Don't underestimate the intelligence network of Konoha.
A ninja's battle is essentially a battle of intelligence (note: in the early to mid stages).
As the most violent organization in the ninja world, Konoha's intelligence is naturally unquestionable.
Even though Sakura doesn't want to admit it, it must be said that Shimura Danzo was quite good at underground intelligence work.
After all, he was known as the "Darkness of the Ninja World."
Even if they can't track Orochimaru, detecting subtle movements shouldn't be a problem—otherwise, that would be too pathetic.
"I understand."
Sakura's tone was slightly serious.
Seeing that Sakura was getting serious about this, Kakashi didn't say anything further.
At this point, even though both he and Sakura were not entirely satisfied with the arrangement, it was already a done deal, and nothing could change it now.
"The team assignments are over. Do you want to go take a look?"
"I'm sure Naruto will be very happy to see you."
Kakashi sensed some movement below and raised an eyebrow.
Previously, Sakura was already struggling with Naruto's situation, and Kakashi couldn't help but bring it up.
"Forget it, you go ahead. Don't make me wait too long."
Sakura waved her hand with a slightly melancholic expression.
Before leaving, Kakashi took one last look at Sakura, letting out a quiet sigh in his heart.
He knew very well what Sarutobi Hiruzen's other plans were.
But it seemed like it was no longer possible.
Sakura didn't look like someone who liked Naruto, and Kakashi could tell that easily.
She treated Naruto like an older sister taking care of her younger brother.
Not long after Kakashi disappeared, Sakura heard a voice from the classroom below: "Team Seven, follow me."
Because of her connection to Sakura, Kakashi didn't have time to visit the Konoha Cemetery to pay tribute to his lost youth.
So, Teams Six and Eight hadn't been taken away by Asuma and Yugao yet, and Kakashi was the first to arrive.
The sound of footsteps echoed on the stairs leading to the rooftop.
"Sensei, who's the last member of our team?"
"Iruka-sensei is being so mysterious."
"It feels kind of strange."
"Don't tell me they're a maniac or something?"
Before the person appeared, Sakura could already hear Naruto's excited voice.
Even the first time meeting Kakashi, Naruto showed no hesitation, definitely someone who had no problem with socializing.
"Naruto, I'm not a maniac."
Sakura stood up and waved her hand toward Naruto.
When Naruto saw Sakura, his expression shifted from confusion to dazedness, and then to sheer joy.
"Sakura!"
Naruto almost sprinted toward Sakura, thinking of giving her a big hug.
But a pale finger pressed against his forehead protector, preventing him from moving forward.
Even so, it couldn't stop Naruto's enthusiasm.
He ran excitedly around Sakura, shouting loudly:
"I can't believe Sakura is on my team!"
"Yay!"
"Ino's going to be so jealous of me!"
"Hahaha!"
Seeing Naruto spinning around in excitement, Sakura couldn't help but sigh, facepalming in disbelief.
Then she looked toward Sasuke, who was standing next to Kakashi, his face filled with fighting spirit, staring at her. She extended her hand and spoke softly:
"Long time no see, Sasuke."
Sasuke, upon seeing this, took Sakura's hand and locked eyes with her, speaking with intensity:
"Indeed, it's been a long time."
"How about a fight later?"
Sakura smiled lightly and replied:
"Sorry, I'm not available."
Sasuke, who had been directly rejected, froze for a moment, his face stiffening slightly.
"Alright, alright, enough catching up," Kakashi interrupted their conversation, giving Sasuke an easy way out.
Sasuke didn't say much, sitting down silently on the steps. Sakura, seeing this, also sat down beside him.
"Well, this is our first time meeting as a team, so let's introduce ourselves," Kakashi said with a smile, his eyes narrowing into crescent shapes as he looked at the three in front of him.
"Introduce ourselves?" Naruto looked at Kakashi in confusion.
"Yeah, your name, hobbies, favorite food, dreams, anything you want," Kakashi said, holding up a finger and smiling. He glanced at Sakura, who was propping up her cheek and watching him, and beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
There was a bit of pressure here...
"Well then, let me give an example."
"Hatake Kakashi, 27 years old, I have many hobbies, many favorite foods, and dreams... well, a few things," Kakashi said casually with a smile.
Naruto stared at Kakashi, looking puzzled.
"So, all we know is your name, Kakashi-sensei?"
"Don't worry too much about it," Kakashi waved his hand dismissively and then shifted his gaze to Sakura.
"Come on, give me some face, junior!"
"Ahem."
Seemingly knowing what Kakashi wanted, Sakura cleared her throat and began:
"Sakura Haruno, 12 years old."
"My hobby is tasting food, my favorite food is dumplings, and my dream... I think it's already been accomplished."
Hearing Sakura's words, Kakashi's thoughts shifted slightly.
"Already accomplished?" he thought. Was it just a casual answer like his own, or was there something more behind it?
"Eh, Sakura likes tasting food?" Naruto immediately became enthusiastic.
"I'll work hard to learn how to cook!"
Sakura could only remain silent, thinking, "I really don't think that's necessary."
Naruto's mind was clearly on something else, and Sakura, even using her little finger, could tell exactly what he was thinking.
"Well, well, now it's my turn!" Naruto jumped up eagerly.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"
"I'm 12 years old!"
"My hobby is eating Ichiraku ramen, but now I've also added cooking to it!"
Sakura showed no expression.
"My dream is to become Hokage!"
"I will become the greatest Hokage, surpassing all past Hokages!"
Kakashi smiled at Naruto and said:
"That's a great dream, but becoming Hokage is very difficult."
"But I hope you can achieve your dream!"
However, your biggest rival is sitting right next to you.
Kakashi smiled and motioned for Naruto to sit down, his gaze turning to Sasuke, the last one.
Sasuke, with his cold expression, finally spoke:
"Uchiha Sasuke."
"I don't have any hobbies, nor any favorite food."
"My only dream..."
"Is to kill that man."
Kakashi looked at the Uchiha boy with a slightly serious expression.
Compared to Sakura and Naruto, Sasuke was truly the most problematic one.
However, Kakashi could empathize with his feelings.
"Well then, that's enough for introductions," Kakashi stood up, looking at Naruto and Sasuke.
"Tomorrow, I'll give both of you a special test. If you fail, you'll be sent back to the Ninja Academy."
Kakashi's change of expression was so sudden that Naruto and Sasuke were caught off guard.
"So, what about Sakura?" Naruto asked instinctively.
"Sakura has already proven herself as a qualified ninja over the past four years, so the test is just for you two."
"Be ready, and remember not to eat before the test."
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