Chapter 18: Mission start
Class began like any other day, the usual chatter filling the room. Yet, there was something unmistakably different about it. Asuma Sarutobi sat quietly at his desk, his gaze fixed on an empty seat—the one Kakashi had occupied until now. So he really graduated, Asuma thought, still absorbing the news. The memory of last night's dinner replayed in his mind, the moment his father, the Third Hokage, had shared Kakashi's graduation .
"Asuma, your friend Kakashi has graduated," Hiruzen had mentioned casually, reaching for another serving as he spoke. Asuma and his older brother exchanged looks of surprise. They knew Kakashi's talent, but to hear that he'd completed the academy so soon? It was a shock.
Hiruzen had noticed their reactions, a hint of satisfaction in his gaze. He intended to inspire his son, to show Asuma that while he couldn't mirror Kakashi's natural skill, he could strive for that same discipline. He knew Kakashi's effort went far beyond raw talent; reports from the Anbu confirmed that Kakashi had trained for long hours, from dawn until late, showing unyielding determination. It was as much about drive as it was talent.
In the classroom, Asuma straightened slightly in his chair, that empty seat now a silent reminder of what dedication could achieve. He found himself glancing around, wondering if his classmates felt it too—the shift left by Kakashi's absence.
From the corner, Obito Uchiha called out with a wide grin, "Hey, Teacher, Kakashi's late today!" His tone was light, pleased with the rare sight of Kakashi's absence. Known for his own habit of arriving late, Obito seemed delighted by the momentary one-up. It wasn't often he felt ahead of Kakashi, and it showed.
The teacher paused, uncertain how to address the class. After a beat, he took a breath and made the announcement. "Kakashi won't be coming to the academy anymore."
A ripple of confusion washed over the room, and murmurs broke out among the students, their voices filled with questions and disbelief.
"Why, Sensei?" Rin's voice was soft yet clear, reflecting the confusion mirrored in the faces around her.
The teacher scanned the classroom, his gaze settling on Asuma, who was quiet, seemingly unfazed. So he already knows, the teacher thought.
"Kakashi applied for early graduation," he finally said. "He's now officially a genin."
The classroom fell into a stunned silence as the weight of the words sank in. Kakashi, once their peer, was now a full-fledged shinobi. Expressions of awe and uncertainty dotted the room, as each student tried to comprehend what it meant for one of them to reach such a milestone so soon.
Obito's grin faded, replaced by a look of reluctant admiration mixed with frustration. "So… Kakashi's really a ninja now?" he muttered, his tone filled with disbelief and a hint of envy.
The teacher nodded, looking around. "Kakashi worked hard, and this is the result of his effort. It's no small achievement, especially at his age."
Silence settled over the class, Kakashi's accomplishment casting a reflective hush over them. Some students looked inspired, others uncertain, but all were left with a sense of something profound. The journey toward becoming a shinobi wasn't a distant dream; it was here, closer than they'd imagined, and Kakashi had just taken his first steps beyond.
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The next morning, Kakashi prepared and headed out for the mission. When he arrived at the village gate, he saw that Yasu and Kazuki were already there, though Mikoto was still absent. His gaze drifted to a group of men by a nearby tavern. Several villagers lingered around, but the six men with swords immediately caught his attention.
If he's already hired us, why bring more backup? Kakashi wondered as he finally reached his team.
Kazuki greeted him first. "Ready, Kakashi?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes."
Nearby, Yasu was finishing a conversation with one of the men when a familiar voice called out.
"All set?" Kakashi turned to see Mikoto approaching, fully equipped. I didn't even sense her presence, he thought, impressed.
"All ready," Yasu confirmed, rejoining them.
Just then, a middle-aged man approached, his gaze sweeping over the group. "We can head out," he said, looking around. "Where's the third member?" He seemed to overlook Kakashi, likely assuming he was just a relative.
Kakashi didn't bother correcting him, knowing it would probably raise more questions.
Kazuki noticed the confusion and pointed to Kakashi. "He is the third member."
Her words drew murmurs from the nearby guards, who cast doubtful glances at Kakashi.
"Isn't he just a child?" one guard whispered. "So young…" another murmured, eyebrows raised.
Though the gate guards had been informed about Kakashi's presence, they still found it hard to believe he was a full-fledged shinobi.
The middle-aged man, realizing who Kakashi was, raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. "Isn't he too young to be on this mission? I paid for ninja, not children."
Kakashi's gaze narrowed slightly, recognizing him as their client.
Mikoto stepped forward, taking charge. "You hired us to handle bandits, and we will. How we handle it is up to us."
Her calm but firm response left the merchant momentarily speechless. He gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. Let's go," he muttered, dropping any further argument.
Soon, they left the village with Yasu leading at the front, Kazuki on the left, Kakashi on the right, and Mikoto taking the rear.
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Author's pov
Choose any one :
1.Go to Hsotd and take saeko and others to demon slayer
2.First demon slayer and take their people to to Hsotd
3.suggest something else