Chapter 26 [Bonus!]

"Kakashi-sensei, why have you been following?" Naruto, unable to bear it any longer, finally turned around and asked at his own doorstep.

Kakashi, not considering himself an outsider, casually looked around before responding, "Oh, we've already reached your doorstep."

"Don't just stand there, hurry up and open the door!" Kakashi exclaimed in confusion.

Naruto: "???"

"This is my house, right?" Naruto turned his face with a grim expression.

Kakashi nodded and closed the book he was holding. "I know. Yesterday afternoon, the Hokage and I came by."

"What?"

"Don't be nervous, it was just a visit. It's because you and I have some significant connections," Kakashi said, looking at Naruto's face with a touch of sadness.

Apart from the hair, why doesn't he resemble Sensei Minato at all?

But it's probably for the best; it saves me from constantly being reminded of sad memories.

With that in mind, Kakashi decided not to keep Naruto in suspense any longer and spoke directly, "I remember seeing a stack of manuscripts on your desk yesterday. I want to read them before leaving."

"But don't worry, when your book gets published, I'll buy several more copies to make up for it."

"I knew it!" Naruto had actually guessed Kakashi's intention already. But he didn't mind showing them to Kakashi in advance since he had become his team leader.

However, Kakashi's mention of their connections intrigued him.

"Kaze's manuscript isn't finished yet, but if you want to read it, come on in," Naruto said, opening the door and inviting Kakashi inside. Then he continued, "By the way, Sensei, what did you mean by 'connections' earlier?"

"It's nothing. You'll find out in the future," Kakashi replied, not intending to reveal it and claim Naruto as his little disciple.

To be honest, Kakashi had always harbored some resentment toward Minato, Naruto's father and his own teacher, the Fourth Hokage.

Even though he was the fastest man in the ninja world, he was always one step behind when his two disciples encountered trouble, leading to consecutive tragedies.

Moreover, Minato did nothing to help with his own father's matter. However, Kakashi understood that ultimately, these resentments couldn't be attributed to Minato.

It was just a result of the circumstances, necessitating consideration of the bigger picture. Nevertheless, these factors contributed to a lingering unease in Kakashi's heart.

Of course, Kakashi's greatest resentment was directed at his own weak self, who couldn't change anything.

The combination of all these factors resulted in Kakashi feeling indifferent toward Naruto and not providing any special care.

"It's always 'in the future.' You're clearly treating me like a child!" Naruto pouted and handed the manuscripts on the table to Kakashi. "Here, take them. I've only written ten chapters of the plot."

Just as Kakashi was about to take them and start reading, he noticed that Naruto didn't let go of his hand but instead looked at him with shining eyes.

"If there's something you want to say, say it. If it's too much trouble, I'd rather wait until the book is published," Kakashi said with some helplessness. He only wanted to catch up on a novel, why did it have to be so troublesome?

Naruto chuckled and released Kakashi's hand, scratching his head in a somewhat embarrassed manner. "Kakashi-sensei, can you teach me to train and control the Nine-Tails Chakra? I don't want to rely on Kaze for every fight and protection.

"I also want to become stronger and be recognized by everyone as I strive to become the Hokage myself."

Staring at Naruto's expectant face, Kakashi was momentarily taken aback.

However, he quickly understood what Naruto had in mind and furrowed his brow as he said, "Starting tomorrow, I will begin teaching you about training and better control of your chakra."

"But the Nine-Tails' chakra is quite unique, and I am powerless in that regard. However, you can try asking your alter ego."

"After you go through the initial phase of chakra control training, we will assess your chakra nature and proceed to the second phase of training."

"So there's no need to worry too much. Take it step by step, and eventually, you will become stronger and gain the recognition you seek."

"Oh," Naruto responded, feeling somewhat disappointed.

Taking it step by step seemed too slow. His main goal was to master the Nine-Tails' chakra and become stronger quickly. Unfortunately, neither Kakashi nor Kaze could help him with that.

Ignoring Naruto's disappointment, Kakashi quickly glanced at the manuscript in his hands. The plot was quite nice, and he was starting to get into it. He had reached a good stopping point.

In the Hokage's office...

"Naruto wants you to teach him about training and mastering the Nine-Tails' chakra?" Hiruzen, hearing Kakashi's report, furrowed his brow.

"Yes, Naruto said he doesn't want to rely on Kazekyo to fight," Kakashi nodded, offering his own speculation. "He probably feels that he's too violent and brutal and resists relying on it."

Naruto's two personalities were like two extremes. One was pure, kind-hearted, and forgetful, but with average talent.

The other was violent, rebellious, vengeful, but exceptionally talented.

Fortunately, the kind-hearted Naruto was the dominant one. If it were Kaze in control, Konoha would have been in chaos during Naruto's childhood.

Regarding Kakashi's speculation, Hiruzen neither confirmed nor denied it. "That does sound like Naruto's style. However, he does need to improve his strength."

"The vast gap in power between the two personalities is not ideal, and constantly relying on the ferocious Kaze for combat could pose risks."

To be honest, Hiruzen had some concerns about the alter ego's personality, compared to the more manageable Naruto.

Naruto was currently able to suppress it, but things might change in the future.

After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen continued, "Pay extra attention to Naruto's training. After all, he is also a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, and I will do my best to fulfill any requirements for his training."

"By the way, if you encounter Root ninjas during future missions outside the village, be cautious. Although I managed to suppress Danzo, he hasn't given up."

"In any case, I will give you a secret code that only our trusted personnel will know."

At the mention of Danzo's name, a dangerous gleam flickered in Kakashi's eyes.

He held deep resentment towards Danzo because of what happened after the encounter in the forest of death.

Danzo had even sent assassins after him for a while.

Unfortunately for them, Kakashi killed them all, leaving no survivors.

"I understand," Kakashi replied.

Satisfied with Kakashi's response, Hiruzen didn't forget about Sasuke and Sakura either.

"If you're herding one sheep, you're herding, but if you're herding a flock, you're still herding. Since you're teaching the other two as well, don't neglect them. We need to foster a bond among them."

Creating bonds among the team members was essential.

He sighed.

Naruto's erratic nature within the village was famous and very similar to one of his students.

Hiruzen was now planning to set that plan in motion.

As Kakashi left, Hiruzen turned to the ANBU operatives waiting in the darkness and gave them instructions.

"Send someone to track down Jiraiya's whereabouts and inform him about Naruto's need for guidance. Naruto's personality is quite similar to Jiraiya's, so I have no doubt he will provide the necessary guidance."

After receiving their orders, the masked figures in the shadows vanished in an instant.

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