Kakashi held the incriminating evidence about Sora in his hands, studying it carefully.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Kakashi's eye intently, looking for any reaction.
Kakashi's pupil had constricted to a pinpoint, and his hands trembled slightly as he read, his visible eye showing disbelief.
"Impossible," Kakashi said, his voice strained. "This is absolutely impossible! Sensei would never do these things!"
Kakashi continued to deny the accusations vehemently.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a cloud of smoke, mentally concluding that Kakashi truly had been unaware of these activities.
"Kakashi," the Third said solemnly, "I know this is difficult to believe. I myself was shocked when I first learned of it. Sora, who has made such great contributions to Konoha, committing such heinous acts..."
"But the evidence is before us. You must accept it, however painful. I don't doubt Sora's loyalty when he fought for Konoha in the past, but now..." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed heavily.
"Perhaps I failed as a teacher. Sora trained under Orochimaru, who has completely fallen into darkness. It's under Orochimaru's influence that Sora has become such an extreme, cruel, and ruthless individual."
"Here is the evidence of Orochimaru's crimes as well. Look at it. Sora and Orochimaru are deeply connected, collaborating on various inhumane experiments."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took out another file and placed it before Kakashi, who immediately picked it up and began reading.
"I failed to guide Orochimaru properly," Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, his voice filled with regret. "And Orochimaru failed to guide Sora. I don't want you, Kakashi, to become like them. It's not too late for you to turn back from this path and come to your senses before you're drawn in further."
Kakashi trembled slightly, seemingly at a loss for words.
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "However, regarding these incriminating documents, I don't intend to hold Sora and Orochimaru accountable—at least not yet."
Kakashi looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with blank surprise.
"Kakashi, you understand Konoha's current situation," the Third explained, his voice tinged with bitterness. "If Sora and Orochimaru's actions were exposed, it would devastate the village. So I want to give them another chance."
"I plan to warn them subtly. As long as they discontinue these activities, I won't pursue the matter further."
"This isn't just for Konoha's sake, but for you as well, Kakashi. I don't want to put you in a difficult position. I hope that Sora and Orochimaru can maintain their loyalty to Konoha and continue to serve the village."
Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned forward. "So, Kakashi, I hope you'll join ANBU and become my direct subordinate. What is your decision?"
Kakashi remained silent for a long moment, his visible eye staring blankly at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Lord Hokage," he finally said, "I'm very confused right now. Could you give me a few days to consider this?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded understandingly. "I know it's difficult to process all this at once. Go back and think carefully. Come see me when you've made your decision. I'll be waiting, Kakashi."
Kakashi left the Hokage's office, appearing dejected and lost.
As soon as the door closed, Sarutobi Hiruzen's kind expression faded. His eyes grew sharp as he rapped his knuckles on the desk. Two ANBU operatives instantly appeared before him, kneeling on one knee.
"Haru, Ringo," the Third commanded, "you two will monitor Kakashi around the clock starting today. Report all his movements to me immediately."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" The ANBU disappeared without a sound.
Though Sarutobi Hiruzen doubted Kakashi's reaction had been feigned, caution dictated he monitor the young jōnin's next moves.
If Kakashi went directly to Sora now, it would prove his display had been an act.
Yet even if Kakashi was performing and intended to report this conversation to Sora, Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't concerned. After all, he had only stated his intention to overlook the matter.
Given Sora and Orochimaru's intelligence and Konoha's current predicament, they would recognize the truth in his words.
It would be even better if Kakashi wasn't acting at all.
"Don't disappoint me, Kakashi," Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured softly.
...
Once outside the Hokage Tower, Kakashi's shocked and disbelieving expression vanished.
His visible eye turned ice-cold.
Sora and Orochimaru had never hidden their activities from him.
He knew everything they had done.
Back when Kakashi had emerged from his darkness with Sora's help, hating Konoha intensely, Sora had taught him an important lesson:
'When you lack power, you must learn to hide and perform. Never let others see your hatred for Konoha. Make them believe you love the village. This way, you can steadily grow stronger until you reach the point where hiding and acting are no longer necessary.'
After accompanying Sora through countless battlefields, sometimes disguising himself to infiltrate enemy ranks for intelligence gathering, Kakashi had developed exceptional acting skills.
In his recent conversation with the Third, what angered Kakashi most was Sarutobi Hiruzen's audacity in using Hatake Sakumo to manipulate him.
It was so obvious... His father had been betrayed by these very people, who had denied the Will of Fire that his father had loved and fought for his entire life!
Kakashi took a deep breath to calm himself, then glanced around, immediately sensing Haru and Ringo following him.
He sneered inwardly.
As expected, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't completely trust him.
That was normal. It would have been strange if the Third had trusted him so easily.
Mockery glinted in Kakashi's eye.
If you want to turn me against my teacher, then try your best. If you dare to use me, you'll pay the price.
Instead of heading to Sora's house or his own apartment, Kakashi went to a secluded forest.
As if venting his anger, Kakashi drew his tantō and began slashing wildly at the surrounding trees.
Haru and Ringo continued their surveillance, never letting Kakashi out of their sight.
However, they failed to notice a crucial detail.
The Kakashi they watched was actually a Shadow Clone.
The real Kakashi had used the Transformation Jutsu to turn into a small snake, slithering away toward Sora's house.
At Sora's home, Uzumaki Kushina had fallen asleep, but Sora remained awake. He sat on the living room sofa, as if waiting for something—or someone.
Kakashi's Shadow Clone, still in snake form, reached Sora's doorstep.
It released the Transformation Jutsu, returning to Kakashi's form.
Before the Shadow Clone could knock, Sora opened the door. "I've been waiting for you. Come in quickly."
Sora and Kakashi's Shadow Clone sat together on the sofa.
Sora looked at Kakashi's clone with a knowing smile. "Since you've sent a Shadow Clone instead of coming yourself, I assume Sarutobi Hiruzen has begun monitoring you, correct?"
----------------
Hey everyone! 🌟
This marks the final chapter of this book — and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me until the end. Your support, comments, and encouragement have meant so much throughout this journey.
But this isn't goodbye! I'm currently working on two other Naruto fanfics:
Super Saiyan In One Piece World
Douluo Dalu: My Harassment System
One Piece: Strongest Veteran
If you've enjoyed this story, I'd love for you to check those out and continue supporting me there too! 🙌
Once again, thank you all — and I hope to see you in my next stories! 💙