Chapter 23
A test for all
It was 5am, Sasuke and Sakura arrived early in the morning at range number 7. They had both prepared very well overnight, but would it be enough for the jonin. Sasuke sat under a tree and waited for the rest of the co-commanders.
Sasuke... Shhh, it's 5am, one annoying Sakura came in, where is this dobe wearing and even more importantly, where is our sensei wearing. Yeah, no luck on my team, rose-haired fool, jonin tardy, tongue-tied idiot.
Sakurav was sitting on a rock admiring her idol.
Sakura... Heeheehee, while sensei and jerk Naruto are away, I could take advantage of that and charm Sasuke kuna. He's so serious, which makes him even more awesome. Sakura, it's time to act.
While the girl was trying to fulfill her pipe dreams. At seven in the morning only, only Naruto was up.
Naruto... Duttebayo, you shouldn't have gotten to the bottom of it... So, what time is it, hmm only 7am, according to Kakashi's biological clock the range can go in an hour. Hmm, okay, time to get up.
Naruto got out of bed, made his bed, and then went to perform his morning motions. Finishing his breakfast tightly, he cleaned up after himself and then began to gather his gear.
Naruto... So, my wristbands are full of shuriken and kunai, so, I need more fishing line. Now we need to think about the secret factors, hmm pepper checker would be perfect. Okay, I think that's enough for today.
Naruto gathered all the things he needed, closed the door behind him, and left for the range. Walking over to the rest of the co-teammates, Naruto saw a frustrated Sakura and an annoyed Sasuke.
Sakura... Asshole, why are you late?
Naruto... Why am I late?
Sakura... Sensei told us to come at 5:00 and now it's 8:00!
Naruto... Oh, where is he?
Sakura... Uh, he must have gone looking for you!
Naruto didn't answer anything but just sat down on the ground and pulled out a map and pencil.
Naruto... So, Kakashi san told us there would be a survival drill. And who can create combat conditions close to the real thing, Kakashi. So we have to fight against him, although we, that's a bit of a mouthful. Sakura and Sasuke won't work with me. Duttebayo, why are they such arrogant idiots. Okay, that's enough, it's time to get to the plan. Chaotic traps with remote activation, better to put in the center and self-activated on the edges, hmm trees are great. But before I get started, I'd better reassess my team.
Sasuke, seeing Naruto drawing something on the map, was a little interested, but then the blond came up to him.
Naruto... Sasuke, Sakura, you know we're going to have a test, right?
Sasuke... Pfft.
Sakura... No shit, I don't know.
Naruto paid no heed to the barbs of his teammates.
Naruto... We need to work together gently on this test.
Sakura... What makes you say that?
Naruto... From being put on the same team.
Sakura... So what?
Naruto... And since we're gonna have to take this test together!
Sasuke... What if you're wrong?
Naruto.. Anyway, are you ready to work as a team?
Sasuke... Pfft.
Sakura... Sasuke-kun and I are already a team, and you'll only get in our way.
Sasuke... Hey Dobe, are you afraid that sensei will kick you out and that's why you're asking us for help?
Naruto made a facepalm and continued.
Naruto... Okay, then I'll warn you right away, you need to be very careful in the woods!
The Sokoommandos said nothing, Naruto shrugged and began setting traps with the help of the clones. At the edges of the range, traps were already set up in the woods. And the range itself was mostly an explosion of seals. Only near the three stumps was a white area with no traps. Sakura and Sasuke began to talk to each other as they saw the work going on.
Sakura... How does he know the shadow clones? I've heard that this technique is illegal.
Sasuke... Shhhh the hokage himself must have taken pity on him and taught him this technique. He can't be in the academy all the time.
Sakura... What the hell is he doing, setting so many traps, suddenly we're the ones who suffer.
Sasuke... He's just showing off for us, it's Naruto. I don't think half the traps will work.
Sakura... Oh, that's right, I forgot he was an idiot. Xoo, and what he's trying to accomplish. Prepare like you're gonna start a war here.
Sasuke... Pfft.
Naruto had already finished with the traps and went directly to the plan.
Naruto... Hmm, what do I know about Kakashi san. Jonin, a war hero, wields a bunch of techniques, used to work in anbu, and also one sharingan. The Sharingan is unlikely to be used against us, pride won't allow dantebayo. But if he finds out about my techniques, he could easily recognize me, and then I would feel bad. I can't beat Kakashi san no matter how hard I try. Yeah and overall, our team sucks, so it's better if they disband. I'll work from traps and shadow clones for now. I need to wait until those two are exhausted, and then I'll start my move. I need to settle down to a safe distance and hide the chakra.
It's ten o'clock, and only now Kakashi has come to the range with two bento.
Kakashi... Yo!
Sakura began to resent being late.
Sakura... Kakashi sensei, why are you five hours late?
Kakashi... Uh, I got lost on the road of life and only now have I found my way.
Naruto.. Quickly learning Kakashi san, the excuses are already more respectful.
