Part Time Employee in Konoha

Chapter 355: Extra: Understanding Akihara Kagura, Learning Akihara Kagura, and Following Akihara Kagura

At twelve years old, Sasuke's mindset was rather arrogant.

Hatake Kakashi had never seen such an overbearing Genin before, one who blatantly compared his opponents in the Chunin Exam to ants he encountered while walking…

Upon hearing Uchiha Sasuke's comments, Kakashi couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eye, really wanting to find an opportunity to teach Sasuke a lesson…

"Sasuke."

"Your strength is indeed something to be proud of."

Kakashi sighed and looked up at the sunlight filtering through the leaves: "But I want to tell you, the world of a ninja is not something one can navigate alone. A ninja who doesn't value their comrades is worse than trash. In this Chunin Exam, you, Naruto, and Sakura will all participate together…"

"I understand."

Sasuke interrupted Kakashi, nodding in agreement: "From the moment we were placed in the same team, I have been very certain of one thing, that Naruto is a very important comrade to me…"

"…"

What was with this subordinate?

Aside from being a bit arrogant, there was nothing that really needed teaching.

Typically, ninjas with great personal strength tend to be overly self-centered, viewing their weaker comrades as burdens, never caring about their teammates in anything they do. Kakashi himself had this issue in his youth…

However…

Sasuke, despite the vast difference in strength between him, Naruto, and Sakura, still showed great respect and consideration for his teammates, even willing to help them train…

This was…

Something Kakashi couldn't understand.

Sometimes, Sasuke acted extremely arrogant, speaking and behaving with great conceit; other times, he was exceptionally calm and mature.

No…

What is with this kid!

Can't you make some typical young people's mistakes? Saying something like "comrades are just a hindrance" so I can give you some direct education, at least giving me, your mentor, a bit of a sense of existence!

"Kakashi-sensei."

Sasuke seemed to understand Kakashi's thoughts very well, speaking softly: "I heard that Kakashi-sensei is skilled in Lightning Release ninjutsu. I have always used Lightning Release chakra to enhance cellular activation and improve my speed. Could I ask Kakashi-sensei to teach me something about developing Lightning Release ninjutsu…"

This was something learned from Akihara Kagura.

If someone wants to use a certain power, they need to lay the groundwork for this power to be exposed, making it traceable.

In the real world, Akihara Kagura excelled at this, even setting up many plots for the powers within him, like Wood Release, Rinnegan, and Sharingan. This ensured that before the final battle began, no one in the ninja world ever suspected his anomalies.

After meeting Karin and Gaara, Sasuke felt he needed some extra power for certain opponents in the Chunin Exam but did not want to attract attention in this world, so he also needed to learn Akihara Kagura's approach.

No choice.

Because the example was right in front of him.

The path of making one's power reasonably appear in the ninja world had already been thoroughly walked by Akihara Kagura in the real world. Sasuke just needed to follow this path.

"Already starting to touch on chakra nature transformation?"

"Let me see how you use Lightning Release chakra…"

Kakashi suddenly became curious and finally found his purpose as a mentor. He was confident in his Lightning Release ninjutsu: "At least in terms of Lightning Release, I have a bit of expertise…"

"Lightning Release Chakra Mode!"

Suddenly, a powerful chakra erupted from Sasuke's body, enveloping him in a substantial chakra aura, with arcs of electricity continuously flashing around him!

Sasuke swung his arm, punching a nearby tree, instantly shattering it with a single blow!

"Such power from a casual strike…"

Seeing this, Kakashi's heart tightened for a moment!

No…

This technique…

This Lightning Release Chakra Mode…

Why does it look like the secret technique of the Raikage from the Cloud Village?

Kakashi remembered that his teacher once encountered a Raikage candidate from the Cloud Village and mentioned some things about it…

It was said that the Raikages of the Cloud Village practiced a form of nin-taijutsu that activated cells with Lightning Release chakra, greatly enhancing their speed and attack power, while the Lightning Release chakra armor significantly increased their defense.

"This is the Lightning Release Chakra Mode."

Sasuke could only categorize it as his own development. He couldn't mention it was the Raikage's secret technique: "In this mode, both attack and defense, as well as speed, are greatly enhanced. The only drawback is that it can only be used in taijutsu, not fully utilizing the attack advantage of Lightning Release chakra…"

"…"

Kakashi could only look up at the sky.

This secret technique…

Even he couldn't master it…

What right did he have to talk about improvements?

Just this Lightning Release Chakra Mode alone made Sasuke strong enough to contend with some of the famous ninjas in the ninja world. Had he underestimated this subordinate?

But…

If he admitted this…

He was supposed to be a mentor!

Oh well.

One Chidori shouldn't make much difference.

Teaching this jutsu to a student at this time might be a bit much for other Genin in the Chunin Exam, but Sasuke was already strong enough. Giving him one more Chidori wouldn't make much difference, just another means of fighting.

