NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: 10
A Lesson in Teamwork
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The forest was silent except for the sound of Naruto's footsteps as he approached Sakura, who lay slumped against a tree. He crouched down, giving her a light shake.
"Hey, Sakura, wake up," Naruto said, his voice tinged with mock urgency.
Sakura stirred, groaning softly as she opened her eyes. She blinked up at him groggily before suddenly sitting up, her eyes wide. "Sasuke! Is Sasuke okay?"
Naruto leaned back, grinning slyly. "Wow, is Sasuke all you ever think about?" he teased.
Sakura flushed, glaring at him. "Stop messing around! Is he okay or not?"
Naruto pretended to hesitate, his expression darkening. "You… should come with me."
Sakura's heart sank at his tone. Fear gripped her as she nodded, scrambling to her feet. "What happened to him?"
Naruto didn't answer, instead leading her deeper into the forest. His lips twitched as he suppressed a chuckle, already picturing her reaction.
---
They arrived at the spot where Sasuke was still stuck in the ground, his expression as stoic as ever despite his predicament. Sakura gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
"Sasuke!" she screamed, falling to her knees. "He's… he's dead!"
Her eyes rolled back as she fainted dramatically.
Naruto doubled over, laughing so hard he had to clutch his sides. "Dead? Oh man, you're killing me, Sakura!"
Sasuke let out a long-suffering sigh, rolling his eyes at both of them. "Could you stop being an idiot for five seconds?"
Still chuckling, Naruto crouched beside Sasuke. His laughter subsided, replaced by a serious expression. "Alright, Sasuke, let's put our differences aside for now."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his voice cold. "Never. I'll never forgive you."
Naruto shrugged. "Fine, you don't have to forgive me. But you do have to tolerate me."
Sasuke glared at him but didn't respond.
Naruto pressed on. "Look, the bells aren't the point of this test. It's teamwork. Kakashi-sensei confirmed it."
Sasuke's skeptical gaze remained fixed on Naruto.
Naruto smirked. "If I decide to quit this test, you and Sakura fail instantly."
Sasuke's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't I?" Naruto said, his tone playful but with an edge of seriousness.
Sasuke glared at him for a long moment before exhaling sharply. "Fine. I'll work with you. But only on missions. Outside of that, stay out of my way."
"Deal." Naruto grinned, immediately starting to dig Sasuke out.
Once Sasuke was free, Naruto stood and stretched. "Now, let's wake up the lovely Miss Haruno."
---
Sakura stirred awake to find both boys standing over her. Naruto quickly filled her in on the true purpose of the test.
"So, it's about teamwork?" she said, her brow furrowing.
"Exactly," Naruto said, crossing his arms. "We just have to act like a united front and..."
"Don't be stupid," Sasuke interrupted, cutting him off. "We need a real plan, not just pretending to work together."
Naruto shrugged. "Alright, genius, what's the plan?"
Sasuke's tone was firm. "You and Sakura distract Kakashi. I'll be the one to attack him directly."
Naruto and Sakura exchanged glances before nodding.
"Fine by me," Naruto said. "Let's get this show on the road."
---
The trio approached Kakashi's position, moving with purpose. Kakashi stood in a clearing, his relaxed demeanor masking his alertness.
"So, you've decided to team up?" Kakashi said, his visible eye curving into a smile.
Naruto smirked. "You'll see just how good we are, sensei!"
Without warning, Naruto threw a handful of small spheres at Kakashi. They exploded into a mix of smoke and bright flashes, temporarily obscuring the area.
Sasuke darted to the side, vanishing into the trees, while Sakura rushed forward, brandishing a kunai. Kakashi easily parried her attack.
"Not bad Sakura," Kakashi said, blocking another strike.
Naruto appeared behind Kakashi, swinging his umbrella. Kakashi ducked, countering with a sweeping kick that Naruto narrowly avoided by flipping backward.
Sasuke emerged from the shadows, hurling a barrage of shuriken. Kakashi deflected them with ease, but it was clear the team was starting to coordinate their attacks.
"Not bad," Kakashi admitted, performing a series of hand seals. "Water Style: Water Wall!"
A massive wall of water rose around Kakashi, forcing the trio to retreat temporarily.
Sasuke glared at Naruto. "More distractions. Now."
Naruto nodded, throwing several wind-up toys into the clearing. The toys scuttled toward Kakashi, emitting loud, obnoxious noises. Kakashi raised an eyebrow
"Seriously?" Kakashi muttered, stepping back as one of the toys exploded into confetti.
