In Bloom and in Battle

by Privation

After an untimely death, a woman awakens in a world she knows only from manga and anime—Naruto. Reborn as Kimiko Yuhi, the younger sister of Kurenai, she must navigate her new life in the Hidden Leaf Village, grappling with the disorientation of infancy and the reality of a ninja's world.

8. Chapter 8: Four Flowers

Chapter 8: Four Flowers.

The days following her graduation felt oddly anticlimactic. Significant endings, it seemed, often came without fanfare. The village barely paused; no celebrations, no applause. One moment, you were a student, and the next, a shinobi, marked only by the weight of a forehead protector tied snugly around your brow. Kimiko preferred it that way. She wasn't one for sentimentality—there were far more important things to focus on, like preparing for the days ahead.

Her parents, however, thought differently.

While the village carried on, her family marked the occasion with a joint celebration. Kimiko's graduation coincided with Kurenai's promotion to Jonin, an achievement her father described as monumental.

"It's no small thing," Shinku had said, his voice carrying a rare note of pride as he addressed them over dinner. "Becoming a Jonin requires approval from both the Jonin Commander and the Hokage. It's not just skill but leadership that's scrutinized. Appointing someone unfit could damage the village's reputation,"

Kimiko nodded, understanding the weight of what was left unsaid. A village's reputation—whether for altruism or ruthlessness—mattered little to clients compared to their record of competence and professionalism. A single misstep, such as promoting unqualified shinobi, could erode trust. Clients would take their missions elsewhere, diminishing the revenue the village funneled back to the Fire Daimyo. And when that tax revenue dwindled, the Daimyo would begin to ask questions and depending on the situation might even slash the village's allotted funding. After all, the land the ninja village occupied was likely leased by the Daimyo in exchange for loyalty, protection, and financial returns. To falter in these duties was not just a blow to the village's prestige but a direct challenge to its standing within the country.

Kimiko watched as Kurenai blushed under the weight of their father's praise. For a moment, her usually composed and confident sister looked almost shy, and Kimiko couldn't help but smile. Kurenai's success was a testament to what hard work and dedication could achieve—a beacon for her own aspirations.

Before the conversation could continue, Kaori lifted her gaze from her plate, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

"Ah, that reminds me. The village's alert levels were raised last night. We noticed shinobi patrolling the streets, but the alarm seemed to drop not long after. Is everything resolved?"

Shinku and Kurenai exchanged a brief glance, a silent communication that didn't escape either Kaori or Kimiko.

"It was an internal matter, resolved peacefully," Shinku said with practiced ease, his tone measured. "For all intents and purposes, it turned out to be a false alarm."

Kaori's brow furrowed slightly, a contemplative expression settling on her features, but she nodded. Satisfied for now, she returned to her meal.

Kimiko, on the other hand, remained silent, her mind drifting back to the events of the previous night. The tension in the air had been palpable. From her bedroom window, she'd watched Chunin and older Genin patrolling the streets, their faces taut with unease.

But Kimiko knew better. She knew exactly why the village had been on high alert. It wasn't some random false alarm—it was because of Naruto.

The Scroll of Seals.

He had stolen it from the Hokage's office, manipulated by Mizuki's schemes. The scroll, a dangerous repository of forbidden jutsu, could have spelled disaster in the wrong hands. But, as Kimiko's knowledge of the world reassured her, the crisis had been averted. Naruto, with Iruka's guidance, had not only overcome Mizuki but had also learned his first signature technique: the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Kimiko fought the urge to smirk at the memory. It was ironic, really, how a potentially catastrophic event had become a pivotal moment for Naruto's growth. Still, she kept her thoughts to herself, unwilling to share her suspicions or add to her mother's unease.

"Ah, which reminds me," Kaori began, her smile soft and warm. "Your father and I have a gift for you both."

Shinku's expression mirrored hers, a rare tenderness lighting his features. "A gift for the two of you," he added, "and a graduation present for Kimiko."

Kimiko blinked in surprise. She hadn't anticipated this. Even in her previous life, she had long since stopped expecting gifts, viewing them as indulgences reserved for others, not her. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find the words, Kaori placed a small box in her hands.

Curious, Kimiko carefully lifted the lid. Inside was a delicate bracelet, crafted to resemble twisting vines. A glittering crimson flower adorned the center as a pendant, its intricate petals catching the light.

For a moment, Kimiko stared at it in silence, a faint warmth blooming in her chest. She quietly slipped it onto her wrist, the cool metal pressing against her skin. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Kurenai doing the same, securing an identical bracelet around her wrist.

"So that you two always remember your bond," Shinku said, his voice steady but carrying an uncharacteristic gentleness.

Kimiko looked at her sister, their matching bracelets shimmering faintly in the light. Kurenai caught her gaze and gave her a small smile, her usual composure tinged with affection.

"Thank you," Kimiko murmured, her voice quiet but sincere.

Kaori beamed. "It's only fitting. Both of you worked so hard to reach this point. And no matter where your paths take you, you'll always have each other."

"Ah, but Kimiko has another gift, doesn't she?" Kurenai said, her eyes glittering with amusement. "I loved what Mother made for me; I'm sure you'll love yours, too."

Kimiko furrowed her brows in confusion, her crimson eyes darting toward Kaori, who only chuckled in response. Without a word, Kaori left the room, returning moments later with something carefully folded in her arms.

"I had a lot of practice," Kaori said, her voice warm. "I sewed these ninja clothes for you."

Kimiko blinked, caught off guard. Sewn her ninja attire? Her mother? She thought back to all the moments she had passed by Kaori, sitting quietly at her embroidery table, humming softly as her hands worked. All those hours suddenly made sense.

When Kaori laid the folded clothes onto the table and smoothed them out, even Kimiko, usually composed, found herself slightly breathless.

It was perfect. Feminine yet practical. Beautiful yet battle-ready.

The tunic was deep crimson, fitted with a high mandarin collar, its sleeveless design ensuring freedom of movement. It extended to her mid-thigh, with elegant slits on the sides to allow for agility. Paired with the tunic were black, form-fitting shinobi leggings, sturdy yet comfortable. A red sash, tied obi-style, completed the outfit, managing to be both decorative and functional, with its capacity to secure pouches and tools.

"It's beautiful," Kimiko whispered, her fingers grazing the fabric. The reinforced material was soft but strong, a clear labor of love.

Kaori's smile widened. "I thought this would suit you, something strong and graceful—like you."

"Mother," Kimiko said, swallowing back a lump in her throat. "How long did this take you?"

Kaori waved a hand dismissively. "Long enough to ensure it was worthy of you. But seeing you wear it will make every stitch worth it."

"She's right," Kurenai said, grinning. "It's a perfect match for you, Kimiko. It's stylish enough to distract your enemies, and durable enough to protect you."

Kimiko let out a soft laugh, her fingers tracing the sash. "Thank you, Mother," she said quietly, the words heavy with sincerity.

Shinku, watching the exchange, nodded approvingly. "A shinobi's attire reflects who they are. I see this will suit you well, Kimiko. Wear it with pride."

Kimiko nodded, lifting the tunic in her hands, imagining the day she'd wear it for the first time in the field. This was more than just a gift; it was a piece of her mother's love and care, a reminder of her family's support to her. And it made her heart ache—the overwhelming love these people, who didn't even know the true her, gave so freely. It was a warmth she hadn't expected, and it brought an ache of guilt and gratitude alike. She wondered, not for the first time, whether the Kimiko of this world—if she had truly existed—had received the same unwavering love from Kaori and Shinku.

The thought lingered, a quiet shadow in her mind, but she steadied herself and forced a smile for them. There was no point dwelling on questions without answers.

No use thinking about it now, she thought firmly. All I can do is be the daughter they deserve. To make her… no, my parents proud.

It would have to do.

---

The day after their celebration, Kimiko informed her parents she'd handle the administrative errands needed to finalize her registration as a ninja. She wasn't exactly lying—she would get to it—but not before making a detour to visit Naruto. If she was correct, he should still be at his apartment.

Guilt gnawed at her as she walked the familiar streets. She couldn't shake the feeling that she could have done more to prevent Naruto from falling into Mizuki's trap. What if she had pushed him harder during training? Or subtly guided him toward better preparation for the Academy exam? She grimaced at the thought, knowing full well it was her own hesitation—and fear—that kept her from taking a more active role.

But meddling could have made things worse, she tried to rationalize. Too much interference, and I could risk breaking events in ways I can't predict.

And yet, the truth lingered at the edges of her mind, unrelenting. Her presence had already thrown a wrench into canon. The path ahead was no longer clear, and pretending otherwise wouldn't change that. Frightening as the prospect was, she couldn't sit idly by. If she truly wanted to grow stronger—and save as many lives as she could—then she had to accept the risks. The future wasn't a fixed story; it was a living, malleable thing.

She steeled herself as she approached the door to Naruto's apartment. "Naruto-kun," she called softly, knocking firmly.

She felt the weight of the stares before she saw them. Passersby glanced in her direction, eyebrows raised in mild curiosity. Kimiko knew what they were thinking. The village idiot. The cursed child. Why would anyone visit him?

Her gaze shifted to meet theirs, calm and steady. The moment they saw the headband tied securely on her forehead, they looked away, feigning indifference. Civilians rarely dared to question the actions of a shinobi.

