"Hokage-sama!"
When Hatake Kakashi saw the Third Hokage, his eyes narrowed, but his expression gradually softened. Pointing at Uehara Naraku, he said, "This is Mr. Uehara Naraku from the Hidden Rain Village. We encountered each other once by chance during a mission outside."
"Huh? So distant?"
Uehara Naraku put an arm around Hatake Kakashi's shoulder, looking slightly displeased, and said, "I've told you a lot of information for free. Is this how you treat an old friend?"
"…"
Hatake Kakashi could only smile wryly.
This ninja named Uehara Naraku really knows how to make himself at home, doesn't he?
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen's mood was different from Hatake Kakashi's. He already knew of Uehara Naraku's intention to participate in the Chunin Exam, thinking it was just a small ninja village wanting to showcase their genius.
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt somewhat reassured.
As long as this joint Chunin Exam didn't cause any big trouble, it was fine.
Moreover, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt there was something to gain in that Uehara Naraku's interaction with Hatake Kakashi seemed quite unconventional.
From Sarutobi Hiruzen's observations, this Hidden Rain ninja named Uehara Naraku seemed to have a favorable view of Konoha.
A genius from the Hidden Rain Village who had a favorable view of Konoha—if he could inherit the leadership position of the Hidden Rain in the future, it would be excellent for Konoha.
Thinking of this, the smile on Sarutobi Hiruzen's old face deepened, "Welcome to Konoha. How do you find the scenery of our village?"
"Very beautiful, a scenery I've never seen before."
Uehara Naraku said this half-truthfully, as it was his first time seeing a scenery he had seen countless times in animations, and enjoying the scenery could also complete side quests.
Sarutobi Hiruzen knowingly inquired, "Are you the Jonin leading the Hidden Rain's team for this Chunin Exam? I've long heard that the Hidden Rain had produced a genius ninja..."
"Uh, I'm still just a Genin."
Uehara Naraku wore a slightly embarrassed expression at the right moment, "And I can only advance to Chunin after participating in this Chunin Exam hosted by Konoha."
"True strength is often not defined by position."
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued to smile kindly, "In our village, there are some very powerful Genin whose strength is on par with Jonin..."
This statement was indeed true.
Not just anyone can hold the title of a Konoha Genin.
Not to mention the past instances of Maruboshi Kosuke and the fallen Might Duy, even the current Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke have incredible potential.
Uehara Naraku showed a faint smile and didn't follow up, instead speaking softly, "Yes, I just didn't expect the Third Hokage to be as approachable as rumors say."
"Hahahaha..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen grew more satisfied with Uehara Naraku, giving Kakashi a meaningful glance, and lightly instructed, "Kakashi, since your friend is here, show him around the village more!"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Hatake Kakashi nodded and watched Sarutobi Hiruzen's back as he left.
After the old man left, Hatake Kakashi refrained from mentioning Uehara Naraku's previous suggestion to spar, quietly changing the topic.
"You've changed a lot. A few years ago in the Land of Water, you suspected I was coveting your village's treasures and told me to get lost with such determination."
"I was young and reckless back then!"
Uehara Naraku sighed, somewhat nostalgically, "Sometimes when you've gone through a lot, you have no choice but to smooth out rough edges. Besides, I truly believe that the friendship between Konoha and the Hidden Rain Village is beneficial for both our countries."
Hatake Kakashi nodded, unexpectedly showing some sympathy for Uehara Naraku, "Peace is hard-earned and indeed needs everyone to cherish it..."
After all, in the Land of Water, Uehara Naraku was arrogantly commanding a group of rebellious Hidden Mist ninjas to attack Orochimaru, and with a wave of his hand, he told Kakashi, a Konoha Jonin, to scram...
It's just surprising how a few short years had smoothed out his sharpness.
But for Konoha, this was also a good thing.
Only those who truly possess an unyielding heart of strength, unafraid of any difficulties and dangers, can become stronger.
In Hatake Kakashi's view, Uehara Naraku was actually squandering his talent, and soon his strength would reach its limit and fade into the ranks of ordinary ninjas.
"Teuchi-san, the money is on the table."
After saying this, Uehara Naraku took out a Paper Bomb, pressed it on the table, and was ready to leave with Hatake Kakashi, "I've heard Konoha has a lot of good food, quickly show me around!"
Like tri-colored dango, sweet chestnut juice...
These are ordinary foods, but that doesn't diminish their significance.
