After completing their mission in the Land of Waves and returning from a long journey, Team 7 stopped in front of the Konoha Gate.
Kakashi looked at the three youngsters, who seemed a little tired. His voice was as languid as ever, but with a hint of concern. "The mission is complete. Good work, everyone. That's enough for today. Meet at the usual place tomorrow morning. Go home and get some proper rest."
Sakura rubbed her shoulders. Although most of what she'd done during the mission in the Land of Waves was travel, she still felt exhausted.
Still, thinking about how she'd spent most of the mission with Sasuke made her secretly happy.
She hoped they'd get more missions away from the village in the future. That way, she could spend more time with Sasuke-kun, and that Ino girl would have even less of a chance.
Sasuke still looked as aloof as ever, hands in his pockets. He merely murmured, "Yeah," then turned and left.
They hadn't encountered any worthy opponents during the mission in the Land of Waves. The only ones who could be considered a challenge were the Demon Brothers, whom they'd dispatched in an instant.
Sasuke was left wanting more.
His only gains were a firmer foundation, learning Chidori from Kakashi, hearing Naruto mention the history of the Uchiha and Konoha, and learning that Chidori might have other forms...
And...
Naruto had not only been able to offer him sound advice about his strength before, but had now casually pointed out the key to Chidori.
Even Kakashi had been surprised.
Sasuke decided to head straight to the training ground and try out Naruto's latest idea.
Naruto walked at the back with his hands behind his head, seemingly at ease, though he was already thinking about what came next.
Now that Orochimaru had given him some inspiration and he'd settled on his next objective, he had to start making a name for himself.
There was plenty to do besides making a name for himself...
The Hokage's office.
Smoke from the burning pipe obscured Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression.
He carefully read through the mission report Kakashi had submitted, nodding now and then and occasionally pausing in thought.
"So, because of the internal upheaval at Gato Company, the mission in the Land of Waves ended with the bridge successfully completed and the client, Tazuna, safe. It sounds like things went quite smoothly."
The Third Hokage set down the report and looked at Kakashi, standing before his desk.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kakashi replied. "We ran into the Demon Brothers from the Hidden Mist, but there were no serious incidents."
"Hmm..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a long drag on his pipe and slowly exhaled. "According to the intelligence Anbu have gathered recently, the situation over in the Land of Waves seems more complicated than your report suggests."
Kakashi's thoughts stirred, but his expression did not change. "Oh?"
"Gato Shipping."
The Third Hokage tapped a finger on the report, on one of the few details Kakashi had mentioned. "There's been a major upheaval within the company. It wasn't a simple internal dispute. It looks more like a sudden, decisive power grab."
"The former owner, Gato, reportedly 'died of a sudden illness,' but nearly all his closest associates were rooted out. The operation was swift and clean, like a planned purge."
"Now the company has been renamed Dawn Shipping. One of Gato's former stewards is publicly running it, but there are clearly signs of a shinobi force intervening and taking control from behind the scenes."
At this, Hiruzen Sarutobi lifted his head slightly, his gaze sharpening. "Kakashi, it makes sense that you didn't run into any other trouble in the Land of Waves, but did you sense the Chakra of shinobi from other villages? Or... notice anything unusual?"
Kakashi fell silent.
He didn't dare admit that he'd spent most of his time reading and slacking off.
"I didn't sense anything directly," Kakashi answered calmly. "As one of the world's wealthiest men, Gato may have been the target of other enemies or an internal power struggle. Third Hokage, you know the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the Uchiha heir need to be watched closely, so I had a heavy responsibility. I didn't get around to investigating right away."
"I see..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi studied Kakashi for a moment, then nodded. His tone softened, as if he'd only asked casually. "Never mind. In any case, it's good that the mission was completed successfully."
"How did Team 7 do, especially Naruto and Sasuke? I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform in the upcoming Chunin Ninja Exams."
Kakashi inwardly breathed a sigh of relief and picked up the thread. "Naruto and Sasuke have improved far faster than expected. I taught Sasuke Chidori. Naruto... is still very strong, and he cares a great deal about his teammates. He spends a lot of time with Sasuke. Team 7 is ready to take part in the Chunin Ninja Exams."
"Excellent."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction. As long as Naruto continued to care about his teammates, carried on the Will of Fire, and remained within acceptable bounds, he could rest a little easier for now.
He'd also have something to tell Danzo and the council.
After all, letting the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki leave the village put Hiruzen Sarutobi under considerable pressure.
Just then, Kakashi spoke again, his voice more serious than before. "Lord Hokage, about the proposal I submitted earlier... emphasizing the importance of teamwork and trust among teammates, and making them part of the system. Have you reached a decision?"
The matter was tied to Kakashi's deepest convictions. He needed to ask again.
At this, a trace of irritation crossed Hiruzen Sarutobi's face, but it was quickly covered by his usual kindly smile.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed first, then spoke with heartfelt sincerity. "Kakashi, your intentions are good."
"The current system for training and evaluating shinobi was developed through the First and Second's experience and practice. There are sound reasons behind it."
"Your proposal touches on many different areas. A change in one could affect everything else. It requires the utmost care and coordination among all parties. It can't be decided overnight."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with earnest concern, every word seemingly sincere.
In truth, his words were a gentle but firm refusal. He hoped Kakashi would take the hint and back down.
After all, shinobi were tools, not people with thoughts of their own.
And what Konoha needed were tools, not people.
So Hiruzen Sarutobi would never put Kakashi's proposal into practice.
Kakashi's brow furrowed.
He understood what Hiruzen Sarutobi meant.
It was just another way of saying, "Maintain the status quo."
Kakashi thought of Obito, thought of Rin... thought of all the tragedies that might have been prevented.
His resentment stirred again, but he knew this wasn't the time to argue.
"I understand." Kakashi's voice returned to its usual languid tone. He bowed slightly. "Then I'll take my leave."
Watching Kakashi's retreating figure,
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly leaned back in his chair. His gaze grew somber again. Then he picked up his pipe and took a deep drag, letting the smoke swirl through the office.
Tools didn't need so many thoughts of their own.
What the great tree of Konoha needed were branches and leaves that obediently followed orders.
New shoots that grew too vigorously and tried to change the roots sometimes needed... a little pruning.
Before you continue