The Copy Ninja

The man with a thousand jutsu. The prodigal son of the White Fang. Genin at age five, chunin at six, jonin at twelve, and ANBU captain at thirteen. The one who cut through lightning itself. The last living student of the Fourth Hokage.

That's the person they saw.

When people looked at him, they saw fame and power. They saw something larger than life—mythical, even. A legend. But when Kakashi looked at his reflection, all he saw was a man defined by his failures. And no matter how hard he tried to look away, that reflection never changed.

"Cursed Kakashi." He sometimes called himself that, half-joking. A joke that stung every time it whispered through his mind. Everyone he cared about seemed to die. His father, Rin, Obito, Minato-sensei… a parade of ghosts haunting him at every step, lingering in the corners of his vision, never far away. That's why, for years, he convinced himself that keeping his distance was the safest option—for him, and for everyone around him.

But distance came with a price.

It left him empty. Detached. Untethered from anything real.

Then there was Guy. His loud, obnoxious, overenthusiastic "eternal rival." The man who could somehow see straight through Kakashi's carefully crafted walls. Despite all his absurdity, Guy persisted, refusing to let Kakashi shut himself off completely. And, strangely enough, it was Guy's insistence that pushed Kakashi to even consider becoming a jonin instructor.

It wasn't like Kakashi thought he'd be any good at it. If anything, he expected to fail spectacularly—just like he had at everything else that mattered. But in a rare moment of weak optimism, Guy's ridiculous persistence wore him down, and Kakashi agreed to give it a shot.

Since then, he'd never passed a single genin team. Not one.

Every year, he waited. He observed, evaluated. But none of the groups ever had it—that intangible something he couldn't quite describe but always recognized when it was missing. Maybe it was conviction. Or an unspoken willingness to carry the kind of weight most people couldn't handle. Whatever it was, they never had it.

But this year was different.

This year, his focus was on Team 7. He'd spent time poring over their academy reports, dissecting each name.

Sakura Haruno. A civilian prodigy. Rare enough in its own right, but Kakashi wasn't expecting much from her. Still, if she worked hard enough, maybe she'd surprise him.

Sasuke Uchiha. A traumatized child—just what Kakashi needed. The boy carried a burden heavier than most, and Kakashi knew he'd be expected to help shoulder some of it. Whether he wanted to or not. Sasuke reminded him too much of himself. Maybe taking Sasuke on would be his way of honoring Obito, fulfilling a promise he'd made far too late.

And then there was Naruto Uzumaki.

Minato-sensei's son. A topic Kakashi had spent years avoiding, mostly because it terrified him. Not because of the Kyuubi. No, that wasn't it. What truly scared Kakashi was the thought of getting him killed. Minato and Kushina had entrusted Naruto to the village—to him. Failing that trust would break something inside him that couldn't be fixed.

So he'd stayed away. Kept his distance. Watched from the shadows. And yet, even as he distanced himself, Kakashi never truly let Naruto out of his sight.

When Naruto's status as the Kyuubi's host was revealed in those early days, Kakashi was there, unseen, making sure no harm came to him. If anyone tried anything, he handled it before it got out of hand. As Naruto grew, Kakashi kept track of him through rumors, watching from afar, convincing himself that staying hidden was enough.

It wasn't healthy. But then again, what in Kakashi's life ever was?

If he was honest with himself, Kakashi wasn't particularly excited about this team.

It felt too familiar—too much like history trying to repeat itself. Team 7. The same name as his old squad. And coincidentally, a trio that mirrored his past too closely for comfort.

Kakashi snorted. He wasn't exactly a religious man, but at this point, it felt like divine intervention trying to warn him. A sign from the gods that he was about to screw this team over, just like he had before.

Still… he was willing to give it a chance. If they could prove themselves, maybe this wouldn't end in disaster.

Kakashi turned the page of his novel, his focus drifting as he tried to distract himself from the nagging doubts. The new Icha Icha novel was a masterpiece, as expected. At least Jiraiya-sensei hadn't lost his touch.

"Enjoying the new Icha Icha, I see."

Kakashi blinked, snapped out of his thoughts by the voice of the Third Hokage. He glanced up to see the older man standing before him, looking as tired as ever.

"10/10. Would recommend," Kakashi replied, holding up the book without looking away from the page.

Hiruzen sighed, his expression softening despite the exhaustion in his eyes. It was the look of a man who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. And Kakashi, for a brief moment, wondered how long it would be before the same look found its way into his own reflection.

"Do you think this will be the year you finally pass a team?"

Kakashi turned the page of his book, keeping his single visible eye fixed on the words. "Time will tell," he replied with practiced indifference, though his mind wasn't nearly as relaxed as his tone suggested.

Hiruzen studied him for a moment. "Hmm. I sometimes wonder if you even want a team."

"Wanting and needing are different things, Lord Third. You know that better than anyone."

Hiruzen didn't respond immediately, and Kakashi turned back to his book. He giggled—an overly dramatic sound—just loud enough to draw a disapproving look from the Hokage's secretary. The glare of pure disdain on her face was almost amusing.

Kakashi could practically hear her thoughts: Reading that trash in front of the Hokage? Really?

Not that I blame her, Kakashi thought. No respectable woman would approve of a guy openly reading Jiraiya-sensei's… cultural masterpieces. Well, maybe Anko, but she was an outlier in every possible way.

Most people assumed reading these books in public was some kind of eccentric act, a carefully crafted persona to make him seem carefree or quirky. It wasn't. Kakashi genuinely enjoyed the books. They were a distraction, a way to fill the void. A better addiction than alcohol, at least. Most shinobi turned to the bottle to numb themselves from the horrors of the world. Kakashi chose words on a page. Everyone had their coping mechanisms.

"Kakashi," Hiruzen said, his tone shifting, growing heavier. "Have you ever thought about the balance between what's right… and what's necessary?"

"All the time, Lord Third. But it's a line that gets harder to see the more you walk it."

Hiruzen nodded slowly, his face unreadable for a long moment. "Today, I intend to find that balance."

"Is there something you need from me?"

Hiruzen motioned toward his office. "Come inside. We'll talk there."

The moment they stepped into the office, the atmosphere changed. The air felt heavier, and Kakashi's instincts immediately went on high alert. He glanced at Hiruzen, who didn't speak. Instead, the Hokage snapped his fingers, and four ANBU agents materialized around them, surrounding the room in a square formation.

Ninja Arts: Four Barrier Nightfall!

Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly as a shimmering barrier sprang up around the room. An A-rank technique. Here? In the heart of Konoha? This was reserved for warzones or high-stakes covert missions—not the Hokage's office.

"Hokage-sama," Kakashi said slowly, his voice carefully measured. "Has the village been compromised?"

Hiruzen shook his head and handed the white-haired jonin a scroll.

Kakashi unrolled the scroll, his eye darting across the words. At first, the contents seemed mundane—reports on Naruto's academy instructors, his assignments, his training regimen. But as Kakashi's sharp mind pieced the details together, a darker picture began to form.

The cracks in Naruto's training weren't accidental. They were deliberate. Small enough to be dismissed as oversight, but deadly enough to sabotage him in the field.

Kakashi's grip on the scroll tightened. "This…" he began. "This wasn't incompetence. This was…"

"Sabotage," Hiruzen finished for him.

"Who?"

"Inoichi investigated thoroughly. These are the names of the instructors involved. Their minds were read, and their motives were… petty."

Kakashi scanned the list, his expression darkening.

Honestly, it would've been easier if it had been some shadowy scheme—a mastermind plotting from the shadows, a conspiracy led by a rival village. But no, the culprits were Konoha's own shinobi. They didn't see Naruto; they saw the Kyuubi. Their revenge wasn't against the boy, but the beast sealed within him.

Inoichi's report had been thorough, marking the culprits with transferred rage syndrome—a condition where grief and anger twisted into irrational hatred, latching onto a convenient target. For them, that target was Naruto.

"Konoha Strict Correctional Facility?!"

"Life imprisonment for treason," Hiruzen confirmed.

"They deserved worse," Kakashi muttered, the anger in his voice barely concealed.

"Death would be a mercy, and I'm not in the mood to be merciful."

Kakashi said nothing, but something still didn't add up. This was a serious matter, yes, but not one that warranted the use of an A-rank barrier.

The Third Hokage suddenly seemed to have read Kakashi's mind as he began weaving a series of hand seals with incredible speed, his movements precise and fluid. Kakashi recognized elements of Yamanaka techniques but quickly realized this was something else entirely.

"Ninja Art: Theatre of Memories," Hiruzen said.

There was a reason the Third was said to have mastered every jutsu in Konoha. It wasn't because he knew them all—that was impossible given the sheer number of secret clan techniques. It was because he could break down any jutsu to its fundamentals with a single glance and create his own version.

