Chapter 116: Uchiha Itachi's Teacher
The banquet was quite grand, divided into two distinct sections. One part was for the regular Uchiha clan members, and the other
for the Uchiha high command and the Land of Rain's top brass.
The banquet for the regular clan members would commence before the high-level one. Uchiha Fugaku would announce its opening, and
then immediately leave his seat to attend the more important latter event.
This concerned the future of his son. At the same time, he also intended to share the news of Mikoto's pregnancy with everyone else.
He hadn't yet decided on a name for his second son; perhaps he could solicit their opinions then.
Meanwhile, a silver-haired young man, accompanied by two young girls, had just finished training at the combat training ground and was
heading home, only to discover a letter in the mailbox at their doorstep.
"Strange. I'm actually getting mail?"
Until today, the mailbox by their door had been practically decorative. Kakashi's interactions were limited
to Mei Terumi, Sara, and a few close acquaintances.
Sara retrieved the letter from the mailbox. After glancing at Kakashi and receiving his permission, she opened the envelope. Inside was
a rather simple invitation.
"An invitation from the Uchiha Clan?"
As Sara read the words aloud, Mei Terumi seemed a little unsure, but Kakashi suddenly understood.
"Uchiha Fugaku mentioned it to me before. I almost forgot! It should be today, shouldn't it?"
"Yes, it's about to start."
Checking the time, Mei Terumi shifted, then tugged on the silver-haired young man's sleeve.
"Can I come too?"
"I don't think the Uchiha Clan would mind an extra seat. Sara, you should come too."
"No thanks."
Unlike Mei Terumi, who always wanted to follow Kakashi, Sara disliked the atmosphere of such banquets. Such atmospheres reminded
her of her dealings with Sunagakure before her own nation was destroyed. Being around too many people easily made her feel unsafe.
"Alright, we'll be back."
Not pressing the red-haired girl further, the two went inside to change. Rather than attending the banquet in their Akatsuki black cloaks with red clouds,
it was indeed more appropriate to wear something more formal.
Before leaving, Kakashi caught Sara's slightly dejected look. Without hesitation, and even in front of Mei Terumi, he gave her a light
hug.
"Hmph."
Turning away as if she hadn't seen anything, Mei Terumi squeezed Kakashi's hand as he pulled her along, then finally let
it go.
"Carry me."
"Don't you have legs?"
"The ground is muddy."
Knowing he was at fault, the silver-haired young man playfully glared at the orange-haired girl before bending down, allowing her
to climb onto his back, her hands clasped around his chest.
One person's weight truly meant nothing to Kakashi.
"You seem to have gotten a little heavier?"
"No, I haven't!"
"Being heavier is good. If you were lighter, wouldn't people think I was abusing you?"
While the girl was still thinking of a retort, Kakashi mischievously sped up. The sudden inertia almost made Mei Terumi bite her tongue,
and in mock pain, she bit down on the neck of this rascal.
The shallow tooth marks proved she hadn't used much force.
"Running so fast, aren't you afraid of falling?"
"No. If we fall, we fall together."
"I won't fall! When you're about to fall, I'll just use the Body Flicker Technique to escape."
"Are you that fast?"
"Yes!"
"Then I'll go a little slower. Hug me tighter."
"Huh?"
Feeling the conversation had strayed off-topic, Mei Terumi stretched her head past Kakashi's neck and saw the amusement in his slightly
turned eyes. Only then did she realize he was spouting nonsense again.
"What are you thinking about now?"
"I see you've grown a bit."
"When I grow up, I won't be sleeping with you anymore. Give up!"
"Then don't secretly come to my side when I'm sleeping later."
With astonishing speed, Kakashi—soon to become a seasoned 'driver'—arrived at the Uchiha Clan
compound with Mei Terumi on his back.
"Get down now."
The two entered the grand and imposing banquet hall one after the other. This place could be said to gather the core strength of
the entire Land of Rain. Kakashi encountered many familiar faces here: several old Akatsuki members, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Obito,
and a tiny fellow who must have been Uchiha Itachi. Yakushi Nonō was also present.
"Uchiha Clan Head."
Nodding in greeting, Uchiha Fugaku glanced at Mei Terumi behind Kakashi. Strictly speaking, this girl wasn't powerful
enough to qualify for this banquet, but she could be considered an accompanying family member of a guest for now.
"I'm going to announce the start of the banquet."
Uchiha Fugaku informed the others and headed to the other hall.
Uchiha Obito, looking somewhat fidgety, came over to the silver-haired young man's side. Obito's height had recently
shot up, almost reaching Kakashi's.
Nominally, the Uchiha Clan was still led by Uchiha Fugaku, but in reality, everyone knew that the next most powerful
figure would undoubtedly be Uchiha Obito, not the clan head's yet-to-grow child, Uchiha Itachi.
These two were the highest authorities who could decide the Uchiha's fate. Currently, Obito's prestige already showed signs of
surpassing Uchiha Fugaku. Besides these two, the other high-ranking Uchiha members were also striving to increase their influence
within the Akatsuki and the clan.
"Did you hear the news from the Land of Earth?"
"The Land of Earth? What news?"
Obito was very confused. Kakashi had asked this question before Obito could even speak. What was this news from the Land of Earth now?
"Never mind if you don't know yet."
Across the room, Yahiko was frantically signaling, but the silver-haired young man pretended not to know him and changed the subject. He probably
understood why Yahiko didn't want to tell Obito. Anyway, it didn't matter; it would have to be revealed sooner or later, whether by Yahiko or by Kakashi himself.
The mission to defeat the Raikage must be accepted; it was irreversible.
After realizing this, Kakashi no longer cared about the Uchiha Clan's attitude. It didn't matter who they sent;
he would either accompany them or take charge directly.
With so many people gathered here, it was also a good opportunity to discuss the various issues emerging within Akatsuki.
Returning from the training ground, the three of them had also seen the small stone wall surrounding the Rain Village.
They couldn't just endlessly fund and absorb refugees. Moving forward, they had to establish organized disaster relief, otherwise
the internal economy of Rain Village definitely wouldn't be able to bear the strain.
After Uchiha Fugaku announced the start of the first banquet, he returned to the high-level one.
Unnecessary chatter was not an Uchiha tradition of cool aloofness. He merely cast a brief glance across the room, just as he had done
moments ago.
"The Uchiha welcome all of you. The banquet begins."
"What a simple opening speech."
Mei Terumi whispered softly into Kakashi's ear, then elegantly picked up a piece of saury and ate it.
After Uchiha Fugaku sat down, his words did not cease.
"Uzumaki Nagato-dono, would you be interested in becoming my son's teacher?"
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