"Because they need to face battles where they truly confront death," Kakashi said calmly.
"D-rank missions—catching cats, pulling weeds—those are nothing more than basic training. What truly makes a ninja grow is always a fight where life and death are on the line."
He glanced at Sasuke.
"Especially that Uchiha brat over there. He's just awakened the two-tomoe Sharingan. Without real combat experience, the Sharingan is nothing more than decoration."
Sasuke's body trembled slightly.
Kakashi-sensei… is doing all this to make us stronger?
"And there's more," Kakashi continued. "Your strength is roughly at the level of a special jōnin. You possess an Ice Release Kekkei Genkai and specialize in speed. That makes you the perfect whetstone for my students."
The masked youth was visibly shocked.
"You… how do you know I use Ice Release?"
"The residual chakra on your fingers," Kakashi said, pointing casually.
"That isn't ordinary Water Release—it's the unique chakra nature of Ice Release."
The masked youth fell silent.
This man… is terrifying.
In just a few seconds, he had seen through everything.
"So," Kakashi went on, "I'll give you seven days. Seven days from now, on the bridge Tazuna is building, we'll fight again."
"But next time, it will be a true life-or-death battle."
"If Zabuza is defeated again, I will kill him for real."
Kakashi's tone was flat, but the killing intent behind his words was unmistakable.
The masked youth clenched his fists.
"I understand. Seven days from now, we'll fight with everything we have."
"Good," Kakashi nodded. "Take Zabuza and leave. Remember—seven days."
The youth lifted Zabuza's body and turned away.
After taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped.
"Kakashi-san. My name is Haku."
"In seven days, please be careful. Zabuza-sama… will use his full strength."
With that, his figure vanished into the mist.
The fog slowly dispersed.
The beach returned to silence, leaving only the aftermath of battle—and the corpses of the Demon Brothers.
Kakashi walked back to Team 7.
"Kakashi-sensei…" Naruto slumped onto the ground.
"That fight just now… was that really jōnin-level combat?"
"Yes," Kakashi replied with a nod.
"What did you see?"
"Insanely strong…" Sakura said shakily.
"It's not even… not even the same level…"
"Sasuke?" Kakashi turned to him.
Sasuke's two-tomoe Sharingan were still spinning, replaying every moment of the battle.
"Kakashi-sensei…"
He finally asked the question that had been burning in his mind.
"Why… you're not an Uchiha. How do you have the Sharingan?"
Kakashi was silent for a few seconds.
"This eye was given to me by one of your clansmen."
"My… clansman?" Sasuke froze.
"Obito Uchiha," Kakashi said quietly.
"My former teammate. During the Third Great Ninja War, he was crushed by falling rocks while saving me. Before he died, he transplanted his Sharingan into me."
Sasuke's eyes widened.
"Obito Uchiha… I think I've heard that name before…"
"He was a hero," Kakashi said evenly.
"And the most important comrade of my life. This Sharingan carries his will."
He looked directly at Sasuke.
"That's why I understand the power of the Sharingan—and the talent of the Uchiha clan. Sasuke, your potential surpasses mine. Don't waste it."
Sasuke lowered his head, fists clenched.
"I… I understand."
"Good," Kakashi said, clapping his hands.
"For the next seven days, we'll begin special training."
"Special training?" Naruto looked up.
"Yes," Kakashi said seriously.
"Seven days from now, you'll be fighting a ninja named Haku. He's far stronger than the Demon Brothers. If you're not prepared…"
"You'll die."
The three of them shuddered.
"Die…" Sakura repeated softly.
"That's right." Kakashi pointed toward the Demon Brothers' bodies.
"You saw it yourself. This is the ninja world. Enemies show no mercy, and comrades can be abandoned at any moment."
"If you don't want to die, you must become stronger."
He looked at all three of them.
"So I'll ask you again—are you willing to undergo special training? It will be painful. You'll get hurt. You may even come close to death."
Naruto stood up and wiped his eyes.
"I'm in! I don't want to die—and I'm going to become Hokage!"
Sakura bit her lip.
"I… I will too. I don't want to be a burden anymore."
Sasuke activated his Sharingan, determination blazing in his eyes.
"If I can't even endure this, then talking about revenge is meaningless."
Kakashi nodded in satisfaction.
