447. The Pre-Departure Trial

Despite Jiraiya's current prestigious position as the Minister of Propaganda and Media, his earlier scandals hadn't faded away.

Instead, they had become even more widely discussed as he climbed the ranks.

Stories about him peeking into women's baths for inspiration while writing *Make-Out Paradise* or visiting brothels for "research" were particularly popular.

Some unscrupulous tabloids had even published risqué comics featuring Jiraiya, with content so explicit that even Danzō was shocked!

As a result, thanks to Chino's enthusiastic gossip, Kakashi's reputation among the six-member team plummeted.

By the time they gathered the next morning, the looks they gave him were anything but normal.

"Huh? Is there something on my face?" Kakashi scratched his nose in confusion.

He was only half an hour late, so why were these kids looking at him like that?

Finally, Jūgo, the most straightforward of the group, couldn't hold back and asked, "Senior Kakashi, they say you often sneak peeks at *Make-Out Paradise*. Is that true?"

At this question, Kakashi's expression changed instantly.

Although most of his face was hidden behind his mask, everyone could clearly see the exposed skin turning red.

Steam even seemed to rise from his head—he was thoroughly embarrassed.

"A scholar's pursuit can't be called 'sneaking a peek'!" Kakashi retorted, covering his mouth with a fist and speaking with righteous indignation.

"It's called 'appreciation'!"

Unfortunately, Chino immediately booed him without mercy.

"Pervert!" she shouted. "I can't believe the famous Copy Ninja is such a creep..."

Before she could finish, Kakashi appeared behind her at an astonishing speed and delivered a sharp knock on her head, making her yelp in pain!

After disciplining the "ringleader," Kakashi glanced around and sneered, "Since you're all so energetic, I guess you don't need to take the train. In that case, let's head straight to the Land of Earth. Anyone who falls behind will be charged with disobeying orders! Move out, scatter!"

With that, Kakashi vanished in a blur.

"This is going to be tough..." Kabuto sighed, shaking his head.

Kakashi was clearly using this as an opportunity to assert his authority, something team leaders often did.

"We shouldn't have provoked Senior Kakashi," Jūgo said with a wry smile, clearly feeling a bit guilty for his earlier rudeness.

Only Chino, rubbing her head, muttered, "I didn't expect Kakashi to be so petty. Hmph, besides 'pervert,' we should add 'cheapskate' to his list of nicknames."

Hearing this, Itachi sighed and silently covered Chino's mouth with his hand, warning, "If you don't want to face military discipline, we'd better hurry up and catch up to Senior Kakashi."

Everyone agreed on this point.

As shinobi, military discipline was no joke—even for Danzō's students.

Reluctantly, Chino glanced at the train station one last time before following the group, sprinting at full speed to catch up with Kakashi.

However, it quickly became clear that Kakashi's speed was far beyond what they could match.

Despite pushing themselves to their limits, they could only catch fleeting glimpses of Kakashi's figure, which was gradually shrinking into the distance.

As time passed, Haku, who had the least chakra among them, began to struggle.

If they kept up this pace, he would inevitably fall behind.

Seeing this, Haku spoke up, "You guys go ahead. I can't keep up."

The group immediately stopped and exchanged uneasy glances.

Chino was the first to step forward, gritting her teeth. "You go on ahead. This mess is my fault, so I'll stay with Haku and take responsibility!"

Jūgo also chimed in, "I'm strong. I can carry Haku and keep running."

Kabuto sighed.

"Why make it so dramatic... By the way, Senior Kakashi didn't specify how we had to catch up, did he?"

At these words, everyone's eyes lit up.

In the next moment, Kabuto formed hand seals and summoned the giant white bird with a summoning jutsu.

He helped Haku onto the bird's back, and they continued toward the Land of Earth.

By sunset, Kakashi finally stopped.

Looking at the six exhausted and panting figures, he smiled with satisfaction.

"It seems Guy's training has paid off. You managed to keep up with me, more or less."

He glanced at the giant white bird that had descended from the sky and added, "Although you took some shortcuts, the fact that you didn't abandon your teammate is... passable."

Hearing this, Kabuto and the others finally let out a sigh of relief, collapsing to the ground one by one.

Only Chino mustered the energy to walk up to Kakashi.

But before she could speak, Kakashi raised a hand to stop her. "If you're here to apologize, don't bother. Even without this incident, I would have conducted this test. Weaklings and those who abandon their teammates have no place in my squad—not even if you're Lord Danzo's students. After all, the enemy won't show mercy just because of your status."

Kakashi's tone was unusually serious, making everyone momentarily forget their exhaustion.

Only Chino narrowed her eyes and asked, "If this test was inevitable, why did you make us meet at the train station?"

Kakashi grinned mischievously. "Because I wanted you to think we were taking the train."

At this, Chino couldn't hold back any longer.

Ignoring her aching body, she lunged at Kakashi with her claws out.

Fortunately, Kabuto and Itachi, familiar with her temper, quickly grabbed her and held her back.

Even Jūgo rushed over to calm her down.

"Don't be impulsive, Big Sis!" Jūgo pleaded.

"Calm down! Remember how hard we ran today?"

Watching the chaotic scene, Kakashi couldn't help but smile faintly, his eyes narrowing in amusement.