"Genma, why didn't you stop me?" Ebisu lamented, looking utterly dejected. "This is bad... Takeshi-sensei is definitely going to report this to the Third Hokage."
Genma frowned. 'We're classmates, aren't we? We all know what he's like... Is this guy really getting a kick out of calling him 'Sensei'?' He hesitated, then asked anyway, "Do you even really want him as your Sensei?"
"Of course. I want to get stronger too." Ebisu adjusted his sunglasses.
He'd always wanted to improve, but he'd hit a wall. Previous Sensei Furukawa hadn't been able to teach him anything suitable, aside from the Shadow Clone Jutsu. It left him feeling pretty stuck.
But Takeshi's arrival offered a flicker of hope. Maybe a commoner could rise through the ranks. The black cat had a rotten personality, sure, but Ebisu suspected he wasn't truly bad-otherwise, why teach Asuma ninjutsu? If Takeshi was willing to teach Asuma, maybe there was a chance for him too.
"Three hundred thirty-one, three hundred thirty-two..." Guy grunted, keeping pace with them on his hands. "We should hurry up and train. A strong body is everything-that's what Takeshi Sensei says. Look how tough he is."
At the mention of Takeshi's physique, all three winced, remembering the 'training' session that morning. Guy still had bruises on his face, Ebisu's were hidden.
Just as a pall settled over them...
"Meow~ No need to look so glum. I'm not leaving just yet. But don't wake me up so early anymore." Takeshi appeared on top of the nearby wall.
He'd struck a deal with the Third Hokage and come back to reassure them. From now on, he could take missions more freely, not just D-ranks. Once Kakashi arrived, they could even tackle C or B-rank missions.
'As for the next few days...heh heh heh...' Takeshi thought with a silent chuckle. "Let's train!"
Taijutsu would continue as usual. They'd get missions, specifically request water-carrying missions, then haul two buckets from one end of the village to the destination.
****
Meanwhile, at Tsunade's camp...
Kakashi and the others were stuck in camp, as usual. Since Takeshi had left, Minato-sensei had taken on many of Tsunade-sama's duties, leaving him no time for patrols with his team.
During that time, Obito had improved significantly under Minato's guidance, particularly his taijutsu and kunai skills. Minato-sensei focused heavily on teaching him how to attack effectively at high speeds. Rin, meanwhile, had become Tsunade-sama's apprentice.
'And then there's me,' Kakashi thought bitterly. 'Still stuck. Still haven't created my own technique.'
He sighed.
He could use several Lightning Release sword techniques through to the Lightning Blade Kiba, but that wasn't what he wanted. He needed to master the Lightning Release Chakra himself, and then integrate it with his swordsmanship, to not be restricted to Lightning Blade.
'Wonder what Takeshi's up to... Is he getting stronger again?' Kakashi shook his head sharply. 'No. Stop thinking about that cat. Nothing good ever comes from thinking about him.'
He pushed the thought away, picked up his sword, and prepared to train again. Stuck in camp, it was all he could do. Train. And train some more.
But just then...
Minato-sensei emerged from the command tent. Spotting Kakashi under the large tree, he called out, "Kakashi! Pack your things."
Kakashi's head snapped up. "A new mission?"
"No, it's just you."
'Me?' Kakashi blinked, momentarily blank.
"Just me?"
'Am I getting promoted to Tokubetsu Jonin?' he wondered. 'No, I'm not qualified.' A Tokubetsu Jonin needed an exceptional skill. Before, he might have confidently cited his assassination techniques or swordsmanship, but now... Takeshi had shattered most of that confidence. He knew he still had a long way to go.
"Ahem. You'll get the specifics from Takeshi back in Konoha," Minato said, clearing his throat slightly. "The message from the village just ordered your return. I don't know the exact details."
'Lies,' Kakashi thought instantly. But he didn't press the point. "Takeshi?" he asked, focusing on the key detail.
"Yes, it involves him. Hurry up and pack." Minato paused, then clapped a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Whatever the mission is, I'm sure it will be good for you. Make the most of it."
"Yes, Sensei," Kakashi replied, though his voice was muffled. He inwardly scoffed at Minato's assurance.
'No one in Konoha understands Takeshi better than I do,' Kakashi thought grimly. 'Not even Rin, and she looks after him. Rin's family mostly sees his 'good' side. I've seen that cat scheme his way from weak to strong. So, if this trip back involves that black-hearted cat... it's definitely going to be some kind of setup. Otherwise, why me?'
Still, it might not be all bad. Takeshi had his moments. After dragging someone into trouble, he usually offered something in return.
Kakashi sighed and went back to his tent to pack. 'Knowing there's a pit ahead but having to jump in anyway...' It was a familiar, sinking feeling.
He made it back to Konoha in just a day-fast, even for him.
It was morning when Kakashi arrived. Weary, he went to the Nohara residence and knocked on the door. "Takeshi! Come out if you're in there!"
"Takeshi?" Still no answer. "Take-"
*Bang!* The door flew open, and a tail lashed out.
*Bang!* The door flew open, and a black tail lashed out. Startled, Kakashi's exhaustion vanished. His hands blurred through seals-'Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique!'-and he sank into the ground just as the tail whipped over his head.
"Mrow~?" A puzzled meow came from inside as the tail retracted.
Takeshi padded out, paws thudding lightly. "Kakashi? Meow~! So the Third Hokage wasn't lying! Come out so I can tell you about the mission!"
"..." Kakashi warily emerged from the earth.
"It's really you! Knew Guy and Ebisu couldn't dodge that. Your hand seals have gotten faster, meow~" Takeshi leaped deftly onto Kakashi's shoulder, patting it familiarly.
Kakashi knocked the paw away.
'If I hadn't practiced dodging projectiles lately,' Kakashi thought, 'I'd be plastered against the wall right now... Huh? Wait... those three? Guy and Ebisu?'
Kakashi's mind, sharpened by experience, instantly put the pieces together-Takeshi's situation, the sudden recall... 'I see,' he thought grimly. 'I see exactly what's going on.'
"Right. Farewell." Kakashi turned to leave.
The cat instantly swelled in size, planting a heavy paw on Kakashi's shoulder, pinning him. The sheer force was immobilizing. Takeshi wasn't about to let him leave after going to the trouble of getting him here.
"Meow~! I'll treat you to something nice."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes.
"Teach you ninjutsu, meow~!"
Kakashi didn't react.
"You're still stuck trying to integrate it, right? I know how! Help me out, and I'll help you. Win-win."
'Here it comes,' Kakashi thought. 'The usual routine. Dangle a carrot, then set the hook. Can't fall for it. I have to-'
"It's a technique you can weave into your sword style."
"...Fine. What do you want?" Kakashi sat down, resigned but attentive.
===============
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