Hoshiyomi casually nodded and explained:
"Kakashi is Sakumo's son.
And your dad—before becoming Hokage—was actually Kakashi's jōnin instructor for a while."
Sakumo's name was somewhat distant for Naruto and the others, but they all knew Naruto's father, Minato Namikaze.
When Naruto heard that Kakashi had once been Minato's student, he immediately brightened.
He's my dad's student, after all. No matter how fierce he acts, he wouldn't be too mean to his sensei's child, right?
As Naruto comforted himself with this thought, Kakashi abruptly said:
"Even if you're Minato-sensei's child, I won't go easy on you if your performance is poor."
Naruto's smile froze instantly.
He scratched his head awkwardly.
"Hehe… no way, of course I'll… I'll do great. Really."
During the rest of the meal, Hoshiyomi still tried to smooth things over—hoping to reduce the trio's fear of Kakashi.
But after a while, Hoshiyomi realized… he didn't need to do much at all.
Whether it was thanks to his words, or simply the kids getting over their initial social anxiety, their eyes—though still holding traces of fear—were now filled with curiosity.
Naruto slurped ramen while sneaking glances at Kakashi.
When he noticed that Kakashi ate ramen just like a normal person—and that Kakashi treated Hoshiyomi with obvious respect—Naruto's lips curved into a smile.
Huh… Kakashi-sensei isn't that scary after all.
He respects Uncle Hoshiyomi, and my relationship with Uncle Hoshiyomi is great.
If Kakashi ever treats me badly, I can just mention it to him—something good should come of it!
Once he mentally granted himself this "protective charm," Naruto stopped being afraid.
Sasuke, on the other hand, was never scared to begin with.
In his eyes, Kakashi was… nice to have, but not necessary.
With Itachi teaching him at home, it didn't matter whether Kakashi taught him anything useful.
After watching the two boys, Hoshiyomi thought Sakura must be the most nervous one.
But when he turned to her, he froze.
Sakura was nibbling on her ramen while sneaking glances at Kakashi… and then at Sasuke… and her eyes showed a strange, satisfied glow.
What Hoshiyomi didn't know was that Sakura was thinking:
Kakashi-sensei looks scary and strict… but actually, he's kind of like Sasuke—cold, cool, and handsome.
With the mask on I couldn't tell, but without it, Kakashi-sensei is really handsome…
Look at Ino—one teammate who's fat, another who's lazy, and her instructor is that Uncle Asuma…
But me? My teammates are Sasuke and Naruto… even my instructor is way more handsome than hers!
As expected… I really am the heroine!
Truly, the mind of a teenage girl cannot be explained with common sense.
Watching this, Hoshiyomi slowly smiled.
He had really underestimated their adaptability.
There was nothing to worry about at all—Naruto's team could handle themselves perfectly fine.
After finishing his broth, Hoshiyomi stood up:
"I'm done eating. I still have things to do, so I'll head out first.
Oh—and you all will have a survival exercise tomorrow, right?
I'll come watch you perform."
After Naruto told him the date of their test, Hoshiyomi left gracefully—while secretly deciding that after watching this upcoming exercise, he would stop intervening in Team 7's affairs.
...
The next day, after his morning training, Hoshiyomi leisurely walked to Training Ground Eight.
From a distance, he saw Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura slumped under a large tree, utterly exhausted from waiting.
Sure enough—just as he had guessed—Kakashi did not show up on time.
Closing his eyes, Hoshiyomi sensed the surroundings.
Kakashi was hiding in a nearby bush, quietly observing the three students.
Although this Kakashi wasn't as lazy as the one in the original story, he still had his own teaching philosophy.
For example: standing the students up.
He still believed it was an excellent way to test a student's mentality.
Hoshiyomi silently slipped into the bushes as well, patted Kakashi's shoulder, and asked:
"How's the observation? What do you think of the three of them?"
Kakashi glanced at Hoshiyomi, gave a small respectful nod, and frowned:
"Naruto and Sasuke have decent strength, but their mentality is terrible.
They're nothing like the ANBU members I've trained—no patience, and completely lacking vigilance.
Though… it did surprise me a little that they didn't just leave.
At least they have the most basic level of discipline."
Hoshiyomi shook his head helplessly.
"Come on. The ANBU you trained were all adults.
These kids just graduated—they're still children.
All those traits you mentioned can be trained later.
What matters today is whether they have teamwork and the qualities needed to become shinobi.
Believe me, they'll surprise you."
Kakashi nodded, understanding only half of it, then glanced at the time.
"The observation's about enough. Shall we go out together?"
Hoshiyomi grinned.
"Of course. Oh, and when the test starts, remember to take out the book I gave you and read a little.
You'll gain something unexpected."
Hearing that, Kakashi's face under the mask reddened slightly, but he didn't reply.
He simply stood up and walked out of the bushes alone.
The two circled around and finally approached from the main path—slowly, casually, as if nothing were wrong.
Seeing them show up so late and so unconcerned, the three kids were instantly furious.
Naruto jumped up first and shouted angrily:
"That's way too slow, Kakashi-sensei!
You said the test starts at seven in the morning—it's already nine!
And Uncle Hoshiyomi, why are YOU late too?
Did you guys plan this together!?"
Kakashi shot him a sideways glance and stayed silent.
Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out Icha Icha Paradise, the book Hoshiyomi had given him, and started reading.
Last night, after Hoshiyomi's suggestion, he had secretly checked the book.
And he had to admit—this book had content.
Not only did it have scenes men of all ages "enjoyed"…
It also contained many principles and insights Jiraiya had accumulated through years of shinobi experience.
The worldview expressed in it was completely different from Kakashi's own—and oddly refreshing and inspiring.
Meanwhile, Hoshiyomi scratched his head and helped Kakashi deliver the classic line:
"Well, you see…
On my way here, a black cat crossed the road and blocked my path, causing me to lose my way in life."