Looking at Obito's grim expression, Kakashi could already guess the reason.
"Obito, the past is the past," Kakashi said softly. "If you can't let it go, then this is the perfect time to go and apologize to Kushina-sensei. It will help you release the knot in your heart. That's far better than burying it inside forever."
Obito lowered his head, conflicted. For years, guilt had gnawed at him, and even though he had been redeemed in the war, the shame of his past actions toward Kushina never faded. But after a moment of silence, he clenched his fists and looked at Kakashi with a firm gaze.
"Alright," Obito said decisively. "You're right. I'll do it."
Rin's face brightened instantly, her voice filled with relief. "That's wonderful, Obito! And this means I can finally go back to the village to see Minato-sensei and Kushina-sama!"
With that, the three of them—Kakashi, Rin, and Obito—began heading back toward Konoha.
As they walked through the familiar gates of the Hidden Leaf, a familiar booming voice suddenly rang out.
"HEY! Kakashi! Kakashi! I finally found you!"
Kakashi blinked and turned his head in surprise. Guy was rolling toward him in his wheelchair, pushed energetically by Rock Lee.
"Guy…?" Kakashi muttered, a bit taken aback.
Lee wheeled Guy directly in front of Kakashi, and Guy pointed dramatically. "Kakashi! Before you become Hokage, we need to finish the duel we never settled! Our youth cannot stop here!"
Kakashi sighed, already sensing where this was going. "Guy, in your condition… you still want to duel with me?"
Guy's eyes burned with determination, but before he could answer, Lee noticed Obito and Rin behind Kakashi. He gave Guy a little nudge, who then glanced over and immediately raised a hand in greeting.
"Obito! Rin! Long time no see!"
The two nodded back politely, though Obito felt a little awkward. Not long ago, he and Lee had stood on opposite sides of the battlefield. Yet here they were now, reunited in peace within the village. It was strange, but also comforting.
Guy leaned back and crossed his arms. "Kakashi, whatever business you have can wait! Settle things with me first—that's what truly matters!"
Kakashi gave another long-suffering sigh.
Before he could protest further, Rin spoke gently. "Kakashi, since Guy feels this strongly, it must be important to him. Why don't you complete the duel? It's the least you can do."
Guy grinned wide. "See, Kakashi? Rin understands!"
Guy hadn't interacted with Rin much before—different teams, different mentors—but they had crossed paths at the Academy. He'd always heard Rin was kind and understanding. Now, he saw the truth of it.
Kakashi hesitated, then finally gave in. "…Fine. I'll indulge you this once."
Guy immediately leaned forward in his chair. "What's wrong? Do you think I can't compete anymore? Are you looking down on me? If you want a taijutsu match, I still have one leg left!"
"Th-that's not what I meant!" Kakashi waved his hands quickly.
Are you kidding? One kick from Guy's Evening Elephant or Night Guy—even half-crippled—would send Kakashi to the afterlife! Even Madara Uchiha nearly lost his life against that.
Guy snorted, then turned to Lee. "Lee!"
"Yes, Guy-sensei!"
"Go!"
Lee instantly understood. Without hesitation, he opened the Eight Gates up to the Fourth Gate—his speed exploding—and vanished in a blur.
Kakashi blinked, pointing toward the direction Lee disappeared. "What is Lee even—"
"You'll see soon enough!" Guy chuckled knowingly.
Moments later, Lee returned, pushing a brand-new wheelchair he had borrowed from Tenten's weapons and medical supply shop.
"Guy-sensei! I've got it!"
Guy pointed at the wheelchair dramatically. "Kakashi! Sit! We'll have a race. Whoever pushes themselves out of the village first wins!"
Kakashi stared at the chair in disbelief. "…Guy. Must you really go this far?"
Guy's brow furrowed. "What's the matter? Do you want me to force you with a Dynamic Entry?"
Kakashi groaned and rubbed his forehead. "No, no. Forget it."
Lee quickly interjected. "Kakashi-sensei, this is the fairest way! You'll both be in the same condition, no excuses. The result will leave no regrets for either of you!"
