Sakura and Naruto also looked at Yoruha, both of them curious about the Uchiha clan.
They had always heard that the Uchiha were one of the most prestigious families in Konoha. Sasuke, as one of the few surviving members, was quite popular because of his heritage.
At the very least, Naruto often heard others mention the Uchiha whenever Sasuke's name came up. From what people said, the Uchiha seemed to be an exceptionally powerful clan.
Yoruha looked at Sasuke with mild exasperation. "You're the one from the Uchiha clan and don't even know much about it—how would I know anything?"
But Sasuke wasn't about to let him off that easily. "You didn't even know about the Uzumaki clan. Before this, I'd never even heard of it. I don't believe for a second that you don't know about the Uchiha."
Sakura and Naruto nodded in agreement. "Sasuke's right. You even know about the Uzumaki clan, so how could you not know about the Uchiha?"
"I only know about as much as you do—maybe even less," Yoruha replied calmly.
Still, Sasuke pressed on. "Then do you know just how powerful the Sharingan really is? If I continue to develop it, how strong could I become?"
That was what Sasuke truly wanted to ask. He wouldn't pose that question to just anyone—but he respected Yoruha's strength enough not to feel embarrassed asking him.
Naruto and Sakura also listened intently.
Naruto, especially, was deeply motivated. Ever since learning about his potential, he had thought that once he became stronger than Sasuke, he would defeat him with his own hands—to prove his worth to Sakura and make her like him. He'd always believed that Sakura's feelings for Sasuke came from his strength.
Yoruha waved his hand dismissively. "I really don't know. But since the shinobi world fears the Sharingan so much, it must be incredibly powerful.
"Besides, the Uchiha clan once held great authority in Konoha—they were a dominant family. With such power and influence, the Sharingan must indeed be formidable."
But Sasuke wasn't satisfied with his vague answer. "How powerful, exactly?"
Yoruha smiled wryly. "I honestly don't know. The strongest Sharingan I've ever seen belongs to Kakashi-sensei."
That was the truth. Since coming into this world, the only Sharingan Yoruha had ever seen was Kakashi's—not even Sasuke's.
Though Sasuke wasn't pleased with his response, he knew pressing further wouldn't help. Whether he truly didn't know or simply didn't want to tell him, he couldn't be sure.
After they returned to Tazuna's house, Yoruha spotted Kakashi already sitting at the dining table and felt a vein pop on his forehead.
"Kakashi-sensei, you really are such a great teacher," he said dryly, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Kakashi, of course, understood perfectly well that he was mocking him for leaving him to handle all of Sasuke's questions. Fortunately, his mask hid his expression.
"Yo, you're back," Kakashi greeted casually. "Come eat. Miss Tsunami prepared a wonderful dinner for everyone."
Standing beside him, Tsunami looked embarrassed. "It's just some simple dishes—I hope it's to your liking."
Although still a bit annoyed at Kakashi, Yoruha politely exchanged a few words with Tsunami.
When Tazuna saw Yoruha, he laughed warmly. "You're really diligent, kid. Training until this late, huh?"
After their previous battle, Tazuna now fully trusted only Kakashi and Yoruha. He believed that as long as those two were around, even if Zabuza returned, he wouldn't be able to assassinate him.
As for Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura, he thought of them as total rookies—barely able to protect themselves, much less others. That's why he treated Yoruha with particular fondness.
Once Yoruha and the others sat down, a small head peeked out from behind Tsunami—Inari. His eyes were filled with mockery.
"You idiots," he muttered. "You'll end up just like that man did."
Yoruha heard him clearly but chose to stay silent. He didn't care to ask who "that man" was. Though he vaguely remembered parts of this mission, the details were hazy.
Kakashi heard Inari too and fell silent, thoughtful. He wasn't angry—just curious. Why would Inari say something like that? Who was this person he mentioned?
He glanced at Yoruha, who continued eating calmly, as if he hadn't heard a thing.
This kid's composed, Kakashi thought. But I bet he's already wondering who that person was.
After a glance, Kakashi said nothing more and continued his meal with his usual calm demeanor.
Yoruha and Kakashi may have stayed quiet—but Naruto certainly didn't.
Even though Inari had spoken softly, Naruto had sharp ears. He jumped onto his chair, glaring at the boy with a raised fist. "Who are you calling an idiot? Say it to my face!"
Sasuke and Sakura stayed silent, but their expressions darkened. After all, they'd taken on this mission out of goodwill—yet Inari was insulting them.
Sakura didn't show it, but inside she was fuming.
Naruto's outburst made Inari snap. He jumped out from behind his mother, shouting back, "I'm talking about you! Do you even know who you're up against? Those people are ruthless ninja who can slaughter dozens in an instant!
"And you think you can defeat them? That's just stupid! What else would you be but idiots—especially you, you blonde fool!"
Tsunami froze for a moment, realizing things were getting out of hand. She quickly pulled Inari back. "Inari, that's too rude! Apologize to them right now!"
Tears welled in Inari's eyes as he shook his head stubbornly. "I'm not apologizing! I'm telling the truth! How could they possibly beat those ninja? They'll just end up as more corpses! Idiots—every one of them!"
He burst into tears and ran out of the room.
The atmosphere turned painfully awkward.
Naruto slammed his sleeves up angrily. "That little brat! How could he say that? I'm going to talk some sense into him!"
Before anyone could stop him, Naruto stormed out.
Tsunami and Tazuna quickly bowed apologetically to Kakashi and the others. "We're so sorry, Kakashi-san. Inari didn't mean to be so disrespectful. Please forgive his rudeness."
Seeing them about to kneel, Kakashi hurried to stop them. "Please, there's no need for that. He's just a child—we're not going to hold it against him. But… it does seem there's more to his story."