Chapter 26

"Fine then, if that is what you truly wish. I hope you can be of some challenge," Itachi responded confidently. As he spoke, his Sharingan evolved from one tomoe to two, and then from two tomoe to three. Kazuki acknowledged the monstrous genius standing before him, far surpassing the Itachi from his past life. This seven- or eight-year-old Itachi possessed a three-tomoe Sharingan, earning Kazuki's respect. The mist reformed between them, signalling the beginning of a true clash between the two prodigies.

Outside the battle venue, disappointment hung in the air as the view remained obstructed. The battle within the fog had been raging for almost half an hour, surpassing the initial display of skill. Even Hiruzen questioned if he had rushed his decision to allow the exhibition match. Fugaku's worry for his son intensified, realizing the intensity of such battles exceeded what most Jonin could handle. The spectators stood shell-shocked, feeling the palpable intensity of the clash through the occasional glimpses of fire and water cutting through the fog. Experienced veterans recognised the use of A-class ninjutsu, leaving them in awe.

Fugaku grew more perplexed, wondering where Itachi had acquired these advanced ninjutsu. He realised that his obedient son must have been secretly delving into the library to learn these techniques. Mentally noting to question Itachi later, Fugaku contemplated stepping forward to end the exhibition match. However, before he could act, the fog around the battle venue dispersed, revealing Kazuki stepping out with steady strides, carrying the now unconscious Itachi on his back. The outcome of the intense clash left the spectators in awe of Kazuki's capabilities.

Kazuki exhibited only superficial injuries, and his custom-made battle outfit had proven its worth, maintaining its integrity despite the intense clash. On the other hand, Itachi bore the brunt of the battle, his clothes in tatters and his body battered and bruised.

Fugaku rushed forward anxiously to assess Itachi's condition, with a tearful Sasuke by his side. Sasuke, overcome with emotion, sent a fierce glare towards Kazuki, holding him responsible for his brother's injuries. Kazuki couldn't help but chuckle at the young Uchiha's intense reaction. As Fugaku reached Itachi's side, Kazuki gently placed the unconscious prodigy on the ground.

"He's merely unconscious due to overexertion and chakra depletion. He must have pushed himself beyond his normal limits. Here, these are Nara clan specialties; they should help him recover in a day or two," Kazuki explained, handing two bottles of Nara clan medicine to Fugaku. Gratefully, Fugaku accepted the medicine, aware of its exclusivity and effectiveness.

Fugaku, carrying Itachi, expressed his gratitude to the Hokage and bid farewell, leaving the venue with Sasuke and other Uchiha members who had come to support Itachi.

Under Jin's insistence, Kazuki acquainted himself with some important members before collecting his graduation certificate and headband. His fame would undoubtedly soar after this impressive display of skill. With that, Kazuki and Jin departed, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed the extraordinary battle.

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A week after the special graduation ceremony, Hiruzen found himself in his office, immersed in the task of forming a team for Kazuki and Itachi. Despite numerous attempts to identify suitable candidates from the general roster, he couldn't find a third member for the team. Pondering the dilemma, Hiruzen decided to create a special squad with both Kazuki and Itachi, yet the question of who would serve as the Jonin leader lingered unanswered.

As he grappled with this quandary, a knock on the office door interrupted his thoughts.

"Enter."

Tsunade Senju walked in, accompanied by a silver-haired ANBU who was carrying a sizable stack of records. Upon seeing the pile, Hiruzen couldn't help but express his concern.

"Tsunade, didn't you have a sealing scroll to transport such a load of records? Why burden young Kakashi here?"

The silver-haired ANBU, none other than Hatake Kakashi behind his Kitsune ANBU mask, responded to Hiruzen with a quick nod.

"Oh, this kid was stalking around my home, and little Naruto even pointed him out as a stalker and pervert. I thought it's better to educate the little one; otherwise, he might stray from the path of good."

Tsunade, having heard about little Naruto's complaint regarding a silver-haired ANBU sneaking into his room and recalling Kazuki's warning about perverts, decided it would be amusing to discipline the grumpy kid to loosen him up. Kakashi, upon hearing Tsunade's explanation, couldn't help but snort at her comment.

"Fine, do as you wish; just don't go overboard with the young one." Hiruzen conceded, recognising Kakashi's current state. He believed that having Kakashi around someone like Tsunade could be beneficial for the young ninja. However, Kakashi wondered why no one had asked for his opinion.

"Sensei, the records contain all the information I could extract from the root. Although most of the members have been accounted for, some inevitably must have slipped through the net. And from the amount of money Danzo has embezzled, it's large enough to build a private army. So, I suggest you make him or the Shimura clan pay back the debt."

Hiruzen remained silent, unwilling to provide any response. Tsunade, perceptive as ever, understood that Danzo had become a sensitive topic for her sensei, so she redirected her attention to the work Hiruzen was currently engaged in.

"It seems like you're stuck, Sensei. What seems to be the issue?" Tsunade directed her attention to the scrolls haphazardly strewn on the desk.

"Well, it's all because of your student and Itachi's recent show of prowess. I have decided to create a special squad with Kazuki and Itachi, but it's missing the third member, and I also have no idea about who should be their Jonin leader."

After pondering her sensei's words for a moment, Tsunade quickly turned to Kakashi.

