Chapter-6: Team 7

As Kuro left Ichiraku Ramen, still savoring the taste of the legendary broth and the unexpected camaraderie with Naruto, he wandered through the village streets. The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the village in hues of amber and pink, casting a tranquil light over the rooftops and pathways. Kuro took in the serene beauty of the Hidden Leaf Village, feeling at ease as he strolled along.

But just as he turned a corner, he nearly collided with three people standing in his path. His eyes first caught the figure of a tall, silver-haired man with a mask covering most of his face, his single visible eye studying Kuro with a cool, laid-back curiosity. Beside him was a girl with bright pink hair and vivid green eyes, who looked at him with polite interest. And to her left, a raven-haired boy stood with his arms crossed, giving Kuro a piercing stare that was anything but friendly.

The silver-haired man—Kakashi Hatake, the infamous Copy Ninja—tilted his head slightly, his gaze unreadable behind the mask. "Lost in thought, are we?" he remarked, his voice calm, with an amused edge.

Kuro's eyes widened in recognition. *No way… Team 7? Here?* Trying not to seem too star-struck, he gave them a polite nod. "Sorry about that. I'm Kuro, from Tsukigakure. I'm here for the Chunin Exams."

The pink-haired girl, Sakura Haruno, brightened with a friendly smile, her eyes sweeping over him with interest. "Wow, you're from another village?" she asked, a note of curiosity in her voice. Her gaze lingered a little longer than Kuro expected, a soft blush rising to her cheeks. *Okay,* he thought, *not what I was expecting, but I'll take it. Well, I can at least say that, this body of mine, somewhat handsome.*

Meanwhile, the raven-haired boy, Sasuke Uchiha, crossed his arms tighter, his intense, onyx-colored eyes scrutinizing Kuro in silence. His expression was cool, almost disdainful, and Kuro could tell from Sasuke's gaze alone that he was sizing him up, assessing whether this new arrival from Tsukigakure posed any sort of threat. There was something about his look that said he wasn't easily impressed.

Just then, Naruto bounded up behind him, waving with that same infectious grin. "Oh, hey, Kuro! I see you met my team!" he exclaimed, with his usual enthusiasm. "This is Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, and…" he paused for dramatic effect, "…Sasuke, the 'cool guy.'"

Kakashi's single visible eye crinkled with faint amusement. "Well, Naruto, it seems you're already making friends."

Kuro gave Naruto a grin. "He's hard to ignore," he replied, trying to keep his tone neutral as he felt Sasuke's eyes still boring into him. *Sasuke looks like he's trying to figure out if I'm worth his time or not. Joy.*

Kakashi extended a hand, and Kuro shook it, trying not to show how in awe he was of the man. Here was one of the most famous shinobi in the village, known for his calm, unruffled attitude even in the face of the fiercest battles. "Welcome to the Leaf Village, Kuro," Kakashi said, his voice as relaxed as his posture. "I take it you're here to compete in the exams?"

"Yes," Kuro replied. "My team and I arrived not too long ago."

"So," Sakura said, trying to seem casual as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "are you looking forward to the exams?" She glanced at him with a soft, appreciative look, her expression slightly warmer than Kuro was used to. *Is she… checking me out?* He cleared his throat, feeling a slight heat creep up his neck. Ah no! She is just a kid! I am not pedo. Please god forgive my sin!

"Uh, yeah," he replied, trying not to feel flustered. "It's going to be a good challenge." He noticed her still watching him, and it made him self-conscious, though he had to admit, he was a little flattered. 

Kuro caught a subtle roll of Sasuke's eyes as he shifted his weight, his arms still crossed in that distinctly aloof stance. "Hmph," Sasuke muttered, breaking his silence. "We'll see if you're actually a challenge, or if you're just another outsider who thinks he can keep up." His tone was dismissive, almost bored, as if the whole conversation was beneath him.

*Ouch,* Kuro thought, amused. *Someone's got his superiority complex on full display.*

"Oh, yeah?" he replied, keeping his tone light but with a hint of challenge. "Guess we'll just have to see."

Naruto jumped in, looking between the two of them with wide, excited eyes. "Alright, Kuro! Let's make sure to give it everything we've got! I'm gonna show everyone what I'm made of, believe it(dattebayo)!" He clenched his fist, his expression determined, though his eagerness made him look almost comically intense. 

Kakashi gave a casual shrug. "Naruto's right—let's see what everyone's capable of. But remember, it's not just about strength. Strategy and teamwork matter as much as raw power." His tone was cool and easygoing, but something in his eye hinted at a deeper wisdom, and Kuro could tell why Kakashi was so respected. *Calm and collected, and he reads people like a book. Guy's a genius.*

Sasuke looked away, smirking to himself. "Only the ones with real talent will make it through," he said dismissively, his tone laced with an arrogance that made Naruto scowl.

"Yeah, well, I've got talent!" Naruto shot back, glaring at Sasuke, his fists clenched. "And Kuro's got it too, so don't think you're the only one around here who's any good!"

Sasuke's expression was unchanged, his confidence unshaken by Naruto's outburst. "We'll see."

Sakura sighed, clearly used to this back-and-forth between the two, but she threw a quick, admiring look at Kuro. "Ignore them," she said, giving him a kind smile. "You'll see that not everyone in the village is as competitive." She brushed her hair back again, and Kuro found himself grateful for her attempt to keep the peace. There was a warmth in her gaze that softened the competitive edge in the air.