A blend of Yamanaka mind techniques and his unparalleled understanding of chakra, Theatre of Memories projected the caster's recollections like a film, allowing others to experience them directly.

Thin threads of chakra extended from Hiruzen's fingertips, glowing with a faint blue hue as they drifted toward Kakashi. The strands moved like living tendrils, weaving through the air before gently connecting to Kakashi's temple. His vision blurred, and then, suddenly, he wasn't in the Hokage's office anymore. He was there, inside Hiruzen's memories.

Everything that had happened since last night ran through Kakashi's mind like a vivid nightmare. He'd experienced the memories firsthand through Hiruzen's jutsu, felt the weight of every moment. And honestly, if he hadn't seen it for himself, he doubted he would have believed it.

"This… can't be real!"

"I wish that were the case, Kakashi. But reality," Hiruzen's voice dipped, "is often stranger than fiction."

Kakashi gave a slow nod. The proof was in the pudding.

"I consulted Inoichi about all of this," Hiruzen began. "He offered an interesting diagnosis. Two possibilities."

"I'm listening."

Hiruzen held up a hand. "The first—and least likely—is that these changes in Naruto happened recently. That he only began developing these abilities in the past few months."

"Highly unlikely."

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Considering what we've seen, Naruto's chakra—the foreign Yin energy present within him—isn't something one acquires overnight. Then there's his fully fitted armor, his advanced fire jutsu…"

"Not to mention the space-time ninjutsu," Kakashi added, his tone sharpening. "And that fire jutsu… that's not something you just stumble into. Learning elemental chakra conversion takes at least six months of focused, intensive training—and that's just the basics. For him to not only develop a handheld fire jutsu but to wield it with that level of precision? Naruto would have to be an exceptional genius even by Konoha standards to pull that off. And somehow, he kept it hidden under the facade of being an airheaded, book-dumb prankster. That doesn't just happen."

"Which leaves us with the second possibility—one far more concerning."

Kakashi waited, his body tense. He already had an idea where this was going, and the thought alone made his stomach turn.

"This may have been happening for years," Hiruzen said gravely. "And someone has been facilitating Naruto's development in secret."

The words hung in the air like a curse. Kakashi's hands balled into fists at his sides.

"If that's the case," Hiruzen continued, his voice dropping lower, "then Uzumaki Naruto has been intentionally downplaying his skills and abilities this entire time. For what purpose, we don't know. But it's possible—no, likely—that he knows far more than he lets on. About his father. About what's sealed inside him. Perhaps even more than we do."

Kakashi felt his jaw clench.

"When children are out of their depth," Hiruzen said softly, leaning forward slightly, "or when they seek answers, they naturally look to the adults around them for guidance. But if Naruto already knows the truth—his heritage, the Kyuubi, why the village has treated him the way it has—and he's chosen to keep quiet about it?" Hiruzen's voice grew colder. "Then we have a problem."

"A big problem," Kakashi muttered.

"From a psychological standpoint, it's…" Hiruzen hesitated, searching for the right word. "Terrifying."

Kakashi gave a single, tense nod.

It meant Naruto was more dangerous than anyone realized. And not because of the Kyuubi, but because of his ability to keep all of that bottled up. If he'd been acting like everything was normal, while secretly carrying all of this knowledge—alone—it marked him as a greater flight risk than Sasuke ever could be.

Kakashi exhaled sharply through his nose, the tension in his body reaching its peak. There was only one question he could think to ask. "Do you think Naruto is against Konoha?"

The question hung in the room like an unspoken threat.

"I don't know," Hiruzen admitted. "I hope that's not the case. But…" He sighed deeply. "We can't rule out the possibility."

Kakashi closed his eye, taking a moment to process. His mind was running through countless scenarios, none of them comforting.

"What are your orders?"

Hiruzen locked eyes with him, his gaze piercing. "This is an S-rank reconnaissance mission," he began. "Your objective is to gather as much information on Naruto as possible—his true abilities, his armor, and any clues about his connection to this 'Oscar.'"

"And Naruto himself?"

"Under no circumstances," Hiruzen said sharply, "must Naruto learn that Konoha is suspicious of him. He must not know we're watching him, or that we're aware of his true skills. Maintain his trust. Observe him closely. But do not compromise yourself—or the mission."

Kakashi frowned, his unease clear. "If he's been hiding this much for this long, he's not going to make it easy."

"I know," Hiruzen said, his voice softening slightly. "But you're the only one I trust with this, Kakashi. If anyone can handle it, it's you."

Kakashi hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"This mission would mean I have to pass Team 7."

Kakashi wasn't sure how he felt about that yet.

Hiruzen nodded, his sharp gaze fixed on the masked jonin. "Being their sensei will make the mission easier."

Kakashi's mind immediately turned to that armor. It wasn't like anything he'd seen before. The metal was bulkier than standard shinobi gear and far heavier than anything samurai wore. Shinobi armor prioritized stealth and flexibility, and samurai plate armor favored brute defense. But Naruto's armor seemed to be in a category of its own: a seamless blend of elegance, durability, and raw functionality.

"They'll notice the armor," Hiruzen explained. "It's too unique not to stand out. Either Sasuke or Sakura could ask about it, and if you're attentive, their curiosity could give you valuable openings to gather information."

Kakashi hesitated. "Do you want me to favor Naruto?"

"No," Hiruzen said firmly. "Treat him as you would any other student. But…" His voice softened slightly, a rare crack in his leadership mask. "Create an environment where he feels safe enough to open up. Make him trust Konoha."

There was more to that sentence—Kakashi could feel it. Hiruzen's lips pressed together, and his eyes flickered briefly, betraying a hidden regret. And me, Kakashi realized. The Third wanted Naruto to trust him too. But Hiruzen didn't say it. Maybe he felt he didn't have the right—not after all the ways he'd failed the boy.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said, his voice steady, though his mind was already racing. He turned to leave, but Hiruzen stopped him.

"Kakashi," the Hokage called out.

Kakashi paused, glancing over his shoulder.

"I'm curious… What do you plan to teach Team 7?"

"I've led teams before, Lord Third. You don't have anything to worry about."

Hiruzen's expression remained neutral, but he motioned for Kakashi to continue.

"Team 7 has the Academy's top two students and a dead-last who graduated by killing a chunin. I'm sure this will be easy. A couple of team-building exercises, some basic—"

"Kakashi," Hiruzen interrupted, frowning. "This isn't an ANBU team. These aren't trained operatives who just need to learn to work together. They're genin. Talented, yes, but still genin. You're not building a strike force. You're shaping them into shinobi."

Kakashi's words died in his throat.

The weight of Hiruzen's statement pressed against him, heavy and suffocating. Kakashi could almost see the future failures of Team 7 playing out in his mind—all because of him, all because he wasn't ready.

His shoulders sagged under the invisible burden, and his hand instinctively reached for his book. He flipped it open, letting the familiar words blur together on the page, trying to ground himself. It didn't work.

The Third Hokage had trusted him with this team. With Minato-sensei's son. With the last Uchiha. With a civilian prodigy who had beaten the odds to stand alongside them. And here he was, half-assing his way through the assignment before it even began.

What was he doing? What the hell was he doing?

The spiral began. Every failure, every mission gone wrong, every person he couldn't save—it all hit him at once, playing on an endless loop in his mind. Obito, Rin, Minato-sensei, even his father… They were all there, whispering, reminding him.

What if I fail them too? What if I let them down like I've let everyone else down?

"Kakashi?"

Hiruzen's voice snapped him out of it, like a hand pulling him from the deep end of a pool.

In the old leader's eyes, Kakashi saw something he wasn't used to seeing in himself: faith. The old man still believed in him, despite everything. Despite all the reasons he shouldn't.

"Your doubts are normal," Hiruzen said. "But they don't define you. Not unless you let them."

Kakashi took a slow, deep breath, steadying himself. The storm in his head wasn't gone, but it had quieted enough for him to think clearly.

"I have the next hour free," Hiruzen said, offering a faint smile. "I can help you plan for Team 7, if you'd like."

Kakashi sighed, feeling a bit like a scolded Academy student.

"I suppose I could use the help."

"I am sure I can be of great help. I have written books on leading shinobi teams, you know."

"Yes," Kakashi replied. "I have one."

"Oh? What did you think of it?"

"I haven't opened it," Kakashi admitted bluntly.

The room fell into awkward silence for a moment before Hiruzen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm glad you're grateful for my help, Kakashi," he said dryly.

"First time being a sensei. What can I say? I'm learning on the job."

The truth of that statement lingered.

