Chapter Summary: Naruto participates in the testing period.
Chapter 2: Graduation Day
Naruto's Apartment
In the middle of the night, Naruto began squirming around in bed.
A terrible dream plagued his mind.
In the dream, Naruto was stranded in a sea of pure white.
Though the ground was dry, Naruto noticed that his feet made a ripple effect in it.
Come to think of it, why am I butt-naked?
Naruto covered his privates with his hands, and looked around to see if he could find anything.
He walked in a single direction, noting that his footsteps sounded like a G note on a piano.
After less than a minute, Naruto had decided that he wasn't getting anywhere.
He stretched out his arms, yawning loudly.
Just then, felt a sharp of pain on his torso, as if there were a thousand paper cuts on his stomach.
Doubling over, he felt blood seeping through his fingers, and he collapsed from the pain.
Now on his hands and knees, blood was painting the ground in red, as blood was falling from the seal holding the nine-tailed fox.
Naruto watched in horror as the seal disappeared, emptying out in a pool of red on the floor, which then slithered in front of him to take a 3-dimensional form.
Now in front of Naruto, stood the unseemly shape of a humanoid fox. Its stood 10 feet tall, and its fur was like fire, magnetically pulled towards the blonde.
It taunted, "Tell me... How does it feel to have the fear of God gripping your heart?".
The pain fading, Naruto let go of a trail of bleeding spit, as he mustered the strength to respond.
"I'm not afraid of you, you... furry thing?".
"Tch, tch... Why deny it?".
"Deny what? I'm seriously not scared of you.".
"I am the spirit of the nine-tailed fox, fated for damnation! I have slaughtered countless peoples with no regard for their crimes! You would be foolish to dismiss my superiority!".
"What superiority? If killin' and gettin' a high death count makes you better than everyone, I'd rather stay lame.".
"...".
"Besides, aren't you the nine-tailed fox? You're sealed inside of me, virtue of the fourth hokage. You're like, my bitch.".
It tried to intimidate Naruto by distorting its face to Hellish proportions, shouting, "I'm nobody's bitch! I am the bane of mankind!".
Face to face with his prisoner, Naruto merely yawned again.
"Don't care. Stop bothering me, I got a test tomorrow.".
The fox-demon relented, "Wasteful brat, I will break this facade, sooner or later...", as it melted back into the ground.
Naruto admonished, "I'll turn you into a puddle of shit 'fore you even get close!", as the demon crawled up his leg and back into the form of the seal.
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When Naruto woke up, he had a sudden sense of urgency.
I still can't make a clone!
Panicking, the boy's mind was occupied with any possible solutions as he performed his morning ablutions.
What am I gonna do what am I gonna do what am I gonna do??
After splashing his face with cold water, he gave himself some time to breathe.
Alright, just think... Maybe they'll let me pass for knowing the Flying Thunder? Nah... But what if...?
After leaving the bathroom, Naruto walked back into his bedroom, grabbing one of his notebooks. He tore a single sheet out of it, which he then ripped in half horizontally. Promptly, he marked both pages with the Flying Thunder seal. After that, he folded both pages to the size of a pebble, and placed them in his pockets, smirking all the while.
Naruto imagined how he would bypass the test.
I'll just discreetly throw these folds of paper on the floor next to each other, then use the Flying Thunder to transport to each fold so fast that it looks like there's two of me! As for the smoke made by a conventional clone... I'll use the transformation technique to add the illusion of an extra button on my shirt! That'll work. Delightfully devilish... Heheheh...
Upon arrival to the kitchen, Naruto found Anko munching on breakfast, waiting for him.
"Omph, Nrr'to gulp Ahem... Lord Hokage told me that you're getting an honorary graduation for getting in his office and stealing the scroll like that - - said 'it shows promise in the ninja arts'.".
Naruto pouted.
"Nah... I'm gonna take that test anyways. I don't want handouts - - I'm takin' responsibility for my own ability.".
"I was hoping you'd say that. Actually, Mizuki said something similar...".
"Mizuki? What do you mean?".
"Well, he confessed that he initially intended to lie about how you got the scroll, but that your actions influenced him to be honest, even if it got him in trouble. Said the same thing about taking responsibility.".
"No kidding? Mizuki...".
If even he can own up like that... Maybe I just gotta be a man about this?
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Ninja Academy
The whole walk to his school, Naruto juggled his options in his head.
Maybe I shouldn't do that jazz with the Flying Thunder, it'd be dishonest... But then again, deception is a great shinobi tool. Maybe I am morally justified in faking it, but even so, wouldn't it be a shame if I became a shinobi without deserving to be one? But... Iruka-sensei and Sakura have worked so hard to help me pass this far. If I fail, wouldn't I be failing them, too? What if I do the Flying Thunder and lose my shit again like last night? I'll get hauled off to an asylum! Aw man, I wish this would be easy...
As Naruto walked into the team assignment room, he took a look at everyone from his class and others who were present for their exam.
Present were his former classmates, along with some others he was vaguely familiar with. Of them all, he recognized only a few - - those of the wealthier ninja kids who had taken advanced classes for specialized training.
Hinata Hyuga... Weird. Stuttering all the time...
Shikamaru Nara... Lazy, pineapple-headed, low-energy, lazy asshole. LAZY LAZY LAZY!
Sasuke Uchiha... Weird asshole. Having a dead family isn't a personality!
Naruto found personal tragedy when he noticed who was sitting next to Sasuke, blushing and all...
Sakura... Come to think of it, every girl's hung up on that emo freak. Man, this blows! I hope that's an uncomfortable blush and not a lovey-dovey one... Ack!
Nonetheless, the blonde made a beeline to fill the seat next to his crush, whose blush slowly vanished as he approached. Each step felt like another minute passing by, as Naruto locked eyes with her.
Man... Just look at her!... That settles it - - I'm definitely doing the Flying Thunder. No doubt about it! If I fail, it'll just show her that I've wasted her time!
Strangely, Naruto received a meaner-than-usual greeting from Sakura this morning.
"Hey, jackass, get your butt over here.".
Naruto raised an eyebrow at this.
Sounds like she really means it... Ouch.
The boy sat next to her, and she pulled out a piece of paper. Scooting closer to him, she showed him its contents. It was a strangely well-drawn diagram of the boy, with all sorts of mathematical numbers and symbols assigned to projected chakra coils. Sakura did him the favor of explaining what it meant.
"Okay, Naruto, I was up until midnight figuring this stuff out, but I think I've finally found a way for you to do that clone jutsu.".
