Chapter 8
"He's late," Naruto grumbled, peering through the door's small window, his vibrant blue eyes scanning for any sign of their new sensei.
The empty classroom had an air of anticipation as the four pre-teens waited. Rei, with her dark, short hair, sat casually in her seat, contently munching on an apple. Sakura stood close to Sasuke, her green eyes occasionally darting towards him, while Sasuke, ever the stoic, sat in silence, his dark eyes fixed ahead.
"Naruto, just sit down!" Sakura's voice was a mix of irritation and concern.
"I don't want to," Naruto shot back, his voice tinged with impatience. "How come our teacher is the only one who's late? I'm ready to roll, believe it!"
"Just be patient, Naruto," Rei said calmly, her voice a soothing contrast to Naruto's energy.
"But Rei! The others already met their new teachers and took off on some adventure or something." Naruto's frustration was palpable as he shut the door with a thud. "Iruka-sensei is gone too."
"We know, okay," Sakura sighed.
Naruto's eyes lit up with a mischievous glint as he began setting up an eraser above the door.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Sakura's curiosity piqued as she watched him.
Rei lifted her head, her interest momentarily drawn away from her candy.
"That's what he gets for coming in late!" Naruto declared, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "Surprise!"
"You're asking for trouble, you know that, right?" Sakura warned, her hands on her hips. "You shouldn't do that."
'Cha! I love stuff like this!' Inner Sakura cheered silently.
"Our teacher's a jounin, an elite ninja. You think he'd fall for that?" Sasuke's voice was filled with skepticism.
"Yeah, Sasuke's right. You're so clueless, Naruto," Sakura agreed, her tone softening slightly as she glanced at Sasuke.
'Naruto... you're just asking for trouble now...' Rei thought, sighing as she nibbled on her apple , her eyes reflecting both amusement and resignation.
Suddenly, a white-haired man with a mask covering his face and a headband obscuring his left eye reached for the door. As he opened it, the eraser fell, hitting him squarely on the head.
"I got him!" Naruto crowed, laughing with glee. "He totally fell for it!"
"I'm sorry, sensei!" Sakura said quickly, her face the picture of innocence. "I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen. I would never do something like that."
'Perfect shot!' Inner Sakura celebrated.
'He actually fell for that cheap trick?' Sasuke thought, incredulous. 'Is this guy really a jounin?'
'He's my teacher?! Really?! AWESOME!' Rei thoughts buzzed with excitement, recalling the time he helped her carve Shisui's name into the KIA stone. She felt a surge of gratitude.
Kakashi picked up the eraser, his visible eye crinkling slightly as he surveyed the group.
"Hmm, how can I put this?" he mused, his voice calm and slightly amused. "My first impression of this group is... you're a bunch of idiots."
Naruto, Sasuke, Rei, and Sakura all stared at him with deadpan expressions, a mix of disbelief and embarrassment written on their faces.
"Meet me on the roof in two minutes," their new sensei commanded, his voice calm and authoritative. Without another word, he vanished in a puff of leaves and air, leaving the quartet stunned.
"Two minutes?" Naruto's voice echoed with disbelief, eyes wide as he stared at the space Kakashi-sensei had occupied moments before. Sasuke shot up from his chair, his expression hardening as he strode toward the door with purpose. Rei, Sakura, and Naruto scrambled to follow, their hearts racing at the thought of potential repercussions for tardiness.
Their breaths came in quick, ragged gasps as they burst onto the rooftop with mere seconds to spare. Kakashi was there, leaning nonchalantly against the railing, a small book in hand. He didn't even bother to look up as they arrived, his posture relaxed and indifferent.
"Took you long enough," he remarked, his tone casual, almost bored.
Naruto's face flushed with anger, his mouth opening to deliver a retort, but Rei swiftly intervened with a sharp elbow to his ribs, silencing him. Kakashi appeared oblivious to the exchange, gesturing for them to come closer. The four settled onto the steps in front of him, eyes fixed on their enigmatic instructor.
The seating arrangement was as follows: Sasuke, Sakura, Naruto, and Rei. Sakura, as expected, had strategically positioned herself next to Sasuke, her cheeks tinged with a hopeful blush. Rei, on the other hand, kept a respectful distance, understanding that her relationship with Sasuke was still fragile. She didn't want to risk the delicate progress they had made in rekindling their friendship.
"Mm.. Alright, then. I think it's time we begin introductions," Kakashi's voice broke the silence.
"Introductions?" Sakura echoed, her head tilting slightly in curiosity.
"Correct. Introductions," Kakashi confirmed with a nod. "I'd like to know: What's your name? What are your likes, dislikes, dreams for the future, things like that."
Sakura processed this information, then turned to Kakashi with a thoughtful expression. "Well, sensei, how about you go first? You could be our example."
"Ah, alright. Well, my name is Kakashi Hatake," he began, his tone as flat as his expression.
Rei's eyes sparkled with excitement. Finally, she had a proper name for their sensei, rather than the makeshift moniker 'Silver Hair Mask Man' she had been using mentally.
"Hmm. Likes. I don't feel like telling you that. Dislikes, don't feel like telling you that either. Dreams for the future? .. Well, I never thought about it."
Naruto and Sakura's jaws dropped, hitting the ground with an almost comical thud. They were visibly dissatisfied with the lack of information. Sasuke's eye twitched, a silent testament to his irritation. Rei, however, seemed delighted. The mystery surrounding Kakashi only deepened, and she relished the challenge of uncovering his secrets.
"Hmm? Who's next? How about we start with you and go down," Kakashi said, pointing to Rei.
"Wait, Kakashi-sensei! I wanna go first!" Naruto shouted, his voice brimming with excitement. "My name's Uzumaki Naruto. I like instant cup ramen and the ramen I get with Iruka-sensei at Ichiraku. I hate the three minutes you have to wait after pouring the water into the ramen cup."
Rei couldn't help but roll her eyes in amusement at Naruto's obsession with noodles. It was almost endearing, though she worried about his nutrition.
"My hobby is eating different types of ramen and comparing them, and my future dream is..." Naruto paused dramatically, his eyes gleaming with fervor. "To be the greatest Hokage! Then the whole village will stop disrespecting me and start treating me like I'm somebody!" He finished with a triumphant grin, adjusting his hitai-ate proudly.
Rei stifled a laugh, not out of disbelief but because Naruto's enthusiasm was infectious. She believed in him, truly, but his single-minded determination towards ramen and becoming Hokage was both charming and slightly amusing.
Kakashi shook his head lightly, then turned towards Sakura. "I guess you're next."
"Uhm.. I'm Sakura Haruno.. I like…" Her eyes flickered towards Sasuke, and a deep blush colored her cheeks. "My goals for the future.. um.." She glanced at Sasuke again, her face growing even redder. "Oh! And I hate Naruto!"
"GAH! SAKURA-CHANNN!" Naruto whined, his shoulders slumping in dismay. Rei patted his back comfortingly, offering a sympathetic smile.
Kakashi's gaze shifted to Sasuke, whose expression was as stoic as ever. "You're up."
