Otsutsuki (Rebooted) Chapter 6: Graduation, a naruto fanfic

Chapter 5: Graduation

Land of Fire Border

The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light cutting through the shadows of the dense forest. The night was alive with the quiet hum of nocturnal life—chirping crickets, the occasional rustle of leaves, and the soft call of an owl somewhere deep within the canopy. Naruto Uzumaki moved silently among the treetops, his body a blur of motion, his presence almost imperceptible.

The black gear of Root hugged his lean, muscular frame, designed for maximum mobility and stealth. His hood was pulled low over his face, and the metallic glint of his chakra chains wrapped around his forearms reflected faintly in the moonlight. At just fourteen years old, Naruto was a far cry from the boy who had once been ostracized and ridiculed in the streets of Konoha. Five years under Danzo's tutelage had forged him into a weapon—a deadly tool of efficiency and precision.

This mission was no different from the countless others he had completed. A group of bandits had been terrorizing a small but strategically vital town in the Land of Fire. Their attacks had disrupted supply routes critical to Konoha, and they had left a trail of destruction in their wake. Danzo's orders were simple and absolute: eliminate every last one.

Naruto's mind replayed his briefing as he drew closer to the camp. It had been a typical exchange with Danzo: no room for questions, no room for personal sentiment. The orders had been clear. Yet, even as he moved with deadly purpose, he couldn't shake the nagging thoughts that always crept in during missions like these.

"Mercy is for the weak," Danzo had once told him. "A true shinobi executes their orders without hesitation."

Naruto had learned to suppress his emotions over the years, but the flicker of doubt remained. Were these bandits truly beyond redemption? Did every one of them deserve death? He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. Hesitation could cost him his life, and Root did not tolerate failure.

Naruto paused on a sturdy branch overlooking the camp. He crouched low, his breathing steady and controlled. Below him, the bandit camp sprawled across a clearing. A fire crackled at its center, casting flickering shadows over a collection of crude tents and makeshift barricades. The bandits were gathered around the fire, their laughter and crude jokes carrying through the night.

His sharp eyes scanned the scene, cataloging every detail. There were nine in total—one more than his initial intel had indicated. Most were armed with swords and axes, though one carried a bow slung over his shoulder. The leader was unmistakable: a burly man with a thick beard, his voice booming as he barked orders and guzzled from a bottle of sake.

Naruto's fingers brushed against the cool metal of the chains wrapped around his wrists. They hummed faintly with latent chakra, a reminder of the power at his disposal. He had used them countless times to deadly effect, and tonight would be no different.

He closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself. When they opened again, his expression was cold and unyielding. The time for doubt had passed. Now was the time for action.

The bandit leader rose unsteadily to his feet, his bottle of sake sloshing as he announced his intention to relieve himself. The others laughed, their attention briefly diverted. Naruto's lips pressed into a thin line beneath his mask. This was his opportunity.

As the leader stumbled into the forest, Naruto followed from above, his movements silent and precise. He stayed just out of sight, his chakra chains retracting slightly to avoid catching the light. The bandit paused by a tree, fumbling with his trousers. Naruto's heart thudded in his chest, but his breathing remained steady. He had done this before.

With a swift motion, Naruto descended, landing soundlessly behind the man. One hand clamped over the bandit's mouth, stifling any cry, while the other drove a kunai deep into his neck. The man's body jerked violently, his blood spraying across the forest floor. Naruto held him steady until the light faded from his eyes.

"I'm sorry," Naruto whispered, his voice barely audible. The words felt hollow, a ritual he clung to for reasons he couldn't fully explain.

He lowered the body to the ground and quickly dragged it into the underbrush. With a single hand sign, he summoned a shadow clone. The clone transformed into the bandit leader, adopting his gait and mannerisms with chilling accuracy.

"Go," Naruto ordered quietly. The clone nodded and returned to the camp.

Back at the camp, the bandits greeted their disguised leader with jeers and laughter. "What took you so long, boss? Fall in?" one of them joked. The clone barked a command, ordering the group to follow him into the woods under the pretense of inspecting something suspicious.

The bandits grumbled but obeyed, their weapons clanking as they followed the fake leader into the shadows. From his perch in the trees, Naruto watched, his chakra chains uncoiling like serpents. He let them move closer to his position, his muscles coiled like springs.

When they were directly beneath him, he struck.

The chains shot out, wrapping around two bandits with blinding speed. Before they could react, Naruto yanked them into the air, their bodies colliding with sickening force. He released them, letting their lifeless forms fall to the ground. The remaining bandits froze in shock, their eyes darting wildly as they tried to locate the source of the attack.

Naruto dropped into their midst, his movements a blur. One chain lashed out, severing the arm of a bandit who raised his sword. Another coiled around a man's neck, lifting him off the ground before snapping his spine. The remaining bandits scattered, their courage evaporating.

"Monster!" one of them screamed as he fled into the woods.

Naruto let them run. His mission was to eliminate the camp, not chase stragglers. He turned his attention to the bodies at his feet, his chakra chains retracting with a faint metallic clink.

Just as Naruto prepared to burn the bodies, a sudden gust of wind tore through the clearing. He dove to the side, narrowly avoiding a razor-sharp blast that obliterated a nearby tree.

"Not bad," a voice drawled from the shadows.

Naruto rose to his feet, his chains poised for attack. A figure emerged from the treeline, clad in dark armor. A blue cloth obscured most of his face, but the lightning-charged blade in his hand was unmistakable.

"Aoi Rokushō," the man introduced himself with a mocking bow. "Danzo sent you, didn't he? Testing the boy wonder to see if he's ready for the big leagues?"

Naruto didn't respond. His stance was low and guarded, his chains shifting slightly in anticipation.

Aoi smirked. "Silent type, huh? Let's see if you're as good as they say."

He charged, his blade crackling with lightning chakra. Naruto's chains shot out to intercept him, clashing against the blade in a shower of sparks. Aoi was fast—faster than anyone Naruto had faced before. His strikes were precise and unrelenting, forcing Naruto to stay on the defensive.

The fight became a blur of motion, chains and blade colliding with brutal force. Aoi's movements were unpredictable, his strikes feinting one way before attacking from another. Naruto countered with calculated precision, using his chains to maintain distance and control the battlefield.

"You're good," Aoi admitted, his breathing heavy. "But not good enough."

He launched a flurry of strikes, pushing Naruto back. One blade grazed Naruto's arm, drawing blood, but Naruto retaliated with a chain strike that wrapped around Aoi's leg, yanking him off balance. Aoi rolled with the momentum, landing on his feet and immediately countering with a blast of wind chakra that forced Naruto to retreat.

The battle dragged on, both combatants refusing to give an inch. Naruto's chains lashed out in a coordinated assault, forcing Aoi to block high and low simultaneously. Aoi managed to deflect most of the strikes, but one chain slipped through, wrapping around his wrist and disarming him.

Naruto seized the opportunity, driving forward with a kunai in hand. Aoi dodged narrowly, the blade slicing across his cheek. Snarling, he summoned a second blade, its lightning edge crackling ominously.

Naruto's chains coiled around him protectively as Aoi charged again. This time, Naruto didn't retreat. Instead, he met the attack head-on, his chains clashing with Aoi's blades in a deafening explosion of chakra.

With a burst of effort, Naruto forced Aoi back and formed a series of rapid hand seals.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

The massive gust of wind sent Aoi tumbling across the clearing, slamming him into a tree. Before Aoi could recover, Naruto closed the distance, his chains pinning the man to the ground.

"This is over," Naruto said coldly.

Aoi struggled, his eyes wide with panic. "Wait—"

Naruto didn't let him finish. A burst of fire chakra ignited his chains, engulfing Aoi in flames. The man's screams echoed through the night as Naruto turned away, his expression unreadable.

From a nearby ridge, Fu watched the scene with calculating eyes. As one of Danzo's top operatives, he had been tasked with evaluating Naruto's performance. He noted the boy's efficiency, his control, and his unwavering focus.

"Still rough," Fu murmured to himself. "But he'll do."

He vanished into the shadows, leaving Naruto alone in the clearing.

Naruto gathered the bodies into a pile and set them ablaze, the acrid stench filling the air. As the flames crackled, he took a deep breathe, his hands trembling. The weight of his actions settled over him like a suffocating blanket.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opened them again, the doubt was gone, replaced by cold determination. He retrieved Aoi's blade—a relic of the Nidaime Hokage—and began the long journey back to Konoha.

The mission was over.

The sun hung low in the sky, its warm golden rays casting long shadows across the village as Naruto Uzumaki made his way to a hidden entrance near Konoha's outskirts. The aftermath of his recent mission still weighed heavily on him, though his expression betrayed nothing. His hands, stained with the blood of his enemies, were steady, his steps deliberate.

The entrance was nothing more than a nondescript patch of forest floor, but to those in the know, it led to the clandestine network of Root's underground base. Naruto activated a small chakra seal embedded in the bark of a nearby tree. The ground trembled faintly before a trapdoor slid open, revealing a dark tunnel. Without hesitation, he stepped inside, the steel trapdoor closing behind him with a metallic clang.

The corridors were cold and sterile, lit by dim, flickering lamps that cast eerie shadows on the walls. As he walked deeper into the labyrinthine base, Naruto's thoughts wandered, replaying the events of the mission. The bandits had been no challenge, their disorganized tactics laughable in the face of his training. Aoi Rokushō, on the other hand, had been formidable—if only slightly. Despite the man's boastful demeanor, Naruto had dispatched him with calculated efficiency, though the memory of the man burning alive lingered in his mind like an unwelcome specter.

He shook the thought away as he approached the central chamber. This was no time for sentiment.

Danzo Shimura stood at the far end of the room, his single visible eye fixed on a detailed map of the Land of Fire pinned to the wall. His posture was rigid, his hands clasped behind his back. To any observer, he appeared as stoic and unflappable as ever, but inwardly, his mind was alight with calculated satisfaction.

The boy has grown.

Danzo recalled the scrawny, fiery child who had stood before him five years ago, his eyes burning with defiance and ambition. That boy had been unpolished, reckless, and emotional—a far cry from the young man who now strode confidently into the chamber. Under Danzo's guidance, Naruto had been forged into a weapon of remarkable precision, his abilities honed to a razor's edge. The boy's progress had exceeded even Danzo's lofty expectations.

Danzo allowed himself a small, private smile. He will serve my purposes well.

When Naruto entered the room, he dropped to one knee, his kodachi crossed on his back and his hands resting on his thighs. "Mission complete, Danzo-sama," he said, his voice calm and composed.

Danzo turned slowly, his sharp gaze scrutinizing every detail of Naruto's demeanor. The boy's uniform bore faint traces of ash and blood, though his body showed no visible injuries. Danzo noted the glint of determination in his eyes, the rigid set of his jaw. Naruto was no longer a child.

"Report," Danzo commanded, his tone clipped and authoritative.

Naruto rose to his feet and began his debriefing. He described the elimination of the bandits with clinical precision, omitting no detail, from the leader's swift assassination to the use of his chakra chains in dismantling their ranks. He recounted the encounter with Aoi Rokushō, detailing the man's skillset, his lightning-enhanced weapon, and his ultimate demise. When he spoke of claiming the Raijin no Ken, his tone was neutral, almost detached, as though it were a mere footnote.

