Chapter 43: Kakashi's Evolution

Aburame Shibi took a deep breath. Uchiha Doukan’s move effectively placed two choices before them.

Either they joined the Uchiha faction from this day onward, or they stood firmly with the Hokage's camp. The idea of sacrificing one or two generational talents from the clan as they had done in the past to remain uninvolved was now completely out of the question.

"Clan Head Doukan, I would like to confirm one more thing." After a moment of silence, Aburame Shibi removed his sunglasses and fixed his gaze directly on Uchiha Doukan. "The Military Police Force is certain not to recruit children who have not graduated from the Ninja Academy, is that correct?"

"Of course." Hearing Shibi's hesitation, Uchiha Doukan smiled and replied, "Having been sent to the battlefield at the age of nine myself, despite earning my current prestige through battlefield achievements, I still feel that my experience was absolute bullshit."

Speaking from the heart, Doukan—who had maintained a solemn and courteous demeanor ever since entering the room—even dropped a curse word at this moment, his genuine emotion leaving no room for falsehood.

"Children who ought to be studying at the appropriate age should be attending the Academy. Am I right, Clan Head Aburame?" Doukan asked with a smile, meeting Shibi's gaze.

"I understand." Shibi nodded solemnly.

Although he belonged to the generation that grew up under the lingering grace of the Second Hokage—during whose formative years ambitious schemers like Danzo had not yet reared their heads—the moment he officially came of age, Aburame Ryuma had been forcefully claimed by Danzo from the hands of the then-clan head, who was Shibi's paternal uncle. On his very first day as the new clan head, his predecessor had taken him to the clan shrine to witness their history. There, detailed records listed the names of individuals who had been taken away at a very tender age and ostensibly expelled from the clan; Aburame Ryuma had been the last among them.

"Remember these names," the former clan head had told him solemnly before the clan's crest in the shrine. "It is because these predecessors—whose names cannot even appear in the clan's ancestral rites—willingly cast themselves into the darkness that the clan's flame has been able to burn down to this day. If a day comes when you, too, must face such a choice, you must not hesitate for even a second, not even if it is your own child."

At the time, Shibi had been deeply shaken and had firmly engraved those words in his mind, which was why he had summoned Aburame Aburame Torune today. Yet, the environment in which he grew up still left him with lingering doubts about that past. Back when the First and Second Hokages were still alive, the village—and the clan—had thrived perfectly well without resorting to such measures.

Therefore, at this moment, upon hearing Uchiha Doukan's promise, Shibi's heart was moved. During the Third Great Ninja War, the front where Shibi's unit served was precisely the direction of the Land of Water, where the Uchiha clan was most heavily concentrated. Consequently, he was far more aware of Doukan's true strength than anyone else. After all, this was a ruthless powerhouse who, years ago, could single-handedly annihilate fifteen elite Jōnin squads from Kirigakure. Combined with the Mangekyō Sharingan he had witnessed at the village gates the other day, in Shibi's mind, this was a promise made to him and his entire clan by a ninja whose power rivaled that of the First Hokage.

Having made up his mind, Aburame Shibi picked up the file containing the evidence of crimes committed by the three clans that lay on the table and said, "From this day forward, the Aburame clan shall follow the lead of the Uchiha."

"Clan Head Aburame is a wise man." Doukan smiled and snapped his fingers. After a faint flash of electric current swept across the surface of the table, flames engulfed the file concerning Aburame Ryuma, reducing it to ashes within moments. "Have someone report to the Military Police Force tomorrow. As for when the formal action begins, simply await my orders."

"Understood." Shibi nodded and then personally stood up to see him off.

...

While Uchiha Doukan was visiting the Aburame clan, a large-scale gathering was taking place at Yakiniku Q, a prominent barbecue restaurant owned by the Akimichi clan.

The official notice regarding Hatake Kakashi's retirement from the Anbu had been issued earlier that day. As of today, Kakashi was no longer an active member of the Anbu.

Kakashi's very first action upon retirement was to invite the majority of his Anbu comrades who had served alongside him on missions to a gathering, ostensibly to thank everyone for their help over the years.

Kakashi had rented out the entirety of Yakiniku Q, inviting a full sixty people. Their combat prowess was at least at the Special Jōnin level, though the vast majority of them hailed from commoner backgrounds or lesser ninja clans like Moonlit Hayate.

As the largest barbecue establishment in the village, Yakiniku Q's prices weren't as outrageously exorbitant as the luxury dining spot Uchiha Doukan had treated everyone to during a mission, but it certainly wasn't cheap either. On an Anbu salary, coming here for an occasional treat was acceptable, but doing so too frequently would strain even an Anbu's finances. Therefore, the invitees had accepted without a second thought.

Midway through the meal, mirroring Uchiha Doukan's previous manner, Kakashi raised his cup and cleared his throat. Seeing this, the others set down their chopsticks.

"Everyone, during my time in the Anbu, I have relied heavily on your assistance. Though I am now retired, I will forever cherish the time we spent working together."

"What are you saying, Lord Kakashi?" a commoner ninja spoke up. "We should be the ones thanking you for looking out for us on the job. On several past missions, if not for your intervention, I probably would have died."

"We can't look at it that way. In the line of duty, it is only right for me as a team captain to protect my subordinates," Kakashi replied. "I am well aware of my own personality. During missions, I may have overlooked everyone's feelings, and in the eyes of some, perhaps I seemed lacking in human warmth. Before my official retirement, I still want to say: thank you all for tolerating my temperament for the sake of the Will of Fire, and for ensuring the smooth execution of our missions. I propose a toast to you all!"

Kakashi pulled down his mask and solemnly drained the wine in his cup.

Seeing this, the others followed suit, drinking their cups dry in a single gulp.

At this moment, Nagai Seiichi—who had long since pledged his loyalty to Uchiha Doukan and correctly guessed that Kakashi's relationship with Doukan was exceptionally close—stood up. "Captain Kakashi's words fill us with shame. Clearly, it was due to our own lack of capability that Captain Kakashi had to shoulder so much extra work, yet Captain Kakashi continues to find fault within himself. What is the Will of Fire? This is the Will of Fire! Everyone, I propose we all raise a toast to Captain Kakashi! Though Captain Kakashi has retired, in our hearts, we will forever remember your kindness!"

After another round of drinks, Kuroki Ryuta—who had also participated in the mission to hunt down Orochimaru—stood up and said, "While we are reluctant to see Lord Kakashi retire, we also wish Lord Kakashi health and continued victory in his future ninja career!"

Amidst the clinking of cups, the refilled sake reflected Kakashi's face. This was the first time Kakashi had voluntarily removed the mask he had worn for the better part of his life in front of such a large crowd.

By the end of the gathering, every attendee bore a flushed, intoxicated expression. Once it concluded, Kakashi watched them depart one by one until, very soon, he was left entirely alone in the spacious restaurant.

Kakashi sat in solitude for a while longer before rising to leave. Stepping out into the cool night air, his fingers instinctively moved toward his mask to put it back on, but after a moment's hesitation, he lowered his hand and stowed it away instead. Carrying takeout for Naruto, he walked toward the Hatake household.