"K-Kakashi, get... get out of here!!"
Pakkun's body trembled violently as he curled up in Kakashi and Might Guy's arms, his wide canine eyes staring ahead as he spoke in a shaking voice.
Kakashi's expression was grave as he repeated himself over and over.
"Calm down, Pakkun!"
"The enemy isn't here right now. Calm down!"
Yet despite Kakashi's repeated insistence, Pakkun remained terrified. It was as though all the fighting spirit in his body had been shattered in that instant!
Sakumo and Dai, standing nearby with grim expressions, glanced at the violently trembling Pakkun in Kakashi's arms and said in low voices.
"Let's leave first, Kakashi!"
"If the person who was here earlier is what caused Pakkun to become like this, then staying here will only worsen his burden!"
Hearing Sakumo and Dai's words, Kakashi hurriedly nodded.
The group had only just arrived, yet they immediately moved away again with Pakkun!
Meanwhile, as they moved, atop the stands of the arena—
Naruto, wrapped up tightly all over, boredly cast a sidelong glance around the arena and happened to spot Kakashi and the others, their faces grim!
The instant he saw Kakashi appear at the examination grounds, Naruto's blue eyes abruptly widened, and he shot to his feet in surprise.
"Teacher Kakashi!?"
Hearing Naruto's sudden shout, Sakura's expression shifted slightly. Confused, she followed his gaze, yet saw nothing at all. She could not help saying softly.
"There's nothing there, Naruto. Are you too nervous? Why would Teacher Kakashi be here?"
At Sakura's words, Naruto frowned deeply and scratched his head.
"I definitely wasn't mistaken! That was Teacher Kakashi, but he looked like something had happened. He was in a real hurry..."
Sakura seemed to recall something. Her gaze dimmed slightly as she murmured.
"If Teacher Kakashi had been here back then...