Danzo listened in silence, his expression unreadable. When Naruto finished, the room was silent for a moment, save for the faint hum of the base's ventilation system.

"You have done well," Danzo said finally, his voice devoid of warmth yet laced with approval. "The Raijin no Ken is a valuable asset. Its retrieval further cements your value to Konoha—and to me."

Naruto inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the praise but offering no response. He understood Danzo well enough to know that the man's compliments were rarely genuine. Every word he spoke was calculated, serving a purpose beyond mere acknowledgment.

Danzo stepped closer, his cane tapping softly against the stone floor. "You have proven yourself time and time again, Naruto. Your efficiency, your control, your strength—they are the hallmarks of a true shinobi. But do not let success breed complacency. The moment you grow complacent is the moment you fail."

"I understand, Danzo-sama," Naruto replied, his voice steady.

Danzo's eye lingered on him for a moment longer. Yes, he understands. But does he truly grasp the weight of his potential?

The elder shinobi gestured toward the blade hanging at Naruto's side. "The Raijin no Ken is no ordinary weapon. It once belonged to the Nidaime Hokage—a symbol of power and leadership. That blade is now yours to wield, but only if you can master it. I expect you to integrate it into your fighting style without delay."

Naruto hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "I will."

Danzo noted the pause but chose not to comment on it. Instead, he turned back to the map on the wall, his mind already shifting to the broader implications of Naruto's growth.

As Naruto stood silently, awaiting dismissal, Danzo allowed his thoughts to wander. Over the past five years, he had shaped the boy into a formidable operative, a weapon unlike any other in Konoha's arsenal. Yet, he knew Naruto's loyalty was not absolute. The boy saw their relationship as a means to an end, a marriage of convenience. That suited Danzo just fine. Loyalty born of convenience could be just as effective as loyalty born of devotion—so long as the balance of power remained in his favor.

He will grow even stronger, Danzo mused, his gaze returning to the map. And when the time comes, he will secure my vision for Konoha. A world where strength reigns supreme and weakness is eradicated.

But even as he admired Naruto's progress, Danzo's calculating mind began to assess the potential risks. The boy's regenerative healing factor, his mastery of chakra chains, and his growing proficiency with the kodachi and now the Raijin no Ken—all of these made him a powerful asset. Yet, they also made him unpredictable. Danzo would need to ensure that Naruto's ambitions aligned with his own.

"Today marks an important milestone," Danzo said suddenly, breaking the silence. "You graduate from the Academy and become an official Genin. The village will see this as a moment of celebration, a testament to your perseverance. But we both know the truth."

Naruto's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "That I've been a shinobi for years now?"

"Precisely," Danzo replied. "The Academy is nothing more than a formality for you. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the frivolities of civilian life. Your true purpose lies in the shadows, where your actions carry weight far greater than any title or rank."

Naruto nodded. "Understood, Danzo-sama."

"Good," Danzo said. He stepped back, his cane tapping against the floor. "You are dismissed. Report to the Academy tomorrow for your graduation ceremony. And remember—everything you do reflects on me. Do not disappoint me."

"I won't," Naruto said, bowing slightly before turning to leave.

As Naruto made his way back through the labyrinthine base, his mind raced. Danzo's praise had been measured, as always, but it was clear the man was satisfied with his progress. That should have been enough, yet Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking a razor-thin line. His relationship with Danzo was built on mutual benefit, but he knew better than to trust the man completely.

"One day," Naruto muttered under his breath, "one day, this arrangement will end. And when it does, I'll make sure it's on my terms."

For now, he would continue to play his part. The world saw him as a rising Genin, a boy stepping into the shoes of his father, the Fourth Hokage. But beneath that facade, he was something far more dangerous—a weapon forged in the shadows, waiting for the moment to strike.

As the village celebrated his upcoming graduation, Naruto sat alone in his apartment, the Raijin no Ken resting on the table before him. The blade's hilt glinted faintly in the moonlight, a symbol of the power and responsibility he now carried.

He reached out, his fingers brushing against the weapon. "Let's see if you're worth it," he muttered, channeling a small amount of chakra into the hilt. The blade ignited with a snap-hiss, its lightning aura casting eerie shadows across the room.

Naruto watched it for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he deactivated the blade and leaned back in his chair.

Tomorrow, he would graduate. Tomorrow, he would step into the light as a Genin of Konoha. But tonight, he belonged to the shadows.

True to his word, Naruto Uzumaki remained silent about everything Danzo Shimura had taught him during his years in Root. In the eyes of the village, Naruto was still the loud, brash, and seemingly talentless academy student who barely scraped by in his lessons. But beneath the surface, the truth was far more complex. Naruto had grown into a skilled and dangerous operative, molded by five years of rigorous training in the shadows.

Danzo, the enigmatic leader of Root, had recognized Naruto's potential early on. Under his tutelage, Naruto had honed his skills to near-perfection, mastering techniques most shinobi could only dream of. His affinity for all five chakra natures had made him an exceptional prodigy, capable of wielding a versatile arsenal of jutsu. Among the many abilities he had learned, his favorites were the chakra chains inherited from his Uzumaki lineage and his dual kodachi fighting style. These techniques, combined with Danzo's ruthless training regimen, had turned Naruto into a shinobi capable of handling even the most dangerous missions.

Yet, Naruto had another weapon in his arsenal that he kept hidden from everyone, even his classmates: the Rasengan. Danzo had deemed it an "ace of aces," a technique Naruto should only unveil in the direst of circumstances. While Danzo's teaching style was cold and calculated, it had forced Naruto to grow in ways he hadn't expected. Despite their uneasy alliance, Naruto respected Danzo's insight and tactical brilliance, though he trusted the man as little as he trusted anyone else.

The training had not been without complications. Conducting secret sessions away from the eyes of the Hokage and the villagers required careful planning. Danzo's operatives handled the logistics, ensuring Naruto's double life remained hidden. Even the Hokage himself knew little about Naruto's true progress, and only a select few Root members were aware of his full capabilities.

Naruto had taken to the shadows with surprising ease. The time spent in Root had taught him discipline and the importance of maintaining his facade. He knew that the key to survival in Konoha was deception. Every action, every word, and every interaction in the academy was carefully calculated to maintain the illusion of the clumsy, oblivious dead-last.

Danzo had emphasized this point during their training: "The strongest shinobi is not the one with the most power, but the one who wields their power from the shadows. Let them see what you want them to see." Naruto took those words to heart.

At the academy, he deliberately performed poorly on written tests, flubbed basic jutsu, and exaggerated his reactions to insults. It was all part of the act. He even went so far as to pretend to have a hopeless crush on Sakura Haruno, knowing it added to the image of him as a harmless fool. In reality, Naruto didn't care for Sakura in the slightest, though he found her reactions amusing.

"Naruto! What is the answer to the question on the board?" Iruka's sharp voice broke through Naruto's daydreams.

Blinking lazily, Naruto glanced at the chalkboard. The question was painfully simple: "Who was the First Hokage?"

Hashirama Senju. Duh, Naruto thought to himself. But instead of answering, he shrugged and scratched the back of his head with an exaggerated grin. "Uhhh, I don't know, Iruka-sensei!" he said loudly, earning a round of laughter from the class.

Naruto leaned back in his chair, grinning as he soaked in the attention, even if it was negative. He knew that maintaining his cover required him to endure these moments, no matter how irritating they were.

"God, Naruto, you're such an idiot!" shouted Sakura, her pink hair bouncing as she whipped around to glare at him.

Naruto forced a sheepish laugh, scratching his cheek as he feigned embarrassment. If only you knew, he thought, but outwardly, he gave Sakura a bright grin. "Sorry, Sakura-chan! I'll try harder next time!"

As the class settled down, Naruto's gaze wandered to Itachi's sister Sayuri Uchiha, the academy's top student and his self-declared rival. Sayuri sat near the window, her expression cool and disinterested as she jotted notes in her notebook. She carried herself with the quiet confidence of someone who knew they were the best, and it irritated Naruto to no end.

Their rivalry had started years ago, though it was mostly one-sided on Sayuri's part. Naruto couldn't care less about her perceived superiority, but her condescending remarks often made his blood boil—or at least, that's what he pretended. In truth, he enjoyed their verbal sparring. It gave him an outlet for his frustrations and added another layer to his facade.

"Is there something you need, dobe?" Sayuri's voice cut through his thoughts, her dark eyes meeting his with a smirk.

Naruto scowled, playing his part. "No, I don't need anything from you, Uchiha! Mind your own business!"

Sayuri chuckled softly, her smirk widening. "Maybe you should go back and study with the first-year students. You might actually learn something useful."

The class erupted into laughter again, and Naruto crossed his arms, huffing in mock annoyance. "Whatever, you're not as great as you think you are, Sayuri!"

Sayuri ignored him after that, turning her attention back to her notes. But Naruto noticed her stealing occasional glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking. What's your deal, Uchiha? he wondered, though he quickly dismissed the thought. He had more important things to focus on.

As the bell rang, Iruka stood at the front of the classroom, addressing the students with a serious expression. "Listen up! Graduation is only a week away. Your final exam will consist of three parts: a written test, a transformation jutsu, and the creation of a clone. Make sure you're ready."

Naruto barely paid attention to Iruka's explanation. He already knew he could ace the exam if he wanted to, but that wasn't part of the plan. He needed to graduate as the dead-last to avoid suspicion. His place in the rookie teams was critical to maintaining his cover while continuing his work for Root.

When class ended, Naruto lingered in the hallway, waiting for Sakura. As she walked past, he called out to her, "Hey, Sakura-chan! Want to go on a date with me?"

Sakura turned to glare at him, her face a mix of annoyance and exasperation. "In your dreams, Naruto! I don't date losers!"

Naruto feigned a wounded expression, clutching his chest dramatically. "Ouch, Sakura-chan, you're breaking my heart!"

As Sakura stomped away, Naruto let out a sigh, his grin fading. One day, they'll all see the truth, he thought, though he quickly shoved the sentiment aside.

"Chasing after Haruno again, huh?" Sayuri's voice came from behind him. Naruto turned to see her leaning casually against the wall, her arms crossed.

"None of your business, Uchiha," Naruto snapped, though there was no real anger in his tone.

Sayuri smirked. "You're wasting your time. She's not interested in you. Then again, who would be?"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "What's your problem, anyway? Can't you leave me alone for five minutes?"

"Not when you make it so easy to mess with you," Sayuri replied, her smirk softening into a faint smile.

Naruto stared at her for a moment, caught off guard by the subtle shift in her demeanor. But before he could say anything, she turned and walked away, her dark hair swaying behind her.

What's her deal? he wondered, shaking his head as he headed home. She's just as annoying as Sakura.

Despite their animosity, Naruto couldn't deny that there was something about Sayuri that intrigued him. She was talented, focused, and undeniably attractive—not that he'd ever admit it aloud. But more than that, he sensed that she, too, was hiding something. Perhaps that was why he found himself drawn to her, even if it was only to uncover her secrets.

But for now, he had his own secrets to keep. Graduation was only a week away, and Naruto knew that the real test was yet to come.

Naruto ventured deep into the secluded forest clearing where he often trained in secret, away from the prying eyes of his classmates and most of the villagers. This spot, hidden among towering trees and surrounded by the gentle hum of nature, had become his sanctuary—a place where he could push himself beyond the limits expected of an academy student. The dense canopy above filtered the sunlight, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor as Naruto prepared for another rigorous session.

