thefictionvixens Chapter 323 As long as Naruto and I cooperate, we are invincible!
Chapter 323 As long as Naruto and I cooperate, we are invincible!
Chapter 323 As long as Naruto and I cooperate, we are invincible!
Chunin?!
Naruto's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively turned to look at Sasuke beside him. In this dream, they had actually been promoted to Chunin?
As if sensing his gaze, Sasuke turned his face.
Their eyes met, and Sasuke's dark eyes no longer held the coldness and aloofness he usually displayed. Instead, they were filled with an air of self-assurance and a "Naruto, what do you mean?" expression.
Naruto had just opened his mouth, before he could even ask a question, when a lazy voice slowly interrupted: "Alright, don't be too nervous."
Kakashi stopped and turned around, reassuringly saying, "Although it's marked as B-rank, the mission is actually relatively simple and not very dangerous. It's just about escorting a mission item to Kusagakure."
Clearly, he was trying to dampen the enthusiasm of the students.
nervous?
How could that be?
Upon hearing Kakashi's words, Sasuke not only didn't tense up, but his smile became even more confident and smug.
He casually raised his hand and hooked it around Naruto's shoulder, tilting his head slightly to give Naruto a raised eyebrow and a smile, saying easily, "With Naruto here, this level of mission is nothing, right?"
"Huh?" Naruto was stunned by Sasuke's sudden affectionate gesture and trusting words, his mind went blank for a moment, and he almost didn't react.
Seeing Naruto's dazed expression, Sasuke's smile deepened. He tightened his grip on Naruto's arm, declaring with unbridled confidence, "As long as Naruto and I cooperate, we are invincible!"
"That's right! Sasuke-kun is right!" Sakura nodded in agreement without hesitation, her eyes filled with absolute confidence in her comrade's strength.
Naruto was completely stunned.
He knew perfectly well how strong Naruto in the dream world was, but hearing Sasuke say those words with such certainty still left him deeply shocked.
The feeling of being trusted so completely by his companions was so unfamiliar and shocking to him.
[Ding! Naruto's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +300!]
It's important to know that in reality, the two of them are more often in competition and unwilling to admit defeat.
Even when fighting side by side, they secretly refused to give in to each other, neither willing to back down first.
Yet here, in this dream world, Sasuke so naturally bound himself to "himself," equating strength with cooperation.
A bittersweet warmth welled up in Naruto's heart.
Sasuke's way of speaking and attitude in the dream were completely different from those in reality, and at first he was really not used to it.
However, to be trusted so completely—
This feeling doesn't seem so bad.
He could even clearly feel his heartbeat accelerating.
Upon further reflection, it's not surprising that Naruto in the dream was ridiculously powerful, and Sasuke, as proud as he is, would say such things, even if it was just Sasuke in a dream.
After all, Naruto gives off an impression of being incredibly powerful and reliable, as radiant and warm as the sun, making people want to trust and rely on him without even realizing it.
Thinking of this, Naruto's initial awkwardness and surprise gradually melted away, replaced by a complex and indescribable emotion, a mixture of pride, nostalgia, and a quietly growing warmth.
He took a deep breath and nodded solemnly to Sasuke, Kakashi, and Sakura.
A smile, still somewhat unnatural, bloomed on the boy's face, but it had regained its radiance:
:"Um!
That's right!
That's right, they are a team, comrades fighting side by side.
Seeing the three students' high spirits, Kakashi clapped his hands lightly, interrupting the somewhat bubbly atmosphere: "Alright, alright, commendable morale, but—"
His expression immediately turned serious, and he solemnly said, "Even if the task is relatively simple, you must not let your guard down. Any negligence could bring unexpected trouble, do you understand?"
"Understood, Kakashi-sensei!" the three replied in unison, even Naruto, who had been in a daze, immediately straightened his back and responded loudly.
"Alright, let's go! Destination: the western border of the Land of Fire, the Land of Grass!"
Before Kakashi could finish speaking, he had already vanished from the spot in a flash, becoming a blur.
"yes!"
Sasuke and Sakura responded excitedly and followed closely behind.
Naruto then came to his senses, quickly composed himself, and chased after them.
in the audience.
But now the scene is quite different.
The scene shown on the screen made Sasuke in the audience feel a chill run down his spine, as if countless ants were crawling all over his body, making him feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles.
Especially when he saw himself on the screen with that bright, almost foolish smile, shouting "Invincible Combo," a surge of heat rushed to his head, and the veins on his forehead throbbed uncontrollably.
[Ding! Emotional fluctuations from Uchiha Sasuke have been detected! Emotional value +40!]
Sasuke finally snapped, gritting his teeth and forcing out a low curse: "These two idiots—"
It was filled with undisguised disgust and awkwardness.
Xiang, standing to the side, was captivated by another detail.
She adjusted her red-rimmed glasses, turned to look at Kakashi, her red eyes brimming with undisguised curiosity: "Kakashi-senpai, in real life—did Naruto pass the Chunin Exams?"