This wasn't the battlefield, where Kakashi knew the enemy, knew the stakes, and didn't have to worry about anyone depending on him. This was different. Here, he wasn't the Copy Ninja, the prodigal son of the White Fang, or the ANBU captain feared across nations. He was a first-time teacher, trying to figure out how to lead a team of kids who had no idea what lay ahead of them.

But he needed to try.

For Naruto. For Sasuke. For Sakura.

And maybe, just maybe, for himself. Because if he could make this work—if he could guide them, protect them, and teach them—then perhaps he wouldn't always be defined by the ghosts of his failures.

Perhaps this was his chance to make something right.

No more hiding in the shadows. No more running away. He owed Naruto that much. He owed Minato and Kushina that much.

He owed Team 7 that much.

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Three hours late. That was a new record, even for Kakashi. The academy was practically a ghost town by the time he finally arrived. The only people left were the janitors and, apparently, Team 7. The bell test wasn't exactly urgent in Kakashi's eyes. They had the rest of their lives to fight and die, after all. So he took his time, taking the scenic route to clear his thoughts.

He knew every other jonin instructor had already conducted their tests, sticking to their schedules. Punctuality, professionalism—those traits were praised highly. But then again, those people weren't visiting the memorial stone every other day.

When he opened the door, the first thing Kakashi noticed was Sakura staring intently at Sasuke, who was flicking the tip of his pencil with sharp precision. In one quick movement, he sniped a fly midair.

Sakura cheered like he'd just achieved something grand, while Sasuke responded with a detached, "Hn." Typical Uchiha. It would've been slightly impressive, too, if not for the other detail that caught Kakashi's eye.

His Sharingan. It was activated.

When did he awaken it? Kakashi's mind raced to connect the dots. Sasuke wasn't this far along when he last checked the report. A knot of unease tightened in his chest.

Something had happened, and he had a feeling it was due to Naruto.

"Team 7," Kakashi called out, interrupting their moment. Both turned toward him, a mix of relief and annoyance visible on their faces, but they didn't speak up. Sasuke's eyes held a guarded suspicion, while Sakura's carried a hesitant confusion. He should've started with something motivational, maybe even encouraging, but…

"At least you guys didn't run away like last year's genin team."

Sakura's jaw dropped.

Sasuke's expression, on the other hand, shifted into something resembling irritation—a clear sign that he was mentally categorizing Kakashi somewhere between an idiot and a clown.

Now that's just mean.

But something was missing.

"Where's Naruto?"

"He went to the bathroom… an hour ago," Sakura answered, uncertainty lacing her voice.

Kakashi sat down and pulled out his book, a familiar ritual in an unfamiliar situation. If Naruto wasn't in trouble, he'd show up. And if he was… well, they'd probably know soon enough.

"Sensei, what are you reading?" Sakura asked, trying to fill the silence, trying to pretend that things were normal. Kakashi gave her his usual eye-smile.

"Something for adults," he replied.

"But we're genin now. Adults in the eyes of the village," Sakura countered, attempting to assert herself.

Kakashi shrugged. If she wanted to be treated like an adult, he'd oblige. He handed her the book.

A second later, she turned bright red and tossed it back at his face, shouting, "Pervert!"

Sasuke coughed awkwardly, and Kakashi didn't miss his subtle glance toward the book. It wasn't hard to figure out that Sasuke had taken a peek, too.

That's when Naruto burst through the door with such force that it nearly came off its hinges.

Sakura paled, clearly thinking—Why couldn't my team be normal? Sasuke, meanwhile, looked genuinely shocked.

And Kakashi couldn't blame him. Naruto's physical presence was different—strong, almost unnaturally so. And there wasn't any chakra at play, at least none Kakashi could sense. How did a genin have that kind of strength?

But it wasn't just that. Naruto's armor… seeing it up close was something else entirely. The craftsmanship, the quality—it wasn't built to fight humans. It was meant for something far worse. But why?

"Arr… I didn't do it," Naruto muttered, looking down at the broken door.

"Where were you, Naruto?" Sakura's voice came out almost gentle, as if she were afraid of setting him off.

Kakashi noted the change in her tone.

"Oh, I got scammed by some asshole into joining his cult," Naruto said flatly.

Kakashi blinked, feeling a strange sense of karmic justice wash over him. So this is what it feels like to be on the receiving end of my own bullshit excuses.

Clearing his throat, Kakashi straightened slightly, catching the trio's attention.

"How shall I put this?" he said, his tone casual, as if he were contemplating the weather.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke stared at him expectantly.

"Based on my first impression," Kakashi continued, putting a hand under his chin in mock thought, "… I'd have to say…"

The pause hung in the air like a blade.

"… I hate you."

Naruto didn't miss a beat. "Well, fuck you too then."

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

The afternoon sun blazed down over Konoha, its golden rays scattering across the village rooftops. Naruto Uzumaki perched on one such rooftop, fiddling with the straps of his gauntlet and glancing at the unfamiliar surroundings. They were sitting in what looked like a public garden, though it was oddly styled—trees lined in perfect symmetry, with stone arches connecting them like an artist's attempt at balance. It stuck out from the rest of the village, as if someone had plopped it there without consulting the surrounding design. Naruto's gaze wandered.

"If it were me," he muttered to himself, "this place would have a lot more orange. Like, a lot more."

Naruto shifted uncomfortably. Oscar's armor felt like it was baking him alive in Konoha's relentless sun, the sweat trickling down his back pooling under the metal plates. He grumbled, adjusting the straps of his chest piece as he eyed the others. Sasuke sat a few feet away, his usual brooding silence painting him as untouchable as ever, while Sakura stole subtle glances at the Uchiha, her cheeks pink like the petals of her namesake.

Their jonin instructor, Kakashi Hatake, stood off to the side, casually leaning against a railing as if he hadn't a care in the world. With his spiky silver hair and ever-present mask, he looked more like a lazy wanderer than a seasoned ninja. His single visible eye scanned the trio, though his expression—what little of it they could see—remained unreadable.

Naruto found himself wondering what to even call the guy. Sensei didn't feel right. That title belonged to Oscar, the one who had truly taught him what it meant to fight, survive, and endure. Nobody else had earned it. But "Cyclops" was starting to feel like a good second option.

Kakashi's voice cut through Naruto's thoughts. "Alright, let's get started. Why don't you all introduce yourselves?"

Silence.

"You know," Kakashi continued, undeterred. "Your likes, dislikes, dreams, ambitions, hobbies. The usual stuff."

Naruto looked between Sasuke and Sakura. Sasuke didn't even blink, his eyes focused somewhere far beyond the here and now. Sakura, on the other hand, was busy twirling her hair, stealing more glances at Sasuke as if she couldn't hear a word Kakashi had said.

Naruto rolled his eyes and raised a hand. "Why don't you start, Cyclops-sensei?"

Sakura chimed in, her voice softer. "That's a good idea. After all… we don't really know you. You're, um, mysterious."

Kakashi's lone eye curved upward in what Naruto guessed was a smile. "Oh, me? Sure. My name is Hatake Kakashi. My likes and dislikes… don't feel like sharing. My dreams for the future? None of your business. But I do have plenty of hobbies."

Naruto blinked. "…That's it? Seriously?"

Sakura sighed, glaring at the bright orange book Kakashi had casually flipped open during his introduction. "What kind of 'hobbies' are those, exactly?"

Kakashi ignored her completely, his attention now absorbed in the tiny text of Icha Icha Paradise.

"Alright," Kakashi continued without looking up. "Let's start with you." He pointed at Naruto.

Naruto leaned back, a grin forming on his face. Alright, time to show them who they're dealing with. He pulled out his shield and set it in front of him, the light glinting off its battered surface.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, squire of Oscar of Astora. I like ramen, pranks, and training. My dream is to ring the Bells of Awakening."

The silence that followed could've swallowed a kunai. A crow cawed faintly in the distance.

"…Right," Kakashi said at last, his eye narrowing slightly as though he were attempting to decipher a puzzle. "Bells of… Awakening?"

Sakura tilted her head. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Naruto smirked, clearly enjoying the confusion on their faces. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Sasuke spared him a single glance before looking away again, his indifference as cutting as ever.

Kakashi sighed, gesturing lazily. "Next."

Sasuke straightened, his expression cold and sharp. "My name is Uchiha Sasuke. There are plenty of things I hate. Not much I like. As for dreams… dreams are useless. What I do have is a goal." His dark eyes flickered dangerously. "To restore my clan and kill a certain someone."

His tone was as icy as his glare, and as the words left his mouth, the faint flicker of his Sharingan appeared for just a moment.

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Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You gonna tell us who, or should we just guess?"

Sasuke ignored him completely.

Sakura, however, perked up, her expression torn between admiration and nervousness. "I think your eyes are… um, cool," she offered, though her voice faltered. "But maybe don't, you know… activate them randomly? Like… light bulbs or something?"

