Naruto: AFK System

Hearing Kakashi's request, the Third Hokage's expression turned serious, and he remained silent for a long time.

The atmosphere in the office became icy cold.

However, apart from Kakashi and the Third, no one knew what was really happening.

And no one dared to speak.

Even Naruto, usually so boisterous, could feel the oppressive tension in the air.

Sasuke, deep in thought, glanced at Kakashi.

After what felt like an eternity, the Third Hokage finally took a drag from his pipe and spoke slowly, "If that's the case, your team will have four members."

"It's just one more person," Kakashi replied firmly, showing no intention of backing down.

"Kakashi, if anything happens to him, you'll be the one to take responsibility," the Third said with a stern tone.

Kakashi did not waver. "I'll take responsibility."

Unexpectedly, the Third, who had been so serious, suddenly smiled. "It seems Yoruha is quite lucky."

The Third had been testing Kakashi to gauge the depth of his relationship with Yoruha.

To his surprise, the usually aloof Kakashi was willing to go this far to protect Yoruha, almost to the point of direct confrontation.

Instead of feeling threatened, the Third felt pleased.

He knew Kakashi's character well, and someone Kakashi valued this much couldn't be a problem.

Kakashi watched the Third Hokage, who eventually nodded and said, "Looks like the mission reward will now have to be split among one more person."

Kakashi exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."

The Third nodded. "Go and bring him along."

With that, Kakashi nodded back and left the office with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura in tow.

After Kakashi and the others had left, Iruka finally mustered the courage to ask, "Lord Hokage, the Yoruha that Kakashi mentioned—could it be the same Yoruha who graduated this year?"

The Third nodded.

Iruka was puzzled. Yoruha shouldn't have caused such a tense confrontation between the two, right?

That oppressive atmosphere was something Iruka had never experienced before.

Moreover, it was between the strongest jonin in the village and the Hokage, the most authoritative figure in Konoha.

Kakashi had always struck him as mature and rational.

What could possibly lead to such a standoff between Kakashi and the Hokage?

"What exactly did Yoruha do, Lord Hokage? You seem to disapprove of him," Iruka asked cautiously.

The Third glanced at Iruka. "I don't disapprove of him."

Iruka said nothing, but his expression clearly showed his skepticism.

The Third didn't elaborate further.

Seeing the Hokage's reluctance, Iruka tentatively asked, "Isn't Yoruha under the guidance of Jonin Kihon? Why would Kakashi request to take him along?"

The Third replied indifferently, "This is not something you need to concern yourself with, Iruka."

Understanding the implicit warning in the Third's tone, Iruka didn't dare press further.

Once outside the Hokage's office, Naruto couldn't hold back any longer.

"Kakashi-sensei, why did you and the old man Hokage look like you were about to fight?"

Naruto's question echoed the thoughts of both Sakura and Sasuke, who had also been curious but too intimidated to ask earlier.

Sasuke, in particular, felt that Yoruha might not be as simple as he seemed.

Kakashi glanced at Naruto and, unwilling to explain, simply said, "You..."

Naruto pouted. "Kakashi-sensei, do you think I'm dumb?"

"That atmosphere just now—you two were practically ready to fight, and you still say I misunderstood."

"And why are you bringing Yoruha along? You're supposed to be our teacher."

Naruto was clearly unhappy.

After all, Yoruha wasn't part of their team.

Kakashi specifically requesting to include Yoruha felt to Naruto like Kakashi didn't trust their abilities.

Sasuke, however, thought differently. He suspected Yoruha wasn't as ordinary as he appeared and that Kakashi knew something about Yoruha's true capabilities.

More importantly, it seemed like Kakashi had a special relationship with Yoruha.

Otherwise, why would Kakashi confront the Third Hokage so directly for him?

This thought made Sasuke feel a bit envious.

Kakashi was their mentor, yet he had gone to such lengths for a ninja from another team.

Sasuke couldn't help but think Yoruha might hold a higher place in Kakashi's regard than they did.

Deep down, beneath his stoic exterior, Sasuke was just a somewhat prideful teenager.

Kakashi, hearing Naruto's complaints, thought for a moment before replying, "Yoruha has also taken me as his teacher. He's technically my student, too."

Naruto and the others were stunned.

"What?! Yoruha's your student too?"

They couldn't believe it.

Although they often complained about Kakashi, they all respected his strength.

During their training at the practice field, they had already acknowledged his abilities.

On top of that, from what Shikamaru and the others had shared, the three of them were well aware that Kakashi was one of the most powerful jonin in Konoha.

Despite not voicing it, they felt proud to have Kakashi as their mentor.

But now Kakashi claimed Yoruha was also his student.

Judging by how much Kakashi seemed to value Yoruha, it was likely he had taught Yoruha many jutsu.

The thought made all three of them feel a bit unbalanced.

Naruto outright shouted, "What?! That sneaky Yoruha! Kakashi-sensei, you must've taught him tons of jutsu, didn't you?"

"You haven't even taught us anything yet! This is so unfair!"

Though Sakura and Sasuke didn't say anything, their expressions clearly showed they shared Naruto's frustration.

Kakashi, however, remained calm and said indifferently, "I haven't taught him any jutsu."

"I've known him for much less time than I've known you three."

But none of them believed him.

Naruto snorted. "Hmph, Kakashi-sensei, you're lying to us again, aren't you?"

Kakashi didn't bother to explain further and simply said, "Believe what you want."

As they spoke, they arrived at Yoruha's house.

It was Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke's first time visiting Yoruha's home.

At that moment, Yoruha was inside, focused on studying his chakra.

The sudden arrival of Kakashi and the others left him confused.

Kakashi patted Yoruha on the shoulder. "We've been assigned a C-rank mission outside the village. I requested permission from Lord Hokage to bring you along for some experience."

Yoruha frowned. "Outside the village?"

Kakashi nodded.

Naruto chimed in with a grin, "It's a bodyguard mission this time!"

Sakura, meanwhile, took her first serious look at Yoruha and was surprised.

"This guy is just as handsome as Sasuke. How come I never noticed him before?"

Of course, Sakura's thoughts were purely admiration for his looks, not romantic feelings.

Her affection for Sasuke was unwavering.

Later, if it hadn't been for Shikamaru and the others egging her on, Sakura wouldn't have confessed to Naruto.

She had always been clear that she liked Sasuke.

So it was nearly impossible for her to develop feelings for someone else.

Sasuke, on the other hand, was scrutinizing Yoruha, trying to discern what made him special.

But no matter how long he observed, he couldn't figure it out.

Apart from being as handsome as him, there didn't seem to be anything remarkable.

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