WebNovels

Chapter 62 - Chapter 60

"Lock, you've got another problem," Jiraiya said, his voice heavy. "You're too quick to kill. Listen—forget those two root dogs you cut down, but even that Hyūga kid… he didn't deserve death. Yet you finished him without hesitation. If I hadn't cleaned up after you, you'd be in deep trouble right now."

Though Jiraiya was proud of his student's talent, he couldn't hide his dissatisfaction here.

He had been the one to push Lock into killing the first time, but that choice weighed on him. He feared he had unlocked something in the boy—something that made his strikes too final, too ruthless. Nine years old, and already his hands were stained with lives.

"I didn't want to kill him," Lock muttered, sounding both frustrated and defensive. "But that Hyūga was insane. If I hadn't acted, he would've exposed me anyway. Even if I gave him the scroll, he would've run his mouth. He forced my hand."

Regret wasn't in his tone. For Lock, it had been simple survival—born from not belonging to a clan, from knowing no one would shield him. Against someone pampered and arrogant like Toshiaki, negotiation had never been an option.

Jiraiya sighed. "At least you didn't try to take his Byakugan. If you'd killed a real heir of the Hyūga, even I couldn't protect you."

He rubbed his forehead, weary. "It's over now. The Hyūga family is keeping quiet, and even if they investigate, they'll find nothing. Still—remember this. No matter who asks, you know nothing. Even if the Hokage himself presses you, your answer is the same. Understand?"

Lock nodded firmly. "Understood, Sensei. And… thank you."

"Stop with the thanks," Jiraiya grunted, waving him off. "Just stay alive and don't give me more headaches. And watch Danzo. He failed this time, but he won't stop. Stay inside the village when you can. He won't dare act too openly here."

Lock engraved Jiraiya's words into his heart. For the time being, he kept to himself within Konoha.

As a newly promoted chūnin, he hadn't yet been assigned a squad, so missions weren't coming his way. That left him time—time to train, time to think.

Until one day—

"Lock! Look"

A loud, familiar voice came crashing against his door.

Lock frowned, stepping outside—only for his expression to shift in surprise. "Minato? And Kakashi, Rin too?"

Standing there was Obito Uchiha, shouting as usual, but behind him were Namikaze Minato and two faces Lock hadn't seen in too long—Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin. The four together… it didn't take much guessing.

"You're forming a squad."

Obito's jaw dropped. "H-how'd you know?!"

Lock smirked. "Because only you, with that broken brain of yours, would expect it to be a surprise."

Obito sputtered, while Minato smiled warmly. "Lock, it's been a while. I heard from Jiraiya-sensei—you've already made chūnin?"

Kakashi tilted his head up. "Took you long enough."

Lock rolled his eyes. Seeing them again had actually lifted his spirits, but Kakashi's ability to ruin the mood was as sharp as ever.

"Come in," he muttered, leading them inside.

Once seated, he asked, "So it's official? Minato—you just made jōnin, and they already gave you a squad to lead?"

It was rare. Most chūnin-led squads were temporary, but jōnin leading rookies was a sign of recognition.

Minato nodded. "It was the Hokage's arrangement. But I consider myself lucky—I get to guide Kakashi, Rin, and Obito. All three of them have a lot of potential."

"Hear that?" Obito puffed his chest out proudly. "Minato-sensei says I've got potential. You'd better watch, Lock—I'll be Hokage before you know it!"

Lock let out a sharp laugh. "Funniest thing I've heard all week. Whether you make it or not depends on my mood."

Obito scowled, while Rin hid a smile. Kakashi, however, had only one thing on his mind.

"Lock. Since you're chūnin now, fight me again." His dark eyes burned with challenge.

Lock's pulse quickened. The desire stirred within him—but Jiraiya's warning echoed in his mind. He couldn't reveal Blink Strike or Smoke Screen, not yet. Without them, his chances against Kakashi were slim.

And yet…

Why am I hesitating?

Win or lose, a fight with Kakashi was worth it. Losing could teach him where he was weak. That thought loosened the knot in his chest, and suddenly, the idea excited him.

"Fine," Lock said with a grin. "Let's do it."

Kakashi's eyes lit up. Even behind his mask, Lock could see the smirk.

"My family's training ground," Kakashi said simply.

They arrived shortly after. Obito gawked at the sheer size of it, while Minato chuckled.

"I'll referee," Minato announced, stepping between the two.

Lock and Kakashi squared off, tension thick in the air.

"Begin!" Minato's voice rang out.

Both of them moved at once.

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