The Mission

"While I believe you could handle B-rank or higher," Kakashi continued, "your lack of experience demands caution. We'll train along the way. Brace yourself."

He'd debated assigning more B-ranks—trivial for him. But fresh off ANBU duty, his mindset prioritized honing Gen over coddling. The boy was strong, yes, but still a rookie fresh from the Academy. Guy's endorsement and his own growing respect warranted prudence.

"No problem!" Gen agreed readily. Out of the village = opportunities. "What's our route?"

"..."

Kakashi paused. "...Wave Country direction. And no reckless ideas."

"Got it." Gen nodded, internally scoffing. Such ripe profit, ignored? Well... it'll still be there in three years.

"Then we move."

Kakashi spared one last glance at Obito and Rin's graves before leading Gen out. Exiting Konoha was effortless—a formality smoothed by Kakashi's reputation.

This era's backbone is Kakashi's generation, Gen mused. Wish I'd transmigrated earlier. Could've carved a place... if I survived the wars and Danzō's clutches.

"The world's safer now. No all-consuming wars." Kakashi's voice cut through Gen's thoughts as they trekked. "But danger never left. Great Nations compete differently. Mercenary groups, rogue nin—all lethal."

"I understand, sensei." Gen knew this well. Like Kakashi's "old friend" Obito's group, Akatsuki—a rising star in the mercenary scene...

Remembering Obito, Gen tilted his head. "Sensei... were those two your teammates?"

"...Yes." Kakashi's voice thickened. "Guy didn't tell you?"

"Only that your 'Copy Ninja' title honors them." Gen softened his tone. "And that they, like you, are Konoha heroes worthy of respect."

"I'm no hero. They were." Kakashi shook his head. "I merely inherited their victory." He shifted topics abruptly. "I hear you're close to Naruto?"

"Neighbors." Gen rubbed his neck sheepishly. "The village whispers... scared me at first. But he's decent, just... clueless. And his stipend's generous, so..."

"You targeted his allowance?" Kakashi's eye crinkled with exasperated amusement. Then he sobered. "He won't mind. His situation is... unique. Ignore the rumors. Remember—he's not a monster. And I know he treasures your friendship."

Kakashi's gaze turned distant. "Friends... they matter. Especially for shinobi."

"I understand, sensei." Gen nodded solemnly. Whatever else, Naruto's a true friend.

"Hmm?"

[Kakashi Exclusive Side Quest: But They're My Sworn Brothers! (...For Money)]

[Help Kakashi reunite with his lost comrade, Uchiha Obito]

[Exclusive quests do not block normal side quests]

[Accept?]

"..."

Gen stared, dumbfounded. Kakashi, oblivious, smiled behind his mask.

"Good. Now focus. The real work starts now..."

---

The following days were grueling.

But the one suffering wasn't Gen—it was Kakashi.

He'd planned a long journey: training Gen while completing missions. Yet reality mocked his expectations. Where was the promised "tempering"?

True, early missions saw Gen fumble from inexperience. But his adaptation was frighteningly swift. Competence became the norm—a pleasant surprise initially.

Then Kakashi began teaching him jutsu.

That's when shock set in.

Gen's fundamentals were rock-solid. His talent? Monstrous. Show him hand signs and chakra flow once? He'd dissect, replicate, and master the technique—rivaling veterans.

Even taijutsu. Kakashi's swordsmanship, demonstrated via kunai? Absorbed.

Day by day, Kakashi grasped how his own teachers must have felt.

So this is teaching a genius?

And Gen was worse than his younger self. Faster. More... creative. Every technique tempted him—altering forms, slashing hand signs, reinventing the wheel.

Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!

Abbreviated seals flashed. A colossal fireball roared from Gen's mouth, engulfing a bandit camp. Screams died instantly as flames reduced everything to ash.

"Targets eliminated, sensei." Gen turned, dusting his hands. "Scouted earlier. Thirteen bandits. No hostages. Minimal collateral."

"...Good work." Kakashi's voice was hollow. "Your progress... exceeds expectations."

He'd lost count of how often he'd uttered that phrase. It tasted stale.

Teaching a genius isn't always joyful. They leave you with nothing left to teach...

"Almost done with the C-ranks, sensei." Gen's eyes gleamed. "Time for the B-rank? That noble in Wave Country? Someone put a hefty bounty on his head—might attract ninja?"

"Mm." Professionalism snapped Kakashi back. "The mission's underrated. The black market bounty is... substantial. Could draw serious contractors."

"Eh?" Gen blinked. "Then why's it only B-rank?"