"Ten... nine... eight..."
At six in the morning, Kitagawa Minamoto silently counted down.
"Three... two... one!"
The moment his countdown concluded, he swiftly pressed the alarm clock before it could emit a sound.
If he had complete freedom to set his own schedule, he would have smashed this alarm clock that had been tormenting him for years!
After quickly dressing, he examined himself in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction.
Appearance was a valuable asset in battle. Whether he might someday test the "depths and shallows" of beautiful kunoichi could well depend on it...
Once everything was in order, Kitagawa Minamoto finally departed. Although Kakashi had mentioned there was no rush, he knew precisely where to find him.
"Huh, Naruto?"
Unexpectedly, shortly after leaving his residence, he spotted Naruto climbing out of a window.
"Up so early? What are you planning?"
"Tch, I'm working hard!"
Naruto snorted and clenched his fists.
"I'm definitely going to graduate successfully and become Hokage—ahhhhhhh?!"
Before completing his declaration, Naruto suddenly lost his footing. Under Kitagawa Minamoto's stunned gaze, he tumbled headfirst from the second-floor window.
"Ouch... ouch..."
Watching Naruto sprawled on the ground yet still having the energy to complain, Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't help but marvel. While ninjas were indeed a fragile profession, it truly depended on the individual.
Some would perish from a single kunai wound, others could survive having their hearts extracted, and then there were those who seemed virtually indestructible regardless of circumstances...
"I think you should simply enjoy the process for now."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged and turned to leave, not forgetting to add a reminder.
"Oh, and while I'm away, remember to water the flowers on my balcony. Don't let them wither."
"You jerk! I'll definitely become Hokage!"
Naruto, naturally unconvinced, shouted defiantly at Kitagawa Minamoto's retreating figure. Little did he know that Minamoto's expression betrayed a hint of regret.
"Too bad there's no mission for this yet..."
If he wished to obtain the Chakra of Indra and Asura, Kitagawa Minamoto reasoned he would still need to rely on the System.
But he wasn't in a hurry—after all, there was ample time...
"Good morning, Kakashi-sensei!"
At the Konoha Cemetery, before the memorial stone honoring Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara.
Kitagawa Minamoto greeted Kakashi with a bright smile, but the Jōnin's expression reflected mild surprise.
"How did you know I'd be here... never mind, it must've been Guy who informed you."
"...."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged, smiling without uttering a word.
He had discovered that after establishing a solid rapport with Guy, many things no longer required explanation—Kakashi would fill in the blanks independently.
"Kakashi-sensei, what's our agenda for today?"
"Everything's prepared."
Kakashi massaged his temples and extracted several scrolls from his ninja pouch, shaking them slightly before speaking.
"We have five C-rank missions and one B-rank mission. All follow the same route, so we'll address them consecutively.
Although I believe you're capable of handling B-rank or even higher-level assignments, you lack experience, so we'll proceed methodically.
Additionally, I'll provide necessary training throughout our journey, so be prepared."
In truth, Kakashi had contemplated adding more B-rank missions. After all, for someone of his caliber, tasks of this level presented minimal challenge.
But this marked his first official mentorship role, and his mindset—shaped by his tenure in the ANBU—was to train and refine this promising youth, not serve as a mere guardian.
This kid had received Guy's endorsement, and Kakashi himself had grown to appreciate him. Nevertheless, regardless of his talent, he remained a freshly graduated Genin. Thus, Kakashi opted for prudence.
"No problem!"
Kitagawa Minamoto raised no objections. Once in the field, opportunities would naturally present themselves.
"By the way, what's our route?"
"...."
At this inquiry, even Kakashi paused momentarily before responding in a measured tone.
"Toward the Land of Waves. But don't entertain any reckless notions!"
"Oh."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded but couldn't suppress an internal grumble. Was he genuinely expected to let such lucrative opportunities slip away?
Yet if nothing unforeseen transpired, he'd likely encounter similar circumstances again in three years. He could formulate a strategy then.
"In that case, let's proceed."
Kakashi wasted no further words. After casting a final glance at the memorial stone honoring Obito and Rin, he turned and led Kitagawa Minamoto away.
Departing the village proceeded without incident. After completing a basic form and leveraging Kakashi's reputation, everything was swiftly arranged.
In this era, the backbone of Konoha comprised Kakashi's generation.
Occasionally, Kitagawa Minamoto would reflect: if only he had been Kakashi's contemporary. Even if he couldn't outshine his peers, he'd at least have established a reputation.
Of course, that assumed he wouldn't perish on the battlefield or become entangled in Danzo's machinations...
"The current state of the ninja world is considerably improved. At least widespread warfare isn't as prevalent as before."
Kakashi remained oblivious to Kitagawa Minamoto's thoughts. As they walked, he casually observed.
"But one aspect of the ninja world remains constant—danger lurks everywhere. The rivalry between the great nations has never ceased; it's merely assumed different forms.
And there persist various mercenary organizations, rogue ninjas, and similar entities. These individuals pose significant threats."
"Yes, I comprehend, Kakashi-sensei."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded. He possessed some awareness of these matters.
For instance, the Akatsuki organization, where Kakashi's former comrade Obito Uchiha now resided, could be classified as a new breed of mercenary ninja collective.
Contemplating Obito Uchiha, he suddenly tilted his head inquiringly.
"Kakashi-sensei, were those two your teammates?"
".....Yes."
Kakashi remained silent momentarily before affirming.
"Didn't Guy inform you?"
"Guy-sensei shared minimal details. He merely mentioned that Kakashi-sensei's title of Copy Ninja originated from them."
Kitagawa Minamoto blinked and responded softly.
"He also emphasized that they were heroes of Konoha, just like you, Kakashi-sensei."
"I'm no hero. They are. I merely benefit from the victories they secured."
Kakashi shook his head and sighed faintly. Then, as if redirecting the conversation, he inquired.
"I understand you maintain a good relationship with young Naruto?"
"Yes, we're neighbors."
Kitagawa Minamoto confirmed. He wouldn't fabricate something of this nature. Rubbing the back of his head, he added somewhat sheepishly.
"Although unpleasant rumors circulate throughout the village, I was initially apprehensive.
But after spending time with him, I recognized that while somewhat naive, he possesses a good heart.
Besides, he receives substantial subsidies, so..."
"You're targeting his subsidies, aren't you?"
Kakashi regarded Kitagawa Minamoto with a mixture of exasperation and amusement. Ultimately, he shook his head and spoke with gravity.
"Nevertheless, that youngster likely wouldn't object.
His circumstances are somewhat unique, and regarding those rumors... they don't warrant excessive attention.
Simply remember, he's not malevolent. And I believe he values you as a friend.
Friendship holds profound importance for everyone, especially for us ninjas..."
"I understand completely, Kakashi-sensei."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded earnestly. Whatever the underlying motivation, Naruto undoubtedly represented a genuine friend.
"Hm?"
However, Kitagawa Minamoto soon furrowed his brow as his System activated.
[Exclusive Side Quest Unlocked: These Are My Dearest Friends, My Brothers in Arms] [Help Kakashi find his friend Obito Uchiha.] [Exclusive Side Quests do not interfere with regular side quests.] [Do you accept?]
"...."
Kitagawa Minamoto stared at the quest notification in stunned silence, while Kakashi's visible eye curved into a crescent shape.
"I'm pleased you understand. But for now, concentrate on the present. The days ahead will present challenges..."
....