Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 21: The Mysterious Kakashi

"Kushina-sensei, where are we going?"

"Kushina-sensei, try some of this—it's really tasty!"

At some point, Kurenai had become increasingly attached to Kushina, to the point that Genma Shiranui looked on with mild resentment.

It had to be said that men and women truly are two different creatures. If two women dislike each other, they can become mortal enemies in an instant. But if they take a liking to each other and find their personalities compatible, they immediately become intimate friends or 'sisters.'

Not long after meeting, Kurenai and Kushina were already exchanging secrets, much to Genma's dismay.

She's supposed to be our teacher, he thought, yet all she's doing is chatting with a little girl. Couldn't she at least show some concern for the boys, maybe illustrate some equality between genders?

Meanwhile, the little girl was completely enthralled by the pretty older sister figure. Is she my girlfriend or our teammate? It feels dangerous, Genma lamented internally.

Realizing it was hopeless, Genma glanced at the boy next to him, Iday Iwashi, who was chowing down on snacks but exuded a certain gloominess. Suddenly, he understood—Iwashi was channeling his unease into eating.

So, Genma also joined the snack brigade. Over time, he got used to Kurenai and Kushina walking side by side, chatting like sisters.

"All right, we've arrived at the Forest of Death. Time for my lessons to begin."

Leading the trio into the Forest of Death, Kushina started explaining the various plants, creatures, and survival tips in surprising detail. It was hard to imagine someone so seemingly naïve and bright could lecture so competently—and with such depth—on survival tactics.

Some of the knowledge even applied to battlefield survival and medicinal uses of plants. Genma, though he prided himself on reading plenty of books, found himself surprised and impressed by how practical these lessons were.

Naturally, such a performance only elevated Kurenai's admiration for Kushina; she practically followed her around like a younger sister, soon referring to the teacher not just as "Sensei" but as "Nee-chan."

At that, Genma rolled his eyes. It was as if they'd both forgotten about him. So this is our mentor? She's totally ignoring me and Iwashi. But the little girl was thrilled to have such a warm mentor, so what was he supposed to say?

"Kurenai, let's move on ahead to get ready. You two—Genma, Iwashi—stay right here. Don't come over," Kushina suddenly said sternly.

Her tone left Genma and Iwashi somewhat puzzled, but since she was a jōnin-level kunoichi, they dared not disobey.

Shortly after, the pair emerged from the dense thicket. Kurenai now sported the same style of black over-the-knee stockings as Kushina. Her cheeks glowed with adorable, rosy shyness.

Oh, Genma realized, so that's why she was being so serious—she wanted to protect Kurenai from getting scratched by the plants.

He had told Kurenai to pack long track pants, but it seemed over-the-knee stockings worked better.

He couldn't help swallowing like a starstruck fool, provoking amused snickers from the two beauties—one older, one younger.

Meanwhile, Iwashi kept his gaze locked in the other direction, as if something terrifying lurked in Kurenai's and Kushina's vicinity.

"All right, let's keep going."

With Kushina's command, they continued their wilderness survival training.

Perhaps it was meant to test their resilience: the path ahead was filled with traps, hidden mechanisms, and dangerous beasts and insects. For a skilled ninja, these were minor hurdles. By now, Kushina had a decent grasp of the trio's abilities, so she let them tackle each challenge on their own, waiting at the finish line.

Despite the hazards, their team was quite strong. There was no need to say much about Genma—he was nearly at chūnin-level prowess. Kurenai and Iwashi, both close to genin-level, complemented each other.

Kurenai excelled at genjutsu and handled wild beasts with ease. Iwashi had a meticulous mind, adept at analyzing and devising strategies, effectively becoming a mini "tactician."

In terms of real-time planning, Genma admitted he lagged behind Iwashi, but everyone had their strengths. Genma's balanced skill set made him the strongest of the three.

After crossing a swampy terrain, they finally reached the main campsite.

Coincidentally, another team arrived soon after. The group that followed them turned out to be none other than…

"Hey, Genma! Kurenai! Iwashi!"

They recognized the enthusiastic voice at once: Obito.

"Looks like that lively boy is on friendly terms with you," Kushina remarked, turning to see Obito wave wildly from afar. She was clearly pleased by his presence, but what truly caught her eye was the figure next to Obito—someone else she recognized with delight. "Oh, since you're all on such good terms, let's pitch our tents together."

