Next Day
After taking the picture for his Ninja Profile, Naruto followed Hiruzen to his office for a brief conversation. Hiruzen, intrigued by Naruto's sudden improvement, inquired about the change.
"Naruto, I must say, your performance during the graduation test was quite impressive. What's the secret behind your sudden improvement?" Hiruzen
"I've been training hard old man. I'm determined to become stronger and prove myself as a worthy shinobi of the village." Naruto
Before they could continue their conversation, the tranquility of the office was interrupted by the abrupt entrance of a young boy wielding a wooden kunai. The boy, with a determined expression on his face, declared his intention to kill Hiruzen and become the next Hokage. However, his bold declaration was cut short as he tripped over his own scarf, landing face-first on the ground.
"You why did you trip me." The boy said pointing at Naruto
Naruto points out the obvious saying the boy should get a shorter scarf.
Enraged by Naruto's comment, the boy demanded respect, citing his status as the grandson of the Hokage.
"Like the rest, he isn't going to do anything." The boy thought
Unfazed by the boy's threats, Naruto delivered a swift smack to the head.
"Respect is earned, not given." Naruto
Naruto tells the boy even if the Hokage is his grandma, he still wouldn't respect him.
The boy, astounded by Naruto's defiance, found himself at a loss for words. Meanwhile, Ebisu, the boy's teacher, reprimanded Naruto for his actions, launching into a rant about proper behavior.
As Naruto left the office, the boy followed after him, much to Ebisu's dismay. Realizing that his student and Naruto were gone, Ebisu muttered to himself about the troublemakers like Naruto. Determined to keep his student out of trouble, Ebisu hurried after them, hoping to prevent any further disruptions.
As Naruto and Konohamaru trained at the field, Konohamaru shared his desire to be recognized as himself, rather than as the young lord. He expressed his aspiration to become the Hokage in order to achieve that recognition. Naruto listened attentively and then shared his wisdom with the young ninja.
"Konohamaru, becoming the Hokage is a journey that requires hard work and dedication. There are no shortcuts to achieving such a prestigious title. You must rise through the ranks and earn the respect of the village before you can even think about becoming Hokage." Naruto
Naruto then decided to teach Konohamaru a jutsu, the Sexy Jutsu, as a way to beat Hiruzen.
As Konohamaru practiced the Sexy Jutsu, they were interrupted by a jonin, Ebisu, who disapproved of Konohamaru associating with Naruto.
"Young lord, what are you doing with him? You should stay away from him." Ebisu
"No, Ebisu-sensei. Naruto taught me a cool jutsu that can help me defeat my grandfather. Look at this Sexy Jutsu!" Konohamaru said as he transformed
'Young lord, stop this! What disgusting jutsu are you using? You don't need that boy. I can teach you the shortcut to becoming Hokage." Ebisu
"No, big bro Naruto told me there's no shortcut to becoming Hokage." Konohamaru
Before Ebisu could continue persuading Konohamaru, Naruto intervened, showcasing another jutsu, the Harem Technique.
"Well, kid, you've got a lot to learn. Now look at this Sexy Jutsu Harem Technique!" Naruto
As a bunch of naked women appeared and surrounded Ebisu, he couldn't resist and succumbed to a nosebleed, passing out from the overwhelming sight.
"That was cool!" Konohamaru
"Well, I'll see you later, Konohamaru." Naruto
"When will you teach me another technique, big bro?" Konohamaru
"Maybe sometime later." Naruto said before walking away
One day later
Iruka files a missing case report of Mizuki. Hiruzen tells Iruka he will have his anbu investigate. The anbu find no trace of Mizuki, but came across the scene of Hisoka's battle with Mizuki.
Two day later
As the excitement of team placements began to settle among the newly minted genin of the Hidden Leaf Village, the buzz of conversation filled the classroom. Each new team, now officially formed, eagerly anticipated the arrival of their Jonin sensei. In the midst of all the commotion, Shikamaru Nara, known for his laziness, managed to pull Naruto aside for a private conversation.
