Because he blew up the same mission record as the "Emperor of the Missions," Kakashi is very different from what one might expect. Despite his laid-back attitude, he is deeply respected.
After all, S-rank missions are not something fresh Genin even hear about, let alone participate in, within their first decade.
Back in Iruka's classroom, they had learned the mission classifications—S, A, B, C, and D rank.
A-rank missions typically pay anywhere from hundreds of thousands to a million ryo.
S-rank missions, though, guarantee compensation in the millions.
And Kakashi is a legendary taskmaster. Judging by his simple appearance, he's not someone flashy or careless with money. He's someone who saves quietly and spends wisely.
Which means Kakashi isn't just tough—he's likely rich.
But the idea of a mentor Jonin being rich doesn't sit right with many.
Even Sasuke, who usually acts aloof, now respectfully calls him "Kakashi-sensei."
Still...
"Hey..."
"Kitahara-kun, that Uchiha Sasuke guy is way too cold."
"Yeah, seriously full of himself."
Naruto was clearly not thrilled about his new squad's dynamic.
Kitahara Hitoshi had told him before—if he had eyes like Naruto's, he'd need to build good relationships, especially with someone like Sasuke.
But today's events were making Naruto regret that advice. Sasuke was just too cold.
"..." Kitahara Hitoshi.
"..." Kitahara Hitoshi.
At the moment, Kitahara Hitoshi was reflecting.
In standard three-person Genin squads, the formation usually includes two boys and one girl. This likely encourages friendly competition, where boys tend to want to show off a little in front of the opposite sex.
But...
Their team didn't follow that formula.
All three were boys.
Or maybe—was someone skilled at portraying feminine traits?
Could it be Naruto?
Possibly.
Even when Naruto's chakra control was unstable, he still created the Sexy Jutsu successfully. That alone showed promise in manipulating gender-based transformation techniques.
Naruto really nailed it.
Looking at it that way, Naruto did have a knack for those types of techniques.
What about Sasuke?
Sasuke's personality was icy, emotionally distant. He carried the burden of his clan's massacre but trained relentlessly. If someone earned his trust, he would protect them with everything he had.
And those "dark heroine" archetypes were quite popular.
"Now that I think about it… why am I on this team?" Kitahara Hitoshi asked Kakashi directly.
"…Hmm…" Kakashi lifted his hand to his chin thoughtfully.
"I had my reasons," he said. "To be honest, both Sasuke and Naruto have special circumstances."
"And outside of a recent… 'friendly' encounter with Sasuke, Naruto only gets along well with you."
"You treat Naruto without bias."
"That's not an easy thing to do," Kakashi said.
"..." Kitahara Hitoshi.
So that's how it is.
Meaning Kakashi had secretly observed Sasuke and Naruto during class… and saw them clash and bond, however briefly.
"But that's not the main reason," Kitahara Hitoshi replied.
"Of course not," Kakashi continued. "There's more."
"Kitahara Hitoshi, you're not just any ordinary Genin."
"This is my first time leading a Genin team, and I gave it serious thought."
"I went through every student's file—exam results, homework, everything."
"..." Kakashi paused.
"As a ninja trained in analysis, I prefer to look at every angle."
"And after reviewing all your records... I found something surprising."
"You're a genius."
"Not just in the usual way. Your homework's a mess—but it's deliberately a mess. You don't take notes, but you still ace practical exams. You even tailor your nonsense answers based on the assumption Iruka-sensei won't check thoroughly."
"That means you figured out Iruka's behavioral patterns."
"And more than that—the graduation assessment."
"During the Clone Technique test, you achieved mastery after just one session. You were even offered a chance to skip it."
"In the written portion, your scores were controlled."
"All of that tells me you're a genius," Kakashi concluded.
"Is that so…"
Sasuke, sitting in the corner, finally spoke.
"Does that mean I'm not actually the top of the class? That someone more gifted than an Uchiha exists?"
"..." Kakashi.
He didn't answer immediately.
Because of Obito, and because of Uchiha Itachi—his former junior in the Anbu—Kakashi had an obligation to watch over Sasuke.
The Third Hokage had even instructed him to help reduce the hatred burning in Sasuke's heart.
But…
This Sasuke…
Wasn't he a bit too full of himself?
"He's certainly a genius," Kakashi finally said, wiping his forehead.
A genius?
Compared to what?
Sasuke's clan was annihilated. He awakened a single-tomoe Sharingan, which he had barely begun to master.
But Kitahara Hitoshi—just yesterday—transformed his single tomoe into a full-fledged Rinnegan, right in front of Kakashi.
So no—Sasuke simply couldn't compare.
Kakashi massaged his temples.
"You're all very proud right now."
"So let me ground you a little."
"Normally, fresh Genin like you would start with tasks like finding lost cats, helping civilians, or forcing authors to meet their deadlines—D-rank missions."
"But…"
"While I was at the Third Hokage's office, I happened to catch someone requesting a C-rank mission."
"So..."
"We're going on a C-rank mission?" Naruto's face lit up.
"We'll get real experience—and money too!?"
"I can finally make my own cash," Naruto cheered.
However…
In the background, the [descendant chat group] came alive.
Namikaze Minato: Woohoo... My poor boy Naruto.
Namikaze Minato: He must've been short on living expenses. No wonder he's so excited to make his own money.
Kakashi: ...
Kakashi: Yeah... I can't really excuse this one.
The Third Hokage had revealed that Naruto was the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, but had hidden the fact that he was also the Fourth Hokage's son. Whether it was for Naruto's protection or for political purposes, it was a controversial move.
Worse, the village tacitly allowed Naruto to be isolated—and even had his allowance cut at times.
"Yes," Kakashi said. "You'll be paid."
"And once we complete the mission, I'll buy each of you three sets of clothes."
"Are you sure?" Sasuke asked. "Then I'd rather use my share to buy explosive tags."
Explosive tags?
You're telling me you don't even have enough for those?
For a Genin, a single tag costs between 2000 to 4000 ryo. Expensive, yes—but affordable for a Chūnin or someone like Kakashi.
Still, Kakashi hadn't expected Sasuke to be broke.
"..." Kakashi.
So Sasuke's funds had been cut, too.
The Uchiha estate's inheritance should have gone to Sasuke, but now… clearly, it wasn't in his possession.
"Then…" Kitahara Hitoshi asked. "What exactly is this C-rank mission?"
"The Land of Waves," Kakashi replied.