Kakashi's POV (Team Seven's Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Village)
Kakashi was admittedly new to being a sensei. Hiruzen, when he had changed the academy curriculum, had delayed him significantly. Kakashi was further postponed by Hiruzen, who informed him he must take the team received. So, on day one, the Cyclops had reservations. He had been rough on them the first day. He was rough on them most days, but they had to use a snowball for his plan. Well, technically, Hiruzen had come up with the plan. But it fits Kakashi's style to a tee. Kakashi had been told to push them hard. Not only in combat but professionally as well. They were solid kids, and they would only benefit if they learned to work together. The sly old man was trying to guarantee the first crop of his plan would work well.
That was why he had decided a face-off between Naruto and Neji was necessary. Neji projected but seemed to be secretly hoping to be proven wrong. Naruto was too prideful to let Neji slide. He felt the need to prove his strength to Neji. They kept clashing, but hopefully, a full-blown battle would allow them to work through it. It had worked with Obito and him.
Yet the tense silence the team worked in as they completed his latest exercise almost made him second guess. They had been the same way yesterday as well. Naruto and Neji were already looking rough from the start. They had both been training for the upcoming fight. The two young men seemed to be mature enough to wait. However, they need to be more mature in order to associate with each other naturally. The tenseness affected Ino as well. Who by now would've complained about them working out on the water. All of them fall in at one point or another. But she maintained her silence, though it was pained. The woman used to be a social butterfly. Kakashi would have to rile them up, then.
He picked up three pebbles, juggling them with one hand to adjust to their weight. He then threw them all. The rocks sped off and pelted his cute Genin. They all immediately fell in, roars and sputters filling the air. Kakashi smiled as he stood and stretched. After all, his Genin was quite temperamental.
He ducked a flying knee from Neji. The Hyuga's pale eyes seemingly glowing with malice. Kakashi's eyes shifted to see the Uzumaki mere feet behind the Hyuga with his flying kick. Having aimed lower once the Jounin ducked. Kakashi dropped prone to avoid this. Looking skyward, he saw Ino flying through the air above him. She smiled cruelly as she fired off a barrage of kunai. Kakashi quickly drew his own and used it to deflect any kunai that came too close. But Ino merely smiled at him, holding up a hand sign. Kakashi sighed as he prepared his body to flicker. Disappearing right when the explosives went off. He appeared on the other side of the training field but had to counter Neji's palm thrust. He allowed it to miss his head, then picked up and slammed the Hyuga. Who gasped in pain but rolled away to escape punishment.
"Naruto Hammer!" Kakashi heard and, trusting his instincts, dived to the left. Watching as the blonde missed his human missile kick. Instead, landing it on Neji, hitting him in the chest. The two flew back, the Hyuga breathlessly gasping. Ino, the opportunist, slashed from behind, but Kakashi also caught this. Twisting her arm behind her back. He eased a kunai towards her throat and turned them both back to the two men. Who was bickering, seemingly on the edge of a physical altercation? They both froze when they saw Ino being held hostage.
"My my, for a second there, my cute Genin were a team. It was a heartwarming moment, ne. But it was only a moment. Teamwork is imperative to the shinobi world. No one is faultless, so we must surround ourselves with allies to cover our weaknesses. Together, a team of Genin like you could take down a Jounin. But as you are now, you're merely playing at being shinobi. Ino is the only one mature enough to try to work together. But the two of you seem to think your beef is worth your comrade's life. I assure you, from personal experience." Kakashi dropped Ino and silently approached the two. He pulled down his mask. Exposing a handsome but pained face. He lifted his headband to show a sharing eye. The three tomoe of it spun as the man silently cried. "It will haunt you when your incompetence costs you a friend." Kakashi walked back towards Ino, helping her to her feet.
"Tomorrow, we will engage in joint team exercises. Hopefully, this helps install some camaraderie. If not, then make no mistake. Someone who can't play ball is a liability. I won't stand for it." The Jounin then body flickered away, the usual poof and smoke missing.
There was silence between the three. All of them seemed affected by Kakashi's display of emotions. Ino growled, knocking the other two out of their stupor. She rose and turned around, facing the two young men down.
"He's right! Naruto, I get it! Neji is an ass, a giant one! He keeps picking fights with you. It's not fair, but god damn it! You keep talking about being Hokage! Well, a Hokage knows how to win over his people. You are surprisingly charismatic, so fucking win him over and be the bigger man! Neji, you have no excuse! So you're a genius and came from a rough life. I'm sorry, I'm sure it sucks, and I hope you can overcome it! Hell, we'll help you! We all wanna be shinobi. We all wanna do our damn best! SO GROW THE HELL UP ALREADY!" She screamed as she stormed off.
