IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

As the saying goes, "It takes three years to master Tai Chi, but in one year, Bajiquan can kill!"

This is the art of killing!

Rock Lee looked at the scroll in his hand, his eyes gleaming with determination. He bowed deeply in the direction where Shiro had just disappeared.

"Thank you, Senior Fox!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the training grounds.

Without hesitation, Rock Lee resumed his grueling training regimen, sweat dripping from his body like rain. Unseen by him, Shiro perched silently on a nearby tree branch, observing Lee's unwavering resolve.

"A hidden gem, another line of potential," Shiro murmured.

With a soft whoosh, his figure vanished from the branch, leaving no trace behind.

---

Inside the sealed space.

Shiro reappeared, the energy of the space rippling faintly as he entered.

Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, turned toward him, his expression curious.

"You seem different, Shiro. What's gotten into you?" Minato asked, folding his arms.

Shiro took a sip of water, his eyes distant yet calm.

"It's nothing. I just came across a hard-working young man," Shiro replied, his voice almost wistful.

Minato raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You, praising someone? That's a rare sight."

But before Shiro could reply, the sealed space grew quiet again.

The next morning.

The classroom buzzed with excitement as the students of the Ninja Academy gathered for their final day. Iruka Umino stood at the front of the class, his clipboard in hand.

"Alright, everyone," Iruka began, his voice steady and warm. "Today marks your graduation. Your Jonin instructors will soon arrive to take you to your teams."

At that moment, shadows flickered at the classroom door, and two figures stepped inside—a bearded man with a cigarette and a striking woman with crimson hair.

"Asuma Sarutobi, Yuhi Kurenai," Iruka nodded politely.

"Thanks for your hard work, Iruka," Asuma said, his voice gruff but kind. He glanced at the students and pulled out a sheet of paper.

"Team 10: Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino. Come with me!"

A boy with spiky hair yawned lazily. "Troublesome. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, huh? Figures."

The blonde girl beside him huffed. "You think I want to be in your group?!" she snapped, but followed him out nonetheless.

Kurenai stepped forward next.

"Team 8: Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka. Let's go."

The trio stood and followed her, with Hinata glancing shyly at Naruto as she left.

One by one, other teams were called until only three students remained: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

Sasuke frowned, impatience flickering in his dark eyes. "What's taking this Jonin so long?" he muttered irritably.

"Quiet!" Iruka barked. "Show some respect for your instructor!"

Naruto leaned back in his chair, arms behind his head. "I bet it's Kakashi-sensei," he muttered, his tone equal parts annoyance and amusement.

Just then, a puff of smoke appeared at the front of the classroom, and Kakashi Hatake emerged, his silver hair disheveled, a bored look in his one visible eye.

"Sorry I'm late," Kakashi said nonchalantly, scratching the back of his head. "I helped an old lady cross the road."

Iruka sighed heavily but nodded. "I'll leave them to you, Kakashi-sensei."

As Iruka left, Naruto leaped to his feet. "You're late again! How are you even a Jonin?!"

Kakashi glanced at him lazily, then at Sasuke. "You've got a lot to say for someone so short-tempered," he remarked dryly.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "You don't seem like much of an instructor either."

Kakashi ignored the remark and turned to Sakura. "At least one of you is quiet," he said. "But don't let your guard down just because I'm smiling."

His tone shifted, growing darker. "Jonin don't hesitate to kill. You'd do well to remember that."

Both Sasuke and Sakura instinctively took a step back, unnerved by Kakashi's sudden intensity.

Naruto, however, stood his ground, meeting Kakashi's gaze without flinching.

The two exchanged a brief glance, as if silently negotiating.

Kakashi: "Play along and make me look good."

Naruto: "Five bowls of ramen."

Kakashi: "Two."

Naruto: "Four."

Kakashi: "Fine, three!"

Naruto's expression shifted, and he staggered back dramatically. "Whoa, sensei, you're so powerful!"

Kakashi smirked beneath his mask. "That's more like it."

He turned to all three of them. "Meet me at the training grounds tomorrow morning for your first test. Don't be late—or there will be consequences."

With that, Kakashi vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving behind an air of mystery and a sense of foreboding.

Naruto grinned mischievously, already looking forward to the chaos that was sure to come.