Hi Professional—

It's the second month already and Team 6 is feeling great! Chakra, by itself, is a great equalizer in this world but more than the girls, only Kai noticed how prominently their bodies adapted to the physical exertion caused by daily D-Rank missions.

Instead of choosing a mission this morning, reluctantly, Kai brought his team to an empty training ground— one of the many standard plots within Senju Compound. Although Konoha is a 'village,' its size overshadows many major cities of the Land of Fire.

Excitement flickers in the trio's gaze. Even Shizune had grown somewhat out of her despondent shell and her pitch-black pupils held an equal intensity of anticipation if not more in those dark orbs.

"It's been a month since Team 6 is formed. Before anything, you need to answer one question. If you're correct, I will teach you anything you want and everything you feel you don't need but will be the key to your survival."

Kai looks at the trio with a smile as they gulp simultaneously, "If you get it wrong. I will disband this team."

They blink in surprise but Kai has instilled enough discipline in them that they don't act dramatic but instead settle down slightly. It's still a little bit away from spring but the trio hasn't really taken a shift from their usual attire. It's not because of some strange chakra theory or the fact that stronger bodies don't get affected by cold, no.

Kai never shifts from his casual attire and they didn't either. It's as simple as that. Of the trio, naturally, Konan is the most diligent, Kurenai is the most stubborn, and Shizune, believe it or not, isn't a deadbeat emo questioning those around her and her life after her experiences. Of course, in terms of brutal experiences, Konan would take away the prize... if this was a competition.

As their serious gaze lands on him, Kai questions, "Am I a clone or not?"

The trio instantly looks a little bitter.

After the first lesson on 'observation', Kai has only made it harder for them to note if it's his clone leading them for the day or his original body. Whether they got it right or wrong, Kai would reveal the hints daily and change them. In reality, it also happens to be a good practice for him. His trait and skills alone cannot make a great Shinobi. They help, yes. But Kai sincerely believes that it's also because of his own efforts and ability to apply his skills correctly.

Kurenai would usually take the lead and answer by now but Konan is quick to frown this time and hold the eager genin's wrist before whispering into her ears, "We can't get it wrong at all. Let's discuss."

Although Kurenai looks a little reluctant, she holds herself back and the trio forms a huddle as Kai observes them with amusement clear in his gaze.

"So?" Konan questions Kurenai promptly, "Real or not?"

"Of course, real," Kurenai replies in a tone that somehow attempts to set the bluenette off. Giving the crimson-eyed teammate of hers an annoyed glance, Konan soon looks at Shizune who furrows her brows for a moment and then admits, "I don't know."

"Come on, Shizune, it's so simple. Why would Sensei suddenly make this the final test? It's because he wants to rattle us. Sensei took the first week to go on missions with us and since we are supposed to train, of course, he's the real one."

Her sheer confidence wavers Konan and Shizune for a moment.

"But... what if Sensei knows all that and is trying to use it?" Shizune mutters softly.

This makes Kurenai silent and she reconsiders the situation.

Even Konan had a somewhat hesitant expression.

After a few more seconds of hushed discussion, the girls find that having a clear answer is simply not possible.

Kurenai is quick to fall into a swamp of indecision after her thoughts are countered. Konan, too, feels a wave of hesitation constantly stopping her from coming to a decision. And finally, Shizune is the one questioning Konan's and Kurenai's statements.

Seconds turn into minutes and once the duration touches the ten-minute mark, Kai chuckles and speaks up, "Time's up. Only one of the three of you will step out and answer."

This further adds a layer of complication and the trio looks at each other. If it was before, Kurenai would love to step out... but she doesn't have a confident answer now. Her exotically marked crimson eyes avert from Konan's gaze and the girl not only feels guilty for not taking the step but also a bit relieved that she won't be responsible if their team got the wrong answer.

Konan herself has such thoughts. Although her training with one of the older retired Jonins in the Senju clans has been going well, she specifically graduated just to get tutored by Kai. Having the team disbanded now is simply not acceptable! So, in hopes that maybe not giving any answer could mitigate the situation, Konan, too, keeps her silence.

"Sensei," Shizune finally steps out awkwardly seeing that Kurenai and Konan have no intention of doing so, and takes a deep breath, "You're a Clone."

Konan and Kurenai tense up for a moment.

