Naruto: The Teaching System - 208

Chapter 208: Kumogakure

"Kumogakure's being really generous here." Sawada smiled as Hiruzen mentioned that the Cloud Village would cover all travel expenses for examinees heading to the Land of Lightning.

Hiruzen nodded, puffing on his pipe. "Every little bit adds up, even if the amounts aren't huge. Plus there's all the representatives the daimyo and nobles will be sending."

The light flickered on Hiruzen's pipe as he took another drag. "Since the last incident, Kumogakure's been trying to clear their reputation in the ninja world."

"But if the results are minimal, they might use this Chunin Exam instead." He exhaled slowly. "I think it's to let certain villages know that Kumogakure is still that same Kumogakure."

Sawada nodded. This move felt similar to the Gold and Silver Brothers incident.

First it was public opinion. Now they wanted to flex their strength.

During the Chunin Exams, they'd want various countries seeing Kumogakure's new generation of ninja. Their rising stars. This would shut up some people and forces in the ninja world.

Kumogakure had probably prepared talented genin to dominate this exam. Hell, maybe even the Yotsuki Clan would send some genius family members.

But Sawada looked at Hiruzen with confusion. "Sensei, do you have any particular thoughts on this?"

Hiruzen wasn't someone who'd randomly bring up matters. If he was telling Sawada about it, this Chunin Exam was definitely connected to him somehow.

"Kakashi will be the leading jonin this time." Hiruzen's mouth curved into a slight smile.

Ah... as expected.

"Sensei, can I refuse?" Sawada asked helplessly.

He really didn't want to get tangled up in this mess. Kumogakure had a criminal record, after all. Wasn't Senju Tobirama killed when he went to sign a treaty?

"No, I'll also be attending. And we've invited Sunagakure's Fourth Kazekage to come along." Hiruzen smiled. "Kumogakure agreed to that too."

Fourth Kazekage, Rasa?

Sawada thought of that bastard who'd oppressed his own son.

"Then what about the village?" he asked curiously. Hiruzen would be leaving, but Konoha currently had no Council of Elders.

"Jiraiya will be back by then. And we're not weak now either." Hiruzen's tone carried deeper meaning.

Sawada caught on. The current Konoha wouldn't lose to the supposedly strongest clan, the Uchiha. Plus, with Shisui, who had the strongest genjutsu and firmly stood on the Hokage's side, there was nothing to worry about.

"Alright, you arrange it then. I'll just go along to broaden my horizons." Sawada shrugged helplessly.

Hiruzen chuckled and reached out to poke his student. This disciple was getting lazier by the day.

After chatting casually for a bit, Sawada took his leave.

The so-called Chunin Exams weren't happening yet anyway. When it came time to really think about it, it wouldn't be too late. Maybe his sealing jutsu would've made great progress by then?

On the training ground, Sawada casually tossed a bottle of purification potion to Sasuke.

"Sasuke, drinking this will benefit you."

Sasuke didn't ask much. He uncapped the bottle and drank it all down.

His teacher already had tons of strange things. Including the medicinal bath formulas needed after training. All provided by Sawada.

This was just another bottle of potion. Nothing weird about it.

Naruto, standing nearby, watched curiously and moved closer to Sasuke.

Having just drunk the potion, Sasuke felt an annoying presence beside him and shoved Naruto away with disgust.

"Loser, don't get so close. Disgusting."

The pushed-away Naruto didn't bother arguing with Sasuke. Instead, he looked toward Sawada.

"Sensei! How come I didn't get one?"

Naruto was just pissed that Sasuke got something and he didn't.

Smack.

Sawada flicked Naruto's forehead with two fingers. "This is useless for you."

"Oh." Naruto covered his slightly aching forehead and responded sullenly.

Sasuke smirked and turned his head away. This loser really liked clinging to Sawada-sensei.

"What can you drink that sensei doesn't give you?" Sawada smiled ruefully and patted Naruto's head. This kid was really starting to not treat him like a teacher.

"Fine," Naruto muttered. He was seriously annoyed by Sasuke's smug expression.

"Alright, Sasuke, if there are any changes during this period, remember to tell me." Sawada smiled at the Uchiha.

"No problem." Sasuke nodded.

He seemed to already have some guesses, but he'd see when the time came. Just that he couldn't tell his brother about this. It felt a bit unfair...

No, his brother hadn't been coming home much lately anyway, so he wouldn't tell him.

Thinking about this, Sasuke's mood obviously improved.

Neji, standing beside Sawada, looked at Sasuke with enlightened understanding. What happened to Sasuke was probably very similar to his own situation.

Only this time, it was a potion.

"Oh, right! Sensei!" Naruto called out excitedly toward Sawada, as if remembering something important.

"I can already use Earth Release!"

"Oh?" Sawada blinked. After all, Naruto had just said he was almost there yesterday. Could he actually do it today?

"Earth Release: Underground Projection Fish Technique!"

Naruto quickly formed hand seals, and the ground beneath his feet became liquid as his entire body slowly sank in.

Then Naruto began swimming rapidly through the underground soil. He'd occasionally pop up to tease people on the training ground, especially Sasuke, who was his main target.

Sawada helplessly covered his forehead. When Naruto passed by him again, he grabbed toward the ground and pulled Naruto straight up.

Naruto maintained an awkward posture, constantly wriggling.

It took him a while to react and struggle to jump down. He stood beside Sawada, looking embarrassed.

"Your movements are smooth, but what about your posture?" Sawada looked at Naruto with a strange expression. This kid was genuinely mischievous. Even his jutsu movements were so peculiar.

"Hehe, I just thought swimming like this was more relaxing." Naruto scratched his head embarrassedly.

Shikamaru and the others nearby all laughed. Naruto's posture just now had indeed been very strange.

"Alright, but remember, jutsu isn't a game, especially when facing enemies in the future." Sawada didn't elaborate much but gave a slight reminder.

This really wasn't a laughing matter. One moment of carelessness could lead to catastrophic mistakes.

"Yes! I understand, Sensei!" Naruto quickly patted his chest.