Chapter 188 The Ordinary Ones

"Seriously though, Kakashi, how are you getting along with him?" After the usual banter, Asuma turned serious and asked, "There haven't been any conflicts because of having two teachers, right?"

Asuma's straightforwardness could be unpleasant if overheard by the person being discussed. Kurenai couldn't help but slapped Asuma's arm and said, "Hey, watch your words a bit."

"It's fine." Asuma said nonchalantly, chewing on his twig.

Kakashi scratched his head and replied, "If you're asking about our relationship..."

At this time, the four of them were just stepping out of the Hokage Tower. Kakashi looked up at the sky, appearing to be in deep thought. His concerned Jonin companions focused their attention on him.

Various scenes flashed through his mind, back to when they were strangers years ago, to the time he single-handedly lured away two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist in the Land of Waves.

"How should I put it..."

Kakashi spoke slowly, recalling the early days when Team 7 was just formed, the complaints about doing low-level missions, and the expertly honed skill of passing the buck, despite being just as lazy as himself. It seemed quite troublesome.

"Anyway, it's pretty good." A curve appeared at the corner of Kakashi's mouth under his mask, "We don't have any embarrassing disagreements, the atmosphere is nice, and he has been helpful to me."

Asuma and Kurenai looked at each other. Surprised by the answer, especially seeing Kakashi praised Logan very highly...

"We worked together in the ANBU before, so there won't be any issues. Don't worry." Kakashi added nonchalantly, waving his hand to indicate the topic was closed.

"So it's like that."

"It's unbelievable. That Hattori has not only joined the competition, but has already taken the lead!" Guy's eyes widened and he said loudly, "Yosh! This feeling of being behind has ignited the passion of my Youth!"

"It's decided! Tonight, I will run 100 laps around the village as extra training!" Guy's eyes burned with the fire of determination, "Just wait, Kakashi, and Hattori, Konoha's Blue Beast of Prey will never give up!"

Whoosh!

After saying something very passionate for some reason, Guy dashed out of the village, leaving only a black blur behind.

"..."

The three remaining Jonin stood speechless. Kakashi wiped the sweat off his forehead, thinking it was best to just ignore that guy.

…

"Hello, Uncle Aida!"

Logan greeted Aida as he approached. The last time they met was during a previous meeting, but Logan might have missed him due to being preoccupied with the new Divine Bird Clan's contract.

"Oh, it's you, Hattori." Aida replied, his stern face lined with a few more wrinkles. At forty-something years old, his black hair was streaked with silver. To have survived as a ninja to this age was quite lucky, especially considering Aida's long service in the ANBU.

Seeing that it was Logan, Aida's calm eyes flashed with joy. He exchanged a few words with the Ninja beside him, who expressed his understanding and nodded to Logan before leaving.

"It's been a while since I've seen you, Uncle." Logan said with a cheerful grin. As a senior during his early days in the ANBU, Aida had been a significant help to Logan. Both had retired around the same time and kept in touch, maintaining a good relationship despite not speaking much over the years.

"That's right, why haven't you come to the Hyuga Clan's compound to visit me?" Aida large hand clapped Logan's shoulder with considerable force, emphasizing the 'Hyuga Clan's compound'.

Withstanding this sudden strike, Logan chuckled and said, "Hyuga Clan's compound, huh? Uncle Aida, you know the atmosphere there."

This can be regarded as a long-running joke between them, and Aida played along skillfully.

Aida laughed heartily. He was originally a conservative Ninja who cared about current affairs and supported the Hokage like an old revolutionary, so he was worried about the Chunin Exams the day after tomorrow because of Sarutobi's speech. But now, he felt more relaxed and cheerful.

As they exited the Hokage Tower, the timing was just right, with people beginning to light their evening fires. Without much hesitation, Aida placed a firm hand on Logan's shoulder and said, "Kid, how about a drink?"

This time was still a little far away from evening, and Logan wondered if it was a little early to go to dinner.

"Don't worry, it won't be at the Hyuga Clan's compound."

Aida added, which made Logan laugh, "Alright, let's go then!"

When we arrived at a tavern, there were not many guests yet. The place would become lively at night when people came for their second or third round of drinking after dinner.

Seated with their drinks and food, Aida raised his glass. Logan, although he didn't drink often, wasn't one to shy away now. They clinked their glasses and drank.

"Ah, it's so spicy, but the drink is still delicious." Logan remarked. The taste of alcohol was never as enchanting as the stories made it out to be, but people in various states of mind always sought it out.

Regarding such remarks, Aida naturally had to frown and offer some old-man wisdom, "Kid, you are still too young to understand."

After listening to these words, Logan felt like he was going back to the past, as it's no difference from Aida's old-fashioned preaching in the past.

He could have said, 'I was actually not young, and I had experienced fierce battles more than many people.' But Logan listened quietly, refilling his glass and enjoying the bond that transcended their age difference.

"How are Tokiyo and Meiji doing?" After a few topics, Logan brought up two name, which were the other party's two children.

Talking about children always softened and brought pride to any parent. Aida nodded, his composed demeanor not revealing too much emotion, "Well, my wife usually does a good job in raising children. Tokiyo is about to graduate from the Academy, and Meiji is also in Academy. But I think it's fine for her to just attend regular classes."

"Oh, but it's true that being a Ninja isn't really suitable for girls." Logan thought of the two children he saw when he visited Aida's house before, 'In peaceful times, there were more choices, but unfortunately, this peace was very short-lived and about to end.'

"I heard that you became a team teacher like me, is it true?" Aida thought of something, "But it seems that you're co-leading a team with someone?"

"Yeah, I'm just a teaching assistant..." Logan said awkwardly.

"Yes, you are quite famous among the Jonin Instructors!" Aida laughed, "You're working with Kakashi, right? With your skills, you could lead three students on your own. How did it end up like this?"

"It's a long story..."

After retiring from the ANBU, Aida had taken on the role of a Jonin Instructors, continuing to contribute to Konoha. Over the years, many of the young Genin he trained had grown up, with two of them now Chunin doing more independent missions.

"The last one in the team... passed away." After drinking, Aida talked about the past events of his teams, and couldn't control his emotions. "Who could have known that there were still assassins left alive? If I had been more careful then, maybe... Sigh."

As the sky darkened, signaling dinnertime, and then fully set, the tavern grew lively. Logan poured more drinks for Aida, listening to the stories of the old Ninja. These were the tales never mentioned in the original work. Ordinary events without background music or dramatic lighting, yet Logan would remember them all.

After the night got dark, Logan escorted a slightly inebriated Aida back to the Hyuga Clan's compound. Aida's wife thanked Logan at the door, exchanging a few friendly words before they said their goodbyes.