A few days later.
At the gates of Konohagakure.
"We're finally back!" Naruto stretched lazily. "Konoha really is the best!"
Sasuke kept his hands in his pockets and said coldly, "Dead last, don't relax just because the mission's over."
"What did you say?!" Naruto snapped immediately.
Sakura sighed helplessly. "You two…"
Haku followed quietly behind Kakashi, curiously observing the village.
This place was completely different from the Hidden Mist.
There was no oppressive atmosphere, no lingering scent of blood.
Sunlight filled the streets, and smiles could be seen everywhere.
"So this is… Konoha…" Haku murmured softly.
Kakashi glanced at him. "How does it feel?"
"…Warm," Haku answered honestly.
"You'll get used to it," Kakashi said. "Let's go. First to the Hokage Building."
"I need to report the mission and explain your situation as well."
"Yes." Haku nodded, a little nervous. The Hokage was the shadow of an entire village—would he really accept someone like him?
---
At the Hokage Building.
Kakashi knocked on the door.
"Come in," an aged but steady voice replied.
They entered the office to find the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, reviewing documents. Seeing Kakashi and the others, he set down his pen and smiled kindly.
"Kakashi, is the mission complete?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kakashi replied. "The bridge in the Land of Waves has been completed. Zabuza Momochi is dead, and the mission was successfully concluded."
"Very good." Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.
His gaze then shifted to Haku.
"And this young man is…?"
"This is what I need to report," Kakashi said, stepping forward.
"This is Haku, formerly a subordinate of the Mist rogue ninja Zabuza Momochi."
"During the mission, I defeated Zabuza and the rogue ninja Raiga."
"As part of the outcome, I spared Zabuza and took Haku in as my registered apprentice."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Zabuza Momochi… Raiga…"
"You spared Zabuza?"
"Yes," Kakashi said calmly. "Under the circumstances, whether he lived or died no longer mattered."
"But taking Haku as an apprentice is more beneficial to Konoha."
He looked at Haku.
"Haku possesses the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai and extraordinary talent. If properly trained, he will become a great asset to the village."
Hiruzen fell silent, lifting his pipe and taking a slow breath.
"Ice Release…"
"A rare bloodline indeed."
He turned to Haku.
"Haku, are you willing to join Konohagakure?"
Haku froze for a moment, then immediately knelt on one knee.
"Yes! I am willing to pledge my loyalty to Konoha and to you, Hokage-sama!"
"Rise," Hiruzen said kindly. "Since you are Kakashi's apprentice, you are one of us."
"However…"
He looked back at Kakashi.
"You understand that taking in a ninja from another village—especially one with a Kekkei Genkai—will draw attention."
"I understand," Kakashi nodded. "That's why I came to report directly."
"I'm willing to take full responsibility for him."
"If Haku ever harms Konoha, I will deal with it personally."
Hiruzen studied him for a long moment.
"…Very well."
"I agree."
"Haku, from today onward, you are registered as a reserve ninja of Konoha."
"If you pass the assessment, you may officially become a Genin."
Haku bowed deeply, his voice trembling.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
"Thank Kakashi," Hiruzen said with a smile. "He's the one who gave you this opportunity."
"And Kakashi—how do you plan to arrange his living situation?"
"He'll stay with me," Kakashi replied. "As his teacher, it's my responsibility."
"It will also make supervision and training more convenient."
"Very well," Hiruzen nodded.
"He'll stay under your care for now. If all goes smoothly, he may take the Genin assessment in three months."
"Understood."
"Then you may go. Submit the mission report tomorrow."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
---
After they left, Hiruzen looked down at the documents on his desk, pipe smoke curling upward.
"Ice Release Kekkei Genkai…"
"Kakashi really does have an eye for talent."
A short while later, the door opened abruptly.
An elderly man wrapped in bandages, leaning on a cane, walked in.
It was Danzō Shimura.
"Hiruzen."
"Danzō," Hiruzen replied calmly. "What is it?"
"I heard Kakashi brought back a ninja from another village," Danzō said.
"One with the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai."
Hiruzen set down his pen.
"Your information network is as fast as ever."
"Of course," Danzō sneered. "And you approved it?"
"Yes."
"You trust a foreign ninja with a bloodline limit?" Danzō scoffed.
"He could be a spy from Kirigakure!"
"I trust Kakashi's judgment," Hiruzen replied.
"And Haku is still young. This is the best time to guide him."
A sharp glint flashed in Danzō's single eye.
"Then hand him over to Root."
"I'll erase his hesitation and ensure absolute loyalty."
"And such a precious Kekkei Genkai should be controlled by Root."
Hiruzen shook his head.
"No."
"What?!" Danzō snapped.
"Haku is Kakashi's responsibility."
"Konoha needs ninjas with emotions and bonds—not tools."
"Root's methods would only destroy his potential."
Danzō slammed his cane against the floor.
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen."
"One day, you'll understand that my methods are the correct ones."
He turned and left.
The door slammed shut.
Hiruzen sighed softly.
"…Still as stubborn as ever."
He looked out over Konoha.
"Kakashi… Haku…"
"I hope this choice proves to be the right one."