"But didn't you say back then..."
Kakashi's tone grew agitated. Ronglin had not advised him like this back then, yet now Ronglin was actually going to apply for the examination early. If he went back to the academy to continue studying, what would be the point?
"We're different!"
Ronglin raised a hand to stop Kakashi and said seriously, "Kakashi, I don't want you taking steps that are too big and pulling your balls, but I'm different. After passing the Chunin Exams, I'll apply for the Jonin examination as soon as possible. Do you understand?"
"..." Kakashi fell silent.
"Pulling your balls" was clearly not a refined expression, but it was quite fitting. Every man had experienced that gut-wrenching pain—especially when getting hit there.
"I won't let you leave me behind, Uchiha Ronglin. Remember what you said today. One day, I, Hatake Kakashi, will repay you for it."
After a long silence, Kakashi turned and left. His back looked somewhat lonely, as though he were holding something in. When he opened the door, Kakashi stopped without turning around and said, Ronglin smiled slightly. "I'll be waiting for you. I just hope that day doesn't come too late. I'm afraid that once you fall behind, you won't be able to catch up."
Click!! The sound of the door closing was his answer.
Had he provoked him too much?
Perhaps. Who knew? A little provocation was not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe it could bring out Kakashi's potential.
"Hi!! Uchiha Ronglin, we all came to see you."
Suddenly, the ward door opened again. Ronglin stared at the group standing in the doorway and froze. "You... why are you all here?"
"Because the teacher told us you were injured and needed to rest for a while, so everyone came."
As their representative, Kurenai Yuhi