team I'll be on," he said with a tired voice.
Shikamaru raised his head from the table and did a quick back stretch, "Again? You should stop doing that Naruto. You'll be disappointed with any result you get. Just be patient. You blondes are just too troublesome sometimes," Shikamaru groaned out.
Naruto huffed and puffed. "It's not my fault that I'm wondering who is going to work with me for a potential six months," he said he put his hands behind his head.
"Six months? Why that amount Naruto?" Shikamaru asked curiously.
Naruto groaned a bit as he got more comfortable in his seat. "Nii-chan said the Chūnin exams come every six months. If we do some amount of missions, we would be ready to go and do them. Thought you would know with your dad and all," Naruto said.
Shikamaru's face soured slightly, "Oyaji never told me any of that. Anyway, you want to be a Chūnin that quick. The way I see it is that there's no rush."
"That's because you're lazy!"
"So, what? You're just a stupid loudmouth!"
"Hey!" Naruto nearly shouted, "I'm not stupid," he grumbled out quietly afterwards.
Shikamaru and Chōji laughed at their friend. This stopped when the sliding door of the classroom opened and Iruka came in with a clipboard. "Good morning all!" he said.
"Good morning Iruka-sensei!" the class said in mixed voices.
Ino noticed that they were missing one teacher. "Iruka-sensei, where's Mizuki-sensei?" she asked.
Iruka and Naruto gulped, having witnessed the scene of his death. Iruka readied himself. 'The Hokage said to tell the truth. That they're mature enough now,' he thought as he readied his voice.
"Mizuki had betrayed the village on the day of graduation and has been dealt with. No questions may be asked about," Iruka said sternly.
Everyone in the class paled, finding out their past teacher was a traitor and had died was not everyone's good morning news.
Iruka knocked on the blackboard three times with a piece of chalk to stop the whispering that had occurred when he delivered the news, "That's enough on that subject. If you want to talk about it, do so outside but refrain from doing so here. NOW! You, my wonderful students will find out what team you are on and who is your Jōnin sensei. So, listen carefully!" he said. He then placed his clipboard on the table and looked at the list.
Iruka began calling out teams with their members and their sensei. Naruto ignored Iruka, losing interest when his name wasn't listed yet. This went on for some time until, "Now Team Seven: Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke and the Jōnin sensei is Hatake Kakashi," he said, with a slightly stunned eyes from the new team's reaction.
Naruto banged his head hardon the table. With the news Sakura shouted to the top of her lungs, "HAHA get that Ino-pig, LOVE WINS!" to the whole class. Not exactly thrilled with the selection, Sasuke grunted and looked out of the window close to him.
'Why me? Why did I have to get Sakura and Sasuke, I could have dealt with just one of them but the TWO of them! I don't think I'll be able to survive this…' Naruto thought while rubbing his temples.
"Team eight will be Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba and Hyuuga Hinata. Your Jōnin sensei is… Yūhi Kurenai," Iruka said as he looked at the list.
Naruto ignored the calling of team nine and didn't hear Shikamaru or Chōji 's name being called out. 'Shikamaru is a genius, the last three Genin remaining are the ones he said would most likely be a team in the BBQ place,' Naruto thought as Iruka started to call out the last team.
"Team ten are Akimichi Chōji, Nara Shikamaru and Yamanaka Ino. Sarutobi Asuma is your Sensei. Right that's it for the list. Now that you know your teams, I wish you good luck again," Iruka said as he left the classroom in a scurry.
Naruto sighed, "Now we have to wait for them huh," He said with a frown.
"Naruto, hopefully it won't be that bad. However, I don't know if you will have more trouble with Sasuke or Sakura," Shikamaru said as he put his hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Yeah Naruto! Look on the bright side!" Chōji said as he leaned over closer to them.
Naruto crossed his arms, "You two have no right to speak, you're on the same team!" an annoyed Naruto said. "Chōji, is that a new scarf?" Naruto asked, getting out of the dumps with his observation of the white fabric around his friend's neck.
"Yeah. I got it as a good luck charm for becoming a Genin," Chōji said with a happy smile. Naruto smiled at this as well, gripping on the necklace he received from his brother.
The Genin waited for the Jōnin sensei to arrive for them. One by one, the Jōnin appeared and took their teams. Unfortunately, Naruto's team were left last and there was still no sign for their sensei even after two hours of waiting.
"Gah! Where is he! I thought they were supposed to be professional!" Sakura complained with her loud voice. Naruto sighed and Sasuke got a tic mark, a headache was coming from the constant complaining.
'Hm, this guy needs a prank played on him! Hehe, I know the perfect thing!' Naruto thought as he got out of his place and went to the blackboard to get the dusty chalk brush.
"Naruto-baka, what are you doing?" Sakura asked in a forceful tone.
"Having some fun," Naruto replied without looking at her. He then placed the wiper in between the frame and door, so when their sensei opens the door it drops on their head. "Hehe, perfect!" Naruto giggled.
'What a great idea! Serves this Kakashi right CHA!' Inner Sakura said. "Naruto don't! I don't want to get in trouble! Right Sasuke-kun?" Sakura said with a smiling face.
Sasuke turned his head to the window, interlacing his fingers, "I don't care," He said with no emotion.
'What an emo!' Naruto thought with a soured face.
'Sasuke-kun is so cool!' Sakura thought.
Naruto went back to his normal seat, staying away from his two teammates. They waited for another hour till the sliding door opened and a man with gravity defying hair came in. The chalk wiper fell on his head and a puff of dust was surrounding the Jōnin's face
'This guy is our sensei!' Sakura and Sasuke thought, unimpressed as they watched the man pat off his hair.
Naruto fell backwards from laughing so hard. "I'm sorry sir, I tried telling Naruto not to do it, but he wouldn't listen!" Sakura said innocently despite inner Sakura was also laughing hard.
Sasuke looked away from the scene with a "Hn."
Kakashi looked at each Genin individually. 'So what Kotaro and the Hokage said was true, Naruto still loves to prank. Sakura doesn't like Naruto and completely puts the blame on him and Sasuke doesn't like either of them. This isn't looking good so far,' Kakashi thought.
"Hm, my first impression of you guys is… I hate you all. Now let's go to the roof," Kakashi said as he body-flickered up to the academy roof.
All the Genin were taken back a bit from the brutal honesty.
'Maybe that wasn't the greatest first impression,' Naruto thought as he left the classroom ahead of the other two and went up the stairs to the roof.
Once he opened the roof exit door, he was hit with a cool breeze in the face. He steeled himself and went to sit on the step ahead of him on Kakashi's right side. The other two made it up only seconds later, Sakura sat near Naruto in the middle and Sasuke sat on the step on Kakashi's left side.
Kakashi clapped his hands together and rubbed them slightly, "Alright, how about we introduce ourselves," Kakashi said in his bored voice.
"How do we do that?" Sakura asked.
"Hm, how about our names, likes, dislikes, hobbies and dreams," Kakashi answered, crossing his arms.
"How about you go first Sensei?" Sakura asked again.
Kakashi took a second to breathe and looked at his potential students,
"I am Hatake Kakashi, I have no intentions of telling you my likes or dislikes. As for my dream… I have a few hobbies," was all he said, putting his hands on the cold steel rail he was leaning on.
'All we got was his name,' Sakura and Naruto thought with a slight frown.
"How about you next blondie?" Kakashi asked as he pointed his finger at Naruto.
Naruto didn't mind the jab at his hair and just sighed, "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. My likes are ramen, Konoha and training. My dislikes are traitors and people who judge others based on false facts. My hobbies are gardening, cooking and learning new things. And for my dream… Is to become the greatest Hokage ever so I can protect my village and loved ones!" Naruto said loudly to the group.
"Good. Now your turn pinkie," Kakashi said with a hint of happiness in his voice, pointing at Sakura.
