"Kakashi, there have been some suspicious movements in Kirigakure recently. Take a few people and investigate what's going on."
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage puffed from his long-stemmed pipe as he spoke.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kakashi replied calmly.
The Third Hokage glanced at Kakashi, then asked with a tinge of curiosity.
"By the way, Kakashi, have you met Naruto lately?"
"Yes. I've been guiding him a little."
Kakashi didn't attempt to hide anything. The Third had always deployed ANBU to protect Naruto from the shadows, so hiding the interaction would've been meaningless. Besides, there was nothing shameful about teaching the son of the Fourth Hokage—his late teacher.
"I see… What's your impression of Naruto?"
"Other than the golden hair and those sky-blue eyes, there's little resemblance to Minato-sensei. But in terms of temperament, he's remarkably like Kushina-senpai."
"Hehe, yes... That hot-headed, loud energy... It's like watching Kushina all over again."
The Third Hokage smiled faintly, his eyes clouded with memory. He had watched Kushina grow up, after all. There was no way he could be indifferent.
"Lord Hokage, there's something I'd like to request."
"Oh? What is it?" Hiruzen asked with mild curiosity.
"Despite everything, Naruto's still being treated poorly by the villagers. I know we can't change public perception overnight, but I hope the support allocated for him—especially food and living expenses—can be strictly enforced. He's the son of the Fourth Hokage. I can't always watch over him due to my ANBU duties, but at the very least, I don't want to see him go hungry."
Kakashi's voice held no bitterness, only quiet sincerity. It moved the Third Hokage.
With a heavy sigh, Hiruzen replied, "Kakashi, this… this is my negligence. I had issued the orders long ago, but too many hands are involved in implementation, and many still hold bias in their hearts. Don't worry. I'll assign someone trustworthy to oversee this matter personally."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"This is my duty. I've already failed Minato in many ways…"
A deep sadness settled over Hiruzen's face.
"I'll go assemble the team and prepare for departure."
"Good. The sooner, the better. We've had no information leak from Kirigakure, and that's worrisome. I'm counting on you."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi gave a short bow and vanished in a puff of smoke.
After he was gone, the Third Hokage whispered to himself, "Ame."
A slender figure in dark attire appeared silently.
"You called, Lord Hokage?"
"You overheard just now. I want you to take over responsibility for Naruto's daily living support. Monitor him closely, but do not let him know of your presence. Understood?"
Though hesitant at first, the ANBU operative known as Ame bowed deeply. "Yes, Lord Hokage."
"I'm counting on you."
"It's an honor to serve."
"You may go."
"Yes."
Ame vanished without a sound, leaving Hiruzen to gaze out the wide window at the Hokage Monument.
"Minato… your legacy isn't easy to protect."
The breeze ruffled the leaves outside, carrying with it the subtle scent of spring—the scent of life and new beginnings.
---
Kakashi reappeared in the locker room of ANBU's Sixth Division. Inside, his selected team members stood ready.
"New mission," Kakashi began, his tone brisk. "We're heading to the Land of Water. Our goal is to gather intelligence on Kirigakure's current state. This mission is high-risk and will be led by me. Assigned operatives: Yūgao, Yamato, and Shisui. The rest continue with local assignments."
"Yes, Captain!" the group responded in unison.
"You three, come with me."
The named trio followed Kakashi into an adjacent tactical planning room.
"This is a long-range infiltration mission," Kakashi explained. "Travel to the Land of Water is dangerous—we might come close to the Mist Village's patrol range. Preparations must be meticulous. Bring at least a month's worth of rations and chakra endurance gear. Understood?"
"Understood, Captain!" they answered in perfect sync.
"Good. Assemble at the main gate in one hour."
With that, Kakashi vanished, leaving the others to move swiftly.
Shisui clenched his fist as he raced down the corridor, excitement brewing in his chest.
To be chosen for a mission like this right after joining ANBU… This is huge. I'll prove my worth!
He returned home, grabbed his packed supplies, and turned to leave—only to spot a familiar figure in a nearby grove.
"Wait… Is that Itachi?"
There, practicing kunai throws in the woods, was Uchiha Itachi—still a student at the Ninja Academy.
"Yo, Itachi! Skipping class again?" Shisui called out, jogging over.
"Huh? Shisui? Why are you here?"
"I've got a mission outside the village. Just came back to grab my gear."
"I see."
Without speaking, Itachi pulled out five kunai and threw them. Before they even hit, he hurled five more, causing each new kunai to redirect the first mid-air—ten kunai hitting ten distinct targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Shisui whistled, impressed. "Whoa! That's insane, Itachi. Your control's on a whole other level now."
"It's nothing."
"Come on, don't be so modest."
Shisui grinned, then asked teasingly, "Wait, don't tell me you used a Shadow Clone to attend class for you?"
"…Maybe."
"Man! You've got talent to burn. You should just apply for early graduation like I did."
Itachi paused, his gaze drifting to the sky.
"Early graduation…"
"Yeah, come join ANBU with me. You'd love it—my squad captain is none other than Hatake Kakashi."
"The Copy Ninja?"
"Yup! The same guy who's rumored to have copied over a thousand jutsu. He beat me without even activating his Sharingan."
That caught Itachi's attention. Shisui… lost? And the opponent didn't even use a dōjutsu?
"You say that like it's no big deal."
"It's not. Losing's part of growing stronger."
"You haven't changed, Shisui."
"Well, I hope I never do."
Shisui turned to leave, waving over his shoulder.
"Think about it, Itachi. You're wasting your time at the Academy. You've already surpassed most of us."
Itachi watched his cousin disappear into the distance and whispered to himself, "Graduating early… I suppose I have responsibilities I can't avoid forever."
---
At the main gate of Konoha, Kakashi arrived first, punctual as always. Not long after, Yūgao and Yamato appeared, carrying their gear.
"Captain."
"Good. Just waiting on one more."
Moments later, Shisui dashed up, looking energized and ready.
"Captain Kakashi, reporting!"
Kakashi gave a nod, scanning each face.
"Alright. Everyone's here. Let's move out."
"Yes!"
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