Kakashi just wants to return to the field. These diplomatic meetings are going to be the death of him.

The battlefield is simple. Kill or be killed, simple as that. In diplomatic meetings a lot are hidden beneath the surface. He sighed, this is a good way to implement the mantra, look beneath the underneath of the underneath.

The elders, who are not oblivious to the Hokage's boredom, looked at him with pointed glares. Kakashi, in his usual nonchalant manner, returned the elders' glares with a bored expression. He wondered if they could sense his longing for the field, the simplicity of missions, and the clarity that came with facing tangible enemies rather than navigating the murky waters of politics.

"Well, Hokage-sama," one of the elected elders addressed him. "We heard disturbing rumors concerning you."

Kakashi arched an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Disturbing rumors? I assure you, I've been diligently fulfilling my duties as the Hokage."

The elder leaned forward, his expression stern. "Rumors about your involvement with a certain kunoichi. And not just any Kunoichi but a girl 14 years your junior and your former student. The other Kages are laughing at the laughingstock Kage of our village."

Kakashi's eye remained steady, giving away little emotion. "Gossip and rumors have no bearing on my ability to lead and protect this village. My personal life is just that — personal."

The second elder chimed in, a sneer evident in his tone. "But, Hokage-sama, appearances matter, especially on the diplomatic stage. What do you think other villages will say if they hear that the Hokage is involved with a young ninja, his former student no less?"

Kakashi sighed, his patience wearing thin. "My relationship with Sakura is professional and respectful. She's proven herself as a capable ninja time and again. If other Kages choose to focus on baseless rumors rather than the strength of Konoha, then that's their shortcoming, not mine."

The elders exchanged glances, clearly dissatisfied with Kakashi's response. The first elder spoke again, his voice stern. "You may not care about these rumors, but we cannot afford to have the village's reputation tarnished. We suggest you reconsider the nature of your relationship with Haruno Sakura."

Kakashi leaned forward, he rested his chin in his folded hands. "You deemed an eight-year-old, old enough to be deployed in the war. But a 20-year-old war heroine and veteran is not old enough to be my... girlfriend. Talk about double standards."

Kakashi's words hung in the air, a subtle challenge in his tone. The elders exchanged uncomfortable glances, realizing that the Hokage was not going to back down easily.

The first elder, trying to regain control of the situation, spoke with a stern expression. "Hokage-sama, we are concerned about the perception of the village. It's not about double standards; it's about maintaining our reputation. We need you to consider the impact of your actions on Konoha's standing in the ninja world."

Kakashi remained composed, his eye unwavering. "I've spent my life protecting this village, and I won't let baseless rumors overshadow our accomplishments. If our strength is truly as fragile as you suggest, then maybe it's time for a reevaluation of the principles that guide our leadership."

The second elder, growing frustrated, retorted, "Your personal choices can have consequences for the entire village. This isn't just about you."

Kakashi leaned back, his gaze piercing through the elders. "And I've always considered the village's well-being in every decision I make. Sakura is a respected ninja, and her capabilities are evident to anyone willing to look beyond gossip. If other Kages, well aside for the Kazekage for he knows Sakura's capabilities having to witness and be on the receiving end of it multiple times, are so easily swayed by rumors, then perhaps they underestimate the strength of Konoha."

The room fell into a tense silence. The elders, realizing the difficulty of challenging Kakashi's resolve, seemed momentarily at a loss for words.

Kakashi broke the silence, his voice firm. "I won't compromise the trust I have in my ninja for the sake of appearances. If you have legitimate concerns about my leadership, bring them forward. Otherwise, I suggest we focus on the pressing matters that truly impact the village's well-being, and not on my personal albeit romantic life."

With that, Kakashi stood up and left the room, leaving the elders to ponder the implications of their confrontation. As he walked away, he couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and disappointment at the political challenges that sometimes overshadowed the true essence of being a ninja. The path of a leader was rarely straightforward, and he braced himself for whatever consequences might follow his defiance of the elders' expectations.