Naruto nodded. "Uh huh...", analyzing the diagram.
Sakura grabbed his arm and urged, "I swear to God, if you just follow what I've drawn, you've got a 100% chance of getting the technique right.".
Naruto chuckled. "Yeah? Well... What's the margin of error on that?".
This earned him a noogie from the girl, who spoke through strained teeth, "If you just follow what it says, z e r o.", before letting him go.
Giving the diagram a once-over, Naruto remarked, "This is really detailed...". He turned his head to Sakura and grinned. "You were up 'til midnight makin' this for me?...".
Sakura suddenly blushed again. Once more, unknown to Naruto whether it was nervousness born from discomfort, or from affection. She stammered, "I just think it'd be a damn shame if you were the only one in our class who failed, obviously! Not like I like you or anything, idiot!".
Naruto relented, "Alright, alright...", and began carefully reading the diagram.
As a matter of fact, the boy had gotten so involved in it that he hadn't realize it when everyone in his class had taken their tests - - and passed.
He remained unaware until he felt a sudden nudge from his left side, which he responded to by turning to the perpetrator, Sakura.
"Dumbass, the proctor's calling you up!".
Naruto was in shock at his lack of awareness, snapping his head to see the proctor - - it was one of the hokage's sons, Asuma Sarutobi, a man Naruto recognized very well - - scanning the room for him.
And of course that guy's got a cig in his mouth. This is a classroom! Full of children, man! Don't you have any common decency?!
Once the pair met each other's eyes, Asuma beckoned, "Come on, Naruto, you're the last one!".
Setting the diagram down on his desk, Naruto scrambled to get up, following a whisper from Sakura: "I'll kick your ass if you fail!".
The boy scampered to his spot in the front of the class, motivated and ready.
Asuma told him, "You know the drill - - clone jutsu.".
Naruto nodded, "Yeah, yeah...".
Before anything else, he nervously gulped. All eyes were on him now, it was do or die. The entire class was muttering, anticipating Naruto's success, though they were more inclined to believe he would fail. Sakura was spotted by the boy, visibly praying for his success. Nonetheless, Naruto had to perform the clone jutsu properly.
Recalling the diagram that Sakura had given him, Naruto tried his best to concentrate on the proper execution of the clone jutsu according to it.
Naruto closed his eyes and made the cross handsign for the technique. Feeling his chakra coils flare up, the darkness behind his eyelids was slowly becoming more yellow - - the color his chakra tended to emit.
Then, with a deep breath, Naruto locked his chakra in, affirming the technique he intended to use, and hesitantly opened his eyes.
Lo and behold, right beside Naruto was a visible, carbon-copy clone of himself!
The class went silent. Eyes wide - - those who knew Naruto - - as the boy's success in performing the technique was a miracle to behold. Naruto looked behind him to take a look at his proctor.
He looks like he's seen a ghost! And the cig's fallen out his mouth and landed on the floor... The wooden floor. Isn't that a fire hazard?
Naruto opened his mouth to speak, and was surprised when two voices spoke.
"So, did I pass?".
Are my clones supposed to act like me?
Asuma, unmoving, softly replied, "Yep. You pass... Congratulations.".
Both Naruto's leapt into the air, shouting, "Alright! I did it!".
Sakura felt a mix of pride and... Some other unfamiliar emotions.
Now there's two of him... What have I done?
Without sparing a thought to it, Naruto dispelled his clone.
He ran back to his seat in the classroom, plopping down next to Sakura, whom he profusely thanked.
"I owe you big, Sakura! I mean it!".
Sakura merely replied, "Yeah- well, don't think too much of it. I just helped you out because... Uhhh...".
Naruto finished for her. "Yeah, yeah, so your tutoring record looks good or whatever.".
Sakura smirked. "Yeah, sure. And who knows, maybe in a few decades, I'll be known as the doctor who helped the hokage graduate.".
It's quite the pipe dream, isn't it?
From the front of the room, Asuma announced, "Alright, now, I'm gonna be telling all of you what teams you're in. Once I call your names, you will group up with your team at the proper seats. Listen up!".
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"Team 7 - - conveniently already at the right table and all together - - Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Naruto Uzumaki.".
Sakura quickly spotted Ino - - who had been forced to stand up in the back of the room to make space for a student assigned to team 3 - - and stuck her tongue out at her. Ino returned the gesture, somewhat fuming.
Damn you, Sakura. Stealing Sasuke all for yourself!
Sakura turned away and pouted.
It's great that I'm with Sasuke, Ino-pig can bite me! But Naruto? He just makes everything confusing...
Suddenly the realization hit that she had been giving her blonde teammate the side-eye. Now aware that he had been making eye contact with her as well, she quickly looked down, as Naruto - - without the intention - - mimicked this action.
Man... It's great that I'm with Sakura. Emo freak can go sit on a sword for all I care, not like he'd really hate that. Stupid bastard.
Meanwhile, Asuma continued his announcements.
"Team 8 - - Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka."
"Team 9 is out of this year's rotation. Team 10 - - Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi.".
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Once all the teams were assigned, Asuma took a long drag from cigarette, before removing it and puffing a humongous ball of smoke.
Getting vertigo. Shit. I don't get paid enough for this.
The class patiently waited for the man, as he placed his hands on the desk and sighed deeply to make yet another announcement.
"Alright, now you just gotta wait for your assigned jonin sensei to come by and pick you up. Ino-Shika-Cho, you're with me.".
With that, Team 10 swiftly exited the building.
Over the next thirty minutes, elite team leaders came and went, picking up their teams and leaving just as soon as they'd come.
One by one by one, like clockwork, over a slow period of time.
By the end of the first half of an hour, all the teams had gotten their teachers and left - - all except for one, Team Seven, who sat alone in the middle of the classroom.
As time suddenly began to feel excruciatingly slower, the new genin began to feel excessive boredom.
The voices of both Naruto and Sakura began, "So-", before cutting off, each to let the other speak.
Though both insisted the other go first, Naruto won out, convincing Sakura on account of the principle "Ladies first", which she reluctantly accepted.
Sakura cleared her throat. "So... Let's get to know each other.".
Almost immediately, the silent Sasuke, head still in his hands, firmly asserted, "No.".
Sakura coiled, whereas Naruto sat with his mouth agape.
He then mocked, "Guess the mighty Uchiha don't inherit politeness, huh?".
Sasuke scoffed. "We don't inherit retardation either. Shut up.".
