Hokage's Office – Late Night
The doors to the Hokage's office burst open as Naruto Uzumaki strides in, Scroll of Seals slung over his shoulder. His clothes are torn from his fight with Mizuki, but his eyes burn with determination. He marches straight to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, who stands behind his desk with a warm, grandfatherly expression. Two ANBU guards stand silently by the door, but Naruto doesn't care about them—his mind is set on finding answers.
Naruto tossed the scroll onto the desk. "Here. I stopped Mizuki."
Naruto was Aware of the Hokage's anbu presence in his fight with Mizuki. The old man was aware of what transpired in the forest; how did that happen? He did not know.
The purple-haired Anbu intercepted him mid-way to the Village telling him of the Hokage's Summons.
Hiruzen leans forward, looking both relieved and curious. "You've done well, Naruto. But… I hear Mizuki told you something unsettling."
Naruto's fists clench. He stares at the old man, emotions swirling inside him—anger, confusion, betrayal. Mizuki's words still echo in his mind: You're the Nine-Tailed Fox. A monster.
Naruto's voice shakes slightly, but there's strength in it. "Is it true? Am I really… the Kyuubi?"
Hiruzen's kind smile falters for a brief moment. He sighs heavily as if the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. "You're not the Nine-Tails, Naruto. But the beast is sealed inside you."
Naruto's heart pounds. Even though Shisui's teachings have given him the strength to keep moving forward, hearing the truth directly from the Hokage makes it real.
"Why didn't you tell me? Why did you let everyone hate me—let me grow up thinking I was just… worthless?" Naruto asked, Whilst trying not to get angry.
Hiruzen's gaze softens with guilt. "I thought it was best to protect you from that burden until you were ready. You were so young, Naruto. I believed… that if I gave you a chance to live as a normal child, things might be different."
Naruto laughs bitterly, his hands trembling at his sides. "A normal child, huh? Yeah, that worked out."
Hiruzen remains silent, his expression pained, knowing there's little he can say to undo the harm.
Naruto looks down, gathering his thoughts, before asking the question that's been clawing at the back of his mind.
"And what about my parents? Did they… Did they hate me too? Is that why they abandoned me?" Naruto enquired.
Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly—he didn't expect Naruto to ask this question so soon. With a heavy sigh, the old man decides it's time to give the boy the truth he's deserved all along.
"No, Naruto. They didn't abandon you. Your parents were two of the greatest shinobi this village has ever known… They sacrificed their lives to protect you—and the entire village."
Naruto's heart skips a beat. He takes a step forward, his voice barely a whisper. "Who… Who were they?"
Hiruzen gives him a sad smile. "Your father was Namikaze Minato… the Fourth Hokage. And your mother was Uzumaki Kushina, one of the last members of the Uzumaki clan."
Naruto's breath catches in his throat. "The… Fourth Hokage… was my dad?" His mind reels from the revelation. All his life, he'd been treated like a pariah—while his father was the village hero.
Naruto's voice cracked as he asked. "Then… why? Why didn't anyone tell me?"
Hiruzen's expression is filled with regret. "It was to protect you, Naruto. If the wrong people found out about your connection to the Fourth Hokage, you would have become a target. I thought… I was doing what was best for you."
Naruto's fists clench, anger and sadness warring inside him. But at the same time, there's a flicker of pride. He's not just some random orphan. He's the son of the Fourth Hokage—and the heir to both the Namikaze and Uzumaki legacies.
He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "I'll prove it, then," Naruto whispers, more to himself than anyone else. "I'll prove that I can be just as great as they were."
Hiruzen smiles softly. "I believe you will, Naruto."
--
Naruto strolls through the streets of Konoha, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the village. His clothes are a mess of rips and stains from his recent fight with Mizuki—his jacket barely held together by loose threads, and his pants smeared with dirt and blood. With every step, he feels the tatters hanging off his frame, a constant reminder of how he's outgrown his old life—in more ways than one.
He tugs at the torn sleeve of his jacket, muttering to himself. "Can't show up to the exams looking like a total wreck..."
The thought makes him smirk—half of his classmates probably expect him to fail anyway. But this time, he'll prove them wrong. And if he's going to surprise everyone in the graduation exam, he might as well do it in style.
Naruto approaches a small tailor shop tucked between larger buildings. It's quiet, with the scent of freshly woven fabric drifting from the open door.
The bell above the door jingles softly as Naruto steps inside, his eyes scanning the rows of folded clothes and fabric rolls. An older woman with a kind smile stands behind the counter.
