Sakura and Naruto also looked at Orion, both curious about the Uchiha Clan. They had often heard how prestigious the Uchiha were in Konoha, and Sasuke, as the sole survivor, was highly regarded in the village. Naruto especially had heard people mention Sasuke alongside the Uchiha Clan many times, always describing it as a powerful and extraordinary family.
Orion felt a bit helpless and looked at Sasuke. "You're from the Uchiha Clan yourself and don't know, so how would I?"
But Sasuke wasn't going to let it go. "You knew about the Uzumaki Clan, and I had never even heard of it before. I don't believe you don't know about the Uchiha Clan."
Sakura and Naruto nodded. "Yeah, Sasuke's right. If you know about the Uzumaki Clan, there's no way you don't know about the Uchiha Clan."
Orion shrugged. "What I know is about the same as you—maybe even less."
Sasuke still wasn't satisfied. "Then do you at least know how powerful the Sharingan is? If I continue to develop it, how strong can I become?"
That was the real question he wanted answered. Normally, he would never ask something like this, but he already acknowledged Orion's strength, so asking him didn't feel embarrassing.
Naruto and Sakura were also paying close attention. Naruto, in particular, had already started imagining that once he became stronger than Sasuke, he would defeat him and prove himself to Sakura. In his mind, Sakura liked Sasuke simply because Sasuke was stronger.
Orion waved his hand. "I really don't know. But since the entire ninja world is wary of the Sharingan, it must be incredibly powerful."
"And back then, the Uchiha Clan held great authority in Konoha and had a very high status. Power determines status, so the Sharingan must be extremely strong."
But Sasuke was still unsatisfied. "How strong exactly?"
Orion smiled wryly. "I really don't know. The strongest Sharingan I've ever seen is Kakashi-sensei's."
That was the truth. Since arriving in this world, Orion had only ever seen Kakashi's Sharingan—not even Sasuke's awakened one.
Sasuke fell silent. He couldn't tell whether Orion truly didn't know or was deliberately hiding something.
When they returned to Dazuna's house, Orion saw Kakashi already sitting at the table and couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"Kakashi-sensei, you're really a great teacher," Orion said sarcastically.
Kakashi naturally understood the complaint—he had left Orion behind to deal with the others alone. Fortunately, his mask hid his expression.
"Yo, you're back," Kakashi said casually. "Come eat. Miss Tsubasa prepared a nice dinner for you."
Standing beside him, Tsubasa said shyly, "It's just simple food. I hope it's enough."
Despite his dissatisfaction with Kakashi, Orion politely responded.
Dazuna smiled when he saw Orion. "You really are hardworking, Orion. Training until this late."
After the earlier battle, Dazuna had complete faith only in Kakashi and Orion. In his eyes, as long as those two were around, even Zabuza wouldn't be able to assassinate him. As for Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura—he saw them as inexperienced rookies who couldn't even protect themselves. Naturally, he treated Orion with extra warmth.
After everyone sat down, Inari peeked out from behind Tsubasa, staring at Orion and the others with a mocking expression.
"You idiots… you'll end up just like that person."
Orion heard it clearly but chose not to respond. He didn't even bother wondering who "that person" was. Although he vaguely remembered this mission, the details were blurry.
Kakashi also heard it and fell into thought. He wasn't angry—he was analyzing why Inari would say such a thing and who he was referring to.
He glanced at Orion, who calmly continued eating as if he hadn't heard anything.
"This kid… really calm. But he must already be thinking about who that person is," Kakashi thought.
Still, Kakashi said nothing and continued eating as usual.
Naruto, however, had definitely heard it.
Even though Inari spoke quietly, Naruto caught every word. He immediately slammed his hand on the table, stood up on his chair, and pointed at Inari. "Who are you calling idiots? Say it clearly!"
Sasuke and Sakura didn't speak, but their expressions darkened. After all, they were here to help, yet they were being insulted.
Naruto's reaction angered Inari as well. He stepped out from behind his mother and shouted back, "I'm talking about all of you! Do you even know who your enemies are? Those are ninja who can kill groups of people easily!"
"You think you can defeat them? That's just stupid!"
"If you're not idiots, what are you?"
"Especially you, you blond idiot!"
Tsubasa panicked and quickly pulled Inari back. "Inari, that's very rude! Apologize to the ninja!"
But Inari, with tears in his eyes, shouted stubbornly, "I won't apologize! I'm telling the truth! There's no way they can defeat those ninja. They'll just end up as more corpses!"
"Idiots… all idiots…!"
The more he spoke, the more emotional he became. Finally, he burst into tears and ran out.
An awkward silence filled the room.
Naruto rolled up his sleeves, furious. "That brat! How dare he say that? I'm going to make him explain himself!"
With that, he chased after Inari.
Tsubasa and Dazuna hurriedly apologized. "We're so sorry, Kakashi-san. Inari didn't mean it."
"Please forgive his rudeness. We apologize on his behalf."
As they were about to kneel, Kakashi quickly stopped them. "Please don't. He's just a child—we won't take it seriously."
He paused slightly, his gaze thoughtful.
"But it seems there's more to this story."
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