The four of them arrived at the rooftop of the Ninja Academy. Kakashi looked at the three students and said:
"Alright. Let's start with some introductions.
Talk about what you like, what you dislike, your dreams, your hobbies… whatever comes to mind."
No one answered at first, so Sakura took the initiative:
"Sensei, why don't you go first to give us an example?"
"Me?" Kakashi rubbed his chin. "My name is Hatake Kakashi. As for the things I like and dislike... that's classified.
Dreams… I don't really have one.
Interests? I have a lot."
That's basically nothing except your name!
Inner Sakura screamed in frustration.
Sasuke didn't react much, while Naruto spoke up:
"Hatake Kakashi, Konoha jōnin. Graduated from the Academy at age 5, promoted to chūnin at age 6, became a jōnin by age 12.
Known as Konoha's 'Copy Ninja Kakashi,' the Leaf's number one technician."
"In terms of strength and mission success rate, he's one of the top shinobi in the village."
"Mr. Anbu, I read your file at Uncle Danzo's place."
---
Danzo.
Kakashi caught the name immediately.
Why is my sensei's son involved with… Danzo?
"Kakashi-sensei is that amazing?!"
Sakura's eyes sparkled. At first, she thought their teacher looked unreliable with his lazy expression and slouch, but after hearing Naruto's rundown, she lit up.
Teamed up with Sasuke AND assigned to such a powerful sensei—this is perfect!
Even Sasuke was visibly impressed—especially by Kakashi's promotion record.
Graduated at 5, chūnin at 6, jōnin at 12... That's even faster than Itachi...
So why does he seem… weaker than Itachi?
Even though Sasuke couldn't use ki, his experience training in the Turtle School had sharpened his instincts. He could tell when someone was strong—or not.
---
"Sharing ninja intel so casually isn't a wise move," Kakashi said with a slightly sharp tone.
But Naruto only smiled calmly:
"We're a team now. I was just sharing information."
Sharing intel? Or rather, you've figured something out… No doubt about it—he really is my sensei's kid.
---
"Alright, you're up next," Kakashi pointed at Naruto.
"Me?" Naruto blinked, then said with a grin:
"Name's Uzumaki Naruto. I like training.
I don't really dislike much—just the people I hate, and those I'll beat to a pulp.
My dream is to become someone as great as the Fourth Hokage."
He cracked his knuckles with a loud pop pop pop, giving his trademark mischievous grin.
"As for hobbies? Beating up jackasses."
---
To become someone like the Fourth Hokage…
Kakashi felt a dull ache at his temples.
That personality, that grin… he's just like—no, he really is his mother's son.
He recalled Kushina's fiery temper and couldn't help but sigh.
Hopefully Naruto didn't inherit too much of her personality… otherwise, life was going to be rough.
And honestly? It was hard to say he didn't.
Naruto had a reputation for tearing off rooftops when provoked, and his need for revenge was fierce and relentless.
So wild. No wonder people called him a mini-tyrant back then.
Inner Sakura gave Naruto a thumbs-up for that.
---
"My turn."
Sasuke crossed his arms in front of his mouth and said coolly:
"Uchiha Sasuke. I like training. I like getting stronger. I hate annoying women."
"I don't have a dream—dreams are just empty words. I don't care for them."
"I have a single ambition: to restore the Uchiha clan… and—"
"To kill that man."
---
Kakashi gave a knowing look. He'd expected as much.
As for Sakura, her mind had short-circuited—"So cool."
Naruto glanced at Sasuke silently.
Good thing the Uchiha weren't completely wiped out. Otherwise, if he had to rebuild the clan alone… he'd probably have to bleach his hair blond, spawn dozens of mini-Sasukes, and become the biggest playboy in the ninja world.
---
"Alright, you're up next, young lady."
Kakashi turned to Sakura.
"I'm Haruno Sakura. I like… or rather, the person I like is…"
"My dream is… should I say it…?"
She snuck a shy glance at Sasuke—only to see he was looking right at her.
"Kyaa!!"
She let out a squeal and flailed.
Sasuke blinked in confusion.
What's her problem?
---
Kakashi:
Girls this age really do care more about romance than ninjutsu…
Naruto shot another glance at Sasuke.
See? I told you. You're gonna have to handle her.
Sasuke rolled his eyes again.
Nope. I hate weak, annoying girls.
Plus, her forehead's way too wide.
---
"Alright, that's enough for introductions."
Kakashi clapped his hands, getting down to business.
"Starting tomorrow, we'll begin official missions."
"Your first assignment—survival training."
Sasuke nodded and turned to Naruto.
Naruto answered in his place:
"He's asking: where?"
"Training Field 44. Be there at 5 a.m. sharp. Don't be late."
Sasuke nodded again, and once more looked to Naruto.
Naruto:
"He says: got it."
Kakashi: "…"
> That's it? You guys don't have anything else to ask?
Kakashi stood there awkwardly, clearly waiting for them to inquire further.
But Sakura was still lost in her Sasuke dreamland, and the boys were locked in silent eye-speak again—ignoring him completely.
---
Seeing Kakashi still lingering, Naruto asked:
"Is there anything else, Mr. Anbu?"
Kakashi: "…"
After a moment's pause, he said:
"Make sure to bring all your ninja tools.
And don't eat breakfast."
"Otherwise… you'll throw up."
He tried to say it with a serious expression, but it didn't have much impact.
"One more thing," he added, turning toward Naruto.
"From now on, call me Kakashi-sensei."
Naruto nodded sincerely.
"Got it, Mr. Anbu."
Standing on the rooftop, watching the three of them from above, Kakashi rubbed his temples.
This team… is going to be a handful.
From just this short exchange, he already had a decent grasp of their personalities.
Although they were technically a team of three, Team 7 was clearly divided into two factions—Naruto and Sasuke on one side, and Sakura completely separate.
More accurately: being excluded.
Kakashi wasn't blind. Naruto and Sasuke were blatantly exchanging looks and gestures without shame.
Only Sakura, stuck in a love-struck daze, remained oblivious.
Kakashi thought back to his own genin team.
Whenever he and Obito fought, Rin was always the buffer. With Minato-sensei's guidance, the group had somehow stayed in balance.
But this Team 7… made that setup look like paradise by comparison.
What a headache.
Still, the Hokage personally assigned genin teams—so Hiruzen must have had his reasons for placing these three together.
---
"Hey, Sasuke," Naruto called out as they left the Academy.
"I'm coming to your house tonight."
Sasuke: "?"
Seeing Sasuke's puzzled expression, Naruto added:
"There's something you should know."
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