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha." His voice was cold, his eyes darkening with each word. Rei's heart ached at the change in her old friend, the shadows that had consumed his once bright eyes. She hoped that beyond the darkness, there was still a glimmer of light. "And I don't really have a dream so much as an ambition. I will restore my clan and kill a certain man."
Rei's heart sank. It was worse than she feared. The darkness had taken a firmer hold on Sasuke than she had realized.
Shikamaru had no right to complain about his team anymore, she mused bitterly. She'd take Choji and Ino over this troubled group any day. But that ship had sailed, and she would have to make the best of her situation. Older shinobi always said that your team becomes a second family, so it was in her best interest to try and make it work.
Kakashi's eyes betrayed a flicker of understanding, but he quickly masked it. "Last one, our second kunoichi," he said, turning to Rei.
Rei smiled and began, "I'm Rei Senju. I like training, learning new skills, and cats. I don't like not knowing things or being held back. My hobbies include reading and hanging out with my friends." Naruto grinned at her words. "As for my hopes for the future," she continued, her gaze lifting skyward, "I want to be a decent shinobi and to keep my precious people safe."
Kakashi's interest was piqued. 'One that actually likes to think? Promising,' he thought, mentally noting her words.
"On that cheerful note, I think we understand each other well enough," Kakashi said, his eyes crinkling in what seemed to be a smile. "Formal training begins tomorrow. You will report to the third training grounds just outside the Leaf Village."
Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "TRAINING!"
"Calm down, I haven't finished yet," Kakashi interjected smoothly. "Be there at 7 AM with your ninja gear." He turned towards the railing, preparing to leave, but paused and glanced back at them. "Oh, I almost forgot. Bring a lunch, but don't eat breakfast."
The four looked at him, perplexed and disbelieving.
"Don't eat breakfast?" Naruto shouted, his voice thick with discontent. "Whaddaya mean, don't eat breakfast?!"
"I just advise you not to. If you do, you will throw up," Kakashi said nonchalantly.
Rei, Sakura, and Naruto visually showed their shock, mouths agape for what felt like the fourth or fifth time that day. Rei frowned, pondering his instructions. It seemed counterintuitive not to eat before a survival exercise. She met Kakashi's gaze, noting the amusement and something darker (in hindsight, a hint of sadism) in his eye. He was enjoying this.
"Oh, and by the way, this exercise has a sixty-six percent failure rate, which means two of you are likely to be sent back to the Academy if you fail. So don't screw up." Naruto let out an indignant squawk, Sasuke's scowl deepened, and Rei couldn't hide her shock.
“H-HEY WAIT! KAKASHI-SENSEI!" Sakura shouted, but upon turning to where the male had been, there was nothing. He had vanished.
Rei sat on her bed, the soft creaking of the wooden frame barely audible over the rhythmic sound of her kunai scraping against the whetstone. Each stroke was precise, deliberate. Her black cat, Yuri, watched her with keen, green eyes, his tail flicking in curiosity.
"It wouldn't do for my kunai to be anything less than perfect for tomorrow," she muttered to herself. Her gaze drifted to the corner of the room where her brother's sword rested against the wall. A pang of sadness tugged at her heartstrings as memories flooded her mind. Her brother had been so excited when he chose the ore for his sword, a tradition in their clan.
She could still picture the scene vividly: a woman with dark skin, purple hair, and striking yellow eyes had come to their home with three different ores from the mountains where her father's clan originated. Her brother had been seven then, and she had been just a baby. The memory was fuzzy, but she recalled the pride and joy in her brother's eyes as he made his choice.
"When you turn seven, I’ll teach you like Father would have," her brother had promised her, showing her the sword and explaining the tradition. She smiled sadly at the memory. Her brother never got the chance to fulfill that promise.
Living in the village, she hadn't met anyone else from her father's clan. She missed the chance to partake in the tradition herself. But she held onto hope that one day, she would meet someone from the clan who could teach her. She glanced at the sword again. She thought about using it, but it didn't feel right. Not yet. She wasn't ready to wield her brother's sword.
As she continued sharpening her kunai, her mind drifted to what might await her tomorrow. Kakashi-sensei had mentioned a survival exercise. They had done plenty of those in the Academy, but something told her there would be a twist. She pondered how prepared she ought to be.
She could go all out, bringing a full wilderness survival kit that would guarantee her well-being for at least two weeks, but the bulk would slow her down. Or she could pack lightly, prioritizing essential items and risk leaving something important behind in favor of maneuverability.
Rei decided on the latter. She carefully packed the essentials: a canteen, fire-starters, a couple of meters of rope, a basic first aid kit, a mirror, and a compass. She also included her ninja gear: an ungodly amount of paper-bombs, a couple dozen shuriken, several razor-sharp kunai, and ninja-wire. With her bag packed, she felt slightly more at ease about the unknown waiting for her tomorrow.
She tried to sleep, but it didn't work. When she woke after what felt like fifteen minutes of restless sleep, she groaned, rubbing her eyes. Seven hours had passed, but her body was far from rested. She threw on her usual attire—a light blue crop top with mesh armor underneath, covering her elbows and knees for extra protection.
Taking her time, she brushed her short hair, trying to tame its wild shape. Once satisfied, she slipped on her fingerless gloves, strapped on her kunai holster and survival pack, and finally tied her hitai-ate around her neck. She finished by strapping on her sandals, kissing the sleeping Yuri on the head, and left her room.
As she passed through the kitchen, she debated whether or not to risk eating breakfast. "There's no guarantee I'll eat again today, given that I don't know how long this survival exercise is gonna last," she mused, folding her arms. "But I reeeeeally don't want to blow chunks on the first day."
Checking the time, she noted she had about half an hour to get to the assigned training ground. She shrugged and grabbed an orange and some leftover pork strips from the previous night. "Protein and carbohydrates. That oughta do it," she decided. It was light but would give her some energy.
With her nutrition squared away, she headed out the front door, the early morning light casting long shadows across her path. She tightened her gloves as she walked, a determined grin spreading across her face. Failure was not an option.
Rei sat on her bed, the rhythmic sound of her kunai scraping against the whetstone filling the room. Each stroke was precise, deliberate. Her black cat, Yuri, watched her intently, his green eyes following every movement of her hands.
"It wouldn't do for my kunai to be anything less than perfect for tomorrow," she murmured to herself, her fingers tightening around the handle of the weapon. Her gaze drifted to the corner of the room where her brother's sword rested against the wall. A pang of sadness tugged at her heartstrings as memories flooded her mind.
Her brother had been so excited when he chose the ore for his sword, a tradition in their clan. She could still picture the scene vividly: a woman with dark skin, purple hair, and striking yellow eyes had come to their home with three different ores from the mountains where her father's clan originated. Her brother had been seven then, and she had been just a baby. The memory was fuzzy, but she recalled the pride and joy in her brother's eyes as he made his choice.
"When you turn seven, I’ll teach you like Father would have," her brother had promised her, showing her the sword and explaining the tradition. She smiled sadly at the memory. Her brother never got the chance to fulfill that promise.
