Chapter 39 The Future
In the instant when Hyuga Satoru saw the mark on his forehead disappear, he understood – the 'Cage Bird' that had plagued him for years had become a thing of the past.
However, many doubts still remained unresolved.
"Are you puzzled? Actually, there's no need for you to be grateful to me. It just happened that you became one of my experimental subjects," Shiroshi explained as he seemed to sense Satoru's perplexed and complex emotions.
"Why did you..."
"Unlock the Cage Bird?" Shiroshi finished Satoru's question with a response.
Satoru, upon hearing Shiroshi's counter-question, began to comprehend.
He wasn't completely ignorant of Shiroshi. As one of Konoha's top jonin and a member of the former Team Sakumo,whose reputation exceeded even that of the Sannin. Every move he made drew the attention of many within the village.
Even a prestigious clan like the Hyuga had to acknowledge the achievements of Sakumo Hatake, which meant that Shiroshi's deeds were also widely recognized.
After all, medical-nin didn't require high combat prowess; mastery of medical ninjutsu was sufficient. Compared to conventional ninjutsu, mastering medical ninjutsu was more challenging. It involved specialized knowledge and required continuous practice and experience accumulation. As a result, medical-nin developed at a much slower pace than regular ninjas.
"Is it for Ayane?" Satoru, who was already a prominent upper jonin of the village at the age of sixteen and a member of the former Team Sakumo, couldn't possibly be unaware.
After all, she was a prodigy from the branch family, not the main family.
"Let's not talk about that. What do you plan to do from now on?"
Shiroshi didn't seem particularly enthusiastic about discussing this matter; he shifted the conversation to inquire about Satoru's future plans.
Plans?
Satoru had slowly regained his calm after experiencing the joy and excitement of liberation from the Cage Bird. Now he fell into contemplation.
What would he do in the future?
"If you have nowhere else to go, how about working for me?"
"Do I have a choice?"
Satoru chuckled bitterly.
This boy, around the same age as Ayane, wasn't an ordinary individual.
He didn't know how Shiroshi had managed to unlock the Cage Bird, but he understood the level of difficulty involved.
"It seems not. Because if you were to return to the Hyuga clan now, you would undoubtedly be subjected to severe interrogation, followed by execution. With the removal of the Cage Bird, your existence is an extremely unstable bomb for the Hyuga main family. It could even implicate your parents, your wife, and your children."
Satoru didn't need Shiroshi's reminder to be acutely aware of this.
After the Cage Bird was unlocked, the Hyuga clan would inevitably be torn apart. The long-standing rule of the main branch would be undermined because many in the branch families wouldn't want to bear the unsightly mark on their foreheads.
Resentment, hostility, infighting.
At that point, Konoha's higher-ups would intervene.
They would decide how to handle the Hyuga clan's affairs, something Satoru couldn't predict.
Would they support the main branch or the branch families, or find a balance between the two? This could potentially create a new Hyuga clan governed by the branch families, separate from the main branch.
All these possibilities existed.
As for seeking refuge in other ninja villages or wandering within the ninja world, setting aside the question of whether he could survive safely, what about his wife, parents, and children? Should they remain in the Hyuga clan?
Even if he managed to take them away, the problem of leaving the Hyuga clan was challenging.
And if by some chance he escaped the Hyuga clan, how would he leave Konoha and the Land of Fire? Konoha ninja and the ANBU would surely obstruct him at every step.
It was a dead end.
"If I agree to become your subordinate, can you save my family?"
Satoru looked at Shiroshi with hopeful eyes.
Shiroshi gave him an affirmative answer, smiling as he said, "Of course. Because your family is in my hands, I can ensure your loyalty without placing a curse on you and have you serve me willingly."
Upon hearing Shiroshi's words, Satoru couldn't decide whether to feel relieved or bitter.
Well, at least this is much better than before.
But then again, does true freedom even exist for those who live in this world?
"I'll arrange for you to go to the Land of Demons. There, I've established an organization. You'll serve as a security personnel at the organization's headquarters. However, you won't be allowed to appear in the public eye for the time being," Shiroshi made a brief decision regarding Satoru's future.
With his upper jonin-level strength and the newly acquired Byakugan without any blind spots, serving as security personnel at the organization's headquarters was a suitable role. It would provide the organization with reinforcement in terms of high-end combat power.
"Understood. And my family..."
"No need to worry. I don't plan on leaving Konoha for the time being. But it'll happen soon, so you won't have to wait for too long."
"I understand."
Satoru could only resign himself to this fate.