"Hey, Naruto," Shikamaru began, his voice low, ensuring their conversation remained between them. "Everyone's noticed how much you've improved. It's like you're a completely different person compared to before. How'd you pull off such a change?"
Naruto, ever the adept at masking his true self, especially after his rigorous but secret training under Danzo, gave Shikamaru a nonchalant shrug. "I just trained really hard, you know? No secret to it," he replied, his tone light, attempting to brush off the question.
Shikamaru eyed him skeptically, the shadows under his eyes seeming to deepen with his doubt. "Hmm, doesn't seem like something that could be achieved with just 'hard training'...," he mused, but he decided not to press further. Shikamaru could tell when a mystery was beyond even his patience to unravel. "Whatever it is, just don't get yourself into trouble," he finally said, leaving Naruto with a pointed look before returning to his own team.
Time passed, and the classroom gradually emptied as the Jonin senseis arrived one by one to collect their teams. Eventually, only Team 7 remained: Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, the tension among them palpable as they awaited their own sensei's arrival.
An hour passed with no sign of Kakashi, leading Sakura to voice her frustration about their sensei's tardiness.
He's always 3 hours late to everything" Naruto says.
What do you mean" Sakura
He always visit the memorial stones of his fallen comrades,Naruto said.
"His dead friends" Sakura
Our sensei has been on the frontlines when since he was was our age. I can't imagine how he feels losing all his comrades to war. His father to suicide, his mentor to the Nine-Tails attack. So when he arrives Sakura don't give him a hard time." Naruto
This silenced the room. It was a side of Naruto that neither Sakura nor Sasuke had expected, revealing a depth of knowledge and empathy that surprised them.
Sakura, moved by the story, found her irritation with Kakashi melting away, replaced by a newfound respect. Sasuke, on the other hand, felt an unexpected kinship with Kakashi, understanding all too well the pain of loss. Yet, it was Naruto's unexpected knowledge about Kakashi that intrigued him the most, adding another layer to the enigma that was Naruto.
As another half hour dragged by, Sakura, driven by impatience and a desire for some alone time with Sasuke, began to engage him in conversation, only for her attempts at flirtation to fall flat. It wasn't until Kakashi finally appeared, offering a flimsy excuse for his lateness, that the dynamic in the room shifted once again.
Kakashi's casual apology and his cheerful eye-smile did little to dampen Sakura's annoyance, but she held her tongue, remembering Naruto's words. However, when Kakashi inquired about Naruto, Sakura's frustration found a new target, blaming their sensei's tardiness for Naruto's absence.
It was then that Naruto chose to re-enter, his sudden appearance startling everyone, especially Kakashi and Sasuke, who hadn't sensed him approaching. "So you finally arrived," Naruto stated, his tone carrying a mix of amusement and challenge
"So you finally arrived," Naruto declared, his presence at the doorway catching his teammates and their newly arrived sensei off guard.
Sasuke and Kakashi shared a silent moment of surprise, both thinking, I didn't sense him. This unexpected entry by Naruto wasn't just a physical surprise but also a hint at something more, something deeper and perhaps more concerning that was happening with Naruto. His sudden appearance without detection was not something ordinary, even for a ninja; it suggested a level of skill and stealth that neither had expected from Naruto, given their last impressions of him.
Naruto's grin, broad and seemingly carefree, did little to hide the myriad of secrets that lay behind it. Kakashi, with his years of experience and intuition honed on the battlefield, could sense the layers and nuances in Naruto's behavior. The look in Naruto's eyes, the slight tension in his posture, and even the energy he exuded all of it hinted at significant changes within him. Changes that were not just physical but also mental and perhaps even spiritual.
Kakashi, always observant and particularly adept at reading people, noted the discrepancy between the Naruto he had been briefed on and the one standing before him now. There was a depth to him that was unaccounted for.
