Hokage's Office
Hiruzen watched as Yamato removed his ANBU uniform and donned the green Jōnin vest. The old Hokage spoke seriously, though with a sincere tone.
"Yamato, although you've led many teams in ANBU, this is the first time you'll lead a team of newly graduated Genin."
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama," Yamato patted his chest, showing confidence. "I already spoke with Kakashi-senpai, and I'm prepared."
Kakashi?
The corner of Hiruzen's eyes twitched slightly upon hearing that name. Everyone knew that the freshly graduated students who underwent Kakashi's tests rarely passed.
He lit his pipe, releasing a dense cloud of smoke before speaking more seriously, "Yamato, leading Genin is not the same as leading a team of experienced ninjas. Especially the team you're going to handle: Naruto and Kuro are very particular cases."
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama," Yamato maintained his confidence. "I've thoroughly investigated. Naruto is a famous troublemaker in the village, known as 'No. 1 at causing trouble.' Kuro, on the other hand, has excellent grades, always been the top of his class, very sensible, and obedient to his teachers. As for Sakura Haruno, I don't have much information, but she seems to be an average Genin. All I need to do is keep Naruto's mischief under control."
'If only it were that simple,' Hiruzen sighed.
"Yamato, there's something you need to know."
He paused, looking out the window, his face adopting a thoughtful expression.
"Kuro has always been an exceptional child. He seems to remember things from the day he was born. That can be both a blessing and a curse."
"One month after his birth, the Kyubi incident occurred. His parents died, and he himself was on the brink of death. This event left a shadow in his heart, making him very insecure. He started training on his own at three years old and hasn't stopped since then."
"Isn't that a positive thing?" Yamato was somewhat confused. "Insecurity can drive self-discipline, and if he's trained that much, his future must be promising."
"But that's the problem."
Hiruzen shook his head, releasing another cloud of smoke that filled the room.
"That is precisely the problem."
"Kuro not only works hard, but he also has great talent. Years ago, a Jōnin started training him, and now his strength is impressive. However, Kuro has a distorted perception of himself. He considers the Kyubi to be an imaginary enemy, and no matter how strong he is, he always thinks he's weak."
"What do you mean, Hokage-sama?" Yamato felt his confidence beginning to waver.
"Despite his potential, Kuro has rejected the opportunity to graduate eight times. Even when he met the requirements, he insisted he wasn't ready. He wants to wait until he feels he can compete with the Kyubi before considering himself fit to be a ninja."
"This..." Yamato couldn't help but twist his mouth, clearly baffled by what he was hearing.
"That's why, when evaluating him, it's crucial to handle the situation carefully. You can't allow him to return to the Academy, because he'd get stuck in that cycle of self-criticism and never overcome his insecurities."
Yamato wiped the sweat from his forehead. The confidence he had shown at the beginning was no longer the same.
"I'll do my best, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen nodded slowly, his expression softening a bit.
"Additionally, there's something else. Kuro inherited the Senju lineage, and his potential is immense. Although it may just be my illusion, I believe he could inherit the Mokuton of the First Hokage. Spare no effort in his training."
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
Leaving the office, Yamato began to reflect.
'Maybe the bell exercise I prepared isn't ideal. If I don't handle this well, that boy might quit before even starting.'
(The perception Hiruzen had of Kuro's "psychological shadow" was based on his own interpretation.)
...
Yamato observed Kuro, who appeared polite and humble in front of him. However, he couldn't help but recall the Hokage's words from the previous day.
I didn't even bring up the bell-stealing test I asked Kakashi-senpai about...
Kuro's behavior was even more peculiar than he had imagined.
The corner of his eyes twitched slightly, trying to process the situation.
"Kuro, you're too insecure!" Naruto jumped, pointing at him as he shouted, "Sasuke graduated four years ago, and you were always number one, surpassing him in everything!"
Did you really believe that nonsense? Are you an idiot?
Sakura looked at him in disbelief.
Her mouth twisted, unable to hold back her internal complaints.
Kuro had never been shy at school. Although discreet, it was known that he worked hard, studied a lot, and trained at a training field every day after classes.
His actions were completely opposite to what he was saying now. Besides, if he really didn't want to graduate, he could've simply failed the exam on purpose.
Obviously, he's saying this to lighten the mood!
Why would he say such nonsense?
"Naruto is right," Yamato nodded while letting out a slight sigh. "If you passed the graduation exam, that proves you're qualified. Kuro, you have to trust in your abilities."
Why did Yamato-sensei believe this too?!
Sakura was smiling on the outside but roaring on the inside.
"That's right, Kuro!" Naruto said enthusiastically. "You've always been my goal to surpass. Don't give up now!"
"..."
Kuro lowered his head, remaining silent.
Just as Sakura had imagined, everything he had said was a strategy to lighten the mood. His original idea was to use that phrase during the bell-stealing test with Kakashi, hoping to provoke an entertaining reaction from him.
However, he didn't expect the team leader to be Yamato, someone who, compared to Kakashi, seemed to have a much more limited sense of humor.
'And to top it off, both Yamato and Naruto took this nonsense seriously...'
Kuro stayed silent for a moment, then raised his head and smiled slightly at both of them.
"Well, since both Yamato-sensei and Naruto say so, I guess I have no excuses not to have confidence."
"That's the spirit!" Naruto gave him a strong pat on the shoulder, smiling like a proud older brother. "If you'd always had that confidence, you would've graduated before Sasuke for sure!"
Do you think so too?
Kuro looked at Naruto, who kept smiling broadly.
Forget it. If I keep talking to this second idiot, I'll end up becoming another idiot.
Finally, he let out an internal sigh, flashed a smile, and decided not to argue further.
"In that case, we'll meet tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Training Ground No. 19," Yamato said, wrapping up the conversation.
________
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