Chapter 144

"Hey Kakashi, is that guy Fujiwara Kirito back?"

Sasuke's voice rang out as hurried footsteps approached. Wearing a hospital gown, barefoot, and looking agitated, Sasuke pushed open the door to Kakashi's room.

Naruto and Sakura followed closely behind, panting heavily from the effort of catching up.

Kakashi looked at Sasuke, then at Sakura, who wore an expression of worry, and finally at Naruto, who seemed more annoyed than concerned. His lone visible eye narrowed slightly. "It seems you already know."

"Sasuke, the nurse said your injuries haven't healed yet. You shouldn't be moving around!" Sakura hurried forward, trying to steady Sasuke, but he roughly shrugged her off.

"Get out of my way. Don't bother me," Sasuke snapped coldly.

"But Sasuke, I—" Sakura stammered, her eyes welling with tears.

"Shut up." Sasuke's glare was as sharp as his tone. "I'm an avenger. Your emotions don't matter to me. I don't need you playing house. Besides, that guy—Fujiwara Kirito—was right. You're useless."

"As for you," Sasuke continued with a sneer, "you have the audacity to criticize Naruto for having no parents or guidance. What kind of person are you? All you ever do is cry and hold people back. If you have time to wallow in your fantasies, you'd be better off learning some jutsu and getting stronger. Focus on preparing for the Chunin Exam."

The cutting words hit Sakura like a hammer. Tears streamed down her face as she covered her mouth and fled the room in sobs.

"Hey, Sasuke! How could you say that to Sakura?" Naruto, ever the defender, glared at Sasuke, his voice filled with indignation.

Sasuke turned to Naruto with an equally sharp stare. "And you, Naruto—don't think I've forgotten. I look forward to fighting you. You'd better be ready."

"Who's afraid of you?" Naruto shot back, his eyes locking with Sasuke's. Sparks of animosity crackled between them as they stood face to face.

Finally, they both huffed and turned away, crossing their arms in a show of mutual disdain.

Kakashi sighed, watching the scene unfold. "They're truly a handful," he muttered under his breath.

The nurse standing nearby nodded in agreement. "You don't say."

From his hospital bed, Might Guy and his protégé Rock Lee raised their voices dramatically. "This is youth!"

"Fujiwara Kirito—did he really defeat you, Might Guy, Asuma, and the others?" Sasuke turned back to Kakashi, his tone deadly serious.

Despite his usual arrogance, Sasuke couldn't mask the shock in his voice. He knew the strength of Konoha's elite jonin well enough to understand that if Kirito had bested them all, his power was in another league entirely.

If he could become Kirito's disciple, perhaps he'd have a real chance at defeating his brother, Itachi.

Kakashi nodded, his expression somber. "Yes, we lost. Badly."

From his bed, Might Guy exclaimed, "Kakashi is right, Uchiha boy. Fujiwara Kirito is indeed powerful—but next time, I won't lose! This is youth—ah, my kidneys!"

"Mr. Guy!" the nurse interrupted, rushing over. "I told you not to get so worked up! You'll reopen your wound!"

Ignoring Guy's theatrics, Sasuke pressed on. "Where is he now?"

Kakashi sighed again. "Let it go, Sasuke. I know what you're thinking—you want to become stronger, and you think Kirito can teach you. But he's no longer a part of Konoha. Even if he were still here, he wouldn't train you."

Sasuke clenched his fists, his teeth grinding audibly. "Damn it." He punched the wall, frustration pouring out of him. He had missed another opportunity to grow stronger.

If only he had realized the bandaged man's identity earlier. That strength—far beyond even Orochimaru's—could have been his to learn.

Kakashi, sensing Sasuke's turmoil, softened his tone. "Sasuke, focus on recovering. There's still a month before the Chunin Exam. I'll train you myself. I'll help you get stronger."

"Wait, what about me?" Naruto cut in, his earlier anger forgotten. "I want to get stronger too, Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi smiled under his mask. "Don't worry, Naruto. I've already arranged for someone to guide your training."

"Who is it?" Naruto asked, eyes darting around the room. His gaze landed on Might Guy. "Wait—it's Mr. Thick Eyebrows, isn't it? I mean, he's strong and all, but…"

"Naruto-kun," Might Guy interrupted, grimacing. "While I'd be honored to train you, I'm still recovering from my injuries. I won't be able to help before the Chunin Exam."

Naruto's face fell. "Then who?"

Before Kakashi could answer, footsteps echoed from the hallway. "Sounds like he's here," Kakashi said, glancing toward the door.

The room quieted as everyone turned toward the source of the sound. The door creaked open to reveal Yamanaka Ino, carrying two bouquets of flowers.

Trailing behind her were Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji.

"Kakashi-sensei, we just visited Asuma-sensei, so we thought we'd check on you too. Oh, Naruto, Sasuke, and Lee are here as well!" Ino said brightly.

"Hey," Shikamaru greeted lazily, his hands in his pockets.

Choji, true to form, popped a potato chip into his mouth and waved without speaking.

Naruto's face turned pale. He pointed at the trio and stammered, "Kakashi-sensei, please don't tell me these are my trainers!"

(End of Chapter)

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