Chapter 186: The life of a Genin (part 2)

Almost an hour passed before Kakashi finally arrived, his usual nonchalant demeanor in place as he greeted the boys. "Congratulations on handling the situation, that's definitely some good shinobi work," he said casually, his eye crinkling in amusement.

Naruto scoffed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Yeah, some mission," he retorted sarcastically.

Homura nodded in agreement, though he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. He knew that their duties as shinobi often required them to undertake mundane tasks, but he couldn't help but feel that there was more to their mission than met the eye.

The missions assigned to them by Kakashi often felt mundane and trivial, leaving the boys feeling disillusioned and disheartened. They longed for challenges that would test their skills and push them to their limits, but instead, they found themselves performing menial tasks and running errands for the villagers.

Though, in Homura's case, it was more that he wanted to be taught something useful, than some stupid teamwork-building exercises and practices at the end of the day.

Any techniques or other forms of teaching would have been a better way to use his time. Things would become pretty hectic soon.

Kakashi was a jonin, someone who is supposed to be a cut above the rest, but they were stuck doing missions and assignments below what he considered to be a ninja's work.

Homura couldn't help but question the logic behind some of their assignments, particularly the ones that seemed to have little impact on the village's well-being. Helping to rid a field of a wild boar felt like a waste of their talents, a distraction from the real threats that lurked in the shadows.

As he pondered the absurdity of their situation, Homura's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Kakashi's presence looming before him. Startled, he looked up to find Kakashi squatting in front of him, his gaze fixed on Homura's injured arm.

Homura's initial instinct was to pull away, to hide his weakness from his sensei. But something in Kakashi's expression gave him pause, a hint of genuine concern beneath his usual aloof demeanor.

"Let me see that," Kakashi said quietly, his voice soft but firm as he reached out to examine Homura's arm.

Reluctantly, Homura extended his arm, allowing Kakashi to inspect the injury. There was a brief moment of silence as Kakashi assessed the damage, his brow furrowing in concentration.

Kakashi's keen eye didn't miss the telltale signs of Homura's injuries. He knew that the technique Homura had used during the bell test had likely caused internal damage. Nature transformation techniques were intricate, and lightning release techniques were among the most challenging to master. Lightning was a volatile element, difficult to control even for seasoned shinobi like Kakashi.

Recalling the name "chidori shiraishi" that Homura had mentioned, Kakashi furrowed his brow in concern. It was clearly inspired by his own chidori technique, but he had never taught Homura such an advanced jutsu. The technique seemed like a patchwork of different knowledge, cobbled together by Homura in an attempt to replicate Kakashi's signature move. But the risks far outweighed any potential benefits.

Kakashi listened attentively as Homura explained how he had learned Raiton. He nodded thoughtfully, impressed by his student's resourcefulness in seeking out the necessary training. "I see," Kakashi remarked, his tone measured. "It's good that you took the initiative to seek out help."

Homura's gaze flickered with a hint of uncertainty, his thoughts momentarily clouded by the memory of his relentless pursuit of knowledge. He knew he had pushed himself hard to master Raiton, driven by a desire to prove himself as a capable ninja, but that would be just a minor reason. He needed a sure kill jutsu but he failed to replicate chidori.

Homura sighed, knowing he couldn't reveal the full extent of his efforts to learn Raiton. "I was already practicing lightning style on my own," he admitted reluctantly, "but Iruka sensei recommended I seek guidance from someone more proficient."

Homura glanced at Naruto, who seemed to be brimming with impatience. "Tch! (Not fair, since when is Iruka sensei helping others training? he never told me anything like that, I could use a cool technique like that to beat Sasuke at the academy)," Naruto interjected, crossing his arms in frustration.

Kakashi's expression remained neutral, though his eyes held a hint of understanding. "I see," he said simply, though his mind was already formulating plans for future training sessions. Lightning release was a valuable skill, but it required precise chakra control and discipline.

"Hm… if you're hurt like that after being trained I guess you're not much of a genius after all," said Naruto in a slight cheeky comment.

Homura almost lost his cool but regained his composure.

Kakashi , his gaze lingering on each of his students in turn. "Every ninja has their own path to walk. It's up to us to make the most of our abilities and become the best shinobi we can be."

