"It's you guys! See, I got chosen after all! I'm the hero who'll save your country, believe it!" Naruto screams excitedly.
"Naruto… what is this about?" the Third Hokage, sitting behind his desk, asks, raising an eyebrow.
"I met these people! They were really nice! I don't know that old man though... he looks silly and shady!" Naruto says proudly, pointing at Tazuna.
"Naruto, that old man is your client! It's your duty to protect him!" the Third Hokage says, looking disappointed.
"I don't mean to be disrespectful, but are these three little children really ninjas? How are they supposed to be of any help?! If things weren't this desperate I…" Tazuna asks, looking utterly shocked.
Kakashi steps in calmly, "I can assure you, those three are indeed ninjas. And I'll be there as well—you can trust us."
"I think we'll be fine. You know I'm not a ninja, Tazuna, but I can vaguely gauge the strength of others. The kids are decently strong. But that guy wearing the mask... he's something else. I honestly don't think we could have asked for a more qualified ninja," Alex says, gently placing a reassuring hand on the still-shaking Tazuna's shoulder.
"If you say so, Alex... then I trust you," Tazuna mutters, his expression softening.
"What?! Kakashi-sensei is that strong?" Naruto asks, visibly shocked.
"I have one question, Hokage-sama," Kakashi says, his voice shifting to a much more serious tone.
"What is our mission exactly? Is it to protect this group... or just the client?"
"Your job is to escort and protect your client, Tazuna. Though, I would also like to ask—who exactly are these other people?" the Third Hokage responds, watching the group curiously.
"These are my bodyguards and friends! It's thanks to them that I could survive this long.
I hired you because our enemy... Ga... is getting more serious," Tazuna says, catching himself midway.
Menchi smirks at Kakashi. "Worried about having to protect all of us at once? Don't worry. Your job is only to protect Tazuna. We'll manage just fine on our own."
"It seems we are in agreement, then," the Third Hokage says. "Get going—I have plenty of work to do."
"..."
"..."
The group leaves the room, slowly making their way out of the academy.
"Tazuna, it might be wise to reconsider your bodyguard's involvement. They'll likely only hinder us," Kakashi says once they're outside. "I hinted at it before—we can't guarantee their protection. Worst case, they might slow us down and put you in bigger danger."
Tazuna bursts into laughter, visibly shocked. "Are you insane? If anything, these children might slow us down! I don't doubt your strength if Alex approves of you, but I refuse to believe these puny children will be any help! You also have no idea how strong my bodyguards are!" he says, shaking his head.
"How about a little spar, then?" Kakashi suggests, a mischievous glint flashing in his eye.
"You'll see for yourself—without Chakra, no amount of training will allow someone to keep up with a ninja. If you understand that, I'd advise you to let them go. Of course, this is only a suggestion. You're the client—the final choice is yours."
Hmmm... I think I can go all out. Nen is dangerous to normal people, but ninjas, with their superior bodies and Chakra, should be mostly immune to the usual devastating effects. It should be safe enough.
"What do you say, Alex? I want to know if these children are even worth the money I'm paying!" Tazuna says, glancing nervously at Naruto, who glares back.
"Stop looking at me when you say those things! I will become the next Hokage, believe it" Naruto screams.
Damn this guy is getting annoying.
"I'm fine with a little spar, but I'd rather not injure someone," Alex says casually, shrugging.
"Sakura, gather some basic travel supplies. We don't need much—this won't be a long trip," Kakashi orders. "Naruto, you'll sit this one out and spectate for once. Sasuke, follow me to one of the empty sparring grounds. Don't injure him."
"I'll hold back," Sasuke says with a confident smirk.
Oh, I'd love to humble this guy... I'll need to hold back or I might cancel the mission by sending him to the hospital, hehehe.
Alex quickly follows Sasuke to a small, empty courtyard. He calmly takes a few steps forward, standing a few meters away.
"Ready? You look like someone who might use weapons," Kakashi comments jokingly.
"I don't need to use weapons against a child," Alex says bluntly, visibly shocking and irritating Sasuke.
Jewel, you can leave as well. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair.
Fine, Soulmate... but Queen Jewel wanted to use the new deadly technique Soulmate came up with! It's invincible! Queen Jewel is in awe!
Later, Jewel! Besides, we're sparring, not killing each other! Trust me, you'll get to use it soon enough.
Still hidden by her skilled use of Zetsu, Jewel silently leaves Alex's head, unnoticed by Sasuke or Naruto. However, Alex notices Kakashi's sharp eye subtly following her movement.
"Hehehe, he called you a child, Sasuke!" Naruto laughs from the side.
"Shut up," Sasuke says in a dry tone.
"Let's start. I'll finish this quickly," Sasuke says, looking more annoyed by the second.
"Ready?" Kakashi asks, glancing at Alex, who gives a small nod. "Alright then... 3, 2, 1—begin!"