"Wrong," He chuckles, "I'm the original."

The trio falls into silence. Konan and Kurenai obviously look reluctant but Shizune nods and replies, "What will you be teaching us today?"

While the duo is in a daze, Kai grins and knocks on Shizune's forehead before patting her on the head, "I see you've gotten more playful again. Did you enjoy constantly questioning Konan and Kurenai?"

Shizune finally couldn't stop herself from smiling shyly and nodding in response.

Her cheeks flush quickly and she doesn't dare match Konan's and Kurenai's gaze.

"Since you got it right, you get to explain, too," Kai pushes his hands into his pockets and waits as Shizune looks at the duo and smiles wryly, "Sorry... I actually did try to hint at you by constantly questioning your reasoning. After all... just because Sensei says that he will disband the team doesn't mean he can do so. We're already genins of team 6. We have completed over 30 D-Rank missions in a month... Our team is part of the official military strength of the village now and the decision to disband us lies in Lord Third and the Advisor's hands."

Konan and Kurenai look speechless. It certainly cannot be THIS simple, right?

But Kai rids them of this thought as he smiles, "That's right. It's easy to get confused by others' words. Mind you, I'm not trying to ruin my own credibility by using such controversial means but the one-month period has passed and I will train you from now on. Anybody can transform into me and ask you what I taught you and I don't mean Shinobi from our village but spies."

His colder, somewhat distant tone dampens the trio's spirits who are eager to learn, "As Kunoichi, you all will become adults once you become a Chunin. Until you're Genins, you're my responsibility. And I cannot coddle you. You are taught in the academy to never trust anyone. You're Kunoichi, after all. Your mission is your code and its success is your only objective."

Kai shakes his head and sits down on the ground to level his gaze with them, "But... I haven't met anyone who can live to that code. So, the next best thing you can do is be wiser in your decisions and accept the consequences of them."

He pauses and lets them digest everything he has to offer. He can only hope to observe the use of [Jonin Instructor] Title in due time.

"At this moment, I want the three of you to know that you will not reveal how I teach you to others. The contents of these teachings are, however, at your disposal to share as you wish. After all, most things are basics themselves. Things like mission details are never to be shared. Details like your training schedule, and even stuff like your personal hygiene and whatnot that can reveal a vulnerable side of you must be shared discreetly."

Of course, Kai himself did not adhere to most of it but if he taught them to be like him, then he'll be the worst teacher of the century!

Looking at the trio seriously, Kai continues, "Remember, discretion is your friend. I can't teach you who to trust. That comes from experience. And I'm appointed as your trainer so that the three of you don't end up dying to attain this experience."

"What about other codes of conduct?" Konan suddenly questions, "... Are we supposed to act like tools to kill others? Or at least, train to be as such?"

This subconsciously makes Kurenai and Shizune a bit paler but compared to them, Konan could stomach the hard truth better.

"A tool?" Kai smirks, "It's up to you if the three of you want to be a tool or professional."

Knowing the question that is about to come, Kai answers before they can speak.

"A tool, or a weapon, is a mindless object wielded by others— by professionals. The weapons come into direct contact with the worst of this world... the blood, the gore. But Professionals understand that they need to do this not only to survive but to also grow. It could be financial growth, physical growth, or even gaining more experience. You cannot be devoid of your nature in both cases, but you just have to wait and experience what is easier for you to adapt to— A weapon to be wielded, or a Professional who wields the weapon."

"Then what are you, Sensei?" Kurenai questions.

"Oh, no doubt about it, I'm your Sensei." Kai chuckles but he doesn't see the trio smiling. Instead, they throw strange glances in his direction.

Kai frowns seeing this.

'That was a good joke, right?'

It only takes him another moment to realize the hearsay he has committed but Kurenai pouts and delivers a blow so fatal that nobody has ever managed to lay on Kai in this life and the previous one.

"Sensei... aren't you a little too young to have a sense of humor like my dad?" She blinks and frowns cutely.

'Damn you Hatakeeee!'

---

*Chooo*

"Whoa..." A white-haired shinobi scouting in the desert sneezes and rubs his nose, "Sand really does get everywhere..."

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Continued Title: — I'm Sensei!

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Alternate Title: Sakumo Hatake— "Welcome to the Dad Side. We have dad jokes... heh."

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Shoutout to Lunadrift!!

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