Hatake Sakumo is definitely not the kind of simple-minded, reckless person who is all brawn and no brain.In fact, he possesses extremely keen insight and superb strategic thinking.
However, it was precisely because of the moral principles he upheld deep within his heart that his vision in the political arena was somewhat short-sighted.
After silently considering it in his mind, Hatake Sakumo couldn't help but be surprised by his son's analysis.These points were not only clearly structured but also well-supported by evidence, perfectly reflecting the current situation.
Nevertheless, he deliberately feigned nonchalance and said casually, "Hmph, you brat, I know perfectly well what you're saying, I just wanted to test you.Since you're somewhat clever, I'll give you a passing grade this time!"
Seeing Hatake Sakumo's current state, Hatake Kaede thought to himself: [Old man is starting to act up again.]
However, this time he didn't retort directly as usual.Instead, he looked at his father with a serious expression and slowly said, "Old man, if you trust me, I suggest you shift your focus to the Land of Rivers.I have a feeling that there should be some important discoveries there."
Hatake Sakumo was taken aback by his son's words, but then a pleased smile spread across his face.He gently patted Hatake Kaede's shoulder and nodded, saying, "Hmm, not bad, little guy, you're actually starting to boss me around.But I'll remember what you said."
Then, Hatake Sakumo changed the subject, smiling as he said, "By the way, you've already become a Chunin, and I haven't prepared a gift for you yet." With that, he reached behind his back and took out the White Fang short sword, handing it to Hatake Kaede.
"I was planning to give it to you later, but it seems like it's time now.What the hell is that expression on your face?"
To everyone's surprise, upon hearing that Hatake Sakumo was going to give him his famous White Fang short sword, Hatake Kaede's previously serious face suddenly showed a look of disgust.[Note 1]
"Sorry, I refuse!"
"You little brat, what did you say?You don't even want the White Fang Dagger?If you don't give me a straight answer today, I'll beat you to death."
"ugly!"
"What?"
"Damn it, Old man, didn't you hear me?I said it's ugly, very ugly, extremely ugly, it doesn't fit my aesthetic."
With that, Hatake Kaede swiftly drew the sword from his back and said to Hatake Sakumo, "This is the sword I wanted.You can give the White Fang Short Blade to whoever you want!"
Upon hearing what his eldest son said, Hatake Sakumo strangely calmed down.
"Alright, alright, you little brat, it seems I'm too old to lift this knife anymore, and you think you're all that again."
"Whoosh!" A flash of white light, and the White Fang short blade was drawn, slashing towards Hatake Kaede's head in the next moment.
Sensing the approaching danger, Hatake Kaede disregarded everything else, grabbed his sword, and immediately took off running.
As he ran, Hatake Kaede shouted dramatically, "Old man, have we, father and son, really come to such a state of distrust?"
Watching his son's retreating figure, Hatake Sakumo slowly sheathed his sword.A helpless smile appeared on his face.
After suppressing his smile, Hatake Sakumo turned and went back to the living room to continue packing his equipment.
Meanwhile, back in his own courtyard, Hatake Kaede was not idle either.
He quickly checked his equipment, leaving no detail overlooked, to ensure everything was in perfect working order.
After confirming that everything was ready, Hatake Kaede, taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, quickly left his courtyard like an agile cheetah, and his figure soon disappeared at the end of the street.
However, just as Hatake Kaede left, the tightly closed door was suddenly pushed open.Hatake Sakumo appeared in the doorway, standing there silently, gazing in the direction Hatake Kaede had gone, motionless for a long time.
After a long while, Hatake Sakumo let out a soft sigh, his voice filled with worry and concern for his son.Then, with firm steps, he walked in the opposite direction from Hatake Kaede, his destination the Land of Rivers.
...
After receiving the supply scrolls destined for the front lines from the equipment department, Hatake Kaede carried the scrolls on his back and hurried to the assembly point.
Not long after, Shota Sarutobi and Haruyu Yuhi arrived one after the other.Both of them were very excited, after all, this was their first mission since becoming Chunin.
Once both of them had arrived, Hatake Kaede patted the scroll on his back and said to Shota Sarutobi and Haruhi Yuhi, "This contains the supplies we need to deliver to the front lines.If we hurry, five days should be enough for us to make the round trip.So, let's set off quickly!"
Shota Sarutobi and Haruyuki Yuhi exchanged a glance and then nodded in unison.
So, the three little ones took their first steps without hesitation and headed towards the road ahead.
Southern part of the Land of Fire, Tanbata Street.
Located south of Konoha Village, dozens of kilometers away, it is a famous red-light district.
The area is filled with a dazzling array of entertainment venues, such as casinos, hotels, brothels, and amusement parks.
However, for ninjas, this place is full of temptations and dangers, where one could easily violate the ninja's "three prohibitions".
After a long trek, the three little ones finally arrived at the outskirts of the flower street.
Considering that Tanabata Street is crowded and its people are too conspicuous to easily expose their identities, they decided not to spend the night in the flower market, but instead chose to camp in the wild.
Since it wasn't an urgent task, everyone agreed to go to Tanabata Street to buy food.As the team leader, Hatake Kaede was chosen by the other two to do the manual labor.
To avoid attracting attention, Hatake Kaede used a transformation technique, turning himself into a burly, bald man with a fierce face.This appearance looked.He was fierce and imposing, and it was clear at a glance that he was not someone to be trifled with.
Upon arriving at Tanabata Street, Hatake Kaede navigated the crowd with ease, precisely selecting the food she needed.
Just as Hatake Kaede was about to leave Tanabata Street, his eyes inadvertently caught sight of a familiar figure.
It was a fat orange cat, as tall as a person, and looked just like the lucky cat from a past life.
At this moment, the orange cat had a wise expression on its face.Although it was surrounded by several shiny female cats, it kept its eyes straight ahead and looked righteous.
Upon closer inspection, the orange cat possessed abundant chakra.Therefore, it was obvious that this orange cat was a member of the ninja cat clan.
Hatake Kaede immediately went to the store, bought some dried fish and a tea drink, and then brought these items to the orange cat.
Hatake Kaede walked up to the orange cat and handed it the gift.
The orange cat had just overworked itself and needed to eat to replenish its energy, and then Hatake Kaede brought the food to it.
As a member of the ninja cat clan, the orange cat naturally understands the principle that "he who eats another's food is bound to him."
It looked at Hatake Kaede and said, "Human, are you planning to use these things to test your officers?Which officer wouldn't withstand such a test?"
Hatake Kaede waved his hand and said, "How could that be?I just wanted to use these things to make your acquaintance.After all, the famous Ninja Cat Clan is not only well-informed, but also a well-known ninja tool merchant."
"Meow?Really?"
"Of course, these things are my gift to ask for your guidance.In the future, I will try to build good relations with the Ninja Cat Clan through the Uchiha Clan."
"Meow!Not bad, not bad, you've got a good eye.So, what do you want to know from me?I'm in a good mood today, so go ahead and ask!"
"Thank you very much!Senior, I have a question about Kirigakure!"
While eating dried fish, the orange cat said, "Hidden Mist Village, huh?That's a bit strange!This is normally a trade secret, but seeing how sincere you are, I'll tell you a little about it!"
"There's something strange about Kirigakure.Although they've stockpiled quite a few ninja tools over the years, they've remained very quiet.Moreover, most of the ninja tools they've stockpiled are for breaking barriers and seals.Kid, do you know what that means?"
Hearing this, Hatake Kaede narrowed his eyes and said to the orange cat, "The Land of Whirlpools!"
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