Konoha Notes

Chapter 418 The Daily Life of the Joint Affairs Bureau (Part 2)

Sasuke Uchiha was looking at Kakashi.

This man, who is said to be a likely candidate to become the Sixth Hokage, is currently lounging lazily in his chair.

His silver hair stood up in a messy, stick-out manner, and his right eye was half-open and half-closed. He exuded a listless aura as if he might fall asleep at any moment.

Is this the kind of ordinary office worker that Mr. Shuji approves of?

Sasuke couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He subconsciously superimposed the figure in front of him with another image from his memory: a man who was always tall and straight, with sharp eyes, who seemed to be thinking all the time, always in control of the situation, and who could suppress his father with an indifferent attitude.

That was the appearance of the Konoha high-ranking officials that he had the most contact with and that left the deepest impression on him.

Powerful, calm, and unfathomable, his words and actions always carried an unquestionable air of authority and distance.

And what's in front of us...

Sasuke quickly cut off the comparison. One cannot judge a book by its cover. Mr. Shuji recommended him and personally wrote him a note, which meant that his current appearance might just be a disguise.

Sasuke's thoughts drifted away, and he unconsciously looked around at the office belonging to the head of the Joint Affairs Bureau.

It's a mess.

Documents were piled up everywhere, in the corners and on the windowsills.

His older brother, Itachi, sat ramrod straight, and from the moment he entered, he hadn't had the energy to spare even a fraction of his attention.

Efficient and focused, in stark contrast to the person in the main seat.

In the office, there was another figure constantly coming and going; it was his classmate, Nara Shikamaru, who had somehow joined the Joint Affairs Bureau as well.

Sasuke wasn't particularly interested in why Shikamaru was there.

Although being able to enter the Joint Affairs Bureau at this time signifies something special. The family has discussed my brother's transfer, which involves Mr. Shuji's arrangements.

But Shikamaru... Sasuke only spared a fleeting thought before quickly withdrawing it.

It's not worth worrying about.

During this time, Kakashi straightened his back stiffly, rubbed his neck, and finally focused his gaze on the note in his hand that had been ignored for a while.

“Uchiha Sasuke, right?” Kakashi’s voice was a little hoarse. “Shuji sent you here to ask me to provide some guidance as needed.”

"Honestly, I don't have the extra energy to do such discretionary things. If I had known that even instructing students would be on the work list, I would have just applied to become an instructor of Jonin."

As he spoke, he picked up the note with his index and middle fingers, flicked his wrist, and the thin piece of paper spun and flew toward Itachi's desk.

“That’s right, this is your senior’s handwriting, Itachi.”

"New tasks are being assigned to us every single day."

"I have to go now. If anyone comes, please use your shadow clone to temporarily take their place."

Itachi didn't even look up. He reached out and caught the falling note, glanced at it, and put it aside.

"Yes, Kakashi-senpai."

"I really hope that next time you ask me for something, you'll agree just as readily, Itachi."

Kakashi muttered to himself as he pushed back his chair and stood up. He walked to the window, his movements unsteady, and placed his hand on the window frame.

"gone."

After saying that, he braced himself against the windowsill with one hand, flipped over, and jumped out.

Sasuke hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed. The instant he stepped out the window, he subconsciously glanced back.

Itachi had already lowered his head again, showing no reaction to this scene.

Shikamaru, who had just returned to the door, was holding a new batch of documents, staring dumbfounded at the wide-open window and the two figures receding into the distance outside.

"Itachi-senpai, the chief deliberately used this opportunity to escape, didn't he?"

Shikamaru was unaware of how urgent Sasuke's desire to become stronger was, but Shuuji's purpose in bringing him to the Joint Affairs Bureau was probably not something like learning ninjutsu.

It's also inappropriate to have Kakashi, who is in charge, do this kind of thing at such a crucial time when the Joint Secretariat is dealing with the details of the funding coordination plan.

Kakashi shouldn't have been so oblivious and just walked away; it was less of a mission and more of an attempt to slack off.

Itachi looked at the window and said, "It should be changed to a closed one."

Then Itachi created a shadow clone, which transformed into Kakashi's appearance.

The shadow clone walked to the window, closed it, and locked it. Then it returned to its desk, pulled out a piece of paper, quickly wrote a few lines, and stamped it with the Bureau's seal.

"Shikamaru, please take this to the logistics department and request that the windows in this office be replaced with sealed ones."