Sasuke, too, felt a stir of curiosity. The fact that Naruto had managed to approach without detection challenged Sasuke's own sense of skill and awareness. It sparked his interest in Naruto, a desire to uncover the secrets behind his transformation and to measure himself against this new, unknown quantity.
Team 7, having been assembled for the first time, made their way to the roof of the academy building, where the breeze offered a gentle respite from the weight of new expectations. Their newly appointed Jonin sensei, Kakashi Hatake, had decided it was as good a place as any to start with the basics: introductions.
Sakura, ever the meticulous student, asked Kakashi how they should proceed with their introductions, seeking a format or guideline to follow. Kakashi paused, reflecting on the fact that Sakura, despite being at the top of her class, seemed perplexed by such a simple request. It was a moment that revealed to him the gap between academic excellence and practical ninja skills.
With a slight eye smile visible under his mask, Kakashi gave them an example, keeping it deliberately vague to maintain his air of mystery. "My name is Kakashi Hatake. I have likes, dislikes, and hobbies... As for my dreams, well, that's none of your business," he concluded, eliciting rolls of the eyes from both Sasuke and Sakura.
Naruto, however, responded with a hint of admiration and added knowledge, "Kakashi Hatake, The Copy Ninja, the man said to have copied over a thousand jutsu." This unexpected acknowledgment from Naruto earned surprised looks from Sasuke and Sakura, and a mental note from Kakashi to discuss Naruto's unusual insight with Hiruzen later.
Prompted by Kakashi to share her introduction next, Sakura briefly glanced at Sasuke before diving into hers, which was noticeably centered around her infatuation with Sasuke, much to Kakashi's internal dismay. He labeled her a fangirl in his mind, predicting a tough road ahead if she didn't move past this phase.
Sasuke's introduction was succinct, reflecting his focused and solitary nature. He expressed a sparse list of likes, numerous dislikes, and a chilling ambition to avenge his clan by killing a certain individual. Kakashi expected as much but couldn't help but contemplate the depth of Sasuke's vendetta.
Sakura's reaction to Sasuke's introduction was predictably admiring, causing both Naruto and Kakashi to roll their eyes at her apparent obsession. Then it was Naruto's turn, whose bright smile offered a stark contrast to Sasuke's grim declaration.
As Naruto stood before his new teammates and Kakashi, his bright smile and earnest gaze belied the turbulence of his inner thoughts. Outwardly, he spoke of his respect for Iruka-Sensei, his affection for the Ichiraku Ramen family, and his profound aspiration to become the greatest Hokage. Yet, internally, his mind was a battleground of darker, more complex desires shaped by his secret dealings and training under Danzo.
In his mind, his introduction was starkly different:
"My likes? Fighting strong opponents," he mused silently, an electric thrill running through him at the thought of clashing with someone who could push him to his limits. The excitement of such battles, where every move could be fatal, where every moment sharpened his instincts and skills, was what truly drove him.
"My dislikes are people who get in my way of fighting strong opponents." This thought was accompanied by a flicker of irritation. Anyone who hindered his path to becoming stronger, to finding and engaging with those worthy of his full power, was an annoyance. It wasn't just about the fight; it was about the growth that came from it, the exhilarating ascent to new heights of strength.
As for his hobbies, they were clear-cut and singularly focused: "Doing missions for Danzo and fighting strong opponents." These clandestine tasks, often shrouded in moral ambiguity, were his crucible. Each mission honed his abilities, sharpened his mind, and steeled his resolve. They weren't just assignments; they were opportunities to evolve, to test his limits against formidable adversaries.
And then there were his dreams, or perhaps, more accurately, his ultimate aspiration: "To die fighting against a superior opponent." This thought was not born from a death wish but from a warrior's deepest yearning-to reach the pinnacle of his potential in the heat of battle, against an adversary so powerful that the fight would etch both their names in history. To Naruto, such an end would be the truest testament to his strength, his will, and his legacy as a ninja.