The door creaked open, revealing a surprised Naruto on the other side. His bright blue eyes blinked up at her, startled, before a grin began to spread across his face. Kimiko felt some of the tension in her shoulders ease at the sight. Despite everything, Naruto's energy was as infectious as ever.

"Ohayo, Naruto-kun," she greeted softly, her tone warm but subdued. "I haven't seen you since graduation," she started, "and I wanted to check in on you. I brought breakfast."

She held out a bento box neatly wrapped in a red cloth. Her expression was carefully composed—quiet concern mixed with a hint of somberness. She doubted Naruto would expect her to know what had happened the night before, but she still wanted to show him she cared.

Naruto's face lit up like the morning sun. "Woah! Thanks, Kimiko-chan!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, his grin widening. "And don't worry about me—I graduated, see?"

He stepped aside, pointing proudly at his desk inside the small apartment. Sitting on it, neatly placed, was his brand-new forehead protector.

Kimiko's gaze softened as she took in the sight. Despite her knowledge of the events that transpired, seeing Naruto's success still filled her with pride.

"Do you mind if I come in?" she asked, her voice light and casual.

Naruto blinked at her, momentarily caught off guard. The faintest flush crept up his cheeks before he quickly stepped back, waving her inside. "Of course, Kimiko-chan! Come on in!"

Kimiko stepped inside Naruto's apartment and took a moment to look around. Her gaze swept the space with the practiced efficiency they were taught in the Academy, scanning for trip wires, concealed explosive tags, or any other signs of traps. Of course, there were none—Naruto wasn't that meticulous—but the exercise had become second nature.

Naruto's home wasn't destitute or filthy, but it was unremarkable. The small room held the bare essentials: a table, a chair, a modest futon tucked neatly in the corner. It was comfortable without being inviting, utilitarian without any personal flair. She couldn't help but think it had been intentionally designed that way, likely under the Hokage's watchful eye, to ensure Naruto had a livable space without attracting undue attention.

The entire place felt like a carefully orchestrated compromise.

No wonder Naruto feels neglected, she thought, her chest tightening. Living in a place like this would make anyone feel invisible.

Kimiko set the bento box on the table and slid into the seat opposite Naruto, watching his eyes light up when she opened it. Inside were tamagoyaki, steamed rice, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables—simple, nutritious, and arranged with care. Kaori had always been insistent that a kunoichi must know how to cook, and Kimiko had taken to it with a stubborn determination, if only to avoid her mother's relentless lessons.

Naruto's face broke into a wide grin. "Whoa, Kimiko-chan, this looks amazing!"

She smiled warmly, a hint of pride bubbling beneath her calm exterior. "I'm glad you like it. It took a bit of practice to get it right."

Naruto practically dove into the food, clapping his hands together. "Itadakimasu!" he said, his words slightly muffled as he quickly stuffed a bite of tamagoyaki into his mouth.

Kimiko tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "So, how did you graduate, Naruto-kun? I thought the Clone Jutsu was required, and you mentioned struggling with it."

Naruto paused mid-bite, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before answering. "Oh, yeah! Mizuki-sensei said there was a secret test that could help me pass! He told me about some scroll in the Old Man Hokage's office—" His voice faltered for a moment, and a flash of hurt crossed his face, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

"Turns out Mizuki-sensei was trying to trick me," Naruto continued, his grin returning. "He called me a—" Naruto stopped again, his voice catching, but then he shook it off with the resilience Kimiko admired in him. "Anyway, Iruka-sensei showed up, and he and Mizuki-sensei started fighting. That's when I used the cool jutsu I learned from the scroll to help him! It's kinda like what you did with your clone when we played with Shikamaru that one time, but mine is way better! I made a ton of clones, and we totally kicked Mizuki-sensei's butt!"

Naruto suddenly stood up, beaming with excitement. "Here, I'll show you! Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

In an instant, the room filled with no less than ten Narutos, each identical and brimming with his usual energy. Kimiko blinked, momentarily stunned, before a smile tugged at her lips.

"Wow," she said, genuinely impressed. "I can barely manage six at most. You're incredible, Naruto-kun."

Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Heh, you really think so?"

Kimiko nodded. She could sense the vastness of his chakra reserves, an almost overwhelming presence compared to her own. For a shinobi, her reserves were remarkable—massive, even, due to her early chakra pathway maturation and rigorous training. But Naruto's chakra was on another level entirely, fueled by his Uzumaki heritage and the monstrous reserves of the Kyuubi.

"You've got so much potential," Kimiko said, her voice warm but sincere. "If you keep working hard, you're going to be stronger than all of us someday."

Naruto's grin widened, his excitement radiating through the room. "Just wait, Kimiko-chan! I'll be Hokage one day, and then everyone will see how awesome I am!"

Kimiko chuckled softly, her crimson eyes glinting with quiet determination. "I don't doubt it for a second, Naruto-kun. Hopefully, you'll make me your Jonin-Commander someday."

Naruto blinked, tilting his head in confusion. "Huh? What's that?"

Kimiko stifled her laughter behind her palm, shaking her head. "Never mind that. Anyway, since you've officially graduated now, how about joining me to fill out the paperwork for registration? We can get ours done together."

Naruto scratched his cheek, his expression shifting to mild uncertainty. "Huh? Oh, yeah! But don't we have the whole week to finish that?"

Kimiko raised a brow, her tone turning gently persuasive. "Why wait until the last minute when we can get it out of the way today? Besides, if you're going to be the future Hokage, you should set an example by being the first to handle your responsibilities."

Naruto froze mid-thought, his eyes wide as if she'd just revealed some profound truth. "Oh, right! I almost forgot about that, you know! Yeah, let's do it!" His grin returned in full force, and he dug back into his breakfast with renewed enthusiasm. "But let me finish this first—your cooking's amazing, Kimiko-chan!"

Kimiko reached out, ruffling his hair affectionately, earning another beaming smile from him.

---

The enthusiasm didn't last. Despite Naruto's infectious optimism and boundless energy, the paperwork was as tedious as Kimiko had feared. Even with her methodical approach, the sheer volume of forms turned the process into a mental endurance test.

Even in a world as exciting as the Narutoverse, no one was safe from the tediousness of government mandated paperwork.

The Administration Office was quiet, almost eerily so, as most genin took the week to enjoy their brief reprieve before stepping into the Shinobi Forces officially. Rows of desks and stacks of parchment filled the space, the air thick with the faint scent of ink and aging paper.

The forms seemed endless: registration paperwork, detailed biodata sheets, identification number applications, and other official documents meant to log them into Konoha's Shinobi Registry. Each one required meticulous attention, which made it all the more excruciating when Naruto kept glancing at her pile and groaning dramatically.

"Man, how are there so many forms?! I didn't know being a ninja meant this much writing!" Naruto exclaimed, slumping over his desk with an exaggerated sigh.

Kimiko, penning her answers with steady precision, didn't look up. "Being a ninja means more than just throwing kunai and shouting cool jutsu names, Naruto-kun. The village needs to know everything about us—our skills, our history, even our allergies."

"Allergies?" Naruto perked up, squinting at one of his forms. "Oh, yeah! I guess I don't have any…"

Kimiko allowed herself a small smile. "That's good. Imagine sneezing in the middle of a stealth mission because of pollen."

Naruto burst out laughing, loud enough to draw a few curious glances from nearby clerks. "I guess that'd make me the worst ninja ever, huh?"

Kimiko's smile grew a fraction wider. "Not the worst. But it wouldn't help your Hokage reputation."

Naruto sat up straighter, his determination rekindled. "Right! No allergies holding me back—I'll be the best Hokage ever!" With that, he dove back into his paperwork with a renewed sense of purpose.

---

Of course, it didn't end there. Right after finishing their paperwork, they had to head to the logistics desk to pick up their standard ninja gear. Kimiko had to admit, despite the monotony of the process, she appreciated that Konoha at least ensured its genin were equipped with the essentials.

"Yuhi Kimiko, Genin, Shinobi Registration Number: Zero-One-Two-Six-Zero-Five," Kimiko said crisply as she handed her newly laminated ID card to the severe-looking kunoichi behind the logistics desk. The woman, a chuunin with sharp eyes and an air of perpetual disapproval, glanced at the ID briefly before turning her sharp gaze to Naruto.

Naruto handed over his own card with a wide grin. "Uzumaki Naruto, Genin, Shinobi Registration Number Zero-One-Two..." He trailed off, furrowing his brow as if trying to remember.

"Zero-One-Two-Six-Zero-Seven," Kimiko said, her tone tinged with amusement as she gave a playful tsk.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Heh, yeah, what she said."

The logistics chuunin let out a long-suffering sigh but didn't comment. She disappeared into the back room, her footsteps echoing faintly. When she returned, she set two small duffle bags on the counter with a thud. "Standard Shinobi Kit. Each bag contains a dozen kunai, two dozen shuriken, six explosive tags, and four smoke bombs."

Kimiko nodded in acknowledgment, listening attentively as the woman continued. "If you need anything beyond this, you'll have to fill out a requisition form at the Administration Office, get it signed by the duty chuunin, and bring it back here. We can either charge you upfront or deduct the cost from your next mission payment."

Kimiko nodded again, while Naruto's attention visibly drifted, his expression practically screaming boredom.

"Would it be possible to put in a special request for a specific tool now?" Kimiko asked, her tone polite but firm.

