HINATA IS BROKEN

[After the Oolong incident.]

Following the recent turmoil, Iruka organized the graduated ninja students into teams, assigning them to their respective Jōnin leaders.

[Team Assignments]

Asuma's Team 10 consisted of the new generation of the Ino–Shika–Chō formation:

Nara Shikamaru

Akimichi Chōji

Yamanaka Ino

Yūhi Kurenai led Team 8, a group specializing in reconnaissance and investigation:

Hyūga Hinata

Inuzuka Kiba

Aburame Shino

Finally, the elite Jōnin Hatake Kakashi was tasked with leading Team 7:

Uzumaki Naruto

Uchiha Sasuke

Haruno Sakura

---

Shimura Danzō's Observations

Deep in the shadows, Shimura Danzō narrowed his eyes, watching the team divisions with disdain. He snorted softly, his mind dissecting the decisions with sharp precision.

"Typical Hiruzen," he muttered to himself, his tone laced with disapproval. "Your machinations are as transparent as ever."

His attention lingered briefly on Asuma's Team 10.

"Placing your son in charge of the Ino–Shika–Chō formation? Obvious favoritism," Danzō sneered. The three clans of this team were long-standing allies of the Hokage, and the connection was no coincidence.

He shifted to Kurenai's Team 8.

"Even here, your influence is clear. The Inuzuka and Aburame heirs, and even Hyūga Hinata, though discarded by her clan, represent powerful legacies."

Finally, his gaze fell on Kakashi's Team 7.

"Ah, the crown jewel. Uchiha Sasuke, the sole survivor of his clan, under the tutelage of Sharingan Kakashi. A move to control the Nine-Tails through the Uchiha bloodline, no doubt."

He scoffed.

"And Haruno Sakura? A mere placeholder, a civilian born to maintain the illusion of balance."

Leaning back into the shadows, Danzō smirked.

"Hiruzen, your schemes are meticulous. I'll give you that."

---

[The Formation of Team 7]

Kakashi began with the traditional bell test, a rite of passage for all Genin teams. Naruto, overly confident, fell victim to Kakashi's cunning and ended up tied to a stake. Sasuke and Sakura, however, decided to break the rules by sharing their food with Naruto, an act that surprised Kakashi.

"You..." Kakashi said, narrowing his eyes.

"You broke my rules."

Just as the trio began to panic, Kakashi's expression softened, and he smiled.

"Congratulations. You've passed."

Kakashi explained, "In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum."

For the first time, Naruto saw a glimpse of the man behind the mask.

---

The First C-Rank Mission

Life as a Genin quickly turned mundane for Naruto, who grew restless from the repetitive D-Rank missions. Sasuke shared his frustration, though he hid it better.

Their fortunes changed when they were assigned their first C-Rank mission: escorting the bridge builder Tazuna back to his home.

Excited to leave the village for the first time, Naruto's enthusiasm was dampened when the group was ambushed by two rogue Chūnin. Overwhelmed by fear, Naruto froze, unable to act.

It was Sasuke who saved the day, demonstrating quick reflexes and calm under pressure.

Ashamed, Naruto swore to never freeze up again.

---

Encounter with Zabuza

The mission's stakes escalated when they encountered their true adversary: Momochi Zabuza, a legendary rogue ninja from Kirigakure and one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.

The battle was intense. Despite his skill, Kakashi was caught off guard and trapped in Zabuza's Water Prison. With their leader immobilized, the responsibility fell on Naruto and Sasuke.

Naruto, recalling his earlier vow, formulated a plan.

"Sasuke," he said firmly. "I have a strategy."

Combining the Shadow Shuriken technique with Naruto's Transformation Jutsu, the duo managed to free Kakashi.

Reinvigorated, Kakashi activated his Sharingan and quickly turned the tide. Zabuza, overwhelmed, was incapacitated but ultimately spared by a sudden intervention from a masked Kirigakure hunter-nin, who claimed Zabuza's body.

The team, exhausted but victorious, retreated to Tazuna's home.

---

Reactions Across the Ninja World

News of Team 7's battle spread quickly, leaving the entire ninja world stunned.

The idea that two fresh Genin had not only faced but outwitted a Jōnin-level opponent like Zabuza was almost unbelievable.

Senju Hashirama: "Naruto's growth is remarkable. His resolve under pressure is commendable."

Senju Tobirama: "I underestimated him. The boy has a sharp mind hidden beneath his antics."

Fourth Raikage: "As expected of the Fourth Hokage's son. That flash of brilliance runs in his blood."

Yamanaka Ino: "No way! Naruto, the class clown, came up with a strategy to save Kakashi-sensei?"

Haruno Sakura: "It's true! Though I didn't contribute much, Naruto and Sasuke really saved us."

Inuzuka Kiba: "Naruto, reliable? I can't believe it! I won't lose to him."

Ghostly Suigetsu: "What an embarrassment for Zabuza. Outsmarted by kids!"

Even Kakashi and Zabuza themselves found the situation difficult to process.

Hatake Kakashi: "..."

Momochi Zabuza: "..."

Zabuza, now in the Pure Land, sighed heavily. "To think I'd be used as an example of failure across the ninja world. I hope I never meet that kid again."

---

Naruto's determination had not only changed how others perceived him but also marked the beginning of his journey to greatness.

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