Kakashi rubbed his chin.
"I've only got 1,800 points right now—still too far off."
"Besides, I focus mainly on ninjutsu, and the White Fang tanto is already more than enough."
He closed the weapons tab and browsed the other items.
[Medical-Nin Tool Kit: Contains basic medical ninjutsu scrolls, chakra scalpels, hemostatic bandages, and other essentials. Greatly improves the efficiency of learning medical ninjutsu. Price: 500 points]
Kakashi's eyes lit up.
"This is good."
"Even though Sakura says she's not good at medical ninjutsu, her chakra control is the best among the three."
"If she has proper tools to help her…"
After a moment's thought, he made his decision.
"Purchase."
[500 points spent. Medical-Nin Tool Kit acquired.]
[Current Points: 1,300]
Kakashi stored the kit in his inventory.
"I'll give it to Sakura after training."
"As for the Lightning Blade, I'll keep it for now. It might come in handy later."
"My current strength is enough. No need to rush."
"Slow and steady."
He closed the system and looked at the three of them.
"Alright." He clapped his hands. "All three of you—attack me together."
"I want to see your teamwork."
"Eh?!" Naruto froze. "Three against one?"
"What, scared?" Kakashi smiled.
"Who's scared?!" Naruto shot back. "Sasuke! Sakura! Let's go!"
Several hours later.
All three were sprawled on the ground, utterly exhausted.
"S-so strong…" Naruto gasped.
"You're still lacking," Kakashi said calmly. "But your teamwork has improved."
"That's enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow."
"Y-yes…" they replied weakly.
Kakashi looked at Sakura.
"Sakura, stay behind for a moment."
"Eh? Yes, sensei."
After Naruto and Sasuke left, Kakashi took out the medical tool kit.
"This is for you."
Sakura accepted it. The moment she opened it, her eyes widened.
"This is… a medical-nin tool kit?!"
"Mm." Kakashi nodded. "You might say you're not good at medical ninjutsu, but your chakra control is excellent."
"You're just missing the right guidance and tools."
"These scrolls will help you understand medical ninjutsu better."
"And during the Chūnin Exams, if a teammate is injured, you'll be able to treat them."
Sakura's eyes reddened.
"Thank you… thank you so much, sensei…"
"No need to thank me," Kakashi said. "You're my student. This is only natural."
"Make good use of it."
"Yes!" Sakura nodded vigorously.
Seven days later.
The day of the Chūnin Exams.
Outside the Konoha Ninja Academy, large numbers of Genin gathered—both from Konoha and other villages.
Sunagakure, Amegakure, Kusagakure, Otogakure… headbands from various villages glinted in the crowd.
Kakashi brought Team Seven to the entrance and spoke seriously.
"Remember what I told you. The Chūnin Exams aren't just a test of strength."
"They test judgment and teamwork."
"If you're in danger, don't try to be heroes."
"Protect yourselves—and protect your comrades."
"Yes!" all three answered.
"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto said excitedly. "We'll definitely pass!"
"I'll prove the Uchiha's strength," Sasuke said coldly.
Sakura tightened her grip on her medical kit. "I'll protect everyone."
Kakashi nodded.
"Go. Good luck."
The three headed into the academy. Naruto even turned back and waved.
"See you later, Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi watched them disappear and let out a long breath.
"…Finally sent them in."
Even he felt worn out after the recent high-intensity training.
"Kakashi!"
He turned to see Guy in his green jumpsuit striding over energetically.
"Yo, Guy," Kakashi greeted lazily.
"Your students went in too, right?" Kurenai and Asuma walked over as well.
"Mm," Kakashi nodded.
Kurenai smiled. "So did mine. I hope they do well."
Asuma exhaled smoke. "I'm not worried about their strength. I'm just afraid Shikamaru won't even bother taking the exam seriously."
"But his IQ is the highest in the class," Kurenai laughed.
Guy crossed his arms confidently. "My students will give it everything they've got! Especially Lee—he's my pride!"
Kakashi's lips curved slightly.
Kurenai suddenly studied him more closely.
