The Failed Kotoamatsukami

Lie Yang's blade.

It was too fast.

So fast that even the Sharingan could not capture its full trajectory.

The first slash cleaved through Susanoo.

The second took Shisui's right eye.

By the time the third slash fell, he did not even have time to think before his chest was pierced.

In that instant, he saw his dead father, Obito, Rin, and his own brief, failed life.

Death was only half a step away.

Kakashi's body suddenly tensed, cold sweat quickly soaking his forehead.

His hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his knuckles gradually turning white.

"Stop reliving it."

The doctor beside the bed spoke.

He was a Nara Clan member, around forty years old, dressed in Konoha Hospital's white medical robes. He reached out and pressed down on Kakashi's shoulder, preventing him from suddenly sitting up.

"You've been unconscious for twenty-five days. Your body has only just regained consciousness. You can't move too strenuously."

Kakashi still stared at the blank space in his right-side vision.

"Where's Guy?"

"Still unconscious."

The doctor did not hide it.

"His injuries are far worse than yours. Though his life was saved, multiple bones were fractured, and his muscles and chakra pathways were severely damaged. There are no signs of him waking up yet."

Kakashi's Adam's apple bobbed.

"Shisui?"

"Also unconscious."

"What about Kurenai?"

The ward fell silent.

The doctor withdrew his hand and said gravely, "Kurenai Yuhi was taken away by Lie Yang."

Kakashi closed his eyes.

Though he had already guessed it, hearing the answer for real still made it feel as if a heavy weight had crushed his chest.

"Did Konoha send people to track him?"

"Yes."

The doctor walked to the table and poured a cup of warm water.

"After withdrawing from the battlefield, Konoha spent a full eighteen days locating