Kakashi's Obsession!

As the two of them left the Uchiha Compound together, several figures soon began following behind them.

Among them were Uchiha guards and Anbu Ninja.

Even Root shinobi were among them.

Roy simply ignored them all.

Come on, this was the Uchiha clan.

If the higher-ups dared to make a move now, Roy would make them pay dearly.

"Boss, when are you coming back?"

"We've been patrolling with just the three of us lately. We're bored to death."

"But yesterday, I helped four villagers. The two of them only helped as many as I did combined."

On the way, they happened upon Xiu and the other two out on patrol.

With the New Year approaching, the Military Police Force had been getting busier.

"I've still got a few things to take care of."

"You've all been doing a good job, too."

"Just remember not to neglect your training while you're getting your work done."

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the three of them, Roy continued toward Naruto's home with Sasuke.

"What do you think Boss is planning to do with Young Master Sasuke?"

"That way... He's not planning to approach that fox-demon kid, is he?"

"Keep your voice down."

The three exchanged glances, then continued with their duties.

Soon, the two arrived at the familiar apartment building.

There was unmistakable delight in Sasuke's eyes.

As expected, the two were destined to become close friends.

"Roy, should we buy something to bring?"

"Father said that when you visit a friend, you should bring them a gift."

Sasuke looked at Roy with earnest seriousness.

"What a thoughtful boy."

"What kind of gift do you think we should get?"

For some reason, looking at little Sasuke and thinking of meeting little Naruto soon,

Roy felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

For the past few months, Roy had been constantly thinking about how to save the Uchiha from the Uchiha Clan Downfall Night.

Whether through training to get stronger or making one calculation after another,

it had left him feeling utterly exhausted, body and mind.

After discussing it, they went to a nearby shop and bought some daily necessities, toys, food, and fruit.

Their arms full, the two quickly made their way to Naruto's door.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Sasuke gently knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

"I'm eating a feast here..."

"Creak..."

As the door opened, little Naruto, holding a cup of instant noodles that was almost past its expiration date, opened it with an impatient look.

He hated New Year's more than anything.

Everyone else was happily spending time with their families, eating delicious hot food.

But he was stuck alone in this empty apartment, waiting for morning to come.

And now someone was interrupting him while he was eating his cup noodles. He was even more unhappy...

"Sasuke?"

"Who are you?"

Seeing Sasuke, a flicker of delight appeared in Naruto's eyes.

At the same time, he instinctively hid the cup noodles behind his back.

"We saw them already."

"You don't have to hide them. We're friends."

"This is an older guy from my clan. His name's Roy."

"He brought me here to invite you to come play at my house."

Sasuke spoke casually.

Though Naruto quickly hid the hint of inferiority in his eyes behind a smile, Roy still noticed it.

"Hi, Naruto."

"You can call me the same thing Sasuke does."

"These are gifts we brought for you. Sasuke said you'd like them."

"Come on, let's go play together."

As he spoke, Roy piled snacks, toys, and daily necessities into Naruto's arms.

There was almost enough to bury him.

"Naruto, we'd like to try some of what you were just eating, too."

"Huh?"

"These cup noodles?"

"Yeah. Dad never lets me eat them..."

The two little boys really were made to save each other. Just one sincere remark from Sasuke dissolved the inferiority Naruto had been feeling.

"I've got lots of different flavors. Come inside and I'll make some for you."

Outside the building.

"Kakashi, why didn't you stop them from going inside?"

"The Uchiha are getting close to Naruto. You know..."

"I know."

Kakashi raised his head and looked at the Anbu member beside him, his face showing no emotion.

"You..."

The Anbu member knew Kakashi was already on the verge of flying into a rage.

If he kept provoking him, something uncontrollable might happen.

"I hope you still remember why your teacher died."

"Pfft!"

Before the Anbu member could say anything else, a Kunai plunged into his shoulder.

Blood spilled instantly.

Kakashi's Sharingan activated, the Three-Tomoe spinning in his eyes.

"What do you know?"

"You... damn well don't know anything."

"If there's a next time, the Kunai will go in your neck!"

Usually calm, Kakashi erupted in an instant.

His crimson Sharingan radiated a dangerous aura.

The other Anbu members nearby wanted to step in, but none of them dared move.

The genius shinobi Kakashi was exceptional in swordsmanship, ninjutsu, and the Sharingan...

He excelled in all of them.

Even if the three of them teamed up against Kakashi now, they'd probably be killed instead.

More importantly, there was no need.

"Kakashi, calm down."

"He was just reminding you. We mean no harm."

Another Anbu Ninja quickly spoke up beside him.

"No harm?"

Kakashi pulled out the Kunai, and powerful chakra began to gather in his hand.

"Crackle, crackle..."

Chidori burst into life.

"Kakashi, do you know what you're doing?"

"We..."

"I mean you no harm either!"

Kakashi sounded mocking.

Then he put away his Chidori and used the Body Flicker Technique to appear on a distant water tower.

He propped his chin on his hand and fell silent.

The three Anbu members breathed a sigh of relief, then left with the injured shinobi.

Kakashi was no longer the steady teammate they had known.

On top of that, Kakashi had already refused two missions assigned by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Meanwhile, Roy walked over to the window.

"Kakashi, if you're hungry, come in and have a bowl of Naruto's cup noodles!"

"They're delicious!"

Just as Kakashi was lost in thought, Roy's voice reached him.

An invitation from the Uchiha. Cup noodles made by Naruto...

He, too, had once been invited by the Uchiha—by Uchiha Fugaku, no less.

Back then, he had gone with his teacher.

He hadn't expected to receive another invitation from the Uchiha after all these years.

"Whoosh!"

A figure landed in the apartment building's hallway.

"Sorry to intrude."

Kakashi nodded, then followed Roy inside.

"This is Hatake Kakashi. He'll be your teacher someday."

"And Kakashi is also responsible for your safety."

Before Kakashi could say anything, Roy pushed him forward with a grin.