Chapter 125: Team Kakashi

Looking back now...

Perhaps Shimura Danzo had truly been loyal to Konoha at the beginning.

In his youth, he was honest, passionate, and full of ideals—much like Obito is now.

But after being entrenched in darkness for so long, constantly exposed to the most shadowy corners of human nature, he slowly succumbed to it. In the end, he became everything he once despised.

Obito laughed maniacally.

"Now I've taken my first step into the abyss, just like Danzo. Do you think I'll end up becoming another him?"

Kakashi placed a firm hand on Obito's shoulder, locking eyes with him.

"Obito, stop saying such things. I'll always keep an eye on you."

"Even if you fall into the abyss, I'll jump in to pull you back out."

Obito stopped laughing, his expression softening into a faint smile.

"Hmm."

As they grew older and their strength matured, Obito's mindset also began to shift.

But none of this affected the deep bond of friendship between the two.

After the heavy topic, the pair returned to the bustling streets.

Obito hummed a tune from his previous life:

'Should auld acquaintance be forgot… and never brought to mind…'

...

A Month Later

Konoha Training Grounds

In the gentle morning light, three youngsters arrived early.

A blond-haired, blue-eyed boy greeted the other two cheerfully.

"Itachi! Sister Kokoro! You're here too!"

A cute girl clenched her fists, her gray-white twin tails trembling with frustration.

"(>_<) How many times do I have to tell you?! Stop calling me Sister!"

Kokoro snapped, punching Naruto squarely in the shoulder.

"Ow! That hurts!"

Kokoro, a Genin of the same rank as Naruto and Itachi, was cheerful and charming. Her crystal-clear eyes shone like the autumn sky.

Still rubbing his head, Naruto grinned mischievously.

"But, Sister Kokoro, you are so much older than me and Itachi!"

Another punch landed on his head.

"ε=( o｀ω′)ノ You just don't know when to shut up!"

"Ah! Stop hitting me!"

Naruto could have easily dodged Kokoro's attacks, but for some reason, he seemed to enjoy provoking her—likely a habit formed from someone's influence during his upbringing.

As Naruto and Kokoro playfully bickered, Itachi watched quietly, not joining in.

In the nearby woods, two figures crouched on a tree, watching the trio with great interest.

Obito nudged Kakashi with his elbow.

"So, what do you think, Kakashi? Do you have what it takes to lead this little crew?"

Kakashi rolled his eyes.

"Does it matter if I do or don't? It's not like I have a choice."

"This is all thanks to you—volunteering me for this gig. Why didn't you recommend yourself to Minato-sensei back then?"

Obito spread his hands in mock helplessness.

"I wanted to! But do you think Minato-sensei would ever trust me with Naruto? Let alone Kushina-sensei—she's had it out for me ever since…"

It all started when Kushina had unintentionally discovered that her son was becoming… a little street rascal.

The culprit behind it all?

She didn't even need to ask—it was glaringly obvious.

From that moment on, Obito found himself on Kushina's blacklist.

Kakashi thought about it and realized Obito had a point, so he let the matter drop.

"Alright, let's get going." Obito patted Kakashi on the shoulder.

"Don't keep your students waiting, Kakashi-sensei."

With a slight nod, Kakashi vanished and reappeared at the training grounds.

Naruto grabbed Kakashi's arm enthusiastically.

"You're finally here! We've been waiting forever!"

Itachi observed the sudden arrival, his mind racing through the information he knew.

Hatake Kakashi.

Son of the White Fang of Konoha, an ANBU elite known as the Silver Flash. His mastery of kenjutsu was unparalleled, and his lightning-style techniques were legendary.

He even wielded the Flying Thunder God Technique…

Father said this young man, barely seventeen or eighteen, was already as strong as him. And most importantly, he was Minato-sensei's most trusted disciple.

Itachi nodded slightly in respect.

"Kakashi-sensei. It's an honor."

Kokoro followed suit, bowing with a bright smile.

"Hello, Kakashi-sensei!"

In her mind, however, she was a bit skeptical.

This teacher had a cool entrance and seemed handsome enough… but he didn't look much older than herself. Could he really be that strong?

(Konoha Year 51)

Itachi: 7½ years old

Naruto: 7 years old

Kokoro: 12 years old

Kakashi: 17 years old

Kakashi nodded slightly, his aloof demeanor making Kokoro purse her lips.

This teacher seemed so cold—he'd probably be hard to get along with.

In reality, Kakashi was reflecting on how Minato had handled things back in the day. After some thought, he spoke calmly:

"Let's start with introductions."

"I'm Hatake Kakashi, your Jonin instructor. I enjoy… reading."

(Author: Oh, we get it. Three days and three nights of reading. Say no more.)

Naruto eagerly introduced himself next.

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto! I love ramen, but my mom never lets me eat it. She says it's unhealthy."

Itachi spoke plainly.

"Uchiha Itachi. I like my little brother. I don't have anything I dislike."

When it was her turn, Kokoro smiled brightly.

"I'm Kokoro. I love all things cute, and I hate anything un-cute—like mangy dogs!"

With the introductions done, Kakashi pulled out two small bells, tying them to his waist.

"Now, we'll have a training exercise—a little test for you three."

"A training exercise?" Kokoro asked, surprised. As a civilian-born ninja, she hadn't heard of this. Meanwhile, Naruto and Itachi exchanged knowing looks.

"See these bells?" Kakashi asked.

"If you can take them from me, you pass. Otherwise, you fail—and I'll send word to the Hokage to have you sent back to the academy."

Naruto looked horrified.

"Back to the academy? That's so lame!"

"How are the three of us supposed to beat you, Kakashi-nii?"

Kakashi adjusted his forehead protector and replied nonchalantly.

"I won't go all out—30% of my strength should be enough for this."

Naruto puffed up indignantly.

"Only 30%? Now you're just underestimating us!" He rolled up his sleeves, grinning.

"Fine! Let's see what you've got!"

Itachi, on the other hand, looked intrigued. Sparring with someone like Kakashi would undoubtedly be a valuable experience.

----------------

Pls Drop some Power Stones

Read more than +80 chapters and support me on Patreon

Patreon(.)com/Jixo