Naruto: The Template System - Chapter 144: Spar

At an underground base,

“I knew it; that monster Sword Demon wouldn’t die easily”

Juzo commented as the fear in his heart left by Kozuki started to awaken once again.

Through Zetsu, everyone already knew what happened in Konoha, and they were surprised to learn that Pain was defeated.

Their leader, who had the legendary Rinnegan, being defeated by the Sword Demon was shocking.

“So, what are we going to do now?”

Kisame asked while looking towards whose one red and one purple eye was visible through the gap in the mask.

Kisame had already met the real Madara, so he knew before that Nagato was just a pawn.

He knew that this guy was the real spokesperson of Madara.

“The whole world is looking for us; we will stay hidden for a while and wait for a good opportunity”

They already had captured seven tail beasts, and there was no need for them to rush.

He would also try to familiarize himself with the Rinnegan when they kept hidden.

Also, many Zetsu were wasted during this attack, so their production also required a lot of time.

Everyone present nodded as they also knew that now every village had information about them.

It was too late to leave Akatsuki, and only by staying together did they hope of survival; otherwise, they would be hunted by the Ninja of every village.

Fukashi ended the meeting as he disappeared, and everyone else also disappeared, ready to keep a low profile for some time.

___________________

Konoha Third Training Ground.

“Hey Shikamaru, what are you doing here?”

Naruto looked at Shikamaru, who came to their training place with his teammates, a bit confused.

“Kurenai Sensei gave us the task to self-train”

Ino, besides Shikamaru, told Naruto as Kurenai had a lot of work left in the hospital.

“Sasuke Kun, why don’t we practice together”

“Ino pig, stay away from Sasuke kun”

“Move away, you wide forehead”

Ino spotted Sasuke, went near him, and wanted to train with him but was stopped by Sakura as they both started to taunt each other.

“Women are really troublesome”

Shikamaru sighed as he wondered whether should he get married or not in the future.

“Huh…”

Even Kakashi had veins on his forehead seeing them fight, but suddenly, he frowned as he looked towards his right.

He spotted three figures coming this way, and as they came near, he immediately recognized them.

“Kakashi, you should look for a girlfriend, don’t read such novels in front of kids”

Kozuki came beside Kakashi as he put his hand on his shoulder and gave him a knowing smile.

“Cough… What are you doing here?”

Kakashi coughed and immediately put away the orange book.

“I wanted to see how much my students have grown, and this place seems right”

Kozuki said as he looked around as this place seemed good for a spar.

“Don’t destroy it”

Kakashi looked at the excited Itachi and Shisui and reminded Kozuki not to go too far.

“Don’t worry”

Kozuki assured him, but the eyelids of Kakashi suddenly twitched as his worry increased.

“Big Brother”

Sasuke, pestered by Ino and Sakura, suddenly saw Itachi was surprised and came near him.

“It seems you have made a lot of friends, Sasuke”

Seeing Ino and Sakura hovering around Sasuke like bees, Itachi smiled as he sent a bullet to his forehead.

“No, it’s not…”

Sasuke held his forehead denied, but his voice was too low like a shy girl.

The rest of the genin were surprised seeing such a Sasuke since he always acted like a small adult.

“Uncle red hair”

Naruto also greeted Kozuki as he was happy to see his savior and created a familiar nickname.

“Naruto, how’s your mother now”

Kozuki didn’t mind being called “Red Hair” since he didn’t know why; he kind of seems to like it.

“She hasn’t woken up yet, but big sister Kurenai is taking care of her”

Hearing about his mother, Naruto was sad for a moment but quickly cheered up when he felt the hand on his head.

“Don’t worry, she’ll be fine”

Kozuki rubbed his head, encouraging him.

“Lord Kozuki, how do you know Kakashi Sensei?”

Sakura came over and asked curiously since she mainly had seen Kakashi with Guy.

“Haha, we used to be rivals, though I would always win”

Kakashi wanted to refute his claim but finally sighed as he knew he was right.

After chatting with the Konoha Genin for a while, Kozuki finally took a fighting stance as Itachi and Shisui got ready for the fight.

Kakashi and the excited Konoha Genin stood on the side, watching the fight.