Chapter 216 – I'll Have to Bury You
"Now you understand, don't you?" Yusuke's calm voice carried quiet authority as he gazed at the three before him, who stood in silence with their heads bowed in shame. "Your classmates—the ones who graduated alongside you—have already far surpassed you."
"Yusuke-sensei… I'm not a ninja specialized in combat…" Ino began weakly, trying to justify herself, though she sounded unsure even to her own ears.
"Oh? Is that so?" Yusuke's tone sharpened, his eyes narrowing. "Then what about during the Chūnin Exams? You fought Sakura evenly, didn't you? Tell me—do you think you could still match her now?"
Ino froze, speechless.
"That's just an excuse," Yusuke said coldly. "Ino, how long will it take for you to understand? On a real mission, no one cares if you're a gentle girl or a non-combat type. To your enemies, you're simply the enemy."
Those words cut through her defenses, leaving nothing to argue. She clenched her fists tightly.
"To be honest, I'm not even the type to waste words like this," Yusuke continued, his tone deceptively calm yet heavy with pressure. "But it needs to be said. Whether it's Naruto or Sasuke, you both overestimate yourselves."
His gaze turned to Naruto, who stiffened slightly under the weight of that look.
"Tell me, Naruto. Back then, when I mentioned them—what did you do? Feel proud? Confident? How strong do you think Sasuke is now?"
Naruto's expression darkened. "…Sasuke is strong. So strong that right now, I don't stand a chance against him at all," he admitted, remembering vividly the moment when he, Sakura, and Sai were utterly defeated.
The others looked shocked.
If even Naruto—who had already mastered an S-Class technique—couldn't match Sasuke, then what hope did they have?
"You know," Yusuke went on, his tone calm but biting, "Kakashi graduated from the Academy at age six, became a Chūnin at eight, and a Jōnin by twelve. Even back then, he was stronger than Sasuke is now. So tell me—do you finally understand? The 'genius' you all idolize is nothing but child's play compared to true prodigies."
"Then… what about you, Uncle Yusuke?" Naruto asked before anyone else could, his curiosity and disbelief clear.
The others turned toward Tsunade as she stepped forward.
"Oh, allow me," she said, her eyes resting on Yusuke with quiet amusement. She had been one of the Legendary Sannin, and she knew his record better than almost anyone alive.
"Your sensei, Hatake Yusuke," Tsunade began, her voice composed and deliberate, "became a Jōnin at the age of eight. When he was twelve, he infiltrated Iwagakure alone—injured the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, and two Jinchūriki, slaughtered countless elite shinobi, and completed his mission before walking out of the village alive."
"What—?!"
Their faces went pale with disbelief.
He had gone alone into one of the Five Great Villages—at twelve years old—and battled monsters that could crush nations.
At an age when they were barely learning C-rank techniques, Yusuke had already made history.
"…A monster," someone whispered under their breath.
And in that moment, the title felt justified.
Now they finally understood why their parents and mentors spoke of Hatake Yusuke with such reverence.
"That's why your journey is still far from over," Tsunade said firmly. "Expand your vision. Ino, in terms of healing techniques, Yusuke even surpasses me. Now tell me—is he a combat ninja or not? Stop using weakness as an excuse."
No one dared to reply.
He was too perfect. Too unreachable.
"No wonder my father used to say," Shikamaru muttered under his breath, "'He's perfect in every way… except his personality.'"
Being born in the same era as a man like Hatake Yusuke—it was both a privilege and a curse.
When the scolding ended, Yusuke waved them off to reflect on their own.
Tsunade crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "That's not really your usual style. Giving long lectures like that."
"There's no special reason," Yusuke replied easily. "Those kids have potential. I just wanted them to understand a few things early on."
"Then why didn't you let me tell them that Asuma's still alive?" Tsunade asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"Wouldn't it be more interesting this way?" Yusuke replied with a faint, knowing smile. "Shikamaru's already found his path. The other two haven't changed yet… but maybe they'll get there soon enough."
"Interesting, huh?" Tsunade sighed, exasperated. "So that's your real motive."
"Hahaha, you really do understand me best, Tsunade," Yusuke chuckled. "But think about it—nothing's more beautiful than something lost… being found again."
Tsunade stared at him for a moment before letting out a small laugh of her own. "I can't win against you in a debate… but you know what? I think I'm starting to enjoy this little 'plan' of yours too."
"In that case," Yusuke said with a grin, reaching out his hand, "let's make it a joint project."
Their hands met, and both vanished from sight—leaving behind only a faint ripple in the air.
— — —
Meanwhile, near the cemetery, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji walked in silence.
Only Shikamaru seemed composed, doing his best to comfort the other two.
When they arrived, the mood darkened even further.
They searched among the rows of graves… but Asuma's name was nowhere to be found.
Shikamaru frowned deeply, a chill running down his spine. Without a word, he turned and bolted toward the Hokage's office, his teammates following close behind.
Moments later, they burst through the doors.
"Oh? You three again?" Tsunade greeted them with a teasing smile. "What brings you back so soon?"
"Lady Hokage," Shikamaru said urgently, "why isn't there a grave for Asuma-sensei among the fallen heroes?"
"Oh, that," Tsunade said casually, tapping her finger against her chin. "Well… because he hasn't earned it yet."
"What?!" Ino cried out. "Asuma-sensei gave his life to protect the village! He deserves to be honored!"
Choji's fists trembled with anger, his face turning red.
"Yeah! How can you say something like that?!"
"If that's all you came to say, then you may leave," Tsunade replied flatly, shrugging. "Matters like these aren't for me to decide."
"Then who does have the authority to decide?!" Shikamaru demanded, his voice low but burning.
"Oh? What do you think?" Tsunade countered, her sharp gaze locking onto his.
Shikamaru's mind raced. "Don't tell me… the Third Hokage? But why? What would he gain from this?"
He didn't want to believe Tsunade would act without reason.
There had to be something more.
"For matters like this," Tsunade said, her tone suddenly steely, "neither you nor I have any right to decide. Understand?"
"But—"
"Shikamaru," a familiar voice interrupted from behind them, smooth and teasing,
"wouldn't it be better to ask him directly? What do you think, Asuma? Need me to find you a burial spot?"
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