A fire flared up in Kakashi's heart.
With his back to him, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with a trace of false sentimentality in his voice. "Kakashi, you've done a lot these past few years. If not for you, how could Danzo's Root and the ANBU have been integrated so smoothly?"
"The new police force has also been established. It no longer recruits solely from one clan; talented people from every family are being taken in. The ANBU's part-time assignments should be withdrawn."
Kakashi knelt on one knee without raising his head, his tone stiff. "It was my duty."
"Kakashi, how many years have you been in the ANBU?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi clasped his hands behind his back.
Kakashi did not move. "I joined during the Fourth's time. Nearly ten years."
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long sigh. "Back then, Minato had you join the ANBU because he wanted you close to him, so he could slowly erase that darkness in your heart."
Kakashi was silent for several seconds before giving a slight nod. "I understand."
"After Minato died, I returned to this position and left the ANBU exactly as it was. But with you staying by my side, that darkness in your heart not only failed to fade—it only grew thicker the more it was suppressed." Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and stared at Kakashi's masked face. "Take off your mask. It's been ten years. I've relied on you too much."
He reached out, tore off Kakashi's mask, and casually tossed it aside.
"From this moment on, you are relieved of your ANBU duties. I have another assignment prepared for you."
Kakashi revealed no expression. "Yes."
If Naruto had been standing there to watch this little performance, he would have snorted in disdain.
The Fourth had kept Kakashi at his side in hopes