Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Heaven-Defying Schedule
The matter was settled quickly. Just a few words, and Haruto found himself caught in their decision. He wanted to speak up, but something felt off. If he didn't agree, Elder Hiruzen would undoubtedly keep pestering him to become a ninja. Haruto could already imagine people bothering him daily until he relented, and the thought was exhausting.
However, there was a loophole. If he agreed to become an Instructor, he'd have more control—choosing tasks when he wanted and taking breaks whenever he liked. The only downside was that Sasuke would probably be around a lot, asking for training. After a moment of thought, Haruto decided it was worth it. It would allow him to keep a low profile, and people wouldn't be talking about him not being a ninja. He turned to Hiruzen and asked, "So, what's the test?"
Seeing Haruto's interest, Hiruzen was pleased. This indicated Haruto was open to the idea. And whether he passed the test or not, as long as he tried, Haruto would become part of the ninja ranks. Additionally, Hiruzen could use this test to gauge his true strength, which had been a topic of curiosity among many, especially since Haruto had shown extraordinary skill when rescuing Hinata.
After a moment's consideration, Hiruzen answered, "You need to defeat Hatake Kakashi."
Hearing the name, Sasuke frowned slightly. He realized that if this hadn't happened, Kakashi might have been his future instructor. Sasuke had heard of him—the legendary "Copy Ninja" known as Sharingan Kakashi. Although Kakashi wasn't an Uchiha, he wielded the Sharingan, raising many questions. But this challenge seemed unfair. A student like Haruto facing an Elite Jonin was an extreme test.
Sakura voiced her objections without hesitation, "Hokage-sama, if you don't want Haruto as an Instructor, just say so! Why make him fight an Elite Jonin? What if he gets hurt?"
Hiruzen blushed at her directness but didn't respond. Haruto, however, didn't mind. "Kakashi should already be here, right?"
As if on cue, a lazy voice came from outside the door. "I'm here…"
The door opened, and a young man with silver hair walked in, dressed in a ninja outfit, face masked, with his headband covering one eye. His only visible eye drooped lazily, giving him the appearance of someone who had seen and done too much. Sasuke looked him over and felt slightly disappointed, expecting Kakashi to be more intimidating.
Hiruzen addressed Kakashi, "This time, I need you to take the fight seriously."
Kakashi replied, "Of course. After all, these are my students, and someone's trying to take my position as Instructor. That makes me quite angry…" His words carried a teasing sting, but his tone was casual and unbothered.
With the arrangements settled, everyone moved to the training ground outside the school. Haruto and Kakashi took their places in the center of the field, while Sasuke, Sakura, and Hiruzen watched from the sidelines.
Kakashi eyed Haruto thoughtfully. This boy… he really looks like Sensei. He had heard stories about Haruto's unusual strength, particularly his courage in fighting against the Cloud shinobi. Kakashi didn't plan on underestimating him.
"Show me what you're capable of, Haruto," Kakashi said, lifting his headband to reveal the Sharingan.
Sasuke gasped from the sidelines, shocked to see the iconic Sharingan. "How does he have that?"
The battle began with Kakashi making a quick reach for his ninja tool pouch. Haruto mirrored him, drawing a kunai, but then noticed that Kakashi had paused, simply watching him.
"What are you doing?" Haruto asked.
Kakashi tilted his head. "There's an obvious age difference, so naturally, I'm stronger physically. All I have to do is copy your movements with my Sharingan. You won't be able to defeat me."
Kakashi's assessment was confident. With his experience and physical strength, it was reasonable to believe he had the upper hand. By copying Haruto's every move, he could effectively counter anything the boy threw at him.
From the sidelines, Sakura pouted. "This guy is so smug, using age as an excuse!"
Sasuke countered, "He's an opponent. Age doesn't matter in a real battle."
Hiruzen observed quietly, wondering how Haruto would respond. Just then, Haruto began forming hand seals, which Kakashi copied effortlessly. Kakashi's hands were even quicker. But as they completed their seals, Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise.
"What… is going on?"
The field was suddenly engulfed in a massive cloud of smoke. When it cleared, the training ground was filled with countless clones of Haruto. Sakura, overjoyed, reached out to touch one of the clones nearby, only to realize it was an intangible illusion clone.
Despite being only an illusionary Clone Technique, the sheer number of clones was overwhelming. Within moments, the clones began to vanish one by one. As the last clone disappeared, Kakashi was left kneeling, breathing heavily and visibly drained.
Sasuke looked bewildered. "What happened?"
Hiruzen chuckled in admiration. "I didn't expect Haruto to be so clever…"
Sakura turned to him eagerly. "What happened, Hokage-sama?"
Hiruzen explained, "Kakashi's Sharingan copies all movements, including hand seals. Haruto exploited this by making Kakashi use a Clone Technique that summons a massive number of illusions. Even though these clones lack any attack power, the move drained a significant amount of Kakashi's chakra. It's brilliant… Haruto forced Kakashi to use up his own chakra reserve."
Haruto had played on Kakashi's advantage and turned it against him. Not only was it a clever strategy, but Hiruzen also realized that Haruto's chakra reserves were unusually high for his age, allowing him to outlast an Elite Jonin like Kakashi.
Back on the field, Haruto approached Kakashi, who was breathing heavily. "Are you okay, Senpai?" he asked.
Kakashi shook his head in disbelief. "Such a huge chakra reserve… It reminds me of your mother." His mind drifted to Kushina, recalling her immense chakra levels. Kakashi finally admitted defeat. "I lost. You're more than capable of being an Instructor."
The crowd erupted in celebration. Sakura clapped her hands and looked at Hiruzen excitedly. "Does that mean Haruto will be our Instructor?"
Hiruzen nodded. Although Kakashi had underestimated Haruto, he still recognized Haruto's strength and intelligence. "Yes, Haruto will be the Instructor of Team 7."
And so, Team 7 was officially formed with Haruto as the Instructor, joined by Sasuke and Sakura.
To celebrate, Sakura suggested they go out together as a team. Sasuke hesitated, wanting to focus on training, but Sakura argued that Haruto was the captain and they should follow his lead. Haruto, always one to enjoy a break, agreed to Sakura's plan, much to Sasuke's silent frustration.
After a meal together, Haruto dismissed the team, saying they could discuss plans for tomorrow. Before parting, Sasuke asked about their meeting location for the next day.
"Same place," Haruto replied, grinning. "I've got some plans for our future schedule."
The following day, Haruto presented Sasuke and Sakura with a schedule he had carefully prepared. It read as follows:
Monday: Team gathering and party
Tuesday: Hot springs relaxation
Wednesday: Review and pick any interesting missions
Thursday: Weekly team training session
Friday: Team-building activities (dining, hot springs, movies, shopping)
Saturday and Sunday: Rest days, with an option to just relax at home
Sasuke held the schedule, his expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. This "Heaven-Defying Schedule" left him wondering if his Instructor had any intention of serious training.
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