Naruto: Bonds Unbroken

The training grounds of the Academy were alive with excitement as students paired up with their senior genin mentors. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stood before Neji Hyūga, who observed them with his signature stoic gaze.

"So," Naruto grinned confidently, "how are we gonna do this? A sparring match? Some teamwork exercises?"

Neji folded his arms, his pale eyes unreadable. "You'll face me together. Your teamwork will be put to the test."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Neji's not underestimating us. He knows we're strong enough to make him take this seriously.

Sakura fidgeted slightly but stood firm. "We've been training hard. We won't lose."

Neji's lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smirk. "We'll see."

---

Iruka stood at the edge of the field, acting as referee. "Ready? Begin!"

Naruto charged forward first, a flurry of clones surrounding Neji. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Sasuke stayed back, his Sharingan activated, analyzing Neji's movements. He knew Neji's Gentle Fist style was no joke; one wrong move and they'd be shut down in an instant.

Neji, with fluid grace, evaded the first wave of clones, his movements precise and efficient. "Your clones are predictable, Naruto."

Before he could land a counter, Sasuke darted in from the side, a kunai flashing toward Neji's blind spot. But Neji's Byakugan caught the movement. He twisted mid-air and struck Sasuke's wrist, forcing him to drop the weapon.

"You can't defeat me with such basic attacks," Neji said, his voice cool but firm.

Sasuke gritted his teeth, leaping back beside Naruto. "We need to change our approach."

Sakura analyzed their opponent. "Neji's waiting for us to get too close. We should force him into a defensive position."

Naruto nodded. "Right! Time for plan B!"

Sasuke smirked. "Let's see if it works."

---

Naruto rushed in again, clones swarming Neji from every direction, each one moving chaotically. But this time, instead of attacking head-on, Sasuke positioned himself on the ground with shuriken in hand, targeting Neji's feet to restrict his movement.

Neji, focused on the clones, failed to notice the trap until it was too late. His foot snagged slightly on a buried trip wire, and in that instant of hesitation, Sasuke struck.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Fire Jutsu!" Sasuke unleashed a barrage of small fireballs, forcing Neji to leap high into the air.

"Now, Sakura!" Sasuke called.

Sakura threw an explosive tag kunai right where Neji would land. For a moment, it seemed like their plan would succeed.

But Neji, in midair, spun rapidly, his chakra forming a defensive dome around him.

"Rotation!"

The force of his defense repelled the explosion, sending the trio skidding back.

Panting, Naruto grinned despite their setback. "Heh... that was cool."

Neji landed gracefully, his expression unshaken. "You're improving, but you still have a long way to go."

Sasuke clenched his fists. He hated losing, but deep down, he felt a sense of growth. They had made Neji take them seriously, and that meant something.

---

Iruka stepped forward. "Alright, that's enough. Well done, everyone."

Neji nodded to them. "You all have potential. Work on your coordination more." With that, he turned and left, his usual composed demeanor intact.

Naruto sighed. "Man, that guy's tough."

Sasuke smirked. "Next time, we'll win."

Sakura crossed her arms, deep in thought. "We need better strategies against opponents like Neji."

Minato, who had been observing from afar, smiled proudly. He could see Sasuke growing stronger—not just in skill but in spirit. Kushina, beside him, placed a hand on his arm.

"They're good kids," she said softly.

Minato nodded. "Yes. And they're going to be even better."

---

Far beyond Konoha's gates, Orochimaru observed through a hidden spy.

"Sasuke's potential grows by the day," the snake Sannin mused. "But the curse mark will be his true path to strength... whether he realizes it or not."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Shall we make a move soon?"

Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Patience, Kabuto. Let him believe he's free for now."

---

As Sasuke sat outside under the moon, his mind replayed the fight with Neji. He could still feel the sting of defeat, but more than that, he felt an urge—an urge to become stronger. Not just for revenge, but for himself, and for those who believed in him.

Naruto sat down beside him, holding a bowl of ramen. "Don't think too hard, dude. We'll get there."

Sasuke glanced at him and smirked. "Yeah... we will."