She got a small tick mark, but she ignored the insult for now, "My name is Haruno Sakura. I like… well the person I like is..." she stares at Sasuke and giggles, "my hobbies are…" she stares at Sasuke once again and giggles even more, "And my dream is…" Sakura stares at Sasuke and squeals into her hands.
"And? What do you hate?" Kakashi asked.
"Naruto," Sakura said blankly, getting a mildly shocked reaction from Naruto himself.
'Haven't said so much as a hundred words in the last two years and she still hates my guts. What can a guy like me do?' Naruto thought.
'Girls at her age must be more interested in love than ninja training,' Kakashi thought. "Alright, Moody Broody, what's your story?" Kakashi asked with a nod to Sasuke's direction.
Sakura stared at the Uchiha with starry eyes and Naruto looked at the sky. Sasuke's face darkened from the name he was given but he ignored it for now. "My name is Uchiha Sasuke. There are many things I hate, and there aren't a lot of things I like. Also, I have one ambition that I have no intention to leave just as a dream… The revival of my clan, and to… kill a certain man," Sasuke said with hatred dripping out of his voice at the end.
'Must be that Itachi guy Nii-chan told me about,' Naruto thought as he shuffled his bum to make himself more comfortable, the air around them chilled from Sasuke's ambition.
'Just as I thought. So, we have an avenger. We have a girl who loves one teammate and hates the other. And we have a dreamer. I wonder why Naruto didn't mention Kotaro at all. Is it because he doesn't want me to judge him by his brother's skills or is it… because he doesn't want his teammates to know of his brother. I'll have a chat with Naruto after my little test tomorrow anyway to find out!' Kakashi thought.
"Yosh, all you three have unique personalities. I like that. We're going to begin a mission starting tomorrow," Kakashi said.
"Huh!?" Naruto spoke out. "Already? What kind of mission is it Sensei?" he asked as he put his chin on his knuckles.
"First, we're going to do something that we four can do," Kakashi answered.
"Really! What is it?" Naruto asked again, he was pumped to do a mission.
"Survival training," Kakashi replied blankly.
"Survival training?" Naruto questioned.
"Where are we going to train if it's a mission?" Sakura asked, entering the conversation. "We had plenty of training in the academy," Sakura stated, Naruto stifled a small giggle from the statement.
Kakashi looked at her with his lone eye, "This is no ordinary training," Kakashi answered.
Naruto was now very interested, "Well, what kind of training is it?" he asked.
Kakashi started to chuckle hard. This got the Genin confused, "Hey, what's so funny, Sensei?" Sakura asked looking at her feet.
Kakashi laughed a little more before answering, "Well if I say this, I'm sure you three are going to be worried," he said.
The Genin were even more confused by Kakashi's words. Kakashi put a serious face on and his laugh died completely, "Out of the twenty-seven graduates. Only nine pass. The other eighteen are sent back to the academy. In other words, this training is going to be a very hard test with a sixty-six percent dropout rate," He told the Genin.
The shock was evident on Naruto and Sakura's face but Sasuke kept his cool exterior intact but on the inside, he started to worry a little. "See? Didn't I tell you? You three are surprised," Kakashi said in a happy voice, not fitting for the tense atmosphere.
"What!?" Naruto shouted out. "So, we go through years in the academy and now you're telling us we have another exam, after the "final" exam!" Naruto cried out, not happy how things turned out.
"Oh? That exam is just to pick out those who are qualified to become Genin. Anyway, I'm going to determine whether you pass or fail tomorrow at the training grounds seven. Meet me there at five AM sharp. And don't eat breakfast, you'll throw it up tomorrow if you do," Kakashi said seriously.
All three had their individual reactions. 'I just to show him my skills for real!' Naruto thought nervously.
'If I fail this exam, I'll be separated from Sasuke-kun. This… This is a trial of love!' Sakura internally cried.
Sasuke's mind was blank as his interlaced hands were shaking.
'Let's see if this improves their performance tomorrow,' Kakashi thought with an evil grin under his mask. "Naruto," He said before he was going to leave.
This got the attention of all the Genin. "I expect the most out of you tomorrow. Don't disappoint me," Kakashi said as he leapt over the bar.
Sakura and Sasuke were both confused at Kakashi's statement. Naruto sighed and was about to jump off the roof as well however. "Oi idiot," Sasuke said to Naruto.
"Hm, what is it?" Naruto said in a polite voice. 'Might as well be nice to him since we're working together, but he better stop calling me that!' Naruto thought as he waited for Sasuke to speak.
Sasuke looked at Naruto, "What did he mean by that?" he asked with a cold tone.
Naruto didn't want to deal with this now, he had plans. "Guess you'll just have to wait and see teme," Naruto replied, not liking the tone of his new teammate. Naruto then jumped off the building and headed towards the hospital.
"Naruto! Don't call Sasuke-kun that!" Sakura shouted across Konoha. She twirled around, her face changing from terrifying banshee to a sweet girl, "Sasuke-kun," she said in a sultry voice, "Why don't we get lunch together. Like a date?" She asked sweetly.
Sasuke turned around for the door, "No," he said as he opened and left through the roof door, leaving the pink haired kunoichi alone.
"Stupid Naruto, ruined my chance for a date with Sasuke-kun!" she steamed out as she left the academy roof last.
Kakashi was in the trees watching over what happened after he left. "Hm, doesn't look good so far. For once I actually want a team, and there's not one attempt of co-operation," he said as he vanished in a puff of smoke.
Konoha Hospital
"God! Today is full of work, work, work! Now what time is it? Huh, it's just half two. I gave the last two patients antibiotics and steroids, and I had to procure a special antidote for Izumo. Why did Kotestu have to push him into that poisonous nightshade? God, those two make my life hell sometimes!" Kotaro complained while he was writing in the medical reports of his recent patients.
Kotaro was currently in his hospital office doing a bit of paper work. The office large considering it wasn't the head office, it had a wooden desk with a leather chair, the walls were white, and the floor was wooden but there was a large multi-coloured rug that covered most of it, some medicinal ingredients and herbs on the windowsill, and lots of filing cabinets filled with Kotaro's patient's medical history.
The bookshelves were filled to full capacity with medical textbooks about everything and anything to do with the human body and medicine. There was also a couch in front of his desk, personally he preferred the couch than lots of chairs. It was the comfortable choice.
Kotaro was scribbling in the reports with his pen. He was wearing his normal knee-high boots and black shinobi pants, however instead of his black shinobi shirt, his thin sleeveless jacket and Jōnin flak jacket. He wore a red buttoned shirt with his doctor coat over it, the sleeves of both were done up to his elbow. His wrist bracers were gone but instead he wore leather and old Uzumaki charm bracelets. His forehead protector was still proudly worn on his forehead.
The hospital granted Kotaro an office with the excellent service he provided from the last two years. The large office space before was completely unoccupied so he had no complaints whatsoever.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. 'I don't think I have an appointment with anyone now,' Kotaro thought. "Come in," he said as he kept his head down. The door opened, and it revealed to be Naruto, his face looking like he smelled something bad.
"Naruto! How are you doing? Did you meet your Sensei? Who was it? Come on take a seat, I'll prepare some tea," Kotaro excitedly said as he ran to the kettle, got two cups ready with tea bags in them and started to boil the water. He was overjoyed to see his little brother. The day was beginning to get dull and Naruto always brought some form of spice to his life.
Naruto went inside, closing the door behind him. Moving to the couch and proceeding to lie on it and did a big sigh. "I'm alright. Yes, I did. His name is Hatake Kakashi. Thanks for the tea," he said with a sulk.
Kotaro chuckled as he brought over Naruto's tea and placed it on the small table near the couch. "Kakashi. I'm glad you got him to be honest," Kotaro said with a sly grin as he went back to behind his desk and sat behind it.
Blowing some of the steam off his tea and staring into the deep blackness of his hot beverage, he exhaled heavily with a smile. "He'll treat you well. He's a very good friend of mine. And Kakashi is a very smart man. You will learn a lot from him," Kotaro said happily, knowing one of his good friends is taking the reins on Naruto's career.