Sakura frowned.
Jesus, I didn't think he'd be so rude!
Naruto stood up out of his seat, his face turning red as he fumed. However, Sakura was quick to notice this. She tugged at his hand, ordering, "Sit down. At least the two of us can talk.".
Naruto grumbled, but obeyed nonetheless. He sat with his arms crossed, starting the conversation.
"So... Got any siblings...?".
Sakura facepalmed. "You've been at my house, you know I have a little brother. You've met him a hundred times!".
Naruto squirmed. "Yeah... Sorry. Dumb question.".
The girl shook her head. "In this context, sure. Why don't you try again?".
The boy did as such, this time coming up with, "What's your favorite movie?".
Sakura's eye twitched. "You know what it is. You watched it with me that one time!".
Naruto sheepishly chuckled. "Yeah, ye-yeah I remember now...".
"And you fell asleep.".
"Hey, you told me we'd never speak of that!".
"I made the rule. I get to break it.".
Thus, the next few minutes passed by in silence.
The silence was broken when Naruto had a sudden bout of excitement. He proclaimed, "Oh, oh, I got a really good question!".
Sakura warned, "If you ask me what color panties I'm wearing, I will rip your head off.".
Naruto stammered, "What? N-n-no, no! What kinda question is that?!".
Sakura answered, "Just sayin'.".
Naruto huffed. "I was just wonderin' how you came up with all that math and stuff for me to do the clone jutsu.".
Sakura's brow rose slightly, as she told him, "Well, it wasn't easy. I was about to tear my hair out figuring out the correct proportions of chakra and whatnot. Something's still bothering me about it, but I just can't put my finger on it. We're really lucky you were able to make sense of it.".
Naruto nodded in amazement. "That's so cool...".
Sakura affirmed, "Isn't it? It was really good for my brain, I think.".
With a smug look on his face, Naruto placed his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair, remarking, "Then I guess I should be sayin' 'you're welcome', heh...".
Not wanting to find issue in this statement, Sakura merely sighed and leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, lightly grinning.
"Yeah, sure...".
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Another 2 hours had passed.
Spotty conversations filled the silence every now and then, but Naruto and Sakura made themselves comfortable nonetheless.
Sasuke, as before, merely sat like a ghost. Ignoring his new teammates, having fallen asleep.
Naruto stood up and got out of his seat, stepping into the aisle to stretch.
"Hey, Sakura,", he informed, "I'm gonna make our fool of a sensei regret takin' his sweet-ass time.".
As Naruto skipped to the front of the room, Sakura curiously followed him, questioning, "What're you gonna do?".
She stood still and watched as the boy picked up an eraser from the blackboard, opened the door ajar, and set the eraser on the top of the door.
She scoffed. "You really think an elite ninja's gonna fall for something that dumb?".
I hope so...
Naruto turned to face her and replied, "It's worth a shot. If he can't even show up on time, who knows what other moral failings we'll find in his demeanor?".
As the new genin heard footsteps approaching, Sakura beckoned, "Hey, Naruto, come up here - - he might get suspicious if he sees you!".
Without protest, Naruto hopped over to Sakura, standing in the middle of the classroom with her.
With the increasing volume of the footsteps, the children's anticipation followed the pattern. Each and every step was like another burst of eagerness, their hearts pumping faster and faster.
Sure enough, the man who was approaching pushed open the door, walking right under the eraser, which thumped on his head and clouded him in white powder.
The children in front of him erupted, doubling over in laughter. Sakura tried to control it, as it was impolite, but she just couldn't help herself. Letting go of Naruto's hand - - something she hadn't been aware she was doing - -, she nearly fell, and used the boy's shoulder to hold herself up.
As she rose back up, laughter dwindling, Naruto still hadn't stopped. She tugged at his shirt and commanded, "A-alright Naruto, I t-think that's enough...".
Naruto began to slow down his laughter, but when he and his teammate took another look at their sensei - - taking note of his silver hair now spotted white, with his uncovered eyelashes fluttering chalk away, sending it down onto his face mask - - they erupted once again.
Deadpan, the man stared at the children in front of him.
"You're all idiots.".
Wiping away tears, finally ceasing his laughter, Naruto gave the man a once-over.
Brush-headed, eye covered, masked up... It's that guy!
Naruto whined, "Heyyyy, Cyclops?! You're our sensei?!".
The man responded, "Yep, that's me. Now follow me to the roof. And wake up the kid that's dozed off, for God's sake...!".
With that, the man climbed out the window, and walked up the wall.
Eager to get on with whatever it was they needed to do, the genin of Team 7 hustled to the roof.
Sasuke groggily stumbled, still sleepy, whereas Naruto and Sakura ran as fast as their little legs could take them.
On the Roof
On the north end of the roof of the academy was a bench, wide enough for exactly three pre-teen children.
The sensei took it.
His genin, therefore, were relegated to standing in front of him, lined up the same way they were in the team assignment room.
The sensei ordered, "Alright, let's get to know each other.". Pointing to Naruto, he added, "You first, Blondie.".
Naruto and Sakura simultaneously protested, "Hey, you're our sensei, you go first!".
The man sighed. Looking at Naruto, he stated, "We met last night, Kid. Don't you remember my name?".
Naruto stammered, "Oh- uh... It's... Cock... A Shaka Laka?".
His teammates stared at him, perplexed.
What kind of name is that? His parents must really hate him.
The man corrected, "A for effort. F for everything else. My name is Kakashi Hatake.". He continued, "I'm fond of lazing about, and I'm averse to work. My hobbies are standing and breathing. My goal is to... well, I'll keep it a little secret for now. It's your turn.".
This guy's a freak-a-rama!
Naruto started, "My name is--".
Kakashi cut him off. "No no no, Smartmouth. We're going in the reverse order this time. It creates a sense of balance.".
Naruto grumbled.
Thus, Sasuke answered, "My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I'm not fond of anything. I dislike traitors. I don't have any hobbies. My goal - - no, my mission - - is to kill a certain man.".
Sakura felt pity and concern.
I hope we can help him...
Naruto was less sympathetic.
What sort of maniac says something like that? Out loud? In front of people? In casual conversation? With people he barely knows? As an ice-breaker? What a sick freak!
Kakashi remained emotionless. He gestured to Sakura. "Pinky, go.".
Sakura stated, "My name is Sakura Haruno, I like being accepted, and I dislike bad people and bugs. My hobbies are taking care of my brother, jogging, surfing the web, watching TV, and studying medicine. My dream is to become a doctor and save people's lives!".
