Preparation
The warm scent of smelted iron and burning coals filled the air as Team 7 stepped into the blacksmith’s shop. The rhythmic clang of metal on metal echoed through the open forge, where a burly blacksmith worked tirelessly, shaping molten steel into finely crafted weapons. Display racks lined the walls, showcasing an impressive collection of kunai, shuriken, tanto, and even a few exotic weapons that weren't commonly used by shinobi. The air was thick with the residual heat from the forge, but none of them seemed to mind.
Sasuke stepped forward first—reluctantly, of course. He didn’t like the idea of Naruto buying him a weapon, but Naruto had already made it clear that he wasn’t taking no for an answer. With a sigh, Sasuke turned his attention to the blacksmith, his fingers tapping against the wooden counter as he considered his options.
"I need something lightweight but durable," Sasuke stated, his voice calm but decisive. "A chokutō—straight-bladed, no guard. It needs to be well-balanced for speed and precision."
The blacksmith, a grizzled old man with thick arms and soot-covered hands, nodded in understanding. "A chokutō, huh? Fine choice. You want it pure steel, or you want something infused? Chakra-conducting metal is pricier, but it’ll serve you better."
Sasuke considered the question. Chakra-conducting metal would allow him to channel his lightning chakra into the blade, enhancing his attacks. It would be useful—especially for the upcoming Chunin Exams. He glanced at Naruto, who simply grinned and gave him a thumbs-up as if saying, Go for it.
"...Chakra-conducting metal," Sasuke confirmed after a moment.
"Good choice," the blacksmith said approvingly. "I'll craft it to your specifications. It'll take a few days."
Sakura, meanwhile, was still deep in thought, her brows furrowed as she scanned the weapons around her. Unlike the boys, she had never really considered what kind of weapon suited her best. Kunai and shuriken were standard, and she was proficient with them, but having a weapon that played to her strengths was a different matter entirely.
"Still thinking, Sakura?" Naruto called from the side, where he and Harry leaned lazily against the counter, waiting for their teammates to finish.
Sakura shot him a glare. "Unlike you two, I actually have to think carefully about this," she huffed.
Naruto just snickered, while Harry chuckled beside him, shaking his head. Sakura crossed her arms, her sharp eyes scanning the weapons on display as she mulled over her options. Unlike Sasuke, she wasn’t looking for a purely offensive weapon. She needed something versatile, something that could complement her precise chakra control and growing genjutsu skills while also giving her an edge in close combat.
Finally, she turned to the blacksmith. “I want a pair of reinforced iron fans,” she stated, her tone resolute.
The blacksmith raised an eyebrow. “Tessen fans, huh? You don’t see many shinobi using those outside of Wind Country. You sure?”
Sakura nodded. “I don’t want them just for offense. I want them lightweight enough for quick movements but durable enough to block strikes if needed. They should be able to withstand a blade. Also,” she added, her eyes gleaming with determination, “I want them chakra-conductive.”
Naruto blinked. “Wait, fans? Since when do you fight with fans, Sakura?”
Sakura turned to him with an exasperated sigh. “Tessenjutsu isn’t just about fighting, Naruto. The iron fans can be used for both offense and defense, and since they can channel chakra, they’ll enhance my attacks. With precise chakra control, I can even generate wind force with a single swing.”
Sasuke gave a quiet nod, clearly seeing the logic in her choice. “It suits your fighting style. You focus on control over brute force, and fans are deceptively dangerous in the right hands.”
The blacksmith hummed in thought, rubbing his chin. “Interesting request. I can craft them to be light but sturdy. The chakra-conductive metal will add some weight, but if you’re skilled enough, that won’t be a problem. You want any engravings or special designs?”
Sakura hesitated for a moment before answering. “Cherry blossom engravings on the outer edges.”
Naruto grinned. “Figures.”
Sakura rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile on her lips.
The blacksmith nodded. “Alright. The chokutō and the iron fans will take a few days. You’ll get a message when they’re ready.”
Naruto stepped forward, already reaching into his pocket. “Cool. How much?”
The blacksmith listed the price, and Naruto paid without hesitation. Sasuke still looked slightly uncomfortable about it, but Sakura, at least, accepted it with a nod of gratitude.
With their orders placed, Team 7 turned to leave the blacksmith’s shop, the air between them light and buzzing with anticipation for what lay ahead.
Team 7 stood in the open training field, waiting for Kakashi to arrive. The air was crisp, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the nearby trees. Sakura glanced at Sasuke, who leaned against a wooden training post with his arms crossed, while Naruto shifted his weight from foot to foot impatiently. Harry stood off to the side, arms resting behind his head, looking surprisingly relaxed.
It wasn’t long before a familiar figure appeared in a swirl of leaves—Kakashi, as always, exuding an air of laziness despite the sharp glint in his lone visible eye.
