After getting to the bottom of everything, Sarutobi Toru finally set his mind at ease. After chatting with Hatake Sakumo for a bit, he prepared to take his leave.
Before leaving, Sarutobi Toru deliberately said to Hatake Sakumo, "Sakumo, I think Kakashi is quite promising. I think he could come work for our Root in the future—following in his father's footsteps and all!"
Then Sarutobi Toru heard a voice from behind the door. "No need. I think being a freelance ninja is just fine!"
This left Hatake Sakumo rather puzzled as well. Speaking to an elder through a door was a little too rude, wasn't it?
Sarutobi Toru merely smiled faintly before bidding Hatake Sakumo farewell. The moment he stepped out of the room, he heard Hatake Sakumo's laughter and Kakashi's exasperated voice.
Clearly, Kakashi's "handsome face," beaten until he looked like Zhu Bajie, had been discovered by his father.
The fact that Hatake Sakumo would even mock the beauty mark at the corner of Kakashi's mouth showed that he was hardly some stern and serious father. Sarutobi Toru had long expected him to kick his son while he was down.
After leaving Hatake Sakumo's home and walking a few more steps, Sarutobi Toru paused slightly and spotted his nominal disciple, Uchiha Fugaku.
Uchiha Fugaku wore a deeply troubled expression. Behind him stood his wife, Uchiha Mikoto, who held a child of about one year old in her arms. The family of three appeared to be out for a walk.
When he saw Sarutobi Toru, Uchiha Fugaku's expression changed slightly, and he immediately grew serious. "Teacher Sarutobi, it has been a long time."
Sarutobi Toru nodded faintly. Thinking of Uchiha Fugaku's earlier expression, he could not help asking curiously, "What is it? You seem a little unhappy."
Uchiha Fugaku gave