Sasuke shot her a glare, making her flinch and mentally kick herself. Why did I say that?! So cringe!

"Last one," Kakashi said, turning to Sakura. "Let's hear it, pinky."

Sakura flinched. Don't call me pinky, she thought but kept her mouth shut. Composing herself, she smiled sweetly. "I'm Haruno Sakura. My favorite thing is…" She glanced at Sasuke, her face reddening. "Well, um… it's not a thing, it's a person. A boy, actually…"

Naruto made a gagging sound, earning him a glare from Sakura.

"I hate Ino-pig," she continued, her tone sharpening. "My hobbies are… well, personal."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow at her. A crush and a rivalry, he noted silently. Not much else. She's going to need some serious reality checks.

"Alright," Kakashi said, straightening. "Now that we're done with introductions, let's move on to the next step."

Sakura looked confused. "Next step? What do you mean? We're already genin."

Kakashi chuckled lightly. "Oh, that's what you think," he said, flipping a page in his book. "Becoming a true genin means passing my test."

"A test?" Sasuke asked, his interest piqued.

Kakashi smirked under his mask. "A survival test. Out of the twenty-seven students who graduated, only nine will actually be assigned to teams. The rest will be sent back to the reserves. So, if you fail…"

Sakura paled, while Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

Naruto crossed his arms and grinned. "Bring it on, Cyclops-instructor. I've had harder tests than this."

Kakashi's eye curved again in amusement. "We'll see about that. Meet me at Training Ground 7." He glanced at the fading light. "And bring a lunch… but don't eat it. Or else."

With that, Kakashi vanished in a blur, leaving the three genin to process what he'd just said.

Naruto leaned back, stretching his arms. "This'll be fun."

Sasuke, as usual, said nothing, though his intense expression hinted at the challenge he was already preparing himself for.

Sakura groaned. "What does he mean, 'don't eat it'?"

"Guess we'll find out."

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

The late-afternoon sun hung low over Training Ground 7, painting the clearing in warm tones of amber and gold. Tall trees bordered the wide-open field, their shadows stretching long across the uneven dirt. Scattered patches of grass clung stubbornly to the dry ground, and a giant lake in the distance reflected the sky like a perfect mirror, its surface rippling faintly in the breeze.

Naruto Uzumaki sat on one of the three training logs, legs dangling, a strange object resting in his hand. It was a small, rough urn, wrapped in a fragile-looking net of twine, with faint scratches and grooves marking its dark surface. He turned it over slowly, his blue eyes narrowing in curiosity as he studied it. The thing felt old, ancient, as though it had seen countless battles before somehow ending up in his possession.

[ Item: Firebomb ]

[ Description: Bisque urn filled with black powder. Explodes, inflicting fire damage. Relatively powerful ranged weapon, especially in situations called for fire damage. A very precious item at low levels. Many warriors use these to augment their strategic repertoire ]

The fact that his clones could access his inventory still amazed him. One of them had picked this thing up somewhere on the third path of Firelink Shrine, and he hadn't even noticed it until after the clone dispelled. Thinking back, there was probably a ton of loot he hadn't gotten around to grabbing because he'd been too busy running for his life.

"Guess I'll have to go back. This time with a plan."

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled him back to reality. Naruto glanced over at Sasuke and Sakura, who were sitting on the ground nearby. Sasuke leaned back against one of the logs, his arms crossed as he stared into the distance with his usual brooding expression. Sakura, meanwhile, sat with her legs tucked beneath her, fidgeting slightly. She kept sneaking glances at Sasuke, her cheeks tinted pink.

Naruto sighed, tossing the firebomb into the air and catching it again absentmindedly. "Where is this guy? He said to meet here, didn't he?"

"Just be patient, dobe," Sasuke said without even looking at him, his tone as disinterested as ever.

"I have been patient! We've been sitting here forever, and he's still not here!"

Sakura huffed. "He's probably off reading his dumb book or something. Ugh, it's so unprofessional. Who shows up late to their own team meeting?"

Naruto rolled his eyes, hopping off the log and brushing the dirt off his pants. "Well, if he's gonna keep us waiting, I might as well do something useful." Reaching into his inventory, he summoned the Zweihander.

With a soft shimmer of light, the massive blade materialized in his hands, its sheer size making both Sasuke and Sakura turn to look. The sword was enormous—nearly two feet taller than Naruto himself, with a wide, rough-edged blade that looked more like a slab of iron than a weapon.

"What the hell is that?" Sasuke asked, his dark eyes narrowing as he took in the sheer size of the weapon.

Naruto grinned, gripping the hilt with both hands. "This? This is the Zweihander. I picked it up in a graveyard while dodging skeletons."

Sakura blinked. "Skeletons? What are you even talking about?"

"Not here," Naruto said casually, planting the blade tip into the ground. "Somewhere else. You wouldn't get it."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but didn't push the subject.

Ignoring them, Naruto adjusted his stance, spreading his feet apart and gripping the Zweihander firmly. The leather wrapping on the hilt bit into his palms, and the weight of the blade made his shoulders strain almost immediately. This thing wasn't like the Astora straight sword he'd been practicing with. It was a beast—a weapon that demanded respect.

"Let's see what this thing can do."

He swung the blade in a wide arc, testing a basic horizontal attack. The air whistled as the blade moved, but the swing was slow and heavy, as though he were trying to cut through molasses. His arms trembled under the strain, the weight of the sword making his movements feel sluggish and clumsy.

"Alright," Naruto said, pausing to catch his breath. "That wasn't too bad." He shook out his arms before adjusting his grip. "Let's try a strong attack."

Lifting the Zweihander above his head, Naruto summoned all his strength, his muscles burning as he held the sword aloft. With a shout, he brought the blade crashing down in a powerful overhand swing.

The impact was deafening. The sword smashed into the ground with a thunderous THUD, sending dirt and small rocks flying in every direction. A deep gash split the earth where the blade had landed, the raw power of the strike leaving a visible mark on the clearing.

Naruto stood there, panting heavily, his arms trembling from the effort. His hands felt numb, and his shoulders ached from the strain. The Zweihander was still embedded in the ground, too heavy to lift again just yet.

"This thing…" Naruto grinned through his exhaustion. "It's on a whole other level. I just need to get stronger."

"Where did you actually get that thing?" Sakura asked, her tone skeptical.

"I told you," Naruto said, turning to look at her. "Graveyard. Skeletons. It's not that hard to understand."

Sakura frowned. "Skeletons don't move, Naruto."

"They do where I'm from," Naruto replied, shrugging. He wasn't about to explain the mechanics of Firelink Shrine to them. They wouldn't believe him anyway.

Before anyone could say more, Naruto froze. He felt it—a sudden shift in the air, subtle but distinct. It was the unmistakable ripple of chakra, like the air had briefly shifted temperatures.

"Kakashi," Naruto muttered, his brow furrowing. He could sense it now, clear as day. Was this a perk of his new stats? Some hidden ability he hadn't unlocked yet?

His thoughts were interrupted by Sakura's sharp voice. "You're late!"

Standing in the clearing was Kakashi Hatake, as relaxed and unconcerned as ever. His hands were in his pockets, his silver hair catching the last rays of sunlight, and his visible eye curved into a lazy smile.

"Sorry about that," Kakashi said. "Got lost on the road of life."

"Lost on the—what kind of excuse is that?!"

Kakashi ignored her entirely, pulling out a small alarm clock and setting it on the log. Two small bells dangled from his belt, their faint jingle catching Naruto's attention.

"You three have six hours to get these two bells from me."

"Six hours?" Naruto muttered, his brow furrowing. He glanced at Sasuke and Sakura, who both exchanged equally confused looks. What kind of survival test was this? Six hours felt excessive for something so straightforward.

"And those who don't have a bell by the end…" His voice took on a teasing lilt. "Get no dinner."

Naruto's stomach betrayed him instantly, growling so loudly that Sasuke and Sakura both turned to glare at him. From their expressions, it was obvious they were trying not to groan—they were hungry too.

But Kakashi wasn't finished. "Also, whoever doesn't have a bell…" He turned slightly to point at the three training logs behind him. "Will be tied to one of those stumps. And I'll eat my dinner right in front of you."

"That's just cruel! What kind of evil are you?!"

"Oh, I'm not done yet." His voice dropped into something far more serious, and the air around them suddenly grew heavier. "The one who doesn't get a bell…" He paused for effect, his gaze sweeping over the three of them. "Won't be on this team."

That caught them all off guard. Naruto's indignation melted into something resembling shock, and Sakura froze mid-thought. Even Sasuke's casual posture stiffened, his jaw tightening ever so slightly.

"You mean," Sakura began hesitantly, "we could actually fail this?"

