Kakashi Leaves the Anbu, A Change of Heart

"I never expected your Sharingan to have been stolen."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not doubt Kakashi's words.

First, he had sufficient trust in Kakashi.

Second, Orochimaru certainly had the motive to commit such an act.

Third, even if it wasn't Orochimaru, there would be others.

Whether it was the Uchiha, his old friends, or even other ninja villages, the possibility of someone playing dirty was high.

Ever since the moment Kakashi obtained the Sharingan, Hiruzen Sarutobi had anticipated that this day would come.

Regardless, he still had to offer comfort: "Having lost the Sharingan, your strength..."

Kakashi said, "Third Hokage, I will adjust as soon as possible."

Hiruzen Sarutobi probed, "Do you need me to speak to the Uchiha on your behalf..."

Kakashi touched his left eye socket and said, "Thank you, Third Hokage, but I..."

Understanding this as a refusal, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

He knew that eye held special significance for Kakashi.

But without the Sharingan, Kakashi's reaction speed alone would drop significantly.

His entire combat style would need a complete overhaul... and that would require a great deal of time.

If he failed to adapt properly, he would be ruined as a ninja.

As an Anbu operative, he was required to carry out high-intensity combat missions for long periods...

With a decision forming in his mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Kakashi, how long have you been in the Anbu?"

Here it comes... Kakashi lowered his head and said, "Third Hokage, it has been over two years."

"Two years..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Minato had you join the Anbu back then because he saw your confusion and hoped that continuous, high-intensity missions would shift your focus and change your decadent state."

"But clearly, these years of Anbu life have not allowed you to make a successful change."

At this point, his gaze sharpened: "Kakashi, have you ever thought about leaving the Anbu?"

"Third Hokage! I..." Kakashi looked up abruptly, but Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand and said, "For the time being, you are no longer fit for Anbu work."

"Take this opportunity to properly adjust your state of mind."

"I believe Minato would not want to see you remain drowned in the darkness of the Anbu."

Kakashi said with a weary, self-deprecating tone, "Third Hokage, if I leave the Anbu, I don't know what else I should do."

Hiruzen Sarutobi consoled him, "Kakashi, the meaning of life is not found only in missions. Do not dwell too much on the past; think of the people who are still by your side, the people worth cherishing."

"People by my side... people worth cherishing..." Kakashi whispered softly, then, seemingly thinking of something, he raised his head and said, "Third Hokage, if possible, please let me take care of Minato-sensei's child."

Inside the Soul Space.

Minato was stunned, then sighed in his heart.

He understood that Kakashi was trying to repay him, but...

Kushina, however, was overjoyed and full of anticipation: If it were Kakashi, then Naruto would...

Naruto?... Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned immediately: "No, Kakashi, you are not suitable to take care of him."

With her expectations dashed, Kushina gritted her teeth and raged, "Damn you, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

"Third Hokage, why?" Kakashi asked, confused.

"Minato had too many enemies," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with profound meaning. "To avoid unnecessary trouble, I have already had him take Kushina's surname, Uzumaki."

"But Kakashi, your identity is sensitive. If you were to stay by his side, combined with the rumors in the village, it would easily lead people to make connections, which would be detrimental to Naruto's safety."

"Therefore, until Naruto is fully grown, you should try your best not to have contact with him."

"I am very gratified that you have this intention!"

"Even if you cannot personally look after their orphan, Minato and Kushina would understand."

Inside the Soul Space.

Kushina roared, "Despicable!"

"He speaks with such righteous indignation, claiming everything is for Naruto's sake!"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi is just worried that Kakashi will replace the position he intends to hold in Naruto's future heart, and he fears Kakashi might accidentally reveal Naruto's identity, so he is deliberately keeping Kakashi away from him!"

"He even intentionally arranges Anbu members who hold prejudices against Naruto to watch over him!"

"Damn you, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

??? The Great Onmyoji Sasuke, who had been preparing to make his entrance, was stunned.

Isn't that supposed to be my line?

But seeing that even the usually rational and sunny Minato Namikaze had turned gloomy, Sasuke understood that they were gradually losing all favor for Hiruzen Sarutobi...

When you dislike someone, even the way they breathe is a mistake...

Hokage Office.

"I understand." Kakashi lowered his head helplessly, then said, "However, only the Sharingan and Wood Style can suppress a Tailed Beast. For the sake of the teacher's child, I have a request: I hope the Third Hokage will transfer the Wood Style ninja from Root to your direct Anbu command."

"Oh?" Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Damn it... Kakashi's heart tightened. Did I overplay my hand and arouse the Third Hokage's suspicion?

Unexpectedly, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled warmly and said, "Kakashi, it seems that without the influence of the Sharingan, your mindset has returned to normal. You've started to learn how to put yourself in others' shoes—this is a good thing!"

Hearing this, Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief, subconsciously touching his left eye socket.

Was it really the Sharingan that had been affecting his mind all this time?

Or was it the dream-like encounter he had just experienced that caused his mindset to shift?

He didn't know.

Not dwelling on the question, he hesitated and asked, "Then, what is the Third Hokage's decision..."

"As you said, only the Sharingan and Wood Style can suppress a Tailed Beast." Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Kakashi's eye socket. "Originally, you were the candidate I had in mind, but unfortunately..."

"It is indeed time to prepare for the future."

"However, if I rashly ask Danzo for a person, I worry he will become a sleeper agent planted by Danzo in the Anbu to get close to Naruto..."

"Kakashi, you should understand what I mean..."

"Yes!" Kakashi nodded. "I will take responsibility for convincing Yamato!"

"Good." Hiruzen Sarutobi showed his approval. "Then consider this a long-term mission entrusted to you."

After speaking, he waved his hand and said, "Go. First, go to Konoha Hospital to have an eye transplanted. Don't rush the matter with Yamato; get some rest first. Use this opportunity to think carefully and plan your future. It won't be too late."

"Yes!"

Leaving the Hokage Office.

Minato-sensei, I'm sorry. This is the most I can do... Kakashi sighed inwardly, then patted his cheeks to pull himself together and regain his spirit.

Obito... just you wait. I will definitely find you!

And I won't lose to you either!

Soul Space.

Minato and Kushina exchanged a glance and smiled.

They understood that Kakashi had done his best...

They were already very gratified that he could do this much.

At the same time, they were happy that Kakashi had stepped out of the darkness and regained his resolve.

Keep going, Kakashi...

As his teacher and mentor's wife, they could only offer their silent blessings from within their hearts.

People's feelings are not always connected. Sitting to the side, Sasuke yawned.

He only felt bored; after all, the side show he had painstakingly prepared hadn't even had a chance to take the stage...