Chapter 88: Hoshigaki Kisame, Uchiha Itachi
Naruto's dim expression was not noticed by Iruka and the others.
"Dead last."
Sasuke glanced at Naruto and scoffed disdainfully.
However, Sasuke's eyes held a cautious look. He would not forget the immense power of the Nine-Tails.
"Sasuke is a genius."
Sakura looked at Naruto, raising her fist as she chimed in from the side.
Seeing this, Iruka smiled. After spending this time together, Sakura had returned to her former attitude toward Naruto.
Although Iruka wasn't clear about the Nine-Tails incident, and without the Third Hokage's orders, he naturally could not tell Sakura and the others.
However, there were other reasons.
"Speaking of geniuses, your Kakashi-sensei is a true genius."
Hearing Sakura's words, Iruka said with a hint of sigh.
"Really?" A skeptical look appeared on Sakura's face.
Not just Sakura, but Sasuke and Naruto had the same expression on their faces.
Seeing their disbelief, Iruka raised an eyebrow:
"Lord Hatake Kakashi is the disciple of the Fourth Hokage, Lord Namikaze Minato."
Iruka paused here, seeing the surprised expressions on Naruto and the others. A hint of pride flashed in his eyes as he continued.
"You all graduated from the academy at twelve. But do you know how old your Kakashi-sensei was?"
"The graduation age for the Ninja Academy is five. That means Lord Kakashi became a Genin at five, a Chunin at six, and at your current age..."
Iruka's expression turned serious, his tone filled with respect:
"A genius ninja of the Leaf who became a Jonin at only twelve years old."
After Iruka finished, the corner of his eye glanced at the stunned Sasuke. There was another genius in the Leaf, but unfortunately, that genius was a taboo subject in the village.
"S-so amazing!"
Naruto was stunned for a moment before slowly speaking.
This could no longer be described as just amazing; only the word "genius" could fit Kakashi-sensei.
Although Sakura also looked shocked, a hint of disbelief lingered in her heart.
How could a ninja that powerful faint after fighting Zabuza?!
Sasuke was somewhat surprised in his heart, but he didn't doubt Iruka's words. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
"Let's go, we still have two D-rank missions to do," Iruka said with a smile.
"What, more missions?"
Naruto, who had been excited after hearing about Kakashi-sensei's achievements, suddenly deflated.
"Of course. Although you can participate in the Chunin Exams, there are certain conditions. You must complete a set number of missions, and we are still short two D-rank missions."
Iruka shrugged and said helplessly.
"Then let's go!" Hearing this, Naruto turned around and said firmly!
Although Sakura and Sasuke didn't speak, they showed the same expression and turned to walk toward the mission pickup location.
A smile appeared on Iruka's lips. It seemed letting them participate in the Chunin Exams was the right decision.
A light rain drizzled down, causing a thin mist to rise over the small town.
This was a small town located not far from the border of the Land of Water.
Ding-a-ling—
Ding-a-ling—
Accompanied by the sound of the light rain and the gentle jingle of bells, two figures wearing black robes with red clouds and straw hats appeared on the town's street.
"It seems this rain won't be stopping for a while."
The rain, mixed with a damp scent, made Uchiha Itachi frown slightly.
"In that case, let's find an inn to rest."
Hoshigaki Kisame glanced at Uchiha Itachi and said casually.
For Hoshigaki Kisame, a rainy day was one of his favorite battle environments.
Uchiha Itachi nodded, and the two walked toward a small shop in the town.
Entering the small shop, which was similar to a tavern, Uchiha Itachi casually glanced around. There were not many people.
Each person was more or less damp from the rain.
Clearly, these people were similar to them—travelers passing through.
The two found a secluded seat. As they took off the straw hats from their heads, it revealed the deep scratch across the forehead protectors on their foreheads.
It was the mark of a missing-nin!
"Pain tasked us with a mission. Which should we go to, the Leaf Village or the Mist Village?"
Hoshigaki Kisame's tone was casual, but his gaze was fixed on Uchiha Itachi, clearly waiting for his opinion.
Uchiha Itachi was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke:
"Recently, Orochimaru seems to be plotting something. His movements have been rather frequent."
"That guy, you say? In that case, let's make a trip to the Leaf Village."
Hearing the name Orochimaru, Hoshigaki Kisame frowned.
"Hn." Uchiha Itachi nodded and said no more.
Before long, under the disdainful gaze of the shop owner, two bowls of hot water were placed before them.
Uchiha Itachi paid it no mind, picking up the bowl and taking small sips of the hot water.
If it weren't for the ferocious appearance of Hoshigaki Kisame sitting opposite him, the shop owner probably would have chased them out.
The light rain continued to fall.
However, at that moment, both Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame frowned at the same time.
Uchiha Itachi made no movement, continuing to drink the hot water from his bowl.
Hoshigaki Kisame, on the other hand, turned his head to look at a certain corner of the shop.
He saw a young kid hiding in a corner, secretly watching them.
Hoshigaki Kisame grinned at the kid. His fierce expression scared the kid, who immediately pulled his head back.
Seeing this, Hoshigaki Kisame averted his gaze. Just as he was about to say something, the kid peeked his head out again.
Hoshigaki Kisame couldn't be bothered, but after a moment, the kid actually started walking cautiously toward them.
When the kid was about a meter away from the table where Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi sat, they both looked up at the same time, their eyes fixed on the approaching kid.
Feeling their gaze, the kid was startled and took a step back.
"Do you want to die, kid?"
Hoshigaki Kisame asked with a fierce expression and an icy tone.
"Th-that, I..." The kid looked nervous, stammering as he spoke.
Uchiha Itachi looked at the kid's frightened expression, his own face calm as he said in a cold tone:
"What is your name, and what is your purpose?"
Compared to Hoshigaki Kisame's fierce appearance, Uchiha Itachi was clearly much less intimidating.
Seeing Uchiha Itachi's expression, the kid breathed a small sigh of relief. Clutching his clothes, he said nervously:
"My name... my name is Ranmaru."
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