Kakashi turned to look at his three students.
"Are you all right?"
"Sensei…" Naruto said guiltily. "I'm sorry, we—"
"You did well," Kakashi cut him off. "Staying calm under those circumstances and even coordinating an attack—that's already impressive."
He then looked at Sakura.
"Especially you, Sakura."
"You made the right call in a crisis."
"A teammate's life is always more important than exam eligibility."
Sakura's eyes reddened. "But… our exam…"
"Who said you have to withdraw?" Kakashi laughed.
"Eh?" All three of them froze.
"What just happened was an accident," Kakashi explained. "A rogue ninja from another village infiltrated the exam grounds. That's not your fault."
"And—"
He gently patted Sakura on the head.
"The summoning scroll was only meant to call me here to protect you. It never said I had to take you out of the exam."
"Continue."
"Really?!" Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Mmm." Kakashi nodded.
"But you must be even more careful from now on."
"Yes…" The three nodded in unison.
Kakashi studied them quietly.
"Can you still continue?"
"Of course!" Naruto clenched his fist. "We're going to become Chūnin!"
Sasuke nodded as well. "No problem."
Sakura said firmly, "We'll be careful."
"Good." Kakashi nodded in satisfaction.
"Then I'll be going."
"Remember—if you encounter danger, don't push yourselves."
"Yes!"
Kakashi vanished in a Body Flicker.
---
In the forest.
Kakashi stood atop a tree branch, watching the direction Team 7 had gone, his expression growing thoughtful.
"Orochimaru has infiltrated Konoha…"
"He's here to carry out the Konoha Crush."
"His goal is to assassinate the Third Hokage and destroy the village."
Kakashi frowned.
"Should I tell the Third about this?"
After a moment of thought, he shook his head.
"No."
"I have no evidence."
"If I claim Orochimaru plans to launch the Konoha Crush and kill the Hokage…"
"The Third would ask how I know. Where's the proof?"
"Besides, my current position is already sensitive."
"Taking Haku—a subordinate of a rogue ninja from another village—as a registered disciple…"
"Even though the Third approved it, Danzō is definitely watching me."
"If I speak recklessly without proof…"
"Danzō will suspect I have ties to Orochimaru."
"I could even be accused of being his accomplice."
"Haku's identity would be re-investigated—and I'd be dragged into trouble as well."
Kakashi exhaled slowly.
"I can't take that risk."
"Speaking up now would only cause more harm than good."
A sharp glint flashed in his eye.
"But…"
"I can intervene at the very end."
"The final battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru will take place on the rooftop."
"If I step in then and save the Third…"
"Not only can I preserve his life, I'll also gain tremendous credibility."
"If the Third survives, his trust in me will deepen."
"And after facing death firsthand, he might even consider stepping down…"
"Passing the position to Tsunade or Jiraiya…"
The more Kakashi thought about it, the more feasible the plan became.
"All right. I'll do that."
"I'll stay silent for now—and act only at the final moment."
"That way, I can save him without revealing that I knew everything in advance."
He glanced toward the Hokage Tower.
"Still, Orochimaru's appearance must be reported."
"I encountered him face-to-face—failing to report that would be suspicious."
---
Hokage Tower
Kakashi appeared outside the Hokage's office.
"Lord Third, it's me."
"Come in."
Kakashi pushed the door open.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was reviewing documents. He looked up, slightly surprised.
"Kakashi? What brings you here?"
"Lord Third, something has happened," Kakashi said gravely.
Hiruzen set down his pen. "What is it?"
"Orochimaru," Kakashi said in a low voice. "He has infiltrated the Forest of Death."
"What?!" Hiruzen shot to his feet.
"Are you certain?"
"I am," Kakashi nodded. "He disguised himself as an Amegakure examinee and attacked my students."
"When I arrived using a summoning jutsu, I encountered him directly."
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
"Orochimaru… what is his objective?"
"He's very interested in Sasuke's Sharingan."
"After that, he retreated."
Hiruzen fell silent.
After a long moment, he sat down and took a deep puff from his pipe.
"Orochimaru…"
The office grew quiet, smoke slowly drifting through the air.
Pain, guilt, and helplessness flickered in Hiruzen's eyes.
That man had once been his most cherished student.
"I understand," Hiruzen finally said. "Keep this matter confidential."
"Do not alert the other villages."
"I'll increase security."
"Yes," Kakashi replied.
"Are Naruto and the others all right?" Hiruzen asked.
"They're fine. Just minor injuries."
"That's good…" Hiruzen sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly before falling silent again.
Wrapped in smoke, his figure looked particularly aged.
"Orochimaru… what exactly are you planning…"
Kakashi did not interrupt him.
He knew the Third Hokage's thoughts were in chaos.
After a while, Hiruzen looked up.
"Kakashi, return for now."
"Keep watch over your students."
"If you encounter Orochimaru again—"
He paused.
"Do not force a direct confrontation. Protect the children and retreat."
"Yes."
Kakashi nodded and turned to leave.
At the doorway, he stopped.
"Lord Third."
"Hm?"
"Orochimaru's strength… is extremely high," Kakashi said seriously. "If he truly intends to act against Konoha—please be careful."
Hiruzen froze briefly, then smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. I'm not so old that I can't handle my own student."
Kakashi nodded and left.
---
Inside the office, only Hiruzen Sarutobi remained.
He gazed out at Konoha Village beyond the window.
Orochimaru…
Are you truly going to turn against Konoha…
Smoke curled in the air.
The old man's back looked exceptionally lonely.