Kakashi Masters All Elements, Rewrites the Ninja World for Rin!

That afternoon, Kakashi—application form neatly filled out—was led to the Hokage's office by Minato.

"Hokage-sama, I've brought Kakashi."

"Kakashi, show your respects to the Hokage," Minato said warmly after saluting.

"Hello, Hokage-sama," Kakashi bowed, respectful and composed—looking like the very image of a sensible, obedient youth.

"Haha, what a polite child," Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled kindly as he looked at him.

"Kakashi, I've been watching your progress since we last met. On the battlefield, your performance has been outstanding. Just like Sakumo—you've inherited the Will of Fire."

"If Sakumo could see you now, I'm sure he'd be proud."

The Third Hokage's eyes softened, momentarily drifting into nostalgia. Hatake Sakumo—such a capable, loyal shinobi... it was a shame what happened.

"Thank you for the praise, Hokage-sama. I will dedicate myself to the Hokage and the village just like my father—until my dying breath," Kakashi said with perfect earnestness.

Flawless delivery. Ten out of ten. Not even a twitch to betray the sarcasm running wild in his mind.

I will serve until death… unless paperwork kills me first.

The Third Hokage repeated his words aloud, visibly moved. "Yes… the Will of Fire. That's exactly it."

"Hahaha, good! You truly are Sakumo's son!" he said, eyes full of approval.

Whatever doubts Hiruzen once had about Kakashi's aloofness vanished. Clearly, the boy had only been traumatized by Sakumo's death—his cool demeanor was just a coping mechanism. Now, under Minato's guidance, he was finally opening up.

Hiruzen smiled wider.

"Very good. Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. That fire will keep the village alive, and new leaves will grow from its ashes. You are that new leaf, Kakashi. You must thrive."

"It's better for an old man like me to shoulder this burden until I fall."

Kakashi applauded softly, inwardly thinking, Bold of you to assume you'll fall anywhere near the battlefield.

As he recalled, in the original timeline, Sarutobi Hiruzen barely set foot on the frontlines once he became Hokage. Not that it was surprising—after all, Hokage had to manage the rear, not spearhead charges. But compared to the likes of the Third Raikage, who once held off ten thousand on his own?

Among the Five Kage:

Yagura died under genjutsu control.

Two Kazekage were assassinated by Sasori and Orochimaru.

And Sarutobi Hiruzen?

He stayed put on his throne.

A leader who ruled too long tended to get comfortable with manipulation over confrontation. That kind of long-term rule... dulled the blade.

Take the incident with Hinata—where the Cloud delegation used a peace treaty as a front to attempt a kidnapping. Instead of retribution, Hiruzen proposed surrendering a Hyūga to avoid war.

That "solution" cost Neji his father.

Still, Kakashi kept his criticisms to himself. Outwardly, he was all smiles.

"I will not disappoint you."

"Haha, good!" Hiruzen laughed. "Minato must have already informed you about the Jōnin promotion."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Then follow me. As per custom, young candidates must pass a combat test before official promotion. It also helps you gain the other Jōnin's recognition quickly—especially since most of your missions are classified."

With that, Hiruzen led them out of the office. Kakashi and Minato followed closely.

They arrived at Training Ground No. 1—a private field where Anbu operatives typically trained. It was rarely opened to the public.

Already waiting were Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane.

Minato gestured. "Kakashi, these are the Hokage's advisors, Homura-sama and Koharu-sama. And this is Lord Danzo, leader of Root."

Though Kakashi had already met the full roster of the Konoha Elders—aka the "F4 of Leaf"—he bowed respectfully.

Homura and Koharu nodded back with polite approval.

Danzo? Stone-faced as always.

The man simply couldn't stand Kakashi—not because of anything Kakashi did, but because Tsunade had personally refused to let him join Root. When Danzo tried to offer an invitation directly, Kakashi not only rejected it—he made it look effortless.

To Danzo, that was heresy.

"Enough with the introductions," Danzo cut in coldly. "Let's not waste time."

Hiruzen gave a resigned sigh at his old friend's attitude, then raised a hand.

From the edge of the field, a shinobi in full Anbu gear and a cat-face mask stepped forward.

"This man is one of Anbu's elite. If you can hold your ground against him for thirty minutes, you pass."

"He won't be holding back."

"I understand, Hokage-sama."

Kakashi's tone was steady.

The Hokage and the rest moved to the elevated observation platform. The remaining Anbu cleared the field, leaving just one person as referee.

"Begin," Hiruzen ordered.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"…Begin!"

The referee gave the signal and leapt back.

Kakashi and the masked Anbu raised one hand each, forming the seal of confrontation.

The instant the word dropped—

Kakashi vanished.

Time to show them why I graduated at five and still never get vacation days.

He launched the first strike.

You never wait when you don't know your opponent's tricks. First hit wins—or at least gets you a good read.

The battle had begun.

To be continued......