Chapter 28: Kakashi, and The playful Ino

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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After the two returned to their places, the remaining matches were somewhat lackluster.

However, witnessing the dazzling ninjutsu duel had greatly improved the students' perception.

Iruka announced the end of the practical combat class after the last bout between Shikamaru and a civilian.

Colt was undoubtedly the number one student of the year. This was something everyone understood.

On the way back to the classroom, the students were still discussing the ninjutsu used by Sasuke and Colt.

It's not unusual for an Uchiha like Sasuke to know advanced ninjutsu.

But Colt had been rather unremarkable in school for the past two years, known mainly for his good looks and being favored by Ino and Hinata.

No one expected him to be so powerful.

...

Meanwhile, the Third Hokage also had a panoramic view of this battle.

"It seems the ninja academy is becoming less and less useful for Colt."

The Third was quite aware of Colt's strength, having observed his training several times.

Of course, this was only the portion deliberately exposed by Colt.

He had always been one to hide his full capabilities.

Not out of treachery, but due to a threat every ninja must face - Danzō Shimura.

That wretched man's ambitions knew no bounds, held in check only by the Third's protection.

Colt had no plans to confront him unless Danzō betrayed the village.

Hence, Colt only revealed his basic ninjutsu to the Third, keeping his more powerful abilities deeply hidden.

This would neither lose the Third's favor nor pique too much of Danzō's interest.

However, having to constantly hold back was quite vexing.

Once Colt became the Hokage after Tsunade, he planned to find a way to neutralize Danzō's influence once and for all.

That's right, he did want to become a Hokage.

Ahem, that topic was getting sidetracked.

Back to the Third.

In his opinion, Colt could become a ninja without attending the academy.

However, the academy's role was not just teaching, but also fostering bonds between classmates.

Only by understanding the importance of comrades would they give their all to protect each other on missions.

This was the founding principle of Konoha and the bedrock of its strength.

Moreover, Konoha had no shortage of shinobi currently, so there was no need to rush a child's career to become a ninja.

Still, Colt's progress could not be delayed either.

With no news from Tsunade yet, the Third planned to find a temporary instructor for Colt.

Soon, there was a knock on the door.

"Enter!"

A white-haired, masked man with a spiky hairstyle walked in.

It was Kakashi Hatake.

"Kakashi, I heard the genin team I asked you to lead was judged unqualified by you and sent back to the academy?"

Earlier this year, the Third had pulled Kakashi out of the Anbu.

He had great expectations for this student of his late disciple.

Remaining in the Anbu's shadows for too long was unhealthy for one's psyche.

Kakashi did not refute this.

"They were not ready to become shinobi."

Clearly referring to his bell test, which the team had failed.

Seeing this, the Third sighed, understanding why Kakashi had become so jaded.

"I have a personal request for you."

"Please, go on."

The Third handed Kakashi Colt's file and explained.

"Colt is a young man I'm very hopeful about. His talent is immense, and he has awoken a powerful medical bloodline limit."

"My purpose in calling you is to have you instruct him in ninjutsu."

"You want him to graduate early?"

Kakashi glanced at Colt's photo, his mind stirring slightly.

He recognized this youth, having seen his lonely figure beside the memorial stone every year.

So that was Colt?

The Third shook his head.

"No, this young man is so gifted that the academy curriculum is useless for him."

"As Konoha's foremost ninjutsu specialist with no current duties, you can provide him with suitable training."

After a moment's thought, Kakashi agreed to the Third's request.

He was still ill-suited to life outside the Anbu's shadows. Mentoring this prodigy would be an interesting change of pace.

"Don't worry, after assessing his affinities, I'll teach him the appropriate ninjutsu."

The Third smiled happily. "Don't underestimate Colt, Kakashi. His genius is easily your equal."

"Also, his late father was my former guard, Shin. Basic techniques won't suffice for him."

Kakashi had heard of Shin's reputation, though he hadn't interacted with the youth before.

"I understand."

After finalizing the arrangements, Kakashi left.

The Third then activated his crystal ball, skillfully angling its view toward an open-air hot spring.

"I wonder if the lovely Mrs. Inoue will grace us today..."

A lecherous chuckle echoed throughout the empty room.

...

"Colt, you were so dashing today! Sasuke couldn't hold a candle to you!"

On the way home, Ino fluttered around Colt like an excited songbird.

Defeating a student like Sasuke was quite the feat after all.

Colt shrugged nonchalantly.

"Ino, while Sasuke is weak, you're still not his match either."

"I know your clan's ninjutsu is formidable, but it has glaring weaknesses too."

"Think about it - what would you do without Shikamaru and Chōji to support you?"

Ino smiled coyly almost instantly.

"But I'd still have you, Colt. You're the best."

This little girl's flirtations knew no bounds.

Colt sighed, unable to refute her words directly.

"I can't be by your side forever. When the time comes, you'll need to rely on your Ino-Shika-Chō formation."

"You'll need to develop some other skills then."

Struck by Colt's advice, Ino fell into deep thought.

Besides her clan techniques and the Mind Transfer Jutsu, she lacked proficiency in other ninjutsu.

Her physical abilities were mediocre too.

After pondering for a while, Ino nodded resolutely.

"I see. I'll ask Dad to give me special training when I get home."

Hinata smiled softly, observing this exchange.

She didn't mind Ino's presence at all.

For she knew that in Colt's heart, her position was utterly unique.

That was enough for her.

'Time to go home.'

After walking Hinata home, Colt prepared to head back himself.

Suddenly, an Anbu appeared before him.

"Colt, Lord Third has summoned you to Training Ground 1 this Saturday afternoon."

"Understood."

Though puzzled, Colt agreed readily.

Satisfied, the Anbu departed swiftly without further preamble.

Their cold demeanor didn't faze Colt at all.

Anbu operatives were just like that - terse and all business while on duty.

Instead, he was curious about the Third's intentions behind this summons.

Was this to teach him new ninjutsu?

If so, that would be wonderful.

Over the years, his diligent Shadow Clones had been gleaning all they could.

But Konoha's true powerhouses were a rare few. The other shinobi, while skilled, lacked mastery over the highest techniques.

Until now, Colt had yet to acquire a definitive signature technique.

He could always pursue them through exchanges via System shopping, but that felt wasteful.

If only he could be taught the Rasengan directly, without the need for secrecy around its principles.

In his past life, Jiraiya had clearly explained the Rasengan's core concepts and training methods.

With his current chakra control, Colt could likely master it swiftly.

With his chakra mastery, [Colt] could likely master the Rasengan swiftly.

Suddenly…

"Let me go!"

The shouts and familiar voice from a distance instantly attracted Colt's attention.