Meanwhile, clan shinobi didn't have to worry about any of that. Backed by their clans, they received the best resources and could find the best teachers to guide them.
Konoha's response reached Kirigakure.
However, the response didn't satisfy Kirigakure.
The message claimed that it was all just a misunderstanding, simply an intelligence- gathering mission, and there was no assassination attempt.
Whether Kirigakure would believe it or not was up to them.
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.