"I finally understand why you didn't return to Konoha, Sensei—or rather, why you didn't tell everyone in Konoha that you were still here..."
After listening to Minato's plan, Kakashi said with a bitter smile,
"If you appeared too early, or even took control of Konoha, it would only backfire and make everyone think this was all driven by Konoha's ambitions..."
Minato replied gently,
"I originally intended to have Master Jiraiya carry out my plan. He would be the best person for the job. I never actually planned to tell you any of this. Staying by Naruto's side, you would help them grow as their teacher and do your part as well. There was no need to make you shoulder all this."
"If you feel you can't accept it or bear the burden, I hope you'll understand. Before you leave, I'll have Lord Kurama seal your memories. You don't need to feel pressured, either. You can leave everything to us..."
I can leave everything to Sensei. Those words are so familiar, and so reassuring.
Isn't that how I used to get by?
And this time, Sensei's plan is already so thorough. Just as he said, even if I knew nothing, I would still make the right decisions under his guidance...
Yet after a moment of silence, Kakashi shook his head.
"Sensei, do you remember the first time you made me team captain, back when I had just become a Jonin?
"I was so excited. I wanted to show everyone what I could do, so I showed off in front of you... In the end, I only caused you trouble."
Kakashi lowered his head and looked at his palm, his expression desolate. This hand had once pierced Rin's chest.
For a long time, nightmares had haunted Kakashi. He saw visions of his