Shihōin Naraku stood on a rock with his hands in his pockets, watching Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha below as they kept their heads pressed together.
Naruto Uzumaki was bruised and swollen all over his face. Sasuke Uchiha was slightly better off, but traces of blood marked the corner of his mouth and his arms, and his clothes were torn in several places.
"Ha-"
Shihōin Naraku sat cross-legged on the boulder, propping his chin on one hand as he watched the two brats butt heads below.
They really were destined for this!
Sasuke Uchiha always wore a cold expression, but whenever he ran into Naruto Uzumaki, he could never help losing his composure. Even if he regained his indifference afterward, he would lose it again the next time Naruto provoked him.
"Destined... Come to think of it, this group is only missing Sakura Haruno now."
Sakura Haruno would be able to join Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha's ninja team because Naruto liked her, since this group was built around the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Shihōin Naraku understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions perfectly. Building bonds-the same old routine. But Sasuke Uchiha's inclusion also had to do with the Sharingan. After all, the Sharingan was a natural counter to tailed beasts.
"Who are you?!"
Lost in his wandering thoughts, Shihōin Naraku had yet to snap out of them when Sasuke Uchiha turned his head and spotted him sitting cross-legged on the boulder with his chin propped on one hand.
"Ah! Big Brother Naraku!"
Following Sasuke Uchiha's gaze, Naruto Uzumaki spotted Shihōin Naraku at once and immediately ran over happily.
Pop...
Shihōin Naraku flicked a finger. A faint spark abruptly appeared, shot through the air, and struck Naruto Uzumaki lightly on the forehead, making him stop involuntarily and rub his forehead.
"What did you hit me for, Big Brother Naraku?"
"You're about to graduate from the Ninja Academy, and you still have time to fool around here?"
Naruto Uzumaki immediately protested loudly. Pointing at Sasuke Uchiha, whose expression had turned indifferent again, he said, "We were training! Just now, that jerk Sasuke..."
When Shihōin Naraku pointed a finger at him, Naruto Uzumaki could only shut his mouth, though he lowered his head and continued muttering under his breath.
But Naruto did not dawdle. He turned around and resumed his training.
Sasuke Uchiha, standing to one side, glanced at Shihōin Naraku and hesitated before joining Naruto in training.
They had actually already completed their tree-climbing practice, but Sasuke Uchiha had not returned to training alone as he once had. Instead, he stayed. Even though he ended up scuffling with Naruto Uzumaki every so often, he had no intention of leaving.
Whoosh!
Kakashi Hatake appeared beside Shihōin Naraku, and the two silently watched Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha spar for a while.
"Hey, Naraku, let's have a spar!"
"Hm?"
Kakashi Hatake's words took Shihōin Naraku aback. Still sitting cross-legged, he tilted his head slightly to look at him, wondering what had made Kakashi think of sparring with him today.
Seeing his impassive expression, Shihōin Naraku curled his lip and said, "Oh, but you can't beat me."
"We'll have to try to find out." Kakashi Hatake put away Icha Icha Paradise and looked down at Shihōin Naraku seriously. "Don't forget, between the two of us, I'm the one who's won the most spars."
"Hahaha... And don't you forget how long ago that was. I was just going easy on you when we were kids."
Shihōin Naraku laughed heartily, drawing the attention of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha nearby. "If you want to, there's no harm in having a fight. But you have to tell me why..."
"Lord Third Hokage summoned me today and told me a few things. I may be leaving the ANBU soon."
"So that's it."
Hearing this, Shihōin Naraku understood. Kakashi Hatake was going to leave the ANBU to become a team instructor.
Perhaps he was actually willing deep down, but still felt some reluctance to accept it, which was why he wanted to fight Shihōin Naraku. If he won, he could let go of his old hang-ups and leave the ANBU.
If he lost, he would still leave, but some lingering discontent might always remain in his heart!
After all, put another way, this also counted as Shihōin Naraku "driving him out" and becoming Anbu Commander.
Lose and become Hokage; win and stay to take office as Anbu Captain!
Perhaps, for Kakashi Hatake, this battle was also a way to vent the pain in his heart.
So Shihōin Naraku agreed without hesitation. His good friend had personally asked for a beating; naturally, he was duty-bound to oblige.
"You volunteered for a beating. You said it yourself." Shihōin Naraku spread his hands, looking helpless. "This is the first time in my life I've ever heard a request like that."
Jumping down from the boulder, Shihōin Naraku clapped his hands and surveyed their surroundings, then frowned. "Let's go to Training Ground Nineteen. These woods on the back mountain didn't grow easily. Let's not destroy them completely."
Kakashi Hatake glanced at Naraku. "Looks like you're planning to go all out?"
"Of course. I finally have a reason to beat you up. I can't let this chance slip by."
Shihōin Naraku raised his eyebrows, lifted a hand to signal Naruto Uzumaki, then turned and left.
"Huh?"
Naruto Uzumaki had just been about to show Shihōin Naraku the results of his training, but he had not expected him to leave already. He immediately abandoned Sasuke Uchiha and hurried after him.
"Big Brother Naraku, you're leaving already? What are you going to do? You haven't even seen how strong I am now."
"Kids should go home early and rest. We have things to do."
Seeing Shihōin Naraku dismiss him like a little child, Naruto Uzumaki pouted unhappily, but then spotted Kakashi Hatake leaving with him.
"Uncle Kakashi's leaving too? You two..."
Kakashi Hatake was rather speechless. Naruto called him Uncle but called Naraku Big Brother. Didn't that put them in different generations? The two of them were the same age.
"We're going to fight! But you're not allowed to watch this show. Hurry home, or go train on your own."
Shihōin Naraku waved his hand, signaling Naruto Uzumaki to leave quickly.
A fight?!
Naruto Uzumaki's eyes instantly lit up, and excitement spread across his face.
As Shihōin Naraku and Kakashi Hatake receded into the distance, Naruto Uzumaki immediately began sneaking after them. Still, he had some loyalty and did not forget Sasuke Uchiha, so he beckoned behind him, signaling Sasuke to follow.
Sasuke Uchiha stood there and thought for a moment, then followed after all.
The two stealthily trailed Shihōin Naraku and Kakashi Hatake like that. Of course, Naruto and Sasuke had long since been discovered, but neither Naraku nor Kakashi minded.
Training Ground Nineteen lay to the southeast of Konohagakure. It covered a vast area, and its surroundings were well suited to battle; it was just a little far away.
Shihōin Naraku asked beforehand whether Kakashi Hatake needed to go back and prepare any ninja tools or the like. Kakashi simply shook his head, indicating that he had already prepared everything.
"Looks like you've had this planned for a while!"
Shihōin Naraku gave him a thoughtful glance and shrugged.
Before you continue