Naruto silently gushed over her.
Man... She's so cool!
Kakashi nodded. "Very nice. Okay, short stuff, it's just you now.".
Sakura and Sasuke chuckled at the nickname, whereas Naruto didn't appreciate it much.
He stated, "My name is Naruto Uzumaki - - well, legally it's Uzumaki, but I don't really know what my last name is because I never had parents and Old Man Sarutobi just gave me the respected Uzumaki clan name as a placeholder. But I can't be an Uzumaki since I don't have red hair. Also, ever notice how none of them live in this village anymore? Not since way before I was born at least. Regardless, I really really like ramen, and I really like it when people pay attention to me. But I don't like it when people target me for rudeness or other attacks. That's annoying. I don't like it. I also don't like liars and scammers and stuff. My hobbies are learning how to be a ninja and going to the-- going to the, uh... nowhere! My dream is to become hokage. Really, I just want everyone's respect, but since the hokage is respected by everybody, that means I gotta be hokage. I gotta! I'm gonna be like the fourth hokage, since he was the most respected, but I'm gonna be better! ".
The team couldn't make heads or tails of what was wrong with his boy.
What sort of maniac just goes on and rambles like that? Out loud? In front of people? In casual conversation? With people he barely knows? As an ice-breaker?
Before his train of thoughts could derail, Kakashi plainly stated, "Now we all know each other.". He ordered, "There's a bridge over Namikaze River - - yes, like the fourth hokage - - you can't miss it. Be there at 7 o'clock sharp tomorrow morning for an extra test.".
Naruto complained, "Extra test? I thought we became genin by performing the clone jutsu!".
Kakashi smiled. "What can I say? You thought wrong. You're not genin until you receive your official genin forehead protectors. And as I live and breathe, I see no such article on either of your bodies...! So - - Namikaze River Bridge, 7 AM tomorrow.".
Then, he leaned in and whispered, "Be careful, you might regret eating breakfast.".
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Naruto's Apartment
Upon arriving home, Naruto let out an exasperated sigh as he met Anko, who sat in the living room on her personal chair.
She immediately inquired, "You've got that bitchy look on your face again. What happened?".
Naruto answered, "Well, I passed the exam, but that brush-headed one-eyed freak of a sensei says we gotta take another test tomorrow.".
Anko shot up. "That freaky sensei wouldn't happen to be Kakashi, would it?".
Naruto replied, "Actually, yeah, it's him.". He noticed a dreamy look on Anko's face as he continued. "How do you know h--".
Oh no...
"Is he the guy you're doing the devil's dance with?! Oh my God!".
Before Anko could respond - - not that she needed to, as her face told the whole story - - Naruto plugged his ears with his fingers, droning "LALALALALALALA" as he ran into his room.
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Next Morning, Elsewhere in the Village
As Sakura walked to the rendezvous, she had the fortune of coming across Sasuke.
But that all just might change soon...
She swooped in to his side, greeting, "Heyyyy, Sasuke!".
Sasuke stayed silent.
Sakura chose to continue the conversation.
"Isn't it funny that we're walking here at the same time? We had different schedules at the academy so we never came across each other except for the classes we had together but now we're gonna be meeting each other every day!".
Sasuke groaned, "Why don't you go bother Naruto?".
Sakura scoffed. "Me? Bother Naruto? It's the other way around!".
Sasuke dryly replied, "Based on yesterday, I don't doubt that. Isn't he known for being a bit of an idiot?".
Sakura responded, "Yeah, I guess. I'm pretty sure it's because he's got no parents to teach him right from wrong. He's never had to answer to anyone, and it's made him selfish. My parents would scold me like Hell if I pulled the kinda stunts he does!".
Sasuke stopped.
Sakura strolled a few feet in front of him before realizing he had no intention of walking alongside her. She turned around to get a look at him.
Sasuke was sulking, staring blankly at the ground.
Sakura asked, "Hey, Sasuke, why are we stopping?".
Sasuke's face turned to a hateful glare directed at Sakura, as he answered, "Kids without parents always grow up selfish, and lonely. Getting scolded by your parents is nothing!".
"W-what's gotten into you all of a sudden?".
"You make me sick. I'm going another way, don't follow me.".
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Namikaze River Bridge
The bridge over the river, though stretching some hundred feet, was understated in its design. Besides the wooden gates at each end, the stone-laden bridge had no defining features to make it look unlike any other.
Naruto nonchalantly approached the rendezvous point, irked at the prospect of an extra test, but eager nonetheless.
He saw Sakura arrive at the same time, and greeted her.
"So, Sakura, what'd you have for breakfast?".
"What? He said we shouldn't eat breakfast.".
"No, he just suggested it. Besides, if I need to throw up, I'll aim at him. Stupid Cyclops...".
"Naruto?".
"Yeah?".
"The whole 'Cyclops' thing isn't gonna be, like, a thing, is it?".
"... Maybe. Why?".
"It's gonna get old, quick. No offense.".
"... None taken. What about 'brush-head'?".
"It'll run its course.".
"Darn.".
"Maybe we can come up with one together.".
Within the next few minutes, Sasuke arrived at the bridge.
Sakura, swooning over him, greeted, "Heyyyy, Sasuke, how's things?", batting her eyelashes.
Sasuke monotonously told her, "Parents still dead. Teammates still annoying.".
Sakura frowned.
I'd think that sort of response was cool, if it wasn't so rude. And tragic. Poor Sasuke...
Naruto, once again, showed no sympathy.
He mocked, "No one cares about your family. Can't you just bitch about the weather or somethin'?".
Sasuke was irked, and replied, "Yeah, I'll complain about what a nice, sunny day it is. Dumbass.".
Naruto shot back, "That's my point, it's sunny; shouldn't you be bursting into flames?".
Sasuke scoffed. He'd been furious to begin with, but Naruto's response was almost enough to distract him from his rage. Almost.
Instead, Sasuke stayed quiet, attempting to suppress any emotion.
He's an annoying piece of shit, but damn it if he's not funny. Mustn't... Laugh...
In fear that he was unwittingly revealing his reluctant appreciation of Naruto's lowbrow humor, Sasuke attempted to hide his face in is elbow and feign a cough.
Then, making some distance, Sasuke walked to the other end of the bridge, leaning over the edge as if he were admiring the view.
Naruto groaned, approaching the bench in the middle of the bridge to sit down. Sakura came in toe, placing herself on the other end.
