The only lie was the supposed rumors Naruto had heard. He didn’t have the time or interest to dig up such information in the village. Even if he could use the Transformation Jutsu, he wouldn’t waste it on asking about these things. It was just an excuse to cover his foreknowledge from the original storyline. In reality, Naruto did verify with Iruka that Kakashi’s “fame” in the village was quite well-known.
“Then why didn’t you just tell us yesterday?” Sakura said with a very aggrieved expression, her tone carrying a hint of complaint.
Sasuke’s expression wasn’t any better. They wouldn’t have foolishly shown up at five in the morning if they had known earlier. They’d already been waiting for five hours! And according to Naruto, they might have to wait even longer, or Kakashi might not show up at all today and reschedule for another day. The thought made Sasuke’s mood even more irritable and his expression more annoyed.
“So, didn’t I remind you yesterday? I said you could arrive a bit later. Besides, Kakashi-sensei was more than three hours late for yesterday’s meeting. I thought you would at least find out more about him. Though it isn’t something everyone knows, it’s quite a well-known aspect of Kakashi-sensei. Who knew you would just… you know…” Naruto’s face showed a hint of a strange smile as he shrugged.
The unspoken implication was clear to both of them. Indeed, as Naruto said, he had fulfilled his duty as a teammate by reminding them. It was their own fault for not paying attention, thinking Naruto was joking, and ignoring it. The wasted five hours, and possibly more, could only be blamed on themselves. Even Sasuke’s face froze for a moment before quickly recovering.
“So, what about breakfast? Naruto, did you eat before coming?” Sakura suddenly asked, eyes bright and focused on Naruto.
At that exact moment, Sakura’s and Sasuke’s stomachs growled, making Sakura blush and Sasuke’s expression slightly unnatural.
“Yes, I did. After all, this isn’t Kakashi-sensei’s first time leading a team. He’s done similar things before,” Naruto said with a light chuckle, looking at the clearly weakened Sakura and the still-trying-to-appear-strong Sasuke.
“Alright…” Sakura sighed in resignation, touching her empty, growling stomach. This was indeed her most frustrating morning since birth. She couldn’t vent her frustration and could only internally curse their absent Jonin instructor.
“Hello, everyone. Good morning!” As Naruto said, even arriving at ten, he was still early. At around eleven, just as Sasuke was reaching his limit and ready to leave, Kakashi finally appeared. He greeted them cheerfully, looking relaxed and smiling.
If she wasn’t sure she could win, Sakura would have loved to kick Kakashi right in the face.
“You’re so late, Kakashi-sensei! You said five o’clock, and now it’s eleven!” Sakura said with intense resentment in her voice.
“Ahaha, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to. There was a black cat in my path this morning, so I had to take a detour. Haha, small issue, don’t mind the details,” Kakashi said with a laugh, delivering an obviously insincere excuse.
Sakura was too tired to even retort. Even if you’re making it up, at least come up with something better! She felt a headache coming on. How did she end up with such an unreliable instructor? This didn’t seem like a Jonin at all. She started doubting Kakashi’s identity again.
“Alright, let’s not dwell on that. Let’s get to today’s main topic. As I told you yesterday, today’s mission is a survival exercise. But this exercise is different from what you did at the academy. If you can’t pass, you won’t be able to become a real ninja. Instead, you’ll have to go back to the academy and continue your studies!” Kakashi said with a rare serious expression. His face became increasingly grim as he spoke.
The last part, especially the part about going back to the academy if they fail, changed Sakura and Sasuke’s expressions.
“Huh? If we fail, do we have to go back to the academy? Why, Kakashi-sensei?” Sakura shouted in shock while Sasuke just frowned deeply.
This was nothing like what Sakura had expected. Didn’t they already pass the graduation exam at the academy? Why was there another test here? She looked utterly confused and shocked.
Out of the three, only Naruto remained calm.
“This is the rule, Sakura. Only by passing my test can you become real ninjas. Just because you’re wearing headbands doesn’t mean you’re fully qualified yet. You’re just provisional ninjas,” Kakashi explained, his face turning cold.
“But Naruto, you’re so calm. Did you already know this?” Kakashi turned his gaze to Naruto, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
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