"Sasuke, let's get some more training in today," Naruto suggested as they left the academy. "Sakura, you're welcome to join us."
"Of course!" Sakura agreed immediately, her cheeks flushing slightly. She wasn't about to pass up an opportunity to spend more time with Naruto.
The trio made their way toward the training grounds, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the village. Sasuke walked slightly ahead, his expression pensive. The weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily on his shoulders. Reviving the Uchiha clan, uncovering the truth about Itachi—these were not tasks for the weak. Yet, at twelve years old, he was still just a genin. Compared to prodigies like Itachi, who became a chunin at ten, or Kakashi, who became a jonin at twelve, Sasuke felt painfully inadequate.
How can I ever measure up to them? he thought, his fists clenching at his sides. I need to get stronger, faster. But how?
Naruto, ever perceptive, noticed Sasuke's tension. "Don't worry about Kakashi," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "He might seem unreliable, but he's a copy ninja who's mastered over a thousand jutsu. He's the perfect mentor for you, Sasuke. Especially since you're working on Lightning Release—Kakashi's expertise will be invaluable."
Sasuke glanced at Naruto, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "You seem to know a lot about him."
Naruto shrugged, his smile easy. "I like to be informed. Kakashi's completed 42 S-rank missions, all of them flawlessly. He's far stronger than he lets on. Trust me, he's exactly what you need."
Sasuke's shoulders relaxed slightly. If Naruto was confident in Kakashi's abilities, then maybe there was hope after all.
As they turned a corner, a loud, enthusiastic voice echoed down the street. "Well done, Lee! Your passion for training is inspiring! This is the power of youth! Everyone, let's do three laps around Konoha!"
The trio looked up to see Might Guy leading his team—Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga, and Tenten—down the street. Guy was walking on his hands, his green spandex gleaming in the sunlight, while his students followed behind, their expressions a mix of determination and mild embarrassment.
"Naruto! Sasuke!" Lee called out, breaking into a run toward them. He left Neji and Tenten behind, much to Guy's delight.
"Ah, the bonds of youth!" Guy exclaimed, tears streaming down his face. "This is what true friendship looks like! Lee, your enthusiasm is a beacon of hope for us all!"
Lee skidded to a stop in front of Naruto, his face glowing with excitement. "Naruto! Sasuke! And… uh…" His eyes landed on Sakura, and he tilted his head curiously. "Who's this?"
"This is Haruno Sakura," Naruto introduced. "She's part of our team."
Lee nodded, his respect for Sakura immediately evident. If she was on Naruto's team, she must be someone special. "Nice to meet you, Sakura!"
Sakura smiled shyly, unsure how to respond to Lee's boundless energy.
Guy and his team caught up, and Guy struck his signature pose, his thumb raised high. "Yosh! Naruto, Sasuke! Meeting on such a beautiful day—this is the work of youth!"
Naruto chuckled. "Good to see you, Guy-sensei."
Sasuke gave a curt nod, his expression neutral. He respected Guy's strength, but the man's exuberance was… overwhelming.
As the two groups exchanged pleasantries, Neji hung back, his arms crossed and his expression cold. He hadn't forgotten the humiliating defeat Naruto had handed him a year ago during a sparring match. Naruto's calm demeanor and overwhelming strength had left a lasting impression—and not a pleasant one.
"Neji," Naruto said, his tone friendly. "Long time no see."
Neji's jaw tightened, but he managed a stiff nod. "Naruto."
The tension between them was palpable, but Naruto didn't press the issue. He turned his attention back to Guy. "So, Guy-sensei, who's your team's jonin instructor?"
Guy's eyes sparkled with pride. "That would be me, of course! And let me tell you, these three are the embodiment of youth and determination!"
Lee, Neji, and Tenten exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of pride and mild embarrassment.
The conversation eventually turned to the topic of jonin instructors. "Naruto, who's your team's jonin?" Lee asked.
"Kakashi," Naruto replied.
Lee scratched his head, frowning. "Kakashi… that name sounds familiar."
Guy's expression shifted, a rare seriousness crossing his face. "Kakashi… my eternal rival."
The group fell silent, intrigued. Even Sasuke leaned in slightly, curious to hear more.
"Kakashi and I have a long history," Guy explained, his tone uncharacteristically solemn. "In terms of strength, we're evenly matched. Out of a hundred battles, he might win fifty-one. But when it comes to the flames of youth…" Guy's eyes filled with tears. "I am unmatched!"
Sasuke's eyebrows shot up. If Guy, a man of such overwhelming power and determination, considered Kakashi his equal, then perhaps Naruto was right. Kakashi might be the mentor Sasuke needed.
As the conversation wound down, Guy extended an invitation. "Young ones, would you care to join us for some youthful training?"
Sakura hesitated, unsure what "youthful training" entailed, but Naruto and Sasuke were already shaking their heads.
"Thanks, but we've got plans," Naruto said, his tone polite but firm.
Guy nodded, undeterred. "Very well! Lee, Neji, Tenten—let's do three laps around Konoha! The flames of youth burn brightest when shared!"
As Guy and his team jogged away, Sakura turned to Naruto, her expression puzzled. "What kind of training was he talking about?"
Naruto chuckled. "Trust me, you don't want to know."
Sasuke smirked faintly, the first hint of amusement he'd shown all day. "Let's just say it involves a lot of spandex and tears."
Sakura shuddered. "Yeah, I'm good."
As they continued toward the training grounds, Sasuke found himself feeling a little more optimistic. If Kakashi was as strong as Guy claimed, then maybe—just maybe—he could help Sasuke achieve his goals. And with Naruto by his side, Sasuke felt a flicker of hope. Together, they might just become strong enough to face whatever challenges lay ahead.