The silence she had interrupted returned quickly as the two men sat silently alone. Naruto glanced at the Hyuga, who sat silently nearby. Glaring where Kakashi had originally been. Naruto felt he was in the right. But maybe he had been rash. Everyone knows he had a temper. Guilt washed over the blonde. He may not like Neji and certainly was determined to kick his ass. But he knew full well how powerful numbers could be.
"Why do you hate me anyway?" The blonde asked bluntly.
"It's not hate. Admittedly, your personality is grating. But to be honest, I am being unfair. You seem similar to me somehow. Your eyes hold the pain mine does. Yet you're so… defiant. It infuriates me." Neji answered simply.
"You hate that I'm not some whiner?" Naruto asked, raising an eyebrow at the Hyuga.
"Not a whiner. But you deny reality. You're a clanless, talentless, and impulsive man. Yet you reach for greatness and so blatantly declare you'll succeed. Yet the village seems to inherently dislike you. I pity you; it's truly unfair. Yet you need to accept the truth. Truthfully, I intend to crush you. Not out of malice but the simple need to save you from someone else doing it." Neji said softly.
"Well, I think the truth is you envy me for not quitting like you," Naruto countered, rising to his feet. "Maybe we are similar; the difference is, I will never quit. I will be Hokage, I will defeat you, and then I'll change your clan so no one ever gets hurt as badly as you again." The blonde then silently walked off, leaving Neji alone in the field.
"Part of me wishes you will succeed. That part will not stop me from crushing you. Nor will it spare either of us from our cruel fate." Neji said quietly.
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Naruto's POV (Uzumaki Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)
Naruto walked into their home with apparent exhaustion. The Uzumaki were known for their endurance. As such, she figured it might be an emotional one. When the blonde went straight to the backyard to the bench spot. She knew it for sure. He only did that when he felt particularly stressed. Kushina sighed before she poured him a cup of weaker sake. He is an adult now; it might help loosen him up. Even when he struggled, he tended to be independent, preferring to silently rather than ask for help. He had improved, but he tended to fall back on old habits when he was determined. She slowly walked out to the backyard and approached her son. He was seemingly meditating, but it was clear by his frown that he had yet to achieve total concentration. Kushina sat softly next to her son and nudged him with the cup. The blonde, stubborn as ever, ignored the first three nudges before, with a growl, opening his eyes and snatching the cup from her. He drank deeply before he choked and retched.
"It's sake, perhaps karma for acting like that towards your mother." She said with a sweet smile. "Sorry, I just wanted to help you relax. Plus, your first drink is a big deal. Admittedly, a father is supposed to do it. But I'm doing my best, ya know?"
"I know; I'm sorry, ma. Just so damn annoyed… and confused… somehow guilty. My team has no teamwork. Worse yet, one of them has a grudge. And like the blockhead I am, I picked a fight. Even worse, I don't know if I can beat him." Naruto explained, his voice lacking its usual luster.
"That does sound rough. A lot for any person to deal with. But we can solve those. You realize teamwork is a problem, so all you need to do now is lead by example. The grudge and fight, well… admittedly, I'm supposed to tell you to be a better person. And you really should, but backing down will make him not respect you even more. So try to be mature and wait for the sanctioned spar, but…" Kushina said with an evil smile. "We Uzumaki's always have been the ass-kicking type." She unsealed her katana. "I think it's time we practice your birthright. Uzumaki were some of the most skilled swordsmen. Even acknowledged by the Land of Iron Samurai. The Kenjutsu style I use is based on the Uzumaki style. But mine is personalized. I think for now it'll fill you nicely. Eventually, you'll make it your own."
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Naruto smiled happily as he drew his tanto. Kushina matched his smile, and the two were preparing for training. Naruto may be struggling, but she would guide him into the great young man he was destined to be.
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Kakashi's POV (Team ???'s Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Village)
Kakashi arrived at the training field of another team. He watched as they trained. Currently, a chubby male was chasing after a dark-haired woman. They both marked and repped their clans proudly. The girl wore a leather jacket over a purple blouse that reached her ankles. The large man chased her but seemed unable to teach the woman. From his research, they were Choji Akamichi and Yuno Uchiha. Ten feet to the left of them was another fight. Like the other fight, the woman was dominating, though the young man was fighting her clad in a thick sweatsuit. He showed an impressive level of taijutsu. The woman wore an odd red and white blouse. Shino Aburame and their sensei Kurenai Yuki. The team was undoubtedly remarkable. With a range of abilities and their patient sensei, they may be something to nudge his team in the right direction.