Living in the village, she hadn't met anyone else from her father's clan. She missed the chance to partake in the tradition herself. But she held onto hope that one day, she would meet someone from the clan who could teach her. She glanced at the sword again. She thought about using it, but it didn't feel right. Not yet. She wasn't ready to wield her brother's sword.
As she continued sharpening her kunai, her mind drifted to what might await her tomorrow. Kakashi-sensei had mentioned a survival exercise. They had done plenty of those in the Academy, but something told her there would be a twist. She pondered how prepared she ought to be.
She could go all out, bringing a full wilderness survival kit that would guarantee her well-being for at least two weeks, but the bulk would slow her down. Or she could pack lightly, prioritizing essential items and risk leaving something important behind in favor of maneuverability.
Rei decided on the latter. She carefully packed the essentials: a canteen, fire-starters, a couple of meters of rope, a basic first aid kit, a mirror, and a compass. She also included her ninja gear: an ungodly amount of paper-bombs, a couple dozen shuriken, several razor-sharp kunai, and ninja-wire. With her bag packed, she felt slightly more at ease about the unknown waiting for her tomorrow.
She tried to sleep, but it didn't work. When she woke after what felt like fifteen minutes of restless sleep, she groaned, rubbing her eyes. Seven hours had passed, but her body was far from rested. She threw on her usual attire—a light blue crop top with mesh armor underneath, covering her elbows and knees for extra protection.
Taking her time, she brushed her short hair, trying to tame its wild shape. Once satisfied, she slipped on her fingerless gloves, strapped on her kunai holster and survival pack, and finally tied her hitai-ate around her neck. She finished by strapping on her sandals, kissing the sleeping Yuri on the head, and left her room.
As she passed through the kitchen, she debated whether or not to risk eating breakfast. "There's no guarantee I'll eat again today, given that I don't know how long this survival exercise is gonna last," she mused, folding her arms. "But I reeeeeally don't want to blow chunks on the first day."
Checking the time, she noted she had about half an hour to get to the assigned training ground. She shrugged and grabbed an orange and some leftover pork strips from the previous night. "Protein and carbohydrates. That oughta do it," she decided. It was light but would give her some energy.
With her nutrition squared away, she headed out the front door, the early morning light casting long shadows across her path. She tightened her gloves as she walked, a determined grin spreading across her face. Failure was not an option.
"Hit me with your best shot, Hatake," she thought, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
---
Rei walked slowly towards the training grounds, her eyes fixed on the sky, watching the still-visible stars twinkle against the encroaching dawn. Her footsteps were soft but audible as she walked over the dirt road. She stopped abruptly, sensing another presence. She turned her head to find Sasuke watching her inquisitively.
"Morning... Sasuke," she greeted, tilting her head and smiling. She laughed lightly, scratching the back of her head out of habit.
He looked at her, letting out a noncommittal hum of acknowledgment before turning back to stare at the trail from which he had just come. Rei sighed softly, reminding herself to be patient with him. She gave him a gentle smile, hoping to bridge the emotional distance between them.
As six o'clock slowly crept closer, Naruto and Sakura appeared from opposite directions. Sakura yawned widely, placing her pale yellow bag on the ground, while Naruto seemed unusually quiet. As ten minutes past six ticked by and the sun began to rise, Sakura sat on her bag, and Naruto tapped his foot impatiently. Sasuke remained motionless, while Rei focused her attention on a stray cat napping on a nearby rock, her hands clasped behind her back.
Hours passed. Sakura eventually sat on the ground, her head resting on her hands, and Naruto soon joined her, both of them looking bored and frustrated. Rei, on the other hand, had made her way over to the stray cat, remembering her clan's deep affinity for cats. Her clan often used strays to spy on others and collect information, and she wanted to establish a connection with the strays around Konoha.
"Hey there," Rei cooed softly, crouching down to the cat's level. The cat opened one eye lazily, regarding her with a mix of curiosity and indifference. "I'm Rei. What’s your name?"
The cat stretched, its sleek Orange fur shimmering in the sunlight. "Name's Touya," it replied, surprising Rei with her ability to understand him. "What do you want, human?"
Rei smiled, her heart warming at the interaction. "I was hoping to establish a connection with the strays around Konoha. My clan has a history with cats, and I could use some allies."
Touya studied her for a moment before nodding. "I’ll talk to my boss about you. But don't get your hopes up too high, kid."
"Thank you, Touya," Rei said sincerely, giving the cat a respectful nod.
Sasuke watched her converse with the cat, a hint of curiosity breaking through his usual stoic demeanor to him the cat was just meowing at her with Rei answering it. Five hours after six, Naruto and Sakura looked just about ready to explode with frustration when Kakashi finally arrived at the field.
"You're late!" Naruto shouted, his voice echoing across the training grounds.
Kakashi merely scratched the back of his head, his visible eye curving upwards in a smile. "Sorry about that. I got lost on the path of life."
Rei couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of his excuse, while Naruto and Sakura fumed. Sasuke simply rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.
"Alright, everyone," Kakashi said, his tone becoming serious. "Let's get started with the survival exercise. Follow me."
As they followed their enigmatic sensei, Rei felt a renewed sense of determination. She cast one last glance at Touya, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. Failure was not an option. She was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Well, let's get started then," Kakashi said, pulling out a small clock and setting it on a nearby stump. "It's set for noon. Your assignment is very simple: you just have to take these bells from me." He held up three small silver bells that chimed softly in his hand. "If you can't get them by noon, you'll go without lunch and be tied to those posts while I eat my lunch in front of you."
"So that's why you didn't want us to have any breakfast!" Naruto exclaimed, his hands pulling down on his cheeks in frustration. All of their stomachs growled in unison, except for Rei's. "Oops," she thought, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing out loud.
"No breakfast, and I didn't even eat dinner!" Sakura thought, regretting her decision to skip her meal the previous night.
"All you need is a bell each... but since I only have three, one of you will be heading to the stump," Kakashi continued, the bells letting out another soft chime as he brought them up next to his head. "Whoever that is will be the first of you to fail and will have to go back to the Academy for more training." The four genin stiffened at the thought of returning to the Academy.
"You may, if you choose, use shuriken. Attack me as though you mean to kill, or you'll never stand a chance," Kakashi instructed, snapping his hand shut around the bells.
"But... but that's dangerous!" Sakura exclaimed, worry evident on her face.
"You couldn't even dodge an eraser! You're going to get yourself killed, sen—OW!" Naruto laughed, only to be jabbed in the ribs by Rei.
"Naruto, show some respect. Even ANBU let down their guard in the village, but that doesn't mean they aren't some of the best ninjas in Konoha," Rei whispered harshly.
"Right, Rei. Now, let's forget the dunce and we'll start when I say 'go'," Kakashi said, stepping back.
The word "dunce" echoed through Naruto's head, making him angry. He took out a kunai from his shuriken holster, spinning it in his hand as he rushed toward the silver-haired jonin, ready to attack. His assault failed at the last minute when Kakashi caught Naruto, spun him around, took the kunai from his hand, and pointed it at the back of his head.