“Yo,” he greeted casually, raising a hand in mock salute.
Naruto groaned. “You’re late, AGAIN.”
Kakashi waved him off. “Ah, you know how it is. Got lost on the road of life.”
Sakura deadpanned. “Just admit you overslept.”
Kakashi chuckled, but quickly shifted into a more serious demeanor. “Now, let’s get to business. The Chunin Exams are in a few weeks.” His tone made it clear that this wasn’t just a casual announcement.
Team 7 straightened, eyes focused on him.
“So,” Kakashi continued, “we won’t be doing any more D-rank missions.”
Naruto immediately whooped, throwing his arms up. “FINALLY! No more babysitting or looking for lost pets!”
Kakashi ignored him. “Instead, we’ll be focusing on training—honing your skills to the absolute max. The Chunin Exams aren’t just about testing your abilities; they’re a battlefield where only the best move forward. If you’re not prepared, you could die.”
A heavy silence settled over the team at those words. None of them were naïve; after the Land of Waves, they knew how brutal real combat could be. Harry, who had been mostly quiet, clenched his fists slightly. He still remembered the cold feeling of Zabuza’s blade pressed against him before everything went dark.
Kakashi’s gaze flickered to Harry momentarily before addressing the entire group again. “After what happened in the Land of Waves, I don’t want any of you rushing in blind. You survived because of teamwork, but that alone won’t be enough in the Chunin Exams. You need to be stronger—faster, smarter, better prepared.”
Sasuke gave a small nod, determination glinting in his dark eyes. “Then let’s not waste time.”
Kakashi’s eye curved into what could be assumed as a smile. “That’s the spirit. Starting today, your training will be more intense than anything you’ve done before.”
Sakura furrowed her brows. “What exactly will we be training in?”
Kakashi crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “That depends. I’ll be testing each of you today to see where you need improvement.”
Naruto grinned. “Ha! No problem! I—”
Sakura promptly smacked him upside the head before he could finish his sentence. “Don’t get cocky.”
Naruto groaned, rubbing his head. “Geez, Sakura-chan, at least let me finish a sentence before attacking me.”
Kakashi clapped his hands together. “Alright, enough talk. Let’s get started.”
In the open training field, Kakashi held up two thin slips of paper, the delicate material barely rustling in the light breeze. Despite its simple appearance, this was chakra paper—a newly developed invention designed to reveal a shinobi’s elemental affinity with just a touch of chakra. It had cost a hefty sum, but Kakashi had managed to acquire some specifically for this purpose.
Sakura and Naruto stood in front of him, eyeing the papers curiously. Behind them, Sasuke and Harry observed with mild interest. They already knew their elemental affinities—Sasuke possessed a natural talent for fire release, like most Uchiha, and had also awakened lightning release. Harry had both fire and lightning as well, his abilities enhanced further by his unique fighting style. But for Sakura and Naruto, this would be their first real confirmation.
Kakashi extended the papers toward them. “This will help determine your primary chakra nature. Just push your chakra into it, and the reaction will tell us what you’re naturally aligned with.”
Sakura and Naruto exchanged glances before each taking a slip of paper.
Naruto was practically vibrating with anticipation. “Alright, let’s do this!” He grinned before immediately channeling his chakra into the paper.
The reaction was immediate. The paper split cleanly down the middle, one half curling at the edges and drying out like brittle parchment, while the other half wrinkled and crumpled.
Kakashi’s visible eye crinkled in amusement. “Wind and water.”
Naruto blinked. “Huh?”
Sasuke scoffed. “You seriously didn’t know that?”
Kakashi chuckled. “Wind is one of the rarest chakra natures in Konoha. It enhances cutting power and works well for close and mid-range combat. Water release is versatile, good for both offense and defense.”
Naruto’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Wait, does that mean I can do crazy water jutsu like the Second Hokage?”
Kakashi gave a noncommittal shrug. “If you train enough, maybe.”
Naruto’s grin widened as he turned to Sakura. “Your turn, Sakura-chan!”
Sakura inhaled deeply, steadying herself before focusing her chakra into the slip of paper. For a moment, nothing happened—then, the paper subtly crumpled in on itself before abruptly bursting into a few tiny embers, the edges singed.
Kakashi nodded approvingly. “Earth and fire.”
Sakura blinked in mild surprise. “Fire?”
Harry smirked. “I can see it.”
Kakashi elaborated. “Earth release specializes in creating solid defenses and manipulating terrain to your advantage, while fire release is more aggressive and destructive.”
Sakura considered the information, nodding slowly. “That makes sense. I always did well with chakra control. If I can apply it to earth techniques, I could reinforce my attacks even more.”
Kakashi’s eye gleamed with pride at her quick analysis. “That’s exactly the idea.”
Naruto nudged her playfully. “Guess that means you’re officially hot-headed, huh?”