"Exactly," Kakashi said simply, his tone light again, as if the consequences were no big deal. "But don't worry. You'll have plenty of time. Let's begin."

Sasuke and Sakura immediately leapt into the tree. Naruto, however, remained where he was, brushing dirt off the plates of his armor and adjusting his helmet with a satisfying clink.

"You know, the most important thing for a shinobi is the ability to hide."

Naruto tightened the straps of his gauntlet before looking up at him. "This is a survival test, right?"

Kakashi gave a small nod, watching the boy with mild curiosity.

"Then you're the monster."

"I have been called worse."

Naruto lifted the Zweihander from his inventory, the massive sword appearing in his hands. He shifted his stance, his grin widening as he rested the enormous blade on his shoulder. "So, the best way to survive…" He stepped forward, planting his feet firmly in the ground. "…is to kill the monster."

Kakashi's eyebrow rose slightly higher, his interest now fully piqued. "That's… one way to look at it."

"It's the only way to look at it!"

Without wasting another second, Naruto surged forward, activating Shunshin no Jutsu to close the distance between them in a blur. The Zweihander swung in a massive, horizontal arc, cutting through the air with the force of a hurricane. The sheer weight of the blade made the ground shake as it came crashing down.

But Kakashi? He was already gone. In fact, he hadn't just dodged—he had casually sat down in the exact spot where the swing had just missed, his nose buried in his ever-present orange book.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?!"

Kakashi didn't even glance up. "You swing too wide. Too slow. Not bad power, though," he remarked, casually flipping a page.

Naruto gritted his teeth, chakra surging into his arms as he stopped the swing mid-motion. His muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed through the strain, reversing the blade's momentum and bringing it down in a powerful diagonal slash.

This time, Kakashi leapt into the air, easily avoiding the strike as the Zweihander crashed into the ground with a deafening BOOM. Dirt and debris exploded outward, creating a gash in the earth where the blade had landed.

Before Naruto could even catch his breath, he spotted Kakashi perched on the broad guard of the Zweihander, still reading his book. He didn't look remotely fazed. If anything, he looked… bored.

Naruto's jaw dropped.

Kakashi finally glanced down at him, the faintest smirk visible beneath his mask. "Your fighting style isn't exactly subtle."

Naruto's frustration boiled over. "Subtlety's overrated!" He grinned beneath the helmet, the adrenaline now fully pumping through his veins. "It still counts as stealth if there's no one left to tell the story."

"That's… an interesting take."

Without warning, Naruto dismissed the Zweihander into his inventory, leaving Kakashi momentarily off-balance as the sword disappeared from beneath his feet. In an instant, Naruto pulled out an axe, his left hand gripping the weapon as he swung it in a sharp, horizontal arc toward Kakashi's midsection.

The jonin reacted instantly. Sparks flew as the axe collided with the plate of Kakashi's glove, the force of the block reverberating through the air. Kakashi's visible eye narrowed slightly. He's unpredictable. I'll give him that.

Naruto immediately jumped back, thrusting his palm forward as flames flickered to life in his hand. A small fireball formed, its heat radiating outward, distorting the air around it. "Let's see how you like this!"

Kakashi's thoughts remained calm, though his expression was serious. This isn't a test anymore. This is a fight. And he's treating it like it's life or death.

The bells jingled faintly at Kakashi's waist, their sound almost drowned out by the roar of the flames in Naruto's hand.

The fireball exploded with a deafening roar, a shockwave ripping through the air as flames erupted in every direction. The ground beneath Naruto's feet trembled, and a hot rush of air blasted past him, forcing him to dig in his heels to keep steady. The clearing was lit in fiery orange, flickering shadows dancing across the surrounding trees. Smoke curled skyward, a plume of chaos marking the aftermath of Naruto's attack.

"Whoa…" Naruto breathed, his chest heaving as he took in the destruction. The ground where the fireball had struck was scorched black, embers glowing faintly in the dirt. Small tongues of fire licked at the edges of the crater he'd created.

"Did I… did I get him?"

But then—his stomach dropped. A sharp, instinctual chill ran up his spine. Danger.

The Way of Focality—that strange sixth sense he had gained since his time in the other world—screamed at him. He spun around just in time to see the faint blur of movement behind him. Kakashi! His instructor was already there, mere inches away, his hands forming the tiger seal.

Naruto's blood ran cold. A jutsu! There's no time!

Without thinking, he swapped the axe in his hand for a talisman from his inventory. The small, glowing charm flickered to life in his grasp, a swirl of white energy building rapidly around it. Naruto didn't even know if this would work—he'd never successfully used it before. But there wasn't any other option.

"COME ON!" Naruto roared, pouring everything he had into the talisman.

The divine white energy burst outward in a sudden shockwave, the force rippling through the air like a silent explosion. Kakashi froze mid-motion, his hands halting just before completing the infamous Thousand Years of Death. For a fraction of a second, the jonin was stunned, his body held in place by the talisman's force.

"It worked!" Naruto yelled, his voice filled with equal parts disbelief and triumph. His hand shot forward—not to strike Kakashi, but to grab the bells dangling from his sensei's waist. His fingers closed around them, and for a brief moment, a grin split his face.

Then—Puff!

The bells vanished in a cloud of smoke, replaced by empty air. A shadow clone?! Naruto's grin faltered as his fist clenched uselessly around nothing. He cursed under his breath, frustration bubbling up. Kakashi had been playing him the entire time.

Naruto staggered back, his eyes darting around the clearing. His hand instinctively reached for the Zweihander, summoning it from his inventory in one fluid motion. The massive blade materialized in his grip, its weight grounding him. He planted his feet firmly, his gaze scanning the area for any sign of Kakashi.

He didn't have to wait long.

A faint chuckle echoed across the clearing. Naruto's head snapped toward the sound, and his eyes widened. There, standing calmly on the surface of the lake, was Kakashi. The jonin was impossibly casual, his posture relaxed as he gazed back at Naruto. The book was gone now, tucked away somewhere, and Kakashi's single visible eye was locked on him.

The moonlight reflected off the rippling water, casting an eerie glow on Kakashi's figure. He didn't say a word, but the air around him seemed heavier, more oppressive. Naruto could feel it—the shift in Kakashi's demeanor. This wasn't the playful, aloof instructor who had spent half the test reading. This was a jonin—one of Konoha's elite—and he was done playing around.

"So, you're finally taking me seriously," he said, his voice steady despite the tension coiling in his chest. "About time."

Kakashi didn't respond. Instead, his hands blurred into motion, forming a series of hand seals so fast Naruto could barely keep up. The water beneath Kakashi's feet began to ripple and churn, the surface breaking apart as something began to rise from its depths.

Naruto's jaw tightened as the water twisted upward, forming into a humanoid figure. The shape solidified, taking the form of a woman made entirely of shimmering liquid. Her flowing hair cascaded around her like living tendrils, and her face, though eerily beautiful, was blank and emotionless. The moonlight reflected off her body, making her appear otherworldly.

"What the hell is that?!" Naruto shouted, his instincts screaming at him to move.

Kakashi's voice was calm, almost detached. "Water Style: Call of the Siren."

As the words left Kakashi's mouth, the siren opened hers. And then it hit.

The sound wasn't just a noise—it was a force. A wave of sound slammed into Naruto like a physical wall, stealing the air from his lungs. It wasn't loud in the traditional sense; it was deeper, resonating in his bones, vibrating through his entire body. His knees buckled, and he staggered, gasping for breath.

I… I'm drowning!

The sensation was overwhelming. It was as if he'd been pulled underwater, his lungs burning for oxygen that wouldn't come. His chest tightened, panic setting in as his body screamed for air. Logic told him it was a genjutsu—it had to be. But logic didn't matter when his body believed he was suffocating.

Naruto's vision blurred at the edges, the world spinning around him. His limbs felt heavy, unresponsive. He tried to move, to break the illusion, but it was like his body wasn't his own anymore. He clawed at his throat, desperate for air, but his hands passed through nothing.

This isn't real. This isn't real! He repeated the mantra in his head, trying to ground himself, but the drowning sensation was too overwhelming. His thoughts grew hazy, and his strength began to fade. Darkness crept in, his vision narrowing.

Through the haze, one image flashed in his mind: the Stray Demon. That hulking, nightmarish beast from the other world. He had faced monsters before—things that defied logic, things that shouldn't exist. But this… this was different. This wasn't a beast. This was a human. And somehow, that made it even worse.

As his consciousness slipped away, the last thing Naruto saw was Kakashi, standing motionless on the water, his posture calm and unshaken. The siren loomed behind him, her liquid form glimmering in the moonlight, her haunting presence sealing Naruto's fate.

And then—nothing. Darkness swallowed him whole.