"Not so fast. I didn't say 'Go' yet," Kakashi said calmly.
Rei stared, eyes wide with a smile playing on her lips. "Wow..."
"So this is a jonin..." Sasuke smirked.
"You did come at me with intent to kill, though. Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to like you four. Now, on your mark, get set..." The four genin bent their knees, ready to run. "...GO!" Simultaneously, all members of Team Seven scattered.
"The basis of all shinobi arts is to become invisible..." Kakashi took a look around the training area. "They seem to have that part down."
Sasuke was hidden behind Kakashi in a tree. Sakura was under a bush, and Rei was squatting behind two bushes in front of a tree. Naruto, on the other hand...
Rei almost facepalmed when she saw where he was.
"Alright, Old Man, let's fight fair and square!" came the voice of her impulsive best friend. Rei wanted to bash his head in. He clearly wasn't thinking at all. Kakashi just raised an eyebrow at his declaration.
"You know, compared to the others, you're a little bit weird," Kakashi said.
"Oh yeah!" Naruto exclaimed. "The only thing weird here is your haircut!" Naruto dashed forward but stopped, clearly having learned his lesson about going at such a high-level shinobi head-on.
Rei was far enough away to see Kakashi-sensei speak but unfortunately was just out of earshot. He reached into his hip-pouch and Rei tensed, feeling like she knew what was going to come next. Instead of him pulling out a weapon of some kind, he pulled out that familiar orange book.
He gestured for Naruto to come forward, but didn't take his eyes off his reading material. Rei rolled her eyes at the blatant disrespect but saw what Kakashi-sensei was going for. His insults, dismissiveness, everything was to rile up Naruto into making stupid mistakes that could've been avoided had he kept a cool head. He wanted to teach Naruto a lesson, probably in humility if she were to wager a guess.
She suddenly noticed Kakashi behind Naruto, making a single hand sign. "Is that the sign of the tiger?" Rei leaned in, trying to get a better look.
"Naruto, get out of there or he'll kill you!" Sakura yelled out.
"What?" Naruto turned, a panicked look on his face.
"Too late."
They all watched as Naruto jumped up into the air, holding his butt and falling into the lake after Kakashi jabbed him. Kakashi turned back to his book, only to have shuriken come out of the lake heading straight at him. He merely caught them all with ease, still completely absorbed in his book.
"That kind of strength isn't fair play! How are we supposed to beat him?" Sakura wondered as she eyed her teacher. "And he's still chuckling over his book. He's just toying with Naruto now."
Rei looked from Kakashi to the lake as she heard Naruto pull himself up to the surface, gasping for air. She sighed and leaned back against the tree, letting her head fall loosely forward. "Okay, so it's four genin against one jonin... but none of us have any of his prior training or experience!"
"...You're a one-trick pony who hasn't got what it takes to win!" Kakashi's voice reached Rei, who looked up only when she heard the bells ring. Quickly, she peeked through the bush only to see Naruto holding onto Kakashi's back, with a large number of clones surrounding the jonin. Her surprise only escalated upon realizing that all of Naruto's clones were solid and not mere illusions.
"Heh heh heh... nice to see you're back... sensei!" Suddenly, two clones grabbed hold of Kakashi's legs as the real Naruto jumped into the air. "Here's payback for what you did to my butt!"
"Wow! Naruto is good!" Sakura thought, impressed by her dimwitted teammate.
"That guy..." Sasuke smirked. "He used the art of misdirection. Feigning to distract the enemy before he struck somewhere else."
Kakashi looked up at Naruto, somewhat surprised. "Relax; this will only hurt for a minute!" Suddenly, Naruto's fist collided with...
"Naruto?" Rei almost fell forward, her mouth ajar.
Sasuke's smirk faded and Sakura gave off a confused look.
"Oww! Ow! Ow! Oww!" the clone that was hit whined, and in mere minutes the clones began to punch each other until the real Naruto dropped the jutsu, leaving him alone, bruises all over his face.
Rei's eyebrow twitched and she let out a soft groan. "Well, that settles it," she let her back hit the tree with a light 'thump'. "We're all useless when it comes to fighting this guy!" A leaf floated down onto her hair; lazily she plucked it out and turned it onto its side to better examine it.
---
Rei was thrown onto the ground, letting out a light cry of pain. "Lesson number one... teamwork!" Her mother, Saya, stood over her and her siblings, her presence commanding and fierce. Her older sister, Hana, crossed her arms defiantly, clearly unhappy about being included in the training, while her brother, Ryuuichi, practically bounced on his feet, excitement shining in his eyes.
"You need to work with your team when you're on missions. If you do everything by yourself, you'll get nothing done," Saya said, her voice firm but patient. She leaned down and picked the small girl up from the ground as her siblings listened intently. "You and your team may die, and the mission will be for nothing."
Rei looked at her mother, her mismatched-colored eyes blazing with frustration. "We get it! But why did you have to beat us up?" she whined, rubbing her sore butt. Her mother only smiled, her wild, long white hair blowing lazily in the breeze.
"Because you wouldn't have listened any other way. You rushed at me by yourself when you had two other ninja at your disposal for aid."
Hana, her arms still crossed, huffed. "Yeah, but why do I have to be dragged into this? I'm already good at teamwork."
Ryuuichi, ever the optimist, grinned. "Come on, Hana, it's fun! We get to train together and become stronger as a team!"
Hana rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile at her brother's enthusiasm. "Fine, but next time, try not to get us beaten up, Rei."
Rei pouted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I just wanted to prove I could handle it..."
Saya's expression softened slightly as she looked at her three children. "I'm not here to baby you," she said, her tone firm but loving. "I won't be there to protect you either. My job is to train you and make you stronger."
Ryuuichi stepped forward, his eyes shining with determination. "We'll get stronger together, right, Hana? Rei?"
Hana sighed but nodded, her resolve hardening. "Yeah, together."
Rei looked at her siblings, a newfound determination sparking within her. "Together," she echoed.
Saya smiled, satisfied with their responses. "Your team will always be there to help you. Once you understand that, you'll be unstoppable," she said before turning and walking towards the door of their house. "Training session over. Think about what I've told you."
As Saya disappeared into the house, the three siblings stood together, reflecting on their mother's words. Hana placed a hand on Rei's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure this out, Rei. We'll become the best team out there."
Ryuuichi nodded vigorously. "Yeah! And we'll show Mom that we can work together and be unstoppable!"
Rei smiled at her siblings, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, guys. Let's do this—together."
With their spirits lifted and their resolve strengthened, the three siblings walked back towards the house, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing they had each other to rely on.
---
Sighing, Rei let the leaf go and leaned her head against the tree. She thought back to the fight with Naruto and his clones against Kakashi. "If he managed to get a hold of Kakashi-sensei working only with his clones, then maybe… if I work with someone, we can take him down. Let's see... there are Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke." She inclined her head to the side. "Naruto is obviously not an option at the moment. Then there's Sakura... but first, I would have to convince her. Then there's Sasuke... he would be helpful, but he’s stubborn and will want to do it himself."
