DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (I'M STARTING TO RUN OUT OF THINGS TO SAY HERE HAHA, I JUST DON'T OWN NARUTO)
Ch.11 - Team 7
- Somewhere in Kawa no Kuni (The Land of Rivers) -
It was a picturesque day in the province of Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers), where the sun reigned high in the expansive sky, occasionally veiled by whimsical clouds that bestowed intermittent moments of respite in their comforting shade. Deep within the enchanting embrace of a lush forest, Kakashi and his diligent students sought refuge during their mission, seizing the opportunity to engage in intensive training. They had temporarily halted their progress, as even the caravan they were escorting craved a brief pause after a grueling ascent that had taken its toll on their unassuming frames.
With a commanding presence, Kakashi addressed his attentive disciples, setting forth the rules for their upcoming practice session. "Today's lesson focuses on the intricacies of genjutsu. You must not only discern when you are ensnared within its illusion, but also anticipate your opponent's attempts to entrap you. Moreover, I expect you to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to break free from its grip. Remember, you are forbidden from breaking your teammates' genjutsu. Is that clear?" he inquired, aware that his bright-minded students would comprehend his instructions effortlessly. Sasuke, hailed as a prodigious talent, possessed remarkable skills. Shikamaru, despite his apparent indolence, possessed an unparalleled intellect. Hinata, although not the most formidable kunoichi of their year, possessed formidable abilities in her own right.
Amidst the forest's tranquility, Kakashi stood poised, facing the trio of ambitious students. In previous encounters, he had often maintained an air of nonchalance, his hands casually tucked within his pockets or engrossed in his beloved book, even in the throes of battle. However, on this occasion, he chose to adopt a more earnest approach, seeking to gauge the extent of his students' growth. This decision did not stem from any doubts about their progress, but rather an earnest desire to witness their development since the formation of their team.
With an astute gaze, Kakashi observed his disciples, patiently awaiting their next move. The initial moments served as a battlefield of wits, a psychological skirmish where he played cunning mind games, and his students reciprocated in kind. Eventually, Sasuke emerged as the first to seize the initiative.
In a swift motion, Sasuke surged towards Kakashi, his fist coiled, ready to strike. Displaying masterful reflexes, Kakashi intercepted Sasuke's fist effortlessly. Exploiting his free hand, Sasuke unleashed a hook, only to be met with Kakashi's firm block. Unrelenting in his assault, Sasuke followed up with a spinning roundhouse kick, which Kakashi gracefully evaded by skillfully retreating. Undeterred, Sasuke swiftly transitioned into a double leg sweep, but Kakashi effortlessly leaped over the sweeping motion. A smug smile graced Sasuke's countenance, catching Kakashi's attention. Turning his gaze, Kakashi noticed Shikamaru's shadow poised to ensnare him. Reacting with swiftness, Kakashi executed a shunshin, reappearing behind the Nara clan member to deliver a swift kick to his back. However, his strike was interrupted by a barrage of shurikens hurtling toward him. Miraculously, instead of piercing his body like a voodoo doll, the sharp projectiles lodged themselves into a log.
Without missing a beat, Kakashi materialized next to Hinata, who managed to intercept his initial blow. With a resolute cry of "Byakugan! (All Seeing White Eye)," Hinata directed her focus towards Kakashi's chakra points, aiming to seal them off. However, her efforts were repeatedly thwarted as Kakashi deftly intercepted her every move. Meanwhile, Shikamaru's shadow lurked behind Kakashi, but this time it ensnared him, momentarily paralyzing his movements. Seizing the opportune moment, Hinata swiftly executed a leg sweep, causing Kakashi to stumble backward. Her doujutsu still active, she unleashed one of her clan's signature techniques, declaring, "Hijutsu: Hakke Sanjuni Sho (Hidden Jutsu: Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms)." With precision and ferocity, Hinata unleashed a relentless onslaught of attacks upon Kakashi.
"Two Palms, Four Palms, Eight Palms, Sixteen Palms!" Hinata exclaimed triumphantly, each strike landing with resounding force upon Kakashi's abdomen, propelling him backward. Astonished by her own success, Hinata's elation quickly turned to shock as she beheld Kakashi's twitching form, his breath shallow and irregular. Consumed by guilt, she rushed to her injured sensei's side, bewildered by the unintended harm she had inflicted. Uncertain of how to proceed, she desperately sought a way to alleviate her sensei's suffering, oblivious to the fact that her actions were never meant to cause such harm.
