I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 351 There are always a few relatives who are both your peers and your elders.

As soon as the meeting ended, Danzo left in a hurry, not only because he was in a bad mood, but also because he was afraid that Sakumo Hatake would bring up the old matter again and discuss the previous mission.

However, Danzo "overestimated" Hatake Sakumo. In terms of political tactics, Hatake Sakumo was already overwhelmed, let alone able to take the initiative. After the meeting, he was happily making plans to have dinner with Tatsuma.

Putting the mission aside, the process of his retirement from the Anbu was still underway. Once the new Anbu leader was selected, it would be time for Tatsuma to run for squad leader.

Although Tatsuma won't encounter much resistance in taking over the position of squad leader, as a "senior," Hatake Sakumo still has a lot to teach Tatsuma.

Moreover, Tatsuma helped him resolve a crisis, and he hadn't yet expressed his gratitude to Tatsuma. After all, both of their identities were quite sensitive, and although they had a good personal relationship, it wasn't close enough for them to interact freely.

The last time he visited Tatsuma, and the last time Tatsuma visited him, were both covert operations. However, Sakumo Hatake felt that secretly expressing his gratitude was too frivolous, so at least a meal was necessary.

The matter of the Dark Division provided a legitimate reason for their gathering, especially when facing the higher-ups. After the meeting, he directly proposed the idea of ​​a dinner party to Tatsuma.

Tatsuma also saw through Hatake Sakumo's thoughts and thought to himself that Hatake Sakumo's actions were still a bit too immature. As a soon-to-retire head of the Anbu, it was reasonable for him to mentor the younger generation, but it was also easy for people to criticize him.

However, since Sakumo Hatake said it in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, Tatsuma wouldn't refuse. After all, if they had to avoid suspicion even for this level of interaction, it would really be easy to arouse suspicion.

Therefore, Tatsuma readily agreed, even though it might cause rumors, he wasn't afraid.

Seeing that the two had arranged a meal together in just a few words, Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "Tatsuma, come to my house for a meal sometime. You've done the village a great favor today. Whether as an elder or as the Hokage, I must thank you."

What does it mean to be a high-level player? This is what it means to be a high-level player! Hiruzen Sarutobi's seemingly casual remark told everyone present that he, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had given his permission for this, and that this meal was being eaten for the sake of the village!

Apart from Sakumo Hatake, everyone present was a shrewd politician and instantly understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions. Shikamaru, the Jonin squad leader, also spoke up:

"If it weren't for your special position, I would be your direct supervisor now. Come over to my house for a meal sometime, so that the good-for-nothing Shikaku can learn from you."

Tatsuma is still only a Chunin, but everyone present knows why he hasn't become a Jonin. Shikamaru's words are also perfectly reasonable, and the others all nodded in agreement.

Koharu Utatane, who had almost no contact with Tatsuma, also said, "Come visit me when you have time. I heard from Biwako that you are very skilled in medicine. I happen to have a few techniques that would be very suitable for you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Homura Mitokado, who maintained a stern expression, and jokingly asked, "Homura, don't you welcome Tatsuma's visit?"

Mitokado Homura quickly shook his head, forcing a smile despite his serious expression, and said, "I'm used to being a widow, so I'm afraid I won't be able to entertain Tatsuma well. But Tatsuma, if you encounter any problems in the future, you can always come to me for advice."

Hearing Mitokado Homura say this, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and nodded. If Tatsuma could gain the support of his two old friends, there would be fewer obstacles in the future.

Aside from Danzo, who had already left, the only one he hadn't invited was Ryūjō. He scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed, and said, "Uncle doesn't have anything, but if you come to my house, I'll have your aunt cook you something delicious."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. Thank you, gentlemen. I will definitely pay you a visit when I have the chance."

Tatsuma could sense the goodwill of these people, but he didn't really trust his acquired [malice perception] today, because he hadn't encountered anyone who was hostile towards him, not even Shimura Danzo.

But the formalities still need to be done. As for when to pay a visit? Let's wait until the New Year to visit together. After all, apart from Hatake Sakumo, with whom we've already made an appointment, and Takama, who can be visited at any time, we need to find another appropriate reason and time to visit others.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the group, Tatsuma and Sakumo Hatake left together.

Today is Monday, and Obito and the others have to go to class, so they can't bother Kakashi. Kakashi, in order to prepare for the Chunin Exams, has long since abandoned his teammates and is training alone.

Kakashi was found at the third training ground. Sakumo Hatake waved to him, and Kakashi happily ran towards Sakumo. However, when he saw Tatsuma was also there, he slowed down and his joy subsided a bit.

But he didn't say anything. He just walked a little further away from Tatsuma and would occasionally pull his father away from Tatsuma.

The three returned to Sakumo Hatake's house together. Knowing that the conversation would inevitably involve sensitive topics such as the Anbu, Sakumo Hatake did not choose to host a banquet for Tatsuma outside.

Tatsuma and Kakashi sat idly in the living room, and Kakashi reverted to the subtle distance he had felt when they first met.

