Chapter 33 That Is My Teacher's Son

The door to the Hokage’s office was pushed open violently. Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado strode in, their faces flushed with rage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, observing this, calmly gathered the documents on his desk.

Upon entering, the two advisors saw Uchiha Touhuan present and immediately lashed out: "Uchiha Touhuan, why did only Shu and Hayabusa fail to return from this mission?"

Uchiha Touhuan glanced back at the two elders and said indifferently, "Is it not standard for ninja to sacrifice their lives while carrying out a mission?"

"I suspect you were settling personal scores!" Koharu Utatane, being the more emotional of the two, spoke up. After all, her clan had lost a Jonin on this mission. Although her family had developed rapidly in recent years by riding the coattails of the Third Hokage, a Jonin was not easily replaced. Furthermore, only ninjas from the Utatane and Mitokado clans had died, while the two weakest civilians had returned unscathed; it was hard not to suspect Uchiha Touhuan of foul play, especially since they themselves had engaged in such tactics before.

"My mission report is very clear. When we encountered Orochimaru, we were ambushed by large-scale ninjutsu. Those two died because they failed to retreat in time," Kakashi stated, stepping forward. "As for settling personal scores, that is complete nonsense. Our entire squad got along very well during the mission, and we all feel deep regret over their sacrifice."

Uchiha Touhuan gave Kakashi a blank stare. Kakashi’s progress was truly rapid; he had already mastered the basic skills of politics—telling lies with a straight face.

"Kakashi, you..." Koharu was caught off guard by his intervention and was momentarily speechless.

Uchiha Touhuan then spoke up: "The two advisors are certainly well-informed. We hadn't even reported back to the village for half an hour before you two showed up."

Uchiha Touhuan left the sentence hanging, leaving the rest for Hiruzen Sarutobi to ponder.

"Enough!" Hiruzen slammed his hand on the desk. "Koharu, Homura, barging into the Hokage’s office without permission—you two are being too presumptuous!"

"Hiruzen?" Homura Mitokado looked at the Third Hokage in disbelief.

"It seems the Hokage has matters to attend to. In that case, I shall take my leave. However, please consider my proposal carefully, Lord Hokage. If you have any concerns, the Police Force is fully capable of taking charge of this matter," Uchiha Touhuan said. Sensing the timing was right, he bowed and departed.

After Uchiha Touhuan left, Hiruzen looked up at the two advisors: "Why are you still standing there? Get out."

"Hiruzen..." Koharu wanted to say more, but Homura pulled on her sleeve. Seeing this, she could only leave the office with him, filled with resentment.

With only Kakashi remaining in the office, Hiruzen lit his pipe and looked up. "Kakashi, is there anything else?"

***

Kakashi bowed and said solemnly, "Lord Hokage, I wish to resign from the Anbu."

His request made Hiruzen frown. "Why the sudden change of heart, Kakashi?"

Kakashi lowered his head and took a deep breath. "I have just been feeling quite tired lately."

The two fell into silence. After a long while, Hiruzen asked, "What are your plans for the future, then?"

"I suppose I will carry out missions like a regular ninja," Kakashi replied. "And, I hope to make amends to the people I have neglected all these years while I was drowning in grief."

"Is that so?" Hiruzen nodded. "It seems you have finally moved past the pain of those years."

"Additionally, I would like to request to look after the boy, Naruto," Kakashi said, trying to keep his voice void of emotion.

Hiruzen’s gaze sharpened, and the room fell silent once more.

Finally, Hiruzen said sternly, "Kakashi, you should understand Naruto’s true identity."

There was a warning tone in the Hokage's voice. Kakashi’s desire to get close to the Jinchuriki had undoubtedly crossed a line.

"I understand." Kakashi looked up, meeting Hiruzen’s gaze with unwavering resolve. "But he is also the son of my teacher."

Kakashi’s stubborn insistence left Hiruzen speechless. If anyone else had made this request, the Third Hokage would likely have already turned hostile. But Kakashi’s request was impeccable in every regard; as the only surviving disciple of the Fourth Hokage, he had a duty to look after the Fourth's legacy. Hiruzen could find no reason to object.

Furthermore, if he were to strongly oppose it, he risked completely alienating Kakashi.

After finishing his pipe, Hiruzen sighed heavily. "Very well. I had intended for you to serve as the lead Jonin once Naruto graduated, but since you have asked, I will entrust him to you."

"Thank you." Seeing the Third Hokage relent, Kakashi finally let out a breath of relief and nodded.

"Kakashi, after you leave the Anbu, serve in the Jonin squad. The village cannot do without you for the time being," Hiruzen said.

***

"As you command, Lord Hokage," Kakashi replied.

...

When Uchiha Touhuan returned home, his housekeeper, Uchiha Keiko, had already thoughtfully prepared hot water for his bath.

After bathing, Uchiha Touhuan retreated to his room, lit some incense, and began performing maintenance on his blade, *Jirai*.

Before long, Uchiha Keiko knocked on the door. "Clan Head, Elder Fugaku is here to see you."

"Show him in. And please prepare the tea set for me."

"Understood." Uchiha Keiko departed.

A moment later, in the reception room of the Uchiha Touhuan estate, Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Touhuan sat facing each other, watching as Touhuan prepared the tea.

"Elder Fugaku, please." Uchiha Touhuan served a cup of tea.

Fugaku, an elite raised with the education of a prestigious clan, was impeccable in his etiquette, unlike Kakashi who might have guzzled the tea like a barbarian. After completing the traditional tea ceremony, he set down his cup and remarked, "I never imagined you had such skills, Touhuan."

"You flatter me, Elder Fugaku. It is merely something I tinker with when I am alone," Uchiha Touhuan laughed. "Is there a reason for your late-night visit, Elder?"

"Did the mission go smoothly?" Uchiha Fugaku asked.

"It went well enough," Uchiha Touhuan replied. "Although we failed to capture Orochimaru, we did make some significant gains. More importantly, the members of our clan returned safely."