"Kakashi…"
"Yeah?"
"Don't you feel… different lately?" she asked thoughtfully.
Asuma nodded. "I've noticed it too."
"You used to look lazy and detached all the time."
"But now…" Asuma glanced at him. "It's like you're a completely different person."
"Especially with your students," Kurenai added. "You never used to recommend anyone for the Chūnin Exams."
"And you even took in a registered disciple," Asuma said.
Guy looked at him seriously. "That's right! Kakashi, you've really changed!"
"You used to always be late, but now you're actually on time!"
"And you still read that novel, but you're not as obsessed anymore!"
Kakashi scratched his head.
"…Is it that obvious?"
"Very," all three said at once.
Kurenai smiled gently. "It's a good change."
"You've finally… moved forward."
Asuma nodded. "Minato-sensei, Obito, Rin… they're all in the past."
"It's good that you can stand up again."
Kakashi was silent for a moment.
"…Thank you."
Guy suddenly clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"Since you've moved on, you should look ahead!"
"For example," Kurenai said with a mischievous glint, "have you thought about getting a girlfriend?"
"Eh?" Kakashi froze.
Asuma laughed. "She's right. You're not young anymore."
"There are plenty of kunoichi in the village interested in you."
"Especially…" Kurenai lowered her voice. "Ayame from Ichiraku Ramen was asking about you."
Kakashi waved his hands quickly. "H-hey, don't joke around."
"I'm serious," Kurenai said. "She's gentle and kind, and—"
"And Kakashi, you're really handsome once you take off your mask!" Guy blurted out.
"What?!" Kurenai and Asuma stared at Kakashi.
"Guy!" Kakashi snapped.
"Haha, sorry!" Guy laughed. "Lee told me—said he saw it once from afar at the training grounds."
Kurenai's eyes sparkled. "Kakashi, take it off and let us see?"
"No," Kakashi refused flatly.
"Tch, stingy," Kurenai pouted.
Asuma chuckled. "Jokes aside, Kakashi, being alone gets lonely."
Kakashi sighed. "I'm fine. I've got students—and a registered disciple to take care of."
"Oh?" Kurenai perked up. "That boy—Haku, right?"
"Mm."
"I heard he's very cute," she smiled.
"And he can cook," Asuma added.
Kakashi looked helpless. "Your information network is terrifying…"
"So that's it," Kurenai sighed dramatically. "Someone cooking at home, students everywhere—truly living the good life."
"Just missing a girlfriend," Asuma added.
"Alright, enough," Kakashi waved them off.
"Let's find somewhere to sit. The exam will take all day."
"Agreed," Asuma said. "BBQ?"
"Sounds good," Kurenai nodded.
Guy's eyes suddenly blazed.
"Wait, Kakashi!"
"Since we finally have time—"
He struck a fighting pose.
"Spar with me!"
"Youth must burn! A duel between eternal rivals!"
"My head hurts…" Kakashi muttered. "I refuse."
"No!" Guy said firmly. "It's been too long!"
"You won last time—I'm taking it back!"
"You probably miscounted," Kakashi said dryly.
"Anyway!" Guy clenched his fist. "Come on! I can tell—you've gotten stronger!"
Kurenai and Asuma laughed.
"Just humor him a bit," Kurenai said. "The exam won't end anytime soon."
"Plenty of time," Asuma added.
Kakashi looked at Guy's blazing enthusiasm and sighed.
"…Fine."
"Yes!" Guy cheered. "Training ground!"
"Wait," Kakashi said. "How about BBQ first?"
"Then we fight."
Guy blinked, then laughed loudly. "Hahaha! Fair enough!"
"BBQ first—then the battle of youth!"
The four headed toward the barbecue restaurant, chatting and laughing.
Kurenai glanced at Kakashi, smiling softly.
"He really has changed."
Asuma thought quietly.
"It's not easy to walk out of the past."
Guy, meanwhile, was already fired up about the upcoming spar.
And Kakashi…
Watching his companions from behind, he smiled faintly.
"Having companions… isn't bad at all."