The next morning, Natsuki transformed into his adult appearance and went to the Shueisha bookstore to buy a deluxe edition set of Make-Out Paradise.
Though Kakashi probably already had a full collection at home, this was still the best gift Natsuki could think of. He figured Kakashi wouldn't reject it… probably.
Tenten casually picked up a copy to flip through—and immediately her face turned bright red. She quickly slammed the book shut.
She glanced at Natsuki shyly and hesitated, "Na-Natsuki, if you have… certain needs, you c-could just talk to me. You don't have to read these kinds of books…"
Natsuki realized she'd misunderstood and quickly explained, "It's not for me! Didn't I say Kakashi-senpai likes this stuff? It's a gift. Besides, this series was written by Jiraiya-sama himself—it's a bestseller in the ninja world."
"Huh? One of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya-sama wrote this?!" Tenten's eyes went wide. "A legendary ninja wrote… this kind of thing? That's so disappointing!"
Natsuki seized the moment. "Jiraiya's a pervert, Tsunade's a gambling addict, and Orochimaru's a traitor—no further comment. So yeah, don't put too much faith in the Sannin. They're nowhere near as admirable as Sakumo-senpai. Also, Tenten, be careful. Jiraiya has a habit of peeping on women's bathhouses—better avoid those places."
Wha-what…?
Tenten stood frozen, clearly unable to accept this shocking revelation.
Her once-admired Legendary Sannin—how could they be like this? Even Tsunade-sama was a gambler?!
Seeing the time, Natsuki and Tenten carried the deluxe Make-Out Paradise set to the agreed training ground. Guy was already there doing one-arm push-ups.
"Yo! Natsuki! Tenten! You're here!" Guy jumped up immediately, and with a serious face began lecturing Natsuki, "I heard everything from Tenten. You pushed yourself too hard and passed out from the pain? That's no good at all! Let me teach you what proper training really means… blah blah blah… understand now? Passionate and youthful training never lies—make sure you're careful from now on!"
Natsuki could only nod repeatedly. This was his first time realizing how talkative Guy really was.
Tenten took the opportunity to glance around but didn't see anyone. She wondered if they were getting stood up.
"Guy-sensei, where's Kakashi-senpai?"
"Oh, Kakashi? He's probably helping an old lady cross the street. Being late is normal for him," Guy answered like it was no big deal.
"What the heck? Helping old ladies cross the street? Sure, that's kind—but he's a ninja. Isn't punctuality important? Is this really what a top-tier ninja is like?" Tenten couldn't help but complain.
"Eh, that's just how Kakashi is normally. When it comes to missions, though, he's never late."
Even after that explanation, Tenten didn't seem convinced.
She was starting to feel a little disillusioned with the village's ninja. First the Sannin, and now even the legendary Copy Ninja turned out to be like this. She had just pitied him yesterday after Natsuki's story, and now… maybe "sloppy" really was the truth.
Natsuki thought for a moment, then formed a hand seal and used the Suiton: Telescope no Jutsu (Water Style: Telescope Technique). A transparent water lens formed in front of him and above, creating a surveillance scope.
Within a kilometer radius, everything became visible through the water lens. Soon, he spotted a man with one eye covered by a forehead protector and a face mask—it was Hatake Kakashi.
"So that's Kakashi-senpai? Looks pretty cool… but that dead-fish eye is real," Tenten gave her first impression honestly.
"Hahaha! Kakashi is super strong—he's my eternal rival! Our score is currently 40 to 39—obviously, I'm winning!" Guy said proudly, hands on his hips.
"Really?" Tenten didn't quite buy it.
"Of course it's true! I'm totally better than Kakashi!"
"Oi oi oi, Guy, stop lying to the kids. The real score is 38 to 39. And those two times we competed during lunch don't count."
A lazy voice floated over, and Kakashi appeared with his hands in his pockets. He moved fast—much faster than expected.
Kakashi's dead-fish eye scanned past Tenten and landed on Natsuki. "So you're the Natsuki Guy's been talking about? That Telescope Technique of yours is pretty nice."
Tenten's mouth opened slightly in surprise. She hadn't even noticed when Kakashi had arrived.
Just a second ago, he was still visible through the water mirror, walking leisurely within a kilometer. And now—bam—he was already in front of them. So this was the legendary technician Kakashi?
Guy gave a thumbs-up, grinning. "Yo! My eternal rival! You finally showed up!"
"Kakashi-senpai."
Natsuki greeted him politely. "I didn't expect to be praised right after our first meeting. It's truly an honor. I heard you're known as the Copy Ninja—do you like my Telescope Technique enough to copy it with your Sharingan?"
Kakashi's dead-fish eye stared at Natsuki. "You sure know a lot. But I'll admit, your Telescope Technique is pretty handy. In teams without a Byakugan user, it's perfect for reconnaissance. That said, you might be underestimating me—I already learned it. Without the Sharingan."
Natsuki calmly dispelled the jutsu. Of course he wasn't underestimating Kakashi.
If anything, he knew far more about Kakashi than Kakashi did about him.
Still, his goal today wasn't reconnaissance—it was the Hatake Kenjutsu. So he quickly pulled out the deluxe Make-Out Paradise set and handed it over.
"I heard Kakashi-senpai likes this series, so despite the risk of having my ear twisted off by my girlfriend, I bought the deluxe edition as a gift. You probably already have a set, but… please accept this token of appreciation."
"Oh? You even looked into my interests?"
Kakashi stepped forward and gave the books a glance. He didn't refuse and accepted the whole set. After all, it was a sincere gift from a junior—it would've been rude to reject it.
"So… you already have a girlfriend, huh? And a cute one at that—Guy's student. You've got good taste."
"My taste is impeccable. If Kakashi-senpai wants to start dating, I can help match you up. I know plenty of pretty kunoichi in the village. For example, Kurenai-senpai, who lives next door to Guy-sensei, is an absolute beauty…"
"Cough cough cough! Stop right there! You brat, are you trying to get me killed by Asuma?!"
Kakashi wanted no part in that conversation.
Keep going, and this kid might actually try matchmaking—and Asuma would come storming in with blood in his eyes.
Tenten looked between her boyfriend and Kakashi, sensing some kind of verbal showdown—but she didn't quite understand what they were saying. Riddles. So annoying.
Kakashi got to the point. "Guy told me—you want to learn the Hatake sword style."
Natsuki nodded seriously. "Yes. I apologize for looking into Sakumo-senpai's history without permission…"
Kakashi waved it off. "It's fine. In fact, I'm a little touched that kids today still remember my father—and even want to learn his sword style. I think he'd be happy to know that."
"Then… would Kakashi-senpai be willing to teach me?"
"Passing down the sword style isn't a problem—but I'll need to see if you've got the right temperament first."
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]