As Hatake Kakashi obediently prepared to leave, he noticed the Paper Bomb Uehara Naraku left behind and his eyelid twitched in fright, "Why did you leave a Paper Bomb here? Are you trying to blow up this shop?"
"I'm used to it, I'm used to it."
Uehara Naraku rummaged through his belongings and looked at Hatake Kakashi, his expression a bit innocent: "I never carry money when I go out, I always spend my teammates' money, usually on paper bombs. Kakashi, did you bring any money?"
Because Konan's education was very strict with him.
Every one of the three prohibitions in Konoha is absolutely forbidden for Uehara to touch, even though Uehara Naraku is the accountant of the Hidden Rain Village, he doesn't have much pocket money.
"Hiss..."
Hatake Kakashi glanced at Uehara Naraku with a complicated expression, tossed a banknote, and sighed: "I'm seriously starting to suspect you're just here for a free meal..."
"If I remember correctly, weren't you the one who invited me along?"
Uehara Naraku said with a wink: "Let's go, let's go, take me to check out Shueisha and help me buy a set of books while you're at it! Then let's have a spar!"
"What books?"
"A legendary set among ninjas."
Uehara Naraku leaned in closer to Hatake Kakashi, suppressing his laughter, and whispered beside Kakashi: "Make-Out Paradise, have you heard of it?"
"..."
Hatake Kakashi's expression became even more peculiar. He was a bit tempted to show off his signed collector's edition and then take Uehara Naraku to buy the standard edition.
But looking at Uehara Naraku's still somewhat youthful face, Hatake Kakashi frowned and said: "Are you eighteen yet?"
"Sixteen."
"Minors aren't allowed to read romance books."
Hatake Kakashi stopped Uehara Naraku's idea quite righteously, using himself as an example: "I only received the gift from Master Jiraiya on my eighteenth birthday."
The set of "Make-Out Paradise" signed collector's edition in Kakashi's hand was a birthday gift from Jiraiya.
Uehara Naraku sighed: "Is there really no room to negotiate? This book is so hard to get. If I can't buy it in Konoha, I don't know when I'll get the chance..."
"No chance."
Hatake Kakashi tugged at his mask and said quietly: "Maybe when you turn eighteen, I can help you apply for a signed edition from Master Jiraiya."
"Tsk..."
Uehara Naraku clicked his tongue in disappointment.
If nothing unexpected happens, there might actually be a chance to meet Jiraiya during this Chunin Exam.
"Alright then."
Uehara Naraku patted Kakashi's shoulder and touched his chin: "I've seen most of Konoha's scenery, let's go meet the few kids from your class, let them get to know me, their future opponent, in advance?"
After hearing Uehara Naraku's words, Hatake Kakashi's expression didn't look great. He shook his head and rejected Naraku: "Better wait until your exam. If they see you beforehand, they might lose the confidence to participate in the Chunin Exam."
Uehara Naraku's strength is too strong.
If the strongest in the Seventh Class, Uchiha Sasuke, saw Uehara Naraku and wanted to challenge him, only to be beaten badly, what then?
The Seventh Class might lose the confidence to participate in the Chunin Exam.
"Actually, I'm not very confident either."
Uehara Naraku put his hands behind his head and sighed wistfully: "This Chunin Exam should be the largest in years, right? The whole village's hopes are pinned on me, hoping I can achieve a good score in the exam..."
"Quit playing the victim!"
Hatake Kakashi couldn't help but adjust his forehead protector: "Even if this Chunin Exam has a lot of interesting newcomers, there's no way they can defeat a monster like you!"
Four years ago, after I and Karin left, I estimated my chances of defeating you, and even I had very little hope."
"Impossible."
Uehara Naraku quickly shook his head and analyzed seriously: "Your chance of defeating me must be at least fifty percent, right?"
"You really aren't shy."
Hatake Kakashi's eye twitched involuntarily.
It must be said, Uehara Naraku's lively nature easily creates a sense of closeness, and Hatake Kakashi gradually let down some of his guard against him.
Facing such a seemingly harmless opponent like Uehara Naraku, Hatake Kakashi, who was initially undecided, finally set his mind on letting the three kids in his class truly experience the terror of the Chunin Exam.
Just when they parted ways after chatting all day, Uehara Naraku watched Hatake Kakashi's departing figure in the evening, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
"Kakashi is way too cautious. If I want to get close to Uzumaki Naruto, I'll really have to wait until the Chunin Exam..."