Chapter 253:
During a time of war, a nation's heightened vigilance often puts everyone on edge.
So, when Kakashi spotted Orochimaru wearing a black cloak, his suspicion was immediate and intense.
At this point, Kakashi was almost ten years old and had been a chūnin for nearly four years—a true prodigy.
He had entered the Academy at age five, graduated the same year, and became a chūnin by the age of six.
Throughout Konoha's history, no one had broken his record.
Not even geniuses like Orochimaru or Uchiha Itachi could match his precociousness.
While Kakashi's rapid ascent was partly due to the ongoing war, it didn't diminish the fact that he was an undeniable genius.
His mission in this war was simple yet dangerous: eliminate any enemy ninja who infiltrated the Land of Fire.
When Orochimaru heard the voice behind him, his lips curved into a faint smile.