Chapter 33: That's My Teacher's Son
The door to the Hokage's office was violently pushed open as Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado stormed in with angry expressions.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing this, calmly gathered the documents on his desk without showing any reaction.
As the two advisors entered, they immediately became furious upon noticing Kuragami's presence.
"Kuragami Uchiha, why are only Itsuki Mitokado and Menjin Mitokado missing from this mission's return?"
Kuragami glanced at the two old geezers indifferently and said flatly: "Isn't it normal for ninjas to die during missions?"
"You were just taking personal revenge, weren't you?" Homura was more emotional than usual.
The fact that only the ninjas from the Mitokado clan had died, while the two weakest civilians survived unscathed made it hard to dismiss the suspicion that Kuragami had orchestrated this outcome. After all, they had done similar things before.
"My mission report clearly states that when we encountered Orochimaru, we were ambushed by large-scale ninjutsu. Those two didn't retreat in time and died because of it."
Kakashi spoke up at this moment. "As for personal revenge, that's complete nonsense. Our team got along well during the mission, and we all deeply regret their loss."
Kuragami Uchiha gave Kakashi a blank stare. Kakashi had improved at an astonishing speed, even mastering the art of politics and lying with a straight face.
"Kakashi, you..."
Koharu hadn't expected Kakashi to step in at this moment, momentarily leaving her speechless.
At that moment, Kuragami Uchiha spoke up. "The advisors are certainly well-informed. We've been back in the village for less than half an hour, and you two are already here."
He didn't finish his sentence, leaving the rest for Hiruzen Sarutobi to infer.
"Enough!"
Hiruzen slammed his hand on the desk. "Koharu, Homura, barging into the Hokage's office without permission, you're both out of line!"
"Hiruzen?"
Homura looked at him in disbelief.
"It seems that the Hokage still has other matters to attend to. In that case, I'll take my leave. However, I hope the Hokage will seriously consider my suggestion. If you have any concerns, the Konoha Military Police Force is fully capable of handling this matter."
Seeing that the situation had reached the right level, Kuragami Uchiha bowed and left.
Once Kuragami was gone, Hiruzen looked up at the two advisors. "Why are you still here? Leave."
"Hiruzen..."
Koharu wanted to say something, but Homura tugged at her sleeve. Realizing the situation, she could only leave reluctantly.
Now, only Kakashi remained in the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen lit his pipe and looked up. "Kakashi, do you have something else to say?"
Kakashi bowed respectfully and then solemnly said: "Hokage-sama, I want to resign from the Anbu."
Hiruzen frowned at this. "Why this sudden decision, Kakashi?"
Kakashi took a deep breath and lowered his head. "Lately, I just feel exhausted."
Silence fell between them. After a long pause, Hiruzen finally spoke. "And after that? What do you plan to do?"
"I suppose I'll just take on missions like a regular ninja."
Kakashi replied. "And also... make up for the people I've neglected all these years because I was drowning in grief."
"I see."
Hiruzen nodded. "So, you've finally moved past your pain?"
"Also, I would like to apply to take care of Naruto." Kakashi kept his voice as neutral as possible.
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened, and the room fell silent again.
After a long pause, Hiruzen spoke seriously. "Kakashi, you understand Naruto's identity, don't you?"
There was a hint of warning in his voice. Kakashi, wanting to get close to the Jinchūriki, was already treading on dangerous ground.
"I understand."
Kakashi lifted his head and met Hiruzen's gaze, his tone unwavering. "But he is also my teacher's son."
Kakashi's firm stance left Hiruzen momentarily speechless.
If anyone else had made this request, he would have outright refused. However, Kakashi's reasoning was undeniable; being the last surviving student of the Fourth Hokage, it was only natural for him to bear some responsibility for Minato Namikaze's orphaned child.
Moreover, if he outright rejected Kakashi, it might push him further away.
After finishing his smoke, Hiruzen let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. I originally planned for you to become Naruto's instructor after he graduated, but since you're bringing it up now, I will entrust Naruto to you."
"Thank you."
Hearing the third Hokage's approval, Kakashi finally felt a bit relieved and nodded.
"Kakashi, after leaving Anbu, I want you to serve in the Jonin Corps. The village still needs you." Hiruzen added.
"I will follow the Hokage's orders."
Kakashi responded.
… … ...
After returning home, Kuragami Uchiha found that his housekeeper, Keiko Uchiha, had already prepared hot bathwater for him.
After bathing, he sat in his room, lit incense, and began maintaining his sword.
Before long, Keiko knocked on the door. "Clan Head, Elder Fugaku, has come to visit."
"Let him in and prepare the tea set for me."
"Yes." Keiko left to carry out the order.
A few moments later, in the reception room of Kuragami's residence, Fugaku Uchiha and Kuragami sat facing each other while Kuragami carefully prepared the tea.
"Please, Elder Fugaku." Kuragami offered a cup of tea.
Fugaku, who had been well-trained in etiquette since childhood, didn't drink immediately. Unlike Kakashi's crude ways, Fugaku performed a full tea ceremony with flawless precision before setting his cup down and speaking. "I didn't expect you to have such a skill."
"You flatter me, Elder Fugaku. I just mess around with it when I have free time."
Kuragami said with a smile. "To visit at this late hour. Do you have something on your mind?"
"How did the mission go?" Fugaku asked.
"It went smoothly enough."
Kuragami replied. "We didn't manage to capture Orochimaru, but we did make some important discoveries. More importantly, all our clan members returned safely."
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If this fanfic reaches the top 50 in Power Ranking, I'll publish 8 chapters. (2 regular and 6 bonus)