Naruto Shadow Emperor - Chapter 26
“The first one, Uchiha Sasuke.”
Kakashi, as usual, had his eyes half-closed, looking uninterested.
Hearing this, Yukigetsu turned to look at Uchiha Sasuke, who was also looking his way. Both seemed surprised at the idea of becoming teammates, but after a moment, it felt like a good match.
“The second one, Haruno Sakura.”
Yukigetsu widened his eyes, and Sasuke furrowed his brows. Only Sakura jumped up with excitement, thrilled to be in the same team as Sasuke.
The others sighed, knowing that Yukigetsu would undoubtedly win the last spot. There seemed no chance of joining Kakashi’s team, and their eyes turned to Kurenai Yuhi.
“The last one…” Kakashi paused, looking at Yukigetsu with a hint of a smile, then suddenly turned and said, “…Uzumaki Naruto!”
What?!
Everyone was taken aback, including Yukigetsu, who had been prepared to join Kakashi’s team. This unexpected change caught him off guard.
He frowned and looked at Kakashi, his half-brother, who then winked at him and glanced sideways. Yukigetsu followed his gaze and saw Hinata Hyuga fidgeting with her fingers.
Yukigetsu blinked several times and then gave Kakashi a thumbs-up. Well done, Kakashi!
However, Kurenai Yuhi seemed puzzled. Wasn’t it agreed that Yukigetsu would be in Kakashi’s team? Why the sudden change?
Kurenai’s red eyes glanced at Yukigetsu, feeling a sudden thrill. She knew Yukigetsu’s talent and character were highly regarded. Having him in her team, even though she didn’t have grand ambitions, made her excited.
Originally, she planned to create a reconnaissance team focusing on support. Now, she would need to adjust. She thought of swapping out one of the originally chosen kids. What was that child’s name again…
But Sasuke wasn’t as happy. Having Sakura in the team was barely acceptable due to her good grades, but adding Naruto was annoying, especially compared to Yukigetsu.
The arguing started quickly again. Naruto liked Sakura, Sakura liked Sasuke, and Sasuke and Naruto had a love-hate relationship. It was chaos. Yukigetsu watched with amusement and noticed Kakashi’s face turning dark…
At that moment, Kurenai Yuhi stepped forward. “Team Eight, the first one, Yukigetsu.”
Yukigetsu wasn’t surprised. He smiled and walked up. “Ms. Kurenai, please take care of me.”
Kurenai smiled and couldn’t help but pat his head. “I hope you’ll guide us too, Yukigetsu.”
Yukigetsu felt confused. Why was she patting his head? He wasn’t a child anymore. Thinking this, he spoke up. “Ms. Kurenai, um…could you not pat my head?”
Kurenai was puzzled. “Why?”
“I just find it a bit strange,” Yukigetsu said, turning his head in frustration.
Kurenai glanced at Kakashi, wondering what was up with this kid.
Kakashi shrugged and explained, “This boy is a bit mature for his age. It’s better not to treat him like a child.”
Kurenai narrowed her eyes, then decisively patted Yukigetsu’s head again, smiling. “I still think kids should act like kids. Why act so grown-up?”
Yukigetsu felt exasperated. I’m not acting mature; I am mature…
Seeing Kurenai chatting happily with Yukigetsu, the Third Hokage had to remind her. “Kurenai, you haven’t picked the other two yet.”
Kurenai snapped back and smiled. “Hinata Hyuga and Kiba Inuzuka.”
Yukigetsu laughed at Hinata’s delighted face. This little girl was just happy to be on his team.
“Hinata, please take care of me.” He kept blinking.
Hinata blushed and lowered her head, barely audible. “Yes.”
“How about we go home together after missions?”
“…Yes.”
“We could also meet up in the mornings.”
“…Yes.”
Kurenai watched them with amusement. These two were interesting.
“Hey, what about me? Did you forget about me, Yukigetsu?!” Kiba, feeling ignored, burst out.
Yukigetsu raised his head, narrowing his eyes. Dare to interrupt me?
“What, you wanna fight?”
Kiba’s face twitched, feeling provoked. He raised his fists. “Fight it is! Who’s afraid of who?”
“Woof…”
But before he could continue, Akamaru bit his pants. Kiba looked annoyed. “What are you doing, Akamaru? Help me teach this guy a lesson.”
“Woof…woof…” Akamaru continued to bite his pants.
Kiba understood Akamaru’s message, and his mouth twitched. “You think I can’t beat him?”
Akamaru nodded quickly.
Kiba was furious, almost spitting blood. “No way, I must fight him!”
Hearing his master, Akamaru looked at Yukigetsu’s cold eyes, shivered, took a step back, hesitated, then decisively turned and ran away…
Kiba stood there, dumbfounded.
Pfft.
Kurenai and Yukigetsu couldn’t help but laugh, even Hinata giggled secretly.
At that moment, the Third Hokage’s voice came. “This is Neji Hyuga. I hope you all set him as your goal.”
Yukigetsu and the others turned and saw Neji standing next to the Third Hokage.
“Neji, as a senior, do you have anything to say to these recent graduates?” the Third Hokage asked.
Neji shook his head and looked at Sasuke, saying, “Uchiha Sasuke, I look forward to facing you in the Chunin Exams.”
Everyone was surprised. Yukigetsu was the top student, so why was Neji only interested in Sasuke?
Before they could understand, Neji turned to Yukigetsu and said coldly, “Yukigetsu, you’re talented and hardworking, but I don’t see you as my opponent. A person’s fate is determined at birth, and your destiny can’t compare to mine!”
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