[Ding! Detected students' determination to grow stronger!]
[Special Mission Triggered: Seven-Day Special Training]
[Mission Requirement: Significantly increase the strength of the three students within seven days]
[Mission Rewards: C-Rank Character Card ×3, System Points 500]
"Very well," Kakashi said.
"Let's head to Tazuna's house and rest. Starting tomorrow…"
A dangerous glint flashed in his eye.
"Hellish special training."
---
Tazuna's House
A simple wooden house near the sea.
"Welcome," Tazuna said as he opened the door.
"It's not much, but make yourselves at home."
A gentle woman stepped out.
"Father, you're back."
She smiled at Kakashi and the others.
"Welcome. I'm Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter."
"Sorry for the intrusion," Kakashi nodded.
"Tsunami, where's Inari?" Tazuna asked.
"In his room," she sighed. "Same as always…"
Tazuna's expression darkened.
Just then, a small boy—seven or eight years old—ran out.
"More ninja?" he said coldly.
"They'll just run away in the end. The weak are always weak."
"What did you say, you brat?!" Naruto snapped.
"Inari!" Tsunami scolded.
"Hmph." The boy turned and ran back into his room.
The atmosphere grew awkward.
"I'm sorry…" Tsunami said with a bitter smile.
"Ever since his father died, Inari's been like that…"
"His father?" Sakura asked.
Tazuna spoke heavily.
"Inari's father was a brave man. He tried to stand up to Gato, and as a result…"
He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.
"That's why Inari says those things," Tsunami said quietly.
"He's afraid we'll end up like his father, so he doesn't let himself hope."
Kakashi looked at Team 7.
"You heard that. This is the state of the Land of Waves—crushed by Gato, they don't even dare to hope."
"So this mission isn't just about protecting Tazuna. It's about protecting this country's hope."
Naruto clenched his fists.
"I get it!"
"Good," Kakashi said. "Get some rest tonight. Starting tomorrow, you'll regret being alive."
"Eh?!" All three froze.
Kakashi smiled dangerously.
"Just kidding. But prepare yourselves mentally."
---
That Night
In Kakashi's room.
He lay on the bed and opened the system interface.
[Problem Student Discipline System]
[Current Disciples]
[Uzumaki Naruto (D-Rank) — Affinity: 65 | Progress: 95% (Near Upgrade)]
[Uchiha Sasuke (C-Rank Special) — Affinity: 60 | Progress: 20%]
[Sakura Haruno (C-Rank) — Affinity: 58 | Progress: 55%]
[Special Mission: Seven-Day Special Training]
[Time Remaining: 7 days]
[Current System Points: 900]
Kakashi pondered.
"Seven days… I need to give them the strength to fight Haku."
"Naruto has massive chakra, but poor control. That needs work—plus tactics that incorporate Shadow Clones."
"Sasuke just awakened the two tomoe. He needs to adapt to the Sharingan, and his Fire Release needs reinforcement."
"Sakura has the best chakra control, but lacks combat experience. Taijutsu and real battle skills are essential."
He opened the Point Shop.
[Point Shop Opened]
After scanning the list, Kakashi's gaze settled.
"Gravity Bracelets… perfect for physical conditioning."
He made his decision.
"Purchase three Gravity Bracelets."
[Purchase Successful]
[System Points Consumed: 900]
[Remaining Points: 0]
Three silver bracelets appeared in his hand.
"All my points gone…" Kakashi smiled wryly.
"But worth it. These alone can double their fundamentals."
He put them away.
"Starting tomorrow, they'll train while wearing these."
He finalized the plan.
Day 1: Adaptation to Gravity Bracelets, basic physical training
Day 2: Advanced chakra control
– Naruto: rotation control
– Sasuke: chakra shape transformation
– Sakura: basics of Medical Ninjutsu
Day 3: Combat simulations, team coordination
Day 4: Specialized growth—Naruto's clone tactics, Sasuke's Sharingan combat, Sakura's battlefield support
Day 5: High-intensity sparring
Day 6: Simulated battle against Haku
Day 7: Final adjustments
"Seven days. Enough."
Kakashi looked out the window as moonlight reflected off the sea.
"Haku… you'll be a good opponent."
He closed his eyes.
Tomorrow, the special training begins.