Chapter 329: Little Money-Grubber
"How did you feel on your first day of school?" Sakumo asked casually at the dinner table. Despite his relaxed tone, he still took Kakashi's school life very seriously.
"It was okay," Kakashi replied, swallowing his food before speaking. His words were measured, devoid of any particular emotion. With Kurenai and Guy around, it didn't feel much different from usual.
"Your Sensei, Osamu Suzuki, was an old subordinate of mine," Sakumo said after a brief pause. His gaze softened, a flicker of regret crossing his eyes. "It's a pity about him," he added quietly, almost to himself. Then, returning to his usual tone, he continued, "You must be obedient at the Academy and study hard. Don't slack off just because of your uncle, the headmaster."
Kakashi nodded reluctantly. "Yes, father," he replied, his tone dutiful but unenthusiastic. Causing trouble at the Academy didn't appeal to him, and bullying classmates felt like a waste of effort.
"I'm glad to hear that," Sakumo said, nodding with satisfaction. Kakashi's steady temperament reassured him. He was far more composed than Kawakaze had been at that age.
"Big brother, don't worry. I'll take care of everything," Kawakaze interjected with a grin. Hugging his young son Ginji close, he fed the boy a piece of meat, the picture of confidence.
"It's because of you that I'm not at ease," Sakumo said dryly, casting a meaningful look at Kawakaze. His remark drew laughter from everyone at the table.
"You actually said that," Kawakaze grumbled, pouting. "Is that really how unreliable I seem to you?"
"Come on, you know your own character," Tsunade chimed in, slapping him lightly on the back. Her tone left no doubt that she agreed with Sakumo.
When things went smoothly, Kawakaze was often the reason they didn't.
"Daddy, daddy! I want more," little Ginji clamored, his voice insistent as he reached for more meat. Oblivious to the deeper conversations of the adults, he was focused only on his next bite.