RADG: Chapter 127/128

Chapter 127: Forgotten Memories, Sasuke's First Lesson

After the eighth bowl of ramen, Yami was finally full.

Kakashi handed the money to Ayame with a pained expression.

It wasn't that he minded paying for ramen. It was the massive gap between what he expected to spend and what he actually did that left him feeling bitter.

Once they finished eating and drinking, Yami got down to business.

"I've heard about your performance over the past two years."

He tapped the table casually with his index finger.

"You've repeatedly sent students back to the academy for retraining. If it weren't for your special status and decent strength, the Old Man would've kicked you out long ago."

Kakashi didn't refute it.

He knew he'd gone too far.

Saying that people who didn't understand teamwork weren't qualified to be ninja? That was nonsense.

The academy had never taught anything like that. Bonds were forged through missions, again and again.

Who could trust their life to someone they'd just met? And if they could, they were either too naïve or too dumb, both of which made them unsuitable to be ninja.

Truthfully, Kakashi was just stuck on the guilt of Uchiha Obito's death. He had always hoped to find a team that could redeem that loss.

"What you did before isn't my concern," Yami said flatly. "But now that the Old Man assigned you the new generation of Ino-Shika-Chō, and since Uncle Shikaku and Uncle Chōza are on good terms with me, I'll offer a piece of advice."

"I've watched Ino grow up. Some things are best done in moderation."

"If you want to instill your ideals, do it slowly and patiently."

He glanced at Kakashi. "What do you think?"

Kakashi nodded.

The kids he rejected in the past were all civilians. But if it were Ino-Shika-Chō… even without Yami saying anything, he wouldn't dare mess with them.

Still, there was one thing he couldn't help but feel bitter about.

"I heard the Old Man originally wanted me to lead Naruto. One of them is my teacher's son, the other the last heir of a teammate's clan. But someone interfered, and now…"

Naruto and Sasuke meant a lot to him. Missing the chance to guide them felt like a real loss.

Yami patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "The more capable you are, the more work you should take on."

"But your half-baked chakra can't suppress the Nine Tails with just one Sharingan, right? So let me handle it."

"Don't worry, I'll teach Sasuke your specialty—Raikiri. That way you'll feel like you were involved."

…What kind of twisted sense of involvement is that?

Kakashi felt disgusted and didn't want to talk to him anymore.

He stood up and walked toward the ninja school classroom.

Inside, Hinata and Ino were chatting quietly. Chōji was lying on the desk after finishing his snacks. Shikamaru was already asleep, and even Naruto bouncing around didn't disturb him.

"Seriously, are both teachers late kings or what?"

Naruto was getting impatient. He had been looking forward to asking Yami-nii about his parents after team assignments.

To take revenge on the late instructors, he set a simple trap at the door.

Sasuke, sitting coolly with his hands under his chin, scoffed.

"A Jōnin sensei wouldn't be caught by such a simple trap."

But just after Naruto set it up, a white-haired head poked into the room.

Thud!

The blackboard eraser hit him square on the head.

The illusion Sasuke had of Jōnin was instantly shattered.

"…Tch."

Kakashi entered, his dead-fish eyes scanning the room and landing on Naruto, who was now laughing.

"…How should I put it? I don't have the best first impression of you."

Naruto and Sasuke: "…"

"But it doesn't matter," Kakashi continued. "You're not my students anyway. Someone else can deal with you."

"Yamanaka Ino. Nara Shikamaru. Akimichi Chōji. Follow me."

Chōji quickly nudged the sleeping Shikamaru.

"Don't block the door if you're not staying," Yami said as he arrived.

"…Ah, right. I forgot you were still behind me." Kakashi moved aside awkwardly.

Yami walked in, drawing surprised looks.

"Yami-nii!"

"…That name." Sasuke frowned. It felt familiar, but he couldn't quite remember why.

Ino's excitement quickly turned to disappointment. "Why isn't Yami-nii my instructor?"

"Don't say that in front of me," Kakashi sighed, rubbing his forehead. "At least give your actual teacher some face."

"Come on."

Later, on the rooftop of the academy building…

Yami leaned on the railing, enjoying the early spring breeze with his eyes half-closed.

"This is my first time as a teacher, so let's stick to the basics."

"Introduce yourselves—what you like, what you hate, and your dreams for the future."

"I'll go first! Me!"

