Chapter 69: Hiruzen's Night Visit to Kakashi
With the help of Konoha's top construction expert, Yamato, Uchiha Douhuan's Naka River Grand Hotel Project was swiftly completed to perfection.
Yamato truly had a unique talent for this kind of work. The wooden structure he crafted perfectly met Douhuan's specifications. After a thorough inspection, Douhuan directly handed Yamato a big, bag of cash as a reward.
At first, Yamato hesitated. It was clear that the previous terrifying displays of power and the beatings he had endured in the police force had left him with lingering trauma.
Kakashi patted him on the shoulder and said, "Just take it. Douhuan doesn't have the habit of letting people work for free."
"Thank you," Yamato accepted the envelope with a bow.
"What are you thanking me for? We're all just serving the village!" Douhuan laughed heartily, giving Yamato a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
---
When Kakashi returned home, he immediately noticed an extra pair of shoes at the entrance. Raising his voice, he called out, "Naruto, do we have a guest?"
A few seconds later, Naruto's blond head peeked out from the living room. "Kakashi-nii! Grandpa Third is here!"
The Third Hokage? Kakashi's eyebrows knitted briefly before his face returned to calm.
Changing his shoes, he walked into the living room and saw Naruto and the Third Hokage sitting cross-legged on the floor, each holding a cup of instant ramen. There was even a pot of freshly boiled water on the table.
Kakashi sighed and said helplessly, "Naruto, is this how you're hosting the Hokage?"
"This is my limited edition cup ramen! It's really expensive!" Naruto shot back indignantly. He had only brought it out because the Third came to visit. Usually, he wouldn't part with his prized collection so easily.
The Third Hokage chuckled warmly. "It's alright, Kakashi. Sometimes it's nice to try what young people enjoy."
Since Hiruzen himself didn't mind, Kakashi didn't push it. Naruto quickly handed him a bowl of ramen as well, and the three sat down, eating in awkward silence.
Naruto was the first to finish, placing his empty cup on the table. "I'm done!" he announced energetically.
Kakashi glanced at him. "Alright, go take a bath and get ready for bed. The Hokage and I have something to discuss."
"Huh? But it's still early!" Naruto protested.
"You have school tomorrow," Kakashi reminded him.
"Listen to Kakashi, Naruto," Hiruzen said gently. "It's time for bed."
Seeing no way to argue, Naruto pouted and left the living room. However, as soon as he closed the door behind him, he leaned his ear against it, clearly trying to eavesdrop.
Kakashi and Hiruzen exchanged glances, and with a subtle hand sign, Kakashi cast a simple Genjutsu. Naruto immediately slumped to the floor, fast asleep.
Kakashi picked him up and carried him to his room. Once he returned, he sat across from the Hokage and asked, "Hokage-sama, visiting at this hour—what can I do for you?"
Hiruzen smiled, as if reminiscing. "Kakashi, it's been some time since you retired from ANBU. How are you adjusting?"
"It's been fine. Since I can't leave the village right now, I've just been using the time to rest," Kakashi replied nonchalantly.
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment, a deep melancholy in his eyes. After a while, he pulled out his pipe and began filling it with tobacco, only to hesitate, realizing it wasn't his house.
"Feel free," Kakashi nodded, giving him permission.
Taking the cue, Hiruzen lit his pipe, took a long drag, and finally spoke. "Kakashi, the way things unfolded recently... It was my own oversight. Had I noticed the situation earlier and intervened, it wouldn't have escalated this far."
"Hokage-sama has countless duties. Missing a minor issue like that is understandable," Kakashi replied coolly. "Besides, it's already been resolved."
Despite Kakashi's calm demeanor, Hiruzen could sense the lingering resentment. Sighing deeply, he muttered, "I'm getting old... Even dealing with routine matters has become tiring."
Kakashi didn't take the bait. "You're still in your prime, Hokage-sama. A few administrative issues are hardly anything to worry about."
With another sigh, Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively. "I'm serious, Kakashi. Whether I like it or not, age is catching up to me. I've been thinking... Perhaps it's time for the village to choose a Fifth Hokage."
Kakashi's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Hokage-sama, you must be joking. The village still needs your leadership."
Hiruzen fixed his gaze on Kakashi, eyes burning with intensity. "I plan to recommend you to the Daimyo as the Fifth Hokage."
The sudden declaration almost made Kakashi choke. He quickly knelt down on one knee. "Please, Hokage-sama, don't make such jokes. I'm not suited for that position."
Hiruzen looked at him sternly. "Don't sell yourself short, Kakashi. No matter how you look at it, you're the best candidate to be the Fifth Hokage."
Kakashi kept his head bowed, his face cold and expressionless where Hiruzen couldn't see. He knew this was a political maneuver—an attempt to draw him away from Uchiha Douhuan and make him a puppet Hokage.
"I know you doubt your own strength," Hiruzen continued. "But remember your father—at your age, he was already feared across the five great nations. You have inherited his talent. If you revive the Hatake Sword Style, your power will surely rise to the level of a Kage."
"My father's blade... shattered long ago," Kakashi muttered, glancing briefly at the family shrine where the remnants of the White Fang's Chakra Sword were stored.
"We can commission a new one. The village can bear the cost," Hiruzen offered, trying to sound reassuring.
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