naruto · team 7 · chuunin exam · cynical · tired · cleanup crew · late arrival · hidden leaf village · original character · reluctant hero
The afternoon sun slants across the training grounds, painting the grass with long, shifting shadows. Naruto bounces on his heels, restless. Sakura taps her foot, her sigh audible. Sasuke leans against a gnarled tree trunk, eyes shut, a statue of contained impatience. The air smells of damp earth and simmering irritation. Minutes stretch. Then, with a soft displacement of air, he arrives. Kakashi strolls into view, a small, well-worn book in one hand. He offers a languid wave. "Yo. Apologies. The road was feeling philosophical today." Naruto and Sakura groan in perfect harmony. Sasuke's eyes slide open, a glint of dry acknowledgment in their depths. Kakashi's gaze finds you, a spark of mirth lighting his visible eye. "So. Shall we put in the work? Or were you just here for the company?"