Naruto raised his hand and practically bounced up.

"My name's Uzumaki Naruto! I love Ichiraku Ramen! Especially when people treat me to it!"

"I hate Sasuke, and my dream is to become Hokage!"

Sasuke's face twitched but he didn't argue. He was still staring at Yami, trying to figure out why he felt so familiar.

Next up was Hinata. Yami had never deliberately changed her personality over the years, but with a loving family and a clear goal in mind, she had grown far more confident.

"My name is Hyūga Hinata. My hobby is embroidery, and the person I like is…"

Her voice got a little quieter, but she still spoke firmly.

"…Yami-kun. My dream is to be a good wife."

"I believe you will." Yami patted her head gently, and Hinata smiled shyly.

Honestly, Yami thought short-haired Hinata was more unique. Long hair could wait for when she was older.

"Your turn, cool guy."

Yami raised his chin toward Sasuke.

Sasuke's mouth twitched.

Cool guy? He was just deep in thought!

"…Uchiha Sasuke. I don't like anything. There are a lot of things I hate."

He glanced at Naruto.

"And my dream is… to kill that man."

"…Eh?!" Naruto stepped back, wide-eyed. "You're gonna kill your teammate?! That's messed up!"

"Naruto, he's not talking about you." Yami chuckled. "I know exactly who he means."

"Who?" Naruto asked.

"His brother. Uchiha Itachi."

Sasuke's eyes immediately turned cold and sharp.

"I'll definitely kill him!"

Yami shook his head.

"Hatred, like love, isn't something to be shouted. It's something to be done."

"A true avenger quietly builds strength and waits for the perfect opportunity to strike."

"Those who just scream about it seem immature and superficial."

Sasuke snorted softly in agreement and stared intently at Yami.

The meaning was clear: your turn.

Yami clutched his chest in mock pain. "So you've really forgotten…"

"Sasuke, I held you in my arms when your brother took the Chūnin Exams."

A flash of lightning struck Sasuke's mind. His memories flooded back. He suddenly remembered those few scattered moments.

He stared at his Jōnin sensei in disbelief.

"Shimura Yami?!"

After the massacre, Sasuke had subconsciously forced himself to forget everything related to Itachi. He focused only on vengeance.

Plus, he had been just a kid then, and Yami had changed a lot over the years.

He had never expected… that the one who beat Itachi senseless back then would now be his sensei.

"Remember now?"

Yami chuckled, locking eyes with the stunned Sasuke.

"Anyway, let's finish this."

"My name is Shimura Yami. I'm 17 years old, a Jōnin of Konoha."

"I used to love beef, but I'm sick of it now. I hate everything and everyone that defies me."

"My dream… is to establish bonds with everyone in the ninja world."

"Yami-nii!"

"You should call me 'Sensei' while on duty, Naruto. I'm your teacher now."

"…Okay, Yami-sensei." Naruto scratched his head. "Why does Sasuke want to kill his brother?"

Yami looked at Sasuke, who remained silent, then smiled.

"That's personal. When Sasuke is ready to share it, you'll know."

"Alright, that's it for today."

"You're not official genin yet. You'll only be recognized once you pass tomorrow's test."

"Meet at Training Ground 1 at 5 a.m. No breakfast allowed."

"Also, Naruto. I'll tell you about your parents after tomorrow's test."

Naruto nodded, though he looked reluctant.

"Dismissed."

"Wait!" Sasuke called out.

But Yami had already helped Hinata to her feet and vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.

"…So fast!"

Sasuke's pupils shrank. He hadn't even noticed the technique activate.

He remembered Itachi once told him that Yami had been a disciple of Uchiha Shisui—who was famed for his Body Flicker.

Sasuke clenched his fist. He had a strong hunch that whether he could gain true power… would depend on Yami.

"In tomorrow's test, Hinata, you can eat breakfast. Just show up by five."

At a diner, Yami reminded Hinata while feeding her.

"Eh? But you said…"

"That was just to mess with them. Don't worry about it."

"Okay." Hinata nodded and offered a moment of silence for her two teammates before enjoying more of Yami's attention.

He knew Hinata was a heavy eater. Since she was shy about eating freely at home, he always took her out to indulge.

Just as Yami was enjoying feeding her, Sasuke showed up.

"Yami, I have something to ask."

Glancing at Sasuke, then at Hinata, Yami gave him a chance.

