Thank You, Haori

Although Namikaze Minato sometimes liked to play the "riddle-maker," he returned to normal once the relevant topic had passed.

Since Haori had initiated the desire to learn "Sealing Jutsu," he was not stingy about discussing the topic.

Furthermore, he wanted to determine whether Haori possessed the talent for it, because Sealing Jutsu was truly no simple matter.

Even the Flying Thunder God technique, aside from having extremely harsh requirements for the body, also demanded a high level of proficiency in Sealing Jutsu.

After all, the formula of the Flying Thunder God was essentially a variation of Sealing Jutsu.

The most basic Flying Thunder God allowed one to carve the formula onto kunai in advance, but advanced versions required setting up the formula on the fly.

Not to mention how Namikaze Minato saved Kakashi without a trace, his performance against Uchiha Obito was the most classic example.

He had silently left a mark on Uchiha Obito, ultimately using that mark to launch a sneak attack and successfully sever the connection between Uchiha Obito and the Nine-Tails.

It could be said that Namikaze Minato's mastery of Sealing Jutsu was also at its peak.

"Haori-kun, your foundation in Sealing Jutsu is truly solid."

However, after some exchange, Namikaze Minato could not help but exclaim once again.

He had originally thought Haori was just playing around, but now it seemed this kid truly had talent in this area.

Moreover, in terms of the basics, he had built a very firm foundation.

"You flatter me, Jonin Minato."

Haori appeared quite calm; he did possess the ability of Sealing Jutsu, even if he hadn't learned it himself.

But regardless, it was an ability he had obtained after risking his life to complete a mission, and it belonged to him entirely.

This was also one of the reasons he dared to make the request to Namikaze Minato, because he really did know how!

Since he knew how, wanting to improve a little, wasn't that a perfectly normal thing?

"Minato-sensei, Kakashi is awake!"

Just as Haori and Namikaze Minato were chatting, a cry of surprise suddenly came from Nohara Rin nearby.

Turning to look, they saw that Kakashi, who had previously fallen into a coma, had already opened his eyes.

Kakashi looked a bit dazed at the moment; he seemed to have not yet fully recovered his senses.

However, once he saw everything around him clearly, his memories flooded back.

Uchiha Obito had died to save him, and just as he was desperately trying to cover Nohara Rin's escape, Haori and Might Guy had arrived to provide support.

And before he lost consciousness, Captain Minato had finally arrived on the battlefield to resolve the fight.

To survive such an ordeal behind enemy lines was already an incredible thing.

But at this moment, there was not a shred of joy in his heart for having survived; there was only grief over the death of Uchiha Obito.

He kept his head lowered without saying a word, his eyes already brimming with tears.

"Kakashi..."

Nohara Rin spoke up from the side with concern, and at this moment, Haori and Namikaze Minato also arrived before him.

Even Might Guy and Aoba outside had heard the commotion and followed them in.

"You're awake, Kakashi."

Watching Kakashi in this state, Namikaze Minato could not help but sigh.

"I have already heard the details from Nohara Rin. I'm sorry, I didn't make it in time."

"Sensei..."

Hearing Namikaze Minato's voice, Kakashi finally raised his head, though his spirits remained low.

Although seeing that Nohara Rin was safe made him feel a little better—at least he hadn't broken his promise to Uchiha Obito—Uchiha Obito was still left behind there forever.

Seeing this scene, Namikaze Minato naturally understood Kakashi's thoughts, which made him sigh again.

As a teacher and a superior, it was necessary for him to guide his disciple.

But before he could even speak, Haori, who was standing to the side, spoke up.

"Kakashi, is this all you are?"

Haori tilted his head, looking at the deathly silent Kakashi with what seemed to be disappointment.

"You have more important missions; how do you intend to carry them out in this state?"

"Haori."

Haori's words caught Might Guy and Aoba by surprise, and Nohara Rin could not help but speak up.

But Haori did not stop; he shook his head and continued.

"Besides, do you think this is worthy of Uchiha Obito? Is it worthy of the eye he gave you?"

These words, while seemingly meant to encourage, sounded somewhat inappropriate at this moment.

Namikaze Minato's brow furrowed slightly, Nohara Rin bit her lip, and Kakashi looked up.

His Sharingan was already fixed on Haori, though his emotions were beginning to fluctuate.

Haori sighed, looking down at Kakashi from his vantage point as he spoke.

"I know you are in pain; losing a comrade is truly unbearable.

However, are you the only one who has faced such a fate?

I have lost teammates as well, and Might Guy has even lost his father."

These words instantly made Kakashi open his mouth slightly, yet he did not know what to say.

Even though he had not been on the battlefield in the Land of Whirlpools, he had heard whispers of these events.

Might Guy fell into a brief silence; despite Haori's guidance, he still found himself thinking of his father.

"We have all suffered such pain, yet we have never once given up on ourselves."

Although Kakashi remained silent, Haori continued.

"A person's life is inherently filled with suffering, but how one faces that pain is what defines who they become.

Some are crushed by their pain and never recover.

But others are able to face that pain head-on, because they all understand one thing.

They know that this is not just a burden of pain, but a burden of expectations and a legacy of will.

Because, at this very moment, they are no longer living for themselves alone."

Having said this, Haori paused for a moment, and everyone present fell into a heavy silence.

Namikaze Minato was an adult, after all, and his emotions were more restrained; no shift in his mood was visible.

However, he nodded gently, clearly in agreement with Haori's words.

Nohara Rin, Might Guy, and Aoba were each lost in their own emotions, whether they were feeling sorrow, inspiration, or deep reflection.

Kakashi's gaze flickered; he wondered what this person—who was his classmate just like Obito, and also an Uchiha—truly meant.

He did not speak, his mind still in turmoil, but Haori reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

Only then did Haori's tone soften, and while subtly referencing Obito, he spoke slowly.

"We all carry these expectations, carrying the will of those comrades who have passed on.

Therefore, we must live well, carrying their will forward, and strive to do what we must.

I believe that when we eventually enter the Pure Land, we can proudly tell them that it was because of their sacrifice that such a beautiful future was made possible.

I believe Obito would feel the same; you wouldn't want to meet him again one day and tell him how much of a failure you were, only for the two of you to end up fighting, would you?"

Haori's words left Kakashi completely speechless, while the way Rin and Might Guy looked at him changed in that instant.

Aoba and Might Guy had always trusted Haori implicitly, but at this moment, their respect for him grew even deeper.

Might Guy, in particular, had red-rimmed eyes; he had not forgotten Haori's previous words, and what Haori said now pierced straight through his heart.

Nohara Rin also looked at Haori with tears shimmering in her eyes, though a smile soon touched her lips.

Having a friend like Haori was truly a blessing.

"What a trustworthy friend, and such a unique Uchiha."

Namikaze Minato smiled as well; he now deeply understood everything that Rin had described earlier.

Kakashi sat dazed where he was, looking at Haori before him, and in that moment, he suddenly felt as if his heart had been filled.

After a long while, he murmured:

"Thank you, Haori. Thank you."