---
"It's fine."
Might Guy (Metkay) grinned when he saw this.
Not long ago, he had been wondering what kind of gift to give Ye Dou to congratulate him on graduating from the Ninja Academy.
He believed that stepping out of the academy and officially becoming a genin was one of the most important milestones in a ninja's life—second only to the day one enters the academy. It couldn't be taken lightly.
For that reason, he consulted many friends before deciding to splurge and prepare a chakra blade as a graduation gift for Ye Dou.
It was different from the uniform he'd given Ye Dou when he first enrolled. Back then, Guy simply wanted to change the boy's image and help him make a good first impression. But now, several years later, Ye Dou was about to step into the dangerous world of shinobi. Practicality had to come before appearance. And a weapon—a true shinobi tool—was something that could help protect him.
---
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office...
"Lord Hokage."
"Oh? You're here, Kakashi."
"Yes. You summoned me?"
"Nothing urgent," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied with a calm smile. "Would you care to join this old man for a walk?"
Without waiting for a response, the Third Hokage rose from his desk and stepped outside, his pipe in hand.
Kakashi followed, a little curious.
"Where are we going?"
"To visit Naruto Uzumaki's residence."
A short time later, they arrived at a modest apartment building in the village's residential district. It was quiet, as usual. They stopped at a door with peeling paint.
"Uzumaki Naruto... the Fourth Hokage's son. Has he really graduated?"
"You seem interested."
Sarutobi chuckled as they stepped inside Naruto's apartment.
The inside was a chaotic mess—scattered clothes, stacks of instant ramen cups, unwashed dishes piled in the sink. A swarm of flies buzzed near the trash. The air was thick with the scent of old food and sour milk.
Kakashi walked to the table, picked up a half-finished bottle of milk, sniffed it—and immediately regretted it. So that's what expired milk smelled like.
"It's hard to believe he's Minato-sensei's child."
If not for knowing Naruto's identity, Kakashi would never have believed that the only son of the meticulous Fourth Hokage could live so sloppily.
"His temperament probably comes more from Kushina," Sarutobi mused, exhaling a puff of smoke. "She was hot-headed, loud, and impulsive... but she had a kind heart."
After a pause, he added, "Still, I believe you're the most suitable person to lead him. You're smart, and you've been through more than most."
Sarutobi stepped back toward the door. "By the way, you'll also have Uchiha Sasuke in your squad. Let's visit his home as well."
---
A few minutes later, they stood in front of a quiet compound.
Unlike Naruto's apartment, Uchiha Sasuke's room was meticulously tidy—ninja tools neatly arranged, textbooks stacked in order, a katana resting beside his bed.
"Fugaku was a strict father," Sarutobi said. "It shows in how Sasuke keeps himself."
"And Itachi," Kakashi added softly. "He was always precise, quiet... intense."
"Yes," Sarutobi said, his tone a little heavier now. "Itachi was under your command during his time in the ANBU. You understand better than anyone the weight Sasuke carries now. I'm counting on you to guide him. That's a personal request."
Kakashi nodded silently.
"Who's the last member of the squad?"
Instead of answering, Sarutobi turned and motioned for Kakashi to follow again.
---
Soon, they reached the edge of a wooded area near the outskirts of the village. A small, simple wooden house stood alone, almost hidden in the greenery.
They entered.
The interior was shockingly sparse. No decorations, no clutter—just a futon, an oil lamp, and a few essentials. It looked more like a monk's quarters than a child's home.
"This is the last member of your team," Sarutobi said. "Iori Ye Dou."
"You know him?"
"I've heard his name from Guy—his most proud disciple."
Sarutobi smiled knowingly. "Sounds like you and Guy will have a lot to talk about."
Kakashi sighed. "I just hope he doesn't drag me off to another 500-lap run around the village."
He remembered all too well how Guy had cornered him at Ichiraku Ramen, bragging about Ye Dou's progress over soba and sake until dawn.
"But... are you sure about this, Lord Hokage?" Kakashi asked hesitantly. "Placing these three together... Is that really wise?"
Sarutobi's expression turned serious. "I know what I'm asking of you. But if there's anyone in this village who can guide them... it's you."
Kakashi fell silent.
He knew these three boys already—each in his own way. Naruto, the son of his late teacher Minato; Sasuke, the brother of the boy whose betrayal Kakashi had watched unfold; and Ye Dou, the child whom Might Guy had raised with passion and pride.
A jinchūriki. An avenger. And a prodigy of mysterious origins.
It was going to be... an interesting team.
---