These thoughts, hidden away beneath a facade of simpler, more palatable ambitions, were a window into the soul of a ninja torn between the light of his public aspirations and the shadows of his private endeavors. As Naruto concluded his outwardly cheerful introduction, none were the wiser to the complex tapestry of desires and dreams that lay beneath.
"Well, you all unique in your own way," Kakashi began, his voice carrying a tone of casual authority. "We will start our duties tomorrow with a Survival Training."
Sakura's brow furrowed in confusion. "What? But we did enough training at the ninja Academy, Kakashi-sensei," she protested.
Kakashi's eye crinkled with amusement behind his mask. "Well, I'm your opponent, but this isn't normal training," he explained cryptically. "Of the 27 graduates, only 9 will be chosen as Genin. The rest will be sent back to the Academy. This training is a super difficult exam with a failure rate of over 66%."
Sakura and Sasuke exchanged wide-eyed glances, the gravity of Kakashi's words sinking in. Meanwhile, Naruto remained stoic, his expression unchanged, as if he had expected nothing less.
"Tomorrow you will be graded on training ground 7. So bring all your Shinobi tools. Oh, and skip breakfast. Otherwise, you'll throw up," Kakashi added casually before turning to leave.
As Kakashi departed, Sakura couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at her. She glanced at Sasuke, who wore a similar expression of apprehension, before turning her gaze to Naruto, who seemed oddly unperturbed by the impending challenge.
The next day arrived swiftly, and Team 7 gathered at training ground 7, their nerves tingling with anticipation. When Kakashi finally arrived, Sakura couldn't contain her frustration.
"You're late!" she exclaimed, her irritation evident in her tone.
Kakashi offered a flimsy excuse with a playful eye smile, further frustrating Sakura. She struggled to keep her temper in check as Kakashi explained the rules of the survival training.
As Kakashi unveiled the two bells and outlined the task ahead, Sakura's mind raced with indignation. The thought of being denied lunch and being tied to a stump fueled her determination to succeed.
But as Kakashi emphasized the stakes of the challenge with a menacing glare, Sakura couldn't help but feel a surge of fear. Naruto, however, remained strangely calm, his gaze focused and unwavering.
As Kakashi gave the signal to begin, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke scattered into the surrounding foliage, each determined to prove themselves worthy of the title of Genin. Little did Sakura and Sasuke know, the true test lay not in the acquisition of the bells, but in their ability to work together as a team.
Kakashi went after Sakura first using a low level genjutsu to knock her out.
In the genjutsu she saw Sasuke's corpse. She let out a ear piercing scream. Disturbing everyone.
Did I take to far. Maybe a little bit, Kakashi thought.
Kakashi leaves Sakura.
Kakashi decided to read his favorite book, while waiting for Naruto and Sasuke to strike.
Sasuke, who was in hiding in a tree. Observed Kakashi. He quickly threw kunai at Kakashi.
Sasuke smirked as his kunai hit it's mark.
"I got him' Sasuke said with a smirk.
"Did you" Kakashi said from behind him.
The target Sasuke hit turned into a log. Kakashi delivers a fast kick to Sasuke's back
As Sasuke recoiled from the unexpected attack, Kakashi's swift kick sent him sprawling forward. The impact drove the breath from his lungs, leaving him momentarily stunned.
"You're too predictable, Sasuke," Kakashi remarked casually, his tone laced with amusement
Sasuke gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting. He had thought his attack was flawless, but Kakashi's effortless evasion had caught him off guard.
Meanwhile, Naruto, hidden nearby, observed the exchange with keen interest. He noted Kakashi's quick reflexes.
As Sasuke regained his footing, he narrowed his eyes, his focus sharpening as he prepared to launch another assault.
As Sasuke regained his composure, he wasted no time in launching himself into a series of lightning-fast taijutsu maneuvers. With a flurry of punches and kicks, he aimed to overwhelm Kakashi and exploit any openings in his defense.
