Naruto had always been secretly monitored and protected by ANBU.
Today's assigned operative was none other than ANBU squad captain, Kakashi.
Because of Naruto's sensitive identity as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, Hiruzen had specifically instructed the ANBU: unless absolutely necessary, they were not to reveal their presence to the villagers.
After all, the Nine-Tails had caused immense destruction. If people knew Naruto was being protected, it might spark further resentment.
As long as Naruto didn't die—and didn't lose control of the tailed beast—that was enough.
Hiruzen, after all, cared deeply about maintaining his image.
So earlier, even when Naruto was surrounded and bullied, Kakashi did not intervene.
He simply watched coldly.
…
Now, his gaze locked onto Kai.
ANBU represented authority—enforcement, coldness. Ordinary villagers and shinobi alike would feel uneasy, even fearful, upon seeing them.
But Kai showed none of that.
Instead, his dark eyes carried a faint, mocking amusement.
Kakashi suppressed his irritation. His tone came out cold, laced with warning.
"Uchiha brat."
"Stay away from that child."
"You mean you care about Uzumaki Naruto?" Kai asked calmly, hands behind his back. "Then why—when he was being humiliated just now—didn't you step in? Why didn't you say a single word for him?"
"That makes me wonder…"
"Is this what you call protecting him?"
…
After Minato and Kushina died, Naruto grew up alone.
In truth, Kakashi was his senior.
Yet during Naruto's childhood, Kakashi had never been there. Never stood by him. Never defended him.
Even when Naruto was called a "demon fox," he said nothing.
Everyone in Konoha knew Naruto was the Nine-Tails.
But how many knew he was the orphaned son of heroes?
The Hokage knew.
Kakashi knew.
But had they ever spoken up for him?
No.
So when Kakashi spoke just now, Kai couldn't help but sneer.
His words struck straight at Kakashi's core.
…
Kakashi's expression turned colder.
"The Nine-Tails incident is still unresolved."
"The Uchiha have yet to clear themselves of suspicion."
"No matter what you say…"
"I don't like your clan."
"Then where's your proof?" Kai shot back. "After all this time, ANBU still hasn't produced any evidence. So what exactly has the Uchiha done to deserve your hatred, Captain Kakashi?"
…
Kakashi fell silent.
In past wars, the Uchiha had fought and died for the village.
Yes, they were extreme—but they loved deeply.
And they sacrificed willingly.
Still, as someone aligned with the Hokage faction, Kakashi simply couldn't bring himself to like them.
His gaze hardened.
"I don't care what you say."
"Stay away from Uzumaki Naruto."
"Or I won't be polite."
Kai smiled faintly.
"And what does 'not polite' look like, Captain?"
He tilted his head slightly.
"You plan to bully an eight-year-old Uchiha?"
"So tell me…"
"Who's the evil one here?"
…
Kakashi snapped.
"Enough!"
His figure vanished instantly.
In the next moment, he appeared behind Kai, hand reaching out to teach him a lesson.
But Kai reacted just as fast.
A kunai appeared in his hand and stabbed backward—straight toward Kakashi's eye.
A real blade.
Sharp. Deadly.
Not a training tool.
If Kakashi continued, he'd lose his eye.
Kakashi's pupil shrank.
Instinct screamed danger.
He stomped the ground and retreated instantly.
…
"A bit skilled," Kakashi muttered, his gaze darkening.
He had underestimated this Uchiha brat.
This time, he charged again.
His attacks came like a storm—relentless and fast.
He held back.
No ninjutsu.
No weapons.
Just taijutsu.
He intended to suppress Kai with pure skill.
But something was wrong.
The fight did not become one-sided.
Instead, Kai handled it with ease.
The longer it went on, the more irritated Kakashi became.
He—a renowned jōnin—unable to subdue an eight-year-old?
Worse, people might start noticing.
…
He leapt back.
Hands flashing through seals.
"Raikiri!"
Lightning chakra surged wildly, gathering in his right hand.
A thousand birds seemed to scream.
His signature S-rank technique—
Chidori.
…
Kai narrowed his eyes.
Then sighed.
"Captain Kakashi…"
"You're really going to use Raikiri?"
He looked innocent.
"I'm just an eight-year-old child."
…
That sentence snapped Kakashi awake.
Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
Yes.
No matter what, this was still a child.
Even if he was Uchiha.
If he went through with this, what would that make him?
…
The lightning faded.
…
"Well then, Captain…"
"If we're done…"
"I'll be heading home."
Kai smiled and turned to leave.
Kakashi didn't stop him.
His mood was terrible.
But Kai had reminded him of something—
about Naruto,
about himself,
about the responsibility he had never fulfilled.
…
"I failed them…" Kakashi murmured softly.
His eyes filled with confusion.
…
On the way home, Kai grew more annoyed the more he thought about it.
He helped Naruto. Stood up for him. Even took him out for ramen—okay, Naruto paid—but still!
And what did he get?
A warning from Kakashi?
Unbelievable.
The more he thought, the angrier he got.
"No."
"This can't just slide."
He clenched his fist.
"Kakashi…"
"Just you wait."
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