"Hello, dear. Need some new clothes, I see?" The Tailor asked not showing any hostility towards the boy.
Naruto grinned as he could not sense any hostile emotions from the woman
"Yeah, something cool—and tough My old jacket didn't make it through my last training session."
The woman chuckles warmly. "Well, let's see what we can find for you."
Naruto wanders through the racks, running his hands over different fabrics. Most of the outfits are too plain for his taste—he wants something that reflects the kind of shinobi he's becoming. Something bold, fast, and light, just like the wind techniques Shisui taught him.
After a few moments, the old tailor pulls out an outfit that catches his eye. "What about this?" she asks.
The set she holds up feels just right—practical and lightweight but with a sharp, confident style.
A fitted black undershirt, sleeveless, giving him freedom of movement for taijutsu.
A dark blue short-sleeved jacket, trimmed with white along the edges and a high collar—something that resembles both Shisui's style and the shinobi uniforms Naruto has admired.
Black shinobi pants with bandages wrapped just below the knees, perfect for stealth and flexibility.
Fingerless gloves, reinforced with thin metal plates to add extra force to his punches.
A dark belt pouch slung over the hip for storing kunai and shuriken, giving him easy access mid-fight.
Naruto tries it on and examines himself in the mirror. For the first time in a long while, he feels... like himself.
The jacket fits perfectly—not too loose, not too tight. The high collar gives him a cool edge, and the whole outfit feels fast, efficient, like it was made for someone who moves like the wind.
He adjusts the gloves on his hands, clenching his fists to feel the fit. "Yeah... This'll do."
Naruto steps out from the dressing room, a bright grin spreading across his face. "This is it! How much do I owe you?"
The old woman smiles warmly. "For you, dear? Half price." The old woman surprised the blond boy for the second running.
Naruto scratches the back of his head, sheepishly grinning. "Heh, thanks, lady! "
After paying, Naruto slings his pouch over his shoulder and steps back into the street, feeling lighter, faster, and more confident than before. The wind picks up slightly, ruffling the edges of his new jacket.
He can already hear his classmates' surprised reactions in his head. Sasuke's smug face. Sakura's annoyed groan. And Iruka-sensei's expression when he realizes Naruto's not the same goofball they've always underestimated.
Naruto grins to himself, adjusting the high collar of his jacket as he walks toward the academy.
"New look. New me. Let's see what the future has in store." Naruto muttered.
With a flicker of wind at his heels, Naruto disappears in a blur—a confident shinobi ready for whatever comes next.
Naruto grins to himself, adjusting the high collar of his jacket as he walks toward the academy.
"New look. New me. Let's see what the future has in store."
--
The air outside the academy is buzzing with excitement and nerves as students gather for their graduation exams. Everyone stands in small groups, chatting or fidgeting as they wait for the doors to open. Familiar faces fill the courtyard—Sasuke, Sakura, Shikamaru, Ino, Kiba, Hinata, and the others, all preparing for the big day.
Most of them are talking about the same thing: Who will pass? And, more importantly, who won't?
Kiba leans against the wall, arms crossed, a smug grin on his face. "Heh. Think Naruto's even going to show up? The guy barely comes to class."
Ino brushes her hair back with a sly smirk. "If he does, he'll probably fail anyway."
Shikamaru yawns, uninterested. "Tch. Too troublesome to care…"
Just as the conversation starts to shift to other topics, the crowd parts slightly, and Naruto Uzumaki walks through the academy gates. His new outfit catches everyone's attention immediately—the sleek black undershirt, the short-sleeved dark blue jacket with a high collar, black pants, and the fingerless gloves with metal reinforcements. The whole set gives off a vibe of confidence and power, a far cry from the clumsy kid they were used to seeing.
Naruto's expression is calm, with just a hint of a grin, as if he knows exactly what kind of impression he's making. He strides through the crowd without a care, his new belt pouch swaying at his side, his steps light and confident like the wind.
For a moment, the entire courtyard falls silent.
Kiba stares in disbelief, his mouth hanging open. "What the—? That's… Naruto?"
Ino crosses her arms, blinking in surprise. "Since when does he look cool?"
Shikamaru squints, raising a lazy eyebrow. "Huh. That's… unexpected."
Hinata, standing nearby, blushes deeply, her heart fluttering. She fidgets with her hands, unable to stop sneaking glances at Naruto. "N-Naruto-kun… looks… amazing…"
Even Sakura, who had always written Naruto off as an annoying goofball, finds herself caught off guard. She looks at his calm, confident demeanour and feels a flicker of confusion. When did he start looking like this?
