Chapter 34: 33: Konoha's White Fang
On the rooftop of the academy, a man in his mid to late twenties, dressed in a jōnin uniform, with long silver-white hair, a red triangle armband on his left shoulder, and a short chakra sword strapped to his back, sits at the edge of the rooftop railing. His hands are casually spread out, and a bright, confident smile adorns his face, making him approachable.
At first glance, he appears to be an ordinary person, lacking the typical spirit of a shinobi.
"I'm Hatake Sakumo. From today onwards, I'm your guide, Jonin. I'm good at using chakra swords. That's about it. Because we will form a team of four next, I think it's better for us to get to know each other."
After Sakumo introduced himself, Shiraishi took the lead in sharing:
"I'm Chiba Shiroishi. I'm not particularly skilled in taijutsu or genjutsu. The only ninjutsu I specialize in is medical ninjutsu. That's about it."
"I'm Hyuga Ayane. I possess the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan and am skilled in the Gentle Fist, which complements the Byakugan."
"Uchiha Ruri, adept at using Shurikenjutsu and Fire Release."
They briefly explain their areas of expertise, with Ayane and Shiraishi having the most prestigious bloodline inheritances in Konoha. Sakumo nods with satisfaction.
Although Sakumo has experience leading teams before, leading this particular team feels different.
A medical ninja, a Byakugan user, and a Sharingan user—this combination could be considered a near-perfect team formation.
Sakumo could already sense the weight of responsibility that lies ahead.
Just as Sakumo was about to speak, Ruri unexpectedly ignited into flames and swiftly charges towards Sakumo with a kunai, relentlessly aiming for his body.
"Ruri!"
Shiraishi and Ayane shout from behind.
But Ruri showsled no signs of stopping. However, in the next moment, everyone was left dumbfounded with what happened next.
Suddenly, Sakumo was standing behind Ruri, restraining her head with his broad palm while bending her hand holding the kunai behind her back, rendering her immobile.
Not only Shiraishi and Ayane were deeply surprised, even Ruri herself was stunned, struggling to comprehend how Sakumo not only perfectly evaded her genjutsu but also subdued her from behind without her noticing.
Sakumo's Body Flicker Technique was so swift that even her Sharingan failed to capture it.
"Well, can we continue with my introduction now?" Sakumo asked, releasing Ruri. The smile on his face remained gentle, and he shows no sign of anger towards Ruri's sudden outburst.
Ruri sheathed her kunai, her aura receded, and she spoke in a serious tone:
"As expected of the ninja known as the 'White Fang.' If you're our captain, I have no objections."
Through this brief encounter, Ruri realized the vast gap between her own abilities and Sakumo's, and she acknowledged his strength.
"It seems that our team will get along well in the future," Sakumo concluded after hearing Ruri's words.
Ruri returned to her spot, causing Shiraishi and Ayane to breathe a sigh of relief.
It's only natural for them to worry.
The man in front of them, Hatake Sakumo, a jōnin of Konoha, renowned as the "White Fang" in the world.
Even Sannin level shinobi would pale in comparison to him.
Calling him the strongest of Konoha's Anbu isn't an exaggeration.
And witnessing Sakumo's ability to subdue Ruri, Shiraishi and Ayane can't help but feel that his true strength was unfathomable.
"Well, Sakumo-sensei, I heard that captain use survival drills to assess the newly graduated genin..."
Sensing the slightly subdued atmosphere, Shiraishi took the initiative to bring up the topic of survival drills.
"No need for that. I am very satisfied with the abilities of the three of you. There's nothing more to add; you have all passed" Sakumo casually announced.
Shiraishi inwardly wondered if he should be so nonchalant. After all, this is the renowned White Fang. He had anticipated a rigorous and serious survival exercise, but Sakumo's casual judgment caught him off guard.
"In that case, what should we do now?" Shiraishi asks.
"Hmm..." Sakumo stroked his chin, looked up at the sky, and suddenly smiled. "It's almost noon. How about we go for a barbecue together? Consider it the treat of your sensei."
Ayane's eyes lit up at the suggestion.
Shiraishi and Ruri elt a wave of nostalgia wash over them.
"Sakumo-sensei, I think it's better if we each pay our own share..."
"Why? Worried about your teacher's wallet? Don't worry, just eat. Your sensei's wallet can handle it" Sakumo said with determination to treat them to the barbecue.
Shiraishi let out a sigh, realizing that Sakumo was determined, and pondered about the consequences.
"Sakumo-sensei, whatever happens next, please remain calm and don't get too excited."
After Shiraishi spoke those words, Sakumo looked at him with a puzzled expression.
...
An hour and a half later, at the barbecue restaurant, the owner smiled and extended his hand to Sakumo, expecting payment.
"Thank you for eating here. The total comes to 300,000 ryo, after deducting the discount."
A price that almost broke Sakumo's heart.
...
Sakumo turned around with a smile on his face, glanced at Ayane, who appeared calm and composed, and then his gaze at the hundreds of empty plates stacked behind her, showing that she devoured almost everything.
Finally, he understood what Shiraishi had warned him about earlier.
"Well, Ayane, were you mistakenly swapped with someone from the Akimichi clan when you were born? Are you actually from the Akimichi clan?" Sakumo joked.
"Sakumo-sensei, you love making jokes. Just by looking at my eyes, you can tell that I am a pure-blooded Hyuga" Ayane responded blinking her pure white eyes.
This revelation left Sakumo feeling perplexed. He couldn't recall the Hyuga clan having such a voracious appetite. No, even among same-aged Akimichi clan members, few would have such a massive appetite.
Shaking his head, Sakumo reluctantly reached for his wallet to pay. However, he suddenly froze, awkwardly standing there.
"What's the matter, Sakumo-sensei?"
"Ah, well, um, can you wait here for a moment? It seems I don't have enough money in my wallet. I'll quickly go home and get it. Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
Shiraishi and the others: "..."
Before Sakumo could rush home to fetch the money, Ruri, relieved by the turn of events, too out her wallet from her pocket and slaps thirty brand new bills on the counter.
"It seems the legendary 'Konoha White Fang' is not all that special."
Ruri had been brooding over her previous defeat at Sakumo's hands, but now she finally seized the opportunity to turn the tables.
"Not special at all."
"Really nothing extraordinary."
Shiraishi and Ayane chime in, one after the other.
"I told you three..."
Sakumo chuckled wryly, realizing that he doesn't have enough money. Ws he really worth tormenting like this?
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