However, Kakashi proved to be a formidable opponent. With years of experience and mastery over taijutsu, he effortlessly dodged Sasuke's strikes, seamlessly weaving between each attack with fluid grace.
Sasuke's frustration grew as his blows failed to connect, each one met with a swift counter from Kakashi. Despite his best efforts, Sasuke found himself unable to gain the upper hand against the seasoned Jonin.
Kakashi's movements were like water, flowing effortlessly as he countered Sasuke's every move with precision and finesse. With each dodge and block, he assessed Sasuke's abilities, probing for weaknesses to exploit.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, his determination fueling his relentless assault. He refused to back down, channeling all of his focus and strength into his attacks as he sought to break through Kakashi's defenses.
But Kakashi remained unfazed, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Sasuke's growing frustration. With a calculated strike, he seized an opening in Sasuke's defense, delivering a powerful blow that sent the young Genin staggering backward.
Despite his best efforts, Sasuke found himself outmatched by Kakashi's superior skill and experience. As the battle raged on, it became increasingly clear that victory would not come easily against such a formidable opponent.
Sasuke, realizing he was outmatched in taijutsu, decided to resort to ninjutsu. Channeling his chakra, he swiftly formed the necessary hand signs for the Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu. With a determined glare, he unleashed a searing fireball at Kakashi, aiming to catch him off guard.
Kakashi, caught off guard by Sasuke's proficiency with ninjutsu, was struck by the fireball. As the flames engulfed him, he gritted his teeth against the searing heat, the force of the impact sending him staggering backward.
Sasuke smirked triumphantly, confident in his ability to land a hit on his formidable opponent. However, as the dust settled, he realized Kakashi was nowhere to be seen. Confusion flickered in Sasuke's eyes as he scanned the area, searching for any sign of his elusive target.
Suddenly, a sensation of weightlessness swept over Sasuke as he felt himself being pulled beneath the ground. Before he could react, he found himself trapped in the earth, his body immobilized save for his head protruding from the ground.
Kakashi emerged from the ground nearby, his expression unreadable as he looked down at Sasuke. With a casual remark, he turned to leave, leaving Sasuke glaring after him, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, Naruto observed the exchange with keen interest, contemplating his own strategy for facing Kakashi. Remembering Danzo's orders to keep his abilities under wraps, Naruto decided to rely on his Conjuration Nen Type.
As Naruto approached Kakashi, he made a swift decision not to conjure his signature playing cards, knowing that it would reveal his identity as Hisoka. Instead, he focused his aura into his hands, manifesting two gleaming swords with razor-sharp edges.
The air crackled with anticipation as Naruto closed the distance between himself and Kakashi, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Kakashi observed Naruto's approach with a keen eye, noting the shift in his demeanor. The young Genin radiated a palpable sense of determination, his aura tinged with a subtle intensity that belied his age.
As Naruto drew closer, Kakashi prepared himself for the impending clash, his senses sharp and focused.
With a silent nod of acknowledgment, Naruto squared off against Kakashi, his swords held at the ready. The training ground buzzed with tension as the two opponents prepared to engage in battle.
With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Naruto lunged forward, his swords slicing through the air with lethal precision. Kakashi met his advance with a calm demeanor, his own skillful movements weaving seamlessly between Naruto's strikes.
The clash of steel rang out across the training ground as Naruto and Kakashi engaged in a fierce battle, each one pushing the other to their limits. With each exchange, Naruto's determination burned brighter, his resolve unyielding in the face of adversity.
As the battle raged on, Naruto's swords danced with deadly grace, their gleaming edges flashing in the sunlight. With each strike, he sought to test Kakashi's defenses, probing for weaknesses to exploit.
Kakashi, for his part, met Naruto's onslaught with calculated precision, his movements fluid and precise. Despite the ferocity of Naruto's attacks, Kakashi remained composed, his years of experience serving him well in the heat of battle.
