"Naruto, look out!" Sasuke shouted, kicking out to push Naruto away—only to have his leg caught by a hand.
That face... it was familiar. Kakashi-sensei?!
Sasuke turned toward the Kakashi beside Sakura. A shadow clone?!
At that moment, a small smirk tugged at the corners of Kakashi's lips. Time to teach these kids two important lessons today.
"Where are you looking, Sasuke?" Kakashi said, as he drove his foot into Sasuke's stomach with a clean strike.
Sasuke was sent flying over 10 meters before crashing hard to the ground.
"Ugh!" Sasuke groaned, clutching his stomach.
"Sasuke!" Naruto cried out in worry and started to run toward him.
But he didn't make it far—two hands suddenly clamped down on his shoulders.
A familiar voice whispered beside his ear, "Worried about Sasuke, Naruto? How about worrying about yourself?"
Kakashi's hands clasped behind Naruto, index and middle fingers extended, and—
"Konoha Secret Taijutsu Technique: One Thousand Years of Death!"
BOOM.
The technique struck true.
Naruto dropped to the ground with a cry of agony, his entire body numb from the impact.
Double kill.
I got the older brother nine years ago... and the younger one nine years later. Beautiful.
Truly worthy of being called Konoha's secret taijutsu technique—One Thousand Years of Death.
"Sasuke! Naruto!" Sakura gasped. Everything had happened so fast that by the time she processed it, both boys were already groaning on the ground in pain.
Release!
Kakashi dispelled his two shadow clones and raised his hands.
"That concludes the survival training. Actually, this exercise had a second, deeper purpose: to protect your comrades."
Just as Kakashi was saying this with enthusiasm—
Sasuke pushed himself up, still clutching his stomach. Naruto stood too, holding his aching rear.
The two locked eyes—and immediately began forming hand signs.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Bullets!"
Naruto exhaled multiple wind bullets, slicing through the air like chakram.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Fire Jutsu!"
Sasuke hurled shuriken infused with flame, scattering blazing sparks like a field of wildflowers.
The moment they released their techniques, both of them collapsed onto the ground—completely drained of chakra.
Kakashi, standing not far away, remained calm. A small smirk appeared on his face.
"Not bad—you know B-rank ninjutsu. But..."
Boar – Dog – Bird – Ox – Snake – Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!
A massive wall of earth erupted before him, blocking the barrage of fire and wind.
Sasuke and Naruto, both lying exhausted on the ground, lifted their heads to check if they'd landed a hit... but were met with disappointment. Kakashi stood tall, untouched.
These brats...
Kakashi shook his head with a sigh, then continued his explanation.
"No matter what the mission is, protecting your comrades is crucial. Return together, even if it means abandoning the mission. Missions can be redone—your lives can't."
Then Kakashi turned to Sakura.
"Sakura, your current strength is far below Sasuke and Naruto's. But in battle, protecting yourself is vital. Don't become the enemy's hostage—and work hard to improve."
Sakura nodded firmly. Hearing those words, she felt a pang of guilt. It was because of me that Sasuke and Naruto failed earlier... Gritting her teeth, she vowed to work harder and study ninjutsu so she wouldn't be a burden anymore.
Kakashi then looked back at Sasuke and Naruto.
"Second lesson—never let your guard down until the enemy is truly defeated."
Sasuke: "..."
Naruto: "..."
So that's why you had to poke me there?! Why me and not Sasuke?!
Naruto rubbed his sore backside in protest.
"The third point: always reserve some chakra. You both used all your chakra on those final B-rank jutsu. But what if the enemy wasn't defeated by them? What then? The result: one word—death."
Sasuke and Naruto nodded, finally understanding the gravity of his lesson.
Kakashi had truly given them an unforgettable survival exercise—more impactful than any lecture. In the years to come, they would never forget this day: Protect your comrades.
Never drop your guard.
Always keep something in reserve.
Kakashi returned to his backpack and pulled out three bento boxes.
"Here. Eat."
Sasuke and Sakura took theirs without hesitation. They were starving—especially Sasuke—and quickly devoured the food.
Naruto accepted his box and began eating slowly. He wasn't all that hungry... but his butt still throbbed.
Damn you, Kakashi-sensei...
Watching them, Kakashi's thoughts drifted. Class 7…
If only he had realized these things earlier—if only he'd been stronger. Maybe Obito and Rin would still be here.
Behind the mask, a bittersweet smile tugged at his lips.
He looked up at the blue sky and saw the images of his old team—himself, Obito, Rin, and Minato-sensei—etched in the clouds.
After the three finished eating, Kakashi dismissed them and told them to regroup at 9 a.m. the next day.
"Wait—Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura called out quickly. "Can we have breakfast tomorrow?"
Sasuke: "..." Idiot. I'm eating breakfast whether he says yes or not. I won't be mocked by Naruto again.
Sasuke glared at Naruto.
Naruto glared back. Sasuke, why are you staring at me?!
I'll stare if I want!
The two locked eyes again.
"Sure," Kakashi said casually, then turned and walked away, eager to go home and read the latest chapter of Jiraiya's novel.
Sakura turned to Sasuke excitedly. "Sasuke! We can have breakfast tomorrow!"
But Sasuke ignored her and continued his intense staring contest with Naruto. I won't lose!
Sakura: "..." Ugh! Naruto again! Give me back my Sasuke!
Meanwhile, one of Menma's clones arrived at the ANBU headquarters to report in.
The ANBU commander nearly doubted his eyes—but it was true. Hokage-sama had sent a freshly graduated academy student to ANBU.
As per protocol, real names weren't used. Each member went by a code name.
Menma casually picked a mask and declared his alias:
Code Name: Trumpet.
(End Of Chapter)
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