And, of course, Sasuke watches quietly from the side, his eyes narrowing slightly. He's not used to Naruto carrying himself this way—with real confidence, like someone who belongs.
'What's with him?' Sasuke internally thinks.
--
A few Minutes Later the Graduation exams take place. Naruto, now armed with new resolve. Iruka Umino, their teacher, can't help but raise an eyebrow at Naruto's sudden appearance.
"I wasn't even sure he'd show up…" Iruka muttered as he appraised the blond-whiskered boy. New clothes and a determined and confident look befitting a Shinobi.
In the classroom, Sasuke Uchiha sits with his arms crossed, watching Naruto with his usual aloof expression. Sakura Haruno leans over and whispers to herself. "How's he supposed to pass? He barely even came to class…"
Naruto walks to his seat, ignoring the murmurs and whispers from his classmates. He knows what they think of him—they've always underestimated him. But this time, he's ready to prove them wrong.
The exam tests both basic shinobi knowledge and practical skills. Most of the students perform well enough—Sasuke easily aces his tests, as expected—but Naruto's turn is the most anticipated.
Iruka calls him forward for the practical portion of the exam, and Naruto steps into the testing area, calm and collected.
Iruka crossed his arms
"Alright, Naruto. Let's see you perform the Transformation Jutsu."
Naruto grins and forms a series of hand seals, transforming in a burst of smoke. When the smoke clears, a perfect replica of the Hokage stands where Naruto was.
Iruka's eyes widen in shock. "He nailed it…"
The next test is Substitution Jutsu—Naruto executes it flawlessly, swapping places with a log in the blink of an eye. His movements are precise and quick, thanks to years of Shisui's training.
Finally, it's time for the last portion of the exam—the Clone Jutsu. The class watches with bated breath, expecting Naruto to fail miserably. After all, Naruto has struggled with basic clone techniques in the past.
But Naruto has other plans.
Instead of performing the traditional Clone Jutsu, Naruto forms hand seals and uses Wind Release: Gale Clone—a variation of a clone infused with wind chakra.
Two identical copies of Naruto appear beside him, their forms shimmering slightly with chakra. The class gasps, even Sasuke's eyes narrow in surprise.
Iruka completely stunned asked rhetorically. "He… passed…?"
Naruto stands there, arms crossed, a triumphant grin on his face. "Told you I'd pass, sensei."
Iruka blinks, then slowly breaks into a smile. "You sure did, Naruto. Congratulations."
--
The next day, the new genin teams are announced. Naruto sits in the classroom, feeling both excitement and nervousness as Iruka begins calling out names.
"Team 7… Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno." Iruka announced.
Sakura groans audibly. "Why do I have to be on a team with Naruto?"
Sasuke gives Naruto a sideways glance, but says nothing—though it's clear the Uchiha is intrigued by Naruto's sudden improvement.
"Your team leader will be… Kakashi Hatake." Iruka added with a smile.
Naruto leans back in his chair, grinning ear to ear. This is it—the start of his journey. He has a team now. A purpose. And even though the road ahead will be tough, he's ready for it.
The sunlight filters lazily through the classroom windows as the three newly minted genin—Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno—sit awkwardly at their desks. After the excitement of the graduation ceremony, they were told to wait for their new sensei, Kakashi Hatake. But they've been waiting for quite a while now, and there's no sign of their teacher.
Naruto leans back in his chair, arms crossed behind his head, tapping his foot impatiently against the desk leg. "Seriously, where is this guy?" He asked slightly annoyed.
Sakura sighs, her hands folded on the desk in front of her. "It's only been a little while, Naruto. Be patient."
Naruto rolls his eyes dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. But still, if we're gonna be a team, we should at least get to meet the guy, right?"
There's a brief pause in the conversation. Sakura's gaze drifts toward Naruto, her brow furrowing slightly as if something has been bothering her. Over the last few months, Naruto's sudden improvement had caught not only Sasuke's attention, but hers too—though she hasn't had the chance to ask about it until now.
Sakura's Curiosity Gets the Better of Her as she asked the blond boy "Hey, Naruto… I've been meaning to ask. What's with the new look? And how did you get so much better all of a sudden? It's like you're a completely different person from a few months ago."
Naruto glances at her out of the corner of his eye, a mischievous grin slowly spreading across his face. "Heh. Noticed, huh?"
Sasuke, who had been sitting quietly with his arms crossed, opens one eye and listens carefully.
Sakura leans forward slightly, eager for an answer. "I mean, you barely showed up to class, and yet you passed the exams without even breaking a sweat. How did you pull that off?"