The training ground became a blur of motion as Naruto and Kakashi clashed, their movements a testament to their skill and determination. With each passing moment, the intensity of their battle grew, each one pushing themselves to the brink in pursuit of victory.
As Naruto charged at Kakashi, his bloodlust taking over, Kakashi calmly assessed the situation. Despite the intensity of Naruto's approach, Kakashi remained composed, his mind racing to formulate a plan of action.
Kakashi deftly dodged Naruto's initial strike, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp edge of his blades. The force of Naruto's attack sent a gust of wind rippling through the air, stirring the dust beneath their feet.
Kakashi's keen eyes never wavered as he maintained his focus on Naruto, analyzing his movements for any sign of weakness. He noted the ferocity in Naruto's eyes, a testament to the young Genin's determination to prove himself in battle.
As Naruto pressed his assault, Kakashi seamlessly weaved through his strikes.
Despite Naruto's relentless onslaught, Kakashi remained steadfast, his years of experience guiding his every move. He parried Naruto's attacks with practiced ease, countering with swift and calculated strikes of his own.
As the battle raged on, Kakashi's analytical mind worked overtime, seeking out Naruto's vulnerabilities amidst the chaos of their clash. He noted the slight hesitations in Naruto's movements, a sign of his inexperience in combat.
With a well-timed maneuver, Kakashi disarmed Naruto, knocking his blades from his grasp. Seizing the opportunity, Kakashi swiftly closed the distance between them, his kunai poised to strike.
With quick thinking, he tapped into his Nen abilities, summoning forth his bungee gum technique(making it invincible). With a flick of his wrist, he launched the sticky substance towards the blades ensnaring them in its elastic grip.
Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise as he watched Naruto's unexpected maneuver.
With his weapons back in hand, Naruto braced himself for the next phase of their confrontation.
As the intense battle continued, Kakashi couldn't shake the nagging feeling of suspicion that gnawed at the back of his mind. It defied logic that a newly graduated Genin could possess such skill and combat prowess. Naruto's abilities surpassed those of an average academy student by a significant margin, leaving Kakashi with more questions than answers.
Despite his outward calm demeanor, Kakashi's mind raced with possibilities. Could Naruto be hiding a secret past? Was there more to him than met the eye? The uncertainty lingered like a shadow, casting doubt on the true nature of Naruto's abilities.
With each exchange of blows, Kakashi searched for clues, analyzing Naruto's movements and techniques for any hint of deception. Yet, the more he observed, the more elusive the truth became. Naruto fought with a determination and skill that belied his status as a mere Genin, leaving Kakashi to wonder what other surprises lay hidden beneath the surface.
Kakashi resolved to uncover the truth behind Naruto's enigmatic abilities. Whether friend or foe, ally or adversary, one thing was certain: Naruto Uzumaki was a force to be reckoned with, and Kakashi was determined to unravel the mystery that surrounded him.
Naruto not wanting to reveal more of his combat prowess retreats. Leaving Kakashi to contemplate the battle.
Naruto goes to find the unconscious Sakura. He carries her to Sasuke's location. There he digs out Sasuke out of the hole. After that he breaks Sakura out of the genjutsu.
Sakura slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttering open in confusion. She was astounded to see Sasuke alive and well, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Naruto explained to her that it was all a genjutsu, a trick played by Kakashi to test their abilities.
Sakura's disbelief turned to realization as Naruto's words sank in. She looked at Sasuke, who nodded in confirmation, finally understanding the truth behind the ordeal she had just faced.
Naruto then revealed the true purpose of Kakashi's test, explaining that it wasn't simply about obtaining the bells, but rather about teamwork and strategy. Sakura and Sasuke listened intently, surprised by Naruto's insight and analytical thinking.
After a moment of reflection, Sakura and Sasuke agreed with him.
