Naruto: Lost to Hinata on Purpose, and Now Everything's a Mess Chapter 40 40 : Kakashi: I Hope I Can Be Riku Teacher Myself

When Neji appeared, Hinata greeted him softly, "Big Brother Neji."

Neji frowned slightly upon seeing her.

In truth, his feelings toward Hinata were complicated. As a child, he had adored her—she was cute, kind, and shared his bloodline. He loved her deeply.

But everything changed after he witnessed how the Hyuga Main Branch sacrificed his father—part of the Branch Family—for the sake of the clan. From that mont on, he resented the Main Branch.

Though Neji still cared for Hinata deep down, he remained cold and distant on the surface.

He rely nodded at her greeting, then turned his gaze to Riku, frowning.

"You're Riku?"

Though it was their first ti eting in person, Neji had heard of him often through Might Guy.

Guy never explained Riku's true strength, but it was obvious he held the boy in high regard.

Riku sensed Neji's rudeness but remained composed. He simply nodded with a polite smile. "Yes."

Guy placed their order first, then turned to Riku with his usual enthusiastic grin. "Riku, let introduce my most cherished disciples! This is Lee—he's inherited my taijutsu style and has outstanding potential."

He gestured next. "This is Tenten, a talented kunoichi with a wide arsenal of ninja tools."

"And lastly, Neji—gifted with the Byakugan, a true genius. Among his peers, his strength stands at the top. Well? Aren't they impressive?"

Guy bead with pride as he introduced them.

Riku greeted each of them politely, calm as ever. He wasn't one to be easily provoked.

Though Neji had been cold earlier, Riku didn't take offense.

Afterward, Riku introduced his companions. "Let return the favor. This is Yamanaka Ino of the Yamanaka Clan. She's top of her class."

He turned toward Hinata. "And Neji, I'm sure you know her already—Hyuga Hinata, heiress of your clan, and soone quite formidable in her own right."

Guy looked pleasantly surprised. "I didn't expect your friends to be so well-known."

He glanced teasingly at Riku. "And two such beautiful girls too. What exactly are your intentions, hmm?"

He leaned close, waggling his brows with exaggerated curiosity.

Riku didn't bat an eye. He was used to Guy's antics.

"They're just my friends, nothing more. Sensei, did you just return from a mission?"

Guy nodded. "That's right. Graduation exams are today—makes sense why you're all here."

"How'd the exam go?"

As he spoke, he started grilling at.

Riku gave a modest smile. "I passed."

Guy sighed. "Too bad I already have my team. I would've loved to be your instructor. You'd fit right in."

He sounded sincere, though a bit theatrical—as usual.

Riku chuckled. "Honestly, I don't mind who the instructor is."

Guy laughed loudly and nodded. "True, true!"

But he didn't reveal what he was really thinking. He still rembered Kakashi's words: Don't let anyone know Riku's true strength. Not until he's ready.

After Guy arrived, both Ino and Hinata fell quiet. They silently grilled the at and placed the freshly cooked pieces onto Riku's plate with care.

Neji frowned at Hinata's behavior.

But said nothing.

Watching Riku and Guy chat like old friends, Neji found it strange.

He leaned over and whispered to Lee and Tenten, "I didn't think Sensei could talk so easily with a kid. It's kind of shocking."

Lee's eyes sparkled. "Of course! Sensei ntioned Riku before—he must be amazing! I really want to challenge him soday!"

Neji nodded slightly. He also believed Riku had to be a genius—Guy wouldn't speak so highly of just anyone.

But still... he couldn't sense anything special from him.

No aura. No overwhelming chakra presence.

That was because Neji hadn't activated his Byakugan. If he had, he would've seen just how monstrous Riku's chakra truly was.

But Hyuga didn't use the Byakugan casually. It was reserved for battle, since maintaining it consud chakra.

Tenten laughed and chid in, "That's not fair, Lee! You're a year older than him. That'd be bullying! Sensei would never approve."

She glanced over at Riku with interest. He was, admittedly, very handso.

Still, not many people had noticed his looks over the years.

In the world of shinobi, good looks ant little without strength to back them up.

Riku had always kept a low profile, so he hadn't drawn much attention.

While Neji and the others whispered, Riku continued talking with Guy. The older ninja recounted details of his most recent mission.

It had started as a standard C-rank assignnt, but unexpectedly escalated—they ran into several Chūnin-level opponents.

It had practically beco a B-rank mission.

They barely made it back safely.

Riku listened intently and responded with quiet smiles and nods.

The al lasted over two hours. When it ended, Guy paid the bill, sparing Ino the trouble of using her allowance.

As they left, Lee turned to Riku with a bright grin. "Riku! I really want to challenge you soday. But I know now's not the ti. I hope you'll enter the Chūnin Exams. We can et again then!"

Riku smiled. "I'd love to see how strong Guy-sensei's 'beloved disciple' has beco."

Neji looked at Riku calmly. "I hope we et as well."

Riku gave them both a light smile. "What, are you planning to gang up on ? Fine. If the chance cos, I'll take you both on."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away with Ino and Hinata.

While Riku was enjoying his barbecue, far away in the Hokage's office, Kakashi was having a serious conversation with the Third Hokage.

The other Jōnin had already left, but Kakashi remained.

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Kakashi? Is there sothing else you need?"

Kakashi hesitated for a mont, then asked, "Lord Hokage… have you already assigned the teams for the new Genin?"

Hiruzen blinked in surprise. Kakashi had always refused the role of team leader. Every year, he rejected team after team.

That he was now asking to lead a squad ca as a shock.

But it also reassured the Hokage. At last, Kakashi seed ready to ntor the next generation.

"I haven't finalized the teams yet," he said. "The graduation exam just ended. Why?"

Kakashi's voice grew serious.

"If possible, I'd like to be assigned to Riku. I don't care who the other two mbers are—but I want to be his Jōnin instructor."

Hiruzen's brows furrowed. Though he kept his face calm, he was surprised.

You? Choosing such an ordinary kid? Why…?