Wouldn't That Split Him Open?

In the end, the three officially became Team 7 and began taking on various D-rank missions within Konoha under Kakashi's leadership.

Meanwhile, in Konoha!

Naruto Uzumaki clutched his backside, staring at the sky screen in horror.

Everyone else looked at the sky screen, then at Naruto, utterly stunned!

Wouldn't that split him open?

"Kakashi!"

Might Guy enthusiastically hooked an arm around Kakashi's neck and said with an expression of profound dismay, "You've gone too far!"

"How could you do something like that to your adorable students?"

His eyes grew damp, as though his own words had moved him to tears, and he continued passionately, "As their teacher, you should cherish them and guide them with care!"

Kakashi gave his friend, who was getting carried away all on his own, a sidelong glance. His mouth twitched again, his tone both helpless and amused. "That's not me."

"Yes, definitely not!"

He was Kakashi Hatake, Konoha's genius, an elite jonin...

He would never do something so pointless.

On the sky screen, light and shadow continued shifting rapidly, the mundane scenes of trivial D-rank missions flashing past like flowing water.

Helping villagers find missing pets, tending farmland, repairing houses, hauling supplies...

Yet even with such uneventful scenes, the entire shinobi world's eyes remained fixed on the sky screen. Not a single person looked away.

In particular, the Kage and senior officials of each village grew increasingly solemn as they watched the sky screen's focus remain on Konoha's Team 7 from beginning to end. The same firm conviction arose in all their minds-

The main events to come would probably all center on this team of three newly graduated genin led by an elite jonin!

So Sasuke Uchiha was the protagonist?

The orphaned survivor of the shinobi world's foremost clan, blessed with extraordinary talent...

The perfect mold for a protagonist!

"Assign people to keep Sasuke under constant surveillance. If there's an opening, snatch him."

They had already thought of a hundred ways to make use of Sasuke Uchiha.

Within Konoha, however, the mood was more complicated.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi held his pipe and gazed gravely at the sky screen, a tangle of emotions stirring within him.

"I hope none of this brings undeserved disaster down on them," Hiruzen Sarutobi murmured, the unease in his heart growing stronger.

Just as everyone across the shinobi world entertained their own thoughts, the rapidly advancing images on the sky screen abruptly paused!

All the scenes of trivial D-rank missions vanished in an instant. Light and shadow gathered anew, settling on Konoha's gates.

On-screen, Kakashi Hatake wore his usual lazy, casual air, his mask covering most of his face.

Behind him stood three spirited but still somewhat inexperienced youngsters: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

The three carried simple ninja tool pouches, their faces unable to hide their excitement and curiosity.

This was their first real mission outside Konoha since graduating from the Ninja Academy.

No more trivial village chores. This was a true ninja mission.

"Wow! We're finally leaving the village! I can't wait!" Naruto bounced around, looking in every direction, his bright blue eyes brimming with curiosity about the outside world.

Sakura Haruno could hardly contain her excitement either. Her large eyes sparkled as she surveyed the scenery beyond the village, all while stealing glances at Sasuke beside her, the adoration in her eyes impossible to hide.

Only Sasuke Uchiha maintained his cold, distant demeanor. With both hands in his pockets and an icy expression, he said nothing.

"This is a C-rank mission. We will escort Mr. Tazuna, a bridge builder from the Land of Waves, back to his country and protect him throughout the journey. During the mission, follow my instructions and do not act on your own." Kakashi turned toward the three and spoke evenly, briefly explaining the mission and its precautions.

"Got it!"

"Understood!"

The three answered together, then followed Kakashi to join Tazuna, who had already been waiting nearby, and set out for the Land of Waves.

Once they left Konoha's territory, the scenery around them gradually became unfamiliar. Vegetation grew thick among the trees, and the road twisted and turned. Away from the village's bustle, the wilderness felt that much quieter.

The peace did not last long.

Just as the group entered a path through a dense patch of forest, something suddenly happened!

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two sharp rushes of air rang out, swift as lightning and laden with deadly intent!

Kakashi paused for a moment, then was killed outright.

Almost at the exact instant of the attack, Sasuke pushed off hard and shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow.

Clang!

Sasuke precisely blocked one attacker's strike with his kunai, then immediately delivered a fierce counterattack, keeping the enemy firmly occupied.

On the other side, Sakura Haruno went pale, but she did not retreat. She immediately tightened her grip on her kunai and darted in front of Tazuna.

Their performance was nothing short of perfect.

One took the initiative, holding off the enemy's assault;

the other guarded the rear, protecting their mission's charge.

But Naruto Uzumaki stood in stark contrast to them both.

The sudden attack and fierce killing intent froze Naruto in place.

His eyes widened. The excitement and curiosity on his face vanished without a trace, replaced by sheer terror and panic.

His whole body trembled uncontrollably. He had no idea how to respond and could only stand there blankly, at a complete loss.

Finally, Kakashi appeared and acted without the slightest hesitation. Before the two attackers could even resist, he knocked them unconscious, leaving them completely unable to fight.

The forest returned to its usual quiet. Only the gently swaying branches and leaves remained, as though the life-and-death struggle had never happened.

And as that scene concluded on the sky screen, the entire shinobi world erupted!

"What quick reactions! That Sasuke Uchiha is only a newly graduated genin, yet he stayed so calm under attack. His abilities are incredible!"

"Just what you'd expect from a survivor of the Uchiha Clan. Even after the clan's destruction, his talent is still terrifying. His composure is far beyond anyone his age!"

"Sakura Haruno did very well too. She was nervous, but she didn't panic, and she dutifully protected their charge. She's better than plenty of adult ninja!"

"Isn't that Naruto Uzumaki pathetic? He was so scared he couldn't even move. How does he deserve to call himself a ninja?"

Discussion instantly swept across the shinobi world. In streets and alleyways, ninja from every village heatedly debated the scenes they had just watched on the sky screen.

Everyone praised Sasuke Uchiha's performance, amazed by his talent and composure. They also acknowledged Sakura Haruno's dedication. Naruto Uzumaki alone faced countless sneers and looks of contempt.

A ninja who trembled in fear when faced with an enemy attack, utterly incapable of fighting back.