Naruto: Boundless Potential

After handing each of them a chakra induction paper, Kakashi continued calmly,

"Now, send a small amount of chakra into the paper. It will react based on your chakra nature."

To demonstrate, Kakashi picked up a chakra paper himself. As he channeled his chakra into it, the paper wrinkled and crumpled slightly.

"This is what happens with lightning chakra," he explained. "It causes the paper to shrink or wrinkle like this."

He glanced at the team.

"Each chakra nature produces a different reaction. Wind chakra causes the paper to split in half. Fire will burn it to ash. Water makes it damp. And earth causes it to crumble into dust."

"Alright. Now, each of you, try it for yourselves."

Under his instruction, the three genin began channeling chakra into their own papers.

Sakura was the first to try, and her paper instantly crumbled into dust.

Seeing her result, Kakashi gave a nod.

"Sakura, your chakra nature is Earth."

Sasuke's reaction was more dramatic — his paper first wrinkled sharply, then burst into flames, reducing it to ash.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

"Fire and lightning. Both are common in the Uchiha clan, though lightning is rarer. Impressive."

"Hmph."

Then came Naruto.

As he poured chakra into his paper, it split cleanly into two pieces.

One half burned into ash, while the other crumbled into dust.

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed in surprise.

"Three chakra natures... that's extremely rare."

"You've got wind, fire, and earth," he said slowly, still watching Naruto closely.

"What?! Really?!"

Hearing Kakashi's words, Naruto puffed up proudly and practically bounced over to Sasuke.

"Hey, Sasuke! You saw that, right? Three chakra natures!" he grinned, clearly fishing for praise.

But Sasuke gave him a cold glance.

"So?"

Naruto blinked. "So...? Come on, admit it. You're totally jealous."

"Why would I be jealous of a dead-last? I could beat ten of you even without chakra nature," Sasuke replied coolly.

"Hmph!" Naruto pouted, clearly offended by Sasuke's smugness.

Can't he say anything nice for once?

He turned back to Kakashi.

"Sensei! Now that I know my chakra nature, can you teach me some ninjutsu?"

Kakashi gave him an amused look.

"Even if I taught you, you wouldn't be able to perform them properly yet. You need good chakra control first."

Naruto clasped his hands together, eyes practically sparkling with desperation.

"Please, Sensei! Just one! I really wanna learn!"

"No."

"Pleaseeee!"

Naruto started clinging to Kakashi's clothes, giving him exaggerated puppy eyes and refusing to let go.

Seeing Naruto's antics, Kakashi smiled faintly behind his mask.

"Fine. I'll teach you… but after today's D-rank mission."

"YES!" Naruto jumped with joy, punching the air.

"I knew you were the best, Kakashi-sensei!"

After testing their chakra natures, Team 7 continued with their usual string of D-rank missions for the day.

From gathering rare herbs to helping villagers plough fields, they tackled every task assigned to them. By the end of the day, even Sasuke and Sakura were visibly drained.

At the mission desk, Kakashi handed over the completed forms, casually filing them like any other day.

Despite the long, exhausting day, one person was still full of energy as always.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called out, practically bouncing in place.

"You said you'd teach me a ninjutsu today after we finished all the missions, didn't you? Come on, let's go!"

His eyes blazed with determination, filled with excitement at the thought of finally learning something new.

Kakashi glanced at him and sighed. "It's good to be young," he muttered, shaking his head slightly.

Still, a promise was a promise. He'd told them he'd teach them ninjutsu, and even he wasn't lazy enough to back out now.

He turned his gaze toward Sasuke and Sakura, silently checking whether they wanted in too.

Sasuke nodded without hesitation. "Count me in," he said calmly and confidently.

After all, every bit of strength he gained brought him closer to the only goal that mattered: killing that man.

Noticing Sasuke's interest, Sakura immediately chimed in.

"Me too, Sensei!" she said brightly — stealing a quick glance at Sasuke as she spoke.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He simply turned and led them to Training Ground Three.

As they arrived, Kakashi stepped ahead and faced them.

He looked at each of them thoughtfully, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other lazily scratching the back of his head.

Now then... which jutsu should I teach them?

Pondering for a while, he finally made his decision. He would base their training on their chakra natures — that would ensure the most efficient progress.

For Naruto, he chose Wind Release: Great Breakthrough — a C-rank offensive jutsu that blasted a powerful gust of wind forward.

It was simple in structure but could become devastating when backed by enough chakra. And Naruto, with his absurd chakra reserves, was the perfect match.

The more chakra he puts into it, the stronger it'll be, Kakashi thought.

This should suit him well.

For Sakura, he chose Earth Release: Mud Wall — a B-rank defensive technique that required solid chakra control.

Her chakra control was her strongest asset at the moment, and Kakashi had a feeling she'd get the hang of this faster than anyone expected.

If she masters it, she'll have a solid defense and a useful support technique.

Plus, it'll test her control under pressure.

For Sasuke, Kakashi selected Fire Release: Phoenix Fire Jutsu — a C-rank offensive technique that launched multiple small fireballs in rapid succession.

It would enhance Sasuke's offensive capabilities and paired well with his precision-based combat style. The Uchiha clan was known for mastering it early.

It's flashier and trickier than a standard Fireball, Kakashi mused.

He'll like that.

He gave a short nod to himself.

"Alright," he said, turning to the team. "Let's begin."

Kakashi clapped his hands. "I'm going to teach each of you a jutsu based on your chakra nature. Don't expect to master it today, but at least get a feel for it."

Naruto was practically vibrating.

"YES! Let's gooooo!"

Kakashi pointed at him.

"Alright, Naruto — you're up first. You'll be learning Wind Release: Great Breakthrough."