Kakashi Leaves the Anbu, and His Change of Heart

"I never expected your Sharingan to be taken from you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't doubt Kakashi's words.

First, he trusted Kakashi completely.

Second, Orochimaru had indeed had a motive.

Third, even if it wasn't Orochimaru, someone else would have done it.

Whether it was the Uchiha, one of his old friends, or even another ninja village, any of them might have tried to strike in secret.

Hiruzen had anticipated this day ever since Kakashi acquired the Sharingan.

But regardless, he still needed to offer some comfort. "Without the Sharingan, your strength..."

"Third Hokage, I'll get back on my feet as soon as I can," Kakashi said.

Hiruzen tested the waters. "Would you like me to speak to the Uchiha on your behalf..."

Kakashi touched his left eye socket. "Thank you, Lord Third. It's just that I..."

Realizing Kakashi was declining, Hiruzen nodded.

He knew that eye held special meaning for Kakashi.

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

He would have to completely change his fighting style... and that would take a great deal of time.

If he failed to adapt, his career would be over...

And as an Anbu, he had to carry out demanding combat missions for long periods...

With a decision vaguely taking shape in his mind, Hiruzen asked, "Kakashi, how long have you been in the Anbu?"

Here it comes... Kakashi lowered his head. "Third Hokage, it's been over two years."

"Two years..." Hiruzen said. "Minato had you join the Anbu because he saw how lost you were. He hoped that a constant stream of demanding missions would distract you and pull you out of your despair."

"But clearly, your years in the Anbu haven't brought about the change he hoped for."

At that, his gaze grew intent. "Kakashi, have you ever considered leaving the Anbu?"

"Third Hokage! I..." Kakashi jerked his head up, but Hiruzen raised a hand to stop him. "For now, you're no longer fit for Anbu work."

"Take this opportunity to get yourself back on track."

"I'm sure Minato wouldn't want to see you remain trapped in the darkness of the Anbu."

Kakashi gave a bitter, weary smile. "Third Hokage, if I leave the Anbu, I don't know what I'd do."

Hiruzen offered some reassurance. "Kakashi, missions aren't the only thing that gives life meaning. And you shouldn't dwell too much on the past. Think about the people still by your side, the ones you should cherish."

"The people by my side... the ones I should cherish..." Kakashi murmured. Then, as if something had occurred to him, he looked up. "Third Hokage, if possible, please let me take care of Minato-sensei's child."

Inside the Soul Space.

Minato froze, then sighed inwardly.

He understood that Kakashi wanted to repay him, but...

Kushina, however, brightened, filled with hope. If it's Kakashi, then Naruto will...

Naruto?... Hiruzen frowned at once. "No, Kakashi. You're not suited to taking care of him."

Kushina's hopes were dashed. She gritted her teeth and cursed, "Damn you, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

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

"Minato had too many enemies," Hiruzen said meaningfully. "To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, I've had him take Kushina's surname, Uzumaki."

"But Kakashi, your position is sensitive. If you stay by his side, people could connect you to the rumors going around the village. That would put Naruto's safety at risk."

"So until Naruto is fully grown, you should avoid contact with him as much as possible."

"I'm touched by your concern!"

"Even if you can't personally care for their orphan, Minato and Kushina will understand."

Inside the Soul Space.

Kushina fumed. "How despicable!"

"He makes it sound so noble, as if every word is for Naruto's sake!"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi is just worried Kakashi will take his place in Naruto's heart when he grows up. He's afraid Kakashi might accidentally reveal Naruto's identity, so he's deliberately keeping Kakashi away from Naruto!"

"He even deliberately assigned Anbu who were biased against Naruto to watch over him!"

"Damn you, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

??? Sasuke, the Great Onmyoji, had been preparing to make his move, but froze.

Wasn't that supposed to be my line?

But when he saw that even the usually rational and sunny Minato Namikaze had grown grim,

Sasuke understood that they were gradually losing their fondness for Hiruzen Sarutobi...

When you disliked someone, even the way they breathed was wrong...

The Hokage's office.

"I understand." Kakashi lowered his head helplessly, then continued, "But only the Sharingan and Wood Style can suppress a Tailed Beast. For the sake of my teacher's child, I have an unreasonable request: I hope you'll transfer the Wood Style ninja from Root to your personal Anbu."

"Oh?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, surprised.

Damn... Kakashi tensed, wondering if he had tried too hard to impress Hiruzen and made him suspicious.

To his surprise, Hiruzen smiled. "Kakashi, it seems that without the influence of the Sharingan, your mindset has returned to normal. You're starting to think about other people's circumstances. That's a good thing!"

Hearing this, Kakashi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and unconsciously touched his left eye socket.

Had the Sharingan really been affecting his mind all this time?

Or had that encounter, dreamlike as it had been, changed his outlook?

He didn't know.

Not dwelling on it, he hesitated before asking, "Then what do you mean, Third Hokage...?"

"As you said, only the Sharingan and Wood Style can suppress a Tailed Beast." As he spoke, Hiruzen glanced at Kakashi's eye socket. "You were the person I had in mind all along, but unfortunately..."

"Now, it really is time to prepare for the future."

"But if I ask Danzo for a ninja outright, I'm worried he'll plant him in the Anbu and use him to get close to Naruto..."

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

"Yes!" Kakashi nodded. "I'll be responsible for persuading Yamato!"

"Good." Hiruzen looked pleased. "Then I'll assign that to you as a long-term mission."

With that, he waved a hand. "Go on. Get an eye transplant at Konoha Hospital first. There's no need to rush with Yamato. Get some rest, and use this opportunity to think carefully about your future and make plans. There's no hurry."

"Yes!"

After leaving the Hokage's office.

Minato-sensei, I'm sorry. This is the most I can do... Kakashi sighed inwardly. Then he patted his cheeks, pulled himself together, and forced himself to start over.

Obito... just you wait. I'll find you, no matter what!

And I won't lose to you!

Inside the Soul Space.

Minato and Kushina exchanged a glance and smiled.

They understood that Kakashi had done all he could...

They were already very grateful he had managed this much.

At the same time, they were happy to see Kakashi emerge from the darkness and find the strength to carry on.

Keep going, Kakashi...

As his teacher and teacher's wife, all they could do was send him their silent blessings.

People couldn't truly share one another's feelings. Sitting off to the side, Sasuke yawned.

He found it all terribly dull. After all, he had gone to so much trouble preparing an entertaining little show, only for it to never get the chance to begin...