Standing in the clearing, Naruto formed several dozen shadow clones with a single hand sign. The clones spread out around him, their identical faces wearing determined expressions. Drawing his twin kodachi, Naruto began channeling wind chakra into the blades. The weapons hummed softly, the air around them shimmering as the chakra extended beyond the steel, transforming the blades into glowing, razor-sharp constructs.

"Alright," Naruto muttered to himself. "Let's see if I can make this smoother today."

With that, the clones charged at him en masse, their movements coordinated and precise. Naruto met them head-on, his enhanced blades slashing through the attackers with practiced efficiency. Each swing of his kodachi sent arcs of wind slicing through the air, dispelling clones and cleaving through the occasional tree in the process. He moved fluidly, his body a blur of motion as he danced through the chaos.

Unbeknownst to Naruto, a pair of pale lavender eyes had been observing him from the shadows. Hinata Hyuuga, her Byakugan activated, stood perched on a branch high above the clearing. Her hands were clasped nervously in front of her as she watched Naruto train. She had been following his secret sessions for some time now, drawn by a mix of admiration and curiosity.

The sight before her only reinforced what she already knew: Naruto was far more skilled than he let on in the academy. She watched in awe as the chakra around his kodachi grew brighter, extending out into the form of massive, glowing blades. With a single swing, the chakra extensions slashed through a wave of clones and carved deep gashes into the surrounding trees. The power and precision left her breathless.

Naruto, however, was far more aware of his surroundings than he let on. He had noticed Hinata's presence weeks ago, her timid chakra signature impossible to miss. At first, he had considered confronting her but decided against it. Instead, he chose to humor her, pretending not to notice her shy attempts to remain hidden. Today, though, he decided to have a little fun.

As he dispelled the last of his clones with a flourish, he suddenly turned his head in Hinata's direction, his sharp eyes locking onto her position. "Hey, you can come out, you know," he called out, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

Hinata froze, her body stiffening as though caught in the act of a crime. Her pale cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she let out an involuntary "Eep!" before scrambling backward, nearly losing her footing on the branch. Without another word, she turned and bolted, disappearing into the trees as fast as her legs could carry her.

Naruto chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "She's really something else," he muttered, sheathing his kodachi. Despite his casual demeanor, he couldn't help but feel a small twinge of guilt for scaring her off. Still, he appreciated her interest—there weren't many people in the village who looked at him with anything other than disdain or indifference.

Shrugging off the distraction, Naruto turned his attention back to the clearing. The air was still filled with the faint hum of residual chakra, the aftermath of his earlier attacks. He studied the deep gouges in the trees and ground, evaluating his control over the wind chakra extensions.

"Not bad," he said to himself. "But I still need more precision."

Deciding to push his limits further, Naruto created another round of shadow clones. This time, he split them into groups, giving them specific instructions to attack him from multiple angles simultaneously. The chaotic melee resumed, Naruto weaving between attacks with practiced agility. His kodachi gleamed as they cut through the air, the wind chakra amplifying their reach and destructive power.

Despite the intensity of his training, Naruto couldn't entirely shake the image of Hinata's flustered retreat from his mind. He smiled faintly as he continued his practice, the thought of her nervous yet determined gaze giving him an odd sense of comfort. For now, though, his focus remained on improving his skills. The graduation exam was just around the corner, and while he had no doubts about passing, he wanted to ensure that his true abilities remained a secret for as long as possible.

Next day

Naruto entered the classroom with a broad grin on his face, the Konoha headband securely fastened around his forehead. The sunlight streaming through the windows seemed to accentuate his sense of pride as he confidently took his seat near Sakura. For the first time, there was no hiding his accomplishment, though his casual demeanor suggested otherwise.

Sakura glanced at him skeptically, her eyes narrowing as they caught sight of the headband. "Naruto, you passed? How did that happen?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The room immediately went silent, and all eyes turned to Naruto, their expressions ranging from incredulous to stunned. Iruka, standing at the front of the class, decided to answer for him. "Naruto scored a perfect mark on the final exams," he announced plainly.

A wave of shock rippled through the room. Even Sayuri Uchiha, who rarely reacted to anything, raised an eyebrow in surprise. Kiba couldn't contain himself and burst out, "There's no way the dobe got a perfect score!"

Iruka sighed, crossing his arms. "Believe it or not, he did. Now sit down, Kiba." His stern tone brooked no further argument.

Naruto smirked slightly, enjoying the stunned silence that followed. Sayuri's sharp gaze remained locked on him for a moment, analyzing him with a level of interest she rarely afforded anyone. Iruka continued, "Now that all the graduates are here, we'll be assigning you into three-person teams with a jōnin instructor."

The room buzzed with excitement as students whispered among themselves, speculating about their potential teammates. Naruto leaned back, silently praying to himself, Anyone but Sayuri… Anyone but Sayuri.

Unbeknownst to him, Sayuri had a similar sentiment: Anyone but that loud idiot.

Iruka began calling out names, assigning teams one by one. The anticipation in the room grew as each team was formed, and Naruto found himself anxiously awaiting his name.

Finally, Iruka called out, "Team 7 will consist of Sakura Haruno, Sayuri Uchiha, and Naruto Uzumaki. Your jōnin instructor will be Kakashi Hatake."

Naruto's heart sank, and his head turned toward Sayuri, who was already glaring daggers at him. Their mutual disdain was almost palpable as they locked eyes. Beside them, Sakura looked confused as she glanced between the two.

"Will you two stop staring at each other?" Sakura said with an exasperated sigh. Both Naruto and Sayuri huffed and turned away, pointedly ignoring each other.

As Iruka finished announcing the remaining teams, he gave a parting reminder. "Wait here for your jōnin instructors. They'll be here shortly to meet you. Good luck, everyone." With that, the chūnin left the classroom.

The room erupted into chatter as the newly formed teams mingled. Naruto, however, quickly found himself surrounded by curious and skeptical classmates.

"How in the world did you score perfectly, Naruto?" Kiba demanded, his voice dripping with disbelief.

Naruto leaned back casually, clearly enjoying the attention. "Maybe I'm not the moron you all think I am," he replied smugly.

Shikamaru, ever the realist, frowned. "There's no way you got a perfect score on the written exam. And I've never seen you pull off a clone jutsu successfully."

Naruto rolled his eyes and formed a quick hand sign. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" In an instant, several identical clones materialized around him. The room fell into stunned silence.

Sakura's eyes widened. "That's not the standard clone jutsu! Where did you learn that?"

Naruto shrugged, dispelling the clones with a casual wave. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Shikamaru crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "He obviously learned it outside of the academy."

As the other students returned to their teams, Sakura shook her head, glancing between Naruto and Sayuri. "Are you two seriously going to sit there and not say anything to each other?"

Sayuri sent her an icy glare. "I'm not here to make friends."

Naruto snorted. "Trust me, Sakura-chan, I'd rather be anywhere else than stuck on the same team as her."

Sayuri's lip curled in disdain. "The feeling's mutual, dobe."

Sakura groaned, rubbing her temples. "This is going to be a long team assignment."

From her seat near the back, Hinata Hyūga quietly observed the exchange. Unlike the others, she had long known there was more to Naruto than he let on. She had seen glimpses of his true strength during her occasional attempts to secretly watch his training sessions.

As Naruto casually leaned back in his seat, ignoring Sayuri's barbs, Hinata found herself smiling softly. She knew he was far more skilled and intelligent than anyone gave him credit for. Her admiration for him only deepened as she watched him navigate the tension with Sayuri and Sakura.

Sayuri, however, had noticed Hinata's lingering gaze. The Uchiha's sharp eyes met Hinata's for a brief moment, and the glare she sent her way was enough to make the Hyūga girl quickly look away, her cheeks turning pink.

One by one, the jōnin instructors arrived to collect their teams, leaving Team 7 alone in the classroom. Minutes turned into hours, and the tension between the three genin only grew.

Finally, Sakura broke the silence. "So… are you guys excited to finally become full-fledged ninja?"

Sayuri gave her a disinterested glance and said nothing. Naruto, on the other hand, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I can't wait to get out of the classroom and take on real missions!"

Sakura smiled at his enthusiasm. "My parents were so proud of me last night. They even threw a little party to celebrate. What about you two?"

Naruto's expression faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "I don't have parents to throw me a party, but that's okay. I'm used to celebrating on my own."

Sakura looked horrified at her blunder. "Oh… I didn't mean to—"

"Don't worry about it," Naruto said, waving her off with a forgiving smile.

Sayuri, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground. The mention of parents had clearly struck a nerve, but she showed no outward emotion beyond her tightened jaw.

At long last, the classroom door slid open, revealing a silver-haired man with a mask covering most of his face and a hitai-ate tilted to obscure one eye. He offered a casual wave. "Yo. Is this Team 7?"

Sakura immediately perked up. "You must be Kakashi-sensei!"

"That's me," Kakashi said lazily. "Meet me on the rooftop so we can get to know each other."

The three genin complied, making their way to the academy's rooftop. Kakashi was already seated on the railing, his relaxed posture a stark contrast to their tense expressions. He gestured for them to sit in front of him.

"All right, introductions. I want to know your likes, dislikes, and dreams for the future," Kakashi said. "I'll start. My name is Kakashi Hatake. I have likes and dislikes, but you don't need to know what they are. As for my dreams… I don't really have one."

Naruto was next. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki. I like training, ramen, and testing my limits. I hate being underestimated. My dream is to become the greatest Hokage ever!"

Sakura followed. "My name is Sakura Haruno. I like reading and spending time with my friends. I dislike waiting around, and my dream is to become a top medic-nin and find true love!"

Finally, Kakashi turned to Sayuri. "Your turn."

"My name is Sayuri Uchiha. I don't have likes or dislikes worth mentioning. My dream…" Her voice dropped slightly, her gaze darkening. "…is to kill someone."

The blunt statement hung in the air, and Kakashi studied her for a moment before nodding. "Well, that's… intense."

With introductions complete, Kakashi stood. "Meet me at Training Ground 7 tomorrow at 5 a.m. Don't eat breakfast, or you'll regret it." Without another word, he vanished in a puff of smoke.

As the team dispersed, Naruto turned to Sakura with a hopeful grin. "Hey, Sakura-chan, want to grab some ramen? We could bond as teammates."

"Not a chance," Sakura said flatly, walking away.

Naruto shrugged, his grin unshaken. He leapt off the roof, leaving Sayuri and Sakura behind.

Sakura sighed, glancing at Sayuri. "One's a loudmouth, and the other doesn't care about anyone. Great team dynamic, huh?"

Sayuri said nothing, her eyes fixed on the horizon as she silently prepared herself for the challenges ahead.

The next morning, Naruto was the first to arrive at Training Ground 7. As someone who had grown used to waking up early for his rigorous training sessions, being punctual wasn't a challenge for him. Settling against the trunk of a sturdy tree, he folded his arms behind his head and let his eyes wander across the peaceful clearing, waiting for his teammates.

Sayuri Uchiha arrived shortly after. She was mildly surprised to find Naruto already there, though she masked her reaction with her usual stoic expression. Inwardly, however, she felt a spark of satisfaction at the prospect of some time alone with him. Without hesitation, she walked up and sat directly beside him, her proximity closer than necessary.

