The two Anbu stood watch from the rooftop, quietly discussing the situation as their eyes occasionally flicked toward the child they were monitoring. Their casual demeanor made it clear they didn't consider him much of a threat—after all, he was just a boy.
"Nothing unusual. After eating ramen last night, he washed up and went to bed. He got up once in the middle of the night to use the toilet, then slept until dawn. He's awake now, just sitting on the bed in a daze. Looks like he doesn't even want to get up—probably thinking about going back to sleep."
"Alright. I'll stay here and keep watch. You go report to the Sandaime-sama."
With a short nod, one of the Anbu vanished in a flicker of movement.
...
The Hokage's Office
Kakashi Hatake now stood face to face with the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The day before, Kakashi had been out on a mission when the Anbu relayed a summons from the Hokage. Fortunately, it wasn't a high-level assignment. After handing things over, Kakashi had returned to Konoha, taken a long, hot bath, and finally enjoyed some rest. Only this morning did he make his way to the Hokage's office.
"Why me?" Kakashi asked, surprised. He hadn't expected such a troublesome assignment right after being called back.
If I had known, I wouldn't have rushed here. This is more exhausting than the mission itself.
"Because it has to be you," Sarutobi replied.
"In terms of ability, you're a former Anbu with years of combat experience. You're capable of keeping these children safe—and teaching them what it truly means to be shinobi.
In terms of emotion, you of all people should understand. That blond child is the orphan of your sensei. Both of his parents died in the war, leaving him behind.
Even though he's mischievous, he's inherited his father's spirit. Did you know? He managed to learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique after seeing it only once. In terms of talent, he's no less gifted than the Uchiha boy. What he needs is a proper teacher."
The Hokage took a slow draw from his pipe, exhaling a stream of smoke that curled gracefully in the air. His gaze hardened as he turned back to Kakashi.
"One child lost his entire clan. The other, though born the son of a great hero, is shunned as the vessel of the Nine-Tails. If either of them is placed in careless hands, if they are not guided properly, they could easily become dangerous enemies to this village."
Though his tone was calm, the weight of his words carried unmistakable gravity.
Kakashi shifted uneasily. "I've never taught anyone. I don't think I'd be good at it. And besides, I've spent too long in the shadows."
"That's exactly why you're the right choice," Hiruzen countered firmly. "You've endured the darkness without losing yourself. You can guide them away from it—bring their hearts toward the light."
The Hokage's eyes softened, though his voice remained steady as he recited:
"Where the leaves dance, fire will blossom. The shadow of the flame will continue to illuminate the village… and allow new leaves to grow."
His gaze drifted, as if lost in distant memories.
After a long silence, Kakashi finally asked, "Can I see him?"
Before Hiruzen could respond, an Anbu suddenly appeared in the office. Neither man was startled. For Kakashi, a former Anbu, this was routine—especially in the heavily-guarded Hokage's tower.
"What's the situation?" Hiruzen asked.
"Nothing unusual. He's left home and is heading to the Academy." The Anbu's report was short and precise.
With a nod from the Hokage, the masked shinobi vanished as swiftly as he had arrived. Only Kakashi and Hiruzen remained.
Without a word, Hiruzen rose and walked out. He glanced back just once, and Kakashi understood immediately, following silently.
...
Naruto's Apartment – Slums of Konoha
The stench of sour milk and unwashed dishes filled the small apartment. Flies buzzed around the clutter, and the sink was stacked high with greasy plates. On the table sat a carton of spoiled milk and several empty ramen containers.
Kakashi's visible eye remained calm, though the sight tightened something in his chest. He surveyed the mess without comment.
"This is the home of the Fourth Hokage's orphan," Hiruzen confirmed quietly, as if reading Kakashi's unspoken thoughts.
Kakashi exhaled slowly, disbelief weighing heavily on him. "Hard to believe… this is Minato-sensei's child."
"That's why I want you to watch over him," the Hokage said firmly, sensing Kakashi's turmoil and steering the conversation away before he could dwell too long. "Your class will also include an Uchiha survivor. Let's go take a look at both."
As Hiruzen opened the door, he cast a sharp glance back at Kakashi. "What's on your mind?"
Kakashi instantly masked his emotions. Years in the Anbu had made composure second nature. He gave a faint shrug.
"Oh, nothing. Just… that milk has been expired for at least a year. If he drinks it, he'll end up with a serious stomachache."
"If you're ready, let's go. Time is short."
Without another word, Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward, his Hokage robes brushing lightly with the movement. Kakashi placed the half-empty carton of spoiled milk back on the table and followed after him.
"What a hassle…" Kakashi muttered under his breath.
Years of Anbu experience had sharpened his instincts. He could sense that something about this situation wasn't right. But suspicion was one thing—openly questioning the Hokage was another. Even for him, the thought stayed locked in his chest.
The Third Hokage wasn't just the leader of the village. Sarutobi Hiruzen was a legend, once hailed as the strongest Hokage in history. To the world, he was the Professor of Ninjutsu, a man said to have mastered every chakra nature and countless techniques.
Invincible.
That single word echoed in Kakashi's mind.
...
Uchiha Residence
The scene shifted as the two arrived at the estate where the last surviving heir of the Uchiha clan lived. The villa stood in one of Konoha's wealthier districts, its elegant architecture and pristine upkeep exuding an aura of quiet pride.
Stepping inside, Kakashi took in the immaculate arrangement of the house. His lone visible eye narrowed slightly. Compared to Naruto's cramped and filthy apartment, the difference was like heaven and earth.
Children who grow up in a home are treated like treasures. Children without one… are left like weeds. The old saying wasn't wrong.
"Uchiha Fugaku was a strict man," Hiruzen remarked, his tone carrying both weight and memory. "Strict, yes—but successful in raising his children."
The Hokage lifted the brim of his hat, his sharp eyes sweeping across the household's furnishings, as though the environment itself spoke volumes about its former head.
"I recall… his elder son, Itachi, once served under you," Hiruzen continued. "And now, his younger brother has also fallen under your care. Fitting, isn't it?"
Kakashi let out a quiet sigh, his shoulders sinking ever so slightly.
"…What a troublesome assignment."