The logistics chuunin's sharp eyes flicked up to meet hers, scrutinizing her briefly before replying. "Depends on the tool. What are you asking for?"

"A sword," Kimiko said without hesitation.

The woman's brows rose slightly. "You'd need to submit another form for that. Weapons outside the standard genin issue require upfront payment unless you've been preapproved by your sensei."

Kimiko frowned. She could probably ask Shinku or Kurenai to help cover the cost, but relying on them for this didn't sit well with her. She was determined to stand on her own. Not to mention she didn't even have an assigned jonin sensei yet.

"Although..." the kunoichi began, her tone softening slightly as she seemed to notice Kimiko's internal struggle. "If you're willing to trade in some of the items from your standard kit, it could offset the cost. It'll have to be standard issue. Chakra Blades are restricted to Tokubetsu Jonin and need direct approval from the Jonin Commander. You'll want a tanto, I assume?" She eyed Kimiko appraisingly, clearly noting her smaller frame and calculating the weapon best suited for her.

"Yes, I'd like to trade for a tanto," Kimiko agreed, her ears perking up at the suggestion. As much as she would want a chakra blade, she knew how expensive and finite those were, given the alloy used to make them were quite scarce, having to be imported from the Land of Iron.

The woman nodded, bending down once more. When she reemerged, she held a tanto in her hands, its sleek blade catching the light faintly. Kimiko's excitement rose, but as she reached for it, the woman tightened her grip.

"Not so fast," the chuunin said, her tone drier than ever. "You'll need to file another requisition form and sign a right-to-deduct document for the items you're trading."

Kimiko's shoulders sagged, and she let out a groan that was perfectly synchronized with Naruto's exaggerated wail of despair.

"Forms, forms, forms! Why does being a ninja mean so much paperwork?!" Naruto complained, throwing his hands in the air dramatically.

Kimiko pinched the bridge of her nose, her patience wearing thin. "Naruto-kun, if you spent half as much energy filling out the forms as you do complaining, we'd be finished by now."

The logistics chuunin smirked faintly, amused by their synchronized suffering. "Welcome to the life of a shinobi, kids."

---

he rest of the day thankfully went by like a breeze. After finishing their errands, she and Naruto bid each other goodbye, parting ways with smiles. Kimiko couldn't help but feel thankful for Naruto's presence. His infectious optimism was a balm to her boredom, transforming an otherwise tedious day into something bearable, even enjoyable.

She had planned to dedicate the week to training, but the sheer excitement of Placement Day made it difficult to focus. Instead, her attempts were half-hearted—a mix of running through kenjutsu forms, light chakra control exercises, and skimming through a borrowed book on poisons and toxicology. It was far from her usual level of discipline, but she allowed herself the indulgence. After all, becoming a genin was a milestone she'd worked toward for years.

Eventually, the long-anticipated day arrived. Kimiko rose early, donned her freshly sewn ninja attire, and set off to meet Naruto as they had arranged. The streets buzzed with life, a reflection of the Academy's significance to the village. As she walked, her lips curved into a faint smile, the anticipation thrumming in her chest.

"Ohayo, Kimiko-chan!" Naruto's enthusiastic voice broke through her thoughts. She spotted him bounding toward her, his energy as irrepressible as ever, and she returned his smile with a polite nod.

"Ohayo, Naruto-kun," she replied warmly, her gaze flickering to the young boy at his side. The boy stared at her wide-eyed, his face bright with curiosity and determination. Kimiko's smile softened as recognition dawned. "I see you've met Naruto, Konohamaru-kun."

The young boy's grin widened, his confidence bubbling over. "Yes! He's my eternal rival, and I'll surpass him to become the next Hokage!"

Kimiko giggled softly, charmed by his youthful fervor. "That's a noble goal," she said, nodding encouragingly. Konohamaru puffed out his chest, standing a little taller at her words.

"Yeah, yeah, but we don't have time for this right now!" Naruto interrupted, waving his arms dramatically. "We've gotta get to our Genin Team Orientation, you know!"

Kimiko waved goodbye to Konohamaru before jogging to catch up with Naruto, who was already racing ahead.

As they walked together, Naruto's expression turned wistful. "Man, I really hope I get placed on Sakura-chan's team," he said dreamily, his eyes sparkling at the thought.

Kimiko raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "What's this? You don't want to be on my team, Naruto-kun? I'm hurt."

Naruto froze mid-step, his hands flailing as he tried to recover. "No, no! That's not it, Kimiko-chan! I just—uh—"

Kimiko's laugh cut him off, light and musical. "I'm teasing, Naruto-kun. Relax," she said, her tone reassuring.

Naruto let out a dramatic sigh of relief before flashing her a sheepish grin. Together, they continued on toward the Academy and eventually reached their classroom. Kimiko took her seat beside Naruto, who seemed unusually talkative as they waited for the session to begin. Around them, the usual chatter of the classroom was muted, replaced with an undercurrent of tension. Students exchanged nervous glances, and even the most energetic seemed subdued. Placement day had a way of drawing out unease, as everyone speculated about their future teammates and the Jonin who would lead them.

Kimiko, ever composed, kept her focus on Naruto, who seemed oblivious to the nervous energy in the room. He was more preoccupied with a different kind of commotion.

"What's so special about him, anyway?" Naruto grumbled, his gaze fixed on the mass of girls clamoring for attention around a single figure. They crowded and argued among themselves, vying for the notice of someone who was all too familiar to Kimiko—Sasuke Uchiha.

Kimiko's eyes flicked toward the scene briefly before turning back to Naruto. "He's the top rookie of our year," she said calmly, her tone neutral.

Naruto scowled, slumping in his seat. That fact seemed to irritate him even more, a sore reminder of the gap between his reputation as the class clown and Sasuke's as the golden boy.

"Big deal," Naruto muttered, crossing his arms. "You're way better than he is, and even I am!" He boomed, "And he's not even all that handsome!" he added loudly, his voice carrying across the room.

Kimiko's lips twitched in faint amusement, but she gave Naruto a measured look. "Naruto-kun, Sasuke's abilities have earned him his reputation. There's no need to compare yourself to him," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

Naruto opened his mouth to argue but caught sight of Sakura, who was among the group of girls surrounding Sasuke. His expression shifted, a mix of frustration and longing. Kimiko couldn't help but notice and felt a pang of sympathy for him. Naruto's loud declaration had been more than just a dismissal of Sasuke; it was an attempt to impress someone who rarely paid him any mind.

Kimiko chose her words carefully. "You don't need to be like Sasuke to prove your worth, Naruto-kun. You're strong in your own way, and people will see that in time," she said, offering him an encouraging smile. "Strength doesn't only ever take one form,"

Naruto blinked at her, his annoyance giving way to a sheepish grin. "You really think so, Kimiko-chan?"

"I know so," she replied confidently.

As Naruto straightened in his seat, his mood visibly lifting, Kimiko turned her attention back to the classroom. Her gaze lingered on Sasuke for a moment. While she couldn't deny his talent, she also recognized the burden he carried. The burden so heavy that he left the village because of it. That even her friendship failed to protect some semblances of the boy he once was.

It didn't take long for Iruka-sensei to walk into the classroom, and his presence alone was enough to silence the restless chatter. The students straightened in their seats as Iruka approached the podium, a single sheet of paper held behind his back.

"As of today, you have all become full-fledged Ninjas," Iruka began, his voice steady yet laced with authority. "However, you're all still Genin. The tough part's just coming!" He let the words hang in the air, and even Naruto, usually fidgety, leaned forward in anticipation.

"From here on, you'll be in a squad of three, and carry out missions under a Jonin sensei," Naruto didn't seem as surprised as the others were, given that she already told him about that. A good number of them did seem lost, particularly those who were first generation ninjas. It was discussed in the Academy, but in an offhanded way, so it made sense people who just became ninjas didn't exactly know about it.

Iruka unfolded the paper, scanning it briefly. "The groups have been determined so that the strength of the groups will be balanced," He started. "Now, for the teams. Team One: Shimura, Kai. Minamoto, Yu. Haruno, Sakura."

The groups have been determined so that the strength of the groups will be balanced.

Kimiko's heart froze. Her crimson eyes darted toward the pink-haired girl sitting across the room. Sakura's face fell, her expression a mix of disappointment and resignation. Kimiko felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest.

The groups were determined so that the strength of the groups will be balanced.

Of course. Her mind raced. Her presence in the Academy, her hard work to become the top kunoichi of her year, had displaced Sakura from Team 7. It wasn't intentional—none of it was—but the reality remained: by existing in this world, she had changed its course.

Her breath hitched as a wave of realization washed over her. She hadn't just taken the original Kimiko's life; she had likely rewritten Sakura's fate entirely. Without Team 7, without Sasuke and Naruto, could Sakura still find her path to growth? Would she ever become Tsunade's apprentice, or would this timeline strip her of her potential?

Kimiko bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to focus on the present. She could lament her unintended interference later. This only meant she had to work twice as hard to measure up to the role Sakura played, maybe even make better decisions than Sakura had made if it came down to it.

"Alright, next is Team Seven. Uzumaki, Naruto," Iruka began, flipping the page, "Yuhi, Kimiko… and Uchiha, Sasuke!"

Murmurs immediately rippled through the classroom, eyes darting toward the three of them. Kimiko could feel the weight of those stares as Naruto let out a loud whoop, throwing his arms around her in a tight, enthusiastic hug.