Naruto turned his head, raising an eyebrow at her. "Uh… why are you sitting so close?" he asked, leaning slightly away from her.

Sayuri smirked, tilting her head to look at him. "Why not? I can sit wherever I want… or," she added, her smirk growing wider, "I could even sit on you if I felt like it."

Naruto blinked at her, processing her words before breaking into a cheeky grin. "Didn't know you were that desperate, Uchiha."

The confident demeanor Sayuri had been projecting faltered for a split second, and she inwardly cursed herself. Why had she said something so ridiculous? She quickly masked her embarrassment by rolling her eyes. "Hmph. I'm not desperate for anything, least of all you," she retorted, crossing her arms.

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "You're something else, you know that?"

The pair sat in silence for a moment before Naruto broke it again, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Seriously, though, what's your problem with me? You're always throwing insults or glaring at me like I stole your dango or something."

Sayuri's confident smirk returned, but her gaze shifted to the ground. "I don't have a problem with you."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Yeah, sure. Could've fooled me. You don't seem to have a problem being a pain in my ass."

Sayuri frowned, her usual cold façade cracking ever so slightly. "I… I just don't…" she trailed off, unable to find the right words. She hated how flustered she felt under his gaze.

"Spit it out, Uchiha," Naruto said, his voice tinged with annoyance. "You didn't seem to have any problem mouthing off before."

Her walls shot back up in an instant. "Listen, dobe, I don't have to explain myself to you or anyone," she snapped, looking away.

Naruto laughed, the sound more amused than angry. "Wow, the mighty Uchiha is dodging questions now? Guess you're not as tough as you think."

Sayuri bristled, standing abruptly. "Why don't you put your money where your mouth is, Uzumaki?"

Naruto grinned, standing to face her. "Oh, don't worry. I've been dying to teach you a lesson."

They took up fighting stances, their competitive energy sparking as they stared each other down. Sayuri made the first move, forming a quick series of hand seals. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" she called out, launching a massive fireball toward Naruto.

Not missing a beat, Naruto formed his own seals and countered. "Suiton: Suijinheki!" A wall of water erupted from his mouth, meeting the fireball head-on. The two elements clashed violently, hissing and steaming as they fought for dominance. Eventually, the water overtook the flames, dissipating them completely.

Sayuri lowered her hands, clearly impressed but unwilling to admit it. "Not bad… for a dobe."

"Starting to feel a little outclassed, Uchiha?" Naruto taunted, smirking.

Sayuri smirked back, pulling out a handful of kunai, each adorned with explosive tags. She flung them toward him in quick succession. Naruto's eyes narrowed, and he formed another set of hand seals. "Fūton: Daitoppa!" he shouted, releasing a powerful gust of wind. The wind scattered the kunai, sending the explosive tags detonating harmlessly against nearby trees.

The force of the wind pushed Sayuri back a step, but she didn't relent. Drawing her own kunai, she charged at Naruto, closing the distance between them in a flash. Naruto responded by pulling out his trench knives, meeting her strike with a sharp metallic clash.

The two engaged in a fast-paced melee, their blades colliding repeatedly as they tested each other's reflexes and techniques. Sayuri flipped over him, attempting to catch him off guard with a sweeping slash, but Naruto parried her attack with ease. They continued to spar, neither gaining a clear advantage.

The sound of a loud shriek brought their fight to an abrupt halt. Both turned to see Sakura standing at the edge of the clearing, her face a mix of worry and confusion. "What are you two doing?" she demanded, glancing at the scorched and damaged training ground around them.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, offering a sheepish grin. "Just sparring, Sakura-chan. Gotta pass the time somehow while we wait for Kakashi-sensei."

Sakura's eyes scanned the devastation, her skepticism clear. "Sparring? You call this sparring?"

Before Naruto could respond, Sayuri leaned against a nearby tree, her arms crossed. "Mind your own business, Barbie," she said coolly, glaring at the pink-haired girl.

Sakura ignored her, sighing as she walked further into the clearing. The three teammates settled into an uneasy silence, waiting for their perpetually late sensei. Minutes turned into hours, the tension between Naruto and Sayuri lingering in the air.

As they waited, Naruto noticed Sayuri occasionally stealing glances at him. He chose to ignore it at first, but eventually decided to humor her. He caught her gaze and smirked. Sayuri immediately looked away, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Inwardly, she berated herself. Why am I acting like this? I just wanted to talk to him, and now I've made a fool of myself again.

For his part, Naruto was intrigued. He'd always seen Sayuri as cold and aloof, but their sparring match had shown him a different side of her. She's stronger than I gave her credit for… but man, she's got some serious issues.

Sakura eventually broke the silence, groaning loudly. "Why is our sensei so late again?"

Neither Naruto nor Sayuri responded, too caught up in their own thoughts. Finally, Sayuri broke the tension with a quiet comment. "Maybe you're not completely useless after all, Uzumaki."

Naruto grinned, leaning back. "Anything for you, Sayuri-chan."

The honorific caught her off guard, and she turned her head sharply to hide the faint blush rising to her cheeks. Sakura, frustrated at being ignored, waved a hand in front of Naruto's face. "Hello? Are you even listening to me?"

Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, Sakura-chan. What were you saying?"

"Our sensei is two hours late!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in exasperation.

Before anyone could respond, Kakashi finally appeared in a puff of smoke, his usual nonchalant demeanor intact. "Yo. Sorry I'm late. Got lost on the road of life."

Naruto, Sayuri, and Sakura exchanged incredulous looks as their chaotic morning came to a close.

"You're late," Sakura accused, pointing a finger at Kakashi, her voice tinged with irritation.

Kakashi responded with a lazy wave and his signature eye smile. "Ah, Sakura, you see, a black cat crossed my path. Naturally, I had to take the long way around," he said in a leisurely tone.

"Liar!" Sakura screeched, her voice piercing the quiet morning air. Naruto and Sayuri instinctively covered their ears to protect themselves from the auditory assault, while Kakashi chuckled softly.

"Well, now that we're all here, let me explain the test," Kakashi said, pulling out two small silver bells and holding them up for the team to see.

"The goal is simple," he continued. "You need to take one of these bells from me before noon. Whoever doesn't get a bell will be sent back to the Academy. Oh, and for an added incentive, those with bells will get to enjoy lunch while the one without goes hungry."

Sakura's stomach let out a loud, betraying growl, and she flushed with embarrassment. Kakashi's visible eye twinkled with amusement as he glanced at the other two.

"Seems someone skipped breakfast," he noted, his tone teasing. Naruto grinned mischievously, a playful glint in his eyes, while Sayuri merely crossed her arms and smirked in quiet confidence.

"But wait," Sakura interrupted, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Sensei, there are only two bells. Doesn't that mean…?"

"Exactly," Kakashi confirmed, cutting her off. "It means one of you is guaranteed to fail and go back to the Academy."

Sayuri snorted, her smirk growing wider. "Tch, thanks for stating the obvious," she remarked mockingly, earning an indignant glare from Sakura. Naruto sighed and slapped his forehead, muttering something about unnecessary drama.

"Alright then," Kakashi announced, slipping the bells back onto his belt. "Your time starts... now!"

Before the words fully left his mouth, all three Genin scattered into the surrounding trees, disappearing from sight. Kakashi observed their hiding places with a faint nod of approval. "At least they know how to hide," he murmured to himself.

Naruto crouched high in the branches of a tree, his mind racing as he assessed the situation. Kakashi Hatake was no ordinary opponent. The Hokage had mentioned that their sensei was one of the elite Jōnin, a veteran of the Third Shinobi War, and a former student of the Fourth Hokage himself. Taking on someone of his caliber one-on-one was not just difficult—it was impossible for them at their current level.

"Alone…" Naruto muttered under his breath, the word lingering in his mind before the realization struck. That's the test! It's about teamwork. None of us can take him on individually, not even Sayuri. But together… together we might have a chance.

He thought back to everything he had read about Konoha's history, about how the village's strength had always been rooted in its teamwork. Time and time again, their belief in working together had been the key to victory in the great wars. "They wouldn't put us in three-man cells if it wasn't important," he reasoned. "Too bad I'm gonna have to do this on my own, though." He sighed.

Meanwhile—

Sakura leapt from branch to branch, her heart pounding as she searched for Sayuri. She couldn't shake the worry that their sensei might have already caught her. Initially, she had been heading in Naruto's direction, but when she noticed him moving independently, she changed her plan. Sayuri is probably faring better, but still… I need to find her.

Thoughts raced through her mind, vivid and unsettling. What if something had happened to Sayuri? She quickly pushed those thoughts aside. No, it's Sayuri. She's the rookie of the year and one of the strongest kunoichi in the Academy. There's no way Kakashi-sensei could get her so easily.

Determined, she pushed forward, her pace increasing as she scanned the area. Her focus was so intense that when she spotted Kakashi, her heart leapt into her throat. She froze mid-air, realizing with growing dread that she might be caught the moment she landed. Desperately, she aimed for the softest patch of ground, her landing barely rustling the leaves. To her immense relief, Kakashi didn't even glance in her direction.

Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, Sakura crouched and watched him from a distance, her pulse steadying. She didn't dare move until he was gone. But before she could relax completely, a voice shattered the fragile calm.

"Hey, Sakura. Behind you."

The familiar, lazy tone sent a chill down her spine. Turning slowly, she was met with the sight of Kakashi standing unnervingly close, his one visible eye holding an eerie gleam. The playful yet sinister air around him unsettled her.

Fear crept into her features as Kakashi formed a single, unfamiliar seal. Before she could react, a whirlwind of leaves swirled around her, blotting out her vision. The sensation was disorienting, and when the leaves finally settled, Kakashi was gone.

"What… was that?" Sakura whispered, her voice trembling. Her surroundings were silent, the oppressive quiet making her feel utterly alone. "Where did sensei go?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by a faint, desperate voice.

"Sakura…"

Her head snapped toward the sound, her breath hitching. She knew that voice. It was Sayuri's. Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived. What she saw froze her in place.

Sayuri stood before her, but her body was grotesquely battered, shurikens and kunai embedded deeply in her flesh. Blood soaked her clothes, pooling at her feet. Her expression was one of agony, her usually sharp eyes dulled with pain.

"Sakura… please help me," Sayuri rasped, her voice weak and filled with despair.

Tears welled in Sakura's eyes as the horrific sight overwhelmed her. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. The terror and guilt bubbling inside her finally broke free in a piercing scream.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

-Meanwhile-

Sayuri's sharp scream of frustration cut through the training field, causing Kakashi to glance up briefly from his book.

"Lesson number two: Genjutsu," Kakashi mused aloud. "And Sakura fell for it perfectly."

"Hmph, of course she did," Sayuri scoffed from the shadows. "But I'm not like her."

"Say that after you've managed to get a bell, Sayuri-chan," Kakashi replied with mock respect, his one visible eye curving in amusement.

Kakashi sighed as he tucked his book away. He knew this would be the second toughest fight of the day. Sayuri wasn't one to underestimate, and her sharp mind combined with her determination made her a formidable opponent. Once he was done with her, however, Kakashi planned to focus on Naruto, who so far remained an unpredictable wild card. While Naruto often played the fool, Kakashi had seen enough flashes of brilliance to know there was more to him than met the eye. Even so, the boy's temper and reckless nature could be exploited.

