Konoha — Hyuga Hiashi's younger twin brother, Hyuga Hizashi, and Elder Hyuga entered the Hokage's office.
At this moment, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat in his chair, a pipe in hand, lost in silent contemplation.
"Lord Hokage!"
"Oh? It's Hizashi and Elder Hyuga. What brings you here?"
Hyuga Hizashi knelt down on one knee and said solemnly, "Lord Hokage, I am prepared to take my brother Hiashi's place and offer my life to pacify Kumogakure's anger. If my death can bring peace, I am willing to become the sacrificial stone."
"This…"
"Lord Hokage, Hizashi's resolve is unwavering. Please grant his request."
Elder Hyuga also fell to his knees beside him, his voice grave but composed.
"Hizashi, Elder Hyuga, please stand. Konoha has not decided to bow to Kumogakure. You need not degrade yourselves."
"Lord Hokage, I know your heart seeks peace, but Konoha can ill afford another war! If offering my life can resolve this conflict and protect the clan, then let it be mine!"
The Third Hokage exhaled deeply, his expression tinged with melancholy.
"Hizashi, things have not yet escalated to that point. Your death is not yet necessary."
"Then… may I ask," Hizashi said with hesitation, "what is the plan, Lord Hokage?"
"I understand you wish to protect your brother and nephew, but sacrifice must be the last resort. I've already dispatched Hatake Kakashi to the border. If he can stand against the Fourth Raikage, this conflict may end without further bloodshed."
"Kakashi?" Hizashi asked, surprised. "Can he truly hold his ground against the Fourth Raikage?"
He remembered Kakashi vaguely — the son of White Fang, a disciple of the Fourth Hokage. He had seen him only briefly.
But could such a young man — not even eighteen — withstand the storm that was the Fourth Raikage? The Raikage was the strongest in Kumogakure, a living thunderbolt clad in chakra armor. Hizashi's heart filled with doubt.
"I don't know," Hiruzen said with a faint smile, "but I believe in him."
Before Hizashi could respond, a member of the Anbu Black Ops flickered into the room and knelt.
"Lord Hokage, urgent intel from the watchtower at the border."
The Anbu presented a sealed scroll. The Third Hokage unrolled it with practiced hands, breaking the chakra lock and scanning its contents. A moment later, hearty laughter erupted from the usually solemn man.
Hizashi and the elder looked on in confusion, while the Anbu remained still.
"Wonderful! Kakashi didn't let me down! Hahaha!"
"Lord Hokage…?"
The Third Hokage passed the scroll to Hizashi with a proud smile. "Read for yourself. Kakashi faced the Fourth Raikage and emerged victorious. Yunyin has withdrawn."
Hizashi took the scroll and read:
> Hatake Kakashi engaged the Fourth Raikage. Kakashi sustained minor injuries. The Raikage was severely wounded. Kumogakure forces have retreated from the border.
His hands trembled. Kakashi — that young man — not only withstood the Raikage but injured him?
He could hardly believe the words. Yet, the facts were before him.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Hizashi said, bowing deeply. "You have preserved my life and protected the dignity of the Hyuga clan. My nephew… he won't be left fatherless."
The Third Hokage shook his head. "Save your thanks for Kakashi. It was he who uncovered Kumogakure's plot and stopped their advance. He deserves your gratitude."
"I understand. When he returns, I will thank him personally."
"Good. Then this matter is settled. You may both return and report peace to the clan."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
The elder and Hizashi left, still stunned by the turn of events.
As the doors closed, the Third Hokage turned to the Anbu.
"Spread word of Kakashi's success through the village. Let the people know who stood against the storm."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
The Anbu vanished, and Hiruzen stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he looked out the window.
"Kakashi… your growth has exceeded even Minato's expectations. I've given you momentum—may you shoulder the weight of what's to come."
---
ROOT Headquarters, Konoha — Underground
Danzo Shimura slammed a document onto the ground.
"Damn it! How did Hatake Kakashi gain enough strength to defeat the Fourth Raikage?! This is unacceptable!"
He gritted his teeth in fury. "We should've clipped that boy when we had the chance! The Hatake line… none of them are easy to control!"
In the shadows, Danzo's wrath burned quietly — no one saw, no one knew.
---
Konoha Border – Watchtower
Kakashi's eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar ceiling. He clutched his neck, still feeling residual warmth from a lightning-infused strike.
"Ugh…"
He groaned, sitting up slowly on the medical bed.
He touched his left eye. It felt intact. The Sharingan had been sealed again. He pulled his headband down to cover it.
The room was empty. No medics, no guards. Kakashi knew the border was still dangerous. Even if Yunyin had retreated, they could return at any moment.
He rose, his body sore but functional.
This battle had changed everything.
During the clash, Kakashi had kept the Sharingan active for nearly the entire time — not only observing the Raikage's movements, but also copying them.
That's right — copying.
He was known as the "Copy Ninja" for a reason. With his full elemental affinity and the Sharingan, Kakashi could mimic nearly any technique — so long as it wasn't a bloodline limit.
Lightning Release had always been his specialty, but Konoha lacked the advanced Thunder techniques possessed by Kumogakure.
He had long coveted the Raikage's Lightning Armor — more precisely, the Lightning Chakra Mode, known among shinobi as Raijin no Yoroi.
It dramatically enhanced speed, power, and durability — shaping Raikage's legendary physique.
Kakashi had focused his eye, enduring tremendous chakra strain, and finally… he copied it.
Not all of it, not perfectly — but enough. The framework was his.
With Lightning Armor under his belt, his mastery over Lightning Release would rise exponentially.
And this — this had been his real goal in fighting the Raikage.
He hadn't merely sought to defend Konoha. He came seeking growth — and now, he had found it.
Fortune favors the bold.
The Duel doesn't end here… it only gets more intense.
30+ chapters ahead are already waiting.
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