"Yes! We're on the same team, Kimiko-chan!" Naruto exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat.

Kimiko smiled at him, her hand gently patting his shoulder to calm him, though her attention flicked briefly to Sasuke. Sasuke gave Naruto a flat, suffering look before his gaze shifted to hers. To her surprise, there was a faint nod of acknowledgment. It wasn't much, but it seemed Sasuke either approved of her presence or, at the very least, didn't mind it.

As Iruka continued to list off the other teams, Kimiko tried to keep her composure. Inside, however, her mind raced. Hinata, as expected, was placed in Team Eight with Shino and Kiba. Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji were grouped together as Team Ten. At least I didn't mess with those placements…

The quiet tension in her mind was shattered when Naruto shot to his feet, pointing accusingly at Sasuke.

"Iruka Sensei! Why does an exceptional student like me and Kimiko-chan have to be in the same group as this guy?!" Demanded Naruto.

Kimiko blinked at Naruto, unable to hide a small smile at his antics, but Iruka responded with a deadpan expression. "Aside from Kimiko, Sasuke has the best grades among all the graduates."

Then, turning to Naruto with a sharp look, Iruka added, "And you're at the bottom."

The classroom erupted into laughter. Naruto flushed with embarrassment, glancing sheepishly at Kimiko, who gave him a small, apologetic smile.

"Of course, this is how it is when trying to balance strength within groups!" Iruka explained with a patient sigh.

"Tch." Sasuke clicked his tongue, his gaze flicking to Naruto. "Just don't get in my way, loser."

"What did you say?!" Naruto snarled, fists clenched, his temper flaring as he leaned toward Sasuke.

"You want to fight, dead last?" Sasuke retorted, his tone cold, his stare sharp.

Kimiko pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling quietly before speaking. "Naruto," she said firmly, "lower your voice. Sasuke, don't call our teammate a loser."

Both boys stiffened at her tone, turning to her with reluctant glances. Naruto grumbled under his breath, crossing his arms, while Sasuke merely looked away with an annoyed "Tch."

Iruka smiled faintly at her intervention. "In the afternoon," he continued, "you'll meet your jonin instructors. Until then, you're dismissed."

Naruto slumped back into his seat, muttering something under his breath about how Sasuke wasn't that great. Kimiko just sighed, glancing at her new team. Herding these two together is going to be a challenge.

As Sasuke rose from his seat, clearly intending to spend the break alone, Kimiko called out, her voice calm but firm. "Sasuke-kun."

Naruto turned to glance at her, tilting his head, and even Sasuke paused, though he regarded her with his usual aloof silence.

"Come to lunch with us," Kimiko continued, raising the two bento boxes she'd prepared. "I packed three bentos for my teammates."

Naruto's incredulous expression was immediate. "Why do you want him to come with us? We could just eat with Shikamaru, Choji, or Hinata!" His voice rose slightly, drawing some glances from their classmates. Sasuke, visibly irritated, seemed about to leave.

"We're Team Seven now," Kimiko replied quietly, meeting both of their gazes. "The least we can do is try to spend time together. We'll be doing missions together soon. If we can't even manage lunch, how are we supposed to trust each other in the field?" Her eyes flicked between them, her tone steady and composed. "Do either of you want us to be the team that can't deliver?"

That struck a nerve. Naruto flinched at the mention of being last—something he desperately wanted to leave behind—and Sasuke's frown deepened. The Uchiha didn't like the thought of failure, even by association. Reluctantly, Sasuke nodded. "Fine."

Kimiko smiled faintly. "Good."

Naruto, still grumbling under his breath, followed suit as they left the classroom together.

The tension between the boys was palpable, and lunch was far from harmonious. Naruto's boisterous enthusiasm clashed with Sasuke's quiet disdain. It didn't help that Naruto seemed to take every silence from Sasuke as an insult, and Sasuke found Naruto's antics insufferable.

"I'm telling you, I'm going to be Hokage!" Naruto declared loudly, stuffing rice into his mouth. "And when I am, you'll have to call me 'Boss,' Teme!"

Sasuke scoffed, not even looking up. "If you don't choke on your food first, dobe."

Naruto bristled, slamming his chopsticks down. "What did you say?!"

Kimiko sighed, her patience fraying. "Naruto, lower your voice. Sasuke, don't call our teammate a loser." Her voice was firm but calm, like a stream of cool water quelling a fire.

"Tch, whatever," they both muttered simultaneously, glaring at each other before returning to their meals.

That was the theme of their entire lunch, the two boys bickering at each other and Kimiko having to come in to chide the two of them. She mentally wondered how Sakura felt being caught between two very different, but no less powerful personalities. Well, now she isn't here to do that. It's all on you, Top Kunoichi of your year.

When they returned to the classroom, Iruka began introducing the Jonin sensei to the respective teams. Asuma sauntered in lazily, collecting Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. Kurenai entered next, giving Kimiko a brief nod before taking Hinata, Kiba, and Shino.

Finally, the other Jonin filtered in, each collecting their assigned teams. Soon, the classroom was almost empty, save for Team Seven. Even Iruka excused himself, citing paperwork.

Kimiko noted Sasuke's irritation at their sensei's absence, his arms crossed as he leaned back in his chair. Naruto, on the other hand, couldn't sit still. He darted around the room, rifling through desks, opening cupboards, and generally making a mess. Kimiko didn't say anything to stop him. Young boys, especially ones like Naruto, couldn't help being quite active.

"Where is this guy? He's late!" Naruto whined, leaning out the door and glaring down the hallway. "Why is it that only our squad's teacher is late?! The other teams already got picked up, and even Iruka-sensei's gone!"

"He probably has a reason," Kimiko said kindly, though she already knew why. Kakashi's perpetual tardiness wasn't laziness but something far more poignant—a silent homage to a teammate he'd lost long ago. The thought tugged at her heartstrings.

Naruto suddenly brightened, as if struck by inspiration. He grabbed the blackboard eraser and hopped onto a chair to balance it precariously on the ajar door. Kimiko raised an eyebrow, giving him a dull look, while Sasuke outright scoffed.

"Is that really the best way to make a good impression?" Kimiko asked, her voice calm but laced with dry amusement.

"It's his fault for being late!" Naruto insisted, grinning as he jumped down.

Sasuke folded his arms, nonplussed. "A Jonin wouldn't fall for something so stupid."

Before Kimiko could reply, she felt it—a faint shift in the air, like a ripple in still water. Her gaze snapped to the door just as it creaked open, revealing a tall, silver-haired man wearing a mask and a slouched posture. Time seemed to slow for a moment as the eraser fell, bouncing off the top of his head with a soft thud.

Kakashi didn't even flinch.

Silence blanketed the room.

"HA HA HA! I GOT HIM! I GOT HIM!" Naruto's triumphant laugh shattered the quiet as he pointed at Kakashi, practically dancing in place. Kimiko, ever composed, hid her smile behind her hand, though her eyes glimmered with amusement. Sasuke, meanwhile, looked thoroughly unimpressed, his brow furrowing as if questioning the competence of their supposed sensei.

Kakashi bent down, picking up the eraser with deliberate slowness. His single visible eye turned to the three of them, crinkling slightly in what might have been a smile. "Based on my first impression, I'd have to say... I hate you."

Kimiko stifled her giggle, but the other two boys seemed to be momentarily stunned, before sighing.

Kakashi eyed them all, before continuing. "Alright, meet me on the rooftops in five minutes. We'll be having our first team meeting there," With a flash, Kakashi disappeared. Kimiko watched the faint swirl of displaced air where Kakashi had stood. Body Flicker Technique... Smooth and precise. She'd been practicing it herself, but Kakashi's execution made hers feel clumsy by comparison. There's so much I can learn from him.

"Well, better not keep him waiting," said Kimiko, before moving to gather the two boys and head towards the rooftop.

---

Kakashi eyed the three of them, his posture relaxed as he leaned against the rooftop railing. "Alright," he said, "let's start with introductions. Your likes, dislikes, future dreams, hobbies—things like that."

Kimiko sat cross-legged on the rooftop, her crimson eyes fixed on him. Her senses were attuned now, picking up on his chakra's presence. It felt electric, sharp and buzzing like lightning ready to strike, but there was something else—a faint, unsettling trace of blood and burned flesh, lingering like the aftermath of a storm. This is someone who's seen war, she thought, a flicker of respect crossing her mind.

Before she could dwell on it, Naruto piped up. "Before we do that, shouldn't you go first?"

Kakashi tilted his head, as if considering the question. "Me?" he asked, pointing at himself. "Well… My name is Kakashi Hatake. I don't feel like telling you my likes or dislikes. I haven't really thought about my dreams for the future. As for hobbies? I have many."

Kimiko pressed a hand to her lips, stifling a giggle, while Naruto gawked at him, incredulous. Sasuke's expression could only be described as deadpan annoyance. Kakashi pretended not to notice the trap and moved right along. "Next is you guys. Let's start with you," he nodded at Naruto.

Naruto sprang to his feet, nearly toppling the stool he'd been sitting on. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki!" he declared with his trademark grin. "I like ramen—especially Ichiraku ramen that Iruka-sensei treats me to!" His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he gestured dramatically as if emphasizing the importance of his words. "What I dislike is the three minutes after pouring hot water in the Instant Ramen."

Kimiko stifled a giggle at his sincerity, while Sasuke raised an unimpressed brow.

