CHAPTER 47

Kakashi

A Month Later

Naruto has fully adjusted to the daily routine of using shadow clones to skip classes, focusing on training, and occasionally sending clones to visit Shisui, who remains imprisoned in the base.

Aside from the initial surveillance, Naruto soon noticed that the Anbu agents who had monitored him were replaced.

Previously, the Anbu watching him were Moonlight Kakashi and Uzuki Yugao, but now, Kakashi, an elite Jonin who always carries his signature "Heaven," was the one taking over.

Kakashi's method of surveillance is unique—he never hides in the shadows but instead pretends to be just another "passerby."

Naruto couldn't help but wonder, was Kakashi's conspicuous white hair a deliberate effort to make sure Naruto wouldn't recognize him?

Helplessly, Naruto decided to act oblivious, continuing his fulfilling daily routines but becoming more cautious when sending shadow clones to the Death Forest to change shifts.

Kyuubi, irritated by the perceived insult to his intelligence, kept urging Naruto to take action in the sealed space, threatening to kill Kakashi.

Of course, fighting an Anbu in the streets as a jinchuriki would lead to being locked away in a small, dark room for life.

Naruto knew Kyuubi wasn't foolish—he was clearly trying to get some benefits while wasting his time.

To silence Kyuubi, Naruto randomly found a store, bought some chakra-flavored snacks, and tossed them into the sealed space. The corner of Kyuubi's mouth twitched into a smile.

The shopkeeper, as usual, received the money without a second thought, but as Naruto left without looking back, the shopkeeper glanced at the money on the counter, sighed, and stashed it away, preparing for a potential spot check by the Uchiha Guard.

It had been more than six years since the Nine-Tails Incident, and the shadow of that day had long since dissipated.

Naruto, once a vessel of accumulated grievances, had become a convenient outlet for the village's frustrations. Now, the strict law enforcement of the Uchiha Guard was a constant problem, especially for ordinary citizens who made minor mistakes, yet were expected to follow the rules to the letter.

The unreasonable enforcement of the law by the security team was a hassle, but they were even lenient toward the Uchiha clan. Who could bear it?

Strong negative emotions flared from behind Naruto, and as he glanced sideways, he realized the feelings weren't directed at him but at the patrolling guards.

Although Shisui's 'suicide' had temporarily halted the Uchiha coup, the rift between the Uchiha clan and the high-ranking officials had only deepened. In preparation for a new coup, the Uchiha Guard began hoarding supplies, using rough methods that attracted even more attention.

The Third Hokage was likely aware of what Naruto, as the jinchuriki, could perceive.

This was, in fact, a good thing for Naruto. The more the Uchiha clan caught the attention of the higher-ups, the easier it would be for him to leave Konoha. However, to keep the attention focused on the Uchiha, he couldn't allow the clan to be entirely wiped out.

As Naruto wandered through the streets, he took mental notes on the information he gathered from the pedestrians.

When lunchtime arrived, Naruto entered Ichiraku Ramen, ordered a large bowl of ramen, and dug in. As he ate, he noticed the spot where Tetsu used to sit.

It was there that the inconspicuous Konoha chunin had shown him the darker side of the village, prompting Naruto's decision to leave Konoha and escape the prison-like confines of the Ninja Village.

Just then, the door curtain was pulled open, and Kakashi strolled in as if he owned the place. Ordering his own bowl of ramen, he casually sat down beside Naruto.

The distinct scent of his old headband made Naruto wrinkle his nose and scoot away. He wanted to avoid Kakashi's company, fearing that it would somehow seal his fate to be "forever single."

Kakashi paused for a moment, surprised by Naruto's cold shoulder. He had intended to approach Naruto, but the sudden alienation caught him off guard. After all, dealing with young impudent types wasn't his forte.

The two didn't exchange a word until they finished their ramen. When Kakashi stood up to pay, he spoke first: "Uncle, Naruto's meal is also on my tab. I'll pay for it next time."

Naruto glanced at Kakashi in surprise but simply placed his money on the table and walked out without a word.

Kakashi and the owner exchanged glances, both sensing the awkwardness in the situation. After a brief hesitation, Kakashi eventually found Naruto practicing shuriken throwing in a nearby grove.

Naruto paused, lowering his hand from the target. He looked at Kakashi and spoke flatly: "You don't need to pay for me. I've never met anyone who treats guests and forgets to bring money. You're the first. And it's not like today's the first time you've followed me. It's been two weeks now."

Kakashi scratched his head sheepishly. "I didn't think you'd notice. I'm really bad at tracking."

Naruto smirked. "When you've been nearly assassinated at home, you become a bit more cautious."

Kakashi now understood that Naruto was referring to the incident during a mission where he had narrowly avoided an assassination attempt. That was the moment Kakashi began to suspect Naruto's true identity.

At this point, Naruto fixed his gaze on Kakashi. "But what I'm more curious about is your identity and the reason for contacting me. I don't think this is the first time we've met. You also visited me in the hospital."

Kakashi responded with a question of his own: "If you know my purpose, what will you do?"

"If you want to be my friend, I'll consider it. But if you're an enemy, I'll report you to Grandpa Hokage and have you kicked out."

Kakashi reassured him with a smile. "Don't worry, I'm not your enemy. I have a connection with you."

"A connection?" Naruto frowned, trying to recall something. "You know my parents, don't you? So, you must know who they were. Who are they?"

Kakashi hesitated, thinking of the Third Hokage's instructions. He shook his head. "I can't tell you. If you want to know your origins, you'll need to go ask the Third Hokage himself."

"So, I'm the descendant of a great man, or perhaps the descendant of someone whose identity can't be revealed."

Naruto sneered, shooting a glance at Kakashi. "Since you refuse to tell me anything, why are you even here? Are you pitying me? I don't need your pity."

Kakashi realized he was dealing with a difficult person. He sighed and smiled wryly. "I don't pity you. I just wanted to check in and see if you needed help."

The real concern for Kakashi was Naruto skipping school with his shadow clones during class.

Naruto sized up the open space, then turned to Kakashi. "Well, it's not that I don't need help. What I lack is a sparring partner to test my current strength. Want to have a match with me?"

Kakashi froze at first, stunned. Naruto, a mere Academy student, wanted to spar with him, a Jonin?

After a moment of contemplation, Kakashi nodded. "Alright, I'll limit my strength to the level of a ninja. Be prepared."

Upon hearing Kakashi's casual acceptance, Naruto grinned playfully.

Sasuke's strength was too weak, and defeating Shisui had been more luck than skill. He needed a worthy opponent to prove himself.

They stood in the open space, signing the necessary hand seals as they began their spar.

In a flash, Naruto disappeared from sight, leaping into the air as he shouted:

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

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