- Outside the Genjutsu -
Meanwhile, Shikamaru ground his teeth in frustration, fully aware of Kakashi's cunning tactics. He had naively believed that their combined efforts would finally subdue their wily sensei. Little did he know that Kakashi had swiftly ensnared him with a subtle genjutsu known as Utakata (Ephemeral), its influence remaining imperceptible to Hinata.
In a decisive turn, Kakashi transitioned from defense to offense, launching himself towards Shikamaru, recognizing his student's vulnerability in close-quarters combat. Yet, before he could close the gap, a volley of shurikens descended upon him. Employing a series of agile backflips and swift dashes, Kakashi evaded the projectiles with finesse. Sasuke, ever tenacious, pursued his sensei, his hands swiftly weaving through a sequence of hand seals: Horse - Serpent - Ram - Monkey - Boar - Horse - Tiger. "Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu (Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu)!" Sasuke bellowed, conjuring a formidable fireball from thin air, aimed directly at Kakashi.
As Kakashi performed the hand seals for "Doton: Doryuheki (Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall)," a protective barrier of earth rose from the ground, effectively blocking Sasuke's jutsu. However, the impact of the attack caused a powerful explosion, enveloping the area in dense smoke. Ready to press on with his assault, Sasuke was halted by Shikamaru's intervention. After a whispered conversation and the exchange of two kunais, Sasuke leaped into the air, executing a swift spin and hurling the kunais in a specific direction. Moments later, he threw another pair, redirecting the trajectory of the first two kunais. With acute perception, Kakashi detected the incoming kunais and swiftly evaded their path. Yet, his respite was short-lived as Shikamaru's commanding voice pierced through the chaos, "Hijutsu: Kagemane Shuriken no Jutsu! (Hidden Jutsu: Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique)." From the two kunais, a shadow emerged, poised to latch onto Kakashi's shadow and render him immobile. Recognizing the danger, Kakashi quickly formed a familiar hand seal, but despite his efforts, he found himself paralyzed.
Seizing the opportune moment, Sasuke, fueled by determination, surged forward with tremendous speed, pumping chakra into his legs. However, before he could strike the incapacitated Kakashi, the situation took an unexpected turn. In a burst of chakra, two identical copies of Kakashi materialized, positioning themselves as shields to protect their sensei. Sensing an opportunity amidst the chaos, Sasuke retrieved shurikens from his pouch and hurled them at Kakashi and his clone. The sheer number of projectiles overwhelmed one of the clones, causing it to dissipate in a cloud of smoke. Sasuke swiftly followed up with a combination of a jab, a hook, and a spinning roundhouse kick, intending to dispel the remaining clone. As the smoke dispersed, Sasuke anticipated striking the real Kakashi, only to find himself disoriented within a dark room.
Caught in the depths of the genjutsu, Sasuke's mind raced as he recognized the situation for what it was. Suspended in a realm of illusions, he surveyed his surroundings, searching for any sign of the reality that lay beyond the deceptive confines. The weight of the moment pressed upon him, intensifying his focus as he delved deep within himself, determined to find a way to break free from the powerful grip of the genjutsu's illusionary world. "Genjutsu…" Sasuke thought to himself as the hairs on his nape stood up as he felt someone approaching him from behind out of pure instinct alone. It appeared to be Itachi holding a kunai, "Show me what you've learned Sasuke" Itachi calmly remarked. Although Sasuke knew deep down that this was an illusion, the mere image of his brother triggered a surge of emotions within him. Itachi, the one who had taken everything from him, the one who had inflicted lasting scars, stood before him, a constant reminder of his resentment and pain. The illusionary Itachi's words only fueled Sasuke's anger and determination to prove himself.