Sasuke... Sensei, why don't we get started?
Kakashi... Mma, you are right!
Kakashi pulled out two bells and farted in his hand.
Kakashi... You're gonna have to pick these two bells today.
Sakura.. But why are there two when there are three?
Kakashi... Thanks for noticing, so if anyone doesn't get those two bells, they go back to the academy.
Sasuke... Pfft, sensei, why don't you just give those bells to us and send Naruto to the academy?
Kakashi... Oh, we got our first traitor, hmm, let's get to work.
Thought to himself, Kakashi thought to himself.
Kakashi... No, then there's no point in doing the test.
Naruto... What's your point of the test.
Kakashi... It's nothing, it's just that you're gonna take those bells away.
Naruto... I was right, this test is about teamwork, I wish more people would get it.
I thought to myself and nodded understandingly.
Kakashi... I also bought bento for two, so that if anyone doesn't perform at his best, he'll be tied to a stump and the other two will eat in front of his eyes. If you all perform poorly, you will all be tied to a stump and I will eat in front of your eyes.
Naruto's thoughts... Something tells me these bentos are the main test, but let's see the result of the bells.
Naruto... Hmm, smacks of Kakashi san sadism.
Kakashi... Mma, take it any way you want, but this is my test, which means I decide what conditions to put in it. Before I forget, attack like you want to kill me. Now, when I give the command to start, you will begin.
Naruto swung his kunai at Kakashi.
Naruto... To hell with your teams!
Kakashi caught his hand with his kunai and molested the back of his head.
Kakashi... Mma, I didn't say start!
All three of them stood with dazed eyes.
Kakashi... Here we go!
Kakashi jumped back to the three stumps, while Sakura and Sasuke hid in the forest.
Kakashi's thoughts... Mma, we hid right away, but what's he doing here?
Kakashi... Aren't you going to run away?
Naruto... Running away from a genin, from a jonin? That's a good one.
Kakashi... You could have at least tried to use the surprise factor.
Naruto's thoughts. Which is what I'm doing right now...
Naruto... Kakashi san, if I don't do anything, then what?
Kakashi... Well, then I'll beat the hell out of you myself.
Naruto... Sadly dantebayo.
Kakashi pulled out a book and started reading.
Kakashi... You can attack, you can't distract me from reading the book.
Naruto's thoughts... Perfect, he's underestimating me, hmm, gotta get the surprise factor going.
Naruto boiled up and began to feign anger.
Naruto... Oh, you! Don't you dare underestimate me.
Naruto ran up with his hand in the air and started throwing punches that Kakashi dodged without straining, but then Kakashi was behind him and formed the tiger seal.
Kakashi... Don't show your back to the enemy, taijutsu millennium of pain.
Kakashi stuck his fingers between Naruto's buttocks so that he flickered off into the river and disappeared into the smoke. Everyone was puzzled and Naruto himself was sitting in hiding.
Naruto's thoughts... Damn, Kakashi San turns out he likes to use techniques from his book.
At that moment, Sasuke came out and started throwing shurikens in angled trajectories and then engaged the traps.
Kakashi... Hmm, you seem to have been here tonight and prepared traps, clever!
Sasuke didn't stop there, showing his taijutsu skills and touched the bells in the process, but he was not destined to get them, but he didn't get upset and just exhaled a fireball at Kakashi.
Kakashi's thoughts... Wow, at that age, B ranked techs, though I've seen cooler ones!
Kakashi just went under and pulled Sasuke behind him up to his head and then stood over him.
Kakashi... Earth element decapitation technique. Eh Sasuke, you're the best student at the academy. You really do have potential.
Sasuke... I'm not like those two, I'm the best!
Kakashi... You're right, you're a bright head and that's what will pull you to the ground.
Sasuke... Shh.
Kakashi's thoughts... Okay, the second one's left now.
Kakashi found Sahura in the forest and drove her into the genjutsu and then returned to the training ground where Naruto's clones were waiting for him.
Kakashi's thoughts... Hmm, he did learn something from that scroll, seven clones, not bad.
The clones started muting and towards the end when almost all of them were scattered, the last of them ran away, but saw a bell in the clearing.
Naruto's thoughts... Hmm, let's check it out.
Naruto predictably got caught in the rope trap and hung upside down.
Kakashi... Naruto, I had a better opinion of you, I guess scratching your tongue is at the top of your game.
Naruto... Everyone can be wrong, so why don't you take it off?
Kakashi... No, let this be a lesson to you!
Kakashi went to his room, but Sakura came out of the genjutsu and ran towards where Sasuke was. But seeing Sasuke's head above the ground she fainted. Naruto was hanging on the rope at this time, contemplating his next move.
Naruto's thoughts... Hmmm, only 40 minutes left, we need to end this spectacle and move on to a serious datebayo fight. Uh, there's a bento by the stump, let's check it out.
Naruto got out of the trap and ran to get a bento but just as he was about to open the bento, Kakashi stood over the stump.