Naruto stretches his arms lazily, clearly enjoying the attention. "Let's just say I've trained with someone special. And I've picked up a few things along the way."
Sasuke narrows his eyes slightly but says nothing, his mind running through the possibilities. Who could have been training Naruto in secret? The blond idiot had always been leagues behind him—so how did he catch up so fast? Sasuke's curiosity burns, but he keeps it hidden behind a cool expression.
Sakura frowned as she questioned the blond. "That's it? That's all you're gonna say?"
"Yup! A ninja never reveals all their secrets, Sakura." Naruto said, vaguely much to the annoyance of his teammates.
Sakura rolls her eyes in frustration, but Sasuke continues to listen carefully. There's more to Naruto's sudden growth than the boy is letting on, and Sasuke is determined to figure it out.
Just as Sakura opens her mouth to ask another question, Naruto suddenly stops moving. His playful expression disappears, replaced by a sharp look as if he's noticed something the others haven't.
Naruto tilts his head slightly toward the door, his grin returning. "You know, Kakashi-sensei... If you're just gonna stand there eavesdropping, you might as well come in."
Both Sasuke and Sakura snap their heads toward the door, eyes wide in surprise. "Wait—what?"
A moment later, the classroom door slides open slowly, revealing Hatake Kakashi, who leans casually against the doorframe with an amused expression beneath his mask. His single visible eye crinkles slightly, hinting at a smile.
"Well, well. Looks like someone here has sharp senses." Kakashi calmly stated.
"How did you know he was there, Naruto?!" Sakura asked The disbelief evident in her voice.
Naruto shrugs, his grin widening. "Just a feeling."
Sasuke, meanwhile, narrows his eyes at Naruto again, realizing that the blond's growth runs deeper than he initially thought. When did he become this sharp? Sasuke wonders.
Kakashi steps into the room, hands stuffed into his pockets, still radiating his usual laid-back energy. "Sorry I'm late. I got lost on the road of life."
Naruto snorts, clearly unimpressed. "Sure you did."
Sakura looks mortified. "This is our sensei?"
Kakashi ignores the comments, glancing at each of his students briefly as if sizing them up. "Hmm. You three look... interesting. I guess this might be fun after all."
He claps his hands together with exaggerated cheer. "Alright, meet me on the roof in five minutes. We'll get introductions out of the way there."
Before anyone can respond, Kakashi vanishes with a puff of smoke, leaving the three genin behind.
Sakura sighs. "What kind of teacher shows up late and then disappears again?"
Naruto chuckles, adjusting his jacket. "He's kinda weird, but I think I like him already."
Sasuke stands, giving Naruto a sideways glance. First, Naruto senses Kakashi before anyone else. Now he's acting like this whole thing is just a game. Sasuke clenches his fists slightly. 'How far did this idiot improve?'
Their Introductory scene plays out as Kakashi-sensei tells them of another Test they have to take tomorrow morning that determine if they become Genins of Konohagakure.
--
It's early morning, and the sun peeks over the horizon as Team 7 gathers on the field. Kakashi Hatake, their new leader, stands lazily before them, two silver bells dangling from his hand.
"Your task is simple: get these bells from me before noon. But remember—only two of you can get a bell." Kakashi informed the Genins.
He lets the implication hang in the air. "One of you will fail and go back to the academy."
Naruto adjusts his headband, his gaze sharp and focused. This wasn't the loud, brash Naruto his teammates were used to seeing. This Naruto radiated calm, precise energy, and his determination was evident in the way he carried himself.
Sasuke glances sideways at Naruto, raising an eyebrow. Something feels... off about him. He's acting different. Focused.
Sakura shifts uneasily, knowing the fight ahead will test them in ways they aren't prepared for. Her hands twitch at her side—she can feel the chakra beneath her fingertips, but she's still struggling to unlock her Earth Release.
Kakashi's calm voice cuts through the silence. "Come at me whenever you're ready."
--
Without any warning, Naruto moves first. In a blur of speed, he uses Body Flicker to close the distance between him and Kakashi almost instantly.
Kakashi's visible eye widens slightly. "Fast."
Naruto doesn't waste a single movement—his strikes are sharp and deliberate, each punch and kick carrying the subtle force of Wind style. Every blow is precise, aimed at key points in Kakashi's defence. Kakashi blocks and parries the attacks with ease, but Naruto's concentrated movements leave no gaps.
Just pure taijutsu and Wind Style. He's reading me carefully. He's not rushing or overextending...' Kakashi Surmised in his mind.
