Sakura stood nervously outside the classroom, waiting for her turn to take the final exam. Her ears twitched with anticipation, and she couldn't help but fidget with the hem of her dress. She glanced around at her classmates, some looking confident, others just as nervous as she felt.

"Haruno Sakura," Iruka-sensei called from inside the room.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura stepped inside. Iruka-sensei sat behind a desk, a clipboard in hand, while Mizuki-sensei stood off to the side, observing.

"Alright, Sakura," Iruka said with a reassuring smile. "We'll be testing your ability to perform the Bunshin Technique. Please create three clones."

Sakura nodded, her hands forming the necessary seals. She focused her chakra, feeling it flow through her body. With a puff of smoke, three perfect copies of herself appeared beside her.

Iruka's eyebrows rose slightly, clearly impressed. He walked around the clones, inspecting them closely. Each one was identical to Sakura, down to the last detail - from the pink fur on her arms to the twitching of her rabbit ears.

"Excellent work, Sakura," Iruka said, making a note on his clipboard. "Your chakra control is impeccable. You pass with flying colors."

Sakura beamed, her ears perking up with pride. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei!"

As she dispelled the clones and turned to leave, Mizuki spoke up. "Impressive as always, Sakura. Your unique... attributes certainly make your clones stand out."

Sakura's smile faltered slightly at the comment. She knew Mizuki-sensei didn't mean any harm, but sometimes his remarks about her rabbit-like features made her uncomfortable. She gave a polite nod and quickly left the room.

Outside, she was immediately surrounded by her friends. Hinata gave her a gentle smile, while Sasuke merely nodded in acknowledgment.

"How'd it go?" Naruto asked eagerly, bouncing on his heels.

"I passed," Sakura said, unable to keep the pride from her voice. "The Bunshin Technique went perfectly."

Naruto's face fell slightly, but he quickly plastered on a grin. "That's great, Sakura-chan! I knew you could do it!"

Sakura noticed his momentary disappointment and felt a twinge of guilt. She knew Naruto struggled with the Bunshin Technique, despite all the practice they'd done together.

"You'll do fine, Naruto," she said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Just remember what we practiced."

Naruto nodded, but Sakura could see the doubt in his eyes. As more of their classmates went in and came out with their new forehead protectors, Naruto grew increasingly nervous.

Finally, it was Naruto's turn. As he stood to enter the classroom, Sakura noticed him clutching a piece of paper tightly in his hand.

"Good luck," Hinata said softly, her cheeks tinged pink.

Naruto gave them a thumbs up and disappeared into the room. The minutes ticked by, and Sakura found herself growing anxious. What was taking so long?

Inside the classroom, Naruto stood before Iruka and Mizuki, fidgeting nervously.

"Alright, Naruto," Iruka began, "please perform the Bunshin Technique for us."

Naruto swallowed hard, then held out the piece of paper he'd been clutching. "Um, actually, Iruka-sensei... I have this note."

Iruka's brow furrowed as he took the paper. His eyes widened as he read its contents, then narrowed suspiciously. He looked up at Naruto, who was shifting from foot to foot.

"Naruto," Iruka said slowly, "where did you get this?"

"It's not a prank, I swear!" Naruto blurted out. "The old man - I mean, the Hokage gave it to me!"

Iruka exchanged a glance with Mizuki, who looked just as surprised. "And you're sure this isn't one of your tricks?"

Naruto shook his head vigorously. "No way! I wouldn't joke about this, dattebayo!"

Iruka studied Naruto's face for a moment, then sighed. "Very well. According to this note, you have permission to demonstrate an alternative clone technique. Proceed when you're ready."

Naruto took a deep breath, his hands forming unfamiliar seals. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

There was a large puff of smoke, and when it cleared, the room was filled with perfect copies of Naruto. Iruka's jaw dropped, while Mizuki's eyes widened in shock.

"I... I don't believe it," Iruka muttered, walking among the clones. Each one was solid, not just an illusion like the standard Bunshin.

After a thorough inspection, Iruka returned to his desk, a mix of emotions playing across his face. "Well, Naruto, I have to say I'm impressed. The Shadow Clone Technique is a jonin-level skill. You've certainly exceeded expectations here."

Naruto's face lit up with hope. "So... does that mean I pass?"

Iruka nodded, a smile finally breaking through. "Yes, Naruto. You pass. Congratulations."

"Yatta!" Naruto cheered, dispelling his clones and jumping with joy. "I did it! I'm a ninja!"

As Iruka handed Naruto his forehead protector, Mizuki spoke up. "Hold on a moment, Iruka. The Kage Bunshin is a more advanced technique than what we typically test for. Shouldn't that count for something in Naruto's final ranking?"

Iruka's expression turned stern. "While the Kage Bunshin is indeed an impressive technique, Naruto is graduating on a technique waiver. Our ranking system takes into account all aspects of a student's performance throughout their time at the academy, not just this final exam."

Naruto's celebration faltered. "Wait, what does that mean?"