Naruto groaned as he sat up and blew some air into his own tea. "That's if I pass his test. He says there's a sixty-six percent chance of failing dattebayo," he complained.
"Really! He said that. Well, all of the teams he tested before have failed," Kotaro said taking one quick sip of the black lava in his mug.
Naruto paled at the fact. "All of his teams failed… WHAT!?" he screamed out, thankfully for Kotaro not spilling one drop of tea.
"Yeah, he failed every team he had. He will put you between a rock and a hard place. The test will force you to test your morals and intelligence. He'll say something like 'Think underneath the underneath' or something like that. But I wouldn't worry if I were you Naruto," Kotaro reassured him
"How can you have so much faith in me? I'll probably fail like all the rest."
"Why are you thinking so negatively before you even tried? You already know the answer that will solve the test. You'll see it once you start your test."
"What's the answer then?"
"Nah, I'm not going to tell. What's the point of helping you when you must work this out by yourself. Anyway, who's your team?"
"Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke," Naruto said grumpily.
Kotaro was surprised, evident by his one raised eyebrow, "Really? Wow, that goes against the grain," he said as he drank his tea.
"What ya mean?" Naruto asked.
"He was rookie of the year and she was the top kunoichi. The third member is supposed to be the worst graduated Genin, or the dead-last. But, your reports say that you were average, in the middle. Technically, Shikamaru should be on that team."
"He should be huh? He's on the new Ino-Shika-Cho or something like that."
"Yes, but it doesn't matter. However, now that you say that, it makes sense why Sasuke is on Kakashi's team."
"Why Nii-chan?"
"Hm, alright Naruto, I'll spill the beans but don't tell anyone, yeah? Kakashi has the Sharingan which is the Uchiha clan's bloodline limit. It's a dōjutsu that grants the user to copy jutsu and have better reaction times.
It really is over powered if used properly. That covered part of his face hides it. Kakashi is a member of the Hatake clan, so the sharingan isn't part of his DNA at all. If used, it causes a big strain on his chakra. He won't use it against any of you tomorrow. Even though you're strong Naruto. Kakashi was a Jōnin by your age. Don't underestimate him for even a second," Kotaro explained.
"So Sasuke has this Sharingan?" Naruto asked.
"He could. I read in the old Uzumaki archive scrolls that a tramatic event must occur for the eyes to activate. So, seeing the death of a loved one or getting extremely stressed out. This was during the Warring States period, so it might be dated information."
"That's grim. Oh… I think Kakashi is trying to play games with the team already!"
"Oh? Sounds like fun. So, like what? Jenga?"
"Nii-chan seriously! I meant trying to separate us already dattebayo. He said he expected the most out of me tomorrow at our survival training. Sasuke tried asking me about it but aggressively. It's like Sensei wants us to fail."
"No. Far from it. He just wants a team that aren't idiots. So far Sasuke is being an idiot by being too big-headed. Hopefully he can sort it out. He can be an excellent ninja, it's in his blood."
"Somehow, I don't think that'll ever happen. You could say that's in his blood."
"And the Sakura girl. What was she like?"
"I haven't talked to her in two years basically and she still hates my guts. And in our introductions, she couldn't put her eyes off Sasuke and she kept giggling."
Kotaro sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. "Kakashi will have his work cut out for him. Her fangirl persona will hold her back. Like with Sasuke's arrogance, scratch that, if he got rid of his lone-wolf mentality and she gets rid of her fangirl traits then she can become a very good kunoichi. Hell, you guys could become the most powerful team in Konoha history and surpass the Legendary Sannin.
Too bad she has miniscule chakra reserves, she has her excellent chakra control according to her reports, amazing control in fact. But she wouldn't be one percent of yours or mine Naruto. It's kind of scary isn't it."
"Well we have Uzumaki blood flowing through our veins. And since I'm a Jinchūriki, I must have more than the normal ninja."
"You stole my book about the bijū didn't you?" Kotaro asked with his eyes focusing on Naruto.
"Well, I should know a bit about it ttebayo," Naruto replied.
"Yeah... good thinking," Kotaro said with a smile.
"It also helps you have excellent chakra control, you don't need to use as much, and your reserves are massive. We're stamina freaks."
"We sure are! So what time do you have the test on?"
"Five in the morning," Naruto said grimly.
Kotaro chuckled slightly, "And what else did he say?" Kotaro asked.
"Huh? Oh, not to eat breakfast,"
"Naruto, you're one observant kid. He is already playing games for tomorrows test."
"What do you mean Nii-chan?"
"Don't worry, just head to the training ground at around… ten in the morning and don't skip breakfast. Just trust me on this one," Kotaro said with a wink, remembering the past stories of Kakashi's Genin test.
Naruto didn't know why he was given different orders from his brother but if there was anyone he trusted, it was Kotaro. Naruto nodded and finished off his tea. "Do you think I should go full power on Sensei?" he asked.
Kotaro tapped his lip, "Yes, you will need to. I was hoping you would show off your skills in one of the upcoming Chūnin exams, but it seems like you will have to perform if you want this time to stick together. We'll just have to make you more powerful when those exam finals swing by."
"Oh great! You're saying the whole test is riding on me."
"Pretty much. And go all out. I asked Jiji to seal up your ninja records, make them special because of your Jinchūriki status. Only those permitted, so the Hokage, myself and a handful of trusted Jōnin are only allowed to look at them."
"Why go through so much trouble Nii-chan?"
"Hm, it'll take too long to explain the full story, but I'll give the short version. Naruto, as much as you don't want to hear this, a Jinchūriki is seen as a symbol of power. A political chest piece. Every major hidden village has a Jinchūriki. For example, Sunagakure has the one-tail bijū, the Ichibi, his recorded name is Shukaku. And Iwagakure, Kumogakure and Kirigakure have two Jinchūriki each. The final of the nine Jinchūriki is in Takigakure, the nanabi Jinchūriki.
The reason for why they are all spread out is because Senju Hashirama restrained most of them and traded them to the other villages for peace offerings and to balance the power. This worked until greed came into play and the first great shinobi war occurred. So, you see Naruto, you are a very important person. And I don't want any assholes messing with my little brother by getting personal information, so that is why I asked for this."
"Oh… Thanks."
"Naruto… you want some ramen?"
Naruto's glum expression turned to a happy one in an instant, "Your wallet better be full Nii-chan. Cause I'm starving!" he cried out.
Kotaro just laughed and got off his chair. He walked to the door with Naruto in front of him. They left the office and Kotaro used his high security seals to close the office properly. The Uzumaki brothers then left the Hospital to fill their systems with the delicious noodles.
The Next Morning
"Ah, where is Kakashi-sensei and Naruto-baka!?" Sakura shouted out as she stomped back to her backpack, where Sasuke was standing with his own.
It was about quarter past ten and the sun was high in the sky. There were very little clouds and a slow cool breeze was passing through training grounds seven.
"Sakura, don't be so loud. It's still morning," Naruto complained as he appeared out of nowhere.
Sakura turned around to see the blond who was yawning. She went and try to bonk him on the head, "Naruto-baka, you're late," she nearly screamed out.
Naruto dodged the punch and kept going to where Sasuke was standing. "Is Kakashi-sensei here?" he asked.
Surprisingly, Sasuke was the one to answer. "No," he said with a hint of venom, Sasuke did not like to be kept waiting.
"Then… I'm early!" Naruto said with a big smile. Naruto went over to the nearest tree and laid down by the trunk.
The two others ignored him while they waited for the tardy Jōnin.
An hour passed and there was no change. The tension grew exponentially between the three Genin. It seemed that they were about to explode.
"Hi, my cute little Genin," Kakashi said with no emotion behind those words, appearing out of thin air.
Sakura was the first to react, "You're late!" she shouted pointing at him. Naruto got off the trunk of the tree and walked to where everyone else was.
"A black cat crossed my path so… I had to take the long way around!" Kakashi said with an eye-smile.
