Hayato Ren nodded, a slightly stiff smile appearing on his face.
"I was just joking earlier. I like Konan the most too."
Hearing this, Konan's face immediately brightened with her previous radiant smile.
"Konan has always believed in Brother Ren, so don't make jokes like that, or I might take them seriously."
After saying this, Konan took Hayato Ren's hand and continued walking toward the Ninja Academy.
Just then, a cool breeze swept by, sending a chilling sensation down Hayato Ren's back.
During their brief exchange earlier, a layer of cold sweat had actually formed on Hayato Ren's back.
[When did Konan develop yandere tendencies? Would I end up locked in a basement someday...]
Recalling what had just happened, Hayato Ren's face showed a lingering fear.
As they got closer to the Ninja Academy, many other students began appearing on the road.
However, these students weren't accompanied by parents.
After all, these little rascals were at that age where they're annoying to everyone.
If any student was escorted to school by their parents, the news would spread throughout the entire school before noon, earning them the nickname "Crybaby."
Hayato Ren had witnessed this happen at the Ninja Academy.
That unfortunate soul had been called by that nickname until graduation.
While Hayato Ren was looking around, wondering if anyone would be foolish enough to pick a fight,
he was surprised to discover that the passing students all lowered their heads and quickened their pace when they saw Konan.
It was as if the harmless-looking Konan beside him was some kind of terrifying demon, and walking too slowly would bring disaster.
"Konan, it seems those classmates are somewhat afraid of you. What's that about?"
"I just picked a few lucky ones earlier and let them experience the feeling of 'flying.'"
Although Konan's response was very casual, as ordinary as having a bowl of soy milk in the morning,
Hayato Ren's mind conjured up an image of several little rascals crying for their parents while being tossed around, freely soaring through the sky.
No wonder these people were so scared when they saw Konan.
However, Hayato Ren had no intention of lecturing Konan.
As a complete egoist, Hayato Ren only cared about the feelings of those close to him.
Soon, Hayato Ren escorted the reluctant Konan into the Ninja Academy, and after promising to pick her up in the afternoon, he left the school.
Just as Hayato Ren was wondering where to go next, an uncle radiating complete apathy suddenly appeared before him.
"I only have barley tea here. Make do with it."
In Kakashi's living room, White Fang placed a cup of barley tea in front of Hayato Ren.
Hayato Ren didn't stand on ceremony and directly picked up the glass, draining it in one go.
The barley tea freshly taken from the refrigerator carried a slight chill as it flowed down his throat, instantly dispelling the summer heat.
Setting down the glass, Hayato Ren looked across at White Fang and asked:
"What did you want to see me about?"
White Fang immediately adopted a dead-fish expression, responding somewhat irritably:
"Can't I just ask you to have some tea? But actually, there is something I'd like to ask of you. I heard you're planning to become a Team Leader. What do you think about my Kakashi? I'm not boasting, but I wasn't as skilled as Kakashi at his age. He truly lives up to being my son."
Hearing this, Hayato Ren let out a soft sigh.
The once legendary White Fang who dominated battlefields was now willing to swallow his pride and pull strings for his son. How touching parental love can be.
"If you're so worried about Kakashi, why don't you come out of retirement and become a Team Leader yourself?"
Facing Hayato Ren's question, White Fang waved his hand dismissively.
"I'm already old and can't fight anymore. This is the era for you young people now."
"If that's how you put it, wouldn't that old guy serving as Hokage have one foot already in the grave?"
As these words were spoken, Hayato Ren and White Fang exchanged glances before simultaneously bursting into loud laughter.
As a Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen commanded considerable respect within the village.
However, the two men in the living room clearly didn't hold much reverence for him.
After the laughter subsided, White Fang straightened up again.
"So do you have any teacher recommendations?"
Although Hayato Ren hadn't explicitly stated it, White Fang already understood that Kakashi wouldn't become this man's student.
Truth be told, Hayato Ren was quite interested in Kakashi.
However, the team he wanted to form had no position for male members.
If nothing unexpected happened, Hayato Ren's team members would likely be Konan, Yuhi Kurenai, and Nohara Rin.
With Konan for ranged attacks and close combat, Yuhi Kurenai for control, and Nohara Rin for healing - a quite perfect configuration.
Setting gender aside, Kakashi's role would overlap somewhat with Konan's.
And the reason Hayato Ren was becoming a Team Leader was precisely for Konan's sake.
So Hayato Ren could only apologize to White Fang.
"What about Minato? That kid is a genuine genius who's even mastered the legendary Flying Thunder God Technique. His future is limitless."
Hearing this, White Fang stroked his chin, showing a thoughtful expression.
"Namikaze Minato is indeed a good candidate. He should be the second strongest among Konoha's younger generation, but there's one problem now."
"What problem?"
"That is, I don't really have any connection with Namikaze Minato. Wouldn't it be inappropriate to suddenly approach him and ask him to take Kakashi as his student?"
"That's simple. Just beg me. I'll have a word with Minato."
Hayato Ren couldn't resist teasing.
However, what completely surprised him was that White Fang actually bowed his head and said:
"I'm begging you, please help me."
"Eww... you're disgusting..."
Hayato Ren rubbed his arms, where goosebumps had appeared.
If a cute girl had said that, Hayato Ren would have been quite happy.
However, if the person across from him was a dead-fish-eyed middle-aged man,
Hayato Ren's mood was far from pleasant.
After that, Hayato Ren and White Fang began reminiscing about the past, mostly events from the Second Ninja World War.
After all, their complicated relationship had started back then.
As they talked, time flew by unnoticed.
Clearly, Hayato Ren had forgotten something extremely important.
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