He made a subtle sound similar to a bird. A signal Leaf shinobi used to subtly identify themselves. Surprising a lady as deadly as Kurenai was never a good idea. She glanced up at him and nodded her head. Kakashi liked that she was very business-focused. Unfortunately, she found him incredibly annoying. The Cyclops felt this was due to her accusation that he negatively influenced her "Asuma-kun." As if.
Kurenai ended the spar with her student and pointed him towards the other two. He ran off, momentarily stopping the two from brawling, before joining in himself. Kurenai's body flickered above on the same branch as Kakashi was perched on. She sent him a questioning stare. She always kept her cards to herself. "Something you need, Kakashi."
"I was wondering if you mind if our cute Genin has a joint session tomorrow. To be honest, mine are having teething issues. Seeing a team their age using teamwork may inspire them to do the same." The Cyclops explained.
"Why should I agree?" Kurenai countered.
"I'll tell you where Asuma hides his cigarette stash. Well, one of them anyway." Kakashi answered happily. A smile grew as Kurenai narrowed her eyes. He had her.
"Fine, what did you have in mind?" Kurenai inquired.
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Narrator
Two men clashed in the forest. Using purely taijutsu and chakra control, they fought through the forest, tracing the trees even while trading blows. They both looked very similar; black hair, blazing sharing, and simple athletic wear made them look identical. The only difference was hairstyle, age, and height. One was the heir to the Uchiha, one of the very few new-age Uchiha. Sasuke Uchiha, locked in combat with him, was his sensei and longtime family friend Shisui Uchiha.
Shisui snakes a kick into Sasuke's ribs, sending him sliding back. The young men used the opportunity to fire off kunai at a ludicrous speed. But Shisui's body flickered around them. He had seen Itachi use that trick too many times to be caught by a slower version. Jabbing at Sasuke's jaw. The younger man caught the blow and attempted to sweep Shisui's legs. But the older man simply hopped over the blow and landed an elbow on Sasuke's shoulder as he landed. Sasuke dropped to his knees but rose with a kunai thrust, forcing Shisui back. As Shisui flew back. Sasuke flew through hand signs and said, "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" A boulder-sized fireball flew towards the man, seemingly helpless in the air.
But the man merely used his namesake technique to dodge this. Appearing behind Sasuke with a kunai. "Good strategy, but keep your opponent's arsenal in mind," Shisui said teasingly. Sasuke merely hummed at this. Stomping away, seemingly displeased with his performance. "What's wrong?"
"I need to be stronger—much stronger—to clear my family's name," Sasuke replied simply.
"Oh, and how will you do that?" Shisui asked, his tone light and airy.
"I will rise through the ranks, making a reputation as I do. I think either Hokage or Anbu Captain should allow me the influence needed to investigate that coup." Sasuke elaborated. His stance spoke of someone relaxed. But his tone held the sincerity of the words.
"That's quite the goal. And I'm going to guess you don't want to hear this. But as someone involved, I can tell you without a doubt our clan did plan a coup," Shisui said. I don't intend to dissuade you; I merely warn you."
"Hmm, I can appreciate that, I suppose." Sasuke offered. "But I know my father wouldn't have done what he did for a meager reason. I intend to find out what that reason was. How did the Leaf find out and determine who was guilty? The established story is a mystery. No details are being released. Even more confusing is how they took down the amount of Uchiha they did without any significant resistance. It's all suspicious, eerily so. So, make no mistake, I am close to you and my brother. But if I find out you two are part of some greater conspiracy, I will hold you accountable."
"Well, it seems that was a threat. I have to admit that it stings coming from my student. Be wary, though," he said, his voice becoming odd. It almost looked like shurikens in his eyes. Don't become traitorous yourself. Just like you, I may love you. But I will stand firm on my own beliefs." The tense atmosphere dissipated a bit. The two walked back to their teammates. They were friends and allies for now, but both were painfully prepared for that to change.