"My hobby," Naruto continued, puffing out his chest, "is eating and comparing ramen. And as for my dream…" He adjusted his head protector, his grin fading into something more serious. "It's to surpass the Hokage! And so I'm going to get the village to acknowledge my existence!"

The conviction in his voice was unmistakable. For a moment, the rooftop fell silent except for the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Kimiko studied Naruto's face, seeing past his usual bravado. It's not just about power, she thought. He wants to belong. To be seen.

Her gaze shifted to Kakashi, who hadn't moved from his spot. His visible eye narrowed slightly, betraying a flicker of thought. He sees it too, Kimiko realized, sensing a shared understanding between them.

Naruto plopped back down with a grin, clearly pleased with himself. Kimiko offered him a small smile in return, but her thoughts lingered on his words. Loneliness is a powerful thing, she thought. I'll make sure you're never alone, Naruto.

"And you?" Kakashi asked, his visible eye locking on Kimiko.

Kimiko met his gaze evenly, her posture straight and poised. Her voice was calm yet deliberate as she spoke.

"My name is Kimiko Yuhi. I like flowers—especially the kind that are both beautiful and deadly—poetry, and makeup. I dislike rude people, inconsiderate behavior, laziness, and bullies." She paused, her eyes flicking briefly to the horizon as if gathering her thoughts. "My hobbies include embroidery, cooking, training, and studying anything I can to expand my knowledge."

She hesitated when it came to her dream, a faint flicker of uncertainty crossing her serene expression. What was her dream? In her previous life, it might have been something mundane, like comfort and stability. But now, with all she had taken from Sakura—and the path she had chosen for herself—she couldn't settle for something so simple.

"My dream," she began again, her voice softening but steady, "is to bring honor to Konoha and my family by becoming a kunoichi worthy of respect and admiration. To be someone who can protect the people who matter to me."

Kimiko finished with a serene smile, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of resolve deeper than her tone suggested. Kakashi studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding.

"And lastly…" said Kakashi, turning to Sasuke.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha," said Sasuke, locking his fingers together. "I have lots of dislikes but no likes in particular." His tone deepened, growing darker. "I don't feel like summing up my ambition as just a dream." He paused, his voice cold and measured. "But I do have an ambition. To restore my clan… and to kill a certain man."

Kimiko gave Sasuke a measured look, her eyes assessing him. Naruto, sitting beside her, side-eyed Sasuke with an uneasy expression. While Naruto wasn't entirely sure what Sasuke's words meant, the gravity of them wasn't lost on him.

Kakashi, leaning against the railing, observed Sasuke with an unreadable expression. "Alright, all of you are very distinctive and interesting," he said, clapping his hands together lightly. "Tomorrow, we'll have a mission."

"Yes, sir!" Naruto shouted enthusiastically, saluting. "What sort of mission?"

Kakashi crossed his arms, leaning casually on the rusted railing. "First, we'll do what we can do with just four people," he said. "A survival exercise."

Kimiko kept her expression neutral. She knew exactly what was coming but said nothing.

"This isn't your typical exercise, though," Kakashi added, a faint smirk tugging at his hidden lips.

"Then… what kind of exercise will it be?" Naruto asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Suddenly, Kakashi laughed, his shoulders rising and falling with exaggerated mirth. "You'll be disenchanted if I tell you," he said cryptically.

Naruto tilted his head in confusion, while Kimiko's calm expression mirrored Sasuke's cool demeanor.

"Out of the twenty-eight graduates, only nine will be recognized as genin," Kakashi continued ominously. "The remaining nineteen will be sent back to the Academy." He paused, letting the words sink in. "In other words, the exercise is an extremely difficult test with a failure rate of sixty-six percent or higher."

Kimiko didn't flinch or react, though Naruto practically erupted in disbelief. She mentally noted that this was likely a bluff to ensure they took the test seriously. Kakashi's reputation suggested he valued seeing how they handled pressure rather than simply measuring skill.

"Hoh, seems like they gave me two statues instead of genin," joked Kakashi, glancing at Kimiko and Sasuke's unshaken expressions.

"That's crazy! To go through all that hardship, then what was the Academy test even for?!" Naruto yelled.

"Oh, that?" Kakashi replied, his tone dropping to a near monotone. "That was just to select the people who had the potential to become genin."

"Whaaa?!" Naruto exclaimed, throwing his arms up in frustration.

"Well, that's the way it is. I will be determining whether you pass or fail," Kakashi continued. Pushing off the railing, he straightened and turned his back to them. "Bring your complete set of ninja tools. We'll meet at five o'clock in the morning. At the third training grounds."

As he walked away, he threw one last comment over his shoulder. "Oh, and you'd best skip breakfast. You'll throw up."

The ominous note in his voice lingered in the air.

Kimiko's sharp eyes caught Naruto's rattled expression, his energetic facade slightly cracked. Even Sasuke, though composed, betrayed tension in the tightening of his interlocked fingers. Rising to her feet, Kimiko placed a steadying hand on each of their shoulders.

"It will be fine," she said softly, her calm voice reassuring. "Come on. Let's talk."

Kimiko watched as Kakashi disappeared in another flash of speed, her eyes shifting between her two teammates. Despite the tension in the air, she offered a small smile. "I trust both of you," she said calmly. "All we can do now is wait, alright? But…I think we should come one hour early, so we can have breakfast."

"Why?" Sasuke asked, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. Kimiko shrugged her slim shoulders.

"Because it's stupid not to eat breakfast," she replied simply. "Ninjas sometimes go on B-ranked missions that last for weeks, and the first rule is always to prioritize eating whenever you can. Besides…" Her tone became lighter, almost teasing. "Do you think we'll pass this test by starving ourselves? It'll be detrimental to our efforts. I'd rather make sure you two are in tip-top shape than follow an order that can potentially put you two in harm's way, I'll take the blame if he gets mad. "

She was lying, of course, but she needed them to trust her judgment.

Sasuke considered her words for a moment before nodding, though his expression remained unreadable. Naruto, however, grinned and gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "That makes sense! Okay, Kimiko-chan, we'll do it your way!"

Kimiko's smile widened. "Don't pack anything, though. I'll cook for us. Let's meet an hour early so we can prepare and check our gear together."

Naruto and Sasuke nodded again, and Kimiko felt a flicker of hope. A flicker that lasted with her up until they went their separate ways, and through out dinner at their home.

"How was your orientation?" Shinku asked as they ate at the table. Kimiko shrugged, taking a sip of her tea.

"It was… interesting. I got paired up with Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun."

There was a flicker of interest in Shinku's face, but he didn't comment, nor did Kurenai, who quietly ate her fried fish sticks.

"Oh? And who was the sensei assigned to you?" Shinku finally asked.

Kimiko narrowed her eyes slightly. "Aren't you the head of all Genin and Chunin training, tou-san? Shouldn't you already know?"

Shinku laughed, a low, rumbling sound. "Ah, I let the Academy instructors handle those decisions. They know you best, so they can figure out which sensei and team would suit you."

Kimiko leaned back in her chair, nodding. That made sense. Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji were obvious as a team—future clan heads of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans, destined to carry on the Ino-Shika-Cho legacy. Of course, Asuma Sarutobi, a member of the clan that united those three families with Konoha, was their team leader. And Team Eight, Kurenai's team, was made up of Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame—all individuals with great sensory potential. The match was perfect for Kurenai, the only sensory-focused Jonin in the village.

"Well, we got Kakashi Hatake," Kimiko said. "He seems very strong. Always late, though."

Shinku smirked. "Copy Ninja Kakashi, eh? Sakumo's boy. You'll learn a lot from him."

Kurenai tilted her head at Kimiko, smiling slightly. "So what does he have you doing tomorrow?"

"A test," Kimiko replied. "He said it'll determine whether we're sent back to the Academy or not."

A brief silence fell over the table. Shinku's smirk faltered slightly, and Kurenai's chopsticks paused mid-air. They exchanged a glance, subtle but unmistakable.

"It's at the Jonin's discretion whether they give that test," Kurenai said slowly. "I personally didn't put my team through it." Her expression softened. "Which does remind me—I need to visit the Hyuga Compound tomorrow to speak to Hiashi-sama about Hinata. I'm not sure that she's ready for the challenges we'll face."

Kimiko nodded absently, her thoughts drifting.

The Bell Test.

Kimiko knew what awaited them tomorrow: Kakashi would present a pair of bells, with the instruction that only two of them could pass by securing a bell. The odd one out would supposedly fail and be sent back to the Academy. But she knew the truth.

It was a test of teamwork.

Kakashi wanted to see if they could put aside individual pride and ego to support each other, even when faced with an unfair situation. The warning about skipping breakfast was yet another layer—a tool to amplify hunger, and by extension, selfishness. Hunger could drive people to abandon teamwork, to focus only on their own survival.

Kimiko's resolve tightened. She had to ensure her team didn't fall into that trap. She couldn't afford to let them fail—not on her watch.

---

"Ohayo, Sasuke-kun, Naruto-kun," Kimiko greeted, waving as the two boys trudged toward her. Naruto's loud yawn and Sasuke's irritated scowl told her everything she needed to know about their feelings toward waking up at five in the morning. She couldn't relate—early mornings were her favorite time.

