Asuma's expression turned serious when he heard that, and he nodded.
"These kids are really strong. Whether you look at their strategies or their abilities, they're the most outstanding students I've ever seen. And that's not all—I get the feeling they weren't even going all out against Kakashi and me."
Kakashi, standing to the side, nodded to himself. He couldn't help thinking, Going all out? The others, maybe. But if that guy Lu Yu had gone all out, I don't think any of us would be here right now.
The Third exhaled a puff of smoke and said with a smile, "They really weren't going all out... Naruto and Sasuke are far stronger than that. The only thing that bothers me is that the main purpose this time was to see how strong Ino-Shika-Cho were, but from what I can tell, they barely lifted a finger."
Hearing the Third's words, Asuma froze and looked at him in confusion. "Lord Hokage, do you know these kids well?"
"I suppose I do. Whenever I've had some spare time over the years, I've gone to see them. Naruto and Sasuke are all alone now, after all. As Hokage, I should give them the care of a family member."
The Third's gaze grew distant. He recalled the times he'd gone fishing with Lu Yu and competed with him to eat the grilled fish. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he sighed, "Time really flies. Those kids have grown up in the blink of an eye. By the way, Kakashi, you..."
Kakashi took a deep breath under the Third's gaze and said, his voice a little hoarse, "Would you believe me if I said Lu Yu defeated me with his presence alone?"
"What? His presence?"
Asuma and Yūhi Kurenai were both startled. They stared at Kakashi, dumbfounded.
How was that possible?!
Kakashi was a Jonin with years of battle experience. He was even known as Copy Ninja Kakashi. The two of them might not have been able to defeat him even if they'd teamed up...
Neither could believe that Kakashi had lost so easily to a student who'd only just graduated.
And from what Kakashi was saying, Lu Yu hadn't even attacked. He'd won through sheer presence?
The Third, however, merely smiled as if he were entirely unsurprised by their shock. "Heh, I believe it. That guy Lu Yu is a mystery. I've never seen him work hard at training, yet he's been Top Student year after year. And even when he sees me, he looks at me as if I'm just some senile old man."
The Third nodded at Kakashi, signaling for him not to dwell on it, then turned to Yūhi Kurenai. "Kurenai, what do you think of your team?"
Yūhi Kurenai immediately answered seriously, "Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame Shino are doing fine. Hinata is far stronger than I expected. The eldest princess of the Hyuga Clan seems much stronger than the rumors suggest."
The Third nodded and looked at the three of them solemnly. "To put it plainly, the three teams you're leading, along with Might Guy's team, are Konoha's hope for the future. So the three of you need to put in extra effort. By the way, Asuma, you can give that kid Lu Yu some special consideration."
"All right, go back and think things over. Do your best to improve your teams as soon as possible. The Chunin Ninja Exams aren't far off."
The three of them nodded and took their leave.
As soon as they stepped out of the office, Asuma looked at Kakashi with envy. "Speaking of the practical exercise, your team's Sasuke and Naruto made a huge difference. Those two are incredible. I'm jealous, Kakashi."
Kakashi smiled, patted Asuma on the shoulder, and said meaningfully, "Asuma, things aren't as simple as they seem..."
With that, Kakashi and Yūhi Kurenai quickly went their separate ways.
Asuma pulled out a cigarette and lit it, quietly beginning to plan Team 10's future...
Meanwhile, the Third watched the three of them leave, a smile spreading across his face.
"Looks like a new era is upon us. Naruto and Sasuke have grown into their strength. If only that kid Lu Yu weren't so lazy. Once he's a little older, he could take over as Hokage, and I could finally retire in peace."
"What will the future look like as these kids grow up? I can't wait to find out..."
The next day, Team 10 gathered at the agreed-upon meeting place.
Lu Yu and Shikamaru leaned against a wooden post, dozing as usual, while Choji busied himself with snacks. Ino alone looked around curiously.
Ten minutes later, Asuma arrived right on time, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
The four of them perked up a little when they sensed Asuma's arrival.
After all, today was their first day as Genin. As far as they knew, they could start taking missions and earning money today.
That meant they could cover their future expenses themselves, instead of having to beg their parents for money.
Asuma saw the four of them watching him expectantly and smiled amiably. "All right, I know what you're thinking. Come on, I'll take you to pick up a mission."
They'd expected a lecture, but Asuma's straightforwardness earned him their approval once again. Even Ino couldn't help praising him. "Teacher Asuma really understands us."
"Haha, you think so? I just don't like talking too much."
On the way, Asuma explained the mission ranks, rewards, and assignment system in detail.
After his explanation, the four of them had a good grasp of how it worked.
Before long, Team 10 arrived at the mission assignment office. Asuma turned to the four of them and said, "This is where you come to pick up missions. Once you start taking missions on your own, you can come here to get them."
"But since you've only just become Genin, you can only take D-rank missions for now."
"Since this is your first mission, let's start with something simple."
Asuma led the three of them inside and nodded to the Third. "Third, Team 10 is here to pick up a mission."
"Hmm..."
The Third took a long draw on his pipe and slowly blew out a smoke ring. Only then did he answer, unhurriedly, "Asuma's Team 10, huh? Since it's your first mission, why not help with some weeding or clean up the river..."
Before you continue