- Outside the Genjutsu -
As Shikamaru grew curious about the sudden silence, he approached the scene where Sasuke stood frozen in place. Something felt amiss, and his suspicions were confirmed when he witnessed Kakashi break free from his restraints and swiftly advance towards Sasuke, kunai in hand. Reacting swiftly, Shikamaru employed his own shadow manipulation technique, "Hijutsu: Kagemane no Jutsu (Hidden Jutsu: Shadow Imitation Technique)," binding his shadow to Sasuke's and assuming control of his movements. Additional clones materialized from above, their kunais poised to strike at Sasuke. With calculated precision, Shikamaru maneuvered, executing flips, dashes, and rolls to keep Sasuke safe from harm. However, his focus was interrupted when an ominous presence made itself known behind him. It was their sensei, Kakashi, holding a kunai dangerously close to a vital spot on Shikamaru's back. Realizing his momentary lapse in defense, Shikamaru sighed in resignation, raising his arms as a sign of surrender. Ironically, Sasuke mirrored the action, still bound by Shikamaru's jutsu.
Kakashi dispelled the genjutsus, bringing the team together for a debriefing. "First and foremost, Sasuke, I apologize for subjecting you to that illusion," Kakashi began, understanding the aversion Sasuke held toward such tactics. "By challenging you in this manner, I aimed to strengthen your resilience against future encounters where your weaknesses could be exploited. It is vital that you remain unfazed and maintain your focus." Sasuke responded with a dismissive grunt, his emotions carefully guarded.
Kakashi shifted his attention to address the team's collective progress. "I must commend all of you on your improved teamwork. Your ability to support one another and ensure victory has notably improved. However, there is room for improvement when it comes to anticipating genjutsus. Hinata, in particular, you must sharpen your awareness of your adversaries. Watch them closely, as genjutsus can manifest in various forms. They may be delivered through touch, integrated with nature transformations, sound, substances, or even eye-contact," he emphasized, revealing his Sharingan by lifting his hitai-ate.
Kakashi's gaze shifted from his students to address the overall progress of the team, his voice resonating with a mix of approval and guidance. "I must commend all of you on the remarkable growth of your teamwork. Your ability to synchronize your efforts and secure victories has undergone a notable evolution. However, there is still room for improvement in anticipating genjutsus," he stated, his words carrying a weight of wisdom and experience.
Hinata, standing attentively, received Kakashi's focused attention. "In particular, Hinata, it is essential for you to sharpen your awareness of your adversaries," he advised, his voice urging her to delve deeper. "Watch them closely, for genjutsus can manifest in an array of deceptive forms. They may be delivered through a mere touch, intricately woven into nature's transformations, hidden within sounds, substances, or even through the intimate contact of gazes," he emphasized, revealing the glint of his Sharingan (Copy Wheel Eye) as he lifted his hitai-ate, an emblem of his remarkable power.
Taking a moment to acknowledge Hinata's efforts, Kakashi continued, his voice gentle yet laden with caution. "I commend you for discerning the opportune moments to join the battle and utilize your unique moves in harmony with your teammates," he praised, a hint of satisfaction evident in his tone. Hinata's face lit up with a mix of delight and renewed determination, basking in the praise bestowed upon her.
Turning his attention to Shikamaru, Kakashi offered a valuable insight. "Shikamaru, your quick thinking and assistance provided to Sasuke in that critical moment were commendable. Coming to the aid of your teammates when they find themselves in dire straits is indeed a praiseworthy attribute. However, do not forget to prioritize your own safety in the process. After all, you cannot help your teammates if you're dead," he advised, his words intended to sharpen Shikamaru's strategic mindset. The young ninja seemed to absorb Kakashi's counsel, his attention either rapt or allowing his thoughts to wander.
With his gaze finally resting on Sasuke, Kakashi acknowledged the Uchiha's progress while offering a gentle reminder. "Sasuke, your understanding of teamwork has undoubtedly improved, yet you still have a tendency to act independently. Your strength is undeniable, but strength alone cannot ensure success. I am pleased to witness your gradual reliance on your teammates, relinquishing the lone wolf mentality. Overall, a remarkable job, all of you are undeniably progressing," he praised, his voice a mix of approval and subtle guidance.
Pausing momentarily, Kakashi inquired if his students had any questions, inviting their curiosity and ensuring a comprehensive understanding. However, met with silence, he concluded, "No? Very well, then. You are all dismissed. Return to the camp immediately. The samurais will be on watch duty tonight, so rest up. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow," he announced, his words laced with a sense of responsibility and the importance of preparation. Shikamaru, true to his nature, sighed at the prospect of a long journey, muttering his customary complaint. "Mendokuse... More walking..." he grumbled as he and Sasuke made their way back to the camp.
