Chapter 24: Kakashi, please...

The air was thick with tension.

The atmosphere was so oppressive that even Haruno Sakura didn't dare to breathe.

Uchiha Sasuke clenched his fists tightly.

Naruto's face was expressionless and calm, showing only a slight trace of disappointment and grievance. This stemmed from not receiving the favoritism of "the student of the Fourth Hokage," nor any proper praise despite his excellent performance.

He didn't think Kakashi was unaware of his identity.

Kakashi had been a Jonin long before Naruto was even born.

If he didn't know,

It would imply something very sinister and calculating within Konoha to hide this matter.

Then he would have even more reason to be angry.

Naruto leaned towards the former possibility.

But if that were the case, Naruto was perplexed as to why there was no favoritism.

Clearly... he had already found excuses for Kakashi last night — excuses for not having visited him or shown his face over the years: to ensure the safety of the "Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

He was ready to erupt with those grievances, prepared for a confrontation.

If it weren't for Kakashi's identity as "the Fourth Hokage's student," he wouldn't have had such high expectations.

Being a ninja was not a necessity.

Kakashi looked down at the bell lying on the ground, covered in dust.

This aggressive manner of speaking...

Was very much like Kushina-sama.

Rebuttal?

He couldn't find a point to argue against.

The content wasn't nonsensical, but rather orderly and reasonable.

When did he understand "teamwork"?

Probably after Obito's sacrifice.

He lifted his head slightly, catching sight of Naruto's bright, golden hair.

The three before him...

One had lost his parents at birth, was rejected by the village, and had no friends; another had his entire family massacred by his own brother during childhood.

And Haruno Sakura, who had both parents but was just a lovesick girl, fixated on her crush.

It was a bit harsh to expect them to immediately understand "teamwork."

How did Minato-sensei treat them back then?

He should be patient as well.

More importantly, he couldn't actually send them back to the Ninja Academy.

He could see that the threat of being sent back didn't affect Naruto.

With this in mind,

"You've got quite the spirit, Naruto." Kakashi's tone softened, "Indeed, you're different from the previous kids."

"As fresh graduates from the academy, you're already very outstanding."

"Both Naruto and Sasuke have abilities far surpassing other students."

"As for Sakura..."

At this point, Kakashi paused, carefully recalled, and managed to give a positive comment: "Hmm... you're also very brave."

"The earlier criticism was just to remind you of the importance of the team."

He gazed towards the depths of the training field.

There stood a square monument, densely engraved with many names.

"A friend once told me."

"Those who don't value their comrades are worse than trash."

"You three are to fight together and face life and death as a team."

Naruto frowned slightly.

Maybe he was a bit sensitive; while the statement wasn't wrong, he didn't like it.

"The exercise is over." Kakashi extended his hand, giving them a thumbs-up. "Congratulations, you're now Genin."

"From tomorrow, you will officially perform missions as Team 7."

Sakura's heart finally settled after a rollercoaster of emotions.

It was no easy feat.

Uchiha Sasuke also sighed in relief.

Naruto looked at Kakashi.

He understood that this was a compromise Kakashi made considering the task.

However, he wished that Kakashi's attitude earlier had been more decisive, so that he might have seized the opportunity to ask some questions.

The heavy atmosphere was dissipated.

Kakashi treated them to barbecue to celebrate their successful graduation.

That evening.

In the Hokage's office, Kakashi reported the training exercise to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, causing it to spark: "Naruto's swordsmanship is exquisite, and he knows a lightning technique that doesn't require hand signs?"

"Yes," Kakashi nodded.

Sarutobi's voice was troubled: "Is it possible that an outside village ninja taught him?"

Kakashi hesitated, then shook his head: "I believe the possibility is very small."

"Naruto's sword is a katana, and the only ones who use such swords are the samurai of the Land of Iron. His swordsmanship style is different from that of those samurai."

"It also differs from all the swordsmanship styles of the ninjas I have encountered."

"As for the lightning technique..."

"I tend to think Naruto developed it himself."

Sarutobi raised an eyebrow: "Developed it himself? That is quite remarkable."

"Naruto just graduated from the ninja academy and is only twelve years old."

Recalling the day's encounter, Kakashi said, "Naruto is a genius."

"He developed that unique Body Flicker Technique on his own, and learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu in just two nights."

"In our spar, he saw me walking on water and succeeded in doing it himself after just five attempts."

"After all, he is the son of Minato-sensei."

A father of extraordinary talent produces a son of extraordinary talent—it is only natural and unsurprising.

Kakashi paused and then shifted the conversation: "But we cannot rule out the possibility that Naruto has had contact with people from other villages."

"He has two swords, but only used one during the exercise."

"That sword is famous and can conduct chakra. The other one, though unused, is also a katana, and likely not inferior to the one he used."

Sarutobi tugged at his beard.

Two famous swords...

"The most critical issue," Kakashi's tone was grave, "is that I'm afraid Naruto harbors deep resentment towards the village."

He repeated Naruto's final words.

"'They don't accept me, so why should I accept them?' Is that it?" Sarutobi repeated, looking somewhat lost.

"Resentment towards the village."

"In this matter, we indeed have not done well."

"Kakashi, I must rely on you."

Kakashi nodded and solemnly accepted the task.

"How did the other two perform?" Sarutobi asked.

Kakashi replied, "Uchiha Sasuke's goal is to kill that man. He also has talent and performed quite well."

"But Haruno Sakura..."

"Why was she assigned to the team?"

This girl's performance was average and she had no special abilities. Among ordinary genin, she could be considered an excellent student, but compared to Sasuke and Naruto, the gap was too large.

"Iruka told me that Naruto likes Sakura." Sarutobi smiled, "Love can change a jinchuriki."

Back then, Naruto's mother, Uzumaki Kushina, was like that.

Kakashi opened his mouth: "Lord Third, I fear Naruto does not like Haruno Sakura."

"He could calmly say that Haruno Sakura does not want to be on the same team as him."

Sarutobi frowned and stopped talking, puffing more forcefully on his pipe.

Iruka had once assured him with great certainty that Naruto liked Haruno Sakura.

He would not lie to him.

So that means...

Since half a month ago, Naruto has undergone a complete transformation.

The information had become outdated.

After a long while, he spoke heavily, "The village's perception of Naruto needs to change, and Naruto's perception of the village also needs to change."

"These things cannot be accomplished overnight."

"Compared to changing the village's perception of Naruto, changing Naruto's perception of the village might be easier."

"Kakashi, I entrust this matter to you as well."

"Whether he is the Fourth's son or the jinchuriki, Naruto cannot be lost."

"I will create the best environment for you."

He believed that time would heal everything.

He had waited for Naruto to graduate, and he had enough patience to wait much longer—for Naruto to grow up, to turn twenty-four...

Kakashi inwardly muttered.

Change Naruto's perception of the village?

He instinctively felt that this might be harder than changing the village's perception of Naruto.

That kid is mature beyond his years.

~~~

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