Kakashi... Naruto, you surprise me, you screwed up today in taijutsu, ninjutsu, trap overlooking, and now you're brazenly stealing bento.
Naruto... Am I screwed?
Kakashi... Ah, I was so looking forward to saving you for dessert, well, time to round up the others.
As soon as Kakashi tied Naruto to the stump, the others came over.
Sakura... Kakashi sensei, why did you stop the test? There's still time!
Kakashi... Because it doesn't make sense. Let's start with you Sasuke, you're the best student in the academy, but I didn't see any special skills in you, of course you have fire technique, but you don't use it effectively. Sakura, on the other hand, did nothing at all. Now Naruto...
At that moment, the tethered Naruto clone vanished in a puff of smoke. Everyone was surprised by this turn of events. Kakashi spotted the real one in the forest.
Kakashi's thoughts... Hmm shadow clone, looks like I'm getting my dessert today.
Kakashi... Sasuke, Sakura, you stay here and I'll get him.
Kakashi took off towards the forest, but the other two genin were puzzled. As soon as Kakashi found Naruto sitting in a tree, he decided to wonder what all this farce was about.
Kakashi... Mma, Naruto, what's this all about?
Naruto... Kakashi san, why don't we play catch-up?
Kakashi... Well, if you have the time, why not play.
Naruto started jumping through the trees and Kakashi started jumping after him and in the process got caught by different kinds of traps, unfinished wood, twisted fishing lines, exploding seals, spikes.
Kakashi's thoughts... Oh, so in the woods he trapped me, that's interesting, and how many of them there are. We have to be careful.
Naruto made a circle and landed in a clearing 500 meters away from range number 7. Kakashi landed right in front of him ten meters away.
Kakashi... Looks like Sasuke wasn't the only one who went to the range yesterday and prepared traps, so many, did you really spend all night setting them up?
Naruto... Kakashi san, ninjas don't give away their secrets.
Kakashi... Mma, I've been meaning to ask you for a long time, why don't you call me sensei like the others?
Naruto... Well, you're not my sensei yet, and I don't think you will be if we don't pass the test.
Kakashi.. Shall we go through? So you got the whole point of the test, but why didn't you suggest the others work together?
Naruto... Let's just say they hate me, to put it mildly.
Kakashi... Do you have a reason?
Naruto... Hmm, underestimation, arrogance, ego. It's a long list, but the fact remains.
Kakashi... Mma! What now?
Naruto... Fight!
With these words Naruto ran at Kakashi, creating clones and now began to attack the jonin more synchronously with the clones. Kakashi found it harder to contain the pressure and coherence of the blows and even got kicked in the top of the head by one of the clones.
Kakashi's thoughts... Not bad, not bad at all! But it's time to call it a day.
Kakashi destroyed all the clones at high speed and pinned the original to the ground with a broken arm.
Kakashi... You're the kid with the surprise.
Naruto... You betcha!
At this point the seals glued to the vest began to ignite.
Kakashi's thoughts... Oh, shit!
Kakashi looked down in there was only a stump from the replacement technique. Kakashi pulled off his vest as quickly as possible and tossed it aside while he jumped back into the middle of the clearing where Naruto stood across from him.
Kakashi... You got me, but is that really the end of it?
Naruto ran at Kakashi with two kunai and when there was only a meter left he disappeared into the shunshin and clones appeared in three directions around Kakashi and started attacking with the kunai. Kakashi pulled out his kunai and began to fend off the attacks. Sparks from the contact of the kunai began to fly from everywhere and the clang of metal drowned out his ears.
Kakashi's thoughts... It gets more and more interesting each time.
One of the clones snapped a disarmed hand grab and the other kicked a kunai from the top and scratched the jonin's cheek. Kakashi was only able to get rid of one clone and not wanting to prolong the battle any further Kakashi took the original and clone by the wrists and then threw them forward.
Kakashi... Mm-hmm, and this is the worst student in the academy?
Naruto... Ninjas are supposed to be stealthy.
With those words, Naruto began throwing hailstones and shurikens from his wristbands. Kakashi had to respond in the same way but not a single shuriken hit the targets but just fought back in the air. Naruto threw the shuriken in a meadow trajectory so that it flew past Kakashi and folded the seal.
Naruto... Shuriken kage bunshin.
Kakashi... Eh Naruto, you know that this technique must be used before the shuriken reaches the enemy, not before it flies over.
One shuriken scratched Kakashi's temple and he looked back where there were clouds of shurikens on fishing lines.
Kakashi... Go nuts.
Naruto was aiming the shuriken at Kakashi and he had to run in different directions to dodge them. The shuriken were about to run out but at one moment he heard it.
Naruto... Suiton, water balloon.
Kakashi... You gotta be kidding me, Doton, wall of mud.
The water hit the wall of mud but didn't lose its pressure as Naruto's clone touched the back of the one who was blowing out the water with his palms.