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Half of an hour had passed, and Kakashi still hadn't arrived.
Tired from having broken the habit of eating breakfast, exacerbated by boredom panging against her skull, Sakura felt the need to doze off.
She ordered to her blonde acquaintance, "Hey, Naruto, scoot over here real quick.".
Looking back, Naruto questioned, "Hm? Why?".
"Because I said so.".
"Alright...".
Thus, the boy released a hefty sigh, shifting his butt over to the middle of the bench. In turn, Sakura grabbed his arm, pulled it up and around her neck, and leaned in to his frail chest.
"It's not the most comfortable position, but I need to sleep, and I don't want a crick in my neck.".
She looked up at Naruto to guage his response - - a wide-eyed blushing mess - - and demanded, "Don't make it weird. Just wake me up when Sensei bothers to get here.".
Naruto cleared his throat and tried as nonchalantly as he could to just reply, "Sure.". The sentiment, however, was betrayed by his heart beating faster and faster. Though Sakura took notice, she was just too tired to care...
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"Hey-ey, Sakura, Sensei's here..".
Sakura squirmed.
How long have I been asleep...? Why is Naruto whispering?
After a few nudges from the younger one, Sakura relented, grumbling as she sat back upright.
She looked around, but noticed the absence of Kakashi.
"Where is he?".
Naruto whispered back.
"I saw him coming here and then climbing up a tree just a few seconds ago. Look directly past the center-left part of the gate we entered from.".
The girl rubbed her eyes, and did as told.
Past the center-left... It's just trees!... Wait a minute, what's that black thing? Can it-- it is, isn't it?!
As if he were a specter, Kakashi was hidden in a tree branch, unmoving, eyeing his students.
He made no advance, nor any acknowledgement of his own existence in his students' view.
He's just standing there... Menacingly!
Sakura's train of thought was broken when Naruto made a sudden suggestion.
"Should I throw a rock at him?".
Sakura stammered.
"Wh-what?! Why??".
"I dunno, it just seems appropriate. Besides, ain't like I'm gonna throw a pebble. I'm gonna hit 'im with somethin' big, like a small boulder.".
"How is that supposed to be the better option?!".
"He'll remember it.".
"First of all, if you throw a boulder at him--"
"--A small boulder.".
"A small boulder, couldn't he just dodge it? Secondly, I know you're way too scrawny to lift a rock like that. Where are you even gonna find one that big?".
"... You got me there. I'll just throw a regular rock.".
"You know what, just do it. Throw the damn rock. Kill him for all I care.".
Naruto gleefully replied, "Okay!".
He bounced off of the bench to stand upright, while creating the pretense of stretching. He bent down, picking up a nice fist-sized rock, and stood back up, concealing it.
The boy set his eyes on his target - - the still-unmoving Kakashi - - and took note of just how strange his behavior was.
What's even the point of that? He literally saw that I saw him climb up there! Freak.
Naruto fake-yawned, then spun around and blasted the rock at Kakashi.
To Naruto's surprise, he actually hit his target.
The rock smashed Kakashi right on the nose, causing the man to fall off the branch he was on, and he landed with a big thud.
Then, Kakashi got back up. Rather than respond in any manner comprehensible to his students, he simply climbed back up the tree and set himself upon the same branch, silently stalking them.
Sakura noted, "Okay, that's pretty creepy.".
Naruto replied, "Tell me about it. Maybe it's a robot.".
Rolling her eyes, Sakura decided to take action. She stood up, grabbed Naruto's hand, and led him across the bridge. She walked past the gate and towards the tree in which Kakashi stood.
Remaining on the branch, Kakashi turned his head to them and greeted, "Hey, there. How are ya?".
Naruto and Sakura shouted back, "YOU'RE LATE!".
Kakashi chuckled, "Am I?".
Sakura accused, "You said 7 AM! SEVEN! A! M! It's almost 8 o'clock now!".
Kakashi devilishly smiled. "I said that the three of you have to be here at 7. I hadn't set any such time upon myself.".
Naruto and Sakura grumbled, in dismay at their sensei's mind games.
Kakashi added, "Speaking of the three of you, why is Sasuke still on the bridge, whereas you two are here? You haven't abandoned the poor guy, have ya?".
Naruto responded, "Who cares why he's there? You made us wait for nothing!".
Kakashi suggested, "Well, seeing as how it doesn't matter, how about the two of you come with me to take the test, and we just leave Sasuke hanging?".
Naruto argued, "What? That's crazy! I don't like the guy but he's part of the team, and it'd be real shitty to leave him without tellin'."
Sakura added, "Yeah, he's worked really hard to get here!".
Naruto retorted, "No way! He just rides on the coattails of his stupid clan...".
Sakura flicked his forehead. "Stop being so dismissive of the guy; I'm sure he made an honest effort...".
Naruto shot back, "How would you know? You weren't in the same class as him or anything!".
Sakura quickly corrected, "Actually, we had honors science together! You'd know that if you were smart enough to get that class!".
Naruto clapped, "That's offensive! I'm not stupid!".
Sakura scolded, "Big words coming from Mr. 'I-can't-make-a-stupid-clone-without-having-someone-else-figure-it-out-for-me'!".
Nearly tearing up, Naruto choked, "H-You-- that's hurtful...!".
The sight caused Sakura to recoil.
I didn't mean to make him cry!
She loosened up, lightly placing a hand against Naruto's shoulder, raising an eyebrow.
Naruto, confused about the change of pace, and finding Sakura's actions to be unfamiliar, flinched.
The girl placed a firmer hand on his shoulder and assured him, "Look, I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings or anything... Okay? You're not as dumb as I say, and I shouldn't pester you about getting help, especially not when I provided it. It's just banter.".
Hearing this, Naruto began to grin.
"B-banter?...".
"Yeah, banter.".
Now smiling like a jackal, Naruto jumped, laughing, proclaiming, "Ha, I knew it, I'm smart!".
Sakura gave him a deadpan expression.
"I didn't say that.".
Kakashi was tiring of these shenanigans.
Naruto's unstable, and he seems to have a certain sway on Sakura, even if neither of them know it...
He spoke up, "So, is little Sasuke gonna be joining us or not?".
Naruto and Sakura turned to him, both yelling, "OF COURSE HE IS!".
So, Naruto turned back to face the bridge, and shouted, "HEYYYYYY SASUKE! GET YOUR RETARDED ASS OVER HERE! WE'RE SHORT OF ONE EMO FREAK AND YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE IN THE VICINITY!", earning a dismissive look from his sensei, and a shaking of the head from Sakura.
