After a brief rest, Kazashiro and his group encountered a border patrol team that had come to their aid after hearing the commotion.
After a brief exchange, Ryoma led Kazashiro and the others back to Konoha to hand over their mission at the Hokage Building.
"There are a total of 25 abandoned and damaged outposts along the northern border, all of which have been marked on the map."
Handing the scroll to Hiruzen, Aburame Ryoma reported the mission's progress expressionlessly, "Also, near the old Outpost No. 12, we were attacked by unidentified enemies. The details have been handed over to the border patrol for investigation."
"The old Outpost No. 12? It's already quite deep into the border. As expected, the patrol frequency needs to be increased... Thank you for your hard work." Hiruzen, having opened the scroll and located the old Outpost No. 12, reached for the pipe that was between his lips and began to plan how to strengthen the patrol force.
After offering a few more words of encouragement, Hiruzen signaled that Ryoma and the others could leave, leaving Kazashiro behind alone.
"I've read the battle report. Your performance was excellent. You're becoming increasingly proficient in using Ice Release Ninjutsu, and you're also able to apply the Flying Thunder God Technique in actual combat." Hiruzen extinguished his pipe and looked at his disciple with a smile.
Kazashiro showed little emotion at Hiruzen's praise. He simply smiled at Hiruzen and said somewhat apologetically, "Compared to Brother Minato, I'm still far behind. Right now, I can only sense three Flying Thunder God Formulas at the same time, which is far from being a proficient user."
Hiruzen was somewhat dismissive of Kazashiro's modesty. "Humility is indeed a virtue, but excessive modesty is not advisable. You're only ten years old now. When your father was your age, well, let's not dwell on those old stories."
Suddenly realizing that it was a little inappropriate to speak ill of Kazashiro's father, Hiruzen coughed lightly and changed the subject.
"Although Ice Release is your primary fighting style, it's best not to neglect your training in the Five Release Ninjutsu. This will give you more options when facing difficult situations."
When Hiruzen first took Kazashiro as his disciple, he tested Chakra nature. Haku possessed all five elements, with wind and water being the best, followed by fire and earth, and Lightning Release the weakest.
Hiruzen wasn't too surprised by the result.
Danzo's Chakra nature consists of four elements: fire, wind, earth, and water.
"Yes, Teacher Sarutobi."
Although he verbally agreed, Kazashiro also had his own things to say.
Now, he needs to find a way to develop Ice Release Ninjutsu, and he also needs to practice Sealing Jutsu. Old Deng recently taught him the "Curse Mark of Self-Exerting Curse Binding Seal," and he can't give up the Flying Thunder God Technique either, plus the Five Release Ninjutsu and Sarutobi -Taijutsu...
Even though I'm no longer being whipped, I still feel like I'm still dark-skinned. What should I do?
Kazashiro isn't exactly a diligent person; what keeps him going is his age.
If nothing unexpected happens, the Third Shinobi World War will break out in two years.
If you don't sweat more now, you'll bleed more when you get to the battlefield.
The thought that a kind and approachable old Uchiha man was waiting for a destined person beneath the Kusagakure filled Kazashiro with a sense of powerlessness.
Although the air was beginning to smell of Yakumi, most villagers and ninjas continued to live their lives as usual.
In front of a bookstore in Konoha, a silver-haired boy put his hands in his pockets, looked around, and then quickly walked into the store.
"Welcome..."
Hearing the noise, the shop owner, who was sitting behind the counter reading a newspaper, glanced at the newcomer, then turned his gaze back to the newspaper and said lazily, "The new products are on the innermost shelf, the third row from the bottom."
Following the shopkeeper's directions, the boy arrived at the counter mentioned by the shopkeeper and found the new book he wanted there.
After paying the bill, the boy didn't even have time to find a comfortable spot; he immediately opened a book at the store entrance and eagerly began to examine its contents.
"Hey, Kakashi, what are you looking at here?"
Just as Kazashiro came out of the Hokage Building and was heading to Training Ground 9, he saw Kakashi standing in front of the bookstore from afar. He walked up behind Kakashi, put his arm around him, and snatched the book from him.
"Kazashiro? Give it back to me!"
Sensing the familiar presence, Kakashi panicked and tried to snatch the book back, but Kazashiro nimbly dodged him.
"Hmph, you think I'll just give it back because you say so? Heh heh heh, I want to see!"
"Hmm, let me see. The stunningly beautiful and aloof Snow Woman was subdued by the one-eyed man using despicable means and forced to give birth to a child?"
Kazashiro was visibly stunned upon seeing this plot, and Kakashi took the opportunity to snatch back his book.
Is it just my imagination? I have this feeling that the plot is...
No, that's not the point.
"Kakashi, you're reading pornographic books?!"
Kazashiro pointed a finger at Kakashi, who was trying to stuff the book into his clothes. Upon hearing Kazashiro's accusation, Kakashi quickened his movements.
Sure enough, no matter what fate awaits Uncle Sakumo, Kakashi will always be that reserved and brooding Kakashi!
"It's just an ordinary literary work!"
Kakashi argued weakly.
"Oh? Kazashiro Kakashi, are you two discussing the mysteries of youth? If that's the case, I can't just stand by and watch!"
A green figure rushed out from somewhere, arrived in front of Kazashiro and Kakashi, performed a spinning kick on flat ground, kicked up a cloud of dust, and then stood firmly in place.
"Kai?"
Even before the smoke cleared, Kazashiro recognized the person simply by looking at the green bodysuit.
Kai's description wasn't wrong; erotic novels were indeed an indispensable part of youth, just like he himself used to secretly read novels like "Young People's Stories" and "Heroic Battles" back in the day...
Well, this appreciation is purely from an artistic perspective.
"Hmm, why aren't you two saying anything?"
Kai looked at the two of them with some confusion.
Kakashi remained silent because he felt guilty, while Kazashiro was silent because he was reminiscing about the past.
Upon hearing Guy's question, Kakashi quickly changed the subject. "Guy, didn't you say that Kazashiro is your best friend and rival? Now that he's back, why don't you go find him and have a duel?"
Kakashi cleverly shifted the blame, successfully drawing Guy's attention to Kazashiro: "That's right, Kazashiro, we haven't had a proper match since you became a Chunin. This time, let's give it our all and burn our youth to its peak!"
"Kakashi, you—" Kazashiro was about to unleash his inner rascal when he saw Kakashi use a Body Flicker Technique to escape the scene.