Chapter 119

Under heavy rain, Hitoshi and Hatake Sakumo sat peacefully under a tree, drinking tea and engaging in conversation. The other Konoha Shinōbi formed a circle around them, also taking shelter under the tree.

"It's really difficult to deal with. I thought I was getting close, but now it seems like I'm still lacking," Hatake Sakumo said with a hint of emotion.

Hitoshi glanced at Hatake Sakumo speechlessly. Only Hatake Sakumo could dream of surpassing the power of cheating in just a few decades. Irene and Hua Ye's power couldn't compare to Hatake Sakumo's progress in such a short time.

"The situation is different. After all, I am a pioneer. It's only natural for me to be ahead of you," Hitoshi replied with a smile.

"You're already very strong. You identify the problem, fix it, and then break through it, all within a few years. Your innate talent is terrifying. Keep it up, and one day you may surpass me," Hitoshi began instilling some optimistic thoughts into Hatake Sakumo.

Hatake Sakumo looked at Hitoshi speechlessly. He had been on the receiving end of such talk before, but now he was hearing it from someone else. If surpassing everything was just a matter of hard work, then what was the meaning of his existence? Hatake Sakumo understood that there was more to it than that.

Hitoshi, sensing Hatake Sakumo's discomfort, smiled awkwardly to hide his embarrassment. Having read countless novels, Hitoshi understood that the rich relied on wealth, while the poor relied on mutation.

"To be honest, Sakumo, your innate talent is very impressive. If your Hatake family continues on this path, creating a Noble Clan wouldn't be a problem," Hitoshi expressed his admiration when thinking about Hatake Sakumo and Hatake Kakashi's abilities and achievements.

Imagine if the Hatake Clan had the same aptitude and work ethic as Hatake Sakumo and Hatake Kakashi, there would be no doubt that they could establish themselves as a formidable Noble Clan.

"Uh, thanks for your kind words, but as for the Clan, that's their business. And as for the Third Hokage, everyone has their own innate talents, so it's best to leave it up to the younger generation," Hatake Sakumo shook his head, maintaining an open perspective.

He didn't want to dwell on his son's situation. Whether his innate talent was extraordinary or ordinary, Kakashi was his son, and Hatake Sakumo had to accept his fate.

"Well, you're right. But Konoha still has an abundance of geniuses. Weakening you is truly a good move," Hitoshi pondered the numerous exceptional talents that had emerged in Konoha over the past few decades.

The more Hitoshi thought about it, the more he realized that the talk of Konoha's geniuses falling behind was baseless. From his perspective, it was all nonsense.

When Sannin were no longer in the picture, a new generation of talented individuals emerged, led by Namikaze Minato. And even after Minato's death, Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi took the spotlight. Even if these two were no longer present, there would always be a group of exceptional individuals among the Twelve-Youngest Strong in the coming years. The growth of these Twelve-Youngest Strong hadn't deviated from the conventional path. The guidance and teachings they received were far from inadequate.

Feeling annoyed, Hitoshi thought to himself that other Hidden Villages could discuss dating issues, but Konoha wasn't qualified to do so. He even speculated whether Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Obito, and Yin-Yang had been spies for Sarutobi Hiruzen. The actions of Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Obito, causing Kirigakure heavy losses with the Blood Mist technique and kidnapping Kisame, made it hard to believe they hadn't colluded.

The silent assassination of the Third Kazekage by a brat, regardless of how much of a genius he was, was unimaginable. The Third Kazekage, known for his Iron Sand manipulation, was far from an easy target. And what about Kumogakure? The constant berserk state of the Eight-Tails seemed suspicious.

Upon reflection, it seemed that everything in the Shinōbi World was related to Madara and Obito, as if they had inherited their legacy. If it weren't for their continued actions, nobody would believe it. Itachi's influence was apparent, as Kisame followed his lead, and members like Deidara and Hidan joined Akatsuki. Orochimaru was "forced" to leave once Itachi joined. Looking at Akatsuki's missions, Konoha hadn't changed. Naruto and the other Twelve-Youngest Strong had enjoyed a perfect childhood.

The more Hitoshi thought about it, the more dangerous and terrifying the eyes of Hatake Sakumo and others seemed. He couldn't help but curse silently. Konoha was too incredible. It felt like everyone involved in the Shinōbi World was aiding them. Especially the old dog, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Hitoshi had a feeling that Minato's death was orchestrated to alleviate his boredom, allowing Uchiha Obito to take action, kill Minato, and simultaneously weaken the Uchiha and other Noble Clans in Konoha. And then, Sarutobi Hiruzen would emerge once again to oversee everything.

Hitoshi considered the capsized ship and other issues, such as the hidden Wood Release user Yamato and Hatake Kakashi, who concealed himself within Anbu. Pretending to be a Jonin, Maito Gai possessed Kage Level strength, secretly keeping an eye on Konoha's situation, while Jiraiya could return at any time. Orochimaru, always lurking in the shadows, was constantly considered as Konoha's internal traitor.

When he thought about it, the chances of the old dog Sarutobi Hiruzen causing the ship to capsize were almost impossible. Forget about everything else—opening the Seventh Gate and killing Kisame before he could react. If Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't noticed, Hitoshi would twist his head off and kick him.