Kimiko sat beneath the towering Konoha Memorial Stone, three neatly wrapped bento boxes resting in her lap. The clearing around them, bordered by forest and a winding river, was eerily peaceful. Three large posts loomed nearby, casting long shadows over the ground. She knew their significance: one of them would serve as the "seat of shame" for the person who failed the test.

"Did you two rest well?" Kimiko asked lightly as she handed them their bento boxes.

"No," Sasuke replied curtly, already peeling open the wrap. Naruto, meanwhile, plopped down beside her and rubbed his eyes groggily.

"Ughhh, why did we have to come so early?!" Naruto whined, though his irritation vanished the moment he opened his bento. "Whatever. Itadakimasu!" He dug in enthusiastically, his energy returning with every bite.

Kimiko smiled faintly as Sasuke ate in silence, his movements precise and mechanical. She knew the breakfast was more than just food—it was her way of preparing them, even if they didn't realize it.

After they finished, they waited.

Then waited some more.

By the time the sun was high in the sky, Naruto was pacing in frustration, muttering complaints under his breath. Sasuke remained seated, though his scowl deepened with every passing minute.

Finally, Kakashi appeared out of nowhere, his arrival heralded by a soft rustle of leaves.

"Ohayo," he greeted nonchalantly.

Naruto spun on his heel, pointing an accusing finger. "You're late!"

"Well, a black cat crossed my path, you see," Kakashi replied with an air of detachment. Kimiko raised an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle. Did he really just say that?

Clearing his throat, Kakashi placed a comical-looking alarm clock atop a nearby rock. "There, it's set for twelve noon."

In one hand, he dangled two small silver bells by their red strings, their soft chime cutting through the clearing.

"Today's assignment is to take these away from me by noon," he announced. "Those who can't do it won't be able to eat lunch." His visible eye gleamed with amusement.

"They'll be tied to that," said Kakashi, pointing at one of the posts. "Where I'll eat my lunch before their very eyes,"

Kimiko's gaze flicked to Naruto, who shifted nervously, and Sasuke, whose eyes darkened. The two likely realized why Kakashi prevented them from eating breakfast.

"But, hold on," Sasuke interjected, his voice sharp. "Why are there only two bells?"

Kakashi's smile widened. "There are only two, so at the very least one will have to go to the logs." He rattled the bells again. "That person will be disqualified for failing the mission…" He looked at each of them, "And will return to the Academy."

Naruto tensed beside her, and Kimiko instinctively placed a well-manicured hand on his wrist, steadying him. Kakashi noticed the gesture, his eye narrowing ever so slightly.

"It might be one person at the very least, or it could be all three of you." He continued to say. "You can use your shuriken, otherwise you won't be able to take the bells unless you come with the intent to kill me."

But that's dangerous! You couldn't even dodge a chalkboard eraser, sensei!" Naruto protested.

Kakashi gave him a flat look. "In this world, those who aren't skilled enough tend to complain more." He scratched his jaw with his free hand. "Well, just ignore the loser, the two of you."

A flash of rage appeared on Naruto's face, and his fists clenched. "Begin when I give the 'ready-go' signal,"

Kimiko's grip on Naruto's wrist tightened just as he moved toward his kunai pouch, her reflexes swift and deliberate. Kakashi's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he straightened.

"Very responsible," said Kakashi to her. "Just like your sister, Kurenai-chan. I think I'm finally starting to like you guys,"

"Now…" Kakashi's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ready… go!"

Naruto and Sasuke tensed, ready to leap into action, but Kimiko's voice cut through their adrenaline.

"No," she said firmly. "To the forest. We need to regroup."

"We don't have time for that," Sasuke snapped, glaring at her. "It's already two hours until noon!"

Kimiko turned to him, her crimson eyes locking onto his. "I know, Sasuke. But we can't just throw ourselves at him. A ninja's greatest weapon is their ability to stay hidden and strike from the shadows. Besides, he's a Jonin. And not just any Jonin—he's Copy-Ninja Kakashi. My sister told me all about him. We need a plan. Just trust me."

Sasuke's jaw tightened as his instincts waged war with her logic. But after a tense moment, he gave her a sharp nod.

Kimiko loosened her grip on Naruto's wrist, and the three of them leapt into the air, retreating to the dense cover of the forest. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kakashi watching them with an amused glint in his visible eye.

Once they landed in a secluded spot, the three knelt on the forest floor, concealed among the trees. Kimiko's sharp gaze bounced between her teammates.

"Alright," Sasuke said curtly, his voice low. "What do you want to do?"

Naruto, however, was busy glaring at Kakashi from their hidden spot, watching as their sensei casually pulled out a book and began to read.

"Fundamentally, a shinobi must mask or hide their presence." Said Kakashi. "So, good job! Let's see how to make use of it," Said Kakashi without lifting his eye from the book he was reading.

"Naruto, pay attention," Kimiko chided gently but firmly.

Naruto blinked and turned back to her, muttering an apology. Kimiko exhaled slowly, closing her eyes for a brief moment. You can do this, she told herself. Leadership had never been her strong suit in her past life, but she wasn't that person anymore. She was Kimiko now. She had trained for this.

"Okay," she began, her voice steady. "We need to complement each other's skills. Sasuke, you're great at taijutsu and shuriken jutsu, and you know the Uchiha Fireball Jutsu, right?"

Sasuke's gaze flicked to the side, a faint flicker of embarrassment crossing his face as he remembered their past training sessions. "Yeah," he muttered.

"And Naruto," Kimiko continued, her tone encouraging. "You have the most chakra out of all of us, not to mention your Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu is likely our best weapon against him. Even together, the three of us fighting at once probably isn't enough to take even one bell."

Naruto straightened, his chest puffing out slightly at the praise. "You think so?"

Kimiko smiled faintly. "I know so."

She bit her lip, her mind racing. Think, think. You're not Shikamaru, but you're not useless either. The realization that her decisions carried real weight hit her like a punch to the gut, but she shoved the thought aside. Focus.

After what felt like an eternity, her eyes opened, glinting with determination.

"Alright, Naruto," she said. "How many Shadow Clones can you create?"

Naruto scratched his head. "Uhh, I don't know. I've never tried to find out, you know."

Kimiko nodded. "Okay. Can you make a hundred?"

Naruto's eyes widened. "A hundred?! Yeah, I can do that, but—"

"Good," Kimiko interrupted. "Here's the plan…"

---

Kakashi continued to read his book, one hand tucked into his pocket, even as the idyllic silence of the training grounds shattered with a collective roar.

Naruto's voice—no, a hundred voices—echoed through the clearing as a swarm of orange-clad clones burst from the shadows. The horde charged Kakashi like a relentless tide, their footsteps pounding the earth.

"Hoh, interesting," Kakashi mused, snapping his book shut with a flick of his wrist. " Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu, huh?" He pulled his hand from his pocket and raised it casually. "Alright… time for a lesson in Shinobi Battle Tactics Number One: Taijutsu. "

The first wave of clones lunged, aiming to dogpile him, but Kakashi blurred like a silver streak. His movements were impossibly fast, each strike precise and calculated. A punch here, a kick there—every clone he touched vanished in a puff of white smoke.

"No matter how many clones you throw at me, if…" Kakashi snatched one clone mid-air and hurled it into another, their collision dispersing them both. "...you're still terrible, zero times a hundred is still zero."

Despite his dismissive tone, the clones pressed on, their sheer numbers forcing Kakashi to stay on the move. One clone darted in closer than the others, deflecting Kakashi's punch with its forearm. Using the momentum, it planted its hands on the ground, flipping into a handstand to launch a spinning kick toward Kakashi's masked face.

Kakashi's eye widened slightly as the unexpected maneuver grazed his guard. "Oh?"

Before he could fully recover, the clone dropped back onto its feet and began weaving hand seals.

" Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu! " came the shout—not in Naruto's voice, but Sasuke's.

A roaring fireball erupted from the clone, forcing Kakashi to stash his book and slide backward, his form a blur. The flames seared the air, singeing the edges of his flak jacket as he deflected a few lingering clones attempting to flank him.

Kakashi's sharp eye caught movement behind him—a trio of Narutos rushing in. But something felt off.

Instead of charging clumsily, the three clones moved with unnerving precision, their forms flickering mid-air as they closed the distance.

In a puff of smoke, they transformed, revealing three identical Kimikos, each armed with a gleaming tanto.

" Konoha Style Kenjutsu: Dance of the Crescent Moon! "

The clones' synchronized movements created afterimages, their speed dizzying as they targeted Kakashi from all sides. Kakashi reacted instantly, hurling a kunai at the Kimiko on his right, dispersing it, and kicking the leftmost clone into oblivion. But the center Kimiko broke through his defenses, her tanto slicing cleanly through his neck—only for the beheaded Kakashi to banish in a puff of smoke, a cleaved tree log in its place.

"Substitution…" Kimiko muttered under her breath, already weaving her next set of signs.

The real Kakashi appeared behind her, his fist aimed for the back of her head. But before his strike could land, Kimiko shouted, " Ninja Art: Blossoming Escape! "

Kakashi's punch hit nothing but a swirling storm of red petals, surrounding him in a fragrant whirlwind. The real Kimiko reappeared beside Sasuke, panting lightly, her tanto still raised defensively.

"Hoh," Kakashi mused, brushing a petal from his shoulder. "So, you two really are the top students of your year. Smart, using each other's strengths to keep me guessing." His tone held an unmistakable note of approval. "I think I'm starting to like your team."

