Kakashi's Guidance

"Yay, yay, finally found it!"

Just as Naruto and his friends were wondering how Kakashi planned to find the bandits, Kakashi, who was reading a book under a tree, suddenly stretched and then closed the book.

Naruto was the first to react and quickly looked into the distance.

Sure enough, they spotted another Kakashi, carrying a burly man foaming at the mouth on his shoulder, walking towards them.

"Shadow Clone? When?"

Sasuke's face instantly turned ugly.

Kakashi actually sent a Shadow Clone on a mission? When did that happen?

Karin was somewhat surprised; she hadn't sensed the presence of what she couldn't tell was Shadow Clone or the real body until Kakashi spoke up.

The Jonin of Konoha are indeed extraordinary.

After Kakashi, carrying the bandits, received the Icha Icha Paradise from Kakashi, who had been accompanying Naruto and the others, Kakashi, who had been with Naruto all along, turned into smoke and disappeared.

Is this the Shadow Clone?

Naruto's expression began to soften.

During this time, they had been closely following Kakashi and hadn't noticed him using Ninjutsu at all.

"You're confused, aren't you?"

Kakashi was very satisfied with the effect he had created.

He was familiar with the three little ones in front of him, but Anko had taken his place when the classes were divided, which meant he didn't have a good understanding of their abilities.

However, considering Minato and Fugaku's strength, Kakashi naturally wouldn't underestimate the three in front of him, so he decided to show off a little to prevent them from becoming arrogant.

"Tell me your guesses."

Kakashi laid the robber face down on the ground to use as a cushion, then plopped down on it and began questioning the three men.

"Uh, could it be Shadow Clone used on the first night while we were sleeping?"

Karin was the first to answer Kakashi's question. She was very confident in her senses and was certain that Kakashi had switched places while she was asleep.

"Hmm, a very logical guess, but unfortunately, it's wrong."

Kakashi shook his head, denying Karin's answer.

Sasuke thought about it carefully for a moment, then a slight smile appeared on his lips, as if he had already guessed the answer.

"It was the next day, when you said you had an upset stomach, right?"

"That's not right either." Kakashi continued to shake his head, turning his gaze to Naruto.

"I'm afraid Kakashi-sensei had already used the Shadow Clone Technique when they met in the village."

Naruto had a vague idea in his mind.

"You got it right, but there's no reward."

Kakashi acknowledged Naruto's answer, then turned his gaze back to Karin: "Not only that, my true form lingered behind you after leaving the village, but you didn't sense it."

"I..." Karin was momentarily speechless.

"Your perception is indeed excellent, but don't be too confident. After all, you are still young, and your perception is not as wide and precise as Kushina's."

Kakashi's voice was cold, showing no kindness whatsoever because of the other party's parents.

"I understand..." Karin lowered her head, admiring Kushina while secretly resolving to work hard to improve her sensory abilities.

"Naruto and Sasuke, you both have very solid fundamentals, especially Naruto. You've already learned Minato- sama's Flying Thunder God Technique, right?"

Naruto was somewhat surprised, as he didn't seem to have ever used the Flying Thunder God Technique in front of Kakashi.

"While the Flying Thunder God Technique is powerful, it's not particularly helpful for someone your age."

Kakashi did not reveal his source. "Right now, you should put aside practicing the Flying Thunder God Technique and focus on training your Ninjutsu and basic skills."

I know that Lord Minato gave you detailed instruction, but I must tell you that even Lord Minato had his weaknesses, such as the Five Release Ninjutsu."

Naruto understood Kakashi's meaning: he shouldn't rely too much on his father's guidance.

"Finally, it's Sasuke. You've done quite well lately, but you've been too rigid in your adherence to rules. There are many things the Ninja Academy teaches you that require you to adapt to different situations, understand?"

"Hmm," Sasuke replied indifferently.

"Well, that's all I wanted to say. After this mission, we all know each other pretty well now. Next, we'll head back to the village to hand over the quest, and then we'll all have ramen together. By the way, it's on me."

Feeling that his performance had convinced the three little guys, Kakashi gave the robber under his butt another kick before generously announcing that he would treat them to a meal.

"Yay!"

The three, who had just been feeling down because of Kakashi's words, all smiled knowingly upon hearing the news.

A seemingly reserved genius, a conventional Uchiha, and a Uzumaki girl with exceptional sensory abilities...

Kakashi's lips curled up beneath his mask as he suddenly understood why Kazashiro had insisted on leading the team.

This is the most outstanding new generation of talent in Konoha.

Kazashiro: No, I didn't think that much about it. I just felt that Team Seven couldn't do without you, the key figure in the class.