Naruto... Fuuton, water cannon.
Kakashi was waiting for the water to finish, but then there was a crack in the middle of the mud wall and Kakashi had to move to the left where he was kicked in the head. Kakashi didn't hesitate and grabbed the other leg and threw it to the side.
Kakashi.. Damn, underestimating you is life-threatening, I hope that's it? Then I'll start!
Kakashi ran at Naruto, but he threw the pepper pellet to the ground and then covered his eyes with a blindfold and pulled a mask over his face.
Kakashi.. Smoke screen? Wait no, it's pepper, my eyes!
Naruto created clones and tried everything he could to keep Kakashi in the smoke longer. Kakashi was getting hit from the roaring sides, Naruto's sensorics were helping the veil very well. Kakashi couldn't stand it and just jumped to the side where he saw Naruto throw a stack of kunai and then jumped up and started throwing the rest of the kunai in all directions but none of the kunai hit Kakashi. Kakashi had a hard time seeing since he had to rub his eye from the pepper.
Kakashi's thoughts... Damn, what do I do, use the Sharingan against him? Shit, Minato sensei's going to make me laugh, I've got to stall for time.
Kakashi.. You throw your kunai beautifully, but why are they all flying around? Or is it?
Naruto threw deceptive shurikens with a ricochet and Kakashi jumped aside.
Naruto... Bingo!
Naruto started pulling on the fishing lines and caught the jonin in a net of fishing line.
Naruto... Kakashi san, you said to attack as if you wanted to kill.
Kakashi... You're already weakened. You don't have any chakra left.
Naruto... There's enough for one technique!
Naruto created a clone and then folded the seal and grabbed his wrist where a concentrated disk of wind was forming.
Kakashi's thoughts... That's it! A fox?
Naruto pushed off the springboard of air and flew at Kakashi who was lifting the blindfold.
Kakashi's thoughts... There's no way out, Sharingan!
Kakashi somehow grabbed Naruto's wrist and prevented the wind disk from touching him. Naruto squeezed his hand.
Naruto... Caseri!
The wind disc hit Kakashi with a wind wave and he flew back 30 meters along with his fishing line. Kakashi somehow came to his senses and saw Naruto, who was lying on the ground trying to reach the bells.
At this time, Sasuke and Sakura.
Sakura... What's going on in there? The explosions are almost nonstop.
Sasuke... I have no idea!
Sakura... Why don't we go see if we need help?
Sasuke... No, sensei ordered us to be here, he's a jonin and can handle himself.
Sakura... That's right!
Kakashi had a lot of chakra and ran it all over his body to cheer himself up. And then walked over to Naruto.
Kakashi... Naruto, that's enough, time's up!
Naruto hit the ground and passed out.
Kakashi's thoughts... Who would have thought that the fox was Naruto. Kyubey, now I see why the mask is a fox. I wonder if Sensei knows. Okay, now's not the time, wait, what's that notebook?
Kakashi pulled a map notebook from Naruto's half mummy and opened it.
Kakashi's thoughts... Wow, he studied hard for that test. He'd set the traps the morning he got here, he must have used clones, hell, something didn't go according to plan and some were left where Sakura and Sasuke were sitting. Good thing they consisted of an explosion of seals. It turns out those attacks in the beginning were just tricks to make me tired and finish the test early, as well as further underestimate him. He lured me here on purpose, but why? Okay, we'll deal with that later. I'm going to have to buy a new vest, as well as all my clothes, although he's been through a lot. Mma, I don't think it's over. Wait, the plan says to eat a big meal, so you didn't follow my orders Naruto. All right, we'll tie you to the stump as planned.
Kakashi laid on Naruto's back and continued to reason along the way.
Kakashi's thoughts... Damn, my eye is still sizzling, where did he get those checkers? Kill the vendor even though he thought I would use Sharingan, clever, very clever!
Kakashi came to the rest of the team with Naruto on his back. Everyone looked at them with dumbfounded eyes.
Sakura... Kakashi sensei, what happened to you?
Kakashi's thoughts... Hell, if they find out I got beat up by Naruto, they'll start hating him out of jealousy and there won't be any team.
Kakashi... Naruto went overboard with the traps, did you hear the explosions?
Sakura... Yes.
Kakashi... Here's the result. He got hurt and took me down with him.
Sasuke... What an idiot...
Kakashi tied him to a stump and gave him some smelling salts for Naruto, who started looking around and moving his limbs...
Naruto... What's wrong?
Kakashi signaled for silence and agreement.
Kakashi... You were hurt by your own traps and I had to rescue you, and as you can see I was hurt myself.
Naruto... Duttebayo, what bad luck.
Kakashi... So, Naruto is tied to a stump for a gaffe, you ate this morning, right?
Naruto... You advised me not to eat, and I didn't follow the advice, if there were an order then it would be a different conversation.
Kakashi's thoughts... That's a sly one, all right, let's go all the way.
