Chapter 572 : Who is Fujin?

Kakashi got down from the tree while saying, “Suzuki Fujin… He is one of the few Elite Jounins in Konoha, the same rank as me. He isn't particularly famous as most of the missions he did were undercover missions. However, there is no doubt that he is one of the strongest ninjas in the world.

Sakura, you in particular need to know about him as he is the one who represents the civilian ninjas in Konoha's Council. If you face any political issues, then he is the one you need to approach.”

Sakura and Sasuke were surprised. Sakura's inner self screamed, ‘What the hell is going on? First, we learn how impressive the old Hokage is. Then Zabuza said how cool Kakashi-sensei is. And now even the person Naruto always keeps talking about is so strong? Why is everyone so impressive?’

Even Naruto was surprised. He thought, ‘Man, I thought that his title was cool. But I didn't know that he was one of the strongest ninjas in the world!’

Kakashi chuckled on seeing their reactions and asked, “You guys know that Zabuza is one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, right?”

All three nodded. Kakashi continued, “While there is no question about his strength, Zabuza could become a Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist only when he was given the Kubikiribocho blade. And, the only reason why he could get that blade was because Fujin killed the previous wielder of Kubikiribocho, who was as strong as Zabuza.”

The three Genins were stunned once again. For a moment, Naruto didn't control his chakra properly and lost his footing. Luckily, he flipped in the air and landed on his feet. He looked at Kakashi and exclaimed, “No way! Big brother Fujin killed someone who was as strong as Zabuza!”

Meanwhile, Sasuke clenched his fists and thought, ‘So Naruto has been getting the help of someone that strong? No wonder his strength has increased so rapidly. I need to get stronger faster as well.’

Kakashi noticed Sasuke's emotions and thought, ‘Good. This should motivate him to work harder.’

Kakashi looked at Naruto and said, “He did. But that is a secret that very few in Konoha know. So, never speak about it.”

The three Genins nodded. Kakashi said, “Anyway, that's enough chit-chat. Sasuke and Sakura, try climbing the tree. Naruto, come here.”

Sakura and Sasuke immediately began trying while Naruto walked over to Kakashi. Kakashi said, “Since you have already learnt this, I'll teach you another trick. It's a more advanced application of chakra control. Instead of climbing on trees, you'll walk on water.”

Naruto immediately replied, “I know that exercise too, sensei! I can walk and run on water with ease.”

Kakashi wasn't very surprised. Since Fujin had taught him one exercise, it wasn't far-fetched for him to have taught the other one as well. The only reason why Kakashi was surprised at all was that Naruto's chakra control despite knowing these two exercises was lacking.

Kakashi sighed internally while thinking, ‘Fujin… He keeps making my job more difficult. What do I teach Naruto now?’

As he thought of Fujin, Kakashi couldn't help but think about his meeting with Fujin.


A few weeks ago, Fujin had just gone through his morning workout and was about to return to his house when he suddenly stopped and said, “Kakashi… What a pleasant surprise.”

A couple of trees away from Fujin, Kakashi was reading his book with his back resting against a tree. Hearing Fujin's voice, he closed his book while saying, “Your senses are sharp as always.”

Fujin chuckled and said, “It's not every day that someone visits the training ground while reading porn. Anyway, what's up?”

Unsurprisingly, there wasn't even a hint of embarrassment on Kakashi's face on being called out. He replied, “Nothing much. I just noticed some interesting changes in my students recently. I was wondering whether you knew anything about it.”

Kakashi stared directly into Fujin's eyes as he asked the question. However, Fujin didn't show any signs and instead feigned ignorance perfectly and asked in a confused tone, “What changes?”

Kakashi thought, ‘Looks like he has mastered the art of poker face. I shouldn't be surprised considering how he fooled those bounty hunters.’

Kakashi answered, “Well, they suddenly began trying to unmask me and steal my books. Since you are close to Naruto, did you notice anything strange or did he tell the reason behind them doing so?”

Kakashi gave his famous eye smile while talking with Fujin. Even so, his eyes were scrutinizing every muscle movement that Fujin made. Thankfully, having to deal with the likes of Hiruzen and Shikaku on a regular basis had made Fujin just enough shameless to not show anything.

