A Gift

The only thing Kakashi couldn't figure out was how Naruto had managed it.

Reverse Eight Directions, the ability to control magnetic fields. Within its domain, it could control an invisible force field.

It could even destroy a person's internal organs with a sneak attack.

As an elite jonin, Kakashi was confident in his own abilities. He couldn't help looking at Naruto.

It must be that kid. He's the only one here with that kind of ability.

"Alright, meet me on the rooftop."

With that, Kakashi vanished.

The three of them froze for a moment. Even Naruto was a little surprised. He knew Kakashi was like this, but seeing it in person was still a shock.

"Is Mr. Naruto angry?"

Hinata looked worried.

"It's nothing."

Naruto didn't care in the least.

The three of them went up to the rooftop. Kakashi was already sitting there waiting, reading a little orange book.

"Let's all give a brief introduction."

Kakashi looked up.

"Why don't you start, sensei?"

"My name is Kakashi Hatake. I have no particular likes or dislikes. Alright, next."

Kakashi said it casually, then lowered his head to continue reading.

The three of them twitched their lips.

They felt like they'd just listened to a load of nonsense.

They'd learned nothing but his name.

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto. I like good food. I have no dislikes. My dream is to surpass the Hokage."

Naruto introduced himself calmly, his expression composed.

Kakashi's gaze flickered. Surpass the Hokage.

"My name is Hyuga Hinata. I like... good food. I have no dislikes. My dream is to keep up with Naruto."

When she got to what she liked, Hinata glanced at Naruto, but still changed her answer to good food. If she didn't even dare to say her dream aloud, she didn't deserve to have one.

At last, the three of them looked toward Sasuke Uchiha.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I don't like anything in particular. As for what I hate—well, I hate certain people."

As he said this, Sasuke looked at Naruto.

Naruto was baffled. As far as he knew, he and Sasuke had no grudge against each other.

"My dream is to restore the Uchiha Clan."

When he finished, he shot Naruto a challenging look.

Naruto was speechless. This kid had to be crazy. Did he have some grudge against him or what?

"Alright, I'm not interested in whatever's going on between you. Be prepared. Tomorrow..."

"Didn't we already graduate? Why do we still have to play this stupid game?"

Naruto was curious. Kakashi should know how strong he was, so why bother with this?

"Naruto, this is a test. If you fail, I'll send you back to the Academy."

Kakashi spoke sternly.

Naruto fell silent. If Kakashi wanted to play, he'd play along.

"Also, remember not to eat. You might throw up."

Kakashi didn't forget to warn them before leaving.

"Boring."

Sasuke Uchiha snorted and turned to leave.

"Naruto..."

Hinata looked worried.

"Don't worry. Get some rest."

Naruto reassured her. He knew what the bell test was for.

It seemed to be a Team Seven tradition. The Third Hokage had done it, Minato had done it, and now it was Kakashi's turn.

On the way, Naruto suddenly remembered something.

"Here. A graduation gift."

Naruto pulled a scroll from his clothes.

Hinata froze, suddenly feeling awkward. She seemed to have forgotten to prepare a gift.

"Um, I..."

For a moment, Hinata hesitated.

"It's a thank-you for breakfast."

Hinata took the scroll and opened it.

"It's a summoning contract. Sign your name on it."

Naruto explained.

"Isn't this too precious?"

Hearing that it was a summoning contract, Hinata was startled. In the Ninja World, powerful summons were hard to come by. One reason Jiraiya and the other two were so famous was their summons.

"Don't worry."

Naruto didn't explain.

Seeing Naruto's expression, Hinata stopped hesitating. She bit her finger and signed her name on the scroll.

"Want to try it?"

"Mm."

The two of them had just reached the area near Naruto's home. There wasn't anyone around.

[Summoning Jutsu]

Hinata formed Hand Seals and slapped her palm against the ground.

A cloud of smoke rose.

"Woof! Woof!"

A huge red wolf king appeared in the open space.

The contract was sealed, and the wolf king knew who its master was. It immediately ran over, wagging its red tail.

"Naruto, where did you get such a powerful summon?"

With her Byakugan, Hinata could tell just how powerful this creature was.

"I got it by chance."

Naruto didn't want to explain.

The wolf king was one of Naruto's experimental creations. It might look adorably dumb, but it had the Nine-Tails' chakra and Uchiha Clan blood.

Hinata knew Naruto was keeping secrets from her, but a smart girl didn't pry.

She began bonding with the dog.

"You stupid mutt, listen up. Protect her, or I'll kill you."

Watching the dumb mutt, Naruto couldn't help kicking it. Maybe it was the Nine-Tails' chakra, but although it had great power, its intelligence was no better than an ordinary animal's.

"Naruto." Hinata couldn't help feeling sorry for the poor puppy.

"Alright, alright. I won't scare him."

Naruto was exasperated, but still glared fiercely at the wolf.

The wolf king hurriedly hid behind Hinata.

After seeing Hinata off, Naruto felt a little sleepy and decided to get some rest.

Meanwhile, at Root, Danzo learned that his Mangekyō Sharingan had disappeared again. His eyes blazed with fury.

"Damn it! What the hell is going on?"

Danzo had begun to suspect that there was a spy among his own people.

But after checking that everyone's Cursed Seals of Root were intact, he was at a loss.

"Who could it be? Itachi Uchiha?"

Danzo couldn't help suspecting him. Itachi Uchiha was the first person who came to mind.

The next day.

Naruto was woken early by someone knocking at the door.

He knew it was Hinata, and got out of bed reluctantly.

He went to open the door in his pajamas.

Sure enough, Hinata was waiting outside.

"Naruto, why are you still in bed? We have a test today. Hurry up and wash up."

As she spoke, she held out the breakfast she'd brought.

"Alright, Hinata. Don't rush."

Naruto couldn't exactly explain, so he pulled her inside and guided her to the sofa.

"Just sit and relax. Kakashi's famous for always being late. There's no need to hurry."

"Really? How do you know?"

Hinata didn't believe him.

"Don't worry. I know the guy."

Naruto said it offhandedly.

Hearing that, Hinata finally relaxed.

Naruto took his time washing up and eating, then changed into his clothes.

Hinata was starting to get anxious by the time Naruto finally strolled outside.

"Won't we be late?"

Hinata was worried.

"Don't worry."

Naruto led Hinata to Training Ground Seven.

It was nearly noon. The sun blazed overhead, and Sasuke Uchiha was sitting there alone.

By now, he was in a terrible mood.

"Damn Naruto."

He could understand their team leader being late, but why hadn't Naruto shown up either?

For a moment, he even wondered if he'd heard wrong.

Naruto strolled over with Hinata, looking completely relaxed.

"You bastard, you're late!"

The veins on Sasuke's forehead bulged.