Sakura , Naruto Vs Kakashi
"Yep, he's the Kazekage now!" Shikamaru said.
"Anyway, being a high rank isn't that important to me. What really matters is how strong you are and how much you can do for your village!" Naruto said, with a laid-back confidence.
Meanwhile, Kakashi was going through the book Naruto gave him. "So, what do you think? Pretty good, right?" Jiraiya asked, standing there with a grin.
"If I do say so myself, this might just be my best work yet!" Jiraiya laughed.
"Naruto's all yours now, just like I promised!" Jiraiya said as they made their way through the village.
"He's definitely gotten taller, but has he matured?" Kakashi wondered.
"What, you think I haven't trained him right? Go ahead and underestimate him, you're in for a surprise!" Jiraiya warned.
"That's good to hear!" Kakashi said, intrigued.
"We've been watching some folks who are about to make their move," Jiraiya hinted, getting Kakashi's attention.
---
Over in the Sand Village...
Gaara, the leader, was in a meeting with his top advisors.
"In the last few years, our village has been thriving, thanks a lot to our teamwork with the hidden villages," announced Baki, holding up a scroll.
"For example, our young ninjas are getting better because of a new training method we learned from the Leaf Village," Baki continued.
"We'll see how much they've improved soon, with the Chunin exams coming up," added an elder.
"Right. That's why we're worried about these rumors going around."
"Rumors? Yura?" Baki asked.
"Yeah. Have you heard of a group called Akatsuki?" Yura said, while Gaara stayed silent.
---
Later, Kakashi and Jiraiya were relaxing at a diner...
"So, they're finally showing themselves..." Kakashi noted.
"It was only a matter of time," Jiraiya agreed.
"The Akatsuki..." Kakashi said aloud...
---
Back to the Sand Village...
"Akatsuki, a shadowy band of a dozen or more ninja, each one a top-tier threat according to the Bingo Book. Among the identified members is Itachi Uchiha, a Leaf Village native who wiped out his entire clan in a single night," Yura briefed.
"Also, there's Kisame Hoshigaki, a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen from the Mist Village. And Orochimaru, the culprit behind our late Kazekage's death who nearly brought the Leaf to its knees. Rumor has it, he was once a part of them," Yura added.
---
Back in Konoha...
"So, any idea why they're stepping into the light now, what they're after?" Kakashi asked Jiraiya.
"While their ultimate goal remains a mystery, it's pretty clear they're after the fox spirit in Naruto for some sinister reason. That's why I've been alerting all our allies, warning them to tighten security and stay alert," Jiraiya responded.
---
Back to the Sand Village...
The room fell quiet for a beat, and then Baki voiced his thoughts, "I see. I've heard rumors of this as well. So, they're finally making their move!"
"We got this intel straight from Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin. So, ahead of this meeting, I had already ordered for the village to be fortified and had the Anbu Black Ops keeping a watchful eye. No matter how crafty these ninja are, they won't catch us off guard. We know they're fond of their black attire with red cloud clouds; if our lookouts see such a cloak, they've been instructed to engage immediately," Yura relayed, sparking a flurry of chatter and murmurs in the room.
"That's settled then. This meeting is adjourned."
After the meeting, Gaara remained seated in quiet contemplation as the others began to filter out of the room.
---
Meanwhile, outside the Sand Village...
Two individuals dressed in identical black cloaks adorned with red clouds approached the Sand Village, donning hats similar to those worn by Itachi and Kisame.
"It seems the one we assigned to this location is already here. As for the one we sent to Orochimaru, he'll have to wait. Unfortunately, this traitor has been leaking information about our plans," one of them remarked.
"Well, we can't do anything about that now. But even I am uncertain about what will unfold once the jutsu is unleashed. Are you confident that what you have in that pouch will be sufficient?" the other ninja inquired, gesturing towards a pouch held by his companion. "Remember, our adversary possesses the Jinchuriki host."
"Every jutsu I create is a masterpiece. However, just to be safe, I've brought along my ultimate creation. We can't afford to take any risks when facing the One-Tail," the man replied, opening the chained bag he carried. A radiant glow emanated from within as he chuckled.
Meanwhile, Gaara sat at his desk as the Kazekage, engrossed in writing something of great importance. He tilted his head, briefly glancing at something in the room.
---
Back in Konoha...
Naruto and Sakura were hanging out near their training spot, waiting for Kakashi to show up for a training match against him.
"Looks like some things never change..." Naruto remarked, cool and confident.
"Right, he's late again." Sakura agreed.
Then, with a sudden whoosh, Kakashi appeared on the fence next to where Naruto and Sakura were standing. "Sorry for being late, I was helping someone who needed it..."
"Yup, you're still the same old Kakashi!" Naruto said, smirking, as Kakashi ruffled his hair.
A bit later, Naruto and Sakura walked into the training area with Kakashi...
They were back at the same spot where they had their very first training task, the bell test, with Kakashi.
"All the memories, huh?" Naruto said, a bit nostalgic but still with that cool vibe.
"This was where you had your first lesson as team!" Kakashi mentioned.
"Team 7's starting point!" Sakura chimed in.
"The three of us, together!" Naruto added, his mind drifting to memories of Sasuke and their team days.
"Right, Sasuke was with us back then!" Kakashi noted.
Sakura thought back to the last time she saw Sasuke before he left the village.
As the mood turned more serious, Kakashi pulled out two bells from his pocket. "Let's see how much you've improved. You haven't given up on Sasuke, right?" he challenged them.
"No way!" Sakura declared.
"Never!" Naruto said confidently.
"Good," Kakashi said with a grin. "The rules are the same. Get these bells from me, and remember..."
"If we're not ready to go all out..." "We won't get the bells," Naruto and Sakura said together, knowing the drill.
"We got it," Sakura stated.
"Exactly. Don't hold back if you want these bells," Kakashi added.
"Ready to start?" Kakashi asked, putting away his book.
"You're not going to sneak in any reading while fighting us this time, are you?" Naruto said, still cool and teasing.
"Nope, he won't!" Sakura said, slipping her gloves on.
"No, I'll keep the book for later. I have a feeling this fight will be something else. Time to focus!" Kakashi declared, taking his mask slightly down to reveal his Sharingan eyes.
[A. N: Thanks for reading, drop Powerstones that will help a lot and drop reviews if you like the story and add to your library]