This is going to be interesting, Kakashi thought as he shifted into a combat-ready stance.

Sayuri emerged from the shadows, her dark eyes locked onto her sensei's lone visible one. The tension was palpable as the two stared each other down, searching for even the smallest weakness. Neither moved, the air between them heavy with anticipation.

Impatient as always, Sayuri made the first move. She hurled a barrage of shurikens at Kakashi, who easily sidestepped the incoming projectiles. But the moment he did, he noticed something off—the shurikens were attached to a nearly invisible line of wire. His sharp instincts kicked in.

It's a trap.

The shurikens pulled taut against the wires, triggering a mechanism that sent a hail of kunai and other sharp weapons flying toward Kakashi's position. Reacting quickly, Kakashi leapt into the air to avoid the deadly onslaught.

Sayuri capitalized on the opportunity. Using every ounce of her speed, she dashed behind Kakashi and aimed a sharp kick toward his head. Kakashi blocked the kick with his left arm and grabbed her leg with his right hand. But Sayuri wasn't finished. She twisted midair, throwing a punch at his face with her free hand. Kakashi caught her fist with his open hand, locking them in a stalemate.

Unfazed, Sayuri smirked. She shifted her weight, swinging her free leg upward in a sweeping arc toward Kakashi's head. Forced to act quickly, Kakashi raised both arms, holding her trapped limbs while dodging the incoming kick. Sayuri used the momentary distraction to reach for the bells with her free hand.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. Letting go of her limbs, he pushed her away and created some distance between them.

"Not bad," Kakashi admitted, his tone light but serious. "You're definitely better than the other two so far. But you can't win like this—at least not on your own."

Sayuri ignored his words, her mind too focused on the task at hand to consider any underlying lesson. She began weaving a series of hand seals with practiced precision. Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly as recognition dawned.

She's not actually going to… he thought. Memories of a past fight with another young prodigy flashed in his mind. So, she can already use that technique? Interesting.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" Sayuri shouted.

A massive fireball erupted from her mouth, roaring across the training ground and consuming the area in a fiery explosion. The intense heat scorched the earth, leaving a small crater in its wake. When the flames dissipated, however, Kakashi was nowhere to be seen.

Sayuri's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, her breathing steady as she searched for any sign of her elusive sensei. Where is he? she wondered, frustration building as the silence stretched on.

"Below you!" Kakashi's voice called out.

Before she could react, a hand shot up from the ground and grabbed her ankle. Sayuri struggled, but Kakashi's grip was firm, and she found herself being pulled downward. Within moments, only her head remained above ground, the rest of her body trapped in the earth.

"Lesson number three: Ninjutsu," Kakashi said casually, dusting off his hands. "Sorry, Sayuri-chan. Maybe next time."

With that, Kakashi pulled out his book and began reading again, leaving Sayuri stewing in frustration as he wandered off.

For five minutes, Kakashi indulged in his beloved novel, enjoying the quiet reprieve. But as he turned the next page, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. His visible eye curved into an amused smile as he faced his final target of the day.

"Alright, Naruto," Kakashi murmured, his tone both teasing and expectant. "Let's see what you've got."

Naruto stood in the clearing, waiting for Kakashi to arrive. This would be a delicate balancing act—displaying enough skill to impress without revealing the full extent of his abilities. Danzo's instructions were clear: keep the village guessing, and don't expose the depth of his training.

When Kakashi finally arrived, his signature relaxed demeanor was on full display, a book in hand and a lazy posture as he sauntered toward the waiting Naruto. "Yo," Kakashi greeted, his one visible eye curving into a smile.

Naruto crossed his arms, already bristling at the sensei's nonchalant attitude. "About time you showed up. Didn't think it would take you that long to take down those two," he said flatly.

Kakashi flipped another page in his book without looking up. "Look whose talking."

Naruto resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Kakashi finally slid the book into his pouch and tilted his head at Naruto. "Well, ready for a little test?"

Naruto gave a sharp nod, already expecting this from the academy briefing. He stepped back, loosening his muscles and mentally running through his plan. Stay low-key. No flashy moves unless absolutely necessary.

"Good," Kakashi said, stretching his arms. "Care to show me what you've learned these past 5 years."

Naruto froze for a fraction of a second, quickly masking his surprise with a forced grin. "Sure, why not. I've been working harder than anyone else in class, after all."

Kakashi hummed thoughtfully, clearly unconvinced. "Well then, let's see what all that hard work has done for you." Without further warning, Kakashi blurred forward, aiming a casual swipe at Naruto's head to test his reflexes.

Naruto ducked instinctively, spinning on his heel to create distance. Kakashi's lazy posture returned as he watched Naruto recover. "Good instincts," he remarked. "But let's see how long you can keep up."

Naruto lunged forward, deciding to start with a straightforward taijutsu assault to measure Kakashi's defenses. His trench knives flashed as he aimed a flurry of strikes at Kakashi, who dodged effortlessly, his movements smooth and unhurried.

Kakashi countered with a quick jab, forcing Naruto to leap back. "Not bad," Kakashi said, sounding genuinely impressed. "But you're holding back."

Naruto shrugged, feigning ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "If that's the case, let's see how you handle this." He charged forward, his speed increasing significantly. Naruto parried the first blow with his trench knives but was forced to retreat under the barrage of punches and kicks that followed.

He's fast, Naruto thought, blocking another strike and using the momentum to flip backward. But if he wants to see my skill, I'll give him just enough.

Naruto landed in a crouch, forming a quick series of hand seals. "Fūton: Daitoppa!" he called, releasing a powerful gust of wind that tore through the training ground. Kakashi jumped into the air to avoid the blast, but Naruto was already moving, using the wind to propel himself upward.

Kakashi barely had time to react as Naruto appeared above him, swinging his trench knives in a wide arc. Kakashi twisted mid-air, avoiding the strike but losing some of his balance. They landed simultaneously, skidding across the ground and staring each other down.

"Well, that's interesting," Kakashi said, dusting himself off. "Wind release, huh? Not exactly standard academy fare."

Naruto smirked but said nothing, slipping back into his stance.

Kakashi decided to up the ante. He pulled out a handful of kunai, throwing them with precise aim. Naruto deflected them with his trench knives, but one of the kunai released a puff of smoke upon impact, obscuring his vision.

Naruto instinctively jumped back, his senses on high alert. Where is he?

A shadow appeared behind him, and Kakashi's voice sounded almost amused. "You should always watch your blind spots."

Naruto twisted just in time to avoid Kakashi's kick, rolling to the side and countering with a chain of attacks using his trench knives. Kakashi dodged smoothly but noticed something odd—Naruto's strikes were precise, almost too calculated for a supposed rookie. This kid has been trained… but by whom?

Deciding to change tactics, Naruto pulled back, forming another set of hand seals. "Suiton: Suijinheki!" A wall of water surged up, momentarily obscuring him from view.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. Water release too?"

Naruto used the cover to launch his next attack. Chakra chains erupted from his back, snaking through the water barrier and aiming straight for Kakashi. The jonin's eyes widened as he dodged the first chain, only to be caught off guard by a second that wrapped around his ankle.

Naruto yanked hard, pulling Kakashi off his feet and slamming him into the ground. Before Kakashi could recover, another chain shot toward him, aiming to pin him down. Kakashi managed to roll away at the last second, severing the chain with a kunai.

As the dust settled, Kakashi stood, slightly out of breath. "You've got some interesting tricks, Naruto. But I wonder…" He trailed off, his voice taking on a darker edge. "How much of that is really yours?"

Naruto froze for a split second, his grip tightening on his trench knives. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Kakashi didn't answer. Instead, he vanished, reappearing behind Naruto and aiming a strike at his neck. Naruto ducked, spinning around with a counterattack that forced Kakashi to retreat.

The two clashed repeatedly, their strikes creating small shockwaves as they pushed each other to their limits. Naruto's chakra chains lashed out intermittently, forcing Kakashi to stay on his toes.

The fight intensified as the sun rose higher in the sky. Their movements blurred with speed, kunai clashing against trench knives, creating sparks that flew through the air. Naruto's chakra chains weaved in and out of the fight, occasionally striking at Kakashi, who deftly dodged or deflected them with well-timed counters.

Kakashi kept a close eye on the boy's techniques, his mind analyzing every move. He's strong—far too strong for someone fresh out of the academy. Danzo's hand is all over this. But how much is Naruto holding back?

Naruto gritted his teeth, focusing on keeping his attacks sharp but not too revealing. If I push too hard, he'll figure out I've been trained. But I can't make it too easy either. I need to end this soon.

Kakashi suddenly dropped low, sweeping at Naruto's legs. The blonde leapt into the air, twisting mid-flight to avoid a follow-up kunai strike. Landing a few meters away, Naruto planted his trench knives into the ground and formed a quick set of hand seals.

"Fūton: Daitoppa!" he shouted, releasing a powerful gust of wind. The sheer force tore through the training ground, uprooting debris and forcing Kakashi to jump back.

Kakashi crouched on a nearby branch, his visible eye narrowing. "Not bad for a genin," he said casually. But that was a little too refined for someone just starting out.

Naruto didn't respond. Instead, he dashed forward, his chakra chains lashing out like striking vipers. Kakashi sidestepped one, ducked under another, and caught a third with his kunai. With a sharp tug, he yanked the chain, pulling Naruto off balance.

"Gotcha!" Kakashi said, launching forward with a kick aimed at Naruto's chest.

Naruto twisted his body mid-air, using the momentum to fling a kunai at Kakashi. The jonin easily deflected it, only to realize too late that the kunai was rigged with an explosive tag.

Boom!

The explosion sent Kakashi skidding back, singed but unharmed. "Clever," he muttered, dusting off his flak jacket. "But not clever enough."

Naruto smirked, already forming a plan. He created several shadow clones, each armed with trench knives and kunai. The clones surrounded Kakashi, attacking in perfect synchronization.

Kakashi deflected one, tripped another, and dispelled a third with a well-placed strike. But as he dodged and countered, he realized the clones weren't aiming to hit him—they were herding him toward a specific spot.

He's trying to box me in, Kakashi thought, impressed despite himself. "Nice strategy, Naruto, but you'll have to do better than that."

Naruto grinned, his real body blending seamlessly among the clones. "Who said this was my only plan?"

Kakashi's eye widened as he felt a faint tug on his flak jacket. Looking down, he saw a single chakra chain wrapped around his waist. When did he—?

Unbeknownst to Kakashi, one of Naruto's chains had been buried underground through his feet earlier in the fight. When Kakashi leapt to avoid the wind jutsu, Naruto subtly directed the chain to coil around his target from below, hidden by the debris and chaos.

While Kakashi had been busy deflecting clones and kunai, the chain had slowly worked its way up his body, snagging the bells from his belt without him noticing.

With a sharp tug, Naruto retracted the chain, the bells landing neatly in his hand.

The fight paused as Kakashi stood across from Naruto, his kunai ready. But then, he noticed the absence of the jingling sound by his side. His eye darted to Naruto, who was holding up the bells with a triumphant grin.

"Looking for these?" Naruto asked smugly, dangling the bells in front of him.