Sakura promptly smacked him upside the head, sending him staggering. “Shut up, Naruto.”
Harry laughed, while Sasuke just shook his head.
Kakashi’s fingers blurred into a quick seal, and two identical shadow clones materialized beside him. They wasted no time in splitting off—one clone gestured for Sakura and Harry to follow, while the other called Naruto over to a separate area of the field. Meanwhile, the real Kakashi turned his attention to Sasuke, who stood in quiet anticipation.
Naruto jogged up to the clone, still buzzing with excitement over learning his elemental affinities. “So, sensei, does this mean I get to make giant tidal waves now?”
Kakashi’s clone let out an amused hum. “Not quite, Naruto. You have a strong natural reserve of chakra, but just knowing your affinity doesn’t mean you can instantly master elemental jutsu. We need to start with the basics.”
Naruto pouted but nodded. He’d heard this lecture before.
“Since wind release is difficult to grasp right away, we’ll focus on water release first. It’s the most adaptable element, meaning it can be shaped easily with good chakra control. This will also help you integrate it into your fuinjutsu.”
Naruto blinked. “Wait, how does water release help with fuinjutsu?”
Kakashi’s clone knelt down and drew a simple storage seal in the dirt. “Fuinjutsu isn’t just about sealing objects—it’s about controlling chakra flow. Water, as an element, is fluid and adaptable, much like the way sealing formulas work. Many advanced sealing techniques utilize liquid mediums like ink or water because they’re easier to manipulate than solid objects. If you can channel water release into your seals, you can create traps, reinforce barriers, and even alter how a seal activates.”
Naruto’s eyes lit up. “So I can make water-based sealing traps?”
Kakashi nodded. “Exactly. But first, let’s see how well you can mold water chakra. Stand still and focus your chakra into your palm.”
Naruto followed the instructions, closing his eyes and concentrating. Chakra molding was something he was already familiar with, but shaping it to take on a specific nature was new. He focused on the cool, fluid sensation Kakashi had described, but instead of forming properly, his chakra sputtered and felt sluggish.
Kakashi’s clone observed the struggle. “Your chakra is naturally dense and filled with raw power—your Uzumaki heritage gives you a massive reserve, but that also means you lack fine control. Water release requires fluidity, not brute force.”
Naruto scowled. “So I gotta be all gentle with it?”
“More like balanced,” Kakashi corrected. “Imagine chakra molding like adjusting a faucet. Too much pressure, and the water explodes out. Too little, and it just drips. You need steady control.”
Naruto tried again, this time visualizing a steady stream of water rather than an overwhelming surge. Slowly, he felt his chakra shift—cooler, smoother, more fluid. The sensation was different from his usual energy, and when he opened his eyes, a faint shimmer of moisture clung to his palm.
Kakashi’s clone gave an approving nod. “Good. Now, let’s move on to a practical technique.” He walked over to a small bucket of water he had prepared earlier and placed it in front of Naruto. “Your first goal is to manipulate this water without touching it. Use your chakra to move it.”
Naruto squatted down, staring at the water as if willing it to move. He focused his chakra and pushed, but all that happened was a few ripples forming on the surface.
Kakashi smirked. “It’s not about force, remember? Guide it.”
Naruto huffed but adjusted his approach, trying to ‘pull’ at the water instead of pushing. After a few attempts, a small tendril of liquid wobbled upward before splashing back down.
“Whoa! Did you see that?” Naruto grinned.
Kakashi nodded. “Good progress. Once you get this down, we’ll work on making water bullets, then move on to shaping it into defensive techniques.”
Naruto cracked his knuckles. “Alright! Let’s do this!”
Kakashi’s clone chuckled, settling in for a long training session.
Sasuke stood before Kakashi, his stance firm, his two-tomoe Sharingan spinning as he waited for his next lesson. Unlike before, there was no impatience in his posture, no arrogance. He had grown—not just in strength, but in his ability to listen, observe, and adapt. And Kakashi had noticed.
Kakashi leaned against a tree, arms crossed as he regarded his student. “Alright, Sasuke. Since you now have the two-tomoe Sharingan, you should be capable of handling Chidori. But before I teach you how to form it properly, we need to go into the science of how it actually works.”
Sasuke didn’t protest. He simply nodded.
Kakashi extended his right arm, palm facing upward. “Chidori is classified as a high-level A-rank assassination technique. At its core, it is a concentrated mass of lightning chakra channeled into your hand. However, what makes it so deadly isn’t just the lightning itself—it’s the speed and piercing power it generates.”
He lifted his fingers in a brief seal, and in an instant, blue-white lightning crackled to life in his palm. The air around it sizzled, charged with static, and the sound of a thousand birds chirping filled the clearing.
Sasuke’s eyes locked onto the technique, his Sharingan analyzing every tiny flicker of movement.
