Naruto:Dark Return

After their encounter with Aburame Torune, Team 7's mood was tense and uncertain. Even as Kakashi led Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura back to the ninja school, suspicion hung in the air. None of them were ready to fully trust Kakashi, the man who claimed to be their team leader.

Kakashi seemed to understand their hesitance. Keeping his usual laid-back demeanor, he escorted them back to the school, where Iruka was anxiously waiting. The moment he saw them safe and sound, Iruka's worry melted into relief.

Kakashi explained the situation, offering proof of his identity and recounting his role as Team 7's assigned leader. After hearing Iruka's reassurance, the trio finally acknowledged Kakashi as their leader.

"Just because you recognize me doesn't mean I recognize you," Kakashi said, flipping through his well-worn copy of Young Aito.

While casually reading, Kakashi continued, "You handled yourselves decently today, avoiding being lured into the forest of death by a fake team leader. That's worth acknowledging."

"But…" Kakashi's visible eye gleamed with mischief. "If you want me to lead you and help you grow into real ninja, you'll need to pass an assessment tomorrow."

"An assessment?" Sakura echoed, confusion written all over her face. She glanced at Naruto and Sasuke for reassurance, but neither seemed interested in responding. Sasuke was lost in thought, and Naruto stared blankly at the sky, a shadow of regret lingering on his face.

Finally, Sakura asked, "Didn't we already graduate? What's the point of another test?"

Kakashi gave her a rare approving glance. "That was your graduation exam. This is your Genin assessment. Fail this, and you'll be sent back to the academy."

He let his words hang for dramatic effect before adding with a grin, "Oh, and only nine out of twenty-seven graduates will make the cut this year. That's a 70% elimination rate."

Naruto and Sasuke snapped to attention, their earlier distractions wiped away by the gravity of Kakashi's words. Even Sakura, who usually prided herself on being prepared, looked worried.

Kakashi elaborated, "Tomorrow, we'll have a wilderness survival exercise. Your opponent will be me." His playful expression turned sharp and sinister. "I hope you're ready to fight for your ninja careers."

The trio exchanged uneasy glances, but Kakashi wasn't done.

"Oh, and one more thing," he said with a teasing lilt. "Don't eat breakfast. Otherwise, you'll regret it when you're vomiting from exertion."

With that, Kakashi gave a casual wave and disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the three new teammates to process his ominous instructions.

Naruto was the first to speak after Kakashi's departure. His voice was uncharacteristically quiet. "I'm going home. See you tomorrow." Without waiting for a response, he turned and left, his slumped shoulders reflecting his troubled thoughts.

"Wait, Naruto…" Sakura's voice trailed off as she watched him go. A look of worry crossed her face. She turned to Sasuke, hoping he'd share her concern. "Naruto doesn't seem like himself. He's been too quiet ever since… you know."

Sasuke's sharp gaze flickered toward her, and for a moment, it seemed like he might open up. But instead, he replied curtly, "Naruto's stronger than you think. Worry about yourself."

His tone was cold, but there was a hint of truth in his words. Sasuke wasn't dismissing Naruto's struggles—he was acknowledging them in his own way.

With that, Sasuke leapt onto a nearby rooftop and disappeared into the village, leaving Sakura alone with her thoughts.

Back at his apartment, Naruto lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The room was quiet—too quiet. The absence of Ichiro's voice, which had become a familiar presence, was unsettling.

Naruto sat up and opened his window, letting the cool night air wash over him. The moonlight illuminated the half-finished manuscript on his desk, a reminder of the bond he'd built with Ichiro.

Every moment of the day replayed in his mind. The confrontation with Aburame Torune, the way Ichiro had ruthlessly taken control, and his own harsh words to his sub-personality—all of it weighed heavily on him.

Ichiro had been so good to him, Naruto realized. He had protected him, helped him make money, and even helped him get closer to Sakura. But when Ichiro killed Torune, Naruto's fear and anger had overshadowed his gratitude.

"Maybe I was too harsh on him," Naruto muttered to himself. "He's like an older brother… always looking out for me."

But then another thought crept in, one that sent a shiver down his spine.

"But what if he hurts someone else? What if he… hurts Sakura?"

Naruto buried his face in his hands, conflicted and overwhelmed.

[Host personality trust dependency value: 20%]

In the depths of Naruto's consciousness, Ichiro saw the system notification and smirked. He remained silent, observing Naruto's internal struggle without offering any comfort.

This was all part of his plan. By withdrawing completely, Ichiro ensured that Naruto felt the discomfort of his absence. He wanted Naruto to realize how much he relied on him—not just as a protector, but as a constant presence in his life.

Hours passed, and the light outside Naruto's window faded. The weight of his thoughts finally pushed him to a decision.

"Ichiro," Naruto said aloud, his voice trembling. "I'm sorry. I was wrong to yell at you and say I hated you. You didn't deserve that."

Naruto paused, his hands clenching into fists.

"I know you were just trying to protect me, but… you didn't listen to me. I need you to trust me, too."

Taking a deep breath, Naruto continued, "I'll train harder. I'll get stronger so you don't have to come out and fight for me. But I don't want you to disappear. You're… you're important to me."

End of Chapter.

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