Sakura's jaw dropped as she watched the aftermath of Naruto's attack. The training ground was a smoldering ruin, the ground scorched and the air thick with the smell of burnt earth. She swallowed hard, her mind struggling to process what she had just witnessed.
"Tch," Sasuke muttered, his arms crossed. "You've gotten stronger again." Despite his cool demeanor, a flicker of frustration crossed his face. The gap between him and Naruto seemed to grow wider every day.
Naruto, however, was calm. He lowered his hand, satisfied with the display of power. Over the years, he had honed his skills, combining ninjutsu and his unique spiritual techniques to create devastating attacks. But he knew better than to underestimate Kakashi. This was a man who had survived countless battles and earned the title of Copy Ninja.
Sure enough, Kakashi was nowhere to be seen. The jonin had evaded the attack with ease, his experience and reflexes allowing him to escape unscathed. Naruto's sharp eyes scanned the area, his senses on high alert.
Suddenly, a pair of hands shot out from the ground beneath Naruto's feet, gripping his ankles tightly. Kakashi's voice echoed from below, his tone playful. "Got you."
Naruto's lips curved into a faint smile. "The Fifty-Seventh Great Land of Breaking the Way."
The ground beneath him erupted, the earth splitting apart as Kakashi was forced to the surface. Naruto broke free from the grip, leaping into the air with fluid grace. He extended a finger, his voice calm but commanding. "The Twelve Volts of Fire that Broke the Way."
A network of spiritual energy spread out, forming a intricate web that trapped Kakashi. But as the smoke cleared, Kakashi was gone, replaced by a log. The substitution technique.
"Impressive," Kakashi's voice came from behind Naruto. "But it's over now."
Before Naruto could react, Kakashi's hands formed the Tiger seal. "Thousand Years of Death!"
Sakura gasped, her face turning bright red as she covered her eyes. "What kind of technique is that?!"
Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief. "Is he serious?"
Naruto, however, remained unfazed. "Ms. Kakashi, such a vulgar technique doesn't suit your reputation."
As Kakashi's attack landed, Naruto's form dissolved into shimmering fragments, like water rippling in the sunlight. The illusion shattered, revealing Naruto standing a few feet away, his blade gleaming in his hand.
Kakashi's eye narrowed. So this is his Bloodline Limit—manipulating vision and creating illusions through light and water refraction. He had heard rumors, but seeing it in action was something else entirely.
Naruto's voice was calm, almost teasing. "You'll have to do better than that, sensei."
Kakashi smirked beneath his mask. "Fair enough."
The two clashed again, their movements a blur of speed and precision. Kunai met blade in a flurry of sparks, the sound of metal ringing through the air. Sakura and Sasuke could barely keep up, their eyes straining to follow the fight.
Sakura's heart raced. Naruto's so strong… but I'm so weak. How can I ever stand by his side?
Sasuke, meanwhile, activated his Sharingan, his crimson eyes tracking the battle. Even with his enhanced vision, he struggled to keep up. Kakashi's taijutsu is on another level… but Naruto's holding his own.
Suddenly, Kakashi staggered back, a thin line of blood appearing on his chest. His eye widened in shock. How? I dodged that attack!
Naruto stood calmly, his blade resting at his side. He tilted his head back, basking in the sunlight. "Stepping into the sunshine before noon… it's truly wonderful."
Kakashi stared at him, a mix of admiration and exasperation in his gaze. This kid… he's not even taking this seriously. But deep down, Kakashi couldn't help but be impressed. Naruto's talent was undeniable, and his calm demeanor in the face of danger was something even seasoned ninja struggled to achieve.
Sasuke, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of determination. That's the kind of ninja I want to be—calm, powerful, and unshakable.
As the dust settled, Kakashi straightened, his expression serious. "Alright, Naruto. You've proven yourself. But this test isn't over yet."
Naruto smiled, his eyes glinting with quiet confidence. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
The bell test had only just begun, and already, Team 7 had shown they were a force to be reckoned with. For Kakashi, this was just the start of what promised to be an interesting—and challenging—journey.