Chapter 9: Konoha’s Elders

After leaving behind a note, Hatake Sakumo followed Haigō and left the house.

Kakashi, who had woken up early, habitually glanced at the place where Sakumo usually left notes after finishing his morning routine. Reading the message, he let out a helpless sigh.

Tying on his small apron, Kakashi skillfully took out eggs, bread, and vegetables, and made two simple sandwiches.

After placing the sandwiches on the table, Kakashi finally took off the apron and went to the bedroom to wake up Takeshi.

Groggily following Kakashi to the sink, Takeshi stared at the two matching toothbrushes and cups in front of him, then suddenly realized something.

"Here, I already got this ready for you." Afraid that the other boy would instinctively grab his own toothbrush, Kakashi quickly handed over a brand new set of toiletries.

After washing up, Takeshi, now feeling hungry, rushed to the dining table. Looking at the sandwich in front of him, he first sniffed it, then curiously asked:

"Did Sakumo-san make this?"

"No, I did." Kakashi rolled his eyes and sat down. Suddenly remembering something, he stood up again and went to the cupboard, pulling out a large carton of milk.

So thoughtful.

Although the word choice was slightly off, Takeshi couldn't think of a better way to describe the other boy's behavior.

"Are you going to train later?" Takeshi took the cup of milk Kakashi handed him, took a sip, and asked about his post-breakfast plans.

"Yeah." Before Takeshi could even react, Kakashi had already taken a bite of the sandwich—so fast that Takeshi didn't even see when he lifted his mask.

So fast!

Unwilling to give up, Takeshi kept his eyes glued to Kakashi, not caring if he might get bitten.

And yet—

"You bastard, you're even being mysterious at home..." Even by the time Kakashi had finished the last bite of the sandwich, Takeshi still hadn't caught a glimpse of his face.

Kakashi seemed to enjoy this. He didn't say a word, but his light movements revealed his cheerful mood.

"Ah, let me help too." As a fine young man of the new era, Takeshi wasn't the type to freeload and do nothing. Seeing Kakashi gathering the dishes, he quickly picked up the cups.

Kakashi didn't refuse. The two stood side by side on a long bench, washing the dishes clean and placing them on the drying rack.

"Looks like you don't have to come watch me train today."

Drying his hands, Kakashi looked out the window, and Takeshi curiously followed his gaze.

Aburame Ryōma's figure appeared in their line of sight, startling Takeshi.

Since he wasn't wearing a mask, Takeshi quickly recognized him by the trademark small black sunglasses.

The Aburame Clan, known for their love of bugs.

Looks like this was the Root ninja his cheap old man sent to pick him up.

He wasn't sure whether Danzō was planning to treat him like a regular Root member, or just let him be an ordinary ninja...

Or maybe being a spoiled second-gen wouldn't be so bad. If Danzo really loses the battle with Uchiha Sasuke—he'd just kneel and pledge loyalty to Ōnoki in a flash.

At the very least, he could end up as a wealthy retiree, right?

"Alright, let's go. Oh, and don't forget to return the clothes when you get the chance." Seeing Takeshi still standing there, Kakashi patted him on the shoulder.

"Ah, yeah, I'll return them clean, I promise." Shaking off his random thoughts, Takeshi opened the door with a nervous heart, ready to face his fate.

...

Hokage's Office

Konoha's Elders were all present, sitting on the couch. Sakumo, dressed as an ordinary jōnin, stood respectfully behind Hiruzen.

The meeting was initiated by Hiruzen, who first glanced at Danzō, who sat calmly. Seeing no readable expression on the man's face, Hiruzen lightly coughed and habitually took out his pipe.

"A while ago, I sent two ANBU squads to Kirigakure to gather intel."

"Kirigakure, huh? Konoha hasn't had contact with them in a long time. Even routine diplomatic notices are completely ignored." Utatane Koharu's expression turned serious at the mention of Kirigakure.

"Ever since the Second Mizukage came to power, Kirigakure has enforced an extremely strict secrecy policy. Their efforts to hunt down rogue ninja are the most aggressive among all the villages," Mitokado Homura added from the side.

"That's right. In this mission, only Sakumo returned alive out of the two ANBU squads." Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice grew a little heavy. These ANBU were loyal forces under his command—each loss was deeply regrettable.

Moreover, the results of this mission had fallen far below expectations.

"Hmm? Even with Konoha's White Fang personally involved, it still ended like this?" Homura looked at Sakumo through his glasses.

"I'm very sorry. Kirigakure's measures toward outsiders were indeed far beyond our expectations." Sakumo's expression was tinged with disappointment.

"Then, what intel did you manage to obtain?" Homura, long accustomed to death among shinobi, showed no sympathy—or perhaps deliberately ignored Sakumo's dismay—and instead focused on the results.

"Yes, my apologies. Regrettably, the only intelligence we obtained was that the current ruler of Kirigakure is the Third Mizukage. As for his name, abilities, and age, all are unknown. Additionally, it seems Kirigakure has initiated a government-led purge targeting kekkei genkai users. Many with bloodline limits have suffered attacks."

"However, based on the mission, it's clear this action isn't aimed at all kekkei genkai. While fighting against Mist-nin, I noticed that some kekkei genkai users were still participating in battle."

"Raising a faction loyal only to himself, huh..." Holding an unlit pipe to his lips, Sarutobi Hiruzen voiced his speculation.

"They're even going after their own kekkei genkai users? That must mean internal conflict in Kirigakure is pretty intense." Homura agreed with the analysis and even found the logic understandable.

After all, doesn't their own village have a certain group of restless kekkei genkai?

Everyone present thought of the same clan at almost the same moment.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura all looked toward Danzō in unison.

Normally at times like this, Danzō would now launch into his Uchiha Threat Theory.

Strangely, even though the three were all watching him, Danzō showed no intention of speaking. Instead, under their gazes, he calmly picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

Was this even Danzō?

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