"Hatake kid, quickly put down those records and fetch me that black record that has the list of clan orphans here."

Kakashi promptly put down the records and searched for a black book. Confirming that it was the one Tsunade was looking for, he passed the book over to her.

Tsunade simply started flicking through the pages and stopped on a particular entry, then passed it over to Hiruzen.

"Here, Sensei, this kid must match your requirements. The kid is far ahead of his peers, way more mature for his age, and should fit perfectly with the other two little monsters. Even among the recent Root recruits, the kid was the cream of the crop."

Hiruzen took the book and, going through the details, found the candidate to be a perfect fit. However, there seemed to be an issue.

"Tsunade, the kid is a good choice, and he's about the same age as Itachi, but with his Rinkaichu, do you think he will fit into the team?"

Though the kid was an excellent fit for the team, he possessed a Rinkaichu, a rare trait even among the Aburame clan.

"Haha, Sensei, that kid Kazuki's Kekkei Genkai makes him immune to poisons, and with his medical knowledge, even if there was an accident with the other members, he could quickly handle it. And this could be a life-changer for the Aburame kid. It would be a shame if we couldn't nurture such a fine shinobi." Tsunade's words put Hiruzen's worries to rest. He knew how rare the Rinkaichu was, and not nurturing a shinobi with it would simply be a waste.

"Fine, with the third member settled, what about their leader? With the three kids' standards, I will have to assign an elite Jonin, and I will have to look for the best even among them. However, it wouldn't be fair for the Jonin ninja I pick, as no matter what, they would simply be leading a team of kids."

Hiruzen shared his concern with Tsunade to see if she could come up with a solution.

"Why not look for someone recently promoted to Jonin who is full of enthusiasm and spark, maybe even someone who specializes in Taijutsu, so he can have something to teach the kids? Do you have someone like that on the list, Sensei?"

Tsunade, who knew Kazuki, understood that the kid did not really need someone to teach him the ropes and would be good with anything. The only thing the other two kids really lacked was taijutsu, so finding a Jonin specialising in taijutsu should be perfect. Being young and energetic, the leader should be able to handle the group of hyperactive kids.

Hiruzen started thinking about the recently promoted Jonin he could remember. However, a soft but steady voice cut through the office.

"I do know someone."

Both Hiruzen and Tsunade were surprised when they realised who it was that spoke.

"Ah, so the Hatake kid can speak. I feared that he might be mute behind that mask." Tsunade couldn't help but comment with a light chuckle. However, Hiruzen ignored Tsunade's comment and inquired.

"Who do you have in mind, Kakashi?" Hiruzen asked, wanting to know who his choice was.

"Hokage Sama, it's Jonin Maito Gai. He fulfils all the requirements that you are looking for. He is exceptional when it comes to taijutsu. I can personally vouch for his skills."

Kakashi, though always reluctant to speak, thought about Gai when the Hokage was looking for someone specialising in taijutsu.

"Kakashi, are you referring to the kid who runs around the village wearing a green spandex suit and screaming 'youth'?"

Tsunade couldn't help but ask Kakashi with a grin on her face. Kakashi couldn't help but nod after looking at Tsunade's slight grin.

"Hahahaha, Kakashi, I thought you had no humour in you. But who would have thought you were such a prankster? Sensei, Jonin Gai seems to be the perfect fit," Tsunade declared, still not being able to stop her laughter. She could already vaguely picture Kazuki running around the village in a green spandex suit, screaming "youth."

Hiruzen could understand why Tsunade was smiling. Upon thinking, he picked up the scroll with Jonin Gai's information, impressed. The young ninja had reached the level of Jonin with sheer will and effort. Although the Jonin had not even basic specialisations in ninjutsu or genjutsu, he was a master of Taijutsu and Bukijutsu, which the team currently lacked.

"Fine, Sensei, carry on with your work. I have to meet with Kazuki and share this news. I can't wait to see his reaction. Oh, and I will return Kakashi after he is punished enough."

Tsunade, followed by Kakashi, walked into the Nara family home. Yoshino happily welcomed them in. "So where are the kids? I don't see them," Tsunade questioned as she sat down on the couch. Kakashi stood by her side, and Yoshino curiously observed Kakashi as if comparing the degree of resemblance between Kazuki and Kakashi.

Distracted from her observation, Yoshino quickly answered the Sannin, "Tsunade-sama, the kids are back in the study room. Kindly give me a minute; let me call them out for you."

Tsunade, not bothering about the fact that it was the Nara home, followed Yoshino. Even the Nara family didn't mind the closeness the slug sage showed towards the family, as it was a great show of favour.

"Big brother, why should I learn about all this? Isn't it enough for us to learn what we already have in the clan?" Little Shikamaru was questioned with an aggrieved tone. Kazuki had personally taken it upon himself to teach Shikamaru about seals. Shikamaru had recently undergone the chakra-enhancing ritual, so Kazuki decided to alter his training programme and add fuinjutsu basics to his schedule.

By the side, even little Choji was holding a small ink brush and drawing on a scroll. When compared to Shikamaru, Choji was doing the assigned work diligently because Kazuki had promised to take him out to eat as long as he replicated all the symbols he provided without errors. Choji, not caring about his friend, was working hard like a child possessed. Originally, Choji had only come to find Shikamaru to play, but Kazuki caught him and made him take the lesson along with Shikamaru.