Hehe (・∀・)
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Chapter 016: The Mission to the Land of Waves Begins! (Seeking support!)
Because he unintentionally revealed his "liver emperor" level mission record, Kakashi, unlike in the original story, still earned everyone's respect.
After all, S-rank missions are something fresh genin won't even see for at least 10 years after graduating.
From Iruka's classroom lessons, the mission ranks go: S-rank, A-rank, B-rank, C-rank, and D-rank.
A-rank missions can pay anywhere from several hundred thousand ryo to over a million.
S-rank missions? They start at several million ryo.
And Kakashi-sensei was a mission-grinding maniac. Judging by his clothes, he didn't seem like the type to spend much money—probably just quietly saving it all up.
So, not only was Kakashi strong… he was probably rich too.
And honestly, no one ever disliked having a rich jonin leader.
Even Sasuke had started calling him "Kakashi-sensei" respectfully.
However…
"Hey…"
"Kaede, that Uchiha Sasuke guy is super cold."
"Super arrogant too!"
Naruto was clearly unhappy with this new team setup.
He'd learned from Kitahara Kaede before that if he wanted eyes like his, he had to build a good relationship with Sasuke.
But…
After today's experiences, he seriously regretted that. Sasuke was way too aloof.
"…" Kitahara Kaede.
Right now, Kaede was deep in thought.
In a typical three-man cell, it's usually two boys and one girl. Probably to create some competition—guys always want to show off in front of girls.
But…
Something felt off about this team.
Because all three of them… were boys.
Or maybe… one of them was actually really good at playing female roles?
Was it Naruto?
It did kind of make sense.
Back when Naruto's chakra control was still a mess, his Clone Technique never worked. But he still somehow developed the Sexy Jutsu.
Naruko did it perfectly.
Looking at it that way… Naruto really did have some natural talent for female characters.
And Sasuke?
His personality was cold, he carried a tragic past, and yet he worked hard. And if you managed to break through to his heart, he'd only have eyes for you.
That kind of dark heroine type was super popular too.
"Come to think of it… why am I even in this team?"
Kaede walked straight up to Kakashi and asked.
"…Hmm." Kakashi raised his left hand and rested his chin on it.
"I had my reasons," Kakashi said. "I won't hide it from you. Naruto and Sasuke's backgrounds are… complicated."
"And among the people Naruto gets along with… aside from the little moment he had with Sasuke just now, you're basically the only one."
"You treat Naruto equally."
"That alone isn't easy," Kakashi added.
"…" Kitahara Kaede.
So basically, Kakashi had been spying from the corner of the classroom, saw the way Naruto and Sasuke got along for a moment, and remembered Kaede had always treated Naruto fairly.
"But that's not the main reason, is it?" Kaede asked.
"Of course not. That's just part of it."
Kakashi continued. "First of all—Kaede, you're not normal."
"This is my first time leading a team."
"And I gave careful thought to my students."
"I went through all the students' exam papers, their homework, and so on."
"…" Kakashi said. "I'm an analysis-type ninja, so I like to look at every angle."
"And after my investigation, I found out that…"
"You're actually a genius, aren't you?"
"Not because your homework was flawless—no. In fact, you never took notes during class, and your homework was all nonsense, and you *only* turned it in when Iruka wasn't checking."
"That means you figured out Iruka's entire schedule."
"And most importantly—your graduation exam."
"You pulled off the Clone Technique perfectly on the *first try*, and got an exemption from the exam."
"Your written exam? You controlled your score."
"Put all of that together, and it's clear—you're a genius," Kakashi concluded.
"Is that so…"
From the corner of the room, Sasuke suddenly spoke.
"So that means… I wasn't actually top of the class? Someone outshone even an Uchiha?"
"…" Kakashi.
He had no response.
Because of Obito and Itachi, Kakashi *had* planned to look after Sasuke.
And the Third Hokage had specifically asked Kakashi to help dissolve the hatred in Sasuke's heart.
But still…
Wasn't Sasuke being a bit *too* full of himself?
"He is indeed a genius," Kakashi said, wiping his forehead.
How could he not be?
Let's not even compare with Sasuke's side—his whole clan was wiped out, and he only awakened a single tomoe Sharingan.
Meanwhile, Kaede? He'd shown the transition from single tomoe all the way to the Rinnegan—just yesterday.
So Sasuke… just stop comparing yourself.
You won't win.
Thinking that, Kakashi rubbed his temples.
"Looks like you're all quite proud of yourselves."
"Time to open your eyes a little."
Kakashi said, "Normally, fresh graduates like you would just chase cats or… track down lazy authors."
"Stuff like D-rank missions."
"But…"
"Right as I was leaving the Third Hokage's office, I bumped into someone requesting a C-rank mission."
"So…"
"So we get to take on a C-rank mission already?!"
"And we get experience *and* a reward?!" Naruto shouted, thrilled.
"Finally, I get to earn some money!" he said happily.
But then…
[Future Generations Junior Chat Group (^_-)?]
[Minato Namikaze]: Sob… my dear Naruto…
[Minato Namikaze]: He must've been short on living expenses… and just dreamed of earning money on his own…
[Kakashi]: …
[Kakashi]: I can't defend this one.
The Third Hokage had made Naruto's status as a jinchūriki public, but kept his heritage as the Fourth Hokage's son secret—maybe to protect him, maybe to keep the village alert.
However…
The fact that the Hokage allowed villagers to shun Naruto… and even docked his allowance?
That was indefensible.
"You can," Kakashi said. "You'll all be paid."
"And once we finish this mission, I'll buy each of you three new outfits."
"Really?" Sasuke asked. "Then I want to trade my reward for explosive tags."
Buy explosive tags?
You don't have money to buy them?
Well… for genin, they're expensive—2,000 to 4,000 ryo a piece.
But for a chunin or someone like Kakashi? No problem.
Still, Kakashi hadn't expected Sasuke to be broke.
"…" Kakashi.
So Sasuke's money had been cut off too?
The Uchiha clan was wiped out, so in theory, all their inheritance should have gone to Sasuke.
But clearly, he hadn't received it.
"Then…" Kitahara Kaede said, "What's our C-rank mission?"
"The Land of Waves mission," Kakashi replied.