She sat up straight, looking determined. "Alright, whoever I find first is the one that I'll team up with." Rei dashed off deeper into the forest, her senses on high alert as she sought out her teammates. It wasn't long before she sensed someone close. She stepped forward and found the Uchiha heir, Sasuke, perched on a tree branch, observing the training ground below. She hesitated, about to open her mouth, but thought better of it and opted to look for Sakura instead. But just as she was about to leave, Sasuke turned to her, his expression impassive.
"What do you want?" His voice was still monotone but it held a slight softness to it, a rare glimpse of the boy she once knew.
Rei backed up slightly. "Ah... um..." She unconsciously began to play with her hitai-ate, looking anywhere but at the Uchiha before her. No use in hiding it now. She straightened up and turned to Sasuke. "We need to work together. If we don't then—"
"No thanks," he cut her off, turning his attention back to the training ground where Naruto was currently hanging upside down from a tree. She let her mouth fall open, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red, and clenched her fists while glaring daggers at the raven-haired ninja.
"If you think you can beat Kakashi-sensei by yourself, you've got another thing coming!" she whispered through gritted teeth. She should have known he was going to be a stubborn ass. In a sudden movement, she saw Sasuke throw kunai at Kakashi once he turned his back to him.
"WHOA! WHOA! Sasuke, you overdid it!" Naruto cried out, arms flailing wildly as their teacher hit the ground.
Sasuke smirked down at Kakashi with a self-satisfied look, while Rei's eyes widened in shock. She took another step back, her heart racing. "Uh-oh," she muttered under her breath. He turned to the girl behind him, only to see her vanish in an instant.
"What was that about?" Sasuke wondered, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He turned to watch his handiwork but found only a log in Kakashi's place.
"Over there, huh..." Kakashi's voice came from a tree, pinpointing Sasuke's location.
"He used a substitution again... and I just gave away my location! He deliberately acted like he was off guard and I fell for it!" Sasuke thought, cursing his own oversight. He rushed out of his hiding place, while Sakura did the same, her eyes scanning the area frantically for any sign of Kakashi.
Rei increased her speed, leaping from branch to branch until she landed on a high tree branch. She concentrated on the noises around her, trying to pick up any footsteps. When she heard none, she sighed in relief, her fists still tightly clenched. "This isn't working!" She thought angrily. "Stupid Sasuke and his ego, that good-for-nothing—"
An ear-piercing scream suddenly echoed through the forest, making her stiffen. "Sakura...?" she wondered, warily making her way toward the direction from which the scream came.
"The second ninjutsu art, Genjutsu, the art of illusion. And Sakura fell for it," Kakashi said, his voice calm and almost amused. Sasuke stiffened slightly as he heard Kakashi's voice behind him. "It would seem that Rei is making her way over to her teammate," he continued, flipping a page from his book. "Do you think she'll fall for the same genjutsu?"
"I don't know what she's capable of... but I do know that I'm not like them," Sasuke replied, his voice tinged with determination.
"Save your boasts until after you've got a bell, Sasuke," Kakashi said, attempting to imitate Sakura's voice.
---
"Sakura!" Rei rushed to her side, alarmed. "What happened to her?" she wondered, bending down and warily placing a hand on her shoulder. She quickly pulled back when she heard the sound of a rustling bush behind her. Her eyes widened at the sight. Sasuke was kneeling, heavily injured, and staring right at her.
"Re-Rei... please... help me..." he gasped, his voice filled with pain.
She gasped and lost her balance, falling back and nipping her lip in the process. "Ouch!" she whispered, wiping the small trickle of blood that dripped from her bottom lip. Looking back up, Sasuke was gone. "Where...?" She searched around her and found no one in sight. "Genjutsu!" she realized, turning to the pink-haired girl beside her and sweat-dropping. "Well, that explains a lot..."
Rei sighed as she watched her teammate sleep. As she reached to shake her awake, a bright red glow illuminated the forest to her left. "What was that?" She remained frozen in her spot until curiosity took over, leading her to Sasuke and Kakashi.
"Battle technique number three, ninjutsu," Kakashi squatted in front of Sasuke, who was buried from the neck down. "So far, you've done better than the rest... then again, I can't really say that since I haven't had a chance to face off against Rei," Kakashi said, turning in her direction.
With a sigh, Rei walked out from her hiding place. "Tempting as that sounds, I would rather not."
"Oh, come on, Rei, what do you have to lose?" Kakashi taunted playfully.
She glanced at Sasuke, who was still trapped. "My dignity..." she thought as she stepped over the threshold.
"Don't tell me that the great-granddaughter of the Second Hokage is scared," Kakashi teased.
"Now you're just taunting me, sensei."
"Tell you what, if you can at least top Sasuke, I won't taunt you again. But if you fail to deliver... well," he chuckled, "I seem to recall you saying that the honorific annoyed you."
"So I top Sasuke, then he won't tease me. But if I back down..." She looked over her teacher with narrowed eyes. "He'll make my life a living hell." Flipping out a kunai, she took a fighting stance. Her eyes changed to a bright pink while red markings appeared on her face. "You're on!"
Rei charged at him, vanishing just before she was to strike. Kakashi surveyed the area, searching for something off. "There!" He threw a kunai at a tree that faded and turned into Rei, who disappeared into smoke. "A clone?" He jumped as she swept his feet and caught the shuriken she had thrown at him. She jumped into the air and flipped one leg out, taking the form of a high heel kick. But he jumped out of the way, letting Rei hit the ground, creating a medium-sized crater. Smirking, she appeared behind the silver-haired jonin, aiming another kick at him. Kakashi caught it with ease, flipping over. Rei pulled on the bells, and before he could do anything to stop her, she aimed another kick at his head, causing him to release her in order to block it.
"What the...?" Kakashi looked down and saw that he only had two bells left. He looked up to see Rei holding a bell in front of her, smiling triumphantly.
"Looks like I win!"
"Not so fast, Rei." The girl gasped as he pinned her arm against her back, the bell falling to the ground.
"H-Hey!" Rei struggled as Kakashi grabbed her other arm and pulled it back. Quickly, she made a series of seals before settling on the last one. “Fire Style: Lion Fire Roar!” Rei gathered a large amount of fire chakra in her mouth and released it towards Kakashi. The roar took the shape of a ferocious lion’s face as it rushed towards him, causing him to release her.
Once the flames cleared, Rei took a look around, her heart pounding in her chest. Kakashi was nowhere in sight. Alarmed, she jumped back, searching for any sign of chakra. "Where...? Right... Left... Above... Below...?"
"Rei!" Sasuke called out a little too late.
She stiffened as she felt someone grab hold of her shoulder. "I don't think you'll find anyone down there." She quickly clasped her hands together to form more seals, but Kakashi was faster and performed a seal of his own. Rei’s arms fell limply to her sides, her eyes became dazed, and her head fell forward. "Genjutsu is not her forte," Kakashi stated, holding her by the shoulder.
Sasuke watched as Kakashi picked the ten-year-old up and propped her against a tree, tying her to it. He placed a hand on her forehead, forming a seal with the other. "Release!"
