Chapter 3: First Steps
The morning sun cast long shadows across Training Ground 10 as Team 10 gathered for their first official training session. A week had passed since the bell test, and the trio had slowly begun adjusting to Kakashi's... unique training methods.
"He's late again," Ino grumbled, though with notably less venom than before. She sat cross-legged on the grass, methodically sorting through her ninja tools.
Shikamaru lay nearby, apparently cloud-watching but actually analyzing a complex training pattern Kakashi had assigned. "At least we got to eat breakfast this time."
"Yeah!" Naruto chimed in from where he was practicing chakra control – trying to balance a leaf on his forehead while doing push-ups, a task Kakashi had specifically assigned to help with his excess energy. "And I think I figured out the trick to knowing when he'll show up."
Both his teammates looked at him with surprise.
"The later he is, the more important the day's training is gonna be," Naruto explained between push-ups. "Yesterday he was only thirty minutes late, and we just did basic drills. But the day he taught us that awesome combination move? Two hours late!"
Shikamaru sat up, interest piqued. "That's... actually observant, Naruto. Which means today..."
"Is going to be very interesting indeed," Kakashi's voice came from behind them, making all three genin jump. He'd been three hours late.
"You did that on purpose!" Ino accused, pointing at their sensei. "Making us wait just to build suspense!"
Kakashi's visible eye curved into his signature smile. "Maa, would I do something like that?" Before any of them could respond, he continued, "Today's training will have to wait, though. We have a mission."
"A real mission?" Naruto leaped to his feet, the leaf falling forgotten from his forehead. "Like protecting a princess? Or fighting enemy ninja? Or—"
"Weeding Mrs. Tanaka's garden."
Silence fell over the training ground.
"That's not a real mission!" Naruto protested. "That's just chores!"
"Every mission is real, Naruto," Kakashi said, his tone suddenly serious. "And this one is particularly important. Can anyone tell me why?"
Shikamaru's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Mrs. Tanaka... isn't she on the Civilian Council?"
"Correct. And?"
"And," Ino picked up the thread, "her garden is famous for its medicinal herbs. The hospital uses them."
"Very good." Kakashi pulled out his ever-present orange book but didn't open it. "So what might happen if someone pulled the wrong plants? Or damaged the valuable ones?"
Understanding dawned on their faces. What had seemed like a simple weeding job was actually a test of their attention to detail, knowledge of plants, and ability to work carefully in a high-stakes environment.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru sighed, but he was already running through the common medicinal herbs in his head.
"Don't worry!" Ino brightened. "I know tons about plants from working in my family's flower shop. I can guide you guys!"
"Yeah!" Naruto pumped his fist. "And with my Shadow Clones, we'll be done in no time!"
"Ah," Kakashi interrupted, "no Shadow Clones for this mission, Naruto. Some of these plants are too delicate. One wrong move could destroy months of growth."
Naruto deflated slightly but nodded. After the bell test, he'd learned to trust his sensei's restrictions – they usually had good reasons behind them.
At the Tanaka residence, they found themselves facing a garden that was more like a small forest. Carefully tended beds of herbs stretched in every direction, with narrow paths winding between them. The morning dew still clung to the leaves, making them shimmer.
"Beautiful," Ino breathed, already categorizing the plants she recognized.
"Your task," Kakashi explained, "is to remove all the weeds without damaging a single medicinal herb. You have until sunset." He settled himself against a tree, book in hand. "Oh, and if you damage any valuable plants, it'll come out of your mission payment."
"Wait," Naruto looked panicked, "how are we supposed to know which ones are weeds?"
Shikamaru was already crouching by a bed of plants, examining them closely. "The same way we got the bells," he said. "Teamwork."
Ino nodded. "I'll identify the plants. Shikamaru, you can create the most efficient weeding pattern. And Naruto..." she grinned, "you've got the stamina to do the actual pulling once we know what's what."
"Right!" Naruto's face set in determination. "Believe it!"
From his spot under the tree, Kakashi watched with pride as his team organized themselves. Ino moved from bed to bed, pointing out which plants were valuable and which needed to be removed. Shikamaru created a methodical approach that would ensure they covered the entire garden without missing spots or accidentally stepping on cleared areas. And Naruto, despite his usual boundless energy, showed surprising patience and care in following their instructions.
They're growing faster than expected, Kakashi thought, turning a page in his book. Maybe it's time to step up their training. After all...
His hand brushed the sealed scroll in his vest pocket, the one containing his Sharingan research. They might need to be ready sooner than anyone anticipated.