Upon hearing this, Kakashi stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and replied, "Well, strictly speaking, not yet."
"Not yet? Why?" Xiang's eyes widened in surprise, quite indignant, and she protested, "That idiot may always cause trouble, but he's not bad at all!"
Kakashi shrugged and spread his hands: "This isn't a matter of strength. As you all know, the Chunin Exams in the real world were forced to stop before the final exams even began because of Orochimaru and the Sand Village's attack."
As he spoke, the chaotic scene from that day involuntarily flashed through his mind, and his expression darkened slightly.
"The exam was abruptly cut short, and many candidates' performances and potential were not fully realized, making it impossible to fairly assess their final results. Therefore, that year's Chunin Exams were ultimately discontinued."
"I see—" Xiang nodded in realization, her feelings of indignation for Naruto largely dissipating, replaced by understanding and a touch of regret.
Meanwhile, Sakura's gaze remained fixed on the big screen.
Looking at the harmonious and natural interaction between the three students in Class 7 in her dream, she couldn't help but feel a strong sense of envy.
If only Class 7 could be like that in real life!
There would have been no Sasuke leaving, no Naruto chasing after him relentlessly, and no pain or separation.
Everyone just needs to carry out missions together, grow together, support each other, and occasionally bicker. Sakura couldn't help but secretly and quickly glance at Sasuke sitting not far away next to Uchiha Madara and Obito.
The cold, aloof, and unapproachable black-haired boy in real life contrasts sharply with Sasuke on screen, who is smiling broadly and has his arm around Naruto's shoulder.
[Ding! Sakura Haruno's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +400!]
Perhaps wanting to show that aloof and stubborn boy another possibility, Sakura took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and clearly said, "The Class 7 in the dream, they have such a good relationship—"
Sasuke, who was sitting next to Madara, suddenly stiffened.
He certainly heard Sakura's words, and he also sensed the unspoken longing and contrast in them.
A deeper sense of irritation and an indescribable resentment rose in his chest, even mixed with a touch of annoyance.
He angrily questioned himself.
Why do I have to see these things?
Why insist on using the gap between dreams and reality to hurt him?
Kakashi took in Sakura's sentiments, slowly shifted his gaze from the screen, and sighed silently in his heart.
In reality, of these three children, one walks alone in the darkness, one chases desperately, and the other waits quietly in place.
"Yes, Class 7 in the dream was really good."
Kakashi picked up the conversation smoothly and said slowly, "The Naruto in the dream was cheerful and warm-hearted, strong and reliable, and knew how to take care of his teammates' feelings, able to regulate the team's atmosphere very well. In the team, he was more like a natural core and glue, an excellent candidate for captain."
He paused here, his gaze sweeping over Sasuke and Sakura in reality, and said with a helpless smile, "Unlike those two in real life, they're always bickering and competing, neither of them willing to give in. Well, that's their unique way of getting along, though."
His words silenced the surroundings for a moment.
Sakura lowered her head, recalling the scenes of Naruto and Sasuke bickering and arguing before each mission.
Yes, that was the Class 7 she knew—lively and bustling, yet always rife with tension.
Xiang merely pursed her lips slightly upon hearing this, without interrupting, but inwardly she strongly agreed with Kakashi's statement.
Naruto is indeed impulsive and clumsy in real life, especially when he's with Sasuke, he's incredibly rowdy.
Madara Uchiha saw all of this, a dark and ambiguous light flashing in his pupils.
He glanced at Sasuke beside him, who was tense and exuding an aura of resistance, and sneered inwardly.
This Sasuke is the material I prefer.
The false sunlight in the dream is nothing but an empty bubble.
Only a blade forged in darkness can truly sever the ties of cause and effect and create a brand new world.
The scene depicts the primeval forest in the western part of the Land of Fire.
After leaving Konoha Village, the four members of Team 7 sped through the dense forest.
-
The surrounding atmosphere was so quiet and peaceful that it didn't feel like a B-level mission, but rather like a leisurely outing.
Kakashi, who was leading the way, suddenly stopped and turned to call out to the three students: "Listen carefully, the main purpose of this mission is to further train and test your Team 7's combat capabilities after being promoted to Chunin."
He glanced around at the three genin who had stopped in their tracks, paused for a moment, and then announced a decision that made Naruto's heart tighten.
"Therefore, until we arrive at Kusagakure and complete the handover, unless we encounter a real life-or-death crisis, I will remain hidden and will not take the initiative to intervene. The three of you will be fully responsible for taking the lead in the mission and handling the situation."
"Really? That's great!" Sasuke's eyes lit up when he heard that Kakashi was going to hand over the initiative to them. He clenched his fists excitedly, and his pupils burned with a fighting spirit.
He confidently assured him, "Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei! With the three of us here, this mission will be no problem at all!"
