"People who don't know how to cherish their companions are worse than garbage!"
White Fang froze when he heard Naruto's words. The shock in his eyes was evident as he subconsciously asked, "Is that really… what Kakashi taught you?"
Naruto nodded firmly. "Yes! Kakashi-sensei has always been strict with his Genin team. His assessments are tough because, in his eyes, ninja skills are important—but what matters even more is whether you can cherish your comrades and are willing to break the rules for their sake. That's the final test of his judgment."
White Fang's eyes widened slightly. His breath caught in his throat, and for a long moment, he simply stared at the boy before him. Then, a soft, weary laugh escaped him—bitter yet filled with relief.
His son hadn't resented him after all. Kakashi had understood him—understood the meaning behind his choice—and had carried his father's belief as his own.
Good… that's good, he thought, his heart lighter than it had been in decades.
He didn't know that this realization came from the sacrifice of Uchiha Obito. Without Obito entrusting his Sharingan to Kakashi and his dying words about comradeship, Kakashi might never have grasped his father's true intentions.
Naruto smiled as he looked at the White Fang, whose eyes glimmered with emotion. "Uncle White Fang, come back with us. Tomorrow's Kakashi-sensei's Hokage inauguration ceremony. We want you to be there—to give him a surprise!"
Naruto's tone softened. "After all, no matter how many blessings he receives from friends… none will ever mean as much as those from family."
White Fang's heart trembled. His gaze drifted downward. Family... Kakashi has been alone all this time. It was hard to believe his son had reached such heights without anyone beside him. Becoming Hokage was no simple thing—most who wore the hat had strong family roots, powerful clans, or political backing.
He didn't know that Kakashi had been the student of Namikaze Minato, who became the Fourth Hokage, and that Minato himself was Jiraiya's disciple. Kakashi, through that lineage, had inherited the will of the Third Hokage's generation. In a sense, his bloodline of will was pure Konoha through and through.
No wonder the elders and clans had accepted his appointment.
The roots were steady, and the leaves had grown strong.
White Fang nodded finally. "Alright. I'll go back with you."
Naruto's grin widened. "Great!" He turned toward Orochimaru and Kabuto, who stood nearby. "Uncle Snake, Kabuto—will you two return with us as well? The village will be very lively tomorrow."
Orochimaru's golden eyes shimmered with curiosity. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "The inauguration of the Sixth Hokage… now that does sound interesting."
Kabuto smiled lightly. "It's been a long time since I've had ramen in Konoha."
Naruto chuckled. "Then it's settled."
He pressed his hands together, summoning the golden aura of the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. A large, glowing chakra hand extended from his cloak and rested gently on the shoulders of the three.
White Fang's eyes widened in disbelief. "This chakra…! You—!"
Naruto smiled confidently. "I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki of Konoha, Jiraiya-sensei's disciple, and wielder of the Rinnegan—Uzumaki Naruto!"
A golden flash burst forth.
In an instant, the Flying Thunder God Technique activated—and the group vanished.
When they reappeared, they were standing in the quiet study of Naruto's home. The soft glow of evening sunlight filtered through the paper windows.
Naruto looked around and called out, "Dad! Mom! You home?"
Moments later, two figures stepped into the room—Minato and Kushina, returning from the Hokage's office. Kushina's long crimson hair flowed like a river of flame, and Minato's smile was warm as always.
Orochimaru inclined his head politely. "Minato. Kushina."
Minato returned the greeting. "Orochimaru-sama."
Kushina smiled, nodding. Her gaze shifted past them, and her expression softened. "Sakumo-sama…"
Minato's eyes widened as he saw the familiar figure. "Sakumo-sensei… you're finally here!"
To Minato, Hatake Sakumo—the White Fang of Konoha—was more than a legend. He was an idol, a man who had inspired him since childhood. Sakumo's choice to save his comrades rather than complete his mission had been the very thing that shaped Minato's own philosophy as a shinobi. While others had condemned the White Fang, Minato had always believed he did the right thing.
White Fang smiled gently at Minato. "Minato… it's been a long time."
Even before his death, Sakumo had known of Minato's genius. To see him now, alive again and standing as Hokage—it stirred something deep within him.
Kushina clapped her hands. "Come on, everyone, don't just stand there! Let's move to the living room. The study's too cramped!"