Sasuke immediately dashes toward Alex. Alex doesn't move—he simply stretches out his hands, as if reaching to grab something.
He's probably trying to use his fancy taijutsu. Looks like he's using the Uchiha style—which the academy techniques are apparently based on. It's just fast and flashy movements. No real danger. I don't even need to move, but... Ken!
Sasuke quickly reaches Alex and throws a punch, looking Alex in the eyes with unwavering confidence.
Heh, it's a feint!
Right before the punch connects, Sasuke stops it, dashing around Alex in a quick circular motion and unleashing a merciless kick at him.
Sloppy! He's only fast when moving straight. That turn was awful.
Alex casually raises his left arm and blocks the kick. Sasuke's foot slams into Alex's arm—and immediately, a pained expression flashes across Sasuke's face, as if he had just kicked solid stone.
You have received 1 damage.
Not giving Sasuke a chance to retreat, Alex instantly grabs his leg with his left hand. His right fist begins to glow, violent blue sparks gathering until a thunder-like cluster of magic forms.
Time to see if my training paid off! Thundara Strike lvl 5—a variation of Thundara Sword, just way weaker than the original.
Sasuke desperately punches at Alex's arm, trying to break free, but Alex simply tanks the hits, almost laughing at the attempt.
No weight behind those punches at all.
You have received 1 damage.
You have received 0 damage.
You have received 0 damage.
You have received 1 damage.
Finally, Alex skillfully shifts his Aura using Ryu, concentrating his aura into his right hand before slamming it into Sasuke's stomach. Sasuke groans in pain as his entire body convulses under the lightning magic, spasming wildly.
You have dealt 44 + 47 = 91 damage to Sasuke.
You have stunned Sasuke.
You have paralyzed Sasuke.
Alex smiles, lowering his left hand and gently relaxing his grip, letting Sasuke collapse onto the ground, his body still twitching slightly.
Looks like it worked! Still, instead of increasing Thundara's damage, this ability actually weakened it. It should've been somewhere above 70, maybe even close to 80.
But considering this is something I'm pulling off without the system... I'll still call it a success.
Suddenly, Alex notices Sakura returning with a bunch of supplies, dropping them, screaming, "SASUKE!!!" as she dashes toward them.
Did I overdo it? I did hold back a little...
"I can tell you held back... still, this is surprising," Kakashi says, his face calm, unreadable.
"I don't feel any Chakra coming from you. Your body clearly hides some secrets… You should be careful about showing off too much—you might attract the wrong kind of attention."
"So what did this prove? This arrogant, smug ninja turned out to be completely useless!" Tazuna loudly complains, glaring at Kakashi.
"Sasuke... lost... so easily?!" Naruto stammers, clearly in shock after watching his rival get flattened.
"He was arrogant," Alex says. "His movements were sloppy. He's fast, but only when moving in straight lines. Don't you ninjas have some technique to keep your balance while moving? He clearly doesn't know it. Also charging into a close-range fight without knowing anything about your opponent... aren't ninjas supposed to be efficient, cautious, and smart? I can't call that anything but reckless. Anyway, I know Sasuke is probably much stronger and more skilled than this, but right now he's just inexperienced and overconfident. Let's move on, Tazuna, I think we'll be fine anyway!"
"Fine!" Tazuna says, reluctantly agreeing.
Sasuke slowly struggles back to his feet, his legs still trembling. "A...again! I want to fight again!" he demands, determination blazing in his eyes as he stares at Alex.
Kakashi shakes his head. "Sasuke, we're on a mission. This was supposed to be a simple test. I'm glad you seem to have learned something, but it's time to go. Sakura has already gathered the supplies."
Alex yawns lazily. "Let's go then!"
"Brother!! What's your name?! I like you! Please teach me that Thunder Fist technique! That was awesome!" Naruto begs, practically bouncing in place.
"NARUTO! Nobody's going to just teach you their techniques if you ask them like that!" Sakura yells at him.
"I'm Alex. My wife's name is Menchi, and the little Princess here is Jewel," Alex says as Jewel climbs up his body, settling herself comfortably on his head and curiously staring at the others.
"SPIDER!!!" Sakura screams, jumping back. Even Sasuke looks stunned, staring wide-eyed.
"Your pet is good at hiding. Even I had trouble spotting it at first," Kakashi comments, eyeing Jewel thoughtfully.
"It's a she and she's almost as strong as I am," Alex brags proudly.
"What?! I don't believe it!" Sasuke says, his voice slightly trembling.
"You're still young. Jewel is a very special spider, so don't feel too bad. Anyway… let's get moving."
This delay isn't part of the original plot. I don't want any unexpected changes!
With Sasuke slowly regaining his composure, the group sets off, heading toward the gates of Konoha.
Alex takes one last glance back at the village, his gaze lingering on the Hokage Rock.
I'll be back!
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