Just like at the beginning when I chose the mission over my companions, my ideals were not accepted by the villagers and companions, making me the object of their isolation.
Therefore, even though Asuma is the son of the Hokage, there is a limit to the tolerance he receives.
When necessary, it might be the Hokage himself who personally resolves the unsettling issue that Asuma poses.
"It's too early for you to instill life's beliefs in me, Kakashi. But there's one thing you're right about: we've all been through some unknown things."
Incompatibility and conflict in ideals lead to isolation, and just thinking about that feeling of being an enemy of the world is enough to feel heavy-hearted, oppressed to the point of being unable to breathe.
Asuma also knows that Kakashi ultimately compromised.
Whether it was voluntary, or as rumored, changed by the late Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato, only Kakashi truly knows these things.
Looking at Kakashi now, it's clear the other person has emerged from the shadows of the past, unlike himself, still wandering at a crossroads, indecisive.
In this aspect, Asuma truly envies Kakashi.
Kakashi has found his own path, but what about himself?
Does he really want to continue languishing like this?
But now, what can he do?
Setting up a new life goal seems easy, but can the beliefs once firmly held truly be let go?
Abandoning the path he has walked steadfastly, is it really the right thing to do?
Kakashi's choice, after all, is Kakashi's own, not his choice.
He wants to change Konoha, but unable to even convince villagers and companions, what qualifies him to shake the Hokage's beliefs?
With a bitter heart, Asuma drank another gulp of the stuffy liquor, guzzling it down.
"What about going out for a bit of relief? Right now, you urgently need to dispel the oppression in your heart and move forward from your past experiences."
Seeing Asuma still hesitating, Kakashi sighed, placed his hand on Asuma's shoulder, and suggested to him.
"Relief?"
Asuma lowered his head, seemingly considering Kakashi's suggestion.
Indeed, staying in Konoha isn't quite suitable for him now.
And he doesn't want to meet the Hokage either.
Progressing like this will only further exacerbate the conflict and preconceived notions between himself and the Hokage.
If possible, he doesn't want to take an opposing path against his father.
But when it comes to the Hokage... he inadvertently remembers the scene of Guardian Ninja comrades dying by his hand, forcing a bitter smile from Asuma, who only ends up gloomily drinking more liquor without saying anything.
◎
Asuma woke up sluggishly in the afternoon, drunkenly hungover from the night before.
Kakashi had long left without notice, and Asuma didn't mind, instead simply tidying up the room, cleaning up the mess inside. Then he went to meet the Hokage. According to the suggestion Kakashi gave, Asuma proposed to Hiruzen his intention to take on long-term missions outside.
"Perform long-term missions outside?"
Hiruzen was somewhat pleased with Asuma's proposal.
This proved Asuma hadn't become arrogantly beyond remedy.
It seemed that the private request he made to Kakashi yesterday to comfort his second son was successful.
At the very least, Asuma showed determination to mend his ways.
Then slowly guide him back to believe in Konoha, in the Will of Fire, and let everything return to its origin.
Asuma still bore that careless demeanor, as if he wasn't worried at all that the Hokage would reject his request.
In fact, he might be more anxious than even himself.
"Alright, I will approve this matter. But could you let me know, roughly where do you plan to go next?"
Even if Asuma needn't disclose all details, it's important to know generally where Asuma plans to go and unwind.
Asuma didn't answer but instead brought up another matter: "Two days ago, the Daimyo sent me a letter."
Hiruzen nodded, he was aware of this, and could roughly guess what was written in the letter.
"The Daimyo hopes to return to the Daimyo's Mansion and once again assemble the Twelve Guardian Ninja."
Asuma spoke nonchalantly.
"And your choice?"
"I haven't considered going back for now. Besides that, the Daimyo seems to be preparing to send a delegation to the Land of Demons for diplomacy."
Asuma discussed the matter.
"..."
Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat, seeing the resolution in Asuma's eyes; he couldn't help but feel anxious.
The place Asuma wants to go next... is it the Land of Demons?
If so, then that would be somewhat problematic.
As if reading Hiruzen's thoughts, Asuma replied: "Rest assured, once I've arrived there, I will restrain myself. Big brother and sister-in-law died on the battlefield; if I seek vengeance, it'll also be on the battlefield."
"I apologize for the matter concerning Ryu and Linko. However, Asuma, that place in the Land of Demons, you'd best avoid it."
Hiruzen solemnly advised Asuma.
He fears most that Asuma cannot suppress his desire for revenge by then, leading to many troublesome issues.
Even though Asuma says he'll restrain his impulses, Asuma's nature appears calm but is, in fact, as fiery as it gets. As his father, Hiruzen deeply understands his second son's character.
The Land of Demons is too far from the Land of Fire; even a ninja running at full speed needs at least three to four days, or even longer, to reach it.
If Asuma encounters any mishap in the Land of Demons, Konoha's side will be helpless.