Obito was new to Kushina, but she was directing her attention at the blond-haired man at his side.

Seeing Kushina's reaction, Genma quickly deduced the man was Minato Namikaze—the one who "wins over the hottest girl the fastest, and fathers the strongest child."

Trailing behind Minato was someone wearing a mask, carrying a short sword on his back, with silver hair peeking out above the mask. Genma's eyes narrowed.

That uniform… could that be a younger Kakashi in the Anbu?

But why would Kakashi be here for a survival drill meant for academy students?

Stumped, Genma frowned. Kurenai noticed. "What's wrong? Something bothering you?"

"There's something off," Genma said quietly. "But it's probably best not to pry."

Kurenai disliked complex puzzles, and seeing Genma being intentionally vague, she decided not to press him further. She ran off to meet Rin—who was apparently on that team as well—and the two began chatting like the close friends they'd become.

After the two squads regrouped, everyone learned that the red-haired kunoichi was indeed Kushina Uzumaki and the blond man was Minato Namikaze—both recognized as the newly assigned teachers for these survival drills.

They exchanged glances with tender warmth and used endearing nicknames, sharing a soft intimacy that even made the masked individual—Kakashi—look slightly shaken. Nonetheless, Minato and Kushina maintained a semblance of professionalism, claiming they would simply combine their camps and then go for a stroll, presumably to coordinate with the other instructors. Everyone else played along.

Once the tents were set, Obito cried out, "Hey everyone, let's play a game!"

"No thanks," a cold voice replied. Obito spun around to see the masked silver-haired boy brush him off. "I'm going to train."

"What's with the attitude?! That's even worse than Kakashi! Good thing we're not on the same team. Even Kakashi's better than this!"

Genma watched with amusement. So, only Iwashi and I realize who that masked boy probably is. I bet Obito will throw a fit once he learns the truth about 'masked Kakashi.'

Kakashi's behavior was indeed odd. If he wanted to hide, he wouldn't choose to train publicly… Something else must be going on. He must feel some pressing need, Genma speculated.

Regardless, Genma considered it none of his business. He politely turned down Obito's invitation, opting to train instead. Kurenai, noticing Genma's departure, also lost interest in playing games. The group's excitement waned, and Obito reluctantly joined the training group too.

Soon, Kushina returned, hand in hand with Minato, having presumably gone to meet with the other sensei. Ordinarily, seeing the campsite finished and the kids diligently practicing would have made her happy, but the look on her face suggested a touch of sadness.

"Little Sun," she said softly, "they're all such hardworking kids… I really like them. I wish I could be their jōnin-sensei."

Minato felt a pang in his heart. As a Jinchūriki, Kushina's freedoms were restricted. Reaching chūnin-level had already been a concession by the village.

To become a jōnin, she'd have to complete numerous S-rank missions, and S-rank missions typically required extensive fieldwork. The higher-ups worried about potential risks if a Jinchūriki spent too long beyond the village walls.

Realizing her dilemma, Minato gently squeezed Kushina's hand. "Wait a bit longer. Once I become Hokage, I'll make sure everyone sees the Jinchūriki for who they truly are. You'll be free to lead your own squad on real missions."

Kushina nodded, tears glistening on her cheeks as the sun set behind them. Their shadows slowly overlapped, merging into one.

Consoled by Minato's words, Kushina's usual cheerfulness returned, and she pointed to the masked boy on Minato's squad. "That's your group, right? They all seem pretty strong—especially that white-haired boy, who's on par with a boy in my group. But are you sure it's okay for him to wear that mask?"

Minato sighed. "It's complicated. He has a special status, so we have to keep his identity private. The other two children are people he trusts, so I don't think it'll be a problem."

"I see," Kushina said. Then her keen eyes spotted a small commotion. "Hmm, that excitable boy is making a beeline for our masked friend again. Think they'll be all right?"

Minato smiled wearily. "They haven't told the other two about who he really is. I suspect tensions may flare a bit at first, but hopefully they'll figure it out over time."

He didn't say it, but he knew the real reason was an urgent directive from village leadership: protect Kakashi's identity, ensuring he could continue his duties without interruption. Even Minato wasn't at liberty to reveal too much, not even to Kushina.

End of Chapter 21