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

Kakashi crouched on the surface of the lake, his visible eye narrowing as he stared at Naruto's unconscious form sprawled on the dirt. The moonlight cast a pale glow over the clearing, glinting faintly off the massive Zweihander embedded in the ground nearby. Kakashi wasn't looking at the sword, though. His focus was entirely on Naruto, as if trying to piece together a puzzle that didn't quite make sense.

The fireball. The Zweihander. That short-range space-time ninjutsu. The boy's erratic fighting style.

One by one, Kakashi replayed the battle in his mind, scrutinizing every detail, every movement. His hand absently toyed with the small orange book he wasn't reading, his mind far too preoccupied with unraveling what he had just witnessed. The way Naruto fought—it wasn't like any Academy-taught shinobi Kakashi had ever seen. His movements lacked polish, his footwork was unrefined, and his attacks were overcommitted. Yet somehow, there was a kind of brutal effectiveness to it, like a beginner who had been thrown into the deep end of a battlefield and had clawed his way to survival.

Kakashi's brows furrowed beneath his forehead protector. Raw, aggressive… improvised. Naruto fought like someone who had recently acquired new tools and was still figuring out how to use them. But there was something else, something that gnawed at Kakashi as he replayed the fight.

The power Naruto displayed wasn't natural.

The fire technique alone told Kakashi that much. And then there was the Zweihander. That sword wasn't just a weapon—it was a statement. The sheer size and weight of it made it unsuitable for anyone who wasn't monstrously strong, yet Naruto wielded it with startling ease, albeit clumsily. And that space-time ninjutsu…

Kakashi frowned, his visible eye narrowing further. Space-time ninjutsu. It was the rarest and most dangerous branch of jutsu, the kind of technique that could shift the tide of wars. His Sharingan had confirmed it—it wasn't a substitution jutsu Naruto had used earlier. It was a short-range space-time displacement. And while it didn't appear as refined or versatile as the Flying Thunder God, the fact that Naruto could use it at all was deeply troubling.

Kakashi's sharp mind, honed through years of ANBU missions and political intrigue, began piecing together possibilities. Had Naruto stumbled upon some ancient artifact or forbidden scroll? That might explain the fire technique and the sword. Or was it something else? Something… darker? Kakashi's mind flickered briefly to the Kyuubi, the demon sealed within Naruto. Could its chakra be bleeding into him more than before? Was this power a manifestation of its influence?

No. That didn't feel right. The Kyuubi's chakra would've been wild, destructive, but it wouldn't have taught Naruto how to use a space-time jutsu—or that strange shockwave technique. Someone, or something, had given Naruto access to power and knowledge far beyond what he should have.

Kakashi's eye softened slightly as he glanced at Naruto's unconscious form. The boy's body was slack, his face hidden by the helmet he'd insisted on wearing. Despite everything, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Whatever had happened to Naruto, he was clearly struggling to control it. His movements were too raw, his techniques too experimental. This wasn't the work of a boy growing into his strength; this was a boy thrown into the deep end, desperately trying to stay afloat.

Before Kakashi could follow that train of thought further, the sharp whistle of a shuriken cut through the air. His body moved on instinct, his hand shooting up to intercept the spinning metal. The shuriken landed neatly in his fingers, its cool surface biting into his skin.

"Hmm?"

Standing at the edge of the lake was Sasuke, his crimson Sharingan glowing faintly in the moonlight. The boy's face was calm, but his eyes were anything but. They were sharp, focused, dissecting every detail of Kakashi's posture, his stance, the way he held the shuriken. Kakashi recognized it instantly—the Eye of Insight. Sasuke wasn't just looking at him; he was analyzing him.

"Oh? What's this, Sasuke? Feeling inspired after watching Naruto?"

Sasuke didn't respond. His hands moved in a blur, forming a rapid series of seals. Kakashi's eyebrow rose slightly in interest. He recognized the sequence immediately.

"Water Style: Call of the Siren!" Sasuke's voice rang out as the water near the shore began to ripple and rise. The liquid twisted upward, attempting to take the form of a humanoid figure. A woman, just like Kakashi's earlier technique. But something was off.

The construct was sloppy. Its form wavered, unsteady, like a candle flame in the wind. The shimmering figure barely held together, its edges flickering and shifting as if it might collapse at any moment.

Kakashi sighed softly. He doesn't have the control.

Before the elemental genjutsu could even activate, Kakashi flicked his wrist, sending the shuriken spinning through the air. It sliced cleanly through the watery construct, dispersing it instantly. The siren dissolved back into the lake with a faint splash, leaving nothing behind.

Sasuke's eyes widened briefly, the surprise clear on his face. He quickly schooled his expression, but Kakashi had already seen the crack in his composure.

"You almost had it," Kakashi said, his tone casual but with a teasing edge. "Almost."

"What did I do wrong?"

"Do you even know how my jutsu works?"

Sasuke's scowl deepened, but he didn't answer. Kakashi continued, his voice calm but pointed. "The Sharingan gives you the blueprint—the hand seals, the chakra flow, the elemental manipulation—but copying a jutsu isn't as simple as watching it. You need mastery over chakra control and elemental nature. You can't just mimic it. You have to understand it."

He paused. "And you, Sasuke… you haven't trained in Water Style, have you?"

Sasuke's silence was answer enough.

Kakashi sighed, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Raw talent can only take you so far. You've got the Sharingan, sure. But without proper training and discipline, it's just a tool. And tools can't win battles on their own."

"I'll get it eventually."

"I'm sure you will. But remember, Sasuke—raw power and skill mean nothing without balance. And balance starts with humility."

Kakashi thought back to the conversation he'd had with the Third Hokage not long ago. Sasuke's psychological profile wasn't hard to read—he was a boy consumed by a singular goal, a goal that had become his identity. He wasn't just Sasuke Uchiha; he was the last scion of the Uchiha, the avenger of his clan. That pride gave him strength, but it also made him brittle. Pride without humility, without balance—it was a weakness as much as it was a strength.

And Kakashi had seen where that path led.

If he doesn't learn humility, he'll self-destruct long before he reaches his goal. Kakashi's visible eye softened for a brief moment, but then he snapped back to focus as Sasuke's glare deepened.

"You think this is a joke?"

"Oh no, not at all. I think you're taking it very seriously. It's adorable."

Before Kakashi could sink fully into his faux-relaxed demeanor, the faint whistling of shuriken sliced through the air. Without missing a beat, Kakashi tilted his head slightly, the shuriken spinning harmlessly past him. But then—he felt it. A second wave. This time, kunai. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glint of metal and moved instinctively, leaping backward onto solid ground.

The moment his feet touched the dirt, Sasuke was on him. The boy moved with speed and precision, his body spinning as he launched a roundhouse kick aimed directly at Kakashi's head. The kick was fast, well-executed, and had a surprising amount of force behind it. Kakashi ducked under it easily, squatting low as Sasuke's leg whipped through the air above him.

"Hm, nice form," Kakashi said, straightening up as Sasuke landed a few feet away. "A little predictable, though."

Sasuke didn't reply, his eyes narrowing as he settled into a new stance. That's… interesting. It was the same stance Naruto had used earlier when he'd conjured that chaotic fire jutsu. Sasuke's body tensed, and for a moment, Kakashi felt the subtle ripple of chakra gathering in the boy's hands.

But nothing happened.

Sasuke frowned, glancing down at his hands like they'd betrayed him. The frustration on his face was obvious, and Kakashi couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped him.

"What's so funny?"

Kakashi let out a long sigh, lowering the book to meet Sasuke's glare. "Fire jutsu isn't as simple as mimicking hand signs, Sasuke. There's a reason most fire techniques are created using breath. It's about the mechanics—chakra as fuel, elemental nature providing the heat, and the air from your lungs acting as the medium. Naruto's… unique approach doesn't use air at all. So, naturally, copying it wouldn't work."

"Naruto's not special," he spat, his voice low, clipped. "He's just—" He stopped short, the words dying on his tongue. His lips pressed into a thin line as if admitting anything more would hurt his pride.

Kakashi watched him carefully, his visible eye narrowing slightly. He was reading not just Sasuke's words, but his body language—the tension in his shoulders, the defiant tilt of his head, the sharp, almost panicked way his Sharingan glowed. Pride was fueling Sasuke, but something darker simmered underneath. Kakashi could almost see it—a gnawing desperation that Sasuke himself probably didn't fully understand.

"I'm not the same as them!"

The statement hung in the air, heavy with meaning.

"Say that after you've actually done something."

The challenge landed, and Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Without another word, he blurred through a rapid sequence of hand signs and disappeared in a burst of speed with a Shunshin. Kakashi barely had a second to register the boy's movement before Sasuke reappeared, launching himself forward like a missile. His knee was aimed straight at Kakashi's head, the force behind the attack impressive for someone his age.