"Oh, by the way, there must be quite a few branch family ninja within the Hyuga clan who are hostile to the main branch. Make a list of these individuals; it will be useful to me."
Hearing this, Satoru looked deeply at Shiroshi.
He didn't need to ask; he already knew Shiroshi's next move.
Shiroshi intended to eradicate all the branch family ninja who harbored animosity towards the main branch of the Hyuga clan.
…
Within the Hyuga clan, as Ayane returned from outside, she was intercepted by her colleague, Hyuga Doken.
Doken's brows were furrowed as he tried to maintain a composed tone. "Ayane, where did you go?"
"Why? Is Senior Doken so interested in my whereabouts?" Ayane didn't answer directly. Instead, she raised her head to look at him, offering a warm smile that didn't show any dissatisfaction with Doken's stiff attitude.
Rather, she aimed for perfection in her mannerisms and etiquette.
"After all, like me, you are guarding Lord Hiashi. It's best to avoid straying from our duties," Doken said, trying to sound as stable as possible.
"But I already asked Lord Hiashi for permission and he agreed."
"The problem isn't there."
"Wasn't this permission granted by the future clan head? Isn't that a priority within the clan?" Ayane countered with a smile.
Doken was rendered speechless.
"Doken-senpai, you need to understand that in the future, Lord Hiashi will be in charge of the Hyuga clan, not the elders. To be honest, they should retire and enjoy their twilight years. After all, they've worked hard for the clan for a lifetime; it's time for them to relax."
Ayane approached Doken, stopping beside him. After delivering her words, she added, "I seem to have caught a slight cold recently. Is it alright if I go out to buy some cold medicine? This is also to better protect Lord Hiashi."
She took out the cold medicine she had bought.
Doken lowered his head slightly and apologized, "I'm sorry, I've overstepped."
"No, Doken-senpai, you, who are devoted to your duty, have always been the benchmark I strive to surpass. Please don't take my words to heart; you're a qualified Hyuga upper jonin."
Despite Ayane's praise, Doken sensed an underlying meaning in her words. Yet, he couldn't quite grasp what she was trying to convey. He knew Ayane's personality didn't quite align with the rest of the Hyuga clan. Why did Lord Hiashi treat her so specially?
He was aware that Ayane had been by Lord Hiashi's side longer than him, but their relationship wasn't ambiguous in any way; it remained strictly professional between a superior and subordinate.
He couldn't make sense of it.
As the sun began to set, evening arrived.
Ayane finished her work on time.
Being a guard for Lord Hiashi was rather dull work. There were hardly any assassination attempts within the Hyuga clan, and it was more about enhancing the reputation of the future clan head, Hiashi.
They were more like tools or weapons, fitting those categories more accurately.
Doken stayed behind as he had the night shift today.
Shortly after Ayane left, he approached Lord Hiashi and offered a suggestion, "Lord Hiashi, forgive my frankness, but you're being too lenient with Ayane."
"Is this the opinion of the elders?" Lord Hiashi asked with an unchanged expression.
"Not exactly. It's just my personal opinion that Ayane... is quite dangerous."
Doken was genuinely concerned for Lord Hiashi.
As the future clan head of the Hyuga, he felt obligated to ensure the safety of his master as a member of the branch family.
"You're overthinking things. Even if something unexpected happens, don't you still have her?"
Lord Hiashi responded in such a manner.
Doken could only sigh.
No matter how much he tried to advise, he couldn't change the situation.
Regardless of the circumstances, the clan head had his own considerations, and that was a good thing.
Doken agreed with what Lord Hiashi had said.
Perhaps he had been too cautious. In terms of power, Doken was confident that he could easily suppress Ayane, who had only recently become an upper jonin. If she revealed any suspicious behavior, he could always impose restrictions.
In this way, Lord Hiashi would have no complaints. That was what Doken thought to himself.
…
"Oh, you're back, Ayane. How was work today?"
Her mother had already prepared dinner, accurately timing it for Ayane's return.
"It was fine, just like any other day."
Ayane replied with a smile.
She went to the kitchen to wash her hands, then sat down with her mother to eat.
"Lord Hiashi is an exceptional person. You must ensure his safety, as he's the hope of our Hyuga clan."
Ayane simply nodded and smiled in response to her mother's earnest words.
After all, the hope of the clan… it was the same for every generation's leader.
But perhaps this hope was too much.
However, Ayane didn't expect her mother to provide any meaningful advice.
Most likely, she had already forgotten what the feeling of "freedom" was like before the Caged Bird Seal was placed on her.