Kakashi... It doesn't matter, you're tied to a stump and get over it. So, like I said, none of you got bells. But you're not a sender to the academy.
The two rejoiced at this and Sakura almost jumped with happiness.
Sakura... Bingo!
Kakashi... You won't become a ninja at all!
Sasuke's thoughts... What? Did I study hard for my grades just to fail here? No way!
Sasuke tried to attack Kakashi but the latter took the hold.
Kakashi.. Listen to me here, you won't become a ninja just because you don't value teamwork! You all attacked alone and paid the price. As for you, Sasuke, you have all the skills of a genin, no, even a chunin, but you don't fully realize them.
Kakashi let go of Sasuke and continued.
Kakashi... But, I'll give you one last chance!
Sakura... Chance?
Kakashi.. Exactly, you guys eat now, and I'll go and get cleaned up. And then we'll do another test afterward. And most importantly, don't feed Naruto, or you'll all fail.
Kakashi left in a puff of smoke and Sakura and Sasuke opened their bentos but then they heard Naruto's stomach rumbling.
Sasuke's thoughts... Hell, if we don't feed him, he'll just be a liability and we won't be able to pass the test. But if we feed it, it'll still fail if sensei sees it. Well, I was, but I wasn't.
Sasuke held out a stick of rice.
Sakura... Sasuke?
Sasuke... I know what I'm doing, if we don't feed him, he can't pass the test and we all fail.
Sakura... Got it.
Sakura held out her rice stick as well, but then thunder erupted and a frantic Kakashi appeared.
Kakashi... Oh, you! I told you not to feed him! Why did you do that?
Sakura and Sasuke began to startle and back away.
Sakura.. We're a team, we have to help each other.
Kakashi... Well, if that's the case, you're in! You are now officially genii and team number seven!
There was no end to the joy, but.
Naruto... That was your test?
Kakashi... Oh, yeah!
Naruto... That's a lousy test!
Everyone was surprised by that statement.
Kakashi... Explain yourself!
Naruto began to boil.
Naruto... These two fed just to pass the test! But why did they stand pillar to post when we fought in that clearing? Explosions could be heard almost throughout Konoha! You told them to wait here, so why didn't they disobey that order and come in our direction? In case someone attacked us. At least they could have sent help, but no, they're sitting here waiting for us!
Sakura.. What?
Sasuke... Idiot, what are you talking about?
Naruto looked at the brunet and pink-haired woman with angry eyes.
Naruto... Shut up, both of you! You two, all you had to do was take this test. But you don't care about your teammate. If a hail of kunai rained down on you, you would rather cover yourself with my body than fight them off. You're worse than scum who don't appreciate their fellow man. That's it, I don't intend to be a part of this team anymore.
Naruto resolved the rope with a kunai and then that same kunai stuck into the stump, took off his blindfold and hung onto that kunai.
Naruto... I'm going back to the academy!
Naruto walked away leaving a dumbfounded team.
Sakura... Sensei, why don't you stop him?
Sasuke... I'll get him.
Kakashi... Stand down! Get out of here! We'll gather here tomorrow!
Genin looked at sensei with surprised eyes.
Kakashi... I said out!
The two ran away at once, but Kakashi walked over to the stump and picked up the bandage.
Kakashi... That's why you lured me there! He's right, this team would really go down. Even if Naruto is in it. Uh, I need to talk to sensei.
Half an hour later, he walked into the office and even forgot to change his clothes.
Minato's thoughts... Well, Naruto seems to have overdone it.
Minato... Kakashi? What's the matter?
Kakashi placed Naruto's hitai on the table and Minato recognized it immediately.
Minato... You kicked Naruto out?
Kakashi... No, he left on his own!
Minato... Okay, tell me everything from start to finish.
Kakashi began a story in the course of which Minato often held his breath.
Minato... Here's how... Naruto is right, they don't appreciate comrades.
Kakashi... Minato sensei, can you answer one question?
Minato... Hmm?
Kakashi... Naruto, your son?
Minato... What makes you say that?
Kakashi... Sensei, I've known you since childhood, and I've memorized all your communication habits and facial expressions by heart. Naruto is your exact copy in appearance and habits, but the word dattebayo, I think got it from Kushina san. Yes, and he has wind as his main element like you and water like Kushina San!
Minato sighed with hopelessness put the barter from the wire and looked at Kakashi with serious eyes.
Minato... You're right, he's my son!
Kakashi... But why isn't he aware of it, as well as the whole village?
Minato... It was the biggest mistake of my life, a mistake that lasted a whole 11 years.
Kakashi... Sensei you...
Minato began to boil.
Minato... Yes Kakashi, I'm the worst father in the world. I sealed Kyubey in my son and left him to his fate. You don't think I'm sorry? Yeah I'm kicking myself for it every moment, I'd give a lot to turn back time and beat my past self hard to bring myself back to my senses. But you can't change that anymore. Naruto grew up, and grew up too early to understand many things. He hid from everyone fearing that he might be killed just so others could find out what he could accomplish. He had to play dumb so no one would notice. I ruined his life, you can blame me, you can hate me and think I'm scum, I deserve it. But please, I beg you, don't tell Naruto he's my son! It could ruin his already fragile life!
