Chapter 41: Team Assignments
Never underestimate Konoha's intelligence network.
In the world of ninjas, information is everything. At least, in the early and middle stages of battle, that holds completely true.
As the number one militaristic force in the ninja world, Konoha's intelligence capabilities were second to none.
Even though Sakura didn't want to admit it, she had to acknowledge that Shimura Danzō—that underhanded old fox—was doing a fine job in the shadows.
After all, he wasn't called the "Darkness of the Shinobi" for nothing.
He might not have been able to uncover Orochimaru's secrets, but he certainly wasn't clueless about suspicious activity. If he were truly that blind, then he wouldn't even deserve his current position.
"I understand."
Sakura's tone grew a bit more serious, her eyes reflecting her shifting thoughts.
Kakashi saw that Sakura was finally taking things seriously and didn't say anything further.
Things had already progressed to this point. Even if neither he nor Sakura liked how things were turning out, it was already a done deal. Complaining wouldn't change anything now.
"The team assignments are finished down below," he said casually. "Want to come down and take a look?"
"I'm sure Naruto will be thrilled to see you."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow slightly as he sensed the commotion from the classroom downstairs.
"…"
Sakura was still tangled up with her concerns about Naruto, and now Kakashi was poking right at her sore spot. He really knew how to say the most annoying things at the worst moments.
"Forget it. You go ahead. Just don't keep me waiting too long."
Waving her hand dismissively, Sakura sighed, looking a little troubled.
Kakashi glanced at her one more time before he left. There was a silent sigh in his heart.
He knew perfectly well what Hiruzen Sarutobi was trying to do.
But frankly, that plan didn't stand a chance.
Anyone with eyes could tell that Sakura didn't like Naruto that way. It wasn't even close. Kakashi could tell just by observing her behavior.
The way she looked after Naruto was more like an older sister caring for her younger brother—genuine, but platonic.
Because of Sakura's presence, Kakashi didn't even bother going to the Konoha Memorial Stone to mourn his lost youth.
Instead, he headed straight to gather his team.
The Sixth and Eighth teams hadn't even been taken away by Kurenai Yuhi or Asuma Sarutobi yet, but Kakashi was already there to collect Team Seven.
Footsteps echoed on the staircase leading to the rooftop.
"Sensei, who's our third teammate?"
"Iruka-sensei was being super secretive about it."
"It was so weird!"
"Is it going to be someone violent and scary?!"
Before the others even appeared, Sakura already heard Naruto's loud and energetic voice echoing from the stairwell.
Even meeting Kakashi for the first time, Naruto acted as if they were old pals. A classic case of social overdrive.
"Naruto, I'm not some kind of violent maniac."
Sakura stood up and waved to Naruto with a slight smirk.
The moment Naruto saw her, his expression shifted from confusion to stunned shock—and then exploded into absolute joy.
"Sakura!"
He practically launched himself at her, ready to give her a big, heartfelt hug.
But—
A pale, slender finger pressed against the Konoha forehead protector on his head, stopping him dead in his tracks.
Even so, Naruto's enthusiasm didn't fade in the slightest.
He began circling around Sakura, practically vibrating with excitement as he shouted:
"I can't believe you're my teammate, Sakura!"
"Yes!"
"Ino's gonna be so jealous!"
"Ahahahahaha!"
Watching Naruto bounce around like a kid on too much sugar, Sakura could only facepalm helplessly.
Then she turned her gaze toward Sasuke, who was standing beside Kakashi. His eyes were fixed on her, filled with battle intent.
Sakura extended her hand to him and said softly:
"It's been a while, Sasuke."
Sasuke looked at her, took her hand in his own, and responded in a low, intense voice:
"Yeah, it has."
"Wanna have a spar later?"
Sakura gave him a slight smile and replied:
"Sorry, I'm not free."
…
Sasuke's face twitched slightly at the blunt rejection.
"Alright, alright, old classmates can catch up later," Kakashi interjected quickly, stepping in to stop the awkwardness. He was also giving Sasuke a graceful exit.
"Tch…"
Sasuke didn't argue. He simply turned away and sat on the steps in silence.
Sakura followed and sat down as well.
"Okay then," Kakashi said, glancing at all three of them. "This is our first official meeting, so let's start with some introductions."
"Introductions?" Naruto tilted his head in confusion.
"Yeah," Kakashi explained casually, "Your name, hobbies, favorite food, your dreams—anything you want to share."
He raised one finger and smiled. Then his eyes flicked over to Sakura, who was sitting with her cheek resting on her hand, watching him like he was giving a performance.
A cold bead of sweat slid down Kakashi's temple.
He felt a little… pressured.
"I'll go first, as an example," Kakashi said, regaining his composure.
"Hatake Kakashi, 27 years old."
"My hobbies… there are many. Favorite foods… also a lot. My dream… well, I have a few~"
"Alright, that's it."
Naruto blinked.
"Wait, all we got from that was your name?"
"Don't overthink it," Kakashi waved dismissively. "Next."
His eyes fell on Sakura.
Come on, give me a little face here, Little Auntie.
As if reading his thoughts, Sakura cleared her throat and spoke:
"Haruno Sakura, twelve years old."
"My hobby is tasting delicious food. My favorite is dumplings. As for my dream… I think I've already achieved it."
Kakashi's thoughts stirred at those words.
Already achieved it?
Was she just being perfunctory like him, or was there something more behind those words?
"Eh? Sakura, you like tasting food?"
Naruto's eyes sparkled. "Then I'll work hard and learn how to cook!"
Sakura: ...
That's really not necessary.
She didn't need her pinky to guess what Naruto was really aiming for here. It wasn't about food.
"Hey, hey, hey! It's my turn now!" Naruto shouted excitedly, jumping up to his feet.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto! Twelve years old!"
"My hobby is eating Ichiraku Ramen—but now I want to learn cooking too!"
Sakura's face went expressionless.
"My dream is to become Hokage!"
"I'll become the greatest Hokage in history, surpassing all the others!"
Kakashi smiled as he listened to Naruto's declaration.
"That's a great dream," he said. "But becoming Hokage is no easy path."
"Still… I hope you make it."
Although your biggest rival is sitting right next to you.
After letting Naruto sit back down, Kakashi turned to the last member: Uchiha Sasuke.
Sasuke, as usual, wore a cold, stoic expression as he said:
"Uchiha Sasuke."
"No hobbies. No favorite foods."
"My one and only dream…"
"…is to kill that man."
Kakashi's face grew a little heavier as he stared at the boy.
Compared to Sakura and Naruto, this one was by far the most concerning.
But Kakashi, having experienced similar pain, could understand him—at least a little.
"Alright," Kakashi stood up, his tone turning serious as he looked at Naruto and Sasuke. "Tomorrow, I'll be giving the two of you a special test."
"If you fail, you're going back to the academy."
His sudden change in tone caught Naruto and Sasuke completely off guard.
"Wait—what about Sakura?" Naruto asked instinctively.
"Sakura has already spent four years proving she's a competent ninja," Kakashi replied calmly. "So the test is just for the two of you."
"Be ready. And remember—don't eat breakfast."
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(End of Chapter)