But Ayane wouldn't forget.
And as time passed, this yearning grew deeper, becoming something she couldn't escape from.
After dinner, Ayane took the initiative to do household chores, helping to wash the dishes and utensils. Whether she was a guardian or a daughter of a mother, in the eyes of outsiders, she was impeccable.
After finishing the chores, Ayane returned to her room alone.
The room had only a mat, a lamp, an alarm clock, and nothing else by way of furniture.
Enough emptiness allowed her to feel a trace of freedom.
She sat cross-legged on the floor and took out the cold medicine she had 'bought' that afternoon.
It was the medicine given to her by Shiroshi.
It looked like ordinary cold medicine, but its effects were entirely different.
This was a drug developed to suppress the activation of the Caged Bird Seal, the curse mark placed on her.
There were twelve blue capsules in total.
Each capsule could suppress the Caged Bird Seal for four hours.
They provided a total of forty-eight hours of freedom from the curse.
Inside the medicine box, there was also an instruction manual, detailing the usage of ordinary cold medicine.
Ayane formed hand seals with her hands and used chakra to unlock the true contents of the manual. Finally, she touched the paper with her fingertip, inputting natural energy.
The text on the instruction manual started to change and rearrange itself.
"A temporary anti-Caged Bird Seal technique?"
This described a technique to temporarily limit the effects of the Caged Bird Seal.
One could implant this technique into their brain's nerves. When the Caged Bird Seal was activated, this technique would trigger, forming a protective layer within the brain's nerves. This greatly reduced the pain and destructive force caused by the Caged Bird Seal's activation.
"As attentive as ever, Shiroshi-kun."
Ayane smiled faintly.
Considering the possibility of unexpected situations, it was likely that she could be restricted by the Caged Bird Seal's effects before she had a chance to take the blue capsules. In such pain, she might die.
However, this technique, implanted within the brain's nerves, couldn't resolve the Caged Bird Seal at its root, but it could significantly weaken its power.
At that time, if she consumed the blue capsules, she could remain unaffected by the Caged Bird Seal for forty-eight hours.
During that time, she could find Shiroshi to remove the seal.
For them, finding a way to evacuate from Konoha safely wasn't difficult; they had practiced it in secret many times.
But Ayane felt that such an unexpected situation was unlikely to occur.
The main branch members had no reason to target a loyal and devoted member of the branch family.
Using this kind of measure was merely a precaution.
"Do I still need to wait? I really wish it would come soon, the Third Great Ninja War..."
Ayane, who initially had no interest in war, found herself eagerly anticipating the war's arrival.
She hoped that the Third Hokage wouldn't disappoint them.
Let's drag Konoha into the quagmire of war.
…
Hikowa Hyuga's disappearance.
Two accompanying branch family guards disappeared.
To the Hyuga clan, this was absolutely not something that could be overlooked.
This incident eventually aroused suspicions among the Hyuga main branch elders.
Unfortunately, no matter how they investigated or searched for surviving witnesses from the cruise ship that day, they only received one answer —
Allegedly, three members of the Hyuga clan, traveling on a cruise ship from the Land of Rain to the Fire Country's port, were attacked by a ninja using Water Release during the journey.
Their current whereabouts were unknown, and there was no news at all.
Whether they were alive or dead was uncertain.
This was the worst scenario.
The deaths of those two branch family guards weren't particularly important, just like what happened with Hyauga Satoru earlier. Even if they disappeared, the enemy couldn't obtain the Byakugan.
There was only one way to lift the Caged Bird Seal — death.
However, after death, the Caged Bird Seal would damage the branch family ninja's brain nerves and eyes, preventing the enemy from gaining anything useful.
Their disappearance was at most regrettable, and the situation didn't seem beyond recovery.
However, the disappearance of main branch ninjas was a different matter.
Hikowa Hyuga was from the main branch and had a seal technique implanted in his brain nerves. Unlike the extreme security of the Caged Bird Seal, it could be broken.
If the enemy obtained the Byakugan from Hikowa, it wouldn't be good news for both the Hyuga clan and the entire Konoha.
The strategic importance of the Byakugan was simply too enormous.
This matter also came to the attention of Konoha's higher-ups.
Within a few days, they had held more than a dozen meetings continuously to address this issue.
Hikowa Hyuga's disappearance occurred on the open sea between the Land of Rain and the Fire Country. According to many witnesses, they had engaged in a battle with a ninja using Water Release before disappearing.
"This might be a scheme by Kirigakure. We have to be vigilant."
