Chapter 33: That Is My Teacher's Son
The door to the Hokage's office was abruptly pushed open. Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado stormed in, their faces twisted with fury.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, remained calm, subtly collecting the documents on his desk and concealing them from view.
As soon as they spotted Uchiha Douhuan, Koharu's face contorted in rage.
"Uchiha Douhuan!" she shouted. "Why are only ki and Hayato the ones who didn't come back from this mission?"
Douhuan turned his gaze lazily toward the two elders, his expression indifferent.
"Ninjas dying on missions—isn't that perfectly normal?"
"I bet you did it on purpose!" Koharu snapped, her emotions getting the better of her. The loss of a jonin from the Utatane clan was a heavy blow. Even though the clan had grown significantly under the protection of the Third Hokage, a single jonin wasn't easy to replace.
Especially when both Utatane and Mitokado suffered casualties, while even the weakest civilian ninjas returned unscathed.
It was hard not to suspect that Douhuan had intentionally sabotaged them.
"The mission report is quite clear," Kakashi interjected, stepping forward. "We encountered a large-scale jutsu ambush from Orochimaru. The two of them failed to retreat in time and fell in battle. As for the allegation of deliberate targeting—that's completely unfounded. The entire squad cooperated smoothly throughout the mission. Their loss is deeply regrettable."
Douhuan glanced at Kakashi, his expression unreadable. "This guy... is learning fast. He's already picked up the art of political maneuvering and lying with a straight face."
"Kakashi, you—" Koharu was visibly caught off guard, not expecting Kakashi to stand on Douhuan's side.
Douhuan decided to strike while the iron was hot.
"The advisors seem to have received the news rather quickly," Douhuan commented with a subtle smile. "We just got back less than half an hour ago, and here you both are."
He didn't elaborate, leaving Sarutobi to fill in the blanks himself.
"Enough!" Sarutobi slammed his hand down on the table. "Koharu, Homura, barging into the Hokage's office without permission—you're out of line!"
"Hiruzen?" Homura's face showed a mixture of disbelief and confusion.
Douhuan took this opportunity to bow slightly.
"It seems Hokage-sama has much to attend to, so I will take my leave. Please consider my proposal carefully, Hokage-sama. If necessary, the Police Force can take full responsibility for the operation."
After saluting, he left the office.
Once he was gone, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned his cold gaze on the two advisors.
"Why are you two still here? Leave."
"Hiruzen..." Koharu began, but Homura tugged on her sleeve, signaling her to back down. Reluctantly, she followed him out.
Now alone with Kakashi, Sarutobi took out his pipe, lighting it with a calm, practiced motion.
"You still have something to say, Kakashi?"
Kakashi bowed his head slightly.
"Hokage-sama, I wish to resign from the ANBU."
The Hokage paused, surprise flickering across his face.
"Why this sudden decision?"
Kakashi took a deep breath.
"Lately... I just feel too exhausted."
Silence filled the room, broken only by the crackle of Sarutobi's pipe.
Finally, the Third Hokage spoke.
"I see. What will you do afterward?"
"Like any normal ninja... taking regular missions. And... making up for those I've neglected while drowning in my own grief."
Sarutobi nodded slightly.
"So, you've finally let go of the past?"
There was a moment of hesitation before Kakashi looked up, his gaze firm.
"Also... I'd like to take care of Naruto."
Sarutobi's expression stiffened, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"You should understand his identity."
The warning in his tone was clear—approaching Naruto was a risky move.
But Kakashi didn't back down.
"I do understand. But... he's also my teacher's son."
The silence stretched long and heavy. Sarutobi's pipe had long since burned out. After a while, he let out a weary sigh.
"Originally, I had planned for you to be his Jonin leader after he graduated. But since you're requesting it now... I'll allow it."
"Thank you."
Sarutobi nodded.
"Once you leave ANBU, you'll take up a position in the Jonin corps. The village still needs you, Kakashi."
"I will follow your orders."
---
Back at his residence, Douhuan found that his housekeeper, Uchiha Keiko, had already prepared hot water for his bath.
After soaking and freshening up, he went to his room and began to maintain his sword, Jirai, while the scent of incense filled the air.
Soon, there was a knock on the door.
"Clan leader, Lord Fugaku is here to see you."
"Invite him in and prepare the tea."
Keiko nodded and left to make arrangements.
In the guest room, Douhuan and Fugaku sat kneeling across from each other. Douhuan was carefully preparing the tea.
"Please," he said, offering a cup.
Fugaku performed the complete tea ceremony etiquette flawlessly before finally taking a sip.
"I didn't expect you to have such refined skills," Fugaku remarked.
Douhuan smiled.
"Just a hobby when I'm alone. What brings you here tonight, Fugaku-sama?"
Fugaku placed the cup down gently.
"How did the mission go?"
"Quite smoothly," Douhuan replied. "Though Orochimaru managed to escape, the mission itself was fruitful. Most importantly, all our clan members returned safely."
Fugaku's lips curled slightly.
"That's good to hear. After the recent chaos, the clan could use some good news."
Douhuan nodded thoughtfully.
"The plan is progressing steadily. It won't be long before we have the leverage we need."
Fugaku gave him a measured look.
"And the Hokage... he doesn't suspect anything?"
"He's wary, but his hands are tied. After all, the village needs the Uchiha more than ever."
Fugaku allowed himself a rare smile, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
"I will continue to handle internal matters. You just focus on consolidating our position."
Douhuan raised his cup.
"To the future of the Uchiha."
Fugaku mirrored his movement.
"To the Uchiha."