Chapter 54: Kakashi's Blind Date Arrangement

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Naruto inquired and, by coincidence, the Tenth Squad also had a day off. Such a coincidence—could it be related to the Uchiha Obito incident? Naruto fell into thought. However, the ninja academy classmates had finally gathered, chatting and laughing together. The six were all novice ninjas. From the initial nervousness of becoming a ninja to the dullness of D-rank missions, everyone’s psychological changes were remarkably similar. They complained about tedious garbage collection missions, which family’s cat often wandered out, and the various farm chores around them. Shikamaru complained the most; he hated trouble above all. It was clear that the Tenth Squad had abundant experience with D-rank missions, having undergone considerable training. Then... they heard that Naruto’s Seventh Squad had already completed two C-rank missions. The three members of the Tenth Squad all glanced uniformly at Sasuke, their expressions conveying the same meaning: having a strong leader is truly advantageous, to have already completed two C-rank missions. Sasuke wanted to say something to correct the misunderstanding but felt it beneath him to explain. Naruto saw their expressions clearly. He had forgotten that, in the eyes of classmates from the same year, he still seemed like the last in line. It could only be said that he acted well during school. Currently, the information among these few had not been synchronized; their updates were still pending. Hm. Naruto suddenly felt this was a problem—not favorable for his ambition to become Hokage. How to become Hokage? Naruto concluded two points: one must be strong in battle, and one must have a solid reputation. As for reputation, with the Ninja World Daily and his media group, Naruto Uzumaki was destined to become the sole sun of the ninja world. As for strength, it was time to demonstrate it. It wouldn’t do if only the Seventh Squad knew his true power. But how to showcase it? This puzzled Naruto. Could he just have a duel with Choji or Shikamaru now? The impact would be too small and inappropriate. It would be better to organize a martial arts competition, preferably a tournament within the ninja world—call it the Ninja World Martial Arts Tournament. A globally broadcasted competition, a well-set stage for Naruto to make his name known. He would plan it once he returned. The group was then called to eat grilled fish. Choji and Shikamaru confidently assured that the taste of this grilled fish was at least eighty percent as good as Naruto’s. Eighty percent? Remembering Naruto’s grilled fish, Sakura and Sasuke’s eyes sparkled.

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Even Sasuke, who was not indulgent in gastronomic desires, wanted to try it. As for Ino, she doubted whether Naruto’s grilled fish could be that delicious. Naruto explained, “My clone’s grilled fish tastes eighty percent like mine; isn’t that reasonable?” However, the ability of the cooking god was no joke. This grilled fish shop made even more money than Old Gan Ma sauce. Truly the cooking god’s handiwork—a matter of pure numbers, without any tricks. As they walked past the commercial street, passing by a dango shop, Naruto’s sharp eyes caught sight of a familiar head of white hair. “Hey? Kakashi-sensei?” Looking closer, the three others beside him were also quite familiar. One was a heavily bearded jonin with a cigarette at the corner of his mouth, known to be the instructor jonin for Shikamaru’s squad. Another had thick hair, striking red eyes, a beautiful and elegant mature woman—Hinata’s squad’s jonin instructor. The last was Sensei Might Guy, wearing a green tight suit, with a bowl haircut and thick eyebrows, exuding youthful vigor—who had raced Naruto before. The four were chatting and eating dango together. This scene made Naruto realize that these four... were also classmates. What a coincidence! Could today be a reunion day? But where was Hinata’s Eighth Squad? Naruto recalled that shy girl with Byakugan who could see without turning her head—quite cute indeed. Her bashful appearance was even more endearing. “Let’s go, Might Guy,” Shikamaru called back upon seeing Naruto lingering. Naruto pointed to the four teachers sitting inside the dango shop, “Look.” “What, are you going to greet them?” Shikamaru detested such situations the most. Seeing his reluctance, Naruto didn’t force him, “Wait for me here.” Naruto approached and greeted the four teachers individually, asking Kakashi about the next meeting time. The answer was tomorrow. Upon leaving, Naruto winked slyly, “Kakashi-sensei, when are you free?” “Hmm?” Kakashi suddenly understood the hint, “In the evening. I’m free then.” Though preoccupied with the Obito matter, he had to honor promises made to his student. “Great, then I’ll have Hanabi-nee arrange to meet you here tonight.” Hanabi...nee? Asuma, Kurenai, and Guy all glanced at Kakashi in surprise. Their curious, amused expressions nearly overwhelmed Kakashi. Naruto had already run off. “Alright, Kakashi~” “Are you about to bloom with fiery youth, Kakashi~” Naruto heard their teasing laughter as he walked away.

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Back with the group, Naruto reminded Sasuke and Sakura, “Don’t forget to watch the fun tonight.” Choji asked, and Naruto revealed, “Tonight Kakashi-sensei has a matchmaking event. Want to watch?” The Tenth Squad exchanged glances. Then... everyone agreed to watch together tonight. Night fell. The six of them covertly gathered near the dango shop, closely tracking from the rooftop. From afar, they saw Kakashi meeting with a graceful long-haired beauty. “I think we’ve been spotted.” Shikamaru noticed Kakashi glanced their way. “Not just us—look over there.” The others looked across the street to see Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi, the jonin duo, also sneaking around. Looking further down, they spotted Might Guy camouflaged among the flowers and grass. The three parties silently faced each other, quietly watching the scene unfold. What is called a live grand broadcast? This was it. The number of onlookers outnumbered the “melon” itself. There wasn’t enough “melon” to go around. Still, looking at their own group of six, they were no less. Naruto felt the evening was a bust. As expected, Kakashi and Hanabi-nee chatted and laughed, keeping their distance, not even holding hands. And... that was all. They had expected thunderous passion but got Shakespearean restraint instead. What a disappointment, Kakashi-sensei! A whole night of gathering, and nothing happened. “Tsk, not even a single kiss?” Ino nearly rolled her eyes, like Hinata’s. Then she looked expectantly at Sasuke, “Sasuke-kun, shall we practice?” “Ino, get away from Sasuke!” Sakura violently pushed Ino away before she could make a move. The two girls began their usual bickering. “What a headache.” Shikamaru thought he shouldn’t have come; lying at home stargazing would have been better. With no entertainment, the six said their goodbyes. After the melon-eating squad disbanded, Naruto’s trio found Hanabi-nee. This was Sakura’s first close encounter with the “Hanabi-nee” Naruto mentioned. Indeed, she was a stunningly beautiful woman. With gentle features and long, smooth black hair, she clearly seemed very kind. “Kakashi has no such intentions. Naruto, maybe you should forget about it,” Hanabi said gently before taking her leave. The three exchanged glances in silence.