Determined to pass Kakashi's test and prove their worth as a team, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke devised a plan to confront the formidable jonin.
They discussed their strategy in hushed tones, their heads close together as they formulated their approach. Naruto suggested using their individual strengths to their advantage, while Sakura proposed coordinating their attacks to create openings for each other.
With their plan in place, they set out to find Kakashi, moving stealthily through the training ground. As they approached their target, they could sense his presence nearby.
Naruto took the lead, his senses sharp and his determination unwavering. Sakura and Sasuke followed closely behind, ready to support him in their coordinated assault.
They spotted Kakashi standing near a cluster of trees, his attention focused elsewhere. Seizing the opportunity, Naruto signaled to his teammates, and they sprang into action.
Sakura launched a barrage of explosive tags towards Kakashi, aiming to create a distraction. Meanwhile, Sasuke unleashed a flurry of shuriken, aiming to disrupt Kakashi's defenses.
As Kakashi reacted to the sudden onslaught, Naruto seized the moment to strike. With a burst of speed, he charged towards Kakashi, his blades at the ready.
Kakashi deftly dodged Sakura and Sasuke's attacks, but Naruto's relentless assault kept him on the defensive. Working together seamlessly, the trio pressed their advantage, forcing Kakashi to evade their combined onslaught.
Despite Kakashi's skill and experience, he found himself hard-pressed to fend off their coordinated attacks. Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke fought with determination and precision, each complementing the other's abilities.
Their teamwork paid off as they gradually wore down Kakashi's defenses, inching closer to their goal of obtaining the bells. With each coordinated strike, they pushed Kakashi further and further back, until finally, they cornered him. Leaving him no choice but to surrender the bells.
Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke stood victorious, their teamwork and determination shining through. With their combined effort, they had passed Kakashi's test and proven themselves worthy of becoming genin.
Kakashi congratulates them. He asks how they were able to see through his test.
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged glances before turning to Naruto, who stood before them with a confident grin.
"It was Naruto's idea," Sakura explained, her voice filled with admiration for her teammate. "He pointed out that a newly graduated genin wouldn't stand a chance against an experienced jonin like you, Kakashi-sensei."
Naruto nodded, his expression serious now. "We realized that the true test wasn't about capturing the bells-it was about working together as a team, using our strengths to cover each other's weaknesses."
Kakashi listened intently, a hint of pride shining in his eyes as he observed his young students. "Impressive," he remarked, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You've demonstrated resourcefulness, creativity, and most importantly, teamwork. Those are essential qualities for any shinobi."
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged another glance, silently acknowledging Naruto's leadership and insight. Together, they had overcome a formidable challenge and emerged stronger as a team.
With Kakashi's congratulations ringing in their ears, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke stood united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead as they embarked on their journey as genin.
After passing them, Kakashi told his team to follow him to the cemetery. He led them to a quiet corner of the village, where rows of solemn memorial stones stood as silent sentinels.
"So this is where he comes all the time," Sakura whispered to Sasuke as they followed Kakashi.
Standing before a particular memorial stone, Kakashi paused, his gaze solemn as he read the names etched into the stone. His team approached, standing respectfully behind him.
"This is where our fallen comrades are honored," Kakashi began, his voice carrying a weight of reverence. "All of them have fought for the good of this village. I am proud to call them my comrades."
Sakura felt a surge of emotion as she looked at the names engraved on the stone. These were the heroes who had sacrificed everything for the safety and prosperity of their village.
"One of them once told me," Kakashi continued, his tone grave yet earnest, "that those who abandon the mission are scum, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum. Remember that."
His words resonated deeply with Sakura. She felt a newfound determination stirring within her a resolve to honor the sacrifices of those who had come before her by giving her all in service to her village and her team.
Sasuke, too, was moved by Kakashi's words. Though he kept his emotions guarded, he couldn't deny the sense of respect and admiration he felt for the fallen shinobi whose names adorned the memorial stone.
Tbc