Kakashi sighed inwardly and made a decision. He slowly clasped his hands together, forming seals: "I don't have any profound research on Lightning Release ninjutsu, but if you want to learn a Lightning Release technique for attack, I do have one that might suit you, Raikiri, also known as Chidori…"

"…"

Yes!

That's it!

Sasuke's eyes lit up, watching intently as Kakashi formed seals. He also needed this Chidori technique!

Because he had long developed many jutsus through the nature transformation of Chidori in the real world. Once he had this technique's source, it would be much easier to fight in the Chunin Exam, at least to defeat Karin in this world wouldn't be a problem!

"Raikiri!"

A bolt of lightning suddenly flashed in Kakashi's palm as he carefully explained: "This technique was once named Chidori by me. Its attack power is enough to break through any defense. By refining Lightning Release chakra in the body and forming the Ox-Rabbit-Monkey seals…"

"…"

Sasuke quickly formed the hand seals!

In an instant, a twelve-year-old boy with black hair had a cluster of lightning flashing in his palm, accompanied by a sharp chirping sound!

"…"

Kakashi's eyes instantly tightened!

This…

Did he succeed just by watching?

This twelve-year-old's talent was a bit too amazing, wasn't it?

"You really are a genius…"

Kakashi couldn't help but praise.

At least in terms of talent, Sasuke truly deserved all the praise.

However…

This time the boy was very modest.

Sasuke shook his head, dispersing the Chidori in his hand. He looked up at Kakashi earnestly: "This is all thanks to Kakashi-sensei's teaching. I can feel the power of this technique. If I accepted the title of genius, it would be shameless of me. The real genius is Kakashi-sensei, who developed this technique!"

"This is a moment to be proud of…"

Kakashi patted Sasuke's head like an adult seeing a child inheriting his skills, sighing softly: "In front of you, I dare not call myself a genius. Sasuke, you are a genius ninja of rare talent…"

"I am merely standing on your shoulders…"

Uchiha Sasuke shook his head and looked at Uzumaki Naruto in the distance: "If I had to say, Naruto is the real genius... His willpower will definitely make him an excellent ninja, a perfect one like the Fourth Hokage."

"..."

Hatake Kakashi felt that Sasuke was being overly modest again.

This brat! So proud in front of others, but so humble when talking about his companions, acting like a very mature young adult! If Sasuke could just control his temper a bit in front of others, he would already be a perfect ninja.

"Alright, let's go sign up."

Kakashi felt he understood his student a bit more, and his impression of Sasuke improved, seemingly bringing them closer as teacher and student: "Once you pass the Chūnin Exam, I will submit a promotion report for you to become a Jōnin."

Afternoon.

Chūnin Exam registration site.

When Team 7 arrived, it was already crowded with ninjas from various villages gathered and discussing the event lively.

"Why are we not allowed to enter yet?"

"No idea..."

"I heard the examiner inside hit someone..."

"..."

When Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura arrived, they saw a group of Genin standing at the door, among them three particularly noticeable individuals.

Good.

He recognized these three Genin.

Hyuga Neji, the genius ninja of the Hyūga branch family.

In the real world, due to his feud with the main family, he provoked Akihara Kagura, causing the Hyūga clan to live in fear. After succeeding the position of the third leader of the Root, Sasuke forced the Hyūga main family to reform to quell Akihara Kagura's anger.

Rock Lee, a hard-working Taijutsu ninja, a future pillar of Konoha.

Like Sasuke, Rock Lee was one of the unfortunates during the real-world Chūnin Exams, disqualified by Akihara Kagura for defying him.

Tenten.

A highly noteworthy kunoichi.

Unlike other Konoha ninjas who rely on talent, bloodline limits, or hard work, this girl was unpredictable...

Due to her kind nature and tendency to help others, she even assisted Akihara Kagura. In the ninja world, who would dare help Akihara Kagura?

But...

Tenten actually did help.

And Akihara Kagura remembered this favor.

However, Tenten never cared about whom she helped and was unaware of the impact. In the real world, she gained Akihara Kagura's covert protection and was gifted many Sage of Six Paths' tools after the final battle, earning her the title of a hero.

"Even bad people like good ones..."

Sasuke couldn't help but sigh.

While Sasuke was lost in thought, he saw a gatekeeper ninja punch Rock Lee from Team 3 to the ground. When Tenten rushed to help her teammate, she was also punched, her face reddened from the blow.

"..."

Sasuke's forehead twitched.

What's going on...

Is Team 3 still playing this game in this world too? They were one of the strongest teams in the Chūnin Exam, pretending to be weak to lower others' guard. Why are they still doing it here?

"Sasuke..."

Sakura whispered to him: "This floor is under a genjutsu, it's not the registration site. It seems they want to test our genjutsu skills. Only by dispelling it can we register..."

