Chapter 5: Kakashi's Trial
Kakashi led the new team to the rooftop of the Academy, where the view of the village stretched wide beneath them. With his usual lazy tone, he began his introduction: "My name is Hatake Kakashi. I have no particular likes or dislikes. My hobbies… well, I have a few. As for my dreams… I've never really thought about it." Behind his mask and half-lidded Sharingan eye, his indifferent expression gave away nothing.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto! I like practicing all kinds of ninjutsu, and I don't dislike much. My dream is to surpass all the previous Hokage and become a Hokage even stronger than the Fourth!" Naruto declared proudly, eyes blazing.
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke," Sasuke said coldly. "There's nothing I particularly like. But there are many things I hate. My dream… is to kill a certain man and restore my clan." His words made even Kakashi raise an eyebrow.
"My name is Ye Ying," said the last member, glancing at Naruto and Sasuke with a grin. "I like watching strong rivals compete. I hate people with thick eyebrows… My dream is—" Before he could finish, Kakashi gave an exaggerated sigh, a sweat drop forming on his temple. "This team is going to give me a headache," he muttered.
After the introductions, Kakashi briefed them about their survival test scheduled for the next morning. "Only those who pass my test will truly become genin," he said. "Those who fail will be sent back to the Academy." Sakura gasped, and even Sasuke frowned. Kakashi's single visible eye curved slightly as he added, "Meet me at Training Ground Three at five in the morning. Don't eat breakfast—or you'll throw up." With that cryptic warning, he dismissed them.
Even though Naruto suspected Kakashi would be late, he still arrived before dawn, dragging a sleepy Sasuke and Sakura with him. True to his usual preparedness, Naruto brought breakfast. After waiting for more than two hours and seeing no sign of their teacher, Naruto shared his food with the others. Sakura looked at him with admiration.
"As expected of Naruto," she said softly. "You even thought to bring something to eat."
Naruto grinned and puffed his chest. "Heh, a real ninja always prepares for every situation. That's basic survival training from the Academy!" Seeing Sakura's approving look, Naruto's heart leapt. He thought triumphantly that maybe he was finally making progress with her.
When Kakashi finally appeared—long after sunrise—his expression darkened as he saw the wrappers and empty containers scattered around. "Hmm. Seems some of you didn't follow orders," he said mildly, but his tone carried a sharp edge. Then he held up two small bells that jingled faintly in the breeze. "Your task is simple. Take these bells from me before noon. Those who fail… go without lunch, and back to the Academy. Also—come at me with the intent to kill."
As Kakashi spoke, Naruto's mind was already racing. Even with all my training—tree climbing, water walking, and shadow clone practice—I've barely fought a real jonin before. I can't expose the Flying Thunder God Technique yet, but if I underestimate him, I'll be humiliated. He knew Kakashi's real purpose was to test their teamwork, but his pride as a ninja—and as Sasuke's rival—wouldn't let him look weak.
"Nobody here can beat Kakashi alone," Naruto whispered, pulling Sakura and Sasuke aside. "If we want any chance, we have to fight together."
Normally, Sasuke would've scoffed at the idea, but because Naruto had proven himself capable—someone whose skill rivaled his own—he nodded curtly. "Fine. We'll cooperate. For now."
Sakura frowned. "But there are only two bells. Even if we work together, one of us will still fail."
Naruto smiled confidently. "That's not something we need to worry about until we win. Right now, we focus on teamwork." Sakura hesitated, then nodded in agreement.
After their quick discussion, Kakashi announced the start of the test. The three immediately disappeared into the trees. Kakashi, unbothered, pulled out his worn orange book—Icha Icha Paradise—and began reading leisurely.
"Shadow Clone Technique!" Naruto's shout broke the silence. Ten Narutos burst from the bushes, charging headlong toward Kakashi. Normally, Kakashi wouldn't have cared—Shadow Clone was the same jutsu Naruto used to pass the graduation exam—but his eyes widened slightly when he saw the clones moving in perfect coordination. Their attacks were fast, their taijutsu sharp. These movements… not bad. This level is already near a chunin's physical ability, Kakashi thought, dodging and countering with effortless precision.
Still holding his book open with one hand, Kakashi blocked a kick and muttered under his breath, "This kid's growth rate is absurd."
(End of chapter 5)