Huh, Kakashi thought, sidestepping effortlessly. Guess he picked that one up from Naruto.

Sasuke's momentum carried him past Kakashi, but the boy adjusted mid-air, twisting his body to land gracefully several meters away. His Sharingan spun furiously, scanning Kakashi for any hint of an opening.

Kakashi moved his fingers casually, almost lazily, forming the seals for a Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu. But before he could release it, a trio of kunai flew toward his arms. He paused, catching the kunai mid-flight with practiced ease. He glanced up, spotting Sakura landing lightly between him and Sasuke.

"Do you really think you can stop me?"

Sakura straightened, determination flickering across her face despite the obvious fatigue from hunger. Her eyes darted to Sasuke, who was now standing in the shallow waters of the lake, his expression unreadable. Kakashi saw the moment in her eyes—she wasn't moving out of strategy; she was moving because Sasuke needed her to.

Sakura raised her hands in a familiar seal, creating two identical clones beside her. The three of them charged forward together, their movements fast but uncoordinated. Kakashi flicked the kunai he was holding with a snap of his wrist, aiming for the clones. They popped immediately, disappearing into puffs of white smoke.

"Too obvious," Kakashi muttered under his breath.

But then, he felt it—the faintest shift in the air above him. He glanced up just in time to see the real Sakura, descending with a kunai poised to strike. Clever, Kakashi admitted silently. She's learning.

Before Sakura's attack could connect, Sasuke burst forward with another Shunshin, combining his speed with a flying kick aimed directly at Kakashi's chest.

With one hand, Kakashi blocked Sasuke's kick, feeling the force ripple through his arm. Using Sasuke's momentum, Kakashi twisted, throwing him aside like a ragdoll. Sakura landed a moment later, trying to follow up with a stab from her kunai. Kakashi sidestepped her easily, letting her overcommit to the strike. She stumbled forward, but quickly recovered, flinging a set of kunai in his direction.

Good follow-up, Kakashi noted, but not good enough.

He deflected the kunai with a casual swipe of his ever-present book, his eye glancing over at the duo. Both Sasuke and Sakura looked increasingly frustrated, their breathing heavy from the effort.

"Below you."

Their eyes widened in realization, but it was too late.

Arms burst from the ground, grabbing both Sasuke and Sakura by the legs. With a firm tug, he dragged them both into the earth using the Earth Style: Head Hunter Jutsu. The ground swallowed them up until only their heads remained visible above the dirt.

Kakashi dusted his hands off and looked down at the two of them, his tone light and almost amused. "Well, that was fun," he said, as though he hadn't just neutralized two of his students with minimal effort. "You know, for a couple of rookies."

Sasuke glared up at him, his Sharingan burning with frustration. Sakura, on the other hand, looked too stunned to respond. She blinked, trying to process what had just happened, the cool, damp dirt pressing in around her making her itch. The indignity of it all stung worse than the failure itself.

Kakashi turned and started walking away as if they weren't even worth his time anymore. "Now, don't go anywhere."

Sakura clenched her jaw, struggling to maintain some semblance of composure. "Why did I get caught up in this?!" she muttered under her breath, her voice tight with frustration. She wiggled her fingers uselessly, trying to pull herself free, but the dirt held firm. Her inner voice wasn't much help either, screaming indignantly about how unfair this whole situation was. This isn't how it's supposed to go!

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Kakashi-sensei is really strong."

Sasuke, still breathing heavily from exertion, didn't bother responding. His face was set in a rigid scowl, his eyes fixed on the horizon like he was mentally replaying every mistake he'd made. He refused to meet her gaze, his silence somehow making her feel even worse.

Sakura turned her attention to him anyway, hoping for some reassurance. Instead, she caught sight of his Sharingan fading away, the light in his eyes dimming into something darker. He clawed his way out of the dirt first, his movements sharp and angry. When he was free, he didn't pause to help her, instead standing stiffly with his back to her, his jaw tight with unspoken frustration.

Sakura sighed and scrambled out after him, far less gracefully. She brushed at the dirt clinging to her arms and legs, trying to maintain some shred of dignity. "Ugh, this is so gross," she muttered. Her inner voice was in full meltdown mode, ranting about how her hair was probably ruined, how her clothes were filthy, how— shut up, just focus.

"Well, it looks like we failed, huh?" she said, forcing a small laugh. She hoped it might break the tension.

Sasuke's head snapped toward her, his frown deepening. His eyes were sharp, almost accusatory, as though he couldn't believe she'd even said that.

"What are you talking about?"

"What do you mean?"

"I've been keeping track," Sasuke replied. "We've got maybe a minute left before the test ends."

"Wait… there's still time?"

Without answering, Sasuke's Sharingan flared to life again, his crimson eyes scanning the area with laser focus. His body tensed like a coiled spring, ready to move at the slightest provocation.

"Sasuke-kun, you're really going after the bell?"

He ignored her completely, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Inside, her inner voice screamed louder: It's useless, Sasuke-kun! There's always next time, right?

Sakura bit her lip, brushing off the dirt clinging to her uniform and hair. "Sasuke-kun," she said tentatively. "How do I look?" She attempted a small, playful smile, hoping it might pull him out of his funk.

Sasuke turned to her, and for the first time, she caught a glimpse of what lay beneath the surface. His eyes weren't just angry—they were haunted. There was a weight to them, a heaviness that made her stomach twist.

"Shut up," he muttered. "I just have to find that man."

The words sent a shiver down her spine. He wasn't talking about Kakashi anymore. She could feel it in the way his voice trembled, in the way his fists clenched. This wasn't about the test—it was about something much bigger. Something she didn't understand.

"Sasuke-kun…" she whispered, but the words stuck in her throat. She didn't know what to say. What could she say?

And then, the alarm went off.

The shrill sound cut through the clearing, signaling the end of the test. Sasuke froze, his body stiff, his gaze locked on the horizon. For a moment, Sakura thought he might explode, the tension radiating off him like a storm.

But then, he laughed.

It was a short, bitter sound—more of a scoff than anything else. He let out the faintest, humorless chuckle, his lips curling into a smirk that didn't reach his eyes.

Sakura flinched at the sound. It wasn't like him. Sasuke-kun…

Without another word, Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets and started walking away. His movements were slow, deliberate, like he was trying to contain something threatening to spill over.

Sakura stood frozen, watching him leave. She wanted to say something, to call out to him, but the words wouldn't come. Maybe it was the look in his eyes. Maybe it was her own lingering sense of failure. Maybe it was because, for the first time, she realized she wasn't enough—not compared to Sasuke, not compared to Naruto.

"I'm disappointed."

The words came out of nowhere, and Sakura spun around to see Kakashi standing behind her.

"W-What do you mean?"

Kakashi's visible eye curved into a smile, but it wasn't warm. It was the kind of smile that made her feel like she'd missed something important. "Why don't you take some time to reflect," he said evenly.

"Reflect on what?"

"Think about it while being tied to the log," Kakashi finished, turning away.

I don't deserve this. I saved Sasuke-kun's life, I—

Even her inner voice went quiet. Something about the way Kakashi had said it made her pause. For the first time, she began to wonder if maybe she did have something to reflect on. Maybe… this test wasn't just about the bells.

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

Naruto groaned as he blinked himself awake, his head pounding and his vision blurry. The world around him slowly came into focus, and the first thing he saw was Kakashi standing over him with his usual laid-back demeanor, holding his little orange book.

"Ah, Sleeping Beauty's awake."

"Ugh, what happened?" Naruto muttered, sitting up and rubbing the back of his head. He felt groggy, like he'd been hit by a bull—or maybe by Kakashi. He glanced around, taking in the scene. Sakura was tied to a wooden training log, her face flushed with embarrassment and frustration. Sasuke sat a few feet away, his arms crossed and his jaw tight, glaring down at a bento box like it had personally wronged him.

"You failed," Kakashi said flatly, snapping his book shut.

"What?"

"You three failed the test," Kakashi repeated, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather.

"Wait, what do you mean, 'failed'?! You knocked me out! I didn't even get a chance to—"

"You had plenty of chances," Kakashi interrupted smoothly. "And you all wasted them. Instead of working together, you were too busy showing off. So yes, you failed."

Naruto felt a rush of frustration bubble up, but before he could retort, Kakashi continued, his tone calm but firm. "In fact… I don't think you three should go back to the Academy."

Sakura perked up immediately. "R-Really? So we don't have to—"

"I think," Kakashi said, cutting her off, "that you should quit being shinobi altogether."

The words landed like a kunai to the gut. Naruto's breath caught in his throat. Sakura's eyes went wide with shock, and even Sasuke looked up, his usual stoic expression cracking for just a moment.