Iruka sighed, his voice gentle but firm. "It means that despite passing, your overall academic performance will still place you at the bottom of the rankings for this graduating class."

Naruto's face fell, his earlier excitement evaporating. "But... but I worked so hard..."

"I know you did, Naruto," Iruka said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "And you should be proud of how far you've come. But becoming a great ninja isn't just about mastering powerful techniques. It's about dedication, strategy, and a well-rounded skill set. You've made significant improvements, but there's still room to grow."

Naruto nodded glumly, clutching his new forehead protector. As he turned to leave, Mizuki called out, "Don't let it get you down, Naruto. You've still got plenty of time to prove yourself out in the field."

Outside the classroom, Sakura, Hinata, and Sasuke were waiting anxiously. When Naruto emerged, his expression downcast despite the forehead protector in his hand, they knew something was wrong.

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata said softly, concern evident in her pale eyes. "What happened?"

Naruto explained the situation - his successful use of the Shadow Clone Technique, but his disappointing class ranking. As he spoke, his shoulders slumped further.

"Hey, don't let it get you down," Sakura said, her ears twitching sympathetically. "You passed, and that's what matters. And that Shadow Clone Technique sounds amazing!"

"Sakura-chan's right," Hinata added, her voice gaining a rare note of confidence. "You should be proud of yourself, Naruto-kun. Not many genin can perform jonin-level techniques."

Even Sasuke, usually so stoic, gave a grudging nod of acknowledgment. "It's... not bad, dobe. But don't think this means you've caught up to me."

Naruto's spirits seemed to lift a little at his friends' encouragement. He managed a small smile, rubbing the back of his head. "Thanks, guys. I guess I did do pretty good, huh?"

"Absolutely!" Sakura said, her own excitement returning. "And you know what this calls for? A celebration!"

"Ramen?" Naruto asked hopefully, his eyes lighting up.

Sakura laughed. "Of course. What else?"

As they made their way to Ichiraku's Ramen Stand, Naruto's mood continued to improve. He chatted animatedly about his experience with the Shadow Clone Technique, his earlier disappointment fading in the face of his friends' genuine interest and support.

The small group settled into their seats at the ramen stand, the familiar aroma of broth and noodles filling the air. Teuchi, the owner, beamed at them as they entered.

"Well, well! If it isn't my favorite customers," he said warmly. "And wearing those shiny new forehead protectors, I see. Congratulations on graduating!"

"Thanks, old man!" Naruto said, his usual exuberance returning. "We're here to celebrate!"

"In that case, first round's on the house," Teuchi declared, much to Naruto's delight.

As they waited for their ramen, the conversation turned to their future as genin. Sakura's ears twitched with excitement as she spoke.

"I wonder what kind of missions we'll get," she mused. "And who our jonin sensei will be."

"I hope we get someone strong," Sasuke said, his dark eyes intense. "Someone who can really push us to improve."

Hinata nodded in agreement. "It will be interesting to see how our training changes now that we're genin."

"As long as I get to prove myself and become Hokage, I don't care who our sensei is!" Naruto declared, pumping his fist in the air.

Sakura couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. Despite the setback with his class ranking, Naruto's determination seemed as strong as ever. It was one of the things she admired about him, even if she found him annoying at times.

Their ramen arrived, steaming and fragrant. As they dug in, Sakura found herself reflecting on their journey so far. From her initial crush on Sasuke to her unique transformation and her growing friendships with Naruto and Hinata, it had been quite the adventure. And now, as newly minted genin, a whole new chapter was about to begin.

"Hey, Sakura-chan," Naruto said between slurps of noodles, "do you think your rabbit summons will be useful on missions?"

Sakura nodded, her ears perking up at the mention of her summons. "I hope so. Queen Joousa gave me permission to use them in battle if needed. Though I'm not sure how often we'll be in combat as new genin."

"Combat or not, I'm sure they'll be helpful," Hinata said softly. "Your connection with the rabbits gives you unique abilities that could be useful in all sorts of situations."

Sasuke grunted in agreement. "Just don't rely on them too much. A true shinobi needs to be strong on their own."

"Speaking of unique abilities," Naruto said, turning to Hinata, "your Byakugan is going to be super useful on missions, Hinata! You'll be able to see enemies coming from miles away!"

Hinata blushed at the praise, poking her fingers together in a nervous habit. "T-thank you, Naruto-kun. I'll do my best to use it effectively."

As they continued to eat and chat, Sakura couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Despite the challenges they'd faced and the uncertainties that lay ahead, she was grateful for the bonds she'd formed with her friends. Whatever the future held for them as genin, she knew they'd face it together.

The sun was starting to set by the time they finished their meal. As they prepared to head home, Teuchi called out to them.

"You kids take care out there," he said, his voice warm but tinged with concern. "The life of a shinobi isn't easy, but I know you'll make us all proud."

"Thanks, old man," Naruto said, giving him a thumbs up. "We'll be sure to come back and tell you all about our awesome missions!"

