After a whole day of hard work, all the new ninjas finally got settled. The issue of office space was also easy to resolve. The Uchiha clan had plenty of empty land.
Just a few hours ago, Tenzo and Kakashi returned to the village.
Satoshi asked Tenzo to build some houses.
Tenzo said, "Satoshi, I think you're insulting me."
Satoshi chuckled. "What are you saying, senpai? Get to it quickly, the future of Konoha is in your hands."
Wood Release: Four-Pillar House!
Wooden houses rose from the ground, and the onlookers applauded enthusiastically.
"Amazing! As expected of the Ninjutsu left by Hashirama-sama."
"Was Konoha back then also built like this, with just two claps of the hands?"
Tenzo: …
You guys are bullying me, I'm not playing anymore.
Before leaving, Satoshi handed him a thick envelope and said, "Thank you, senpai. I'll be bothering you a lot in the future."
"Heh heh."
The houses were built, and office equipment would be gradually moved in.
Now Satoshi had a bit of money, so purchasing these items at his own expense was not a problem.
What a benevolent leader he was.
—
At the ramen shop at the edge of the village, a man with a bowl cut and a masked man were eating ramen.
Kakashi was on the verge of collapse.
How did Guy manage to do it?
Every single time, truly every single time.
As long as he stepped through Konoha's gate for no more than half a day, that green figure would always appear precisely in front of him.
He even suspected that Guy, who seemed rather simple-minded, had perhaps bribed the gatekeepers.
During this time, he had been traveling outside, making no progress whatsoever.
He and Tenzo were always half a step behind Obito. Later, in desperation, the two chose to return to the village to rest.
They rushed back to Konoha, covered in dust, and reported their work to Hiruzen.
Tenzo was unfortunately temporarily conscripted to participate in the construction of the Konoha Military Police Force.
Kakashi, on the other hand, slipped back home, intending to take a shower and get a good night's sleep. He still had to report to the gloomy Anbu office first thing in the morning.
However, before he even took off his pants, a green whirlwind burst through the door and almost leaped into his bathtub.
"Kakashi! My eternal rival! Let's have a passionate youth challenge between men!"
Kakashi was defeated, worn down by Guy. He had no choice but to come out and eat some noodles first.
Forget it, he'd quickly eat a bowl of noodles with him, then find a random place and just fool him with a game of rock-paper-scissors.
In the ramen shop, Guy vigorously patted Kakashi's shoulder. "Kakashi, cheer up! Face life with a smile every day, that's youth!"
"Yes, yes."
"Kakashi, leave Anbu. It's too gloomy there, not suitable for your burning youth."
"Alright, I know."
"If you really don't want to leave, how about you find a way to get me in?"
"Mm, I'll apply to Hokage-sama again tomorrow."
Kakashi yawned, almost falling into his noodle bowl.
"Let's eat first."
Guy sighed. Kakashi was still the same old self.
Ever since he met Kakashi, he had considered Kakashi both a rival and a lifelong friend.
Since his youth, he had watched the light in Kakashi's eyes dim little by little. Blow after blow had turned him into a machine with a soul drained by missions and self-reproach.
Guy was very anxious, trying every means to ignite him with youth and challenges, but to no avail.
Later, the true identity of the masked man was revealed to be his friend, Obito. Although Kakashi didn't say it, he probably had a mental breakdown long ago.
Guy said, "Don't be like that, Kakashi. You haven't been in the village lately, there's something I need to tell you."
Kakashi looked up. "Speak."
Guy took out an internal Konoha newspaper and pointed to an article.
"Take a look."
"The suicide of Sakumo, Konoha's White Fang, was caused by Danzo, who secretly spread rumors and manipulated public opinion to eliminate dissenters."
Boom!
It was as if a silent thunderclap had exploded in Kakashi's mind.
The tragic image of his father, forced to commit suicide by rumors, instantly flooded his mind.
"What?"
Kakashi abruptly stood up. His movement was so forceful that it overturned the ramen bowl in front of him, scattering soup and shattering dishes.
His father's death had always been an inescapable nightmare for him. According to what was written, was there something suspicious about his father's death?
Kakashi felt his heart pounding, his inner excitement inexpressible.
Guy grabbed Kakashi, lowering his voice. "Let me tell you, this is what happened…"
Guy concisely told Kakashi the inside story he knew: how Danzo meticulously planned the rumors, used public pressure, and ultimately drove the upright White Fang to his death with his dirty tactics.
After listening, Kakashi's head was buzzing. According to Guy, his father's death back then was a conspiracy from beginning to end. The mastermind was none other than the deceased Danzo.
"Guy, thank you."
Kakashi knew Guy had always been good to him.
When his father committed suicide, many villagers criticized him. At that time, Guy was like a madman. If anyone spoke ill of Sakumo, he would go up and challenge them to a fight.
Of course… he got beaten up badly. But he never backed down.
Guy shook his head. "How could I have investigated it so thoroughly? All this information was uncovered by that white-haired brat from the Uchiha."
White-haired?
Satoshi?
Kakashi suddenly remembered their first meeting. At that time, Satoshi had called him the descendant of a hero.
"I'm going to see someone, wait for me."
Kakashi rushed out the door.
Guy shouted helplessly from where he stood, "I'll pay for the noodles, but don't forget to pay for the bowls when you get back. Teuchi-san works hard!"
Teuchi tried hard to keep his eyes open. "Should I make you another bowl? Want chili?"
Kakashi rushed to the Uchiha compound and found Satoshi, who was basking in the moonlight and eating a bento box at the training ground.
"Satoshi."
"Huh? Senpai, do you need me for something?"
Kakashi got straight to the point, "Thank you for what you did regarding my father."
Satoshi paused slightly, then understood what Kakashi meant.
"The entire Uchiha clan has the utmost respect for Sakumo-senpai. To let a hero rest in peace and to let future generations know the truth is simply what should be done."
Kakashi sat down next to Satoshi and repeated, "Thank you."
Satoshi said, "No need to be so polite. If possible, could you do me a small favor?"
"Tell me."
"The Police Force is very short on people. I know you have a good relationship with Minato-sama's guards from back then, so…"
"Sensei's guards?"
Kakashi didn't think much of it and said, "I'll go ask."
"Thank you for your trouble."
At this moment, Kakashi had not yet realized what it meant for Konoha for the Fourth Hokage's guard squad to join the Konoha Military Police Force.
Satoshi asked, "Senpai, after being away for so long, is there any news of Obito?"
Kakashi shook his head, looking dejected. "Tenzo and I are like headless flies, always one step behind Obito. We can't even catch his shadow. All the clues seem to be smoke bombs he deliberately left behind."
Satoshi said softly, "Don't worry, senpai, we'll find him eventually."
The two chatted for a while longer, then Kakashi stood up to leave.
"I need to go back. I still have to report to Anbu tomorrow."
"Alright."
Kakashi turned, dragging his tired steps, preparing to leave.
Just as he walked a few steps, Satoshi's voice sounded from behind him. "I have already suggested to Hokage-sama to restore his status as a war hero as soon as possible."
Kakashi froze in place. He stood with his back to Satoshi, not turning around for a long time.
"If the Police Force needs anything, I can come anytime."
(End of Chapter)
[New Book]
Naruto: Six Eyes and Limitless