Kakashi Lost on the Road of Life

After Yakushi Kabuto left, Haku, who had been standing beside him, finally spoke. "Big Brother Houka, that guy feels really dangerous. Can he be trusted?"

Houka smiled. "In this world, only when you're confident enough will others trust you, and only then can you trust others."

"Huh?" Haku looked completely baffled.

"All right, we..." Before Houka could finish, a memory suddenly appeared in his mind.

It was sent back by the Handsome No. 1 Shadow Clone he had stationed outside the orphanage as a lookout.

"It's about time we left." Houka sighed.

"Huh, we're leaving already?" Haku could not quite keep up with Houka's train of thought.

"If we don't leave now, you'll be in trouble." Houka smiled. "The Third Hokage has always had his eye on you."

Haku scratched his head. He knew that he possessed the precious Ice Style Kekkei Genkai. If he fell into the Third Hokage's hands, he would probably truly be made to 'spread his branches and leaves' in Konoha.

The two went out to bid Yakushi Nonō farewell.

"We're leaving, Sister Yakushi. Sorry for troubling you during this time." Houka smiled.

"Sister Yakushi, why don't you leave with us?" Haku asked cautiously.

"If you miss me, come back and visit." Yakushi Nonō ultimately could not bear to leave the children here, and gently declined.

Houka patted Haku on the shoulder, then swiftly led him away.

Not long after the two left, an uninvited guest suddenly arrived.

"The scent is very strong. It has to be here—there's no mistake!"

The speaker was a—no, a dog wearing ninja attire and a Konoha Ninja Headband... a Ninja Dog?

That was right. It was one of Kakashi's Eight Ninja Dogs: Pakkun.

Pakkun was a tracking-type Summoning Beast and exceptionally skilled at tracking. Discovering Houka's scent this time had