At the end of June in Year 45 of Konoha, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as he gave the two boys in front of him some advice:
"Chunin are the backbone of the village. From now on, you'll have to shoulder the responsibility of leading a team."
"Remember, not every mission will show results right away. When leading a team, you need to be patient."
"..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi had none of the Hokage's usual airs. At that moment, he seemed more like an elder sharing his life experience.
Hearing her teacher repeat things he'd already said, Tsunade, wearing a Jonin vest, couldn't help interrupting:
"All right, Sensei! You've already gone over all of this."
"Although they're still young, they can handle some C-rank missions. They're already qualified ninja."
"You don't need to treat them like children anymore. Once they're team leaders, they'll be responsible for their subordinates."
"Kakashi, you should understand that most members of the Jonin Division think very highly of you. Don't let everyone down!"
"As for Shu, you'll take over some of the Medical Corps' work."
"If any high-level missions come up, Sensei will summon you at any time."
Tsunade offered her assessment briskly from the side. Hiruzen Sarutobi, behind his desk, wasn't annoyed; instead, his face held a pleased smile. He picked up his pipe and added:
"That's right. You won't have many missions in the second half of the year. At your age, you need to build a solid foundation."
"The village hasn't reached the point where it needs young geniuses to risk their lives. Don't take a few conflicts to heart!"
"Yes!"
Shu Furukawa and Kakashi answered in unison. Perhaps because the recent Joint Chunin Exams had been a huge success, the Konoha Ninja were feeling just a little overconfident—and the Hokage was no exception.
The two hadn't even turned eight yet, and the Chunin vests looked a little odd on them. Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, had grown completely used to it and was happier the more he looked at them.
"Go back and rest. The Ninja Academy will hold outdoor exercises for the next two months. If you're interested, you can join in."
"..."
Kakashi had been about to refuse outright, but Shu Furukawa tugged at him, and he swallowed the words. The two nodded in farewell, then turned to leave.
"I'm glad I introduced this child to you, Tsunade. You staying in the village has been a great help!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi began puffing away at his pipe and chuckled. A few years earlier, when Shu Furukawa's parents, Ichiro and his wife, had died in the line of duty, he had assessed Shu and discovered his talent.
A four-year-old who could easily climb trees and walk on water, with exceptional Chakra control and sensory abilities—Hiruzen Sarutobi had been astonished by such talent.
"Old Man, you really are getting old. I can't believe you'd say something like that!"
Tsunade replied in surprise, then examined her teacher's face. He had more wrinkles than he'd had two years ago, and his hairline had begun to recede. He really had aged a little.
Aware of the changes in his body, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't try to deny them. Instead, he continued with a look of acceptance:
"Everyone grows old. With the three of you helping, the village will prosper even more."
"You're not young yourself. It's time you started building your own team. Unlike war, governing a village requires cooperation and mutual benefit."
"..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi had wanted to continue speaking from the heart, but his neck suddenly stiffened. Tsunade's Chakra flared as she clenched her fists, looking thoroughly displeased.
"Enough! Don't show this 'weak' side of yourself to anyone else!"
"The Hokage doesn't need that kind of sentiment."
Tsunade strode away, her golden twin tails swaying. Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and smiled helplessly. Thinking of his younger son sulking at home, he murmured:
"Maybe I should take a break too."
At the barbecue restaurant, Might Guy wolfed down food and shouted enthusiastically. Ignoring the resentful look from Genma Shiranui beside him, he continued to sing his own praises:
"Did you see that? Shu defeated everyone using nothing but Taijutsu!"
"That spinning kick was thanks to me—Konoha Whirlwind! A swift kick can end the fight in one move, as long as you have enough speed and strength!"
"It's a shame my nature transformation can't activate my body the way Shu's does, but if I keep training, I'll be able to do it someday too."
"..."
Ever since the Chunin Exams ended, Might Guy had been in this "super passionate" state every day. His obsession with Taijutsu had only grown stronger.
During their usual "youthful training," he had even shouted, "Shu recognizes my path!"
Namiashi Raidō, Aoba Yamashiro, and the others had already gotten used to it. As Genin with decent talent, they understood how Guy felt. Recognition from a genius was a tremendous encouragement.
"Instead of continuing to train your Chakra control, you should work on your stamina."
"Guy, though I hate to admit it, you'll surpass me in Chakra reserves."
Kakashi calmly offered his advice from the side. After observing Guy for a year, he was sure that he really was a genius. His father hadn't been wrong about him.
Might Guy laughed loudly and gave a thumbs-up, his whole body "burning" with enthusiasm once more. In the second half of the year, besides taking missions to earn money, he planned to keep challenging Kakashi!
"Being a Chunin is great! You don't have to personally handle those troublesome missions. I wish I could get promoted already."
"Shu, what are the benefits like in the Medical Corps?"
Genma Shiranui had only recently graduated, and he'd already lost his enthusiasm. D-rank missions paid poorly and were boring, so he asked about it with his own ninja career in mind.
"The pay? It's about the same as going on missions. The village provides an extra allowance."
"But hospital work is a pain. The Barrier Division should be a lot easier."
Shu Furukawa smiled and gave Genma Shiranui a look that said he knew what he meant.
"You're thinking of slacking off already, even though you just graduated?"
"Next month, we'll be on the same team. Our youth is just beginning!"
Might Guy was full of energy, making Genma Shiranui's eyes go dead again. He wanted to say, "Give me a break," but for the sake of appearances, he forced himself to give a thumbs-up.
"Cheers! To Shu and Kakashi becoming team leaders!"
Namiashi Raidō called out loudly. The young Genin around them raised their glasses, and the barbecue restaurant grew livelier.
By evening, Might Guy had eaten so much he could barely walk. He finally said goodbye to the two of them, reluctant to leave. The passionate young man decided to walk home on his hands, and his ridiculous stunt drew gasps from the villagers.
"Is that also a manifestation of the Will of Fire?"
After making more friends, Kakashi could clearly feel that everyone accepted him and genuinely respected his strength and talent.
Just as they'd been taught at the Academy, the boys helped one another. Even when Kakashi had acted on his own during missions that required teamwork, no one blamed him afterward. Instead, they showed understanding.
"The world isn't 'black and white,' and the Will of Fire has many sides."
Shu Furukawa answered simply. Seeing the confusion return to Kakashi's face, he shook his head and added:
"Don't blindly trust anyone's opinions. Don't give up thinking for yourself. You have that ability. If you keep living, you'll find the answer."
Kakashi instinctively reached for his back, then remembered he hadn't brought his short sword today. Shu Furukawa smiled and patted him on the shoulder without saying more, thinking to himself:
Good thing you're a genius...