Homura's shoulders relaxed slightly at Kakashi's words, he thought Kakashi was a tacky character that seemed to say random stuff (sophistry) without any real meaning, though it did reassure him nonetheless.

Approaching Homura, Kakashi spoke with a tone of authority. "Homura, using that technique again could do irreparable damage to your hand," he warned, his voice firm but tinged with concern. "It's incomplete and too risky to use in combat."

Homura nodded silently, understanding the gravity of Kakashi's words. He had pushed himself too far in his attempt to replicate Kakashi's technique, and now he was paying the price. He knew he would have to heed Kakashi's advice if he wanted to avoid further injury.

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged worried glances, realizing the dangers of the technique that Homura had attempted to use.

Kakashi turned his attention back to Homura, his expression thoughtful. " Don't worry too much. Genins are taught better ways to learn how to control their chakra control. For now, we'll focus on honing your teamwork skills then we can later move to learning chakra control," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "Lightning Release requires precision and finesse. It's not something to be taken lightly."

Homura nodded in agreement, grateful for Kakashi's understanding. He knew he couldn't reveal the full extent of his training methods, but he was relieved that Kakashi didn't press further on the matter.

Naruto, ever the impulsive one, chimed in with his usual enthusiasm. "So, what's the plan with the boar?" he asked, eager to take action.

As Naruto approached the seemingly unconscious boar, a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Alright, time to see what we've got here," he declared, reaching out to prod the animal with his foot.

Sasuke shot Naruto a warning glance, his expression tinged with irritation. "Be careful, idiot," he muttered under his breath.

Unaware of the danger, Naruto crouched down next to the boar, his curiosity piqued. "Hmm, I wonder if it's still alive," he mused aloud, poking the creature's side with a cautious finger.

Fortunately nothing happened, the boar simply feigned being unconscious but the truth was it had been conscious for a long time, it was also the main reason why sasuke threw a kunai towards Naruto and Homura.

Though some of it had to do with that farting business they were talking about, only naruto was unable to notice that the boar move slightly as he approached homura to ask about sasuke. It was the main reason as to why Homura was not truly paying attention to Naruto but the latter was unable to fully notice something so simple.

But it didn't matter, especially now that Kakashi was here.

Kakashi chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Don't worry, Naruto. We'll take it back to the village later and see if we can find a use for it," he replied, his tone lighthearted. "Right now we should probably talk to the client one more time."

Working together, the group quickly devised a plan to transport the boar back to to the old farmer who gave them this task safely. Naruto and Sasuke took charge of securing the animal while Homura and Kakashi kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.

It didn't take long before they arrived at the farm, Kakashi went to talk to the farmer while the boys sat down near a large tree as they waited for their sensei's return.

Just as they were relaxing, a familiar voice called out to Sasuke from nearby. Turning towards the source of the voice, they saw Haruno Sakura approaching. Sasuke's expression went even sourer.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto seeing Sakura approaching yelled her name as he rushed to meet her, only to be sent flying away by being punched to the face with what seemed to be a punch with the strength of 20 men.

*gulp* Homura seeing Sakura's expression switched from a maiden in love to a demon ready to kill her pray could only feel discomfort.

"(How can such a cute flower, be so…deadly?)" Homura wondered as he saw Sakura run past him and approach Sasuke. He was somewhat glad to not be in the latter's shoes.

As Sakura approached, her steps purposeful and determined, Sasuke couldn't help but feel a sense of resignation wash over him. He had hoped to avoid another encounter with her, but it seemed fate had other plans.

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura called out, her voice carrying a hint of eagerness.

Sasuke's expression remained impassive as he turned to face her. "What do you want, Sakura?" he asked, his tone tinged with annoyance.

Sakura ignored his brusque demeanor, her smile never faltering. "I brought some lunch," she said, holding up a bento box. "I thought you might be hungry."

Sasuke shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "I'm not hungry," he replied curtly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Naruto, who had picked himself up from the ground after Sakura's punch, rubbed his sore cheek and grinned eagerly. "I'll take it!" he exclaimed, reaching out for the lunchbox.