Guy nodded with enthusiasm. "Exactly!" He began rocking his wheelchair back and forth like a racer at the starting line. "Come on, Kakashi! Get in the chair already!"
Reluctantly, Kakashi sat in the wheelchair, straightening his posture as his usual competitiveness flickered to life.
"Alright, Guy. If this is what you want, I'll give it my all. Don't think I'll go easy on you just because of your injury."
Hearing Kakashi's resolve reignite made Guy beam. Yes—this was what he'd been waiting for.
"That's the spirit! Even with one leg, my youth will never lose to you!"
Lee pumped his fist into the air. "Guy-sensei!!!"
Obito pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering, "This guy hasn't changed a bit. Still the same ridiculous loudmouth from the Academy… second year syndrome and leather pants included."
But then, despite himself, Obito chuckled. Looking at Kakashi and Guy side by side, he thought: For all of Kakashi's aloofness, he's lucky to have someone like Guy. Even in their stupidity, Guy never lets him walk alone.
Rin stepped forward and traced a line in the dirt with her foot. "This will be the starting line." She raised her hand. "Ready… set… go!"
At once, both Kakashi and Guy began pushing their wheels furiously. Guy had the early advantage, his experience in a wheelchair showing as he surged forward.
"Hah! Kakashi, I'm leaving you behind!" Guy laughed loudly, his voice echoing across the streets.
Kakashi cursed under his breath, quickly adjusting and pushing harder. "Don't get cocky, Guy. I won't let you win!"
Lee ran alongside them, cheering at the top of his lungs. Rin and Obito followed behind at a lighter jog.
"Are we seriously running too?" Obito asked, baffled.
Rin smiled warmly. "Of course. Isn't this kind of silly competition fun to watch?"
Obito glanced ahead, just in time to see Kakashi's chair bump into a rock and nearly tip over. Instead of worry, he let out a laugh. "…Alright, I'll admit. It's entertaining."
The two rivals hurtled down the road, wheelchairs rattling. Guy threw his head back, grinning, certain of his victory. But then—
"Guy!" Kakashi shouted. "Catch this!"
Something smacked Guy right in the chest. He looked down—and his eyes bulged.
"You… you bastard! You threw Make-Out Paradise at me?!"
Kakashi smirked. "You never said this wasn't a props battle."
Furious, Guy began tossing objects back—random training scrolls, leftover bandages, even a dumbbell that had been tucked into Lee's pouch.
Kakashi retaliated with equal ferocity, hurling kunai (blunted), ninja cards, and even an empty bento box. The two sped through the village, locked in a chaotic storm of thrown items and shouted insults.
Villagers stopped to watch, sweatdropping. Two of the most respected Jōnin of Konoha were having… a wheelchair race.
Finally, the gates of Konoha came into sight. Both Guy and Kakashi gritted their teeth, pushing with every ounce of strength they had left.
For a moment, Kakashi surged ahead, certain of his victory. But then he saw Guy mutter under his breath—
"Eight Gates Released Formation…!"
"Wait—WHAT?!" Kakashi panicked, grabbing his arm. "Guy! You're still recovering, you can't—"
But Guy grinned wickedly. He wasn't opening the Gates—just bluffing. Using Kakashi's distraction, he pushed with one last burst of raw willpower, his wheelchair flying over the finish line just ahead of Kakashi's.
"Hahahaha! Kakashi! Victory belongs to Maito Guy!"
Outside the gate, Guy threw his fists into the air, the picture of triumph.
Kakashi rolled up behind him, panting, then smirked. "I didn't think you'd resort to trickery. Looks like you've learned more than just taijutsu after all."
Guy puffed his chest. "When you lose the strength in your legs, your brain must take the high ground!"
For a second, they both stared at each other—and then burst out laughing.
When the laughter subsided, Guy's expression softened. He looked at Kakashi sincerely. "Kakashi… congratulations. Becoming Hokage suits you."
Kakashi's eye curved upward in a rare smile. He could tell Guy's words came straight from the heart.
"Thanks, Guy. That means a lot."
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