Chapter 5: Kakashi's TrialKakashi led the three of them to a quiet training ground with a broad view. Standing before them with his hands in his pockets, he gave his usual laid-back introduction. "I'm Hatake Kakashi. I have no intention of telling you what I like or dislike. As for dreams… well, I have a lot of hobbies."
Naruto grinned and went next. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. I like ramen and all kinds of ninjutsu. I don't really hate anything in particular. My dream is to become an even greater Hokage than any before me!"
Sasuke spoke in his usual cold tone. "Uchiha Sasuke. I don't like much of anything. I hate a lot of things. My goal is to kill a certain man and revive the Uchiha Clan."
When it was Sakura's turn, she glanced between Naruto and Sasuke, blushed, and said, "I'm Haruno Sakura. The person I like is—" She trailed off shyly, but Kakashi immediately sweat-dropped. 'Oh boy. Typical.'
With introductions complete, Kakashi told them about the real test they would face the next day. "Only those who pass my bell test will officially become genin. Those who fail will be sent back to the Academy." His words shocked Sakura and Sasuke—neither had expected to still face expulsion. Kakashi's last instruction was sharp: "Be at Training Ground Three by five in the morning. And don't eat breakfast—you'll just throw it up." With that, he disappeared.
Even though Naruto knew from his memories that Kakashi would be hours late, he still arrived at the training ground with Sasuke and Sakura before dawn. This time, however, Naruto came prepared—he brought breakfast. After two hours of waiting, Naruto casually unwrapped rice balls and snacks, and surprisingly, both Sasuke and Sakura ate with him. Sakura glanced at Naruto admiringly. "You're always prepared, Naruto."
Naruto smiled coolly. "A true ninja is always ready. The Academy taught us: survival includes managing your strength."
Sakura's eyes softened. Naruto could tell she was starting to look at him differently. He inwardly smirked. 'Progress.'
Eventually, Kakashi finally appeared, nonchalantly noting the food wrappers on the ground. His visible eye curved in amusement. "Hmph… looks like someone didn't follow instructions. But let's move on. Your task is simple: take these two bells from me by noon. Whoever doesn't get a bell… fails."
Kakashi's voice grew sharper. "Use any means necessary. Come at me as if you mean to kill."
Naruto immediately analyzed the situation. 'Even with my progress, Kakashi's a veteran jonin. Beating him without exposing the Flying Thunder God is nearly impossible. But this test is about teamwork. I can't afford to lose face here.'
He quickly gathered Sasuke and Sakura. "None of us can take him alone. We need teamwork."
Sasuke, who respected Naruto's strength and recognized him as a true rival, nodded without hesitation. Even Sakura, though confused about the bell issue, agreed after Naruto calmly said, "Let's worry about the bells after we've worked together to force an opening."
The plan in place, they hid themselves. Kakashi, as usual, pulled out his Icha Icha Paradise and leisurely flipped through it. At his signal, the test began.
With a sharp call of "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!", ten Naruto clones burst from the trees, charging Kakashi. The jonin smirked, unimpressed—until he was forced to actually block and dodge a barrage of well-coordinated taijutsu strikes. Kakashi's expression briefly tightened. 'These aren't normal Academy-level moves… this kid's physical skills are near Chūnin level.'
But experience prevailed. Kakashi vanished with Kawarimi no Jutsu (Substitution Jutsu), escaping into the trees. Yet before he could regroup, a clone located him and hurled a barrage of shuriken, forcing him into the open.
Kakashi muttered, "Not bad." But the real surprise came next.
One of the clones dropped its disguise—it was Sasuke, weaving hand seals. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!) A massive flame roared towards Kakashi. The jonin's single eye widened in surprise. 'Sasuke can already use the Great Fireball? At this age?'
Kakashi quickly used Doton: Shinju Zanshu no Jutsu (Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu) to disappear underground. Sasuke, remembering Naruto's pre-battle advice, immediately leapt away. At the same time, one of Naruto's clones—transformed to look like Sakura—smashed the ground where Kakashi had been about to surface.
Feeling the tremor, Kakashi instinctively retreated into the trees, planning a counterattack. But just as he prepared to move, something blurred past him. The next thing he knew, one of the bells was gone.
"Nani?" Kakashi turned sharply to find Naruto standing behind him, smiling and holding the bell between two fingers. The jonin's eye narrowed. 'That wasn't a clone… it's the real one.'
In that moment, Kakashi realized: Naruto had deliberately stayed hidden, sending his clones and teammates to draw his attention while he waited for the perfect opening. It was textbook strategy—and flawlessly executed.
Kakashi gave a rare, genuine smile. "I didn't expect this level of coordination from you three. Not only did you set aside the issue of limited bells, but you executed a near-flawless team strategy. Well done."
Inwardly, Kakashi thought: 'Just like Minato-sensei… this kid might even surpass him one day.'
Satisfied, Kakashi declared, "You pass. Remember this: in the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum… but those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum. You three never lost sight of teamwork. That's what matters."
To celebrate, Kakashi offered to treat them to lunch. However, when he saw Naruto devour bowl after bowl at record speed, Kakashi nearly fainted. 'I should've expected this from the son of Kushina Uzumaki… but still!'
Thankfully, as an elite jonin, Kakashi could cover the bill no matter how much Naruto ate. After the meal, Naruto felt completely at ease. He knew that Kakashi, the legendary Copy Ninja, was the perfect teacher—someone who had copied over a thousand jutsu and could truly guide his growth.
That night, reflecting on his next steps, Naruto recalled something crucial: while he knew he had Wind Release chakra, he didn't know if he possessed other chakra natures. Determined to grow even faster, he made a note to ask Kakashi about chakra nature transformation at the next opportunity.