“The first step of the Chidori is chakra transformation,” Kakashi continued. “Your chakra must be converted into lightning nature. That’s the easy part, considering you already have a natural affinity for it.” He flexed his fingers, and the electricity arced between them. “The second step is shape manipulation. This is the real challenge. Unlike a simple lightning bolt or stream of electricity, you need to gather all of your lightning chakra into a single, highly condensed point.”
Kakashi’s fingers twitched slightly, and the Chidori in his hand shrank into an even more refined mass, the crackling sound becoming sharper, more focused. “This is what makes Chidori so lethal. The high concentration of chakra vibrates at such a frequency that it can pierce through almost anything. However, the trade-off is tunnel vision—you move so fast while using it that you lose peripheral awareness.”
Sasuke nodded. “That’s why you said the Sharingan was necessary.”
“Exactly.” Kakashi let the Chidori fizzle out before continuing. “The third step is momentum. Chidori isn’t just a jutsu you cast from a distance. It requires speed—immense speed. The reason it’s considered an assassination jutsu is because it’s designed to be used in a straight-line charge, closing the gap between you and your opponent in a blink.”
Sasuke furrowed his brow slightly. “Wouldn’t that make it predictable?”
Kakashi smirked. “Very good. Yes, in its raw form, Chidori is a linear attack, and a fast opponent could counter it if they anticipate your trajectory. That’s why the key to mastering it isn’t just learning how to use it, but learning when to use it.”
He studied Sasuke for a moment before adding, “And if you’re smart, you can refine it beyond its original form.”
Sasuke’s eyes sharpened with interest. “Refine it how?”
Kakashi tapped his chin thoughtfully. “That depends on your skill and creativity. You already have the fundamentals—lightning nature, speed, and now the Sharingan. With time, you may be able to alter the Chidori’s shape or even its method of execution. Perhaps you could create a variation that doesn’t require a charge, or one that disperses upon contact to create a wider area of effect.”
Sasuke’s mind whirled at the possibilities. If he could make the Chidori even deadlier, even more adaptable…
Kakashi gestured for Sasuke to step forward. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, you need to master the basics. Try channeling lightning chakra into your hand.”
Sasuke did as instructed, closing his eyes briefly as he concentrated. He gathered his chakra into his palm, molding it, shaping it, infusing it with his natural lightning affinity. The air around his hand flickered with static, small arcs of electricity sparking between his fingers.
“Good,” Kakashi observed. “But you need more concentration. Try to refine it into a single focal point.”
Sasuke grit his teeth, pushing his chakra into a tighter, denser mass. The result was an unstable flicker of lightning—not quite the Chidori, but a step in the right direction.
Kakashi nodded approvingly. “That’s enough for now. We’ll keep working on the shape manipulation until you can form it instinctively. Then, we’ll move on to real applications.”
Sasuke let the energy dissipate, exhaling slowly. He wasn’t there yet, but he was close. He would master this. And then, he would surpass even Kakashi.
Kakashi’s shadow clone stood before Harry and Sakura, arms crossed as he assessed them. The training grounds were quiet, save for the distant sound of Sasuke’s lightning crackling under Kakashi’s guidance. The clone’s eyes flickered toward Harry, scrutinizing him.
"You don’t use your Fire Release enough," Kakashi pointed out. "You rely on Lightning Release in almost every fight. That’s a problem."
Harry frowned slightly. "Lightning suits my fighting style more."
"That may be true," Kakashi admitted, "but having only one go-to element is dangerous. A shinobi who relies too much on a single affinity becomes predictable. What happens when you face someone who can counter Lightning Release?"
Harry remained silent, considering the words.
"Exactly," Kakashi continued. "Your Fire Release may not feel as natural to you, but you need to cultivate it. Otherwise, you’ll have a serious weakness. The same goes for you, Sakura. Your affinity is Fire Release, which makes learning it easier than Earth Release, but that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly."
Sakura nodded determinedly. "I understand, Kakashi-sensei."
"Good. Let’s start with the science behind Fire Release."
He picked up a dry leaf from the ground and held it between two fingers. "Fire Release is one of the five basic chakra natures and is fueled by high temperatures and combustion. It involves rapidly heating the chakra in your lungs or hands, depending on the technique. Fire jutsu are powered by the oxidation of chakra—when the infused chakra is released into the air, it ignites due to the increased heat and energy, creating flames."
He crushed the leaf between his fingers and let the small fragments drift away in the wind. "This means control is everything. If you pour too much chakra into a Fire Release jutsu without properly shaping it, you’ll waste energy, and the flames will disperse inefficiently. Too little chakra, and your flames will be weak, easy to counter."
Sakura absorbed the information, filing it away as she always did. Harry, meanwhile, was focused on the mechanics. "So it’s about maintaining an optimal balance between chakra output and temperature?"
"Exactly," Kakashi confirmed. "Now, let’s move on to practical training."
