After Shigure finished his intense training, he went home and collapsed into bed.
Meanwhile, at the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked up as Kakashi walked in.
"Sorry to call you in so late. I just finished dealing with a few things."
Kakashi shook his head. "No need to apologize, Lord Third. You've done so much for Konoha. Please take care of your health."
"I'm getting old… I can't keep up like I used to," Hiruzen said, stretching his stiff shoulders before turning to Kakashi. "What do you think of those three kids?"
Kakashi had already anticipated this question and prepared his thoughts.
"Uchiha Sasuke… he's a genius, no doubt. But his heart burns with revenge. He's trapped by it, and that'll hold him back. If he could let go of that hatred, his future would be much brighter."
Hiruzen nodded with a sigh. "Yes… but there's little I can do about Sasuke. Itachi made his choice."
"What about Naruto?" he asked next.
Kakashi paused thoughtfully. "Naruto's the one who truly inherited the Will of Fire. He's a bit reckless, a little foolish at times… but his heart is in the right place. If not for the Nine-Tails sealed inside him, he might have outshined even Sasuke."
"And Shigure?"
At the mention of Shigure, Kakashi's expression turned serious.
"That's actually the main reason I came to report."
"Gekkō Shigure… I didn't expect that kid to be this impressive."
"You mentioned before that he created his own sword style—I didn't think much of it at the time. But after sparring with him, I realized… that's not just swordsmanship. That's ninjutsu."
Kakashi's memory of the battle was still fresh.
"That boy is incredibly gifted. He's fused ninjutsu and kenjutsu into a unique sword style that can't be defined by either field alone."
"His swordsmanship alone rivals that of a seasoned jonin. His speed and power are extraordinary."
He still found it hard to believe.
The Gekkō clan wasn't a major one in Konoha. And yet, it had produced such a prodigy.
"You really think highly of him," Hiruzen remarked.
Kakashi smiled. "He's not just talented—he takes care of his teammates and doesn't act arrogant like most kids his age. That kind of humility in someone so gifted… it's rare."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "No arrogance, huh?"
He had his doubts, but he had to admit—Shigure did value his comrades.
"Tell me honestly—if you two fought for real, could he beat you?"
Kakashi shook his head. "Lord Third, I'm still an elite jonin of Konoha. A fresh academy graduate won't be defeating me that easily."
"Oh? He didn't use any ninjutsu when he sparred with you."
Kakashi blinked in surprise. "A kid like him might know a bit of ninjutsu, sure… but to say he didn't use any? That's…"
"Not necessarily," Hiruzen said calmly. "According to Anbu reports, that boy has used the Body Flicker Technique before."
Kakashi's eyes widened. "The Shunshin no Jutsu?"
It was one thing to know the Body Flicker Technique. But to master it? That was another level entirely.
He stared at the Third Hokage, wondering if he was serious.
Hiruzen continued, "Don't forget—he fused ninjutsu and swordsmanship to create a completely new style. Do you think his ninjutsu skills are shallow?"
"…Right."
With that reminder, Kakashi reconsidered. If Shigure had that much control over elemental ninjutsu, then his skill level must be higher than he let on.
Which also meant—he wasn't fighting seriously during their match.
That brat…
Kakashi had been pushed to use Raikiri—and Shigure wasn't even trying?
What kind of power is he hiding when he goes all out?
Kakashi's breath quickened just thinking about it.
Seeing his reaction, Hiruzen smiled lightly. "Konoha is lucky to have a talent like him."
"But no matter how gifted… he's still a flower raised in a greenhouse."
"He needs real-world experience."
Hiruzen pulled out a sealed document and handed it to Kakashi.
"You're heading out on your first mission with those three tomorrow, right? I don't think low-level D-rank missions are suitable for this team."
"Take a look."
Kakashi opened the folder and skimmed the contents. His eyes widened.
"Lord Third… are you sure about this?"
"Of course," Hiruzen said with a calm nod. "They need a little reality check."
Kakashi knew the Third had already made up his mind.
"…Understood. I know what to do."
With that, he turned and left the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage sat quietly in his office, gazing into the crystal ball.
On the surface, it showed Shigure, fast asleep in his room—exhausted but peaceful. His chest rose and fell steadily, his body worn out from intense training.
Hiruzen gave a small sigh.
So talented… and so diligent. If everyone in Konoha had his work ethic, this village would be unstoppable.
Elsewhere in the shadows of the village, Danzo of Root sat with a cold expression as his subordinate finished reporting.
"He managed to match Kakashi," the man said quietly. "Kakashi didn't go all out, but he was forced to use Raikiri. That alone speaks volumes."
Danzo's gaze sharpened.
"To force Kakashi to use Raikiri at that age… this boy isn't just gifted. He's dangerous."
He closed his eyes, calculating.
With Kakashi assigned to watch over him… it'll be tricky to make a move. Even with elite operatives, success is unlikely. For now… this plan will have to wait. We strike when the moment is right.
The next morning.
Shigure cracked open an eye, checked the clock… and then flopped back into bed.
If this world really follows the original timeline, then Kakashi's definitely going to be late.
So... might as well enjoy a few more hours of sleep.
When Shigure eventually arrived at the meeting point, he was surprised to find all three of them already there—and none of them looked happy.
Naruto was pouting. Sasuke was glaring. And Kakashi… well, Kakashi looked unusually serious.
"…Huh?" Shigure blinked. "Kakashi-sensei, you're here early?"
He scratched his head. I thought he was supposed to be late... Guess the original story can't be trusted entirely.
The silence was awkward. Very awkward.
Kakashi stared at Shigure for a good ten seconds.
Then he finally spoke, voice dry as usual. "Now that everyone's here… let's begin."
He held up a mission scroll.
"Your first mission as Genin—an escort mission."
Shigure blinked again. "Escort...? Escort??"
He clearly hadn't been expecting that.
...
TN:
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