"I lost." Kakashi exhaled slowly, his grip on the discarded shuriken loosening as he returned them to his ninja pouch. Renzou also sheathed his kunai, squatting down to assess the drain on his chakra. Yet, outside the training field, an unnerving silence reigned. Kakashi… had lost? Jiraiya stared, dumbfounded, at Kakashi's admission of defeat, a look of utter surprise etched on his face. Just who is this kid? I've never heard of him. But then, the crimson Sharingan in Renzou's left eye caught his attention, reigniting his astonishment. "A one-eyed Sharingan? Peculiar. So he's from the Uchiha clan? Never heard that name before." Based on his knowledge of the Uchiha, the emergence of a talent like this wouldn't go unnoticed.He overheard snippets of conversation between Obito and the others nearby. They and Kakashi were classmates. A duel between two seven-year-olds that would likely put most Chūnin to shame.
"He's Shanzhou's child. It's normal you wouldn't know," Hatake Sakumo said to Jiraiya, his tone carrying a subtle weight.
"Shanzhou? The Minister of Border Defense who died in the war?" Jiraiya murmured, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. Hatake Sakumo offered no further explanation, simply walking towards Renzou and Kakashi.
"Renzou… won?" Kurenai's eyes widened, and she and Rin hurried towards the two in the training area. "Kakashi, are you alright?"
Having checked himself over, Renzou stood and approached Kakashi, his gaze drawn to the steadily bleeding wound on Kakashi's left arm, the fabric already soaked crimson. "If I were you, I wouldn't be asking me if I'm okay, but rather finding someone with medical skills," Kakashi retorted, rolling his eyes at Renzou's concern, his usual stoic demeanor returning.
"Aren't there medical personnel present?" Renzou asked, glancing at Rin, who stood nearby. "Kurenai, I have bandages in my backpack could you grab them?"
"Oh… oh, okay." Jolted back to awareness, Kurenai rummaged through Renzou's bag and retrieved a bandage. As she was about to hand it to Renzou, Rin took it instead. Rin approached Kakashi and began to carefully wrap his arm, explaining, "Let me handle this. After all, I aim to become a medical ninja. Renzou, please rest. You used a lot of chakra."
Renzou nodded, accepting Rin's help, and sat down beneath a nearby tree. Seeing the faint traces of blood on Renzou's face, Kurenai hurried to his side. "Are you alright, Renzou?"
"I'm fine, Kurenai. Just chakra exhaustion. I'll be okay after a short rest," Renzou reassured her, offering a small smile to ease her worry before turning his attention elsewhere. "Jiraiya-sama, about that bet…" Renzou, despite his fatigue, hadn't forgotten.
Jiraiya looked at Renzou, a wry grin spreading across his face. "I know, I know. The mighty Jiraiya always keeps his word! Tell me what you wish to learn, but only common ninjutsu that I know. Don't even think about advanced techniques. You wouldn't be able to grasp them even if I taught you."
"I want to learn Summoning Beasts Technique," Renzou replied without hesitation, knowing Jiraiya spoke the truth.
"Summoning Beasts Technique?" Jiraiya looked at Renzou strangely, then fell into deep thought. Renzou watched him nervously. Aside from Summoning, other basic ninjutsu wouldn't significantly boost his combat prowess. If this didn't work out, he'd have to consider approaching Orochimaru.
"Alright, I promise you," Jiraiya said, breaking his contemplation. Renzou maintained a calm exterior, but inwardly, he was ecstatic.
"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama," Renzou said, standing straighter and bowing deeply.
"But there's something I need to tell you beforehand," Jiraiya said, his usual cheerful demeanor returning, though his eyes held a serious glint. Seeing this, Renzou's expression turned slightly apprehensive. "I am only responsible for teaching you the Summoning Technique. As for where you'll end up summoning from the Immortal Realms… that's beyond my control. I know you might hope for Mount Myōboku, but that will depend entirely on your destiny. I have no right to interfere."
Renzou nodded, understanding. If Jiraiya were to directly take him to Mount Myōboku, he'd likely need to be a more established disciple. He didn't press the issue. With that said, Jiraiya yawned lazily and wandered off.
"Renzou, you want to learn the Summoning Beasts Technique ?" Sakumo's voice came from behind. Renzou turned, offering a respectful nod.
Sakumo considered this for a moment. "Well, with the aid of Summoning, your combat abilities might indeed reach a higher level." He then handed Kakashi the Short Sword that had fallen in the center of the field. "You didn't lose unfairly today. I could see it. You two are of similar strength, but Renzou's combat awareness is sharper. Also, a swordsman should never be without his blade. Even as a Chūnin, you can't afford such complacency, Kakashi." While cautioning his son, Sakumo was also impressed. Renzou had grown so much in two years, from an ordinary academy student to this level. Without the resources and guidance of parents, relying solely on himself… This child must have endured a great deal.
"Yes, father," Kakashi replied, taking the Short Sword and resheathing it, his gaze shifting to Renzou. "Renzou, you're very strong, but I won't lose next time."
"No problem, I'll be ready anytime," Renzou replied with a nod and a smile. "Then I'll say goodbye. See you tomorrow, Obito and Rin. Goodbye, Uncle Sakumo. I'll visit again soon. Oh, and Kakashi, keep that bandage on for the next couple of days. My kunai… well, it's quite sharp. It nicked you pretty deep. Alright, bye." Renzou, having bid farewell, turned to leave with Kurenai, then paused, offering a final instruction to Kakashi before finally departing.
"That guy…" Kakashi watched Renzou walk away, his usually listless eyes briefly widening before returning to their usual state.
"Kakashi…" Rin and Obito looked at Kakashi, their expressions full of concern. Kakashi had been hailed as a genius since childhood, never facing defeat. Even in missions, he was unparalleled. They hoped this loss wouldn't leave a negative impact.
"I'm fine, Rin, Obito," Kakashi said, his expression unchanged, showing no outward signs of disappointment.Looks like I've become a bit complacent. I won't lose again next time, Renzou!
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End of Chapter 26