With each strike, small bursts of wind cut through the air. Even when Kakashi dodges, the gusts force him to adjust his footing. Naruto's presence feels overwhelming—calm, fast, and unrelenting.
Kakashi twists away, narrowly avoiding a spinning kick reinforced with Wind Chakra. The moment he steps back—Naruto vanishes again with Body Flicker, appearing on Kakashi's left side, his hand darting toward the bells.
Kakashi spins to intercept, catching Naruto's wrist just before his fingers can touch the string.
Kakashi smiled as he said to Naruto. "You're good. Almost."
Naruto gives nothing away—no frustration, no irritation. Just pure focus.
Sasuke rushes in, taking advantage of Naruto's attack. With his Sharingan spinning, he tracks Kakashi's movements and launches a series of precise punches and kicks. Kakashi twists smoothly between them, blocking Naruto's wind-enhanced strikes with one arm while fending off Sasuke's attacks with the other.
Sasuke growls under his breath. "Tch... He's still faster."
Kakashi smirks beneath his mask. "Close, but not quite there yet."
Naruto doesn't respond with words. Instead, he slides back a few paces, creating just enough distance to make his next move. His eyes remain locked on Kakashi, his mind racing.
'We're not getting anywhere like this. He's reading us too easily...' Naruto Internally mused
Meanwhile, Sakura stands at the edge of the fight, frustration building in her chest. She can't even Help her teammates. She's definitely the one going back to the academy at this rate.
"Come on... I just need to raise one wall! Just one!" She Encourage herself but knew deep down that her Academy skillset is doing nothing to their Sensei.
Without a word, Naruto forms a Wind Clone—a shimmering, semi-transparent copy of himself, its body swirling faintly with wind chakra. Unlike normal Shadow Clones, the Wind Clone is faster and more efficient, able to move independently and disrupt Kakashi's rhythm.
The clone dashes toward Kakashi with incredible speed, forcing him to split his attention.
Kakashi blocks a blow from the clone, only for the real Naruto to appear right behind it. His hand darts toward the bells—closer this time. Kakashi barely manages to twist away, but the clone redirects the wind with a sudden gust, making Kakashi stumble slightly.
For a split second, Naruto's fingers brush the bells.
Kakashi reacts instantly, flipping backward and landing a few paces away, the bells still jingling softly on his belt. Naruto exhales slowly, keeping his breathing steady despite the near miss. He almost had them—almost.
'That was too close. If I hadn't caught that wind adjustment in time...' Kakashi thought
He shifts his stance, feeling the pressure from Naruto's relentless concentration. "You've come a long way, Naruto. But you'll need more than speed and precision to beat me."
Naruto glances toward Sasuke, who's scowling in frustration. "We need to coordinate. He's too fast for either of us alone."
Sasuke clicks his tongue but nods. "Fine. But don't slow me down."
Naruto gives a faint grin. "Same to you, genius."
The two exchange a silent agreement—no rivalry this time. They both know Kakashi won't go down easily, but together, they have a chance.
Naruto closes his eyes for a brief moment, activating the Mind's Eye of Kagura. A sense of calm washes over him as his chakra spreads outward, mapping the entire battlefield in an instant.
"I've got him... He's moving just to the right—hiding his chakra. We'll corner him." Naruto softly Said
Sasuke nods, Sharingan spinning as he anticipates Kakashi's next move. "Let's go."
Naruto and Sasuke move in sync, attacking from different angles. Naruto's Wind Clone strikes from the front, while the real Naruto flickers to Kakashi's side, his movements smooth and precise.
At the same time, Sasuke darts in from the opposite side, his Sharingan reading Kakashi's movements to the smallest detail.
Kakashi blocks the Wind Clone's strike, but the gust of wind pushes him off-balance just as Naruto and Sasuke close in from either side.
Kakashi twists at the last second, narrowly avoiding both attacks. He grabs Naruto's wrist mid-strike, but Sasuke follows up with a lightning-fast kick, forcing Kakashi to release him.
For the briefest moment, it feels like Team seven has Kakashi cornered.
But Kakashi flips backwards, landing out of reach with a soft laugh. "Not bad. You're starting to understand what teamwork means."
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura regroup, panting but determined.
"Still... no bells for you. Not yet." Kakashi cheerfully teased
The bells jingle softly on Kakashi's belt as he watches the three genin approach him in sync. "Let's see what you've got this time," he murmurs, amused but curious to see if their teamwork will finally pay off.
Naruto flickers toward Kakashi in a blur of speed, every movement deliberate. The Wind Clone mirrors Naruto, striking from Kakashi's right side, while Sasuke closes in from the opposite direction.
