Kakashi and the Iga Squad's Grudge

"I know him. He was in the same class as me, though he graduated early."

As he answered the question, Gong Yi kept a close eye on Ogawara's expression.

The look on the other boy's face was one of resentment, complaint, and even hatred!

Gong Yi pressed further, "What is it? Do you know him too?"

Ogawara swung his arm fiercely, "That detestable bastard! Don't let me see him, or I'll definitely beat him to a pulp."

Hyuga Senso said in a muffled voice, "Ogawara, you can't beat Kakashi."

Ogawara's eyes turned red, "Even if I can't beat him, I still have to try. Captain Sakurada and Captain Matsubara both died because of him. Sooner or later, I will beat him until he apologizes to the two captains who died!"

The voice of hatred poured out without the slightest concealment; the young man made no effort to hide his thoughts.

Gong Yi became even more curious about the grudge between them and Kakashi.

Hyuga Senso offered a brief explanation.

"Kakashi was in our squad before. We completed one C-rank mission and one B-rank mission with him."

Gong Yi nodded, "Isn't that a good thing?"

Hyuga Senso shook his head, his palms clenching slightly, "The price of completing the missions was the death of our captain. During the second B-rank mission, the new captain died as well."

A silent sorrow began to permeate the air.

Even though Gong Yi had not experienced it himself, he could feel the deep-seated hatred hidden within Hyuga Senso's somber words.

"That bastard only cared about completing the mission; he didn't consider the danger at all. Both times, it was only because the captains stayed behind to cover us that we survived. But Kakashi felt no remorse whatsoever, and he still thinks he did nothing wrong!"

Ogawara's eyes were bloodshot, as if he would throw himself at Kakashi regardless of the consequences if the boy were standing right in front of him.

In fact, after returning to the village, Ogawara had even punched Kakashi in the face.

But Kakashi had only looked at him calmly, offered no explanation, gave no response, and simply walked away.

It was precisely this indifferent attitude that left Ogawara nursing a grudge, unwilling to forgive Kakashi in the slightest.

Listening to Ogawara's account, Gong Yi quickly sketched out the current persona of his former classmate.

Because of his father's suicide, Kakashi had become lost regarding the trade-off between missions and comrades.

If his father died because he did something wrong, then as his father's son, he should walk the "correct" path.

Even if it meant losing his comrades in the process!

It was hard to say whether this approach was right or wrong, but the interests of the village were certainly being safeguarded.

Clap! Clap!

The sound of clapping rang out, and Iga Kawaji, wearing a stiff smile, drew everyone's attention.

"My turn, I suppose!"

"I am Iga Kawaji, your new captain. I like grilled meat, and if this mission is a success, I'll treat you all to a meal! As for my specialties, they are Earth Style Ninjutsu, intelligence gathering, and stealth!"

Gong Yi, Ogawara, and Hyuga Senso bowed to Iga Kawaji to express their respect for their captain.

A Jonin was certainly worthy of their respect.

However, Gong Yi felt a surge of joy in his heart.

Judging by the composition of the squad, it was clear that the big shots in the village had begun to take notice of him and were even providing him with resources for growth.

This squad had Ogawara, who excelled in trap setting and medical ninjutsu.

It had Hyuga Senso, who excelled in reconnaissance.

Coupled with a powerful Jonin, the composition was undoubtedly very reasonable, perhaps even comparable to the protagonist Team 7 from the future.

One had to remember, this was before the Third Great Ninja War had even begun.

The medical ninja system in Konoha had declined due to Tsunade's depression, and most teams couldn't even afford a medical ninja.

Not to mention having a member of the Hyuga Clan.

Furthermore, Iga Kawaji specialized in Earth Style Ninjutsu; in a sense, this was like being assigned a personal mentor.

Iga Kawaji continued his speech, but in reality, as a ninja who had just left the Anbu, he was not yet accustomed to life under the sun.

Even his smile appeared stiff.

Nevertheless, he tried his best to play the role of captain.

"I don't care if you are Genin with rich mission experience, children from prestigious families, or just rookies who just graduated. I only want to say this: since you have joined my team, you must follow my orders regarding mission matters from now on!"

"Whether a mission succeeds or fails involves not only your life and mine, but also the interests of the village."

"As Konoha, a ninja village attached to the Land of Fire, the vast majority of our funding comes from mission commissions. Only when our mission success rate is high will the Land of Fire, and the other Five Great Nations, entrust us with more missions. Only then can the village have more funds to build and improve the quality of life for the villagers—and, of course, improve our own living environment."

Listening to these words, Gong Yi nodded slightly.

Hyuga Senso listened with a somber expression.

Ogawara seemed fired up, "Lord Iga, are you the type of person who puts missions above all else too?"

The words had barely left his mouth when Hyuga Senso pulled him back.

"Apologize to the Lord, how are you speaking!"

Ogawara shook off his hand, staring stubbornly at Iga Kawaji.

Unexpectedly, Iga Kawaji did not get angry at Ogawara's rudeness.

"First, I must remind you that you should address me as Captain, not Lord!"

"Ah."

"Secondly, for the village, the mission is indeed the supreme principle. However, during the execution of the mission, I will certainly do my best to protect everyone's safety. Of course, you must not hold me back and must strive to complete the tasks assigned to you."

"Finally!"

Speaking to this point, Iga Kawaji paused, his expression somewhat dazed.

"If you are dissatisfied with the village's decisions, then you should not question them, but rather strive through your own efforts to change them!"

Ogawara's face flushed red, realizing he was in the wrong.

Gong Yi felt that these words from Iga Kawaji actually made a lot of sense.

Rather than questioning the rules, why not strengthen oneself and then break them?

"Action speaks louder than words!"

Gong Yi said in a deep voice.

Iga Kawaji's eyes lit up, "Gong Yi's summary is very on point."

"Alright, we don't have much time. After a brief understanding of each other, let's hit the road now!"

"Captain, are we not picking up a mission?"

"I already picked it up when I set out. We'll discuss it on the way. Our destination for this trip: the Land of Rain!"