The atmosphere was so oppressive that even Haruno Sakura dared not breathe. Uchiha Sasuke clenched his fists tightly, while Naruto's face remained expressionless, calm even, though a trace of disappointment flickered within him. It stemmed from a lack of favoritism from Kakashi, despite his extraordinary performance. Not even a single serious compliment was offered, which only contributed to his growing feelings of frustration.
Naruto couldn't fathom that Kakashi might be unaware of his identity. Even before his birth, Kakashi had already been a Jonin. If he truly didn't know, it only indicated how terrifying and scheming Konoha was in concealing such truths. He would have preferred a more valid reason for his anger. But then again, why had Kakashi shown no favoritism? Just last night, he had prepared an excuse for Kakashi—his absence over the years and his lack of presence in Naruto's life were justified by the need to ensure the safety of the "Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
He had been ready to express his grievances based on those words, prepared to confront Kakashi. If not for Kakashi's identity as the "Fourth's disciple," he wouldn't have felt that earlier burst of enthusiasm.
"Being a ninja isn't everything," he reminded himself.
Kakashi cast his gaze down to the bell lying forgotten at his feet, dusted off and marred. The aggressive manner of speaking reminded him so much of Kushina. But could he rebuff that? He found no point to counter; the critique had been coherent and not without reasoning.
When had he ever grasped the true meaning of "teamwork"? It was likely only after Obito's sacrifice. He raised his head slightly, meeting the bright golden hair of the three individuals before him. One child had lost his parents at birth, ostracized by the village and lacking friends; another had witnessed his entire family slaughtered by his own brother. Meanwhile, Sakura, who enjoyed both parental figures, was merely a lovestruck girl daydreaming about her crush. Expecting them to immediately comprehend "teamwork" seemed utterly unreasonable.
How had their teacher, Minato, once approached them? Perhaps he needed to exercise a little more patience. Moreover, he couldn't seriously consider sending the three of them back to the Ninja Academy. He could see that the threat of "going back to school" would have no effect on Naruto.
With that thought in mind, he declared, "You're quite impressive, Naruto." Kakashi's tone softened, "You and your teammates are indeed different from the little brats before."
"For just graduating from the Academy, you've all done very well."
"Both Naruto and Sasuke possess abilities that far exceed those of your peers."
"And as for Sakura…" He hesitated for a moment, remembering her efforts and finally offering a shred of praise, "Well, she's brave."
"The earlier criticism was simply to remind you of the importance of teamwork." Kakashi's gaze shifted toward a stone monument at the training ground's depths, covered in a multitude of names.
"A friend once told me, 'Those who do not value their comrades are worse than trash.' You three will need to fight together and face life and death as one from now on."
Naruto frowned slightly. Perhaps he was overreacting; while the statement held merit, it didn't sit well with him.
"The exercise is over." Kakashi raised his thumb in an encouraging gesture. "Congratulations on becoming Genin."
Sakura's heart raced up and down before finally settling in a moment of relief. Uchiha Sasuke let out a sigh of relief as well. Naruto kept his gaze fixed on Kakashi, understanding that this concession stemmed from the task at hand. Yet, he had hoped Kakashi would have displayed a more resolute stance, allowing him an opportunity to pry into certain matters.
The heavy atmosphere lifted as Kakashi treated them to barbecue that evening in celebration of their graduation.
Later that night, the Third Hokage delivered a concerned remark: "Naruto is skilled with a blade and even knows a jutsu that doesn't require hand signs?"
"Yes," Kakashi nodded.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was filled with worry. "Could it be taught by rogue ninjas from outside the village?"
Kakashi hesitated for a moment, shaking his head. "I believe the chances are minimal. Naruto wields a short blade unique to the Iron Country's samurai, and his swordsmanship differs from all the ninjas I've encountered."
"As for the lightning techniques…"
"I lean toward the idea that Naruto developed it himself."
The Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Developed it himself? That's quite impressive."
"Keep in mind, Naruto has only just graduated and is still twelve years old."
Kakashi reflected on their earlier exchange. "He's a genius. In just two nights, he crafted his own unique Body Flicker Technique and mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu."
"During our spar, he successfully executed it after just five attempts upon seeing me walk on water."
"After all, he is Minato's son."
The connection seemed natural; a father of extraordinary talent would undoubtedly produce an exceptional son.
Kakashi paused and shifted the topic. "However, we cannot dismiss the possibility that Naruto has interacted with outsiders. He possesses two blades, and he only used one during the exercise. The other, a renowned weapon capable of channeling chakra, remains untouched. It's also a short blade, likely no less effective than the one he employed."
The Hokage stroked his beard thoughtfully, contemplating the significance of the two formidable swords.
"The most critical point is," Kakashi continued seriously, "Naruto seems to harbor deep-seated resentment toward the village."
He recounted the last words Naruto expressed.
"'They don't accept me, so why should I accept them?'" Hiruzen echoed, momentarily lost in thought. "Resentment towards the village… Yes, this is indeed something we've failed to address."
"Kakashi, I'll rely on you for this."
Kakashi nodded solemnly in agreement.
"What about the other two?" Hiruzen inquired further.
Kakashi replied, "Sasuke's goal is revenge against that man. He shows promise and has performed relatively well… but Sakura…"
"Why was she included?"
The girl had shown an unremarkable performance, lacking any significant bloodline talents. Among ordinary Genin, she may have been considered above average, yet she lagged behind both Sasuke and Naruto by a substantial margin.
"Iruka mentioned that Naruto likes Sakura," Hiruzen remarked with a smile. "Love can change a Jinchuriki."
Just as it had with Naruto's mother, Uzumaki Kushina.
Kakashi opened his mouth to respond: "Lord Third, Naruto probably doesn't like Sakura."
"He can calmly declare that Sakura doesn't want to be on his team."
Hiruzen frowned and fell silent, taking a deeper drag on his pipe. Iruka had once fervently assured him that Naruto certainly had feelings for Sakura. He wouldn't lie to him.
That meant…
Something had drastically shifted with Naruto over the past half month.
The information had lost its relevance, but he finally spoke again, "The village's perception of Naruto must change, and conversely, Naruto's view of the village needs to shift as well."
"None of this can be accomplished overnight."
"Compared to altering the village's view of Naruto, changing Naruto's perspective may be easier."
"Kakashi, I am entrusting you with this task. Whether it's as the Fourth's son or the Jinchuriki, Naruto must not be allowed to falter."
"I will ensure he has the best environment possible."
He believed that time would heal all. Having waited for Naruto's graduation, he had enough patience to wait for an even longer future, until Naruto grew into adulthood, until he reached twenty-four years old.
Kakashi bowed his head in contemplation.
Changing Naruto's perception of the village? He instinctively felt that this task might be even more difficult than changing the village's view of Naruto.
That little guy had matured beyond his years.
(End of Chapter)