Naruto's Mind's Eye pulses, feeding him updates. "He's moving left—now!" Naruto yells.
Sasuke catches the shift instantly. He shifts his weight and launches into a sweeping kick, forcing Kakashi to jump backward—right into the trap Naruto had prepared.
Naruto flickers again to block Kakashi's retreat path, his movements smooth and precise. The wind from his taijutsu disrupts Kakashi's footing, making it harder to counter.
For the first time, Kakashi's guard is open.
Kakashi's visible eye narrows. "Not bad."
Naruto's hand shoots toward the bells, fingers brushing against the strings—so close that he can feel the cold metal jingling in his hand.
But just as Naruto's fingers tighten around the bells—Kakashi's hands fly through a sequence of hand signs.
"Earth Style: Mud Wall!"
The ground beneath Kakashi rises in an instant, forming a thick barrier of earth between him and Naruto. Naruto's hand slips off the bells as the wall pushes him back.
Kakashi leaps over the mud wall before Sasuke can reach him, his body twisting through the air. "Nice try."
In the same motion, Kakashi weaves more hand signs. "Water Style: Water Bullet!"
A jet of water blasts Naruto and Sasuke, forcing them to leap apart to avoid the attack. Kakashi lands gracefully a few feet away, the bells jingling mockingly at his waist.
Sakura watches from a distance, her hands clenching into fists. She had tried to contribute, But She doubted The academy Technique she knew would not be able to do anything, Naruto and Sasuke are moving in perfect sync, executing complex strategies and attacks while she struggles to keep up.
'What am I even doing here? They don't need me...' Sakura thought to her Herself.
Her heart sinks as she watches Naruto and Sasuke regroup, their frustration clear but their resolve unshaken. They're getting stronger—together—while she feels like dead weight.
Kakashi brushes some dust off his sleeve, his tone light but thoughtful. "You almost had me. If I hadn't used that Mud Wall just in time... well, I'd probably be down one bell."
Naruto frowns but stays quiet, keeping his frustration in check. Sasuke scowls, crossing his arms. Both boys know they were this close—but Kakashi still slipped through their fingers.
Sakura stands off to the side, struggling to keep her emotions in check. The gap between her and her teammates feels enormous.
But before she can sink any deeper into her thoughts, Kakashi's voice cuts through the silence.
"Your Time is over, But... you pass," Kakashi informed them much to their surprise.
Naruto's eyes widen. "Wait, what? But we didn't get the bells!"
Sasuke narrows his eyes, confused but intrigued. "Why are you passing us, then?"
Kakashi's visible eye softens, his tone turning serious. "The point of this test was never about the bells." He jingles the bells lightly in his hand. "It was about seeing if you could work together—as a team."
"Sasuke, you're skilled—but your solo tactics weren't enough. Naruto, your wind-based taijutsu and focus are impressive, but even you couldn't do it alone. And Sakura..." Kakashi calmly Exclaimed
Sakura's heart clenches as Kakashi turns to her. She braces for the worst.
Kakashi: "...You may not have unlocked your Have any Jutsu yet, but you still stayed with your team. You didn't quit. That matters more than you realize."
Sakura blinks, surprised. 'He's not... disappointed in me?'
Kakashi tucks the bells back into his pouch. "You three worked together when it mattered most. That's why you pass. In the real world, the enemy won't care how strong you are individually. But as a team, you have a chance to survive—and even win."
Sakura feels a weight lift off her shoulders. She still has a long way to go, but Kakashi's words plant a seed of hope inside her. She wasn't useless—not really. And if she keeps working with Naruto and Sasuke, she'll catch up eventually.
Kakashi looks over the three genin, satisfied. "We'll work on your weaknesses together. But from now on, you're not three individuals—you're a team. Team 7."
Naruto grins. "We're not done yet, Kakashi-sensei. Next time, we'll take those bells for sure!"
Sasuke gives a small, determined smirk. "Next time, you won't get away."
Sakura, standing between them, smiles faintly. "Next time... we'll win. Together."
Kakashi hides a small smile behind his mask, silently watching their interaction.
--
The next day, the sun is already high in the sky, and Team 7 sits on the wooden bridge by the riverbank, bored out of their minds. Their new teacher, Kakashi Hatake, was supposed to meet them an hour ago, but—just like the rumours said—he's late.
Naruto sits cross-legged on the railing, his new jacket fluttering in the breeze. Sasuke leans against the post on the far end, his arms crossed, eyes closed, completely unbothered by the wait.
