In a serene forest, Naruto and Sakura Jr. were engaged in a training session, attempting to tread water on a small stream. Their goal was to sustain standing on the water's surface for at least half an hour, which would signify their progress in water-treading practice. This exercise was part of their efforts to enhance their Chakra control, as climbing trees and treading water were valuable techniques for accomplishing that.
Chakra control was crucial in the world of ninjas, as it played a significant role in the effective use of ninjutsu. Kakashi, their mentor, observed little Sakura's performance with great interest. Despite having a limited Chakra reserve, Sakura displayed exceptional talent in controlling it, almost on par with Sasuke, one of their team members. Kakashi marveled at Sakura's rare Chakra control talent, acknowledging that while Sasuke might be stronger overall, Sakura's control abilities were truly remarkable.
Kakashi then shifted his attention to Naruto, whose Chakra control was still lacking. He attributed this deficiency to the influence of the Nine Tails, the powerful beast sealed within Naruto. However, Kakashi acknowledged that Naruto had inherited his father's, the Fourth Hokage's, talent, and as the son of his teacher, Minato Namikaze, Naruto's potential was undeniably significant. Furthermore, Naruto's lineage from the Uzumaki clan bestowed upon him a massive Chakra reserve, making even Kakashi envious.
As Kakashi observed the training, his gaze turned to Sasuke, who practiced diligently in the background. Sasuke had been learning the Hatake family's sword skills, using kunai knives infused with Chakra as practice tools. Remarkably, in just two days, Sasuke had already attained an incredible level of proficiency in swordsmanship. Kakashi marveled at Sasuke's progress, feeling that the young ninja was on the verge of surpassing him. Indeed, Sasuke's talents were exceptional, and he was on a path to become a true genius.
Throughout the morning, Sasuke had been practicing with kunai knives, and while the first two had been destroyed due to improper Chakra control, he managed to keep the third kunai intact, a significant accomplishment. Kakashi admired Sasuke's determination and foresaw that with continuous practice, he could transform a kunai into a formidable ninja sword. The process of training a ninja sword involved infusing Chakra, which would enhance the blade's hardness and durability, making it a potent weapon.
Kakashi marveled at the stark difference between a genius like Sasuke and the majority of individuals. What seemed impossible for most became achievable for him. Sasuke's insights and progress surpassed even Kakashi's expectations, making him realize that being around a genius was both fascinating and challenging.
After a rigorous training session, Sasuke decided to take a break and wash off his sweat. He headed towards the forest, allowing Naruto and Sakura to continue their practice undisturbed. As Sasuke approached a stream to cleanse himself, he was startled by a sudden attack. The water's surface turned into ice, and an ice thorn materialized, aimed directly at his face.
Quickly evading the attack, Sasuke saw a black figure emerge from the shadows - it was Bai, a rogue ninja seeking revenge for his fallen master, Zabuza. Bai, now clad in a black suit and wearing a mask, confronted Sasuke, declaring his intent to avenge Zabuza's death. However, Sasuke was unfazed by the threat and calmly handled the situation.
Sasuke countered Bai's aggression with a lightning-style jutsu, paralyzing him momentarily. Despite the odds stacked against him, Bai persisted with a relentless assault, wielding the beheading sword as his weapon of choice. Sasuke realized that Bai's determination to seek revenge had been fueled by his desire to fulfill his late master's last wish.
Understanding the underlying motivations, Sasuke showed mercy and spared Bai's life. He grasped that his existence had become the reason for Bai to live, and by sparing him, Sasuke acknowledged his role in motivating others to continue on their paths. Determined to carry on, Sasuke asserted that Bai was not yet qualified to kill him and that he should leave.
In a surprising twist, Sasuke made a daring proclamation, vowing to take the beheading sword and place it in the Konoha Exhibition Hall after succeeding in an assassination attempt. By doing so, he intended to make a statement to the Mist Shinobi, showing his prowess and determination as he climbed to greater heights in his ninja journey.
Bai, though wounded physically and emotionally, recognized Sasuke's immense power and determination. Accepting his fate as a tool, he found a new purpose in life - to avenge his late master through Sasuke's legacy.
The encounter left Sasuke pondering the complexities of being a genius. He realized that his talents came with both admiration and resentment from others, a fact he found discomforting. Nevertheless, he understood the responsibility that came with his abilities and vowed to use them wisely and with compassion.
As the sun began to set, Naruto and Sakura concluded their water-treading practice, and the team prepared to head back to the village. The forest once again embraced the tranquility of nature, but Sasuke's encounter with Bai served as a poignant reminder that their journey as ninjas was fraught with challenges and the potential for both triumph and tragedy. With determination in their hearts, Team Kakashi set forth, ready to face whatever obstacles the future held.