Chapter 72: The consent form is a life-and-death waiver
Once Shikamaru understood this, he couldn't help but admire Naruto. He had thought the Nara Clan's minds were clever enough, but it turned out Naruto's mind was just as sharp.
After leaving the Ninja Academy, the respective Jonin led their squads away.
Kakashi brought Naruto and the others to a spot not far from tomorrow's meeting point and pointed it out to them.
"Tomorrow, you'll gather over there. It's not too late to back out now; your chances of dying tomorrow are quite high."
Kakashi's words were mainly directed at Sakura. Compared to the other Ninjas, her strength was indeed somewhat lacking.
Some said Sakura and Ino were evenly matched, but one mustn't forget that the Ino–Shika–Chō trio operated as one. Their combined strength was greater than the sum of its parts; while their individual power might not be overwhelming, together, they weren't a team a typical Ninja squad could easily contend with.
Sakura also knew Kakashi's words were meant for her. After a long silence, she looked up at Kakashi, Sasuke, and Naruto, saying, "I will participate tomorrow! Even if I die, I'll have no regrets."
"Since you've made your decision, I won't say anything more. Good luck to you all! You're dismissed."
After saying that, Kakashi used the Body Flicker Technique and vanished.
Naruto looked at Sakura and said, "Don't worry, you won't die. However... it's possible you'll have to endure some hardship."
Hearing Naruto's guarantee, Sakura smiled and nodded. "I knew you guys were the most reliable. I'm not afraid of a little hardship."
"Don't get ahead of yourself. When you go back, pack plenty of Substitution Logs and Ninja tools. You'll definitely need them tomorrow."
"Got it! I'll go prepare."
After Sakura finished speaking, she turned to look at Sasuke.
It was unclear whether she wanted a few words of comfort from him or if she hoped he would give her a guarantee just like Naruto had.
But Sasuke said nothing and instead turned to look at Naruto.
"If you and Rock Lee were to compete purely in Taijutsu, could you win?"
Naruto looked at Sasuke, somewhat speechless. "Is winning and losing really that important? Strength is your own. Beating someone or conquering someone doesn't necessarily prove you're strong."
"But I want to know how big the gap is. Otherwise, I won't even know if I can kill him."
Naruto rubbed his temples and said, "With my current strength, if I were to spar with Uchiha Itachi, I could win. But in a life-and-death struggle, Uchiha Itachi would be the one to kill me."
"How is that possible! Your strength is likely not inferior to Kakashi's, right?"
"Sasuke, why don't you understand? Strength is not the same as combat power. Although I am powerful, I haven't experienced many life-and-death battles. Uchiha Itachi has survived countless such struggles and even participated in the Third Shinobi World War. That level of brutality isn't something we can compare to just because we've killed a few people."
Sasuke lowered his head, dejected. "Does that mean I'll never be able to kill him in this lifetime?"
"It seems you haven't taken my words to heart at all. While Kakashi may not be as strong as Uchiha Itachi, his combat instincts, reactions, and adaptability are things you need to learn from. Forget it! You can decide your own affairs!"
With that, Naruto turned and left.
Sasuke watched Naruto's departing back with a complex heart. After returning to the Village, he carefully re-examined everything Naruto had said in the Land of Waves and understood the meaning behind his words.
The shadows of the Village leadership were behind the Uchiha massacre, but the one who personally wiped out the Uchiha Clan was Uchiha Itachi. This was an undeniable fact and an unforgivable sin. Even if those in the Konoha Leadership deserved to die, Uchiha Itachi was also beyond forgiveness.
Filled with killing intent, Sasuke returned to the Uchiha Clan Compound, reflecting on Naruto's advice to consult Kakashi.
Sasuke knew in his heart that Naruto was right, but the Village was too peaceful; it wouldn't allow him to grow quickly. Moreover, he was aware of Naruto's situation in the Village.
If the Village wouldn't allow Naruto to grow, why would they allow him, the sole survivor of the Uchiha Clan, to grow?
The next day.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura arrived on time at the entrance of Training Ground 44.
Anko Mitarashi was already waiting at the entrance.
After Anko finished introducing the rules for entering the exam site, she began distributing the life-and-death waivers.
Naruto looked at the waiver in his hand and smiled.
"Is this basically a liability waiver? Are they afraid other Ninja Villages will come looking for trouble with Konoha?"
Anko smiled and said, "Oh? You're quite well-informed, kid!"
"Not really, I just know a little bit."
"You're smart. This is indeed a liability waiver to prevent other hidden Villages from causing trouble. Of course, you don't have to sign it."
Naruto didn't know if Anko knew his situation. Although her words had a double meaning, Narutofelt she was implying that since he was an orphan, no one would come looking for trouble anyway.
Naruto waved the consent form and said, "Since you've set the rules, I'll follow the regulations."
Naruto smiled, took the consent form, and stepped aside.
After finding a spot to sign the form, Naruto picked a large tree and sat on the ground, leaning against it to enjoy the shade.
While Naruto was watching everyone struggle with whether or not to sign, he saw Hinata.
Perhaps Hinata felt someone watching her, as she also looked over in Naruto's direction.
Naruto smiled and waved. Hinata shyly lowered her head but still shuffled over to him.
"Naruto-kun, do you need something?"
"I've told you so many times, just call me Naruto. Why can't you change that?"
"I... I... I...!"
"Alright, alright, I won't force you. You can call me whatever you want. Have you signed the consent form?"
Hinata lowered her head and shook it. "No!"
"What's wrong? Are you worried your strength isn't enough and that it'll be dangerous once you're inside?"
Hinata nodded and said, "Yes! My strength really isn't that great. I'm afraid of dragging Kiba and Shino down."
Seeing Hinata's worried expression, Narutothought for a moment and said, "Give me your hand."
"Ah! Oh!"
Hinata didn't know what Naruto was going to do, but she obediently reached out her hand.
Naruto smiled as he took Hinata's hand. "I'm going to leave a mark on your wrist. If you need me, just channel your Chakra into the mark, and I'll arrive instantly."
With that, Naruto placed a Flying Thunder God Mark on Hinata's wrist. It looked like a watch, though it lacked a strap.
The technology in the Naruto world was a bit peculiar; they had computers and televisions, yet their technology wasn't particularly advanced.
Hinata looked at the'Shinobi' character on her wrist with a red face. Who knows what she was thinking, but steam began to rise from the top of her head again.