Kimiko allowed herself a faint smirk, her eyes glinting with determination. For all his skill, Kakashi's acknowledgment felt like a small victory in itself. But as the sun caught the glint of the silver bells strapped to his side, Kimiko knew the battle wasn't over yet.

"Sasuke," said Kimiko, narrowing her eyes as she prepared to strike again. There were about twenty Narutos left, forming a circle around Kimiko, Sasuke and Kakashi. Still enough to cause chaos and give them the opening they needed to launch their final attack

"Mmhm," said Sasuke in acknowledgement, one hand spinning a kunai before clutching it in front of him, tip pointed at Kakashi.

In a split second, their three forms blurred, and reappeared clashing in the middle of the circle of Narutos, sparks flew around as Kimiko's tanto met Kakashi's arm guard, and Sasuke's kunai met the armguard on the back of Kakashi's gloves.

Kakashi kept his stance relaxed, one hand casually gripping his book, even as the three moved with blurring speed. Sparks lit the air as Kimiko's tanto clashed against Kakashi's arm guard, and Sasuke's kunai met the back of Kakashi's gloved hand.

"Very fast," Kakashi remarked, his tone calm despite the flurry of strikes. The three disengaged, only to clash again moments later, their movements an intricate dance of steel and skill.

Kimiko felt adrenaline coursing through her veins as her tanto darted toward Kakashi's mask. He turned his head slightly, dodging the thrust by millimeters before leaping into the air. With a powerful kick, Kakashi sent Sasuke flying backward, the Uchiha grunting as he hit the ground hard.

Now it was just her and Kakashi. He turned his gaze on her, his visible eye narrowing.

"Time for something your sister is really familiar with," Kakashi said smoothly, forming a one-handed Tiger Seal. "Shinobi Battle Tactics Two: Genjutsu."

Kimiko's crimson eyes widened as she felt Kakashi's precise chakra invade her system. It crawled like vines through her pathways, attempting to entangle her in its grip. The world flickered, the bright training ground warping into a disorienting haze. She could barely hear Sasuke's cry of alarm behind her.

This is Kakashi's strength, she realized. His control is flawless.

Her breathing slowed. She'd trained for this—years of sparring against Kurenai, the most gifted genjutsu master in Konoha, had prepared her. She focused, calming the surge of her own chakra and allowing Kakashi's energy to creep further in.

"Kai," Kimiko murmured.

A pulse of her massive chakra surged through her body, shattering the illusion like glass. The training ground snapped back into focus, and Kimiko staggered, panting.

"Well done," Kakashi said, his voice tinged with approval. "You've definitely learned a thing or two from your sister."

Kimiko's eyes darted to the battlefield. Five Naruto clones remained, and Sasuke was buried neck-deep in the ground, struggling to free himself. Kakashi stood before her, brushing imaginary dust from his gloves.

"Shinobi Battle Tactics Three: Ninjutsu," Kakashi announced cheerfully, his hands relaxed at his sides. "I have to admit, you three work well together. Shame you'll be skipping lunch, though—"

Before he could finish, Kimiko exploded into motion, a burst of air marking her sudden disappearance.

" Body Flicker… " Kakashi mused, his eye flicking to her approaching form. She was in front of him in an instant, tanto flashing in both hands. The blade arced toward his face, but Kakashi tilted his head just enough to dodge. With a faint smirk, he caught the blade between his index and thumb.

"You're fast," he admitted, amusement flickering in his eye. "Even faster than Sasuke, it seems." And then, his foot shot out to kick Kimiko

A split second before his counterstrike could land, Kimiko wove a quick hand sign with her free hand. "Flower Petal Fragrance!"

Kakashi's movements hesitated as he recoiled, his senses overwhelmed by the cloying aroma of a thousand imaginary flowers. The scent filled his nose, potent and disorienting, forcing him to release the blade.

Kimiko let go of her tanto as the full force of Kakashi's kick struck her abdomen. She flew back, the impact knocking the wind from her lungs and leaving a sharp ache radiating through her ribs. She knew Kakashi was holding back—enough to avoid crushing her completely—but it didn't mean it didn't hurt. Every nerve screamed in protest as her body coursed through the air.

Still, she refused to falter.

As she sailed through the air, her hand darted to her pouch, fingers curling around a kunai. With the last of her strength, she hurled it at Kakashi's stomach.

Kakashi, ever the seasoned shinobi, tilted his hip just slightly, the kunai whizzing past him by mere centimeters. His eye flicked toward it, noting its trajectory, but there was no sense of alarm in his stance.

The kunai soared past his hip, missing the red string holding the twin bells aloft by a hair's breadth.

" NOW, NARUTO! " Kimiko yelled as her body hit the ground.

The kunai disappeared in a burst of white smoke, revealing Naruto mid-air, his hand outstretched.

A shinobi must see through layers of deception.

Kakashi's visible eye widened ever so slightly—a flicker of genuine surprise. It was rare to catch him off-guard, but Naruto's seamless execution of the transformation jutsu had done it. He didn't move, perhaps calculating that dodging at this moment was no longer an option.

Naruto's hand shot forward, fingers gripping the bells. With a triumphant tug, the red string came loose.

" WOOO! " Naruto cheered, holding the bells high above his head as he landed in a crouch.

Kimiko gasped for air, a weak but satisfied smile spreading across her lips. Her chest heaved as she turned her head, watching Naruto's triumphant grin.

Sasuke surprised her when he stepped forward, his expression unreadable but his actions deliberate as he offered a hand to help her up. Kimiko hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected gentleness in his touch, before placing her hand in his. His grip was firm, steady, and surprisingly considerate. She gave him a small, demure smile, one that he didn't return but didn't brush off either.

"Thank you," she murmured softly, her voice carrying an air of composure even as her ribs ached and her breathing remained unsteady. Sasuke didn't reply, only nodded once before his dark eyes flicked toward Naruto, who was cheering loudly, arms punching the air in celebration. Kimiko chuckled faintly. His enthusiasm was… infectious, even now.

"I can't believe that worked," Sasuke muttered, his voice carrying both grudging respect and the faintest hint of disbelief. He ignored Naruto entirely, his gaze flickering to her instead. She felt a quiet satisfaction at the subtle acknowledgment, knowing how rare it was for Sasuke to openly give credit.

Before Kimiko could respond, Kakashi's calm, measured voice broke through the air. "Well then," he said, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he observed them with an air of lazy amusement. "That's… quite possibly the best teamwork I've seen from new genin."

Kimiko blinked at the unexpected praise, though she schooled her features into neutrality. She had known Kakashi would be a difficult opponent, but his approval was a testament to their efforts. Still, she knew not to let herself relax.

"But…" Kakashi continued, his tone sharpening just slightly as he pointed at the two bells between Naruto's fingers, their red strings catching the sunlight. "There are still only two bells, and… only two people are expected to pass." His gaze shifted to Naruto, who immediately froze mid-celebration. "So," Kakashi said, his visible eye glinting with quiet amusement, "as the one with the bells, the choice remains with you, Naruto."

Kimiko tensed as Naruto's celebratory grin faltered. She watched his face shift—confusion, hesitation, and then something heavier settling in. Slowly, he stepped forward, his expression oddly serious. "You did most of the work, Kimiko-chan," Naruto said earnestly, his voice quiet but filled with conviction. "You should have it."

Kimiko blinked, caught off guard by his selflessness. Her eyes flicked to Sasuke, who stood rigidly still a few feet away. His jaw was tight, and his hand clenched the the kunai in his hand , his conflicted expression betraying the turmoil beneath his calm exterior.

Then, to her surprise, Naruto turned and offered the second bell to Sasuke. "And you too, Sasuke," he said, his grin returning, though it was softer this time. "I was just there to provide cover and grab the bells."

Kimiko's chest tightened as she stared at Naruto. He didn't know. Unlike her, he didn't understand that this wasn't about the bells at all, that Kakashi had crafted this entire exercise to test something deeper. Yet his actions—the integrity and selflessness in them—proved he already embodied the lesson Kakashi wanted them to learn.

You're a great person, Naruto.

"Absolutely not," Kimiko suddenly said, her voice sharp and unwavering as she cut through Naruto's words. Both boys turned to her, startled, and she stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Naruto's wide, confused eyes.

"You take the bell, Naruto," she said firmly, though her tone softened as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "The strategy wouldn't have worked without you."

Naruto opened his mouth to protest, but Kimiko stopped him with a faint shake of her head. "You're not just a comrade, or even a friend. You'll be a great shinobi, Naruto," she said, her voice warm but resolute. She tightened her grip slightly on his shoulder, before clutching his cheek and ruflfing his hair. "You're the one who brought us together. And you're the one who'll lead us forward."

Out of the corner of her eye, Kimiko caught the flicker of something in Sasuke's expression. His dark eyes darted between her and Naruto, his grip on the bell loosening ever so slightly. The conflict in his posture was unmistakable—pride warring with something softer, something almost vulnerable.

Naruto, on the other hand, looked utterly overwhelmed. His lips trembled, and his head dipped slightly, as if to hide the tears that glistened in his eyes. "Kimiko-chan," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "But…you're the one who made the plan, who…"

Kimiko's lips curved into a small, serene smile. "Naruto," She started. "You're Konoha's future Hokage, remember?" she teased gently, pressing the bell into his hand and closing his hand around it before stepping back. "You deserve it. And so does Sasuke."