He took a step back and gestured at a row of training dummies in the distance. "The first exercise is a simple one. You’ll both perform the basic Fireball Jutsu. It’s the foundation of Fire Release techniques, and once you master it, you can modify it into more advanced forms."
Sakura formed the required hand seals. "Horse → Tiger," she murmured, molding her chakra. She took a deep breath, feeling the warmth gather in her lungs. The trick was to transform the chakra into superheated energy before expelling it.
A moment later, she exhaled sharply, releasing a stream of flames. The fire roared forward but flickered unevenly, lacking consistency.
Kakashi analyzed her performance. "Not bad. Your chakra control helps, but you’re not condensing enough energy before releasing it. Try again, but this time, focus on heating your chakra more before exhaling."
Sakura nodded and tried again, this time putting more effort into the chakra transformation. The flames burned brighter, stronger.
Meanwhile, Harry had been watching carefully. He stepped forward, forming the same hand seals before inhaling deeply. He could feel the warmth in his chest, but it didn’t come as naturally as Lightning Release. Still, he concentrated, pushing his chakra into the right form before releasing it.
His fireball shot forward, but Kakashi immediately saw the problem. "Your flames are too unstable. You’re still thinking like a Lightning user—Lightning Release is about flow and speed, but Fire Release is about build-up and release. Let the energy build more before you expel it."
Harry scowled but tried again. This time, he held the chakra for an extra second, letting it heat properly before releasing it. The resulting fireball was significantly more concentrated.
"Better," Kakashi said approvingly. "Both of you will keep practicing until your Fireballs are consistent. After that, we’ll move on to shaping techniques, like Great Fireball and Phoenix Fire."
Harry and Sakura nodded in unison before returning to their training, determined to refine their Fire Release.
The sun hung high in the sky, its warmth beating down on Team 7 as they settled onto the grass for their lunch break. Training had been exhausting—every muscle in their bodies ached from the relentless drills, and their chakra reserves were noticeably depleted. Even Naruto, with his seemingly endless stamina, flopped down dramatically, arms and legs sprawled out as he heaved an exaggerated sigh.
"I'm starving!" Naruto groaned, already digging into his bento. "I swear, Kakashi-sensei is trying to kill us before the Chunin Exams even start."
Harry sat cross-legged, unwrapping his lunch with a smirk. "You say that, but you barely even get tired," he pointed out, popping a piece of rice into his mouth. "You’re like a bottomless pit of energy."
"Yeah, well, even I have my limits," Naruto huffed, stuffing a mouthful of food into his mouth. "I bet you guys didn’t have it as hard as me!"
Sasuke scoffed, setting his food container on his lap. "Tch. You were probably just running around making clones again."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at him. "I'll have you know, I was training my Water Release! Which is way harder than it looks!" He turned to Harry and Sakura with an exaggerated pout. "You should’ve seen me! I was totally awesome!"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "I doubt that," she said dryly. "What exactly did Kakashi-sensei have you working on?"
Naruto perked up at the opportunity to brag. "Water Release! Since my Wind Release is harder to control, he started me with Water Release first. And since I know fuinjutsu now, I’m learning to mix the two." He grinned, puffing out his chest. "Just imagine me using a water-based sealing technique in battle! No one will see it coming!"
Harry raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "That actually sounds useful," he admitted. "If you can combine them properly, you could set traps mid-fight without your opponent realizing."
Naruto beamed. "Exactly! Kakashi-sensei said the same thing!"
Sakura nodded thoughtfully before turning to Sasuke. "What about you? What’s he been training you in?"
Sasuke wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before answering. "Chidori."
That got everyone’s attention.
"Wait, what?" Naruto sputtered. "You mean that super-fast lightning attack Kakashi-sensei used before?!"
Sasuke gave a short nod, smirking slightly. "It’s not easy, but I’m getting the hang of it. It requires precise chakra control and speed. Without the Sharingan, it’s too risky to use properly in battle, but now that I have two tomoe in both eyes, I can finally handle it."
Harry leaned forward slightly. "So Kakashi’s passing down one of his original jutsu to you?"
Sasuke nodded again.
Naruto groaned. "Man, that’s not fair! I wanna learn something super powerful too!"
Sakura ignored him and focused on Sasuke. "Hey, since you’re already good at Fire Release, do you have any tips?"
Sasuke blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He wasn’t used to people asking him for advice, especially not Sakura. But after a beat, he hummed in thought. "Your chakra control is already good, so you should have an advantage in molding Fire Release. The key is making sure you build enough heat before expelling the flames. If you release your chakra too soon, it weakens the attack."
Sakura nodded, absorbing the information. "That makes sense. Kakashi-sensei said something similar, but I guess I just need to focus more on the buildup."
"You’ll get it eventually," Sasuke said, taking another bite of his food.