As they walked down the street, their new forehead protectors gleaming in the fading light, Sakura felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about what lay ahead. She glanced at her friends - Naruto, still chattering excitedly about becoming Hokage; Hinata, listening to him with a soft smile; and Sasuke, his expression determined as always.

"We should probably get some rest," Sakura said as they reached a crossroads. "We need to be at our best for team assignments tomorrow."

The others nodded in agreement. As they said their goodbyes and headed their separate ways, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that tomorrow would mark the beginning of something big. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she was ready to face them head-on, with her friends by her side and her unique abilities at the ready.

With a spring in her step and her rabbit ears twitching in anticipation, Sakura made her way home, eager to share the news of her graduation with her parents and to prepare for the next chapter in her journey as a kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf Village.

----------------------------------------

The next morning, Sakura woke early, her rabbit ears twitching with excitement. Today was the day they'd get their official ninja IDs - tangible proof of their new status as genin. She carefully groomed her pink fur and adjusted her outfit, wanting to look her best for the photo.

As she made her way to the photography studio, she spotted Sasuke and Hinata waiting outside. Sasuke nodded in acknowledgment, while Hinata gave her a shy wave.

"Good morning," Sakura greeted them. "Has anyone seen Naruto yet?"

As if on cue, they heard a familiar voice shouting, "Hey guys! Check this out!"

Naruto came bounding up to them, his face covered in elaborate red and white face paint. Swirls and symbols adorned his cheeks and forehead, making him look more like a kabuki actor than a ninja.

Sakura's jaw dropped. "Naruto! What in the world did you do to your face?"

Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "You're actually going to take your ID photo like that?"

Hinata, ever the peacemaker, tried to find something positive to say. "It's... very creative, Naruto-kun."

Naruto grinned, oblivious to their exasperation. "I know, right? This way, everyone will remember me! The most unpredictable ninja in the Hidden Leaf!"

Sakura's rabbit ears drooped slightly. "That's one way to put it," she muttered.

Despite their attempts to talk him out of it, Naruto insisted on keeping the face paint for his photo. The photographer seemed equally bemused but went along with it, likely having seen stranger things in his career.

As they exited the studio, Sakura couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, at least your ID will be unique, Naruto. No one's going to mistake you for anyone else."

Sasuke smirked. "As if that was ever a problem for the village's number one knucklehead ninja."

Before Naruto could retort, an ANBU operative appeared before them in a swirl of leaves. The masked shinobi's sudden appearance startled them, causing Sakura's ears to stand straight up.

"Naruto Uzumaki," the ANBU spoke in a neutral tone. "The Hokage requests your presence for a private meeting. Please come with me."

Naruto's painted face scrunched up in confusion. "Huh? The old man wants to see me? What for?"

The ANBU didn't elaborate. "That's between you and Lord Hokage. Your friends can proceed to the academy for team assignments. You'll join them afterward."

With a shrug, Naruto followed the ANBU, leaving his friends to speculate about the reason for this unexpected summons.

As they walked toward the academy, theories began to fly.

"What do you think that was about?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "It must be something important if the Hokage is calling him in privately."

Hinata twiddled her fingers nervously. "Do you think... maybe it's about Naruto-kun's parents? He's never known who they were."

Sakura's ears perked up at the idea. "That's possible. It would explain why the Hokage wanted to speak to him alone."

Sasuke scoffed. "Or maybe they're finally going to tell him he's some kind of failed experiment. It would explain a lot."

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura admonished, though she couldn't entirely dismiss the idea. Naruto's unusual abilities and massive chakra reserves had always been a bit of a mystery.

Hinata, ever loyal to Naruto, defended him. "I don't think that's it. Naruto-kun is... special, but not in a bad way. Sometimes I wonder if he might be related to someone important."

"Like who?" Sakura asked, genuinely curious about Hinata's theory.

The Hyuga heiress blushed slightly. "Well, I've seen old pictures of the Fourth Hokage, and there's a resemblance. The blonde hair, blue eyes..."

Sakura considered this. "That's an interesting theory, Hinata. But wasn't the Fourth connected to the Uzumaki clan? They're known for their red hair being a dominant, which Naruto definitely doesn't have."

"Maybe he takes after his father more?" Hinata suggested.

Sasuke shook his head. "It doesn't matter who his parents were. What matters is how he performs as a ninja now."

They continued to debate various theories as they made their way to the academy. By the time they arrived, they still hadn't reached a consensus on the reason for Naruto's meeting with the Hokage.

As they settled into their usual seats in the classroom, Sakura found herself glancing at the door every few minutes, wondering when Naruto would arrive. The normally boisterous ninja's absence was conspicuous, and she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever the Hokage had to tell him was significant.

Finally, just as Iruka-sensei was about to begin the team assignments, Naruto slipped into the room. Sakura immediately noticed something was off. The face paint was gone, likely washed off at the Hokage's insistence, but that wasn't what caught her attention. Naruto's usual exuberant energy seemed subdued, his bright blue eyes lacking their usual sparkle.

