Chapter 350: Everything
"Everything," Ye Wen's voice grew icy and unyielding.
Kakashi didn't flinch, his gaze steady and resolute. He looked at the man before him a being of undeniable strength, someone who might actually be able to deliver on his promises. And to Kakashi, everything he had felt like nothing more than ashes. If sacrificing himself could make the world better, he would do so without hesitation.
As Kakashi's mind conjured memories of his closest friends Obito, with his fierce smile, and Rin, with her gentle expression his heart clenched. If only I could turn back time…
With newfound conviction, he met Ye Wen's gaze. "If giving you everything can undo the regrets of the past, then I accept. I'm willing to pay that price. But how will you fulfill your promise?"
Ye Wen's lips curled into a satisfied smile. It seems I have a knack for persuasion, he thought, enjoying his own mastery over words. Though he had the power to subjugate this world by force, he preferred a different path one that allowed him to observe and orchestrate events from behind the scenes.
"The contract is sealed," Ye Wen declared softly. "Now, Kakashi, don't move."
Ye Wen raised a hand, his fingertip glowing with a pure golden light as he placed it gently against Kakashi's mask. The light, radiant and divine, seeped into Kakashi's body. In an instant, Kakashi's senses were overwhelmed by a flood of chakra an unending, powerful stream surging through him.
Ye Wen's energy moved from Kakashi's crown down to his abdomen, activating three energy centers within him.
"Accept this gift, mortal," Ye Wen commanded. "From this day forth, you shall serve as my apostle in this world. As my messenger, you will spread the light of the Sea God across the lands."
As Ye Wen's words echoed, a massive flow of information poured into Kakashi's mind. In mere moments, his form was transformed, adorned with a golden cloak of energy.
Ocean Sea Chakra Mode.
This new state, an extension of Ye Wen's divine power, granted Kakashi full chakra attributes, elevating him nearly to the level of a Six Paths Sage, or even a deity in this world. Kakashi's knowledge expanded in an instant, and he became fully aware of Ye Wen's identity.
Though both shinobi and noble clans held high status in this world, they revered beings of god like power above all else. The stoic Kakashi, now understanding the nature of the entity before him, dropped to one knee and lowered his head in reverence.
"All will be done as you desire, my lord."
The surrounding ANBU agents exchanged bewildered glances as their captain suddenly knelt. What had happened here in just a few short minutes? And why did their commander now radiate such overwhelming power?
"Stand, Kakashi. And end this mode for now," Ye Wen instructed. "You won't need that strength here."
"Yes, my lord," Kakashi replied, rising to his feet. Now brimming with purpose and determination, he felt completely renewed; his once dead eyes glowed with newfound vigor and direction. Despite his strengths, Kakashi was not a strategist. He could complete missions but had never shown a knack for complex scheming.
"My lord Sea God, please instruct me on how I am to change this world," Kakashi asked respectfully.
Ye Wen's answer was straightforward, as Kakashi's path had already taken shape in his mind. Changing the world would require more than one person; it would take allies, cooperation, and a united vision. And there was no better starting place than Konoha, the most powerful shinobi village.
"Go, Kakashi. Remove the rotting old monkey, Hiruzen Sarutobi, from the Hokage's seat. Your reputation and achievements grant you every right to claim that position. This is your first test, and I expect you won't disappoint me."
Kakashi's expression sharpened with determination, a fierce, controlled hatred flashing in his eyes. Along with the information Ye Wen had imparted, Kakashi now understood the truth of his father's death and Hiruzen Sarutobi's countless hidden schemes.
"Yes, my lord. I will not fail you."
Satisfied, Ye Wen dispelled the barrier around them before vanishing in an instant, leaving only the bewildered ANBU agents to piece together what had just happened.
One of the ANBU, who often spoke with Kakashi, stepped forward cautiously. "Captain… who was that man?"
But Kakashi's demeanor was colder and more controlled than ever. "Report this to the Hokage," he replied icily. "What comes next is beyond our authority."
The ANBU agents, trained to obey without question, fell silent and followed Kakashi back to Konoha.
Upon hearing the report, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face grew grave, his pipe sending thick curls of smoke into the already stuffy office.
"So that's what happened," he murmured thoughtfully, glancing toward Kakashi. "You've done well, Kakashi."
Hiruzen's voice was warm and reassuring as he offered the young man his usual praise. But he failed to notice the subtle yet dangerous shift in Kakashi's aura.
"This is my duty, Lord Third. I also wish to formally tender my resignation from the ANBU to return to the regular shinobi ranks."
Distracted, Hiruzen nodded absently in agreement until the request registered fully, and he stared in shock. "What did you say?"
"I'm stepping down from ANBU, Lord Third."
Instinctively, Hiruzen's suspicion flared. Something about Kakashi felt… different. "Kakashi, I understand that ANBU is difficult, but well, this is…"
Hiruzen stumbled through a series of platitudes, attempting to dissuade Kakashi without refusing outright. Behind his mask, Kakashi's gaze turned cold.
"I'll have the paperwork on your desk tomorrow, Lord Third." Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and walked out.
Hiruzen stared in confusion, watching his normally respectful captain walk away with defiant indifference. What could have caused such a change in Kakashi? What had he seen on that mission?
But Kakashi had no more patience for the Third Hokage's hollow words. Now he understood that this decrepit man had overseen years of deceit, complacently hiding in Konoha's shadows.
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