"See you tomorrow, Mang! Take me on a higher-ranked mission tomorrow."
With Naruto, that tireless bundle of energy, they had already completed two small commissions and collected their pay. They parted outside the Hokage Building, and Naruto waved with a smile as he left.
Luo Mang helplessly rubbed his forehead and nodded in agreement.
It was a commission from the Third Hokage, after all, so he could at least go through the motions. With the man's help, he would at least avoid being targeted by Danzo again.
He was scared.
Not scared that Danzo would kill him, of course, but scared that Danzo would come bother him.
He could stay safe by hiding in his pocket world, but he couldn't hide forever. After all, there was no one else in there. He would get bored too, wouldn't he?
"Mm."
Luo Mang simply nodded.
Once Naruto saw him agree, he left with a grin. It was obvious where he was headed: the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
Luo Mang sighed softly, then headed home.
[Naruto really lived up to being a member of the Uzumaki Clan. Even without the Nine-Tails, the boost from his Uzumaki heritage alone gave him incredible energy. He was still so lively after two D-Rank Missions.]
[He's far too impulsive. With this change, I wonder if he'll still steal the Sealing Jutsu in the future. If he really does, he won't pin it on me, will he?]
[Probably not. Hiruzen Sarutobi likely gave Naruto tacit permission to read the Scroll of Seals anyway. Otherwise, no matter how weak Konoha is now, a child couldn't possibly get his hands on such an important scroll.]
[If that guess is wrong, then what happens in the future will be a mystery. After all, the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique saved Naruto's life so many times. Those tons of chakra of his could match several Kakashis.]
The Hatake Compound.
Reading those words, Kakashi's face darkened.
He even clenched his fists, looking ready to punch someone at any moment.
His chakra reserves were low because of his Sharingan! What did he mean, "match several Kakashis"?
[Video: Kakashi Hatake vs. Zabuza!]
[This video is pretty good. It's Naruto and Sasuke's first real fight and brush with death, the beginning of their transformation. Watching Kakashi in action should be worthwhile. At least I can learn how to copy techniques with the Sharingan and see whether I can copy them through a video.]
Luo Mang hurried home and opened the video. According to the detailed information the Diary could reveal, he had three chakra natures: wind, water, and lightning.
So he genuinely wanted to see whether he could copy their Water Dragon Bullet Technique through the video.
His luck had been terrible lately. He kept getting white rewards, without even any chakra bonuses. Relying on others was a little too slow, so he had to put in some effort himself.
He settled into position and started the video.
[A breeze blew past, and a figure suddenly appeared on a large tree, his back to Kakashi, his small team, and the person their mission required them to protect.
"To think I'd run into Kakashi of the Sharingan here. Heh, pardon me."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes as he looked up at Zabuza. He said nothing, ready to gather his strength at any moment.
"I want that old man!"
Zabuza abruptly turned and pointed at the elderly man hiding behind Sakura.
At those words, Kakashi's gaze sharpened, creases forming across his forehead. With one hand, he pushed up the forehead protector covering his left eye, revealing the Sharingan beneath!]
In the real world.
Kakashi fell silent as he watched the video. His counterpart had reacted strongly when Zabuza said he wanted the old man.
That meant this was a mission. Otherwise, he would only be protecting his students.
He wouldn't have his students guarding that old man.
He would encounter Zabuza on a mission-the successor to the Kubikiribōchō, known as the Demon of the Hidden Mist?
Kakashi hadn't known much of this information at first. All he knew was that the man wielded the Kubikiribōchō and was one of the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
But the last time he had gone to receive a mission, he had happened to glimpse the man's wanted poster, which provided some information.
As a highly intelligent young man, he naturally had an excellent memory. A glance was enough for him to remember it.
[The video continued. Zabuza raised his hand and called softly.
"Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Technique!"
As soon as he finished speaking, thick white mist filled the surroundings, blocking everyone's vision!
"Everyone, be careful!"
After warning his students, Kakashi's Sharingan glowed red and spun rapidly as he scanned the surroundings, trying to locate Zabuza!
Mist like this heightened people's fear. Sasuke had experienced this kind of death before, so he felt more terrified than the others. His body even trembled.
Kakashi happened to catch sight of this as he surveyed the area!
"Don't worry, Sasuke. I won't let them kill my comrades!"
"That remains to be seen!"
Zabuza's voice suddenly rang out like a ghost's!
All three youngsters startled at once!
Whoosh!
The Kubikiribōchō hummed as it swept through the air!
Bang!
A surge of chakra blasted all three youngsters and the old man away, while Kakashi held a kunai against Zabuza's neck!
Meanwhile, the Kakashi who had been standing in front dissolved into water.
"Oh, you copied my clone?"
Zabuza's voice came from behind him again, and Kakashi's expression changed drastically!
Another clone in this chain of tricks!
A roar sounded again as the Kubikiribōchō swept past. Kakashi abruptly ducked to evade it!
He avoided the sword, but not Zabuza's fierce taijutsu kick, which sent him flying to the riverbank!
Kakashi quickly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and tried to stand, only to feel his body grow heavy. Zabuza appeared there using the Body Flicker Technique!
"Water Prison Technique!"
"Damn it!"
Trapped firmly inside, Kakashi couldn't break free. All he could do was glare murderously at Zabuza!
"Heh. Once I kill those brats, we can have a proper fight!"
Zabuza didn't let his guard down. He knew Kakashi still had strength he hadn't used, but he also had a commission to complete. He would kill the brats and capture the old man first, then duel Kakashi!
"Water Clone Technique!"
Bang!
Another Zabuza rose from the water, and Zabuza raised his hand again to activate the Hidden Mist Technique!]
Inside Sasuke's house.
As he watched the video, he launched into a string of complaints.
"Kakashi is so weak. Why does he get beaten every time he runs into someone? First Pain, then Orochimaru, and now this demon. He's so weak!"
Sasuke Uchiha's face twisted with frustration. He couldn't help it. There had been four videos in total, and Kakashi had taken a beating in three of them. Even if Sasuke wanted to think highly of him, he couldn't!
But thinking it over, he couldn't even surpass Kakashi himself. How could he call himself truly strong? His progress was still too slow. He could only look for a way to develop his eyes, but he still only had one-tomoe. How frustrating!
Sasuke Uchiha helplessly rubbed his forehead and kept watching the video. All he could do was learn the techniques. He could feel the oppressive presence and killing intent emanating from that demon. He had to endure it, overcome it, then counterattack. If he really encountered him next time, that would improve his chances of survival!
Before you continue