Kakashi's Psychological Treatment

Given Uchiha Sōgetsu's insistence, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't try to dissuade him further.

"Fine, since you insist, there's not much I can say."

He relit his pipe, took a couple of puffs, and then slowly said, "Next, about the second matter. For this year's Chunin Exam, I plan to have you serve as a proctor."

"Huh?"

Uchiha Sōgetsu was stunned, unable to quite follow the man's train of thought.

Generally, the proctors for the Chunin Exam were directly appointed by the Hokage.

Just like in the original story, the proctors for Naruto's generation's Chunin Exam—Gekko Hayate, Izumo Kamizuki, Kotetsu Hagane, and others—were basically all related to the Hokage's faction to some extent.

The advantage of this approach was twofold: it promoted the Hokage's prestige and made it easier to nurture the Hokage's direct disciples.

Even if they weren't direct disciples, opportunities to gain prestige like this were rarely offered to the Uchiha.

What was Hiruzen Sarutobi planning? Uchiha Sōgetsu asked calmly, "Lord Hokage, I'm in the Anbu. Doesn't that go against protocol?"

"It's fine, you don't need to overthink it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi saw through his concerns at a glance and waved his hand with a smile, saying, "Having you proctor the Chunin Exam is both a sign of trust and a test for you."

"A test?"

Uchiha Sōgetsu blinked.

"Heh, in any case, this will be beneficial for you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a profound smile and gestured for him to stop asking questions. "It's decided. You will be one of the chief examiners. Shikaku Nara will tell you the rest."

"Alright, I understand, Lord Hokage."

Uchiha Sōgetsu nodded, accepting the role.

Serving as a chief examiner for this Chunin Exam wasn't necessarily a bad thing for him. Perhaps he could gain unexpected benefits during the exam?

Clutching the Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tag Technique he had just obtained, Uchiha Sōgetsu put it away and decided to pay a visit to the Hatake residence on his way.

The Hatake residence, usually bustling with visitors, was now deserted and quiet.

Ever since White Fang failed his mission and committed suicide, his only surviving son, Kakashi, had locked himself in his room, refusing to see anyone or communicate, as if in a deep depression.

Looking at the desolate courtyard, Uchiha Sōgetsu knew that knocking on the door wouldn't work; he'd have to use a more special method.

With a light leap, he jumped over the high wall nearby.

As soon as he landed, he saw a short, thin figure appear on the veranda of the courtyard. The face, partially obscured by a black mask, still hinted at handsome features. His silver hair reflected a faint light under the sun. However, the boy, who should have been full of youthful energy, now exuded a sense of loneliness and premature weariness.

"Uchiha Sōgetsu, what are you doing here?"

Kakashi recognized him immediately. His hoarse voice sounded as if it were mixed with sand, making it hard to believe this was a six or seven-year-old child.

"Someone asked me to check on you."

Uchiha Sōgetsu replied truthfully, "From the looks of it, you haven't eaten in a long time, have you?"

"It's none of your business." Kakashi clearly didn't appreciate the visit, his tone cold and harsh. "You're not welcome here. Leave now."

"Are you still sad about your father's death?"

Uchiha Sōgetsu looked directly into the boy's eyes, quietly observing his inner state.

Hmm, he was enveloped in a spectrum of emotions dominated by sadness, lost in the pain of losing a loved one, unable to extricate himself from his grief.

But deep within his heart, there was also a trace of barely perceptible anger.

The target of his anger was naturally the culprit behind it all, as well as the villagers who spread rumors and incited White Fang's death.

Not enough, still not enough. Your anger.

If it was only at this level, it wouldn't be enough to change a person. So, he needed to make Kakashi angrier, to manipulate his emotions and push him towards the abyss of losing control.

"I'm telling you again, get out of here!"

Kakashi, ultimately a hot-headed boy, was provoked by a few words, and his voice carried a hint of anger.

"Are you angry? Or are you just putting on a brave face?"