Naruto huffed, puffing out his cheeks. "Hmph. Maybe I should get some tips too! I’m training in Water Release, after all!"
Sasuke gave him a flat look. "Why would I give you tips on Water Release?"
Naruto pouted. "Tch. Rude."
Harry chuckled. "Well, at least we’re all making progress. Kakashi’s not holding back on any of us."
"Yeah, that’s the problem," Naruto muttered. "If he wasn’t holding back, that means we’re gonna have even harder training tomorrow."
Sakura sighed. "That’s exactly why we need to make the most of this break while we can."
For the next few minutes, the team relaxed, chatting idly about training and the upcoming Chunin Exams, occasionally teasing each other in the process. Despite the intense workload, there was a certain comfort in knowing they were growing stronger together.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting warm golden light over the field—though this wasn't just any ordinary training ground. The grass was neatly trimmed, the soil compacted for optimal footing, and the entire space was wide enough to accommodate high-speed combat without constraint. It was a field meant for precision and technique, a place where shinobi honed their craft at an advanced level.
Team 7 stood before Kakashi, who had his usual relaxed stance, hands tucked into his pockets. However, his lone visible eye carried an undeniable sharpness, showing he was fully focused on today’s task.
"Three weeks of hard training," Kakashi mused aloud. "And today, we'll see if it paid off. You'll be sparring against each other."
The anticipation crackled in the air. Naruto and Harry shot each other side-eyes, already brimming with competitive energy. Sakura and Sasuke, standing off to the side, exchanged glances—both curious and mildly entertained.
"I've already decided the matchups," Kakashi continued. "First up—Naruto versus Harry."
Naruto grinned foxily, cracking his knuckles. "Heh, ready to get wrecked, bird-brain?"
Harry scoffed, rolling his shoulders as he stepped forward, katana resting in his grip. "Tough words coming from someone who still trips over his own two feet when running up a tree."
Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose as Sasuke sighed. "This is going to be… something," she muttered.
Kakashi stepped back, giving a casual wave. "Whenever you're ready, begin."
Naruto and Harry wasted no time.
Harry darted forward first, his movements sharp and precise—light on his feet, yet controlled. He moved like a bird in flight, weaving effortlessly with calculated, swift steps. His katana gleamed under the sunlight, already crackling with lightning as he slashed toward Naruto.
But Naruto, grinning wildly, had improved. He didn't just dodge—he twisted, redirecting his momentum to avoid the strike by mere inches. His Hirashin Kunai flashed in his grasp, and in a single motion, he swung upward.
CLANG!
Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, the force reverberating through the field. Naruto pushed against Harry’s blade before breaking away, flipping back to put some distance between them.
Not bad, Harry admitted. But let's turn up the heat.
He inhaled sharply, his chakra shifting—then exhaled.
"Fire Release: Scorching Arc!"
A controlled stream of fire erupted from his katana as he swung it in an arc, sending a burning crescent of flames surging toward Naruto. It wasn’t wild or overpowering—it was efficient, controlled, and deadly in the right hands.
Naruto, however, wasn’t standing still. His hands flew through signs in a blur.
"Water Release: Rising Torrent!"
From the ground, water surged up like a geyser, colliding with the incoming flames and sending a mist into the air. The clash of elements hissed loudly, steam rising between them.
Naruto, taking advantage of the cover, darted forward. But instead of striking head-on, he pulled out a sealing tag, slapping it onto the kunai in his hand.
Harry’s eyes narrowed. Fuinjutsu…?
Naruto flung the kunai straight at Harry—except it wasn't aimed at him. It embedded itself into the ground near Harry's feet, but before he could react—
"Release!"
The moment Naruto spoke, the seal on the kunai glowed, activating. Water chakra burst from the seal, forming a sudden wave beneath Harry, knocking his balance off.
Naruto shot forward, aiming to capitalize on the moment, but Harry reacted fast. With a quick spin, his katana slashed through the wave, lightning crackling along its edge. The water surged with electricity, making Naruto leap back just in time to avoid being caught in the shocking aftereffects.
"Whoa!" Naruto yelped, landing a few feet away, shaking off the near-hit. "Okay, okay, that was cool."
Harry stuck his tongue out at Naruto. "You're not the only one getting creative."
Naruto huffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, but I ain't done yet."
Without warning, he created five shadow clones—but unlike before, they didn't charge in mindlessly. Instead, they spread out, moving in different directions with strategic precision. Each one had a kunai, and at least two of them were tagged with sealing scripts.
Harry exhaled, shifting into a defensive stance. He wasn't about to let himself be overwhelmed.
Naruto and his clones surged forward, kunai flashing, water pooling at their feet as they moved. Harry met them head-on, blade dancing between the attacks. His footwork mimicked a falcon diving through the air—swift, yet unpredictable.
CLANG! SHHFT!