Left alone, Hinata caught Kakashi's observant eye, prompting him to inquire about her well-being. "Hinata, why aren't you returning to the camp? Is something troubling you?" he asked, his tone a mixture of concern and curiosity, eager to offer his guidance and support.
Hinata's voice quivered with a mix of hope and hesitation as she made her request. "E-Eto... Kakashi-sensei... C-Could you lend me your guidance in training my Byakugan to extend its range?" Her eyes, filled with determination, met his gaze, seeking his wisdom and expertise.
Kakashi's visible eye crinkled into a small smile, his unwavering support evident in his response. "I don't see any reason why not, Hinata. Although I haven't specifically learned how to train your kekkei genkai, I do believe that frequent utilization is key to mastering it and optimizing your chakra usage," he reassured her, his voice carrying a reassuring tone.
Slightly relieved, Hinata's anxious expression softened, and she revealed a scroll her father had provided her. "I-I asked my father for advice on enhancing the prowess of the Byakugan, and he gave me this scroll to pass on to you," she explained, extending the scroll to her sensei with a mix of anticipation and gratitude.
Kakashi carefully accepted the scroll, his visible eye glinting with curiosity as he unrolled it to reveal its ancient contents. With a focused gaze, he began to immerse himself in the knowledge contained within the scroll, his mind absorbed in its teachings.
- Hiashi's Letter -
I Hiashi Hyuga agree to share the following information with you Hatake Kakashi to help my daughter become stronger under your tutelage. I hope you understand that I am sharing this with you in confidence and I expect you to never leak the contents of this scroll. The elders of our clan were opposed to this idea but I believe this would be beneficial for Hinata and our clan, as she is the heir to the Hyuga Clan.
- End of Hiashi's Letter -
Kakashi continued reading what Hiashi wrote in the scroll, he saw a rather well-thought-out training regime to hone one's Byakugan. The routine included exercises that involved pushing the limits of the user by making the user look for various objects from far distances, keeping the eye on for extended periods of time as well as improving one's aptitude at memorizing chakra signatures. Those are just basic exercises that Hiashi provided, Kakashi was certain that Hiashi was withdrawing some if not most exercises from him due to not being a Hyuga which was fine by him for those three exercises alone would suffice to train Hinata.
"Very well then, once we finish this mission we can talk about a schedule" Kakashi replied which delighted Hinata.
"T-Thank you Kakashi-sensei… I-I really appreciate all of your help" she said to him. Kakashi simply gave her one of his iconic eye smiles. He then told her to approach him if she needed anything. "If that is all, you can now return to the camp" Kakashi said.
"H-Hai…" she replied as she left Kakashi with his own devices.
Alone with his musings, Kakashi's mind wandered back to the memories of his past team. He pondered whether his late sensei and former teammates would be proud of the shinobi he had become. Throughout his life, Kakashi had learned that teamwork and camaraderie stood as paramount virtues for a shinobi. He firmly believed that those who broke the rules were scum, but those who abandoned their friends were even worse. Lost in reminiscence, his thoughts eventually drifted towards Naruto and how the young shinobi was faring.
Curiously, Kakashi couldn't help but wonder why Naruto wasn't placed on his team. It struck him as an unexpected and intriguing turn of events. Kakashi pondered the peculiar connection between Sasuke, who possessed the Sharingan, and Naruto, who unknowingly carried the legacy of his late-sensei. Life had a way of unfolding in mysterious ways, often charting its own path beyond anyone's expectations. These contemplations didn't stem from any lack of pride in his current team; in fact, Kakashi took immense pride in the progress and potential of his students. It was simply a rare moment when Kakashi allowed his thoughts to wander, musing about the intricate threads of destiny that entwined their lives.