As he took his seat next to them, Sakura leaned in to whisper, "Naruto, are you okay? What did the Hokage want?"

Naruto forced a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Oh, you know, just some boring stuff about being a genin. Nothing important."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "The Hokage called you in privately to tell you things we're all about to hear anyway?"

Naruto shrugged, uncharacteristically evasive. "He, uh, just wanted to make sure I understood some things. You know how he worries about me."

Hinata, sensing Naruto's discomfort, gently asked, "Did... did he tell you anything about your parents?"

For a moment, a flicker of something - pain? confusion? - crossed Naruto's face. But it was gone so quickly, Sakura almost thought she'd imagined it.

"Nah, it wasn't about that," Naruto said, his voice oddly flat. "Can we just drop it? I want to hear about the team assignments."

Sakura exchanged concerned glances with Sasuke and Hinata. It was clear that whatever the Hokage had told Naruto, it had shaken him. But equally clear was Naruto's reluctance to discuss it. For now, at least, they would have to respect his wishes.

Iruka-sensei cleared his throat, calling the class to attention. "Alright, everyone, settle down. It's time to announce your genin team assignments."

The room buzzed with excitement as Iruka began reading off the teams. Sakura found herself holding her breath, hoping against hope that she'd be placed with...

"Team Seven," Iruka announced. "Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Naruto Uzumaki."

Sakura's heart leapt. She was on a team with Sasuke! And Naruto too, which wasn't bad at all. They'd all trained together over the past couple of years, so they already had a decent foundation for teamwork.

She glanced at Sasuke, who seemed satisfied with the arrangement, and then at Naruto. To her surprise, he didn't seem as excited as she'd expected. Normally, he'd be whooping and hollering about being on the same team as Sakura-chan. Instead, he just nodded, still seeming lost in thought.

As Iruka continued with the assignments, Sakura's ears drooped slightly when she realized Hinata wasn't on their team.

"Team Eight," Iruka said. "Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame."

Hinata's disappointment was evident, though she tried to hide it. Sakura knew how much her friend had been hoping to be on the same team as Naruto.

Once the assignments were complete, there was a buzz of conversation as everyone discussed their new teams. Naruto, seeming to shake off some of his earlier mood, turned to Kiba and Shino.

"Hey, you two," he said, his voice carrying a hint of warning. "You better take good care of Hinata, you hear me?"

Kiba grinned, showing his fangs. "Don't worry, Naruto. I'll protect your girlfriend way better than you ever could."

Hinata's face turned bright red at Kiba's words. "K-Kiba-kun!" she stammered.

Naruto bristled. "Oh yeah? I bet I could protect her way better than you, dog breath!"

As the two boys bickered, Sakura noticed something interesting. Despite arguing with Kiba about who could protect Hinata better, Naruto didn't actually deny that she was his girlfriend. She filed that information away for later, wondering if there was more to Naruto and Hinata's relationship than she'd realized.

Shino adjusted his sunglasses, speaking in his usual methodical manner. "We will indeed take care of Hinata. Why? Because she is our teammate now, and teamwork is essential for mission success."

Their new jonin sensei, a woman with striking red eyes named Kurenai Yūhi, approached Team Eight with a pleased smile. "I'm glad to see you're already bonding as a team," she said. "That kind of camaraderie will serve you well in the field."

As the newly formed teams began to disperse, waiting for their respective jonin senseis to arrive, Sakura found herself both excited and nervous about what lay ahead. She was thrilled to be on a team with Sasuke, of course, but she was also worried about Naruto. Whatever the Hokage had told him seemed to have affected him deeply.

She made a mental note to try and talk to him about it later, when they had some privacy. For now, though, she focused on the present, wondering what kind of sensei they would get for Team Seven and what challenges awaited them as newly minted genin.

As they waited, Sakura's keen rabbit ears picked up snippets of conversation from around the room. Most of it was excited chatter about new teams and speculation about their senseis, but she also caught a few whispers about Naruto's earlier meeting with the Hokage. It seemed they weren't the only ones who had noticed something was off with the usually boisterous ninja.

Sasuke leaned against a desk, his arms crossed. "So," he said, addressing Naruto and Sakura, "any thoughts on who our jonin sensei might be?"

Sakura's ears twitched thoughtfully. "Well, given that we're the team with the last Uchiha and... well, Naruto," she said, not quite sure how to categorize her blonde teammate's unique status, "I imagine they'll assign us someone pretty strong."

Naruto nodded, some of his usual energy returning. "Yeah! We're gonna get the best sensei ever, believe it! Someone who can teach us all kinds of awesome jutsu!"

Sasuke smirked. "Just try not to slow us down, dead last."

Instead of his usual angry retort, Naruto's expression faltered for a moment before he forced a grin. "Ha! You wish, Sasuke. I'm gonna surpass you in no time!"

