Uchiha Kamito wore a strange expression as he looked at Hatake Sakumo, who seemed to want to say something but hesitated.
"If you've got something to say, just say it. Why are you being so awkward?"
Hatake Sakumo replied,
"We've found news about Kakashi."
"Then just bring him back. It's not a big deal."
"But… Sakumo-san, do you know what Icha Icha Paradise is?"
"What?"
Hatake Sakumo immediately stood up.
"That brat! I'm going to drag him back right now!"
With that, he stormed off. Judging by his furious momentum, Kakashi probably wasn't going to have an easy time.
Kamito smirked mischievously.
Sakumo-san, you ran fast. I still had plenty of questions for you.
For example—what exactly isIcha Icha Paradise? Why were you so angry? And how did you already know where to find Kakashi? I didn't even tell you the location yet…
...
Never mind. I'll ask next time.
You can't play with all the toys at once.
(Hatake Sakumo & Hatake Kakashi: Uchiha Kamito, just what do you take our father-and-son duo for?)
At that moment, Kamito turned his attention to the slightly restless Rin.
"Rin, right?"
"Yes, Department Head Kamito. My name is Rin. I'm a trainee medical ninja at the Konoha Hospital. Please take care of me in the future."
"No problem. I'll definitely take good care of you."
(Hatake Sakumo & Hatake Kakashi: Don't touch Rin! If you've got the guts, come at us instead!)
"Uncle, your smile looks really evil."
"Shut up. Adults are talking—kids shouldn't interrupt."
Behind them, Uchiha Shisui stayed silent.
Years of experience told him that if he spoke up now, while little Sasuke didn't understand the consequences, he would definitely get beaten.
After a while, Hatake Sakumo returned, dragging back a bruised and battered Hatake Kakashi.
With a look of disappointment, as if he wished Kakashi would learn something from this.
You've got Rin at home—why are you still reading that thing?
I mean… who would even read something like that?
"Welcome back, Kakashi. How was it? Lord Jiraiya's masterpiece is pretty good, right?"
Kakashi's face, hidden beneath his mask, turned red.
Ding.
Case closed: the reason Hatake Kakashi always wears a mask is to avoid being exposed while reading Icha Icha Paradise.
(Hatake Kakashi: Lawyer! I need a lawyer! This is slander!)
"What are you doing here?"
Kakashi was highly alert.
Shiken didn't need to worry—he wouldn't randomly tease him.
Ryoha wouldn't either, unless someone started first.
Hideki was the best—no matter what, he wouldn't tease him. At most, he'd just watch.
But Kamito and Hyūga Hiyasu required extreme caution.
One got bored and teased people for fun.
The other teased people the moment he saw them.
If either of them appeared, you had to be careful—very careful.
That was experience earned through blood, tears, and sweat.
"Kakashi, you're being very rude. I came here kindly to see you."
Hearing this, Kakashi immediately took a combat stance.
Rule #1 of avoiding being tricked: the moment the enemy says they're being kind, switch to maximum alert.
"Shisui, see? Your opponent is ready. What are you hesitating for?"
"Ah!"
Uchiha Shisui quickly drew his blade and stepped forward.
Rule #1 of avoiding getting scolded by the master: obey unconditionally, and don't leave any excuse.
(Hatake Kakashi: In this situation, shouldn't we consider working together?)
(Uchiha Shisui: We can't win. Not at all.)
In an instant, Kakashi and Shisui shifted outside to an open field and began an intense battle.
Inside the house, however, everything was peaceful.
Hatake Sakumo and Kamito sat quietly drinking tea.
Little Sasuke and Rin went outside to watch the fight.
Sasuke just wanted to see the excitement.
As for Rin—well, her intentions were obvious to everyone.
...
A Very Dark Room
Aburame Shiken looked at the two children in front of him and sighed.
"Are you sure you've thought this through?"
"Yes."
"You're only four and three years old. There's no need to rush."
"We've decided. Our fathers have already agreed."
"This is nonsense! What are Shikuro and Shibi even doing? Did they get possessed?"
Shiken thought helplessly as he looked at four-year-old Torune and three-year-old Shino.
Even he had only begun learning secret techniques at five.
These two were trying to break his record.
...
Konoha Tavern
Aburame Shikuro and Aburame Shibi raised their glasses.
"Cheers."
"Great decision letting Shiken teach them about insect classifications."
"Exactly. When it comes to insects, who could compare to Shiken?"
"That's right. You only know how to cultivate and use Phosphorus Devourer Insects. I only know manipulation methods and some basic breeding techniques. But Shiken is different—no one in the ninja world understands insects better than him."
"He's absolutely the perfect teacher to introduce our sons to insect knowledge."
"Oh right, Shikuro—you told Shiken, didn't you? Make sure he shows the kids some of his rarest insects. They're family—he can't be stingy."
"W-wait… wasn't that your job?"
"I thought you told him!"
"Oh no. Quick—contact Shiken before he misunderstands!"
"Now!"
...
Back with Shiken—
He looked at the two children, who had gone weak in the knees and couldn't even stand.
So this is it? You want to break my record?
Did you think that because I passed without expression, inheriting the Aburame techniques was easy?
"Hey, wasn't this what your fathers sent you here for? Don't be scared. It'll be over soon. Once the insects build nests inside your bodies, you'll be able to feed your parasitic insects with chakra."
Torune and Shino shook their heads violently.
Their fathers never said they were coming here to do something this terrifying! They were told there were strange insects here to observe!
Just then—
The communication insects on Shiken's body began exploding wildly.
He checked the messages.
"These two are so unreliable. How could they forget to explain something this important in advance?"
He waved his hand.
The insect swarm dispersed.
"Alright, let's start over. How about we go admire the insects first?"
"Waaah! I want to go home!"
"I want to go home!"