Although spying on other villages for information isn't exactly an honorable thing to openly discuss, it's precisely what shinobi do, isn't it?
Does the Mist Village dare say they've never sent their shinobi to gather intel from other villages?
Konoha's intelligence was first delivered to Gengetsu before being reported to the Third Mizukage. Gengetsu knew well that the Third Mizukage wouldn't be satisfied with this response.
Sakumo Hatake hadn't even fully recovered yet, and already sounds were coming from the yard. Unsurprisingly, it was Kakashi training in the sword techniques passed down by the Hatake Clan.
Despite his young age—not even old enough for school yet—Kakashi's reputation as a genius had already spread, thanks to his connection to Sakumo Hatake.
"Kakashi, training is about balancing effort and rest. Overworking will be a burden to your body."
"Yes, Father."
Kakashi put away his training sword and gave a formal bow, sitting upright on the floor with his back straight and a disciplined demeanor.
"..."
It's just the two of us at home, there's no need to be so formal.
Sakumo Hatake opened his mouth to say something, but ultimately left it unsaid. Kakashi always admired him, aspiring to become as strong as his father. His attitude toward training was admirable, but it was starting to get excessive.
The Hatake Clan wasn't a big family and didn't have lots of strange customs. Yet, Kakashi acted more like someone from the Hyuga Clan, which left Sakumo feeling a bit helpless.
While chewing on a not-so-tasty sandwich, Sakumo smiled. "Kakashi, even though you're not old enough to enroll yet, your abilities already surpass those of your peers. Would you like me to find a suitable teacher for you?"
Looking up at his father, Kakashi immediately shook his head. "No."
This kid…
Sakumo didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Couldn't he at least soften his tone a bit when refusing? And why must he give me that 45-degree glance—it's impolite!
Kakashi idolized him and constantly worked to be as strong as him. Finding a suitable teacher for Kakashi meant finding someone who could impress him—ideally a fellow genius, perhaps someone who could rival Sakumo himself.
After all, geniuses often have more in common with each other.
While chewing the bland sandwich, Sakumo started contemplating who would be a good choice. He was too busy to train Kakashi himself. Moreover, Kakashi's relentless training, driven by the desire to live up to Sakumo, wasn't really suitable for someone his age. Sakumo feared it could negatively impact Kakashi's growth over time.
Otherwise, there'd be no need for anyone else—he could teach Kakashi himself.
"Kakashi, do you think of yourself as a genius?"
"?"
Midway through chewing his tasteless sandwich, Kakashi looked up, a big question mark practically hovering above his head.
It seemed like a puzzling question. Kakashi thought about it for a moment and then answered, "I guess… I might be."
"...."
He really is my kid—so full of confidence.
Never mind, we can deal with this later. It's not urgent.
"I need to go out for a bit, and I won't be home for dinner tonight. Want to come along?"
Tsunade had been supportive of him, so it was only right to treat her to dinner. Sakumo wasn't one to procrastinate—he decided to head to the logistics department to find Tsunade.
After glancing at the half-eaten sandwich in his hand, Kakashi decided to put it down. Though he wasn't a picky eater, his father's sandwiches were particularly bad.
"You brat!"
Seeing his food being rejected, Sakumo playfully scolded with a smile.
When Sakumo brought Kakashi to the logistics department and told Tsunade he wanted to treat her to dinner, she couldn't help but laugh. He was persistent, so eventually, she agreed.
"Hey kid, you've grown up fast, huh? Almost ready for school?"
Tsunade placed a hand on Kakashi's head, ruffling his hair. Kakashi rolled his eyes but stayed still, tolerating it.
If it had been anyone else, he would have dodged the gesture. But since it was Tsunade, Kakashi endured it, even though he disliked it.
"Almost," Sakumo said with a smile. "Although he's not old enough yet, I think I'll send him to the academy this upcoming term. He's a bit too reserved, and being around other children might help him open up."
"I'm also thinking about finding a good teacher for him. Any suggestions, Tsunade?"
Sakumo had been mulling it over but couldn't decide. Tsunade's insight might help, especially considering her keen judgment.
"A teacher, huh?"
Tsunade hadn't expected Sakumo to be considering this already, given that Kakashi was only four. It wasn't an easy decision, especially for Kakashi. With Sakumo backing him, whoever they picked was unlikely to refuse, even if it was one of the Sannin.
"It's not really my area," she admitted. "I'm better at taijutsu and medical ninjutsu, and I can't really guide him myself. You'd need someone well-versed in kenjutsu or sword techniques… and personality matters too."
"Definitely not Jiraiya or Orochimaru, though," Tsunade added with a grimace.
Orochimaru was becoming someone even Tsunade felt uncomfortable around, and as for Jiraiya… who knows where he was off gallivanting now?
"Yeah… not the best fit," Sakumo said, giving an awkward chuckle. He would have to keep looking for the right person.
Finding the right mentor for Kakashi meant considering not only their skills but also potential factional implications. It wasn't a decision to be taken lightly.
At the BBQ restaurant, the familiar smell of grilled meat greeted them.
"Sakumo, Tsunade—right this way," the enthusiastic server from the Akimichi family's barbecue restaurant greeted them.
"No need for the formality," Sakumo said, lifting Kakashi up onto his shoulder with a smile. "I'm just here to treat Tsunade to dinner."
Upon entering the restaurant, Sakumo spotted a familiar head of silver hair, staring out the window in a daze.
He knew then that tonight was going to be interesting.
As expected, Tsunade marched straight over and put the silver-haired boy in a headlock.
"Hey, brat! I asked if I could eat at your place, and you said you'd be training—was this the training you were talking about? Eating barbecue?!"
If it hadn't been for the familiar voice and scent, Takuya was ready to throw whoever grabbed him.
"I said no because whenever you eat, you never wash dishes!" Takuya retorted. "Anyway, I just finished training. I'm waiting for Nawaki and Minato."
Sure, Takuya co-owned a hotpot restaurant with Kushina, but who wants hotpot all the time? Sometimes, the Akimichi's BBQ was too tempting to resist.
"Ahem… next time, I swear," Tsunade said, suddenly bashful. "I'll wash the dishes, I promise!"
Yeah, right. I don't believe you! Takuya grumbled to himself, knowing Tsunade too well. Every time she promised, she'd eat and leave him with the cleanup.
"Takuya, mind if we join you?" Sakumo asked with a smile.
_____________Bonus Chapter_____________
Next Bonus: 1400 Power Stones ╰ (´꒳`) ╯
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 320+ at patreon.com/ Emik01. ಥ‿ಥ
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