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

----------------------------------------

As the newly formed teams began to disperse, waiting for their respective jonin senseis to arrive, the classroom slowly emptied. Team by team, the excited genin filed out, chattering about their new assignments and speculating about their future missions. Sakura watched as Hinata left with her new teammates, Kiba and Shino, following their sensei Kurenai. She felt a twinge of sympathy for her friend, knowing how much Hinata had hoped to be on Naruto's team.

Soon, only Team Seven remained in the classroom. Sakura's long ears twitched with impatience as she glanced at the clock. Their sensei was late.

"What's taking so long?" Naruto grumbled, pacing back and forth. "Everyone else is gone already!"

Sasuke leaned against a desk, his arms crossed. "A jonin wouldn't be late without good reason," he said, though his tone held a hint of irritation.

Sakura nodded, her brow furrowed in concern. "You're right. I wonder what could be holding up a jonin this much? It must be something important."

To pass the time, the three genin began practicing some basic chakra exercises. Sakura focused on manipulating a small leaf with her chakra, making it dance across her palm. Her control was nearly perfect, a fact she took pride in.

Naruto, never one to sit still for long, attempted to balance a kunai on his fingertip using chakra. It wobbled precariously, threatening to fall at any moment. "Come on, come on," he muttered, his face scrunched in concentration.

Sasuke, meanwhile, was practicing his chakra control by adhering various small objects to different parts of his body. He managed to keep several erasers and pencils stuck to his arms and forehead, showcasing his own impressive control.

As the minutes ticked by, Sakura's worry grew. Her long ears drooped slightly as she voiced her concerns. "Do you think something might have happened? What if there was an emergency?"

Sasuke shook his head. "It's probably something like when Ebisu-sensei was late that one time. Remember? It's likely a request from the Hokage or some other important village business."

Naruto snorted. "Yeah, well, they could've at least told us we'd be waiting around forever."

Just as Sakura was about to suggest they seek out another teacher for information, the classroom door slid open. A tall man with spiky silver hair and a mask covering the lower half of his face stepped in. His Konoha headband was tilted to cover his left eye, giving him a somewhat mysterious appearance.

"Yo," he said casually, raising a hand in greeting.

The three genin stared at him, a mixture of relief and annoyance on their faces.

Sakura, ever the diplomat, spoke first. "Sensei, is everything okay? We were getting worried."

The man's visible eye crinkled in what might have been a smile. "Maa, sorry I'm late," he said, his tone not sounding particularly apologetic. "I got lost on the road of life."

There was a moment of stunned silence as the three genin processed this clearly false excuse. Sakura's ears twitched in disbelief, while Naruto's jaw dropped open.

Sasuke was the first to recover. His eyes narrowed as he addressed their new sensei. "If it's something you can't tell us about because it's too classified for genin, you don't have to give us a ridiculous excuse."

The jonin's expression didn't change. He simply shrugged, neither confirming nor denying Sasuke's assumption.

This non-committal response only served to irritate the genin further. Sakura could feel her own annoyance rising, though she tried to keep it in check. Naruto, on the other hand, looked like he was about to explode.

"Hey!" Naruto shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at their sensei. "What kind of lame excuse is that? We've been waiting for hours!"

The jonin seemed unperturbed by Naruto's outburst. "Maa, maa, no need to shout. Why don't we move somewhere more comfortable for introductions?" Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed out of the classroom.

The three genin exchanged glances before following their enigmatic new sensei. He led them up to the roof of the academy, where they found a pleasant spot overlooking the village.

"Alright," the jonin said, leaning against the railing. "Let's introduce ourselves. Tell me your likes, dislikes, and dreams for the future."

Naruto, still bristling from earlier, crossed his arms. "Why don't you go first, sensei? Show us how it's done."

The jonin shrugged. "Fair enough. My name is Kakashi Hatake. I have many likes and dislikes... and my dreams for the future? Hmm... I haven't really thought about it."

The genin stared at him, unimpressed. Sakura's ears twitched in irritation. They hadn't learned anything useful at all.

"Alright, blondie," Kakashi said, pointing at Naruto. "Your turn."

Naruto straightened up, his earlier anger forgotten in his excitement to talk about himself. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki! I like Hinata and my friends. I dislike people who aren't honest and hide things," he paused to glare at Kakashi, who remained impassive. "And my dream is to become Hokage!"

Before Kakashi could respond, Sakura chimed in. "Remember, Naruto, if you want to be Hokage, you need to get better at paperwork."

Naruto's enthusiasm deflated slightly. "Aw, man, Sakura-chan, did you have to remind me?"

Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in amusement. "Interesting. Alright, pinky, you're up next."

Sakura's ears twitched at the nickname, but she composed herself. "My name is Sakura Haruno. I like Sasuke-kun, bunnies," she paused, her long ears twitching in amusement, "and my friends as well. I dislike people who don't put in effort. My dream..." she blushed slightly, "is to become the next Matriarch of the Uchiha clan." She proudly showcased the Uchiha fan earrings she wore.