Minato almost started to start blowing tears and blushing.
Kakashi's thoughts... Sensei, how could you! He's right though, you can't change the past.
Kakashi... All right!
Minato... Thank you!
Kakashi... Sensei, how about a sedative?
Minato... That wouldn't be a bad thing.
Kakashi poured water into a glass and gave Sensei the pills. When Minato calmed down.
Kakashi... You're right, Naruto can't find out!
Minato... Does he really look that much like me?
Kakashi... It's like I'm looking at your shadow clone, only he's smaller and his hair is shorter.
Minato... Maybe I should really dye my hair...
Kakashi... No need, we'll stick to the statistics Naruto said.
Minato... About how seven people can be like you?
Kakashi... Yes!
Minato... What are you going to do next with the team?
Kakashi... I'll try to get Naruto back, and I'll talk to everyone tomorrow. Naruto's really good at getting to the bottom of things.
Minato... He got that from Kushina!
Kakashi.. I hope the other two will heed Naruto's words.
Minato... I hope so too, Fugaku asked to put Sasuke, specifically with Naruto.
Kakashi... Do you have any idea where he might be?
Minato... A lot of places, he makes masterful use of shadow clones.
Kakashi... I noticed that, your son kicked my ass big time, hell, his Caseri's still making me all stormy.
Minato... So that's what he called his technique...
Kakashi... At first he wanted to call her "the punishing disk of infernal mercy from the abyss of the abyss of the abysses"!
Minato... Heehee, sounds like it!
Kakashi... Except no one agreed with it.
Minato... It's a shame...
Kakashi... Sensei, you're as usual.
Minato... Okay, time to get back to business.
Kakashi... You're right, I'll go look for it.
Minato... Good luck!
Kakashi left the residence and started looking for Naruto, and after a few searches, he found Naruto standing on the heroes pedestal in the cemetery. He walked leisurely over to Naruto and stood beside him.
Naruto... Kakashi san!
Kakashi... Hmm?
Naruto... You're the son of the White Fang of Konoha, aren't you?
Kakashi was surprised by this question, since no one had tried to bring up the issue.
Kakashi... Yes!
Naruto... When he failed the mission, you were just as angry at him as everyone else.
Kakashi's thoughts... I wonder where he's going with this, though it's better to tell the truth.
Kakashi... Yes!
Naruto... I hope you understand why he failed the mission and saved his comrades.
Kakashi... Yes.
Naruto... And what did he do it for?
Kakashi... Those who fail the mission are scum, but those who don't value their friends are worse than scum.
Naruto... That's partly true!
Kakashi... What do you mean?
Naruto... Tell me, how many children went off to war after your father died?
Kakashi... A lot!
Naruto... I always wondered what would have happened to the village if Sakumo san hadn't saved his comrades. How many children would have to be sent to war.
Kakashi's thoughts... He's right, hell, he's only turning 12 this year and he already understands a lot... Damn, what an idiot I was when I was his age.
Kakashi... That would be terrible...
Naruto... Have you ever been accused of being the son of someone who dishonored himself?
Kakashi... No!
Naruto... You know they hate me in the village.
Kakashi... Yes!
Naruto... It's kind of a good thing I don't have parents or siblings. Otherwise, I'd kill myself so my family wouldn't hate me because of Kyubey.
Kakashi went pale at those words.
Kakashi's thoughts... Father, why is it that such things are understood by someone who has never seen you. And I'm your own son, I didn't even try to understand!
Naruto... To me, White Fang is the greatest hero in the history of Konoha. No one, not even the Sanin, not even the Hokage founders would go to such an act.
Kakashi began to shake finely and become covered in sweat.
Naruto... I don't like those people who evaluate an entire flowerbed just by looking at a rotten flower. I hope you know what I mean!
Kakashi... Dda!
Naruto... You underestimated me today, and you paid for it. You only saw what I wanted to show you. I'm a long way from you in battle experience, but it was your experience that failed you today. This test wasn't just for us, it was for you.
Kakashi's thoughts... He's right, why did I ever think the Genii might not be dangerous.
Naruto... I hope we can work together Kakashi Sensei!
Kakashi... А?
Naruto... Exactly, now give me back my blindfold!
Kakashi held out the bandage and Naruto took it and put it on his head and then showed his thumb with a beaming smile.
Naruto... Kakashi sensei, I've seen you here often when I come to visit people I care about. Sometimes you come here every day, and you stand here for hours on end. I beg you, let go of the past or there is a risk it will catch up with you and you are unlikely to relive something that happened to you long ago. Don't think of the dead, but think of those you can protect. Get rid of the cockroaches in your head.
Kakashi's thoughts... How does he know all this? But he's right about something, my friends and family have been dead for a long time and I still haven't gotten over it.
