Yuto Souta didn't have any particular impression of Sakumo Hatake.
More precisely, he didn't have a good impression.
Sure, this tragic figure was undeniably a powerhouse, sacrificed for the sake of the plot, but objectively speaking, he was just a fragile soul…
Due to village rumors and his own guilt, Sakumo Hatake chose to end it all with suicide.
Leaving behind a five-year-old kid…
Still, regardless of opinions, the living Sakumo Hatake exuded an imposing presence.
Yuto Souta felt it deeply.
The man before him sat upright in the living room, his left shoulder still wrapped in fresh bandages. His expression was neutral, devoid of joy or sorrow.
His aura was thick, like a towering mountain peak, yet also like a sheathed blade, ready to flash its chilling edge at any moment!
"Sorry about that—Kakashi's caused you some trouble."
An apology opened the dialogue between host and guests. Even though he faced mere kids, Sakumo Hatake lowered his stance.
"So… how much does Kakashi owe you, exactly?"
A practical question.
Kakashi Hatake's face inexplicably darkened…
What were these two up to?!
At first, when he heard them shouting outside his house, he thought he'd misheard.
Since when did he owe these guys money?
Did he look like someone strapped for cash?!
Then Obito Uchiha, that idiot, started tallying it up with a straight face…
For half a month, the two Uchiha brothers trained with him—shouldn't they get a "hardship fee"?
Forget the rest.
Hadn't his speed and tactical awareness improved?
If so, pay up!
Hadn't his ninjutsu and taijutsu gotten better?
If so, pay up!
In Obito's words… Kakashi Hatake wouldn't be where he was today without the Uchiha duo!
Otherwise, why'd he graduate so early?
Did he think he was an Uchiha or something…
Kakashi was speechless.
He even considered tossing the guy out on his head!
But when he caught Yuto Souta's cryptic expression…
He decided to wait and see.
Yuto Souta's credibility held weight…
Worst case, he'd explain later.
"How much Kakashi owes us depends on what you think… this is worth."
Seated across from Sakumo Hatake, Yuto Souta finally spoke.
His words were vague, but his gaze was strikingly clear.
"If you can see the changes in Kakashi… then you set the price."
Sakumo Hatake's brow twitched.
This kid, the same age as his son… was intriguing.
Truth be told, the past few days had been rough for him.
A critical mission tied to Konoha's future war efforts had failed under his command—because he chose his comrades.
He didn't regret it… Given the chance, he'd make the same call again.
But…
The mission had failed…
Meaning Konoha would now commit more ninja—and more sacrifices—due to his failure!
Yet,
as if the heavens acknowledged his choice, he returned home to a big surprise from his son.
At just five years old, Kakashi had become a ninja!
Undoubtedly good news… and pride in his son eased some of his gloom.
Kakashi had mentioned it.
He hadn't been confident at first, but after training with two Uchiha classmates for a while, he'd suddenly made the decision.
It must be these two kids in front of him…
Interesting.
Coming under the guise of demanding money—what was their real goal?
"I'm glad Kakashi's made friends," Sakumo Hatake said, glancing at his son with a smile.
"If you don't mind… how about using our Hatake clan's training grounds for your practice from now on?"
"That way, I can offer some guidance when I'm free."
With that, the conversation finally shifted away from "money" and elevated.
"And the kunai and shuriken needed for training are on you," Yuto Souta added smoothly.
"No problem."
Over the next stretch of time, Yuto Souta asked Sakumo Hatake several questions about chakra nature transformation.
He had to admit… it was immensely helpful, even pushing his main mission progress forward a bit.
By nightfall, after mooching a meal at Kakashi's place, the two prepared to leave.
But at the farewell, Kakashi Hatake, who'd come to see them off, finally couldn't hold back and cornered Yuto Souta.
"Can you tell me what's going on?" Kakashi's voice was dangerously low.
In his mind, Yuto Souta wouldn't have come for their training grounds…
It'd make sense if he was here to learn from his father's reputation, but the Hatake excelled in swordplay—clearly not Yuto Souta's path.
"Don't tell me you suddenly want to learn swordsmanship."
"Of course not," Yuto Souta shook his head, his expression growing serious.
"The coming days will be the darkest time in your dad's life."
"When you notice something off about him… come find me and Obito right away."
"Don't hesitate!"
--- Translator Note ---
Read 30+ Advanced Chapters on my Patre on!
This novel has 2 daily chapters being translated and released every day on Patre on!
Patre on.com/MyKitty