On the far end of the bridge, Sasuke became attentive. He looked up and around, looking for the source of the screech, and quickly spotted his team at the trees.
As soon as Sasuke had rushed to the team, Kakashi ordered, "Now that we're all here, follow me!".
On the other end of the bridge, where Kakashi had taken his genin, was a path that led to more wooded areas. Though the shore was clear, each foot's length inland progressively led to more forest.
The genin were led to an area close to the shore, just far enough from it that both their left and right were covered in trees.
With his back to the bridge, Kakashi faced the trio to address them.
"Your final genin test will be quite simple - - all you have to do to pass is grab my bells.".
Silence.
Sakura nervously gulped and asked, "Grab your... What?".
Kakashi restated, "My bells.", as he reached behind his jacket and revealed two bells tied together by a string.
"Oh...".
Kakashi continued, "Now, you can only pass if you have a bell in your possession. Anyone without a bell will fail, and be sent back to the academy.".
Naruto pointed out, "There's only two bells.".
Kakashi replied, "Exactly.".
"But genin teams are three genin and one sensei!".
Kakashi retorted, "Well, the teams are gonna be re-sorted based on who's passed, so it'll still be 3 genin per sensei.".
"No way! There was 60 kids in the team assignment room, which makes 20 teams - - if you take 1 kid out from each team, that leaves you with 40 kids, and you can't make teams of 3 out of that because that's an even number!".
Kakashi sighed.
That boy ain't right.
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
60's an even number, too...
Sakura lamented.
He's right, but his reasoning's all wrong...
So, she chimed in.
"Sensei, 3 doesn't go evenly into 40 - - Naruto's right. This test makes no sense!".
The man cleared his throat.
"We have reserves. Genin who failed get 1 more shot at it, so we just grab one of them. Only problem is, these genin stay genin - - they can never rank up.".
The kids' eyes widened.
"As a matter of fact, your very own Iruka-sensei is one of those genin. He's only dressed up above his rank because the Hidden Leaf has had a little trouble with the numbers of our shinobi forces - - what with our recent expansions.".
That hammered it in. Team 7 was now, more than ever, desperate to grab the bells.
Immediately, Naruto pulled out a kunai and threw it at Kakashi.
Kakashi promptly caught the kunai between two of his fingers, and reprimanded the boy.
"I didn't say you could start yet. As punishment, I'll be keeping this. Not to say that I'll need it.".
With that, he opened his kunai pouch and placed the knife firmly with the rest of his ammo.
"By the way, I'm far above your level... You won't have a chance unless you come at me with the intent to kill. Anyways, we begin in 3... 2... 1!".
Sasuke and Sakura (having grabbed Naruto's hand) ran and leapt into a nearby bush.
Naruto whined, "What gives? I wanted to kill 'im!".
Sakura scolded, "While you were busy making an ass out of yourself, Sasuke and I came up with the first part of our game plan!".
Naruto protested, "I wanna take a crack at 'im first!".
He created two shadow clones and jumped out of the bush, sending the clones to face Kakashi.
The two copies of Naruto stared the sensei down - though the man was under the impression that one was the real Naruto, and the other was a standard illusionary clone.
Kakashi complained, "Really? It's gonna take more than just you and a shoddy clone to kill me.".
The clones rushed at Kakashi, forcing him into battle mode.
Which one's the real one?... Might as swing at the both of them and hit something solid.
Kakashi stretched his hands out, and as soon as the clones were within arms' distance, he brought his hands in with a clapping motion, only to find that both entities he targeted were solid.
A shadow clone?!
The clones both climbed onto Kakashi's arms, up to his biceps. One clone began to tank on his vest, while the other started biting it.
Kakashi easily managed to throw the biting clone off, forcing it to dispel.
Then, he grabbed the other one, pulled it up, and flipped it into the air. As he clone was falling, Kakashi brought his fingers together and shouted, "Thousand Years of Death!".
He thrusted the clone in the anus, only for it to dispel, too.
Two shadow clones?! Damn that genetic ingenuity!
He spun around, scanning his surroundings to find his genin.
Alas, they had all disappeared.
.
.
.
Sakura had been following Sasuke throughout the forest, pestering him about a new plan.
After a few minutes of this, Sasuke made it clear that he had had enough.
"Let's just split up. I'm tired of listening to this drivel of yours.".
Though hurt, Sakura wordlessly obeyed.
.
.
.
As Sakura continued through the forest, she saw a familiar silhouette in front of her.
She walked closer to confirm her suspicions, and found that her assessment had been correct.
"Hey, Sasuke, funny seeing you here!".
She gleefully skipped towards him, noticing with every hop that something was amiss.
He's... Bleeding!
Frightened, Sakura ran closer to him, asking, "What happened?!".
Sasuke's skull was bleeding profusely, and he was covered in dirt.
When Sakura reached him, she grabbed his hand.
Just then, a cloud of smoke replaced him.
Before Sakura now stood none other than Kakashi.
The girl passed out from the shock.
.
.
.
Sasuke walked on a beaten path, until he veered and found a clearing.
It's like I'm the only one in this team who's sane! I'd run off if I didn't have to kill Itachi...
He spotted Kakashi smack in the middle of the clearing, just standing and reading a book.
And the bells are right there...
He took small, inching steps, tip-toeing across the circle. His eyes fixated on the prize, his vision tunneling on the bronze ornaments.
Sasuke stretched out his arm, ready to snatch the bells.
His index finger made contact. Then his middle finger. Then his ring finger. Then his thumb. Then he brought his fingers together to actually hold the bell.
But just before he could get a grip, Kakashi turned around. He yanked the boy's arm upwards, holding him above the ground like mistletoe.
Kakashi jested, "I thought there was a fly behind me. Instead, it's something much more pestering and much less welcome.".
Sasuke wasted no time, and kicked the man right in the diaphragm, on the area left without protection from the jonin vest.
This forced Kakashi to drop him, kneel, and hold his chest in pain.
"You damn kids and your cheap shots! You're gonna be the death of me...".
Sasuke attempted to run around and grab the bells, but Kakashi quickly grabbed his leg and tripped him, before rolling in the opposite direction and springing up.
Sasuke grunted in frustration.
He was faking the injury!
The boy punched the ground and stood up.
Once again, wasting no time, he began forming hand signs.