Sakura, meanwhile, keeps glancing at Sasuke out of the corner of her eye, pretending she's not watching him. Naruto notices it instantly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Kakashi hides a small smile behind his mask, silently watching their interaction.
Naruto asked casually "Hey, Sakura-chan, you keep looking over there. What's up? Waiting for someone?"
Sakura flustered "What? No! I'm just… making sure we're all ready when Kakashi-sensei shows up!"
Naruto smirks knowingly, kicking his feet back and forth. "Ohhh, sure, sure. I mean, I'd probably look over there too if I had Sasuke's face to stare at all day."
Sakura's cheeks turn a deep shade of pink. "W-what are you talking about, Naruto?!"
Sasuke, who had been perfectly content ignoring both of them, cracks open one eye with an irritated expression. "Tch. Idiot."
Naruto grins even wider, sensing that he's hit a nerve with both of them. This is going to be fun.
Naruto shifts his position so he's lying back lazily, hands behind his head, his voice full of playful mischief.
"You know, Sakura-chan, I can't blame you. Sasuke's cool and all. But, man, the way you look at him—it's like you're ready to ask him to marry you right here."
"Shut up, Naruto! That's not true!" Sakura, embarrassed muttered.
Naruto sits up again, cupping a hand to his ear dramatically. "Oh? So you're saying you don't like Sasuke, huh? Wow, I guess he'll be so heartbroken when he hears that."
Sasuke shoots him a side-eye glare. "You're annoying."
Naruto grinned. "Heh, but I'm not wrong, am I, Sasuke? Sakura-chan's totally into you."
Sasuke shifts slightly but doesn't respond, which only makes things funnier for Naruto. Sakura clenches her fists, her face burning with embarrassment.
Sakura finally snaps, standing up with her fists trembling at her sides. "Naruto, you idiot! Stop saying weird stuff!"
Naruto raises his hands innocently, though the grin never leaves his face. "What? I'm just trying to help you two lovebirds. You know, team bonding and all that."
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"Tch. I'd rather spar with Kakashi than listen to this."
"Awww, Sasuke! That was almost romantic. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were waiting for Kakashi just to hide how awkward you feel." Naruto mocked the Uchiha.
Sasuke shoots him another glare but remains silent, opting not to give Naruto the satisfaction of a reaction.
Sakura clenches her fists even tighter, the urge to punch Naruto in the face growing by the second. Naruto catches the warning look but doesn't care—this is way too much fun.
"Hey, it's okay, Sakura-chan. Sasuke's just shy. Maybe if you tell him how you feel, you'll make him blush for once. "Naruto, grinning, said to Sakura.
Sasuke shoots him another glare but remains silent, opting not to give Naruto the satisfaction of a reaction.
Before she can finish, Kakashi finally appears with a lazy wave, strolling toward them with his usual half-asleep expression.
Kakashi calmly stated. "Yo. Sorry I'm late. There was… a cat. And, uh, traffic."
Sakura rounds on Naruto, steam practically pouring from her ears. "You're so lucky Kakashi-sensei just showed up!"
Kakashi tilts his head curiously, but then shrugs. "Well, whatever it was, it looks like you're all... bonding. That's good. Because your teamwork is going to be put to the test."
Naruto whispered a silly plastered on his face. "Lovebirds."
The sun casts long shadows across the training ground as Team 7—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—stands together, waiting to hear what their sensei has planned next. Kakashi Hatake, as usual, leans lazily against a tree, hands in his pockets, studying his new team with a thoughtful expression.
Kakashi steps forward, his tone casual but with a hint of purpose. "Alright. You've come a long way since the start, but now it's time to move beyond the basics."
Naruto, standing with his hands in his pockets, glances at Kakashi with calm, quiet focus, waiting for what's next. Sasuke's eyes narrow slightly, curious, while Sakura stands alert, eager to improve.
Kakashi reaches into his vest pocket and pulls out three slips of chakra nature paper. "Every shinobi has a natural affinity toward one of the five elements. Knowing yours will help you develop specialized jutsu—and make you more effective in combat."
He raises a slip between his fingers. "These papers will react to your chakra based on your affinity:
Fire makes the paper burn.
Wind will split it.
Lightning makes it crinkle.
Water makes it damp.
Earth turns it to dust."
Kakashi distributes the papers to the three genin. "Let's see what you've got."
Sasuke steps forward first. Holding the paper between his fingers, he channels his chakra into it. The paper crinkles and folds inward, compressed by static electricity.
Kakashi gives an approving nod. "As expected—lightning chakra suits you. It's fast, direct, and precise. You'll be refining that further in the weeks to come."