Before Naruto could grab it, however, Sakura swiftly swung her basket, smacking him on the face with a resounding thud. "Back off, Naruto," she scolded, her green eyes flashing with annoyance.

Naruto stumbled back, rubbing his cheek with a pained expression. "Ow! What was that for, Sakura-chan?" he protested, his eyes watering.

Sakura sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. "You're always so eager to eat, You should learn proper manners for once (And get a clue already!)," she muttered, more to herself than to Naruto.

Naruto stumbled backwards, rubbing his stinging cheek with a sheepish grin. "Ouch! Okay, okay, I get it," he muttered, taking a few steps back.

Homura watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and resignation. It was just another typical interaction between Sakura and Naruto, one that he had witnessed countless times before. Despite his best efforts to stay out of their way, he couldn't help but get caught up in their antics.

In fact, this entire situation was his own doing. He was the one who would was divulging to Sakura where their mission took place or where they would train each day. Not for free of course, the girl was crafty even more crafty them himself; and propose a deal he could not forget.

"(I knew girls could be borderline terrifying but… Well as long as I get to be popular again with the ladies I don't really care)", he smirked inwardly.

Watching Sasuke getting annoyed and Naruto mistreated was treat for him, since the two teammates fate had chosen to curse him with were the worst pairing possible. They bicker all the time, and never seem to agree on anything, so watching Sakura having to deal with them instead of himself was a godsent gift.

Sakura turned her attention back to Sasuke, a hopeful look in her eyes. "Are you sure you don't want any lunch, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, her voice softening slightly.

Sasuke sighed inwardly, feeling a twinge of guilt at Sakura's earnestness. He knew she was just trying to be helpful, but he couldn't bring himself to accept her kindness. "I'm fine," he replied brusquely, his tone betraying his inner turmoil.

Homura observed the exchange silently, his thoughts drifting to his own dealings with Sakura. He had struck a deal with her to improve his reputation among her friends, but he couldn't help but wonder what her true intentions were. Despite his initial skepticism, he had to admit that her plan seemed to be working wonders for him.

As Sakura and Sasuke continued their conversation, Naruto turned to Homura with a grin. "Hey, Homura, you hungry? I sure could eat. Too bad, I didn't bring any food, don't you think so?" he asked, his stomach rumbling audibly.

Homura sent a skeptic side glance towards Naruto, "Naruto, do we need to have another conversation about you involving me into your stupid schemes? Cause I am really thinking about getting rid of you one of these days," he admitted, his tone laced with a small amount of anger.

"Tch! Suit your self, I was just asking…(This guy is the worst, he never has my back, some friend he is…I need to find another tactic.)" Naruto thought to himself. It was clear to him that Homura was not going to attempt at helping him.

Though before he could say anything Sasuke looked at Sakura with a tired look, "If you want to eat someone, then take him with you. I am going to train after this, I have no need for food," He point towards Naruto.

"Sasuke..," Sakura replied, her green eyes slight reflecting the sadness of her voice. "R-right! Then maybe I could help you train as well."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow skeptically, his expression guarded. "And what makes you think I need your help?" he asked, his voice tinged with annoyance.

Sakura shrugged nonchalantly, a confident smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I just thought I'd offer," she said, her tone casual. "Besides, you won't be training alone but as a team, right? I'm sure Naruto could use some extra training, so I can be your partner instead."

Naruto, who had picked himself up from the ground after Sakura's punch, shot her a glare akin to one of a sad puppy. "S-sakura-chan…" he uttered with sad tone. It was as if his chest had been pierced with some kind of projectile his chest.

"(Jeez this is hard to watch, she may have a cute face but she's a cutthroat strategist... I should not get on her bad side.)" Homura felt bad for Naruto; the love of his life was not someone that could messed with easily. He did a good thing to not break their deal, he planned to propose the same deal or similar deals with Ino and the other girls but he's having second thoughts.

Homura couldn't help but think that even though he is in team 7 instead of Sakura, she comes see them so frequently she's like an unofficial member, as if destiny was course correcting itself. Though he didn't mind since the bond between Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke could be what is needed to truly save the world. Though he was not willing to fix their lives if Sakura ends up not marrying Sasuke due to his involvement, it was a loss he did not care about.

chapter end