The quiet that followed was broken only by Kakashi's voice, warm and approving. "Well, well," he said, clapping his hands together. "I have to admit, I didn't expect this." His eye softened, and for the first time since meeting him, Kimiko thought she saw something akin to pride in his gaze. "Most genin teams fall apart during this exercise, but you three…" He paused meaningfully. "You passed. With flying colors, actually. You three excelled. " Kakashi said with a chuckle.

Naruto gasped, his head shooting up. "We did?!" he exclaimed, his voice full of disbelief as he looked between Kakashi, Kimiko, and Sasuke.

"Yes, this test…what did you think it meant?" Kakashi asked, his voice calm but expectant as he regarded them. Sasuke and Naruto exchanged uncertain glances, their silence speaking volumes. Kimiko, however, raised her hand, her movements as precise and demure as always.

Kakashi's visible eye twinkled with amusement. "Yes, go ahead, Miss Yuhi."

Kimiko took a steadying breath, her crimson eyes meeting Kakashi's directly. "It…means more than the bells. You're a jonin, so no matter how hard we tried, we wouldn't have been able to take the bells unless you allowed it." She paused, ensuring her words carried weight. "The real question is: what would make you let us take them? And the answer…" She looked to her teammates before continuing, "...is teamwork."

Kakashi tilted his head, gesturing for her to elaborate.

"The ability to work together, to cover each other's weaknesses," Kimiko said with conviction. "If you wanted to test our individual skills, you could have done so separately. But you didn't. You emphasized that this was an exercise for four people, even though there are only three of us. That doesn't make sense unless the focus isn't on us individually but on how we function as a team. The two bells were a misdirection, designed to pit us against one another, but the real goal was to see if we could prioritize our mission and each other over personal gain."

Her explanation hung in the air, and even Sasuke and Naruto seemed to sit up straighter as they absorbed her words. Kakashi's gaze lingered on her for a moment, a flicker of approval in his lone visible eye, before he chuckled—a low, almost teasing sound. "Before I say anything, walk me through your strategy."

Kimiko hesitated briefly, scratching her cheek, before speaking with measured confidence. "Well, I knew Sasuke's capabilities since we were frequent sparring partners in the Academy, and I spent time with Naruto, so I was aware he could perform the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu." Her crimson eyes flicked toward each of her teammates as she continued. "With that in mind, I realized we needed to build a plan around your strengths. Naruto has the biggest chakra reserves out of all of us, so I asked him to create as many shadow clones as he could to overwhelm you."

Kakashi nodded, his amusement still present but tempered with genuine interest. Kimiko pressed on, "Then I told Sasuke we'd use the Transformation Jutsu to blend in with the clones. We needed to disrupt your rhythm—make you think you had us figured out. Once we got close enough, we planned to hit you with our strongest attacks: Sasuke's Fireball Jutsu and my Dance of the Crescent Moon."

Kakashi tilted his head slightly, motioning for her to continue. "But," Kimiko admitted, "I knew that wouldn't be enough. You're a jonin, and not just any jonin—you're Copy Ninja Kakashi. So, we planned further to draw you into attacking more directly. Things didn't go exactly as I'd hoped. I wasn't planning to get caught in your genjutsu, and Sasuke getting hit by your Earth Style Jutsu definitely wasn't ideal," she said with a slight grimace. "But thankfully, my sister taught me how to break out of genjutsu, so I managed to recover."

She hesitated, recalling the adrenaline-filled moments. "At that point, I didn't have many options left. I decided to use Body Flicker to close the distance, hoping you'd assume I was making a desperate, last-ditch effort to get the bell. The Flower Petal Fragrance Genjutsu wasn't meant to incapacitate you fully—it was just a distraction, something to make you think I'd shown my hand."

Kakashi's expression didn't change, but there was a glint of respect in his eye as Kimiko continued. "That's when I played my final card. I'd had Naruto transform into a kunai earlier, which I kept hidden. I waited until you were distracted enough by the genjutsu and the chaos to throw him at the perfect moment. The goal was to make you think we'd run out of tricks—so you wouldn't expect Naruto's real self to make the final move."

Kakashi chuckled, crossing his arms and leaning slightly. "A ninja must see through layers of deception," he said sagely, before his chuckle deepened. "You hedged a lot on misdirection, Kimiko. But I have to admit…" He tilted his head with an amused glint in his eye. "It was a clever plan. And you three executed it far better than I expected."

"Hah, Kurenai-chan's little sister is sharp," Kakashi continued, leaning back slightly. "You're absolutely right about your first answer, though. The whole point of this exercise was to see if you could put teamwork above your own ambitions. In a real mission, focusing only on individual success can get everyone killed. Just by formulating and executing a plan together, you'd already passed. But…" He gestured for them to follow. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you."

They followed Kakashi toward the Memorial Stone, where the names of Konoha's fallen shinobi were etched into cold, unyielding stone. With each step, the atmosphere seemed to grow heavier, the weight of unspoken stories pressing down on them like a silent vigil. Even Naruto, usually brimming with energy, appeared subdued—at least until his gaze fell on the stone.

"What's that?" Naruto asked, pointing at the monument with wide eyes.

"This is where all the names of Konoha's heroes are engraved," said Kakashi, looking up at the stone.

Naruto's face lit up with the spark of an idea, and he jabbed a finger at the stone with newfound determination. "Ah! Then I want my name to be engraved here! I'll become a great hero of Konoha, and everyone will finally acknowledge me!"

"Naruto," Kimiko said softly, shaking her head. Her eyes were somber as she regarded him. "This isn't the kind of recognition you want." He could be brusque, even though he didn't mean it. Kakashi sighed, but turned his gaze from the stone back to Naruto.

"This," Kakashi began, his tone uncharacteristically serious, "is the reason why teamwork matters." He gestured toward the stone. "Every name here belongs to a shinobi who died in service to Konoha. Many of them were my friends, and more of them…were killed because they couldn't work together as a team. Or because their so called teammates, couldn't."

Kimiko's gaze swept over the stone, her heart clenching as she considered the weight of those words. She knew the name Kakashi's eyes lingered on, though he didn't say it aloud. Obito Uchiha. His teammate. His friend. The person who taught him the very lesson he now tried to pass on to them.

The very same person who, unbeknownst to him, was going to cause the biggest war in Shinobi history.

"You three passed… even before the test started," Kakashi said, his voice calm but firm. His lone visible eye scanned the three of them, pausing momentarily on Kimiko. "The moment Kimiko told you both to eat breakfast, regardless of my orders, she demonstrated something important. She cared enough about her teammates to defy the rules which she believed could cause her team unnecessary harm."

Kimiko's cheeks warmed as Kakashi's gaze lingered on her, and she instinctively looked away. So, he did know she told Naruto and Sasuke to eat.

"And you passed again," Kakashi continued, his tone gaining weight, "when Naruto selflessly offered his own bell to Kimiko. He was willing to give up his dream, his chance at acknowledgment, for her. That kind of selflessness is rare, even among shinobi."

Naruto shuffled his feet, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin, but Kakashi wasn't finished. His eye shifted back to Kimiko, and his voice softened, almost as if he were addressing her directly.

"And Kimiko," he said, "you chose to sacrifice your own ambitions despite being the one who formulated the strategy. You gave the bell back to Naruto—not out of resignation, but because you believed in your teammates. You prioritized the team over yourself, and that... is the essence of a shinobi."

Kimiko's blush deepened, but she held Kakashi's gaze. There was something in his eye—approval, yes, but also something deeper, something quietly reflective. He paused, as if weighing his words carefully before he spoke again.

"Teamwork isn't about following orders blindly or being the strongest," Kakashi said, his voice calm but filled with conviction. "It's about trust. It's about putting your teammates' well-being above your own. And it's about understanding that, as a team, you can achieve far more than you ever could alone."

He let his gaze linger on each of them—Naruto, who was brimming with pride; Sasuke, who stood quiet but thoughtful; and Kimiko, whose crimson eyes shimmered with quiet understanding. His tone softened but retained its weight as he added, "You three didn't just pass once—you passed three times. At your core, you already understand what it means to be shinobi."

He straightened slightly, his hands sliding into his pockets. "Remember these words, Sasuke, Naruto, Kimiko: in the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum, that may be true. But those who abandon their comrades…" He paused, his eye glinting with something deeply personal, "…are worse than scum."

The weight of his words settled over the three of them, and Kimiko felt a lump rise in her throat. She stole a glance at Naruto and Sasuke, both uncharacteristically subdued. Sasuke's fists clenched tightly, his expression unreadable, while Naruto's lips pressed into a thin line, his usual exuberance replaced by quiet determination.

Kakashi turned to face them fully. "You three have potential. You showed that today. But potential means nothing if you can't work together. Remember this lesson, because out there, it could mean the difference between life and death."

Kimiko nodded, her resolve hardening. This wasn't just a test. It was a warning. A glimpse of the reality they would face as shinobi. She had already resolved to protect her teammates, but now, that resolve felt sharper, more urgent. She needed to make sure they lived and thrived, that they will be as strong, if not stronger, than they were in their original stories.

As they walked away from the Memorial Stone, Kakashi's demeanor shifted back to his usual casual self, flashing them a thumbs up. "Alright, dismissed. Get some rest. Tomorrow, Team Seven starts doing real missions!"