Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

After working until late at night, Naruto finally dragged his exhausted body back to his home.

"After all these preparations, Kakashi's definitely in for some trouble."

He muttered, collapsing onto his bed with a satisfied, mischievous smile.

After all the days since his transmigration, today had been the most exhausting but also the most fulfilling.

Up until now, he had only daydreamed about how to confront imaginary enemies like Kaguya, but now, he'd taken his first real step toward those big goals.

As the saying goes, 'Well start is half done'. He was determined to make this start one for the books.

Without overthinking it, he soon drifted off, his room filling with the sound of soft snores.

…

The next day, at noon.

Naruto woke up naturally, enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Haruno household, and then leisurely made his way to the training ground.

When he arrived, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi were already waiting.

"Yo, good morning, everyone!" Naruto greeted them with a grin.

Sakura said unhappily, "What good morning? It's already noon! We were supposed to meet at 5 a.m., and you're just showing up now!"

"A black cat crossed my path, and then I went to have a meal, so I was delayed." Naruto scratched his head.

"Why are you using the same excuses as Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura said, clutching her growling stomach and said speechlessly, "And why did you eat? Aren't you afraid of vomiting?"

"What's there to worry about? I've seen plenty of disgusting things." Naruto said confidently.

He knew Kakashi wasn't planning anything nasty, only using that line to scare them.

Even if it were something truly revolting, Naruto'd be unfazed. Back in his previous life, he loved watching bizarre mukbangs… like eating that infamous combo or Bear Grylls munching raw bull's eyes. Those could get him through a whole pot of rice.

As a foodie, no matter what disgusting situation he encounters, he can still eat, and he can do it with spirit and flair!

Walking up to his teammates, Naruto took out two Military Ration Pills, offering one each to Sasuke and Sakura.

"You both look like honest kids… better have something to fill your stomachs."

"But, Kakashi-sensei said..."

Before Sakura could finish, Naruto interrupted, "Don't worry about what he said. Think about what you need. How can you work on an empty stomach? Right now, you're so weak you'd be knocked over by the slightest breeze, let alone ready for a test."

Sakura fell silent, while Sasuke didn't hesitate to take the pill and eat it.

Boom!

However, at this moment, the blue sky suddenly became overcast with dark clouds, and thunder started rumbling.

Kakashi's face darkened as he formed hand seals, "You dare to defy my rules? Are you all prepared to face the consequences? Any last words?"

Sasuke and Sakura were visibly tense, but Naruto stepped forward and said nonchalantly, "Enough with the scare tactics, save that for the kids. We're teammates, so helping each other out is natural. And you? You're just an outsider. I've said it before: I haven't recognized you as my teacher yet. So stop talking to me like you're in charge… it's really irritating."

"Do you two think so too?" Kakashi asked, narrowing his gaze at Sasuke and Sakura.

Sasuke hesitated for a moment, but still stepped forward, "Yes, I have the same idea as Naruto, and don't think you can do whatever you want just because you are a Jonin. Sooner or later, I will surpass you!"

Seeing Sasuke take a stand, Sakura also mustered the courage, "I agree that it's only right to help each other out as teammates. Tricking us into skipping breakfast and showing up early… that wasn't fair, Sensei!"

"Helping each other? Very good!" Kakashi snorted coldly, then he took out two bells from his pocket, and said in a deep voice: "My test is very simple, and there is no time limit. As long as you can take one of these bells from me, you pass."

"Three people and only two bells?" Sasuke couldn't help but frown.

Sakura was even more indignant and said, "Sensei, that's not fair. It's set up to make one of us fail from the start."

"You've spoken of helping each other… I admire your friendship. But there are only two spots. Let's see if your bond is truly as strong as it seems!"

Kakashi snorted coldly and said, "Now, the test begins!"

"But Sensei, this..."

Before Sakura could finish her words, Naruto beside her had already disappeared.

But in the blink of an eye, Naruto reappeared at the same place.

This time, he was holding two bells in his hands, which he promptly placed in Sakura's and Sasuke's hands respectively.

"Alright, now that you have the bells, you two have passed the test," Naruto said with a smile.

Sasuke frowned and asked in doubts, "What about you?"

Naruto shrugged casually: "You've got your goal of revenge, so this spot is very important to you. Sakura is my little sister, as a big brother, it's only right that I let her pass. As for me, honestly, I don't care about this spot. Besides, seeing how easily I could get the bells showed me that Kakashi really isn't qualified to be my teacher. He is not even as strong as I am."

Without hesitation, Sasuke placed his bell back in Sakura's hand, "In that case, I don't want this spot either. I only care about getting stronger. And with how weak Kakashi is, I'd rather keep training with you."

"If Sasuke isn't here, then I don't want to stay either." Sakura didn't even hesitate.

For her, being by Sasuke's side was all that mattered.

She stepped forward, placed both bells back in Kakashi's hand, and said solemnly: "Sensei, take back your bells. I guess we're not meant to be your students."

"Congratulations! You all pass!"

The gloom on Kakashi's face quietly faded away, and his eye turned into crescent shape as he smiled.

"Pass? But I just gave the bells back to you." Sakura asked puzzledly.

Kakashi explained: "All three of you have passed!"

"Huh?" Sakura was utterly stunned.

"A Shinobi must see underneath the underneath. In the Shinobi World, those who break the rules are scum. However, those who don't take care of their comrades are worse than scum. You three understand the importance of teamwork, which is exactly what I was looking for. So, congratulations… all of you pass!"

Kakashi said, gazing skyward with a complex expression. As he did, the dark clouds above dissipated, leaving a clear blue sky.

Sasuke and Sakura couldn't help but smile. After all, it would be great if they could become Shinobi together.

This time, only Naruto's face was filled with a look of amazement and confusion.

His original plan was to use Flying Thunder God Technique to get the bells, and then let Sasuke and Sakura pass. He would then find a reason to fight with Kakashi, and then completely leave Team 7 and destroy the rules of plot.

To this end, he spent a whole day yesterday making many Flying Thunder God Technique's coordinates in the training ground.

However, he never expected that Sasuke and Sakura would not play by the rules, both willing to give up their chances for his sake.

At this moment, he couldn't tell whether he was touched or frustrated because the two of them had ruined their plan.

However, he wasn't ready to give up just yet. This was only the start, and he couldn't fail at the beginning. This is his bottom line.

His eyes lit up with mischief as he retorted: "No, I still don't acknowledge you. You haven't even properly introduced yourself, nor shown your true face!"

He just didn't believe that Kakashi would dare to take off his mask. After all, it was something even Kishimoto hadn't done.

Kakashi, however, replied with utmost seriousness, "Starting today, Team 7 is officially formed, and I am your sensei, Hatake Kakashi!"

Then, in one swift motion, he pulled off the mask.

"Now, can you acknowledge me?"