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Ino launched into a series of fluid, well-practiced strikes, pressing her advantage. Haruno Sakura, caught off guard, barely managed to block before devolving into a clumsy brawl, more of a beginner's scuffle than a real fight.
Iruka stepped in immediately, raising his voice in warning. "Hey, hey, hey! This isn't a real combat exercise!"
Unfazed, Ino and Sakura continued their petty squabble, trading glares and sharp words.
Meanwhile, Sasuke saw an opportunity to make his move.
He approached Naruto with a proposition—to join his team during the survival exercise, hoping to stick close and challenge him at every turn. But Naruto refused outright. If Sasuke tagged along, his peaceful vacation with Hinata would be ruined.
When Ino and Sakura caught wind of Sasuke's scheming, their rivalry took an unexpected turn. In rare unison, they teamed up, shooing him back to his seat with synchronized protests. Then, they settled on a compromise, letting Naruto choose his teammate.
Naruto glanced at Ino first. She flipped her golden hair, cheeks tinged pink with shyness. Then his eyes shifted to Sakura, who knew him well enough to play her cards right.
"I'll be on my best behavior," Sakura promised, raising her hand earnestly. "No trouble at all."
Naruto considered for a moment before nodding. "Alright, you're in."
Internally, Sakura cheered 'Just wait until I grow stronger. I'll win Naruto's heart, knock some sense into Hinata, and send Ino flying…'
Of course, Naruto remained blissfully unaware of her scheming. And so, the team was decided: Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura.
At dawn, the students gathered, supplies in tow. Though labeled a "survival exercise," the task was simple, spend a night in the wilderness with only the essentials. For most, that meant food, water, and basic tools.
But Naruto's team came prepared. Their packs overflowed with gear, 6+pots, pans, tents, flint and steel, rations, even insect repellent. They were ready for anything.
The exercise took place in a dense forest within Konoha's borders, far enough from civilization to feel untamed. Under the instructor's supervision, the drill began.
Naruto's team started at the designated point, following the river upstream until they found higher ground. There, they pitched their tent.
Mission complete just like that.
After all, this was only a training exercise.
To Naruto's surprise, Sakura wasn't acting like her usual fangirl self. Instead, she stayed quiet and cooperative, which he appreciated.
"Nee, Sakura," Naruto said, turning to her. "Mind keeping an eye on the camp? Hinata and I are going to fetch water."
Sakura nodded, settling beside the tent to rest. But as soon as Naruto and Hinata disappeared into the trees, her thoughts spiraled.
'Why did he take Hinata and not me?'
Her curiosity got the better of her. After a while, when they still hadn't returned, she muttered, "How long does it take to get water…?"
She crept toward the riverbank, only to freeze at the sight before her, Hinata lounging in the shade, Naruto resting his head in her lap, utterly at ease.
'Oh… So that's why.'
Heart sinking, Sakura trudged back to camp, lost in bitter thoughts.
Meanwhile, beneath the tree, Naruto lay with his eyes closed, enjoying the moment until Kurama's voice cut through his mind.
"Naruto. We've got company."
Naruto's eyes snapped open. He sat up abruptly, brows furrowing.
Hinata, sensing his tension, grew worried. "Naruto-kun… are you okay?"
"No… it's nothing," he replied, forcing calm into his voice. "Hinata, head back to camp first."
Though confused, Hinata trusted him. Before leaving, she activated her Byakugan, scanning the surroundings—and stiffened.
'These people… They're here for Naruto!'
She knew she wasn't strong enough to help. Staying would only burden him.
Still, she hesitated. "Naruto-kun… I'll go find Iruka-sensei."
"No need," Naruto reassured her with a confident smile. "Just go back. Trust me, yeah?"
Hinata swallowed hard but nodded. "I… I trust you, Naruto."
She turned and left but not toward the camp. Instead, she sprinted in search of a teacher.
Naruto was left alone by the river.
The masked figures lurking in the shadows finally made their move.
"The Hyūga girl's gone. Now's our chance."
Swish
Ninjas clad in dark uniforms and masks emerged from all sides, surrounding him.
Naruto remained seated, unshaken. His voice was eerily calm.
"Anbu… or Root?"
They didn't answer. Instead, they tightened their formation, inching closer.
The leader barked orders. "Sealing team, prepare!"
Kurama's laughter rumbled through Naruto's mind, dripping with disdain.
"Hah! A bunch of rotten fools, thinking they can seal me away?"
The voice echoed aloud, startling the attackers.
"The Nine-Tails' seal is broken?! Impossible!"
"No the intel's solid. The fox can't escape yet."
"Then proceed as planned. Extract the beast!"
Kurama's rage surged. His chakra flared violently around Naruto, cloaking him in a sinister, crimson aura.
"Naruto. Crush these insects."
Naruto flexed his fingers, admiring the raw power coursing through him.
"Not bad, Kurama."
"Tch. Of course."
Before the battle could begin, another voice cut through the tension.
"Stop!"
A lone Anbu operative landed beside Naruto, drawing her sword. Her purple hair peeked from beneath the mask.
"I've already alerted the Hokage," she warned coldly. "Leave now, or die."
Naruto tilted his head, recognizing her instantly.
"Yugao Uzuki? So you have been spying on me."
She shot him an exasperated look. "How do you even...?! And for the record, it's Anbu, not 'spying.' And don't shout my name!"
The Root leader scoffed. "Just another disposable Anbu. Kill her and take the Nine-Tails!"
The battle erupted.
A barrage of kunai, insects, and jutsu hurtled toward them...
.....