Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 70: Obtaining an SSR Shikigami

Kakashi, unaware of Katsuragi's impending sneak attack, observed Naruto, Sasuke, and others from the shadows. His uncovered right eye displayed a hint of helplessness; he seemed quite concerned about the relationships among the trio.

Because Kakashi was a Jonin who could hold his own against virtually any opponent, Katsuragi proceeded with extreme caution. He would have preferred to approach fully in smoke form to avoid detection, but instead, he subtly used his ability just on his feet to minimize noise.

"Nice, seems like he hasn't noticed."

When he was about ten meters away from Kakashi, Katsuragi excitedly thought to himself. At such a close distance, his burst of speed should catch Kakashi off-guard.

"Let me show you my secret technique: The Kunai Millennium Kill!"

Excited to finally use this memorable technique, Katsuragi felt a surge of exhilaration. His fox ears and tail appeared discreetly as he dashed towards Kakashi, who was hiding behind a tree. Leaning slightly, he aimed the wooden kunai at a rather delicate target.

Katsuragi thought everything was perfect, but he underestimated Kakashi, whose nickname "The Copy Ninja" was not unwarranted. The extensive combat experience Kakashi held was not something Katsuragi could easily match.

At the last moment, Kakashi reacted. His feet pushed off the ground to leap into the tree, but Katsuragi's full-force attack wasn't so easily evaded.

With a "swish," both parties froze as they found themselves in an awkward and somewhat embarrassing position. Naturally, Kakashi felt more embarrassed.

"It's you, Kakashi-sensei," Katsuragi quickly feigned surprise, a grin spreading across his face. "I thought you were an enemy. Sorry about that."

If Kakashi hadn't noticed that Katsuragi was deliberately holding a wooden kunai and that there was no real intent to kill in his attack, he might have taken further action. This scenario bordered on attacking a comrade.

"I'm starting to dislike you guys more."

Kakashi ruffled his hair, a bit annoyed yet also recognizing Katsuragi's strength. Just from that sneak attack, it was clear Katsuragi could potentially kill any Chunin or an inexperienced Jonin.

"And this form..."

Noticing the disappearing fox ears and tail, Kakashi's eyes narrowed, recalling what the Third Hokage had told him about Katsuragi being affected by the Nine-Tails' chakra.

"Very sorry," Katsuragi apologized again. If it weren't for his knowledge from the manga, knowing that Kakashi wasn't one to hold grudges easily, he wouldn't have dared to make such a move, especially since he still had to pass Kakashi's test.

Their commotion had caught the attention of Naruto and the others. Considering his state of undress, Kakashi quickly told Katsuragi, "I'll be right back," and used the Body Flicker Technique to leave, presumably to change his clothes.

Kakashi's definition of "right back" turned out to be two hours later. It was around two or three in the afternoon by the time he reappeared.

Luckily, Katsuragi had eaten breakfast; otherwise, he would have been as hungry as Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, whose stomachs were now growling audibly.

After using the excuse of "getting lost on the path of life" to fend off their questions, Kakashi turned to Katsuragi and said, "Katsuragi, step aside. I'll test these three first."

"Alright, Kakashi-sensei."

Seeing that Kakashi no longer made casual remarks about handling him easily, Katsuragi obediently moved aside to observe Kakashi's test for the others. When Kakashi brought out the bells, Katsuragi understood that their test would be similar to the one in the manga.

However, after the trio failed, Katsuragi expected Kakashi to use lunch as a way to test their camaraderie, as in the original story. Instead, Kakashi suddenly called out to him: "Katsuragi, come here."

"Kakashi-sensei," Katsuragi approached, puzzled.

"Before testing your abilities, I'd like you to help make a decision," Kakashi said with a smile, "You've seen their fight. They all failed."

"I was thinking of sending all three back to the Academy, but now I want to give them a chance."

"Just choose one to eliminate, and the other two will pass. No matter how the fight goes later, I'll consider you to have passed as well. If you don't choose, they all fail."

Katsuragi was stunned, as were Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, especially Sakura, who was very anxious as she and Katsuragi hadn't interacted much.

Seeing Kakashi's smiling face, Katsuragi sighed internally, grateful for his foreknowledge from the manga. If he really followed Kakashi's suggestion, his mission would likely be deemed a failure in the next second.

"No, Kakashi-sensei," Katsuragi shook his head firmly, "They are all my comrades. I won't choose to eliminate any of them. If I must choose, I choose myself."

"Are you sure about this? By doing this, you might all be eliminated. They might not appreciate your gesture," Kakashi glanced at the silently tense trio.

"Choose me," Sasuke suddenly stood up, stepping beside Katsuragi and whispering, "I don't get along with them anyway. Let them become Genin together. Even if I don't become a Genin, I'll still become stronger and then kill him."

"Sasuke," Naruto and Sakura were shocked, not expecting Sasuke to volunteer for elimination to save them. Sakura, biting her lip in conflict, also stepped forward, "Choose me instead."

"It's okay, I'm the weakest on the team, useless anyway. If I go back to the Academy, I can just try again next year," Sakura said with bravado, but her eyes were tearful as she kept glancing at Sasuke, clearly reluctant.

"Katsuragi,"

Seeing the two beside him, Naruto felt a sudden pang of confusion. Initially, he wanted Katsuragi to choose Sasuke, but seeing Sasuke's willingness to be eliminated for their sake changed his mind; he didn't want Sasuke to leave.

"I'm always the last anyway, so it makes the most sense to choose me," Naruto finally spoke, "So, Katsuragi, choose me. And Sasuke, if you dare bully Sakura, I won't forgive you."

"I said I won't choose, we can all fail together if necessary," Katsuragi replied, then turned determinedly to Kakashi, "Kakashi-sensei, I've made my decision. Either no one or me. So, shall we start the fight?"

"Yes, but before that, I have something to tell you," Kakashi smiled, his eyes reflecting some reminiscence, looking at the four, "Congratulations, you've all passed."

At the same time, Katsuragi's mind received several notifications from the mission system.

"Ninja Path Completed"

"Bounty Seal Upgraded"

"SSR Shikigami Obtained"

End of Chapter 70