Kakashi stared in disbelief, his expression unreadable. Then, to Naruto's surprise, the jonin chuckled. "I didn't even notice. That's... impressive."

Naruto shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "You said to think underneath the underneath, didn't you? I just followed your advice."

Kakashi sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, you've certainly passed. But don't think I didn't notice how much you're holding back."

Naruto's grin faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. "Guess I'm just full of surprises." With that he disappeared in using the Body Flicker Jutsu.

"So, what are you going to do with the bells?" Sakura asked hesitantly, breaking the heavy silence that hung over the clearing, where all three currently stood, Naruto having just freed Sayuri from Kakashi's earth prison.

Naruto studied the two bells in his hand, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he looked at Sakura and Sayuri and finally tossed each of them a bell.

"What?" Sakura gasped, catching hers instinctively. "Naruto, no! You can't do this!"

Sayuri frowned deeply, clutching the bell but clearly conflicted. "I don't need your pity, dobe. I'll pass this test on my own merits, not because you feel like playing martyr." Her tone was sharp, but her voice betrayed an underlying frustration.

Naruto waved her off with an exaggerated sigh. "Sure, sure, Uchiha. You'll definitely pass it all on your own… next time." His nonchalant tone was enough to make Sayuri's teeth grind.

"Naruto, please." Sakura stepped forward, holding the bell back to him. "I can't take this. You earned them—both of them. I... I didn't contribute nearly as much. I don't deserve to pass at your expense."

"Yeah, keep your charity," Sayuri added, tossing her bell back toward him.

Naruto shook his head with a faint smirk, catching the bells again. "You're both missing the point," he said, holding them loosely between his fingers. "It's not about earning them. It's about what happens next."

"What are you talking about?" Sayuri demanded, narrowing her eyes.

Naruto looked between the two of them and then back at the bells, letting out a long sigh. "The truth is, I've figured out the real point of this test. It's about teamwork, right?" He shrugged. "But let's be honest here—we're no team. Not yet, anyway. You've got your superiority complex," he said, pointing at Sayuri, "and you," he added, looking at Sakura, "are way too focused on trying to impress people."

Sakura winced but didn't argue, while Sayuri bristled but stayed quiet.

"And me?" Naruto continued, a self-deprecating grin tugging at his lips. "I don't even care about passing this test. I already proved to myself that I'm good enough to be here. I don't need to be on this team to validate that. So..." He stepped forward and held the bells out to them again. "Take them. Both of you. I'll go back to the Academy. Maybe another year of practice will do me good."

Sakura and Sayuri stared at him, stunned into silence.

"You're joking," Sayuri finally said, her voice a mix of disbelief and anger. "You think you can just throw away your chance like that?"

"Naruto, you're not serious," Sakura pleaded. "You worked so hard—"

"I'm serious," he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm fine with going back. Really."

"That's a lie, and you know it!" Sayuri snapped, clenching her fists. "Stop pretending you don't care. If you're so smart, you know this test wasn't just about the bells."

Naruto gave her a crooked smile. "Exactly. Which is why it doesn't matter if I go back. You two have the bells now, and that's what counts."

Before either girl could protest further, a familiar voice broke the tension.

"Well, this is an interesting turn of events," Kakashi drawled, stepping into view. His relaxed posture belied the keen gaze he fixed on Naruto. "You've certainly got an... unconventional way of thinking, Naruto."

Naruto turned to face him, folding his arms casually. "Did I do something wrong, sensei?"

Kakashi's eye crinkled in amusement. "Not at all. In fact, I'm impressed. You figured out the test's true purpose on your own. Though I'll admit, your willingness to step aside was... unexpected."

Sakura and Sayuri both glared at Kakashi, clearly upset. "You can't let him go back to the Academy!" Sakura exclaimed. "It's not fair!"

"She's right," Sayuri said reluctantly, her jaw tight. "Even if the dobe is an idiot, he doesn't deserve that."

Kakashi chuckled, his visible eye gleaming. Danzo must be rubbing off on him, he thought, silently marveling at the boy's ability to think beyond the surface. "Relax, both of you," he said, raising a hand to calm them. "Nobody's going back to the Academy."

All three genin froze, looking at him in confusion.

"What?" Naruto said, his usual bravado slipping for a moment.

Kakashi's eye-smile widened. "You all pass. This wasn't about who got the bells. It was about learning to work together as a team. And despite how rough it was, you managed to show that potential."

"But..." Sakura hesitated. "We didn't even... I mean, we weren't really working together."

"Not perfectly," Kakashi admitted. "But Naruto's decision to give you the bells shows he understands something crucial about being a ninja: sometimes, you have to put the team before yourself. That's what the test was really about."

Sayuri scowled, folding her arms. "So, that's it? We pass because he gave us the bells?"

Kakashi nodded. "That's & your unwillingness to pass at his expense."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Huh. Guess I outsmarted myself this time."

"You're still an idiot," Sayuri muttered, though there was a grudging respect in her tone.

Sakura smiled, relief washing over her. "Thanks, Naruto. You're not as much of a knucklehead as I thought."

"Gee, thanks," he said dryly.

Kakashi clapped his hands together. "All right, team. Starting tomorrow, the real training begins. Don't be late." With that, he vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving the three genin to process what had just happened.

Naruto turned to the others, his grin returning. "Guess you're stuck with me after all."

Sayuri rolled her eyes but smirked despite herself. "Don't make me regret it, dobe."

Sakura laughed, shaking her head. "This is going to be... interesting."

As they left the training ground together, Naruto couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction. Maybe this team won't be so bad after all.

The Hokage's office buzzed with energy as the Jounin senseis reported the results of their team evaluations. Kakashi arrived in his usual casual manner, puffing into the room with a plume of smoke, his ever-present orange book in hand. Leaning against the wall, he waited for his turn, eyes skimming the text.

"Team 8 passed," Kurenai reported confidently, earning a nod of approval from Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Team 10 passed," Asuma followed up, puffing on his cigarette with a grin.

Finally, all eyes turned to Kakashi. The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Well, Kakashi, you're the last one. What's the result of your test?"

Without looking up from his book, Kakashi casually replied, "Team 7 passed." He punctuated the announcement with a crinkled eye-smile.

Silence immediately engulfed the room. Even the chirping birds outside seemed to pause in disbelief. Kurenai stared at Kakashi as though he had grown a second head. Asuma choked on his cigarette smoke. A soft cough from Hiruzen broke the spell.

"You passed a team?" Kurenai said incredulously. "You?"

"Yes, Kurenai. Is that so hard to believe?" Kakashi replied, feigning indignation while clearly amused.

Murmurs rippled through the room, with most attributing the team's success to Sayuri Uchiha. Kakashi merely rolled his visible eye.

"Very well," Hiruzen said at last. "Everyone except Kakashi is dismissed." The other Jounin senseis left the room, curiosity still lingering in their expressions.

As the door shut, Hiruzen activated the privacy seals, the air in the room growing heavier. Kakashi's casual demeanor faded, his stance becoming more formal.

"You saw everything, didn't you?" Kakashi began, his voice low and serious.

Hiruzen steepled his fingers and nodded. "Indeed I did."

"He's far more skilled than he's letting on," Kakashi said. "His use of chakra chains, use of multiple elemental Jutsu, his precision in combat, his tactics… There's no way he picked this up on his own. Someone's definitely been training him."

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "And I suspect we both have a good idea who that someone might be."

"Danzo," Kakashi said flatly.

Hiruzen nodded grimly. "There's no concrete proof yet, but the signs are there. The way Naruto holds back just enough, the way he carefully navigates every situation without revealing the full extent of his abilities… It's too methodical for someone his age to achieve alone."

Kakashi ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "What's the plan? If Danzo is training him, then he's already embedding his philosophy into the boy. We can't let him twist Naruto into a weapon for his own ends."

"We proceed cautiously," Hiruzen said. "Confronting Danzo without proof will only drive him deeper into secrecy. For now, observe. Build trust with Naruto, guide him when you can. We need to ensure his loyalty lies with the village, not with Root."

Kakashi nodded reluctantly. "And if it's true? If Danzo's already influenced him too much?"

"Then we'll have to undo that influence," Hiruzen said, his tone resolute. "But I have faith in Naruto. He has a strong will and a good heart. If guided properly, he'll make the right choices."

Kakashi shifted gears, his voice softening. "What about Tsunade and Jiraiya? Any updates from them?"

Hiruzen sighed, his face clouded with thought. "Yes, they've sent word. Mito's training is progressing well, but it'll still be a few more months before she's ready to return. Jiraiya has concerns about the Akatsuki. He believes their movements are becoming more organized and suspects they're targeting jinchūriki. Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, and other S-ranked missing-nin are confirmed members."

Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly. "Itachi and Kisame? That's a dangerous combination. If they're after jinchūriki…"

Hiruzen nodded. "Exactly. That's why Jiraiya is focusing so much on Mito's training. She needs to be ready. And he…" He hesitated, his expression softening. "He has expressed regret. He realizes now the mistake he made by not being there for Naruto as his godfather. He wishes to make things right."

Kakashi's gaze turned thoughtful. "Do you think Naruto will just accept that?"

"It's hard to say," Hiruzen admitted. "Naruto has endured a great deal of neglect. Jiraiya will have his work cut out for him."

The room fell silent for a moment before Kakashi broke it. "And what about Naruto? When do we tell him the truth about his sister?"

Hiruzen sighed deeply. "Not yet. Let him adjust to life as a shinobi first. Let him bond with his team. I'll reveal the truth to him before the Chūnin Exams. He'll need time to process it before facing the challenges ahead."

Kakashi nodded, though the weight of the situation clearly troubled him. "Understood. I'll keep a close eye on him."

As Kakashi turned to leave, Hiruzen's voice stopped him. "Kakashi, you've seen what Naruto is capable of. Guide him wisely."

Kakashi gave a curt nod, his mask hiding a faint smile. "I'll do my best, Lord Hokage."

After Kakashi left, Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Minato, your son... I just hope I'm making the right decisions for him… for all of us."

The three newly minted genin were seated at a small ramen stand, much to their collective surprise. Naruto occupied the middle seat, with Sakura on his left and Sayuri on his right. For once, the atmosphere was unexpectedly pleasant, an unusual dynamic for their team.

Sakura glanced at Naruto and chuckled softly. "I can't believe I'm actually having lunch with you, and it's… not weird."

Naruto shot her a cheeky grin. "See? I told you, Sakura-chan. You've been missing out all this time."

The pink-haired girl rolled her eyes, though her smile didn't falter. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Naruto. This is not a romantic date or anything like that, so don't even think about it."

Naruto smirked, feigning innocence. "It's okay to admit you're having fun, Sakura-chan. No shame in it."

Sakura shook her head, but her amused expression lingered as she watched Naruto wolf down another bowl of ramen. "Hey, Naruto," she began hesitantly, her tone shifting to something more sincere. "Thanks for what you said earlier. You didn't have to, but it meant a lot."

Naruto turned to her, his foxy grin softening. "We're teammates, Sakura-chan. I've got your back, no matter what."

Sayuri, who had been quietly sipping her tea, felt her temper flare at the scene. Her sharp, onyx eyes narrowed as she observed the exchange. "Idiot," she thought. "Why waste your time on her? She doesn't deserve that kind of loyalty."