Danzo, the leader of Root, and an embodiment of Konoha's dark side, naturally speculated about others with the most malicious intent.
If he were in the high ranks of Kirigakure and discovered traces of the Hyuga main branch ninja in a neighboring country like the Land of Rain, he would undoubtedly do whatever it took to capture this main branch ninja, to obtain the precious bloodline limit for research.
"The witnesses on the cruise ship mentioned that the ninja using Water Release wasn't dressed in the attire of Kirigakure. While we can't confirm their identity, the possibility of disguising themselves as Kirigakure ninjas is high."
This village, which was basically isolated from the rest of the continent and was one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, was the embodiment of the Water Country's military strength.
At any time, their power should not be underestimated.
Ever since the First Great Ninja War and the conflict between Kirigakure and Iwagakure, Kirigakure had been quietly amassing strength over the years. Similar to Kumogakure in the Second Great Ninja War, they hadn't taken any significant actions.
They had been secretly building up power, cultivating exceptional shinobi.
Like the other shinobi villages, they held animosity towards Konoha.
"Even before the Hyuga main branch elders approached me, I dispatched ANBU Black Ops and engaged in negotiations with Kirigakure's high-ranking officials."
Hiruzen spoke up at this point.
"How is Kirigakure planning to explain this?"
"They claimed to be unaware of this and confirmed that no Kirigakure ninja were on a mission in the open sea between the Land of Rain and the Fire Country. They offered their condolences for this incident."
"False sympathy. They targeted the Hyuga main branch ninja once, and they'll pose a threat to the Fire Country and Konoha the next time. Hiruzen, give Kirigakure a taste of our countermove."
Danzo said assertively.
"The last Great Ninja War resulted in considerable losses for Konoha. We shouldn't engage in large-scale conflict now."
Despite the funding provided by the Daimyo of the Fire Country, Konoha's strength was rapidly recovering in recent years. Combined with the influx of young and talented ninja, Konoha's strength at this moment could be said to surpass even that of the Second Great Ninja War.
However, the true extent of Kirigakure's power remained unknown. Since the First Great Ninja War, Kirigakure hadn't appeared on the stage of the Great Ninja Wars. Yet, this didn't imply that the village's strength had weakened.
"Hiruzen's right. We lack conclusive evidence. Everything relies on speculation. Even if we're morally right, we could easily ignite a war."
Konoha had always valued its reputation. Thanks to this good reputation and the excellent quality of its shinobi, many prominent merchants were willing to establish cooperative relations with Konoha, hiring Konoha's ninja for missions.
If they clashed with Kirigakure due to baseless reasons, they might end up in an embarrassing, isolated situation, with Kirigakure turning the tables on them.
"We can consider reasons afterward. You all understand the significance of the Byakugan without me needing to say. We cannot allow it to fall into enemy hands. Otherwise, in the near future, they will use the Byakugan against us. We must prevent this from happening."
Danzo spoke with unwavering determination, considering the village's future.
"I'll think about it some more."
Hiruzen frowned. Danzo's words made sense; this kind of situation might very well occur.
In past wars, the Hyuga's Byakugan had given headaches to other shinobi villages.
If the enemy used the same methods against them, they would be the ones facing headaches.
However, if they suddenly clashed with Kirigakure... Konoha might end up in an awkward situation of isolation.
Hearing Hiruzen's response, Danzo and the two advisors understood that this matter would be brushed aside like muddy water.
Nevertheless, it was a relatively reasonable approach to handle the situation.
Lack of evidence and uncertainty about the perpetrator; what if this is intentionally orchestrated by someone to sour relations between Konoha and Kirigakure, setting up a trap...
That possibility also needs to be considered.
Compared to Danzo's suggestion, the two advisors were more inclined towards Jiraiya's approach.
The village had mobilized such a substantial manpower to search for the missing main branch ninja, but without evidence or knowing the identity of the enemy, they could only go this far if there wasn't decisive proof.
Even the Hyuga main branch elders and the clan head had nothing to say.
It wasn't that they didn't want to stand up for the Hyuga main branch; it was a prerequisite to have ample evidence and to determine the identity of the enemy who kidnapped Hikowa Hyuga before they could take a stand.
…
"Has the Hokage given up on this?"
In the Hyuga clan's meeting room, the current clan head and all the elders had gathered.
They were well aware of what Hikowa Hyuga's disappearance meant for the Hyuga clan.
The loss of the Byakugan was a heavy blow.
"The ANBU Black Ops couldn't find any information. The results are the same as those of the branch family members we sent to investigate. The identity of the enemy remains a question mark, and there's a lack of substantial evidence, so we can only go this far."