Judging from Sasuke's eagerness to show off his skills, he couldn't wait to prove the strength of their invincible team.
However, Kakashi suddenly gave him a meaningful look.
He slowly raised a finger and pointed at Sasuke.
"Especially you, Sasuke, from now on, you must follow Naruto's commands and arrangements in everything you do. Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely do not act on your own, understand?"
"Yes! Kakashi-sensei, we understand!" Sasuke and Sakura replied in unison.
Surprisingly, neither of them showed any objection or dissatisfaction with the order, as if it was only natural for Naruto to command them.
Naruto, standing to the side, was already starting to lose track of what was going on.
Is Kakashi-sensei going to go into hiding?
The task is to be entirely entrusted to the three of them?
And he's supposed to be in charge of Sasuke and Sakura?
And Kakashi's advice to Sasuke—why does that sound so familiar?
Before Naruto could fully process this series of information, Kakashi had already taken out a palm-sized scroll from his pocket.
Instead of handing the scroll to Sasuke, who seemed the most eager, or to Sakura, who looked on with serious anticipation, he walked straight to Naruto and solemnly placed the scroll between his hands: "Naruto, this scroll is the mission item for this escort mission."
After saying that, he solemnly handed the roll forward.
"Now, I'm entrusting it to you for safekeeping."
"Huh? Give it to me to keep?!" Naruto's eyes widened upon hearing this. He pointed to the tip of his nose and stammered in disbelief.
A big question mark immediately popped into Naruto's mind.
Shouldn't something this important be kept by the more reliable Kakashi-sensei?
Even if you don't take it yourself, you should at least hand it over to someone who looks more composed.
His gaze unconsciously drifted towards Sasuke. Hmm, the Sasuke in the dream, though a bit too sunny, seemed pretty reliable too? Wouldn't it be better to give him the scroll?
give him?
Naruto Uzumaki?
Safeguarding important items for mission purposes?
This script doesn't seem right!
[Ding! Naruto's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +400!]
"Of course." Kakashi chuckled and raised an eyebrow at Naruto's shocked expression. "You're the captain, who else would I entrust this to if not you?"
"Yeah, right!" Sasuke grinned and nudged the still-dazed Naruto with his elbow, teasingly saying, "Something this important should naturally be entrusted to the most reliable person among us! You're the most dependable of the three!"
"The most, most reliable? The most stable?" Naruto felt like his brain was about to crash.
"Alright, stop standing there." Kakashi shook his head and chuckled, having already steadily placed the scroll into Naruto's slightly stiff hand, then placed his hands on Naruto's shoulders.
"Listen up, Naruto." Kakashi's tone suddenly became more serious than ever before. "From now on, the success of this mission and the safety of Team 7 are all entrusted to you. I trust your judgment, your strength, and your ability to lead the team. Don't feel pressured; just do what you do in training. But remember, you are the captain, and every decision you make affects the safety of all your comrades."
Team leader?!
Naruto's throat tightened, and he felt the scroll in his hand suddenly become incredibly heavy.
Kakashi-sensei's unwavering and resolute gaze, Sasuke and Sakura's expressions of complete trust—
All of this made his heart pound.
However, for some reason, when he met the unwavering trust in Kakashi's eyes, and saw the same trusting and expectant looks in Sasuke and Sakura's eyes, a strange warmth slowly rose from the bottom of Naruto's heart. Accompanying it was an unprecedentedly heavy sense of responsibility, which gradually overwhelmed his initial panic and fear.
"I—I—"
Naruto wanted to say that he had no idea how to be a good captain.
However, when he saw the unreserved expectation and trust in the eyes of his teacher and classmates, especially Kakashi-sensei's extremely solemn expression, he suddenly couldn't say a word.
Naruto took a deep breath and gripped the scroll tightly with both hands.
He slowly raised his head, and the confusion and panic in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a firm light that even he himself did not realize.
"I understand, Kakashi-sensei."
He nodded solemnly.
"The reel, and everyone—I will definitely protect them well!"
[Ding! Naruto's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +500!]
"Very good." A look of satisfaction flashed in Kakashi's eyes, and he smiled contentedly.
He patted Naruto on the shoulder one last time, then vanished into the surrounding dense forest in a flash, leaving only his words echoing through the woods: "Well then, it's up to you now, Team 7."
In the tranquil forest, only the three little ones remained.
Naruto looked down at the scroll that had been solemnly entrusted to him, then looked up at his two companions beside him.
Sasuke stood with his arms crossed, his eyes burning with anticipation, eager to finally make a name for himself. Sakura smiled and nodded vigorously at him, her face filled with unwavering trust and encouragement.
The immense pressure weighed on Naruto's shoulders like a mountain, but at the same time, a strange yet firm resolve was quietly sprouting and growing in his heart.
"Let's go." Naruto carefully put the scroll away close to his body, took a deep breath, and then took the lead, striding towards the direction of Kusagakure.
Happy New Year!
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