"No matter."

"Those two must be the examiners."

Sasuke confidently stepped forward, handed their registration form to the two examiners: "Hey, this is our registration form, submit it for us!"

"Heh heh heh, so naive..."

One examiner glanced at Sasuke, then reached to tear the form. But when he saw the red Sharingan, he froze, took the form, and walked upstairs.

"Sharingan!"

The other examiner, shocked, punched his colleague to snap him out of the genjutsu.

"You brat..."

"Daring to use Sharingan on the examiner..."

The examiner, after waking his colleague, smiled wryly: "We wanted to test you, but you tested us instead..."

"If there's nothing else, we'll leave."

Sasuke waved dismissively and walked away with Sakura and Naruto: "I suppose there's no problem asking you to submit our form?"

"Unless..."

"You need me to cast another genjutsu on you?"

"Such an arrogant brat..."

The examiners reluctantly nodded, muttering to themselves: "No wonder Kakashi recommended him..."

"Thank you."

Team 7 swaggered off.

The Genin around them stared in amazement at their retreating backs.

"Wait!"

Rock Lee, now different from the earlier beaten state, landed in front of Sakura, giving a bright smile: "I am Rock Lee. Your name is Sakura, right? Can we go out?"

"No!"

"Your eyebrows are too thick!"

Sakura's face darkened.

"..."

Lee visibly deflated.

But...

A moment later...

Lee's spirit reignited as he looked at Sasuke, his eyes showing a hint of challenge.

"Want to challenge me?"

Sasuke's face darkened immediately.

Why is this unlucky guy targeting me again?

"How did you know?"

Lee was surprised.

He didn't want to challenge Sasuke here and risk Neji finding out, but being seen through by Sasuke made him unsure how to lie!

"But... Can I?"

Lee asked earnestly.

"No."

Uchiha Sasuke waved his hand, not wanting to get entangled with Rock Lee, and started to leave on his own. "I'm not interested in fighting you right now..."

"But... sorry..."

Rock Lee stood behind Uchiha Sasuke, bowing seriously toward him. "I have a reason why I must fight with geniuses like you!"

"I understand."

Uchiha Sasuke looked at Rock Lee, who appeared very humble and eager to learn, and frowned, offering some serious advice. "However, you have chosen the wrong opponent today..."

Uchiha Sasuke was well aware of Rock Lee's obsession. This taijutsu ninja idiot just wanted to challenge him, a so-called genius, thinking that by defeating him, the top student of the ninja academy, he could go on to challenge the previous top student, Hyuga Neji...

In the real world...

He did suffer a little loss.

But in this world...

Rock Lee's challenge could only be described as asking for trouble.

"Even so, I still want to learn from you!"

Rock Lee straightened up, assuming a posture for seeking guidance.

"Taijutsu ninjas are really troublesome..."

Uchiha Sasuke exhaled lightly and suddenly twisted his body. Lightning Release Chakra swiftly covered his leg as he kicked directly at Rock Lee. His left foot moved as fast as lightning, striking Rock Lee's body abruptly!

"!!!"

Rock Lee was startled, instinctively raising his arms to block, but he was kicked away directly. His body flew out like a cannonball, instantly piercing through the wall of a classroom!

"Lee!"

Tenten was shocked!

Even Hyuga Neji, standing nearby, was surprised. Uchiha Sasuke's speed was so fast that even his Byakugan couldn't see it clearly!

All the genin in the corridor witnessed this scene, each one showing a look of astonishment. They had never seen such lethal taijutsu that could almost take a life with one blow!

"This guy... is so strong!"

A group of genin looked at Uchiha Sasuke in disbelief!

Even the two chūnin examiners standing nearby were startled by Uchiha Sasuke's kick. They had never seen a genin attack with such force and precision!

"Not just strong..."

A drop of cold sweat appeared on Hyuga Neji's forehead.

Compared to others, Hyuga Neji, who spent his days with Rock Lee, knew better than anyone how excellent Rock Lee's taijutsu was...

Moreover...

Rock Lee was still wearing heavy training weights, which meant his strength and weight were both high. Yet he was still kicked away by Uchiha Sasuke with ease, so fast that he couldn't even react!

"I didn't kick hard, take him away."

Uchiha Sasuke looked at Tenten, who was checking Rock Lee's injuries in the classroom, and his voice became gentler, showing no arrogance after defeating his opponent. "Bandage him a bit, and he should be fine. It shouldn't delay your class's chūnin exam..."

"..."

Tenten nodded in surprise.

She initially thought Uchiha Sasuke would act arrogantly, but unexpectedly, this genius from the Uchiha clan was even gentler than Neji, the genius from the Hyuga clan!

"Worthy of a genius!"

