Danzo's Smile

After dinner, Sakumo and Kakashi sparred with wooden swords outside.

Kazashiro moved over a small stool, sat by the door, and quietly watched the two exchange moves.

Without the Sharingan, though, watching them fight was like watching a video at eight times speed. Apart from the dull thuds of wooden swords colliding, he could not make out any other movements.

After Kakashi threw a flying kick, Sakumo precisely caught the opening and subdued him in a single move. "Before gaining an absolute advantage, this kind of wide-open fighting style makes it easy for the enemy to seize your flaws."

After pointing out Kakashi's shortcomings, Sakumo helped him up and was about to begin the next round of training.

"Kazashiro, would you like to give it a try?"

Seeing Kazashiro sitting nearby and watching eagerly, Sakumo waved him over.

Was the legendary Konoha's White Fang going to personally teach him?

Kazashiro's eyes lit up. He immediately jumped off the stool and hurried over.

"However, I can't teach you any techniques yet. You need to start with the most basic stances." Under Sakumo's guidance, Kazashiro gradually came to understand the foundational principles of all sword techniques.

"Keep your body straight, and make sure your stance is stable. Neither of you can yet use Chakra to move rapidly and confuse the enemy's vision, so a solid stance is extremely important. At the very least, it will keep you from being defeated in one move when facing an enemy's attack."

Sakumo placed a hand on Kazashiro's back, signaling him to straighten his spine, while also having Kakashi review the basics.

Clap, clap, clap.

At that moment, applause rang out, accompanied by a somewhat gloomy voice. "As expected of Konoha's White Fang, a hero of the Second Shinobi World War."

Danzo emerged from the shadows, followed closely by Aburame Ryoma and Yamanaka Zen.

"Lord Danzo." Hatake Sakumo's expression did not change. He slowly walked before Danzo, using his body to shield Kazashiro and Kakashi.

"My son has been in your care." The moment Danzo spoke, Sakumo understood what he meant.

It seemed the investigation into Kazashiro had ended. Danzo had come to take him back.

However—

Sakumo, who had heard of Danzo's deeds, found his attitude quite surprising.

This man, known as the Shadow of the Shinobi World, seemed to intend to make Kazashiro's identity public...

"It seems he has been having a wonderful time with your son." Danzo narrowed his eyes and smiled as he stared at Sakumo, as though he could still see the two children behind him despite Sakumo's obstruction.

"Your meaning is..." Sakumo could not quite grasp why Danzo was saying this. At the same time, it was the first time he had ever seen Danzo smile.

"It is quite common for friends to stay over at each other's homes, isn't it?" Danzo gently pushed Sakumo aside and slowly approached Kazashiro.

"???" Kazashiro's mind was completely blank, but he did not dare show it on his face. He had caught most of the conversation between Danzo and Sakumo. Taken literally, it meant this old man was acknowledging him as his son.

Then what should I call him?

Lord Danzo? Old man? Pot Kage? Bridge Killer?

Normally, at a time like this, I should...

"F-Father?" Kazashiro called out tentatively.

Hearing that form of address, Danzo's heart stirred once again.

Did you see that, Hiruzen? I am a man with a son too.

Though the child looked timid, deep down, he truly yearned for a father's love.

"You will stay here tonight. Tomorrow, I will send someone to bring you home." Satisfied with Kazashiro's attitude, Danzo said nothing more and turned to leave Sakumo's home.

Although Danzo had left, the previously warm atmosphere had turned cold. After training for a while with their own thoughts, they ended it halfheartedly.

"Uncle Sakumo..." As Kazashiro passed Sakumo, he stopped, wanting to say something.

But all he received was a pat on the head.

Sakumo smiled, stroked Kazashiro's head, and gently shook his own. "It's getting late. Get some rest."

"Hey, you don't have a habit of snoring, do you?" Seeing Kazashiro's bedding pressed right up against his own, Kakashi confirmed it with him again.

"That is very rude, Kakashi. I have never heard myself snore." Kazashiro pulled up his blanket and burrowed beneath it, retorting as he did so.

"You idiot, how could anyone possibly hear themselves snore?!" Veins bulged on Kakashi's forehead.

"Don't worry, Kakashi. By the time I fall asleep, you will already be dreaming." Staring wide-eyed at the wooden ceiling, Kazashiro spoke faintly.

"Is it because of your father? I have heard of him, Konoha's Hokage Assistant." Kakashi's knowledge of Danzo extended only as far as that position.

Rather, most ordinary villagers knew Danzo only by that position.

Only the higher-ups of each village had some understanding of Danzo's actions.

"Not entirely." Kazashiro continued staring blankly at the beam overhead.

Having just left Kirigakure and then gained Danzo's recognition, this was precisely the time when he felt most lost. How could I possibly fall asleep easily in a situation like this, Kakashi...

Huff... huff... As he thought this, Kazashiro unknowingly closed his eyes and began breathing steadily.

"This guy..." Kakashi stared with a dark expression at the person who had claimed just a moment ago that he would not fall asleep easily, then helplessly held his forehead.

"Ah." With a sigh, Kakashi gently pulled Kazashiro's blanket higher before closing his own eyes.

He had thought that with a stranger beside him, he would not fall asleep too quickly, but...

Huff... huff... Not long after closing his eyes, Kakashi too drifted into dreamland.

Standing outside the door and listening to the sounds inside, Sakumo smiled and shook his head.

He had thought the two little ones would talk for quite some time. Who would have expected...

The next morning.

Sakumo, lying in bed, opened his eyes.

"You came rather early, Grey Dog." He spotted the ANBU crouching on the ceiling beam at a glance.

"The Hokage wants to see you." Grey Dog spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Understood." Hearing that Hiruzen Sarutobi had summoned him, Sakumo's eyes sharpened as he got up to put on his equipment.

"The Hokage said you do not need to wear a mask, Captain." Seeing Sakumo preparing to don his ANBU gear, Grey Dog reminded him at the right moment.

"Very well." Sakumo paused, then put on his jonin flak jacket.