A more rational elder spoke.
"Even the previous case of Hyauga Satoru's sudden disappearance and now Hikowa's case, along with the two branch members... it all seems a bit suspicious."
Another elder leaned on their hand, wearing a contemplative expression.
"Is there any connection between the two disappearances?"
"In terms of timing, they're just days apart. It does seem suspicious from all angles."
"That's true, but if we can't determine the enemy's identity, we can only go this far."
Although the elders harbored deep hatred for the enemy who targeted the Hyuga clan, they couldn't find a trace to blame or vent their frustration on.
They couldn't point fingers at the Hokage and other high-ranking officials for this situation.
"I heard Elder Danzo wants to take a stand for our Hyuga clan..."
Hiashi's father, the current clan head of the Hyuga clan, frowned upon hearing this from an elder and asked:
"Who told you that?"
"People outside are spreading this."
The elder lowered their head and replied.
"Stay away from the Root members in the future. Also, let them handle the matters among the high-ranking officials themselves. Our Hyuga clan doesn't need to get involved in such matters."
The Hyuga clan head swept his gaze across the elders, his tone serious.
That old man Danzo, he's spreading such rumors.
Is it for the next Hokage position?
The Third Hokage was almost fifty years old, and it was indeed nearing the time to select the next Hokage candidate.
It hadn't been easy for the Hyuga clan to come this far. They didn't need to get embroiled in political struggles; staying out of such matters was sufficient.
Because no matter which generation Hokage, none of them would forsake the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan.
As long as there were shinobi and a market for war, the Hyuga clan would be staunchly protected by Konoha.
The premise was to avoid getting involved in anything sensitive.
Especially the struggle for the Hokage position.
"If someone gets involved in the power struggle among the high-ranking officials, don't blame me for being heartless. Don't follow the Uchiha clan's bad habits."
"Yes!"
Two or three elders lowered their heads guiltily, while the others loudly acknowledged.
"Continue investigating the matter of Hikowa's disappearance. Regardless of the outcome, we need to give our clan members an explanation. Hiashi, I'm entrusting this matter to you. Just like before, I won't interfere; handle it as you see fit."
The Hyuga clan head turned his gaze to his eldest son, Hiashi Hyuga, the heir to the future leadership of the Hyuga clan, and spoke with a softened tone.
Over the years, he hadn't overly interfered in Hiashi's affairs. What he wanted was a capable clan head, not a puppet in his hands.
He would eventually grow old, and the future of the Hyuga clan would rely on these young individuals to uphold it.
In any case, a capable clan head needed to make their own judgments based on the situation, not just talk on paper.
Seeing this, the elders also understood that the day when Hikowa would succeed as the clan head of the Hyuga clan was not far off.
"Yes, father, I will handle this matter properly."
Hiashi nodded solemnly. He also understood that prolonging this matter wasn't advantageous for the clan; they had to resolve it as quickly as possible.
…
Glancing at the intelligence passed to him by Ayane, Shiroshi was conducting research on senjutsu.
"It seems they're not planning to pursue the matter of Hikowa Hyuga's disappearance any further. Well, that saves me quite a bit of effort."
Even if they pursued it, the time and manpower required would be a substantial figure.
Moreover, there was no evidence left at the scene.
The ninja using Water Release had conveniently become the primary suspects in place of Shiroshi, with both Konoha and the Hyuga clan's suspicions falling on them.
Although he was curious about the identity of these Water Release users, Shiroshi wasn't planning to dig deeper.
It wasn't worth his attention. He only needed to unlock the Caged Bird Seal; their identities were of no use to him.
Whether they were from Kirigakure or other shinobi villages, there was no need to concern himself with them.
Burning the intelligence Ayane had delivered in a spirit lamp, Shiroshi refocused his attention on studying senjutsu.
…
Year 41 of Konoha, April.
It had been almost a year since Team Sakumo had disbanded.
Shiroshi's age had increased by another year.
There wasn't much to say about organizational matters; it was progressing steadily. Because they were in the stage of initial accumulation, everything was done cautiously.
The locations of their operations were also limited to smaller countries, avoiding involvement with the Five Great Nations' territories.
With Shiroshi as the leader, the members of the organization were well-versed in the art of concealment, and their skills in remaining hidden were exceptional, a credit to his guidance.
Having resolved the Caged Bird Seal issue and gathered experienced shinobi like Rui, it had greatly aided the organization.
Although he couldn't appear in public, guarding the organization's headquarters was a critical task.