"Wh-What?" Rei groaned and tried to touch her head but found that she was bound to a tree. She glared up at her sensei. "That wasn't fair! I had the bell!"
Kakashi shrugged. "I never said that I wouldn't take it back from you. But in the end, you did manage to do better than Sasuke. You did good, Rei." He ruffled her hair and stood up. "Well, I better go check up on Naruto now." Both genin watched as their sensei began to walk away.
"Wait, you're just going to leave us here?" Rei called out, but Kakashi did not turn back.
"I'm sure you'll find a way to get yourselves out," he waved before disappearing.
"Come on!" she screamed, trying to get herself loose.
"There's no point in that. We're stuck, so quit your whining," Sasuke said, looking off to the side.
"Oh, shut up! At least I got a bell!"
"Hn."
She tried to get loose again but only ended up getting scratched by the rope. "Ow..."
Sasuke looked over at her and glared when she started up again. "Will you stop that!"
"Deal with it! Besides, I'm not doing anything to you!" Both shinobi glared at one another until they heard a bush rustling.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the clearing where the three young ninjas found themselves. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, filling the air with a soft whisper, as if nature itself was holding its breath in anticipation. The scene was serene, yet charged with the tension of the task that lay before them.
Their pink-haired teammate, Sakura, stepped into the clearing, her expression a cocktail of confusion and apprehension. Her wide eyes darted around, taking in the chaotic tableau before her. Sasuke, buried up to his neck in the earth, looked up with a mixture of annoyance and relief. "Sakura?" he called out, his voice carrying a hint of desperation.
Sakura's eyes locked onto Sasuke's head, her face paling as realization dawned. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she opened her mouth to scream, the sound piercing the tranquil afternoon like a knife. "It's Sasuke's decapitated head!" she shrieked, her voice echoing through the clearing. The world seemed to tilt beneath her feet, and before either of her teammates could react, she crumpled to the ground in a faint.
Sasuke let out a deep sigh, his disappointment palpable as he muttered, "And that's our teammate."
Rei, who had been watching the scene unfold with growing frustration, called out to the unconscious Sakura. "Oh come on! Sakura, wake up! Get us out of here!" She tugged at the ropes binding her wrists, her irritation bubbling over into desperation. Her mind raced, searching for a solution, until an idea sparked to life. With a determined glint in her eyes, she focused intently, feeling her nails elongate into sharp claws.
The ropes, once formidable, now seemed fragile under her makeshift blades. She sawed through them with swift precision, the fibers snapping one by one until she was finally free. She rubbed her sore wrists and surveyed the clearing, her gaze landing on Sakura's prone form and Sasuke's predicament. Despite the circumstances, a small smile tugged at her lips. At least she wasn't stuck in a hole.
"Well, hello there," Rei teased, sauntering over to Sasuke with a playful grin.
"Rei," Sasuke replied, his tone a mixture of irritation and relief. He averted his gaze, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. It was rare to see him flustered, and Rei relished the sight.
"So, what's up?" she asked, her voice light and knowing.
Sasuke hesitated, pride warring with necessity. "R-Rei, you're the only one that's awake, so..." His voice trailed off, barely a whisper.
"I can't hear you," Rei teased, cupping her hand to her ear in mock drama.
"Please help me," he mumbled, his pride taking a visible hit.
Rei couldn't help but smile, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. "Since you asked so nicely, I'll get you out of this," she chuckled. A few minutes later, Sasuke was freed from his earthy prison, brushing dirt off his clothes with mild annoyance.
"This girl..." he thought, shaking his head as he glanced at Rei.
"Come on, Sakura, wake up! Wakey wakey!" Rei coaxed, kneeling beside their unconscious teammate. Sasuke stood nearby, his impatience barely concealed.
After a few moments of gentle shaking, Sakura began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked at the scene around her. Relief flooded her features as she spotted Sasuke, and she lunged at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. "You're okay!" she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.
"Hey, cut it out!" Sasuke protested, his cheeks reddening further as he tried to extricate himself from her grasp. Rei's laughter rang through the clearing, the sound bright and infectious.
"Let go, Sakura!" Sasuke insisted, his voice growing more exasperated.
Eventually, Sakura released him, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry, Sasuke," she mumbled, her gaze dropping to the ground.
Sasuke straightened, determination hardening his features. "I've got to get a bell before lunch," he declared, his voice resolute. "That doesn't leave much time."
Sakura's eyes widened with admiration and worry. "Sasuke, you're still trying to get one of those bells?" she asked, her voice tinged with awe.
"A while ago, I touched one," Sasuke admitted, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "Next time, I'll get it."
Sakura's heart swelled with admiration, though inside, her thoughts were a tempest of panic. I can't believe it! He touched one of the bells! I'll never get my hands on one of those things! Which means that Sasuke will pass and I won't! And we'll be separated forever! No, no, no! Inner Sakura's voice echoed her despair, the thought of failing unbearable.
Rei, observing the exchange, spoke up, her voice calm yet tinged with relief. "You touched one? That's good," she said, meeting Sasuke's gaze. "So he was close, that's good," she thought.
Sasuke shifted his attention to Rei, his curiosity piqued. "What about you?" he inquired.
Rei pouted slightly, recalling her near success. "I had it in my hands," she admitted, her voice laced with frustration. "But Kakashi caught me in a genjutsu and took it back."
"Uh, it's almost lunch," Sakura said, her voice heavy with resignation. "There's not much time left, so maybe we should just give up and try again next year."
Sasuke shot her a withering glare, turning away in frustration. But before the tension could settle, Rei's eyes lit up with realization. "Ah! Guys!" she exclaimed, excitement bubbling over. "I realized something just now!"
Sasuke and Sakura turned to her, curiosity piqued. "It's not about the bells! It's something about this survival exercise!" Rei began, her excitement contagious. "I think it's about team—"
Her words were abruptly cut off by the shrill sound of the alarm, signaling that time was up. The realization hit them like a wave, washing away their hopes.
"We wasted time! Thanks a lot, Rei!" Sakura snapped, her frustration boiling over.
"It's not my fault! I'm not the one who kept fainting everywhere!" Rei shot back, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. Tears pricked her eyes, but she forced them back. Ninjas don't cry when they're angry, she reminded herself, steeling her resolve for whatever challenge lay ahead.
The three young ninjas trudged back to their original meeting place, the weight of their frustration hanging heavily in the air. The path was lined with towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind as if mocking the trio's recent failure. The ground beneath their feet was uneven, scattered with fallen leaves and twigs that crunched underfoot, adding to the somber symphony of the forest.
Sasuke walked with his usual calm demeanor, yet the scrapes and bruises that marred his skin betrayed the intensity of the training. His dark eyes were focused and unyielding, masking the simmering frustration beneath his stoic facade. Beside him, Naruto was tied to a post, his vibrant orange outfit standing out starkly against the muted greens and browns of the forest. Though physically unharmed, his face was a canvas of visible annoyance, his eyes narrowed in defiance.