"learn."

Shikamaru readily agreed. He deftly put down the document, then, clutching the application slip, immediately headed towards the logistics department.

Before he even arrived at his destination, he could hear the noise from afar.

"There's not enough space! Rehearsals need room! The sound effects need testing! The lighting needs adjusting! You idiot! You bastard!"

Kirabi's voice could be heard clearly even through the corridor.

Shikamaru saw the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki of Kumogakure blocking the entrance to the logistics department.

The clerk in charge of reception was a seemingly good-natured young Chunin, who was currently smiling wryly as he tried to explain, "Mr. Killer Bee, I understand your needs."

"But the interior space of the Joint Affairs Bureau building has already been fully planned."

"The new building is not yet completed."

"It's simply impossible to find a place that can support your rehearsal activities."

“In that case!” Killer Bee interrupted him, pointing sharply to an empty space on the side of the building outside the window. “Give us that space!”

“No, Mr. Kirabi,” the clerk explained. “Your rehearsal is too noisy and will disturb the other staff in the secretariat.”

“How can there be a perfect performance without rehearsal?” Kirabi argued.

The two exchanged words, one passionate and the other struggling to keep up. Naruto looked left and right, trying to chime in but unsure what to say.

"Shikamaru?" Naruto's blue eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Shikamaru walked over, nodded to the overwhelmed clerk, and handed over the application form for the window. "Please, logistics department."

The clerk, feeling like he'd been granted a pardon, quickly took the slip of paper, glanced at its contents, and nodded in response: "Okay, okay, application for enclosed windows, Director's office... I've got it. I'll arrange the assessment and construction as soon as possible."

"Hey! Deal with my business first!" Killer Bee slammed his fist on the reception desk in annoyance.

The clerk gestured for Killer Bee to wait a moment, made some arrangements, and then said to Shikamaru, "By the way, Shikamaru-kun, you've come at just the right time."

"Regarding Mr. Killer Bee... could you perhaps arrange for him to meet the Chief? Or perhaps you could help convey this information to the Chief?"

"after all……"

After all, the only people in the Joint Affairs Bureau who can decide on the venue issue are the offices in Konoha.

Faced with the clerk's request, the enthusiastic Killer Bee, and the silly-smiling Naruto, Shikamaru's little bit of joy evaporated instantly.

"Sigh..." He sighed resignedly, scratching his head. "I understand. Killer Bee, Naruto, come with me."

Naruto moved closer to Shikamaru, following him back, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Shikamaru, you still haven't told me, what are you doing at the Joint Affairs Bureau?"

Shikamaru's eyelids drooped: "For many complicated reasons. To put it simply, I did it voluntarily."

"You are the one. Why are you here?"

"Ah, well..." Naruto scratched his cheek, revealing a slightly embarrassed yet excited smile, "Well... Uncle Bee invited me to join his band! He said we'd be performing at the opening ceremony of the joint martial arts competition!" Band? Opening ceremony?

Shikamaru's mind raced. He connected the bits and pieces of rumors he'd recently heard, Killer Bee's identity, and the situation of the other members of the "band"...

Naruto... too? The Nine-Tails' jinchūriki?
It turned out to be the case.

"A special band... huh?" Shikamaru repeated slowly, not revealing the answer. "So, Naruto, what's your role in the band? Playing an instrument? Which one do you play?"

"Musical instrument? Uh... um..."

Killer Bee, who was walking ahead, turned around and gave Naruto a thumbs up: "Naruto is a dancer! He interprets rhythm with his body!"

Dance... dancer?
Shikamaru stopped in his tracks.

"...You wouldn't," Shikamaru lowered his voice, leaning closer to Naruto, "plan to use that technique at the opening ceremony, would you?"

"Huh? Which technique?"

"That's the one." Shikamaru's expression was very serious.

Naruto was stunned, then his eyes lit up: "Oh right! You can do that! How come I didn't think of that! Then the whole audience—"

"Give up that idea," Shikamaru said, pressing his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Listen carefully."

"If you were to use the Sexy Jutsu at the opening ceremony of the joint martial arts exercise, in front of the representatives of the five great nations and all the ninja village spectators—"

"You'll suffer social death. Seriously. You'll never be Hokage in this lifetime."
-
Meanwhile, Sasuke followed Kakashi out of the Joint Affairs Bureau building.

