HINATA IS BROKEN

[Class assignments were finalized.]

Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Haruno Sakura were placed in the Seventh Team under the leadership of Hatake Kakashi. After brief introductions, Kakashi informed them about an upcoming test the following day. The catch? Failure would mean returning to the ninja academy.

This rule took Naruto by surprise.

"Another test after graduation? Is this how becoming a ninja works?" he thought. But, upon reflection, it seemed reasonable. If the criteria were as simple as mastering the basic transformation jutsu, becoming a ninja would be too easy.

The next day, as the first rays of sunlight broke the horizon, Naruto prepared for the test. He had a hearty breakfast, ready to face whatever Kakashi threw at him.

"Didn't the white-haired guy say not to eat?" came the gruff voice of Kurama, the Nine Tails.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Not eat? How am I supposed to have the energy to take the test if I don't eat? That Kakashi must be nuts."

"You're underestimating him. Judging by his aura, that guy isn't ordinary," Kurama replied lazily.

"Aura or not, he's got some nerve. A lazy, half-dead-looking guy with a mask teaching us? What kind of leadership is that?"

Naruto's thoughts were loud and clear: the Seventh Team was off to a shaky start.

---

The Ninja World's Reaction

Naruto's snarky comment about Kakashi stirred widespread reactions.

Ohnoki, the Tsuchikage, couldn't help but laugh. "Naruto is a riot! Calling Kakashi 'half-dead'? Hilarious."

The Fourth Raikage nodded in agreement. "He's a kid. He doesn't know who Kakashi is yet."

Even Terumi Mei chuckled. "Naruto's dissatisfaction with his team setup is surprisingly relatable."

Nara Shikamaru scratched his head. "Naruto should count himself lucky. Uchiha Sasuke is the top of the class. What kind of dream team does he want?"

However, Nara Shikaku had a different perspective. "It's not about Sasuke or Sakura. Naruto seems to doubt Kakashi's abilities as their leader. If the leader lacks drive, the team suffers."

---

Kakashi's Reputation Unveiled

Kurama decided to set the record straight for Naruto.

"Kid, don't judge him so quickly. That 'lazy' guy is Hatake Kakashi, an elite ninja your father trusted."

Naruto froze mid-bite. "My father's disciple? That guy? You're joking, right?"

Kurama continued, "He graduated from the academy at five, became a Chūnin at six, and a Jōnin by twelve. He participated in the Third Ninja War and joined the Anbu soon after, becoming a captain in no time."

Naruto blinked, stunned. "Graduate at five? Chūnin at six? Jōnin at twelve?!" His voice rose with disbelief. "If I'd known you could graduate early, I'd have tried harder!"

Kurama groaned. "You're already working harder than most ninjas, you knucklehead."

The audience couldn't help but chuckle. Naruto's ambition knew no bounds, even when he was already excelling.

---

A Tense Team Dynamic

As Naruto reflected on Kakashi's connection to his father, anger bubbled to the surface.

"So Kakashi was my dad's student... Why didn't he ever come to see me? Why didn't any of my father's colleagues look out for me?" Naruto's fists clenched.

But then, memories of Anbu surveillance flickered through his mind. The realization hit like a punch to the gut.

"They didn't stay away by choice," he muttered bitterly. "The village made sure no one approached me."

This revelation left Naruto with a mix of anger and sorrow. The village he had always wanted to protect had treated him like an outcast.

---

Reactions Across the Ninja World

Naruto's growing resentment toward Konoha did not go unnoticed by the audience.

Ohnoki sighed. "If this keeps up, Naruto's relationship with the village will only worsen."

Terumi Mei nodded. "His sharp mind and increasing distrust are a dangerous combination."

The Fourth Raikage frowned. "Konoha might have just created a ticking time bomb."

Rasa of the Sand shared his concerns. "The Chūnin Exams we co-host with Konoha in that world... What if Naruto uses it as an opportunity to turn on them?"

Even the ninjas of Konoha grew uneasy. Uzuki Yugao muttered, "If Naruto turns on us, we're in trouble."

Yūhi Kurenai tried to stay optimistic. "He's still a Konoha ninja. He wouldn't betray us... would he?"

But Anko Mitarashi wasn't so sure. "He's the Fourth Hokage's son, but the way the village has treated him... Who knows what's going on in his head?"

Tsunade chuckled bitterly. "This is all the old man's fault. If he had handled things better, Naruto wouldn't be like this."

Shizune whispered, "Tsunade-sama, maybe you shouldn't say that aloud..."

---

Hatake Kakashi's Perspective

Meanwhile, in the present timeline, Kakashi couldn't help but sweat under the scrutiny of his students and peers.

Haruno Sakura stared at him. "Kakashi-sensei, were you really that powerful as a kid?"

Uchiha Sasuke smirked. "I'm not surprised. It explains why you're so laid-back now."

Naruto, however, had a mischievous grin. "So, sensei, why are you so lazy if you were a prodigy back then?"

Kakashi sighed. "You three... The Kakashi in that world isn't any different from me. If anything, Naruto is the one who's changed."

Might Guy, ever the enthusiast, interrupted. "As expected of my eternal rival! Even in another world, you're a legend!"

Rock Lee chimed in, "Kakashi-sensei's achievements are proof of his strength! Master Guy, you must be equally incredible!"

Kakashi buried his face in his hands. "Can we not do this here?"

---

Naruto's Determination

Back in the other world, Naruto's thoughts spiraled further.

"The village might have wanted to isolate me, but I won't let that stop me. If Kakashi is really as strong as Kurama says, then I'll use this opportunity to learn from him."

The determination in Naruto's eyes was clear. Despite his doubts and frustrations, he was ready to prove himself and surpass all expectations.

With the test looming, the Seventh Team's journey was just beginning. The bonds they forged—or broke—would shape not only their futures but the future of the ninja world.

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