They followed her into the warmly lit room. Kushina poured tea for Orochimaru and Kabuto. Orochimaru took his cup, a faint, amused smile playing on his lips. "Minato, this is my first time being invited for tea at your home."
Kushina smirked. "That's because you were always too busy hiding away in your lab, Orochimaru-sama. Even Jiraiya-sama couldn't find you half the time!"
Orochimaru actually chuckled—a sound so rare that Kabuto nearly dropped his cup.
Kabuto looked at his master quietly. Orochimaru had changed; the coldness in his aura had faded. Time, experience, and loss had softened even him.
Once everyone had settled, Minato began explaining Tsunade's instructions for the upcoming Hokage ceremony. "Tsunade-sama wants us all at the office early tomorrow. She'll guide Naruto through the toasting ceremony and the official succession."
Naruto nodded seriously. "Got it."
Orochimaru stood up, his tone relaxed. "Naruto, I'll take Kabuto out for a walk. It's been a long time since we've seen Jūgo and Suigetsu."
Naruto smiled. "Sure thing, Uncle Snake. Go ahead."
White Fang hesitated before asking, "Naruto… could I also take a walk around the village? Ah—but perhaps that's not wise yet…"
Naruto noticed the hopeful look in his eyes and grinned. "It's fine, Uncle White Fang. But you'll have to use the Transformation Technique—otherwise, your return might cause a panic."
White Fang nodded quickly, excitement flickering in his eyes. "Ah, good, good! I understand!"
Naruto smiled warmly. "You don't need me to come along. I trust you. The name 'White Fang of Konoha' isn't just for show."
White Fang's chest tightened. This boy… he trusts me completely. He nodded, deeply moved.
"Uncle White Fang," Naruto said suddenly, holding out his hand. "Give me your hand for a second."
White Fang placed his hand in Naruto's. Naruto pressed a seal onto his palm. "That's the mark of the Flying Thunder God. It'll help me find you instantly if anything happens."
White Fang nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, Naruto. I'll be careful—I won't reveal my identity."
With that, he left the house alongside Orochimaru and Kabuto. Before stepping out, he formed the seals and transformed into an ordinary middle-aged villager—a disguise he'd used countless times in his days as a shinobi.
Outside, the streets of Konoha glowed with evening lanterns. The village had changed beyond recognition—new buildings, busy marketplaces, and the carved faces of five Hokage now etched into the mountain.
White Fang's eyes softened. He tried to contain his wonder, walking casually so as not to draw attention. His instincts as a former ANBU captain made him move naturally, blending in with the crowd.
As he walked down a quiet street, two familiar figures appeared in the distance. White Fang's eyes widened in surprise.
It was Might Guy, sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed by Rock Lee.
"Guy-sensei," Lee said cheerfully, "Kakashi-sensei's becoming Hokage tomorrow! What kind of gift should we give him?"
Guy rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. "Hmm… that's a tough one, Lee. Kakashi and I have been rivals and friends for so many years. Choosing the perfect gift for him… now that's a true challenge of youth!"
Lee blinked. "Maybe we should ask Neji! He's the smartest one among us."
Guy's face lit up. "Of course! That's an excellent idea, Lee! Let's go!"
White Fang froze as he watched them pass.
That face… that energy… could it be…?
The man in the wheelchair looked so much like Might Duy, the man known as the "Eternal Genin." But Duy had died years ago. Which meant… this was his son, Might Guy—the same boy who had once approached Kakashi with unshakable determination at the Ninja Academy.
So that boy has grown up this much… and he's in a wheelchair now? White Fang's heart ached. Time spares no one.
He turned to glance at the young man behind him. The bowl haircut, the green jumpsuit, the fiery spirit—it was unmistakable. That must be his son… Rock Lee.
He smiled faintly. Everyone of my generation has children now… except Kakashi. That boy has carried too much alone.
White Fang sighed quietly and continued walking, his steps soft on the familiar streets.
Behind him, Guy suddenly paused. His head turned slightly, eyes narrowing.
"Guy-sensei, what's wrong?" Lee asked.
Guy shook his head with a faint smile. "Ah, it's nothing, Lee. I just… felt something nostalgic for a moment. Let's keep walking."
The two continued forward, unaware that the legendary White Fang had just passed them by—silently, like a ghost from Konoha's past.
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