The bell test had ended abruptly, leaving Kakashi with much to ponder as he walked through the streets of Konoha. Though he had held back during the assessment—avoiding lethal techniques and refraining from using his Sharingan—he couldn't deny the sting of defeat. Failure was failure, no matter the circumstances.
"That Bloodline Limit," Kakashi murmured to himself, his tone thoughtful. "If developed properly, Naruto could become Konoha's greatest illusionist. The ability to manipulate vision and blur the line between reality and illusion is a terrifying combination. But I wonder how effective it would be against the Sharingan…"
He touched the covered eye beneath his forehead protector, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his expression. "This is Obito's final gift to me," he whispered.
Kakashi's thoughts turned to Naruto's performance. The boy was undeniably strong, with a calm and composed demeanor that belied his age. But there were flaws—gaps in his approach that could be exploited. "Naruto relies too much on his Bloodline Limit," Kakashi noted. "And he underestimates his opponents. He needs more experience, more challenges to temper his confidence."
As he walked, Kakashi began to plan. "I'll need to assign them some missions—real ones, not just D-ranks. Naruto's leadership and strength will keep the team together, and Sasuke and Sakura will have to step up. It's the only way they'll grow."
He paused, considering the team's dynamics. "Naruto is versatile, capable of filling any role in battle. Sakura has excellent chakra control—she could become a skilled medical ninja. And Sasuke… his ninjutsu and taijutsu are solid. He could be a powerful frontline fighter. Maybe I'll teach him Raikiri. As for Naruto… perhaps he could learn it too."
Kakashi's mind drifted to his own days as a genin, to the lessons Minato had imparted. "Sensei," he thought, "I'll do my best to guide your son. He's already so much like you."
Inside the sealed space within Naruto's mind, Minato stood before his son, a proud smile on his face. "Congratulations on passing the bell test, Naruto. Your performance was impressive."
Naruto nodded, his expression calm. "Thank you."
Their relationship had been strained for years, the weight of Minato's decision to seal the Nine-Tails into his son's body casting a long shadow. At first, Naruto had resented his father, burying his anger deep within. But over time, he had come to understand the desperation of that moment, the impossible choices Minato had faced.
Still, understanding didn't erase the pain. Naruto no longer hated his father, but he refused to be bound by sentimentality. His path was one of strength and independence, and he would walk it alone if necessary.
"How is your Reiatsu training progressing?" Naruto asked, shifting the conversation.
Minato's eyes lit up. Is Naruto showing concern? Maybe there's still a chance to mend our relationship. "It's slow, but steady," he replied. "I can already manifest a physical form. I think I might be able to leave this sealed space soon."
Naruto's expression remained neutral, but his mind was racing. Minato's ability to leave the sealed space and manifest in the physical world could be a game-changer. "How much of your peak strength can you access now?" he asked.
"About fifty percent," Minato said. "But I can only maintain it for five minutes. If my Reiatsu runs out, I'll dissipate."
Naruto considered this. Fifty percent of Minato's strength was significant, but it wasn't enough to challenge the likes of Kakashi or other elite jonin. Still, it was a start. "Continue your training," he said, his tone softer than usual. "I may need your help in the future."
Minato's heart swelled with hope. He's opening up. Slowly, but surely.
Later, Naruto stood before Aizen in the depths of his mindscape. The man's presence was as calm and enigmatic as ever. "Mr. Aizen," Naruto began, "did you see my battle earlier?"
Aizen smiled, his expression one of quiet approval. "You've made remarkable progress, Naruto. Keep this pace, and you'll soon establish yourself as a force to be reckoned with in Konoha."
Over the years, Aizen had observed Naruto's growth with keen interest. The boy's combination of Reiatsu, chakra, and the Nine-Tails' power was unlike anything Aizen had seen before. It was a fusion of potential that could rival even his own.
"I owe much of my progress to your guidance," Naruto said, his tone respectful but not subservient.
Aizen shook his head. "I've merely been a guide. Your strength is the result of your own efforts. Remember, Naruto, I won't interfere with your decisions. Your path is yours to forge."
He stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "A young eagle must learn to soar on its own. Do what you must, and don't fear the unknown. That's how you'll surprise me."
As Aizen spoke, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, a hint of the ambition that lay beneath his calm exterior. He had waited a long time for someone like Naruto—a prodigy who could challenge the boundaries of power and possibility.
Naruto left the mindscape, his thoughts swirling. The road ahead was uncertain, but he was ready. With Minato's potential return, Aizen's guidance, and his own growing strength, he was closer than ever to breaking free from Konoha's control.
But first, he had a team to lead and missions to complete. The journey was just beginning.