Chapter 282: Not Only Late, But Skipping Class
Haneda said, "Just tell me what you need and how much time it will take for each step."
Orochimaru replied, "The first task will take at least one or two years. The second one will only take a few months, but I'll need your help."
"Is it Mokuton?"
"Exactly. Mokuton can speed up crop growth, and natural energy can also be useful."
Orochimaru nodded, worried that Haneda might underestimate the complexities of cultivating high-quality crops. He explained further:
"Normally, it takes months for crops to grow and mature. Only by using Mokuton and natural energy can we accelerate this process.
"If we rely on hybridization, it'll take generations of selective breeding to isolate superior genes. If we use genetic mutation, then it's all about luck.
"Both methods would take decades. With your help, however, the timeline could be drastically shortened."
Orochimaru continued, "I plan to try both methods: use mutations to create crops with advantageous traits and then use hybridization to combine all those traits into one plant."
"I see," Haneda nodded. "I'll set aside time to assist you." He silently resolved to delegate his training to shadow clones.
Turning to Kakashi, Haneda flicked his forehead lightly and said with a smile, "Forgive me, Kakashi. Our training plans will have to be canceled."
Kakashi's expression darkened immediately—he recognized this as Itachi's trademark gesture toward Sasuke.
"Fine by me. At least I'll get some peace and quiet."
Hearing this, Haneda laughed, while Orochimaru silently marveled at the closeness between the two.
"If I treated Jiraiya like that," Orochimaru thought to himself, "he'd probably explode."
Suddenly recalling something, Orochimaru asked, "Haneda-kun, when do you plan to transplant the First Hokage's cells for your two clansmen? You mean Itachi and Shisui, right?"
Haneda glanced up at the night sky, where the moon hung high. "Tomorrow or the day after. When the time comes, I'll use my ocular powers to assist you and avoid any complications."
Orochimaru nodded in agreement and, seeing that Haneda had no further instructions, leisurely made his way toward the Root base.
As Orochimaru disappeared into the distance, Kakashi asked, "Should we inform Shikaku about this, Haneda?"
"No need. Unless, of course, you'd rather not have a three-day break?"
"Good point."
...
To avoid Shikaku discovering that they had already returned to the village, Haneda and Kakashi stayed at an inn outside Konoha for the night.
The next morning, they donned hats and sunglasses before using Flying Thunder God to return to the village.
They headed straight to Shisui's house. When Shisui saw two strangers appear without wearing ANBU masks, he was immediately on guard.
However, upon recognizing Haneda and Kakashi, he quickly relaxed and greeted them respectfully.
"Lord Hokage. Kakashi-senpai."
Haneda got straight to the point. "What we discussed earlier—I've arranged everything. Come with me."
"The transplant of the First Hokage's cells?" Shisui immediately recalled their conversation from the previous day.
"Yes. Keep this matter confidential; tell no one," Haneda instructed as he gestured for Shisui to approach for teleportation.
In the blink of an eye, the three arrived at Itachi's house.
Inside, Naruto and Sasuke were sprawled on the same bed, fast asleep.
Warm sunlight poured through the windows, slipping past the curtains but failing to rouse the two boys from their slumber.
Haneda checked the time and saw they were about to be late.
Before Haneda could act, Kakashi had already positioned himself by the second-floor window, prepared to grab Naruto and haul him off to the Ninja Academy.
Seeing this, Haneda quickly stopped him, whispering, "Late is late. Haven't you ever been late before?"
"That's different!" Kakashi hissed. "Haneda, do you really want Naruto to end up like Obito, the class clown?"
"What's wrong with that? I was a class clown too. Are you saying you look down on us underdogs, Kakashi?" Haneda quipped.
He added with a smirk, "After all, only the underdogs become the strongest!"
Kakashi was left speechless.
The former "class clown" was now Hokage, the strongest shinobi in the world.
And come to think of it, Haneda and Obito had always been late to everything back in the day…
Meanwhile, Shisui stood by, silently watching the scene unfold.
To avoid the two leaders losing face, he quietly tossed a pebble toward Sasuke's room.
Thud, thud, thud.
The pebble hit the wall and bounced a few times before landing on the floor by the bed.
The sound woke Sasuke, who groggily noticed how bright it was outside. He instinctively looked at the clock.
Only to find it clutched in Naruto's arms, completely turned off!
"Naruto! You idiot!"
"Huh? Ow—what are you doing?!"
In his half-awake confusion, Naruto was dragged by Sasuke to the wardrobe. Sasuke shoved a clean set of clothes into his arms and quickly started changing himself.
Realizing what was happening, Naruto yelled, "Are we late, Sasuke?!"
"Of course we're late, you big idiot! You turned off my alarm clock!"
"Hurry up! I don't want to be late because of you, Naruto!"
Once Naruto was dressed, Sasuke grabbed him and bolted for the stairs.
On their way down, they bumped into Itachi.
"Sasuke, aren't you having breakfast?" Itachi asked, holding a plate of fried eggs with concern.
"No time! We're late, Nii-san!"
Noticing the eggs made by his brother, Sasuke grumbled, "This is all Naruto's fault!"
Naruto protested, "You're the one who made me train last night! If it weren't for you, I'd have woken up on time!"
Ignoring Naruto's complaints, Sasuke dragged him to the door.
As soon as they opened it, they were greeted by three familiar, smiling faces.
Naruto's eyes lit up at the sight of Haneda. Just as he was about to say something, Haneda raised a finger to his lips.
"Shh. I just came back to grab something I forgot. I'll be leaving in a moment."
"Oh…" Naruto muttered, disappointed. "Looks like I'll have to stay with Sasuke for a few more days."
"What's that supposed to mean, Naruto? You're lucky I haven't kicked you out yet!" Sasuke snapped back.
Watching the boys, Itachi immediately realized Haneda was lying.
If he was just retrieving something, why bring Shisui along? And why show up at their house? Clearly, this was an official matter.
Haneda then said, "Naruto, Sasuke, why don't you finish your breakfast first? I'll take you both to school afterward."
Sasuke hesitated. "But there are only three minutes left until class starts, Uncle Haneda…"
Haneda waved dismissively. "No problem. I was often late myself."
Haneda reminisced about the days he and Obito were constantly late or even skipped classes with Kakashi. With a chuckle, he added, "I wasn't just late—I skipped class entirely!"
Naruto looked at Haneda with newfound admiration. In his eyes, Haneda's stature grew even taller.
He had always suspected that underdogs were the strongest. Stupid Iruka-sensei always caught him napping in class!
Meanwhile, Sasuke stared in disbelief.
The strongest shinobi in the world, the Hokage of Konoha, leader of an entire nation… had skipped classes as a kid?!
And why did he say it so proudly?
Watching their reactions, Kakashi leaned in and whispered to Haneda, "Haneda, it's bad enough that you were an underdog. Don't drag Naruto and Sasuke down with you!"