"Hinata, wait here a moment."

She nodded sweetly.

Yami took Sasuke to a quiet corner.

Before Sasuke could speak, Yami punched him straight in the gut.

"Gah—!"

Sasuke dropped to his knees, acid rising in his throat.

"As your teacher, here's your first lesson."

Yami crouched beside him, raising Sasuke's head.

"Not everyone in this world is your parent. Not everyone will tolerate your attitude. No one is obligated to spoil your rudeness."

"If you want to be arrogant, you need capital. That means power… or background."

"Now… do you understand your mistake?"

"…I was out of line, Yami-sensei." Sasuke clenched his jaw and nodded.

"Good." Yami smiled, satisfied.

"You used to be an adorable kid. One candy and you'd smile like the sun. It's not too late to fix that. I've got plenty of patience."

As Yami brought up Sasuke's embarrassing childhood, even the cool Uchiha couldn't help but blush.

"Let's not talk about that… I want to ask about Uchiha Itachi."

"Go on," Yami said casually.

"Where did he go after leaving the village? Does Konoha have intel on him?"

Yami answered truthfully.

"He joined an organization made up entirely of S-rank missing-nin. It's called Akatsuki. I don't know their base."

He recalled that the last time he'd contacted Kisame had been six months ago. Akatsuki had been quiet, doing missions and earning funds.

"…Akatsuki."

Sasuke repeated the name under his breath, burning it into memory. He looked at Yami again with fire in his eyes.

"Yami-sensei, help me become strong. I'll pay any price, as long as I can kill that man."

He felt lucky to have landed in Yami's team. The white-haired guy had looked unreliable.

"…Uchiha always seeks shortcuts."

Yami saw the hatred in Sasuke's eyes and slowly shook his head.

"I don't like Itachi either. But his strength is near the top of the ninja world."

"You can't defeat him any time soon."

Sasuke lowered his head. He already expected this answer, but it still hurt.

"…If you really want revenge, then perform well tomorrow."

Yami turned to leave.

"If you become my student, even Uchiha Itachi won't dare to look down on you."

"I can give you the opportunity to gain true power. The only question is—do you have the courage to bet your life?"

As Yami disappeared around the corner, Sasuke punched a wooden fence and clenched his teeth.

"Just wait. I'll pass your test no matter what!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 128: Nine Tails' Bond Reward

Everyone has their own preferences, and Yami was no exception.

Thanks to his strength and background, he never needed to hide his likes and dislikes. He liked what he liked and disliked what he disliked.

That, in his eyes, was true freedom.

Among the many people in the world of shinobi, aside from those in his home, Yami also had a certain regard for some girls who would one day enter the Shimura family.

However, his favorite was not the protagonist of this world, the so-called Child of Prophecy—Uzumaki Naruto.

It was Uchiha Sasuke.

Yami even believed that the most normal person in the entire shinobi world was Sasuke. Only Sasuke.

Despite being burdened by hatred, Sasuke was calm. He built bonds with his comrades, even using his own body to shield Naruto from countless blades.

When he realized his growth was too slow, he decisively severed ties and chose to follow Orochimaru to seek power.

Even when confronting Uchiha Itachi, he wasn't blinded by hate. He asked rational questions about the truth behind the Uchiha clan's downfall.

He always sought the truth first before acting. He never acted on hearsay.

If the enemy was confirmed to be the one who destroyed the clan, then he would kill him. He had his own understanding of the village and the shinobi world, and in the end, chose to stand with the Allied Shinobi Forces to fight the true threat.

Unfortunately, he faltered in the final moment and was ultimately swayed by Naruto.

To Yami, that was a human reaction. Not like Naruto, who could forgive anyone with a few words, even if they'd killed his entire family.

Frankly, Yami even suspected that the later Naruto was possessed by Asura's chakra. He could forgive anyone, be moved by anything.

Fine, Naruto forgave them—but did the villagers who died in the Nine Tails' attack agree to that?

He even knelt and apologized to the Raikage for Sasuke, while Sasuke didn't even believe he was in the wrong.

It was nothing short of moral blackmail. Not only did he lose face himself, he embarrassed the entire village.

In short, Yami admired Naruto for choosing the light despite having every reason to fall into darkness.

But he admired Sasuke more, because his mindset and actions always aligned more closely with what a real person would do.

