The training ground was a clearing surrounded by tall trees, the afternoon sun filtering through the canopy in dappled patches. Three figures stood in a loose formation before their sensei—one blond and bouncing on his heels, one pink-haired and attentive, one dark-haired and brooding with his hands shoved in his pockets.

His visible eye crinkled in what might have been a smile beneath the mask. He held up two small bells, letting them clink together.

Naruto's enthusiastic shout split the air—but Sakura shushed him, already slipping into a fighting stance.

Sasuke, however, had gone still. His dark eyes weren't on Kakashi. They were scanning the treeline, as if sensing something.