140. Pakkun

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Since it wasn't an urgent mission, the group moved at a relaxed pace, reaching the Land of Rivers after a day's travel.

Kakashi opted for a different route than the one he took last time, so they didn't pass by Granny Sansho's curry shop. Konoha shinobi rarely makes the same mistake twice, especially when it involves curry.

That evening, they set up camp in the wilderness. Naruto unpacked the cooking utensils and ingredients he had brought, while Kakashi took charge of cooking.

Kakashi's culinary skills were impressive, particularly when it came to preparing fish. The meal was so delicious that Naruto could even outpace Kakashi's lightning-fast reflexes to grab extra servings.

After dinner, the three young shinobi rubbed their full bellies and sat by the campfire, watching Kakashi tidy up.

Sasuke blushed slightly; it had been a long time since he had eaten so much. Maybe it was because Naruto hadn't visited his house for food lately.

Surprisingly, nothing had changed since they were children Naruto always ate more when they competed over food.

Kakashi glanced at his three students and advised, "Shinobi shouldn't overeat during missions. It makes you drowsy, lowers your guard, and affects your combat readiness."

"But Kakashi-sensei, your cooking was just too good!" Sakura groaned. "I've been trying to lose weight, and now I've eaten way too much."

"Self-restraint is also part of a shinobi's training," Kakashi replied. "This shows that your discipline isn't where it should be yet."

"Oh, really?" Naruto smirked. "Well, let me tell you, last time I peeked at Jiraiya's manuscript, and at the end, the hero—"

Kakashi immediately clamped his hands over his ears. "Stop! I'm not listening! Spoilers are a death sentence!"

Despite his reaction, Kakashi hadn't lost his composure entirely some things just couldn't be said lightly.

Naruto laughed, and when Kakashi saw that Naruto wasn't going to spoil the ending, he relaxed and lowered his hands.

"Mister Kakashi," Sakura began in a mock-serious tone, "Self-restraint is also a part of a shinobi's training. If you're so worried about a book, maybe your discipline isn't strong enough either~"

"Ah, I can't win against you guys," Kakashi sighed, his eyes reverting to their usual deadpan expression.

"Hahaha!" Naruto and Sakura burst out laughing, and even Sasuke's lips twitched into a slight smile.

Once the laughter subsided, Kakashi ordered, "Alright, time to take turns keeping watch. You three go ahead and rest first."

"Yes!" they responded in unison.

Naruto set up a small perception barrier along with a simple defensive barrier before yawning and crawling into his tent.

After a quiet night, they arrived at the client's designated meeting spot around noon the next day.

"How are we supposed to find anything in a jungle this large?" Sakura wondered aloud.

"Shadow clones?" Sasuke suggested.

"That's too much effort," Naruto said, pointing at Kakashi. "Why don't we let him summon his dogs?"

"I understand your point, but it still feels like you're insulting me," Kakashi remarked, casting a sidelong glance at Naruto before performing the summoning jutsu. A small pug appeared.

"Yo, Kakashi," Pakkun greeted casually, lifting a paw in acknowledgement before turning to the others. "These your students? Nice to meet you, I'm Pakkun."

"Hello," they all said in response.

"We're tracking a ferret this time, Pakkun," Kakashi explained.

"No problem. Ferrets have a strong scent," Pakkun assured them before sniffing the air. He then turned to look at Sakura.

Sakura, feeling uneasy under Pakkun's gaze, asked, "What… what is it?"

Pakkun said seriously, "If I'm not mistaken… your shampoo is the same brand as my friend's."

"What?!" Sakura gasped, utterly shocked. "No way!"

Kakashi's eyes curved into a smile. "Pakkun's a tracking ninja dog. His nose is never wrong."

Sakura stood frozen in disbelief. "Even the dog… uses the same brand?"

Pakkun, scratching his ear with a hind leg, continued proudly, "Same brand, but the fur on my friend is softer."

"Pfft..Hahahhahahah..."

Naruto couldn't contain his laughter, and even Sasuke had to turn his head to hide his grin.

"I'm throwing out that shampoo when we get back!"

"You seem upset." Pakkun thought for a moment before offering, "How about I let you rub the pads on my paws? They're soft too."

"Who'd want to do that?!" Sakura yelled, raising her fist. "Kakashi-sensei, why did you even summon him?!"

"Alright, calm down," Kakashi intervened quickly, knowing Sakura's punch would knock Pakkun out cold. "No more fooling around. Pakkun, start tracking."

"Understood," Pakkun said as he began sniffing the ground.

"I've got the scent!" Pakkun called back. "The ferret is up ahead."

The group followed Pakkun deeper into the jungle, leaping between the trees. Naruto couldn't help but feel disappointed that there were no vines to swing from like Tarzan.

"Stop," Pakkun commanded after landing on the ground. He sniffed at a set of footprints. "The scent matches these tracks. Looks like someone else might've captured the ferret already."

Kakashi crouched down, studying the footprints. "They're about the same size as you three, but the depth is off. Either they're carrying something heavy, or they're wearing armour."

Naruto frowned. According to the plan, they should've caught the ferret by now. Were they too late?

Kakashi stood up. "Let's keep going, but stay alert."

The group nodded and continued following Kakashi and Pakkun.

They crossed through the jungle and over a valley, the grass beneath their feet slowly giving way to the rocky terrain of the Gobi Desert.

"We're close," Pakkun warned.

"We've already reached the Land of Wind," Kakashi muttered, starting to feel uneasy. It wouldn't be surprising if this led to more complications.

After traveling a bit further, Pakkun stopped. "It's just ahead."

The group looked in the direction Pakkun indicated, spotting a complex of stone buildings that resembled pyramids.

Next to it stood a towering steel fortress, about ten stories high, with several antennae-like structures jutting out from its roof. Its modern design was completely out of place next to the ancient ruins.

Kakashi scratched his head. "Looks like we've got some real trouble here…"

No sooner had he spoken than a door on the fortress opened, ejecting dozens of large metal spheres. Upon hitting the ground, they transformed into giant armoured figures wielding massive hammers.

"What is... that?" Naruto quipped.

No one had time to answer. The armoured figures charged, their hammers raised.

Boom! Their strength was impressive, but they lacked speed. Naruto took the chance to land three punches on one of the armoured giants to test its defences.

"Wow, that's solid." Naruto dodged the giant's counterattack and shook his hand in pain, mimicking Jackie Chan's signature move to ease the discomfort.

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