So, even if Danzō and the Root were involved in the Uchiha massacre, Yami still wanted to give Sasuke a chance—to see what decision he would make after learning the truth and gaining power.

The next day.

Naruto and Sasuke, both still unscathed by reality, arrived at the training ground at nearly the same time.

It was still dark. The two stared at each other in silence, neither willing to speak first, as if doing so would mean losing.

After two hours, Naruto finally broke.

"…Why isn't Yami-nii here yet? And Hinata's not here either. Did they go to the wrong place?"

"Hmph."

"…Did I hear it wrong yesterday? Was it 5 p.m. instead of 5 a.m.?"

"Hmph."

"Man, I'm starving…"

Growl…

Sasuke's face turned red. Feeling Naruto's teasing gaze, he silently shifted away.

By the time the clock hit nine, Naruto was about to collapse from hunger. Finally, the people they were waiting for arrived—Yami and Hinata, along with the white-haired Jōnin from yesterday.

"Yami-nii! You're four hours late!"

"Sorry. I got lost on the road of life."

"Oh… my bad then."

Idiot…

Sasuke twitched. He actually believed that?! This guy's messing with you!

And you still can't tell?

Realizing this would be his teammate from now on, Sasuke questioned his own future.

"Wait a sec!" Naruto suddenly became alert, pointing at Hinata and Kakashi. "Why are they here together? And what's this uncle doing here?"

"Hinata's my fiancée. Isn't it normal for her to come with me?"

Yami smiled at the shy girl, then pointed at Kakashi.

"This is Hatake Kakashi. You met him yesterday. He's the leader of the newly promoted class."

"He used to work under me. Now that his assessment with the Tenth Team is over, he offered to help out as my assistant for today's test."

Kakashi gave a half-hearted greeting. "Yo…"

In reality, he didn't volunteer. He just wanted to see how Naruto and Sasuke would do.

But somehow, by the end of their conversation last night, he'd become an assistant examiner without realizing it.

"…Wait, so it's not you who's going to test us?"

Naruto deflated instantly, while Sasuke frowned.

Seeing their disappointment, Yami shrugged. "Can't help it. It's my first time as an examiner, and I haven't fought kids in years. What if I accidentally overdo it and kill one of you?"

"Don't scare the students…"

Cold sweat dripped down Kakashi's forehead.

Naruto and Sasuke didn't feel it, but standing so close, Kakashi clearly sensed the flicker of killing intent.

Back when he was barely eight, Yami was already called the Shinigami. His name alone was enough to make Yamato tremble.

This time, Kakashi was sure he'd made the right call.

He stepped forward and took out two bells.

"If you want to learn from Yami, you'll have to pass my test."

"Those who grab the bells qualify to challenge him. Sound fair, Yami?"

Yami smiled. "No objections."

"Then let's begin."

Sasuke's eyes gleamed with fighting spirit.

"Let me explain the rules."

Kakashi shook the bells. Their chime echoed through the field.

"There are only two bells. That means only two people can pass and become real genin."

"At least one of you will be eliminated."

"In my team, for example, Shikamaru was the least motivated, so he got sent back to the academy."

Despite Kakashi's smile, Naruto and the others tensed, fists clenched.

"Alright then, the test begins now."

As soon as he spoke, Hinata and Sasuke darted into the woods. Yami leapt into a tree above.

"I'll go watch from the best view."

Kakashi looked at Naruto, still standing dumbfounded.

"…Not hiding?"

"A real man faces things head-on! Kakashi, watch me beat you!"

"Well said, Naruto!" Yami praised loudly.

Encouraged, Naruto charged forward with swinging fists.

"The academy's teaching quality is seriously lacking."

Kakashi sighed and pulled out his favorite book, Icha Icha Paradise.

Naruto's face twitched.

But no matter how hard he attacked, Kakashi blocked him easily with one hand—without even putting down his book.

And when the plot got exciting, Kakashi even laughed obscenely.

Naruto was furious.

"Damn it! Eat this!"

He swung hard, missed, and lost his footing. Kakashi ducked and quickly formed the Tiger hand seal.

Sasuke, watching nearby, was stunned.

Is he trying to kill Naruto?

Meanwhile, Yami pulled out a new micro-camera, recording the moment for posterity.

After all, wasn't this the main reason he made Kakashi the examiner?

Kakashi's eyes gleamed. His whole aura shifted.

