The sun shone brightly over Konoha as the day of the Ninja Academy's graduation ceremony dawned. Excitement buzzed in the air as students, their families, and instructors gathered in the spacious courtyard. Among them were Naruto and Ryuga, their faces alight with anticipation and a touch of nervousness.
Ryuga adjusted his headband, the symbol of Konoha's ninja, and glanced at Naruto, who was bouncing on his heels with barely contained energy. "Calm down, Naruto. It's just the ceremony," Ryuga said, though he himself felt a flutter of excitement.
"Just the ceremony?!" Naruto exclaimed. "This is the start of our real ninja journey! We're gonna be assigned to our teams today!"
Ryuga smiled, sharing in Naruto's enthusiasm. "Yeah, you're right. I just hope we get good teammates."
The ceremony began with the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, addressing the gathered crowd. His presence commanded respect, and his words about the Will of Fire resonated deeply with everyone present. "Today, you step into the world as full-fledged ninjas of Konoha. Remember, your strength comes from the bonds you share with your comrades. Protect each other, and you will become strong."
As the Third Hokage concluded his speech, the sensei of each graduating class took turns announcing the team assignments. Iruka Umino, their academy instructor, stepped forward to announce the teams.
"Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha," Iruka called out. The three named students exchanged glances—Naruto with a mixture of excitement and rivalry, Sasuke with cool indifference, and Sakura with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"And now for Team 8: Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, and Shino Aburame," Iruka continued. Each team assignment followed, with students gathering around their new teammates, eager to start their missions.
But as the assignments went on, Ryuga noticed his name was conspicuously absent. His brows furrowed in confusion. Where was he going to be placed?
Finally, Iruka addressed the students once more. "As for Ryuga Uzumaki, due to his unique skills and the absence of a suitable team, he will be undergoing a special assessment alongside Team 7."
Naruto, standing with his new team, turned to Ryuga and gave him a thumbs-up. "Looks like we get to stick together a bit longer, Ryuga!"
Ryuga nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. He was ready to show what he could do.
The following day, Team 7 gathered at Training Ground Three. Kakashi Hatake, their sensei, stood before them, reading from his ever-present orange book. His single visible eye curved into a lazy smile. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we'll be conducting a test to see if you're ready to be a real ninja."
Naruto crossed his arms, looking impatient. "Come on, Kakashi-sensei, we're already ninjas! We graduated!"
Kakashi's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Just because you graduated doesn't mean you're automatically ready for missions. This test will determine if you have what it takes to be part of a team."
Kakashi then revealed two small bells attached to his belt. "Your objective is to take these bells from me before noon. Those who fail to get a bell will be tied to a log and have no lunch."
"But there are only two bells," Sakura pointed out, frowning.
"Exactly," Kakashi said, his tone light. "Meaning at least one of you will be tied to the log. You'll need to come at me with the intent to kill."
The students gulped, feeling the pressure of Kakashi's words. Naruto and Sasuke exchanged competitive glances, while Sakura looked determined to prove herself. Ryuga, however, took a deep breath, feeling a different kind of excitement—this was a chance to showcase his abilities and learn from one of the best.
Kakashi gave them a few minutes to strategize. Naruto immediately started making bold plans, while Sasuke observed Kakashi carefully. Ryuga suggested they focus on teamwork, but Sasuke was reluctant, confident in his own skills. Eventually, they settled on a loose plan and prepared to start.
"Begin!" Kakashi's command was barely out of his mouth when Naruto charged head-on, kunai in hand.
"Naruto, wait!" Ryuga called, but it was too late. Kakashi sidestepped Naruto's attack with ease, then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Naruto stumbled, his eyes wide in shock.
Kakashi reappeared behind Sakura, tapping her shoulder lightly with his book. "Distracted?"
Sakura spun around, swinging a punch, but Kakashi ducked effortlessly. Sasuke took this moment to launch a barrage of shuriken, but Kakashi evaded them all, landing gracefully in a tree.
"Is this all you've got?" Kakashi taunted, his tone mocking.
Ryuga took a deep breath, focusing on his chakra. He knew he had to use his unique abilities to stand a chance. He formed hand signs, summoning a gust of wind to obscure Kakashi's vision. "Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
As Kakashi shielded his eyes, Sasuke used the distraction to close in, engaging Kakashi in close combat. Sasuke's movements were precise and calculated, but Kakashi matched him blow for blow, barely breaking a sweat.
Naruto, frustrated by his earlier failure, created several shadow clones, all charging at Kakashi simultaneously. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Kakashi sighed, easily dispatching the clones. "Predictable."
Ryuga took advantage of the chaos, forming more hand signs. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" A powerful gust of wind rushed towards Kakashi, who jumped out of the way just in time. Ryuga's wind technique combined with Naruto's clones created a chaotic battlefield, giving Sasuke an opening to strike.
But Kakashi was ready. With a swift movement, he countered Sasuke's attack and sent him flying backwards. "Nice try, but not enough."
Sakura, seeing an opportunity, threw a handful of shuriken from the side, aiming for Kakashi's blind spot. Kakashi caught them with ease, tossing them aside. "You'll have to do better than that."
Frustration was evident on all their faces. They regrouped briefly, realising their individual attacks weren't enough. Ryuga spoke up, his voice firm. "We need to work together. That's the only way we'll get those bells."
Sasuke nodded reluctantly, while Naruto grinned. "Alright, let's do it!"
They launched a coordinated assault, with Naruto's clones creating a distraction, Sakura providing ranged support with shuriken, and Sasuke engaging Kakashi directly. Ryuga used his wind techniques to manipulate the battlefield, trying to corner Kakashi.
Despite their efforts, Kakashi remained a step ahead, effortlessly evading their attacks. "Remember, teamwork is key," he reminded them, dodging another barrage of shuriken.
As the clock ticked closer to noon, their desperation grew. Ryuga, noticing a brief opening, channelled his chakra, summoning a thin layer of frost on his hands. "Ice Release: Ice Dragon's Claw!"
With enhanced speed and precision, Ryuga launched himself at Kakashi. The sudden appearance of ice surprised Kakashi, giving Ryuga a split-second advantage. He managed to graze Kakashi's vest, but the experienced ninja quickly recovered, blocking Ryuga's next strike.
In the end, despite their best efforts, the bells remained firmly in Kakashi's possession. As the noon bell rang, Kakashi called for a halt. "Time's up."
Naruto, panting and frustrated, glared at the bells. "We were so close!"
Kakashi smiled, his demeanor softer. "You all showed promise, but remember, the goal was to work as a team. You focused too much on the bells and not enough on supporting each other."
He untied the bells and handed them to Naruto and Sasuke. "You'll all pass this time, but remember this lesson well. As for Ryuga, you did well. I'll report to the Hokage about your performance."
Relieved but exhausted, the group sat down to catch their breath. Ryuga felt a mix of satisfaction and determination. He had glimpsed his own potential and knew there was much more to learn.
"Thanks, Ryuga," Naruto said, patting his brother on the back. "We couldn't have done it without you."
Ryuga smiled, feeling the bond with his new team strengthen. Together, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they walked back to the village, Kakashi watched them with a sense of pride. "They're growing up fast," he thought, knowing that this was just the beginning of their journey.