"There was a mysterious puddle on the road, yet the surrounding soil was barely damp. That meant it had just appeared, and there was clearly no one ahead of us. No matter how you look at it, it seemed like a trap."
Kano explained in response to Kakashi's question. She casually packed the spoils of war into the bag on the deer's back, even including the Hidden Mist headbands.
But the most important thing was—Shadow Ninja No. 2 get!
"Good, your observation is very keen. You two should also pay attention; the environment and details can be the key to victory or defeat."
Neither of the other two young ones disagreed, though Sasuke thought to himself that once he awakened his Sharingan, his observation skills would surely be far superior to Kano's.
"Kano-chan, can you teach me how to get stronger? I want to be reliable like you."
Naruto approached Kano and whispered the question into her ear.
Kano placed her index finger against her lips, pretending to think.
"Hmm... Read more books, read more newspapers, eat fewer snacks, and sleep more."
"Ah... how can I get stronger doing that?"
"Haha, I'm just teasing you."
Kano sat back onto the Shadow Deer's back, casually took off her shoes, and wiggled her little feet. She reached down and rubbed Naruto's head.
Naruto was very unhappy about having his head rubbed by a girl; he blushed and waved her hand away.
"Hahaha, okay, I'll be serious now. As for Ninjutsu, I use a hidden clan technique, so I can't teach you that. It's better to let Kakashi-sensei teach you."
You can learn Taijutsu from Sasuke.
Genjutsu isn't very useful for you, so I don't recommend learning it."
"Huh? Then you can't teach me anything!"
He had perked up to listen seriously, but now he slumped in disappointment.
"Don't be in such a hurry; I didn't say I wouldn't teach you. I can't compete with you in pure combat power, but I'm a bit stronger than you here."
Kano pointed proudly at her little head.
"Your hair?"
"It's my brain, idiot Naruto!"
Even someone as good-tempered as Kano was annoyed by Naruto's stupidity.
"But aren't you a dead last just like me?"
"Never mind that!"
Since her hands couldn't reach, Kano tapped Naruto's head with her foot!
"You're too much of an idiot to understand the specific details, so just remember one simple thing: find your role in the team."
For example, my main ability is my hidden clan technique, which has strong control. Also, because I have a good head on my shoulders, I can serve as the team's brain.
Conversely, I lack offensive means and my defensive capabilities are weak. That's where you two need to fill the gaps.
As for sensory abilities, I just have slightly better focus; I'm not particularly skilled in other areas. Rather than sensing enemies, I'm better at making them reveal themselves. If Sasuke gets those eyes, we can rely on him for sensing.
Now, you two can think about your own roles."
Hearing Kano's analysis, Sasuke didn't expect her to know about the Sharingan. Was her "dead last" act back at the Ninja Academy really just a facade?
Sasuke also began to think seriously and then spoke up.
"My Taijutsu and Ninjutsu are the best, and my theoretical knowledge is the most extensive. I can serve as the main attacker."
"I can too! I have Shadow Clones! I'll definitely be a better main attacker than Sasuke!"
"With just you? Want to see if those cannon-fodder clones of yours can even get my pants dirty?"
"Sasuke! I'm definitely going to beat you this time! I'll prove to Kano that I'm stronger than you!"
"If you both act as main attackers, then there will be no one to protect little old me. I'll surely be the first to die if we run into danger."
"In that case... then I'll be the defense. I'll definitely protect Kano-chan from any harm!"
"Thank you, Naruto. I believe you'll protect me well. And Sasuke, I trust that with my support, you'll be able to eliminate enemies quickly."
"Leave it to me! My Shadow Clone Jutsu is so powerful, it can definitely protect you from all sides."
"Just cannon fodder."
"Sasuke, you!"
Thinking about it, Naruto's Shadow Clones really did pop at the slightest touch, which fit the definition of cannon fodder perfectly.
"Hehehe, they really are cannon fodder."
"How could even you, Kano-chan..."