"Konoha Shinobi Secret, Taijutsu Hidden Technique—"

"One Thousand Years of Death!"

Yami chuckled, Sasuke and Hinata were speechless, and Kakashi's fingers struck true.

Naruto's face contorted from shock to agony to a weird sort of peace.

"…Terrifying."

Yami sighed. One Thousand Years of Death harmed both body and spirit. It even traumatized the viewers.

He swore to write it into the Scroll of Seals once he became Hokage.

"Damn it, Kakashi! I'll get you!"

Naruto leapt from the stream and used multiple Shadow Clone to overwhelm.

Kakashi used Body Replacement, turning the clones on each other, then used the bells as bait to tie Naruto to a tree.

While mocking Naruto, Kakashi was nearly caught by Sasuke's surprise shuriken barrage, followed by intense taijutsu and a Great Fireball.

Yami observed Sasuke closely.

Truth be told, this level of taijutsu already matched a standard Chūnin. Sasuke had clearly trained hard these past few years.

So what if he got wrecked by Lee?

Lee wasn't your average genin. He was a physical specialist and absurdly strong, even without the Eight Gates.

After his attack failed, Sasuke wisely retreated to reposition.

Then came Hinata's warning.

"Sasuke! Below you!"

Startled, Sasuke jumped and avoided Kakashi's underground attack just in time.

"So Byakugan's perception has kicked in."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, tracking Hinata's voice.

But by the time he got there, Hinata had regrouped with Sasuke.

"Sasuke, I'll call out his movements. You lead. Our goal isn't to beat Kakashi—it's to get the bells."

Sasuke nodded. He approved of this strategy.

With Hinata's support, they actually kept Kakashi on the defensive. Her precise chakra sensing allowed them to anticipate attacks and maintain pressure.

Eventually, Kakashi had to use full strength to subdue Sasuke, then chased after Hinata.

But Yami appeared in front of her.

"Alright, test ends here."

Kakashi looked at Yami helplessly.

This guy really does protect his own.

After a while, the trio regrouped.

Kakashi was gone, likely off to enjoy his book in peace.

Sasuke sat quietly, head lowered.

He now fully understood the gulf between genin and Jōnin. If Kakashi had gotten serious from the start, he'd be dead.

Hinata reflected on her own performance, looking for areas to improve.

Only Naruto was still yelling, demanding a rematch.

Yami casually dangled two bells in front of them.

"Alright Naruto, if you keep shouting, I'll send you back to the academy."

That shut him up fast.

Yami continued, "The bell test is about teamwork. But really, once your strength and experience reach a certain level, teamwork comes naturally."

"I never really cared about this exercise."

"I only agreed to it to help you understand your own capabilities. Just because you've made some progress doesn't mean you're invincible."

He glanced at Sasuke.

This poor kid got beat down every time he improved. No one else had luck like that.

Sasuke felt insulted but held his tongue. He needed Yami's help.

"Yami-sensei… so did we pass?" Naruto asked nervously.

"Hm. The two of them passed."

"As for you…"

"You treat me to Ichiraku Ramen ten times, and I'll consider it a pass."

"…Fine." Naruto held his wallet like it was bleeding.

"Yami-sensei." Sasuke stepped forward, eyes firm. "I want to challenge you."

"Are you sure?" Yami raised an eyebrow.

"Please give me the chance."

Kakashi was strong. Uchiha Itachi was stronger.

Only Yami could show him what that level looked like.

"I want to challenge you too!" Naruto added.

Yami smiled at their determined gazes.

"Alright. Consider this your graduation gift."

Boom!

A massive surge of chakra burst from Yami's body.

Cracks spread across the ground. The dense pressure sent Naruto and Sasuke flying back.

They had been five meters away.

Now they were twenty.

Sasuke crossed his arms in front of him to block the debris, utterly shaken.

Is this really human chakra?!

Naruto stomped down, sinking into the earth. Deep inside, a pair of eyes slowly opened.

"…This chakra…"

Kurama stirred.

It feels like Senju Hashirama… No, it's not quite the same.

But close.

Kurama's eyes filled with dread. It reminded him of the man who sealed him with just a tap to the forehead.

Senju Hashirama… The God of Shinobi.

Damn humans. Another monster already?

He grunted, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.

At the same time, the system prompt chimed.

[Host has established a fear-based bond with Kurama. Nine Tails' Bond: Activated.]

(To be continued.)