Kakashi walked slowly, his hands in his pockets, his steps even somewhat dragging. He didn't use the Body Flicker Technique, nor did he head towards the training grounds or the forest outside the village; instead, he headed towards the arena area.

Sasuke followed silently behind, his doubts growing stronger.

Is this what guidance is? Just wandering around the streets?
After walking through several streets, the view suddenly opened up, and the venue area came into view.

Kakashi stopped in front of a building.

Sasuke looked up. It was a three-story brick and stone building with a dark gray exterior. The porch was spacious, and a striking emblem hung on the side of the door: a four-pointed star badge with a Konoha swirling pattern in the center.

Police Department Branch.

Kakashi walked straight in, and the scene inside reminded Sasuke of past events.

When he got home, he met members of the non-Uchiha police department.

That scene disappeared after the branch was established.

Now it has reappeared.

Someone from the branch came to greet Kakashi and inquired about his purpose for visiting. During this time, he glanced at the fan on Sasuke's clothes.

Kakashi waved his hand, glanced at it casually a few times, and then left.

Sasuke followed.

The two walked through the main road of the venue area, passing food stalls, souvenir shops, and even a newly opened ninja tool trial experience center.

Finally, Kakashi stopped in front of a huge building.

The main venue for the joint martial arts exercise.

He entered through the staff entrance on the side, Sasuke following closely behind. The entrance was dimly lit, and footsteps echoed in the empty corridor. After passing through a heavy soundproof door, the view suddenly opened up.

The stadium is even larger inside than it appears from the outside.

The stands were completely empty. The entire space was so quiet you could hear your own breathing.

Kakashi walked to the edge of the arena and stopped in front of the guardrail.

He turned around, leaned against the railing, and looked at Sasuke.

I have a very bad impression of you.

This statement is straightforward and lacks any preamble.

Upon hearing this assessment for the first time, Sasuke's body tensed instantly, and his fingers unconsciously clenched.

He thought it was because of Itachi.

Because his older brother was so dazzling, no matter how hard he tried, he would always be inferior in the eyes of others.

Then, she felt a burning sensation on her fair face.

He realized he had been rejected and began to feel ashamed and angry.

“It has nothing to do with Itachi.” Kakashi seemed to see through his thoughts. “It’s purely based on your personal feelings.”

His right eye, which was exposed, showed no emotion.

"To be honest, I don't understand at all why Shuuji singled you out."

"Whether it's a special training program or individual competition... having received such unique treatment, can you truly still grasp the most important thing?"

"The only thing that I feel is somewhat reasonable is that he allowed you to stay at the Ninja Academy and complete your basic studies."

Sasuke clenched his fists.

"What do you think a ninja is?" Kakashi asked.

“A ninja is…” Sasuke wanted to answer.

Kakashi interrupted him.

"The person who carried out the mission? The person who used ninjutsu? Or..." Kakashi's gaze swept across the empty stands, "...the person who defeated their opponent in a place like this, under the watchful eyes of everyone, to prove themselves to be the strongest?"

"I……"

"Shuji established a special training class to give you better resources, more rigorous training, and clearer competitive goals. From the perspective of stimulating potential and cultivating top combat power, this is not wrong."

"But the danger is that you might put the cart before the horse and forget the very foundation upon which ninjas rely for survival and must protect with their lives."

"Rules, companions, and the path you find between the two."

“You just saw the police department branch. There are Hyuga, Aburame, Inuzuka, various ninja clans, and ninjas from commoner backgrounds.”

"They wear the same badges and handle the same tasks. Dispute mediation, patrol duty, assisting in rescues... most of it is tedious daily work."

"There weren't many earth-shattering battles, nor were there cheers for the decisive moment in the ring."

“But it is precisely these tasks that maintain order in the village and protect the lives of the common people.” Kakashi pointed to the Konoha headband on his forehead. “These are the meanings of a ninja’s existence.”

"Shuji hopes that you can be free from constraints and achieve a better future. That's good."

"But sometimes, I can only say that he is too lenient."

Kakashi turned around, facing the empty arena.

"If you'd like to come again tomorrow, come find me here."

"Tell me what you really want to do. It's not about surpassing anyone, it's not about proving anything. It's just about who you want to become."

After saying that, he waved his hand, did not turn back, and walked straight towards the exit of the passage.

Sasuke stood there, watching Kakashi's figure disappear into the dimly lit passageway.

In the empty stadium, only he remained.

(End of this chapter)