Sakura noticed the intense glare directed at her from Sayuri and frowned. Crossing her arms, she finally snapped, "Why do you always look at me like that, Sayuri? What's your problem with me?"

Sayuri's gaze shifted to meet Sakura's, her expression cold and unreadable. "Hmph. I'm done here." Her tone was curt, and she stood up abruptly, leaving her unfinished tea behind.

Naruto watched Sayuri's retreating figure with narrowed eyes before sighing. He quickly finished his ramen, stood up, and jogged after her. He caught up to her just down the street, cutting off her path by standing directly in front of her, arms crossed.

"What's your deal, Sayuri?" he asked, his voice even but laced with curiosity.

Sayuri met his gaze, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "Thanks for lunch, Naruto. I'll see you around."

Naruto blinked in disbelief as she brushed past him, her steps steady and deliberate. "Wait… Did she just thank me? And call me by my name?" he muttered to himself, thoroughly confused. He turned to watch her retreating form, her raven hair swaying with each step.

Moments later, Sakura appeared by his side, slightly out of breath. "Where'd Sayuri go?"

Naruto shrugged, feigning indifference. "She's just not feeling well. Needed some space, I guess."

Sakura frowned but didn't press further. "Hey, Naruto, wait," she said suddenly, grabbing his arm as he started to walk away.

He stopped and turned to face her. "What's up, Sakura-chan?"

The pink-haired kunoichi hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "I've been wondering… How are you able to do all these crazy jutsus? I mean, you were the dead last in the Academy. It doesn't make sense."

Naruto grinned, his playful demeanor returning. "That, Sakura-chan, is a secret," he teased, leaning in slightly. "Maybe if I get to know you better, I'll think about telling you."

Sakura raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Is that so? Well, maybe I'll think about letting you."

Naruto laughed lightly, stepping back. "Take care, Sakura-chan. I'll catch you later."

With that, he walked away, his hands in his pockets. His playful act dropped the moment he turned the corner, his expression settling into its usual guarded neutrality. For now, he had done enough to maintain the illusion. The real work was still ahead.

Naruto entered his modest apartment as the last rays of the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village. He closed the door behind him with a quiet click, the comforting familiarity of his small space greeting him. The day had been long—gruelling even—but successful in its own way. He tossed his gear into a corner and stretched his arms above his head, his muscles stiff from the day's exertions.

The moment he began settling down, the sharp tap-tap of talons against glass drew his attention. He turned toward the window to see a sleek black hawk perched on the sill, its intelligent eyes fixed on him. The Root insignia attached to its leg confirmed its origin.

"Figures," Naruto muttered, his voice low as he crossed the room. Opening the window, he let the bird hop inside. It extended its leg, allowing him to retrieve the small scroll tied there. The hawk fluttered to a perch on the back of a chair, watching him silently.

Unrolling the parchment, Naruto scanned the message. It was brief and to the point, as was typical of Root correspondence:

Mission 0432-Genin Team Assessment
Provide a detailed report on today's events, including the bell test, teammates' performance, and assessment of your jounin instructor. Submit promptly.

Naruto sighed, rolling his eyes. "Of course, they want a report on my first day," he muttered. He tossed the scroll aside, already knowing there was no use delaying it. Root operatives didn't have the luxury of procrastination. Shrugging, he walked over to his small writing desk, pulled out a fresh piece of parchment, and prepared his ink and brush.

Sitting down, he dipped the brush into the ink, tapping off the excess before bringing it to the paper. The hawk, still perched, tilted its head, as if observing his every move.

Root Operative Report: 0432-Genin Team Assessment

Agent ID: Fox
Mission Classification: Observation and Integration

1. Bell Test Overview
The exercise commenced under the pretense of obtaining two bells from our assigned jounin instructor, Hatake Kakashi. The purpose, as discerned through analysis, was to test teamwork and evaluate individual abilities under pressure.

The test began with Hatake-san leveraging his superior speed, stealth, and tactical prowess to evade and counter our efforts. Despite his reputation as a high-level operative, I noted that Hatake-san intentionally held back throughout the exercise. His demeanor was casual but deliberate, likely to assess our initiative and adaptability rather than physical prowess.

I opted to divide my strategy into two phases:

Phase One: Feigned independent action, deliberately underplaying my capabilities to observe my teammates' reactions and test their cooperation potential.

Phase Two: A calculated effort to lead the team without overtly appearing dominant, guiding them toward the intended objective (team cohesion) while maintaining Root protocols.

Outcome: The bells were successfully obtained through a mix of subterfuge and precise application of techniques, culminating in a display of teamwork that led Hatake-san to pass the entire squad.

2. Teammate Performance
Sakura Haruno:

Strengths: Analytical ability, decent chakra control (evident in her quick adaptation during coordinated attacks). Shows potential for genjutsu proficiency.

Weaknesses: Lacks combat initiative and physical endurance. Confidence is inconsistent, likely tied to emotional volatility.

Overall Assessment: A work in progress. She requires significant improvement in practical combat scenarios.

Sayuri Uchiha:

Strengths: Natural aptitude for ninjutsu, particularly fire-based techniques. Tactical thinking and instinctual combat abilities are noteworthy. Exhibits advanced precision and reflexes.

Weaknesses: Poor team player, overly individualistic approach. Emotional detachment hinders effective cooperation.

Overall Assessment: High potential but needs guidance in teamwork and emotional management to maximize efficiency.

3. Jounin Instructor Assessment
Hatake Kakashi:

Strengths: Exceptional combat prowess, strategic acumen, and remarkable stealth. His relaxed demeanor is likely a mask for sharp observational skills.

Weaknesses: Detached attitude may alienate younger subordinates, though it could be a calculated move to gauge reactions.

Overall Assessment: A highly skilled mentor capable of fostering talent, though his methods are unconventional. Hatake-san appears to be assessing me specifically, likely due to suspicions regarding my abilities.

4. Root Observations
Hatake-san's prolonged focus on me suggests he suspects outside training. I adhered to protocols and refrained from revealing advanced techniques or knowledge beyond standard genin capabilities, maintaining plausible deniability. However, his tactical decisions indicate he will continue to scrutinize my actions closely.

Teammates' integration remains in progress. While the group lacks cohesion currently, there is potential for development, provided proper guidance is applied. Continued observation is necessary to ensure optimal outcomes for the greater Root objectives.

Finishing the report, Naruto read over it quickly, ensuring there were no errors or unnecessary details. Satisfied, he sealed the parchment and tied it back onto the hawk's leg. The bird chirped once before leaping out the window, disappearing into the night sky.

Leaning back in his chair, Naruto let out a deep breath, his mind replaying the day's events. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy—not with a team that barely trusted one another and a sensei who clearly saw through his facade. But for now, he was content with the knowledge that he had fulfilled his obligations.

"Another day, another mission," he muttered, standing up and stretching. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for tonight, he allowed himself the rare luxury of rest.

1 month later

Naruto retrieved his fallen kunai and slid it back into the pouch strapped to his leg. The soft clink of metal against metal was oddly satisfying, though he was too annoyed to care. Kakashi had been unusually punctual today—only a few minutes late. That didn't change the fact that his arrival times were completely unpredictable, making it impossible for Naruto to sneak in even a few extra moments of sleep. Some days, the Jonin showed up twenty minutes late. On others, it was nearly noon before he made his grand, indifferent entrance. Naruto was convinced that Kakashi did it on purpose to keep them perpetually on edge.

Standing on the bridge where Team 7 gathered every day, Naruto stretched his arms over his head and yawned loudly, earning a sideways glance from Sakura. She stood nearby, looking bored, her hands on her hips as she sighed in frustration. Sayuri, meanwhile, leaned against the railing with her arms crossed, her expression set in her usual cold and unreadable demeanor. Naruto glanced between them and chuckled to himself. Great company as always.

"I hope we're not doing another D-rank mission today," he grumbled under his breath, thinking back to the last fiasco at the Inuzuka kennels. Cleaning dog waste while Kiba sat back and laughed had been one of the most humiliating experiences of his life. Akamaru's contribution to the mess halfway through hadn't helped either. Sayuri had flat-out refused to help, calling it beneath her, while Sakura had been too preoccupied with trying to catch Kiba's attention to actually get her hands dirty. That left Naruto doing most of the work, gritting his teeth the entire time.

He hoped today would be different.

Moments later, Kakashi finally arrived, offering a lazy wave as he strolled toward the group, a familiar orange book in hand. "Yo," he greeted, his single visible eye curving upward in what passed for a smile.

"You're late!" Sakura snapped, glaring at him.

"Am I? Hmm…" Kakashi glanced at an imaginary watch. "Must've lost track of time. Anyway, follow me."

The three Genin exchanged looks but fell in line behind their sensei as he led them to Training Ground Seven. Naruto's mood lifted immediately. Going to the training ground instead of the Hokage Tower meant one thing: they'd be doing something cool. At least, he hoped so.

When they reached the clearing, Kakashi turned to face them. "Alright, my adorable little Genin, today we're starting with sparring."

Naruto grinned, clenching his fists in excitement. Sayuri raised a brow but remained silent, while Sakura looked less enthused.

"Afterward," Kakashi continued, "I'll teach you something new. But first, pair up. Naruto, you'll spar with Sakura."

Naruto groaned inwardly, though he managed to keep his expression neutral. Sparring with Sakura was always a delicate matter. He didn't want to hurt her, but he also didn't want to come across as weak.

"Taijutsu only," Kakashi reminded them. "Start when I say go."

Naruto and Sakura faced each other, adopting their respective stances. Naruto's was relaxed but ready, a product of his rigorous Root training. Sakura's was textbook—competent but rigid, lacking the fluidity born of experience.

"Go!" Kakashi called.

Sakura immediately hopped back, taking a defensive position. Naruto sighed. "Come on, Sakura-chan, don't make me do all the work here."

"I'm just being careful," she replied, her voice tinged with nervousness.

Naruto shrugged and stepped forward, throwing a slow, wide punch that she easily ducked. She backpedaled, resuming her stance. They repeated the sequence twice more, with Naruto feigning attacks and Sakura dodging without countering.

"This is getting boring," Naruto muttered under his breath.

The next time he charged, he switched tactics. Faking another haymaker, he spun into a low leg sweep. The move caught Sakura off guard, and she let out a startled yelp as she hit the ground. She scrambled back to her feet, her face red with embarrassment, and lunged at Naruto, her punches flying fast but lacking power.

Naruto blocked her attacks with ease, barely needing to move. He sidestepped a kick, grabbed her wrist, and twisted her arm into a submission hold. Sakura winced, letting out a small cry of pain.

"Stop!" Kakashi called, ending the match.

Naruto released Sakura immediately, stepping back as she rubbed her arm. Kakashi approached, his tone matter-of-fact as he addressed her. "Your form is solid, Sakura, but you need to work on your strength and endurance. Start a proper training regimen."

Sakura's cheeks flushed. "Kiba-kun doesn't like girls with muscles…"

Sayuri snorted from her perch atop a nearby tree stump, earning a glare from Kakashi. He turned back to Sakura. "This isn't about what Kiba-kun likes. It's about surviving as a shinobi. Understood?"

Sakura nodded reluctantly.

Kakashi then shifted his attention to Naruto. "Your conditioning is excellent, but your technique needs work. Your strikes should be sharper, more precise. Don't rely solely on brute strength."

