Naruto:the hypnosis and manipulative lord (AU)

The next day at the academy started off routine, with lectures on shinobi history and basic survival tactics. Naruto, Hana, and Satsuki sat together, bored as Iruka droned on about the importance of teamwork.

"Teamwork is essential," Iruka emphasized. "Without it, even the strongest shinobi will fail."

Satsuki rolled her eyes, whispering to Naruto, "Teamwork is just a fancy way of saying 'don't get in my way.'"

Naruto smirked. "Funny, I was going to say the same thing to you."

Before their banter could escalate, Iruka cleared his throat. "Naruto, Hana, Satsuki, pay attention! Since you seem so confident, maybe you'd like to demonstrate your teamwork skills on a small mission?"

---

The Mission Brief

In the Hokage's office, Naruto and his group were briefed by an annoyed-looking Iruka.

"Your mission is simple," he explained. "A merchant lost an important scroll near the forest edge. You'll retrieve it and return it to him. Consider this a test of your ability to work as a team."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "That's it? A lost-and-found mission?"

Iruka frowned. "It's not about the mission; it's about how you handle it. Besides, the scroll is important to the merchant's business, so take it seriously."

Hana sighed. "This sounds like a waste of time, but whatever."

Satsuki cracked her knuckles. "Let's just get it done quickly. I've got training to do."

---

The Mission Execution

The trio reached the forest edge in less than ten minutes. Naruto immediately activated his Shinringan (5 Tomoe), his red and black eyes scanning the area with precision.

"It's buried under that pile of leaves," he said, pointing to a spot near a tree.

Hana raised an eyebrow. "You're sure?"

Naruto didn't bother responding. Instead, he flicked a kunai into the pile of leaves, and the scroll popped out.

Satsuki crossed her arms. "Well, that was anticlimactic."

Naruto smirked. "The mission wasn't hard. Iruka just wanted to see if we'd argue about who does what. Let's get back."

As they turned to leave, a group of bandits emerged from the trees, blocking their path.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" the leader sneered. "Hand over the scroll, kids, and we won't hurt you too much."

Naruto glanced at the bandits, unimpressed. "You picked the wrong targets."

---

Swift Victory

Before the bandits could react, Satsuki dashed forward, her Sharingan blazing as she incapacitated two of them with precise strikes. Hana followed, her attacks cold and efficient, disabling another three.

Naruto, meanwhile, didn't even move. With a flick of his fingers, the remaining bandits froze, their minds completely overwhelmed by his Shinringan.

"Leave," Naruto said coldly, his voice laced with subtle chakra. The bandits scrambled to their feet and ran, their fear overriding any thoughts of retaliation.

Hana dusted off her hands. "That took less than a minute. Are we done here?"

Naruto picked up the scroll and handed it to Satsuki. "Let's deliver this and move on. That training isn't going to do itself."

---

Back at the Academy

The merchant was overjoyed to have his scroll back, thanking the team profusely. Iruka, however, remained skeptical.

"I expected this mission to teach you patience and teamwork," Iruka said as they returned to class.

"We were patient," Satsuki replied. "We patiently waited for Naruto to find the scroll, then patiently dealt with the bandits."

Hana smirked. "Teamwork, right? Mission accomplished."

Iruka sighed but couldn't argue.

---

Later That Evening

Naruto sat under a tree in the training grounds, lost in thought. Satsuki approached, her expression unreadable.

"You didn't even break a sweat today," she said. "Doesn't anything challenge you?"

Naruto glanced at her, his tone even. "Not yet. But I'll find something—or someone—that does eventually."

Satsuki narrowed her eyes. "Don't get too cocky, Uzumaki. You haven't beaten me yet."

Naruto smirked. "Keep telling yourself that."

From a distance, Hana watched the exchange, her gaze softening. Despite their rivalry, Satsuki and Naruto brought out the best in each other, and she was determined to ensure no one else got between them.