In the solemn quiet of Konoha's cemetery, Kakashi and Shisui stood side by side before the memorial stone, each lost in their own memories. The carved names of fallen comrades reflected in their eyes as emotions surged beneath their composed exteriors.
"I think I'll have more time to visit you both in the future," Shisui finally said after taking a deep breath, his expression gradually settling into something more peaceful.
During his years in ANBU, under Uchiha Yoruki's rigorous training regimen, Shisui had found little free time to visit this place. Though he had joined Minato's team midway through his genin days, he'd spent a meaningful year alongside Kakashi and Obito before advancing to chūnin rank. His time with Rin had been even briefer, yet the regret he carried for both their deaths weighed heavily in his heart.
In those early days, they had all been too inexperienced, too weak to recognize the shadowy conspiracies that had ensnared them. Now, everything was different. Both he and Kakashi had grown into formidable shinobi, their names respected throughout the ninja world.
Though Minato never directly addressed it, Shisui knew their sensei still carried the burden of guilt for failing to save Obito and Rin. The Fourth Hokage—celebrated as the fastest shinobi alive—had been unable to reach his own students in time. But the war had been at its most brutal stage then, with unseen enemies manipulating events from the shadows.
How could anyone blame Minato-sensei for what had happened?
"Minato-sensei and we won't let your sacrifices be in vain," Shisui vowed silently, his eyes hardening with resolve. "What happened in the Hidden Mist Village is just the beginning."
Beside him, Kakashi remained transfixed by the memorial stone, his single visible eye reflecting both sorrow and determination.
"We should get going," Shisui said, gently placing a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "It's time."
Kakashi's gaze lingered on the stone a moment longer before he nodded his agreement.
In an instant, both figures vanished from the cemetery, leaving only swirling leaves in their wake.
"Everyone else has been taken by their sensei. Why hasn't ours shown up yet?" Naruto complained, his patience clearly exhausted as he paced around the classroom.
Only six students remained in the room now—the members of both Shisui's and Kakashi's teams. While no one else voiced their frustration as loudly as Naruto, all except Shin showed signs of growing impatience.
"Sorry, sorry! We're late. Our deepest apologies."
A gentle voice suddenly filled the classroom, startling the six genin. Before they could fully register what was happening, Shisui and Kakashi were standing before them, having appeared without warning.
Shin was the first to recover from the surprise, though even he seemed momentarily taken aback by their sudden arrival.
"Kakashi-nii-san!" Chiharu exclaimed, gracefully jumping from her seat to land in front of the silver-haired jōnin. "Or I should say, Kakashi-sensei now," she corrected herself with a warm smile.
Kakashi's eye crinkled with affection as he regarded her, then shifted his gaze to include Naruto.
After acknowledging Kakashi, Chiharu turned toward the other jōnin. "Hello, Shisui-sensei. I am Namikaze Chiharu. Thank you for agreeing to guide us."
Shisui raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You noticed the Uchiha clan crest on my back? That's how you confirmed my identity?"
Though he had arrived alongside Kakashi, Shisui realized that alone wouldn't necessarily prove who he was. When Chiharu had leapt forward moments ago, she had deliberately positioned herself to glimpse the clan emblem emblazoned on his clothing.
"She's truly Minato-sensei's daughter," Shisui thought with admiration. "Every action has purpose."
He acknowledged Chiharu with a respectful nod and a gentle smile.
"Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, Sai—Team Seven, please follow me," Kakashi announced, his gaze sweeping over the three named genin.
Sasuke and his teammates rose immediately at the instruction.
"I'll see you later," Kakashi said quietly to Shisui before leading his team toward the door.
"Mm," Shisui nodded, then turned to his own team. "Let's be on our way as well."
Naruto bounded from his desk to the aisle, where he happened to intercept Sasuke as the Uchiha passed by.
"Sasuke!" Naruto called out, his fists clenched with determination. "I'm going to surpass you, just wait and see!"
Sasuke paused, and remarkably, his typically impassive expression gave way to a subtle smile. He regarded Naruto with solemn attention. "We'll see about that," he replied with genuine seriousness. "I'll be waiting."
Both Kakashi and Shisui exchanged knowing glances at this exchange. It seemed Minato had been right—these two boys who had grown up alongside each other would maintain their rivalry regardless of team assignments. But such competitive spirit wasn't detrimental; if anything, it would provide both young shinobi with additional motivation to excel in their training.
Kakashi's team gathered on one of Konoha's rooftops, while Shisui led his group to a secluded grassy field at the village's edge.
"Let's begin with introductions," Kakashi suggested casually, pulling a book from his equipment pouch and pretending to read it while addressing his students.
"Shouldn't you go first, sensei?" Sakura countered, raising an eyebrow. After learning about Kakashi's reputation from Ino, she was eager to learn more about the legendary Lightning Fang.
Without looking up from his book, Kakashi replied with deliberate vagueness. "My name is Hatake Kakashi. I don't have many particular likes or dislikes. As for dreams... I haven't given them much thought lately. Hobbies? I have a few."
"That's it?" Sakura protested, lips pursed in frustration. "You didn't tell us anything meaningful except your name!"
"That does appear to be the case," Kakashi agreed, seemingly unconcerned.
"If we're discussing your interests," Sasuke interjected, eyeing the book in Kakashi's hand with obvious disapproval, "I believe that book reveals quite enough."
Having traveled previously with Jiraiya and Naruto, Sasuke recognized the infamous orange cover of Icha Icha Paradise. The realization that their elite jōnin instructor would brazenly read such material during their first meeting didn't improve Sasuke's initial impression.
"Heh," Kakashi chuckled softly, closing the book and tucking it away. "You're quite observant. Why don't you start with your introduction, then?"
Sasuke's expression remained impassive as he responded. "My name is Uchiha Sasuke. I have no interest in discussing my likes, dislikes, or hobbies. But my dream..."
His normally calm eyes suddenly blazed with intensity.
Meanwhile, across the village, Shisui had completed his self-introduction, and Naruto eagerly volunteered to go next.
"I'm Namikaze Naruto!" he announced with characteristic enthusiasm. "My favorite people are my father, mother, and sister—and I love Ichiraku Ramen! What I hate most is studying boring scrolls. And my dream..."
Here, Naruto paused, grasping his newly acquired Konoha forehead protector with both hands, his expression radiating fierce determination.
"My dream is to become an even greater ninja than my father and to be the Hokage who surpasses the Fourth Hokage! I'll make everyone in the ninja world remember the name Namikaze Naruto!"