When Kakashi Hatake made his request—
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression stiffened.
For a long moment—
He said nothing.
The entire office grew cold and tense.
Only Kakashi and the Hokage knew what was really happening.
No one else dared to speak.
Even Naruto Uzumaki—
Who was usually carefree—
Felt the pressure.
Sasuke Uchiha looked at Kakashi thoughtfully.
After a long silence—
The Hokage took a puff of his pipe and said slowly:
"If that's the case…"
"Your team will have four members."
"It's just one extra person."
Kakashi didn't back down at all.
The Hokage's tone turned serious:
"Kakashi…"
"If anything happens to him…"
"You will be responsible."
Kakashi didn't hesitate.
"I will take responsibility."
Unexpectedly—
The Hokage smiled.
"It seems that Orion is quite fortunate."
In truth—
He had just been testing Kakashi.
He wanted to see—
How important Orion really was to him.
And the result surprised him.
The usually distant and aloof Kakashi—
Had nearly confronted him directly.
But instead of feeling threatened—
The Hokage was pleased.
He understood Kakashi well.
Anyone Kakashi valued this much—
Would not be a problem.
Kakashi looked at him.
The Hokage nodded.
"Then your mission reward will be split among one more person."
Kakashi finally relaxed.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"Go bring him along."
Kakashi nodded—
Then left with Naruto and the others.
After they left—
Iruka Umino finally dared to speak.
"Hokage-sama…"
"That Orion Kakashi mentioned…"
"Is he the same Orion who just graduated this year?"
The Hokage nodded.
Iruka frowned, confused.
There was no way—
That Orion alone could create such tension between the Hokage and Kakashi.
That atmosphere earlier—
Was something he had never experienced before.
One was the Hokage.
The other—the strongest jonin in the village.
Yet they had nearly clashed.
"What did Orion do…?"
"Why does it seem like you're dissatisfied with him?"
The Hokage glanced at Iruka.
"I am not dissatisfied with him."
Iruka didn't speak—
But his expression clearly said he didn't believe it.
The Hokage didn't explain further.
Iruka cautiously asked again:
"Isn't Orion under Dōichi's guidance?"
"Why would Kakashi want to take him along?"
The Hokage replied calmly:
"That's not something you need to worry about."
Seeing his expression—
Iruka didn't dare ask more.
Meanwhile—
Outside the Hokage building—
Naruto finally couldn't hold it in.
"Kakashi-sensei!"
"Why did it feel like you were about to fight the old man just now?!"
Sakura and Sasuke immediately agreed.
They had been wondering the same thing.
Kakashi glanced at Naruto—
But didn't intend to explain.
"You're imagining things."
Naruto pouted.
"You think I'm stupid?"
"That atmosphere just now—"
"You were practically fighting!"
"And why are you bringing Orion along?"
"You're OUR teacher!"
Naruto was clearly unhappy.
After all—
Orion wasn't even from their team.
It felt like Kakashi didn't trust them.
But Sasuke saw it differently.
He believed—
Orion was not ordinary.
And Kakashi clearly knew something about him.
More importantly—
Their relationship wasn't normal.
Otherwise—
Why would Kakashi confront the Hokage for him?
For a moment—
Sasuke even felt a bit jealous.
As Kakashi's students—
They didn't seem to hold as much importance as Orion.
Kakashi thought for a moment—
Then said:
"Orion is also my student now."
"He's apprenticed under me."
The three were stunned.
"WHAT?!"
"Orion became your student?!"
They couldn't believe it.
Sure—
They often complained about Kakashi—
But deep down, they respected him.
After the bell test—
They had already acknowledged his strength.
And from others like Shikamaru—
They knew Kakashi was among Konoha's strongest jonin.
They were proud of that.
But now—
Orion had also become his student?
And judging by Kakashi's attitude—
He had likely already taught Orion many jutsu.
That thought—
Made all three of them uncomfortable.
Naruto exploded first:
"AH! That guy Orion is too sneaky!"
"Kakashi-sensei, you must've taught him a lot already!"
"You haven't even taught US anything yet!"
Sakura and Sasuke didn't speak—
But their expressions showed dissatisfaction.
Kakashi remained calm.
"I haven't taught him anything."
"I've known him for less time than I've known you."
But none of them believed him.
Naruto snorted.
"Yeah right."
"You're lying again."
Kakashi didn't bother explaining.
"Believe it or not."
Soon—
They arrived at Orion's house.
It was the first time Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke had been there.
At that moment—
Orion was inside, studying his chakra.
Seeing Kakashi and the others suddenly appear—
He frowned slightly.
Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We've received a C-rank mission."
"We're leaving the village."
"I requested permission from the Hokage to bring you along."
"Think of it as training."
Orion frowned.
"Leaving the village?"
Kakashi nodded.
Naruto stepped forward excitedly.
"This time it's an escort mission!"
Sakura quietly observed Orion—
For the first time seriously.
"…He's actually just as good-looking as Sasuke…"
"Why did I never notice him before?"
It was just admiration—
Not affection.
After all—
Her feelings for Sasuke were unwavering.
Meanwhile—
Sasuke kept observing Orion closely.
Trying to find what made him different.
But after a long look—
He found nothing.
Aside from being just as handsome as him—
There was nothing particularly special.
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