Chapter 43: Kakashi's Evolution
After Aburame Shibi made his decision to align with the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Douhuan left the Aburame compound, satisfied that his plan was steadily advancing.
Meanwhile, at Grill Q, one of Konoha's largest barbecue restaurants owned by the Akimichi Clan, a grand gathering was taking place. The restaurant was bustling with noise, laughter, and the clinking of glasses as dozens of Anbu members and former teammates gathered for a celebration.
Today marked Kakashi Hatake's official retirement from Anbu, and he had invited a vast number of his former comrades to a farewell dinner. There were over sixty shinobi present, with the lowest rank being Special Jonin. Most of them were either from minor clans or civilians who had earned their place in the Anbu through merit.
As the dishes continued to be served and the sake kept flowing, Kakashi slowly rose from his seat, lifting his glass in a gesture for silence. The room gradually quieted down, and all eyes turned towards him.
---
Kakashi cleared his throat and spoke, his tone sincere and calm.
"Everyone," he began, "I called you all here tonight to express my gratitude. Throughout my time in the Anbu, I have been fortunate enough to work with exceptional comrades like you. Your strength, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the village are things I will never forget."
One of the Anbu members, a young man named Hayate Gekko, spoke up. "Kakashi-taichou, it is we who should thank you. You've saved our lives more than once on missions. Without your leadership, many of us wouldn't be here tonight."
Kakashi shook his head. "That's where you're wrong. A leader's duty is to protect his comrades. If I've managed to do that, it's because we worked together. You've put your trust in me countless times, and for that, I am grateful."
With that, Kakashi raised his cup. "To all of you—to comradeship and the Will of Fire!"
The gathered shinobi responded enthusiastically, raising their own glasses and shouting in unison.
"To Kakashi-taichou! To the Will of Fire!"
They drank deeply, sake burning their throats, but the warmth in their chests was undeniable.
---
As the room settled back into conversations and eating, one of Kakashi's former subordinates, Nagai Seiichi, stood up, holding his own cup aloft.
"Taichou," he said, his voice clear and loud enough to draw attention, "many of us here owe you our lives. You have always placed our safety above your own, even when it meant taking on more danger yourself. That's the kind of leader you are—never thinking of your own life first."
There were murmurs of agreement throughout the room, with several people nodding along.
Seiichi continued, "When I think of the Will of Fire, I don't think of politics or titles—I think of the way you taught us to survive. The way you shielded us from harm, no matter the cost. You've earned our respect, and no matter where you go from here, you'll always be our captain!"
Another voice chimed in from across the room—it was Kuroki Ryota, a fellow Anbu who had been on the same mission to pursue Orochimaru. "Kakashi-taichou, even if you've left the Anbu, you'll always be part of our lives. We wish you nothing but the best. Stay strong and stay safe!"
Kakashi, unaccustomed to so much open praise, awkwardly scratched his head. "You guys are making too much of it," he replied modestly. "It's just... I never expected that leaving Anbu would feel this heavy. You're not just subordinates—you're friends, and I'll never forget that."
---
After several more rounds of drinking and heartfelt toasts, the party eventually wound down, and the guests left in small groups. Kakashi stayed behind, helping the restaurant staff clean up, though they repeatedly told him not to bother. Eventually, only he remained.
Standing in the dimly lit restaurant, Kakashi took a deep breath and looked down at the small package of food he had prepared to take back for Naruto. Despite the alcohol buzzing through his veins, his mind was clear.
"Maybe it's time to face the world without hiding," he muttered, taking out his iconic mask. Holding it in his hand, he hesitated for a moment before stuffing it into his pocket. For the first time in years, he walked out without covering his face, feeling a strange sense of liberation.
---
Walking through the darkened streets of Konoha, Kakashi felt the cool night breeze against his unmasked face. It was refreshing, almost like shedding a burden he had carried for too long.
With Naruto's meal in hand, he made his way to his house, glancing occasionally at the curious glances from villagers who had never seen his face before. A few whispered amongst themselves, recognizing the famous Copy Ninja.
But Kakashi didn't mind. He wasn't hiding anymore.
As he approached his house, he heard the familiar sound of Naruto's loud voice from inside. The boy was practicing his transformation jutsu, trying to perfect his technique. Kakashi couldn't help but smile as he pushed the door open.
"Oi, Naruto, you hungry?" he called out, holding up the bag of food.
"Sensei! You're back!" Naruto exclaimed, running over with wide eyes. Then, he froze, staring at Kakashi's bare face.
"Y-Your mask!"
Kakashi smirked, setting the food down on the table. "Thought it was time to let it go. Besides, how can I teach you to be yourself if I keep hiding behind this thing?"
Naruto blinked, then grinned broadly. "Cool! You look way better without it!"
Sitting down to eat together, Kakashi couldn't help but feel that a new chapter in his life had begun. Leaving Anbu wasn't just about quitting a job—it was about reclaiming his identity. As he watched Naruto devour his food with gusto, Kakashi knew that his new path would be one filled with hope, growth, and guidance.
And somewhere out there, Uchiha Douhuan continued to pull the strings, molding the future of Konoha with every calculated move.