Chapter 22 Kakashi's Guidance

Naruto's loud voice echoed across the serene training ground, startling the silver-haired figure standing by the river. The man turned, his lone visible eye narrowing as he studied the boy who had just arrived.

Kakashi Hatake.

The man, dressed in his signature green flak jacket and wearing a mask that covered most of his face, tilted his head slightly in curiosity. His ever-present book—*Icha Icha Paradise*—was tucked into the pocket of his jacket.

"One-eyed... uncle?" Kakashi muttered, his tone laced with both amusement and mild annoyance. "Well, that's new. Who taught you such wonderful manners?"

Naruto grinned, unapologetic. "I just call it as I see it. What are you doing here, uncle?"

Kakashi's visible eye curved in what could be interpreted as a smile. "Training. And you, kid? Shouldn't you be running around pranking people?"

"Pranks?" Naruto scoffed, crossing his arms. "Nah, I'm way past that now. I'm here to train, same as you!"

Kakashi raised a brow, intrigued by Naruto's unusually serious tone. "Oh? And what are you training for?"

Naruto smirked, his blue eyes gleaming with determination. "To become strong enough to beat any bad guy that comes my way. Even ones stronger than you!"

The faintest chuckle escaped Kakashi. "Bold words for someone who hasn't even mastered the basics. But you're welcome to try. The training ground's big enough for both of us."

Naruto puffed out his chest, taking Kakashi's comment as a challenge. "Then let's spar! I'll show you how strong I've gotten!"

Kakashi sighed, scratching the back of his head. "A spar, huh? Aren't you a little too young to be picking fights with elite ninja?"

"You scared?" Naruto taunted, taking a fighting stance.

Kakashi's eye gleamed with amusement. "Scared? Hardly. Fine, if you're so insistent, let's see what you've got."

The air grew tense as the two faced off. Naruto's grin widened, and his chakra flared slightly.

But Kakashi remained relaxed, his hands in his pockets, radiating calm confidence.

"Don't hold back, one-eyed uncle!" Naruto shouted, charging forward with a speed that surprised Kakashi.

Kakashi dodged effortlessly, sidestepping Naruto's punch and tapping the boy lightly on the back of the head as he passed.

"Too slow," Kakashi remarked, his tone casual.

Naruto stumbled but quickly recovered. "I wasn't ready yet! This time, for real!"

He charged again, this time weaving through hand seals.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

A dozen Narutos appeared in a puff of smoke, surrounding Kakashi.

Kakashi nodded, mildly impressed. *Not bad for his age,* he thought.

But before he could act, all the clones leapt toward him simultaneously, their punches and kicks coming from every direction.

Kakashi ducked, weaved, and parried with practiced ease, his movements fluid and efficient. Within seconds, most of the clones disappeared in bursts of smoke.

Naruto, watching from the sidelines, grinned. *Just as planned.*

"Gotcha!"

The real Naruto leapt from behind Kakashi, aiming a flying kick at the back of his head.

Kakashi tilted his head slightly, catching Naruto's leg with one hand and spinning him mid-air before gently setting him down.

"Not bad," Kakashi said, his tone neutral but with a hint of approval. "You're creative, but your movements are still too predictable."

Naruto groaned, brushing dirt off his shorts. "You're holding back, aren't you?"

"Of course," Kakashi replied matter-of-factly. "You're just a kid. It wouldn't be fair otherwise."

Naruto clenched his fists, his frustration evident. But then, he took a deep breath, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes.

"Alright, one-eyed uncle. Next time, I'll wipe that smug look off your face!"

Kakashi laughed softly. "Looking forward to it. But for now, why don't you focus on perfecting your basics? Strength comes with time and effort."

Naruto pouted but nodded reluctantly.

As Kakashi turned back toward the river, he couldn't help but glance at Naruto out of the corner of his eye. The boy's determination reminded him of someone—a certain yellow-haired Hokage from years past.

*Minato-sensei… he really is your son.*

Naruto, meanwhile, plopped down by a tree, already planning his next move. The fire in his eyes burned brighter than ever. This was just the beginning.