Sorry, I Just Can't Be Happy

Hideki cared so much about White Fang not only to give Kakashi a hand, but also because he had his own selfish motives.

Root.

From what Hideki knew of Danzo, he was the kind of man who would never give up until he achieved his goal.

Hideki would rather die than join Root... Well, that was a bit exaggerated. Still, unless absolutely necessary, he did not want to bow his head to an evil force.

But Hideki also knew.

This could not go on forever. In Danzo's eyes, there was no egg without cracks. Kushina and Nagato could protect him for a while, but there would always come a time when they could not watch over him.

Then they would lock him in one of Root's little dark rooms, slap all kinds of seals and restrictions on him, brainwash him with all sorts of little whips, or tempt him with money, beautiful women, even forbidden techniques, forcing him to fall, submit, and become unable to stop...

In short, Root had its eyes on him. He was in a very passive position, but he did not want to stay passive. If he wanted to resist and turn the tables, he had to come up with something.

White Fang was also being targeted by Root. Hideki had no reason to pass up such a natural ally—and such a powerful backer.

"Bring more smoke bombs. Feels like we burn through these things pretty quickly."

At that moment, Kakashi suddenly spoke, interrupting Hideki's thoughts.

"Got it." Hideki immediately stuffed some into his ninja tool pouch. These were all money, after all.

At the same time, he cautiously asked Kakashi, "Um... has Uncle White Fang always been so... uh, domestic?"

Kakashi's body visibly stiffened, as though the smoke bomb in his hand had leaked electricity.

"He... my mother passed away early, and he was usually busy with missions. So whenever he's home, he... is basically like this."

Kakashi turned his face away, seemingly to grab a kunai from the other side. But Hideki did not even need to look to know how socially dead Kakashi's expression must have been.

"Uh... okay. That's pretty nice."

Hideki had actually wanted to tell Kakashi that the most important thing in life was to cherish what one had.

But what puzzled him was that if this was White Fang's normal state, why was Kakashi so gloomy?

He should have gotten used to it by now, right?

Still full of doubts, Hideki strapped a ninja tool pouch to each leg and headed to the Hatake Clan's dining table.

White Fang had taken off that eye-searing apron, and he instantly looked like a completely different person: a burly frame, broad shoulders, wise eyes, and a hearty smile.

If he added a blade and let out a little killing intent, the feeling would be just right.

"Dig in, little Hideki. Don't be shy. Treat this place like your own home. If I could, I'd even have you move in with us! Hahahahaha!"

"Sure! Time to eat!"

White Fang had prepared grilled fish for dinner. Although he had not known in advance that Hideki would be coming, judging from the look of things, White Fang must have kept quite a few spare fish on hand.

Hideki and Kakashi ate at an unhurried pace.

White Fang, on the other hand, did not seem in any rush to eat. He kept staring curiously at Hideki, and afraid of making things awkward, Hideki could only keep his head down and eat.

But then, when Hideki glanced at Kakashi beside him and found that Kakashi was in almost exactly the same state...

Hideki seemed to understand something.

Could it be that... Kakashi's gloom had nothing to do with White Fang showing any signs of depression?

Could it be because his father had been staying at home for too long?

Perhaps for a child, seeing his omnipotent father stay home all day as a househusband, allowing White Fang to gather dust, was what hurt the most.

"Little Hideki..." White Fang spoke then.

"I'm here, Uncle White Fang."

"I heard from Kakashi that you developed a... combined ninjutsu. It was quite powerful. It's just a shame I couldn't personally attend your graduation ceremony."

Hideki knew his chance had arrived. He immediately set down his chopsticks and said with a serious expression, "I merely proposed an idea. For the ninjutsu to work, it relied on the three of us working together as one."

Kakashi beside him also raised his head, while Hideki's speech continued.

"I was also fortunate to have two good companions. Kakashi's Lightning Release works very well with my Water Release, and Obito... our other teammate, has excellent timing with his Fire Release as well. The three of us work together seamlessly."

"No, no, you're being too modest, little Hideki." White Fang waved a hand. "Coordination and bonds can be nurtured over time, but not just anyone can think of the idea you proposed... You're a genius, child."

Most of White Fang's words were sincere, with not even a trace of empty courtesy.

After all, this was a man whose eye for talent could rival Madara's. Madara had bet on Obito, while White Fang had bet on Guy. In the end, Guy nearly kicked out the final ending with one kick. The result spoke for itself.

But Hideki heard another meaning in those words.

Bonds can be nurtured over time... does that mean severing them only takes an instant? Has White Fang already started losing faith in Konoha?

As Hideki thought this, he felt increasingly certain that his guess was right. But that did not stop him from working his expression.

A huge look of disappointment appeared on his face. Hideki sighed. "So even Uncle White Fang sees it that way..."

As soon as those words came out, paired with Hideki's gloomy aura, they immediately drew the attention of the Hatake father and son.

White Fang had no idea why. This child looked like... he had something on his mind?

Kakashi was also somewhat baffled. Hideki, your act... has gone off topic.

Hideki sighed again and began his performance. "Everyone seems to think I did something incredible. Uncle White Fang thinks so, and Elder Danzo thinks so too."

"But in truth, without Kakashi and Obito, this combined ninjutsu would be impossible..."

"Ah!"

Hideki grabbed the fruit juice from the table and tipped his head back, draining it in one gulp. His ambitions remained unfulfilled and his heart unwilling; he looked up at the heavens and let out a long sigh.

Those words left Kakashi dumbfounded. He had thought he understood Hideki well enough, but who could have imagined that one grilled-fish dinner would let him see such a pretentious... such an emotional side of Hideki.

And White Fang's hearty, next-door-uncle smile gradually froze on his face.

Those two words made White Fang's gaze turn cold—Hideki had carefully engineered their seemingly casual mention, and it had worked.

"Your companions' efforts truly should not be overlooked. You're right, little Hideki." White Fang smiled and picked up the fruit juice on the table, draining it in one gulp, though it somehow lacked a little flavor now.

He casually refilled his glass and said, "Still, being praised for your talent by a great figure like Lord Danzo should make you happy..."

White Fang's probing made Hideki feel that his hook had been bitten—and bitten firmly.

A big fish!

"Sorry, Uncle White Fang, I just can't be happy." Hideki answered at once, even forcing a reddish "drunken flush" onto his face. He looked somewhat agitated.

"Lord Danzo wants me to join Root, but only if I cut ties with Kakashi and Obito... I can't do that, and I don't understand it. Why can't Lord Danzo see Kakashi and Obito's efforts?"

I've spelled it out this clearly. I hope you get the hint, Mr. Hatake Sakumo!

The moment you die, Danzo will immediately trick your son into joining Root! He'll even have your son try to kill the Third Hokage!

If you don't want anything to happen to your son, then cooperate with me properly! Don't try any tricks, or I'll sell Kakashi to Danzo in a heartbeat!

Hideki roared wildly in his heart!