Sakura grumbled. Naruto and Sasuke couldn't believe the terrible lie they were just told.
"Well… Let's move on," Kakashi said as he moved to a wooden stump near the Genin. He whipped out an alarm clock reading quarter past eleven. "The alarm is set at twelve PM," he said.
Kakashi reached deep into his pocket and took out two silver coloured bells, "Your goal for today is to get these bells off me. Whoever doesn't get one, doesn't get lunch," Kakashi said after he shook the bells and pointed at the bento boxes. "Also, he or she will be tied and will have to watch the others eat in front of them," he said.
Sakura's and Sasuke's stomachs grumbled but Naruto's didn't.
"Naruto, I thought I told you to skip breakfast," Kakashi said with a furrowed brow.
Naruto just smirked, "Sorry Sensei, I was ordered to eat food just before 10 AM," Naruto said, the smirk never leaving his face.
'Kotaro must have had a hand in this. That bas-, better not say that,' Kakashi thought with the shake of his head. "Well if it's an order than alright," he said with a shrug of the shoulders.
"Kakashi-sensei, that's not fair!" Sakura protested.
"Life's not fair Sakura," Kakashi said with his bored tone.
Sakura huffed but noticed something about the test, "Wait Sensei, why is there only two bells?" she asked.
Kakashi eye-smiled at this, "Well it just means that one will definitely got tied to the post. That person will fail since they failed the mission. It could be all three or just one of you. We'll know at the end who will go back to the academy. You can use your weapons. You will fail if you don't come with the intent to kill," Kakashi told the Genin, still displaying the bells.
"But Sensei, that's too dangerous!" Sakura cried out with her arms wide open.
"Sensei, you couldn't even dodge a chalk eraser," Naruto tried to jab at Kakashi, trying to get a reaction out of him.
"In society, those who don't have many abilities tend to complain more. Let's just ignore the kid with the worst score," Kakashi jabbed back.
Naruto smirked again, "Never underestimate your opponent Sensei. It might be the end of you," Naruto replied.
'At least he keeps a cool head when it comes to insults,' Kakashi thought.
"All right when I say 'start' you guys begin the test. I think I'm going to like you three after all hehe. Ready? Start!" Kakashi shouted out as the three Genin flew from their spots into the dense forest.
Training Grounds Seven, The Bell Hunt
'A basic for all ninja is to hide and conceal their presence. Good, everyone is hidden nicely,' Kakashi thought as he stood in the middle of the clearing.
A sound of ruffling leaves was behind him and Kakashi had to turn around and block a strike from Naruto. "You're a bit strange compared to the rest. It's only been a minute and you already attacked me," Kakashi said, blocking Naruto's punch with one hand.
Naruto landed on the ground and steadied himself. "The only thing that's weird is your hairstyle. We aren't going to get the bells if we stay away and watch you. I need to beat you fair and square to get them bells!" Naruto said hastily.
Naruto ran towards Kakashi at a quick pace. Kakashi had his typical bored expression on his face and reached down into his pouch. Naruto saw the hand and stopped his attack, stepping back. "Ninja tactic know-how number one, taijutsu. I'll teach you that first," Kakashi said.
'Taijutsu huh? Then why the hell is he pulling out a weapon?' Naruto thought as he eyed Kakashi carefully.
Kakashi proceeded to whip-out his favourite book, Icha-Icha tactics. Naruto was puzzled from the orange book, "What's the matter? Come and get me Naruto," Kakashi taunted.
Naruto had to ask, "That… Why did you take out that book?"
"Why? I got curious as how the story is going to develop. Don't worry about it. It's the same whether I read this or not," Kakashi taunted again.
'Grrr! Not taking me seriously! I'm going to pound him!' Naruto thought angrily, losing his temper quickly to the Jōnin. Naruto ran into Kakashi's space with fast speeds, surprising Kakashi and his new teammates.
Naruto then began to do an array of quick punches and kicks. Kakashi was too fast and kept blocking or dodging blows. Naruto tried to get close to Kakashi's arms but Kakashi wouldn't give him the opportunity. Naruto was getting frustrated and increased the speed of his blows once again. He grabbed Kakashi's left arm and wrapped his legs around it, he lifted himself off the ground and used his hands to get to the bells using amazing flexibility.
Kakashi freaked and threw Naruto off as Naruto's stretched hand felt the bell's skin. 'He's getting too fast. I have to put the book away!' Kakashi thought as he put his book away and dodged Naruto's attempts to hit him.
Naruto's quick punches, kicks and chops had lots of momentum behind each strike. Kakashi in an instant got behind Naruto, he was crouching with his hands forming the Tiger hand seal. "A ninja should not let an enemy get behind him at any time," Kashi said.
'That's used for Fire ninjutsu,' Sasuke thought as he was watching the fight.
"Naruto! Get out of there! He's going to kill you!" Sakura shouted.
'Crap,' Naruto thought as he peeked over his shoulder.
"Too Late!" Kakashi said as his fingers started to move. "Hidden Village of Konoha's secret taijutsu master art!" Kakashi then drove his fingers deep between the cheeks of Naruto's ass. "A Thousand Years of Pain!" He shouted out as he drove a screaming Naruto into the air. Sakura and Sasuke groaned at the move. The flying Naruto puffed into smoke revealing itself to be a shadow clone.
Sakura and Sasuke were taken back at the disappearing act but Kakashi was very impressed by Naruto so far.
'His taijutsu is good and dangerous. Too bad Naruto is too short to use his clan's style to its full potential. And to use a Shadow Clone, a B-rank jutsu and for it to last this long in combat is nothing but astounding! I wonder how good the real Naruto is?' Kakashi thought.
'He dropped his guard. Now's my chance!' Sasuke thought as he threw many shuriken and kunai at Kakashi, they curved through the air gracefully before they impacted into the masked ninja's body. Kakashi flew into the air and blood was dripping out of his body.
Sakura gasped, seeing her new sensei get stabbed by multiple projectiles.
Naruto tilted his head to the side slightly 'No way Sasuke killed him with just that!' he thought.
Sasuke smirked until the Kakashi's body puffed into a log with the throwing tools embedded in the wood, revealing to be a replacement.
Sasuke grinded his teeth and moved from his position. 'Damn, he used a replacement! And he must have determined my position from that shuriken attack! He dropped his guard on purpose! I fell for his trap!' Sasuke berated himself as he dashed through the dense green forest.
"There he is," Kakashi said. His body hidden behind leaves.
Sakura wanted to know where her crush was going so she pursued the black-haired boy. 'Where is Sasuke-kun? Did Sensei already get him? No… that can't happen to Sasuke-kun,' she thought with worry. She then tripped and fell on her knees and saw Kakashi reading his book. 'I'm safe! He didn't notice me,' Her mind was now relieved.
"Sakura behind you," Came a familiar voice.
Sakura squeaked and turned around to see Kakashi looking at her with his lone eye. She then proceeded to scream loudly. Kakashi then formed the rat hand sign and performed Demonic illusion: Death mirage jutsu. A leaf storm floated in front of Kakashi and swirled around Sakura, hypnotising her.
Naruto watched from the distance. Sakura started to walk in circles, mouthing off words. Suddenly, she bursted in joy. "Sasuke-kun!" she shouted out with a cute voice.
In an instant. Sakura completely paled. "No! Sasuke-kun, don't die!" she screamed.
Sakura's system was in shock of seeing her beloved dying. Tears were forming around her emerald eyes. She couldn't handle it. Her arms went up swaying in the air and she collapsed onto the ground with a scream.
Kakashi was reading from his book as he watched the scene. "Maybe I overdid it… But she should have noticed if it's real or not," Kakashi said with disappointment. "Lesson number two, Genjutsu. Sakura fell for it so easily."
"Genjutsu? A type of hallucinatory and mind controlling technique. It's no wonder she fell for it so easily. But I'm different from them," Sasuke spoke as he pushed himself off a tree.
"Why don't you say that after you get a bell. Sasuke-kun," Kakashi teased the Genin.