Sasuke's lips curl into the faintest hint of a smirk. Good.
Sakura's Affinity: Earth Release.
Next, Sakura steps forward and focuses her chakra into the slip. The paper becomes damp, soaking up moisture instantly.
Sakura asked Skeptically "Earth Release?"
Kakashi: "Yes. Earth Release fits you well. It's stable, adaptable, and can complement your fighting style."
Sakura gives a determined nod. This was exactly what she needed—a way to stand alongside Naruto and Sasuke as an equal.
Finally, Naruto takes his turn. Holding the paper between his fingers, he channels his chakra effortlessly. The paper splits in half, and one side becomes damp.
Kakashi's visible eye narrows slightly. "Two elements—wind and water. That's impressive."
Sakura's surprise was evident "Two elements? That's rare."
Kakashi studies Naruto curiously. "Wind Style is already difficult to master. Adding water on top of that... well, you've got a lot of potential."
Naruto shrugs slightly, his expression calm. "I've had time to figure out Wind Release. Now it's just a matter of working water into the mix."
"Before we dive into elemental jutsu, though, we'll need to focus on chakra control. You'll need to master both tree walking and water walking exercises—they're essential for sharpening your control." Kakashi exclaimed.
Naruto gives a small smile, his tone casual and composed. "I've already practiced those before. Someone I knew taught me."
Kakashi tilts his head slightly, intrigued by Naruto's vague answer but not pressing further. Someone, huh? He can tell there's more to Naruto's growth than meets the eye.
Sasuke, standing nearby, glances at Naruto from the corner of his eye, picking up on the subtle hint.
After a brief pause, Sasuke begrudgingly adds, "I've already done those exercises too."
Kakashi raises an eyebrow. "Oh? And who taught you?"
Sasuke's voice is clipped, almost reluctant. "My brother. Itachi."
Naruto glances at Sasuke, sensing the weight behind the name, but he says nothing. A flicker of mutual understanding passes between the two boys—both had been shaped by exceptional shinobi in their lives, though their paths couldn't have been more different.
Kakashi hides a smile beneath his mask. These two have already mastered chakra control? That saves us some time—and makes things more interesting.
Kakashi casually said "Good. That means we can skip the basics and get straight into elemental training."
"Whilst Sakura trains in Refining her chakra control through tree walking and water walking exercises."
He gestures toward Naruto and Sasuke. "Naruto, you'll focus on adding Water Style to your Arsenal. Sasuke, we'll refine your lightning chakra—and once your control improves, I'll teach you a technique That requires the Sharingan.
Sasuke's eyes glint, though he hides his excitement behind a cool expression. This is exactly what I need to get stronger.
Kakashi turns toward Sakura. "And Sakura, your focus will be on Earth Release and pure Taijutsu Training. Your role is critical—your Earth techniques will give the team the versatility it needs."
"That's, of course, after the Chakra Control exercise."
'Her affinity for Genjutsu will come after She masters elemental jutsu.'
He pauses, then adds with a serious tone, "But remember—individual strength only takes you so far. Your elements will be most effective when used together."
Kakashi points to each of them.
"Sasuke's lightning and Naruto's water will create powerful, fast-moving attacks."
"Naruto's wind can boost any fire-based jutsu Sasuke picks up."
"Sakura's Earth techniques will balance the team's offense and defense."
Kakashi's visible eye sharpens. "Work together, and you'll be unstoppable. Let your rivalries get in the way—and it'll only get you killed."
Naruto stays silent, his gaze steady. Shisui's lessons about teamwork echo in his mind, reminding him that strength alone isn't enough.
Sasuke, however, feels the familiar sting of competition. Naruto's quiet confidence is starting to gnaw at him—the blond is no longer someone he can dismiss easily.
Naruto glances sideways at Sasuke. "You keeping up, Uchiha?"
Sasuke glares back, voice low. "Tch. Don't fall behind, dobe."
Sakura sighs, though there's a small smile on her face. "Here we go again."
Kakashi watches the exchange with quiet amusement. This rivalry will either push them to greatness—or tear them apart. Let's see which it'll be.
Kakashi, smiling under his mask, said "That's enough for today. We start bright and early tomorrow—don't be late."
With that, Kakashi vanishes in a puff of smoke, leaving Team Seven alone on the training field.
Naruto adjusts his jacket and smirks. "Tomorrow's going to be fun."
Sasuke gives him a cold glance. "Just don't slow me down.
Despite their differences, Team Seven's journey is just beginning—and each of them knows that the real work starts now.