Kakashi... That's right, we need to move forward!
Naruto held out his fist and Kakashi responded with his own.
Naruto... Let's go eat ramen!
Kakashi... Uh-huh!
Kakashi and Naruto started eating ramen. For Kakashi, this conversation was the most difficult, but still he was able to let go of his past.
Naruto... Kakashi sensei, you're not mad about losing, are you?
Kakashi... No, you've honestly beaten the odds, I'm curious about this. How you've managed to frame it in such a way as to win everyone over.
Naruto... Very simple... You all underestimated me. People like that are easy to breed. Well, your greed is also at play!
Kakashi... А?
Naruto... Well, you could have negotiated with your friends to defeat me, but no, you were afraid to share with them.
Kakashi... That's right!
Naruto... Come on, I made that up anyway in case you started accusing me.
Kakashi... Save that excuse for Guy, he might recognize you, though I doubt he'll remember the incident.
But it wasn't to be, it was Guy and Lee himself who walked into the noodle shop.
Guy... Yo, Kakashi, heard you got yourself some students? I hope they passed your test?
Kakashi... Yes! This is one of my students, Uzumaki Naruto.
Guy... That's very good! Finally we can have a competition between our students.
Kakashi's thoughts... What the hell for?
Naruto's thoughts... Shit, I've got to think of an excuse. Think of an excuse!
Kakashi... Uh, Gaius, my students have just graduated from the academy and yours have been walking around for a year.
Lee... Kakashi sensei, but that boy in the fox mask was also the same age as your team.
Guy... Speaking of that fox, did you find him?
Kakashi... Uh, in the process, what do you need it for?
Guy... As why, the mighty power of youth blazes in him. And my whole team wants to fight him.
Naruto's thoughts... For what?
Kakashi... Uh, well, I'll tell you when I find him, but in the meantime, we'd like to eat.
Guy... We'll wait for you!
Naruto... Us? Why?
Guy... What for? Competition.
Naruto... But I, uh.
Lee... Don't be afraid Naruto-kun, I'll fight with just one hand!
Naruto... Uh, what's your name?
Lee... Oh, I am the green beast of Konoha Rock Lee!
Naruto... Em Lee. You see, Kakashi Sensei knocked out all my bones in a test today, and my doctor told me not to exert myself until those cracks heal again.
Lee... Ooh, yeah sure Naruto kun, another day then!
Kakashi's thoughts. That little asshole got away with it, and what about me?
Guy... Then you're Kakashi!
Kakashi... Uh, Guy, anyway.
Naruto... Kakashi sensei has a worse problem than me!
Guy... What is it?
Naruto... I was at the test today, accidentally hit Sensei in the balls, which is actually why he beat me and actually why we passed. You're a man, you must understand him.
Guy... Oh Kakashi, I'm sorry, I really didn't know.
Kakashi.. Nothing...
Guy... Lee, let's go for a two-handed walk around Konoza.
Lee... Yes, Gaius sensei.
When they left, Kakashi sat all red.
Kakashi... On the balls, huh?
Naruto... Be thankful I didn't tell you what really happened.
Kakashi... No, it's just funny.
Naruto... Heehee.
Sasuke was sitting in the room at this time, mulling over Naruto's statement.
Sasuke... Shh, what happened to that dobe? He hadn't really thrown words around like that before. If he leaves, he'll be out of the way. But what exactly happened there? Even though Naruto is an idiot, but they couldn't be trapped there for a whole half less a jonin...
At that moment, Itachi walked in on him.
Itachi... Sasuke, hi!
Sasuke... Big brother!
Itachi... I heard you guys were supposed to have a test with Kakashi Sempai today?
Sasuke... Yes.
Itachi... How'd it go?
Sasuke... We did, but that asshole Naruto ruined it.
Itachi... Hmm, can you tell me why?
Sasuke gave details Itachi knew everything about Naruto and could be sure that Naruto wouldn't just take Kakashi that far.
Sasuke... And so when we were told we passed, the asshole said we were scum who abandoned our friends. But we're in Konoz, who could attack us?
Itachi had had enough of his little brother's whining and decided to dump everything he had accumulated on him.
Itachi.. Sasuke, he's right, you really are scum!
Sasuke... What?
Itachi.. Our village is attacked almost every month and the place where Kakashi and Naruto were is the outskirts of Konoha. Kakashi comes up with an excuse about the trap, since it could be classified information. If you'd called for help, they wouldn't have gotten hurt like this. I have tried for so many years to knock you into the voice of reason so you can see the whole picture and not base your egotism and arrogance on your perception your selfishness and arrogance is getting in the way. I'm disappointed in you!
That last sentence was like boiling water on Sasuke's cold back.
Itachi left so that Sasuke could consider his actions.
Itachi's thoughts... I'm sure Naruto, you can do what I couldn't.
Sasuke's thoughts... My brother's right, I need to fix this before it's too late, hell I'm really selfish. I need to talk to Naruto.