Sasuke and Kakashi were having a stare-off. Not far from them, Naruto was watching intently on both.
'This guy is just toying with us ttebayo. Nii-chan said they were good friends so this guy can beat any of us in a pulp in no time. Wait… Nii-chan… He said I would get the answer. It would appear when I do the test. Hm, I can't beat him. Sakura can't even touch him and Sasuke wouldn't be a proper challenge.
Nii-chan always says ''My team and I,'' or ''Asuma and I did this.'' THAT'S IT! I'm a genius. We need to beat him as a team. Damn, I'm such a genius when I need to be. I'll let Sasuke have his fun, then I'll get us together for a plan,' Naruto thought as the next battle began
Sasuke began by throwing shuriken at Kakashi. Kakashi instinctively moved to his right, dodging the metal stars. "There's no use in just using normal attacks," Kakashi said unimpressed.
Sasuke then smirked and threw a kunai to cut a tensed rope. The rope broke, and a mechanism was heard. "It's a trap!" Kakashi said as he slid against the ground, jumping out of the way from the incoming kunai.
As he jumped away and landed, Sasuke appeared behind Kakashi, surprising him. Sasuke quickly did a mid-air left heel kick aimed for Kakashi's head. Kakashi blocked with his left hand and proceeded to grab Sasuke's leg with his right.
Sasuke turned his body hard and attempted to punch Kakashi in the face, but Kakashi blocked with his free hand. Sasuke then used his right leg and rotated his whole body to hammer kick Kakashi's head.
Kakashi used his left arm, which his arm's hand was holding Sasuke's fist to block the kick, using his forearm to stop incoming shin. Sasuke used his free left hand and reached out to the silver bells, just flicking them. Kakashi jumped back, leaving Sasuke in mid-air and saving his bells.
'These two boys are too good. I don't have time to read my precious book,' Kakashi thought.
"I'll admit, you are different from those two. But I think Naruto is more skilled than you so far," Kakashi said, stating the truth in his opinion since Naruto came at him with no prior knowledge on his skills and got the same result as Sasuke.
Sasuke's face darkened and he flashed through the signs Tiger-Ram-Monkey-Boar-Horse-Tiger and internally shouted 'Fire release: Grand fireball technique.'
A stream of red fire flowed out of Sasuke's mouth and a large ball appeared where Kakashi was. The fire was scorching the dirt ground and made a large dark brown circle. Sasuke noticed the lack of anything after he stopped the fire, 'He's gone! Is he behind me? No! Above? Where is he?' he thought frantically, looking in all directions.
"Beneath you!" came Kakashi's distorted voice as right hand popped out of the ground and grabbed Sasuke's left heel.
"Earth release: Head-hunter technique," Kakashi said with a muffled voice. Sasuke was pulled into the ground, leaving only his head popping out to see the world.
Kakashi crouched in front of the in capitated Uchiha and gave him an eye-smile. "And that ends our lesson today, the third ninja know-how, Ninjutsu. How is it? Can't move, right? Looks like your talent is exceptional. But… they say that stakes that point out get driven back into the ground," Kakashi said taking out his book again to read.
Kakashi only read one word before Naruto appeared at his side and flashed through the signs Tiger-Ox-Dog-Hare-Snake and inhaling so much air that his chest expanded greatly.
'Wind release: Great breakthrough,' Naruto thought as a huge and powerful straight-line gust of wind hit Kakashi.
Kakashi flew back with the gust with a frightened face, the trees around him were beginning to uproot.
'Naruto is a wind type and he has that jutsu down to a standard with B-rank destructiveness. What the hell are you feeding him Kotaro?' Kakashi thought as his body disappeared into the darkness of the forest.
"Whew, worked like a charm. And look at you Sasuke. You look snug down there ttebayo," Naruto teased the angry Sasuke.
"Shut it idiot. I don't need your help," He said angrily, not liking the fact that Naruto had a more destructive jutsu then he had.
Naruto tapped his foot against the ground, "Hm, you're right. But I'll help you anyway," Naruto said in a neutral tone, his team-mate's arrogance was getting on his nerves, but he needed to pass this test.
Sakura came out of the bushes and focused her gaze on Sasuke. "Now, it's a severed head!" She screamed out and collapsed once again.
"What the hell is wrong with her?" Sasuke asked, forgetting about his slight anger before.
"I don't know. But if you ever find out, you tell me first," Naruto said as he dug some of the ground around Sasuke's head and began to pull him out.
With a combined effort, eventually Sasuke was freed. "Hn," he grunted as he dusted his blue high collar Uchiha shirt and white shorts.
Naruto and Sasuke waited for Sakura to awaken. After about three minutes, her eyes opened, "Sasuke-kun?" she asked when she only saw him. Her body hugged Sasuke by itself, "You were okay!" she exclaimed excitedly with giggles.
Naruto cringed and Sasuke freaked at the contact, "Oi Stop that now!" he kept saying, pushing the girl away from him.
Naruto sighed, "Now that you two had your little reunion. We need to hurry and work together to beat Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said seriously.
"Work together? Why would I need to work with you? I touched one of the bells. One more try, and I can get one," Sasuke said with confidence.
Naruto facepalmed, "Sasuke. He's playing with us. If you didn't notice, I touched a bell as well. We need to work together. We would have a better chance."
"Maybe you would. But you would only hold me back. Now like you said, there's little time. I need to get a bell," Sasuke said as he dashed away from the group.
Sakura was looking between her two team-mates, she then decided to follow where Sasuke went. "Sakura? Where the hell are you going? We need to work together!" Naruto cried out as the kunoichi was disappearing from his view. "What the actual hell!? I tried! I swear God, if this is one of your cruel jokes, I'm kicking your ass when I die!" Naruto complained as he got back into the trees to hide his presence.
However, he didn't have to wait long as the alarm went off only a minute later. "What!? Those forty-five minutes flew by!" Naruto complained as he got off the branch and went back to where the test started walking to where the test began.
Naruto had the shock of his day when he saw both Sakura and Sasuke tied up on the training posts, looking at him with embarrassed and annoyed faces. "You two enjoying Kakashi's hospitality?" Naruto joked as he walked in front of the two. All he received were furious glares. Naruto could only chuckle.
Naruto felt the warm noon breeze hit the naked skin of his tanned neck. He sensed someone behind him and spun around. Kakashi was in his visage holding two bento boxes. "Here Naruto, have one," Kakashi said with an eye-smile. Naruto was cautious, he was pranked by his older brother once when he received a bento box filled with bugs. Naruto carefully grabbed the cardboard box and pulled it towards him, nodding a thank you to the Jōnin.
Kakashi kept the second one in hand, the stomachs of Sakura and Sasuke growled loudly, "Oh? Your stomachs are growling, eh?" Kakashi said with crossed arms. He looked at the two hungry Genin with a smile under his mask, knowing he was grinding on their nerves. "By the way, about the results of this training. None of you need to return to the Ninja Academy," Kakashi said happily.
Naruto had a happiness plastered on his face. "Eh? What? But all I did was faint? Was that okay?" Sakura asked, confusion evident on her face.
'Obviously Sakura-chan!' Naruto thought sarcastically, still peeved on the girl's abandonment on him.
Sasuke looked at the ground but had a happy smirk on his face. Things really turned out for the best today.
Naruto sat on the ground, his happy face still on him and Sakura started to jump up and down cheering but in her constrained rope.
"Does that mean we three…?" Naruto asked as he looked up to Kakashi.
Kakashi eye-smiled. "Yes, you three… Will not become a team!" he shouted out, disappointment dripping from his voice.
All three were shocked when he uttered out those words. Naruto especially, 'But how? I performed well, and I figured out the test. Didn't I?' Naruto thought sadly, his dream being postponed of becoming the Hokage and working with his brother will have to wait.
"Won't be a team? What do you mean sensei?" Sakura asked.
"It's because two of you are just kids who don't even deserve to be ninja," Kakashi said with a piercing gaze.