Kakashi nodded, his expression unreadable behind his mask. "I see. And lastly..."

Sasuke straightened up, his face serious. "My name is Sasuke Uchiha. Likes and dislikes are trivial, but having people you can trust to rely on is worth more than anything to a ninja." He glanced briefly at Naruto and Sakura before continuing. "I don't have a dream, but a goal: to return the Uchiha clan to its rightful prominence in the village and eliminate the killer of my clan."

A heavy silence fell over the group after Sasuke's declaration. Kakashi stared at them for a long moment, then sighed. "Well," he said, sounding almost resigned, "I think I'm going to owe Guy some money after this."

Before any of the genin could ask what he meant, Kakashi straightened up. "Alright, listen up. Tomorrow, we'll have a little survival exercise. Think of it as a secondary exam. Meet me at Training Ground 3 at 5 AM sharp. Oh, and skip breakfast. You might throw up."

The three genin stared at him in shock.

"Wait, what do you mean, secondary exam?" Sakura asked, her ears standing straight up in alarm.

Kakashi eye-smiled at them. "Only 66% of graduates actually become genin. The rest get sent back to the academy. See you tomorrow!" With that, he vanished in a swirl of leaves, leaving his stunned students behind.

For a moment, there was silence on the roof. Then Naruto exploded.

"What the hell?!" he shouted, his face red with anger. "First he's super late, then he barely tells us anything about himself, and now this? Can we complain to the old man and get a new sensei?"

Sasuke frowned, looking thoughtful. "It might not be a bad idea to at least inquire about his qualifications."

Sakura, ever the peacemaker, tried to calm her teammates down. "Come on, guys. I'm sure our sensei must have had something very important to do earlier. And tomorrow, I bet he'll be much more professional."

The boys looked skeptical, but didn't argue further.

"Man," Naruto grumbled, "even Pervy Sensei would be better than this guy."

"Pervy Sensei?" Sakura asked, confused.

"He means Ebisu," Sasuke clarified.

Naruto nodded vigorously. "Yeah! Or even Super Pervy Sensei!"

At Sakura's questioning look, Sasuke sighed. "Jiraiya-sama."

Sakura's ears drooped in exasperation. "Naruto, you can't call one of the Legendary Sannin 'Super Pervy Sensei'!"

As the three genin made their way down from the roof, discussing their new sensei and worrying about the test to come, they were unaware of the figure watching them from a nearby tree.

Kakashi Hatake observed his potential new team with a mixture of amusement and concern. They were certainly an interesting bunch: the last loyal Uchiha, a girl with some very unusual physical traits, and Minato-sensei's son. He had a feeling tomorrow's test was going to be quite eventful.

As he prepared to leave, Kakashi couldn't help but wonder if he was really the right person to guide these three. But orders were orders, and he had a job to do. With a silent sigh, he disappeared, leaving no trace of his presence behind.

----------------------------------------

The sun had climbed high in the sky, its warm rays beating down on Training Ground 3. Sakura Haruno stood with her teammates, Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki, their patience wearing thin after five long hours of waiting. Her foot tapped an irritated rhythm against the ground, a habit she'd picked up since her transformation.

Sasuke leaned against a tree, his arms crossed and a scowl etched deep on his face. Naruto paced back and forth, muttering curses under his breath. The air was thick with tension and simmering anger.

Finally, at precisely 10 AM, their tardy sensei appeared in a swirl of leaves. Kakashi Hatake raised a hand in casual greeting. "Yo."

Naruto exploded. "You're late!" he shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Kakashi. "We've been here since five in the morning!"

Sakura's nose twitched in irritation as she stepped forward. Her voice was cold as ice when she spoke. "Kakashi-sensei, I must request that you maintain a more professional conduct. Punctuality is crucial for a shinobi."

Kakashi merely eye-smiled at them, brushing off their concerns with a wave of his hand. "Maa, maa, A black cat crossed my path and I had to take a different route."

Sasuke didn't bother with words, settling for a glare that could have melted steel.

Unperturbed by their reactions, Kakashi reached into his pocket and pulled out two small bells. The metallic jingle cut through the tense atmosphere. "Now, let's get started with our little test, shall we?"

He held up the bells for them to see. "The rules are simple. I have two bells. Whoever gets a bell passes. Whoever doesn't gets sent back to the academy. You have until noon."

Naruto's jaw dropped. "What? That's not fair!"

Kakashi shrugged. "Tough. Those are my rules."

Sakura's ears twitched as she frowned, her analytical mind working overtime. "Sensei, I've heard that genin teams are always groups of three. And you mentioned yesterday that there's a 66% failure rate. That doesn't match up with only two bells."

For a moment, Kakashi looked surprised, but it quickly vanished behind his mask of indifference. "Well, aren't you observant? The truth is, I don't really want to bother with a full team. But I'm a nice guy, so I'm giving at least two of you the chance to pass."

The three genin stared at him in disbelief. Kakashi reached into his pouch again, this time pulling out a familiar orange book. Sakura recognized it as one of Jiraiya's infamous Icha Icha novels.