Kakashi recognized the signs, and decided to fight fire with fire by making the same signs.
Both shinobi formed an O with their hand in front of their lips - - Kakashi had to momentarily remove his mask - - and blew fire out their mouths!
The fireballs converged in a mound of smoke, which Kakashi broke through to grab Sasuke.
.
.
.
Sakura had woken up, and was stumbling around the forest, looking for Sasuke.
That stupid Naruto, how could he just abandon us like that?
She came across a clearing, and noticed a sort of bump in the area.
As she got closer, chills ran up her spine.
That's... A human head!
She inched closer to make out the face, and was horrified to learn that it was Sasuke.
Shrieking, she passed out once more.
Sasuke sighed.
I'm just buried under the dirt...
.
.
.
Naruto sat atop a tree, sweat pouring down.
I've got one good shot at this... If I don't do it right, that brainy freak is gonna figure it out, and I won't have the bells. I can do this...
He breathed deep to calm himself down, and once he felt his heart rate drop, he knew he was ready.
Naruto disappeared from the tree.
.
.
.
As Kakashi jumped around the forest, he heard a jingling behind him.
That's... Odd.
He stopped on the ground, and felt his belt for the bells. He found that they were somehow gone.
What? How? Who?
Kakashi turned around, trying to spot one of his genin.
He checked for footprints, and found none.
Finding it all a bit curious, he cut his thumb with a kunai, and slammed his hand on the ground.
A brown pug, dressed in shinobi attire, appeared in a puff of smoke.
Kakashi asked, "Pakkun, you smell anyone other than me here?".
The pug sniffed the air, and answered.
"Yeah... But it's strange.".
"What's strange?".
"There's a single spot where another person dropped their smell, but the scent doesn't go anywhere. It's like he just popped in and then vanished into thin air.".
Kakashi reached into his pocket and pulled out the kunai he stole from Naruto.
He ordered, "Smell this, tell me if it's the same scent.".
Pakkun did as he was told, and affirmed, "It's partially masked by yours, but... Yep, this is it...".
Kakashi responded, "You can go now. Thanks.", and the pug disappeared in another puff of smoke.
Kakashi inspected the kunai.
It can't be...
He unwound the tape on its handle, and was dumbfounded by what he saw.
This is... It's his jutsu!
.
.
.
In the same tree he had disappeared from, Naruto held the bells in his hand.
In and out, baby! That's what I'm talkin' about!
He removed the Flying Thunder kunai from the tree.
Now I wonder if I'll freak out again...
Then, just like what had occurred two nights before, he began laughing maniacally.
Just like the last time he performed the Flying Thunder, all sanity left his mind.
Only now, he was armed with a kunai.
He flailed it around, with no regard for what it hit or where it went, and even nearly fell out of the tree.
The mental break felt as if it had gone by faster, being that it was a more familiar experience now.
When he came to, he saw that he had cut up his arms by mistake.
Oh great, I pulled a Sasuke.
He sighed heavily, and stood up, aiming to find his teammates to show them the bells.
.
.
.
Sasuke and Sakura walked around the forest again, Sasuke covered neck-to-toe in dirt, with Sakura's hands and knees covered the same.
Both wore misery on their faces, lamenting their failures against Kakashi.
They soon found a pond, where they washed their hands in the cold water.
Sakura splashed her face, hoping to chisel some of the weariness off her face, as tiredness and hunger overtook her.
As she rose, Sasuke complained, "What're we even doing? Two genin up against an elite ninja? That's impossible!".
Sakura agreed. "Yeah, it's really weird. It's like he doesn't want us to actually get the bells...".
The genins' eyes widened, as they both shared their revelation simultaneously.
"This is a teamwork exercise!".
Sakura explained, "It was so obvious! The greatest core tenet of a genin team is to work with each other in harsh conditions - - and by giving us only two bells to chase, Sensei gives us incentive to work against each other, forcing us to follow the core tenet even at our own detriment!".
Sasuke chuckled, and commanded, "Let's find Naruto and get this done...!".
Yet, it was Naruto who found his teammates.
He stumbled up to the pond, singing, "Look what I've got!", as he flashed the bells to them.
Sakura's eye twitched.
She informed, "Naruto... We were supposed to work together to get them!".
Naruto stammered, "Oh-- well, uh... We can just lie to Sensei and tell him that you guys came up with the plan!".
Sasuke responded, "Woah woah woah, how'd you even get the bells? The test was designed to be impossible!".
Naruto recoiled.
"Well... I'm gonna need you guys to keep a pretty big secret.".
Sakura asked, "What's the secret?".
The blonde admitted, "It's a long story, but... The bottom line is that I've learned a mock-teleportation technique that I used to nab these things and vanish...".
Sasuke scoffed. "No way, dumbass. Show us.".
Naruto squirmed, "I... Can't really do that. It's embarrassing.".
Sasuke pressed, "Embarrassing? Just show us the damn technique if you're telling the truth!".
Sakura butted in, "Just forget it already! If he doesn't want to show us, he doesn't have to! Right now, we just need to figure out a way to trick Kakashi-sensei, to make him really believe we all made the plan together!".
Naruto questioned, "How come? Can't we just tell 'im and be done with it?".
Sakura answered, "Because he's gonna ask us how we dealt with the issue of splitting the bells. 2 bells, 3 genin... We have to make him think we worked it out as a team.".
Naruto groaned, "Damn that sensei! He's always toying with people!".
Sasuke admonished, "Complaining about it won't help.".
He kicked rocks as Sakura ignored him.
"The only way for all of us to pass is if each of us is willing to fail to let the others pass as a demonstration of our care for our team...".
Naruto hesitantly suggested, "If that's the case... We should...".
"...".
"...".
"We should...?".
"All try and take the fall, and tell 'im we'd rather all fail than succeed at the detriment of our teammates.".
Sasuke scoffed. "That's crazy!".
Sakura nervously gulped.
"It is crazy, but... It's just crazy enough to work. Oh, man...".
.
.
.
Kakashi decided to recuperate at the beginning of the testing site.
Fortunately, the genin had the same idea.
Kakashi spoke first.
"Alright, I know Naruto grabbed the bells. Who did he give the other one to?".
Sakura took charge.
"Actually, Sensei, Naruto offered to give it to both me and Sasuke. After a few minutes of circular arguing, we decided that neither of us was willing to let another fail... So we're all failing.".
She tossed the bells to him.
Naruto asked, "Hey, how'd you know I was the one who took the bells?".
