Naruto: The new beginning

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"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!" Kakashi summoned yet another earthen wall, his breath ragged from the repeated effort.

'Why, why did I agree to help two "little" toads from Mount Myoboku build a stove? And not just any stove a massive one made entirely of Earth-Style Walls!'

'It feels like I've traded my ninja headband for a toad's.'

Watching Toad Shima and Toad Fukasaku set up a gigantic pot like a shield to fry bugs, seeing yellow-hued bug guts fly everywhere as they occasionally squashed one, and witnessing Gamabunta string up two "little" toads for a lesson... Kakashi's image of the so-called sacred Mount Myoboku shattered completely.

'This isn't a holy land it's a madhouse! Naruto's chaotic brain seems to have infected the toads too. No one, not even the summoning beasts, is safe from his influence.'

Kakashi sighed heavily, lost in thought.

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When Naruto finally escorted Kakashi back home, the jounin was still deep in contemplation. What had gone wrong with his life choices? Was this karma for his actions?

Kakashi didn't even realize until the middle of the night that having such thoughts was, in itself, problematic. Gan!

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The next morning, Naruto donned his newly issued flak jacket and admired himself in the mirror. "Not bad!" he said, striking a few poses.

He'd always envied the iconic vest. While he'd tried one on before, he couldn't bring himself to wear it outside.

Like the forehead protector, the vest was a symbol of rank, something you could opt not to wear but definitely couldn't fake.

Now that it was officially his, Naruto adjusted his outfit and left his home in high spirits.

At the training ground, Sasuke and Sakura were also sporting their vests. When the three of them stood together in their uniforms, there was an undeniable sense of unity and maturity.

Naruto regretted not convincing them to coordinate earlier.

When Kakashi appeared, he paused for a moment, observing the trio standing side by side. A small smile crept onto his face. They looked like they'd grown up overnight.

Naruto, however, mistook Kakashi's silence. "What's wrong? You don't recognize us now that we're all suited up?" he teased, though something held him back from saying it aloud.

Instead, Sakura stepped forward, concerned. "Sensei, you look exhausted. Should I check on you?"

Kakashi waved her off. "No need. I just didn't sleep well." He shot Naruto a meaningful glare.

Naruto frowned, confused. 'What did I do? I sent him home early last night!'

Without further comment, Kakashi simply said, "Let's go to the Hokage's office. We need to discuss your next steps."

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Minato looked at the four of them with a soft smile. "From today onward, Team 7 will be disbanded."

"What?" Sasuke's usually stoic expression cracked.

"You're kidding!" Sakura turned to Kakashi in disbelief.

Naruto, suddenly panicked, blurted out, "Wait, is this about yesterday? Sensei, I swear I didn't mean to upset you—"

Kakashi interrupted his tone calm. "Relax. Don't jump to conclusions. Let Lord Hokage finish."

The three turned their attention back to Minato, tense but silent.

Minato continued, "Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura when Team 7 was formed, you were all genin. Kakashi's role as your sensei was to help you learn the fundamentals of teamwork, guide you through missions, and keep you safe as you developed."

"He fulfilled that responsibility admirably. You've grown so much that you've all achieved the rank of special Jonin. Now, it's time for you to take the next step. As chunin and special jonin, you're capable of leading missions yourselves. What comes next depends on your choice."

"Choice?" Sakura echoed, confused.

Kakashi took over. "That's right a choice. Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura: the decision before you is whether you'd like to form a new team, Team Kakashi, with me as the captain."

Sasuke frowned. "What's the difference between Team Kakashi and the old Team 7?"

Kakashi explained, "In the new Team Kakashi, we won't have the traditional dynamic of teacher and students or a superior-subordinate relationship. Instead, we'll operate as equals. As captain, I'll still guide you, but your opinions will hold equal weight when making decisions on missions."

Naruto smirked. "So basically, you're just making it official that we've been doing all the work while you read your books?"

Sasuke and Sakura both nodded in reluctant agreement.

Kakashi sighed but couldn't argue. "Well, what's your decision?"

Naruto didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached into his pouch and pulled out half of a bell the same one from their first test. Sasuke followed suit, retrieving his half.

Sakura untied a small cloth pouch from her neck, carefully pouring out her piece of the bell.

Kakashi's expression turned serious as he mimicked the gesture, pretending to check his own pouch. "Uh-oh."

The three of them glared at him.

Kakashi chuckled nervously, producing his half of the bell. "Just kidding. Looks like you've already made up your minds."

Naruto grinned. "You know it."

The three spoke in unison. "Kakashi-sensei, we'll follow you anywhere!"

Kakashi felt a strange sense of déjà vu. He smiled. "Ah… Take care of me, then."

Naruto's mischievous grin widened. "Let's celebrate the formation of Team Kakashi—"

"Stop right there!" Kakashi cut him off. "I'm still recovering from yesterday!"

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As the four of them stood before Minato, they held their bells together and spoke in turn:

"Captain of Team Kakashi: Hatake Kakashi."

"Member: Uzumaki Naruto."

"Member: Uchiha Sasuke."

"Member: Haruno Sakura."

"All present and accounted for, Lord Hokage!" they said in unison.

Minato handed them a scroll. "Your first mission as Team Kakashi begins now. Good luck!"

"Yes, sir!"

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As they left the office, Sakura asked, "Sensei, were you serious earlier? Did you really forget something?"

Kakashi scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Well… I forgot to bring my book."

"Icha Icha Paradise?" Sakura guessed, exasperated.

Kakashi chuckled nervously as the others groaned.

Minato, still in his office, smiled softly. "To think he'd forget his precious book but still remember the bell… Kakashi, you've truly gained something irreplaceable."

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