Chapter 28: Kakashi, The Enigmatic Mentor

After the exhilarating matches, the rest of the duels seemed dull in comparison. The students, now accustomed to the spectacle of advanced ninjutsu, found little excitement in the remaining bouts. Iruka announced the end of the actual combat class, and Tetsuya was, without a doubt, the number one.

On the way back to the classroom, the students buzzed with discussions about the ninjutsu displayed by Sasuke and Tetsuya.

"It's not surprising that an Uchiha knows ninjutsu," someone said.

"But Tetsuya has always been so quiet in school," another added.

Tetsuya had kept a low profile for the past two years, known more for his good looks and the attention from Ino and Hinata than for his skills.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage had watched the battle with keen interest. "It seems the ninja school is becoming less beneficial for Tetsuya," he mused.

The Third Hokage had observed Tetsuya's training several times and was well aware of his potential. Tetsuya had always been cautious, hiding his true abilities, not out of modesty but as a strategic move to avoid unwanted attention from the likes of Danzo.

"Shimura Danzo," Tetsuya thought, the name evoking a mix of disgust and wariness. "As long as he's around, I'll have to be careful."

Tetsuya had only shown his basic ninjutsu to the Third Hokage, keeping his bloodline limits a secret. This way, he maintained the favor of the Hokage while minimizing Danzo's interest in him. However, the feeling of constantly holding back was frustrating. Tetsuya looked forward to the day he could confront Danzo openly, ideally after Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage.

The Third Hokage, pondering Tetsuya's future, decided it was time to assign him a temporary teacher. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," he called.

A white-haired man with a spiky head and a mask covering his face walked in. It was Hatake Kakashi.

"Kakashi, I heard the Genin team I assigned to you was sent back to the ninja school," the Hokage said, sighing slightly.

"They weren't ready to become ninjas," Kakashi replied without hesitation. The team had failed his bell test, a rigorous assessment of their readiness.

The Third Hokage nodded. "I have a personal request for you."

"Please speak," Kakashi responded.

Handing over Tetsuya's file, the Hokage explained, "This is Tetsuya Kamiyo. His talent is extraordinary, and he has awakened a medical bloodline limit. I want you to teach him some advanced ninjutsu."

"Do you want him to graduate early?" Kakashi asked, recognizing Tetsuya's name and recalling seeing him at the memorial tablet on October 10th each year.

"No," the Hokage replied. "The ninja school's curriculum is no longer challenging for him. You are Konoha's best technician, and I want you to mentor him."

After a moment's thought, Kakashi agreed. "I'll test his abilities and see what he needs."

The Hokage smiled, relieved. "Don't underestimate Tetsuya. His genius rivals your own. Also, his father, Kamiyo and Feng, was my former guard. He needs more than basic training."

Kakashi nodded, understanding the significance of the task. "I'll do my best."

As Kakashi left, the Hokage turned back to his crystal ball, a wry smile on his face. "I wonder if Mrs. Inoue is at the hot spring today..."

Meanwhile, on his way home, Tetsuya was lost in thought. The unexpected message from the Hokage intrigued him. "An Anbu delivering a message... What could it be about?"

He didn't have to wait long to find out. As he approached his house, a familiar voice shouted, "Stinky boy! Get out here!"

Tetsuya grinned, recognizing the voice. "What does Ino's dad want now?" he wondered, heading towards the source of the commotion.

As Tetsuya reached the source of the shouting, he saw Yamanaka Inoichi, Ino's father, standing with his arms crossed, looking impatient.

"Tetsuya, we need to talk!" Inoichi called out.

Tetsuya approached with a smile. "What's up, Inoichi-san?"

Inoichi's stern expression softened slightly. "I've heard a lot about you from Ino. She's been quite taken with you, it seems."

Tetsuya chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Ino's a great friend."

Inoichi nodded. "That's good to hear. But as her father, I need to make sure you understand the responsibility that comes with her trust and affection."

Tetsuya's expression turned serious. "I understand, Inoichi-san. I will always respect and protect Ino."

Inoichi studied Tetsuya for a moment before sighing. "Alright, I trust you. But remember, I'm always watching."

Tetsuya nodded. "Of course."

As they parted ways, Tetsuya felt a renewed sense of responsibility. He was not only training to become stronger for himself but also for those who believed in him.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities, but for now, Tetsuya was ready to face whatever came his way.