Chapter 7
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint as he received the latest update from one of his aides. A subtle smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Jiraiya, sitting across from him, raised an eyebrow. "What’s got you in such a good mood, old man?"
Hiruzen chuckled. "It seems young Naruto has just passed his exam."
Jiraiya blinked, surprised. "Wait, the exam? But it’s already nighttime." He paused, studying Hiruzen’s expression more closely. A smile crept onto his face. "You’re scheming, aren’t you? What else are you up to?"
"Oh, nothing too drastic," Hiruzen said, feigning innocence. "Now that Naruto has passed, I know exactly how I'll be forming the teams this year."
Just then, the sharp sound of heels clicking against the floor echoed down the hallway, growing louder as they approached. Jiraiya glanced toward the door, a knowing look on his face. "Speak of the devil..."
Tsunade strode into the Hokage’s office, her expression both expectant and slightly surprised to see Jiraiya sitting there as well. She crossed her arms, casting a brief glance at her old teammate before focusing on Hiruzen. "So, how are you forming the teams this year, Sensei?"
Hiruzen chuckled, feigning mock surprise. "And why would I tell you that, Tsunade? Just because your niece happens to be in this class doesn’t mean you’re entitled to special treatment."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, not missing a beat. "As if you’re above it. You’re probably more partial to her than I am."
Hiruzen laughed, giving a slight nod. "Fair point, Tsunade. I may be somewhat partial… but it’s for the good of the village." His eyes twinkled with a hint of pride. "After all, we have some promising students this year. With the right teams, I think we'll be in good hands."
Jiraiya leaned back, crossing his arms with a grin. "Just remember, old man—sometimes your schemes are a bit too obvious."
Hiruzen waved him off with a smirk. "Let me enjoy it, Jiraiya. This year's graduates will be something special."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, a satisfied gleam in his eyes as he observed the reactions of his former students.
"So," he began, his tone thoughtful, "I’m thinking of placing Naruto, Sasuke, and Yona on the same team."
Jiraiya let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief. "You’re not making it easy on this teacher, are you? When’s the last time a Senju and an Uchiha were on the same team? And then you throw a Jinchuriki into the mix? That’s a recipe for a handful."
Tsunade looked more serious, her brow creasing with concern. "Are you sure, Sensei? That team has so much potential, but it’s a volatile combination. Those three could be hard to handle, especially with the rivalry between the Senju and Uchiha... and Naruto’s situation adds another layer."
Hiruzen chuckled, his eyes twinkling with an almost mischievous light. "That’s exactly why I think it will work. With the right guidance, those three can bring out the best in each other. They’ll challenge and push each other, and they may just surprise everyone."
Jiraiya shook his head with a grin. "Whoever you’re assigning to them has their work cut out for them. The sensei will need the patience of a saint and the skill of a master."
A smile played at the edges of Hiruzen's lips. "Oh, I have someone in mind," he said, his voice full of confidence. "Someone who knows exactly what it’s like to bear a heavy burden, who understands how to lead even the most… challenging students."
Jiraiya caught the look in his old master’s eye and broke into a knowing smile. "You’re going with Kakashi, aren’t you?"
Hiruzen nodded, satisfied. "Kakashi is the perfect choice. He understands loss, loyalty, and the value of teamwork like no one else. And he’ll know exactly how to handle a team as unusual as this."
Tsunade sighed, crossing her arms. "He’ll have to be up to the task, Sensei."
Hiruzen's smile softened. "I have faith in him. And in them. They’re each a bit rough around the edges, but together, I believe they’ll become something extraordinary."
Hiruzen’s smirk grew as he observed his students’ reactions. He’d expected some pushback, but their responses were tinged with curiosity and a hint of excitement, even from Tsunade, though she masked it well.
"A Senju, an Uchiha, and a Jinchuriki... sounds like the beginning of a bad joke," Jiraiya chuckled, shaking his head. "But seriously, Sensei, this is a risky lineup."
Hiruzen shrugged, a sly glint in his eyes. "Risks sometimes yield the best results. Naruto, Sasuke, and Yona each have their own drive and ambition. Placing them together is precisely why this team could be so effective."
Tsunade crossed her arms, a frown tugging at her lips. "I still think you're playing with fire. Sasuke and Yona might clash, and Naruto... well, he’s unpredictable. Don’t forget the deep-seated grudge between the Senju and Uchiha. We both know those roots run deep."
Jiraiya let out a low whistle. "Not to mention Naruto's position. That kid’s had it rough, and he’s not going to be the easiest student to wrangle. You’re sure they’ll even want to work together?"
"That's where Kakashi comes in," Hiruzen said, a spark of admiration in his tone. "He has a way of getting through to people, seeing beneath the surface. He knows what it means to endure loss, to carry a burden. And his unique background will serve him well with these three."
