Hatake Sakumo took a sip of tea and nodded.
Excellent. Just what I would expect from my child with Xiao Yun. He inherited our intelligence and emotional awareness, though perhaps more from his mother's side.
In that case, I can't let my child outdo me. I should offer some advice.
Things like quietly following Kushina to see her home, or covering your room with her photos for motivation... I might not have any experience myself, but surely I can't go wrong with what Xiao Yun did!
Didn't she successfully win me over? A proven success meant those methods worked!
He was just about to speak when his expression sharpened. He set his cup down with a thunk and turned his gaze toward the door.
"Captain Sakumo, Lord Hokage has summoned you urgently."
As the Anbu Captain, Hatake Sakumo had few days off, and Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that.
Under normal circumstances, Hiruzen would not disturb him. Yet he had sent someone to summon him now, which suggested something serious had happened.
With Minato Namikaze watching in understanding, Hatake Sakumo hurriedly changed into his ANBU uniform, said, "Excuse me," and patted Kakashi, who had been watching from the sidelines, on the head before leaving with the Body Flicker Technique.
The room suddenly felt empty. Minato Namikaze and Kakashi exchanged a glance, each seeing worry in the other's eyes.
"Well, your dad is an exceptional man, Kakashi. Lord Hokage trusts him deeply... What a shame, though. I was really looking forward to Captain Sakumo's advice..."
Sensing Kakashi's unease, Minato Namikaze offered a few reassuring words.
Kakashi forced a smile and answered with a quiet, "Mm."
After considerable hesitation, he decided he could not simply watch Minato-sensei make mistake after mistake and head down a path with no future.
He pressed his lips together,