Sasuke wanted to go and tear him to shreds for his comment, moving like a wild animal behind the ropes. Kakashi sensed the killing intent coming off the Genin and pulled a kunai and blurred beside him, pressing it against his throat. "See? You're just a kid," Kakashi said.
Sakura's eyes turned with fury, "Don't threaten Sasuke-kun!" She shouted so loud that Naruto covered his poor ears.
"Do you think being a ninja is easy?" Kakashi asked. The Genin's eyes widened slightly at the statement. "Why do you think we're training by breaking up into groups? Only one of you got the answer," Kakashi stated with a lone cold eye staring at Sakura and Naruto.
"What do you mean? Sakura asked.
Kakashi sighed, "In other words, you two," he said pointing his kunai at Sasuke and Sakura, "don't understand the answer of this test," he said.
"The answer?" Sakura said as Naruto kept quiet and a cold sweat ran down Sasuke's neck.
"That's right. The answer to determine whether you pass or fail," Kakashi said.
"We've been asking what that is…"
"Jeez, is your brain empty. I thought you were top kunoichi. You don't understand why you're all in a group?" Kakashi said with a hint of irradiation.
Naruto was now very angry, he figured out the test, yet his teammates wouldn't co-operate with him at all. Now he failed the test because of their stubbornness and lack of co-operation. "Teamwork!" he hissed out, with venom behind it. Naruto couldn't completely mask his anger.
Sakura and Sasuke were taken back by the way Naruto spoke. "Yes, teamwork. But it's too late even if you notice now. If all three of you came at me, there was a chance you could have gotten a bell. But that's too bad," Kakashi told the Genin, still not removing the kunai from Sasuke's throat.
"Wait. Why do we need teamwork when there's only two bells? If all three people work hard to get it, one person will have to bite the bullet. A group conflict will occur instead of teamwork," Sakura asked and pointed out.
"Naruto," Kakashi said, "Why don't you answer it?" he asked.
Naruto sighed, "That was the point of the test," was all he said.
Sakura was confused, "That was the point of the test?" she asked.
Naruto knew he would have to spill more information, "Sensei wanted us to be in a situation where would go against each other. He made us hungry to cloud our judgement, made comments to spark tension and only used two bells so we would believe that one of us would definitely fail. These were distractions to the answer. Teamwork!" Naruto gritted out, still very annoyed.
Kakashi eye-smiled, "Very good Naruto!" he cheered out, not fitting to the atmosphere. "Like Naruto said, this test is supposed to pit you three against each other. In this situation, we select those who can prioritize teamwork before themselves. That was the point, however everyone but Naruto was pathetic," Kakashi lectured out.
"Sakura!" Kakashi said fiercely, looking at her. "You clearly cared more Sasuke than Naruto even though Naruto was right in front of you and you didn't know where Sasuke was. And you Sasuke. You assumed that those two were only going to burden you and you did everything yourself.
Missions are done in groups! It is true ninja need to have well-developed individual skills but it's teamwork that's much more important. An individual action that disrupts the teamwork will result or even danger for the teammate!" Kakashi lectured with seriousness evident.
"For example," Kakashi tightened his grip on his kunai and threw it at Sakura's rope, the rope fell and Kakashi pinned Sasuke with another kunai in hand, "Sakura! Kill Naruto or Sasuke is going to die!" He said pressing the new kunai against the throat.
Sakura and Naruto paled and gasped at the sudden threat. Kakashi stood away and looked at the Genin. He flashed and tied Sakura again, earning a squeak. "That will happen," He said looking at them.
"Oh… you surprised me!" Sakura sighed out.
Kakashi started to twirl the kunai on his index finger, "After getting someone taken hostage, you will be forced with a difficult decision, and someone will die," Kakashi said as he put away the kunai. "In every mission, you put your life on the line. You see that big black stone in the distance. It has the name of every shinobi that has died for the sake of the village. To me, they should be praised as heroes," Kakashi said sadly.
All the Genin donned depressing looks. "This is a cenotaph. The names of all my friends are carved on this as well," Kakashi said, a few moments later he turned his head. "I'll give you one more chance. However, the battle of the bell will be much harsher after lunch. Naruto eat up if you're up to the challenge but don't feed the other two. I'll keep this one to myself," Kakashi said.
The other two were about to protest but Kakashi put his hand up to silence them, "This is punishment for not listening to Naruto's words before. I saw how you two ignored him. Naruto if you feed any of them, you will fail immediately. I'm the rule here. Got it?" he said seriously.
Kakashi left the Genin alone and disappeared. Kakashi hid behind a tree trunk and leaned on it. 'Naruto, you know the answer. Show me what it takes to become a Konoha ninja!' Kakashi thought with hope.
Naruto started playing with his food, only eating little bits. He lost his appetite when his anger came and went. Naruto was surprised how much anger flowed through his veins. He hasn't been like that since Kotaro came into his life. Then Naruto smiled, he loved his brother so much. Just thinking about him makes him remember of all the good times they shared and the hard, painful obstacles they endured with one another.
Naruto looked at the other two, both looking hungry, Naruto can tell by their faces. 'As if they know true hunger,' Naruto thought as he chewed on some bland rice.
Naruto felt bad for the two, only slightly though. He can see the pride of the mighty Uchiha survivor was wounded. He wasn't stupid, he knew this pride will be a problem in the future, 'Six months,' he thought.
Naruto began to think on what to do next, how could they succeed and convince Kakashi they are worthy of being Genin. It was already stated that he was ready, but he couldn't become a true Genin without a team. 'Bullshit rules! What would Nii-chan do? He would feed them. Even if it meant breaking the rules and him not liking the team he was on. A team without empty stomachs is better than this,' Naruto internally groaned.
Naruto stood up and walked over to Sasuke. He picked some rice out of his tray and brought the chopsticks to Sasuke's face. "Open wide Sasuke-chan," Naruto said giddily.
Sasuke frowned at the name. "Naruto, did you not hear sensei. You will fail if you feed us!" Sakura said loudly.
"I did listen. But you were useless in the whole test and Sasuke used one of his jutsu. Plus, you two didn't eat breakfast ttebayo. If having a bit of food in you makes us a better team, I'm willing to take the risk," Naruto said with maturity.
He then forced the rice bit into Sasuke's uncooperative mouth. Naruto then walked to Sakura and repeated the process, but Sakura was more willing to eat.
Kakashi did a fist-pump in the air, making sure he didn't make his location known. 'He did it! You would be so proud of him Minato-sensei, Kushina-Oneesan,' Kakashi thought happily. He then body-flickered right behind Naruto with smoke everywhere to make his appearance scarier. His head pooped out of the huge smoke cloud, "NARUTO!" He shouted out. Naruto turned to face him with a slightly scared face but on the inside, he was absolutely shitting himself silly.
"You broke the rule. You prepared for the punishment?" he asked with a scary voice. Naruto didn't respond, he stood still. The other two were not doing any better. Kakashi did the signs Ox-Boar-Rat and dark and full thunderclouds came into the sky. "Any last words?" he asked.
Sakura was crying and Sasuke was holding his stern face, but he was scared, feared of the masked man.
Naruto walked to the taller man, "I did it for the team. We need to be strong to go against someone like you. If it means breaking the rules, I'll gladly break it a hundred times ttebayo!" Naruto shouted out. "Right guys. We're a team!" he said, but demanded the answer yes, his deep blue eyes showing his teammates they would be in a world of pain if they objected. Both Sakura and Sasuke nodded powerfully after Naruto's piece, with Sakura saying, "We're a team!" loudly.
"Well then… you pass!" Kakashi gleefully said with his eye-smile. The Genin were taken back by the sudden change. "You pass," Kakashi said again softly.
"Pass? Why?" Sakura had to ask, this day was too crazy for her.
"You three are the first. The Genin I had previously were total blockheads who just listened to what I said. 'Ninja need to think beneath the underneath'. In the world of Ninja, those who break the rules are scum. But those… who don't take care of their friends are worse than scum," Kakashi said philosophically.