One clone managed to plant a sealing tag on Harry’s sleeve, but before Naruto could activate it, Harry countered—his free hand sparking with lightning as he slammed it into the tag, short-circuiting the chakra flow and dispelling it before it could activate.
Naruto’s eyes widened. "No fair!"
Harry laughed at Naruto, his emerald eyes twinkled as if they were stars.
Their fight continued in a flurry of movement—fire against water, lightning against seals, katana against kunai. Neither of them held back, but there was an undeniable lightness to their battle. They weren't fighting as enemies.
They were fighting like brothers.
Petty, competitive, but grinning all the same.
Kakashi observed from the sidelines, arms crossed, watching the battle unfold with a hidden sense of pride. Naruto’s strategic use of fuinjutsu had come a long way, and though basic, his integration of water release was impressive. He still had a tendency to be reckless, but there was more thought behind his actions now.
Harry, on the other hand, had balanced his fighting style well. He no longer hesitated between elements, shifting seamlessly between lightning and fire. He was more decisive, more fluid. Less in his own head.
And, of course, the dynamic between the two was clear as day.
As the spar continued, Kakashi finally decided to put a stop to it.
"Alright, that’s enough," he called out.
Both boys immediately jumped back, panting, but grinning at each other like two kids who just had the time of their lives.
Sakura clapped her hands together. "That was honestly really impressive."
Sasuke gave a small nod, watching closely. "They've both grown a lot."
Naruto stretched, groaning. "Ughhh, I'm starving now!"
Harry sheathed his katana, shaking his head. "You’re always starving."
"Yeah? And?"
Sakura sighed. "We still have two more fights to get through. Try not to pass out before that, idiot."
Naruto huffed but didn’t argue.
Kakashi, still lazily relaxed, gave a nod. "Good job, you two. Now, let’s see how the next fight plays out."
And with that, they moved on.
Sakura and Sasuke stepped onto the field, facing each other with unwavering focus. The midday sun cast their shadows long across the ground, highlighting the tension in the air. The faint scorch marks from Harry and Naruto’s previous match still marred the dirt, a testament to their growth.
Off to the side, Naruto leaned toward Harry, whispering, “Five ryo says Sakura wins.”
Harry arched a brow. “You’re just trying to make up for losing the last bet.”
Naruto huffed but didn’t deny it.
Kakashi, standing with his usual relaxed posture, straightened slightly. “Begin.”
Sakura wasted no time. She channeled chakra into her legs, feeling the familiar surge of energy reinforce her muscles. The ground cracked beneath her as she shot forward, her speed far beyond what it had been weeks ago. Sasuke’s Sharingan spun to life, his eyes tracking her rapid approach. With precise timing, he sidestepped at the last second, narrowly avoiding her strike aimed at his ribs.
Pivoting smoothly, Sakura snapped open one of her newly crafted iron fans. The chakra-infused metal shimmered as she channeled her energy through it, creating a sharp gust that sent dirt flying toward Sasuke. He leapt back, his hand tightening around the hilt of his straight-edged blade—the chokutō. Chakra flickered along its steel surface, enhancing its sharpness.
Not bad. Sasuke thought, his dark eyes gleaming with interest.
She clashed her fans together, the force stirring the air around them. Without hesitation, she formed a series of hand seals, her chakra igniting within her lungs.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive sphere of flames erupted from her mouth, surging toward Sasuke with intense heat. Not missing a beat, he mirrored her movements, forming the same seals with effortless precision.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
His flames roared forward, colliding with hers in an explosion of heat and light. Waves of fire lashed out, scorching the battlefield. Though Sasuke’s fireball was larger and more intense, Sakura’s precise chakra control kept hers from being overwhelmed immediately.
But she wasn’t trying to overpower him—she was reading him.
The moment the flames dissipated, she launched forward, her fans sweeping through the air in a blur. Sasuke barely managed to raise his chokutō in time to block, the impact sending vibrations up his arm. Sparks flew where metal met metal.
Anticipating his counter, she twisted her body, aiming a chakra-enhanced kick at his midsection. Sasuke reacted instantly, ducking under the strike before retaliating with a sweeping slash. Sakura flicked her fan up just in time, deflecting the blade with a ringing clang.
Then, suddenly—she was gone.
Sasuke blinked. No, not gone. His vision blurred for a fraction of a second. A flicker of movement on his left—no, his right.
Genjutsu.
Realizing the trick, he spun around just in time to see Sakura reappear behind him, her fan slicing downward. He barely raised his chokutō in time, the force of her strike forcing him a step back. She had used the briefest illusion to distort his perception—her genjutsu had evolved beyond mere distractions.
“You’ve been practicing,” Sasuke noted, pushing her back with a well-aimed strike.
She grinned. “Of course.”
