Before Kakashi even reached his front door, he suddenly stopped.
His Sharingan snapped open.
"This chakra… Root?"
Kakashi's expression darkened.
"Haku is inside."
He moved instantly.
Whoosh!
He burst into the courtyard, and the scene before him sent a chill through his eyes.
Haku was fighting.
Five Root operatives had surrounded him.
Haku gripped a short blade, its edge gleaming with cold light—the weapon Kakashi had given him.
Slash! Slash! Slash!
Haku moved like a phantom, weaving between the Root ninja.
Each strike was sharp, precise, and deadly.
It was unmistakably the White Fang's blade technique.
One Root ninja attempted a sneak attack.
Haku sensed it instantly and countered.
The blade's tip shot straight toward the man's throat.
But at the final moment, Haku hesitated.
The blade stopped barely three centimeters from the neck.
He twisted his wrist and stabbed the shoulder instead.
Rip!
The Root ninja cried out as his shoulder was pierced, narrowly avoiding a fatal wound.
The Root captain's eyes flashed coldly.
"This kid… he can't bring himself to kill."
He immediately issued an order.
"Trade injuries for injuries. He won't go for the kill."
The other Root operatives understood at once.
One of them charged straight at Haku, completely ignoring defense, hands already forming seals.
"Wind Release: Vacuum Wave!"
Blades of compressed wind shot toward Haku.
Haku flashed forward, thrusting his blade at the man's chest, trying to interrupt the hand seals.
But the Root ninja didn't care.
He continued forming seals as the wind blades struck Haku.
Rip!
Haku's arm was slashed open.
Blood spilled out.
"Ugh…!"
Haku clenched his teeth, yet still held back.
His blade avoided vital points, only cutting the man's arm.
"Damn it…!"
Haku struggled internally.
The Root operatives showed no mercy.
Another seized the opening.
"Earth Release: Earth Spear!"
The attack slammed directly into Haku's back.
Haku sensed the danger, spun around, and slashed.
The White Fang technique was lightning-fast.
The blade stabbed toward the man's chest—
Then veered at the last instant, striking the shoulder instead.
Bang!
The Earth Spear struck Haku squarely.
"Ah—!"
Haku was sent flying, crashing into the wall.
Blood seeped from the wound in his back.
The Root captain sneered.
"As expected. His swordsmanship is formidable, but he's too soft."
"Surrender, outsider."
"We suspect you're a spy connected to Otogakure and Sunagakure's recent attack on Konoha."
"Any foreign shinobi appearing during wartime must undergo Root's investigation."
Haku gritted his teeth.
"I'm not a spy! I'm a Konoha shinobi!"
"I have Kakashi-sensei's guarantee and Hokage-sama's approval!"
"You have no right to arrest me!"
The Root captain scoffed.
"Rights? Root has authority to investigate all suspicious individuals."
"You arrived in Konoha only a month ago, and now the village is attacked."
"The timing is far too convenient."
"Come with us and submit to investigation."
"If you're truly innocent, you'll be released."
———
One hour earlier.
Konoha Hospital.
The Third Hokage lay on the bed, his chest wrapped in thick bandages.
Though treated, his face was still pale.
The door opened.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado entered the ward, their expressions heavy.
"Hiruzen," Koharu said softly, worry in her eyes. "How are your injuries?"
The Third Hokage gave a bitter smile.
"I'm old… truly old."
"In the past, I could suppress Orochimaru with ease."
"Now…"
He shook his head.
"If Kakashi hadn't arrived in time, I might not be here."
Homura sighed.
"Hiruzen, you need proper rest."
"We can temporarily handle village affairs."
"Your body—"
The Third Hokage interrupted him.
"No. I know my limits."
His gaze turned serious.
"I'm preparing to step down."
"What?!"
Both advisors were stunned.
"Step down?!"
The Third Hokage nodded.
"Yes. I intend to pass the position of Hokage to Kakashi."
"Kakashi?!"
Koharu objected immediately.
"No. He's too young."
"And his personality is withdrawn. He's not suited to managing relationships."
"The Hokage must govern the entire village and balance all factions."
"Kakashi can't do that."
Homura nodded.
"She's right."
"Though Kakashi is powerful, he's been alone since childhood."
"He couldn't even protect his teammates back then."
"How could he protect the whole village?"
The Third Hokage shook his head.
"You're mistaken."
"Kakashi has already changed."
"You've seen his performance during this invasion."
"He drove back Orochimaru, sealed the First and Second Hokage, and saved my life."
"His strength is unquestionable."
"And now…"
He looked out the window.
"He has students. He has Team Seven."
"He's no longer alone."
"He's learned to protect what matters and to pass on the Will of Fire."
"He can bear the mantle of Hokage."
"When the time comes, I'll remain as an advisor to support him."
He paused.
"When Minato became Hokage, he was even younger than Kakashi is now."
The advisors fell silent.
Indeed, Minato Namikaze had been only twenty-four when he took office.
Koharu and Homura exchanged glances.
At last, Koharu spoke again.
"Hiruzen, even if Kakashi is qualified…"
"There's still one issue."
"What is it?" the Third Hokage asked.
Koharu said gravely:
"Kakashi leads Team Seven, which includes the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the last surviving Uchiha."
"These two are critical to Konoha."
"The Jinchuriki is a strategic weapon."
"And Sasuke Uchiha is the final bloodline of the clan."
"If Kakashi becomes Hokage, he won't be able to personally oversee them."
"They must remain under direct control."
Homura nodded.
"Yes. We must ensure their loyalty to Konoha—and to the Hokage."
The Third Hokage pondered.
He understood their concern.
"…Very well."
He nodded slowly.
"Then we'll wait."
"Let Kakashi raise Team Seven first."
"Wait until Naruto and Sasuke mature and their power stabilizes."
"Only then will Kakashi succeed me."
"They'll remain loyal to Konoha."
He sighed.
"My body truly can't hold on much longer."
"Perhaps…"
He paused.
"What about asking Jiraiya to become the Fifth Hokage?"
"He's one of the Sannin, powerful beyond doubt, and Minato's teacher."
"He carries the Will of Fire."
The advisors exchanged looks and nodded.
"Jiraiya is indeed a suitable choice."
"Though unreliable at times, his strength and status are unquestionable."
"And he has no factional ties—he wouldn't disrupt the village's balance."
The Third Hokage nodded.
"Then it's decided."
Outside the ward.
In the shadowed corridor, a figure stood silently.
Danzo Shimura leaned on his cane, his face twisted with rage after overhearing everything.
"Hiruzen… still so naïve."
"Kakashi? Jiraiya?"
"Neither of them is fit to be Hokage."
"Only I…"
"Only I can lead Konoha to true greatness!"
His grip tightened on the cane until his knuckles turned white.
"Damn it…"
"I've done everything…"
"All for Konoha!"
Hatred and resentment flickered in his eyes.
In the end, he took a deep breath, turned, and disappeared into the darkness.
---------------------_-----_---------_--_-_-
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