"Thanks, Sakura," Kuro replied with a smile, genuinely appreciating her friendliness. Despite Sasuke's cold demeanor, Sakura's warmth and Naruto's unfiltered enthusiasm were helping him feel more welcome in the village. 

After a moment, Kakashi glanced at Kuro thoughtfully. "If you're anything like Naruto describes, I'm sure you'll bring something unique to the Chunin Exams. Remember," he added, with a knowing look, "true strength lies in knowing who you are, and finding a way to use that." Kakashi's words resonated, and Kuro nodded, understanding that this was more than just a test of combat—it was about growth and understanding.

Naruto grinned at Kuro, his blue eyes shining with excitement. "I am excited to participate in it now more than anything.".

Kuro chuckled, feeling more confident than before. "Well, Naruto, I'm counting on you to keep things interesting."

Naruto puffed out his chest proudly. "Don't worry! With me around, nothing's ever boring!"

Kakashi gave a faint sigh, but the hint of a smile remained on his face as he observed his team. "That's for sure," he murmured, clearly accustomed to Naruto's boundless energy. The masked sensei then looked over at Kuro, his visible eye serious. "Good luck, Kuro. The exams are just the beginning."

As Kuro nodded in response, he felt the weight of Kakashi's words. He was stepping into uncharted territory, not just in the exams but in forming connections that felt different from the life he'd known back in earth. He glanced around at Team 7, his heart lighter, yet he could sense the fierce determination in each of them. Sasuke's competitive gaze, Naruto's bright resolve, Sakura's kindness, and Kakashi's calm wisdom—they were a team with a bond he could feel, even from the outside.

"Thanks, Kakashi-sensei," Kuro replied, his voice filled with newfound resolve. He looked around at each of them, feeling a sense of camaraderie that was hard to explain. "I'll see you guys around."

As he walked away from Team 7, he couldn't shake the smile on his face. He was ready for the exams r—and whatever else the Leaf Village had in store… though he already know the spoile

—-------

As night settled over the Hidden Leaf Village, Kuro made his way back to the inn. Lanterns glowed warmly in the streets, casting soft light onto cobblestone paths and creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. The night was quiet, filled only with the occasional murmur of passersby and the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. For Kuro, the tranquility gave him a chance to reflect on his encounters earlier in the day—with Naruto, Team 7, and his first real glimpse into the bonds of the Leaf Village.

When he finally reached the inn and slid open the door to his room, he found Xero and Reika already there, seated across from each other at a small wooden table. Xero looked up as Kuro entered, his piercing gaze flickering with both curiosity and something closer to irritation.

"Where were you?" Xero asked, his tone neutral, though his intense eyes seemed to scan Kuro for any sign of trouble.

Kuro shrugged, trying to keep his expression casual. "Just exploring. Thought I'd get a feel for the place." He glanced over at Reika, who was seated by the window, her gaze distant, as if lost in thought. "I met some of the local shinobi. They're good people, actually."

Reika's gaze shifted to him, softening as she studied him, her usual stern expression easing slightly. "You're taking a liking to this place, aren't you?"

Kuro nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's… different, but in a good way," he replied, unable to keep the fondness out of his voice. He had felt an unexpected connection with Naruto and Team 7 earlier, something he hadn't expected to experience with people he'd just met.

Xero sighed, folding his arms across his chest, his expression skeptical. "Just don't forget why we're here," he warned, his tone firm. "The Leaf Village might be nice, but we're not here to make friends."

Kuro met Xero's gaze, a mix of defiance and understanding in his expression. He knew Xero's words were meant as a reminder to stay focused, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his encounters earlier were important in ways he hadn't fully understood yet. "I know why we're here," Kuro replied calmly. "But I also know that connecting with others can be just as powerful as any technique or weapon specially in the unknown land, well you seems like prefer the opposite, attacking people here and there. It's not just about winning—it's about understanding."

Reika, who had been listening quietly, nodded, her expression softening further. "You're right," she said softly, her voice carrying a rare warmth. "Strength isn't just about power. It's about knowing when to rely on others, and when to let them rely on you." She paused, a flicker of something almost like nostalgia crossing her face before she looked away, as if surprised by her own openness.

Kuro's gaze lingered on her, sensing a depth to her words that hinted at a history he didn't know yet. Reika had always been a guiding figure, strong, composed, and reserved. But in this quiet moment, there was a vulnerability in her that was usually hidden beneath layers of duty and responsibility. He wondered if there was a part of her that longed for the same connections he was beginning to experience.

The silence that settled over the room was comfortable but charged with unspoken thoughts. Finally, Reika broke the quiet, her voice measured. "We're here for the Chunin Exams, and that's no small matter. The stakes are high, and it won't be an easy journey." Her gaze shifted between Kuro and Xero, as if to make sure both of them understood the gravity of her words.

Xero leaned back, exhaling in a resigned manner as he regarded Kuro and Reika, his usual tough exterior softening, if only slightly. "Well, as long as we're not here to get sentimental," he muttered, though his tone lacked its usual sharpness. "We have the Chunin Exams to worry about, and we can't afford any distractions."

Kuro chuckled, finding some comfort in Xero's blunt attitude. "Wouldn't dream of it," he replied, smirking. "But, just saying, maybe a little sentiment wouldn't hurt either. I mean, those Leaf shinobi seem pretty strong, and they rely on each other."

Xero's gaze hardened a bit. "They're strong because they have to be. And so do we. Don't forget, Kuro—we're outsiders here. The Leaf Village may be friendly now, but we're still strangers."