Kakashi answered, "You were sloppy, Naruto. I used one of my tracking dogs to match the smell of the kunai I took from you to the smell you left when you nabbed the bells.".
"...".
"And upon examination of the kunai, I figured out exactly what technique you used. So, not only have you let your enemy figure out your greatest jutsu, you've also forfeited the mission by handing the bells back to me. This test has been a failure all around - - I'm disappointed.".
The genin thought Kakashi would congratulate them on their teamwork and care, but it wasn't happening.
Sasuke was about to pipe up, but Naruto pinched him and whispered, "Remember, he might be messing with us...".
Kakashi ordered, "Alright, follow me.".
.
.
.
Plains
Kakashi led his team to a plain area, slightly elevated, surrounded by forest in the manner that a peninsula is surrounded by water - - the shape resembled a ping-pong paddle, with the handle leading to the path they approached from.
Kakashi sat his genin some stumps a few feet apart to use as seats, placing Sakura in the middle with the boys at both sides, removing lunchboxes from a fourth stump to hand to them all.
He told them, "You must be hungry. Stay here and eat these while I go and tell the hokage you failed.".
The genin felt their anxiety skyrocket.
Is he really gonna fail us all?
They exchanged nervous glances, and shakily opened their boxes to eat the lunch.
With that, Kakashi turned around and began to walk down the path.
Once he was out of earshot, Sakura insisted to the boys through her teeth, "Just hold on, guys... He's bluffing. He's gotta be.".
Sasuke's breathing began to go shallow.
"Unless we've severely overthought this...".
Naruto shook his head.
"This is some great food. Wonder if he cooked it himself? I need the recipe...".
Sasuke and Sakura looked at him in perplexity.
Sakura asked, "Really? We've gambled our careers as genin and you're worried about the rice?".
Naruto wistfully smiled.
"Nah, I just remembered... We're supposed to only fear God, y'know? Whatever He lets happen, happens. No point worrying ourselves to death.".
Sakura hummed in agreement.
"You sound like the preacher at my monastery, but you're right... All we can do is wait and see what God wills...".
Sasuke scoffed.
"God's Will? Tell me, what kinda God would let me watch helplessly as my parents' throats were slit? It's all bullshit.".
Sakura went silent.
Naruto dismissively replied, "Man... Even if I told you, you wouldn't get it. Forget I even mentioned Him.".
The genin ate their lunches in silence.
After a while, Naruto stated, "Alright, I'm tappin' out. I had a big breakfast, y'know...". He offered, "Either one o' you want quarter-eaten lunch? I promise I haven't been sloppy or anythin'.".
Sakura accepted. "Y'know what, I'm hungry. Hand it over, Dweebus.".
.
.
.
Hokage's Office
A line of jonin sensei stood in the room, barking out their teams' status.
The hokage asked, "Team 8, Kurenai?".
A woman with long brown hair and striking red eyes answered, "Pass.".
"Very well. Team 10?".
Asuma stepped forward.
"Pass.".
"Good, my son, good. That just leaves Team... 7. Where is Kakashi?".
Kurenai jested, "Late as always. Sometimes I wonder if he even showed up on time for his own birth.".
Just then, however, Kakashi stepped in.
Asuma joked, "Speak of the devil.".
Kakashi announced, "I'll have you know, Kurenai, I was born a year late.".
Kurenai rolled her eyes.
Knowing him, that's not even a joke.
The hokage inquired, "Kakashi, what of team 7?".
.
.
.
When Kakashi returned to Team 7, he noticed that they were engaged in conversation.
As such, he announced his presence with a loud, "ATTEN-TION!".
The genin stopped talking to give him confused glances.
Sakura spoke, "This isn't the army, Sensei.".
Kakashi responded, "Yeah, yeah, I know... But I thought you'd be interested in the gifts I have to offer...!".
Now intrigued, the genin stared at him with wide eyes.
Naruto eagerly asked, "What gifts?".
Kakashi revealed three blue headbands, with metal plates bearing the Hidden Leaf symbol screwed in.
"You've all passed! Congratulations.".
The kids swarmed Kakashi, but he withheld the headbands for a moment.
He commanded, "First, I need you to remember something... A shinobi who abandons his orders is no shinobi at all, whereas a shinobi who abandons his comrades is scum. Repeat that for me.".
The genin repeated, "A shinobi who abandons his orders is no shinobi at all, whereas a shinobi who abandons his comrades is scum.".
Kakashi smiled, and handed them all their headbands, which they excitedly placed on their foreheads and tightened.
Pride in their achievement fueled their joy, as each genin beamed.
Kakashi told them, "From now on, every Monday through Friday, we'll meet at the Namikaze Bridge as our rendezvous point, at 8 A.M. sharp.".
He then added, "Now let's start off on a good foot, one that shows you can ttust me from now on...".
The genin were all ears as he spoke.
"For starters, the whole thing about 'reserve genin' was a lie. At least, failed genin don't work the way I said they do. And your buddy Iruka-sensei is definitely a chunin.".
Team 7 breathed sighs of relief.
Thank God!
Kakashi continued, "Now, when I encountered Naruto in this test, he performed two techniques that no other genin knows.".
Naruto was puzzled. "Two? I thought it was just the one?".
Kakashi chortle. "Nope, when you sent your clones to attack me, I noticed that they were, with no doubt, shadow clones.".
Naruto was bewildered. "Shadow clones? But, but, Sakura, you made the diagram I used to do it...".
He stared at the stupefied girl in amazement.
Kakashi smiled. "Well, it looks like Sakura has inadvertently taught you the the shadow clone technique - - an advanced form of the clone technique, which creates solid clones that have a stronger neural link to the technician.".
While Naruto and Sakura stood there, mouth agape, Sasuke asked, "So... What's the other jutsu?".
Kakashi smiled again. "It's not my secret to tell. Naruto will explain, if he's comfortable with it.".
Naruto stammered. "Oh-oh... Uh... Yeah, so that other technique is the, uh, 'Flying Thunder', made by the fourth hokage. Last night I was tricked into stealing a scroll that contained it, and I read it... I'm pretty sure it's beyond my level to perform consistently, but I'm able to perform it well enough to go back and forth between two places in a short amount of time...".
Kakashi winked, thought it looked like he blinked. "It's just one bombshell after another today, isn't it?".
With that, he turned around and began to walk away. However, before leaving earshot, he stated, "By the way, I know you three were lying about coming up with the plan to snatch the bells together.".
Hope y'all enjoyed.