The morning sun cast a golden glow over Training Ground 7, where Team 7 stood assembled, awaiting their sensei. Naruto adjusted the strap of his tanto, a gift from Yuugao during their kenjutsu training sessions. His fingers brushed over the Uzumaki spiral etched into the hilt, a reminder of the legacy he carried. Beside him, Sasuke leaned against a tree, arms crossed, while Sakura fidgeted nervously.
"Do you think Kakashi-sensei will actually show up on time?" Sakura asked, glancing at the clock.
Naruto grinned. "Knowing him, he'll be late just to mess with us."
As if on cue, Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke, his ever-present book in hand. "Good morning, my adorable little genin. Ready for your first test?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Just get on with it."
Kakashi's eye curved into a smile. "The rules are simple. You have until noon to take these two bells from me." He held up the bells, letting them chime in the breeze. "Whoever fails to get a bell will be sent back to the academy. Oh, and one more thing—come at me with the intent to kill."
Naruto's heart raced, but his mind was already working. He had spent years preparing for this moment, honing his skills under the guidance of Tsunade, Yuugao, and Mikoto. This was his chance to prove himself.
As soon as Kakashi gave the signal, Naruto darted into the trees, his hands already weaving seals. He had learned the art of trap-making from his pranks with Anko, and now he put that knowledge to use. Explosive tags, hidden wires, and sealing scrolls were strategically placed around the training ground. He even used his Gale Palm to create subtle wind currents that would trigger the traps at the right moment.
Kakashi, meanwhile, strolled casually through the field, his Sharingan scanning for threats. He paused as he sensed a faint chakra signature. "Hmm, not bad," he muttered, just before a smoke bomb exploded at his feet.
Naruto smirked from his hiding spot. "Gotcha."
But Kakashi emerged unscathed, his book still in hand. "Cute trick, but you'll have to do better than that."
Naruto leaped from the trees, tanto in hand, and charged at Kakashi. Their blades clashed in a flurry of sparks, Naruto's movements fluid and precise. Yuugao's training had paid off, and he held his own against the legendary Copy Ninja.
"Kenjutsu, huh?" Kakashi said, deflecting Naruto's strikes with ease. "You've been busy."
Naruto didn't respond, focusing instead on his next move. He disengaged and formed a series of hand seals. "Water Release: Water Wall!" A wall of water erupted between them, forcing Kakashi to retreat.
Before Kakashi could recover, Naruto followed up with "Lightning Release: Thunderbolt!" A bolt of lightning arced through the air, striking Kakashi's position. The ground erupted in a shower of dirt and debris.
Naruto panted, his Six Eyes scanning the area for any sign of his sensei. "Did I get him?"
"Not even close," Kakashi's voice came from behind him. Naruto barely dodged a kick, rolling to his feet just in time.
Kakashi's eye widened as he noticed the faint glow of a seal on Naruto's forehead. "Is that… the Strength of a Hundred Seal?"
Naruto grinned, activating the seal. His body surged with chakra, and he moved faster than Kakashi anticipated. Their fists collided, the impact sending shockwaves through the training ground.
"Tsunade-baa-chan taught me well," Naruto said, his voice steady despite the strain of maintaining the seal.
Kakashi nodded, impressed. "You've come a long way, Naruto. But let's see how you handle this." He formed a hand seal, and the ground beneath Naruto erupted in a wave of earth.
As Naruto struggled to regain his footing, Sasuke and Sakura joined the fray. Sasuke unleashed a barrage of shuriken, while Sakura used her chakra-enhanced strength to create openings. Naruto seized the opportunity, using his Gale Palm to amplify Sakura's attack and send Kakashi flying.
With Kakashi momentarily distracted, Naruto activated a sealing scroll he had hidden earlier. Chains of chakra erupted from the ground, binding Kakashi in place.
"Now!" Naruto shouted.
Sasuke and Sakura moved in unison, their combined efforts finally snatching one of the bells from Kakashi's grasp.
As the dust settled, Kakashi stood before his team, a rare smile on his face. "Not bad, you three. You actually worked together."
Naruto grinned, though his body ached from the fight. "Does this mean we pass?"
Kakashi nodded. "You've shown me what you're capable of. But remember, this is just the beginning. The road ahead won't be easy."
As the team celebrated their victory, Naruto's thoughts turned to the future. He had proven himself today, but there was still so much to learn. The Tempest Gale Breathing Style, the mysteries of his Uzumaki heritage, and the full potential of his Six Eyes awaited him.
And somewhere, in the shadows, Danzo watched with a calculating gaze. Naruto Uzumaki was no longer just an orphan—he was a force to be reckoned with.