Genuine pride swelled within Kakashi as he contemplated the growth of his current team. They had come an incredibly long way since the formation of Team 7. Initially, he had anticipated that teamwork would be a considerable challenge, given the diverse and at times conflicting personalities of his students. Sasuke, once the embodiment of a lone wolf, had made significant progress in his journey, although remnants of that trait still surfaced occasionally. Shikamaru, who often appeared lacking in motivation, possessed a hidden reservoir of dedication and would undoubtedly rise to the occasion when it mattered most. And then there was Hinata, initially timid and withdrawn, who had surprised him with her newfound assertiveness and determination, as exemplified in her recent interaction.
Satisfied with his brief musings, Kakashi decided it was time to return to the camp. As he arrived, he observed the merchants they were escorting had successfully set up their camp. A sense of security emanated from the presence of multiple samurais stationed at various vantage points, diligently ensuring the safety of the merchants. The size of the convoy demanded more than the protection of a single ninja team, which led the merchants to hire the samurais as additional safeguards. They had been on the road for two days, embarking from the serene town of Sugashimiyoshi in Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers) and journeying towards their destination in Kaze no Kuni (Land of Wind).
- At The Camp -
A woman approached Kakashi, breaking his train of thought. "Have you eaten, Hatake-san?" she inquired with genuine concern.
Kakashi turned his attention towards her, responding curtly, "Oh, I haven't yet."
In a kind gesture, the woman offered him a bowl of stew, prepared for the entire group. "Here, we made this stew for everyone. You've been traveling for quite some time, so your stomach must be empty by now," she suggested, her words laced with a touch of hospitality.
Gratefully accepting the warm meal, Kakashi held the bowl in his hands, ready to savor the nourishment. "Thank you for the meal, Osaki-san," he expressed his appreciation, acknowledging her generosity.
"It's our pleasure, Hatake-san. And thank you for accompanying us," she replied with a smile, her gratitude shining through.
"Just doing our job, ma'am," Kakashi replied, his visible eye crinkling with a smile of his own.
With a nod, the woman returned to her group, leaving Kakashi once again in solitude. He decided to find a more secluded spot to enjoy his meal and briefly took off his mask, savoring the chance to eat in private, if only for a moment.
- In An Unknown Location -
The two men found themselves in an unfamiliar room, its dim lighting casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"What do you mean the package is in a caravan?" questioned one man, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of skepticism.
His companion, a mysterious figure, responded with a calculated tone, "What I'm saying is that this caravan serves as a mere facade, concealing the true nature of our valuable cargo."
The first man's skepticism grew more evident as he probed further, "Are you certain we can trust the sources? We must exercise caution in such uncertain circumstances."
A trace of amusement colored the second man's reply, "Relax, when did you become such a skeptic? Last I checked, you were the gullible one..."
Annoyed by the reminder of a past mistake, the first man interjected, "Please, let's not dwell on that. It was years ago, and I'm simply being cautious."
"Fine, fine," the second man dismissed his companion's concerns. "Don't get your panties all scrunched up, my sources are reliable. Don't worry, once we secure this item, we'll regain our standing."
Their conversation echoed within the confines of the mysterious room, surrounded by an aura of uncertainty and secrecy, leaving a lingering sense of anticipation and doubt.
(A/N: Well this is the first chapter I wrote which features a different team other than Team 10, I hope you guys like it though I am still getting used to writing these characters. Sorry for the long wait haha, here's a fun fact for ya. I wrote the outline of this story while waiting in line for my turn to handle some college documents. The wait was so long that I was able to create this chapter haha, luckily I had mobile data with me for research and stuff. Also to those who are wondering what Utakata is or Ephemeral in the English translation, it's the genjutsu Itachi used on Naruto in Shippuden. The one where Itachi used his finger to put Naruto under a genjutsu with a simple move of a finger. Idk if anyone else can do it cause I am sure that was the only time Itachi used it and I looked around on the internet to learn more about it, turns out it's a basic genjutsu which I mentioned above, though I guess Itachi is just that good that we can use this basic illusion so well. There was another step to the move where Itachi makes Naruto's body turns into his teammates but I decided to leave it out since it was just training. Another thing I wanted to say is that I had a bad case of writer's block these past few days haha so sorry for making you guys wait. Thank you for the continued support I just received a huge influx of followers so thank you for that. Thank you for those who interact with me and stuff so yea, those are appreciated too. This is the longest A/N I wrote cause I want to keep you guys in the loop about stuff I'm doing, that is all cheers ^^)