Kakashi stood before them, his posture relaxed yet exuding a commanding presence that seemed to draw the very air around him in deference. His single visible eye glinted with an inscrutable mix of amusement and authority. "Well… You didn't manage to take these bells from me," he began, his voice calm and measured, carrying the weight of the lesson yet to be unveiled. He turned his back to the squad, a light, vibrating hum escaping his lips, as if contemplating some private joke.
Despite their fatigue, Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke perked up at his words, their curiosity piqued and a flicker of hope kindling in their chests. Sakura's face brightened with a fragile hope, her voice a soft murmur of disbelief. "We passed..?" she whispered to herself, a mix of relief and incredulity coloring her tone. "..Wow.. Ha..Haha.. All I did was faint.."
Rei, standing a little apart from the others, eyed Kakashi with heavy suspicion. Her instincts told her that something was amiss, that this reprieve was not as simple as it seemed. Her suspicion was soon confirmed as Kakashi continued.
"I never said I was passing you," he clarified, his tone turning icy, cutting through their burgeoning hope like a blade. "E-Eh?" Sakura stammered, her confusion deepening, her earlier excitement swiftly replaced by uncertainty and fear. "B-But you said—"
"I said I changed my mind about sending you back to the academy," Kakashi reiterated, turning to face them with a chilling intensity in his visible eye. "Instead… I'm having the four of you permanently removed from the program!"
"You can't do that!" Naruto shouted, his voice full of desperation as he kicked his feet and flailed against his bindings, the ropes biting into his skin.
"Not only can I, but I am," Kakashi replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Do you even understand the point of this examination?"
"To get the bells...? T-To prove we can be ninjas?" Naruto offered, his voice uncertain, the bravado in his eyes dimming.
At that moment, Sasuke lunged at Kakashi, his fierce determination burning in his gaze like a flame refusing to be extinguished. But Kakashi moved with the fluid grace of a seasoned warrior, countering effortlessly and pinning Sasuke to the ground. Sasuke lay on his stomach, Kakashi’s knee pressing into the back of his head while his arm was twisted painfully behind him, the earth beneath him cold and unyielding.
"You think it's all about you?" Kakashi said, his voice cold and stern, cutting through Sasuke's defiance like a razor.
"Let go of Sasuke! You can't step on him like he's some bug!" Sakura exclaimed, her voice trembling with both anger and fear, her fists clenched at her sides.
"You don't know what it means to be a ninja," Kakashi retorted, his tone unforgiving, the weight of his words pressing down on them like a heavy shroud. "You think it's a game, huh? Why do you think we put you on squads? Did you think about that for a moment?"
"I-I don't understand what you mean," Sakura replied, her voice laced with desperation, her mind struggling to piece together the puzzle laid before them.
"I mean, you never came to the conclusion of what this training is all about. Not even close… Well, one of you did," Kakashi said, his gaze flicking briefly to Rei, acknowledging the glimmer of understanding in her eyes.
"That's what determines if you pass or fail."
Sakura, her voice wavering, dared to ask the question that had been gnawing at her mind. "I wanted to ask you that from the beginning," she admitted, her words a plea for understanding.
"Use your head. Three people or four on a squad—why do you think we would do that?" Kakashi asked, his voice demanding clarity, the lesson hanging in the balance.
Rei, feeling the tension in the air, spoke up, her voice steady despite the swirling emotions around them. "It's teamwork, right?" she interjected, the realization settling into the air like a balm.
"That's right, Rei, but it's too late," Kakashi said, his voice softening slightly, a hint of regret threading through his words as the reality of their situation settled over them like a shadow.
The clearing was bathed in the golden glow of the late afternoon sun, casting long shadows that danced across the ground as the wind rustled through the trees. The air was thick with tension, a tangible force that seemed to envelop the young ninjas as they faced their mentor, Kakashi. His presence was commanding, his posture relaxed yet his words sharp as daggers.
"If all four of you had come at me together, you might have been able to take the bells," Kakashi stated, his voice calm and measured, yet carrying the weight of a lesson learned too late.
Sakura's brow furrowed in thought, her mind racing as the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. Her face lit up with sudden understanding, the realization dawning upon her like the rising sun. "But you set it up with four people and only three bells," she said, her voice tinged with both clarity and frustration. "Even if we did work together, only three of us could get a bell. The last one wouldn't have one, which would lead to group conflict and the squad would break up."
"Exactly," Kakashi confirmed, nodding slightly. "I purposely pitted you against each other. I wanted to see if you could overcome that and put the squad ahead of yourselves. A genin should have a natural feel for teamwork, but it never even crossed your minds."
Kakashi's gaze swept over them, his words cutting like a blade as he addressed each of their failings. "Sakura, you obsessed about Sasuke and ignored Naruto, who was right in front of you and needed help. Naruto, you tried to do everything on your own. Sasuke, you thought everyone else was beneath you and worthless. And Rei," his eyes settled on her, "you figured out what this test was about, but you didn’t even try to work with any of them, which would complicate the mission."
The forest seemed to hold its breath, the silence stretching as Kakashi's words sank in. The young ninjas stood rooted to the spot, their emotions a turbulent mix of shame, anger, and realization.
"Ninja missions are carried out in squads," Kakashi continued, his voice grave, the seriousness of his message underscored by the somber environment. "Of course, you need individual skills, but teamwork is absolutely crucial. Every shinobi understands this. When individuals put themselves over the squad, it can lead to failure or worse… death."
To drive his point home, Kakashi pulled out a kunai, the weapon gleaming ominously in the fading light. He placed the tip against Sasuke's throat, the sharp edge a chilling reminder of the stakes they faced. "For example… Sakura! Kill Naruto now, or Sasuke will die!"
Rei, Naruto, and Sakura were paralyzed with fear, their hearts pounding in their chests like drums of war. The seriousness of his command hung heavy in the air, a suffocating presence that seemed to freeze time itself. But just as quickly as the threat had materialized, Kakashi withdrew the weapon, the tension dissipating like mist in the morning sun. They sighed in relief, the air rushing from their lungs in a collective exhale.
"That's what happens on a mission," Kakashi said, his tone softening but still laced with gravity. "The enemy takes a hostage, and you have an impossible choice. Someone ends up dead. On every mission, your life is on the line."
Sasuke’s face was buried in the grass, his scowl hidden but no less fierce. His pride stung, his anger a simmering flame waiting to ignite. Kakashi finally released him, allowing him to rise, much to everyone's relief. The moment passed, but the lesson lingered, a shadow that would follow them long after the sun had set.
Rei watched as Sasuke slowly rose to his feet, ensuring he was unscathed from the ordeal. Her concern eased, her gaze drifted to Kakashi, who stood solemnly beside a dark stone monument. This was the very spot where their lunches had been placed, now mysteriously absent, and the stone bore the names of the fallen—shinobi who had given their lives, including her own parents and siblings. The weight of that reality tightened her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes, catching Sasuke’s attention. He followed her line of sight, as did Naruto and Sakura, their curiosity piqued by Kakashi's somber demeanor.
"Hey… What is that?" Naruto asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity as he strained against his bindings to get a closer look.