After all, Shiroshi was concerned about those peculiar white creatures; their abilities were strikingly similar to those of General Tsuchi. They could move swiftly within objects and couldn't be detected by standard sensory ninjutsu.
With the assistance of the Byakugan, this issue could be avoided.
Even in stealth, when blending with the earth, one was still using their body to move. The Byakugan, a bloodline limit capable of seeing the essence, surpassed sensory ninjutsu in terms of observational prowess.
Shiroshi also thoroughly compared the list of Hyuga branch members provided by Satoru Hyuga and the one provided by Ayane.
He found that within the Hyuga branch, the proportion of dissatisfied ninjas who were against the main branch was different from what he had expected.
Some had completely aligned themselves with the main branch, while others were in a wait-and-see attitude. Their determination was weak, but most of the time, they leaned towards the main branch's decisions.
The rest were branch members who were discontent with the main branch or harbored strong animosity. Such branch members were not few, yet not numerous.
Shiroshi wasn't planning to contact these people right now.
The more people involved, the higher the risk of exposure. He didn't want to attract Konoha's attention right now.
Though the possibility was low, it had to be eliminated.
After all, Konoha wasn't short on anything; perhaps they might even discover some useful individuals.
Progress in senjutsu research was also relatively good. After compiling the data, the probability of success had increased a few percentage points over these past months of effort.
During other times, Shiroshi continued to live as a qualified Konoha shinobi, conducting research at home and serving as a teaching assistant at the academy.
As a Konoha shinobi, he was deeply rooted in the village.
He just visited the guard duty unit where Rui worked for meetings more frequently.
Of course, they were purely platonic meetings.
…
Around mid-April, Shiroshi walked briskly along the streets of Konoha.
It was evident that he was in a good mood.
Not just because it was a Saturday, meaning he didn't have to be a teaching assistant at the academy and had free time.
"Yo, Kakashi, it's been a while."
Shiroshi spotted a familiar figure on the street.
A boy with silvery-white hair.
He wore a mask on his face and carried a white fang short sword identical to the one used by Sakumo on his back.
This kid still idolized his father so much.
"Isn't this the Genin Shiroshi-senpai? What brings you here?"
Kakashi turned around and replied in an indifferent tone, without much fluctuation in his expression.
"Since when did you start talking like Rui?"
Shiroshi placed his hand on Kakashi's head, messing up his silvery-white hair quite roughly before stopping.
"What was that for?"
"Revenge for your earlier comment. You're quite annoying, just like Teacher Sakumo."
Shiroshi admitted straightforwardly.
"So, what do you want from me? I can't believe this is a mere coincidence."
Kakashi, acting older than his age, spoke in an adult-like tone, holding a recently popular book in his hand. He had been walking and reading it with relish.
He put the book in his ninja pouch and fixed his hair, which had been messed up by Shiroshi.
"How's life as a Genin?"
Without explaining his purpose, Shiroshi shifted to asking about Kakashi's feelings since becoming a Genin.
"What can it be? The missions are quite simple, and there's practically nothing to worry about."
Kakashi thought for a moment before expressing his thoughts candidly.
"You're not being modest at all."
Shiroshi patted Kakashi's shoulder.
"The senpai should also explain his purpose."
"Is Sakumo-sensei home?"
"No, he's gone on a mission. It should be a few more days before he returns."
"That's a shame."
Shiroshi sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"Today's a joyous day for me."
Kakashi looked at Shiroshi with some confusion.
"Are you getting married? Is it Rui-senpai or Ayane-senpai?"
"..."
"Isn't it?"
"Of course not! Why would you even think in that direction?"
"The way you phrased it was misleading."
Kakashi said with a helpless tone.
Shiroshi had no choice but to take out a piece of paper from his ninja pouch. It was an appointment letter personally signed by the Hokage.
"See, starting from today, I'm also a Chunin in the village."
Looking at Shiroshi's somewhat satisfied expression, Kakashi also realized what he was so happy about.
Should this be a reason to be happy?
Isn't it something to be pitied?
He refrained from saying the hurtful words that would have come from his mouth, such as "Your teammate has already become a Jounin."
"Starting today, I'm your superior."
Shiroshi stated.
Kakashi sighed helplessly and also took out a similar appointment letter from his ninja pouch.
"Sorry, senpai, I don't want to dampen your spirits, but as of this morning, I'm a Chunin too."
"..."
Shiroshi's smile froze on his face.
Then he realized something and looked at Kakashi in utter astonishment.
"Wait a minute, Kakashi, you're only six years old this year, right? And you've become a Chunin?"
