“Rin.”
Kakashi’s low murmur echoed in the gentle breeze.
“You don’t know, do you? Obito, he’s still alive.”
Kakashi’s voice faded, and a hint of sorrow flashed in his eyes.
“But I don’t know where he is.”
He looked up at the Hokage Rock, a symbol of his respect, speaking with a touch of pain.
“But I’m sure of one thing.”
“Rin, you might not believe it, but it’s true.
I’ve checked, and every year, orphans go missing under suspicious circumstances.”
“So, it’s possible that the village is conducting human experiments.”
“And Obito might have been subjected to those experiments.”
As he spoke, a beam of light hit the Third Hokage’s face on the Hokage Rock, reflecting into Kakashi’s eyes and making him blink.
When he opened his eyes again, looking at the source of the light, a chill appeared in his eyes.
The Third Hokage.
Even if Danzo was responsible, would you, as the Hokage, have yet to learn?
Kakashi shook his head. Since he chose to uncover the truth, there was no point in speculating.
He lowered his head to avoid the glare and looked back at the tombstone through the drifting dust.
“Rin, don’t worry. This time, I’ll only trust myself.”
“One day, I’ll find Obito.”
“And we’ll live well, together!”
“Rin, you also need to…”
Kakashi looked at the black and white photo on the tombstone, feeling something choke him, preventing him from speaking further.
It’s just you, Rin.
Only you went to that world.
Kakashi closed his eyes, gripping the flowers in his hand, squeezing out the last drops of juice.
He thought of Rin Nohara’s final bittersweet smile before her death.
At that moment, she desperately wanted him to move on from Obito’s death and live well.
But now, not only had she not seen Obito again, but she had also lost the chance to see this world.
Kakashi clenched his fists, his heart screaming.
Rin.
I’m sorry.
I failed to protect you.
Kakashi opened his eyes, looking at Rin Nohara’s tombstone with determination.
“Rin, I will avenge you.”
He turned, glimpsing the Hokage building through the tree leaves.
“Rin, your death was likely condoned by some high-ranking officials in the village.”
“Obito is also hidden in an unknown location, subjected to unspeakable experiments by those high-ups.”
“Don’t worry.”
Kakashi’s breathing grew heavy, and his usually expressionless face showed a trace of anger.
“No matter who it is, whether it’s the Third Hokage, Danzo, or Orochimaru.
Whoever hurt you, I will find them!”
“I’ll save Obito and avenge you.”
Kakashi’s eyes looked through the present into the past.
That night, Sakumo Hatake, his father, plunged a blade into his chest.
The hero of Konoha, the pillar of the Second Great Ninja War, committed a muddled suicide at home.
Back then, Kakashi was still young.
He only learned from the countless accusations that a ninja must follow the rules.
Otherwise, they deserve to die.
So, he held onto that belief, treating it as his ninja way.
Until that day when Obito Uchiha turned to him and said.
A ninja who doesn’t follow the rules is scum, but those who don’t value their comrades are worse than scum.
As Obito spoke, Kakashi’s long-held belief shattered, his heart-wrenching.
At that moment.
Kakashi finally faced his true feelings.
Rules are worthless.
Comrades are what truly matter!
His father died, and he couldn’t do anything.
She was facing his true self with the power he now possessed.
If he still watched Obito die, that wouldn’t be his ninja way!
So, comrades must be saved!
Rin’s death must be avenged!
Kakashi gripped the sword at his waist, exuding a terrifying aura and pride.
Anyone familiar would say that the confident Kakashi had returned!
Suppressing all emotions, he spoke softly.
“Rin, goodbye. I will fulfill my promise.”
With that, Kakashi placed the slightly crushed flowers on the tombstone and was about to leave when he suddenly stopped, suppressing all killing intent and other emotions, returning to his usual indifference and standing quietly.
Soon, an Anbu ninja appeared in his peripheral vision.
When the Anbu got closer, Kakashi pretended to have just noticed and turned to bow his head.
The Anbu wasted no time, ignoring the flying dust and speaking urgently, which anyone could hear in his tone.
“Kakashi, there’s a meeting at the Hokage building in three hours. Do not be late.”
Without waiting for a response, the Anbu turned and quickly exited the cemetery, leaping away.
Watching the Anbu’s hurried figure, Kakashi had a vague suspicion.
The only thing that could stir the village’s nerves was war.
So, with other battlefields stabilizing, there’s only one possibility—Kirigakure has joined the war.
Kakashi’s heart sank slightly, and then he appeared thoughtful.
In that case, this meeting must be the most critical pre-war information analysis and tactical planning session.
By tradition, only the Sannin, advisors, and Minato-sensei would attend. Why include me?
Based on the information, Kakashi quickly formed a hypothesis.
Naoki Kaguya!
Having witnessed Naoki Kaguya’s power firsthand, Kakashi knew he deserved Konoha’s attention.
But based on the information he submitted to the Third Hokage, Naoki Kaguya shouldn’t warrant such a fuss.
So, Naoki, what have you done now?
But if it’s you, being scrutinized like this could be deadly.
Kakashi felt a strange emotion towards Naoki, which he quickly suppressed.
When did I start feeling this way about a Kirigakure ninja?
He quickly found a reason to comfort himself, and it was probably just because of Obito.
Kakashi took a deep breath, exhaling his thoughts.
Whatever the case, everything will be revealed in three hours.
He started walking towards the Hokage building, planning to wait for the meeting.
After a few steps, Kakashi suddenly paused, sensing his summoning contract vibrating.
Pakkun?
Kakashi was puzzled.
Naoki Kaguya, do you have the information already?
It’s only been a few days. Is it about Obito?
Could it be because of the war?
Suppressing his guesses, Kakashi quickly returned home and shut the door tightly.
Biting his finger, he drew blood and clapped his hands.
With a puff of white smoke, Pakkun appeared with a sour expression.
“Home, huh, Kakashi?”
Kakashi nodded slightly, seeing the scroll on Pakkun, and took it while adding a soft word.
“Thanks.”
With that, he read the scroll’s content, turning his back.
Pakkun, not noticing, was annoyed.
“What do you mean thanks? If you don’t show gratitude, you’ll get retribution.”
“Kakashi!”
“Are you listening to me?”
Seeing Kakashi’s turn back, Pakkun was puzzled.
What’s with this guy?
“Pakkun.”
“I heard you.”
“Give me a moment.”
Kakashi’s voice was strained, as if suppressing some emotion.
Pakkun, sensing something was off, dropped the joking tone, worriedly watching him walk to a room.
Bang!
The door shut tightly as Kakashi entered the closed bedroom.
He gripped the scroll tightly, his eyes scanning Rin Nohara’s name repeatedly as if engraving it into his soul.
Rin’s handwriting?
Rin, still alive?
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