NARUTO- CH-100. Kakashi's New Identity

"I can."

Shiki nodded and said, "But in exchange, you have to tell me about the teacher's past."

He had thought of this solution before.

Since Tsunade was unwilling to talk about her hemophobia, he decided to find another way.

"No problem."

The slug betrayed Tsunade outright.

"Last time we talked about Sun Wukong's three fights against the White Bone Demon..."

Shiki recounted the story based on his memory.

*Journey to the West*, which is rebroadcast every year, was practically ingrained in his DNA.

And the slug proved to be the best listener.

For thousands of years, it had lived in the Wet Bone Forest, with no one to talk to except a few contractors.

Its patience was remarkable.

As for the concept of a transformed monster, it wasn't new to the slug.

After all, the Ryuchi Cave had three snake princesses who could transform into human form.

---

"I'm back."

Itachi pushed open the door and called casually.

"Brother!"

Sasuke appeared in front of him instantly.

Itachi couldn't help but smile.

He felt a sense of relief from the stress caused by the Uchiha clan and Konoha's high-level officials.

"How did you do on the final exam?"

Itachi touched his brother's head and asked.

"Second place overall."

Sasuke's initial excitement dimmed.

"Is the first place Shiki?"

Itachi asked thoughtfully.

"It's him."

Sasuke admitted reluctantly.

"It's impressive that he keeps beating you."

Itachi showed a hint of interest.

He had seen how hard Sasuke had worked over the past month, especially with his mastery of two new lightning-style jutsu.

If caught off guard, Sasuke might even defeat an average Chunin.

"I want a teacher."

Sasuke hesitated to admit that he'd lost to Naruto in actual combat.

"A teacher?"

Itachi looked slightly guilty, "I'm sorry, Sasuke, I can't always be around to teach you."

"Kakashi."

Sasuke shook his head, naming his choice.

"How do you know his name?"

Itachi's eyes narrowed.

Kakashi was unique to the Uchiha. He was the only non-Uchiha who possessed the Sharingan.

After Minato's death, some clan members had even suggested reclaiming the Sharingan, given its rarity and power.

For a brief moment, murderous intent flickered in Itachi's eyes.

"Shiki told me." Sasuke said, confused, "Is that a problem?"

"It's fine." Itachi replied, relieved.

Shiki was Tsunade's apprentice, so it wasn't surprising that he would know Kakashi well.

Come to think of it, Sasuke might indeed benefit from being Kakashi's student.

"I'll discuss it with Dad." Itachi decided after a moment's thought.

Kakashi was closely connected to the Hokage lineage, and fostering such a relationship could bring advantages.

"Okay," Sasuke said eagerly.

Itachi looked at his younger brother's innocent face and resolved to protect him, no matter the cost.

He turned and headed to Fugaku's room.

"Sasuke wants to be Kakashi's apprentice," Itachi stated plainly.

Fugaku frowned slightly, prepared to refuse, but then paused in thought.

This might not be a bad thing.

The Uchiha were under close surveillance, and easing tensions with the Hokage's side could be strategic.

"Alright, I'll allow it," Fugaku said after a long silence.

---

"Hokage-sama, here's the full report on the exam!"

Iruka said, his excitement barely contained.

Though the Hokage was approachable, one-on-one meetings were rare, and this opportunity had come after a simple school exam.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep puff from his pipe.

Before him were three test papers: Shiki, Sasuke, and Naruto.

The first two were expected, but Naruto's improvement was startling.

Naruto's earlier performance had been poor in both theory and practice, often leaving Hiruzen questioning whether Minato's talents had truly been passed on.

But now, Naruto had demonstrated practical growth—and even more importantly, willpower.

During his battle with Sasuke, Naruto had shown resilience beyond his peers.

Such determination was essential for a Jinchūriki to control the Nine-Tails' power.

Hiruzen's eyes lingered on Shiki's test paper, a smile forming on his face.

This boy was no less a genius than Itachi or Kakashi.

Strong, intelligent, and deeply rooted in the Will of Fire.

Hiruzen's fingers grazed the paper as he read:

"A ninja must always put the Will of Fire first, placing the village's interests above all else."

"When faced with temptation, use Hokage-sama as a role model to know right from wrong."

The boy had learned well.

Hiruzen recalled observing Shiki during his routine crystal ball checks.

Shiki was a natural leader, effortlessly drawing allies to his side.

Initially, Hiruzen had worried Shiki might follow in Orochimaru's footsteps.

But now, he realized the boy was a blend of Orochimaru's brilliance and Minato's charisma.

If things went smoothly, Shiki could be a future Hokage contender.

Hiruzen exhaled another puff from his pipe, satisfaction washing over him.

After all, Shiki was Tsunade's student, and Tsunade was his.

It all came back to him.

"Iruka, you've done excellent work," Hiruzen said, smiling.

"This is my duty," Iruka replied modestly.

Hiruzen nodded, pleased to see that Iruka had moved past the grief of the Nine-Tails' attack.

__________

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