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Shikamaru's / Sai’s / POV (Nara Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)
Shikamaru didn't consider himself a religious man. But there might be some kind of god; only a god would make life so cruel. He had intended to go home after Asuma's viscous training and nap. Maybe hassle his father into Shogi. After the nap, of course. But as he had drawn close to home, he noticed Sai had followed him and seemingly dragged Tenten with him. Speaking of some asinine social book Tenten had bought him and how friends needed to spend time together. Tenten had given an apologetic look but not a guilty one. Recognizing the finality of his situation, Shikamaru invited them in and quickly roped them both into Shogi. They were in the room he and his father often used.
A sizeable ornate set rests in the middle, with four pads surrounding it. He figured doing something he loved would make the visit less painful. Wildly, if he just smashed through them. To, his idea had worked to some degree. The Shogi matches did make the visit easier. But to his shock, both were talented. Neither had managed to beat him. But they played well. Sai's flaw was that he seemed to only know textbook moves; he lacked creativity. An odd hole for an artist to have, but who was Shikamaru to judge? Tenten was slightly better off but tended to play aggressively and loosely. Leaving various holes for a pro like him. Yet the two's style would change, adapt, even flip as they rematched him. Seemingly learning with each match. Shikamaru supposed he shouldn't be shocked that the two were intelligent. He was a labeled genius, after all, not too crazy; some would be able to rival his wit.
But something about them threw the Nara off. As they played, Sai levied various questions about the Nara. Ranging from a preference for food, hobbies, ambitions, and so on. Now, he worded them oddly and needed clarification about getting answers. Even more interesting, Tenten seemed to object whenever Sai's questioning got too intensive. He assumed a simple mother hen personality type, but something about the two's behavior threw Nara off. They seemed almost professional. Shikamaru now had no doubt. His team was a damn drag.
Shikamaru sighed heavily as he moved a piece, subtly releasing stress and cutting off Sai's flank attempt.
Sai’s POV
The Nara needed to be more problematic to his goals. He was sharp, socially aware, and had what Sai had heard was called a "poker face." Now Sai knew he had wiggle room. Teammates were supposed to learn about each other, after all. But he must move carefully lest his intentions be discovered by the Nara. This would surely lead to Sai's death. And while the young Root operative wasn't afraid of death. He knew Root losing an operative in his position would devastate the leaf.
Danzo was the only man fit to lead it. He was simply the logical choice. For he knew how to make the Leaf strong. Sai knew many would disapprove of their methods. Sai had remembered for a time resenting the training he had been subjected to. But such feelings had long since abandoned him. He could even remember being terrified of losing them. But Danzo, ever the genius he was, had cured him. He was now a perfect weapon. His life was simple, rise, serve, die. He knew others had much more, but he didn't care. After all, Danzo killed him long ago. So, who cares what happened to him. Sai was merely a tool, after all. One that just so happened to be human.
Tenten’s POV
Tenten sometimes really hated her job. Oh, it was easy on paper; she just needed to pretend to be loyal to Danzo around Sai and to the leaf around Shikamaru. While getting close to the Nara to appease Danzo. Slowly try to guide Sai away from the root to appease the Hokage. Maybe it was more complex after all. But Tenten would never betray Hiruzen, who had saved her mind from the hell Danzo had inflicted. Just like Sai, she was so close to being broken. She had been crying in her empty home as the Hokage had arrived. He offered her a job and his protection. It gave her a way to save herself and those who suffered the same fate. She had readily accepted it. She never regretted the decision but must admit she felt drained.
"Tenten." Shikamaru called.
"Yes?" Tenten asked, sharpening her focus on the young man. She saw him gulp subtly and realized her stare may be intimidating.
"If you're tired, go to sleep. That mat should be plenty comfy, and Sai and I have been locked in this for a while." The Nara drawled as he studied the board. He hated to admit it, but Tenten could sometimes be oddly cute.
"Correction, I believe I'm quite close to victory," Sai inserted. Shikamaru merely scoffed and took his turn. Sai looked at Shikamaru stone-faced for a while. "I stand corrected." He shifted his stance and expression, conveying humor, but it lacked in tone.
Tenten chuckled at this. She wanted to decline the request, but she was damn tired. As important as her job was, the break would be nice.
"You sure Shikamaru?" She confirmed.
"Ya, ya, you troublesome woman. Get some rest already." Shikamaru said with a small smile.
Tenten laid back, the first honest smile of the day gracing her face. She listened to Shikamaru giving various tips to Sai as they played. Nara's patience seemed to snap at times, leading to snide remarks, but Sai, unable to catch the meaning, would ask him to explain. Based on Shikamaru's stutters at this, he would feel guilty about his temper. How cute of Nara he was a big softy. Actual mother hen type. She had a hard job, but at least she had an exciting team.