However, Uchiha Sōgetsu wasn't going to leave just because he was threatened. He continued, "Frankly, this kind of behavior only makes you look more cowardly."

"You—What did you say?!"

Cowardly? The word pierced Kakashi's heart like a needle, and he instantly lost control of his emotions. Like an enraged lion, he glared fiercely at Uchiha Sōgetsu.

"That's right. That look… it has a bit of White Fang's shadow in it."

Uchiha Sōgetsu pushed up his glasses, his deep eyes gleaming faintly. He said calmly, "But that still doesn't change the fact that you're a coward, Kakashi."

"You!!!"

Kakashi suddenly drew half of his sword, his eyes fierce and filled with killing intent. "Apologize! Otherwise, I'll make you pay!"

"If you had chosen to swing your sword directly, perhaps I would have apologized," Uchiha Sōgetsu said, a playful and mocking smile curling his lips. "But unfortunately, you don't dare. I'm even more disappointed in you. I feel sorry for White Fang now, to have given birth to such a cowardly son."

"You bastard, I'll kill you!!!"

Kakashi could no longer control himself. Rage instantly filled his mind.

Clang!

The short sword was fully unsheathed, emitting a blinding glint.

Fallen leaves swirled in the corridor outside the courtyard, and the short figure vanished instantly, approaching like a silent phantom.

The sharp short sword shifted a few centimeters downward, not aiming for a vital spot. Kakashi gripped it and swung horizontally, confident he could make the damn trash-talker stay in the hospital for at least a few days.

But the situation didn't unfold as he expected.

Just as the short sword was about to strike Uchiha Sōgetsu, he, with lightning speed that defied the eye, grabbed Kakashi's right hand holding the sword.

His five fingers were like iron clamps. With just a slight squeeze, Kakashi's right wrist made a cracking sound.

"Ah!!!"

His right wrist felt as if it were broken. The intense pain flooded Kakashi's brain, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

"I have to commend you. Such obvious intent and moves truly bring shame to White Fang's swordsmanship." He shook his head, feigning regretful sigh. The Sharingan, crimson in his pupils, made Kakashi's heart inexplicably tremble. "Also, let me tell you something: don't spout empty threats so easily, because they only reveal your weakness."

"Uchiha!"

Before Kakashi could even finish his threat, he was sent tumbling ninety degrees in mid-air.

Grabbed by the wrist by Uchiha Sōgetsu, he was thrown away like trash, smashing through a pillar in the corridor and crashing heavily into the room.

Kakashi tried to struggle to his feet, but the broken muscles and bones in his right wrist, coupled with the internal injuries from the impact, prevented him from getting up after several attempts. He could only stare fiercely at his opponent, trying to express his hatred through his gaze.

"Let me tell you something, Kakashi."

Uchiha Sōgetsu, in the courtyard, smiled, the Tomoe spinning in his eyes. "As for creatures like ninjas, when the thought 'kill him' arises in their hearts..."

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly appeared inside the room.

Under Kakashi's shocked and bewildered gaze, Uchiha Sōgetsu delivered a fierce kick directly to his abdomen.

"Our mission was already completed--!"

Bang!

The sudden, heavy blow to his abdomen made Kakashi vomit a pool of bile, sending him rolling and flying backward.

The fragile wooden door couldn't withstand the impact. He only stopped flying after traveling more than ten meters and hitting a solid concrete wall.

His internal organs felt displaced. The severe, twisting pain in his abdomen caused Kakashi's eyes to bloodshot as he continuously vomited blood.

"Gack."

Kakashi's mind was in chaos, unable to comprehend the current situation.

What was this guy's purpose?

Could it be that Obito, who had disliked him for a long time, decided to find someone to get rid of him at this opportunity?!

My throat is almost ruined from coughing... It's a new week. I implore all my esteemed readers to cast your recommendation votes and add this to your investment collections. Fried Egg sincerely thanks you!