"I've made a decision, Lord Hokage," Kakashi said, his voice calm but steady. He stood with his hands behind his back, giving a 'respectful' bow before continuing. "During this mission, I had a lot of ti to think… a lot of ti to reflect."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat down slowly behind his desk, eyes fixed on Kakashi. His brows were slightly furrowed with concern, sensing sothing weighty coming.
"I've decided I don't want to live with regret anymore," Kakashi said, lifting his gaze. "Minato-sensei… Obito… Rin… I don't think they'd want to keep wandering in the dark. They'd want to live. To move forward."
A flicker of emotion crossed his face, grief, maybe, but it was brief. Just a shadow before the mask of calm returned.
Hiruzen remained silent, listening closely.
"My Sharingan…" Kakashi continued, "It's sealed now."
Hiruzen blinked, surprised.
"Kushina-san placed a seal on years ago," Kakashi explained. "One that lets deactivate the Sharingan manually. I never used it before… until now."
He paused, his eyes drifting toward the window where sunlight spilled across the floor.
"I didn't want emotion clouding my mind. Especially not when I'm about to take on a new mission… one involving Naruto, the teacher's son, and Sasuke, the last of the Uchiha. They need guidance, not soone haunted by ghosts."
There was no lie in that. Not this ti. Kakashi was determined. He wouldn't let Orochimaru corrupt Sasuke. He wouldn't let Jiraiya teach Naruto. This ti, he'd keep his students together, and make them stronger than they ever were.
The old Hokage leaned back in his chair, staring at Kakashi with a thoughtful expression. His wrinkled hands folded slowly over his lap, and for a mont he didn't say anything.
Then, with a faint smile, he said, "A part of always hoped you'd find your way back, Kakashi."
He stood and walked toward the window himself, his gaze distant.
"I still rember Sakumo. His death was one of the village's deepest losses," Hiruzen said with a softness that might've been sincerity… or clever performance.
Kakashi didn't care either way. In his mind, this old thing had allowed too much already, Danzo's sches, the Uchiha massacre, Naruto's neglect. It was only a matter of ti before Orochimaru ended his life.
But for now, he played along.
The old man placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, eyes kind. "Not many can do what you've done. You've made your father proud. And ."
"Thank you," Kakashi said as he bowed his head slightly.
"Co. There's sothing I want to show you." Hiruzen turned toward the door.
The two left the office and walked through the village, winding past shops and stands, down quieter side roads. Eventually, they stopped in front of a small, weather-worn apartnt building.
Naruto's place.
Kakashi followed the Hokage inside. The mont they opened the door, the sll hit him, old food, sweat, and spoiled milk.
Empty ran cups littered the table and floor. Dirty laundry sat in corners. Papers were crumpled, and half-finished howork abandoned.
Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck.
'ssy… but not entirely his fault.'
He didn't have to ask. He knew. Orders had been given: no one was to approach the Nine-Tails' host. Even Kakashi had been told to keep his distance.
Now, looking around, the truth was obvious.
Hiruzen kept Naruto in isolation, only visiting enough to maintain so illusion of kindness. Pitiful allowances of ryo, just enough to keep the boy fed and quiet.
'Probably Minato's money' Kakashi thought bitterly.
He glanced at the old man beside him but held his tongue.
Next, they visited Sasuke's apartnt.
The difference was stark.
The place was spotless. The floor was swept. Every book and utensil was in place. The bed was neatly made. And on a shelf stood a single photo: the Uchiha clan.
"This boy…" Hiruzen said softly. "He carries deep hatred. His brother… Itachi… wiped out their entire clan."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "And you let Danzo pull the strings to make it happen," he thought but didn't say it out loud.
The Hokage turned to him.
"That's why I want you to guide them, Kakashi. Both Naruto and Sasuke. They need soone strong, soone who's lived through pain but still stands tall. Soone they can look up to."
"You've mastered the Sharingan. You can help Sasuke grow, understand its power. And Naruto… he needs soone who understands what it ans to be left behind."
Kakashi nodded slowly, his face unreadable. "What about Sakura Haruno?"
"She's a talented civilian ninja," Hiruzen said. "She's smart and steady. She can balance the team… especially with the way those two boys clash."
Kakashi gave a quiet nod. "I'll do my best."
"That's all I ask," Hiruzen said warmly.
From there, they headed to the Ninja Academy. The training field was filled with excited students, all buzzing with energy. So were sparring, others showing off for classmates.
Kakashi paused, watching.
"Brings back mories?" Hiruzen asked as he noticed Kakashi's small smile.
"Yeah," Kakashi said. "Back then, it was the sa. All energy and no direction."
His eyes drifted to Naruto, who was making a loud fuss trying to impress Sakura. She, of course, was too busy encouraging Sasuke to notice.
Kakashi chuckled softly. "He's more like Kushina than Minato," he murmured.
It was almost funny, how alike Obito and Naruto were as kids. Loud, impulsive, full of fire. But Obito had been twisted by grief and manipulation. Kakashi wouldn't let that happen again. Not to Naruto. Not to any of them.
Iruka, the academy teacher, stepped forward.
"All right, class! First match of the day, Naruto Uzumaki versus Sasuke Uchiha!"
The students burst into cheers and whispers.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Heck yeah!"
Sasuke looked calm, expression unreadable, hands in his pockets as he walked to the center of the field.
Both boys faced off under the bright sky. Iruka raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Naruto charged in without thinking. "Sasukeeee!" he yelled.
He threw a punch, but Sasuke moved like water. In one smooth motion, he sidestepped and landed a quick strike to Naruto's stomach. The blonde dropped to the ground with a groan.
But he got up fast. "I'm not done yet!"
He charged again. This ti, his fists ca faster, wilder. But Sasuke dodged them all and swept Naruto's legs. The boy hit the dirt once more.
"Enough!" Iruka called out. "The winner is Sasuke Uchiha!"
The students clapped and cheered.
Naruto sat up with a red face, rubbing his head. "You just got lucky! I'll beat you next ti!"
Kakashi watched with interest.
"He lost," he said, "but he doesn't give up. Just like Kushina. He's got her fire."
"Yes… he has the heart of a ninja. And he is more like Kushina." The Hokage smiled but shuddered when he rembered Kushina, who used to violently pull his beard when she was a kid.
"And he's Minato's son," Hiruzen added with a nostalgic smile.
"True," Kakashi said, smiling faintly. "But right now… he's got more of Kushina's spirit than teacher's calm."
They stood there for a while, watching the kids continue their sparring matches. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the sound of laughter and footsteps.
Kakashi crossed his arms, thoughtful.
'This ti… I won't let them down.'
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