There must be something wrong here.
He's just six.
When he was six, Shiroshi had just entered the Ninja Academy.
Although Kakashi enrolled at four, which was considered early education, graduating from the academy within a year at the age of five was unprecedented in Konoha's history.
And now, another year later, he's become a Chunin?
Shiroshi knew Kakashi's strength surpassed his peers, but becoming a Chunin wasn't just about strength. It was also about being a team leader.
Adequate psychological resilience and excellent leadership skills were crucial.
"It's signed by the Hokage himself. If Senpai doubts its authenticity, I have nothing to say."
"Sigh, I was going to show off a bit."
Thinking that he became a Chunin at seventeen, while Kakashi achieved it at the age of six.
He was feeling a bit pitiful for himself.
"Truly a child of Sakumo-sensei. Looks like I can't treat you as a kid anymore."
Shiroshi laughed with emotion.
Upon hearing Shiroshi's praise, Kakashi was also pleased, especially as he hadn't disappointed his father's reputation.
"So, senpai, why did you call me?"
"To celebrate my becoming a Chunin, but now we should also celebrate your promotion."
"..."
Just as expected.
But really, what's there to celebrate about becoming a Chunin?
However, considering that he's one of his father's former subordinates, and they can usually have a chat when they meet, their relationship is quite good. Kakashi nodded in agreement.
Following Shiroshi to a familiar barbecue restaurant.
Rui and Tsunade were sitting there, waiting. Sitting beside Tsunade was a cute girl with short black hair, a little older than Kakashi.
"Is Ayane-senpai not here?"
Kakashi didn't see Ayane around and couldn't help but wonder.
"She couldn't make it today, but as long as the gift arrives, it's fine."
"That's a pity. Can't see an incredibly exciting fight."
Kakashi remarked.
Shiroshi put on a strained smile, realizing that he regretted bringing this kid along.
Just like when he was a child, not cute at all.
"Hello, Jounin Tsunade."
Kakashi paid his respects to Tsunade before taking a seat.
"We were waiting for you guys. But hasn't Sakumo arrived?"
Tsunade didn't see Sakumo and asked.
"He's currently on a mission," Kakashi replied.
As he spoke, he looked at the girl sitting next to Tsunade.
"And who might this be?"
"This is Shizune, you could say she's my relative."
Tsunade introduced her with a smile.
Since today was Shiroshi's promotion to Chunin celebration, it was a bit untimely to bring friends and family along. But she was worried about Shizune being home alone, so she brought her here to share a meal.
Kakashi nodded at the girl named Seimei, who smiled and nodded in return.
"Speaking of which, today isn't just my promotion to Chunin; it's also Kakashi's."
Shiroshi smiled as he sat down.
Everyone turned to look at Kakashi with great surprise, especially Shizune. She had just graduated from the academy and this boy who appeared a few years younger than her had already become a Chunin.
"Really loquacious, aren't you?"
Kakashi, who never wanted to draw attention, saw everyone's gazes on him and had no choice but to act nonchalant and look elsewhere.
Fortunately, everyone knew Kakashi was a genius. With his father being Sakumo, a prominent figure in Konoha, becoming a Chunin at six was indeed extraordinary. Since it was approved by the Hokage, it meant Kakashi was a qualified Chunin without any underhanded dealings.
"Young people nowadays are becoming scarier."
Tsunade glanced at Rui, who was sitting beside Shiroshi, feeling quite pressured.
Then she looked at Kakashi. Despite his youthful appearance, he carried the same charisma as his father, Sakumo the White Fang, even surpassing his father's youth...
Truly a gathering of talented individuals. Tsunade was delighted about the village's future prosperity, but when she thought about her current situation, her mood dipped.
"Is something wrong, Tsunade-sensei?"
Seeing Tsunade's downcast expression, Shiroshi was a bit puzzled.
"Ah, it's nothing, just feeling a bit emotional."
Realizing her slip, Tsunade quickly adjusted her mood.
"Suddenly, celebrating you becoming a Chunin feels a bit embarrassing. Kakashi becoming a Chunin at six is quite the spectacle."
Rui commented.
"But Rui, when you were six, weren't you also a student at the academy like me?"
Shiroshi interjected.
Then Shiroshi's face turned pale.
"Senpai, are you okay?"
Seeing Shiroshi's pale complexion, Kakashi expressed concern.
"It's adults' business; kids shouldn't meddle."
Shiroshi knew Kakashi intentionally asked that question.
This little devil is truly infuriating.
