Kakashi's "Reputation"

Unfortunately, the two who arrived on time were destined to waste their time just like in the original story, and they had to wait on an empty stomach at the training ground. As time passed:

Six o'clock. Seven o'clock. Eight o'clock.

Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke, who had been waiting on an empty stomach in the Second Training Ground, still hadn't seen the arrival of Kakashi and Naruto.

Sakura, who appeared obedient on the surface, had been cursing profusely in her heart for over an hour. Her frustration was directed not only at Kakashi, who was late for the second time but also at her teammate, Naruto.

"Yesterday's lateness was bad enough! Why are they late again today? We agreed on five o'clock, and it's already eight! And it's not just Kakashi-sensei, why isn't Naruto here either? Could something have happened? No, that can't be."

Due to hunger and fatigue, Sakura's mind had become somewhat irrational.

Even Sasuke, who had initially leaned against a tree with his eyes closed, had become increasingly impatient as time passed. When the clock struck nine in the morning and Kakashi and Naruto were still absent, Sasuke's expression shifted from impatience to confusion.

This didn't make any sense.

They had agreed on five in the morning.

And now it was already nine.

A four-hour discrepancy was inexplicable, no matter the reason.

"Could it be that Naruto wasn't joking yesterday?"

As they waited, Sasuke and Sakura recalled what Naruto had said to them before he left. When they thought about this possibility, not Sakura but even Sasuke's usually dark complexion became even darker.

"That's not it. I wanted to ask... Why did you say yesterday that it would be better to arrive later today?"

Sasuke, who was leaning against a tree, had already begun speaking ahead of Sakura. However, his words lacked warmth and were filled with an icy breath.

Naruto didn't mind at all. After all, he knew Sasuke's character well.

"Ah? Are you talking about that? It's because Kakashi-sensei is quite famous in our village. In various aspects, as an upper-level ninja from our village, Kakashi-sensei is one of the best. Both in terms of strength and his unique character traits, Kakashi-sensei is well-known in the village. Especially his tendency to be late, many people in the village are aware of it. I had heard about it too, even though it wasn't widely known. So, when I saw Kakashi-sensei yesterday, I understood that his lateness was normal. Or I should say, unless it's something very important, like yesterday's meeting or today's survival exercise, you can arrive early, late, or even postpone it for a couple of days. Kakashi-sensei will definitely be late. And the delay could be not just a few minutes or dozens of minutes, but at least two to three hours, possibly even four to five hours. These things aren't very famous, but if you pay a little attention, you can find out about them. After all, Kakashi-sensei has led teams before."

Naruto put down his backpack and casually explained. His words were not deceiving; Kakashi indeed had this kind of special "reputation" in the village, including but not limited to being late, reading "adult books," and several unsuccessful team leadership attempts before.

(End of Chapter 40)

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