Everyone has their own preferences, and Yami was no exception.
Thanks to his strength and background, he never needed to hide his likes and dislikes. He liked what he liked and disliked what he disliked.
That, in his eyes, was true freedom.
Among the many people in the world of shinobi, aside from those in his home, Yami also had a certain regard for some girls who would one day enter the Shimura family.
However, his favorite was not the protagonist of this world, the so-called Child of Prophecy—Uzumaki Naruto.
It was Uchiha Sasuke.
Yami even believed that the most normal person in the entire shinobi world was Sasuke. Only Sasuke.
Despite being burdened by hatred, Sasuke was calm. He built bonds with his comrades, even using his own body to shield Naruto from countless blades.
When he realized his growth was too slow, he decisively severed ties and chose to follow Orochimaru to seek power.
Even when confronting Uchiha Itachi, he wasn't blinded by hate. He asked rational questions about the truth behind the Uchiha clan's downfall.
He always sought the truth first before acting. He never acted on hearsay.
If the enemy was confirmed to be the one who destroyed the clan, then he would kill him. He had his own understanding of the village and the shinobi world, and in the end, chose to stand with the Allied Shinobi Forces to fight the true threat.
Unfortunately, he faltered in the final moment and was ultimately swayed by Naruto.
To Yami, that was a human reaction. Not like Naruto, who could forgive anyone with a few words, even if they'd killed his entire family.
Frankly, Yami even suspected that the later Naruto was possessed by Asura's chakra. He could forgive anyone, be moved by anything.
Fine, Naruto forgave them—but did the villagers who died in the Nine Tails' attack agree to that?
He even knelt and apologized to the Raikage for Sasuke, while Sasuke didn't even believe he was in the wrong.
It was nothing short of moral blackmail. Not only did he lose face himself, he embarrassed the entire village.
In short, Yami admired Naruto for choosing the light despite having every reason to fall into darkness.
But he admired Sasuke more, because his mindset and actions always aligned more closely with what a real person would do.
So, even if Danzō and the Root were involved in the Uchiha massacre, Yami still wanted to give Sasuke a chance—to see what decision he would make after learning the truth and gaining power.
The next day.
Naruto and Sasuke, both still unscathed by reality, arrived at the training ground at nearly the same time.
It was still dark. The two stared at each other in silence, neither willing to speak first, as if doing so would mean losing.
After two hours, Naruto finally broke.
"…Why isn't Yami-nii here yet? And Hinata's not here either. Did they go to the wrong place?"
"Hmph."
"…Did I hear it wrong yesterday? Was it 5 p.m. instead of 5 a.m.?"
"Hmph."
"Man, I'm starving…"
Growl…
Sasuke's face turned red. Feeling Naruto's teasing gaze, he silently shifted away.
By the time the clock hit nine, Naruto was about to collapse from hunger. Finally, the people they were waiting for arrived—Yami and Hinata, along with the white-haired Jōnin from yesterday.
"Yami-nii! You're four hours late!"
"Sorry. I got lost on the road of life."
"Oh… my bad then."
Idiot…
Sasuke twitched. He actually believed that?! This guy's messing with you!
And you still can't tell?
Realizing this would be his teammate from now on, Sasuke questioned his own future.
"Wait a sec!" Naruto suddenly became alert, pointing at Hinata and Kakashi. "Why are they here together? And what's this uncle doing here?"
"Hinata's my fiancée. Isn't it normal for her to come with me?"
Yami smiled at the shy girl, then pointed at Kakashi.
"This is Hatake Kakashi. You met him yesterday. He's the leader of the newly promoted class."
"He used to work under me. Now that his assessment with the Tenth Team is over, he offered to help out as my assistant for today's test."
Kakashi gave a half-hearted greeting. "Yo…"
In reality, he didn't volunteer. He just wanted to see how Naruto and Sasuke would do.
But somehow, by the end of their conversation last night, he'd become an assistant examiner without realizing it.
"…Wait, so it's not you who's going to test us?"
Naruto deflated instantly, while Sasuke frowned.
Seeing their disappointment, Yami shrugged. "Can't help it. It's my first time as an examiner, and I haven't fought kids in years. What if I accidentally overdo it and kill one of you?"
"Don't scare the students…"
Cold sweat dripped down Kakashi's forehead.
Naruto and Sasuke didn't feel it, but standing so close, Kakashi clearly sensed the flicker of killing intent.
Back when he was barely eight, Yami was already called the Shinigami. His name alone was enough to make Yamato tremble.
This time, Kakashi was sure he'd made the right call.
He stepped forward and took out two bells.
"If you want to learn from Yami, you'll have to pass my test."
"Those who grab the bells qualify to challenge him. Sound fair, Yami?"
Yami smiled. "No objections."
"Then let's begin."
Sasuke's eyes gleamed with fighting spirit.
"Let me explain the rules."
Kakashi shook the bells. Their chime echoed through the field.
"There are only two bells. That means only two people can pass and become real genin."
"At least one of you will be eliminated."
"In my team, for example, Shikamaru was the least motivated, so he got sent back to the academy."
Despite Kakashi's smile, Naruto and the others tensed, fists clenched.
"Alright then, the test begins now."
As soon as he spoke, Hinata and Sasuke darted into the woods. Yami leapt into a tree above.
"I'll go watch from the best view."
Kakashi looked at Naruto, still standing dumbfounded.
"…Not hiding?"
