Chinya waited at home for Kakashi.
Because if the goal was simply to locate Yamato within Root, it wasn't absolutely necessary for Kakashi to get involved.
Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't trust the Uchiha Clan, Konoha's Interrogation Department wasn't useless either—they had their own skilled users of *Genjutsu*.
The fact that Hiruzen Sarutobi had approached Kakashi directly and explicitly ordered him to accompany the *Anbu* to Root—itself warranted serious thought.
Now seeing Kakashi's Shadow Clone, Chinya became certain about his suspicions.
The Shadow Clone responded, "Yes, Chinya-sensei. Hiruzen Sarutobi assigned two *Anbu* to tail me. My real body pretended to be venting frustration in the woods at the edge of Konoha, then took the chance to create me and send me here."
Chinya asked, "So did Hiruzen Sarutobi attempt to flip your allegiance?"
The clone nodded. "Exactly. He wants me to join the *Anbu*. Also, he claimed he has evidence of crimes committed by both you and Lord Orochimaru, and tried to use that as leverage to turn me against you."
Chinya narrowed his eyes slightly, muttering, "Is he planning to move against me and Orochimaru already?"
He glanced toward the bedroom. If Hiruzen truly planned to act against him now, he would need to leave earlier than intended.
"Kakashi," Chinya asked, "tell me everything you discussed with Hiruzen Sarutobi—including what this so-called evidence was."
Kakashi's Shadow Clone relayed the entire conversation he'd had inside the Hokage's office with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Chinya let out a slight sneer. "Hmph. Some of those details were only known by Danzō. Looks like he's the one who provided these accusations to Hiruzen. But even though he fears me and Orochimaru enough not to strike directly yet—how very typical of him. You could say he's being cautious, yet he still chose such a direct approach to recruit you. On the other hand, calling this preparation shows he's thought ahead."
"Backup plan?" the Shadow Clone asked curiously.
Chinya explained, "He said he wanted to give both me and Lord Orochimaru another chance. Then he'll issue a subtle warning instead; as long as we refrain from repeating those actions, he'll act like nothing ever happened—that line itself was his escape clause.
If his attempt to flip your allegiance failed—which it did—you would naturally tell me everything. And with that sentence, he made it clear: whatever I've done and your betrayal—he'll erase it all from his mind.
He knows Kushina is pregnant and due soon, so he understands I wouldn't want any conflict right now. Plus, Konoha badly lacks elite ninja like myself and Orochimaru. They depend on us—not just our strength, but also our reputation to keep the other ninja villages in check. That's why Hiruzen wouldn't dare make any rash moves. Right now, they still need us."
Kakashi's Shadow Clone suddenly understood. "So that's how it is."
Chinya looked at the Shadow Clone. "Then I assume your plan is to play along—to genuinely accept his offer and infiltrate the *Anbu*?"
The clone replied, "Exactly. If I'm inside the *Anbu*, I can warn you and Lord Orochimaru immediately in case of emergencies."
Chinya chuckled. "Actually, there's no need for that. With my current strength, I can definitely protect you and Kushina when leaving Konoha. None of Konoha's ninja can stop me now. Even if Jiraiya and the long-vanished Tsunade returned and teamed up with them, it would be useless.
But it's your choice in the end. If you want to gain some experience, that's fine too. It depends entirely on whether you want to join Anbu.
Back then when you were younger, facing decisions might have made you hesitant and confused. At that time, I could help you make choices. But now you've grown up and matured; you can definitely make your own decisions. You've already become an independent and capable ninja, Kakashi."
Kakashi's Shadow Clone said solemnly, "Yes, thank you, Sensei, for always supporting me."
Chinya waved his hand. "There's no need for such words between us, Kakashi. After Sōnagi is born, I plan to let you be his teacher."
Kakashi's Shadow Clone was taken aback: "Eh? Me? Can I really do this?"
Chinya smiled encouragingly and patted Kakashi's shoulder. "I said it because you're already a powerful ninja. Why wouldn't you be able to? Believe in yourself."
Kakashi's Shadow Clone took a deep breath and said, "Yes, I will definitely train Sōnagi well!"
Chinya nodded. "Alright, the next decision is yours alone. Whatever choice you make, I will support you."
"Yes, then I'll take my leave first, Sensei."
Kakashi's Shadow Clone dissipated into a puff of smoke.
...
The memories from the Shadow Clone returned to Kakashi's mind.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Kakashi's lips. He continued venting for a while longer before lying flat on the ground. He remained motionless until dawn broke. Later, standing in a narrow alley near Chinya's home, he stared at the house for a moment before furiously slamming his fist into the wall.
Kakashi growled in frustration, "Why? Why would you do this!"
Disappointed, Kakashi left the alley and headed back to his own home.
Seki and Renjiro saw Kakashi return home and exchanged glances. Seki remained behind to keep watching Kakashi, while Renjiro departed alone.
Renjiro entered the Hokage's office and reported everything that had happened during the surveillance of Kakashi to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen picked up his pipe from the table, took a puff, and said, "I understand. You may leave now."
As he exhaled a plume of smoke, Hiruzen fell into thought.
Kakashi directly going into the forest last night to vent showed he couldn't accept what Chinya had done.
After venting all night, he came the next day to linger near Chinya's residence, looking both angry and disappointed, plus those words — "Why would you do these things?"
He didn't go directly to confront Chinya, meaning Kakashi must have realized something about Chinya's and Orochimaru's actions but still refused to believe they'd actually committed these deeds.
It seemed Kakashi had already started doubting Chinya and believing the accusations against him.
Hiruzen blew out another stream of smoke, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Seems like a bright young ninja will soon give his loyalty to him — and to Konoha.
Three days after locking himself away at home, Kakashi finally arrived at the Hokage Tower and made his way to Hiruzen Sarutobi's office.
Though secretly pleased to see Kakashi, Hiruzen Sarutobi kept his composure and stayed perfectly calm on the outside.
With a feigned air of innocence, he asked, "Kakashi, what brings you here today?"
Lowering his head slightly, Kakashi replied, "Lord Hokage, I've thought things through about what happened the other day."
A spark lit in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes as he asked, "So you've made up your mind? What's your decision then?"
Kakashi replied solemnly, "I cannot accept the things my sensei did."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>