"Teacher, this is roughly the situation. Several Genin in Konoha have such strength. I'm afraid this operation will not be that easy."
After returning to her residence, Temari informed Baki of the situation and expressed her worries.
But Baki didn't quite believe it.
"Kankuro, Gaara, is it really what Temari said?"
Temari was the most stable among the three and Baki's most trusted disciple, so he shouldn't have doubts when things came out of Temari's mouth. But things were too incredible.
A Genin whose strength is not weaker than Gaara's, a Genin whose strength is mysterious and unfathomable, and a genius who can use advanced ninjutsu without even graduating from the ninja academy!
This is just a corner of Konoha. Who knows how many powerful people Konoha hides?
"Teacher, it's exactly what Temari said. That guy named Kazuki from the Gekko Clan just looked at me, and I felt as terrified as if I was going to die!" Kankuro said with lingering fear.
Gaara also nodded and responded, "That Kazuki is indeed terrifying, faster than anyone I have ever seen!"
Everyone, including Baki!
In other words, Kazuki's speed has surpassed the category of elite Jounin!
Baki was a little solemn when he heard this.
"If Konoha is really as you say, this operation may need to be reconsidered. But this matter is Lord Kazekage's decision, and I'm afraid it's difficult for us to change his mind. The most important thing is that many of our companions have already infiltrated the Land of Fire and are ready to act…"
After thinking for a while, Baki finally did not dare to bother Rasa about this matter.
If he were frightened by two Genin and a brat who hadn't graduated yet and tried to persuade Rasa to abandon his plan, things wouldn't go as he wished, and Rasa would surely scold him!
When the time came, the plan would fail, and they'd end up being blamed for it.
"I will ask Orochimaru for information about those people. Regarding the plan, you just need to complete your tasks. Also…if you encounter those guys in the Chunin Exam, try not to confront them directly. There is no room for error in the plan, or you'll face the consequences from Lord Kazekage!"
"I understand, teacher!" Kankuro and Temari responded in unison.
Gaara didn't respond immediately, so Baki looked at him specifically and said,
"Gaara, don't ruin the plan."
Gaara looked at Maki with cold eyes. After a moment of silence, he responded indifferently, "Understood."
On the other side, Sasuke was about to look for Kakashi when Kakashi approached them himself.
"Hey, we happen to meet here," Kakashi said, smiling at the three of them.
"Kakashi, we're going to take part in this year's Chunin Exams," Sasuke said.
"Oh? You already know?"
Kakashi was slightly surprised but didn't think much about it. Although the list of candidates for the Chunin Examination had just been finalized, it had actually been planned for a long time.
Not to mention that Sasuke and the others were from this village, even people from other villages had known about the Chunin Examination in Konoha for months.
"Now that you know, I'll tell you straight. I have registered you for the Chunin Exam. The exam will be in three days."
"What? You already signed us up?"
Although Sakura was confident about taking the Chunin Exam, she was still a little nervous about actually signing up.
"Don't be nervous. I believe you can pass the exam with your strength." Kakashi encouraged Sakura with a smile.
Due to their increased strength, Kakashi didn't test Sakura's determination like before. In the original story, Sakura wasn't strong enough to pass the Chunin Exam, but now she has a great chance. Even if she failed, Kakashi believed that the experience was valuable.
"We will work hard!" Sakura clenched her fists, silently encouraging herself, feeling both excited and determined.
"Are you going to take the Chunin Exams?"
Naruto ran over excitedly, having overheard their conversation.
If I graduate this year, can I also take the Chunin Exam? Naruto wondered.
"Are you… Naruto? I heard you've been training with Kazuki recently. I hope you can successfully pass the ninja exam next year," Kakashi said with a smile.
He had always known that Naruto was the Fourth Hokage's son, but due to Naruto's status as a Jinchuuriki, Kakashi couldn't have much contact with him. His status and orders from the Third Hokage restricted any involvement, even indirect support.
"Thank you, Uncle!"
"Uncle…?"
The corner of Kakashi's mouth twitched. Do I look that old?
"Uncle, you're Kazuki's mentor, right? Then you must be stronger than him. When I graduate and surpass Kazuki, I'll surpass you too! I want to surpass everyone and become Hokage!"
Kakashi was stunned for a moment. For some reason, he saw a bit of Obito in Naruto. An illusion flashed before him, merging Naruto's smile with Obito's, almost like they were one.
If Obito hadn't died, would he have realized his dream already? Kakashi thought.
"Come on," Kakashi said, encouragingly.
"Yeah! I'll do my best!" Naruto said, scratching the back of his head and flashing his usual big, goofy grin.
------------------
+65 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
Unlock exclusive access to more fanfic chapters and support my work by joining me on Patreon! Your support helps bring your favorite stories to life