Instead, he just chuckled and said, “Eh, they do that? That's cute. It looks like they really like their sensei. I suppose they wanted to impress you. Was that the only weird thing?”

Even though Fujin didn't give away anything, Kakashi cursed internally, ‘It was him for sure! There is no doubt about it. All my instincts say that he is enjoying the situation. The one spying on us might be him as well. Though I can't be too certain about it. However, he is undoubtedly the one behind their irregular behavior.’

Even though Fujin's act was good, he couldn't do anything about the instincts of an experienced ninja. That said, he didn't particularly care about it either. After all, even if Kakashi got irrefutable proof to blame Fujin, what could he do? Complain to Hiruzen? Knowing Fujin's tendencies, Hiruzen might not even raise this matter with Fujin!

The only thing he could do was make the lives of his students hell. However, why would Fujin care about that? If Kakashi's sense of smell wasn't as good as it was, his clones would have grabbed some popcorn to enjoy their ‘training’ sessions.

Kakashi understood it as well. He just wanted to confirm a few things. Since he wouldn't get anything else from Fujin in this matter, he said, “Yeah, that's probably it. I was definitely ‘impressed’. Anyway, Naruto speaks quite often about you.”

Fujin thought, ‘He'd better. Apart from Phantom Haven, I have spent the highest amount of my money and time on him.’

He smirked and said, “That's good to hear. He speaks quite ‘highly’ of you and your special Taijutsu as well.”

Kakashi immediately understood what Fujin implied. He smiled once again and said, “I didn't know he thought so highly of my Taijutsu. Anyway, I saw that you have taught him quite a few Wind jutsus. Does he have an affinity to Wind nature manipulation?”

Fujin shrugged again and said, “No idea. I never checked his affinity.”

Kakashi looked at Fujin with a deadpan expression and asked, “Why did you teach him Wind jutsus then?”

Fujin replied, “Those are just rank E jutsus. Anyone can learn them. Besides, these jutsus went perfectly with his prankful nature. I felt that it might be a good way to motivate him to train. Considering how well he has progressed, I wasn't wrong.”

Kakashi kept staring at Fujin while thinking, ‘Why do I feel like he only did that to cause chaos through his pranks?’

He said, “Alright. Can you tell me what you taught him regarding Wind Release? I'll have to plan his training accordingly.”

Fujin nodded and informed Kakashi about the same. Kakashi had already figured out most of it. The only thing that surprised him was the fact that he had made Naruto complete the Leaf Cutting exercise.

Kakashi replied, “I see. So he already has the basics down. That should make my work easier. Anyway, I'll see you around. I have to continue the training of my ‘cute’ students.”

Fujin chuckled and said, “Enjoy.”

Kakashi's figure disappeared from the training ground. A smirk appeared on Fujin's face as he thought, ‘I didn't expect him to connect the dots so quickly. His instincts are quite good. Oh well, Naruto should get used to that training routine in a month or two. I'll manipulate him to create more trouble for Kakashi then. For now, he can continue teaching those 5 how to prank.’

Kakashi, who was moving towards his team, sighed and thought, ‘Such a troublesome fellow. Even though he didn't show any peculiarities, I got a feeling that he wanted to see me in trouble. Did the Third put him up to this? Or is he still fond of causing trouble like he was when he asked the Third for chakra metal swords…’


Even though it had been some time since Kakashi met Fujin, he still wasn't sure of the answer nor could he find Fujin's motives.

“Well, Sensei? Can you teach me some cool jutsus like Sasuke's Fireball?” Naruto grew impatient as Kakashi didn't say anything for a few seconds.

Kakashi was about to answer when they heard, “This is easier than I thought!”

The voice immediately attracted everyone's attention. Kakashi, Naruto and Sasuke all saw Sakura sitting on the branch of a tree. Sasuke frowned as it meant that he was the only one who couldn't do so. Meanwhile, Naruto thought, ‘So quickly? I needed more than a week to do it properly!’

Even so, Naruto cheered for her while Kakashi praised her chakra control while teasing, “It looks like there is just one of you who can't do this exercise then.”

Sasuke's frown intensified but he didn't say anything and continued training. Kakashi asked Sakura to keep training as well and said, “Naruto, follow me.”