Sorry, I Can't Be Happy

Ying Shu cared so much about White Fang not only to help Kakashi out, but also for a certain selfish reason.

Root.

Based on Ying Shu's understanding of Danzo, he was the kind of man who would never give up until he got what he wanted.

Ying Shu would rather die than go to Root... Well, that was a bit exaggerated. In any case, unless absolutely necessary, he did not want to bow to evil forces.

But Ying Shu also knew.

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

Then he would be locked in Root's little black room, loaded up with all kinds of seals and restrictions, subjected to brainwashing and little whips—or tempted with money, beautiful women, even forbidden techniques—until he fell, submitted, and could not pull himself free...

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

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

"Bring more smoke bombs. Feels like we go through a lot of these."

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

"Got it." Ying Shu immediately stuffed some into his ninja tool pouch. These things all cost money.

Still, he cautiously asked Kakashi, "Um... is Uncle White Fang always so... uh, domesticated?"

Kakashi's body visibly stiffened, as if the smoke bomb in his hand had sprung a leak.

"He... My mother died 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 some kunai from the other side. But Ying Shu did not even need to look to know how socially dead Kakashi's expression must have been.

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

Ying Shu 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, right?

With that question in mind, Ying Shu strapped a ninja tool pouch to each leg and arrived at the Hatake Clan's dining table.

White Fang had taken off that eye-searing apron, and he instantly seemed like a completely different person—his burly build, broad shoulders, wise eyes, and hearty smile.

If he had a sword at his waist and showed a little killing intent, the feeling would have been just right.

"Dig in, little Ying Shu. Don't be shy—treat this place like your own home. If I could, I'd even have you move in with us! Hahahahahaha!"

"Alright! Thanks for the meal!"

White Fang had prepared grilled fish for dinner. Though he had not known in advance that Ying Shu would be coming, judging by the look of things, White Fang seemed to have quite a few spare fish on hand.

Ying Shu and Kakashi ate at an unhurried pace.

White Fang did not seem eager to eat. Instead, he kept staring curiously at Ying Shu. Afraid of making things awkward, Ying Shu could only keep his head down and eat.

But then, when Ying Shu glanced at Kakashi beside him and discovered that Kakashi was in much the same state as he was...

Ying Shu seemed to understand something.

Was it possible... that Kakashi's gloominess was not because White Fang had shown any signs of depression?

But because his father had been staying at home for too long?

Perhaps, to a child, seeing his omnipotent father spend all day at home as a househusband, letting White Fang gather dust, was what truly hurt the most.

"Little Ying Shu..." White Fang spoke at that moment.

"Yes, Uncle White Fang."

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

Ying Shu knew his chance had come. He immediately set down his chopsticks and said with a serious expression, "I only put forward the concept. The ninjutsu could be activated only because the three of us worked together as one."

Kakashi beside him raised his head as well, while Ying Shu'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 too. The three of us have great teamwork."

"No, no, you're being too modest, little Ying Shu." White Fang waved his hand. "Coordination and bonds can be cultivated over time, but not just anyone could have thought of the concept you proposed... You're a genius, child."

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

After all, he 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 entire finale with one kick—the result spoke for itself.

But Ying Shu heard another meaning in his words.

Bonds can be cultivated over time... Does that mean severing them only takes an instant? Has White Fang already begun to lose faith in Konoha?

As Ying Shu thought this, he became increasingly convinced that his guess was right. But that did not interfere with the expression on his face.

A huge look of disappointment appeared on his face. Ying Shu sighed. "Sure enough, even Uncle White Fang sees it that way..."

The moment those words came out, paired with Ying Shu's melancholy air, they immediately drew the attention of the Hatake father and son.

White Fang had no idea what was going on. This child looked like... he had something weighing on his mind?

Kakashi was also a little confused. Ying Shu, this act of yours... had gone completely off track.

Ying Shu sighed again and began his performance. "Everyone seems to think I've done something incredible. Uncle White Fang thinks so, and Elder Danzo thinks so too."

"But in reality, without Kakashi and Obito, this combination ninjutsu would have been impossible..."

"Ah!"

Ying Shu grabbed the fruit juice on the table and tilted his head back, draining it in one gulp. His ambitions remained unfulfilled and his heart unwilling; he raised his head toward the heavens and let out a long sigh.

At those words, Kakashi was dumbstruck. He had thought he understood Ying Shu well enough, but who could have guessed that one meal of grilled fish would let him see such an affected... such an emotional side of Ying Shu.

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

Those two words made White Fang's eyes turn cold—Ying Shu's carefully designed, seemingly casual remark had worked.

"Your companions' efforts truly should not be overlooked. You're right, little Ying Shu." White Fang smiled as he lifted the fruit juice from the table and drained it in one gulp, but somehow it had lost a little of its flavor.

Seemingly carelessly, he refilled his own glass and said, "Still, being praised by someone as important as Lord Danzo for your talent is something you should be happy about..."

White Fang's probing made Ying Shu feel his hook being bitten—and bitten firmly.

A big fish!

"Sorry, Uncle White Fang, I can't be happy." Ying Shu answered at once, even forcing a reddish "drunken flush" onto his face, making him look 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. Why can't Lord Danzo see Kakashi and Obito's efforts?"

I've already said this much. I hope you get the hint, Mr. Sakumo Hatake!

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

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

Ying Shu roared wildly in his heart!