"If you want these bells," Kakashi said, flipping open the book, "you'll need to come at me with the intent to kill. Otherwise, you won't stand a chance."

The genin continued to stare, dumbfounded. Kakashi glanced up from his book. "Oh, by the way, time started when I arrived. You might want to get moving."

Instead of springing into action, the three young ninja turned to each other, effectively ignoring their sensei.

Naruto was the first to speak. "I still say we should ask for a different teacher. This guy's worse than Ebisu-sensei!"

Sakura's ears flattened against her head as she sighed. "We can look into that after the test, Naruto. Right now, we need to focus."

Sasuke nodded, his dark eyes calculating. "We need to decide which of us should get the bells if this 'test' is for real."

Naruto's face scrunched up in thought. "I don't want to go back to the academy," he admitted. Then his eyes lit up. "Hey, Sakura-chan, you've got that special relationship with the Super Pervy Sage, right? Maybe you could-"

"Naruto!" Sakura hissed, her cheeks flushing pink. "Please don't put it like that. And anyway, I need to be with Sasuke-kun." She turned to the Uchiha, her eyes softening. "We've trained together for so long. It wouldn't be right to separate now."

She paused, considering. "Besides, Jiraiya-sama has always been more inclined to show Naruto tips and tricks. It might be better for you to pass on a bell."

From behind his book, Kakashi called out, "You know, your time is dwindling. If you want these bells, you might want to actually try taking them."

Sakura scowled in annoyance. She turned to face their sensei, her voice sharp. "With all due respect, Kakashi-sensei, if you really are a jonin, then no matter how good we are as fresh genin, we won't be able to take those bells from you unless you let us."

Kakashi lowered his book slightly, grumbling under his breath. "There's a tradition to the bell test, you know. You're kind of ruining it."

Sasuke stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. "He does have a point, We should get the bells now and decide later who gets them. I'm not entirely convinced this guy is really a jonin."

Naruto nodded vigorously. "Yeah! Let's show him what we've got!"

The three genin squared up against Kakashi, who let out a long-suffering sigh. He snapped his book shut and tucked it away. "Well, I suppose if you're finally ready to take this seriously..."

----------------------------------------

Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly as the three genin launched themselves at him in unison. Their coordination was impressive for fresh academy graduates, but it quickly became apparent that they weren't used to fighting as a unit.

Naruto's fist swung wide, nearly clipping Sasuke's ear. Sakura ducked to avoid Sasuke's kick, leaving herself open to Kakashi's casual sidestep. They tumbled into a heap, frustration evident on their faces.

"Well, that was... something," Kakashi drawled, not bothering to look up from his book.

Sakura's ears twitched in annoyance as she disentangled herself from her teammates. Her mind raced, analyzing their failure. Suddenly, it clicked.

"Guys," she hissed, pulling Naruto and Sasuke close. "We've been training together for months, but always against each other. We need to change our approach."

Sasuke nodded, his dark eyes narrowing. "What do you suggest?"

"We'll rotate who's on point," Sakura explained quickly. "Naruto, you go first. Use your shadow clones to keep him busy while Sasuke and I look for openings."

Naruto grinned, his earlier frustration forgotten. "You got it, Sakura-chan!"

The blonde ninja stepped forward, his hands forming a familiar seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Three clones popped into existence, immediately rushing at Kakashi. The jonin dispatched them with ease, barely glancing up from his book.

"You're making it too obvious which one is real, Naruto," Kakashi called out, suddenly appearing behind the original.

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, but before Kakashi could capitalize on the opening, a pink blur streaked towards him. The jonin was forced to block a powerful kick from Sakura, her enhanced speed catching him off guard.

"Not bad," Kakashi admitted, genuinely impressed by the genin's taijutsu. Her movements were fluid and precise, clearly benefiting from her rabbit-like modifications. What truly surprised him, however, was how she seemed to anticipate his counters.

Sakura's enhanced senses gave her a split-second advantage, allowing her to react to the subtlest shifts in Kakashi's posture. Her fingers brushed against one of the bells, nearly grasping it before Kakashi increased his speed.

The jonin blurred, moving too fast for Sakura to track. But as he prepared to put some distance between them, a wave of heat washed over him.

"Katon: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

Sasuke's voice rang out as a massive ball of flame hurtled towards Kakashi. The jonin was forced to dodge, impressed by how the Uchiha had taken advantage of his focus on Sakura.

As the fireball dissipated, Naruto's clones swarmed Kakashi, attempting to grapple and slow him down. Meanwhile, Sakura and Sasuke darted in, their hands reaching for the bells.

Kakashi found himself genuinely challenged for a moment. With a bit more practice and polish, these three could give a chunin a run for their money. Their teamwork was rough but showed promise, and they were already adapting to each other's strengths.

Deciding he'd seen enough, Kakashi stepped up his game. In a series of lightning-fast movements, he dispatched Naruto's clones, swept Sakura's legs out from under her, and pinned Sasuke to the ground.