Naruto nodded, hiding his irritation. He knew Kakashi was right, but the criticism still stung.

"Sayuri, you're up next," Kakashi said, turning to the Uchiha. "You'll spar with Naruto."

Sayuri leapt down from the stump, a small smirk playing on her lips as she faced Naruto. "This should be fun."

Naruto and Sayuri squared off in the training field, their eyes locked in an intense stare. Sayuri's smirk hinted at her confidence, while Naruto's relaxed demeanor masked his calculated readiness. The air between them was electric, charged with unspoken rivalry.

"Let's see if you can actually back up all that talk, dobe," Sayuri teased, her voice laced with amusement.

Naruto grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Princess, you're about to see what this 'dobe' can really do."

Kakashi leaned casually against a tree, his ever-present book in hand. "Taijutsu only. No ninjutsu, no weapons. Begin."

Sayuri wasted no time, launching herself at Naruto with blistering speed. Her right leg snapped forward in a high kick aimed at his head. Naruto ducked just in time, the rush of air from her strike grazing his hair. Before he could counter, she twisted mid-air, delivering a spinning kick that forced Naruto to leap backward.

"Quick, aren't you?" Naruto quipped, his grin never faltering.

Sayuri landed gracefully, her stance shifting fluidly as she prepared for the next move. "You'll need more than banter to keep up."

Naruto darted forward, throwing a feint jab with his right hand before pivoting to deliver a sweeping kick. Sayuri anticipated the move, hopping over his leg and retaliating with a sharp knee strike aimed at his ribs. Naruto blocked with his forearm, the impact reverberating through his arm, and countered with a palm strike toward her chest. Sayuri sidestepped, her speed allowing her to stay just out of reach.

The two danced around each other in a blur of motion, each testing the other's limits. Sayuri's strikes were fast and precise, her form a perfect blend of discipline and instinct. Naruto, on the other hand, moved with fluidity and adaptability, his Root training evident in every calculated step and counter.

Sayuri lunged forward, aiming a series of quick punches at Naruto's torso. He blocked the first two but narrowly missed deflecting the third, which grazed his side. Ignoring the sting, he retaliated with a spinning back kick that forced Sayuri to duck. Not giving her a moment to recover, he followed up with a rapid combination of strikes: a jab, a cross, and an elbow aimed at her shoulder. Sayuri deflected the elbow and seized his wrist, twisting it as she swept his legs out from under him.

Naruto hit the ground but used the momentum to roll backward onto his feet, his grin never wavering. "Not bad, princess. Almost had me there."

Sayuri's smirk widened. "Almost? You're slipping, dobe."

She surged forward again, this time mixing her attacks unpredictably. A low kick followed by a high feint forced Naruto to split his focus. He caught her ankle mid-strike and spun her away, but she landed with feline grace and immediately charged back in. Naruto ducked under a wild swing, pivoted behind her, and attempted to grab her from behind. Sayuri spun with surprising speed, using the back of her elbow to push him away.

"Think you're clever?" Sayuri said, her voice calm but edged with challenge.

"Just warming up," Naruto replied, his stance resetting as he watched her every move.

The intensity escalated as the fight wore on. Naruto feinted left, baiting Sayuri into overcommitting to a kick, then ducked under her strike and closed the distance with a quick jab to her midsection. Sayuri gasped but recovered instantly, using the force of his strike to propel herself backward and create space.

"You've been practicing," Sayuri admitted grudgingly.

"Wouldn't want to disappoint," Naruto shot back, his grin widening.

Sayuri's eyes narrowed as she shifted tactics. She feigned a charge but instead dropped low, spinning into a sweeping kick aimed at Naruto's ankles. He jumped to avoid it, only to meet her mid-air strike—a roundhouse kick aimed at his ribs. Twisting his body, Naruto managed to deflect the blow with his forearm and land on his feet, skidding slightly in the dirt.

Sayuri pressed the advantage, her fists flying in a rapid barrage of punches. Naruto parried each strike, his hands a blur as he blocked and redirected her attacks. He saw an opening and aimed a counterpunch at her shoulder, but she anticipated the move, catching his arm and twisting it. Naruto flipped forward to escape her grip, landing in a crouch several feet away.

"Impressive," Sayuri admitted, though her smirk remained. "But you're still predictable."

"Then let me surprise you," Naruto said, his tone playful yet focused.

He darted forward, his movements faster and sharper than before. Sayuri's eyes widened as he closed the gap with startling speed, throwing a series of jabs that forced her onto the defensive. Her blocks were precise, but Naruto's relentless pace began to wear her down. He feinted a high punch, then dropped low, sweeping her legs out from under her once again. This time, he didn't let her recover, pinning her with his weight as he grabbed her wrist and twisted her arm behind her back.

"Yield?" he asked, his voice teasing but firm.

Sayuri glared up at him, her cheeks flushed from exertion. "In your dreams."

With a sudden twist of her body, she freed her arm and rolled away, landing on her feet in one smooth motion. Naruto barely had time to react before she was on him again, her strikes faster and more aggressive than before. He blocked her punches but was forced to retreat under her unrelenting assault.

Kakashi watched from the sidelines, his visible eye betraying a hint of approval. Sayuri's technique was impeccable, but Naruto's adaptability and determination were equally impressive. The fight was far more evenly matched than he had anticipated.

The two Genin clashed again, their movements a blur of kicks, punches, and counters. Naruto ducked under a spinning kick, using the opening to deliver a quick jab to Sayuri's ribs. She winced but retaliated immediately, catching him with an uppercut that sent him stumbling backward. Not giving him a moment to recover, she charged forward, aiming a flying kick at his chest. Naruto sidestepped at the last second, grabbing her ankle and using her momentum to throw her to the ground.

They both landed in crouched positions, breathing heavily as they stared each other down. Neither was willing to back down, their competitive spirits driving them forward.

"Still think I'm the dobe?" Naruto asked, his tone light but challenging.

Sayuri smirked, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "Maybe you're not completely useless after all."

"Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment."

The fight resumed, each giving it their all. Sayuri's speed and precision clashed against Naruto's raw strength and adaptability, creating a spectacle of skill and determination. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the training field, Kakashi finally called an end to the match.

"Enough!" he said, stepping forward. "Good work, both of you. That was impressive."

Naruto and Sayuri straightened, their breathing labored but their expressions triumphant. They had pushed each other to their limits, and it was clear that neither had come out on top.

"Looks like I'll have to keep an eye on you two," Kakashi said, his tone light but meaningful. "You're shaping up to be quite the team."

Two Months Later

It had been two months since the bell test, and Naruto was starting to feel his patience wear thin. Team 7 had done nothing but D-ranked missions, a seemingly endless cycle of mundane chores that left him feeling restless. Escorting squawking chickens, scrubbing the Inuzuka kennels, or painting fences was not what he had envisioned for his ninja career. The only solace he found was in the occasional training sessions Kakashi organized between missions, though even those felt constrained by his need to maintain his cover.

Sayuri and Sakura weren't faring much better. Sayuri loathed the menial tasks as much as Naruto, though she masked her irritation behind her usual stoic demeanor. Sakura, on the other hand, didn't bother hiding her frustration, especially when it came to Tora, the insufferable cat who seemed to delight in tormenting them.

"I swear, if I have to chase that damn cat one more time, I'll personally deliver it to the Akimichi clan as an appetizer," Naruto muttered under his breath, his voice low but charged with irritation.

Sakura snorted in agreement, her usually cheerful demeanor cracked by the endless monotony of D-ranked missions. "Honestly, I wouldn't even feel bad about it."

Sayuri smirked slightly, her arms crossed as they walked to the Hokage Tower. "Maybe if we fail hard enough today, the old man will actually give us something worth our time."

Naruto's expression darkened at the mention of the Hokage. Though he didn't voice it, there was a simmering tension that always seemed to rise when he thought about Hiruzen Sarutobi. That tension wasn't lost on Kakashi, who observed his blonde student closely, silently noting how Naruto's shoulders stiffened whenever they neared the tower.

As they entered the mission office, Hiruzen greeted them with his usual grandfatherly smile. To anyone else, it might have seemed genuine, but to Naruto, it felt forced, like a mask hiding the true intentions of the man who oversaw every aspect of the village. Kakashi noticed the subtle glare Naruto shot at the Hokage but said nothing, choosing instead to let the boy vent his frustration through his actions.

"Ah, Team 7," Hiruzen said warmly, "we have plenty of missions today. Cleaning the Inuzuka kennels, babysitting the merchant's daughter, weeding gardens—"

"Absolutely not!" Naruto cut in, his voice louder than he intended. He caught himself and took a breath before continuing, "We've been doing nothing but chores for two months, old man. Enough is enough!"

Sakura gasped at his bluntness, and even Sayuri raised an eyebrow. Kakashi, however, remained silent, watching the interaction unfold.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly, though his tone remained calm. "Naruto, every mission contributes to the village's well-being. Even D-ranked missions are important."

"Sure, if you want to break someone's spirit," Naruto muttered under his breath.

Hiruzen's gaze lingered on the blonde for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. "Kakashi, do you believe your team is ready for something more challenging?"

Kakashi nodded without hesitation. "They've shown great progress in teamwork and basic skills, Hokage-sama. I believe they're ready for a C-ranked mission."

Hiruzen regarded him carefully before pulling out a scroll from the pile marked "C-rank." "Very well. Your mission is to escort Tazuna, a bridge builder from the Land of Waves, back to his village and protect him until his work is complete." He gestured to the door. "Send him in."

A grizzled old man staggered into the room, a sake bottle clutched in one hand. He gave the team a once-over, his expression sour. "This is it? A couple of brats and a cyclops? You expect this circus to protect me?"

Sayuri's jaw tightened, and Sakura's face flushed with embarrassment. Naruto, however, seemed completely unbothered. He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms and smirking. "Don't let the looks fool you, old man. We might just surprise you."

Before Tazuna could respond, Hiruzen spoke sharply, his tone brooking no argument. "Tazuna-san, I assure you, these are some of our most capable shinobi. I would advise you to show them the respect they deserve."

Tazuna muttered something unintelligible but refrained from further complaints.

Kakashi clapped his hands together. "Alright, team. Pack for a month and meet me at the gates tomorrow at 8 AM. Don't be late." With that, he vanished in a puff of smoke.

As the team dispersed, Naruto walked in silence, his thoughts preoccupied. He couldn't shake the feeling that Hiruzen's words earlier had been calculated, as though the Hokage were testing him in some way. That familiar tension simmered in his chest, but he pushed it down, focusing instead on the mission ahead.

The next morning, Naruto arrived at the gates a few minutes early, his pack slung over one shoulder. He was greeted by Sakura's cheerful wave, though her expression turned sheepish when she noticed the annoyed look on Sayuri's face.

"Morning," Sakura said, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Morning," Naruto replied, his tone neutral.

Kakashi arrived shortly after with Tazuna in tow. He glanced at his team and nodded approvingly. "Looks like everyone's ready. Let's get moving."

As they set out on the road, the tension between Naruto and the Hokage lingered in the back of Kakashi's mind. He watched his blonde student closely, noting the way Naruto's demeanor shifted whenever the village came up in conversation.

The path to the Land of Waves stretched out before them, promising challenges and revelations none of them could yet foresee.