Using the distraction, Sasuke launched a fireball at Kakashi, who countered with a water whip, extinguishing the flames.
Naruto grinned. "We're just getting started!"
The fight continued, the trio working in unison to keep Kakashi on his toes. Although they didn't manage to land a decisive blow, it was clear they were learning to function as a team.
Finally, Kakashi leapt back, creating distance. "You've come a long way. But this test isn't over yet."
Naruto smirked, spinning his umbrella. "Good. Neither are we."
___
The Truth Beneath the Surface
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The sun broke over the training ground as Team 7 stood before Kakashi. Naruto was grinning ear to ear, while Sakura and Sasuke looked more subdued but attentive. Kakashi regarded them for a moment, his single visible eye crinkling in a smile.
"You all pass," he said simply.
Naruto's reaction was immediate. He jumped into the air, punching the sky. "Yes! I knew it! We're the best team ever!" He then spun around dramatically, pointing at Sasuke and Sakura. "You hear that? We're officially ninja now!"
Sakura sighed, half-annoyed, half-amused. "Calm down, Naruto."
Even Sasuke couldn't help the faint twitch of his lips, though he quickly masked it with his usual stoic expression.
Naruto wasn't done. He dropped to his knees, mimicking a scene from an old drama. "I'd like to thank my incredible genius for carrying this team to victory! Without me, we would've been..."
Kakashi cleared his throat loudly, cutting Naruto off. "Alright, that's enough theatrics, Naruto."
Naruto pouted but stood up, dusting off his clothes.
Kakashi gestured for them to follow him. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you."
---
The cemetery was quiet, the rows of headstones stretching far into the distance. Kakashi stood before a particular section, his back to the team.
"These are the graves of our heroes," he said softly. "Men and women who gave their lives to protect Konoha. They were brave, strong, and selfless."
Naruto, for once, was silent, his usual grin replaced by a thoughtful expression.
Kakashi turned to face them, his gaze sharp and serious. "Remember this: Those who break the rules are considered scum. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum."
The weight of his words hung in the air.
Naruto clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. Sakura swallowed hard, her resolve firming. Sasuke's expression darkened, a mix of emotions flickering across his face.
Kakashi's demeanor softened as he smiled faintly. "Well, nice to meet you, Team 7. I'm looking forward to working with you."
---
Later, Kakashi arrived at the Hokage's office to report. The room was empty save for Hiruzen, who sat at his desk, pipe in hand.
"You're late," Hiruzen remarked.
Kakashi scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry, Hokage-sama. I got caught up with my new team."
Hiruzen gestured for him to continue.
Kakashi spoke with a hint of pride in his voice. "Sasuke has solid taijutsu and a decent understanding of fire jutsu. He's a bit hot-headed when provoked but shows promise. Sakura… well, she didn't contribute much in the test, but she has grit. She'll need time to grow."
He paused, his tone shifting. "Naruto's fighting style is… chaotic. He has an uncanny ability to conjure objects and fights surprisingly well with an umbrella. His speed is on par with elite ninja, and his instincts are sharp. He even figured out the true purpose of the test."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Naruto's chaotic fighting style. A name came to mind: Mephisto Pheles.
"Something wrong, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi asked.
Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe. "Kakashi, this is just speculation, but Naruto may be connected to someone… dangerous."
Kakashi's brow furrowed. "Who?"
"A man named Mephisto Pheles. He's been known to cause chaos wherever he goes. Also he killed Mizuki."
Kakashi considered this, his mind returning to something Naruto had said during the test: Not everyone agrees with chaos.
"Kakashi," Hiruzen continued, "Naruto is an enigma. We'll need to monitor him carefully."
Kakashi hesitated before speaking. "Naruto has done something to make Sasuke despise him. He wouldn't tell me what, but it seemed serious."
Hiruzen nodded gravely. "I'll speak with Sasuke about this. You're dismissed."
As Kakashi left, Hiruzen called for the hidden ANBU. They appeared silently, awaiting orders.
"Monitor Naruto closely," Hiruzen instructed. "Do it discreetly. I want regular reports."
The ANBU nodded, a few of them vanishing instantly.
---
Naruto was perched on a rooftop when he sensed the faint presence of his watchers. He chuckled softly to himself, leaning back against his umbrella.
"Not enough to stop me," he muttered under his breath, amusement flickering in his eyes.
From the shadows, one of the ANBU shivered at the eerie laughter, a chill running down their spine.
---
That night, Hiruzen visited the Uchiha district. The streets were quiet, the air heavy with an unspoken sorrow. He knocked on Sasuke's door, and the boy answered, bowing respectfully.