Rock Lee struggled to stand up, his face showing some loss and self-pity. "I can feel the gap between us. I can never be a match for a genius like you..."

"..."

Uchiha Sasuke frowned, feeling a bit uncomfortable with Rock Lee's low spirits. He spoke in a serious tone, "That only shows you haven't worked hard enough! I have made many efforts to get to where I am today. Calling me a genius erases all my efforts, which is not fair! If you want to surpass me, work harder and come to me again!"

"Absolutely! Absolutely! I definitely will!"

Rock Lee's spirits immediately lifted, becoming excited again.

Outside the building.

Two young men were also observing all of this.

They were the instructors of Team 3, Might Guy, and Team 7, Hatake Kakashi. They had been watching the exchange between their students.

"Kakashi!"

Might Guy gave a thumbs up, praising Uchiha Sasuke. "Your student is truly a genius, just like you were in your youth!"

"Kakashi!"

Might Guy's voice suddenly became loud, suppressing his excitement. "My student has found a new challenge target again. Our youth is continuing to burn in the next generation. Let's have a hot-blooded battle too!"

"No."

Hatake Kakashi was almost too tired to respond, waving off the idea of fighting Might Guy. He also knew a little about Might Guy and Team 3's information and gently reminded him, "Your student has really chosen the wrong person. Right now, even I might not be a match for Sasuke, even with my Raikiri..."

"!!!"

Might Guy's face lit up with excitement. He felt his blood boiling. "Then I will challenge his future opponent on behalf of Lee!"

"Hey, hey, calm down..."

Hatake Kakashi grabbed his overly excited friend. "Sasuke is still a kid, and you are a jōnin!"

Elsewhere.

A group of people was also secretly observing all of this.

A young man with white hair and glasses stood in a corner, a strange smile on his face, with two tall and strong figures beside him.

One of the tall genin looked around and said in a deep voice, "Yakushi Kabuto, that kid Uchiha Sasuke seems quite extraordinary..."

"Of course."

The young man pushed his glasses, a pleased smile on his face. "After all, mastering the secret Taijutsu of the Fourth Raikage from the Cloud Village at his age is truly unbelievable..."

"..."

The two tall and strong genin didn't quite understand.

Because they didn't know much about the intelligence in the ninja world, they didn't realize how amazing Uchiha Sasuke's kick that defeated Rock Lee was. Only Yakushi Kabuto, who liked collecting intelligence, knew how terrifying it was!

Just as Yakushi Kabuto was about to continue speaking, he noticed Uchiha Sasuke, who seemed to have sensed his spying, suddenly looking in their direction!

Hmm...

Yakushi Kabuto?

Uchiha Sasuke saw the young white-haired man hiding in the corner and was momentarily surprised, but then his expression turned to realization.

Yakushi Kabuto appearing in the Chūnin Exams wasn't surprising, as he had participated in the same Chūnin Exams in the real world.

"..."

Yakushi Kabuto slightly lowered his head, pretending to adjust his glasses, trying to make himself look like an ordinary genin under Uchiha Sasuke's gaze, seemingly not wanting to attract attention.

"That kid..."

"His perception is quite sharp too..."

"..."

"Yakushi Kabuto..."

Uchiha Sasuke couldn't forget Yakushi Kabuto's existence. A glimmer of light appeared in his eyes, and a confident smile appeared on his face. "If the opportunity to leave this world lies with certain people..."

Whether it's Karin or Yakushi Kabuto, both are my chances to leave this world!

Because these two were absolute confidants of Akihara Kagura in the real world, trusted with his life. Although Akihara Kagura had never encountered any life-threatening dangers...

Based on Uchiha Sasuke's understanding of Akihara Kagura, he would never leave Karin and Yakushi Kabuto alone, as they were too important to him. He would certainly make contact with one of them! If I can contact Karin and Yakushi Kabuto during the Chūnin Exams, I will surely find a chance to leave this world!

However,

There is one slight problem.

Because Uchiha Itachi nearly killed Yakushi Nono, Yakushi Kabuto has always harbored hostility toward the Uchiha clan. I don't know if the Yakushi Kabuto in this world has the same tendency...

"I need to find an opportunity to contact him..."

Uchiha Sasuke pondered secretly, thinking about how to approach Yakushi Kabuto. "I remember that the person Yakushi Kabuto respects the most is the Dean of the Konoha Orphanage, Yakushi Nono. The person he hates the most is that guy Shimura Danzo..."

"That guy is just like Akihara Kagura. Although he is not a bad person most of the time, his actions are sometimes even more ruthless than Akihara Kagura, to the point that even someone like Akihara Kagura finds him extreme..."

"And..."

"Yakushi Kabuto just showed that strange smile..."

"It seems the Yakushi Kabuto in this world also knows everything. He must know the truth of my coming to this world. It looks like I have to find a secret opportunity to talk to him and let him tell me how to leave…"