Kakashi’s movements paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Sasuke’s gaze shifted from the Hokage Rock to the unconscious Naruto: “Using such a foolish and noisy method, desperately trying to prove his existence to everyone, craving even the slightest bit of attention and recognition… that’s all.”
Kakashi was stunned.
It wasn’t because Sasuke’s insight was so astonishing, but because of what Sasuke said; he, as Minato-sensei’s Disciple, had never seriously considered it.
For years, he had been immersed in his own pain and darkness, numbing himself with missions in the Anbu.
He knew of Naruto’s existence, occasionally glancing at him from a distance, but what did he see?
A troublesome prankster, a restless dead last, a relic that reminded him of the past.
He had never truly cared why this child had become this way.
A strong wave of shame and self-reproach instantly overwhelmed Kakashi.
What exactly am I doing?
Kakashi’s expression turned somewhat grim, and it was a while before he spoke again: “…You seem to know him very well.”
“Not well,” Sasuke replied crisply.
“I’ve just seen too many similar gazes.”
In the Soul Society, in Rukongai, those Souls who desperately wanted to climb higher, to be remembered, to prove their worth, their eyes were exactly like this Yellow-Haired Brat’s.
It’s just that their method was killing, while this brat’s method was pranks.
Essentially, there was no difference.
Sasuke withdrew his gaze, no longer looking at Kakashi, nor at Naruto.
“Though I don’t know why, the people in the Village seem to hate him,” he said with a hint of faint sarcasm, unsure if it was directed at the villagers or the Village itself.
“But in this environment, to still be able to smile like an idiot and not be dyed black… he’s quite an impressive guy.”
Having said that, he didn’t linger and turned to leave.
Kakashi looked at Sasuke’s proud back, his eyes flickering, lost in thought.
“Wait, Sasuke,” Kakashi’s voice suddenly came from behind him.
Sasuke’s footsteps halted, but he didn’t turn around.
“Revenge, just forget about it.”
Kakashi slowly said, “At the end of that path, nothing will be left.”
The air seemed to freeze at that instant.
Sasuke suddenly turned his head, like a beast whose reverse scale had been touched, instantly flaring with rage.
This was the first time he had expressed his emotions so intensely since returning to this world.
“What do you understand?”
Sasuke suppressed his hatred, speaking one word at a time, “Having your most cherished people, one by one, all killed in front of you…”
“How would you feel?”
Facing Sasuke’s almost devouring gaze, Kakashi did not retort.
He just stood there quietly, his only exposed eye slowly curving into a crescent shape.
It was a seemingly gentle smile, yet one that carried countless sorrows.
“Hmm… that could work,” Kakashi sighed lightly.
“But unfortunately…”
Kakashi raised his hand, scratching his characteristic silver hair, and said with feigned nonchalance:
“My most cherished people are all gone; they were all killed long ago.”
!!!
Sasuke was instantly stunned.
He had anticipated countless responses, lectures or admonishments, but he had never expected such a chillingly calm answer.
The sadness flowing in the other’s eyes was real; that emptiness of having lost everything, Sasuke was all too familiar with it.
Kakashi looked at Sasuke, who was frozen in place, knowing his words had an effect.
He slowly stood up, easily hoisting the unconscious Naruto onto his shoulder.
“Your brother, Uchiha Itachi, I know him.”
Kakashi’s tone returned to its usual laziness, “Graduated from the Ninja Academy at seven, activated his Sharingan at eight, promoted to Chunin at ten, and became an Anbu squad leader at thirteen.
He’s a true Genius.”
He looked at Sasuke, his gaze becoming serious again.
“And you, you can’t even perform a proper Ninjutsu right now.
What will you use for revenge?”
“Just your unusually fast movement and that sword in your hand?
In front of a true Genius, that’s far from enough.”
“If you really want to kill him, and not just die in vain…” Kakashi turned, also preparing to leave.
“Then stay here and get stronger first.”
However, he had only taken two steps when Sasuke’s cold voice came from behind him.
“Stop.”
Kakashi halted, turning to see Sasuke staring at him.
“Hmm?
What’s wrong?” Kakashi asked with a smile.
Sasuke didn’t answer; his hand slowly rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist, a standard drawing stance.
“Let me see… your ‘capacity’.”
“Capacity?” Kakashi’s eyes instantly became serious.
Sasuke’s thoughts went back a long time ago.
He still remembered that his father, Uchiha Fugaku, would always mention two names when talking about the Geniuses in the Village.
One was his brother, Uchiha Itachi.
And the other was the man before him, Kakashi Hatake.
“Kakashi is also an amazing Genius, becoming a Jonin at twelve, but compared to Itachi, he’s still far behind.”
His father’s words at the time were full of pride for Itachi.
But Sasuke remembered that Kakashi Hatake was an existence that could be compared to Itachi.
If he couldn’t even defeat this man, then what was the point of talking about avenging himself against that man?
Kakashi looked at Sasuke’s determined eyes, instantly understanding the other’s thoughts.
He sighed helplessly; sure enough, this child was even more troublesome than he imagined.
He carefully placed the unconscious Naruto against the wall, ensuring he wouldn’t be affected by the upcoming battle.
Then, he slowly straightened his body, facing Sasuke, his eyes becoming serious.
“Honestly, are all kids this energetic nowadays?”
“And does ‘capacity’ really need to be spoken aloud?”
Sasuke didn’t respond.
Spiritual Pressure gathered at his feet, and the moment Kakashi’s words fell, his figure vanished.
The next instant, he appeared behind Kakashi.
Kakashi’s pupils widened.
So fast!
He quickly raised his hand, a kunai positioned behind him.
Clang—!
Sword and kunai collided, emitting dazzling sparks.
Kakashi used the force of the block to flip backward, creating several meters of distance.
But his heart was churning with immense shock.
“Good reaction,” Sasuke commented blandly, but his offensive didn’t stop at all.
He pushed off with his feet again, his figure like a ghost, sword light transforming into silver lines that enveloped Kakashi.
Kakashi’s eyes were grave, no longer showing any trace of contempt.
With a bang, white smoke billowed.
When he swung his sword again, the figure in the smoke had vanished, hitting only a wooden log.
Substitution Jutsu?
Where did he go?
The Chakra signature moved to the tree.
Sasuke looked up.
Kakashi stood on a branch, leaning against the tree trunk, his eyes a little helpless: “That truly is incredible speed.”
“I didn’t want to use this on a child,” he slowly raised his left hand, gripping the Konoha forehead protector that obliquely covered his left eye.
“But, since you’re so eager to see my ‘capacity’…”
He pressed his fingers, pushing the forehead protector upwards.
“Then it would be too rude not to show some real skill, wouldn’t it?”
…..