"Hokage-sama," Sasuke said. "What brings you here?"
Hiruzen smiled faintly. "It's been a while, Sasuke. May I come in?"
Sasuke nodded, stepping aside to let him enter.
Once inside, Hiruzen got straight to the point. "Sasuke, I need to know why you hate Naruto."
The mention of Naruto made Sasuke's expression darken. His fists clenched at his sides.
Hiruzen watched him carefully. "What happened?"
Sasuke's voice was cold as he began. "Naruto was here six years ago. The night of the massacre."
Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock.
Sasuke continued, his voice trembling with anger. "I asked him why he didn't report what was happening. He said no one would believe the 'Demon Brat.'"
Hiruzen's frown deepened. He knew Naruto's words weren't far from the truth.
"But that's not all," Sasuke said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He told me the real reason. He didn't report the massacre because… he loved it. He said the deaths of my clansmen were entertaining to him."
Hiruzen's heart sank. The anger and hatred in Sasuke's eyes were undeniable.
"I'll never forgive him," Sasuke said firmly. "Never."
Hiruzen sighed. "Thank you for telling me, Sasuke. I'll handle this matter."
Sasuke's glare didn't waver. "What are you going to do about Naruto?"
Hiruzen's voice was steady but somber. "This is… a complicated matter."
As he left the Uchiha district, Hiruzen's mind was heavy with thought. If Naruto truly had ties to Mephisto Pheles, the chaos surrounding him might only just be beginning.
____
Next day
Hiruzen sat in his office, his pipe resting in its holder. The faint light of the setting sun filtered through the window. An ANBU member appeared before him, kneeling.
"Hokage-sama, Naruto Uzumaki has arrived."
"Send him in," Hiruzen replied, his voice steady.
Naruto entered casually, his trademark grin plastered across his face. "Yo, Old Man. What's with the sudden summons? Did I break another rule?"
Hiruzen's expression remained neutral as he leaned forward slightly. "Naruto, I need to discuss a serious matter with you. Sasuke revealed something troubling about you."
Naruto's grin stretched unnaturally, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh? What'd the broody prince say ?"
Hiruzen's tone turned sharp. "He said you were present during the Uchiha massacre. Is that true?"
Naruto's grin didn't falter. "Yup. I was there. Watched the whole thing. It was a masterpiece, really, Itachi and that masked guy moved like dancers on a stage, tearing through the clan like paper dolls."
Hiruzen's gaze hardened. "So Itachi had help…"
Naruto nodded, tilting his head slightly as if to mock the weight of the revelation.
Hiruzen pushed the thought aside for now. "Naruto, why? Why would the deaths of so many people amuse you?"
Naruto's voice was soft, but there was a chilling edge to it. "Because I love chaos, Old Man. It's thrilling, unpredictable, alive."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "Are you connected to Mephisto Pheles?"
Naruto raised a brow, feigning ignorance. "Mephisto? Who's that? Sounds like a fun guy."
"Mephisto Pheles is a man known for causing chaos wherever he goes. You share his love for disorder."
Naruto's grin widened further. "Oh, really? I'd love to meet him, then. Maybe we'd get along."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his eyes scrutinizing the boy. "Naruto, how can we trust you if chaos is your guiding principle?"
Naruto's smirk softened, his tone becoming strangely sincere. "Relax, Old Man. I promise, I won't just sit back and let innocent people die anymore. Scout's honor."
As Naruto turned to leave, Hiruzen's voice stopped him. "We're not done. There's still more to discuss."
Naruto's expression darkened, his eyes glinting dangerously. "How would Sasuke feel if he knew the truth about his clan's massacre?"
Hiruzen's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. "How do you know..."
Naruto interrupted, his tone light but carrying an undercurrent of menace. "I know a lot, Old Man. And if you don't want that little tidbit going public, here's the deal; you let me be. No ANBU, no surveillance, no interference."
Hiruzen's silence spoke volumes.
Naruto leaned closer, his grin turning feral. "Oh, and one more thing… I am Mephisto Pheles."
Hiruzen froze, the revelation hitting him like a thunderclap. Before he could respond, Naruto straightened and began walking toward the door.
"Call off your dogs, Old Man," Naruto said without looking back.
With a snap of his fingers, his body shimmered, dissolving into a cascade of colorful confetti that scattered across the room.
Hiruzen stared at the empty space, the confetti slowly settling on his desk. The room felt colder, darker.
"Mephisto Pheles…" he murmured, his mind racing. "Did we push him to far?"
Tbc