Sakura was welling up with happiness, Sasuke did his trademark smirk and Naruto could only smile brightly at the Jōnin. 'He's kinda cool!' he thought as he shook his head lightly.
"Training ends here. Everyone passes!" Kakashi said. He then did a big thumbs up pose, "Team seven will start doing missions starting tomorrow," he said.
Sakura was cheering and Sasuke's smirk never left. Naruto couldn't wait to tell his older brother now.
Kakashi put his hand on Naruto's shoulder after he cut down Sakura's and Sasuke's ropes. "You two can go home. Prepare for tomorrow at nine in the morning at the Hokage tower. Naruto, I would like a talk with you," Kakashi said, his hand squeezing the shoulder a little tighter as he said Naruto's name.
"Why do you need to talk to Naruto, Sensei?" Sakura asked.
"I just want a friendly talk with Naruto. I need to ask him a few things," Kakashi answered.
Sasuke turned around and walked back toward the Uchiha compound. "Sasuke-kun! Want to go on a date? You know to celebrate on becoming a team!" Sakura asked the Uchiha as she ran over to him.
"No," Sasuke said as he dug his hands further down his pockets and walked off. Sakura looked downtrodden but chirped up and followed Sasuke.
Naruto yawned, "I'm glad I don't have fangirls," He said as he sat on the grass.
Kakashi chuckled and sat in front of him. "I know!" he replied.
"Kakashi-sensei, you said you needed to ask questions," Naruto said in a bit of a rush.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, "Naruto, do you really want to tell your brother that badly, that you want to skip on our precious student-teacher time," he said in a fake appalled voice.
Naruto's expression changed to slightly tense to relaxed, "Yes! I want to see him as soon as I can," he said with joy.
"Hm, this has gotten me wondering since yesterday. When you were introducing yourself. You never mentioned your brother. Why?" Kakashi asked.
Naruto flinched at the question, he had a feeling that his sensei would notice. "I didn't want my teammates to know him. They don't deserve to know him," Naruto said looking at his sensei.
'At least one of my guesses were right,' Kakashi thought. "Don't deserve to know him? Naruto, what do you mean?" he had to ask afterwards.
Naruto crossed his arms, "They never bothered to get to know me, so tell me why they should get to know my brother ttebayo," he said blankly.
Kakashi had to agree to some extent. "That's true, but they'll find out about him eventually. Your brother is pretty famous," Kakashi pointed out.
"I know that already. But Sasuke only cares about himself… and his goal. And Sakura's eyes are glued to Sasuke. Why tell them something they won't care about. And when they find out how cool and strong Nii-chan is, they'll have the shock of their lives!" Naruto said with excitement.
"Hehe. Yes, they would be sucker-punched once they find out. How is Kotaro anyway? I haven't seen him since the Jōnin meeting," Kakashi asked.
Naruto smiled, "He's happy. His break though, is coming to an end tomorrow. He's been working in the hospital pretty hard ttebayo," he said.
"That's good. I won't be able to go on missions with him for a while with you guys under my wing."
"Sensei? Did you mean what you said yesterday? You know, about expecting the most out of me or was that just to rile Sasuke up?" Naruto asked.
Kakashi scratched the back of his head and eye-smiled, "It was the truth and you didn't disappoint. You obviously trained very hard. I honestly expected less from you," he said, stating the truth.
Naruto blushed from the comment, "Sensei? I'm going to see Nii-chan now and I say Nii-chan would love to have a chat with you. You want to come?" Naruto asked.
Kakashi eye-smiled, "I would love to!" he said.
Both he and Naruto stood up and walked towards the hospital, taking in the nature around them. Kakashi had another question on his mind since the test finished, "Naruto?" he asked.
Naruto looked up, "Yeah, Sensei?" Naruto responded with a raised eyebrow.
"How did you figure out the meaning of the test? Did Kotaro tell you?"
"Yes and no."
"Yes and no?"
Naruto sighed, "When I was watching how you dispatched Sakura with a genjutsu and defeated Sasuke. I was trying to figure out the answer. I then thought of Nii-chan, and how he always talks about his team or his partner and him ttebayo. I also remembered that mission a year and a bit ago where he sent his team home and stayed behind to save them. Nii-chan always looked out for his team. That's how I figured out your test," Naruto said without hesitation.
Kakashi was impressed, "How do think the team will be in the future?" he asked, hoping Naruto would be the catalyst to a happy and successful team.
Naruto stayed silent for a few moments while they were walking. "In the academy," he said. "We three never got along. Sasuke never liked me for some reason and Sakura doesn't like me because I get in her way of getting 'Sasuke-kun's attention'.
When we became a team, I wanted a new start and tried being polite dattebayo. But Sakura and Sasuke haven't changed their attitudes for me. I'll keep being polite and helpful. But I may switch team if they still treat me like dirt. My dream of becoming Hokage can wait a bit," Naruto declared as the two entered the hospital.
'NO! That cannot happen!' Kakashi internally cried as Naruto lead him to Kotaro's office. Naruto knocked on the door and entered without waiting.
Both saw the redhead swear under his breath as he had his ink brush in his right hand. "Fucking seal!" Kotaro kept muttering.
"Nii-chan?" Naruto said loudly to get Kotaro's attention.
Kotaro twirled around and saw his brother and friend, his face softened dramatically, he then smiled. "Naruto! Kakashi! I take it team seven passed!" Kotaro said excitedly.
"Of course! Any team would have passed if I was on it!" Naruto exclaimed, puffing out his chest. Kotaro walked over and gave Naruto a tight hug, "AH, Nii-chan, Stop it!" Naruto complained.
"Never!" Kotaro said as he hugged tighter, making the Naruto go purple. Finally, Naruto was dropped on his butt and Kotaro went to boil the kettle. "So? You figured out the test Naruto?" Kotaro asked.
Naruto nodded with force. "He performed very well Kotaro," Kakashi said as he sat down on the couch.
"Yosh!" Kotaro said happily, "This is the start of Uzumaki Naruto's path onto becoming Hokage!" he shouted out.
Kotaro and Naruto fist pumped the air together with huge smiles. Kakashi was sitting there with an unimpressed eye. "Do you guys do that often?" Kakashi asked.
Naruto and Kotaro stared strangely at Kakashi, "Yeah, all the time. Is it weird?" Kotaro asked.
"No Nii-chan, people are just jealous!" Naruto answered enthusiastically.
Kotaro went back to the kettle to make two cups of teas with a happy smile. "They sure are! Here Naruto (takes out some ryó notes and gives it to Naruto), buy yourself some ramen. I need to talk to Kakashi for a bit," Kotaro said as he went to give a cup of tea to Kakashi.
Naruto's face stretched out with a huge grin and he ran out of the office without saying a goodbye. "Tch, still a kid," Kotaro complained as he went behind his desk.
Kakashi blew some air into his cup, "A strong kid though," He said as he made himself comfortable.
"What did you think of him, and his team? I want all the details," Kotaro asked, leaning back on his leather chair.
Kakashi paused for a moment before speaking, "To be honest, I think this will be harder than it was going to be."
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, yesterday when we did our introductions…"
"I know, Naruto told me bits of it. Sakura only cares for Sasuke and hates him. And Sasuke is aggressive to him. Anything else?"
"Yeah… Naruto didn't mention anything about you."
"Oh? What do you mean? Not even in what he likes?" Kotaro said in a depressed manner.
"Yes, he just said he liked ramen and training. I asked him about it today, he said they didn't deserve to know you."
"Hm, Naruto isn't usually like that? Did he have another reason?"
"If they aren't willing to get to know him, why should they to get to know you. That's what he basically said."
"I understand where he's coming from. They'll find out about me sometime soon anyway."
"I'm sure they will! What else do you want to know?"
"The actual test. What were the skills of Sakura and Sasuke? I'm very interested if they actually gel well skill-wise."