Furthermore, with the ability to sense malice, Tatsuma could sense conflicting emotions from Kakashi, which was strange, since Kakashi hadn't shown this attitude just a few nights ago.

But Chenma didn't ask any questions. It's normal for a child of this age to have a different attitude every day.

After lunch was finished, the three of them ate and chatted, but Kakashi only talked to Sakumo Hatake about his training and the doubts surrounding his ninjutsu training.

Sakumo Hatake answered, but he didn't forget to entertain Tatsuma, though he also noticed that Kakashi's mentality was a bit strange.

"Father, when will you begin to instruct me on the chakra form transformation and nature transformation that you mentioned to me before?"

Upon hearing this question, Sakumo Hatake, who was about to answer, paused for a moment, then looked at Tatsuma and said, "You should ask your Uncle Tatsuma this question. In this area, I am not even as knowledgeable as your Uncle Tatsuma."

Upon hearing this title again, Kakashi frowned, his youthful face showing resistance, his nostrils flaring as he said with dissatisfaction, "He's just a Chunin, and he's not that much older than me."

"Maybe I'll become a Jonin faster than him, then I'll be his senior, how can I call him uncle?"

Sakumo Hatake and Tatsuma exchanged a glance, realizing why Kakashi was in a bad mood. It turned out to be about his older brother becoming an uncle. Children's awkward emotions are always inexplicable and hard to guess.

Sakumo Hatake put down his chopsticks, ruffled Kakashi's hair, and said with a smile, "So, if one day you become Hokage and Dad's boss, will you still not want to call me Dad?"

"Mine is different!"

Kakashi said angrily, whether from anger at Sakumo Hatake's sophistry or from his inability to refute it, it was unclear. Tatsuma, on the other hand, was laughing happily; he wasn't going to hold a grudge against Kakashi.

Moreover, Kakashi, who still had a bit of a childlike side, was much more likable than the listless Kakashi clutching the erotic book. He looked at Kakashi and said:

"You knew about this that night, so why are you only feeling uncomfortable about it now? No need to explain, let me guess."

Tatsuma raised a finger to stop Kakashi from blurting out what he was about to say. After thinking for a moment, Tatsuma analyzed, "I've gone from being your 'elder brother' to your uncle. Similarly, people of my generation will become your elders."

And I happen to have a classmate who is also my teammate, named Uchiha Tenka, whom you have to call uncle. And coincidentally, Tenka has a cousin named Uchiha Obito.

So what's making you angry isn't that you have to call me uncle, but that you also have to call Obito uncle. That's why you're bringing up ninja ranks, right? After all, you can't possibly not know that there's a fundamental difference between our ninja ranks.

"What you care about is that you became a ninja first, compared to Obito, and you'll become a Chunin and Jonin first, so you'll always be his senior. That way, you can always keep Obito in check, right?"

Kakashi's face flushed red when he saw that Tatsuma had figured out his little scheme so quickly, and his chopsticks trembled slightly.

Hatake Sakumo, who originally thought his son was just being unreasonable, burst out laughing when he heard Tatsuma's explanation and realized there were so many twists and turns involved.

Hearing his own father mock him, Kakashi's face turned from red to black. He wanted to throw down his chopsticks and run away, but that would be too impolite and would embarrass his father.

Damn it! Is this the most talented ninja? To be able to guess even this is just too much... too infuriating!

The meal ended with Kakashi unable to enjoy his food, while Hatake Sakumo and Tatsuma laughed and chatted happily. Fortunately, Hatake Sakumo still took care of Kakashi's feelings after the meal.

He left him to do the housework and process his emotions, while he took Tatsuma to the tea room for a meeting.

Sakumo Hatake analyzed the information of the three squad leaders for Tatsuma, including but not limited to their strengths, strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, interpersonal relationships, and lifestyle habits.

They even analyzed the squads under the three men's command. This part was quite sensitive, involving the grudges and entanglements between the Dark Side and Root. Sakumo Hatake even instructed Tatsuma on which squad he would be in charge of and what strategies to use for their capture and cleanup.

Tatsuma listened attentively. In the past few years, he had not collected much information while working in the Anbu. In order to avoid being stabbed in the back by his own people in the future, it was still necessary to understand this information.

The meeting continued until dinner time, but Tatsuma did not stay. After all, he could tell that Kakashi's emotions had not yet calmed down, and there was no need to provoke the child again.

The next day was another day for Tatsuma to substitute teach. Because of the reorganization, these people were finally a bit "smarter". At least they knew to preview the material and would ask questions if they had any, although they still asked some stupid questions.

After suppressing his anger, Chenma finished speaking. With a few minutes left before the end of get out of class, he wanted to continue calling on students to answer questions when he noticed a suspicious person loitering around the door.

After letting the students study on their own, Tatsuma walked out of the classroom and looked at Yamanaka Inoichi, who appeared much calmer and more mature, and asked, "Why did you come here?"

"Wow, Sakamoto-sensei, you're really putting on quite a show of power now, even controlling my every move?"

Hai Yi joked, then handed over a scroll, saying, "The situation between the Thunder and Water Kingdoms is starting to get tense."

(End of this chapter)