Kakashi didn't flinch at their reactions. If anything, his tone grew firmer. "None of you understand what it truly means to be a ninja. You were selfish, disorganized, and completely disconnected from each other. You're not ready for this."

"We weren't selfish!" he argued, his voice sharp. "We fought! We—"

Before he could finish, Sasuke moved. Fast. Faster than Naruto had seen him move during the academy. Sasuke's knee shot forward, aimed straight for Kakashi's head.

But Kakashi was faster.

With a flicker of motion that Naruto's Way of Focality couldn't even track, Kakashi sidestepped effortlessly. In the same motion, his hand shot out, gripping Sasuke's arm and twisting it behind his back. With a swift push, Kakashi forced Sasuke down, pinning him face-first to the dirt.

"Really?" Kakashi said, his tone almost disappointed. "This is your answer? Attacking your instructor?"

Sasuke growled, his voice muffled by the ground. "Get off me," he hissed, struggling against Kakashi's iron grip.

Kakashi didn't let up. Instead, he looked up, his voice carrying a sharper edge. "Why do you think you were divided into teams for this test?"

Sakura blinked. "What… what do you mean?"

Naruto narrowed his eyes, Kakashi's words stirring something in the back of his mind. Divided into teams. Two bells. Three of them. It didn't add up. His brain worked furiously, piecing the puzzle together. The bells weren't just about survival. The whole test wasn't about survival. It was about something else.

And then it hit him.

"It's teamwork," Naruto blurted out, his voice cutting through the tense silence.

All eyes turned to him, but he didn't care. He looked straight at Kakashi, conviction growing in his voice. "That's what this was about, wasn't it? It wasn't about the bells. It was about seeing if we could work together."

Kakashi's grip on Sasuke loosened. "Correct."

Sakura blinked in confusion. "What? But… there were only two bells."

Naruto turned to her, the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. "Exactly! They set it up so we'd fight against each other. So we'd focus on beating each other instead of working together as a team."

"And that's exactly what happened. You were so focused on yourselves that you missed the point entirely. Even when Sasuke and Sakura worked together, it was out of convenience, not trust."

Kakashi sighed, his voice softening just slightly. "I'll give you three one last chance. Two of you can pass. One of you must leave. Decide amongst yourselves." His tone turned sharp again. "And don't share the food. If you do, all three of you will fail."

With that, he vanished, leaving the three of them to grapple with his words.

Naruto stared down at his unopened ramen cup, his stomach growling, but the hunger felt distant compared to the storm raging in his chest. Sasuke sat in brooding silence, poking at the onigiri in his bento box, while Sakura remained tied to the stump, her head bowed.

The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.

"Maybe… maybe I should be the one to leave." Sakura looked up, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I wasn't much help in the test anyway."

Naruto felt something twist in his gut. He couldn't stand seeing her like this—so defeated, so small. "No way," he said firmly. "You're not leaving."

"But—"

"I said no." Naruto's tone left no room for argument. He glanced between them, then smirked faintly. "If anyone's leaving, it'll be me."

Sasuke's head shot up, his glare sharp. "Don't be stupid, dobe."

Naruto shrugged. "I'm serious. You two can work as a team. I'll be fine." The words came easier than he expected. Konoha wasn't the source of his power. Lordran was. The Bells of Awakening are my real goal anyway.

But Sasuke's jaw tightened. He glanced at Sakura, whose stomach growled audibly. Without a word, he picked up an onigiri from his bento and held it out to her.

"Eat," he said gruffly, avoiding her gaze.

Sakura blinked, startled. "But Kakashi-sensei said—"

"You can't think straight if you're hungry," Sasuke muttered.

Naruto watched, a grin tugging at his lips. Guess the bastard has a heart after all.

Before anyone could say more, a puff of smoke appeared nearby.

"You three…" Kakashi's voice cut through the night like a blade, sharp and commanding. Naruto instinctively reached for his talisman, preparing to defend himself if needed. But Kakashi's next word made him freeze.

"Pass."

Naruto blinked, his brain halting mid-thought.

"Pass? We passed?" Sakura's voice broke the silence, trembling with disbelief. Her wide eyes darted to Kakashi, then to Naruto and Sasuke, as if looking for confirmation that she hadn't misheard.

"Of course," Kakashi replieds. "Many before you selfishly sacrificed each other to try to get on a team, but they didn't pass my test. Remember, a shinobi must see beneath the underneath."

Naruto froze mid-chew, his mind slowly connecting the dots. See beneath the underneath. He rolled the phrase over in his head, feeling the weight of the words.

Kakashi's tone grew firmer, more serious. "Those who break the rules of the ninja world are considered scum. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum."

The weight of their first lesson sank deeply into their hearts.

"Congratulations," Kakashi said. "You three are now officially Team 7."

He casually cut the ropes binding Sakura to the training post, and she landed with a soft "oof" before standing up, brushing dirt off her skirt.

"Now," Kakashi continued, "eat your dinner and get ready. We've got a team photo to take. Don't be late." With that, he wandered off, his orange book once again occupying his attention.

Sakura wasted no time. She snatched one of Sasuke's onigiri, holding it like she had just pilfered treasure. Sasuke's eyes narrowed into a glare, but he didn't say anything, simply resuming his meal as if nothing had happened.

"I-I was hungry…" Sakura mumbled, her face burning red, steam practically rising from her ears.

Naruto snickered but quickly became distracted by another thought. I wonder if I could boil water with my pyromancy flame… His eyes drifted to his cup of instant ramen. Maybe I could melt the lid right off. Hmm…

"Naruto." Sakura's voice broke through his daydream. He turned to see her looking at him with a rare, earnest expression. It wasn't her usual annoyance or frustration. There was something softer in her eyes, almost… gratitude.

"Thanks," she said simply.

"For what?"

"For offering to leave," Sakura said, her voice quieter now. "You didn't have to do that. You could've been a great ninja, but you were willing to give that up for us."

Naruto blinked, unsure how to respond. Leave? Lordran was harder than this. I'd have been fine. But seeing the sincerity in her expression made him realize it wasn't about what he thought—it was about what it meant to her.

Sakura extended her hand toward him. Naruto stared at it for a second, confused. "I know we had a lot of differences back in the academy," she continued, hesitating slightly. "But I think… we should put that behind us. Let's start fresh. As teammates."

Naruto's grin split across his face, wide and toothy. "You mean you're finally gonna stop calling me an idiot?" he teased, shaking her hand firmly.

Sakura smiled back. "Don't push your luck, Naruto."

Then Naruto turned to Sasuke, his smirk still firmly in place. "What about you? Got anything to add?"

Sasuke paused mid-bite, his dark eyes glancing between them. "You two are better teammates than most of the class," he muttered.

Naruto and Sakura exchanged a look, both sweatdropping at his half-hearted "compliment."

Sasuke ignored them, going back to his food. After a few seconds, he added, almost as an afterthought, "You're… alright."

Naruto burst out laughing. "Wow, such high praise from the almighty Sasuke! I'm honored!"

Sasuke scowled. "Shut up, dobe."

A few minutes later, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke stood side by side, ready for their team photo. The moon hung high above them, its pale light spilling over the quiet training ground like a soft blanket, bathing everything in silvery hues. In the middle stood Sakura, a girl who had started as a civilian but was now stepping cautiously into the demanding world of shinobi. Her resolve flickered like a candle, but it was there, burning steadily as she searched for her purpose beyond what she once thought defined her.

To her right stood Sasuke, his posture rigid, his dark eyes sharp and unyielding. The weight of his clan's destruction pressed heavily on his shoulders, but it was his fuel—the fire that drove him forward. His quest for vengeance burned within him, isolating yet propelling him, as though every step he took in the shinobi world was a step closer to avenging his family.

On her left stood Naruto, clad in his knight's armor that shimmered faintly under the moonlight. He stood tall, carrying not just the dreams of a mischievous ninja in training but also the burdens of a far darker world—the weight of Lordran, its monsters, and its endless battles. That world had shaped him, forged him in fire and shadow, and yet here he was, bridging the gap between two realms: one of shinobi and one of legends.

Behind them stood Kakashi, their enigmatic leader, leaning casually with his ever-present slouch. His white hair caught the moonlight like a faint halo, but there was no mistaking the shadows that lingered behind his lone, visible eye. A man shaped by fame, heartbreak, and duty, Kakashi carried the scars of a lifetime of battle and loss. And now, as he looked at his mismatched team, he couldn't help but feel the flicker of cautious hope, though his face betrayed none of it.

Together, they stood as Team 7. Different in every way imaginable—night and day, fire and water, iron and air. Yet, beneath the surface, they were connected by something deeper: a shared path, a shared potential, and the promise of what they could become. For better or worse, they were bound now—not just as teammates but as something more. Something that had yet to take shape.