"A real man faces things head-on! Kakashi, watch me beat you!"
"Well said, Naruto!" Yami praised loudly.
Encouraged, Naruto charged forward with swinging fists.
"The academy's teaching quality is seriously lacking."
Kakashi sighed and pulled out his favorite book, Icha Icha Paradise.
Naruto's face twitched.
But no matter how hard he attacked, Kakashi blocked him easily with one hand—without even putting down his book.
And when the plot got exciting, Kakashi even laughed obscenely.
Naruto was furious.
"Damn it! Eat this!"
He swung hard, missed, and lost his footing. Kakashi ducked and quickly formed the Tiger hand seal.
Sasuke, watching nearby, was stunned.
Is he trying to kill Naruto?
Meanwhile, Yami pulled out a new micro-camera, recording the moment for posterity.
After all, wasn't this the main reason he made Kakashi the examiner?
Kakashi's eyes gleamed. His whole aura shifted.
"Konoha Shinobi Secret, Taijutsu Hidden Technique—"
"One Thousand Years of Death!"
Yami chuckled, Sasuke and Hinata were speechless, and Kakashi's fingers struck true.
Naruto's face contorted from shock to agony to a weird sort of peace.
"…Terrifying."
Yami sighed. One Thousand Years of Death harmed both body and spirit. It even traumatized the viewers.
He swore to write it into the Scroll of Seals once he became Hokage.
"Damn it, Kakashi! I'll get you!"
Naruto leapt from the stream and used multiple Shadow Clone to overwhelm.
Kakashi used Body Replacement, turning the clones on each other, then used the bells as bait to tie Naruto to a tree.
While mocking Naruto, Kakashi was nearly caught by Sasuke's surprise shuriken barrage, followed by intense taijutsu and a Great Fireball.
Yami observed Sasuke closely.
Truth be told, this level of taijutsu already matched a standard Chūnin. Sasuke had clearly trained hard these past few years.
So what if he got wrecked by Lee?
Lee wasn't your average genin. He was a physical specialist and absurdly strong, even without the Eight Gates.
After his attack failed, Sasuke wisely retreated to reposition.
Then came Hinata's warning.
"Sasuke! Below you!"
Startled, Sasuke jumped and avoided Kakashi's underground attack just in time.
"So Byakugan's perception has kicked in."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, tracking Hinata's voice.
But by the time he got there, Hinata had regrouped with Sasuke.
"Sasuke, I'll call out his movements. You lead. Our goal isn't to beat Kakashi—it's to get the bells."
Sasuke nodded. He approved of this strategy.
With Hinata's support, they actually kept Kakashi on the defensive. Her precise chakra sensing allowed them to anticipate attacks and maintain pressure.
Eventually, Kakashi had to use full strength to subdue Sasuke, then chased after Hinata.
But Yami appeared in front of her.
"Alright, test ends here."
Kakashi looked at Yami helplessly.
This guy really does protect his own.
After a while, the trio regrouped.
Kakashi was gone, likely off to enjoy his book in peace.
Sasuke sat quietly, head lowered.
He now fully understood the gulf between genin and Jōnin. If Kakashi had gotten serious from the start, he'd be dead.
Hinata reflected on her own performance, looking for areas to improve.
Only Naruto was still yelling, demanding a rematch.
Yami casually dangled two bells in front of them.
"Alright Naruto, if you keep shouting, I'll send you back to the academy."
That shut him up fast.
Yami continued, "The bell test is about teamwork. But really, once your strength and experience reach a certain level, teamwork comes naturally."
"I never really cared about this exercise."
"I only agreed to it to help you understand your own capabilities. Just because you've made some progress doesn't mean you're invincible."
He glanced at Sasuke.
This poor kid got beat down every time he improved. No one else had luck like that.
Sasuke felt insulted but held his tongue. He needed Yami's help.
"Yami-sensei… so did we pass?" Naruto asked nervously.
"Hm. The two of them passed."
"As for you…"
"You treat me to Ichiraku Ramen ten times, and I'll consider it a pass."
"…Fine." Naruto held his wallet like it was bleeding.
"Yami-sensei." Sasuke stepped forward, eyes firm. "I want to challenge you."
"Are you sure?" Yami raised an eyebrow.
"Please give me the chance."
Kakashi was strong. Uchiha Itachi was stronger.
Only Yami could show him what that level looked like.
"I want to challenge you too!" Naruto added.
Yami smiled at their determined gazes.
"Alright. Consider this your graduation gift."
Boom!
A massive surge of chakra burst from Yami's body.
Cracks spread across the ground. The dense pressure sent Naruto and Sasuke flying back.
They had been five meters away.
Now they were twenty.
Sasuke crossed his arms in front of him to block the debris, utterly shaken.
Is this really human chakra?!
Naruto stomped down, sinking into the earth. Deep inside, a pair of eyes slowly opened.
"…This chakra…"
Kurama stirred.
It feels like Senju Hashirama… No, it's not quite the same.
But close.
Kurama's eyes filled with dread. It reminded him of the man who sealed him with just a tap to the forehead.
Senju Hashirama… The God of Shinobi.
Damn humans. Another monster already?
He grunted, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.
At the same time, the system prompt chimed.
[Host has established a fear-based bond with Kurama. Nine Tails' Bond: Activated.]
(To be continued.)
Quick event this week. If we're in the T20 by the end of this week, at least 5 bonus chapters or more. Go wild xD.
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