Jiraiya smirked, nodding. "Makes sense. Kakashi’s seen more than most, and he knows what it means to have the odds stacked against him. If anyone can handle this team, it’s him." Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he added, "But you’re setting him up for one of the most challenging groups of new genin we've seen in years."
Hiruzen chuckled, clearly amused. "Kakashi’s up for the task. Besides, the potential is extraordinary. Naruto’s spirit, Sasuke’s ambition, Yona’s... well, she’s a prodigy. And maybe together, they’ll learn that strength isn’t only about individual power."
Tsunade raised a brow, finally uncrossing her arms. "You almost sound like you believe in this setup," she remarked dryly, though her eyes held a hint of intrigue. "I just hope you’re not pushing them too far, too fast."
Hiruzen’s smile softened. "Tsunade, I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t believe they could each handle it. They’re all resilient in their own ways. This is exactly the kind of team we need right now—a team with balance and drive, and Kakashi to ground them."
Jiraiya, still grinning, added, "I suppose with a lineup like that, they’re bound to make a name for themselves."
Hiruzen chuckled. "I’m counting on it. The village could use a new generation of legends."
--
Kakashi trudged through the village gates, his mask and uniform stained with blood—not all of it his own. It had been a grueling mission, one that left him bone-weary, with barely enough strength to keep his Sharingan hidden behind his hitai-ate. The guard at the gate gave him a sympathetic nod, recognizing the exhaustion in his posture.
As Kakashi turned to say a quick goodbye to his fellow ANBU teammate, Itachi, a messenger appeared, briskly walking up to him.
“Hatake-san, the Hokage wants to see you immediately,” the messenger said with a polite but firm tone.
Kakashi paused, the words sending a chill down his spine. Usually, after missions like this, he was granted a reprieve—a night to sleep it off or at least some time to regroup. But a summons from the Hokage meant something pressing awaited him.
Beside him, Itachi gave him a quiet nod, his expression unreadable. “Good luck, Kakashi.”
“Thanks.” Kakashi tried to give a reassuring smirk, but it barely managed to tug at the corner of his lips. “I’ll need it.”
As he parted ways with Itachi, a sense of foreboding settled in his chest. Hiruzen was not one to call his shinobi in without a reason, especially after a mission like this. Despite the fatigue weighing him down, Kakashi’s mind raced with possibilities, none of them good.
By the time he reached the Hokage Tower, he had steeled himself, masking the exhaustion and tension under a calm exterior. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that this assignment would demand something more of him than he was ready to give.
As Kakashi walked into the Hokage’s office, he froze at the sight of not only the Hokage but also Jiraiya and Tsunade, both eyeing him with a mix of expectation and... something close to pity? He shifted uneasily under their scrutiny, giving a nod of respect.
“Lord Hokage, you summoned me?”
Hiruzen’s eyes gleamed as he gestured for him to step closer. “Yes, Kakashi. I have an assignment for you—a very important one.”
Kakashi tilted his head, his eye narrowing suspiciously. “You’re making me nervous, sir. That look usually comes before an impossible mission.”
“Oh, nothing impossible,” Hiruzen replied with a faint smile. “But it will be challenging, no doubt. I’ve decided that you’ll be leading the next generation of genin.”
Kakashi’s visible eye widened. “Ah… Hokage-sama, I don’t think I’m the right fit. Surely there are other sensei—”
“No.” Hiruzen’s voice was firm. “You’re precisely the man for this role.”
Kakashi glanced to Jiraiya and Tsunade, who both crossed their arms, giving him equally intense looks. He felt a bead of sweat form. “And… this team of yours?” He already had a sinking feeling.
“Senju Yona, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzumaki Naruto,” Hiruzen announced with finality, watching for Kakashi’s reaction.
Kakashi blinked. “So... let me get this straight. You’re giving me not just a Senju and an Uchiha, but also a Jinchuriki?” He tried to mask his hesitation. “Forgive me, but that sounds like a setup.”
Jiraiya chuckled, though the glint in his eye seemed half-sympathetic. “If it makes you feel any better, we’re pretty sure you’re the only person who could handle this lot without breaking down.”
Kakashi shifted uncomfortably, trying to process the daunting lineup. “And if I mess up, which one of you will kill me first?”
“Depends,” Tsunade replied, crossing her arms. “You’d better hope it’s me. I’ll make it quick.”
Jiraiya grinned, folding his hands behind his head. “Better not mess up, Kakashi. The whole village is watching.”
Hiruzen, still smiling, added, “This generation is the future of the Leaf. But don’t worry; they’ll learn from you, and I believe you’ll find something to learn from them, too.”
Kakashi sighed, resigned. “Well… no pressure, then.”