"So, Kakashi-sensei, do you still think there's anything unreasonable about me defecting from Konoha, or even turning to the dark side?"
Faced with Naruto's question, Kakashi thought of everything his teacher had done for the village.
Then he recalled all the ostracism and cold indifference Naruto had suffered over the past dozen years.
Kakashi fell silent.
"Naruto, what are you planning to do?"
The two stood in silence beneath Rock Face for a long time before Kakashi finally spoke, the light gone from his eyes.
"I want you to be my mole in Konoha. Are you willing?"
At those words, Kakashi recoiled two steps in shock, staring at Naruto.
"Why do you have to do this? Naruto, with your aptitude and talent, you could become Hokage if you worked hard. Once you become Hokage, I'll serve you with my life and support you."
Naruto shook his head with a cold laugh. "You think the mere title of Hokage of Konoha would make me a sucker who repays cruelty with kindness?"
"Do they deserve it?"
"You... what are you planning?"
Kakashi couldn't believe those words had come from a twelve-year-old boy.
Seeing how tense Kakashi was, Naruto rose and strolled over to Rock Face. Gazing at the cloud-choked sky, he slowly spread his arms.
"I'll shatter this world's rules and order, and build an entirely new world amid the ruins."
"And Konoha will be the first stepping stone on my path of defying the heavens."
When he finished, Naruto saw the fierce conflict flickering in Kakashi's eyes and expressed his understanding.
"You don't understand?"
"You think I'm arrogant? You think I'm a madman?"
"Aren't you?!"
Although Kakashi felt deeply guilty toward Naruto, he had too many bonds in Konoha. He would sooner die right then than help a tyrant by becoming