When he leaves Konoha, he'll show him a thing or two.
…
Two days had passed since Shiroshi became a Chunin. Apart from those close to him, very few people paid attention to this matter. Instead, it was Kakashi who gained attention for becoming a Chunin at the tender age of six. He was gradually becoming known among the villagers, and many saw it as a case of "like father, like son." Consequently, Kakashi was often referred to as someone else's child by many parents.
Afterward, Shiroshi abandoned the idea of competing with Kakashi. He realized that he couldn't possibly match Kakashi's rate of advancement in the ninja ranks without revealing his true strength. Though he was reluctant to admit it, Kakashi was indeed one of the most remarkably talented ninjas he had ever encountered. After all, he was an adult and couldn't stoop to a child's level.
Days passed uneventfully for a few more days. Then, an incident occurred while Shiroshi was on his way to the security division.
"Have you heard? It seems a mission failed..."
"Yeah, that ninja with his reputation actually gave up on a mission. Unbelievable..."
"It turns out he's just mediocre..."
"People like him don't deserve to be ninjas..."
Among the conversing crowd were both civilians and ninjas, huddled together and speaking cautiously.
Shiroshi merely glanced at them and paid no further attention.
However, not long after taking a few steps, he noticed a group of Konoha's Anbu operatives hurrying over from a different street.
Seeing the arrival of the Anbu, the people quickly halted their conversations and looked nervously at the approaching Anbu operatives.
All of the Anbu operatives were mobilized? Shiroshi, who hadn't thought the situation was serious, now sensed that something was amiss.
Ordinary rumors wouldn't prompt the Anbu to take action; it had to be something of major significance.
With that thought in mind, he felt a sense of unease and quickly headed toward the Anbu headquarters.
As he arrived, he saw a crowd of villagers and ninjas gathered in the lobby of the Anbu headquarters. Rui stood there, her expression icy, making the gathered individuals fall silent.
Even the Uchiha ninja from Rui's team looked stern.
Seeing Shiroshi approaching, Rui instructed her team to keep an eye on the group and then walked to a corner with Shiroshi.
"What's going on? There are suddenly all these inexplicable rumors spreading around the streets, and the security division has apprehended so many people. What's happening in the village?"
Shiroshi asked, bewildered.
"Don't you know?"
"I've been in the lab these past two days and only came out today. What's the matter?"
Shiroshi looked at Rui, hoping she could explain.
Taking a deep breath, Rui spoke with an unusual tone of helplessness and frustration, "It seems Sakumo-sensei is in trouble."
"What happened?"
Shiroshi's brow furrowed.
Sakumo in trouble?
Then, he recalled some rumors he had heard earlier on the street, and a sense of foreboding welled up inside him.
"We don't know where the rumors originated, but starting this morning, they spread rapidly throughout the village. The source can't be traced anymore."
For the first time, Rui found herself at a loss dealing with such a situation.
"What's the reason?"
"Sakumo-sensei's mission failed this time. Apparently, he abandoned the mission to save his comrades."
Shiroshi was taken aback.
Just for that?
While it was a bit unusual for Sakumo to interrupt a mission due to his exceptional strength, it was hard to believe that such a trivial matter could trigger rumors that spread throughout the entire village.
"What about the higher-ups? Haven't they provided an explanation?"
With such a significant incident, the higher-ups couldn't possibly remain unaware.
The Anbu operatives had been dispatched in large numbers; the higher-ups must be informed.
"We're not sure. There haven't been any orders from the higher-ups. We're just following the protocol of the security division and controlling those who severely disrupt public order."
"But that's just treating the symptoms, not the root cause."
"Yeah, if the higher-ups were willing to explain what mission Sakumo-sensei was on, why he interrupted it, and what the village lost due to it, the situation might take a turn. But now, the higher-ups haven't communicated anything, leaving it all up to the villagers' imagination."
Shiroshi's expression soured.
Left to their imagination?
While he was unwilling to harbor the worst suspicions about others, allowing these rumors to spread uncontrolled meant that the true source of the situation would be overlooked, ultimately becoming a weapon for those who spread the rumors.
That would be a truly dire situation.
"Regardless, let's go and talk to Sakumo-sensei. He's not the kind of person to be easily swayed."
After pondering for a moment, Shiroshi decided to go see Sakumo and try to understand the situation's details and possible solutions.
"Alright, I'll go with you."
Rui nodded, planning to accompany Shiroshi to meet Sakumo.
Since the higher-ups seemed indifferent, it appeared that they needed to find a solution themselves.
(Chapter End)