"This is the stone that holds the names of some of the greatest shinobi that ever lived. The names of some of my closest friends are engraved here," Kakashi replied, his voice carrying a quiet reverence that seemed to amplify the stillness of the clearing.
"WOW! I WANT MY NAME TO BE THERE TOO, DATTEBAYO!" Naruto exclaimed, his usual exuberance momentarily overshadowed by the solemnity of the moment.
Rei, now standing just a few feet from Kakashi, stared intently at the stone, her eyes tracing the familiar engravings. The silence stretched as she processed the weight of the memories and losses etched into the stone.
Kakashi turned his head to face Naruto specifically, his expression softening. "They're all… K-I-A." The words hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those whose names were immortalized in stone.
Gasps escaped from Sakura and Naruto, the reality of their sensei's words settling in like a cold shiver.
"I know this stone," Rei's voice broke the silence, soft yet clear enough to capture the attention of her teammates and their sensei. She moved closer, her fingers brushing against the cool surface of the stone, tracing the letters with a gentle reverence. She paused at one corner, where familiar names stood out amidst the others.
"…What is it, Rei?" Naruto asked hesitantly, his voice laced with concern and empathy.
"My mom and dad are on here… so are my siblings," Rei admitted, her voice quivering with the raw emotion of the revelation. The air around them seemed to grow heavier as Sakura and Naruto exchanged a look of shared understanding and silent support for their teammate.
The atmosphere shifted slightly, the somber weight lifting just enough for Kakashi-sensei to speak again, his tone carrying a hint of promise. "Alright, I'll give you one more chance."
Rei's eyes widened with renewed hope, the light returning to her gaze. She straightened, her resolve strengthening with each passing second.
"But," Kakashi continued, "I'm going to make it much harder on you. You'll have three hours to get a bell. Eat lunch now to gather up your strength, but you aren't allowed to give Naruto any."
Kakashi approached a grumbling Naruto, who remained tied to the post, his frustration evident in his furrowed brow. "It's your punishment for trying to eat before everyone. And if anyone tries to feed him, that person will immediately fail."
Lunch was an interesting affair the group settled down in a small clearing, surrounded by towering trees that whispered secrets to the wind. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The aroma of their bento boxes mingled with the earthy scent of the woods, creating a comforting yet bittersweet ambience.
Rei, Sasuke, and Sakura began eating, savoring the flavors of their meals. The air was filled with the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of a distant bird. But amidst the tranquility, Naruto's stomach growled loudly, a stark reminder of his predicament. Tied to the post with ropes that dug into his skin, he hung his head low, his usual spirited demeanor replaced by visible fatigue. "Urk..." Naruto muttered, his voice barely more than a whisper. "So hungry..."
Rei glanced at him, feeling a pang of sympathy twist in her chest. She had been wise enough to ignore Kakashi's advice about skipping breakfast, so her hunger was manageable. But as she watched Naruto, she could only imagine the torment of smelling the delicious food without being able to taste even a crumb. Her heart ached to share her meal with him, hoping it would offer some relief. Yet, Kakashi's stern warning echoed in her mind: "If anyone feeds Naruto, they will fail." No matter how much empathy she felt, the risk of sabotaging her future career loomed large.
Another loud, thunderous rumble from Naruto's stomach seemed to argue otherwise, resonating with her internal conflict. Her resolve began to waver. 'Okay... Kakashi-sensei did leave... maybe just a nibble...' she thought, reaching for her lunchbox. But as she prepared to stand, she noticed Sasuke already moving toward Naruto, his expression a mix of reluctance and resolve.
"Here, Loser..." Sasuke held out his lunch toward the blonde-haired ninja, his tone begrudging yet unexpectedly kind.
"Sasuke! You can't! You heard what Kakashi-sensei said, you'll be failed!" Sakura interjected, her voice laced with urgency and concern. Her words mirrored the very dilemma that had plagued Rei's thoughts.
But Sasuke remained unfazed. "Kakashi-sensei isn't here right now," he whispered, his eyes fierce with determination. His words seemed to resonate with Sakura, and she hesitated for a moment before rising and offering her own lunchbox toward Naruto.
Rei watched the scene unfold, a light blush creeping over her cheeks as admiration for her teammates blossomed within her. The bonds they were forging in this moment transcended the fear of failure, and she felt a surge of warmth and respect for Sasuke's unexpected act of kindness. As she joined them, offering her own meal to Naruto, the clearing seemed to hum with a quiet sense of unity and camaraderie, the kind that could only be born from shared struggles and selfless decisions.
The forest clearing was alive with the sounds of nature, the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds creating a serene backdrop to the moment unfolding. Who knew Sasuke had a side like this? Rei certainly did, but she never expected to see a glimpse of her childhood friend emerge so unexpectedly. Her heart swelled with pride as she watched him defy expectations. 'Good job, Sasuke...' she thought, feeling a renewed sense of camaraderie.
With a sense of solidarity, Rei stepped forward, holding out her own lunch toward Naruto. The sun caught the edge of her bento box, casting a warm glow over the moment. "Here, Naruto. We can’t let you starve," she said, her voice filled with quiet determination.
Naruto's eyes widened, his usual bravado replaced by genuine surprise and gratitude. "Guys... thank you..." he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken appreciation.
But just as they were about to share their meal with him, a puff of smoke erupted nearby, and Kakashi appeared, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. The sudden appearance sent a ripple through the group, tension crackling in the air.
"Well, well, look at this," Kakashi remarked, his tone neutral but carrying an unmistakable edge. "I told you not to feed Naruto, and yet here you are, disobeying my orders."
Rei's heart pounded in her chest, yet she stood her ground, meeting Kakashi's gaze with unwavering resolve. "We can't let our teammate go hungry. We need him at full strength if we're going to take the bells," she declared, her voice steady and sure.
For a moment, silence hung between them, the forest holding its breath. Then, Kakashi's eye crinkled in what might have been a smile, the subtle shift in his demeanor hinting at approval. "You all... pass."
"Pass?" the trio echoed in unison, disbelief and relief coloring their voices.
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed, his voice warm with approval. "You finally understood the true meaning of the exercise: teamwork. You put the needs of your teammate above the rules, which is exactly what you should do in a real mission. A ninja must look out for their comrades, even if it means bending the rules."
Relief washed over Rei, Sasuke, and Sakura, a collective sigh escaping them as the weight of the test lifted. They exchanged glances, a newfound sense of unity forming between them. They were more than just individuals; they were a team, ready to face whatever challenges the future held.
Naruto, now freed from his bindings, stretched with a wide grin, his usual exuberance returning full force. "Thanks, guys. We did it!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with infectious joy.
Rei returned his smile, her heart light with the knowledge that they had succeeded together. "Yeah, we did. Together."
As they finished their lunch, the bond between the four solidified, an unbreakable promise of support and friendship. They knew that, no matter what lay ahead, they could count on each other. And in that moment, they took their first step toward becoming true ninjas, the path paved with trust and shared resolve. The forest seemed to echo their silent vow, the whispering leaves a testament to the strength of their unity.