Although Kakashi was defeated, he did not use all his strength, at least not his trump cards, the Mangekyou Sharingan and Sage Mode.
If this had been a battle to the death, then the three of them, Naruto and his friends, might have already been dead. After all, despite their significant progress over the past two years, Kakashi had not been standing still either.
And when it comes to ninja talent, Kakashi is stronger than all three of them. Although Kakashi's room for improvement is small now, as long as Naruto and the others can continue to grow and have not yet reached their peak, they are still no match for Kakashi.
"What an exciting battle."
At this moment, Tsunade and Jiraiya, who had been watching the battle, also came out, applauding and speaking to Naruto and the others.
"Sensei."
"Pervy Sage."
Sakura and Naruto both exclaimed with joy.
Uchiha Fugaku also came out at this time.
"You did well, Sasuke, truly worthy of being my son."
Uchiha praised aloud.
Hearing this, even the usually stoic Sasuke unconsciously lifted the corners of his mouth slightly. Since childhood, Sasuke had hoped to gain his father's approval.
Previously, when Uchiha Itachi was present, after witnessing Itachi's stunning talent, although Sasuke's talent was also good and among the top, Itachi's example made Fugaku somewhat disappointed in Sasuke.
But as time went on, he realized that this way of educating his child was not right, and instead, he gave Uchiha Sasuke more attention, which indeed made Sasuke feel much better.
It gave him a bit of comfort in his heart, abandoned by his brother.
"But this is still far from enough; you can become even stronger."
The next second, Fugaku's expression changed, perhaps that's the role of a father, never able to give their child the tender love like a mother.
But a father's concern for his child is no less than a mother's.
"Yes, Father, I will perform even better next time."
Hearing Fugaku's admonition, Sasuke immediately put away his smile and took on a serious attitude.
"Sasuke's father is really strict."
Naruto whispered to Sakura.
"Yes."
Sakura nodded in agreement.
"After all, Sasuke carries the entire Uchiha clan on his shoulders."
At this time, Kakashi appeared behind the two and explained.
After Fugaku steps down, the position of the Uchiha clan's Patriarch is very likely to fall on Sasuke's shoulders, even though Sasuke has an older brother, Itachi.
But even if Itachi's exile from the village was a sham, after returning to the village, he would not be able to take over as Patriarch, at most supporting Sasuke to become the second in command of the Uchiha clan.
Therefore, it's inevitable that Fugaku is strict with Sasuke.
"Fortunately, my father isn't that strict with me."
Naruto said with some relief. If his father were that strict, he felt his life would be hopeless, a life worse than death.
"You should train well with Kakashi, and don't forget to take on more missions and engage in battles to hone yourself. After all, battle is the best way to increase one's strength."
Fugaku then said to Sasuke, noting that many combat moves and techniques are developed during battle.
"Yes, Father, I will definitely remember your advice."
Afterward, Fugaku nodded at Satoru as a greeting and left.
Satoru also nodded back. Although he wasn't very close to Fugaku, their relationship was significant—after all, he was the teacher of Fugaku's eldest son, and his brother was the teacher of Fugaku's younger son.
After Fugaku left, Satoru appeared beside Kakashi.
"Kakashi."
Satoru called out to Kakashi.
"Hmm?"
Kakashi responded with confusion, as he hadn't reconciled with Satoru yet.
"Your performance this time is somewhat indescribable."
Satoru shook his head and continued without paying attention to the puzzled look on Kakashi's face.
"I'm really disappointed. I can't even say you're my brother."
"Hey, hey, hey, we haven't made up yet, have we? Don't think you can gloss over that matter by changing the subject."
Kakashi said, annoyed. If he could beat the jerk in front of him, he might have punched him in the face already.
"I didn't expect Kakashi-sensei to be scolded by his own brother. That's really lame."
At this moment, Naruto was glad to be an only child, free from the trouble of being scolded by siblings.
Thinking this, Naruto looked at Sasuke with a pitying gaze, realizing that the two things he was glad to avoid had both happened to Sasuke.
"Hey, don't look at me with that kind of gaze?"
Noticing Naruto's look, Sasuke immediately showed an annoyed expression.
He didn't need anyone's pitying gaze; he didn't need anyone's sympathy.
"Tch, I was actually thinking of teaching you more combat techniques, but since you don't need them, forget it."
Hearing Kakashi's words, Satoru replied and then turned to leave, though he walked very slowly, as if waiting for someone to call him back.
As Satoru's brother, Kakashi was very familiar with Satoru's every move. He knew exactly what Satoru needed now, but he deliberately didn't do it, watching Hatake Satoru walk further away.
And Kakashi didn't need anyone to teach him combat techniques now. His fighting style had already taken shape, and any improvements would come from his own efforts. Guidance from others would hardly be of any substantial help now.
Not hearing Kakashi call him back, Hatake Satoru shook his head helplessly, thinking to himself.
"This little brother of mine is really not cute at all."
"Kakashi-sensei, our Team 7 has rarely gathered together again. Shouldn't we have a good meal to celebrate?"
Naruto said to Kakashi with shining eyes. Although in this world Naruto didn't worry about food and drink, not taking advantage of a good deal would be foolish.
"There's no need for a meal. I think we can take on an A-rank or even an S-rank mission to celebrate. And Naruto, I have some unfortunate news for you."
"What news?"
Naruto asked with a puzzled look.
"Sakura is already a Chunin, and Sasuke has even become a Jonin, while you are still a Genin."
"What!"
Naruto's shocked voice echoed throughout the entire village of Konohagakure.
Sasuke, with his characteristic pride, slightly raised his head and snorted.
(End of Chapter)
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