The three genin glared up at him, a mixture of frustration and determination in their eyes. Kakashi considered trying to turn them against each other, to see if they'd fight over the bells as they'd discussed earlier. But he quickly dismissed the idea.

It was obvious they already understood the core lesson of the exercise, even if it meant he wouldn't get to use his carefully prepared speech about teamwork and loyalty. He sighed inwardly, realizing he now owed Guy money on their bet.

"Well," Kakashi said, his tone lighter than before, "I think I've seen enough. You all pass."

The genin's eyes widened in surprise.

"But... the bells," Naruto sputtered. "There's only two of them!"

Kakashi eye-smiled at them. "The bells were never the point. This test was designed to see if you could work together as a team, even when pitted against each other. Many genin fail because they can't see past their own desires to succeed."

Understanding dawned on Sakura's face, her ears perking up. "So your whole demeanor, the lateness, it was all to get us irritated and not thinking properly?"

Kakashi chuckled, not bothering to correct her assumption. "Let's just say I had my reasons. The important thing is that you three showed the potential to be a real team. That's what truly matters for a shinobi of Konoha."

Sasuke nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes. "So what now, sensei?"

"Now," Kakashi said, pulling out his book once more, "we begin your real training. Meet me here tomorrow at 8 AM sharp. And this time, don't skip breakfast."

As the three genin gathered their things, chattering excitedly about their success, Kakashi watched them with a thoughtful expression. They were an odd bunch, to be sure, but there was potential there. Real potential.

He just hoped he was up to the task of molding them into the shinobi they could become.

The next morning, Team 7 gathered at the training ground, this time well-fed and eager to begin their official training as genin. To their surprise, Kakashi arrived only fifteen minutes late, his visible eye crinkling in amusement at their shocked expressions.

"Alright, team," he said, clapping his hands together. "Today, we're going to work on improving your teamwork and individual skills. Let's start with a warm-up."

The genin soon found themselves panting and sweating as Kakashi put them through their paces. Push-ups, laps around the training ground, and chakra control exercises left them exhausted but invigorated.

As they caught their breath, Kakashi addressed them. "You three showed promise yesterday, but there's still a lot of room for improvement. Naruto, your shadow clones are a useful technique, but you need to be more strategic in how you use them. Sasuke, your ninjutsu is impressive for your age, but you tend to rely on it too heavily. And Sakura, while your taijutsu and analytical skills are strong, you need to work on your stamina."

The genin nodded, absorbing their sensei's critique.

"Now," Kakashi continued, "let's work on a team formation. Sasuke, you'll take point. Naruto, you'll provide support with your clones. Sakura, I want you to use your enhanced senses to watch our backs and call out any potential threats."

They spent the next few hours practicing the formation, with Kakashi throwing various challenges their way. Sometimes he'd attack from different angles, other times he'd set up traps for them to detect and avoid.

As the sun began to set, Kakashi called an end to the training session. The genin collapsed onto the grass, exhausted but satisfied with their progress.

"Not bad for your first day," Kakashi said, his tone approving. "We'll meet here again tomorrow at the same time. For now, get some rest and think about how you can improve your individual roles within the team."

As they gathered their things to leave, Naruto spoke up. "Hey, Kakashi-sensei, when do we get to go on real missions?"

Kakashi eye-smiled at him. "Patience, Naruto. We'll start with some D-rank missions soon enough. But trust me, you'll want to be as prepared as possible before we take on anything more challenging."

The blonde ninja grumbled but nodded, clearly already dreaming of more exciting missions to come.

As they walked back towards the village, Sakura fell into step beside Sasuke. "That was some impressive teamwork today," she said, her ears twitching slightly in excitement. "I think we're really starting to gel as a team."

Sasuke grunted in agreement, but there was a hint of a smile on his usually stoic face. "We still have a long way to go," he said, "but... it's a good start."

Naruto bounded up to them, his energy seemingly restored. "Hey, hey! We should celebrate our first day as an official team! How about we go get some ramen?"

Sakura rolled her eyes fondly. "Naruto, is ramen your solution to everything?"

"Only the important things!" he replied with a grin.

To everyone's surprise, Sasuke shrugged. "I could eat," he said simply.

Sakura's eyes widened, her rabbit ears standing straight up in shock. "Really? You want to join us, Sasuke-kun?"

The Uchiha looked away, a faint blush on his cheeks. "We're a team now, right? Might as well act like it."

Naruto whooped in excitement, while Sakura beamed. As they made their way to Ichiraku Ramen, chatting about the day's training and their hopes for future missions, there was a sense of camaraderie that hadn't been there before.

From the shadows, Kakashi watched his new team with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. They reminded him so much of his own genin team, all those years ago. He just hoped their story would have a happier ending.

Shaking off the melancholy thoughts, Kakashi disappeared in a swirl of leaves. He had a report to give to the Hokage, after all. And maybe, just maybe, he'd join his team for ramen another day.