Sasuke ran to the hokage, as he knew more than anyone else where every resident of Konoha lived. In the hallway, he met up with Sakura.
Sakura... Sasuke-kun?
Sasuke.. You're going to the Hokage too?
Sakura... Yes!
Sasuke... You want Naruto back, too?
Sakura... Uh, yeah, they won't put us on the team without him.
Sasuke... All right, let's go in.
Sasuke leisurely knocked on the door until allowed to enter.
Minato... Oh, Sasuke-kun, Sakura-chan, is this an emergency?
Sasuke... Yeah. Uh, do you know where Naruto lives?
Minato... I know, but why do you need it?
Sakura... We wanted to, uh, apologize to him!
Minato. Apologize?
Sasuke.. Yes!
Minato. What for, if it's no secret?
Sakura... Anyway, it's our fault today.
Sasuke... Hokage herself, I was told by Itachi that there was an outskirt at range number seven nearby and that's where Naruto and sensei Kakashi were. My brother assumed it was an attack, not just explosions. And Kakashi sensei told us it was Naruto's traps, since the attack could have been classified information. And Sakura and I really stood still and didn't even call for help. If we'd helped them, they wouldn't have suffered so much. Naruto's right, we screwed up big time!
Minato's thoughts... Hmm, Naruto, your plan is working.
Minato. I'm glad you realized that, I'll text you the address.
Sakura... Thank you Hokage herself.
When Sakura and Sasuke left, Minato was left with a blissful smile.
Minato's thoughts... I knew you could bring this team together!
Sasuke and Sakura arrived at the address and were surprised that he lived in such an asshole place. As soon as there was a knock on the door, they were opened by the owner of the house himself.
Naruto... Sasuke, Sakura, what are you doing here?
Sakura... Well, uh, we're here to talk.
Nauto... Come on in, don't just stand there. Just take your shoes off, I just mopped the floor.
The guys were surprised by this statement, because in their opinion Naruto is a jerk and hardly keeps an eye not only on himself but also on his house.
Sasuke... You live here alone?
Naruto... Yes!
Sakura... Where are your parents?
Naruto... They're gone.
Only now did they find out that Naruto was an orphan.
Naruto... Sit at the table, I'll pour you some tea, will you eat?
Sakura... Uh, no, I'm not hungry!
Sasuke... I ate at home.
Naruto... Well, suit yourself.
Naruto began to grill himself a beef steak and then put it on his plate where the rice was already. Naruto put a napkin on his collar. Sasuke and Sakura almost drooled at the sight of such a meal.
Sakura... I thought you only ate ramen.
Naruto put down the instruments and looked at Sauru and Sasuke with serious eyes.
Naruto... I told that to Kakashi sensei and I'll tell you. I don't like those people who judge a flowerbed by one rotten flower!
Sasuke's thoughts... Damn, is that really Naruto? I hadn't observed such neatness in him before.
Sakura... Wow, Naruto can be so cool sometimes.
Naruto... Anyway, why are you here?
Sasuke... Naruto, we wanted to apologize to you for today. You're right, we really are worse than scum. If we'd called for help, you wouldn't have gotten hurt so badly.
Sakura... Yeah, Sasuke kun is right, we shouldn't have left you.
Naruto... Great, you finally get it. Anything else?
Sakura... Well, uh, that, uh, maybe you'll come back to the team.
Naruto... I never left!
Sasuke... What? But why?
Naruto... So you can realize your mistakes.
Sakura... It's your own fault, if you were acting normal, we wouldn't be looking at you like you're an idiot.
Naruto looked up again with a serious look.
Naruto... Remember one thing, I don't mess with people who look down on people. You only know about me based on your perceptions. But I suggest you dig me, there's a lot you might not like!
Sasuke's thoughts. What does he mean by that? Wait, everybody hates him for a reason.
Sakura... What are you talking about?
Naruto... There are many secrets that should be left undiscovered. Let's make a deal, I don't pry into your secrets and you don't pry into mine!
Sakura... We're a team, we're not supposed to have secrets.
Naruto... I don't trust you, and neither do you trust me!
Sasuke... But?
Naruto... That's enough! I don't want to talk about it. If you want us to be a team, we also have to respect each other's secrets and stay out of each other's way. If you don't accept this, you may not come to range number seven tomorrow.
Sasuke... Okay, I need to think about it!
Sakura... I need one too...
Naruto... I'll be expecting you at eight!
Sasuke and Sakura walked out of the house and went each in their own direction.
Sasuke's thoughts... Had Naruto been playing dumb all this time? His clean house, his food preferences, his manners. Did he have to pretend to be something he's not? Naruto, who the hell are you?
Sakura's thoughts... Yeah, that was something, this Naruto and the one at the academy were fundamentally different. I was stupid, I kept looking right through him. I wonder if he'll continue to pretend he's an ignoramus.
This day was a most unusual day for the number 7 team.