Kakashi Returns

Get up, wash up, cook, eat, practice boxing.

This is an essential part of Sakumo's daily morning routine.

He never intended to Hokage Position, and naturally enjoyed his retirement after stepping down.

Raising his leg, throwing a punch, and then quickly throwing another punch after retracting his fist—this series of movements shows that Sakumo's basic skills have not only not deteriorated due to his injury, but have actually improved.

After adjusting his breathing, Sakumo put away his stance and prepared to go fishing with the Third Hokage.

Just as he was looking for his fishing rod, his front door was gently pushed open.

Familiar footsteps sounded, and Sakumo paused, slowly turning around.

"You're back, Kakashi."

As the only one among the wise men with a wisdom value exceeding two, Kakashi's appearance perfectly resolved the predicament of Kazashiro seeking advice from the wise men but failing to obtain reasonable answers.

However, there's no time for reminiscing right now. Kazashiro needs to know whether Kakashi has resolved the issues in the Land of Snow after being gone for so long.

"The problems in the Land of Snow are far more complex than we imagined."

Kakashi shook his head with a wry smile. Although his team had returned to Konoha unscathed, the ultimate target of this mission Fūka Nutō, had not been eliminated. That ambitious man still held onto his position as leader of the Land of Snow, threatening Konoha from the shadows.

From Kakashi's description, Kazashiro learned that the technological level of the Land of Snow far exceeded Konoha's expectations.

They have now achieved a level where all members are clad in Chakra Armor and possess an army of robots that are unafraid of death.

Kakashi originally intended to use a decapitation strike to eliminate Fūka Nutō, but unexpectedly, Asuma had an Artificial Human guard named Gluttony by his side. Fortunately, Kakashi was stronger than Asuma, which allowed him to lead his team away and avoid total annihilation.

"Another Artificial Human. Just how many of these disgusting things has that Dawn Organization created?"

He slammed his fist on the table, his Kazashiro with rage.

One Ōtsutsuki is troublesome enough, and now these Artificial Human with strength comparable to Kage have appeared.

If I remember correctly, Jigen will have a few omniscient and omnipotent beings by his side in the future. If these guys are revealed ahead of time, I won't need to be Hokage anymore; I might as well just surrender.

Is it too late to get Naruto married and have Boruto's baby now?

"It would be best to use a large force to resolve the situation in the Land of Snow."

After listening to his son's description, Hatake Sakumo mentally assessed the enemy's combat strength and realized that a team composed of ordinary Jonin was no longer able to effectively strike the enemy.

"Should we directly attack the Land of Snow?"

Kazashiro hesitated.

"If we delay any longer, their technological level will only become more and more advanced."

Sakumo stated his judgment.

As a veteran of many battles, Sakumo's words are of great reference value.

"Let me go. Give me another two thousand ninjas. Don't worry, I'll keep the losses to a minimum."

Seeing that Kazashiro's expression had softened somewhat, Sakumo seized the opportunity to propose that he himself lead the campaign against the Land of Snow.

"No, Uncle Sakumo... The Fourth Generation needs to guard Konoha, so it's better if I lead the expeditionary force."

Upon hearing Sakumo volunteer for the battle, Kazashiro immediately shook his head and refused.

"You're going to intervene?" Kakashi suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with suspicion. "As Hokage, your mission is to protect Konoha. We're more than capable of handling external enemies."

Sakumo's expression remained unchanged, without the same strong reaction Kakashi, but he still spoke up to dissuade Kazashiro: "Kakashi is right, there are vivid examples in the history books."

The Second Hokage, the Second Tsuchikage, and the Third Mizukage —they were all renowned powerhouses, yet their fates were strikingly similar. This was because they left their villages, hoping to change the course of the war on their own, but their ultimate demise...

The shadows that Sakumo mentioned all died on the battlefield.

Especially the Second Hokage, who was a heavyweight.

He was attacked during negotiations and ultimately died in a foreign land while protecting his bodyguards.

"And then there's the Third Raikage. Although the current history books don't record the cause of his death, his fate is still vivid in everyone's memory."

"Even so, I'm going." Kazashiro shook his head, his attitude resolute.

Even with so many precedents before him, he still insisted on leading the troops into battle.

The reason was simple: he needed a more detailed understanding of the Artificial Human's combat methods so that he wouldn't be caught off guard during the final battle.

Moreover, after this expedition, he plans to go to the Shikkotsu Forest to cultivate for a period of time and to rediscover the mysteries of Natural Energy.

"Kakashi, you can go out now. I have something to discuss with the Fourth Generation."

Having made up his mind, Kazashiro decided to tell everyone the truth about the current situation in Konoha.

It involves the village's top secrets, and even Kakashi has to avoid suspicion.

"I won't agree. If you're going, you have to take me with you." Kakashi gave Kazashiro a deep look before leaving the room.

Hearing the door close, Sakumo's expression finally changed. "Are you really decided?"

"Yes, Uncle Sakumo, I have to go this time. To be honest, after this war, I need to cultivate seriously for a while."

"You've seen the capabilities of the Dawn Organization. Although Setsuna Yowan is dead, the appearance of the Artificial Human proves that the organization's strength hasn't weakened because of the deaths of one or two people; on the contrary, it has become even stronger."

"Cultivation... To be honest, facing enemies like that, I really can't imagine what kind of Ninjutsu I should cultivate to contend with them." Sakumo gave a wry smile, clearly doubting his own ability to defeat the Artificial Human.

"Natural Energy, also known as Sage Mode. This energy can harm the Ōtsutsuki, a fact Orochimaru has already demonstrated."

"However, not everyone can cultivate Sage Mode. To be honest, I also tried to visit the Three Great Sage Locations in my early years, but..." Sakumo's expression said it all.

"So, I guess I'll have to take over, Uncle Sakumo. I'm leaving the village's affairs to you. I only got this position as the Fifth Generation because of your injury, so it's like returning it to its rightful owner."

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Kazashiro made a joke.

"You did better than me. If I hadn't been injured, Konoha wouldn't be as powerful as it is now..."

Looking at the documents Kazashiro handed over, Sakumo hesitated for a long time before finally taking them from him.