Chapter 34: The Threat

Thinking that keeping a safe distance means you can relax, without knowing your opponent's skills or if they have allies, is a grave mistake." Just as Naruto carefully observed Kakashi, who stood motionless, that lazy voice suddenly rang out behind him again.

When Naruto whipped around, a bluish lightning bolt was coiled around one of Kakashi's fingers, piercing directly through Naruto's shoulder!

Yet this successful strike left Kakashi bewildered. He had intentionally allowed Naruto time to turn around, hoping to force out his Flying Thunder God technique. How could he not have reacted?

The lightning chakra dissipated from Kakashi's finger as he hurriedly prepared to administer first aid to Naruto. Although the strike hadn't hit a vital area, being pierced by lightning unprepared could potentially leave lasting damage for a child.

He had been so impressed by Naruto's swift evasion of the shuriken, instinctively boosting his own speed to that of an average Chūnin, thinking it would force out the hidden skills of this boy. But...

"Hm?" However, in the next moment, Kakashi realized something was amiss.

There was no sensation of impact; this body was a fake!

With a loud "bang," the injured Naruto in front of him transformed into a cloud of smoke.

A Shadow Clone technique?

"Hehe, you think you're the only one who can use shadow clones? I already saw through that; the one standing still was just a clone!" Naruto's small voice unexpectedly echoed behind Kakashi, as if he was showing off. He was at the same distance from Kakashi as before.

"...Well, that makes sense. With such a skilled Body Flicker Technique, how could you not master the Shadow Clone Technique?" Kakashi realized that he had been a bit rattled. If he had observed more carefully, he could have recognized that the Naruto he struck was just a clone at the moment of impact.

However, everything had unfolded so smoothly, and Naruto's quick reaction was truly impressive. Kakashi couldn't help but marvel inwardly.

The three basic body techniques in the ninja world—Shadow Clone Technique, Transformation Technique, and Body Switch Technique—were often mastered by students before even becoming Genin.

Above these, there are advanced body techniques: the Binding Technique, Body Flicker Technique, and Stealth Technique.

A ninja's proficiency with body techniques often represents their foundational strength. Ninjas who struggle with these basic techniques are likely to be weaklings, while higher proficiency generally indicates stronger ninja abilities.

Furthermore, many advanced ninjutsu are extensions and developments of these basic body techniques. Countless tactics and confrontations between ninjas are based on these skills. For example, Kakashi's favorite Lightning Clone Technique is a prime example.

Those who reach the pinnacle of any aspect of body techniques are figures renowned throughout the ninja world.

"Hey, as long as you know that," Naruto said, puffing out his chest proudly upon hearing Kakashi finally speak.

Yet inside, Naruto did not feel as confident as he appeared; a sense of unease and confusion lingered within him.

Although he didn't know who the masked man in front of him was or why he had attacked, they were in the Hidden Leaf Village. And no matter who this person was, quite some time had passed since he made his move, yet no one had come to help.

As if sensing Naruto's doubts, Kakashi had no intention of alleviating his confusion. He knew he didn't have much time and couldn't afford to delay any longer.

Then, under Naruto's questioning gaze, Kakashi removed his mask and opened his left eye!

A crimson Sharingan with three tomoe.

Kakashi couldn't help but recall the mission that the Third Hokage had entrusted to him that morning.

"I must decline." When he heard the Third Hokage's proposed task, Kakashi almost instinctively responded.

The Third Hokage said nothing, only tapping his pipe thoughtfully.

"Hokage-sama, I understand your true intent is to make me test the hidden abilities he possesses, but he... is still just a child." Kakashi had wanted to mention that Naruto was the son of the Fourth Hokage and his mentor, but he held back.

Because he understood that due to this connection, he could never truly harm Naruto; the Third Hokage must have known that when he asked Kakashi to take on this task.

Kakashi had previously been the captain of the Anbu, accepting many dark missions within the village and understanding the relationships between the various factions. In the presence of the Hokage, his identity was clear, eliminating the possibility of being a spy.

Moreover, his strength was sufficient to test Naruto's abilities while controlling the situation, preventing any other repercussions.

Also, he possessed a Sharingan, making him the most suitable candidate to suppress the Nine-Tails at that moment, and the Hokage would never trust the Uchiha clan to carry out such a task.

"Kakashi, you should know," as Kakashi seemed to come to this realization, the Third Hokage finally spoke, "since the death of the First Hokage, the Jinchūriki of the tailed beasts have been used as weapons of war by various villages. Among them, the power of the Nine-Tails is the most formidable. Even under the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan, Kushina lost control more than once. The village's attitude towards the Nine-Tails is not friendly."

"So, the village has been monitoring Naruto all this time, and you can confirm that there's no one secretly teaching him?" Kakashi seemed to understand.

"Indeed, and I personally verified this; there is absolutely no one like that." The Third Hokage took a slow drag from his pipe and continued, "Given the damage caused by the Nine-Tails incident, the general public's attitude towards Naruto has not been good. Let alone those advisors led by Danzo; they have suggested more than once that Naruto should be brainwashed, or even attempted to use Orochimaru's twisted methods to turn the Nine-Tails into a weapon like other villages do."

"So just suppressing their opinions and actions to allow Naruto some freedom in the village has exhausted all my energy. This is all I can give Naruto. No matter how I wish otherwise, I cannot provide him with the treatment a hero's offspring should have." The Third sighed, "I'm sorry, Minato and Kushina."

The Third Hokage's words intensified Kakashi's pressure. He hadn't anticipated Naruto's situation was so difficult to handle. "But isn't Naruto safe and... well?"

He had intended to say that Naruto was doing well, but looking around the room, he couldn't voice such insincere words.

"Under normal circumstances, he could grow up safely, but at this moment, that's no longer possible." The Third Hokage finally revealed the true reason, "His displayed talents are too strong. Though not many know yet, it won't stay hidden for long. His strength, to some, is not a good thing. Uncontrollable power becomes a threat."