Chapter 7
Chapter 6: My Dream (Part 3)
On the training field, Itachi sighed and clapped his hands together, signaling the start of their session. “Alright, how about we introduce ourselves? Likes, dislikes, and goals? I’ll go first.”
He stood with an almost lazy air of calm, his onyx eyes scanning his new team. “My name is Itachi Uchiha. I like dango. I dislike a lot of things… uh, guys who harass women? Oh, anyone who harasses anyone for something, I guess. My goal? Making sure you three don’t die on me.”
The three genin facepalmed in unison. Did their jonin really expect them to be thrown onto the battlefield right away? His grim tone didn’t help ease their nerves.
Sasuke cleared his throat, stepping forward with his usual serious expression. “I’m Sasuke Uchiha. I like training, tomatoes, and tempura. I dislike fangirls and people who waste my time. My goal is to surpass my brother and protect the village.” He shot Itachi a sideways glance as if daring him to comment.
Itachi raised a brow but remained silent, his neutral expression unreadable.
Naruto hopped to his feet next, grinning brightly. “I’m Naruto Uzumaki! I like ramen and training with my mom. Ramen—I love ramen, it’s the best! I dislike being called a loser and people who mess with my friends. My goal is to rebuild Uzushiogakure and become the Uzukage! Believe it!”
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at Naruto’s declaration. “Rebuild it? How?” he asked, worried about his friend’s ambition.
“It will happen... somehow. Just watch!” Naruto shot back with a toothy grin, hands on his hips.
Itachi stifled a chuckle. “Interesting. Alright, Sai, your turn.”
The pale boy with ink-stained fingers glanced up from his sketchbook, his expression as neutral as ever. “My name is Sai. I like art and sketching. I dislike people who lie. My goal... is to find real emotions and understand what it means to have a bond.”
Naruto tilted his head. “Huh? I mean, we’re teammates, aren’t we? Doesn’t that mean we’re your first bonds?”
Sai’s face remained calm, but there was a flicker of curiosity as he replied, “Oh, interesting. So we’re friends now?”
Itachi clapped his hands again, drawing their attention back to him. “Now that introductions are done, let’s get to work. I want to gauge your skills. We’ll have a small sparring session—three against one. Use everything you’ve got on me. Your goal is to land one hit on me.”
Sasuke smirked, cracking his knuckles. “This should be interesting.”
Naruto cheered, pumping his fist in the air. “Alright! Let’s show him what we’re made of!”
Sai simply set his sketchbook aside, pulling out a brush and ink bottle. “Understood.”
Itachi smiled faintly, his Sharingan flickering to life. “Don’t hold back now. Impress me.”