As his words faded, Kakashi remembered Tsunade's cutting remark, his tone turning self-deprecating, caught between laughter and tears.
"I never imagined I'd end up being the weakest member of Team 7."
"I'm their team leader, after all. Having all three students surpass me in every way is a good thing, but it's still a little embarrassing."
As he spoke, Kakashi looked up at the ordinary vendor selling dumplings by the roadside nearby.
The man seemed to notice and turned to look.
Their eyes briefly met.
The dumpling vendor held his gaze, fell silent for two seconds, then gave a slight nod, his expression utterly calm.
At that, Kakashi went quiet for a moment before scratching his head in frustration and sighing softly.
Forget it.
What a mess!
I'll stay out of it!
Meanwhile, at the Konoha Ninja Academy.
The entire playground had already erupted.
Naruto planted his hands on his hips, puffed out his little chest, and threw his head back in laughter. He was practically bursting with pride, his booming voice carrying across the grounds.
"Hahaha! I knew it! I, Naruto Uzumaki, will definitely become Hokage someday! The Seventh, no less!"
"And I'll surpass every Hokage before me! I'll be the strongest Hokage in history!!"
The little brat was brimming with confidence and unbearably smug.
Beside him, Sasuke eyed his gloating expression coldly, unable to resist a derisive snort as he haughtily cut him down.
"Dead last, what are you so proud of?"
"If it weren't for me, could you sit comfortably in the Hokage position?"
"If I hadn't saved the shinobi world, there wouldn't even be a shinobi world left. What the hell would you be Hokage of?"
His words were harsh, but the slight curve of his lips and the irrepressible amusement in his eyes completely betrayed