Undeterred, Sakura adjusted her stance. She was faster than before, stronger, and more unpredictable. Sasuke, however, remained a step ahead, his Sharingan tracking her every move. As she lunged forward once more, he anticipated her trajectory and shifted just enough to dodge, countering with a precise palm strike to her shoulder.
The impact threw her off balance. Before she could recover, the blunt edge of his chokutō was at her throat.
Silence hung between them.
“Tch.” Sakura clicked her tongue, stepping back. “Fine, you win this round.”
Sasuke exhaled, lowering his blade, and he helped Sakura up. “You’ve improved a lot.”
She smiled. “Thanks.”
Kakashi clapped his hands. “That was an excellent match. Both of you have shown significant growth.”
Harry shot Naruto a smug look. “Pay up.”
With a dramatic groan, Naruto handed over the ryo. “Next time, I’m betting on Sasuke.”
Sakura rolled her eyes as she dusted herself off. “Shut up, Naruto.”
The sun hung lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the training field as Team 7 sat in a loose circle, catching their breath after their intense sparring sessions. The air was thick with exhaustion, but also quiet satisfaction—each of them had pushed themselves harder than ever before.
Sakura stretched her arms, rolling out her sore shoulders. “I’m gonna feel that in the morning…”
Naruto grinned, arms resting behind his head. “Man, we’re awesome. The Chunin Exams don’t stand a chance!”
Harry huffed a laugh, leaning back on his hands. “I don’t think that’s how it works, Naruto.”
Sasuke, sitting with his chokutō resting across his lap, glanced at Naruto. “You should take this seriously. It won’t be anything like our usual missions.”
Before Naruto could argue, Kakashi strolled up, hands tucked into his pockets. His usual relaxed demeanor was still there, but his single visible eye was sharp—thoughtful.
“I’ve got news for you all,” he began, gaze sweeping across his students. “The Chunin Exams are officially one week away.”
Silence settled over them. They all knew the exams were coming, but hearing it out loud made it feel… real.
Kakashi continued, voice steady. “After today’s sparring, I can say with confidence that you’re ready. You’ve all grown immensely from the brats I first met.”
Naruto’s eyes lit up. “Ha! Knew it!”
Kakashi chuckled before his tone turned serious. “But listen carefully. This isn’t just any test. On the day of the exams, shinobi from all over will be arriving in the village—foreign ninja, each with their own skills, strengths, and ambitions.”
Naruto blinked, tilting his head. “So? We’ll just beat them up if they try anything.”
Kakashi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “That’s exactly why I’m telling you this now, Naruto. I don’t want you running in headfirst and getting blindsided. These aren’t just random opponents—they’ve trained their whole lives, just like you.” His eye flickered over to Sasuke and Sakura. “That goes for all of you. I need you to be aware of the scale of what you’re about to face.”
The weight of his words settled in, tension thickening the air. Even Naruto, usually the most carefree of the group, grew quiet, absorbing the reality of what lay ahead.
Then, unexpectedly, Kakashi exhaled softly and looked at them—not just as their sensei, but as something more. “I don’t say this often, but… I’m proud of you.”
Their heads snapped up in surprise.
“When we first became Team 7, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had four students who didn’t know each other, and barely understood what being a shinobi truly meant.” Kakashi’s gaze softened. “But now… you’re a team in every sense of the word. You’ve fought side by side, protected each other, pushed yourselves beyond your limits. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
Naruto’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, looking down at the grass between his legs. Sakura blinked a few times, clearly caught off guard by the sentiment. Even Sasuke, who usually kept his emotions locked away, looked down at his sword, fingers tightening around the hilt. Harry, who wasn’t even from this world, felt a lump rise in his throat at Kakashi’s words.
“I’m grateful to be your sensei,” Kakashi admitted, rubbing the back of his head. “I might not say it often, but you’ve all become exceptional shinobi.”
The silence that followed was heavy but warm—comforting.
Then, of course, Naruto broke it.
“Damn it, Kakashi-sensei! You can’t just say stuff like that!” He furiously rubbed at his eyes, voice slightly shaky. “What are we supposed to do with all these emotions!?”
Sakura sniffed, elbowing him lightly. “Just take the compliment, idiot.”
Harry chuckled, nudging Naruto’s side. “Yeah, this is rare. You should be honored.”
Sasuke said nothing, but the slight relaxation in his shoulders spoke volumes.
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, then stretched lazily. “Well, that’s enough heartfelt moments for one day. Go home, rest up. Next week will be the real test.”
As Team 7 got up, Naruto suddenly grinned, the weight in his chest replaced with excitement. “One week until we show everyone just how strong we are!”
Sakura rolled her eyes but smirked. “Just don’t embarrass us.”
Sasuke scoffed. “Focus on making sure you don’t fail.”
Harry sighed with a fond shake of his head as they bickered all the way out of the training grounds.
Kakashi watched them go, his expression unreadable. Then, quietly to himself, he murmured,
“You’ll do just fine.”