Chapter 21: Our Teacher Isn’t Reliable Either

Chapter 21: Even Our Teacher Is Unreliable

Chiba returned to the classroom, and many eyes immediately turned toward him. It had been a long time since they last saw him. Except for Tenten, Xiao Li, and a few others, most of the students felt somewhat distant and hesitated to approach him.

One reason was simply unfamiliarity.

The other reason was…

Even Hinata Neji had to admit that although they were all still genin about to graduate, Chiba’s status was already in a different league compared to theirs.

Tsukikage Kazuya came back to the classroom and quietly hid in a corner, lowering her head like someone with social anxiety.

Chiba wanted to laugh but calmly took his seat, waiting for the class to be divided.

Before long, the teacher entered, gave a brief encouragement, and then some jonin came in to lead their assigned subordinates away. Gradually, only six people remained in the classroom.

Xiao Li, Hinata Neji, a female ninja named Maya, and Chiba.

Chiba pondered quietly...

Xiao Li’s teacher had to be Might Guy, no doubt about it. If his own jonin team leader turned out to be Kakashi Hatake as he suspected, could it be possible that the two met outside?

He was still thinking this through when—

Bang!

A loud noise, and a figure stood on the stage.

Chiba lowered his head and covered his face.

No wonder it’s you. Even your entrance surprises people.

“Teacher Kai!” Xiao Li stood up excitedly.

“Yo, Li, and… two young and passionate youths, come with me,” Might Guy chuckled, pointing at Neji and Maya.

Neji showed no expression, neither pleased nor displeased, quietly standing up and following, while Xiao Li cheerfully chatted alongside Might Guy.

“Take care, Teacher Kai,” Chiba politely responded.

Tenten clenched her fist excitedly.

Great! We’re really on the same team as Chiba-kun!

But then...

She tilted her head, wondering why this person was also on their team.

Tsukikage Kazuya smiled faintly.

“Chiba, hehe, although you can’t be my subordinate, your teacher is just as powerful, only a little less than me. Like in today’s duel, he lost to me again!” Might Guy grinned broadly, proud as ever. “Alright, you all wait patiently.”

Tsukikage Kazuya stopped looking at Tenten and instead curiously glanced at Chiba. “Chiba-kun, do you know Jonin Might Guy?”

“I couldn’t learn ninjutsu or genjutsu. During some exercises, I met Jonin Kai who gave me lots of guidance and even recommended me,” Chiba briefly explained.

Tenten suddenly understood but couldn’t help but feel indifferent toward the kappa-like jonin. She even felt a bit sorry for Neji; after all, he was a genius but ended up under such an unreliable jonin.

“Don’t judge Teacher Kai by his unpredictable ways; he’s very strong. In taijutsu, no one in Konoha is better than him,” Chiba added.

Seeing their expressions, Chiba knew they didn’t deeply understand Might Guy and easily underestimated him because of his eccentric style and appearance.

Tenten sulked, listlessly asking, “Why hasn’t our teacher arrived yet?”

“...” Tsukikage Kazuya said nothing, but she too was curious about who their team leader was.

Chiba smiled, “Maybe he got lost.”

In the corridor, Kakashi Hatake was slowly walking toward the classroom, holding a book. He paused for a moment.

“Or maybe something’s blocking his way.”

“Or perhaps he met an elderly lady in trouble and stopped to help out of kindness.”

“...” Kakashi silently thought this brat was really unlikable.

At the same time, he was secretly surprised. Although Might Guy had leaked some secrets, it seemed Chiba might have discovered his location and chakra scent.

Is it sensory ability?

He pondered.

If so, these three were indeed a well-rounded team.

Kakashi hesitated briefly, then continued forward, appearing just as Chiba was ‘guessing.’

“Oh, late,” Kakashi said.

“...” Tenten and Tsukikage Kazuya exchanged a glance, instantly united in resentment—

This jonin was so shamelessly late, yet he had no trace of embarrassment.

Chiba smiled and said, “Lord Kakashi.”

“No need for honorifics. The other two might not know me. I’m Kakashi Hatake, temporarily your team leader. What happens next, who knows. Now… follow me,” Kakashi said without looking up from his book.

Then, in the blink of an eye, he disappeared.

“Keep up,” he called.

Chiba instantly teleported forward.

Tenten and Tsukikage Kazuya hadn’t expected it to be so sudden, but fortunately, they were quite skilled. Although their speed and reflexes weren’t as fast as Chiba’s, they quickly caught up.

Before long, they reached the rooftop.

Kakashi sat on the edge, holding *Icha Icha Paradise*, with no dignity whatsoever.

Apparently, after Chiba exposed him earlier, he cared little about his image anymore—things like pride were useless.

The three gathered, and Kakashi tilted his head, glancing with his single eye, then nodded lightly.

“Not bad, your speed is pretty good. Sit, sit anywhere. No class today; we’ll just chat.”

“Yes,” the three answered in unison.

“Alright, let’s start with introductions—hobbies and such.”

Kakashi said, looking at Tenten first.

“You go first.”

“My name’s Tenten. I like divination and research. I hate sour plums.”

Tenten answered naturally.

“Divination and research, huh? Not bad. Next.”

“My name’s Tsukikage Kazuya. I like swordsmanship and… protecting everyone during battle. I hate being denied.”

Did you mean ‘battle’?

Chiba gave a sidelong glance.

“Good, very spirited.”

Kakashi smiled, then looked at Chiba.

“Yagyu Chiba, likes research and helping others get stronger, hates losing.”

“...”

Kakashi fell silent for a moment, then nodded lightly.

“What about you, teacher?”

“My name’s Kakashi Hatake. Interests… can’t say. Things I hate are secret.”

Kakashi only revealed one eye, but everyone knew he was definitely smiling.

Chiba was unfazed.

He had long known Kakashi wouldn’t tell the truth.

Although…

The ever-present *Icha Icha Paradise* made his hobby obvious enough.

“Well, no matter what, we now know each other a bit. Tomorrow morning, meet at the Death Forest. Don’t eat breakfast, or you’ll suffer.”

Kakashi said seriously.

“Yes!”

“Dismissed.”

Kakashi vanished instantly.

After he disappeared, Tenten couldn’t help but complain, “What the heck, our teacher seems kind of unreliable too.”

“That’s why he’s friends with Senior Kai,” Tsukikage Kazuya said faintly.

Chiba smiled slightly but said nothing more.

Tenten was intrigued and asked, “Chiba-kun, do you know something?”

“Yeah, our teacher’s reputation is huge. I can’t reveal details, but you’ve definitely heard his name—the Copy Ninja, Konoha’s top technician.”

“So that’s him!”

Tenten and Tsukikage Kazuya both became serious.

Although Kakashi was unknown to them, the Copy Ninja was a household name. Almost every ninja in Konoha had heard of him.

Chiba nodded.

Tomorrow would definitely be the exam. He didn’t want his teammates to underestimate the enemy like Naruto or Sasuke.

(End of chapter)