"Well prepare to be disappointed. Sakura did very little if at all. I caught her in a D-rank genjutsu and then she fainted. Sasuke on the other hand… was very impressive."
"Hm, go on."
"For a ninja working solo, he can do very well. He formed a trap and I fell for it. Then he did an array of taijutsu moves, using his flexibility well. He actually touched one of the bells on my waist. I was impressed even though I was underestimating him. Then he did the Uchiha clan's favourite fire jutsu."
"Not surprising he had that in his arsenal. I wonder how much control he had over it?"
"Good control but I didn't expect him to be able to perform it."
"Why? Sasuke is an Uchiha. Compared to the Uzumaki or Senju clan he would have less chakra but Sasuke is an Uchiha, they have more chakra than the average shinobi. Anyway, what happened next?"
"I hid underground and used the head-hunter jutsu to switch places. I was going to walk off in my usual cool manner," Kakashi said, making Kotaro groan. "But Naruto used Wind release: Great breakthrough on me and I literally flew away!"
"Yosh! That's Naruto's second favourite jutsu! I'm glad he used it on you."
"Second favourite? Is the Shadow clone jutsu his favourite?"
"Sure is! I taught him both and he loves them to bits."
"Speaking of shadow clones, Naruto could have broken my arm with one."
"Haha! He's a slippery little bastard. Tell me what happened!"
"Right, it was the start of the test. Only a minute in, Naruto comes and attacks me. I tried to taunt him, but he wasn't biting until I took out my book."
"Kakashi, you read that smut crap in front of your new team!?"
"HEY! It's not smut, it's a work of art. Ahem anyway, Naruto came at me with his own barrage of kicks and punches. I was happy he wasn't sloppy. I could see he was getting frustrated, he then increased his speed and I had to take my book away. He then latched himself on my left arm, but instead of breaking it, he went for the bells and touched them. I had to throw him off with as much power I could muster. Then I used my secret move."
"Secret move? Wait… Kakashi!" Kotaro shouted out loudly. "You fingered my little brother!" he screamed out.
"Pssh, no. I fingered your brother's shadow clone," Kakashi said defending himself with waving his hands. "There's a clear difference."
"God Kakashi! That move should be forbidden… So how did the team pass?"
"Naruto."
"Kakashi, that's not a full answer. Come on, tell me."
"Naruto figured out the test because of the words you tell him whenever you speak about your missions. He got the message, teamwork. He tried telling the other two but Sasuke ignored him and went off by his own. Sakura followed Sasuke, leaving Naruto. I was very disappointed."
"I would be too. What happened next?"
"I tied those two up. And gave Naruto the second test."
"With the lunch boxes?"
"The same one. I told the team how disappointed I was with them. Then I told Naruto that he could eat but he would fail if he fed any of the other two."
"And he fed the other two."
"Yes, he did. I came down like a storm with my 'anger' and I threatened him. The little guy stood his ground and got the team together. Ah I couldn't be prouder."
"Let's just hope it sticks."
"Huh?"
"Sasuke still wants to kill his brother. And from what you said it seems like he thinks Naruto and Sakura will hold him back."
"I don't think he'll do anything drastic."
"Kakashi… I would look out for him. I said this to Naruto, if he got rid of his arrogance… no it's not arrogance. If Sasuke got rid of his lone-wolf mentality, he would be an excellent ninja. Hell, he already has great skills, the kid is a genius in his own right. This generation has so much potential. I really hope they all become great friends.
But Sasuke… Hokage-sama showed me the reports since he's on Naruto's team. He didn't go to the psychologist meetings after his clan's massacre, he's shown signs of power-hungriness and his brother's death is the only thing on his mind. I'll leave him up to you. But if he hurts Naruto or Sakura or any villager for any of those reasons, there won't be anything holding me back to bring him into a world of pain."
"I understand."
"Good, it would be a shame if he died. I don't care for his sharingan but if he can be useful to the village. Then he should stay."
"I feel the same way," Kakashi said with a slow nod.
There was silence for a minute, the atmosphere was tense and cold, Kotaro's earlier statements had great power behind them. "So… How will Sasuke react to Naruto being an overall better ninja then him?" Kotaro asked.
"You can say with full confidence that Naruto is better, really? I fought Sasuke and he was excellent."
"I have no doubt whatsoever that Sasuke is excellent. Actual fact, a part of me is happy that he and Naruto are on the same team, they can make each other stronger. Naruto and Sasuke are on the same level, but they have different strengths. I shouldn't have said Naruto was better, I have to fight Sasuke myself to really judge it fairly. And that's not a bad idea anyway," Kotaro said.
"Kotaro… I don't want you to fight Sasuke. I don't want you going all 'crazy' and breaking him. He's my precious student now," Kakashi lamented.
Kotaro scoffed and then drank some of his tea. "Fine… But let me tell you this. I don't want Naruto to go full out until his Chūnin exams. He should faster and stronger than the one you fought."
Kakashi's eye widened, "What do you mean?" he asked.
Kotaro tilted his head with a smile on his face. "Naruto is quite good at using his chakra. My sweet little brother can enhance his speed quite effectively with his chakra."
"Something you wouldn't expect with your bog-standard Genin."
"And don't worry about his chakra control, he can water walk for a few hours during a spar."
"Kotaro… You trained a boy to a Chūnin level ninja who's just turned a Genin. Thank you!"
"Thank you? I thought you would be a little peeved."
"Peeved? Why? Now I don't have to worry about Naruto when we go on missions. This means I can train Sakura and Sasuke more."
"If you train them at all," Kotaro mumbled under his breath.
"What was that?" Kakashi asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing. Don't worry about it. Too bad I won't be here for a while to see you guys!"
"What? Why?"
"Classified. Hokage-sama told me this is probably the most important mission this year so far. It can bring peace and improve Konoha's standing in the ninja world. He said since you, Asuma, other Jōnin and the ANBU have too many duties to go out for this long. Also, this mission requires skills that only I have."
"Damn… Have you told Naruto?"
"Only met with the old man himself when he came to my office on a "break". I'll tell him tonight. Hopefully it will only be three months tops."
"Three months? Where the hell are you going?"
"It's classified. But I can tell you one thing."
"What?"
"My future is going to get quite… Misty."
A Few Hours Later
"Ah… I'm so full!" Naruto exclaimed as he came through the front door of his house. It was late at night and nearly time for bed. The stars and moon were already shining brightly in the black sky.
"Naruto," Kotaro said waiting for the blond, sitting on one of the main chairs in the living room.
"Nii-chan? What's wrong?" Naruto asked, he could sense the uneasiness in his brother's voice.
Kotaro stared at Naruto, his chin resting on his right knuckle. "I'm going on a mission. It could take up to three months to finish," He finally said.
"THREE MONTHS? What the hell Nii-chan? What the hell am I supposed to do when you're gone ttebayo!?" Naruto shouted out.
Kotaro sat there silent, just looking at Naruto, "Well?" Naruto asked the second time.
"Mind the house. Train hard. Do your missions. And stay alive," Kotaro said as he got up and messed up Naruto's hair.
Naruto hugged his older brother tightly, "Do you have to go for three months?" he asked in a muffled voice.
"Hopefully not. I could finish early or die in between."
"Nii-chan! Don't say that. I hate it when you say stuff like that!"
"Don't worry! I have too much to live for. I have one piece of advice for you before I leave."
"Advice? What?"
"Get along with your new teammate Sasuke. Or it will make your life much more difficult. But from that frown he usually wears, it seems anything can piss him. LOOK! All I'm just saying be careful of him. Try to be his friend."
"I know… I thought the same."
"Really? Well… That's good. Maybe you guys can become friends if things go well. He's already you're rival."
"Hm, I wouldn't say that anymore."
"Who is it now?"
"You Nii-chan!"
"Haha, well let's hope you can get strong enough so we can have a real fight!" Kotaro said with a big smile as he and Naruto went upstairs to bed.
~ 0 ~
The True Adventures Begins!