Kakashi Resigns

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed through the window into the Hokage Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, holding a pipe whose embers flickered on and off.

The ashtray before him was already full.

After Danzo left the night before, Hiruzen had sat alone for a long time.

He had not dozed off at his desk until dawn was near.

Just then.

Knock, knock, knock.

Someone knocked at the door.

Hiruzen looked up and rubbed his temples.

"Come in."

The door opened, and a silver-haired figure in an Anbu uniform walked in. When Hiruzen saw who it was, he froze.

"Kakashi?"

He set down his pipe, surprise crossing his face.

"What brings you here? Aren't you off duty today?"

Kakashi did not answer. He walked up to the desk and stopped.

Then he took a letter from inside his uniform and placed it on the desk.

"What's this?"

Hiruzen glanced at the envelope, then looked up at Kakashi.

Kakashi said nothing. Frowning, Hiruzen picked up the envelope and opened it.

Inside was a neatly folded sheet of paper. He unfolded it and scanned the words. His expression changed at once.

"A resignation letter?"

Hiruzen looked up and stared at Kakashi.

"You want to leave Anbu?"

The office fell silent for a moment.

Kakashi met his gaze.

"Yes."

His voice was calm.

Hiruzen frowned even more deeply. He looked at the Resignation Letter in his hand, then at Kakashi.

"Why?"

Hiruzen set down the letter, confusion in his voice.

"You've been doing well in Anbu. Why resign all of a sudden?"

"Has something happened?"

Kakashi shook his head.

"No."

"Then why?"

Hiruzen stood, came around the desk, and stopped in front of Kakashi.

He studied Kakashi's face.

"You're one of Anbu's finest."

"Your skill, your judgment, your ability to carry out