Seeing Yoruha's expression, Kakashi knew his words had sunk in.
Thankfully, the Third Hokage hadn't witnessed Yoruha's battle earlier that day—otherwise, it wouldn't just be precautionary measures they'd be talking about. The Hokage would likely have the ANBU keep a close watch on him.
After all, Yoruha was only twelve years old, yet he had already killed an elite jōnin—one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Kurosuki Raiga.
And the technique he used tonight to suppress Naruto's rampage was itself already in the realm of forbidden jutsu.
What was even more terrifying was that the technique Yoruha used wasn't even his strongest.
"In just a few months, you'll be taking part in the Chūnin Exams," Kakashi said quietly. "By then, the Third Hokage will definitely learn the full extent of your strength."
Yoruha nodded. "You want me to participate in this Chūnin Exam, don't you?"
Kakashi chuckled. "I'm afraid that's not up to me to decide."
"This time, Sunagakure will also be sending their genin to participate. You should know what that means, right?"
Yoruha nodded again. "It means Konoha has to send out the strongest genin of our generation."
"I'm guessing most of my peers will join as well."
"That's right," Kakashi said with a faint smile. "Even though we're allied with the Sand Village, we can't afford to show any sign of weakness. Otherwise, who knows what they might try to do?"
"Officially, it's a Chūnin Exam—but in reality, each village sends its most outstanding young ninja to showcase its military power."
"At a time like this, the Third Hokage definitely won't let you sit on the sidelines."
Yoruha shrugged. "I don't mind. I was planning to get promoted to chūnin soon anyway. After all, chūnin can take on higher-level missions."
"And the pay's better too."
Though ninja missions paid generously on paper, half the bounty was always taken by the village first. The remaining half was divided among the participating shinobi.
And when undertaking missions, there was no such thing as travel expense reimbursements—every cost, from food to supplies, came out of the ninja's own pocket. Even basic tools weren't issued by the village and had to be bought independently.
That's why so many jōnin, despite completing high-ranking missions, were still broke.
Aside from someone like Jiraiya—who had a lucrative "side career"—most elite ninja weren't nearly as wealthy as outsiders assumed.
Just one explosive tag cost several thousand ryō. Yet a typical genin completing a C-rank mission might only take home a few thousand at most.
In other words, a single mission's reward often wasn't even enough to buy one explosive tag.
Of course, explosive tags were considered high-grade tools.
For genin who lacked powerful offensive jutsu, an explosive tag was the deadliest weapon they could wield—unless they were prodigies like Sasuke, who could already use Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu.
But, as Kakashi had pointed out before, Sasuke's chakra reserves were far greater than most genin's. A normal genin wouldn't have enough chakra to perform such a large-scale technique.
That's why, without strong offensive ninjutsu, explosive tags remained the most lethal weapon for lower-level ninja.
Yoruha hadn't brought any this time, though he did own a few—kept safely at home. He had bought them as last-resort trump cards.
Explosive tags were used by everyone—from genin to kage-level shinobi—and many even used them as finishing moves.
After all, even the mightiest ninja could die from an explosion if caught off guard.
Many jōnin, and even a few kage-level shinobi, had lost their lives that way.
No matter one's rank, explosive tags were a genuine threat—assuming, of course, you could land them.
Yoruha hadn't brought any this time not because he didn't need them, but because they were too expensive. He couldn't afford to waste the few he had.
Besides, he trusted his own skills. Even if he couldn't win, he was confident he could escape.
As long as he didn't plan on becoming a rogue ninja, Yoruha still hoped to earn promotions and pay raises the proper way.
Kakashi looked at Yoruha's serious face and couldn't help but laugh. "Didn't think you were the type to care so much about money."
Yoruha shot him a look. "I'm not obsessed with money. But a ninja still needs it. Without money, I can't even buy basic tools."
"That's true," Kakashi admitted. "Since the Third promised to cultivate your talents, I hope he keeps his word."
He didn't sound entirely confident, but what choice did he have? He wasn't the Hokage.
"Once you master sealing techniques," Kakashi added seriously, "I want you to keep an eye on Naruto for me."
Yoruha raised a brow. "And what makes you so sure I'll even master them? Isn't watching Naruto your job, anyway?"
Kakashi chuckled and patted his shoulder. "I have faith in you. It seems there's no jutsu you can't learn. And since sealing techniques can suppress tailed beasts, that makes you responsible too."
"Actually, let's put it this way—those with ability should shoulder more responsibility. Once you've learned it, you'll be keeping a closer eye on Naruto than I will."
Yoruha stared at Kakashi's smug grin, speechless.
Why did it feel like Kakashi was just trying to pawn Naruto off on him?
Naruto was his teacher's son, after all.
But thinking about how Naruto behaved daily, Yoruha couldn't entirely blame him.
Kakashi's personality was the complete opposite of Naruto's. Having to mentor a hyperactive prankster like that must be exhausting.
At this stage, Naruto was still constantly pulling pranks. Some were harmless, but others could drive anyone mad.
Thankfully, Sakura was too busy fawning over Sasuke to encourage him, and Sasuke was too focused on revenge against Itachi to indulge Naruto's antics.
That left Kakashi as the one most frequently at his wit's end.
He didn't dislike Naruto—but guiding a troublemaker like him could test anyone's patience.
If Yoruha could learn sealing techniques and watch over Naruto, it would keep both the boy and the village safe—while also giving Kakashi some peace.
Honestly, the idea was tempting.
Yoruha could tell exactly what Kakashi was thinking, which only made him sigh.
"Kakashi-sensei, you're not being very responsible toward Naruto, are you?"
"I want to be responsible," Kakashi said, sounding helpless. "But you've seen how bad his fundamentals are—and with that kind of personality? The fact I haven't died of stress yet is a miracle."
"My squad's full of problem children. As my student, shouldn't you help your teacher out a little?"
Kakashi gave him a meaningful look.
Yoruha narrowed his eyes. "Heh, you just want free labor, don't you?"
Kakashi gave a sheepish chuckle.
Of course, he wasn't entirely joking. His belief in Yoruha was genuine. He had immense faith and high expectations for him.
And more importantly, he trusted him—enough to even entrust Naruto, the village's jinchūriki, to his care.
That kind of trust was rare.
From the beginning, Kakashi had seen Yoruha as someone who could one day stand on the same level as the Fourth Hokage.
He just hadn't expected Yoruha's talent to surpass even that.