Kakashi bent down and stared intently at Naruto as he questioned him.
"Yeah." Faced with Kakashi's serious question, Naruto admitted it without hesitation.
Kakashi had imagined Naruto looking utterly baffled and saying he knew nothing, or even crying, throwing a tantrum, and threatening to hang himself while claiming someone had framed him. Such a ready admission was the last thing he had expected.
Seeing Naruto staring at him with those big, watery eyes, seemingly unaware of just how much trouble he had caused, Kakashi wanted to spank him raw.
"Tell me, did someone put you up to this? Someone like Orochimaru?"
"No, I did it myself."
"Huh? Why? I need a reason." Kakashi rubbed his hands together, his tone decidedly unfriendly.
"Because I wanted the ninjas from every country to see the Past Hokage in a whole new light. What, are you saying my ancestral painting skills aren't good enough?"
At that, Naruto leaned closer to Kakashi, thinking himself clever, and spoke as though he knew just how to handle things. "Kakashi-sensei, if Grandpa Third gives me a reward for this later, I'll tell him it was all thanks to your guidance. Then we can split the reward!"
"Naruto!! Who taught you to do that? Don't go spouting nonsense! Would I teach you to vandalize Hokage Rock?" Kakashi's ample chest heaved at Naruto's answer. "Your filial devotion is a little too much to bear."
"Huh?"
Looking at Naruto's utterly bewildered face, Kakashi could only help him come up with a plan.
After listening to Kakashi's explanation, Naruto finally understood why he had been gaining so many dual stats in succession.
"Did you hear me? When Lord Third asks you about it, answer exactly as I told you."
Seeing that Kakashi-sensei had even planned his way out for him, Naruto felt